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THENORTHERNLIGHT

SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

WWW.THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

New site projected to save UAA $100k By Matt Caprioli News Editor

Whether you think it’s ugly or beautiful, UAA’s new homepage will save about $100,000 this year in design costs, UAA expects. Jeff Oliver, the Senior Electronic Media Specialist at University Advancement, said that in past years UAA has paid contract workers to design and maintain the website. The latest website is more of an in-house effort, with previously budgeted staff implementing the design. “The project will save UAA maintenance costs in the future, as well because of multiple workshops and trainings provided by ITS to UAA web authors. Most departments are seeing that

they are able to spend more time developing rich content on their sites rather than futzing with technology,” Oliver said. WebPros, a team drawing from ITS, University Advancement, and Disability Services, chose the new “Denali View” template with the hope of increasing accessibility to the millions of unique visitors that see the website each year. University Advancement conceived the design, ITS implemented the design, and DSS made sure it all complied with the American Disabilities Act.

voice activation for screenreaders, Oliver said. “We wanted to create something where the website template didn’t get in the way of how staff and faculty presented their departments,” Oliver said. Oliver said that one small way the website can accomplish this is by offering individualized design templates. If the women’s study department wants to use subtle pink tones, there is now the option. Before this design, it was difficult for departments to individualize their website while remaining in

Unveiled on August 29, the migrations for the website are 80 percent finished. Oliver expects the entire project will be completed in November. The website is now entering phase two. During this phase, smart phone users will see a simplified version of the website. Departments will be able to integrate Gmail, Google Calender, and Facebook. Users of screen readers like the iPad, Nook, and Kindle will have an easier time navigating the website. There is also an option of

SEE WEBSITE PAGE 03

9/11 ten year anniversary

Students will be hard-pressed to find any commemorating events around Anchorage

SEE PAGE 05

Rick Perry neither evil nor stupid Why th left-wing campaign against Republican Presidential candidate Gov. Perry SEE PAGE 10 won’t work

WCHA inducts new teams for the 2013-14 hockey season 2013-2014

Gilded Release: WTT falls flat Jay-Z and Kanye West take missteps on their ascent to the ‘Throne”

SEE PAGE B2

Exploring rivalries

By Megan Edge Sports Editor

Talking through the top five sports rivalries of all time

SEE PAGE B6

After the devastating changeup in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) this past July, in which several top schools scheduled their departure from the conference, the program seems to be looking up. In the last days of August, invitations were sent out to Alaska Fairbanks, Bowling Green, Ferris

GRAPHIC BY CJ BEAUDRIE

State, Lake Superior State and Western Michigan. Alaska Fairbanks, Ferris State and Lake Superior were quick to accept. “I think its good for our program to have Fairbanks in and obviously it’s a natural fit,” UAA head hockey coach Dave Shyiak said. “When you have the geographic link with Fairbanks and Anchorage, it’s great for the

communities, it’s great for the universities and it’s great for the fans. It’s our biggest rivalry and that makes it a good fit.” Even with the progress the program has made since July, both coaches and players have mixed feelings on how the program has changed. “Only time will tell how it will work out, but I guess I liked it the way it was,” Shyiak said. “The SEE WCHA PAGE B6

Index:

News.....A2

Features.....A5

Opinion.....A9

A&E.....B2

Engineering school deans dismissed Deans removed due to internal conflicts, despite great performance and student praise By Matt Caprioli News Editor

On August 25, at 3:30, the Dean of the School of Engineering Rob Lang walked into the office of Mike Driscoll, Executive Provost of Academic Affairs. An hour later, Associate Dean Grant Baker also walked into the office. Both men walked out with a letter of dismissal. “Quite frankly, I was surprised by it. But now, I’m trying to work along with it. I can’t say that I’m pleased by the decision. I’m trying to honor it, by creating an alternate way where we can continue to advance the university,” Lang said, who has been the dean for nine years. Lang said that their work did fit with the vision of the university. Chancellor Tom Case disagreed. “We felt that this change was necessary to keep the SOE on track. We determined that different leadership would be required to effectively harness the school’s faculty/staff energy and direct it in the most productive manner,” Case said. The day after their dismissal, The School of Engineering Advisory Board passed a motion that praised the performance of both men. Case and Driscoll were also present, and both briefly spoke on the great performance of each dean. “This resolution recognizes outstanding management of the School of Engineering by this sterling team. An imperative of the Board has been to respond expeditiously to Alaska’s urgent need for additional growth of engineering education. Dramatic enrollment gains and the new building initiative developed under their stewardship is directly responsive to that imperative.” Lang specified some of the duo’s accomplishments: negotiation for a new engineering building, increased enrollment by three times over seven years, working with Dimond High School to form the engineering academy, creating the 1+ 3 program for schools outside Anchorage, and gaining industry approval. At printing time, it was unclear where in UAA the deans would go. “It’s hard to say at this point. They have removed us from our positions. We’re kind of in purgatory

Sports......B6

SEE DEANS PAGE 04

Comics.....B8

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NEWS| September 6, 2011

CAMPUS BRIEFS

Academic integrity survey presented It may be no surprise that students and professors have different ideas of what counts as cheating. “Overall, students view most academically dishonest behaviors as less severe than do faculty, and believe they occur less frequently,” a report by the Ad-Hoc Committee on Academic Integrity, read. Professor of Psychology Claudia Lampman oversaw the survey that asked 492 students for their attitudes on cheating. This initial survey was conducted through the last academic year. The student response rate for the survey was surprisingly high, with 90 percent of targeted student responding. The number one form of academic dishonest is group work. Professors and students have very different concepts of what this includes. Only 15 percent of students believe that cheating is a serious problem at UAA, while 52 percent of faculty consider it a problem. The survey found that 1 in 4 students reported having seen someone cheat on an exam, but only 3 percent reported the case to an authority. Faculty are generally more proactive; 63 percent said that they would fail the student for any assignment they believed was plagiarized.

Alaska and NASA host airship workshop Responding to a lack of research in cargo airship transportation, NASA and the State of Alaska teamed up to host “Cargo Airships for Northern Operations Workshop” on August 24 and 25. One participant summarized the main concern of the first day’s proceedings as: “What do we really need if we really build an airship as a 6th form of transportation, what does it have to look like, what does it have to do? How do we get started with that? No one wants to fund it unless it’s proven? But, if it’s not funded it can’t be proven--where should we go from here?” NASA set up a 6,000 dollar flight simulation available at Rasmussen Hall that was open for student use. They also demonstrated an airship model in the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. Politicians, businessmen, researchers, and UAA administrators gathered in the Wendy Williamson Center for most of the evens’ presentations. Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell gave the keynote address. Chancellor Tom case gave the welcoming remarks. And Peter Wordern, the center director for NASA Ames Research Center in Moffet Field California, gave the introductory remarks.

USUAA wraps up summer session Vice President Amie Stanley has a pet project in the Student Satisfactory Survey. She has been working since May 18 with Ayesha Hankins from Student Affairs to use data collected from UAA Voice. The survey will be launched throughout the fall. USUAA may reward survey takers with a small messenger bag. Senator Esdras Jean was the summer Pro Temp Speaker. He spent most of his energy on organizing Veteran Awareness Week, which begins this November 11. The week will include instructional advice for CAFE, the faculty support group at UAA. Many councils—Greek, Club, Residence—were not present over the summer. There first meetings of the year were September 2. USUAA met with Chancellor Tom Case over the summer, and plan to have monthly meetings with him throughout the year. USUAA considered a green fee for students. The five dollars fee was proposed by Mallory Givens of the Sustainability Department. The “Referendum 12-01 Green Fee” was stroke down. USUAA passed Bill 12-05 Homecoming Dance Photobooth, which (you guessed it) will pay for the Photobooth at this year’s homecoming in September. Written by Matt Caprioli

25 Saudi Students join UAA this fall By Matt Caprioli

Economic boom is no reason to stress; many positive outcomes

News Editor

UAA will enroll the first Saudi Arabia students in the history of the UA System this fall. USUAA representatives were very excited for the new students. Senator Daniel Ribuffo said that he helped a lot of them move into East Hall. “I’ve had a few conversations, and they’re all very nice people. Most of them are excited to be here.” Ribuffo said. Biochemistry major Charles Kalentik said that he hopes they teach Arabic. About two years ago, International Student Services began to run ads in Saudi Arabia via Facebook. The program believed this outreach was appropriate as UAA has very few students from the Middle East. International Student Advisor Doni Williams explained what attracted them to UAA: “UAA has the very unique distinction of being able to accept students with lower English proficiency scores than most other universities, because we offer college (100-level) courses in English as a Second Language.

“They are only a small part of what we think will be over 300 students studying at UAA on student visas this fall, possibly the largest number ever.”

-Doni Williams International Advisor

When this became clear to the agents who assist Saudi students to navigate the admission process of U.S. universities, we suddenly had 43 applications from Saudis for the Fall, 2011 semester up from only 1 the year before that didn’t meet all of the admission requirements. We already have another 17 applications for Spring, 2012.” Three students began school this summer. Abdullah Alanazi was one of them. When he arrived beginning of June, the sunshine through him off a bit: “The surprise is when I arrived to Alaska is the sunset and I could not believe this!! My friend told me that I will see many of the wonders of Alaska and this is the first surprise. I did not expect it to where people live in Alaska and how they live here because I was watching a program about Alaska and that too much snows and the reason I had a conviction that there is no person living in this state!!” He said that he was drawn to UAA because of the support staff in the International Student

Australian ConsulGeneral: ‘Don’t worry about China’s growth’ By Christi Meyn

The prospect of Asian economies soon overcoming the US economy could be worrisome, but Australian Consul-General Chris De Cure argues that it should not distress Americans, and especially Alaskans. “Don’t assume Asia’s growth is a threat. View it as an opportunity,” De Cure advised August 26 at the Hilton. The event was hosted as a function of the Alaska World Affairs Council. De Cure pointed out many things that Alaskans and Australians can look forward to with the rising economies of many key players in Asia such as China, India and Japan. “We both have energy and mineral resources that these countries are desperate for,” De Cure said. He also pointed out that the Anchorage International Airport serves as a pit stop for virtually everything crafted in Asia. Some of the goods stay here, as well. Zach Menzel, a current Business major at UAA, agrees. “Consumer tendencies of most students favor products imported from the Asian hemisphere, whether it be their

group to become the world’s largest economy sometime in the next 20 years or so,” he said. De Cure went on to balance that statement by reassuring Alaskans that the United States should not necessarily see the economic shift as a bad thing. “The perception that somehow the effect of China as an economy might overtake the US as the largest economy (is) a sign of decline in the US, I think that’s just not right. However, De Cure talked about some valid concerns to be had, especially in China. He went on to list a number of issues, including human rights, Chinese military, weapon production and advancement, and the US trade deficit with China. He then quickly pointed out that Australia has a surplus with China. While De Cure seemed knowledgeable about many of the current issues between the United States and Asia, he lacked much advice on how to halt these growing concerns, except by saying that encouraging a sense of global community with China would ease tensions. Erik Peterson, UAA International Studies/ Japanese major, feels that it is an important part of the world

Levi’s blue jeans manufactured in Thailand or a variety of electronics manufactured in China or Japan,” he said. As the Consul-General, De Cure is in charge of overseeing relations between Australia and the United States, as well as dealing with specific events involving Australian citizens in the US. He also speaks at events in the US on behalf of Australia. He focused on the ties between Australia, Alaska, and China. While these three countries seem like an odd combination at first, De Cure made the point that Australia considers itself part of the Asian hemisphere of the world, and Australia is also one of the United States’ closest allies. Overall, his message had a frank but uplifting tone. “(China) has every chance of surpassing the United States and the European Union as a

to study. “There’s a reason why I focus on Asian studies, because as he said Asia is going to grow to be more than half of the world economy,” Peterson said. “We’re definitely going to see a shift from a primarily European and American dominated world economy to an Asian and American economy.” Peterson also noted many resources for UAA students who want to become involved and educated. “If you look at UAA’s language offerings we already have a great Japanese program, the Chinese program is growing, we have the Confucius Institute and as I’ve heard the Korean program is going. UAA students can invest in their future by taking these classes or just generally becoming knowledgeable about Pacific trade issues,” he said.

Special to the Northern Light

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABDULLAH ALANAZI

Abdullah Alanazi stands in front of the University Center on his first day of school during the summer.

Services. Abdullah is pursuing a BA in Business Administration at UAA, and plans for a masters afterward, most likely in the lower 48. In September, several more Saudi students will present in the Campus Bookstore as part of the International Students Association’s Passport Series. The series allows international students to informally discuss their culture and the experiences at UAA. Williams and staff prepared for the incoming Saudi students last spring. “A leader from the Islamic Cultural Center assisted us by appearing in a video presented in Arabic to help explain how students should prepare for their arrival in Anchorage,” Williams said. Williams also plans to present a workshop for faculty about Saudi students and culture for CAFE, the Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence. “I want to emphasize that we are very pleased to welcome the new students from Saudi Arabia, they are only a small part of what we think will be over 300 students studying at UAA on student visas this fall, possibly the largest number ever. We work hard to meet the needs and support the success of all of our international students, who hail from more than 40 countries around the world they are all equally important and valued,” Williams said. During the summer, the projected number of Saudi students was 30 – 35 students. That number followed the general trend of enrollment and decreased to 20 to 25 once school began. “It is important to note that according to the current Open Doors report from the Institute for International Education, there are currently over 15,000 Saudi students studying at U.S. colleges and universities. Some schools have 100s of Saudi students, so this isn’t a particularly unusual occurrence nationally - it is simply the first time for UAA,” Williams said.

September 6, 2011| NEWS

Bicyclist hit while crossing UAA drive

Uncertainty over right of way led to non-fatal vehicle collision under skybridge

By Matt Caprioli

SAY WHAT?

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Ore. city dumps mayor for not showing up for work

News Editor

A bicyclist was hit on UAA Drive last Monday morning while crossing the street. UAA student Elizabeth Kubitskey was present at the time, and said it was a minivan that hit the bicyclist. Kubitskey said that the biker was several feet away from his bike, on his back with his feet in the air when she first saw him. Patrol Officer Eric Christian said that the injuries were not life threatening. The biker wore a helmet. “It was one of those cases where the vehicle goes in, the bicyclist goes in, they stop. Then start going the same time,” Christian says. Because of the warm weather, more students chose not to use the spine above UAA drive, Christian said. The current layout of UAA Drive gives pedestrians the right of way, when using the crosswalk. Lights activate when pedestrians cross, but some cars do not yield or stop. Christian offered his observations after five hours of conducting traffic at this area: “From what I’ve noticed, it seemed like the congestion started when two students would go through, cars would wait, one car would go through, three students

SODAVILLE, Ore. (AP) -- A small city in Oregon has kicked out its mayor for not showing up to work. The Albany Democrat-Herald reports that Sodaville replaced 35-year-old Brady Harrington with the city council’s president. The newspaper says Harrington missed council meetings in June and July, along with skipping three budget meetings. The new mayor, Nick Heineck, says Harrington was occupied as a firefighter and student, but would not commit to returning to meetings when council members reached him by phone this week. Harrington declined to resign. He was elected to his second term as mayor in November.

Snake bites man in car after yard sale purchase

Students use the crosswalk on UAA Drive underneath the skybridge. Students and campus police have raised concerns over the current model of pedestrian and traffic flow.

would go through: you just have this pass and go that doesn’t help. So if you let the traffic go for about 30 seconds, have the students wait, let the big groups build up—you can let 20 vehicles go through in a minute and a half. That seemed a lot smoother than just two people cross, one car goes through,” he said.

Christian said that he spoke with students and faculty who agreed that this format was more efficient. UPD continues to monitor UAA drive whenever necessary. Though Christian said that if it becomes too time-consuming, UPD will have to find an alternative notice

PHOTO BY JIM FOSTER/TNL

for pedestrians and motorists, such as more warning signs. Kubitskey wrote on her Facebook profile, “Drivers on campus are jerks. I’m sure it wont happen EVERY DAY, but this isn’t gonna be the last time.”

WEBSITE: in-house pink tones, there is now the option. Before this design, it was difficult for departments to individualize their website while remaining in contact with the overall theme of UAA’s webpage. The Director of Disability Services Kaela Parks represents Disability Support Services on the WebPros team. “WebPros conducts weekly site reviews and I am responsible for completing the accessibility portion of our rubric. When I do my review I test the site with assistive technology to see

how it functions. I also check for compliance with the UAA tiered policy by using a toolbar in my browser,” Parks said. Parks looks for several things: ensuring that podcasts can come as transcripts, or that PDF documents pass an accessibility check. WebPros looked at websites three years ago as an ad hoc, volunteer committee. The process officially began one year ago when Former Chancellor Fran Ulmer sent a memo to the UAA community about the new upcoming website.

DUNCANSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- Police say a Pennsylvania man picked up more than he bargained for at a yard sale. Duncansville police Chief James Ott tells the Altoona Mirror that a small snake bit Donald Forshey on the leg Wednesday as he and his girlfriend were driving home from a yard sale. Ott says the snake likely slithered into a milk crate containing items the couple had purchased. The pair bailed out of the car on Interstate 99 and called 911. A state trooper was unable to help them find the snake, which Forshey tried to pin to the floor with a crutch he uses. An ambulance was called as a precaution, but Forshey is OK. Authorities believe it was either a garter snake or a copperhead that didn’t inject any venom when it struck.

Hundreds of panties turn up along Ohio road

GRAPHIC COU\RTESY OF GOOGLE MAPS

LANCASTER, Ohio (AP) -Authorities in central Ohio are trying to solve a panties puzzle: why hundreds of pairs of mostly women’s underwear were dumped along the side of a road. Fairfield County Deputy Gary Hummel said Thursday the undergarments were found in trees and on hillsides in several spots this week on a road in Berne Township, about 30 miles southeast of Columbus. He says some of the panties were still folded the way they’d come in packaging, while others appeared to have been worn. There were nearly 1,700 pairs in all, in a mix of colors and patterns. Hummel says when collected, they filled 10 large trash bags. He says investigators are “baffled” as to where the panties came from.

Man steals 8-foot whale tooth from Norway museum OSLO, Norway (AP) -- The tooth fairy in disguise? No, just a simple tooth thief. A man dressed in a black leather hat and a dark coat on Wednesday ran off with an eight-foot (2.5 meter) whale tooth from a museum in the Norwegian city Stavanger. Museum official Atle Fiskaa says the tooth was more than 100 years old and valued at around $9,300. Fiskaa says the thief was between 40 and 50 years old and took off with the tooth together with a big, white dog that he had left outside the museum before entering. The incident has been reported to police, who are searching for the thief. Complied by Matt Caprioli

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NEWS| September 6, 2011

Grad students kick off new year, new dean introducted

By Matt Caprioli News Editor

The graduate school continues to grow at an impressive speed. “Graduate studies are moving fast—you’ve come at a good time,” Chancellor Tom Case said. Associate Dean David R. Yesner said that there are 200 new graduate students for this fall in addition to the 1,000 the school had last year. The Graduate Student Welcome Reception began in 2010. About 150 people attended, according to Director Elisa Mattison. The new Dean of the Graduate School, Helena Wisniewski was introduced. Wisniewski accepted this position, as well as Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies, on August 22. Wisniewski said she was impressed with GSA’s organization of the graduate symposium and scholarship program. “As you recognize, the

Helena Wisniewski speaks at the graduate welcome recpetion on Friday Aug 26. Wisniewski is the new Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Studies and Dean of the Graduate School.

University of Alaska--Anchorage is a great university, and has the position for even more greatness. You, as the graduate students, are certainty responsible for these achievements and contributions to push this even further.” The event is also a resource fair. 14 different UAA organizations from the Wolf Card Office to Health Services were present. Each agreed that graduate students experience UAA a bit differently than undergrads. With their Wolfcard, Graduate students can automatically check books out longer. They are one of two groups who must buy health insurance in order to attend UAA (the other group is international students). Door prizes included tickets to hockey games, gift cards to the Cuddy center and bookstore, as well as a semester parking permit. New and returning graduate students were present, as well as faculty from all departments. Liz Synder at the Department of Health Sciences brought her 5 month year old Finn, who sucked on a carrot as the line for wine and beer grew.

DEANS: Chancellor cites hampered progress as reason for staffing change CONTINUED FROM COVER

now, trying to come up with a

solution of where we should go in the university,” Baker said. The deans are drafting proposals for Driscoll and Case. “Dean Baker and I are working with the Provost and Chancellor, and actively looking for other options for us at the university” Lang said. Those involved did not go into specifics as to why leadership is being changed. Lang said the decision was “in the realm of personal stuff.” Tom Case was in back to back meetings last Friday, and responded via email. “While external partnerships have flourished under Rob Lang and Grant Baker’s leadership,

other internal issues have emerged that have hampered progress,” Case wrote. Lang did not have a teaching position at UAA, and it is unclear if he will teach in the future. “I am sorry to hear Dean Lang’s dismissal. He was instrumental in the SOE’s new growth and the initiation of the new Engineering Building. I hope that he will stay with the university. I would be proud to have him as a fellow faculty member,” Professor Hannele Zubeck said. Baker is very popular with students. “He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. We made a class for a bike car because we didn’t like any of the upper division electives to graduate. One semester, we

told him—Hey, we want to build a bike car—and he said, ‘Sure, find me some rules and find me a competition” then boom. We made a bike car. That kind of stuff, Baker did that to all his students. If you ask all of the students, they’ll all say the same thing. There’s not a single student who dislikes him,” Michael Blaht, a 2011 graduate, said. Engineering student David Stransky said there is speculation within the department that UAF actively fights UAA for research money, especially since UAA won the funding for the new engineering building. Interim Dean Orson Smith said that’s easy to believe, but that a battle for funding always occurs when resources are finite.

Smith was aware of previous controversies during the contest for the new building, as well as during the accreditation process. “Controversies, challenges, public image, the process: I don’t think anything was going badly to my own knowledge. They just seemed to think that a different style would make it go better, ” Smith said. After spending 20 years in the Army Corps of Engineers, Smith joined UAA, and has been a faculty member for the last 14 years. Smith said he was undecided whether or not he would apply for the year long, national search for a permanent dean. “I’m sure it’s going to be an interesting year,” Smith said.

FEATURES

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OUR PERSPECTIVE

Tenth anniversary of 9/11 met with faded memories Few ceremonies or events to be found around UAA, Anchorage By Ashley Snyder Features Editor

Whether they were nine or twenty-nine years old, most everyone that was alive at the time remembers the fateful day ten years ago when several planes were hijacked, the twin towers in New York fell, the Pentagon was hit, and thousands of lives were lost. The event that spurred dozens of other events that still to this very day affect the vast majority of US citizens. While Alaska is almost as far away as a person can get from those events in the US, they still affect Alaskans as Americans. And with the student population

consisting of students from all over the US, some felt the impact more than others. This Sunday, a decade will have passed since 9/11, yet

with thoselong years the vivid memories have also passed from many minds. Ten year anniversaries generally get a lot of attention, especially for an event

‘Most large non-profit organizations and anyone else who would even consider trying to do any sort of event or fundraising for it, have already done it so many times that it seems like they have run the people who care about 9/11 dry.’

-Laramie Jenson

this big. But as people look around for events, celebrations, speeches, even small commemorations, they will be hard pressed to find any around Anchorage and have no luck at all fiinding any around UAA. “The country mourned for years after the event, but I think now we have learned to move on and become stronger,” said student Tamara Larson. “9/11 just isn’t a part of everyone’s lives anymore. Students have more important things to worry about. The threat has been pretty much neutralized if you’ve been reading the news lately. People have settled down and stopped stressing over it.” The few events that are occurring are catering to a smaller audience. Most of the country, including Juneau, will be holding a 9-11 memorial stair climb hosted by the national FireFighters Foundation. This event will have fire service members climbing 110 stories, carrying equipment as a tribute to the fallen firefighters. Civilians are invited to attend as well. The House of Harley is having an event in which motorcyclists ride 911 miles from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Fairbanks to Palmer, and Palmer to Sterling to commemorate 9/11. Anchorage Racing Motocross will be hosting a Never Forget Fundraising barbecue during their races. “Most large non-profit organizations and anyone else

who would even consider trying to do any sort of event or fundraising for it, have already done it so many times that it seems like they have run the people who care about 9/11 dry,” said non-profit organizer, Laramie Jenson. With UAA having such a large variety of clubs and organizations that could benefit from generating some sort of event for this memorable day, why is the university so out of the loop? “The official date of the anniversary is on a Sunday, and limited parts of campus will be open and only for a short amount of time. Also, students don’t really like to come to school on a weekend, so there would be little point of trying to host any type of event,” said Peter Franks. While this fact is true, many students object saying that the even does not necessarily have to be hosted on the day of the event to remember it. Marilyn Parson is one of those students, “Even though it’s on a Sunday, UAA should host something either the week before or even on the Monday after to show rewspect and remind students what we are fighting for in Iraq,” she said. The events that were spurred by the 9/11 attacks are still reverberating through our society today. Whether an official event is hosted or not, 9/11 is a piece of our history that will no doubt continue to have an impact ten more years from now.

to complete internships while attending school. “Student Veterans of America has been training us, and now we can turn around and give that information to those who need it,” said Tovar. “We’ve got access to all these great programs, so we can really provide legitimate support to our veterans on campus.” The club has big plans for this coming November. What originally was planned as a Military Appreciation Day has now expanded to a weeklong event, set to feature a resource

fair, basketball game, and a Veterans panel at the library. The main event will be a full military ceremony, involving a six-hour name reading of all the fallen soldiers and a national moment of silence for which UAA will be representing the state of Alaska. “The ultimate goal is to get the word out, spread awareness and get our veterans united,” said Tovar. “This Military Appreciation Week is just the beginning of what we hope to accomplish.”

Club stands at attention for the needs of student veterans Club hopes for greater impact on campus, to unite vets attract members, however, and when personal matters forced Nicole Tovar, a Culinary Arts Cartwright to step out of the major and a Staff Sergeant with group completely, Tovar took up the US Army Reserves, has a the reigns. mission: to unite the student “They were struggling to get veteran population at UAA. things up and running,” said As Tovar. “Which, president of ‘We’re really missing when you’re the Student attempting to that sense of Veterans bring together of UAA, a community among a group of support group our veterans here. inherently solitary for veterans With all the veterans veterans, that’s on campus, understandable. Tovar hopes to I know on campus, So I decided, assist veterans it’s sad that we’re not ‘Well, I’ll give it who are showing unity at all.’ a shot.’” struggling to Joining her find resources and figure out Amanda Doyle as vice president of the club is their military Amanda Doyle, a Nursing major benefits, among other difficulties. and a Sergeant in the Army Such a resource has been lacking Reserves. She was inspired to for veterans at UAA—in their take on the role, she said, when view, leaving a large percent of she realized just how few veterans the campus underrepresented. Tammy Cartwright, a combat knew and were involved with veteran from Operation Iraqi Student Veterans. “We’re really missing that Freedom, initially brought Student Veterans of UAA to life in the fall sense of community among our of 2010. The group struggled to veterans here,” Doyle said. “With

Assistant Features Editor

all the veterans I know on campus, it’s sad that we’re not showing unity at all.” Tovar and Doyle’s plan is to build that sense of community back up. “We’re here with the resources veterans are looking for as they try to make it through college,” said Doyle. “Hopefully we can help them come together.” “There are a lot of things that need to be done,” Tovar stated. “We’ve been in contact with the school a lot, trying to rebuild bridges and establish contacts with departments like the financial office.” Their biggest accomplishment so far has been to connect with the Student Veterans of America, a national organization that runs a highly organized network for student veterans. The organization has provided Tovar with many resources for Student Veterans of UAA, including access to scholarships, GI Bill update information, and an internship support program which gives veterans a monthly stipend

GRAPHIC BY VICENTE CAPALA

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FEATURES| September 6, 2011

a humor column by Alden Lee

By Alden Lee

Assistant Features Editor

Clay Nunnally vividly remembers the moment he first wanted to be a teacher. He was in the seventh grade, riding backseat in his parent’s car as they wound through the forested hills of Eastern Tennessee. It was fall; the leaves were a vibrant explosion of reds, oranges and yellows. Nunnally recalls gazing out the car window as they rounded a turn and seeing the spires and gothic architecture of Sewanee University, the University of the South, rearing up ahead of them amid the trees. The sight, said Nunnally, filled him with inspiration. “There were these beautiful buildings up on a hill, the leaves were falling, the trees were red, and I thought, ‘Nunnally, old buddy, this is where you want to spend your life—something just like this’,” he said. “So from then on I never looked back.” 58 years after that car ride, Nunnally is in his 42nd year as an English professor at UAA. He has won multiple awards, including the UAA Service Recognition Award in 2005 and the 40-Year Longevity Award in 2010, and has been unofficially voted by students as the best professor at UAA. “It’s been thoroughly enjoyable,” he said of his long career here at the university. “I think I’ll just keep truckin’ along until something starts failing, and when they have to wheel me in on a skateboard, I’ll know it’s time to quit.” Dressed each day in a suit, jacket and tie, with a matching handkerchief tucked in his pocket and a fresh carnation in his lapel, Nunnally exudes a Southern-gentlemanly charm for which he is well known. His passions reside in Romantic Literature and 19th century England, and he will often recite large passages of Romantic poetry from memory in class. Teaching, he stated, is about fully immersing students in the subject and inspiring them to pursue their own knowledge. “He’s one of the few teachers I have met who I feel truly wants his students to succeed,” said Terri Coker, 22, a double major in Japanese and Spanish. “He has this way of bringing the material to life—which, combined with his contagious passion, makes it a disappointment to not attend class.” “I love Nunnally; I keep taking his classes,” said Janna Chiscin, 21, an English and Anthropology double

GRAPHIC BY CJ BEAUDRIE

major. “He definitely cares about his students, and his love for the subject is really evident.” Pursuing this love for English has been a source of inspiration throughout Nunnally’s entire academic career. He attended both the University of New Mexico and the University of Georgia after high school, before committing to Texas Tech University and pursuing a degree in Victorian Studies. He obtained his Ph.D. in 1968 and began teaching at a small college in East Texas, before making the biggest and most spontaneous decision of his life—to move to Alaska. The notion came from a highly regarded uncle, who had recently moved to the state himself, and urged Nunnally to pursue a job there. Texas to Alaska is not the most obvious of resettlement choices. Nunnally, however, fully committed to the idea. He contacted David Knapp, the assistant director of what at the time was the Anchorage Community College, who promptly offered him the job. In the summer of 1970, Nunnally made the drive north. “I came up the Alcan, when it really was a formidable, hideous dirt road,” he said. “I had no idea where I was, no idea how long the Alcan really was—I was just ‘la la la, I’m going to Alaska!’” Alaska turned out to be just what Nunnally was looking for. He built himself a small home in Girdwood, where he lives to this day, and settled into work at the community college. From the expansion into a state university in 1977, Nunnally took on a larger amount of English classes, and currently teaches a variety of graduate and undergraduate courses; from Victorian Literature to Academic Writing. He is also involved in the UAA Student Showcase, an annual event in which he serves as a committee member. In his four decades of teaching, Nunnally has made a signific impact on UAA and its students. His literary passion, his commitment to students, and his carnations make him a widely memorable figure. In return, it’s the responses he gets from students that give him his greatest satisfaction. “I don’t know how to thank the students enough; they are so kind,” he said. “Whatever warmth I am fortunate enough to receive from them, I certainly reciprocate it. It’s a real honor to teach them.”

There and back again: the joys of commuting By Alden Lee

Assistant Features Editor

There’s something inherently sucky about having to drag yourself up in the early hours of the morning and plod over to the shuttle to get to class. The wait is long, the service is slow, and there’s only so long you can listen to NPR over the radio before you want to claw your eardrums out. But this type of four-wheeled aggravation takes a backseat (hah, what a pun) to the granddaddy of transportation torture: commuting. Commuting: the act of driving long periods of time, usually in a sleep-deprived or boredom-lulled state, with the not-so-wellthought-out intent of burning large amounts of gas to go from home to work and back again. I’ve had to do quite a bit of commuting recently. This has mostly been from Anchorage to the Valley, and lemme tell you, I’m not a big fan of the whole thing. It’s the reliance on caffeine just to stay awake that gets me, the cramping up of leg muscles, and above all, the repetition. There’re only so many times I can drive past the Flats before I’m no longer fascinated by all the wonderful… flatness. I’m in a ’05 Toyota Corolla named Linda. She and I have a mutual understanding; it’s a special relationship of trust and respect built up over the years of driving together. Many memories and miles have been shared between us, and it would take the event of a horrible, car-totaling accident or the offer to trade for an Aston Martin DB9 for me to ever let her go. And while I love Linda very much, there are sadly times when I abuse her. I’ll crank up “What Is Love” to blaring volumes to prevent succumbing to roadinduced boredom. I’ll drive her right down to E so I can squeeze in one more trip before having to pay for gas. And every now and then I’ll pound on the top of the steering wheel, the dashboard, the cup holder, muttering inventive phrases that oftentimes I’m

impressed I even thought up, in my own display of road rage at the simpletons on the highway. This is a given while commuting. You’re cooped up in a small space, you’re tired, the mountains keep screwing up the frequency on your iPod adapter… the last thing you want to deal with is traffic. Other drivers are invariably a menace. They’ve all got their own motivations and driving styles—and are about as predictable as a toddler with a hand grenade. There are the text drivers, who, regardless of the fact they’re cruising 70-75 down the middle lane of the freeway, need to lol and rofl their way through their best friend’s drunken antics from the night before. Cell phones clamped resolutely to the top of the steering wheel, heads bobbing up and down from road to phone like a demented chicken, they’re one of the reasons those rumble strips on the side of the highway are so important. There’s the speed demon, whose life mission is to act out a version of “Grand Theft Auto: Seward Highway.” With a disregard for puny traffic laws, like a silverback gorilla behind the wheel, they simply seek to dominate. If they’re not veering through traffic, cutting people off and laying on the horn, things aren’t right—and this probably has something to do with too much testosterone. Or low IQ. And the fan favorite: RV’ers. Cruising down the highway at a grand speed of 2 mph, hanging in fascination out the passenger window to snap pictures of “Oh God! Look, a bald eagle!!”—they clog up traffic worse than a serious case of indigestion. They may bring in a ton of money for our state, but good grief Charlie Brown, do they get on our nerves. But with most things, all that can be done is endure. To put up with the long hours, the crazy drivers, the outrageous gas prices…there’s no way to avoid it when commuting. One up side: you can belt out songs at the top of your lungs and no one can judge.

Other driversare about as predictable as a toddler with a hand grenade.

September 6, 2011 | FEATURES

SEX SEAW LF AND THE

Video games better than intimacy, for him By Megan Edge Sports Editor

Lets take a journey back in time. Not back too far, just April of this past year. It was the Friday before finals week and I sat in my nighty shorts and cream colored tank top, beneath my boyfriends white down comforter reading F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, “This Side of Paradise.” He had just finished a final that was due the following Monday and decided it was time to relax. He slid LA Noir into his PS3 and began his detective job in a fantasy world and began to play. Two hours later, I laid down my book with something far from the 1920’s era on my mind. Now, before we get started on what was really on my mind think about the fact that this is the 21 century. A century that glorifies sex scandals (any rag magazine you pick up), teen-age pregnancy (Teen Mom), girl fights (Bad girls clubs) and drinking until you fight, sleep around, and or vomit (Jersey Shore). So it was sex with one particular individual that was on my mind. And there he sat in his tan office chair with his feet on a blue ottoman, with a black controller in his hand. I made subtle hints that were ignored or just flat out unacknowledged, before being blunt with him. His response went something like this, “But babe, I am playing a game.” Imagine my disgust when I received that response. Not only disgust with him but with myself as well. Had I let myself go in the last weeks of school? Was it me? The feeling of rejection is never a good one, but to be rejected for a

video game crushes self esteem in just seconds. I rolled over and went to sleep. I had never felt so unattractive in my life. The next day I went to the gym, then tanning, then to get my eyebrows waxed. I straightened my hair, threw on makeup, and an outfit that showed all the right curves on my body before looking into the mirror and deeming myself ready to go to sushi with my boyfriend. Once arriving, he never one mentioned anything that I had done specifically for him. Never once. We went back to the house where we watched a movie, and then nothing. Still nothing. Finally, I addressed the issue. Was he just not attracted to me anymore? His response was that he just wanted time to relax. That really didn’t make me feel any better. Was it possible that after only a few months the fire in our relationship had been put out? A relationship should be able to function properly without sex, but I thought the relationship was supposed to become sexless after marriage. Not in the first few months. Since then I have found the solution to my problem. Even though we are together there still needs to be a slight game of cat and mouse. There still needs to be a chase because it is true, people both men and women want what they can’t have. The thrill of the hunt is what people become attracted to. I find that if I only show slight interest and ignore a few of his subtle hints that he will want me even more. Is this wrong? Maybe, but every relationship works a little different, right?

GURU KATE By Kate Lindsley Contributor

How can I keep from falling asleep in class? Well I hate to repeat the old adage, but the best answer is to get more sleep at night. According to Dr. William Dement of Stanford, young adults need at least eight hours of sleep per night. If everyone got this much beauty sleep, the world would be a much prettier place. There’s all that “studying” and “making flashcards” and “reading” getting in your way.

While these are lovely code words for “facebooking”, not getting sleep is counteractive to learning. Not only do you end up with fluttering-eyelid syndrome in class, but the few hours of sleep you do get aren’t spent integrating new information into your brain. Just maintenance and recovery.

Looking for the easy way out? Try a protein-packed breakfast. Skip simple carbs, such as white bread toast. An egg omelet will provide a filling meal that is ultimate brain food. According to livestrong.com, proteins contain tyrosine, a compound that boosts energy levels for the long term. So not only will you be able to stay awake during your 8:30 Languages of Small Ancient Civilizations lecture, but you’ll be able to LEARN in the mean time! What a concept.

How is hot sauce made? What is the hottest hot sauce? Why does milk help alleviate hot taste? Hah, wouldn’t it be great if hot sauce could be used to stay awake in class? That might be a bit too obvious. Flames spouting from ears, nose and mouth. Followed by the run out the door for a water fountain. Not recommended. Anyways, if you are interested in making your own hot sauce, you’ll need tomatoes, Serrano peppers, white vinegar, salt and pickling spices. According to pickyourown.org, you essentially chop, mix, distill, grind, filter and can. I think I’d prefer to stop by Fred Meyer and save my weekend. However, if the hottest stuff to touch your lips (besides your current beau) is more your taste, try Blair’s 16 Million Reserve.

07

Named after its rating on the Scoville scale (a measure of how hot something can be), Blair’s is pure capsaicin. This compound is actually a natural selection tool, allowing certain desert critters to spread pepper’s seeds, while others feel the burn of a thousand suns. When capsaicin comes in contact with a taste bud, it results in a burning sensation from a nerve reaction. According to Wikipedia, capsaicin is a fat-soluble compound. This is why water does nothing when your mouth is on fire – it simply swishes around capsaicin in your mouth, exposing innocent nerves to the ultimate burn. Milk, on the other hand, has proteins known as caseins. These bind to capsaicin molecules and render the little buggers useless. So next time you opt for too hot of hot wings, channel your inner child and order a tall glass of milk.

08

FEATURES| September 6, 2011

Campus Kick-Off brings together eclectic mix Top Left: Anchorage Police Chief and a Sumo/ brown Violet Beauregarde suited competitor bump chests after a match. Bottom Left: A member of the bike club member shows off their handy-work. A woman walks by in the background. Center: Chaz Hart shows the incoming students his school spirit. Keep it up, Chaz. Top Right: Women supporting awareness were pretty in pink setting up their materials. Bottom right: An accordion player strolls through campus

TNL

EDITORIAL

OPINION

09 The Northern Light

Campus commuting fails another semester Everyone got a taste of the frustrations that can come with driving around UAA during the first week of school, but it will take cooperation to see it improve By Taylor Hall Managing Editor

What did we learn the first week back to school? We learned that driving around UAA is downright infuriating and can turn even the gentlest of souls into drivers out of Mario Kart. It has become common for drivers to use speed bursts and a cutthroat mentality to get to a parking spot first or get to class first. We might as well equip all students who buy parking permits here at UAA a standard trio of red shells and green shells to play offense and defense when they deem it necessary. It’s the least they can give us for the amount of money we put in the schools pocket when purchasing a permit. Speaking of those permits, what’s the point of them if a student can’t find a parking spot anyways? Also, how many got the memo about needing a parking permit the first week of

school by finding the ticket on their windshield during the first week? For those who didn’t know, parking permits were usually not absolutely required until the second week of school. The equation for parking chaos was in full effect this past week. Start with a higher number of students back on campus who are driving (some of whom are still confused as to where their classes are), add in the fact that UAA never has seemed to have the parking space required for the amount of commuters that pour in each day, now a dash of construction (a section of about

50 parking spaces taken up over by Rasmusson Hall and the Wells Fargo Sports Complex), and finally a pinch of mounting frustrations and desperation from students who are not going to get their classes on time and look to take more risks in getting the coveted spot, which may or may not be on the other side of campus now. The parking lots are not the only places of building tensions. The roads in and around UAA have become more and more crippled due to the volume of traffic and pedestrian use.

Honestly, was your math class that exciting or dull that you have to share it with the world by a call, text message, Facebook post while driving between classes?

This past week, a bicyclist was hit while crossing UAA Drive. While the accident may have not been due to reckless driving, it is still an accident that unfortunately may have been coming for some time. Good news was that the bicyclist suffered only minor injuries but this kind of thing can become more common due to all those who are even slightly distracted when moving about campus. So how do we fix all of this around UAA and begin to stop the bleeding of this daily problem? It is a problem that both sides contribute to and that both sides will need to be willing to adjust to in order to settle the tensions and risks of driving around campus. To the drivers: try and get here earlier to give yourself ample time. Think about parking on one side of campus and getting on foot. Slow it down in the parking lots and surrounding streets around campus. If you’re late your late but don’t risk yours and your cars safety as well as your fellow students and their rides around campus. If you insist on being vultures in the main parking lots, try and relax and know that others are going through the same problem of watching others get parking spaces while you yell explicative in your car and continue to circle. Lastly, put away the cell phones. Honestly, was your math class that exciting or dull that you have to share it with the world by a call, text message, Facebook post while driving between classes? Really? Just put it down and focus on the road and save that for later if you insist. To the university: construction waiting until the school year to commence is pretty rough whether it was foreseen or a sudden development. Make every effort to avoid taking spots away to those who pay considerable money to park here for the school year. To solve pedestrian safety, lets see some crosswalk lights and/or crosswalk policemen. Instead of having one or two students hold up traffic by crossing, have it go in 30 second spells where drivers get to go through and let a crowd of pedestrians build up. Then, give the pedestrians their 15-30 seconds to get across while traffic waits. There will no longer be any question as to has the right away and will let the traffic flow better. Perhaps some of these ideas will see the parking lots and streets at UAA become a little less hectic. As much as we may think, Mario Kart is best played on the TV screen and not in real life.

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 Shana Roberson MANAGING EDITOR 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall COPY EDITOR copy@thenorthernlight.org Wiley Cason NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Matthew Caprioli FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Snyder A&E EDITOR 786-6198 arts@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Megan Edge PHOTO EDITOR 786-1565 photo@thenorthernlight.org Spencer Mitchell WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org vacant LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Jacqui Lockman ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Alden Lee ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Leroy Polk ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR sports2@thenorthernlight.org Kenzie Masson SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org CJ Beaudrie GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics2@thenorthernlight.org Nick Foote MULTIMEDIA EDITOR graphics3@thenorthernlight.org Vicente Capala ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova STAFF REPORTER Nicole Luchaco STAFF REPORTER Teresa Kennedy CONTRIBUTORS Daniel McDonald Eli Johnson Jim Foster Christi Meyn 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.

10 LEFTY ON THE LEFT

TNL

OPINION| September 6, 2011 ON THE RIGHT SIDE

Video games can be The Anti-Knowledge Party’s equal in cultural value smear campaign on Rick Perry to literature, fine arts Unable to accuse him of being evil, Krugman and the liberals

By Eli Johnson Contributor

Are video games the underdog in American and worldwide culture? When a person hears of things like Moby Dick, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Star Wars, Star Trek, The Matrix, and Gone with the Wind, they are rightly believed to be very much culturally enriched. It goes with famous music pieces as well. Knowing groups like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra, and Ludwig van Beethoven, they are also considered very knowledgeable about human culture. One group that tends to be ignored in all of this is the video game culture. Since the invention of Pong in 1972, video games have become just as much a part of our culture as any work of fiction that had come before it. People who hear the “Mario Theme” have a memory of growing up with that song. People who see the Triforce from the Legend of Zelda series recognize it. As the industry has grown, the games that are being produced are becoming more and more artistic. However, there are some who believe that the video game industry can never be more than a diversion. Roger Ebert wrote a blog post responding to a video, which was responding to his previous statements about this issue. In it, he wrote, “No one in or out of the field has ever been able to cite a game worthy of comparison with the great poets, filmmakers, novelists and poets.” Now, he admits in his post that he could be biased due to his love of the film industry. However, there was the girl who he was responding to who has another good point. “And in fact, most mediums of art, it began as completely un-artistic modes of communication,” said Kellee Santiago at a TEDx conference in 2009. Video games began as a simple process of passing a digitized ball from one side of the screen to another. However, when one looks at the games of today, Santiago said that games are not yet truly artistic, but there is a disagreement here. Not wanting to be a web worm, but really, the best definition of what art is, probably came from Wikipedia. “Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items (often with symbolic significance) in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect.” It’s true that back when games

were first starting, they didn’t have the level of cultural significance that they do today. All forms of the expanding creations of humanity were the same way. Back when film first came out, the same debates that are happening now happened then. Can moving pictures be considered art? Some thought so, and that is how people like Roger Ebert were born. Ebert is a very smart man, but he doesn’t seem to understand the significance that video games have on our modern culture, and artistic expression. When one thinks about it, it is very clear. The same elements that make up great cinematic or literature works make up great games. Ebert does not believe that games give people the same level of emotional interaction, that they aren’t able to touch people. Well, this is too subjective to say in a flat statement. There was a lot of emotional energy in the game Silent Hill 2, when the main character is facing his own demons, brought to life by the evil forces at work in the town of Silent Hill. People can relate to the tragedy of Titus from Final Fantasy X, when he had to make the choice to sacrifice everything, even his own existence, to help these people who he had come to know and care so much about. Really, what is the difference between a person reading about great battles, to a person experiencing them in the Call of Duty series? The vlogger, Grappling Ignorance, had a very good idea about this. “I’m talking about challenging video game developers to apply the same interactive, visually beautiful, mentally challenging, tenacity and mastery demanding games that give accurate accounts of world history and great works of literature. The storylines have already been drafted for them. It’s time to turn them into incredible tools for supplementing educational lessons.” The idea is very novel, to be sure. When one thinks about how engaged the young demographic is with video games and how they are connecting and bonding with people all over the world, there really is no good reason that video games shouldn’t be considered artistic and used for education. For too long, it has been the basic premise that if a person sits in a chair and reads a book or ponders a work of art like a painting or sculpture, they are the intellectual superior of a person who sits down and enjoys a good video game. Great games all have great stories, compelling characters, and worlds that a person can lose themselves in. Really, how is any other form of art different?

attempt to paint Perry as stupid and anti-science By Daniel McDonald Contributor

Texas Governor Rick Perry is now the clear frontrunner in the G.O.P. presidential primary. According to a Quinnipiac University poll released last week, he garners 24 percent support among Republicans and Republicanleaning Independents, which gives him a healthy lead over both Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachmann, whose numbers sit at 18 and 10 percent respectively. This turn of events has galvanized the media against him. Politico ran a story headlined “Is Rick Perry Dumb?” Typically, the left goes with one of two narratives in order to dismiss conservatives. Since right of center views are so atrocious, either the holder of those views is stupid or he is evil. One could hardly characterize Perry as “evil” so the approved line of attack is to brand him “stupid.” Paul Krugman of The New York Times is at the front and center of this smear. In his article titled “Republicans Against Science”, he claims that Rick Perry and the G.O.P at large is anti-science, because Perry expressed doubts about evolution and anthropogenic global warming. Supposedly Perry and his ilk are on a “witch hunt” against “anyone who contradicts them.” Of course Krugman doesn’t provide any examples, so you’ll just have to take his word for it.

But the problems with Krugman’s line of argumentation are numerous. For one, Perry’s view of evolution is irrelevant to the job of commander in chief. It has no bearing whatsoever. The point of mentioning Perry’s doubts with evolution is, of course, to portray him as a fool. I am no critic of evolution, but the assumption that those who doubt the theory must have a low IQ is simply wrong. Dr. David Berlinski received his doctorate in philosophy from Princeton and went on to do postdoctoral work as a fellow in mathematics and molecular biology at Columbia University. He has been an outspoken critic of evolution in the past, and one could hardly dismiss him as an idiot. Ronald Reagan was similarly criticized as an affable dunce and had his own doubts about evolution, yet his presidency is largely considered a success. In fact, a Presidents Day poll conducted by Gallup this year found that ninteen percent of Americans regard Reagan as the greatest president of all time. And while nearly all scientists are in agreement that man has an effect on the climate, many do not believe the problem to be serious enough for a remedy. Richard Lindzen, an atmospheric physicist and professor of Meteorology at MIT argues that there is no need for all the alarmism. As one of the lead authors of the IPCC Third Assessment Report on climate change, he makes the blunt

Since right of center views are so atrocious, either the holder of those views is stupid or he is evil. One could hardly characterize Perry as “evil” so the approved line of attack is to brand him “stupid.”

assessment that, “we don’t have any evidence that this is a serious problem.” Lindzen’s tempered analysis is in stark contrast to Krugman’s predictions of global catastrophe. Krugman has even gone as far as labeling those who don’t share his view of climate change as “immoral” and “treasonous.” Apparently he does know a thing or two about witch hunts. A more key failure of the Times article is the complete lack of selfreflection. Jonah Goldberg of The National Review points out that the left often cherry pick which issues get to be the “benchmark of science.” They decry conservatives for denying global warming, while simultaneously ignoring scientific studies on such topics as the heritability of intelligence or the distribution of cognitive abilities among the sexes. Let’s not forget former President of Harvard Larry Summers who was forced to resign following a controversy in which science came into conflict with political correctness. Democrats place the mantle of science over themselves only when it supports their conclusions, and dismiss it when it does not. Labeling Perry “antiscience” or “anti-knowledge” is also unlikely to be effective considering his record. He was commissioned in the Air Force as a C-130 pilot, has made a fortune in real estate, and has been elected governor of Texas for three terms. With Perry as governor over the last decade, Texas has created approximately 732,800 private sector jobs. No other state in the Union even recorded an increase of 100,000. What’s more is that only 19 states even had any gains at all. Additionally, between 2000 and 2009, 850,000 people moved from other states to Texas. California, meanwhile, where the Democrats maintain a monopoly on power, saw an exodus of 1.5 million people. And although the unemployment rate in Texas has risen to 8.4 percent, it is still well below the national average of 9.1 percent. Despite the poor economy of the last decade, Texas saw incredible economic prosperity under the leadership of this so-called “intellectual lightweight.” For all the presumed superior intellect of Barack Obama, the nation as a whole cannot say the same about the last few years.

You could be saving 15%

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on qualifying AT&T services.*

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*IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Limited-time offer ends Oct. 15, 2011. Coverage not available in all areas. Qualified customers only. Activation Fee of $36. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled in first 30 days, but up to $325 or $150 depending on device. Two or one year contract required unless purchasing at full commitment price. Requires voice plan. Smartphones require a Smartphone Data Plan. For more information see att.com/dataplans. Geographic usage and other conditions and restrictions (that may result in svc termination) apply. Taxes and other chrgs apply. Prices and equip. vary by mkt. See store or visit att.com for details and coverage map. Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge up to $1.25/mo. is chrg’d to help defray costs of complying with gov’t obligations & chrgs on AT&T & is not a tax or gov’t req’d charge. Download uses data from your data plan. Monthly discount: Available to qualified employees of companies and/or government agencies and qualified students and employees of colleges/universities with a qualified business agreement (“Business Agreement”). Service discount subject to corresponding Business Agreement and may be interrupted and/or discontinued without notice to you. Service discount applies only to the monthly service charge of qualified plans and not to any other charges. A minimum number of employees, minimum monthly service charge for qualified plans, additional AT&T services or other requirements may apply for discount eligibility. Discounts may not be combined. Offer subject to change. Additional conditions and restrictions apply. If you have a question about available discounts and/or your eligibility, you can contact your AT&T representative. Other conditions and restrictions apply. See contract and rate plan for details. © 2011 AT&T Intellectual Property. All right reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

A&E

A&E

B2 A&E

B3

KRUA offers the chance to become a DJ An evening with Andrew Bird

ALBUM REVIEW A&E

B2

“Throne” gilded with auto-tune, lacks kingly lyrics

GAME REVIEW A&E

B3

“El Shaddai” review

OVERTIME SPORTS

B6

Top 5 sports rivalries

MEET THE SEAWOLF SPORTS

B7

Kylie Burns from Kansas City, now balling for the ‘Wolves

B Section

otio M

THE NORTHERN LIGHT’S SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

UAA cross-country sweeps home meet

Both men and women crossed the finish line in the top-four spots at UAA Invite By Megan Edge

before the second place finisher. In the 2010 cross country season, The UAA cross-country meet Keino became the highest placing at Kincaid Park was a terrific start Seawolf at NCAA Championships to the Seawolves’ cross-country with a seventh place finish in season, where the men and women December. The UAA women’s both finished in in the top four team finished sixth overall. At spots for both teams. the Great Northwestern Athletic With an 18-minute finish in the Conference (GNAC) Keino placed 5K race, was senior Ruth Keino, in third behind teammate junior crossing the finish line 46 seconds Miriam Kipng’eno. Keino of Kapcheno, Kenya and Kipng’eno of Eldoret, Kenya are will be the leaders on the UAA women’s side, according to head coach Michael Friess. “Obviously, they are going to be our top two by the end of the year,” Friess said. “We need them to be running fast, placing highly, and we need them to be pushed by other athletes. PHOTO BY SPENCER MITCHELL/ TNL Susan Bick is one

Sports Editor

Cross Country teammates cheer on their runners at Kincaid

of them that can do it, and we will see what the newcomers can add, I think they are very talented but we will see.” The women have the potential to preform as well as last year, but how that will translate into team victories, only time will tell. Still, the team is showing a lot more depth that in the previous season, according to Friess. “We don’t really know how the other teams are stacked up yet,” Friess said. In the preseason poll the women ranked five, and were able to prove themselves September first when they ended the race against Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, who are ranked seven in the pre-season polls. Following Kenio in second, third, fourth and fifth place respectively were sophomore Susan Bick with a time of 18:46, freshman Bryn Haebe (18:56), Kipng’eno (18:59) and senior Shoshanna Keegan (19:01). Just behind with a sixth place finish was Stephani Case (19:02), of Slippery Rock. Keegan is an athlete that Coach Friess hopes to see preform well in

her last season. “Hopefully, she’s got that senior, this is my last year gotta get it done attitude,” Friess said. “It will definitely be fun to see.” The men were led by junior Micha Chelimo, with a finishing time of 15:09. Compared to last season the men seem to be “lacking depth,” according to Friess. “We have good runners, but not very many good runners,” Friess said. “If everyone runs to their potential then I think we will be hard to beat but if we start to slide we will have real weakness.” All-American Chelimo finished 21 in the the 2010 NCAA Championship, last fall. He was also able to grab all conference honors at the GNAC Championships where he placed second. In the last season the UAA cross country teams swept GNAC, when then senior Marko Chesesto got his third conference win. “You don’t replace a guy like him, you just kind of move on,” Friess said with a smile. Cheseto may be back for track and field season, but has run out of

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By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

One thing that no one can say about Anchorage is that it lacks a solid art community. Take a stroll through downtown and there are galleries on nearly every street. Local art is hung in our cafes, restaurants and even some of our homes. Anchorage supports its own, and that sentiment extends to its artists as well. First Friday is a monthly celebration of art in which many galleries around the city premier a new art show, and many art patrons walk around from gallery to gallery to experience the work and, typically, speak with the artists who create it, this

also includes dance, music and poetry, though not as frequently. That changed on Friday, Sept. 2. The International Gallery of Contemporary Art helped fund and sponsor Brick U-Haul Festival, a First Friday event that unified artists of several disciplines in one secret location for just a few short hours. The event was so secretive that known participants were hesitant to speak about it at length ahead of time, even to friends and family. They were especially careful about the location. “I can tell you that it’s within 20 miles,” said Becky Kendall, the director of Momentum dance Company, “that’s it.” Teeka Ballas, a UAA journalism graduate and owner of F Magazine, was slightly less mysterious. “It’s only about a ten minute ride,” she said. “We like the aesthetic of it. We like the sort of mystique,” said event organizer James Riordan, “We’re doing it largely for fun.” Kendall agreed.

A line forms to be taken blind to the back of the U-Hauls

“Coming to the bus stop at the gallery and getting whisked away somewhere else, it’s kind of fun,” she said. Brick U-Haul Festival was inspired by a similar project that Riordan participated in two years ago, where one U-haul was rented, transformed into an art gallery, and which traveled from gallery to gallery all evening, never stopping in the same place twice. Patrons who wanted to see the work inside had to hunt it down. The event was such a success, that Riordan

wanted to try out something similar, but on a much larger scale. In addition to assisting with funds, the IGCA converted its Guest Room into a bus stop from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., where those ready for adventure stepped, blindfolded, onto a bus that arrived once every half hour to take them to a mystery location where eight U-Hauls of various shapes and sizes were set up, each one a different art exhibit from a different artist or group. The location, kept a close secret until about 7:15

PHOTO BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

p.m., ended up being the small parking lot behind Mad Myrna’s and the Anchorage Press on 5th Avenue. However, despite the IGCA’s generous donations, there was still roughly $2,000 that the artists had to cover out-of pocket to make the event a success. The cost of renting the U-Hauls alone was massive. In hopes of offsetting the cost, the artists put together a Kick Starter page to raise money. As of Sunday, Sept. 4 (two days after the SEE XC PAGE B6

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A&E|September 6, 2011 ALBUM REVIEW

“Fright Night” a “Throne” gilded fun movie remake with auto-tune, lacks kingly lyrics

By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

“Fright Night,” a remake from the 1985 film of the same name, doesn’t boast an original plot, but does take a fresh spin on what the original film had to offer. Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin, “The Smurfs”), a high school student struggling to fit in with the cool kids while keeping the interest of a girlfriend seemingly out of his league, thinks his former childhood friend Ed (Christopher Mintz-Plasse, “How to Train Your Dragon”) is going insane when he confides in Charley that he believes Charley’s new neighbor, Jerry (Colin Farrell, “Horrible Bosses”) to be a vampire picking off the kids in their class and their families. After a series of events causes Charley to reconsider Ed’s ramblings (including Ed’s own disappearance), Charley decides to head into Las Vegas to enlist the help of Peter Vincent (David Tennant, “Doctor Who”), a stage actor who slays vampires on his occult stage show, to learn the tricks to taking down a vampire. Both this remake and the original “Fright Night” make an effort to combine horror and comedy into their plots, and while the result is often less witty and more ridiculous, the remake does a good job of living up to the original’s standards. There is a little slapstick, but most of the movie’s humor is found in the scripted dialogue and the obvious horror movie character stereotypes. Despite the enjoyable reboot in plot (in the original, Charley’s character was the one to suspect Jerry from the very beginning, and Ed thought Charley was nuts - among other differences), the movie tries to pack in too much. The plot feels like it is set on fast forward for the entire first half of the movie, and it isn’t until after the halfway point, when Charley and his girlfriend Amy (Imogen Poots, “Centurion”) return to see Peter Vincent in Las Vegas that the movie slows to a more moderate pace and is truly enjoyable. The acting seems to balance itself out in “Fright Night.” Yelchin was bearable as Charley, neither

giving an exceptionally strong or weak performance. His overall portrayal as Charley is easy to identify with, and he nails the whole “insecure teenager” bit very well. Amy, as a character, serves mostly as motivation for Charley’s character, giving him purpose, and Poots does a lovely job of making the audience see why Amy is special. She requires no character arc, since Amy starts the movie right where she needs to end it personalitywise. Despite the stagnant nature of the character, Poots makes the viewer believe through honest smiles, unapologetic bluntness and eye contact that Amy truly adores Charley for the nerd he tries to pretend he isn’t, and that she wouldn’t want him any other way. Jerry, the vampire neighbor, is less entertaining. Farrell must have studied cheesy vampire movies a bit too religiously for his role, because he tries to exude every single vampire character trait ever portrayed, and poorly. His version of tall dark and handsome lothario is forced, like he is purposely trying to make the “sexy” vampire trait humorous. In most cases, the dialogue itself, or the entire scene for that matter, is what is funny; extra effort on the part of Farrell makes it downright grating. And when Farrell isn’t purposely hamming up the role, he is so stone faced and emotionless that he’s a bore. Either he forces the humor, or he’s a complete dud. A crowning jewel of the movie, however, was the Peter Vincent character arc, and Tennant’s portrayal of him. Despite being a side character, Peter Vincent has the best, and possibly most honest character development, from something the viewer wouldn’t expect slowly morphing into the bad boy vampire slayer the trailers and movie posters make him out to be. And Tennant himself is fun to watch, and unlike Farrell, allowed the script to be funny when needed and allowed himself to be funny when the script could tolerate it, but stepped back entirely when the need for a serious atmosphere and scene arose. He worked the screen, but not to death. “Fright Night” makes no apologies. It isn’t horror, nor is it completely a comedy; but instead an attempted hybrid to honor the original. Despite a few great moments and a few genuinely talented actors, the end result is only so-so, but still worth a chance. Director: Craig Gillespie Starring: Anton Yelchin, Collin Farrell, David Tennant Run time: 106m Genre: Comedy/Horror

Jay-Z and Kanye West don’t live up to their hype in their new collaborative album While “Watch The Throne” is

By Bryan Dunagan Contract Writer

With two huge main-stream names packed in one album, you would expect that the artists would put more of an effort into their work. Not so. Kanye West is definitely on his A-game in “Watch The Throne,” even with his lame rhymes. (I’m takin’ my coat off/showin’ my tattoos off/I’m such a show off) Jay-Z’s verses reflect nothing new in him as an artist; his sound is the same as it has been for the past few years. His lyrical contributions are abysmal as well, and completely lack creativity. Jay-Z, whose last album,“Blueprint 3,” was released two years ago, still hasn’t improved his rhymes in that period of time. Take the “Blueprint 3” song “Run This Town” for example, the lyrics “… black Caesar/in a black ceasar” are pretty unimaginative for Jay-Z, who usually paints a pretty good picture with his words. The opening line to “…in Paris” is “I ball so hard that [people] wanna fine me/ first those [people] gotta find me.” It’s that kind of lazy rapping that isn’t acceptable from a big name star. Two years haven’t changed a whole lot for him, which is an eternity in the music industry. Still, there is an inherent catchiness to the album. The two artists went for a progressive hip-hop release, and for the most part their product is a success. The production and music itself are slick, the mixing and mastering are good and there’s a healthy dose of auto-tune - but it’s not over done. All the beats and the snares and all of the pieces in between are fantastic on the production side. The opener for the entire album has some of the best mixing. It’s a smooth buttery sensation that your ears will drink like fine whiskey.

definitely ambitious, it still falls flat. It looks as though Kanye and Jay-Z put most of their time into production, and just spent a weekend drinking to come up with lyrics. It’s rushed. And Kanye needs to not try and rhyme. Every time he lays down a verse on a song, it derails and doesn’t ever make sense. In his verse on the first song on the album, he states “Coke on black skin striped like a zebra/that’s what I call jungle fever,” really doesn’t paint a cohesive picture until you hear the rest of his verse, but then that’s how he stays progressive, presumably. Another is “I’m from the murder capitol/where they murder for capital” from the song “Murder to Excellence” is just lazy on Kanye’s part too. Despite this, the album keeps a thematic cohesion, and it is clear that the two really went with the “record feel” instead of grouping potential singles on one release. Most rap artists try for the “singles market;” this album went against that idea, to make a more experimental piece that probes why they are great, and why you should be listening to them in the first place. The album does flow really well, going to where the super powers are, and to where people should be “watching the throne.” The places of note are New York, Paris, and Rome, or some incarnation of it. This, in essence, is the best set up for how to watch the throne. When you have two super producers and rappers, it should all go swimmingly, but the album doesn’t seem to work due to lazy lyrics, where the story is hidden in the random ego stroking. While shooting for the sun, “Watch The Throne” fails and hits the moon instead. For as long as Jay-Z and Kanye West have been in the rap game, one would think that they’d put more effort into this ambitious release. Perhaps the next time they get together, they’ll really give more time into lyrical content instead of just the production work.

“It looks as though Kanye and Jay-Z put most of their time into production, and just spent a weekend drinking to come up with lyrics.”

Album: “Watch the Throne” Artist: Jay-Z and Kanye West Release Date: August 8, 2011 Record Label: Roc-A-Fella

KRUA offers the chance to become a DJ By Leroy Polk

Assistant A&E Editor

Becoming a radio DJ seems like a wild idea. The personalities given power to broadcast over airwaves are celebrities in and of themselves, albeit minor ones; but they still seem unreachable to most. In college, however, this can be a reality much easier than some students might be aware of. However, there are many resources available to students on campus who are interested in being DJs that they cannot receive elsewhere without paying expensive fees or passing through various rounds of competitive selection. Some of these UAA resources are specific to the corresponding program, such as video cameras and television studio use for Journalism students, specialized computer software and hardware for those in the Computer Science department,

No matter the experience level a student has, the station is always looking for new DJs and new creative content sound rooms for Music majors, and so on. But one resource offered by UAA differs from these, as it is open to students of all disciplines. That resource is the fully operational broadcast radio station, KRUA 88.1FM. With it, the dream of godly radio stature can be realized. The main studio in the PSB is fully equipped to transmit across town, and there is a remote studio located in the Student Union, from which DJs can also broadcast live shows amongst their peers trying to eat Subway in peace and quiet. KRUA’s history dates back to the late 80’s, when the station was known as KMPS. The first student broadcast was heard in early 1992 with the song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It” by REM. The station has continued to grow and develop since then, developing unique content in the form of shows, news broadcasts, promos, and more. While getting one’s own show and becoming a reputable radio DJ can be a lot of hard work and requires dedication, it’s a very achievable goal with KRUA.

SEE KRUA PAGE B5

September 6, 2011 | A&E

GAME REVIEW

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evening with Andrew Bird “El Shaddai” offers An UAA Concert Board planning to bring alternative music entertaining ideas phenomenon and avid whistler up north to the Atwood

By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

Ancient texts with religious ties aren’t often what one thinks of when looking for inspiration for a video game plot. It can be shaky ground to interpret such texts and mold it to the purposes of the game, a risk few companies have taken. “El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron” does just that. The one-player hack and slash casts the player as Enoch, a human so virtuous that God brought him up to Heaven to serve as a scribe while he was still alive and well, is tasked with descending to Earth to confront, purify, and seal the seven angels who fell from Heaven to live among and rule humans. If Enoch fails, God will flood the Earth and restart humanity - as in, the Great Flood that stars in the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. The story of Enoch (the man known by 72 names, eventually called the Metatron) is inspired by and loosely based off of the title character from 1 Enoch, a book found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Alongside Enoch is Lucifel, an angel with the ability to travel time who is charged with guiding Enoch and sending reports back to God via his cell phone. Lucifel serves as the narrator for the story as well, and as save points. Game controls in “El Shaddai” are so-so. Experienced gamers looking for a challenge may be disappointed, for the game’s controls are so simple that even the most inexperienced gamers can string together combos and defeat enemies; there are three main buttons to know aside from the analog stick for movement: the button to jump, the one to attack and the one to purify weapons with. It is also nearly impossible to die. The game is designed around the idea that Enoch has divine help (though mostly indirect) as well as divine abilities granted to him specifically for this

mission; this somehow justifies him not dying after falling from the tallest tower on a level, or after an enemy clearly (though rarely) kicks his rump to a pulp. The player has a chance to button mash the “revive” Enoch as he’s dying, and regain some health. This option is available throughout most of the game, but is taken away from time to time without warning. When Enoch does die, the penalty isn’t severe; he merely appears back at the last save or checkpoint. The gameplay itself, however, is an incredible hodgepodge that barely holds itself together. There are 3D battles and platforms, 2D battles and platforms, there are puzzles, there are levels that combine all of the above and there is even one level where Enoch races on a motorcycle. The storyline binds the insanity together. Each angel is master of one level in a grand, massive tower that exists hidden on Earth (Enoch’s first task was to find it, and it takes him over 300 years), but with the aesthetic and capabilities of a separate dimension. Each angel represents a different sort of love, for that is why they fell - they wanted to be closer to and more like humans, as well as to rule them. They each also provided new technologies to the humans who worshipped them. Azazel, the second in command and architect of the tower, gave his humans technology of the 21st century, hence the ability to weave in a motorcycle chase into his level. Despite the great fun that “El Shaddai” is to play (especially to weaker gamers), it suffers from two glaring loose ends. Whether UVG Ignition is holding out for a possible sequel, or they ran out of time and money and had to cut the game short, is anyone’s guess. But the game itself is beautiful, accessible, imaginative, daring, and more than worth playing at least once.

By Nicole Luchaco Staff Writer

The man, the myth, and the musician Andrew Bird is coming to town, and it has created quite a stir among the alternative music community. His music is a mesh of soft blues, folksy charm, choral, electronic and last but not least those sweet signature whistles. Andrew Bird will be performing at the Atwood concert hall on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. He has been likened to such talents as Iron and Wine, Mumford and Sons and Sufjan Stevens. Strongly influenced by his love for American and European folk traditions, Bird pulled on smooth blues and jazz when he selfreleased his first album “Music of hair” in 1996. Throughout the years his popularity has ebbed and flowed but with the release of his most recent album “Noble Beast” in early 2009, Bird has become a household name. Local talent Marian Call (a successful musician in her own

PHOTO BY CAMERON WITTIG, COURTESY OF ANDREWBIRD.NET

right) had this to say of Bird in a phone interview with TNL: “He is so inspirational. He has definitely influenced me! There are a couple of tracks coming out on my new album that while in the creation process I thought “’how can I stretch myself like him? If I could borrow Andrew Bird’s brain for a little bit, what would I get?’” The excitement for this performance is spreading like wildfire down the Kenai Peninsula as well: “Are you kidding me? Andrew Bird is coming?! I am so excited! I am so excited to see him! I would not miss this for the world! When is he coming?!” said Karen Simpson, a part time student at the Kenai Peninsula branch of UAA (located in Homer). “A panel of seven students on the board chose Andrew Bird,” said Zac Clark the coordinator of the UAA Concert Board, “Our students have been interested in him for awhile, and Bird was a sell out when he performed at USC, so he now has a strong enough fan base to justify bringing him up.”

The total cost to bring Bird up is $55,000.00, something the Concert board does not take lightly. “Our stuff is paid for with student fees, so we want to make sure that we request people that suit the Anchorage venue. It’s a good chunk of our budget, but our goal is to do two big shows this year,” said Clark. Come expecting great things, with a 90 minute solo performance in the works, this evening is certain to be an intimate one inside the mind of Andrew Bird. Tickets for the general public will be $35.00 in advance, and $40.00 at the door; for UAA students the discounted rate of $25.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. Tickets for the general public will be available online at www.centerix.net however student tickets will only be available at the UAA Student Union Information Desk. Ticket sales begin Friday, Sept. 30.

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A&E| September 6, 2011 September 6 - 13, 2011

i

FOCUS EVENTS CALENDAR Alaska Fighting Championship 84 - September 16

Peter Case - September 9 and 10 Supporting his current tour for his new album “The Case Files,” Grammy-nominated artist Peter Case will be playing two shows, one at Palmer’s Vagabond Blues on Friday September 9th, and one in Anchorage at Out North Theatre the day after. Case’s style blends several genres including rock, folk, country, and blues, utilizing everything from a guitar to a harmonica. More info available at: http://www.petercase.com/

The AFC or Alaska Fighting Championship will begin its new season on September 16th at the Sullivan Arena as the first event of the series. An imitation of the televised phenomenon break-out sport UFC, AFC focuses only on local contenders from Alaska, billing itself as “Alaska’s premier mixed martial arts competition.” More information on the AFC schedule can be found online at www.alaskafighting.com

Vertical Challenge Climb-a-thon - September 10 The 4th annual North Face Vertical Challenge Climb-a-thon will be held again this year, beginning at the base of the North Face Trail at Mount Alyeska on September 10th. The event focuses on testing hiker’s strength and endurance by having them ascend the cliffside as fast as possible and then ride back down to the bottom in the tram. Hikers will complete this process of traversing up and down the mountain as many times as possible from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Top competitors have climbed more than 20,000 vertical feet, a distance equivalent of climbing Denali. More information can be found at www.alyeskaresort.com

Godsmack - September 6 Returning once again to Anchorage, the popular heavy metal rock group will be playing at the Sullivan Arena again. Set to be an all-ages show, the band will be performing completely from catalogue, as it has been over four years since their last new album was released. More information is available at http://www. sullivanarena.com/ecalendar.html

DRINK REVIEW

TOP Summer

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10

BANDS

ALBUMS

Portugal. The Man

In The Mountain In The Cloud

Beirut

The Rip Tide

You Me and Us Fruit Bats Am and Shawn Lee

Tripper

Jeff the Brotherhood

Paperweights Celestial Electric

We Are The Champions

Pepper Rabbit

Red Velvet Snowball

Little Dragon

The Rip Tide

Metronomy

Ritual Union

Little Gold

Weird Freedom

A classic drink with a sonic spin By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

In honor of the return of “Doctor Who” to BBC America (approaching the show’s 48th anniversary), nerd out with a drink inspired by the 11th Doctor’s sonic screwdriver. The 11th Doctor’s version of the iconic tool has a bright green light, which is imitated by the almost-glow of this variation of the classic screwdriver. Instead of just mixing vodka and orange juice, the “sonic” recipe calls for a shot of blue curacao, a shot of vodka, and a splash of blue raspberry mix,

and then fill in the orange juice to color - about eight ounces. The result, when mixed in a highball glass with ice, is a bright green drink that genuinely looks to glow. (Another acceptable variation is substituting the plain vodka and mix for UV blue raspberry vodka, combining the two). Fun appearance aside, the “11th Doctor’s Sonic Screwdriver” is more sweet than the typical screwdriver, though not overly so. The blue curacao smoothes out the tangy flavor of the orange juice, as well as a bit of the edge of the vodka, making the beverage more accessible to individuals who favor fruitier drinks. The drink is also heavy. Where a classic screwdriver tastes somewhat bitter and light, this “sonic” screwdriver is rich and weighted by comparison. Also, despite only having two shots of alcohol in it, even one “sonic” is enough for a buzz depending on the person and quality of vodka. So mix a drink, say “Geronimo” in the 11th Doctor’s honor, and don’t pilot a TARDIS for a while.

September 6, 2011 | A&E

UHAUL: for the arts CONTINUED FROM MOTION COVER

event), they only had $1,251 in donations. Despite this set-back, the art wasn’t compromised, and the event remained completely free to the public. Some U-Hauls had food, some were configured into art galleries, and one was even turned into dance studio. Momentum performed various dances throughout the entire evening in their 20 foot U-Haul studio, no dance more than once, though the company maintained a general theme. “It’s a collection of ideas,” Kendall said, “Our theme is sticking with the idea of travel, and we have a kind of circa 1930s theme. Sort of that vaudevillian idea.” Ballas’s F Magazine, a local art publication that originated from a course project at UAA, also sponsored a U-Haul, turning it into a 14 foot cafe with local musicians, french-press coffee and seating. All for free. After the closure of MTS Gallery earlier this year, many

artists and groups that had been involved with MTS and whom had used its space came together for a massive celebration to send off the building and the fond memories it symbolized. The celebration was a hodgepodge of art forms, both still and performance-based, that rallied a community that many didn’t realize was as unified as it is. Brick U-haul Festival was the first major art collaboration since that event, and those involved with putting it on were so pleased that they hope more opportunities like it arise in the future. “They say on average that we live here for five years,” said Ballas, “there’s a huge increasing turn-over every year, and a big reason I hear from people all the time is that there’s no culture, there’s not enough entertainment, there’s not enough arts. Ok, boo, go live somewhere where they’ve had a hundred years to build that; we’ve had 50. I hope more and more of these will start happening.”

KRUA: open to all

Successful Students

Know

The services you need are right here ON campus!

• Copy & Print Center Copies, binding, posters, and more.

• Seawolf Postal Express FedEx®, UPS®, US Postal Service

Lower-Level Campus Bookstore Free 30-min parking outside the green-awning entrance.

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Interested parties can begin simply by filling out and turning in a volunteer application, which can be found at the remote studio in the Student Union, at the station itself in the PSB in Room 254 and online at their website in a .pdf format. The application is a simple form designed to determine information about the potential DJ such as if they are a student. About a week after applying, any student taking three credits or more with a 2.0 GPA or higher is approved to go on to the next step on the quest of DJ mastery: training. Training takes roughly six weeks, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the DJ. KRUA’s volunteer coordinator Danny Wilson said, “The quickest I’ve seen anyone do it is about four weeks.” Training consists of various levels of broadcasting elements, getting the student up to proficiency no matter what their educational background. These training sessions begin with making promos or liners, advertising shows on the station, upcoming events, news or just quick little spots for the station itself. After a DJ is capable to put short pieces together and produce them up to a standard quality, the next step is on-air training. Generally this begins with a co-op session of air-time where the new trainee sits shotgun to a KRUA staff member until they are confident enough with board control to rock the decks solo. After a student becomes fully trained, the next and final step on the road to becoming a college radio celebrity is to fill out a show proposal form. This provides space for all the information

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907.786.6860

necessary for pitching a new show to the station, such as what kind of music it plays, topics it covers, who it would appeal to, and when it would be scheduled to air. The kinds of shows that KRUA broadcasts are as varied and unique as the DJs who create them. From indie rock, to hip-hop, to electro, to talk, to reggae, to jazz, to blues; almost every genre is represented. “We’re basically the most diverse station in the city. Everything except top 40 music,” Wilson said. Some shows at KRUA have been there upwards of 15 years, the longest being ‘Vibes of the Times’ which has run for 18 years and counting by local personality Ras Jahreal. However, no matter the experience level a student has, the station is always looking for new DJs and new creative content. As far as why students should pursue utilizing this resource, Wilson put it succinctly by posing the question, “How many opportunities do you get to have your very own radio show?”

Free for All. Step right up if you like free! All UAA students, faculty, and staff ride People Mover for free simply by showing their current semester ID. Ride to and from school, or work, or anywhere along our 14 routes and more than a thousand stops, absolutely FREE! And free means free—all routes, all times, every day.

*More information, as well as the volunteer application, can be found on KRUA’s website: http://www.kruaradio.org

www.peoplemover.org 343-6543

Just flash your current school ID and get on board!

SPORTS 50

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45

5

overtime 10

This East Coast rivalry has been going on between the two teams for decades. What initially brought the rivalry on was the trade of Babe Ruth to the Yankees. Up until that point, the Red Sox were the dominating team in MLB. This was a moment in history Red Sox fans are still recovering from.

By Megan Edge

3.Lakers vs. Celtics

Fairbanks joins UAA in the WCHA starting 2013, putting both of Alaska’s D1 schools in the same conference. The rivalry is natural. At the last Governor’s Cup, USUAA student body president Miles Brooks made an agreement with Fairbanks; if UAA lost we would say publicly that Fairbanks was a better hockey team. UAA lost. UAA students were furious. This was a follow up to the Seawolf feed that UAF had, where its students feasted on disgusting looking fish while they watched the big game. UAF also dropped the ‘Fairbanks’ from their team title, in favor of calling themselves simply, ‘The University of Alaska.’ The reasoning was they were the only competitive Alaska school. With that being said, we looked at other major sports rivalries to give context to our own. We picked the top five and, well, UAA versus UAF doesn’t make the list.

These two teams have met 33 times in the NBA finals since 1959. Since then, the rivalry has stayed hot through the 80’s, and even in the 90’s when Magic Johnson and Larry Bird both retired. In 2008 it was quick to return to the spot light when the two met again in the finals. Celtics came out on top winning the series 4-2. In 2010 again the teams met, this time the Lakers going home champions.

These two cities are the largest in Spain, a nation in which the most talented players in the world go to play. The home to the top two goal scorers in soccer. Mark Twain once said that travel is fatal to prejudice; but every time these two meet, the rivalry seems more deeply entrentched. With this in mind, Barcelona versus Real Madrid takes the top slot.

4.Michigan vs. Ohio State In 1922 when Ohio State opened its doors, Michigan was quick to kill the party, crushing Ohio in a 22-0 shut out. From 1969-1973 both teams were ranked in the top five every time they met. In more recent years the teams have faded off of the map, as Michigan has lost power and Ohio State has been facing various legal allegations. The teams will be back; right now they are rebuilding their programs.

5.Patriots vs. Jets On multiple occasions the Patriots and Jets have met in the AFC east conference championships. These days the rivalry is more between Rex Ryan and Bill Bellichick, even though their tactics are slightly different. Ryan tends to be a little more vocal than Bellichick and it’s similar for the rest of the players as well.

OVER

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WCHA I think was unique for a school like ours to be able to go up and play the Big-10 schools like Denver and North Dakota. The WCHA, which the ‘Wolves have played in since 1993, has already inducted Northern Michigan back into the league (as of July 20) after their departure in 1997. The WCHA presidents have set a response time-line of 30 days for the teams who received invites. Western Michigan has also had a chance to be part of the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA), but it is unclear at this time what move they will make. Should Bowling Green and Western Michigan accept, they would be joining Fairbanks and Lake Superior, as well as UAA, Bemidji State University,

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is maintain, as they prepare for big schools and hard competitors like Simon Fraisure, according to Friess. “It’s always a fun experience, I mean each team creates its own story,” Friess said. “Each and every team is a separate chapter in the book and we will see what kind of chapter these guys write.” The ‘Wolves’ will travel to Hawaii for the Hawaii Pacific Invitational, on Sept. 8.

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perfect score was Michael Adams of Slippery Rock, who placed fifth (16:06). In pre-season polls the UAA men are ranked 12. For now the teams seems to be off to another historic season but there is still opportunity for illness and injury according to Friess. “Someone could really shoot up or someone could really shoot down, but overall I think we are pretty positive about our chances,” Friess said. For now the key to their training

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cross country eligability. In second at the UAA Invitational Sept. 1 was Alfred Kangogo (15:29). Kangogo was forced to red-shirt in the 2010 season due to injury. Kangogo and Chelimo are going to be the “key to success” for the UAA men this year, according to Friess. With respective third and fourth place finishes was senior Yontana Yilma (15:34) and freshman Dylan Anthony (15:41). Denying the UAA men a

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1. Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

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Sports Editor

XC: season kicks off at home

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Top five sports rivalries

2.Red Sox vs. Yankees

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September 6, 2011 | SPORTS

Kylie B

urns

Ashley Snyder Features Editor

Every year the women’s basketball team gains a new cast of exceptional players from all over the nation, ready to take their place in the team’s history books. However, the challenge to become a memorable player does not stop after the first year. Kansas City native Kylie Burns is one such player who joined the team last year and made her mark. As a guard, Burns helped the Seawolves to another successful campaign in the ’10’11 season and will return again for the ’11-’12 season, where she will challenge herself to help bring the team to victory once again. Burns took some time to talk about her passion regarding basketball and the challenges she faces to continue

to be an invaluable player to the team. How long have you been participating in basketball? Since I was 5 years old, I played on a co-ed team at the local YMCA. How often do you train/ practice? (In the off season): Every day, but I take one day a week off usually to give my body a break. What in basketball do you like doing the most? I enjoy working hard as a team and seeing our hard work pay off during the games. What has been your most memorable moment in basketball? Last season when we won our conference tournament!

What do you think is the most important part of being an athlete? Trying to constantly improve your game. What is your biggest weakness? My foot speed and inexperience was my biggest weakness this past year. I was new to the college level. What is your biggest strength? Being a leader and having the desire to improve so I can contribute to my team.

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pro in basketball, which would you choose? Depends which one pays better. In reality, I would be happy with pursuing a career that I enjoy and that I’m passionate about. If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be? I would probably ask my dad, but i don’t know, maybe not to put so much pressure on myself to do well, to enjoy the journey.

Who has inspired you the most in life? My dad. What are you most excited about experiencing in college? Reaching my potential as a basketball player, meeting lifelong friends, getting my degree, and exploring Alaska. Do you think it is more important for athletes to focus on the sport or schoolwork? Both. You should find a balance. Obviously your education will get you further in life, but college is for most of us our last chance to live out our childhood dream. If given the choice between a good life-long career, or to go PHOTOS COURTESY OF UAA SPORTS INFORMATION

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COMICS| September 6, 2011

COMIC CORNER

HOROSCOPE

YOUR STARS THIS WEEK BY STELLA WILDER

COMIC BY LEROY POLK AND SARAH DEFOSSE

SODUKU

CRYPTOQUOTE

The coming week is likely to prove something of a relief to those who have been struggling with certain domestic issues, as circumstances favor family dynamics of all kinds, and will almost surely promote healthy communication and overall harmony in the home. Not all family members, however, may be on board with the new calm that prevails this week; indeed, each household may find that one individual is more than willing to rock the boat -- but the results of even this are not likely to be too dramatic. Most will consider it nothing more than an irritation -- and, for some, a necessary one at that. Both creative thinking and an understanding of facts and figures will be required, and those who are strong in one but not the other will want to find help in order to address the key issues that arise. Collaborative efforts are favored this week -- but not in all circumstances. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- Instructions must be followed this week, but this doesn’t mean you cannot be creative in your interpretation of them. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- The decisions you make are likely to affect those closest to you in ways you had not anticipated. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- Team efforts may be favored, but if you’re facing personal issues you’ll want to resolve these on your own if possible. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You may be feeling stressed as a result of a domestic issue you have left unaddressed for too long. Now’s the time. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- The beginning of the week’s journey is likely to be more difficult than any other phase, and you must be patient with slow going. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You may realize that you are at the center of a storm that only you can calm. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You may be doing another a disservice of sorts, and this week you’ll understand the true effects of this -- and how to undo the damage. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Instincts must be trusted; turn against your own better judgment and danger awaits.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You’ll want to pay attention to the kinds of things that others tend to overlook or ignore; they will make all the difference. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- Take care that you don’t inadvertently say or do the wrong thing; remember, someone is always watching. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You may be compelled to engage in activities that are not for you -- and before the week is out you’ll realize the impact of your error. (March 6-March 20) -- You can undo what has been done, provided you are honest and accountable. ARIES (March 21-April 4) -Any rift that begins to develop can be healed permanently -- provided you stay out of the way when the time comes. Don’t intrude. (April 5-April 19) -- Sharing what you know with someone else can handsomely benefit both parties. TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may be responsible for a situation that becomes heated before the week is out. You’ll want, therefore, to cool things off as best you can. (May 6-May 20) -- Few words and concentrated action are required to make necessary domestic repairs. GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- Lines of communication must remain open all week long; you may find yourself waiting for one or two key pieces of information. (June 7-June 20) -- You’ll realize that a situation is developing that may require your sensitive and well-timed intervention. CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You may be thinking a bit too much of yourself at this time. True, you’ve impressed others -- but not as much as you may think. (July 8-July 22) -- You can prevent a great deal of personal damage simply by standing in the way of certain approaching dangers. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You’ll surely want to accept help when it is offered -- but beware anyone who insists that his or her way is the only way. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You’ll be willing to keep going when others are ready to call it quits. Energy and enthusiasm are high. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- Tensions are likely to rise if you are unwilling to step back and let a certain situation resolve itself organically. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- Any mistakes you make are likely to stem from a simple misconception -- and you know what it is.