THENORTHERNLIGHT FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
February 4, 2014
OPINION
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Crafting succulent sushi right in your own home
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Toe-to-toe debate about Black History Month
UAA Advocacy Team presents ‘Wolves vs. Wildcats student body issues in Juneau By Audri Pleas
KRUA Station Manager
In the next few weeks, important decisions about issues affecting students will be made. Students will be able to vote on the issues such as the smokefree initiative and the introduction of a $6 recreational fee. For other issues, such as the funding for building operations, students are dependent on USUAA student government for representation. Student representatives were in Juneau after battling flight cancellations last Friday and brief delays Saturday morning. The annual advocacy trip officially commenced Saturday afternoon. While UAA students honed in on political conversations, the true intent of advocating the increase of the University of Alaska systems budget remained the same as previous years.
USUAA President Drew Lemish says the foremost objective for UAA is securing more funds for the Engineering and Industry Building. It may be partially erected, but the university lacks the money to complete the project. The extra money will subsequently be allotted to the construction of the parking garages. “If you talk to any student that drives to campus, and even students that just don’t drive to campus, they’d probably say more parking,” Lemish said of student needs. Sofia Fouquet, senior in business and marketing management, embarked on her first advocacy trip this year. She believes it was a great chance to expand certain skill sets for her. “It’s one of those things that you think about doing throughout your college career. And for whatever reason you always tell yourself next year,” Fouquet
said. The purpose of the excursion was to ensure general and equal representation of the whole student body. All the institutions strive to work together in these advocacy trips, with UAA and UAF boasting the largest enrollment. The UA Student Coalition of Leaders is responsible for facilitating the conference and nurturing a cohesive platform for all. Because Juneau is the state capital, students were able to schedule meetings with their legislators to advocate on behalf of the University of Alaska. The coalition hosted sessions providing them with interactions with their legislators, education on the difference between lobbying and advocating, and discussed edits that were required to be made to their charter.
SEE USUAA
Photo by Adam Eberhardt
Seawolf sophomore guard Jenna Buchanan attempts to block the ball held by Wildcat sophomore forward Courtney Johnson Jan. 30 during the match in the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.
SEE BBALL
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Comedy duo to bring Homelessness: Defying the odds their quirkiness to UAA Once homeless, student overcomes odds and is determined to change his life for the better
By Suhaila Brunelle
news@thenorthernlight.org
By Kelly Ireland
arts@thenorthernlight.org Dakaboom is a musical comedy duo whose show, according to their official website, “is one that needs to be seen to be understood.” The duo consists of best friends Ben McLain and Paul Peglar, who have been living together for years. McLain was part of NBC’s “The Sing Off” with his vocal band ARORA (called Sonos when on the show), and Peglar was the pianist for season one of “Glee.” The two have all released a studio album titled “Get Awesome.” “Get Awesome” features their comedic songs performed on tour. The songs all have an unserious tone and mood with titles such as “Infomercial,” “Desperate” and “Xmas Bums Me Out.” McLain and Peglar say that the songs are all inspired by their lives and experiences. In a YouTube video Peglar said, “Dakaboom has always been a reflection of what we do at home, and so when we’re suffering being single, guess what? We write a song called ‘Single
Song.’ When we are feeling desperate in high school about wanting to have a girlfriend, we write a song called ‘Desperate.’” Student Activities at heard Dakaboom’s quirky show this summer the National Association for Campus Activities Conference and wanted to have them come to UAA. “Besides their strong performance, Student Activities team members were impressed that the vocalist, Ben McLain, had been featured in NBC’s ‘Sing Off’ and pianist, Paul Peglar, has performed in ‘Glee.’ Since many students like these two shows, Student Activities reasoned that this duo would appeal to our students,” said Michael McCormick, assistant director of Student Activities, about their decision to ask Dakaboom to UAA. Student Activities member Rachel Kampstra said the organization’s decision to invite Dakaboom to UAA was unanimous. Dakaboom will perform at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Student Union Den. Admission is free for students, $10 for general public and $15 at the door.
At any given time, there are approximately 3,000 homeless individuals and families with young children in Anchorage. The average age of Anchorage’s homeless population is below the age of 10. Project Homeless Connect, which falls under the umbrella of the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, is a yearly event that provides, all under one roof, the opportunity of receiving help and services to those who are homeless or are facing homelessness. Trevor Storrs, Anchorage Project Homeless coordinator, says, “On average, an individual will have to travel up to 15 miles to get all the services that they may need to prevent their homelessness or get out of homelessness, and it can be very challenging and very overwhelming, which can sometimes be a deterrent or barrier for people accessing services. Whereas for this event, people only have to walk a few feet to get all the services offered.” UAA Business Management student Jeff Stewart’s family faced homelessness in 1994 when he was 14. Stewart’s father had just separated from the military and transferred from Rammstein, Germany, to Anchorage, Alaska. The only employment Stewart’s father could find was in a halfway
house, which gave him a room, but his family was left living in a six-person tent at a homeless camp. Their tent included a oneburner propane stove, a propane heater and a cooler for keeping their food covered and protected. During the time they lived in the homeless camp, Stewart and his mom earned money to purchase food by doing odd jobs for people who lived at the camp, such as dishes, throwing away trash, cleaning up campsites and cutting firewood. Stewart also earned extra money by selling chopped firewood and looking for lost fishing lures downtown and reselling them to fishermen. During times when money was extra tight and food scarce, Stewart and his mother would hunt for wild mushrooms, herbs and berries in order to survive. Stewart worked hard to save $3,000 to attend UAA. However, that money did not last long. Once enrolled in classes he learned about the FAFSA and was able to receive grants. Stewart is also going through a program called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to help pay for classes, books and supplies. In the past, it has been difficult for him to afford everything he needs for classes. “The struggles I have now with school were that even though I was given the grants for school, I couldn’t afford the books for my classes. It’s hard to do the things needed in the
class when you don’t have the book. It seems like the school keeps coming up with things that we have to buy, or else fail the class,” Stewart said. Stewart has been able to forgive his father for putting his family through the hardship of living in a homeless camp and does not want others to judge his father’s actions. Stewart said his father lived a hard life and had to do what he had to do. Keoki Tafaoialii, who is currently homeless, attended this year’s event. Tafaoialii described what his day-to-day life as a displaced person looks like. “A day in the life of the homeless person is filled with routine. You usually get up, get breakfast wherever it is you can — unless, of course, you have food stamps and you can go and get your own. But pretty much take advantage of any place that you can get a free breakfast at. I live over there at the Rescue Mission so they serve breakfast up there, which is pretty good. And then I usually end up walking downtown because I don’t have a bus pass. The Rescue Mission is up on Tudor, and I walk all the way downtown. It’s a little bit of a walk, but I don’t mind it. ... (I) catch up on the local gossip that’s happening down here at the downtown shelter, because I know a lot more people down here. Then I usually head over to the transit center, and from
SEE ODDS
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Sneak peek at new Natural Pantry By Nita Mauigoa
features@thenorthernlight.org
Photo by Dan Duque
The construction of the new, standalone Natural Pantry located at the southeast corner of 36th Avenue and A Street is almost complete.
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Hippies and snobs. Those are the kinds of people shopping for organic, natural or specialty foods, right? “Wrong!” said Natural Pantry owner Vikki Solberg, as she laughed and poked at the common misconception. The Natural Pantry, Anchorage’s largest, full-fledged organic grocery store, is moving. “The answer is simple. We’ve rented for 37 years. We wanted to own our place, so no more leasing,” Vikki said. The Natural Pantry — a family owned and operated business by Vikki and her husband, Rick Solberg — is known for its vast selection of organic groceries. This includes fresh produce, meats, dozens of bulk food bins, an array of allergy-friendly items, vitamins, lotions and thenorthernlight.org
kitchenware. There’s something for everyone. The business is moving literally down the road — from the University Center to 36th Street, adjacent to the Z.J. Loussac Public Library. Vikki said there will be a soft opening in mid-March and that there will be a grand opening in April.
New additions
Vikki said the sales floor will almost double in size and is comparable to a Carrs Quality Center grocery store. There will be dozens of positions to be filled. Among several new features are the following: Hydration Station: It will be located in a spacious, halfsphere shaped dining area and will feature a variety of organic fresh juices, smoothies, espres-
SEE PANTRY
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02 NEWS USUAA: Juneau Advocacy
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The students that participated were not lobbyists. They were not paid to attend but went to the sessions for educational purposes. Lemish is enjoying a productive year in student government. He has increased participation and has a good rapport with students. However, maintaining this renewed popularity of USUAA
among the students is dependent on their consistent education of students about how legislations affect life on campus. The Juneau advocacy trip concluded Feb. 4. USUAA will discuss the end results of their trip at their weekly assembly meetings. These meetings are held in the Student Union Cafeteria and are open to all students and general public.
ODDS: Tackling life’s many challenges
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f r om co v er
Photo by Dan Duque
goal and mission is to help disabled persons, and a lot of homeless people themselves have disabilities, and many also have mental disabilities. So that’s why we’re here,” Runser said. Anchorage has several shelters for homeless, individuals and families, but space is limited. Storrs said, “We don’t want people to be homeless. They don’t need emergency shelter. They need permanent housing, and we are very short on truly affordable permanent housing in our state, and specifically in Anchorage.” If facing homelessness or other hardships, there is a hotline that can be called. 211 will do an initial intake and connect homeless to services they are eligible for. Though the big event is a yearly function, 211 is a similar idea to have accessible all services offered in one easy place.
WEEKLY BUZZ $6 million violin stolen in Milwaukee attack
Frank Almond, concertmaster of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, was attacked after a performance last week. His assailant used a stun gun in the attack and escaped with Almond’s 300-year-old, $6 million Stradivarius violin. Almond’s violin was constructed in 1775 and is known as the “exLipinski.” Milwaukee police are currently working with the FBI Art Crime Team and Interpol to help locate the violin.
Los Angeles art gallery announces new exhibit
The J. Pau Getty museum located in Los Angeles, Calif., announced it has received 12 photographs from the early 1900s. These photographs are from the Pictoralist period, in which famous artists used their talents to promote photographs as legitimate art forms. Seven photographers are represented in the exhibit — Edwrd Steichen, Heintrich Kuhn, George Seeley, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Baron Adolph de Meyer, Gertrude Kasebier and Clarence H. White.
Money stolen from children’s choir
Former business manager for the Geary County Children’s Choir in Junction City, Kan., has been charged with stealing $10,000 from the choir’s bank account. The money was to be used for an upcoming trip to Colorado. Irwin originally claimed the money was stolen in order to pay for liver cancer treatments, but those claims were proven to be false. The children had spent hours selling candy bars for the trip that will cost $35,000.
NIGHT SKIING:
there, hop a bus to mid-town and go ahead and go to the library, spend an hour using their computer, then hit the job center and go through the rigmarole there. By the time I’m done with all that, it’s about ready to head back for line-up.” Tafaoialii struggles daily with his situation and said that when one finds his- or herself in a situation like this, he or she wakes up everyday thinking, “How the hell did this happen to me? Why am I in this situation? I had it good before, didn’t know what it was that I had before and depression kind of sets in. And so it’s pretty much getting over you’re depression, and getting yourself motivated to go out there and do something about it.” UAA Human Services Major Jack Runser volunteered at the event last week through his internship with Access Alaska. “Access Alaska, you know their
Thursday – Saturday 4 pm – 9 pm
UAA student Jack Punser volunteers at Anchorage Project Homeless with Access Alaska. Access Alaska is an Anchorage-based advocacy group.
upcoming events
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Opera singer sues hospital over botched episiotomy Mezzo-soprano Amy Herbst and her husband are suing Blanchfield Army Community Hospital for about $2 million as a result of a botched episiotomy. Herbst claimed a nurse-midwife performed the procedure during the birth of her first child without a physician present and the incision was not repaired correctly. The complaint says the procedure left her “with a feeling of urgency and incontinence, including periodic leaking of stool and excessive flatulence.” The injury makes it almost impossible for her to keep up with the rigorous schedule of a professional opera singer.
IPhone app simulates the craft of glassblowing
Dale Chihuly is well known for his blown glass sculptures, and thanks to the iPhone the public now has the chance to step into the world of glass. The app is available through the Apple App Store and allows users to create pieces of blown glass by blowing into the microphone of the iPhone. The app allows users to shape their sculptures through the touch screen, and color can be added in the same way. Sculptures can be shared with others in the app’s community.
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FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
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An inside look at the Net Neutrality and why Black Student Union people should care about it Club attempts to improve graduation rates among college students of color By Valerie Hudson
features2@thenorthernlight.org
“Black History should be celebrated all year, not just one month,” says Multicultural Center Director E. Andre Thorn, who is also the Black Student Union staff adviser. One way to celebrate and learn more about black history is by joining the Black Student Union. Black Student Union President Ashleigh Gaines took a few minutes to provide an inside look at what this student organization is all about.
Who does the Black Student Union aim to help? The Black Student Union is open to any University of Alaska student.
What is the purpose of the Black Student Union?
Our mantra is to unite, advance, encourage and inform students of African diaspora, meaning not just African Americans but also individuals from other countries that consider themselves people of color.
When are the meetings?
Meetings usually take place Tuesdays at 10 a.m., but have not started for 2014.
Where are the meetings?
By Klax Zlubzecon
Translated by George Hyde
Meetings are held in the Multicultural Center, which is located on the ground floor of Rasmuson Hall. Why should students consider joining the Black Student Union? “If students join I think they will find the name ‘Black Student Union’ is just the name. A lot of times ... (students) think that it’s just for black students, and that is not necessarily true. It just empowers and works to educate students on the background African-Americans and their history through educational purposes — which everyone can benefit from the knowledge.”
My car the deathtrap: An ode to the Kia By Evan Dodd Contributor
A man’s car is like his baby. Wait, no. That may be a bit misleading because I’m really not fond of babies. To clarify, my car is in no way a wrinkled, slobbering cry-monster that needs continuous attention. In fact, the more attention you give her, the more alarmed you may be by the dazzling array of warning lights on the dashboard. The reason I’m rambling on about my little plastic car is that her honor has come under attack as of late. Though I’m more than happy to play taxi driver whenever the occasion arises — more often than not, I seem to be repaid in well-meaning pity and outright mocking. Everyone from my girlfriend to the homeless man I drove to a Chinese restaurant have found a way to make a joke at Kia’s expense, and I’m here to set the record straight. A car is more than a means of transportation. It’s a (semi) reliable companion on long trips, a trusted caretaker of camping gear, and a safe place to sleep when your friend somehow manages to rip a hole in the tent. It’s not just a tool to get from place to place. It’s a crucial part of any good adventure. Without Kia, my grand excursions would consist of a meandering walk down to the McDonalds on Tudor and somehow that just isn’t an inspiring journey. Han Solo had the Millennium Falcon, Kirk had the Enterprise, the Doctor had his TARDIS — behind every good story is a somewhat dependable method of transportation with a unique personality and a faulty engine. Granted, Kia is more similar to the flying Winnebago from Spaceballs than any of the previous examples, and instead of a co-pilot I just have a pile of trash and hiking gear stashed in my passenger seat — but my point still stands. When it was raining sideways this summer and a friend and I saw a motorcycle catch about 6 feet of unintentional air on the highway, Kia kept us on the road with minimal fearinduced pants-wetting. When I decided to drive up the side of a mountain on a dirt road meant for the smallest of four-wheelers, Kia obliged with minimal objections. (Though her suspension has never quite recovered and she sometimes sings the song of her people if I go over 40 mph.) I’ve seen my car navigate around wrecks and obstacles with startling ease as if I were
Orange rhymes with only an observer watching her work. I’ve seen Kia scoff at the low fuel light and continue to drive for hundreds of miles as if nothing were wrong. Hell, she can even do that thing you see in Jason Statham movies where one drives really fast in reverse, flip it around and continue driving forwards as if nothing had happened. So fine, mock my car. I get it, she’s made of plastic and zip ties, missing the majority of her plastic rims and gives off the impression that she would fold like a house of cards in the event of a wreck. In fact, my airbag light has been on for three years, so for all I know I don’t even have the required safety equipment. That, coupled with her tendency to spontaneously seal the driver’s side door and the occasional electrical failure, might make her look unsafe on paper. That laundry list of defects might deter the average person, but I know better. Much like the weather, the national economy and the plot of “Lost,” the Kia tends to work better when no one understands why. So I’ll continue to trust my car, even to the day she consumes me a gigantic fireball that probably could have been prevented by some routine maintenance because that’s trust. I don’t want a sleek Jetta with a ton of computerized functions and a rear-facing camera. That’s just a soulless machine with no purpose other than to function as a status symbol. So weary travelers, girlfriend, friends that will inevitably need rides: I don’t want to hear one word about my car. There’s never been a more reliable figure in my life, even if she is made of plastic and prayers. So if I have to talk soothingly to get her to start or gently pat the stereo to get my CDs to play, just hold your tongue and try not to intrude on a personal moment. Besides, rides in the Kia invariably result in great stories to share with your fellow survivors. Whatever you do, just don’t make her angry. She tends to stall when she’s angry.
One thing I’ve learned about George over these past few weeks since the Net Neutrality ruling is that whenever technology or arts are threatened by new laws or rulings, he starts becoming an argumentative version of the Incredible Hulk. He may not be able to formulate a witty retort to an argument from the other side, but he sure can smash it to bits. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry. For those in the dark — and it does concern us how many people are in the dark about this — “Net Neutrality” is the principle that all Internet traffic should be treated equally and be given equal bandwidth. Every site and idea should have the same chance and opportunity to reach users that other sites do. In 2011, the issue of video game violence was finally settled in the annals of the Supreme Court. The Court decided that restricting sales of violent video games, while simultaneously giving violent films and other media the slip, was indeed a rather silly decision. In the months before the decision, there was George, raging like a giant green debater, trampling all other arguments regardless of the case’s good intentions. And again, in 2012, George
railed against another set of draconian laws with decent intentions: SOPA and PIPA. Aiming to stop piracy, these would have defunded copyright-infringing sites and let copyright holders police the net, kinda similar to the Emperor killing off the Jedis in “Revenge of the Sith” (spoiler alert). And now there’s the recent ruling on Net Neutrality. The D.C. district court has destroyed every notion of that idea, stating that the Federal Communications Commission has no right to enforce neutrality on Internet service providers due to a loophole in the paperwork. The intentions behind this are not so noble. Companies such as Verizon and Comcast, who instigated this case in the first place, stated their priorities — and I quote from Verizon’s spokesperson in court — circle around “commercial arrangements” regarding the competition between their own services and others like Netflix or Hulu Plus. But you guys are Alaskans. We don’t know what a “Verizon” or a “Comcast” is up here — at least, not yet. Up here, there’s only one major player in the Internet service business, and that is the infamous GCI. We emailed both GCI and the closest remote thing to a primary competitor in the broadband space, Alaska Communications, regarding their opinions on the ruling. GCI’s response smelled a tad generic, saying, “Customers are entitled to enjoy whatever legal Internet content they choose. ... Last week’s court decision has not altered that belief, nor has it
changed how GCI manages its network.” Fair enough, I suppose. But even though George and I inquired about competing video services and bandwidth bias, they never mentioned it. A bit dubious, I say. Alaska Communications gave a similar response. It is worth mentioning that it does not have any video service to compete with Netflix or other digital services, and despite being slower than GCI, it does not have caps on bandwidth, allowing for unlimited access. So there’s that. So if AC stops being honorable with their service, things may start looking bleak when it comes to Internet access. Yes, even bleaker than it already is in Alaska. It’s a bit disgusting, isn’t it? To throw away our freedoms just so richer companies can destroy their competition, all as our people remain ignorant about it. All I can do is hope that this article will be passed from student to student to spread the message that this isn’t okay. If you aren’t okay with this, spread this paper around. Tell your friends about it. Make sure everyone you know knows. Because this stuff’s important. In the meantime, I’m going to keep encouraging George to smash. That seems to work alright. Sometimes. All I can say is this. Google, if you’re listening, bring Fiber up here. You’re the hero we need and the hero we deserve. RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. EMBRACE THE SEAWOLF SLUG.
W e e s i l l ia m s e n n s Te
A UAA MAINSTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTION
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04 FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
PANTRY: Greater space and options C o n t i n ue d
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sos and teas. A door leads to a patio where guests can dine. 28-foot salad bar: This salad bar will feature dozens of selections of fresh organic salads and entrees. Several shelves of grab ‘n’ go items: Vikki said this is ideal for “busy UAA students.” It will include all-organic items such as panini, fresh breads, cheeses and sandwiches. There will also be gluten-free items like pastries and pizzas. Gluten-free kitchen: This kitchen is hidden in the back of the store, where no one working in other sections is allowed to come in. It has its own ventilation system that cannot get cross-contaminated by the system of the other kitchen. It has its own coolers, freezers and bins. New bulk items and station: Honey and maple syrup will be sold in bulk. There will also be natural lotions, conditioners, shower gels and shampoos, where customers can fill reusable bottles at a station with a sink. Vikki said this is a great way to save money, and travelers can fill 3-ounce bottles before a trip. Great wall of chocolate: There will be a 36-foot section covering a massive wall with “everything chocolate,” such as specialty chocolate chips, liquid chocolate, morsels, dipping chocolates and much more.
Humble beginnings to a bright future
Vikki said she and her husband started with a van full of wheat and other bulk items. Then the demand grew and they opened the Natural Pantry in 1976 when their first child was only 2 years old. Vikki recalled times her husband worked a full-time job and spent his spare time making repairs to their first store. She would often work six to eight hours pregnant on the same days of her delivery dates. “It’s all evolved. And 37 years, 11 children, 16 grandchildren, mixed with a few moments of sweat, blood and tears later, here we are,” Vikki said. She had a necklace her husband gave her with little gems representing all 16 of her “grandbabies,” perhaps future owners of the thriving Natural Pantry. Vikki teared up as she showed little touches here and there, such as a place where handicapaccessible carts will be available for customers — her tributes to her “sweetheart of 42 years” in their new Natural Pantry Home. Rick wheeled around in his wheelchair — a result of diabetes over the years — and asked his wife if she needed anything as she gave the exclusive tour. When asked how he felt about the new store he simply said, “I stopped in for a minute, and I’ve been here since 10 a.m.,” as the 5 o’clock traffic was dying down. “We just love our new home here (at the Natural Pantry). We both stop by here together every day,” Vikki said as she stood by Rick.
Photos by Dan Duque
The Natural Pantry offers many options, including allergy friendly and gluten-free choices for its Anchorage customers.
05 FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Student Union Den alive with Chinese New Year celebrations
Only standing room remained at the Confucius Institute-sponsored Chinese New Year celebration Jan. 31.
The Chinese New Year festivities included a dumpling making competition.
Feng Chen demonstrates a form of traditional Chinese dance Jan. 31 at the Chinese New Year celebration held in the Student Union Den. This is Year of the Horse.
Photos by Corey Hester
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06 FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sushi at home By Tim Brown
photo@thenorthernlight.org
Cooking in
COLLEGE Ingredients • • • • • • •
Premium rice Rice vinegar Nori (seaweed) Salmon Cilantro Cucumber Avocado
Kitchen Tools • • • •
Sharp kitchen knife Plastic wrap Saucepan Large spoon
Sushi is a delicate spectacle that balances presentation with delicate flavors. While quietly sitting at the bar of a sushi restaurant, one can watch the practice that goes into every plate. Sushi should be made by the masters of the craft. Witnessing how much practice and passion goes into sushi set makes me apprehensive to try and make it in my own kitchen. After all, sushi is something that is meant to be enjoyed immediately. I ask myself, “Do I have the tools? Won’t there be too much preparation? What if my rolls come out looking wonky?” That last one is definitely true! Ready for catastrophic failure, I set out to learn a thing or two. The best sushi I’ve ever had has used simple raw and fresh ingredients. The lunchbox sushi I set out to put together isn’t going to be anything like that. Yesterday’s dinner is today’s lunch: baked salmon and some stuff from the crisper. Directions: Cook 1 cup of milled white rice with 1 2/3 cup water in saucepan until tender. Remove the cooked rice from the pot and place in a glass bowl and add 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar. Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap out on a clean countertop or large flat cutting board. Spread rice across the plastic wrap in a centimeter-thick layer. Place a single layer of nori on top of the rice. In a line, place long pieces of salmon, avocado, cucumber and cilantro on the rice and nori at one side of the square of laid-out rice. Carefully, begin rolling the rice over the ingredients with the saran wrap. Keep rolling it until the rice is cylindrical, with the nori and ingredients in the center. Umai!
Sushi made at home isn’t an unsurmountable task. It is actually easier than you think.
Today’s leftovers are tomorrow’s lunch.
Photos by Tim Brown
Growing AK job market, a promising future for UAA grads By Suhaila Brunelle
news@thenorthernlight.org For the last three months, Alaska’s unemployment rate has hovered between 6.6 percent and 6.4 percent indicating a slow but steady increase in employment for Alaskans. The national unemployment rate has been coming down faster, but that’s because the Lower 48 has more to recover from since the 2007 recession. Neal Freid, economist for the Alaska Department of Labor, said, “Our rate is back to sort of the long-term average or slightly below the average, whereas the national rate is still way above the average.” Freid says this is because Alaska’s economy did not go through the deep recession that the rest of the country did, and as a result, Alaska does not have anything to make up for. Alaska lost a few jobs in 2009, but in 2010 those jobs were recovered, and Alaska has seen a steady increase in employment from then on. Certain states, such
as Washington, are also seeing increases in employment, but it all depends geographical location, said Freid. Overall, there is a deficit of about 1 million jobs in the United States. Currently, the healthcare industry is seeing exponential growth nation wide. There are a wide variety of jobs in healthcare and a wide variety of earning potential. Freid said, “If you are graduating with a degree in nursing, then your wages are going to be pretty good.” The oil industry is also growing, but it’s a smaller industry that does not employ as many people as the healthcare industry. In the past, the United States government has been a big employer, but the public sector is shrinking so it’s been more difficult to find government jobs. According to Freid, a UAA student who graduated within the last 5 or 6 years is well placed, since Alaska was not hit as hard in the recession. The situation was decent then, and it still is now. The Career Services Center at UAA can assist students and alumni in finding
a job. According to Natalie Elder, Office Manager at Career Services, one of the best resources the center offers is its jobs database. Recently, 3,798 employers were registered on the database with 263 active and available jobs. Unlike other job boards, the Career Services database is monitored closely in order to ensure the employers are legitimate and jobs openings are current. “We have resume and cover letter assistance, so basically it’s one-on-one appointments”, said Danica Bryant, coordinator of Work Force and Career Development. “I’ve done a couple where there were siblings and they wanted to meet together, so we can do group appointments as well”, she went on to add. The appointments last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on what service is being used would like to have reviewed. Students and alumni need to have their documents turned into the center by 8 a.m. the day of their appointment so they can be thoroughly reviewed. Bryant says that one of the services
offered is the mock-interview, for practice, since they know that interviews can be nerve-wracking. These mock-interviews are tailored to the job the student is applying for, and can be very helpful. They are treated like real interviews, with students being required to dress formally and come early. Career Services also hosts job fairs in the Student Union each semester. The spring semester citywide job fair is coming on February 13th. One week before the fair there will be a resume share in the Career Services office. The resume share will run like a speed dating event with local employers on hand for timed reviews of resumes. Elder, said they have helped hundreds of students and alumni gain employment. Elder wants students to know there is a Career Center on campus that is always ready to help them find jobs, and it’s totally free. The average wage in Alaska is $21.00 per hour. To make an appointment with Career Services, call 907-786-4513 and choose Option 2.
AE &
07 Alaska Film Forum presents 10th Open Projector Night THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Filmmaker Matt Jardin and Megan Hellenthal at Open Projector Night last Thursday at Bear Tooth Theatrepub. Jardin is the proprietor of Alaskero Pictures.
Photos by Kayla McGraw
Revelers in the lobby of Bear Tooth Theatrepub at Open Projector Night. The event let out at 1 a.m.
By Kelly Ireland
arts@thenorthernlight.org About every three months Bear Tooth Theatrepub hosts a 90-minute event known as Open Projector Night, or OPN. The event presented by the Alaska Film Forum, Bear Tooth Theatrepub and Alaska Filmmakers is a chance for local filmmakers to showcase their works publically. The works are often of decent, if not very good, quality and are really quite impressive. The last OPN, on Jan. 30, was the 10th OPN ever held. There were short films including a fishing film about catch and release, music videos and animated shorts. Other films spanned topics such as building a robot, killing one’s ex and heart-wrenching tales about mourning. The audience seemed to enjoy all but a
few films of the set. “One cartoon was really dragging on. That was boring the hell out of me. Other than that, I was pretty entertained by the whole thing,” said UAA alumnus Chad Bird, who was in attendance at last week’s OPN. Alaska Film Forum, one of the sponsors of the events, mission statement is, “Building Alaska’s film community and encouraging independent filmmaking through exhibition, education and production.” OPN, which Alaska Film Forum began in 2011, is just one of the many ways they allow filmmakers to exhibit their works. Those interested in submitting films for future OPN can contact Joshua Lowman at 907-244-7579 or joshua. lowman@gmail.com or visit http://www. alaskafilmforum.org.
FOREIGN FILM FANATIC
‘The Turin House’
By Jacob Holley-Kline arts2@thenorthernlight.org
There was a point in watching “The Turin Horse” where I wanted to curl up in a dark place somewhere and sleep forever. It’s depressing. But not in the “I want to cry” way. It’s depressing in the “Oh, so life is meaningless?” kind of way. It’s said that the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche arrived in Turin, Italy, in 1889 to see a cabman whipping his horse in the town square. In a fit of mania, Nietzsche threw his arms around the horse’s neck while sobbing and begging the driver to stop. The driver stops. Nietzsche is taken home where he lies motionless until uttering his last words, “Mutter, ich bin dumme” and dying 10 years later without having spoken another word. As the film says, “We do not know what happened to the horse.” The film follows that same cabman, Ohlsdorfer (Janos Derzsi, “The Notebook”) and his daughter (Erika Bok, “The Man from London”) who live in the Italian countryside. Slowly but surely, their lives begin to fall apart for no particular reason. Over a 2 1/2-hour length and 30 camera shots in total, viewers see every last bit of normalcy wrenched from them in various degrees. Those who have seen a Bela Tarr film
will know what to expect. But those who haven’t, be warned: this is not a movie to be enjoyed. It’s mental and emotional toil. The tone is so bleak and dreadful, the landscape so empty, the protagonists so unknowable, that it’s sometimes hard to care about what happens. But, it has a mesmerizing surrealism that’s hard to describe. Shot in black-and-white, each take lasts upwards of 12-15 minutes. Despite two drawn-out monologues and one heated encounter, the dialogue is minimal. One could probably count on one hand the number of times Ohlsdorfer speaks to his daughter, or vice versa. The cinematography is impeccable. All 30 scenes are intricately detailed, and what’s not said is as important as what’s said. Little details inside of their house, like an empty birdcage or an unnamed photograph, hint at the myriad untold stories beyond their desolate shelter. The film is so stripped of excess that sometimes it feels more like a skeleton than a full-blooded movie. Ohlsdorfer and his unnamed daughter are never expanded upon. The audience doesn’t know their backstory because it wouldn’t serve the film, but this makes them feel like sketches rather than actual people. After the two-hour mark, it’s hard to care about their fate, no matter how devastating the final scene is. This is a post-apocalyptic tale without a physical apocalypse, and since it’s Bela Tarr’s final film, it ends up being poignant. Still, there’s a good chance that, if you aren’t familiar with his work or if you aren’t a fan of long shots, you’ll hate this movie. It’s unapologetically minimalist and jarring. But it’s clear that it never set out to be anything else. Country: Hungary Title: “The Turin Horse” Director: Bela Tarr Release date: Feb. 15, 2011 Genre: Drama
GAME REVIEW
‘Strike Vector’ is a potent shooter
By George Hyde
gchyde@thenorthernlight.org Multiplayer shooter games today lack a sense of thrill. Getting kills and points is easy in a game like “Call of Duty” and as such, the experience feels mind-numbing and boring. Then a game like “Strike Vector” comes along and reminds players what they all love about shooters in the first place: the thrill of the hunt, the rush of a chase and that rewarding feeling when one nails a shot on a flying target moving at a hundred miles an hour. The game play of “Strike Vector” seems simple at first glance, but takes a while to get used to. Basically, think “Star Fox” meets “Quake” with a dash of the recent multiplayer hit “Tribes: Ascend.” Players outfit their space jets with “Quake”-style weapons like rocket launchers, shotguns, sniper rifles, homing missiles, miniguns or any other assortment of cool weaponry. There’s even a few “Star Fox” style items as well, like the classic bubble shield that protects you from attacks. After jet customization is complete, it’s off to the danger zone to fight dozens of other fighters in an aerial dogfight to the death. Modes include the typical multiplayer modes found in other shooters, from standard Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch to King of the Hill. Every match is fast-paced and allows for a variety of strategies. Players can sit in a corner and pick off others with a sniper rifle, or get someone’s attention
and lure them into a trap. Every player is allowed the freedom to play as they want to, and the result is a nail-biting good time. Unfortunately, the experience isn’t perfect yet. Though the developers claim the beta has ended, the experience as a whole still feels like a beta, with lackluster menus and some weapons that overpower others. When looking at the scoreboard at the end of one round, for example, there was a clear difference between those who were using homing weapons and those who weren’t. The developers have announced that they will support the game with free downloadable content in the future, which is nice, but the fact that there are still some basic balance kinks to work out is infuriating. In addition, the pricing may seem a bit high for some. In a market where games like “Team Fortress 2” and “Tribes: Ascend” are free to play and provide a fair and balanced landscape for those who don’t want to pay, $25 for a game like this seems a little steep. “Strike Vector” isn’t perfect yet, but it has incredible potential to become one of the finest multiplayer shooters on the PC market. If you’re willing to put up with the balance issues, this is a shooter worth diving into. Title: “Strike Vector” Developer: Ragequit Corporation Platform: PC, Mac Genre: Shooter
08 A&E
Celebrities who look alike
Scarlett Johansson
Amber Heard
Penelope Cruz
Scarlett Johansson (“Her”) and Amber Heard (“Machete Kills”) have a number of similar features including face shape, bone structure, nose shape, eyebrows, lips, big breasts and blue eye color. Amber Heard, especially in her films “3 Days to Kill,” Machete Kills” and “Syrup,” looks a lot like a blonde Scarlett Johansson.
America Ferrera
Jordin Sparks
Demi Moore
Jennifer Connelly
Matt Damon
Mark Wahlberg
Zoe Saldaña
Thandie Newton
Are Demi Moore (“Very Good Girls”) and Jennifer Connelly (“Stuck in Love”) even different people? After finding out Jennifer Connelly is an actress some may question the assumption that Demi Moore was the actress in any of the films they thought she was in. Demi Moore looks slightly older, as she is, but they could definitely be sisters with the way they look.
These two handsome men share more than just good looks in common. Matt Damon (“The Monuments Men”) and Mark Wahlberg (“Lone Survivor”) practically have the same haircut and hairstyle, in addition to analogous face shapes. With their bright blue eyes that are hard not to get lost in, Damon and Wahlberg are both easy on the eyes as well as similar in appearance. The two even have an agreement to pretend to be each other and sign one another’s autograph when mistaken for the other.
Both Zoe Saldaña (“Out of the Furnace”) and Thandie Newton (“Rogue”) have beautiful dark skin and soft, wavy brown hair that makes them look stunningly gorgeous. They also share similar nose shapes, dimples, eyes and face shape. Their dimples, while quite similar, are slightly different with Saldaña’s being more about her smile and Newton’s being below hers.
By Kelly Ireland
arts@thenorthernlight.org
Salma Hayek
Stars of 2006 “Bandidas” Penelope Cruz (“The Counselor”) and Salma Hayek (“Ugly Betty”) could very well be related. They have similar noses, long brown hair and brown eyes. The two are both beautiful Spanish women — Cruz born in Spain and Hayek born in Mexico
Jennifer Garner
These two could be twins because they look very alike. America Ferrera and Jordin Sparks resemble one another in a variety of ways: eyes, hair, smile, nose, face shape and more. Nearly everything about their faces are matched.
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Hilary Swank
With their feathery, layered brunette hair Jennifer Garner (“Dallas Buyers Club”) and Hilary Swank (“Mary and Martha”) are each other’s doppelgangers. Garner and Swank’s strong jaws, eyes, noses and smiles could easily be mistaken for the others.
Katy Perry
Emily Blunt
Daniel Radcliffe
Elijah Wood
Niall Horan
Ellen Degeneres
With looks and bodies that could kill, actress Emily Blunt (“Arthur Newman”) and singer Katy Perry look like sisters. The two are both 5 feet 7 inches and only a year apart in age. They both have blue eyes and a small, slightly pointed and cute nose with a dented-in chin.
Daniel Radcliffe (“The Woman in Black”) and Elijah Wood (“Wilfred”) are dead ringers for one another. Aside from the two starring in popular fantasy sagas they both have piercing blue eyes, square jaws, skinny pointy noses and messy hair and eyebrows. The two also are similar in height with Radcliffe at 5 feet 5 inches and Wood at 5 feet 6 inches.
Ellen Degeneres (“The Ellen Show”) could more than likely pass as One Direction’s Niall Horan’s mother. Apart from having different shaped noses the two have the exact same facial features. Their smiles, hair, eyes and face shape are exactly the same. If the two are ever in a movie where they need a mom or son they could definitely play as each other’s.
MOVIE REVIEW
‘That Awkward Moment’ portrays awkward story
By Jacob Holley-Kline and Gabriela Riquelma arts2@thenorthernlight.org
Contributor
Imagine Woody Allen movie. Now, take away everything that makes a Woody Allen movie good and you’d get something a better than “That Awkward Moment.” Set in New York, the film follows three single yuppies: pretty boy Jason (Zac Efron, “Parkland”), the sardonic Daniel (Miles Teller, “21 & Over”) and recently divorced Mikey (Michael B. Jordan, “Fruitvale Station”). After Mikey’s separation, Jason and Daniel vow to stay single. That is, until Ellie (Imogen Poots, “A Late Quartet”) and Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis, “Smashed”) come to sweep them off their feet. Stories like this have been told hundreds of times. Young guys or young girls trying to balance life, work and love in the Big Apple. It takes a good script and a cast with chemistry to make this tried and true formula work, but “That Awkward Moment” only has the latter. That’s just not enough. Even through some painfully prolonged bouts of banter, Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan are charming enough. They’ve all got charisma and despite the shoddily written script, somehow make the camaraderie seem genuine.
“That Awkward Moment” has an admirable purpose. It’s trying to say something about dating in the digital age, but that message gets lost in a sea of selfish decisions and alcohol. But this is not a message movie. It’s a movie made by men, with men and for men. Any choice made that breaks up a relationship can be undone with some tears and a speech. Simple. When it comes down to it, the movie just isn’t that funny. There are some inspired bits, like Jason and Daniel’s awkward boss, Fred, who starts every conversation with, “Hey, it’s Fred.” But it’s not all comedy, the movie attempts drama and fails miserably. Besides Mikey’s divorce, no groundwork is laid for any of the awful things that happen to the characters. It makes the whole thing even more unbelievable. I had no expectations for “That Awkward Moment” and I was still disappointed. The only special thing about the movie is how badly it fails to be funny at almost every turn. It keeps its head above water thanks to the charming cast, but, in the end, even that’s not enough to keep it from drowning. Film: “That Awkward Moment” Release Date: Jan. 31, 2014 Director: Frank Gormican Starring: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan
SPORTS SPORTS BRIEFS
4 Seawolves set NCAA provisional marks
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
09
BBALL: UAA nabs Thursday night win 77-70
NAMPA, Idaho — The Alaska Anchorage Seawolves combined for four provisional NCAA qualifying marks on the final day of the Ed Jacoby Invitational & Multi Saturday. Additionally, the Seawolves furnished seven topthree results. Collecting a victory in the men’s one mile race was senior Micah Chelimo. A local of Kapkoi, Kenya, Chelimo collected his second provisional NCAA qualifying (PNQ) time of the season, clocking in at 4:15.86. Chelimo previously set a PNQ in the 3,000 meters at 8:10.99 The Seawolves will have the next weekend off before heading back to Seattle, Wash., for the Husky Classic, Feb. 14-15.
Anders sets 2 UAA records in Idaho
NAMPA, Idaho — The Alaska Anchorage men’s and women’s track and field team received four career bests and two school records as the Seawolves wrapped up the first of two days at the Ed Jacoby Invite & Multi Friday. Pacing the way for the Seawolves was All-American Karolin Anders in the pentathlon. Anders, from Berlin, Germany, used three personal bests for a UAA record of 3,774 points. She came away with the win in the high jump with an indoor UAA-record of 5-7.75 — tying her school record from the outdoor season. Both pentathlon and high jump qualified her provisionally for the NCAAs in February. Anders also set PRs in the 60-meter hurdles at 9.24 — good for third — and in the 800 meters at 2:24.22 for the victory. Overall, Anders finished second to Chula Vista’s Shana Woods (4,100).
Seawolves 5th after Day 1 in Colorado
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — Following two events of the Colorado Invitational/ Spencer James Nelson Memorial, the Alaska Anchorage ski team is currently in fifth place Friday among Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association members. The Seawolves combined for 119 points – 62 points for the women and 57 for the men. Leading the nine-team league is Denver with 176 points, while New Mexico is second at 154 and Utah is third with 152. Host Colorado leads UAA with 137 points. In the men’s 10K classical, freshman Etienne Richard (Gaspese, Quebec) was the first Seawolf across the line, completing the race in a time of 29:07.9 for ninth – Richard has finished in the top 10 three times this season. Also scoring for the Green & Gold were senior All-American Lukas Ebner (29:14.4) and freshman Andrew Arnold (29:47.8) in 12th and 16th, respectively.
Balanced Seawolves outlast Wildcats, 77-70
ANCHORAGE — Sophomores Jessica Madison and Jenna Buchanan combined for 29 points to lead a balanced Alaska Anchorage effort Thursday as the Seawolves escaped with a 77-70 women’s basketball victory over Central Washington at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. As a team, UAA committed a season-low nine turnovers, tying for the 8th-best performance in program history and marking the fewest for a Seawolf club since March 2011.
Photos by Adam Eberhardt
UAA’s women’s basketball team huddles during the Jan. 30 game against the Central Washington Wildcats in the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.
Seawolves’ guard Christina Davis runs the ball away from Central Washington University Jan. 30.
UAA sophomore guard Jenna Buchanan leads the ball past CWU sophomore forward Seawolf freshman guard Kiki Robertson throws the ball Jan. 30 in an Courtney Johnson during the match on Thursday Jan. 30. attempt to score against WSU, where UAA won 77-70.
Seawolves victorious over Crusaders 72-70
Men rally past SFU for 3rd straight road win
BURNABY, British Columbia — Travis Thompson scored 25 points, including the game-winning layup with 3.8 seconds remaining, to help the Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball team edge Simon Fraser 65-64 at the SFU West Gym on Thursday night. The Seawolves (13-8, 6-4 GNAC) also got eight points and 10 rebounds from junior swingman Teancum Stafford as they won their third straight road game, including the last two by one point. Thompson’s nine rebounds also marked a career-high as the Preseason All-GNAC selection went over 25 points for the fifth straight game. It was his 15th game this year with at least 20 points, including 13 of the last 15 contests.
Freshman guard Kiki Robertson attempts a layup against Northwest Nazarene Crusaders Saturday night.
Junior forward KeKe Wright goes for a layup Feb. 1 against Northwest Nazarene defenders.
Freshman forward Alysha Devine shoots against Northwest Nazarene during Saturday night’s game in the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.
Stafford earns Academic All-District with 4.0
ANCHORAGE — Alaska Anchorage’s Teancum Stafford was named Thursday to the Capital One Academic All-District 8 Men’s Basketball Team, recognizing the junior as one of the top five student-athletes among the 32 schools of the NCAA Division II West Region. Stafford and the other academic all-district honorees now advance to the Academic AllAmerica Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team Academic All-America honorees will be selected later this month. Both pentathlon and high jump qualified her provisionally for the NCAAs in February. Briefs compiled by Ashley Snyder from GoSeawolves.com
Freshman forward Alysha Devine and sophomore guard Jenna Buchanan reach for the ball Feb. 1 against Northwest Nazarene Crusaders.
Photos by Adam Eberhardt
10 SPORTS L C HA N
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THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
at the Anchorage Museum
SCIENCE MEETS ART in this provocative look at our throwaway culture and the legacy of trash revealed by ocean gyres.
SPONSORED BY:
SURDNA FOUNDATION
THE PAUL G. ALLEN FAMILY FOUNDATION NOAA MARINE DEBRIS PROGRAM
THE WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST FOUNDATION ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG FOUNDATION
NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS
LEONARD AND TANNIE HYDE
11 SPORTS AK Aces take on Idaho Steelheads at Sullivan Arena
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Alaska Aces center Ross Ring-Jarvi gets ready to face off early in the second period during the match against the Idaho Steelheads at the Sullivan Arena on Saturday Feb. 1.
Alaskan Ace Tommy Mele scores the winning shot during the shootout, securing the Aces a 3-2 win over the Idaho Steelheads.
Photos by Corey Hester
Boomer reads a sign from a loyal Aces fan that says, “It’s my birthday, win the game for me. Go Aces!” Boomer later gave the fan a t-shirt.
Aces defense Dustin Molle gets into a spat with Steelheads forward Johnny McGuire on the ice during the match at the Sullivan Arena Feb 1.
OPINION
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
12
OPINION: TOE-TO-TOE
Why I can’t stand Black History Month Why we should care about Black History Month By MoHagani Adamu Contributor
“Negro History Week” was conceived in 1926, and within the past eight generations, this single week has grown to a month-long international celebration, focusing on Africans throughout the diaspora. Somehow, all of the progressive ideas stalled out in the 1970s, and many communities are still drinking the same Kool-Aid, still telling and doing the same old things. I would like to take time and move this month expediently forward into new ways of thinking, answering some lingering questions and raising a few in an effort to spark dialogue so we can break the chains of internalized oppression. “Why do we get the shortest month of the year?” In 1926, Carter G. Woodson and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History chose to have “Negro History Day” in February because it marked the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass. “Black History Month” was established in 1976 at Kent State University by the Black United Students organization. In 1987 the idea spread to the United Kingdom, and Canada joined in 1995, which propelled the celebration into the international arena. Also during the 1990s the word “black” was replaced with “African-American.” “Why is there no White History Month?” Because no one has created one! We have Women’s History Month in March, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, Hispanic History Month in September and Native American History Month in November. I hear this same complaint about the absence of “White History Month,” and I have yet to hear anyone say, “No, you can’t do that!” However, I am interested to see what it would look like, what month is chosen, what is taught and who is going to be honored. More importantly if and when it is established, I want to see some far northern and eastern ethnic Europeans in the mix, because I have some cool-as-ice Lithuanians girlfriends looking for annual representation too. Folks are always going back and forth about “the whites” vs. “the blacks.” There is just so much more to explore. There is no time to be wasting our energies comparing ourselves to others. So, let me go beyond and break down a few myths and address some conversations before I slam this microphone down. “We were all slaves!” There is a major difference between being a “slave” and being “enslaved.” Enslavement is a state of mind, as opposed to being a slave, which is a state
of the body’s subjugation to unpaid servitude. The Africans bought, sold and traded between the 13th and 19th centuries of the transantlantic slave trade were captives and prisoners of war, not slaves. Some, not all Europeans nations, along with all three of the major Western religions, played substantial roles in human trafficking. To understand why Africans sold other Africans into slavery, you must examine the state of pre-colonial Africa. Until the “peculiar institution” of slavery in America, the world had not seen a slavery system that involved perpetual slavery, in which people’s children and grandchildren were enslaved property long before they were born. Furthermore, not everyone came to America as enslaved. There were folks like my Trinidadian ancestral grandfather, who came on his own as a free man in search of work as a skilled laborer.
African-American “his”-story Speaking of “his”-story, women are almost totally left out. The month is filled with events honoring great dead male African-American leaders, yet most times these programs are entirely orchestrated by women. Where are the conversations about the National Association of Colored Women? The NACW was founded in 1890s and also inspired the creation of the NAACP a decade later. Where are the conversations about Zora-Neal Hurston, Alice Walker, Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan and other women who elevated feminist thought to include all marginalized women throughout the world? Some folks act like heterosexuality is the only thing happening. Where are the conversations about gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual and queer identities in the African-American community? When are we going to have real talk about all the harm we caused one another with our own brand of sexism, misogyny, abuse, rape and violence against women and children? This is why I can’t stand Black History Month. Like Fannie Lou Hammer said, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I, too, am sick and tired of all the complaining, victimization, watering down, sugar coating and sweeping under the rug. But most importantly, I can’t stand the lack of progressive thinking! I love my heritage, culture and language, and I look forward to wearing my jazzy African regalia yearly. I know we can turn this around, so everyone can walk away from African-American History Month feeling rejuvenated, educated and inspired to embrace and celebrate life daily. I know this can be done because “I can’t” also means “I control all negative thoughts.” I have just drawn you in with a negative statement and have fed you some good, positive loving.
By Valerie Hudson
features2@thenorthernlight.org
Black History Month has been a topic of great debate as this year’s celebrations quickly approach. Individuals appear to be of two minds when it comes to the celebration of Black History Month. Some say that Black history accounts for way too much of American history to be confined to just one month, while others view this month as an opportunity to focus and celebrate the long legacy of struggle and triumphs in the African-American history. Here are five reasons why everyone regardless of race, gender or age is should participate in Black History Month: Multicultural Center Director E. Andre Thorn said, “Black history is not just for blacks, because black history is American history.” America is definitely a melting pot of different cultures and ways of living. Despite the history of individuals having to fight for basic living standards in this country, the women’s and LGBT movements, for example, both credit the black struggle in paving the path for their own battles. UAA Black Student Union President Ashleigh Gaines said, “People should want to learn about black history month because AfricanAmericans built this country. If you look back at the history, you see that the White House was built on the backs of slaves.” The story behind Black History Month is actually interesting. The celebration of Black History Month dates back to the summer of 1915, when University of Chicago alumnus Carter Woodson traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in a national celebration of the 15th Amendment anniversary. Noting the overwhelming response to this national event, Woodson set the
ball in motion that began “Negro History Week,” which would later become Black History Month. Since 1976 every U.S. president has designated February “Black History Month.” Black History Month offers an opportunity to not only reflect on the accomplishments of African-Americans, but people of color all on a global level — as well as any group of people that has been affected by black history. This includes women and members that identify with the LGBT community. There are many events about black history that are both interesting and informative. All students can participate in them, and some are even free. Some of the events offered include: Viewing of “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross”: Although this event began yesterday, on Feb. 3, students still have time to catch most of this captivating movie series, followed by a discussion about the film. Other dates include Feb. 10, 17, 24 and March 3 in Rasmuson Hall Room 106 from 6-8 p.m. National Coalition Building Institute Student Workshop: This will occur Feb. 8 from 9:55 a.m.-5:15 p.m. in Gorsuch Commons Room 107. Valentine’s Dance: Black Student Union will host a Valentine’s dance Feb. 15 at the Student Union Cafeteria from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests must have valid UAA ID to attend. The trials of Muhammad Ali: This event will take place Feb. 12 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in Rasmuson Hall. “Our Stories” panel: The panel will be Feb. 13 from noon-1:30 p.m. in Consortium Library Room 307. Film producer speech: Wil Haygood, associate producer of the movie “The Butler,” will visit Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Wendy Williamson Auditorium. This is a free event.
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PEOPLE
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
HOTTEST TOPICS How many times have you fallen on the ice this year?
Charlee Ruhl
Health Sciences Major
I haven’t fallen at all this year on the ice, but I have seen several people fall, especially in the RH (Rasmuson Hall) parking lot.
Silver Unbyul Yim
Hospitality and Restaurant Management Major Total two times I have fell on ice this year.
What are your thoughts about Anchorage School District monetary cutbacks?
Brandon Kelley
Aviation Management Major
I think the school district needs to use its money more wisely, invest in students and class — and not art and other unnecessary thing.
Carey Brown
Assistant Director of AHAINA
With the release of key educators from ASD, the classes will become too full to effectively deliver a rigorous curriculum to the students.
Hottest Topics Questions, photos and Comments compiled bY MoHagani Adamu
Sunday Kuany Undeclared
I have fallen three times ... this year on my face on my way to my mom’s car.
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Daphne Brashear
Business Management Major
Too many, can’t count, but I am not complaining because we are not in the Polar Vortex, and I love to laugh at rellies (relatives) in the Lower 48! Bring the ice on!
What do you like or dislike about African-American History Month?
Connie Dennis
Adjunct Professor - Guidance
I like it because it is the only way our story is going to get told. One gets to hear and see people who have contributed to unity in America.
Terrance Fuller
Biological Sciences Major
African-American history is just American history to me. I love it, because every February I’m encouraged to learn a little more about my country’s beautiful tapestry.
COMICS
THENORTHERNLIGHT Tuesday, February 4, 2014
14
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 4,500. 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.
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THE NORTHERN LIGHT CONTACTS 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 Ashley Snyder Managing Editor content@thenorthernlight.org Tulsi Patil Copy editor copy1@thenorthernlight.org Kierra Hammons news editor 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Suhaila Brunelle FEATURES EDITOR 786-1576 features@thenorthernlight.org Nita Mauigoa A&E editor 786-1512 arts@thenorthernlight.org Kelly Ireland
sports editor 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Vacant
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Roz Kirkelie
Photo editor photo@thenorthernlight.org Tim Brown
advertising Manager 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Chelsea Dennis
Staff Photographer photo2@thenorthernlight.org
Vacant
Kayla McGraw
Marketing Representative
Multimedia Editor
Web Editor web@thenorthernlight.org Jenna! Roosdett
multimedia@thenorthernlight.org
Layout Editor layout@thenorthernlight.org Vacant
eerickson@thenorthernlight.org
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org
Valerie Hudson
ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Jacob Holley-Kline ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR sports2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant
Vacant
Staff reporters
Evan Erickson
gchyde@thenorthernlight.org
George Hyde
CONTRIBUTORS MoHagani Adamu Evan Dodd Daniel “Dan” Duque Adam Eberhardt Audriana “Audri” Pleas Gabriela Riquelma media adviser Paola Banchero administrative adviser Annie Route
CORRECTIONS On Page 1 of the Jan. 14 issue of The Northern Light we misnamed Providence Alaska Medical Center in the article “Man allegedly held against will at hospital.” Providence does not deny that Bret Bohn is a patient. Bohn is not listed in their directory.