The Northern Light December 10, 2013 Issue

THENORTHERNLIGHT NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

DECEMBER 11, 2013

A&E

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CLEP-for-credit list to exclude history classes

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January movie preview

Keeping it Alaskan UAA Seawolves

Fair reminds locals of home-grown goodness

take on UAF Nanooks for cup

PHOTO BY DAN DUQUE

PHOTO BY DAN DUQUE

Bachelor of fine arts student Lena Brown describes working with a wet belt sander to create cut glass pieces at the UAA Crafts Fair.

By Nita Mauigoa

features@thenorthernlight.org With all the hubbub of new franchises and chains breezing in from the Lower 48, it’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy. But when the dust settles, there still exists the homegrown goodness that makes Alaska unique.

UAA hosted an arts and crafts fair last Saturday, featuring the work of more than 90 Alaskan artists and craftsmen. The event has a reputation for presenting premium quality handmade items exclusively found in Alaska.

Craft items include art made of rich Alaska furs, woods and ivories — items people from around the world spend fortunes on just to have shipped to their homes. Yet locals can simply purchase the treasures and walk home with them here.

Maragret Fetrow, founder of Fetrow’s House of Woodworking in Wasilla, featured the store’s custom-made wooden toys: trucks, trains and planes made of Alaska birch and spruce.

“We only buy the barrows and wheels from

the Lower 48. We buy everything locally like our lumber from Pauper’s Mill off the Parks Highway.

We keep it local,” Fetrow said.

Fetrow said that as a born and bred Alaskan, she does not like to see the new chains that come up from the Lower 48 and hopes the younger generation realizes that the quality of Alaskan-made products outlasts anything “boxed” and sold in masses.

Ken Lisborne, a renowned Inupiaq Esikimo artist, showcased his visually arresting portraits as well.

Lisborne founded the business Ooyahtoan’s, and his work has been showcased at several events such as the World Eskimo and Indian Olympics.

His colorful canvas usually has cultural stories behind it, like stories of whale hunting and life in Point Hope, his hometown.

With popular chains moving into town, some say local business owners should be worried.

However, sometimes it’s easy to forget about the uniqueness of Alaskan-made products that makes the state stand out above the rest. Locals just need a reminder from time to time.

Exercising during finals

By Kelly Ireland

arts@thenorthernlight.org UAA’s 2013 fall semester draws to an end as finals week begins. Many students find themselves exercising their brains but neglecting their bodies as they prepare for their finals. And for other students, they find refuge from the stress in exercising, which according to WebMD is “one of the best ways to manage stress.”

“I’m getting fat. It’s terrible,” said nursing major Dylan Lance about not exercising in the weeks leading up to finals.

Lance normally works out three or four times a week, but he says he hasn’t had the time while he studies for Anatomy and Physiology and Introduction to Organic Chemistry, specifically.

Lance isn’t the only one feeling like he doesn’t have enough time to make for working out either.

“Going to the gym is extremely beneficial for me,” said Rich Whitney, a double major in philosophy and history. Whitney says working out is good for “weight loss, improving endurance and strength” as well as being “healthy and good for relieving stress.”

Whitney attends the gym four times weekly, but he hasn’t had the time to go while he prepares for finals, going only twice in the last week.

“I’m not relieving the stress through physical exertion, but instead focusing wholly on my studies,” Whitney said.

Some students don’t even find the time when finals aren’t looming in the near future.

“I just don’t exercise,” said fine arts major Sam Gonzalez.

Other students, however, find themselves exercising just as much as normal — if not more — in attempts to take a break from the strenuous studying.

“I’m probably going to run tomorrow all the way to the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, play volleyball and run back.

I do that every Monday and Wednesday,” said Gerhard Sells, who is majoring in International Studies and Languages. “When I’m frustrated with classes or have something going on, I usually take a break to go on a run or exercise. I usually feel a lot better after I go for a run.”

Like Sells, many other students at UAA feel that working out is a stress reliever. However, studying for finals has taken the lead on their priorities.

“I can’t go to the gym as much because I have to study for finals,” said mechanical engineering major Garrison Theroux.

Theroux finds the gym a way to relieve stress. saying, “I’m stressed out because of finals, and I can’t go to the gym so I’m stressed out more than ever.”

As the semester closes students may find themselves stressed but should keep strong because break is only a few days away. Whether one exercises or tries to purely focus on studying, he or she should try to find a healthy balance between working hard and taking a break.

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Captains Colton Beck, UAF, and Brett Cameron, UAA, meet before a physical game in the Governor’s Cup series.

By Travis Dowling Contributor

Friday

Friday night UAA faced off against the University of Alaska Fairbanks for the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup. Fifteen seconds into the start of the game the UAF Nanooks struck first with a goal scored by Marcus Basara. The Seawolves would tie the game at 15:49 of the first period. The goal scored by Dylan Hubbs, his second goal of the season. Jordan Kwas and Chris Williams assisted Hubbs on the play.

The second period started with UAA and UAF deadlocked at one goal apiece. A goal scored at 11:32 in the second period gave UAA a 2-1 lead over the Nanooks. The Seawolves held the lead until 18:24 of the second period; UAF’s Tyler Morley brought the score to goals for both teams.

The third period started the same way as the second period but with both teams locked in a 2-2 tie. At the 9:35 mark of the third period UAA’s Brett Cameron scored the game-winning goal, giving the Seawolves a 1-0 in the battle for the Governor’s Cup.

Saturday

Saturday’s game saw the UAA Seawolves leading the UAF Nanooks 1-0 in the chase for the Governor’s Cup. UAF, however,

SEE CUP

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Celebration tops out engineering building

PHOTO BY DAN DUQUE

Crowds gather to celebrate topping out the Engineering and Industry Building, scheduled to open fall 2015.

By Ashley Snyder

editor@thenorthernlight.org

Crowds gathered in the Bookstore parking lot Dec. 6 to watch a lone piece of metal hoisted to the top of the continually growing Engineering and Industry Building. This piece of metal bore the signatures of more than 50 individuals commemorating the final piece of steel to be outfitted onto the frame of the new building in what is called a “topping-out” ceremony. Among the signees were Chancellor Tom Case, previous chancellor Fran

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Ulmer, Society of Women Engineers chapter of UAA president Andrea Hulman, as well as dozens of students, staff and faculty. Their inscriptions and messages will forever be preserved on the bright yellow piece of steel, soon to be concealed within the building.

Sophomore Matthew Jacobs attended the event to show his school spirit despite the gloomy weather.

“It is great to see so many students who aren’t

thenorthernlight.org

SEE CEREMONY

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02 NEWS

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

Final Frenzy: Two seniors offer advice on finishing finals

By Suhaila Brunelle

news@thenorthernlight.org It’s that time of the semester again — the time of the semester each student loathes, when studying, final projects and exams consume his or her life. This single week can determine the future of one’s entire college career and future. With so much hinging on this final week of the semester, two seniors offer advice to those struggling with getting through.

Name: Rachael Althof Transfer student from San Diego to UAA in 2011 Journalism and Communications senior TNL: How many credits are you taking this semester?

Althof: I usually take 15 per semester. I would be graduating at the end of this semester, but UAA said I still needed upper division credits, so I will be graduating spring 2014 — which is fine, because now I don’t have to wait six months to walk had I graduated in the fall. I can go straight from my finals to walking on that shiny wooden floor in cap and gown.

Do you have finals in all of your classes?

Yes. I don’t believe I was ever lucky enough to not have a final in any of my classes during my college career. I envy those who have that magical ability.

How do you study for final exams?

Let’s be honest. I don’t really study, per se. I know that sounds horrible, but for someone like me who works full time and takes 15 credits a semester. I don’t have time to study. I wish I did. If I had more time, I feel I would learn at a greater depth that would be more appreciative (sic) than how I’ve been studying the past few years. I have learned that I have to make the most of what I get out of class, because I just won’t have time later to re-learn something I missed.

What is your strategy to get all of your final projects done?

Honestly, Redbull and not sleeping. Seriously. It’s a terrible thing to say, but that’s how I’ve managed to work full time and take 15 credits each semester, all the while holding a 3.4 GPA as a senior. When school and projects start to stress me out, my boyfriend always has to remind me to “focus at the task at hand; this is only a temporary discomfort. The further you get today, the closer you’ll be to your end goal.” He graduated with his master’s in business from UAA in 2009.

What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during finals?

I remember the very first time I took Statistics of Sociology in San Diego. I got to class and realized I didn’t have a Scantron. I was on my way to the bookstore to get some, and a kid who was sitting next to me asked if he could borrow my calculator while I went to the bookstore. Class hadn’t started yet, and so I agreed. Upon returning, the door was locked, the professor decided to start the final five minutes early, and I was locked out-

side holding nothing but my Scantron. The lucky student who had my calculator was able to take the test, and I couldn’t. By the time he was finished and tried to return my calculator, I only had 15 minutes left of the class, and there was no way I could finish the test in time. I wound up failing the class because it was one of the only two tests the professor offered. I like to believe I was a victim of the ol’ bait and switch.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you during finals?

An art professor asked if she could keep one of my art pieces to display in the department. She said it was one of her personal favorites and felt it needed to be displayed for other students.

What advice would you give to freshmen who are taking their first finals this semester?

Set aside time to study, and don’t be afraid to ask your professors for clarification or extra help. Professors have office hours for a reason, and they are meant to help you.

If you are not seeing your professors about help outside of class, then frankly you are limiting yourself. Professors want to help you. And it shows them that you are committed to learning and they respect and appreciate students who are willing to learn.

What advice would you give to professors about how to present finals/final projects?

My number-one pet peeve is when professors give students a study guide but test on material not on the study guide or material never covered in class. I have been fortunate to pick professors who do not do this, since going to Ratemyprofessors.com changed my academic career thus far.

Is there anything different you wish the university would do to make finals easier?

Free coffee and discounts on snacks and food items.

Students need to eat, and it would be helpful if for this week only, the food and snacks are discounted to ensure students can perform at their best.

Is there anything else that you would like to add about dealing with finals?

I think it is very important to take breaks. It might sound silly, but I have found that steamrolling the homework and studying for hours on end will only set you up for failure. Taking small breaks of 15-30 minutes at a time to regroup and organize your thoughts has worked best for me, especially these last two semesters. I compare it to eating a piece of ginger in between pieces of sushi. The ginger is used to cleanse the palate, so you can taste the next piece without the lingering after taste from previous pieces.

Name: Nancy Alicia Halla Journalism and Communications senior TNL: How many credits are you taking this semester?

Halla: I’m taking 13 credits this semester. It’s my final semester!

UAA to eliminate equivalency exams for history courses

By Evan Erickson

eerickson@thenorthernlight.org As of Jan. 1 UAA will no longer grant credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams for Western Civilization I and II, and United States History I and II. Western Civilization I and II and either United States History I or II are general education requirements for all Bachelor of Arts degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences, the largest college in the university system.

Resident tuition for the nine credits of required courses costs around $1,500 and nonresident tuition costs around $5,400. If a student were to take CLEP exams the costs would be $300 for the three exams plus whatever study materials may be necessary.

An email sent to UAA faculty by University Registrar Lora Volden last Wednesday

announced the changes, which include a revision of Advanced Placement and DSST Test Score equivalents as well. The email confirms that students who test before the New Year will still receive credit as it is listed before the changes.

Neither UAA’s Advising and Testing Center website nor the website of College Board, the company behind CLEP testing, has any notice of the exams no longer to be accepted at UAA, but faculty and advisers are being told to make students aware.

“We appreciate your assistance with spreading the word and ensuring students are advised appropriately,” reads the email.

The email does not address what recourse students might have who had planned to take the CLEP exams after Jan. 1 in order to graduate.

Do you have finals in all of your classes?

I have something due for four of the five classes. Two of them required actual finals, and three of them require projects, which stretched over a few months. One (professor) wanted both.

How do you study for final exams?

It depends on the exam. This semester, the finals were online and open-book, so most of my prep was in a study group or reviewing notes before I hunker down and crunch out the finals.

What is your strategy to get all of your final projects done?

In order to get all my final projects done. I have to prioritize by deadline and how long I need to finish each one. I start with a plan and take it day by day, or else I get too overwhelmed.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you during finals?

In the past, the worst was realizing I didn’t budget enough time and earned myself a poor grade, which affected my GPA. This semester, I’m in my first trimester of pregnancy, in the middle of fighting off a serious cold — ­­­­­ on top of having to work right before I had to finalize everything, and finding my body has to rest when I need that time to finish school. I am more than a conqueror through Christ who strengthens me, so I will succeed in my endeavors.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you during finals?

One of the best things to happen to me during past finals was getting engaged. I also love when professors give us a break on additional assignments in order to prepare for the final.

What advice would you give to freshmen who are taking their first finals this semester?

Breathe! Work from most important to least. Though a failed class may cost your some bucks, it is not the end of the world. Stressing only makes things worse and keeps you from concentrating. Don’t burn out, but don’t play too much.

What advice would you give to professors about how to present finals/final projects?

Thank you to the professors who make the final clear at the beginning of the semester. It helped me when I knew what form of test or project it was, had a timeline and a study guide or rubric.

Is there anything different you wish the university would do to make finals easier?

To make finals easier? Well, I wish I didn’t have to take five and six classes at a time, but I will play their game in exchange for a formal degree.

Is there anything else that you would like to add about dealing with finals?

I really like what the “Late Nights in the SU” (Student Union) has become. That was a Godsend some nights for several semesters.

CEREMONY: Expansion of UAA campus CONTINUED FROM COVER

engineering majors show up to the event,” he said, “because even though the building doesn’t directly impact us it is still impacting us because it is a part of our school now.”

The four-story $78.25 million building is to be new home of the Engineering Department after its completion in the fall 2015 semester.

This marks the third topping-out ceremony in the past three years; the Alaskan Airlines Center was dedicated on May 10, 2013, and the Health Sciences Building on May 26, 2010. University officials say UAA is working to enlarge its university and become a home to more students majoring in jobs that are in high demand, such as engineering and nursing.

However, despite these seemingly promising results, there are many who are concerned that UAA will use up too much of its land space, making it impossible for the commuter campus to accommodate the students.

“I drive to school every day and to lose this much parking space to this building is frustrating,” said junior Amanda Watts. “If they keep building over the spaces we need, then they will drive students away from the campus for good.”

The construction area eliminated over 100 parking spots, causing concerns from students and community members alike. Once done, the building will be 81,500 square feet. Current blueprints indicate that areas in front of the building that once were parking will be turned into a landscaped area with sidewalks. It is anticipated that more than half of the previous spots will be gone, but not all of them.

A future plan is to build a parking garage next to the new building to accommodate parking for the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, Bookstore, Student Union and the Engineering and Industry building. However, no funding has been appropriated to make this project a reality yet.

While these advancements can be conceived as steps in the right direction for expanding UAA’s academics and reputation, students are concerned as to what the future will hold for UAA’s status as a commuter campus.

Weather paralyzes campus

By George Hyde

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org Freezing rain led to the closure of UAA’s main campus in Anchorage on Nov. 22 and Dec. 5. In addition, bus services had been canceled, leaving many students stranded.

“By the time they closed, many of us were still on campus, and the buses were canceled,” said Veronika Spry, a student. “It was a big inconvenience.”

On both occasions, plenty of students were left stranded without a ride. Many were able to contact others in order to get home, but for others, it was a slippery mess of a situation.

The National Weather Service had placed weather advisories on both occasions, and many predicted closures. Still, that didn’t stop students and staff from showing up to campus regardless, even as it closed afterward.

“They waited too long on Thursday to actually close the school,” said Paul Durfee, another student. “I almost got into two car accidents going and coming home from school that day because of the road conditions. It would have been preferable to just have school cancelled from the outset.”

While some criticized the decision to close campus mid-day, the UA Alerts system was ever vigilant, letting students know when campus was closed or open in order to avoid confusion.

For many, however, the weather made transit in and around UAA a complete nightmare, and in the face of finals week, many remain skeptical regarding future closures before the holiday vacation kicks in.

Topping off the new building, a golden beam full of signatures raises to complete this stage of construction.

PHOTOS BY DAN DUQUE

State representative Chris Tuck and the crowd react as the final beam lowers into place.

FEATURES Stream of semiconsciousness

By Evan Dodd Contributor

I grew up on heavy-handed medical dramas that invariably ended every episode with a voiceover spewing generic advice disguised as profound wisdom. I mention this because I have to fight to urge to type a cheesy generic wrap-up column for the final issue of the semester.

Here’s the deal, I know that rhymes with the five of you who read this (hi, Mom) want to see a generic recap column about as much as I want to have to pretend to be an adult. Believe me, I have enough foresight to realize that you’re all busy to read this so I won’t waste anyone’s time writing horribly generic lessons.

So instead I’m just going to throw down some words about things that are currently happening and hope that you can laugh and feel semi-functional compared to me.

Forty-two. That’s the number of hours it’s been since I last recall sleeping. As much as I’d like to think that all of this sleep and food deprivation has had no negative effect upon my academic behavior, the fact that I don’t remember what I spoke about in the presentation I just gave would suggest otherwise. (I also had to Google how to spell “academic” just to write that sentence.)

I’m to the point in the semester where literally the best I can do is show up, open my mouth, and hope that whatever comes out will inspire my professors to grade me based on pity rather than professionalism.

I just gave a different presentation in which I somehow started talking about pennies for three minutes straight. My project was in no way related to pennies. I just forgot how to use a keyboard and was trying to type with my mind. If this column had a central thesis, it would just be the sound of a person compulsively laughing to himself.

Is this a stream of consciousness column? I’ve never done one of those before out of fear that someone would have me committed.

I figure it must be, because every time I start a new line the general idea morphs into something new. Also because that’s what the title says. Maybe I’ve had ADD all this time and no one was brave enough to tell me.

That sounds about right. Right. Write. That’s what I was doing, writing.

I just left this column unattended in the business lab and went to the bathroom. When I came back I realized that I had left my keys and wallet on the floor and the people around me looked mildly relieved to see that I hadn’t just absentmindedly wandered into traffic by mistake.

I just realized I’m listening to music and that’s why I can’t hear the girl who was presumably asking if I needed help. I like to imagine she had a prominent British accent and was offering me tea and crumpets and the opportunity to be an extra in “Doctor Who.” ‘Ello, guvnah! See, I can speak British with the best of them.

Someone forward this to the BBC. Did you know sloths only leave the trees once a week to poop? It’s true, they also occasionally mistake their own arm for a tree branch and fall to their deaths when they try to grab on.

Some people might consider it a new low to ramble about sloth poop in a column that is going to hang around on the Internet for all eternity. I’m over it. The world needs to share my love for our slow and furry brothers from beyond the trees.

I do apologize for this column, guys. Please don’t fire me. It’s almost Christmas, you can’t just fire a guy before Christmas. Not even Donald Trump would fire someone right before Christmas.

Someone just asked me to watch their belongings while they step outside to take a phone call. I can’t handle this sort of responsibility.

This must be how the president feels when he handles the nuclear launch codes.

It’s probably time to wrap this up before I do any more damage.

The semester is almost over. We made it. Each and every one of us deserves and award. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and run another cycle of Red Bull through my coffee pot.

Orange

Community Pregnancy Center serves those in need

By Suhaila Brunelle

news@thenorthernlight.org The Community Pregnancy Center was established in 1984 when a group of local pastors read a letter to the editor.

The letter’s author asked, if she decided to keep her baby instead of abort it, then who will help her take care of the baby?

At the time, the Crisis Pregnancy Center movement had been established in the Lower 48, but there were no local resources of this nature. The Christian community realized they needed a practical way to help women take care of their babies, and the center was their answer.

Center senate director Heidi Navarro states, “A lot of people have preconceived notions that we are here to help the woman make up her mind, that we are here to sway her and influence her decision. That’s not our role. Our mission statement is to share the love of Jesus Christ to everyone who walks through the door, to offer practical support to our clients.”

The center offers clients free pregnancy testing, parenting classes and support through donated baby items. They can test for the STI/STDs gonorrhea and chlamydia. The center also performs ultrasounds for

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

Finally, some rest

By Klax Zlubzecon

Translated by George Hyde So now we come to the end of it. Exams. Projects. Procrastinated studies. Massive parties over the weekend that immediately follows. They’re the signs of a waning semester. And alas, they’re the signs of a lack of articles from me and my minion George.

Not to sound like we’re gloating or anything, but he already has three of his five finals knocked out, with the fourth almost done and the fifth on the way this week. Aside from a rather intimidating paper, he’s practically done already.

Yes, there are a few parties he’d like to attend, but I’m seeing to it that he spends a week (or more) in bed. He doesn’t deserve it, but he really needs it.

So if you are somehow new to this kind of thing (or have procrastinated completely up to this point), we’re not really the right people to ask for advice. But we can give a few pointers.

First, don’t worry. You’re not the only one who procrastinates. It’s a terrible thing, yes, but it’s a problem that I’d estimate over 97 percent of all college students to have, George included. So you’re far from the only one.

Second, try not to cram. If you need to study something, read it and then sleep on it. Maybe give it a refresher in the morning. Sleep is great for memorization.

Third, and we can’t stress this enough: Try not to procrastinate in the future. Seriously, it makes you look like an idiot. Maybe you can take a day or two off of Facebook to get on your studies.

Finally, if your professor allows for music players, find something epic. This is the final battle of your epic quest, and the kingdom back home doesn’t want you to fail. So go! Become the hero!

Fight! WIN! After that, you’re home free with hopefully a decent grade and holiday plans. If your family asks how you did on your final, just tell them you did fine, and make sure they don’t know what “UA Online” is.

Now normally comes the time when, after finishing projects, professors ask students where they plan to go for vacation. Normally, the majority give some extravagant answer, like they’re visiting folks down in their home towns, or they’re cruising in some tropical area to get eaten by crocodiles or something.

And that sounds nice! In fact, if not for the fact that my vessel crash-landed in the middle

of George’s messy backyard and is now covered in snow, I would be visiting my family and friends, where I would tell them about the stupid feats that I witnessed from humanity in my time here. You know, like the shutdown.

Or George’s aforementioned procrastination.

But George gets depressed when others mention their massive holiday plans, because, well, he has none. He normally remains at home to celebrate the holidays with his family. He says it’s nice, peaceful, and usually quiet. I don’t doubt that, but I’m not buying that he’s totally happy with it either.

While he admits that the prospect of traveling is nice, I think there’s more than that. George is settled pretty tightly into a busy routine, one that involves assignments, professionally writing reviews, articles, and translating my latest and greatest dictations. And while he might blog for fun, he won’t be doing nearly as much as he’s been doing this semester. And that’s a shame, because I can testify that he honestly enjoys it.

We’ll be back next semester, but we’re going to miss you guys. It hasn’t always been great, but for the most part, you’ve always been there to read what we’ve had to say, and that means a lot to us.

George really does wish he could keep writing over the next few weeks — not only because he enjoys the job, but because he enjoys the feedback.

Hearing from you guys about how great our articles are warms our hearts so much.

So go out and have a great break. We’ll be back in January, so be there when we return. Have a great time with your loved ones. I know George will. We’ll catch you all when the next semester rolls around.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t leave you with a parting...

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE. EMBRACE THE SEAWOLF SLUG.

Grad School isn’t just ACADEMICS.

It’s quality of life, too.

“It’s the diverse relationships and cultural experiences at WSU that have been my greatest gains.”

Gaunette Sinclair-Maragh, doctoral candidate studying hospitality and tourism

expectant mothers. These services are all free of charge.

The parenting classes are unique because they span over several weeks and are a one-onone mentorship type of opportunity, usually with the same facilitator. Fathers or an alternate support person are encouraged to come. By attending these parenting classes, the parents can earn baby bucks, which are redeemable in the center’s baby cache. The cache is a store that offers everything from maternity clothing to brand-new car seats. The parenting classes also meet court requirements.

The typical age range for a client of the Community Pregnancy Center is 18-24, though they do have clients who are younger and older, and 35 percent of them have 13 or more years of education.

gradschool.wsu.edu

GRAPHIC FROM WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

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04 FEATURES Jalapeno cheese dip: A party in the mouth

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

By Jenna! Roosdett

web@thenorthernlight.org Since it’s finals week and you’re probably too busy to cook up food right now, you might as well whip some jalapeno cheese dip together in order to get your snack on. If you’ve finished finals already, this is the best dip for your afterfinals party. For this recipe, I blended my jalapenos so every bite was infused with their deliciousness, but if you’re making this for a group that may have a jalapenohater, I suggest using the sliced variation.

Start by putting the cheese in a reseal• 3 cups shredded mild able container. Add the rest of the ingrecheddar cheese dients. Use those arm muscles and a • 1 cup real mayonnaise big spoon to blend together well. Serve • 1 cup sliced or blend- cold with chips. Store in the refrigerator.

Wasn’t that easy? ed jalapenos If you blended your jalapenos, you • 0.5 teaspoon garlic might need to add a few more handfuls of powder cheese to solidify the mixture. Go ahead and play with the consistency; if your • 0.25 teaspoon caychips are easily breakable, you might not enne pepper want to add the extra cheese — for scoo• 0.25 teaspoon liquid pability, ya know? If the mixture is too smoke solid for your chips, a little jalapeno juice or dollop of mayo will loosen it up.

• (optional) 0.5 teaThis dip is also a great topping for that spoon paprika dry chicken breast you microwaved earlier. If you want, you could even microPreparation time: 10 minutes wave it with the chicken! The best thing Makes about 15-20 servings about this recipe: One bottle of liquid smoke will last you at least 20 batches.

Cooking in

COLLEGE Ingredients

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PHOTOS BY JENNA! ROOSDETT

O V C I S POSTAL E E R XP RE

Offering on-campus post office services.

USPS outgoing mail service

SS

F L O W A E S

Seawolf Postal Express Holiday Shipping Schedule Dec 10 – APO/FPO/DPO AE All other Zips: First class letters and Priority Mail, International Express Mail

FedEx and UPS express mail services at discounted rates

We sell stamps!

Dec 14 – Parcel Post Dec 20 – First Class Mail

Dec 21 – Priority Mail

Dec 23 – Priority Express Mail

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

Mon - Fri 8:30am – 5:00pm • 907.786.6860 • www.uaa.alaska.edu/gss

05 FEATURES

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

The reason for the season: Christmas traditions

By Suhaila Brunelle

news@thenorthernlight.org “Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.” This poem, written by Clement Clarke Moore, tells the story of a visit from St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve, but who is St. Nicholas, and why does he visit on Christmas Eve? The first historical Santalike figure was St. Nicholas of Bari. Nicholas was the son of wealthy parents in the town of Patara in southwest Turkey. Nicholas’ parents died while he was a young man, and he distributed his inherited wealth to the needy in his hometown. Nicholas later became a priest and performed many miracles including healings. Nicholas eventually became archbishop of Myra. Nicholas died Dec. 6 sometime between 340 and 350 A.D., and his death was commemorated every year when children laid out treats and straw for his donkey, which were then replaced by toys and candy.

Moore’s poem includes the line, “And stockings were hung by the chimney with care.”

In the cold winters of ancient Europe, socks were an essential part of one’s wardrobe and were often washed and hung by the chimney each night to dry overnight. St. Nicholas of Bari heard the plight of a poor widower with three daughters. They were all starving and the widower had no money to pay for his daughter’s dowries. Desperate, the widower decided to sell one of his daughters into slavery so he could spare his other two daughters a life of desperation through marriage.

Upon hearing this news, St. Nicholas snuck into the widower’s house one night and placed a gold coin in the sock of the eldest daughter. She awoke to find the coin, which became her dowry. Nicholas eventually put coins into each of the daughter’s socks, and all three were able to be married. Rumors of this spread throughout the province, and people began searching their socks every morning for gold coins.

“So up to the house top he courses they flew, with the sleigh full of toys,” Moore’s poem continues.

In the Biblical account of Christ’s birth, three Magi from the East arrived bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the child. Many believe this to be the reason for giving gifts during the holidays, but historically, the tradition is traced back to the Roman day of Saturnalia.

Saturnalia was a holiday associated with the winter solstice. The Romans believed generosity toward one another during this season would grant them good fortune for the remainder of the year. During the early years of the church, Christian converts continued to celebrate many of the Roman holidays.

Romans also held a tradition of giving a gift on New Year’s Day, which lasted until the rule of Queen Victoria.

In ancient Scandinavia the winters were cold, bleak, dark and tough. Many people and animals died during these long, dismal days. The evergreen became a symbol of life because they did not loose their “leaves” in winter, and the Vikings began bringing them into their homes during the winter months.

In the seventh century, St. Boniface, a monk from Credition, England, traveled across Europe spreading the message of the Gospel. During one of his travels he came upon a group of men preparing to sacrifice a young boy to the god Thor. The men were standing in a circle around an oak tree.

When they refused to listen to Boniface, the monk

DID YOU KNOW?

punched the oak tree, and it fell to the ground exposing a small fir sapling. Boniface pointed out that the tree was the tree of life because it never died in the winter, and the three points of its triangular shape represented the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

It is said that the men gave their lives to Christ at that moment.

Decorations likely began during the Roman era when holly was used during winter solstice celebrations.

Scandinavians used straw to make stars, crowns, angels and nativities. Vikings often decorated during the winter months to honor their pagan gods. When they began converting to Christianity, they carried the practice of decorating over to their new beliefs.

Decorations during this season began spreading throughout Europe and people eventually began decorating Christmas trees. In Germany, red apples were among the first decorations fastened to trees, followed by paper chains, popcorn, cookies, candy canes, dolls and small toys.

The legend of the candy cane comes from the choir rafters of an ancient European church with rowdy choir members. At the time, choirmasters would often give candy to children to keep them busy. However, the candy would not last long enough. One choirmaster visited a candy maker and formed the idea of making white peppermint candy sticks into the shape of a staff. The shape of the candy represents the shepherds who visited the baby in a manger, and the pure white color of the candy represented the sinless nature of Christ.

“He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle,” Moore’s poem closes. “But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight, happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

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AE

& Top 5 albums of 2013 from KRUA

By Oliver Petraitis KRUA Music Manager

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

And now, for your holiday pleasure, watch as I struggle with the intensely difficult task of hierarchically ordering five of the best 2013 albums of that have graced KRUA’s airwaves. With so many uniquely good records, this is going to be nearly impossi — no. Wait. They’re all so great. I don’t think I can say with certainty that one is better than the other. So I’m going to lay them out here in no particular order. You can decide.

“Days Are Gone” by Haim People have disputed whether the California sisters are indie or not. The truth is, it just doesn’t matter. Because what they did on this record established them as a powerful force in the world of pop music. They took stock in — or maybe even initiated — the 2013 trend of returning to the royal retro.

And from that well of old-school experimental songwriting and glamorous adventures in melody, they surfaced a modern piece of music that combines the best elements of Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac and others to the end of being completely incredible.

“The Speed of Things” by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

Another record here that took notice of reworking sounds from other eras, “The Speed of Things” put DEJJ on the map like none of their previous work. And that is for the simple reason that the entire record is outstandingly catchy, heartwarming, lyrically clever, acoustically inventive and just damn good. DEJJ here nabbed style points from each decade between now and 1950 and collaged them into a festival-headlining record that, because of its retro leanings, has an appeal for the widely varied masses.

“Nothing Was the Same” by Drake The idiom “showing one’s true colors” might be applied to Drake’s latest works. Because on his newest, his true color is blood red. The Hollywood jolly that was the former nice-boy rapper has been replaced with a gritty, unrelenting, straight-up angry evil-twin version of Drake who reminds listeners that he has immense talent and will flaunt it just because he can. This “just because I can” attitude is what makes “Nothing Was the Same” into something else, while not losing sight of his knack for ridiculously catchy hooks and all that made Drake into a sensation in the first place. Sometimes, it’s just terribly pleasing to watch someone get pissed.

“Let’s Be Still” by the Head and the Heart Just listen to “Another Story” and you’ll know why “Let’s Be Still” is one of the top 10 records of 2013. H&H sure went ahead and wrote themselves another story that listeners hear with absolute joy, a transformational piece for a band that was beautiful to begin with. “Let’s Be Still” is the album that took their quaint folk rock and brought it to the world on a silver platter with a shot of whiskey. Their experimentation and exploration of classic rock while maintaining their incredible ability to write beautiful folk music is what makes their newest record one of the foremost sonic triumphs of the year.

“Random Access Memories” by Daft Punk With the overbearing trend in electronic music of glitchy, twitchy, omg-I’m-freaking-out buildups leading to massive drops, it’s nice to know that not all robots malfunction. Perhaps the two most renowned robots in music returned this summer. And they returned to a scene they indisputably helped to establish. It was if they came back to say “Bonjour, tout le monde. We are here to show you how it’s really done.” And they did. “Random Access Memories” is a timeless, smart and sophisticated piece of music that, while definitely being dance-oriented, reaches into so many genres as to render it almost unclassifiable. It’s just good. So very good. It was the perfect way to solidify the Daft Punk legacy, which will no doubt become the stuff of legend for those who were fortunate enough to experience it.

FOREIGN FILM FANATIC

Top 5 foreign films the fanatic watched this year

By Jacob Holley-Kline arts2@thenorthernlight.org

Do American movies seem stale to you? Are there moments when you want nothing more than to read subtitles? It’s a big, cinematic world out there filled to the brim with non-American films. With 2013’s “Nairobi Half Life,” and “Fanie Fourie’s Lobola,” Kenya and South Africa’s movie industries are on the rise. South Korea is still experiencing a renaissance. Thailand’s industry is growing along with China’s. Argentina and Colombia are coming into some serious economic growth thanks in part to films like 2012’s “Elefante Blanco” and “La Sirga.” But until those movies make it onto DVD, here are five foreign flicks to sate your appetite.

“Werckmeister Harmonies” — Feb. 1, 2001 Director: Bela Tarr Country: Hungary A gigantic tractor-drawn trailer holding the stuffed carcass of a whale and other assorted medical oddities rolls into a bitterly cold village on the Hungarian Plain. The man behind the display, The Prince, drives the villagers to violence and the riots spare no one. “Werckmeister Harmonies” is unrelenting and nihilistic. It’s incredibly shot and acted, each scene is impeccably crafted. It’s a movie that requires patience and concentration. Those who finish it will be thoroughly rewarded.

“The Clone Returns Home” — Jan. 10, 2009 Director: Kanji Nakajima Country: Japan An astronaut, Kohei (Mitsuhiro Oikawa, “Casshern”), is pushed into signing an agreement to clone his body after death. He dies in space soon after and his clone is awakened. This patient meditation on life, death and Japanese philosophy is devastating at numerous turns. The world is hauntingly still and distant. Every emotion seems distant from the person feeling it and propelled by an impressive, haunting score. “The Clone Returns Home” feels like a nostalgic trip back to a place of tragedy.

“I Wish...” — June 11, 2011 Director: Hirokazu Koreeda Country: Japan After being separated from his brother, Ryunosuke, during a divorce (Ohshiro Maeda, “Link”), 12-year-old Koichi (Koki Maeda, “Kamen Teacher”) begins to believe that if he makes a wish at the exact time and place that two bullet trains pass each other, he can bring his parents back together. “I Wish...” is delicate and heartwarming. Real life brothers Ohshiro and Koki have indelible chemistry on-screen. “I Wish...” revives that innermost part in a person that yearns to go back to a simpler time, a childhood filled with beginnings and not ends.

“Blue is the Warmest Color” ­­— Oct. 9, 2013 Director: Abdellatif Kechiche Country: France Young Adele’s (Adele Exarchopoulos, “I Used to be Darker”) life is changed when she sees Emma (Lea Seydoux, “Grand Central”), a mysterious woman with blue hair. Quickly, her desire is awakened and the two embark on a passionate journey through love and loss. Finally, a movie that shows a lesbian relationship in an honest and less romanticized light than something like “Chasing Amy.” The movie’s beautiful and resonant for couples around the world, regardless of sexuality. Its NC-17 rating is well deserved, but the emotional fallout of the film far outweighs any controversy that arises from the film’s 10-15 minute sex scenes.

“Sankofa” — May 28, 1993 Director: Haile Gerima Country: Burkina Faso A conceited, black American fashion model, Mona (Oyafunmike Ogunlano), goes on a photo shoot in Africa. A man the locals call Sankofa (Kofi Ghanaba) begins to curse her mercilessly saying, “Return to your past!” She is then transported to the days of slavery, forced to endure the physical, psychological and spiritual horrors there. It’s hard to describe the kind of emotions “Sankofa” bombards the viewer with. It’s relentlessly brutal in its portrayal of chattel slavery. Where many slavery movies focus on the physical and psychological torture of slaves, “Sankofa” also brings in the spiritual abuse. If any movie should be the “definitive” slavery movie, “Sankofa” is a more than worthy contender.

06

THE 12 DAYS OF FINALS On the first day of finals, UAA gave to me: a double shot from Kaladis On the second day of finals, UAA gave to me: 2 Red Bulls and a double shot from Kaladis On the third day of finals, UAA gave to me: 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls and a double shot from Kaladis On the fourth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 4 all-nighters 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls and a double shot from Kaladis On the fifth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls and a double shot from Kaladis On the sixth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls and a double shot from Kaladis On the seventh day of finals, UAA gave to me: 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis On the eighth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 8 more days until freedom, 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis On the ninth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 9 professors grading, 8 more days until freedom, 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis On the tenth day of finals, UAA gave to me: 10 Club Council members, 9 professors grading, 8 more days until freedom, 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis On the eleventh day of finals, UAA gave to me: 11 minutes to deadline, 10 Club Council members, 9 professors grading, 8 more days until freedom, 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis On the twelfth day of finals UAA gave to me: 12 massive headaches, 11 minutes to deadline, 10 Club Council members, 9 professors grading, 8 more days until freedom, 7 study groups, 6 student meetings, 5 extra pounds!

4 all-nighters, 3 extra credits, 2 Red Bulls, and a double shot from Kaladis

By Daphne Brashear, Student Life & Leadership program coordinator and current UAA student

07 A&E

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

January movie preview

MOVIE PREVIEWS COMPILED BY KELLY IRELAND AND JACOB HOLLEY-KLINE

“Lone Survivor”

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit”

“Ride Along”

“Lone Survivor” is based on the true events of Operation Red Wings accounted in Marcus Luttrell’s book of the same title. SEAL Team 10 must capture and kill Ahmed Shahd (Yousuf Azami, “Touch”), a Taliban leader. The mission failed, but the story accounts the courageous acts of Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg, “2 Guns”) and comrades Mike Murphy (Taylor Kitsch, “The Grand Seduction”), Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen (Eric Bana, “Closed Circuit”), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch, “Prince Avalanche”), Matt Axelson (Ben Foster, “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”) and Shane Patton (Alexander Ludwig, “Grown Ups 2”).

Based on the Tom Clancy novels of the same titular character, “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” details the exploits of covert CIA analyst Ryan (Chris Pine, “Star Trek: Into Darkness”) pitted against Russian terrorists as they hatch a plot to bring down the U.S. economy.

Ben Barber (Kevin Hart, “School Dance”) is looking to marry James’ (Ice Cube, “21 Jump Street”) sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter, “Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas”), and must go along with James on a 24-hour shift patrolling the streets of Atlanta to get James’ approval.

The two end up getting called into a crazy investigation that requires Ben and James to work together in order not to get killed or hurt.

“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones”

Jan. 3, 2014

Jan. 10, 2014

When Jesse (Andrew Jacobs, “Major Crimes”) goes into an apartment downstairs of a party he is attending he finds pictures of himself, tapes from “Paranormal Activity 3” and a bunch of what appears to be black magic ritual items.

After entering the apartment Jesse witnesses strange events and becomes a marked one.

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

“Devil’s Due”

“The Nut Job”

“I, Frankenstein”

“Labor Day”

“That Awkward Moment”

Zach and Allison McCall’s (Zach Gilford, “The Last Stand,” Allison Miller, “Go On”) honeymoon was picture perfect, but there’s one night they can’t remember. Allison comes home with an unplanned pregnancy and as the days go on, she begins to act more aggressive and violent. Zach begins to think something darker than mere mental health is at worth.

After a botched attempt at stealing a food vendor’s nuts destroys his family’s only source of food for the winter, Surly the squirrel (Will Arnett, “Arrested Development”) is banished from the park. From then on, he must learn to survive in the city alone.

Adam (Aaron Eckhart, “Olympus Has Fallen”), a Frankenstein creation that has been around for hundreds of years, gets caught up in a war of two separate immortal clans. One clan is a group of demons led

by Naberius (Bill Nighy, “About Time”), one of the fallen angels of Satan’s Rebellion. The other clan is a band of gargoyles led

by Leonore (Miranda Otto, “The Turning”), the queen of the gargoyles, and Gideon (Jai Courtney, “Felony”), the leader of the gargoyle army. The film is based on Darkstorm Studios’ graphic novel of the same title.

Adele (Kate Winslet, “Movie 43”) and son Henry (Dylan Minnette as young Henry, “Prisoners” and Tobey Maguire as older Henry, “The Great Gatsby”) offer Frank (Josh Brolin, “Gangster Squad”), a man they meet at the store, a ride and a stay in their home. They soon learn he is wanted for escaping prison and was convicted of murder. During his stay Adele and Henry learn that Frank is not who everyone thinks he is. They do everything they can to keep Frank a secret. Adele and Frank fall in love along the way.

Three best friends, Jason (Zac Efron, “High School Musical”), Daniel (Miles Teller, “21 & Over”) and Mikey (Michael B. Jordan, “Fruitvale Station”) make a vow to stay single until they all find someone to stay with. This pact doesn’t last long, and the consequences begin to rear their heads.

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 17, 2014

Jan. 24, 2014

Jan. 31, 2014

CREATIVE CORNER

A&E OPINION

Hollywood white savior strikes again

By Jacob Holley-Kline arts2@thenorthernlight.org

Hollywood is racist. It always has been, but what is racism? Let’s define some terms.

Prejudice is the thought, discrimination is the action and racism is the system. There are systems all throughout society that benefit one race over another. In this system, white people are far more privileged than people of color.

Since people of color don’t benefit from systemic oppression, they cannot be racist.

They can be prejudice or discriminatory, but not racist. And where does white privilege rear its ugly head often? In the movies.

Let’s talk about “Thor: The Dark World.”

In the first 15 minutes, a group of white warriors, Fandral, Volstagg and Sif, are struggling to repel a dark-skinned army of marauders on Vanaheim. Defeat seems imminent until, in a beam of light, the blond haired, blue-eyed Thor shoots to the surface of the planet. Quickly, he dispatches the enemy’s strongest fighter and the orc-ish savages bow down to him in surrender. The image of the dark-skinned procession bowing down to a white superior is eerily reminiscent the Antebellum South’s pro-slavery poetry.

“Vainly the gentle wish, the gen’rous strive/To save the helpless wanderers that survive” George Grayson wrote in his 1856 poem, “The Hireling and the Slave.” The quoted passage talks about Native Americans. After this battle sequence, an Asian man thanks Thor for saving his homeland.

This is the only time he shows up. The point of his character was to raise the white protagonist up. The same goes for the marauders on Vanaheim. Every person of color in Thor serves a white master. Even the all-seeing, all-hearing Asgardian sentry Heimdall (Idris Elba, “Prometheus”), serves the king of Asgard, Odin (Anthony Hopkins, “Hitchcock”). Heimdall fails to defend the kingdom from the dark elves and the whole nation is nearly decimated because of it.

At one point, the dark elf Malekith (Chris-

topher Eccleston, “Amelia”) shoves a force called the Aether inside of his loyal lieutenant Algrim’s (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, “Bullet to the Head”) body. This force essentially strips Algrim of his agency and transforms him into the bestial Kurse, in essence, the black Kurse is now a slave to the white Malekith. These tropes have been present in Hollywood and the American mythos for decades. Even a film like “12 Years a Slave” had to include a benevolent white character.

Why can’t we have one mainstream movie not specifically dealing with race that has a protagonist of color? Why can’t that protagonist have some measure of agency?

I’ve felt the stings of my own racism. I shed no tears in watching a brutal video of a witch burning in rural Africa, but I almost immediately broke down in tears upon seeing a white woman recount her experience in the twin towers on 9/11.

As the film executives see it, white audiences won’t connect with a protagonist of color, unless that protagonist is a slave, a revolutionary fighter, some extraordinary historical figure. No one like, say, Will Ferrell in “Stranger than Fiction.”

Andrew J. Weaver, a telecommunications professor at Indiana University, conducted two studies that tested 79 white undergraduate students attitudes about race in movies.

His results from the second group test are were resonant, “The higher the percentage of black actors in the movie, the less interested white participants were in seeing the movie.” The movie was a romantic comedy. It’s important to note that more frequent movie viewers exhibited stronger racial biases than light movie viewers.

“Thor: The Dark World” is a popcorn movie. It’s not bad, but it is racist. It’s fine to watch these movies, but also try to seek the lesser-known films with protagonists of color — movies like “The Last Dragon” starring Taimak or “Sankofa” starring Oyafunmike Ogunlano. This white savior ideology so pervasive in the world needs to stop, and maybe a decent place to start is in the movie theater.

Jan. 31, 2014

By Johnnie Templeton Jr. Creative Writer

Since the beginning of the eleventh century piracy plagued the seas of the world. Many famous pirates, such as Sweyn Forkbeard, Stortbeker, Redbeard also known as Barbarossa, and Klein Hanslein also known as Little Jack, brought fear to many who sailed across the open ocean. During this time and up to the golden age of piracy of the late 1600’s, many struggled to end this scourge of the seas.

The newly colonized northern boundaries of South America had brought Spain much wealth. War with the natives eventually led to a split from Spain, and eventual peace with the natives of the land. A woman, whom the natives deemed was born from the spirits, led this new faction.

England also offered support, in hopes of gaining another foothold in the new world. This is that story long forgotten in the pages of history.

Sir Lucky Jack paced the stern, as he sailed Durango out of the newly established port of Cumarebo, setting sail to his highness in Coro. He had to petition for funds to pursue his endeavors. He wished to capture the so-called Pirate cove, which was threatening shipping from and to Venezuela. Someone or something was building an unknown force, and the fort needed to be eradicated, to secure the safety of the area. The Governor had asked him on this dangerous mission only because, he knew a small fleet could sneak in. As Jack sailed west he saw a fleet heading south flying the banners of Puerto Rico. He swiftly sailed to their starboard and as the sun rose he tacked hard to engage the threat.

The maneuver worked beautifully flanking the unsuspecting victims.

With the wind gauge on his side, he planned to split up their formation.

His tactic was to first hit the transport ships. With nerves of steal, and break neck speed Jack maneuvered in between the two ships. His pep talk consisted of those famous words, “To Battle!” Coming from behind silently as the crew awoke groggy and slow.

Jack ordered, “Fire!” Twelve Cannons of raw power, sliced through ships on either side.

Still heading south, his crew quickly reloaded. They began to chant, “Way hey blow the man down!” Again his well-aimed guns quickly took out two masts one on each ship. The sails fell like a tree. “Timber!” the men shouted with laughter. Quickly, he tacked starboard into the rising sun to blind his escape. Once well hidden he turned to await the two escort vessels. He again spoke, “ Make ready the silver ware!” He checked his sails and they were full of wind. Good speed would be the key here.

The two frigates were ready to board, knowing they were more than a match for the sloop. They just didn’t know they were fighting the young Privateer Sir Lucky Jack, the sworn protector of his majesty Queen Sunruy.

Both of Durango’s batteries fired and decimated the men, as they flanked his sides to board. Yet the captain lived.

His white handkerchief went up upon his saber. He waved it frantically. “ Go strike your colors and I will let you live.” Jack exclaimed. “Agreed!” Said the captain and he headed to retrieve them. Sir Lucky Jack commanded his crew to throw the hooks. They quickly came aside and he swung across.

Sir Lucky Jack looked, and barely missed the blade piercing towards his chest. A deadly blow it would of been.

He parried as he drew his saber. With two strokes and a jab, Jack had the captain pinned against the stairs. “Sir! Do not kill me!”............

View the rest of this chapter at www.thenorthernlight.org and look for the continuation in our next issue.

08 A&E

The top 5 games of 2013

I HI T ALL THE H O T SPO TS WI TH OUT BREAKING A SWEAT...

By George Hyde

OR TIPPING MY TIARA.

gchyde@thenorthernlight.org 2013 hasbeen an incredible year for gaming enthusiasts, perhaps too incredible for some to handle — which is understandable. After all, players have not only had to handle many incredible experiences, but also two brand-new consoles. But now that the holiday break is upon students, it’s time to list off some suggestions of games to play this season, because it really has been hard to keep up. So once the finals are done, kick back, relax and enjoy these fantastic experiences. #5: “GRAND THEFT AUTO V” When a game becomes the highest-selling game of all time, it has to be doing something right.

And trust me, this game did a lot of things right. For one, the world is huge. It seems daunting at first, but it’s also alive and bursting with activity and things to do.

Like “Skyrim,” I can’t even begin to count the days and weeks I’ve spent just doing what amounts to nothing. Even stuff like golf and skydiving works here. And I haven’t even mentioned the threeman mechanic, which adds so much nuance to the world and the missions. There’s also the heists, the rather excellent driving engine, the characters — man, there’s just too much. Even at $60, you get way more than your money’s worth, and it’s hard not to admire that. #4: “BIOSHOCK INFINITE” Phew ... talk about a deep story. Perhaps it’s not as good as the original “BioShock,” but I don’t think it’s supposed to be. It’s not aiming to be better, just unique, and I think it succeeds in flying colors. The story? One of the best I’ve seen this year. It’s both cerebral and thought-provoking, both depressing and uplifting, both complex and easy to understand.

The gameplay is a great rush, feeling more robust and exciting than your average first-person shooter, and the story actually compliments it without feeling punishing. The characters are immensely likable. I could just go on and on. Everything this game gets right, it gets so, so right. There are a few flaws here and there, but they aren’t nearly enough to tarnish an otherwise perfect experience. Play it if you haven’t already. #3: “PAPERS, PLEASE” Rarely have players found a game as foreboding as “Papers, Please.” It’s a depressing eastern European drama, but it’s riveting and engaging in a way that completely caught me by surprise. It’s simple and short, but those few hours are some of the most engaging of any game of the year. I was glued to the screen the whole time, as mundane as it looked to those watching me. It takes the formula of hidden objects, a formula that rarely, if ever works, and turns it on its head to both make a point and to engage, and I love it. And best of all, it uses that normally boring gameplay to tell a fantastic story, often without players realizing it. Some of the most compelling moral choices of the generation are in this game, slipped past players without them noticing. It was one of the best pleasant surprises of the year, and at just ten bucks, it’s incredibly hard to go wrong. #2: “THE SWAPPER” This game came out of nowhere and blew me away. Maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for “Metroid”esque exploration games and puzzle-platformers, but this is seriously an incredible experience. Actually, speaking of “Metroid,” it feels more “Metroid” than “Other M” could have ever been. The atmosphere is unbelievable here. It’s dark, tense, imaginative and above all else, hauntingly beautiful. It’s mindblowing that a single guy with a bunch of clay figures created this, but seriously, this game sucks players in and doesn’t let go. The puzzles are great, utilizing a mechanic that has rarely been seen before. The mechanic is simple, but it’s amazing what the developer was able to pull off with it. It feels as revolutionary as “Portal” or “Braid.” #1: “THE LAST OF US” Yeah. Pretty expected choice.

Some didn’t expect this to live up to the massive hype, but there we go. I choose this because everything the game does is perfect. The monsters are some of the scariest players have ever seen in a game.

The gameplay is wonderfully flexible to meet a variety of tastes.

The level design and A.I. allow for stealth, combat and even running away. They are all viable options, and they’re all engaging. The characters are fantastic and wellfleshed out. The story is incredible.

It isn’t primarily about eliminating the threat of Cordyceps once and for all; it’s just about two people trying to survive. It’s a brutal story, but it’s well worth experiencing.

Yes, there are cut scenes and dialogue, but so much of that story is told by the landscapes and levels themselves. It’s a bleak world, but it’s also incredibly fascinating. The game took a genre worn to death and breathed all new life into it. It’s just a perfect experience, and I hope it’s remembered for its brilliance. Hopefully that should keep students occupied during the holiday break. As we stare into the future of gaming, it helps to look back and think on the games that we’ve been left with. So here’s to 2013’s gaming lineup!

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P E O PL E M O V E R. O R G

Have a conversation.

Alaska’s STD rates are some of the highest in the country.

Use a condom and get tested regularly.

Condoms are available at the UAA Student Health and Counseling Center.

Those eligible for Student Health benefits can also get STI testing at the center (www.uaa.alaska.edu/studenthealth).

To find a testing location near you go to www.iknowmine.org

SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

09

Seawolf, Nanook basketball rivalry hits the court

By Audri Pleas Contributor

The UAF Nanooks entered the Wells Fargo Sports Complex Saturday night and walked out bruised green and gold. The UAA men’s basketball team defeated UAF to record their first GNAC win of the season. The night featured UAA forcing Fairbanks to turn the ball over three times consecutively within the first half. The Seawolves walked away with a 96-76 win over their in state rivals.

It was a packed house with a small section of devoted but rowdy UAF fans. Teancum Stafford put the Seawolves on the board first. But UAF begin to accumulate a small lead. UAA trailed by one point for a majority of the first half. However, it was not long until sophomore guard Brian McGill started to get in a rhythm. McGill was the leader for the Seawolves ending the night with 29 points, 4 rebounds and 11 of 12 from the line.

The highlight moment belongs to sophomore forward Christian Leckband who glided through the paint to deliver a nasty dunk on the Nanooks. In the last moments of the first half junior guard Travis Thompson dished out to McGill who went coast to coast for a layup. UAA finally controlled the momentum of the game and managed to

stack a 45-36 lead going into halftime.

UAA had several transition points thanks to aggressive defense by Thompson and senior guard Colton Lauwers. UAA would come out in the second half steadily building on their lead and getting out of reach from the hungry Nanooks. UAF shots would fall occasionally as they went on a three-point shooting escapade. But UAA’s senior guard Kyle Fossman and teammates Thompson, McGill, Leckband and Lauwers were all gold from beyond the arch as they went a total of 13 of 32.

Nanook’s Ronnie Baker had the best night for Fairbanks. He went 3 of 4 from the free throw line on top of netting 21 points and 4 boards. Teammates Joe Slocum (11 points, 4 rebounds) and Andrew Kelly (12 points, 11 rebounds) both had standout nights for UAF. But their effort would not be enough to break their current losing streak in what is UAA’s 16th straight victory.

UAF is still looking for the first win in the series since Jan. 28, 2006. The rivals will meet again in what will be UAA’s last conference game Feb. 27 at UAF. This was the pair’s last match up at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex before the opening of the Alaska Airlines Center in fall 2014.

Up next is a back-to-back game versus Wisconsin-bred Northland International Pioneers (4-9) on Dec. 16 and 17.

Looking back at the Seawolves’ fall semester

By Thomas McIntyre

sports@thenorthernlight.org With the fall semester coming to an end, it’s time to reflect. Join me as I travel back and reminisce about the most memorable and entertaining highlights the Seawolf athletes had over the last four months.

Men and women show out at Shootout Those who didn’t make the games (so, almost everyone) won’t understand why I’m praising the men’s team. They lost three straight, going against the precedent they’ve recently set of not leaving the Shootout winless.

I guess you had to have been there.

You missed Travis Thompson and Kyle Fossman putting a combined 10 three pointers on Denver. You were funneling gravy down your throat while the ‘Wolves played mid-major dynamo Indiana State to a close finish.

And your biggest mistake was skipping the UAA-TCU nail-biter. The ‘Wolves were one successful inbounds away from getting a victory on night one.

I was seated next to a couple of Tulsa assistant coaches that were openly rooting for the Horned Frogs because they

were afraid of UAA’s style.

Now for the women — they played in the weekend’s most exciting game. The female hoopers took UC Riverside into double OT and left with the win.

The box score doesn’t lie: This one was a bit messy. But it was also thrilling.

Both Alli Madison and Kiki Robertson showed off their short-term memories by hitting big shots after having sketchy starts. It was fantastic.

Everything cross-country The teams place first (women) and second (men) at the GNAC Championships. The women set a UAA record by finishing fourth at the NCAA Division II Championships. Head coach Michael Friess sweeps the GNAC Cross Country Coach of the Year awards.

A couple issues ago, I floated the idea of the cross-country teams entering GNAC dynasty territory. My case keeps getting stronger.

It’s a difficult program for students to support, but an easy one for them to respect.

Zanders makes All-West Region Team Julia Mackey and Katelynn Zanders are terrors from the outside. The Roddy White/Julio Jones comparison is hard to

CUP: Ties heat up competition CONTINUED FROM COVER proved to be no easy task for UAA. The Nanooks put the first goal of the game in the net at 2:03 of the first period. UAF’s Colton Beck scored the power play goal. With UAA trailing UAF 1-0, UAF added a second goal scored by Alec Hajdukovich, giving UAF a quick 2-0 lead over UAA. The Seawolves finally added a goal at 9:42 of the first period. Blake Tatchell scored the goal; Tatchell was assisted on the play from teammates Scott Allen and Austin Coldwell.

The second period began with UAA trailing UAF 2-1.

At 7:03 of the second period UAA’s Andrew Pettitt tied the game with his first goal of the season. Pettitt was assisted on the goal from teammate Chase Van Allen, his third assist of the season.

The third period began with UAA leading the chase for the

Governor’s Cup 1-0, and the score of the second game of this series tied with both teams having a two goal’s apiece. UAA struck first in the third period with a power play goal scored

by Scott Allen. Allen was assisted on the goal from teammates Blake Tatchell and Matt Bailey. Seawolf Blake Leask gave UAA a two-goal lead with a goal scored at 3:30 of the third period. At 4:19 of the third period UAF’s Marcus Basara scored a goal to make it a one game goal. With UAA leading UAF 4-3, UAF’s Colton Beck scored the game-tying goal at 12:05 of the third period. The Nanooks’ Cody Kunyk at 17:13 of the third period scored the game-winning goal.

UAA and UAF both have a win apiece in the chase for the Governor’s Cup. The series will resume in Fairbanks on March 7 and 8.

PHOTO BY DAN DUQUE

avoid when watching the duo play.

After Zanders’ partner was sidelined with a leg injury, she didn’t flinch. She took on the extra responsibility and led the team to the NCAA Division II West Regional Championships.

Zanders ended the regular season topfive in the GNAC in kills per set, points per set, and aces per set. Those numbers earned her a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s NCAA Division II All-West Region Team. The title is exhausting but her selection is impressive.

GPA is a stat, too BPG, APG and KPG are all useful stats when measuring someone’s value as a volleyball player. However, GPA is the go-to stat when measuring someone’s value as a person. Three members of the UAA volleyball team are posting big stats both on and off the court.

Sarah Johnson, Siobhan Johansen and Jodi Huddleston were named to the 2013 GNAC All-Academic Volleyball Team this semester. Johnson was one of just two players to make the team with a perfect 4.0 GPA. I can barely balance three rock gym trips per week with my schoolwork, so this achievement really resonates with

me.

Hockey team wins the Kendall Cup Head coach Matt Thomas had his first opportunity to quiet the noise that had surrounded UAA hockey for a significant period of time, and that’s what he did.

The Seawolves won the weekend in riveting fashion.

The ‘Wolves slapped in two goals in the final two minutes, including a gamewinner from Matt Bailey with 3.4 seconds left.

The Sullivan Arena was rowdy. That game had fans feeling the way they’ve been craving to feel about UAA hockey for so long.

10 SPORTS

Seawolf women dazzle 6th-ranked Falcons

By Audri Pleas Contributor

The UAA women’s basketball team knocked off nationally ranked Seattle Pacific University. The Seawolves dominated the Falcons the entire game. They managed to fend off a late SPU comeback eclipsing them 77-65.

The Seawolves are undoubtedly off to an industrious start in GNAC conference play. UAA is experiencing their second win of the week after their intergalactic performance against Montana State Billings Thursday night.

The ladies drilled in 90 points to MSU’s 59. UAA’s record improves to 2-0 in the GNAC and 7-1 overall.

UAA stunned the sixthranked Falcons early on. Freshman point-guard Kiki Robertson had a powerful night on defense.

Overall she finished with 7 points, 4 steals and 9 rebounds, in which 6 were offensive. Junior center Emily Craft had the most rebounds of the night, concluding the game with 13 and 10 points.

Teammate Alli Madison was the overall best player for UAA recording 21 points, 8 rebounds, and one steal. More importantly, A. Madison was a sharp shoot-

er going 11 of 12 from the free throw line. Other notable accomplishments include sophomore guard Jessica Madison with 12 points and 6 rebounds. UAA’s senior forward Kyle Burns chipped in 8 points, 6 rebounds and went 4 of 4 from the line.

SPU’s Katie Benson put in a valiant effort finishing the game with 26 points and 12 rebounds.

She also was perfect from the free throw line going 6 of 6. The Falcons Suzanna Ohlsen (10 points and 4 rebounds) and Brianne Lasconia (11 points and 4 rebounds) were consistent point contributors, but it was never enough. Maddey Pflaumer, just like Ohlsen and Benson, was perfect from the free throw line.

Something notable about this season is head coach Ryan McCarty has integrated his entire bench into rotation. All but three UAA players scored.

Sophomore Jenna Buchanan finished with 10 points off the bench. This is Seattle Pacific’s first loss of the season.

UAA will host the AT&T Classic December 20 and 21 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. The Seawolf women will have about 13 days until their first match of 2014 as they travel down to Northwest Nazarene in Idaho after the tournament ends.

live music

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Bluegrass Ball featuring High Lonesome Sound & Hot Dish

Dec. 20 & 21

Winter Solstice Weekend featuring DJ Alex the Lion & Mobile Disko

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Warren Miller’s Ticket to Ride 7 pm & 9 pm

Dec. 18

Powderwhore’s Elevation & Sweetgrass Production’s Valhalla

BEERS ON TAP / 21 & OVER / FOOD ‘TIL LATE full schedule & advance tix online @ thesitzmark.com : 907-754-2275

Seawolves take on the Lake Superior State Lakers DECEMBER 13th and 14th at the Sullivan Arena

For tickets, visit GoSeawolves.com

- FREE tickets for UAA students at the Student Union Desk - On sale at Sullivan Arena box office and all Ticketmaster locations

SEAWOLF HOCKEY

IT’S A NEW DAY UAA is an AA/EO employer and educational institution.

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

11

HOTTEST TOPICS What part about Nelson Mandela’s legacy do you appreciate?

Taccara Jones

Elizabeth Williams

He is a prime example of a true role model for people far and wide to always remember that even if you are the lone voice in a crowd, standing firm in your beliefs defines your character. You can’t expect the world to change and move forward if you’re not willing to affect change and make a difference.

Nursing

Social Work

Andre Thorn

Multicultural Center Director

Matt Blair

I appreciate Nelson Mandela’s persistent hope for a better world despite overwhelming odds.

How he turned the tragedy of being incarcerated, losing his son and his marriage breaking up to the triumph of being elected as the first black president of South Africa.

The way he changed the world for the best.

Engineering

HOTTEST TOPICS QUESTIONS, PHOTOS AND COMMENTS COMPILED BY MOHAGANI ADAMU

What are your plans for winter break?

Shawana Hendrick

What are you wearing to your next holiday party?

Nina King

Deborah Chambers

Dewain L. Lee, Ph.D.

Accounting

Mein Bowl Cashier

Early Childhood Education

Videogames! And planning for next semester. “(A) Link Between Worlds,” “Desolation of Smaug,” mall shopping, Christmas buying and spending over $300 for family. It’s going to be exciting!

Play my usual game — poker — and spend Christmas with my family, and then I’m going to see my daughter, sonin-law and my handsome grandson in Oregon.

I am going to wear a red 1970’s red back drape dress. I am currently participating in the Dressember project, where I wear a dress for everyday in December to support International Justice Mission.

IJM is an organization for human rights to combat human trafficking and sexual slavery.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

What I’m thankful for

Working at UAA since 1986 has been an amazing experience. Most of our students weren’t even born when I started here. I’m thankful for UAA, what its achieved, andwhat it has in its future. Consider these additions to campus in the last 27 years: • MAC apartments • New residence halls and Gorsuch Commons • The library expansion including the green light saber roof light and the cool Foucault pendulum • Rasmussen Hall and the new home of the College of Business & Public Policy as well as Native Student Services*, Multicultural Center*, Disability Support Services*, Career Services, and the Student Health & Counseling Center* (*new student services since 1993) • The University Center One Stop services and academic offices • Conoco Phillips Integrated Sciences Building…oh yea, and a parking garage • The ANSEP building • The Health Sciences building • And this fall our new Alaska Airlines Center followed by the new Engineering & Industry building That’s a LOT. Yet, UAA is more than its facilities. It’s the students, staff, and faculty who make it what it is. I know it’s easy to complain about parking and food service – believe me those are universal college complaints. But there are real people behind those services, ALL the services and programs at UAA, and they’re trying to make our university a better place.

This year alone the UAA community has lead, coordinated, participated in, or learned from these programs and presenters (this is the short list!)

• Kenji Yoshino, NYU Law Professor, MLK Student Appreciation Speaker • The first Emerging Leaders Conference with Toastmasters International • Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ show • UAA’s Relay for Life • Dan Savage and the Savage World Tour • Campus Kick-Off and comedian, Nick Offerman • 20th anniversary of A Cappella Festivella with Pentatonix • Seawolf Volleyball • Alaska Federal Court Judge Beistline • The Shopping Cart Parade and the Homecoming Dance • Jean Killbourne, author and filmmaker • The Big River Musical • World Champion, Ryan Avery, • Winning the Governor’s Cup in Hockey vs. UAF • Candy Chang “Before I die…” artist and juror of No Big Heads • USUAA Thanksgiving Day Feast • …and I know there are many, many more.

So, take a moment and be thankful for what we have and consider how to get involved in what’s coming in 2014. It’s great to have new facilities and programs. It’s the people, though, that make a difference. Happy New Year UAA! Annie Route Director of Student Life & Leadership Administrative advisor to TNL

Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Christmas pajamas — it’s a Christmas pajama themed party.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Confirmation by AK Legislature of AK PFD Board Have you ever thought about the Board that sets the amount of money you get every year as a Dividend? Please check the website Alaska Permanent Fund Board Confirmation Committee. Why should APFB that is currently only a gubernatorial appointment be confirmed

by Alaska Legislature? There are those who will tell you that confirmation will politicize the board.

How ridiculous!

Confirmation will create for the first time since 1976 a system of checks and balances or communication links between the board and Alaska Legislature so that there will begin to be accountability.

The primary “ringleader” of current Alaska Permanent Fund Board is William G. Moran Jr., chair, who between 2006-2009, his first three years on the board, was able to increase the value of his two privately held banks, First Bank Ketchikan and Community Bank, Joseph, Oregon, by about 330 percent.

APFBCC posts APFB’s signed investments that can be downloaded around the 15th of each month.

Last month Moran invested $26,047,765.71. This is your money, Alaskan. Can you start asking questions about your money?

Past and current APFB members are only enriching their private bank accounts by making individual investment transaction disclosures, or IITDs, in the stock market.

A.S. 37.13.110 “Conflicts of interest” refers to A.S. 39.50.010 findings and purpose: “to discourage public officials from acting upon a private or business interest in performance of a public duty.”

Judge for yourself if what APFB routinely does is in the best interest of Alaska Permanent Fund or in the board members’ self-interests.

The board’s IITDs are completely legal at this time. What this board routinely does could be a chargeable criminal offense of “Insider Trading” anywhere else in the United States. The board hires the brightest investment managers in the United States in order to get the best stock market investment

advice that other Alaskans cannot get.

There is no oversight whatsoever of APFB. Alaska banks hold the fund money and collect interest on it. We do not support “Pick Click Give,” paid for by Rasmuson Foundation, so that you will not even notice APFB. A handful of unbelievably wealthy Alaskans primarily connected for decades to Alaska Permanent Fund money maintain the status quo. They do not care about accountability because they make monthly fortunes from their investments. Alaska Permanent Fund makes these few Alaskans unfathomably wealthy while the rest of us are eking out a living.

To our knowledge, half of state royalties go into the Permanent Fund. We get a dividend, and that is all. In fact, Sean Parnell has already announced that he is going the double our dividend next year so he can be reelected governor for another four years.

The strategy is to upset us hardworking Alaskans. During the last municipal election, we saw Ordinance 37 enacted, which is intended to dismantle Anchorage unions. The matter is in the Alaska Supreme Court at the present time.

I do not have information on moves to “regroup” the College of Arts and Sciences at UAA, but this is another issue that upsets the entire staff and takes the focus off education in the wealthiest state in the nation.

We need to partner with the oil industry taking the risks and the rewards like Norway has done. We should not give leases based on the highest bidder but on the best bidder. Norway found that it did not work to hand over resources and not be “at the table” during the entire process of oil development. Partnering is foremost in the effort to develop a possible gas line. Let’s do it Wielechowski’s way.

Alaska will be so much better off if we can learn from the Norwegians.

I hope you inform yourself about these very significant issues. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AlaskaPermanentFundBoardConfirmationCommittee.

Theresa Obermeyer

COMICS

THENORTHERNLIGHT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

12

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.

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CONTRIBUTORS MoHagani Adamu Evan Dodd Travis Dowling Theresa Obermeyer Oliver Petraitis Audriana Pleas Misty Vanlue MEDIA ADVISER Paola Banchero ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISER Annie Route

CORRECTIONS On Page 2, Section A, of the Nov. 26 Shootout Edition of The Northern Light, we misidentified Tim McDiffett’s position in UAA Athletics. He is the associate athletic director.