The Northern Light September 24, 2013 Issue

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THENORTHERNLIGHT SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

FEATURES

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

A&E

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The high art of “latrinalia”

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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

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Introducing the almighty Seawolf Slug

Keith Hackett speaks publicly for the first time as athletic director By Thomas McIntyre

sports@thenorthernlight.org Keith Hackett was officially introduced as the new athletic director at a press conference Friday afternoon. He used the event to share his vision for UAA athletics and to address some lingering questions. Hackett’s plan for the department is a three-headed monster. The first step is ensuring they are always in alignment with the educational mission of the university. He wants to stress the “student” aspect of being a student-athlete. Secondly, he is committed to the safety, health and wellbeing of the athletes. He vowed this will be the top priority when making decisions. Last of all, he wants to engage the community. “The more we get involved with the community, the more involved they’re going to get with us,” Hackett said. “The only way they’re going to come is if we invite them to come.” While it was third on the list, Hackett’s approach to community involvement was a central theme during his time at the podium. He wants the coaches, players and staff to become integral parts of Anchorage. He came from a university (Nevada, Reno) that had a strong relationship with the community around it. Creating the same atmosphere and culture at UAA is essential to him. Hackett is also reaching out to the groups closer to home. For example, he met with members of the UAA Hockey Alumni Association the

morning of the press conference. And the day he landed in Anchorage, his first stop was the Sullivan Arena to sit down with the Kendall Hockey Classic committee. News of his early talks with these hockey groups should comfort Seawolf fans. But he did promise to extend his hand to all other forms of alumni, as well. Before he became a candidate for athletic director, Hackett wasn’t very familiar with Alaska. In fact, his first visit to Anchorage was last Tuesday. The challenge of acclimating himself to a foreign environment doesn’t scare him, though. He was a self-described outsider at Nevada, and he never allowed that to slow him down. Hackett’s research on his new residence led him to the state motto, “North to the future.” The phrase resonated with him. He feels it represents what he’s doing by taking on the athletic director role at UAA. “I’m just so fortunate to have this opportunity to be here in Anchorage today to help continue the growth of this outstanding athletic department,” Hackett said. Because of the tumultuous stretch the department went through, the idea of Hackett having to be a fixer and healer was brought up. He acknowledged that need and thinks it will be a part of his duty as the new leader. Hackett has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career. Accepting the position was a “no-brainer.” As he made clear several times on Friday, becoming an athletic director was always his endgame. Well, now his goal is realized, and he’s on the clock.

PHOTO BY DAN DUQUE

New athletic director Kieth Hackett introduced himself to the Seawolf athletics community at a press conference Friday.

Safety fair gets students prepared for the elements By Suhaila Brunelle

news@thenorthernlight.org

PHOTO BY SUHAILA BRUNELLE

Student Rolando Pressley learns how to use an avalanche beacon with Andy Romero, CEO of North American Outdoor Institute, at the Student Union Outdoor Safety Fair Sept. 19.

People come to Alaska seeking adventure in the Last Frontier. But that very adventure they seek can turn to tragedy, whether it be in the form of avalanches, blizzards or rough seas. Being informed and prepared can often prevent or alleviate injuries and death. UAA’s Student Union held an Outdoor Safety Fair last week as part of Safety Awareness Month to promote outdoor safety to students. Brooke Weaver of the Student Union said, “Alaska is a tough territory, and a lot of people come up here from other states. We think it’s important for them to know exactly what they are getting into and what they can do to prevent from getting harmed.” David Snider, TV desk lead at the U.S. National Weather Service Alaska, says the first thing someone can do to prevent tragedy is check the weather. “Know before you go,” he says. “Check the weather and make sure that your aware of the weather that’s coming or the type of weather that can change or impact your trip if you’re heading out to a day of skiing or fishing.” Snider also said being familiar with the place you are heading is important. “Know how to get to a safe place,” he says. “Have a contingency plan in case things go towards worse.” While planning some backcountry skiing this winter, there are

SEE SAFETY

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Maria Bamford entertains, educates By Jacob Holley-Kline arts2@thenorthernlight.org

She has killed God, sought the Exxon within and gone parasailglidebiking in Rio Guamquai. She is Maria Bamford. “When I say God, I mean a higher power — which I had chosen to be my best friend and dog, Blossom the awesome pug,” said Bamford on a YouTube video titled “Maria Bamford: The Thing About... Regret.” Bamford is one of the most innovative comedians and voice actresses working right now. “She is a comedian’s comedian,” said Felipe Godoy Diaz, a junior business and marketing double major and volunteer at Concert Board. “Other comedians rave about her.” As a part of UAA Homecoming, Bamford will be gracing the Wendy Williamson stage with her idiosyncratic presence and dexterous voice. Most famously, she has impersonated her dysfunctional family. In a given bit, she may switch between 3-4 different voices effortlessly. “She just sells it,” said Tracy Stewart, a doctoral student in Psychology and volunteer for Concert Board. “If she goes into a character or a voice it’s almost uncomfortable ... she just goes for it.” She has appeared on numerous late night talk shows including “Conan” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” facebook.com/northernlightuaa

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“Most recently, she had a guest appearance on the reboot of ‘Arrested Development.’ She was hilarious on it,” Diaz said. In addition to these credits, Bamford boasts a diverse career on cartoons and comedies including “Adventure Time” and “Louie.” While working on her acting career, Bamford has released numerous comedy albums. Recently she became the first female comedian to have a two-and-a-half-hour comedy special on Comedy Central. A large part of her act focuses on mental illness. “She directly discloses that she struggles with her own mental health issues,” Stewart said. “I like that she uses humor as an outlet for that.” In her new comedy album released this year, “Ask Me About My New God!,” Bamford addresses suicide and anxiety. She has stated that she has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Maria Bamford will bring her diverse array of characters to the Wendy Williamson Auditorium on Oct. 10, starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for Maria Bamford are available at the Student Union Information Desk or online at http://uaatix.com Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door for UAA students, $20 in advance, $25 at the door for the general public and $18 in advance, $23 at the door for UAA alumni. Visit http://uaatix.com or Concert Board on Facebook at http://facebook.com/uaaconcertboard for more information.

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The Northern Light September 24, 2013 Issue by The Northern Light - Issuu