Feb 17 Issue

Y o u r

n e w s . y o u r v o i c e . s i n c e The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

1 9 1 0 .

R acqueT FERPA, protecting pot smokers Viewpoint, page 7

La Crosse, second most romantic city News, page 5 T hu r s d ay, Fe b r u a r y 17, 2011

Wrestling takes down UW-EC Sports, page 11

w w w.t h e rac q u e t . n e t

MORE THAN AN INSTRUCTOR

12 Pa g e s

S i n g l e Co p i e s Fr e e

UW-L history professor honored, remembered at memorial service

By Lauren Seidl News Editor

Lars Roeder The Racquet

Friends and family gathered Sunday, Feb. 13 at Myrick-Hixon EcoPark to celebrate the life of UW-La Crosse Professor Don LaCoss, who passed away Jan. 31.

The last supper?

After seven years under the current contract, UW-La Crosse’s exclusive agreement with Chartwells is coming to an end. Spring of 2012 is the last semester under the current agreement.

The discussion for contract renewal is still in its preliminary stages, but a distinct possibility for changes in UW-L’s dining options exists.

Bidding for the new contract is likely to begin as early as next semester. Student Association and the Dining Service Committee, among others, will have an opportunity to review various proposals from dining service companies.

Though the decision on the hours and food for the new dining plan have not been made yet, the primary contenders for the new contract are most likely to be Chartwells, Sodexo and Aramark, all of whom are among the world’s largest food service providers with a strong presence both nationally and internationally.

According to Dr. Larry Ringgenberg, the Director of Student Activities and dining contract expert at UW-L, “the competition is a good thing,” and should help improve the food service at UW-L going forward, whether that means sticking with a traditional meal plan, an ala carte system, a block plan or some sort of hybrid. Ringgenberg said

Contract renewal is still in preliminary stages, but a distinct possibility for changes in UW-L’s dining options exists. that one of the most important aspects to the new deal would be flexibility.

Other schools in the UW system offer little help in effectively changing the program. Several schools in the system have become self sufficient in their food service, foregoing outside dining services entirely.

While that has been discussed as an option at UW-L, it appears unlikely for at least the near future due to the costs of starting an independent dining program from scratch.

Schools such as Eau Claire offer all access meal plans, allowing for unlimited cafeteria access to students, another course of action that has been viewed as financially unviable.

While unable to offer any accurate details of what the new plan may provide, Ringgenberg did lay out several goals for the new contract. In addition to making the plan more flexible for students, there was a hope for more food to be purchased locally, as opposed to imported from out of state. Though if followed to the letter this would limit some seasonal options for students, it would perhaps help with Please see CHARTWELLS page 4

231 & 232 Cartwright Center 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601

Please see LACOSS page 5

A NAMING GAME

Chartwells contract set to expire

By Nick Kammers General Reporter

Friends and family filled the Myrick-Hixon EcoPark on Feb. 13 to say goodbye to UW-La Crosse history Professor Donald LaCoss.

Only standing room remained as loved ones paid tribute to a man described as intelligent, witty and genuinely caring.

Donald LaCoss, better known as Don, began his career at UW-L in 2001. He taught a variety of History courses, including World History, the Holocaust, African Civilizations and the Middle East.

Students who were fortunate to have Don as a professor appreciated his vast knowledge along with his easy-going temperament. Many felt comfortable discussing almost anything with Don without the worry that he’d judge them based on a lack of knowledge or a differing opinion.

“He was more than an instructor, and he made learning exciting and relevant to world events,” said UW-L history major Darren Kinder, “Don taught me how to read, analyze and interpret historical

KaWai Hui The Racquet

Construction workers begin at sunrise in effort to finish the new Eagle Hall. Eagle Hall is the temporary name for the new residence hall. A permanent name will be decided by fundraising efforts, with the building being named after the person or corporation with the largest donation.

Two new buildings still host temporary names

By Julie Schneider General Reporter

UW-La Crosse has been in a state of transition since the ground breaking of both Centennial Hall and the new residence hall, Eagle Hall. Many decisions were made about the logistics of the projects, including the color, the layout and what departments and programs will be housed in the buildings,

Word of the Week Ambisinister

Clumsy or unskillful with both hands.

but something has yet to be determined: the permanent names for both buildings.

UW-L currently has two temporary names for the buildings. Centennial Hall originated from the Centennial Fundraising Campaign, which is a branch of the University Foundation. While Eagle Hall was chosen after being the winner in a vote by the student body in Dec. 2010.

Currently, UW-L is shifting Index

News. . . . . . . . . . . 1-5 ViewPoint . . . . . . 6-7 Health & Wellness 8

into a new way of determining the names of the buildings through gifts of philanthropy. The campus is accepting donations from families or corporations to fund the projects, and the building will be named after the hightest donor in honor of their monotery gift.

Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer for Administration and Finance, Dr. Bob Hetzel, said Please see NAMING page 4 Life Etc. . . . . . . . . . 9 Spotlight. . . . . . . . 10 Sports. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Grin Bin . . . . . . . . . 12

Please recycle

CampusNews

Lauren Seidl News Editor news@theracquet.net

Page 2

Thursday, February 17, 2011

CAMPUS PROFILE: MATT VOGEL

Moving on to new challenges Community Health Specialist to leave UW-L

By Teresa Turner Campus Profile Reporter

Matt Vogel is a well-known figure around the UW-La Crosse campus. He speaks at the freshmen registrations and puts on various programs relating to health promotion for students and faculty. To those people who still do not recognize the name, Vogel is the voice behind the Stall Seat Journals that hang in every dorm bathroom.

Vogel has worked at UW-L for three and a half years as the campus’ Community Health Specialist. As a health educator, he has coordinated health and wellness programs on such subjects as stress and nutrition that are the most relevant to college students. Also, part-time, he has taught the Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior class. However, Vogel’s engaging, beard-clad form will not be gracing UW-L’s campus for much longer.

At the end of March, Vogel will be moving to Oregon. He will be the new Community Health Specialist at Southern Oregon University. His approaching departure should not be seen as SOU stealing him away from UWL, but be seen as giving SOU an opportunity to experience the knowledge and expertise the UW-L campus community has come to

embrace. SOU does not have the same level of student engagement that many students at UW-L take for granted, and he is looking forward to the challenge of getting more students involved on the Oregon campus.

Matt Vogel got both his undergraduate degree in health and his masters degree in health promotion at Central Michigan University. In his free time, he enjoys doing anything that involves physical movement, which includes but is not limited to basketball, yoga, ultimate Frisbee, growing food in his garden and spending time in the woods with his kids and dog. He also enjoys engaging in conversations with people that challenge his views so he can have the opportunity to grow and learn.

Vogel’s favorite part about working on the UW-L campus is the many great interactions he has with students and colleagues. He likes having many discussions with open-minded people. Vogel is leaving campus with the overall feeling of being his own authoritative self in his workplace environment, and he has learned a lot here. He said he would miss teaching the Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior class, his autonomy and creative freedom here and his relationships with students and colleagues.

Vogel, being a self-proclaimed controver-

A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER

Yuhan Luo The Racquet

UW-L Community Health Specialist Matt Vogel sits at his desk in Wittich Hall. sial person who pushes boundaries, encourages students to also be controversial and boundary-pushers. He found that when he pushes boundaries, only a few people resist, and he believes that “some people want this challenge.” He reminds people that everyone who is honest, real, and authentic are also flawed, but no one should ever try to be perfect. “I am grateful to the UW-L community

for being so awesome,” said Vogel.

Vogel is putting on one last presentation right before he leaves. It will be on March 22 at 7 p.m. in the Graff Main Hall auditorium.

He says it will be one more time to hang out, and it will be casual and fun. “I would like to thank people,” Vogel said.

On the road to making a difference

Spring break road trip combines volunteering, fun, and travel

By Heather Gage Staff Reporter

Paige Rice The Racquet

Comedian Rajiv Satyal perfoming at the Cellar Feb. 9. According to CAB, Satyal is a wellknown comedy star from Ohio. His career is growing quickly as he has toured across the states and even overseas. He covers a variety of topics ranging from racial issues to dish soap. Satyal has opened numerous times for notable comedians Dave Chappelle, Kevin Nealon, and Tim Allen.

Do you have a passion that you want to share with other students? Apply to be a

Beat Reporter

for News or Features, and cover something of interest to you each week.

Deepen your experience in your field and learn how to condense complex issues into stories the busy student wants to read.

Apply today at www.theracquet.net or e-mail editor@theracquet.net

Students have the opportunity to participate in a once in a lifetime spring break trip that combines having a good time and making a difference. Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF), a service and leadership organization on campus, is planning a Pay it Forward Tour bus trip over spring break this year.

The Pay it Forward Tour is a nine-day, multi-city trip across the United States that ends in Charleston, S.C. It’s a great way to volunteer, meet new friends and make a difference at the same time.

“Each day the bus will stop in a different city and everyone participates in a service project,” explained Ashley Bishop, STLF chapter core.

Every day starts bright and early with breakfast. Then students will participate in a service project such as painting, working with people or yard work. At the service project site, students will be served lunch. Once the service project is finished, the tour will continue on to the next city, where students will participate in scheduled activities or free time. The day will end with sleep at places such as YMCAs, churches or community centers.

After the fifth city, the tour heads to Charleston, where students will meet up with other schools and participate in a large service project. Students will stay in hotels for two nights and there will be ample time to explore and go to the beach. There will also be a celebration in which each bus will share their experiences with each other.

The tour is over the UW-L spring break, leaving March 11 and returning March 19.

The total cost of the tour is $440, which includes travel, lodging, two meals a day, two T-shirts and enrichment activities such as bowling, laser tag and mini golf.

Students will be able to choose which tour bus they would like to go on. The first tour bus will be visiting Champaign, Ill., Springfield, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., Jasper Fla., and Wilmington Island, Ga. The second tour bus is the mystery tour, in which students won’t know what cities they will be visiting until the day that they arrive.

“The Pay it Forward Tour is a wonderful way for students to meet new friends, see other parts of the U.S., volunteer in new communities and learn more about others and themselves,” said Bishop,“Many of the structured activities we do focus on building friendships

“The Pay it Forward Tour is a wonderful way for students to meet new friends, see other parts of the U.S., volunteer in new communities and learn more about others and themselves.”

Ashley Bishop Students Today Leaders Forever chapter core and looking at new perspectives. They can have much impact.”

This is STLF’s second year at the UW-L campus. This year they have expanded to two tour buses that hold 40 students each. Ten UW-L students have been coordinating this trip and there are still spots available. To sign up for the tour go to www.stlf.net, click on “find more chapters,” and choose UW-La Crosse.

› What: Pay it Forward Tour › Who: Students Today Leaders Forever; Open to anyone

› When: March 11-19 › Where: Five U.S. cities and Charleston, S.C.

CampusNews Campus

UW-L’s coal heating plant back in hot seat

By Gretchen Zishka Senate Reporter

UW-La Crosse’s on-campus coal plant located near Cartwright Center and Mitchell Hall has been a source of controversy for years. A rally was held last spring and another is planned for later this semester. Walking around campus or student neighborhoods, the yellow-and-black “No More Coal” signs are a common sight. With this input from constituents in mind, the Student Senate voted 23-5 to ask newly-elected Wisconsin governor Scott Walker and his administration to look into coal alternatives.

While it’s true that conversion of the coal plant is part of UW-L’s long-term growth and building plan, in the face of budget cuts and the new construction projects, switching to a cleaner fuel has taken a backseat. Asking the Walker administration for help in exploring other fuels or changes might be a way to speed up the plans and create a cleaner campus.

The primary alternative to coal that the Senate suggested was biomass, which is defined in the dictionary as “organic matter, especially plant matter, that can be converted to fuel and is regarded as a potential energy source.” Advantages of this energy source are that it is entirely renewable and cleaner than coal.

Even clean coal creates more emissions than any other energy source. It is also easier and cheaper to convert a coal plant to biomass than to other energy sources, according to the Student Senate. Finally, conversion to biomass can happen more quickly than conversion to other sources.

One problem with using biomass rather than coal is the cost of converting the plant from coal-burning to biomass-burning. It could take up to $50 million for UW-L to make the necessary changes.

The Senate’s message to the Walker administration discusses the environmental problems caused by burning coal on campus, providing emissions data from 2007, the last time the plant was cleaned. It reasons that because of the negative impact of coal, changes need to be explored and made, preferably sooner than later.

There seems to be interest in this resolution outside of the Senate chamber as well.

Two-hundred UW-L student signatures were collected in favor of it within one week, and plans to convert UW-Madison’s plant are in the works.

Many students seem to share the opinion of Jennifer Feyerherm, the director of Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Campaign, that “coal is a dirty, outdated way to be powering our campuses.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS Other issues discussed by Student Senate › Upcoming “Reflections of Ebony” event (to be held Feb. 27). › Forums on UW-L’s campus smoking policy delayed by one week. › “Multicultural Day” to take place Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Valhalla

Page 3

Learning from other campuses RHAC Leadership Committee plans ‘Deep South’ campus tour over spring break

By Clara Johnson RHAC Reporter

With community service based trips becoming popular among college campuses, many students are looking for a way to get involved over spring break.

UW-La Crosse’s Leadership Development Committee is sponsoring a spring break leadership tour heading to New Orleans from March 11 - 20. The cost for the trip is $425 and includes most food and snacks, bus transportation, a shirt and housing.

“Students will learn leadership skills and have the opportunity to volunteer as well as learn fresh and innovative ideas for UW-L students to continue their community involvement,” Leadership Development Committee member Hannah Mixford said.

The Deep South Word of Mouf Tour plans on visiting campuses in St. Louis, Mo., Nashville, Tenn., Starkville, Miss., New Orleans, La., Birmingham, Ala., Bowling Green, Ky. and Chicago, Ill. Students will spend one day in each city except New Orleans, which has a two day agenda.

A typical scheduled day on tour includes visiting the college campuses during the day. At the campuses, students will learn about the different community service opportunities on that campus and perform community service projects in the communities they visit. They will then

With this week being “Random Act of Kindness Week”, what random act of kindness would you demonstrate?

I would teach someone a new skill, like a sport or instrument.”

-Molly Haferman, Sophomore

If it snowed, I’d brush snow off of people’s cars so it doesn’t freeze.”

-Tate Randall, Junior

I would hang out with underprivileged kids.”

-Jenni Kobac, Freshman

The multi-city leadership tour includes stops in Chicago, Nashville, Birmingham, Bowling Green, and Starkville en route to New Orleans. explore the city during the evening hours followed by a four to five hour ride to their next destination city.

“This trip is for any student on or off campus who wishes to continue their involvement with UW-L and with the La Crosse community," Mixford said, “Any student who attends will learn useful leadership and community service skills that are applicable to many organizations, including RHAC. The knowledge and sharing of ideas with other residence life programs will give all participants the chance to diversify their understanding of service projects."

Mixford feels this once in a lifetime experience is one that will help both the individuals, campus life and the La Crosse community by diversifying the community service programs that are implemented on campus.

The program is able to take a maximum of 50 students interested in experiencing different campus culture and growing as leaders through service. Any student interested can apply on the trip’s Web site at http://web. me.com/simplyevan/ or contact Reuter Hall Director Jason Bertrand at 608-789-8087 or bertrand.jaso@uwlax.edu.

w w w. t h e r a c q u e t. n e t

Thursday, February 17, 2011

All St r Lanes Mondays @ 6pm

I’d write encouraging notes and leave them in random places.”

Buck Nights

$1 Games, Shoes, Beer, Burgers, and Fries

-Alli Kocik, Freshman

I’d jumpstart someone’s car.”

-Bill Emery, Junior

Fridays @ 9pm

Karaoke

Thursdays

Import Night $2 Import Beers, 25 cent wings, 3 Games for $5 shoes included

Now Hiring Bartenders - Call Daron at 608-788-7827

CityNews

Katie Tucker City Editor city@theracquet.net

Page 4

Video contest strives to save lives YouTube contest gives students incentive to practicing safe drinking

By K.C. Powers Crime & Safety Reporter

Some UW-La Crosse students turn to YouTube for music and a good laugh, but what about saving lives? The second annual “The Buzz Stops Here” contest sponsored by the Changing the Culture of Risky Drinking Behavior Coalition is doing just that.

“The Buzz Stops Here” is a video contest in which La Crosse residents above the age of 14 can submit a five minute video about “Strategies for Safe Choices” in regards to risky or underage drinking. The winning group or individual will receive a $500 Best Buy gift card, second place will receive a $200 gift card and third place a $100 gift card. The coalition hopes that the public service announcement will bring about more awareness in not only the La Crosse community, but in Wisconsin as a whole.

UW-L senior and coalition member Kayla Brenner explained how the contest can help: “My personal goal would be to ultimately ‘change the culture’ of binge drinking and make La Crosse safer," Brenner said, “There are alarming statistics; Wisconsin has the

highest rate of drunk driving in the country, and 45 percent of all fatal crashes in 2009 were alcohol related.”

According to a survey conducted by The Youth Risk Behavior Survey of La Crosse County, drunk driving isn’t Wisconsin’s only problem as 63 percent of college students reported binge drinking within the past month.

Along with college students, a staggering 32 percent of high school aged students reported binge drinking in the past month.

“We are hoping that the contestants show people the importance of harm reduction strategies when consuming alcohol,” Brenner said. Some such strategies the coalition pushes include drinking water between alcoholic beverages, socially drinking and eating food with friends and avoiding drinking games.

Brenner hopes to see some more great videos as there were many great ones in last year’s contest. Videos are judged on content of the message (50 percent) creativity (30 percent), and entertainment ( 20 percent). Topics can include either safer drinking for those 21 and older or alternative fun for those under 21 in the community. These peer-to-peer messages are sure to help others according to

that UW-L and the UW-L Foundation are completing the $3 million in fundraising efforts for Centennial Hall but have not started the process for Eagle Hall.

“Right now it is a waiting game as far as hearing back from prospective donors, and these temporary names could be more longterm,” Assistant Chancellor for University Advancement Greg Reichert said.

Because it is an academic building, Centennial Hall has received funding from the state to be constructed. On the other hand, Eagle Hall is funded by current students’ room fees. Optimistically, money that would be donated to Eagle Hall would go back to the students in the form of scholarships with roughly $100,000 of scholarship money being available yearly.

A process of naming rights, set up by the Board of Regents, states that every university within the UW-system has to get an official name approved by the Board of Regents. The process consists of a recommendation proposed by the Chancellor, which goes to the

Board of Regents and then the Board makes the final decision as to if they feel the name proposed is suitable for the building.

Other campus building names such as Graff Main Hall and Carl H. Wimberly Hall have been named after administrators and educators who have impacted this campus rather than from a donation.

“The last time UW-L built a new academic building was in 1974 and that was roughly 40 years ago, so the fact that UW-L is making the efforts to offer students the facilities that are needed in order to offer students the quality education they deserve is transformational,” Reichert said. “These two new buildings have changed the landscape on this campus that community members have noticed and we hope that this instills even more pride for what UW-L has to offer within the community.”

Marc Frederickson, a Residence Assistant in Drake Hall, feels that it would be a nice recognition to name a building after a faculty or staff member who has made an impact on campus, but it would be very difficult to choose just one person.

Campus considers flexibility in food service big priority From CHARTWELLS, page 1

“My personal goal is to ultimately change the culture of binge drinking in La Crosse...there are alarming statistics; Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunk driving in the country.”

Kayla Brenner Changing the Culture of Risky Drinking Behavior Coalition

the coalition.

The videos are due by 11:59 p.m. on March 1 and judges will narrow it down to the top ten submissions. Online voting for the best video will begin on March 2. These videos will be screened in Port O’ Call in Cartwright Center on March 7 where voting will also occur.

For more information regarding the contest, visit thebuzzstopshere.org, or e-mail Kayla Brenner at brenner.kayl@uwlax.edu.

Foundation planning on naming new residence hall after highest bidder From NAMING, page 1

Thursday, february 17, 2011

“The process of a gift of donation is the only fair way of determining the name for a new building,” Frederickson said.

With Centennial Hall offering 44 new classrooms and Eagle Hall offering roughly 500 beds, UW-L will be able to increase the number of students accepted into the university each year. Administration is excited about what the growth means for the future of students on campus.

“College consists of more than just going to class. It’s the social interactions and connections that are made in the residence halls that make up the entire experience,” Reichert said.

Eagle Hall will be roughly $500 more than a traditional residence hall room and $500 less than a Reuter Hall room.

“I think Eagle Hall will become the central hub for several different things on campus and with the space and layout that it will have, will allow for programming to increase and for different types of programs to take place,” Frederickson said.

Mollie Verdick The Racquet

A display of the dinner options at Whitney. Chartwells food contract with the campus ends in spring 2012. Bidding for a new contract could begin as early as next semester. costs and support the local community in a tangible way.

Particular inspiration was drawn from a program at a school in Virginia, where every month a local restaurant would take over some food service responsibilities.

What Ringennberg stressed as most important to him was to find ways to create a plan that would have students actually eat all of the meals purchased, not only to eliminate wastefulness, but also to find a way to more efficiently pay for the service provided by whoever is in charge of dining after next year.

At present the school is overpaying for food that goes uneaten due to unbalanced meal plan options.

Currently those involved with the final decision are still looking for student input and creative ways to set up the new food options.

New ideas are welcome in an attempt to set UW-L’s dining program apart from other universities.

CAMPUS CALENDAR Your finger on the pulse of campus life in La Crosse

Weird World Happenings

By Teresa Turner Staff Reporter

Border Patrol What happens when an immigration officer gets sick and tired of his wife when she is off on a trip in Pakistan? It is quite obvious! Place her name on the terrorist watch list. This is exactly what one immigration officer from the UK did to his wife to prevent her return. When the lucky lady tried to board a flight him, officials detained her but would not tell her why she could not get on the plane. She promptly called her husband with the news, and he said he would look into it. Of course he ignored her plead and went about his life as usual. The immigration officer left his wife stuck in Pakistan for THREE YEARS before his boss found out about his antics and fired him. (1/30/2011 www.mirror.co.uk) Whatever happened to sword fights?

SEGA is helping you play with your pee.

Literally. The Japan branch of thegaming industry, SEGA, recently announced the testing of their new Toylets male urinal video game at select locations around Tokyo. The Toylets video game has a pressure sensor located on the back of each urinal to measure the strength and location of the urine stream.

The small LCD screen above the urinal allows men to play many simple video games. Some

of the games include a simulator for erasing graffiti, a variation of a sumo wrestling match, and a game where the strength of the urine flow translates into strength of a windblast trying to blow a girl’s skirt up. There is also a Mannekin Pis that measures the amount of urine that is produced. Let the awkward restroom fun begin! (1/5/2011 singularityhub. com) Cow-abunga Unsinkable Molly B refused to die. She had eluded death once already five years ago, and she was not going to let herself be killed this time either. Located in Montana, Molly skipped her date with doom by leaping a 5-foot –5-inch fence at Mickey’s Packing Plant; she did not want to become a hamburger or a juicy steak. That’s right; Unsinkable Molly B is a 1,200 pound heifer. After skipping over the gate, the cow raced through town with the police and animal control on her heels. She then ran into a conflict with a German Shepherd, dodged an SUV, and negotiated her way through a rail yard. Next, she swam across the Missouri river and later took three tranquilizer darts before getting corralled. Molly put up such a fight that the packing plant employees decided to spare her from slaughter. She is now happily residing on a 20-acre ranchette with her new friend Misty. (2/3/2011 www.clickondetroit.com)

Presentation “Being Young and Arab in America”. 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. in 141 Wimberly Hall. Moustafa Bayoumi talks about the struggles that young Arabic Americans are going through today.

2/17 2/18

Casino Night. 7 p.m. in Port O’Call, Cartwright Center. Play Poker, Blackjack, and BINGO. Prizes will be given away.

2/19

Big Band Cabaret. 7:30 p.m. in Valhalla, Cartwright Center. UW-L Big Bands and guests recreate the sounds of the big band era. Beverages will be served and there will be a large dance floor. Tickets required.

2/19 2/21

2/21

Multicultural Day. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Valhalla, Cartwright Center. Interactive activities will be held to promote human rights awareness. Put on by the Asian Student Organization.

Brian Udermann health lecture. 7 p.m. in Graff Main Hall Auditorium. Udermann will discuss health literacy, common health myths, nutrition, the busyness of life, and how humor and laughter impact health.

2/21 2/23

2/23

Men’s Basketball vs Steven’s Point. 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. in Mitchell Hall.

“Out” in the Workplace. 7 p.m. in Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center. A presentation on being openly gay in the workplace.

Queer cinema: Fish out of Water. 6:30 p.m. in Graff Main Hall. A documentary by filmmaker Ky Dickens that explores the seven Bible passages usually used to condemn homosexuality. Followed by a live SKYPE session with Dickens.

Career Expo. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in Valhalla and Port O’ Call, Cartwright Center. Intended for students searching for internships and full-time positions related to their majors. Dress for success!

CityNews

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Memorial service pays homage to UW-L History professor From LACOSS page 1

“He didn’t just think outside the box—Don

information more effectively and efficiently. He didn’t just blew the box apart and rebuilt it with think outside the box—Don his own brilliance, wit and courage. I will blew the box apart and rebuilt it with his own brilliance, wit remain forever grateful for his support and and courage. I will remain for- encouragement...” ever grateful for his support Darren Kinder and encouragement.”

On a blog set up to rememUW-L history major and student of Don LaCoss ber Don, student Kelly Nussbaum wrote, “As my professor, he was the quick-witted man year-old son’s elementary school and other who introduced me to all of the bureaucracy parent/child groups around La Crosse. Snow in the professional history field. As an awe- angels were made during the memorial as a some person in general, he made me a tough- suggestion by his son’s kindergarten teacher. er, more concise and more sarcastic historian, Friends and family were also encouraged to showing me you don't have to sell out to play make collages displaying their memories of the game. He was truly a shining light among and tributes to Don. academics and will forever remain one of my At the memorial Don’s passions were disfavorite professors and mentors at UW-L.” played for loved-ones to see in the form of Not only was Don an admirable and well- artwork and scholarly writing. Don wrote liked professor, but he was also a loving part- many pieces on surrealism and anarchism ner and father. He was involved in his six- that have been published widely, and his visual art has been exhibited around the world.

Friends and colleagues spoke of Don’s insightful observations on the world, witty sense of humor and never-ending curiosity.

Those who came in contact with him felt like they were sincerely appreciated for who they were and truly listened to no matter what they had to say.

“We have to have rituals like this as part of letting go,” UW-L English professor Darci Thoune said of the service, “Don would be blown away and amazed with how loved he is.”

English Professor Virginia Crank, who helped organize the memorial service, said, “It was nice to see he meant so much to so many people. I feel sorry for all the students who won’t get to have him as a professor.”

UW-L students and colleagues were lucky to have been graced by the knowledge and friendship of Don. He taught students that it’s good to have differing opinions and respectful debates. UW-L English Lars Roeder The Racquet Chair and Don’s partner, Susan Some of Professor LaCoss' art and literature was on Crutchfield, said, “His students redisplay at the memorial service held in his memory on ally are his legacy.”

Sunday afternoon.

City of romance

La Crosse voted second most romantic city by Redbox survey

By Katie Tucker City Editor

Those looking for love can forget the "City by the Mighty River" nickname; La Crosse has a new title: "Second Most Romantic City in America." At least that’s according to the conclusion of a survey conducted by Redbox last year.

The Redbox firm says that La Crosse customers rent the second highest percentage of romantic comedies in the nation, a sign that Redbox feels indicates area residents are in the mood for love.

The survey says 55,000 romantic comedies were rented in 2010 from the company's 28 kiosks in the La Crosse area. "Up in the Air" was the most rented romantic comedy in La Crosse.

Greensboro, North Carolina, is ranked the most romantic city in America, as opposed to Laredo, Texas, determined to be the least romantic in the country.

Following Greensboro and La Crosse are, in order: Tuscaloosa, Ala.; Tucson, Ariz.; Buffalo, N.Y.; Green Bay, Wis.; Sioux City Falls, S.D.; Fargo, N.D.; Canton, Ohio; and Detroit., Mich.

Page 5

Up for a challenge?

Area eateries offer menu items for the competitive

By Jill Bagniefski Staff Reporter

There are a number of establishments in La Crosse with good food at great prices and several restaurants that offer food challenges.

Whether you prefer pizza or seafood, those on a student budget will want to check out these options.

Marges on Rose at 833 Rose St. cooks up a breakfast called Unk’s Mess. You name it – it’s in there. If you can finish the whole plate you can have your picture taken for “The Wall of Shame.” Or you may want to try the jumbo burrito and have your picture posted as well.

Polito’s Pizza at 116 S 3rd St. bakes a 28 inch, 12 pound sausage and pepperoni pizza, and if two can finish the whole thing in less than one hour, they win $500. That’s worth a try.

Neuie’s Varsity Club at 1910 Ward Ave. also has a pizza challenge. If two people can finish a 30 inch deluxe pizza in less than one hour, they win $250 cash and a $250 gift certificate.

Buffalo Wild Wings on Highway 16 just past the mall has a blazing wing special. If you can manage the heat through twelve wings in less than two minutes, you win a T-shirt, and if you can finish in less than six minutes, you can post your photo on the Blazing Challenge Wall.

Old Style Inn features Mexican night every other Tuesday. Enjoy all the burritos, tacos and pizza you can eat for $10. Margaritas are also on special for $3.50. Old Style Inn has been well-known for many years for their $4 burritos in a boat every Tuesday.

A little known steak and seafood restaurant named Boot Hill Pub opened in 2008 within biking distance of campus just over the causeway at 1501 St. Andrew St. in the old La Crosse Rubber Mills building. There is a large sports bar attached to a casual res-

taurant and a charming outdoor patio area with a fountain, foliage and Chinese lanterns that provides a romantic mood in the warmer months. The menu is extensive and a soup and salad bar is included. The food is very good, but the best part of dining at Boot Hill is the extremely reasonable pricing.

Some of the best burgers in town can be found at the Sports Nut tavern at 801 Rose St. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday you can purchase a taco big enough to suffice for a meal for $1.50 at Fish’s Bar at 1452 Caledonia St., and over a dozen sauces are provided.

On Wednesday nights, you can peel a dozen shrimp and have them prepared your way for $3 at the Logan Tavern at 1400 Caledonia St. You may prefer the soup and salad buffet at Piggy’s every weekday from 11a.m.

– 2 p.m. It offers a diverse array of soups, salads, dressings and fantastic bread sticks – all you can eat for $8.95.

One of the biggest bangs for your buck can be found at the Great Wall at 322 Main St. For $16 you can purchase three entrees and feed no less than four people some of the area’s best Chinese food. They deliver in less than one hour and provide menus for future orders.

Howie’s Hof Brau at 1125 La Crosse St. has a new Friday night special including $2 pitchers of beer and $3 burgers made to order.

Whiskey River Saloon just opened in August at 223 Pearl St. They will fill a large plastic boot with over forty ounces of domestic beer and throw in four shots for $8. On Wednesday wing night you can purchase a pound of wings for $1.50.

Top Dawgs is located at N8292 Hwy 108 in Mindoro. It’s about thirty minutes from campus, but it’s a very scenic drive and passes through the well-known Mindoro cut where the road was carved straight through the center of a large bluff. Clean your plate of their four pound hamburger and win a T-shirt.

Physics department’s academic diversity to be used as national model

By Katie Tucker City Editor

Future workshops presented by the American Institute of Physics will be based off UW-L’s program.

UW-La Crosse’s physics program is one of the nation’s best according to the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Next fall, the programs in 2002 by the National Task Force department will be toured as an example for on Undergraduate Education. Additionally, the program has received the UW System Reother university’s to model after.

UW-L was chosen after the National Sci- gents Teaching Excellence Award, and honence Foundation gave AIP a grant to promote ored by the American Association of Physics successful learning strategies for the prepara- Teachers.

“It makes sense the department is being tion of physics students for science, technology, engineering, and medical careers. The recognized for its diversity. In my physics tour is aimed at increasing the range and vol- class there are students with quiet a variety of majors from biomed and optometry to engiume physics workforce in the United States.

The results of the visit will be shared with neering,” student Ana Schmitz said.

Since 2001 UW-L has been ranked in the physics programs nationally. AIP plans to present future workshops for both students top 10 in the AIP’s list of schools that generate and teaching staff based on UW-L’s program. the most physics graduates per year. On averThis national recognition isn’t the first for age about 20 students graduate each year with the physics department. According to the physics degrees. department Web site, the program was The UW-La Crosse Department of Music Jazz Studies Program selected as one of the best unPresents d e r g r a d u at e

Peace Corps - 50 Years of Promoting Global Peace & Friendship

Salute XXIV

BIG BAND CABARET at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

SATURDAY, FEB. 19 7:30 p.m.

Be part of the next Peace Corps generation.

Information Session:

Tuesday, February 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

Cartwright Center, Room 340 Life is calling. How far will you go? 800.424.8580 l peacecorps.gov/50

Sponsored by the UW-La Crosse Jazz Studies Program

Dance area provided.

All reserved seating.

Show is held in Valhalla, Cartwright Center–Gunning Addition on the UW-La Crosse campus (corner of State St. and Campbell Rd.).

$30/patron • $15/adults $14/senior citizens $10/students

Suggested Donation Tickets are available in advance and at the door.

MAKES A GREAT DATE! For more information or credit card reservations, call us at 608.785.8415.

Reservation deadline for cabaret is Monday, Feb. 14.

The

RacqueT EDITORIAL BOARD

Kelli Ponce | Editor in Chief kponce@theracquet.net Jake Gietman | Publisher jgietman@theracquet.net Lauren Seidl | News Editor news@theracquet.net Katie Tucker | City Editor city@theracquet.net Alex Witt | Features Editor features@theracquet.net Allen Knappenberger | Projects Editor aknappenberger@theracquet.net Isaac Lindahl | Sports Editor sports@theracquet.net Taylor Fagerburg | Multimedia Editor photo@theracquet.net Hannah Henderson | Viewpoint Editor viewpoint@theracquet.net Megan Fallon | Online Editor online@theracquet.net

NEWS REPORTERS

KC Powers | Crime & Safety powers.kath@uwlax.edu Gretchen Zishka | Student Gov’t zishka.gret@uwlax.edu Dan Dodge | Admin & Budget dodge.dani@uwlax.edu Jill Bagniefski | Explore the City bagniefs.jill@uwlax.edu Nick Kammers | Sweden Bureau kammers.nich@uwlax.edu Julie Schneider | General Assignment schneider.juli@uwlax.edu Teresa Turner | General Assignment turner.tere@uwlax.edu Heather Gage | General Assigment gage.heat@uwlax.edu

FEATURES REPORTERS

Ashley Atkinson atkinson.ashl@uwlax.edu Meghan O’Connor oconnor.megh@uwlax.edu Ethan Peters peters.etha@uwlax.edu Erica Gullickson gullicks.eric@uwlax.edu Philippe Meister meister.phil@uwlax.edu Olivia Mercer mercer.oliv@uwlax.edu Emily King king.emil@uwlax.edu

SPORTS REPORTERS

Ryan Pomerening | Senior Reporter pomereni.ryan@uwlax.edu

ART AND PHOTO STAFF

KaWai Hui | Senior Photographer Photographers | Lauren Gause, Yuhan Luo, Lars Roeder, Matt Saddoris, Mollie Verdick, Paige Rice, Michael Westberry, Amanda O’Keefe, Nichole Larson Designers | Bethany LaDue, Mai Zoua Vang

BUSINESS STAFF

Jake Gietman | Publisher jgietman@theracquet.net Brian Blanchette Advertising Director bblanchette@theracquet.net Charity Pradiptarini Account Executive cpradiptarini@theracquet.net Kim Maves Account Executive kmaves@theracquet.net

Subscriptions To reserve your issue of The Racquet, visit www.theracquet.net/subscribe or call us at (608) 785-8378. Single issues are free on campus or available by mail for a subscription fee.

SPRING 2011: 15 issues for $30 FULL YEAR: 30 issues for $50

The Racquet 231 & 232 Cartwright Center 1725 State Street La Crosse, WI 54601 The Racquet is a student-produced weekly newspaper distributed for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The editorial staff assumes full responsibility for content and policies. The Racquet values accuracy and will publish corrections if necessary; please send them to editor@theracquet.net.

Deadline for article submission is Friday by noon. To advertise with The Racquet, please contact bblanchette@theracquet. net. For general inquiries, contact editor@ theracquet.net.

Single copies are free to members of the UW-La Crosse, WTC, and Viterbo campus communities. Multiple copies can be acquired from The Racquet at a price to be determined by the publisher by contacting the Racquet business office. Newspaper theft is a crime and is subject to civil and criminal prosecution and/or university discipline.

Viewpoint

Don’t be a pinhead...speak up!

Send your letter for The Open Forum to viewpoint@theracquet.net today!

Hannah Henderson Viewpoint Editor viewpoint@theracquet.net

The voice of the campus community is printed here

Page 6

Thursday, February 17, 2011

FROM THE EDITORS

KNOWLEDGE IS Off the Record...

POWER Take advantage of the College Readership’s pilot expansion

In today’s world, the news is available everywhere from iPhone apps to corner newsstands. Sure, the Internet, TV, and radio make it fast and easy to stay informed about what’s happening on campus, in La Crosse, and even the world, but why stick to the traditional newspaper?

It’s simple. Almost like the comparing the difference between going and seeing a movie at the theater and reading the book; the book is always better.

Last week Student Senate agreed to conduct a four-week pilot program with USA Today that would expand UW-La Crosse’s Collegiate Readership Program. Currently, USA Today, the La Crosse Tribune, and Wisconsin State Journal are offered free on campus, but are only available in the residence halls. Although exact details aren’t finalized, during the trial program newspapers will be available in common places for all students including Murphy, academic buildings, or Cartwright.

“The next logical step is to make them available to all students,” USA Today representative Jason Meyer said.

The pilot program is designed to gauge student’s interest in reading.

Consumption will be tracked to determine which locations are the most popular, and what is read the most.

The trial results will determine if the program’s offerings and locations meet the demands of the students.

“Students who regularly read

newspapers are better prepared to live and work in a global economy.

The readership program helps promote a sharing of ideas related to responsible citizenship. Students are more inclined to go out and voice their opinions as well as vote. They will be more inclined to be active and do things they might not have otherwise done. It encourages students to examine diverse viewpoints and multiple perspectives,” Meyer said.

Picking up a paper makes your knowledge a personal choice. Newspapers are fuller and more detailed than the thirty second ten o’clock news segments. Papers offer more articles and more sections to choose from, and it is you, not some television producer, that gets to choose what you read. Furthermore, if you pick a local newspaper, it will have more information of a personal nature to you and your community.

The Racquet editors encourage you to pick up a paper the next time you pass by a newly located shelf. By making the pilot successful a more extensive collection of newspapers could be available in future years.

Take advantage of the free offerings while you’re on campus. Reading not only gives you knowledge of the world around you, but you also absorb the materials you read thus benefiting yourself as well. Reading exposes you to new vocabulary, skills, and even interests or hobbies.

After all, knowledge is power.

Online poll results: The Cartwright building, our student union, is about 50 years old. Many believe it’s time to invest in a new student union project while others would like to continue to repair it. Because the union isn’t an academic building, the state won’t help with financing. What’s your opinion?

48% said, “Yes, the 12% said, “I didn’t building’s old but tuition already hiked because of the new res hall, let’s keep repairing.”

39% said, “The

even know we had a student union?”

This non-scientific poll had a total of 33 respondents.

building’s old and outdated, Don’t forget to check and it’s more beneficial to the university if we just start www.theraquet.net for more polls. new.”

Irritating. A word filled with anxiety, hate, and annoyance. It’s a word that describes the very feeling one has when Sports Center starts talking about if the Packers can win another Super Bowl. Where is the time for them to enjoy the victory?

Where is the respect the team deserves? Just because they are from Wisconsin, they get zero respect.

Everyone is surprised if the Patriots don’t make it past the first round of the playoffs or if the Saints can’t hold it together to make a come back. But for that cheesehead loving team in Wisconsin, there is little to no respect ever given. They don’t get enough TV time and they don’t get enough press.

So to the announcers and analysts who get overpaid for their job, try thinking about letting the Super Bowl Champs enjoy their victory for a few months before bombarding on the air if it can be done again.

Because it WILL! -OTR-

608-782-RENT (7368) to schedule a viewing today.

2 bedroom apartments very conveniently located next to everything and 1 block from campus. They offer many nice amenities including on-site laundry within the building, off-street parking, and bike racks. Prices range from $670-$690 per month. Call us today to schedule an appointment 608-782-RENT (7368).

-OTRHello! There are still five minutes left in class. This doesn’t mean pack up your stuff early. It means that you are probably being exposed to new infomation that others do care about, believe it or not. Take a deep breath and relax for a few minutes. After all, you’ve already made it for 70, what’s five more?

-OTRIt’s heartwarming to see that velcro shoes are back in style. Think about it, they save 15 valuable seconds that you could be using to cram for your stats exam. They also serve as an alarming wake up call. Your high school shop teacher didn’t wear them as a safety precaution or because he was two lazy to bend over and tie his shoes. He was actually a trend setter. Kudos to all of the Mr. Schackel’s in the world that made this possible!

Even though it’s 50 degrees in February, isn’t it a little to early to be busting out the shorts and flipflips? Why come to class in t-shirts

Now hiring...

News Editor Sports Editor Multimedia Editor Beat Reporters Advertising Staff Publisher

Apply at www.theracquet.net, e-mail editor@theracquet.net, or find applications outside 231/232 Cartwright

Need MoNey?

Save a life.

What better reward than the satisfaction of knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life?

Here at Biolife Plasma Services members of our community proudly make a difference in people’s lives every day.

We invite you to join our life-saving program and schedule a plasma donation today.

For a limited time, new donors can

receive up to $225 the first month!

Visit www.biolifeplasma.com for more information and to schedule your donation.

608.783.6707 1278 RUdy StReet oNalaSka, Wi 54650

Classifieds These are nice 5 bedroom apartments located right across the street from the UW-La Crosse campus. These units offer off street parking, on-site laundry, dishwashers, and controlled hallway entrances. Available June 1st for $1,499.00 per month. Contact Three Sixty Real Estate Solutions at

and no jackets, and then complain about being cold? Despite good old Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring - summer is a long way away, and we should keep our summer wardrobe just as far away.

$25

oN yoUR 1St doNatioN

foR NeW doNoRS oNly oR Biolife doNoRS Who have Not doNated iN Six oR MoRe MoNthS.

Bring this coupon with you to your 1st plasma donation and receive $25.

Bonus redeemable only upon completion of a full donation. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer and must be presented to receive bonus.

Expires 3.31.11 racquet

$50

oN yoUR 2Nd doNatioN

foR NeW doNoRS oNly oR Biolife doNoRS Who have Not doNated iN Six oR MoRe MoNthS.

Bring this coupon with you to your 2nd plasma donation and receive $50.

Bonus redeemable only upon completion of a full donation. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer and must be presented to receive bonus. Second donation must be completed within 30 days of first donation. racquet

Viewpoint

Page 7

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Labor Unions: Their Own Worst Enemy

By Jake Gietman Publisher

Madison has been abuzz recently as Governor Scott Walker has introduced his controversial budget reform bill. This bill is designed to correct a current fiscal year budget deficit of 136.7 million while a plan to address the pending 3.6 billion dollar deficit will be addressed later this month in the Governor’s 2011-2013 Biennial Budget proposal.

Currently, state employees are paying 64 million dollars into their health insurance plans in 2011 along with a one billion dollar taxpayer contribution. This equates to state employees paying for around 5.6 percent of the total cost of their premiums.

State employee pensions are also a hot issue. From 2000-2009 taxpayer contribution to the public employee pension plan was 12.6 billion while during that same period state employees contributed a meager 0.4 percent(No, that is not a typo), or 55.4 million to the cause.

It is obvious that such an extreme imbalance is unsustainable no matter where you happen to be on the political spectrum. The next question is obvious: How do we fix it?

The Governor’s proposal calls for employees to pay 5.8 percent of their income into the state pension plan which is significant compared to the current contribution of virtually nothing. The budget reform also looks to double health insurance payments of employees so they will now be paying for 12 percent of the premium versus 6 percent.

In an interview with CBS news this past December, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie brought the harsh reality into focus by stating that either we make some tough decisions regarding state pensions now, or it might be impossible for them to exist in 10 years. Wisconsin has its own unique circumstances, but this idea of losing pensions is equally applicable.

Unless employees begin to contribute something to their pensions they may disappear in the near future. It would be difficult to find a single state employee that would like to see that happen. Economic times are tough and sacrifices must be made.

Discussions about increasing the amount state employees are paying into the system always stir up lots of controversy. If things continue as they have the past decade, the labor unions would not accept any sort of compromise no matter how dire the circumstances became in the state budget. This is why the Governor plans on allowing union contracts to expire when they are up for extension on Mar. 13. This is the only way to make the tough changes that are absolutely crucial for our state to stay afloat.

Labor unions in this state have become their own worst enemy because their inability to compromise has temporarily cost them the ability to work with the state in solving our budget woes.

If the proposed increases go through roughly 6,000 state workers will be able to keep their jobs. Maybe this isn’t so bad after all.

THE OPEN FORUM Change Can Save Us From Global Warming Katie Lezendorf Student

There has been a lot of talk regarding the issue of global warming. Although we have addressed the matter, it seems no one has offered solutions. Because it is such a large topic, we, as individuals, seem to think our contributions make little difference. I am writing to say that this is not the case.

Putting this in perspective, according to a recent study by the EPA, the average American consumes 167 bottles of water each year.

Considering there are approximately 9,000 students on the UW-L campus alone, we are looking at over 1.5 million bottles of water used annually by our students. Not only that, but more than 80% of these bottles will not be recycled(EPA, 2009). Imagine the amount of plastic bottles used each year by the city of La Crosse.

What can we do? By simply placing those water bottles in the recycling bin, we can save everyone years of environmental harm from production of new materials, over-crowded landfills, and the depletion of our natural resources. Another solution is simply using stainless steel water bottles. Strangely enough, many people do not realize that the plastic bottles our water comes in are made out of oil. This is the same oil used to make highly demanded, limited gasoline. An estimated 47 million gallons of oil are used to produce the bottles that Americans drink each year (EPA, 2009).

Global warming, no longer viewed as a theory by scientists, has sadly become a fact.

The change needed must be in our actions today in order to ensure a bright (not too hot) tomorrow. Change begins with the individual.

No one can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

Compost Crew Felicia Geray Student

Have you ever wondered where the postconsumer compost bins from Whitney disappeared to? For those unaware, last year UW-L decided to expand the composting program by gathering food waste that students had after eating at Whitney. This food then went to a composting site where it eventually turned into fertilizer. However things changed at the beginning of this year; only pre-consumer food (waste from the kitchen) was being used in the compost program. For me, this seems like a setback. What happened to all the posters congratulating students on the amount of food that we were placing in the compost bins? Could students have done a better job than 1000 pounds of food composted each

week? Let’s make a difference and start composting again.

Compost is great for the environment because it reduces landfill waste, improves soil structure, adds micro-organisms to the soil, and prevents pollution (EPA).

Making a difference will not be difficult because the post-consumer compost bins will be back in Whitney shortly. I know that I will be participating in the post-consumer compost program because it is super simple, helps the environment and it saves UW-L money in the long run. You too can participate by placing your leftover fruit in the bin. To make a greater impact, you can get involved with the Composting Crew which allows the compost program to run smoothly. To ensure that we, as students, are making our mark we should talk to administrators regarding how UW-L can expand the post-consumer compost program by spreading it to other buildings.

Remember it is up to you to make your footprint a little greener and it’s as easy as making sure that the compost program is not limited in any way.

Recycling Gone Green & Gold Lily Van Driessche Student

Sunday February 6th, broke television records in America. Over 111 million viewers tuned into Super Bowl XLV. If you were anywhere in Wisconsin on Sunday, you were most likely one of those viewers. Society places an incredible emphasis on sports and also generates mass amounts of money from them. Why do we not place a similar emphasis on things such as “going green” and raise money to protect the earth? Yelling at people to recycle obviously does not work, so instead why not encourage people to recycle based on things they already like, such as the Packers?

My idea to get our campus more involved in recycling is to jazz up our recycling bins.

We have numerous recycling bins around campus. We have easy access to these resources, but they’re not always obvious to us.

While walking to class are you more likely to notice a recycle bin in the corner or a Packer’s poster? I’m assuming that most people would say the latter.

Advertisements, sports teams, music artists, artwork; all of these things are easy on the eye and will grab the attention of students as they walk from class to class. If students are more drawn to the recycling bin, they are more likely to recycle.

One way to go about this is to start a competition, have students compete to get their design and name on a bin around campus. If that sticks, then we can go bigger by writing into sports teams and such to get their brands on not only recycling bins at UW-L, but at all colleges, institutions, schools, and public places. The key to recycling is making it fun for all ages and interests, and to show the world the art of recycling.

FERPA, protecting all pot smokers

By Kelli Ponce Editor In Chief

Recently, a UW-La Crosse basketball player was accused of dealing pot. According to the criminal complaint, two resident assistants called campus police Jan. 11 because they smelled marijuana outside of a dorm room. The police obtained a search warrant and found two plastic bags each containing a little more than half an ounce of marijuana, a digital scale, a grinder and other bags with traces of pot, according to the complaint.

The student athlete appeared in La Crosse County Circuit Court, where he was charged with possession with intent to deliver THC near a school as well as possession of drug paraphernalia, the charge carries a maximum 8.5 years in prison term if convicted, according to the La Crosse Tribune. However, according to the complaint, the student athlete told police the drugs were bought two weeks prior for personal use—Why the need for multiple bags with equal amounts of pot and a scale if it’s all for one person? Beats me.

Before the UW-L student appeared in court, I decided to pay a visit to John Palmer, Assistant Dean of Students at UW-L. Palmer works closely with student disciplinary action. I introduced myself and thanked him for meeting with me on such short notice; I sat down and began looking over my notes. Palmer then said, “You know, I’m probably not going to be able to answer much because FERPA protects a lot of this information.” (I usually start off interviews with such an inhibiting tone too). But since I was relatively focused on my notes, I didn’t pay much attention to this statement, instead jumped right into the interview about the possible disciplinary actions of the UW-L student—that didn’t get very far. I said, “I’m sorry, I’m a bit uninformed about FERPA. Can you tell me a little more?” Palmer replied, “FERPA stands for, Freedom of Education Rights and Privacy Act. I am only allowed to give

directory information. Our responsibility is to protect the well being of the student.”

And this is about the moment in which I was pointed in the direction of a few other UW-L faculty members for any further information. Since FERPA protected Palmer from releasing any information, it only makes sense that others would be able to help. Right?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (What FERPA actually means, opposite of what Palmer thought) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. FERPA does not allow information about participation in a sport or anything involving the arrest to be withheld.

Palmer refused to answer any questions regarding the specific situation, instead he answered hypothetically. “We look at each situation differently and take the circumstances into consideration. We look at the best move for the university.” I can appreciate that Palmer was protecting the student’s information, but this incident occurred outside the classroom, and I wasn’t asking for his GPA. Although looking back, it would have made his argument a little stronger.

This interview wasn’t a complete waste of time, I found some valuable information for all the pot smokers out there: FERPA is on your side.

But hey, if you’re going to smoke pot, regardless of the law, at least FERPA has your back.

Did I mention the UW-L student athlete accused of dealing pot pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug possession, and will have his record cleared if he pays a fine and completes 100 hours of community service?

Winter Blues

By Olivia Mercer Student Voice Reporter

There are very few things the average college student dreads more than a blistering cold, dreary, winter walk to class.

Temperatures have been in the negatives and single digit numbers the past few weeks, and moods have quickly shifted to being somber and disgruntled. There is, though, a reason for the changes of mood as the weather differs. It is physiologically proven that the weather does affect an individual’s mood.

When surveying a random 30 students, all but one student believed that the weather has a definite affect on one’s mood.

“It’s hard enough to get up for class in the morning as it is. When you add on the snow, rain, and dark sky, it definitely makes it more difficult to be in a good mood,” said Megan Nasberg, a freshman at UW-La Crosse.

According to Psychology professor Carol Oyster, there is absolutely a correlation between the two. Weather has the ability to make people uncomfortable.

Uncomfortable situations have a tendency to put incredible amounts of stress onto people causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.

“When it’s cold out, students seem to be on a shorter fuse,” said Oyster, “but during the spring, when it starts getting nice outside, it is more challenging to keep students’ attention in classes.” Although contrary to popular belief, temperature has not been found to have a direct affect on mood. It is sunlight.

Physiologically, sunlight is a contributor to the level of an individual’s happiness, according to Oyster. Living in the Midwest, we experience shorter days during the winter and bleaker weather.

This is referred to, in physiological terms, as gray areas. Gray areas have an affect on us; when the eyes detect darkness a small gland in our brain, the pineal, instantaneously releases melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. On the contrary, when eyes detect sunlight, Melatonin subsides and the hormone, Serotonin elevates moods and wakens the body. These two hormones are responsible for initiating extra levels of wakefulness, a

mood encourager, or exhaustion, a mood inhibitor.

The weather can have such a tremendous affect on certain individuals that many slip into a depression during winter and sometimes fall months of the year.

The depression is known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” It occurs most commonly in people who live in parts of the world that experience less sunlight. Seasonal Affective Disorder refers to periods of depression in which occur every year during winter and fall. Many cases of this are mild- not needing extensive treatment, while others require patients be medicated. Thankfully, this disorder is less frequent during the spring and summer.

Those with Seasonal Affective Disorder have difficulty waking up in the morning, concentrating, have a lack of energy, a tendency to both over sleep and over eat, and show symptoms of classic depression (ie., pessimistic feelings, hopelessness, anxiety, and irritability.)

This particular disorder is most easily treated by exposure to light. Those diagnosed will have to sit under bright lights for an hour a day in order to produce more effective amounts of the Serotonin.

Though only about 15% of the entire United States population suffers from SAD, many of us “Midwesterners” feelings of exasperation during the gray months is still an annual occurrence.

As February grumbles on, it is easy to slip into a bit of slump. Thankfully, though, there are few easy way to beat those blues.

First and foremost, when a sunny, warmer day presents itself, spend time outside. It will instantly elevate levels of Serotonin and, therefore, lift spirits. Add a boost of color to your wardrobe. Also, exercise elevates the body’s level of endorphins, a hormone that increases mood.

Spend an extra thirty minutes of your day at the gym, and you are guaranteed a joyous endorphin bath. In the morning, turn on your lights upon waking up. It lifts levels of Serotonin that can make an ambitious mood carry through the day.

Before too long, the chilly February days will cease, and days will begin becoming longer. Until then, do not be afraid to partake in a few extra activities that help lift those winter blues.

Health and Wellness

Page 8

Alex Witt Features Editor awitt@theracquet.net

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Udermann to give lively wellness presentation Feb. 22

By Lindsey Bouffler Associate Reporter

It turns out that a dog’s mouth really isn’t cleaner than a human’s! This myth, among others are some of Dr. Brian Udermann findings. On Feb. 22 in UW-La Crosse’s Graff Main Hall auditorium, he will shed some light on many other misconceptions, as well as give students the much needed insight and motivation to improve their health.

Udermann will give his presentation on health and well-being as part of the Campus Activities Board series.

The lecture is sure to be anything but boring. Topics to be covered include, but are not limited to: societal norms, stress, incorporating more humor into life, simplifying life, physical activity, and most interestingly, the answers to several common myths, which are sure to elicit more than a few laughs.

Udermann has been involved in the field of health and wellness since he was an under grad at St. Cloud State University in 1993. When asked what motivated him to go into the field of wellness and exercise science, he recalled his first Anatomy and Physiology class at the university. The practical information that Udermann learned about how the human body functions inspired him not only to excel

› What: Brian Udermann › Who: Sponsored by CAB; Open to anyone

› When: Feb. 22, 7 p.m. › Where: Cartwright Center › Cost: Free

academically, but also to pursue an education in athletic training and community health.

“That one anatomy and physiology class probably changed the direction of my life,” Udermann said. “Without that class, I probably wouldn’t have gone to grad school.”

Graduate school was definitely in Udermann’s future. In fact, he went on to earn his Ph.D. in Applied Exercise Physiology at Syracuse University. Udermann subsequently taught exercise and sport science at Syracuse and Mesa State College. Udermann has been at UW-L since 2002. He enjoyed being able to share his vast knowledge of health and wellness to students in his former class, HPR 105, and as a coordinator for the graduate athletic training program. Udermann is now the Director of Online Education at UW-L. While he enjoys his new role immensely, he still loves to share his knowledge with students, which is one of the reasons for his lecture on Feb. 22.

In addition to writing his own book, “25 Ways to Cure the Hiccups: Uncovering the Truth Behind 101 Common Myths and Misconceptions,” Udermann has contributed chapters to five other books. He has also had numerous articles published in scholarly journals, as well as several abstracts and proceedings. Udermann’s extensive research throughout his nearly 20 years in the industry Nichole Larson The Racquet has contributed to Tuesday’s lecture.

Health literacy, which is one of the topics that Dr. Brian Udermann takes a little break from his work to pose for the Udermann will discuss during his presentation, camera. Udermann is slated to give a presentation on health myths Feb. has certainly aided him in his research. With 22 at 7 p.m. in Graff Main Hall auditorium. the myriad of health information available in the 21st century, “it’s important to be able to sift Udermann hopes to help to remedy with his presentation and through and discern what’s true and what’s not his book. true,” Udermann said.

Udermann’s passion for helping students reach their full Without a doubt, knowing whether information is verifiable can be difficult. Udermann has gotten much of the potential through improving their overall health is evident. “I information for his book from textbooks and peer-reviewed love to speak to people about health and wellness, especially journals. “Usually [the journals are] where you get your college students,” Udermann said. “If [students] can do one best information,” Udermann, who typically references the thing that will improve their overall health, then it will be a American College of Sports Medicine and Mayo Clinic, among success.”

Udermann asserts that even one little change can have a others, said. When he was teaching HPR 105, Udermann would even give students a list of reliable Web sites, always profound effect. Ultimately, it is the many small changes that a person makes over a period of time that will result in lasting encouraging them to find credible information.

Most health claims have some type of research to either behavior modification and increased wellness.

So, if you want to find out if drinking beer in moderation support or refute them. The key is to know where to find reliable information, which Udermann does. With the is good for you, or whether multitasking can make you more experience that Udermann has, it isn’t so much the sifting productive, check out Udermann’s lecture. It will take place at through information that poses an obstacle. “What can be 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, and admission is free. You will not frustrating,” he explained, “is when you have good evidence only be entertained, you will come away with the motivation to suggest one thing, and people don’t believe it because that you need to make positive changes in your life to improve they’ve always believed the opposite.” This is something that your health.

Saving lives one pint at a time UW-L blood drive proves to be a success

By Ashley Atkinson Human Interest Reporter

“Strike a pint and spare someone’s life” was the catch phrase for the bowling-themed blood drive hosted by the UW-La Crosse Involvement Center last week. Over the course of three days, a total of 319 pints of blood were donated, which will save an estimated 957 lives.

The drive, held in Cartwright Center last Tuesday through Thursday, was conducted by the American Red Cross and made successful by the numerous volunteers that donated their time to the cause.

The Involvement Center organizes a blood drive each semester, and has been doing so for almost a decade. Since the theme was bowling-inspired, donors received complimentary bowling passes for their trouble..

Alie La Grange, a peer advisor in the Involvement Center, explains that recent conditions across the country made the blood drive especially important this semester.

“It is critical now because of the severe weather,” said La Grange, a UW-L junior. “There are less people who are able to get out of their homes and donate, so the blood bank is low.”

According to the American Red

Cross Web site, the current health outlook in the U.S. creates the demand for 38 thousand pints of blood each day. This tremendous demand is kept at bay solely by donors, who contribute one pint of their blood when they participate in a blood drive.

“Overall, it is important to donate because it serves as fulfilling a civic duty to our community,” La Grange said. Whether the donors are seasoned veterans or first-time rookies, they all seem to find the experience satisfying.

Sam Janowiak, a UW-L sophomore, has donated at least six times and wishes for donors to spread the word to their friends about the overwhelming need for blood donations.

“It feels good to give, and the blood bank is always three days from running out,” Janowiak said.

Zach Scherschel, on the other hand, donated his first pint of blood at last week’s drive. Scherschel, a sophomore, plans to be a doctor in the future and was motivated to donate after he learned more about the good it can do for others.

“I wanted to [give] knowing I can help out three people in just 10 minutes,” Scherschel said.

With every pint given, approximately three people in need will benefit.

The Involvement Center’s primary purpose is to connect students with opportunities to volunteer. Those looking for ways to get involved can stop into their office, 221 Cartwright Center.

Do you have a passion that you want to share with other students? Apply to be a

Beat Reporter

for News or Features, and cover something of interest to you each week.

Deepen your experience in your field and learn how to condense complex issues into stories the busy student wants to read.

Apply today at www.theracquet.net or e-mail editor@theracquet.net!

THE BUZZ STOPS HERE Strategies for Safer Choices

YOUTUBE VIDEO COMPETITION

$500 BEST BUY GIFT CARD

• La Crosse • Sparta • Richland Center • Prairie du Chien Birth Control Services Annual Exams for Women STD Testing & Treatment for Men and Women Pregnancy Testing Emergency Contraception Call for an appointment today!

800.657.5177

Show us in 5 minutes or less how you and your friends make safe choices regarding alcohol and you could win a Best Buy gift card!

Submission Deadline: 11:59 pm CST on March 1, 2011 Visit www.TheBuzzStopsHere.org for complete competition details

Helping create healthy lives and families.

www.optionsclinic.org

LifeEtc.

Allen Knappenberger Projects Editor aknappenberger@theracquet.net thursday, February 17, 2011

Going Gr

k

An inside look at Chi Phi, the newest fraternity on campus

By Phil Meister Campus Organizations Reporter

At the start of the semester, UW-La Crosse was pleased to welcome a new Greek organization to its family. The newest UW-L fraternity, Chi Phi, was founded by two sophomores, President Harry Kirchoff and Vice President Ryan Waeffler.

They came to UW-L from Missouri and Madison where fraternity participation is higher than it is here. With a newly found inspiration drawn from some of their closest friends, the two made it their goal this semester to embark on a journey they believe will be the highlight of their college experience.

Kirchoff and Waeffler both wanted to get more involved in the university, but neither was sure exactly how they wanted to do it. The idea started as an epiphany the two shared on a dorm floor of all places. Since that day their seemingly crazy ideas developed into the fourth social fraternity at UW-L. Keeping UW-L’s meager two percent Greek life participation in mind, the two wanted to make an addition that would also improve the overall reputation of fraternities on campus. “We want to enrich member’s college experience through brotherhood and at the same time establish networking ties for college and post collegiate careers,” Waeffler said.

The two admit that they were at first skeptical of the frat-associated term “brotherhood,” but now consider it a valid element of fraternity life.

“It is more unique than other organizations because of the camaraderie and work

“We’ve seen people who didn’t know each other existed two ago grow into best friends.”

Ryan Waeffler, Vice President aspect,” Waeffler said. “We’ve seen people who didn’t know each other existed two weeks ago grow into best friends.”

Chi Phi has over 40 thousand national members and according to Waeffler and Kirchoff, gives members the opportunity to develop as campus citizens and gain networking connections that will eventually help them get jobs in the future.

Members of the Chi Phi inaugural class will be recognized as the founding fathers for the UW-L addition at a ceremony in Madison this April.

Chi Phi colonies were started at UWMadison and Eastern Illinois University at the same time as the UW-L colony. All of which will be initiated at the same Madison ceremony.

They are currently in the process of establishing their planning committees and electing officers; in particular the philanthropy committee which will be organizing community service opportunities with the Boys and Girls Club of greater La Crosse.

They will be volunteering at a youth wrestling tournament on Feb. 20.

Kirchoff and Waeffler are continuously working to improve the group and will attend the Regional Leadership Alliance in Indianapolis as well as the yearly Chi Phi Congress held in Florida.

What’s in your backpack?

Page 9

By Erica Gullickson Associate Reporter

Dig deep into the pockets of your backpack, and you may find some very interesting things.

Whether you find some used chopsticks, or a nail clippers, you’ll probably find something that anyone else would give a double take. Most students were a little apprehensive to show what they had lurking in the depths of their beloved knapsack. Although most of the contents were typical academic materials, some of them had some secrets that even caught them off guard. You’ll certainly be surprised to find out what your peers really hide in their studious-looking bags.

› Emily Bruskotter: Sophomore, French and Sociology › What’s inside? A self-decorated box, white T-shirts for tie-dying, 27 plastic bags, a “Help Smokey prevent wild fires” key-chain, Microphoneshaped pen that doesn’t record anything

› Greg Schullo: Freshman, Computer Science › What’s inside? Decorative pin that says “OMG! A double rainbow!,” a Mac Book, an Eagle Scout knot, a carabiner, safety pins

› Brian Schieffer: Senior, Microbiology › What’s inside? 42 Advil, protein shake mix, fingernail clippers, colored pencils, a free New Testament Bible

› Hannah Aiken: Freshman, Fitness › What’s inside? Stale Halloween candy, protractor, business cards and flyers that she’ll never use, pedometer, granola bar

Miller, We are the Willows to perform at Root Note Feb. 23

By Emily King Community Arts Reporter

Call him Mr. Pete. Call him Peter. Either way you swing it Peter Michael Miller is the one man band We Are The Willows. He’s on his winter tour and will be making a stop at the Root Note in downtown La Crosse on Wednesday, Feb. 23 starting at 8 p.m. Enjoy the cozy, comfortable, sophisticated setting of the Root Note for what the proprietors call “the return of a favorite.”

Miller, a Minneapolis native, has been actively recording and performing in numerous bands since college. We Are The Willows began as a side project, but has gradually transformed into the principal concentration for this singer/songwriter. In 2007 he released his first EP, “Bravery,” and has since released the album “A Collection of Sounds and Something Like the Plague.”

“Well, some folks call it, "Sad Bastard Folk Music", which may be closer to the truth than I want it to be,” Miller said describing his sound. “I write simple songs about people in an attempt to make some sense of my own life.”

Miller said the best way to describe my music is this; if a family photo album grew up to be a sensitive

dude that never had a voice change during puberty and started writing songs, it would sound like We Are The Willows.

“There are a lot of great things about the Root Note; it's a cozy joint, the staff is extremely nice, there always seems to be folks there, and they give me one million dollars every time I play,” Miller said. “That last one isn’t true. I wish it was though.”

This would be a great show to catch, but if you can’t make it downtown that night, Miller is playing in Menomonie Feb. 24 and in Eau Claire on Feb. 25 wrapping up his winter tour.

“College students might dig my jams because they probably sound similar to some other folks that college students might like Bon Iver, Death Vessel, Sufjan Stevens, Iron and Wine, etc.,” Miller said. Not to mention, he gives away free pizza at all of his shows.

As an added bonus Miller is looking for anyone interested in playing with him to join him at his performance. If this sounds like a great opportunity to jam out with a labeled artist, shoot him an e-mail at petermichaelmiller@gmail.com. If you are looking for Lauren GauseThe Racquet more information on his music or tour dates visit the We Are The Willows artist page at www.ambledown. com and download his “A Family. A Tree.” EP for free. The Root Note, 3rd street downtown, is a coffee shop popular for its great atmosphere and live music. We are the Willows is set to hit the stage Feb. 23 for a free show.

Write for The Racquet!

• Meet a lot of cool people...

• Talk to leaders on campus and in the community...

• Develop real-world leadership experience...

• Have fun!

Don’t wait any longer...start building your résumé now.

Find applications outside the Racquet office, 232 Cartwright, or e-mail editor@theracquet.net

Page 10

Spotlight Mid-life Mayhem Witty banter makes Pump House production a must see

By Meghan O’Connor Campus Arts Reporter

Imagine your life being completely thrown inside out and upside down when you find out that your wife is cheating on you. Especially when she feels caught in the middle of life, her dead-end career, and a middling marriage; all concerns she never addressed with you. This is the plot of “Becky’s New Car,” a production currently being performed at the Pump House in downtown La Crosse.

In the play, these very emotions are experienced t h r o u g h the lives of Becky and Joe Foster. Yet, the underlying i n s a n i t y somehow leads to a humorous plot that seemingly gives the cast a breath of salvation.

It may seem impossible to portray such a heavy situation in a light and fluffy manner, but the cast somehow pulls it off flawlessly.

“In the real world people turn to humor to deal with things,” said actor Susan Fox, who plays Ginger, a wealthy, forgetful woman.

The cast found inspiration from within their own lives to support the heated feelings they display on stage.

Jillian Kuhl, makes connections with her character, Jenni Flood, on multiple levels.

“I try figuring out what’s real and what’s important in life,” Kuhl said, “I myself am figuring things out, just like my character Jenni.”

The friendly off-stage banter between the cast keeps things fresh between their stage personas. Director Anne Drecktrah works hard to keep everyone in check without impairing the ability to let their creativity and individual voices evoke the audience.

Diane Bresser takes on the role of Becky Foster and said that the experience is unforgettable. The crew’s stage presence and excitement pulls the plot together and creates a truly splendid experience for the audience.

Keeping the audience on their toes even after the performance is over is a true art form. Colin Thelen, who plays Becky Foster’s son, Chris, has an interesting take on what he wants the audience to get out of the show.

“I want the audience to leave knowing everything, to find a way to muddle through and come out better in the end. It’s all about emotional endurance,” Thelen said.

Steve, played by Adam Petchel, serves as the comic relief and believes the show can influence lasting change for the audience.

“Conflict builds stronger relationships resulting in a deeper emotional connection,” Petchel said.

This performance is bound to stretch your imagination and tickle funny bones you didn’t even know you had. Performances will continue Feb. 18-20 and 23-25. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at www.thepumphouse.org for $19.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Critic’s Corner

By Emily King Community Arts Reporter

Internally alarming In a shadowy scope speckled with the often faceless remnants of a life just ended, one finds a casualty of suicide awakening after their endeavor has been effectively accomplished. It is a predetermined universe overflowing with spiritual enumerations, mental jargon and harshly frequent expressions of demolition. Welcome to “4:48 Psychosis.”

The Viterbo Theatre Department presented the disconcerting play Feb. 3-5 as an intensive collaboration between student actors, dancers and faculty. Sarah Kane, a British playwright, constructed the piece as her last work. It debuted one and a half years after Kane hung herself in a London hospital at age 28.

“4:48 Psychosis” is written and performed from the perspective of someone with clinical depression, an ailment from which Kane suffered. It is a subjective presentation of depression which many critics have found difficult to separate it from the realities of Kane’s life.

David Greig, Kane’s friend and fellow playwright, supposed the title is derivative from 4:48 a.m.; the time Kane often awoke in her depressed condition.

“4:48 Psychosis” is void of explicit characters, a strict narrative or time-line and certainly does not adhere to any specific theatrical form. As a result of these factors, the play can be presented in infinite manners.

In this respect, director David Gardiner crafted a beautiful rendition of the performance which was carried out brilliantly by the Viterbo cast. Visually it was stunning as the actors wisped four translucent screens about the stage and moved with a raw intensity that didn’t allow the audience to glance away from the passion existing in front of them. Nikki Balsamo, the choreographer aptly generated movement that flawlessly cohered to the lines of genuine torment belted out by the actors. In truth, the entirety of the company deserves utmost reverence for their effectual presentation of “4:48 Psychosis.”

Nearly northeast A woman ventures to return all of the love her boyfriend of 11 years has given her by piling behemoth ruby red bags on a floor. She also demands that all the love she had given to her boyfriend over the years be returned to her. So how does he do it? By presenting her with a small purse met with unadulterated contempt, of course. And how can all of her love fit in such a trite container? These are just some of the questions answered by the La Crosse Community Theatre’s production of John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine.”

An audience member’s reaction to all of the answers in this whimsical tale depended upon their personality. They were either retorted with awe or perhaps a sigh that accompanies the breath of those who fail to find the sense of humor in love lost.

The entire play revolved around the idea that love is, indeed, wrought with humor; especially when we aren’t the ones involved. Watching nine different couples weave the tricky slopes of romance in the icy tundra of Maine evoked the sense of the cumulating Valentine’s Day season.

The set is wonderfully and simply beautiful and truly transports the mind to another space. There are subtle lights that dance with the grace of the aurora borealis as amber stars twinkle overhead.

To be honest, my sense of humor doesn’t lend itself to uncomplicated lovey-dovey comedy, but these actors were able to instill a sense of innocence and realism into the scenes. The couple hours actually became a very enjoyable experience.

Whether in a tavern, sitting at home, out ice-skating, or even sitting on a random park bench, everyone can relate to all of the stages of love represented in this romantic comedy. The La Crosse Community Theatre did an outstanding job capturing the vivacity of the play. “Almost, Maine” certainly made for some fun dates for those looking to add a little saccharine ambiance to their evening.

Grant Writing Workshop Tuesday February 22nd Graff Main Hall Room 247 6:30pm - 7:30pm

All undergraduate students are welcome

FREE PIZZA starts at 6pm Get info on the basics of a research proposal by experts in the field

GrinBin Plus

SUDOKU

Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Undergraduate Research & Creativity Committee

Look for next week’s issue with the answers!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Isaac Lindahl Sports Editor sports@theracquet.net

CampusSports

Page 11

Wisconsin upsets #1 Ohio State

By Ryan Pomerening Senior Reporter

There’s not much about Midwestern folk that is contemporary or exotic. The same could be said about Bo Ryan’s brand of basketball. But like the people of America’s heartland, Coach Ryan isn’t concerned about what is popular. He just wants what is simple and effective. And for the last decade that has been enough for the Badgers to be competitive for a Big Ten title every year and, at times, knock off some pretty impressive teams.

Last year the Badgers managed to take down the Duke Blue Devils who went on to become national champions. This year they brought down conference rival and #1-ranked team, Ohio State.

Both games were considered upsets to many. But they don’t have to be. Sometimes the more talented team doesn’t win. Sometimes simple can mean better.

Bo Ryan’s players are seldom, if ever 5-star recruits. His brand of basketball is anything but exciting to anyone who isn’t a badger fan.

But like I said, it gets the job done.

His teams rarely make mistakes and his man-to-man defenses are as overbearing as the most brutal Wisconsin blizzard. The Badgers don’t get much more exciting on the offensive end either. In fact, if you watch them run it long enough, it may lull you to sleep.

In high school I had the privilege of learning from a coach who played under Bo Ryan at UW-Platteville. Though I certainly never set the world on fire with my own skills, I was at least able to learn the offense Coach Ryan invented.

The Swing offense is both brilliant and exhausting at the same time. It is designed to

In a college town, a business that doesn’t advertise to students might as well just lock its doors for good.

• Increase name recognition on a campus of 10,000 •

• Photo courtesy of www.infosport.com

Wisconsin point guard, Jordan Taylor, celebrates with fans after the win against Ohio State. move back and forth across the court until the defense leaves an opening that can be exploited.

It is also designed to be successful with players who are good at everything, but great at nothing. A likely explanation for why few UW Players find a place in the NBA. And while his system has often been pegged as a regular-season wonder, an anomaly in college basketball that will never be effective in the month of March; naysayers should look deeper.

Wrestling takes down UW-Eau Claire UW-L ranks 2nd in the nation

UW will probably never be an attractive destination for future NBA talent. Wisconsin is a place many locals cherish, but few outsiders are drawn to. Therefore UW will never be a program that can attract recruits like a Duke or a North Carolina.

Even so, Bo Ryan has found a way to be competitive every year and at times even take down NCAA heavyweights. Wisconsin, the feisty underdog program from the Midwest.

Not contemporary, not exotic. But it gets the job done. Built like it belongs in the Midwest.

Attract student patrons to your business

Gain that ever-crucial edge over your competition

Contact sales@ theracquet.net

and grab this market by the...books.

Winning streak continues

Eagles defeat UW-Oshkosh 56-44

By Jake Gietman Publisher

By Isaac Lindahl Sports Editor

The UW-La Crosse wrestling team who is ranked second nationally shut out UW-Eau Claire 45-0 Thursday night in Mitchell Hall. It is UW-L’s 25th straight dual win over UW-Eau Claire.

This improved the Eagles’ record to 11-3-1 overall and 5-0 in the conference. The loss caused the Blugolds to fall to 3-13 overall and 1-3 in the conference.

UW-L took a 6-0 lead after 125-pounder Albie McKinney earned Lars Roeder The Racquet a win by forfeit. McKinney is ranked Freshman Tony Piechowski went on to defeat Rob third nationally.

The Eagles’ Jonny Brennan and Forgette in the 197 weight class to help the Eagles to a Alex Dahl followed with wins by second straight shutout. fall to make it 18-0. Brennan won by fall in 1:52 over Neil Manns at 16-1 in 4:57, over Will Christ at 174. Ferguson is 133-pounds while Dahl won by fall in 1:57 over ranked ninth nationally while Schmitz is second. the Blugolds’ Steven Fisher at 141-pounds.

Vinnie Pedretti and Tony Piechowski picked Matt Mauseth, who is ranked sixth nationally, up back-to-back wins by decision for the Eagles won by technical fall 18-3 in 4:42 over Josh Baier at 184-pounds and 197-pounds. Pedretti defeated at 149-pounds and 23-0 advantage. The following Matt Rieckhoff by decision 7-5 at 184 while night, Mauseth would win his 100th victory in Piechowski beat Luke Ortscheid by decision 3-0 the team’s win vs. Lakeland College. at 197.

Ryan Farwell won by major decision, 14-1 Ninth-ranked Billy Mayer finished the dual against Levi Polus at 157-pounds and put the with a win by major decision 14-5 over Joe Pitsch Eagles in a 27-0 lead. at 285-pounds.

UW-L’s Cory Ferguson won by decision, 9-4 UW-L returns to action Friday, February 11 over Ricky Gonzales at 165-pounds while Mike hosting Lakeland College (Wis.) at 6:30 p.m.

Schmitz followed with a win by technical fall,

Build your resume!

Write sports articles for The RacqueT Contact

sports@theracquet.net or visit www.theracquet.net

The Eagles began the game on Feb. 9 with a bang, and never looked back. UW-La Crosse hosted the Titans of UW-Oshkosh for the match-up at Mitchell Hall in which the Eagles started out with a 13-2 run over the visitors.

The Titans never held a lead at any point during the contest.

The Titans missed eight of their first nine shots which contributed greatly to UW-L’s early dominance.

UW-L had once led the game by 25 points during the second half which helped the Eagles stave off a 12-2 run by the Titans in the final five minutes.

UW-L won the game with a 56-44 final score. This adds to the Eagle’s winning streak which now stands at five games.

Danielle Frank of UW-L led the charge and put up 16 points, 14 rebounds, six blocks, three assists and two steals.

Other strong performers for the Eagles included Dana Churchill who had 12 points, nine rebounds Michael Westberry The Racquet and shot 6-8 at the free-throw line, Kassie Robinson who had eight Danielle Frank, #55, wins the jump ball at the start of points and three rebounds, and the 56-44 victory over the UW-O Titans, securing the Taylor Larson who finished 2-3 Eagles fifth straight win. from three-point range and had a steal. were ranked sixteenth nationally according Shelby Churchill and Katie Kitzke had to D3hoops.com and since then they have notable performances for UW-Oshkosh as fallen out of the polls. However, this recent they scored 10 points each. winning streak has started earning them The Eagles outperformed the Titans by votes to reenter the rankings. shooting 35.6 percent from the field versus UW-L hosts UW-Stevens Point on Feb. 19 a 30.8 shooting percentage. UW-L was 6-21 at 5:05p.m. in Mitchell Hall. Stevens Point is from beyond the three-point arc and also currently ranked number four by D3hoops. made 66.7 percent of their free throws. com with a 19-2 record.

This victory gives UW-L an 18-5 record overall and an 11-3 record in the WIAC. At one point earlier this season the Eagle’s

GrinBin

Page 12

+/+ Props to Bucky taking down “the” Ohio State University in mens basketball this week. Double props to the fans storming the court after the win. +/- Props to warm weather being on the horizon (for now). Drops to the ice fishing season, albeit horendous, soon coming to an end. +/- Props to not going out at all last weekend with the intention of getting all of my work done. Drops to still not accomplishing anything. +/- Props to a nice weekend at home with my family. Drops to my exhaust pipe cracking in half on the interstate on the way back to La Crosse.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

+/- Props to margaritas at Tequilas. Drops to none of us remembering the rest of the night. +/- Props to working out for the first time in over a year. Drops to not being able to get up the stairs in Wimberly the next day. ++ Props to the Wrestling team on winning their meet. Double props to the guy dressed up as The Beast. +/- Props to Girl Scout cookies satisfying hunger. Drops to eating an entire box of them. +/- Props to it already being the fourth week of classes. Drops to already being four weeks behind in classes.

+/- Props to my Spanish professor for cancelling class for Valentine’s Day. Drops to not learning any Spanish before our exam Wednesday.

+/- Props to celebrating 21st birthdays. Drops to buying the random birthday girl shots all night at the bar to help her celebrate.

+/- Props to going out with the intention of getting Polito’s Pizza at the end of the night. Drops for not making it to bar close.

+/- Props to penny beers at Coco’s. Drops to drinking way too much.

Last week’s Grin Bin solutions

$5 Large Sub

(See page 10 for this week’s Sudokus)

After 2PM

WEDNESDAYS from 4-11PM

..

.

. .........

.. . . . . . . . . ..

○ NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S ○

..

.

..... . . . .

.........

TUESDAYS at 8PM

$1

MYEAGLESNEST.NET