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Analyzing resumes of pres. hopefuls New presidential candidate information shows many have higher education backgrounds. BY KELLY BUSCHE AND KATRINA PROSS kbusche@mndaily.com, kpross@mndaily.com
A vast majority of candidates considered for the University of Minnesota presidential position listed higher education experiences, according to recently obtained candidate information. The Minnesota Daily obtained information about 67 presidential candidates through a Data Practices Act request received Friday afternoon. The information received includes job history, education and training, veteran status and work availability, among other descriptors. Candidate information, like names, is not public under Minnesota law until the applicant becomes a “finalist.” Throughout the search process, some regents and faculty voiced a want for candidates from diverse job backgrounds, such as business and politician positions. However, around 70 percent of applicants come from a college or university administration background. The University announced Friday the Presidential Search Advisory Committee forwarded three candidates to the Board of Regents for consideration. The board will discuss them at a public meeting next Wednesday without naming individual candidates. A candidate will be considered a finalist after the board decides to interview them. If selected as a finalist, the candidate’s name will be made public. Higher education experiences stand out Most applicants listed have a background in higher education. Of the applicant pool, 60 applicants listed job experiences tied to higher education. These include faculty member, part-time faculty member, visiting faculty member and university administration positions. Fifty-one of the applicants listed college, school or university administrator positions, u See CANDIDATES Page 3
TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY
CFANS student Alexis Murillo poses for a portrait on the St. Paul campus on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Murillo plans to graduate in December, and wants to be a motivational speaker.
Striving for diversity in CFANS CFANS students are nearly 85 percent white, prompting some to push for diversity. BY J.D. DUGGAN jduggan@mndaily.com
Alexis Murillo offered a unique perspective to CFANS — traveling from her city life in Chicago to the agriculture-focused college at the University of Minnesota. When she began studying in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, she didn’t expect to channel her efforts to a whole new direction: improving diversity in the college, which is nearly 85 percent white, according to fall 2018 enrollment numbers.
“When I found out that I could start growing my own food or that I could do something to change my surrounding environment is when I felt more empowered in a lot of my intersecting identities — whether that was as woman, whether that was as a woman of color, or whether that was as an individual, a city kid and as minority in this industry,” Murillo said. CFANS, which resides on the University’s St. Paul campus, offers majors for those pursuing agricultural industries and food sciences. Its demographics fit into a larger picture of a University where about 79 percent of the Twin Cities campus is white, according to fall 2018 data. The College of Education and Human Development’s enrollment consists of 27 percent students of color, the highest throughout the University. Murillo, a recipient of the Scholarly
Excellence in Equity and Diversity Award and major in Agricultural Communications and Marketing, will graduate at the end of fall semester. Many say she has laid a foundation for students, faculty and staff to continue to develop an equitable culture for underrepresented students in CFANS. Early in her career at the University, she re-ignited the student group Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences in CFANS, after what she said was a long tenure of the group lacking student engagement or proper advertising. Since studying agriculture, Murillo said she has realized the importance of involving everybody, citing the field’s vast effects on economic conditions and u See CFANS Page 3
FOOTBALL
Gophers set to play Georgia Tech in bowl The matchup will be the first bowl game for the Gophers since the 2016 Holiday Bowl. BY PAUL HODOWANIC phodowanic@mndaily.com
Minnesota’s season isn’t done just yet. After the Gophers guaranteed themselves a bowl game with a 37-15 victory over Wiscon```sin, the team learned Sunday that they will travel to Detroit to play in the Quick Lane Bowl on Dec. 26 against Georgia Tech. The Gophers last played in the Quick Lane Bowl in 2015, where they won 21-14 over Central Michigan. Then-quarterback Mitch Leidner threw for 223 yards for a touchdown and an interception and added a rushing touchdown, earning the MVP of the game. The Quick Lane Bowl will mark the first bowl game in P.J. Fleck’s tenure and first for the Gophers since 2016. “[It’s an] incredible venue, incredible opponent in Georgia Tech,” Fleck said. “I’m really proud of our football team. A team that found a way to get 6-6 ... I think this team has overachieved in a lot of areas and I’m very excited about having the opportunity to get the extra practices.” The Gophers finished the season 6-6 and 3-6 in the Big Ten. The team is coming off a win against Wisconsin that clinched u See BOWL GAME Page 6
FACULTY
With inflation rising, UMN pay raises remain ‘modest’ Some faculty say the amount of money for pay raises is too small to reward employees.
Merit pay raises at UMN have remained mostly stagnant over the past decade Inflation has almost matched merit pool increases, even surpassing employee pay raises in recent years
BY AUSTEN MACALUS amacalus@mndaily.com
Some faculty and staff at the University of Minnesota have raised concerns about the amount of money designated for yearly pay raises, which has remained stagnant over the past decade. The University has provided fairly consistent raises since the fiscal year of 2009 — averaging around 2 percent general wage increases per year — which some faculty and staff say is too small to adequately reward employees. Inflation rates have practically matched raises during that time. “When our budget increases are not significantly exceeding inflation, it’s very hard to make substantial merit increases,” said Joseph Konstan, chair of the Faculty Consultative Committee. “We haven’t had substantial increases with substantial leeway for recognizing large differences in merit for a number of years.” The University has put forth a “modest” 2 percent general wage increase in the fiscal year 2019 annual operating budget. Inflation for the year is around 2 percent. Konstan said faculty would like to see that amount increase. “All workers would love to believe that we’re not just stagnant. We’re more qualified than we were last year. … We do our work with more experience and quality,” he said. “Therefore we should get [raises for] inflation plus some amount for merit.”
%
Merit Raise
Inflation Rate
Year
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET; CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ALL URBAN CONSUMERS FROM THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
Brian Burnett, senior vice president of finance, said the University’s budget has tightened since the Great Recession in 2008, which has strained raises. “What we’ve tried to do in the last few years is [to] bring salary increases that were affordable,” he said. “I get that faculty and staff would like a bigger salary pool, but this University has to be mindful of costs and lives within its means.” Burnett said the University is looking at
increasing merit raises in the coming years, though he did not specify an exact amount. “We know inflation is inching up and that’s why we are looking at different numbers for upcoming merit pools,” he said. “We just have to make sure we have the resources to be able to provide those increases.” The University puts forth a merit increase pool every year, which is set as a u See RAISE Page 3
ENVIRONMENT
U.S. climate report highlights significant environmental problems facing Midwest Potential losses could reach hudreds of billions of dollars by the end of the century. BY NIKKI PEDERSON npederson@mndaily.com
A climate report recently released by the federal government emphasizes the substantial damages to the economy, environment and human health happening because of climate change, including the effects on the Midwest.
The final installment of the Fourth National Climate Assessment was released late last month and evaluates the human welfare, societal and environmental elements of climate change. The report also describes the changes happening in specific regions of the U.S., including the Midwest. The largest impacts for states such as Minnesota will be in the agricultural sector, but ripples will also be felt in the forestry, infrastructure and human health areas. Because of the temperature increases, productivity is expected to decline in crops like wheat, soybeans and corn.
“If we don’t do anything to adapt, the agricultural productivity will decline to what it was in the 1980s,” said Katherine Browne, a postdoctoral student at the University of Michigan and a contributor to the report. “All the progress that we’ve made in the past 30 or 40 years, in terms of making crops more productive, will be lost if we fail to adapt.” The temperature increases are expected to be the largest contributing factor to declines in the productivity of agriculture, the report says. “One of the ways we’re impacting the
environment through agriculture is … by using up some resources,” said James Gerber, the co-director of the Global Landscapes Initiative at the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota. Humans are affecting the environment and now climate change is exacerbating those issues, he said. “It’s almost a doubleedged sword.” In addition to temperatures, precipitation is increasing as well, which can erode soils, u See CLIMATE Page 4
VOLUME 119 ISSUE 25
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Omar BDS stance incites debate
EDITORIAL BOARD Ray Weishan Editorials & Opinions Editor rweishan@mndaily.com Ariana Wilson Editorial Board Member awilson@mndaily.com Hailey Almstead Editorial Board Member halmstead@mndaily.com Kelly Busche Editor-in-Chief kbusche@mndaily.com
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JASMIN KEMP, DAILY
Jayne Larkin enjoying the College of Science and Engineering’s annual light show designed by CSE students on Saturday, Dec. 1 in Minneapolis.
A number of Jewish students on campus were frustrated by Omar’s comments.
Recent comments by elected officials about Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel have sparked dialogue between student groups on campus. Congresswoman-elect Ilhan Omar was recently quoted online saying she’s always supported BDS, although she has “reservations on the effectiveness of the movement in accomplishing a lasting solution.” Omar previously criticized the campaign in August. In the wake of previous BDS efforts around campus, some students have voiced support and disdain for the resurgence of the movement. BDS is a global campaign promoting boycott against Israel in various forms. Ahmree
Schear, Gopher Israel co-president, said he opposes the effort due to its polarizing nature. “The reason I oppose BDS is — I will actually just quote what Ilhan said [in August], ... ‘In order for us to have a process of getting to a twostate solution, people have to be willing to come to the table and have a conversation about how that is going to be possible, and I think [BDS] stops the dialogue,’” Schear said. The University’s chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine have been vocal proponents of BDS on campus. “SJP UMN wants to vocalize their support for [Omar’s] courageous stand on the side of justice,” SJP said in a statement to the Minnesota Daily. “[BDS] is a form of free speech that places an action plan of nonviolent resistance in the hands of people for Palestinian rights.” Some members of the Jewish community around campus said they are disheart-
ened by the contradictions in Omar’s statements more than the remarks themselves. “It’s sad to think that you have someone’s support and then it’s moved away from you; it feels like a little bit of a disregard for the community,” said Minnesota Hillel President Eli Singer. “I just hope that [Omar] is taking the steps necessary to talk to students and people who have opinions on all sides of the issue.” The timing of the comments proved to be problematic for some Jewish students. Omar was quoted on her support of BDS on a site called MuslimGirl.com on Nov. 11, a few days after her election. “To come out the day after the election and take this position on BDS is not a good way for her to start off a relationship with the Jewish community that she’s representing,” said Noah Farber, Gopher Israel co-president. Junior Talor Blustin said he wouldn’t change his
support for Omar, but isn’t pleased with the way her position shifted. “I’m not sure I would change the way I voted because I think Ilhan represents a lot of good change in our communities, but I’m frustrated that she couldn’t come out with her beliefs in the first place,” Blustin said. Support for the campaign played out around the University last spring, when SJP brought BDS efforts to the all-campus election through a referendum calling for the University to divest from companies supporting Israel. “As apartheid Israel has been abusing international law and disregarding the freedom of the Palestinians, it is only correct that there is condemnation of these acts,” SJP said in the statement. “With the recent antiBDS laws that have been put into practice in many states across the United States, it is met with much courage to speak out in support.”
Gopher Israel and Hillel leadership said they look forward to seeing Omar’s position play out in Congress. “Because there’s been this back-and-forth, I don’t know where her politics really stand, and I think it’s interesting to see what happens as she moves through,” Singer said. “Maybe the issue will never come up, and if it does come up, how is she going to respond?” In the meantime, they said they hope to continue having open dialogue with other University students in hopes of fighting any anti-Semitic behavior. “Our main goal is to hear from different viewpoints and perspectives and hold events that are welcoming and open to people who have a wide variety of different opinions and promote dialogue, and I think one of the repercussions of that is that it does fight antiSemitism,” Farber said. The Minnesota Daily could not reach Omar for comment.
City ID program offers international students options City leaders work to secure personal data collected by the ID program. BY EMMA DILL edill@mndaily.com
Amid concerns about data security, the Minneapolis City Council pushed forward a new municipal identification program last week that could make it easier for international and undocumented students to rent an apartment, cash a check or file a police report. The program presents a new kind of ID for Minneapolis residents who do not have the U.S. government-issued identification that is often required by banks, hospitals or landlords. Although open to any resident over 13, the program would benefit undocumented immigrants, and the Council is still determining how to keep their personal information confidential. Ward 6 Council member Abdi Warsame said
while he supports the measure, he’s concerned about keeping personal information private. Under current data practices laws, the program’s information would likely be public. Warsame said he worries making the information public will lead to immigration officials targeting immigrants who enroll in the program. “My main point is whatever helps them, documented or undocumented immigrants, the better. But we need to make sure that we are protecting them fully and not jeopardizing their safety,” Warsame said. Ward 2 Council member Cam Gordon said the City is working on several solutions to the data problem. One would remove addresses from the identification cards. Another would advocate for a Minnesota state law change to add municipal or local IDs to a private information category that also includes stateissued IDs and driver’s licenses, he said. Gordon said keeping
the information private is a problem the Council must tackle before implementing the ID program. “That’s the problem we have to figure out, and it might take a state law change,” Gordon said. Marissa Hill-Dongre, director of the University of Minnesota’s Immigration Response Team, said the new IDs could be an option for both documented and undocumented Minneapolis residents who simply want to avoid a conversation about their immigration status. “The idea is if you present a passport or an ID from another country then, immediately, the assumption is that you must be undocumented,” she said. The municipal ID also would present another option for international students or those living in Minneapolis on a visa, HillDongre said. Many international students carry their passports with them as identification due to risk for those here on a visa. “You could lose [your passport], it could be stolen,
JANE BORSTAD, DAILY
it could fall out of your pocket, and it’s such an important document that if they were able to get something like a municipal ID that would just be easier to carry around … then I think that would be attractive to international students,” Hill-Dongre said. Although Minnesota state IDs are available to international students, the process is often overwhelming, Hill-Dongre said. Accessibility and a straightforward application process will determine if the municipal ID could be an alternative option for students, she said.
The City Council also hopes to partner with other City entities, including the Hennepin Public Library system and Metro Transit to make the new IDs multiuse cards. Other major cities including New York, San Francisco and Detroit have already implemented similar programs. Northfield was the first city to do so in Minnesota. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also allocated $200,000 toward the program in his proposed budget. The City Council will consider the program again at a meeting this Friday.
The Minnesota Daily strives for complete accuracy and corrects its errors immediately. Corrections and clarifications will always be printed in this space. If you believe the Daily has printed a factual error, please call the readers’ representative at (612) 627–4070, extension 3057, or email errors@mndaily.com immediately. THE MINNESOTA DAILY is a legally independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and is a student-written and student-managed newspaper for the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities campus. The Daily’s mission is: 1) to provide coverage of news and events affecting the University community; 2) to provide a forum for the communication and exchange of ideas for the University community; 3) to provide educational training and experience to University students in all areas of newspaper operations; and 4) to operate a fiscally responsible organization to ensure its ability to serve the University in the future. The Daily is a member of the Minnesota News Council, the Minnesota Associated Press, the Associated Collegiate Press, The Minnesota Newspaper Association and other organizations. The Daily is published Monday and Thursday during the regular school year and weekly during the summer, and it is printed by ECM Publishers in Princeton, Minn. Midwest News Service distributes the 10,000 issues biweekly. All Minnesota Daily inserts are recyclable within the University of Minnesota program and are at least 6 percent consumer waste. U.S. Postal Service: 351–480.
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Raise u from Page 1
percentage of the total salaries of employees within colleges, campuses or support units designated for employee raises. The pay increases are meant to reward employees for merit and performance. University units can divvy up money among employees, but typically cannot exceed the total amount provided for the year. College departments typically determine how to split up money among faculty based on annual reviews. For example, a department could provide high-performing faculty members with a 3 percent raise, while granting others with a 1 percent raise, which would fall under 2 percent of all salaries in the department. The chemistry department ranks faculty members based on teaching, research and service, said department head David Blank. He says high performers usually receive usually a raise slightly above 2 percent. “We are fortunate to have a number of extremely high-performing faculty members,” he said. “The struggle for me typically is I can’t reward that extremely high performance with that restricted pool.” Doug Hartmann, chair of the sociology department, said differences in raises are small among members in the department. With each raise typically around a few thousand dollars
for each faculty member, Hartmann said only a few hundred dollars separate those who receive higher raises and those who receive lower raises. “The pie is so small to begin with,” he said. “So it’s really kind of an uphill battle.” The result is that many faculty members are underpaid compared to peer institutions, Hartmann said. Average salaries for professors at the University are on the lower half of Big Ten schools, according to data from the American Association of University Professors. Inflation rates have come close to matching faculty salaries over the past decade, according to the AAUP, meaning many faculty are essentially making the same amount they were in 2008. This reflects a larger economic trend: Average wages for U.S. workers have remained stagnant for the past 40 years, according to the Pew Research Center. Small raises can result in the University losing faculty and staff to other schools, who may offer more competitive salaries. Other employees may switch to other jobs within the University to negotiate a higher starting salary. “You’re always under threat of losing your top performers, but I think the relatively flat growth of salaries over the past decade has made that more of a problem,” Hartmann said. Rebecca Ropers-Huilman, vice provost for faculty and academic affairs,
said although many faculty members may feel content as part of the University community, low raises can hurt morale among faculty. “When you see you colleagues doing amazing work and pouring their heart and soul into their work and you’re not able to recognize that in a financial way in a way you would like, it’s frustrating,” she said. Officials say that lacking public funding in recent years has only exacerbated the issue. When accounting for inflation, state funding for the University has dropped nearly 20 percent since 2008. Although nearly 70 percent of this fiscal year’s budget goes to employee compensation and benefits, there simply isn’t enough money to go around, Burnett said. “When we’re trying to be mindful of student costs and the state isn’t giving us the full request we ask for, it just puts pressure on margins and you have to look at the salary pool,” he said. Currently, raises for faculty and staff are not accomplishing what they are designed to do, said Ian Ringgenberg, head of the Professional and Administrative Senate. “The merit pool is the only thing you have available to increase salaries, and it has to do the double duty of rewarding merit and also addressing cost of living,” he said. “I’m not sure that the merit pool for anyone is doing the thing a merit pool should do, which is reward merit.”
JACK RODGERS, DAILY
The University’s Board of Regents convenes on Friday, Sep. 14 at McNamara Alumni Center.
Candidates u from Page 1
and 57 of the candidates listed a faculty member position on their applications. The average amount of time in administration positions was about 11 years, with a range from four years to 30 years. Regent Michael Hsu said while he was not surprised that a majority of the applicants come from higher education and administrative positions, he has been supportive of candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, like politicians and business professionals. “You’re more likely to find the best candidate if you cast the net as wide as possible. There are people at other institutions who come from
non-traditional backgrounds that are very successful,” Hsu said. Of the total applicant pool, nearly 70 percent of candidates hold a Ph.D. degree. Many other applicants listed other degrees, including four who listed law degrees. All applicants hold some type of degree. Among the master’s degrees, some listed Master of Business, Master of Science in engineering, Master of Divinity and Master of Public Affairs degrees. Twenty-three listed Bachelor of Science and 35 listed Bachelor of Arts degrees. Five applicants have Master of Business Administration degrees. Varied work experiences In addition to University administrators and faculty
members, several applicants listed non-higher education experiences. Five of the applicants were listed as having experience as politicians. Three candidates have known veteran status, and 25 candidates had “unknown” veteran statuses. One veteran applicant listed 25 years of military job experiences. Additionally, one applicant was listed as an athlete. This applicant has a bachelor’s certificate and listed 24 years of “senior executive” experience. Regent Steve Sviggum, who sits on the presidential search committee, said he’s pleased with how the search process has gone so far, and hopes all three nominated candidates will be publicly named next week.
TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY
The University’s CFANS chapter of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences holds a meeting in Appleby Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Joseph Ballard II, right, an adviser in CFANS, helps students brainstorm organizations to contact for advocacy for social justice issues in upcoming events.
CFANS u from Page 1
living situations. “We need to know where we can make an impact and a difference,” Murillo said. “So I think agriculture is one of those things that affects everyone, directly and indirectly.” Coming to the University from Chicago, Murillo said she felt ostracized and that she had no commonalities with the majority white peers sitting next to her at campus-wide freshman orientation in 2015. She even considered leaving or transferring. About a month after orientation, Murillo found a space that made her feel more at home: a campuswide kickoff led by the Multicultural Center for Academic Excellence. The event, which put her among hundreds of firstyear students of color, is what Murillo said convinced her to stay at the University. Murillo said she finally felt a sense of community that she hadn’t yet felt on campus. Evonne Bilotta-Burke,
Murillo’s campus adviser who oversaw her path through college, said the event changed her. “It’s something about this event that creates friendships and bonds that really get you through the next four or five years,” BilottaBurke said. “So that when you’re not comfortable going to a staff person or a faculty or your adviser, you have each other.” Murillo went on to be a student leader with the event this year and was inspired to replicate a similar event in CFANS last year— the Multicultural Student Kick-Off. “It is such a microcosm of students of color in CFANS that she wanted to make sure that they had each other,” Bilotta-Burke said. “So, she took a little bit of what we do in MCAE kickoff and created it there.” She said the kickoff was born out of a sense of frustration from one of many meetings about how to build diversity in the predominantly white, Midwestern agriculture industry. “I had so many countless conversations with different
people across the board ... but nothing ever came from it,” Murillo said. She said if they wanted change, they had to do something about it. “I walked into the dean’s office the next day and I was like, ‘I want to do this event … and you should be on board with it,’” she said. She planned the event from April to September 2017 and secured a sponsorship with Land O’ Lakes. The second kickoff happened earlier this fall. Her mom, Reina Murillo, said she loves to see change and growth in people. Their family was deeply involved with their community growing up, helping feed the homeless and involving themselves in the traditions of family friends within different cultures. “She just kept on, she was mesmerized by all the little things that she was doing for people and what positive impact she had on them,” Reina Murillo said. CFANS today Now that Murillo is graduating from the University, she said there’s still a lot
of work ahead for shifting the paradigm of diversity in CFANS, which many groups and individuals are undertaking. “[CFANS is] not really receptive to the idea of change, they’re very used to having this traditional idea of what a student in agriculture should look like,” said Helen Toledo, the current president of MANRRS who is continuing Murillo’s past work. Toledo is currently working to involve students in the process of naming the new director for CFANS Diversity and Inclusion. “I’m continuing that [previous work], but we’re also working on having these discussions about who’s representing us in these offices,” Toledo said. She connects with as many organizations as possible to bring in other margina liz e d com m unit ie s beyond students of color — from the Women’s Center to the Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life — a vision Murillo also shares. Joseph Ballard II, coordinator for diversity retention
and recruitment in CFANS, said wants to nurture inclusivity in the college, where he draws on student perspectives to build on his work. “When I got here, there was not much happening to really support … underrepresented students in CFANS besides that of MANRRS,” said Ballard, who has worked in CFANS for a year and a half. Ballard said he reached out to Murillo early on, and his goal became to implement whatever vision she and other students have. “I have gained so much appreciation, so much respect and honestly inspiration from her,” Ballard said. “Her desire to really positively impact change and make change, and to break down systems and structures and barriers so that future generations of students from our communities and backgrounds don’t have to struggle.” A new living-learning community will house up to 30 multicultural CFANS students in the remodeled Pioneer Hall in fall 2019. With all of the work happening in CFANS, Toledo
said the college is still very rooted in tradition. She continues to build collaborations outside of CFANS and push for having open conversations about race in the classroom, including MANRRS working to create a major about environmental justice. “There’s still so much work to do,” Toledo said. “We wish we could do it all within a year, but with how people kind of perceive what’s going on and how the faculty, staff and admin take it on, it’s going to take a long time to see any change in CFANS.”
“When I got here, there was not much happening to really support … underrepresented students in CFANS besides that of MANRRS.” JOSEPH BALLARD II coordinator for diversity retention and recruitment in CFANS
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Monday, December 3, 2018
House higher ed chair will advocate for U College affordability is one of House Rep. Connie Bernardy’s session priorities. BY ISABELLA MURRAY imurray@mndaily.com
Rep. Connie Bernardy, DFL-New Brighton, will look to use her experience in education funding to lead the newly DFL-controlled House higher education committee. Bernardy ran for the state House of Representatives after advocating for state K-12 funding in the early 2000s. Now, Bernardy says she’s ready to bring the same kind of vigor for education to raise funds in her new role as committee chair. “I don’t want to be shrinking the opportunities that students have in Minnesota. We need to look to the future and make sure we invest in our higher education,” Bernardy said. The University of Minnesota alumna, entering her seventh non-consecutive term, has served on the higher education committee since her return to the Capitol in 2012. Bernardy continues to work in public works and parks and recreation outside the Legislature. Bernardy said her priorities for the upcoming session lie in stopping tuition increases while furthering affordability efforts and support for universities. “We have a statute that says the state of Minnesota is committed to paying two thirds of a student’s educa-
tion, and one third is paid for by the students,” Bernardy said. “We have to get back to the state’s commitment.” This session, Bernardy said she expects the University of Minnesota will fare well with new DFL leadership in the House. “[Higher education] will be an important part of our budget, because it is a core value,” Bernardy said. “You create budgets around what you value, and I’m confident in the DFL we value education.” The Legislature provided $54.62 million of the University’s $147.2 million request during the 2017 legislative session — the last time the University’s budget was allocated. Republicans controlled both the House and Senate at the time. This year, the University requested $87 million. The House higher education committee, along with the Republican-controlled Senate, will put forward higher education funding proposals before they are taken up by the Legislature. Former House Higher education chair Rep. Bud Nornes, R-Fergus Falls said he doesn’t anticipate significant changes to the committee with Bernardy’s impending leadership. “It will be the same issues that we’ve dealt with primarily in the past. Funding higher [education] as much as we can, and I assume that will be what mainly is discussed,” Nornes said. Bernardy said she’s committed to securing the most
JASMIN KEMP, DAILY
Connie Bernardy speaks about investing in colleges and creating access for affordable education at the State Office Building on Friday, Nov. 29.
funding she can for the University, the Minnesota State system and the Minnesota State Grant program. She said the state’s total budget needs to allot enough higher education funding to support all three programs. “We’re all in this together. And there’s different needs for the different systems ... that’s my goal ... to get the pie as big as possible. And that takes public support,” she said. Rep. Gene Pelowski,
DFL-Winona, who served as the higher education committee chair the last time the house was DFLcontrolled, said the the upcoming session will be influenced not only by party control but by individual members. Committee assignments are still pending along with Senate higher education leadership and committee members. Nornes said the landscape of higher education
is changing, forcing policy makers to focus less on funding amounts and more on how to effectively use state money. “Higher education is under a lot of pressure to be more creative, nimble, efficient, and it’s very competitive. It requires people to be smarter and more adaptable and open to new ideas. I think that’s what we’re going to hear from the committee,” Nornes said. “It’s a time for opportunity.”
“Higher education is under a lot of pressure to be more creative, nimble, efficient, and it’s very competitive.” BUD NORNES former House Higher Education chair
Protections for pollinators outlined in committee report The committee’s report provided recommendations for future lawmakers. BY DYLAN MIETTINEN dmiettinen@mndaily.com
A recently-published report provides recommendations for legislators on how to make Minnesota more friendly for pollinators. A panel of 15 Minnesotans appointed by Gov. Mark Dayton, including two members from the University of Minnesota, released the report in late November. Nearly two years in the making, the report gives a long list of recommendations proposed by members of the Governor’s Committee on Pollinator Protection. The suggestions fall under three categories: habitat, education and pesticide usage. “Our hope is that our time together hashing through these issues and coming up with ideas that have floated to the top will lessen the workload for other decisions makers,” said committee member Sarah Foltz Jordan, who is also a pollinator conservation specialist. “I think our differences forced us to
Climate u from Page 1
create favorable conditions for pests and pathogens and degrade the quality of stored grain. “Soil doesn’t absorb as much during these high rainfall events as it used to,” said Madeline Magee, who worked on the report as a doctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In urban areas, much of the infrastructure related to stormwater management is unsuitable or old, and unable to deal with that volume of water, according to Magee. This results in floods, which can cause property damage in urban areas. “But flooding events that occur in rural areas, especially those dominated by farmland, can also cause issues because you can have lots of crop loss,” she said. With the increased flooding and severe storms, the report estimates it will cost the Midwest over $500 million per year by 2050 to adapt infrastructure. This puts another expense on top of the already deteriorating infrastructure in the
HAILEE SCHIEVELBEIN, DAILY
be realistic in terms of developing ideas that are likely to move forward through the legislators and encounter minimal opposition.” Members of the committee come from various backgrounds. The committee includes professors, researchers, government officials, farmers and members of advocacy groups. One committee member is a representative from Syngenta, a leading pesticide manufacturer. The recommendations reflected the diversity of perspectives. Some more moderate proposals received wide
Midwest, Browne said. “You put the stressor of climate change on top of that and it becomes really expensive,” she added. The effects of climate change are already happening, but the intensity and severity of the impacts will differ depending on how the U.S. responds, according to the report. “This isn’t an issue that is going to wait 50 years to be a problem, it’s a problem now,” said Magee. “And we’re seeing consequences, so we need to do something about it now.” The continued warming is projected to cause substantial damages to the economy, and the potential for losses could reach hundreds of billions of dollars per year by the end of the century, according to the report. The effects happening in the natural world are more troubling. Droughts will intensify and downpours will get heavier. Air quality will decline and extreme weather will threaten people’s health. Climate change is also connected to the spread of invasive species, which significantly contributes to biodiversity loss and
support, such as encouraging research spending and pushing for the expansion of pollinator habitats in rural, urban and suburban settings. Other suggestions were more divisive, including discontinuing neonicotinoid seed treatments in soybeans, a commonly used insecticide that harms pollinator populations. “It was very difficult to come to consensus on some issues,” said Kevin Paap, a committee member and president of the Minnesota Farm Bureau. “Defining the issues depends on what side of the issue you’re on.”
Although only four of the issues reached full consensus, the collaborative efforts could not have come at a more critical time: pollinator populations have been in decline across the state for many years. The monarch butterfly population is down by 90 percent over the past two decades. The Minnesota native rusty patched bumblebee was added to the endangered species list in 2017. The poweshiek skipperling, a pollinating butterfly once abundant in Minnesota, was last spotted in the state in 2008.
Marla Spivak, a professor in the Department of Entomology at the University and a committee chair, has studied honeybees for over 40 years. She said she’s seen a definite decline in honeybee populations and health. “It sounds odd to talk about colony health, but they really have a number of stressors,” Spivak said. “A lot of that includes poor nutrition, lack of good floral habitat due to increasing acreages of corn and soybeans, landscaping practices, planting huge grass lawns that provide no floral food for bees.” The issue of pollinator protection is complex and without a single solution. However, many committee members saw their diversity of backgrounds as a major leg up in developing realistic solutions, ones they hope, but are unsure if they will be, implemented under Governorelect Tim Walz. “I think our differences forced us to be realistic in terms of developing ideas that are likely to move forward through the legislators and encounter minimal opposition,” Jordan said. This idea was seconded by committee member Dan MacSwain, the natural resource
coordinator for Washington County. There are plenty of options for representatives and legislators to work with, he said – it will just take time. “It took us a couple of years to get to this point, and I think it could be a couple more years for others to understand the complexity of issue and enact some of these recommendations to help address the issues at hand,” MacSwain said. In the meantime, everyday citizens can take meaningful steps to preserve and protect pollinators. Spivak said people can plant white clovers in their lawns, which can support over 40 species of bees. MacSwain recommends people plant flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. Cutting back on insecticides in ornamental landscapes would be helpful, Jordan said, as they often provide little benefit in comparison to the harm inflicted on pollinators. She also said that continuing to have meaningful discussions can lead to meaningful impact, but it will take efforts on all fronts. “How much do we need to do to make a difference?” Jordan said. “We need to do everything we can do.”
JANE BORSTAD, DAILY
economic costs. The report details dozens of more ongoing issues that are projected to intensify, spreading from Hawaii to Alaska. However, it also
highlights how the U.S. is currently attempting to mitigate climate change and what needs to be done to reduce the risks and harms that come with it.
Since 2014, a growing number of states, cities and businesses have developed plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the report says. But without
significant reductions in emissions, there will be significant and far-reaching changes over the course of the 21st century, according to the assessment.
5
MNDAILY.COM
MN DAILY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018
CULTURE
Cinnamon spice and everything nice This year’s St. Paul European Christmas Market is larger and more festive than ever.
JERUSA NYAKUNDI, DAILY
Right: The European Christmas Market features vendors selling European holiday items. Upper left: Jeremy and Celeste enjoy the European Christmas Market on Dec. 2 in St. Paul. Lower left: The open-air market is open for business in St. Paul. BY LIV MARTIN omartin@mndaily.com
Immediately, the smell of cinnamon flooded visitors’ senses as they walked into the European Christmas Market in downtown St. Paul. Saturday morning, the East Plaza at Union Depot was transformed into a classic German-style holiday market. Situated near the plaza’s entrance, the Nuttin Like It booth’s cinnamon roasted almonds provided the perfect welcoming holiday scent. “Nuttin Like It” was one of 42 wooden huts — each with a festive, yellow star-shaped light hanging from its peak — at the market. Vendors offered European sweets, German-style brats, woolen
sweaters, mittens, and hats, Polish pottery and many other handmade items. “These are the traditional wooden huts that they have in Austria and Germany. That’s a cultural event that started more than 500 years ago. Now it’s in Belgium, France … actually, there’s one in Shanghai too, I’m told. And Buenos Aires!” said Renate Sharp, the market’s founder. Now, the tradition continues in St. Paul, Minnesota. This year’s market — the fifth European Holiday Market in St. Paul — is the largest yet. The market has 50 percent more vendors than last year, Sharp said. The event has expanded so much in recent years that it now takes place over two weekends.
Holiday shoppers of all ages filled the plaza, many cradling forest green mugs filled with hot coffee or mulled wine in their gloved hands. Claire Corvaisier, owner of Oh Crêpe!, was working hard to supply crepes to the masses. Corvaisier is a native of Brittany, the region of France where the thin pancakes originated. Though she only began her crepe business in May, her hut was popular at the market. Corvaisier and her team of helpers served both savory crepes with cheeses and meats and sweeter varieties with choices of Nutella, cinnamon apples or salted caramel and cookie crumble fillings. “I’m going to be here every
day of the six days. It’s a good event to be at. … It’s busy!” Corvaisier said. One market-goer, Lawrence Stahl, was absolutely delighted to be there on Saturday morning. He was dressed in festive reds and greens to prove it. “I lived in Germany for five years, so whenever there’s an event like this … like an Oktoberfest or something … [I go],” he said. “I really miss Germany and I miss Christmastime there.” University of Minnesota senior Claire Humes saw the event on Facebook and decided to go with a group of friends. “It’s the first day of December and so we wanted to see what it was like,” she said. Embracing the holiday
spirit, Humes tried mulled wine served at one of the market’s warming houses and a pretzel from the Burbach’s European Pancakes hut. “Maybe this will be a Christmas tradition,” she said. Even with the market’s recent success, Sharp has a bold vision and strong memories of extraordinary German Christmas markets to live up to. “In Berlin, they have 53 markets. We need to grow,” she said. “So, next year, hopefully [we will have] three weekends.” What: St. Paul European Christmas Market When: Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday, 11 to 9 p.m., Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m. and Monday, 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: East Plaza at Union Depot, 240 E. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul Cost: Free
“[It’s] a cultural event that started more than 500 years ago. Now it’s in Belgium, France … actually, there’s one in Shanghai too, I’m told. And Buenos Aires!” RENATE SHARP European Christmas Market founder
MOVIES
Your holiday season binge watches A Coen Brothers release, this year’s cheesy Christmas movie, a literary adaptation and the best thriller from TV this year. BY MADDY FOLSTEIN mfolstein@mndaily.com
You know the drill: the snow is here, and your desire to go out on the weekend is slowly fading. Why leave the comfort of your bedroom to go to the movies, when some of the best viewing options can be streamed from home? Here are four A&E-approved recommendations, available for streaming on commonly-used platforms: “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” Streaming on Netflix The Coen brothers have made their way to Netflix with “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” a six-part anthology film. The segments, which play more like short films, are loosely connected through their focus on the tropes and hallmarks of Western films. Y ou can ex p ec t the quirks, despair and dark humor of a usual Coen brothers film — and stellar performances from its cast. Zoe Kazan, James Franco, Liam Neeson and Tim Blake Nelson all make appearances throughout the anthology. “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” is also screening
at the Landmark Lagoon Cinema in Uptown, if you’d rather see it on the big screen. Per fect for: If you love “No Country for Old Men,” “Fargo” and/or “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” “The Princess Switch” Streaming on Netflix Remember “A Christmas Prince,” the cheesy Christmas movie Netflix released last year? They’ve released a sequel to the original (“A Christmas Prince: A Royal Wedding,” if you’re interested), and a new entry to their catalog of Christmas fluff — “The Princess Switch.” The movie stars Vanessa Hudgens as two (!) different women — Stacy, a baker from Chicago who travels to a baking competition in the fictional land of Belgravia, and Lady Margaret, who switches lives with Stacy. You might be annoyed by the countless plot-holes and the lazy British accents, but let go of that — it’s not in the Christmas (movie) spirit. Per fect for: When the holiday-themed cocktails you’re pouring are stronger than your desire to actually pay attention to the movie
“My Brilliant Friend” Streaming on HBO Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels span a lifetime, depicting the friendship of Elena and Lila, who grew up in Naples together. The HBO adaptation of the first novel, “My Brilliant Friend,” is narrated by a much older Elena, who receives a call that Lila has gone missing. She tells the story of the start of their friendship, when the girls are young and are growing up in a violent, impoverished neighborhood in 1950s Naples. Five episodes are available for streaming as of today, and new episodes typically air Sundays and Mondays on both HBO and its streaming websites. Perfect for: If you’re a fan of the book series or if you need a reason to pick them up over winter break. “Killing Eve” Streaming on Hulu BBC America’s “Killing Eve” was one of the best and buzziest shows of this year. As of Dec. 1, the show is available for streaming on Hulu. The spy thriller stars Sandra Oh as Eve, a MI5 officer in London, and Jodie Comer as Villanelle, a noto-
“It’s funny, decadent and thrilling. Oh and Comer (along with the rest of the cast) give exceptional performances. What more could you want in a TV show?” rious assassin. The two women become obsessed with each other — Eve with catching Villanelle, and Villanelle with meeting Eve — and embark on a tumultuous game of cat-and-mouse across Europe. It’s funny, decadent and thrilling, Oh and Comer (along with the rest of the cast) give exceptional performances. What more could you want in a TV show? Perfect for: If you missed out on all the hype earlier this year, or if you’re looking for a finals week binge watch. With only eight episodes, “Killing Eve” is perfect for almost anything.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMDB
From top to bottom: “My Beautiful Friend,” “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” and “The Princess Switch.”
6
Sports
MNDAILY.COM
FOOTBALL
Gophers will play in the Quick Lane Bowl
MN DAILY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018
VOLLEYBALL
Minnesota swept Bryant and South Carolina on its way to Sweet Sixteen.
Bowl game u from Page 1
bowl-eligibility. Georgia Tech finished the season 7-5 overall and was 5-3 in the ACC. The Yellow Jackets finished the season strong, winning four of their last five games to earn a bowl berth. Georgia Tech’s tripleoption offense presents a different challenge for the Gophers. Fleck admitted that the style will necessitate some changes on defense. The Yellow Jackets average more than 35 points and 200 rushing yards per game. “Georgia Tech presents a lot of different challenges, where you have to switch up your defense and not necessarily play your own defense,” Fleck said. “It’s very different ... when you get a triple-option team everything changes. Now people are going to play possibly different positions ... it completely changes the style.” The Yellow Jackets have four different players with over 100 rushing attempts on the year, with two rushing for over 800 yards. “We are excited for our fans, excited for our state, to be bowling again ... it’s a huge accomplishment for this program and this individual team,” Fleck said.
FOOTBALL PREVIEW
MINNESOTA 6-6
VS
GEORGIA TECH 7-5 WHEN: December 26 WHERE: Ford Field in Detroit, MI SOURCE: GOPHERSPORTS.COM
ELLEN SCHMIDT, DAILY
Redshirt sophomore Regan Pittman celebrates a point with her team at Maturi Pavilion on Saturday, Dec. 1. The Gophers swept South Carolina in all three sets.
UMN moves on to Sweet Sixteen BY DAVID MULLEN dmullen@mndaily.com
For the fourth straight year, the Gophers volleyball team is on their way into the Sweet Sixteen. After a defensive show Friday, it was the offense’s turn to lead the Gophers (27-3) Saturday to a victory as they swept South C a ro l i n a : 2 5 - 1 2 , 2 5 - 1 5 , 25-15. “When you get a top team in the country that has as physical of attackers as [the Gophers] do, you try and get a touch when you can,” South Carolina head coach Tom Mendoza said. For Minnesota, its well-balanced offensive machine was led by setter Samantha SeligerSwenson, who distributed the ball 31 times to five hot-handed hitters for kills. She had four kills herself
on the night. “It makes my job a lot easier because I have so many options to go to,” SeligerSwenson said. For the second straight night, the Gophers held their opponent to a subpar hitting percentage a s S o u t h C a ro l i n a h i t .147 percent. “We dug a fair number of balls, 51, in a threeset match that’s a pretty good defensive rate,” Gophers head coach Hugh McCutcheon said. Along with the teams digging ability he credited the team’s blockers discipline for allowing the back row to make good plays. The Gophers collectively had six blocks, but outside hitter Adanna Rollins and libero C.C. McGraw led the team both with 11 digs. As Minnesota moves one step closer to its end goal of
the Target Center for the NCAA Final Four, a weekend like this helps. SeligerSwenson said future opponents who are scouting the Gophers will have a hard time creating a game plan because of the numerous offensive weapons the team has. In the opening set of the second-round of the NCAA Tournament the Gamecocks and Minnesota were exchanging points, until the Gophers took a slight 10-6 edge after a forceful kill by outside hitter Alexis Hart. The Gamecocks were held to a .040 hitting percentage in the set. After giving up three consecutive points to South Carolina, the Gophers went on a seven-point run and never looked back. Minnesota took the opening set 25-12 behind
a five-kill set by middle blocker Regan Pittman. The second set was similar to the beginning of the first set. Both teams were exchanging points as the Gophers led 7-6. Minnesota, however, caught fire and went on a nine-point run, which extended the Gophers’ lead to 16-6. South Carolina would go on a small run of their own, but it was not enough. The Gophers took the set 25-15. Opposite hitter Stephanie Samedy made her presence felt as she dominated the set with six kills. Defensively, the Gophers held South Carolina to a .111 hitting percentage. In the final set of the match, the Gophers’ timely streaks and well-balanced offense carried the team into the Sweet Sixteen. Six separate players had
kills in the set. Minnesota took an early 11-5 lead and never looked b ac k, t aking t h e final set 25-15. “It was certainly among one of the better [offensive] performances in the second half of the year,” McCutcheon said. For the Gophers, their next test will be against Oregon, a team that beat them in September. “Yeah, we are so excited,” Rollins said. “We want revenge.”
VOLLEYBALL RESULTS
FRIDAY Bryant University Minnesota
SATURDAY South Carolina Minnesota
1 2 3 FINAL 10 16 21 0 25 25 25 3 1 2 3 FINAL 12 15 15 0 25 25 25 3
SOURCE: GOPHERSPORTS.COM
WRESTLING
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Gophers sixth at Cliff Keen invite
Minnesota wins 83-76 over Oklahoma State
Gable Steveson had made an impression by consistent play with heavyweights.
BY NICK JUNGHEIM njungheim@mndaily.com
BY PAUL HODOWANIC phodowanic@mndaily.com
The Gopher wrestling team traveled to Las Vegas this past weekend, finishing sixth in the two-day Cliff Keen Invitational. The team saw four players make the podium in an up-and-down performance from the team. “There were some guys that wrestled really well and some guys that didn’t. That’s why we are here I guess, to learn and get better,” said head coach Brandon Eggum. “It’s a very tough tournament, so it’s about what I expected, but you come in here with very high expectations.” The team was without starters Mitch McKee and Steve Bleise, as both were out with injuries. Gable Steveson led the way for the Gophers, winning the 285-pound weight class division. The freshman, currently ranked second in the nation, picked up his second tournament win with Minnesota. He’s now 13-0 overall this season. “In the bigger matches, he is just thinking about nonstop putting on a show, scoring points. And he’s not settling with just a win,” said Eggum. “He’s obviously a great wrestler, but he competes the way we want our
The Gophers held on to a lead through much of the game at US Bank Stadium.
DAILY FILE PHOTO
Freshman Gable Steveson competes in a match against South Dakota State on Sunday, Nov. 25 at Maturi Pavilion.
guys to compete. It’s impressive to watch him and his attitude he has on his mat and what he carries. His swagger is very contagious.” Sean Russell, 125 pounds, continued his strong start to the season, finishing in third place on Saturday. Russell lost a close match in the semifinals against Ronnie Bresser of Oregon State, but rebounded in the third place match and won with a 4-0 decision. “His biggest thing is his relentless attack. He keeps guys off-balance. He doesn’t let his opponents rest. His desire to win just bleeds through his opponents,” said Eggum. “Even if he doesn’t score initially the first two times, he’s on the guy so much that the guy starts to question and loses his confidence, and before you know it, he is racking up points.” Senior Ethan Lizak, 133 pounds, had a disappointing finish to his Friday, losing
to No. 6 Micky Phillippi of Pittsburgh. However, he rebounded well on Saturday for a fourth place finish. The senior got out to a hot start on Saturday, winning by technical fall, 15-0. Lizak then took out the No. 7 and No. 4 seeds before falling in the third place match to No. 2 seed Luke Pletcher of Ohio State. “Everyone knows Lizak’s top game is one of the best in the country, he’s dangerous, he’s a hard guy to wrestle. He’s done a really good job defensively when guys get to his legs of creating offense out of that, and that’s unique and hard to do,” said Eggum. “Both [Russell] and Lizak were both fractions from potentially being in the finals. I do think both of them outwrestled their opponents in the [semifinals] when they lost, but that’s wrestling.” The Gophers will get another chance to hit the mat Saturday, Dec. 8 at Fresno State at 9 p.m.
Although the Gophers returned to Minneapolis on Friday night, the setting was different than usual. Instead of playing at Williams arena, they took on Oklahoma State at the home of the Minnesota Vikings in the inaugural U.S. Bank Stadium Basketball classic. Minnesota (6-1) executed much better offensively than it did in the last game, as the Gophers defeated Oklahoma State (4-3) 8376. With the victory, the Gophers improved to 6-1 on the season and added another win to their resume. “I thought we played really well tonight,” said head coach Richard Pitino. “We’re not always going to be a beautiful team. We need to just scratch and claw, play tough defense, rebound the ball, make these winning plays that we’re doing.” At first, Friday’s game appeared to be a recurrence of the Gophers’ recent scoring woes. Oklahoma State went on a 13-0 run early in the game and led 19-10 midway through the first half. However, the Gophers found their rhythm offensively and outscored the Cowboys 35-19 in the last 10:37 before halftime.
Early in the second half, they continued to fire on all cylinders. Minnesota shot 52 percent from the field, a stark contrast from the Boston College game where the team went just 19-65 (.292). The Gophers seemed to be in command up 18, but Oklahoma State rallied back to make things interesting. A 120 run by the Cowboys cut Minnesota’s lead to six with 6:40 remaining. “When you build a lead, good teams are going to come back,” Pitino said. “I thought we played really well. I think that was our best game yet.” The enormous stadium that will host the final four in April began to fill with nervous energy. Minnesota continued to hold Oklahoma State at arms length but the Cowboys didn’t go quietly into the night. They cut the lead to four with 1:40 to go, but that was as close as they got. Minnesota converted their free throws down the stretch to hold onto the lead and close out the game. Senior Jordan Murphy once again proved why he’s one of the best forwards in college basketball. He once again posted a double-double, leading the Gophers with 24 points and 16 rebounds. He tied Jim Brewer’s school record with 51 career double-doubles. Senior Dupree McBrayer, junior Amir Coffey, freshman Gabe Kalscheur and sophomore Isaiah Washington
all scored in double figures for Minnesota, with Washington leading the way with 15. Washington in particular added a spark off the bench, leading the time with a +15 plus/minus rating. He played a vital role in fascinating setting an offensive tempo and got his teammates involved with four assists. “He’s a great passer,” Coffey said of Washington. “He finds guys. He gives me a little bit of a chance to run the floor, just getting to those spots where you can be found by him.” For Coffey, the opportunity to play at U.S. Bank Stadium was special. The Hopkins, Minnesota native said he enjoyed the experience of competing on a big stage so close to home. “It was a pretty cool venue.” Coffey said. “A oncein-a-lifetime place to play, and a lot of fans came out. It was really exiting to play in front of everybody.” Minnesota will have a rapid turnaround before its next game. The Gophers t ake o n Oh io S t at e in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday evening to begin Big Ten play. “It’s huge with momentum,” Murphy said about the impending conference games. “Being 6-1 and obviously coming off a win going into Sunday. We definitely just have to pay attention to the scouting report and the game plan coaches put out for us, and just be ready.”
7
Monday, December 3, 2018
MEN’S HOCKEY
Minnesota ties Ohio State twice with same score Minnesota officially tied each game 2-2, but lost each 3-2 in double overtime. BY JACK WARRICK jwarrick@mndaily.com
There were two eerily similar results for the Gophers this weekend. In the official standings, the Gophers marked two ties this weekend against No. 5 Ohio State. In terms of conference play, the Buckeyes scored late in the 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime to take two extra Big Ten points on the line in the weekend series. “We’ll take the points, and obviously it says that we tie[d] both games, but we lost both games,” goaltender Mat Robson said. “I gave up two overtime goals, so I kind of feel that one a little bit more than anyone else.” Minnesota tied 2-2, and then unofficially lost in double overtime on Friday night. The team came back the next day and ended in another 2-2 tie, where Ohio
DAILY FILE PHOTO
Goaltender Eric Schierhorn takes a water break at Mariucci Arena on Saturday, Nov. 17. The Gophers beat the St. Lawrence Saints 3-0.
State again took the extra Big Ten point in double overtime. The Gophers mustered 17 shots in each extra-long game, while Robson faced 75 total shots on the weekend. Head coach Bob Motzko called Robson the MVP of
the weekend. The series finale on Saturday started slow for Minnesota, as the Gophers found themselves in a twogoal hole late in the first period. This was after Buckeyes forward Mason Jobst found
the puck net to Robson, and then shot it into the net with Robson on the other side of the crease. The power play goal gave Ohio State a 2-0 lead. The first goal came about a minute earlier, when Brendon Kearney
caught a pass in the slot — beating Robson on the low glove side. With 2:36 left in the first frame, Minnesota defenseman Sam Rossini responded when the puck came out to him after a frantic scuffle in front of the net. He threw a wrist shot into the back of the net, while the Buckeyes’ goaltender Tommy Nappier couldn’t see where the shot was coming from. The goal was Rossini’s first point of the season. “He brings a presence when he’s in the lineup, and he’s a big body. He finds ways to get pucks through to the net. He’s been doing that for two years really when he’s been in the lineup, so that was good for him, and hopefully continues to grow,” forward Brent Gates Jr. said. Gates Jr. tied the game at 2-2 mid-way through the second period. He found the puck in the crease and buried it into an empty net after Rem Pitlick had his shot saved on a quick pass from Tyler Sheehy. After no scoring in the third, the Gophers went into
their fourth overtime of the weekend. Ohio State had a goal called back in the first round of overtime because of a high stick call, but Ohio State’s Quinn Preston ended the game with 1:37 left in the game on a goal. “We didn’t lose a game this weekend,” said Motzko. “It gives us something to continue to build on; I mean, that’s a good hockey team.” The Gophers officially tied the first game of the series thanks to an equalizing score from Pitlick with 41 seconds left in the third period — making the game 2-2. Ohio State scored late in the second frame of overtime, with the new layout where the teams play 3-on-3 for a five-minute sudden-death period. Ohio State earned an extra Big Ten Conference point with the tie breaker, but it went into the NCAA books as a tie. The Gophers finished their six-game home stretch going 2-2-2. They will play again this weekend in a two-game away series at Michigan Friday and Saturday night.
WOMEN’S HOCKEY
Gophers add two wins to lengthy win streak
The Gophers won their two games against Yale to add to winning streak. BY ERIK NELSON enelson2@mndaily.com
For the second straight weekend, the Gophers swept an East Coast road trip. No. 2 Minnesota (15-2-1, 9-2-1) defeated Yale (2-10-0, 2-6-0) 7-1 on Friday and 3-1 on Saturday in New Haven, Connecticut. Minnesota has won eight consecutive games. Head coach Brad Frost said the Gophers battled their way to sweep the Bulldogs. “It was a workman-like effort for us tonight,” Frost said. “It was close right until the end. Our team did a good job finding a way and getting a sweep on the road.” Center Abigail Boreen opened the scoring at 11:35 of the first period. It was Boreen’s second goal of the season. Less than five minutes later, Boreen’s linemate, left winger Kippin Keller, scored her first goal of the season at 16:26 of the first period to extend Minnesota’s lead to 2-0. The Bulldogs cut the Gophers’ lead in the third to 2-1. After defending the lead with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, right winger Grace Zumwinkle put the game away by scoring into Yale’s empty net. It was Zumwinkle’s 12th goal of the season. Goaltender Alex Gulstene made 17 saves for her 12th victory of the season. Minnesota remains undefeated this season when Gulstene is in net. Zumwinkle said Min-
DAILY FILE PHOTO
Forward Grace Zumwinkle looks to pass the puck at Ridder Arena on Friday, Oct. 19. The Gophers beat Ohio State 3-0.
nesota needed to win these games heading into the Gophers’ final series before the holiday break. “Getting two huge, crucial wins on the road is huge for our team,” Zumwinkle said.
Zumwinkle’s hat trick shines in blowout over Bulldogs
One of Minnesota’s top scorers had a historic night. Zumwinkle scored a natural hat trick in the second period as the Gophers defeated the Bulldogs 7-1. It was her first collegiate hat trick.
Minnesota drew first blood when left winger Nicole Schammel scored at 5:25 of the first period. It was Schammel’s fifth goal of the season. Zumwinkle put on a show in the second. She scored her first goal at 9:17 of the period as the Gophers capitalized on a power play. Schammel and defender Emily Brown assisted on the goal. Zumwinkle scored again at 13:04 and 19:11 of the period. Z u m w i nkle cr e di t e d her teammates for her offensive outburst.
“It’s my first [hat trick] as a Gopher, but without my teammates it wouldn’t be possible,” she said. “They’re the ones that set me up, so they’re the ones that should get just as much credit.” Goaltender Sydney Scobee made eight saves and won her third game of the season in her first appearance since Oct. 28. It was Scobee’s first victory since Oct. 14. She had lost her past two starts. Minnesota returns to the Twin Cities for its final series before finals
WOMEN’S HOCKEY RESULTS
FRIDAY Minnesota Yale
SATURDAY Minnesota Yale
1 2 1
2 4 0
3 1 0
FINAL 7 1
1 2 0
2 0 0
3 1 1
FINAL 3 1
SOURCE: GOPHERSPORTS.COM
and the holiday break. The Gophers face Robert Morris (8-8-4, 6-1-1) FridaySaturday at Ridder Arena. Friday’s game begins at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday’s game begins at 1:07 p.m.
“It’s my first [hat trick] as a Gopher, but without my teammates it wouldn’t be possible. They’re the ones that set me up, so they’re the ones that should get just as much credit.” GRACE ZUMWINKLE right winger
SWIM & DIVE
Swim and Dive teams compete at Minnesota Invite, last home meet of season Personal best times became a common theme for Gophers swimmers at meet. BY DANIELLE PEDERSON dpederson@mndaily.com
Energetic teams, a lively crowd and Gophers alumni filled the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The Gophers swim and dive team concluded its last home meet of the season. The weekend consisted of numerous Minnesota PR’s, first-place finishes and lots of excitement. A diving competition was not a part of this year’s event. “It was more of a relaxed weekend. Not everyone was swimming, but I think the people who chose to swim swam really well. I think
we’re all excited [about our performances],” said freshman Max McHugh. Participating in the meet were swimmers from Utah, South Dakota State, San Jose State, St. Olaf and Carleton College. No other Big Ten teams were in attendance. A smaller crowd sat in the stands for night three of the event due to snowfall, but the audience brought the energy nonetheless. Eight Minnesota swimmers raced in the A-finals Saturday night. Junior Nick Saulnier placed fourth in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 44.64 and set his second PR of the meet. McHugh won the 200-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:56.19. Freshman Emma Linscott finished the 200-yard butterfly in 2:05.95 and
JASMIN KEMP, DAILY
The Gophers swim team hosts an invitational meet at Jean K. Freeman Center on Friday, Nov. 30.
recorded her second PR of the meet and placed sixth overall. On day two of the meet, Gopher swimmers participated in the finals of multiple events. The spectators were cheering loudly and
even sang a rendition of “Sweet Caroline.” Junior Tevyn Waddell entered the finals of the 200-yard freestyle with the fourth fastest time. It was her first time participating in the event since her junior
year in high school. She set a personal record and captured first place with a time of 1:46.58 in the final. Together, McHugh and junior Lindsey Kozelsky took both the men’s and women’s 100-yard breaststroke titles with the respective times of 52.14 and 59.73. McHugh currently holds the second fastest time in the nation. “PR” was the key term on day one of the Minnesota Invite. Three of the 10 Minnesota swimmers competing set individual personal record times. Setting a PR in the 50-yard freestyle was sophomore Eitan Yudashkin. He swam a time of 20.36 in the prelims and finished fourth overall with a time of 20.59. “It just shows that the hard work they’ve put in during the fall has really paid off,” said Senior
Associate Head Coach Terry Ganley. Saulnier finished sixth in the 200-yard individual medley. He touched the wall two seconds before his teammate Cale Berkoff who had a PR time of 1:53.43. Gophers alumni Dan Berve (2007 graduate) and David Plummer (2008 graduate) were in attendance and assisted as timers during the Invite. “It’s actually really cool to look up into the stands and see all the Gopher gear,” Saulnier said. “It’s super cool to walk behind the blocks and see a familiar face that you know and remember that I’m in their shoes and following in their footsteps.” The Gophers have a month of practices until they fly to Hawaii for their annual training trip in mid-January.
8 MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018
MN DAILY
MNDAILY.COM
Editorials & Opinions
COLUMN
EDITORIAL
The success of the meme “they did surgery on a grape” comes from its use of repetition
In this season of giving, you can volunteer time
The meme was amusing from the beginning, but it became even funnier as it evolved over media. They did surgery on a grape. If you’re not familiar with Twitter’s top meme of the week, allow me to paint you a picture. ImagPALMER HAASCH ine a photo of a columnist grape with it’s skin delicately peeled back and tiny surgical instruments hovering above its surface. In the bottom right corner of the image is the text, “They did surgery on a grape.” A Facebook caption runs along the bottom of the image, reading, “They did surgery on a grape.” Superimposed over the photo is a Snapchat caption, stating — well, you get the idea. The entire thing is framed like an Instagram post, with the same caption running over the top of the frame. The image originated from an Instagram meme account (@simpledorito).
However, the original image (of the grape undergoing surgery) comes from a 2010 demonstration video for the da Vinci surgical system, an advanced robotic technology used for microsurgeries. In the video, a doctor from Edward-Elmhurt Health’s Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois carefully guides tiny surgical implements to peel a sliver of the grape’s skin backward. The first iteration of the meme, which featured only the image and the original caption, was funny in and of itself. However, it became more “memeable” and funny with the creation of the inception-like repetition of the phrase through different social media caption formats. More importantly, it made it painfully simple for the average individual to participate. By simply posting the image and adding the caption, you become an active contributor to the meme. When, “they did surgery on a grape,” crossed over to Twitter (the first tweet with the phrase was on Nov. 20), the simplicity of participation is what brought about its virality. However, what truly extended its life on social media was Twitter users fusing it with other popular memes. After everyone’s Twitter feeds were flooded with the meme, just the phrase “they did surgery on a grape” became a strong
EDITORIAL
EDITORIAL
GOP Senate is right in standing up to Trump
Damage of health care cuts
When America was great, political leaders stood up to world bullies and despots around the world. In another telling sign that Republicans and Democrats alike see President Donald Trump debasing American values, the GOP-controlled U.S. Senate last week voted 63-37 to rebuke Trump for his support of a murderous regime in Saudi Arabia. The Senate voted on a resolution to suspend U.S. support for the Saudi war against Yemen as a result of Trump’s unwillingness to challenge the Saudi leadership for their role in murdering journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Holding the Saudis accountable is not only the right thing to do. It shows America will defend freedom of the press around the world. It was a stunning rebuke of Trump and his reluctance to offend the Saudi dictatorship for fear of losing Saudi arms business. Senators were also rightly incensed by the absence of CIA Director Gina Haspel at a meeting with Senate leaders attended by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis Khashoggi did what any American journalist would do. He challenged the government on behalf of the governed. Only he was a subject of the Saudi regime, where real journalism doesn’t play well. Freedom of speech is interpreted as treason. CIA Director Haspel apparently listened to a tape of the killing of Khashoggi. The CIA has leaked information that the Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman either ordered the killing or knew of the plot carried out by members of the Saudi regime. Trump supporter Sen. Lindsay Graham was vocally incensed. Graham told the Washington Post he will withhold his vote from any key vote, including the budget, until the Senate has heard from the CIA. “I am not going to blow past this,” Graham, R-S.C., told the Post. “Anything that you need me for to get out of town — I ain’t doing it until we hear from the CIA.” It’s an incredible and remarkable statement of just how chaotic this situation has become. While Trump campaigned on “Making America Great Again” he apparently does not consider First Amendment freedoms and human rights part of that formula. But one Republican president a few decades ago did. Consider the words of President Ronald Reagan, who declared Freedom of the Press Day as Aug. 4, 1985: “Today, our tradition of a free press as a vital part of our democracy is as important as ever. The news media are now using modern techniques to bring our citizens information not only on a daily basis but instantaneously as important events occur. This flow of information helps make possible an informed electorate and so contributes to our national system of selfgovernment. Freedom of the Press Day is an appropriate time to remember the contributions a free press has made and is continuing to make to the development of our Nation.” Holding the Saudis accountable is not only the right thing to do. It shows America will defend freedom of the press around the world. This editorial was originally published in the Mankato Free Press.
Trump administration continues strangling the ability of Americans to get affordable health care. Obamacare signups are drastically down this year even as eight million people in the U.S. who have no insurance are eligible and insurance premiums are generally lower. Signups are down about 17 percent so far because the Trump administration has cut funding to the outreach efforts by nearly 75 percent compared to a year ago. Funds for navigators helping people know about their choices and sign up for subsidized insurance has been cut by nearly 85 percent compared to two years ago. The Trump administration spends a paltry $10 million across the country to help sign up 12 million to potentially 19 million people for insurance. By comparison, Minnesota alone spends $8 million for its outreach and navigator programs. Federal funds to Florida’s navigator program were cut to $1.2 million from $5 million. The state is the leading state for Obamacare signups. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 27 million Americans still have no health
enough signifier that the accompanying image wasn’t necessary. In turn, it gained new life through other memes. One of these reads, “Ladies, if he: is thick skinned, always hanging out with a bunch of friends, recently got out of surgery, That’s not your man. That’s a grape. And they did surgery on him.” Ultimately, “they did surgery on a grape” is testament to today’s meme economy. There’s frequent crossover between platforms (in this case, Instagram to Twitter), which brings the potential for recombination and further virality. The meme’s success comes its humor that lies in repetition, thus opening the door to reimagination and simple participation. It seems, however, that like all memes, it’s reached the end of its life cycle. A quick Google Trends search reveals that its frequency as a search term has been steadily decreasing over the past week. Inevitably, memes fade into cringe status; the grape is finally being discharged.
Palmer Haasch welcomes comments at phaasch@mndaily.com.
insurance and that about eight million of those people would be eligible for tax credits that would help pay for their insurance on the federal and state insurance exchanges. Kaiser also reports that 800 counties will have no federally paid navigators this year, up from 127 in 2016. The Trump administration appears to be trying to kill Obamacare administratively since it could not do it through Congress. Fortunately, a variety of nonprofit groups are working in many states to get the word out to those who would be eligible for affordable insurance. Preventing people from knowing about affordable health insurance and keeping them from buying it cannot be justified. It doesn’t even make good business sense. Creating a larger pool of people to be insured minimizes the risk to all of us for having to pay exorbitant medical costs and high health insurance premiums. When Democrats take control of the House in January, they should do all they can to pressure the Trump administration to restore funding to Obamacare outreach efforts. This editorial was originally published in the Mankato Free Press.
COLUMN
Victoria’s Secret’s drop in stock is not too surprising The demise of the empire built off unrealistic beauty standards has been a long time coming.
L
ast week, it was announced that Victoria’s Secret stock h a s d ro p p e d 41 percent in 2018. The lingerie company has been steadily losELLEN SCHNEIDER ing steam over columnist the past few years, which may be surprising considering the growing spectacle the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show creates and the lasting reputations of the models who walk in it. However, it’s not as much of a shock as one might assume. Victoria’s Secret is losing customers more rapidly than it can gain them, because its entire business model is grounded in the premise that women have a duty to be sexy for men. This is not only something women have rejected in recent years, but is a cultural norm that is largely inconsistent with modern women. Don’t get me wrong — I shopped there. I begged my mother to let me sport their neon push-up bras and proudly strutted in sequinstudded cotton yoga pants. It’s practically a right of passage for young women, and I’m not proud of it — but it happened. But there’s a reason why I was I was so desperate to spend all my babysitting money on overpriced undergarments. Victoria’s Secret, among other social influencers, fosters and feeds on the low self-esteem of women and girls by constantly convincing them that their attractiveness and worth can only be found in scant lace, plastic-bottled perfume and a material brand. The truth of the matter is that Victoria’s Secret created an empire completely based on the submissive woman who tries to make up for her lost worth in semi-annual sales of
ill-fitting bras. The problem with a business model that is hinged on this demographic is it can be completely corrupted by confidence. When I stopped shopping at Victoria’s Secret and opted for better fits and cheaper prices, it was because I realized I had value outside of the way I look and beyond my ability to be seductive. I am still valuable without dropping a pretty penny on my undergarments. That is why, as Victoria’s Secret prepares to meet its maker, other lingerie and intimates brands have found success. Aerie, the American Eagle brand, has been dubbed one of Victoria’s Secret’s biggest competitors. While Victoria’s Secret continues employing stick-thin models with airbrushed skin and unachievable proportions, Aerie’s marketing campaign is all about the real, different and unapologetic. Women of all colors, shapes and sizes make silly faces in comfortable bras. Even women in wheelchairs are plastered on Aerie’s billboards preaching body positivity and inclusivity. They even – gasp – show the women’s cellulite. Rihanna has also created her own lingerie line, SAVAGE X FENTY, intended to be affordable and fit all women in both size and color. She even created the unthinkable – nude bras for women of color. Rihanna employs women of all colors, as well as pregnant women, in her marketing campaign. As new lingerie brands break stereotypes and preach inclusivity, there is truthfully no room for the stale tactics of misogynist branding. Victoria’s Secret continues to contribute to a toxicity in beauty culture and create new impossible standards for girls to compare themselves to. Society has simply moved beyond the outmoded notion that it is a woman’s responsibility to be sexy for men. It is the end of the PINK era, and I, for one, am saying sayonara.
Ellen Schneider welcomes comments at eschneider@mndaily.com.
A UMN student guide to service opportunities available around the Twin Cities this time of year. While most people consider this time to be the most wonderful time of the year, for some students and families, it might just be the most stressful. If you’ve been looking for a way to give back to those who are less fortunate, now is the time to do so. But don’t forget that most organizations need help well past the holiday season. Community Meals Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Groveland Avenue, Minneapolis Community Meals is the hunger and hospitality program for Hennepin County. Volunteer to help provide a hot meal on Sunday evenings to those who are homeless or low-income. With a variety of tasks, including being a server, waiter, dishwasher, cook or entertainer, Community Meals will find a place for you to serve. Books for Africa 635 Prior Ave. N., St. Paul With a goal of ending the book famine in Africa, Books for Africa is the largest organization that donates books to the African content. Since 1988, over 42 million books have been shipped to each and every country in Africa. Volunteer to help sort and pack books that will be sent to schools in need, or donate your unused books to the organization. The Sheridan Stor y 2723 Patton Rd., Roseville The Sheridan Story has a vision of fighting child hunger in our local community and partners with schools to do so. With weekend, summer and food bags, The Sheridan Story helps at all times of the year. Volunteers will either unpack shipments of non-perishable food or will be packing meals for students to take home. Second Har vest Heartland Several locations across the Twin Cities Second Harvest Heartland believes no one should go hungry, so the organization works with community partnerships to end hunger. While serving with Second Harvest, volunteers will help sort and pack all types of food, including non-perishables and fresh produce. Minnesota Children’s Museum 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul The Minnesota Children’s Museum is the place to be when it comes to unique experiences for kids. The MCM is always on the lookout for long term volunteers that will help foster and grow a child’s experience. Volunteers will help keep an eye on the museum, play with kids and assist in making all experiences enjoyable. Hennepin County Libraries Multiple locations The Hennepin County Library locations host many volunteer opportunities throughout the year, including K-12 and college tutoring, mentoring youth and keeping library materials in order. With locations around the Twin Cities, volunteers have an array of options to choose from. As we enter the holiday season, it is important to remember that we must try to lift every member of our community up and spread the joy that is often felt around the holidays. Of course, there are more organizations that need volunteer help during the holiday season and stretching into spring, summer and fall. Please consider volunteering this winter and beyond. Looking for more options? The University of Minnesota’s Center for CommunityEngaged Learning will connect you with opportunities that match your interests and goals. EDITORIALS & OPINIONS DEPARTMENT Editorials represent the voice of the Minnesota Daily as an institution and are prepared by the editorial board. SHARE YOUR VIEWS The Minnesota Daily welcomes letters and guest columns from readers. All letters must include the writer’s name, address and phone number for verification. The Daily reserves the right to edit all letters for style, space, libel and grammar. Letters to the editor should be no more than 500 words in length. Guest columns should be approximately 350 words. The Daily reserves the right to print any submission as a letter or guest column. Submission does not guarantee publication.
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9
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2018
MN DAILY
MNDAILY.COM
HOROSCOPES Today’s Birthday (12/3): Communication profits this year. Share your affection and kindness steadily. Study to unveil a mystery. Summer glory for your crew comes before physical obstacles alert you to stop and smell the roses. Follow your heart this winter. Express your creativity and passion.
To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Written by Nancy Black
Aries (3/21 - 4/19): Today is an 8 — Attend to shared finances today and tomorrow. New income is possible. Make a delightful discovery. Count your blessings. Visualize perfection.
Libra (9/23 - 10/22): Today is a 9 — Compute expenses and income. Produce valuable services and generate satisfying results. Focus on making money today and tomorrow.
Taurus (4/20 - 5/20): Today is a 9 — Develop strong partners today and tomorrow. Invent a sweet collaboration. Stay flexible with unexpected interruptions. Follow your heart.
Scorpio (10/23 - 11/21): Today is a 9 — Use your power responsibly. Take advantage of a two-day self-confident phase. You’re creating a buzz; don’t overlook a friend’s support.
Gemini (5/21 - 6/21): Today is an 8 — There’s plenty of work over the next few days. The pace quickens. Maintain health and fitness routines for energy and strength. Your heart grows stronger.
Sagittarius (11/22 - 12/21): Today is a 6 — Concentrate on clean up over the next few days. Organize and plan what’s next. Find a peaceful spot for introspection and contemplation.
Cancer (6/22 - 7/22): Today is an 8 — Love blossoms. Discover someone fascinating. Reserve time for fun today and tomorrow. Weave beauty and harmony into a romantic adventure.
Capricorn (12/22 - 1/19): Today is an 8 — Confer with allies today and tomorrow. Your friends are your inspiration. Conversations provide insight, solutions and resources.
Leo (7/23 - 8/22): Today is a 7 — Take care of home and family. The gentle approach works best. Start from a point of balance. Share your love, energy and talents.
Aquarius (1/20 - 2/18): Today is an 8 — Consider new career opportunities over the next few days. Begin a testing period. Compete for more responsibilities.
Virgo (8/23 - 9/22): Today is a 9 — You’re especially brilliant for a few days. Get into an intensive learning phase. Study new developments. Write your discoveries and perspectives.
Pisces (2/19 - 3/20): Today is a 7 — Get into an adventurous phase. Conditions are better for travel over the next two days. New opportunities present themselves.
IN THE
KNOW a podcast by
mn DAILY
Breaking Down the U’s News
DR. DATE Dr. Date,
I recently met a guy on campus and we hit it off. Needless to say, I woke up in his bed the next morning. I’m not proud of it, but we really had a connection. A few days passed and I got a text from him asking if I wanted to meet him at a bar the following Saturday. I was really excited, but when I got to the bar, I saw him talking with two very attractive girls. He’s cute, but they were probably out of his league. The following week, I went back to the same bar with my girlfriends and saw him again with the SAME girls. He wasn’t acting very flirty, but the girls seemed interested in him and what he was saying. At this point, I was pretty sure this guy had something shady going on. I didn’t talk with him that night, but we ended up hanging out a few times over the next week and everything was fine. Should I just ignore the fact that he is interacting with the same women at the bar every weekend? Are they his friends or is there more going on?
—Barhopper
Dear Barhopper,
Ooh, a mystery. If it seems fishy, it’s worth investigating, right? However, if he acts fine the rest of the time, it’s more likely that they’re all just friends. Even if they’re not in the same league, they could just know each other from high school and say ‘hello’ when they see each other around. Next time you go to the bar, drink a little to calm the nerves. Then, walk right up to him and introduce yourself to the girls. Unless they bolt at the sight of you, you’ll find out their names and potentially how they know this guy. But if they do run away and he refuses to discuss what’s going on, you might want to ask yourself if you want to go out with a guy who lies
about something so seemingly trivial.
— Doctor Date
Dr. Date,
I went on a date with this guy that was going well — until he asked me what size shoe I wear. It was uncomfortable. He brought it up so casually. It was the first time we had talked, so it seemed like an odd question. The night ended well, so we kept seeing each other for the next month. He never asked about my shoe size again. Last night we were watching a movie, and he asked me to take my socks off — weird, right? I did it anyway because I like him and was a bit curious where it would go. Nothing happened after that, but now I am confused. Does my man have a foot fetish or am I just overreacting?
—Foot For Thought
Dear Foot For Thought,
You know how girls sometimes have height requirements for men? Maybe he has a shoe size requirement. Are your feet larger than average? If you were a few months into dating, I would think he wanted to surprise you with a pair of shoes. This is still a little weird — ever heard of a gift card? If your feet were on his lap while watching a movie, he might have thought the socks were smelly or scratchy. But if everything was normal, the two combined probably mean he has more than a casual interest in your new heels. Make a joke about him asking you next time he mentions something foot related and see how he reacts. Hopefully he doesn’t buy you a toe ring for Christmas, right?
— Doctor Date
Want advice from the love doctor? Email Dr. Date at drdate@mndaily.com
SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
Last Issue’s Puzzle Solved
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk.
Last issue’s solution
12/3/18
© 2018 Michael Mepham. Distributed by Tribune Media Services. All rights reserved.
10
Monday, December 3, 2018
Students report increased marijuana use Reported student marijuana use is its highest in 20 years at the University. BY JORDAN WILLAUER jwillauer@mndaily.com
Around 11 p.m. once a week, a freshman heads outside to a spot near his residence hall to smoke marijuana out of a bong he’s named “Bentley.” He smokes outside to avoid getting caught by his community advisor. This student, who is not being named because the drug is illegal and he fears repercussions, said he smokes marijuana about once a week. He belongs to a growing trend of students using marijuana on the University of Minnesota campus. Reported student marijuana use at the University is at the highest it’s been in the past 20 years, according to a Boynton Health Services survey released this month. Twenty-two percent of students reported using marijuana within the past month, a 5 percent increase since 2015. The Boynton Health survey, which is sent out every three years, looks at student health-related behaviors, including drug use. “I’m not terribly surprised,” said Dave Golden, the director of public health and communications
at Boynton Health. Golden said the increased usage reflects an increase in police-reported incidents on campus involving marijuana. Ac c o u n t i n g f o r t h e increase, Golden said he speculated it resulted from a changing social environment surrounding marijuana. “I’m now aware that more states are legalizing [marijuana],” Golden said. “That’s a big change in the country, and that affects how people interact with the drug.” Individual states are legalizing the drug recreationally and medicinally, despite the drug being illegal on the federal level. On November 7, Michigan became the 10th state in the U.S. to approve recreational marijuana use. Just to the north of Minnesota, marijuana became legally available for recreational use in Canada in October. As more University students are reporting marijuana usage, Minnesota’s governor-elect is also pushing for the legalization of the drug in the state. “I support legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use by developing a system of taxation,” governor-elect Tim Walz tweeted in August. In the tweet, he also said he supports a system where marijuana is grown locally, and expunging the records of Minnesotans convicted of crimes involving marijuana.
TONY SAUNDERS, DAILY
A University freshman smokes a marijuana blunt on the Mississippi River’s West Bank on Friday, Nov. 30. The student has been smoking since his senior year in high school and doesn’t plan to stop, mentioning it doesn’t inhibit his studies.
The anonymous freshman interviewed for this story said he started smoking in high school with his friends. They usually smoked before football games. Now in college, he smokes about once a week, and said it doesn’t affect his grades and school work. “I don’t smoke before classes or before doing homework. I smoked all
year during my senior year in high school, and it didn’t affect my grades,” he said. However, Golden said some studies show marijuana affects GPAs. “There’s an association with marijuana use and [a] lower GPA,” Golden said. “There’s also been some studies out there that point to learning difficulties. …
When you start [smoking] younger, it seems to impact people more over time.” Golden said he thinks the survey was accurate because the sample size was large and students tend to answer honestly. “[Twenty-two percent] seems a little low,” said an anonymous junior who smokes frequently. “I see
smoking as something that a lot of people do, ... or something that people do once a month,” he said. The junior interviewed said he believes marijuana usage is a college student fad. “It’s absolutely something that people think is cool to do. Most people will smoke during college and then decide it’s not for them,” he said.
Prospect Park Towerside energy project draws heat from Met Council The project advised garnering heat from the sewage system of the Met Council. BY IMANI CRUZEN icruzen@mndaily.com
A Prospect Park project aimed at providing energy-efficient heating and cooling was recently shot down by the Metropolitan Council. The Towerside Sewer Thermal Energy Recovery Potential Project, also known as the Towerside Project, would heat parts of the Towerside Innovation District area by drawing heat from sewage. The project sought access to the Metropolitan Council’s sewage system on Nov. 13, but members expressed concern over cost, construction and odor. “I understand the desire, but that’s a really tough spot to do a project and there’s a whole bunch of brand new construction there that would have to be torn up in order to do this,” said Metropolitan Council member Wendy Wulff at the meeting. “And I guess I don’t understand where those dollars would
come from to get energy that costs us more and [would] put more risk on us.” The sewage system in Towerside isn’t extensive enough for the project, said Stephen Klimek, Towerside’s project manager. While the Metropolitan Council’s system could support the project, members were unsure of the council’s power to give or sell energy. Most of the energy needed would be drawn from a spot near TCF Bank Stadium. The project is part of Towerside’s larger efforts to reduce carbon emissions and address concerns about energy resources. Despite the costs, Klimek said the project would be completely paid for by Towerside. Towerside also received a grant through the McKnight Foundation, which has helped offset some of the engineering and upfront costs, Klimek said. Metropolitan Council member Cara Letofsky said she didn’t agree with the council’s decision against supporting the project and hopes to see it move forward in the future. Klimek said project proponents could go to the state
Legislature next session to ensure the Metropolitan Council has power to sell energy. Governor-elect Tim Walz will appoint new Metropolitan Council members, which will provide a new opportunity for Towerside members to make their case, he said. “It sounded like they just wanted to stop thinking about it all, so I would love to get them back to the table,” said Ward 2 City Council member Cam Gordon. Gordon and City Council members Phillipe Cunningham of Ward 4 and Andrew Johnson of Ward 12 sent a letter to the Metropolitan Council asking members to continue studying the project. Gordon said he understood concerns that the project was not part of the council’s jurisdiction, but he was excited about the potential for the project. Klimek said it’s important the project be approved soon so future Prospect Park developments can be built to fit the project. “So, we have about a year, maybe, to get them comfortable enough that there’s a project on the way that could be their energy source,” Klimek said.
JERUSA NYAKUNDI, DAILY
The Plant Protein Innovation Center inaugural meeting takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 28 at the Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis.
A new plant protein research center opens on UMN campus The U of M’s Plant Protein Innovation Center opened last Wednesday, Nov. 28. BY HELEN SABROWSKY hsabrowsky@mndaily.com
The University of Minnesota’s Plant Protein Innovation Center — an interdisciplinary research program that will produce and study plant-based proteins — opened Wednesday. The PPIC is the first center of its kind in the country and will bring together researchers from across the University, nation and world. The center aims to move plant protein forward to address the needs of the growing global population and changing climate. Interest in alternative protein sources is growing, said College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resource Sciences Dean Brian Buhr, in part due to protein being a food product that uses a lot of resources. Most forms of protein use more natural resources, like water, compared to other types of produce, such as grains. Protein is critical to human development, and researchers are interested in exploring ways to produce protein more efficiently, he said. “Finding protein sources that are more sustainable is becoming imperative as the global population grows and with climate change — we want to be more responsible environmental stewards,” said Claire Boyle, a research assistant in the center. Younger individuals are
“The center is designed to be a focal point for researchers and academia and industry here in Minnesota, but it’s collaborating with industry partners across the nation and internationally.” JIM HOUSE University of Manitoba’s Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences head
particularly interested in plant-based protein, Boyle said. “Especially among the younger generation of consumers, they want to be tied into the story of their food and they want confidence and trust in their food,” she said. One of the center’s goals is to work with plant-based proteins from breeding and developing ingredients to formulating products and marketing them, Boyle said. Jim House, head of the University of Manitoba’s Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences and researcher with the center, said PPIC was started out of conversations between the University and the Canadian Consulate as a way to further the work of the “Protein Highway” initiative. The initiative was started by the consulate, which aims to create more opportunities and add value to
products grown throughout the American and Canadian Midwest region, House said. This area is the most prolific producer of edible protein in the world, he said. “The center is designed to be a focal point for researchers and academia and industry here in Minnesota, but it’s collaborating with industry partners across the nation and internationally,” House said. The PPIC is a collaborative center that will bring together interdisciplinary research to solve some of the issues plant protein producers face, Buhr said. “When you look at plantbased proteins, the issue is often that they’re not very flavorful, they don’t have great characteristics for texture and all the things we look at in food ingredients,” he said. “Oftentimes they’re not ready for direct consumption.” House studies the quality of a protein from a nutritional standpoint. He said he looks at how well the protein is digested and absorbed by people, as well as how efficiently proteins meet human amino acid requirements. Because the center will focus on pre-competitive research, basic information about plant proteins in the field is still emerging. It’s attracted attention from food industry leaders and companies that will support the center financially, Boyle said. Moving forward, the center will look at hosting short courses over the summer and holding research spotlight meetings early next year, she said.