The Utah Statesman, April 11, 2012

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

"Campus Voice Since 1902" • Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.

Research examines same-sex attraction

BY CATHERINE BENNITT editor in chief

Recent USU research about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues in society and media poses questions about homosexuality in the Latter-day Saint religion, the evolution of homosexuality in literature and the quality of sex education programs.

Displays about USU research projects, as well as seven others, were presented at the LGBT Research Fair on Tuesday Renee Galliher, a psychology professor, said it was noteworthy to see how each discipline brought a new way to look at LGBT issues. Undergraduate and graduate students from sociology to English departments participated in sharing their findings.

'Tm fascinated by the different research methodologies and ways students have gone about researching the broad topic of LGBT issues," Galliher said. "In psychology we use qualitative and quantitative research methods that are more grounded on traditional research methods psychologists are trained in. I've noticed that students coming from other departments are doing critical analyses with literature and policy."

Galliher worked with graduate student John Dehlin on his graduate research project, "Exploration of Experiences and Psychological Health of Samesex Attracted Latter-day Saints."

Dehlin spoke with inquisitive passers-by about his research and its implications including how many LDS church members are gay and how many decide to •>See RESEARCH, Page 2

Researchers from many disciplines presented findings from projects focusing on lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender issues at the event. CURTIS RIPPLJNGER photo .

BY BRIANNA BODILY staff writer

The Aggie softball team beat Utah Valley University 8~7. PageB Opinion

"I believe we don't need to spend more to achieve sustainability on our campus, we need to spend less. let s all move toward real 1hty. shall we?'

Interact Now!

Today: Pictu res from the FB scrimmage.

You'll feel like you were right there!

Vote for the best gag on this week's caption-less cartoon. See those sent in on our website.

f)line exlusives, biogs, comment on stories, more. Fr.ee Clas

As tax season deadline approaches, students shouldn't be nervous to file - in fact, they should be excited for the benefits they can receive, said Bonnie Villarreal, an accounting lecturer in the school of business. otherwise

senior studying broadcasi~i journalism, Anderson ::: said she didn t think ::: she would qualify for a : : : return because she didn't:!

College of Education nationally recognized

BY ALLEE EVENSEN features editor

Continuing to make high marks on national lists such as U.S. News and World Report 's annual ranking, USU's College of Education ranked 24th for its graduate education programs for 2013. The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services moved up five spots from last year, and it also houses the only education program in Utah to rank in the top 50. Within the college, two programs also ranked in the top 25 in their respective categories. The rehabilitation counseling program was ranked ninth in the nation, and the special education graduate program was ranked 15th, among all special education programs in the U.S.

This is the 13th consecutive year the College of Education has been ranked in U.S. News and World Report's top education schools.

Beth Foley, dean of the College of E4ucation, said she expects the rankings to continue to increase in coming years because of the increasing number of faculty who have been hired.

"I think you build up a critical mass of faculty in certain research areas (and) the synergy of the work increases funding they get in the future," Foley said. Overall, the college also ranked third in the nation for research funding, which totaled more than $40 million in 2011. This is an $11 million increase from 2010. The college has more research funding than any other college on campus, Foley said, According to the college's mission statement, one of its goals is to have a "supporting and nurturing faculty committed to masterful teaching and cutting-edge research."

In the next few years, college administrators hope to make it the most-funded research college in the nation, Foley said. In this year's rankings, the college came in behind University of Texas-Austin and Columbia University. "Watch out, Columbia. We're coming," Foley said.

Martha Dever, associate dean and department head for the school of teacher education and leadership, said the college's research funding can largely be attributed to external

See COLLEGE, Page 3

. .

•) From Page 1

Research examines trends among Mormons with same-sex attraction

stay in heterosexual relationships despite their same-sex attraction.

He surveyed 1,635 Mormons who classify themselves as gay and said the study found the average age gay women and men reported feeling different from their peers was at age 10. On average, by the age of 22 those people have come out, saying they are gay or lesbian. And 31 percent reported being at some point in their lives in a heterosexual marriage, and 16 percent reported staying in a heterosexual marriage. About 65 percent of LDS respondents reported trying to change their sexual orientations.

"The most common ways of trying to change are being more righteous by praying, fasting and reading the scriptures," Dehlin said.

"The second most common is counseling with a bishop or stake president. However, research shows these are the most damaging things to do for those people."

Dehlin said 80 percent of those surveyed stated their attempt to change was ineffective and personally damaging.

"Acceptance is much more healing and affirming than rejecting who you are."

Some of the damaging effects LDS respondents experienced by trying to change their sexuality included guilt and shame, while others experienced depression and suicidality, Dehlin said.

Professor Steven Camicia, of the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, was a keynote speaker at the fair. Camicia shared his research on classifying people in minority groups, including gays, with attributes that define them as individuals.

"It all has to dQ with recognizing people for who they are, rather than the categories they fall into," Camicia said. "Generally, the way out of that is to find ways to recognize people rather than placing them into categories the sciences often thrive on."

Camicia said the idea of recognizing every individual without labels is especially important in education research because students

"If you work with a therapist who just tries to help you accept your situation, 85 percent found that either highly effective or moderately effective," Dehlin said. of all ages, even young elementary school students, see the way gay rights and homophobia are depicted in media.

• From Page 1

Jodi Miller, an accountant for the local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

"These are realities children and young adults are exposed to and are trying to make sense of," Camlcia said. "What would it look like within an educational setting to start empowering youth and looking at ways to ameliorate things researchers are trying to do."

Everything that happens in the classroom later manifests in society, Camicia said. If younger generations can learn to recognize individuals without labels, he said society will be more accepting in the future.

The research fair and lecture were organized by Allies on Campus, a USU group that supports the local LGBT population and related initiatives. Galliher, a member of Allies on Campus who helped develop the idea to have an LGBT Research Fair, said the supportive group aims to create a nurturing atmosphew: for LGBT students, faculty and staff at USU.

"One of our missions is education and outreach," Galliher said. "And part of that is education. So these research projects are aimed at trying to disseminate data-based information on LGBT issues." - catherine.meidell@aggie mail.usu.edu

Students

to students who have completed four or more years of college.

Despite the restrictions, Webb said this is a credit students should watch out for. With a potential payoff of $2,500 and four opportunities to receive it, Webb said this credit goes a long way to helping college students.

"It is a remarkable credit and the main reason a lot of students get a big chunk of money refunded on their tax returns," Webb said. "This is the biggest and most beneficial credit for undergraduate students."

Webb said students who attend college for more than four years, finishing their undergraduate degrees or pursuing degrees beyond a bachelor's, may want to look into the Lifetime Learning Credit instead. There is no limit to tlie amount of times a students can claim the LLC , but the maximum credit threshold is set at $2,000 per year. Whatever credits students choose to pursue, Webb said they can benefit from filing taxes when they consider their options.

"Most students get a

pretty good refund back depending on a few different things if they are smart," Webb said. "It all depends on whether or not the students are claimed by their parents and if the student is receiving any scholarships or not, among other variables."

Webb said he suggests all students keep track of receipts for things like books and school supplies.

"It is just a little thing that can end up helping them a lot to maximize the education credits on their tax returns," Webb said. "The more organized students are throughout the tax year with their money and keeping track of things, the less stressful taxes will be when they file them in the spring."

Miller said she suggests students educated themselves about taxes.

"You don't want to just take your information to an accountant and hope they do it all right," she said. "You need to be able to look at your taxes and know why you are getting a refund or having to pay. Everyone really should have some knowledge about taxes. Try and find a way to become educated."

•- brianna.b@aggiemail.usu. edu

amt

Modem Fully &pdppecl Kttdiats

Cable TV with Outlets la WMherand l>rylrlnbchApartmmt

ASUSU votes to mandate course reserves

BY ROUCHELLE BROCKMAN news senior writer

The ASUSU Executive Council discussed a resolution mandating that all professors provide required textbooks in the library course reserves at the council's meeting Tuesday.

"One of Utah State's mission statements is to provide an education for everyone," said Erika Norton, College of Humanities and Social Sciences senator. "This is one more component that will make it more affordable for students to come to school." the resolution will

still need to pass through second readings in both the Academic Senate and the Executive Council next week before moving on to Stater's Council -a council comprised of President Albrecht, ASUSU and members of the faculty and staff, said Jarvis Pace, College of Agriculture senator and the resolution's primary sponsor.

The resolution must also pass before the State Board of Regents before it goes into effect, said Tanner Wright, Academic Senate president.

"There's a possibility this will get shut down," Norton said.

The Stater's Council

Unearthing talent

will most likely meet next semester and the earliest the resolution could go into effect is fall of 2014, Wright said.

The resolution originally stipulated that one textbook be available for every 30 students in a course. However, the resolution was revised Monday by the Academic Senate and now requires that one textbook be available for every 50 students registered in a course, Wright said.

The resolution also states that 618 out 961 instructors use the course reserves system and many course sections do not have materials available on course reserves.

"You hear about students who go to course reserves and their book isn't there," Wright said. Norton said this resolution could reduce pressure students feel to buy books for classes when they are unsure if they will keep the class or if the professor will use the book regularly. If the resolution passes, these textbooks will be bought with teachers' budgets or possibly will be provided through donations from publishers, Pace said. Norton said she thought loss of revenue for the bookstore might be an issue impeding the resolution's passage.

"But the bookstore has already seen sales decrease immensely," Wright said. "What with competition from ebooks and Amazon. Students are going to find alternatives."

The resolution originated in the Academic Senate and was passed as a first reading item at the senate's meeting Monday, Pace said. He said the senate found this resolution about a month or two ago as an unfinished resolution from last year's Academic Senate.

- rouchelle.brockman@ aggiemail.usu.edu

Campus & Community

Israeli professor to speak on legends

Haya Bar-Itzhak of the University of Haifa, Israel, will speak in the 31st annual Fife Honor Lecture at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Room 101 of the Merrill-Cazier Library.

Bar-Itzhak's speech is entitled "Women in Times of Persecution in Jewish Folk Legends." She will discuss legends from Eastern Europe, from the 17th century to the Holocaust, in which women act as heroines.

Bar-ltzhak will also discuss the reasons behind the phenomenon of Jewish patriarchal society legitimizing women acting in the public sphere as active and brave heroines. The public is invited and attendance is free. Light refreshments will be served.

Romney: Santorum will keep key role

WILMINGTON, Del. - Republican presidential frontrunner, Mitt Romney, said Tuesday he was surprised by Rick Santorum's departure from the nomination race and that he has yet to turn to matters such as gathering names of possible running mates.

"I do not even have a list," a buoyant Romney told Delaware voters a few hours after Santorum suspended his campaign and cleared the path for Romney's nomination. Romney told about 300 people in a steel fabrication plant that Santorum's announcement was unexpected. When a woman asked about his picking a running mate, Romney laughed and said, "I can't tell you when, and I can't tell you who."

Romney said Santorum will continue to play an important role in the Republican Party and the nation's politics. He said he spoke to Santorum earlier in the day and that they discussed ways to move the nation forward.

"This has been a good day for me," he said.

Santorum's announcement in Gettysburg, Pa., didn't include an endorsement of Romney, but the former senator from Pennsylvania said defeating Obama remained a goal.

were masterfully led." Just over half of the college's research funding comes from the federal government, a quarter comes from state allocations and the rest is divided among various organizations, said James Dorward, the associate dean of research for the college. Major research projects

under way include involvement in the National Children's Study, which measures children's exposure to factors, such as air, diet and sound, in common environments. The study tracks children from before birth to age 21, Dorward said.

Another project in the works is one that measures the effect of an extended school year on elementary school children. Dorward said the project's budget is around $30 million, which is a "heavy chunk of change."

Dorward said research money is not simply handed over, but bids are extremely competitive and require adept faculty and staff. Despite this, he said, the college's research may in large part go unrecognized.

"It's possible a lot of the research we do (is) taken for granted," he said. "It may not have the wow factor that sciences do."

Foley said the college affords many opportunities for students in a number of fields, but these efforts often go unnoticed.

"I think it's a more diverse college than people recognize," she said. "We have a range of programs. There are a lot more opportunities here than people are aware of."

One group that does not regularly overlook the College of Education's esteemed rankings is that of potential students, Dorward said.

"Parents and their students do pay attention and do shop when it comes to

getting a good education," he said.

The graduate education program is known for excellence, said Brian Mckenna, an education ambassador pursuing a master's degree in school counseling.

McKenna, who entered the graduate program last year, said he earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from USU.

"It starts with the kind of people you have in (the program)," he said. "The faculty are really personal they reach out and communicate."

He said the program accreditation is tense, but the faculty always make sure students come first.

"The new faculty all around wanted us students to know that we come first, and that if we were taken care of, the standings and ratings would take care of themselves," he said.

Foley said overall she credits the high rankings to research but also gives credit to new faculty, who are "world class." In addition, she said the community has been extremely supportive.

"(I) have to also credit our strong community partnerships, (such as) public schools, rehabilitation centers, hosp~tals, private practice settings that provide critical internship opportunities for our pre-service students in education and other human service disciplines," she said. "Our students learn from the best."

- allee.evensen@usu.edu

Percussion ensembles present diverse styles

The USU Percussion Ensemble and the Caine Percussion Ensemble present "Percussion Concert" at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Kent Concert Hall, located in the Chase Fine Arts Center.

"This concert is exciting, due to the incredibly diverse array of music," said Jason Nicholson, assistant professor of percussion in the Caine College of the Arts.

The pieces to be performed range from large percussion ensembles to a group of non-pitched percussion instruments accompanied by djembe drumming from West Africa. A variety of musical tastes will be presented in this concert, including numbers that feature marimba quartets and ensembles.

"The audience will see an animated performance overflowing with energy and entertainment," Nicholson said. · The USU Percussion Ensemble comprises both students who are percussion majors and some who are non-majors. The Caine Percussion Ensemble is made up of five percussion majors who auditioned for the group. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens and youth, $5 for USU faculty and staff and free for USU students with ID. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the CCA Box Office located in Room 139-B of the <::hase Fine Arts Center.

The policy of The Utah Statesman is to correct any error made as soon as possible. Ifyou find something you would like clarified or find in error, please contact the editor at 797-1742, statesman@aggiemail.usu.edu or come in to TSC 105.

April I I, 2012

Utah State University• Logan, Utah • www.utahstate

•

BY MANDY MORGAN

staff writer

Michael Ballam considers

: himself a dreamer. Between

: being a USU professor of , one of the largest classes on

: campus, the founder of the

• annual Utah Festival Opera : and Musical Theatre, and , a performer by profession,

• making things happen is what he does every day.

: "I essentially volunteer

! in everything I do," Ballam

• said. "f:s a result of being a

• volunteer, I have to continue to go someplace else to make a living."

Ballam began performing

• at four years old and hasn't

! ceased in taking center stage

: since. 1n his creative arts class he often recounts a

• story of his first audition for a school musical in which he

: wanted the lead - and got it.

• His main purpose in teaching is to help his stu-

• dents see they can create and be anything, he said.

"I don't think life is about a midterm and a final," Ballam said. "I want to help 1,000 students think deeper than they may normally think."

Ballam has been teaching at USU for 25 years now and loves doing it, though he said it was something he never intended to do.

"It just kind of happened," Ballam said. "Here I am, and I will probably be here when I'm 100." The reason for corning back to Logan with his family 25 years ago was to

- save the Ellen Eccles Theatre, which was going to be torn

down, he said. "I guess that's been my life - saving old buildings, starting opera festivals," he said.

Ballam said giving 100 percent all day every day is his way of life. However, this has often taken a toll on his family life, mostly due to his constant travelling as a • popular performer all over the world, he said. "I was a very absentee father," he said.

Ballam said once his young daughter called while he was on the road to tell him she had been watching an opera in which a girl dies when someone she loves is gone away for too long.

"She says, Tm going to die if you don't come home,'" Ballam said. "I realized I was really messing up my kids, and I decided I would never leave again for an extended period of time without taking one of my kids."

Ballam said it was probably hardest for his kids to understand that performing on a stage in front of people was actually a job for him.

"Often, they would probably think, 'Why does Daddy leave us just to have fun?'"

Ballam said. "It's been 30 years now since I started up taking them with me. They understand what I do is a job, that it's hard."

It's been difficult to continue performing

Practicing scenes and songs for hours on end, constantly transitioning from on and off stage, working under the pressure of only live performance requires extreme dedication, he said.

Working in live shows and performances is different from being in front of a camera, he said, mostly because live performances give the performer one chance to get things right.

"It's very hard. You're only as good as your last performance," Ballam said. "On the live stage everybody remembers (your mistakes), they talk about it. I've (had) a rather stressful life because of that."

However, Ballam said performing is just one-third of his life - the Festival Opera and teaching at USU make a total of three careers. Ballam said he has 300 employees who work at the Utah Festival Opera, and every year he has the opportunity to choose 70 artists from around the world to perform each summer.

About 1,000 singers audition from 24 cities, and once they are chosen they come for 12 weeks. The Utah Festival Opera arranges housing for all performers and also pays for their travel to and from Logan.

said. "We try and do musical theater the way it use to be."

Ballam said his teaching salary at USU goes toward the Festival Opera, which is a nonprofit organization that charges only as much for tickets as is necessary to perpetuate the annual festival.

"This is important to me," Ballam said. "My mind is always going to keep the opera going."

He said he's proud that the Utah Festival Opera grows and becomes more successful every year, but teaching at USU is just as important. Ballam said he works to reach out to and help as many students as possible.

"I can tell when I'm looking out there into the faces - you can see that little lightbulb in their head,'' Ballam said. "It's not about the class, it's to develop life skills. It's to show them that the arts are more than entertainment."

Exposing students and the general public to the way music can affect lives is what Ballam said is his main focus in teaching - whether it be at the Utah Festival Opera, performing on stage or teaching in the Kent Concert Hall.

Ulreb

He also said it's important the performers have a good experience while they're here. "It is to bring exceptional art to people who wouldn't otherwise have it," Ballam

"I don't get up there because it's a job,'' Ballam said. "Nobody made me do this. Probably the best thing I ever did was say yes to USU."

mandy.morgan@aggi-

who owns

Utah Festival for so many years as his primary livelihood, he said.

Start summer with a fizzy homemade drink

Summer is •almost here, which means it's time for picnics, barbecues and sitting on the lawn drinking lemonade and soaking up the sun. When the weather's hot and you're spending more time outdoors, what sounds better than a delicious and refreshing cold drink? I love making my own drinks with interesting flavor combinations and fresh ingredients. You can make these drinks by the glass or in a pitcher to share at an outdoor lunch or get-together.

In addition to the freedom of customizing the flavors of your drinks, you can also control the amount

Eat of sugar in them. Most of these drinks have less sugar than traditional store-bought sodas, and you can cut the amount down even more if you like. Fancy drinks can make any occasion a little more special, especially if you serve them in glasses and add a pretty garnish.

PEAR VANILLA SODA

4 pears 2-3 lemons 1 vanilla bean ½ cup sugar 2 liters club soda

In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, scraped insides of the vanilla bean, the empty shell of the vanilla bean and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil, stirring, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover and let steep (sit) for one hour. Strain the vanilla syrup

through a tea towel into a jar. Gently peel each pear and use a spoon to scoop out and discard the core. Place the pears in a food processor with the juice of half of a lemon and pulse until smooth. Scoop the pear sauce (it will be thick) into a strainer lined with a tea towel set over a bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes, or until most of the juice has dripped through. You should have about ¾ of a cup of juice. To make the drink, mix 2 tablespoons pear juice, 3 tablespoons vanilla syrup and 1 cup club soda togeth., See LEMONADE, Page 6

Technology affects dating interactions

BY MANDY MORGAN staff writer

In the generations represented throughout much of the college scene, not many can remember a time when there wasn't some kind of computer around. As technology grows and changes, so do the ways students communicate with those closest to them.

For Megan Braithwaite, a junior majoring in special education, one form of techn~logy that has changed the way she communicates is Skype A software application, Skype allows users to make phone calls and video calls over the Internet. She said Skype was the best way to ke~p in contact with a man she dated for a number of months.

"My favorite thing to do was Skype," Braithwaite said. "You get to see each other, and they were longer and better conversations."

Braithwaite said her relationship was primarily long distance, with communication only happenihg through plione calls,· texting and Skype. "Technology, in general, made it easier for us to have a long-distance relationship," Braithwaite said. "h's not like you don't get to communicate all week. We didn't have to· just talk on the weekends."·

Braithwaite said texting in the relationship was never the best way to communicate because it created imbalance.

"One person would be communicating more than the other person. I don't like (texting) very much." she said. "Technology can hinder

talking face to face and make it more scary to talk in person."

In an informal online survey asking about technology and the way it has affected student relationships, texting was the most common medium for communication between couples.

The main reasons for using technology included "convenience" and "out of habit/need to communicate everyday things." Nearly all students indicated that their relationships would be completely different without technology.

'

Rickie Warr, an undeclared freshman, didn't have a phone until she came to college, so she said she "was forced to interact face to face with people."

"It's definitely harder than texting. Texting is easy," Warr said. "But you can't get to know someone through texting. And you don't get the whole tone of what they may be saying."

Amanda Allen, another undeclared freshman, said relationships can feel incomplete when too much of the communication element relies on technology. "Relationsliips can't be as heartfelt through only technology," Allen said. "You just' see words typed by them, • you don't know them." · Allen said not just just · physical touching is void in a relationship based solely on technology, but other, smaller things that let a · significant other feel loved can be missing, too. "You can't do the little t. See COUPLES, Page 6

People-watching with Steve

I walked from the library to the Animal Science building Monday afterneon, perhaps a 300-meter walk at most.

I sneezed 23 times.

I never had weatherinduced allergies in my younger years, but spending two years in the vegetation landfill of Houston, Texas, has made my nose tend to combust whenever I'm within 400 feet of anything green, furry or otherwise intruding. That includes under-ripe peaches and Oscar the Grouch. Especially Oscar the Grouch.

My daily stroll about campus has been less than exciting due to health constraints, but I can't say that I

Inecessarily mind it, and not just because I have devised 'l:he perfect dimensions to "construct a zipline from the oof of the business building to the front steps of a large house in the Island.

Just like I versed last hool year in this literry eries I am continually pleased with the overall environment I see at chool. Nothing gives ~e ore sense of entertainent than analyzing the ery special types of peole I see on campus. And s it has been a year since I have done this, I feel it in my conscience and best interest to give a short mesage of gratitude for those eople, for everything you ontribute to this rapture1lled university. Thank you, alwaysea rs-as tr on om i ca I lyuge-headphones-aroundis-neck-as-o pposed-to~ing-thern-for-tneir-intend· 'd-pumPJ!e guy. Many eoplehide themselves in heir own shells in public, ut you find a way to stand l}t in the best and worst

Justa few ~hs

way. There were few in high school who made fun of the spectacle-embossed kids with the chant of "four eyes," but believe me when I say your prowess, and always impressive Tapout hat, proves no one shall ever label you "four ears." Your figurative call of defiance and literal call of Nickelback being played loud enough so we can all hear it are our trumpeting anthems for us to make a mark in the world. Thank yo~, headphones guy, for being you. A special shout out to the ultimate Frisbee player, who wears a visor and gloves. It is refreshing to see a bystander who takes their job as seriously as you do. The greatest of the greats know there stands no room for just being happy to be there - you have to. win, and you have to want to win every day. Your drive to succeed is as progressive as your underarm toss, and almost as accurate. You are an athlete with skill and a role model for all those who have the means to be great but just don't know the way. It is a privilege to us all, ultimate of ultim~te Frisbee hurlers, that..Y,.Qu are being you.

A vote of thanks is in order for the business professor who, no matter what the climate or time of day, always manages t9 have a bagel in hand. I look to you for two things: first, th:it the

world is run with money and success comes to those who manage, and second that no memory is complete without something considerably starchy. The fact that you move along so affirmatively and matter-offactly and never manage to get cream cheese on your suit is proof enough that you are inspiring others by simply being you. Thank you, broadcast journalism student who feels as if Old Main never fails as the perfect background. We see you 10 feet in front of a camera - talking about something regarding a club on campus, we're sure - and we commend you for your efforts. Sure, you could add variety to your backgrounds, but why deviate from the best? It's those special lessons when we learn simply from you being you.

Finally, to the red-headed communication major I often see at the library listening to Broken Bells in a knitted red and gray peacoat. I just happen to be single and available for food, warm conversation and other planned pleasantries this weekend. I am very kind, approachable and generate a balanced level of heat while cuddling. You know where to find me.

To all those people I missed, thank you for being you. It is your contribution to campus that makes life at USU as good as it is. We'll see you around. Don't forget to bring bagels.

- steve.schwartzman@ gmail.com

•

Arabic language class creates political understanding

BY ERIC JUNGBLUT staff writer

The department oflanguage, philosophy and communication offers a variety of foreign language courses to USU students, including traditional Western favorites such as Spanish, German, French and Portuguese, and Eastern staples such as Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

Recently, however, Arabic ' was added to the curriculum.

Marta Schaub, a senior majoring in biology, said she registered for the class because she thinks it is an important language to know in today's world.

"I feel like it is a really important language politically," Schaub said. "A lot of people don't really understand the culture, and there is a lot of anger, fve realized, in the U.S. toward Arabic-speaking nations."

According to the USU catalog, the department of language offers five courses in Arabic. Introduction to Islam is considered both an Arabic and religion course.

Jared Elton, who is enrolled

Oh,

in a lower-division Arabic class, said the program started in fall 2010.

"The reason why I'm taking this class is because I'm majoring in international studies, and I have an interest in the Middle East," he said. "I actually studied abroad and went to Egypt. I really liked learning about the culture of the Middle East, and I really liked the language."

Elton said he traveled to Egypt summer 2010 to study Arabic, just months before the Egyptian uprisings in early 2011.

"I missed out," he said.

Elton said he wants to work for the U.S. government and hopes that knowing Arabic will help him.

"It's an important language in the relations with the Middle East," said senior Kellie Norton, an international studies major and Elton's classmate. "This class has been really great."

The Arabic classes attract many international studies majors who are required to learn a language for their degrees.

"I chose Arabic because it's valuable;' said Kevin Mitchell, a

the places she'll go

junior majoring in international studies. "You can get into a lot of government jobs and international businesses if you know it."

Morgan Bronson, a sophomore majoring in English education, said she also took Arabic because it was required for her degree.

"I want to get a bachelor of arts, which requires a language," she said. "When I couldn't get into a French class, I started flipping through the catalog and thought, 'We have Arabic? Done.' It's also useful because I'm minoring in (American Sign Language.)"

"I was just randomly scrolling through the classes available, and I saw Arabic and thought it looked really interesting," Schaub said. 'Tm kind ofcompeting with my siblings, trying to learn the most languages, and they haven't gotten to Arabic, So I'm winning."

Khalifa Alqahtani, a senior majoring in human resources, said he took Arabic to help American students learn the language.

"I am an Arabic native speak-

er, and this is my senior year, so I don't have too many classes to take," Alqahtani said. "I took the class to help American students learn Arabic, and I can see the improvement (so far).

Alqhatani said he helped classmate Travis Johnson learn to write poetry in Arabic.

"Khalifa knows his stuff," Johnson said. Lindsey Miller teaches the

per flakes, salt, ginger and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the

• artments? twoods /'\P campus 1

2:30 p.m. section of the basic Arabic class and said Arabic is the first step toward starting a Middle Eastern studies major.

"The history department had some pretty good Middle Eastern studies stuff, so they are trying to get up the Arabic program so that we can have that major," she said.

Megan Hurst,

- ejjungblut@gmail.com

Utah State finished in 23rd-place in the 23-team field with a 45-over 885 (287-280-309).

Kansas State won the team title with a 14-under 826 (268-277-281), while KSU's Ben Juffer took medalist honors with a 12-under 198 (65 - 66 - 67) as he defeated Colorado State's Mike Wuertz in a playoff.

Higham, a sophomore from Shelley, Idaho, shot an 11-over 81 on Tuesday after carding a collegiate low 4-under 66 during his first round Monday. Higham, who shot a 2-under 68 on his second 18-holes Monday, recordS~e USU, Page 11

Successful first scrimmage for Aggies

BY TAVIN STUCKI sports editor

The Aggies ran approximately 100 plays in the first spring scrimmage of the year on Merlin Olsen Field at Romney Stadium on Monday afternoon.

Head coach gary Andersen said it was a good scrimmage overall.

"We got in all the situations that we wanted," Andersen said. "We've got plenty to work on. We'll go back and evaluate the tape in depth and see exactly where it sits."

Sophomore quarterback Chuckie Keeton completed 11 of 19 passes for 147 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown pass to sixth-year senior Matt Austin.

• Senior quar terback Adam Kennedy went 9 of 16 for 80 yards.

Redshirt junior Joey DeMartino had seven rushes for 10 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Joe Hill had 8 carries for 33 yards. Andersen said the running game stood out to him.

"I thought we ran the ball pretty well for ones," he said. "Kerwyn (Williams) ran well. We got exactly

what we wanted out of him - physical presence. I thought he ran the ball physical. Bal~ security was very, very good by him, and (he) did a nice job in protection."

Williams had 10 rushes for 64 yards and scored a touchdown. Kennedy said Williams looked good in the scrimmage.

"He broke a lot of tackles," Kennedy said. "(He got) a lot of yards after contact, especially on the come-out period - the big one. He was really impressive there. I wish we could have got a couple chances to see his speed in the open field, but we just never got a chance to see that today. But we definitely got to see his power."

Keeton said the running game also impressed him, despite playing without a pair of former Aggie star running backs.

"Yeah, we lost Michael Smith and Robert Turbin, but we have some guys that can hopefully replace them this year," Keeton said. "Kerwyn did amazing. Joey DiMartino is running the ball well, too.

"Joe Hill was running the ball hard. We know from being one "of the

fastest guys on the team, but he was really showing his durability right now, and that's a big thing for him. It's just showing we have a staple of running backs right now.

On the flip side, Andersen said he was not impressed with the way his first-team defense stopped the running game.

"Obviously we didn't stop the run very well with the ones," Andersen said.

Senior defensive back Terrance Alston agreed with Andersen.

"We've got to get a lot stronger at D-line," Alston said. "Everybody has to get a lot stronger as a group - D-line especially. We've got to get in there and get more physical at the point of attack."

Alston had a team-high six tackles in the game, including an interception and fumble recovery to lead the defense.

This spring scrimmage will be the last time key players will be in full action. Andersen said he will keep Williams in all spring practices except for scrimmages, including the annual Blue and White spring game.

"Everybody that was healthy and

Daniel Howell long-distance runner

A senior from Manti, Howell placed ninth in the top section of the 3,000m steeplechase with a personal-best time of 8:48.25 at the Stanford Invitational. Howell moves up to No. 2 all-time in Utah State history while also leading the WAC.

ready to go, today was the one time that we were going to let them go," Andersen said. "Starting a week and a half from now, when we scrimmage again, then we'll start pulling some people out at certain positions."

Other than those key players, most starting jobs are open to competition.

Andersen said so far he has confirmed five starters on the offensive line.

"Some other kids are in there battling their way through it," Andersen said. "Those kids are working hard, and they're definitely coming around, and we're definitely solidified on the first front five guys."

According to Alston, the decision makers on Andersen's staff are less certain about the defensive back positions.

"I think our position is one of the most depth positions on the field this year," Alston said. "Everybody can play. It's just a lot of competition, a lot of competing that we've got to do, and may the best man win."

- tavin.stucki@aggiemail.usu.edu

Logan Regional is the "Rvm behind your team!

Mention this ad for 10% off any Sports Enhancement Program Call 435.716.2890

•

OPINION

Facebook reminds serious sports fans, it's just a game

Sports should be enter-

in America. I don't think taining and fun. it's a coincidence that -

Sometimes it's easy since the Lakers won backto forget that with all the to-back NBA titles and scandal and corruption became the most "liked" that goes on, but every team in America - our once in awhile we as fans economy hasn't been up need to remind ourselves it~~i~- to par. that it's just a game.

liilaiililliliiWI

The second most "liked"

Our friends at Facebook team also comes from the have made remembering the discretion of the Detroit NBA and is the Boston that a little easier through Lions.'' If that's not a nega- Celtics, who, at 6.34 milteam pages. tive outlook, I don't know lion, have a little more than

On Facebook, not only what is. half as many "likes" as the do we get to look at the We also have a concrete Lakers. Miami Heat's page and see and simple way to find out The NBA is also home their starting five dressed who exactly is America's to the Charlotte Bobcats, like a bunch of preppy high favorite professional sports who unsurprisingly are schoolers, but we also get team. Of course we might America's least-liked team to see that the Arizona need to rephrase it from with only 105,858 likes. It Cardinals don't just have "favorite" to "most liked," is surprising, though, that a Facebook page, they but either way it means the they even have that many also have Pinterest page same thing. likes. And even with an and a handy link from And it's not just find- average game attendance the Facebook page to the ing America's most "liked" at 7,117, less than your Utah Pinterest page. Check it team - which I think should State Aggies, they still harout. be an annual award - but bor some optimism with Facebook also gives us we can also find the least- the slogan, "prepare today, insight into which team has liked teams, the least-liked win tomorrow," gleaming the best public relations cities, the most-liked cities, across their Facebook page. people and who has the the most-liked sports, the Since we don't have worst. The team's manage- least-liked sports, etc. Really enough room in this colment should be looking at the opportunities are end- umn for all the results, here this as well. For example, less - except of course find- a couple others to note. the Ravens PR people defi- ing America's most-disliked The NFL's most "liked" team nitely need a kick in the team. Disliked teams aside, is the Dallas Cowboys, at pants. Facebook has the answers. 4,575,461, which is just

True, the top picture on Fortunately, some of the above the Steelers, who are their page is cool because it results were pretty shock- in second with 4,257,671 looks like Ray Lewis is going ing - it's always good to likes. to punch Tom Brady in the get a shock or two. And The MLB is dominated face, but it's Tom Brady. some of the results turned by the Yankees- 5,343,191 It's the Patriots. Maybe you out to be just as expected. "likes" - and the Red Sox at forgot, Baltimore, but the The NFL, of course, had the 3,495,766. Patriots beat you in the AFC most "likes" overall in the When the going gets Championship game. You three most pef)Uial leagues tough in your life as a sports probably don't want to be in the United States, while fan, don't underestimate commemorating that on the NBA had the fewest. what a few minutes on your Facebook page. MLB, the one league that Facebook's sport pages can

The Detroit Lions also didn't give us a lockout in do to lift your well-being. need to have a look at their 2011, finished second. PR team. Their "about" After extensive research, page says the following: the winner of most "liked"

"The Detroit Lions ask that team in America is not the you refrain from any explicit Yankees, Red Sox, Heat, or inappropriate conversa- Cowboys, Steelers or tion on the Official Detroit Celtics. The winner is the Lions Facebook Page. Los Angeles Lakers, with Anyone who does not nearly 13 million likesabide by these rules may be 12,683,666 to be exactremoved from the forum at by far the most-liked team

- Spencer Wright is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. He supports Manchester United and hopes to live long enough to see the Cubs win a World Series. Send any comments to e/iason.wright3@aggiemail.usu.edu 1 . t

USU edges UVU at home

BY NATASHA BODILY assistant features editor

The Utah State softball team won 8-7 against the Utah Valley University on Tuesday at LaRee and LeGrand Johnson field.

· UVU shortstop Jrystin Jachim started things off for the Wolverines with a threerun homer to put the Wolverines up 3-0 in the first inning.

In the bottom of the inning, Aggie left fielder Hailey Froton hit a two-run home run to score first baseman Christine Thomsen, cutting the lead 3-2, Wolverines after the bottom of the first.

"They were pulling out the hits and coming straight back after (the Wolverines) hit a three-run home run," said Utah State head coach Carissa Millsap-Kalaba.

In the top of the third with bases loaded, Wolverine third baseman hit a two-RBI single to extend the lead to. 5-2 in the middle of the third.

Aggie second baseman Allison Lenzora singled to second, to start things off for USU

in the bottom of the third. Wolverine pitcher Megan Peay walked Aggie left fielder Froton to put runners on first and second. Aggie catcher Samantha Miller hit a sacrifice fly to score Lenzora, making it 5-3 after the third Millsap-Kalaba said Lenzora has done well for the team in the No. 2 slot.

"She's got the most sacs in the WAC," Millsap-Kalaba said. "(She's also good at) moving the runners over and seeing what tht situation calls for and getting it done. She's been handling herself well." Aggie pitcher Mandy Harmon replaced Dani Chaplin in the fourth inning.

After drawing a walk, freshman Jessica Uresti eventually scored when UVU first baseman Amanda Perez dropped a single intP. right field.

2 t: The Aggies seemed to hit their stride in the bottom of the fourth. Cummings reached first base when the pitcher couldn't put a glove on a ground ball up the middle. USU outfielder Kassandra Uchida hit a line drivA to left field, which advanced Cummings to ,d

Aggies dominate Bengals on Senior Da

BY MEGAN BODILY

West battled three sets staff writer to defeat Porras in the No.

2 singles spot. After taking It felt great

The Utah State women's the first set 6-3, West could tennis team took its home not hold the Bengal back to get court for the final time this in the second. West and the win. season against the Idaho Porras traded a variety of We could State University Bengals. shots during the long rallies have come Returning to Logan after throughout the match. tough weekend action in West dictated play with out tired, Hawaii, the Aggies rebound- her forehand, attempting to butwe ed to sweep ISU 7-0. push the Bengal deep behind dominated "(It) felt great to get the the baseline. The second set doubles " win," assistant coach Bryan went into a tiebreaker after Marchant said. "We could West held serve to get to six have come out tired, but we all. Porras won the second set i-;.= Marchant, dominated doubles and got tiebreaker sending the match t head coach off to a good start in singles. into a decisive third set super USU teDDis It definitely helps to win 7-0. tiebreaker to 10 points. It's a big confidence booster "She played some bold for us." points, she got down and hit USU took the doubles a couple big returns to get point, winning all three pro- some momentum," Wright The 6-1, 6-3 win was bitsets in convincing fashion, as said. "I thought she played tersweet for Abella, who has the Aggies held ISU to three well in the super tiebreaker. played all four years of her games total. She was solid." collegiate career at USU.

Junior Jaci West and The junior pulled the "I played her at the beginfreshman McKenzie Davis tiebreaker out, narrowly win- ning of the season, and it overpowered Katharina ning the match 6-3, 6-7, 11-9. was a super close match," Marsela and Laura Porras at "I was thinking, 'Don't Abella said. "I need to get it No. l doubles position. The lose, cause that would suck,"' done and take the lead, so I duo jumped ahead early to West said. "I knew I was came onto the court wantshut the Bengals out. Davis going to win so I was con- ing to kill it. In the end too wrapped up the doubles fident, but my feet weren't many thoughts about closing match win with an ace in the moving and I was just lack- it, but I pulled it out." corner to defeat ISU 8-0. ing focus. I just had a mental Tukuafa completed the "We have been playing lapse, but I finished strong so sweep with a win over Ryan really good doubles lately. I was happy with that." in the No. 6 singles position. It has been fun," West said. Voytsekovich dismissed The junior dismissed her "Davis is a good doubles Tangarife at the No. 3 opponent in straight sets, player, and we work well singles position 6-3, 6-1 and winning 6-0, 6-2. together. It is always fun to Nedakovic notched her final "Idaho State has some go out there and get work home match win defeating talented singles players," done." Moorhead at No. 4 singles Marchant said. "In a couple

Senior Romina Nedakovic position 6-4, 6-1. of matches we tended to and junior Kristina Senior Monica Abella overplay and think too Voytsekovich dominated took to the courts for her much, we just needed to be Rilee Moorhead and Marian final game at home against more patient and we started Tangarife at the No. 2 Vasquez in the No. 5 singles to play better. There is doubles spot, dismissing the spot. always going to bumps in the Bengals 8-2. "I was pretty scared road, that's just how tennis is Junior Julie Tukuafa and because we have been playing as long as you fight through senior Brianna Harris rolled at sea level last week, and them." . through Zamira Vasquez we didn't practice yesterday. The Aggies improve to and Rachel Ryan in the No. 3 So we were all pretty scared 9-9 on the season with just doubles position. The Aggies about playing," Abella said. one match left before the only allowed the Bengals to "We knew we needed to beat Western Athletic Conference win one game, taking the this team, and we have to put finals in Las Cruces, New • match 8-1. everything out there." Mexico. For their final match USU capitalized on the Abella took the first set USU will travel to Reno to early lead and continued to easily but struggled to close take on University of Nevada dominate the court. out the second set after Wolf Pack on April 21. Davis defeated Marsela getting up 5-3. The Mexico 'Tm excited for next week. in straight sets in the No. 1 native failed to convert It's the one team I really, singles position. The fresh- several match points, but really want to beat," Abella man delivered winners off an errant forehand by said. both forehand and backhand Vasquez sent the ball wide sides to drop Marsela 6-1, and handed the match to the - mega.bodi@aggiemail.usu. 6-0. senior. edu

•> From Page 8

Thomsen three hits in win

third base. Harmon forced center

After Lenzora hit a fielder Marie Williams to line drive to left center, pop up at the plate and close Cummings scored and out the game 8-7. Uchida advanced to second. Millsap-Kalaba said she 'Tm doing whatever I can thought the seventh inning for the team. I'm not a power was a good example of hitter, so I just try to punch Harmon's composure. in the holes if there's a run- "You see her pull it out ner on base," Lenzora said. and does what she needs to "I try to get in those gaps so get the job done," she said. they can score. With 15 hits, she said USU ended the inning the team did amazing with three more Aggie runs offensively. to tie the game at 6-6. "They did a good job,"

The fifth and sixth Millsap-Kalaba said. "I innings were scoreless for the thought they did really well Wolverines. · keeping the ball out of the

In the bottom of the sixth, air and hitting good hardThomsen doubled to left line shots through the gaps." center. Marquez hit a single Lenzora said she wasn't to put Thomsen on third, worried when Hadnon hit and Marquez advanced on Uresti. the throw to home. Third I l).ave so much confidence baseman Jolene Koons hit a in her and the other eight two-RBI single in the next behind me. They're so at-bat to give the Aggies the strong," Lenzora said. "It lead 8-6. happens, OK, next pitch. It's In the top of the seventh, never intentional at all."

Jachim homered over the With five more upcoming center-field fence on a 3-1 games this week, Lenzora pitch to pull within one. said she is more excited than With two outs, Harmon stressed. walked pinch hitters 'Tm very psyched to take Amanda Robinson and on BYU," Lenzora said. "You Deianna Russell. Harmon hit have more people going Uresti with an errant pitch to against you and that's just load to bases. more fire.': Millsap -Kalaba said she wasn't scared. - natashabodily@gmail.com

«Mandy does a very good job," she said. "She composes herself well and handles a lot of tough situations."

tate our ase

BY TAVIN STUCKI sports editor

BY CURTIS LUNDSTROM staff writer

Pebley made her mark on USU women's basketball

For the past decade, Raegan Pebley has been the face of the women's basketball program at Utah State University. Her departure brings a great amount of disappointment to those who follow the Aggie women.

For starters, let's take the fact that Utah State hadn ' t had a program for 15 years prior to Pebley's arrival. The program was dropped in 1987, and in 2003 Pebley was hired to build the reinstated team from scratch.

Based on the fact that Pebley won 2011-12 Women ' s Basketball Coaches Association Region 7 Coach of the Year and was one of eight finalists for National Coach of the Year, I'd say she's done a pretty good job of building the program.

Pebley was also named Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2011.

Statistically speaking, numerous records belong to Pebley. The record that jumps out first

Living Uae Dream

is her 110 wins as head coach of the Aggies. That is double the number of wins of the next closest coach -=- Fern Gardner with 55. Including the 15 years the program was missing in action the Aggies hadn t been to the postseason in 20 years before Pebley coached the team to back-to-back appearances including a win over Arizona in the NIT in 2011 - USU s first postseason win since 1977. When the Aggies joined the WAC in 2006, the program got better and better each year under Pebley's direction. After seven years in the league, Pebley has turned the Utah State pro-

gram into one of the top three organizations in the conference.

This year, Pebley surpassed expectations when she guided the team to a school-record 21 overall wins and 11 conference wins. It was the first time in school history the Aggie women reached the 20-win plateau. Her success can be measured not only by statistics but by the players she has recruited.

Seniors Ashlee Brown and Brooke Jackson both transferred to Utah State, and Pebley s program , and were significantly instrumental in the Aggies' success on the court. Junior Devyn Christensen also had a breakout season because she fits the system Pebley runs so well.

In Pebley s nine seasons, 12 players have achieved postse ason honors for their performances on the basketball court. Twice - in 2008 and 2012multiple players were named to the All-WAC team.

Pebley' s influence on these

student-athlete's carries over from the locker room to the classroom. From 2004-2011 , there have been 47 players who've earned academic allWAC honors. That's an average of seven per year. Considering there is somewhere between 12-16 players on the roster each season, that means about half of the team is earning the award each year

If you take an in-depth look at Pebley s resume, you ll see why she's been so effective. She knows the game of basketball, which makes sense considering how long she's been around the sport. She spent four years as an assistant coach , two at George Mason and another two at Colorado State.

At CSU she helped the Rams to a .738 winning percentage. Prior to the assistant coaching jobs, Pebley spent two years in the WNBA. After a season with the Utah Starzz, she helped the Cleveland Rockers to a WNBA

• From Page 7

Finals appearance. That all happened after she spent four years playing at the University of Colorado lettering in all four seasons. Pebley has been able to help young women achieve great things both academically and athletically, through her coaching methods. No matter how you look at it, it's hard to argue Pebley s success as a coach. She turned the Utah State program around. She' ll be a great asset to Fresno State, but she will be missed dearly by many at USU. So we bid farewell to the winningest cqach in the history of USU women's basketball.

- Curtis Lundstrom is a sophomore majoring in print journal" is m. His life ambition is to bowl a perfect game and officiate high school or college basketball

ed his best 64 -hole score during the tournament. Senior Chanse Godderidge finished tied for 101st for Utah State with

the ROCK,

Utah State University • Logan, Utah • www.utahstatesman.com

OurView

College of Education deserves applause

Of the eight colleges at USU, the first one that typically jumps to mind is the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, because its marketing is above the rest - as it should be, since it is the college that specializes in marketing.

It has the name, the money and the recognition. It's also always the college making headlines. The business school has created or worked with countless different programs, including Huntsman Scholars, SEED and the Shingo Prize. The list goes on and on.

However, we at The Statesman feel there is another college on campus that deserves more recognition and appreciation than students, faculty and staff give it.

Recently, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services was recognized by U.S. News and World Report, not once but twice. The college was ranked No. 24 in the country for its program - moving up five spots from last year's report. Another report recently put two of the education school's graduate programs in the national Top 25. The department's rehabilitation counseling program ranked ninth in the nation, and the special education graduate program was ranked at No. 15 among all special education programs.

We aren't done Our College of Education is the only education school in the state of Utah to be ranked in the Top 50, and it also ranked No. 3 in the country in funded researchreceiving $44.4 million in funding for 2011.

The Huntsman School offers 10 undergraduate degrees and six graduate program» The College of Education has just seven undergraduate programs but 18 graduate and doctorate programs.

One thing that truly impresses us is the difference in the way recognition and awards are handled by the two colleges. The business school is quick to provide us with press releases and news tips, aiming to increase the recognition of its name and merits.

When we want to publish anything about the College of Education, it's not always handed to us. It's not as anxious to talk or make a big deal about itself. The college's leaders are modest and often downplay their awards. Beth Foley, the college's dean, gave all the credit to• her faculty and students.

Noteworthy things have happened in each college this year1 but we believe the most underappreciated awards came out of the education college. Let's give credit where cr~dit is due and applaud the best-ranked college at usu.

Thank you to the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services for creating teachers who will help build up the future leaders of this nation. We are proud to be part of a university that excels in creating remarkable and successful teachers. With the way the world is turning now, we are going to need tfiem.

Boring people get bored i"n Logan

After eight semesters of college - six semesters at USUthere is a common complaint among students I

living there, you must own that city. To enjoy any city, you have to make it yours and give every possibility a chance. Take my challenge - travel to a city, find its quirks and learn to love the little things that not only make it unique, but give it pleasurable qualities.

~ee MUSINGS, Page 12

Forum letters

USU sustainability doesn't cut it

To the editor:

It's Earth Week, but before you start thinking about recycling this newspaper or planting trees, let's talk about sustainability and student fees. Most of you may not know what sustainability is really about. Basically, it's meeting our generation's needs - not wantswhile providing opportunities for future generations to still meet theirs. This is achieved by balancing three branches - that's right, three not onein environment, economy and social equity. Environmental initiatives that stand alone aren't sustainable. Our efforts to preserve the environment must also coexist with the condition of our economy and equality within our societal groups in order to have a lasting impact. Students are one of those groups facing equity challeng-

es right now. And a challenge you face, although you might not like to admit it, is that most students currently live below the poverty line. True sustainability emphasizes eliminating poverty, which is why USU works towards becoming sustainable. What is being done to eliminate poverty amongst us? Are tuition and student fees being driven down? Not the last time I checked my bank account. Rather, current practices involve spending more money to create a falsely-visioned "sustainable" campus. Take the Blue Goes Green fee for instance. The last round of projects approved by the Sustainability Council are hardly leading us forward. I mean, really people, a solar heater on a building? An algal harvester? These are not moving us toward real, balanced sustainability. So why are we spending the precious money of impoverished students on such projects? I'm not trying to discredit these innovative ideas, but we're working backwards by forgetting the part

Letters to the editor•

A public forum of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle that will bring environmental balance the most - reducing. Reducing consumption is more effective than any initiative we'll ever take to harvest obscure energy sources or even recycle. So much waste occurs on this campus. Look at every indoor light left on overnight, every hour of overwatering the lawns and every wasteful big screen monitor installed for 24/7 advertising, just to name a few. So I ask of USU Administration, depart· ment heads, ASUSU and the Sustainability Council if you really want to achieve sustainability, why aren't we cutting costs? Why aren't we trying to scale back student fees? I believe we don't need to spend more to achieve sustainability on our campus, we need to spend less. Let's all move toward real sustainability, shall we? Achieve balance. Stop the waste.

Sam Taylor

Romney is a Mormon, but Obama doesn't care

To say six terms in office as a United States senator have gone to Orrin Hatch's frostywhite head would be a drastic understatement. Perhaps, with the recent semiannual LOS General Conference - an event that as an active and faithful member of the LOS church, I fully support and enjoy - Hatch may have confused himself for a prophet or a general authority of the church. What else could explain his recent decision to make an absolutely ridiculous claim such as the following one. According to a recent Salt Lake Tribune piece I read, Hatch is quoted on the political commentary website Politico as saying that Democrats and specifically President Barack Obama are going to use Mitt Romney's status as a Mormon to railroad his efforts to win the presidency in the fast-approaching 2012 election. Before I proceed, I'd like to rehash another recent occasion in which loose-lipped Hatch seditiously quipped about Obama.

A little more than a year ago, I witnessed Hatch's uncanny ability to say preposterous things about the president-a practice his almost

four decades as senator seem to predispose him to. During a College Republicanssponsored event last year, the aptly titled and perennial Pizza and Politics - yet I think Heartburn and Heresy would better describe the spectacleHatch, on his high horse in a room he surely assumed was filled with a homogeneous crowd of white, LOS, Utah Republicans, referred to Obama's Affordable Care Act as a "one-sizefits-all federal government dumbass program." After continuing with, "It really is an awful piece of crap,'' Hatch followed the roaring laughter and applause with an apathetic promise to repent for cussing in front of the northern Utah crowd of malleable, young minds. I'm

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Dell recommends Windows• 7. Page 12

t From SOAP BOX, Page 11

not quite sure, if anything, what exactly went through Hatch's mind as he said those words - I'd love to know what the thought process was - but I'm beginning to believe that Hatch may sincerely be losing his mind. How else would an individual think it OK to spout off at the mouth with ungrounded ascriptions and accusations?

I've written this before, and I'll say it again: I align my political beliefs with my faith, and my faith, according to the doctrine it's founded on, teaches us to give liberally to all who are in need - without judging them or their predicaments. For this reason, I have come to denounce most Utah politicians for the simple fact that they exhibit characteristics consistent · • with money-grubbing, greedy men who support corporate capitalism over social programs and feeding, clothing and sheltering the sick, hungry, afflicted and poor.

Although it's unfortunate how incredibly messy American politics have become, it's absolutely preposterous how intensely delusional and out of touch with reality a large majority of present-day politicians have become. And now Republicans have resorted to calling Democrats bigots. Obama, certainly himself a victim of prejudice, is not a bigot. Sure, Obama is not perfect, and I certainly don't agree with everything he's done or said, but I wholeheartedly believe

From MUSINGS, Page 11

our president is an honest, faithful man who most likely looks to God for answers - both personal and executorial. I cannot support Sen. Hatch or any Republican politician or conservative group who preemptively accuses Barack Obama or any Democrat of throwing Mormonism in Romney's face. There have been several claims, and even promises, made by the Obama administration and its supporters that neither religion nor Mormonism will be - at any stage in the process -a part of Obama's campaign strategy leading up to his winning of the 2012 election I'll echo what other commentators have said recently, regarding Hatch's and others' claims - it takes nerve to hit this far below the belt. No one, especially not a representative of the LDS faith, has any right to predict that Barack Obama or any other Democrat need use Romney's religious beliefs against him to win the 2012 election.

The people who've made a big deal about Romney's status as a Mormon are his fellow Republican contenders, his own campaign staff and his Republican supporters, such as Orrin Hatch. I applaud Romney for his confidence as a Latter-day Saint. I do not support all of his political beliefs, and, like Hatch he doesn't hesitate to take swings at Obama; but I promise

your evenings in Logan watching movies, then, yes, Logan will be boring and your experience at USU won't be exciting. We are a mere 10-minute drive from some of the best hiking, rock climbing, fishing, skiing, snowboarding, caving and camping in the country. People travel from other states and countries to enjoy the mountains we blatantly dismiss and take for granted. As an avid snowboarder, I have never been to a more friendly, by-thelocals and for-the-locals resort than Beaver Mountain. Outdoor activities do not have to be expensive. Hiking and camping are free. Once you have the gear to climb, cave, ski or snowboard, costs are fairly cheap - especially for the incredible quality of Logan Canyon and smaller canyons in the valley.

We also live within an hour of four unique, natural hot pots, located in the Western U.S. There is Downata Hot Springs, Riverdale Resort, Crystal Hot Springs and, my personal favorite, Maple Grove Hot Springs. If you have never experienced a soak in natural mineral water and felt its amazing effects on your skin, take a weekend night and make the short trip to one of these places I have met some incredible and fascinating people from all over the country who come to this region for a soak. The best part about hot pots is you can go there in the winter. Sitting in steamy water while snow lightly falls is a serene and rejuvenating sensation. If you don't already take advantage of the brilliant outdoor life sitting on your front porch, start now. If you aren't the high adventure type, there are plenty of other options available. One of the best parts of travel is trying local food. Logan does not have the cuisine of San Francisco or Chicago, but we do have noteworthy local food. Next time you are going out, break away from the standard Olive Garden and Be the first to know.

Wednesday, April II, 2012

every single one of you that Obama won't need to attack anyone's religious beliefs to retain his seat in the Oval Office or his residency in the White House. It never would have crossed my mind that our first black president would ever dip so low below his own character as to commit an act of spiteful bigotry. After all, we may remember Obama faced his own unwarranted and undeserved share of filthy, baseless accusations regarding nativity and religious beliefs.

For this one Hatch truly should consider repentance. He and his entourage of Utah Republican cronies are all good at running their mouths, but essentially referring to Obama as a religious bigot is going too far. Sen. Hatch and I may worship the same God, but we certainly have different views on what's politically prudent. He may have more years' experience as a politician than I even have as an inhabitant of Earth, but age doesn't always equal wisdom. Anyone who criticizes our nation's leader as carelessly and profusely as Hatch does ought to reconsider his or her reasons for doing so.

- D. Whitney Smith is copy editor for The Utah Statesman. Comments on his column may be sent to statesmanoffice@aggiemail. usu.edu.

Texas Roadhouse outing and try something local, such as Happy Sushi, Herm's Inn, Angie's, Cafe Sabor, Le Nonne or Elements.You are likely to have a positive dining experience.

Cache Valley has a strong sense of community and its citizens value their heritage. With summer time approaching, the value the locals put on their community is evidenced. Most of the small towns have their own unique festivals celebrating their foundings, such as "Health Days" in Smithfield and "B lack and White Days" in Richmond. The celebrations include local vendors, fireworks shows and local musical groups. In addition, locals can look forward to the annual summertime Cache County Fair and Rodeo, Saturday Gardeners' Market and Summerfest. Logan Canyon and Cache Valley towns are equally phenomenal places to hang out in the summer. Admittedly, the nightlife in Logan is less than superior, but when you choose to go to USU and value night entertainment, either transfer or learn to love other activities.

April I I, 2012

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Breaking the Mold • kenneth.locke@aggiemail.usu.edu

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The Joke,s On YOU!

Check it outl Take a look at this cartoon the only thing missing is the punch line, the big finish, the gagl You need to suf>l>ly that for readers of The Statesman. We post those on our website, www. utahstatesman.com, as soon as we get them and folks can vote for their faveI Winner will receive a restaurant gift certificate! Here are the gags received for this week's cartoon:

"David figured this was the best way to study for his benchmark tests."

"Let me borrow your lipstick. It's time Kevin learns to cover his face when he sleeps outside."

"Grad students look so cute and harmless when they're asleep."

"Just seconds away from class and the cheapest rent on campus

meets all your criteria."

"And this how you study when you are married?!!!"

Statesman

EcoCenter lecture You Need to Know: Swaner EcoCenter: Utah's the night sky and hear about Changing Climate Regime, the latest astronomy news. The Wednesday, Apr 11- 7 to 8:30 Cache Valley Stargazers are p.m. Robert Gillies is a physicist, holding their monthly meeting the State of Utah Climatologist, at 7:30pm on Friday, 13 April drector ofthe Utah Oimate 2012, in room 244 of the ScienceCenter, and associate professor Engineenng-Research (SER) at USU. An advocate for public Building on the USU campus science and climate change (free parking in the lot adjacent education, professor Gillies to SER, behind the Performance will be speaking about his just- Hall). The meeting will feature released research linking climate a talk by Dr. Dan Schroeder change to our weather patterns from Weber State entitled "Night in Utah as well as discussing Sky Photography" Everyone is the meaning of year to year welcome to join us, experts and variations in this area. What will beginners alike. climate change mean for Utah's Wilderness Investigations weather and our beloved powder? Teacher Training Workshop

The 31st annual Fife Honor Friday April 13, 4:30 to 6:30 Lecture, saluting the pioneering p.m. and Saturday April 14, work oflocal folklorists Austin 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Greenville and Alta Fife and hosted by Elementary, Saturday at Stokes the Utah State University Nature Center. Participants will Folklore Program, will be held experience key components on Thursday, April 12, at 12:30 of Wilderness Investigations. p.m. in Library 101. This year Attendees will be introduced to Professor Haya Bar-Itzhak, of wilderness topics, shown ways the University of Haifa, in Israel, to expand classroom boundaries will speak on "Women in Times to include local places with wild of Persecution in Jewish Folk elements, and see an integrated Legends." The public is invited approach to place-based teaching and attendance is free. Light with wilderness as the organizing refreshments will be served. concept Registration required. Walk-A-Mile in Her Shoes For more information call Stokes 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the walk Nature Center at 435-755-3239 or starting at 12:45 p.m It will be on email nature at logannature.org. USU Campus starting at the TSC The Merrill-Cazier Library patio. Men will walk one full mile will forgive your overdue fines in high heels or dressed up shoes if you pay 1t forward. Anytime to raise awareness to promote through April 23- 27 at the anti-violent relationships. Circulation Desk. This does not Register on usu.edu/saavi by include Interlibrary loan or lost Thursday. books.

American Cancer Society Stokes Nature Center is Relay For Life will take place seeking two environmental this Friday, April 13 in the education interns for assisting Nelson Fieldhouse! Join us a we with summer camp instruction Celebrate, Remember, and Fight for children ages 5-15. Up to Back to cancer! Visit our website, 40 hours a week, $7.50 per relayforlife.org/usuut for more hour. Should have experience information and to donate. There working with children. Teaching is no entry fee and all are invited experience, knowledge of to participate local ecosystem, and first aid Join the Cache Valley certification a plus. Stargazers to learn and enjoy The