The Utah Statesman, April 4, 2012

"Campus Voice Since 1902" • Utah State University• Logan, Utah • ue:

Navy SEAL to speak at Commencement

BY CAITIN MOFFITT staff writer

The speaker for the Spring 2012 Commencement Ceremony was announced in Wednesday's Faculty Senate meeting in the Merrill-Cazier Library.

Doug Jackson-Smith, senate representative for the College of Humanlties and Social Sciences, announced who the commencement speaker would be.

"Our commencement speaker is Eric Greitens. He came to us through a recommendation by one of our trustees," JacksonSmith said. "He's a Truman Scholar, a Navy SEAL, a Purple Heart - all the awards you could possibly have in mind."

According to his website, Greitens was a Duke Scholar at Duke University, he was select-

ed as a Rhodes and Truman Scholar, and he attended the University of Oxford.

Greitens studies and teaches public service at the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri and in the MBA Program at the Olin School of Business at Washington University, his website states.

"Eric donated his combat pay to found The Mission Continues," Greitens' website states. "A nonprofit organization, The Mission Continues works with wounded and disabled veterans to build new lives as citizen leaders here at home."

"He's the kind of boy, someone said, your grandparents wanted your mother to marry,"

ERIC GRIETENS

Jackson-Smith said. "He's the whole package. And he's so young."

At the beginning of the senate meeting, President Stan Albrecht addressed another

upcoming round of tuition hikes.

"The question is: Is tuition going up? And the obvious answer is yes," Albrecht said. "First of all, comparing ourselves to peer institutions and Western universities, even with the increases, we still remain second lowest. The only one lower is the University of Wyoming."

Out-of-state tuition at USU is also second lowest when compared to peer institutions, Albrecht said. Even with the increases, out of state tuition will remain near the bottom. Albrecht said other states experiencing tuition increases included California, Arizona and Washington, citing the See ALBRECHT, Page 3

Centers accomodate non-traditional students

Drop-in sessions take schedules into account

BY ARIANNA REES staff writer

From now until the end of the semester, non-traditional students in need of resources and help getting around campus can receive both at the USU Access and Diversity Center's new Rapid Learning Drop-In program.

The program was initiated two weeks ago by Access and Diversity Center and Academic Resource Center personnel, and it is directed by mentors and teai::hers in an effort to make the college experience easier for non-traditional students in a way that best fits their schedules, said Rachel Brighton, nontraditional student coordinator.

"These students just don't have a lot of time," Brighton -said. "They need something where they can just come and drop in, so the idea of this was, 'Well, what if we had a section of time where they could just drop in, have something to eat, get something real quick in 15 minutes and then go out?"'

Allan Jensen, president of the Non-Traditional Student Association, said, "They're worthwhile - real short. It's not something you have to plan your whole day around. You just stop in on your way to someplace else and go on your way."

Between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00

CHILDREN OF USU STUDENTS PLAY while their parents utilize the Rapid Learning Drop-In program in the Access and Diversity Lounge, TSC Room 313. The Academic Resource Center sponsors the program in conjunction with the Access and Diversity Center to help non-traditional students succeed at USU. KELSIE MASON photo p.m., and alternating between Wednesday and Thursday, Brighton said students can stop by the Access and Diversity Lounge in Taggart Student Center Room 313 for a 15-minute session. There is a variety of topics that are taught by resource leaders at USU, she said.

Students had the opportunity last Thursday to learn about Aggie Care, a program offering

child care referrals, scholastic book orders, toy rentals and other services to students supporting a family. Sessions held April 4 will feature math help for students who struggle with the subject, and subsequent sessions will prep students for finals and effective studying.

Brighton said the format is interactive, providing students a forum to discuss worries, thoughts or ideas with mentors as well as others experiencing similar circumstances.

"I think that when you

ASUSU funds Spirit Squad, information booth

BY ROUCHELLE BROCKMAN

. .

Project examines exploitation in advertising

BY LIS STEWART staff writer

What is the correlation between a woman and an uncooked turkey? There shouldn't be one, according to Missy Lambert, a doctoral student who gave a presentation on sexual and animal oppression, entitled "Sexy Chickens," during a Tuesday afternoon Perspectives club meeting.

Oppression in society should not be looked at in piecemeal fashion but as a whole system, Lambert said.

"It's a system where some people benefit from types of oppressions," Lambert said. "We need to look at the system itself and fight its roots." Lambert used "Sexy Chickens" to explain her view.

Advertisers often use the female body or allude to it when trying to sell meat, and this pushes a societal agenda that women are weak and less than human, Lambert said.

Showing a collection of advertisements with chickens, cows and other animals in seductive feminine poses to the classroom of about 40 people, Lambert led discussions about how the food industry uses female-body stereotypes to sell meat. She referred to Skinny Cow, which' advertises low-calorie

Missy Lambert presented research on

portrayed in advertisements. Photo courtesy of Meg Pehrson products. She said Skinny Cow's logo depicts a cow with a feminine body type reclining with a measuring tape wrapped around its waist.

"The image of the cow is being feminized and sexualized," Lambert said.

A man in the audience said, "It seems like the cow singles out a fat reference, too."

This type of advertising objectifies women, Lambert said.

"Advertisers are trying to sell us a patriarchal world view in which all of us need their prod-

uct in order to meet an ideal," she said.

Showing advertisements with animals eating pieces of one another at the same table, Lambert said the animals are also being objectified. Animals are portrayed as either seducing the viewer of the advertisement, or they are stupid and deserve what they get, she said.

"I think advertisers are selling a worldview in which animals are willing participants in their own slaughter," she said. Throughout the discussion,

which ranged from ways the food industry uses to oppress women and animals, members of the Perspectives club and visitors analyzed the issue. Lambert, who has presented "Sexy Chickens" to various groups in the Salt Lake City area throughout the past year and a half, said this is the biggest group she's presented to so far.

"So far everyone has been nice;' she said of audience reactions to the presentation. "I keep waiting for someone to be like, 'You're the worst."'

After reading "The Sexual Politics of Meat," by Carol J. Adams, Lambert said she became interested in the subject and began collecting images in which meat is advertised in a sexual manner.

She said the presentation evolved out of her research and is still growing as people send her more images after attending her presentation.

Lambert said she hopes "Sexy Chickens" will get people to start asking questions about their animal products and where they shop.

Megan Pehrson, a junior studying anthropology, attended the presentation as a member of Perspectives and said change can be brought about by presentations like this but it comes slowly.

"I would say that things like this plant a seed that later may grow," Pehrson said. "It gives someone that idea, that worldview. And when someone has that different worldview, it can expand their mind."

Club meetings like this help others to see the beyond stereotypes, and it's OK if people get mad, said Rachael Steineckert, Perspectives club president.

"I think it's a good reaction when people start to get mad, and you can hear them go 'Uh,' or 'Mmhmm,"' Steineckert said. Perspectives was founded

last fall under USU's Center for Women and Gender, Steineckert said, adding that member participation has improved this semester - the club has 10-12 regularly attending members, including a couple of men. "The men offer a different perspective," Steineckert said. "Those who show up are very open minded and concerned about these issues."

Steineckert said the main goal of Perspectives is to create a non-judgemental, supportive atmosphere for people to discuss issues like feminism openly. The club has also sponsored movie nights as well as discussions. Recently the club's Mustache Campaign featured pictures ofwomen wearing mustaches around campus to create awareness about gender inequality, Pehrson said.

"I think a lot of women and men are in this kind of dream where we have equality here in the U.S., which isn't entirely true," Pehrson said. "Women are still paid less. Obviously, you can see that in our media. Women are objectified or represented as passive or not strong, and not a lot of women see that because (advertisers) make it seem normal."

- la.stewart@aggiemail.usu.edu

•}From Page 1 ASUSU information campaign to revamp booth in TSC; install TVs in bathrooms

she said. "It will probably be "This is part of a multi- These emails will advertise come from this year's student responsibilities are delegated to Graduate Studies senator in another three or four years pronged publicity stunt," various clubs and organizations fees. the other graduate directors." the Academic Senate, and all until they are up to their usual Mikkelsen said. "We want to on campus. In other business, the The changes in the charter graduate and undergraduate number." install monitors in the bath- ASUSU officers have already council approved changes to came in response to the students within a college will

The council also allotted rooms - we're calling them provided half of $10,000 the ASUSU Graduate Studies Executive Council's decision be represented by a single $5,000 for renovations to the 'toilet talk' - that will also needed for the information Senator Charter. These changes to dissolve the the Graduate senator. ASUSU information booth. advertise events and organiza- booth project, and the Capital are mainly grammatical, said Student Senate earlier this A final vote on these fund-

The booth - located on tions on campus." and Support Fund will pay for Cami Jones, Graduate Senate semester, she said. Currently, ing allocations and charter the first floor of the Taggart As part of this publicity the rest. The public relations vice president. undergraduate and graduate changes will take place at the Student Center - will be plan, ASUSU will be sending office supplied $2,500; the Under the former charter, students each have their own council's meeting April 10. installed this summer with out weekly emails to all new ASUSU president, $2,000; and "the Graduate Studies Senator senates four monitors that will adver- freshman, transfer students, the Administrative Assistant, was supposed to sit on over a Beginning next year, the tise various on-campus events, and any other student who $500. This money comes from dozen committees:' she said. School of Graduate Studies - rouchelle.brockmari@aggiactivities and groups. signs up for the notifications. the officers' budgets, which "Under the new charter, the will be represented by a email. usu.edu

Litter on the catwalk

• s-.ie Student Apartments

• Across the Street from Campus

• Pally Furnished

• Private Bedrooms and Bathrooms

• Desk, Bed, Bookshelves in Bedrooms

• Large Oosets- Vacuum

• Living Room with TY, DVD, and VCR

• Modem Pally~ Kiti,•sr

• Digital Cable · • Washer and Dryer in each • Central Heating md Air CoadltiObing • Wireless Internet Service • Private Parking- No Hassles Fire Places

USU recognizes life-sustaining research

BY ROUCHELLE BROCKMAN news senior writer

When most people think of a food chain, they think of plants, animals eating those plants and predators devouring those animals. However, USU researchers are making groundbreaking discoveries that may affect the global food chain at the elemental level.

Professor of chemistry and biochemistry Lance Seefeldt, along with other researchers from USU and around the country, has unlocked several mysteries surrounding how bacterial enzymes - known as nitrogenases - transform nitrogen into compounds essential for plants and animals to survive.

"All life needs nitrogen," Seefeldt said. "It's part of our DNA, RNA and amino acids."

Nitrogen makes up 80 percent of the air we breathe, but it is not in a form animals and plants can directly use, Seefeldt said. Two methods exist to convert nitrogen into ammonia, which can be absorbed by plants and then transferred to the animals that eat them, he said.

One of these methods is biological, he said, and uses nitrogenases. The other method is artificial and requires immense amounts of heat and pressure. This process, known as the Haber-Bosch process, currently uses two percent of the world's oil, Seefeldt said.

•> From Page 1

The world relies on both forms of nitrogen conversion for crop fertilizers, he said. However, he added that he would like his research to someday be used to develop more efficient and effective fertilizers. "It's quite the irony," he said. "We're swimming in nitrogen, but it's difficult to get our hands on it."

Seefeldt - who recently received the D Wynne Thorne Career Research Award, USU's highest research honor - has

been leading a team of researchers from USU, Virginia Tech, Northwestern University and University of Minnesota for the past 18 years in an effort to discover the mechanisms by which nitrogenases convert nitrogen into ammonia. Brett Barney, former USU student and current professor at the University of Minnesota, compared the team's experiments to capturing a single frame of a movie.

"You have to capture each

step of the process in the act and freeze the frame, so you can actually examine it and understand what it does," he said.

This process was accomplished in part by flash freezing nitrogenases in various phases of nitrogen conversion, Seefeldt said.

He said his team has discovered three of the steps of nitrogen conversion in nitrogenases, but there are other mechanisms yet to be explored.

"Hopefully, based on our research, scientists can develop simple and efficient catalysts for nitrogen fixation for modern industry and agriculture," said Zhiyong Yang, one of the project's researchers and doctoral student in Seefeldt's lab. "From there plants will have enough food to produce food for humans and the other (living things) on this planet."

The team published its latest findings in the March 27 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Seefeldt said this project has cost about $4 million over the past 18 years and has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. In that time, his team has published 80 articles and other publications regarding their research, he said.

Campus & Community Huntsman to speak at USU Eastern

Jon M. Huntsman, Jr., will give the commencement address for USU Eastern on April 28.

The former two-term Utah governor came JON HUNTSMAN off the campaign trail as a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in January.

"We are deeply honored to have Gov. Huntsman join us on such a momentous occasion," said USU Eastern Chancellor Joe Peterson. "He brings with him a wealth of state and international knowledge that is truly unique. The depth and scope of his perspectives and personal experiences are sure to inspire our students."

USU Eastern will celebrate with its students the transformation from scholar to graduate during its annual commencement ceremonies at campuses in Price and Blanding.

RESEARCHER LANCE SEEFELDT ACCEPTS the D.WynneThorne Career Research Award at a gala Monday. Seefeldt was acknowledged for research contributions that help scientists understand the process by which plants convert nitrogen to a form animals can use. KIMBERLY SHORTS photo

- rouchelle.brockman@aggiemail. usu.edu

New program offers instruction on caring for self and family

for the Non-Traditional Student Association and learning specialist at the Academic Resource Center, helped plan the drop-in program with Brighton. Jensen said she was a nontraditional student at USU years ago and understands the need for resources that students have.

Jensen said many students don't have the computer skills or the knowhow to study well and find help at their university. The drop-in sessions, she said, can help remedy that in shorter time and be more effective than the periodic university-hosted lunchtime programs, known as brown bags.

"We realized that non-traditional students have so much on their plate,;, Jensen said. "I had been involved with brown bags when the Access

and Diversity would have brown bags - they were an hourlong in the officenobody would show up."

The drop-in sessions provide a stress-free way for students to find their

•> From Page 1

way around campus, she added.

Rachel Cox is the social work intern for the Access and Diversity Center and said she'll work as a dropin mentor. She will present self-care tips at a session later in the semester.

"The information that I'm going to use is information that I've learned in my social work classes," Cox said. "We learn a lot about taking care of ourselves social work has a very high rate of burnout. And so if you don't take care of yourself, things can get pretty bad."

Cox said self-care is crucial, especially for students who support families.

Brighton said the Access and Diversity Center has done many things to re-energize the Non-Traditional Student Association as well as provide resources for students.

to students. She said she hopes students take advantage of the program and the resources it has to offer.

"If we can touch even just a few students," Brighton said, "and help them understand that we're here for them, we want to do whatever we can to support them that would be a success for me."

Jensen said the program is primarily geared toward non-traditional students, but anyone who has a need not being addressed by the university is welcome to participate. She said all students who are not straight out of high school are considered non-traditional, and USU has resources available to them.

Brighton said students with young children can bring them to the sessions, as there is space set aside and toys for children to play with during each session. Lunch is also provided.

She said the website has peen revamped, the lounge reconceP,tualized and new programs created in an effort to raise awareness about what is available - ariwrees@gmail.com students with children from Aggie Care, which is coordinating with the new drop-in program for non-traditional students.

TOYS AND BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE for rental to

KELSIE MASON photo

Albrecht discusses tuition increase, Faculty Senate selects new president

· recession as the primary reason for the~~-:;

Desi>_~l·ifudget cuts the univers~dias taken in past years, Albrecht said the state Legislature is still covering about 59 percent of total costs and tuition covers 41 percent.

The Price commencement begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Bunnell Dmitrich Athletic Center Also honored will be Price Mayor Joe Piccolo, who will receive the Chancellor's Medallion. This is the 74th commencement ceremony for the college.

The USU Eastern Blanding Campus will hold its graduation ceremonies at 1 p.m. April 27 at San Juan High School. The Blanding commencement speaker is Rose Graham. Merri Shumway will be given the Chancellor's Medallion. This year marks the 33rd commencement for the Blanding Campus.

Jazz concert draws on Brazilian styles

USU hosts jazz ensemble Evening in Brazil at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Performance Hall. Christopher Neale, Professor of engineering at USU, and several others perform together as the jazz group, Evening in Brazil, and specialize in the music of Brazil's bossa nova movement. The evening's music will explore different regional rhythms of Brazil. One of the themes of the performance will be the regional rhythms from the Brazilian state Bahia - music that guest percussionist Marcus Santos specializes in. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $8 for USU students with valid ID.

Director to head spinoff company

"Ten years ago, for every dollar of tuition that we raised, we received $3.50 of state appropriations," Albrecht said. "Now, for every dollar of tuition that we raise, we receive $1.03 of state appropriations. The cost of higher education is shifting from the state to students."

Jackson-Smith also listed four individuals who have been nominated to receive honorary degrees.

The honorary degree nominations for 2012 are; Norah Abdullah Alfaiz, the first female deputy minister for education in Saudi Arabia; Quentin L. Cook, a former attorney and current apostle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Lars P. Hansen, an internationally known leader in economic dynamics; and John R. Miller, a leader in the U.S. beef industry.

The Faculty Senate also nomi-

nated and selected a new Faculty Senate president for the next academic year.

"Most of the meetings, I've been encouraging people to think about nominating themselves. I've mentioned how good of a gig it is," said Glenn McEvoy, current Faculty Senate president. "This is a major opportunity for somebody."

· Jackson-Smith nominated Yanghee Kim, who has represented the College of Education and Human Services in the Faculty Senate for one term.

"This is a hard job and a very demanding job," Jackson-Smith said.

Although Kim was not present at the meeting, the senate elected her as the Faculty Senate president for the next term.

"For the one year that she's been on the Faculty Senate, I've been very impressed with how engaged she's been. She's shown a great deal of initiative and interest," Jackson-Smith said. "She's interested in faculty and faculty interest and is interested in the work the job takes."

- cnmoffitt@gmail.com

USU's Office of Commercial Enterprises announced Tuesday that Forrest Fackrell, executive director of business development at USU's Office of Commercialization, will leave his current post to join USTAR-supported satellite company GeoMetWatch.

Fackrell joined GeoMetWatch as senior vice president and chief development officer April l. GeoMetWatch is a privately held company focused on the commercial development of technology to advance severe weather forecast capability and environmental observation systems.

"Forrest has been a leader in Utah State University's commercialization efforts, and I cannot think of a better fit for all parties than for Forrest to help bring commercial weather data to government and commercial agencies worldwide," said Robert Behunin, vice president for Commercialization and Regional Development at USU. .. ,, -----------,~

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GO TAKE A HIKE

BY DREW VANDYKE staff writer

As spring advances and the snow recedes, many USU students choose to retire skis and break out their hiking boots. With many recreational opportunities in close proximity USU's Logan campus, many students and faculty tend to frequent hiking trails for an alternative to academia. David Wallace, professor and adviser for USU's public health department, said he enjoys exploring many trails in Cache Valley.

"It's hard to pick a trail that I don't like, but I really enjoy the trails around Tony Grove," Wallace said.

Wallace, a USU graduate, said he has been an avid hiker since his youth. When he came back to teach at USU in 1999, he said he was reminded of his passion for local trails.

"It's a much better outdoor experience here," Wallace said. "I lived in Salt Lake for a while, and coming back t9 Logan was wonderful, because there are great resources - with a tenth of the people using them. Logan is much less

crowded."

WaUace said his passion for trails in the Logan area led to his involvement in Cache Hikers, a local group that began in 1992 to help maintain numerous regional trails.

"The forest service staff here is grossly underfunded, so we do things in an effort to help them out," he said.

Acting as leader of Cache Hikers, Wallace said he travels extensively throughout the Cache Valley wilderness. As a result, he said he has become an expert on both the popular and lesser-explored trails that

surround Logan.

"Not too many people know about the Spawn Creek Trail," he said. "I found that old trail after it was abandoned. Over the last few years, we have done a lot of work to recondition and restore it."

Thanks to his efforts and the aid of his group members, he said the Spawn Creek Trail, located in the Temple Fork region of Logan Canyon, is accessible once again.

Although Spawn Creek is not as well known, there are other Logan Canyon trails that accommodate regular

hiking groups, he said. "The single most popular trail is the Wind Caves Trail," said Mike Bullock, a tourism specialist for the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau. "It's a reasonably short trail with minor elevation gain. There is an interesting double arch formation at the end of the trail and a great view overlooking the valley."

Opposite the Wind Caves

Trail, across U.S. Highway 89, is the Crimson Trail, another popular hiking destination, he said. "The Crimson Trail also has nice views looking down on the valley," Bullock said, "It's a little bit longer and a little more strenuous. The trail is about three miles long one way and experiences an 800-foot elevation See SPRING, Page 7

Professor brings mathematics to life

BY ALLEE EVENSEN fe?tures editor

When fames Powell was a child, his dreams were similar to many boys his age. He wanted to be an astronaut, an engineer and a cowboy when he grew up. However, it was early in elementary school when he decided he wanted to do something slightly out of the ordinary.

"I actually decided I wanted to become a math professor in second grade," Powell ~aid. "I remember (talking) with one of my buddies. We were so excited about long division we were just having so much fun with it."

Though he said many aspirations have come and gone, math was the dream that stuck. He has taught math for 25 years - nearly 20 of those at USU.

Marti Garlick has worked under Powell as both a master's and doctoral student for more than six years. Powell's involvement and energy in the classroom bring his classes to lire, she said.

"(He's) totally engaged," she said. "(He makes) Slire students learn something."

When a student makes a mistake in class, she said he often writes a problem out on the board in order to show where the mistake was made. This, she said, is one of the many ways he creates interaction in his.classes.

Powell said one of his primary goals in the classroom is to make math apply to real life,

something Garlick said she sees him doing on a constant basis.

"The real world has to collide with the theoretical world (in math)," Garlick said. "We actually have to have something that reflects processes in the real world."

Powell said he is able to the two worlds together by telling stories that make what he's explaining applicable. Sitting in an office surrounded by boards of equations and graphs, it would be hard to guess Powell once flirted - as a teenager and again in college - with the notion of becoming an English professor.

He said he still sees the connection between the two.

"I don't think there's that big of gap," he said.

Powell said he spent a lot of time writing in college, especially while involved in various research projects. No matter what field a student is in, whether it be business or science, it's important he or she learn how to write, he said.

While working with the honors program at Colorado State University, Powell's job was to review ACT scores after new student orientations and flag students who would fit the program.

"The honors director at the time said, according to his analysis, the biggest determinant for success in the honors program in math and science and everything else was an ACT English score of32 and above," he said.

When his students aren't

writing or doing hands-on experiments in lab-based classes, Powell said he tries to engage them with conversation to keep them actively learning.

Currently, Powell teaches a biology-based math class in which he said he tries to get students involved as much as possible. This includes having them create their own mathematics. He said the one thing that sets him apart from other professors is the decibel level in his classroom.

'Tm louder and more ballistic than most professors are when they lecture - particularly (professors) in mathematics," he said.

Like many professors, Powell said the reason he teaches is because he loves seeing "light bulbs illuminate" when his students understand something.

He cited an example a few weeks ago when he was teaching a lesson on how to fit curves and models to data, and a student who had been confused suddenly understood what he was trying to say.

"The student just looked stunned like I had smacked him with a frying pan he had a little bit of drool," Powell said. "Those are moments I live for, when you really see students integrate whole bits of knowledge. There's a lot of those."

- allee.evensen@aggiemail. usu.edu

A classic bread infused by chocolate

Banana nut bread is a classic treat. Everybody seems to like it, and it's no wonder, since adding mashed bananas to bread adds moisture, flavor and sweetness. Even though everyone likes it, not that many people love it. Let's be honest: it's not the most exciting treat on the table, right? This is why I was so happy to find this new version of classic banana bread.

All that good moisture and sweetness from the bananas are presented in a fresh and interesting new way. It's a total eye catcher with the swirly pattern. There's no way it wouldn't get noticed if you brought it to a party. For another thing, it has chocolate in it. What treat isn't a little better with some chocolate added in? Because you add the banana

I can still vividly remember when I got one of the best pieces of advice I've ever received. I was talking with my father about growing up and the stresses that come with it. It turned into quite discussion until the pivotal moment when my dad sat back, let out a sigh and said, "Son, growing up is not always going to be happy, but you can never sell yourself short of moments

to get silly. Always look for things that make you feel like a kid again." There are several reason why that snippet in time is forever logged in my memory, one of them being that he was naked at the time. The funny part is you think I'm kidding. All analysis aside, I have always left my time of reflection constantly searching for those things that bring me back to my youth - those things that turn my Mr. Belding back into a Tommy Pickles, over and over, until I end up with a the happy medium of a well-cooked Uncle Joey. Yes, it has been a long and ever-moving search to find my inner-child. The search

CHOCOLATE SWIRL BREAD BANANA

3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs

to the entire batter, divide it in half and then add chocolate to it, it's half banana, half chocolate banana and all delicious. I recommend using bananas that are on the riper side, because they will be softer and easier to mash - not to mention sweeter and more banana flavored. You can use a fork to mash them or if you want an ultra-smooth texture in your bread, you can puree them in a blender or food processor. Just make sure that when they are mashed they equal one cup.

2-4 bananas, mashed or pureed to equal 1 cup 1/4 cup buttermilk 2 teaspoons vanilla 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup cocoa powder 3 tablespoons boiling water

In a medium mixing bowl combine the butter and sugar and beat on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and pale white, about 4-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the banana puree, buttermilk and vanilla, and stir until combined.

(Note: if you don't have buttermilk you can add about ½ teaspoon white vinegar to regular milk. Let it sit in the measuring cup for about 5 minutes, or until the top becomes frothy).

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the banana mixture and beat just until combined. Be careful not to overbeat, because this will make the cake texture

has included everything from collecting pogs to watching cartoons. I have viewed "Hey Arnold" on Netflix so many times I've considered constructing my own Gerald field in my family's backyard.

The quest for findings has been altogether arduous, that is, until I found my centerpieces - my childhood coup de grace if you will. As much as I shall always live with the memory of my tastefully nude father in an armchair telling me to be a kid, I, nor my younger self, will never forget the day my heart was turned back to chocolate milk.

I was, of all places, at the Marketplace brandishing a plate of meat lasagna and buttered rice and looking for a beverage worthy of a man's man, even though I'm sure I would have settled for one fit for just a man, I'm not that picky. I skimmed by all of the fountains until the milk dispenser somehow caught my eye. '

Normally I pass by the dairy sector because as the scholars would verse it, milk is yucky. However, this time it was different. It was giving me that "come hither" stare that only a liquid that must be squeezed from cattle's unmentionables could give.

In that moment, dare I say it, I was a dreamer. I filled a glass with said substance and ravishingly took a gulp. Wow, and I mean wow. Never had I been so swiftly whisked off to a time when I was leaping on Moon Shoes, chomping blue Gushers by the barrel and memorizing all the lyrics to the theme song of "Growing Pains." It had finally happened. I was a kid again. No teenage-laden, exasperated sigh could make me overcome the wave of nostalgia that was two-stepping on my taste buds at that moment.

Chocolate milk just has that power. It always has. It is the crowning jewel of every child's life. Never has a refresher meant for children left so many demographics appeased. Kids were happy to have chocolate, and parents were happy the kids were drinking milk. Heck, even the color brown was thrilled that something in this cruel world would give course for people to be excited about seeing what for some times was a wellavoided color. By golly, no one could lose.

Sure, there were many other kids' drinks that got us excited back in the day, but chocolate milk was undoubtedly the apex. It stood as an unstoppable force, a, cycle with no foreseeable end. It stood atop the rest as if to say, "Stand back, inferiors. I'm in charge now. I didn't make sweet affirming love to a cocoa pod for my health. People will look at me forever and see a glorious milk shake in simple form. And you? They'll just scoff and doubt that your punch ever really came from Hawaii. Now, get on my level." Yes, all it. took was one simple gulp of heaven's sweet greatness to remind me of what a true gift chocolate milk really was - to the point that I'm even ranting about it on this page. You'll never guess what I did next. I threw it away. It's far too rich for a foll glass. All that sugar? What am I a cockroach? I'm going to get some Powerade. - Steve Schwartzman is a junior majoring in speech communication. His column runs every Wednesday. He loves sports, comedy and creative writing. He encoCJrages any comments at his email steve. schartzman@aggiemail.usu.edu, or find him on Facebook.

Seniors• Whafs

the last item on your usu • bucket list before graduating?

Whitney Cofforil, photography

"Something that I really wanted to do is to get on the kiss cam at one of the

Britain Parrish, biology

"Not necessarily before graduation, but before I move out of Utah, I want to go

Kirsten Frank, computer engineering

"I want to travel as tfuuch as I can, try to hang out as much as I can with my last semester of my

f) From Page 5

law and constitutional studies

"I want to have a sleepover in the library."

ess adml ion a job. Maybe ump in First Dam

Spring provides opportunities for students to scout out hiking spots around valley change."

For those who enjoy additionally strenuous trails, he said there are numerous hikes in the area with greater lengths and greater elevations.

"The hike to the old Jardine Juniper tree is almost six miles one way and gains almost 2,000 feet," Bullock said. "And though it's not as long, the Deep Canyon Trail along the Wellsvilles goes up from 5, 400 feet to 8,600 feet in a three-mile link."

Although the hikes are difficult, Bullock said, they are well worth the effort.

,"The Jardine Juniper tree is one of the oldest trees in Utah," he said. "The Deep Canyon Trail has a spectacular view from the ridge of the Wellsvilles looking either west over the Brigham City side all the way to Salt Lake, or looking over Cache Valley to the east."

Additional hikes outlined on the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau's website include the , low-intensity Logan River/Golf Course Trail and the more advanced White Pine Lake and Naomi Peak Trails located near Tony Grove.

There are several locations with a wide range of difficulty levels to choose from, and Bullock said he suggests choosing hikes according to the season. Wallace agreed.

"The better spring trails are those with

•good sunny exposures and lower elevations," Wallace said. "A good sunny exposure trail would be the Wind Caves Trail and a lower-elevation trail is the Bonneville Shoreline Trail."

Bullock said hikers should avoid areas that remain snow-covered and muddy during early spring months and focus on locations that are abundant with spring wildflowers.

"Within the next month, you'll start seeing wildflowers in the lower regions of the canyon," he said. "One that is fascinating to me is the McGuire primrose, a pretty little purplish-red flower that comes right out of the cliff bases. The lower region of Logan Canyon is the only place in the world where it is found."

Whether the trails are strenuous, sunny or scattered with flowers, many view hiking as an ideal form of physical exercise, said Dennis Dolny, head for USU's health, physical education and recreation department.

"There are three major categories of health-related benefits for hikers," Dolny said. "First of all, it helps to improve the functional capacity of a person's heart and lungs Hiking brings about favorable changes in a manner that will protect a person against heart attack later in life."

Hiking also contributes to burning calo-

ries, he said.

"The

but the endurance characteristics of your leg muscles, as well," Dolny said.

addition to physical benefits, Bullock

appreciates the psychological advantages, too. "To me, it's just about getting out and enjoying the fresh air," Bullock said. "It clears your brain before you go back to the books." - drevandizzle@gmail.com

Russell.

2B - UVU Uresti, Likos HR - USU Kaneshiro

Wildcats claw past Jayhclwks

NEW ORLEANS - Won and Done, indeed. Maybe even and Out. All that really matters is that Kentucky parlayed a roster full of NBA talent into a 67-59 VictOry Monday night over Kansas for the team's eighth national NCAA basketball title - its first since 1998. Kentucky's top freshman, Anthony Davis, had a rough shooting night, but John Calipari coached this team to a wire-to-wire victory -a little dicey at the end - to cap a season that cried for no less than a championship for their ol' Kentucky home. •1 wanted everybody to see, we were the best team this season," said the coach who finally has the championship that eluded him for all these years. "We were the best team. fwanted this to be one for the ages."

Doron Lamb, a sophomore with first-round-draft-pick possibilities, led the Wildcats (38-2) with 22 points, including back-to-back 3-~jntgs that put them up by 16 with 10 minutes left.

The Jayhawks (32-7), kings of the comeback all season, fought to the finish and

trimmed that deficit to five with 1:37 left. But Kentucky made five free-Cluows dmtn the stretch to seal the win.

Davis' fellow lottery prospect, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, was another headliner, creating space for himself to score all 11 of his points in the first half. Davis, meanwhile, might have had the most dominating six-point night in the history of college basketball, earning the nod as the most outstanding player. He finished with 16 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and three steals - and made his only field goal with 5:13 left in the game. It was a surefire illustration of how the 6-foot-10 freshman can exert his will on a game even on a rare night when the shot isn't falling.

"Well, it's not me, it's these guys behind me," Davis said after his l-for-10 performance. "They led us this whole tournament. This whole game I was struggling offensively, and I told my team, every time down, you all score the ball; I'm just gonna defend and rebound."

So much easier when you've got teammates like this. Davis is the likely first pick in the

draft, though he said he hasn't decided yet whether he will come out, and Kidd-Gilchrist won't be far behind. Another first-round prospect, freshman Marquis Teague, had 14 points.

And yet another, sophomore Terrence Jones, had nine points, seven rebounds and two of Kentucky's 11 blocked shots. "I love the fact Anthony

Davis goes 1 for 10, and you !! all say he was biggest factor <tj game,"

said. "Hew~ 1 for 10. I asked these guys what they would do without •) See CATS, Page 9

The eerie similarities between Aggie football and basketball

The world of USU athletics was turned upside downthis season. USU i)afbaD reached,.a bowl game for the first time in years and men's basketball experienced an inarguable down year

But that wasn't what stuck out in my mind, as the men's basketball team failed to close out another dose game. The eerie similaritr of the football and men's basketbal teams stood out in my mind, despite different expectations. For Aggie football, this was supposed to be the year the program finally turned around. There was enough talent for the Aggies to make some noise and finish above .500 on the season. But the rocky start to the season put those possibilities in question.

USU just couldn't seem to finish games with losses to Auburn 38T, Colorado State (35-34 20T) and Brigham Young (27-24) early in the season. Then, midway through the season, USU suddenly figured out how to win close games. True freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton went down in the first half against Hawaii, but junior quarterback Adam Kennedy stepped up to lead the Aggies in a comeback victory which began a five-game win-

ning streak.

Each game USU won was by one score or less and required the Aggies to shut their opponents down in the final minutes of the game. USU out• lasted Idaho in overtime (49-42) and came up with big defensive stops at home against San Jose State (34-33) and Nevada (21-17).

The Aggies seemed poised to get their first-ever bowl game win since 1993 heading into the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. However, USU's. difficulty to finish close games throughout the season showed up again, and the last-second 24-23 loss to the Ohio Bobcats seemed to summarize USU's rollercoaster season.

After graduating the winningest class in USU men's basketball history, USU head coach Stew Momll knew his Aggies were in store for a possible down year with the possibility of

not finishing much better than above .500. USU started the season off by defeating in-state rival BYU before Murphy's Law seemed to take effect for the Aggies. Senior forward Brady Jardine had a freak accident, which turned into a career-ending injury.

Prior to the loss of Jardine, USU lost Junior College All-American junior forward Antonio Bumpus before he ever saw minutes as an Aggie after spending a year on the bench as a redshirt. Freshman forward Steven Thornton , left the team before the WAC season began as well - forcing USU to pull the redshirt of sophomore Danny Berger. The loss of the two players caused problems at the three position for USU all season long. Coach Morrill warned Aggie fans and others that a season would come where tnere wouldn't be 23 wins and a trip to postseason play after the WAC tournament. After USU fell to University of California, Santa Barbara, during the BracketBusters at home, the possibility of an unprec- , edented losing season seemed very well.

Somehow USU figured out how to win its final three games of the season and secure a fourth seed in the WAC

Tournament in Las Vegas. Louisiana,, Tech put an end to USU's run, but th Aggies had guaranteed themselves ; winning record with their three-gam winning streak to end the season. USU's hope for a postseason tou,-, nament came in the form of little-known and much less glamorou» Collegelnsider.com Tournament. Thlt Aggies ran the table, winning fouC: straight games to reach the champ· onship game before everything tha had made Aggie men's basketball SO" difficult and frustrating to watch - the, opposite of what they did to reach th«: final game - came back in a thre~ point loss to the Mercer Bears of th( Atlantic Sun Conference. The USU football and basketball, teams eerily both had frustrating seasons, which came back to full circle in big-time games. It's not likely to reoccur next season, but, if it does, here is to a less frustrating and a more dominating season

- Tyler Huskinson is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. He i, also a freelance writer for several publications. follow his Twitter feed @TDHuskiSports or send any comments to ty.d.hus@aggiemail.usu. · edu.

women's tennis McKenzie helped the Aggies to two victoriesUSU defeated No. 74 Santa Clara (4-3) followed by in-state rival Weber State. Davis won three of her four matches to get the team wins. Against the Broncos, Davis posted a three-set win at No. 2 singles (6-7, 6-4, 7-6 (16-14)) and teamed with junior Jaci West for an 8-7 (8-6) win at the No. 1 doubles position.

February Athlete of the Month is Rebecca Holliday

Holliday, a native of O~ange, Calif., had an all-around RQ~ of 38.400, avera9ing 38.404 this season. She posted her career-best of 38.95 th1s-Sl!ason and added a 38.900 to place 7th in the WAC Championships. She was invited to the Regional Championships by the NCAA.

Six things you won't see during this year's MLB season

Welcome to Major would still be great. League Baseball's Opening The 5. Can we please let the Series/Day/Week extrava- Rangers win the World ganza. t Series this year? It has been

If you're confused, so heartbreaking to watch am I. All I know is that them lose two years in a it's April and that means row. So, here's what needs pro baseball - even if the "''4ll"~""'l."'~""•i,~.r1.Jl',~ to happen. Either they win "Opening Series" techni- lailliiliiilrlliiiiM YIAiliiilliiilliii the World Series, or they cally started in March. don't make it to the World

Just as the icy, snow· to the World Series, after Series at all. I don't think I filled winter is finally giv- 10 straight seasons of last· could stand to watch them ing way to sun and spring place and second-to-last lose another World Series. time, you should be getting place finishes. It could hap· Has any team ever lost rid of ·those icy, snow-filled pen. three straight World Series? memories - for Rangers' 2. You have to love I didn't think so. fans it might be more like Major League Baseball for 6. I think since it's been bone-chilling, deathly and expanding the playoffs this 104 years now, it would be frostbite-encompassed season from eight teams to OK for the Chicago Cubs memories - of your team's 10 teams. The first round to win a World Series. I failures last season - except will consist of two wild-card realize that we want to let Cardinals' fans - and teams from each league the Rangers win the World replacing them with some facing off in a play-in game. Series this year, but if they warm, uplifting dreams for Sounds great, but it would don't make it to the World this season. be even better if there were Series, then let the Cubs do ft never hurts to dream a tie at the wild-card spot it. a little, right? After all, that's at the end of the regular Do you realize how the only thing that keeps season. much happier our world the Cubs' organization That way the wild-card would be if this happened? going. teams would have to play According to Facebook, With that in mind, let's a play-in game to get to the there would be at least 1.5 look at six things baseball playoffs and then another million happier Chicago fans want to happen this play-in game to advance to Cubs fans in the world; season but probably won't. the next round. It would and that doesn't take into

1. Just imagine with me be a little March Madness account all the billy goats the following introduction in October, and March that could finally live in - "Ladies and gentlemen, Madness is always a good peace; Steve Bartman could we'd like to welcome you thing. be officially pardoned; and tonight to Game 1 of the 3. Wouldn't it be fun those aforementioned fans American League Division if just for one season the wouldn't need another Series between the Los Yankees finished in last World Series win for at least Angeles Angels of Anaheim place? It would kind of 100 more years. • and your Kansas City be like Duke losing in the Let the season begin. Royals." first round of the NCAA

And no, we are not Tournament to a No. 15 talking about how ridicu· seed, only not quite as lous the Angels' name is, good.

- Spencer Wright is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. because when you have 4. Wouldn't it be great Albert Pujols you can do to have zero substance what you want. f'm talk- abuse, or accusations of ing about the Royals in the substance abuse, in Major playoffs. Too much of a League Baseball this seadream? For everyone out· son? I know, I know, it's less side of Kansas City, maybe likely than the Yankees finso; but don't forget that the ishing in last and the Royals Tampa Bay Rays made it making the playoffs, but it

He supports Manchester United and hopes to live long enough to see the Cubs win a World Series. Send any comments to eliason.wright3@aggiemail. usu.edu

DENVER - Brittney Griner and Baylor left no doubt they're head and shoulders above any team in the country. In fact, they're perfect. Griner had 26 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks to lead Baylor to a dominating 80-61 victory over Notre Dame in the NCAA women's basketball championship on Tuesday night, capping a 40-0 season for the Lady Bears. They became the seventh women's team to run through a season unbeaten and the first in

April 4, 2012

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

OurView

USU students neglect America's pastime

At the end of the 1989 classic "Field of Dreams," a man named John Kinsella walks out onto a baseball field that his son Ray built in the middle of a cornfield.

"ls this Heaven?" he says. Ray responds, "l!'s Iowa."

Heaven is what a baseball field is for many Americans, whether you're a player or a casual spectator.

Heaven is sitting on the lawn at a Cactus League Spring Training game. With a can of pop in one hand and a bag of peanuts in the other, you sit in the sunshine watching the greatest game ever played.

A few months later, the real baseball season is underway. You walk into Chase Field and are overwhelmed by the atmosphere. The swarms of fans in their favorite teams' swag, the sounds, the smells - all of your senses are activated within just a few seconds. There is no better way to spend a summer night.

Eventually, October rolls around. It's a close fight with March for being the greatest month of the year. The World Series is a classic display of athleticism, fanhood and true love of an American tradition.

We understand that in Utah we aren't fortunate enough to have a Major League team. In fact, we aren't even fortunate to have anything more than a club baseball team at USU. Maybe one day it will happen, but in the meantime you have options. Head to Salt Lake and check out the Bees. Did you even know we have a USU team? We doubt it, because a pathetically small group attends the games. They are on a 13-game winning streak and would probably love support - the same support football and basketball gets. There are three high schools in Cache Valley, all of which have baseball teams. If you're sticking around for the summer, join a rec league team in Logan or Smithfield.

Baseball is one of the many underappreciated sports at USU, while nationally, Major League Baseball is far more profitable than the National Basketball Association.

June 19, 1846, the first official baseball game was played. The New York Knickerbockers traveled across the river to Hoboken, N.J., to take on the New York Nine at Elysian Fields. It took awhile to grow, but by 1867 there were more than 400 baseball clubs scattered throughout the country. Baseball brought us legends like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Joe DiMaggio.

As they watch the ghost baseball players come onto the field, Terrence Mann turns ~o Ray Kinsella and s_ays, "The one constant through all the years has been baseball this field, this game - it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good, and it could be again. Oh, people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."

Our hope is that students will realize which USU team has been forgotten and support Aggie baseball.

Cancer studies are stacked against us

If you've consumed a bowl of salty chicken noodle soup to help a cold, you've increased your risk of stomach cancer. You also better study up on the contents of your mouthwash, because you could be sloshing a cancercausing liquid around in your mouth. Forget fighting plaque would you rather have cancer or cayities?

If you want a radiologist to inspect a fracture or broken bone, you may want to think twice, because you will increase - well, you know the rest. I don't doubt that the machines used to detect cancerous cells also cause cancer. See what I mean? All roads lead to a sanitized medical office.

It's as if we don't have 9,583 other things - tragedies, pet peeves, social injustices and personal emotions - to cope with. No, that isn't enough. Brilliant television producers, online adverti~ers and gossipy magazines - to name a few perpetrators - must run out of cynical things to talk about, so they send their researchers to work to figure out how every househotd or necessary object could possibly cause cancer.

• See SOAP BOX, Page 12

Comforting grieving nonbelievers

When I was 16 years old, a good friend's young mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer and died four months later. This was the first time I really had to confront the idea of death - until that point, dying had been something that happened to unlucky pets, great grandparents and strangers on the news. At the time, my religion was a great source of comfort and gave me the answers I needed to justify a tragedy that was otherwise unjustifiable.

Just a few weeks ago another good friend ' s even younger mother was diagnosed with the same disease. This time, my friend and I don't have a religion to buffer the 66

ing." "I wanted to slap the woman," Torrie told me, even though she knew the woman meant well. "But you know what? I didn't, because I knew my brother was dead. He was gone. And he wasn't sad; he wasn't happy. He wasn't in a better place; he wasn't in a worse place. The matter that made my brother was no longer functioning in the form that I knew as Dave." I couldn't have said it ugly reality of death. This drove me to ask the question: How do you comfort a nonbeliever who is grieving?

Although everyone deals with loss in their own way, there are some guidelines to remember and respect when comforting someone you love who does not believe in an afterlife.

The most important is that, even though a religious worldview may console you, it can come off as arrogant and insulting

Rather than offering cliche platitudes that really don't mean much, let them know you're suffering right along with them. better myself; and when this is what you believe - tliat death in its finality is not to be assuaged by ideas of afterlife - there are clearly much better things to say than the woman in Torrie's example.

-LizBmery

when used to comfort someone who does not share those beliefs. This may sound strange, but if you're religious, imagine a nonbeliever trying to comfort you by saying, "I know you ' ll never see them again." You'd feel awful, right? The same idea works conversely by saying, "I know you'll see thern again " to a non-believing person.

A woman named Torrie shared with me her reaction when her brother committed suicide and a congregation member trying to comfort her told her, "He is not in a happy place right now. He is still suffer-

A wonderful article on alternet.org called "When it's Not God's Plan: 8 Things to Say to Grieving Nonbelievers," has some great ideas, the most popular simply being, "I am so sorry."

No wordiness, no creativity, just plain and simple human empathy.

Another suggestion is to just say "This sucks," because it does suck; no matter how you deal with death, it's hard to avoid the cold, hard fact that we suffer when someone we love dies. Rather than offering cliche platitudes that really don ' t mean much, let them know you're suffering right along with them.

Share stories of good times about the deceased; ask how you can help, with the

• See LIZZEN UP, Page 12

•

• All

cy or

to

for

of

or

of

• Letters must be topic oriented. They may not be directed toward individuals. Any letter directed to a specific individual may be edited or not printed.

• No anonymous letters will be published. Writers must sign all letters and include a phone number or e-mail address as well as a student identification number (none of which is published). Letters will not be printed without this verification.

• Letters representing groups - or more than one individual - must have a singular representative clearly stated, with all necessary identification information.

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• Letters can be hand delivered or mailed to The Statesman in the TSC, Room 105, or can be e-mailed to statesman@aggiemail usu. edu, or click on www. utahstatesman.com for more letter guidelines and a box to submit letters.

•)From SOAP BOX, Page 11

Did you know the metallic particles in your deodorant could give you breast cancer? How did the Food and Drug Administration let that product get through? Easy. A lot of the outrageous media we digest is bogus. After the toxic antiperspirant theory came out, the National Cancer Institute released an official explanation stating no evidence shows this fun fact has any validity. Don't worry, everyone. You don't have to carry on like cave people.

Even wine, an alcoholic beverage containing antioxidants that many studies say has multiple health benefits will also cause cancer. How does it make sense that our use of a product must be gauged by considering health benefits versus cancer? Tuesday morning, a news story showed that eating fried food on a regular basis - if fried in the right oil - may lead to obesity, but is otherwise not as harmful as many thought. I'm sure this news about fried foods will be a free pass for some to take out their deep fryers again. Why don't the people investing their time in these absurd studies spend more time trying to find cures for cancer?

Say every cancer study that comes out is factual. What is the purpose of publicizing a study that shows •)From LIZZEN UP, Page 11

mobile devices emit radiation that provokes cancercausing cells in the brain? For those who actually believe this is a serious cause of cancer, they won't be able to set up a doctor's appointment to check for cancer because they'll have thrown their cell phones over a bridge. I once met a woman who only used her cell phone's "speaker" feature to talk on her phone. She told me she was decreasing the risk of absorbing harmful radiation by holding the phone further from her head. I imagine the jokers who come out with these studies are laughing hysterically in their offices about their plight to let everyone know their phone will give them cancer, and at the same time canceling out the most popular mode of communication used to receive medical assistance.

Everyone in the U.S. knows someone who has or once had cancer. If they don't know someone with cancer, they know someone who knows someone with cancer. It's a distressing an rampant illness that causes widespread fear. I think it's a sick joke that outrageous studies with little backing are advertised regularly. Information about life-threatening illnesses should only be broadcast by professional health institutions that have no intention to dramatize.

sincere intent to do dishes, for a week if that's what it takes. Or better yet, don't say anything and just listen. Companionship goes a long way when alleviating the stark loneliness of grief.

When it really comes down to it, none of us know what happens when we die. We believe, we hope, we resign ourselves to reality; and in the end, we all deal with it in the way we know best.

Druyan, the wife of the late astronomer and agnostic Carl Sagan, wrote beautifully about death when she lost her husband:

"Carl faced his death with unflagging courage and never sought refuge in illusions. The tragedy was that we knew we would never see each other again for nearly 20 years we lived with a vivid appreciation of how brief and precious life is

Cancer is dramatic enough without increasing paranoia. In order to beat the odds that each of us face in regard to developing cancer, we need to also be able to predict the exact amount of a food source or product we can use, including red meat, potato chips and toothpaste. It's impossible to win, especially considering how many seemingly healthy individuals have to fight cancer. Our health all comes down to doing what our mothers taught us to doeat a balanced diet, exercise multiple times per week and never use anything in excess. It's no use being overly concerned about exposing ourselves to products that may give us cancer, because even if we aren't concerned, our risk is still present. Now, I'm not promoting hedonism, but don't waste your time panicking. We do enough of that. Enjoy all the things life has to offer, but know your limits. Lead a generally healthy life, but feel free to consume red meat if you enjoy it and, for heaven's sake, please continue brushing your teeth.

- Catherine Bennett is editor in chief of The Utah Statesman. Comments on her column may be sent to statesmanoffice@aggiemail. usu.edu.

I don't think I'll ever see Carl again We found each other in the cosmos, and that was wonderful."

Among the atheists and agnostics I've had conversations with at USU, the overwhelming sentiment concerning death is not of sadness, but of hope and happiness.

Rather than waiting for an afterlife to provide the comforts of paradise, these people focus on creating a piece of heaven on earth. After all, there really is nothing better we can do to prepare for death.

Liz Emery is a senior majoring in

with a

Her column is

Argyle Sweater

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 supply 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 fave! Winner will receive a restaurant gift certificate! Here are the gags received for this week's cartoon:

"Yep it's defin itely a girl "

"Boy, Dr Samuels, you rea lly had us worried when you said you wanted to be 'youth' anised!"

"Ha ha ha! Now that h is t ransformation is comp let e, stealing Eugene's discovery will be like tak ing a form ula fro m a baby!"

"Do you think we should have potty trained the boy firs t?"

From that point forwar d, they never complai ned abou t 'Bring your kid to work" day.

G Q FI G U R E ! by Linda Thi st le

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at

Wednesday April 4

Today is Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Today*s issue ofThe Utah Statesman 1s dedicated to Laura Petersen, a speech language pathology major from Kearns Utah.

· Almanac in Hist ry: on artin as while the · e his oomat otel in nessee. ounced nval spiars

Thursday April 5

Friday April 6

USU Last Lecture

Since 1976, USU Honors students have selected a professor who has made a memorable impact on the university. This year, the Utah State University Honors Program presents: Dr. John C. Allen, Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, professor of sociology. Dean Allen's Last Lecture, "The Role of Community in a Civil Society." Join us on Wednesday, April 4, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the TSC West Ballroom. Free and open to the public.

Accounting Information Session on Wednesday, Apr 04 - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about the many opportunities available with an accounting degree. The Quigley Ambassadors will discuss the accounting major, career opportunities, dubs and more. Refreshments will be served. All interested students are invited to attend.

The CPD's faculty fellows are people from outside the CPD who help continue its mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We will honor them in a reception on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in CPD Room 173. Light refreshments will be served.

Common Ground is going canoeing on Wednesday, April 4 at 4 p.m. Common Ground takes weekly canoeing trips to Benson Marina or First Dam up Logan Canyon. Activity fee is $3. Common Ground is a non-profit organization that provides outdoor recreation for people with disabilities. To sign up for this activity as a participant or volunteer, request transportation or to learn about other activities, call 713-0288. Nature Night 4.7 p.m. Stokes Nature Center 2696 East Highway 89 Logan

You Need to Know: Canyon, UT. Join Stokes Nature Center on the first Wednesday of every month for family-friendly nature fun! We'll keep our doors open late and provide a chance to explore and learn with a different theme each month Activities are ongoing,.drop in anytime. All ages are welcome '90s dance free to all students on Wednesday, Apr 04 - 8:30 to Noon. The '80s are out, the '90s in! Come Enjoy free food and games while you jam out to the music of our childhood. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed dancers! The Alumni House is in between Old Main and the TLC...just follow the music. Entrepreneurship Week Student Business Expo, BMX Entertainment, and Raffle Friday, Apr 06 - 11 to 3 p.m. Grab some cheap food and check out student and community businesses at the Entrepreneurship Week Business Expo. Make sure to bring your passport to exchange for raffle tickets and enter for a chance to win $2,000 in prizes. Prizes include an iPad 3, GoPro camera, gift cards, and more. Elevator Pitch and 72-liour Competition winners will be announced at 2 p.m. Raffle prize winners will be drawn shortly after. The Access and Diversity it soliciting nominations for our Diversity Awards. You can view the award categories and nomination requirements on the Access and Diversity website. Please mail nominations to the Access and Diversity Center, TSC Room 315 Attention: Lori Wood or email lori.wood@aggiemail.usu.edu. Nominations dates are March 21-April 7, 2012. Awarded candidates will be recognized during the Access and Diversity Awards Dinner on April 28, 2012 in the TSC Ballroom.