J. Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture, spoke concerning the phrase spoken by Christ in the Bible, "Whom say man that I am?"
Barlow cited examples of different ways Christ has been regarded.
"He became a superstar of the hippies. After all, he wore a robe, he wore sandals, he wore a beard, he wore long hair, and he said 'peace' a lot."
The influence of Christ, he said, has influenced the world s much that people may miss the real Christ by "projecting our own cultural image onto him."
He quoted author Franz Kafka, who said, "Christ is an abyss of light. One must close one's eyes, lest one falls into it."
"The world does need women and men who discern the abyss of light it needs men and women who are willing to fall into that light," Barlow said to close his portion of the presentation.
Jason Barbieri, of the Utah State Navigators, an interdenominational Christian group •) See RELIGIOUS, Page 3
First Earth Week promotes sustainability
BY ARIANNA REES staff writer
The first-ever Earth Week at USU begins Monday, hosted by Student Sustainability, giving students an opportunity to interact with and learn more about the environment.
Blake Thomas, Natural Resources senator in the Academic Senate, said the week's goal is to raise student awareness of sustainability efforts and change their opinions about them.
"It's just a constant reminder of what we do to the environment and the earth each day and ways that we can minimize that impact," Thomas said. "I feel like individual efforts are important, but that ultimately won't solve sustainability problems. It requires much larger thinking and groups of people."
Thomas said he hopes the week will increase the number of students working together to solve sustainability problems.
"We just want to have a community on campus that supports that movement and see how far we can basically spread those ideas," he said.
Roslynn Brain, an assistant professor involved with sustainable communities, said the week was planned in collaboration between the Student Sustainability Office and the sustainable living class at USU.
"We had a goal of doing a weeklong event that participants who come to any one or combination of events will walk away from having made a lasting impact on sustainability," Brain said.
Brain said the goal of the event is "one week - lasting change," and there will be many fun activities for students to enjoy.
Earth Week runs from April 9-13, and each day is themed with different and specific sustainability topics. Brain said one of the biggest highlights of the week is Food Day on Thursday.
•) See EARTH, Page 2
Engineers excel in concrete canoe, bridge building Club
takes first overall in regional
conference
BY ROUCHELLE BROCKMAN news senior writer
After paddling a lighterthan-water concrete canoe and assembling a 22-foot steel bridge, a USU engineering club finished first overall for the second consecutive year at the American Society of Civil Engineers Rocky Mountain
Conference held March 29-31 at the University of Wyoming.
The USU chapter of the ASCE won first place in the concrete canoe competition, beating teams from South Dakota, New Mexico and all states in between.
The canoe competition was based on four criteria: a technical paper, an oral presentation, a final display and five races.
The USU canoe team took first place in three of these criteria, giving it a six-point edge over the second-place team, Colorado State, said Mitch Dahling, a
junior studying civil engineering and concrete canoe team captain.
The concrete canoe floated because it was made with a type of cement that uses glass rather sand as a filler he said. The 18-foot canoe weighed 130 pounds and was a half-inch thick - a vast improvement from the team's massive 317pound boat from last year, Dahling said.
He said, according to competition requirements, the canoe "had to pop back out of the water after being fully
submerged."
"Sinking is always kind of a concern," he said. "But we wear life jackets, and we've never sank in the past."
The water in the reservoirnear the University of Wyoming - where the races were held was 60 degrees. The team took first place in the men's and women's sprint and endurance races and took third in the co-ed sprint.
"We accidentally tipped a little and took in a bit of water, •> See ENGINEERS, Page 2
New craft festival benefits school in India
BY ARIANNA REES
not," he said. Many Indian families make enormous sacrifices to put their children in school, because they realize education is the only way to lift their children out of poverty, Warnick said.
The free event was held in the Logan Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. USU students and Cache Valley residents participated.
• From Page 1
Earth Week explores religion, vegetarianism and sustainability
"We're having the first farmers' market of the year right here on USU campus," Brain said.
From 10-2 p.m., students can buy local produce on the Quad from dozens of vendors. Members of the entire community, not just students, are invited to shop at the market.
Between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, students will also have
• • the opportunity to attend a presentation by Christopher Forester, from UVU, entitled "Should Mormons Be Vegetarians?"
Thursday night is a seminar about cooking with local foods, hosted by Tamara Steinitz from the • department of nutrition, dietetics and food science. Free samples will be available at the seminar, which will be held in the Family Life kitch-
• From Page 1
ens in NFS 208 and 210. Brain said the capacity 1s 75, so participants will be ch~ first-come-firstserve basis.
Monday is Land Day, featuring recycling education as well as a free store on the TSC Patio, where students can collect donated items by other students at no cost.
Thomas, who oversees student research and programs in the Student Sustainability Office, said a free Reduce, Reuse and Rock concert will be held af'Tf,.m. Monday in the TSC Auditorjl..\lP, featuring Joca I band Uncommon Collective.
Kristin Ladd, a graduate instructor in the English department, oversees campus outreach in the Student Sustainability Office.
"We wanted to start the event
with an evening event that's more fun," Ladd said. "It's not a panel or anything, it's just music, and students can come and just hang out and celebrate sustainability."
Students can buy reusable water bottles for Water Day on Tuesday at the TSC Patio. A screening of the documentary "Tapped" will be held at 7 p.m., followed by a Q-and-A session with a panel of experts.
Wednesday is Air Day, and Ladd said students can participate in a foke paracf'e that will start at I 1:30 a.m. in front of Aggie Blue Bikes, next to the Nelson Fieldhouse, and end at tlie new Agricultural Sciences Building, which will be open for a tour at noon.
Thomas said the ride is not a race, and beginners as well as bike
enthusias,ts are encouraged to come. The main goal, he said, is to promote fresh-air activities and Aggie Blue Bikes' free three-month bike rentals. Other events will be held throughout the day.· The week will culminate with a combined-theme sustainability fair on the TSC Patio with free giveaways Friday. The winner of The New iPad survey and drawing conducted last week by the council will also be announced at 11:30 a.m.
Thomas saicl the events cater to every student and hopefully every student can make time for them. For what is 'being provided, it will be worth the time, he said.
"It's all been programmed on such a small budget," Thomas said. "Ultimately, the only money from
the Student Sustainability Office that's being invested in this is the minimal cost of printing posters for the event. Otherwise, funding has come through Dr. Brain, which is still a minimal of that."
Planning, designs and artwork provided throughout the event were all done by students, Ladd said.
Student suggestions are more than welcome, because planners are hoping the week will be an annual event, she said. "If any students have a passion for something and want to bring more to the table or know somebody or have a great idea, we're completely open to that," she said.
ariwrees@gmail.com
-
Engineers invite students of all disciplines to help concrete
which slowed us down," The canoe team will be
According to the Dahling said. attending the ASCE National University of Wyoming's
The canoe, which the Concrete Canoe Competition engineering website, USU team dubbed "Old Ephraim," on June 14-16 in Reno, Nev. took first place in the also took first place in the Dahling said the club is stiffness category with its final display portion of • multidisciplinary, and any bridge sagging .585 inches. the competition. Dahling students interested in par- The second-place team, the said this victory could be ticipating on the team next Colorado School of Mines, attributed in part to Zach year should contact him. sagged nearly an inch. Scott, a student majoring For the steel bridge com- USU took second place in landscape architecture ponent of the competition, in the assembly speed and design who painted the 14 club members took third category, constructing its canoe with murals of Cache place overall, beating nine bridge in about 10 minutes, Valley. other teams, including the plus a two-minute pen-
The 24-member canoe University of Utah. alty, Cunningham said. The crew has been working on This competition is third-place team, Colorado this project since August, scored by three criteria: the School of Mines, constructed Dahling said. The team met bridge's weight, assembly its bridge in 19 minutes, the weekly over the course of speed and how much the website stated. the year and practiced at bridge sags after being The team took third place First Dam at the mouth of loaded with more than in the weight category with Logan Canyon, he said. 2,000 pounds, said Bryant its bridge weighing 256
BYU constructed the lightest bridge - 160 pounds - at the competition, according to the website. The fourth-place team, the University of New Mexico, constructed a bridge weighing nearly 900 pounds. Cunningham said the team is looking for donations so it can attend the ASCE National Steel Bridge Competition in ISouth Carolina on May 24-25. He said interested donors could contact him.
"We learned a lot from designing and manufacturing this bridge," he said. "We can definitely modify and improve it before going to nationals."
"We've literally put Cunningham, a senior pounds plus a 300-pound thousands of hours into this studying civil engineering penalty for the bridge being - rouchelle.brockman@ USU'S ASCE CHAPTER BUILT a canoe with lightweight conproject," he said. "But it's so and the captain of the steel incorrectly positioned, aggiemail.usu.edu crete to compete in regional and national races. USU student Zach much fun. " Cunni·ngham sa,·d. Scott painted the canoe with scenes inspired by Cache
Valley.
April 9, 2012
•) From Page 1
Religious leaders share views of Christ during Easter program
on campus, took the stand next. He spoke of miracles performed by Christ, as recorded in the Bible.
"Anyone who has spent time reading through the gospels knows that they are just chock-full of Jesus doing the phenomenal," Barbieri said.
Barbieri said the variety and
magnitude of Jesus' miracles included healing the blind, raising the dead, walking on water, calming storms, healing the lame and feeding more than 5,000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish.
"It is important that we recognize that these miracles were
of Religion on Friday. DELAYNE LOCKE photo
• From Page 2 Spring Fest banks on local affinity for crafts Spring Fests to earn money for nonprofit organizations.
"(Cache Valley locals) like the idea of craft fairs, they like coming to this type of thing," Maxfield said. "If we do it in the future years, we'll continue to spread, we'll get more and more people involved, and we'll have a greater turnout."
Tolson said he encourages anyone with ·a product to promote it at festivals such as Spring Fest.
"If you've got a product or something, and you want to get it in front of people, why not go out and just do it?" Tolson said. "Find as many events as you can and go to them - talk to everybody. That's the
Maxfield
"Once we start getting into college, we start branching out," Maxfield said "We're not so - for lack of a better word - helpless in this world. We have the power to start branching out and making a difference in the world.
"I think that - especially for studentssomething like this is a good way to give back and start getting involved, whether it be by making a donation or even starting your own business and having a booth here."
Jensen said anybody interested in donating can email the Huntsman Scholar presidency or go to Room 309 in the George S. Eccles Business Building for more information. - ariwrees@gmail.co111
PoliceBlotter
Tuesday, April 3
important," he said. "They were not done merely for entertainment value. The miracles were done with deliberate intentionality. These miracles touched people in immensely powerful ways. The miracles that Jesus did revealed a glorious God of love who is near to the broken."
He explained how the miracles strengthened and solidified the teachings of Christ.
"They were to shine the light on who Jesu·s Christ really was," Barbieri said. "To make it clear to mankind, 'Hey wake up. Don't miss this.'"
Barbieri said Christ's resurrection was his greatest miracle.
"Without the resurrection, there would be no real validation that Christ's sacrifice for our sins was in fact successful," Barbieri said. "A dead Jesus who stays dead is not a true source of help."
Each of the speakers was presented a journal by LDSSA
President Danny Noall. Noall thanked everyone in the audience for making time to attend to hear his feelings on Christ.
"I absolutely know that he
lives," Noall said. "I pray that each of us today have come a little bit closer to him, and that we might remember him a little bit more this weekend."
Darrell Simmons, president of the Logan Young Single Adult 1st
Stake, was the final speaker for the evening.
He started his address with a poem, entitled "A Touch of the Master's Hand," which relates the story of an old violin that had been dusted off and played by a master violinist in front of an auction, which greatly changed its worth to those bidding on the item.
"The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the very heart of the gospel. It finetunes us much like the 'Touch of the Master's Hand,"' Simmons said. "Christ completed the great atoning sacrifice that was given to Him by His Father with these words, 'It is finished.' May the Lord finish us through His Atonement."
Simmons said the multi-faith Easter event was a unique one.
"Many of us come from different faiths, but we come here to build bridges of understanding, to feel of each other's love and common belief in the Son of God, to hear perspective and testimony," Simmons said.
Musical numbers were performed throughout the program by the University Chorale and Latterday Saints Voices.
"This the beginning of what could be a huge event," Simmons said. "I hope I live long enough to see this in the Spectrum." - keithjjackman@gmail.com
Campus & Community
USU Allies present local LGBT research
Allies on Campus will host USU's first event focusing on research that explores issues relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues with a research fair.
The fair will be held from 2-4 p.m. Tuesday in the TSC International Lounge.
An Allies on Campus spokesperson said the group decided to organize the fair for the first time this year because of the growth in LGBTrelated research being conducted on campus.
"We were all aware of great research efforts taking place all across campus," said Allies Steering Committee Chair Renee Galliher. "It seemed like a wonderful opportunity to really showcase some of this work and encourage other members of the campus community to explore issues relevant to the LGBT community.'"
The event will feature poster presentations of research conducted by USU faculty, staff, and both graduate and undergraduate students.
Steven Camicia, assistant professor in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, will give a keynote address at 3 p.m., titled "An Ethics of Recognition in Qualitative Educational Research." The event is free and open to members of the public.
Professor presents in summer institute
USU classics professor Mark L. Darnen was selected to participate in the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute MARKDAMEN "Roman Comedy in Performance" at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. The 2012 NEH Summer Scholars program brings together leading experts in the field to practice scholarship through performance. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Norm Jones, head of USU's history department. "Individuals are not allowed to participate in more than one NEH Institute. Right now, Mark is working on a book on ancient theater, so this falls right into the world he operates in."
• Police responded to three suspicious juveniles loitering in the Innovation Campus area. Police made contact with the juveniles and learned that the individuals were in the area just to waste time. The individuals left the area without any further actions.
• USU Police stopped a vehicle for a traffic offense. The driver was found to have a warrant for her arrest for an outstanding traffic violation. When the driver was told this, she reportedly became very emotional and had a panic attack. Logan EMS was contacted and responded. The driver was taken to Logan Regional Hospital for medical evaluation. Due to length of time that the driver was going to be in the hospital for medical evaluation, she was issued a traffic citation and advised that she needed to contact the Logan Municipal Court when she is released from t~e hospital regarding the warrant.
\
• USU Police responded to a vehicle accident that occurred the day earlier in the Orange Parking lot, west of the Fine Arts Building. Reportedly, the complainant discovered the damage after leaving the university but found a note from a witness who saw the accident. Police were able to locate the driver of the suspect vehicle and are investigating.
• USU Police responded to Edith Bowen School where a bird was reported to be stuck inside. Police could not locate the bird, but will follow up in the days to come to see if the bird comes out from hiding.
• USU Police received a delayed report of a fire in a lab in the Nutrition and Food Sciences Building. The fire was contained to the hood it was under and was put out by a quick-thinking student with a fire extinguisher.
• USU Police responded to the Lund Hall tunnel on an emergency phone notification. Police arrived and found the alarm to be an electrical problem that Facilities was working on.
Wednesday, April 4
• USU Police received a delayed report of a fire in the outdoor cigarette receptacle. A fire extinguisher was used to put the fire out. The fire marshal
Contact USU Police at 797-1939 for non-emergencies.
Anonymous reporting line: 797-5000 EMERGENCY NUMBER: 911 was notified.
• USU Police responded to a report of a vehicle blocking the loading dock of the TSC, preventing a delivery truck from entering the receiving area. The driver of the vehicle was located and the vehicle was moved.
• Police filed a report for property lost in the Spectrum. The complainant said he left his dark blue, three-quarter length jacket in the Spectrum while attending a church function in January. Police contacted the event staff for the Spectrum, and they informed the police that they do not have the complainant's jacket.
Thursday, April 5
• While investigating a suspicious incident at the Living Learning Center, USU Police made contact with three individuals, one of which gave police false personal information. Because the individual voluntarily corrected the information, he was released with a warning that providing false information is a crime.
• USU Police responded to Stadium Drive bus stop 13 for a report of a subject hitting another person. This investigation is ongoing.
•)Compiled by Steve Kent
Darnen has been named a USU Mortar Board Outstanding Professor three times and received the Carnegie Foundation's CASE Teacher of the Year Award for Utah in 1999. His work has been published in publications, such as "Classical Journal," "Classical World" and "Theatre Journal." Later this year, an article he co-authored with a USU student will appear in the "American Journal of Philology."
Common Literature selection announced
The USU Common Literature Experience invites campus and community members to join incoming students in reading "The Beast in the Garden," by David Baron. Now in its 10th year, USU sponsors the Common Literature Experience to bring students, faculty, staff, and Cache Valley community members together in reading a common book.
Baron will speak at a free convocation at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 25, in the Kent Concert Hall. This year's literature committee chose "The Beast in the Garden" for • its balanced discussion of the complex environmental issues related to human and wildlife interaction.
An article in the April 4 edition of The Utah Statesman quoted ASUSU President Erik Mikkelsen as saying ASUSU plans to install TV monitors in campus restrooms. However, no such plans are in development.
DARRELL SIMMONS, PRESIDENT of the Logan YSA 1st Stake, offers his remarks as the final speaker of the Celebration of Christ at the LDS Institute
Weather takes a turn in time for Baby Animal Days
BY TAVIN STUCKI sports editor
Strollers lined the fences of animal pens as families waited in queue to board a miniature train. Several women were seen cooing at and talking to the piglets - the phrase "so cute" was said often.
One father bleated at a sheep while holding his child on his shoulders at. Little girls shrieked as boys pointed in awe at the abundance of animal droppings. Tiny goats huddled together in the corner of their wooden pen and flinched every time a curious child bumped the gate.
These were all common sights and sounds at the American West Heritage Center during Baby Animal Days on Saturday.
The sky was sunny - a contrast to the snow Friday.
The event featured many farm animals historically common in American farms, but the three-monthold brown bears in the Bear World exhibit were the favorite for several visitors.
Kimberli Robison, a resident of Richmond and attendee at Baby Animal Days, said the event was better this year than last.
"We didn't have to wait in line for two hours," she said of the wait to see the cubs. "I look forward to the bears."
Two of Robison's chil-
dren, Natali ~nd Leasa, also liked the bearcubs.
"They were cute and cuddly," said 8-year-old Natali. "They l~.ok hyper, running around.
"They were so cute," said 5-year-old Leasa. "I like the brown one."
The bears weren't the only small, fuzzy attraction.
The park also featured a two-week-old holstein calf that appeared it had just recently learned to walk. There were also tiny swimming turtles, several piglets, dozens of goats and rabbits, and scores of chicks and ducklings.
One of the red-eared slider turtles on display was 1-year-old and about the size of an adult human hand. All the rest of the turtles were one-week-old and not much bigger than a silver dollar.
"My kids like the turtles," Kimberli Robison said. "We have turtles at home, but they're not as cute as these ones."
Baby Animal Days also featured a carousel with ponies tied to it, which allowed children to ride them - the favorite of 7-year-old Cassidy Greenwood.
"We got to ride (the ponies)," she said, adding that she also enjoyed petting them. Cassidy's 10-year-old sister Charly said she liked the pony ride, but it wasn't her favorite thing to do.
When asked what she liked best about Baby Animal Days, Charly said, "Usually the whole farm, because it's got lots of things for people to do."
Elsewhere in the park, 6-year-old Jonah Negus said he liked all the baby animals, but he liked the "plain old b(l.by cows," mostly because he got to pet them, he said.
Jonah's father, Ben Negus, a resident of Garden City, said his children enjoyed the event.
"It's been pretty good," he said. "It's mainly for the kids. We just barely found out there are bears here."
Bill Varga, executive director of the American West Heritage Center, said some attendees might not have seen the bears this year.
"People come here because of the bears," Varga said. "The whole thing wouldn't have run if we didn't have collaborators."
One collaborator is the USU Charter Credit Union, which helped foot the bill to bring the bears to Logan.
"It's definitely the most popular exhibit here," said James Boyd, USU Charter Credit Union vice president of Marketing. "With this exhibit we've been able to help double the attendance at Baby Animal Days. It's bringing in a lot of people." •) See PARENTS, Page 5
Frats and sororities dance for charity as 'Heroes and Villains'
BY NADIAH JOHAR! staff writer
The dimly lit ballroom was filled with loud cheers and applause as figures wearing glow-in-the-dark jackets chanted, moved in synchrony and stomped in rhythm on the wooden stage, which echoed throughout the room. These are the men of Psi Sigma Phi Multicultural fraternity.
The 11th annual Step Show with its theme, "Heroes and Villains," is an event jointly hosted by Theta Nu Xi and Psi Sigma Phi to bring together organizations to showcase step routines. Astep routine is a dance made up of rhythmic hand claps, stomps and chants with music added to it, Kaho Fiefia, a senior majoring in marketing and president of Psi Sigma Phi. said.
"It's something that has been done as part of Greek organizations back east where our organizations originated from," Fiefia said. "It is the biggest Greek event that happens (at USU). We have more people attend this event than any other Greek event, and we raise the most money for our philanthropies."
Theta Nu Xi will donate proceeds to Girls For A Change. Fiefia said a portion of the money will benefit a USU student who must undergo a lung transplant. The remainder ofthe money raised will be
donated by Psi Sigma Phi to the Multicultural Center of Cache Valley. Organizations and dubs that performed during the event included Vilociti, Sigma Chi, Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Delta, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Delta Sigma Phi, the Black Student Union, Psi Sigma Phi and Theta Nu Xi. Fiefia said the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity could not perform this year because of its suspension, although its members have performed in previous years.
Benjamin Gary Rasmussen, a junior majoring in finance and economics and president of new fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, received the most applause from the audience at the end of the dance off.
Rasmussen said fraternity members worked on a routine in preparation for the Step Show, but some members couldn't perform. However he said, they will perform at next year's show.
"People can expect a fraternity that's colonized and ready to go and be part of the Greek community," Rasmussen said.
Fiefia said the event used to be a competition, but participants became too competitive, so organizers decided to alter the way it was done.
"So we changed it to a showcase where we wanted people to still feel like it was competitive in the sense that they want to be better than the other groups, but we didn't give out an award, because then people will get angry at the judges or for other little things."
Sigma Phi Epsilon member Garrett Erickson, a junior majoring in marketing and Spanish, said his group practiced more than three days to prepare He said they had to correct many problems while practicing. His group's theme was Joker,
shorts and dark shoes," she said. "We have some shirts designed for us, and it's just our letters on the front with a lightning bolt down it for Hercules, and it has 'Step Show' on it to basically represent this year."
First time steppers from Vilociti dance company performed their soldier theme wearing camouflage pants combat boots and white tank tops.
Sigma Chi chose a cowboy theme, and Superman was the theme chosen by Kappa Delta Kappa Delta sorority President Kayleigh Shaughnessy, a junior majoring in exercise science, said her group incorporated the sorority's history, symbols and sisterhood in its chants to reveal fun facts about the sorority. They also invited Kappa Delta's favorite man, also known as the "Daggerman," to perform with them.
"It's really fun to build our sisterhood as well as building unity with other chapters," she said.
Psi Sigma Phi also dedicated a step routine to Trayvon Martin, who was recently shot and killed in Florida At the end of the show, Theta Nu Xi's new members were' revealed when they removed the masks they .wo,:e during their step routine.
Laurel Lynn Humble, a sophomore majoring in professional writing, said she'd never felt better than when she was revealed as a new · member of Theta Nu Xi Humble went through the recruitment process for both the National Panhellenic Conference and the National Multicultural Greek Council and said both P,rocess are significantly different.
"With the National Panhellenic Conference, you meet the girls, you're in it you learn about it, then you go through ritual," she said. "With the National Multicultural Greek Council, it's almost the · opposite of that. You get to know the girls first, then you go through the intake proces~, and then people don't find out you're in it until you emerge." · '
Although the show went longer than expected, Daryn Frischknecht a sophomore majoring in marketing who attended last year's Step Show, said Psi Sigma Phi's step routine was her favorite because the group seemeq most prepared and did a great job. ' "This year is a lot better," she said. "The sororities and fraternities were better prepared this year."
Phyllis Shaughnessy, Kayleigh 5haugnessy's mother, said this is the first time she's attended the event.
"These groups are very united, and they've got some very strong bonds. It's fun to see them working together on such an interesting project," she said. · · Adrienne Bingham, a freshman majoring in business, said she's' planning to come again to year's event.
"This is awesome " Bingham said. "Those people who might have negative outlooks on Greeks, I think they just have to give them a chance. That (Step Show) would be a great way to get to know what the Greek is all about."
- nadiah.johari@aggiemail.usu.edu
CHILDREN
One Stage combines USU dance teams
BY NADIAH JOHARI staff writer
Party Rock, Broadway, Seven Nation Army, flashy costumes, Florence and The Machine, Twilight and a grand, emotional finale are some of the things that can be expected from the upcoming One Stage performance presented by campus dance troupes Full Circle, Vilociti and My Bad Crew.
"It is called One Stage because we are highlighting all sorts of different types of dance and styles ofdance," said Krissy Fry, artistic director and founder of the USU dance com!J>anies. "The thing that's really unique about four companies is we all donate our time. They don't get scholarships, we do all of our own fundraising. So it's really just about celebrating the passion that we all have for dance."
Currently in its fifth season, Fry said the Ievent is held every spring as the final perfor1 mance of the year put together by the dance companies.
Fry founded Full Circle dance company
f five years ago, she said. Vilociti was founded a 1 year after Full Circle started and My Bad Crew Istarted last semester.
f "I started the companies because I was a 1 dancer that was stuck here at Utah State and : felt like I had nowhere to go," she said. "When f I was a student, I started the dance companies ~tto give other dancers who wanted to continue 1 their passion for the art somewhere to go."
i Lindsey Mickelsen, a sophomore majoring in social work who is also assistant director of Full Circle dance company, said she choreo- 1graphed a few of the dance routines for the 1,show.
f She also said some of the hardest aspects tof rehearsing for the show include being frusrtrated with others because everyone is restless.
1 Dancers also get incredibly tired from long I hours of practicing, she said.
J For the past couple weeks the groups have : been practicing from 3-10 p.m. without dinner breaks, she said.
"My body feels like it's going to fall apart,"
: she said. "It's really emotionally and physically ; demanding to be here such late nights all the time, especially with school and finals coming up."
Brett "Soda" George, a senior majoring in liberal arts and assistant director from the street-style dance company, My Bad Crew, said taging is one of the problems dancers encounter during rehearsals.
"You have a set of moves and you try to
•) From Page 4
USU DANCE TEAMS FULL CIRCLE, VILOCITI
their final performace of the
make the people line up in the way that you thought they would," George said. "Well, that lineup takes a lot more time than you normally would think."
He said although the dance companies at the university are getting bigger and better, USU still doesn't have a dance program.
"More and more people keep asking 'Why don't we have a dance program?' Well, (One Stage) is a direct grassroots response to that and to the university," he said. "We have dancers here and whether or not you have a program for us, we will continue to do this. But we hope that it leads to a program in the future."
He said the first semester working with My Bad Crew was rough, because organizers were tr.ying to make their vision known, He said it was hard because dancers weren't prepared for shows, since freestyle, breakdancing and street style take a longer time to learn, and they did not have enough time to train in those styles.
As a result, they were stuck in choreography when they actually have to train da~cers, he
said. However, he thinks everything will go a lot smoother with a more rigorous trial process next year, he said.
For One Stage, My Bad Crew will perform two pop pieces, something that has never been done before, George said. The group will also perform dance routines using music by Missy Elliot and Shiny Toy Guns, as well as an oldschool funk locking piece.
"Since we're the newest group, we have the least amount of numbers in the show," he said.
"But we are very confident that we're going to steal the show."
Natalie Miller, assistant director from the choreographed hip-hop dance company, Vilociti, said there are members from both Vilociti and My Bad Crew who move back and forth between both dance companies.
"It was controversial at the beginning because we did cut them from Vilociti, and they didn't initially make the team," said Miller, a senior majoring in human movement science. "If they can prove that they can keep up with Vilociti, then we let them dance with
Parents enjoy baby animals alongside children
Jody Robison, a seasoned Bear World volunteer and volunteer at Baby Animal Days, said the cubs are used to being around humans.
"Our bears don't develop aggressive attitudes toward people because they're around us all the time," Jody Robison said. "Twenty-four hours a day we're with them for the first four !llOnths. We have physical contact with them for the first year. They think of us as family."
The six bears at Baby Animal Days were each three months old. Jody Robison said there is a short time window in which the cubs can be shown in exhibits like Baby Animal Days.
"When they're 3, we put them in the adult population," Jody Robison said.
Stacy Egley, a member of the park's pioneer staff, said she helped raise some of the animals on display.
"They're all from here on the farm," Egley said. "We breed them and raise them with our staff year-round."
Egley said though Baby Animal Days is geared toward children, parents also enjoy the park.
us." She said she hasn't taken any formal dance lessons since third grade, and when she was a freshman at USU, she signed up for the hiphop dance class with the university. Miller said she heard about Vilociti from class instructors who were on the dance team at the time. Miller tried out the next year and made the team and has been with the company ever since, she said.
Since auditions for all the dance companies are held next September, Miller said those interested in trying out should get as much exposure to the dance companies as they can by attending their events, practicing at the B-boy club and signing up for dance classes on campus.
"Other than my dance class in third grade, I just danced in my living room, and that's where my training came from," she said. "I feel like I'm a success story because a lot of people think 'I've never danced before, I can't do this.' But I've been doing this for three years, and I was in the same place (before)."
Miller also performed in last year's spring show and said this year there are more numbers and more variety, especially because of the addition of My Bad Crew.
Miller said every year there are guest artists • who have gone through auditions for the show performing with them. It provides the opportunity for interested students to get a taste of whether they want to be part of the dance companies.
For One Stage, Miller said Vilociti has prepared dance routines that require them to get into characters such as "Robots vs. Wolverines," which utilizes music from the
"It's
AND MY BAD CREW collaborated for
year. The combined group is called One Stage. The companies were founded by Krissy Fry, who is also the artistic director. Photo courtesy of One Stage
www.utahstatesman.com
With all the hype surrounding "The Hunger Games" film, the companion CD, "Songs from District 12 and Beyond," seemed like just another ploy to drain the fans of the final dollars they had not spent on "Peeta" bread and souvenir mockingjay pins. I remember a similar CD was released to go with Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," that also featured a plethora of songs inspired by the film, but not featured there.
However, commercial sellout aside, it is an incredibly solid album that can stand on its own for the three people in the world who do not know anything about "The Hunger Games," but is also a tonally appropriate driving companion to the dark novels upon which it is based. The album's strength is the range of artistic interpretation that rose from a single book into such a wide and eclectic variety of songs.
The choice of artists on the CD is unique for the highest grossing film of the year, as it is .comprised almost entirely of indie artists. Only a few can even be considered well known. The sort of people who seem inclined to buy into a companion CD to "The Hunger Games" don't seem to match the artist choices, which include Birdy, a British singer;oung enough to be reape for "The Hunger Games" herself, whose claim to fame has been her cover of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love," and Glen Hansard, whose prominence comes from his stint with the Frames and his low-budget film "Once."
Even the headline song of the bunch, "Safe and Sound," is a paradoxical colThe Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence presents
"Songs from District 12 and Beyond" Grade: 8+
laboration between Taylor Swift, one of the biggest names in music, and The Civil Wars, who, before this single, were relatively unknown to the mainstream music world.
However, the passion behind the music is what ultimately shines through. The album genuinely feels like it is made by and for fans. I would even dare guess the artists who wrote the songs actually read "The Hunger Games," possibly even before they wrote the songs.
Every artist has created a song infused with th(;! emotions of the book in a range of genre and subject. From Miranda Lambert's "Run Daddy Run," which feels like an Appalachian mining song, to the Decemberist's energetic yet dark "One
Engine," each song is infused with energy and unique life. The tone of the album not only lives in harmony with but also enhances both the reading of the book and the film adaptation.
Unfortunately, a few of the songs, though stirring and lovely, have little to do with the actual film.
Neko Case's "Nothing to Remember" is a beautiful melody that fits well with the rest of her repertoire, but seems like it was written without the movie in mind and was then tweaked to try to incorporate aspects of the film. Its tone doesn't match the story it is supposedly inspired by. Its light, airy melody does not match the story it is telling of Katniss, a young woman jaded by life and now walking to her death. It was as though Neko Case was asked to write a song for the CD and then forgot so, when they called her and asked for it, dug something out of her archives that seemed to maybe have something to do with the movie.
But even the songs like Neko Case's that don't seem to fit the theme are well written and performed, leading to an all around
solid CD that covers the wide range of emotion and experience in the film. The high points are the somber "Kingdom Come" by the Civil Wars- sans Taylor Swift - Glen Hansard's "Take the Heartland," the only song of the bunch that seems to tonally achieve the brutality of the film, and Arcade Fire's "Abraham's Daughter," the only song featured in the actual film, whose minor key, chanting lyrics and driving rhythm calls to mind an anthem of the sadistic Capitol that spawned the idea for the arena featured in
BY CURTIS LUNDSTROM staff writer
Raegan Pebley stepped down as head coach of the Utah State women's basketball team Saturday, after accepting the head coaching position at Fresno State University.
"My experience at Utah State has been priceless," Pebley said. "I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to restart Utah State's women's basketball program and help develop it into the program it is today. Thank you to the entire Cache Valley community, who have given my family precious memories and relationships."
Fresno State expressed interest in Pebley after its former coach Adrian Wiggins was hired to coach at the University of Mississippi. Pebley said that opened the door for her to become the ninth head coach in the history of Fresno State women's
Trio reps USU at regionals
BY MEREDITH KINNEY
"It's a great building block for us as a team," said Utah State head coach Jeff Richards: "We've been a young team, but the leadership they will bring back next year from this meet is great. They looked confident and strong in warm-ups. They did well." Aggie senior Rebecca Holliday anchored the three, sophomore Paige Jones made her second regional appearance, and freshman Sarah Landes finished strong for Utah State. All three competed in the all-around. No Aggie gymnast finished in the top 10. Landes flipped into the No. 12 spot, scoring a 38.325 , and Holliday landed in 16th with a 38.125. Jones finished 20th with a 35.400.
The Aggies competed with other teams since just three gymnasts qualified for the meet. Jones competed with No. 17 Minnesota, and Holliday rotated with No. 24 Iowa State University. Landes was with the host, No. 8 Utah.
"I looked at it as an advantage," Landes said of rotating with the Utes. "They are an amazing team. Watching someone go and nail a solid rotation is great and then it's my turn."
Holliday was the lone Aggie in action on the first rotation. She had too much power on her vault and stumbled forward on her landing. The senior scored a 9.400.
Landes and Jones were both in action for the second rotation while Holliday had a bye. Minnesota struggled on bars, recording several falls, and Jones followed suit. A missed grab on her release sent her to the mat.
Landes scored a 9.775 on floor and received big cheers from the Utah crowd.
All three Aggies were in action in the third rotation. Holliday scored a 9.575 on bars -a score that wasn't well received by the crowd.
"A lot of times, when I'm down there, I don't hear a lot," Holliday said.
"In the march out I did, but after that you kind of don't hear a lot except for your coaches and the people you are rotating with."
Jones fell twice on beam and scored an 8.050, and Landes picked up her second 9.775 of the night on vault.
Holliday was alone in action again in the fourth rotation. Despite a few wobbles she stayed on the beam, and her feet were glued to the floor on the dismount, earning her a 9.650.
In the fifth rotation, Landes scored a 9.700 on bars. Jones added a 9.450 on floor, continuing to struggle with stumbles on her tumbling passes, and
SOPHOMORE PAIGE JONES scored 35.-4000 in the all-around, despite falling during her balance beam routine. TAVIN STUCKI photo
Holliday had a bye.
"(Jones) tried to recover after those first two events," Richards said.
"Going to those last two events - her best events - she just let the first two get to her. I think she came in really wanting to shine, being close to home, and she wanted to do her best."
For the sixth and final rotation
Jones landed a 9.200 on vault, and Landes fell on beam and received a 9.075.
"It was exciting," Richards said.
"Going into that last event I couldn't even watch beam. (Landes) had a shot at beam to be the second all-arounder to go to nationals, and it just wasn't in the cards tonight. I think she was just truly off. She warmed up very strong, but when she went she was just off. " Holliday completed the final routine of the meet on floor with a 9.550. "I didn't know I was the last one going until I saluted and got off," Holliday said. "Then they were like, 'And that's the end,' and I thought, 'Oh, my gosh, all those people were probably just watching me.' So that
basketball.
"Obviously that created a vacancy," Pebley said. "They expressed an interest and asked if I was interested in having discussions. The process happened pretty quickly. It's been a pretty amazing experience so far with Fresno State and an unbelievably perfect experience at Utah State."
Pebley, whose father coached women's basketball for 30 years, said family was a big part of the decision to make the move because her husband, Keith, has a lot of family in California. The couple has two children, an 8-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter. Pebley said the caliber of the women's basketball program at Fresno State also played a role in her move.
"Fresno is a program I've admired," Pebley said. "I admire those young ladies, and (USU has)
competed against them for a long time. There's a consistency about that program, and the support that's behind it is admirable as well."
When the women's basketball program was reinstated at USU in 2002, Pebley was appointed as head coach and helped build the program from the ground up. Nine years later she departs, ranked first in all-time wins as head coach at Utah State with 110.
"I always promised that we would continue to improve and become one of the top programs in our region and within our conference," Pebley said. "I feel like we've gotten to that point. (The players) are so much a part of the reason I had turned other opportunities down, and this was really about a family move."
Number of wins is one record Pebley- 2012 WAC Coach of the Year - achieved. She also earned
•
Aggies lose final two matches in Hawaii tour
BY MEGAN BODILY staff writer
The Utah State women's tennis team ended its Hawaii road trip with two consecutive losses to Hawaii and San Jose University last Saturday, battling weather as well as its Western Athletic Conference foes.
USU 0, Hawaii 6
USU took on No. 55 Hawaii on Friday in a weather-frustrated day of tennis. Rain delays disrupted the match, causing games to be postponed seven times, which eventually led to a change in venue so the matches could be completed.
"It was kind of crazy," said head coach Chris Wright. "The first time it started pouring, and we found shelter, and then we did this about seven times. So we went to a different site. It was a long day, but we had to get it in. We just got out-played."
The two teams did not compete in doubles because delays put matches too far behind schedule, which Wright said threw off the team's routine.
Heading into singles, the Aggies could not find rhythm against the Warriors.
Freshman McKenzie Davis fell in straight sets to Barbara Pinterova in the No.
The freshm3Jl lost in straight sets in the Hawaii match Friday. CURTIS RIPPLJNGER photo
1 singles position. Davis won three games in her match, losing 1-6, 2-6.
Junior Jaci West took her opponent, Katarina Poljakova, to three sets in the No. 2 singles position. The California native took the first set 6-3, but could not hold off the Warrior in the second. The third set was replaced by a super tie-breaker, which Poljakova won 10-4. The Aggie fell 6-3, 2-6, 4-10. "West played really well - had a great match," Wright said.
Sophomore Kristina Voytsekovich also dropped her match in straight sets to Jamie Pawid at the No. 3 singles. Voytsekovich was bageled in the first set and fell in the second 2-6.
Marina Kostalova dismissed senior Romina Nedakovic at the No. 4 singles position. The Aggie battled her opponent but could not pull ahead in the match. Nedakovic lost 3-6, 4-6.
Senior Monica Abella also fell in straight sets to Xenia Suworowa 6-3, 6-1 in No. 5 singles.
Junior Julie Tukuafa wrapped up the conference matchup, losing to Kelsey Daquio at the No. 6 singles position. Tukuafu lost the first set 2-6 and was bageled in the second set.
"In comparison they just played better than we did. The (other) team did a pretty good job of handling (the weather)," Wright said. "It was pretty frustrating · for everybody, but the girls stayed focused pretty well. The bottom line is (Hawaii) just played better."
USU 2, SJSU 5
The Aggies met the San Jose Spartans in their second WAC conference matchup of the weekend.
Looking to rebound from a loss to a fellow WAC team, USU took on SJS for its last match in Hawaii.
Utah State started off strong, winning the doubles point and took two of the three pro-set games to gain the early lead.
"We played some of the best doubles I have seen all year," Wright said. "We had a good win at No. l, and No. 2 played super well and looked very sharp."
West and Davis defeated Sebastiani Leon Chao and Erica Medlin 8-3 in the No. 1 doubles position, and Nedakovic and Voytsekovich dismissed Chau Truong and Alexis Marquez 8-2 in the No. 2 doubles spot.
Tukuafu and Brianna Rowland could not complete the sweep, losing to Isadora Busch and Jessica Willett in a tie-breaker 7-8 in the No. 3 doubles position.
Moving into singles, the Aggies failed to continue the momentum and lost in all singles positions, except for one.
"We felt good after getting the doubles point and wanted to go out with intensity in singles," Wright said. "And we just didn't get off to a good start. The other team came out fired up."
Davis notched the only singles win of the match, defeating Truong 6-3, 6-4 at the No. 1 singles position.
West was dismissed in straight sets by Chao in the No. 2 singles spot. The Spartan held West to three games, winning 6-1, 6-2.
Voytsekovich was defeated by Medlin at No. 3 singles in straight sets. The Aggie could not earn a game in the first set and lost the second 2-6.
Tukuafu was dismissed by Marquez in the No. 6 singles position. After losing the first set 1-6, the 1
University of Utah transfer came back in the second but couldn't gain the upper hand. Marquez took the match 6-1, 6-4.
"If there is a lesson to learn, we need to stay fired up," Wright said. The Aggies will return to home courts Tuesday to tak on Idaho State.
- mega.bodi@aggiemail.usu ed
Nedakovic battled to three sets against Willett in the No. 4 singles position. After losing the first set 3- 6, the Aggie rallied back , AGGIE JUNIOR KRISTINA VOYTSEKHOVICH smacks a ball in a matche earlier this season. CURTIS RJPPLJNGER photo to take the second set 6-3. The third set was close, as Nedakovic narrowly lost 4-6. "Romina lost in three, fought super hard and just fell short," Wright said. Abella was defeated by Busch in straight sets in the No. 5 singles spot. The Spartan took the match 6-3, 6-1.
UTAH STATE'S MCKENZIE DAVIS won the only singles win in USU's match against San Jose State.
5. M. Thompson, Jl.69m --SUper Crosswotd Ans...,..
•> From Page 7
Coaching staff
8. Jodi Williams, Jl.64m T-13. M. Jensen, 1.49m Long Jump 11. Bailee Whitworth, 5.61m 13. Katelyn Heiner, 5.51m 14. Daphne Jones, 5.49m Triple Jump 12. Julia Stewart, 11.29m Pole Vault
1. Sonia Grabowska, 3.98m T-4. A. Thompson, 3.68m T-7. R. St. Jeor, 3.53m Shot Put l. Spela Hus, 14.45m 8. Melanie Heslop, 12.33m Keeley Eldredge, Foul; Lindsey Spencer, Foul Discus
1. Lindsey Spencer, 51.48m 8. Melanie Heslop, 38.89m 12. Spela Hus, 37.46m 14. Keeley Eldredge, 36.41m Javelin 9. Sam Nielson, 35.97m 14. Aubriann Bosen, 34.66m MEN: 100m 4. Nie Bowens, 10.51; 7. Will Henry, 10.71; 18. Xavier Martin, 11.03 400m
28. Garrett Peck, 52.15 400m Hurdles -
A senior's
final
performance changes coming
tion, the Aggies also hit 20 wins for the first time in school history this season and earned the school's first postseason berth in 20 years.
Despite all of the oncourt success, Pebley said she is most proud of players' achievements in the classroom.
"I know we've done things on paper that look great statistically at the end of the season," Pebley said. 'Tm most proud of the young women in the program that have graduated and the relationships that they have with one another. It's truly a blessing and an honor to have been part of such a huge part of their lives, and I am so proud of them."
Pebley has gone from being an assistant at George Mason University and Colorado State to head coach at Utah State. The Colorado graduate said her time at Utah State has had plenty of memories.
"There are a lot of (memories)," Pebley said, "but most of them have to do with senior nights and graduation days. Signing days, moments in the locker room after huge comeback victories, when we're at the hotel - those are some of my most impressive moments." - curtis.lundstrom@aggiemail.usu.edu
10. Dan Mosman, 56.49; 11. James Rohwer, 56.86 800m 6. Chio Lopez, 1:55.30; 9. Devin Lang, 1:56.19 1,500m 15. Nick Bolinder, 4:05.16; 26. Adam Mathias, 4:16.00
3,000m Steeplechase 10. Eric Shellhorn, 9:40.52; 12. Austin Neuner, 10:00.86; 13. David Cluff, 10:33.92 4xl00m 4. Utah State, 41.17 (Will Henry, Nie Bowens, Silas Pimentel, Xavier Martin) High Jump Eric Follett, NH Pole Vault
Without religious tolerance, there is no way our communities and country can step closer to unity. We all test each other's religious beliefs daily, whether we recognize it or not. Clearly, the LOS religion is dominant locally, but the proportion of Cache Valley's population that is not LOS ascribes to dozens of religions, from Jewish to Buddhist. Many are not religious at all. Our professors, all being intelligent people, have each made decisions about their religious and spiritual preferences, as well.
Because we are all free to make decisions, and spiritual possibilities are endless, we must understand that at no point during our lifetimes will we ever all agree on one belief system. However, coexistence is not a decision - we live on Earth together, with varying opinions and backgrounds, and every individual wants to feel accepted for the way they simply are. Many spend their entire lives searching for a place- wherein they feel a sense of belonging.
For this purpose, all inter-religious events planned locally, including the Easter event held over the weekend, deserve recognition. Those who care enough to bring members multiple faiths together understand what it takes to create a civil and thriving society This idea fits well with CHaSS Dean John Allen's Last Lecture topic, in which he stated a civil society is made when individuals start caring more about making deci_sions that are best for the society at large, rather than making decisions that advance personal needs.
Religious conversations do not need to carry tension. In any conversation, no matter the topic, both parties sliould listen intently to what the other has to say without disputing, merely learning about t~e belief differences. We will treat each other as human beings when we learn to appreciate why individuals choose particular religious practices - or choose not to associate themselves with religion. Most times we will find that any particular religion gives life meaning and evol<es a sense of peace. These are two things many people spend decades searching for.
By organizing more opportunities to welcome religious discussions, we believe our community's unity will strengthen, there will be more charity than already exists, and we will all feel like we belong - even in settings that are unfamiliar.
Make social sites employer-friendly
The importance of managing your digital identity is more essential now than ever before. A statistic from Career Services states 90 percent of potential employers are now looking at an applicant's professional and social media sites, including Facebook, Linkedln and Twitter. Thi means that the employers you are trying to impress could see pictures of you streaking down 800 East with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. This could leave them thinking, "Is this person a good fit for our company?"· We all know wl'iat the answer to that question will probably be. This is why managing your digital identity by monitoring your security settings, scanning your accounts for inappropriate pictures, or posting and writing attractive descriptions about yourself is critical. Think of your professional and social media accounts as a glass bedroom. When someone looks into that bedroom, what do you want them to see?
While some look at this as an invasion of privacy, others are using it to their advantage and standing out from the crowd. Today, a simple paper resume might not cut it in this evolving technological workplace. Luckily, there is the Internet to help. With the rise of online resumes, video resumes and professional online profiles, there are many opportunities for you to have an immediate advantage over your peers in the competitive job-seeking world. · Think about a human resources department lookASUSU, Page 11
U.S. involvement in Syrian conflict
from the le~
The escalating violence and bloodshed in Syria has weighed heavily on my mind and heart, as I've tried to follow the uprising there in the past few months and thought about what ought to be done.
Shortly after the beginning of the Arab Spring early last year, an insurrection began against the brutal regime of Bashar alAssad, whose family's rule has repressed their people for decades. Like all brutal regimes, they are not going down without a fight, and more than 9100Q people have been k1llecf since the conflict began.
After much negotiation, former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan traveled to Syria and finally brokered a ceasefire between the Assad government and the rebel groups. It is supposed to take effect Tuesday, April 10, but even now, the Syrian army continues to brutalize the population.
What can be done? There is no doubt that Bashar alAssad is a tyrant who needs to go. But however tempting it is to call for unilateral U.S. intervention, this is a slippery slope we've gone down before.
It is important to remember that Syria is not the only dictatorial regime facing imminent deposition in the Middle East - it just happens to be one we don't like.
The U.S. is not averse to See LEFT, Page 11
AColumn Divided
Two
From the right
The U.S. has always been a very prudent nation. Very rarely in history have we been involved in international affairs when it did not serve our own self-interest. This is why I am baffled that we haven't intervened in Syria.
fv1ost news-reading Americans have watched the rebellion in Syria unfold with only a passing interest. Truthfully, it's easy to see why Americans aren't interested in getting involved with the conflict; we're a war-weary country, and Syria simply seems •inconsequential to our selfinterest.
In reality, however, the U.S. is squandering a critical opportunity to shape the future in its favor. No more than a quick glance at its geography makes it clear that of all the Arab Spring revolts, Syria's may be the most consequential for the U.S. Syria is a fairly substantial country in the troubled Middle East. It borders Israel to the southwest and Iraq to the east - two countries of slight interest to the U.S. Just a stone's throw away sits the defiant country of Iran.
The U.S. has a golden opportunity to plant democratic seeds in a turbulent region. While it may be a stretch expecting Syria to be friendly to Israel, it's certainly possible in helping establish a tolerant nation. Not only would this help ease regional tensions, it would undermine some of the support Iran gets for its aggression toward Israel and the U.S. Additionally, wouldn't it be wonderful to
• See RIGHT, Page 11
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• 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.
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• Writers must wait 21 days before submitting successive letters - no exceptions. 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.
students take two angles on one political Issue
•) From LEFT, Page 10
supporting and arming brutal and undemocratic governments when it is in their interest. For example, Yemen - whose uprising against a similarly despotic and brutal regime has been largely ignored - is a key ally in the War on "Terror."
It came as no surprise when in February the Obama administration quietly allowed the Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh into the U.S. for medical treatment - after initially denying him entrywhere he enjoyed his stay in a five-star hotel.
Bahrain is another key strategic U.S. ally in the region whose revolution has been met with intense repression. However, it is the site of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and a great customer for U.S. arms sales for use ·against its own people.
In fact, the Obama administration just approved sales of an undisclosed amount on military equipment to Bahrain in late January.
tion rewarded them with a $60 billion arms dealthe largest in U.S. history - which was augmented in December with another $30 billion.
It is important to note that the Obama administration is by far not the only guilty administration in U.S. history, but is particularly susceptible to charges of hypocrisy as President Obama was the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The U.S. cannot be the world's policeman. Moreover, as shown by the examples I've briefly laid out, receiving U.S. support is not always in the general population's benefit.
We aren't even sure the Syrian rebels are better than the Assad regime, as shown by a recent Human Rights Watch report of atrocities they've committed.
It is better that Syria figure out its future by itself and not be burdened by competing U.S. interests.
•)From RIGHT, Page 10 give Iraq an example of a stable transitioning government right next door?
I'm not suggesting fullscale Iraq-style intervention in Syria, but it is clear the U.S. can roll back some of the regional tensions by guiding Syria to a more stable and liberalized government. What's more is the U.S. can do this at a relatively low cost without putting any boots on the ground.
We need to start orchestrating NATO involvement. Syria doesn't need a full-scale invasion; they need a little bit of air firepower, arms support and tactical advising. NATO is crucial to taking action in Syria. Not only does it relieve much of the burden from the U.S. because other countries will share the load, but it empowers the other members of NATO for the future.
NATO allies. Perhaps even more important than these advantages is that Syrians actually want our help.
Because Syrian rebels want international aid means it won't turn into another catastrophe reminiscent of Iraq. So long as we play the role of a guiding hand rather than an invading force, Syria can transform relatively painlessly into a reasonably liberalized, U.S.-friendly, Arabrun democracy in the Middle East. Wouldn't that be a novelty?
Sadly, our politicians seem to have no interest in such an obviously advantageous maneuver. Then again, perhaps Obama is only waiting for it to get closer to election time.
- Mike Burnham is a junior majoring in international -relations and economics. Comments can be sent to him at mike.burnham@ gmai/.com. So, something on your
Though not facing revolution, Saudi Arabia is a very important U.S. ally and well-known human rights abuser. Nonetheless, in 2010 the Obama administrausu.edu.
- Andrew Izatt is .a sophomore majoring in economics and philosophy. Send comments to andrew.izatt@aggiemail.
This same tactic of joint intervention through NATO was utilized in Libra and was largely successfu It possibly signaled a shift from a U.5.-led NATO to a multilateral one. Empowering other countries in NATO relieves us of our savior complex and perceived obligation to police the world GR\S S\-1-£-ET • arunents?
To sum it up, Syrian intervention would provide greater security to Israel, remove leverage from Iran, help establish democracy in the region and empower our
•)From ASUSU, Page 10 ing through hundreds of papers and resumes trying to find a fit for a specific job. What can a piece of paper really tell about you? It tells your schooling, experience, talents and interests but leaves out many aspects that could possibly be the most imporyourself a huge advantage over other people who are only submitting traditional paper resumes I cannot stress the importance of creating a digital identity. When a potential employer types your name into Google, make sure they are going tant parts. A paper resume doesn't show your personality, prove that you are a confident communicator or demonstrate that you will fit in at a specific company.
Make it easy for potential employers to see to find your professional networks and video resumes rather than the glory days you what you are really about. Make the best only remember through Facebook posts. In all seriousness,
This is why an online video resume c'ould benefit you mote than a sheet of paper could. out of this eraofnew technology."
- Zach Larsen, take the time to do some research on yourself and ASUSU Progra:mrntug VP see what you find.
Many people link recorded videos to their social and P.rofessional media sites that highlight their skills. Imagine stepping into an elevator with the CEO of a company you would like to work for. You have 30 seconds to sell yourself and tell them how you will be an asset to their company. What will you say? This is what needs to be in your video -a brief description of you and the skills that you bring to the table. The best part about the video is the fact that you actually don't need to physically run into the person you're hoping will hire you. All you have to do is ask them to watcb a video from the comfort of tneir office. By creating a quality video, you will give
Pretend you are an employer considering yourself as a future employee, and take notes on what you find to further develop your digital identity. Post your video resumes on your YouTube channel, Facebook and Linkedln accounts. Make it easy for potential employers to see what you are really about. Make the best out of this era of new technology and let it help take you to the places you want to be in life - Zach Larsen is the 201213 ASUSU Programming vice president. He oversees student events on campus including the Howl and Mardis Gras. Comments on his column may be sent to statesmanoffice@aggiemail.usu. edu.
Movie makers hoping odds in their favor
BY KATIE NIELAND, CHJCAGO TRIBUNE
Argyle Sweater
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The Joke,s On YOUI
Check it out! 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. Send your best gag line Uust onel) to: statesman@ usu.edu, subject line: Gag line. We'll 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 certificatel Deadline to send your gag: Tuesday noon.
by Gary Kopervas
Monday April 9
Tuesday April 10
Wednesday April II
Clean golf course You Need to Know: The Logan Parks and similar to a hurricane hitting Recreation Department would your family. A support group like to invite the community is now forming for those to participate in the Men's hurt in a divorce, especially and Women's Club Logan divorced dads, grandparents, River Golf Course Clean Up and non-custodial moms. Meet day to be held on Tuesday, at the north Main Wendy's at April 10. This event will 6:30 Monday, April 9. take place all day. Come "Something Bigger Than and participate when you Me" is a fundraiser page to can. Bring your gloves and help keep a student alive who rake and help us beautify attends USU. Please go to the the course. Refreshments page, read about it, share it will be provided. For more with your friend, put it on information: 435-716-9250. your walls, donate, and "like" Swaner EcoCenter: it. She needs a life saving Lung Utah's Changing Climate Surgery. This is a person's life Regime, Wednesday, Apr 11- 7 at stake! https://www.facebook. to 8:30 p.m. Robert Gillies com/pa1C5/Something-Biggeris a physicist, the State of Than-Me/140352786090840 Utah Climatologist, drector If everyone got involved and of the Utah Climate Center, donated just $5 to help keep and associate professor at her alive, she could have USU. An advocate for public a chance. science and climate change USU students have education, professor Gillies created a Pre-Occupational will be speaking about his Therapy dub. If students just-released research linking "like" USU Pre-O.T. club on climate change to our weather facebook, they'll find out patterns in Utah as well as when our meetings are, what discussing the meaning of service projects were doing, year to year variations in this and information that we've area. What will climate change provided about Occupational mean for Utah's weather and Therapy. They can also visit our beloved powder? the website at http://usupreot. Stop the Violence is weebly.com/. Going into the a contest open to USU field? Get informed about it. students who are interested RRR Auction- Reuse, in spreading a message Reduce, Recycle 6 p.m. about healthy relationships. 244 S Main. RRR Auction Students will participate in has a LIVE auction every a competition to create new Wednesday night at 6 pm till materials to promote SAAVI, done with a LIVE Auctioneer, including posters and short Food Vendors, Lots of goods videos. The winning poster to be sold and fun to be had. and video will be selected via Please stop by early and a Facebook contest and will be browse the auction and sign up highlighted at the 2012 Walk a to be a bidder. See you there! Mile in Her Shoes event. Visit Salsa dancing every the Project 240 app on the USU Tuesday night at the Whittier SAAVI Office Facebook page Center-3~0 North 400 East. to begin submitting videos and $3
posters.
Has anyone in your from 10 to m1dmght. Everyone family been hurt by divorce? welcome! James E. Faust said divorce is
