October 2012 New Nursing Facility to Candidates Open Doors at MSC Convene By Robert Christenson III October 4th saw the fifth consecutive candidates’ forum hosted by Mat-Su College. It was a decent turn-out, relative to the dismal nature of general local interest in what can arguably be considered junior politics on a national scale at best. Jamey E. Duhamel (standing) But it was an event, by golly, and, while one or two candidates brought is running for State along competition-strength rhetorical Representative District 6. Lynn cogence, most came prepared at least Gattis (seated) is running for to divvy out their weeks’ worth of State Representative District 9. supplemental politician gestures, which are always captivating and While certainly diverse, not all inq-uiries seldom unappreciated. met the cold definition of ‘worthwhile’, namely, Is it ever right for a politician The purpose of the forum was to to lie? In the context of an open forum, present the panel with questions posed The new wing on Snodgrass Hall will provide more space if a politician’s answer to such an anti- by Mat-Su College affiliates—drawn grilling is anything other than “bloody for paramedic and nursing classes. It will open for the spring from a hat roughly every other response hell, to the furthest star and then light- 2013 semester. by the forum moderator, Denise Reeve. » See Forum Page 2 By Gary Haag of Mat-Su College (MSC), the new Get ready, because here it comes. Next facility is conveniently located out of every 6 Americans lives in a state spring semester, here on the Mat-Su near the hospital, strengthening of “food insecurity”, including 1 out of the college’s relationship with the Donate Food every 4 American children. campus, is a much needed Paramedic/ Nursing Program Lab and Classroom Mat-Su Regional Hospital as a For these individuals and families, Addition. Worth over $2.5 million, the learning facility for our Nursing and Thanksgiving is an undoubtedly foreign new facility is located near the rear of Paramedic students. This Holiday experience from that to which most of us the Snodgrass building. In addition, Colberg reported that are accustomed. According to Talis Colberg, the Director for several years the Mat-Su Borough These circumstances are not limited by has provided $100,000 to the Mat-Su Season age, gender, race, ethnicity, or political Low Bid Yeilds Paved Parking College paramedic program. This affiliation, and can be found in every Due to the competiveness of the contractors bidding for joint partnership has generated seed By Jake Magoon community the job of building the nursing wing, the college had extra money to expand the Snodgrass parking area. money that will go towards the goal Every Thanksgiving, millions of across America, This new expansion will add 86 new parking spaces, 51 of supporting the community and American families sit down and on the east side of Snodgrass and 35 on the west side of including the new facility. will help by training people for good celebrate those things in life that are our own. It Harlen Harmon commented, “Parking is a priority issue.” In addition, the 51 new parking spaces on the east side will paying future jobs. most important: food, shelter, family, is because be paved as well as a walk way, complete with hand rails. and love. As a result of these considerations, not only will Adding to the story, Director of of the reality accessing the campus be safer for students, but also Administrative Services Harlen But, did you know that many families of hunger in easier to maintain. When asked how the construct-ion budget is going, Harmon provided more details: The do not have the resources necessary America that a Harmon said “Excellent.” When all is said and done, the total cost is expected to be $2.5 million. This “Health Mat–Su Borough is donating an to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal? In Science Expansion” makes it obvious that the goals of this ambulance body for the paramedic fact, according to Feeding America, college are to provide the public with the highest quality » See Thanksgiv- of training and education for the student that seeks these a network of 200 food banks and the ing Page 9 opportunities. » See New Facility Page 5 largest hunger charity in the country, 1 02 LOCAL NEWS www.juneauicefield.com/). Explorations This year, the Tongass National Forum Forest Botany Program and the JIRP Continued from page 1 collaborated in scientific explorations to the furthest star and then light- on the of Paradise Valley. Approximately 800 years beyond it, no, not ever,” that that years ago, the majority of the Juneau politician is unofficially, yet confirmedly, Icefield is presumed to have been disqualified from winning an office seat Juneau completely ice covered during the of any kind if enough people are paying Little Ice Age. attention. The work of this year’s reconnaissance The more provoking questions were, Icefeild expedition was aimed at deciphering thankfully, at a statistical advantage, By Karen Dillman and Polly in greater detail the evidence for ranging from what the panel thought Bass the valley being ice free during the about the pebble mine to how they felt The Juneau Icefield, North America’s Little Ice Age. This evidence may be about abortion, the latter escaping the hat fifth-largest at 5,000 square miles, present in the substrate record, the during Jamey Duhamel’s turn. is more than the obvious rock and geomorphological record, and in the “As a state, we have no right to legislate ice. Rocky islands surrounded by ice vegetation present today. morality,” she replied. “I feel that any called nunataks contain well-adapted Beyond this objective, the aim was to choice a woman makes is a personal and often unique vegetation within the also obtain botanical knowledge from decision between her family and her Click Bishop (standing) is icefield boundary. a previously unexplored area with a doctor. The government should stay out running for State Senate of it.” District C. Blake A. Merrifield Some localities are considered unique geologic history, with the hopes of finding rare plant populations. Eric Feige was given the opportunity (seated) is running for State paleonunataks, which are present day to disagree, but he declined, apologizing Representative District 9. localities previously isolated by glacier Greater knowledge of rare plant to fellow republicans for harboring ice, but are now less isolated due to ice species and their habitats allows the the same opinion as his democratic dysfunction, which has a myriad of free terrain between the landmass of Tongass National Forest to monitor, adversary. causes; if just one of many risk factors the mainland and contiguous ice free regulate and protect habitats within The most controversial remark, though, is addressed, the rest suffer naturally land within the icefield. similar subalpine and alpine areas came out of Fred Dyson’s closing from neglect. “I think it spans across One possible paleonunatak, Paradise in review of special use permits and statement, which was dedicated entirely the spectrum,” he elaborated, “that Valley (33 miles NW of Juneau at other development projects. to the subject of abortion. “The first right, people have to have hope. Feeling 58.798 N and -134.502W) is of interest The valley lies at about 2,500-ft. in my view,” he began, “is to live. If you that somebody recognizes who you to researchers with the Juneau Icefield elevation and is 1.5 miles long. The think that something magical happens to are, and having some expectation of Research Program (JIRP) who have Bucher Glacier borders the north a child on its way out of the birth canal— contributing positively to society, gives you reinforcement.” studied the icefield since 1946 (http:// » See Ice Feild Page 9 and somehow it becomes a human being [at that point]—that’s a religion. That’s This was a step in the right direction, not based on science. Some of you may albeit a wobbly one since the referenced think that children come from a stork; spectrum includes manic-depression I’ve got to tell you that isn’t true.” and schizophrenia—diseases benefitting He then went on to compare abortion most, if not solely, from medicinal to slavery—which, of course, was to therapy. compare pro-choice, pregnant women Even then, positing that unhappy people to slave-owners. (Reading over that should start feeling happy isn’t exactly implication for a twentieth time, I’m conclusive. Sometimes it’s better to still confident that it isn’t being taken simply pledge one’s commitment to unfairly out of context.) Peculiarly, his further research. position wasn’t based on science, either. Overall, it was a telling one-hour- A similar point of interest was Charlie thirty, yielding unanimity regarding Huggins’ response to the question of more pressing topics like resource how the legislature can address the issue development and education. of Alaska’s increased rate of suicide: “If All agreed that job creation is a you look at the background for suicide perpetual priority, but that all angles in particular, it probably takes place in of every action should be considered dysfunctional families, largely.” as part of the process, and none took This remark alone seemed to put to undermining the importance of the Huggins out of touch with the subject competitive acquisition of knowledge. Professor Polly Bass at the feild camp. matter, as suicide is rooted in neural Promising. COLLEGE NEWS 03

your transcript shows transfer colleges Advisor Kim Hayes, Veterans Club Student your successful college career. Many President Chad Stone, Secretary colleges offer additional scholarships Keelan Mangus, Vice President simply because they want students of Shain Miller, and others, to find out Government the PTK caliber. what we’re all about. Our local chapter, the Beta Sigma Determined to break down the Epsilon chapter, is hosting a Spring atomization, isolation, and alienation Update experienced by individuals in Conference for the state of Alaska contemporary society, We The By Denise Reeve October 13, right here on the Mat-Su People welcome all who wish to The Mat-Su College Student Government Phi Theta College campus. join, judge no one, and would love to Council members (MSC SGC), your We are currently looking for students for you to be our newest friend. An student leaders, have worked diligently who want to become members of the open mind is the only prerequisite! to increase the connection between them Kappa Update Phi Theta Kappa (Beta Sigma Epsilon We have no tests, and we apply no and you, the student. By Denise Reeve Chapter). If your name is on our list, labels. Do you have an issue that is important to you, but think that, This year, for the first time, you can Have you walked by the Phi Theta this is your opportunity! You have access the SGC via the official SGC web nothing to lose and everything to gain: because it is so personal (and thereby, Kappa bulletin board lately? If not you so important) that the established page, which in turn allows direct access where will PTK take you? should check it out, you will want to outlets for your voice won’t consider to the many clubs and their activities on see if YOUR NAME is on OUR list. The Mat-Su College chapter of Phi it to be worth their time? campus. Theta Kappa (the Beta Sigma Epsilon Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is the largest If something is important to you, On the SGC webpage, you can simply international honor society in the world. chapter) meets every Thursday in JKB it is important to all of us, and odds click on the individual club icon of PTK invites exceptional students to 128 at 12 noon. are good that we can relate. No interest to you and you will be taken to join their ranks twice during the year. discussion is off limits, from school that club’s web page. life to home life, from transportation Membership in PTK has perks you to the media, all views are welcome. The club page also has a link to the may Club Update: Club Event Calendar which shows every not be aware of, as PTK is first and We may have been told that we’re too apathetic, too unrealistic, too meeting time and the room number where foremost a group of students who work We the they are held. Should you wish to join incompetent, or too idealistic, but just as hard as you do, students who that doesn’t mean we have to believe a specific club, simply complete the form are motivated, and have the drive to it. We break stereotypes and create available on each of the clubs’ web pages. succeed. People new moulds. If you believe as we Why would someone choose to partic- PTK membership offers opportunities By Jake Magoon do that “We can do better”, the first ipate in student leadership? Service in step on the road to working together to learn leadership skills. Leadership, “We The People” is a new student the MSC SGC looks excellent on one’s scholarship, fellowship, and service are is overcoming fear and rebuilding club on Mat-Su College, and we are all trust. resume. Student leadership can open the hallmarks PTK has adopted as its about YOU! doors for you, students not only learn focus. And we’re about more than just talk, leadership skills, but connect to the Founded upon the notions that we are we act as well. Our soon-to-be-filled Membership in PTK affords the stronger united than divided, and that network of faculty, staff, and students club bulletin board shall soon have excellent student access to additional we all have far more in common than here at Mat-Su College. Lastly, the events, an anonymous drop-box, suitable for scholarship opportunities; these are we think, We The People is a student Post-Secret style submissions. experiences, and friendships are fun! club with the fundamental purpose of based on merit and are offered only to Aware of the approaching MSC Student Government Council bringing people together in order to PTK members. Thanksgiving season, we will be offers excellent leadership opportunities. create greater understanding within the PTK is available only to two year hosting a Thanksgiving feast the The SGC is comprised of senators, club community, and with that, advocate for college students who have achieved Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, representatives, executive officers, as issues that are important to us. academic success. Our chapter also done with those students who may well as faculty and staff advisors. Have you ever wondered why things offers local speaker events, regional not have a full Thanksgiving in store are as they are? Are you tired of at home in mind. If you have ideas for fun or educational training, and networking opportunities. shallow, stifling, empty cynicism? events you would like to see happen on Lastly, if you have concerns about Phi Theta Kappa, a prestigious Are you sick of the fake and ready for campus please visit the council and check real-world problems you’d like to organization, often can open doors for something real? us out. Meetings are every Wednesday see addressed, come to us, and who you. Once you choose to become a If so, stop by JKB 128 at 2:30 PM from 11:50am to 12:50pm in FSM 105. knows…you might just change member, you are a member for life. If on Wednesdays, though we may be something. you are a student seeking to complete moving to the Atrium shortly…speak a bachelor’s degree or higher, PTK on to President Jake Magoon, Staff 04 College News it is actually true. imaginations of the people consuming an 8th grade reading level. What’s Wrong Alas, even the most elegant and that media. Do we suppose an article exposing reassuring dreams end upon the It works like this: imagine you are corruption, but displeasing advertisers, sound of the alarm clock. Please, on the editorial board of a major news would get very far in such a desperate With Us: don’t misunderstand – a press free of company. Meeting after a recent round environment? It is not long after government interference is an essential of layoffs, you’ve fired the expensive, desperation and obsession with the component of human liberty, and ought investigative old guard, and now have bottom-line become the norm that Part I to be both cherished and protected. a paper consisting of close to 50% many topics important to the public but But, just how free is our press, and advertisements and 50% articles. upsetting to powerful interests become The Media does a press free of government In terms of the articles, it has been but a distant memory. censorship mean we have that essential agreed, in order to stay competitive And as such, with the “Overton Window” By Jake Magoon independent press, determined to bring with flashier forms of media, that defined in the public imagination by the The idealized vision of our news- us the important news we need to hear the stories will now emphasize media, the scope of “serious, respectable” institutions is as dashing as it is whether we wish to hear it or not? sensationalism over substance, and all opinion becomes defined, and the public charming in its utterly simple naïveté. In 1983, 50 media corporations in articles are to no longer be written at imagination stifled and limited with it. Here is how it is supposed to work: the United States owned 90% of the a 12th grade reading level, but are to It is by this process that our free press from the CEO at the top of the news television and radio media consumed henceforth be written at no more than censors itself. company, to the editor, to the beat by Americans. By 2011, the number of reporter on the street, the more media corporations that control 90% of important information is to our society television and radio media consumed and species as a whole, the greater the by Americans had fallen to just 6. In incentive to get the scoop. the context of human history and the Hard working and honest, our free old adage regarding the corrupting press is how we know we’re free, and influence of power, this…seems a bit its feisty independence serves as one dicey. Are we positive they have our of the cornerstones of our democracy, best interests at heart? responsible for keeping our politicians The truth of the matter is that, at this Managing Editor in line. point, whether they have our best Informed by the courageous news interest in mind or not is irrelevant. It Jake Magoon media, we, the informed voting public, is irrelevant precisely because we do elect our decision-makers based upon know how the media operates. Even the Media Advisor the rational weighing of the most most idealistic, incorruptible modern important issues of our time. Should a journalist must confront the fact that Dr. Pete Praetorius particular set of policies fail to produce we no longer live in a predominantly adequate results, or should corrupt literate society, but rather a society Layout and Design relationships exist between politicians based upon spectacle and magical and wealthy business interests, our thinking. Hattie Schmidtkunz free press will be there, ready to take Faced with falling advertising rev- on the task of bringing these nefarious enue, aging demographics, and an Advertising circumstances to the stern scrutiny of a audience that increasingly self-selects voting public with high expectations. their sources of “news” based upon Alex Thompson Fully informed, we rational actors take the likelihood of being told what they our politicians to task and replace them want to hear (as opposed to what they with worthier people. need to hear), Today’s media no longer Printer Beautiful in its simplicity, these operates with the luxury of printing Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman checks and balances serve not only to what the public needs to hear whether keep the system healthy, but, written they want to hear it or not. as they are into the very script of our Though this is certainly not true for ideological narrative, this story even every media outlet, these limiting has the benefit of freeing us from the effects on much of the media seems burden of thinking about how much of to also have a limiting effect upon the College News 05 needed to score for an A in the class medical sources. anyway. Upon finishing, his professor New Facility In addition, Associated Professor of To Pass or to walked over to him and said, “Over a Nursing Carol Nash at UAA states Continued from page 1 100 percent right? You think you’re “There is a real possibility an extra program, estimated at $100,000 dollars. going to get that on the final?” He cohort will be added in the future.” Fail? This will allow the students to benefit strutted away laughing as the boy’s At present, eight Mat-Su students ByAriel Sizemore from training in an actual, fully equipped dreams were being crushed. are selected every other year. Mat-Su Is it the students who are failing, ambulance, as well as a variety of high- I can barely describe the defeated College based students will complete or are we failing the students? The tech equipment. Once completed, the feeling in the learning center that a two year program making it possible graduation rate of college students college will move both the existing day, and it took everything I had to for them to become licensed registered continues to fall. Gary A. Rice, nursing and paramedic programs to their stand up and walk out. Our staff and nurses. associate vice provost for institutional new location and repurpose the existing fellow students should do everything The nursing portion of the new research at the University of Alaska classrooms for other uses. they can to encourage and help facility is equipped with a sims lab and Anchorage, reported that the Inside the walls of this $1.8 million others; leaving them with hope and observation room specially designed University of Alaska Anchorage had a facility, students will find a paramedic motivation. with a one-way mirror allowing students 24.6 percent graduation rate in 2011. lab classroom, an ambulance bay, and to see real life scenarios and instructors I can’t imagine how many students an office; likewise, students will find Frequently, full-time freshmen in the opportunity to observe their student have been in that position, but worried a nursing lab classroom equipped with Alaska never return to school for a in real time. about passing, failing, or maintaining three patient beds, each with wrap-around second year. We are not alone in this The new facility will also have video a certain GPA. curtains and a resource library. Jointly, widespread problem. The national conference ability, giving the paramedic Discouragement can literally break a students will share a change and shower average success rate is 53 percent students the opportunity to interact with student’s spirit and is very deadly. It room as well as storage areas. according to the Q4 2007 statistics. experts, doctors, instructors, and any comes in many forms such as the lack According to Professor of Paramedic Financial pressure is the leading other participants from other locations of ability to find funding, academic Technology Kathy Griffin, the new reason for students dropping out, but around the state or nation. Griffin has disqualification, and stress. I addition will provide an ambulance bay following close behind is academic put great emphases “on the increasing Interviewed Associate Vice President with a fully equipped ambulance. The disqualification. This problem interaction and understanding between Saichi Oba of the University of ambulance bay is also equipped with a continues to grow and needs to be Nurses and Paramedics as part of the Alaska about the college student large video screen, allowing students to addressed. health care team.” drop-out rates and he said, “the term experience actual situation videos from Let me share with you a story about a The nursing portion of the new addition that is more prevalent now is a stop start to finish. boy and his professor. I see this boy all will provide learning opportunities not out.” Equally important is the simulated the time in the learning center working currently available at MSC. The nursing A stop out is where the student (sims.) human. The paramedic program hard to grasp the concepts of math by program at the MSC is one of UAA discontinues attending college for a is equipped with two adult, one infant, getting help from a tutor. outreach cohort of nursing study. Twelve period of time and possibly returns and one child sims. With these devices, others exist throughout Alaska, which One day while I was in the learning later. According to Saichi Oba students can practice real life scenarios. includes much online learning in their center the boy asked his professor, there are many reasons students This year, iPads were added to the curricula. Traditional nursing students “What do I have to get on the final to “stop out” of college such as classroom setting, increasing the ability and our main campus in Anchorage also receive an A in the class?” The boy academic ineligibility, which can be for students to interact and have on the continue efforts to acquire AAS, BS, or had an 88 percent accumulative grade a combination of work, financial, spot access to research and internet MS degrees in nursing. in the class already, but the professor family, and health care obligations. insisted that he should be figuring out He also stated that, “the student is what it would take to maintain a B in usually facing multiple factors which the class. keeps them from going to school.” The boy sunk into his chair with What is being done to keep students discouragement and used the equation motivated to stay in school? There he was given to calculate what he are outreach programs, to promote good grades and study habits, for the future students that plan on The national average pursuing a higher education. Saichi college success rate is 53 Oba explained that, “It begins earlier than college; we try to make sure that The floor plan for the for the new nursing and paramedic wing at percent Mat-Su College is revealed. Pictured are nursing and paramedic » See Pass or Fail Page 6 students and thier professors, Carol Nash and Kathy Griffin. 06 College News An established club, they are FSM 105, and Wednesday in room 214 that entered in Fall, 1998. always looking for new officers and in the library. Saichi Oba suggested that attending A Variety of members. Metl Hedz plans to present Their purpose is to help students study, part-time is not the most successful an all metal art show this school year. appreciate, and understand Japanese route and that students should think Due to their noise level it is hard to culture. For additional information, about taking fifteen credits. He would Clubs Found maintain their lab time so this club is please contact Jonathan Jacobs at like to encourage students to apply early essential for all the metal classes. [email protected]. for financial aid, and to meet with an at Mat-Su Medieval Combat Club League of Gamers academic advisor about class scheduling. He states, “We want students to be much Medieval combat club is a young club The league of gamers is an unofficial “that’s purpose is to bash people in an more deliberate.” club that meets on campus. They are Student loans can have an effect on College academic setting,” accomplished via into table top games such as D&D, and a wide range of foam weaponry. the students as well. Students should be pathfinder. careful when using student loans. Saichi By William J. Scott Their meeting place is the FSM The LoG currently has neither a staff Oba thinks that, “student loan debt is Mat-Su College isn’t limited to books, parking lot, so if you see a mock advisor, nor a faculty advisor, though a good debt, as long as you don’t get in grades, and the drive home: many of battle fear not. If you wish to watch or are actively looking for one. over your head.” our students and staff have banded participate in said battle, their combat Frequent problems presented to Mr. together to make this campus into more time is Monday 4-6pm and Thursday Oba are: credit transfers to other Alaska than a mere learning factory, but rather 2:30-4pm. Whether you’d like to have additional a true community. Listed below are but information about the clubs mentioned universities, courses they need aren’t a handful of the student-run clubs we Visitors do not need to worry about here, or discover the many other always available, and course sequencing have on campus; check them out, make bringing their own weapons, but if student clubs Mat-Su College has to issues. Course sequencing is an issue friends, and have fun! you wish to wear custom armor and offer, go to the home page of the Mat- that Saichi Oba would like to see become use custom weapons, feel free to Dance club Su College website and click on the more “transparent” and more “student bring your own. centric”. These can be all factors that put This will be Dance club’s second year, student clubs link. In addition to the battles, there will pressure on students causing them to take so I am very excited to see how many be armor and weapon workshops at longer to graduate or simply throw in the people join this year. The time we will an as of yet undetermined point in towel. be meeting is 11am to 12pm Monday Pass or Fail the future. If you wish to know more Alaska is right on the cusp of the and Thursday in FSM 105. Continued from page 5 about this full contact sport, visit students understand what they need to lower end of the scale compared to other Our goals for this semester are to get www.dagorhir.com to discover what do in high school to be competitive at universities’ graduation rates, but at the T-shirts and stickers plus hold a school they are all about. the university.” “six-year level they are right in with the dance and get ready to do a show case Vet Assist Club At the Fairbanks campus students pack with other public universities.” next semester. The Vet Assist Club is an on campus tend to “drop off” after their junior In order to improve this, the University The first dance we will be learning club that strives to “provide additional year, but at the Anchorage campus of Alaska makes completing on-time a is the waltz, after which we will hold opportunities to learn for the students they stop coming after their first year. priority, and there is a “stay on-track” a vote to determine the following and the veterinary community.” There are many projects in place to campaign being held to help students dance we will learn. We are looking motivate students to plan ahead for complete in a timely manner. for all officers and new members so Though they have yet to set a time and place for their meetings, they have college, but what is being done for the Is college a sink or swim area of life, if you are interested contact me at students already attending? or is there hope for everyone? Mr. Oba [email protected] or go to promoted the veterinary program whilst attending the Alaska State According to Saichi Oba there are believes that most of the University of the student club web page on the Mat- placement tests, advising, and help Alaska’s staff has an encouraging view Su College site. Veterinary state wide meeting. If you wish to join, contact Denise Reeve available for those that are already on the matter, yet others are stuck in Metl Hedz (Veterinary Club President) at ext enrolled. “The key is to reach them their traditional way of looking at things. Metl Hedz is a club that promotes 9759. Some of their accomplishments early because by the time they tell you Students can have a hard time in school working with metal; they require that include the sponsoring of study events they are in trouble it’s probably too and might need help from their instructor. you have three credits or more to join. and statewide continuing education. late,” he explains. Is extra credit an option? Mr. Oba has Their room is 209 FSM, their meeting The Vet Assist Club is looking for a The most recent numbers of no comment on that question when it times are Thursday 1-6:45pm, which secretary and representative for SGC. graduation rates for the University of comes to a student passing or failing, also serves as the time for their lab. “We In addition, they are looking for Alaska came from the UA in Review. even if it would directly focus on learning are very loud, so if you are on campus on visionary members to explore future The six-year graduation rate was the material at hand. He does recognize Friday and hear a lot of noise it is most direction involving the club and the 34 percent for those first-time full- that, “if a student is not doing well likely us.” List of officers: President - community. time baccalaureate degree-seeking academically, then ultimately, that could students, who were awarded any lead to academic disqualification.” Andrea Bennett, V.P - Denise Reeve, Japanese Club Alternate Representative - Cameron degree, certificate, or endorsement Make every step count. weeks, Secretary - Andrea Bennett, The Japanese Club meets on campus, at University of Alaska that entered Treasurer - Alio Fan, Club Advisor - and their meeting times are Tuesday in Fall, 2004. This reflects over a 6 Felicia Desimini. and Thursday from 4:30 to 6:45pm in percent increase from the 28 percent College News 07 if this doesn’t work for you] who have been together for 30-40 years. Loyal, Are You loving, good natured, unpretentious, and completely self-accepting, they are grateful for the fortune of life, for the time Afraid of we have, and do not torment themselves by fiending for lost youth. The women in particular: long gray hair Getting Old? in a ponytail, a bead necklace and a dress, these women are appealing for as long as By Jake Magoon they live. This article is intended as both critique, As that was typed a moment ago, the as well as antidote. force of your eye-rolls were so powerful This past August 29th, I turned 25 as to disturb the space-time continuum, years old: a quarter of a century. By the creating a portal and landing atop my time I was 22, I started seeing gray hairs computer desk with the robust sigh of the here and there, so thoughtfully pointed cynic. out by my classmates at Mat-Su. The University of Alaska—Anchorage But hear me out. Mat-Su College offers competitive Nature broke the whole aging and We have all seen select older actresses death thing to me gently, though, as I compensation combined with with sex appeal that cannot be denied quite like my grays, and daydreamed excellent health care, tuition, leave (Elizabeth Taylor), but tend to explain about it adding to my mystique should and retirement benefits. this as a result of fame, and certainly not I succeed in achieving a mathematics something the rest of us could pull off. Is PhD. However, for the past two years, this true? something has been gnawing at my mind. Never in the forefront, this Today, both women and men find toothy adversary seemed to dwell in the themselves bombarded with a background: dread. psychologically stunted image of beauty from the time they are infants. Magazines, Why must I change? Well friends, and movies, commercials, and music videos: especially my young friends, all of those the end result is the targeting of our corny middle-aged people we see: that insecurities and want of acceptance for an is going to be us, but only if we’re lucky all-out propaganda assault, all for nothing enough to live that long. Type in “Employment” on the MSC more than profit. home page under the search option. Understand that we have no choice in This image, while beautiful for its the matter: we are going to wrinkle, and time and in context, is but one part of our backs and joints won’t be quite what Select the link for “UAKJobs.com” human beauty that has been isolated they used to be. While scary enough, this and fetishized. What better method to is not necessarily the biggest fear young UAKJobs.com is the university system cause anxiety in consumers, temporarily people have about the approaching electronic recruitment process that relieved only through the purchase of oldpocalypse. What if I become allows applicants to search for products, than to directly target our most undesirable? employment opportunities based on sensitive, unavoidable, nature-determined location, job type or job posting # Young friends, and friends of mine who insecurities? By declaring our fleeting are young at heart, we do not have a youth to be the preeminent source of choice about whether or not our bodies desirability, billions in profits are made. will age, but we do have a choice about Thankfully, we have living proof of Please contact how we will age. MSC Human Resources its falsity: have you figured out what it I am filled with admiration for aging is about aged starlets that causes us to at (907) 745-9725 hippy couples [use your own example “inexplicably” regard them as attractive? If not, perhaps considering this old “ Make the choice to free expression will help: “The sexiest part of your mind: love yourself, a woman is her mind.” This applies to men as well; did you know Stephen Hawking be excited, and rock who seduced his nurse? you are. ” » See Aging Page 8 08 College News Noam Chomsky. Aging The choice we face is whether or not we wish to reject the full-spectrum of Continued from page 7 our beauty, live with insecurity and low his nurse? self-esteem, and cling to the past. 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Local Long Distance Mobile Business Solutions Internet Directory Television College News 09 the valley. We hope to continue this see on campus, in P.T.’s office in Snodgrass Icefeild partnership with JIRP in the future Thanksgiving hall, or in Cheryl Page’s office in student to help discover the glacial history services. If you’re not ready to stop the Continued from page 2 Continued from page 1 good works yet, sign up to help assemble and botanical treasures from Paradise entrance of the valley and is now more and deliver the baskets! Valley. Thanksgiving Basket Drive has been than 400 ft. below the first moraine. formed. The nomination deadline is November Survey Team The Gilkey Glacier borders the This Thanksgiving season, you have 16th. Nominations and questions can be valley’s southern end, where a stream • Scott McGee, JIRP Field the opportunity to make a difference in sent to Dr. Chang at [email protected]. exits the valley into a steep waterfall. Director and Cartographer, U.S. Fish the lives of everyday Americans, right Have a Happy Thanksgiving! While the geologists looked for clues & Wildlife Service here in your community. Sponsored by of glacial history, we conducted • Paul McDaniel, JIRP soil our own Dr. Ping-Tung Chang, and in botanical surveys. scientist, Professor, University of association with Angelina Klapperich, -Food Donations- We surveyed the rocky moraines Idaho Miss Alaska 2012, The Committee for of the Bucher Glacier, the east and • Gary Linder, Geologist, Mat-Su College Thanksgiving Baskets Drop off donations central portions of the valley about Senior Advisor for JIRP has placed boxes across campus for the in boxes located halfway down to the Gilkey Glacier, • Polly Bass, JIRP botanist, purpose of donating food to local hungry and along the western slope and Assistant Professor, University families. around campus or in a lateral moraine of an unnamed of Alaska Anchorage, Matanuska In operation for over 16 years, donated Dr. Chang’s office hanging glacier to about 3,400- feet Susitna College Thanksgiving-themed food items are and Cheryl Page’s elevation. • Karen Dillman, Ecologist, assembled into “Thanksgiving baskets” Although initially no sensitive or Tongass National Forest and delivered to the doorstep of local office (student Alaskans. These Alaskans are selected rare plants were found during the • Helicopter logistics by services) via confidential nomination: simply surveys, we documented the presence Coastal Helicopter of over 150 plant species in the valley nominate a family you know, including Contact Dr. Chang at • Justin Vernon and Alicia and collected over 90 plant samples your own! [email protected] for Stearns, Tongass National Forest that are receiving closer examination Participation is simple: nominate more information. flight managers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. families and donate food to boxes you We also collected over 100 lichen Reprinted from: SourDough Notes species that are also being further at http://www.fs.usda.gov/r10@ examined. AKForestService SourDough Note Much of the vegetation was familiar to us, yet the plant assemblages were different than other alpine valleys in the region. For example, mountain ash (Sorbus sitchensis) and beauverd spirea (Spiraea stevenii) were two abundant shrubs in the valley aside from the willows (Salix ssp.). These thickets are heavily used as protective cover and browsed by the resident mountain goats. Chest- height lady ferns (Athyrium felixfemina), false hellebore (Veratrum viridis) and myriad blooming wildflowers carpeted the rocky slopes of the valley between the talus slides. Patches of mountain hemlock forest (Tsuga mertensiana) in the center of the valley and at the southern end may be the remnants of a glacier/ice surface forest. The ice is now absent, but the leaning trees remain. Great excitement only displayed by botanists followed the discovery of moonwort (Botrychium neolunaria) on a moraine on the western slope of 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT vision, imagination and creativity. Like all artists, Mat-Su students Artistic built their celebratory contributions and performances from the point of Revolution “not knowing” and implemented a spontaneous “plan of action,” in which By Felicia Desimini they took a leap of faith. Professor Desimini’s Art Apprec- There is a meta-narrative to the Mat-Su iation class met Wednesday, October College Flash Mob, which incorporates 3rd, in the lobby of the Fred and Fluxus, Beat Generation Cafés, 1960’s Sara Machetanz Building as a Happenings, and Street Art. Students transformative salute to imagination, asked themselves, “What if?” And they creativity, play, and cue the drumroll: responded. They were responsible, met learning! their deadlines, and thought critically Students responded to several open about the questions posed to them. questions: What if? Why not? What is They are learning how they learn, holding you back? How much beauty and learning to develop and implement do we encounter in our daily lives that these skills into our Mat-Su College we typically ignore? What speaks to community and the community outside our creative souls? our campus walls. During the Flash Mob, students This project contributed significantly experienced the interdisciplinary to their individual lives. So, it is much intricacies of theater: performance, more than Art Appreciation -- this is Professor Desimini’s Art Appreication class participates in a collaboration, poetry, comedy, drama, Contemporary Art, this is real life. unique demonstration of interactive and performance art. personal interaction, choreography, audience, and improvisation. They rolling in their seats, demanding more. completely around to change the setting were engaged in their learning. They Carney has a positive stage presence entirely, giving the production a lively, made magic and meaning as they The Pink that seems to allow his fellow actors seamless feel to it. The lighting crew does consciously and unconsciously wove and actresses to loosen up and fulfill a solid job, one example being the use of together their artistic experiences in their roles that much more effectively an eerie green glow appearing whenever front of Student Services. Panther By Paul Broderson when they are around him. the Doomsday Machine is present. During the class before the Flash Ronald Dennison (who plays the Considering this play was his directorial Mob, students viewed and analyzed a If one is looking for an evening of villain “Dreyfus”) does a wonderful debut, it is obvious that DJ Rotach video called “Caine’s Arcade” about entertainment and wishes to journey job as well. Striding around the stage is a natural. During the whole of the a lonely 9-year old boy who built a on a humorous escape from reality, it with his thick mane of hair flying, production, the plot flowed smoothly game arcade using his imagination is highly recommended to attend the Stephenson says his lines with such and without a hitch. The way Rotach and recycled cardboard in his father’s play The Pink Panther Strikes Again. enthusiasm and timing that one would set up some of the scenes is creative brick and mortar auto parts store in an Directed by DJ Rotach, this play meets never guess this is his first performance. and hilarious, and one could tell that it economically depressed area of Los and exceeds every expectation for a Another newcomer is Erin Carney, must have been a lot of fun to be a part Angeles. comedy production. Viewers will be playing the seductive spy “Olga.” She of the making of this production. Rotach There is no foot traffic on these streets, leaving VPA smiling and quoting lines does a lovely job of it, with a great employs everything from slow-motion and the father’s business becomes from the play, already reminiscing. The accent and beautifully timed lines. All scenes to cross-dressing singers to… the exclusively online. Caine waits for acting is great, the stage setting has of the other actors and actresses give rest is a surprise. months on end for visitors to play his intriguing, eye-catching elements to it, games while he adds to his arcade, and solid performances overall, with the The Pink Panther Strikes Again was and the directing is both smooth and only slip ups happening when they shown up to September 23rd. Located at keeps his faith until someone (a film- creative. maker) walks in. Caine asks the film- started to laugh at something that Valley Performing Arts in Wasilla, it was Since VPA is a local, non-profit was said, and frankly, who can blame a truly wonderful show. The enthusiasm maker if he would like to play games: organization, viewers might expect $2.00 for a lifetime pass to the arcade. them? of the actors and wonderfully humorous the acting found there to be somewhat The set of the stage fit the pink panther storyline (combined with everything The film-maker, impressed with amateurish. Not so with The Pink Caine’s imagination and dedication to theme to a T. The painters did a great else mentioned above) made this a very Panther Strikes Again. While some of job with the floor and the backdrops, worthy play to see. Valley Performing his project, creates a video which goes the more minor roles are acted out with viral, and a Flash Mob is organized to and one could tell a lot of effort was Arts’ next play is DEATHTRAP October slightly stilted performances, all of the put into it, with good effect. But 12th- November 4th. The parking lot will bring to fruition Caine’s dream. This actors playing the main roles are spot on. Saturday, October 6th, the world- the best part of it all was the double undoubtedly be full so try to arrive early; “Chief inspector Clouseau’s” (played rotating stages. In between or during tickets can be found on VPA’s website or wide Cardboard Challenge celebrated by Ted Carney) bumbling actions and the one-year anniversary of Caine’s scenes, the stages could be flipped at the door. hilarious accent will have viewers ARTS & Entertainment 11 A title, a slip of paper, or the right To say “I gave to the poor, I fed the sick?” Good . . . Can one not enjoy these and still By Micheal DiBattista perpetuate the Fight? Greed, pride, wickedness, dark matters— Even performing the one Good, one Are not all variations causes strife On a single ladder For each one’s heart is different, and the Of infinite machinations world That humanity uses to reach the heavens? Rife with conflict. The shackles that are called “freedom” . . . What is in fact Good? then become heavy as lead Is there one that upon which When the Heart takes its due All will agree? . . . And we bury our dead. Or isn’t it true There is only one good. That good is That when the Heart takes its due To pay that due, to fulfill the desires of The curse is not restraint but the right the heart. to be free? Locals Pub and Pizzeria, located on the Parks Highway, To satisfy the body cannot be the Good. serves local brews and excellent pizza. Freedom at a cost The tangible and commonly malign left as you head into Wasilla. The cost always blood already do this Restaurant The moose antler handles on the front But is there not more, Such things, simple things like food. door were a truly Alaskan touch that Perhaps the voice of the Good? (Though not all may know this, and it matched the rest of Locals’ décor. And again, what is “Good” pains this one to no end.) Each booth has its own street sign But the opposite of “Bad” Review: over it, and patrons can choose their And what are those, but words— The mind, perhaps, is closer to the Good. favorite Mat-Su Valley street to sit at. Are we just “mad?” Though mind Locals Pub For a Monday afternoon, Locals was Only desires to rule. Truly, to climb atop quite busy. Most of the patrons were Perhaps this dichotomy is just all “in a lofty tower seated in the pub section, enjoying Locals’ selection of beers from a our head” And lord over the world, for “Knowledge and Pizzeria number of different local breweries. And we should follow the words is power.” By Hattie Schmidtkunz Of the man that declared God dead. And though noble a cause, this is not the I picked up my hot 18 inch pizza for . . . Or maybe, just maybe there is Good, one seeks to find. As a college student, I don’t have a only $19.99 plus tax. The pizza was lot of time to sit down at a restaurant if excellent. The crust was tasty, the something true I want some good pizza. Before class, vegetables seemed fresh and it wasn’t And to find it one must be sure To satisfy one’s Heart is the only true I called Locals Pub and Pizzeria to too greasy as most take out pizzas are. To pay one’s Heart its due. Good. To help pre-order a pizza for pick up. I wasn’t To top it all off, the mushrooms, my Others in this cause is a way to achieve expecting the restaurant, which just favorite pizza topping, were thankfully For what else could be good? it for oneself. opened in the valley this summer, not soggy. I definitely recommend Money, fame, power? to be so accommodating to pick-up stopping by Locals for a taste of good orders. food. Silly Stories by BP The business has a separate phone The restaurant is open from 11:00 line, entrance, and desk just for a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hungry college people like me who enjoy their top students can call 357-3100 until 9:30 quality pizza over some chemistry p.m. to order take out. homework. I ordered the “Husky,” a jazzed up pepperoni pizza with onions, In addition to an extensive menu tomatoes, olives, and mushrooms. of pizzas and wings, Locals has a “create your own” option for people Several hours later, after class, I who like their pizzas just so. Locals zipped over to Locals to pick up my full menu is available online at www. pizza. Locals is just a few minutes localspizzapub.com. away from the college on the Parks Highway, just past Wal-Mart on the

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