The War in Iraq at MSU-Billings

Controversy is welcome in a university setting where we stage a free flow of ideas, were the opening remarks by Shelley Van Atta, Director of University Relations, at the fourth address in the Distinguished Lecture Series at MSU-B

Looking For Some Good Advice Page 4 Students Learn How to Combat Suicide Page 9

We cant rely on political leaders to tell the truth.Piven

on November 14. Controversy was definitely in the air that day, with some audience members siding with the lecturer and others vehemently and loudly disagreeing. People were on their feet arguing when the address turned into a debate that bounced around all the corners of the auditorium. Dr. Frances Fox Piven, a sociologist from New York City, lectured from her new book, The War at Home. Piven stated before a nearly full Library auditorium that

Wolfgang Reflects on the Passing Year Page 18 Yellowjackets Expected to Succeed Page 20

The terrorist attack of Septemservative estimate of lives lost is ber 11, 2001 left an estimated 2,800 275,000. In August Hurricane dead and forever changed America. It also spurred an Katrina struck killing 1,322 and leaving over one milimmediate upsurge in Americans concern with spiri- lion people homeless. Two months later, on October 8, tual things. In a Gallup poll conducted on a 7.6 earthquake rocked Pakistan and NorthSeptember 21 and 22, 2001, 64 perern India. Current numbers show at cent of the people said religion least 87, 350 people dead and was very important to them. 42,397 injured. America hadnt seen that The uncertainty in this high of a percentage since world seems to cause Ameri1965. cans to be more aware of In the nearly five their own mortality. More years since 9/11 other noAmericans are not only table world-wide events turning to Hinduism, Budhave transpired. Wars in dhism, Islam and ChrisAfghanistan and Iraq flash tianity but also reaching across television screens. outside of traditional orOn November 9, suicide ganized religion in an atbombers in Jordan killed tempt to satiate their ap57 people and wounded at petite for the unseen, anleast 300 more. Cataswer their questions about strophic natural disasters the unexplainable and proalso affect many regions of vide comfort and direction the globe. On December for their lives. SpiritualGraphic courtesy of www.emersononlinestudies.org 26, 2004 a Tsunami hit Interests in spirituality increase during trying times. ity is not new to America. Asia and Africa. The conSee Unseen page 5

Tr a u m a t i c E v e n t s P u s h Americans Toward the Unseen

See War in Iraq page 6

Photo by Olivia Koernig Dr. Frances Fox Piven graced MSU-B with a distinguished lecture.

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Pump Up the Volume

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At the close of this semester, my first in charge of our little student newspaper, I am filled with reflection. Part of the job description in a position such as mine, is being the fall-back guy; Im the one who picks up the slack and when things go wrong (the universe tends toward entropy after all), Im the one who hears about it. In our business, no news is definitely not good news. Similarly, sometimes, bad news is good news. Ive heard through the grapevine throughout the semester that more than a few students and faculty members alike have been offended by, or in opposition to something theyve read in The Retort. I say, Bravo. Now dont misunderstand. It is not my desire to publish articles for shock value or merely for the sake of upsetting the status quo. However, if someone reads The Retort and passionate emotion is inspired within them, I think that we have done our job. I have noticed a heavy degree of apathy on our campus, so when I hear that someone is worked up about somethinganything; I am pleased to have been a part of it. As university students, isnt that why were here? To expand our horizons and broaden our experience, to be challenged and to grow? Some of the scuttlebutt that has passed my way is some students dissatisfaction with our columnist Mike Schrage. Sadly, no one has written a letter for us to print and share with the campus community. Ive also heard some disputes over the factuality of other stories; namely Freshmen Boot Camp Starring G.I. Joe by Beth Kern and Should COT Students be Allowed to Eat? by Emily Valenzuela. We want to hear from you! If something in this newspaper your student newspaperrubs you the wrong way, why not let us know? We value feedback from the readership and can only know what you think if you tell us. Ive also heard some talk around campus of people who are of the opinion that nothing in The Retort is controversial or relevant or matters on any level. Of course, we cant please everyoneor anyone, it seems, but ALL opinions on campus are important to us! The Retort values earnest responses to what we print. Its called a letter to the Editor and its a great way to let your voice be heard. Of course, there have been some positive responses to what were doing as well. We want to hear all of it. If there is something you love or hate about The Retort, clue us in. If there is stuff you are sick of reading about or dying to read about, we want to know. All you have to do is send us an email at www.msubillings.edu/retort, include your name and phone number and we will probably print it. Complete guidelines for this procedure are to the left of these lines in our guidelines and policies box. We are NOT in a position to counter gossip and rumors, only signed letters to the Editor can be addressed. Seriously, we want The Retort to represent the student body and we have only about 15 students on staff. There are nearly 4,800 students at our school, so we are not even close to a representative sample. With a little added involvement, however, we could better embody the views and interests of our campus, but we cant do it alone.

The Retort Staff

Editor in Chief...............Olivia Koernig Business Manager...........Yacine Zerizef Faculty Advisor.............Nancy Swanson Layout Editor................Dana Livermont Ad Manager...........................Niki Porter Copy Editor...............Amanda Patterson News Editor........................Betsy Harris A & E Editor.................Melissa DeVries Sports Editor..........................Jed Barton Photo Editor................Nicole Livermont Creativity Editor....................Beth Kern Reporter......................Emily Valenzuela Reporter.............................Tess Hatfield Reporter...........................Brie Radovich Photographer...................Matt Langman Staff Writer..........................Paul Jangula Staff Writer.................Miranda Breding Cartoonist............................Dan Hansen Columnist.........................Mike Schrage
Guideline & Policies The Retort encourages the sumission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be under 250 words in length and include name, signature, and phone number. The Retort reserves the right to edit for space and possible libel. Letters should deal with subject matter relevant to the students, faculty, and staff of MSU-Billings. The Retort is published twice a month. Letters must be sumitted by the Friday after the most recnt issue date. The Retort is made possible in part by student fees allocated by ASMSU-Billings. The Publications Board of ASMSU-Billings advises The Retort, leaving content decisions to the editors. Opinions expressed in The Retort are not necessarily those of its members, the university, students, nor student, state, or federal governments.

Club Connections:Grad Students and Sociology

constructing a portfolio to applying for positions within local Graduate Student Association schools. There are currently 374 The GSA also focuses much graduate students enrolled in the energy on promoting collegiality Graduate Student Association at through organization of colloMSU-Billings. The GSA is unique quiums. A colloquium is simply a in that all graduate students seminar for scholars and past topwhether they attend scheduled ics have included the War in Iraq, meetings or not are already auto- The Effect of the Media, Lifelong matically conLearning and the For more information on the sidered memNo Child Left GSA and its services please bers. Behind program. contact Cherie Mondragon, MSU-BillMondragon says, President: 256-7352 or Alan ings has many If youre an innon-traditional Christensen, Faculty advisor tegral part of putat 657-2338. students and this ting on a colloholds especially true in the GSA. quium or symposium it benefits The GSA assists students as they your professional career. navigate through their academic Examples of inner-club activiexperience, providing a forum for ties sponsored or participated in by gathering students who might oth- the GSA include The Summer Fierwise never have contact. esta, Harvest Party and Christmas As GSA President, Cherie Holiday Social. The GSA sees itMondragon says, Professors are self as a part of the campus comsometimes worn thin so it is ben- munity and as Mondragon says, eficial for graduate students to Tries to be connected and participate. Any interested graduate students can become involved in the GSA. The GSA meets Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. in the COE, room 209. As the GSA statement on collegiality says, You are already a member, so take advantage of friendship and camaraderie with other graduate students. Sociology Club The Sociology Club has All Graduate Students are members of been around for a few semesters, GSA, and they may not even know it. according to club president, Matt have another helping hand to show Grosskop of Laurel, a soon-tothem, Where to go, what to ask graduate senior studying socioland what is offered. The GSA ogy. He says that he chose sociolworks closely with the Career Ser- ogy as his major because he was vice Office to aid graduate students interested in studying different in becoming aware of as cultures that have different values Mondragon says, What the busi- and norms, adding, Growing up ness and education community in a small town, I didnt get much will want when you graduate. exposure to different cultures. The GSA offers practical resources Thats what drew me to sociolfor students on topics ranging from ogy.

Our purpose is to study the various sociological-related topics. human aspects of social life and Recently Dr. Sanders spoke on Nato build stronger relationships be- tive American issues. Propelled by a fascination tween students and faculty, says Grosskop. Feeling that the Bill- for human behavior and a desire to have an impact, ings community is not suffi- For more information on the the Sociology ciently aware of Sociology Club please contact Club welcomes important isall MSU-B stuMatt Grosskop, President: dents. The club is sues, the Sociol245-7385 or Dr. Joy Honea, currently seeking ogy Club has Faculty Advisor: 657-2996 people to fill the planned a community discussion on poverty, set positions of Treasurer, Vice Presifor next semester. Everyone is dent and Volunteer Coordinator. Any interested students are welwelcome to attend. The club meets once a month come to attend meetings, held in and works on practical community Room 802 of the Liberal Arts buildimprovement projects like can and ing. For meeting times, please concoat and blanket drives. The club tact Matt Grosskop or Dr. Joy invites guest speakers to present on Honea.

Are Advisors Doing Their Job...Correctly?

It seems that there is a trend of complaints that are becoming more frequent about advisors. Complaints range from not knowing who the advisor is to getting the wrong advice and having to retake a class or having taken a class that was not needed in ones major. Comments about advisors claim that the quality of advising seems to be dropping at a drastic rate. But is it the quality of advising that is dropping or is it the quality of advisees that advisors have that is dropping? The range of personalities that advisors have is equal to the range of personalities that students have. It is a luck of the pick that students find an advisor that is compatible to their personality. Advisors feel the same way about who they have to advise. Sometimes advisors can just be jerks. There have been some that have given the impression that they have no clue about what the students wants are and students feel like they are wasting their time. One advisor told me that this school does not accept upper division classes from another accredited state university, I almost had to take another upper division political class! said *Sam Smader. Unfortunately, there are advisors who make the student feel even worse. When getting an advisor who is unclear or does not have a clue, this often results in an extra semester of classes. The credits that are offered by traveling abroad seem to be very unclear to my advisors stated *Bob Rites. My advisor is so busy and has so many students that she doesnt seem to have the time or willingness to invest anything other than cursory interest in the classes that I am taking, complained *John Smith. Sometimes the advisor did not understand the questions that were being asked, and that is

Photo by Nicole Livermont The responsibilities of an advisor are often unclear to students.

St u d e n t s W e N e e d t o Ta l k !
On November 11, ASMSU-B held a student forum to open a dialog about any grievances or concerns of the student body. Curtis Sherrodd acted as the chair and also made sure there was a security guard present. Ive been in too many situations that turned bad, said Sherrodd, Its better to be safe, just in case. Fortunately, no poService Academic Support Center; Curtis Sherrodd for the College of Education; Shane Fairbanks for Information Technologies; and Dan Hansen recorded the minutes of the meeting. Several issues were discussed. Among them was the problem of teachers not showing up for class. Students felt that instead of just a note on the door they should at least have someone there to answer questions or let them use the room. Panelists said they are in the process of setting up an email system to let students know if the teacher will not be in. One student said that would not help him since he drives from out of town and cant check his email at home. All agreed that something besides a note on the door would be helpful. Another topic of concern was the NCATE Education Portfolio. Some teachers are ignorant of what it takes to get one, others are against it, and few students feel they have been adequately guided through the process of getting their portfolio together. Panelists commented they are responsible for finding things out for themselves but the issue of certain faculty members being for or against the portfolio is serious and the audience agreed the faculty should all be on the same page. The portfolio conversation morphed into talking about advisors and if they are competent or even available. Once again students have to take some responsibility about being prepared when they go to their advisors, but it was suggested if certain faculty members truly detest being advisors maybe they should not be forced to do the job. Other issues were course content and if its applicable to the field and if some classes are unnecessary

odd considering the professor teaches in that subject. Overall, if a student has issues with their advisor, they can change advisors or go to the chair of the department to complain or ask questions. If a student does not choose these options, then another option they have is the advising center, which Please note: an * denotes students who did is a whole other set of problems in itself. At the same time, there have been excellent not want to give their name out.

advisors. Dr. Karnos knows what college is really about...he doesnt waste his students time, claims June Peterson. A good advisor is defined as an advisor that communicates, opens doors, is knowledgeable in the subject, and is available to the student. Dr Edgerton got me to consider other alternatives besides just standard teaching seventh to twelfth, said Holly Pullar. Joe Holzworth describes his advisor, Dr. Marschke, He really seems to put a lot of effort to make sure I am on track and is interested on how things are going with my degree. Dr. Johanna Hadden is not only a great teacher, but she just understands me better then any advisor I have had previously, describes *Jessica Velez. Students often expect miracles from their advisors. As students, there is still a level or responsibility that we need to take upon ourselves prior to meeting with an advisor. Researching the subject at hand by asking a teacher, making an appointment ahead of time, and coming for advice at least a week before the deadline, is helpful to the advisor and advisee. Keeping in mind that advisors are human, they can make mistakes as well, it is the responsibility of the students to further investigate an issue if it has not been resolved, and it never hurts to ask for a second opinion.

for certain fields. Probably the most interesting topic of conversation for the whole meeting was, What do you want from your education? Many students had different answers but it is definitely a question that all of us as students should take the time to think about and figure out, because if you dont know what you want from your education, how can you get it?

Photo courtesy of ASMSU-B Students and student-leaders having a heart to heart.

lice action was necessary for the students of MSU-B to have a civil conversation about some of their concerns regarding their education. There were several representatives of different aspects of school. The panel members were as follows; Letha Broere for the advising center; Amanda Mears for the College of Business; Scott Martin for the library; Stacy Dix for the RHA; Tracie Overberg for the ASMSUB; Sean Fucci for the Food

From transcendentalism in the time of Ralph Waldo Emerson to Madonna and Hollywoods quest for Kabbalah, people in America are seekers.

spiritual things, Every [need] I see, determine where you end up in the I can explain by some other means, end. Michel took a religion class said Bice, giving as an example, once and thinks that family and the People have social needs so they things one hears on T.V. have a strong seek out friends. However, disas- influence on his or her beliefs. ters around the world cause him to Brianna Contrerez, who is takWhat Do MSU-B The Difference pose this question, How can people ing general education courses right Between Spirituality Students Believe In? believe in a god who would do such now, describes herself as a cradle Linsay Duty, a sophomore in things to his followerswhether it Catholic. She says of exploring and Religion Business Management and Marother spiritual options, It helps to In the Handbook of Positive There are different parts to keting says that said shes read be open-minded and soak it all in. Psychology, a section on spiritualabout people trying try out difAs she sees events unfold on the spirituality, cultivated in ity written by Kenneth I. Pargament ferent beliefs like WICCA and T.V. screen she said, I think its different ways. Part comes and Annette Mahoney says that conshe thinks that others meditate to from yourself. As we discover population control. I know that cepts of religion and spirituality have connect with an unseen part of sounds morbidor maybe its been defined as separate issues. Repeople and cultures, our themselves but says, I dont reGods way of telling us we need ligion is thought to be institutional, definition and perception ally know what my spiritual beto change our ways. dogmatic, and restrictive and spirichanges. liefs are. My family believes in Digna Ward, a sophomore tuality is viewed as personal, subGod and heaven, but we dont reBiology major, originally from jective, and life-enhancing. Henry ally go to church. be a Christian god, Jewish god or Panama says that in addition to growD. Beckwith and Jennifer Ann MorJason Pancheau, a sophomore whatever? Bice lists the Koran and ing up Catholic shes also checked row, in an article for the College studying Human Performance says Bible as the primary spiritual texts out Evangelical Christianity and MorStudent Journal, write Spirituality he became a Christian when, I felt hes looked into. monism. She said, There are differ[pertains] to ones search (i.e. proconvicted and knew I was missing Seth Moir said that he believes ent parts to spirituality, cultivated in cess) in attempt to discover that something in my life. Of his faith in day-to-day miracles. He also different ways. Part comes from which is sacred (i.e. God) via many he said, I have a personal relation- said, All things happen for a rea- yourself. As we discover people and different pathways. ship with Jesuswithout him, life son. It tests peoples strength and cultures, our definition and percepAccording to research ability to overcome. Recent tion changes. She adds, There is done by Scott Hyslop for How can people believe in a events have him praying and an abstract part of ourselves that Harvard Universitys Plurality god who would do such things to hoping for the well-being of ev- needs nurture. How we motivate Project, within Billings there is erybody. Moir, who grew up ourselves every day, what makes us his followerswhether it be a significant representation of Catholic adds, Your faith happy, where we live in this life. Christian god, Jewish god or not only interfaith groups but evolves with age and your expe- In her mind, tragic events are a matwhatever? also Ecclectic Wicca, Bahai riences. ter of, Being in the wrong place at and Islam. would be pointless. He attributes Sarah Michel, a junior studying the wrong time, but added, Dont Flickers of spirituality are current catastrophic events to the ful- Business and Marketing, was raised take anybody or anything for around campus. On the elevator bulfillment of prophecy. Catholic but now said that she has no granted. Thats the strongest mesletin boards every semester are postJustin Bice, Psychology and personal spiritual beliefs or practices. sage we can learn from unfortunate ers advertising upcoming teachings Sociology major and self-professed However, she said, I always ques- events.

Unseen cont. from page 1 and special events at the Buddhist agnostic, sees no need to believe in tion whether your religion and beliefs
Dharma Center. There is the Bahai Club, Latter-Day Saints Association, Real Life: College and Career Ministry, Intervarsity Ministry and United Campus Ministry.

Professor Receives Grant to Preserve Important History

The writing is on the wallliterally. History turns up in the most unusual places, such as inscriptions on Pompeys Pillar 24 miles northeast of Billings. For over 200 years amateur explorers, homesteaders, trail riders and local geologists have left reminders of the past. These etchings are in danger of disappearing forever as development occurs in the area. Drafting and design instructor at the College of Technology, Tim Urbaniak, is hoping to save these treasures. Urbaniak is also an archaeological technician with years of hands on experience in Montanas outdoors. Urbaniak received a federal grant of $65,400 from the National Park Service for surveying, digitizing and preserving these historic monuments. The grant is part of the Save Americas Treasures Federal Grants program. Over $14 million was awarded, but Urbaniaks grant was the only Montana project to receive funding. History isnt always written in books, sometimes it is literally written in the landscape, noted the Park Service. There is a lot of important information included on these walls. This project will not only include Montana sites, but also northern Wyoming and western South Dakota. According to Urbaniaks grant proposal, Due to natural and cultural forces, these resources are rapidly disappearing at an accelerating rate and will simply disappear completely in the future.

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Tom Rust, a faculty member in the MSU-Bs history department, will assist Urbaniak. He will also take on students to aide in the field work. The project will take two years and Urbaniak hopes to get started as soon as possible.

War in Iraq cont from page 1

the Iraq war was motivated by the need to shore up power for the Bush regime and now is being used to plunder the American people. Examining four reasons for the invasion of Afghanistan, and now Iraq, Piven dismissed each in

Get your facts straight!Unidentified WWII veteran

turn. The first reason was the theory of Saddam Hussein possessing weapons of mass destruction, which is now known to be false. The next reason presented before the American public for the war was supposed ties between Hussein and al-Qaida, another conjecture which has proved unsupported. A third reason explored by Dr. Piven was the need to instate democratic government in the Middle East, which Piven believes is doomed. She said that civil war is boiling under the surface. Pivens fourth interpretation of the reasoning behind the war is what she called an imperial adventure motivated by oil and as a quest to stamp the American footprint on the world. We already had enough oil, Piven said. Piven explained how she believes the war helped President Bush and other Republicans win elections.

War is frightening and exciting; its emotional and passionate, Piven said. That flurry of emotion from the American people is what Piven thinks helped Bush defeat Democrats and enlarge Republican majority in the House and Senate. She said that when the nations focus is on far away threats, democracy is partially disabled with people forced to rely on government leaders. Piven said, however, that it wasnt the Bush administrations unilateral thirst for power acting alone. She said the goal was unchallenged government control, with each branch implementing a domestic right-wing agenda that she said has been in place since the Reagan administration. Where the Bush administration has been particularly useful is in giving a new

rush to the agenda, Piven said, giving it a political free ride. Examples Piven cited were tax breaks to the affluent, environmental protection policy rollbacks and slashing social spending. Some of the Bush administrations accomplishments in office (according to Piven) are: soaring deficits a precarious economy poverty increases a falling median income health costs doubled corporate profit up Piven emphasized that there is hope for the American people. The war balloon is losing air, Piven said. She went on to state how the Bush administrations greed and incompetence have been exposed after the recent hurricanes: Wilma and Katrina. Piven said that the presidents credibility is being called into question and the only way to address the situation is in the ordinary American way. Piven said Americans need to march, rally and organize. We cant rely on political leaders who are in office to tell the truth Photo by Olivia Koernig or look out for the best Tytus Stempniewicz discusses the book with Dr. interest of the American Piven.

people, she said in closing. Following the lecture a brief question and answer session was opened. People were speaking out of turn and shouting their disagreement with Piven at the lecturer and each other. Lady, you need to get your facts straight, bellowed an older gentleman in the audience who identified himself as a World War II veteran. One fellow from the back row interrupted Piven, demanding to know why she was letting the Clinton administration off the hook. Piven asserted her authority in the situation, thundering at the man to hold his comment until he was

The war balloon is losing air.Piven

called upon to speak. Im the one at the podium! Piven barked. After several minutes of passionate interchange a woman voiced her disapproval to those challenging Piven, shouting Why dont you just shut up?! Pivens theories on the war may not have been met with unanimous accord, but Van Attas opening remarks were certainly substantiated. For those interested in an indepth account, Pivens book, The War at Home, can be ordered from Beezers.

MSU-Billings Students Intervene

It is the holiday season and college students are excited to return home to see family and friends; oftentimes alcohol is added to this mix. As noted in an article in Drugged Driving Awareness month. In honor of this a few students (Summer Ashcraft, Reese Davis, and Halley Montalban) and the Student Wellness Center thought this would be the perfect opportunity to create awareness amongst college students. The team set up a booth with educational information about BAC levels, the rate at which alcohol is utilized by our bodies, alternative solutions to driving drunk, a life tree (where students could sign their name to pledge not to drink and drive), red ribbons, and a survey to fill out. For the students time they received a free smoothie and a free bag of popcorn. The survey was created to establish areas of drinking and driving concern for our local campus. It was completed by 242 Montana State University Billings students, from three locations (tables were set up in the LA building, the COT, and the SUB). The female to male ratio was about 1:1 with 17-20 year old student filling out the majority of the surveys (39 percent). Many students asked us if they could find out the results of the survey, so additional results are as follows: 62 percent of MSU-B Students drink less than 3 drinks per week; 64 percent have chosen to NOT drive while under the influence of alcohol within past six months; 60 percent have been a designated driver within past six months; 86 percent know someone who has driven while under the influence within past six months; 50 percent have ridden in a vehicle driven by someone under the influence; 91 percent would use a free, accessible mode of transportation to and from local bars; 89 percent have INTERVENED to stop a friend from drinking and driving; 50 percent had a family member or close friend who was injured or killed in an alcohol related crash. For those of you who participated in the survey, thank you for your time and may every one have a safe holiday season!

Graphic courtesy of http:// www.ncadd.com/ Dont drink and drive.

the November 8 issue of the Retort, December is Drunk and

Resolving Problems 101: How to File a Grievance

grievance is an option.

ITS NOT FAIR!

As students, you work hard to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish when you started college. Read, study, perform, and test become the focal points of your everyday routine. Its frustrating to work that hard, and receive a C or lower for your efforts. Most of the time your instructors are following guidelines laid out in the assignment, and are being critical according to academic standards and criteria. If you feel that you followed the assignment guidelines and have done above-average work, but received a below-average grade there is a grievance process you can pursue. Students at campuses all over the country file grievances based on discrimination. Age, race, religion, and political affiliations are the most common grounds for such complaints. If you feel that you are being discriminated against, filing a

HOW DO I FILE A GRIEVANCE?

There are three steps to filing a grievance. The first step involves talking to the faculty member or ad-

Photo from The Retort archives. Requests must be submitted to the Student Resolution Officer, Ruby Chunkapura.

ministrator who you are registering the complaint against. You must do this within 30 days after the problem has occurred. Miscommunication and a failing in the understanding of the problem can be resolved

tect the rights of all parties involved, and maintain a respectful dignity for MSU-B. Filing a grievance is serious business and should not be taken lightly. Because you dont like an instructor or you get a bad grade isnt a good enough reason to file a complaint. It you have a genuine complaint, the grievance process; makes sure all avenues of communication are opened, no mistakes are made, and provides solid documentation of every and all steps taken toward resolution. If you have any questions or feel you have a genuine complaint contact the ASMSU-Billings Student Resolution Officer in room 213 of the Student Union Building or call 657-2365. Most of the time the process is completely unnecessary. Talk to your instructor, and they will work with you to solve the problem. If the problem isnt solved through such a conference, IS ALL THIS REALLY you do have the option of the grievNECESSARY? The process is designed pro- ance process.

in these kinds of conferences. If you feel that the problem is unresolved after the initial meeting you can request a second step meeting. You make this request of the Student Resolution Officer. The SRO then organizes a meeting with the faculty members or administrators immediate supervisor. The meeting must be requested within 10 days after the step one meeting, and the supervisor must grant the meeting within 20 days after that. If you feel the problem still exists, the SRO can submit a formal written complaint to the student grievance committee. The committee consists of two faculty members, three students, and two people that are not faculty members or students. The complaint has to be submitted within 10 days after the step two meeting.

Editorial: Is Sex Contributing to Moral Decay?

I am just having fun in college, and I am really stressed out, are lines that students use most to justify their sexual encounters. It seems like a million years ago when college singles found anything more then kissing scandalous, and sex was only accepted among married couples. Are we living in a time period that sex is no more intimate then getting a bite to eat at McDonalds? Is the full college experience not only about ordering pizza six nights a week but also about one night stands and three-somes? I am not one to judge anyones moral choices or even what they do on a Saturday night. However, I find the justifications and labels overrated and outdated. Naturally, not many would label Montana State University-Billings (MSU-B) as a school for sexual scandals. It is typically the major party universities that have Greek fraternities and sororities that are picked as scandalous. Can we really stereotype the students that like to party as always being scandalous? Coming from the experience of attending both types of schools, and living on both sides of the country, I can testify that such events go on everywhere, it is just not as obvious, here. Can we blame this on media? As sexuality is an often promoted as a factor on advertisements, commercials, movies, and in music, can we really hold what we see and hear responsible for our actions? Is a guy having a three-some only because he thought it was cool in a music video? Is it cool to compete with peers on who is more sexually experienced, just for the status label? Are girls finding it okay to have sex with more then one partner in one day not horrible, just because a celebrity promotes it? What kind of message does that give

same way we group and label students by their major. Hes a big partier, he must be a slut vs. Hes an engineer major, he must be a loser. This is just a more advanced way to stereotype; historically we were judgmental on nationalities, now we have changed the factors we use to judge. Why does it matter so much that one person does not live their lives to the standards of another persons moral beliefs? As we worry about finals, family, and friends do we also need to worry about the everyday judgment calls and labels that are put on us as well? The double standards within labeling are so off the wall, that I would like to know the true definition of an innocent person. Lets also consider that having experience is not always condemned. Not everyone finds a virgin a necessary quality in attraction. Just as not everyone wants to have a partner that has an experienced past. Photo from The Retort archives Being in college, we embrace the idea College students generally have casual attitudes toward sex. of learning and having fun. The fact is that society about all college students? I would like to sex is not going to disappear. We can blame the think that by the time we enter college, we are able media, or other factors to justify why people do to think for ourselves and use our best judgment what they do. In the big picture labeling, blaming based on our beliefs, experiences, and morals. or gossiping is not going to make life easier for Shes such a slut and he is such a player you. I promise it will not make you more likely to are labels that (I believe) should be thrown out the do better on a test or get you a scholarship, no matwindow. Society groups and labels individuals the ter how much effort you put into it.

Whos

Afraid

of

the

Big

Bad

Wolves?

Since the mid-1990s the controversy over wolves in the greater Yellowstone area has drawn attention away from the greater picture of wolf management throughout the states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. When Europeans first came to this continent, Jon Trapp, a wolf ecologist, explained flipping through Power Point screens, the wolf range extended from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Northern Canada south well into Mexico with the only exception being the southern Appalachian Range into Florida. They were one of the widest ranging land animals in the world, said Trapp. At the time wolves were listed on the Endangered Species List in 1974, the only place they could be found in the lower 48 states was in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota. Since 1974, the wolf population has expanded back to surround the northern Great Lakes region, Glacier National Park area, Yellowstone National Park area and central Idaho. Wolves have returned to these areas through both reintroduction and migration. Because of the reintroduction in 95 an 96 the wolf population in the northern Rockies is somewhere between 800 and 900 animals, says Trapp. Trapp has worked in Germany and New Mexico with wolf

repopulation and reintroduction. In Packs are usually much smaller out- has to verify that the cow or sheep New Mexico he worked with the wolf side the park for multiple reasons. has in fact been killed by a wolf. reintroduction program where they Mostly its because they find marginal Then, MFWP takes action personally are taking Mexican wolves, which habitat and dont make it. or the livestock owner can apply for have spent the last six to seven genThe majority of wolves in Mon- a special permit to hunt the offenderations in captivity, and releasing tana roam in the Beartooth Mountains ing animal. them into a wildlife preserve on the around Red Lodge where Trapp There are many ways to proArizona, New Mexico border. Now works. A pack ranges up to 200 tect livestock, said Trapp. Guard he works with Montana Fish, Wild- square miles. Often this territory is dogs, electric fences and flagging; the life and Parks (MFWP) to track and on private land. In his presentation flags scare the wolves away. monitor wolves in southThe recent prowestern Montana. posal to de-list My job [in winwolves from the list ter] is to track the animals of endangered speand see if there are anicies was rejected mals in certain areas or based on the grounds not, explained Trapp. that the state of During the sumWyomings wolf mer, MFWP uses spemanagement plan cially designed traps to didnt qualify as capture wolves for tagmanagement. ging, explains Trapp. In B a s i c a l l y, tagging, a wolf is tranWyomings plan said quilized and then blood you could kill a wolf Photo courtesy of www.ylwstone.com. and measurements are Wolves in greater Yellowstone have been the subject of much recent whenever you taken and the animal ra- controversy. wanted to without dio collared, which helps reason, said Trapp. MFWP to track them throughout the Trapp showed a picture of a wolf that As a result, wolf management in year. It also helps capture trouble had traveled over 300 miles in search Wyoming is still in federal hands wolves that harass livestock. of territory of his own in a month, while Montana and Idaho pretty Trapp went on to explain how and was successful in finding terri- much run their own wolf managethe wolves have spread from tory and a mate. ment. Yellowstone and down from Canada. Usually they get hit by cars or The real problem with reinWolves in Yellowstone National Park starve, Trapp explained. A dispers- troduction is people, Trapp exwere reintroduced artificially and ing wolf is not likely to find success plained. When wolves were first therefore do not have the same nowadays. released it was said that we would amount of protection under the EnPart of that success is the avail- have a dead kid inside a year. To this dangered Species Act. Pack size out- ability of food. In southwest Mon- day there has not been a case where side Yellowstone varies, said Trapp. tana wolves prey primarily on elk wolves have attacked humans as prey. while those in the northwest prey on Sometimes wolves get too used to white-tailed deer. They also will eat people and then things happen, but mice, moose, bison, or domestic live- wolves have never tried to kill a hustock. Wolves prey primarily on the man. most populous large ungulate (hoofed Despite the conflict in the meanimal), which is why wolves have dia over wolves inside and outside of not wiped out the bighorn sheep Yellowstone, wolves, a keystone spepopulation since their reintroduction. cies to the local ecosystem, are havHowever, since 1995 when ing positive effects on the landscape. wolves were first reintroduced, the elk Beavers have returned to population in and around Yellowstone Yellowstone. So have many songdropped from over 20,000 animals to birds and fish since the willow growth right around 10,000. This drop has has rebounded, said Trapp. Huntfacilitated the re-growth of willows ers will just have to adapt to their new along streams in Yellowstone Park movements and behavior patterns. and the return of many fish species to But all-in-all, the wildlife is on the the same streams. rebound. Wolves, because they afWolves were never meant to fect so many parts of the ecosystem, stay in Yellowstone. In fact, the origi- are truly a keystone species. nal intention was for wolves to repopulate the entire state of Montana For more information on and eventually recover most if not all wolf management and voltheir original range, which brings up unteer opportunities, contact concern for livestock. Jon Trapp at In 2004, 26 cattle and 87 sheep were killed. As a result 33 wolves [email protected], or by were killed, said Trapp. So far this phone at 446-0106. Or you year 21 cattle and 26 sheep have been can check out the Fish, Wildkilled by wolves and 34 wolves were life and Parks website; killed. www.fwp.mt.gov/ Before taking action against a wildthings/wolf. wolf for harassing livestock, MFWP

Role Reversal: Now You Can Give the Grade

Have you ever wanted to let someone know exactly what you think of your professor? Maybe a little venting about the bogus test questions, poor lecturing, or compliment a great and interesting personality that a professor might have, now is your chance. A new sight called www.ratemyprofessors.com has popped up and it worth a glance if you have some spare time. The sight is easy to use and has 94 professors currently available for rating. If the professor you are looking for is not currently on the sight, you can add a professor very easily. The rating is simple, poor quality, average quality, good qual- ease the class. Some professors ity, and hot. Ratings are on a are rated by more students than scale of one to five, one being others. For our school, six to eight students were lowest possible rating and five bethe most to rate a ing highest. When single professor. Adrian Heidenreich, a rating a professor, the student rates professor of Anthropology for example ease of the class, was rated by six stuclarity, helpfulness dents and all ratings and the hotness were generally the factor of the prosame. He scored fessor. You find an overall poor your professor on the alphabetic listquality, an avering and click rate. Graphic by Nicole Livermont age of 1.2 in ratThe opinions of At ratemyprofessors.com, you ings and the class other students are can rate whether your prof is was given the ease level of 2.7. Stualso available if hot or not. the professors name is clicked dents commented He is the on. The number of student rat- worst teacher Ive ever had. He ings is posted as well as the av- knows his stuff but he has no erage score and the level of idea how to teach. His lectures arent structured or organized and dont reflect whats on the test. Steer clear of this guy at if at all possible. I will say, though, he is a nice guy. Most students commented the same general idea, great guy but poor teacher. Lisa Kemmerer, a philosophy professor rated quite highly. She rated a good to hot quality and an average of five and an ease factor of two. Lisa rocks my world. She inspires me to be a better person. Everyone should take at least one of her classes. was a comment made by one student. With an array of professors already listed and any professor able to be posted and rated, this site is definitely interesting and useful. If you have a minute, check it out.

Suicide

longer and darker winters (SAD). Small towns make up Montana has been consis- most of Montana and everyone tently in the top 10 states for sui- knows each other. People are cide rates and in 2003, it was the frightened to be seen seeking psychiatric help because it is likely they will encounter someone they know along the way, so they opt not to go. Often, there is one pseudo-counselor who has more than one occupation and does not spend as much time as needed to help others. In Montana, if you are considered a suicide threat, either the police will arrest and place you in jail Graphic courtesy of www.xmission.com for a night, or the psySometimes depressed people hide their symptoms. chiatry ward will admit you for three days with third highest. Katie Conver and counseling as an option, but not Vickie Lafromboise, both clini- a requirement. cal psychologists, gave a lecture In 2002, 182 Montanans on suicide prevention on Tues- completed suicide, about one day November 15, 2005, which person every other day. Suicides was part of a larger program are most prevalent in the months Question, Persuade, and Refer of March, April, and May. (QPR). They both earned col- Women are more likely to atlege degrees in health promotion tempt suicide than men, but they and have made it their occupa- have a smaller completion rate tion to teach health awareness. because they tend to use reversThey speak to teachers, nurses, ible methods, such as carbon police, and other health profes- monoxide poisoning or overdose. sionals to promote suicide Men, on the other hand, have a awareness. higher rate of completed suicides It [suicide] is such an epi- because they tend to use techdemic we need to be doing niques likes guns or hanging. something, Conver said. One common myth says that if a The large numbers of sui- person wants to complete suicides in Montana may be attrib- cide, he will, but the statistics uted to Montanas isolation, show that 90% of people will greater access to guns, or the reach out for help.

Prevention

There are suicide warning the Community Crisis Center signs that should never be over- has been built in Billings. Still, looked. If someone is comment- the conditions of mental health ing on how life is miserable you help have not improved signifineed to get them help immedi- cantly. A trusted teacher or family ately. Other behavioral clues include acquiring a gun or stock- member can be as good as a psychiatrist when piling pills, putSuicide Hotline (24 hours a ting personal trying to get affairs in order, day: 7 days a week: 365 days a someone help. year) 1-800-SUICIDE Often, people diagnosis of a just need someserious illness, or sudden and unexplained anger one to listen to them and know or irritability. The opposite can that they are loved. Remember: also be true: sudden calmness HOW you ask the question is after continuous unrest. Suicide LESS important than the fact is the most preventable kind of that you ask it. death and almost any positive If you can give someone action may save a life. hope, just a little bit of hope, it In the past two years, there has can be the difference between been $400,000 allocated for sui- life and death, Lafromboise cide prevention in Montana and said.

Lecture

at

COT

...give Planned Parenthood of Montana a call at 656-9980. They offer a full range of health care services, including birth control, annual exams, and STD testing. And, your visit is confidential.

Choose Planned Parenthood.

(406) 656-9980 Billings www.impp.org 1844 Broadwater Ave.

MSU-Billings Program Gets Accreditation

MSU-BILLINGS NEWS SERVICE A program at Montana State University-Billings to train the next generation of multi-skilled health care professionals has earned national recognition. And that recognition will allow graduates to be at the head of the line for employment in one of the fastestgrowing occupations in the country. The medical assistant program, a two-year associate of applied science program at the MSU-Billings College of Technology, now is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs on the recommendation of the curriculum review board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. Deanna Rieke, medical assistant program director at the College of Technology, said the accreditation is good news for students, the program and the medical community. For students, Rieke said, graduates now will be eligible to take the national certification exam that proves their skills in the growing field. The program now is positioned to market itself as one that has undergone a multi-year rigorous review. The only other medical assistant program currently active in Montana is at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell. And for the community, accreditation provides evidence that the support from health care providers and partnerships is working. The program evaluation is an ongoing process, Rieke said. It shows that there will be commitment to ongoing quality improvement. Responding to a need The medical assistant program started in 2002 at the MSU-Billings College of Technology and has 10 graduates. Another 20 currently are enrolled, Rieke said. Medical assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists and other health practitioners running smoothly. In this age of specialized health care, medical assistants are the professionals who can cover front office duties and provide clinical duties for the physicians with whom they work. In rural states such as Montana, where small clinics abound, those kinds of skills are critical, Rieke said. Medical assistants are educated and trained to be generalists in the health care field, but are educated to have specific knowledge in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, communication, behavioral science and medical law. Graduates also are knowledgeable in medical increase in the number of group prac- trator, Cardiovascular Surgeons records management, insurance pro- tices, clinics, and other health care Luann Sonsteng, a certified cessing and medical coding, as well facilities that need a high proportion medicalm Orthopedic assistant with as in examination room techniques, of support personnel, particularly the Montana and Sports Medicine pharmacology and diagnostic testing. flexible medical assistant who can Marjorie Christiansen, a certist Its a 21 century curriculum for handle both administrative and clini- fied medicalm Billings assistant at the health care, an industry that has been cal duties. And as outpatient clinics Clinic constantly changing for the past 20 continue to grow, so will the need for Beth Lynch, director of patient centuries. highly-trained and qualified medical financial services, the Billings Clinic With 40,000 workers through- assistants. Those who move on to get Lisa Massick, a student in the out the state, health care is the largest national certification will be even medical assistant program private sector employer in Montana. more employable. Broad experience, big expecAbout 10,000 people in Yellowstone Its a national trend that is mov- tations County work in the health care sec- ing toward Montana from both coasts, A registered nurse who also has tor, accounting for about 22 percent Carr said. a masters degree in health adminisof the total wage earnings of the reIn California, for example, pa- tration, Rieke has worked in the health gion, according to the Montana Bu- tients who enter a clinic setting often care field in various capacities from reau of Business and Economic Re- are given initial care (from gathering South Carolina to Alaska. Her persearch. of insurance information to being pre- sonal experience is used to explain to Statewide, about 40 percent of pared for an exam) by a medical as- students the value of a broad health the health care workers are employed sistant. The work is efficient and pro- care education. Graduates of the proat hospitals, but according to national fessional and leaves nurses free to gram get detailed preparation to be forecasts, the future for medical as- handle other duties. able to handle explanations of certain sistants is bright as treatment procedures, health care industry but also have the probcontinues to grow. lem-solving skills necesDr. Douglas Carr, sary to handle insurance chief of the medical claim complaints. Its the staff at the Billings perfect applied science Clinic and a member of education. the COTs Medical AsThey are trained sistant Advisory Counnot only in theory and cil, said accreditation skills, but also in the apnot only affirms the plication of that knowlquality of the program, edge, Rieke said. but sets the foundation Medical assistants for a bright future. are under the supervision Im excited that Photo courtesy of MSU-B News Service of physicians or podiait has received accredi- Dianna Rieke is the director of the medical assistant program at trists in Montana; the tation on the first pos- the COT. role and scope of their sible opportunity, he said. Thats Nurses are used in areas where profession is under the purview of the very important. specialization is much more utilized, Board of Medical Examiners. The Carr said that having an accred- Carr said. board currently is reviewing proposed ited program means that graduates Local benefits, local support rules that would further outline tasks may sit for comprehensive testing to One of the benefits of having a that medical assistants may and may become certified medical assistants. medical assistant program in Billings not be assigned to do. That certification regimen, he said, is is the clinical experience that students Administratively, medical assissimilar to the one nurses undergo. obtain. Relationships have been de- tants greet patients, update medical Its how we verify our compe- veloped with the Billings Clinic, St. records, fill out insurance forms, tencies, he said. Vincent Healthcare, and Montana schedule appointments, arrange for The U.S. Department of Orthopedic Surgeons that allow stu- hospital and lab services and handle Labors Bureau of Labor Statistics dents to do some of their 160 hours billing. says that employment of medical as- of required clinical work in their ofAs far as clinical duties, medisistants is expected to grow much fices. cal assistants take patient histories, faster than the average for all occuThere also are a number of record weights, pulse rate, blood prespations through the year 2012. Thats health care professionals who serve sures and other vital signs. They exbecause the government expects the in an advisory capacity for the MSU- plain treatments to patients, prepare health services industry to continue Billings College of Technology pro- them for exam, give instructions expanding because of technological gram. Rieke said their input and sup- about special diets, draw blood, obadvances in medicine, and a grow- port have been invaluable. The advi- tain and process basic lab specimens ing and aging population. Increasing sory council also was instrumental in and administer medications as diutilization of medical assistants in the providing evaluations and informa- rected by physicians or podiatrists. rapidly-growing health care indus- tion during the accreditation process. Rieke said she hopes Montana tries will result in fast employment The local advisory group mem- eventually will adopt standardized growth for the occupation, the De- bers are: training so that medical assistants partment of Labor says. In fact, the Dr. Doug Carr, chief of the have consistent professional recogmedical assistant profession is pro- medical staff atm Clinic. the Billings nition and status. jected to be the fastest-growing ocPeggy Wharton, director of For more information about the cupation over the 200212 period. Physicalm Orthopedics/Sports Medi- medical assistant program at the Labor reports say that employ- cine and of Billings Clinic MSU-Billings College of Technolment growth will be driven by the Carol Sado, practice adminis- ogy, call Deanna Rieke at 247-3075.

D o r m D a z e : W h a t s Going on in the Dorms?

Dorm life is an experience that nothing can be compared to. At the beginning of the week, you can find new friends that live next door and by the end of the week, you can feel claustrophobic because too many people are around. Besides dealing with cafeteria food, living in the dorms is about compromises and taking in a diversity of personalities and cultures. Including summer session, this is my fifth semester living in the dorms, and if I can pass on any words of wisdom for new residents it is never expect one semester to be the same as another. Every semester there is a change in residents. Typically, this is because students graduate, transfer, or just want more than a room to call their own. Because of the turn over, one semester you can be the most popular person on the floor, and the next semester you might have to make a new set of friends because you do not know anyone on the floor. The turn over in residents can appear as a positive or negative factor in living in the dorms. At one point, you can meet new people and create a large circle of friends that know you better then anyone else because they lived with you. For those of age, there is always a drinking buddy to go out with you. Carpooling and shopping with friends is convenient and fun. Rarely will you find a schedule of classes that does not include at least one person from the same floor as you, so you have a study buddy that lives close. People in the same major can offer advice, books, and notes. On the other hand, you have to compromise your living space with a range of personalities you may not like. I have experienced personalities ranging from the alcoholic who would lick wine off the ground just to drink, to the pre-law study freak that does not leave the room unless its absolutely necessary. There is going to be the insomniac that does not sleep and makes loud noises at night, but bitches during the day about people making noise. You can expect there will be the player (typically a freshman) who flirts with everyone on the floor, who seems nice at first but sooner or later his/her true intentions come out. My take on living in the halls is to have fun. There will never be another experience like this. Also important is to take advantage of the atmosphere around you. Dorm life is what you make of it; you get out exactly what you put in. So get to know the people that live around you because you never know who you will run into in the future.

How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

It is said that the average North American packs on an extra five or more pounds during the period from Thanksgiving through the New Year. Its easy to see how this can happen, between Christmas cookies, hot toddies and eggnog and all the holiday social gatherings; food is everywhere during this season. The good news is that it doesnt have to be this way. Follow the pointers below and hopefully 2006 will find you still slipping effortlessly into all your clothes. 1. Plan ahead. This one is key, and thats why its first. When planning a long day of shopping, pack some healthy snacks for the day to avoid becoming famished and ending up at McDonalds. Also in this busy time of year it is helpful to stock up your fridge and cupboards with nutritious grab-and-eat options. 2. Be aware that libations are not calorie-free. This one is tricky, you could skip a meal to offset the drinks youll be having, but then youll end up drunk as a skunk. Choose a glass of wine over a white Russian, and a light beer over an original. Skipping eggnog altogether is a good idea if youre concerned about your weight. 3. Eat before parties. Hitting the buffet table on an empty stomach is a diet disaster. A better choice is to have a light and healthy snack before you go. Choosing more vegetables and less cheese log is another way to enjoy eating at social events without sabotaging your waistline. 4. Practice portion control. No one wants to feel restricted around holiday food. With friends bringing baked goodies on an almost daily basis, only the most militant people can withstand all the temptation. A way to avoid overdoing it is to have what you wantjust not as much as you might want. If just one bite will do, then dont eat two. 5. Dont wait for January 1. At the beginning of each New Year, a lot of people start a diet and exercise regimen. Why wait til then? If you are truly concerned about your health and want to get in shape, why not start now? A great side effect of exercise is increased energy, which will aid you in all you do this holiday season.

Photo by Nicole Livermont Each floor in the residence halls has its own theme.

Classroom Etiquette: Sit Down, Shut Up and Learn

Disclaimer: I know for a fact that Ive violated every single one of these rules at least once or twice in the past week alone. For those of you who have class with me, I apologize. For the rest of you, you should pray that you never do. Im annoying. With an expanding number of students on campus this year, classroom etiquette has become an even more important aspect of daily student life. Were all here to have a good time while receiving a great education, but where does one draw the line between being an overzealous student and a rude individual? Lets start with the obvious. The number one complaint Ive heard about classroom annoyances is cell phones. Is your social life so important that you cant stand to have your cell phone off for an hour at a time? While many students put their phones on vibrate, theyre still audible through pockets, backpacks, or wherever theyre stored. Just turn the stupid things off. Senior Brett Weisz reiterated stu- on campus have been teaching dent sentiment on the topic when the same material for many years he said that it gets really distract- and are extremely knowledgeing and annoying when cell able in their area of expertise. phones go off in the middle of Graduate student Megan class. When I say cell phones, Wiersum had a strong opinion on this includes the subject, It texting. I dont annoys me know how when classmany times mates are Ive seen stuclosed-minded dents text each on topics that other from theyre ignoacross the rant about. We room in the are in school to middle of a leclearn, so ture. Apparwhats the ently the old point if a studays of note Graphic courtesy of http://www.tla1.com dent is not gopassing are If you arent the professor, you are in ing to listen to over. Nowa- class to listen. other philosodays students have to resort to phies or even the facts? It is partalking about the hot physics pro- ticularly aggravating when a stufessors through mid-class texts. dent takes debates and discusAnother complaint that I sions personally. When I voice hear about is students who con- an opinion, fact, or quote, it is tinuously argue with the profes- strictly educational or to present sors, despite being wrong a good a different point of view and not portion of the time. Every stu- an attack on an individual. dent is entitled to his or her opinWhile students who argue ion, but they must also under- with professors are on one side of stand that many of the professors the spectrum, those who tend to

be the teachers pet are on the other, yet they remain equally as obnoxious. Who doesnt hate the kid who sits in the front row every day and answers every one of the professors questions (even the rhetorical ones)? Give the rest of the students a chance to at least hear the question before you blab out some perfect answer off the top of your head! Youre not the professor, so stop dominating the classroom discussion. One last complaint that I heard was about food in class. For those of you who eat or drink in class, how about you chomp on your chips a little less quietly and stop slurping your soda so loudly. Some students actually listen to lectures and would like to hear what the professor is saying without the constant crinkle of plastic. So next time youre in class and find yourself violating one of these tenets of classroom etiquette, I hope that you have the self control to stop yourself and be considerate of others. Or you can just keep doing it and be that guy.

Im dreading it already! I always get some gift that I will never use Its gift giving season again, or want, and have to act all happy and I dont know about you, but about it. The only thing Im not

faking is the total shock Im in when I receive a pink sweater with a white cat on the front. Now, Im sure not all the presents given are

awful, but to play it safe, just give me a gift certificate or cash. Lets hear about some more terrifying gifts from our fellow students!

Etch-a-Sketchwhen I It was a pair of jeans cut off into a short purse. The pockets was 13! My uncle got it for me. were on the front with handkerThomas Olsen chiefs sticking out of them. It also had a large wooden latch on Health and Human Performance it. Thanks, Grandma! Freshman Wolf Point, MT Lacey Pueck Organized Communication Junior Billings

When I was younger I got It would have to be a gift a sweater that I did not like! I certificate to Fuddruckers from think it had snow flakes on it. I my manager. I dont eat meat!! got it from the grandparents who Alison Weinrib usually hook it up, so I was a little disappointed. Management Freshman Chicago Alex Ziegler Marketing Sophmore Billings

Something for Nothing

Scanning the shelves at Hastings for a movie to rent is always an overwhelming task. Finding something that everyone agrees upon (and will not fall asleep to in the first twenty minutes) can be almost impossible. This lead to the old, I dont care, just get whatever you want. Well, if you are sick of the above scenario, and the microwaved popcorn being the highlight of the evening, rent something a little different. The independent, Canadian film Nothing, (2003) starring David Hewlett and Andrew Miller, is a happy little story about two grown men who hate their lives. In fact, they dislike everything so much that they hate, it all away. The two men wake up, after a traumatic encounter with the police, to find that everything is gone except for their house and the contents inside and they must learn how to deal with their new lives. The film was up for numerous awards in both 2004 and 2005, and it won the International Fantasy Film Best Film Award for 2005. Dave and Andrew, the two main characters, have really good chemistry. While watching the film, it is easy to imagine that they have actually been friends for years (which I am sure that they probably have been). The special effects are quite good for a low budget, independent film, and it is pretty easy to follow once it starts. One of my favorite aspects of the film is how skewed their reality is. The house they live in is only half there, and it sits in the middle of a freeway. Noth-

ing has some off-beat comedy, but it also has some eye-opening moments. I noticed how this

Photo courtesy of http://media.outnow.ch/Movies/ Having nothing isnt so bad.

movie kind of makes the viewer do a 180, and look at their own lives in comparison with Daves and Andrews. They learn pretty quickly that having nothing can actually mean having more then you think.

The Birth of Venus; Passion, Desire, Art

The Birth of Venus is set in Florence, Italy at the height of the Medici reign during the Renaissance. Dunant competently conveys the atmosphere of this historical era when culture and art were dominant forces in society. She vividly describes the beautiful works of Botticeli, Ghirlandaio, and Masaccio as well as other Florentine artists of that time period. She also incorporates the history of Florence during the fall of the Medici house and the time period of 1494-1498 when the fanatical monk, Savonarola takes control of the city condemning its love for luxury and art. While The Birth of Venus is steeped in historical content and religious rhetoric, the characters and plot are not overwhelmed by these literary tools, but conversely, superbly supported by them. The Birth of Venus is centered around a young girl named Alessandra Cecchi. Alessandra is a willful girl with a keen mind and a desire to create art, both qualities that were not considered appropriate for a female in the late 15th century. Dunant expresses this through the thoughts of Alessandras mother who thinks, Art may be a way to God, but it was also the mark of a tradesman and no pastime for a young woman of good family(Dunant 28). Alessandra is from a good family. Her father is a cloth merchant who has done quite well selling his beautiful fabrics to the Florentine elite. Her older sister Plautilla is everything she is not, conforming to the norms for young women of the time. Her brother Luca is rather thick-headed and average, and Tomaso is almost too fashionable and Alessandras arch enWhen Alessandras father brings an artist from northern Italy to paint the walls of their family chapel, she is instantly infatuated with the artist, his talent, and his art. Of course, she is forbidden to visit him, a rule which she promptly ignores. The painter is painfully introverted and Alessandra finally tells him, I cannot possibly harm you. And besides, I love art as much as you do(Dunant 44). This proves as an eternal bond between the two that surfaces later in the novel. Before anything else can happen with the painter, the monk, Savonarola, begins his campaign to take over Florence which deeply affects the city. He uses religion to take the power out of the hands of the elite and to put it into the hands of himself and his army of angels. Also during this time, the army of Charles VIII marches through Florence, making it a very dangerous Themes from a novel set in the 15th century time for young unmarstill seem current. ried girls. Alessandra is emy. Alessandras mother is married to an older man that, straight-backed and proper but she finds out later, is her at the same time loving and brothers lover. While she resupportive of her daughter in alizes her marriage will never her own way. be a truly happy one, she appreciates her husbands intelligence and his love of art. As it becomes more dangerous to be anybody in Florence besides the army of God, the tension in the characters lives becomes stronger. The painter suffers a mental breakdown. When Alessandra nurses him back to health, she ends up with child. Her fathers business is less lucrative. Her brother Luca joins the angels and Tomaso is taken ill from a disease the army left behind. Her sister Plautilla loses her first child and dies in childbirth from her second. Her husband is forced to stage his own death or suffer torture and humiliation for his alternate lifestyle. Alessandra ends up in a convent where she finds she has more freedom as a woman than she ever had before. After several years, the painter finds Alessandra and after they convey all the things they could never communicate before, he takes their child into the world. At the end of the novel Alessandra writes her memoirs and takes her life. The Birth of Venus is a superbly written, magnificently researched novel that completely engages the reader and transports one to a world of art, religion and passion. Although it is set in the 15th century, its concepts are still relevant today.

Its Christmastime and Time for a Carol

Every year following Thanksgiving the oldies stations across the country kick off the Holiday season with non-stop Christmas music for the next month. All too often they play the same songs from the same albums, until Christmas Day ends the monotony. So, heres a look into some of the albums they do and dont play from. One of the most popular sets of Christmas albums is those composed by Manheim Steamroller. Almost exclusively instrumental music, Manheim Steamroller takes classic songs and re-does them into a modern rock and roll style. These albums are good for background music for parties and music from them are often used in movies, sometimes as a form of chase music. Almost every individual artist and most groups have at least one Christmas album.

Christmas Wishes from The Carpenters, a brother- seamless medleys of classic Kenny Rogers is a recommen- sister started band from the and modern songs both instrudation to those country mentally and vocally and pop music fans. in a more traditional, Rogers mixes traditional or oldie sound. songs with some modern Then there are pieces and some first timChristmas soundtracks ers from the early 80s the new of which is such as Kentucky Homethe Polar Express made Christmas, Kids, due to come out on and Sweet Little Jesus video by December. Boy. Still, the best of these For those Opera fans is A Charlie Brown out there check out Christmas featuring Christmas with Luciano the piano talents of Pavorati which features a Vince Guaraldi with mixture of songs from Fred Marshal on the across the globe in their bass and Jerry Ganelli original languages. The on the drums. This albest of these is his rendibum is a favorite of tion of Little Drummer the Weather Channel Boy which in any rendiaround Christmas time tion is a fabulous blend of and one packed with the four elements of mumemories for almost sic: timbre, rhythm, everyone. melody and harmony. Its So, create new a fun one to sing along to memories this ChristGraphic by Nicole Livermont and fun to perform, not to Tis the season for Christmas carols 24/7. mas with one of these mention the center of a or any of your favorclassic Christmas time movie, 60s and 70s, produced two ite albums. Happy Holidays The Little Drummer Boy. Christmas albums that are all!

Dear Amelia and Harry

Dear Harry and Amelia, At my husbands 20th year high school reunion, he met up with his former girlfriend, Helen, and they have since struck up an email and phone relationship. I have caught him online chatting with her at 3 a.m. and recently found out they have been meeting for lunch. Should I confront my husband and order him to stop seeing Helen, or should I respect his privacy? Reunited in Raleigh Harry: Want my advice? Well, since youve obviously pushed your husband away with your nagging and whining, I suggest you find this hussy, this home-wrecker, bunch up your small, brittle fists and beat the fear of God into her. I remember Amelias friend, Dorothy and I once spent a day watching those traveling vaudevillian folks from back east, and once Amelia finished giving birth to our son, little Frederick, she drove right over and to Dorothys flat and pummeled her to within an inch of her life. Lets just say that Dorothy never bothered me again. She also never regained consciousness, either. Amelia: What privacy? Hes married now, honey, he gave up most of his rights as a citizen of the single world when that happened. As far as Im concerned and not to mention where our Holy Father is concerned, this man is cheating on you! He is lusting after another woman and therefore cheating on you with his heart. This emotional bond hes forming with her is much more dangerous than the any physical bond. Oh, how Dr. Phil has helped me these past few years! On the other hand, if your husbands anything like Harry, let him cheat, then file for divorce and get everything! God Bless! Dear Harry and Amelia, The Christmas season is fast approaching us, and being a newly divorced parent, I have discovered that things will be really tight financially for us this year. I have told my two small children this, but they still keep asking for gifts there is no way I can afford. How do I break the news to them so they understand that there just might be no Christmas this year? but once again, not all of us could have a silver Destitute in Detroit spoon in our mouths from the moment we were Harry: Phfff! Tell those little hellions free of our mothers womb. theyll just have to do without, as a matter of Amelia: You should be ashamed of yourfact, make them get a job! When I was just a wee lad back in the 30s, I worked in a factory, self! No Christmas! You need to get off your shoveled chicken feed, ran the numbers for rack- backside and get a second job! Maybe you could eteers, AND got up at 3 a.m. in the freezing cold not stop by the Quick Way after work every night to milk cows! We didnt have Christmas! Of and pick yourself up a sixer and a pack a Luckys. course, not all of us could be birthed into the And what are you doing telling young, imprescradle of wealth like Amelia, some of us had to sionable children that money is tight. They strive to survive, so to speak. I say, give the shouldnt be worried with such things! For Gods little weasels five across the eyed for Christmas sake, they arent used to getting ponies for Christmorning the next time they complain about mas. And as for Harrys little comments, he was comic books and soda pops, or maybe give them more than happy to partake in the wealth and a an apple and a nickel and let them be happy with little too happy at my fathers funeral, may he rest that! Of course, my dear wife might object, and in peace. Since weve been married, Harrys been insist that money be spent on unnecessary luxu- sitting with that silver spoon up his well, you ries such as coal in the stove and bacon in the pan, know what I mean.

Did You Know... Stupid Laws of Montana

1. It is illegal to have a sheep in the cab of your truck without a chaperone in Montana. Dirty boys, theres no denying it if they had to make a law to stop it. 2. It is illegal for married women to go fishing alone on Sundays, and illegal for unmarried women to fish alone at all. Seriously, wheres this one come from? Thats just silly. 3. In Helena, it is against the law to throw any item across the street. 4. In Whitehall, it is illegal to operate a vehicle with ice picks attached to the wheels. Come on, where do they manufacture wheels with ice picks? 5. It is illegal for a man and a woman to have sex in any other position other than missionary style. Where are those law abiding citizens now? 6. One may not pretend to abuse an animal in the presence of a minor. 7. It is a misdemeanor to show movies that depict acts of felonious crime.

Theres More to Winter Break Than Christmas

Even before Halloween, there are Christmas goodies in stores. It seems to be everywhere. Most everyone is familiar with Christmas, but there are many other celebrations in December. Here is the scoop on some other December holidays. Kwanzaa celebrated today in America. It was a way for African Americans to reaffirm and restore the connection with African culture. Kwanzaa is designed as a way to reconnect as a community. It stresses an ingathering of people and reaffirm an identity. Kwanzaa also serves as a way to introduce and reinforce the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba): Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work and reThe last day of the celebration is January 1. The is the Day of Meditation (Siku ya Taamuli). This is a day for self-reflection on the recommitment to cultural values.

Hanukkah
Beginning on the eve of December 25, Hanukkah is the Jewish Feast of Lights. Hanukkah is also known as the Feast of Dedication because the word hanukkah means dedication. On the first night of Hanukkah one candle on the menorah is lit. One candle is lit every night by the tallest candle known as a shamash, or servant. At the end of Hanukkah all eight candles will be lit. In 165 B.C, the Greek King of Syria outlawed Jewish ritual. This began a long battle for the Jewish people to reclaim their rights. In 168 B.C, the Jews holy temple was seized. After the Jewish people reclaimed the temple they found many of their artifacts missing or broken. They found a gold menorah and cleaned and repaired it. They wanted to light it, but could only find a flask with enough oil to light the menorah for one night. Miraculously the oil lasted for eight nights. Hanukkah is a celebration of this miracle.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is rooted in African history and can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt. In 1966, Dr. Maulana Karenga created the

The festivities include a parade lead by a young girl dressed in white wearing a crown of green leaves and seven glowing candles. Several other young girls also dressed in white follow her. BeBoxing Day hind all the girls are boys in tall, Boxing Day is celebrated pointed hats. They proceed to dein the United Kingdom, Australia, liver cakes and coffee to homes, New Zealand and Canada. This hospitals, factories, and offices. holiday takes place on December Guadalupe Day 26, unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. If it falls on a weekend it December 12 marks the is moved to the following Monday. Guadalupe Day in Mexico. This The purpose of this day celebration came about 450 years is to give money and ago. A poor Indian man, Juan Digifts to charitable ego, was walking when he saw a causes. The exact origin vision. The vision told him that she of Boxing Day is un- was the mother of God. At first no known. There are three one believed him, but he saw the thoughts as to the vision again and roses appeared. source of this tradition. He brought the roses back as proof One thought is that it that he had seen the Virgin Mary. might have originated in The bishop then allowed a shrine the Middle Ages. An- to be made on the spot where Diother theory is that it ego saw his vision. The cloak worn originated in England by Diego was hung with a paintwhen lords and ladies ing of Our Lady of Guadalupe, would give presents to Mexicos patron saint. On their servants. The last Guadalupe Day people in Mexico speculation is that it display pictures and statues of the may have begun when saint in their windows. Flowers, Graphic by Nicole Livermont priests opened the pigs, chickens and eggs are churches alms (charity) brought to the churches to honor Many holidays share the month of December. the day after Christmas the saint. There are also colorful sponsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative and gave the contents to the needy. puppet shows to re-enact the story economics), Nia (purpose), of Diegos vision. St. Lucia Day Kuumba (creativity), and Imani However you celebrate (Faith). Kwanzaa is a cultural celIn Sweden St. Lucia Day this December, please keep in ebration, not religious. Kwanzaa is is observed on December 13. This mind the different celebrations open to all sects of religious faiths holiday stems from Saint Lucia, a around the world. This time of year that want to come together to share young Christian girl who was hold special significance for everythe commonality of their killed by Roman soldiers for reone, but what is important is that Africanness. fusing to give up her religion. Saint you celebrate safely and enjoy Kwanzaa begins on De- Lucia was Italian so she is also your break. cember 26 and lasts for seven days. honored in Italy.

Cisel

Hall

Offers

Culture

for

Free

Cisel Hall has been around since 1951, and it houses MSU-Billings Department of Music. Inside the music department there are practice rooms and an acoustically sound music hall. Cisel Hall has a lot to offer the campus including campus and community concerts, and student recital performances every other weekFOR FREE! I had the pleasure to attend one of the recitals and I was really impressed by the talent shown at the performance. Firstly, I just want to say that I admire these people immensely for sticking with music for so long. Many people play an instrument for a couple of years, then get sick of it by high school. It takes a lot to keep going with it all the way through to college. The recital hall in Cisel Building offers an intimate musical experience, and the sound and lighting are very nice.

The upcoming recitals are held on the fol- are free to college students, and anyone lowing schedule: is encouraged to attend. It is a quick way to take a break and relax after a hard day at school. These students are performing November 30 Student Recital 3:10 PM No Charge December 1 Symphonic Band 7:30 PM $4 Adults $2 Students* and Seniors December 7 Student Recital 3:10 PM No Charge December 7 Choral Concert 7:30 PM $4 Adults $2 Students* and Seniors *MSU-B Students, Staff & Faculty with current I.D. are admitted free The November 16 recital featured six performances, including trumpet, piano, flute, and vocal pieces. The student recitals take less then an hour from start to finish, and they are quite entertaining. They

Photo by Tess Hatfield A student belts it out at Cisel Hall.

for us to see, so why not go and take advantage of it? This was the first time that I attended a recital, but it will not be the last.

Miranda Lee Breding

Major: Mass Communication Minor: International Studies Dream job: Freelance writer/ photographer living in China, running a coffee shop Top of celebrity make out list: Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle) Famous person youd most like to kick the crap out of: Paris Hilton Recurring nightmare: About working in a restaurantI arrive to work and am given irrational tasks to do all while catering to the crazy demands of customersWait! Thats actually my Age: nearly 23 (three more real job! About your photo: Genetic perweeks) Hometown: Roundup, Montana fection at its finest

Brie Radovich
Age: 20 Hometown: Billings Major: English Minor: None Dream job: Editor for the New York Times Top of celebrity make out list: Johnny Depp Famous person youd most like to kick the crap out of: Michael Jackson Recurring nightmare: Being trapped in an elevator About your photo: I dont like pictures

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Retort

Spor kman Sporkman

by Dan Hansen

Scraping the Barrrel: the S-Bombs Year-in-Review

my family in Nebraska, successfully executed a jumping Tiger Bomb on my fifteen year old brother, planting him firmly in a pile of dog crap. In retaliation for jumping Tiger Bomb/dog crap incident, younger brother Sam hit me in the back of the neck with a puck April: Threaten to commit a from his air-hockey game, and string of brutal shotgun murders if stole my wallet, cell phone and car I find out which Retort staff mem- keys. ber ate the leftover quesadilla I was July: Attended best friends saving for lunch from the office refrigerator. Apparently, people have wedding in Kansas City. Witno respect for the possessions of nessed groom-to-be vomit in ice others in Room 225. bucket of rented limo, hours after inadvertently poking a stripper in May: First semester of the eyeball with a rolled up dollar school ends without me failing any bill. Also had unattached sex with core courses. Celebrate by sitting an alternate bridesmaid, whose at home watching Will and name I have trouble recalling. Grace reruns dinking skim milk Think it started with an A or right from the carton wearing noth- maybe W. Im not really sure. ing but an oven mitt and snakeskin She was a sweet kid, though. cowboy boots. August: Woke up in the June: Quit my part-time gas middle of the night to discover I station job after calling a family of was being molested by Molly, my customers the White Trash Apple mothers basset hound. Shame and Dumpling Gang. While visiting embarrassment followed. ing miserably. March: Briefly accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. Revoked praise from Jesus and began to worship the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus, two more figments of my imagination.

September: My idea for an issue of The Retort called Jewtacular- A Celebration Of All Things Kosher. was rejected on grounds of decency and tact. October: Dropped my biology course when the only thing I learned and retained was that Binary Fission was NOT how Scott Bakula traveled back in time on Quantum Leap. November: Discovered that after a one-night stand, one should avoid bringing partner croissants and coffee as a peace offering for sneaking out in the middle of the night. Likewise, a high-five is not a suitable alternate a goodbye kiss the following morning. I then pledge never to divulge my real name to women. December: In preparation for my first Christmas morning with my family in seven years, go to great lengths to ensure my valium prescription is up to date.

January: At 24, became a freshman in college. Excitement about school mounted, then receded when I discovered I had to actually attend classes. Briefly flirts with respectable GPA, until I discovered that I actually didnt have to attend classes. February: Officially joins the MSU-B Retort, with the sole purpose of meeting women. Begin the long, arduous process of fail-

Merry Winter Break: Religion in the Public Square

In this country JudeoChristian religion is under attack. Where does this attack come from? Why? Legend has it that the Constitution has guaranteed a separation of Church and State. I have read the Constitution a number of times, in fact I have a copy out right now. I cant find this anywhere. Where does this idea stem from? In actuality the first time that this idea appears is in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danville Baptists written in 1802. The Danville Baptists had contacted Mr. Jefferson to ask him about the persecution they were suffering in their state. They were concerned that Jefferson, as President, would help the states continue to oppress the minority religions. Jefferson responded by saying that there was a separation of Church and State, and ended by quoting the First Amendment; Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This was put in place to ensure the government would never establish a state religion, (ex. The Church of England), nor would it put in place any rules that would prohibit religious practice. This letter came into the public eye in 1947 when it was invoked in the Everson decision by Justice Hugo Black. It needs to be understood that Justice Black may not have been operating with any true feeling toward protecting the rights of the people. At the time of the decision he was an active and high ranking member of the KKK. When we think of the Klan we think of their war against minority rights. What isnt as well remembered is that the Klan also opposed, Italians, Irish, Jews, Catholics, Hindus, and anyone else that wasnt white and Protestant. Knowing this history one can see were rules limiting the rights of religion might be beneficial to someones personal agenda. Throughout history the understanding that this country was founded under JudeoChristian principles has been implicit. Thomas Jefferson himself said, No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion. Nor can it be.... John Adams stated, Here, and throughout our country, may simple manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever. Dwight D. Eisenhower said, Without God, there could be no form of government nor American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first-and most basic-expression of Americanism. It should be noted that the constitutions of all 50 states recognize god and acknowledge his role in this country. I expect the ACLU to discover this soon. In many recent decisions, we arent seeing an attack on religion, but on the history of this country. A school district in San Francisco has stopped teaching the Declaration of Independence because of its references to God. The city of Las Cruces, NM has been sued in order to remove the small crosses on its city seal. (Anyone who knows Spanish should be laughing hysterically by now). The Ten Commandments are probably the most visible attack right now. What needs to be understood is that the Commandments are the basis of western law. They were not put up in parks and courthouses due to some religious agenda, they were put up for history. Hell, why not put up a pillar with Hammurabis Code? Instead of tearing down our history, reinforce it. We are told that these symbols must go because they offend people. Well we mustnt offend. Allow me to present my list of things that offend me. I would expect the ACLU to be contacting me about taking care of this problem any time now. (I wont hold my breathe though). I am offended by depictions of torture being shown in art museums, I am offended by the dichotomy between hot dogs and hot dog buns (they should be equal), I am offended by movies in which the smarmy jerk realizes almost too late that the perky best friend is really his true love, and I seriously expect I will be offended by the Scraping the Barrel article in this issue of the Retort. The holiday season is once again upon us and once again a cry is arising from conservative Christians and their allies in the right wing media that liberal secularists are trying to obscure the true meaning of the Christian festival that occurs this time of year (Christmas) by making it so public schools, office buildings and parks no longer display nativities, angels, crosses and other symbols of a religious nature. Furthermore, the groups making this charge cite the disappearance of references to the infant Jesus from government property as proof of a secular humanist plot to remove any evidence that, in the words emanating from evangelical pulpits these days, America was founded as a Christian nation. Let me first address this argument that we have to have religious lessons and reminders in our public spaces. The standard argument of the so-called Keep Christ in Christmas movement is that without the pageant where little Sally and Billy get to play Mary and Joseph in the public school, or the manger scene complete with a live donkey in the town commons, the most impressionable members of our society (children) will not get enough of the true meaning of Christmas in their homes and churches, thus losing sight of what the holiday is really all about and becoming irreversibly wrapped up in the Santa Claus/WallMart/Xbox 360 aspect of the season that they are constantly bombarded with on TV, radio and at the mall. Which leads me to this question: arent these fundamentalist Christian parents, the same people who do not want trained health teachers and school nurses to instruct their children in the proper methods to avoid the undue consequences of sexual activities? Conversely, these same parents are evidently prepared to give the same public schools (which are generally without expert theologians) the opportunity to impart to their same children an important article of their faith? It doesnt make sense to me either. Now to move on to my larger point, tackling this notion that Jerry Fallwell and company hold so dear, that of the United States as a Christian nation. America is not a completely Christian nation. Almost every belief system known to man is practiced by at least one citizen of the United States, not to mention all those who do not have any belief system. At no point in its history, going back to before 1776, has the United States been an entirely Christian nation. The Native Americans practice their aboriginal faiths. Even leaving American Indians out of the equation and concentrating solely on Europeans and others who arrived on this continent after 1492, it might surprise you to know that this year will mark the 347th year Hanukkah has been celebrated in Newport, Rhode Island by the members of Congregation Jesuhat Israel. So at the very least the presence of the Jewish faith in this land predates the Republic itself. The first amendment to the constitution, passed by Congress and ratified by the States way back in 1791, makes it pretty clear that the USA, unlike Iran (Shiite Islam), or to use a less extreme example the United Kingdom (the Anglican Church), does not have an official religion declared by the state and imbued with special powers and privileges. In other words, using the strict constructionist method of constitutional interpretation (of which conservative circles seem to be so fond), in the United States if public space is granted to Christians to display symbols of their festivals, it must be granted to all religions no matter how unpopular their beliefs. Even if we were to get past the presence of other faiths in the American melting pot and by law establish America as a Christian nation, we would still have one slight problem. There are innumerable expressions of the Christian faith practiced across this great land. Who would get to decide what denomination would serve as the state church? I doubt it would fly with Pat Robertson, LDS president Gordon B. Hinckley or the US Conference of Catholic Bishops if my denomination, (yes, that is right I am a churchgoing liberal,) the United Church of Christ was to be declared the state church. Afterall, the UCC last summer in its national assembly passed a resolution (all be it nonbinding) saying that marriages of same sex couples are not sacrilegious. I would be equally upset if the Southern Baptist Convention, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints or the Roman Catholic Church were to be similarly recognized.

Cross Country Reaches Seasons Finish Line

Its a tough meet with tough teamsWere going out there for the experience, said Coach Dave Coppock, previewing the 2005 NCAA South Regional meet. MSU-B Cross Country closed out their season in Abileen, Texas on Nov.5. The mens team came in 14th out of the 15 teams competing and the womens team ranked 13th out of 18 teams. Abilene Christians men took first overall and the same honor on the womens side went to Central Missouri State. The Cross Country teams spent the season competing hard and making strides individually and as a team. Despite an early season snow storm and a few injuries along the way MSU-B runners made a strong showing this season. This season produced four Heartland Conference all-conference runners; Jared Rensvold, Sam Hartpence, Susan Kocab, and Matt Roseberry. Riverfront Park was host to stretching muscles in the crisp autumn air as packs of runners rustled leaves underfoot. MSU-Bs invitational meet saw both the mens and womens team taking second place. Coppock says, It is a really fast course. Its good for the team to see what they can do. Everybody did what they wanted to do and it progressed nicely. Family and friends came to support their runners competing against teams from the University of Mary, Dickinson State University, Flathead Valley Community College and others. Tiffany Piplica, a junior, said of her mother, Susie Piplica who came out to support her, She inspires me. Kisa Kron, a sophomore, who ran her first race at seven-years-old and ran a personal record time at Riverfront said, This is my favorite team that Ive been on. We have good morale and I feel closer to them than to previous teams. Krons father, Bruce Kron a former cross country coach says that now he just, run[s] around the course and yell[s]. After racing, sophomore Andy Zoeller said, Tomorrow Ill probably think it was cool but today I wonder why I do this. Junior, Joe Kragt said he ran his fastest time all year at Riverfront. Junior, Abram Hagstrom says that he likes cross country Because of the personal challenge. I think its really healthy for people to do their best at whatever they do. Kristy Burns, a junior who encountered some bumps in the road, treating Achilles tendonitis says of running, Its challenging. Every race is a challenge, mentally and physically. Every day is different.

Jackets Up to Expectations So Far

Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies Location: Goodwell, Oklahoma Head Coach: Curt Connor (2nd Year, 9-19) Last Year: 9-19 overall, 6-6 HLC (4th) Preseason Ranking: 3rd 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Jan 6 & 7 @ MSU-B, Feb. 22 @ OPSU All-Time series with MSU-Billings: Jackets lead 2-0 Coach Connors Comments: What we need to do to be successful is to execute our game plan together as a team across every facet. We lost a lot of close games last year because of lack of proper execution. University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals Location: San Antonio, Texas Head Coach: Al Gruskin (6th Year, 84-53) Last Year: 7-20 overall, 2-10 HLC (6th) Preseason Ranking: 4th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Feb. 15 @ MSU-B, Jan. 11 & 12 @ UIW All-Time series with MSU-Billings: No games played Coach Gruskins Comments: We have restocked our about half our roster and I hope we are now in position to return to the plus side of .500. Lincoln University Blue Tigers Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Head Coach: Charles Terry (3rd Year, 11-41) Last Year: 7-19 overall, 5-7 HLC (5th) Preseason Ranking: 5th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Feb 3 & 4 @ MSU-B, Jan. 20 @ Lincoln All-Time series with MSU-Billings: No games played Coach Terrys Comments: We brought in seven or eight new players to the Blue Tiger program this year, so getting them to mesh with our system will determine how well we do.

The MSU-Billings mens basketball team is off to a fast start posting 120 and 111 points respectively in wins over NAIA opponents Johnson and Wales and Minot State. Of course the real test of how good the Yellowjackets, (ranked second in the preseason league coaches poll), really are will come when the Heartland Conference season opens on Jan. 4 with MSUB taking on Western New Mexico at 7:30 p.m. in Alterowitz gym. Here in order of how they were rated by the coaches poll is a preview of the other six Heartland teams. St. Marys University Rattlers Location: San Antonio, Texas Head Coach: James Zeleznak (1st Year) Last Year: 23-7 overall, 11-1 HLC (1st) Preseason Ranking: 1st 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Feb. 17 & 18 @ MSU-B, Jan. 14 @ St. Marys All-Time series with MSUBillings: No games played Coach Zeleznaks Comments: We have some experienced players coming back from the team that went to regionals last year, and that will help. We will also have to work some new people in to the lineup as major contributors in order to end up a good team.

Head Coach: Mark Coleman (3rd Year, 13-41) Last Year: 6-21 overall, 1-14 PacWest (6th) Preseason Ranking: 6th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Jan. 4 @ MSU-B, Feb 24 & 25 @ WNMU All-Time series with MSU-Billings: Jackets lead 24-5 Coach Colemans Comments: We need to stay healthy our biggest problem was that four out of our five starters were injured for a significant portion of last season. If we can keep our starters healthy and get some contributions from others we can compete.

St. Edwards University Hilltoppers Location: Austin, Texas Head Coach: Ryan Marks (2nd Year, 6-21) Last Year: 6-21 overall, 111 HLC (7th) Preseason Ranking: 7th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Jan 28 @ MSUB, Feb 10 & 11 @ St. Edwards All-Time series with MSU-Billings: No games played Coach Marks Comments: We have added a Photo by Matt Langman lot of good pieces to the Sophomore Lucas Walker lays down a dunk. puzzle though recruiting but you have to temper yourself and adjust to the reality that it takes Western New Mexico time for players to learn a new sysUniversity Mustangs Location: Silver City, New Mexico tem and play at this level.

Coaches Pick Lady Yellowjackets to Win Conference

The MSU-Billings Lady Yellowjackets are beginning their first season as a member of a conference in six years with a bit of a bulls-eye painted on their backs. The preseason poll of Heartland Conference head coaches and sports information directors picked MSU-B as the early favorite to win the league. The Lady Jackets opened the conference season with a road loss to Oklahoma Panhandle on Nov. 26 and will next face a heartland opponent on Jan. 4 when Western New Mexico pays a visit to Alterowitz Gym. Here is a look at the rest of the Heartland as they prepare to chase front-running MSU-B. University of Incarnate Word Cardinals Location: San Antonio, Texas Head Coach: Angela Lawson (6th Year, 67-72) Last Year: 17-12 overall, 6-6 HLC (T-3rd) Preseason Ranking: 2nd Games against Jackets: Feb. 15 @ MSU-B, Jan. 11 & 12 @ UIW All-Time Series with MSU-Billings: Cardinals lead 1-0 St Edwards University Hilltoppers Location: Austin, Texas Oklahoma Head Coach: JenPanhandle State nifer White (3 rd University Aggies Year, 18-41) L o c a t i o n : Last Year: 7-20, Goodwell, Okla5-7 HLC (T-5) homa Preseason RankHead Coach: Jerry nd ing: 4th Olson (2 Year, 82005-06 Games 20) against Jackets: Last Year: 8-20, 7Jan. 28 @ MSU-B, 5 HLC (2nd) Feb. 10 & 11 @ St. Preseason Rankrd Edwards ing: 3 All-Time Series 2005-06 Games with MSU-Billagainst Jackets: Photo by Matt Langman ings: No games Jan. 6 & 7 @ MSU- Lady Jackets got game. played B, Nov. 28 @ Returning Players: 7 OPSU All-Time Series with MSU-Bill- Coach Whites Comments: Our key will be fitting the new players ings: Jackets lead 2-0 in and getting our veterans back in Returning Players: 8 Coach Olsons Comments: sync after we had injury trouble last Most of our success during our year. late run into the conference tournament last year was due to a St. Marys University Rattlers stepped up effort on defense. The key this year will be to play that Location: San Antonio, Texas th kind of pressure basketball with Head Coach: Paige Clawson (5 Year, 71-36) greater consistency. Last Year: 12-15, 5-7 HLC (T-5th) 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Feb 17 & 18 @ MSU-B, Jan 14 @ St. Marys All-Time Series with MSU-Billings: Jackets lead 1-0

Lincoln University Blue Tigers Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Head Coach: Tim Abney (7th Year, 58-100) Last Year: 10-16, 6-6 HLC (T-3rd) Preseason Ranking: 6th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Feb. 3 & 4 @ MSU-B, Jan. 20 @ Lincoln All-Time Series with MSU-Billings: No games played Western New Mexico University Mustangs Location: Silver City, New Mexico Head Coach: Brent Hansen (1st Year) Last Year: 5-20 Independent Preseason Ranking: 7th 2005-06 Games against Jackets: Jan 4 @ MSU-B, Feb 24 & 25 @ WNMU All-Time Series with MSU-Billings: Jackets lead 25-7

Snowfall Brings Plenty of Entertainment to Montana

cal feet. Big Sky has easy groomed and more dif- (Wyoming), Big Sky, and Showdown (near Great ficult powder runs, but 37 percent is advanced Falls, Montana). skiing. The Lone Peak Tram gives expert skiers Downhill Skiing access to the most difficult terrain on the mounSnowboarding Cold means that winter is coming. Snow, tain, or provides a beautiful ride to the top of the The sport of snowboarding has taken hold in ice, and slush, but mainly bad roads. But to the the last few decades. The numbers of snowboarders skiing community, it means the beginning of a are growing every year, mainly among the younger wonderful season of fresh powder and perfecting generations. Freestyle snowboarding consists of the art of carving down a mountain. tricks and jumps using a half-pipe and is the most Red Lodge Ski Resort is the closest ski area common form of snowboarding. Freeriders perto Billings, only 45 minutes away. Its base elevafect their turns while trying their luck on chutes tion is 7,016 feet and rises to 9,416 vertical feet. and the back country. Finally, the least known style approximately 40 percet of the mountain is geared is alpine snowboarding, which is racing and carvtoward intermediate skiers, but there are begining. ning and expert runs. Red Lodge gets about 250 I like snowboarding because its not having inches of snowfall annually. This year, Red Lodge to worry about school. Youre by yourself, said is expecting to open on Thanksgiving weekend Kane Allen, a student at Montana Tech in Butte. and a full-day adult ticket will run $41. Bridger Bowl Ski Area, near Bozeman, is about two and a half hours from here, and has Cross Country Skiing Photo courtesy of Betsy Harris. 1,500 acres of terrain. It has 2,000 vertical feet A skier carves out a run on the slopes. A cheaper alternative to downhill skiing is and 500 more if a skier is willing to hike. There is cross country. Cross country is part of the Nordic powder and groomed runs as well as rocky chutes mountain for a look around. Big Sky gets approxiskiing family that originated in Scandinavia for that cater to every skier. Roughly 35 percent of mately 400 inches of snow annually and their seatransportation purposes. Skiers are able to compete the mountain is intermediate runs, but you do not son begins in mid-November. A full-day adult lift in the Olympics, World Championships, and the have to travel far to find advanced skiing. Bridger ticket is $65. World Cup in cross country. Trails vary in length Bowl brags about their 350 inches of snowfall I like taking family ski trips cause you have and difficulty. Cross country skiing is a runningannually. The season begins in early December a lot of fun and you get to be in Gods beautiful like action or an ice skating move and imitates with a full-day adult ticket priced at $41. creation, said MSU-B student Christa Jensen. telemark skiing descending. You still get to enjoy Big Sky Ski Resort has teamed up with Since skiing is so expensive and college stuthe great outdoors and get an aerobic workout. Moonlight Basin this year. Purchasing a ticket for dents, as a general rule, do not have a lot of extra Many of the states guest ranches groom cross one resort will allow admittance to the other. Big money, the sport of skiing is taking a back seat to country trails. There are trails all over Yellowstone Sky Resort, approximately three to four hours school. Now that they are in college, Jensen and National Park, Red Lodge, Big Sky, and Bridger from Billings depending on road conditions, con- her friends do not ski near as often as they used to. Bowl. There are cross country ski rentals in altains three mountains, Andesite Mountain, Flat They generally go two or three times a year on a most every town. There are also guided tours of Iron Mountain, and Lone Peak. The base eleva- family vacation. Among their favorite ski areas are Yellowstone for cross country skiers. tion starts at 6,800 feet and goes to 11,150 verti- Discovery (near Butte, Montana), Jackson Hole

Family and Friends

. . .May good health grace our lives. Amen. My family raises our bent heads and began the process of filling our plates. Soon our plates are a colorful array of turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, and salad. From within the dining room, laughter and conversation are heard. My brother and I watch our kid cousins play with their food and laugh when their entire plates hit the floor. The conversation shifts from work and school to the coming Christmas. We dine for a good two hours, after which we attack the pumpkin pie. After pie we clear the plates and move to the living room for a game of pool. When it is eventually time for the family to leave, my mom packs them enough leftovers for over a week. Finally, they get out the door and my family sits down to watch a movie. Another great Thanksgiving has come and past. My mom and I spoke earlier the day that I rode to the hospital in an ambulance. She urged me to visit the health center because I sounded seriously ill. The doctors took my blood four times, swabbed my throat, and took X-rays as I lay incapacitated in the bed. I cried silently as they brought more needles and instruments to prick me with. The nurse put an IV in me and the ache in my hand didnt go away for days. I had fitful bouts of sleep, in which tears glided down my cheeks as I tried hard to stay asleep so as not to feel any pain. Dizziness and weakness plagued me, but mostly I was frightened. My parents lived in Billings and I didnt have any relatives close to comfort me. My mom arrived in the emergency room four hours after a serious call from a nurse. The doctors still didnt know my diagnosis. My blood was not right, they told me, I was a hemophiliac. That was the second week of college and I spent it in the hospital. A few days later, the doctors prescribed some very potent drugs to help my blood condition. Before this I was never ill. I took pills maybe once a year for an ear infection. All of a sudden I found myself taking seventeen pills a day. That year I came home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I rejoiced in sleeping in my own home, but I wanted to go back to school. I took this precious time with my family for granted. We decorated for Christmas and had our annual Christmas party. The break flew by and soon I began my second semester of school. Eventually I was diagnosed with a thyroid disease, in addition to my blood disorder. I kept up a strong front while I lost most of my hair, gained weight, lost my boyfriend, and started flunking my classes. Finally I broke down one week before finals and I left school. My mom picked me up and I stepped into my home two days later. Its over half a year later and I am finally back on my feet with the help of doctors, family, and friends. I knew once I started recovering that my familys support got me through the year. The Christmas tree shines in the dark as I climb up the steel ladder to put the star on top. My mom snaps a picture from the stairs and everyone smiles and starts preparing for our annual Christmas story. My mom settles by the fireplace, my brother and I lay on either side of her and the pets find a place at our feet. My brother and I snuggle in for an evening of listening to tales of the North Pole. I smile as my mom kisses my forehead and I know this is where I belong. Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a Creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . .

November 5, 1971, Volume 25, Issue 6

Left: Rip-Off?--Robertson to Morrow pass gets hi-jacked in mid-flight. Right: EMCs Bill Hill was held to a short 39 yards by Carroll, but not short enough.

Dr. Marcus Nynas Billings Family Chiropractic 2520 17th West Suite LL2 In College Park Professional Center 294-2820 Early Morning and Lunch Hour Appointments Available Most Insurance Plans are Accepted

17th St. W Poly Drive MSUB Rimrock Rd.

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Eclipsing Hope
by Rick Parkinson
Set on a beach under the declining sun. Stretched lying as if it could land on me. I wait. Who has laid here before? Who might lay here tomorrow? Up and down so many times without moving. Trying to time my eyelids to the forthcoming darkness, but no pace can be set for my eyes would become dry like the sand beneath. Ejected, theres been enough day. Come individual spots of brightness, but like hope theres never enough to be a guide. Except for that one, the one that sits in the north. Acts as a guide I suppose. More trust-worthy than a map? Suppose you travel south turning your back on the guide. Rejecting hope? There are no castles on this beach, in fact I cant even recall a shell, but even if; disappearance in the decline. This time here is for the sounds. The crashing hope of the waves building, rising, standing tall, the pride of Poseidon only to be tripped. Misled? A false sense of regality, king not even for the day, but for the minute. Repeated this is until the final decline repeated like breaking hearts, built up, a hard fall, repeated inevitably until the final decline. Storms cede on this calm eve helpful to the raging winds in mind, hopefully carried by thought and breeze. Few guarantees brought by the incline, I look ahead hoping for a fruition of hope. Assured I lay that in time rotation will bring back the light. Hope is dreams for the insomniac. Fortunate to sample both; its my choice where to play. Night security has punched the clock, a sequel to the bright. Alternative to its power is its shape. Shaped by light, it only makes sense to photograph the shadows forming and morphing presentation. Crescent tonight or full or fool? Foolish to hope, I hope for a quarter. The quarter moon; a true night-light. Allowing enough, but not too bright. Its accentuated by the mirror-topped sea. The aqua-metronome relieves the thoughts; only a matter of time till saliva stains the sand. Clear conscience first, I run down the list of chores and qualms hoping conclusion preambles dream. For with a clean plate the new meal can begin, a helping of hope with a side of effort would be a meal fit for a king, if only for a minute. I prepare for the dream by covering my eyes, deep breath, and a few more sheep to bound. Into sleep I go ready for brightness and a renewal of hope. Comfortable and dry I know I cannot be disturbed as the tide will dare not journey this far. Pass through the dream with a hello for hope, I sleep. As I understand tomorrow theyre scheduled to meet.

Glad to Know You

by Rick Parkinson

Curiously a wall is built Invisible and soft as silk Wouldnt know it was there if I werent so paranoid Conversation continues to chip Theres progress while we sit We continue as who knows falls into a void In here silence is the villain In this room were still in While all the fates play us like toys Head first through the wall Small talk is a grand ball As the insignificant babble about Freud Pardon while I change the tone Confine them, were alone Please tell me more of your thoughts Too late to introduce No need to be a sleuth This is a moment when were caught Hold a place for these times Refuse to read any signs You gain nothing when no prize is sought Maybe best to leave it alone Out of the void comes who knows I know now the prize is just daily talk

Buzz Embodies Yellowjacket Spirit

Photos by Matt Langman

Real or Fake: You Decide!

Beths Picks
1. Nevada Smith 2. The Magnificent Seven 3. Serenity 4. Mad Max 5. Dances With Wolves

Spor kman Sporkman

by Dan Hansen