March 1, 2000
Students fight for voting right
By RYAN JOHNSON
Assistant News Editor
With the upcoming presidential elections, Ferris students may not be able to vote where they spend most of their timeBig Rapids.
Public Act 118, which originated as Senate Bill 306, according to the Michigan Daily, requires that the same address be listed on a citizen's driver's license as their voter registration. This means that students will either have to vote in their hometown or change their permanent address to Big Rapids.
Dr. Donald Roy, political science professor, opposes such an act. "I support the repeal of this law," Roy said. "Your driver's license address shouldn't have to be the same as your voting address. I am against any kind of voting restrictions, especially against the group who votes the least (ages 18-24)."
"The state has an obligation to accommodate. Those who don't get into the habit of voting are the least likely to vote," Roy said.
Joining Dr. Roy on that sentiment are students from around Michigan and the American Civil Liberties Union.
"There's something out there discouraging students to vote or even registering to vote," Bob Bacik, chair of the political actions committee of the University of Michigan student senate, said, according to the Grand Valley Lanthorn.
With the help of the ACLU, the student government of U of M is currently constructing a lawsuit against the state to repeal PA 118, according to the Lanthorn.
Before the bill went into effect, college students were able to register to vote in the town where they attended college without permanently changing their address. This is the first year the bill has been in effect and it is causing confusion and less political involvement by college students, according to Bacik.
Bacik also notes that although the student senate has run registration drives and encouraged students to vote locally in years past, very little registration was done due to the new law.
"We need to raise the voter turnout in this age group," Roy said. "Only one third of them are voting. That's kind of low."
"The only alternative is absentee ballots, and those are difficult to do," Roy said. "You have to fill them out and send them in far in advance, and there is still a great potential for fraud with them."
"What if a student lives in the U.P.? They are out of luck," Roy said.
"The state's argument," Roy said, "is that they need to identify who you are to prevent voting fraud."
"Many towns, though, don't want new voting," Roy said. "They don't want to represent you. They are afraid of you. That's not right. Town and gown need to work together."
In the past, there have been towns where the voting was overrun by students, but "that is the exception to the rule," Roy said.
As for the lawsuit, it should be filed by March 1, according to Bacik.
Students' frequent changes of address during their college years, prompting students to retain their hometown address on their driver's licenses, is one reason cited by a proposed resolution to the U of M student senate in support of the lawsuit.
Furthermore, Michigan law prohibits any first-time voter who registered by mail to vote by absentee ballot. This requires them to drive to their hometown to vote, according to the Lanthorn.
"It keeps students out of local politics where they go to school," Roy said. "But is also keeps them from voting in all elections."
"The big question here is residency," Roy said. "Can a person have two residencies? I think the ACLU can find a way to do that. But this also raises issues about taxes."
"If you establish residence in here, must you pay Big Rapids city taxes?" Roy said.
"We don't want to change our identification every time we move. Maybe we need voter registration cards, "Roy said. "Maybe we need a new form of ID."
Residential Network Support introduces FSUIMAIL
By MELISSA CASSIDAY
Ferris State Torch
Students who have attended Ferris before September of 1999 may be confused about FSUIMAIL. Those newly enrolled or transferred students, however, began immediately to utilize this e-mail program, while the others were using the existing FSUNOTES2 Lotus Notes account.
Why was the new program introduced? According to Residential Network Support (RNS), a recommendation by the University's Instructional Technology Committee (ITC) advised the change to the new FSUIMAIL. The decision was encouraged due to a pilot test and survey results from current FSUIMAIL users. The program was found to avoid sacrificing efficiency and speed, while capably handling a large number of accounts with great stability.
FSUIMAIL also allows students to import (POP) their mail into any e-mail program they have on their personal computers such as Eudora, Outlook Express and Outlook. Consequently, the FSUIMAIL server (fsuimail.ferris.edu) will begin to handle all student accounts.
Students who began their experience with school e-mail through FSUNOTES2 have varying reactions to the switch to FSUIMAIL. Although the new school e-mail server doesn't affect some students, "Hotmail is just easier to use than FSUIMAIL," said Randi Fiske, a freshman in social work.
Fiske was automatically given an e-mail account with FSUIMAIL, but decided not to use the server. "Hotmail is more compatible with my computer so I use it rather than the school's e-mail," she said.
Christopher Klee, a senior in Construction Management, said, "I've had FSUNOTES2 because I've been here awhile, but don't really use it because other servers offer better options, so I don't think I'll be using FSUIMAIL either."
RNS said Lotus Notes will not be available for students after midnight, March 12, so students currently using it should begin forwarding messages in their saved folders to their new FSUIMAIL account. There will, however, be a back up tape made up of the FSUNOTES2 server in case an emergency need for an e-mail message arises. Still, RNS strongly recommends that all current users of FSUNOTES2 move all e-mail prior to leaving for Spring Break.
Forwarding existing messages involves only opening the old message and sending it to the new FSUIMAIL account. In addition, the new e-mail addresses for FSUIMAIL are similar to the Lotus Notes addresses. Only the domain changes, not the user name. Therefore, if the Lotus Notes address was smith26@student.ferris.edu, then the new address would be smith26@fsuimail.ferris.edu.
To look up Passwords, click on the "Student Life" option on the Ferris State University home page (www.ferris.edu), and then click on "E-mail and Network ID for Students". Next, students will need to enter a student number in the given field. Then, proceed to click "Get ID Information". These actions will bring up a page with the student's network and e-mail user name and password as well as an e-mail address.
Another advantage to FSUIMAIL, according to RNS, is that user names are the same for WebCT use as well. Many faculty members are utilizing e-mail increasingly to communicate with and contact students. Therefore, all students will be in the same address book with FSUIMAIL. This also eases locating addresses between students.
Any students with questions and/or concerns with FSUIMAIL should contact Residential Network Support at extension 5858.
Ferris shows concern over career-decision making
By LAURA CHENE
Ferris State Torch
In some cases, students will complete a four-year program at a college or university and still have difficulty in finding a job. The Partnership for Career-Decision Making in Technologies and Health Sciences is helping students realize that there are several 'gold collar' jobs available that are often overlooked.
According to a press release, the Partnership for Career-Decision Making in Technologies and Health Sciences, a new statewide research initiative, will explore the relationship between student perceptions and work force needs. The partnership and Lansing-based research consultants EPIC-MRA will develop and administer a series of surveys targeting parents of college bound students, leaders in technology and health sciences and the students themselves.
"We have one of the best research centers in the state working with us," Dan Hurley, assistant to President Sederburg, said. "Essentially there are a lot of reasons why the partnership makes sense at this point in time."
According to Hurley, the university is very career-oriented, which is partly why it has taken an interest in understanding how students go about in deciding what type of career to pursue. There is focus on two areas in specific, according to Hurley -- technology and health sciences. "There's a strong growth in health sciences," Hurley said.
Hospitals want to better educate younger and older adults on how people learn about careers. Hurley also comments that many jobs in technology exist that people are unaware of.
Jim Thorp, communications specialist in University Relations and Marketing, also agrees that there is significance in conducting the survey. "Perhaps (the students) are not seeing the high demand job opportunities," Thorp said. Thorp also states that the point is not so much that students are less interested in jobs like engineering. They might not be realizing the high demand for jobs in those types of fields.
"The two co-chairs (of the partnership) are Ferris State President Sederburg and Lieutenant Governor Posthumus," Hurley said. "Then we have different corporate partners."
"The state of Michigan, especially the governor and lieutenant, are putting a real strong interest in career development," Hurley said. The partnership is working with a variety of people, such as parents and those who work in business and industry.
"We have some wonderful sponsors," Hurley said. "They provided some money for us." Such sponsors include Kelly Services, Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Lansing Community College.
According to a press release, the project will end in August. The results of the partner's research will be made public in Employability, a monthly newsletter that will be published beginning in the spring, as well as on a career-resources web-site currently under development.
The university is currently seeking leaders in career development, education, health sciences and technology to join the initiative as partners, offering support for research, review of the results and input into recommendations for the future of higher education.
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 FSU Live 2000 rocks Williams Auditorium
By BRIAN VAN STEENKISTE
Amusement Editor
On Thursday, Feb. 24 six diverse bands invaded Williams Auditorium as part of FSU Live 2000. The Music Industry Management Association (MIMA) sponsored event was a live recording session featuring local talent that will be made into a CD.
Kara Helms, MIMA's external secretary, had a lot to do with initiating this event. "We have a lot of talent within the Association, so why not use it," Helms said.
Helms also talked about the event's educational value to Music Industry Management Majors. "We're going through every step. Getting talent, getting soundrecording, mixing, producing a CD and then marketing that." The event was educational, but Helms said having fun was the ultimate goal for having FSU Live 2000.
Marketing and Advertising Professor, Thomas Mehl, described student involvement in staging FSU Live 2000. "What (FSU Live 2000) looks like to me is new energy and a new vitality which is consistent with the university as a whole," Mehl said. "A renaissance is happening (at Ferris) and this is part of it."
Keith Stevens, a senior in MIM and a member of MIMA, was on hand at the event to lend a hand wherever needed. "It's great that we can get the local talent to come and play," Stevens said.
Patty Jean-Louis was the first performer of the evening. Jean-Louis had fun playing her belnd of contemporary Christian folk music and said, "It's great. As I get older and look back it'll bring me a lot of memories. Memories last forever."
After Jean-Louis left the stage, Marlee Grabiel took the spotlight with her passionate vocals over a flowing piano. After Grabiel, hazyapril took the stage with their rock styling.
After hazyapril finished, Jive D'harma rocked the house. Jive D'harma played straight up, unexplainably good funk that pulled the majority of the audience right out of their seats. Amy Ybema, a Recreational Management senior, echoed the sentiments of many people when she said, "Jive D'harma was really good. They were nice and funky and I had to dance the whole time."
Frank Scheiderer, a junior in Construction Management, attended FSU Live 2000. "I think it's great Ferris can bring a bunch of local musicians together to jam," said. "I came here to watch the Jacktown Hustlers and 50 Hick Deep. I the hardcore sh*t."
The Jacktown Hustlers performed after Jive D'harma, and pleased the crowd with the explosive hip-hoppity funk. After the J-Town Hustlers left the stage, 50 Hick played to end the evenings festivities. All the hard work involved paid off and everyone in attendance had a good time. Students who did not attend FSU Live 2000 really missed out. Never fear because the next FREE MIMA sponsored show will be on Thursday, March 12 at 11 a.m. when Amanda Green performs in the Art Gallery. Green originates from Miami and will be bringing her musical version of alternative rock to the Rankin Center in between coming off a West Coast tour and before continuing onto NYC. In the past, Green opened for Sheyl Crow.
FSU Live 2000 received funding and support from the Student Activity Fee, the Ferris Admissions office and from multiple student groups and campus departments.
Students make plans for Spring Break
By NOMITA PAUL
Ferris State Torch
As unseasonably warm weather invades Big Rapids, many students are preparing for the upcoming spring break. Some are making plans to visit far away places, while others are planning to return home to familiar grounds. The Torch recently spoke with a cross section of Ferris Students to find out what they are doing over spring break.
Stephanie Wordan, who is earning her associates degree in Printing Technology, said that she is going to go to Jackson for the spring break. "I have three nephews and being an aunt I love to go back home and spend time with them," Wordan said. "One of them has his birthday on the 14th march so I want to give him a special day by taking him out for the movies or something, some sort of pre-birthday gift."
Scott Malloy, a Criminal Justice freshman, said, "My first priority for the spring break would be to play with my dog Cherokee. I want to go home so that I can get to see as much of TV as I want to, hang out with my friends and simply laze around."
Spring break offers students a rest from their studies before returning to finish the semester. The week will be spent many different ways; some will spend the time relaxing and doing a lot of nothing, some will devote the time to neglected hobbies they normally don't have the time for and other will spend the time engaging in their favorite sports.
Many students will also spend their break time with family and friends. Spring break offers students with distant families and friends the opportunity to get together and spend time with each other.
Taquia Addison, who is a freshman in the Mortuary Science program, said, "I will be going to Houston, Texas as my dad lives there. I am going to spend a lot of time on the beaches. It's going to feel wonderful after all the snow here." When Addison was asked if it was going to be an out and out holiday and if it would be a welcome change from not having to work with cadavers, she replied "I'm afraid it won't be. I will be working for the funeral home embalming the dead, when I am down there so that I can make a little extra money."
Stephanie Gardner, a freshman pursuing her pre-nursing degree, said, "I will be going to Detroit to visit my family and friends." She said she is going to take Capoeira classes which is something similar to karate. "My friend Taquia and I are also going to go on a diet, the idea is to trim our tummies. We will probably eat only one or two meals a day and make it a fruit meal so that we are really trim when we get back (to Ferris)."
Mary Kay works for the University Advancement and Marketing Department and is in the MS-ISM (Masters in Information Systems Management) program at Ferris. Kay said, "I do not have any break now. I take my vacation in April when my son's school closes. This year we are planning to drive down to Florida".
Dick Perrin has been working at the Timme library for the past thirty five years said, "The library is not closed during spring break so all of us have to work. I am going to take my vacation later this summer and I'm going to go to Vermont."
Bill Smith, a student employer working for Financial Aid services while pursuing his masters at Ferris said, "I can never take a break as I want to save money, (I have) never taken one as long as I remember."
So while some while some students start off for far away spring break destinations, others will be returning home, while still others will be staying in Big Rapids continuing their daily routines. Regardless of where you're going, the Torch staff would like to wish everyone a happy break and a safe return to finish the semester.
 Students enjoy a "natural high"
By STEVE COOK
Assistant Amusement Editor
This past weekend people of all shapes and sizes from the Big Rapids community piled into the FSU Recreation Center. The ninth annual Natural High event which was sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha, SAFAC, Women's Rugby and the Recreation Center, was a scene of joy and togetherness
Wendy Lukazcek, President of Zeta Tau Alpha helped put the event together. It is the third year that Lukazcek has worked on the event. According to Lukazcek typically there are donations that are given out by business from around town. "Community involvement is usually strong for this event." Lukazacek also states that everyone involved with the event had to work for weeks in advance. Everyone involved had to co-sponsor, volunteer their time and reserve the games ahead of time.
People that attended Natural High where entertained from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. with many of the games and displays on hand. The basketball court at the Recreation Center was amaze of several different events including Jousting matches, boxing, lasertag. There also was a Titanic/Iceberg challenge. For those not afraid of heights there was a gigantic King of the Mountain climb.
Everytime someone participated in a event they would receive a ticket that they could use on food and beverages. The food at the event consisted of popcorn, cotton candy and pizza.
Those that attended could also make their very own music video with the Fun flicks display. Fun flicks allows people to jam to their favorite songs while wearing props to accompany themselves. Some of the props included clothing, wigs and guitars.
For those looking for a jolt in their lives their was a virtual reality ride called a transender. The ride could fit four people at a time and it slammed back and fourth making you feel like you were on a wild ride.
You could also test your racing skills at Natural High. There was a bungee race that would put two people against each other to race and who ever won would get pulled back by the bungee cable.
Brian Gines, Assistant Director of the Recreation Center also assisted in putting the event together. "This event is a great opportunity for everyone involved." According to Gines it took a lot of work to organize the activities at the event. "The pool games are new for this year," Gines said. Gines also stated that he was excited for the event because it is the first time he has been involved with it because he just started his job in January.
On top of the on floor activities there also where several different kinds of pool activities at the event. There was a modified Water Polo activity that was played in the deep end of the pool. Teams consisted of six players with a minimum of five to start. The game consisted of two periods lasting seven minutes in length.
In the shallow end of the pool there was a modified Volleyball game called "Nuke'em." The game had teams with five members each and lasted two periods with each lasting 10 minutes. The first team to score 26 points wins the contest. The object of the game was to toss the ball over a rope or the net instead of hitting it. There also was a belly fop contest that was held around midnight.
Tobi Rice, a Ferris senior in Law Enforcement and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha lent her helping hands towards Natural High. "This event allows children to be on campus and experience it," Rice said. Rice also stated that the event shows that all minorities can work together and accomplish something without alcohol. "I hope that other organizations can help bring campus and community together.
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 Kunitz adjusts to hockey and school life at Ferris
By CHRIS MILLER
Sports Editor
After driving 25 hours from Regina, Saskatchewan, freshman Chris Kunitz arrived in the fall ready for one purpose: to play hockey for Ferris State University.
"I came here because of the classroom size and the scholarship. When I heard that a bunch of the seniors were graduating, I figured that I would get more playing time," Kunitz said. "That also enticed me to come to Ferris." Before he picked FSU for college, he was highly recruited by Minnesota-Duluth, Providence and Northeastern University.
Kunitz started skating when he was two years old, and he started playing hockey at the age of six. Throughout Kunitz's life, his father was always a big inspiration.
"My dad's always been there for me, and he's shown me a lot of stuff," Kunitz said, "I have always admired his work ethic and encouragement. It was this encouragement that helped build and mold my passion for hockey."
Kunitz graduated high school in 1997 from Michael A. Riffel High School. After graduation, he took two years off to play for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League's Melville Millionaires.
"It was fun, but I wanted to play college hockey," Kunitz said. "We took a visit here over the summer and this is where I decided to go." While playing for the Millionaires, Kunitz tallied up 57 goals and 32 assists for 89 points in 1998-99. In his 1997-98 60 game season, Kunitz totaled 57 points on 30 goals and 27 assists.
"Playing for them was different because we played all week long instead of here at Ferris where we practice during the week, then play games on the weekend," Kunitz said. During his playing time in Saskatchewan, he played a total of 67 games last winter while attaining SJHL second-team honors.
Kunitz has been a surprise this season for the Bulldogs. He is third on the team in goal scoring with 16 goals in 33 games. Along with goals, he has added seven assists, and he ranks second on the team with 11.9 shooting percentage. He is also third in total points with 23.
"My play has been really surprising this year. I consider myself to be a hard worker that can score goals," Kunitz said. "I have been able to look up to some of the seniors for inspiration and help on the ice." Kunitz credits senior Brian McCullough and junior Kevin Swider for their enthusiasm to play hockey. He also credits the rest of the team for helping him adjust to life in college.
Kunitz has been a major part of the Bulldog youth movement. Along with him, freshmen Phil Lewandowski and Troy Milam have also been a big help to FSU's team this season.
"It's great when I do get a lot of playing time. I didn't figure that I would get much, but I am not going to complain...I just want to go out and score goals," Kunitz said.
His personal goal for the remainder of the season is to finish adjusting to life in the United States and at Ferris. "It has been a tough adjustment trying to manage school and hockey at the same time yet I have managed to pull of 15 credits last semester," Kunitz said. As a marketing major, Kunitz plans on finishing school here and going off to either an European or an American team after graduation.
Other people that have supported Kunitz at FSU are his coaches.
"Daniels knows the game, and he has been one of the best guys to teach me what he knows," Kunitz said when asked about Head Coach Bob Daniels. " I have never had a coach quite like him that will drop everything to help out his players." Daniels has been in his eighth year at FSU. Assistant Head Coaches are Drew Famulak and Jeff Blashill.
Besides his father, Kunitz talks to his brother David for help in college. David was honored last year as an All-American Scholar-Athlete while a member of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (Chickasha, OK) men's soccer team.
"I know that I can call him when I have a question about college," Kunitz said.
In Kunitz's spare time, he enjoys soccer, lacrosse, golf and adventure sports. For three years, he was a member of a swim program which assisted handicapped children to swim. This summer, Kunitz plans on going home and working.
"I might stay and work the summer hockey camps, but I am not sure yet," he said.
Men's tennis warms up for trip to Texas
By PAM PRESTON
Assistant Sports Editor
Along with many other Ferris students who leave the state for spring break, the men's tennis team embarks on a trip to Texas.
This year, the tennis team has a different purpose in mind: the opportunity to compete. The men's tennis team has already played a few matches to prepare them for the competition they will face in Texas. Ferris beat Grand Rapids Community College on Feb. 16 at the FSU Racquet Facility.
"This was an easy match, we had more competition from Bowling Green," Paul Marcum, men's head coach. The next two matches recorded a loss for the Bulldogs to Bowling Green State University (5-2) and Western Michigan University (7-0). The team then defeated Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Feb. 23.
"We got some good matches in against these guys and got a lot of hitting in which we needed," Marcum said.The team's next match will be against Kalamazoo College on March 7. Then the season's challenges begin to unwind with their spring trip. They return to face conference opponent, Northwood.
"We have been practicing really hard right now, so we should be ready for all these tough matches back to back," junior, Anthony Kountouris said.
"They (Kalamazoo College) will be really tough, but will only help us so if we lose it's no big deal," Kountouris said. Since Kalamazoo College is ranked number two in the NCAA Division III, this will be a great warm-up for the rest of the season.
"They are about the same caliber of the Division II teams we'll play in Texas," Marcum said. The team will leave on Wednesday, March 8 for San Antonio.
"We will be able to play a little on Wednesday when we arrive and again on Thursday morning. Competition starts on Thursday afternoon and continues to Saturday," Marcum said.
This trip to Texas will be a big opportunity for the team. Three of the five teams are in the Midwest region, the same region that includes FSU. Ferris is ranked sixth in the Midwest, while three of the teams that will be at this invitational are ranked in the top five.
Not only is this a great opportunity for improvement in the regional rankings, but it will also help the national rankings as well. Ferris is currently in the 25 spot in the rankings. The teams Ferris will compete against in Texas are ranked 15, 19 and 23 in the nation.
"This will give us a better idea where we are at," Marcum said. "I think we should be further up there (in both the regional and national rankings) anyway and this invitational will give some hard proof." The major barrier for the Ferris team will be the change in weather conditions.
"The sun and the hotter temperatures will be a big factor," Kountouris said. "Most of the other teams at this invitational are practicing outside in this weather right now, but we are practicing inside." The results of this invitational will be a simple representation of how the Bulldogs season might end up.
"If we do good in Texas, our confidence will go up," Kountouris said.
Bulldogs just miss league crown
By NICK WASMILLER
Ferris State Torch
The Ferris State women's basketball team continued their winning ways this week, beating Northwood 94-56 and Saginaw Valley State 79-54.
The Bulldogs, ranked 24th in NCAA Division II standings, dominated Northwood on Thursday from the opening tip, outscoring the Wildcats 29-14 in the first 10 minutes of play. Senior guard Carrie Roys led the Bulldogs with 11 first half points, as Ferris entered halftime with a 39-26 lead.
"I thought Carrie played the game of her life. It was the best game I've ever seen her play," Ferris State Women's Basketball Coach Tracey Fisk said. "It was one of the toughest days she has ever had to go through. She lost her grandfather today. It's one of those things that shows you that basketball is just a game and it doesn't matter next to life."
In the next 10 minutes, the Bulldogs turned a 13 point lead into a 30 point lead with the help of some accurate three-point shooting. For the game, Ferris connected on 13 three-pointers, breaking the old school record of 12.
Carrie Roys led the Bulldogs with 22 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Amy Popielarz scored 15, while Dawn Baker added 10. Ferris shot 49.3 percent from the floor, while connecting on 56.5 percent of their three-point attempts.
Ferris State also set a new team record for wins in a season with 19 and tied a team record for home wins with nine. The Bulldogs 9-0 home record also marks the first time Ferris has finished the season undefeated at home.
On Saturday, the women traveled to SVSU for the team's final regular season game. Although the Bulldogs only shot 40.5 percent in the first half, Ferris still entered halftime with a 40-22 lead.
Tianna Kirkland and Jen Newsone each scored nine first half points, while Debbie Killips dished out four first half assists.
Ferris widened the margin in the second half, at one point leading by as many as 28. Ferris State improved its shooting in the second half, connecting on 48.1 percent. Four Bulldogs ended the game in double figures including Kirkland's 15 points. Killips ended the game with six assists and seven steals, while scoring seven points.
Ferris ended the regular season with a record of 20-5, including 16-3 in the GLIAC conference. The Bulldogs finished second in the GLIAC's North Division, behind 15th ranked Michigan Tech. FSU could have won the division had Tech lost on Saturday, but Tech won in overtime over Lake Superior State.
Ferris will now move on to the GLIAC tournament held in Grand Rapids at the DeltaPlex center. The Bulldogs will play Wayne State in the first round. Game time is at 6 pm on Thursday. Ferris beat Wayne State earlier this season 59-58.
The men's team hosted Northwood on Thursday, in the team's final home game of the season. The Bulldogs entered the game, having never won in the new Jim Wink Arena. That streak came to an end Thursday though, when Ferris defeating NU 80-78.
Despite only shooting 36.8 percent in the first half, the Bulldogs remained tied at 38 at the end of the first half. Ferris was led by senior Aaron Nauta's 16 first half points. Playing in his final home game at Ferris State, Nauta connected on shots from all over the floor and finished the game with a team high 26 points. Senior Leaondre Salter added 12 points, while Donald Tinsley collected eight rebounds.
The Bulldogs shot 71.9 percent from the free throw line, while connecting on only 3 of 10 three point attempts. The win was the Bulldogs third in the team's last five games.
On Saturday the Bulldogs traveled to SVSU to play the team's final game of the season. With Ferris out of contention for post-season play; the game was the last for seniors Aaron Nauta and Leaondre Salter in a Bulldog uniform. The Bulldogs trailed from very early on in the game though, losing 109-87.
Sophomore Adam Anderson's 25 points and eight rebounds led the Bulldogs, while Nauta scored 14. Donte Hill also added 13 points for the Bulldogs.
Ferris shot 47.1 percent from the floor, including an outstanding 53 percent in the first half.
The Bulldogs finished the season with a 5-21 record, including a 3-16 record in the GLIAC North Division. |
Recent improvements on campus leave something to be desired
By STEPHANIE GUILES
Ferris State Torch
I am only a junior at Ferris but I have noticed a considerable amount of improvement on campus in the few years in which I have been here. There have been considerable improvements in the landscape, especially since last year's tornado incident. If a tornado is what it takes to get stuff done around here, then hey, maybe we need one every now and then.
There have been many new signs going up all over campus. These signs appear to serve a very utilitarian purpose-to help people get where they need to go. They are identification markers. This, in itself, is a fantastic idea because this huge campus can seem so overwhelming when a student first arrives here. The nice little professional looking signs are too utilitarian, however. They are, although useful as a sign can get, so ugly and cheap looking. They do not instill any feeling within me. When I look at the signs I picture thousands of Ferris zombies roaming around, like in "Night of the Living Dead." They remind me of something from "Brave New World." Thousands of students walking around staring blankly into space who are mumbling, "You are now a member of the Ferris institution. Do not be afraid. This is all part of the Ferris plan. You must comply. You must get with the program."
Ahhhhhhhh! At this point I wake up from the nightmare screaming and covered in sweat. I am usually relieved that I have not been kidnapped and implanted with some kind of secret College of Business microchip. At least I don't think I have been.
Some other great changes on campus are the new Dining Center theme-o-ramas. Never mind that one of them (a dining center, that is) is named after a popular prison movie. It gives the students who eat there something to look forward too. I have never found a file in my cake, though.
Another "theme room" is Mascar. Now, maybe I am just a mean and bad person with a negative perspective, but who wants to dine with old tires? This gives new meaning to the term "Meals on Wheels." And the way it is designed is so square and symmetrical. I think it should be called massacre. The theme is so guy oriented. Of course there are women who like car racing, I am one of them, but I wouldn't decorate and entire room in racing paraphernalia. I also wouldn't make an entire dining center (Center Ice) theme around hockey. I mean, did the people who chose these themes actually consider that these are two male centered themes?
May I suggest a knitting theme next time? Or how about, "My Little Pony, Past and Present?"
Now let me tell you what I do like. I love the library. That's right. The themes of the library are sometimes changed and seem to be political in origin. Imagine that? Political themes at a college. And also, the PUG isn't bad either. The PUG with it's "easy on the eyes" rock memorabilia is a welcome change from engine blocks and hockey sticks.
I will continue to eat at WestView due to its lack of obtrusive interior design. Although there are umbrellas inside, at least it doesn't look like Dick Trickle crashed into them. (Isn't it bad luck to open umbrellas inside)?
This campus is supposed to be all about diversity. What about some multi-cultural themes? I would love to see an Africa room done in all traditional African art. That would be beautiful. Or what about other cultures? What about traditional Chinese design? What about a Native American theme in one of these rooms? I think we are overlooking some serious problems at Ferris and we are blaming the wrong scapegoat.
Toying with History: Sometimes we wonder what they will come up with next
By JACOB CRAFT
Ferris State Torch
"Ich bin ein Action Figure!" This is the opening line to a most interesting story that I found this morning. Reuter's news service reports that Hasbro will be releasing a John F. Kennedy GI Joe doll. This figure will be based on the now legendary PT 109 exploits of Kennedy. Reportedly, it will even be released with a replica of the coconut shell rescue message that Kennedy carved, while stranded on an island after his patrol boat had been cut in two by a Japanese destroyer. Hasbro says that it also plans on releasing a second Kennedy doll, in Navy dress "whites." Hasbro has released other historical GI Joe dolls, with figures including Buzz Aldrin, (He was the second guy on the moon, not an alcoholic beverage) General George Patton and General Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Of course, if this doll is successful, I can only imagine the spin-off merchandising that would be made possible. Imagine, if you will, a motorcade play set. You could have the book depository, grassy knoll and the Malibu Kennedy Presidential Limo (all sold separately).
We would also need an updated version of our favorite Catholic president. He would be more dignified, and when you run him under cold water, bloodstains appear! Just put him under warm water to change him back! Hours of playtime fun. And of course, there would be the other requisite action figures. You could have a Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Barbie doll, with little pillbox hats that you could buy. You'd also need several of the Secret Service GI Joe inaction figures.
Then for the bad guys, there would have to be a Lee Harvey Oswald figure, with a little plastic Italian rifle. Some sort of masked Cobra operative could man the grassy knoll in a stealth suit, and a silenced sniper rifle. And for clean up, there would be a pudgy Jack Ruby with a spring loaded action arm, and a small caliber pistol. If this were successful, a courtroom play set could be sold, with a Kevin Costner figure, that, when you pull a string, says, "Back, and to the left, Back and to the left," ad naseum.
In related news, the Teletubbies are not alone in their persecution by religious figures. The principal Roman Catholic archdiocese in Mexico said that Pokemon incited violence and sexual perversity among children. The animated little "Pocket Monsters" have already been blamed for an unhealthy and expensive addiction among children that causes them to whine incessantly, and bug their parents for overpriced collectable cards and cheaply made plush figures. Now they are being blamed for sexual perversity among children? Can't a Pokemon catch a break?
That is not to say that the archdiocese's claims are without merit. There is a strange vibe among the Pokemon and their adorable Japanamation controllers. I'm not implying anything so crude as out and out bestiality, but still, I get the creeps whenever I hear, "I choose you, Pikachu!" Take it for what it's worth.
What becomes of the used-up boy band?
By KELDA BARNUM
Ferris State Torch
Perhaps it started with the Beach Boys. Or maybe it originated with the Beatles. Since the beginning of the century, boy bands have been a staple in the American music scene. Shameless boy worship to the tune of pop music aimed to make girls feel special and wanted.
In our generation, the most memorable boy band included Jon, Jordan, Donnie, Danny and Joey. The New Kids on the Block, a carefully packaged boy band of the 80s and early 90s, represented the ideal boy band. Each member acted out their respective roles perfectly: The Sweet and Sensitive, The Bad Boy, The Tall, Dark, Mysterious Boy, The Baby and The Alternative Boy. The moment the band began "Hangin' Tough," girls around the world began buying tapes and New Kids merchandise. Girls, myself included, were completely sucked into the meticulously calculated marketing scheme.
When I was nine, I had an entire wall in my bedroom plastered with pages from Teen Beat and Tiger Beat, which featured my favorite New Kid, Joey. I had the tapes, the posters, the bedspread and the Joey Macintyre doll. And then one day, New Kids were out. The posters came down and the bedspread ended up in a garage sale.
Backstreet Boy Howie Dorough, in the liner notes in the band's recent album, "Millennium," predicted that the band's music would "be heard for a thousand years to come, God willing." Yet Jeremy Helligar, entertainment editor for Teen People predicts a different fate for the boy bands. "One day, the kids wake up and realize that their music's corny and they move on to something else," said Helligar. And as comedian Chris Rock put it in one of his jabs at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, "Didn't you see New Kids on the Block? Don't you know how this movie ends?"
Until then, many people are tapping current boys bands, which include the Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, N'Sync and LFO, for all their worth. Advertisers, music producers, merchandisers and the boys themselves are making a living off the obsessive-compulsive nature of young girls. And because boy bands are more accessible than ever, with mediums such as MTV and the Internet being used to reach an audience, the girls are getting younger and younger.
Last summer I babysat for a five-year old girl who started Kindergarten this fall. She is a typical five-year old; she has Barbies, plays Slip n' Slide and wants to grow up to be a veterinarian. But above her bed is an N'Sync poster, featuring five young guys exuding their respective images. The Alternative, the Baby, the Sweet Sensitive, the Bad Boy and the Tall, Dark and Mysterious boy clash in her pink bedroom, with a Fisher Price play kitchen in the corner and a Barbie town house on her table.
The Disney channel, a cable station aimed at young children, ran live performances of the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync and Brittany Spears all summer. In between showings of Aladdin and Snow White, the little girl I babysat would watch N'Sync croon about love and passion to a group of panting 11-year old girls. And she was sucked in. She knew the words to most every song on the N'Sync album, and talked in length about which boy she thought was the cutest.
If history repeats itself, current boy bands are nearing the end of the road. The fickleness of the youth market and the recent conflicts emerging between the bands and their management, will eventually contribute to the demise of these heartthrob groups. But history also shows that the next big
boy band is only waiting backstage to perform their perfectly practiced roles. As long as there are young girls willing to spend their allowance on an illusion, there will always be the Bad Boy, the Tall, Dark and Mysterious boy, the Baby, the Alternative and the Sweet Sensitive. |
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