The recent elections for Student Association have put a new face on the body. With current President Karly Wallace and Vice President Missy Ruplinger graduating this spring, both their positions were open.

Replacing them will be College of Liberal Studies Senator Madis-son Heinze as President and RHAC Senator Jason Krug as Vice Presi-dent. Heinze and Krug, currently sophomores, will be in charge for the 2011-2012 academic year. Both

are political science/public admin-istration majors who have been in-volved in various forms of student government since they came to UW-La Crosse.

Many students do not know much about how UW-L’s governing bodies work. To sum it up, the Stu-dent Association President’s role is to “be the face of the university to the administration,” Heinze said.

He or she communicates with

administration about student is-sues, acting as a liaison between the student body and those higher up. The Vice President is more directly involved with student life, acting as the President of the Senate and only dealing with administrators when working with the Association Presi-dent.

Heinze and Krug hope to get out of these defined roles, instead working as more of a team, sharing responsibilities in order to do more for students and avoid persona burnout. They are confident in their experience and skills. In addition to previous student leadership, both have been involved in important committees as well, including Joint Planning and Budget and SUFAC. They find that communication is a key skill, as well as “being cool-headed problem solvers who see both sides of issues,” Krug said.

What makes these two differ-ent from other politicians? Heinze said, “A lot of people that run have vague platforms and ideas, but ours are tangible. We’re not just feeding everyone lines and hoping for the best.”

Their plan involves three pil-lars: development, advocacy, and strengthening. They will develop es-

tablished campus organizations and groups so they are more utilized and a larger part of student life.

Next, advocacy involves re-lationships with administrators, regents and representatives at na-tional and state levels. “They will know our names, they will know our issues and that they are impor-tant,” said Heinze. The last pillar is strengthening the relationships be-tween organizations on campus for better representation and under-standing on campus.

Heinze and Krug feel it is im-portant to have a specific plan for UW-L so they can “hit the ground running.” They want to accomplish a great deal in the next year and feel that it will be difficult, but also pro-ductive and fun.

Finally, they say that their posi-tions have already taught them a great deal and will help their careers and futures. In campaigning, they have learned about communica-tion, time management and organi-zation, both political and personal.

Both are also aiming for political careers. This leadership gives them a “head start.” Since both feel com-munication is key, they welcome questions or concerns.

UW-La Crosse ranks high in many areas on campus in both academic and social programs. Now UW-L has another recogni-tion to add to the list, as the uni-versity was recently named in the top 100 colleges in the nation for LGBTIQQAA resources.

“The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students” is a book that has a comprehensive list of the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation for LGBT students. Pri-mary factors to make the grade in-clude student life, tuition, campus contacts, student groups, number of out students, faculty and staff, housing, LGBT studies courses offered, gay-friendly resources on campus and the social scene.

The book’s editor, Shane L. Windmeyer, has a masters degree in education and has received nu-merous reviews from his collection of colleges. The board conducted over 5,000 online interviews with LGBT students and over 500 in-terviews by faculty and staff from campuses everywhere. The guide in this book lists all individual scores of the campuses in each category.

Jody Huckaby, Executive Di-rector of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, re-viewed the book by Windmeyer and said, “Every young person needs to know if they will feel wel-comed for who they are, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. An invaluable resource for parents and families seeking to help their LGBT kids find the best college choice.”

The scores from these inter-views were gathered to create what the book calls the universi-ties’ “Gay Point Average.” Overall UW-L received 13 out of a possible 20 points by having 14 out of 20 resources for LGBT students and faculty.

Resources offered at UW-L in-clude the LGBT and ally student organization known as Rainbow Unity, which provides a safe en-vironment for students to build and develop leadership and com-munications skills. UW-L also has the Pride Center located in the basement of Cartwright next to the Cellar. Here, director Will Van Roosenbeek, graduate assistant Cayla Wencl and three Peer Edu-cators, Shelley Stover, Emily Wun-

RacqueTThe University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

8 Pa g e s S i n g l e Co p i e s Fr e e

Please recycle

231 & 232 Cartwright Center1725 State StreetLa Crosse, WI 54601

IndexNews. . . . . . . . . . . 1-2ViewPoint. . . . . . . 4

Life Etc. . . . . . . . . 5-6Sports. . . . . . . . . . . .7Grin Bin . . . . . . . . . 8

w w w.t h e racq u e t . n e t

Word of the WeekRitalin

Methylphenidate is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and

children.

T hu r s d ay, Ap ri l 28 , 2011

LEGISLATIVE LOW-DOWN

A number of state lawmakers from Western Wisconsin participated in a public hearing on April 25 in Cartwright Center. The event was open to the public and encouraged citizens to talk about their support or concerns about Gov. Walker’s state budget.

Y O U R S C H O O L .

Y O U R H O M E .

Y O U R V O I C E .

Volume 102, No. 25

By Gretchen ZishkaSenior Reporter

“A lot of people that run have vague platforms and ideas, but ours are tangible. We’re not just feeding everyone lies and hoping for the best .”

Madisson Heinze2011-2012 Student Association President

A new chapterHeinze, Krug to take over as Student Senate President, Vice President

By K.C. PowersSenior Reporter

Budget in brief:

Warning: Article may contain mild spoilers for anyone not familiar with the Dracula story

In a dramatic conclusion to this year’s production run, the UW-La Crosse Theatre department is stag-ing renowned playwright Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula beginning April 29. Un-like many modern interpretations of the vampire genre, this particular performance stays true to Dracula’s classic horror roots.

“We’re taking the horror seri-ously,” said the play’s director Beth Cherne. This isn’t to say there is no humor.

According to Cherne, what laughs are found in the play come from primarily “dramatic irony” and “occasionally winking at the audience,” mostly from the char-acter of Renfield, but while he may occasionally break the fourth wall, for the most part the horror in the story is “played straight”.

A tremendous amount of effort has gone into stage design and spe-cial effects.

“Sound design is its own char-acter,” said Cherne. Sound sets the entire mood and atmosphere for the play, from Dracula’s entrance to Renfield’s eating habits. The design challenges are far greater than the majority of the plays put on by the department, and the effects are far more elaborate.

The new design team is respon-sible for getting everything made and timed appropriately from the

dramatic lighting to the pyrotech-nic effects.

According to Cherne, the most difficult aspect of nearly all plays is “joining acting with the techni-

cal stuff, the lights and effects with the costumes,” but due to the higher production value, this play has been more difficult than the norm.

While the story has been done to death, it remains a thrill ride whether in or out of Halloween sea-son and it’s a workout for the pro-duction team.

Deitz’s version maintains a fairly strict adherence to the nature and plot structure of the original novel and is most likely worth the $75 per performance worth of royalties that the production costs.

Certain aspects of the narrative’s order have been moved around to better serve the new medium, and this version eliminates the charac-ter Lucy’s more redundant suitors, but otherwise this is the novel that most people remember, attempting to be done right.

Some students have managed to pull double duty in the play’s cre-ation. Theatre veteran Nick Mom-pier served both on the design team and is credited as an actor in the play itself.

Playing one of the attendants in the asylum, he is involved with one of the more elaborate fight scenes in Dracula. In spite of his charac-ter’s untimely demise, Mompier had nothing but praise for the ex-tensive work done for the fight cho-reography, saying that in spite of the complexity of the scene, eventually everything in the fight itself began to feel “logical, but spontaneous”.

Tickets go on sale April 25 in the Center for the Arts.

Dead and loving itClassic Dracula adaptation comes to Toland Theatre

By Nick KammersSenior Reporter

How do we rank?UW- L named in top 100 schools for LGBT friendly atmosphere

Please see LGBT, page 2

• Cuts $500 million from Medicaid programs• Cuts funding to public schools by $1.68 billion• Eliminates funding for recycling programs• Raises tuition up to 36 percent for students in Wisconsin-Minnesota reciprocity program• Makes UW-Madison a “Public Authority” so the university can receive funding as a single block grant • Provides $400 million in additional funding for transportation projects in southeast Wisconsin• Creates better tax incentives for businesses looking to bring jobs to Wisconsin

Julie Schneider The Racquet

Heinze Krug

The stress of exams along with having spent the past eight months living with your roommates may cause unnecessary fights. Consider a visit to the Re-spite Room to get away from the stress. . . PAGE 2

K2 and synthetic marajuana products contain chemicals found in marajuana and for some people produce marajua-na-like highs. Trials are in progress to learn more about the effects of this drug which is currently legal. . . PAGE 5

Rachel Weyer is more than just a phenominal hitter for the Eagles; she’s a positive, happy-go-lucky role model for her team-mates. She has been a four-year player for the team and has helped lead the Eagles to a 19-12 record this season. . . PAGE 7

Saturday, April 30 is a significant day for the Music department at UW-La Crosse, as it will mark the final concert of Dr. Paul Ruster-holz. After 23 years of dedication and creat-ing music, Rusterholz will be retiring from his position as the Women’s Chorus Director at the end of this academic year.

The journey of becoming a faculty mem-ber within the Music department began dur-ing the fall of 1990, when he transitioned from a previous directing position at The College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minn. to UW-L, where his wife was a French profes-sor. After moving to La Crosse and becoming more acquainted with the city, Dr. Rusterholz became involved with the La Crosse Cham-ber Chorale, a community-based 30-person choir, and has been the director for 21 sea-sons.

Rusterholz plans on continuing his in-volvement with the Chamber Chorale after his retirement from UW-L. Along with the Women’s Chorus and the Chamber Chorale, Dr. Rusterholz also conducts the UW-L Cho-ral Union, a 60-person choir made up of both college students and community members who perform larger pieces of music and focus on one concert per semester.

While in college, Rusterholz began study-ing physics and didn’t pursue music until later in his college career.

“Physics was very interesting to me, but

there were certain moments that I experi-enced while singing in a choir in college that made me think more seriously about study-ing music,” Rusterholz said, “The opportunity to create music produces a sense of joy for the performer and an uplifting experience for the audience. Music provides beautiful experi-ences that the world needs more of.”

A choir consists of many individuals all working together in a communal way to con-struct a beautiful sound, and it is the nature of working together that is the underlying lesson of being a part of a choir, Rusterholz explained.

Sarah Renguette, a junior at UW-L, has been singing in the Women’s Chorus for three years and said that choir is always the first thing she signs up for. She schedules her other classes around it because Rusterholz has made participating in choir so enjoyable.

“It is his consistent positive attitude, the laid-back atmosphere that he provides in al-lowing anyone to walk through the choir room doors and be in Women’s Choir regard-less of skill, and his continuous dedication to music that guided me to sing every semester,” Renguette said, “I will truly miss the cama-raderie that formed at the annual Christmas Parties, with delicious apple cider and classic Christmas carols being sung.”

Rusterholz also explained how there is a true uniqueness about Women’s Choral music that is not heard in a mixed choral scene, and it was difficult to dwindle down the musical pieces that will make up the repertoire for the final concert. During retirement, Rusterholz

hopes to continue his research on discovering great women’s music along with other music, reading and spending more time in his canoe.

“I can picture myself being retired due to my wife retiring from her position at UW-L last year, and I feel that the time is right, but the times when the Women’s Chorus makes just a wonderful sound, even during the simplest moments such as warming up, that is something I am going to miss,” Rusterholz said.

Dr. Gary Walth, who directs the Concert Choir and Man-nerchor and is also the Music Department Chair, has worked with Rusterholz for the past 18 years and has shared numerous choral programs and perfor-mances with him. “Paul Ruster-holz is an outstanding musi-cian, first and foremost. He is very passionate about choral music and treats his colleagues and the singers who perform in his choirs with great respect. He will be missed,” Walth said.

Dr. Rusterholz and the Women’s Chorus will perform their Spring Concert on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in Annett Recital Hall in the Center of the Arts.

CampusNewsPage 2 Thursday, April 28, 2011

• La Crosse • Sparta • Richland Center • Prairie du Chien

Birth Control Services

Annual Exams for Women STD Testing & Treatment for

Men and Women Pregnancy Testing

Emergency Contraception

Call for an appointment today! 800.657.5177

Helping create healthy

lives and families.

www.optionsclinic.org

The Senior Art Exhibition “Some As-sembly Required” demonstrates rich culture within the students of UW-La Crosse. These students have been working diligently on perfecting their artistic skills and are able to show off their best pieces in the show. Differ-ent pieces include sculptures, metalsmithing, ceramics, graphic arts, painting, printmak-ing, photography and drawing.

Many feel that the Art department has produced a unique and passionate group of individuals over the years that emphasize personal creativity. When a student begins in the art program, they start by taking general classes and finding out what they are inter-ested in. Later on in the program, the stu-dents start to focus on certain aspects of art that they have the most talent and interest in, allowing for the production of the pieces like the ones on display at the show.

Ellen Danforth, a senior in the art pro-gram, has her fully functional corset on dis-play at the show.

“I’ve been doing a lot of research on cor-sets, both historically and contemporary and I’ve gotten to the point where I make func-

tional pieces,” said Danforth. The corset is made out of a basic

cotton material, which is not generally used for corset making, but it works just as well. According to Danforth, it took about 30 hours to make, but the research was the most time-consum-ing part.

“This particular corset takes about four inches off of my waist,” said Dan-forth. She has been interested in corsets since high school and has expanded her interest in them in college. Dan-forth has also incorporated her interest for prints with the corsets and has both forms of artistic expression on display. In the future, Danforth wishes to start her own printing company and work on corsets on the side.

The art show is located in Univer-sity Art Gallery on the first floor of the Center for the Arts. The exhibit runs through Friday, May 6. Admission is free.

Some assembly required

By Erica GullicksonStaff Reporter

Senior artwork featured in University Gallery

Senior Ellen Danforth’s handmade corset is on display in the “Some Assembly Required” exhibi-tion. The corset displays the finest apparel of both modern and historical fashion.

With the end of the semester quickly ap-proaching, many students may find them-selves on edge with their roommates. The stress of exams and final projects along with having spent the past eight months living to-gether may cause unnecessary fights. Cross-roads United Campus Ministry recognizes this and offers a room for students who need some time to themselves.

The room, known as the respite room, has been available since this past fall. It was the idea of Rev. Laura Sova Hoglund in conjunc-tion with the ministry’s board.

“We’d been hearing some concerns around campus from students on their roommates, academic loads, boyfriends, girlfriends and stresses of everyday life,” Rev. Hoglund said, “You can’t change your roommate, but you

can change how you deal with problems.”It was Rev. Hoglund’s hope that students

would use the room offered at the ministry as an opportunity to step away from stressful situations for a moment and go back to them with fresh perspectives.

The room consists of a bed and a dress-er, with a renovated bathroom nearby and a kitchen facility available. Students have the option of spending one or two nights in the respite room, which is described as very quiet and peaceful.

The room is currently being provided as a pilot project, according to Rev. Hoglund. If the ministry finds there’s not a need for the room, they will turn it into something else. So far nine students have opted to take ad-vantage of the quiet space provided by Cross-roads.

“I’m a little disappointed,” Rev. Hoglund said, “I wanted more to come, but it’s enough for students to just know it’s there.”

In addition to the room, Crossroads offers a community meal every Wednesday from 12-2 p.m. The meal is free and home-cooked, and Rev. Hoglund said it’s always a great spot for conversation. “We have a lot of fun,” Rev. Hoglund said, “Biology majors, ROTC mem-bers, progressives, political science majors and all different types of people come. We always have great discussions.”

Crossroads United Campus Ministry has been in La Crosse for one and a half years and is open to all students of all faiths and per-suasions. Crossroads thinks of themselves as a face-to-face ministry, not an in your face ministry. Rev. Hoglund said, “We’re more about the questions than the answers. It’s about the journey, not about measuring up.”

The ministry is located at 126 N. St. in front of Wing Technology Center. Students interested in using the respite room can call Rev. Hoglund at 630-728-4676.

Need to get away from it all?Respite room offers quiet space for students to take a break from daily stresses

By Lauren SeidlNews Editor

Lauren Gause The Racquet

A standing ovationCAMPUS PROFILE: PROFESSOR RUSTERHOLZ

By Julie SchneiderSenior Reporter

Gallery Hours:Monday-Thursday: 12 - 8 p.m.

Friday-Saturday: 12- 5 p.m.Sunday: Closed

derlich and Zerr Her provide students with a safe place to talk and relax.

“I'd have to say support and friendship are the most important resources offered on campus,” said LGBT involved student Chris-topher Lynum, “A lot of people, whether go-ing through the coming out process or not, need those two things, and the people at the pride center can offer up plenty of it. The pride center is a very open and safe space where anybody can go to relax or go to chat with one of the peer educators about any problems they might be having.”

For more information on getting involved with UW-L’s nationally ranked LGBT com-munity, contact Van Roosenbeek or visit the Pride Center.

LGBT program ranked among top in nation

From LGBT, page 1

Dr. Paul Rusterholz, directing his last concert on April 30 at UW-L, prepares in his office. The Women’s Choir Direc-tor will be retiring at the end of the school year after 23 years of teaching.

Erica Gullickson The Racquet

Choir director set to retire at end of

school year

Find more campus & city news @

www.theracquet.net

Page 4

Viewpoint Thursday, April 28, 2011The voice of the campus community is printed here

Don’t be a pinhead...speak up!Send your letter for The Open Forum to

viewpoint@theracquet.net today!

Hannah HendersonViewpoint Editor

viewpoint@theracquet.net

TheRacqueT

EDITORIAL BOARDKelli Ponce | Editor in Chiefkponce@theracquet.net Isaac Lindahl | Managing Editor ilindahl@theracquet.netLauren Seidl | News Editor news@theracquet.netKatie Tucker | City Editorcity@theracquet.net Emily King| Features Editorfeatures@theracquet.netMeghan O’Connor | Assistant Features Editormoconnor@theracquet.netTaylor Fagerburg | Multimedia Editor photo@theracquet.netHannah Henderson | Viewpoint Editor viewpoint@theracquet.netMegan Fallon | Online Editor online@theracquet.net

NEWS REPORTERSKC Powers powers.kath@uwlax.eduGretchen Zishka zishka.gret@uwlax.eduJill Bagniefski bagniefs.jill@uwlax.eduClara Johnson johnson.clar@uwlax.eduNick Kammers kammers.nich@uwlax.edu Julie Schneiderschneider.juli@uwlax.eduHeather Gagegage.heat@uwlax.eduErica Gullicksongullicks.eric@uwlax.edu

FEATURES REPORTERSPhilippe Meistermeister.phil@uwlax.eduAshley Atkinsonatkinson.ashl@uwlax.edu

VIEWPOINT REPORTERSOlivia Mercer mercer.oliv@uwlax.edu Caleb Brown

brown.cale@uwlax.edu

SPORTS REPORTERSRyan Pomereningpomereni.ryan@uwlax.eduBrent Binderbinder.bren@uwlax.eduAllen Knappenbergerknappenb.alle@uwlax.edu

ART AND PHOTO STAFFKaWai Hui | Senior PhotographerPhotographers | Lauren Gause, Yuhan Luo, Lars Roeder, Matt Saddoris, Mollie Verdick, Paige Rice, Michael Westberry, Amanda O’Keefe, Nichole LarsonDesigners | Mai Zoua Vang, Beth LeCocq

BUSINESS STAFFJake Gietman | Publisherjgietman@theracquet.net Brian BlanchetteAdvertising Directorbblanchette@theracquet.net

Charity PradiptariniAccount Executivecpradiptarini@theracquet.netKim MavesAccount Executivekmaves@theracquet.net

The Racquet is a student-produced weekly newspaper distributed for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The editorial staff

assumes full responsibility for content and policies. The Racquet values accuracy and

will publish corrections if necessary; please send them to editor@theracquet.net.

Deadline for article submission is Friday by noon. To advertise with The Racquet, please contact bblanchette@theracquet.

net. For general inquiries, contact editor@theracquet.net.

Single copies are free to members of the UW-La Crosse, WTC, and Viterbo campus

communities. Multiple copies can be acquired from The Racquet at a price to be determined by the publisher by contacting

the Racquet business office. Newspaper theft is a crime and is subject to civil and

criminal prosecution and/or university discipline.

231 & 232 Cartwright Center1725 State Street

La Crosse, WI 54601

To reserve your issue of The Racquet, visit www.theracquet.net/subscribe or call us at

(608) 785-8378. Single issues are free on campus or available by mail for a subscrip-

tion fee.SPRING 2011: 15 issues for $30

FULL YEAR: 30 issues for $50

Subscriptions

The Racquet

Give us your ViewPoint ... TheRacquet.net

Cramming 101

Since I’m currently sitting in Murphy Library writing this column on my laptop, my eyes can’t help but wander around the room at my peers to see the amount of students on Facebook. I’m not criticizing them because I’m guilty of spending a fair amount of time on my friends’ pages as well. But I’m wondering is the way we interpret ‘staying connected’ completely inaccurate?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but connecting with people usually is best in the form of human interaction or human contact. I’m not sure about you, but I find it to be much more practical to meet my friends at Murphy for a study session with occasional breaks to catch up rather than finding out what they’re up to through Facebook. Maybe I’m just unconventional, who knows.

If I write on my friends’ wall, then I have to wait for them to reply, and if you know me at all, I am not a patient person. I’d much rather cut out the middleman and have an actual conversation. Okay, okay, you don’t have time. This where you tell me that you and your friends have opposite schedules and can’t find a brief moment to chat. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Show me the history on your internet browser, and then tell me you don’t have time.

Anyone who uses that justification is a pathetic excuse for a friend, and if you’ve ever been a victim to that type of neglect, you should seriously reevaluate the people you keep around. You have time to shower don’t you? That’s what I thought. So stop hiding behind your computer screen and meet up with them. It’s not like there’s snow on the ground preventing you from using any method of transportation anymore.

The way we use the computer prevents us from building personal and emotional relationships with one another. Once again, I’m not criticizing because I don’t leave my apartment without mine, hence why I’m socially awkward. Computers are great. They allow us to work more efficiently, stay organized and explore an entirely virtual world, but computers remove all emotional aspects of socialization.

When I first started working at The Racquet in 2009, e-mail was the sole method of communication between editors and reporters. Talk about face-to-face communication, or lack there of.

Some Chris Rochester character would send me e-mails each week with detailed descriptions of my assignments and feedback from my previous articles. Using e-mail is comfortable; it’s easy and quick, so I don’t blame him entirely...

He was an outstanding news editor who later succeeded Nik Nelson as the editor in chief in Fall 2010, but I had no clue what he looked like back then. Did I have class with him? Did I just pass him while walking to Wimberly? If Chris had met with me upon my hire, all my curiosity would have disappeared. Who knows, maybe we

would have been buds. Now Chris and Nik, since I know

you’re both reading this, I never had a problem with how you ran this newspaper. In fact, you both taught me everything I know about running a successful newspaper...well you two and

Rusty of course, but that’s for another time. My point is that realistically I could have gone the entire semester without having any type of human interaction because of the excessive usage of computers and e-mail. Who wants to work like that? Maybe it’s just my personality, but I like to build a relationship with my co-workers.

The comfort of using computers and e-mail keeps us at such a distance that building relationships with the people we’re interacting with is essentially impossible, and with such busy schedules, we’ve befriended e-mail.

I admit that I use e-mail at times when a phone call or a sit down would be more effective, and the result is obvious. If you don’t personally know the person on the other end of the e-mail address, then who cares if what was just sent doesn’t make any sense. Right? When you know the people you’re working with and make time to build relationships, the quality of work you produce together improves collectively.

Now, don’t get me wrong, Mark Zuckerberg is brilliant for inventing such a Web site that allows friends from all over the world to ‘stay connected,’ and Charles Babbage’s design of the computer is genius. But, it’s important for us to realize that we have taken advantage of technology. We’ve interpreted what it means to ‘stay connected’ through a false lens. We’ve abused and overused technology to the point where we don’t know how to live without it. We’d rather have our attention focused on our touch screens than look into another person’s eyes.

Back up the bus. We’re disabling ourselves from developing stable relationships and letting go of the importance of human interaction.

A professor once told me that we need to appreciate human contact. He told me our generation has become so dependent on computers, cell phones and technology that we wouldn’t know how to go about our days without them. You wouldn’t disagree with him, would you? Is that the reputation you want to hold? Didn’t think so. Let’s not be so transparent.

Technology: A love/hate relationship

close to campus, parking, laundry2 bedroom apartments very conveniently located next to

everything and 1 block from campus. They offer many nice amenities including on-site laundry within the building,

off-street parking, and bike racks. $670 per month. Call us today to schedule an appointment

608-782-RENT (7368).Email sam@threesixty.bz

A house at the corner of 11th & Pine is open for rent for the 2011-2012 school year.Rent is $300 per person.The house is incredibly energy efficient. Includes a washer/dryer unit, two bathrooms, five bedrooms, & off-street parking.The basement is currently being finished.Text/

call/email Nick at (262) 510-9884, brengosz.nich@uwlax.edu.

Classifieds

It is said that college is about having fun. Life will always be hard work, and college certainly doesn’t last forever. Clearly for these reasons alone, students are finding the ambition to dedicate weeks to the hit the books. Be-cause honestly, who wants to study when one merely has a few weeks left of a college year? That’s right, no one.

“Well, I cram all of my infor-mation for a class. But I don’t remember any of the material after I am required to know it. I cram all the time, and it’s the only way I can study because I have such a short attention span,” said UW-La Crosse student Courtney Johnson.

Thus, the most effective study tactic is cramming. Cram a day before. Cram an hour before. Cram a minute before. Cram-ming every bit of information learned over the course of a 3 1/2 month period of time is the absolute, utmost, entirely, and best way to study for a final examina-tion. Which is why, throughout this article I am going to teach you effective cramming tactics. Tactics which guarantee a student an A on the exam. A tactic that is foolproof. Too bad I was being sarcastic...

In order to comprehend and retain information, a student cannot resort or rely on studying all information in a short period of time. Cramming is the least effective way to study and retain information. Sadly, most classes require a final examination, there-fore, material for 3 1/2 months must be recalled for at least 5 dif-ferent classes.

As many have already realized, studying in college is exception-ally different than studying in high school. Although everyone differs in how they learn and retain infor-

mation, there are a few types that have been proven effective.

Study in chunks. Spend anywhere from fifteen to forty-five minutes on a topic. Then, take a brief fifteen minute break. Concentration comes easiest dur-ing the daylight hours. Be sure to prioritize the items that need the most concentration to day time study hours. Thus, spend the most time on the most difficult subject. And, study early in the day, too.

Be sure to study actively. Instead of skimming, ask yourself questions, discuss information with peers, and thoroughly read over notes.

Be positive about exams. Yes, difficult, but it is also proven to be very effective. Psychologically, individuals’ memory and learning is influenced by the interference of negative thoughts. Students have a tendency to visualize themselves forgetting information or wrongly answering questions. Thus, students are more apt to forget the material because unpleasant infor-mation is generally more readily remembered, especially if one is indifferent about the material being studied. Attribute positive thoughts to the information being studied. Link terms to pleasant words and you are psychologically proven to better remember.

Another reason crammng is ineffective because psychologically memories diffuse if not reviewed. Individuals forget almost instantly (within the first twenty-four hours) of learning information, unless it is reviewed, though the “forgotten” material is relearned much easier and more effectively. All information is transformed into thoughts, behaviors, and at-titudes. Unless actively reviewed and turned into a memory, it is consciously able to readily be retrieved.

Thus, begin studying now. Review material each night from class that same day. Attribute positive attitudes to tests, terms, and school information. Avoid the ability to be electronically distracted. Study in chucks. And, take small breaks. Everyone stud-ies a little differently, but everyone is psychologically affected the same way.

Cramming is the least effective way to study and retain information.

By Olivia MercerStaff Reporter

All St r Lanes

www.allstarlaneslax.2gobowl.com or Join us on Facebook!

Mondays @ 8pm

$5 PitchersWednesdays

$2 SilosBloody Mary Bar

every Sunday11am - 3pm

Watch Football Live Here!

Fridays & Saturdays@ 8:30pm

Karaoke

Looking to build your resume?Write for The Racquet!

Find applications online at www.theracquet.net

and click the “Join Our Team” link

at the bottom of the page, or e-mail editor@theracquet.net

By Kelli PonceEditor In Chief

For the last few months everyone has went nuts with Rebecca Black’s song “Friday.” Everyone on campus had to listen to it for days on end as part of a fundraiser, and it has also made up a large portion of Facebook status updates every single Friday. It is starting to get old. The joke is over, its time to move on people.

-OTR-

Oh, end of the semester, you bring nothing but stress and sleep

deprivation, thus leading to an increase (more like overdose...) in coffee consumption. Let’s not forget to mention that in the matter of the next three weeks you are forcing countless hours spent in the library. So a real sincere thanks goes out to everyone that helps make this possible; you really can’t space out assignments, papers, presentations, and exams throughout the semester so that every student isn’t bombared as spring rolls in?

The UW-L no spin zoneOff the Record...

My point is that realistically I could have gone the entire semester without having any human interaction because of the excessive usage of computers and e-mail.

Page 5 Thursday, April 28, 2011

LifeEtc.Not just for ADD treatment

By Philippe MeisterStaff Reporter

Emily KingFeatures Editorfeatures@theracquet.net

With finals just around the corner, students are flocking to the library and hitting the books harder than usual. Some students have turned to “smart drugs” like Adderall or Ritalin for a boost. A University of Wisconsin study reported that one in five college students have used them without a prescription.

According to Gundersen Lutheran’s Online Medical Encyclopedia, Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are the two most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While slightly different, both drugs are stimulants.

Ritalin works by blocking the re-absorption of dopamine in the brain, increasing the amount of the chemical in the general space between cells. Adderall works the same way, but it also increases the production of dopamine, making it somewhat more powerful than Ritalin.

Both drugs are designed to improve focus and motivation, making them an

attractive choice for busy college students. When used by people not suffering from

ADHD, the effects are magnified. One student first tried an Adderall from her roommate during finals week. She said, “It made me feel completely focused. I read my anatomy book and studied for hours.” She also said that it blocked out all distractions, making it easier to focus on one thing at a time. When asked if she would use it again, she said, “No, you’re just too focused on one thing and nothing else. It was weird.”

The reality is that study drugs like Adderall and Ritalin are becoming

increasingly available on college campuses nationwide. “Anybody can find them,” said one student. “They’re really easy to get.” And with students’ busy schedules, stimulants can seem like a good idea. Hopefully with all the facts, students can make informed decisions as to what’s best for them.

When used by people not suffering from ADHD the effects are magnified

The facts about Adderall and Ritalin

The support for cannabis in American culture is increasing. States are making it legal for medical users, most recently Michigan, which brings the total up to 15 states. Although marijuana use is on the rise, it is illegal; however, there are some substances that claim a legal high. K2 and other synthetic marijuana products contain chemicals found in marijuana and for some people produce marijuana-like highs.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the power behind marijuana high. The marijuana plant produces numerous cannabinoids that each contribute to the high. A marijuana high is usually described as an enjoyable experience. K2 and Spice products aim to recreate the same high as marijuana by synthesizing a couple of the cannibinoids found in marijuana. These are then sprayed onto a dried plant to be smoked. The question at hand; Are the effects the same as marijuana’s?

One UW-La Crosse student who smokes marijuana about once a month explains her marijuana high: “Usually with marijuana I get giggly and then really tired. It’s almost always a pleasant experience that lasts maybe an hour or two.”

Compare that description of her marijuana high to the experience she had after smoking K2. “I couldn’t concentrate on any one thing and it started to freak me out. I became extremely paranoid and repeatedly had my friends go and check to make sure the door was locked. Then I began to think

I was in some sort of dream where I was not in my apartment and the people I was with were not real. I became sick to my stomach and couldn’t have my eyes open long. I began to shake and twitch.” She also noted that time moved very slowly. “This entire thing lasted perhaps an hour, however, I felt as though it had been three hours at least.”

Another UW-L student who smokes pot regularly has had both good and bad experiences with K2 but says he doesn’t like it because it doesn’t last as long and he needed to smoke a lot to get high.There are many canabinoids that contribute to marijuana high that are not present in synthetic products; canibinoidds in marijuana combine synergistically for a pleasant high. When smokers are missing some of the components, there is a higher likelihood of unpleasant effects.

Vomiting, agitation, high blood pressure and psychosis are more prevalent in synthetic cannabis use; this is predicted to happen because it lacks an antipsychotic chemical found in natural marijuana.

There are some uncertainties about synthetic marijuana, including its harmfulness to the user’s body and addictiveness. There are trials in progress to gain information of the substances. Synthetic cannabis products don’t cause positive results during drug tests and are legal to buy in most states. It is becoming more restricted and has been banned in some states, but there is not a federal regulation on these products as of now. These products may be a legal alternative for those who choose to smoke, but much is still unknown about them.

The high’archy of cannabisHow synthetic marijuana mimics its muse

Drug use in college...1. Almost half of the 5.4 milion fulltime college students are abusing drugs or alcohol

on a monthly basis.

2. The abuse of perscription drugs and Marijuana have increased on college campuses over the past few years

3. According to the National Center of Addiction and Substance Abuse, students use

drugs and alcohol to find relaxation and to reduce stress.

4. Marijuana is so popular that 39.8 percent of the population has tried it.

5. About 11 percent of college student drinkers report that they have damaged property while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

AMERICA’S FAVoritesandwich delivery guys!™

jimmyjohns.com

©2011 jimmy john’s franchise, llc all rights reserved.

LACROSSE312 PEARL ST. ~ 608.784.4142

1420 LOSEY BLVD. ~ 608.788.2229

ONALASKA9432 STATE HWY. 16 ~ 608.781.4240

need lunchin a pinch?call jimmy,it’s a cinch!

Deandra N. - Washington, IL

Moving in can be a scary experience for many, especially when you are faced with the ever-anticipated task of meeting your room-mate or roommates. You could have spoken to them beforehand, you could have inter-viewed them thoroughly, but no amount of preparation can prepare you for actually liv-ing with this new and sometimes strange in-dividual.

Now that this school year is coming to a close, many students on campus have had the pleasure (or not so pleasurable experi-ence) of being matched with a roommate. Some are ran-domly chosen for you, some you chose yourself, not knowing just what exactly were getting into.

I’ve taken it upon myself to interview stu-dents around campus to find out just how horrific their roommate situations were. Names will not be disclosed, seeing as their roommate could be reading this. Being that we still have two weeks left on campus, that could make things wildly uncomfortable.

When interviewing a potential roommate, people often ask the basics. “What’s your ma-jor?” “What year are you?” “Do you stay up really late?” so on, and so forth. But, many fail to ask one very crucial question. “Do you have a significant other?” A freshman here on campus found her roommate on the Face-book finde and quickly regretted not asking that very question. Just weeks after moving into the dorms her roommate’s boyfriend was coming every weekend, only to sit on the

futon eating chips and staying for days at a time. This particular student wasn’t even al-lowed to stay in her own room overnight at the request of her roommate.

“I asked her not to have him here every weekend, but she just wouldn’t listen. After a while I started blasting music and sleeping in my bed at night hoping they would get the hint…they never did.”

One real shocker for a lot of students when arriving in the dorms is the lack of personal space. Everywhere you go there are people and sometimes there is just no escap-ing it. Your own room is the only place that you can find time to break away from people

around you…unless your roommate never leaves. This was the case for many new stu-dents this year.

“I wish my room-mate would just leave the room once in a while…he never leaves, I don’t think he even goes to class.” It’s

difficult to be the bad guy and tell them to get the hell out, but sometimes it needs to be done.

If these situations don’t sound bad enough, take away all of the clothes of your roommate and you have the next horror story. A friend of mine, unfortunately for her, was rooming with a girl who was much too comfortable with her body. She would sleep in the nude and sometimes work on homework at her desk naked. There are colonies for this be-havior, and there is no such colony located at UW-L.

Next time you’re looking for a roommate here or anywhere else, make sure you are very thorough in your questioning. Try to get to know the person that you could potentially be living with so that there aren’t any un-pleasant surprises.

By Kelsey KoppStaff Reporter

College roommates: lifelong friends or forever enemies

Expect the unexpectedBy Meghan O’Connor

Assistant Features Editor

“I wish my roommate would just leave the room once in a while...he never leaves, I don’t think he even goes to class.”

Sophomore at UW-La Crosse

Courtesy obsessedfilm.com

Page 6 Thursday, April 21, 2011

LifeEtc.Meghan O’ConnorAssistant Features Editormoconnor@theracquet.net

To legalize or not legalize; that is the question

YAY NAY

Marijuana is not any more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if it’s used in moderation.

Studies show, well, studies don’t show much as most are inconclusive and contradictory, but most doctors would agree. Marijuana is not very harmful if it is used in moderation. And aren’t most things? Having a beer now and then won’t do the damage to your health that nine keg stands and a six-pack at a

Friday night shindig would. Even looking at food we see the same results and we all understand a slice of pizza at The Cellar is better

than ordering Toppers every night. Most doctors also don’t see marijuana as being any more addictive than alcohol or tobacco.

Marijuana is a gateway drug that will lead to harder

substances such as heroin and cocaine.

Studies have shown marijuana use can progress to the use of harder drugs. It seems to be a pretty sensible idea. Having a stellar experience smoking some weed could instill the notion

that a bigger high can be found with harder stuff. However, marijuana has a reputation for being relatively safe, so people aren’t necessarily going to be vulnerable to trying drugs that are deemed

as otherwise. It could bolster the curiosity of some to transform into action, and this is the major concern.

Arguments for and against sanctioning marijuana use

Restricting the use of the drug infringes on our freedom.

Marijuana is not without its downsides, but neither is alcohol, cigarettes or cigars. It is the belief of those who wish to see this

drug legalized that morality cannot be legislated when there is not agreement on what is moral.

Some people believe that using marijuana is immoral.

There are numerous religions and moral conventions that ban the use of intoxicating substances. Weed fits into this category and some deem mind-altering substances to be corrupt and that they

should be kept out of the market.

The quality and safety of marijuana could be regulated by the FDA or another organization.

One of the leading causes of illness or death as a result of

drugs of any kind is an inadequately created product. Sustaining the illegality of this drug effectively eliminates the possibility of

regulation.

Stoned driving and other dangers would be increased.

Smoking up some of the ganja is not sincerely the victimless crime some say it is. Drunk driving is a huge problem and high

driving already exists, so assuredly legalization would increase it. Weed is difficult to detect so the dangers of operating a vehicle

under the influence would exist without current effective means to fight it. Pot can also result in judgment lapses and as with alcohol,

some would succumb to actions their sober selves would never consider.

More resources in the police force and courts would be available for dealing with more serious crimes.

President Reagan’s War on Drugs crusade is considered by many to be a pricey fiasco. Glancing at the list of people used to fight the war we find border security, the DEA, the FBI, police officers, public defenders, prosecutors, juries, court reporters, prison guards as just

the top of the pile. If marijuana was legalized these people could concentrate more on issues like terrorism, rape and murder.

People committing drug-related crimes will be taken off the streets and, in turn, the risk for more serious

crimes will be reduced.

Those who use, produce or sell illegal drugs have already proven they are of the kind of character that will break the law. Felons in jail cannot as easily commit crimes in outside society. In some cases there isn’t evidence to put someone behind bars for murder, but if they can be imprisoned for something such as

marijuana possession, society is at an advantage.

Criminals like drug dealers and terrorists would lose significant business.

Put this in your bowl and smoke it: Drug dealers are the largest adversaries against legalizing marijuana. Dealers don’t have

competition and since legalization would lower the cost of weed, anyone would go buy the cheaper, safer version of their green friend. The dealers would go out, or lose a significant chunk of

business, and terrorists would have less funding.

If marijuana is legalized, more children will be able to get their hands on it.

Kids are dumb; at least when it comes to the reasoning skills of an adult. We hear stories about the seven-year-old that got

hammered and wandered down his street because he saw his dad toss back a few and we grasp the problems with kid’s judgment on drugs. It is common sense that the legalization of this drug opens more doors for kids to get it,w and developing brains and bodies

are adversely affected by marijuana.

Hello tax revenues.

The government taxes the hell out cigarettes and alcohol, and this gives them boatloads of money. Tax weed. The government won’t have a problem trying to find what to do with the money

and Marley Jr. will feel more comfortable enjoying his bong in his apartment.

Abuse of the drug could cause physical damage.

As stated before, studies on marijuana are contradictory and inconclusive, but some do tie smoking weed to brain damage, lung damage, depression and even death. The FDA was put in place to keep the public safe from harmful drugs, and marijuana is one of

those drugs.

The Racquet is hiring

features reporters!Make some

dough

Improve your resume

Find application outside the racquet office (232 Cartwright), e-mail features@ytheracquet.net or apply at theracquet.net

Page 7Thursday, April 28, 2011

SportsSpotlight

Weyer

Isaac LindahlSports Editorsports@theracquet.net

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Packer Draft, Part Two:

Stingy defense still needs upgrades

www.theracquet.net/sports

By Allen KnappenbergerStaff Reporter

Are you a sports fanatic?

The Racquet is hiring sports reporters!!

apply online at theracquet.net, or pick up an application outside of

room 231 Cartwright.

Player Pro� le: Rachel WeyerSenior so� ball player grateful for her shot

Courtesy www.1iota.com

By Isaac LindahlSports Editor

Western Wisconsin Speed Skating

Teamis looking for an assistant coach this fall

to work most Sunday mornings at the Omni Center, Onalaska

from 8:15-10:00a.m.

Contact Amy Decker at (608) 519-2551 to hear more!

“[God’s] gi� of athletic ability has given me more joy than I could have imagined.” Rachel Weyer, a senior on the UW-La Crosse So� -ball Team, spoke these words a� er they had split a double-header with UW-Superior last � ursday.

In the top of the second inning, in the second game against UW-Superior, Weyer blasted a two-run home run to help lead the Eagles to a 10-2 victory. It was a much-need-ed hit and motivator to help the Eagles press on toward that “W” a� er losing the � rst game 4-3.

Weyer is more than just a phenomenal hitter for the Eagles; she’s a positive, happy-go-lucky role model for her teammates. To her, so� ball is a way of life, but it must be shared with a greater power. “So� ball and life are team sports and we can try to do it all on our own, but God made people to encourage and build each other up,” Weyer said.

� ese sentiments are not lost on Weyer. Her dedication, drive and focus to be a great so� ball player and teammate come from someone higher up; someone she truly be-

lieves in. “My new-found source that drives me has been the creator of this world. I believe that God has made me to know him personally. His gi� of athletic ability has given me more joy than I could have imagined. � e feeling a� er you hit one over the fence or make a diving catch is wonderful and I am grate-ful for that joy,” Weyer said.

Such inspiration, wisdom and grace can’t be found on many athletic teams. Weyer learned at a young age that these qualities could only come from supportive family and friends. “I grew up barefoot at a so� ball diamond because my mom was a coach for quite a few years. My parents supported me all through high school and the three years that I played on a summer traveling team,” Weyer said.

With support this great, it’s no

wonder Weyer went on to play at the collegiate level. � is four-year, le� � eld all-star has helped the Eagles to a 19-12 overall record so far this season, and a 5-5 record in the conference. “I think our team will do some real damage with the rest of our conference games so that we can go to the regional tournament again. We have the defense, and when we start hitting, we really start to crush the ball and I can’t wait for that to happen again,” Weyer said.

Enthusiasm this great is shared among the team like an infectious disease. � is is Weyer’s last season and upon leaving, she has just a few words of advice.

“Try out! Don’t regret not trying out. If you love the game and want a chance to keep playing it doesn’t hurt to try. Our coach, Chris He-lixon, is very supportive of being a student before being an athlete. If you give everything you possibly can in practice and in games, then the performance will take care of itself. Be overjoyed that you have the ability to play this sport and do it well. Be humble when you succeed and fail. Not everyone gets the privilege to play a college sport or be part of a close family of girls like this.”

� ey say laughter is the best medicine. � e UW-La Crosse Football and Dance Teams are once again putting on the 5th Annual Rob Wagner Cancer Dance Ben-e� t Show.

Show times are Friday, April 29, at 7

p.m. and again on Saturday, April 30, at 5 p.m. in Gra� Main Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $5 and are on sale all week on the second level of Cartwright or at the door on the day of the show.

� e past four years, proceeds have gone to bene� t area cancer programs. However, this year they will go to support Brock McMullen, a UW-L football player who

was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lym-phoma this past December. McMullen is currently undergoing treatment and will hopefully be present at the shows.

� e UW-L Football and Dance teams ask for your support on Friday and Satur-day evenings as they put on their dancing shoes and entertain for a special cause.

Practice, pelié, perform Football players and dance team raise money for cancer

Event info › What: 5th Annual Rob Wagner Cancer Dance Bene� t Show

› Where: Gra� Main Hall Auditorium

› When: April 29 at 7 p.m. & April 30 at 5 p.m.

(Left): UW-La Crosse football players and dance team members pose for a photo at a dance practice held at the REC. The players and dancers put a lot of time into the bene� t to ensure they put on a good show. (Right): Trevor Hutson lifts Samantha Sweeny at last year’s bene� t show.

Courtesy Facebook.com

GrinBin Thursday, april 28, 2011Page 8

Last week’s Crossword and Sodoku Solutions

$5Large Sub

After 2PM

Look for next week’s issue with the answers!

SoDoKU: CHALLENGE THYSELF

$1

WEDNESDAYS from 4-11PM.... .

. .. .

. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ................

....

.

TUESDAYS at 8PM

○ NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S ○

MYEAGLESNEST.NET

Marge’s On RoseFamily Diner

Get your picture on the WALL OF SHAME by tackling our famous dishes: Unk’s Mess and Bill’s Burrito

Serving breakfast all day long!

833 Rose St. La Crosse (608)782-1923Minutes past Festival

+/- Props to getting my own car. Drops to it breaking down 2 weeks later.

+/- Props to getting a prime parking spot when I got home from Easter. Drops to not seeing the No

Parking sign.

+/- Props for going rollerblading this weekend. Drops to falling asleep afterwards and being burnt to

a crisp.

+/- Props for hosting an awesome house party. Drops to waking up the next morning to find burn

spots on my porch.

+/- Props to the year coming to an end. Drops to finals coming.

- Drops to having absolutely no internet connection in Coate Hall.

+ Props to making it through Lent without Facebook.

+/- Props to going to the frat this weekend with my best friends. Drops to losing some personal items.

- Drops to forgetting to register for classes on the right day, and ending up with none of the classes that

I wanted.

- Drops to losing both my I.D. and my keys to get into my dorm. Goodbye $80.

+/- Props to going home to spend Easter with my family. Drops to missing the beer, wine and

cheese festival.

+/- Props to putting up a facebook status saying “home sweet home.” Drops to two exboyfriends texting me and asking if I want to hang out at 2

a.m.

+/- Props to going out to dinner with my family. Drops to eating so much I had to unbutton my

pants.

+/- Props to spending my first game in a Miller Park luxury suite. Drops to Sean Green for giving

up the game in the tenth inning