By Heather HamiltonA&E Editor

Birds have been used in art for thousands of years. But artists have come a long way from the cave drawings of old.

“Birds in Art” is an art exhibit that garners thousands of submissions a year from around the world. The show, run by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI, since its opening in 1976, focuses on presenting two and three dimensional works of birds.

Paintings, sculptures, photographs and other mediums are all eligible for submission. Of the thousands of entries, roughly 100-120 pieces are chosen by a jury to go on display in the museum each year.

“It was an exhibition they’d only planned to run once, but because it was so popular ... we turned it into an annual event,” Andy McGivern, the curator of exhibitions for the Woodson Art Museum, said. “It always opens the week after Labor Day.”

In November, 60 of those works are then selected to take part in the traveling “Birds in Art” exhibit, which has run both nationally and abroad. The body of work is comprised of roughly 50 two-dimensional works and 10 three-dimensional ones, McGivern said.

This year marks the first time the travelling show has made it to Alaska.

“It’s student-driven, everything we do in the art gallery, so the student gallery team considered the idea and decided that they’d like to do this,” Mike McCormick, assistant director of Student Activities, said.

The exhibit is currently open in the Student Union Gallery. It wasn’t easy for the students on the gallery team to prepare for.

“One reason we thought it’d be a good idea is that we use the gallery as a laboratory for students to learn,” McCormick said. “The students on the gallery team are learning a lot about mounting an exhibit to a higher degree and a higher level than ever before because this is a professional exhibit.”

McCormick also said members of the team met with members of the Anchorage Museum to help prepare for

A&E FEATURESHow are calories measured?

Die Hard retro movie review

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DECEMBER 4, 2012 UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE WWW.THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

THENORTHERNLIGHT

‘Birds in Art’ awes and educatesShootout Photos

By Nita MauigoaAssistant Features Editor

Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech “I Have a Dream” almost 50 years ago. He is still revered today as an icon for civil rights. If he were alive, how would he feel when he saw hundreds of thousands of people striving to fulfill his dream?

As part of UAA’s commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr., students will be recognized at the upcoming 19th annual Martin Luther King Student Appreciation Luncheon at the beginning of next semester, Jan. 25. All UAA faculty and staff have been invited to recommend up to three UAA students who each make a positive difference.

“It’s a great honor. That means that somebody at the university has noticed the student has contributed to class, school, family and the community to the extent that they’ve been noticed,” Mike McCormick, assistant director of Student Activities, said.

The luncheon is considered an integral

Staff nominate student leaders for contributionsNominees invited to attend 19th Martin Luther King Student Appreciation Luncheon in January

photos continued on page 12

see schoLaRship on page 11see MLK page 10

PHOTO BY MACKENZIE MASON

PHOTO BY MOSHEH ADAMU

PHOTO BY NITA MAUIGOA

see BiRds page 6

Chancellor Tom Case congratulates Vara Allen-Jones, UAA assistant professor of counseling, on 21 years of success at the institution during a celebration where she was presented with a scholarship named after her.

New scholarship named after professorCelebration held in honor of Vara Allen-Jones for 21 years of contributions to school

ON BREAK

The Northern Light will return tuesday January 17, 2013. Have a happy new year and a great break.

Freshman guard Jalen Little goes up for a basket during the Seawolve’s game against Loyola Marymount Lions Nov. 24 at the Great Alaska Shootout. The Seawolves placed fourth in the tournament.

Students attend the opening reception for “Birds in Art” Nov. 29.

Compiled by J. Almendarez

Wonderland of Toys10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Until Jan. 13

Anchorage Museum625 C Street

907-929-9200

A display of vintage toys dating back to the 1800s on display for the holiday

season.

Anchorage International Film Festival

Various times and venuesUntil Dec. 12

http://www.anchoragefilmfestival.org/2012/

The 11th annual film festival features independent films from throughout

the world.

Thursday Night at the Fights

Fights begin at 7 p.m.Dec. 6 and most other Thursdays

Egan Center555 W Fifth Ave.

Boxing bouts on display at the Egan Center can provide entertainment on

cold winter nights.

A Christmas Carol7 p.m.

Dec. 7, 15Alaska Center for the Performing

Arts621 W 6th Ave.907-263-2787

Charles Dickens’ classic story will be performed by the Alaska Theatre of

Youth.

Merry Merchant Munch11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Dec. 7-8 Downtown Eagle River

Merchants compete to make the best holiday snacks while attendees can enjoy free horse-drawn sleigh rides

and carolers.

Scared Scriptless Improv

8 p.m.Dec. 8 (Second and fourth Saturday

of every month)Snow Goose Restaurant & Sleeping

Lady Brewery717 W. Third Avenue

907-310-1973

The comedy troupe performs funny, improvised scenes for audiences

downtown.

Planetarium Show: Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the

Moon

5 p.m. Through Dec. 29

Anchorage Museum625 C St., Anchorage

907-929-9200

A music and light show using HD graphics to bring a Pink Floyd

experience to audiences.

Anchorage Science Pub at TapRoot

4-6 p.m.Dec. 9

3300 Spenard Rd.907-980-8871

UAA professors explain their patented computer eye tracking technique.

Santa Skis Free Day10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Dec. 24Alyeska Resort907-754-1111

Those wearing Santa costumes (hat, beard, jacket and pants) ski free all

day.

Stomp2 p.m., 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Dec. 26-29Alaska Center for the Performing

Arts621 W 6th Avenue

907-263-2787

STOMP features musical and dance skits performed with untraditional

noisemakers, such as brooms, garbage can lids, brooms and sticks.

NECA/IBEW Fire & Ice New Year’s Eve Celebration

5-8 p.m. Dec. 31

Town Square

A New Year’s Eve celebration featuring fire jugglers, acrobats, light shows, music and an 8 p.m. firework show.

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at

Dena’ina Center8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Dec. 31Dena’ina Civic and Convention

Center600 W Seventh Ave.

21+ event

DeVotchKa8 p.m.

Dec. 31Bear Tooth Theatre Pub

1230 W 27th AveThe four piece instrumental and vocal

ensemble plays rock ‘n’ roll and will help the restaurant ring in the New

Year.

New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade & Fireworks

Display8 p.m.

Dec. 31Alyeska Resort907-754-1111

A fireworks display will follow as skiers and snowboarders go down the slopes of Mount Alyeska with torches, giving

the mountain a red glow.

Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival

Jan.18-19Egan Center

555 W Fifth Ave.,

A showcase of beer, mead and barley wine from 50 regional brewers.

Wedding FairNoon-5 p.m.

Jan. 20Dena’ina Civic and Convention

Center600 W Seventh Ave.

Meet wedding professionals and discuss plans for the big day in an

expo setting.

THINGS TO DO OVER BREAK

NEWS 03December 4, 2012

UAA’s provost candidates sport long list of accomplishmentsCompiled by Bethany BrunelleContributor

UAA is currently on the search for a new provost. A provost is the administrative head of a college and has a wide range of duties to oversee. Some of these duties include providing leadership in defining the vision and mission of the college, development and fundraising efforts. Currently there are three candidates for this position: Dr. Charles Bullock, dean, College of Applied Sciences and Arts, San Jose State University; Dr. Deborah Hedeen, dean, College of Education, Idaho State University; and Dr. Elisha Baker, interim provost, University of Alaska Anchorage.

Charles “Charlie” Bullock

Bullock has contributed to numerous professional publications and attended numerous training programs outside of his education. “Throughout my academic career, I have chaired 44 committees and been a member of an additional 79 committees in special education, therapeutic recreation, rehabilitation counseling, physical education, nursing, speech pathology and audiology, and public health,” Bullock said.

Bullock is Dean of the College of Applied Sciences and Arts (CASA), a health college at San Jose State University (SJSU). CASA has six departments and four schools with nearly 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students and 550 faculty and staff. Dr. Bullock came to SJSU in January 2009 from the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) where he had been department chair and later Dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences. Prior to UNR, Dr. Bullock had been at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) for 17 years, as a faculty member, director of a research and demonstration center and a department chair. He received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Bullock has been involved in health and health related issues throughout his career. Early on, he worked in psychiatrist settings as a recreation therapist. While at UNC, his federal grants were all aimed at increasing independence for people with disabilities. At UNR, he developed the first master

of public health degree (MPH) in Nevada and led the development of a School of Public Health. He was named “Health Care Hero” of northern Nevada in 2008. At SJSU, the school of nursing in his college has just launched the first doctoral program at SJSU.

He has authored two books and published over 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals. In addition he has authored 19 training manuals and has produced four video tapes. He has made over 100 presentations at local, state, national and international professional conferences.

As Dean of CASA at SJSU, Bullock has strengthened and expanded the College’s research infrastructure, created a new state of the art student success center, and fostered interdisciplinary collaboration among CASA’s schools and departments. He has initiated key partnerships and linkages in the local community, and has developed strategic international partnerships in Afghanistan and Vietnam. During his tenure at SJSU, Bullock has secured over $14 million in funding from philanthropic gifts.

Through his leadership, Bullock has been instrumental in creating a strong central mission for CASA while enabling each unique school or department to maximize its strengths and potential. He has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation that together with careful strategic planning, has helped to guide the College through difficult economic times.

Bullock is a visionary leader in higher education. His many years of experience have proven his ability to build consensus, expand community partnerships, and take decisive action when necessary. He is a careful listener and effective communicator who encourages open and meaningful dialogue. This unique quality has earned him the trust and respect of faculty, students, staff and administrators at colleges and universities across the United States.

Bullock and his wife, Lyndy, would be delighted to be part of all the exciting and dynamic activities in Alaska and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Deborah L. Hedeen

Hedeen is in her seventh year as the dean of the College of Education at Idaho State University. During her deanship, she restructured the college from five to four departments and decentralized appropriated funds to departments; led a successful NCATE accreditation visit and organized events to celebrate 50 years as a College of Education; reframed COE services to align with COE mission and strategic plan for a more effective

and efficient delivery model; implemented a performance-based budget process; and met budget reductions without eliminating faculty positions by streamlining operations and reallocating resources.

Prior to that, Hedeen served as the assistant dean of teacher education for three years and her responsibilities included assisting with the development of curriculum and assessment plans, mentoring and evaluating faculty and staff annually, and monitoring the Teacher Education Program budget. Her one year of service as the associate dean involved coordinating the college’s NCATE accreditation plan, overseeing the Teacher Education Program at two outreach campuses, and assisting and supporting department chairs with the transition from two divisions to five departments.

Hedeen’s first nine years at ISU followed the traditional career track of faculty tenure and promotions leading to professor of special education. She received the ISU Master Teacher Award

in 1996 and in 1997, and the ISU Most Influential Professor Award in 1996 and in 2004. In the area of scholarship, Hedeen has refereed journal articles, book chapters, featured and international conference presentations, national refereed and state conference presentations. In the area of service, she has served on numerous college, university, and state committees. Hedeen has given over 100 presentations related to supports and strategies for students with disabilities and has provided consultation to schools for students with disabilities. In 2004, she received the ISU Outstanding Public Service Award. Hedeen has been at Idaho State University for 20 years.

Hedeen received her bachelor’s degrees in special education and Spanish from St. Cloud State University. She completed her masters in Special Education — severe disabilities from Lesley University and her Ph.D. in Special Education from Syracuse University.

Elisha BakerEducation:

Ph.D. Systems Engineering, dissertation, “Systems Study of a Small Health Care Facility”; August 1972 to August 1975, Clemson University, Clemson,

SC.M.S. Physics, thesis,

“Equations of Motion for a Gyroscope in General Relativity Theory,” August 1970 to August 1972, Clemson University, Clemson, SC

B.S. Physics, August 1966 to May 1970, Clemson University, Clemson, SC.

High School Graduate, May 1966, Greenbrier Military School, Lewisburg, WVA.

Professional Experience:December 2002-Present

University of Alaska, Anchorage interim provost and Vice

Chancellor for Academic Affairs, interim-dean,

associate dean and professorof Logistics, College of

Business and Public Policy, Director of the Alaska Center

for Supply Chain

integration and the University of Alaska Harold T. Caven

Professor of Business. June 1998-August 2002 Amec, picVice President Amec

Technologies DivisionExecutive Vice President,

Operations, Operations Analysis Inc.

Managing Director of Manufacturing Consulting

President, Vice President and General Manager of Simons Technologies inc.

December 1995-June 1998 Fluor Daniel, Inc

Project Manager and Director of Operations Technology, AT&T Project Angel

Director of Management Consulting

Director of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering

Keldon IrwinNews Editor

The “Master Plan” is a broad spectrum of renovation ideas for UAA. Headed by master planner Lonnie Mansell, a team of about 30 architects, engineers and planners are currently preparing blueprints that will shape the campus’ future.

The Master Plan team designs future buildings, parking lots, sky bridges, pedestrian transportation, vehicular circulation and campus greenery.

“The UA system, as well as the campus, come up with an academic plan, an overall

strategic plan — and then there are a bunch of smaller plans underneath those that that make it all happen,” Mansell said, explaining the structure of the Master Plan. “The Master Plan is the physical infrastructure that makes it all happen.”

The plan has been divided to focus on immediate, short-term, and long-term goals for the campus. Respectively, those terms imply less than 10-year, 10 to 30-year, and 30-plus year goals.

“Right now, we’re (shaped) like a dumbbell or a dog bone. We’re elongated like that,” Mansell said, explaining the juxtaposition of UAA’s buildings.

One major goal of the plan is to redesign the inner matrix of the campus so it can fill more open space while still using roughly the same amount of total acreage. Mansell used the word “densify” to explain the plans for the campus.

Densifying the campus would not only conserve space and preserve the greenery that envelops the school, but it would also allow for more sky bridges.

Densifying also includes adding buildings in close proximity to each other, which will allow cheaper sky bridge possibilities. The ability to keep sky bridges short will save money in heating costs,

allowing for more warm walking solutions for students.

There is a feedback page linked on the UAA Master Plan Blogspot where individuals can leave any suggestions or input they like.

The Master Plan team not only reads these suggestions, but they particularly appreciate them.

The new sports arena is also currently being built. Its developments can be followed at http://uaamasterplan2012.blogspot.com/p/news.html.

‘Master Plan’ molds UAA campus infrastructure

continue at: www.thenoRtheRnLight.oRg

04December 4, 2012A&E

By Heather HamiltonA&E Editor

It’s hard to let someone go, especially when he or she has surrounded you for several years. But when you see it coming ahead of time, when you see the light at the end of your loved one’s tunnel and feel the rush of time and mortality, it can be even more difficult.

And if you’re far from home, it can be hard to justify being anywhere but with them.

The decision isn’t any easier if that loved one is a pet.

Indie singer Fiona Apple has postponed her entire South America tour so she can stay at home with her 14-year-old dog, Janet.

The dog has had a tumor growing on her chest for the past three years and her heath is suddenly beginning to deteriorate at a swift rate. Janet is a rescue dog who was used in dogfights to bolster the confidence of the contenders. According to Apple, she has also been the singer’s closest companion for all of her adult life.

Apple penned a four-page letter to her South American fans explaining the situation and asking for their blessing for her choice.

Stop and think about this level of devotion and dedication for a moment.

Apple is postponing an entire tour indefinitely, just so she can be there for her dog in her final

moments, “singing her to sleep,” the online letter reads.

How many of us have had to make the same decision regarding a human loved one but chose the other option instead?

I did once, and I regret it. My paternal grandfather had just been placed in a nursing home when doctors discovered he had cancer. Two months later, I flew thousands of miles to go to college, thinking that if I changed my plans, I’d lose everything I’d worked for.

I never saw him again, and I didn’t have the money to go back to say goodbye at his funeral either.

My maternal grandfather followed him in death less than a month later. While his death was unexpected, the timing made it all the more painful. I still didn’t have the means to go and say goodbye.

I do not regret my decision to come to Alaska for college. So much good has come of it — so much love, friendship and opportunity. But I will always regret not being there in the final days and moments of not one, but two people that I still hold so dear

to me. Knowing that I may never see one of them again, I chose to proceed with my plans and ended up losing both.

These lessons are painful, but they taught me that there are more important things than starting and finishing college “on time”, things that are far more important than making and saving money. And those things are the people that you love, even if those “people” are actually pets.

Apple has the right idea. She plans on being there for someone she considers her best friend until that friend’s final breath is drawn. She even says in her letter that she doesn’t want to be the “woman who chooses her career over love and friendship.”

If you have any friends or family that are ill or creeping on in years, make an effort to connect with them before you lose your chance. If you know the end is near, try to go to them. If you can’t get to them, call them. Let them know how much you care because life is short. Regret and what-ifs hurt worse than you’ll ever want to know.

Til death do friends part

Christmas turns metalBy Keldon IrwinNews Editor

Hardcore bands consistently receive heavy criticism for sounding too similar to each other. It seems August Burns Red, or ABR, has heard enough of these insults and snapped, pushing them to write “Sleddin’ Hill,” a 42-minute onslaught of Christmas metal.

Twelve of the 13 tracks are instrumental pieces, saving ABR’s vocalist Jacob Luhrs from screaming his heart out about Frosty the Snowman. Now, wouldn’t that sound ridiculous?

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” does feature punk rock group vocals belted by the entire band. The track is upbeat and would be a great aid to caffeine-fueled sledding at Kincaid Park this winter vacation.

The band has announced that this is their fifth official studio album and not a supplementary release, EP, publicity stunt or anything else the public may perceive it as.

Due to the uncanny nature of an official Christmas album, many fans find this release controversial

and have made those opinions clear online.

However, despite others’ doubts, this cheery compilation is pleasantly unlike anything else one will ever hear.

Nine of the 13 tracks on “Sleddin’ Hill” are new. Of the four rereleases, two are remastered versions of their 2009 hits “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Carol of the Bells.” The other two rereleases are their 2011 singles “Little Drummer Boy” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” “Carol of the bells” was featured on the Christmas episode of the Fox television show American Dad.

The album is composed of bells, chimes, blast beats, double bass pedals, odd-metered mathcore rhythms, shredding electric guitar, funky basslines, beautiful piano accents, technical breakdowns, anthem-like lead guitar and ABR’s jolly holiday spirit, of course.

Violin and cello can even be heard in the last track, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

One of the most refreshing facets of this album is that ABR,

a humbly Christian band, did not vicariously use this holiday album as a tool to preach to their fans. As always, they thank God in the album’s lyric sheet inserts, but that is the extent of their references to the divine.

This discreetness follows suit with the band’s previous public statements. “It is important to us that people know that we are indeed Christians without having us stand up there and ram it down people’s throats,” ABR’s bassist Brent Rambler said.

Considering the world is going to end this year, I think ABR wanted to go out with a snowy bang — and they definitely will.

Whether this album is a commercial success or not, it sets August Burns Red apart from the herd and establishes them as musicians and not just rock stars.

Artist: August Burns RedAlbum: “Sleddin’ Hill”

Label: Solid State RecordsRelease date: Oct. 9, 2012

ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB

Weekl

yREVIEW

WE ALL WHY CAN’T

JUST GET ALONG?

A&E Opinion

By Heather HamiltonA&E Editor

Holiday movies are all fine and dandy, but they get old once the holidays are over and they’re still playing on every channel. When you finally get sick of reindeer, elves and even Adam Sandler (“8 Crazy Nights,” anyone?) and want a little action, there is a fool-proof option: “Die Hard.”

It’s a Christmas movie, honest! At least, it takes place on Christmas Eve, so it’s close enough, right?

Of course it is, and no one can say otherwise, because John McClane (Bruce Willis, “Looper”) running around and kicking the snot out of a bunch of high-class criminals while barefoot is cool.

It doesn’t hurt that he’s doing the aforementioned snot-

kicking”at a ruined Christmas party, so he can save his wife (Bonnie Bedelia, “Berkeley”) and see his kids for the holidays. See? Christmas movie.

Terrorist thief Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2”) leads a team of crooks into Nakatomi Plaza in L.A. so they can rob the business blind. They’ve got the artillery of a small army and a complicated plan of deception that will ultimately aid in their exit plan. They weren’t planning on an NYPD cop, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, trying to stop them.

Holiday movie justification aside, “Die Hard” is a classic action flick with good acting, great explosions, memorable one-liners and a guy-gets-girl ending.

On the acting front, Alan Rickman takes center stage. His German accent leaves a bit to be desired, but his transition to an American accent while attempting to deceive McClane is impressive. He sounds out of place at first, but that’s because he has such a distinct voice in every role he plays. The transition sounds wrong initially, but once you listen to it, it’s actually quite good.

McClane’s wife, Holly, is a strong female character and, while she needs a bit of rescuing, she’s fiercely independent and formidable. Bedelia is wonderful

in portraying this in the character. Her facial expressions are guarded when in scenes with Rickman and the rest of the bad guys, but emotive and open when around the other hostages or Willis. Small details like that make a huge difference, and it’s nice to see a display of subtlety in both hers and Rickman’s acting in such an over-the-top and action-stuffed movie.

Willis is great for the role of McClane. The way he carries himself gives off the vibe of a city cop, and the way he reacts to his surroundings helps promote the fact that he is far out of his element when it comes to a situation of this magnitude. He doesn’t make his actions and quick wit look easy and well-put together, which helps make the character more relatable.

All in all, it’s a classic action flick with big booms and memorable characters.

Once Prancer-fever has run its course, “Die Hard” is a great substitute. Yippee-ki-yay!

05December 4, 2012A&EAPP REVIEW

By Keldon IrwinNews Editor

For those out there who may have interest in the forbidden fruits of botany, “Weed Farmer Overgrown” can be a legal way to slake one’s curiosity. While individuals over 21 years old in Colorado can now use marijuana legally, a “cannabis card” is required for anyone wanting to legally use or grow marijuana in Alaska, despite no in-state marijuana dispensaries.

“Weed Farmer Overgrown,” the successful sequel to “Weed Farmer,” is much like Farmville and other time-leech farming games. What sets this game apart from others is the greatly improved social aspect of the game and the anomaly of having a discreet and legal marijuana garden in your pocket.

While the basic premise of both “Weed Farmer” releases are the same, “Weed Farmer Overgrown” offers several features that its predecessor did not.

The best of these new features are the ability to grow outdoors, Weed Bucks (which allow the grower to purchase goodies unavailable elsewhere), helpful guides to growing, the ability to make edibles and player-to-player interaction.

Interactive features include chat rooms, the ability to add players as contacts, forums, leader boards, an auction house and trading between players.

The game also displays improved graphics from its predecessor.

It even offers several mini-games that ask a series of multiple-choice trivia questions and offer bonuses if correct answers are given.

This game is still in beta mode, so several of these features are not yet available.

It offers 30 different strains of marijuana, indoor and outdoor growing styles, assorted lighting and potting options, and the ability to make bubble hash.

Like most repetitive games, it is a catastrophic waste of time. The game offers a real-time based growing style that requires the player to select a strand and raise it for harvest. If inadequately cared for, the player’s crop can either become burned or soggy, greatly affecting the plant’s yield. If properly tended to, the plant can yield several ounces of very valuable bud.

This very responsive game has an appropriate total size of approximately 200 megabytes. While I had to install and uninstall it several times to get the game to download properly on my Samsung Galaxy Nexus, it has not crashed on me since then.

* The Northern Light does not endorse the use of illegal drugs, but it does endorse playing games, even if they’re “a catastrophic waste of time.”

Game: “Weed Farmer Overgrown”System: Android phones

Price: $5.95Release date: Oct. 29, 2012

Farming marijuana (on your phone)

Movie: “Die Hard”Release Date: July 15, 1988Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan

Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia

‘Die Hard,’ a holiday classicRETRO MOVIE REVIEW

mounting and displaying the exhibit.

“We have to have precise standards as far as how bright the lights can be, we have to use certain types of brushes to brush the fronts of the pictures, there are specific ideas for how the different pictures are mounted, how high the pictures can be hung,” McCormick said. “Before, we’ve just said, ‘Oh, let’s mount it this way,’ but now we have to follow the precise, developed industry standard.”

Art professor Hugh McPeck has been an artist in “Birds in Art” a few times, including this year, and was key to bringing the exhibit to UAA.

“He brought the exhibition

to our attention. And since he knows the organizers, he also spoke to them and said they would love to see it come to Alaska,” McCormick said.

McGivern agrees.“He’s a regular “Birds in Art”

artist,” he said. “He’s been a part of it since 2003, I think was his first time in.”

Due to time constraints, McPeck could not be reached for comment.

“Birds in Art” will run in the Student Union Gallery until Jan. 25. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays. There are no weekend hours for the gallery.

PHOTOS BY MOSHEH ADAMU

06December 4, 2012A&EBIRDS: Students arrange gallery at professional standardscontinued fRoM coveR

Students attend the opening reception of “Birds in Art” Nov. 29, 2012.

Students attend the opening reception of “Birds in Art” Nov. 29, 2012.

07December 4, 2012A&EKRUA’s top 5, must-listen album picks of the year

5) Tame Impala: “Lonerism”

Tame Impala’s lead vocalist Kevin Parker continues the psychedelic vibes the band has become known for, while experimenting with new sounds and instruments. Profoundly inspired by Todd Rundgren’s classic 1973 concept album “A Wizard, a True Star,” “Lonerism” is particularly synth-heavy and visionary.

Must Listen: “Elephant”

4) Grizzly Bear: “Shields”

Grizzly Bear’s fourth studio LP is a break out album for the band. It propels Grizzly Bear from hipster favorite to the forefront of indie music. Much of the album’s success is due to the collaborative effort the band instills in one another. Each member adds creative input, making “Shields” one of the best albums of the year.

Must Listen: “Sleeping Ute”

3) Frank Ocean: “Channel Orange”

Two weeks before the debut of “Channel Orange,” Frank Ocean released a letter on his Tumblr account revealing his sexual orientation. Considered a groundbreaking moment in music history due to perceived homophobia in the R&B industry, Ocean followed this by releasing “Channel Orange” a week early on the night of his national television debut. Needless to say, Ocean’s impact on music is defiant in 2012.

Must Listen: “Thinkin’ Bout You”

2) Beach House: “Bloom”

Beach House’s dream pop genre can be described in one word: mesmerizing. The duo’s music begins with Victoria Legrand’s distinct voice and dark lyrics and is followed by Alex Scally’s superb instrumentation and production. Together Beach House has crafted “Bloom” into a record that from beginning to end is 2012’s version of complete music bliss.

Must Listen: “Myth”

1) Kendrick Lamar: “good kid, m.A.A.d. city”

In his debut album, Kendrick Lamar illustrates the realities of being raised in Compton, CA. The album puts Lamar in his late teens and throws him in situations of gang violence, theft, lust and death in a manner that is so raw and realistic that it is almost shocking. A concept album in its own right, the record has drawn critical acclaim for its originality, themes and composition.

Must Listen: “Art of Peer Pressure”

By Felipe GodoyKRUA Music Manager

08FEATURES December 4, 2012

By Evan DoddContributor

“Where the hell is all the snow?”

This was my first thought upon touching down on the runway at 5 a.m. As I gingerly exited the plane I found myself shivering and mouthing the words, “Dear God, why?” This was quickly followed by some creative phrases that are unprintable in a wholesome-ish college newspaper.

You see, I’ve spent the last two weeks lounging on the beaches of Maui. Hawaii, for those of you who missed the memo, is a magical place filled with water, light, happiness and several other things rarely seen in Alaska.

Coincidentally it was also where the world’s greatest television show, “Lost,” was filmed. This is a fact that I subtly mentioned to my exasperated family no less than 42 times.

While most of Alaska was furiously chipping ice off of their turkey dinners, I was snorkeling with sea turtles and moray eels. Not a bad way to spend Thanksgiving.

But spending all of that time in a tropic paradise has made me question my decision to stay here. And by “question” I mean that I plan to run, screaming into the frigid night the first chance I get. I realize in a previous column that I may have mentioned that the good parts of living in Alaska outweighed the bad. That was stupid and wrong.

I have to assume that I was being held at gunpoint while writing that piece, and I’d like to take this time to hereby retract that statement.

So I’ve decided I hate it here. I hate the howling wind, the blistering cold, the injury-inducing darkness. I especially loathe that awful, icy tingling that accompanies venturing outside after forgetting to zip your fly. “Icy and refreshing” are great adjectives to describe toothpaste,

not so much for the state of your engine room.

In fact, the entire concept of having to suffer nine months out of the year is completely backward to me. Our ancestors migrated thousands of miles with the sole purpose of avoiding scenarios such as this. But I like to think that we’ve evolved a bit since then; at the very least, we should have learned to avoid climates that make us miserable.

My point is that Alaska is quickly losing the charm that its built up over the last twenty years. Sure, we get two whole weeks of summer and a brief spring haven for winter sports, but is it really worth suffering through the rest of the year? I mean, hell, this place doesn’t even have a Red Lobster!

And I understand that many of us stick around, mesmerized by the northern lights or the PFD money used to bribe us into staying here. But that’s just not enough for me anymore. I’m out. I’ll be spending the rest of my days on an island somewhere, searching for mysterious hatches and polar bears, hopefully whilst drinking pitchers of Red Stripe, if I’m there after I hit 21.

No more trudging back and forth through snow all day to get to my classes. No more confusing sunset with sunrise at 1 in the afternoon. Especially no more waking up twenty minutes early to have time to painstakingly chip frost off my windshield to avoid hitting pedestrians. Granted, I have been known to sleep in and drive to class with my head out the window, but that’s beside the point.

So this is it, I’ve decided. I’m leaving the state. I don’t know how, when, or where to, and I damn sure don’t know how any of this fits with my life goals or academic career. But that Thanksgiving trip to Hawaii has completely convinced me of two things:

I was never meant to leave. I have to go back.

The beginning of the endBy Kate LindsleyContributor

In the past 100 years, the primary method of measuring calories has not changed course. The Atwater method uses classical knowledge about how food is metabolized via fats, protein and carbohydrates.

According to this system, there are nine calories per gram of fat, four calories per gram of protein, four calories per gram of carbohydrate and seven calories per gram of alcohol.

Then, food companies identify the amount of carbohydrates, fats and protein in their foods and add together the total amount of calories. Fairly simple process, yes?

Nope. Back when Wilbur Olin Atwater pioneered the technique of respiration calorimetry, it was breaking science. Previous experiments had only been conducted on animals, but thanks to Atwater, we learned what food calories mean in human terms.

The math equations and methods have simple roots. Metabolized energy is equal to gross food energy minus whatever is secreted (via feces, urine, gas, et cetera).

However, current availability of subjects and advanced technology calls for an overhaul of theancient experimental basis for these commonly understood values. According to Martin Wickham of Leatherhead Food Research, these standard caloric values can be reestablished.

Wickham also says that in the past 100 years, we have learned that different foods have different structures.

One example of this is plant verse animal foods. Plant foods have cell walls that take extra energy to break down. However, their fats, protein and carbohydrates are treated the same as these macronutrients that come from animal sources in the Atwater system of calorie prediction.

In a study conducted by Janet Novotny, Sarah

Gebauer and David Baer in July 2012, the researchers found a 32 percent overestimation of calories coming from almonds using the Atwater technique compared to laboratory experimentation of human metabolism.

Knowing that there can be such a huge discrepancy between food labels and what we actually get out of food can seem unsettling. However, eating correct portions and focusing on consuming necessary vitamins and minerals is what truly leads to a balanced diet.

Fussing about calories here and there is a stressful practice, and unless you have access to a metabolism laboratory, it will be impossible to determine the precise amount of calories in everything you eat.

It is unlikely that there will be an overhaul on food labels; the good still inherent in the Atwater model outweighs manpower and the price it would take to investigate each food’s honest caloric contribution.

How are calories in food measured?

ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB

ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB

09FEATURES December 4, 2012

Cooking in collegeChow down on this hearty chowder

Ingredients:

For all the first-time cooks out there

By Heather HamiltonA&E Editor

Chowder is brilliant. It can be enjoyed by lots of different people because there are so many different types. Cheeseburger Chowder is the way to go for those who want to experiment with hearty soups but have picky eaters to serve.

In a large skillet, brown three pounds of ground beef. The beef can be browned bits at a time and combined in the pot if a large enough skillet isn’t available. Be sure to to drain the excess fat and grease before pouring the cooked ground beef into the soup pot.

Next, pour the six cans of cream of mushroom soup into the pot (consider substituting two of the six cans with a “cream of mushroom soup with garlic” for added flavor). Then, use an empty can to measure six cans of milk and pour them into the pot.

Turn the burner to medium heat and stir occasionally. The meat and milk take a while to warm up together, so this is the perfect time to chop and saute the garlic and onions.

Slice the onions in any way you want. If you prefer smaller chunks, it’ll take a bit longer. Toss the chopped onions in a large skillet (preferably the one you browned the ground beef in), then do the same with the garlic.

Now’s the fun part. Open up a can of cola (I used RC), and pour some into the skillet. Do this periodically as you saute the onions and garlic until the entire can has been used. This further sweetens and flavors the onions. While the difference isn’t huge, once it’s in the chowder, it’s still a little something special that makes the overall flavor more appealing.

Once the onions are slightly transparent and browned, taste-test one. If it’s a little floppy, but has a little crunch in the center, cooked “el dente,” they’re done. Pour the onions and garlic into the pot and turn the burner to medium high.

Stir the concoction periodically to keep the meat and onions from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Once the chowder is heated

completely through, dump in the package of cheese and mix thoroughly. The sharpness of the cheese dulls as it mixes with the rest of the chowder, so sharp cheddar is a good option, even if one normally doesn’t like it. Once the cheese is fully melted and completely mixed in, it’s done.

Ladle the chowder into bowls and top with more cheese for garnish. Also, grab the packet of croutons and pour a few on top as well. They add texture and stand in for the bun of a regular cheeseburger.

For added fanciness, garnish the soup with chopped lettuce and a little tomato. This will add a touch of color, and as ordinary as it seems, will really dress up the presentation.

If you don’t have a lot of people to cook for, no problem. The recipe is really easy to reduce. But, if you make the recipe as directed here (24 servings), you’ll be paying roughly $1.25 per serving. The soup can be stored in gallon sized plastic bags to freeze leftovers for a while. This way, if you know you’ll be getting home late one night and don’t want to cook, you can grab a bag to thaw in the refrigerator that morning. And the reheat value is excellent.

3 Lbs. Ground Beef2 Large White Onions6 (10.75 Oz.) Cans Cream Of Mushroom Soup64.5 Oz. Of Milk1 Package Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese1 Package Seasoned Croutons1 Can Of Cola1-2 Large Clovea Of GarlicServings: 24Cost per serving: $1.25

PHOTOS BY HEATHER HAMILTON

10FEATURES December 4, 2012

part of UAA. Daphne Brashear, Student Life and Leadership program coordinator, said the event is funded by Student Activities. The Student Life and Leadership Office will assist on the day of the luncheon. She said an array of other offices and organizations have joined in collaboration, from the Student Union Information Desk to the Chancellor’s Office.

“Last year we had a new record of 400 people attending the luncheon, and it looks like our numbers this year will be close to that again,” Brashear said.

Brashear said that though the deadline has just passed, she would not say no to any staff and faculty who still want to recommend students.

All recommended students get to bring a guest to their ceremony where they will be presented with a certificate that they can keep for their portfolios.

They will hear from keynote speaker, Kenji Yoshino, a New York University Law professor, who will touch on corporate America’s civil rights advancements.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that people could make a difference in their communities by individual actions. At UAA, we

have many, many students who exemplify the UAA spirit and give to our campus in profound ways,” UAA Chancellor Tom Case said in a statement. “Through student involvement and leadership, UAA is a better place for us all.”

Due to limited capacity, this event is invitation-only. The deadline for invited guests to RSVP is Dec. 14. For more information, email MLK@uaa.alaska.edu or call Brashear at 907-786-1219.

By Vicente CapalaMultimedia Editor

The holiday season calls for family gatherings, presents, playing in the snow and free time to do anything you want. For many young people, winter vacation is like the spring break of holidays. There’s always a big party celebrating December birthdays. Food and champagne get thrown around everywhere. The dating and hookup scenes become more lively during the break.

For those of you that are dying to have a winter love (akin to a shorter-lived summer love), here are a couple tips.

Start off by making sure you know when the upcoming events are. This could include parties, holiday gatherings, skiing or snowboarding events. You could even check out caroling shows. All of these events create opportunities to meet a few new people. If you already have someone in mind, then you’ve already cleared phase one.

Phase two: After acquiring said hookup or future lover’s digits, text them. Get him or her a bit more interested in you, but of course play hard to get. These are all steps you should already know for the dating scene. What’s different in this scenario is the timing. You might ask to meet up to go Christmas shopping. You could even throw your own Christmas party if you’re up to planning all that out.

Now, if you are a mistletoe virgin, like myself, and are wanting to finally have that fairytale kiss during the break, here are a couple cheesy ideas that could get you to be a little more creative. If you are throwing a party, try to hide a

couple mistletoes under doorways that only you can spot. This allows for two things. First, if it’s the wrong person with you under the mistletoe, you don’t have to mention much, and you can run away before they catch you under it with them. Second, if it’s the right person — well, you know how that goes.

Also, if you are having no luck with the one guy or girl you are trying to kiss, try to open up to other options. You never know who might be the one. If this option doesn’t work out and you aren’t afraid to be silly, some places sell hats with mistletoes tied to the front. Keep cautious, however. If you are a person who hates to disappoint people, the power of the mistletoe will render you impossible to escape the kiss.

Let’s say you’ve missed your chances with the mistletoe over Christmas and other holidays. You still have New Year’s Eve. I personally feel like this one is more special. Just imagine: fireworks flying everywhere, cuddling to someone as the hours go toward midnight, drinks and food all around, and when the final hour commences, everyone begins to count down to the New Year.

The thought of these things give me insight on the perfect moment. A kiss would just seal the events leading up to that point. One piece of advice is all I give for this moment. If you already have someone near you, just do it. The heat of the moment itself will give reason to the act.

During the holiday break, if you’d like to share a mistletoe or new year story, please feel free to email me at multimedia@thenorthernlight.org. I would be happy to read — and perhaps share — your experiences.

With your permission, of course,

Holiday kiss MLK: Appreciation awards

ILLUSTRATION BY NICK FOOTE

continued fRoM coveR

By Nita MauigoaAssistant Features Editor

As the song “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler echoed, former UAA student Norma Lucero delivered a tearful thank-you in front of a packed room to a woman she referres to as her “angel.”

A celebration was held in honor of Vara Allen-Jones, assistant professor of counseling, for her 21 years of success and contributions to the institution. Multicultural Center Director Elijah Thorn presented her with the new “Vara Allen-Jones Scholarship for Academic Excellence.” Former students, such as Lucero, praised her for being instrumental in their lives.

“I’m just so honored and humbled,” Allen-Jones said.

Dozens of guests attended the event, including Chancellor Tom Case, several office directors and two judges from the Anchorage District Court — Jo-Ann Chung and Pamela Washington, Alaska’s first African-American woman judge.

Many current and former UAA students and their children greeted Allen-Jones with hugs and smiles.

“It’s all about the kids. I have lots of children (students). I literally have second generations of students who were babies when their parents were my students,” Allen-Jones said.

Two videos were played featuring dozens of people who congratulated Allen-Jones for her accomplishments. The group included Edna Jackson, mayor of Savannah, GA, who knew Allen-Jones since she was a 17-year-old student at Savannah State

University.The list of Allen-Jones’ accomplishments

is extensive.Contributions include successfully

authoring multimillion-dollar grants to grow UAA’s TRiO grant programs; expanding New Student Orientation; broadening the focus of the AHAINA, or African-American, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, International and Native American program, and the Multicultural Center; developing the UA Scholars and the UAA retention program; and advocating for improved learning environments and conditions for students with disabilities.

Allen-Jones has received a Noel-Levitz National Award for Student Retention and a UAA Chancellor’s Award for Excellence: Outstanding Contributions to Students.

She has served UAA as the director of AHAINA, assistant vice provost for the Academic Center for Excellence and the associate vice chancellor for academic and multicultural student services, or AMSS, among many other roles.

Andrea Alexander, UA Scholar Coordinator and AMSS support staff, recalled a time when she struggled with biology and harbored a dislike for the subject. Today she has a degree in biology and credits Allen-Jones for being an incredible mentor.

The celebration seemed to highlight all of Allen-Jones’ accomplishments, but she has much more in store for her continued journey.

Allen-Jones said she looks forward to doing what she does best: touching the lives of others who cross paths with her at UAA.

Alaska Native Studies Spring CoursesSIGN UP NOW!

11FEATURES December 4, 2012

SCHOLARSHIP: Celebration in honor of Vara Allen-Jones

PHOTOS BY NITA MAUIGOA

Vara Allen-Jones, UAA assistant professor of counseling, looks on as several guests present her with gifts, video presentations, musical numbers and praises.

Multicultural Center Director Elijah Andre Thorn presents Allen-Jones with the new “Vara Allen-Jones Scholarship for Academic Excellence.”

continued fRoM coveR photo

SPORTS December 4, 2012 12

By J. AlmendarezExecutive Editor

There’s something about the San Antonio Spurs that keeps them on people’s radar while simultaneously leaving them one of the most underrated dynasties in sports history.

They’ve been in the playoffs 21 of the past 22 seasons. The only teams surpassing them in championships wins are the Lakers, Bulls and Celtics. When the Spurs went up against LeBron James and his precious Cavaliers in the 2007 Finals series, it was a straight sweep.

I was in San Antonio at the time. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever bore witness to. If that doesn’t make a dynasty, I’m not sure what does.

But all San Antonians and real NBA fans know the Spurs’ success has always been crippled and cheated by the disrespect and dislike coming from NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Why? Because he says the team can’t be successfully marketed to a national audience.

That’s fine and dandy. If he’s going to be all about the money, a lot of people will side with him and say that’s his job. Great. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

But then why did his tune change when he fined the team $250,000 for resting healthy players Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Danny Green at the end of a six-game road trip? (That’s six games in eight days, and let’s be honest, the Spurs’

superstars aren’t exactly goslings any more.)Why did he all of a sudden say, “the

Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans,” by refusing to put their exhausted stars up against the Heat?

His claims that Heat fans were just aching to get a look at the S.A. stars is a wash. If that was an industry standard, why haven’t these rules been strictly enforced in the past? If I remember correctly, James was rested for four games straight at the end of the 2009-10 regular season, and there was no hefty fine for him or the team.

So is Stern just pulling out the rulebook whenever he feels like it? Apparently so.

Unfortunately for him, he certainly looked like an ass when the Spurs’ second-string held the Heat’s super-giants, James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, at 100-105 in that controversial game.

They lost but snagged the last laugh nonetheless.

And they certainly made me feel like I should start stashing my lunch money away, just in case they bring some more of their A-game to the playoffs and land themselves in another Finals series. If they do, goodbye classes, The Northern Light and Anchorage. I’m going home to the beautiful Alamo city to watch that!

And of course, the Spurs bounced back from Stern’s hit at their next game Dec. 2 and beat the Grizzlies 99-95 in overtime.

That’s the San Antonio Spurs — just doing what they do regardless of Stern and his flapping jaw.

Spurs still doing what they do60

5

10

5550

45

overtime

Great Alaska Shooutout photo highlights

Junior guard Kylie Burns tries to hold off the Utah State Aggies in the Championship round of the Great Alaska Shootout. The Seawolves lost the game 67-57, coming in second in the tournament.

Junior guard Colton Lauwers gets around the Loyola Marymount Lions during the 14th game of the Great Alaska Shootout. The Seawolves went on to beat the Lions 83-77 for fourth place in the tournament.

The Seawolves’ senior guard Sasha King gets a shot off over North Dakota State Nov. 20 during the Great Alaska Shootout.

Utah State beats out the Parie View Panthers 67-66 Nov. 20 for a spot in the finals.

The 49ers win the Great Aslaska Shootout championship Nov. 24 at the Sullivan Arena.PHOTOS BY MACKENZIE MASON

PHOTO COURTESY BRIA WEBB

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

OPINION December 4, 2012 13

EDITORIAL

By E. HodsonStaff Reporter

The Student Union has gotten out of hand this semester.

It is a place where students come to unite, study, make friends, socialize, get coffee and participate in their clubs in the Greek Life section. From what I have witnessed lately, the Student Union has been trashed, thrashed and treated like an animal’s play land whenever I walk through or have a cup of coffee with someone.

With the exception of appropriately

audible Noon Music, events and KRUA 88.1 FM’s shows, general noisiness has been the biggest problem for a number of reasons.

At the ping pong tables located downstairs near Subway, you will hear screams as if someone were getting murdered. A few minutes later, a personwill scream his or her best friend’s name loud enough for the entire building to hear.

Upstairs, students are studying, talking about penises, jumping on tables, bad-mouthing faculty and staff or yelling and laughing at the same time with a volume about ten notches too high. And of course, you will see littering. Lots and lots of littering. Some students who are studying even get up and walk away because of the disruption.

People often leave messes after they eat. Sauces, wrappers, crumbs and spills can be found on the tables with the expectation that janitors will clean it up.

Have people forgotten how to pick up after themselves? Do they not know that the trash can is only a few feet away?

Do some students not care when being in

a public place?The Student Union provides

entertainment, a coffee shop, a convenient food store, a cafeteria, ping-pong tables, a TV and pool table.

Why are people not being grateful? It seems as if most students like to play on the monkey bars there. Is laughingly saying the word “penis” and talking about it loudly really necessary in a college atmosphere?

Why does a song about banging someone’s mother need to be blasted through a laptop next to someone who is trying to study for a test?

To make things worse and completely crude about the Student Union, both the men and women’s restrooms are ripped up most of the time.

We have had in door number one, an entire roll — yes, an entire roll — of toilet paper stuffed down the toilet with red liquid drizzled on top.

Door number two displayed torn yards of toilet paper inside and outside the toilet. It is also covering the entire ground.

As for door number three? Let’s just say

that my stomach lost its appetite for the next eight hours.

According to a janitor who has been working at UAA for a while now, he has to put on gloves and dig in deep to fish out the rolls of toilet paper stuffed in the toilet. It makes his job that much more difficult.

To solve problems like this, because they could get worse, the school should have a recreational center with sound proof walls for behavior like this.

Or maybe students shouldn’t use the F-word at the top of their lungs or talk about some other grotesque topic for five minutes. It’s offensive to many people.

The property at UAA and their bathrooms should be respected and so should the staff. Though this is college and not “the real world,” why not practice now? In the real world, jobs would not tolerate this sort of talk and behavior.

Take pride in the school and clean up after you eat something. Be aware that there are other students around you who may not want to hear all the details about your sex life, and show respect for those around you.

By TNL StaffIn the digital age, it’s easy to verify things purchased online via

email or on a confirmation page, but it’s essential to keep a digital filing folder for important information.

A receipt for tuition paid in full should warrant a screenshot or saved email on a flash drive that can be easily located in the event of a payment dispute.

And what about all the online holiday shopping being done? Is it really likely that a person can remember, off the top of his or her head, exactly how much money was spent at each website visited?

Those confirmation emails need to be kept in a file too, even when using a trusted vendor, because it’s impossible to know what bugs have slipped into a computer or smart phone from one minute to the next.

Yes, it may seem tedious to stash those confirmation emails into a folder or on a flash drive, but when it comes down to a question about whether financial aid information was submitted on time or if there was an agreement to spend thousands of dollars on collectable “Star Trek” figurines, it helps to have proof of things such as times, dates and purchase specifications.

So make the effort now, in lieu of grasping at straws and talking to 100 customer service representatives later.

Digital filing, a time saver

Award for most disruptive area on campus

Dear Editor,The University of Alaska Anchorage student body consists of over

20,000 students. Undergraduate and graduates are broken into the following ethnic categories: 60 percent whites, 13 percent American Indian/Alaskan Native, 7 percent Asian and Latino, 4 percent African-American, 6 percent “ethnicity unknown” and 3 percent mixed race.

African-Americans and Latinos do not have a semester history class offering at UAA main campus specific to their ethnicity, while many others do. UAA provides classes in both Western and Eastern Asian Civilization, U.S. History, Women’s Studies, China and Alaska history. But the history department fails for minority students by only hosting Black History at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson campus in the evening, and it isn’t offered every semester.

By offering African American & Latino History as a general education humanities requirement at the University of Alaska Anchorage main campus, students will be provided with cultural experience by gaining an educational perspective on the social, economic, intellectual and political conditions of a people that have been deeply a part of American history.

The purpose of humanities courses is to give students incentives in studies that provide learning opportunities regarding the human condition by encouraging an analytical and critical approach to philosophy, language, religion, art, theater and music. Because of the importance of learning about these different people and cultures, I propose that the university not only offer an African-American and Latino history class, but require it for undergraduates.

Mabil DuirEnglish and Political Science Major

ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB

CRYPTOQUOTE

The Northern Light 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113Anchorage, AK 99508Phone: 907-786-1513 Fax: 907-786-1331info@thenorthernlight.org

EXECUTIVE EDITOR 786-1434 editor@thenorthernlight.orgJ. Almendarez

MANAGING EDITORVacant

COPY EDITOR copy1@thenorthernlight.orgKierra Hammons

NEWS EDITOR news@thenorthernlight.orgKeldon Irwin

FEATURES EDITORVacant

A&E EDITOR 786-1512 arts@thenorthernlight.orgHeather Hamilton

SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.orgThomas McIntyre

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Mosheh Adamu

PHOTO EDITOR Vacant

WEB EDITOR786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.orgShawna Sweeney

LAYOUT EDITORlayout@thenorthernlight.orgNick Foote

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITORVacant

ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITORfeatures2@thenorthernlight.orgNita Mauigoa

ASSISTANT A&E EDITORVacant

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITORVacant

GRAPHIC DESIGNERgraphics2@thenorthernlight.orgCasey Kleeb

ADVERTISING MANAGER786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.orgChelsea Dennis

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVEVacant

MULTIMEDIA EDITORmultimedia@thenorthernlight.orgVicente Capala

STAFF REPORTERSstaff@thenorthernlight.orgEmily Hodson

CONTRIBUTORSEvan DoddMabil DuirFelipe GodoyKate LindsleyMackenzie MasonBria Webb

MEDIA ADVISERPaola Banchero

ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISERAnnie Route

The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS.The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are

solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 5,000. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or The Northern Light.

December 4, 2012 14COMICSCOMICS

SUDOKU

HOROSCOPE

The coming week is likely to see many individuals grappling with new ideas -- ideas that challenge more than most, and that require of everyone a willingness to explore more deeply than usual the kinds of things that are individually important on a daily basis. No one will get away with ignoring issues that really matter this week; more than success, actual survival may depend upon it! It is not too much to suggest that those who are unwilling to dig a little deeper into their own personal store of issues will be sacrificing much this week, and may ultimately be unable to recover completely. It’s a good week for all to be honest with themselves at all times!

Troubles arising out of interactions and shaky personal dynamics may be laid to rest this week -- but only if one is willing to make a concerted effort. Fence-mending is likely to be going on all week long, and tensions can be eased -- at least temporarily, until a long-term solution can be found.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You may require some downtime this week, but first you must tackle an issue that others have been trying to avoid. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You’re coming to the conclusion that what has always worked for you may now be outdated; it’s time to explore options.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You may be tempted to withdraw from a project that isn’t progressing as you had anticipated -- but you’ll want to reconsider. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- What others tell you to do this week isn’t likely to be as good for you as what you come up with for yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- Take care that you don’t start complaining about those things that really don’t matter, while others are awash in real problems. (March 6-March 20) -- A trivial matter catches fire early in the week and becomes quite serious later on; only you can douse the flames.

ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- The messages you have to convey are quite important, but the means you have to convey them may elude you for a time. (April 5-April 19) -- Now is the time for you to consider doing something daring that others would surely avoid altogether. Your time has come!

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may find that doing a favor for someone else takes up more time than you had set aside for it -- but you must certainly complete it! (May 6-May 20) -- You’re ready to look at yourself with a bit more honesty right now; what you see pleases you

-- up to a point. GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You’re likely to feel the influence

of someone who does not always have your best interest at heart -- so you must be on your guard. (June 7-June 20) -- You can recover from a minor setback very quickly this week -- but major ones must be avoided.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You may be losing track of what it is you’re really after; there’s more than mere ambition at play here, and you must know yourself. (July 8-July 22) -- Seek a way out of a “trap” this week, and you will discover more than safe passage; self-

knowledge increases. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You may have

to sacrifice something dear to you this week in order to secure the safety of

something even more important. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- As you care

for those who depend on you this week, consider how and

why you have assumed this major role.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- Adjustments to timing and scheduling may be required this week, and you’ll surely want to anticipate any major moves. Avoid surprises! (Sept. 8-Sept. 22)

-- Keep things simple, short and sweet this

week; there’s no need to overcomplicate things.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You can do a

great deal of note this week, but it may be difficult to get the

attention of the person whom you truly want to impress. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22)

-- You may find yourself taking a journey that leads you both forward and back this week.

Be ready for anything. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may feel somewhat “lost”

this week, as a result of a disconnect that you and a friend or partner were unable to avoid. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- Those activities that you are able to enjoy on your own are likely to afford you more in the way of self-discovery this week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You can surprise a loved one with a gift that is far more valuable than anything you could purchase in a store. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You mustn’t let a friend hold you back simply because he or she wants to relive a past glory. It’s certainly time to move on.