Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I nside This E dition will be used in conjunction with dollars with an estimated 9 million
the Academic Construction Build- dollar appropriation from the state,
ing Fee but will be more difficult according to Leef.
to raise “when
A Golden Background: Guggenheim Hall, pictured above, is the school’s main administra-
tive building and only one of two buildings in Colorado to be adorned by a “Golden Dome.”
* * PA R T I E S O F 3 O R M O R E M AY
COMBINE THESE SPECIALS**
( D i n e - i n a n d C a r r y - O u t O n l y,
Students Must Show ID)
For Example:
•Sesame Chicken (Lunch) is $5.95 Menu
$4.76 with 20% OFF
lar folk and indie b a n d s t o d a y. young Joan Baez on “Fourth Time appearance with “You Ain’t Goin’
Around,” leading into Iron & Wine’s Nowhere,” which also happens to
experimental rendition of “Dark be one of the few songs featur-
Eyes.” Wilco’s Jeff ing extensive harmonica parts, an
Tw e e d y, w h o integral part of Dylan’s style. The
cites the likes entire album ends with Bob Dylan
of Bob Dylan himself singing the title track “I’m
and Neil Young Not There,” providing perspec-
as his tive on the entire compilation.
influ- The soundtrack to I’m Not There
enc- reminds listeners why Bob Dylan
e s , has been popular for so long. His
Taking the album as a whole also lyrics are original, even sometimes
is a shifting experience as each makes an ap- odd. His sound is distinct and his
performer takes Dylan’s songs and pearance on the first disc with style has been emulated by scores
gives them a contemporary twist. “Simple Twist of Fate.” Closing the of musicians through the years.
However, Dylan’s distinct slurred vo- first half of the album is Willie Nel-
December 3, 2007
Features Page 5
Geek Week of
the
...Kyle Bahr, Sophomore: Chem. Eng.
The McBride Program at the
NCHC Annual Conference
Dr. Loring Abeyta I was grateful that the Chair of the portunities more formally into the
Satira Tajdin-Labib Interim Principal Tutor and Direc- McBride Honors Program Executive overall McBride student experience.
at Mines that the exams actually
Staff Writer tor, McBride Honors Program Committee, Dr. Kay Godel-Gengen- During the three days of the
referred to what we went over in
bach, was also there to help gather conference, honors students gave
Do you consider yourself a class. Yeah, that was a fun class.
Eight college students sat in as much information as possible presentations in “SIRP” sessions –
geek? Why? Do you have a geeky talent?
a circle in the middle of a sunny from the array of sessions offered. Student Interdisciplinary Research
Yes, because… hmmm, good Well, I don’t know about geeky
conference room on a warm au- There were 1,800 participants at Panels – and participated in two
question. Well, I dream about but I am a really good writer and
tumn day in October. Literally on the conference, representing honors poster sessions dedicated ex-
atoms dancing around in the I’m okay at playing the drums.
the edge of their seats, about 70 programs from around the country. clusively to their work. While the
jungle. I also was captain of my Oh, I’m also really, really good at
faculty and honors program direc- When I arrived at the conference directors and faculty were busy
Knowledge Bowl team in high making others look really good by
tors leaned forward to hear every for my first session, titled “Advising attending “how-to” sessions, the
school. I want to name my future making myself look really stupid.
word that the sometimes soft- the Honors Student: A Teaching- honors students were busy enrich-
band Magnum-pi. I have two What is the geekiest item
spoken students had to say. It was Learning Paradigm,” I didn’t see ing their own academic community
different color shoe laces on, you own?
an extraordinary moment in higher many students in the convention with panels ranging from their own
and one happens to be argyle. Once again, I don’t think this
education, when the students had center lobby. When I exited the educational development topics
What do you like to do is geeky, but I own this awe-
the full attention of their faculty. meeting room, the halls were filled to deeper theoretical explorations
during your free time? some pair of plaid, bell-bottom
The event was a “fishbowl” of with about as many honors stu- into literature, the arts, and sci-
Who has free time? I like pants! I plan to have a dog
national honors students, and they dents as faculty. Somehow, the ence. One student panel was
to play the drums a lot. I also named Buckminster-Fullerene.
were the center of attention in that young people had suddenly arrived, titled “Kick Me: The Growing Pains
like to read, hang out, and I Who is your hero?
session at the National Collegiate and the energy of the conference of an Honors Student Association
am always listening to music. My dad is definitely my hero.
Honors Council (NCHC) annual increased accordingly. This was in a University Environment,” and
What is the geekiest thing He always worked hard for us.
conference in Denver. They had not just a conference for program another was “Getting Into Medical
you have ever done? He is a farmer, and everything I
a lot to tell each other about their and faculty development. Students School: A Medical School Panel for
I’m in O-Chem now and I learned and everything that makes
educational experience as honors were the very core of the event. Students by Students.” The SIRP
put together all these models me who I am today is because
students – the good and the bad – It was a joy to see, and only after panels had creative topics such as,
of functional groups and then of him and also my older brother.
and the faculty who listened were I opened up my 92-page directory “What the Folk? An Examination of
hung them from my ceiling. What do you plan on doing
not about to interrupt. This was for the conference did I realize these Folkways as Both the Cause and
Do you have a geeky joke? after you graduate?
truly the students’ time to be heard. undergraduates weren’t at the Byproduct of the American Civil
What do you get when Renewable energy. I’m not
That was only one of many conference simply to observe, they War.” Ninety-eight undergraduates
you cross a billy goat and a sure about grad school yet, but
inspiring moments I experienced were there to participate. In the participated in two poster sessions
mountain climber? Nothing, for renewable energy you sort of
at the NCHC conference, held at midst of my delight, it also dawned where students discussed research
you can’t cross two scalars. have to go to grad school. So I am
the Hyatt Regency Denver at the on me that the scope of this confer- such as “Blowing in the Wind: North
What is you favorite thing considering grad school but maybe
Colorado Convention Center from ence was much larger than I had Dakota’s Energy Potential,” “Lipid
about science? not at Mines, but I am more or less
October 31 – November 1, 2007. anticipated. I felt my heart sink as I Binding Partners for the Pleckstrin
Hmm, I really like knowing taking things as they come at me.
I’ve been to many academic confer- realized that our McBride students Homology Domain of AFAP-110,”
how things work and through ences before, so I’m accustomed to were not there. I am a newcomer and “Bringing the Colonies Home:
MEAVE HAMM / OREDIGGER
chemistry, I can get a lot mapping out a strategy of efficient to the world of honors education, Post-Imperialist European Culture.”
of the conceptual stuff, like conference attendance, darting in and my naïveté about the structure The faculty weren’t sequestered in
atoms, and just really under- and out of sessions to glean some of the NCHC conference cost our their administrative sessions, but
stand how everything works. kernel of wisdom from as many students a chance to network and had the opportunity to attend the
What is your fa- concurrent sessions as possible. showcase their own talents among student panels and poster sessions.
v o r i t e c l a s s ? At the National Collegiate Honors their peers from the nationwide I observed the dedication and seri-
I really liked my fresh- Council conference, I found it undergraduate honors student ousness of the students with their
man year Earth class with hard to follow my usual practice community. Nonetheless, I made presentation teams as they re-
Shorey. Shorey is just so because every session was vitally the most of the moment in order hearsed and edited and revised and
cool and he explained ev- important to what I do as the Interim to learn more about the NCHC, re-rehearsed for their SIRP session.
erything really well. Also, Making others look good. Principal Tutor and Director of the what it offers to honors students,
that was probably the only class McBride Honors Program at CSM. and how to incorporate those op- SEE “MCBRIDE” PG 7
Page 6
Features December 3, 2007
Tim Weilert
Campus Ministries In addition to weekly meetings,
Jewish Culture Club started last
fall and hosted a fund raiser during
last year’s E-days festivities. T-shirts saying, “All [students] have to do Rosh Hashanah at the University
RMCM has hosted several other with the slogan “Hitler Sucks” were is come to the meeting. Anyone is of Denver this year and may do
Staff Writer
events. Free laundry nights and free sold for Holocaust Remembrance welcome. The point of the club is something for Hanukkah, which
bagel breakfasts are two annual Day, but are also available during to allow people to experience the begins December 4, however, no
Students in the Rocky Mountain
events, and the group is always the rest of the year as well. Treist- Jewish culture.” plans have been made yet.
Campus Ministries (RMCM) recog-
trying new activities. man hopes the club will expand and The Jewish Culture Club has not When asked about what such a
nize the role that religion plays in the
“We have had events such as believes that more t-shirts and fliers limited itself to the Mines campus. club has to offer to a practicing Jew,
lives of college students. Members
serving a dinner to an HIV fund would help. Manya Lein explains, “We some- Treistman said, “I would say it is
of this Christian group are active in
raising event and working with the According to Treistman, stu- times do activities with Jewish pretty important, coming from New
the campus community through
Dry Bones homeless teen ministry dents who don’t understand He- organizations from other universi- York, where there’s a large Jewish
many different events.
downtown [Denver]. We are also brew or Judaism should be open ties in the area.” Steve Treistman population, it is different being here,
“Religions play a huge part on
planning on wrapping and giving to finding more out about Jewish specifies that the club celebrated so it has been good for me.”
the college campus. So many stu-
Christmas gifts to HIV victims this culture. Lein reinforced this idea by
dents have had bad experiences
with Christians or the Church and
because of that they never give a
relationship with God a chance. I
December. We also get together
with the other area RMCM groups
(from Red Rocks Community Col-
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
think religions on campus have a lege and Colorado Christian Univer- Melinda Bartel InterVarsity is a national organi- that involves following clues around
unique opportunity to in a sense sity) for holiday parties,” explained Staff Writer zation that serves over 35,000 stu- the Denver area and performing dif-
apologize to the rest of the world O’Rourke. dents and faculty on more than 560 ferent tasks; this event is modeled
for the behavior of narrow and Misconceptions can be a huge InterVarsity Christian Fellowship college campuses. It is a small part after the television show. They also
judgmental groups that cause a lot problem when dealing with any is a religious organization at Mines of the world organization known as put on an annual Fall Conference
of hurt and pain over the years,” organization or club, especially that gives students a chance to International Fellowship of Evangeli- where InterVarsity groups from
said Art Heffron, a staff member those clubs that represent religious make educated choices about cal Students (IFES). It was brought various Colorado campuses come
associated with RMCM. views. “The biggest misconception whether or not to follow Jesus. to Mines four years ago by 3 staff together for a weekend to have fun
“There are many religious or- is that we are a bunch of ‘perfect There are five student-led Bible members, including Katie Siemens, and learn about Jesus.
ganizations on Mines campus, Christians’ who never make any studies that meet weekly on cam- who still works at CSM. “We believe that the world is a
and despite the many differences mistakes, know all the answers to pus and a large group worship ses- InterVarsity is different from other dark and decaying place, and that
between them, I believe that the life’s questions, and will shove a sion every Tuesday night in the Ball- Christian organizations at Mines in the only thing that offers any hope
goal of all of them is to help anyone, Bible down your throat as soon as rooms. “Our hope is that students the intangible sense that it attracts is Jesus Christ,” said Rowlette. “We
specifically the student population, you walk in the door. This assump- will make a choice to follow Jesus a different kind of student than believe that he is so much more
to learn and mature in the faith of tion couldn’t be farther from the and will therefore try and change the groups like Campus Crusades. Al- than ‘fire insurance,’ a relationship
their choice,” said Deven O’Rourke, truth,” said O’Rourke. world by fighting the injustices that though the core beliefs and ideology with him will actually change your
a member of RMCM. Heffron offered this advice, exist,” said InterVarsity’s regional are alike, InterVarsity approaches life for the better right now, not just
Rocky Mountain Campus Minis- “Misconceptions can be overcome director Ryan Rowlette. Christianity with a more relaxed and in the future. We also believe that he
tries has been a club in the Golden/ by students getting involved, not “I feel like InterVarsity is really explorative viewpoint. calls his followers to act as agents of
Denver area for over seven years judging us, assuming that they got open and welcoming. We’re set The group’s mission statement change in the world against things
and has become increasingly active us pegged, and simply trusting that apart because we are more inter- reads, “In InterVarsity we are devot- like poverty, racism, slavery, and
on the Mines campus during the last we are here to help students have ested in just having a conversation ed to seeing students transformed, other injustices; that to follow him
three years. This organization meets a passion and love for God that about Jesus than trying to convert campuses renewed, and world doesn’t make fighting against these
for free dinner and Bible study on they never thought was possible.” students. We really enjoy having changers developed.” optional, but mandatory.”
Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm in Heffron further stressed that “there non-Christians attend our Bible InterVarsity organizes several For more information about
the Mines Park community center, will be no forcing of beliefs, there study, because they challenge our events throughout the year that all Intervarsity at CSM, check out the
and may move closer to campus will be no judging, there will be no beliefs and make us stronger,” said CSM students are welcome to be a website at http://www.csmiv.org/or
next semester. discrimination.” student Bible study leader Katie part of. They sponsor an “Amazing contact President Matt Tevebaugh
Mills. Race: Denver” every year in October at mtevebau@mines.edu.
December 3, 2007
Features Page 9
s Organizations at Mines
Latter Day Saints Student Association
William Everson Saints Student Association is to their “Friday Forum” where they lis-
Staff Writer “build your spirituality,” thereby ten to guest speakers, watch videos
balancing a secular education at about the religion, or listen to talks
With over 12 million members CSM with spiritual growth. from prominent religious figures in
worldwide, the Church of Jesus To achieve this goal, the Latter- the Church. Wednesday night is
Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) Day Saints Student Association dedicated to the study of the Book
is among the top 15 largest de- offers classes Monday through Fri- of Mormon.
nominations of Christianity in the day at noon as well as Wednesday The Latter-Day Saints Student
world (source BBC). Founded in the night at 7:00 pm to anyone who is Association also works closely with
1800’s, followers of LDS (also called interested. “Everyone’s welcome, the local Church of Jesus Christ of
Mormons) follow the teachings of whether they’re Mormon or not, Latter-day Saints to sponsor events
the Old and New Testaments in ad- whether they’re a student or not. in the community. Events include
dition to the Book of Mormon. Anyone can come participate,” said everything from helping freshman
LDS is a worldwide organization Puckett. move out of the dorms to other
with followers in schools around the On Mondays and Wednesdays, service projects.
world – Colorado School of Mines the Latter-day Saints Student As- Anyone interested in learning
ALL PHOTOS, PATRICK BESEDA / OREDIGGER
is no exception. At CSM, the group sociation studies a specific religious more about the Latter-Day Saints
is represented by the Latter-Day text; whether it be the Old Testa- Student Association can drop by
Saints Student Association. The ment, the New Testament, or the any of their classes during the week
organization offers students the Book of Mormon. Tuesdays and (held at LDS Institute on Arapahoe
opportunity to learn more about Thursdays are devoted to analyzing and 13th), come to their Dead Day
Mormonism, a place to hang out, particular doctrines of the gospel Breakfast on Friday at 9:00 am (at
and a place to grow their spiritual- such as faith, the Holy Ghost, and the same place), or visit www.lds.
ity. In the eyes of president Natalie so on. On Friday, the Latter-Day org for more information.
Puckett, the goal of The Latter-Day Saints Student Association holds
Campus Crusade For Christupperclassmen groups meet. The those who try to slow down life for
and promote who Muslims really
are and what Islam truly upholds
and represents to the community
man, the purpose of the presenta-
tion is “to give information to other
people, especially Mines students,
Hilary Brown so that any miscommunication and about Islam.”
Asst. Editor-in-Chief groups are led by upperclassmen a few hours each week and enjoy a
misinterpretation would be in any According to Zulhaimi, Mines is
in Cru who have participated in long meal or other activity, encour-
Campus Crusade for Christ is effect minimized.” a good place to be Muslim. “Being
specialized training sessions. aged by Acts 2:42.
a group “set up for people to get Sophomore Liyana Rusman a Muslim… is a blessing at CSM as
“Bible study groups help people The group recently planned and
to know God better whether they adds that the MSA supports “Mus- it is anywhere else in the world. One
to meet one another, and then hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for
come from no background going to lims students… [by] help[ing] new of the main advantages is [that] the
as upperclassmen, to stay con- International Students. “Approxi-
Church at all to those who’ve gone students in adapting to a new social people here in CSM are very recep-
nected,” said Compton. mately 120 to 130 international stu-
to church their whole lives - we want and academic environment.” tive and open towards us, despite
Cru has several opportunities dents were there for their first-ever
to know God better and there is These objectives are key to the media propagandas that have been
for outreach and travel abroad. Thanksgiving,” said Compton.
great freedom and joy in that,” said MSA and the group’s focus is al- relating us to terrorism.”
Last summer, eleven students Campus Crusade for Christ
John Compton, president of the most entirely on fulfilling them. They Rusman adds, “Being students
travelled to Southern Russia. “Dif- International was founded in 1951
CSM’s ministry of Campus Crusade do this in many ways, including, in Mines is a great opportunity for us
ferent regions in America have dif- at the UCLA campus and has since
for Christ. according to the website, “religious, to be friends with other people from
ferent relationships overseas,” said become one of the largest ministries
Campus Crusade for Christ is re- social, cultural, and community different religions. Mines students
Compton. “Our relationships are in the world. It has a presence in
ferred to as Cru and strives to glorify service projects. The MSA holds are very open-minded and we do
with Southern Russia and Mexico 191 different countries and over
God through evangelism, disciple- lectures and seminars, exhibitions, not have any difficulties practicing
City. We’re starting a new partner- 25,000 staff members worldwide.
ship, fellowship, and worship. Cru social gatherings, picnics and Islam here. We can share our views
ship with South Africa.” “The organization operates under
meets on Thursdays at 7:15 PM in sports.” harmoniously without any skepti-
During the trips, students reach the idea that if we reach the college
Ballrooms D and E of the Student One of the main events the MSA cism and criticism.” Perhaps it is
out to other college students and students of today, we can shape the
Center. “We realize that college is a puts on is a dinner in recognition of because of the hard work of the
“find students who would be into future because college students are
difficult time and the weekly meeting Eid Fitr – one of the largest Islamic MSA – who provide help to new
launching a movement on a cam- the future leaders of the world,” said
is a good time to meet people,” said celebrations. It is a day of thanksgiv- Muslim students in finding local
pus to organize the Christians in the Compton.
Compton. ing to Allah at the end of the month Mosques, Islam-friendly restaurants
school,” said Compton. “I grew up in a Christian back-
The group holds several differ- of Ramadan, where Muslims fast for and grocery stores, and providing
The group also hosts a Friday ground. When I came to college, it
ent Bible study groups that meet 30 days. At the dinner, according a community, as well as clarify dis-
morning prayers. They also have was a difficult time for me. During
weekly. The freshmen group meets to Zulhaimi, “we gather about 300 putes and misunderstandings with
a trash club that goes through the my summer trip with Cru, I found
on Monday nights and approxi- students, faculty, and local com- non-Muslims – that Mines is such a
residence halls and takes out the the joy in knowing God and knowing
mately 50 freshmen participate. munity [members] to celebrate one receptive place towards the Muslim
trash for the freshmen. Students Jesus and I want others to know
On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the of the biggest Islamic celebrations community.
also participate in “242” groups, that same joy,” said Compton.
Page 10
Features December 3, 2007
at Mines
Guest Writer DRCOG to develop a Transit De- be added to the fee. An oversight
mand Management (TDM) plan to in the wording of the Intermodal
In this first semester of availabil- serve CSM and the City of Golden. Transportation Fee is a lack of al-
ity, the campus-wide RTD College One purpose of this assessment lowances for minor fee alterations
Pass made available by the new is to find out how to provide bet- to cover changes in the cost of
Intermodal Transportation Fee has ter local transit options, including the RTD College Pass This prob-
... Jonathan Meuser, Natalie Wagner, Akira Rattnebury invoked some controversy. Much of connecting transit to the future lem could be easily overcome
Guest Writers, Staff Writer this controversy may stem from mis- FasTracks light rail station at the Jef- by a positive vote by ASCSM to
S u st a in a b le O p e r a ti o n s understandings of the history of the ferson County Government Center, slightly increase the fee to cover
Historically, CSM had incorpo- Intermodal Transportation Fee and planned for 2012. Four primary next year’s slightly increased cost.
rated smart energy and resource the course by which the envisioned tasks in TDM assessment include As mentioned above, flexible use
use into campus operations. For goals can expect to be realized. consultant selection, project man- of the fee for effective intermodal
heating use, CSM uses (and has For most U.S. college cam- agement and outreach, analysis transportation is up to ASCSM.
used for many, many years) a very puses, bus systems allow students and final recommendation. Comple- Harold Cheuvront, Dean of
advantageous system that uti- to get around. Alternatives to the tion of the TDM plan is set for April Students, recently appointed an
lizes the excess steam generated car save both individuals and the of 2009 with a clear goal to reduce ad hoc committee of ASCSM rep-
from the Coors Brewery to heat schools money while reducing the 2.37 million car trips and 11.6 mil- resentatives to address the use of
academic buildings on campus. environmental consequences of lion miles over a ten-year period. the fee next year. Dean Cheuvront
Such a unique program allows the IMAGE COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS each student bringing a couple ASCSM President Casey Morse was unavailable for comment on
school to save money on heating extra tons of rubber, steel and glass recently posed the question, “to why the students that worked on
as well as reuses steam, which Why Recycle? to each class. In early 2005, some what extent were the original goals the Intermodal Transportation Fee
may have escaped untapped. We are all surely aware of the other students and I questioned the of sustainability and increased were omitted from the committee.
The Department of Environ- importance of recycling to preserve feasibility of an RTD bus pass for parking availability in fact achieved This is a decision that, con-
mental Health and Safety (EHS) finite resources, but you may not CSM students. Alex Harker, an by the use of the RTD Bus Pass?” sidering the many stakeholders,
began traditional recycling by of- be aware of just how much of an architecture and planning student in an Oredigger opinion piece con- including the City of Golden and the
fering office paper recycling in impact recycling can make on from CU Boulder, was looking for cerning the fee’s effectiveness. As 2,200 students that are currently
1991. Student Life also maintains available landfill space: by recycling a research project related to ur- expected, only minor portions of utilizing the bus pass, would have
recycling services around dorms approximately ½ of paper thrown ban design. We worked together the fee’s proposed goals have been tremendous impact on the Mines
and in the Student Center. Recy- out, 13% of the required area on a National Wildlife Federation realized in the first three months. Community. Clearly, alternative
clable materials such as aluminum, needed for a landfill could be saved grant proposal, which resulted in a The CSM student body is intelligent transportation options available to
glass, plastic, office paper (includ- (that is, on the scale of a popula- NWF Campus Ecology Fellowship enough to understand that a perfect CSM students today fall short of
ing catalogs, junk mail, etc), card- tion of 44,000 people, 21,000 m2 awarded to Harker the following bus system would not materialize the expected goals for the next few
board, newsprint, phone books, (or 5 acres) were saved). It’s not year. Harker worked closely with in the first year of the fee, just as years. Currently, the City of Golden
hard-to-recycle items (HTRIs in- uncommon to hear “chicken little” the many stakeholders involved in a parking structure won’t be built planning department is working
clude computers, chemicals, used arguments that recycling uses more 06’-07’, including RTD, the CSM overnight. According to Student with CSM to develop a plan for
oil, etc.) are included. Though, energy than it conserves based on administration, and the City of Gold- Life director, Derek Morgan, the more effective local buses serving
the availability of recycling for the energy required for collection en, to examine the CSM Master new parking fee is in additional students where they live. While
these items varies around campus. and transit to the recycling site. Plan and produce a detailed report to a long-standing fee financing that study is being completed,
Actually, using recycled alumi- of the analysis of options. A primary public safety operations. When will CSM students are riding buses.
num instead of aluminum sourced conclusion of Harker’s analysis was the goal of the new parking fee, to Case studies of other universities
from raw bauxite uses 95% less that an effective intermodal transit ultimately pay for a new parking show that, by working closely with
energy. Moreover, recycling plastic strategy leveraging transporta- structure, be realized? When put local government and existing bus
makes the best use of our remaining tion opportunities beyond the car to a vote, the CSM student body systems, local and regional transit
petroleum resources. To add to this, would ultimately save the CSM was vastly in favor of the Intermodal alternatives that serve students
there are the benefits of decreased administration and students money. Transportation Fee. To date, the can be realized if given a chance
greenhouse emissions produced Realizing the need for flexibility student body has not had the op- to grow. Students who value and
in production of recycled goods. in a proposed bus pass fee, for- portunity to vote on the parking fee. utilize the current RTD bus pass
mer campus architect Paul Leef Moreover, Senior Route Manager are encouraged let ASCSM know.
NOTE: The authors would like to make the follow- suggested the proposal of an “In- Robert Rynerson asserts that rider- More information can be obtained
ing corrections to last week’s article, “Sustainibility at Mines.” termodal Transportation Fee” that ship increases have already justified at the next CSM Sustainability
1. Earthworks recycles transparencies with could later allow for partial funding increased express bus service Committee meeting, open to the
a n o r g a n i z a t i o n i n L o n g m o n t , n o t m u n i c i p a l i t y. of local transit efforts. As part of the to Denver, including a Saturday entire campus community, on
2. EHS does recycle tons of used materials running the gam- City of Golden’s new sustainability schedule, starting next semester. Wednesday, December 5th at 10am
ut from u sed m o to r o i l to c ard bo a rd to u se d compute r s. thrust, $50,000 in federal money To retain the bus pass next in the Student Center, Ballroom D.
F
Page 11
December 3, 2007
Andrew Aschenbrenner cans still support their efforts, but ist, however large or small your to write for me, no matter the ion Editor is simple. It is to use the
Opinion Editor real journalism is a dying breed. audience may be, is to put im- subject, as long as the argument expression of opinion to promote
Part of the reason for this is that partial information in the hands of made is supported and free of libel discussion and to make you think.
We live in an era of media explo- the sacrifices and risks continue to every person, and to through that and blatant obscenity. There is no Mr. McSwane did that, albeit in a
sion. The way media is presented, rise while the payoff seems to be increase knowledge and foster censorship here. I see my job at this crude and unfortunate way. My hope
as well as how media is accessed, lessening. For newspapers around discourse. A journalist is expected newspaper as one of a journalist, is that these opinion pages foster
has gone through 50-plus years of this country, advertising money is to abide by ethics and decency in putting information out there, and discussion and make you think.
wild change and transformation. going down to correspond with their work. A journalist without cred- not censoring any submissions. And so I have a message for
What is unfortunate about that de- falling circulation. On television, ibility is as good as unemployed. Recently, David McSwane, you, the reader. Exercise your
velopment is that it has contributed the glitz gets more attention while In some areas, good reporting Editor-in-Chief of the Rocky Moun- duty as a citizen to be informed.
to the civilization-long movement of important stories get passed up. and journalism still exists. There tain Collegian, the newspaper It also can’t hurt to express your
censorship by those who find the When news networks spend are always attempts to silence at Colorado State University, re- opinion. These pages are open
truth of information inconvenient. the lion’s share of their airtime on the undesirable and promote the ceived national attention for print- for you. Write an opinion piece
From the dirt to the tablet to O.J. Simpson, Natalee Holloway, convenient. The thought behind ing an editorial using the f-word. or a response to an article. My
the scroll to the newspaper to and Britney Spears instead of is- these attempts is the same as that Mr. McSwane’s error wasn’t in promise to you is that I will make
the internet, humans have his- sues that really matter to the nation behind propaganda: to shape the what he said. His mistake was in every effort to ensure that these
torically expressed a desire for like the “War on Terror” and our information is to shape the opinion. that how he said and presented pages appear in every issue, with
and a love of media. The media crumbling infrastructure, it shows These attempts make the job the opinion was irresponsible. opinions, however controversial,
I am referring to is, and has al- a problem. Media is a partnership of an informed citizen all the more The way I see it, my job as Opin- that foster discussion and thought.
ways been, the means of com- between the journalist and the important. This job is almost that of
munication of the world through citizen. If the citizen doesn’t do his the journalist, except that the citi-
newspapers, books, magazines, part, it results in journalistic decline. zen uses the resources provided by
television, radio, and the internet. Journalistic decline in this case media to realize truth and organize
Communication is without a
doubt a foundation of our society,
exists as a form of media cen-
sorship, something that we live
opinion. The citizen, the same as a
journalist, cannot simply trust that
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
and the importance of it being with every day. Yes, even here one source is truth. One must find
whole and unedited can mean the in the United States of America, multiple sources, and search for Dear Editor,
difference between life or death, a where freedom of the press is a fact, for it is no longer apparent. From what I understand, there were a few complaints about the
life of poverty or a life of wealth, war celebrated cornerstone of our The Oredigger is certainly a content of George Saunders’ reading, and I wanted to present an alter-
or peace, destruction or growth. country, manipulation of the media part of media. We are small, with nate point of view on the matter with a few small points. First, the money
When media is censored, it can through censorship is alive and well. about 25 staff members and a that brought Mr. Saunders to Mines was grant money, not tuition money.
fundamentally alter the lives of In some ways, small and inde- circulation of 3,000. But we still This seems to be the most common complaint I’ve heard, so I wanted
people who receive the message pendent papers carry the torch for carry the responsibility of be- to clear that up. Second, almost every complaint I’ve heard has also
that that particular medium sends. this country. For those who have ing credible, responsible, and involved calling Saunders a satirist while completely missing the point
Sadly, information doesn’t just vested interests, the truth brought informative. This opinion sec- of what satire is. Without the likes of Saunders, Vonnegut, Colbert, etc,
flow. Getting the stories of the by media outlets can be at best tion, formerly editorials, carries the public discourse would be completely inoffensive, but also frightfully
world to persons who are inter- inconvenient and at worse damn- a slightly different responsibility. bland and artless. Third, it seems to me that the expectation to be ex-
ested is hard work, and it costs ing. So papers like the New York Earlier in the semester, we print- clusively exposed to inoffensive material in college is completely contrary
money. However, it is vital work, Times and networks like Fox News ed two opinion pieces of what could to the joy of higher education in the first place. I came to college to be
and people in the news media, Channel employ presentation and be seen as objectionable subject exposed to new ideas, not to stagnate in my own personal idea space.
some of whom risk their lives selective reporting to manufacture matter. One seemed to support Moreover, the offensiveness of a message does not preclude its ability to
daily, push themselves to bring a message without substance. racism, and the other genocide. I express truth. The heliocentric solar system was an extremely offensive
those stories to you. Many Ameri- Simply put, the job of a journal- support any author who decides idea at its inception, while National Socialism was accepted as a norm
in Germany in the early 1930s. The point is that our reactions to different
What Role Does Religion Play at Mines? ideas may have frighteningly little to do with the content of those ideas.
I will close this response with the words of David Foster Wallace, another
satirist and recipient of the MacArthur “genius grant” (A grant which Saunders
Chris Phillips religions through the LAIS depart- examples of this accommodation. also received, I might add): “We are what we run around averting our eyes from.”
Asst. Business Manager ment. CSM has no chapel, but that I have only had one class where I Robert Brandin
doesn’t stop students from practic- felt the professor went over the line
ing their personal religious beliefs. discussing his personal beliefs, but
Before I delve into the topic At times it may seem that this it’s over and I feel that I grew in Dear Editor,
too much, let me give you a quick community is non-existent, but this some way through the experience. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. A team can be brought
background on myself. I was an is caused more by religious organi- So, how does the overall re- down by the actions of one person. Both of these are true of organiza-
agnostic / atheist in high school, zations choosing to be non-intru- ligious community compare to tions. All points from “Name withheld by request” are valid considerations
am now a Christian (Methodist), sive, not because they’re inactive. other colleges? Well, there are a few when joining or reviewing membership in a club, activity, or organization
and have been enrolled as a stu- These groups open themselves considerations here. First off, one’s on campus. However, the most important and crucial fact was left out
dent at three separate colleges. to the campus through events and religious identity tends to put one from the article “Figuring out the Balance” and that is YOUR role in the
I spent two summers living on love for people to become involved, in a smaller minority for active par- organization. Life is what you choose to make of it. There are different
other college campuses (intern- but you won’t see them handing ticipants at Mines than elsewhere. roads and paths you choose to take and your attitude and actions reflect
ships) and had roommates who out pamphlets on the street corner Let’s face it, there are many at CSM in the resulting circumstances. When a person joins an organization there
attended those colleges. I haven’t while screaming about Armaged- holding a pessimistic view of reli- is no obligation to take on a position of leadership, but simply to enhance
been very active with any of the don. In my opinion, the religious gion, and the coursework doesn’t the organization by participating and having a positive attitude. When one
religious groups on campus (I par- groups on campus have done well, serve to indoctrinate students in takes on a leadership position and fails to meet the obligations of it they
ticipated in a few of the Newman accepting and operating in the any religious tradition. Furthermore, have made that choice and as a result helped to bring down the organi-
Group’s discussions last semester). pluralistic context of Mines. They there’s not a community-wide reli- zation as a whole. If a person has decided to take on multiple leadership
So, what role does religious also do well to serve the vital pur- gious undertone (unlike my summer positions they need to be ready to accept the responsibility of all of them
belief play here? How does this pose of reminding us that we have in Utah). Finally, there is no campus or have the maturity to step down from them when things get too hectic.
compare to what is experienced freedom of religious expression. chaplain (they are often similar to a When a person isolates himself/herself from the group and does nothing
on other college campuses? The I also have to admit that the hospital chaplain – counselor and but complain about the existing circumstances, they are again contribut-
anecdotal evidence points to a vi- school has done an admirable job minister who serves everyone in a ing to the problem without offering any solution. Ultimately you decide
brant, diverse religious community with how it allows these groups pluralistic setting) provided by the what kind of impact, whether positive or negative, you will have on an
at Mines. Surely many people have to operate. It has been more than school or any of the religious orga- organization. Merely complaining and criticizing with no actions behind the
experienced FCA & Cru taking out willing to let students practice nizations. With these facts in mind, concerns does nothing to help the situation and only makes you a negative
their trash for them. Still others their religious beliefs in a respect- I would say that CSM’s religious participant in the organization. My advice to those people who have read
participated in the Muslim Students ful manner at various points on community has reacted by growing the article in last week’s issue would be to evaluate not only the questions
Association’s Eid celebration a few campus – meetings in the ball- more active than what I’ve seen provided by the author, but to also consider how you are contributing to
weeks back. There is no religious rooms, roundtable discussions elsewhere, but it’s also been less the organization and whether or not it is benefiting from your membership.
curriculum, but students can still in the Green Center, and prayer prominent than elsewhere. This isn’t Sincerely,
take classes to better understand events at the flag pole are some necessarily good or bad, it’s Mines. Darcy Souta
Page 12
Opinion December 3, 2007
Addendum to
“The Real First Thanksgiving” LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dear Reader, Dear Editor, and ice sheets and glaciers world- droughts in many areas of the world
The article “Untapped Potential: wide are melting. This fact is unde- and greatly impacted agriculture.
The following proclamation was removed from last Oil Shale Symposium at CSM,” niable, and based on the properties With the future of agriculture on the
week’s publication of the opinion piece entitled “The Real which appeared in the October 22 of bright objects reflecting light and line, any energy source that takes
First Thanksgiving.” As there are Letters to the Editor edition of the Oredigger, seemed dark objects absorbing light, the fol- the place of crude oil must take into
pertaining to this material, we feel it is important to pub- misinformed. As the title suggests, lowing is therefore also undeniable. account that food and water, the
lish all components of the original work. The unabridged most of the article is spent address- As the polar ice caps melt in the energy that fuels human beings,
article may be found under the 26 November 2007 ing why oil shale is the energy of the spring and summer seasons, light take precedence over the fuel of
archive of the Oredigger’s website, www.oredigger.net. future, and how the only challenge colored ice that reflects most of the homes and cars. Another problem
facing this upcoming industry is sun’s light energy turns into dark – according to Joe Brown, producer
Thank you, finding an economic means of colored water. This water absorbs of the documentary National Sacri-
The Editorial Board extracting the oil from the shale. I almost all of the sun’s light and so fice Zone-- is that, while open pit
believe, however, that it is extremely warms up quite a bit. Then when mines are still in use as the means
improbable that oil shale will be the fall and winter come, it’s harder for of extracting oil from shale, new
General Thanksgiving able and rational manner in which energy fueling the future, due to the ice to reform because the water technology in the area requires the
we have been enable to establish vast environmental issues that were is warmer. This leads to a vicious “growing” of ice walls underground
By the PRESIDENT of the Constitutions of government for touched on much too briefly near circle – known as positive feedback (one of which had been attempted
United States Of America our safety and happiness, and par- the end of the article (only two sen- -- because with less ice reforming in Australia but then burst) which
ticularly the national one now lately tences were devoted to greenhouse there is more water to absorb light takes many years. Additionally,
A PROCLAMATION instituted;-- for the civil and religious gas emission, which is arguably a and thus melt even more ice come Brown recounts that the oil from
liberty with which we are blessed, large propellant of global warming). spring and summer. Where carbon oil shale is very low grade and
WHEREAS it is the duty of and the means we have of acquiring Let us first examine the assertion emissions and other greenhouse would require extensive refining to
all nations to acknowledge the and diffusing useful knowledge;-- that the amount of shale oil that has gases enter into the circle (and be useable in vehicles. The article
providence of Almighty God, to and, in general, for all the great been discovered is equal to 2.5 bil- this is debated by some) is that mentioned that ‘Spent Shale’ is
obey His will, to be grateful for His and various favours which He has lion barrels. I do not doubt this fact, they are invisible to light coming easily disposed of, but fails to
benefits, and humbly to implore been pleased to confer upon us. but I was curious about the effects from the sun, but what little light is acknowledge Brown’s observation
His protection and favour; and And also, that we may then unite all of those emissions would have reflected back into space is having that when oil is removed shale ex-
Whereas both Houses of Congress in most humbly offering our prayers on the environment, so I looked up trouble getting back through the pands to four times its original size,
have, by their joint committee, and supplications to the great Lord The U.S. Inventory of Greenhouse now-visible gases and so end up so there is more rock to dispose of
requested me “to recommend to and Ruler of Nations and beseech Gas Emissions and Sinks and dis- warming the atmosphere further than what was first there. Lastly, the
the people of the United States a Him to pardon our national and covered, after doing some quick which warms more ice… and I think article mentions Canada as an ex-
DAY OF PUBLIC THANSGIVING other transgressions;-- to enable calculations, that 2.5 trillion barrels you get the picture. In the popular ample of a country making shale oil
and PRAYER, to be observed by us all, whether in public or private of oil would put roughly 266.3 bil- academic magazine Science, Q. work economically. This is incorrect
acknowledging with grateful hearts stations, to perform our several and lion metric tons of carbon into the Schiermeier states in his article, in that while Canada does have tar
the many and signal favors of relative duties properly and punctu- atmosphere. This sounded like a “Polar research: The new face of sands that it utilizes for oil, Brown
Almighty God, especially by afford- ally; to render our National Govern- lot to me, but I am admittedly not the Arctic,” that if current emission contends it does not have much
ing them an opportunity peaceably ment a blessing to all the people by an expert in the matters of global trends continue there may not be shale oil (shale oil and tar sands
to establish a form of government constantly being a Government of warming or climate change, so I any sea ice left in September of are very different, and the latter is
for their safety and happiness:” wise, just, and constitutional laws, decided to dig deeper. Accord- 2060, and if rates are accelerated much easier to extract oil from).
NOW THEREFORE, I do recom- discreetly and faithfully executed ing to the Earth Policy Institute, that date may move closer to the In concluding, I’ll address the
mend and assign THURSDAY, the and obeyed; to protect and guide global carbon emissions in 2005 present by as much as twenty years. readers of the Oredigger, and
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEM- all sovereigns and nations (espe- were only at 7.5 billion tons. The The increased melting of the sea leave them with some final words
BER next, to be devoted by the cially such as have shown kindness amount of carbon emissions from ice would increase sea levels and to think on. There may still be a
people of these States to the ser- unto us); and to bless them with these oil shale reserves is nearly 36 thus cause deluged shorelines and few of you out there who will argue
vice of that great and glorious Being good governments, peace, and times that record-breaking amount! possibly contaminated freshwater my sanity, as you believe global
who is the beneficent author of all concord; to promote the knowl- Given the increased demand for sources, which I’ll discuss shortly. warming either doesn’t exist or
the good that was, that is, or that edge and practice of true religion oil, and should shale oil somehow There are a few other errors with isn’t aided by humans emitting
will be; that we may then all unite and virtue, and the increase of become the next energy source this article’s assertion that the only more and more greenhouse gases
in rendering unto Him our sincere science among them and us; and, of the world, who knows how problem facing the shale oil industry into the atmosphere. I will not try
and humble thanksfor His kind care generally to grant unto all mankind long it would take for this oil to is finding an economic means of ex- to argue my cause, as that would
and protection of the people of this such a degree of temporal prosper- be used up and those emissions tracting the oil. One of these other be a waste of yours and my pre-
country previous to their becoming ity as he alone knows to be best. released into the atmosphere. problems is water. The means of cious study hours, but I believe
a nation; for the signal and manifold GIVEN under my hand, at the city For those of us who are less extracting the oil currently is a pro- that as the future comes nearer
mercies and the favorable interposi- of New-York, the third day of Octo- familiar than we’d like to be with cess which requires an extravagant you might change your minds.
tions of His providence in the course ber, in the year of our Lord, one thou- the events and causes of global amount of water for the purpose of
and conclusion of the late war; sand seven hundred and eighty-nine. warming, let us take a short detour rinsing and cooling. This is increas-
for the great degree of tranquility, in favor of learning why increased ingly going to become a problem in SEE “LETTERS” PG 13
union, and plenty which we have ( s i g n e d ) G . Wa s h i n g t o n carbon emissions are such a bad the future, seeing as how the rise in
since enjoyed;-- for the peace- thing. Currently, the Polar Ice Caps global temperatures has increased
December 3, 2007
Opinion Page 13
A Message from
Doctor Love, PhD
G i f t G i v i n g f o r Yo u r I n n e r P i m p Presents to Get for
Doctor Love
Love Doctor
2) Ask her out on a date the night
of your anniversary. Tell her you’re going a Mines Student
somewhere special. Ask her parents if they
Gentlemen- Is there a birthday, anni- can sneak you into the house and set up 10) Super Mario Galaxy
versary, special occa- some flower petals, candles, and
sion, or holiday com- “First, you have to get a picnic in her basement. Call her 9) To t i n o s P i z z a s
ing up and you don’t
know what to do for your a good present.”
and tell her your parents are mak-
ing you stay in because you kicked
8) Subscription to Wired
long-time or brand new
girlfriend? No need to
the dog. Make her mad at you. She
will undoubtedly go downstairs and
7) Death Laser
worry: Doctor Love has your back. tell her parents. Have her dad tell her to 6) K’nex
First, you have to get a good present. get something out of the basement for
What is a GOOD present? That’s up to you. him. She goes downstairs and sees you. 5) Golden Rings
Every girl is unique and the smallest thing 3) One day before your anniversary,
could make her heart melt. (That’s the goal) have her parents sneak you into the house 4) Mind Control Device
Spend a minimum of $20. Don’t spend over
$100. You’re in college, remember?
and leave notes or riddles all over the house.
On the
3) A semester of completed
Second, you need to drop subtle day of Lon Capa Assignments
hints about her present. You get to “Second, you need to drop subtle y o u r a n -
keep a secret from her, but actively
hints about her present.”
niversary, 2) A cute wittle puppy
let her know she can’t know. It keeps drop a 1) A woman to just sit and chat with as they drink herbal tea and watch the
her keen and looking everywhere in p o s t c a rd sun set at their new cottage in the mountains as young Robert plays with his
her life for her present to come. You could even in her mailbox. This will be the first clue. For Tonka trucks in the sand box you made for him since he’d been struggling in
purposely deceive her and give her a riddle like, the next twenty minutes, she will be running
school and the teacher said he needs to do more creative things and a sandbox
“What flies at night, but walks during the day?” all over her house finding notes and riddles
She’ll be racking her brain trying to figure it out. leading her to the next clue. When she gets
was just the perfect thing, since, let’s face it- he’s not a kid that’s going to be
That sets her up for to the second to last clue, her mom playing plenty of sports. He’s already gotten beaten up by Jim, the fat bully,
the third part: delivery. lets you in and you sneak up to her but you talked to his parents and they just don’t care because you’re guessing
How you give the “That sets her up for the room. She will run upstairs for the last they were the ones doing the beating back in grade school too, so you egg and
present is absolutely clue and see you in a suit and holding teepee their house every Halloween and swear you saw some kids running off
essential. The pres-
third part: delivery.” a bouquet of her favorite flowers. as you drove by because you’re a good Samaritan and they nominated you
ent doesn’t matter Guys, if these three ideas didn’t for the good Samaritan of the Month award, but it went to old Ms. Hendricks
as much as the delivery. The key is to catch melt your heart, you’re not thinking. It will who does volunteer work with the school and helps at the soup kitchen every
her off guard. If you can’t think of anything melt your girlfriend’s heart guaranteed.
Christmas and you would too, if you could just find the time since your job’s a
special that pertains to her, take or mod- TRUST ME. They don’t call me Doctor
ify one of the following delivery methods. Love for nothing. Well, that homeless guy
hassle and the boss took away three more days of vacation time this year and
1) On the night of your an- outside work does… as it is, the lawn needs fertilizer and the bushes need to be trimmed, but you
niversary, set up words made out “It will melt your girl- After the delivery, she can’t even do that since your remodeling of the upstairs bathroom has put a
of candles outside her bedroom will undoubtedly ask damper on the wife’s morning routine and you only want a minute to yourself
window. Make it something like, friend’s heart guaranteed. you some form of these to sit and chat with a woman as you drink herbal tea and watch the sun set at
“Happy Anniversary, Kate.” Call two questions: “You your new cottage in the mountains as young Robert plays with his Tonka trucks.
her on her cell phone and say TRUST ME.” did this all for me?”
you can’t find your power cord and “Did you think all -Mike Stone
and you think it’s in her room. While on the this up?” Your answers should be a very
phone, tell her to look out the window. She’ll see nonchalant, “It was nothing,” and “Yes.”
the words and you holding a box with a bow. The doctor is in.
Fool’s Gold Section on Brink of Destruction $2,300.48 per month! Please, no smokers, no pets, no hippies, no theater majors,
no accountants, no health inspectors. Call 303-555-1234. Ask for Mike Stone.
Do you and your friends take good pictures? Are they fun-
ny? Do you have a good enough photo to win a Nikon CoolPix
Digital Camera with a 1Gb memory chip? Well, this winter
break, instead of presents, Christmas hams, and ski trips, you
should be concentrating on your camera so you can upgrade.
Remember that old photo of Cousin Johnny crying in the live nativ-
ity scene? Remember last winter, when your sister skied through the
“slow” sign? Now, do you remember that crazy picture idea you had last
year that no one wanted to do? Here’s your excuse to send them all in!
COURTESY WIKIMEDIA