College can be crazy. In a go, go, go atmosphere the average college student doesn’t always have time to take a step back and pay attention to things like REC activities or campus events. As some of you may have heard, October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and even in your busy schedule you should find the time to take a step back and be aware of an issue that effects people all over the world, even here at UW-La Crosse.

As Ingrid Peterson, a social worker and violence prevention specialist, stated, when we hear about sexual assault, stalking or domestic violence, “we picture a stranger hid-ing in the bushes,” but in real life the signs are much more subtle and not always recog-nized. Being unwillingly controlled in a relationship, feeling threatened, being touched without permission or getting unwanted attention from a person are all forms of domes-tic violence, and all of these things can be prevented if you seek out help.

On campus the Violence Prevention Office, located in Graff Main Hall in Room 149, is a completely confidential service where you can go to get help if you feel threatened, wish to take action or if you just need advice and someone to listen. Feeling as though there is no way out is not true, if you wish to take action there are plenty of ways for the campus and/or the police to get involved.

If a violent relationship exists between two people who both attend UW-La Crosse, actions can be taken from talking about the violent actions, all the way to suspension and expulsion if evidence is present. If the person you are in a violent relationship with does not go to UW-La Crosse, there are still plenty of actions that can be taken to keep you safe. Residence Life can ban people from entering dorms and halls and in some

Word of the WeekSiesta

A midday or afternoon rest or nap.The honeybadger is in desperate need of a siesta after this week of exams.

Please recycle

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IndexNews. . . . . . . . . . .. 1-3 Viewpoint . . . . . . .4-5Features . . . . . . . . .6Sports. . . . . . . . . ....7Grin Bin. . . . . . . . . 8

T hu r s d ay, N ove m b e r 8 , 2012 w w w.t h e racq u e t . n e t 8 Pa g e s S i n g l e Co p i e s Fr e e

Volume 102, No. 61RacqueT

The University of Wisconsin - La Crosse

Y o u r s c h o o l . Y o u r h o m e . Y o u r v o i c e .

Frogger not fun

By James GrohStaff Reporter

Remember Frogger? The arcade game where you had to navigate a frog across a highway and a river dodging traffic and hoping on logs to get the frog to his home? Many people do, and lately they have found themselves playing Frogger while trying to cross West Avenue and other streets throughout La Crosse. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is far from an arcade game as we saw earlier this semester when two pedestrians were killed after being struck by vehicles within the same week. One of the pedestrians was our very own Jing Gu, a UW-La Crosse student from China.

These incidents have brought about the awareness of a proposal to change and improve bicycle and pedestrian transportation means throughout the City of La Crosse. The proposal, known as the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, entails changes which would include safer bicycle lanes and crosswalks.

The last city specific plan which improved this network was last completed in 1976. A master plan would encompass many and all areas of the issue including history, policy framework, existing conditions, needs analysis, objectives, projects, funding and implementation.

There are no doubts about the advantages, both economically and environmentally, that improved bicycle and pedestrian transportation infrastructure would bring to La Crosse. One of the proposed projects includes creating bicycle boulevards on streets close to campus. Students would most likely experience the greatest impact and benefits from this plan. The majority of the student body relies on alternate forms of transportation other than a car, such as a bike or walking.

Katie Svitavsky, a UW-L Student and City Councilmember, explains the process through which the master plan must go through to be implemented, “First, the plan needs to be approved by the council before it goes into the capital improvement program. To do that, it is referred through our committees.”

The plan will go through four separate meetings. First, the City Plan Commission meeting was on Monday, Oct. 29. Then, the Judiciary and Administration Committee meeting was on Tuesday, Oct. 30. Next, the Committee of the Whole was on Monday, Nov. 5. Finally, the Council Meeting is on Thursday, Nov. 8 where it will be voted upon and either passed or not passed.

Each committee provides a recommendation to either adopt or not to adopt the plan. These recommendations are then taken into account by the Council for a final vote.

Students are strongly encouraged to partake in public hearings to express their opinions and insight on this topic. These hearings open to the public take place at the Judiciary and Administration Committee as well as the Committee of the Whole meetings.

There are many ways, however, for students to be involved without necessarily attending the public hearings. “I can think of a lot of ways,” said Professor James

By Sam FischbachAssociate Reporter

Do you know what to do if it were you?

DID YOU VOTE?

Caleb Brown, The Racquet

THE RESULTS ARE INBiking traffic plans

Students across campus stood in line to cast their ballots for local, state and national elections on Tuesday! Pictured above right is Alex Bartelme, UW-La Crosse student, casting his ballot, saying it was “very important” and “not just a privilege [but] a right.” Relief spreads across the 50 states as political ads cease and the phone stops ringing calling to encourage American’s to vote.

Please see Bike page 3

Please see Violence page 3

53% 46%

Numbers are a reflection of Wisconsin’s final tally as of time of publication.

Presidential election

Obama Romney

51% 46%U.S. Senate

Baldwin Thompson

58% 42%32nd District State Senate

Shilling Feehan

61% 39%Assembly District 94

64% 36%Congress District 3

BolandKindDoyle Evers

Is prison too pleasant? . . . PAGE 4 NBA Season preview. . . PAGE 7IN THIS ISSUE: Having the registration blues?. . . PAGE 3

Professor Robert Wilkie has been teaching English here at UW-La Crosse for four years. While some think of English as a subject of mostly just literature, it can be much more than that. English can look at film, cultural practices and even technology. Wilkie is a perfect example of how English classes can become a broader course of study with a lot to offer. “We live in a culture that embraces easy answers. English goes against that and asks things that aren’t easy quantified. No quick answers.” The subject is about diving into challenging ideas and thinking about complex concepts. Wilkie’s studies are all about challenging ways of thinking. He says, “My work focuses on the broadest sense of cultural studies, digital culture and new technologies.” He examines how technology allows the cultural to grow and be more open in the social world. “Anyone can create a web page or write a blog. By making these things with easy accessibility everyone has a voice.”

As the world is becoming more democratic and allowing individuals to have their own voice, he wants to see if this is true with technology and if it is helping people to do so. He asks if everyone have a voice, and if that’s true, why is there still more inequality? One of the new products Wilkie focused on in his studies was the iPad. “The iPad was represented as a device that was an expression as the new digital culture.” This is shown through how the iPad is easy to use and access. You can take it with you as you go about your day and use it to create simple tasks. According to Wilkie, “If we accept that narrative and we buy an iPad and celebrate it, that influences how we look at the world.” This goes back to his idea of technology giving everyone a voice, a product as simple to use as the iPad can have a big impact on an individual and then in a

sense, the population as a whole. As Wilkie says, “When we participate in something, it shapes how we look at things.”

Overall, Wilkies point of view on technology can really open your mind to how much modern culture is changing and the effects that something as simple as an iPad can have on today’s world. As a professor, he enjoys seeing students able to challenge these concepts and tackle the more difficult ideas. In fact, this is a characteristic he believes make

a good student. “Modern culture wants easy over the difficult. What’s important is what you do when you don’t understand something.” He says if you step back from today’s culture and focus on why you don’t understand something, working past that and the struggles that come with it is what makes your knowledge grow and expand. As the saying goes, “practice makes perfect.” To become better at something you need to spend time learning from your mistakes, understanding why you don’t get it and work past that. Wilkie says that “patience is the biggest thing.” For the students who think that “they’re just bad at writing” or that “math is too hard for them,” what you do with that in the end shows your capabilities. By taking time and working hard, you can get past your struggles, challenge the complex concepts and, in the end, show your own voice.

NewsPage 2 Thursday, November 8, 2012

Melissa MossNews Editor

news@theracquet.net

By Amy KempfAssociate Reporter

Campus Profile: Professor Robert Wilkie

Being a leader is not defined by your age and should not stop you from being successful.   An organization on UW-La Crosse’s campus is proof of this.

Leadership In Action (LIA) is a group that goes around campus and out to the community to educate and teach individuals about issues in diversity. The overall goal is to make a difference by inspiring and motivating people to accept the differences of others.

Bob Krajewski, professor of Educational Studies, has been the advisor of LIA for the last 15 years.  He assists young adults in addressing issues related to diversity.  According to the organization website, these issues include: “social justice, diversity, civil rights, varied -isms, social problems, school issues.”

LIA performs interactive, short student-designed skits throughout the community. Some of the places include K-12 schools, university classes and residence halls, Rotary clubs, the YMCA and many more. LIA has helped influence over 54,000 people across many ages and communities. Most recently, LIA performed at Dow

Chemical’s World Headquarters on Oct.11, National Coming Out Day.

LIA was asked by Dow to prepare intense skits and present them in front of an audience

of 200 corporate executives at Dow’s World Headquarters Employee Development Center, and also to 85 Michigan Operations (Dow’s Michigan division) personnel. The sessions were professionally televised and taped. These tapes will later be used to train all 52,000 Dow employees located at 36 nations throughout the world.

On average, between 50 and 80 students participate in LIA each semester.  The students are divided into groups of five or six, where they choose, practice, and perform a skit.

Students often share their own experiences while developing the skits. These 50 to 80 students are really making a difference. Last semester, LIA graciously received the award for Multicultural Event of the Year.  This only adds to their other awards such as Outstanding Involvement by a Student Organization, Senior Excellence Award and a special award from UW-L’s Black Student Unity.

“The skit we performed happened to be on disabilities due to the fact that there was a quadriplegic girl in this particular class,” a member of LIA said in personal testimony. “The teachers that invited Social Action Theater noticed that some of the children made fun of the disabled girl and, on occasion, would regularly leave her out of activities. After we performed for these children, the young girl came up in front of the class and told everyone how she felt about her disability and how they occasionally made her feel like an outcast. This brought tears to many people’s eyes and made us all proud of what we had accomplished that day. We gave this young girl courage to express her feeling to her peers.”

LIA has numerous upcoming events at UW-L.  They also plan to visit Onalaska Middle School on Dec. 3. If interested in more information or becoming part of Leadership In Action (LIA) please contact Bob, krajewsk.rob@uwlax.edu.

Activism through actingBy Hannah Kepros

Senior Reporter

“Modern culture wants easy over the difficult. What’s important is what you do when you don’t understand something.”

Dr. Robert WIlkieEnglish Professor at UW-L

LIA was asked by Dow to prepare intense skits and present them in front of an audience of 200 corporate executives at Dow’s World Headquarters Employee Development Center...

Dr. Eric Kraemer, a UW-La Crosse philosophy professor, debated with Dan Barker, co-founder of the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), on whether religion is a positive force in society on Nov. 1 in Valhalla. Kraemer stated that religion “can be a positive force in society, even to those who do not take it seriously,” while Barker concluded, “While religion can do amazing things, religion as religion is more negative than positive.”

Kraemer debated that religion is a positive force because it drives people to do good. Religion, he believes, gives people a group where they feel accepted, where they are motivated to do good. While he acknowledged religion is not the only way, or even the best way, to motivate people to do good, it has been positively influential in the arts and social justice throughout history. He concluded by saying tolerance between the religious and nonbelievers is key to a successful society. If there are those who find comfort in religion, then it is not our place to take it away from them

Barker contrasted this idea by comparing religion to a weeded garden. In the weeded garden, he said there are a few beautiful roses (positive forces), but that doesn’t change the fact that it

is still overrun by weeds (negative forces). He claimed that it is dangerous to focus on the few positive qualities when there are so many negative aspects. Because those who are religious follow the commands of a supreme deity, he believes that religion is no different than a state run by a dictator. He stated that if you were to separate the humanistic values from the religious, dogmatic systems, faith in a supreme being is more harmful than positive. By using fear of Hell as a way to coerce people into good actions, religion is a “morally bankrupt system.”

Dr. Eric Kraemer is a philosophy professor at UW-L who received his Ph.D. in philosophy from Brown University. Dan Barker is the co-founder of FFRF based in Madison, and was a Christian pastor for 19 years until he left the Christian religion in 1984. The event was held by The La Crosse Free Thought Society (LCFTS), a non-theist community group that seeks to promote positive, free thought. LCFTS works with the La Crosse Student Secular Society, a group on campus that meets every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in 328 Cartwright to discuss moral issues in society. They are currently seeking new members of all beliefs.

For more information on the La Crosse Student Secular Society, visit their Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaX3S

News Page 3

Kelly FarrellNews Editor

news@theracquet.net

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Religion: love it or hate itBy Becky Franzel

Copy Editor

Longhurst, who, although is not on a committee, does volunteer his time to gather community input on the topic. Students can “write letters to the editor of the [La Crosse] Tribune, get their student government to represent their interests to the council, lobby to get university, community or student representation on the Standing Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee, ask university administration to publicly support the plan, join bicycle advocacy groups or write, email, Twitter or Facebook their elected officials in the region.”

Funding for the La Crosse master plan to improve bicycle and pedestrian transportation would be funded through two grants; a Federal Transportation Enhancement Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation which would cover 80% of the costs and the remaining 20% financed through Federal Funds from the Community Development Block Program.

The changes proposed may take several years to complete. “Though many students are here for less than five years, it is important for us to get involved in these initiatives because others have done so in the past so we can enjoy a great community,” says Svitavsky. “I’m excited for what’s in store for La Crosse in the future.”

Can you believe that it is already that time of year again to start registering for next semester’s classes? Well, believe it or not, it is happening. Registration runs throughout the middle and end of November. This can be a stressful time of year for many people trying to figure out which classes to take, when to take them, and which professor they should take it with. Often times, it is hard to know where to begin. Here are the answers to a few questions you may have which should hopefully help you ease the stress of registration.

How is registration priority determined?

Registration priority is given based on the number of credits you have. This means that third and fourth year students will be able to register earlier than first or second year students. The reason why this is done is to give those who are further in their academics the chance to take courses which are required for their intended majors and minors.

What if a course is filled before I have a chance to register?

Since registration dates vary, many people believe that they will not be able to enroll in a

particular class. This is more than likely not true. Each course reserves a certain number of seats for each year of students. What this means is that when fourth year students register for courses, only a certain number of seats are available. When the next year students register, another set of seats are opened, and so on and so forth. If not all of the seats are filled by one of the year of students, then those seats will carry on and there will be more available for students who enroll at a later date.

How do I know when my registration date is?

Everyone has a different registration date, as previously mentioned. Your date of registration can be found on your WINGS account. Once you log in, click on “Enroll” under the academics drop down bar. This will then lead you to a page where you select which term you are enrolling in, which would be Spring 2013. After you select and continue, you can click the “term information” tab near the top of the screen. This will guide you to a page where it says Enrollment Dates with a link next to it which says “View my enrollment dates.” Here on this page will be the date and time to which your registration opens.

Do I have to meet with my advisor before registering for classes?

Depending on who your advisor is, a meeting may be required. It is strongly recommended that you do meet with your advisor before registering for any classes. Advisors are able to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What is the new schedule planner?The schedule planner is a great new tool which

allows students to select courses which will then automatically generate several schedules to choose from. Students not only can pick from various schedule options, but they can also delegate certain time blocks that they do not want to have any classes. This feature is very beneficial for students who need to plan their academic schedules in relation to work schedules.

Hopefully these questions have made you feel a little more confident in registering for courses. If you have any questions or concerns, it is important that you contact your advisor. Do not hesitate to ask them questions; they are more than willing to help you in any way they can.

By James GrohStaff Reporter

Registration on our heels

HANGING WITH THE CRS

cases a restraining order may be put into effect. The Vio-lence Prevention Office can help with this. Efforts such as these are taken every year and are not something to be embarrassed over, like Ingrid Peterson said, “I get reports (of domestic violence) every year from our residence halls.”

If you are not in a violent relationship but know some-one who is there are steps you can take to help that person find safety. First, you have to understand that leaving a violent relationship is a process and it won’t happen auto-matically. Like any relationship, there is a past that links these people together and a history that will not be au-tomatically erased. More than anything you need to be there for your friend. It may be hard to remain close to or even remain friends with someone who doesn’t wish to leave a violent relationship, but the chances of that per-son leaving are drastically slimmed if they have no outer support network. If you want advice in how to approach the subject of domestic violence to a friend, the Violence Prevention Office will give you ways to bring up the con-versation in a direct and helpful manner.

There are many other places that victims can go for help as well. On campus there is the Violence Preven-tion Office as well as the Counseling Program and Health Center. If you wish to receive help off campus, New Hori-zon’s Shelter is located close to campus and deals with do-mestic violence on a daily basis. The La Crosse City Police Station also deals with domestic violence cases and can get you the help you need.

If you wish to get involved in the prevention of do-mestic violence there are many ways to get involved on and off campus. For on campus activities and groups you can be involved in feel free to contact the Violence Pre-vention Office, and for off-campus opportunities, New Horizons Shelter welcomes volunteers year round.

So next time you hear about an “awareness month” such as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, take a few minutes to see what the issue involves, and if you can, find a way to make a difference in your La Crosse community.

Domestic violence awareness

From Violence page 1

Biking plan goes to voteFrom Bike page 1

“Though many students are here for less than five years, it is important for us to get involved in these initiatives because others have done so in the past so we can enjoy a great community.”

Katie SvitavskyUW-La Crosse student and City Council Member

Each course reserves a certain number of seats for each year of students. What this means is that when fourth year students register for courses, only a certain number of seats are available. When the next year students register, another set of seats are opened[.]

Now on your wall weekly...

Governor Scott Walker and Senator Ron Johnson stopped by the local Republican Headquarters to talk with supporters on Nov. 3. Walker and Johnson are pictured above with the UW-La Crosse College Republicans.

Your guide to doing it right

Being that our society is so invested in reality television nowadays, it seems that there is a show for everything. From fist pumping alcoholics to couples with 20 kids, there is something out there for everyone. Included in this category is the TLC show “Long Island Medium.” I have to admit, the first time I heard there was a show about a woman who communicates with dead people I was more than skeptical, but do the majority of people buy into this show?

The concept of a Medium as a person to communicate to survivors of a deceased is not new. In fact, society’s curiosity with ghosts and the supernatural is a longstanding phenomenon. However, many people dismiss it as being untrue and merely fictitious. If someone were to have come up to me before I had seen Long Island Medium and told me that they could communicate with the dead I, along with many of my peers, would not have believed them. But seeing Theresa in action really changes everything. “I never believed in things like this but after my roommate had me watch

one episode of Long Island Medium I completely changed my mind. That lady is incredible,” says Kyle Long, a student here at UW-La Crosse. I completely agree with Kyle. I never in a million years would have believed in things like this, but this show absolutely changed my mind.

The critics of this show refute it by challenging the fact that she can prove that she can actually talk to people’s deceased loved ones. In reality, there is no way to completely prove it, it is really just something that people need to observe and believe. But the majority of the time, it is almost impossible

to doubt her. “Before watching the show I didn’t really have an opinion on whether it was possible to talk to people who have passed, but after watching Theresa do a few readings on the show it’s impossible not to believe! She knows such personal details about their lives and relationships it’s hard to be a skeptic,” says Zenna Schultz, a UW-L student. Many people who have been involved in one of Theresa’s readings on the show have gone from non-believers to absolute believers. Because Theresa is able to pick out such personal details and events without having previous knowledge of them or even knowing the people they involve, it is extremely hard to argue the authenticity of her gift.

Although many reality shows bring next to nothing of value to society, I believe that Long Island Medium is an exception. Seeing this age-old “myth” put to practice puts a new spin on the societal obsession of the supernatural and provides a new insight into the afterlife that we might have previously overlooked. If you have not seen Long Island Medium I recommend you watch a few episodes and make your own opinions on it. If nothing else it is definitely an interesting form of entertainment!

I’m told jail isn’t that bad. That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard. If it’s not that bad, why is it second only to capital punishment? In the same way a child is put in time out or grounded, adults need as much isolation from the world. I’ve only seen one prison and it was nice. I wouldn’t have minded staying there. It had a huge lawn, basketball courts, picnic tables and such. This kind of a place would be a huge improvement to the conditions faced by those out on the streets. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 10 percent to 15 percent of La Crosse County persons are impoverished. Prison guarantees things the streets do not like meals, heat and cable TV. That’s more than even I have.

A few of my friends have expressed that prison should be three square meals a day and a room with lots of time to think, thereby making prison less of a resort and more of a time out. I tend to agree. Prison shouldn’t have any more amenities than a starving college student can afford e.g. food, heat, water and maybe hot water. If we want prison sentences to be a deterrent from crime, prison should be an intimidating and unpleasant experience.

There is the argument for humane treatment of inmates. They shouldn’t be victims of abuse by neglect. They shouldn’t be starved or kept from exercising. These inmates are human and deserve to be treated thus. But for the length of their sentence, they are no longer treated like members of society and should not receive any benefits from the society they’ve wronged.

The main point of a prison isn’t necessarily punishment anymore; it has since become a way to keep an eye on people we don’t like. We do have rehabilitation programs, but we would prefer that the undesirables of society just be stowed away where no one can see or hear them and we can all pretend they don’t exist.

The final angle of this famed argument is that of the death penalty. As heartless as it sounds, there is no upkeep on corpses. However, rising court costs have been giving the cost of housing inmates a run for its money. But the bare bone question is: Is it ethical to kill a killer? The ethics of “an eye for an eye” certainly seem to think so, but there are those who say that this kind of logic would lead to a world without eyes. If a standard can be placed on the death penalty, then we may be able to utilize it effectively. For example, every inmate sentenced to death could be given the opportunity for life in prison provided they submit to whatever rehab was deemed appropriate by the court. We could also put a limit on the years or number of sessions the convicted party has. If the convicted party fails to assimilate into regular society and reaches his limit of sessions or years of rehab, the death penalty will be the next course of action.

If we can use this, we can utilize the death penalty for what it was intended for: saving the unsavable.

The Racquet is an Award-Winning Newspaper, achieving the Third Award for Best Editorial

in 2010 and Second Award for Best Advertisement in 2009 through the Wisconsin

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EDITORIAL BOARDK.C. Powers | Editor-in-Chiefkpowers@theracquet.netNicole Laegeler | Managing Editornlaegeler@theracquet.netMelissa Moss | News Editor news@theracquet.netKelly Farell | Assistant News Editor news@theracquet.netCaleb Brown | Viewpoint Editorviewpoint@theracquet.netAshley Reynolds |Assistant Viewpoint Editorviewpoint@theracquet.netDavid M. Briggs, Annalise Falck-Pedersen | Features Editorsfeatures@theracquet.netKhay Alwaissi | Sports Editor photo@theracquet.netHannahrose Rand | Multimedia Editor rand.hann@uwlax.eduBree Levine | Senior Copy Editor levine.brea@uwlax.eduChelsea Fischer | Copy Editorfischer.chel@uwlax.eduBecky Franzel | Copy Editorfranzel.beck@uwlax.edu

SENIOR REPORTERSHannah Kepros, Olivia Mercer

STAFF REPORTERSJames Groh, Samantha Fischbach, Rebecca Schnabel, Alan Voy, Cole Nelson, Katie TerBeest, Rachel Tortorici, Jordan Fay, Elizabeth Thiel, Greg Nickel, Jonathan Brennan, Jordan Wileman, Kaitlin Daigle

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Page 4

ViewpointThursday, november 8, 2012The voice of the campus community is printed here

Caleb BrownViewpoint Editor

viewpoint@theracquet.net

FROM THE EDITORS

Who did you vote for?

Prison a bit too pleasant

By Alan VoyStaff Reporter

Prison shouldn’t have any more amenities than a starving college student can afford, e.g., food, heat, water and maybe hot water if they’re lucky.

“I never believed in things like this but after my roommate had me watch one epidsode of Long Island Medium I completely changed my mind. That lady is incredible.”

Kyle LongUW-L Student

By Ashley ReynoldsAssistant Viewpoint Editor

Long Island Medium makes UW-L believe

49% Barack Obama (Democrat)

26% Mitt Romney (Republican)

7% Gary Johnson (Libertarian)

1% Jill Stein (Green)

0.5% Rocky Anderson (Justice)

5% I can’t vote.

11% I didn’t vote.

This non-scientific poll had a total of 187 respondents. Find more polls on Facebook or at

www.theracquet.net!

The ads are done. The ballots counted. Campaign stops have ceased. But let’s be honest… we are all waiting for President Obama’s face to pop up on the television or for Mitt Romney to approve this message. Umm… wait, that’s not right. Who are we kidding? Though we all dread elections and the constant call for support that accompany them, the reassurance of American democracy is nearly unbeatable. Yes – the Wednesday after election day brings us a serene silence, but without that, where would this country be?

After this presidential election, it seems we need a reminder of what is really important in our lives. We should not be divided by any sort of choice or set of values, but should be steadfast in our Americanism. The overarching goal of humankind is to be alive and well and happy, which is up to each individual and the whole. If we continue to let our political differences separate who we are and what the bigger picture is, electing candidates to represent us will remain a divisive matter, tearing apart the American spirit.

Though elections are a very serious matter, life does go on. The power of our democracy allows us to choose our leaders and to play a role in holding them accountable. The power of information is everywhere, empowering us to take control of our lives in todays revolutionized and information-loaded world. This power is both a responsibility and an opportunity. One should not be afraid to voice their opinions, though in today’s world, there seems to be the fear of consequences should someone oppose another persons view.

This does not help our democracy; it does not encourage Americans to talk about the issues or to engage themselves and others in the process. We are the only way this can change. We are the change. Instead of holding a friends political views against them, use it as an opportunity to inform yourself and the other person. Ask questions. Be attentive. Be understanding. The differences of this world are what make it go around… would you really want to be the same as someone else? It becomes very frustrating to hear of opposing sides vandalizing yard signs, talking smack about the opposing side or using negativity as a means for getting ahead. Regardless of who wins an election, a group of people is always unsatisfied, disappointed and discouraged by election results. Are weincapable of showing compassion?

Don’t be afraid to voice your personal wisdom. Spread ideas through music, art, and writing. Don’t forget to be present, literally and metaphorically, where you currently are, too. Intention is a powerful thing to focus. Economically speaking, conscientious citizens should vote with dollars and support what they really believe in and know to be sustainable in practice. Having the courage and the responsibility to share your opinions, even if it’s only when you cast your vote, is a gift bestowed upon us by our Founding Fathers. If we become too afraid, too close-minded or too stuck in voting strictly along party lines, our democracy runs the risk of losing it’s power, becoming predictable.

After election we are all still Americans

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Page 5Thursday, november 8, 2012

Ashley ReynoldsAssistant Viewpoint Editor

viewpoint@theracquet.net

Viewpoint

The La Crosse area, further than the average of Wisconsin, has an enormous cultural norm of binge drinking. Wisconsin’s historical relationship to the brewing industry has been engrained in the behaviors of our citizens for centuries.

Recently, however, it seems that the La Crosse area has learned to drink more responsibly than in years past. According to an article from the La Crosse Tribune, there have been significant decreases in alcohol-related car accidents, injuries, emergency room visits and deaths around the La Crosse area.

This sort of reduction in alcohol-related incidents could mean two things: there is less alcohol consumption in La Crosse county overall or alcohol is being consumed more responsibly and with less moronic decision-making. Seeing as Wisconsin, as a whole, is quite fond of consuming alcohol, it is safe to assume that drinking is still occurring at the relatively same rate, it just done so with more restraint than in the past.

As a freshman I have no previous experience of witnessing the drinking scene here at UW-La Crosse. Obviously, I would need to find someone who knew the trends of campus’s drinking habits. Hall Directors have the experience and years of observation that was needed. As soon as I mentioned alcohol, however, each hall director tensed up, became tentative and refused to grant me my questions.

This may be natural, to avoid a rather potentially controversial topic. Still, the apprehension that they showed unnerved me. The La Crosse Tribune claims that there are less alcohol-related incidents. Statistically, this may be true: less deaths, hospital visits, car accidents, injuries, drowning deaths; however, this doesn’t necessarily mean that La Crosse County is becoming more responsible drinkers. Over the past couple of years, they have simply been lucky enough to avoid these consequences from irresponsible drinking.

I have been on this campus for a little over two months now. Sadly, I have witnessed many alcohol-related incidents. I have seen two people rushed away to get detoxed. I have seen dozens of parties so crammed full of people that nobody could even move. I have seen parties where the door to get in was jammed of people so that nobody could get in or out. There has been a party where there were so many people on the second floor that the entire floor collapsed and injured multiple people. I have seen a guest to UW-L get so drunk that he refused to cooperate with police officials, get hit with a baton and eventually get arrested for his behavior. Of all of these examples I have left out any from the king of binge drinking, Oktoberfest. Imagine the length of the list if I had included them.

Indeed, the number of serious alcohol-related incidents has decreased from previous years, but the responsibility doesn’t seem to have increased. People continue to binge drink and do moronic things which could potentially injure themselves and others. Alcohol responsibility, not as far as I can see.

Typically, in college, students will base the difficulty level and the potential time commitment of the course on the level and credit amount of the class. While, yes, in most cases, using credit amounts and class level is a pretty good way to gage difficulty and commitment, there are many exceptions that seem to pop up here and there and completely throw the “system” off kilter.

Being a junior, I had anticipated that my life would be well spent in the library every night of the week. I did, in fact, based off the fact that I am taking almost all 300 and 400 level psychology courses. However, right in the mix of it all, my 100 level classes, Intro to Logic and Art Foundations, completely threw me off balance as they have ended up to be the most challenging and time consuming classes for the semester. To be honest, it frustrates me a little that my 100 level classes are so much more work than my 300 or 400 level ones.

Brent Foiles, senior at the UW-La Crosse spoke to me on the street the other day about his personal struggles. Foiles agrees, “I’m a senior at UW-L and am getting an ‘A’ in every single one of my senior level courses, but somehow, my biggest struggle happens to be a 100 level gen. ed. program. Something isn’t right here.”

Typically, when a junior or senior has to take a general education requirement course, their workload changes. While the 300 or 400 level classes may actually may be more challenging than the 100 level, because students are disinterested in taking the course, it makes the workload and difficulty level seem much higher. If the general education course is put on the “back burner”

for so long, isn’t necessarily a class of interest or in their field of study. Thus, it becomes a challenge to “want” to focus on the 100 level course.

Students need to start assessing potential level of commitment and work load based on the type of class and description instead. Most math-based courses will generally have daily written homework rather than actual reading assignments, which makes it seem like there is more “work” involved in the class. The same goes for science and philosophy based classes. Art class, though perceived to be “an easy ‘A’” are not. Art classes require ample amount of studio time which means,

most of the work necessary to be done for the class needs to be completed, however, it can only be completed in the “studio” aka the classroom. Being a photography minor, I have found it to be more time consuming and more of a struggle to find time in my schedule that correlates properly to the available times designated to work in the “studios.”

So, how do we fix it, you may ask? Unfortunately, I cannot provide a definitive answer for that. Regardless of any of my suggestions, general education required classes still won’t be “fun” or necessarily “enjoyable.” And, sorry folks, they aren’t going away anytime soon. The best thing I can offer you is support- that you aren’t alone in this raging hate and disapproval of having 100 class be/seem harder than 300 or 400 level classes.

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RE: Faith is falling offTaylor BaileyStudent

I, for one, love seeing the different viewpoints we have in our newspaper. It shows that we have a very diverse group of people living on campus and that we all love to share our different ideas. The “Faith” article in the last edition of the Racquet was well thought out. It is true many students lose touch with their religion and that can be detrimental to one’s everyday life if one cannot relate to something they’ve known their whole life.

Unfortunately, while the idea was well thought out and was probably eye-opening to a lot of people, a few very misguided things were said at the end of the article, particularly regarding the scientific process. The author, Leitner, said that the theories of scientists are based on “speculations off of very little observable data at their disposal and who use reverse observation, a highly inaccurate practice, to formulate their theories.” I’m not sure as to what kind of “science” Leitner is referring to. Science is based off of observable experiences and facts and that can be proved using scientific theories that have been developed previously because of other

observable phenomena. If one were to take a basic physics course, all of the evidence pointing to gravity, electromagnetism, the propagation of light and how interstellar objects interact with each other can be proven using math, experiments and basic theories such as a ball will fall back to earth when it is thrown in to the air. It disgusts me that someone who is so ingrained in their faith fail to see why others believe what they believe. In order to be a true believer of something (whether it be Islam, Christianity, science or some other belief system), one must be able to understand why and how people believe different things. Leitner, it is very offensive that you chose to single out science as your enemy. I do not approve of people that attack another’s beliefs and you have fallen from your moral high ground by attacking science in such a way.

I personally cannot and will not accept a book that was written over 2000 years ago as truth and will not listen to people who tell me I am stupid for believing that the universe exploded 14 billion years ago to create what we know today. As religion is your life, science is mine. You have no right to attack my beliefs and same goes for me. Learn to think about why others think what they think and learn to live with the fact that not everyone is going to believe what you believe.

THE OPEN FORUM

Too much pain for your gainBy Olivia MercerSenior Reporter

...it frustrates me a little that my 100 level classes are so much more work than my 300 or 400 level ones.

Luck not responsibilityBy Matthew LeitnerAssociate Reporter

According to the La Crosse Tribune, there have been significant decreases in alchohol related car accidents, injuries, emergency room visits and deaths around the La Crosse Area.

I have been on this campus for a little over two months now. Sadly, I have witnessed many alcohol-related incidents.

The holiday season is almost here, and with it brings the season of giving. Getting presents for your loved ones can be difficult, but to kick off our holiday season on the right foot, downtown La Crosse is holding an event called Holiday Open House. Almost every business downtown participates in this event. For clothing and apparel stores, it may mean an extra discount or a look at their Holiday 2012 lines. For restaurants, it marks the introduction of many of their fall themed

menu items. For almost every business from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, it is a chance to bring in new people.

Dale’s Clothing, next to the Root Note and across from Bodega, boasts Holiday clothes for both men and women that are to die for. Think New Year’s Eve dresses galore. They have tons of sales racks where you can get amazing brands cheaper than anywhere else, and they also have a holiday wish list. Basically, their wish list works like this: you

come in and see that coat or dress you can’t live without but can’t afford. Dale’s staff puts your name and the item in a book, then either you let mom and dad (or that special someone) know you found something at Dale’s or they call and let them know.

Fayze’s, downtown La Crosse’s favorite place to catch a cheap, good meal, is having a gift card and apparel sale on Friday. Located next to Rocky Rococo’s, all of their gift cards

and apparel will be 10 percent off this night only. A gift card would be a great option for your buddies in school. They’re an awesome place to go to eat after a long Saturday night.

Jules Coffee House, located around the

corner of Bodega, is a friendly little coffee shop with a great atmosphere and plenty of

character. Open until midnight on most days, they are having a latte special on Friday – a great treat for you and a pal to sip on while walking around downtown.

Three Rivers Outdoors, Downtown La Crosse’s premier outdoors store located on the corner of Main and 4th street, is open longer hours for their Holiday Open House Sale. If you haven’t stocked up on your outdoor winter gear, this store is a great place

to do it. If you don’t have the cash, just check it out. This place will get you back into the winter sports mindset.

These are only a few of many places downtown offering specials. Walk around downtown, buy something if you have enough money or just get an idea for your future presents. Either way, it will give you a break from studying and it will be a fun place to hang out.

Page 6 Thursday, November 8, 2012

Features

Gold versus silver jewelry

Annalise Falck-PedersenFeatures Editor

features@theracquet.net

Do you really need to choose just one?

Chilling literature for cold weather

A closer look at PoeBy Cole Nelson

Staff Reporter

By Elizabeth ThielStaff Reporter

Getting ready for the holidays in La CrosseHoliday Open House on November 9 has great holiday deals

Though Halloween is passed, the season still has a spooky air about it. Trees are becoming bare like skeletons. The chill in the air is increasing. What better time to sit in a low-lit room with our favorite fright-writer, Edgar Allen Poe?

Why are Poe’s poems so frightening? The themes themselves are one answer. They often revolve around death, damnation or hopelessness. The settings are romantic and terrible: dismal seasides, darkened rooms with talking birds, and cities in the sea. The world of Poe’s poems and stories is full of both supernatural and psychological terrors. The talking crow in “The Raven” is both a spooky supernatural occurrence as well as a reflection of the narrator’s own mentality, while stories such as “The Black Cat” and “The Masque of the Red Death” use seemingly supernatural elements to portray themes of

madness and disease. Even the language he uses sounds archaic and strange, leaving the reader with a feeling of stumbling upon an ancient manuscript; one that has been hidden away for fear of its tale.

But perhaps what makes Poe’s poems so lingering is their rhythm. Anyone who has read “The Bells” will understand what I’m talking about. Poe’s poems use repetitive rhymes, fitting complicated ideas and sentences into a rigid meter. These rhythms and rhymes cause his poems to sound like they march forward of their own will. When the spooky Raven shouts “Nevermore” into the night, it doesn’t feel like just an unnatural occurrence. It seems to be a foreshadowing of the inevitability of the narrator’s fate, or an echo in the emptiness of his heart. When the narrator in “Annabel Lee” repeats, “In a kingdom by the sea”, it gives the poem a sort of fairy-tale like quality. It is almost as though he were telling it to a young child. However, this only makes the dark content of the story even more eerie and enthralling in contrast to its child-like narration.

For the first time Poe reader, I would recommend starting

with stories such as “A Cask of Amatillado” and, “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Both are relatively short and are great examples of Poe’s incorporation of psychological terror. As for poems, “The Raven” is a classic and haunting tale of hopeless sorrow. My personal favorite of his poems is “The City in the Sea”, which contains beautifully haunting descriptions.

There are other writers who make for great reading during this time of year, however Poe is arguably the best, or he’s at least the most well known, poet and short story writers when it comes to tales of fear and madness. So with that in mind, go pick up a copy of Poe’s poetry or stories, take a seat in a darkened room and lose yourself in the crazy ambiance of Edgar Allen Poe.

The settings are romantic and terrible: dismal seasides, darkened rooms with talking birds and cities in the sea.

For the first time Poe reader, I would reccomend starting with stories such as “A Cask of Amatillado.”

Silver and gold, silver and gold. How about silver versus gold? Some people are die-hard silver fans, while others refuse to wear anything but gold. Although it is mostly based on personal taste, personally I believe an outfit can really flow better if the accessories are silver or gold.

When accessorizing, gold goes best with golden tones. Gold earrings go perfect with brown hued boots or even gray flats. Gold looks great with any hair color, but looks best

with medium to darker skin tones. It’s a color that can really make brown or green eyes pop. For some, gold represents class and power. Too much gold can look tacky or put off the impression of “trying too hard.” Larger accent necklaces in gold have a dressier feel, so make sure the outfit coordinates.

Silver goes well with black clothing and

black or gray shoes. Because silver is similar to diamonds, it can also give off the feel of a more elegant look. Silver necklaces or earrings add sparkle and really make an outfit stand out. Some say silver jewelry is a fashion statement. “O” Magazine’s Creative Director Adam Glassman says, “Innovative designs are making silver pieces more luxurious than ever.”

The old fashion law is that you shouldn’t mix metals in your wardrobe. According to collegefashion.com, today this rule should be broken! They say metallics are the new

neutrals, and you can wear them with whatever you want. Layering gold, silver, and bronze bangles is more acceptable than ever. Even wearing silver flats with gold earrings is a do in their book!

Whether you’re a silver or gold fan, you can basically do no wrong these days. They can be mixed together or worn separate, but there is nothing that is “not allowed”. In Hollywood, silver is definitely winning in the silver versus gold tug-of-war this season.

But it’s really about your preference and how the two metallics make you feel when you’re wearing them. So silver or gold, it’s all up to you! Happy shopping!

By Katie TerBeestStaff Reporter

The old fashion law is that you shouldn’t mix metals in your wardrobe. According to collegefashion.com, today this rule should be broken!

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Think New Years Eve dresses galore. [Dales] has tons of sales racks where you can get amazing brands cheaper than anywhere else.

A gift card would be a great option fo you and your buddies.

[The Holiday Open House] will give you a break from studying and it will be a fun place to hang out.

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Change. Some people hate it, while others thrive on it. For me, redundancy is not a good thing. Routine is. !is might cause you to ask, what exactly is the di"erence? While routine can aid in creating stability in one’s life, a sense of dependability, redundancy creates a sense of boredom. I despise redundancy. When I am bored whether it is of my classes, the music on my iPod, the book I’m reading, my workout, etc. my food selections seem to follow suit. I begin eating things that are not even remotely close to healthy. !erefore, I am constantly striving to come up with new food concoctions so as not eat the same meal over and over again. Although, sometimes one is faced with le#overs or has the choice to eat his or her favorite food, that takes precedence. I de$nitely have my favorite foods, as I’m sure all of you do, as well. For me, there’s nothing like a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I know that may sound silly, especially because I am fully capable of cooking so many other, more elaborate things. However, there is something so comforting for me in the simplicity of a PB& J that no other food can compete. What food evokes similar feelings for you?

If one doesn’t immediately come to mind, I’ve compiled a list of foods that I thought might be your responses. I then came up with ways to spice up these foods using simple ingredients that you may already have on hand, but if you don’t, are both fairly easy and inexpensive to buy. !is list proves that it is

possible to put a di"erent spin on even the most typical, traditional college favorites.

Breakfast:1. Cold Cereal:

walnuts with a dash of cinnamon.

over low-fat or Greek yogurt for a quick

frozen raspberries or blueberries, if desired.2. Oatmeal

medium banana, sliced.

drizzle of honey.

sprinkling of cinnamon.Lunch:3. PB & J:

surprisingly satisfying take on the traditional room temperature PB & J.

and nuts of your choosing, some of my favorites are almonds, peanuts and walnuts

banana, apple or pear!4. Macaroni and cheese:

pepper.

for equal amounts of Greek yogurt. !en, top

broccoli.

crushed tortilla chips and dollop with sour

Dinner:5. A baked potato loaded with sour cream,

6. Frozen Pizza topped with additional tomatoes, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli

7. Fresh vegetables such as tomatoes,

or broccoli simmered in spaghetti sauce and served over whole-wheat noodles.

8. Grilled cheese with added turkey slices,

mustard, salsa, or pizza sauce.

!ese are just my suggestions. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun so feel free to come up with your own combinations

afraid to try something new. Add some spice

your new favorite.

SportsPage 7Thursday, November 8, 2012

Khay AlwaissiHealth Editor

sports@theracquet.net

Date Sport Opponent Location TimeWrestling at Coe College (Iowa) Cedar Rapids, IA 7 p.m.Wrestling at Luther College (Iowa) OpenWrestling at UW-Stevens Point Open Stevens Point, WIMen’s Cross Country Winneconne, WI 11 a.m.Football vs UW-Whitewater* La Crosse, WI 1 p.m.

vs UW-Eau Clarie * La Crosse, WI 1 p.m.vs UW-Eau Clarie * La Crosse, WI 1 p.m.

Women’s Cross Country Winneconne, WI Noon

The Eagle Agenda

Western Conference

will help facilitate a dominant o"ensive showing throughout the season- headed by Kobe Bryant.

2-seed: OKC !under- !e !under traded away James Harden to the Rockets just before the start of the season. But Kevin Martin is good compensation. But Kevin

contender again.3-seed: LA Clippers- !is is a young team

with tons of talent. Chris Paul looks to get guys like Blake Gri%n the ball. !is is one of the most athletic teams in basketball.

4-seed: San Antonio Spurs- !e race between the Clippers and Spurs could be close. But Gregg Popovich always has this team playing well.

!ey’ll be right there.

acquisition Andre Iguodala, the Nuggets have great athleticism with a solid presence in the post in Javale McGee.

Nowitzki returns from knee surgery, the Mavs have good talent at the 2 and 3. O.J. Mayo should make a big di"erence.

7-seed: Memphis Grizzlies- Another athletic team, the Grizzlies should be right in the thick of the western conference race. Rudy Gay makes that team really good.

8-seed: Utah Jazz- !is team has possibly the best big men of the last 4 or 5 seeds listed here. Paul Millsap is a multi-faceted scorer and Al Je"erson dominates in the rebound category.

Eastern Conference1-seed: Miami Heat- Not a lot to

say here. !e Heat found a way to improve by adding Ray Allen to a

2-seed: Boston Celtics- Possibly the best coached team in basketball, there will undoubtedly be someone who will step up and play big in the clutch, helping the main cast of Pierce, Garnett, and Rondo.

3-seed: Philadelphia 76ers- !is is my wildcard. I think the 76ers have a solid starting $ve with the most underrated point guard in

Jrue Holiday. !e addition of Andrew Bynum makes them a legitimate threat in the east.

4-seed: Chicago Bulls- !ey could be a 2

the entire season. Kirk Hinrich will have to run things until Rose’s return, but a solid team is still there. !ey’ll be right there.

5-seed: Indiana Pacers- !is is a good starting $ve. I would have them higher if they weren’t still so young. But great athleticism

on you, and Roy Hibbert won’t allow many teams second chance points.

don’t think the pieces blend well

scoring, he’s of no use.

is the second best point guard in the league. He will facilitate that o"ense, getting Joe Johnson involved so that he can be the scorer that he is.

8-seed: Milwaukee Bucks- Extremely talented back-court will pull the Bucks through some close games. !ey will have to battle, but I think they squeak in with the 8-spot.

By Greg NickelSta! Reporter

NBA season preview Another NBA season is upon us, and I’ve got the playo! picture laid out.

By Kaitlin DaigleSta! Reporter

Revitalize your favorite food staples

WhEn dO yOu eAt tHe hEaLtHiEsT?

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TaKe oUr pOlL oNlInE aT

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ScAn wItH yOuR sMaRtPhOnE fOr qUiCk aCcEsS

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GrinBin Thursday, November 8, 2012Page 8

+/- Props to Thirsty Thursday. Drops to 8:50 class Friday morning.

+++ Props to the Women’s Club Soccer team having a good season!

- - - Drops to that one person in a group project that doesn’t do anything. Double drops to there always

being a person like that in every group project.

+++ Props to both Joe Biden and Paul Ryan coming to La Crosse.

+/- Props to finally getting a smart phone. Drops to my phone carrier not endorsing iPhones.

+++ Props to a pizza with the pepperoni in the shape of a heart.

+/- Props to Enrique Iglesias. Drops to not being his girlfriend.

- - - Drops to ripping your favorite jeans. Double drops to not being able to afford a new pair.

+/- Props to Norah Jones! Drops to being the only person who likes her music.

+++ Props to that person you totally have a crush on. Double props to their radiant smile.

+/- Props to Assassin’s Creed 3 coming out! Drops to not getting anything done because of playing it.

+++ Props to signing a lease! Double props to having awesome future roommates!

+/- Props to getting a beautiful new hoodie! Drops to it not being enough with the cold weather.

+++ Props to standing in line for six hours to be the first to get Halo 4.

- - - Drops to the school’s wifi.

-/+ Drops to D2L being down for a while. Props to having a reason to not do homework.

+++ Major props to having tickets to the Packers/Vikings game at Lambeau!

Hidden pictureSudoku

Groove out!Need some good music for your walk to class or your workout? We’ve got you covered with this awesome playlist!

1. Tightrope Janelle Monae ft/ Big Boi

2. We Come Together Goldfish

3. One Moment High Society Collective

4. Pop Culture Madeon

5. T.N.T AC/DC

6. The Phantom (1930 Version) Parov Stelar

7. Seven Nation Army (Glitch Mob Mix) The White Stripes

8. United States of Pop 2010 DJ Earworm

9. Stamp on the Ground Italobrothers