Welcome to LASR Morning News on Lute Air Student Radio at 11am Mondays and Fridays
Top 5: OUR Christmas Songs
By Alex Domine 12′
Originally published at The Mooring Mast
As the next generation of college students’ transition into adulthood, 21 years worth of Christmas songs make the transition from contemporary to classic.
Tsunami debris threatens NW Jobs and Wildlife
An entire crew of ocean workers lifts a net full of debris estimated to weigh over a ton. Photo courtesy of John B. Davis
By Joshua Kinne ’13
Ocean debris is an ongoing problem for marine life around the world. Debris from the Japanese tsunami in March is amplifying the problem and is headed toward the Northwest.
By 2014, an incalculable amount of debris will arrive near Washington State.
Sen. Maria Cantwell says that the debris is a threat to jobs and economic security in Washington State. She urged the Senate to help fund tsunami debris cleanup.
Debris will wash up on the coast and potentially damage marine life and fish valuable to jobs and food. Cleaning up debris before it arrives in the Northwest isn’t a straightforward process.
Current efforts to clean debris are small, and dealing with the tsunami debris is creating even more problems for those involved in the cleanup process. Continue reading
Making DREAMs Come True
By Alex Domine ’12
Education is key in fueling a successful economy. It produces jobs, increases tax revenue and lowers poverty levels. Education should be absolved from government affairs. The Federal DREAM Act creates more opportunities for higher education and is therefore an advance to a better economy.
Vice President of Pacific Lutheran University Admissions Karl Stumo, said that the mission of PLU is to create academic rigor through diversity of thought and input and talks about the results of opposing the Federal DREAM Act. Continue reading
Cramming Classroom Curriculum: But Keep the Music
By Linnea Anderson ’12
Listen…music education is a vital element of education. This video is about the importance of music education, and how the state is mandating more class requirements that are preventing students from participating in music programs.
Links
http://www.menc.org/
http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/
Tips for the Young Journalist from a Young Journalist
By George Culver
I feel like I pressed the fast forward button in my life. Time flies by so quickly and before you know it, you’re in the future. One day you’re running late to your first college course and the next moment–you are running late to turn in your graduation requirements. Life flies by… but procrastination remains planted. Well for some of us, anyways. So this is my declaration to the upcoming journalist: “It’s a new day, it’s time to get with the program.” Now let’s get to the heart of the matter. To be better prepared in the life of an upcoming journalist, it is time to step up your game. According to the Annual Survey of Journalism and Mass Communication Graduates, only about four out of 10 graduates were able to find jobs six to eight months after graduation. Continue reading
PLU strictly enforces alcohol policy … only in some areas
By Heather Perry, ‘13
This article first appeared in The Mooring Mast.
PLU is a dry campus, but that doesn’t mean all areas affiliated with it prohibit alcohol.
The alcohol policy in the student handbook details exceptions to the ban on alcohol: the Garfield Commons, Gonyea House, University House, a Resident Director’s university housing and on-campus events “for the purpose of approved worship.”
“It [the alcohol policy] doesn’t ban people from drinking who are of legal age,” said Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Laura Majovski. “It’s helping people to use legal rights responsibly in ways that do not endanger themselves or anyone else.” Continue reading
Budding Buddies
By Katie Scaff ‘13
They may seem like an unlikely pair, but one day 4-year-old Isabel Moore and her 10-month-old therapy dog Luka will be best friends who take care of one other.
Isabel, who was diagnosed with autism in 2009, received Luka from the North Star Foundation on Veteran’s Day weekend.
It’s a slow but budding relationship and the two are slowly learning each other’s quirks.
Isabel’s loud noises and large gestures frighten Luka and Luka’s high level of energy scares Isabel, who would rather be in control of their interactions.
As Luka gets older and learns more about Isabel’s unique needs, he will be able to provide her with the safety, social and emotional support that she needs.
Interested in what it means to be an autism therapy dog or how Isabel got Luka? Click here to read about how PLU Marriage and Family Therapy students helped raise money for her dog.
Interested in helping other children like Isabel get a therapy dog? Donate to the North Star Foundation.
Moving Government: The Haves, The Have Nots, and Students who Cannot Get Enough.
By Shawn Gross ’12
Washington state continues to suffer from a tough economic slump. This is reflected by the lack of job growth and the cutting of several state programs. Local legislatures are attempting to balance the states budget by combining a mixture of dynamic and aggressive revenue increases and program cuts. At the same time, another narrative is being played out on the national level. Continue reading
Controversial ‘Plan B’ available on campus
By Mel Natwick ’12
Senior Jen Hermeier attended a party where alcohol was involved and describes the entire night as a “big blur.” She barely remembered having a one night stand and whether protection was used. The following day she went to Walgreens and purchased Plan B to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
The Pacific Lutheran Health Center gives students the opportunity to make their own choices in regards to emergency contraceptives and birth control.
But Jen didn’t need to go to Walgreens because the PLU Health Center not only educates but also provides Plan B for students.
Can they really get any smarter?
By Ethan Ottemiller ’12
Ten years ago when you purchased your own personal cellular phone (probably a Nokia 5190), you knew exactly what you were dealing with. You knew that you could make and receive calls, send text messages, and even play Snake… Holy smokes! But in the recent years, the primitive technology that we were introduced to has dramatically changed. Today, the majority of cellular phones have evolved into what is commonly referred to as “smart” phones. The technology in these smart phones have become so advanced, that people honestly don’t even need to purchase computers, GPS systems, MP3 players, or portable gaming devices – it’s all readily available in the palm of their hand. Continue reading
Added pressure to avoid alocohol for student-athletes
By Daron Casey ’12
As it is depicted on television and in movies, everyone’s favorite thing about college may be the drinking and partying. However what they often fail to portray are the consequences for these actions, especially for student-athletes.
Students may find their alcohol at the local mini mart photo by: Daron Casey
At the beginning of each season, every athlete endures a conference to discuss the implication of drinking alcohol. As written in the PLU student-athlete handbook, “regardless of age, a student –athlete will be held accountable for alcohol related policy violations in which he/she is involved. In such cases, the student-athlete is subject to University, Athletic Department, and/or team disciplinary actions.” These team disciplinary actions vary from sport to sport, some more severe than others.
Spotlight on Student Media: KCCR
By Josh Kaiser, ’12
Many PLU students have heard of KCCR, the student-run radio station. It’s promoted on flyers, at events, and on bright blue sweatshirts with dinosaurs on them. But how many students actually know what KCCR is about, or what goes on behind the scenes?
The light goes on as another KCCR show begins. Photo by Josh Kaiser
Miscommunication leads ResLife to reemphasize the importance of diversity in holiday celebration
By Joshua Kinne ’13
Ordal Christmas decorating 2010. Some might be surprised to know this tradition will continue. Photo by Kim Stone
“Even back in Luther’s time he recognized that Catholicism wasn’t the only answer,” said Director of Residential Programs Jeff Olsen Krengel. “There are other perspectives out there, and we can’t just negate them.” Olsen Krengel says that holiday celebration is important to PLU, regardless of the holiday being celebrated.
In August, Pacific Lutheran University Resident Assistants gathered together for annual training. During a workshop called ‘Building Inclusive Communities’, Christmas and holiday celebrations were brought up. Continue reading
PLU’s Furry Contraband
Jessica's* cat keeps a low profile. Photo by Jessica.
By Annie Norling ’12
* Names have been changed to avoid repercussions.
What would you do if you walked through the doors of your residence hall and saw a boa constrictor slithering up the stairs of the dorm? Would you scream? Would you panic?
On campuses that ban pets in the residence halls, there are always students who choose to keep a pet in the dorms regardless of the policy. Pacific Lutheran University is one of these campuses.
Opera with LAUGHS?
By Linnea Anderson ’12
Giggles and guffaws could be heard emanating from this year’s Opera Workshop which premiered Nov. 10 in Eastvold Auditorium at Pacific Lutheran University.
Students performed selected works from iconic operas and Gianni Schicchi, a comic opera in one act by Giacomo Puccini.
For more information of PLU’s music department visit http://www.plu.edu/music/
Click More to participate in a poll!!
Rodents and Insects and Mold! Oh my!
By Dianne McGinness ’13
Photo by Jonny Helgren
Pacific Lutheran University is not only the home of students. Critters including bats, rats, ants, silverfish, and bedbugs also make on-campus buildings their home.
Campus Facilities and Management work closely with a service Eden Advanced Pest Technologies in an attempt to rid PLU of the critters that no student wants to share their home with.
