Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Temple Grandin speaks at CSU symposium for autistic students
By: Megan Fischer
Temple Grandin has won seven Emmy awards and is one of Time Magazine's most influential people, and the most well known and successful adult with autism.
On Wednesday, March 23, Colorado State University kicked off a two-day symposium titled, “Transition and Transformation: Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the College Environment.” Grandin was the keynote speaker at this event, and is living proof to students that their autism doesn't have to hinder their chances of success in the world. But, she said, that doesn't mean that it doesn't take hard work to make their autism work for them.
Grandin said that many graduates can't get through a job interview because they see things on a list of requirements that they don't like. Autism or no autism, according to Grandin, that is no excuse.
“Well, I'm sorry, it's called work. And sometimes you gotta do the stuff you don't want to do. Some stuff you're gonna like, and some stuff you're not gonna like.”
It all starts, she said, with having higher expectations for a student, finding a skill that challenges and interests them, and then using that skill to learn other things that might now be a strength for them. She said that the current educational system needs to be doing more for the talented minds of autistic students.
“I'm concerned that our educational system is failing to stimulate and educate the visual and the pattern thinkers. They're getting pushed aside, and we need them. Spatial and visual thinking is being overlooked by educators,” she said.
Kathleen Ivy, a counselor in CSU's Resources for Disabled Students, said that this symposium is so important because it brings a community together to provide a successful educational environment for transitioning students on the autism spectrum. No matter how many resources RDS provides, the students can't do it alone, and that is why this symposium is so important.
“You need respect and understanding for any difference. This is education to help build that,” she said.
Sheila Ferguson, a teacher in residence for the Little Shop of Physics at CSU, who also taught in Poudre School District, attended Grandin's presentation. She said that speakers like Grandin provide inspiration to students who don't think that they a successful future.
“If anyone that has autism or Asberger’s syndrome and sees her engage an audience, that must be a very uplifting thing to know, 'I can do that too.' We need all those different learners, and if we work together you're going to come up with something much better than anything of us on our own,” she said.
The bottom line for Grandin is that with high expectations, hard work, and finding what works for different students, there is no reason that students in the autism spectrum can't excel in higher education, and ultimately, in the professional world.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
FoCoMX: Year 3
The weekend of April 8-9, 2011, will mark the return of the third installment of the FoCo Music Xperiment festival. With over 250 bands, artists and DJs performing this year at a variety of venues, FoCoMX is growing in new and exciting ways, for both the city of Fort Collins and its budding musicians.
During the first year that FoCoMX presented itself to the community, only 112 bands performed. This year, the festival has grown to include more bands, and new aspects, such as a more buses for easier transportation and a karaoke lounge at Gelazzi, according to Greta Cornett, the president and co-founder of the Fort Collins Musicians Association, who also organizes FoCoMX.
“There is definitely a growth within the festival and the local music scene,” Cornett said.
The “silent disco” is a new feature of the festival, attracting a new sort of musical experience. “We are working with Silent Events, who present the silent disco at Bonaroo, SXSW and Wakarusa,” Cornett said. “They bring all of the gear and we provide the musicians. So we'll have two DJs mixing at the same time at the silent disco. Each person who is attending will receive a pair of headphones and can pick which DJ they want to listen to. So essentially to the passerby person, there is no music in the venue, it's all in the headphones and you may see people dancing together who are dancing completely to a different song. It should be fun.”
With so many bands to choose from, the process of choosing them to perform is a tough one for the many volunteers who track down the local scene and listen to what it has to offer.
“The committee is made of up different talent buyers, promoters, and local musicians from the area, so they have a great feel for the local music scene,” Cornett said.
Two bands that are new to performing at the festival include Jay J Mattot and the Arctic and Hunter Reece.
Jay J Matott, who plays at 9:15 p.m. Saturday at the Armadillo, and who has been playing with his band for about a year and a half, was asked to play last year but was unable to because of previous engagements in Denver.
“I did check some of the festival out last year and it was super fun. I love the community and music so I’m way glad to be a part of it this year,” Matott said.
After being seen by Cornett at a Fierce Bad Rabbit Show, Hunter Reece was already in the running to be on the lineup for the festival this year.
“I emailed Greta to check us out so that we could be a part of the show, and she already knew who we were and liked us, so we were super pumped,” Reece said. Hunter Reece plays at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Cheba Hut on Laurel Street.
With so many new bands and venues to choose from this year, Fort Collins will certainly be satisfied with their local music fix, at least for a weekend.
CSU will return their starting quarterback for the first time in four years
March 24, 2011
By: Kiley Long
FORT COLLINS, Colo. – After struggling through another disappointing football season, the CSU football program has released what they expect to be a beneficial and program enhancing spring practice schedule, to lead into a successful 2011 season. The department released the Fall 2011 game schedule, but also a depth chart, personal player breakdown, and the spring practice schedule.
For the first time in four years the Rams will have the pleasure of returning their starting quarterback. While the Ram’s suffered with a disappointing season, Pete Thomas still enjoyed a stellar statistical season as a true freshman quarterback in his first season of college eligibility. In fact his season ranked among the best in history for a true freshman quarterback in Division I football.
The program is looking to hone in on not only Thomas’s skills but the talented results of an excellent recruiting class next season, in order to change the issues that haunted them for the past two seasons. The overarching goal is to once again play in and win a bowl game as the Ram’s did in 2008.
“Our fans should expect tangible results this year”, stated Head Coach Steve Fairchild. “I knew when I accepted this job that 2010 might be a difficult year, but I am accountable and I expect us to be in bowl game this year. I will not allow anyone in the program to expect anything less.”
The Rams have lost several graduating seniors, as well as players Nico Ranieri and Chris Gipson, who have pursued more playing opportunities at other schools. Their positions have been filled and it does not seem to present an issue for the Rams.
Defensively the Rams will call upon Mychal Sisson, Michael Kawulok, and Mike Orakpo primarily to keep the opponents out of the end zone. As for the offensive end, Lou Greenwood, Ben Tedford, and Tony Drake are all expected to rake in the points and make the plays come fall. The coaching staff has remained the same with a few minor additions and adjustments including two- time national champion Bernard Clark, who will join the coaching staff as a linebacker’s coach.
While the program has a lot to live up to, there seems to be an overall positive energy that all the coaches and players share. They are hungry for not only a good season, but truly a spectacular one.
It is time to restore the name of the CSU football program back to its former glory and they seem to be ready to rise to that challenge.
True freshman Quarterback, Pete Thomas, throws a pass during his history breaking 2010 season.
Africans United to Host 7th Annual African Night
At this year’s event themed, The Journey through the Motherland, guests will be entertained to dances from African countries such as Liberia, Uganda and Ghana, as well as a fashion show and food from the different countries.
President of Africans United and junior social work student, Tigist Lijetewa, said the event would provide a platform for people to expose themselves to various African tradition and culture.
“This will be a great learning experience, and also people will be guaranteed to have fun attending an entertaining show,” Lijetewa said. “I think the CSU campus and the CSU community will become aware of Africa from a positive perspective and not what they are used to hearing about Africa on the media.”
The event will help Africans United, an organization created in 2003, reach out to the African community on campus.
“African United aims to unite African students on the CSU campus as well as in the community and to educate about the diverse cultures of Africa through dances, programming and cultural events,” Lijetewa said. “You don't have to be an African to be part of Africans United.”
Junior anthropology student, Jasmine Young, has been a member of Africans United for three years. Young said Africans United gave her the opportunity to have a passion for new experiences and people.
“Being an African American in an African based group allowed me to learn more about others through friendships, program facilitations and more,” Young said. “I have a greater passion for people, and I can say AU has helped me see that.”
Young said she was thrilled about the prospect of attending another African Night.
“I am excited for African Night because AU is always ready to let its audience experience new and amazing things like culture, food, music, and art,” she said. “AU always puts on great programs, and I expect nothing less from African Night.”
Due to lack of funding from student government last year, Africans United had to charge guests to attend the event for the first time in five years.
“I think it was unfortunate that we had to charge last year, but despite that, the event went very well,” said Gabrielle Ohaya, a junior communications studies student and former president of Africans United. “Now that it is back to being free, I expect that there will be a large turnout.”
The event, which is free, is open to the entire public and will take place at the Lory Student Theater from 5-9 p.m.
How to Be a Recessionista
Spring is here and summer is just around the corner. Along with new seasons come new clothes for many. However, there are ways to introduce new trends without breaking a sweat or breaking the bank.
“Set an overall budget,” says Brad Ulrich, a finance graduate student. “Make sure to pay immediate bills, then set aside a percentage for you to play with each month. But remember, when that money is gone the spending stops until next month.”
Another important trick that keeps bills where they belong is to ask yourself questions. Just make sure to be honest and don’t cheat.
“We need to ask ourselves what happens if I buy these amazing pair of boots, what do I have to forgo” says senior fashion and merchandise apparel major, Shannon Marks. “At this age, we all need to budget, so we have to realize that there needs to be a trade-off somewhere.”
Marks says she became consumed with staying on trend and purchasing items that were out of her budget. She says she didn’t have things in perspective and needed a different mindset.
“It was so easy to justify expensive purchases because my major revolves around fashion. Girls in this major typically dress to impress,” she says. “I started to go into debt and one of the things I started doing was asking myself if I truly need it. I do it with everything, not just clothes and it’s really helped me.”
Of course, there are always good, old-fashioned sales to help keep bills low.
“March is the best time to go shopping,” says Hollister employee Mimi Swiatkowski. “Stores put winter clothes on clearance and spring and summer stuff on sale to encourage buying before the season actually gets under way. You can stock up on all seasons for cheap!”
She recommends checking out whether a store has an email list to sign up for because oftentimes a store will send unique coupons to only those customers on their email lists.
Another simple way to spruce up an old wardrobe is by incorporating new accessories or updating seasons-old pieces with fresh elements.
“It’s so easy to be on trend without spending a fortune,” says Kate Hannah, owner of Fort Collins clothing boutique Tula. “The newest trends for spring are bright colors, chunky accessories, and gladiator sandals. It’s so simple to update your style with these you already own.”
Hannah suggests layering and stacking jewelry to be on trend this season. She also says to consider making or updating pieces with fabrics and stones from Hobby Lobby.
“The best way to be trendy on a budget is to make your own,” explains Hannah. “For example, if you want to try incorporating bohemian elements look for tarnished metals and earthy beads and glue them on to plain flip-flops or sandals using fabric glue.”
Of course these tips are easier said than done, but with practice and a little creativity, being on trend this season is cheaper than ever before.
MMJ dispensaries ordered to match state regulations
MMJ issue not over yet
JTC 320
By Courtney Riley
Regulations on medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of Fort Collins will now conform more closely with the requirements of the state of Colorado because of the passing of the second reading of three ordinances by city council last Tuesday.
Infinite Wellness, an MMJ dispensary located at 1740 S. College Ave.,
displays the variety of marijuana it offers in a display case.
Ginny Sawyer, the neighborhood administrator, presented the ordinances and intended changes to the council and residents of Fort Collins.
Ordinance No. 018, 2011 proposed that all medical marijuana dispensaries in Fort Collins should be grandfathered, which passed 5-2 with council members Lisa Poppaw and Wade Troxell being the only two to vote against it.
Ordinance No. 019, 2011 called for conforming licensing to state law and removing redundant language from the city’s regulations. It also proposed a revision to eliminate the restriction on growing medical marijuana by individual patients in a duplex or multi-family dwelling unit, which was included in the first hearing of the ordinance.
In addition, it called for removing the 8 ounce limit on buying and receiving medical marijuana, while maintaining the 8 ounce. limit on selling it.
The regulation also passed 5-2 with Poppaw and Troxell opposing it.
Ordinance No. 020, 2011 proposed amendments to the land use code to define MMJ dispensaries and the zones in which they would be allowed, which passed unanimously.
Mayor Doug Hutchinson said he toured four dispensaries to better educate himself on the issue before making his decisions on the regulations.
“Seeing this was an enlightening experience because there are some stereotypical ideas about (MMJ dispensaries) that I didn’t really see,” he said. “I think Fort Collins has done a good job diligently trying to make sure that these businesses are not a problem in the community.”
Council member Ben Manvel agreed with Hutchinson.
“I think a lot of people in Fort Collins would learn a lot if they could see these operations,” he said. “In the back of my mind I was thinking, ‘this is not a person in a back alley selling me a baggie, these are business people.’ They like their business and they want to stay in business.”
Matt Ryan, the owner of Infinite Wellness, said he’s willing to follow the rules and do whatever it takes to have a legitimate, fair business.
“We’re not pot stores with the marijuana leaves, and the rainbows and the hippies, but a business to benefit others who have medical needs,” he said. “We think it’s best for the community.”
Damien Farris, a resident of Fort Collins and employee of Top Shelf Colorado, said before the ordinances were passed, MMJ dispensaries in Fort Collins were forced to go to other cities, such as Boulder, to buy more marijuana because of the 8 ounce limit on purchasing.
“Being able to work with our business alliances will allow us to work within our city without having to drive an hour or two to other cities that may not have Colorado’s best interest at heart,” he said.
Scoot Crandall, the executive director of Team Fort Collins opposed the ordinances. He referenced an e-mail from Dr. Tom Crowley, a professor at the University of Colorado Denver and the director of the division of substance dependence at the university, saying that medical marijuana may have medical uses, but it also has adverse effects. He suggested that it should just be distributed through pharmacies.
“Medical marijuana would finally be medical,” he said.
But council member Aislinn Kottwitz said the passing of the ordinances was not a discussion of the harm or benefits of medical marijuana. If residents of Fort Collins want to ban medical marijuana, she said, they can start an initiative.
“This is not condoning the use of marijuana medically or illegally,” she said. “It’s legal in the state of Colorado, and it’s our job to make sure it’s available to those who legally meet the requirements.”
She also emphasized that the use of medical marijuana is not a simple issue, and the passing of the three ordinances are not the end of the issue.
Manvel agreed, saying this is an ongoing process that will likely change within a year.
“There are so many other things that can happen with medical marijuana,” Kottwitz said. “It’s a catch-22.”
Shifting gears into the future
As gas prices rise and the weather warms, you may hear the phrase “on your left” mixed with a power-drill-like buzz the next time you are passed on one of Fort Collins' local trails.
Though not yet legal, steps are being taken among city leaders and advocates to change city ordinances to allow motorized, electric bicycles on Fort Collins' pedestrian trails and bike paths.
Currently, any motorized vehicle is prohibited on trails in town. If the ordinance is changed, certain electric-powered vehicles and bicycles would be allowed, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
“This is really the beginning stage, but it seems to be picking up momentum,” Fort Collins Director of Park Planning Craig Foreman said.
The 25-year Parks Service worker said that the process has been in the works for years, and it is currently in the ending months of the initial “outreach stage” where comments and concerns from numerous agencies and boards around the city are being heard.
Supporters of the measure include Josh Kerson, owner of RunAbout Cycles, a local “e-bike” store. According to minutes from the Board of Parks and Recreation, Kerson has repeatedly pressed for changes to the ordinances and has said that these bikes are being used by the elderly for “social recreation.”
In a letter to the Board of Parks and Recreation, Kerson said that over 50 electric bikes are already in use in Fort Collins. “These help our country reduce its dependence on foreign oil, reduce our carbon footprint and enable people to resume their old exercising habits again.”
Many say that the elderly have special requirements that often go unnoticed including difficulty breathing and weaker musculature. Kerson says these bikes will allow this group of citizens back on the trails with a little help from a motor.
With this technology gaining momentum, board members expressed concern that it would be too loud and that people would travel too fast and reckless on bikes that can travel up to 20 mph with little effort.
However, supporters including Kerson say that the main group is the traditionally careful elderly population, and motors can be made to be slightly louder than a hand-held drill.
One of the hand-built bikes from RunAbout Cycles
The interest in this has yet to impact college-age populations, it seems. When surveyed, many trail-users had no knowledge of the measures being considered and seemed indifferent to the idea of new vehicles on the trails
“I've seen them around campus, and they don't really seem like a big deal as long as people follow common-sense rules,” 21-year-old sociology student Menna Kubisiak said.
Pablo Bidwell, a 20-year-old computer science major, agreed for the most part. However, he was wary of how the city would limit and enforce the different technologies on the market.
“Electric bikes sound fine, but then what about gas-electric mixes or different power sources? What about size limits? Whatever they decide, they need to think about these little things.”
When asked why the process has taken such a long time and what the next step would be, Foreman said, “You have to take into account the various interests of different groups. Fort Collins has a history of taking the necessary precautions before changing things, and we like to take pride in what we actually accomplish.”
An outreach program will be held Saturday, March 26 at City Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Numerous board members and interested people will be in attendance including Kerson, e-bike users and local politicians.
This is the largest e-bike event in Fort Collins yet, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
For more information, visit www.fcgov.com/bicycling.
Check it out for yourself
|