Page 10
The Record
September 24, 1998
CSB/SJU OM team places second in world
By Erin Adler
Staff Writer
team has had the last few months to work and perfect, as well as a spontaneous" competition which requires the team to be ready for anything.
The team selected a problem designed by the OM organization called "Camouflage Creation."
thirty-six nations and the District of Columbia compete at the World Finals, one of the most interesting
Last May when most college requires the team to-be ready tor parts about OM is meeting other students were taking a break from anything. teams who have traveled lonp dis-
learning and giving their brains a The team selected a problem tances* Though language and cul-
rest, one group of students at designed by the OM organization turc ,can 'n'nally seem llk
out2 of The seveiv CSB/SJU OM members pose as a SUBMITTED PHOTO possibly even forming a sec-teen teams in team with their prize: Sarah ond team from CSB/SJU. Division IV. Kurdziel, Kate Francis, Jake Krotzer, Mark Krotzer, Who would be a good OM has been in Jason Bartes, and Grant Seeger. Missing: Nick Buhl, candidate for OM?
According to Sarah Kurdziel, The goal of the project was to build a balsa wood structure that could support as much weight as possible, while still being able to be concealed within a larger structure. Both structures as well as a team membership sign had to fit into a limited space the size of a large suitcase, which was a challenge in itself.
Because teams from fifty states,
existence since 1980 and is a program for elementary through college-age students who are interested in problem-solving and creative thinking. The object of OM is to use "divergent thinking and cooperative learning" to solve given problems and allow teams to compete at regional, state, and even worldwide levels. The competition consists of a long-term problem on which the
"OM is for people of all types who want to come together and be creative, solve problems and have fun. OM requires skills in many areas-it is truly for everyone, from the artist to the actress to the person who is into the more technical side of things." Interested persons should contact Sarah Kurdziel at 363-6219.
Alpine ski club swooshes toward new year
By Jeanne L. Woolwine Staff Writer
Despite their busy work schedules and extracurricular activities, Ben Abrams, Alex Young, and Jeff Muntifering still find time to bring energy, as well as their good looks, to their leadership positions in the Alpine Ski Cluo. Abrams and Young recently-spoke about the club and the upcoming year.
"It's.one of the largest clubs on campus," said Abrams with a load of pride. "It's also one of the funnest clubs on campus."
In the past two years Abrams, Young and "Munti" have brought new life to the club. Last year the club went on two big trips, one to Lutsen Mountains and one to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The trio is excited about taking their club on four big trips and numerous smaller excursions to Powder
Ridge.
"It's all about numbers," states Abrams. "If people want to do it, we'll do it."
Members can expect trips to Park City, Utah, two trips to Lutsen Mountains, and one to Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn. The trip to Park City will take place over J-Break, the last week in January, and the first Lutsen^ trip will be either the first or second week in December. Look for the Spirit Mountain and second Lutsen trips to take place somewhere between mid-February and mid-March.
"The great thing about ski club is that everyone's welcome, whether you've been skiing all your life or are just getting started. You can ski to your heart's content or just socialize," says Young.
"Not only does the ski club provide a social atmosphere, we
also provide an environment that appeals not only to the beginner and advanced skiers, but also to those diehard followers of Mr. Tommy Moe and his mute-grab-air," added Abrams with entnusi-asm.
But how much does it cost? According to Young and Abrams, prices go as low as $20 for a trip. "The great thing about going on a trip as part of the Alpine Ski Club, is that we get great discounts. With a club trip, the price comes down to about $100 for everything with two days of skiing, two nights of sweet lodging, and trans-portaion in the university vans. The only thing that costs extra are food and beverages. It's one sweet deal."
So if you are thinking of skiing at all this year, check out the informational meeting September 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge at SJU.
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Kiosk to be dedicated
Guide to prairie is near-finished
By Justin Piggush Staff Writer
Many have noticed the new structure going up on the St. John's prairie. Known as the kiosk, the structure will be dedicated on the 26 of September. The kiosk will house environmental information panels on the prairie, oak savanna, and wetlands. It will also serve as a base for the many groups who tour the recently restored area each year.
The dedication will begin at 1 Oam, The festivities include music, tours (noon-l:30pm), and speeches by several noted people. Br. Dietrich Reinhart will speak at 1 lam. Bishop Speltz will deliver the blessing for the kiosk and garden, and Kim Chapman, an ecolo-gist with The Nature Conservancy, will highlight the importance of setting aside reserves of native habitats.
Adjacent to the kiosk is a garden identification area. This garden is planted with 90 of the over 110 species of native prairie grasses and flowers found on the St. John's prairie. Each species will be tagged with a sign providing its name.
The prairie is really an enchanting place. Just as Fr. Paul Schwietz says, "You need to go into it to experience it." The prairie has just as much beauty as any of the other areas on the campus. A short hike around reveals this beauty and the diverse wild animal populations.
The Habitiat Restoration Project, begun ten years ago,
encompasses 160 acres along the St. John's entrance road. Sixty acres are included in the wetland portion, which was recreated with the construction of two earthen dams to hold back water in the previously ditched wetlands.
The project has been quite successful. In addition to the numerous prairie plants, 50 other species are support in the wetlands. The area is home to 76 species of birds and nearly 50 other species visit the area. Twenty-seven species of butterflies grace the prairie air.
One of the particularly interesting parts of the area near the kiosk is the upper wetlands. This wetland is known as a sedge community. This type of wetland happens to be the rarest in the state. St. John's sedge community is home to many wildflowers, including two species of orchids. The Restoration has been supported by donations from numerous alumni and corporations. The funding for the kiosk and prairie garden primarily came from the Dayton-Hudson Foundation, which donated $27,000. Students can also support the project. A donation of ten dollars or several hours of volunteer work will place a student's name among those of the charter members.
Fall is a great time to explore the prarie. According to Fr. Paul, "Grasses are incredibly beautiful and colorful. They show fall color much like trees do." A walk on the Wetlands trail, accessed from the kiosk, is a great way to soak up the beauty of the prairie.
Improv group entertains
Jesse Stremcha Staff Writer
Welcomefest this year included a show at the BAC oy an improv comedy company, " 8 Degrees Below Normal." The group began by asking for a story title and an acting style. Then based solely on that information they created a story where each actor came up with his own next lines.
There are no scripts; it is completely spontaneous, and the audience is an integral part ofthe show.
For their next skit, the company asked that question every audience member (or at least the average modest Minnesotan) fears: Do we have a volunteer? Of course, some guy started pointing at his neighbor. Naturally, they o ,-., ,, .
picked the guy 8 Degrees Below doing the point- Normal performs ing. When he
got on stage, he was asked to tell them about his day: what he had for breakfast, what he watched on TV, etc. Based on that information, the next skit was constructed. Using the phrases straight from the audience member's mouth, the group created a hilarious sketch of his day as if it were a nightmare. In all sketches, the audience was always giving input. A fun-filled evening of comedy was the result.
"8 Degrees Below Normal" got their start at Second City, a Chicago improv joint. They were all trained and acted there, and it is where they met. About seven years ago, the group got together and decided they would form their
own company. Since all 8 had college degrees that they were not putting to use, they chose the name "8 Degrees Below Normal."
Now the group tours around the upper-Midwest, doing shows for colleges, but also for corporate events and comedy festivals. Glenn Brettner, one of the actors, says that the audience participation involved with improv is not a problem with college shows. In the past, he explained, they did some shows at bars where part of the audience was there involuntarily—the audience was just there to
PHOTO BY DUNCAN SHANNON
drink, but ended up part of ap improv show. Then, they got some inappropriate or rude comments. At colleges, though, everyone is well educated, so they get all the jokes, and they are able to come up with good ideas.
To strengthen their skills, the group goes to "The Improv Orgy." It is an open-mic night for comedians. They go to a club, get on stage, and do their stuff. They work with actors of various skill levels. If someone has not been acting long, one must help him or her along. It makes one a stronger comedian, but also, it helps other actors out and builds up the whole improv community.
