It's a Wheel Steal!

by Meghan O'Neal

It’s springtime in Bozeman, which means Bozemanites everywhere are putting away the ski gear and dusting off the old bikes—or if you aren’t lucky enough to possess wheels of your own, wishing you had an old bike to dust off. If you’re looking to trade in your old bike for something fancier, or if you want a new, inexpensive ride, now is the time to make those dreams come true.

 

Bike Swap

The annual Gallatin Valley Bike Club Bike Swap is happening this Saturday, April 20, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Drop off your used gear on Friday between 4-7pm; there is a $1.00 consignment fee per item, and 15% of the sale goes to the Gallatin Valley Bike Club, a local non-profit which works to provide activities for cyclists around Bozeman. An appraiser will be available to help price your gear. Sale hours on Saturday are 8-9am for volunteers and Gallatin Valley Bike Club members only, 9-11:45am for the public, and 12-1pm for the discount sale period. Whether you want to purchase a bike at a ridiculously low price, or need to get rid of old gear, the bike swap is an event you don’t want to miss. Contact gvbcbike@gmail.com for more information.

Bozeman Bike Kitchen

Want an inexpensive bike while supporting a local cause? The Bozeman Bike Kitchen devotes itself to providing simple transportation to all members of the Bozeman community. Bozeman hosts a thriving bike culture, and the Bike Kitchen believes that everyone in Bozeman deserves a bike. The organization fixes old bikes and gives them away to those who need them. Donations, old bikes and parts, and volunteers are always welcome. Bike Kitchen volunteers work for free bikes and parts, depending on how many hours they put in. Some bikes are also available for sale. The Bozeman Bike Kitchen is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8pm, and they can be reached at 852-2096.

Consignment Stores

If neither one of these deals work for you, there is always the trusty thrift store. Bozeman has a plethora of these bargain meccas scattered around town, and you’re sure to find a steal of a deal for your new-used wheels. Second Wind Sports provides gently used sporting goods at reasonable prices. Pawn Depot/Nu2u also provides good finds. It may take some digging, but when you find a deal here, you’ll feel like you’re stealing. Their selection changes daily, so if you don’t find what you need today, be sure to check back later!

Whether you’re a poor college student or a strong member of the community who wishes to give a little of your time, Bozeman offers a variety of awesome bike deals and donations. Join the barrage of Bozeman bikers and steal some wheel deals today!

Quick Credits

Campus on a warm summer day

Four reasons to stay in school this summer
by Sarah Canfield

Most college students cringe when they hear the words “summer” and “school” in the same sentence. Summer break is, after all, a break—time to chill out and forget about the demanding load of schoolwork from the past year. But before you decide to sleep in and screw off for three months, allow me to explain how earning a few extra credits this summer may be a good idea after all—and how it’s not nearly as unpleasant a prospect as it seems right now.

Nature: the original classroom

1) MSU’s summer session offers unique and interesting courses, many of which integrate extensive field time into the curriculum. Geology, botany, and fish & wildlife management are just a few classes that offer academic credit and immersion in southwest Montana’s natural environment—which is one of the reasons you chose Montana State, right?

Recovery is possible 

2) Spend a little too much time on the slopes this winter? Use summer classes to bolster your grade-point before fall semester rolls around. With a little dedication, in a scant six weeks you can restore that parent-approved GPA you enjoyed before your wayward attempt to minor in skiing.

3) Plan to stay in town and work? Maybe, but maybe not -Bozeman’s the fastest growing city in Montana and the job market is tight. Consider opting out of the seasonal job searches and take the fast track to a degree (and a real job). Taking just a couple classes each summer session can bump that spring graduation to fall. This would conveniently allow you to have a degree under your belt—or should we say helmet—right about the time the chairlifts at Bridger and Big Sky start running.

Summertime and the livin' is easy 

4) Fall semester can be hectic, especially your first couple years. Taking a few choice credits in the summer can ease you into the academic environment more slowly, improve your study skills, and give you a jumpstart on fall coursework. Campus is less crowded and there’s a laid-back vibe that makes the whole process that much more tolerable.  

Takin' A Break

by Meghan O'Neal

Upcoming finals mean endless days in the library pulling your hair out, subsisting primarily on energy drinks and protein bars, and attempting to keep it all together as you pull your third all-nighter this semester. With insanity ready to take hold at any moment, you must never underestimate the power of a quick study break. Try out these quick and easy study breaks within walking distance from campus that afford sure-fire cures to the study blues and bring you back to the grind with new motivation.

Procrastinator Theatre

Living up to its name, the Procrastinator provides inexpensive entertainment for a quick respite. Missed a movie in the theaters? This theater, located on the second floor of the SUB, usually shows films recently released to DVD at only $2 a ticket. Films are played daily (except Wednesdays) at 6:30 and 9pm. Call 994-5827 for show listings.

MSU Rec Center

You don’t have to go far to ease your studying pain. Pop on down to the first floor of the SUB to enjoy a game of billiards, bowling, or shuffleboard with a few of your friends. Or, kick back and watch a show on one of their big-screen TVs. You can also rent a Play Station 3 by the hour. Hanging with a few of your peeps with some friendly competition will take your mind off the books for a while, and after an hour the stack of homework won’t seem so daunting.

Hosaeus Fitness Center

Exercise fuels mental activity, so if you find yourself in a study rut, MSU's fitness center offers a wonderful way to rid yourself of excess energy and give your noggin a rest. With so many activities to choose from, such as a climbing wall, racquetball, ping pong, basketball courts, a swimming pool, exercise machines, and more, both workout junkies and those less inclined towards intense exercise (myself included) will find something that suits their fancy.

Museum of the Rockies

A study break does not always mean a break from learning. Be sure to check out the new Taylor Planetarium at the Museum of the Rockies. With state-of-the-art technology, the recently renovated Planetarium brings their celestial productions to a higher level. You can also visit rotating exhibits such as the current Rainforest Adventure (through May 5), or enjoy old favorites, like the Siebel Dinosaur Complex. 

Hike Peets Hill

As spring rolls around, it becomes more and more difficult to remain inside and attempt to put a dent in the schoolwork load. So, why should you? Bozeman offers a variety of quick hikes and trails in town! Just a quick walk off-campus, hiking Peets Hill presents an easy little jaunt and rewards hikers a beautiful view of Bozeman. Drop the books and enjoy the teasing sunny spring days Bozeman sporadically provides. The directions are easy enough; continue east on Grant (in front of the SUB) until you reach the trailhead located at Grant and Willson.

Bug Appetit!

by Brian Varner

Most of us would only consider eating insects in two scenarios: lost in the woods and starving to death, or rip-roaring drunk and on a dare. But as our culture becomes increasingly aware of the damage caused by commercial food production, we're constantly challenged to seek out sustenance that's produced more responsibly and closer to home.

And if good taste, nutritional value, and ecological sustainability are among the primary considerations of your food selections, the source may be all around you.

At MSU's 25th annual Bug Buffet last week, informative presentations accompanied by samples of locally produced honey demonstrated the crucial role and benefits of bees, while MSU Catering Services presented appetizers, entrees, and desserts offering varying degrees of indulgence to the adventurous eaters in attendance.

The Galleria Cocktail (pictured at left), featuring "land shrimp"—which have more protein, calcium, iron, zinc, thiamine,  and riboflavin per serving than beef rib roast—was a particularly eye-catching option, and the well-received quesadillas, stir fry, fritters, and desserts made less conspicuous use of insect ingredients.

"I wouldn't know what I was eating," said one surprised diner. "It tastes really good." This unexpected approval was the general consensus by all those in attendance.

For more information about edible insects, visit http://www.foodinsectsnewsletter.org.

Bozeman-Area Careers

Seniors: with a job fair tomorrow and several more coming up, it's time to think about what to do after graduation. Sure, you can take the summer off and bum around, but then what? No more scrounging off Mom & Dad; time to make your own way in the world. Now, chances are you don't want to leave Bozeman – and why would you? This place rocks. Here's an article from the MSU Pocket Guide archives on the job market of southwest Montana, and where to start looking when your bank account runs dry.

Where to Work after Graduation

by Tina Orem

As is the case on nearly every campus in America, graduates tend to scatter once they have their diplomas. But Montana's magnetism keeps many students in the Treasure State after graduation: a 2003 study by the state's Bureau of Business and Economic Research  found that 45% of Montanans under 30 had no plans to leave Montana anytime soon (and more than 80% of people over 30 said they don't ever want to leave Montana).

MSU students in particular seem to understand the draws of Montana. Of 1,032 alumni who graduated between summer 2006 and spring 2007, only 38% left Montana, according to a survey by the MSU Career, Internship & Student Employment Services Office. The numbers varied by field, however: 67% of University College graduates had left the state, but only 24% of the nursing students and a third of the business students had done so. Less than half of the arts & architecture and engineering graduates were gone.

It's not a surprise that so many grads stick around. After all, the Gallatin Valley can be a great place to begin a career. Montana State University and local government offices are two of the area's largest employers, but opportunities abound in the private sector too. Few people realize, for example, that Bozeman Deaconess Hospital employs almost a thousand people, or that Big Sky Resort does too. Other large area employers include Williams Plumbingand Heating (about 200 employees), the Yellowstone Club (over 500 people during summer), and Martel Construction (150 people or so). First Security Bank and Gibson Guitar both employ well over a hundred people each, and those looking to join a tech-oriented company have Oracle, ILX Lightwave, Printing forLess, Schedulicity, and Zoot Enterprises to think about, as well as the startups hatching all around Bozeman and the dozens of other small companies in the area. People interested in the outdoor gear world have Simms Fishing, Sitka Gear, Hyalite Outdoor Group, Mystery Ranch Backpacks, and a smattering of other companies. Like dogs and cats? Check out Westpaw Design, a pet-product manufacturer that employs dozens of outdoor-oriented Bozemanites.

There's also no reason to assume you won't make a decent living or climb the ladder here. The area's multitude of small companies often provide a chance to get involved at the ground floor and assume more responsibilities faster. And even though the MSU study found that alumni who had bachelor's or master's degrees from MSU and were living out of state indeed made about $6,000 or $7,000 more than their in-state counterparts, the higher cost of living in many other states quickly cancels out the spread. And notably, doctorate recipients didn't fare better out of state, even though that's where most of them went. They reported making $8,000 a year less than their Montana counterparts.

Top 10 Dumb Things Freshmen Say

by Dave Reuss

This is a list compiled by MSU juniors and seniors of dumb things freshmen say. It is far from exhaustive and does not apply to everyone. These are just trends we see on a daily basis that make us think, “Wow! We were once freshmen too.” We’ve all been there and do not blame you for your stupidity. Most of us grew out of it and we sincerely believe you will do the same. But for now, embrace the ending of your first semester of college and try not to yell these things too often.

                                           

10. Does it get like, REALLY cold here?

This question still astounds me… why yes, it does get really cold. We’re in the Rocky Mountains; of course it gets really cold.

9. Exactly how “mandatory” are these “mandatory floor meetings”?

Nothing shouts “independent college student” like a room full of uncomfortable and confused people being told that smoking out of the dorm windows is not acceptable behavior. The truth is, these meetings could not be less mandatory, it’s just the RA’s desperate attempt to retain some sort of power and superiority.

8. My 8am class isn’t even that important.

This rationalization comes around the third week of school. You started out an ambitious and well-to-do college student. But as the late nights add up, that early morning class just doesn’t hold the same weight it used to. Sure, you could walk to class in your sweats through the cold wind, or you could curl up in your cozy blankets and nice warm pillow. Do the right thing.

7. Dude, I got so drunk last weekend.

Now, I’m not judging your lifestyle—if that’s what you want to do, I don’t really care. However, you’re probably 18 years old. The people who are worth impressing on campus honestly don’t care about your underage, drunken escapades.

6. Let’s make popcorn!

This is a dangerous statement in dorm-room life. Making popcorn at midnight, going to talk to your friend—thus forgetting about the popping process—will make you the most hated person, especially if the smoke enveloping your room causes the fire alarm to go off.

5. Look at the cool lanyards we get for free!

 Oh yes, you know which one I’m talking about—the one you get from ResLife when you first move in. Yes, this may be a good way to not lose your key and lock yourself out over and over, but you’re labeling yourself as freshman. Invest in a new one; it’ll be the best $4.95 you spend in a long time.

                                     

4. I don’t need to study.

Appreciate the good days, because believe me, they will change. But hey, you may actually be super smart, who am I to be the judge of that? Don’t be that person though that brags about your intellect whether it’s legitimate or feigned. Learning to study effectively now will help you when you reach your 35-page capstone research project.

3. There’s nothing to do.

This one makes me cringe. There’s so much to do here all year round and you don’t even have to be 21. Hiking, biking, camping, knitting, watching a Bobcats game, joining a club, and stargazing on a golf course are all acceptable activities. Make friends, go do something, and don’t be afraid to feel a little ridiculous. We are in college after all—it’s allowed. For more info on what to do and what's going on, check out the digital edition.  

2. I don’t ski.

Ski Town USA (AKA Bozeman) is one of the most renowned places for outdoor recreation in the entire world. Surrounded by mountains, Bozeman is prime ski/snowboard territory. You mean to tell me you live here and never get outside? I get that some people just don’t like it, have had bad experiences, or are broke. However, if you don’t ski because you’re scared or have “better things to do,” you should be ashamed to say you live here.

1. YOLO!

Ok, have you ever heard anyone over the age of 20 say this seriously? Probably not. “You Only Live Once” is probably the most annoying acronym since “JK.” Please, I’m begging you! Don’t be that annoying freshman.