the
alestle
vol. LXXI no. XXXIX
wednesday, 06.26.19
50 later
years
SIUE community takes trip back to Mississippi River Festival
“...I used to go over after the concerts and search through the trash looking for beer cans from out-of-state with a friend who collected them. We found an amazing array of goods, ranging from drugs and paraphernalia to money, jewelry, food, full beers and all sorts of detritus. We had to get there in the dark before the clean-up crews arrived shortly after dawn. Good times. RON MUELLER
Former festival attendee
Courtesy of John Neiman
MCT CHANGING LINES page 3
LGBTQ STEREOTYPES DEMYSTIFIED
page 6
BYRD SIGNS WITH BELGIUM page 7
page 2
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wednesday, 06.26.19
BOT calls to dismantle system divide after AGB report MADISON LAMMERT managing editor
The presidential search, feedback from stakeholders and overall system unity were the focus of discussion at the last Board of Trustees meeting.
AGB presents results In April, Carol Cartwright, Principal Adviser of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, interviewed several SIU system stakeholders, including teams of senior administrators from each campus. Cartwright then presented the results and called to end competition and capitalize system unity. Cartwright stressed the board and chancellors need to dismantle the culture of competition between schools in order to move forward as a system. Gilbert said this competition has gone on for over 40 years. Vice Chair Ed Hightower said the idea of campus superiority fueled the fire of the idea of separation. “I never point my finger at my predecessors, but the board did a very poor job recently and I say not individuals, the board, of allowing this notion that one campus is superior to the other,” Hightower said. “Secondly, that [has] given rise to the notion that we ought to separate.” In order to prevent the campuses from perpetuating ideas of superiority, Hightower said campuses should encourage each oth-
er to capitalize on niches to reach new heights. “I believe that you should be the best that you can be, but, by the same token, we are a system, and we have to make it clear that we are not going to have duplication of services,” Hightower said. “What we are interested in is making the system stronger.”
Board should operate under strategic plan Another consensus among the interviewees was the need for a culture encompassing all campuses centered on the system’s vision and priorities, especially in how the schools are marketed. AGB Senior Consultant William Kirwin said within the next 10 years, high school graduating classes in Illinois will decrease by 13 percent, which could lead to a decrease in enrollment. SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook said, given this statistic, it is even more essential that the campuses market themselves as a system. “In the Southern Illinois University system, it’s more important as we have fewer and fewer students that we do own the central and the southern part of this state, that people identify with this system and their first inclination is: ‘Of course I’m going to Southern Illinois, I don’t know which campus yet, but that’s what we’re going to do,’” Pembrook said. “I feel like we have leverage in a way, as a system, and we can, and we should, and I’m passionate about it.” Cartwright told the board the current strategic plan is hard-
ly known nor followed, and outlined crafting a new plan and keeping it at the forefront of board decisions should be standard practice. “Apparently [the current strategic plan] was built almost single-handedly by President Randy Dunn and never really vetted and never really approved,” Cartwright said. “So it sits there as a plan, but let’s acknowledge it’s not a plan. There’s not real ownership for it, it’s not being followed. So, job number one for your new president, I think, [building] system plan and it shouldn’t be, as many people said, it shouldn’t be one-and-done.”
Shared services a must Kirwin stressed the importance of using the system board identity to strategically plan and market the SIU campuses. “Each of the institutions has different assets, so you strategically bring these to bear to address the state and community needs,” Kirwin said. “You avoid unnecessary duplication of degrees. And here’s such an important bullet that too few boards have optimized, and that’s creating efficiencies through shared services.” Carbondale student trustee Brionne Locket said he views shared services in terms of collaboration between all campuses. He said the talk of intentions of creating a new nursing program at SIUC should have been talked about more overtime, honing in on the shared services idea.
news in brief Dean named for School of Education, Health, Human Behavior The School of Education, Health and Human Behavior will see new leadership soon, as Robin Hughes was selected to be dean after a national search. Hughes is projected to start her new position on Aug. 1, after her appointment is approved by the Board of Trustees. Hughes will succeed interim dean Paul Rose. Hughes was a professor in the Indiana University School of Education in Indianapolis. Much of Hughes’ teaching experience includes courses surrounding African American studies. She was executive associate dean of Indiana University’s School of Education, senior adviser to the chancellor of Indiana University and Purdue University’s com-
bined campus and vice president of Indiana University’s Race and Accountability in Campus Programs. Throughout her academic career, Hughes has studied student athletes and issues of race in collegiate athletics. Hughes is the co-editor and co-founder of the “Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education,” and has served as the faculty athletic representative for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Horizon League. Rose will remain at the university as the associate dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. He said he looks forward to the fresh perspectives Hughes will bring.
Edwardsville getting new eateries this summer The month of June saw many advancements for the city of Edwardsville, including new food options. Some of the new locations consist of Sugarfire BBQ, Chicken Salad Chick and more to come. Sugarfire, a St. Louis-based barbecue restaurant known for its beef brisket and savory sauce, was the first business in the IronWorks development. The restaurant opened off Plum Street, close to the Goshen bike trail and
Planet Fitnes. Strange Donuts and Global Brew will be joining Sugarfire in the development. Chicken Salad Chick just recently opened on June 26. In addition to IronWorks, Edwardsville’s Plan Commission also approved the advancement of Whispering Heights apartment complex, located next to Enclave. The last commission meeting for both developments was May 20.
“My thinking with the nursing program is collaboration should have been done a lot more,” Locket said. “I feel like it all came at one point, almost like a rush of information and then with the talk about the separation stuff, it was almost like we are creating things because we are worrying about the separation stuff. I know there’s a need for nurses down state, but make better before you tear apart.”
Witt/Kieffer consultants assist in presidential search Cartwright stressed how hiring a new president is a perfect opportunity for the board to lay down system-oriented objectives and to build relationships between community members. “I think you have a huge opportunity with the new president and the clear need to build a strategic plan to combine that with the president building relationships throughout the state, because your stakeholders are not just the people who are here now,” Cartwright said. “You can bring people into those stakeholder meetings that aren’t SIU people, and by doing that, you’re branding the system, you’re building [a] reputation and your new president is building relationships that’ll last far beyond the planning process.” The board has extended interim president Kevin Dorsey’s term until July 2020, providing that a new president is not selected by then. Witt/Kieffer Senior Partner
Dennis Barden said if all goes according to plan, a new president will be announced by the end of 2019. Barden said it was important that he attend Wednesday’s meeting so Witt/Kieffer could hear the conversations, as they will boil the discussions down into a concise description presented to prospective candidates. “The substance of this conversation we could get in writing, [but] we need to hear the board talk about it,” Barden said. “We need to be able to convey to the marketplace, to the potential candidates, the confidence and the enthusiasm that the board has for the new approach, because that’s what will get them the best candidates.” Hightower, chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee, said actions taken by the committee will focus on benefiting the system as a whole while allowing each campus autonomy. “Everything that we do will be to enhance and move the SIU system [forward], but not taking away the autonomy from each campus to do the kinds of things necessary to address their local interests and local needs,” Hightower said. Hightower said they have established outlines for the search. Barden said Witt/Kieffer, after bringing the description into the marketplace, will assess and find candidates. The search committee will decide which candidates the board will interview, and ultimately the board will conduct the presidential interviews.
Interim Director of University Housing to start beginning of July Mallory Sidarous will serve as interim director of University Housing for the coming year. Sidarous, currently serving as associate director, will take on the interim director role beginning July 1. Sidarous said she first came to SIUE in August 2008 as a marketing specialist for University Housing. She advanced to her current position over four years ago. Sidarous sought educational opportunities from the university as well, earning a master’s degree in business administration in 2011.
Sidarous’ appointment to interim director came after the retirement of former director Mike Schultz, who served in this role for 30 years. Sidarous said she is looking forward to continuing the work housing has done under his leadership. “I’m excited for the opportunity to just continue the really good work that’s happening in University Housing,” Sidarous said. “We have some great teams … and there is a strong foundation of student-first mentality.”
SIUE will soon see a finished parking lot at Ralph Korte Stadium. What was before just loose gravel will now be a paved lot, just in time for the start of the fall semester. The construction began in Spring 2019 and will be completed by the end of the summer. Korte Stadium is a 4,000 seat stadium built in 1993, and last updated in 2011. Fall will also bring the beginning of the men’s and women’s soccer seasons, and both teams will utilize the stadium. Event-goers will also appreciate the
newly paved parking lot. Events held at Korte Stadium include the first-weekend freshmen move in, which coincides with a home soccer game. More events include SIUE’s Homecoming tailgate and more. In addition to his project, SIUE Facilities Management is also working on updates to Founders Hall, Parking Lot A, campus sidewalks and the water system and pipes on campus. The Alestle will continue to update on construction changes as more information becomes available.
Korte Stadium Lot to be completed by fall
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wednesday, 06.26.19
06.10.19 An officer responded to a report of a subject who may have cheated on an employment test. The report was listed as coming from Rendleman Hall and is an ongoing investigation.
06.11.19 A vehicle was reportedly damaged in Flying Fields.
06.12.19 An odor that might have been cannabis was detected at or around Rendleman Hall. An officer responded to the call, but was not able to locate the source of the odor.
06.13.19 At New Poag Road near Stadium Drive, an officer observed that a vehicle failed to slow and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle at a traffic stop. Jordin Reynolds was issued a state citation for not following proper passing procedures when in contact with an emergency vehicle. Alonzo Edwards was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon carried on a person or in a vehicle. The firearm was uncased, loaded and accessible. Gabriel A. Williams was charged with possession of a controlled substance. Both were arrested and transported to the Madison County Jail, where they were placed on a felony hold. An officer assisted Edwardsville Police Department on reports of an unwanted subject found in a residential home.
06.17.19
In O’Fallon, Missouri, an SIUE police officer responded to a report of a student who received an email for a fraudulent SIUE job posting.
06.18.19 An officer responded to a report at Rendleman that an employee advised that a subject was applying for a job with a fake diploma. The subject said they graduated from SIUE, but it was never a student.
06.21.19 An officer responded to a call at 2804 College Ave., Alton, Illinois, Building 272 on reports that a patient was cursing at employees. The patient fled the scene before the officer arrived.
06.23.19 On New Poag Road near Stadium Drive, Gregory Silsby was charged with driving under the influence. He was then transported to the SIUE Police Department and was processed and released after he posted a $100 bond. He received a state citation for speeding.
page 3
Madison County Transit implements line changes to SIUE, Edwardsville area routes LAUREN BRIGGS reporter
Several route and service changes to the Edwardsville area were approved at Madison County Transit’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting. Changes are coming in August 2019. Currently, trips from Hairpin Drive to Cougar Village run hourly and only six days a week, not providing service on Sundays. Starting in August, this route will run every 10 minutes starting at 7 a.m. and intervals will begin to lengthen starting at 7 p.m. on weekdays. Fridays and Saturdays will continue to have service, but MCT will also be providing service on Sundays and through breaks beginning in August. SIUE and MCT Director of Marketing and Planning SJ Morrison partnered in January 2019 to create a survey that preceded these changes. This survey addressed all students and asked where students lived, how they travel and where they would like to go. “There was a 9 percent response,” Morrison said. “That is intensely high.” Due to the responses, MCT was able to make these changes.
All on-campus routes will continue to be free to SIUE students, but beginning in August, MCT will be adding more off-campus options. In addition to the increase in frequency for the No. 17 Cougar Shuttle, they will also be adding a new route, the No. 22 University Shuttle. The No. 22 shuttle will provide rides to many off-campus apartments. It also runs through downtown Edwardsville and Esic, an area where many students live. “The target is all SIUE students,” Morrison said. MCT has also created an app in which students can buy their passes and not have to worry about losing them. Passes will always be digitally available. For more information on the mobile ticketing, visit www.mctonyourphone.org. In the wake of these changes, some students would like to be more informed about bus routes, including freshman secondary Students walk on to a Madison County Transity bus to Edwardsville education major of Granite City, on Monday, June 25. | Miranda Lintzenich / The Alestle Illinois, Alex Puhse. “I think it’s wonderful that venient and easier to get around “They didn’t give me much in the way of help [at Spring- they’re extending it to Sunday.” on a day when it’s difficult to get sophomore radio broadcasting around.” board],” Puhse said. For further information or Other members of the sur- major at Lewis and Clark Comrounding communities who reg- munity College and Granite City a digital copy of these changes, ularly use MCT, however, may resident, Sabrina Earls said. “It’s visit mct.org or contact their disalso find the changes affect them. definitely going to be more con- patch at 618-797-4600.
Rise in tensions for LGBTQ community during Pride, even at SIUE MIRANDA LINTZENICH editor-in-chief
The month of June is a period of celebration for the LGBTQ community, especially in St. Louis, but with recent events and the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, tensions have been on the rise. The month of Pride was created to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan, New York, which was the tipping point for LGBTQ individuals as a result of a police raid at a gay club in Greenwich Heights, New York. In 1970, the first Pride was inaugurated as a remembrance of the event. Traditionally, the last Sunday in June has been celebrated as “Gay Pride Day.” This day has since transformed into a monthlong series of events. The first St. Louis Pride committee began in 1979, marking this year as the 40th anniversary. The first event, however, was in 1980. The first St. Louis PrideFest was in 1981. St. Louis PrideFest 2019 will be held June 29-30. However, some St. Louis residents feel this year is different than past years. On June 5, two Pride banners were set on fire in an alley behind The Grove’s Rehab Bar and Grill after a karaoke night. South City, especially The Grove area, has been known for its inclusivity of those in the LGBTQ community. Kyle Hanten, co-owner of the bar, was the first to see the smoke.
“Everybody in the bar ran outside,” Hanten told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “And we just see the fire … I told everyone to get back.” According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Hanten said those who were there were shocked and scared. “We’re human. We were scared,” Hanten said. “I think this is a place where people feel safe. It’s a gay neighborhood. We’re in the city, but the reality is that there are hateful people here, too.” One member of the community spoke to Fox 2 news about the attack. “People are people,” community member Wilson Buck said. “Do you want people treating you like this? If you don’t, don’t treat them like this.” During the same night, two more pride banners went missing from the Kirkwood United Church of Christ. Two weeks prior, on May 24, a man yelled anti-LGBTQ remarks and tried to kick in the door of a Soulard neighborhood home that was decorated for Pride Month, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. “The incident in Soulard the night of May 24th and more recent incidents in The Grove area were an attack against LGBTQ people and equality as a whole,” PROMO, a Missouri LGBTQ advocacy group said in a statement to the Post-Dispatch. “LGBTQ people and allies should feel safe
and proud to display support of themselves and loved ones without becoming targets of violence.” At SIUE, the university prides itself on its inclusivity, being voted high on the Pride Index list every year since 2007. This past year, SIUE received 4 out of 5 stars, with 5 out of 5 for campus safety and 3.5 out of 5 for LGBTQ policy inclusion. The index examines factors ranging from educational resources to campus housing. Some SIUE students feel the university could be doing more when it comes to policies. For example, The Alestle wrote an article in late spring on the evangelical preacher that visits campus each week. Student Mina Mathenia took to Facebook to share her distress with the university. “SIUE administration reviewed the street preacher, Tom Rayborn, after the protest held against him on campus.” Mathenia posted. “Although he made comments about how LGBTQ people will go to hell, along with racist comments, and hurtful comments towards individual people who have had abortions, the administration decided he did nothing wrong and will be allowed back on campus. All after reviewing his own video of the protest, where they could clearly hear everything he had said.” Mathenia said she thinks campus should be aware of this decision and took to Twitter
about the issue. On June 21, SIUE responded to a tweet by Mathenia regarding the situation. “...SIUE administration has reviewed the recording. The debate was contentious, but it was determined that there was no harassment taking place on either end of the discussion,” the tweet read. SIUE does offer SIUE Safe Zone and ally training on campus. The program seeks to encourage a safe environment that is welcoming to all students, staff, faculty and LGBTQ community members, according to the website. This issue hits a national level, as well, as President Trump vocalized his disagreement with the Equality Act back in May. The act is a federal LGBTQ nondiscrimination bill that adds gender identity and sexual orientation to the federal civil rights law in efforts to prevent discrimination. In the absence of a national law, more than 20 states have enacted protections for LGBTQ individuals. For those who feel unsafe, there are resources. Bi Visibility STL is offering self-defense classes for individuals who feel at risk of being attacked. SIUE also offers RAD Self Defense classes during the school year. A full resource list can be found at GLAAD.org. MIRANDA LINTZENICH 650-3527 @mlintze_alestle mlintzenich@alestlelive.com
NEXT WEEK ONLINE: READ ABOUT THE 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT page 4
lifestyles
contact the editor: lifestyles@alestlelive.com 650-3527 wednesday, 06.26.19
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The audience waits for a performance at the MRF. The shows that brought in the largest paid crowds were The Who’s first and only MRF appearance in 1971; The Eagles’ second trip to Edwardsville in 1975; Yes’ second MRF show in 1975; Chicago’s second MRF appearance in 1973; and Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s only Edwardsville show in 1972. Many of these artists returned after these top-selling MRF shows. I Photo Courtesy of John Neiman and SIUE archives
A trip back in time:
50 years since start of Mississippi River Festival VICTORIA GREEN reporter Predating Woodstock, legions of world-class acts made their way to the stage at SIUE for the Mississippi Riverfestival during the years of 1969-1980. Eleven summers of the MRF left behind a powerful legacy. Each summer, a quiet, picturesque corner of SIUE was transformed into a bustling center of music and activity. Grassy knolls and pleasing scenery created an added bonus for concert goers. The depressed area at the bottom of gently sloping hills provided attendees with a tiered overlook of the stage and the venue with a natural amphitheater. SIUE University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Stephen Kerber said the idea for MRF originated from the music department at SIUE and was spearheaded by the late William Tarwater, former chair of the Department of Music at the university, among other colleagues in the music department. Following its first year, then-chancellor John Rendleman became a great proponent in keeping the festival alive. “I would attribute the real credit to Tarwater, the music faculty, Rendleman and local volunteer support,” Kerber said. Initially a partnership between the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the university, the MRF quickly blossomed into a full-on performing arts festival, including all types of musical performances as well as theatre, dance and comedy. “The symphony hoped to educate and acquire a new audience and to enable the musicians [to have] a much longer season, while the university hoped to get the publicity and high profile image throughout
Yes, REO Speedwagon and hundreds the region,” Kerber said. In addition to orchestra performances, more decorated the stage, bringing rock’n’ MRF welcomed a considerably wide vari- roll and other soulful tunes to the heart of ety of musical genres, including folk, jazz, America. Inexpensive ticket prices attracted a country and rock. People scattered themselves through the field, enjoying the re- large crowds to the venue, at $2.00 a ticket laxed vibe of the festival, while others took for lawn seats. “Anybody who loved music was turned shelter from the sun under the giant circus on to the MRF. Ticket prices were extremetent in seats closer to the action. ly low, which Former SIUE gave everyone adjunct profesa chance to see sor Steve Horthe big names. rell attended the It had a huge festival in 1974 impact on the and 1975 while c o m m u n i t y, ” working for Horrell said. food service. John Nei“The MRF man offers was one of the praises and posbest things that itive experiencever happened es from MRF to SIUE,” Horattendees in his rell said. “It book, “In Conwas really a big cert: KSHE thing in its and 40+ Years day.” STEPHEN KERBER of Rock in St. The openUniversity Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Louis.“ air festival be“The book came a sumwas about the mertime staple, not only for students but for citizens concert scene here in St. Louis, and that included multiple venues throughout the throughout the region. “It’s remembered as a major life event area, but MRF was like a jewel,” Neiman for those who went to school here and said. “It was such a beautiful place...there lived here during those years,” Kerber wasn’t many places like that.” Working at the Roundtable Diner in said. “If you were in high school or college around here, it’s pretty much how you Collinsville, Illinois during his late teens, Neiman came face to face with one of the spent your summer.” Top artists of the era traveled to the biggest names in music during the 70s. Midwest to hit the stage at the MRF, The Allman Brothers were staying at a bringing in crowds upward of 36,000 hotel behind the restaurant, and Neiman people. Huge acts such as The Who, Bob delivered a burger to Butch Trucks, the Dylan, Janis Joplin, The Eagles, BB King, band’s drummer.
“It’s remembered as a major life event for those who went to school here and lived here during those years. If you were in high school or college around here, it’s pretty much how you spent your summer.
Later, after convincing the driver to tell him what time the lead singer was expected to depart for the performance at the MRF, Neiman waited outside the band’s limo with a cold beer. “I walked this bottle over to Greg Allman and I asked him to sign my beer,” Neiman said. “I gave him the pen, but the beer was still wet; so, he couldn’t sign the label. He looks up at me and said: ‘Sorry kid, take it easy.’” any starry-eyed accounts like Neiman’s demonstrate that the Mississippi River Festival was a special event. Logistics and financial strains for the festival became more pressing as time passed. Bands required a more extravagant stage presence and advanced technology for performances. “The conditions that made it possible only lasted for a set period of time, and then the music business changed and so it can’t be replicated. It was a unique festival for its time,” Kerber said. The MRF wrapped up its final season in 1980. “It was a bit of a ‘make it up as you go along,’ sort of mom and pop operation, which I understand was part of the charm, but there were long-term limitations,” Kerber said. “Eventually the festival could not be sustained financially.” Friends of Lovejoy Library and the Alumni Association will host “Night in the Stacks” to commemorate the anniversary of the MRF in October 2019 in the Lovejoy Library. The tribute is expected to feature food, music and exhibits related to the history of the MRF. For more information about the Mississippi River Festival, check out the SIUE archives page.
wednesday, 06.26.19
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page 5
alestle asks
What is your favorite MRF memory?
“ MRF director William Tarwater has a conversation with MRF Tentmaster Skip Manley on May 21, 1969, which was the first year of the festival. I Photo Courtesy of Louisa H. Bowen University Archives & Special Collections, LIS, SIUE.
The Who makes its only appearance to MRF in 1971. A popular performance, the band brought in one of the largest paid crowds to the Edwardsville festival. I Photo Courtesy of John Neiman and SIUE archives. Janis Joplin dazzles the crowd at her first and only MRF performance on July 1, 1969. That same year, Joplin released two of her biggest hits: “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)” and “Kozmic Blues.” I Photo By Charlie Cox, courtesy of John Neiman.
Peter, Paul and Mary make their only visit to the MRF on Aug. 11, 1978. I Photo Courtesy of Louisa H. Bowen University Archives & Special Collections, LIS, SIUE.
When The Who played, I snuck under the tent with my Norelco cassette recorder by the right speaker and recorded “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Pinball Wizard.” The highlight of my life at the time… The Who only played once, [but it was] the biggest concert ever. - Tom Schmidt
“
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I was a big fan of Emmylou Harris, but I was off the night of her concert at the MRF. I took my infant daughter, Becky, to the concert and went backstage to meet Emmylou. She was delighted with my daughter and carried her around in the backstage area. Becky grabbed a very expensive turquoise bracelet off of her wrist and pitched into the dense shrubbery that lined the porch area. I had to crawl around with a flashlight for some time until I found it. - Bob Gill
I lived about a mile from MRF and attended and heard many concerts. Always on the grass, never under the tent. Harry Chapin was one that stood out. He was over an hour late, and a helicopter landed him in and he was so appreciative of the crowd waiting for him, he said he’d play until we were tired of listening, and he did. - Ron Mueller
“ Yes on their first American tour in 1972. The band played at MRF a total of three times. I Photo Courtesy of John Neiman and SIUE archives.
Arlo Guthrie makes his third performance at MRF on Aug. 6, 1975, with first-time MRF performer Pete Seeger. I Photo Courtesy of Louisa H. Bowen University Archives & Special Collections, LIS, SIUE.
Burton Cummings from the Guess Who wandered into Vanzo’s after a concert. Kenny Loggins stepped into Dale’s Barber Shop looking for the famous hairstylist Bruce Klobnak to cut his hair. - Sharon Jenkins Klingel
From top to bottom: 1976 lawn seating tickets, I Photo Courtesy of Chris Lammert / Gill and his daughter at MRF on the night she threw Harris’ bracelet in the underbrush. I Photo Courtesy of Charlie Cox, courtesy of Gill. / A 1969 newspaper ad for that summer’s line up I Photo Courtesy of John Neiman.
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Notable headliners bring back sounds of MRF
MADISON LAMMERT managing editor The days of The Mississippi River Festival may be long gone, but the music and memories live on. In honor of its 50th anniversary, this issue’s Headphone Jack is traveling back in time. Bob Dylan, who made a surprise appearance at the festival, is a personal favorite of mine, and after you try “Mr. Tambourine Man,” you’ll see why. According to Rolling Stone, the dreamy song, contrary to popular belief, is not about a happy drug trip, but is actually the result of a vivid image of folk musician Bruce Langhorne playing a tambourine. In the recording, Langhorne makes an appearance on guitar. Of course, if you want a more upbeat song but still crave Dylan’s voice, press play on the nostalgia and listen to “Like a Rolling Stone.” While we are on the topic of Dylan, I
have to mention “Blowing in the Wind.” Every once in a while, a cover is so good you question if that artist wrote the original. This is the case for Peter, Paul and Mary’s cover of “Blowing in the Wind.” The lyric that perhaps hits home the most comes at the end of verse three when the song asks “Yes, and how many deaths will it take ‘til he knows/ that too many people have died?” According to Lyric Genius, this is repeatedly used as a reference to the Vietnam War and even Truman’s decision to bomb Japan. However, today I feel it has a new meaning as more and more mass shootings occur while people resist talk of stricter gun laws. Unlike “Mr. Tambourine Man,” Yes’ famous song “Roundabout” was at least partially written while singer Jon Anderson was smoking marijuana, the singer reportedly told The Wall Street Journal in 2017. This little factoid makes sense, considering the mystical journey the song depicts. While it’s not my favorite song on this list, the fact that Yes’ 1975 performance drew in one of the largest paid crowds to the festival and the sheer uniqueness of the song makes it worth mentioning. The Who also drew in one of the biggest paid crowds to Edwardsville in 1971. When browsing their songs, my ears perked up at “Won’t Get Fooled Again”’s
catchy chorus. Yes, it makes me question my activism when it says “Meet the new boss/ same as the old boss,” forcing me to ask myself the question, “Will my resistance make things get any better, or will the changes I seek just result in me being fooled again?” Chicago’s “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” once again struck a chord with me, even though I may not like to admit it. Like any good breakup song, it throws you into the feels even if you feel like you are in a steady place. We have all struggled with questioning if a breakup was the right thing no matter how many signs say it was. However, once someone better comes along, those questions fade. I sure hope the author of this song found an upgrade. This Headphone Jack wouldn’t be complete without the late, great Janis Joplin and her hit “Me and Bobby McGee.” If it doesn’t sound familiar, just look at the chorus. For those needing a break from the rigors of life, “Ripple” by The Grateful Dead is very soothing. It’s not what one would expect from a band with a fan base who proudly call themselves Dead Heads, and by the end it seems as if the whole world is having a “Buy the World a Coke” moment with everyone singing the “la da
das” in unison. And finally, it would be sacrilegious to not include “Hotel California” on this list. The Eagles traveled to Edwardsville in 1975, a couple of years before the song won a Grammy award for Record of the Year, according to ABC News. The subject of the song is constantly up for debate, with some believing it describes the struggles of addiction and others taking the lyric “This could be heaven or this could be Hell” to be a verbatim statement of the meaning. Band member John Henley reportedly explained the song to be commentary on American self-indulgence. “We were all middle-class kids from the Midwest,” Henley told Rolling Stone. “‘Hotel California’ was our interpretation of the high life in L.A.” Regardless of what interpretation one chooses to believe, the best songs are often those that spark questions in the listeners. Perhaps that’s why so many of these artists drew large crowds to Edwardsville.
MADISON LAMMERT 650-3527 @madison_alestle mlammert@alestlelive.com
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MIRANDA LINTZENICH editor-in-chief
MADISON LAMMERT managing editor
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Sexuality shouldn’t come with expectations THE ALESTLE STAFF editorial board
As diverse sexual identities have become increasingly visible to mainstream society, normative expectations for romantic and intimate relationships have been challenged. According to a study conducted by Gallup, the population of individuals who self-identify as LGBTQ has grown in recent years from 3.5 percent in 2012 to 4.5 percent in 2017, accounting for an increase of approximately 2 million people within the U.S. population. Public opinion surrounding the LGBTQ community has evolved tremendously in recent years. In 1986, 32 percent of individuals within the U.S. reported to Gallup their support of the legalization of same-sex marriage. The most recent study conducted
in 2018 shows 67 percent of individuals within the U.S. support legalized same-sex marriage. Since same-sex marriage was previously unpopular in the U.S., our culture of ideas and our language requires some adjustments. While support for the LGBTQ community has undoubtedly increased, social norms surrounding relationships and members of the community pose some resistance. Sexual orientation and gender expression can be relatively fluid in presentation. Allies should be intentional about their interactions with members of the LGBTQ community and those outside of the community. Reframe your expectation for what a normal relationship should look like — normal is subjective. There are respectful ways to accommodate for members of the LGBTQ community.
When making conversation with someone, ask questions if you require clarification. Conversations fare better for both parties when neither assumes falsely of the other. Feminine-presenting women and masculine-presenting men might experience same-sex attraction. Gender expression has no clear influence on sexual orientation. When meeting someone new, refrain from asserting assumptions about the individual’s sexuality. Ask about a person’s partner rather than a boyfriend or girlfriend. Sexuality can be separate from a person’s relationship status. Individuals who identify as bisexual might be in opposite-sex relationships. However, they are equally valid to bisexual individuals in same-sex relationships. When confused about a
person’s gender, ask about their preferred pronouns. For many individuals who identify as transgender or gender queer, improper pronoun usage can be a sign of disrespect. As Pride Month comes to an end, the 4.5 percent of individuals who identify as LGBTQ will return to their normal lives. However, the discussion surrounding sexual orientation and gender expression should extend beyond the month of June. With 10 million people in the U.S. identifying as LGBTQ, we all have someone in our lives who is a member of the community. We should be seeking to combat harmful stereotypes in order to protect and help members of the community who have suffered. In order to create a just and accommodating society, we must abandon strict expectations for sexuality.
Oppression of women is never cause for celebration MADISON LAMMERT managing editor
With season three of Hulu’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” premiering, there is a lot of talk surrounding the show. Kylie Jenner loves the show so much that she decided to throw a “Handmaid’s Tale”themed birthday bash. However, in doing so she brought the nightmare of Gilead to life, something that many already fear in this current political climate. “The Handmaid’s Tale” centers on a dystopian future in which fertile women are known as handmaids, undergo ritualized rape so the elite families can have children in Gilead, what was formerly part of the United States, but is now a twisted Eden. Women’s agency is completely stripped, as the Handmaids are called by the name of the man they’re assigned to. Handmaids are raped lying between the legs of the commander’s wife.
Those who are not wives or Handmaids are either servants called “Marthas”, or sent to the colonies for supposed “crimes” that they’ve committed. Of course, being gay — what the show calls a “gender traitor” — is absolutely prohibited. Sex for the use of both parties’ pleasure is completely verboten. The scarlet cloaks and white bonnets donned by the Handmaids in the show and book have popped up at recent protests across the U.S. as restrictive abortion legislation is the talk of many state governments. However, as The Guardian points out, Atwood’s famous costume has been a symbol of resistance around the world. Given the context of the show and the current political climate, many have taken to Twitter with their outrage, calling Jenner’s actions embarrassing and questioning if she even knows what the show’s premise is. Actor Bradley Whitford, who
plays Commander Lawrence on the show, told CBS’s “The Talk” he took issue with Jenner taking the seriousness of the show and the symbolism of the red cloaks and reducing it to a theme for a birthday party. “That costume is so kind of iconic, and it’s interesting how it’s changed from initially a symbol of oppression to now, as the show is moving ahead, to a symbol of resistance,” Whitford said. “So yeah, a cocktail party seems to sort of dash all that significance.” A red robe is not the same as a festive dress. A white bonnet is not the same as a party hat. As someone who has watched the show and fears the parallels I see between the fictional piece and our current society, I would be terrified to walk into a party and see women dressed as Marthas. I certainly would not put on the red cloak I was supplied with to wear around the party; I would be horrified as someone who understands the symbolism behind
those costumes. And I sure as hell wouldn’t be impressed if I were handed “praised be vodka” or “under his eye tequila.” Jenner said “The Handmaid’s Tale” is one of her favorite shows and it is great. However, it isn’t great in the same way that most shows are great; it carries a heavy weight as it centers around a society fueled on rape and other forms of systematic oppression of women. Such a society should not be glorified by having cocktails named after its greetings or playing dress up in the robes of the oppressed for celebratory reasons. So, please do not follow in Jenner’s footsteps and throw a party glorifying the oppression of anybody just because a TV show is entertaining. Instead, fight so Gilead does not become a reality. Stand up for the injustices that could lead to such a dystopian state and resist when the voices of others are taken away. Do not ever celebrate oppression.
contact the editor: sports@alestlelive.com 650-3527 wednesday, 06.26.19
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STAY TUNED FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE IN THE JULY 10 ISSUE page 7
Former SIUE pitcher begins professional career Byrd accepts offer to play baseball in Belgium MADISON LAMMERT managing editor
For many student athletes, getting paid to play their sport is a dream. Left-handed pitcher Ryan Byrd, who graduated from SIUE in the spring, will not only be paid to play baseball but will also get to experience a different culture by playing in Belgium. Byrd received a call on June 18 with an offer to play for Mont-Saint-GuibertPhoenix. The team is part of the Royal Belgian Baseball and Softball Federation. Byrd received other offers from Germany and Netherlands. Byrd said he chose Mont-Saint Guibert-Phoenix because it belongs to the highest league in the country and would allow him to play against the top teams of surrounding countries. “I was pretty excited because they called me on my birthday, and so I was kind of in shock,” Byrd said. Baseball landed in Belgium with the arrival of U.S. and Japanese soldiers in the 1920s, according to the KBBSF-FRBBS website. The rules of baseball will be the same as in the U.S., but otherwise Byrd said the Belgian culture will be new for him. “I tried to think about what I should expect, but I have no idea,” Byrd said. “I don’t know anything about the culture of Belgium. I don’t know how things are done over there, so I’m kind of going in there blindly and just knowing that I’m going to be playing baseball. The only thing that I know that’s going to be the same are the rules of baseball.” Since graduating from SIUE, Byrd
has been playing for the Bancroft Bandits in Iowa. His teammate and roommate Nile Ball, of Decatur, Georgia, said graduated high school seniors tend to come to Iowa with one goal: to be noticed by professional teams. “It’s pretty straight-forward, there’s no in-between,” Ball said. “Either you want to play pro ball or you don’t, and you come out here to try to make that happen.” Both Ball and Bancroft Bandits coach Michael Keeran encouraged Byrd to seek international opportunities. Having received offers himself as a result of baseballoverseas.com, Keeran referred the site to Byrd. “Ryan wanted to go overseas. Actually, I think that was something that really intrigued him was playing baseball outside of the United States,” Keeran said. “He mentioned it, so I told him about the website and he made a little profile. It’s basically kind of like Match.com for baseball. If a team wants you, they’re going to message you, and [you] tell about yourself and [they tell about] their organization.” Before going to Iowa, Byrd played for the Chico Heat, Spokane Falls Community College, Bismarck Larks, Wisconsin Keeran believes Byrd’s experience playing for good programs as well as Byrd’s ability to mentally assess the game has contributed to him being noticed by international teams. “I think from a physical standpoint he checks all the boxes, but what separates him [from other players] is what’s up top and some of the intangibles mentally,” Keeran said. “He’s very smart when it comes to the game of baseball, and he knows what he wants to do when he’s on the mound.” Ball, who is also a pitcher, said not only does Byrd’s left-handedness make him stand out but also his ability to maneuver the ball in many different directions. “Most pitchers are right-handed, so him being a lefty already makes him unique,” Ball said. “Then, he’s got what we call the side-arm delivery, and so he
Byrd pitches to Ball during a Bancroft Bandits practice this summer. | Photo courtesy of Ryan Byrd
makes the ball move all over the place. He doesn’t throw incredibly hard, but he has so much movement that he’s able to keep [other players] off balance and he’s able to keep them from seeing the ball well, so he’s able to get guys out.” Byrd began his travel Tuesday anticipating a new culture. “I’m looking forward to experiencing
a new culture and a new part of the world that I’ve only ever read about,” Byrd said. “So, I think that’s going to be fun: seeing how life is in other places.” For more information on the Royal Belgian Baseball Federation, visit their website at http://www.kbbsf-frbbs.be/. Byrd’s SIUE stats can be found under his bio on the SIUE Cougars website.
OPINION I
Albert Pujols plays at Busch Stadium, first time since World Series MIRANDA LINTZENICH editor-in-chief
Despite multiple headlines misleading many St. Louisans to think otherwise, unfortunately, beloved former Cardinals player Albert Pujols will not be coming back to join the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, he was back for the weekend to play against the Cardinals for the Los Angeles Angels. The Cards don’t usually get to play the Angels, and when they have, these game have been away, so it was important that he was back at Busch Stadium for a change. In addition to the hype of fan’s excitement, Yadier Molina’s brothers were also in town. Yadi and Pujols were so excited to see each other that they even exchanged jerseys at the end of the series. Being a huge supporter of the former Cardinal back in his days in St. Louis, I was happy to see him reunited at home with his old team. Pujol’s journey back to St. Louis ultimately led the Angels to a 6-4 win over the Cardinals on Sunday, leaving fans and old teammates emotional — myself included. “He taught me a lot of things on the field and off the field and I’m glad to be his little brother,” Yadier Molina told KSDK
news about Albert Pujols. Pujols and Molina won the 2011 World Series together, and became legends in St. Louis. This was the first time Pujols played in St. Louis since leaving in free agency eight years ago. Pujols received standing ovations before each plate appearance throughout the weekend, showing that St. Louis still loves the former Cardinal, regardless of his departure. “We’ve been waiting for many years, and I’m glad he’s finally here,” Molina said to KSDK. “I know I’m going to take a really good time walking to the mound. It’s going to be the loudest five minutes they’ve ever heard.” Pujols told the Chicago Tribune that being back with his long-time friend, exchanging gifts and playing at home was one of the best moments in his career. “That’s something we felt from our hearts that we should do,” Pujols said. “It’s something that’s going to be in my trophy case. To see the man that he has become, the leader, the champion. I can close my eyes right now and remember him, this little boy walking into Cardinals’ camp. The man that he has become is unbelievable.” When Pujols left, he was trying to sign a 10-year contract with the Cardinals, but he was getting older. He had just won the
St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols, left, congratulates teammate Yadier Molina after Molina hit a sacrifice fly ball in the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on Friday, August 13, 2010. I Robert Cohen/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/MCT
World Series, and Pujols wanted stability for his family. The Angels were able to give him that, and as someone who dearly loved Pujols as a Cardinals player, I am truly happy to see him thriving and continuing to succeed. While I will always miss my childhood baseball hero, I am so thankful he showed
me why I loved the sport. I was devastated when he left, but I still love the Cardinals team and will always continue to support my hometown. This is also Yadi’s last season, and I know next year won’t be the same. But if we lost Pujols and still lived, we will surely remember Yadi and play hard in his honor.
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