The Saint :: Issue 7

AQ Cross Country goes to nationals | 7

Is journalism dead?

Saint Reporter Katherine Mata checks out the latest mergers and staff cuts at The Grand Rapids Press.

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theSaint

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Volume 31, Issue 7

We should really be studying right now. . .

>>NEWS Farmer’s Market grows | 2 The Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is under construction to be bigger and better.

New AQ student fitness | 3 Aquinas’ Health and Wellness Initiatives is bringing in new programs to help keep students well-exercised and healthy.

>>A&E Xanadu rocks AQ

Winter movie preview | 5

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Roller skates, 80’s music, Greek gods, and more! Reporter Talia Clark checks out Aquinas’ latest musical production.

New Forms art exhibit | 5 Aquinas’ students prove that art goes beyond traditional norms at the latest exhibition in the Arts and Music Center.

>>SPORTS Aquinas hits the alley | 7 This is not a new student housing idea. Aquinas’ bowling team is up and running.

Cornerstone Showdown | 8 Reporter Sam Swartout previews what is sure to be a memorable game for AQ’s men’s basketball team.

Going without

U.S. faces shortage of ADHD medication leaving local patients frazzled

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-in-Chief A recent shortage of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication in the U.S. has local patients scrambling to find sources for their much-needed prescriptions.

Medications containing methylphenidate hydrochloride and amphetamine mixed salts, the active ingredients in the brand name ADHD treatment drugs Ritalin and Adderall, began to be difficult to find in the Grand Rapids area about a month ago.

“It’s the generic that’s gone short,” said Dr. Jack Walen, physician for Aquinas College’s student health services. Walen, who also works at a free clinic in Grand Rapids, added, “I know that my patients have had a hard time finding it, pharmacies say they haven’t had it for a while.”

Reports from NPR and other national news sources confirm similar situations in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston, among other locations.

Signs of an emerging lack of the medications appeared last Spring, when federal Food and Drug Administration officials declared a shortage of generic ADHD prescriptions. President Obama recently signed an executive order imploring the FDA to look into the situation further.

Production of extra Ritalin and Adderall generics may prove difficult, due to the active ingredients being considered controlled substances under federal Drug Enforcement Administration regulation.

Manufacturing quotas are established by the DEA for these substances at the beginning of each year. Although

requests for increased production are an option, it still takes time to turn the raw ingredients into finished products that can be prescribed to consumers.

This wait may be long. Aquinas senior Chelsea Pummill said she was warned by her doctor that her prescription may be harder to fill than usual at a routine checkup. “When I got to the pharmacy, I was informed that not only were they unable to fill my prescription, but that I may not be able to have them until January or later,” she said.

Reasons for the shortage are unclear.

DEA officials blame manufacturing companies for not gauging market demand correctly and not producing enough pills of the exact type that consumers need.

However, drug producers have hinted that DEA quotas have lagged behind demand in recent years, creating the shortages.

The missing drugs are proving to be a medical difficulty for those in the Grand Rapids community. According to Walen, patients with ADHD who suddenly stop taking prescribed medications experience a return of their symptoms: a mix of impulsivity, inattention and difficulty focusing, and hyperactivity.

Aquinas student Dorothy Rabourn, whose daughter is prescribed Adderall, has seen marked changes in her daughter’s life since the shortage. “Now, she has zero energy, and a hard time going to work,” said Rabourn.

“It’s really bad because the meds that the doctors are giving now aren’t adequate,” she continued. “It’s a time release one, which isn’t as good.”

Pummill has been experiencing similar problems since her prescriptions

New businesses bolster Eastown

By Yasmeen Ahmed The Saint Reporter

Eastown has been seeing some big changes lately. These changes include the Kingsley Building’s new features, the remodeling at Smitty’s and the opening of Harmony Brewing, as well as a few new businesses popping up.

The Kingsley Building is located at the intersection of Robinson Rd. and Lake Dr., and has been unused for many years. However, it has recently been restored by developers Guy Bazzani and Baird Hawkins. Hawkins claims the first tenant, Allegro Coaching, will be open for business on Jan. 2. Icapsa Books will open in mid-January. Also, a restaurant will be going into the south end of the building on the Lake Dr.Genessee corner in late spring of 2012.

Other tenants have not been decided on as of yet.

Smitty’s, Eastown’s iconic liquor store, is now re-opened after two months of reconstruction. The store looks different, and has significantly increased in space. Additions include a new refrigerated beer den that is organized, plentiful, and welcoming to customers.

The liquor section has also been expanded, and there are plans to install one monitor as well as a TV for watching sports on game days. Smitty’s is open from 9 a.m.-2 a.m. Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Harmony Brewing will be opening towards the end of December or the beginning of January. Beer served at the bar, which includes six taps for six different types of beer, will be brewed on site.

Their brewery and restaurant will also feature wine, cocktails, a woodfired pizza oven, and a wide range of appetizers and bar snacks. The owners are going for a rustic, seasonal look. “We are really intense about making it more like a café, a place for people to chill out and maybe come do homework or get some work done while having a beer in a quiet atmosphere, rather than a rowdy bar,” comments Heather Van Dyke.

Building plans incorporated lots of natural light for ambiance.

Harmony will have wifi and plans to feature an event called Black

COURTESY FLICKR.COM

Empty bottles: The current shortage of methylphenidate-containing drugs has been blamed on both DEA production limits and an increased demand. became scarce. “Going to class without it feels like a waste of both my time and the professor’s because, although I’m in class, I’m not hearing or understanding anything,” she said.

For Pummill, the bureaucracy surrounding the issue is especially frustrating. “There has been such a huge

World news update U.K. embassy in Tehran evacuated, Egypt preps for elections, Syria faces civil war

By Sarah Branz The Saint Reporter

United Kingdom:

After the UK embassy and a residential compound in Tehran was attacked by Iranian protesters on Tuesday, Nov. 29, Britain ordered all of Iran’s diplomats to remove themselves from the U.K. by Friday Dec. 2.

The attack involved protestors surrounding the embassy burning

YASMEEN AHMED / THE SAINT

YASMEEN AHMED / THE SAINT

Under construction: Eastown is undergoing some positive changes as the year draws to a close. If all goes well, business will be booming at the Kingsley Building (top) and Harmony Brewing (bottom) when 2012 rolls around.

Squirrel University every week. Black Squirrel University will host college professors and local historians as a kind of community information sharing program.

Although the bar’s location raised eyebrows in the neighborhood, since it is next door to residential buildings, neighbors are starting to accept the new addition to Eastown, according to Van Dyke. “In the beginning, the neighbors were opposed to us being there because they thought it would be more of a rowdy bar, but after

explaining to them it would be more of a café they have agreed to give us a chance,” said Van Dyke. “We now have a good relationship with them and our intentions are only good. We have to be able to prove to them we’re not going to be that noisy, disruptive bar.” Harmony Brewing’s hours will be 12 p.m.-12 a.m. seven days a week.

Other openings in Eastown include Uptown Kitchen on 1514 Wealthy Street and Renewal Body Boot Camp, where fitness classes started November 14 on 415 Norwood St.

response from patients all over the nation whose lives are falling apart over the shortage, but the government won’t give the go ahead to start producing more,” she said. “We’re all forced to wait it out, which, amusingly, patients with ADD are not particularly good at doing.”

turnout was expected to be at least 70%.

The delays are worrying to some voters who recall the rigged balloting that occurred under Mubarak’s rule, said first-time voter Shahira Ahmed.

Polling will take place in three stages, though results leaked from the first stage suggest that the Muslim Brotherhood will win the overall position.

>> THE DEATH TOLL SINCE PROTESTS FOR THE OUSTING OF SYRIAN PRESIDENT BASHAR ASSAD BEGAN HAS REACHED OVER 4,500. << British flags and a car. The residential compound, Qolhak Garden, was also pillaged and the main office was set on fire.

The protestors were primarily members of the Basij, which is an unofficial volunteer-based militia that received orders from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

The UK embassy has since been evacuated and closed, according to U.K. Foreign Secretary William Hague. Other countries, such as Germany and France, have withdrawn their diplomats, and Norway has temporarily closed their embassy in Tehran.

Egypt:

Egypt began their parliamentary elections on Monday, Nov. 28, the first since former President Hosni Mubarak was forced out of office in February.

Announcement of the results has been delayed twice due to the large voter outcome, according to Abdul Moiz Ibrahim, head of Egypt’s election committee, who said that there was a 62% turnout. Initial

Syria:

Syria was identified by the U.N. to be in a state of civil war as of Wednesday, Dec.1.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, has said that the death toll since protests for the ousting of President Bashar Assad began in March has reached over 4,500.

The United Nations is now not only seeking international help with giving food to the torn country, but also calling for international protection of Syrian civilians.

Sanctions banning travel and freezing Syrian assets have been put in place by the European Union in the hope of crippling the government by restricting cash flow.

R u s s i a a n d C h i n a , h o we ve r, are still in support of the Syrian government, having vetoed a recently proposed EU resolution that censured Syrian’s unrest. According to Russia’s Ambassador, Valery Loshchinin, arms were recently sold to Syria, and groups are being organized from abroad to send help.

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

Aquinas: Insignis honors students presenting today in Donnelly

Grand Rapids: City’s river not so dirty after all

Michigan: Doctors now sending prescriptions electronically

Nation: EPA’s lowering of mercury emissions becomes pro-life issue

Today, Dec. 7, beginning at 1:40 p.m. in the Donnelly Center, there will be 6 consecutive presentations by juniors and seniors participating in the Insignis Honors program. The projects will creatively showcase a variety of disciplines including psychology, biology, and accounting.

After a recent study of 45 samples from various parts of the Grand River, the local non-profit Grand Rapids Whitewater determined the river to be surprisingly clean.

Surrounded by several waste-producing factories, the river showed significantly less sediment than was expected.

Nearly half of Michigan’s doctors are now sending prescriptions electronically, almost double the rate of two years ago. Blue Cross Blue Shield is now even offering incentives, hoping that more doctors will utilize “e-prescribing” in efforts to increase efficiency and reduce errors.

The Enviromental Protection Agency is receiving strong support from the Evangelical Enviromental Network. It claims that the EPA’s push for enforcing pollution controls at major boilers across the country is a prolife issue, since “1 in 6 children are born with harmful mercury levels in their blood.”

A thank you in advance monica rischiotto |news editor Most of us probably could not pick them out from a crowd. If we walked passed them at Meijer, a mountain of ramen noodles in tow, we would not even know to say “hello,” let alone shout out a “thank you.” And interestingly enough, they probably would not recognize many of us students either.

If we were wearing any kind of Aquinas College apparel, however, there is no doubt any one of the 15 members of the Advancement Department would spark a conversation.

As we celebrate the season of advent, a time of preparation, and of course a time of giving, it seems only fitting to showcase a group of individuals who not only know how to give of their time and talents, but ironically more importantly, inspire others to give so that we as students may receive.

This was all running through my head during a recent Financial Accounting for Non-Profits class (a class I dreaded with great fear 3 months ago). We were discussing the realities of establishing a non-profit, delving into the ins and outs of how money should be managed, where it comes from, how it should be used, and of course the ungodly number of legal forms beginning with “W” that must be filled out (i.e, realities that the average Community Leadership major would prefer to ignore).

Luckily for us (sorry accounting majors), the class is not all numbers and classifications. In efforts to look deeper into this world of gift giving, our professor, Anthony Burdick (a theater major turned CPA…win), interviewed Cecilia Cunningham, Director of Major Gifts and Advancement Dept. member, here at Aquinas.

He asked her questions ranging from what exactly is philanthropy to what are the levels of gift giving to essentially, “Hey Cecilia, will these students wanting to work in non-profits be able to find a job after they graduate?” (thankfully her answer was “yes!”). In regards to the levels of gift giving, there are two statements from Cunningham that were particularly interesting.

First, when explaining her passion for personal donation requests, Cunningham said, “I would much rather ask someone for a $1 million gift than a $10 or even $100 gift.” Why? According to her, asking someone for this amount of money justifies three things. First, there is an established relationship with the potential donor, there is a specific interest in the donor to give, and finally, there is the capacity of the donor to give.

Second, Cunningham shared the process of receiving this gift takes anywhere from 6-18 months. As for major estates, it can take anywhere from 18-24 (ask Greg McAleenan, Vice President of Advancement, he has notes dating back to nearly two years ago of conversations he had with Sam and Janene Cummings, the generous donors of the Brookby estate Aquinas recently acquired).

All of that being said, some of you may be thinking, alright, alright, enough already. They are the sweet talkers.

The people who dress in suits have business meetings with a glass of wine accompanied with all five forks.

Ye t a f t e r l i s t e n i n g t o b o t h Cunningham and McAleenan alone, it is evident that the surface skills of wheelin’ and dealin’ are not enough.

For those who have the means to give, particularly in substantial amounts, they know the drill. It’s not only about the institution, the cause, charity, etc. they are supporting, but most importantly the relationship they have with the person who is asking for their gift.

So as we come into the final weeks of the season of giving, let us remember not only the generous givers who contribute both to the facilities as well as the scholarships for us to attend this school, but also the receivers, those who work each and every season to build relationships and open the doors for donors to give.

Most of us will probably still walk past you at Meijer, unbeknownst that it was you who talked to the family who provided our scholarship. And while student loans will still be a loyal companion to many of us after we graduate, it is your efforts that made the load a little, or a lot, more bearable.

Thank you for your committment to the season of giving all year round.

Fulton Street Farmer’s Market makeover has begun

By Scott Kaplan The Saint Reporter Construction began last month on the Fulton Street Farmers Market, an approximately $2.6 million project hoping to achieve major upgrades to Grand Rapids’ oldest and most popular farmer’s market.

Anyone who’s been to FSFM knows how cramped it can get on a given Saturday morning. The improved farmer’s market will feature a wider center aisle for customers and covered, open-air sheds for vendor’s so they won’t need to set up overhead tarps to protect their merchandise.

Because of the limited space, no new parking could be added, but a new bus stop will be placed right in front of the market, and more bike racks are being installed.

The biggest change is the addition of a building that will house around 8 to 10 vendors year-round.

After construction is completed this spring, the whole facility will also be LEED certified.

Christine Helms-Maletic, Project Manager and Fundraising Consultant for the Midtown Neighborhood Association which operates the FSFM, thinks that the renovations will produce tangible benefits for the vendors as well as the wider Midtown community.

“We have studies that show not only does the market generate revenue for vendors, but also surrounding business,”said Helms-Maletic.

Fundraising literature states that around 8,000 people visit the FSFM each week, and the current estimate for 2011 is that vendors will take home around $1.75 million, collectively. With all the improvements, Helms-Maletic is optimistic those numbers will increase next year.

Although the city technically owns the space, funding for the project comes from a wide array of sources.

“Public funding is a very important part of the puzzle, but it’s not the

DIANA BURCH / THE SAINT

Construction begins at Farmer’s market: The $2.6 million dollar project began earlier this month. Fundraising is still ongoing with a proposed completion of construction by this spring. whole thing. It’s about 20% of the entire amount. Most of the money has come from corporate and private stakeholders.,” said Helms-Maletic.

“It’s amazing to see, from one end of the spectrum to the other, how many people have contributed to the project. I think people have a feeling of loyalty to this particular market and to the vendors who are there,”she continued.

Currently, the project still needs to raise about $500,000 to meet the total cost of constructing the new year-round building.

“Everything raised from here on out is going to be applied to the yearround building piece. We need to raise the money by mid-January, otherwise construction will be delayed,” said Helms-Maletic.

Fundraising events will continue throughout the year. The next one will be at Brick Road Pizza Company on Wealthy Street on December 13.

Donations can also be made online at ourgoodnessisgrowing.org.

Funding the project up front was important to keep construction costs

Smitty’s up and running (and they’re open ‘til 2 a.m.)

By Yasmeen Ahmed The Saint Reporter After being closed for just over two months because of renovation, Smitty’s, in Eastown on Lake DR., has re-opened. What started with improving what they already had soon turned into a project of renewal.

“Due to the house/store attachment I had to tear stuff up, and I figured since my son is partnering up with me, he’ll be able to take over when I retire, so we should just start from the ground up,” explained owner and founder Joel Smitter.

They started the plans in July, as soon as they were finally done tweaking the plans they started the project the day after Labor Day. “I think I have surpassed my goals for this, from a very old building to this spectacular product,” said Smitter.

“The major renovation was done in such a short amount of time. Pioneer Construction went above and beyond; they were c o m m i t t e d a n d n e ve r m i s s e d a day,” he continued.

Not only is the appearance completely different, Smitty’s also has some new exciting things to offer. The new beer den they have is the most thrilling addition. It is organized, plentiful, and welcoming to customers.

“It’s the nicest I have seen in all of Michigan,” said Smitter.

There has also been an expansion of the liquor selection. Plans are in place for a 55 inch TV that will be placed in the middle of the store as

down, though the vendors will see a small increase in rental fees for space.

“We have a vendor-elected Vendor Committee which works with the Market Manager on things like rules revisions and rate changes, so there will be a lot of vendor input when it comes time to make that decision. I doubt the increase will be enough to make a noticeable change in customer prices. We’re talking about a few dollars per week at most,” said Helms-Maletic.

December graduates on their way out

By Talia Clark The Saint Reporter

YASMEEN AHMED / THE SAINT

The doors are open: Eastown favorite Smitty’s, the local liquor store, has officially completed its renovations and is open for business. a monitor, so Smitty’s employees will never be oblivious to what’s going on.

Smitty’s will also be putting in another TV for watching sports on game days.

Recently, the store has gotten the award in Eastown for “Best Facade Improvement in the City.”

News Editor Monica Rischiotto E-mail saint.editor@aquinas.edu

“Aquinas has always been a strong customer base; I feel we have a very strong relationship with them.”

Smitter said.

S m i t t y ’s h o u r s a r e M o n d a y Friday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 a.m..

Phone (616) 632-2975

On Tuesday, December 6, 107 Aquinas Seniors were recognized at the December Recognition Ceremony which took place in Wege Ballroom. These students finished their degree requirements mid-year.

If these graduates did not walk this past May at Commencement, they are invited to do so in May 2012, which is their “real” graduation.

This event was started by the Senate in 2004.

The keynote speaker was Professor Gary Eberle. Other speakers included Professor Jennifer Dawson, and student Julian Kratochvil. Music was provided by members of the Aquinas Jazz Band as well as piano music by Todd Wilkie ‘08.

Father Jim Chelich from St. Thomas gave the invocation and offered a blessing on the graduates.

Brigid Avery, Director of Alumni Relations, welcomed them into the Alumni Association, and student Adriana Facundo gave the closing prayer.

Mixed in with all this, the students were called to the stage one-by-one and received their diploma tube and a gift from the Senate. All students were invited to the Recognition Ceremony along with their families and friends.

Following the ceremony there were hors d’oeuvres and a reception for everyone in attendance.

All at Aquinas send out their congratulations to these new graduates.

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

NEWS

Celebrating diversity through words and beliefs Residence Life LLC’s host this year’s This I Believe: A Celebration of Beliefs, an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to read aloud their This I Believe essays

By Laura Rico The Saint Reporter On December 9, from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Cook Carriage House, Aquinas students and faculty will have the chance to read their This I Believe essay. Inspired by the common read, This I Believe II by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman, individuals will share a brief essay that describes an idea that they firmly believe in.

Following the presentations, there will be a group discussion that will allow for the speakers and audience to discuss the readings.

This year marks the third time the Aquinas community has come together to share and listen to a principle they have come to be committed to. In the past, the Celebration of Beliefs event has generated a packed house and has had over 30 readers share their essays.

Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of the Common Read Jennifer Dawson said, “This is an opportunity to talk about what we believe as a community. Hearing students express their opinions is very powerful.”

In addition, this year ’s event is sponsored by the Residence Life Living Learning Communities, which includes Woodcock, Knape, Meijer, and Apartment A. There will be information regarding applications to live in an LLC at the event.

This event provides a great opportunity for students currently working on writing their essay to listen to what their classmates, professors, and other Aquinas faculty have come up with.

The 125th anniversary that the Aquinas

COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE

A chance to share her story: Sophomore Bridget Salisz was one of the participants in last year’s This I Believe: A Celebration of Beliefs event. Her essay reflected the highs and lows of her father’s battle with cancer. community continues to celebrate offers the perfect occasion to come together and share stories that serve to unite and inspire individuals, especially as the spirit of the holidays quickly

approaches.

Overall, this event is sure to generate discussion on what values individuals, young and old, and from various different backgrounds have come to

place above all others.

Anyone who is interested in sharing their essay is encouraged to come and sign up to read on December 9 at the Carriage House.

New fitness programs are here for the winter season Heath and Wellness initiatives now offering Body Combat, Yoga, and Zuma at the Sturrus Center

By Hillary Najor The Saint Reporter At the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center and in St. Joseph’s Fitness Center, many fitness classes are offered for students to stay fit, active, and relieve stress throughout the busy school year.

The three types of classes offered, stemming from past interest and popularity, are Body Combat, Yoga, and Zumba.

On Mondays at 5:15 p.m., Body Combat is offered at the Sturrus Center.

It is similar to Pilates in the types of

exercises used, with the objective to strengthen the core. The instructor, Jennifer Stauffer, ties in free weights and ball exercises to mix it up.

Then on Tuesdays, the ever-popular yoga is offered at 5:15 p.m. in St. Joe’s Fitness Center, located in the basement.

This class offers the traditional styles and poses that yoga is founded upon.

The goal is to center the mind and body through meditation, breathing and posture.

On Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m., Zumba is offered at the Sturrus Center. Zumba is a Latin inspired dance fitness class using

Exam Cram is here to serve

By Laura Rico The Saint Reporter

The holidays are just around the corner, which also means that finals are just ahead. A week of irregular sleep, stress, and overall cramming is up ahead for the majority of the AQ population, but students should be aware of the events that are scheduled to help them relax and overall perform better on their exams.

Beginning on Saturday, December 3, and up until Wednesday, December 14, there will be events sponsored by various Aquinas departments in a combined effort to make the coming exam days easier.

Events include fun entertaining ones such as: Winter Formal, Men and Women’s Basketball and Hockey games, Ice Cram (Cream) social, a presentation from The Dating Doctor: D a ve C o l e m a n , A r t s a n d C r a f t s night, and the annual Christmas Concert presented by the AQ Music department.

Other activities include great ways to relive stress such as: Tai Chi, a Moosages and Relaxation station, and Yoga and Yogurt activities.

S t i l l m a n y o t h e r e ve n t s o f f e r students a chance to fuel up on coffee and snacks, or a great place for students

to study, specifically in the Commuter Lounge and the Grace Hauenstein Library.

Program and Building Coordinator for Campus Life Timothy Ramsay said, “[We] want to provide healthy studying habits and fun study breaks.”

Sponsored by Campus Life, the biannual Exam Breakfast will be offered Monday, December 12, from 10 to 11 p.m. in Wege and is free to all students who bring their AQ ID. Students can expect a hot meal to keep them will energized throughout the night.

Sophomore Jade Chavez reccomends getting there early to beat the crowds. said, “The food was delicious [last year],” he said.

Back by popular demand, Student Senate has sponsored the Library to be opened for 24 hours from December 10 through the 14.

Sophomore Molly Cook said, “Take advantage of the library and don’t be afraid to stay up late to study, but make sure you take time to relax and do fun things too because it will make the process seem less stressful!”

Exam cram t-shirts are available at the Campus Life office starting December 5 through the 9. The cost is $5 each and can be paid with cash or check.

News Editor Monica Rischiotto

mostly Latin music, incorporating some hip-hop music to jive to.

These classes have had a respectable following of students attending, but new students are always welcome and encouraged to try out one of these classes. Students should not fear going to these classes if they are new to working out because these classes have a warm and positive environment towards all students.

“We love to have new participants. The instructors make you feel very welcome, and you will have so much fun,” said Annie Szcepanek, the building director at

Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center. “You don’t have to be an expert to be able to do these classes, and the instructor can always modify the workout for you if you are new to the class.”

All classes run an hour long. Walkins are welcome. The cost is $4 a session.

Purchasing a punch card is also an option, which costs $25 for nine sessions. Punch cards are located in the Sturrus Center, or available from Veronica Beitner in the Health and Wellness Center located in lower Wege.

Now take a break from studying, relieve that stress, and be active.

GR Press makes cuts The Grand Rapids Press terminates dozens of writers, changes printing schedule

By Katherine Mata The Saint Reporter The Grand Rapids Press announced earlier in November plans to merge with MLive Media Group to create a new media company. Over a hundred journalists at The Grand Rapids Press were handed sixty day notices of their employment termination.

The loss of jobs of over a hundred journalists is sad for the community, but the change still brings some hope. “It’s not a surprise for me,” said Aquinas College journalism professor Rob Kirkbride, and added, “and I look forward to what is to come.” The journalists laid off pose a question for graduating students looking to enter the journalism career: is journalism dead?

“Journalism is not dead,” emphasized Kirkbride. “There will always be a need for writers.

However, journalism is changing dramatically. The skills needed are not the same five years ago.”

Kirkbride now teaches his journalism students the skills t o c r e a t e a n d e d i t we b s i t e s f o r publishing news. While newspapers are still available to the public, the internet is providing quicker and easier access to the news. Journalism students need to be aware of the inevitable changes and be prepared to embrace it.

Instead of delivering to subscribers seven days a week, The Grand Rapids Press will be available for delivery three days a week. Now more news, sports, and entertainment coverage will be streamed online for quick, easy access to everyone. Once The Press merges with MLive Media Group, new journalists will be hired.

The change has huge advantages for The Grand Rapids Press. The main factor is cost. While it may be a painful change, the cost of having a printing plant and delivering seven days a week is incredibly expensive.

Another advantage to readers is the easier access to news on the internet.

While this change has some good advantages, it will frustrate many looking to enter the what was once considered a traditional journalism career. “There are no [more] barriers of entry,” said Kirkbride, “[Now] anyone with a computer and a website can [potentially] be a journalist.”

However, students should not be discouraged. Professor Kirkbride wants aspiring journalists to take this opportunity to realize their value and success in journalism. “If a journalist can realize their value as personal collectors of information, they will be successful,” said Kirkbride, suggesting that journalists will always add value to the community, whether it is through published newspapers or online articles.

Calvary artwork coming to Aquinas library Construction in the piazza preps library for Chris LaPorte’s winning ArtPrize piece

By Monica Rischiotto News Editor Many may have noticed walking into the library this past week all of the construction taking place in the front piazza area, The new addition to be placed on the wall will be well worth the work, According to Pam Luebke, Public Services librarian, the 2010 winninng ArtPrize piece, “Calavary, American Offi cers, 1921” created by Aquinas professor Chris LaPorte, will be showcased in the front library entrance. Laporte, an adjunct in the art department in his eighth year here at Aquinas, was inspired to draw the piece aft er the unexpected death of his father.

What resulted was a 28 foot wide drawing, depicting a

E-mail saint.editor@aquinas.edu

photograph of 53 uniformed World War offi cers all done in pencil.

The on campus maintenance crew both designed and installed the glass case the will hold the life size drawing, and the case will hopefully be used in the future to showcase more artwork as well, following “Calvary.”

“Calvary” has been showcased throughout the city, including the Grand Rapids Art Museum and will eventually be on display the Urban Institute of COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE Contemporary Art, whose building is currently under Winning ArtPrize piece comes home: Chris LaPorte will construction in downtown have his 2010 ArtPrize winning piece “Calvary, American Grand Rapids. For the next Officers, 1921” showcased at the Aquinas College library 6 - 1 2 m o n t h s , h o we ve r, for the next 6-12 months.

“Calvary” will make its home

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

Exam Week

FROM THE CROWD

APPLAUSE TO...

Wolfgang’s, for making Monday mornings tolerable, if not fun; Pandora and Spotify, for cranking out tunes while we crank out term papers, lit reviews and take-home exams; Take-homes, for freeing up exam week; Potential alien life 600 light-years away; The awesome Cabin in the Woods trailer; Jesus, for being born (and, indirectly, giving us a nice endof-semester break).

HECKLES TO...

Websites that stymie our academic pursuits; The NHL, for having the Red Wings in the Western Conference. Geography disagrees; Herman Cain, for giving up on the 9-9-9 plan. Our hopes and dreams are crushed; Chain emails; The Kardashians, for reproducing; People who do not pull their weight in group projects; IM refs who don’t focus on the game.

>>

from our view

Frederik Meijer, founder of the Midwest superstore chain that bears his name, died the day after Thanksgiving. He was 91.

His accomplishments are numerous. Meijer had established the chain store concept, adding clothing and merchandise sections, before Sam Walton opened his first Wal-Mart. His family-managed shopping giant is wellknown to those in Michigan and the Midwest.

Meijer’s influence goes beyond shopping and convenience, though. He was an avid art collector and philanthropist later in life. And as much as CEOs have been vilified by recent political movements, many would say that Meijer was an exception to the “evil boss” rule in his support of the Grand Rapids community.

Meijer was a key sponsor in the establishment of the Gerald R. Ford museum, and was instrumental in founding the Frederik Meijer Sculpture Gardens, and adamant in making them accessible to all. Anecdotes abound of him reaching out to many groups in the community, not just the elite.

Of course, it’s easier to be a major community leader when you have millions of dollars to spare. However, taking a page from Meijer’s book might not be a bad idea.

Often, especially around the commercialized Christmas season, we lose focus on the sense of community. We run around, often buying presents and planning gatherings with family and friends, trying to pass exams, and paying the bills, all within the same few weeks. We focus on our own issues, and many times forget about the community around us.

Local organizations and charities are searching for extra help around this time of year. Our friends and families might need us for more than just a get-together or visit. There are ways we can bolster our communities while still building our own lives and well-being, much like Frederik Meijer did.

Yes, time is scarce, and so is money. Yes, we’re busy and would probably rather be at our jobs, bringing in a few extra bucks.

But in this money-minded holiday season, while many are scrambling to give gifts to each other, it’s good to remember that giving back to our community is an option, too.

theSaint 2011-2012 E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

Editor-in-Chief News Editor A & E Editor

Matt Kuczynski Monica Rischiotto Stephanie Giluk

Dan Meloy Sports Editor Miriam Pranschke Photo Editor Nick Signore Managing Editor

Adviser Dr. Dan Brooks *** Please note that the views expressed on this page are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of The Saint as a whole.

MISSION The Saint has worked diligently for the past 30 years to produce an informative, entertaining and journalistically-correct student publication. The Saint is distributed by students at Aquinas College and in the surrounding community.

Our goal is to continue to provide an open forum for the ideas, views and concerns of the Aquinas community.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR All letters must include a signature, typed or handwritten, and include a phone number for the sole purpose of verification. The Saint reserves the right to edit letters to the editor based on content, punctuation, length and libel issues.

Letters should not exceed 300 words. We will not print anonymous letters to the editor and will not accept letters to the editor over the phone.

>> write us a letter!

e-mail — saint.editor@aquinas.edu, or use the form on our website.

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Managing Editor Nick Signore

DUSTIN COON / THE SAINT

Entrée tryouts waste food

By Monica Rischiotto News Editor Remember the days sitting at the kitchen table as a child, a shovel full of green (sometimes slimy, or worse, completely raw) tree-like plants staring at you in the face as your mom or dad called out to you, “There are starving children in Africa, eat your broccoli!”

You sit there, face in a fit, on the verge of tears, and yet you know the only way you’re going to escape this God-forsaken kitchen and move onto Friday night ice cream is to plug your nose and down those treacherous trees like there’s no tomorrow.

Fast forward to college—ah, freedom. The stomach--twisting memories of forced broccoli eating are in the past.

Now when you go to eat, mom and dad are not on your back, encouraging you to fill your plate with a healthy and vibrant color assortment.

It seems all too easy, however, that we somehow manage to make this practice of eating meals at Wege some sort of a food tryout. We’ll fill our plate once

with something that looks intriguing, give it a whirl, and once our taste buds rebel we leave that plate practically full and move onto round two, perhaps three and four before moving onto dessert.

Now, what people eat and how much is one’s own personal business.

When it comes to the actual decision of choosing foods we are going to eat, however, it seems as though we can all make some improvements.

At the last Student Senate meeting, Director of Campus Dining Marla Poterack informed students that the Wege cafeteria threw out on average 160 pounds of food per day. This is food that is coming off of plates that run down the conveyer belt in the dishwashing back room. Some students working the dishwasher have said that some days they literally have to empty the garbage every 20 minutes because there is so much food waste.

This being said, it seems as though there needs to be a change in these Wege entrée tryouts. Let’s be honest people, it is the end of the first semester. By now,

we should be able to know what we will eat at Wege and what we won’t. Blaming this on the quality of food seems like a pretty easy, and dare I say, lazy way out.

If it takes people three full plates of food before finding something they like, then their opinion should be voiced. Bring up your concerns at a Senate meeting, or better yet to Poterack herself, who receives feedback from a student group that meets regularly.

It is still college, we can still eat without our parents voicing the ills of starving third world countries and chose to avoid broccoli at all costs, but wasting food on a regular basis is something we shouldn’t need our parents to remind us not to do.

So instead of having entrée tryouts, take your time. Look around, check out the options, and like a true college student, make an educated decision on both what and how much you will actually eat. The days of forced vegetables can still be at an end, but the time to be a healthy and sustainable consumer is now.

SOPA needs to stop

By Chuck Hyde The Saint Reporter Online piracy is something that many would consider wrong, and I like to count myself among them.

It is essentially theft, taking money away from the artists and designers who created the work. I would like to see the government take action against pirating sites and try to stop it.

Because of this, I was rather excited when I heard about a new bill going through the House of Representatives entitled Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). I thought that maybe Congress had finally thought of better ways to combat piracy.

Then I looked into it more.

Some would say that it does exactly what its name implies, but I would argue that it takes it much farther than that. SOPA allows for corporations, if they find an unau-

thorized use of their content, to send a cease and desist letter to the owner of the website, if an owner can be found. If the site refuses to comply, the website will be put on a “Blacklist” of websites that all internet service providers are required by law to block from their customers. This list also applies to search engines and online payment managers, such as PayPal. Effectively, this bill would allow for corporations to censor offending sites from the internet, without a due process of law. The courts are never involved, unless the site contests the accusations or removes the content.

Even then, the damage to the site’s owners could be disastrous.

This bill tries to stop piracy in a fashion that is reminiscent of China or Libya—it would not only stop pirates, but millions of users that are harmlessly posting songs or clips for the entertainment of their friends.

Not only would this bill censor those users, but sites they post on would be held responsible. Facebook, Tumblr, Myspace, Twitter, Google+: they would all have to self-censor their members to avoid being shut down.

This would be the first step to an Orwellian society, in which all speech rights are stripped away. In this modern age, censorship of the internet is nearly a direr blow to freedom than censorship of speech itself. Luckily, many members of online communities have spoken out against the bill, and have nearly derailed it.

However, unfortunately, now the Senate has drafted their version of the SOPA bill: the Protect IP Act (PIPA). I feel that the internet will become a very different place in the near future. I can only hope that the bills will be met with enough opposition to stop their enactment into law.

Have a Merry Christmas

By Dan Meloy Sports Editor “Merry Christmas.” Such a simple greeting. It invokes thoughts of joy, holiday warmth, of families getting together and good tidings to friends and strangers.

But every year a nasty debate comes up that overthrows all thoughts of holiday cheer and good spirits between men.

The age-old “That’s offensive,” debate and the need to include everyone at all costs has caused us to ruin the uniqueness and authenticity of the holidays that we hold close to our hearts.

Now sayings such as “Merry Christmas” and even “Happy Holidays” are being watered down to less meaningful expressions such as “Seasons Greetings.”

‘Seasons Greetings?” Hell, I can say that anytime of the year. Summer, autumn, baseball season–they are all sea-

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sons. Really, is there a time when you can’t say “Seasons Greetings?”

On the other hand, “Merry Christmas” is special. It invokes thoughts of hope, home, family and is one of the most important religious holidays for billions of people around the world.

I seriously doubt that anybody who says “Merry Christmas” to a stranger walking down the street is trying to offend them. They are not trying to impose Christianity onto them. They are not trying to single them out if they do not believe in Christianity. They are wishing that they have a good Christmas, whether they day has any special significance to them or not.

Yes, the First Amendment bans the establishment of a state religion and the government promoting religion. But having a marquee in front of a building with the words “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” is hardly imposing religion on someone. Rather, it is just

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wishing them to have a nice day while recognizing the upcoming holiday that they might be celebrating.

Somewhere along the line, we as a society have developed hair-triggers in what we deem as offensive. Heaven forbid someone expresses something that others may not believe in.

I don’t even mind less subtle ways of saying ‘Merry Christmas’ such as ‘Merry X-Mas’ (X was a sign of Christ back in the days of Roman oppression of Christians), or “Happy Holidays” (after all, “holiday” means “holy day”). But “Seasons Greetings” just takes all the uniqueness and history out of the holiday and the greeting.

So calm down and relax people, I’m not trying to convert you at the shopping mall. I’m just trying to be polite.

Merry Christmas, Aquinas, and a Happy New Year.

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

arts & entertainment Music: 2011 a good year for Adele, surgery aside

Movies: The next Star Trek movie may be even more awesome

Books: A rose for HBO’s attempt to make Faulkner cinematic

Though the soulful songstress Adele is still recovering from throat surgery, her album 21 is speaking for her. After receiving six Grammy nominations last week, 21 also became the bestselling album in the UK (in the 21st century).

The Beatles better watch their backs.

J.J. Abrams is set to direct the Star Trek sequel, and he has been busy adding some interesting people to his cast. The latest star to join the production is Peter Weller, best known in the sci-fi world for RoboCop and Buckaroo Banzai. Weller will reportedly have a prominent role playing a CEO.

HBO has renewed its commitment to Deadwood creator David Milch. Milch has the daunting task of deciding which novels and stories written by William Faulkner would be best suited to film.

Though Milch has many stories to choose from, “A Rose for Emily” would probably be the creepiest.

Revenge of the nerds stephanie giluk | a&e editor As a nerd, I find some aspects of nerd culture to be fantastic and other aspects to be less than thrilling. Since I have limited space here, I want to dissect one of the nerdy things that has been bothering me as of late.

A while back, before I realized how much I really don’t know about anything, I refused to read comics (there’s a nerd debate over even terminology like this, but that’s a problem for another day. For this article, the term comics refers to the medium in a general sense. Comic books are the thin pamphlets that are serialized monthly and graphic novels are any bound volumes of comics sold in bookstores). I considered myself a studious reader of serious literary novels (like Harry Potter), and books dominated by pictures were so obviously inferior to books with just words.

I was, however, always somewhat intrigued by the small section of graphic novels in the local bookstore.

One day, I broke down and picked up a graphic novel that had caught my eye for some time, in part because the author’s picture on the back resembled a portrait of a slightly insane homeless man.

That graphic novel was Alan Moore’s and Dave Gibbon’s Watchmen.

Needless to say, after reading that, I was hooked. I fell in love with the way superb artwork and incredible storytelling could blend effortlessly together to make a fantastic piece of fiction/ work of art. I was ready to give any and all comics a chance, but I didn’t quite know how to go about that.

Now, the problem: nerd culture is a subculture of sorts, and it’s incredibly exclusive in its own way, especially when it comes to comics. Ongoing serialized comic books reward those that have read them since they were first created and tend to leave someone (like me) who wants to begin reading them out in the cold. If I try and pick up an ongoing series now, I have no idea what’s going on, and trying to sort through issues upon issues to find where everything started can be tricky, especially with superhero comics, some of which began in the late 1930s and are now only available as pricey collectibles.

Though DC’s recent reboot of its most lucrative comic characters was probably partially aimed at latecomers to comics like me, I haven’t read any of them. This is partly because I’m analretentive and want to read the original takes on superheroes like Batman and Superman before I read any reimaginings. Another part of me thinks a reboot like this is a bit of a middle finger to old fans who know and love the original (or as original as multiple authors, artists and storylines have made them) characters and that makes me angry on principle. From what I’ve read, DC seems to be succeeding financially and garnering mainstream coverage for its new take on old heroes, which was probably the whole point of the reboot. There’s also the fact that Catwoman and Starfire have become vapid sex symbols in their reimaginings, but that’s a very different rant I might get to later.

Because of all the reasons above, I’ve stuck to graphic novels, which are relatively easy to find and easy to catch up on, and for the most part I haven’t been disappointed. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series is an amazing work of storytelling, and unlike some comic writers, Gaiman tailors his writing style to whoever is illustrating a particular volume, so the writing never clashes with the usually impeccable art. Y: The Last Man is an intriguing dystopian critique on gender, co-created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and penciller Pia Guerra. I could go on about V for Vendetta, Fables and American Vampire, but I won’t. My point is that I’m reading what would be considered in nerd terms mainstream comics and I can’t seem to fight my way into the art and serialized comics world.

I am not as nerdy of a nerd as some nerds are who were apparently born with a comic book in their hands and given license to chuckle at my nerdy inferiority.

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THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

<<

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

>> ALAN MOORE

Alan Moore, notorious for being a bit of recluse, has declared that he will be adding his talents to the Occupy Comics movement.

Activist Moore has spoken out and written against totalitarianism and overarching governmental control.

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Xanadu is a crazy 80’s flashback with plenty of laughs for all, mate

By Talia Clark The Saint Reporter

Greek muses, a roller disco, a rather peculiar main character in Sonny Malone, and a bizarre animated sequence by Don Bluth-all of this adds up to a happy, retro mess known as Xanadu, performed by Aquinas’ theater department last weekend. It was originally written

by Douglas Carter Beane with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar.

The 1980s film on which Xanadu the play is based on barely made a dent at the box office, so when it was prompted to become a Broadway performance, critics were skeptical. However, the musical opened on Broadway in 2007 and ran for over 500 performances. It earned an Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical and a Drama Desk Award for Best Book.

It was also nominated for Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book.

Directed by Randy Wyatt, Aquinas’ run of Xanadu opened at the Performing Arts Center on December 1. Starring in Aquinas’ second theater production of the 2011-2012 school year was sophomore Louis Allen, who played Sonny Malone, a young odd-ball character dreaming of opening a roller disco. Of the role, Allen said, “Thank you for the 80’s.”

Another rising star that graced

the stage this past weekend was freshman Taylor Nefcy, who is dual majoring in theater and communication.

“Working with the Xanadu cast and production staff has been the best college experience thus far,” said Nefcy.

Other performers in Xanadu included senior Jason DeJager (Danny Maguire), GRCC student Sarah Anne Truskowski (Calliop), Nubia Gomez (Melpene), fifth year senior Julian Kratochvil (Terspicore), senior Chelsea Pummill (Dancer) sophomores Christopher Van der Ark (Thalia), TALIA CLARK/THE SAINT Maris Wimmer (Eu- Obey the word of Zeus: Xanadu was a kitschy muse-inspired hit. terpe), Chelsey Riehl ence was roaring with laughter from ing. Having sat in the front row, (Dancer), Chelsea there was definitely some cast and Sedlecky (Dancer) and Katherine the moment the production began.

From the narrator ’s unique way audience interaction.

Glossop (Erato). of telling the audience to silence Xanadu was a play anyone could “Having never heard of Xanadu before, I thought it was a good laugh their cell phones to the way the cast have enjoyed, not just those born in and I enjoyed the acting a lot,” said (some a delight in drag) danced the glorious 80’s. As Wyatt put it, around in roller skates and togas, “Well, say what you will about the freshman Alyssa Frese.

Freese was not alone. The audi- there was never a dull moment. The silliness, it makes people smile.” performance was unique and excit-

There is something in theaters for every moviegoer this Christmas season

By Paris Close The Saint Reporter

New Year’s Eve

Dec. 9– Fellas, if you are looking for the ultimate chick-flick, check out this romantic comedy and bring a date. New Year’s Eve follows the romances of several couples and single men and women in New York on one of the biggest holidays of the year.

Closely resembling the 2010 film Valentine’s Day, this mov- In theaters near you: There are plenty of movies to pick from this holiday season. ie also features an literature writer, who returns to her The Girl with the ensemble cast, including Zac Efron, hometown to win over her “happily Dragon Tattoo Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher and married” sweetheart Buddy Slade.

Dec. 21– If it is dark thrills you Lea Michelle. Whether you are a sap When she realizes that returning are seeking this holiday season, The for love stories or just looking to home poses more challenges to her Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, a remake snag an early kiss before the actual so-called “relationship” than she of the 2009 Swedish film that is based holiday, this movie is sure to be a imagined, she forms a strange bond on the bestselling series by Stieg feel-good hit. with another fellow classmate, Matt Larsson, is sure to please. Journalist Freehauf (Patton Oswalt).

Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is trying to unveil the mystery behind Tinker Tailor a woman who disappeared 40 years Soldier Spy Sherlock Holmes: A ago. Aided by enigmatic computer Dec. 9- As an adaptation of John Game of Shadows hacker Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Le Carre’s Cold War novel, the movDec. 16–Robert Downey, Jr. is at Mara), the two discover the unie Tinker Tailor will both baffle and it again as the strange and brilliant speakable family history behind the amaze viewers. Gary Oldman plays detective in the upcoming sequel case. As they realize that the richest espionage veteran George Smiley, Sherlock Holmes: A Games of Shadows. families carry the darkest skeletons whose task is to find a Soviet spy When news breaks that the Crown in their closets. within M16’s inner workings. Colin Prince of Austria is found dead, InFirth also stars in this remake that spector Lestrade suggests that the takes it cues from both the novel and evidence points to suicide. Holmes, War Horse the old BBC television series. Fans however, believes that this inciDec. 25- For a heartwarming of old-fashioned spy films and susdent was not suicide, but murder. Christmas movie that deals with pense junkies should make sure to Holmes and his long-suffering as- war, love, family and loss, look no check this thriller out. sistant Dr. Watson (Jude Law) team further than director Steven Spieltogether once more, and this time berg’s War Horse. The movie, based to defeat their latest rival Professor off a Tony-winning play which Young Adult James Moriarty (Jared Harris) with is based off the novel by Michael Dec. 9– Ever wish you could just the help a mysterious fortune teller Morpurgo, follows Joey, the titular go back to high school, make things (Noomi Rapace). horse, and Albert (Jeremy Irvine) as right again, maybe tell that special they experience WWI in very differsomeone how much you love them? ent ways. Animal lovers, you might If so, Young Adult is the movie for need to bring Kleenex to this one. you. The film follows the life of Ma-

Rihanna finds love with new album

By Sam Swartout The Saint Reporter From innocent pop singer to sex icon, Rihanna has evolved drastically over the past seven years and so has her musical style. With the release of her sixth album, Talk that Talk, on Nov. 21, Rihanna makes sure fans know that no matter who she evolves into, she is not going anywhere any time soon.

Rihanna continues to show fans her naughty side with several songs on the album like “Cockiness” and “Birthday Cake,” continuing the tradition set by songs on her last album by songs like “S & M” and “Rude Boy.” It seems Rihanna is not quite ready to separate herself completely from her good girl gone bad image.

Critics from CNN have been quoted saying that they are concerned with the direction of Rihanna’s music and are worried that she will not be able to get past the sex symbol image that she has created for herself. On the opposite side of the spectrum, MTV thinks the entire Talk That Talk album is a hit and there is no one song that cannot be turned into a hit single.

Granted, there are a lot of songs about sex or with sexual content in them off this record, but at the same time, Rihanna is a young woman who is trying to find herself and has found an outlet to express her feelings. Through her songs, she is able to sing about heartbreak, love and sex freely but admitting on “Roc Me Out” that she all she wants is “to be loved.”

Contrasting the naughty side of this album is the sensual side. There are three songs on Talk That Talk that are about her wanting to find love and someone to share her life with. “We Found Love”, “Drunk on Love” and “We All Want Love” are songs about the type of relationship she is looking for. The Calvin Harris assisted single “We Found Love” is possibly the catchiest track off the album, sampling Eurodisco beats and featuring a catchy hook.

From seductive promises to upbeat club hits, Talk That Talk is a versatile record and one that Rihanna fans have been waiting for.

vis Gary (Charlize Theron), a teen

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

E-mail saint.editor@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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A&E

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

The Muppets is a movie for the Black Keys’ latest a soupedup, polished joyride kid in all of us

By Alyssa Frese The Saint Reporter

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-in-Chief

As a small child, I remember owning a Kermit the Frog stuffed animal, but I never really got the opportunity to watch the Muppets on TV. They were most popular before I was born. Even so, I jumped at the opportunity to see the new Muppets movie, which came out on November 23.

The movie had an excellent cast, with Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) and Amy Adams (Enchanted) playing the lead couple, Gary and Mary. There were many cameos made throughout the COURTESY WALT DISNEY PICTURES movie from stars such as John The gang’s all here: The Muppets put on quite the show in their newest movie.

Krasinski (The Office), Selena understands Walter and Gary’s bond oil. Walter knows he must prevent Gomez, and Zach Galifianakis (The but feels left out and pushed aside. this from happening, so he sets out Hangover).

Gary is taking Mary to Los Angeles on a journey with the help of Gary The movie begins with Gary and for their anniversary, which means, and Mary to reunite the Muppets his brother Walter, who is voiced by of course, Walter is going to Los and come up with a final show that Peter Linz. Gary and Walter are the Angeles as well. The first and most can produce the $10 million dollars same age, but Walter is Muppet –like important stop they make when they that will allow the Muppets to keep while Gary is human. The film shows arrive in Los Angeles is the Muppets’ their studio. them growing up together and how studio.

The movie is full of many touchstrong their brotherly bond is. Many When they arrive at the studio, ing and funny friendships and relascenes emphasize Walter’s obsesthey are immediately disappointed tionships. The mixture of human acsion with the Muppets, which begins with how dead and deserted the tors and Muppets was effective and when he sees them on television in place is, since the show hasn’t run did not feel forced. Audiences from his youth. for quite some time. While exploring seventy to five years old will surely The movie then moves to the the off-limit area of the studio Walter fall in love with The Muppets, either present, with Gary and Walter living overhears the villainous Tex Rich- for the first time or all over again. together. Gary has been in a relationman (Chris Cooper), who wants to ship with Mary for ten years. Mary use the Muppet property for drilling

With their latest album, El Camino, the duo known as the Black Keys proves they may be one of the most versatile musical teams of the new millennium. Fronted by multi-instrumentalist guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, the pair popularly revived blues rock singlehandedly with their earlier albums, and was critically lauded for their work with esoteric producer Danger Mouse.

However, anyone hoping for the Keys’ classic straightforward drumming with cranked-up guitars might be shocked at the breadth of sounds on El Camino—there’s a little surf rock, a little 60’s jangle, some southern-fried rock thrown into the mix, and even a dash of contemporary Motown revival alt-rock rhythm work.

The album opens up with the hard-driving “Lonely Boy,” a classic southern-style rock tune loaded with crunchy guitars and Carney’s signature heavy-handed beats backing Auerbach’s wails. However, the Keys mix it up with some female background vocals and transistor organ sounds, fleshing out the “recorded in a basement” sound the Keys are notorious for.

El Camino shifts its gears with the second track, “Dead and Gone,” loading up on reverberation, fuzzedout guitars, handclaps, more backup singers and a groovy bass line. It’s a jingling, yet potent wall of sound— think 60’s Phil Spector meets White stripes.

From then on, the Black Keys let listeners know that El Camino is go-

ing to be a vehicle for exploring their potential. Following tunes are awash in new sounds and new combinations of sounds: Crooning, wavering lyrics mingle with instrumentation that sounds like it’s being played through speakers that got stomped in a bar fight in the next track, which cruises directly into a soothing acoustic ballad (seeing as acoustic guitar is a rarity for Auerbach, it’s definitely a surprise to hear).

Of course, midway through the acoustic tune, titled “Little Black Submarines,” Auerbach and Carney detour into a basic, raunchy blues-rock piece.

Yet, throughout this pastiche of styles and sounds, the Black Keys still somehow manage to sound like themselves. There’s plenty of brash, loose drumming loud enough to make the microphones distort. Auerbach’s guitars roar through each song, with oldschool tube amps redlining throughout. If the album suffers from one thing, it’s a bit of overproduction. The guitars sound a little fizzy, and lack the wooly warmth from older Keys records. Overall, El Camino is polished to a mirror shine, which kills some of the classic garage ambiance from older records. Then again, that fresh feel is to be expected, considering the album was recorded in the Keys’ new studio space.

The different production style doesn’t distract from this album’s merits. Somehow, the Keys have pulled from various influences, but have also left their distinct mark on everything.

Overall, El Camino sees the Black Keys fine-tuning their music to provide an aural cruise that will have listeners taking it for a spin over and over again.

Broadway GR’s Les Actor’s Theatre’s Spring AwakenMisérables a fresh ing is a fantastic performance take on a classic tale

The musical cuts back and forth, showing the boys and girls separately and toSpring Awakening, writgether. ten by Steven Sater with muEvery character in the sic by Duncan Sheik, is being play has an important story performed from December to tell. Moritz is suicidal 1-17 at The Actor ’s Theatre and struggling with school, in downtown Grand Rapids. while Ilse defies her parents Spring Awakening is the winand runs away to live in a ner of 8 Tony Awards, includvillage where she is used by ing Best Musical, as well as the men living there. four Drama Desk awards and Moritz, Ilse, Wendla, four Olivier awards. The cast and Melchior, who is played includes various actors, two

by Addison Reid Coe, were of whom are current Aquinas all childhood friends, but students: Madeline Blyveis grew apart as they got old(Ilse) and Duncan McCargar er. Melchior and Wendla (Moritz). develop a romantic relation“The process has been ship which leads to many truly amazing; it is an enorevents that have devastatmous privilege to work with ing effects on the teenagers a group of people - cast, crew, as well as their family and and production staff - so enfriends. tirely devoted to a project,” Spring Awakening was said McCargar. “I know eva musical I had never seen eryone really believes in the before. I was stunned. The message of the piece which parts were well played and has made it all the more rethe music was performed warding to be a part of.” perfectly.

The musical is set in 1891 Spring Awakening is Germany. There are many isCOURTESY ERYN KOVACH now one of my favorite sues the play deals with, in- Sing it out: Duncan McCargar tackles the role of Moritz. theater performances of all cluding premarital sex, suiasks where babies come from after time. I would recommend this to cide, and abortion. her older, married sister informs her The play opens with Wendla, mother she is expecting. Wendla’s any person who is of mature age, as played by Maggie Nye, talking to mother tells her that when people sthe subjects dealt with are serious her mother, played by Maureen are married and in love, babies are and sobering.

Kirkwood. born. The play then jumps to a boy’s Wendla, a young, teenage girl, schoolhouse scene.

ByAlyssa Frese The Saint Reporter

T h e highlights of the play were performances

by Sam Poon and Anthony Pierini, two of the youngest actors on stage for Les Misérables.

Piernini, age eight, debuted his acting skills for the performance.

The young stars touched the hearts of many and commanded the stage with their presence and voices.

The actors of Broadway Grand COURTESY DEEN VAN MEER Rapids did not disapOn a high note: The cast of Les Mis made the show flawless. point, fully

By Katherine Mata engaging the audience.

The Saint Reporter The orchestra and solos added nothing short of excellence to a beA magical impression seems to loved play. What made the show left by plays based on famous sto- even more special was the use of ries. Les Misérables, brought to life dazzling scenery. The set was no by theater producer Cameron Mack- longer flat or two dimensional. Inintosh and the actors of Broadway stead, it reached out to the audience Grand Rapids, was no exception. as it was easily moved around the The community gathered at DeVos stage. The aid of a projector helped Performance Hall to enjoy dazzling create a background mood for the scenery and a performance to re- play. Every aspect of the play – the member. performance, the singing, the orThe novel Les Misérables, writ- chestra, the scenery – gave the auditen by Victor Hugo, follows the ence a most thrilling and memorable story of the ex-con Jean Valjean and experience at DeVos. his struggle for redemption. UnforLes Misérables should be a story tunately for Valjean, his past is not everyone with a passion for theater easily forgotten, as he is chased by should see. Although the story line an investigator, Javert. Valjean’s life is very familiar, the actors and acbecomes entangled with others as tresses who performed put time and society faces growing violence in effort to deliver a wonderful perforFrance. Contrary to popular belief, mance. The twenty-five year anniit is not the French Revolution por- versary marks a special spot in histrayed in the story, but an uprising tory as the theater production of Les of students against the monarchy, Misérables continues to improve and called the June Rebellion. amaze audiences everywhere.

J. Mark McVey, a Helen Hayes Although Les Misérables has Award-winning actor and singer ended its run in Grand Rapids, muknown for his role in Tommy, played sical buffs can look forward to the Jean Valjean for the twenty-fifth an- next show in the works from Broadniversary performance. Joined by way Grand Rapids, Million Dollar Andrew Varela (Sondheim’s Sunday Quartet. in the Park with George) as Javert, the This musical is based on a legtwo brought dedication and life into endary 50’s recording session with the play. The music sung by all of American music icons Elvis Presley, the performers moved the audience Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry to the edges of their seats, eagerly Lee Lewis. It will run from Jan. 17awaiting what was next.

22.

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

“New Forms” provides students with new perspectives through art

By Katherine Mata loved Barbie doll with Nazi The Saint Reporter swastikas.

Artists are always push“We grew up with Barbie ing boundaries by conveying and became [accustomed] to messages in unique ways. the idea of the perfect body Aquinas artists do just that in and the perfect image,” recalls their exhibits for their “New Albert. “It creates this presForms” art class. sure to be perfect.” Albert’s During the opening repiece has enlarged photos of ception on Sunday, Nov. 20, Barbie which is accented with many people from the Aquia pedestal. The pedestal is covnas community flocked to the ered in a cloth embroidered AMC to find out exactly what with the swastika and holds “New Forms” meant. a single picture frame of a fe“‘New Forms’ is nonmale’s face. “We do damage to traditional,” explains senior ourselves,” adds Albert, “we Leah Kellie. “We were encreate our own Holocaust. couraged to branch out and We end up with eating disorYASMEEN AHMED/THE SAINT ders, drinking, [and all sorts express ourselves in a difHave a seat: Rebekah Chamberlain’s piece, Redemption, invites ferent way than everyone is of problems] because we are readers to participate in her art. used to.” These art pieces are pressured to be perfect.” cal symbols that relate to a characterisnot the usual sculptures or paintings, but Hitler is implied in the art piece betic. Symbols representing Star Trek, Jack a mixture of media that creates a single cause of his destructive goal in Germany Sparrow, and even WALL-E were hangmessage that ranges from broken glass to to create a pure race. “It is a touchy subing next to two hand-drawn sphinxes. video clips. ject,” admits Albert, “and I do not mean “The sphinx is a mixture of many aniKellie’s art piece, called “Pieces,” to offend anyone. It was meant to grab mals,” points out Kellie, “and it would portrays the human tendency to focus attention and create a reaction.” not be the sphinx without all of its charon a characteristic of a new acquaintance.

Every artist in the exhibit put hard acteristics.” Kellie encourages viewers to “When [someone] first meets you, they work into their respective pieces. The recognize that stereotypical traits do not [pinpoint] a certain characteristic and “New Forms” exhibit is not something apply to everyone. only focus on it,” adds Kellie. “In reality, to be missed. Come support AQ artists Junior Lesley Albert also turned there are so many other good characterisas they continue to make bold statements heads with her juxtapoition of the betics they are missing.” Pieces show typiwith their artwork.

E-mail saint.editor@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

sports

page

Golf: Tiger Woods wins Chevron Challenge

College Football: Familiar foes meet at National Championship

NBA: Hoops for the Holidays

Tiger Woods won the Chevron World Challenge last Sunday, turning in a score of (-10) to win his first tournament since 2009. It has been a rough two years for the golfing great, who has been under public scrutiny for his extra-marital affairs and dismissal of long-time caddie Stevie Williams. It was Woods’ first win in 26 tournaments.

The BCS National Championship on January 9 will have a familiar feel to it as it will be a rematch of SEC rivals LSU and Alabama. The two teams will meet in New Orleans in rematch of a regular season meeting that resulted in a 9-6 victory for LSU in overtime. The match-up continues the SEC’s six-year dominance of college football.

The NBA will be home for Christmas, you can count on that. After a labor dispute between the owners and players, the NBA season will begin on Christmas day. The 66-game season will start with high profile games such as the Miami Heat against the Dallas Mavericks in a rematch of the last year’s NBA Final.

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WHAT TO WATCH

>> MEN’S HOCKEY

The Aquinas College men’s hockey team will be playing their first ever collegiate game this Friday night at 7 p.m. at Griff ’s Ice House in downtown Grand Rapids. The Saints will face Mid-Michigan Community College. Shuttles to and from the game will be provided.

A sports fan’s Women’s basketball split opening conference games Christmas list dan meloy | sports editor Dear Santa, Well, it’s that time of year again, a chance for me to reflect and think about what I want for Christmas. But seeing as I already have too much junk, and probably should not get any more given the status of my bedroom, I’d figure I would ask for things that were not really things, but more or less ideas, events and initiatives that I want seen done in the sporting world. That way they benefit not just me (the grand mastermind behind it all) but the sporting world in general.

1. Playoff system for college football Yes, I know this is a cliche, but this needs to happen. Not asking for much, just this simple and very easy to comprehend system. Since the conferences as we know them are falling apart, let’s just abolish them (for FBS Football only) and divide the 120 FBS schools into four geographic regions of 30. From there, divide the regions into three divisions of 10 based on merit, we’ll adapt the promotion/relegation system from our English cousins. Take the four first division champions of the four regions and have that be the national semi-final. Then you will have two teams in the final. No argument, no debate, no Kirk Herbstreit analogy necessary. Keep the bowls around for tradition and rewards to teams who did a good job. But it is time we stop messing around with football, this really matters.

2. Shorter NBA Season Simple math, the less games you have the more important they become in order to move into the playoffs. The NBA has 30 teams. Have everybody play everyone twice, with the top eight going to the playoffs. All the sudden, the regular season games will matter and we will see some effort every night, what a novelty concept.

3.Adopting Billiards as a NCAA/ NAIA Sport It’s on ESPN2. It takes skill, imagination, and practice in order to excel.

A relatively cheap sport for a small Dominican-Catholic college to participate in (hint, hint). And I could use an athletic scholarship. Before you start laughing, the Olympics consider table tennis a sport, so, by golly, billiards is a sport too.

4. MLS in Detroit/Michigan This is something I have wanted since I was 10, so it would be great if you could come through for me, Santa.

Soccer is a growing sport in America.

Detroit and Michigan love their sports.

With several great high school and college powers in soccer, with the right marketing you will have a fan base. A nice downtown Detroit stadium, capacity 30,000. All you need for a solid club.

Time to bring the world’s game to the world’s best state.

5. A Better Name for the WHAC Goes without saying, WHAC needs to go. You sound like a fool when you say it aloud, and two of the schools are in Ohio (making neither Wolverine nor Hoosier schools). Time to get some credibility with a good name. Might I suggest the Little 12?

6. An NHL team in Grand Rapids I know this sounds like lunacy, but think about it, Santa: a cross-state rival would be sweet in Michigan. Michigan loves hockey. Heck, we have a Hockey Day. And truth be told, it really is hard for Grand Rapids people to make it out across the state to catch the game. Now I know there are life long Red Wing fans on the West-side, but just think of the added tension of two Michigan NHL teams. East-side vs. West-side, GR vs.

Detroit. All sorts of good things.

7. Aquinas winning a National Championship this year This is without a doubt the one I would love the most. I save it for last for dramatic purposes. Aquinas has been close so many times, and twice the Saints have finished as National runners-up.

Every year both the men’s and women’s cross country teams give a good run at the all elusive National Championship.

But since I want this to happen during my tenure as Sports Editor, which (I will not lie) will be an amazing point of pride for me above some of my predecessors, I really need this to happen this year. I’m hedging my bets on our awesome women’s lacrosse team. But I’ll take multiple National titles in the same year.

So there you have it, Santa: my list. I like to think I’ve been a good person this year. If I could have any of these I would be extremely grateful. Milk and cookies will be waiting in The Saint office.

7

THE SAINT | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter Just entering conference play, the Saints are 6-5 overall with a 1-1 conference record.

The Aquinas College women’s basketball team opened up a run of six tough games with the Aquinas Classic.

In the first game against Calumet College of St. Joseph, the Saints led 36-34 at halftime. Aquinas managed to outscore the Crimson Wave 35-21 in the second half in rout to a 71-55 victory.

Women’s basketball Head Coach Linda Nash was pleased with the team’s effort and said, “When [freshman guard] Allison Heberlein shoots like she did in this game, she is very difficult to stop, and [junior forward] Liza Flewelling guarded their team’s top scorer and shut her down in the second half. We played 40 minutes of solid ball.”

The Saints dominated the glass with 58 total rebounds compared to 41 for the Wave. Junior guard Taelor Sanders and Heberlein led the team with 21 and 15 respectively. “We did very well,” said Sanders. “We were unselfish with balanced scoring and rebounding.”

In the second game of the Classic, Aquinas played 15th ranked Cardinal Stretch. After trailing in the first half, the Saints came back for a 63-46 victory.

Heberlein and Sanders led the team with 18 and 13 points.

Junior center Lindsey Karpowicz said that their conditioning is making a huge difference for the team: “To be able to shut out a team like Cardinal Stritch in the late moments of the game, it takes a lot of intensity on the defensive end and our team played great on the defensive end, this was one of the best games of the season for us.” Heberlein and Sanders were named to the All-Tournament team.

Aquinas traveled to Grand Valley State University and fell to the Lak-

HILLARY NAJOR / THE SAINT

Flying by: Freshman guard Chelsea Matley dribbles past her defender in the Northwest Ohio game. ers 75-47. Heberlein led the Saints 11 points. “We played pretty well, we also could not get our shots to fall and their pressure got to us a bit. They are a very talented team and I expect that they will do well in conference this year,” said senior guard Anne Marie Shumaker Next, the Saints played Hope College. After giving trailing early, the Saints came back and almost won it in the end, but fell short 66-65. Sanders led the Saints with 16 points.

Against Olivet, the Saints had to work overtime in order to win. Trailing by three with 1.1 second left in regulation, Shumaker threw a full-court pass to Flewelling, who hit streaking Sanders for a game-tying three-point shot.

The Saints came away with a 69-66 victory in overtime. Sanders led the Saints with 19 points.

Last Wednesday, the Saints opened up conference play with a 73-56 victory against Lourdes College. Junior for-

ward Shelby Carter led the Saints with 18 points and Heberlein collected 11 rebounds for Aquinas. The substitutes played a big role in the win as Aquinas’ bench outscored Lourdes’ bench 33-11.

Last Saturday Aquinas fell in their conference home opener 84-68 to the University of Northwest Ohio. Sophomore guard Marisa Marx and Carter were the only Saints in double figures in scoring.

Overall, Shumaker likes where the team is at right now. “We should have won a couple of the games that we lost, but our pre-conference schedule was very tough with a few ranked teams,” she said. “Overall I would have to say I am happy with the way we have played so far and we have made some huge strides already and only continue to get better.”

Aquinas will travel to rival Cornerstone tonight at 7:30 p.m. before hosting Indiana Tech this Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Sturrus Center.

Men’s cross country place 12th at Nationals; women place 22nd

By Hillary Najor The Saint Reporter To cap off their seasons, the men’s and women’s cross country teams recently traveled to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics National Championships in Fort Vancouver, WA on November 19.

After both teams won the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference, the Saints headed off to nationals, putting their hard work done throughout the season to the final test.

The men came into nationals with a very experienced team this season with five seniors running and six runners that had already been to nationals.

The men placed 12th out of 32 teams, accumulating 312 points. A well earned placing considering they were ranked 10th to 12th throughout the season.

Senior Devin Lea’s goal was to earn the lowest points, which he did with a time of 24:47. He placed 27th overall, and he received All-American honors for placing in the top 30.

“It’s a great individual achievement to be All-American and it defi-

nitely speaks to a lot of dedication I have put in over many years, but my interest this fall, as I have always tried to focus on in cross country, was team first,” said Lea. “We had a lot of seniors this fall and my interest fell to continuing the great Aquinas cross country tradition. At the national meet my first goal was to finish where the team expected me to so we could score the lowest amount of points and the AllAmerican honor of finishing in the top 30 was simply an extra bonus to me.”

Senior Dustin Heiler was the second runner to finish for the Saints with a time of 24:57 finishing 32nd overall.

Rounding off the rest of the times were senior Kolin Stickney with a 25:50, sophomore Dan Foley with a 25:53 and senior Mike Gravelyn with a 26:15.

“We went out and competed our hearts out,” said Stickney. “I could not ask for a better, harder working group of guys to have on my team.”

After having some minor setbacks with injuries days before, the women had a respectable finish placing 22nd out of 32 teams accumulating 528 points.

“This was the most challenging

course that we raced on this season,” said senior Megan Byrne. “The combination of the colder weather, muddy turns and the huge number of competitors made it a very challenging and exciting race.”

Junior Alina Dhaseleer was really focused on posting a low score for the team. The great team dynamic is what really pushed Dhaseleer to score the lowest number of points for her team, which she did with a time of 19:23.

Following close behind were sophomore Carly Plank with a time of 19:43 and freshman Catie Rietsema with a time of 19:45. Byrne and sophomore Jackie Katt with times of 19:54 and 20:18 respectively rounded out the scoring for the Saints.

“We did not meet our original expectations, but we made it through a rough season to run at nationals,” said Plank. “We are proud of winning the conference meet and earning the opportunity to run at nationals, however we definitely know we can perform better. Our experience will help us place better as a team next time we run the nationals course.”

A strike for the Saints Aquinas welcomes men’s and women’s bowling for the 2012-13 academic year

By Rachael Steil The Saint Reporter

Bowling is the up and coming sport across the county, and next year it will be coming to Aquinas College.

Currently the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) controls the sport on a collegiate level, but it will soon be a NAIA sport.

Women’s lacrosse coach Frank Rogers, will be coaching the men and women’s bowling team.

It was decided to add bowling as an official Aquinas sport because many of the students who attend Aquinas come from schools that offer bowling teams.

“Over 350 Michigan high school programs are offered for both men and women,” said Aquinas Athletic DirecSports Editor Dan Meloy

tor Terry Bocain. Having teams for both genders, “keeps us in line with our commitment to gender equity and Title IX.” Bocian added that the bowling program could potentially aid, “enrollment and retention efforts for students.”

Rogers is excited at the prospect of an additional team. “We already have one boy and one girl looking to join,” he said. “If there is someone on campus that has experienced bowling, they are encouraged to tryout.” Potential players must have enough experience and interest. Rogers is planning on having tryouts sometime this spring and is willing to look at anyone with interest in the sport and the will to compete on the collegiate level.

Practices and matches will be held

E-mail saint.editor@aquinas.edu

at the Lincoln Country Club on Lake Michigan Drive, about five miles from campus. “They have 32 lanes available,” Bocian said. Rogers mentioned that it is an additional incentive that, “an Aquinas alum runs the place.”

“We seem to have all of the pieces available to put the puzzle together,” said Bocian.

There are several schools in the league currently offering the sport.

Prospective students have already expressed interest in the sport at Aquinas. With facilities nearby that can be used, it looks to be a promising future for the bowling team.

“This is a fine addition to our program,” said Bocian.

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

Red Wings first in the Central Division

By Hillary Najor The Saint Reporter Since Saturday, November 19, the Red Wings have been dominating the competition with their explosive offense and their tight defense.

Friday, November 25, was the hyped up matchup against the Boston Bruins, who were on a ten game winning streak. The Wings stopped Boston’s streak, winning the game in a shootout 3-2 thanks to Detroit goalie Jimmy Howard’s stellar saves.

The following day, the Wings played the Nashville Predators, winning 4-1. On Wednesday, November 30, the Wings defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2, and also welcomed back Red Wing great Steve Yzerman to Joe Louis Arena. Next the team traveled to Buffalo where they defeated the Sabers 4-1.

Johan Franzen leads Detroit with 11 goals and Pavel Datsyuk leads the team in assists with 15.

The Red Wings are in second place in the Central Division with 33 points, two behind the Chicago Blackhawkes.

The Grand Rapids Griffins, on the other hand, are having an unpleasant season thus far.

In their last six games they have accumulated two wins and four losses.

For the season the Griffins are 8-11-1.

On November 23, the Griffins defeated the Hamilton Bulldogs 5-3. After being down after the second period, the team battled hard in the third period scoring four goals.

Then on November 25 and 27, the Griffins played the Oklahoma City Barons, beating the Barons 5-4 in both matchups. On November 29, the Griffins defeated the Toronto Marlies in overtime 4-3, and then beat them again on December with a score of 6-3.

The Griffins are fourth in the North Division and 14th in the Western Conference with 19 points.

Slow start hurts Lions as they fall to the Saints

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter The Detroit Lions are 7-5 after a 3117 loss to the New Orleans Saints last Sunday Night.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for 408 yards and a touchdown, but also threw an interception.

Detroit got off to a slow start, falling behind 17-0 midway through the second quarter. A deficit they would never erase.

Running back Kevin Smith scored a touchdown late in the second quarter and kicker Jason Hanson kicked a field goal. But the Lions could not make up for the slow start.

On Nov. 20, the Lions defeated the Panthers 49-35 in a shootout. After spotting the Panthers a 24-7 lead, the Lions defense led the charge forcing four interceptions from Carolina quarterback Cam Netwon. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford threw for five touchdown passes.

Playing in his first game in over a year, Smith dominated the Panthers with over 200 yards of total offense and two rushing touchdowns.

The defense held the Panthers to a 30 percent conversion rate on third down and held Panther wide receiver Steve Smith to 41 yards and a touchdown.

In their Thanksgiving showdown with the undefeated Green Bay Packers, the Lions defense held their own in the first half, trailing 7-0 and stymieing the potent Packers offense to 87 total yards.

A lot of things went wrong for the Lions during the game. Stafford threw three interceptions, Smith was injured in the first quarter and never returned and always reliable kicker Jason Hanson missed a field goal. Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson could only record 49 receiving yards and just one touchdown. The game turned sour for Detroit when Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh stomped out the Lions chances of winning by stomping on Green Bay offensive lineman Even Dietrich-Smith and being ejected from the game. The Packers blew the game open from there, outscoring the Lions 20-15 in the second half.

8

SPORTS

THE SAINT |WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2011

VS.

Beat Cornerstone!

After a 2-0 start in WHAC play, the Saints host defending National Champions and arch-rivals Cornerstone tonight in the Sturrus

By Sam Swartout The Saint Reporter In one of the biggest games in recent Aquinas history, the Aquinas College men’s basketball team will face defending national champions rival Cornerstone University tonight at 7:30 p.m.

“We are 0-6 in the last six games of play against Cornerstone. This is a huge game for us. It will be physical, intense, full of excitement and electricity,” said Aquinas College men’s basketball Head Coach Dave Hammer.

The game will be a big proving ground for the Saints as the games between the two schools are always close and these games are usually emotional affairs between the players and fans.

The Saints have been consistently progressing all season. They have been working on their weaknesses and trying to develop more fully as a team.

“We have to be ready with our defense.

We need to play to the best of our ability and we will pull out the W[in],”

said Shockey.

Over Thanksgiving break, the Saints took part in the Grand Rapids Hall of Fame Classic, hosted by Cornerstone.

The first game of the tournament for the Saints was against Hope College, ending in a 67-65 loss.

“This game came down to missed opportunities,” said Hammer. “The team never gave up, but three big shots were missed and that is what the game came down to.”

The loss to Hope inspired the Saints and helped lead them to a 6963 win over historic-rival Calvin College. Leading the team in points was sophomore guard Bret Pfahler with 21, followed by senior power forward Cole Moore with 12. “I think we really improved a lot during the Calvin game. We were able to work on passing, as well as our defense. Ultimately, it helped us to win,” said senior captain forward Jason Shockey.

After a split at the Hall of Fame Classic, the men were ready for a home-court advantage against Lourdes

College. Leading the team in their 86-56 win was Moore with 17 points.

On a high from back to back wins, the team was both mentally and physically preparing for their game on Dec. 3 in Ohio against Northwestern Ohio.

“Any road game is tough, it takes us out of our element and pushes us to work harder,” said senior forward Joe Powers.

Aquinas was able to come away with the win, beating Northwestern Ohio 57-53. “They have the number two scorer in the country and we have a defense that we are working on. It was a good game and we knew it would be tough,” said Hammer.

Aquinas is now 2-0 in conference playing heading into tonight’s game against Cornerstone.

For those who are unable to make the game, be sure to tune in to Michigan Sports Radio to listen to the game live.

Following the Cornerstone game the Saints travel to Indiana Tech this Saturday.

Sophomore Jon Hornak brings tenacity and personality to men’s basketball team

By Alyssa Frese The Saint Reporter Many people choose to go out for a sport because they have genuine interest in it. For Aquinas sophomore Jon Hornak, however, height and encouragement from others had a deep affect on why he decided to go out for basketball.

“I joined basketball in sixth grade because I’ve always been pretty tall. My gym teachers always encouraged me to try basketball and with my twin brother Tim going out as well we knew we could be a powerhouse like no other,” said Hornak.

Jon’s height has also had an influence on the positions he has played. Jon has played center mostly as well as forward and high post and low post. His height allows him a lot of flexibility on the court.

There have been many influences in Jon’s basketball career. Everyone from family to teammates to coaches have always been there to encourage and support Jon. “I was able to play varsity basketball my freshman year of high school. My coach always supported and encouraged me. He helped with my recruiting and made sure I chose a team where I’d actually get playing time,” said Hornak.

Along with coaches, Jon’s family has played a huge part in his career as an athlete. “My family is very sports oriented. My brother plays college football as did many of my uncles. My parents have done a great job of pushing me to do my very best,” said Jon. Jon’s current coach, Aquinas College men’s basketball head coach Dave Hammer, also is very supportive of Jon and his talents. “Jon has developed into a solid role player off the bench; his contributions during his time on the floor gives the program consistency,” said Hammer. “When he comes into the game

we very seldom lose the lead or margin while he is playing.

Jon’s biggest strength would be consistency, paying attention to our game plan and executing it to best of his abilities.

“Every team should have players like Jon in their program. He helps during the off season in the weight room; orgainze the summer league schedule to make sure players are there. Jon is a great teammate on and off the floor,” continued Hammer.

Jon’s teammates are also very grateful for having a teammate as hard-working and COURTESY JON HORNAK kind as Jon both on Making an impact: Sophomore Jon Hornack comes off and off the court.

“Jon is the type of the bench to be that added spark the Saints need. player that will play hard on every single play and never low her.

However, after meeting Coach give up. If he makes a mistake it isn’t Hammer and receiving some great because he wasn’t going as hard as scholarships Jon decided that Aquihe can. Defense is what he utilizes in his game, but setting screens is a nas was the place for him.

“I love how much of a close knit specialty,” said senior forward Joe community Aquinas is and how close Powers.

“Jon is a teddy bear off the court, it is to the big city. Aquinas basketand a fouling animal on the court. It ball is so different from high school is not uncommon for guys to get in- basketball because everyone is here juries from Jon’s physical play. Just because they love the sport and the today I got my shooting arm bruised, game. The team is a family,” said Jon. Jon is pursuing a major in bioland our shooting guard Joe Powers ogy and possibly a minor in commugot his chin cut open, which involved stitches; but off the court there isn’t nication. He hopes to become a phya nicer guy,” said forward Zach sician’s assistant in the future.

“Once I’m finished at Aquinas, I Eddy.

The sense of team bonding and hope to go to school specifically to be the great coaching staff at Aquinas a physician’s assistant. I’ll probably is what appealed to Jon. At first Jon end up at Grand Valley. I’m willwas skeptical about attending Aqui- ing to go wherever my future career nas because his older sister attended takes me,” said Jon. Aquinas and he did not want to fol-

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MIRIAM PRANSCHKE / THE SAINT

Up the court: Freshman guard Connor McCane dribbles the ball up the court past the Northwest Ohio defender.

Big Ten wins third straight ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By Dan Meloy Sports Editor The Midwest struck a blow to the East Coast as the Big Ten once again triumphed in the annual ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

It is the third straight victory for the Big Ten, but the ACC still leads the all-time series 10-3 in the conference showcase.

Michigan State defeated Florida State in the Breslin Center in East Lansing 65-49, and guard Keith Appling recorded 13 points to lead the Spartans.

Michigan fell to Virginia on the road 70-68, guard Zack Novak led the Wolverines with 12 points in the loss.

In the two high-profile games of the challenge, #2 Ohio State blew out #4 Duke 85-63 in Columbus, while #7 Wisconsin fell to #5 North Carolina 60-57 in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Big Ten had a great first day of

the challenge, jumping out to a 4-2 lead thanks to some wins from Northwestern, Illinois and Purdue.

Then, on the second day of the tournament Indiana, Penn State, Michigan State and Minnesota all won in consecutive order to clinch the Big Ten’s third straight ACC/Big Ten Challenge with the final series tally being 8-4.

The four game margin was the largest victory for the Big Ten, and was the largest in the challenge since 2007.

The ACC/Big Ten challenge is the highlight of the non-conference schedule for teams in both leagues, and serves as a proving ground as to who is the strong conference.

The victory gives the Big Ten credibility as one of the strongest conference’s in the country, a reputation that will help them when it comes to picking at-large berths for the National Tournament in March.

Spartans fall in the Big Ten Championship 42-39, Michigan ends seven game losing streak to Ohio State

By Brain Kalchik The Saint Reporter Michigan Wolverines (10-2) The Michigan football team capped off a successful season under first year Head Coach Brady Hoke with victories over 17th ranked Nebraska and traditional rival Ohio State.

In the Nebraska game, Michigan pulled away in the second half en route to a 45-17 blowout. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint led the charge against the Cornhuskers’ famed “Blackshirts” defense.

Robinson had 180 yards passing and two touchdowns through the air and two more touchdowns on the ground. Toussaint had 138 yards on the ground and also had two touchdowns on the ground.

In “The Big Game” against Ohio State, Michigan struggled with the Buckeyes, who had nothing to lose, but the Wolverines pulled it out in the end 40-34.

The Buckeyes played inspired football with the status of interim Head Coach Luke Fickell in question.

The Buckeyes led 24-23 at the end of the first half. Robinson accounted for five touchdowns against the Buckeyes, three in the air and two on the ground, completing 82 percent of his passes and accounted for 337 yards of total offense.

However, play turned in Michigan’s favor. The Wolverines beat the Buckeyes for the first time in eight years with a score of 40-34. Despite not winning their division, Michigan has an outside shot of a Bowl Championship Series bowl bid.

Michigan State Spartans (10-2) The Spartans also capped off their second straight successful season with victories against Indiana and Northwestern.

Against the Hoosiers, the Spartans led all the way and never looked back, blowing out Indiana 55-3. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Keshawn Martin led the charge as Cousins threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Martin received one of Cousins’ touchdown passes and also scored on a 19-yard run.

The Spartan defense also returned

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an interception for a touchdown in the third quarter. Coupled with Michigan’s win over Nebraska, State clinched the Legends Division with their win over Indiana.

Against Northwestern, the Spartans did not have anything to play for since they clinched a championship game appearance, but went for the win anyways.

The Spartans beat Northwestern 31-17 behind Cousins and star wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, who caught 120 of Cousins’ 241 passing yards and both of Cousins’ touchdown passes.

In the Big Ten’s first ever championship game, the Spartans fell to Wisconsin 42-39. In the closing moments of the game, the Spartans appeared to grab the lead when Matrin returned a Badger punt for a touchdown. However, a kicker call cancelled the return and gave Wisconsin the ball.

After a slow start in the first quarter, the Spartans rallied scoring 22 points in the second quarter. Wisconsin running back Montee Ball scored two touchdowns to give the Badgers the Big Ten crown and the Rose Bowl bid. Michigan State in all likelihood will still go to a January 2 bowl game.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-4) The Irish split their final two games of the season, with a win against Boston College and a loss to powerful Stanford.

Jonas Gray scored the only Irish touchdown and kicker David Ruffer kicked 3 field goals in the Irish’s 16-14 victory over Boston College. Notre Dame built a 13-7 lead and besides giving up a late touchdown, dominated Boston College in all phases of the game.

Against Stanford, Notre Dame ran into Heisman contender quarterback Andrew Luck. Luck dominated the Irish, accounting for all of Stanford’s points with four touchdowns passes in a 28-14 victory. The key play of the game was when Luck threw a touchdown with 10 seconds remaining in the first half to increase the Cardinal’s lead to 21-0. Notre Dame rotated quarterbacks pretty much every play with Aaron Hendrix earning some playing time, splitting time with Tommy Rees.