The Saint :: Issue 1

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Friday, August 24, 2012 Volume 32, Issue 1 www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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Droughts and intense heat have created crazy forecasts statewide, but what can we expect to see after the warm weather is gone?

Saint Stock

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Aquinas’ annual resource fair for student clubs and organizations is coming up soon. Stop by, get involved, and grab some free candy.

>>A&E Homecoming’s coming | 5 Before you know it, Aquinas’ homecoming celebrations will be here. We’ve got a preview.

Movie smackdown

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Katherine Mata and Paris Close go toe-to-toe over The Bourne Legacy: is it the hottest or movie of the summer, or a limp excuse for an action flick?

>>SPORTS Whitecaps and Griffins

theSaint Welcome Class of 2016!

>>NEWS Summer weather

orientation issue

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Looking to have some Major League-level fun for not a lot of cash? Local teams are worth a look.

The orientation update

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-In-Chief

As the boxes get unpacked and new friends are discovered, your orientation experiences are just getting started.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the weekend: Friday: 8:00 a.m.–Breakfast at Wege. Come grab some food and meet new people!

9:00 a.m. – Head to AB for classroom sessions.

11:30 a.m.–Lunch at Wege.

1:15 p.m.–Project Unite Kick-off at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center.

Stop by so you can get the details on this annual community experience.

2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – Project Unite.

Project unite is Aquinas’ annual community tradition where orientation leaders, faculty, staff, and students go out to help various community organizations in the area. Based around the Dominican charisms of service and community, Project Unite is more than just a service to the community–it’s a chance to learn more about fellow Freshmen and the staff and faculty you’ll be with at Aquinas.

5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. – Busses leave for the West Michigan Whitecaps game from the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center. Don’t miss this chance to hitch a ride to see Grand Rapids’ own baseball team take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps.

7:00 p.m. – The West Michigan Whitecaps play at Comstock Park 10:30 p.m. – Get your groove on at the Orientation Dance in the Wege Ballroom.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. –Continental breakfast in your residence hall’s lobby.

8:30 a.m. – The Insignis welcome brunch will take place in the Loutit Room at Wege. The UDM Nurses welcome brunch will take place in

ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

Movin’ on up: (L to R) Aquinas student volunteers Sarah Thompkins and Ben DeGarmo help freshmen to move in to St. Joseph the Worker Hall with College President Juan Olivarez (center) during Orientation 2011.

Albertus Hall 119.

10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. – Academic Success sessions and Exploring your Academic Majors sessions will take place in the classrooms of AB. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.–Lunch at Wege. Walk your Class Schedule tours will also be available to students who want to find out where their classes will take place before Monday.

1:30 p.m. – The Dean’s Session skits will take place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center.

2:15 p.m. – Catch the First Year Monologues performed at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center.

New faces at AQ

3:15 p.m. – HOORAY! with Lonnie Scott will take place at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center. This interactive experience with one of the best young speakers in the U.S. is sure to engage.

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.– Dinner will be served at Wege.

7:00 p.m. – Head to AB to discuss the Common Read for this freshman class.

8:00 p.m. – Need some time just to take in all that has happened during these past few days? Head to Wege Pond for a reflection ceremony for a moment of peace and calm during this busy weekend.

8:00 p.m.– If you’ve got a craving for something sweet, we’ve got you covered. Make your way to the Cook Carriage House (also known as the Moose Cafe) for an ice cream social.

10:30 p.m. – Aquinas’ Comedy Showcase starts at the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center.

Nationally renowned comedian Eric O’Shea will be performing, along with Aquinas’ own improv troupe, In Case of Emergency.

Sunday: 8:00 p.m. - The annual “welcome back” Mass will take place on campus at Bukowski Chapel.

Fall sports preview:

Several new professors to start at Aquinas this fall

By Katherine Mata Managing Editor S e ve n d e p a r t m e n t s we l c o m e newly-hired professors onto the campus as summer comes to an end.

Each professor brings rich experience in his or her field and excitement as they prepare their lessons for the returning and incoming students this fall. Here are a few new faces students will see around campus.

The Accounting Department welcom e s Ke v i n C a n t l e y, C . P. A. Cantley has worked for 17 years in accounting at an Ann Arbor firm. “My goal as a professor is to do what I can to have successful s t u d e n t s , ” s h a r e s C a n t l e y, “ T h e friendly atmosphere and an emphasis on ethical behavior are two of the many appealing aspects of Aquinas.”

With experience as a professor, Mr. Cantley will fit right into the Aquinas community.

The Chemistry Department gladly received Jonathon Fritz a s a p r o f e s s o r. F r i t z ’s e x t e n s i ve experience in organic chemistry and previous teaching position stood out to the department. Elizabeth Jensen, Chair of the chemistry department

at Aquinas, recognizes the need for a professor to relate to students, especially for the incoming class.

Fritz is enthusiastic about this kind of interaction.

“I am excited to explore some of my research ideas and help prepare students so that they can be successful should they choose to pursue chemistry research at the graduate level,” said Fritz. Chemistry students will be sure to welcome Fritz as he helps them be successful.

With the start of the Fall semester, the Music Department recognizes Mary Hurd as a full-time Visiting Assistant Professor of Music. Hurd has been teaching at Aquinas for over 15 years. In her new position as a full-time professor, she looks forward to being more involved within the Aquinas community. “What appealed to me [about Aquinas] was the quality of students and of the education,” said Hurd.

Additionally, the Psychology Department has added Benjamin Chihak to their faculty. Chihak holds a doctorate in cognitive psychology from the University of Minnesota.

“I was looking for a smaller school where I could interact with the

students on a more individual basis,” said Chihak. “My goals are to get students excited about conducting their own research and… [applying t h e m ] t o r e a l - wo r l d p r o b l e m s . ” Psychology students, returning and incoming are sure to find Dr. Chihak’s expertise and enthusiasm refreshing and welcoming.

Finally, the Sustainable Business Department has announced that Krista Badiane will be joining the department as a professor. Matthew Tu e t h , c h a i r o f t h e s u s t a i n a b l e business department, is enthusiastic about Badiane, who has exceptional experience in her field. “Ms. Badiane has been working for Ford Motor Company for over four years as their sustainability reporting manager,” s a i d Tu e t h , “ [ a n d ] M s . B a d i a n e will be completing her Ph.D. in September from the University of Michigan.”

As students return to campus, they are sure to see two more new faces: Amanda Lahikainen in the Art Department and L. Rob Peters for the Biology Department. Be sure to give these professors a warm welcome to the Aquinas community if you see them!

ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

Completed goals a sure bet: Aquinas’ women’s soccer team tears up the turf in their homecoming match last fall. Sports editor Alyssa Frese checks out all the teams that will be playing on and around campus this fall on Page 6.

Read us anytime, anywhere at

www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Aquinas: Women’s Study Center to present body modification lecture

National: West Nile virus claims more victims for 2012

East GR: Jersey Junction named one of best ice cream shops in Michigan

World: Obama warns Syria on chemical weapons threats

On September 17, 2012 The JHI Women’s Study Center will present a lecture entitled, “Gender and Body Modification”. The presenter will be Margo DeMello, who has written books about tattoos and other body modifications. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The latest West-Nile virus outbreak has claimed more victims this week, bring the total numbered of deaths related to the disease this year to 41 at press time. The majority of the West Nile cases have taken place in Texas and Oklahoma. The CDC is working on controlling mosquito populations to control the disease’s spread.

The beloved Jersey Junction Ice Cream Shop, located in Gaslight Village, was just named umber seven in the Michigan’s top ten ice cream parlors list.

The homemade waffle cones and friendly, nostalgic atmosphere are what brought the parlor its honors.

The Top Ten list was chosen by the writers and readers of MLive.com

President Obama warned the Assad government of Syria last Tuesday that if the government uses chemical weapons against its own citizens, it may face a U.S. response. The civil war in Syria is closing on its eighteenth month. A Japanese journalist was also killed in Aleppo, Syria during a recent outbreak.

The do’s and don’ts for AQ freshmen

laura farrell | news editor

To all of the brand spanking new Aquinas freshman: I am probably the sixtieth person to welcome you to the Aquinas family, but I mean it nonetheless. Kudos to you reading the paper and even more so for reading this column! As the news editor for the 2012-2013 school year, I hope to enlighten you and to get conversations started on campus about topics affecting our world.

I hope you are all excited for your college years to start, they really are the best.

It is a complete mix of emotions to start your freshman year. Just two years ago, I was a nervous but determined freshman who, not so surprisingly, missed her family and the comforts of my sixty-person high school class. So, whatever and wherever you come from, let me assure you that choosing Aquinas was a good decision. It is good to be nervous and a little homesick but if you give it a little time, I promise it will get better. And it will be better than better because college is pretty awesome.

I was not entirely sure what to write in this first column, which happens to be my first column ever, too. The obvious question was, “Well if I read an article my first few days of college, what would I want to know?” I’m sure your all terrified of the “freshman fifteen” and are vowing to stick to the salad bar at Wege. You all are definitely wondering what on earth “Inquiry and Expression” is and some of you, much like myself, are regretting scheduling those 9:25 a.m. classes.

One thing that I think most people worry about, going into college, is friends. Your hear all the advice that you need to get out of your room and to meet people, but honestly that’s much easier said than done. Most of us have gone to school with the same kids since kindergarten and have never been thrown into a situation like this before. But here is a fun fact that most people do not understand: everyone is in the same situation, feeling the same way. Robert Frost once said “College is a refuge from hasty judgement”. Don’t be fake; there are all kinds of people here who will accept you for exactly who you are. So my cliché but important advice is to just be yourself. Anything else is just an epic waste of time.

That being said, here are some invaluable tips that you would have undoubtably learned in a few weeks, months, or semesters. But instead, a superb junior shared them with you your first week: Be stingy with your flex cash!

There is nothing worse than stopping in at The Moose before your 8 a.m. only to realize you have already spent all of your flex.

Don’t skip class! It’s incredibly tempting to because your mother is not hear to stop you but you really do miss a lot from in class discussion and work. Skipping really isn’t worth it in the long run.

Lanyards are helpful, especially if your like me and lose ID twice in a week. But wearing a tie-dyed lanyard around your neck everyone you go is like a flashing arrow that says “freshman” pointed right at you. If you love accessorizing your outfit with a lanyard necklace: work it. But if you don’t feel the whole “touristy” vibe, just put your keys in your pocket.

And lastly but most importantly, it’s pronounced “weh-gee”, not “wegie”, or “w-eg”. Pronouncing the place where you eat as a painful undergarment experience is not appetizing to anyone.

Saint Stock is coming soon!

Aquinas’ annual student club and organization fair gives students a chance to get involved

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-In-Chief A quick look at Aquinas College’s list of student clubs and organizations can be baffling. With 70 different groups, from musical ensembles to activist cliques to subject-centered study circles, it might seem tough to see what each club is about.

Fortunately, for students who want to get involved but cannot contact every club, there is Saint Stock, the annual two-hour Welcome Week resource fair that features Aquinas’ student-run clubs and organizations along with many local organizations for students to discover and become involved in.

“Students spend 70 percent of their time at college, outside of the classroom,” said Tim Ramsay, assistant director of campus life at Aquinas. “Saint Stock gives students, especially first year students, a chance to get involved with on-campus organizations, off-campus organizations, volunteer opportunities with non-profit organizations, and a variety of faith communities. Endless opportunities are available during Saint Stock.”

Aquinas students have been extremely receptive to the program since its beginning. Around 900 students took the time last year to stop by Saint Stock and roam around the booths that filled the Sturrus Center.

Ramsay feels that involvement in campus life is important for students.

“Studies show that when students get involved early, they become more

successful in college. We stress the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced life outside of the classroom,” he said. “Doing so allows for a successful academic career at Aquinas, the ultimate goal.”

Deans of Students Jennifer Dawson and Brian Matzke see campus involvement affecting students even beyond Aquinas.

“Clubs and organizations give students the opportunity to hone their leadership skills and to teach students how to work together collaboratively,” said Dawson.

“These are assets that will serve all students long after graduation.”

Matzke feels that club involvement also looks good when job hunting and applying for graduate school. “However, one’s resume is not the end-all for clubs and organizations,” he added. “They do tremendous good for both Aquinas and our Grand Rapids community.”

Aquinas students see benefits in being involved in campus events and organizations as well. For Brayden Scott, an Aquinas senior who has participated in Philosophy Club, Student Senate, and several student-run theater productions , getting involved was a great way to meet people and feel in touch with the campus.

“I feel like I gained a greater experience of just being in college,” he said.

When Aquinas graduate Dan Meloy (2012) started his freshman year at Aquinas, he figured he was just going to study hard and focus on his classes.

Campus involvement was not even considered in his college plans.

“By the end of my Sophomore year, I was involved in The Saint, I was involved in Student Senate, and I was talking to Doctor Durham about the political science club” he said. “Now, I can’t think what I would have done without those activities.”

Even students that go to only a few meetings to see if a club or organization interests them gain benefits from clubs and organizations according to Scott. “ I looked into things, like Ultimate Frisbee, and a few other things, but I didn’t really stick with them as much because I never had as much time for those. With my experience, I think for the most part, very often, people will come to one or two [club] meetings and then never again,” he said.

“It’s an easy avenue to go meet people, especially for all the incoming freshmen,“ he added.

To discover all of the opportunities clubs and organizations have to offer, Meloy recommends that students check out Saint Stock.

“I’m sure there are plenty of freshmen that don’t know what Aquinas offers,” he said. “This is Aquinas’ way of saying, ‘Hey, we’re a small college, but we have dozens of clubs!’ I’m sure there is something that will catch anyone’s eye.

At least, I hope so!”

By Matt Kuczynski Editor-In-Chief With barely two months left leading to the elections in November, and national media covering the Romney/Obama race closely, college-aged students are not gearing up to vote as fervently as in 2008.

According to a study conducted earlier this year by Georgetown University, only 46 percent of college-aged students are “absolutely certain” that they will vote in November.

For Aquinas Political Science professor Molly Patterson, the low numbers of student voters signify that students, and their concerns and issues, are not being represented in elections equally compared to the rest of the population.

“We know that senior citizens vote at a much higher rate than college students,” she said. “This wouldn’t be such a problem if senior citizens and college students cared about the same things— but we can guess with some confidence that they have different concerns and priorities.

“Medicare and student loans are both coming up as issues in Congress right now. Guess which population is more likely to get what they want?”

Even if students are determined to vote, revised voter identification laws across the nation could make it more difficult for them to make their ballots count. Much of the controversy stems from the use of student identification cards as an acceptable form of voter identification. Inconsistencies in laws between states make deciphering which identification is and is not acceptable tricky.

In Georgia, student identification cards from public universities are accepted as voter I.D. Student identification cards even from accredited private schools are not.

In Wisconsin, a similar debate resulted in colleges statewide re-printing student cards to fulfill the requirements for valid voter identification.

Kassondra Cloos, a college student in North Carolina, went public with her voting registration ordeal after a mistake on an address form resulted in several weeks of digging through

identification documents before the state primaries earlier in August. Her vote was ultimately not counted.

Troy Dildine, an Aquinas student who will vote for the first time this fall, feels that these sorts of situations impact student voter turnout. “ It seems to me that the rate of college student voters is smaller than it should be, but not really too different from other groups,” he said. “With new voter suppression laws coming into effect in various states, I suspect that fewer college students will vote this year.”

Politician’s responses to the complex laws have been varied, from Texas attorney general Greg Abbot stating that the law is needed to protect against voter fraud, to Pennsylvania Republican House Majority Leader Mike Turzai stating, “[Pennsylvania’s] voter ID [law], which is going to allow Governor Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania—done!”

Michigan’s voter registration law allows student identification cards to be used as voter identification at the polls, but not while registering to vote. For registration, students must have a Michigan driver ’s license or state identification card, or they must send in a copy of their drivers license, identification card or other document that shows their name and address, such as a bank statement, pay stub, utility bill, or government document.

Although Patterson acknowledges that the registration process is unnecessarily chaotic., she still encourages students to vote. “Students should vote because they continue to be easy to ignore and dismiss if they don’t vote,” she said. “If students turn into a significant demographic someday, someone might listen to them.

It’s also a good habit to get into.”

Students can find applications to register to vote at www.michigan.gov, and at their city and county clerks’ offices.

Absentee ballot forms, for students who are registered to vote in a different location than their current residence, are also available on the web site.

The deadline for registration is October 6. Absentee ballots must be turned in by 8:00 p.m. on election day.

Saint Stock will take place on September 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center

Summer heat may College votes in crisis Young voters promise smaller turnout; have lasting effects complex voter I.D. laws create confusion

COURTESY FLICKR.COM

All dried up: Corn crops, pictured here, and other food crops have been suffering nationwide due to the extreme temperatures this summer.

By Laura Farrell News Editor Unless you have been locked away in an air-conditioned castle, or made a summer trip to the Arctic Circle, this season’s record heat has surely affected your summer vacation. According to WZZM 13, the month of July was record breaking.

July 6 was the hottest day in Grand Rapids this year, and the hottest day on record since June 26, 1953, topping off the thermometers at 104 degrees.

While beachgoers may have been partying in the sun, Michigan has seen some of the worst effects of this heat wave. The excessive heat has seared through the state’s crops. Food prices are expected to soar, because of the severe losses in Michigan corn due to the drought. Also, because corn is found in a lot of goods, and most farm animals are fed with corn products, consumers can expect the prices of a variety of goods to soar.

The damage is not limited to Michigan. According to a recent article in the Chicago Sun Times, “About 60 percent of all U.S. farmland is estimated to be affected and more than one-half of America’s counties are currently designated as drought disaster areas.”

News Editor Laura Farrell

Professor Jim Rasmussen, chair of the geography department at Aquinas, explained that although this fall will be nice and cool, this unusual weather will have a lasting effect. “We not only had a very intense summer that approached historic highs for temperature, but we also enjoyed a winter and spring that was among the warmest on record,” he said. “The result is that Lake Michigan is much warmer than it usually is, so we are not receiving any of the free air conditioning that it typically provides.”

Rasmussen also predicted that the warm lake temperatures will give us a wet winter, much unlike last year.

For freshmen, the heat can create other problems. Dorm rooms are notorious for being hot and stuffy and the first few weeks can be a scorcher.

Make sure to get fans in your rooms going as soon as possible, if you have not already, and of course, stay hydrated!

Both Regina and St. Joe’s have ice machines and you can get water in just about every building on campus. Until the long awaited crisp fall air arrives, stay cool in the dorms, and watch out for higher food costs!

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2012

ADVERTISING

Managing Editor Katherine Mata

Business and Management E-mail saint.business@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

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THE SAINT | FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

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

Alyssa Frese Sports Editor Miriam Pranschke Photo Editor Managing Editor Katherine Mata

Matt Kuczynski Laura Farrell Stephanie Giluk

Adviser Dr. Dan Brooks

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MISSION The Saint has worked diligently for the past 31 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; saint.editors@aquinas.edu, or use the form on our website.

physical copies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AB, Room 2

LIZ MAXIAN / THE SAINT

Can you write?

Like taking photos?

Want some extra cash?

We could use you!

The Saint is constantly looking for new individuals to join our team of reporters, columnists, photographers and editors.

If you are interested in writing or taking photos for us, stop by our first writers meeting on September 5, 10:30 p.m. upstairs in the Moose, or stop by our booth at Saint Stock earlier that same day between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Sturrus Center.

P.S: We pay for your articles and photos.

theSaint

By students. For students.

Editor-In-Chief Matt Kuczynski

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

arts & entertainment Grand Rapids: Artists are looking to move in with you

Music: Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis to play in Grand Rapids

Clowns: Rap duo ICP claims to be suing the FBI, details hazy.

As ArtPrize, the Grand Rapids-based international art competition, gears up for another year, competing artists are looking for a place to stay in town for the duration of the festival.

Organizers are asking people with an extra bed to host the artists in their homes. Forms for interested hosts can be found on the ArtPrize web site.

The five-time Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter will be playing at Frederik Meijer Gardens on Aug. 29. His tour, which begins in Chicago on Aug. 28, is scheduled to end at the Detroit Jazz Festival on Sept. 1. Although tickets are currently sold out for the Grand Rapids gig, jazz fans should plan on checking out Marsalis in Detroit–the festival is free.

Detroit-based rappers Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope, better known as Insane Clown Posse, claim to be taking the FBI to court for putting their fan base, known as “juggalos,” on the official list of confirmed gangs in the U.S. Although ICP have spoken to various media outlets, no official court record of the suit has been discovered at press time.

Politicking in the Twitterverse

stephanie giluk | a&e editor

Media is a powerful thing. It’s election year, folks, and that means Americans will (hopefully) spend their time watching, reading, or tweeting about the spectacle that is the election campaign. Entertainment will just as readily come from debates as it will from your favorite sitcom.

Social media has and will play a massive part in determining the candidate’s fates. Just ask U.S. Senate nominee Todd Akin.

In the age where a news clip can be tweeted at the speed of light, if a politician slips up and says or posts or does something incredibly stupid, everyone knows about it. And everyone, including fellow politicians, celebrities, and the public at large, can know exactly what they did and call them to task for it. Media is such a force that if enough people speak out against a politician, it could change the entire outcome of a candidacy.

In case you haven’t heard what Akin said by now, it was prompted by a question about whether or not abortion should be legal in cases of rape.

This was his response: “It seems to me, from what I understand from doctors, that [pregnancy from rape] is really rare. If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down.”

Take a second. Read that a few times. If Akin’s words cause your brain to explode due to extreme disgust and anger, then that means you’re a normal human being.

In those two sentences, not only did Akin imply that some cases of rape are somehow more legitimate than others, but he also seems to think women have some way to prevent pregnancies when they have been raped.

To address just the biological issue at hand, a frequently cited study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1996 concludes that the national rape-related pregnancy rate is 5% per rape and that about 32,101 pregnancies result from rape each year. While not incredibly common, 32,000 pregnancies annually are not rare territory. What makes Akin’s claim even worse is that he is a member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and he somehow thinks women’s bodies are capable of controlling when and how the women themselves become pregnant.

Then there’s the whole idea that Akin can somehow classify some rapes as more “legitimate” than others. I don’t think I need to explain how bigoted and idiotic that statement is.

Rape is rape. It is never excusable.

Luckily, most everyone who heard what Akin said was very public about their feelings toward the politician, and they took to Twitter, Facebook, and news sites to broadcast against Akin. The hashtag #legitmaterape started trending, and everyone from author Margaret Atwood to musician Amanda Palmer all had something to say about the ridiculousness of Akin’s comment.

Such widespread publicity helped sparked debate about women’s issues and increased speculation that if Akin didn’t bow out of his candidacy, he would almost certainly lose to his opponent, Democrat Sen. Claire McCaskill. So far, Akin has apologized for his statements but refused to step down from his campaign, which doesn’t bode well for his chances at office.

Though this certainly will not be the last instance in which a politician has said things that damage his or her standing, it is a prime example of how politicians have to execute the utmost care in what they say and do while in front of a recording device of any kind when news is instantly and constantly available.

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THE SAINT | FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

>> PRINCE HARRY

The heir to the English throne caused major buzz by baring it all in Vegas. Photos of the nude Price shooting a game of pool in his suite have made their rounds on the Internet. One wonders what his grandmother thinks. . .

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Tired of campus already?

Check out Eastown!

By George Van Den Dreissche Staff Writer After those first days of life at Aquinas, one might wonder what there is to do besides hang around the campus. Fortunately, there is plenty of fun to be had within walking distance in Eastown, the vibrant community right next door to Aquinas.

Eastown brims with adventure for everyone. A person does not have to travel far to find unique shopping experiences, fitness opportunities, and extravagant dining options for when Wege just won’t do.

Any fan of reading will love to call Eastown their home. There are three bookstores located within a block of each other. Argos Books has some great deals and features a myriad of comic books. True book fanatics will definitely want to check out Redux Books’ collection of antique editions and hardto-find literature.

For those searching for some unique clothes locally, The New Yorker, Ack, and Striders provide ample opportunities for fashion and fitness shoppers.

During the summer, Wilcox Park hosts “Yoga in the Park” every Sunday at 7 p.m. This is a free event that welcomes people of all skill levels. “It’s a relaxing, stress free environment away from classes that allows you to meet new people within the community,” said Aquinas senior Hunter Hilton.

The first restaurant that comes to mind in Eastown is Yesterdog. For less than two bucks, one can pick up one of Yesterdog’s signature frank-ona-steamed-bun creations, loaded with deliciously messy homemade chili sauce and shredded pickles. “If you want a hot dog, you go to Yesterdog.

Its outlandish to go anywhere else,” said Senior Mitch Spelde. The atmosphere at Yesterdog is as unique as its hot dogs—this local restaurant served as the inspiration for Dog Years in the movie American Pie. Wolfgang’s would be the second

most popular restaurant in town, and the most popular breakfast joint, for good reason—the diverse menu of omelets and signature dishes spans pages. However, if the line is outside the door, it might be worth considering the Cherry Inn on Cherry Street, or Brandywine a bit further down on Lake Drive.

In addition, for those looking for different flavors, it’s worth exploring the side streets around Aquinas: Bombay Cuisine features Indian food, Szechuan Garden has great Chinese lunch deals, Chez Olga features food from the Caribbean, The Pita House offer traditionally-made gyros, Gojo’s and Little Africa feature Ethiopian cuisine nearby, and the Eastown Café has a wide range of signature sandwiches.

As far as pizza goes, Gino’s Pizza’s on Wealthy is hard to beat—their deluxe pie has won The Saint’s annual pizza shootout many years in a row. A quick COURTESY STEVEN DE POLO wander through Eastown Keeping time: Local blues guitarist Stanley Patrick checks his watch at his usual spot: under will uncover many more the Yesterdog awning in Eastown. eateries and local hangto swing dance, Tuesday nights will vibe,” he said. outs.

If ice cream does not sound ap- answer your prayers. Rosa Parks Circle For those of age who are into craft beers, Eastown also has its own petizing, maybe a stop at Mary Ann’s downtown features swing dancing lesbrewery. Harmony Brewing behind Chocolates will satisfy your sweet sons every Tuesday while the weather Subway, across the street from the gas tooth. Rose’s is also an option for those is warm. During the fall, Grand Rapids’ own symphony, ballet, and opera station, offers a full spectrum of beers who want a more upscale meal.

If these local everyday attractions open their seasons. Most concerts feabrewed in-house, on Wealthy Street.

If Eastown for some reason fails to fail to entertain you, then a visit down- ture steep student discounts.

With all this excitement around entice your fancy, then a trip to Gaslight town may be the cure for this ailment.

Village may be more fitting. A journey A trip to the Gerald R. Ford Museum, Aquinas, it’s hard to get bored. Whethto Reeds Lake could only be satisfactory named after the former president, will er it’s Eastown, Gaslight Village, or after a stop at Jersey Junction (the best surely indulge the historical buff, and Downtown; Grand Rapids has attracice cream shop in town). Senior Bill Fox Grand Rapids Art Museum is there for tions that everyone can enjoy! likes the Junction for its old-fashioned the art fanatic (if Art Prize in October feel. “Jersey Junction is an affordable was not enough).

For anyone who has ever wanted homemade ice cream shop with a 1950s

Homecoming 2012 at Aquinas sure to be a hit

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter Aquinas’ annual homecoming week will take place at the end of September. There are many exciting things to do to make the 126th year’s homecoming celebration at Aquinas as memorable as the 125th. Homecoming will begin the week of September 24 30 with student activities happening throughout the week.

Homecoming for the alumni begins with the Master of Management alumni reception, where alumni come back to campus and relive their experiences at AQ with other alums. The main event at homecoming is the Hall of Fame Gala, where distinguished

members of Aquinas are honored for their achievements while at Aquinas.

Saturday is the busiest day of homecoming, starting with the AQ Run Thru 5k & 2 mile walk that is sponsored by the Aquinas Sport Management Club. This event is in its fourth year and has grown every year. All proceeds will benefit the Grand Rapids Wheelchair foundation. Registration forms can be found online at the AQ Sport Management page on the Aquinas website.

Continuing on Saturday is the coronation of the new homecoming king & queen for the 2012-13 school year. This ceremony will occur during halftime of the second game of a soccer doubleheader against conference rival

Madonna College. The women’s team will play first, followed by the men’s.

Also, throughout the day there will be carnival games that current and former students can enjoy.

The reunions of the classes of 1962 (50th), 1967 (45th), 1972 (40th), 1977 (35th) and 1982 (30th) will be held throughout the week as well, while a separate reunion for the classes of 1987 (25th), 1992 (20th), 1997 (15th), 2002 (10th) and 2007 (5th) will be held.

Golden Saints, alumni for more than 50 years, are welcome as well.

In addition, ArtPrize is an option if on-campus festivities are not enough.

This community event that appeals to both students and alumni in Grand

Rapids coincides directly with homecoming, so everyone has a chance to see the great art work that comes to Grand Rapids annually without missing out on other homecoming activities.

According to Bridgid Avery, director of alumni relations, there are many other highlights that will entertain students to stay on campus for the weekend, including a 10-person photo booth, inflatables and plenty of live music, “I am hoping many students stay on campus and enjoy the weekend,” she said.

“Alumni love to come home to Aquinas and it is wonderful to have a strong student presence.”

PointCounterpoint:

Is The Bourne Legacy the summer’s action hit?

Point: It definitely is!

By Paris Close The Saint Reporter There’s only one man clever enough to use foil pans to deflect a drone missile, and surprisingly that man is not Jason Bourne.

The Bourne saga continues with The Bourne Legacy, where fans say farewell to Jason Bourne (Matt Damon) and welcome Operation Outcome assassin Aaron Cross (Jeremy Renner).

In Legacy, after a recent exposure of Operation Blackbriar, all Operation assets were up for kill, including Cross. In turn, he goes rogue and stops at nothing to kill his enemies.

What do you call a guy who can jump off a 50-foot building, scale down a narrow alleyway, and execute two officers effortlessly? To dub Renner’s character “relentless” seems like an understatement. A beast more aptly describes Cross.

All of Renner’s stunts were performed without the use of a double.

He has the looks women worship,

A & E Editor Stephanie Giluk

impressive fighting skills every man envies, and insistently drives the word “action” into full throttle, bringing new life to the franchise.

And why would we expect less?

The guy’s track record shows he is no newcomer to performing high-intensity stunts. He has starred in a number of action flicks including The Hurt Locker (2009), Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (2011) and The Avengers (2012).

From car crashing and exploding houses to fighting wolves and grinding down staircases on a motorcycle, Cross proves he’s just as much of a badass as Bourne. Renner’s performance is daring, suspenseful and exciting, which makes The Bourne Legacy a great summer movie sure to keep you at the edge of your seat.

Counterpoint: Definitely not!

By Katherine Mata Managing Editor The Bourne Legacy, without hesitation, had huge shoes to fill following The Bourne Ultimatum in 2007. Jason

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Bourne, however, was not the only person in the Treadstone program. What happened behind the scenes, behind closed doors, is what the Bourne Legacy seeks to reveal.

Aaron Cross, portrayed by Jeremy Renner, defies the CIA as they seek to kill every member of their secret program in order to hide it from being revealed to the public. Thrown back into society, Cross seeks to ensure that his high intelligence and physical abilities are not destroyed. With help from a scientist, Dr. Marta Shearing (Rachel Weisz), Cross finds himself protecting Dr. Shearing’s and his own life.

Renner and Weisz have wonderful chemistry on screen throughout The Bourne Legacy. Both looked and felt comfortable and natural to the audience, even as they ran from danger or were forced to disguise their appearances. The only downfall for Renner is the shadow that Damon continues to cast as the original Bourne trilogy remains immensely popular among fans.

If there is anyone to blame for the

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failure of The Bourne Legacy, it is the writers, producers, and the director.

The director, Tony Gilroy (The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy), could not stay away from what made him famous. Scenes from The Bourne Legacy mimicked the original trilogy and left audiences scratching their heads. How about the motorcycle chase from The Bourne Ultimatum? Yes, audiences can see that remade in this film. Remember when Jason Bourne fell in love with a woman he took “hostage” in the trilogy? Yes, audiences see that again with Cross.

The point to be made about The Bourne Legacy is that the film is nothing original. The only new pieces to this Treadstone puzzle is Aaron Cross and the fact that Jason Bourne was not the only individual to be brainwashed.

Honestly, if audiences want an action packed adventure, they should just watch and re-watch the original Bourne trilogy with Matt Damon.

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

sports

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THE SAINT | FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Baseball: Tigers sweep Toronto Blue Jays, two games behind Sox

Lions: Season opener start for pursuit of playoffs

College Football: Season kicks off next week

After a 3-2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday, the Detroit Tigers are now 66-57 and two games behind the Chicago White Sox for the AL Central lead. Third basemen Miguel Cabrera has established himself as the team leader batting .326 with 31 home runs and 105 RBIs .

The Detroit Lions open their season against the St. Louis Rams on September 9 at Ford Field in Detroit. Quarterback Matthew Stafford looks to lead the Lions to back-to-back postseason berths after advancing to the NFC Wild Card last year.

The Lions are trying to return to the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 1995.

The Michigan State Spartans enter this season ranked 13th in the country and will host Boise State on Friday, August 31. The Michigan will play defending national champions Alabama at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sept. 1.

Notre Dame will be heading across the Atlantic to face Navy in Dublin, Ireland in Avia Stadium.

<<

WHAT TO WATCH

>> VOLLEYBALL

The Aquinas College women’s volleyball team hosts Rochester College on Sunday, August 26, at 1:30 p.m. at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center to begin their season. Betsy and Katie Vander Meer will debut in their first game as head coaches of the team.

Aquinas sports gear up for the fall

By Alyssa Frese Sports Editor With the start of a new school year comes the fall season for many student athletes. Aquinas College has a lot of competition ahead of them, with men and women’s cross country, men and women’s soccer, men and women’s golf and volleyball all starting their fall seasons.

The men and women’s cross country teams, coached by Mike Wojciakowski, had a phenomenal 2011 season and are in good shape to do that same this year. Both teams competed at Nationals in Washington last year.

“We had a strong senior class that showed a lot of leadership at practice and the races last season. Every season, the most important meets for us are the WHAC conference meet and Nationals. We had lost the conference meet the two previous years, so we were really determined to change that, and it was easy to see that the seniors wanted nothing more than to reclaim that title,” said junior Dan Foley.

“As for this season, we are a young team, and we are going to surprise a lot of people because they are going to expect us to be in a recovery year since we have lost so many from out top seven.

We have a few seniors who have been and continue to be great leaders for the team, like Andrew Libs,” Foley continued.

The women’s cross country team, as well, is determined to have another successful season. “My goal for this cross country season is to learn to race as hard as I can,” said sophomore Jamie Sansone. “We are happy to start the season with everyone healthy including eleven new girls. We hope to dominate and win conference for the fourth time in a row this year and make top ten at nationals in Washington.”

Both the men and women’s cross country teams will open their seasons on Saturday, September 8 at the Knight Invitational in Grand Rapids.

Besides the cross country teams, the men and women’s golf teams also both had very successful 2011 fall sea-

ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

Fan’s delight: Aquinas’ men’s soccer team chalked up 15 wins in the fall 2011 season, and the volleyball team finished with a 26-12 record. Sports fans can count on a great fall sports season in 2012, with plenty of intense match-ups in every sport. sons. The women finished second in the WHAC and very close to rival Madonna. “This year we are gunning for Nationals. I think we have a really good chance at finishing first in the WHAC and making it to Nationals. My personal goal is to average in the eighties and just have fun,” said senior Kristin Pike. The women’s golf team will open up their season on Tuesday, September 4 at the WHAC Jamboree #1 hosted by Davenport University.

The men’s golf team also finished second in the WHAC last fall. The team is hoping for a repeat performance this year. “We need to gain some consistency as a team and I think this is a great year for that. I’m very optimistic about this season. I know we can do well,” said senior John DeAngelis. The men’s gold team will open up the season on August 31 at the Olivet Invitational.

The men and women’s soccer teams

are looking forward to great seasons as well. The men’s team finished off the Fall 2011 regular season with a record of 15-4-2. “We didn’t accomplish our goals of winning conference play and winning the conference tournament, but we made it to the conference tournament finals and played probably our best game of the season,” said junior Tyler Fischer. The results of last season have only made the team more determined to dominate this season.

“This year, the team is looking to take care of business in the conference which means winning the regular season and then winning the conference tournament. Getting to nationals is this team’s next step after falling short by one game each of the past two seasons.

Once we are there we feel we have a team that competes for the national title,” said junior Michael Gagnon.

“We have a veteran team that has

In Pictures: Catching the Aquinas spirit

TOP: COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE COLLECTIONS

BOTTOM: ANDRIS VISOCKIS / AQUINAS

Intense fans then and now: Top: Fans watch intently at an Aquinas game in 1961. Bottom: Spectators get up off their seats at a 2011 volleyball game against Cornerstone. Today, members of the Saints’ Squad, Aquinas’ super fan group, make sure to bring a solid dose of spirit to cheer on Aquinas sports teams.

Sports Editor Alyssa Frese

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

seen what it takes, this year we also have a lot of new guys both transfers and freshmen. The success of the team will be measured by how well we come together as a team,” Gagnon continued.

The men’s soccer team opened at Bethel on Wednesday, August 22 and will open at home on Tuesday, August 28 against Ohio Midwestern.

The women’s soccer team is also looking to take care of business this year. After finishing the 2011 regular season with a record of 16-4, the team is sitting in a spot for success this season. “Well I think last season went very well, better than I expected my freshman year, though we lost in the Conference Finals and we fell short of our goal of going to nationals. Last season could not have been a better freshman year,” said sophomore Maggie Keiffer, “but we are not satisfied this year and our goal as a team is to be very com-

petitive every game and of course win championships.

“We are very young with nineteen freshman and only twelve returners so we will be a bit inexperienced but with time that will go away, the freshman have lots of potential and can bring great things to our team,” Keiffer concluded.

The women’s soccer team opens at home against Ohio Midwestern on Tuesday, October 28.

The women’s volleyball team finished the 2011 season with an overall record of 26-12. The Saints are in for a different season with five new freshman players and two new head coaches. Mother and daughter coach combination Betsy and Katie Vander Meer are expected to lead the team to a very successful season. The volleyball team will open at home on Sunday, August 26 against Rochester.

Whitecaps and Griffins bring major league fun to the minor leagues

By Dan Meloy Guest Writer For those incoming students who hail from the east side of the state, Grand Rapids seems a world away from their beloved Tigers and Red Wings.

However Eastsiders should have no fear as Grand Rapids does offer professional sports with its own distinctive twist.

Just north of Grand Rapids lies Comstock Park, home of Fifth Third Ballpark and the West Michigan Whitecaps. Only a 10 minute drive on US-131 away, the Whitecaps are the Class A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and play in the Midwest League.

The Whitecaps offer a friendly environment for everyone from the casual fan to the sports junkie. With promotional gimmicks such as free T-Shirt Night and hotdog guns, the Whitecaps offer up some great entertainment for a very affordable price.

Tickets only cost $6 in the outfield lawn, and $10-$14 for infield seating.

Aquinas students can see the Whitecaps host the Fort Wayne TinCaps today for free–buses will depart for the game from 5 to 7:00 p.m. in front of the Sturrus Center. The Whitecaps will then travel to Dayton for a week, and finish the season with a three game series at home against the Dayton Dragons September 1-3 in the last chance to see them play this year.

If baseball is not your thing, the always-popular Grand Rapids Griffins always offer a night of hockey excitement at Van Andel Arena.

As the American Hockey League affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings, Griffins players are often viewed as the Red Wings of tomorrow, and offer

Phone (616) 632-2975

fans a great chance to see some of their favorite Red Wings who are coming off an injury and getting some ice time before going back to the big club.

Only a short drive down Fulton, fans can get close to the action as tickets only cost $18 in the lower level and $14 in the upper level. Like the Whitecaps, the Griffins also host several gimmicks to keep things interesting such as the Disco Night, contests during intermission, and the always popular College Night, featuring dollar hot dogs and dollar beers, for those of age.

The Griffins open their season on Friday, October 12 against the Milwaukee Admirals, and will play until late April. The action on the ice is great and fans are always clamoring for the next great hockey fight, but it is by and large a great environment filled with fans that have a major league passion for a minor league team.

Throughout the school year Aquinas typically schedules group outings to some games, however if you and your friends are looking to catch a game it is not long drive or walk and the entertainment value is worth the price.

While the Whitecaps and Griffins are not in the big leagues, they still make up a big part of Grand Rapids’ cultural fabric. Griffins games are always a great excuse to enjoy a night on the town in downtown Grand Rapids. And nothing beats enjoying a hotdog at Fifth Third Ballpark with the sun shining down on you face with friends.

Dan Meloy is an Aquinas alum (2012) and former sports section editor at The Saint. He currently writes for Mlive and freelances in his spare time

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint