OCT27

BEat the Rich

‘Beauty and the beast’ debuts at lied center

An inside look at the Occupy Lincoln movement.

Why they are there and what they want video online

Production brings original songs and new twists to the timeless classic PAGE 6 thursday, october 27, 2011

volume 111, issue 046

DAILY NEBRASKAN Departments FAST TRACK determine TA dailynebraskan.com

TO S AFET Y

authority

UNL’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility researches, contributes safety measures that reduce the risks for NASCAR and IndyCar drivers

Alicia Mikoloyck Daily Nebraskan

art by gabriel sanchez | daily nebraskan

christine scalora daily nebraskan

Dan Wheldon, two-time champion of the Indianapolis 500, died after he was involved in a 15-car accident in the series finale of the IndyCar racing season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Oct. 16.

His death was the first IndyCar fatality since 2006.

Technology designed at the University of NebraskaLincoln’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility has played an important role in minimizing deaths and serious injuries in NASCAR and IndyCar races,

said director of the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility, Dean Sicking. The Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier has reduced the number of fatalities in racing accidents that involve cars hitting the outer wall of the race track, he said.

The SAFER barrier is made of five eight-inch steel tubes welded together, with foam material behind the steel to absorb the impact of the collision, according to Sicking.

He said the heaviness of the tubes creates a rigid surface, which prevents the barrier from wrapping around the car. The barrier also protects

‘Ask an Atheist’ returns for 4th panel discussion jacy marmaduke daily nebraskan

Got questions about atheism?

A panel of Secular Humanists of the University of NebraskaLincoln members is ready to answer them Thursday night at the club’s fourth-annual “Ask an Atheist” event.

“We get everything,” said Kate Miller, a sophomore philosophy major and SHUNL president. “‘How do you have morals?’ is a pretty popular one. Last year we got asked if I was single.”

“Ask an Atheist” will take place in the Nebraska Union auditorium at 6 p.m., and will last two hours with a new format: A panel of SHUNL members will answer questions in front of an audience for the first hour and wander the auditorium for individual and smallgroup discussions for the second. Panel members said the second hour should be a good opportunity to speak with more

ben taleb page 4

impassioned or especially curious audience members.

“I want to speak about what it’s like to be an atheist, although I may not always call myself one,” said Michael Milone, a senior psychology and philosophy major and vice president of SHUNL. “But if anyone wants to come and yell at me after the event, I’d be more than happy to hear them.”

Four SHUNL members will sit on the panel, including Miller, Milone, Emily Zahn, a junior biology major, and senior physics major Ethan Van Winkle. The panel has historically consisted of two boys and two girls who are willing to share their “coming-out” stories and answer questions about their beliefs.

“We had a ton of boy volunteers, but they were really looking for girl volunteers to fill the

atheist: see page 3

drivers by redirecting the driver without stopping or slowing down dramatically, he said.

Ronald Faller, assistant director and research assistant professor with the safety facility, said the barriers are designed to lessen the magnitude of the impact of a potential car crash into a rigid wall.

“It sounds simple, but it took several years to basically develop,” he said.

The SAFER barriers were designed when Tony George, then CEO of the Indy Racing League, wanted to improve racing safety in the late 1990s.

“He went to his people and

he said, ‘We can do better,’” Sicking said.

Individuals working for George created barriers that were made out of plastic instead of the usual concrete, which protected drivers, but the barriers would disintegrate upon impact, Sicking said.

George came to Sicking and his researchers during the summer of 1998. The Midwest Roadside Safety Facility had previously designed barriers for Ford Co.’s and

racing: see page 3

Navannah Slezak, a sophomore journalism major, picked up her entomology lab report, saw the grade on it, and was immediately filled with frustration.

She had worked on this particular lab report for a week, enlisting help from classmates. She turned it in, confident that she would be receiving an excellent grade.

Instead, the lab report had red marks, and not ones correcting her scientific errors. Written by the class’s teaching assistant, they corrected a few grammatical errors.

“I was upset with how harshly I was graded, mainly because it made my grade decline, and it was all because of tiny mistakes that my TA at the time was picky about,” Slezak said.

Students should be graded on what they know, she said.

“In the College of Arts and Sciences, (the authority TAs have) is determined by departments,” said Debbie Minter, associate dean for Academic Programs in the College of Arts and Sciences.

The question arises if it’s fair for TAs to grade students or even record grades.

“Sometimes it makes you wonder if it is fair to have a TA grade our work when we are paying the professors to do that,” said Kelsey Dodge, a sophomore anthropology and Spanish major.

“I think it’s OK to have them grade the multiplechoice tests and quizzes,

but not our essays,” Dodge said.

Even with a professor supervising the TAs grade decisions on essays and papers, Dodge said she doesn’t agree.

Although she usually doesn’t, Laurie Thomas Lee, a broadcasting professor, has a graduate teaching assistant for her JOUR 101 class this semester.

She said her GTA is in charge of grading the objective parts of the class, like multiple-choice tests and quizzes.

“If we have any essay tests,” Lee said, “I am the one responsible for grading them according to my own standards.”

Minter said GTAs are required to take a seminar before they actually teach or grade students’ work. On the other hand, undergraduate TAs are just instructed by professors on how to grade. Workshops are available to help develop skills, and for some departments, they are required.

Jessica Christensen, a senior marketing major, was an instructor assistant, or IA, for COMM 286. Responsibilities for IAs are slightly different than for most TAs. They grade quizzes and tests and evaluate speech performances.

“Every week we had to attend a class that would tell the IAs how to grade the papers,” Christensen said.

The only things she wasn’t allowed to grade, she said, were the speeches. This is unlike COMM 109 IAs, who

tas: see page 3

Exorcist shares views on religion, evil mary rezac Daily nebraskan

This is no movie. This is real life.

The Rev. Vince Lampert’s visit to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to discuss exorcisms sparked the interest of about 600 people Wednesday night.

“So is anyone just a little creeped out by being here this evening?” Lampert asked at the beginning of his talk.

Lampert, a Roman Catholic priest and one of about 35 trained exorcists in the U.S., opened with an explanation of exorcisms and stories of his work.

The Rev. Robert Matya, chaplain of the UNL Newman Center, which hosted the event, said the purpose of inviting Lampert was to keep students informed about spiritual realities.

“We’re not here to scare you,” Matya said, “but we want to inform you and we want you to know.”

Lampert began by explaining why the Roman Catholic Church still practices exorcisms today.

performing arts page 5

Through the amount of media attention given to demonic divinations, or elements of what is called the occult — fortune telling, spells and Satanism — there are many footholds for the demonic in the world, Lampert said.

“Isn’t it true that religion and God are becoming less relevant in people’s lives today, and people are becoming bored with their relationship with God?” Lampert asked. “We’re living in troubled times,” he said. “The best solution is to rediscover our Christian roots.”

Lampert said the idea of exorcism, which means an insistent request before God to command a demonic spirit to leave, has been a part of the church since the time of Jesus Christ.

He said the ultimate goal of an exorcism is the healing of the suffering person, and he won’t perform an exorcism if he believes it will do that person more harm than good.

“The truth is that psychology and religion need not be opposed to one another – the goal should be relief to the person suffering,” Lampert said.

“The first thing to do (when

football page 10

Weather | SUNNY

Reflections on Islam

Mics wide open

Hit and run

series concludes with discussion of quran in daily life

local venues give musicians chance to display talents

Columnists debate most valuable husker of 2011

@dailyneb | facebook.com/dailynebraskan

Matt Masin | Daily Nebraskan

Priest Vince Lampert speaks to students in the Nebraska Union ballroom Wednesday night. Lampert spoke to students about the process of exorcisms and keeping a someone is possessed) is con- natural power and strong resissulting someone in the mental tance to all things holy or dihealth profession.” vine are all indications of such “We (exorcists) are trained to possession, he said.

He received training to be be skeptics,” he said. “If someone is in a room full of people, an exorcist in Rome, working trying to convince them they with a Franciscan priest who are possessed, I should be the had been an exorcist for 25 years. Lampert was present for last one to believe it.”

Lampert said there are four 40 exorcisms performed by the main criteria to tell if someone Fransican priest.

Lampert said one of the is being possessed by something evil. The ability to speak and understand unknown lanexorcist: guages, extraordinary human strength, knowledge beyond see page 3

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thursday, october 27, 2011

Daily Nebraskan

cops briefs Student cited for MIP at Sigma Phi Epsilon On Oct. 18 at 3:19 a.m., University of Nebraska-Lincoln police officers were dispatched to the third floor of Sigma Phi Epsilon, 601 N. 16th St., on reports of a fire alarm being pulled. Police talked to Matthew McNally, a sophomore finance major, who appeared intoxicated. After further investigation, McNally was found to have a .194 BAC, and was cited with minor in possession, then transported to detox.

Students charged with third-degree arson At 3:13 a.m. Oct. 21, University Police spoke with a witness who observed a man set fire to a bag of coal just outside Delta Upsilon, 1548 Vine St. The witness then observed the man tearing up brush at Jorgensen Hall, according to Sgt. Casey Johnson. After investigation, police cited and released Brenn Kai, a junior horticulture major, with third-degree arson and criminal mischief.

Disturbance at Phi Delta Theta University Police were dispatched to Phi Delta Theta, 1545 R St., on reports of members running around outside nude at 5:06 a.m.

Oct. 23. When officers arrived at the house, all males had returned back inside and no citations were issued.

—compiled by camille neemann CAMILLENEEMANN@ DAILYNEBRASKAN.COM

Matt masin | Daily nebraskan

Marie Zborilova, a student from the Czech Republic, takes classes in public relations in the hopes of getting a job in event planning. Zborilova said the classes she takes are fairly easy here, and she appreciates that.

ANNA REED | DAILY NEBRASKAN

Czech student settles in with UNL rec center offers faith, hard work body-fat, muscle test

Cody Kimball, a junior civil engineering major, has his chest measured for the percent of body fat during the Body Composition Testing at the Campus Recreation Center Oct. 26.

Participants were tested on the chest, abdomen and thigh for men and the tricep, suprailiac and thigh for women. The test will be available Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Campus Recreation Center.

Lauren geiger daily nebraskan

Emily nitcher daily nebraskan

The Campus Recreation Center is offering body-composition testing on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Students can pay $5 to have their lean muscle and body-fat percentages calculated.

For people who are looking to lose weight, the test gives a more accurate reading of body composition, compared to stepping on a scale everyday.

“Your body weight just fluctuates so much day-to-day based on your fluid levels, so doing a body-fat percentage really allows you to see if you are achieving your short-term and long-term goals,” said Dustin Nitz, a graduate assistant for fitness at the rec.

Using calipers, a small pinching plier, testers

measure skin folds from different parts of the body. With those numbers, they can calculate the total body density and determine the ratio between total body weight and fat mass. Then, after three to four months, the same areas of the body are tested again to see if the numbers have decreased.

“I just wanted the information from the test,” said Hailey Swanbom, a freshman general studies major. “I’d like to get healthier, and I’ve been trying to form a workout routine here, but without coaches and teammates encouraging and pushing me, it’s hard to find that balance.”

Swanbom’s results told her she was about average for her height, weight and age.

Erandi Herndon, a freshman Spanish and psychology major, said she was pleasantly surprised with her results. She

thought she had gained a lot of weight but was encouraged when her results also placed her in the normal percentiles.

“I was incredibly nervous going in and had very low expectations,” Herndon said.

“Cather-Pound-Neihardt has delicious cake and I’ve been eating it often.”

The testing is offered throughout the year so students can follow up with their progress. Staff will be on hand Thursday to help walk-ins.

Nitz encourages anyone who is considering doing the test to drop by.

“It seems intimidating, but it’s done in a personal, private environment, so the only people that know what your body fat percentage when you walk out are the person who did the test and you,” Nitz said. emilynitcher@ dailynebraskan.com

ASUN affirms fee committee bylaws frannie sprouls daily nebraskan

Senators slowly filtered into the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska meeting Wednesday night in the East Campus Union.

Quorum wasn’t met until after open forum concluded at about 6:40 p.m. During announcements at the end of the meeting, Speaker of the Senate Emily Schlichting, a senior communication studies and political science major, addressed ASUN attendance.

“I really appreciate the good attendance I’ve seen the past couple of weeks,” Schlichting said.

Schlichting reminded students to take care of themselves and get sleep as the semester becomes more stressful.

“If you don’t sleep, at least drink good coffee,” Schlichting said jokingly.

The majority of the legislation passed during the meeting dealt with bylaw amendments. Bylaw F and Bylaw G, which were given to senators last week for notification only, both passed.

The only bill on the agenda dealt with the Academic Fees Advisory Committee (AFAC) bylaws. “(The bylaws) weren’t changed at all, but they still

need to be approved,” said AFAC committee chair Alexi Brown. “It outlines the working of AFAC.” The bill was passed unanimously.

The last piece of legislation was discussed and voted on before committee reports so the presenter could leave early.

Nancy Mitchell, the director of undergraduate education, spoke to the senate about the resolution.

Mitchell spoke of the goals outlined in Chancellor Harvey Perlman’s address earlier in the school year and how those goals can be achieved.

“In order (to meet those goals), we know that we need to do a lot of things on campus to make it a welcoming place,” Mitchell said.

The basis of the legislation is to help the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Academic Affairs get student feedback on how to improve certain areas of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln system, such as advising. The resolution states that ASUN representatives will continue to supply student feedback to UNL faculty.

Only one piece of legislation was presented as notification only, Bylaw H, which will be voted on at next week’s meeting. franniesprouls@ dailynebraskan.com

ASUN meeting, Oct. 26 bills 1. Bylaw F - Amend ASUN Bylaws: Student Alcohol Safety Committee 2. Bylaw G - Amend ASUN Bylaws: Bylaw Amendment and Written Notice 3. Senate Bill #3 - Academic Fees Advisory Committee (AFAC) Bylaws 4. This resolution affirms ASUN’s responsibility to provide student feedback to UNL faculty and various UNL offices. issues 1. This bylaw changes the name of the Student Alcohol Commission to Student Alcohol Safety Commission.

2. This bylaw clarifies the process of submitting bylaw amendments to be made into pieces of legislation.

3. This bill approves the AFAC bylaws, which were not changed for this year.

4. This resolution affirms ASUN’s responsibility to provide student feedback to UNL faculty and various UNL offices. votes 1. Passed 2. Passed 3. Passed 4. Passed

Marie Zborilova is this year’s University of Nebraska-Lincoln Paul Robitschek Scholarship recipient. The scholarship, which is awarded to Czech students to study at UNL, is the only reason Zborilova is here.

Zborilova, a freshman marketing major at UNL and a graduate student back home, is from Brno, Czech Republic. She has lived and studied in numerous European countries.

When she heard about the Robitschek Scholarship, she decided to apply for it to improve her English skills.

“Because I lived in many countries, I am used to adapting quite quickly, but there are some big differences,” Zborilova said. She has experienced some culture shock since moving to Lincoln.

“Air conditioning is used much more here,” she said. “It was too cold in the buildings when I came here in August. In the Czech Republic, you wear sweaters when you go out, not when you go in.”

At the start of the semester, Zborilova didn’t worry as much about the temperatures as she did about how she would go places without having a car on campus. Although public transportation in Europe creates a more well-connected population, Zborilova has found that there’s always someone willing to extend a helping hand at UNL. “People offer to organize trips for me,” she said.

“Some people do that in the Czech Republic, but it seems that here, everyone wants to do that.”

Some everyday things for UNL students also surprise Zborilova.

While NCards, laundry cards and room key cards may be the norm for many UNL students, Zborilova finds them inconvenient.

At Mendel University in Brno, something similar to an NCard is used, but students living on campus use actual keys to unlock their rooms.

“It shocked me that I need so many cards,” Zborilova said. “You can’t do anything here without them.”

But Zborilova has found plenty of success anyway.

Zborilova’s enthusiasm and drive to succeed not only show in a classroom setting, but also at work.

In the Czech Republic, she is a graduate student in her sixth year of study.

At age 24, she is a founding member of the branch of the European translating company Eurologos in the Czech Republic with friends she went to high school with.

“Marie is a great student and definitely one of the best and most active that I have in class,” said Justine Rapp, a graduate business student and instructor of marketing at UNL. “Not only does she bring in an international perspective, but she also shares her business experience.”

Unlike many international students she sees, Zborilova isn’t shy about interacting with traditional students. She spends most of her time with ‘American people’ and loves being involved on campus. One of her favorite activities is singing in the choir at the Newman Center on campus.

“Of course I know international people, but I want to spend my time wisely,” Zborilova said. “I came here to practice my English, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

Success in academic and business pursuits isn’t the only important aspect of Zborilova’s life. Her faith and the role it plays in impacting her friends’ lives shows itself with tangible ease in what appear to be simple interactions at first glance.

“Her personality is molded by her faith,” said Jessica Loke, a senior psychology and classics and religious studies major and Zborilova’s resident assistant. “I was having a horrible day when I knocked on her door to check if she’d completed an RA evaluation for me. She immediately invited me into her room, and before I left, she gave me a pendant of the Virgin Mary and told me how it has helped her through difficult times.”

In a post-interview email, Zborilova eagerly shared her favorite quotation, one from Mahatma Gandhi: “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” laurengeiger@ dailynebraskan.com

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Daily Nebraskan

thursday, october 27, 2011

tas: from 1 do grade speeches.

The collaboration between TAs and professors isn’t taken lightly.

Melisa McDonald, a junior animal science and business major, has had experience with this as a cluster facilitator for the chancellor’s leadership class, ALEC 397.

“We have to be on the same page as far as how the class discussion is run,” McDonald said.

McDonald keeps track of

attendance and gives students their participation grades.

There is a rubric on Blackboard that all the cluster facilitators and TAs are required to print and use to grade fairly.

They aren’t given free reign of the students’ grades, McDonald said.

“Students should understand that a TA, like any instructor on campus, is reviewed,” Minter said. “The department takes them seriously. They are reviewed every year, and the

undergrads should always feel comfortable to talk to a TA and get some help. I have found that all TAs are willing to help.”

In the end, Slezak has learned to fix the little mistakes if that is what it takes to get the grade that she deserves.

“Now I know to have everything perfect in my lab reports, down to the last period,” Slezak said. aliciaMikoloyck@ dailynebraskan.Com

atheist: from 1 other two spots,” Zahn said.

Miller is the only returning panelist, but she expects this year’s “dream team” to field questions with ease. More than 100 spectators attended last year’s event, due in part to some teachers offering extra credit for attendance. That’s good news for the club, which has about 30 members.

“This is one of our biggest membership pulls,” Miller said.

“We try to get the word out about us, but generally word of mouth and ‘Ask an Atheist’ are our two best options.”

Audience members usually prefer calm discussion instead of heated argument or evangelizing, according to Miller, and the panelists deal with the controversial nature of the subject by trying to be “as non-combative as possible.”

“It humanizes not believing in God,” Miller said. “It’s pretty easy for people to hate on atheism when they don’t understand that people arrive at (their beliefs) from a lot of different backgrounds.”

Milone hopes to communicate to the audience that

atheism is a personal venture and should be treated as such.

“It’s a position that you have to reach on your own,” he said.

“You have to do your homework. You have to do a lot of soul-searching to become an atheist, as ironic as that might sound.”

Miller said she has a good idea of what to expect from the evening, but when it comes to questions, she’s open to anything.

“Surprise me,” she said.

Jacymarmaduke@ dailynebraskan.com

racing: from 1 General Motors Co.’s highspeed test tracks.

“I said, ‘I think I can do it, but it will be $1 million to start,’” Sicking said. “And he said, ‘When can you start?’ So I wasn’t expecting that at all.”

The project that would become the SAFER barrier began in the summer of 2000. It was installed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2002.

Sicking was originally skeptical about even taking on George’s project. The facility was “buried in work,” testing safety hardware to be installed on the national highway system.

Faller had to talk to Sicking about taking the project.

“Ron (Faller) got wind of this and ... said, ‘I really want to do this. I think it’s really important for our facility. It’ll put us on the

map,’” Sicking said. “He basically convinced me that it was the right thing to do.”

Faller wanted the opportunity to work on new ways to design barriers.

“The real reasons why we wanted to take this one ... It was going to be challenging for us,” Faller said. “It would push us to a higher level.”

Now, more than a decade later, the SAFER barrier is installed in about 35 racing tracks, including one in Japan.

“It is installed in all ovals that are used by the top three series of NASCAR and the Indy Racing League,” Faller said.

And the results are clear.

Before, roughly 1.5 drivers were killed in outer-wall crashes per year and there were typically two to three serious injuries, according to Sicking. This

was true all the way up through 2003, he said.

The SAFER barriers were put up in the entire NASCAR system in 2004, and there have been no serious injuries or fatal crashes with accidents involving outer-wall crashes since, he said.

The roadside safety facility is trying to adapt the technology used in high-speed racing so it can be installed on highways.

In racing safety, it’s working on improving the walls in the pit area.

Despite the protections the barrier has provided, Sicking knows that racing is still a dangerous sport, and serious accidents will happen.

“You just can’t drive 200 miles per hour and expect to be perfectly safe,” he said. christinescalora@ dailynebraskan.com

exorcist: from 1 strangest experiences he’s had as an exorcist occurred in Rome, when a possessed woman who weighed around 110 pounds lifted up a chair in the room with one arm, laughed, then threw the chair at the praying priests. It later took two men to drag the heavy chair back to its place.

“Evil is trying to distract you to get you to stop praying and make you afraid,” Lampert said.

“Once in Rome, a possessed person started levitating. The priest simply pushed the person back into their chair and kept praying.”

Lampert said the best defense is for exorcists to focus on the prayer and the power of God and not the tricks the devil is trying to play.

While the idea of demons and exorcisms can be scary, he emphasized that no one should be afraid.

“In the Bible, 365 times we are told not to be afraid – the devil cannot act on our intellect and will,” Lampert said. He said that while a demonic spirit may be able to take temporary control over a human body, no permanent union between a human soul and evil spirit is possible; a soul is always free.

Lampert also emphasized that evil is always invited either directly or indirectly into a person, such as through elements of the occult. Lampert said the best defense against evil forces is prayer and striving to live a life close to God. “For Catholics, we should pray, go to Mass and receive the sacraments,” Lampert said.

“Non-Catholics should pray, go to church and remain connected with their own faith.”

Nicholas Myers, a senior sports journalism and broadcasting major, said he found out about the event at the Newman Center on Sunday and came as a “curious Catholic.”

“There’s so many movies about this stuff, I wanted to go to get real information,” he said.

John Kyle, who works in Lincoln and describes himself as agnostic, but Lutheran, found out about the event through word-of-mouth from a friend.

“I was looking for more

stories and insight into the profession, as opposed to Hollywood,” he said. He said while he doesn’t believe absolutely everything he heard, “I suppose anything is possible.”

Senior advertising major Mallory Vogt decided to come after seeing a flyer for the event on campus and talking to some of her Catholic friends. A

nondenominational Christian, she said, “I believe that there is spiritual warfare, and I believe it’s good to be aware of it.”

Vogt said she found Lampert “very insightful.”

“When he quoted scripture, I kind of followed along, and I believe God is present beyond religion,” she said. maryrezac@ dailynebraskan.com

24 oz. www.juicestoplincoln.com

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Opinion DAILY NEBRASKAN

dailynebraskan.com

page 4

thursday, october 27, 2011

DAILY NEBRASKAN editorial board members ZACH SMITH

IAN SACKS editor-in-chief ANDREW MCCLURE

opinion editor

copy chief

RHIANNON ROOT

HAILEY KONNATH

assistant opinion editor

news assignment editor

our view

Halloween fun requires being responsible With Halloween around the corner, a weekend of festivities awaits many University of Nebraska-Lincoln students.

The Daily Nebraskan supports a full celebration of the holiday. Halloween presents numerous opportunities for creativity and students shouldn’t shy from taking full advantage.

It also offers an excuse to mix up the usual weekend routine. Why not take a chance and attend an event with those friends from math class you don’t usually see?

However, the Daily Nebraskan also urges students to be safe.

With increased opportunities for fun come increased opportunities to make easily avoided, and potentially dangerous, mistakes.

Students should be smart. Be respectful with costumes.

Be respectful with actions. Be mindful of the weather. If it’s cold, wear a jacket. You can probably stash it under an obscure table at any party and it won’t get stolen.

Perhaps most importantly, and most cliche, drink responsibly.

Alcohol is a part of many Halloween celebrations, but bad decisions don’t have to be.

Respect your limits. Don’t overdo it. Bring less money with you when you go out, so even when you’re less capable of making rational decisions, your chances of obtaining more alcohol may go down. And say no when you need to.

Drink plenty of water throughout the night before you go to sleep – especially on Friday night. You don’t want to miss the Husker football game at 11 a.m. Saturday, do you?

The Daily Nebraskan has no qualms with time-honored traditions and healthy celebration. But it doesn’t condone stupidity.

This Halloween, be smart. Be creative. Have fun. opinion@dailynebraskan.com

editorial policy The editorial above contains the opinion of the fall 2011 Daily Nebraskan Editorial Board. It does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, its student body or the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. A column is solely the opinion of its author; a cartoon is solely the opinion of its artist. The Board of Regents acts as publisher of the Daily Nebraskan; policy is set by the Daily Nebraskan Editorial Board. The UNL Publications Board, established by the regents, supervises the production of the paper. According to policy set by the regents, responsibility for the editorial content of the newspaper lies solely in the hands of Daily Nebraskan employees.

letters to the editor policy The Daily Nebraskan welcomes brief letters to the editor and guest columns but does not guarantee their publication. The Daily Nebraskan retains the right to edit or reject any material submitted. Submitted material becomes property of the Daily Nebraskan and cannot be returned or removed from online archives. Anonymous submissions will not be published. Those who submit letters must identify themselves by name, year in school, major, and/or group affiliation, if any. E-mail material to opinion@ dailynebraskan.com or mail to: Daily Nebraskan, 20 Nebraska Union, 1400 R St. Lincoln, NE 68588-0448.

bob lausten | daily nebraskan

Halloween has lost scare factor

H

alloween is this Monday.

I’ve been thinking a lot about it – about what it means, about what it is, and more than that, about what it was. And the more I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve come to realize that a disconnect has formed between those two states of existence; Halloween is no longer what it once was.

Bear with me for a moment. Halloween used to be a night of horror – of ghosts and ghouls, vampires and zombies, werewolves and devils and demons. It used to be the one night of the year when (supposedly) the souls of the dead returned to walk the earth and wreak havoc on the living. It used to be the night from which horror movies were spawned, when all abominations from the silver screen took centerstage.

Remember when October was the season of the “Saw” films? Remember halfbaked hits like “Sorority Row” and “The Unborn”? When you saw the marquee for your local movie theater sporting more than its fair share of the dark and macabre, you knew Oct. 31 was fast approaching.

Not so anymore, or at least that’s how it seems.

Want to know what movies are currently playing at the Lincoln Grand?

“The Ides of March,” “Real Steel” and “Moneyball.” The only horror movies up for grabs this week and next are “The Thing” and “Paranormal Activity 3,” both of which have been lauded by critics as “OK” or worse.

Now you have scary movies being released all over the calendar – many of the bad ones pick January as their release date, simply because producers and directors know the movies will bomb and would rather do it during a comparatively slower time of year.

The celebration of the holiday isn’t faring much better. Remember when, on a

david smith typical trick-or-treat route, you could expect to encounter people dressed up as zombies, as werewolves, as the Grim Reaper and Frankenstein and Dracula?

Me too. Throughout my late middle school and high school years, I masqueraded as a Grim Reaper prop on my house’s front porch. I’d wait until kids and their parents came up the front walk to get candy from whoever was manning the front door, keeping as still as I possibly could and eventually lash out with my homemade scythe at just the right moment. It was always good for scaring kids and their parents. After a few years, I developed a healthy reputation as the 174th Street Grim Reaper.

But that was a long, long time ago. I’m probably starting to sound like a broken old-time record, but people, especially children, are dressing up as a vastly different array of things than they did when I worked the candy circuit. Now you’ve got kids dressing up as Lady Gaga, or those things from “Avatar,” or — God forgive me for citing this as an example — Snooki.

You have people dressing up as freaking Snooki for Halloween, and while that is certainly horrifying in its own unique way, it’s less of a “Hey, good costume” kind of horrifying and more of an “I’m seriously thinking about egging you point-blank” kind of horrifying. It’s not just limited to the younger kids, though.

I can guarantee you that no matter which costume party I end up going to

this week, I’m going to see a few spraytans and at least one pouf, or whatever the hell you call that tumor on top of Snooki’s head.

Now granted, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Dressing up as Charlie Sheen? Sure, that’s funny if it’s done right. A family with parents and young children decked out as The Incredibles?

Yeah, I can get on board with that. A cheerleader? If it’s a girl, then yes, that’s fine.

But that’s just about where I draw the line. The Smurfs? That’s not scary, just creepy. Slutty takes on costumes you’d likely see children wearing (something out of Harry Potter, for instance)? I doubt it. The Angry Birds? No. I lament the endangerment of the pirate as a Halloween costume – you just don’t see enough of them anymore.

More than that, I lament the virtual extinction of the mummy and the Frankenstein monster as Halloween costumes.

Seriously, I can’t even remember the last time I saw anyone sporting either of those two getups.

But most of all, I lament the fact that Halloween, a night that is still for some reason touted as the scariest of the year, has been essentially sanitized of everything scary. Other than a few isolated vestiges of horror – the legitimate haunted houses, the devoted followers of horror cinema not classified as “torture porn,” and the trick-or-treaters who would still rather don a latex mask and scare the crap out of people – the holiday has become a night of cheap scares that simply doesn’t do its roots justice.

But maybe that’s just me. Maybe I read too much Stephen King. Maybe I have too great an attachment to the legitimately scary and the truly horrifying.

Oh well. Regardless of whether that’s the case or not, I’m still breaking out my Ghostface mask this Monday.

david smith is a sophomore news-editorial major. reach him at davidsmith@ dailynebraskan.com.

Muslim faith result of questions, not family

››this week, we asked our writers

“How did you come to your religious beliefs?” Each day, the opinion section ran one or two columns answering this question. today’s final installment features columnist Beligh Ben Taleb.

I

’ve always contemplated, if I didn’t grow up in a Muslimmajority country and wasn’t raised in the faith that my family practices, would I have chosen something different?

I grew up observing my relatives, neighbors and peers perform Islamic rituals on daily or yearly basis.

I always questioned their acts, from a non-practicing perspective, even though they seemed very relaxing and rejuvenating.

Oftentimes, I didn’t take their acts at face value. I felt like they were worshiping because they were told to do so by religious experts. I come from a household where religious preference was barely instilled – fairly not pushed on me. Had I been born into a family with no religious preference, I may have had difficulty finding spirituality.

The family is the No. 1 indoctrination, molding us into any creed, especially growing up in a secular society. So, it makes sense that a child can learn, accept and mimic the same religion as one’s parents because children are unable to make logical, ethical or moral decisions on their own.

After middle school, I met new friends with whom I shared challenging thoughts on my faith – Islam.

Debates enriched my knowledge of Allah (the Arabic name for God) and Islam. Why do Muslims say “peace and blessings of Allah be upon Him” whenever the name of the prophet

Muhammad was mentioned? How could the Quran — a book that has aged more than 1,400 years — be compatible with science?

These and several other questions exhorted me to do my own research.

I heard one friend once say if you want to know Allah, you better read His book — the Quran — and you will find more than enough to feed your curiosity.

I, as a matter of fact, did, but it took me a while to figure out the universality of the Quran, a compelling and thought-provoking text.

Aside from the rhetorical inimitability (style, grammar, semantics) of the Quran, striking themes revolve around the universe’s physics and cosmology (seven skies and levels of the earth, stars, planets, nights and days, and 12 months).

The Quran describes psychological and intellectual topics: The embryological stages of humanity from conception to senility, and the variety of people, in languages, skin color, and the early generations.

In addition, it contains divine rules and orders, including resolving daily disputes between people. Above all, the Quran emphasizes the oneness and divinity of the One Creator — Allah — the One God who has neither a partner nor a son. Moreover, the Quranic text lists more than 99 unique and descriptive names of the One Creator, like the Almighty, the Most Merciful and others.

Major themes mentioned in the Quran and other scientific phenomena took a considerable toll on my mind. Indeed, it was a lot to swallow at once, but it didn’t halt me from

Ben taleb questioning more. I like reasoning things well and don’t want to take things easily at face value. So, I sought shelter more in science, which could answer all my questions and then show evidence to prove it.

As a matter of fact, I started comparing and contrasting recent scientific findings with the major themes of the Quran. The U-Turn came in the late 1990s, when I was searching for a book at a local library assigned for my school project. To my surprise, a book title written by the French medical doctor, Maurice Bucaille, struck my attention: “The Bible, The Quran and Science: The Holy Scriptures Examined in the Light of Modern Knowledge.”

The book discussed themes like the big-bang theory in the creation of the universe, water as the basis of life for living creatures, the medicinal properties of honey, even the role of the mountains and wind.

Surprisingly enough, the author thoroughly explained that these facts are mentioned in the Quran.

After reading the book, I paused for a while and then said, “Hmm!”

An introspective consideration of my own thoughts and faith almost immediately followed.

Of course, everyone can come to whatever conclusion they wish, but my personal conclusion was one step closer to finding faith.

Another scholarly work by Keith L. Moore, a professor of anatomy at the University of Toronto, argued the original divinity of the Quran in an article entitled “A Scientist’s Interpretation of References to Embryology in the Quran.” Moore asserts “statements referring to human reproduction and development are scattered throughout the Quran,” and “the interpretation of the verses in the Quran referring to human development would not have been possible in the 7th century A.D., or even a hundred years ago.”

The compatibility of science and the Quran inspired my thinking and strengthened my faith. Other scholars and philosophers furthered my progressive understanding of faith, scholars who pretty much went through doubt, deism and agnosticism to theism and belief. The reasoning of Averroes, Avicenna, Abû Hâmid al-Ghazali and Descartes had a strong effect on my final step toward Allah who, in the words of al-Ghazali, “cast a light in my heart.”

Yet, one needs to reflect more on the human values of Islam, not only in tandem with other faiths such as Judaism and Christianity, but also with countless humanists, atheists and agnostics: values of solidarity, human dignity and justice everywhere.

One can voice one’s needs while also listening to the other. One can accept

a compromise without yielding on the essentials. And one can challenge deep-set beliefs and rigid conventions on all sides, particularly within one’s own culture.

Notwithstanding, Islam’s universality leaves people free on personal choices on permissible things and encourages diversity, as the Quran says “we created you as different tribes and nations so you may know each other.” It emboldens people to have character that they can apply to any culture or environment.

Having said that, one should not reduce people to one single dimension – faith. Everyone has a multi-identity. I am, for example, Tunisian by nationality, Arab by ethnicity, Muslim by faith, Mediterranean by culture, African by geography and universal by thinking.

Each identity fills a need and changes according to the environment. For example, when I die, I will be buried in an Islamic way. When I vote, my nationality offers me the chance to vote. When I’m asked about my mother tongue, my ethnicity will determine my first language.

So, reducing others to a single lens and ignoring everything else means boxing the “other” culturally, which creates a discriminatory attitude that breeds bias and ignorance.

Last but not least, faith makes my world more brilliant, whether in the public scene or the private sphere, where personal ethics meets personal philosophy.

beligh ben taleb is a graduate student in history and a former fulbright scholar from tunisia. reach him at belighbentaleb@ dailynebraskan.com.

performingarts DAILY NEBRASKAN

mics

dailynebraskan.com

wide open

|

thursday, october 27, 2011

pagE 5

Weekly open mics provide novice fledgling musicians with space for expression, connection

courtesy photo

monday bourbon theatre

tuesday indigo bridge

story by kelsey haugen All success stories start somewhere.

For Lincoln musicians, they begin with the city’s array of open-mic nights.

Most every weeknight, musicians of all ages and skill levels perform to share their music with others or simply to enjoy the rush of spending some time in the spotlight.

One of Lincoln’s most popular open mic events is held Thursday at Crescent Moon Coffee.

Performers often return to this Haymarket coffee shop after their inaugural performances because they really enjoy the environment.

Mark Lowe, who is in charge of booking music and running the Moon’s open mic, helps to Joe Lenzo make sure the mood is friendly and welcoming for performers.

“It’s a great environment and it’s very non-judgmental,” Lowe said.

Lowe understands that such an atmosphere is crucial for allowing young or novice musicians to feel comfortable sharing their work. After all, the night is all about supporting local music, not for judging talent.

“It is a good outlet that encourages live local music,” Lowe said.

Nick Dahlquist, a junior music composition major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said

wednesday meadowlark coffee

thursday crescent moon coffee

| photos by nickolai hammar and andrew dickinson

Crescent Moon is his favorite of Lincoln’s open Dahlquist said. night is around 12. Craig Mustard manages most “Sawyer Jay” Kreikemeier, a senior at Waver- of the duties on the Bourbon’s open-mic night, mic spots, though he also plays at Meadowlark, Mo Java Café and the Bourbon Theatre’s Open ly High School, is another of Lincoln’s regular including providing equipment, recording peropen mic performers. He typically plays at Cres- formers and maintaining the schedule. He also Stage.

“At Crescent Moon, the people always seem re- cent Moon and Meadowlark, and though he has introduces performers to each other. ally nice and the environment is good,” Dahlquist played at these coffee shops several times, he still “Once the mood is set, a variety and diversity finds himself a bit nervous as he awaits his 15 min- of performers is important,” Mustard said. “We said.

This local musician usually writes and plays utes on the stage. It’s the positive anxiety before treat this as a community-building program, so each perforin folk or diversity helps us acoustic rock mance and grow.” genres, but the encourAlong with also writes agement of diversity in peracademically listeners that formers, Mustard as part of his keep Kreikethinks a key asUNL major. meier playpect of any open Along with ing on with mic night is the playing openhis unique participation of mic nights, bluegrass the audience in Dahlquist voice. terms of providplays shows “They’re ing the novice at venues, open to anyperformers with one playconfidence and such as ing,” Kreikeencouragement.

Knickerbockmeier said.

“Participation ers, Jones “It doesn’t from spectators Coffee and matter if keeps those firstthe Bourbon. you’re good around He has also nick dahlquist “sawyer Jay” kreikemeier timers or bad.” and will hopeplayed at wedKreikemeier plays several instruments, includ- fully bring them back to an active environment,” dings. Whether it’s his style, his voice or his ability to play guitar, drums and piano, he’s able to ing guitar, piano, banjo and mandolin, which al- Mustard said. “It’s something that one can look lows him to play many genres of music, including forward to do every week [even] if they do not engage listeners with his performances. aspire to be a full-time musician.”

“I’ve had people hear me at open mic and folk, bluegrass, blues, rock and country.

“I would like to make a career out of it someThe Bourbon offers its Monday Open Stage come to see me again,” Dahlquist said.

Since he doesn’t post recordings online, play- day,” he said. “That would be really cool.” mainly because the venue is a staple in the live ing at open-mic nights and local concert venues Though it lacks the quintessential coffee music scene in Lincoln, and it’s meant to support is a great way for him to share his music with shop atmosphere, another music institution has local artists. others. He loves the personal connection he feels stepped up in the last year to support musicians “I met my band at open-mics and know countjust trying to find their footing. The Bourbon The- less bands that have done the same,” Mustard with the audience during these performances.

“I love getting the feeling that someone atre’s Open Stage is held on Monday evenings, said. “It’s one of the reasons I believe open mics feels about music the way I feel about music,” where the average number of performers each

open mics: see page 6

Passion, obsession drive UNL theater major Katie nelson daily nebraskan

Jordan Deffenbaugh’s hair usually looks like he’s combed his fingers through 1,000 times.

This morning it’s still drying, and he hasn’t subjected it to the nervous habit yet.

By most accounts, Deffenbaugh is a Renaissance man, at least when it comes to theater. He prides himself on his knowledge and various projects in acting, directing, writing, sound, lighting and choreography, to name a few.

But don’t be fooled into thinking this hurtles the University of Nebraska-Lincoln senior theater student into chaos – it’s all part of his plan.

And no matter what task or tasks he’s working on for the day, character development in acting and directing is his biggest focus.

In his chair, the senior performance and directing major shifts his weight, sits sideways, makes eye contact, only to look away again at something only he can see when answering questions.

He answers with run-on sentences, and he is only ever interrupted by himself, holding an open Coke bottle and

muffin.

“I mean, I’ve got projects up the ass and they’re all very different too,” he said.

“I’ve found my biggest challenge … is to try and focus these skills. I have skills, but I haven’t mastered those skills yet.”

He can’t wait to graduate, but he finds himself changing his mind about his future career path on a weekly basis.

“I want to get out of here,” he said.

Deffenbaugh came to UNL as a computer science major who aspired to build computers and work on circuits when he graduated. He’d tried theater during high school and liked it enough to take one more acting class while in college. And then he was sold.

“I discovered what theater could do,” he said. “It was one of those things where I think I was destined to do this. I love it.”

At this point, Deffenbaugh picks up his muffin and begins to pick at the plastic wrap, opening the muffin halfway. He has deviated from his original answer and is now chatting about how much he dislikes curtain calls.

To him, acting is a job,

not a hobby, and actors are workers. Audience members shouldn’t feel obligated to clap for them, especially if the show was bad, he said.

It’s this intensity and attachment to his major that separates Deffenbaugh from the rest of the pack.

“I don’t view acting as, ‘Oh, we’re going to have fun.

We’re going to run around and have funny voices and play dress up,’” he said.

Acting is a series of connections for him. Not only is it the connection between the actor and the audience, but also, the actor and the script.

He explained that great actors are able to “unleash” everything they have. They have formed a connection to the character they are portraying, which allows them to go beyond reciting their lines in costume.

In a sense, they become that character. And it’s a rush.

“I’ve skydived. I’ve done snow skiing, water skiing. I cliff dived – I’ve done fairly extreme things,” he said.

“None of them have the same feeling, as when you really connect on stage.”

He adds he doesn’t always get this feeling while acting, which is why he does not call

morgan spiehs | dailynebraskan

Realizing you were supposed to pick your grandma up at the airport two hours ago. himself a great actor yet.

He picks the muffin up again, and rewraps it, then takes a swig of Coke.

In fact, Deffenbaugh views every aspect of theater with the same discipline - takes every project seriously, pouring everything he has into it, and expects those working with him to do the same.

“I’m a very obsessive person,” he said. “I have a project and I attach myself to it, especially if it’s something I’m passionate about.”

He approaches every play or movie ready to experiment.

Realizing that UNL will do a rendition of “Oklahoma!” every semester for the rest of your undergraduate career.

A smelly old man hitting on me.

While directing his most recent show, “Killer Joe,” he had his cast meditate and participate in several acting exercises in order to get into character, according to Jennifer Hickey, a junior theater performance major.

“He really makes you feel comfortable with the characters you’re playing,” she said, adding, “He always has time outside of rehearsal to discuss further character questions you may have.”

Deffenbaugh builds every character from the ground up, beginning by first reading

the script and psychoanalyzing the subject. During the process, he looks for ways to relate to the personality he is trying to portray.

“He really focuses on how a character thinks and how a character moves and how a character would respond in a certain situation,” Hickey said. “He really tries to nail that.”

Then it’s time to apply flesh to the bones.

actor: see page 9

6

thursday, october 27, 2011

Daily Nebraskan

Lied Center acts as place of sanctuary, wonder

Katie Nelson

Merry Christmas, happy birthday to me.

Yes, I realize we haven’t passed Thanksgiving yet, let alone Halloween and for those of you who don’t know, I have more than a month until my birthday.

But after last night, I feel like all of these holidays can pass without me taking notice.

And, no, last night has nothing to do with the boy I wrote about last week. Sickos, all of you.

It has everything to do with the Lied Center.

Last night I saw “Beauty and the Beast,” and although the show was amazing, the actual performance was only half the experience.

For me, good theater isn’t confined to the stage from which the actors are exhibiting their art. The set isn’t merely props and backdrops being shuffled across a stage in order to help the audience understand the imagined locations of the characters.

The set is the theater itself.

It’s everything from the line of brightly lit trees lining the sidewalk and illuminating your path to the entryway to the red, faux-velour seats that await inside, ready to hold you

as you drift into drama and music-induced bliss.

It is the view from the inside-out, during intermission.

You are held in the safety of the theater’s belly, no longer watching a planned performance, but something akin to a show of life.

Or, have you ever stood back and looked at the Lied from the outside-in on a performance night? Students hurriedly enter and exit the Temple Building. A family leaves Spaghetti Works and a couple stroll down the street.

Soft, yellow warmth is projected from the wall of windows. Theater-goers meander inside. It reminds me of one of those Hallmark Christmas cards featuring a well-lit and welcoming home on the front – someone’s idea of perfection. But this theater is my idea of home.

A night at the theater is not just about entertainment. It is about the ambiance. And, aside from church, it’s one of the select few places on this planet that mandates its visitors dress up.

I began writing for the Arts and Entertainment section more than a year ago and I distinctly remember the first show I reviewed at the Lied for the paper.

Actually, that’s a bit of a lie.

I don’t remember the show at all, but I do remember the atmosphere. I dug through my closet to find my nicest black skirt and top and applied makeup. I even did my hair.

For those of you who know

A FINER ART

Katie Nelson

Daily Nebraskan

me, my hair is an uncontrollable mane I usually ignore unless I think something’s important.

For me, the theater might as well be a church. It’s my hallowed spot.

I’ve been to the Lied several times since then for dates, with friends, and sometimes, by myself (and, yes, I get just as dressed up when I’m going alone). And it never loses its aura of perfection. It never disappoints.

I know that when I go to the Lied Center, despite the quality of the show, the theater itself will always take my breath away.

We all need a Lied Center in our lives; we all need that little piece of heaven that stimulates our senses.

These are the places we always find peace, and people or things cannot act as substitutes. Such places are necessary for our stability.

I suppose that, on account of this being a fine arts column, I should also take time to recommend that you find your happy place in the midst of art. Well, screw it. Go find your piece of heaven and art will follow.

Katie Nelson is a sophomore broadcast journalism major. Reach her at katienelson@ dailynebraskan.com.

open mics: from 5 are so enriching.”

For Joe Lenzo, a UNL junior math major, who’s played both Crescent Moon and the Bourbon Open Stage, part of that enrichment is sharing the musical and lyrical compositions he’s labored over.

“It feels good to have people appreciate what you’ve written,” he said.

The smiles and applause following his performances are part of what inspires him to return to these open-mic nights. Though

he’s played all around town, Lenzo also declared Crescent Moon to be his favorite.

“Their sound equipment is superior, so it’s easier to sound nice,” Lenzo said, adding that the Moon’s sizeable Thursday night crowds and friendly environment also appeal to him.

Lenzo both writes his own music and covers songs by an array of artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Hendrix to Marley. Although he currently plays for fun, he would always be open to making a

Disney movie magic debuts in Lincoln

career out of his passion.

With the support of local establishments like Crescent Moon, Meadowlark and the Bourbon Theatre, 20-something artists in the Lincoln area have a chance to begin to fulfill the dream of playing music.

“I’m always going to play guitar and make music, and if I could make money off of it, that would be all the better,” Lenzo said. kelseyhaugen@ dailynebraskan.com

A tale as old as time will whisk audiences back into their childhood years in the latter part of this week, as “Beauty and the Beast” hits the stage at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

Performances, which began on Wednesday evening, continue tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Friday evening at 6 p.m.

The theatrical performance of “Beauty and the Beast” follows the same story line of the popular children’s movie, however, some additions have been made to existing songs and new songs have also been added.

“Audiences won’t miss out on the things that they love from the movie,” said Dane Agostinis, who plays the Beast, adding, “They’ll be treated to more material from the Broadway show.”

And the traveling production has undergone some drastic changes in the last year. The actors for the Beast, Belle and Gaston joined the cast in March.

The audition process for the characters began in May 2010 and final callbacks were held in January 2011, said Logan Denninghoff, who plays Gaston.

The three spent a week rehearsing in New York and were then sent to Los Angeles for their final rehearsals.

Finally, it was time for the actors’ debuts in their roles, a performance that earned Agostinis a personal compliment from Tom Cruise, who attended the performance in LA. “For my very first show, I was like, ‘Oh, great, the bar’s set really high,’” he said.

Then it was time to hit the road.

“We’re always together.

They’re like your brothers and sisters and family,” Agostinis said. “You have to learn to live with them, but the majority of the time, it’s all great.”

The set is usually the first part of the company to

morgan spiehs | daily nebraskan

Logan Denninghoff applies makeup backstage at the Lied Center prior to performing as Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast.” arrive, followed by the cast. if you go Before every show, the cast holds a meeting. AfBeauty and the Beast terward, members have when: Thursday, 7:30 free time, until they have p.m., Friday, 6 p.m. to begin their microphone where: Lied Center for checks and get into makeup Performing Arts and costumes. how much: Half Price for Students According to Denninghoff, aside from a five-inch wig, the makeup for Gaston is simple.

The same cannot be said “It’s great when you can for Agostinis’ makeup. The look out and see all of the process required almost 90 little girls dressed in the minutes to complete when Belle dresses,” Agostinis Agostinis first joined the said. show, but has since been Both actors said the show whittled down to about 30 is reliant on audience particminutes. ipation. Laughter, clapping, As the Beast, he not only even audience commentary has to apply makeup to his is accepted during the show face, but also extra hair and – they like to know the auprosthetics. dience is engaged.

He glues on a jaw, nose, “Everyone that has come eyebrows and beard before to our show, that I’ve spoadding his wig. ken with, just seems to Then it’s time to add the leave with a wonderful outcostume. Agostinis slips into look,” Denninghoff said. “It a full-body armor suit, then just seems to bring joy to puts on the Beast’s clothing. them. I think it does to us “I think all in all, it’s about too – all of us on stage.”

15 to 20 extra pounds on Neither Denninghoff nor me,” he said.

Agostinis are sure of what Although quick to disclose to expect when they come to details on how the Beast’s Lincoln, as this will be their makeup is applied, he was first time in Nebraska. less willing to divulge inforDenninghoff said he hopes mation regarding the Beast’s to take a horseback ride durtransformation into the ing his free time off stage and Prince.

Agostinis is looking forward “I can tell you that the to Nebraska’s fine dining. people who are behind it “Aren’t you guys known are the people who did Da- for corn?” Agostinis asked. vid Copperfield’s tricks,” he “Corn is one of my favorite said. “You won’t be disap- foods!” pointed.”

Ultimately, the actors Denninghoff was equally promise each show will be coy on the climactic trans- a night to remember. formation.

“The audience watching “I will tell you it is some live theater is somewhat of the most amazing Disney more a part of the show,” magic you have ever seen,” said Agostinis. “The whole Denninghoff said. “That’s spectacle of it makes it all you get.” that much better and that But the Disney magic isn’t much more in your face.” only confined to the stage katienelson@ dailynebraskan.com during a show.

Daily Nebraskan

thursday, october 27, 2011

7

Theatrical comedy aided by rapport of cast Merelli, a star opera singer who landed the lead in “Othello.” Of course, things don’t go as Tito planned, and mishaps and mistaken identities define this farce.

Ken Ludwig wrote the play and it premiered on London’s West End in 1986.

Cutler’s theatrical career began five years ago and was spurred on by a few unlikely situations. While at the hospital for a 2 a.m. caesarean section, the anesthesiologist was engaged in conversation by a few coworkers. Acting came up, and someone asked him to audition for a local production. Cutler’s acting bug was also fueled by his sons, as his youngest participates in high school theater productions.

No stranger to traveling for a gig, Cutler has done shows

Tom helberg daily nebraskan

The love of acting can bring people together both on stage and off.

That much is true for two Omaha natives, Ed Cutler and Mark Kocsis, who head southbound everyday to rehearse for the Lincoln Community Playhouse’s production of “Lend Me a Tenor.”

It’s a play about a play, or more specifically, about finding a lead singer for an opera.

The two men, who had previously acted with each other in their home city, were reunited again by a love for theater.

“If I have an opportunity to play in anything, I’ll do it,” Cutler said.

Cutler is cast as the tenor mentioned in the title, Tito

with the Fremont Community Players. This past winter, Cutler landed the role of Oscar in “The Odd Couple” at the Omaha Community Playhouse, a part he tried out for “on a whim.”

Kocsis, like Cutler, has recently started acting.

“It’s just fun running around stage and acting like a kid again,” Kocsis said. He plays Mr. Saunders in “Lend Me a Tenor,” the theater company’s general manager, who tries to find a replacement tenor when Tito isn’t up for the task.

The acting bug bit Kocsis two years ago while taking an acting class. He said he was adequate at giving presentations during business meetings, but he wanted to be even better and figured an acting class would help him be more comfortable

speaking in public. He took more acting classes until his teacher encouraged him to audition for a real production.

Kocsis was cast in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” which played at the John Beasley Theater in Omaha in 2009.

Both Kocsis and Cutler have a healthy rapport, ribbing each other about this and that. Their chemistry builds trust during performances.

“The companionship and camaraderie on stage is helpful,” Cutler said.

Besides the love of acting, the two men, who commute to Lincoln together when possible, wanted a chance to work with the Playhouse executive director Morrie Enders.

Enders, who is directing

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that harmony within the cast only makes the process smoother.

Friendship and passion for work on the stage fuel “Lend Me a Tenor,” even if making the scenarios genuinely laughable is harder than one might think.

“It’s interesting work,” Cutler said. “It’s seeing what you can pull out of yourselves.”

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the show, said that backstage mishaps resonate with him in the play within a play.

“It’s a theater farce,” Enders said. “I can respond to when something goes wrong backstage.”

Enders worked with his cast of eight in an attempt to reach comic perfection, aiming to make even the most mundane actions and movements seem humorous.

“It’s physical comedy,” said Rachele Brown, who plays Maggie in this production. “It’s hard remembering where to be and not hurting anyone.”

Others in the cast of “Lend Me a Tenor” preached the ever-important element of comedic timing.

“If you miss a beat, the joke gets lost,” said Justin Baldinger, who plays a bellhop.

Baldinger also acknowledged

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thursday, october 27, 2011

Daily Nebraskan

Coach: run to full potential Austin Epp daily nebraskan

The first Big Ten Championship race for the Husker cross-country team will also be the last conference championship race for head coach Jay Dirksen, as he plans to retire from his 42-year coaching career.

Champaign, Ill., will be the site for the Big Ten finale this Sunday, where Dirksen hopes his runners perform to the best of their potential.

“Sometimes when you ask your runners to run the best race of the year, it can work against you,” Dirksen said.

“What I like to tell them is to run up to their capability, which gives them a little bit more freedom psychologically.”

Two weeks ago, the Huskers competed in the adidas Invitational with 39 teams, 19 of which were nationally ranked. While a race with more than 300 participants may be fascinating for fans, it’s very easy for the runners to get lost in the chaos, which is why Dirksen is stressing running as a pack this weekend.

“Running together helps the competition work with you, not against you,” Dirksen said. “With less runners in the race this weekend it should be easier.”

Other than that, Dirksen usually likes to stay out of the strategic part of running.

“I don’t ever get into too much strategy with my runners,” Dirksen said. “I believe that each individual runner should have the drive to compete for themselves at the best of their ability.”

Senior Ashley Miller was the first Husker to cross the finish line for the women’s team at the adidas Invitational, placing 91st. While the last meet gave the Huskers a general idea of where they stand against the other Big

Ten schools, Miller pointed out how much two weeks of training can affect the next race.

“It’s hard to come up with an expectation for this one,” Miller said. “On any given day a team can have their race of the year. We have improved over these last two weeks, so I think we have a shot at finishing in the top half.”

Miller finds herself in a similar boat as Dirksen, as this will also be her last conference championship as a Husker. Miller said her main goals during these last few meets will be to cherish the time she has left with her teammates and to finish her running career strong.

“I want to run well and compete hard for coach Dirksen and myself,” Miller said.

“He has been such a good coach, always inspiring us to do our best. We want to send him off on a good last conference championship.”

Although Dirksen believes this year’s men’s team can compete at the same level as last year’s squad, he knows there is stiffer competition in the Big Ten. Last year the Huskers were able to battle in the middle of the pack with the Big 12 schools, but this year they might find themselves in the bottom half of the Big Ten. However, when Dirksen looks back on his runners at the beginning of the season compared to now, he sees growth.

“Individually, I have seen nice improvement,” Dirksen said. “Our kids are working hard, getting out faster in races, and finishing better as well.”

Lincoln native Trevor Vidlak has led the way for the men’s team this season. Vidlak also commented on the difficulty of running in the Big Ten Conference. Still, he and his team are excited to compete.

“It should be fun,” Vidlak said. “Our main goal is to go out and try to beat a couple

courtesy photo

Joe Paterno and Penn State have surprised those around the league, jumping out to a 7-1 start.

Surprise teams lead Big Ten Conference PSU and MSU are turning heads in the Big Ten this season Sean Whalen daily nebraskan file photo by kyle bruggeman | daily nebraskan

Senior Ashley Miller and the Huskers are hoping to send NU coach Jay Dirksen off with a solid performance in his last conference championship. of teams.”

With his days as a coach numbered, Dirksen explained how as the end nears he is starting to realize what he is going to miss most.

“The relationships with the kids is what really bugs me about retiring,” he said. “But, everyone has to quit sometime. I’ve done it for 42 years,

so yes I’m going to miss it, especially the athletes.”

The athletes will miss him too.

“Coach Dirksen’s retirement means the world to me and my team,” Vidlak said. “I respect him more than any coach I have ever had. We’re going out there Sunday for him, to try and make him

Huskers there for each other, not wins Faiz Siddiqui daily nebraskan

For Katelyn Woltersdorf and the NU rifle team, complacency stops at the range.

Emotions run high. With national qualification at stake, a mental struggle to imp r o v e upon past performance ensues.

And Woltersdorf, for one, won’t fall woltersdorf victim to the pressure.

Scores of teammates rushed to congratulate the senior for Sunday’s career-high smallbore performance against 2011 NCAA-champion Kentucky.

“It was kind of surreal,” she said. “It felt kind of effortless.

I didn’t feel like I had to work for every shot, it was just there. But once I was finished

and saw (the score), I was thrilled.”

This encouragement is common practice for the girls, serving to motivate them and ensure that their confidence remains high, according to Woltersdorf.

“If they’ve been struggling and they finally get that score they’ve been wanting, we really acknowledge the fact that they got there,” she said.

“We like to see each other do well.”

The team may be winless, but the players still display a winning attitude.

Confidence and mental focus remain their emphasis, but, oddly enough, the Huskers have their sights set, not on a definitive team victory, but rather NCAA Tournament qualification.

“Yes, a win definitely looks better than a loss,” Woltersdorf said. “But It doesn’t matter how many matches you win. Even though you’d like a win, it doesn’t always happen that way.”

In order for the Huskers to qualify for the tournament,

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their average match score has to be within the top eight nationally. Wins and losses are a non-factor in this regard. And despite their winless campaign thus far, the Huskers remain in contention, ranking 10th in the NCAA. “Yes we would all like a win, but at the same time, our last four matches have been against pretty tough teams,” Woltersdorf said. “Last Sunday we shot against the NCAA champions. It kind of sucks not winning. But we’re coming at it with the attitude that we can’t do anything about their scores, we can only better ourselves.”

Self-improvement has certainly been the year’s focus for junior Joyce Kim, who finds herself rebounding from a slew of stress-related issues and physical and mental struggles. A winless campaign thus far isn’t much of a concern to the veteran shooter.

“Mentally, I’m a whole different person,” she said. “I’m back to being my regular self.

I’m holding a good average.

I’ve been very focused and kind of refreshed and ready to start the season strong.”

With the help of concerned teammates, Kim has seen her psyche rapidly improve.

“Now that I do have my

mental game back on, it’s just been a lot easier to focus on what I’m doing and to really understand myself,” she said.

“Every shot is so mentally challenging.”

Woltersdorf notes Kim’s appreciation of her team’s goodwill.

“She was just so excited when I taught her some tricks to do to better her shooting,” she said. “I think everybody’s attitude and understanding with her really helped her.

She wanted to get on track and she has worked so hard to get her scores up. Even just encouraging her after good scores just to show her she can do it, it’s been really good for her.”

Encouragement has been the season’s theme for the entire Huskers team. After every match, regardless of outcome, each member of the team is required to recite one positive aspect of her performance on the day. In what Woltersdorf calls a “largely individual sport,” a team goal of NCAA Tournament qualification can only be achieved through concerted effort.

“We just want to see each other succeed,” Woltersdorf said. faizsiddiqui@ dailynebraskan.com

Despite all of the attention paid to Wisconsin and Nebraska this season, both teams would be watching the Big Ten Championship on the couch if it were held today. Michigan State and Penn State, meanwhile, would be taking the field at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Combined, the teams are 7-0 in conference games.

But four of those wins belong to the Nittany Lions, whose only loss this season came against BCS No. 2 Alabama. Yet, they have done so in relative anonymity, as their seven wins have come against: Indiana State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa and Purdue at home and Temple and Indiana and Northwestern on the road. Penn State may be able to get some attention with a win Saturday against Illinois, which would ensure an eight-win season for the sixth time in seven seasons.

A win would also make PSU Leaders Division champion with a win against Wisconsin, regardless of what happens to them against Nebraska and Ohio State. Coach Joe Paterno had little interest of future speculation, however. The Illinois game has him a little too busy.

“I think Illinois, no question in my mind, outside of maybe Alabama, is the best team we will have played so far,” he said. “They’ve got an excellent quarterback, couple fine running backs, good wideouts, great, big, strong offensive line that’s getting better all the time. I think they’re a very good football team and a very difficult team for us to match up against.”

Meanwhile, Illinois has issues of their own heading into the game. After roaring to a 6-0 start, the Illini have been upset the

last two weeks, first when hosting Ohio State and then in a shocking road loss to Purdue. The Illini are realistically eliminated from Big Ten Championship contention with a loss, and the pressure on coach Ron Zook is mounting: the Illini could easily be 6-5 by Thanksgiving.

All of this has come despite the efforts of quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase, who has more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 16 TDs this season. He has really found a target as, very quietly, senior AJ Jenkins has been having one of the best seasons in college football, with 62 catches for 987 yards and seven TDs through just eight games.

Zook hopes his duo will be ready for Happy Valley.

“We’re playing a very, very good football team, a football team that is, particularly on offense, getting a lot better,” he said. “They’re one of the best defenses in the country. Our offense has been struggling a bit the past few weeks and we’re going to have to come out and establish some continuity.”

Meanwhile, what looked like another long season for Purdue (13-23 the last three years) is suddenly looking up. After barely surviving Middle Tennessee State, losing to a struggling team from Rice and losing by four touchdowns at home to Notre Dame in its first four games, PU is on a roll of sorts.

The Boilermakers destroyed Minnesota, barely lost at Penn State and shocked Illinois – which has PU tied with Wisconsin for second in the Leaders Division. Coach Danny Hope’s defense has come alive since conference play, giving up an average of 18 points per game and carrying the nation’s 68thranked offense.

But perhaps the biggest news from Purdue isn’t the team’s performance heading into Saturday’s game at Michigan. It’s injured quarterback Rob Henry’s involvement with a group of players asking for a cut of the television revenue brought in by schools like Purdue.

Hope didn’t support or oppose the idea, and said he “respected the free speech of his players.”

“I don’t have much of a reaction to it really,” he said. “I just found out about it earlier today. I certainly respect their passion for it … like anything else, I think people should do their homework and research all the facts. I think there’s a lot of facts out there that ought to be gathered up.”

All 12 teams will be in action Saturday, as Illinois/Penn State and Purdue/Michigan are joined

by Nebraska vs. Michigan State, Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, Indiana vs. Northwestern and Minnesota vs.

Iowa.

seanwhalen@

Daily Nebraskan

thursday, october 27, 2011

Nu’s return game boosts field position

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Doug Burger

He leads the conference in return yards per attempt at daily nebraskan 31.9 yards per return. His Nebraska filled the stat 100-yard return touchdown sheet up playing Minneso- against Fresno State helped ta on Saturday. There was the Huskers to victory. something missing, though.

“All of these returns For the first time this sea- haven’t been blocked person Ameer Abdullah’s name fectly,” Papuchis said. “But didn’t show up in the return he’s done a good job seeing column. The Gophers only his cuts and he has some kicked off three times. One innate talent that you can’t went out of bounds. The teach.” other two were directed at But what Tim Marlowe. might go un“We were Special teams is noticed with expecting what Abdulmassive. Coach them to kick lah has been JP always has it to Ameer, able to do, is just based off us fired up for how his retheir game turns set up special teams. film,” Marthe offense. lowe said.

“I think it Tim Marlowe gives “They made coach nu kick returner an in-game (Tim) Beck adjustment a lot of conand kind of pinned me in fidence,” Marlowe said. the corner and they were “Starting a drive on the 40, pretty successful, so we can he feels he can open up the definitely anticipate other playbook a lot more rather teams starting to do that.” than starting the drive inMarlowe advanced the side your own 20.” two returns for a combined Marlowe is second on the 33 yards. Minnesota has giv- team in return yards with en up less than 20 yards per four attempts for 65 yards. return this season.

While Abdullah has reThe Huskers still lead the ceived most of the kickoffs, Big Ten Conference in re- Marlowe has been set up turn yards per game largely near the goal line as well – because of the year Abdul- a job that is equally imporlah has had. Special teams tant, according to Papuchis. coach John Papuchis said “The off returner is as the key success in the re- critical as the actual returnturn game are similar to er because he’s picking up those on the offensive side the most dangerous threat of the ball. that leaks through the front “It’s no different than any line. offensive play,” he said.

Nebraska’s Saturday op“You have to have people ponent Michigan State has execute their assignments one of the top defenses in and get on their blocks.” the nation. The Spartans are Abdullah has gained 638 giving up 13.7 points per yards on kick returns and game this season and are another 102 on punt returns.

file photo by kyle bruggeman | daily nebraskan

The Nebraska special teams units’ influence on field positioning and momentum have made it a cornerstone of the 2011 Huskers. allowing 90 yards per game on the ground.

With yards and points hard to come by against a stout MSU defense, field position will play a major role.

“Special teams is massive,” Marlowe said. “Coach

JP always has us fired up for special teams.”

Kicker Brett Maher is second in the Big Ten in punting yards per attempt and has 14 total touchbacks this season.

Marlowe and Abdullah

are working to avoid getting pinned into a corner like what happened against the Gophers. Football has three phases to the game, Marlowe pointed out, and the oft forgotten one will likely make a difference on Saturday.

burkhead: from 10

actor: from arts 5

on 12 fourth-quarter carries.

Add a 30-yard touchdown catch and you have a workhorse who doesn’t say die.

That’s when the calls go his way. When the coaching staff goes in a different direction, Burkhead is happy to step into whatever role they have for him. Nearly every time the junior is asked about his carry total, he brings up that whatever suits the coaches, suits him just fine.

Pound-for-pound, NU coach Bo Pelini said, a better football player cannot be found.

“I’ve said this, I think Rex is a tremendous football player,” Pelini said.

“He is the same every day.

It doesn’t matter if it is a practice or a walk-through or whatever it may be. He prepares the right way and plays with an attitude.”

Heck, the guy has trouble dialing his approach to the sport down in practice.

Even if instructed otherwise, he sneaks into the huddle or drill if the coaches don’t watch him closely enough.

He draws inspiration for his characters through people watching, specifically people’s body language.

“With characters, you can always base it off someone you see in the street,” he said. “If I’m going to play a douchey frat guy, I’m going to go downtown on Friday nights and look around.”

He also says his training in stage combat has helped him understand how to control his own body, not only when he is fighting, but in each and every one of his character’s movements.

With each new role, he tries to assume a different persona, even changing his voice.

“You can’t just fit yourself

file photo by kyle bruggeman | daily nebraskan

Junior Rex Burkhead has been a large part of the Huskers’ offensive success this season.

When he’s not doing that, he’s on the sideline coaching the younger backs.

Burkhead has stepped up into the role as the leader of the backfield in a way that has legitimized the thought of a spot for him at the next level. Anyone familiar with Danny Woodhead knows that Burkhead has the drive and talent necessary. Pelini said as much at the team’s

Monday press conference when asked why Burkhead isn’t talked about more nationally.

“Nationally, I don’t know, maybe he isn’t flashy enough or doesn’t talk enough,” Pelini said. “I think it is pretty obvious how good of a football player he is. He has a long career ahead of him.”

into this mold,” he said.

“With me, I make sure that every character I do is different in some capacity.”

Despite the reputation he has earned, Deffenbaugh still considers himself behind the pack. The fact that he didn’t begin pursuing theater until college sets him apart from those in his classes who have spent their lives knowing they wanted to be actors, he said.

“I still feel to this day that I am playing catch-up, even with my peers,” he said. “I constantly am trying to learn as much as I can and take as much as I can in.”

He plans to continue learning, growing and working in theater, even after he has received his

“We understand that that’s going to be a big facet of this game and whoever wins the special teams battle is going to go a long way in who wins the game,” Papuchis said.

dougburger@ dailynebraskan.com

degree. Actually, he plans on working on his passion until the day he dies. Going into the work force, Deffenbaugh knows he will have to take risks in order to succeed. As far as he’s concerned, he’s already taken his greatest risk: being a theater major.

For the eccentric, obsessive and seemingly brilliant actor/director, it seems to be a success so far.

Deffenbaugh glances at the clock and, realizing he is late, stands to leave. He collects his wallet, Coke and muffin. He turns and leaves, returning only for a second to collect his forgotten keys.

katienelson@ dailynebraskan.com

DAILY NEBRASKAN IS NOW ON BLACKBOARD

jeffpacker@ dailynebraskan.com

david: from 10 Configure yours today Always handy On campus, off campus Evenings & weekends

file photo by patrick breen | daily nebraskan

Lavonte David has continued to put post the kind of numbers that placed him on pre-season watch lists. have a tendency to derail quickly after adversity hits.

I’m not saying that would have happened to this squad necessarily, but it’s always a possibility.

With one play, David changed all that. But he should be recognized for

more than that. He should be seen as the one irreplaceable piece in what has so far been an ordinary unit. He’s the life preserver that kept the season afloat.

He’s the team MVP. danhoppen@ dailynebraskan.com

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hit & run

page 10

thursday, october 27, 2011

dailynebraskan.com

Just past the mid-point of the season, two huskers are making big strides on either side of the ball. rex Burkhead and Lavonte David prompt the question: who is the most valuable husker in 2011?

Jeff Packer His name is Rex Burkhead and he’s the reason No. 13 Nebraska is 6-1.

If not for good old reliable No. 22, where would Nebraska be?

The thing about that question is that it’s not a hard one to answer. In fact, when looking at Burkhead, it seems like the easiest solution in the world.

Look past the 752 yards, beyond the 5.8 yards per gain and the 10 touchdowns.

Remember those later for when you sit back and realize that Burkhead is the most valuable asset the Huskers have right now.

Maybe you already know.

Perhaps you’ve seen

the heart the Plano, Texas, native seems to approach every carry with. That includes the all-out brawls he engages in just to get back to the line of scrimmage and not just the 20plus yard gains.

On a team that doesn’t seem to have the defensive capabilities of recent years, Burkhead has been one of, if not the only, consistent factor on an NU team that still hasn’t shown a strong identity.

He’s placed more than his share of the workload on his shoulders and kept his feet under him in the process.

He did so in the Washington game when the Huskies showed some fourth-quarter magic and took the ball 10 times in 11 plays for an impressive 56 yards. That killed the clock against a surging group from Seattle.

Never mind the Wisconsin game when the running back saw the ball 18 times for 98 yards and one of two Nebraska touchdowns.

You want a playmaker that can lead by example? Look at a running back who told, not asked, his coaches to leave him in against Ohio State. He was gassed, he admitted, but he wasn’t leaving. He went on to get 86 yards and a touchdown

burkhead: see page 9

file photo by kyle bruggeman daily nebraskan

Dan Hoppen Before the season began, Bo Pelini said this year’s defense could be one of his better units.

It hasn’t been.

There are reasons for that. After spending three years in the pass-happy Big 12 which calls for mostly nickel and dime defenses, the Huskers moved to smash-mouth country, the Big Ten, where fullbacks, tight ends and 300-pound. linemen rule.

As brilliant as the Pelini brothers are defensively, making a successful transition from those extremes in one year would have been a minor miracle.

The Huskers also lost a trio of stud defensive backs, all of whom are playing in the NFL now, and starting defensive end Pierre Allen to graduation. Prince Amukamara, DeJon Gomes and Eric Hagg were the Blackshirts’ backbone last season, and their absence has hurt.

And NU has seen two of its All-American candidate defenders suffer injuries, as Alfonzo

Dennard missed the first three games and Jared Crick is now out for the season.

All those factors play critical roles when examining why the Blackshirts’ performance has dipped this season. Through seven games last year, they were allowing 17.86 points per game.

This season, that number jumps to 25.28.

The scary thing is, that figure could be much higher. Lavonte David has saved this defense, and that’s why he’s the team MVP. He is the glue that holds this conglomeration together, a tracking missile that always seems to find the ball.

His 64 tackles lead the team by a large margin. He has seven of the team’s 28 tackles for loss and two of its nine sacks.

Teams have definitely had success running the ball against NU as the Blackshirts adjust to the new conference. They’ve given up 1,139 yards at 4.3 yards per carry. There’s no denying that this is an imperfect unit and no player is exempt from blame.

But think of what those numbers would be without the Butkus Award semifinalist. David is the cornerstone of the unit – take him out, and the whole

david: see page 9

things crumbles.

Oh, and by the way, he only saved the Huskers’ season.

That strip of Braxton Miller against Ohio State rescued the season from possible disaster.

NU was down 27-6 at that point and the Buckeyes were moving the ball at will. That play gave the offense a short field and some confidence after a quick touchdown. It also completely swung the momentum. That drive was the Buckeyes’ attempt to finish off the Huskers with a dagger. David ripped the dagger out of the Ohio State’s hands and turned it back on them.

If NU had lost that game, it would be 1-2 in the conference with a win only over bottom-dweller Minnesota with Michigan State coming to town.

That’s a recipe for disaster. And as we’ve seen in the past, some seasons

file photo by anna reed daily nebraskan