H erald
Xavier
@xulaherald
www.xulaherald.com
Where Would You Want Home Depot Funds To Go And Why? PG. 5
New, Orleans, La
Xavier University of Louisiana
March 7 , 2013 - March 20, 2013
Inside This Issue: The Road to Graduate School Pg.4
Photo Contest Pg. 3
“We are Doc McStuffins” Page 3
Details Inside
WIN PRIZES!!
SPORTS:
“Snitch” Movie Review Pg. 6
Track and Field Basketball and Tennis Photos
Pusha T & many more.
M
ar sh
a
Am
br o
si
us
Pg. 8
XU’s Devinn Roland
xulaherald.com
NewS
Page 2
Spring Fest 2013 Features Music, Fashion, Step Show By Jodi Hill Staff writer
This year’s Spring Fest theme is “Project X: U Turnt Up?”and the kickoff is Thursday, April 4, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The fashion show is 8-11 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. On Friday, April 5, at 7 p.m., the Greeks will serve as the entertainment, as they battle in a step show. The Greeks will make history, becoming the first members to step in the Convocation Center for Spring Fest. A block party follows the step show. The annual Spring Fest concert is Saturday, April 6, from 6-9 p.m. in the Convocation Center. The list includes Baton Rouge native rapper Kevin Gates; R&B singer Marsha Ambrosius, accompanied by B. Smith; and
hip-hop recording artist Pusha T. Spring Fest concludes with the Sunday Gospel Explosion on April 7. The event will be 5-8 p.m. in the UC Ballroom. The kickoff, fashion show, and Gospel Explosion are all free and open to the public. There is a charge for attending the Greek step show and concert. Pre-sale tickets are available March 11-April 3. However, tickets will not be sold during Xavier’s spring break. Pre-sale tickets for the step show are $3and $5 at the door. For the concert, pre-sale tickets will be $10 and $15 at the door. These prices are only for Xavier students. For non-students, the pre-sale tickets are $15 and $20 at the door. Students can only purchase one ticket for both events with their Xavier student identification card.
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
How sure are you about that major?
By Morgan Wilson Business Writer
My name is Morgan Wilson and I am a senior accounting major here at Xavier. In the summer of 2012, I received an opportunity to intern at a local tax consulting firm,Ernest D. Kelly LLC. I was very excited
Ernest Gaines Speaks at Xavier
On Saturday, February 23, award-winning novelist Ernest Gaines spoke about his life and his writing in Xavier’s McCaffrey Ballroom before a crowd of students, faculty, staff, and members of the New Orleans community. Gaines was interview by Fox 8 News Anchor Nancy Parker during the keynote event of the Big Read New Orleans, a month-long, city-wide exploration of Gaines’s most critically-acclaimed novel, A Lesson Before Dying. After recounting the circumstances that led Gaines to write the novel, he spoke in depth about the characters he had created and the challenges of writing fiction. He also spoke about growing up on the River Lake Plantation in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana, where his family has worked and lived for generations, first as slaves and then as sharecroppers. Gaines, the oldest of twelve children, attended school in a one -room church during the five or six months of each year that he wasn’t working in the fields harvesting vegetables and picking cotton. Members of the audience were also able to ask Gaines questions and, following the talk, to have him sign copies of their books that were provided through the Big Read grant. Through March 23, members of the Xavier and New Orleans communities will have numerous opportunities to discuss the ideas and themes invoked through the reading of A Lesson Before Dying. Book discussions have been scheduled at locations throughout the city to bring together the people of New Orleans and to reinvigorate the art of leisure reading. A full list of events can be found on the Big Read New Orleans web site at http://bigreadnola.com. In particular for Xavierites, two book discussions will be held at the Library Resource Center, the first on Monday, March 11 at 12 PM, the second on Friday, March 22 at 1 PM. Both discussions will be facilitated by members of the Library faculty. If you aren’t able to attend one of these on-campus discussions, you The QEP Office can also organize your own. Contact the QEP Office for details. LRC 407B • Box X While supplies last, free copies of the novel can be picked up on 504-520-5353 http://read.xula.edu the first floor of the Library Resource Center. facebook.com/xula.qep twitter.com/xula_qep
xulaherald.com
to receive this internship and gain work experience pertaining to my field of study. While working at the consulting firm, I began to understand what my interests are and what I did not want to pursue as my career path. The internship let me apply my accounting skills that I obtained from class. I performed bank reconciliations, data entry, updated client profiles, and created potential community projects. Additionally, I gained knowledge about how things are done in the corporate world. I learned that customer satisfaction is the most important key to running a successful business, especially a
business that can expand based on recommendations for great services. I also understood that while work is done on an individual basis, you must work as a team to produce a highly effective workforce. There will be times when there is conflict but it is up to the employees to come together to sort the issues out and move forward to maintain a positive and productive atmosphere. As a college student,working at Ernest D. Kelly LLC helped me understand what I am truly passionate about. There are many opportunities in the world, but it is up to you to take a chance to try new things and learn more about yourself—just like I did.
News
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Page 3
Xavier Graduate: We are ‘Doc McStuffins’ Dr. Myiesha Taylor explains how a child’s TV show changed her life.
By Eric Craig Staff Writer Last year, Dr. Myiesha Taylor,a Xavier graduate and successful emergency room physician, spent a day at home with her daughter, Hanna, 4. They watched “Doc McStuffins,” a new, popular cartoon series on Disney Junior channel that features an African American girl who aspires to be a medical physician. She practices on stuffed animals that come to life and call her “Doc McStuffins.”
After watching several episodes, Taylor was impressed and inspired. “The show was actually a quality show. [It spotlights] an African American lead character that wasn’t an athlete or a reality TV star, but aspiring to be an intellectual professional,” Taylor recalled. “The character is so important: it could be the beginning of a profound change in the physician workforce in America and enhance diversity in American healthcare.” “Doc McStuffins,” Taylor explained, has the potential to impact Americana like an iconic television series did in the 1980s. “It’s kind of what ‘The Cosby Show’ did a generation ago. It just normalizes things; it legitimizes
the black family,” Taylor said. Inspired by the cartoon, Taylor made a few calls to doctors who also attended Xavier University. “We made a series of [photo] collages. The first had 20 people, the second had 20 more, and the next had 130-plus women,” Taylor told the Herald. The “We are Doc McStuffins”collages sparked another historic movement. Taylor and two Black female colleagues co-founded the Artemis Medical Society, a woman-centered support group with 2,500 minority women physicians from the U.S., United Kingdom, Caribbean, South Africa and other nations. The group chose the name Artemis, who is a Greek god of protection for women and children, and Taylor is its current president. Taylor graduated from Xavier
Do you have what it takes to be a REAL photojournalist?
The Herald & xulaherald.com need visual storytellers. Post your photos where it really matters: in print, online, on XTV, local and national newswires. 1.Digital images—Limit 3. 2.Save Image: Custom 640x426 Jpeg . 3.Save As: LastName_FirstName1.Jpg. 4.People should be IDd, must give permission for usage. 5.Subject, composition, reader/viewer interest, image quality matter. 6.Use common sense when choosing subjects for submission. Entries will be posted on xulaherald.com. 7. Focus: XU people, places, things. Use ONLY your xula-email account. Subject line: first initial, last name—photo contest. Attach individual JPEGS. Include your full name and a cell number. Submit to herald@xula.edu. Contest begins: Friday, Feb. 22
XU Alumna Dr. Myiesha Taylor works with a young patient. in 1996 with a B.S. in chemistry. She entered the University of Southern California Keck Medical School and completed her residency at King/Drew Medical Center in south Los Angeles. She continues to receive accolades from community and professional organizations, and in 2012, Taylor was nominated as a Great Woman of Texas by the Fort Worth Business Press, an award based on accomplishments in the areas
“African American women only make up less than 2 percent of the U.S physician work force. “When you get out into the real world after your education, you’re just there, you’re isolated.”—Dr. Myiesha Taylor
of business, civic and social contribution. Despite her success,Taylor felt isolated in her medical career. “African American women only make up less than 2 percent of the U.S physician work force,” Taylor said, “When you get out into the real world after your education, you’re just there, you’re isolated. “Now I feel like I’m not alone in studying medicine. I felt depressed and disenfranchised by medicine and the patients. When you walk in the room as an African American female, people already think you’re not supposed to be in that role.” After creating Artemis, Taylor said she feels connected and appreciated. In February, Disney reached out to the Artemis society and invited Taylor and her co-founders to explain life as medical physicians in video clips aired between episodes of “Doc McStuffins.” The clips of Taylor and her duty as an emergency room physician air regularly in between episodes of “Doc McStuffins.” These clips can be viewed online athttp:// www.youtube. com/user/ disneyjunior, and search the videos by using the keywords “We are Doc McStuffins.”
Judges: XU photographer Irving Johnson III and photography professor Edna Lanieri.
WIN PRIZES!!!
Dr. Myiesha Taylor ( XU’ 96)
xulaherald.com
NewS
Page 4
Seniors can take steps in order to Prepare for GRE, Graduate School interest. This is a good start for establishing a relationship with leaders in your field. Seniors who are taking time off or looking for work before graduate or professional school are also advised to begin preparing. “For those students who have decided to take a year off, its even more essential that you visit with faculty, graduate placement interest, and contact them via By Corey Todd and career services so we email to express interest in Staff Writer can steer you into the right his/her work. You may want Graduate education path,” says Williams. It is to visit the campus during has become an entry-level open houses, preview days, or recommended to develop requirement for many of the sponsored campus visitations. a list of six to ten graduate more desirable professional or professional schools of Other great opportunities positions in the workforce. to take advantage of are interest, with a checklist “Whether you choose to speaking and networking with customized for each school’s go to graduate school or into a current graduate students, admission information. profession, its important Students should that you visit career research and consider services and graduate characteristics like placement,” says Damon best fit, financial Williams, Director for issues, and location the Office of Graduate when choosing a Placement. Although school. Good ways seniors are already into to prepare during a the second semester student’s time off of their undergraduate includerequesting year, there is still time to transcripts, applying get on track for postfor fellowships and graduation. internships, taking Seniors interested in the GRE exam, doing attending graduate school mock interviews, are advised to have a dressing for success, Graduates need to prepare for graduate school completed resume, a cover and practicing dining especially if they are studying etiquette. Other ways to letter, personal statement, in your field or attend your and letter of reference. If prepare are by establishing a possible, try to get acquainted school of interest. They may strong rapport with an advisor be able to provide excellent with the graduate school’s or professor in the desired faculty in your desired field. advice and information that field. These relationships may could be useful in the future. A great way to begin is by be helpful when requesting reading recent journal articles Take part in attending lectures letters of recommendation and and seminars in your area of authored by the faculty of references.
Student Reigns in Rap Competition By Anthony Lotten A&E Editor On March 1 in the UC Ballroom, a rap cypher was held to determine the best freestyles from twelve contestants. The event, organized by Xavier’s Student Government Association, was a tournament style
competition in which winners of head-to-head battles advanced to the next round, after displaying their impromptu lyrical talents over popular Hip-Hop instrumentals. At the end of three rounds, Shonn Milton, an art major in his junior year from New Orleans, La. proved himself as the best emcee.
Shonn Milton
xulaherald.com
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
The Xavier Herald Staff Spring 2013 Editor-in-chief:: CASSIE D. SMITH Copy editor: ASHLEY BREWER A & E editor:ANTHONY LOTTEN Graphic design: KENNETH NORWOOD CANDICE NOEL Photographers: ERIC CRAIG, ALYSSA MERCADEL ASIA BAKER, FRANZISKA PIRKL Staff writers: ARMOND COLLINS, BIANCA MOORE, COREY TODD ASHLEE HILL, MIA RUFFIN, CAMERON FRANKLIN, LATIFA WILLIAMS, JORDAN REAVES JODI HILL
HERALD CONTACT INFORMATION Herald office: Xavier South, 605. 504.520.7474 Email stories, ads: herald@xula.edu Faculty adviser: Melinda L. Shelton 504.520.5096, mshelton@xula.edu Publication dates: MARCH 21 APRIL 7 Tweet Us @xulaherald Instagram: xulaherald
News
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Page 5
wOYM
Communication Cues: Meaning Beyond Face: This is the #1 place to look for emotion. Facial expressions give insight into what we’re feeling. Think about a time where you asked a friend what’s wrong and he said, “I’m fine,” but the look on his face said everything but fine. Eyes: “The By Allyson Graham eyes say it Communication Studies all.” The face communicates Have you ever had a the most, conversation and wished and the eyes you could know what communicate the other person is really more than thinking or wondered the rest of the if you were making face. When sense? You might be I was a kid, able to find the answers my mom got by paying attention to frustrated if nonverbal cues. Nonverbal I looked at communication is anything everything you communicate without but her when words. Over 50 percent talking. Now I know that eye of communication is contact signals attention and nonverbal! Here are three understanding and helps us ways we communicate feel connected. Sorry, mom! without words.
Space: How physically close you are to someone says a lot. If a person is within intimate distance (0-1 ½ feet), it can mean he sees you as someone emotionally close (think romance or immediate family). If someone is within
distance (4-12 feet), you are just an acquaintance. The issue for some people is they don’t get these zones. Sometimes people who are supposed to be at a social distance decide to step into the intimate zone. Awkward! It’s not hard to see how nonverbal cues can tell you more than what someone actually says. Information for this article came from “Interpersonal Communication, 2nd Edition” by Kory Floyd.
personal distance (1 ½-4 feet), they see as you someone they are close to, but not that close (think friends and relatives). If someone is within social
Communication Cues is written by Communication Studies students. For more information contact Dr. Ross Louis at rmlouis@ xula.edu.
Reading Is Key To Science Success
By Wayne Brown Chemistry Resource Center Coordinator
Want a good test grade in a science course? Readthe chapters in that expensive textbook. You have it; use it. When reading a text, science article or laboratory procedure, the goal is to understand each concept, theory, or direction. Most importantly, an effective reading of a chapter is the first good opportunity to study for the test that you know is coming, and if done well, no last minute cramming will ever be necessary again. Here are some tips:
Start Early - Allow enough time between chapter reading and that looming test to learn and absorb the material. Set the Mood – Choose a comfortable environment with good lighting and NO distractions. Put the phone away! Read with a Mission –Read deliberately one sentence, paragraph and page at a time,moving on to another section only when you are able to explain, in your own words,the concept just read. Take Meaningful Notes – When you can explain it, write it down immediately. These are your study notes! Ask Questions – Write down confusing concepts.These are questions your professor can answer during class and office
hours. Retain It – You fought hard for that new science knowledge; keep it! Before you read the next chapter, be able to flip through the last one again explaining each section in your own words
Lab Locations, hours Biology Center: 464 NCF– Annex. 504.520.7590 Monday– Thursday, 9 a.m.—5 p.m., and 6—8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.—noon.
without notes.
xulaherald.com
By Ashlee Hill Staff Writer
The money should definitely go to St. Mike’s because it needs to be renovated. My friends and I tried to do get the dorms renovated last year but there was no money. Tyler A. Ellis Biology Pre-Med Waterbury, Conn. Sophomore
I think the money should go towards a real gym! I thought the Convocation Center was going to have a gym inside of it for students to use and I was disappointed when I found out there wasn’t. A more spacious gym for students to work out in will help students stay in better shape. Alexys Nunn Biology Pre-Med Houston, Texas Sophomore
community. One-on-one tutoring sessions and assistance with homework and test-prep are available.
Chemistry Center: NCF 108L (General Chemistry). 504.520.7206 Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.—6 p.m.
The Biology and Chemistry Resource Centers offer free tutoring services in these disciplines to all members of the Xavier
Where Would You Want Home Depot Funds To Go And Why?
Saturday, 10 a.m.—1 p.m. Ask about Organic Chemistry tutoring.
The money should go to the dorms because I know the freshman have unsanitary dorms overall. The buildings are so old that it’s becoming a health issue for the students living in them. The money should also go to building outdoor study places that are shaded. Evan Pipion History Sacramento, Calif. Junior
I think that the money should go towards fixing the streets over by the Convocation Center. They are unsafe and do need to be worked on. Keiauna Evans Bio-Pre Med Shreveport, La. Sophomore
Page 6
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
A r t s & E n t SNITCH Identity Thief
S
By Bianca Moore Staff Writer
R
ic Roman Waugh’s, “Snitch” debuted Feb. 22. Based on a true story, this fast-paced dramatic thriller starring Dwayne Johnson (John Matthews), Jon Bernthal (Daniel James), Susan Sarandon (Joanne Keegan), and Rafi Gavron (Jason Collins) tells the story of a desperate dad who does whatever it takes to clear his son’s name—even if it means risking his and his family’s lives. John Matthews (Johnson), a successful construction company owner, infiltrates a notorious drug cartel in order to rescue his teenage son (Bernthal), who has been framed, arrested, and falsely accused of distributing marijuana. Matthews makes a deal with a cut-throat U.S. attorney, Joanne Keegan (Sarandon), who promises to free his son in exchange for the capture of Juan Carlos ‘El Topo’ Pintera (Benjamin Bratt), the head boss of a major cartel. Though “Snitch” was not as action-packed as previews suggested and slow at times, Dwayne Johnson gave one of his best performances since, “The Scorpion King.” Also, many critics believe this film is what Johnson needed to make the switch from action-hero to serious actor. However, though Johnson did a phenomenal job, his acting could not make-up for the lack of action the audience expected. Therefore, this review is giving “Snitch” 4 out of 5 stars.
By Cameron Franklin Staff Writer
andy Bigelow Patterson (Jason Bateman) is an underappreciated accounts processor living paycheck to paycheck with a pregnant wife and their two little girls. His fortune suddenly looks up when he is hired as Vice President at an upstart firm by coworker Daniel (John Cho), but virtually within the same breath, it all comes crashing down when he finds out there is a woman in Winter Park, Florida, with his identity and credit cards, racking up an enormous debt. Because Sandy lives in Denver and the culprit is out of state, he is informed by Detective Reilly (Morris Chestnut) that all of the paperwork will likely prevent him from being cleared for six months to a year. With his new job in jeopardy, Sandy decides to travel to Florida, locate the fake Sandy—a rash liar and compulsive buyer Diana (Melissa McCarthy)—and convince her to come back with him. Trouble ensues when a bounty hunter and two assassins come after Diana to collect her wide spread debt, tagging Sandy along to elude capture. With “Due Date” –esque situational comedy, this two hour long movie of B-list actors gets a B rating.
The Heist By Jordan Reaves Staff Writer
xulaherald.com
T
he upcoming Seattle-born rapper, Macklemore, released his debut album, “The Heist” late last year. He is not a mainstream rapper; many people do not know much about him. People are definitely going to hear more about him, however, once the rap fan base realizes he has talent. “The Heist” has definitely boosted-up his rap ego and his amount of fans. “Thrift Shop” featuring Wanz is currently number two in the Top Singles category on iTunes, and it has every reason to be. The unbelievable lyrics and bass knocking beats display Macklemore’s true talents. “Thrift Shop” is a song about the hardships of life and specifically, an instance where Macklemore felt inferior but rose above. He looked at it as a challenge rather than something that will hinder him from success. This is definitely an inspirational song that every rap fan needs to give a listen. Along with “Thrift Shop,” a couple of other songs are noteworthy contributors to “The Heist.” Some of these other songs are, “Cant Hold Us” featuring Ray Dalton, “Wing$” and “White Walls” featuring Schoolboy Q and Hollis. “Can’t Hold Us” is the most noteworthy song out of these. The popularity of this song is almost off the iTunes charts. It is definitely incomparable to other cuts on the album. I do believe that if the rap industry were to be more exposed to this particular artist, the game would be changed. Macklemore is a good, underexposed artist, who has great potential as a rapper.
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Page 7
ertainment
xulaherald.com
Page 8
Sports
The Crosstown Classic was held for the first time in the Convocation Center on Feb. 23, 2013. The Gold Nuggets defeated the women Bleu Devils 67-43 . The Rush defeated the men Bleu Devils 70-46. The Xavier track and field team competed in the Tulane team challenge on March 2, 2013. The men and women tennis teams have defeated ranked NAIA opponents in the AUM invitational. Track and Field photos by Herman Shelton. Crosstown Classic photos by Alyssa Mercadel. Tennis photos by Eric Craig.
xulaherald.com
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Page 9
xulaherald.com
Health & Science
Page 10
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Inside the Beaker with Dr. Harris McFerrin cornea of the eye, which can lead to blindness. Herpes simplex Staff writer virus type 1 is the most common infectious cause of blindness. Dr. McFerrin and his research students Dr. Harris McFerrin, have determined that an assistant professor cyclin-dependent of biology in Xavier’s kinase inhibitors College of Arts decrease each step in and Sciences, and the formation of new seven students are blood vessels caused studying pathological by Herpes simplex blood vessel growth. virus type 1 in the Pathological blood cornea of mouse eyes vessel formation assists and are non-toxic. the growth and spread McFerrin’s lab of tumors to the rest has begun developing of the body. They are novel cyclintesting the hypothesis Dr. Harris McFerrin tests blood vessels. Photo by dependent kinase inhibitors. that cyclin-dependent Armond Colins They are working to kinase inhibitors decrease determine if the inhibitors will pathological blood vessel growth enzyme). hinder cyclin-dependent kinases in the eye and reduce vascular Cyclin-dependent kinase is and reduce the formation of tumors formed by Kaposi responsible for the replication blood vessels in the cornea due sarcoma herpes virus. Kaposi of Herpes simplex virus type to Herpes simplex virus type 1. sarcoma herpes virus is a cancer 1. Herpes simplex virus type virus linked to conditions such 1 causes inflammation and the as AIDS that reduce the function formation of blood vessels in the
By Briana Bell
of the immune system. Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by binding to kinase (an
COP Spotlight:Take Charge, Reduce Vision Loss Risk
Editor’s note: Due to layout and proofreading errors to this column Dr. Williams submitted for the Feb. 21, 2013, edition, the Herald is re-printing it in its entirety. We apologize for the errors.
By Dr. LaKeisha Williams PharmD
MSPH An estimated 2.3 million Americans suffer from glaucoma, and it is projected that an additional 2 million are unaware of having the disease. Glaucoma is not merely one eye disease, but a group of eye conditions resulting in optic nerve damage. Abnormally high
pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, usually causes the damage. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Hispanics. In fact, African Americans experience the disease at a rate three times that of Caucasians, and suffer blindness four times more frequently. Patients with glaucoma may experience gradual loss of peripheral vision in one or both eyes, tunnel vision, severe eye pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, or eye redness. Treatment options include surgery or prescription eye drops, such as timolol and latanoprost, which reduces the production of aqueous humor or increases the outflow of the eye fluid, respectively. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye exam for all adults starting at age 40, and every three to five years
subsequently for those without glaucoma risk factors. Periodic eye exams, starting between ages 20 and 39, and every one to two years after age 40 are recommended for AfricanAmericans or those with risk factors for glaucoma. Medical treatment may halt the progression of glaucoma, if detected early. However, sight destroyed by glaucoma cannot be restored. Each month that a glaucoma victim postpones treatment, he or she may permanently lose a small but priceless percentage of sight. Each individual should take charge and reduce the risk of vision loss. Eat smart and incorporate fruits and vegetables in your diet. Exercise regularly, reduce computer eye strain, and protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays. Most importantly, do not take your eyes for granted. Protect your vision by consulting with your eye care professional on a regular basis.
xulaherald.com
Join Xulaherald.com & Xavier Herald Send an email to Herald@xula.edu
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
Page 11
xulaherald.com
Page 12
March 7, 2013 - March 20, 2013
In Case You Missed It
Photos By Eric Craig, Alyssa Mercadel, D.J. Onuaguluchi
xulaherald.com