January 30, 2012 by Los Angeles Loyolan

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ESTABLISHED 1921 January 30, 2012 Volume 90, Issue 27 Your Home. Your Voice. Your Newspaper.

Loyola Marymount University

ASLMU begins preparing for elections

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University’s debate team continues success

The election marketing campaign launches early this year with new incentives for voters.

Student cites a “well-rounded” Jesuit education as a central element to the group’s many national wins.

By Brigette Scobas

By Zaneta Pereira

Asst. News Editor

Current ASLMU members are hoping for more students to run for ASLMU positions and to see an increase in the number of students who vote this year. With both of those goals in mind, ASLMU is starting to market the elections sooner than ever, starting with mandatory election candidate information meetings on Feb. 14-16 and Feb. 20. Elections Chair and senior communication studies major Krista Colley said, “We’re really trying to get more people involved this year.” The responsibilities of Colley’s position in ASLMU entails marketing for the elections and listening to and resolving campaign violations when they arise, so the elections can run fairly and smoothly. “This year we started a little bit earlier, and we’re really trying to encourage more students to run in the elections, and also

Over 3,000 miles separated them, but on the weekend of Jan. 20 to 23, two of LMU’s debate teams competed simultaneously in tournaments at Dartmouth College and Stanford University, achieving what LMU debater, philosophy graduate student and part-time faculty member James Kilcup describes as “eerily similar results.” Along with his partner, LMU alumnus Bobby Cashen, Kilcup competed in the American Parliamentary Debate Association (A.P.D.A.) format at the Stanford tournament. Out of the 100 plus speakers present at the tournament, Kilcup was ranked third and Cashen fourth. Overall, Kilcup and Cashen placed second, losing in the final round on a 6-3 decision to a team from Yale University. Meanwhile, the LMU team of senior philosophy major James Mollison and senior communication studies major Jack Ewing competed at the Dartmouth Round Robin

See ASLMU | Page 4

Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Charity ball celebrates centennial spirit Senior biochemistry major and Crimson Circle member Justin Zabinski provided the music for Friday’s“When Loyola Met Marymount” Charity Ball dance. Crimson Circle hosted the event along with ASLMU and Belles. For more photos from Charity Ball, turn to Page 2.

See Debate | Page 3

Students take part in ‘True Colors, Bright Path’ Upward Bound and Career Development Services hosts a career fair for high school students. By Christopher James News Intern

Choosing a career path can be a difficult decision for young people. Upward Bound and Career Development Services addressed this issue during their first career day, titled “True Colors, Bright Path,” which took place in St. Robert’s Hall last Saturday, Jan. 28. According to Academic Coordinator of Upward Bound Michelle Pajka,

“We are an academic preparation program, and even though academics are a priority for our students, having a day dedicated to exploring potential career options is on the same path as preparing them for college.” The day caters to high school students from the West Los Angeles College Upward Bound program, The East L.A. Community Union (TELACU) Upward Bound program and Santa Monica College Upward Bound, according to Pajka. After welcoming the students, the career day began with small workshops aimed at exploring different career opportunities. Here, students filled

out personality tests aimed at giving them a career direction. Following this, all the participants gathered into St. Robert’s Auditorium for a bracelet ceremony where each student got a bracelet signifying their “true color” or desired career path based on their personality test. The theme of embracing one’s “true color” carried over through the rest of the presentations of the day. “As they choose which workshops they attend, each instructor will have taken the same test. That way, students will be able to see what color each of the speakers represent and which color each area of study represents,”

said Pajka. “The students can see something about themselves through their workshop choice.” “Upward Bound is a federally funded national program, so we are one of 900 Upward Bound projects in the country,” says Norma Romero, the director of Upward Bound at LMU. “It is our opportunity to collaborate with these other projects to do some things together, so our students see we are part of a larger group,” she said. There were also several speakers from all different fields of work that came to the event. Speakers included Gary Craig, associate clinical

See Career | Page 4

Abbey Nelson and Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Mission Day activities explore the University’s historical context and shifting identity California historian Kevin Starr (middle) discussed the Jesuit’s progressive role in education throughout the country in his Mission Day keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 26 in Sacred Heart Chapel. Starr discussed LMU’s continuous growth and progress as an institution. At the end of his talk, Fr. Robert Caro, S.J. (right) thanked Starr for giving context to LMU’s 100-year history. A community lunch followed Starr’s presentation, which was then followed by a Bellarmine Forum round table discussion (left). All events were sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry.

BIG BROTHER IS GOOGLING YOU Google changes its privacy policy and may be watching your every move.

Opinion, Page 6

Index Classifieds.............................5 Opinion...............................6 A&E...................................11 Sports..............................16 The next issue of the Loyolan will be printed on Feb. 2, 2012.

A PRODUCT OF TWO ENVIRONMENTS A senior men's basketball player has maintained a positive mind-set through tough circumstances.

Sports, Page 16

News

January 30, 2012 Page 2

Students dance for charity

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PROVOST CANDIDATE

SPOTLIGHT NAME: Dr. Joseph Hellige Loyola Marymount SCHOOL: University

Dr. Joseph Hellige was the third provost finalist to speak with the University. As LMU’s senior vice president of Academic Affairs and chief academic officer, Hellige is the only internal candidate. He spoke and then answered audience questions in the Von der Ahe Welcome Center on Thursday, Jan. 26.

QUOTES:

“It’s a critical time. The next three to five years at LMU is our chance to move in a different way, forward in a direction that, collectively, we have identified.”

At the 14th annual Charity Ball, co-sponsored by Crimson Circle, Belles and ASLMU, students posed for pictures (below left) and enjoyed dancing to a variety of popular music in the U-Hall atrium (above and below right).

“My style is to put people at the table not expecting that they all agree but encouraging open, frank, honest discussion of whatever the issues are and working our way through a variety of alternative solutions and leading usually to a solution that is better than what any of us would have come up with had we decided to do it on our own.” “The idea that we not only encourage learning [at LMU] but that we respect the education of the whole person and that we are deeply committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice is something that means a great deal to me.” “The president inspires all of us to do the grand things, and then the president turns to the provost and says ‘There it is. Make it happen’.” For access to Hellige’s application materials, including a video of the open forum, visit lmu.edu/provostsearch. *See the Feb. 2 issue of the Loyolan for a recap of the next finalist’s interview. Graphic: Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan, Quotes compiled by Kenzie O’Keefe

Charity Ball’s organizers acknowledged LMU’s centennial year by compiling a photo collage in the shape of a 100.

All photos: Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Members of Belles, one of the event’s co-sponsors, pose in front of a large inflatable lion, one of the ball’s many decorations.

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News

January 30, 2012 Page 3

Debate team defeats Ivy Leagues in competition Debate from Page 1 which featured the top six National Debate Tournament (N.D.T.) teams in the nation as well as a top 25 team from host Dartmouth. Mollison and Ewing finished in second place behind a team from Northwestern University, the top-ranked team in the nation going into the tournament. Mollison was ranked third and Ewing finished as the fourth speaker in the tournament making LMU the only school with two of the top four speakers at the tournament. When questioned on the coincidental results, Ewing demurred, stating, “I don’t assume to be able to speak about cosmic connections between debate teams.” Coincidences aside, it is undeniable that the LMU Debate team has gone from strength to strength. With 31 wins out of 35 rounds, Ewing and Mollison have the best record in the nation for the N.D.T. format, according to Debateresults.com. Additionally, according to Dr. Jay Busse, LMU director of debate and associate professor of communication studies, Mollison and Ewing are ranked as the number two or three team in the N.D.T. format in the country. Busse was also keen to highlight some “very creative things” the debate team is

doing, pointing to an incident at a major national invitational N.D.T. competition at CSU Fullerton where Mollison and Ewing debated the number one team in the country – the Northwestern University team they lost to at Dartmouth. In fact, of Mollison and Ewing’s four losses, two of them have been to this team, although they have defeated them twice as well. The Fullerton competition was one of those victories, with Mollison and Ewing choosing to allow their opponents to pick the side they debated on in return for proceeding at a “conversational pace,” according to Busse. The gamble paid off, and they won the debate 3-0. Similarly, Kilcup detailed one of the A.P.D.A. format debates he and Cashen had against a team from Yale University where the Yale team, debating as the government, choose to debate on the subject of debt breaks. According to Kilcup, the Yale team’s argument, “was basically an obvious thing that anyone would do – when you have lots of money you should put some away and save it so that when you don’t have money you can spend it. So we called it out … and we told the judges that they should just vote against them [Yale] to punish this kind of behavior [because] if you reward them

then you’re going to get more and more cases like this that nobody wants to listen to, that are chosen strategically.” Noting that Cashen and he had competed in only two or three A.P.D.A. tournaments in their careers, compared to the 20 or so the Yale team had attended this year alone, Kilcup acknowledged that it was, “kind of a David and Goliath situation. … My expectation was that … [we’ll have] a good time, we’re going to lose, but the judges voted 5-0 for us.” For Busse, the LMU Debate Team’s successes have come a long way to raising the profile of LMU as an academically rigorous institution, stating that, “I would often like to be a fly on the wall when the coach from Harvard or Yale has to go back and say, ‘We lost to LMU.’ Whereas for us, we can say that we defeated Harvard or Dartmouth.” Kilcup concurs, noting the “well-rounded” nature of Jesuit education as a key contributor to the debaters’ successes and adding that,“[Debate] is one good reason that students should be excited to ask more of themselves, faculty should be excited to ask more of them, because there’s a lot of untapped potential, and it’s cool that debate can be a kind of signal, or symbol of that fact.”

Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Kyle Anderson and Katie Pope were named LMU’s Homecoming King and Queen at Saturday’s Homecoming basketball game.

11 Burning Questions with LMU’s Homecoming King and Queen This issue, Multimedia Intern Kasey Eggert talks with senior business majors Kyle Anderson and Katie Pope on winning Homecoming King and Queen. 1. How does it feel to win the title of LMU Homecoming King and Queen? Kyle Anderson (KA): I feel very honored to have received the award, and it means a lot that people would show their support for me. Katie Pope (KP): It feels good to know that the students at LMU voted for me. 2. Were you ever nominated for any title like this in high school? KA: I actually won Homecoming King in high school. KP: No. I went to an all-girls school, and we didn’t have any of these competitions. 3. What made you interested in running? KA: A combination of things, but more than anything else it was more of a reflection on all the things I’ve involved myself with and trying to represent those in a positive light. KP: I’m in Pi Beta Phi, and they nominated me, so I just filled out the application. 4. What organization did you represent in the race? KA: The two big ones were Sigma Phi Epsilon and Creare Service Organization. KP: Pi Beta Phi. 5. What positive contributions to the campus made you a prime candidate for the title? KA: One of the hardest challenges was starting and developing the Creare Service Organization. I took the position of president after the starting president transferred schools. Other contributions were just developing relationships with the surrounding community in terms of service and also helping organize philanthropies for my fraternity. 6. What was going through your head the minute before they announced the winner? KP: I was nervous, but I knew that all the candidates were really well-deserving. It was cool to be part of such an involved and elite group of students. 7. In Michael Goldsholl’s previous article “Fast times at Loyola Marymount High” in the Jan. 19 issue of the Loyolan, which discussed this event, he argued that the Homecoming King/Queen competition was more fit for high school. Do you agree with this? KP: I think that the purpose of LMU’s competition was to get people more excited about our school spirit in general. It definitely got a lot of hype, and it got more people to go to the game. 8. What makes LMU’s Homecoming competition different from that of high school’s competition? KA: High school is more focused on being well-liked, whereas in college you obviously don’t know everyone at the school and knowing that you don’t know everyone at LMU, they really take a look at your involvements. KP: It’s hard for me to tell since I didn’t have this competition at my high school, but I liked how when you voted, it said everything that the candidate was involved with rather than just knowing the name. 9. Some people say Homecoming King and Queen are meaningless titles. What do you think of this? KA: Homecoming King is just an award, and there was no prize for it. KP: Homecoming King and Queen is just a way to get school spirit, and it’s just a title. 10. So what’s next now that you have won this prestigious title? KA: Moving forward, graduating, getting a good job and keeping focus with the Loyola [Marymount] Mission Statement as one of my guides. KP: I guess just try to be involved and enjoy the last months until I graduate. I want to enjoy LMU for the time I have left. 11. How did you celebrate the win? KA: I went out and deejayed at my fraternity’s pref.

News

January 30, 2012 Page 4

www.laloyolan.com

ASLMU aims to increase voter turnout FEBRUARY 13 MONDAY

ASLMU 14

TUESDAY

ELECTION CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Election Candidate Information Meeting

12:15 p.m. The Living Room

6 p.m. Malone 306

12:15 p.m. The Living Room

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Election Candidate Information Meeting 6 p.m. Malone 306

WEDNESDAY

Declaration of Candidacy

THURSDAY

Due by 5 p.m.

MARCH

MONDAY

Campaign period begins at 2 p.m.

TUESDAY

Senatorial Debate 12:15 p.m. STR Auditorium

MONDAY 11 p.m.

Town Hall Meeting 6 p.m. STR Auditorium

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

GET OUT AND VOTE

*Polls open at 9 a.m.

Campaign period ends at

WEDNESDAY

12-1:30 p.m. Alumni Mall

Event highlights varied career paths Career from Page 1 professor of law from Loyola Law School; Alan Gutierrez, associate manager of distribution/ marketing from Fox Global Networks; Crystal Huerta, biologist from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; Isidro Armenta, staff assistant for U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra; Dr. Gail Buck, director of the Office of Black Student Services and a professor at LMU; and Dr. Nina M. Lozano-Reich, associate professor of the communication studies department at LMU. “I think it’s great in reaching out to the LMU alums. They have just been so enthusiastic about coming to speak to students,” said Pajka. “Some of them are first-generation college students themselves, and to have that opportunity to come back to talk to students who will also be the first in their families to attend college is great,” she said. Besides the collaboration between Upward Bound and Career Development Services, other organizations got involved in helping with the career day festivities. According to Pajka, both the Academic Community of Excellence (ACE) and the First to Go Program had LMU student volunteers

THURSDAY

Presidential Debates 12:15 p.m. Lawton Plaza

THURSDAY

*Polls close at 5 p.m.

GET OUT AND VOTE

12-1:30 p.m. Alumni Mall Graphic: Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan

ASLMU from Page 1 we are going to have a lot more of the promotional stuff to get students to vote and to attend the election events,” said Colley. Colley’s goal is to get between 2,000 and 2,500 students to vote this year. To help encourage students to vote, every person who votes will be entered to win their own parking spot for the semester and will be given free food when they vote at certain times in Alumni Mall. Art Flores, the president of ASLMU and a senior English major, said, “I am hoping we can not only increase the voter turnout, but get a majority of our students to vote.” In terms of those who declare their candidacy, Flores said, “I have a lot respect for students who run for ASLMU regardless of the outcome, and I hope candidates have fun during their campaigns.” To those interested in running for a position on ASLMU and looking for advice, Flores recommends, “focusing on what makes them different than other candidates.” According to Vice President of ASLMU and senior environmental studies major Kim Tomicich, everyone who is running must attend one of the informational meetings, declare candidacy and submit a platform statement

and campaign report. Students must declare their candidacy by Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. and the platform statement and campaign report are due the next day. The campaign period begins on March 5 at 2 p.m. with a series of debates and town hall meetings throughout the week. “It’s a really intensive process and it requires a lot of time and dedication [especially] for those who are running in the vice president and president roles, [but] it definitely helps you build the bond that can bring you through your year of presidency and vice presidency if you get elected,” Tomicich said. “Even if you haven’t been involved in ASLMU in the past, don’t let that deter you from getting involved now,” said Colley to those who are still unsure about running. “I am hoping that all of the candidates feel supported by ASLMU throughout their campaigns [and] that all of the candidates do their best to educate students on their campaigns,” said Flores. “The process is really open, and we want anyone who’s interested to go for it,” said Tomicich. “The only thing you have to lose is having wished you would have tried,” she said. For more information, visit the ASLMU office on the first floor of the Malone Building.

helping to make sure the proceedings run smoothly. Some of the volunteers also took away new information away from the day’s speakers. Sophomore computer science major and volunteer from ACE Iselee Hill said, “The workshop I just got out of from Dr. Gail Buck was great. She shared her life story, and it was inspiring.” The Upward Bound program is new on campus, making this career day event a new endeavor. “Upward Bound has been around for four years on campus, but this is the first year we had this event on campus,” said Pajka. The career day was not only helpful to the high school students involved with exploring the many different career paths, but it also provided benefits for the staff members that were working the event. “I keep hearing from the staff that the students are so excited to be here. While the students are in workshop the staff will be in their own workshops,” said Romero. “While students are figuring out a potential career those of us who are doing something we already love to do will be able to ... exchange ideas and share professionally,” she said.

? Have a story idea for News? Want to write for News?

? Email News Editor Tierney Finster at tfinster@theloyolan.com

News

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January 30, 2012 Page 5

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On Campus LMUHomes.com (Dunbarton home) Westchester / Kentwood Area: 4 bed, 3 bath home, plus laundry area & two car garage. Floor plan flows gracefully from a marble entryway onto refinished hardwood floors, large picture windows light up living, dining room, kitchen plus adjoining granite eating area. Large yard with lush landscaping and trees. Walk to class $4295 / mo. 310-890-8770 Kentwood House for Rent $4300 4 large bedrooms/3 bathrooms available 3/1, North Kentwood, all appliances/ laundry, garage, quiet street - Sign lease by 3/1 for May and get 10% off first 6 months. Call to see (310) 216-2057 Room for rent near LMU Immediate vacancy for a room in a house in Westchester. Rent includes all utilities. Ideal situation for a grad student looking for a quiet place to call home. No smokers or pets. (503) 799-1040

Services fun sitter needed Tues and Fridays from 3pm to 7pm to play with 2 boys (ages 6 and 4). Must have experience, be energetic, and have driver’s license. Please send photo and resumelarnahartnack@gmail.com

Na Kolea Lu`au ... March 31...Lawton Plaza...4:00 PM... SAVE THE DATE !!!!!!!! Good Food, Great Entertainment, Unforgettable Fun! More details to follow.

Tenderich Apartments – On Sunday, Jan. 29, DPS received reports of shattered glass in the middle entrance to the building. The case is closed.

was observed with marijuana. The marijuana was confiscated by DPS during a fire drill. The case has been referred to Judicial Affairs.

Parking Lot G (behind freshman housing) – On Saturday, Jan. 28, students were found in possession of marijuana and alcohol. The case has been referred to Judicial Affairs.

Bluff behind O’Malley Apartments – On Tuesday, Jan. 24, a student was found using marijuana. The case has been referred to Judicial Affairs.

Rosecrans Hall – On Friday, Jan. 27, DPS received a report of vandalism involving the fire safety equipment in the building. This was the second incident involving this equipment. The case is closed.

University Hall – On Monday, Jan. 23, a student reported a stolen laptop to DPS. The case is closed.

McCarthy Hall – On Sunday, Jan. 22, a DPS officer observed damage to the concrete ashtray and sandbag. The case is University Hall – On Thursday, closed. Jan. 26, graffiti was found on several glass office walls on the Iggy’s Diner – On Saturday, Jan. 21, DPS received a report third floor. The case is closed. that a student’s iPhone had been stolen. The case is closed. 8000 Loyola Blvd. – On Wednesday, Jan. 25, a student Information compiled from the Department of Public Safety Daily Crime Log

Opinion Student Editorials and Perspectives

January 30, 2012 Page 6

Board Editorial

Board Editorials represent the voice of the Loyolan. They are written in collaboration by the Executive Editorial Board. Laura Riparbelli Managing Editor

Kenzie O’Keefe Editor in Chief

Angelica Cadiente Public Editor

Adrien Jarvis Michael Goldsholl Asst. Managing Editor | Sports Editor Incoming Editor in Chief

Kevin O’Keeffe A&E Editor

When cutting funding is warranted

n an attempt to keep college from becoming a luxury only the privileged few have access to, President Obama discussed a new college affordability plan in a speech at the University of Michigan on Friday. Obama’s plan outlines the expansion of student loan programs and the introduction of more work-study jobs for students who are paying their way through school. Additionally, one of the more controversial aspects of the plan requires public colleges to keep costs down or risk losing federal funding. “We are putting colleges on notice. You can’t assume that you’ll just jack up tuition every single year. If you can’t stop tuition from going up, then the funding you get from taxpayers each year will go down,” Obama told the applauding crowd in Michigan. Though public university presidents have fought back, explaining that preserving quality while cutting costs is a lot easier said than done, the Loyolan supports President Obama and the adamancy with which

he delivered his speech. Education is an investment in the future of our nation, and it would be a catastrophe if the quality of a college education in this country was ever diminished, but the simple fact of the matter is that just because most support educational funding doesn’t mean that there is going to be money to pay for it. The state and federal government must work to ensure that colleges and universities have the money they need to run efficiently. In turn, colleges and universities must do their part to ensure that they’re spending effectively. Money is a finite resource, something Americans, with our 15 trillion dollars of debt, need to more fully realize. Tuition costs have consistently risen faster than inflation, and if something isn’t done to halt this soon, only the wealthy will be able to afford a college education. This is unacceptable. There is no room for frivolity in the present economic climate and it’s time to make some tough choices because a college education is an economic necessity.

www.laloyolan.com

Rule of Thumb

The Loyolan’s Executive Editorial Board weighs in on current topics of discussion.

Facebook makes Timeline mandatory In an attempt to make Facebook look more uniform, the social networking giant will soon force all members to adopt the newest profile format, Timeline, in early February. The new look has met with mixed reviews, with many opponents objecting to the amount of potential creeping – after all, Timeline makes it easy to see someone’s Facebook activity all the way back to their awkward early high school years. Facebook with Timeline is hardly the same site that most users signed up for, and keeping the option of whether or not to change would be a kind courtesy to those fans who love the old Facebook.

New pledge classes liven up Greek Life With the completion of Men’s Recruitment, the fraternities and sororities on campus are now in the process of welcoming their new pledge classes. The Loyolan is happy for everyone who successfully completed the recruitment process and has found a home in a new fraternity or sorority. For those who were disappointed with their recruitment periods, cheer up! There are plenty of other opportunities on this campus for you to explore – there’s a niche for everyone.

Newt Gingrich is taking us to the moon Republican presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich spoke last Wednesday to discuss his plans for a colony on the moon by the year 2020. Lunar life is an exciting prospect, but it seems slightly irresponsible to put time and energy into building a society for humans in outer space when our own is currently plagued by a great deal of political, social and economic instability. Gingrich is to be commended for reaching for the stars, but perhaps he should keep his ambitions a little closer to Earth.

Google’s privacy policy is not so private

oogle will soon be adopting a new nickname: Big Brother. The omnipresent search engine announced on Jan. 24, 2012 that it will be administering a new “integration of information” policy in its terms of service. In other words, starting Mar. 1, 2012, potential employTill the AM ers will have By Anna-Michelle i m m e d i a t e access to Escher your mortifyAsst. Opinion Editor ing YouTube v i d e o s t h a t you made in the sixth grade and forgot existed, simply by “Googling” your name. There’s no debating the influence of Google. “Google” has even become a dictionaryapproved verb. Starting in a couple short months, the leading Internet search engine will gain access to all activity of signed in users of YouTube, Google Maps, Gmail, Google+ and Google Calendar. In addition to this, a person’s Google searches will be able to give the engine ideas of what types of advertisements should best appear on the screen sidebar. For example, if one searches for “Los

Angeles non-profit volunteer opportunities,” an advertisement for “Heal the Bay” could appear in the allotted marketing space shortly after. At first glance this policy could be mistaken for a helpful change, but the extent of the scrutiny of our web activity has become beyond invasive. The Jan. 24, 2012 Washington Post article “Google announces privacy changes across products; users can’t opt out” by Cecilia Kang explains, “the policy shift will invite greater scrutiny from federal regulators of the company’s privacy and competitive practices.” A Google search for “flights to Los Angeles” would alert the web that one

ous platforms. The only way to dodge Google’s watchful gaze is to cancel all of one’s Google accounts, and Lord knows that isn’t happening. People have all of their data stored through Google. Android phone users will be most profoundly affected by this new policy, seeing as they sign into Google to use the facets of their smart phone such as Gmail or YouTube. This fact alone shows that there is virtually no consideration for the consumer. Google’s slogan of “Do No Evil” is turning into a joke as the integrity of the company comes into question following such blatant disrespect for users’ privacy. Ironically, on The Official Google Blog in an article titled “Updating our privacy

ally states that Google’s intention is to, “integrate our different products more closely so that we can create a beautifully simple, intuitive user experience across Google … in short, we’ll treat you as a single user across all our products, which will mean a simpler, more intuitive Google experience.” In reality, Google is using its dominance as a search engine to further its marketing intentions at the expense of Internet users’ privacy. The web is an outlet for our individuality and the implementation of Google’s new platform convergence policy is blatantly taking advantage of Internet users. Despite Google’s supposed inten-

might be planning a trip to Los Angeles. Consequently, your Gmail account would suggest emailing contacts that live in Los Angeles. The most troubling part is that Google will not let users opt out or decide that they don’t want to have their information accessible across Google’s numer-

policies and terms of service,” Google characterizes this act as a new privacy policy. Google’s Director of Privacy, Product and Engineering Alma Whitten casu-

tions to simplify the Google experience, this policy is another presumptuous maneuver that will make us further captive to the Internet monopoly. Companies should not possess the right to

track and store our information so closely, down to the things we research through our Google searches, or our exact location on the planet through Google maps, and be able to combine the two into suggestions of products we should buy. Scrutinizing our Internet activity is the exact opposite of privacy and it’s humorous to think that Google could attempt to disguise this marketing ploy as an act of privacy and convenience for Internet users. The point is that people are multifaceted; we have social lives outside of work. We journal our travel adventures through blogging and keep in contact with friends and family through social networks. The Internet is an outlet for self-expression, which is, the last time I checked, one of our born freedoms. Someone may be attempting to get hired at a law firm while also updating a weekly comedic YouTube vlog. Nothing should stop them from using the Internet in both ways. Individuals deserve Internet privacy, and Google as a web monopoly is taking advantage of this privacy for their own financial interests. Graphic by Alberto Gonzalez | Loyolan This is the opinion of Anna-Michelle Escher, a junior communication studies major from Stanford, Calif. Please send comments to aescher@theloyolan.com.

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Opinion

January 30, 2012 Page 7

Democracy intact even with Super PAC

he uproar and criticism of the so-called “Super PACs” (Political Action Committees) and other large donors to political campaigns is both naïve and misleading. “Super PACs” were allowed to form after the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in the Citizen’s United vs. Federal Commission. Essentially, the Citizen’s United rulThe Loyal ing allowed Opposition corporations By Kenneth Vlahos and unions to donate Staff Writer unlimited amounts of money from their general treasuries to PACs. Always wary of financially successful individuals and corporations, many on the left balked at the decision. Predictably, many of the more extreme, liberal detractors claimed the ruling would give those with money too much sway in the election process. But after all the cries of “corruption,” “cronyism” and “corporate control” fade, the true

facts regarding Super PACs and the Citizen’s United ruling will emerge. First of all, the Super PAC is hardly the first or even most penetrating “infiltration” of big business into election politics. Questionable corporate donations and sweetheart deals were rampant within the Obama election machine. During the 2008 presidential race, then Senator Obama collected a record $750 million in campaign contributions, according to usatoday.com, and many of his top donors were Wall Street corporations including Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, UBS and JP Morgan Chase, according to Opensecrets.org. Interestingly, many paid Goldman Sachs employees later became top officials in the Obama Administration. Larry Summers, Gary Gensler (chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission), Mark Patterson (chief of staff to Secretary of Treasury Timothy Geithner), and Robert Hormats (under secretary of state for economic energy and agricultural affairs) all worked for Goldman Sachs before serving under Obama, according to an Aug. 31 Huffington Post article by Preeti Vissa. But all hypocrisy from the lib-

eral, Obama-supporting, Super PAC detractors aside, the Republican presidential primary race has shed light on what new Super PACs actually look like, how they are operated, and the role they will play in the election process. Many Super PACs are created and managed by former members of a candidate’s staff. For example, the pro-Mitt Romney Super PAC “Restore Our Future” was founded in 2010 by former Romney staffers and is currently headed by the former general counsel of Romney’s 2008 presidential run. The “Restore Our Future” Super PAC has raised over $12 million in donations from over 90 groups and individuals, according to a Jul. 31 article by Jonathan Martin and Kenneth P. Vogel on Politico. com. Though it’s true the newly formed Super PACs carry significant financial clout in the primary races, it would be dishonest to say the Super PACs are completely unregulated political attack dogs. The Super PACs still have to disclose their donor records and while it’s true most Super PACs support a specific candidate, both unions and corporations are still prohibited from directly donating money to any can-

didate or campaign, according to a Supreme Court appeal from Dec. 21 seen on the Cornell Law website. Much of the criticism surrounding the Citizen’s United ruling and the formation of Super PACs is based on the fear that super wealthy corporations and individuals will be able to control elections via the Super PAC. However, the Super PACs have actually created a more open, honest, democratic atmosphere in the Republican primaries. Blistering attack ads, in-depth research and investigative inquiries conducted by Super PACs have led to perhaps the most intense Republican primary vetting in history. Furthermore, the Super PAC spending has not always been a clear indication of who will eventually win any given primary race. According to a Jan. 3 article on First Read on MSNBC by Michael Isikoff, in the Iowa primary, pro-Rick Perry Super PAC spending topped $1.6 million, proMitt Romney Super PAC spending topped $1.5 million, and pro-Rick Santorum Super PAC spending was a measly $530,000. The winner? Rick Santorum. Overall, the data on Super PAC spending does not point to a clear “most spending-to-winning”

ratio. Take the pro-Mitt Romney PAC spending for example. ProRomney Super PACs have spent around $12.5 million in either support for Romney or in opposition to top Romney opponents, the most of any candidate. Of that $12.5 million, only around $5,500 was spent in the one primary Romney won: New Hampshire. All the rest was spent in Iowa, South Carolina, or is currently being spent in the Florida primary, according to CNN.com. It’s clear that despite all the clamor and anger regarding the formation of Super PACs, democracy is still intact. Thought it’s true that the Super PACs carry an enormous amount of influence and will perhaps historically define the 2012 election cycle, the noise made by many on the left over their legality was just silly. It remains to be seen if the eventual Republican candidate gets as cozy with his Super PAC donors as Obama has with his Wall Street cronies, but in the end, democracy (and hopefully a Republican) will prevail. This is the opinion of Kenneth Vlahos,a senior political science major from El Segundo, Calif. Please send comments to ktran@theloyolan. com.

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Letters to the Editor

Have an opinion? Want to write about it?

Re: “The nonsensical stigma of sounding smart” (Jan. 26, 2012, Page 6) Dear Editor,

Contact Opinion Editor Kim Tran at

I just read the article in the Loyolan about the seeming dumbing down that happens in conversation. Thanks for shedding some light on this topic as it’s one that I have become increasingly more aware of, not only in others but also in myself over the past few years. I’m a first-year grad student here at Loyola in the film department and I’m sad to say that this behavior is just as rampant with the graduate students as it is with the undergrads. But like I said, I find myself doing it too so I’m not trying to sound superior or anything, but it just begs the question of why. In the article, author Kevin O’Keeffe touched on the notion of a high school atmosphere at Loyola. To me, based on my undergrad experiences at Temple in Philadelphia, this is what college has become ... high school part two. As colleges get less and less picky with who they let in, then naturally course work and loads must be lessened and the experience is compromised. This is why there are more and more people going to grad school. The effect this has had on people from our generations is an almost perpetual putting off of maturation. Most of the time I feel as if the only reason I came to grad school was to hide from going out into the real world for a few more years. And I think if some of the other grad students had to be honest, they would say the same thing. Thank you for your article. Take care. -Andrew Solerno, first-year graduate film student

Re: “Sodexo’s steady support” (Jan. 12, 2012, Page 6) Dear Editor, Last week’s article “Sodexo’s Steady Support” contained factual inaccuracies that misrepresented the working conditions of LMU campus workers. It claims that all Sodexo workers are provided substantial benefits, including medical, dental, etc. However it fails to mention that these benefits are so expensive that most workers simply cannot afford them. Additionally, Sodexo claims to pay their employees the Los Angeles living wage, which is $11.67/hr. Through personal interviews, I discovered that many workers make considerably less than this. Sodexo workers, along with LMU students and faculty, have dedicated their time to address injustices for campus workers, and to correct this misleading narrative perpetuated by Sodexo. Having these real issues of disrespect be misrepresented by Sodexo in the Loyolan is harmful to the LMU community as a whole because it directly contradicts our mission of promoting social justice, and exacerbates the social divisions on our campus. Without understanding or recognizing the problems that exist, we cannot begin to correct them. I hope that LMU students and the Loyolan will reflect upon the responsibility we all have as members of this community to report the truth about the treatment of every person, regardless of their position. -Hayley Thayer, junior communication studies major We’d LikeTo Hear FromYou: Loyolan Letters Policy

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January 30, 2012 Page 9

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‘ROAR Dispatch’ keeps LMU students updated on campus happenings ROAR Spotlight By Sonja Bistranin Staff Writer

tudents at LMU find out what the latest on-campus news is in many different ways. Word of mouth, The Loyolan and email communication all provide information about current happenings to students, faculty and staff. With busy social and academic lives, many students find it hard to stay in the loop. Enter ROAR Network’s “ROAR Dispatch,” a show that seeks to keep students up-to-date on current events around campus in a quick and entertaining way. Graduate student Program Director at ROAR Jamie King said, “‘Dispatch’ is an opportunity for students to learn about LMU.” “It’s a busy university, and there’s a lot going on that [students] don’t know about,” said King. “Like

there’s a Garden Club that I didn’t know existed. The garden is right by where I park my car. So to learn about the university where you spend all your time, visually, instead of reading about it, lets you see it and say, ‘Oh, that’s where I park my car!’ It gives you a visual understanding of where you spend all your time.” Sophomore production major Zoe Gieringer, the producer of “Dispatch,” said that the content of the show does not only include major headlining stories but also highlights the lesser-known news of LMU’s campus. “I feel like ‘Dispatch’ lets students know all of what’s going on. My favorite segments are the Person of the Week Spotlight and the Club Spotlights,” said Gieringer. “Those are things a lot of people don’t know about, and it’s not really ‘classic news’ but it’s cool to see what types of people go to this school and what they get involved in.”

Although ‘Dispatch’ has been a staple of ROAR Network for the past year, the newscast has made changes recently to refresh the show and keep audience interest. One notable change for the show this year has been the addition of humor, spearheaded by the show’s anchorman, Danny Sachais. “Danny has this great delivery. He’ll come in and be kind of cocky and pompous, and I’ll be laughing my a** off. It’s interesting and it wakes you up and you’re like, ‘Yeah! All right!’ We have to coach him, though. You have to be tasteful,” said King. Rather than allowing the anchorman to drone on about news, “Dispatch” attempts to add humor for entertainment similar to styles such as “The Colbert Report” or “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” However, according to Gieringer, “Dispatch” faces the challenge of strict guidelines that limit how far the humor can go.

“We have to make sure we’re not offensive, which is hard sometimes,” said Gieringer. “Danny usually improvs the jokes, but with some of his ideas for sign-outs I’ve had to say no because I do have to keep it appropriate because ROAR follows the same guidelines that ABC Family follows, so we have to keep it fairly PG.” Despite the impeding guidelines, Gieringer says “Dispatch” will continue to add as much humor as possible for audience amusement. “Last year it was more classic news, which I want to get away from because I feel like not many people watch that because it’s boring,” she said Another difference was the switch from two anchors to one individual anchor, according to Gieringer. “With just one person, that person only has to worry about their chemistry in front of the camera and with two people you have to balance it,” said Gierginer. “I think

that just having one person makes the show flow better because there’s not much to report on so it’s hard for two people to split the dialogue.” Both King and Gieringer admit that since Dispatch airs every week, finding stories when campus is quiet can be challenging at times. “We’ve exhausted every interesting club we can think of. It can get really difficult sometimes. And I’m not a sports person so it’s hard for me to stay in touch with sports. I wish someone on my team knew sports so I could incorporate that more because I feel like I should. But I don’t even know where to start,” said Gieringer. Despite the fact there is an absence of sports coverage on “Dispatch,” Gieringer believes the show’s crew still delivers relevant news in an entertaining way. “ROAR Dispatch” airs on ROAR Network, Channel 6 for on-campus cable. Check out Roarnetwork.com for show times.

Spoken word artist to perform at LMU Event Preview By Jackie Fischer Asst. A&E Editor

ROAR Network

‘ROAR Dispatch,’ a news show with humorous bite, makes a point to highlight varied events happening around LMU’s campus. They also conduct man-on-the-street interviews to make known the voices of many students.

SFTV set to offer new screenwriting seminar SFTV Spotlight By Luisa Barron Asst. A&E Editor

n LMU alum is bringing her career experience back to the bluff, this time as an instructor. Presidential Professors of Screenwriting Melissa Blake, class of ’95, along with her husband Roberto Orci, will be co-instructing two graduate seminars this semester: one for students on a feature film track and one for television writing. Blake has written for television series such as “Ghost Whisperer,” “Heroes” and “Xena: Warrior Princess,” while Orci has written for “Fringe” and “Hawaii Five-O,” as well co-penning 2009’s “Star Trek” and its untitled upcoming sequel. After a guest speaker appearance by the pair at a different class last semester, Blake and Orci met with screenwriting faculty to discuss further possibilities of bringing their talent and experience to LMU. Just at the end of last semester, graduate students in screenwriting were told about the seminar. Now, both of the two groups are going to meet with Blake and [Orci] once a month, with four meetings over the course of the

semester. “When I attended LMU and I was a screenwriting major, we didn’t actually choose a specificity. We didn’t choose feature or television. We’d done a bit of both. It’s great that [with this seminar, students] actually have that ability to hone in on what they were most interested in,” Blake said. “The information [Orci] and I have to share with them, the tips and experiences we have, are really applicable to both.” The class will consist of workshopping students’ ideas and helping them to gain the insight and experience of both these veteran screenwriters. As well as getting the technical skills of the craft done, there will be a certain amount of the seminar dedicated to the nature of the industry. “They’re going to see our handling actual production, actual writing on projects that are literally being made right now. … We’ll simulate as much real-world experience as we can have with them, as opposed to it being theoretical,” Orci said. Rob Dunn, a second-year graduate screenwriting student, mentioned the benefit of having professional advice from those currently working in the entertainment industry with ongoing projects. “So much of

being a writer in Hollywood is not about being a writer; you’re not an artist in an attic. … Being a professional writer is so different from the idealized ‘I’m going to put my words down and people are going to respond this way.’ That is not industry work. So, having people within the industry who work in television and film and are outstanding writers on their own merit, is truly a great opportunity for screenwriters,” he said. Blake has chosen to bestow her experience upon her alma mater rather than a couple of other prominent film schools around town. “A major reason why I wanted to come to LMU [for my undergraduate studies] was the fact that it is as small as it is and intimate,” she said, explaining her decision. “It’s just more one-on-one experience … which is a great aspect.” Blake also believes SFTV’s programs are helping “LMU [start] to emerge as one of the go-to schools now. The industry is starting to take notice of the students and the work that’s coming out of there,” she said. “We’re very grateful, and it’s an outstanding opportunity to gain their special insight on the craft of screenwriting and the inner working of the industry,” Dunn said.

poken word, a form of poetry, has been Marc Marcel’s full-time profession for over a decade. On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Marcel will bring his work with him to an event in The Living Room put on by Mane Entertainment (ME). Along with this performance, some students will be given an opportunity to express themselves on stage as well. Along with Marcel’s performance, he will be hosting the rest of the event. Six students will be given approximately seven minutes to get on stage and share their material, whether it is their own poetry or spoken word monologues. ME Signature Events Manager and senior communication studies major Tiffany Hunter said, “[This] is a great opportunity for students to

be exposed to materials from their peers, as well as an opportunity for students to perform and express their art individually.” Tending to fall out of love with his old work quickly, Marcel is always writing and keeps an open mind, writing about a variety of subjects. “Every single facet and little thing inspires me,” explains Marcel. “I never want to be known as a one-track writer that wrote on one subject.” According to his website, Marcel “captures the emotions and feelings of several issues including politics, love, spirituality, self-revelation and the everyday struggles of life.” Marcel will be hosting and performing in The Living Room at 8 p.m. on Feb. 1. The sign up sheet for students who want to participate will be in The Living Room at 7:30 p.m. that night. The event is free.

Mane Entertainment

January 30, 2012 Page 12

Arts & Entertainment

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Instant television Lights in the Sky: a thanks to Netflix band of brothers I

t is a golden age to be entertained. In the last few years, I have seen the ease of access to television and movies through the Internet increase tenfold. As the spawn of two earlyadopters, I have had the luxury of enjoying a Netflix account since I was in fifth grade. My parents controlled the account until they bought TV on the me a portable Mikey-O player as By Michael Lange DVD a bribe to keep Contributor me from crying when they moved me across the country in the sixth grade. From that point forward, the Netflix account was mine. I would gloriously lie in bed from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. watching, on average, two movies per night. I can confidently say those middle school nights watching “Freaks and Geeks” were some of the best days of my life. And that was even when I had to wait a painstaking 24 hours between sealing the Netflix disc in the red envelope and receiving another one the next day. But now, as almost every decent American knows, there is a little thing on Netflix called Watch Instantly. And it’s absolutely glorious.

Associated Press

Eric Taylor, head coach of the Dillon Panthers in “Friday Night Lights,” is portrayed by Kyle Chandler. This is one of Lange’s top five Netflix series. The combination of Instant Watch technology and the wealth of entertainment out there means that no one has any legitimate excuse anywhere not to be watching the best of the best Netflix has to offer. So, without further ado, I give you the best five television shows currently available for instant streaming on Netflix. 1. “Battlestar Galactica.” Like most misinformed Americans, I believed “Battlestar Galactica” to be nothing more than kitschy science fiction that nerds obsessed over. But then people I truly respected wouldn’t shut their mouths about how amazing this show is. So when it came onto Instant Watch, I decided to give it a try. I started the miniseries pilot episode at 11 p.m. on a school night, expecting to watch about an hour. Next thing I know it’s 2 a.m., and I’m lying in bed trying to justify watching another episode while still having enough rest to function the next day at school. “BSG” is so much more than a science fiction adventure. It tackles just about every contemporary issue you can think of, from terrorism, the

role of government and constantly asks the question: Is humanity worth saving? That, coupled with awesome space battle sequences, makes Battlestar Galactica no one should miss. Dwight Schrute once said, “You don’t watch ‘Battlestar Galactica?’ You’re an idiot.” I couldn’t agree more. 2. “Friday Night Lights.” Welcome to Dillon, Texas. A small town centered around its high school football team. The head of the Panthers is Coach Eric Taylor, played with total commitment by Kyle Chandler. The show focuses around him and his wife Tami, and they are an example of the healthiest marriage humanly possible. Dillon is also home to one of the most amazing human beings ever to grace the small screen: Tim Riggins. Hard drinking and hard loving, Riggins is the man women want to be with and men want to be. And I promise that the Dillon Panthers do not win state every year. This show is about so much more than going to state. It might be a soap opera at the end of the day, but it is one powerful soap opera. I felt more human emotion while watching than I ever did in my real life, and that’s not sad at all. 3. “Sports Night.” Aaron Sorkin’s sitcom about a fictional “SportsCenter” type show ran for only two seasons, but I’ll take it because he wrote almost every episode himself. The show was never afraid to tackle extremely serious issues, but when handled with Sorkin’s complete mastery of English conversation, every word uttered is entertaining and interesting. Peter Krause (“Parenthood,” “Six Feet Under”) stars alongside Josh Charles (“Dead Poets Society,” “The Good Wife”) as the charming co-anchors. 4. “Twin Peaks.” David Lynch managed to turn the demonic suburban atmosphere he created with Blue Velvet into a television show that network executives approved of in his small-town mystery series, “Twin Peaks.” The show centers on FBI Special Agent Dale Cooper who comes to Twin Peaks, Wash. to investigate the murder of Prom Queen Laura Palmer. Any semblance of normalcy ends there, because Dale Cooper muses about Tibetan freedom into a voice recorder, is visited by a seven-foot-tall giant in his hotel room and has dreams where midgets dance and speak backwards. It might be 20 years old, but this is still one of the most entertaining and interesting television shows I have ever seen. 5. “The X-Files.” If you liked the mysteries in “Lost,” watch the first season of “The X-Files.” It creates a mythology that whets your appetite for answers, but each episode has a stand-alone structure (like “L.A. Law and Order”) so that if no mythological clues are doled out, you are still entertained. J.J. Abrams’ new series “Alcatraz” is going for something similar. If only the “Lost” writers who decided that Sawyer and Kate being locked in a jail cell for four episodes was a good idea were more familiar with this formula.

This is the opinion of Michael Lange, a junior film production major from Sammamish, Wash. Please send comments to kokeeffe@theloyolan.com.

For Michael’s full Top 10 list, as well as specific episodes you should check out, read this article online!

ONLY AT LALOYOLAN.COM

Band Spotlight By Brandon Cudequest Staff Writer

hey have played in nine states, gigging up and down the West Coast. They just finished their fourth tour a week ago. Some days they hate each other, and others they are like best friends. Their favorite foods are grassfed beef, coffee and sushi. They are Lights in the Sky. Brothers Justin and Jonathan Farrar started the band in the summer of 2010 in Pasadena, California while both were home for summer. The two are the band’s drummer and guitarist, respectively. “We wanted to start a musical revolution. We are kind of fed up with the music scene how it is now, you know, simple things like people going to a show and staying for one band and then leaving,” said Jonathan, who is a current sophomore English major, and the only LMU student in the group. Like all bands, Lights in the Sky has undergone several incarnations, however the Farrar brothers believe their current line-up to be a permanent one. The other two members, Anthony Zichella on vocals and Jeremiah Baca on bass, joined after replying to auditions notices the Farrar brothers posted around L.A. “We are finally at a place where we feel like our lineup isn’t really just a bunch of friends playing music together, but rather, brothers living their dreams and doing something that they love together,” Jonathan stated. For convenience, the band classifies themselves as a PopPunk/Hardcore; however their sound ranges from Metal to Jazz, and does not exclude Indie or Blues. They plan to have an EP out in the near future, estimating sometime between May and July. Currently they

Angel Bennett

Bass guitarist, Jeremiah Baca (pictured above), got his spot in the brother band after responding to audition notices posted by the Farrars. only have a two-song demo out, but the band has been hard at work practicing and writing for their next release. With every fan comes a group of haters, and Jonathan notes that the band has had trouble with certain venues. “It kind of rubs us the wrong way to promote a show on our own, have a good draw at the show and be told that we can only play less than half of the music we have put our hearts and hours of practice into. It’s funny how different the ‘scene’ is in every place, especially when you compare it to overwhelmingly discouraging ‘Hollywood’ persona.” Specifically regarding such obstacles, Lights in the Sky was disqualified at last year’s Battle of the Bands when they decided to play a longer set than the time they were allotted. “Out of the many shows

and experiences we have had, this was not the first time something like this has happened and it certainly won’t be the last,” Jonathan said. The band plans to stay optimistic and keep improving. What started as a song-writing session between two brothers has turned into the dreams of four men. “It’s a strange but extremely comforting and secure feeling to know that each person in your band wants the same things, and that there is no doubt, no uncertainty, just a clear vision we all believe in.” Jonathan said. Lights in the Sky’s next tour will be from February 24-26 going through San Diego, CA to Phoenix, AZ and ending in Las Vegas, NV. For more information about Lights in the Sky, check them out on Facebook and their website, www. wearlits.com.

Follow along this Oscar season as A&E Editor Kevin O’Keeffe breaks down the categories and makes bold predictions as to which films will win big at the Academy Awards!

Check out “Road to the Gold” only at LALoyolan.com!

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Sports

January 30, 2012 Page 13

Weekend snow trip brings Lions together Ski and Snowboard from Page 16 houses for a meet-and-greet celebration after the festivities on Saturday,” said Richardson. “It was so much fun.” Other than a great social aspect, the Lions competed well on the slopes in the ski competition. Senior business major and treasurer of the club Jack Jarvis led the Lions

with a first-place finish in the men’s ski event. Freshman biology major Kenzie Kerr came in seventh of 24 competitors in the women’s equivalent, with Richardson coming in 15th in her first competitive race ever. The Lions did not participate in any snowboard events in the competition. “The club is great because

whether you are experienced or even never raced competitively before, you can enter and compete and everyone just has a fun time doing what they love,” said Richardson. Kerr said, “Being from Oregon, I raced all four years of high school, and I did not think there would be an opportunity to continue that at LMU. When I heard of the club, I

details

was immediately welcomed and excited. I could continue to go up to the mountains and ski,” she said. The club does not exclusively only apply to people who are competitive racers. Freshman communication studies major Drennon Kimpton just went for the fun of the weekend. “I enjoy the mountains and wanted to get away for the week-

end. It was fun seeing all of the competitions, but everyone was very nice and I felt very comfortable even though I did not participate,” said Kimpton. If someone new wants to participate in the next Mammoth trip, the club has weekely Wednesday meetings at 10 P.M. in Pereira Hall 140. They can also be reached at lmuski. board@gmail.com.

Back to the Bay W. Bball from Page 16 stretch. However, a 3-pointer by redshirt senior forward Courtney Collishaw with 11:43 left in the half ignited a 17-4 run for the Lions, who captured the lead and held on to it for the rest of the night. Sophomore forward Mackenzie Kerins also chipped in five points and nine rebounds of her own. “We’ve definitely improved so much,” said Cowling. “Courtney had 11 rebounds the other night [against Santa Clara on Jan. 21], and she had five tonight. She’s always getting her hands on the ball, even if she doesn’t get it. And Mackenzie is getting a lot of boards as well. It’s really changing our game.” The Lions controlled the glass with 43 rebounds (including 23 offensive), converting a high percentage of their free throw attempts (20 for 26 from the charity stripe) and having 17 of their 20 baskets come off of an assist. Sophomore guard Hazel Ramirez was the only other Lion to reach double-digit scoring numbers with 11 points. However, redshirt junior guard Monica DeAngelis came off the bench and knocked down three 3-pointers for nine points, while Collishaw had a strong all-around game

with six points, five rebounds and three assists. The Lions and Pilots have experienced similar seasons in the win-loss columns this year, as both teams took 1-7 records into the matchup. The victory propelled the Lions up in the WCC standings, moving them to 2-7 in conference play, while Portland fell 1-8. They hope to carry the momentum of their recent victories into the second half of their schedule. “We still are growing as a team. We’ve been through the heartache, and they’re learning how to focus,” said Wilhoit. “And that’s one of the big things, is having the ability to focus. It’s all coming together, and that’s what we’re going to take into the second half of conference,” she said. After a two-game weekend road trip to the Pacific Northwest, the Lions return home this week. They will travel north to the Bay Area to take on the University of San Francisco. The Dons are tied with LMU in conference play, each holding a 2-7 record. However, USF got the better of LMU last time the two teams battled, as the Dons eked out a two-point win on New Year’s Eve at Gersten Pavilion. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Feb. 2.

S ports Armstead provides the ‘glue’ for men’s basketball January 30, 2012 Page 14

Armstead from Page 16

a “borderline admit,” or someone that “might not be able to make it” by LMU admissions according to LMU Associate Head Coach Myke Scholl. Coming from a family with 13 brothers and sisters, Armstead moved in with his grandmother to focus during his final two years of high school. At LMU, Armstead has proven that he could make it, as he will graduate on time with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Scholl applauds Armstead for his work in the classroom, pointing out that Armstead never slipped up or got a D in any class. “Now, he’s got a few C-minuses that he dug out of the trenches, but that’s kind of his character. He’s just a fighter,” Scholl said. “I just wanted to be a part of the rebuilding here,” Armstead said. “I knew when I first came that the team wasn’t good, but they told me I could be a part of something special. I wanted to be kind of like a stepping stone or something, be a part of something big.”

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The 2008-09 season ranks as one of the lowest points in the history of LMU basketball. A season that began with the promise of an exciting new coach ended with a 3-28 record, one of the worst in the entire nation. The high-profile new coach, Bill Bayno, only coached three games, resigning before the end of the season for health reasons. It took 16 games for the Lions to record their first win. What kind of person would consider that “really fun” or a “good year?” Only someone with as much optimism as Armstead, who firmly believes that the experience of the 3-28 season made the team better. “It wasn’t that bad because we grew as individuals,” Armstead said. From a year like that, there was nowhere for the program to go but up, but as things got better for the team, they got worse for Armstead. Over the last two years, Armstead’s minutes were cut drastically, down to 12.7 per game his sophomore year and 11.8 per game during his junior year. Armstead’s stats plummeted as well; he averaged just over three

Kevin Laughlin | Loyolan

Senior LaRon Armstead is described as the “heart and soul” of the men’s basketball team by his roommate, redshirt junior Daniel Latimer.

points and one rebound per game in each of the last two seasons. “Everybody wants to play, but it didn’t happen, so I just kept working on my game and doing what I was supposed to do,” Armstead said. “The last two years were tough though. They were really, really tough.” Despite the drastic decline in playing time and production, Armstead’s personality would not allow him to pout. “I just kept my head up and kept going because there were worse things that could have been going on in my life,” said Armstead. “Coming from where I come from, I developed that noquit attitude.” The refusal to give up paid off for Armstead this season, emerging as a senior leader not only in the locker room but also on the court. A number of strong performances have bumped his minutes per game back up over 20 while he is averaging 8.7 points per game. “He forced us to play him,” LMU Head Coach Max Good said. His best game of the season thus far came in one of the Lions’ signature wins. On Nov. 29, in a home matchup with No. 23 St. Louis University, Armstead scored a gamehigh 22 points as the Lions pulled the 75-68 upset. “I’ll remember that forever,” Armstead said. On the court, Armstead is far from the kind and funny guy he is off it. “When I get on the court, I know it’s strictly business because this is a livelihood for me, so it’s like life or death. That’s how I play too,” Armstead said. Both of his roommates, redshirt junior Ashley Hamilton and redshirt junior former walk-on player Daniel Latimer, describe Armstead like a family member. “Man, that’s one of the best people

I know,” Hamilton said. “We clicked from the first time we met. He’s my boy, he has my back, I have his back – I know his family, he knows my family. I’m just happy that he’s finally getting the opportunity and a chance to be out there.” Armstead’s personality is infectious. Teammates gravitate towards him, and he welcomes it. “These guys on the team are some of my best friends, and I lost all of my

fluential personality or the “glue” as Latimer called him. “I would say that he is the heart and soul of this team, quite honestly,” Latimer said. “Anybody can go to him at any time and be like ‘Yo I’ve got this problem, I’ve got this problem,’ and he’s experienced so much … he’s experienced it all so he can really give his knowledge.” Four years at LMU have opened Armstead up to things he never would have imagined before. “I’ve still got a lot of ways to go. There’s still so many things I want to do. I’ve become so openminded,” Armstead said. After - LaRon Armstead becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college this May, Armstead wants to best friends growing up as a child, so continue playing basketball somewhat can you do?” Armstead said. how, but also has aspirations to trav“Now when I get around these guys, el abroad by backpacking through I try to cherish every moment with Europe, something he never would them. They probably don’t look at it have thought about before his time that way, but I do. That’s why when at LMU. I see them I kind of smile, probably “I told my family … they didn’t crack a joke or just tell them some- even know what backpacking was,” thing interesting. It’s genuine.” Armstead said, chuckling. “Nobody I The smile is something everyone grew up with knows about backpacknotices and remembers. ing.” Good remembers once early in his That the impending end of his time at LMU when Armstead was LMU career comes during his most struggling in a class enough that the successful season is bittersweet for coaches called him in to ask what Armstead. “Now it’s all coming tothe problem was. When Armstead gether. I’m sad it’s my last year, but revealed that after six weeks he still it had to happen sometime,” he said. couldn’t remember the teacher’s If it has to be his last season, Armname, Scholl was so outraged that he stead is enjoying the Lions’ success, a made Armstead drop and do push- tangible sign of the building block he ups immediately. “He grinned all the hoped his career could be. way through them,” Good said. “I didn’t know I was going to come “I feel like I smile a lot because to college. I’m not scared of change. I’m so grateful to be in this position,” Who knows what [the future] is goArmstead said. ing to hold for me,” Armstead said, For a team that constantly preach- looking down and scratching his es “togetherness” and credits some of head. “But I’m pretty sure I’ll be all its success to improved chemistry, right. Just because of the person I’ve Armstead is considered the most in- developed into, I’ll be all right.”

“I feel like I smile a lot because I’m so grateful to be in this position.”

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Sports

January 30, 2012 Page 15

Djokovic triumphs again, outduels Nadal Novak Djokovic looks to make the most of his time on top of the tennis world.

n a country known for its surf, koalas and vegemite, one of the most memorable Grand Slam Finals tennis matches rocked the “Land Down Under” in a grueling five-set, fivehour-and53-minute ordeal. Stretching into the wee hours of a Melbourne Monday, t h o s e privy to Droppin’ Dines (and brave By Nathan Dines enough Asst. Sports Editor to) watch the 2012 Australian Open Men’s Final witnessed a match of epic proportions. With the drama, controversy and athleticism all sports fans can appreciate, Novak Djokovic outlasted Rafael Nadal 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5 to cement his fixture as the best tennis player in the world. For now, at least. For Djokovic, his prowess in the finicky world of professional tennis is relatively new. Other than his title at the Australian Open in 2008, Djokovic had trouble getting over the hump and winning the major tournaments. He earned the nickname “Djoker” for his on-court antics, and he struggled with his physical fitness in the tougher matches early on in his career. Djokovic also underper-

Associated Press

Novak Djokovic, pictured after Sunday’s victory at the Australian Open, looks to extend his Grand Slam streak to four at the French Open in May. formed for many years against the Top 10, and it took him until 2010, six years into his professional career, to reach the quarterfinals or better in every major tournament. But that all changed after last year, because for Djokovic, his 2011 season was arguably the best year of tennis in the history of the sport. Djokovic was nearly untouchable in 2011, finishing the year with an aweinspiring 70-6 singles record. He won three of the four Grand Slam Tournaments, 10 titles in total, but did not lose a match until the semifinals of the French Open in May, compiling a 43-match winning streak along the way. Djokovic won 21 out of the 25 matches he played against Top

10 opponents, including a six-match winning streak against then topranked Nadal in tournament finals (now extended to seven) and became the new world number one on July 4. Throw in over $12 million in prize money, and the Djoker was laughing all the way to the bank. Yet with the end of an outstanding year behind him, the question had to arise: Can anyone, let alone Djokovic, repeat the kind of dominance he displayed last year? He struggled in the finale of the season, losing his last three tournaments due to sheer physical and mental exhaustion. The doubts seeped into the new year, and it was up to Djokovic to prove if he had it in him to continue to per-

Head Coach Max Good. Good’s squad struggled to gain separation from the Pilots throughout the entire game. Tied 31-31 at halftime, the Lions were looking for ways to stop Portland’s interior attack. The Pilots finished the game with 34 points in the paint — 20 of them coming in the first half. Bailey added to the Lions’ worries, recording 10 points in the first half. “I’m stubborn, I won’t play zone [defense] against them — probably the best way to guard them is zone,

but I wanted to stay with the manto-man [defense], and it almost bit us in the butt tonight,” said Good. The teams remained within three points of each other until Ireland made a floater in the middle of the lane at the 12:59 mark to give LMU a 46-39 lead. However, Portland did not go away, and the game was tied at 49-49 with fewer than eight minutes to go after Pilots guard Kevin Douglas sunk a jumper. The two teams kept battling, with the largest lead being four points in the final eight minutes. DuBois’s 3-pointer at the 17-second mark gave the Lions their lead and eventual victory. In his third game back from a concussion, DuBois came off the bench and scored 18 points on seven-for-11 shooting including three 3-pointers. “I feel like tonight’s game was one of my best games of the season, but this is how I’m supposed to play every game. I haven’t been playing that well this season, so hopefully I can keep it going,” said DuBois. Good is hoping DuBois will be playing at the highest level for the team’s final seven conference games. “You don’t come back from a concussion and just be back at 100 percent. He’s done it in increments. He’s at the point where if he gets a couple more days rest then hopefully he’s with us for the rest of the year at full speed,” said Good. Senior forwards Drew Viney and Ashley Hamilton added 14 and nine points respectively for the Lions. The Lions host rival Pepperdine University on Thursday, Feb. 2 and San Francisco on Feb. 4 for a pair of home games. The Lions are tied with BYU in third place and will look to stay in prime position in the WCC standings. “We got to stick with it. We got to get the streak going and keep winning at home,” said DuBois.

Men move into tie for third with BYU

M. Bball from Page 16 guys that aren’t playing as well as they usually do,” said DuBois. The Lions’ offense was not clicking for most of the game. The team posted a two-for-nine shooting performance from the 3-point line and only got six points from sophomore point guard Anthony Ireland — 10 points less than his season average of 15.8 points per game. “All things considered, we’ll take the win. A win is a win,” said LMU

Kevin Laughlin | Loyolan

Redshirt senior Drew Viney was second in scoring with 14 points in LMU’s three-point victory over the Pilots on Saturday.

form at the highest level possible. He cruised through the first five rounds of the Australian Open without much trouble, losing only one set to his quarterfinal opponent and Australia-native Lleyton Hewitt. The semifinal, however, was a different story. After a convincing 6-3 first set victory against No. 4 Andy Murray, another great who has not reached his Grand Slam potential, Djokovic had to rally from a two-setto-one deficit in order to continue his pursuit of back-to-back Australian Open titles. With the win, he set up yet another final with his rival and second best men’s player in the world Nadal. Sunday’s duel drew comparisons to the 2008 Wimbledon final between Nadal and Roger Federer, and the similarities both on the court and in the world of tennis are too comparable to disregard. When Nadal outgunned Federer in that Wimbledon final in 2008, it signified the reign of a new dominant force in professional tennis. Before that final, Nadal was known more as a clay court specialist, owning the red dirt of Roland Garros but faltering in other tournaments and on other surfaces. A 12-time major champion and on his way to becoming the undisputed GOAT (greatest of all time), Federer was unbeatable away from the French Open. Nadal did to Federer what Djokovic would later do to him, dominating a player that very few players could beat, let alone play competitively. After that match, Nadal went on to win five more majors, and who knows how many more it would have been if not for three Grand Slam Finals losses to the new force. While yesterday’s match was nothing new in terms of Djokovic’s recent efforts against Nad-

the

al, many would call it a culmination of his dedication to become the best player in the world, period. And for this I thank both Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. It is an understatement to call the most recent match between the two anything less than an epic performance. The momentum shifted throughout the match, with Nadal up one set to none early and Djokovic answering two sets to one. Djokovic appeared to be on his way to a four set victory at that point, but Nadal fought off three break points in the middle of the set to even the match at two apiece. And then came the final set. Not only was the title on the line, but the answers to questions about both players’ will to win and dominate the sport they have both grown to love. Djokovic seemed to be slowing down, down a break and on the brink of an emotional loss. But in the blink of an eye Djokovic broke right back and once more at 5-5, setting himself up to serve out the best match of 2012. Forget the year’s Superbowl, that happens once a year. While the 2012 Australian Open is now out of commission until 2013, the possibilities of another Djokovic-Nadal thriller are countless. Even setting aside the smaller tournaments, this year’s battle has the potential to be rekindled in the next three Grand Slam events. So get ready, world. You don’t need to be a tennis fan to enjoy the sport. Come out and root for Djokovic or Nadal or support your country’s talent, and get ready for the next player to dominate the volatile world of professional tennis. This is the opinion of Nathan Dines. Please send comments to ndines@theloyolan. com.

Writing AWARDS

2012

University

Have Your Writing Recognized

Categories:

Essay, Poetry, Fiction, Drama, Journalism

Divisions:

Freshman/Sophomore; Junior/Senior; Graduate

Cash Prizes & Awards Ceremony Submissions are due

February 20, 2012 Contest Details: http://bellarmine.lmu.edu/english/opportunities/writingawards.htm

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Lion Sports

January 30, 2012 Page 16

Lions celebrate trip to Mammoth

Women hold on for win in Portland

The LMU Ski and Snowboard Club traveled to Mammoth, Calif. for its third league competition.

The women’s basketball team has won two of its last three games in conference play.

By Dan Raffety

By Michael Goldsholl

Asst. Sports Editor

Asst. Managing Editor | Sports Editor

LMU’s Ski and Snowboard Club showcased its talents on June Mountain in Mammoth, Calif. over the weekend for their third competition of the season, not only bringing home fantastic finishes, but an enjoyable weekend with both familiar and newly-made friends. Sophomore mechanical engineering major and vice president for the club Jenna Richardson was one of the people who organized the weekend. “We got really lucky this weekend with the snow,” said Richardson. “Mammoth [Mountain] dumped four feet [of snow] about a week ago. The conditions could not have been better.” Headed by Richardson and the other members of the executive committee, the club leases a two-story cabin in Mammoth to accommodate all of its members for competition weekends. Richardson said, “It was really nice to get away and go up to the mountains. We skied and snowboarded a lot, but we also hung around the cabin, got close to one another as well as people from other schools. We also watched a lot of the Winter X Games.” The weekend allowed members of the club to get to know each other on a deeper level by living in extremely close quarters. “There were about 12 people squeezed in the master bedroom and people were crashing on couches all around the house,” said Richardson. “It was a wild weekend with great friends, but the fact we all lived so close to each other for the weekend got us very close as a team,” she said. The Lions are members of a conference called the Southern California Collegiate Snowsports Conference in which they are surrounded by local schools such as UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Fresno State University, University of Southern California and UC Irvine. “We met so many people from other schools [this past weekend]. People opened up their

senior forward LaRon Armstead stripped Portland’s Kevin Bailey in the game’s final two seconds. Portland (5-17, 2-7) came out of a timeout with 17 seconds left in the game, hoping to tie the game and force overtime. “LaRon [Armstead] made one of the best plays of the night,” said Dubois. LMU (13-9, 6-3) got 25 points from its bench, including DuBois’s 18, while the Pilots benefited from the play of freshman guard Kevin Bailey. Bailey scored an efficient 22 points on nine-for-12 shooting. “We had a couple players who stepped up big. C.J. [Blackwell] came off the bench well and Deji [Ayodeji Egbeyemi] came off the bench well. And everyone kind of stepped up for those

A 12-point lead with 5:50 to play in the game and a win seemed imminent for the women’s basketball team Saturday afternoon against the University of Portland. However, the Pilots went on a 10-2 run over the next three minutes, cutting the Lions’ lead to just four points with 2:45 remaining in the game. With the outcome of the game falling out of certainty, it was make-or-break time for the Lions. The Lions refused to crack, converting nine of 10 free throws down the stretch to keep the Pilots at bay, holding on for a 68-60 victory, their second win in their last three games. “It was a very physical, an extremely physical game,” said Head Coach Julie Wilhoit. “They held their composure, and that was extremely impressive. We played so well in the second half, and it shows how much better our team is going to be. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we pulled it out today.” Despite missing her first seven shots to start the game, redshirt junior forward Alex Cowling finished the game with 30 points on 10 of 25 shooting from the field. “I missed a lot of shots to start the game, but my role is to score,” said Cowling after the win. “The coaches told me to shoot out of my slump and gave me the green light to keep shooting. So I had to keep shooting. I made one shot and it just opened the basket for me.” Cowling’s 30 points topped the 14 points of Portland senior forward Natalie Day, who is the West Coast Conference’s (WCC) second leading scorer at 18.4 points per game. For Cowling, it was the fourth time that she has eclipsed the 30-point mark this season, and she is averaging a WCC-best 20.8 points per game. The two teams played even for the first 10 minutes of the opening half, as neither team led by more than five points, and the Lions only converted three field goals during that

See M. Bball | Page 15

See W. Bball | Page 13

See Ski and Snowboard | Page 13

Kevin Laughlin | Loyolan

Redshirt junior guard Jarred DuBois hit a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in Saturday night’s game against the University of Portland to give the Lions a 62-59 lead that they would hold on to for the victory. DuBois had a team-high 18 points in the win.

DuBois’s late 3-pointer seals win for Lions The men’s basketball team picks up its first home victory in WCC play with last-minute shot. By Kevin Cacabelos Staff Writer Jarred DuBois played his best game of the season in Loyola Marymount University’s 6259 victory over the Portland Pilots on Saturday night. DuBois hit a 3-pointer with 17 seconds left to break a 59-59 tie, putting the Lions ahead in Saturday night’s West Coast Conference (WCC) game at Gersten Pavilion. The Lions’ victory was not a sure thing until

Senior leader positive through it all SPORTS FEATURE

LaRon Armstead’s positive attitude and hard work has helped him overcome tough roots. By John Wilkinson Asst. Sports Editor LaRon Armstead will be all right. And that is more than most people who grew up with the senior men’s basketball player can say. In his senior season, Armstead is having a resurgence that is not all that surprising, considering the many twists and turns his career had taken already. During his time at LMU, Armstead has gone from being a starter on one of worst teams in the nation to being relegated to the bench to now being a starter again. Just as Armstead hoped when he decided to come to LMU, he has been a part of the rebuilding of a program that was at rock bottom his freshman year into one with multiple wins over nationally-ranked teams his senior year. The Pueblo Del Rio Housing Projects exist, as Armstead points out, only 10 minutes away from LMU’s Westchester campus, but the two places that have shaped Armstead could not be more different. In his mind, he got the best of both worlds. Located in South Central L.A., Pueblo Del Rio lives up to all the rough stereotypes that are commonly associated with the area and housing projects. In August of 2010, the FBI

and LAPD sent over 1,000 agents and officers into a raid of Pueblo Del Rio for gang activity. The FBI named the raid “Operation Family Ties” because of the relations of many of the targets. “I’m talking about gang-infested. Like, my whole family is in gangs – my mom’s side, my dad’s side – all of my friends beside the LMU ones are in gangs. All I’ve known my whole life is gangs,” Armstead said. “My childhood friends, there were five of us – out of the five of us, I’m the only one in college. Three of them are doing life in jail, and one of them is dead,” Armstead said, illustrating the bleak futures of many who grow up in the area. “I started playing basketball, and eventually it took me away from it,” Armstead said. Playing for John C. Fremont High School, Armstead was a first-team All-City guard and led his team to a Coliseum League championship during his senior season. The LMU coaching staff was drawn to Armstead’s work ethic and determination in addition to his physical skills. “I think he’s a guy that represents everything you want in a player,” LMU Assistant Coach Jason Levy said. “I never even knew LMU existed until my senior year of high school when I played in a tournament here over the summer,” Armstead said, highlighting the chasm between where he is from and where he is now. Despite a 3.3 GPA and working as a math tutor in high school, Armstead was considered

See Armstead | Page 14

Kevin Laughlin | Loyolan

Senior LaRon Armstead came to LMU wanting to “be a stepping stone” for the program’s growth. After being a bench player for the last two years, he has worked his way back into the starting lineup, averaging 8.7 points per game.