February 6, 2012

ESTABLISHED 1921 February 6, 2012 Volume 90, Issue 29 Your Home. Your Voice. Your Newspaper.

Loyola Marymount University

Plagiarism an issue for universities’ admissions

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NEWS ANALYSIS

Colleges and universities implement software as increased competition contributes to rise in plagiarism.

By Zaneta Pereira Asst. News Editor

The issue of academic dishonesty in higher education is one that has garnered much attention from the national press in recent weeks, especially with the breaking of the news that, as reported by the Los Angeles (L.A.) Times, “Claremont McKenna College exaggerated the collective SAT exam scores of incoming freshman classes for the last six years, boosting statistics used for national school rankings, an internal probe has found.”

Furthermore, on Jan. 29, 2012, the L.A. Times reported that over 100 institutions

See Plagiarism | Page 3

Devin Sixt | Loyolan

A creative IMPULSE leads to a night of student-choreographed dance Junior dance major Matt Talaugon (left) and freshman dance major Melissa Hart (right) performed in Saturday night’s student-run IMPULSE dance concert. Sophomore natural science and dance double major Brooke Robie participated in two IMPULSE dances, and praised the “amazing University support”and the agency of the “extreme talent and continuous creativity”of LMU’s dancers. For more photos,see Page 2.

Loyolan appoints EIC Event highlights inequality Adrien Jarvis will take over as Editor in Chief and aims to focus on building an online presence.

By Jay Lee Asst. Web Editor

The Loyolan newspaper has been a constant on LMU’s campus; but Loyolan editor in chiefs (EIC) come and go every year. The Loyolan recently selected Adrien Jarvis, a junior communication studies major on track to earn a journalism certificate, as the new leader of the organization.

Jarvis is no stranger to the Loyolan newsroom. She credited the beginning of her Loyolan career to her father. “That first weekend my freshman year, my dad convinced me to walk over to the Loyolan booth. [He] signed up my name for me and quickly, I started as a staff writer for News,” Jarvis said. Since then, she has held the positions of Assistant News Editor, News Editor, Managing Editor and is now the Incoming EIC.

Jarvis will transition into the position today. “I am really, really excited. I think we have a really good staff. … [In] two and a half years, I’ve really seen [how] the newspaper has grown and I think it’s just really impressive. … But I am also nervous; it’s a big responsibility,” said Jarvis.

Being the Loyolan EIC is no easy task. “I think that being EIC at the Loyolan is one of the toughest jobs on campus for a student,” said Tom Nelson, director of student media at LMU. “I can guarantee you that there’s no way [Adrien] will be outworked. She’s a tireless worker.” Jarvis also impressed Nelson during the selection process by how she embodied Loyolan standards, which include “being accurate, being relevant to our audience on campus and then being responsible as well with the way we report the news and how news is being covered. ... Adrien did a really great job representing all of those things in her interview. … That’s what really brought her to the top [of the selection process].”

See EIC | Page 4

The “Education in Color” panel illustrates hurdles facing ethnic minorities in the education system.

By Casey Kidwell Web Intern

Imagine that you are a Hispanic student going to school in New York City. You have to take three buses in the morning just to get to school on time. You were unable to finish all of your homework last night since you were up late trying to put your sister to bed, and you are reminded of your hunger as your stomach rumbles in first period. Scenarios like this one were illustrated for attendees at “Education in Color,” an event hosted by Teachers of Tomorrow, MEChA de LMU and Brothers of Consciousness.

This program was one of a number of events for Education Inequality Awareness Week at LMU. With a focus on the inequalities minorities face in the educa-

tion system today, members in the audience participated in various activities to experience what it would be like to come from a “privileged school” versus an “underprivileged school.”

After being split up into groups, the “underprivileged school” group was faced with difficult circumstances. For example, five broken, dull-colored crayons were placed in front of the group’s eight members. As a result, the pictures of a palm tree on a beach they produced featured red skies and yellow water because the options for colors were few. Many of these students found themselves asking the same question that a boy in the PBS documentary “A Tale of Two Schools” asked: “We’re all students, why don’t we all get the same opportunities?”

Liberal studies major and member of Teachers of Tomorrow, JaiMarie Marcelin, emphasized the idea that we need to “make people aware. We attend LMU, a

See Education | Page 4

All photos: Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Fraternity casino night raises $6,100 for charity Lambda Chi Alpha and Sigma Phi Epsilon teamed up last Friday for a fundraiser in Burns Back Court in support of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. According to event organizer and sophomore biochemistry major James Sekab, the event demonstrated that, “when the Greek community works closer together as a unit,we can accomplish so much.”

WEAPONS OF TWITTER DESTRUCTION Opinion Intern Amanda Kotch explains why tweets are protected by the First Amendment.

Opinion, Page 6

Index Classifieds.............................4 Opinion...............................6 Coffee Break.........................9 A&E...................................11 Sports..............................16 The next issue of the Loyolan will be printed on Feb. 9, 2012.

MEN'S BASKETBALL TRIUMPHS The men's basketball team comes back from a 19-point deficit against USF and is tied for third place in the West Coast Conference.

Sports, Page 16

News

February 6, 2012 Page 2

Students perform in third annual IMPULSE

www.laloyolan.com

PROVOST CANDIDATE

SPOTLIGHT NAME: Dr. Luis Fraga

SCHOOL: University of Washington Dr. Luis Fraga was the fifth and final provost candidate to speak with the University. Fraga addressed the LMU community in a question and answer session in the Von der Ahe Welcome Center on Thursday, Feb. 2.

QUOTES: “I am a Catholic. A proud Catholic but a thinking Catholic, and a Catholic who I think has grown in his faith over the course of my 56 years of age on the basis of continuing to ask myself questions about why I believe what I do and why the Church as an institution believes what it does.”

“In my scholarship, I have always tried to ask important ... and insightful questions. I have always understood that in asking the interesting questions one is not just pushing oneself to think harder, but one is pushing an entire discipline, pushing an entire community of scholars to try to think harder.”

“I bring the capacity to build coalitions of understanding ... ”

All photos: Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Sophomores Brian Esperon and Stacey Johnson (above left) and senior Taylor Forsee (above right) were three of the 36 dancers who performed in Saturday night’s IMPULSE in St. Robert’s Auditorium. The show featured the work of 19 choreographers in a variety of different styles, including contemporary, jazz, modern and hip hop.

For the Record

In the Feb. 2 issue of the Loyolan, a photo titled “Last night’s Poetry Lounge begins Black History Month celebration” was accompanied by a caption that stated the event was hosted by The Office of Black Student Services (OBSS) and Campus Ministry. The event was actually hosted by OBSS and Mane Entertainment.

“Growth that is consistent with the strategic plan and the strategic mission, is the type of growth that I think Loyola Marymount [University] is at right now, and it is one where I see the position of provost as being a key collaborator, a key participant, a key player in trying to help the institution realize the primary benefits of that growth.”

For access to Fraga’s application materials, including a video of the open forum, as well as the application materials for all other candidates, visit lmu.edu/provostsearch.

Graphic: Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan; Quotes compiled by Kenzie O’Keefe

News

www.laloyolan.com

February 6, 2012 Page 3

LMU to hold off on Turnitin

Plagiarism from Page 1

The Onion

Joe Randazzo (left) and Dan Mirk (right) of The Onion will be tomorrow’s First Amendment Week keynote speakers in Burns Backcourt at 6 p.m.

11 Burning Questions with the Editor and Senior Writer of The Onion

This issue, News Editor Tierney Finster talks with The Onion Editor Joe Randazzo and Senior Writer of The Onion news network Dan Mirk about working at the satirical publication.

1. How did you begin working for The Onion?

Dan Mirk (DM): I’m a Senior Writer for The Onion news network. I started working here in 2006 when I got an internship and began showing them what I could do. Writing became my job.

Joe Randazzo (JR): I’m the Editor of The Onion. ... I oversee all the creative non-video output of The Onion. ... There’s a lot of crossing stuff out and telling people that they’re horrible and trying to make it all better.

2. How would you describe The Onion?

DM: It is the best thing that you’ve ever seen or read. I imagine it’s like the way a blind person imagines a cathedral. That’s what it’s like to describe it to someone that’s never read it.

3. What do you find funny?

DM: People being awful is usually pretty funny. Human angst and suffering can often be funny. … I think that’s where a lot of the First Amendment stuff comes in, especially pertaining to politics. We go after anyone who is acting like an a******, which is almost anyone in politics.

4. In what others ways does the First Amendment affect the work that you do?

JR: One of the more famous examples is when during the [George W.] Bush administration … we received a cease and desist letter to stop using the presidential seal in our newspaper. We knew what we were doing was very clearly protected under the First Amendment, and they sort of dropped the issue after that. Pushing the limits of the First Amendment right to free speech is something we do every week.

5. As a news organization, what does The Onion seek to accomplish?

JR: I think it is purely entertainment. Occasionally we will want to cover a topic that hasn’t been covered because it hasn’t gotten a lot of press, or it’s something we consider to be really ridiculous or hilarious.

6. What is the hardest part of humor writing?

DM: Just coming up with jokes that are actually funny. … Every week, we have all of our writers write at least 25 headlines. From those 25 headlines, maybe one or two will actually get picked.

7. What are your favorite Onion pieces?

DM: There was an Onion News Network video in Chicago with the headline, “9/11 Conspiracy Theories ‘Ridiculous,’ says Al Quaeda.” We just came out with something absurd today that really made me laugh. It’s a Today Now, The Onion’s fake morning show, where there is a guy who has lost his family in a horrible car accident. To make himself feel better, [Today Now] gives him a tiny horse.

JR: It’s really hard for me to pick my favorite [but] the headline [read], “Study: 96 percent of Humans Would Rather Be Animatronic Bear.” It was just about human existence, and how much better it would be to be this robot bear at a children’s restaurant. Life would be so much simpler.

8. Are you ever afraid of crossing the line?

JR: If you’re asking if there is ever a joke that is really hilarious, really great and we don’t run it because we’re worried that we’re going to offend somebody, no.

DM: That’s true, but I think the one slight exception would be that we always try to make sure that the target is right. ... The target of the joke is someone who is in power, or deserves to be made fun of.

9. What do you guys know about LMU? DM: I hear that it’s beautiful, and the students are all very smart. I know that it’s close to the airport too. I know about the basketball player that went there in the ‘80s and died of a heart attack in the middle of a game.

10. What do you guys like about giving presentations at colleges?

JR: We don’t have a lot of time to bask in the glory of an issue or a video that was just produced. ... It’s really fun to work here, but to actually meet people and learn about how they found The Onion, or what jokes they like, that’s really cool.

11. Why should people come to your keynote presentation tomorrow?

DM: I don’t give a s*** if they go. Why wouldn’t they go? They should expect a night of laughs and fun. Maybe we will all learn an important lesson about friendship.

JR: It’s going to be a laugh a minute.

of higher education around the country have begun to use Turnitin software to screen applications in order to combat the increased prevalence of plagiarism. The article stated that the “growth highlights the search for authenticity in college admissions at a time when the Internet offers huge amounts of tempting free material, increasing numbers of private coaches sell admissions advice and online companies peddle pre-written essays.”

Matthew Fissinger, director of undergraduate admission at LMU, believes that the recent increase in plagiarism and academic dishonesty stems from larger issues with the application process.

“The bigger picture that relates to all this is that the whole realm of college admissions has grown much more pressurized, much more scrutinized and much more anxious for students and their parents than has ever been the case,” he said.

With regard to the incident at Claremont McKenna college, Fissinger described the falsification of SAT scores as “unfortunate” and noted that it played very much in line with the heightened tension caused by the competitiveness of the college application process.

However, Fissinger is quick to downplay the view that plagiarism “is prevalent, prominent, the majority or anything like that … it’s easy to believe that everyone’s doing something like this because you read the news stories … and it becomes kind of easy to conclude that this is very widespread, and that’s not my perception or experience.”

LMU does not currently have any plans to use Turnitin as part of its admissions process as, according

to Fissinger, “we haven’t had any indications or evidence that the need is substantial enough to justify or to prompt us to do that.” Additionally, as mentioned in the L.A. Times article, LMU, like many other schools, is “skeptical about using Turnitin, … especially since the company charges large campuses several thousands of dollars a year.”

Instead, Fissinger highlights the way in which LMU has “a builtin internal check and balance,” as a result of its unique supplement questions. Fissinger notes that while the questions are “not primarily intended as a deterrent [to plagiarism], … they have a secondary benefit that it would be really hard for somebody to go out and find something they can use to answer these questions.” As a result, discrepancies between the LMU-specific essay, which is most likely the applicant’s own work, and the Common Application, which has a higher probability of being plagiarized, are easy to spot.

Similarly, Ann Stenglein, a writing programs coordinator at the Academic Resource Center (ARC), stressed the importance of educating students on how to use sources appropriately, stating that, “the biggest problem for students who are trying to do the right thing [is that they] … don’t realize the extent they need to rewrite the original source in their own words.”

However, a key development noted by both the L.A. Times article and Fissinger is the possibility that the Common Application, a service used by LMU, would integrate Turnitin into its application system.

Stenglein stated that although she is “conflicted” about Turnitin, “maybe the admissions process is a place to weed out potential plagiarists

using Turnitin.” The L.A. Times article states that, “Rob Killion, Common Application executive director, said there is ‘a very real chance’ it will add Turnitin in 2013,” and, were such a partnership to go through, Fissinger said, “it would be interesting to do a little bit of a test to see if there’s more of this going on than we’re aware of.”

While he stated that it is definitely more commonplace than it was 10 years ago, Fissinger does not believe that the rise in plagiarism is tied to the increased ease of access to information through the Internet. He believes that, “even if we weren’t in a technological age, somebody would have thought of a tool somewhere along the way.”

Additionally, the L.A. Times article pointed to the fact that “the larger numbers of applications from overseas have raised concerns about cheating that may be difficult for U.S. schools to discover unaided.”

This viewpoint is echoed by LMU’s Director of International Outreach, Csilla Samay who stated that plagiarism is an “issue [that] spans the globe.” For example, Samay explained that, in some countries, the issue is further complicated by some families using a third party to help them through the application process. “The issues of plagiarism and detecting fraudulent documents are often discussed in international admission circles; on the international side of LMU’s admission operation, we maintain very close relationships with schools, counselors, and advising agencies abroad and also have a sizeable network of contacts we can turn to, to help validate the application material if there are any questions about its authenticity,” said Samay.

News

February 6, 2012 Page 4

www.laloyolan.com

Panel examines racial disparities in education Education from Page 1 predominantly white school, where kids may not know that a lot of these problems in education are literally right down the street.”

The presentation by Teachers of Tomorrow highlighted “white flight” as a common occurrence and reason for the growing disparity among schools of different ethnicities. These middle class white families take their children from the schools that they are currently enrolled in to attend schools that they feel are

“better” and leave the minorities far behind, according to the presenters.

According to the “Education in Color” PowerPoint presentation, 63 percent of white students go to schools where the population is 90-100 percent white. These middle to upper-class families are afforded better teachers because they are able to shell out the $18,000 plus spent a year on their children’s education. However, the Black, Hispanic and Native American students often don’t receive many of these resources due to economic issues.

New EIC is named

Many of the classes offered to these minorities are “setting kids up for failure,” liberal studies major and Teachers of Tomorrow member Micaela Washington-Harris said.

Minority students who make it to college, or even high school, tend not to be assisted in educating themselves as a whole person, but more in being able to secure a job to support their family, because of the belief that many of them will not graduate from an institute of higher education, according to the presentation.

Washington-Harris sees this

attempt to educate students in getting work not as receiving a job but “a J.O.B., Just Over Broke. It’s not allowing these students to see beyond this,” she said.

Junior political science and Asian and Pacific studies double major Lani Luo recognizes that with many minority schools, the “achievement level is down as opposed to a predominantly white school.” As discussed in the presentation “Education in Color,” not only is the education incomparable between privileged and underprivileged schools, but the

EIC from Page 1

Outgoing EIC and senior English major Kenzie O’Keefe is certain that Jarvis is capable of handling the workload and responsibility. “I have complete confidence [in] Adrien ... she’s fully prepared to do everything and more than what I did,” O’Keefe said. “I’m confident that the paper will continue to be great and grow to even greater heights … and it’ll be great to just sit back and watch that happen.”

When asked what kind of changes readers could expect from the Loyolan, Jarvis said, “One big focus for us is the website. We’re going into a digital age, and there’s a big push to being online. And while we have a website, I think that there’s a lot that’s left to be done with it.”

“I’d like to just keep striving to have that journalistic excellence that can get us such prestigious awards,” Jarvis added. “I think [readers] have a lot to look forward to. I think it’s a really good staff that’s moving in a great direction, and [the Loyolan] is definitely something that people should be proud of when they think about LMU.”

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Jarvis has previously worked as both the Loyolan’s News Editor and Managing Editor.

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physical conditions amongst underprivileged schools are a problem as well.

According to Marcelin, one school in Sarasota, Fla. has some classes with more than 40 kids where the average number of students to fit in a classroom comfortably is around 20.

Junior mathematics major and member of MEChA, Erika Meza called on LMU students to realize that it is in our Mission Statement to educate the whole person. This means “not only in the classroom but where we are living as well,” she said.

FOOD FOR FREEDOM! What happens when students temporarily trade their freedom of expression for a few slices of delicious Fresh Brothers Pizza?

Trust us (and our friends and cosponsors from Laser Squad Bravo) when we tell you it is absolute mayhem. Join the Loyolan on February 7th to see this for yourself.

February 7th -- Convo hour in Sunken Garden.

Na Kolea Lu`au ... March 31...Lawton Plaza...4:00 PM...

SAVE THE DATE !!!!!!!! Good Food, Great Entertainment, Unforgettable Fun! More details to follow.

THE MIC IS YOURS! February 6th is the First Amendment Week edition of Open Mic night, co-sponsored by Mane Entertainment and The Loyolan. Go ahead: complain about something, rave about someone, try a haiku, do some improv or just surprise us. We like surprises!

Monday February 6th -- 8 p.m.

-- The Living Room.

THE ONION Explores First AMENDMENT You won’t want to miss it on February 7th when the editor in chief and a writer from the satirical newspaper/ website The Onion provide their hilariously witty take on the First Amendment. Laugh until The Onion makes you cry! Sponsored by the Loyolan. (Valid OneCard required for entry.)

Tuesday February 7th -- 6 p.m.

-- Burns Back Court

Opinion Student Editorials and Perspectives

February 6, 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

Michael Goldsholl Asst. Managing Editor | Sports Editor

R

Angelica Cadiente Public Editor

Adrien Jarvis Incoming Editor in Chief

Kevin O’Keeffe A&E Editor

Media makes a mockery

epublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney weathered a storm of criticism last week for a remark that seemed to dismiss the needs of poor people. The 24-hour news channels like CNN and MSNBC, along with a multitude of Internet sources, immediately picked up the sound bite and ran with it, turning the statement into a story in itself.

Unfortunately, the quote in its entirety has been lost in the media frenzy. The quote that was heavily picked up was, “I’m not concerned about the very poor.”

What Romney said afterwards, which was not heavily publicized, was, “We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it. I’m not concerned about the very rich, they’re doing just fine. I’m concerned about the very heart of America, the 90 percent, 95 percent of Americans right now who are struggling, and I’ll continue to take that message across the nation.”

Whether one agrees or disagrees with Romney’s whole statement, it is problematic that his quote was reported piecemeal by so many sources rather than in its full form. This is just the latest example of the 24-hour news cycle taking a “gaffe” statement and reporting it “ad nauseam” rather than focusing on the intended meaning behind his words.

The problem with 24-hour news ultimately lies in the divided interests of those corporations that own CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and the like. The Loyolan realizes that news is not just meant to inform in this country. The motives of those corporations must be scrutinized, especially when their actions lead to media blowouts over non-issues such as this. Sensationalist headlines and talking heads who overanalyze a simple sound bite keep the real issues out of the mainstream. Especially in today’s culture, where readers have so many options as to where to read their news, it’s important for people to choose their sources carefully.

The Republican presidential primary this year has become a media spectacle, with attacks on President Barack Obama serving as the favored debate rhetoric and attacks on fellow candidates superseding honest discussion of the issues. This has become typical in the past decade, but the constant marketing of news makes it difficult for people to focus on the real issues at hand, rather than scrutinizing sound bites. Until the 24-hour news cycle stops and allows the issues to take precedence, the presidential races are destined to look more and more like a circus and less like a serious search for a national leader.

www.laloyolan.com

Rule of Thumb

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

Komen is Planned Parenthood-friendly From time to time, mistakes are made. However, what is more important is not what they are, but how they are rectified and amended. After originally announcing that it was going to pull funding for Planned Parenthood’s breast cancer screening program, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure breast-cancer organization issued an apology on Friday and reiterated its commitment to saving women from breast cancer. Thumbs up to Komen officials for recognizing their mistake, making amends and subsequently not giving into the pressures of other organizations.

United Nations vetoes Syrian resolution Two members of the United Nations Security Council vetoed a resolution that would have encouraged the ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Russia and China, who hold veto power along with the United States, France and the United Kingdom, were responsible for the veto. Throughout the past 11 months, the United Nations has reported that more than 5,400 people have been killed amidst civilian uprisings against the governmental regime.

The Loyolan isn’t sure which is more disturbing – the fact that Russia and China refuse to put an end to such an atrocity, or the fact that the United Nations gives five members the power to veto any decision voted in by the majority.

Arizona’s Caucasian Appreciation Day? A holiday for Caucasian people? Earlier this week, Arizona lawmaker Cecil Ash responded to Rep. Richard Miranda’s suggestion to create a Latino American day by suggesting that the state also create a holiday for Caucasians once the race becomes a minority. America prides itself on being a melting pot, where diversity converges and everyone is considered equal, but this proposition contradicts that to the utmost extreme. Singling races and groups of people out for nothing but their skin color deepens the racial divides that plague our nation’s history.

Hollywood, handcuffs and Homeland Security E

ach year, millions of tourists flock to the City of Angels in search of sun, surf and perhaps a few celebrity sightings. Leigh Van Bryan and Emily Bunting, two pals hailing from the U.K., were no exception. Hoping to spend a lovely little holiday fulfilling all their L.A. fantasies, the two made the trek across the pond, landing Over a Glass at LAX only to discover

By Amanda the trip would Kotch involve hand Opinion Intern cuffs and holding cells rather than Hollywood hotspots and heavy hangovers.

Bryan, 26, and Bunting, 24, were going through customs when they were detained by armed guards.

Was it pills, pot or a crafty homemade bomb that got them into this mess? Oh no, something much worse: a tweet.

A week prior, Bryan tweeted to friends, “Free this week, for a quick gossip/prep before I go and destroy America?” and “3 weeks today, we’re totally in LA pissing people off on Hollywood Blvd and diggin’ Marilyn Monroe up!”

The pair was excited for the trip and expected things to go smoothly, but while going through airport security they were stopped and held on suspicion of planning to “commit crimes.” Both of their passports were confiscated and they were interrogated for five hours.

Bryan and Bunting told airport officials that “destroy” is

British slang for partying, after repeatedly being asked why they wanted to destroy America. “It got even more ridiculous because the officials searched our suitcases and said they were looking for spades and shovels. They did a full body search on me too,” said Bunting. “I almost burst out laughing when they asked me if I was going to be Leigh’s lookout while he dug up Marilyn Monroe. I couldn’t believe it because it was a quote from the comedy ‘Family Guy,’ which is an American show,” as reported Jan. 30 by the International Business (IB) Times.

A speedy Google search on ‘Marilyn Monroe’s grave,’ would have revealed that her tomb lies not underground, but in a marble crypt in Westwood. If that seems too difficult, realize that the U.S. has shovels, too. No need for any international traveler to go through the hassle of bringing their “lucky” gardening tool in their luggage to do some grave digging.

It seems silly, but the Department of Homeland Security sure didn’t think so. Once the fivehour interrogation ended, Bryan and Bunting expected to get let off with a warning and a wild tale to tell back home. However, the honest explanation didn’t

fly with officials. The pair was handcuffed, locked in a cage in the back of a van with convicted illegal immigrants and kept overnight in separate jail cells. They stayed 12 hours before being sent home on a plane via Paris.

“The Homeland Security agents were treating me like some kind of terrorist,” said Bryan. “I kept saying to them they had got the wrong meaning from my tweet, but they just told me ‘you’ve really f***** up with that tweet, boy,’” reported the IB Times.

Blame security officials for lacking a sense of humor, or more importantly, lacking common sense. Blame the government for pouring $40 billion over 10 years into a security system which has continuously proven to be quite flawed. But above all, blame the fact that the power our Constitution once held seems to be slowly diminishing.

Allie Compton makes a good point in the Jan. 30 Huffington Post article “British tourists detained, deported for Tweeting ‘Destroy America.’” What’s troubling is that “this news comes at a time when Internet privacy and censorship are hot issues.

Just last week, controversy erupted when Twitter revealed it would comply with censorship laws in countries like China and Thailand.”

In addition, “This arrest comes on the heels of a recently released public document from the FBI asking how to harvest information from social networking sites.

The bureau is looking for a mapping app [among other things] that will allow for the search of ‘publicly available’ sources like Facebook, Twitter and such, for national security threats,” reported the IB Times.

With First Amendment Week (FAW) activities taking place this week, it’s important to recognize

the power the First Amendment has in each of our lives, and that the right to freedom of expression must be protected. It’s what allows us to practice our own religion and speak out if we are unhappy with government. It’s what keeps organizations like The Onion (paying our campus a visit tomorrow in Burns Back Court at 6:00 p.m. as the FAW keynote speakers) in business.

It’s what should have protected the travelers’ rights to free speech, the right to Tweet whatever one’s heart desires (to a certain extent) without fear of being labeled a “criminal.”

Seth MacFarlane, the creator of ‘Family Guy,’ was the FAW keynote speaker in 2010. It just doesn’t equate that a controversial line in his show can be broadcast to millions of Americans, yet a man is detained and deported for repeating the words to a few hundred friends online.

Regardless of the ‘lost in translation’ scenario Bryan and Bunting were forced to deal with, the fact that government intervention would be required over a Twitter post is unnecessary and unconstitutional. Of course we want to be safe and secure when we fly, but this case goes a few steps too far.

While the pen may be mightier than the sword, the pen is what’s protected under our beloved First Amendment. Come out this Tuesday for The Onion’s keynote presentation and show your support for keeping free speech free, whether it’s out loud, on paper or through a tweet.

Graphic by Alberto Gonzalez | Loyolan This is the opinion of Amanda Kotch, a sophomore art history major from Huntington Beach, Calif.

Please send comments to akotch@theloyolan.com.

www.laloyolan.com

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Opinion

February 6, 2012 Page 7

Not impressed by Newt’s ‘Newtisms’

on’t be fooled by the disappointingly dull Florida primary. Newt Gingrich isn’t going anywhere. Every reputable poll (and common sense) indicates that a Gingrich nomination would be a virtual arrow in the knee of any hope the GOP has of winning the White House.

And yet, if the 32-year-old South Carolina precedent (that

By JR Snodgrass every winner Contributor of the South Carolina primary has gone on to become the GOP nominee for President) holds true, that’s exactly what’s going to happen. Why? His policies are absurd, and his past is laden with character flaws that make Charlie Sheen look like an altar boy. What does Newt have to do to convince conservatives he’s not a valid candidate? I’m hard pressed to find something he hasn’t tried.

First off, he’s not even socially conservative. His infidelity is

legendary as discussed in the Huffington Post article “Newt Gringich: Marriages, divorces, affairs timeline” by Ashley Reich.

Wife number one was his former high school geometry teacher, Jackie Battley. He left her after she was diagnosed with cancer for the much younger mistress number one. Why you ask? In his words, “She’s not young enough or pretty enough to be the wife of the President. And besides, she has cancer.” He then married mistress number one, Marianne Ginther, (making her wife number two), but left her after she got multiple sclerosis (apparently age and terminal illness are his turnoffs) and replaced her with the much, much younger mistress number two, Callista Bisek, who then became wife number three. Though she has yet to contract a life threatening disease, it wouldn’t surprise me if she acquired some unpleasant ones from her charming husband, given his history. Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t the Republicans the party of “family values?” If the Republicans rally behind Gingrich, they will effectively invalidate their entire

social agenda. Don’t get me wrong, I’m totally fine with that, but I fail to see how torching their moral high ground will forward their cause.

Let’s not forget the seemingly never-ending bizarre and nitwitted statements, which I have affectionately dubbed “Newtisms.” Like when he said that he wanted to build a colony on the moon that could eventually apply for statehood. Because that’s something we have time and money for that during the greatest economic crisis since the 30s. Or the time when he said that the Palestinians were “an invented people,” because they needed more reasons to attack Israel. Then there was the time where he said young minorities can only earn money if it’s illegal because they have no work ethic.

Because there aren’t enough people who think the Republican Party is racist. Either he’s completely insane, completely out of touch with reality or completely evil. In any case, I’m not comfortable with him as president, and I guarantee I’m not alone in that respect.

Even if you ignore all of that,

9

you can’t ignore his record. At first glance, he had a pretty solid term as speaker. Except that he was the subject of a massive ethics investigation which ultimately led to his shameful resignation. Plus there’s the fact that almost everyone he’s ever worked with hates him. In late January, Bob Dole, a former associate of Gingrich and a Republican senator, released a formal statement expressing his concern about Newt’s recent surge in the polls. “If Gingrich is the nominee it will have an adverse impact on Republican candidates running for county, state, and federal offices. Hardly anyone who served with Newt in Congress has endorsed him and that fact speaks for itself.”

Dole goes on to say that nominating Gingrich would result in “an Obama landslide.” The conservative base responded by sticking their fingers in their ears and humming the national anthem to block out the overload of logic and facts.

I could, and probably will, write a book about why I don’t consider Newt Gingrich to be an actual person, much less a valid presi-

dential candidate. I could talk about his work as “a historian” at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, his mind-numbingly stupid tax plan and his striking resemblance to Jabba the Hutt, but eventually it gets to the point where the horse is so dead that beating it is just sadistic and a little sad. In spite of all of that, he’s managed to win over anti-Romney conservatives and, with 95 percent of the delegates still up for grabs, he has an actual chance of being the Republican nominee. Pretty much every national poll ever has Gingrich losing to Obama badly in a one-on-one match-up, but conservatives don’t seem to care. Maybe it’s because they’ve resigned to the inevitable fact that no one they nominate will actually win. Maybe they’re just dumb. At any rate, it’s become painfully obvious that they would rather blindly follow a relic of a long-dead political era than win the election. Honestly, I’m OK with that.

This is the opinion of JR Snodgrass, a junior communication studies major from Spokane, Wash. Please send comments to ktran@theloyolan.com.

Opinion

February 6, 2012 Page 8

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How well do you know the First Amendment and why is it important?

“I know all five parts: freedom of speech, assembly, press, petition, expression of religion and establishment of religion. It allows me to pursue anything I Amnapali Gokani want without fear of Sophomore Communication studies persecution. I know and political science I have rights that are double major denied to others.”

“Not well enough.

It ensures our right of freedom of speech, and that’s pretty important.”

Lucas Groneman Junior Film production major

“I know it guarantees citizens’ free speech. It’s important because without it, there wouldn’t be the free flow of ideas.

I have an intuition Benjamin that it’s a natural Whitesell right and should be Freshman protected.”

Mathematics major

“I think it’s important, but I feel like it’s thrown around a lot and abused.”

Stella Lee Graduate student Marital and family therapy

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Odd Turtle

By: Jackson Turcotte

Odd Turtle

By: Jackson Turcotte

“... So with a crazed killer on the loose, we just wanted to warn the neighborhood to be on guard.

I’ll let you get back to your hockey game now -have a good night!”

Irrational Fears

By: Stephanie Troncoso

Undercover Wizards

By: Ian Zell

Arts & Entertainment Film, Literature, Music, Restaurants and Theater

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February 6, 2012 Page 11

Del Rey Players produce sarcastic, dark comedy ‘The Little Dog Laughed’ Theater Preview

By Luisa Barron Asst. A&E Editor

T

he dark, acerbic comedy “The Little Dog Laughed”

by Douglas Carter Beane is the Del Rey Players’ next big production, and it starts its run of performances this week. Senior theatre arts and psychology double major Caitlin Bryson is directing her first production, with cast members including sophomore theatre arts and dance double major Dallas Mogensen and freshman communication studies and theater arts double major Brooke Radding.

In Bryson’s words, the play is about “an unpleasant actor who is gay but his agent has convinced him that he needs to stay closeted or risk his career. Then he meets this call boy whose name is Alex who is straight but sleeps with men for money. They kind of start forming this relationship,

but the call boy has a girlfriend.”

Mogensen plays Alex, the hustler, and Radding is Ellen, Alex’s girlfriend. In addition, senior theatre arts and sociology double major Cameron-Mitchell Ware plays Mitchell, the closeted actor, and freshman English and theatre arts double major Rachel Rios is Diane, Mitchell’s agent.

In other words, it’s complicated.

There was also a bit of complication in choosing the production – the Players didn’t get performance rights for Bryson’s original choice. “When I was looking for a show to replace it last fall, I was in the library literally reading every script [they had] trying to find something. [With ‘The Little Dog Laughed,’] I was like, ‘Wow, I remembering seeing this. … If I hadn’t already seen it, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up and started reading it,” Bryson said.

Although it isn’t necessarily recommended for the director to put on a production they have already seen on stage, Bryson did

Kevin Halladay-Glynn | Loyolan

The four characters in the Del Rey Players’ production of “The Little Dog Laughed” run through a dress rehearsal. The show opens this week.

not recall the play in that much detail. “I don’t remember a whole lot about it [except] liking it,” she said.

“The things I like about this play are that it’s a comedy [but] it’s pretty dark and sarcastic comedy. It also makes you think; it’s not superficial [comedy]. There’s a lot more substance to it,” Bryson said.

Radding agrees. “I think audiences will like this play because it’s real. It’s not sugarcoated [and] everything in it is relatable. [It’s] definitely not what it seems,” she said.

Mogensen also sees how an L.A. audience can connect with the material. “I think the play is really interesting because it shows how Hollywood is shallow and how it’s all about your image. I think a lot of people can relate in a way, especially since we all live in L.A., with trying to put on a façade and being someone you aren’t because the environment forces you to be that way. That’s what I like about the play, [that] it really makes you think about who you truly are and if you’re allowing yourself to be that person,” he said.

Although “The Little Dog Laughed” is presented as a comedy on the surface, there is another significant reason Bryson chose the play for the Del Rey Players to perform. “I … was so keen on doing this show because it kind of dealt with LGBT issues … because I don’t think that’s something that gets addressed on campus a lot. … I still think it’s a topic that either doesn’t get discussed or people just have really black and white views [on],” she said.

Seeing the confused mix of sexuality in the play contradicts that view, according to Bryson. “[You have] one character who is gay but isn’t acting on it, and you have one who’s straight and falls in love with a man. They all kind of have their perceptions of what they think is a black and white issue, which I don’t think it is at all,” Bryson said.

“The Little Dog Laughed” will be performed this Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 9-12, as well as Wednesday through Friday, Feb. 15-18 in the Del Rey Theater. All performances will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for Del Rey Players, $7 for students and $10 for adults.

Kevin Halladay-Glynn | Loyolan

Caitlin Bryson (right) helms “The Little Dog Laughed.” This is her first time directing a production, although she previously assistant directed “Equivocation”.

Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan

ecookie 1639 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291 Ready for a sultry night of hugs and kisses? Tick-tock.

Valentine’s Day is near and Cupid is stirring. Need lacy underwear? Sweet treats? Ecookie has everything you will need to make any night memorable. Located right over the bluff, this Venice destination has a wide selection of dresses, novelty candy, jewels and gems to add sparkle to any look. There is no need to burn a hole in your wallet.

Ecookie merchandise ranges from $25-$100. The store’s trendy and modern meets vintage interior is indicative of owner Elaine Francisco’s background as market editor for top fashion magazines like Teen People and InStyle.

From spacious dressing rooms to vintage lounging, this boutique makes shopping fun and less of a chore. Ecookie offers a point reward system for returning customers: for every $10 you get one point. Points are redeemable at any time for prizes ranging from free manicures and pedicures for 50 points to a valued $175 certificate to a spa for 250 points. For more information about Ecookie, visit www. shopecookie.com and their Facebook page at www. facebook.com/ecookievenice. Ecookie is open Monday 5-10 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday 12-10 p.m. and Sunday 12-7 p.m.

Compiled by Dol-Anne Asiru | Loyolan

February 6, 2012 Page 12

Arts & Entertainment

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Humor with heart NBC takes a musical on Valentine’s Day gamble with ‘Smash’ Comedy Preview T W

By Sonja Bistranin Staff Writer

hether you are planning to spend Valentine’s Day with a special someone or if that special someone happens to be a giant tub of Ben & Jerry’s, Mane Entertainment (ME) will help you get into the spirit of the holiday. LMU students are invited to join ME in The Living Room for a Valentine’s Day Dinner Show Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 8:30 p.m.

After a successful performance during the Thanksgiving Dinner Show, Mission IMPROVable was invited back to LMU’s campus for the Valentine’s Day event. The comedy troupe is part of the Westside Comedy Theater located in Santa Monica.

ME Special Events Manager Sharon Aguilera said the comedy troupe is reliable for lots of laughs. “Mission IMPROVable always gives us a really good performance, and we’re trying to break the idea of a traditional Valentine’s Day,” said Aguilera.

Along with jokes, students can also enjoy a fine Italian dinner, free of charge. Even though the food source is yet to be determined, ME guarantees it will be delicious. “Who doesn’t like free food?” said Tiffany Hunter, the signature events manager of ME. Sophomore English major Erin Callier said she’s anticipating good food and fun. “I’m looking forward to this event.

I love Italian food! There’s no such thing as forever alone when you have garlic balls!”

Hunter also said the Dinner Show is open to all students who want to have a good time, regardless of the event’s attachment to Valentine’s Day. “Whether [students] bring a date or just a ‘friend-date,’ ME wants to make sure students are having a good time on campus,” Hunter said.

And despite whether Cupid’s bow has struck or not, Hunter also said the event will be enjoyable for all students.

“What’s not to love about funny people? I think it really doesn’t matter whether you’re in a relationship or not. The night is more about being around other students and having a good time,” said Hunter.

The event promises to put a cheerful spin on Valentine’s Day, according to Evanne Drucker, showcase events manager at ME. “Aside from the free food, I think [the event] provides a more lighthearted tone to view Valentine’s Day. I just think it’s a fun little break from the possible heartbreak and loveydovey madness of Valentine’s Day.” Facebook relationship statuses notwithstanding, ME invites all LMU students to attend. Doors open at 8 p.m., and there is a 100-student limit. For more information, check out Mane Entertainment on Facebook or visit the Mane Entertainment office in Malone 105.

he Super Bowl may be over, but for hosting network NBC, their big gamble happens tonight. At 10/9 central, the struggling fourthplace network will air the pilot for “Smash,” a new musical drama that has been in development for several years.

Starring Debra Messing of “Will and Grace” fame, as well as “AmeriIt’s K-OK!

By Kevin O’Keeffe can Idol” runner-up KathaA&E Editor rine McPhee and grand dame of cinema Anjelica Huston, the show is attracting a lot of buzz for being a very different kind of project for NBC. The pilot has been available on NBC.com and iTunes for some time now, and after watching it, I can say with absolute certainty that “Smash” is pretty terrible. Yes, the music is fun, and it certainly has its moments, but make no mistake, it’s really rather bad on the whole.

Here’s the issue, though: It’s still more ambitious and interesting than half of what’s on network television today. So should “Smash” be applauded as a risk or bashed for what it really is, a flop?

Let’s start with a quick diagnosis of why “Smash” fails.

First, the good news: the musical moments are actually pretty great. While one might wonder why McPhee suddenly can’t sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” her breakout song on “American Idol,” the other members of the ensemble, particularly Megan Hilty, are accomplished.

Hilty is the only one who can act and sing in equal measure.

The other principal performers, especially Messing and Huston, are hit-and-miss. Almost anyone who isn’t already a star in his or her own right on the show is borderline awful. Messing’s family might as well be played by pieces of plywood for all of their range.

Even the best actors are saddled with bad dialogue – Messing has to convincingly deliver a filibuster about revivals on

Associated Press

“Smash”stars former“American Idol”runner-up Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright, a girl from Iowa who gets a shot at the big time on Broadway.

Broadway rather than new material in the first five minutes of the episode, and the whole thing just arrives with a crash.

Huston is chewing the scenery all over the place, which is a shame, because her wonderfully understated work in “50/50” was a highlight of the last year in cinema.

But the biggest problem with “Smash” is also one of its strengths: It is fully immersed in the theater world. Not the biggest fan of Broadway? “Smash” doesn’t really care about appeasing you – it’s going to continue talking about insider stuff, and expects you to keep up. That level of apathy for audience capability is rare to find on network television, but this isn’t exactly a cop show. If you live outside of New York City, some of this is gonna be flying over your head.

The nature of “Smash” is something more shows should try. So often, television series are weighed down by exposition to the point of never recovering fully – or they never catch up their audience. By the end of the episode, I already felt better about the show’s abilities to remain insider-focused but also

attainable. The last song of the episode, “Let Me Be Your Star,” is an absolute home run, too.

The finale was the only time I felt “Smash” could be a hit. But that was the end of the episode.

It was just because of this column that I kept watching. Other viewers don’t have to stay tuned.

NBC was smart to release the pilot early – any fans that make it through the whole episode will be likely to stick around.

As always, you can never count out musical theater nerds as an audience. After all, they’re the ones who keep “Glee” alive. But the next episodes just need to be better or else the show will never succeed.

Making such an ambitious, rare show is admirable on NBC’s part. However, the network just isn’t in the place to be taking such risks. More chances like this should be taken by CBS, the first-place network, because they can afford it. As far as “Smash” goes, it looks like NBC’s gamble just isn’t going to pay off.

This is the opinion of Kevin O’Keeffe, a sophomore screenwriting major from Austin, Texas. Please send comments to kokeeffe@theloyolan.com.

The Alumni Authors Series continues with an appearance by crime novelist Denise Hamilton. Read Contributor Hannah Stone’s preview of the event now.

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SLions ports prepare for MPSF finale

February 6, 2012 Page 13

Swim from Page 16

Devin Sixt | Loyolan

Senior Tammy Choy (above) led the Lions on Saturday in the 200-yard backstroke and individual medley. The Lions lost to UNLV 156-91.

serious as usual,” explained Adair.

The LMU coach kept up the fun, trying out different lineups and allowing swimmers to compete in new events. “Because we are so close to MPSF, we weren’t at our strongest because I let some of them swim in different events than usual,” said Adair.

With LMU not competing at full strength and a UNLV team trying to dominate their Senior Day meet, the loss was expected.

The highlights of the meet for LMU were freshman Diana Safa’s win in the 100-yard freestyle, sophomore Marlena Nip’s win in the 200-yard breaststroke and senior Christina Cannata’s win in

the 400-yard individual medley.

UNLV swam well for its Senior Day and LMU could not keep up.

Junior Camille Hopp said, “the last dual meet of the year is always tough to get up for.”

The Lions, however, feel their progress and are comfortable with where they stand today.

“Everything came together last week,” said Adair, “We were trying to relax, have fun and stay fresh.

The girls are swimming really well right now.”

While LMU did not win on Saturday, the Lions still managed to make the most out of the trip.

“We had a lot of fun this weekend, we got to hang out on the strip and we got some good team bonding in too,” said Hopp.

Freshman Kjirsten Magnuson said the team even spent some time “visiting chapels, trying to find a Vegas wedding to crash.”

“I think we’re ready,” said Hopp, “It should be a good meet, and I’m really excited for it.”

However, the team is still focusing on the road that lies ahead for it.

“We’re starting to really prepare ourselves mentally and physically for next week,” said Magnuson.

“It’s our biggest competition of the year, and the team is looking really strong right now. We are all excited to see what amazing things we can do.”

The LMU swimming team’s next event is the MPSF Championships Feb. 15-18 in Long Beach, Calif.

Hamilton’s latest relapse triggers remorse Droppin’ Dines from Page 16 However, he has made the most of his second chance in baseball. Since his move to the Rangers in 2008, Hamilton has 99 homeruns, 378 RBIs, four All-Star selections, one league MVP award (2010), two Silver Slugger Awards and two consecutive trips to the World Series.

With the significant life overhaul Hamilton has undergone since 2005, it is relapses like these that remind us that athletes are indeed human.

Like many recovering addicts, Hamilton is not impervious to the allure of the substances that once ruled his life. But unlike most, he approached his mistakes head on and did his best to breach the subject before it was blown out of proportion.

In a news conference on Friday, Hamilton addressed his “moment of weakness” at two Dallas bars on

Monday night.

“It was just wrong. That’s all it comes down to. I needed to be at a different place. I needed to be responsible. I was not responsible. Those actions of mine have hurt a lot of people I’m very close to,” Hamilton said.

The admission of wrongdoing is unheard of in the baseball world. In a sport where even a grand jury hearing cannot guarantee an apology or acknowledgement of the truth, what Hamilton did was unexpected, yet true to character.

“For everybody that I’ve hurt, for fans, kids, people that have addictions that look up to me, I apologize to you,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton seems truly remorseful for his actions, looking to those who believe in him and his journey to stay sober as he continues on his path to recovery.

Hamilton’s acceptance of his slip-

up is the first important step to continue fighting his addiction. Yet the relapse is being played up as a loss of leverage in his ongoing contract negotiation. ESPN and other sports-news websites reported Monday’s events as detrimental to the possibility of a contract extension. No matter how lucrative that may be for Hamilton, there are more important events in his life he needs to address first.

General Manager for the Rangers Jon Daniels attended the news conference as well, addressing the distinction between the Hamilton’s inside and outside the park.

“This is not a baseball story how we view it, how I view it,” Daniels said. “This is real. This is something that Josh deals with, an addiction, an issue that he has that affects him and the people around him that care about him. He’s a husband, he’s a father, first and foremost, and that’s

where our head is, to make sure he has the support he needs and his family needs going forward.”

While some sources perceive this week’s problems as correlating to contract discussions, it seems that Hamilton and the Rangers have the right priorities in mind.

As far as recovery goes, Hamilton continues to get drug tested three times a week since 2007. he passed two drug tests since Monday. The Rangers are also in search of a new “accountability partner” for Hamilton. Johnny Narron, assistant hitting coach for the Rangers from 2008-11 and current hitting coach for the Milwaukee Brewers, worked with Hamilton during his time in Texas and Cincinnati to keep Hamilton in check.

The path towards redemption can be filled with trials and tribulations. Despite his continued success,

DiMaggio never came close to breaking his hitting record. Ripken played only half of the games over the next two seasons after ending his streak, and by the end of the third he retired from the game entirely. Suzuki, too, will have trouble returning to his 200 hit seasons, and the Athletics have barely mustered a competent season, let alone winning streak, since 2002.

For Hamilton, the fate of the streak is in his hands. He has the power to drink or not, to revert back to previous addictions or continue his best to live a renewed life. He kicked it before, and I believe he can do it again. But don’t just take my word for it, look at the numbers. Hamilton’s latest streak is seven days and counting.

This is the opinion of Nathan Dines. Please send comments to ndines@theloyolan. com.

Sports

February 6, 2012 Page 14

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LMU SPORTS UPDATE Softball

Baseball

M. Tennis

W. Tennis

Senior Ryan Hawthorne on watch list for national relief pitching award.

Conference coaches pick LMU as preseason favorite to win PCSC.

The men’s tennis team drops two matches to ranked opponents.

Women’s tennis could not overcome Cal Poly SLO Mustangs.

Senior left-handed pitcher Ryan Hawthorne was named on the initial watch list for the eighth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association Stopper of the Year award. Hawthorne is the only West Coast Conference representative.

Hawthorne comes into the 2012 season with 10 career saves, which ranks him fourth on LMU’s all-time saves list. He limited batters to a .195 batting average and a 2.31 ERA over 22 innings of work last season.

Baseball season begins on Feb. 17 when the Lions will host University of Nevada-Las Vegas at Page Stadium for a three-game series.

LMU softball is predicted to end the season on top of the 2012 Pacific Coast Softball Conference. Of the 12 coaches’ votes the Lions received five first-place votes to win the conference and nine votes to defend their Coastal Division crown.

The Lions are coming of a 16-4 conference record last season, with 18 returning players from a team that fell to Portland State University in the conference championship game. Seniors Sam Fischer and Kelly Sarginson will lead the Lion’s offense as they both strive for LMU homerun and RBI records.

The men’s tennis trip to Las Vegas, Nev. wasn’t as flashy as the Lions had hoped. The team lost both games to the No. 59 New Mexico State University and host No. 54 University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), respectively.

The Lions fought hard in both matches, but their fate was decided by a referee’s controversial call to give UNLV a 4-3 win.

With LMU and UNLV tied at three a piece, sophomore Alex Wilton battled UNLV’s Rene Ruegamer to decide the match. In their tiebreaker, the referee ruled against Wilton based on an error.

The women’s tennis team fell short to the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs 5-2 after a close doubles point loss. Wins by senior Elisaveta Pironkova and freshman Tory Parravi could not overcome a tough Mustangs surge.

On Court One, junior April Bisharat lost a back-and-forth match 6-4, 6-4. Senior Ashley Anderson then lost 6-2, 6-4 which solidified a Cal Poly win.

LMU will try and rebound against the University of Hawaii on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the LMU Tennis Center at 1:30 p.m.

Compiled by Dan Raffety | Asst. Sports Editor

Compiled by Dan Raffety | Asst. Sports Editor

Compiled by Dan Raffety | Asst. Sports Editor

Compiled by Dan Raffety | Asst. Sports Editor

Follow us on Twitter: @LoyolanSports

Graphics by Greg Smith | Loyolan

Viney leads third straight victory

M. Bball from Page 16 the ball on the perimeter and dribbled into the lane for a short basket that put LMU up 89-88. After a USF miss at the other end, senior LaRon Armstead secured the rebound and made one of two foul shots to put the Lions ahead 90-88. USF’s Angelo Caloiaro got an open look for a winning 3-pointer with nine seconds left, but he drew iron and when USF’s Perris Blackwell fell to the ground with the rebound he was called for traveling.

LMU threw the ball deep inbounds and, despite almost turning it over, were able to run out the clock to seal the victory.

“It was unbelievable, we were in there celebrating. … It was fun,” redshirt senior Drew Viney said. “It was probably the best win I’ve had since I’ve been here. That and the Gonzaga game two years ago when they were number nine in the country. Those games are the two most memorable games I’ve had in my college career.”

The Lions stormed back in the game’s final seven minutes after trailing by 16 at the 7:25 mark. A barrage of 3-pointers put LMU back within striking distance. With two and a half minutes left LMU made a run; sophomore Anthony Ireland hit a three, followed by another from Viney and a slam dunk from redshirt junior Ashley Hamilton to draw LMU within one point and whip the Gersten Pavilion crowd into a frenzy with 1:33 left to play.

A USF miscue on the ensuing inbound play turned the ball over to LMU. After redshirt junior Jarred DuBois gave LMU its first lead since 7-5, USF took it right back with a driving layup from Rashad Green who led the Dons with 24 points and seven rebounds.

Viney led LMU in points, rebounds and assists, tallying 20, nine and five respectively. After scoring only nine points against Pepperdine University on Thursday, Viney said

that before the game the coaches told him to be more aggressive and assert himself as one of the team’s senior leaders.

“We had to get this one,” Viney said.

Three other Lions contributed double-digit scoring with DuBois added 17 points and five rebounds, Ireland scoring 15 points, and Hamilton putting in 13 points. LMU is now 10-0 on the season when scoring in excess of 70 points.

“With the guys we have, we think we can win any game, regardless of the score, regardless of what is going on. So I just feel like that was probably the biggest win of the season up until this point,” DuBois said.

For most of the night it looked like a strong offensive performance would be wasted by a defense that couldn’t get timely stops. Down the stretch, however, LMU buckled down and played tough defense that keyed its comeback.

“That was the hardest defense we’ve played, as a team. … That was the hardest I think we’ve played all year in that second half,” Viney said.

LMU is now 8-3 in conference play with five WCC games left to play. The Lions are 15-9 overall on the season.

“We’re trying to climb as high as we can. We’re not just playing for fourth place at this point, obviously we’re playing to win the whole thing,” Good said.

On Thursday, LMU completed the regular season sweep of rival Pepperdine University with a 6757 victory led by DuBois and Armstead’s 14 points a piece. It is the first time since 1996 that LMU has taken both games in the regular season from its cross-town rival.

The Lions head up to Portland for a return matchup with the Pilots on Thursday after defeating Portland 62-59 at Gersten Pavilion on Jan. 28.

The game tips off at 8 p.m. but will be televised, tape-delayed, at 10 p.m. on Fox Sports West Prime Ticket.

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Sports

February 6, 2012 Page 15

Ramirez aids in defeating Dons W. Bball from Page 16 out. It feels great. It’s really important to execute and being more comfortable, listening to coach and trying to be more of a leader vocally,” said Ramirez after the Lions’ victory.

Defense was the difference maker for the Lions, who held the Dons to 35.8 percent shooting and 12 points below their season average of 61.4 points per game.

“We were determined to get them back,” said Ramirez. “We were prepared to bring it, and we played great defense – I’m really proud of our team.”

The Lions also held USF’s leading scorer, senior guard Rheina Ale, to seven points – nearly half her season average of 13.8.

“Defensively, holding to 18 in the first half was critical, and outrebounding them was another piece,” said Head Coach Julie Wilhoit.

Ramirez converted six of her eight field goal attempts en route to 19 points, a scoring number the Lions have only seen from Cowling on a regular basis so far this season. No other Lion scored more than five points in the win.

“It’s exciting about Hazel and Alex, but I’m concerned about the other players scoring. Still, it was a great team effort. Alex only played 32

minutes. If she played the full 40, she probably would have scored 50,” said Wilhoit.

Cowling and Ramirez each poured in 13 first-half points, accounting for 26 of the Lions’ 28 first-half points, and LMU took a 10-point, 28-18 lead into the halftime break.

“I’m so thrilled. They just need to keep the energy up,” said Wilhoit. “It’s reaffirming how much work they are putting in and how much they are learning. … Our attitude is carrying us. They are staying positive, my staff is doing a great job, and I’m just so proud.

Scoring 11 of the Lions’ opening 12 points of the second half, Cowling ignited the Lions on 12-4 run, pushing LMU’s lead to 19. The Lions extended that lead to as high as 21.

“We have to turn our attention to Pepperdine and building confidence,” said Wilhoit.

“We’re continuing to learn and work. We cannot vacate our plan – we must stick with it, and keep it up. We have to stay focused.”

The Lions return to the court tonight, as they play host to Pepperdine University.

Tip off is at 7 p.m. in Gersten Pavilion. It will be the first of two matches against the WCC foe and Pacific Coast Highway rival.

Kevin Laughlin | Loyolan

Sophomore guard Hazel Ramirez (pictured in a game earlier this season) scored 19 points in the Lions‘ win over the University of San Francisco on Thursday.

Interested in writing for Sports?

Contact Sports Editor Michael Goldsholl at Mgoldsholl@theloyolan.com

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GI ANTS

February 6, 2012 Page 16

Slugger succumbs to the bottle Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers suffered a relapse Monday, drinking for the first time in three years.

A

Associated Press

Giants prevent Patriots’ vengeance, claim Super Bowl, 21-17 The New England Patriots could not avenge their 2008 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants this year, and the Giants came away with a Super Bowl victory on Sunday night. Giants’quarterback Eli Manning was named the game’s MVP with 296 yards and one touchdown.

Cowling, Lions edge Dons, 62-49 The women’s basketball team has won three of its last four games, improving to 3-7 in WCC play.

By Michael Goldsholl

30 points and the women’s basketball team captured its third victory in four games. With the road win, 62-49, over the University of San Francisco (USF) on Saturday, the Lions moved to 3-7 in West Coast Conference (WCC) play, after dropping six consecutive contests to begin their WCC schedule.

“It shows character,” said Cowling. “It’s easy to give up after starting off 0 and 6, because the losses are tough to swallow. But we didn’t do that, and I think it shows our character. It’s so great and so

exciting to play on a team like that.”

The Lions pounced on the Dons from the get-go. USF netted a two-point, 4-2 advantage early on, but Cowling and sophomore guard Hazel Ramirez accounted for LMU’s first 15 points, allowing the Lions to put the grips on the lead for the rest of the night.

“It’s great. Who wouldn’t want to score? I have the opportunity to score points, and I really want to help the team

merica’s favorite pastime is ruled by the streak. Joe DiMaggio rocked the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) with his 56-game hitting streak in 1941, a record only mildly challenged in the last 10 years, let alone the last century (Willie Keeler, 45 hits, 1896-97, Pete Rose, 44 hits, 1978, Bill Dahlen, 42 hits, 1894). Cal Ripken, Jr.’s record of 2,632 consecutive games played is staggering, and Ichiro Suzuki’s 10 straight seasons of 200 or more hits is riDroppin’ Dines diculously good. Even

By Nathan Dines the Oakland Athletics’ Asst. Sports Editor American League record of 20 games won in a row in 2002 was featured in the 2011 film “Moneyball.”

Unfortunately for a streak, though, it can end just as easily as it starts. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers found this out the hard way last Monday when his three-year sobriety streak was broken with the first sip of his drink at Sherlock’s Pub & Grill in Dallas, Texas. The latest relapse was three years to the day after his first revert on Jan. 30, 2009 in a Tempe, Ariz. bar. Both come in the six years since an Oct. 6, 2005 conversation with his grandmother that helped turn his life around.

If you are unfamiliar with Hamilton’s unbelievable, “beating the odds” life story, a good start is his selection as the No. 1 overall draft pick by the then Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 1999 MLB draft. Hamilton was a star prospect drafted right out of his Raleigh, N.C., high school, but trips to the disabled list in the first couple years put him in contact with the wrong crowd. He failed drug tests and was in and out of rehab just south of 10 times before a yearlong suspension in March 2004. Hamilton was subsequently suspended for more drug-related mistakes and missed most of 2005, and did not make his Major League debut until 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds.

See Droppin’ Dines | Page 13

Swim falls short Lions claw back from 19 to win at UNLV Asst. Managing Editor | Sports Editor

Cowling keeps scoring, and the Lions keep rolling.

For the second consecutive game, redshirt junior forward Alex Cowling scored

See W. Bball | Page 15

Men’s basketball rallies for third consecutive win, beating the University of San Francisco 90-88.

In its final meet of the year, the LMU swimming team lost to UNLV on the road, 156-91.

By John Wilkinson Asst. Sports Editor With the University of San Francisco (USF) Dons sitting one place behind the LMU men’s basketball team in the West Coast Conference (WCC) standings, Saturday’s game was crucial for positioning heading into the final three weeks of the regular season. Two games ahead of the Dons, LMU knew that a loss would close the gap between fourth and fifth place, while a win would give them some cushion to challenge for an even higher position.

Despite trailing by as many as 19-points in the second half, LMU fought back with a 60-point second half that included LMU shooting 10-of-11 on 3-pointers, to beat USF 90-88 and keep on pace with Brigham Young University (BYU) for a third-place tie in the WCC. “With 8:24 left to go, I said ‘guys this is a month. We’ve got enough time left to win this by 20,’” LMU Head Coach Max Good said.

“Now did I really believe that? I’m not sure I thought we had time to win by 20, but I did think we had a chance to win.”

With under a minute to play, Viney caught

See M. Bball | Page 14

By Ray Ferrari Contributor

Justin Vitug | Loyolan

The men’s basketball team celebrates its two-point win over the University of San Francisco Dons on Saturday night.The Lions erased a 19-point deficit in the second half,improving their record to 8-3.

The LMU swimming team traveled to Las Vegas, Nev. Saturday for their final dual meet of the year, falling to University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) 156-91.

Despite coming off key wins over CSU Bakersfield and California Baptist University in a double dual meet last weekend, the Lions could not keep up with the Rebels on Saturday.

“We knew going in that we were the underdog,” said Head Coach Bonnie Adair. “They were a really good team, and we got beat.”

There were some circumstances surrounding the weekend that diminished a bit of the disappointment. With the Mountain Pacific Sports Foundation (MPSF) Conference Championships less than two weeks away, LMU broke its habit of not swimming this close to the conference finale. Adair said she could not pass up on an opportunity to travel out of the state and provide an enjoyable weekend for the girls.

“It was intended to be a fun trip and not as

See Swimming | Page 13