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Los Angeles LOYOLAN The
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Impulse showcases dancers’ choreography and creativity
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Two open letters address the grievances of Student Housing employees.
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Enjoy the latest edition of Loyolan cartoons!
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SAE colony at LMU closed The national headquarters of the fraternity has revoked the unofficial SAE colony at LMU. Ali Swenson
Incoming Editor in Chief @aliswenson
Leslie Irwin | Loyolan
This past weekend on Jan. 30 and 31, dance majors showcased their creativity and talent at the student-choreographed “Impulse” show in St. Rob’s Auditorium. Admission to the show was free, but donations went to “To Write Love on Her Arms,” a non-profit organization that finds help for people suffering from depression, addiction, self-harm and suicide. For more photos of the showcase, see Page 12.
The national headquarters of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) formally closed LMU’s unofficial colony of the fraternity on Friday, Jan. 23, according to SAE Associate Executive Director of Communications Brandon Weghorst. The decision to revoke recognition of the colony, delivered in an emailed letter to colony members, stated that all members would henceforth be considered former members of the fraternity. This means, according to Weghorst, that former colony members are no longer allowed to represent SAE in any capacity, from wearing fraternity letters to networking within the fraternity. “The benefits of membership … that’s a privilege reserved for active members,” Weghorst said. “Anybody who was a part of that colony or that group is a former member.” While the national headquarters did not disclose a specific reason for the decision, Weghorst revealed that it was the result of a vote by the Board of Directors. He also noted that it reflected the group’s failure to meet the “high expectations” the fraternity sets for its colonies. With regard to the vague reasoning provided by the national headquarters, some members of the LMU community have speculated that the colony’s contentious history on campus may have been a factor in the decision. Since colonizing unofficially at LMU See SAE | Page 4
Alpha Chi Omega makes LMU its home LMU’s newest sorority is close to completing its recruitment process after various events. Carly Barnhill and Alexia Sparling Loyolan Staff @laloyolan
Spring semester has begun, and campus is bustling with events as LMU’s various organizations begin recruiting students that embody their values. One of these organizations is the newly-colonized Alpha Chi Omega women’s fraternity, which was founded in 1885. Through both collegiate and alumnae membership experiences, the chapter aims to provide its members with opportunities for friendship, leadership, growth and service. For Alpha Chi, formal recruitment is a chance to gain exposure. “Our recruitment process is a little different because we are a brand new chapter,” explained Chapter Consultant Hannah Harris before the recruitment process began. Now that “other chapters have completed their bid-day celebrations,
Alpha Chi Omega’s recruitment efforts will really get underway,” Harris added. Alpha Chi Omega hosted a variety of events in the past few weeks that have incorporated its philosophy and philanthropic focus on domestic violence awareness. These events also gave prospective members a chance to meet other women who are interested in founding membership. As a new chapter, the Alpha Chi Omega recruitment process varies slightly. “Our process is different in that we will hold one-on-one interviews for potential new members. This is to ensure we find the right women to help found Alpha Chi Omega at Loyola Marymount,” Harris explained. Alex Schnelle, a University of Tennessee graduate and traveling chapter consultant for Alpha Chi, offered advice for prospective members: “Don’t be afraid to start something and be brave. This is such a unique opportunity. I would encourage everyone to consider the option of becoming a founding member and to leave a legacy here at LMU.” Schnelle added, “Alpha Chi has not only inspired me to be a better woman, but it gave me the chance See Alpha Chi Omega | Page 3
Caroline Burt | Loyolan
Alpha Chi Omega’s recruitment process comes to a close with Bid Night on Sunday, Feb. 8, an event that will include members from other Greek organizations. Its recruitment process did not follow LMU’s formal process but had numerous events and potentional member interviews.
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Leslie Irwin | Loyolan
Belles and Crimson Circle throw it back to the ‘80s with annual Charity Ball LMU Belles and Crimson Circle service organizations hosted their annual Charity Ball this past Friday, Jan. 30, in the U-Hall Atrium. The theme was ‘80s prom, and guests enjoyed a night of music and dancing. Each year the two organizations alternate which of their service placements will receive the proceeds of the event, and this year all proceeds went to Urban Compass, a local high school and Crimson Circle service site. For more photos from the event, check out the full album on our Facebook page.
Paul A. Grosch Lecture Series
CLIMATE CHANGE in the American Mind
with Anthony Leiserowitz Director of the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication at Yale University Dr. Leiserowitz is an expert on public opinion and engagement with the issues of climate change and the environment. He will report on recent trends in Americans' climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy support and behavior, and discuss strategies for more effective public engagement.
Monday, February 9th | 7:15 pm | Hilton 100
news 9
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BURNING QUESTIONS
This issue, News Intern This issue,Joseph Managing Madison sits Editor Dan Raffety down with Ramona sits down with Head Ekpe, a member Coach Max Good, of Del Rey Players head coach of the who is in the Theatre LMU’s men’s basketball department’s show team to talk about the “Voices and Silence.” upcoming season.
How did you get involved in “Voices and Silence?”
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LMU Greek community welcomes a new sorority Alpha Chi Omega from Page 1
to empower other women.” On Monday, Jan. 26, the organization began tabling and answering questions for those who are interested in joining. This Sunday, Feb. 8, will mark the first bid day for the new Alpha Chi Omega chapter at LMU. It is looking to have a new member class about the same size as those of other sororities on campus. Harris explained that the chapter has made great progress with its recruitment process so far. During the past three days, the chapter consultants have been
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FRATERNITY RECRUITMENT
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I have enjoyed the challenges of playing my character and being pushed out of my comfort zone as a whole.
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516
men registered and were eligible to participate in spring 2015 formal fraternity recruitment
women participated in the process this year
Do you want to pursue a career in theatre after college?
Approximately
110 5
I definitely want to continue acting after college. I plan to lean more towards film and television, but theatre will most likely still be in the mix.
What is your favorite play of all time?
I am more of a musical theatre person. Despite sounding cliché, I will have to say “Wicked.” I really enjoy the story and how it intertwines so well with “The Wizard of Oz,” and I adore the music.
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SORORITY RECRUITMENT
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I do not have any emotional connections to this show, but I am excited to be a part of something that may resonate with someone else’s personal and emotional experiences.
What have you enjoyed the most so far?
have been welcoming to the new sorority, and she is excited for Alpha Chi Omega to integrate into the LMU Greek community once recruitment is over. “I have loved my involvement with Alpha Chi and continue to be inspired by our members and the amazing things they accomplish, so I am so excited to have a whole new group of women to call my sisters and see the amazing things they do,” Harris said. “I’m also really excited to be building a chapter that will join the rest of the Greek community.”
GREEK RECRUITMENT RECAP
I became involved through auditioning and being cast in this show.
Do you have any emotional connections to this production?
meeting potential members, who have until Friday afternoon to sign up for an interview. “We love being part of this process – it is exciting to meet potential new members, learn more about LMU and talk about the chapter we are looking forward to building here at LMU,” she said. “Adding a new chapter to campus is so exciting for everyone involved – we’re proud to share Alpha Chi Omega with this campus and with a new group of women.” Harris explained that other Greek organizations on campus
357 of them recieved bids
unique bids were extended
Last year there were only
437 women
Information via Greek life; Graphic: Shelby Albrecht | Loyolan
What actor/actress are you most inspired by? Actors who are not afraid to take risks and go out of their comfort zones are those who are most inspiring to me.
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If a movie were made about you, what actress would you want to play your character?
I honestly would want new talent to play me in a movie. I would love to allow somebody their break into Hollywood!
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When did your involvement in plays begin?
In second grade, when I played Mama Bear in the school production of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” It wasn’t until sixth grade that I was in another production and realized acting is what I wanted to do.
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Where do you see yourself in five years? I see myself acting on the big screen!
For more information and interviews with the rest of the cast of “Voices and Silence,” check out Page 14.
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First Amendment Week to bring Common, Eboo Patel, events and screenings to campus First Amendment Week will inform LMU students about their rights. Amanda Lopez Asst. News Editor @AmandaLo_
The Los Angeles Loyolan’s 13th annual First Amendment Week (FAW), co-sponsored by ASLMU, will provide the LMU community with an opportunity to appreciate and understand the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The First Amendment rights include freedom of religion, speech, expression, assembly and petition, which the Loyolan and ASLMU aim to raise awareness of during the week of Feb. 23. This year’s First Amendment Week will offer a variety of events, including a film screening, Food for Freedom and two keynote speakers. Freshman communication studies major Lauren Delisle, the event coordinator at the Loyolan, has been planning, organizing and collaborating with ASLMU for FAW for several months. Delisle believes that the purpose of FAW is to demonstrate how big of a role the First Amendment plays in our lives.
“The primary goal of FAW is to educate the LMU community and talk about how important First Amendment rights are because it is something that so many of us take for granted in everyday life. Just talking to other people is a use of your First Amendment rights, so we want to get the word out there about how significant it is in our lives and how we need to respect the power that we’re given.” The week will begin on Feb. 23 with a screening of “Selma” in Mayer Theater, which will be immediately followed by a student panel and audience Q & A session centered around the film and the First Amendment. Food for Freedom, an event that is a tradition at FAW, will occur during Convo on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Lawton Plaza. Students who sign away their First Amendment rights will receive free pizza from Fresh Brothers. This event intends to shed light on what it’s like to live in a world without First Amendment rights. The keynote events will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evening. This year’s keynote speakers include “Selma” actor and Grammy and Oscarnominated artist Common and Eboo Patel, the founder and president of the nonprof-
it Interfaith Youth Core. Patel is also a member of President Obama’s inaugural Advisory Council on Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships. Common will deliver his keynote speech on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 6 p.m. in Burns Back Court. Common, along with past FAW keynote speaker John Legend, recently won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture for the song “Glory,” which is featured in “Selma”. “Glory” has also been nominated for an Academy Award. Common also starred in “Selma” as civil rights activist James Bevel. The second speaker, Patel will speak on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. in St. Robert’s Auditorium. He founded Interfaith Youth Core as an international organization that encourages support among varying faith backgrounds. Patel has written several books and speaks widely on his idea that religion is a form of cooperation rather than division. Senior psychology major Zaneta Pereira, Editor in Chief at the Loyolan, shared her thoughts about this year’s keynote speakers. “We’re really excited to have two keynotes, which has happened before, but not in the past several years. I think
it’s really good because both of them are dynamic speakers who address different sides of the First Amendment. Everyone thinks about free speech with the First Amendment, but there are a lot of things it protects,” she said. “Common, because of his involvement with ‘Selma’ and his activism, speaks to the free speech and freedom of assembly parts of it. Eboo Patel, because of his social justice work, has a lot of experience with the freedom of religion part but also freedom of petition and speech.” Director of Student Media Tom Nelson has seen FAW grow over the years. Nelson emphasized how the events held during FAW strive to reinforce the importance and relevance of the First Amendment. “It has been amazing to watch First Amendment Week develop over the years from its inception, when there were a few small events hosted by the newspaper staff, to what it is today. Much of that growth is due to student organizers who every year strive to plan and produce relevant programming that addresses why the First Amendment is so important to the democratic process.” Pereira also add-
ed her thoughts regarding the relevance of FAW. “Because of a lot of current events, like what happened in Ferguson and the attacks in Paris, there has been a lot of discussion in the media about challenges to our freedom. I think in that context, the First Amendment and FAW is more important than ever. We hope that everyone will engage with all of the events. We hope that there is something that speaks to every single part of the First Amendment and something that speaks to every single part of our campus.”
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RECYCLE THIS ISSUE.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon colony now disbanded SAE from Page 1
after it was not chosen as a new campus organization in Greek Life’s 2012 expansion process, SAE has had a complicated relationship with the administration. “I felt that we didn’t start off with a very good relationship, in that they went through the process to be here, they were not chosen and they decided they were going to be here in spite of our decision,” Associate Vice President for Student Life Rich Rocheleau said. Because the fraternity was unaffiliated with the university, it was restricted from participating in on-campus Greek events as a group. The former president of the colony, junior computer science major J.B. Morris, explained that this was disappointing because the members were eager to be involved. “It has been our goal to be on campus,” Morris said. “So it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t contribute to the school in the way we originally envisioned.” In addition to the strain of being unaffiliated, the tense relationship between SAE and the university was exacerbated when off-campus SAE social events raised concern among faculty. Rocheleau explained that even though the fraternity was technically not tied to LMU, he and the administration were obligated to keep abreast of any SAE-related events or activities that could pose risks to LMU students. “An unregistered or unaffiliated fraternity – I believe there are some risks involved with that for LMU students, and I think it’s my role to be vocal about that,” Rocheleau said. “Also I would say that if there are registered student organizations, Greek or otherwise, that are compromising the health
and safety of students … I’m going to be vocal about that as well.” Rocheleau took an active role in reporting his safety concerns with SAE when an off-campus SAE party in January 2014 disturbed the community to the point of involving the Department of Public Safety and the Los Angeles Police Department. The letter he sent to the national organization expressing his concern directly after the incident received no response. He followed up with a letter in October when he heard that the national organization would be granting a charter to the colony. “I wrote them a letter saying that I was concerned that they continued to support a group of students in a non-affiliated fraternity,” Rocheleau said. “I was concerned about them granting the charter. And I did not hear back from them. Again.” When an off-campus party hosted by SAE colony members resulted in rape allegations this past fall, Rocheleau wrote two more letters. “I wrote the national organization again saying … we have concerns with LMU students being involved with students involved in this organization or attending parties that are happening at this house, and I encouraged them again to please consider withdrawing their support and closing down the colony,” he said. About a month and a half after his last letter, the national office responded to the university outlining its decision to shut down the colony. Some students and faculty members were relieved to hear of the colony’s disbanding. “In order for the LMU students, especially girls, to feel safe, it was the correct thing to do regarding
how many instances there have been,” sophomore communication studies major Tamara Sneider said. Others, including former SAE members, were disappointed in the news, believing SAE to be misunderstood and noting the colony’s accomplishments. Junior communication studies major Peter Montesantos, a former colony member, feels that the colony had taken the right steps to follow national fraternity protocol after the alleged rape incident. He explained that, to him, the disbanding seemed sudden and unexpected. “We were in complete compliance with nationals and out of the blue two Fridays ago, they send us an email saying we are de-pledged and disbanded,” Montesantos said. “It was just so sad to see so many good people who put thousands of hours into this get it snatched away from them in an instant.” Morris echoed Montesantos in that his most overwhelming emotional response to the decision has been sadness. “The first word that comes to my mind is heartbreaking,” Morris said. “I had poured my heart and soul into this organization from the moment I joined. I cared. A lot.” As the university digests the reality that SAE will no longer be represented at LMU, former colony members are focusing on what’s next. “Maybe we could apply our energy into a club or doing some other community service – that’s something we discussed,” Morris said. “But we’re still trying to figure out how we should proceed. A lot of people may be splitting off; we’re not sure what’s going on yet.” – Additional reporting by Zaneta Pereira and Julia Sacco, Loyolan Staff
Campus Responds to
SAE News "We were involved people. We love our school. We love everything LMU is about and we thought SAE aligned with that very well, which is why we are very passionate about it." Junior computer science major J.B. Morris, former president of LMU's SAE colony
"I personally know a lot of them and I don't think they all should be penalized for one member’s bad [action]." Sophomore English major Ryan Manoogian
“They sent a letter to the University and let us know what they did. I think that was the right decision." Associate Vice President for Student Life Rich Rocheleau
“It is for the better. In order for the LMU students, especially girls, to feel safe, it was the correct thing to do regarding how many instances there have been." Sophomore communication studies major Tamara Sneider
“I think that, individually, members of SAE should not be criticized; however, due to recent events I think that the disbandment of the organization is probably for the greater good for LMU's community. Now members who are interested in being an actual part of Greek life at LMU can rush a registered fraternity here at LMU.” Junior communication studies major Scout Sable
"We were in complete compliance with nationals and out of the blue two Fridays ago they send us an email saying we are de-pledged and disbanded. It was just so sad to see so many good people who put thousands of hours into this get it snatched away from them in an instant." Junior communication studies major Peter Montesantos, former LMU SAE member Information compiled byAli Swenson and Julia Sacco, Loyolan Staff; Shelby Albrecht | Loyolan
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Committed to being “your voice”: Why we published the two Student Housing letters LION
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ere at the Loyolan, we are serious students feel passionately about but also to about being “Your home. Your voice. provide the appropriate context and framing Your news.” It’s an affirmation that for their claims. appears on the front of every issue we print In the past, we have used this format and at the top of every page on our website, to deal with other tenuous issues that and it lies at the heart of everything we do. divided our community. Covering abortion, While it is our hope that a commitment the pros and cons of service organizations to these ideals is evident in every issue, or more recently, the attacks on Charlie this issue affords us a unique opportunity Hebdo is not easy. It takes a multiplicity to make good on our promise. On Page 6, of opinions in order to tell the full story. you’ll find two letters. One, written by 29 Allowing each side to speak for itself is part Resident Advisors (RAs), details their issues of our identity as a university committed with the Student Housing Office and the to growth. Ultimately, however, our goal is other, written by Student never to stir up controversy. Housing Office Director Instead, our hope is that In staying true to our Steven Nygaard, responds these letters will help start motto, we invite anyone a much needed dialogue that to their complaints. We do not usually with a story to tell to come will eventually improve our publish guest editorials, forward and use the Loyolan LMU community. especially those written as it’s meant to be used - a It is clear the RAs feel that by groups or university they have been wronged, staff members, in our platform for all students to and it is also clear that the speak from. Opinion section. Yet, Student Housing Office despite the fact that feels it has taken steps to publishing both these pieces is a departure address these issues, though possibly not from our normal routine, we believe that they to the extent that the RAs would like. That a serve an important role in our commitment divide is present and grievances are held, we to being “your voice.” believe, is evident, and we hope that airing As the paper that represents students these issues in a public forum will help and student employees at LMU, we have a improve the situation for all involved. responsibility to share opinions like those In staying true to our motto, we invite of the 29 RAs who feel that they are being anyone with a story to tell to come forward mistreated and that the issue needs to be and use the Loyolan as it’s meant to be used publicly addressed due to formal channels – a platform for all students to speak from. failing to fix the issue. At the same time, as Is there news that isn’t getting reported? the voice of this University and its various Tell us. It is our job to make sure you are constituent departments, we also have a heard. responsibility to allow the Student Housing Engaging with the Loyolan is easier than ever Office to respond to the complaints brought with our switch to daily digital content – take against it in a fair and unbiased fashion. advantage of the open door policy. There are Thus, by publishing the two letters side- multiple ways to get in touch, via Facebook, by-side on the same page, we hope to not Twitter and Instagram. Remember: only bring to light an issue that numerous #YourHomeYourVoiceYourNews.
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EDITOR Re: “Die-In honors deaths of Garner and Brown” Jan. 14
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Dear Editor, The following resolution was adopted by the LMU Faculty Senate on Jan 29, 2015: Whereas the Faculty Senate resolved (by motion in Dec of 2011) that “the Faculty of Loyola Marymount University positively affirms and will actively defend the right of all students, faculty and staff to assemble, express themselves and work toward the promotion of social justice;” And whereas on Dec. 5, 2014, LMU students organized and held a “die-in,” “focused on the issue of police brutality towards people of color in our country and the color-blind racism that is embedded in so much of our institution” Therefore be it resolved that the Faculty of Loyola Marymount University positively affirms and defends the students who organized and took part in the Dec. 5 event without qualification or reservation." Sincerely, Loyola Marymount University Faculty Senate We want to hear from you! letters@theloyolan.com The Loyolan welcomes letters to the editor. All submissions must include the author’s first name, phone number, email address and year in school or relation to the University (i.e. alumnus, professor, etc). Submissions should be typed and no more than 300 words.
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Housing basketball game and it would be easy for him to make a bulletin board in a couple of hours. It would be difficult for him to have a third consecutive night on duty, it efore we begin, we ask that you, the would be difficult to stay up until 4 a.m. helpreader, do not take this letter as an ing a resident through a breakup, it would be unconstructive rant or a condemna- difficult for him to understand the feeling tion of all aspects of the Student Housing of being swamped by schoolwork and other Office. We are simply asking for a more open commitments only to be told to forgo it all to channel of communication between us and accomplish some task assigned by the Stuour superiors, without passive aggression or dent Housing Office. We appreciate the senfear of ramifications, so as to affect positive timent, not the patronization. To us, his offer change for ourselves and for the LMU com- felt disingenuous, like those who would do a good deed just for the photo-op. munity. You might be thinking to yourself, “If you Opening your email to find that you’ve been hired for something is a great feeling. dislike the position so much, why don’t you The knowledge that you were chosen over tell your bosses how you feel?” We have been scared out of voicing our many other qualified candidates is very empowering. This is true for many current Resi- complaints because we are viewed as “exdent Advsors (RAs) when they received their pendable,” a word used by one Resident Director to describe RAs. There exists a doubleacceptance emails. We accepted our position for a variety faced culture in the Student Housing Office which on one hand lauds of reasons: not only RAs for their hard work, would the financial on the other hand will benefits take a huge “We have been scared but paint the RA as ungrateburden off of us, but out of voicing our com- ful for what they have we believed that we were given the opplaints because we are received. In response to some complaints, many portunity to make positive change in viewed as “expendable,” a of us have often heard people’s lives. Though word used by one Resident the passive aggressive line: “Well, we provide the training was challenging, we began our Director to describe RAs.” free food and housing to you.” You might also be position with much thinking to yourself, “If excitement and enthusiasm, ready to be men it’s so bad, why don’t you just quit?” and women with and for others. The truth is that we depend on the room As the months dragged on, we became jaded by the position. We found that balanc- and board benefits of our position make our ing our commitments to our education, ex- education at LMU possible. Since the termitracurricular activities, and friends became nation of our employment would extend to increasingly difficult because the RA position our housing assignments, we have become fearful of jeopardizing our position even began to ask more of us than we could offer. When we accepted our position, we signed slightly because termination from our job a contract in which we agreed to perform would effectively terminate us from LMU. It is our hope that this letter will lead the “other duties as assigned.” This was in the expectation that such a clause would not be Student Housing Office to stay true to the exploited. Though the Student Housing Of- Ignatian values of the university by creating fice might disagree with the previous sen- men and women with and for others, not men tence, it does not change the fact that many and women jaded by their service to others. Twenty-nine RAs have explicitly agreed RAs feel taken advantage of. We are fatigued by the RA position because to what has been written here, while many it is a job that requires us to be on-call 24/7 others could understandably only provide regardless of whether or not we are on duty. implicit support out of fear of ramifications. We are not only expected to be on call for each Though the Student Housing Office might of our residents but for the Student Housing argue that we are not being exploited, it does Office as well. The implicit expectation at not change the sentiment of exploitation times is that this job comes before everything among RAs. If and when the Housing adelse. Not only does this get in the way of our ministration decides to create an open forum extracurricular activities and education, but for RAs to voice their concerns together, we humbly ask that Fr. Paul Vu, Assistant Dean it also invalidates what we do as RAs. During our winter training, one housing of Students, attend so as to not only mediadministrator told us that he would not ask ate the conversation but to hold the Student any RAs to do what he would not do himself. Housing Office accountable to any promises It would be easy for him to attend a Student made.
Resident Advisors
Due to the nature of this letter, the identity of the authors are being withheld.
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opinion
voice their opinion including: o Creation of an RA Council consisting of representatives from each hall staff who n open response to the opinions ex- provide input to one of the Assistant Dipressed in the Op-ed letter by Resi- rectors for Residence Life. o Development of new supervision dent Advisors (RAs): methods and tools to ensure RAs receive Thank you for your letter and your interest in promoting Ignatian values in more timely and relevant feedback from our residential community. The Student supervisors. o Offering RAs the option to speak Housing Office shares these values and wants you to know that we take your ex- through both formal and informal processes with their Assistant Director, the pressed concerns very seriously. In reviewing the letter, it is clear that Associate Director or Director of Student one of your concerns is the quantity of Housing. However, it appears as though these work that is currently being asked of the RA staff. At the beginning of this aca- initiatives have not sufficiently allowed demic year, the Student Housing office RAs to feel comfortable speaking out and developed and rolled out a new model for sharing their concerns with departmental increasing resident engagement and en- staff. Through recent discussions, it has come hancing the residential experience. These to my attention that some RAs would like changes came about as a result of the data gathered from more than 60 percent of to better understand the rationale behind some of the expectaLMU residents during tions and decisions a 2013-2014 survey of “I want to be very clear, made by the Student their experience living adminthe Student Housing Of- Housing on campus. This new model places a greater fice would never intention- istration over the last year. RAs have focus on RAs engagalso expressed a deally create an environment ing their residents in specific ways, while where student staff mem- sire for the Student Housing Office to also providing more opportunities for resi- bers would feel threatened more clearly communicate expectadents to connect with to speak out.” tions and decisions one other. Although in a timely manner. we have changed our approach to engagFinally, RAs have suggested that changing residents and expectations of how RAs ing some of our processes would enhance do this work, there was no need to make significant changes to the RA position their experience. I think a productive diadescription. Additionally, we believe the logue which allows for RAs and housing current responsibilities of the RA position administrators to frankly discuss all of at LMU are consistent with that of RAs at these issues has the potential to resolve the many concerns expressed by the RAs. other institutions. I also, and perhaps more importantly, This will also assist Student Housing in understand from the letter that a number meeting its departmental goals of providof RAs don’t feel comfortable talking with ing an excellent residential experience for department administrators about their our residents. With this in mind, Student Housing is concerns due to a fear of possible retaliation. I want to be very clear, the Student very open to working with RAs to create a Housing Office would never intentionally forum within the next 10 days that would create an environment where student staff allow them to specifically articulate their members would feel threatened to speak concerns and develop plans for addressing out. It is my expectation that all Student and alleviating those concerns. The deHousing departmental staff members al- partment is also open to the participation ways remain open to feedback and sug- of an administrator who is not a member gestions from our student staff. I believe of the Student Housing staff when creatwe cannot advance our goals for student ing this forum. The Student Housing dedevelopment and empowering student partmental leadership and I are commitleaders without first fostering an environ- ted to continuing this communication and ment that encourages and supports open dialogue.
Steve Nygaard
Director, Student Housing Office
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and honest communication. With this goal of fostering open and honest communication in mind, over the last year the Student Housing Office has worked to create several options for RAs to
Sincerely, Steve Nygaard Director, Student Housing Office
opinion
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7 things to do before it’s too late D=mc2 Devin Feldman Opinion Editor @LALoyolan
1. Easily find a common time to have large groups meet between classes. According to some stuff I heard constantly for the past three to four months, LMU is intentionally harming its own student body by favoring “academics” over “a convenient time to schedule lunch with your pals.” An absolutely terrible call. After all, this is a university. 2. Complain about paying for parking. LMU started charging for parking about two years ago. That means that in another year, the only students left who experienced the shift were halfway through their freshman year at the time and were probably car-less, anyway. Basically, no one will care about how you have to pay what many once considered to be an exorbitant fee for the all-star, unrivaled and utterly amazing parking experience LMU has to offer. 3. Complain about the construction. Despite our proximity to LAX, our campus isn’t always under construction; it just is right now. But it won’t be, starting immediately after I freaking graduate. So, you better get your complaining out of the way soon. By next school year,
you’ll be sitting in Seaver along LMU Drive, look out the window, turn to the person next you and be forced to say something as mundane as, “Oh man, I really wish that bird would stop chirping. It’s kind of interrupting this lecture, as opposed to me talking right now which is completely interrupting this lecture.” Milk the jackhammers for all they’re worth. Maybe you’ll get a date out of it. You probably won’t, but maybe. 4. Trespass the construction zone. Of course, neither I nor the Loyolan condone such behavior. However, if you were to do so, you have an estimated, what, six-orso months left? So if you’re going to do this, you should do it soon. Not that I think you should, but if you do, I want photographic proof. 5. $2 Tuesdays at The Loft. No rumors surrounding this, but they did just limit $2 Tuesdays to only two beers instead of all the usual $3 tap beers. I’m not sure if you guys are up to speed on the subtle nuances of rhetorical theory and the conventional fallacies that are a part of it, but this here is what we in the School of Communication and Fine Arts call a slippery slope fallacy. Which means it’s a completely sound argument and don’t question me on that because if you start questioning me then you’ll start questioning everything and lose touch with reality. Yep. 6. Say that LMU is a school for rich kids who didn’t get good grades in high school. It’s no secret that we’re hot frea-
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kin’ stuff. I mean, why wouldn’t we be? Just look across our campus while glazing over the current state of men’s basketball and you have an awesome university. Our requirements are going up and our acceptance rate is going down. Pretty soon, we’ll be the ones who can unnecessarily scoff at people who attend USC (maybe). You’ll even continue to proudly display an LMU license plate cover on that car your parents probably bought you. Our business school is constantly ranking higher, the film program is one of the best in the nation; we just need to break the top five on that damn “Most Beautiful Campus” list and we’ve officially made it. Soon, you’ll be able to proudly say that “LMU is a school for rich kids who got pretty good grades in high school” – what a time to be alive. 7. Wave hello to President Burcham and be surprised he remembers your name from that one time you met him, like, two years ago. I know, it’s sad news. Our beloved President Burcham is leaving us after this semester. But there’s always a bright side – at least you still have four(ish) months to greet the man on your way across campus. So do it! And tell him I sent you.
This is the opinion of Devin Feldman, a senior communication studies major from Aurora, Oregon. Tweet comments to @D_fman, or email dfeldman@theloyolan.com.
Loyolan | Archives President Burcham is the coolest, you should definitely say “hi” to him before he leaves.
opinion
laloyolan.com Page 8
LMU is vaccinated, but is everyone else? Litz Blitz Sarah Litz
Asst. Opinion Editor @LALoyolan
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arents want the best for us, but sometimes they can be wrong. Being the first role models in our lives, parents instill within us a few basic facts: eat well, get some exercise and stay healthy. To teach us, they fed us our veggies, they threw a ball around with us after school and, most importantly, they took us to the doctor to get vaccinated. So when did parents start to value their personal beliefs over their kids’ health? Whether or not to vaccinate their children is a choice that parents make. Many educational institutions, including LMU, require proof of the measles, mumps and rubella (M.M.R.) vaccines. However, many people are not vaccinated because the federal government does not strictly mandate that every citizen receive all vaccinations. Some parents believe that vaccines violate religious freedoms protected by the First Amendment, while others claim that vaccines counteract a natural immunity to disease. Dangerously, some parents and guardians blindly follow the theory that vaccinations cause autism, despite no existing scientific evidence to support the claim. In 1998, the former medical doctor Andrew Wakefield conducted a study that attempted to prove that the M.M.R. vaccine caused autism. Since the paper’s publication, no other scientist could reproduce the results proving Wakefield’s findings to be irrelevant. The journal has since retracted the paper and Wakefield’s medical license was revoked. Truthfully, I don’t believe
MCT Campus
Whatever your personal views are on vaccinations, everyone should be safe and get vaccinated to protect loved ones and themselves. that there is a reason to not vaccinate children. I think that those who are not vaccinated are a risk to themselves and to their communities. In 2000, measles was eradicated in the United States. Now, the disease is back, and on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2014 there were 644 cases [of measles] in 27 states. In Jan. 2015, the CDC reported that 102 people in 14 states contracted measles from exposure at Disneyland from Dec. 15 to Dec. 20. Measles is so dangerous because it is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread through physical contact as well as through the air. The World Health Organization reports that, “The virus remains active and contagious in the air or on infected surfaces for up to two hours.” In a
highly populated area, those who are not vaccinated are at a great risk to catch the already highly contagious disease. So really, a fun trip to Disneyland can turn into hospitalization or even worse. I’m not a parent, but it seems to me that vaccinating your children is an important step to not only protect your own child, but also to protect other children from disease. A family that isn’t vaccinated on vacation can easily bring a disease back to their home state and infect many others. The outbreak is causing so much concern that President Barack Obama released a statement urging parents to get their children vaccinated. In an interview with NBC News, Obama stated, “I just want people to know the facts and science and the information. And the fact is that a major success of our civilization is our ability to prevent disease that in the past have devastated folks. And measles is preventable.” There are families with religious or moral objections to vaccinations, but when it comes to the safety of children across the United States, there are no better facts than what science provides. Obama’s call-toaction is a wake-up call that needs to be heavily considered by parents everywhere: will you put aside your views to protect your children?
At LMU, we listened to scientific facts and got vaccinated to protect others, as well as ourselves. Some people living in California don’t believe in vaccinations and now measles has started to spread once again. Ultimately, disease does not care about your personal views,
observances or religion. The end to the spread of harmful diseases starts with education on what vaccines are and how they affect us. This is the opinion of Sarah Litz, a junior English major from Bethlehem, Pennsylvannia. Email comments to dfeldman@theloyolan.com.
The 2015 University Writing Awards
Categories: Essay, Poetry, Fiction, Drama, Journalism. Divisions: Freshman/Sophomore; Junior/Senior; Graduate
Cash Prizes and Awards Ceremony! Contest Details: http://bellarmine.lmu.edu/english/opportunitiespublicationsandorganizations/universitywritingawards/
laloyolan.com Page 9
By Hannah Kim, contributing cartoonist
ORANGE JOKES
By Conner Troxclair, contributing cartoonist
HOUSING 2015 -2016
SELECTION PROCESS FEBRUARY 3 – 27
COMPLETE APPLICATION Log in to MyLMU to complete your online application, electronically acknowledge your license agreement and pay to $400 processing fee.
FEBRUARY 5
WIN FREE HOUSING!!!
Attend the mens basketball game on February 5th at 7pm for your chance to win free housing. 1st 300 student get a tank top. Tailgate from 5pm-7pm
FEBRUARY 11
STUDENT HOUSING NIGHT OPEN HOUSE & BUILDING TOURS Tour rooms and buildings you are interested in between 6-8pm.
MARCH 9 – 10
PRIORITY DRAWING Draw your priority number! This is a random drawing–the lower the number, the earlier you will be able to choose your room.
MARCH 16 – 20
ROOM SELECTION Your group leader will select your building and room online.
Live in the Heart of
LION NATION
For complete information,visit: www.lmu.edu/housing
life+arts
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Leslie Irwin | Loyolan
Dance students choreograph performances for annual ‘Impulse’ concert LMU’s Dance program hosted its annual student-run dance concert, “Impulse,” on Jan. 30 and 31 in St. Robert’s Auditorium. Performances featured at the concert were choreographed and performed by LMU dance students. Without any limits or guidelines from faculty, students were able to incorporate the dance styles that they are most passionate about. - Ivetta Babadjanian, Life+Arts
LMU Homes Offers “The Alverstone Residence”
6 Bedrooms - 3 Bathroms - Large Rec Room - Workout Room Two Car Garage - Walking Distance From LMU!!
310-890-8770
life+arts
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RA Sushi restaurant rolls into the Marina
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via RA Sushi
RA’s additions to their menu include the Red Heart Roll and Passion Punch Bowl (above). The Red Heart Roll features crab mix, fresh avocado and cucumber rolled and topped with spicy tuna, spicy mayo and Sriracha.
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t’s always a struggle to find a new place to dine on the weekends. It takes effort to Google a list of restaurants, find a place that is close enough to Uber and to drink the night away, in addition to making sure the restaurant doesn’t have one too many dollar signs on Yelp. So here’s a tip to make your life easier. Your next dinner date should be at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Marina Del Rey. It’s got the food, drinks, a close proximity (did I mention the drinks?) and won’t put a massive dent in your wallet. With their new seasonal menu, there are a variety of interesting dishes that will please and surprise sushi lovers. One of my favorites was the Chili Garlic Shrimp. The spicy shrimp is lightly tempura battered and tossed in a chili ponzu sauce, served on sautéed garlic and bok choy, then topped with scallions, crunchy garlic chips and crispy ramen noodles. I felt too guilty to order seconds, so I just went ahead and licked the plate clean. Another interesting dish was the Crunchy Yami Roll, as it wasn’t your everyday sushi. It featured tempura sweet potato, cucumber and avocado rolled and topped with shredded sweet potato and spinach tempura, served with sweet eel sauce. Definitely a combo I wasn’t expecting to love, which made it all the more enjoyable to eat.
My roommate’s favorite? The Red Heart Roll. Her immediate response after taking a bite of the roll was a simple, “Oh my God, yes.” The sushi roll has crab mix, fresh avocado and cucumber rolled and topped with crispy spicy tuna, spicy mayo and Sriracha. If you’re feeling fancy and adventurous, go with the Seared Ahi Tuna. It’s seasoned with togarashi and black pepper and served on top of grilled asparagus with a shiitake mushroom cream sauce. I never thought fish could taste so good with mushrooms, especially since the tuna had a very smokey flavor that reminded me of steak. Take my word for it, it’s a must-try. And for those over 21, definitely try the latest selection of cocktails. My favorites were the Blue Ginger Martini and the Passion Punch, as I go for the more fruity flavors. And FYI, the Passion Punch can be served in a giant fish bowl. After-dinner drinks will not be needed if you split one of those. And for those who enjoy sake, the TY KU Coconut Sake is RA’s latest specialty. Even though I’m not much of a coconut fan, I would still order this drink on my next visit. The Marina Del Rey RA Sushi Bar Restaurant has a great location, low lighting for those romantic evenings and offers a fun, new way to spend the weekends off campus. It is located at 13455 Maxella Ave., Suite 270 Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. This is the opinion of Ivetta Babadjanian, a senior communication studies from Glendale, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanArts or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.
life+arts
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Cast finds their voice in ‘Voices and Silence’ “Come see the show, because it tells a lot of unique stories, not just one, in unexpected ways.”
The theatre department’s latest production tells various stories from the perspectives of women. Cameron Tagge Staff Writer
— Freshman theatre arts major Cameron Kauffman
@LoyolanArts
The theatre department’s first Spring production of the 2014-2015 season is “Voices and Silence: An Evening of Plays by Women of Color,” featuring theatre arts majors in various roles within the production. It will run on Feb. 5-8 and 11-14 at 8 p.m. at the Barnelle Theatre. Tickets are $10 for students and faculty and $15 for general admission.
“Come see ‘Voices and Silence,’ because it serves as a conversation starter to the racial injustice we still witness today. It helps create a safe space to talk about uncomfortable subjects.” — Freshman theatre arts major Annie Barker
“All the actors are in the house and respond to each member of the cast while they are on stage. We breathe in and out together to transition from play to play. It’s an all female cast which is even more interesting.”
“What makes this project so different than all others that have gone up this year was that the actresses of these characters destroy social and gender norms of what it means to be female and male. It is raw, in your face and intimate. There are no boundaries between the audience and the actors.” — Junior communication studies and theatre arts double major Amaris Gagnon
— Sophomore theatre arts major Brigid Breen
“The show is a series of short plays that each deal with various issues such as race, gender and sexual orientation. With an all-female cast, it really allows us to portray these pieces in a new and different way and gives us the opportunity to gain perspective. While conquering these large issues, the plays also deal with things like love, family and hardship, which are things that we all experience in our daily lives.” — Sophomore theatre arts major Alex Perroots
Legendary McCartney collaborates with Kanye West Dwayne’s Column Dwayne Logan Staff Writer
@LoyolanArts
T
Flickr Creative Commons
Rapper Kanye West (above) and legendary musician Paul McCartney collaborated on West’s album in songs such as “Only One,” which West wrote for his daughter North. McCartney wasn’t featured vocally in the single, but provided light piano accompaniment.
he always-controversial Kanye West has introduced us to a decent amount of new talent in the past decade, and also boosted the careers of several wellknown artists through his label G.O.O.D. Music. The latest artist to get the G.O.O.D. treatment is a little-known singer from the U.K by the name of Sir Paul McCartney. You might know McCartney from a band called The Beatles, who were relatively famous in the ‘60s and wrote that song “Hey Jude” that we all hear from time to time, or from his solo work alongside any number of other ridiculously famous pop stars. But if you don’t know McCartney (like a few folks on Twitter who are either blithering ignoramuses or expert trolls), now you do, as the singer has appeared on two high-profile singles in the past week. Both songs were orchestrated by the man himself, Kanye West. The first single “Only One” is a soothing ballad written by Kanye about his daughter North West. The song takes its title from an English translation of West’s first name, which means “only one” in Swahili, and was given to him by his mother, Donda West, who passed away in 2007. West said his late mother sang the song through him to his daughter, which might explain why his voice isn’t as terrible as it used to be. Assisting Ye’s vocals was Taylor Gang singer/songwriter Ty Dolla $ign on backup and, in a surprise move, Paul McCartney on the organ. When I saw “featuring Paul McCartney” in the title when the single dropped on New Year’s Day, my mind was instantly called to his impressive collaborations with Michael Jackson in the past. I was surprised that I didn’t get to hear McCartney’s soft, distinct voice and light
British accent on the song, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. As a fan of both artists, I was impressed that they were able to come together in such a minimal way. I can think of several pop stars that would have wanted McCartney to sing or co-write with them, but Kanye took it one step further and only used light accompaniment. I expected a sonic masterpiece with earsmacking drums and complex melodies reminiscent of Kanye’s “Dark Twisted Fantasy” days, with McCartney saving the song with the vocal performance of a lifetime. What I got instead was a drum-less, stripped-down song pieced together by some of the world’s best talent. Furthering this movement of musical minimalism, the two stars appeared together on another single with Rihanna titled “Four Five Seconds,” which is led by Paul McCartney’s acoustic guitar juxtaposed neatly against Kanye and Rihanna’s gruff but soft-spoken lyrics about keeping their composure (“If I go to jail tonight, promise you’ll pay my bail,” Kanye croons). Both of these recent singles come on the heels of Kanye’s most recent project, “Yeezus,” an album with an extensive amount of songs featuring aggressive lyrics, hard-hitting drums and personal, auto-tuned hooks that we all probably drunkenly sang at a party within the past year (think “Blood on the Leaves” or “Bound 2”). After the touch of pop on these two singles, I eagerly await Kanye’s seventh studio album, which will be his attempt at clinching the coveted top spot of the pop music charts. I’ve enjoyed his progression as an artist since the first time I heard “Jesus Walks” on the radio in a Wienerschnitzel drive-thru with my mom a little over 10 years ago, and I look forward, with an unhealthy amount of anxiety, to what he can come up with next.
This is the opinion of Dwayne Logan, a senior marketing major from Fullerton, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanArts or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.
life+arts
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‘The Interview’ skips the theater for Netflix Conor Report
Conor O’Callaghan Staff Writer
@LoyolanArts
“T
he Interview.” A movie so thoroughly debated that it can’t possibly live up to the hype. Also, it’s the recipient of the greatest free advertising campaign that I’ve ever seen. For a month, you couldn’t watch the news without hearing about “The Interview” and the Sony hacks. Before the scandal erupted, I had no interest in seeing the film. After the scandal, I still had no interest in seeing the film. A whole bunch of other people did, though. This was all well and good, until theaters started refusing to release the movie due to threats of violence — and finally Sony just pulled the movie altogether. Suddenly, a massive amount of people wanted to see something just because they couldn’t. If you remember high school economics, that’s basic supply and demand, people. On Christmas day, select theaters did air “The Interview,” including one of my local cinemas. It was also released on services such as AT&T U-verse TV, Cablevision, Charter, Comcast and DirecTV. Now it’s on Netflix, and everybody can get their hands on it. This surprises me, because if I
via Point Grey Pictures
James Franco (left) and Seth Rogen (right) star in the film “The Interview” which was pulled from its theatrical release due to threats from hackers. The film is now available to stream on Netflix. were at Sony, I would have gone have truly wanted to see that a free marketing campaign to for a digital distribution only. I’d movie if it weren’t for the media boost a film that would surely prefer to make the cash on every attention it received. One of my have otherwise been a flop. Why download, rather than the royal- roommates has actually watched didn’t they fully take advantage ties from the Netflix streaming it, and described it as, and I of it? Why were they so quick service. It seems to me that the quote, “The stupidest movie to write it off as a loss? Do they distribution department over at ever.” Maybe I just have a subpar really have that much money? Sony is about as good as their sense of humor, but “The Inter- Let’s take a quick look at some electronic security team. They view” never appealed to me. On numbers. Sony had an operating had a cash cow that they let slip the assumption that I do, in fact, budget in 2013 of $501 million. out of their grasp. have a sense of humor, I’ll say “The Interview” cost around $45 So far I’ve tried to ignore the that most other people had the million to make, and then let’s actual movie. I have yet to see it, same opinion as I did. double that for distribution costs as I refuse to spend the money. This brings me back to my (this is a good way to ballpark The thing is, not a soul would initial point. Sony was handed what a film needs to make before
impact
sara’s future.
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it starts earning cold hard cash). So $90 million on the line before they start making money. The film made roughly $50 million, $40 million of which was from digital rentals. They lost $40 million. But compared to their overall budget, that’s pennies. The problem is, Sony simply did not care. They assumed the movie was going to flop before the release, so they’d already taken the loss into account. When the movie gods handed them a marketing campaign, they didn’t use it to it’s fullest potential because they had no motivation to do so. This is a huge issue for me, as an aspiring filmmaker. Hollywood needs to take a step back. What’s the point of making a movie that you know is going to flop, that you know you’re going to lose money on? A small child could have predicted the outcome of “The Interview.” Hollywood needs to start making films that matter to people, that they want to go and see on the big screen. I’m thinking “Birdman,” “Whiplash” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Sure, you come out with fewer films each year, but you aren’t losing any money, and the movies are intrinsically better. Come on, Hollywood. Get your act together. This is the opinion of Conor O’Callaghan a senior film production major from Pasadena, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanArts or email ibabadjanian@ theloyolan.com.
LION SPORTS
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Fitness is a marathon The Rezk Report from Page 20
pounds, weekly. Studies have shown that people who lose no more than two pounds a week are more likely to keep the weight off. This translates to a 5001000 calorie reduction to your caloric intake on a daily basis, which can be achieved through a combination of diet and exercise. You don’t necessarily have to eat 1000 calories less: you can burn 500 calories at the gym and also eat 500 calories less to achieve that goal, or any such combination. P90 and P90X Fun fact: P90 is also the name of a Belgian submachine gun that specializes in short but rapid bursts of fire, which is basically the P90X fitness program’s strategy. Creator Tony Horton put together a program that features short, high-intensity workouts for every body part. Everyone with whom I’ve spoken says these exercises are the real deal. Horton doesn’t pull any punches, and for that reason, the workouts can be very daunting. Even though he typically explains each exercise thoroughly before beginning, the fact of the matter is that your instructor is still just a videotape. He can’t tell you how your form is, or if you’re doing something wrong. Without a mirror in front of you and extreme focus, it’s likely that amateurs will mess up these exercises, which can cause injury or hamper the program’s effectiveness.
P90 is P90X’s less intense cousin. It’s meant to be accessible to everyone, rookies and pros alike. But there is still the same issue of doing the exercises wrong or not putting in enough effort. Both programs can be time consuming, as workouts can take up to 90 minutes; and the plan requires one workout six days a week. You’re also going to need to buy some dumbbells and a yoga mat and follow the nutrition plan. Both programs advertise a customer who lost 47 pounds in 90 days, which comes out to losing about 3.6 pounds lost per week—way over the maximum healthy amount of two pounds weekly. If you manage to follow the P90X plan, it’s likely that you’ll gain all that weight back once you have completed the program. Insanity Insanity lives up to its name. It’s all about 3-5 minute stretches of super high intensity exercise, followed by a few seconds of rest, then you’re right back at it. The plus side of this is that the whole thing only takes about 45 minutes, even if it feels longer. But to be honest, there’s not much of a reason to delve into Insanity, because what it promises is entirely unhealthy and should be undesirable. Customer testimonials on the Insanity webpage make claims like, “I burned over 1000 calories in an hour” and “I lost 48 pounds in 60 days.” That’s about 5.7 pounds a
week, which is almost three times the CDC-recommended value. Insanity poses all of the same problems as P90, but taken to the extreme. In particular, consider that this program also advertises muscle gain. Muscle weighs more than an equivalent amount of fat, so the notion that you can be gaining muscle while losing 5.7 pounds a week is unhealthy and unlikely. Given what we know about weight loss, it’s not a good idea to follow this specific program. What you should actually do Go to the gym three to six times a week. Both cardio and weight training are important; cardio increases your heart rate, which increases body heat, metabolism and weight loss. Strength training builds muscle, which is a process that continues well after you’re done working out and burns calories the whole time. Focus on eating lean protein and cutting out saturated fats (animal fats) and sugars. Find your dieting information from reliable sources and avoid shortcuts: places like the CDC and Mayo Clinic have proven, scientific information that can be a good guide for eating right. It may take a while, but the upside is that the results are meant to last. This is the opinion of Andrew Rezk, a senior psychology major from Rancho Cucamonga, California. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
sports
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Did that just happen? Super Bowl shockers Learn from Lauren from Page 20
one yard away from scoring the victory touchdown. Seahawks fans across the nation anxiously waited for Russell Wilson to hand off the ball to Marshawn Lynch to rush for the touchdown. Meanwhile, Patriots fans prayed their defense could somehow prevent Lynch from gaining the one yard Seattle needed. Instead of watching Wilson hand off to Lynch, fans confusingly witnessed Wilson step back and prepare to throw the ball. Wilson’s pass intended for Ricardo Lockette was intercepted by New England’s Malcolm Butler. Even after Seattle’s offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell called a running play, Head Coach Pete Carroll instructed Wilson to pass instead in order to run the clock and rush in the third or fourth down. “It’s not the right matchup for us to run the football,” he said during the post-game press conference. “So on second down we were throwing the ball really to kind of waste that play.” Now heartbroken Seahawks fans can’t stop asking: Why didn’t we just run the ball? 4. Irvin throws a swing at the Gronk The Super Bowl ended in an aggressive brawl between opposing teams after the Seahawks threw away its chance of winning. In the midst of an emotional, testosterone-
laden end zone, a culmination of shoves turned into punches thrown between linebacker Bruce Irvin and tight end Rob Gronkowski. Referees ultimately penalized Irvin for instigating the brawl and ejected him from the game. However, Irvin responded, “I was protecting a teammate. Emotions flew. I saw somebody hit Mike Bennett, so I went and backed up my brother. I went about it wrong. Emotions were flying high and I apologize. But if it happened again, I would go protect my teammate. That’s just how it is.” Irvin was the first player in NFL history to be ejected from a Super Bowl game.
negative and witty as hell: @NotShermanLOB tweeted, “Bill Belichik and His Daughter: (That’s so sweet) –Woody Allen.” @PostSports tweeted, “Nobody wanted to see Bill Belichick celebrate the Super Bowl by kissing his daughter
5. Patriots Head Coach kisses his daughter, like really kisses On Sunday night, the New England Head Coach Bill Belichick gained his fourth Super Bowl Championship title for the Patriots. During an emotional time like this, people often turn to their families and loved ones to celebrate. In the overwhelming moment of victory over the Seattle Seahawks, Belichick shared an intimate kiss with his daughter. Their lip-locking may have been touching and cute if his daughter, Amanda Belichick, were an infant. But she’s 30. Their passionate moment together has gained attention from thousands of viewers and fans. Most of the responses are
like this.” Pete Carroll made a big offensive mistake at the end of the game, but celebrating mouth-to-mouth with your daughter in front of 114.4 million viewers is also a bad call.
This is the opinion of Lauren Eagan, a freshman economics major from Seattle, Washington. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
This is the opinion of Lauren Eagan, a freshman economics major from Seattle, Washington. Tweet comments to @LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
Athlete SPOTLIGHT Ivana castro
Q: Can you briefly describe your experience playing for Mexico’s National Team?
Sport: Women’s Water Polo Class: Junior Major: Spanish
Hometown: Commerce, CA
A: The game is a lot more physical. I enjoyed playing with Mexico because the culture, people and music made me feel a part of my heritage. It made me proud that I was able to compete at the highest level for the sport I love. Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals? A: I listen to reggaeton and dance.
Q: What motivated your initial interest in water polo? A: One of my best friends from my [swim] club, Commerce Aquatics, told me, and I tried out. I was terrified but gave it a shot and fell in love. We were 7 years old. Q: How did that lead to you playing water polo at LMU?
Q: What’s your favorite place to go for a night on the town? A: The Well L.A. in Downtown Los Angeles. They have cool exclusive events. Q: Favorite song at the moment? A: Travesuras Remix.
A: I continued playing throughout the years and knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Also, getting recruited by Division I schools had always been the dream.
Q: Do you have any special talents?
Q: Can you explain how you were recruited to play for both the U.S. and Mexico National Water Polo Teams?
Q: If you could play any other sport, what would it be and why?
A: I was recruited because I have the dual citizenship. I played with U.S.A. and since I have parents that were born in Mexico, I am able to get my citizenship. Also the coach recruited me because of my style of play.
A: I would do gymnastics because I used to be a gymnast or play soccer because my dad was going to go pro but followed my mom to California to marry her. He taught me to play for fun. Also volleyball. In high school, the soccer and volleyball coaches always asked me to join the team because I would go play with some friends, and they said I was talented.
A: I’m athletic.
Information compiled by Victoria Lucien, Sports Intern; Graphic: Xian Wong | Loyolan
LION SPORTS
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5 of L.A.’s best bike trails to take for a spin Funny Story Tori
Victoria Lucien Sports Intern
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@LoyolanSports
ith the endless number of hours spent sitting in traffic or hustling and bustling around the city, many don’t have time to appreciate the sights Los Angeles has to offer. L.A., home to many great beaches, tourist sites and magnificent weather, provides its residents with fast-paced activities that often cause many to forget the importance of slowing down and appreciating what the city truly has to offer. As a lover of nature, I’ve recently adopted cycling not only to tone my body, but also to provide time to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature. Through my newfound hobby, I’ve stumbled across five bike trails that capture the many facets of L.A.’s beauty. 1.Pacific Crest Trail This trail is for the avid biker willing to take on a challenge. The 7-mile bike ride trails toward the ocean in Marina Del Rey. The path does not end once you hit Marina Del Rey, but connects to the South Bay Trail and travels south toward Hermosa Beach. Along the way, cyclists can expect to pass through Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach. This is the perfect trail
for anyone interested in passing through one of these beach towns and spending the day admiring the sunset or grabbing a quick bite to eat.
2.Griffith Park Bike Loop Located in Griffith Park, this 9-mile bike loop provides cyclists with a scenic route lined with trees. Cyclists can either start the path from Riverside Drive or Los Feliz Boulevard. Whichever direction you choose, the paths meet together inside the park, bringing the trail full circle. 3.Sunset to the Sea This challenging bike path loops through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood to bring cyclists through a mix of hills leading to the Pacific Palisades. Following a descent down the coast, cyclists can head through Malibu or toward Santa Monica and Venice. Riders must contend with high levels of traffic when taking this route. The best time to ride is on a Sunday morning when traffic is light. 4.Elysian Valley Bike Path This 7.4-mile hike stretches between Atwater Village, heading toward the Glendale Narrows and offers riders the most breathtaking views of nature. Cyclists will see a variety of birds while traveling down this path, along with a sighting of the San Gabriel Mountains. If in need of a break, riders can stop at Griffith Park, Oso Park or
via Flickr Creative Commons
Los Angeles has some of the best biking paths around, and of those, Pacific Crest may be the best for experienced bike riders. The path winds its way through many beach towns like Marina Del Rey and Venice. Rattlesnake Park. 5.Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail Otherwise known as The Strand, this 22-mile path travels from the Pacific Palisades to Redondo Beach. It is an easy ride that follows the Pacific Ocean and allows cyclists to experience
many beach towns along the way such as Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Hermosa, Manhattan and Venice Beach.
This is the opinion of Victoria Lucien, a freshman english major from Los Angeles, California. Tweet comments to @ LoyolanSports, or email editor@theloyolan.com.
For the Record The headline on Page 10 in the Jun. 26 issue incorrectly referred to the men's soccer associate head coach as Mennel. His name is Mennell.
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Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
www.lmu.edu/symposium/
Abstracts Due: design: Aaron De La Torre & Jessica Lopez
Friday February 13th
sports LIONBITES W. SWIMMING The women’s swimming team beat the University of Alaska last Saturday with a final score of 126-100. The Lions won seven races against Alaska with senior Kjirsten Magnuson leading the competition in the 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke. Sophomore Hannah Calton won first place in the 200 freestyle and second place in the 50 butterfly and 100 butterfly. Junior Kristen Clarno earned a new season-best with a time of 59.50 in the 100 backstroke. The Lions will compete in the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference Wednesday, Feb. 18. M. BASKETBALL LMU’s men’s basketball team took home a win against the University of the Pacific Tigers. The Lions overcame an 11-point lead with nine minutes left in the second half. Junior forward Marin Mornar led the team with 23 total points and 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Evan Payne also scored 23 points throughout the game and grabbed seven rebounds. The Tigers held the lead during the first half of the game with a score of 34-27. With 47 seconds left in the second half, Payne’s layup brought the score from 58-56 to 58-58. Pacific held the lead in overtime with 4:44 on the clock, until senior Chase Flint scored back-to-back shots. The Lions picked up the lead with three minutes left in overtime. The Lions held the lead and finished the game
SCORES UPDATE M. BASKETBALL 76-71 W
LION
vs. Pacific
SPORTS
W. TENNIS
at UCI
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vs. Pacific
7-0 W
M. TENNIS
at Sacramento
Follow us on Twitter @loyolansports for up-to-date scores.
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LOS ANGELES LOYOLAN | February 4, 2015 | laloyolan.com
Super Bowl’s top five surprises Learn from Lauren Lauren Eagan Sports Intern
@loyolansports
1. Westboro Baptist Church condemns fans for their sins outside the stadium Prior to walking into the stadium, I was alarmed by protesters with megaphones and signs denouncing the sins of passing Super Bowl attendees. These ultraconservative protesters, fired up by their extreme religious beliefs, displayed signs suggesting our nation would be doomed because “God hates gays, lesbians, drunks, soldiers, sinners, pot-smokers and remarried individuals.” The WBC, known for its signature rainbow-colored picket signs commonly found at concerts, funerals and churches, focuses its efforts on criticizing homosexuality and praising the deaths of homosexual individuals. Police officials on site set up security barriers to separate the protesters from the rest of the crowd trying to enter the stadium. The majority of Super Bowl fans ignored the harsh picketers while others, including my dad, responded with comments such as, “Thank God for Darwinism.” 2. Missy Elliott’s surprise appearance sweeps the stage with “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It” and “Lose Control” Rumors suggested Katy Perry’s onagain boyfriend, singer-songwriter John Mayer, would share a duet with Perry as the special guest during the Pepsi Halftime
via MCT Campus
A devastated Richard Sherman (above) watched from the sidelines as New England’s rookie Malcolm Butler intercepted the Seahawk’s winning touchdown in the final seconds. Show. When the actual guest performer appeared on stage, the 14-year-old Patriots fan next to me exclaimed, “Is that 2 Chainz?!” Not even close—it was hiphop queen Missy Elliott. Elliott has been on the down low in the music industry for years without releasing any new music since 2005. However, she proved she’s still got it. Elliott and her dancers stormed the stage in glowing black jumpsuits, wowing the audience with choreography
and nostalgic rap. After the performance, Elliott’s Spotify gain for “Lose Control” increased almost 1,400 percent. 3. Seattle Seahawks make the worst offensive call in Super Bowl history With 26 seconds remaining in the 49th Super Bowl Championship, Seattle Seahawks stood second down with just See Learn from Lauren | Page 17
Fitness programs’ fake quick fixes The Rezk Report
M. TENNIS The men’s tennis team defeated Sacramento State with a score of 7-0. Sophomore Charles Boyce earned a victory against Niranjan Ram in number 2 singles with 6-3 and 6-4. Freshman Errol Smith took home a victory in number 1 singles defeating Sean Kolar with 6-3 and 7-6. Boyce and junior Cristobal Rivera collected a win in double matches, as did senior Othar Kordsachia and freshman Adam Zaorski. W. BASKETBALL The University of the Pacific Tigers defeated LMU’s women’s basketball team with a final score of 84-61. UoP opened the game with a five-point lead, yet junior guard Sophie Taylor attempted to narrow the gap, bringing the score to 27-25 with 5:32 on the clock. However, the Tigers responded by scoring 15 straight points, opening the second half with 42-27. Sophomore guard Leslie Lopez-Wood and senior forward Emily Ben-Jumbo led the Lions with 10 points each, while Hailie Eackles, Kendall Kenyon, Gena Johnson and Madison Parrish led Pacific. The Lions will play USD tomorrow, Feb. 5, in San Diego, where they will be looking to get their season back on track.
3-4 L
W. BASKETBALL 84-61 L
Andrew Rezk
Asst. Sports Editor @LoyolanSports
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via Flickr Creative Commons
New fitness programs pose promising results for individuals looking to improve their bodies. The problem is their insane intensity levels and demands of expertise from customers who may or may not have that level of experience. But above all, the problem is that their results don’t tend to last.
here is definitely more than one way to get fit. Swimming, biking, running, jogging, walking — pretty much any form of full-body movement will get the job done eventually. But there are certain programs that promise results quickly, which appeals to a generation that won’t pay the pizza guy if it takes him 31 minutes to deliver. These also come with diets that guarantee speedy weight loss if you restrict what you eat. These types of products do a good job advertising, showing “before” and “after” pictures that often look very convincing. There should obviously be some concerns about taking shortcuts like this, but many people have thrown their money at these products without asking any questions. Based on common sense and basic science knowledge, let’s evaluate these programs and diets by their effectiveness, achievability and possible health benefits or consequences. First, keep in mind the basics of weight loss. We used to believe that all someone had to do to lose fat was to eat fewer calories than they were burning. Recently, the importance of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, fats) has become apparent. Eating 2000 calories of steak is not the same as eating 2000 calories of fries. In general, diets tend to want to maximize protein intake while lowering either or both your carbs and fats. Losing fat slowly is healthy, but losing it quickly is not. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests losing between one and two pounds, weekly. Studies have shown that people who lose no more than two See The Rezk Report | Page 16