ENGAGED? Pg. 7
The
McKendree Review
Feb. 12, 2010
701 College Rd. Lebanon, IL 62254
Black History Letter Pg. 10
Vol. 88, Iss. 6
Why Your Favorite Music Probably Sucks By Ben Simon Assistant Editor
Before you get too defensive and offended by the title of this article, please realize that it was written to provoke an angry response—so unless you want to conform to the whims of a pretentious wind-bag who claims he knows better than you, keep a level head and keep reading. Similarly, the core of the claim that most music is terrible emerges from
conformity. To say that the music you listen to is bad quality is ridiculous since the pleasure of music is entirely subjective. A more specific evaluation of popular music is that it’s incredibly predictable. Listen to a song, any song (your favorite song perhaps), and keep track of the musical segments that repeat themselves. Consider how many times a melodic verse appears or how many times the chorus is looped. Take a moment to count what percentage of the song is actually fresh music. You may
come to realize there’s only about one minute or less of original music spread out over a three to four minute song. This shouldn’t be news to anybody who listens carefully, but believe it or not there is no rule book for popular music. There is nothing written on tablets of stone that forces the verse-chorus-versechorus structure on musicians. Yet musicians continually refer back to that lackadaisical song-writing formula. Why? Because people like you continue to fuel their so-
A new way to celebrate Valentine’s:
“The Vagina Monologues” By Kyle Hintz Staff Writer For the past decade, organizations across the country and the world have been raising awareness about violence and sexual abuse against women by performing Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues.” It is performed in connection with Valentine’s Day (renamed V-Day by Ensler) and re-imagined as “a global movement that supports anti-violence organizations throughout the world, helping them to continue and expand their core work on the ground, while drawing public attention to the larger fight to stop worldwide violence (including rape, battery, incest, female genital mutilation [FMG], sexual
slavery) against women and girls,” according to their website. Incredibly, by 2008, more than 4000 V-Day benefit events took place around the world. This included McKendree, who has participated in the movement for the past several years by performing “The Vagina Monologues.” This year, McKendree’s production of “The Vagina Monologues” will be on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 PM in the Hett. Admission is one dollar and they will also be taking donations of money and canned goods. The proceeds will go to
NEWS 1-3
FEATURES 4-8
charity. In addition, the Brown Bag on Wednesday, Feb. 17 will revolve around “The Vagina Monologues. If you’re looking for a new way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and nonviolence, or if you’re just looking for something to do on a Tuesday night, go see “The Vagina Monologues.” What’s the worst that could happen? You learn something new. Horrifying. If you would like to know more about V-Day visit: www.vday.org Source: http://www. vday.org/about/moreabout/eveensler.
called creativity by purchasing (or otherwise acquiring) the music. But the listeners can’t be the only ones to blame for perpetuating this horrendously familiar style of music. Lack of talent, laziness and dreams of fame and fortune are prevalent in a multitude of up-andcoming musicians, as well as veteran musicians who still have not mustered the courage to try something new and interesting. Producers who think they understand what makes a song “good” by popular definition are partially to blame. They focus on catchy, simplistic
tunes that feature accessible sounds and noises from familiar instruments (guitar, bass, drum set and maybe an adventurously included keyboard) because that’s what they think people want to hear. Maybe we do, maybe we don’t. But when all that’s available to the mass public is an emotionally-charged guitar-driven song about a teenage girl who comes from a broken home, what other option do...
Yo, Ben, I’MMA LET YOU FINISH - Pg 9
A Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor, was probably better off back home eating As we observe Black History Month, Mama’s food than I was in California. it is appropriate that we respectfully So I went back to Texas and I got a job remember contributors to the Civil Rights with the Highway Department. We didn’t Movements in our country. One such have to get to work until sunup; we got to contributor made a speech that told how quit every night at sundown. We did have family loyalty and parental guidance, to go to work on our own time. We had to combined with an education, can accelerate be at work by sunup, and we had to ride the course of a person’s life. The following home on our own time after sundown. I speech was given in Denver, CO on got the magnificent salary of a dollar a day. October 12, 1964: After a little over a year of that, I began “I graduated from to think of my father’s Johnson City High School in advice that I should go and a class of six. For some time, take some more training I had felt that my father and not be a school dropout was not really as smart as – maybe he was wiser than I thought he ought to be, I had thought a year before. and I thought that I could In other words, he became improve on a good many a lot smarter while I was of my mother’s approaches gone to California. And to life. So when I got my with the help of the good high school diploma, I Lord, and with a mother decided to follow the persistently urging me to old philosopher Horace go back to school and get Greeley’s advice and “Go LYNDON B. JOHNSON some training, I hitchhiked West, young man,” and seek 50 miles to get back into the my fortune. classroom, where I spent four years. And I With $26 in my pocket and a T-Model have been reasonably well employed ever Ford automobile, five of my school mates since. I now have a contract that runs until and I started out one Saturday morning on January 20, 1965.” our way to the Golden West, the great state The man who made this speech was of California. We got there in due time, Lyndon Baines Johnson – the 36th President minus most of my $26 , and I got a very of the United States. Lest we forget and let well-paying job of $90 a month running us learn. an elevator. But I found at the end of the Sincerely, month, after I paid for three meals and Frank B Austin, paid for my room and my laundry, that I McKendree Public Safety Officer
VALENTINE’S DAY 6-7
OPINION 9-11
SPORTS 12
News
Page 2 McKendree Idol returns, auditions Mar. 18
Congratulations Contest winner
Congrates to Jake Bennett for being the first person to correctly complete the Word Search (aka Crossword) from the previous issue. He will receive a $5 Gift Certificate to Sweeter House of Coffee. Our next competition is an actual Crossword puzzle, found below. Our theme for this issue is “Things commonly found in a Dorm Room.” This could be anything from food, decorations, or entertainment. We will be doing something different to be more fair this time around, Anyone who completes and returns the Crossword to The McKendree Review Staff will be entered in a drawng to win a $5 Gift Certificate to Sweeter House of Coffee in Lebanon. All entrants will be notified of the drawing’s results. We look forward to hearing from you!
Will you be the next… By Craig Robertson Contributing Writer McKendree Idol? Campus
Activities Board and CLIO present the Seventh Annual McKendree Idol Fund Raiser for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Fund. The purpose of this event is two-fold: 1) It is a fun event that showcases the talents of our McKendree students, 2) McKendree Idol serves as a fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer Fund. To date, CLIO and Campus Activities Board have raised nearly $6000 to aid in breast cancer research. Auditions are March 18 at 8 PM in PAC, and March 21 at 7 PM in PAC, eliminations April 8 at 8:30 PM in Ames Dining Hall, and final competition April 21 - 8:30 PM at the Hett. To sign up, go to: http://www.mckendree. edu/StudentLife/mckidolhome.aspx. Loni Love Our host for this year’s event is comedian Loni Love. Loni has made television appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, Comedy Central’s Chocolate News and The Best Damn Sports Show Period. Loni has been on VH1’s I Love the 70’s/80’s/90’s, and I Love The Toys, and has had guest starring roles on UPN’s Girlfriends and the CBS sitcom Worst Week. Loni also had a recurring role as Lunch Lady Rose on the Nickelodeon show Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. Currently, she is a guest host for the show GSN Live as well as a regular panelist on the hit shows, Chelsea Lately on E! and Tru TV’s Smoking Gun Presents.
! S P OP
Jake Bennett
Crossword: Commonly Found in Dorms
We Messed up... Corrections to the previous issue:
- Sarah Adam’s last name is actually spelled ‘Adams.’ - Deanne Poluka’s last name is actually spelled ‘Puloka’ - Several stories were the uncorrected versions, placed on pages due to user error. - The ‘Crossword’ was really a Word Search.
The McK Review Crew Editors
Sarah Adams -Associate Editor-
Chelsea Arnold -Editor -in-Chief-
Libby Mowers -Assistant Editor-
Eric Neblock -Web Editor-
Gabe Shapiro -Faculty Advisor-
Ben Simon -Assistant Editor-
In this issue Frank Austin Jake Bennett Anna Chambers Kyle Hintz
Victoria Peters Shawn Printy Deanne Puloka Craig Robertson
The McKendree Review is a student-run organization of McKendree University. The mission of The McKendree Review is to give students the opportunity to learn the news process and publish articles pertaining to their opinions and ideas. The staff does not agree with all
Tavi Sanders Tom Ward
statements and opinions, which rightfully belong to their writers. The McKendree Review Office can be found in Clark 301 on the McKendree Campus, at 701 College Rd., Lebanon, IL, 62254. Staff can be reached by email at mckreview@ mckendree.edu.
ACROSS 4. You don’t remember where or when you got it, but it makes a cool decoration. 5. Don’t deny it, you know you still sleep with them. 7. Because you’re too poor for McDonald’s 8. They don’t actually have to match until after Graduation. 9. Squishy seats 11. HELP! I’M LOCKED OUT! I DON’T HAVE MY *** 12. Easiest way to cure boredom. 13. These will last even after the apocalypse 14. It might not give you wings, but it will wake you up for that 8 AM class 16. There’s nothing good on after 2 AM.
17. Maybe you’ll actually read them before you go to class 18. Cover those cinder block walls with these 19. You can sleep on them, or fall out of them. 20. Instant food in bite-size proportion
DOWN 1. Silence is golden, but ** is silver 2. Essential source of caffeine. 3. Dorm room gold 6. It’s not a spoon, but it’s not a fork... 10. The Interwebs machine 15. It’s good to remember these before getting in the shower
News
Page 3
McKendree Career Fair: A ‘real job’ is closer than you think By Libby Mowers Assistant Editor
I don’t want to scare you, but eventually you will have to face the “real world” and that will most likely entail getting a “real job.” Fortunately for us, Career Services offers help on perfecting résumés, preparing for interviews and even finding a job. One of the resources offered by Career Services is the Career/Internship Fair they are hosting on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM in the Hett Lobby. Over 30 employers will be attending the fair, including insurance companies, financial corporations, law enforcement agencies, religious groups and even the National Park Service. More companies may still register for the fair, too—so there’s bound to be something there for you. Check out the Career Services website for the full list. Most of these employers will be looking to fill full time positions that require a degree—which is perfect for seniors about to graduate. However, some companies will also be offering internship programs, which would be great for underclassmen looking for experience. A Career Fair with over 30 employers seems intimidating, but the rewards are well worth the scare. After all, even if you don’t get a job, you’ll gain valuable experience in the interview process. You will be more likely to leave a positive impression on potential employers if you follow these tips.
Dress/ Appearance: The key words are professional and conservative. Don’t go into an interview looking like the sloppy, lazy college student that you are. Sorry to break it to you, but people do judge you based on your appearance. Men should wear conservative, darkcolored suits that fit properly. Your ties should also be conservative and not be too bright or have wild patterns. You should wear long-sleeved, white dress shirts. And please, for the love of God, match your socks, shoes and belt to your suit. That means wearing dark, conservative shoes and socks and a brown or black belt, depending on the suit color. Women should wear conservative, dark-colored skirt suits or pants suits. Your blouses should be a neutral or dark color which matches the suit; bright and busy blouses should be avoided. Remember that skirts shouldn’t be too short and blouses shouldn’t be too low-cut. You are selling your mind, not your body. Shoes should be conservative and darkcolored as well, with nothing too trendy (i.e. no open toes, chunky heels or open backs). Panty-hose should be close to your skin tone. It should be obvious, but everyone should make sure their clothes are clean and neatly pressed. Don’t go in wearing your suit’s representation of an old man’s face. Both men and women should avoid
wearing excessive jewelry, especially if it is shoved through your face. Anything you wear should be conservative. Men should avoid jewelry in general unless it’s a wedding or class ring or a nice watch. If you have tattoos, avoid showing them off. Potential employers are not your buddies with whom you can chat about your cool ink and all the meaning behind it. Make sure to at least run a brush through your hair, too. Basically, your hair and nails should look clean and trim. Also, don’t overdo your makeup. Guys may want to avoid makeup altogether, since many employers will not understand guyliner. Your stench is also something to take into consideration. You don’t want to bathe in cologne or perfume, but you also don’t want to smell like anything gross. Avoid cigarettes, garbage and excessive sweating. And finally, don’t chew gum. If you’re worried about bad breath you should brush your teeth.
Preparation: For once, let’s listen to a villain (Scar, from “The Lion King”) and Be Prepared. Preparing for the fair will give you the necessary confidence to portray the best version of yourself to potential employers. First of all, know what you want. Do you want to find a full-time position? Do you want an internship? Or do you simply want to collect more information about certain companies? Maybe you just want interview experience. Whatever it is you want, clearly define it. Once you know what you want, the next step is researching the companies that will be at the fair. There are a lot of employers there, so you should focus on the companies that will most likely have the career you’re looking for. Find out a little about each company in which you are interested. There’s no need to quote their entire website, but knowing a little can go a long way. Of course, you’ll want to have an up-todate résumé to give to potential employers. When I say “up-to-date” I’m not saying “full-of-crap.” You want your résumé to be an accurate representation of yourself and your abilities. Employers will eventually notice if your résumé is lying, like when you don’t actually know how to speak French. If you need help creating your résumé or making it better, make an appointment with Career Services. They won’t bite, and they can even help you with your interview skills! After all that, prepare something to say about yourself. Remember, you are selling yourself to these employers. This is your time to show that you are interested in the company, have some knowledge about it and have things to offer the company. You can also ask them a few questions about their business. Just remember the fair might be busy, so you may need to change what you want to say in order to fit into time constraints. Finally, get a nice folder, paper and pen
that you can take with you on the day of the fair. You’ll want to be able to take notes and have a place to store any information you collect. The Day of the Fair: You’ve prepared yourself. You’re dressed in professional and conservative clothes. It’s go time. First things first, make sure you have several copies of your résumé. You can keep them in your nice folder! Leave your coat, backpacks and any other unnecessary things somewhere else. And most importantly, remember that communication is 90% nonverbal. Exude confidence by giving a firm handshake, making eye contact, standing up straight, not fidgeting and smiling! Also, make sure that your voice is enthusiastic but conversational. Present yourself to employers with confidence, letting them see why you are the best candidate. Show your knowledge of the company and answer their questions for you with good responses. Get their business cards, ask about time frames and make sure you know who to contact for job openings. Take a few minutes to jot notes down about each company.
After the Fair: Read over the information you collected and the notes that you took. Contact the companies in which you are interested. Send thank-yous to the recruiters with whom you spoke. And of course, make sure you submit any applications in a timely manner. Just remember to present the best version of yourself and don’t be too nervous. What’s the worst that can happen? You don’t find a job, your friends and family abandon you because you are a failure and you die alone and cold. It’s not the end of the world. Of course, that’s the glass-all-the-way-empty scenario and gross over-exaggeration. If you don’t find a job, there will be other opportunities. And if your friends and family do abandon you, you should probably rethink your choice of loved ones. Don’t forget that Career Services is available and eager to help you prepare for this Career Fair or any other interviews you may have. Stop by their office on the first floor of Clark Hall, or visit their website at www.mckendree.edu/ocs/ career_services_home.aspx.
For more information, see Career Services in Clark 104, or email careerservices@ mckendree.edu
Page 4
Lower Pearson: McKendree’s Empty Space By Sarah Adams Associate Editor
There’s a new possibility for student organizations on campus that might be looking for a meeting place—a place that wouldn’t be taken by classes or faculty meetings. For some time now, the lower area of the Pearsons building (now known mainly as 1828) has been such a place... but the question is, does anyone know about it? After the bookstore was moved from lower Pearsons to upper Deneen, someone had to decide what to do with the empty space. President Dennis wanted to offer the space for student club activities, and he asked SGA President Braden Posey for input as to what should go down there. The result was an order of desks, which were intended to be used as something like “offices” for the clubs on campus. Clubs were supposed to register to use the space for storage and activities...but only about a dozen clubs applied. Nishant Timilsina, President of McKendree’s Rotaract Club, said that there was plenty of
discussion among SGA members as to how to make lower Pearsons more club-friendly. There were suggestions of computers, painting projects, a multi-club calendar and SGA office so that students could have one-stop access to anything happening on campus. Unfortunately, not only has none of this happened, but it seems that the students themselves have had little knowledge of or input concerning such projects. Opinions and knowledge of the potential club space range widely among student leaders. Libby Mowers, President of the Literary Interest Society, said that she wasn’t aware that it was available for clubs. Spectrum President Lauren Snyder said that the conditions there are currently “kinda old and dirty...I would prefer a better lighted space”. Alpha Psi Omega President Kaitie Kee suggested that the space would be better used for offices in order to open up rooms for classes. In addition, the space does not lend itself well to media-oriented groups like the McKendree Anime Club, due to
the lack of projectors, screens, etc. Interestingly, one club president said that she has been “trying to get access to it for about three semesters, but the machine for the key cards has been ‘broken.’” The original idea was that club executives would be able to use their student IDs as key cards to unlock the doors. However, she did say that she would like to use Pearsons if the clubs had free access. Not all the news is negative, though. The International Student Organization and Rotaract club have held several meetings in lower Pearsons. Nishant Timilsina is a particular proponent of a special area for club activity. “When I travel during debate tournaments, many universities and colleges have their own Greek buildings, and club offices...we have none,” said Timilsina in an e-mail interview. He also said, “I think the move from the president was visionary and something that if we are to capitalize on that, it would be... beneficial for clubs on campus
in many ways...I think there is a lot of possibilities with the space and 180 years of student activities...deserve our own room on campus.” The McKendree Rotaract Club is very much in favor of keeping Pearsons available to clubs and invited Dr. Dennis to attend a group meeting there. So now that this secret is out, what will be the response of clubs
Features on campus? Clubs can petition for SGA approval and contact Ed Willett to reserve Pearsons for organization activities. Will there be enough interest to start a dialogue between Registered Student Organizations and student government? For all those who think there could be, here’s your chance to speak up for student clubs.
SARAH ADAMS Rotaract students meet in the office space available in Lower Pearson.
Opportunities for creative writers By Libby Mowers Assistant Editor
Many people dabble in creative writing and even have dreams of becoming published authors. Unfortunately, many writers don’t take advantage of the abundant resources available to them. One such resource is the St. Louis Writers Guild. Their website (www.stlwritersguild.org) claims the organization is “bringing together writers of all ages, genres, and experience levels.” Moreover, they say, “We welcome beginners, professionals, and everyone in between, to join us.” The SLWG was founded in 1920 by six local writers and aims to “connect, support, and promote writers and literary organizations in our community” by providing a network of fellow artists. The group hosts several monthly and special events, which are often open to the public (sometimes with a fee). Such events include workshops, lectures, open mic nights, book festivals, public readings, exhibits and writing contests. Since the SLWG encourages their members to publish their work, they also provide publicity for their members on their website and in their newsletters. Upcoming events the group is hosting include a Loud Mouth Open Mic Night on February 16 from 8-10 PM at The Mack and a workshop entitled “See My Byline: Writing for Newspapers and Websites” on March 6 from 10:00 AM to noon at Kirkwood Community Center. Loud Mouth Open Mic nights happen the third Tuesday of every month and feature edgy and humorous writings. You have to be 18 or older to attend. While it is a chapter of the Missouri Writers Guild, SLWG is fully independent. Membership is open and is $27 a year for students. Check out their website for more
information. In addition to community writers’ organizations, there are quite a few opportunities for writers on campus. Every fall semester there is a Fiction Writing class offered and every spring semester there is a Poetry Writing class available. These classes not only offer training in creative writing, but they also provide workshop opportunities, which will strengthen your writing. There are also Open Mic Nights sponsored by CAB, in which students are given the opportunity to share their work, be it poetry, music, comedy or theater. Some of these Mic Nights feature special guests, such as the Poetic Assassins group on February 11. Of course, there are other events which are available to fuel your creative writing as well. Keep your eyes open for speakers at the Hett, guests at the Brown Bag or other CAB sponsored events which feature local or not-so-local authors. And, if I may plug my own group, LIS (Literary Interest Society) offers a Writing Circle on Wednesdays from 4-6 PM in 1828. You are welcome to come and leave when it fits into your schedule. You can bring anything to write and even ask for feedback. Also, don’t forget that McKendree does put out a literary magazine in the spring! Keep your eyes open for the opportunity to get your work published in “The Montage.” Learn to take advantage of the opportunities around campus and in the community. The more you surround yourself with others who can help you improve and help you network, the more chance you have of being a successful writer.
“Since the SLWG encourages their members to publish their work, they also provide publicity for their members on their website and in their newsletters.”
Calendar of Events Feb. 16 - 8-Ball Billiards Tournament in the Lair at 6 PM. Contact Ricky Weber at raweber@mckendree.edu for more info. Feb. 17 - CAB Movie: Twilight - New Moon at 8 PM in Ames Dining Hall. Feb. 18 - LIVE! Musician (TBA) at 8 PM in the Lair. Contact Ryan Weber at rweber@ mckendree.edu for more info. Feb. 19 - Bingo Night at 7:30 PM in the Lair. Contact Alyssa Spano at alspano@ mckendree.edu for more info. Feb. 19 - CAB Movie: Twilight - New Moon at 10 PM in The Lair.
Have AN ISSUE WITH OUR LATEST ISSUE? IDEAS AND STORIES TO SHARE? eMAIL US AT MCKREVIEW@ MCKENDREE.EDU
Features
Page 5
McKendree’s world-wide fishing net CAB presents: “How to get Fired” An international student’s view of McK Have you ever By Tom Ward Contributing Writer walked down a
games. I then met coaches and it was explained to me that they would be in McKendree touch once they had completed the video corridor and heard an unfamiliar accent of me that was taken that day while I was or even a completely different language playing,” said Williams. Other athletes all together? This is not an uncommon from all over the world have similar occurrence at McKendree as it attracts stories. potential student athletes from Manchester, Another example of someone using a England to New Delhi, India. student athlete agency is Joshua Katam, Mckendree University does not have a junior from Eldoret, Kenya. He is an any policies concerning the minimum or elite long-distance runner who was asked maximum number of international student to perform in front of coaches that were athletes they admit, but over the past few invited over to Kenya from the U.S. years there has been an increase in the “The coaches go to Kenya to recruit number of international student athletes. and, as there are so many [athletes], only Being an international student the elite are chosen,” said Katam. This athlete myself, I can draw upon my own process seems a lot less expensive for the experience of how I ended up in the small, athlete than employing an agency to act Illinois town of Lebanon. I took an more as your advisor and aid. This is because unusual path than most other international there is very little travelling involved and student athletes. only a small amount of money needs to be I got in touch with a few American paid to the agency, which is essentially the universities on my own and travelled over middleman. to the US to visit them. I The fees experienced by “It’s clear from student athletes from different participated in a practice session with four different this evidence parts of the world are very schools and selected the “I had to pay the that American different. one that was right for me. company 2,000 pounds ($3,500) Universities which included my fee to However, I was interested to find out about how someone are becoming the company for creating my on the opposite side of the and my travel and more and more video world from me was also able accommodation costs in alluring to London,” said Williams. to find out about McKendree University and the different On the other hand, the international methods of becoming an method by Katam is a students” lot moreused American student athletes. beneficial in terms of There is an underlying similarity cost to the athlete. “I paid 40,000 Kenyan among many of the international students shillings ($500),” explained Katam. at McKendree and that is the use of a This shows that there is a stark contrast company to aid their pursuit of becoming when comparing Williams’ and Katam’s professional athletes while maintaining a costs. It also means that some companies high level of education in America. These may not have their customers’ best organizations have begun to spring up interests in mind and are charging more all over the world and have a common than is necessary to become a student goal: to get their customers in touch with athlete in America. universities in the U.S.A. Although these companies are used Some of these are for-profit by many people across the world, there is organizations. These seem to focus on another way for student athletes to go to maximizing profit and getting as many school in America. . This is the method people on board as possible with very little that Shaun Andrady, a junior from New personalization towards the athletes they Delhi, India, used. are working for. “I flew from India to California where On the other hand, there are some I played a trial soccer match in front of government-funded organizations for future potential coaches. Anyone could the top, elite athletes. However, the attend the trial, but only the better players government-funded organizations are were able to obtain offers,” said Andrady. scarce and from the people I was able The American university system to interview, most appear to be using attracts people who can maintain a high companies such as First Point USA as the level of competition while earning a most reliable way of getting out to America degree. This attraction is on such a large to study and compete. First Point U.S.A. scale that people are willing to spend is a company that operates out of the U.K. money to fly to America without the and offers its services to potential athletes guarantee that they will be successful. This living in the British Isles. is no small fee, either. First Point U.S.A. was set up in 2001 “I paid $2000 which included my by Andrew Kean, who was himself a flights, accommodation and the fee for the success story of the American university soccer training camp,” explained Andrady. import system. Originally from Scotland, It’s clear from this evidence that American Kean now has a multi-million pound Universities are becoming more and more business established which he uses to alluring to international students because send thousands of students to America to of a college system that is completely compete in over 15 different sports. different from those in other countries. Fraser Williams, a Welsh soccer player In theory, this means that the market and one of the company’s customers, for middleman organizations is going currently attends McKendree College. to keep growing as will the influx of “I had to travel down to London for international student athletes taken on by the day, where I played three sixty-minute coaches from U.S. schools.
By Craig Robertson Contributing Writer
Would and “Uncrapify your Life!” you rather In his lecture “How to get Fired,” play video Havens discusses the Four Pillars of games and update your Facebook profile Poverty: fake your resume, establish your than suffer through a lifetime of stable incompetence, destroy your work ethic employment? Does paying your rent seem and alienate your coworkers. According like just too much of a hassle? Come to to www.jeffhavens.com, this is “the only PAC 222 at 3pm on February 25 and learn, lecture guaranteed to ensure that you “How to Get Fired!” never become a productive member Campus Activities Board invites you to of society.” take in a double dose of speaker, comedian Havens has presented his humorous and author Jeff programs to Havens, who will hundreds of be presenting corporations and his lecture and colleges across the will also be the United States and featured comedian Canada, including of the night at Ford Motor 9:30 PM in Ames Company, General Dining Hall. Electric and Purdue. Havens Havens is graduated as scheduled to make a Phi Beta Kappa his first appearance from Vanderbilt on Comedy Central, University. He where he will be originally began performing original his career as In the famous words of Mr. Trump, “You’re Fired!” stand-up comedy. a high school Both events are 24 English teacher, but soon followed his Card eligible, so remember to bring your father into the world of stand-up comedy. card to each. For lecture information, His love of teaching never diminished, contact Erin Totten, CAB Special Events so Havens began searching for a way and Films Chair at eetrotten@mckendree. to combine his passion for teaching and edu; or for the comedy show, Amber Clay his sense of humor. The results: two atacclay@mckendree.edu presentations called “How to get Fired!”
Valentine
Page 6 A Valentine’s Restaurant Review
Sakura Hibachi Sushi By Chelsea Arnold While Editor-in-Chief sushi is not
drinks. The bar also has the most a couple of traditional dinner for a romantic televisions, Valentine’s night, taking that special mostly kept someone out to the local hibachi on sports could end up being quite a romantic or news experience. Luckily, a delicious sushi channels. Salmon Rolls restaurant is only a short drive away The from McKendree. hibachi’s menu Located next to the 15 Cine in covers quite a few types of sushi, O’Fallon, Sakura Hibachi serves a sashimi and other traditional foods. variety of Japanese cuisine, along For an appetizer, I recommend with American foods with a Japanese the edamame, or salted steamed twist. The menu is extensive, but very soybeans. They also have a delicious simple for miso soup and tempura. those who are If you are unaccustomed not familiar to these types of food or with Japanese question what is in them, foods. ingredients can be found on The the menus. Servers are also atmosphere is very knowledgeable about very calming each type of sushi, sashimi inside. The and other entrees. lighting is Several favorites from Spicy Tuna Rolls kept low, and my visit included the paper umbrellas salmon, yellow-tail and spicy hang from the ceiling. The restaurant tuna rolls, along with the octopus is divided in half, with one side sashimi (rolls come in six cut pieces, catering to diners and their private while sashimi is a single, slightly parties, while the other is open larger piece that is not rolled in hibachi seating. A hibachi is a small, seaweed). portable, cast-iron Japanese brazier, If you don’t feel like crossing and it is surrounded by three sides of cultures during your dinner, Sakura a rectangular bar where people watch also carries American style dishes. the chefs cook. They serve steak and chicken in Sakura’s more private dining a traditional grill style, or with a area has a small bar where visitors teriyaki sauce for a Japanese flair. may watch sushi being rolled, and a For desert, I would recommend larger bar where the bartenders make either the mango or green tea ice drinks. For the 21 and up crowd, cream. While the green tea is sweet, Sakura’s bar carries American beer the mango has an interesting, tasty and liquor, as well as Sapporo beer and tangy flavor that is rarely found from Japan and a multitude of mixed in American ice cream.
Since opening in Sept. 2008, the small local restaurant has become a popular destination for a wide array of visitors, ranging from students to businessmen. Sakura Hibachi has even had a wedding performed there with the reception following. During my visit, we were lucky enough to see a birthday celebration in the Hibachi section. A small disco light began to flash and a new version of the birthday song played while the chef danced. It was quite entertaining. Here’s where we get a little more serious. The dinner items listed must be expensive, right? Not at all. For the quality of the sushi served at Sakura Hibachi, the food prices are phenomenal. Hand-rolled sushi ranges from $3.00 to $6.00 depending on the type ordered, and the sashimi also varies by type and ingredients used. Steaks and other meat run a little higher, but still a nice price for the place doubling as a steak house. With Valentine’s Day only a couple days from now, why not venture out and try something new, exciting and cultural to impress that special someone. A romantic dinner, mood lighting and sushi…can one ask for a more perfect date?
Dr. Clipper’s Top 5 Wrong Reasons To Get Married 1 He/She is always going to make me happy
2
Getting married will solve all my/our problems
3
It will be easier than being single
It’s always going to be good
4 5
You’re supposed to take care of me
kind of chocolate gift My Sacred Valentine: Afordifferent Valentine’s Day By Sarah Adams Associate Editor
If you’ve run out of ideas for sweet Valentine’s gifts, want something better than red and white M&M’s or if you’re just plain romantically impaired and don’t have a clue what to get, a product called Sacred Chocolate might be just what you’re looking for. Sacred Chocolate was created in 1999 by Steve Adler, a proponent of the raw food diet and founder of the raw food/nutritional website www.naturaw. com. Adler aimed not only to create a natural and healthy chocolate, but to make love and care elements in the production of his chocolate. In a 2008 interview, Adler said that he is an ordained minister in the Spirit Is Church and spirituality seems to be an element in everything he does. “I’m really interested in helping people access more love in their lives by learning how to be the love that they are and accessing that through their sacred hearts,” said Adler. Appropriately, Sacred Chocolate products are sold in heart-shaped bars. Even if you are not interested in Adler’s spiritual ideas, Sacred Chocolate is healthier and more environmentally friendly than your average Hershey’s bar. Most
commercial chocolate involves the use of corn syrup, hydrogenated palm oils and processed chocolate. Sacred Chocolate aims to be the ultimate in organic chocolate because it involves none of that. Sacred Chocolate is made from cacao beans, vanilla and maple sugar, plus any natural flavorings. The beans used are not fermented and the skins, which contain much of the cacao’s fiber and nutrients, are left on. David Wolfe, Adler’s friend and inspiration for the product, said that cacao beans have more natural antioxidants than red wine, green tea or acai. Chocolate also contains theobromine, which is good for your heart and was once a treatment administered to heart attack victims. The cacao beans used to make Sacred Chocolate is purchased fair trade from a single source in Ecuador. This, and the fact that Sacred Chocolate is only available from the manufacturer, limits the product’s environmental impact. The chocolate is acceptable for raw, organic, vegan, kosher and halal diets.
Sacred Chocolate comes in creamy-sweet, semi-sweet and bitter varieties, with plain, exotic and therapeutic flavors in each. Most flavors range from 52-70% cacao and all the flavorings used are natural as well. The creamy-sweet bar Jungle Peanut uses raw Amazonian jungle peanuts. Semi-sweet Purple Sage bars use rose otto oil, geranium oil and whole purple sage to create an exotic flavor. The therapeutic variety Still Pointe Mint uses organic erythritol as a sweetener, making it a perfect choice for people with diabetes or other blood sugar conditions. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might try the bitter bar Heart of Cacao, with a staggering 100% cacao content. Admittedly, Sacred Chocolate is more expensive than your typical box of heart-shaped candy. A 2 oz. bar is $11.11 on www.sacredchocolate.com. A 2 oz. Amazonian bar is $10.95 on www.sunfood.com. But for a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, it might be nice to show your Valentine that your care about his or her health and spirit with a sacred gift of love.
Valentine
Page 7
A lesson in what it means to be engaged while in college The day Eric proposed to me
By Deanne Puloka changed my life. It was the day Staff Writer that I had waited and waited for. It
was the day that ended the subtle hints, the incessantly annoying yet inescapable wondering if it was going to happen here in this restaurant or while on a walk or ever. It was the day of many endings and a new beginning that will eventually see us walk down that aisle and somewhat magically transform two college sweethearts into husband and wife. The ending that breaks my heart the most, and the secret I am going to share with you, is that it was the end of my belief in fairy tale princess weddings and the slow, painful realization that being engaged isn’t all rainbows, sunshine and poufy white dresses. An engagement is an incredibly big decision- one so big that you are rewarded with a diamond ring and a new title, fiancé, so foreignly French that it doesn’t seem to belong to you. McKendree junior, Tracey*, has been with her high school sweetheart Chris* for six and a half years. They’ve been engaged for three months and the excitement has yet to wear off… except for when they’re around her parents, whom they haven’t told. “I tried to talk to my mom about it but she gave me a look that made me go numb,” she said. Since then the couple has struggled with balancing their excitement about the next step in their relationship with the feeling of dread that Tracey carries wondering if her parents have figured it out by now. When I asked about her relationship with her girlfriends changing she sighed and said, “It really sucked because I couldn’t tell any of my roommates because we weren’t talking. And I’ll be a whole lot happier once I tell my parents. If we were in college when we met each other, it would have been a whole lot different. My family’s thing is that high school sweethearts don’t work. If this is a mistake, I’ll learn from it. But it doesn’t feel like a mistake.” First year Theo Odom’s own experience being engaged while in college echoes Tracey’s sentiments. “My mom knows,” he says reluctantly of his proposal to his girlfriend of three years. “She said, ‘Alright whatever. It’s your life.’”
Odom’s future in-laws have yet to find out that he popped the question on a helicopter tour over the Arch last semester. Meanwhile, his floor mates think his engagement is slightly unrealistic and chastise him for proposing too early. And yet they congratulate me on my engagement and act genuinely excited. Maybe it’s a gender thing, an age thing or a you-don’t-say-it to-my-face-but-youthink-it-everytime-you-see-my-ring thing, but the truth is that when you’re engaged and in school people are going to jump at the chance to remind you of the sky rocketing divorce rates in young people. McKendree psychologist, Dr. Clipper, defended their logic and said, “Most often it takes us a while to evolve as a person to know what to expect from ourselves and others. There’s no particular age where you suddenly have that wisdom, but the more time you have to examine yourself, the better you may be at assessing what a partnership should be. In my profession, I have seen those at a very young age take on great responsibility and excel. But they tend to be the exception. Not the rule.” So maybe Tracey, Theo and I are the exception. But does that mean you should change your dream for an engagement ring on Valentine’s Day to a gift that has less serious consequences, such an iPod? I don’t think so. There are a variety of things a couple should discuss and know about each other before getting married. Most of us have laughed over the often forwarded phrase “Men marry women with the hope that they will never change and women marry men with the hope that they will change.” This comical yet unfortunate misunderstanding is the number one recurring problem that Dr. Clipper has
witnessed throughout the years. “People will see problematic behavior before they get married but they don’t take the opportunity to question it. Seeing problematic behavior should cause some exploration of what this is about and if it is the exception or the rule,” he said. My mom had her own twist to share with me: “Anything that annoys you now will annoy you 10 times more when you’re married.” For this reason, my fiancé and I are heading –not to the chapel- but to a marriage preparation workshop on March 6 at Saint Louis University. We want to make sure that we’re going to have the best marriage possible. Because, as I explained to my roommate, why would you study for four years how to be a computer programmer and not spend one day learning how to be a husband? If you’re one of girls who has had an account at TheKnot.com before you even met your significant other or have secretly checked your boyfriend’s bank account to see if he’s made any suspiciously large withdrawals lately you may be taken aback by this article. You should be. It is difficult to juggle 18 credit hours, applications to grad school, my job and who my bridesmaids should be. If you’re one of the men who bought that ring for your girlfriend and is now freaking out that she is going to say “No,” thanks to me and my big mouth, you should rest assured; she’s already made her decision and she’s just waiting for you. When the sappy films say that this is a journey you take together, it really is true. It is a journey that sometimes one person is more excited about, or your parents may be clueless about. Regardless, Dr. Clipper pointed out, “You don’t need to be in a singular relationship to find out who you are. Too often we define ourselves by our relationship.” I’ve learned a lot of things about myself just by getting engaged. One of the many things I learned is that until he popped the question it never crossed my mind that I might want to keep my last name. You may doubt my harsh honesty and question my unwavering certainty over marrying my own college sweetheart after reading this. What happened to the girl who couldn’t wait to marry him? I knew you would say that. I said it too. I’m still here and I just thought it was about time that someone let the single ladies in on the truth about what awaits you on the other side.
Blink and Rorschach in: “Valentine’s Day” By Sarah Adams
Check back next month for more adventures with Blink and Rorschach!
Features
Page 8
Where are they now? By Victoria Peters There are few months left for the graduating class of 2010, Contributing Writer and soon they will become McKendree alumni. Their lives are
completely different but they all still have one thing in common, diplomas from McKendree University. I interviewed six alumni who graduated between 2009 and 1976. Their lives are completely different but they all still have one thing in common, diplomas from McKendree University.
Christine Brewer In 1976, Christine Brewer graduated from McKendree with a degree in music education with a focus in voice. The degree got her a job as an opera singer and helped her win a Grammy award. When asked about her favorite class and professor she answered: “My private voice lessons with Professor Glenn Freiner.” He also became a mentor and personal friend. Her most cherished memory of being at McKendree was when she met her husband working in the admissions office in Old Main. She now resides in St. Louis, MO with her husband Ross Brewer and daughter Elisabeth Burchyett Brewer and continues singing for the St. Louis Symphony. Brewer would like the class of 2010 to remember to have curiosity and joy about every aspect of learning.
Adam Kee Moving ahead, I interviewed Adam Kee, who graduated from McKendree in 2004. Some of you may know him as brother to senior Kaitie Kee. Adam Kee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater and vocal performance, and now works for a company in New York City, NY, as a voice-over artist. He also teaches private lessons, master classes, and group classes for acting, voice/singing, dialects and musical theater in the NY-based performing arts studios. Kee enjoyed all of the music and theater classes at McKendree, especially concert choir with Dr. Ypma, as well as acting classes with Michelle Magnussen. His favorite memory of McKendree was working for the Records Office because he would get free donuts on Fridays and enjoyed working with the faculty, especially Michelle and Doug Magnussen. He completed his MFA in acting in 2007, and now resides with his partner, artist and designer Matthew de Leon, in NYC. He offered this advice to the graduates: “Don’t skip any class the day after a dress rehearsal and go wherever you want to do whatever you want, and worry about the consequences later.”
Andrea Knoll
In May 2007, Andrea Knoll left McKendree with a degree in psychology along with a minor in anthropology. She is currently continuing her studies at Indiana State University in clinical psychology. Knoll said she always enjoyed her psychology classes with Dr. Kemp at McKendree. She said that Kemp ‘told the best stories, and always livened up the classmates.’ Her most cherished memory of McKendree was her junior year living at McKendree West with her best friends. Knoll thinks the class of 2010 should remember to look close at what you really need near graduation and try working outside the area of your degree.
Heather Belmonte Another young woman graduated along with Thiel; Heather Belmonte, also from the class of 2009. She obtained bachelors degree in English and she is now working for WinePress Publishing Group as a freelance editor. She also works as an editor for a more local newspaper, the Belleville News-Democrat. She said she had a lot of interesting and stimulating classes at McKendree but her favorite was her senior seminar English, taught by Dr. Martha Patterson. Belmonte said that the class gave her a greater appreciation and understanding on topics she had no interest in before. She will always remember being a part of McKendree’s Literary Interest Society. Belmonte said she ‘gained great leadership and organizational skills from the group, and enjoyed the trips to Chicago’s Navy Pier to see Shakespeare productions.’ Her advice is to always stay positive and believe in yourself. McKendree trains its graduates well for the ‘real-world;’ just remember to do your work with passion.
Mary Beth Thiel
Mary Beth Thiel graduated with a degree in Theater. During the holiday, she was working part time as a director, but is now a student at Focus Leadership Institute in Colorado. Thiel said she had a lot of great classes at McKendree, but her all time favorite was costume and makeup, because it made her change to a Theater major. Her favorite professors were Michelle Magnussen and Dr. Reese because they both loved their craft and taught her very well. Thiel enjoyed McKendree nights and weekends playing pranks on her roomies and going to Denny’s with the actors and actresses. She recommends that seniors get job experience in everything and make sure to try anything they’re interested in. It opens a lot of options, especially now that jobs are so limited.
Mary Molly Tiede
My final alumna is known to many members of McKendree’s Theater Department. Mary Molly Tiede graduated in 2009 with a degree in theater. She is now continuing her theater education at Ohio University for lighting design. Like most theater majors, she enjoyed Michelle Magnussen’s classes, especially costume/ make-up class. Her experience at McKendree took her to Ohio University. She said that Doug Magnussen spent three years teaching her everything he knew about lighting design. Tiede said she owes it all to Michelle and Doug for getting her where she is today. She said the class of 2010 should always remember to dream big and to never settle. She also said to take advantage of McKendree’s faculty and staff because they are always willing to help and you never know where that help might get you.
Opinion
Page 9
Your music probably sucks Cont. the listeners have? We acquire a taste for redundancy. Little do we know there is adventurous music out there, hiding in the cracks of the internet, touring the country in small venues, surviving solely off of cult support. But this music is frequently shunned as hipster music, art rock or the music of eccentrics. This shouldn’t be surprising. Humans are naturally afraid of the unusual and these bands have the courage to write music that is challenging and sometimes even startling. When you listen to a song and the mood entirely changes in the middle of a musical phrase you may not like it initially. It surprises you and takes you out of your comfort zone—but is music only about comfort? Is all that we
want from music a steady beat, skimpy outfits and blatantly angst-driven lyrics? A song that breaks the verse-chorus pattern is not only courageous enough to be unpredictable; it encourages you to listen to the song over again. After listening to a Lady Gaga song once, don’t you sort of feel like you’ve heard it several times? The more surprises in a song and the more musical segments that can be differentiated from one another, the better. This shows that the artist is ambitious, original, brave and interested in expanding your own musical experience. A song with no more than three distinctive sections (verse, chorus, bridge) is not interested in challenging you. It’s probably interested in making the hit-list. What’s the solution?
There isn’t one that will change the artistry of the music industry once and for all. But you yourself can be rescued from the whirlpool of two chord songs. I refuse to provide any musical groups with more explorative sounds because I don’t want to seem like I’m promoting any particular bands. I am encouraging you to search the world of experimental music for yourself. If you start to appreciate even one band with unpredictable music, you’ve done yourself a favor by expanding your mind and opening up your tastes. You’ve also done the rest of the world a favor by bringing us one step closer to a radio that doesn’t play the same kinds of songs over and over and over and over and over…
Crawling out of the darkness Dealing with depression in silence By Anna Chambers Contributing Writer Every day of my life, as far back as I can remember, I have been depressed. Even on good days, it was there in the shadows, suffocating me. Some days I lie in bed for hours because I cannot get myself to move, trying to forget the world and everything in it. Almost every day when I wake up, a voice in my head says, “I hate myself.” Some days, scary days, it says “Kill yourself.” I wish it were easier, I wish medication would solve all my problems, but it won’t. Every day I get up is an accomplishment in its own right. Every day I don’t cry myself to sleep is considered a good day. I didn’t choose to be like this, I didn’t want to be like this. It wasn’t until I was twelve that I realized feeling this way isn’t considered normal. Honestly, I am not proud of everything in my life. When I let depression get the better of me, I became a bitter shell of a person, unable to connect and unaware of how hurtful I’d become to the people I love. I am not resting the blame of my actions on depression. Those are my own faults and I deal with them every day. But how do you completely change yourself, especially when you’re still in the environment that made you so cruel? Depression is a problem that everyone will face at some point in their lives. Foremost, depression will come after a major trauma or loss in life. Referred to as short-term depression, this usually lasts only a few weeks to a few months before getting better. However, at least 15 million Americans will face clinical depression. This type of depression lasts more than two weeks and only gets worse. It can start at any time in life and is hard to overcome. Some people, like me, are depressed their entire lives. Depression can be
summed up as biochemical misfiring in the brain, resulting in a variety of symptoms like lethargy, psychosis, weight change, anxiety and obsessive compulsive tendencies. Many medications are out there to help solve depression, but patients must also go through therapy, some for the rest of their lives. While everyone believes depression is out in the open, the reality is people still live in fear of the shame of mental illness. After a while, the depressed start to question whether they really are one step away from bouncing off padded walls. Even though I do not have suicidal tendencies, everyone walked on eggshells around me as if having to the dishes would make me go chase some Tylenol with a bottle of vodka. The problem is that depression does not resemble the commercials on television. You are not just feeling glum looking out a window at the rain and then, with the help of a magic pill, walking in the sunshine with a smile on your face. Only about 40% of the population of “just glum” people actually respond to medication, and even when it is successful, you are not cured overnight. I have been on high levels of antidepressants for almost two years, and while I do feel better, the shadow of depression still lingers within me. While I have fewer “bad” days than I did before, I still find myself struggling to get out of bed during the day, or being productive. These lies they tell you on television, they are not designed to help the depressed, but to help those around them understand.
However, what ends up happening is those normal people learn even less about what is going on inside a miserable person’s mind. The worst phrase ever uttered to a depressed individual is “snap out of it.” Because people assume that pills will make everything sunny and fill you with enough energy to frolic through a field, the un-depressed cannot comprehend it when a depressed person does not seem to improve. It also makes the depressed person feel as though nothing will make the situation better, because the magic pills will not work for them the way it does for the bouncing butterfly on television. The truth is, most depression will never go away. I know I will have it all my life. Sure, maybe some days will be amazing and all the pain and hurt will disappear, but if I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s that it will always come back to haunt me. I remember telling myself for years that things were bad now, but soon everything would be wonderful. Then one day I realized how often I told myself that, and finally admitted the problem to myself. I do not ask for nor want your pity. Yes, my life has not been fantastic, but I am so grateful for the days that are amazing that the rest of it doesn’t matter. I will deal with depression until the day I die, as will many others, and I accept this fate. What I want more than anything is for others to know the truth behind depression, and better understand their loved ones who face that pit of despair. I offer my story not as guidance, but as proof that we do survive, and become better people from our pain.
“While everyone believes depression is out in the open, the reality is people still live in fear of the shame of mental illness”
Opinion
Page 10
Jack Nicholson: By Kyle Hintz Staff Writer
In the 1970s, before ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’ a much deserved Oscar, and an iconic pair of shades, Jack Nicholson was one of the best damn actors on the planet, doing some very inspired work in films like ‘Five Easy Pieces,’ ‘The Last Detail’ and ‘Chinatown’ (each of which garnered him an Oscar nomination). Sadly, these days he’s only required to crack that devilish grin, don his trademark sunglasses and give us a rousing parody of his public persona. ‘The Departed’ is one of the few exceptions. Back in the old days, he was unfettered by his fame; audiences were allowed to watch the character instead of the actor. Especially in the films mentioned below.
4 Paws
A term of endearment
‘Five Easy Pieces’ is a character study of Bobby Dupea (Jack Nicholson,) a young man from an upperclass family, groomed to be a classical pianist, who rejects that life for one spent in trailer parks and working on oil rigs. Torn between the overintellectualized ‘bullshit’ world of high society and the utterly simple lifestyles of the blue collar, Dupea is one of the most complex, complete, genuinely human characters ever put to screen. Watch how the film gives equal attention to the mundane details as it does to the dramatic moments of Dupea’s life. That’s what makes it truly great. ‘The Last Detail’ stars Jack Nicholson, Randy Quaid, and Otis Young. Nicholson and Young are naval officers assigned to escort young Quaid to prison and along the way they decide to show him
a good time. Billy ‘Bad Ass’ Buddusky (Jack Nicholson) is in complete contrast with Larry Meadows (Randy Quaid,) who doesn’t even have the courage tell a waiter that his order has been messed up. There’s a brilliant scene where, upon hearing that Meadows has never had a beer, Buddusky decides to take him to a bar, gets into an argument with the bartender and more than earns the right to the nickname ‘Bad Ass.’ Based on a novel of the same name by Daryl Ponicsan, adapted by Robert Towne and directed by Hal Ashby, this is classic Nicholson you will not want to miss. ‘Chinatown’ is another film written by Robert Towne (an original screenplay this time,) and directed by Roman Polanski.
It’s a mystery set in Los Angeles in the 1930s. J.J. Gittes (Jack Nicholson) is a private detective investigating an adultery case when he stumbles on a murder plot involving water and a supposed drought. Probably the best mystery film ever written and featuring awesome supporting performances by John Huston, Faye Dunaway and Burt Young, it may be the best film of the three mentioned here. I first saw it on TV at 3AM the night before I was taking the SAT, and I have to say this film had far more impact on my life than my SAT scores ever did. If you want to see Nicholson in top form, I recommend you check out these three films and ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ while you’re at it.
Black History Month: Honoring a hero By Frank Austin As we observe Black History Month, it is appropriate to Contributing Writer remember African-Americans who have contributed to the ranks
stunning turn of events for the Allies and it caused great concern. General Richard Todd, the Eighth Air Force Chief of Staff, told his wing commanders: of America’s fighting heroes. One prominent contributor was “With oil they can operate their hundreds of grounded planes, especially the new jet Benjamin O. Davis. He grew up in a military family, wanted a military career of his own, aircraft. They can refuel their Panzer divisions. The war could last another year, maybe defied the odds and the predictions against him and made important history. longer if they have time to develop their new sophisticated weaponry.” The atom bomb After graduation from high school, Benjamin Davis applied for appointment to was among the weapons feared to be in development. The course of the war could the U.S. Military Academy in 1932, but he received discouraging words from his certainly change! congressman: At about the same time, German jets severely mauled “No black man has been there in 40 years.” The heavy bomber elements of the 3rd Division, 8th Air Force congressman told Ben Davis to go to Tuskegee instead. while they were attacking the Diamler Benz factory “I want West Point,” young Ben Davis insisted. complex near Berlin. Diamler Benz was a producer of the Cadet Ben Davis received not only the usual hazing, dreaded Nazi Tiger Tank. but also abuse and ostracism. Even so, he maintained his The task of bombing the Diamler Benz fell on the 15h calm and perseverance. By graduation day in 1936, he Air Force in Italy. Colonel Davis and his 332nd Fighter had earned the respect of his fellow cadets. Group implemented decisive air combat innovations As a young officer, Ben Davis refused to settle for an with their P-51 Mustangs for confronting German jets. Army career in artillery or in service units, which were The long mission would involve flying over the Austrian the only areas open for blacks in the Army. He surprised Alps. The mission would also pit the 15th Air Force his father, then a Brigadier General, by telling him what against the best pilots in Germany, including Luftwaffe he was going to do. ace Adolph Galland. This was certainly a high risk “You’re crazy, Ben,” his father told him. “They don’t mission. use blacks in the Air Corps and they aren’t likely to.” On March 24, 1945, as the mission against Diamler Benjamin Davis was out to make some changes, Benz commenced, dramatic results unfolded. Pilots of the and he did. He joined a black air unit at Tuskegee. This 332rd Fighter Group held off the German jet interceptors unit was seemingly going nowhere. Alone and isolated as B-17 Flying Fortresses bombed the tank complex at from the rest of the Army Air Corps, the unit was called Diamler Benz. It was an aerial campaign of decisive “The Lonely Eagles.” Davis vowed to make this unit an importance in that it curtailed a supply of tanks that instrument of change. could have enabled the German Army to stop the Allied The Lonely Eagles formed into the 332nd Fighter advance across the Rhine River. It is now little known Group with Benjamin Davis in command. The unit and barely remembered, but it was a campaign in which deployed to Foggia, Italy. By 1945, Davis was a colonel. men of different races gave their lives for a common He would soon see his unit’s most rewarding venture. cause. By spring of 1945, Nazi Germany was nearly In the years ahead, fate held fortune for two of the subdued. Her cities were in ruins, her economy was bled prime participants of the aerial battle over Diamler white and her territory was being invaded. In February, Benz. Adolph Galland became an executive for the all German gasoline refineries were either bombed or West German Lufthansa airline until he retired in 1965. shut down. The German Commander-in-Chief on the Benjamin O. Davis became a Four Star General and Air western front, Field Marshall Gerd von Rundstedt, Force Chief of Staff. He vowed to treat every member of issued a blunt public statement: his command equally, and he did. “Without fuel, we can do nothing. As far as I’m Thus, the participants of the hard-fought but littleconcerned, the war is over.” known air battle over Diamler Benz faded into history. But fate intervened and Germany gained a reprieve. Benjamin O. Davis on the wing of a P-51 Mustang. Davis, in uniform, Lest we forget and let us be evermore proud. became the first black General in the Air Force. On July 6, 2002, German forces counterattacked on the eastern front Sincerely, Davis passed away and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery. and seized the Balaton oil fields in Hungary. It was a Frank B. Austin, McK Public Safety Officer
Opinion
A candle in the dark
Why are students anti-science?
By Shawn Printy Staff Writer
“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.” -Charles Darwin. I was tutoring a seventh grade student at the Lebanon Junior High and helping her with her health and biology homework. When we were finished I remarked how fun I thought that was. She fixed me with a stare and said, “In my house, science is called the ‘s-word.’ We don’t talk about it. Mommy and Daddy don’t like it.” I was completely astounded. I know anti-scientific sentiments weren’t uncommon, but hearing it phrased so strongly was a shock. Everyone has experienced this in some form or another. Can you think of how many of your friends have said “Science is dumb”? And it’s a good bet you have at least one friend who would beg to differ. I remember science classes being extremely unpopular in high school, with the exception of a few geeks who actually enjoyed them. The scenario is roughly the same here at McKendree. The science majors are far outnumbered by non-science majors like education, psychology and criminal justice. A quick note: When I say science, I mean hard sciences such as biology, chemistry and physics. Most people moan and groan about the seven hours of science credits that McKendree requires of all students, regardless of major. Most don’t see why it’s important: “I’m an English major; why should I have to take a biology course?” This is a common complaint across America, where we are ranked 29th in the world in science and mathematics, behind Lichtenstein and Croatia. It’s a safe bet most American high school students would have trouble pointing out those two countries on a map.
Why is this, though? Why do we consistently lag so far behind other countries when the United States is supposed to be a great benchmark for education and progress? Anti-scientific sentiments such as the comment by the 7th grader are the blame. She herself, however, is not to blame. Her parents have propagated this viewpoint, yet they must have rationale in order to push an agenda such as that. In the United States, the prevailing reason for anti-scientific sentiments is dependent on religious, moral and cultural arguments. For this type of antiscience thought, science is an anti-spiritual and materialistic force that undermines traditional values, ethnic identity and accumulated historical wisdom in favor of reason and cosmopolitanism. I’ll leave the roots of the problems for others to determine, but the fact remains that we need to do something about this. It’s not simply a matter of adding more science and math classes to high schools and forcing more instruction on students. It’s the mind-set of the country as a whole that is causing problems and preventing us from advancing to our full potential. The country needs a paradigm shift that we are not likely to receive soon unless people take action. I would be falling into the same trappings as the U.S. if I were to simply acknowledge a problem without offering a solution. My idea is simple. Work locally. Read science books. Help tutor children in math and science if you happen to be good at them. If you have room for an elective, take a science course. There are few better ways to enhance your appreciation of the world than better understanding how it works. As per the point of the entire article, I’m sure some of you will read it, snort and laugh at its futility or stupidity. That’s exactly the point I’m trying to make.
“In my house, science is called the ‘s-word.’ We don’t talk about it. Mommy and Daddy don’t like it.”
“When I say science, I mean hard sciences such as biology, chemistry and physic.”
“My idea is simple. Work locally. Read science books. Help tutor children in math and science if you happen to be good at them.”
Page 11
Guy Speak Girl Talk Q
with Jake Bennett with Tavi Sanders
I still live at home and my parents still ‘control’ me. I have a decent curfew, but they don’t like me to be out a lot and they freak on when I stay at campus, regardless of academic reasons or just to have fun with my friends. I understand that they love me and want me to be safe, but how can I get them to trust me more and let me have a little more freedom?
Guy Speak: At this point in your life, I doubt that anything you do (short of taking drastic measures) will alter their views on this matter. If you don’t want to have to deal with your parents’ rules, then get out of their house. It doesn’t matter how old you are; if you live under their roof, you have to obey their house rules. I know it sucks, but there isn’t a lot else you can do. Communicating with them calmly is the best way to resolve this in my opinion. Let them know that you are not on a mission to screw up your life, or to shame them in any way. Look for reasons that they SHOULD trust you, and present those to them. Above all, remain mature about it. Parents (in my experience) respond well to that. Girl Talk: You must crawl before you can walk. Gaining your own personal freedom is a stage process. If you have a fair curfew, then this obviously means you have parents who are willing to negotiate. There are so many college horror stories and they do not want you to become one of them. Campuses are filled with so many different people. Since such a wide variety of people are grouped together, there are a lot of things that you could be exposed to that you do not quite understand yet. Your parents are your first teachers and, like any good instructor, they care about their students. They are not ready to release you until they know you are ready. Consider this period as a 100 level course. Eventually you will become more proficient and move to the next level. I do not believe their actions mean that they do not trust you; they just want to make sure you are ready.
Q
My brother’s girlfriend is a serious slob and totally has him whipped; she’s basically living with us and they act like they’re married, with him doing whatever she says, whenever she says it. He’s so busy doing her homework and cleaning up after her that he’s neglecting himself and screwing up in school. How do I get him to get rid of her so he can get back to how he used to be?
Guy Speak: This might be a hard question for you to answer, but does he want to be the way he used to be? It may not seem like it to you, but your brother may be happy being “whipped.” Now, the flunking in school is a problem that should be addressed, but unless your brother is truly unhappy in his relationship, he isn’t going to stop seeing her. Assuming that you have not yet tried to talk to him about it, try to let him know how you feel on the matter. Remind him of what life is like when you don’t have a “puppet master.” Who knows, perhaps he will realize that he doesn’t want to be in such a controlling relationship. It also could be that he is desperate for love and will do whatever it takes to keep a girl. Try complimenting him a lot, bring up his self esteem. Let him know that he doesn’t need her. Girl Talk: Before anything can be done your brother must first acknowledge that there is a problem. If he likes it you will have to learn to love it. It sounds as though he puts her needs before his own. This is a very good characteristic to have in a relationship. Your brother sounds as though he has been hit with an arrow from cupid. He is under a trance right now. The only thing you can do is support him. You can make him aware of your observations and hope he takes them under consideration. But if you constantly complain about his girlfriend, it will push him closer to her. You have to remember this is his life and not yours. No one wants to see a loved one fail, but sometimes we have to in order for them to learn from their mistakes. Keep loving and supporting him and I am sure things will turn out okay.
Got a question for Jake and Tavi? Send it to mckreview@mckendree.edu Don’t forget to recycle this newspaper
Sports
Page 12 DETMER LEADS McKENDREE PAST HANNIBAL LaGRANGE, 71/60; WIN STREAK HITS 10 IN A ROW Senior forward Kenny Detmer (Aviston, Ill./Breese minutes remaining in the period. The Bearcats extended Central) scored 13 of his team-high 17 points in the second the margin to 25-9 after two free throws by sophomore half to pace the McKendree University men’s basketball forward Ian Ridge (Flora, Ill./Flora) at the 7:49 mark team to a 71-60 victory Saturday at home against before Hannibal-LaGrange cut into the Bearcats’ lead. The Hannibal-LaGrange College. Trojans outscored McKendree McKendree, ranked No. 7 15-4 down the stretch to rally in NAIA Division I, posted its within 29-24. Brian Gilbert sliced 10th consecutive victory to move McKendree’s lead to just five to 19-5 overall. The Bearcats points on a driving lay-up with also remained undefeated in four seconds left in the period. American Midwest Conference Wolff took the inbounds pass play at 8-0. Saturday’s win was and launched a 60-foot shot in also McKendree’s eighth straight front of the scorer’s table just triumph over Hannibal-LaGrange. ahead of the buzzer. Wolff’s shot Freshman guard John Steppe banked in, giving McKendree (Effingham, Ill./St. Anthony) a 32-24 advantage at the added 12 points, while junior intermission. guard Andy Wolff (Centralia, Ill./ The Trojans pulled within Metro-East Lutheran) chipped in 36-34 in the early stages of with 11 points and a team-high the second half, but could not five steals. Sophomore forward get any closer. McKendree Kenny Detmer scored 13 of his team-high 17 points maintained its lead, extending the Sean Rakers (New Baden, Ill./ in the second half against Hannibal-LaGrange Wesclin) narrowly missed a cushion to double-digits on five double-double for McKendree with different occasions in the period. 10 points and nine rebounds. Junior forward Eric Hobbie The Bearcats were able to seal the game from the line in (Vandalia, Ill./Vandalia) notched eight points along with the closing minutes, making all six of their free throw a team-best 12 rebounds and five steals for the Bearcats. attempts in the last 49 seconds of play. McKendree head coach Harry Statham, the all-time Gilbert led Hannibal-LaGrange (7-14, 2-6 AMC) with wins leader in men’s college basketball history at the 17 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Gerrell Wells four-year level, extended another record by coaching in added 11 points, while Darrell Johnson had 10 points, five his 1,400th career game on Saturday. Statham pushed assists and four blocked shots for the Trojans. his career record to 1,014-386 in his 44th season with the McKendree completed the regular season sweep of Bearcats. Hannibal-LaGrange in the win on Saturday. The Bearcats In the first half, McKendree scored the first eight points won 74-59 in Hannibal, Mo., on Jan. 9. of the contest and built an 18-6 lead with just over 12
HOCKEY VICTORY AT WESTERN ILLINOIS; BEARCATS STRETCH WIN STREAK TO SEVEN The McKendree University hockey team stretched its winning streak to seven consecutive games with a convincing 11-0 road victory Saturday against Western Illinois University. Sophomore wing Nic Rolla (O’Fallon, Ill./ SIU-Edwardsville) scored four goals in the effort, while junior defenseman Alec Steiner (Belleville, Ill./Belleville East) also registered a hat trick. Senior goalie Mike Stier (Belleville, Ill./Belleville West) stopped all 25 shots he faced to post the shutout in Saturday’s contest. McKendree pushed its season record to 14-7 overall and will close out the regular season next weekend with home games against the Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville gold team. Friday’s game
is set for a 7:30 p.m., followed by a 3 p.m. start on Saturday at the U.S. Ice Sports Complex in Fairview Heights. Senior center Charlie Donze (Fairview Heights, Ill./Althoff Catholic), sophomore wing J. David Coleman (Greenville, Ill./ Fort Zumwalt West), senior defenseman Chris Donahue (Levittown, Pa./Truman) and junior defenseman Kyle Clark (Waterloo, Ill./ Waterloo) each netted a goal against Western Illinois. McKendree led 4-0 after one period and 5-0 at the second intermission before the offense came to life with six third-period tallies. Donahue’s goal in the second period was the lone power-play goal of the evening for the Bearcats.
McK WRESTLING TEAM HAS FIVE FINISH IN TOP FIVE AT MISSOURI VALLEY COLLEGE OPEN The No. 5 McKendree University wrestling team had five wrestler’s place in the top five at the Missouri Valley College Open on Saturday. The Bearcats will host Missouri Baptist University in their final dual meet of the season on February 10 at 7 p.m., at the Melvin Price Convocation Center. Sophomore Kyle Reid (Belleville, Ill./Belleville East ) posted a 4-0 record to win the championship at 184 pounds. He defeated Jesse Alter of Missouri Valley in a 10-8 decision to win the weight class. Sophomore Kyle Williams (Scott Air Force Base, Ill./Mascoutah) finished in second place at 141 pounds in the tournament with a record of 4-1. Williams lost a 10-8 decision in the championship match to Nick Hucke of the University of
Missouri. Junior David Dwyer (South Beloit, Ill./ Hononegah) placed third at 165 pounds with a record of 5-1. Dwyer won the third place match by forfeit over John Murray of Lindenwood University. McKendree had two wrestler’s finish in the top five in the heavyweight division. Senior Chas MalochCedric Powell (Duncan, Okla./Duncan) finished in fifth place by getting a forfeit win over Lindenwood’s Willie Wiggins in the fifth place match. Powell also finished the tournament with a record of 4-2. (Corona, Calif./Santiago) posted a 4-2 record on his way to a fourth place finish. Maloch was pinned by Lindenwood’s Tyler Porras in 1:39 in the third place match.
Sports articles by Eric Buck and Scott Cummings