The
McKendree Review
Apr. 9, 2010
701 College Rd. Lebanon, IL 62254
Voigt science labs:
Dangerously out-of-date
Ask any science student at McKendree what they think of the laboratory equipment at Voigt and the answer will probably be universally negative. Now, McKendree’s focus is not science; however, our science department is woefully underfunded and under equipped. Last semester in my genetics course, nearly every other lab failed to produce A rusting water de-ionizer. the correct outcome, usually due to old, malfunctioning or improper equipment. In my chemistry course this semester, we have had to double up lab groups because we lacked a decent number of working burets, which are essential measurement devices in chemistry. It would probably be safe to assume that a good amount of the equipment used is older than most of the freshman students here. In the inorganic chemistry lab, the first aid kit and info center on the wall dates back to before WWII, as do all of its contents. Not only is this not productive to learning, it’s also dangerous. The music and theatre departments
By Shawn Printy Staff Writer
Distractions! Pg. 6
Vol. 88, Iss. 8
McKendree Student Wins Poetry in Motion Honor
The idea behind catharsis.’ He is majoring in English with a the St. Louis Poetry minor in creative writing and jokingly said in Motion contest he has wanted to write and “be very poor” enjoy the beautiful Hett Center, and the is a simple one: bring poetry into people’s since the 4th grade. education and business departments daily lives by displaying local poets’ work When asked what he likes to read, Ruiz frequently utilize Piper’s new classrooms. in Metro buses and MetroLink cars. The said, “Whatever I can find that has a cool However, those in science, a discipline annual contest is sponsored by Metro cover.” Some favorite books he named so influenced by new developments, is Arts in Transit and the Poetry Society of included ‘A Home at the End of the World’ relegated to a building that is older than America. Contestants submit their poems by Michael Cunningham, ‘No One Belongs my parents (with equipment to match). for consideration and the winning entries Here More Than You’ by Miranda July and Other majors and disciplines are not will be turned into posters the ‘Ghost World’ comic as reliant on equipment as part of the with custom graphics series. and then placed in Metro Other than writing, learning process. The sciences are the only transportation. This year Ruiz said he enjoys courses that McKendree offers that have the new poetry displays taking walks, picking up lab work as a major and integral part of will include the work litter, making ‘found art’ the curriculum. Not only is it important for collages out of the things learning, but also for providing real-world of one of McKendree’s students. Aaron Ruiz, he finds and starting experience. an English major at awkward conversations Many students who graduate with McKendree, is one of with neighbors. biology and chemistry degrees will go on 15 winners for the 2010 Metro Arts in Transit to work in jobs that require them to do Poetry in Motion contest. is an organization that lab work. Without adequate experience in Ruiz heard about the promotes art and design properly equipped and set up labs, we are contest in Dr. Jenny in the Metro East area at a disadvantage. Mueller’s Advanced Poetry class. He public transportation systems as well as admitted that he was a little nervous about community awareness of those systems. In one particularly unpleasant example, the class at first, saying, “You never really AIT has been active since 1986 and 2010 the organic chemistry lab students looked know where you stand with it [poetry].” marks the fourth year of the Poetry in on in horror as an aging centrifuge (a The poem he submitted, ‘The child in my Motion contest. The visual displays for the fast-spinning piece of equipment used to 2010 poems will not be available until late separate solutions) destroyed several hours head has grown tall enough,’ was one of worth of their work when it malfunctioned. his best poems from that class. As a winner May, but the poems and art from the 2009 for Poetry in Motion, Ruiz will receive $50 contest can be viewed at http://www. Sophomore Maggie Musso said simply, and have his poem made into an artistic artsintransit.org/PIM09.html. The reading “The labs here are a biology major’s poster for public display. Winners of the ceremony for this year’s contest will be hell.” contest are also invited to read their poems held at the Regional Arts Commission on This is at a public ceremony on May 20. May 20. no fault Ruiz said he enjoys writing poems and Congratulations to Aaron Ruiz on his of the short stories for fun or a kind of ‘creative winning poem. staff that ‘The child in my head has grown tall enough’ manages Voigt, The child in my head has grown tall enough. She has woven a basket of dry though. dandelions. The hours beneath her feet are falling like a broken rope. She waits by the They curtains, pulled open. Tapping her fingers for the wind. receive very limited funding, as any of I put my umbrella down. She stands and reaches for me. We listen to the noises of the the teachers will tell you, and human city outside. knowledge is not receiving the treatment We wait in the sunlight. She holds my hand like a string to a tea bag, we are losing our and attention that it deserves. It is my hope salt. that I can see changes in this department The wind is like a train behind schedule. But we are not certain, there are no clocks. She while I am still here at McKendree. drums with one hand, tethers me with the other. We wait. We are sisters like that. Holding.
RSO Meetings: By Ben Simon Assistant Editor
A famous advantage of small schools is the togetherness between instructors and students, and between students and other students. However, no private college can stop students from dividing into selective groups based on interests and goals. Of course it’s healthy to engage in extracurricular activities with students with similar tastes and majors, so is it worth the effort to try to unite individual clubs? Registered Student Organization presidents meetings are geared toward bringing university groups together to share information about one another, and about upcoming events. They also work to teach new organization presidents about the process of leading a student group.
NEWS 1-2
Lorax? Pg. 4
FEATURES 3-8
By Sarah Adams Associate Editor
Are they necessary? Senior president of the Black Student Organization Brittnee’ Jones commented on the value of the meetings by saying: “Those meetings are really helpful, in my opinion. When I was first starting out as president last semester, I had no clue whatsoever what to do as president and I didn’t know how I was going to lead this group, that all changed when I started attending the President’s meetings, I get great tips from Craig [Robertson] and he helped me out a lot. And now I’m a great leader!” Naturally it would be impossible to gather every member of every group in one place, so the leaders of each club commune to represent their members. But with such a vast variety of clubs congregating, is it possible to engage in discussions that are relevant to every club?
Campus 6-7
I had a chance to sit in on an RSO presidents meeting and observe the process. The assembly was a great opportunity for student leaders from drastically different groups to commiserate, breaking down the barriers that divide members of the student body. It’s no secret that these divisions often create tension between sects of students due to conflicting ideas about what extracurricular events are necessary for education, what groups deserve what budget, and yes—unfortunately— group popularity is somehow still a tension-causing factor. Having observed members of Greek societies talking and joking openly with members of educational interest clubs I would say it is fair to
OPINION 9-11
Continued Pg 10
SPORTS 12
News
Page 2
Going Nationalism Dutch? and Anti-Muslim
movements on the rise in Europe
Congratulations Contest winners
ByJoep Schreurs ‘‘Islam is not a religion, but a fascist ideology…we have to Contributing Writer stop immigration from Muslim countries before the Islam takes
over our culture.’’ This is the opinion of one of the most popular politicians in the Netherlands. ‘De Partij van de Vrijheid’(Freedom Party) is a self-proclaimed anti-Muslim party that wants to stop immigration and decrease cooperation with the European Union (EU), even leave the EU if necessary. Ironically a lot of their proposed policies will result in a decrease of personal freedom. Often Americans perceive Europe as a collaboration of states similar to the United States of America. This is a misconception. It is true that it is possible to freely cross national borders within the European Union, and there is also a great deal of cooperation economically and even politically. However there is no such thing as a Federal European Union. There also is a European law, but it is often unclear how much merit they have. Most political decisions, so it seems, are still being made within the borders of the nation-states. Steps are being taken to have the nations within the EU work together even closer. There is a European Parliament, but most citizens do not have the slightest idea how much power this institution has. The consensus is that Europe should not decide too much about local affairs. A few years ago, the people were asked to vote whether or not to sign a treaty that was generally referred to as the ‘European Constitution.’ The Dutch voted against the treaty. Politicians were stunned. Apparently a lot of Dutch people are not automatically in favor of a European Union. “They are just different then we are. Cooperation is good, but we cannot all live under the same laws.” It is an opinion expressed even by ‘real Europeans,’individuals that work in a different European country than they were born in. And there are already so many influences threatening the precious Dutch culture: Americans with their movies and music, Muslim immigrants with their ‘repressive and backward ideas’ and Chinese with their economic power. The globalizing world is a dangerous one. Strangers come from all over the place, trying to steal jobs and replace the dominant values with their own. There is fear that the Dutch national identity and the values that are thought to be part of that identity will be lost if they are not preserved and protected. For a long time it was thought that the rise of right wing movements similar to those Belgium, France or Austria would not be possible in the Netherlands. Until 2000 all was reasonably quiet at this Dutch western front. A shock went through the political arena when some of the so-called tolerant and open-minded people of this country turned out to be not as welcoming to the Muslim immigrants. Pim Fortuyn, an eloquently spoken professor, had for a long time been expressing his views on integration and the failing policies of those in power. With the discussion around homosexuals in the US in mind, it may be relevant to mention that he was openly homosexual. He was perceived as a right wing racist populist by the ruling political parties, and a hero to lower-class white people and some of the ‘rags-to-riches’ businessmen.
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 Jake Bennett Kyle Hintz
Shawn Printy Tavi Sanders Joep Schreurs
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
Lauren Snyder Nick Watts
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.
Riddle Answers: 1) There is no answer or ‘Poe wrote on both.’ 2) Fire 3) Time
Anna Niebrugge
Katherine Porter
Congrates to Anna Niebrugge and Katherine Porter for completing the Riddle Contest in the last issue. Our next contest will be a cryptogram. To solve the cryptogram, we have given you four letters to begin the word structure. The rest is up to you! Best of luck, McKendree.
UTPIB IY OUEIGOUB TGFEPD WGOEC ON A L N A O NA L O U=A
B=L
G=O
O=N
Features
Page 3
Mix Tape of the Month By Kristen Eckstadt Staff Writer
I don’t know about you, but I get tired of the radio and hearing the same songs OVER AND OVER AGAIN. That’s why I’ve
Student Special
$2.00 off Haircut 10% off Chemical Normal $7 - Must present coupon at time of haircut. Exp. 4-28-10 Please call ahead for appointment
or
Service
Normal $7 - Must present coupon at time of haircut. Exp. 4-28-10 Please call ahead for appointment
FIND US ON THE WEB The McKendree Review is now digitally available to all! Check our archives page out at:
www.issuu.com/mckreview.
You can also find us on Facebook!
The McKendree Review would like to thank Mr. George Kriss, the I.T. Department, and Ms. Maggie White for their assistance in updating the Review Office.
Attention Seniors and Graduate students who are graduating in May:
The deadline to return your RSVP for the Graduation Celebration Dinner is April 30. For more information or details, contact Jeff Campbell, Alumni Director, at 5376813 or jcampbell@mckendree.edu
compiled a list of songs that will give your ears a break. Enjoy! You can download these songs on Itunes, Napster, or Amazon. Try something new for once; you won’t be disappointed.
1. No One’s Gonna Love You - Band Of Horses 2. Boy With A Coin - Iron & Wine 3. Atticus - The Noisettes 4. Blue Eyes - Cary Brothers 5. I Still Remember - Bloc Party 6. Evil - Interpol 7. Hello, I Love You - The Doors 8. Twilight - Elliot Smith 9. Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You - Colin Hay 10. Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Features Page 4 Why You Don’t Need a Thneed: Dr. Seuss’s ‘The Lorax’ and Consumerism “I’m being quite useful. This thing is a Thneed. A Thneed’s a Fine-Something-That-All-PeopleNeed!” So says the Once-ler in Dr. Suess’s classic story ‘The Lorax.’ The Once-ler (a shady, profiteering creature of whom we never see much more than a pair of green arms) moves to a beautiful land full of Brown Bar-ba-loots and Truffula Trees...and proceeds to destroy it all making Thneeds, a product he claims nobody should be without. Just what is a Thneed? In the book it resembles a sort of malformed garment with oddly placed neck and arm holes. The Once-ler claims it can be used for anything from a hat to a curtain or carpet. The Lorax declares that nobody will ever buy a Thneed...before somebody comes along and does indeed purchase it. Of course, this is Dr. Seuss. The idea of someone buying such a silly thing is ridiculous, right? The story of the Lorax is widely acknowledged as being an allegory to the dangers of industrialization with respect to the environment. In addition to that, though, it has some scary parallels to advertising and consumerism. If you don’t believe the portrayal of the Once-ler’s absurd product is representative of real life, you may want to consider these four words: As Seen On TV. As-Seen-On-TV products are notorious for their crazy advertising that inevitably tries to make out products to seem like the second coming of Christ or something that will make your life perfect, effortless, etc. They employ weaselly advertising phrases such as ‘MAKES MEALS IN SECONDS!’ and ‘NEVER PAY FOR CARPET CLEANING
By Sarah Adams Associate Editor
AGAIN!’ When you’re watching daytime TV, it’s hard to resist such persuasion. When you’re watching TV at four in the morning for no apparent reason, you probably already have the phone in your hand. After all, most of them promise to double your order if you call in the next five minutes! Despite the fact that most of us scoff at the idea of buying a PedEgg from a TV ad (at least we do while not watching the commercial,) people actually do buy these things. Some of them seem just short of miraculous if they work as promised. A look at www.asseen-on-tv-review.net indicates that, while the products are not completely useless, they sure aren’t everything they’re cracked up to be. Reviews for the infamous ShamWow range from “It’s awesome!” to “No better than a regular towel.” The reviews for everyone’s favorite crafty jewel applicator, the Bedazzler, are more one sided: basically, “It sucks.” Still, no matter how silly these products are in concept or appearance, people all over the US pay money for such ‘Thneeds.’ Of course, TV isn’t the only place where products are portrayed as miracles using phrases that are actually pretty vague. If you had a nickel for every time you saw the words ‘BETTER,’ ‘NEW AND IMPROVED,’ ‘NOW! BETTER TASTING!’ or ‘FREE’ on a product in the supermarket, you’d probably have enough to buy yourself a small fleet of Roomba robot vacuum cleaners. Do those words really tell you anything? Better than what? Improved in what way? How exactly is it ‘better tasting?’ Advertising relies on the consumer to fill in the answers to those questions so that they can make such claims without actually having to prove anything. As long as you buy it, it doesn’t matter...and at least some of the time, you WILL buy it. As-Seen-On-TV products are just a little more insidious
and ridiculous because you actually witness them being used and the delight on the faces of those using them. At a time when you are relaxing with your favorite show and your guard is down, you are bombarded with a full sixty seconds of product pitch that boils down to a single message: YOU NEED THIS. What’s an over-eighteen-yearold with a credit card to do in the face of such persuasion? At this point, you are most likely willing to admit that the deadly duo of advertising and consumerism is rampant in our daily lives. But nobody would actually buy an item so obviously pointless as a Thneed...or would they? A soft, blanket-like thing with holes for your arms and head...starting to sound a little familiar? Dr. Seuss predicted the direction of As-Seen-OnTV ads over thirty years ago. We already have our very own real-world Thneed: the Snuggie. Snuggies are like Crocs; everyone knows you look silly wearing them, but, as most owners of Snuggies will say in their own defense, “It’s so comfortable!” The popular blanket-with-sleeves would seem to be among the silliest of creations, considering that it’s basically like wearing a robe on your front instead of your back. If your house is really so cold that you fear frostbite should your arm find its way out of your blanket, you may need to consider moving somewhere below the Arctic Circle. Regardless, Snuggies have found enough popularity to be produced by multiple retailers and offered in a doggy-size version...which people have proceeded to buy. So next time you are wandering through Wal-Mart or zoning out on 1960s game shows during an all-night study session and some super-excited TV advertisement threatens to trip your consumer alarms, take a step back, consider the story of the Lorax and ask yourself:: “Do I REALLY need that Thneed?”
One-Act Play Festival
Come see: ‘Duck,’ ‘Beer Girl,’ ‘Waiting,’ ‘No Soliciting,’ ‘Click’ and ‘Lion.’ Directed by your fellow McK students April 16-17 in Eisenmayer
Features Page 5 Blink and Rorschach in “Supplies Party” By Sarah Adams
Avoid spring break-downs with proper phone planning U.S. Cellular Associated Press “No worries” might be the mantra for students heading off on a spring break trip, but without proper planning, a vacation can put you to the test. U.S. Cellular wants to help make sure that spring break remains fun with this vacation checklist: There’s no place like roam – Before you leave, check to see if your wireless plan covers your travel destination. U.S. Cellular offers national plans that include free roaming, as well as a $69.99 unlimited national plan that provides convenience and service. Over and Out – Time spent away from family may result in more talk time. Don’t go over your minutes. Sign up for U.S. Cellular’s Overage Protection and receive alerts when you’ve reached 75 percent of your minutes or text messages and another reminder when your reach 100 percent. Overage Protection is a free and easy way to help keep you on budget. If more talking and texting are
unavoidable, you can always change your plan at any time with U.S. Cellular. Back me up on this – Before you leave, make sure your contacts won’t be lost if you lose or damage your phone. U.S. Cellular’s My Contacts Backup is free and saves your contact information online for easy transfer to a new device. More power to you – Don’t forget to bring your charger. Car chargers provide fast power-up when your battery is low. Extended capacity batteries are also available for many popular phones. Playing games, connecting to the Internet, listening to music, texting and talking all use battery power, so remember to charge your phone. Or you can take advantage of U.S. Cellular’s Battery Swap program. Any customer can bring in their dead or dying battery in a U.S. Cellular store and swap it for a fully-charged battery free of charge. I have your number – Pre-program important numbers into your phone’s
address book and speeddial functions. Don’t forget numbers for your emergency contact, travel agent, airline, hotel and even insurance agent. On the road again – If your Spring Break happens to be a road trip, make sure you stay en route with U.S. Cellular’s Your Navigator service, a GPS-enabled application offering turn-by-turn directions from the palm of your hand. Your Navigator is available at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-car GPS navigation systems. Weather or not – Chances are the forecast will be nothing but sunshine, but if you want to know how much nicer it is at your destination than back home, you can access U.S. Cellular’s easyedgeSM AccuWeather forecasts, complete with up-to-date weather graphics, as well as animated radar and satellite imagery. Water worries – Afraid your phone might take a dive in the ocean or a spill on the slopes? While some damage can
Campus Page 6 Student gives more than hair; he gives hope to cancer patients By Chelsea Arnold Daniel Editor-in-Chief Sheldon,
age 20, has been seen roaming about campus for the past two years sporting a long ponytail that stuck out from under his hat. Ever since freshman year of high school, his friends have always seen his long locks and said: ‘There’s Dan.’ “It’s been 6 years since I let anything remotely sharp around my head, and I thought it was about time to finally take the plunge. What better to do, though, then make all
that time spent growing hair worth something,” he said. On Mar. 27, Dan sat down with the folks of St. Baldrick’s Foundation at The EDGE in Belleville, Il, and cut off his ponytail. He donated a total 21 inches of hair. “They braid and cut your hair if it is long enough, then they have barbers cut the rest. Even if you don’t have long hair, you can still collect a lot of money. They will even auction eyebrows and facial hair if you want... but I wanted to keep mine.” Dan was surprised at how easy it was to get involved with St. Baldrick’s. “You basically make a Facebook-like page on their site, and they let people donate by credit card through the site. The money goes straight to the organization through the charity’s website.” Dan has been a partner with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation since the beginning of this year. “My Mom’s pastor had done it before, and I was
getting ready to cut mine anyway... it was getting annoying. So I looked around and asked him about it, and decided to do something with [my hair]. There are a lot of really great people who participate. Cancer survivors, kids, women; everyone can do it,” he said. Everone attending the event was very supportive. After each haircut, everyone cheered, and made the event a fun time. In attendance, a few elementary students, including an entire little league team, had their heads shaved. The total event raised over $40,000 for cancer research. Dan currently has over 25 people as donors. He is a Computer Science major, and is an active member of the McKendree Marching Bearcat Band. While he currently does not have plans to regrow his hair, Dan has raised a total of $1,325 of his $10,000 goal. To donate or to find out more information, visit Dan’s page at http://www.stbaldricks.org/ participants/dsheldon.
Dan Sheldon after his haircut
Best distraction websites Plenty of LOL for your time well-wasted By Libby Mowers Assistant Editor
The end of the school year is almost here! But if you don’t want to do work, have no fear! While the Internet may be a great tool for research and keeping people connected over great distances, it is an even better tool for distraction! Here are a few of the Review crew’s favorite distraction websites:
icanhascheezburger and lolcats
If you like pictures of cute cats accompanied by grammatically incorrect captions, this is for you! The lolcat trend apparently started in 2005, gaining popularity by early 2007 through different blogs and even news coverage in Time magazine and The Wall Street Journal. The trend really took off with the “I can has cheezburger?” lolcat and the website it inspired. Today, there are numerous offshoots and parodies of the original lolcats, including loldogs (ihasahotdog.com) and a lolcat Bible translating project. According to lolcats, the Bible begins with, “Oh hai. In teh beginnin Ceiling Cat maded teh skiez An da Urfs, but he did not eated dem. Da Urfs no had shapez An haded dark face, An Ceiling Cat rode invisible bike over teh waterz.”
FAIL Blog
Another favorite, owned by the same company that owns I Can Has Cheezburger?, is FAIL Blog—whose slogan is “Helping you feel better about yourself every day.” FAIL Blog features “epic fail pictures and videos of owned, pwnd, and fail moments,” according to their website www.failblog.org
FAIL Blog was started in early 2008, rapidly gaining popularity especially through youtube.com and facebook. com.
Texts from Last Night
This site features regrettable text messages found on phones the morning after a “long night,” shall we say? Many of the messages are often graphic, so if you’re easily offended you should stay away. According to their website www. textsfromlastnight.com, “Texts From Last Night (TFLN) was founded in February 2009 by two friends for reasons that may or may not include: the tendency to press send more easily as the night turns to morning, friends’ social habits, disgraced government officials, exes, law school, closing down bars and leaving tabs open, general debauchery and/or a common disgust for all the negativity surrounding the ‘sexting’ phenomenon.”
F My Life and My Life is Average
Like FAIL Blog, these websites exist to help make us feel better about ourselves by looking at the crap, be it horrible or average, other people experience. According to www.fmylife.com, it is “a collection of everyday anecdotes and stories likely to happen to anyone and everyone, sent to us exclusively by our users, which we then publish on the site. This is a space where you can let it all out and unwind by sharing the little things that screw with your day, and maybe realize that you are not alone in experiencing day to day crap. Posts start with ‘Today’ and end with ‘FML’.
The site is meant to be fun to read and can be enjoyed on a daily basis.” Over on www. mylifeisaverage. com, they say, “MyLifeIsAverage is a place to share your everyday mediocrity. It is a place to post the mundane things in your life, and read about what makes life normal for other people… Anyone can submit a story, because everyone’s lives are unexciting and insignificant at some time or another.”
The Onion
We’re journalists, so of course we like news. However, www.theonion. com offers something much better—satirical news! The news stories featured on The Onion, which quips itself “America’s Finest New Source,” satirize world, national and local events, both real and made up. The Onion delivers news through articles, radio and video. A print publication is also available. While we shouldn’t advocate the waste of your time, we can and just have. What’s wrong with a little procrastination?
Today, my friend and I had the longest argument over how we thought Darth Vader goes to the bathroom. Time well spent. MLIA.
Campus
Fabulous to Excess: Bringing the Rainbow to Campus
Page 7
By Lauren Snyder This year will mark the Second Contributing Writer Annual Drag Event at McKendree
come, first serve basis. This show is already off to University. Spectrum Alliance, a great start with the help of our campus version of a GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance), in McKendree students. Many conjunction with the McK Fraternity Ferox will be hosting from the theatre department the event again this year. are already involved in the The location has changed from the Hett to Eisenmayer set-up and running of the Auditorium. This move has both advantages and show. Spectrum members drawbacks. are working hard to From this writer’s some of the best “Eisenmayer is by far bring understanding, the Hett performers of drag can hold around 400 the St. Louis area, the less memorable in people, has a good sound including Daniel Steele and lighting system venue and holds only and Dieta Pepsi. This and obviously has the year’s line up adds advantages of a modern around 180 people, but another dimension of design. Because the Hett drag that was not seen this close-knit space at last year’s show: the is McKendree’s crown Dieta Pepsi during a Drag performance jewel and their newest Drag King. will allow for a better toy, holding the show The Spectrum Daniel Steele after a performance there may result in a lot administration is also club feeling and the looking to take last of scrutiny. On a conservative money for this you might as well enjoy it. audience will be right year’s performance of campus with Methodist ‘Lady Marmalade’ a step further. We are asking any Tickets will be sold in advance for $3 in Piper, and at the ties, such events will in the mix of the show.” daring students to participate in the Amateur Show. door for the Lazy Lucy’s for $5. always attention. Boys, throw on a dress and steal your girl’s lipstick. So come check us out on Thurs., April 22, in Eisenmayer Eisenmayer is by far the Ladies, strap the girls down and wear that eyeliner Auditorium, McKendree! The Amateur Show begins at less memorable venue and holds only around 180 people, on your chin. 7:30 PM and the pros are on at 8 PM. but this close-knit space will allow for a better club feeling We want this show to be a fun experience for the Those interested in performing, email Lauren Snyder at and the audience will be right in the mix of the show. McKendree students, faculty and all other attendees. losnyder@mckendree.edu for more information and to set Last year’s show was a huge success, attracting nearly Most importantly, this will be a SAFE environment for up auditions. 250 guests. This year, because we have switched to a everyone. smaller venue, seats will be limited and sold on a firt Check your prejudice at the door because if you paid
Study shows male college students most likely to commit property crimes By ‘Dr.’ Kyle J. Hintz Staff Writer
According to a study by sociologists at Bowling Green State University, “levels of drinking, property theft and unstructured socializing with friends increase among the college-bound after enrollment at a four-year university, and they surpass the rates of less-educated peers.” Patrick M. Seffrin, the study’s primary investigator, said “College attendance is commonly associated with selfimprovement and upward mobility, yet this research suggests that college may actually encourage, rather than deter, social deviance and risk-taking.” So it seems that out of all the disgruntled peoples populating this earth, the ones supposedly trying to improve themselves are the most likely to commit property crimes. Why do you think that is? Well, property crimes certainly have their appeal. Look at it this way: you’ve decided (unlike some of your male peers) to continue your education; you feel pressure from those peers to maintain your semblance of masculine power and an individual, irresponsible life peppered with I-don’t-give-a-f’s. Also, you’ve got your parents on your back making sure their hard-earned cash isn’t going to waste (like picking up the tab for some new plate-glass windows.) Meanwhile, you have reading and paper assignments obliterating your free time, extracurricular and what-have-you, the economy’s turning to crap and you have every liberal news outlet shouting from the rooftops about how worthless your college
degree will be. Just take all that disgust you hear people Feeling mighty powerless, aren’t we? grumbling in regards to that dirty, rotten How do you reclaim the feeling that you vandal and pretend you feel the same way. have control over your life? Throwing a Before you know it, you’ll hear yourself rock through the nearest window might saying something like, “What kind of do the trick. Ah, lowdown, fourf it! flushing person After all, this does a thing reporter is a like that?! You self-proclaimed wanna tell me master of the art of that!” If you’re vandalism. Yes, it is having trouble a goded art. with this step, The artistry lies please reference in the anarchy of it a Catholic priest, and how you get who can school away with it too, you in the art of provided you’re not hypocrisy, which a moron. is even more See, the key to ancient-avoiding retribution for a nice neat little EDITORS’ victimless crime NOTE: like vandalism is The McKendree to not be a suspect. Review does not How do you avoid condone such suspicion? By not acts of property planning the crime. crime, nor does the The golden University by any rule is the more extension thereof. random, the more Before we go on, absurd, the more we would like to unbelievable the acknowledge the act, the easier it is CHELSEA ARNOLD severe nihilism of to get away with. this shoddy piece Vandals have struck McKendree’s statue. Without a motive, of so-called ‘radical you aren’t much of journalism’ and a suspect. apologize on behalf of the entire staff of Then, assuming you have any skill the McKendree Review and the University whatsoever for lying, you’re home free. itself, and also on behalf of the United
States of America. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, ‘Dr.’ Hintz’s article was printed. It seems an old high school classmate of Mr. Hintz, a Mr. Joe Longworth, a copy boy with our publishing house, was bribed into replacing our op-ed piece on dog grooming with Mr. Hintz’s article. Luckily, one of our editors discovered this ruse just in time to add this note to 357 out of the 1500 copies of this issue. In the remaining hours before the release of this issue, our editors quickly censored this article by hand, armed only with Sharpies. They only had time to mark out the profanities and scribble apologies in the margins. We would like to apologize again for this terrible mistake. We hope this won’t have a negative effect on our subscriptions or sponsorships. Faithfully, The Editors In conclusion, I would like to conclude that property crimes is bad for everybodey. Victums of property crime effect us all in the whole worldwide over. Plus, who likes broken windows and spray paint? Come on, not meselfs that’s for sure. Doings a property crime is doing a disservice to yoursellf and you’re community, assuming you’re not commit property crime on vacation, which is a horse of a different coler. Thank you. Vote Republican! The End. P.S. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Dr. Hintz please notify your local law enforcement. Thanks. :-)
Opinion
Page 8
Alice in Wonderland:
3.5 Paws
“Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast.” By Josie Juelfs Tim Burton’s Contributing Writer rendition of
Lewis Carroll’s classic story ‘Alice in Wonderland’ has both good and bad points, but overall is an exceptional movie. While most of us are used to the cartoon Alice and her funny friends, Burton’s rendition…well, it’s what you might have come to expect from Tim Burton, not to mention from some of the actors he employed for this film, such as the multi-talented Johnny Depp, the amazing Alan Rickman, and the ever-eccentric but equally fabulous Helena Bonham-Carter, just to name a few. It is a combination of these talented actors and the amazing aesthetics and sound that really make this film. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ follows two of Carroll’s famous stories: ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and ‘Through the Looking Glass,’ the sequel. Burton took artistic liberties with the plot, but the bones of the story were fairly accurate. Young girl falls through the hole, drinks a potion, eats a cake, crazy growth spurt, finds new and eccentric friends (and enemies), saves the day. The storyline is well-known, but Burton makes it his own. The aesthetics of this film are simply amazing. The set design is full of vibrant colors and sharp lines that draw the viewer into the wonderful world of Wonderland, or, if you are a resident, Underland The
effects are nothing short of amazing. Animated characters such as the Blue Caterpillar and the Jabberwocky are completely realistic, and the line between animation and reality is almost indiscernible. It is the costumes, however, that really make the film. Alice begins in the expected blue dress, but as she enters Wonderland, she wears a series of stunning outfits in blue, red, and white. Her costumes are not the only ones that are noteworthy. The Mad Hatter (as played by Johnny Depp) is clothed very appropriately for his character in bright but shabby outfits and the requisite hat. Both the Red and White Queens sport ball gowns that really emphasize the personality of the character. The Red Queen’s gown is old-fashioned, with a high, open collar and dark colors that complement her bright red hair. The
Hot Tub Time Machine “This is scientifically impossible!” 3 Paws By Kyle Hintz Staff Writer
The movie’s premise is summed up simply in its title. Four friends (played by John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke) bored with their lives return to the Kodiak Valley Ski Resort, a memorable hangout from their high school days, to cheer up their friend Lou who has almost died of carbon monoxide poisoning. After a wild night of drinking in their hot tub they’re accidentally transported back in time to 1986, when they were all still young and happy and partying at Kodiak Valley. Corddry essentially steals the movie as Lou, the worst of the four friends, a full-blown alcoholic whose idea of fun is to get some hookers, break into a school or steal a cop car. Corddry’s commitment to his unapologetic asshole of a character provides the movie’s funniest moments. Hot Tub hilariously parodies the conventions and rules of every timetraveling movie out there from Back to the Future (including a cameo by Crispin Glover) to Time Cop, with the characters trying to reenact the events of the winter of ’86 in an effort to not alter the present, events which include Lou getting beaten up, Adam (Cusack) breaking up with his girlfriend and getting stabbed with a fork,
Jacob (Clark Duke) being conceived and a bellhop (Crispin Glover) losing his arm. As would be expected 80’s pop culture is lampooned pretty heavily as well. I shockya.com won’t tell you whether the guys screw up the future. I’ll only say that the end is the best part of the ride. Odds are if you are the type of person that wants to see this movie then you won’t be disappointed.
White Queen wears a more modern gown of white and silver, with off-the-shoulder sleeves. The colors and styles of each dress allow the viewer to get a better look into the Red Queen’s harsh personality and the White Queen’s gentle character. Not only are the aesthetics of the film done very well, but the soundtrack is phenomenal. Danny Elfman’s score adds much to the film. The music is very well written and performed, and is placed very well with appropriate scenes. Even with amazing imdb.com set design and sound, a poorly acted film is, well, poor. This is not the case with ‘Alice in Wonderland.’ Mia Wasikowska plays a wonderful Alice, and is a pleasant surprise. Johnny Depp makes the Mad Hatter his own, as he is wont to do. Helena BonhamCarter and Anne Hathaway make for wonderful Red and White Queens, and Crispin Glover proves that he can always
pull off creepy as Stayne. The supporting cast includes Alan Rickman, Michael Sheen, Stephen Fry, and Matt Lucas as Tweedledee/Tweedledum, The Blue Caterpillar, White Rabbit, and the beloved Cheshire Cat. All of these actors do a wonderful job at playing their characters and blending well. It is easy to see that the actors worked quite well together, and without that, the film would fail. Though it may not seem like it, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is not without faults. The film builds up to a major battle scene between Alice and the Jabberwocky, but the actual fight is anticlimactic at best. After spending a good hour and a half building up to the batter, it is over in about five minutes and ends with a rather awkward scene between the Mad Hatter and Alice. In fact, that entire relationship seems to be a bit awkward. It is rather difficult to discern if he loves her…or if he is in love with her, especially when he essentially begs her to stay in Wonderland with him. Awkward bits aside, ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is a wonderful film. It is fun, lighthearted, and sweet, but also just a little bit dark. Burton has once again proved that he can take a child’s story and make it suitable for all ages.
Opinion
Sounds from overseas Guy Speak By Nick Watts Contributing Writer
for most albums While living in the dorms sold in a here at McKendree, we are week with all subjected to listening their first to a variety of music, be it album voluntary or not. However, ‘Whatever upon spending only a few People weeks within the confines Say I Am, of the dormitory halls, I That’s noticed that this soundtrack What I’m rarely changes. Phrases Not.’ Upon such as ‘cause I’m country’ release it and ‘take you for a ride on created a huge buzz on my big green tractor’ are dance floors all over the UK all too commonly heard with fast paced tracks such while Lil Wayne’s ‘We Be as ‘I Bet That You Look Steady Mobbin’’ seems Good on the Dance Floor.’ to get played on repeat at The songs contain catchy least twice a day. A college guitar riffs and drumming campus is the best place similar to that of Queens of to open one’s mind to new the Stone Age. things and this routine track What gained them list cannot be of any benefit further attention was the to college students looking skill and wit of lead singer to do this. Alex Turner’s song writing. To help those who are With a knack for writing in need of a good forcesongs based on everyday fed dose of sounds to mix events, fans were able to in with all those country associate their lives with ballads, the McKendree what was sung on the track. Review is providing some This is apparent in ‘Mardy info on some of the biggest Bum,’ a song about an acts across the pond for arguing couple with their you to pick and choose for relationship in jeopardy. It’s your listening pleasure. The a situation that we are all acts reviewed are all wellfamiliar with. Turner uses established artists from the phrases that we can only United Kingdom. To truly dream of using to describe make it in the British music moments we have all gone industry, you must be through: ‘I’ve seen your able to break the American frown/and its like looking audience. So when these down the barrel of a gun’ fine musicians help you With one listen to this to experience new music, album you will instantly you will also have that fall in love with the already warm fuzzy feeling inside adored British Indie band knowing you have helped that deserves a lot more them. attention from the US. Now without further Our next British artist ado, let’s introduce these comes from London. spectacular acts and get you Memorably named Dizzee well-acquainted with them. Rascal, he is the biggest First is the Arctic Monkeys, rapper in the UK and the the first band to gain major first British hip-hop artist success through MySpace to reach 1 million record and breaking the UK record sales. He first came to the
Girl Talk Q ARCTIC MONKEYS attention of hip-hop fans with his album ‘Boy in da Corner.’ Inspired by oldschool hip-hop from the US, his music uses hard-hitting bass lines to create songs to get any rap enthusiast jumping up and down with tunes such as ‘Fix Up,’ ‘Look Sharp’ and the dark, projects-inspired ‘Jus’ a Rascal.’ Dizzee Rascal gained his popularity from his savvy production skills. Lyrically, he was also miles ahead of any other rapper out at the time. Many people were shocked at how straight to the point his songs were, talking about hard-hitting issues that mattered. This can be heard in the tune ‘Brand New Day.’ Dizzee talks about the struggles facing youths in the projects and his skill with words can be seen in full: ‘we used to fight with kids from other estates/and it was 9mm that settled debates’ With further listening to this album, you’ll definitely see why Dizzee should be considered amongst the best rappers here in the US This is only a small taste of the wealth in music that can be found in the overseas music industries. So instead of going straight for that Bullet For My Valentine song, try looking a little further.
Page 9 with Jake Bennett with Tavi Sanders
My friends are always wanting to go out and do things. I would love to go with them, but with my school budget I really can’t afford to go out and eat or to see a movie all the time. I don’t want to be the odd one out, but I would love for them to start doing things that do not cost money. What can I do?
Guy Speak: Some people don’t have the same financial restrictions that others do. I myself have to pay bills, rent, and keep gas in my car and food on the table. On top of all that, being a full time student makes it hard to get hours at work sometimes. Fortunately for some, they do not have these responsibilities. Try to help them to understand that you do not have the money to always do the things that they do, and look for alternatives. The important thing is to let them know how you feel. It’s not that you don’t want to hang out, its that you really can’t. Hopefully, they’ll understand and try harder to engage in cheaper endeavors.
Girl Talk: You should find things to do within the community that are free to the public. Once you find an event that you all can enjoy, suggest that you all attend as a group. I’m sure your friends will appreciate a change of scenery. The fact that it’s free is attractive to most people. In the future, don’t be afraid to speak up! Most college students don’t have money to just blow and can empathize with you, so do not feel embarrassed by it.
Q
I have been dealing with a lot of drama around campus lately, mostly between classmates and group projects. No matter what topic we try to discuss it leads back to the root of an argument. I don’t know why they can’t be mature enough to get through class without fighting. Is there a way to prevent the drama or solve it?
Guy Speak: Sadly, the myth that people mature after high school is for the most part, untrue. People still get offended to easily, look for fights, and some even seem to take joy in all the negative energy. If somebody is looking for an argument, there’s not a lot you can do to prevent it. Just tell them that you are working on a project you would rather not fail, and to take their squabble elsewhere. You can hopefully direct the focus back to the work, however i doubt you will be able to fully put an end to the debate. Most disagreements are over misunderstandings. It is VERY IMPORTANT to try to look at a persons INTENT rather than what it was they did. In other words, be objective. The ability to understand why a persons did something that others frown upon is a sign of maturity, and an ability most people lack. I’m not saying you have to agree with them, just try to understand their actions.
Girl Talk: I wouldn’t look at it as fighting. It’s more like debating. It is good that many ideas are arriving; it makes a project even better. This will be a common thing within the workplace especially if the workers are as brilliant as most McKendree students. You will meet many people in the world that are very opinionated. No matter whether you agree with them or not, you will have to respect their perspective. As long as these debates do not lead to violence, it will be okay. Remember, these are educated individuals and they will eventually agree to disagree. In time they will come to a mutual agreement in order to complete the project.
Got a question for Jake and Tavi? Send it to mckreview@mckendree.edu Don’t forget to recycle this newspaper
Page 10
RSO CONT. claim these meetings are effective in easing these tensions. Former president of Wonders of Wellness Christine Juehne agrees about the ability of RSO presidents meetings to bringing different student organizations together: “The RSO presidents meeting is a productive meeting because it keeps all the presidents on the same page, let us know what was going on campus, and got us in touch with other groups that maybe we would not have had a chance to work with if that meeting wasn’t around,” she said. In the meeting I observed, I found that the primary talking points were important events approaching on the calendar. One of the first orders of business in the meeting was to allow each group president to describe upcoming events that their group was arranging, giving other group presidents the chance to share this information with the members of their own society. However, I did notice that the majority of the meeting’s time was devoted to listing social events, both due to the leaders of social organizations speaking about upcoming entertainment events and due to the RSO meeting’s official itinerary. The majority of these social events have dual purposes, however, such as raising awareness about social problems, community service or fundraising. This encourages group crossover and invites members of other groups to visit these social events. That means, however, that groups that are less interested in event planning and fundraising have less to accomplish in RSO presidents meetings. Groups such as honors societies, which exist primarily to recognize academic excellence in a particular area of study among groups of students, will find little need for inclusion in an assembly that seems to focus on events. Senior Kaitie Kee, president of the honorary theater fraternity Alpha Psi Omega, claims “It’s sad to say but it’s pretty pointless to be there if you’re an honor society—I don’t get much out of it.” This doesn’t mean the RSO presidents meetings are unnecessary. But it may be inevitable that new tension barriers will arise between honors groups that are uninterested in fundraising fashion shows and social clubs that are uninterested in induction ceremonies, especially since the meetings are technically required for organization presidents to attend. It’s likely that the meeting I observed was heavily focused on social events because honorary society leaders did not attend. Presidents such as Kee could have perceived the meetings as useless to their particular club and chose not to go—which could perpetuate the bias toward social groups if only social groups continue to attend. Another group leader who wished to remain anonymous specifically chooses not to attend the meetings and explains the reasons why: “I have chosen not to attend
because I have heard from a number of people that the meetings are useless; no one shows up and they are held with little notice and all too often.” The low attendance on the meeting I observed was no fluke. Many of the RSO leaders I contacted commented on the frequency of poor attendance in meetings. Senior Jackie Diggs, president of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, had this to say about the meetings and attendance: “I think that the meetings are a great way for the leaders of organizations to interact and be aware of what’s happening on campus, however I can’t recall a meeting that has had more than ten organizations present. I almost wish that the consequences for a missed meeting were more severe in order to encourage groups to go.” Increased incentives for attendance or consequences for missed meetings could provoke an improvement in RSO presidents meetings by encouraging all kinds of clubs to participate including less socially focused societies. If more leaders showed up, would that solve the problem of finding discussion topics that are relevant for every single group present? Perhaps not, but at the very least greater attendance would allow more groups of students to connect with one another. But not all absences are the result of intimidation from larger groups, or the belief that the meetings are useless. Naturally, students are very busy, leaders of student organizations especially. Sophomore president of Spectrum Alliance Lauren Snyder commented on the difficulty on finding the time to attend the meetings: “The only problem I have had with them is scheduling conflicts. Mostly because I’m a commuter student and I work several nights a week. If the information was sent out a little sooner I would have been able to attend more meetings,” she said. The concept of RSO presidents meetings is a solid one that, for the most part, seems to work. Different clubs and organizations are giving optimum opportunities to share their interests and invite other students to their events. Inherent differences in the nature of each particular club causes complications among the groups, making the meetings more beneficial for certain groups and less for others. Poor meeting attendance could be viewed as either a result of this problem or a cause. Several of the students I contacted provided reasonable solutions to these problems, but it may be impossible to unify every club on campus with 100% effectiveness. Groups develop so that students can enjoy the company of other students with similar interests, so an occasional meeting that “keeps all the presidents on the same page” may be all that is needed, regardless of the inevitable problems.
Poor meeting attendance could be viewed as either a result of this problem or a cause.
Going Dutch cont. He became a public figure famous for his extreme views on integration and Muslims in particular, even before 9/11, which had been a shock and a defining moment in the Netherlands as well. His popularity kept rising. On May 6 2001, nine days prior to the elections for the House of Commons, he was shot in the head by an environmental activist. A lot of people were relieved it was not a Muslim-fundamentalist who murdered him. The elections went ahead as planned. Because this all happened so close to the election, there was no time to take his name off of the list of candidates. In the Netherlands, there is a parliamentary democracy in effect. Citizens vote on a political party first and secondly on their favorite candidate on the list of that particular party. 17 % of the voting public elected the deceased Pim Fortuyn to govern. The ‘List Pim Fortuyn’ became part of the government coalition together with the Christian party (CDA.) It was the start of a sad but entertaining time in Dutch politics. After just a few months and several scandals and incidents the
government coalition split up. In the new election, the ‘List Pim Fortuyn’ lost all of its support. On June 9, 2010, elections for the House of Commons will be held. A new populist and antiMuslim party has come to the forefront; The PVV (‘Freedom Party’.) This time the movement coincides with a crisis in Dutch politics. The Labour Party (PvDA,) The Christian Party (CDA) and the Liberal party (VVD), who have basically governed the country since WWII, lost the trust of the people. This is due to the economic crisis, but more so because of the failures of the last few governing coalitions. In the current political arena, there are several parties with a more or less equal amount of support. It is a very good time for a populist like Geert Wilders and his ‘Party for Freedom’ to become real players in the political system. No one knows what will happen. The Labour Party has put its trust in a new leader, the popular mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen. He is a man known for being calm and reasonable. According to Wilders, he is a ‘tea drinker’, meaning Wilder finds him too soft. The VVD
Opinion and the CDA have loyal voting groups, but seem to be in decline. In the current political climate it is certainly not inconceivable for the PVV to get a lot of votes and maybe even become the biggest party. However, it is also important to recognize that probably around 80% of the voters do not agree with the group’s ideas. The Netherlands is not likely to turn into a racist nation ruled by the extreme right just yet. But the fact that there is a large group that feels so strongly about excluding others instead of actually solving the issues is a concern that must not be overlooked. Similar developments have been taking place in several European nations. In Belgium an equivalent of the PVV has existed for a while and in France the right wing Le Pen is still very active. This wave of nationalism going through Europe is due to dissatisfaction people feel; Dissatisfaction because of the globalizing world where people feel like they are losing control and their identities. Bad economic times have proven to be a fertile ground for xenophobic nationalist movements in the past. Let us hope the Europeans have learned their lessons.
Beyond Stonewall: Why We March by Sharon Bandy and Joan Lipkin Directed by Kaitie Kee Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10 at 7:30 PM in Eisenmayer Auditorium Part of the ShowMeNOH8 Campaign
“Collegiate Elite” Directed by Ben Simon & “Calf Roping” Directed by Kyle Hintz Showing to students and faculty on May 1, 7:30 PM at the Hett
Opinion Do you live
Out of the box?
By Tavi Sanders Staff Writer
Do you honestly know how to live out of the box? I’m talking to everyone! Being out of the box is not easy. Like an Alcoholics Anonymous success story, the first step is acceptance. If you don’t consider that it’s a problem, then there is no opportunity for you to change. It is our own perceptions that will take us out of the box. If we continue to rely on the perceptions of others, we will never step out of the box. In my 31 years, I have observed an enormous amount of boxes. I’ve entered a variety of boxes; some good and some bad. Each had its own unique style. Even though I am consciously aware of the boxes, I still have a box that is unique to me. After being in other boxes for so long, I must return to my home box. If you are taken out of your box, chances are you will not return, because you have experienced something different. That is the key stimulant to the conscious mind. The mind is intrigued by things that are different. The mind is greedy; once it experiences differences, it will want more. For example: a rich kid rebellion. Why would he bring shame to the family with reckless driving? He has a need to experience the unknown. He may be coached to conform and not channel as much energy, but the desire is still within him. Another example could be from the other side. A poor boy that is raised in church attends services three times a week. Yet, he desires the ‘bad boys’ crowd and he goes out to encounter them. In order to become accepted by the ‘bad boys’ he must join them. Then he is perceived well by the group and is trapped in their box. I’ll give you another example and move on. In respect to the ladies, this scenario will involve a female. A female black woman that had a decent life (not a Cosby kind of life, but nice) seeks more. She has a desire to know more and possibly be on
“The mind is greedy; once it experiences differences, it will want more.”
top. But on top of what? Her desire to be on top could be good or bad. Unless she realizes that the transition will take work, she will end up going the other direction. Think about it like this: if you are at the middle of a mountain, you can claim victory because of the little climb you’ve made or you can finish the climb. So if you start to climb down to be on top of the others below, the rocks may crumble, leaving no opportunity to pull up later If you continue to climb, the rocks may crumble and leave no way of coming back. So either way you will be stuck in one direction. Which one do you want to be stuck in? You already know what you left behind but you have no clue what the top is like. You may make it to the top and love it. Still, you had love for things at the bottom too. Why completely abandon it all? Can’t you keep something? The ones who read this that are out of the box or want to come out of the box will find truth in some of this. Others will stay comfortably in the middle, so they will find no validity in what I am saying. It is important that more people are willing to come out of the box. It is very important that the ones who are out of the box stand up and lead the ones who are still in. Be their guide to the secret passageway. This column is just one of many that will be featured in my Ask Tavi group on Facebook. I am willing to give helpful information to anyone who wants it. I do not have any paper credentials that mean anything. I can offer you my numerous life experiences in many different boxes. I will also help you identify what box you are in. If you need help going back to your previous box to get some of the things you left behind, I will be glad to do that also. While you are meditating on that, I will go back to my research. Don’t be trapped in a box the rest of your life. Get to know your surrounding boxes as well! There is so much out there and unless you experience some things for yourself you will never feel complete. There are categories of relationships, friendships, religions, different countries, musicians, artists, scientists, teachers of all different kinds, the public relations coordinators, economists, linguists…how could anyone ever say they are bored? Don’t rely on T.V. when you can learn for yourself. You may need just a little help.
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Page 11 I hope this offends you By Chelsea Arnold Editor-in-Chief ‘Dirty’ words: depending on who one talks to, they can span from anything like ‘crap’ and ‘damn’ to ‘hell’ and ‘ass.’ A recent campus performance of the ‘The Vagina Monologues’ and was viewed by several attendees as ‘vulgar and inappropriate’ for containing the words ‘vagina’ and ‘sex.’ Vagina; it’s a body part. Every student on this campus learned what a vagina is in health class back in fourth grade and its functions in junior high. Why is saying or hearing it so awkward? Also, while the idea of sex, talking about sex or even the slightest hint at something sexual can become awkward, even in a performance, thus it is avoided. While I have your undivided attention, most likely from saying ‘sex’ three times in the previous paragraph, allow me to clarify a few things. I am not suggesting that everyone should walk around dropping the ‘F-bomb’ every chance they have, nor am I suggesting the use of these ‘dirty’ words against others in
hurtful ways, such as the ‘C-word’ against women. I am merely trying to make the point that they exist. I question why Americans are so overly-sensitive to these words, and why we are so offended by them. Personally, I have been subjected to curse words my entire life, but even I have certain limitations; mainly racial slurs and vulgarities against women. Also, the use of ‘bad words’ without any type of context is really just not needed. I feel this is why we truly are overly sensitive to the string of letters. I find it almost hilarious that most Americans blush at the slightest drop of a ‘dirty word’ while in other countries, particularly the UK, people just don’t give a damn, literally. According to exchange student Tom Ward, “Yeah, we do tend to curse more, and it’s taken with a lighter meaning if that makes sense. There aren’t really other differences; I don’t really tone [the cussing] down, but I speak slower.” It truly does make sense. We have such a conservative culture here in America, though it seems some lines are blurred or disappearing.
This paper has even had the word ‘shit’ slip through unnoticed several times. I do think the majority of cussing can be handled in a mature way; they are just filler words in conversation for a mature audience. I try to cut the cussing down to as little as possible around children, regardless if they’ve heard it at home or not. While they’ll learn it eventually, it shouldn’t be from a college student in public. I find it funny that certain figures of nonverbal speech are the same from country to country. For example, in the US, we use the middle finger to give someone the ‘F-off’ memo and a peace sign for a more friendly gesture. “[The American] peace sign is an ‘f-you’ back home, as is the middle finger,” Ward said. Reconsider why words like ‘vagina’ and ‘sex’ are considered ‘naughty.’ Perhaps it’s just the way you grew up or your relationship with our over-sensitized American culture. If you haven’t heard them before, grow up. We’re all mature college kids, so stop whining if someone drops a curse word now and then.
Date: Sunday April 11 Time: 3-5:30 Location: the Fitness Center Parking Lot @ 2:45 We will be going around Lebanon collecting non-perishable items for the Lebanon Food Pantry, which is operated out of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Lebanon. All of the items collected will be counted and matched by the Feinstein Challenge. The Feinstein Challenge is a national food fundraising drive during the months of March and April that helps to benefit local hunger relief agencies in communities across the country. Sign up outside the Center for Public Service (Carnegie 110)
Sports
Page 12 BASEBALL DROPS SECOND STRAIGHT TWINBILL TO MISSOURI BAPTIST The McKendree University baseball team lost two games Saturday at home to Missouri Baptist University in American Midwest Conference action. The Bearcats were defeated 11-2 in the opener before the Spartans rolled to a 13-2 win in game two. The Bearcats dropped four games on the weekend to Missouri Baptist, slipping to 16-15 overall and 3-5 in the AMC. McKendree has lost its last seven games. In Saturday’s first game, Missouri Baptist (21-9, 8-0 AMC) raced to a 9-0 lead before McKendree got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Bearcats put together a two-out rally to score its run. Senior infielder Adam Davinroy (Shiloh, Ill./Althoff Catholic) started the outburst with a walk and moved to second on a single by senior outfielder Shane McBride (Troy, Ill./Triad). Both moved up a base on a wild pitch, and Davinroy scored on an RBI single by senior infielder Kory Peppenhorst (Carlyle, Ill./Carlyle). After Missouri Baptist plated two runs in the top of the sixth inning to built an 11-1 lead, the Bearcats scratched out another
run in the bottom of the sixth. Senior infielder Tyson Moore (Salem, Ill./Salem) was hit by a pitch, and he came around to score on a run-scoring single off the bat of junior infielder Daniel Solis (Chicago, Ill./ De La Salle). Senior right-hander Nolan Martz (East Alton, Ill./Roxana) was charged with the loss for McKendree. Martz gave up four hits in four innings of work with three walks and a strikeout. McKendree took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first inning of game two as junior outfielder Daniel Corwin (St. Louis, Mo./ DeSmet) delivered a two-out, two-run single. However, Missouri Baptist quickly took control with four runs in the third inning and eight more in the fourth. The Spartans outhit the Bearcats 14-7 in the contest. Junior right-hander Korey Duncan (Wood River, Ill./East Alton-Wood River) scattered nine hits over 3 1/3 innings in taking the mound loss for McKendree. Duncan walked three batters and fanned three.
BEARCATS HIT FIVE HOME RUNS EN ROUTE TO DOUBLEHEADER SWEEP OF MISSOURI BAPTIST The No. 22 McKendree University softball team flashed some power on Wednesday and hit five home runs to sweep an American Midwest Conference doubleheader over Missouri Baptist University, 7-2 and 8-0. McKendree, now 19-9 overall (5-1 AMC), will travel to St. Louis, Mo., on April 5th to play Harris-Stowe State University in an AMC doubleheader at 2 p.m. The Spartans took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, only for the Bearcats to tie up the game in the bottom of the inning on a single by junior first baseman Cathy Webb (Mascoutah, Ill./Mascoutah) that scored two runs. The Bearcats took a 3-2 lead on a single by senior second baseman Natalee Rujawitz (O’Fallon, Ill./O’Fallon Township) and exploded for four runs in the fourth inning with back-to-back home runs by senior outfielder Nicole Ostertag (O’Fallon, Mo./Francis Howell), a three-run blast, and senior third baseman Lindsay Newbold (Herrin, Ill./Herrin) to push the Bearcats to the 7-2 win. Senior pitcher Katie Ward (White Hall, Ill./North Greene) struck out five to improve to 9-4 overall on the season. Ostertag had three hits and three RBI in game one. The Bearcats took an early 2-0 lead on a two-run home run by senior designated player Liz Dains (Valley Park, Mo./Valley Park) in the second inning and added one more run on a leadoff home run by senior catcher Angie Maue (Trenton, Ill./Wesclin) in the sixth inning. McKendree exploded again in the seventh inning for five runs, including a threerun home run by Dains, to lead the Bearcats to the 8-0 win. Sophomore pitcher Autumn Allen (Fairview Heights, Ill./Belleville East) only gave up one hit and struck out five to improve to 10-5 overall on the season. Maue had three hits, including a double and a home run, and Dains had two home runs and five RBI in Dains hit two home runs in game two on Wednesday the win.
Sports articles by Eric Buck and Scott Cummings
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McKENDREE OUTDOOR TRACK AND FIELD TEAM HAS FOUR INDIVIDUALS - TWO RELAYS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS The McKendree men's and women's outdoor track and field team's had four individuals and two relays qualify for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field nationals championships last week. The track and field team will be back in action on April 2nd in St. Louis, Mo., at the Washington University Invitational. The meet will begin at 3 p.m. Junior Alex Po-Man Lo qualified for the women's 5K Race Walk at the CulverStockton College Meet with a time of 25:58. Her time is currently No. 2 in the NAIA in the event. At the Alabama Relays, the women's 4-by-100m Relay of Shilpa Hamilton, Ashley Harris, Sasha Joyce, and Chasity Wright finished in 11th place with a time of 48.81, but did qualify for the NAIA Outdoor Championships. On the men's team, freshman Eric Thompson finished first in the High Jump
at the Culver-Stockton College meet with a jump of 6-feet, nine inches. The height currently leads the NAIA top performances list for this season and qualifies him for the NAIA Outdoor Championships. The men's 4-by-800m Relay team of Mike Mendez, Devin Williams, Josh Wilhelm, and Joshua Katam won the event at the Alabama Relays last weekend with a time of 7:44.48, which also sits atop the NAIA Performance list for this season and qualifies them for Outdoor Championships. Sophomore Carison Kemei finished in second place in the 1500m run with a time of 3:51.76 to qualify for the Outdoor Championships. His time also currently leads the NAIA's Outdoor Performance list this season. Senior Jesse King also qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Championships with an eighth place finish in the 110m High Hurdles in a time of 14.92.