T&C - Winter 10 Week 9

otterbein college

thursday, march 4, 2010

vol. 91, issue 19

www.otterbein360.com

Dancers ‘flip’ for their annual show • Security gives tips on guarding gadgets • Student takes a swipe at new law • Lacrosse team prepares for delayed start

editorial

THUMBS UP THUMBS DOWN

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Will Smith’s son to be the new “Karate Kid.”

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Dance Concert 2010: “The Flip Side” opens this weekend.

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Obama wants to bring health care debate to a close.

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Health fair was a success.

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8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Chile.

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Jay Leno is back on “The Tonight Show.”

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Kate Gosselin joins the cast of “Dancing with the Stars.”

Information compiled by Daniele Murphy and Hannah Ullom.

Information from www.otterbein.edu., www.aol.com and www.msn.com.

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Science proposal sparks controversy Otterbein suggests a possibility for a new science class requirement complete with a lab

BY HANNAH ULLOM Staff Writer

I don’t think I’ll ever need the scientific method to write a press release or know every element in the periodic table to promote the next PRSSA event, but Otterbein seems to think I do.

The School of Arts and Science recently met to make a motion to approve the collegewide sciences requirement proposal.

If passed by the Curriculum Council and the Senate, students will be required to take two fourhour natural science courses.

The first course will be an Integrative Studies Natural Foundations course, and for the second course, students will choose from either an existing lab science course or a new “general science” course created for non-science majors.

Wait a minute. Otterbein students are already required to take two of the five INST science courses during their junior and senior years. Instead of two INST courses, students will take one and then a science class with a lab.

The phrase “required courses” is quite a downer when I’m trying to fit classes into my schedule that I think will be beneficial to me when I graduate.

Now, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with our Integrative Studies courses.

But what this new proposal is saying is that we would have one

Fallon Forbush Rae Reed Andrew Henderson Peter Behr Aaron Angel

Editor-in-Chief News Editor Assistant News Editor Opinion Editor

Arts & Entertainment Editor Sports Editor

Patricia Begazo

Copy Editor

Greg Beers Jayme Detweiler Britany Byers

t&c |www.otterbein360.com

required INST science course and then complete a designated laboratory science course.

These classes will teach students to use and interpret scientific explanations, generate and evaluate scientific evidence and explore the nature and development of scientific knowledge.

I’m a communication major for a reason. My math skills, unfortunately, rival those of a sixth grader, and science was never my best subject either.

I chose communication in hopes that I would not be expected to take too many science and math courses. I want to take classes that will be helpful in the career field I’m interested in.

If two courses were placed in front of me — chemistry or small group communication — I wouldn’t even have to think

Photography Editor

Emmy Beach Leah Driscoll Lindsey Hobbs Daniele Murphy Laina Thompson Austin Walsh

Phillecia Cochran Andrea Evans Randi Honkonen Kristen Sapp Hannah Ullom Megan Wycuff

contributing staff

Assistant Photography Editor

Jeana Harrington

The T&C staff would love to hear from you. Write a Letter to the Editor and tell us what you’re thinking. Letters to the editor are letters responding to a writer or an article published in the Tan & Cardinal.

page 2 |

Copy Editor

Clarissa Combs

PHOTO BY JAYME DETWEILER

Student weighed down by unnecessary science textbooks.

assistant editors

t&c editorial staff

Jessica Miller

HEAVY LOAD:

Web Editor

Cole Hague Sarah Meyers Kate Watkins Amanda Weed Justin McDonald

twice about which one I’d take.

The communication class would obviously be the better choice for me.

“I think INST courses are beneficial and provide a wellrounded education, but requiring non-science majors to take a science class with a lab will take away focus on fulfilling our major requirements,” said Anna Graham, sophomore international studies major.

Also, this proposal claims that the new science courses will be created for non-science majors.

Yeah, I’ve heard that one before.

Last quarter, I took INST 240 CSI Otterbein, which is a science course. The class was interesting, but sometimes the professors went off on tangents speaking science jargon that I’ve never heard before.

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Please keep your letter to 300 words or less. It is at the discretion of the Tan & Cardinal staff as to whether or not the letter will be published. Letters attacking an individual will not be accepted.

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Letters must be submitted by the Monday before the issue is published.

I spent more time on Google trying to figure out what mass spectrometry and hemagglutination inhibition were than I did studying for the quizzes.

I felt like I was expected to know way more about science than I thought. Didn’t they say it was a class for non-science majors? Let’s speak in a language we all can understand.

The proposal also argues that requiring these courses will create “a broad familiarity with the methods of basic science, with the modern scientific understanding of the natural world, and with the impact science has had on our culture,” which “is widely regarded as critical to basic education in the 21st century.”

If we are required to take these designated “non-science major” science courses, will non-communication majors be required to take fundamental communication classes or public speaking? I think that those areas are equally important.

The majority of those who have so far voted for this proposal were full-time faculty for departments in the School of Arts and Sciences. I’ll be anxious to see what other professors, administrators and students think about these new course requirement possibilities. t&c HANNAH ULLOM IS A SOPHOMORE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MAJOR AND IS A STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.

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DANCE CONCERT:

Sophomore musical theatre major Cameron Hobbs and junior psycholog y major Megan Johnston rehearse for “The Flip Side.”

COVER PHOTO BY GREG BEERS

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

news

Small devices easy to swipe & Ask Alumni: OC’s head of security offers tips on how to reduce campus theft

BY LINDSEY HOBBS Staff Writer

Keep your valuables close at hand — “tail-gaiting” is on the rise at local college campuses.

As reported during a recent 10TV broadcast about the problem, “tail-gaiting” is when a person who does not actually have access to a campus building follows behind someone who does have a card to enter the building.

According to the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education’s Security Statistics Web site database, there were 98 cases of burglary at Otterbein between 2006 and 2008.

According to Larry Banaszak, director of security at Otterbein, small electronics like cell phones, iPods and mp3 players are the items that are stolen the most on campus, with 16 cases reported from Sept. 1, 2008 to March 1, 2010.

The other top four items stolen from students include

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bicycles, laptops, purses/ wallets and exterior car parts and accessories, with 13, nine, seven and three cases reported respectively.

Banaszak said that theft is the No. 1 crime on campus, and he offered this advice to help reduce the amount of theft: 1. Keep vehicles and rooms locked to avoid crimes of opportunity.

2. Do not loan out Cardinal Cards or keys.

3. Understand that items in residence hall rooms are not community property. Don’t leave the door unlocked.

4. After you swipe into a residence hall, don’t allow anyone to piggyback into the facility.

5. Challenge or report strangers to the Security Department.

6. Avoid bringing nonessential, expensive items to campus.

7. Register serial numbers with the Security PHOTOS BY KRISTEN SAPP

Department like your computer, bicycle, etc.

8. Don’t be paranoid about safety, but at the same time, don’t bury your head in the sand.

9. Practice common sense safety habits.

10. Stay sober so you don’t misplace your valuables or become an easy victim for a thief.

11. Attend a free safety seminar from the Security Department.

Students around campus have experienced this phenomenon of “tail-gaiting,” but have differing opinions about how to deal with it.

“I usually ask them if they are meeting someone,” said Sarah Collier, freshman allied health major.

Geena Miller, freshman psychology major, thinks that the situation is “hard to avoid.”

“I don’t know every person that lives on every floor,” she said.

Some students don’t feel threatened on campus, though, even with reports of theft.

“I feel like that at Otterbein there’s not that many people that I don’t feel safe around,” said Brittney Nessle, freshman nursing major. t&c

Andre Lampkins ’03 Early Childhood Education

BY EMMY BEACH Staff Writer

In which activities did you participate?

On campus I was AAU president and president of Alpha Phi Alpha, Omicron Rho Chapter. I also sat on the theme house selection committee and worked very closely with the Education Department and Office of Admission.

Do you have advice for students in the job market?

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDRE LAMPKINS

Your ability to compete professionally is grounded in three things: Being thorough in your understanding and application in your field of study, diversifying your experience and learning how to build professional relationships.

What was your favorite memory from your time at Otterbein?

My favorite Otterbein memories are numerous, but they are all centered around the close-knit community that we formed. We served our community regularly, partied hard occasionally, studied hard daily, but most important of all, we graduated.

Do you have an interesting fact about yourself that you would be able to share?

Where do you work currently?

I’m currently writing a book about my experience as an inner-city adolescent and a teenage father, titled “High School Dad: Memoirs of a Fatherless Father.” t&c

I currently work for state Treasurer Kevin L. Boyce where I manage the Community Education and Engagement Department.

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Editor’s Note

For full campus news briefs and the full “Ask Alumni” Q&A, visit the Web site at www.otterbein360.com.

OC SECURITY REPORT

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According to the WPD and the Otterbein Security Log, the following has been reported from Feb. 25 through March 3.

1.

02/27 Between the hours of 2 and 8 p.m., there was a report of a theft at Davis Annex.

2.

02/28 In the Campus Center west parking lot, a student was found with an open container at 1:40 a.m.

3.

02/28 Hazing was reported at the Theta Nu Sorority at 11:30 p.m. The pledges of Theta Nu were told that they had two minutes to report to the sorority house. Many of the girls ran for fear that they would not make it in time. One girl, who had been feeling ill beforehand, was out of breath after running. The girl felt like she wasn’t being hazed.

4. 03/01 - 03/02 Between the hours of 11:46 and 5:20 p.m. the following day, criminal damage was done at 25 W. Home St.

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CAMPUS MAP

4

COURTESY OF OTTERBEIN COLLEGE

INFORMATION COMPILED BY LAINA THOMPSON

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

www.otterbein360.com |

t&c |page 3

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news

News briefs from around campus

Push for potties

The GLBTQ Advisory Committee presented a need for gender-neutral bathrooms on campus. There are currently single-use genderneutral bathrooms in Towers Hall, Courtright Memorial Library and the Art and Communication Building at 33 Collegeview Rd. The committee recommends that the college make plans for new buildings and renovations to include plans to have at least one unisex bathroom placed in all projects.t&c

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Community service recognition

For the fourth time, Otterbein College has been honored by the Corporation for National Community Service for its outstanding service efforts by giving it a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Otterbein has over 1,200 students enrolled in 90 service learning courses that have done more than 23,000 service hours. The Center for Community Engagement supports 12 weekly service programs as well as three annual community plunges. t&c

t&c | www.otterbein360.com

Career Center is underused The Center for Career Planning on campus provides resources for students looking for jobs, but is not sought out by most

BY CLARISSA COMBS Copy Editor

Interviews

Good economy or bad economy, soon-to-graduate Otterbein seniors look toward the job market and anything that can give them a competitive edge.

Networking. Résumés.

Internships. Interviews. “It’s a job itself just to get a job,” said 2009 graduate Kayla Sechler, an event marketing representative for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

A paid-for resource that seniors underuse is the Center for Career Planning (CCP).

“The secret for getting a job PHOTO BY GREG BEERS AND ILLUSTRATION BY LINDSEY HOBBS is knowing how to find a job,” said Meg Barkhymer, director of STAIRWAY TO SUCCESS: The Center for Career Planning offers multiple resources to job-seeking seniors, including résumé and interviewing tips. the CCP. Packets are available for According to 2008 graduate However, Barkhymer found any student with information Courtney Wagner, manager that it has been increasingly on everything from résumés of Program Development difficult to get students’ and cover letters to the option and Small Business Accounts attention. to schedule appointments for for Brower Insurance Agency, “Students don’t attend practice interviews or to make networking is the best resource programs anymore,” Barkhymer alumni connections. for students. said. “There are so many However, according to “Unfortunately, with the poor competing activities and Barkhymer, “a pretty small state of the economy … you responsibilities.” Eventually, she number (of students) take are just one résumé in a giant “got to the point of being really advantage of those resources.” pool of applicants,” Wagner tired of doing the workshop and In 2009, only 164 seniors said. “But with networking, you nobody showing up.” out of roughly 600 made an may be able to get your résumé However, the individual appointment with the CCP. moved up the ladder a little attention seems to satisfy It is no secret the economy is more quickly.” students as well. not optimal for new graduates.

In this economy, alumni “I can help a student much According to the Quarterly networks can be helpful to better when I can work with Workforce Indicators (QWI) make inquiries to about job that student. It’s not a timereleased by the U.S. Census requirements or advice, but effective way for us (the CCP), Bureau, Ohio had 445,929 new there is not necessarily a promise but is more effective to meet hires in 2009. The average from that it will lead to a job. individuals’ needs.” the three prior quarters was “It’s about reaching out for The CCP is equipped to 673,162, which is a 33 percent people with a connection, and assist students locally. “In Ohio, decrease. that connection is Otterbein,” this area is the best,” Barkhymer How is the CCP prepared Barkhymer said. “We are not said. to help students face these talking about connecting directly Wagner said her employer challenging realities? with someone who can give has been “fairly lucky” in the Alumni have found the CCP them a job.” downturn with minimal layoffs. particularly helpful with résumés The National Association “With that said, there hasn’t and networking. of Colleges and Employeers been much happening in the way Sechler gave her résumé to conducted a survey in 2009 with of new hires either.” the CCP. “They told me straight participation from 557 higher Ohio’s Department of Job out what was good about it and education institutions, including and Family Services projects what wasn’t good.”

Otterbein, to compare how that in the Columbus area there Barkhymer said she gets career centers were functioning. will be a 7.3 percent increase in nervous when a student says One of the overall employment by 2016. they are not worried about their conclusions was that “resources “Look at it as a treasure résumé. “In 20 years there have for career centers did not match hunt,” Barkhymer said. “You go been about five résumés I would the increase in demand for through a lot of nos to get to a not change.” services.” yes.” t&c

Internships

Résumés Networking

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

recess Wednesday

Gabriel “Scratch My Back” ▪ Lifehouse “Smoke & Mirrors”

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Campus Events

▪ Human Trafficking Speaker, 6 p.m., CC Lounge

◄◄ PRSSA

Old Bag Networking, 5:30 p.m.

▪ Combined Choirs Concert, 2 p.m., Cowan ▪ CPB Late Night Breakfast, 9 p.m.

Mmmmm ... ... pancakes ...

Music Releases

▪ Ludacris - “Battle of the Sexes” ▪ The White Stripes - “Under Great Northern Lights [Live]”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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◄◄

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Performances

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▪ Men’s Tennis vs.

Cedarville, 3:30 p.m.

▪ Lacrosse vs. Lake Erie, 4 p.m.

▪ “Green Zone” ▪ “Remember Me” ▪ “She’s Out of My League”

Sports

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Campus Events

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Concerts

◄◄ Train Newport Music Hall

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Music Releases

▪ Barenaked Ladies - “All in Good Time” ▪ Wu-Tang - “The Wu-Massacre”

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Movie Releases ▪ “The Bounty Hunter” ▪ “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” ▪ “Repo Men”

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Sports

▪ Softball vs.

Muskingum, 1 p.m.

Palm Sunday

31 Sports

▪ Men’s Tennis at Muskingum, 4 p.m.

▪ Lacrosse at Kenyon, 4 p.m.

Performances

▪ Electro-Acoustic Concert, 8 p.m.

Share Your Information: Want to announce an event in the T&C? Just e-mail us at

tanandcardinal@yahoo.com, and we’ll put it in the monthly calendar. Send it to us by the 25th of the previous month. thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

▪ Baseball vs.

Calvin, Mich., 1 p.m.

Movie Releases

Spring Break!

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Sports

Movie Releases ▪ “Brooklyn’s Finest” ▪ “Alice in Wonderland”

15 - - - EXAMS - - - 16 - - - EXAMS - - - 17 - - - EXAMS - - - 18

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◄◄

Music Releases ▪ Gorillaz “Plastic Beach”

▪ “’Bama Girl,” 5:30 p.m., Roush 114

▪ Dance Concert 7:30 p.m., Cowan

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9 Events

Campus Events

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◄◄ Peter

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Music Releases

3

Saturday

Friday

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2

Thursday

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1

Tuesday

◄◄

Monday

Sunday

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March

Information compiled by Randi Honkonen. Information from www.film-releases.com, www.metacritic.com, www.experiencecolumbus.com and www.otterbein.edu.

www.otterbein360.com |

t&c |page 5

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arts & entertainment

The Cardinal Review

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[REVIEWS OF MUSIC, MOVIES, RESTAURANTS & THE ARTS]

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Westerville Grill serves up success State Street’s latest locale boasts wellestablished chef and calm atmosphere

BY JESSICA MILLER Editor-in-Chief

THE RED QUEEN:

PHOTO FROM MCTCAMPUS.COM

Helena Bonham Carter’s head was digitally blown up to three times its normal size.

Burton’s ‘Alice’ brings magic Tim Burton’s epic reinvention of the classic children’s story by Lewis Carroll is visually stunning and not meant for children

BY ANDREW HENDERSON Opinion Editor

Tim Burton strikes fear into the hearts of three-yearolds once more with his reinterpretation of “Alice in Wonderland.”

The movie begins with a 19-year-old Alice faced with a life-changing decision forced upon her by the pressures of her Victorian society.

Lured into a surprise engagement party, Alice escapes the situation by once again falling down the rabbit hole into the Wonderland she visited as a child, yet doesn’t remember.

Upon arrival, Alice is charged with the task of defeating the Red Queen and returning peace to Wonderland.

It’s no secret that Tim Burton’s “Alice in Wonderland” is less about Alice and more about his reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s fantasy world.

Burton and his crew have created an epic universe that is page 6 |

so unrecognizable to the source material that it is almost new.

The plot plays out similarly to Steven Spielberg’s “Hook,” in that the hero from a beloved children’s story comes back as an adult and must save the world he once visited as a child.

The movie takes themes from both “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” and essentially melds them together to make an original story.

Because of this, the plot has a lot of information to cover in a limited amount of time.

While I usually can’t stand movies that drag on too long, this movie felt very rushed.

The dialogue is quick and can be difficult to follow, especially with the characters’ use of nonsensical words and titles.

The cast is stacked with a hefty combination of eccentric character actors like Michael Sheen and Crispin Glover, and the usual Burton groupies like Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman and

t&c | www.otterbein360.com

Burton’s wife, Helena Bonham Carter.

Newcomer Mia Wasikowska does an excellent portrayal of the innocent, good-hearted heroine, but is seriously overshadowed by Johnny Depp’s outlandish Mad Hatter.

From the first moment Depp’s ghoulish face appears on screen, he steals the show.

Bonham Carter also has some great moments as the bigheaded Queen of Hearts, the conflicted tyrant of Wonderland.

Yet this movie is way more style than substance. Every scene is crafted from intense motion-capturing and high-tech CGI seamlessly blended with live action.

The final product is the essential Tim Burton style.

From the hellish castle of the Red Queen down to the horrific creatures inside, this world is more of a nightmare than fantasy. t&c

Rating: &&&&&

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Chef Fredrick Stevens’ little “hole in the wall” operation is easy to pass up if you remember The Dog Joint.

But don’t let the country buffet style fool you. Like the signatures from past presidents and politicians say, Chef Rick can cook.

On the walls he displays signed photographs of Gov. Ted Strickland, Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, and OSU Football Coach Jim Tressel.

Chef Rick is a Certified Master Chef, which he said is the equivalent of a Ph.D. in other occupations.

As well as being at the top of his industry, Chef Rick combines a chill environment with tasty classic food.

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My turkey Reuben was superb. The turkey was cut fresh literally minutes before it was served, locking in the moisture of the meat.

Add top quality marble rye bread and you can imagine how surprised I was when I realized the sandwich only cost $6.

The restaurant is small, housing about 20-30 people at capacity. And with quality food comes preparation time, so you will wait a bit for your food.

All in all, Chef Rick’s Westerville Grill offers great, low-price food in a relaxing atmosphere.

You can also order take-out for anything on the menu, even breakfast items.

Also look for more late-night hours on Friday and Saturday for &&&&& those who like an omelette after a stiff drink. t&c

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What’s your flavor?

Name: Curtis Baker Year: freshman Major: life science Hometown: Willard, Ohio What’s your flavor? mint chocolate chip Favorite actor: Tom Hanks Favorite Campus Center food: fish Favorite candy: Reese’s Cups If you could have any superpower, what would it be? to have theme music play in my life Favorite planet: Earth Favorite cereal: Cheerios with bananas Favorite activity: watching college football

PHOTO AND INFORMATION COMPILED BY KRISTEN SAPP

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

arts & entertainment

‘The Flip Side’ dances around the world

Otterbein’s latest dance concert combines several diverse dance styles into one coherent and entertaining show

BY PETER BEHR AND KATE WATKINS Arts & Entertainment Editor and Staff Writer

Otterbein dancers promise this year’s dance concert will be unique and exciting.

According to this year’s title, “The Flip Side,” the dance concert is expected to be different than ever before.

With many upbeat group numbers and some racy moves, each dance is unique and entertaining.

Otterbein students ranging from freshmen to seniors will be performing in this year’s bright and fun dance concert.

The choreographers, Otterbein dance faculty, use styles like ballet, swing, Bollywood, samba and contemporary.

Each choreographer gets one week to teach his or her piece.

Through long and tiring practices, the dancers are challenged and grow as performers.

The students are also able to give some input on the dances.

Jade Waters-Burch, a junior BFA student, although not a first -time dance concert performer, is still excited.

One dance is a modern piece that tasks the dancers to play on a warm summer’s day to the tune of Yo-Yo Ma playing some Appalachian music.

Another dance is an incredible Brazilian samba that starts out with the dancers under black light and ends with the dancers clothed in brightly-colored outfits and gliding across the stage.

For all of the dancers at Otterbein: Hope to see you on “The Flip Side.”

t&c

& JUST DANCE:

“I love performing and having the thrill of putting on different characters that I get to play during the show,” WatersBurch said.

Sophomore dancer Nicole Putnam said, “There’s a lot of talent at this school, and the

vol. 91, issue 19 | thursday, march 4, 2010

PHOTO BY GREG BEERS

Otterbein dancers bust a move and entertain audiences in their latest concert, “The Flip Side.” entertainment is going to be totally different than we’ve seen before.”

But preparation is not easy.

“I’ve never done anything this challenging,” said freshman musical theatre major Lili Froehlich.

Apart from the dancing, another reason to check out the dance concert is for the incredible costumes.

Particularly a ballet number with bright yellow and orange costumes that includes some impressive en pointe.

“The Flip Side”

You can see the 2010 Otterbein dance concert at the Fritsche Theatre in Cowan Hall on 30 S. Grove St. on the following days: Thursday, March 4 7:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, March 5 & 6 8 p.m.

Sunday, March 7 2 p.m.

www.otterbein360.com |

t&c | page 7

opinion

Roommates abandon etiquette

How in the world would 15 college guys completely destroy a fraternity house? Let me count eight simple ways

BY COLE HAGUE Staff Writer

As college students, we all understand that much of our learning experiences with others come from living with people. In the two years that I’ve been living in a house with 15 guys, I’ve done a lot of learning.

I’ve accumulated a fair amount of funny and unbelievable stories, but despite their hilarity, some of these things aren’t necessarily good practices.

I thought it might be a good idea to go ahead and advise you about some things you should look out for, and some things you should never do as a roommate.

1. Scope out your living situation before you move in.

Like anyone who has been in the same living situation for two years, it’s easy to understand that I have a few complaints about certain aspects of my house.

I live in a room adjacent to the house’s kitchen. However, before moving into my room, it would have been nice to know that due to some faulty wiring, every time someone uses the microwave, toaster or blender, I have to turn off my TV or else all the electricity in my room and

HEALTH HAZARD OR LUNCH MEAT?:

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the kitchen (including the community fridge) will click off.

So, my best advice is to do some investigating before signing your lease.

2. Keep pets in cages at all times.

This summer, I was shocked to discover that the house I was living in had become a home for a new tenant.

One of my housemates discovered that a 3-foot ball python had lodged itself against some heated piping in our basement.

After some attempts at prying the creature out, one of my roommates was actually able to safely capture the snake and put it in a plastic container.

We later found out that the snake was our friend’s pet, and he had somehow lost it in the house. Apparently, the reptile had been hiding out for about four months before making his appearance.

3. Expired food in community refrigerators should be thrown out before it causes health hazards.

One of my roommates who works at a local barbecue joint was given a large Thanksgiving turkey by his boss to bring home and share with us during the holidays.

But with so many of my housemates leaving town to

spend time with their families, the turkey was left in the kitchen fridge and forgotten about.

Until this February.

So, as a rule of thumb, roommates, try and keep tabs on your food so someone doesn’t end up disgusted — or dead.

4. No matter how much you like your music, it doesn’t mean that I like your music.

Most roommates have issues with their living partner not sharing enough, but there’s always the issue of sharing too much. Blaring your music so loudly that my whole room shakes just because you think that I need to hear your new favorite song isn’t necessarily my favorite thing.

I get it. You really like Ke$ha’s “Tik-Tok,” that “I’m On a Boat” song or pretty much anything by Lil’ Wayne. But just because you think I should hear your music doesn’t mean I want to.

So please guys, make sure your volume isn’t so loud that it’ll rupture your house or apartment’s structural foundation.

5. Flush.

This one’s pretty self-explanatory.

There’s nothing worse than stepping into your bathroom,

lifting the seat and suddenly, your whole day is ruined.

Roommates: No matter how proud you may be of your “movement,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that I want to bear witness to such an overpowering sight or aroma.

So for all you forgetful flushers out there, do your living partners a favor and try and remember to push that lever on your way out the door.

6. No recreational sports in common areas.

Playing sports in your house or apartment may seem like a good way to get some energy out without having to go to a gym or rec center.

But my roommates’ recent interest in a game they call “Fancy Ball” (it involves swivel chairs, blazers, Frank Sinatra and is played just like racquetball) has left a pretty large hole in the wall.

While this may seem like a cheap, fun way of spending an afternoon, playing sports in your house is likely going to ensure you don’t get your security deposit back.

7. Fire extinguishers are for fi res only.

If your house is equipped with lifesaving equipment, that’s

what it’s intended for. So, don’t use them on each other like squirt guns. Even though it’s really fun. Just saying.

8. Sharing funny videos with your roommates may be hazardous to your sanity.

Ever seen that “Rack ’Em Willie” YouTube video? Yeah, me too. And so has nearly every one of my roommates.

As a result, hearing “Rack ’em, rack, rack, rack, rack … ” being shouted throughout the house by a specific roommate after biweekly visits to the bar became a theme of last year’s living situation.

If you’re looking for a restful year, don’t show your living partners that really funny new YouTube video you just found.

You’ll thank me later.

In closing, whether you’re moving into a new dorm room, apartment or house, these little anecdotes should serve as a reminder to be a respectful, cooperative and understanding roommate. In the end, whoever you live with will really appreciate you for it. And if not, well, at least it’ll make for a funny story.

t&c

COLE HAGUE IS A SENIOR

BROADCASTING MAJOR AND STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.

Unbelievable scenes from Hague’s community refrigerator and senior Tyson Dennis playing a serious game of “Fancy Ball.”

t&c |www.otterbein360.edu

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COLE HAGUE

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

opinion

Military no longer questions sexuality Government may consider repealing the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy

CREDIT, GET IT?:

PHOTO BY JAYME DETWEILER

Credit cards held by college students may decrease thanks to the new Credit CARD Act.

Preapproved no more College students may be distressed with credit card law loophole concern to college students.

The rules of the credit card Credit cards will not be issued industry have changed. While to anyone under the age of 21 some changes will be seen as a unless they have a co-signer or blessing by college can prove their ability to make students, others payments. may be seen as a This can severely hamper a curse. student’s ability to qualify for a Credit cards, credit card that will help to cover used responthe ever-increasing costs of sibly, can be education, while building a credit a lifeline to AMANDA WEED history to secure a car loan or cover college apartment after graduation. costs. Books, There are other issues that tuition and other expenses can hit a student hard. Using a credit are not addressed in the Credit CARD Act which may or may card can help to pay these exnot be exploited by the credit penses over time. card industry.

But there is a heavy price to There is no provision for a pay for this convenience. cap on interest rates. Students In 2008, 84 percent of colmay experience the ramification lege students had at least one of this loophole the hardest. credit card with an average The highest interest rates on balance of $3,100. Interest rates credit cards go to applicants with can more than double this balance if paid off at the minimum poor or no credit history.

One extreme example came monthly payment. last October when First Premier The new law for the credit card industry, approved by Con- Bank, based in South Dakota, offered a credit card with a 79.9 gress as the Credit CARD Act of 2009, will bring much-needed percent interest rate.

While this particular card is relief to credit card consumers. marketed to individuals with the The law will cap service fees, poorest credit, it illustrates that eliminate double billing cycles there is no limit on how high and tighten guidelines for interinterest rates can go. est rate increases.

The new law does not adCredit card companies will dress the use of annual fees. no longer be allowed to lure One day in the near future, students with tempting swag in students may pay a yearly fee for exchange for filling out a card the privilege of owning a credit application.

There is a flip side to the new card. Consumers who only use their credit card sparingly could law which should be of great thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

be penalized with an annual fee for insufficient activity.

Fifth Third Bank charges $19 to consumers that have not used their account in the previous 12 months.

Credit card companies are still free to cut credit limits and close accounts for any reason and with no notice.

Students could see their credit scores drop because these scores take into account the ratio of debt to available credit.

A $300 debt on a $1,000 limit may maintain a student’s credit score. If the limit is cut to $500, a student will see their credit score drop because their debt increased sharply compared to their reduced credit line.

The moral of this story is, buyer beware.

Credit cards can be a useful tool in covering unexpected costs and to build credit history.

Credit cards can also cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars if you don’t use that credit responsibly.

Do your research when applying for a card. Stay informed about your credit cards, and pay close attention to the small print.

t&c

AMANDA WEED IS A

JUNIOR ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND BROADCASTING MAJOR AND IS A STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.

After nearly 17 years, the United States government is finally moving toward revoking the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy.

The policy, which was instated as a comLEAH promise in 1993 DRISCOLL under President Bill Clinton, was created as a loophole to allow gay, lesbian and bisexual Americans into the military.

People of any orientation other than heterosexual have never been allowed to serve, but Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, in addition to barring homosexual and bisexual citizens from service, forbids the military from asking potential members to declare their sexual orientation.

This seemed like a good idea at first. Anyone of any sexual orientation can serve in the military, as long as they keep their homosexuality or bisexuality under wraps.

But according to the federal law, if any members are found to “demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts,” they are discharged.

Clinton had originally promised to allow all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation, to serve in the military.

After Congress resisted, his administration decided to compromise by allowing the military to forbid homosexual conduct rather than homosexuality in general, and thus Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was born.

President Barack Obama has made it pretty clear that he intends to remove this form of discrimination from the military entirely.

“This year, I will work with Congress and our military to finally repeal the law that denies gay Americans the right to serve the country they love because of who they are,” Obama said during his State of the Union Address in January. “It’s the right thing to do.”

I couldn’t agree more. Even from a purely logical standpoint, removing the law is the right thing to do.

According to the Department of Defense, over 13,000 military personnel have been discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

That’s thousands of Americans who volunteered to serve the country during a time of great need, but can’t provide their services because of their sexual orientation.

Furthermore, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has reported that around $190.5 million has been spent discharging and replacing service members who were fired due to their sexual orientation.

The Palm Center, based at the University of California, Santa Barbara, put on a recent study that estimates the cost of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell to be up to 91 percent higher than the GAO reported.

Beyond all the statistics, banning homosexual citizens from service is ignorant and discriminatory.

Being straight doesn’t aid a soldier or service member in any way, so how should being gay or bisexual detract from a soldier’s ability to serve?

It doesn’t make him or her any less competent in the same way that being straight doesn’t make a soldier more competent.

Before Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was created, the Department of Defense claimed that “homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” The policy upholds that claim. But sexual orientation is unrelated to military service.

Obama said that Congress and the military will begin working on repealing the law this year.

It looks promising that before long, gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens will be able to serve openly in the military.

It’s about time. t&c LEAH DRISCOLL IS A SOPHOMORE JOURNALISM MAJOR AND IS A STAFF WRITER FOR THE t&c.

www.otterbein360.com |

t&c |page 9

Crosse (stick): equipment used to throw, catch and carry the ball.

Ground ball: a loose ball on the playing field.

Pocket: the strung part on the head of the stick which holds the ball.

Ride: trying to prevent a team from clearing the ball.

Rake: a face-off move in which a player sweeps the ball to the side.

Fast-break: scoring opportunity in which offense has at least a man advantage.

On-the-fl y sub: a substitution made during play.

The field of play 60 yards

^

A guide to LAX slang

^

&

&

recess ^

Goalkeeper

Extra man offense: a man advantage that results from a time-serving penalty.

Clamp: pushing the back of the stick on top of the ball while at a face-off.

Midfi eld line: the line which bisects the field of play.

Crease: circle around the goal which only defensive players may enter.

INFORMATION FROM LACROSSE-INFORMATION.COM

Defender

Defender

Defender

Attackman

Attackman

Attackman

At the University of Alabama, every girl wants to be Homecoming Queen. For some, the race is harder than others...

Midfielder

‘Bama Girl

Midfielder Midfielder

Midfielder

Attackman

Attackman

Defender

Defender

110 yards

Midfielder

Midfielder Attackman

Directed by Rachel Goslins

March 4 5:30 p.m.

Roush 114 Screening and talk back Sponsored by

Sisters United, Women’s Studies, Black Studies and Office of Diversity page 10 |

t&c |www.otterbein360.com

& ‘

Goalkeeper

Defender

^ GRAPHIC BY AARON ANGEL

Basic lacrosse rules

- The object of lacrosse is to score the most points.

Points are scored when a player kicks, nudges, bats with the stick or throws with their stick the very hard tennis-sized rubber ball into the opponent’s net.

Players cannot use their hands to score.

- College lacrosse plays four 15-minute quarters. At the end of each quarter, both teams switch ends of the field to attack.

- Lacrosse is played with 10 players on each team consisting of three defenders, three midfielders, three attackmen and one goalie. Teams must keep no less than four players on their defensive end and no less than three on the attack end.

- Play begins with a face-off at midfield with one player from each team with their sticks on the ground. Face-offs also occur after a goal is scored.

INFORMATION FROM SIMPLYLACROSSE.COM

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19

&

sports

Say What?

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OTTERBEIN HAVING A LACROSSE TEAM? “I think it’s cool because I went to a high school that didn’t have a lacrosse team.”

—Amber Johnson freshman life science

READY TO ROLL:

PHOTO BY GREG BEERS

The Otterbein lacrosse team, anxious to get started, will be stuck indoors for at least one more weekend.

Game scratched due to snow The Cardinals will have to wait a little longer before opening up against Oberlin

BY SARAH MYERS Staff Writer

This Saturday was supposed to be the premiere of the men’s lacrosse game hosted by Otterbein College at St. Francis DeSales High School. Mother Nature had other plans.

The game has been rescheduled for Tuesday, weather permitting.

When a field is playable, hopefully sooner than later, coach Colin Hartnett and the team will represent Otterbein as the only member of the OAC to have a varsity lacrosse team.

Four of the players had been playing long before Otterbein announced that the school would add lacrosse to its spring sports programs.

Sophomore Jake Benko, freshman James Jeffers and junior Brad Pendy have been playing the game since the eighth grade. Freshman Mike Hughes has been playing since he was a third grader.

These men were very excited when they heard that Otterbein was welcoming this competitive sport. thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol.91, issue 19

With some of the men having experience, they will be able to be leaders in helping their teammates have a successful season.

“We’re all very anxious to get our first game under our belt.”

Mike Hughes freshman midfielder

“We feel real confident as a team and we believe the team is really close for being a first-year program,” Jeffers said.

This game is the first out of 15 they will play this season. The team also gets the privilege of traveling to North Carolina during spring break to show off the new team.

Ten of the team’s 15 games are home games. They will also get to travel out of state to Michigan to play against Carthage.

The field at Otterbein is currently covered by snow, so it is unknown whether the Cardinals will get to host the first game on their home turf.

“We’re all very anxious to get our first game under our belt,” said Hughes.

Hartnett came from Saint John Fisher College in New York where he was the assistant coach of the men’s lacrosse team for five years.

He helped to take that team to the Eastern College Athletic Conference.

He has a good reputation to take the Otterbein men to the top, since he had an 11-3 record in 2008 at Saint John Fisher.

The men are hoping that Otterbein will come to support the team in home games. The second game will be against Lake Erie and will be held at Otterbein on March 11.

“For people that have never seen a lacrosse game, we think that it’s a good first game for them to watch and find out what it’s all about,” Benko said. t&c

“It’s fine with me.

I haven’t played, but I know some people really like it.”

—Anna Negley sophomore education

“We are so excited for the season to start so we can watch our friends at all the games.

We can’t wait to see Jake Benko knock some guys out.”

—Cara Hagan, Victoria Richards freshmen international studies, early childhood education “It’s a good thing to have and could bring in more people to play on the team.”

—Melissa Kent freshman public relations

www.otterbein360.com |

t&c | page 11

Tuesday, March 9

Saturday, March 6

&

sports Upcoming Schedule Indoor Track @ Mount Union 11 a.m.

Baseball vs. Calvin 1 p.m.

Men’s Lacrosse vs. Oberlin 4 p.m.

GRAPHIC BY KRISTEN SAPP

THREE IN A ROW:

Austin Curbow won his third straight OAC title in the 55-meter hurdles.

PHOTO BY GREG BEERS

Stars keep outrunning hurdles

Sophomore Curbow, junior Petraitis are ready for Mount Union

BY AARON ANGEL Sports Editor

WOBN is proud to announce Bradley Carroll as the station’s new General Manager.

Staff positions are still available. Contact Brad for details and as always, keep it live on 97.5! page 12 |

t&c | www.otterbein360.com

When Mount Union hosts their Last Chance meet this Saturday, a few Cardinals will take the “last chance” meaning to heart.

The men will look to sophomore Austin Curbow to make a qualifying time to join fellow Cardinal Sarah Petraitis, who has already clinched a spot on the women’s side, to take part in the NCAA Indoor Championships held at Depauw University on March 12.

Curbow took the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) crown in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 7.84 seconds, giving the hurdler a third straight OAC championship in a hurdling event.

“Winning it was good and everything, but I wasn’t that happy with my time. I was expecting to do a lot better,” Curbow said.

Curbow placed eighth in the 55-meter hurdles in the 2009 NCAA Indoor Championship.

The sophomore admits that the lack of competition in the OAC when it comes to hurdling events has hindered his time slightly, but is confident coming into Saturday’s meet.

“I have a 7.67 second time right now and all I need to run is a 7.63, and I’m pretty much

guaranteed a spot for nationals.

The only time I ran a good time was at the All-Ohio Invitational (Feb. 13) when there was someone who could actually beat me,” Curbow said.

As for Petraitis, knowing that a spot is waiting in Greencastle, Ind. next weekend has not curbed her ambition for the meet.

“I know I’m an automatic bid, but I know that Curbow and I want to cement a spot for nationals. I have been working hard since July so I’ve been thinking about it since then,” Petraitis said.

During the OAC Championships, the women placed first and third in the final for the 55-meter hurdles. Senior Sarah Schall took third place behind Heidelberg’s Marian Bevington and Petraitis.

“We were all excited because we wanted to pull through in the conference. We all have worked hard this indoor season and it was nice to achieve that,” Petraitis said.

According to head coach David Lehman, Curbow and Petraitis will not be the only athletes to look out for.

“We’re taking a couple of pole vaulters that in the past have gone fairly high and so we want to give them one more shot,” Lehman said.

Leading the way on the men’s side for pole vault is freshman Aaric Milligan who placed fourth in the OAC Championship, while the women will look for fellow freshman Erin Hartzell to build on her seventh place finish last week.

For the rest of the team, coach Lehman sees the meet as a value to athletes who are on the cusp of qualifying for nationals.

“This meet has value to us for those that are close to national qualifying and needing to improve their mark,” Lehman said.

The indoor season has been one plagued with injuries for the women when it comes to their distance runners.

Hamstring troubles have hindered freshman Rebekah Reese and sophomore Lexi Dooley, while sophomore distance runners Hannah Farver and Nicole Elliot are coming back from compartment syndrome surgeries.

“We are starting to get some kids healthy, and hopefully by the middle of outdoor season we might be closer to full strength,” Lehman said.

Indoor season ends at the NCAA Championships next weekend.

The first outdoor meet of the season is set for March 20 at the Virginia Military Institute. t&c

thursday, march 4, 2010 | vol. 91, issue 19