Jan. 13, 2013 issue by Pepperdine Graphic

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Volume XLIII, Issue 11 | January 17, 2013 | www.pepperdine-graphic.com

Flu scare hits vaccine supply By Mariella Rudi News Editor

Sitting on the edge of a flu epidemic sweeping in from the east, Pepperdine’s Malibu campus came back to school last Monday with a heightened demand for flu shots. Since September, the Student Health Center has provided approximately 480 flu shots to students — for free. But as of Tuesday, the Student Health Center has officially run out of vaccinations.

The flu clinic on Tuesday, which administered around 120 flu shots to students, faculty and staff in the Fireside Room, drained the SHC’s supply. SHC Director Nancy Safinick and nurse Arleen Fernandez were forced to turn away students and wait for a new shipment. “On the side I was clapping that everyone was getting it, and on the other side I thought, ‘Oh no, we’re going to run out,’” Safinick said. “More

»See FLU, A4

New director in the capitol Pool closure to By Nikki Torriente Executive Editor

The Pepperdine Washington D.C. Program has selected Richard Gathro, a 35-year D.C. resident, who was previously the assistant to the president and dean of the Nyack College campus in D.C., as the program’s new director. The new director has had a notable career in education, having served as vice president for Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and having received his doctorate in education and theology from the University of Oxford. Gathro heard about the position opening for Pepperdine’s Washington D.C. Program through a friend who had sent him an email and told him, “this looks like you.” Gathro looks to streamline the focus of the program and tailor it to career development, and he wants to make sure

that all students, no matter mester, I want to help them their majors, can attend the write their own personal misprogram. sion statements and a person“I want to see it more al strategic plan for the rest career-development oriented. of their lives,” Gathro said. I want to see it rel“Students are going evant regardless of to learn a lot about what your major or themselves through area of study is. And the internship and I want it to have through the classsome global flair es I’ve developed to it,” Gathro said. with the internship. “And what I mean When they’re done, by that is, I want to I want them to say, help students ‘I understand much Richard Gathro D.C. Director understand how all more about how I’m that they’re experiencmade.’” ing fits in with the globalizing Gathro emphasizes that reworld that we’re in.” shaping the program wouldn’t Through the D.C. program, cause it to lose any of the Gathro hopes to assist stu- aspects students love about dents in not only discovering the D.C. program. Rather, the world, but also in learning he wants to supplement the about themselves through in- program by creating a centernships, career-development tral focus: career development and classes that connect to and student internships. For both focuses. Gathro, cross-cultural learning “When a student walks out is vital for the future and the of here at the end of the se- development of Pepperdine

students. “I’m most excited about Pepperdine students because of the quality of the students and the potential that I see in [them] to make a difference,” Gathro said. “And I see this program and the International Programs as a tool to help students make a difference. The more we can understand our sense of calling and identity, the more we have a focus of where we have to go from here. I’m here to help students understand what it means to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Charles Hall, the dean of International Programs, sees the new director as chance for the D.C. Program to flourish. “With his leadership skills and passion for students, I predict that the Washington Program will soon be one of our most popular programs.”

mentary School auditorium. Though it mirrors a soup kitchen or food bank, SOS is more accurately a homeless ministry. It was when alumna Holly Packman, who earned her master’s degree from Pepperdine in 1997, and her husband, Daniel, took in a homeless friend, Frank, whom they had met at a coffee shop, that SOS started to form. Holly and Daniel co-founded SOS in the early 2000s and have since garnered a free-spoken reverence within the Malibu homeless community. Today, their website promotes 349 people whom they have helped make a complete

on something that is consistent, that’s reassuring. We are here every Thursday night. We have a meal, and we have a time of just fellowship and community,” Daniel said. As it rained outside, Daniel announced that they had sleeping bags and tarps, but not enough for everyone. “I know a lot of you guys are cold and wet … It’s terrible out there right now … I know this world is gnarly, it’s tough, it’s hard to stand firm and to be steadfast,” Daniel said. “I’m just so glad you guys got here tonight. Stick around; something’s going to happen tonight.” With that, the women went

leticia.torriente@pepperdine.edu

last five months for construction By Danielle DiMeglio Assistant Life & Arts Editor

The campus pool is slated to close from March 1 to Aug. 1. During that, aquatic sports, swimming lessons and the Malibu and Pepperdine community will be forced to find practice locations elsewhere. The University Management Committee announced the renovation plans in December, and the new pool will boast a new deck, interior finish, lighting and a new hot tub, according to the Center for Sustainability’s Rhiannon Bailard. The renovations are separate from the Campus Life Project which was given the green light by the Coastal Commission earlier this semester.

“Our coaches have told us about the pool renovations, but as of right now we still don’t know where we will be practicing. From what I’ve heard, the possibilities are Malibu High School and Oaks Christian,” said junior water polo player Ray McIntyre in December. The refurbishment project is a state- and federally-mandated replacement of the main drain line under the pool, while also fixing different components of the pool’s infrastructure that have recently failed. The entire process will take approximately five months, where construction will also focus on any desired upgrades and improvements. While the renovations

»See POOL, A8

Standing on Stone gives solid ground for homeless By Mariella Rudi News Editor

During Greek recruitment junior Onur Sahin brought his potential Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brother, Jonathon, to Thursday night dinner for Sigma interviews. “Most people just go to the Caf and talk over a meal, but I like to do weird stuff for my interviews just to kind of see how they’ll react in different circumstances,” Sahin said in November. The “unorthodox” dinner was at SOS (Standing on Stone) Malibu, held every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Webster Ele-

transition off the streets. The key word is transition, and it’s Daniel’s preferred term over homeless outreach. Before the meal, Daniel asked everyone to come out from the back and sit down. With a faded orange Pepperdine cap and laminated nametag, he took the microphone to begin the night. “I don’t know about you, but having something consistent and something you can count on with so many things in our lives is difficult to find,” Daniel said. It’s hard to count on a friend and the government, he said. “But when you can count

INDEX DPS Reports..A2

Golden Age Thinking Date your professor

Calendar........A2 Editorial..........A6 Horoscopes....B7 Sports............B8

to stand in line, and the men followed. When the volunteers, many from Pepperdine, were done serving food, they joined the groups at their tables. They offered advice and followed up with recent problems or achievements. They shared stories or Bible verses. Mostly, though, the volunteers just listened to what their homeless, or transitioning, friends wanted to talk about. Many of the Pepperdine volunteers come for some sort of freshman seminar requirement, but most stay for the stories they hear and people they meet. During dinner, Sahin re-

The time has come to take advantage of the most underrated babe pool in Malibu: Pepperdine faculty and staff.

»PERSPECTIVES, A7

This spring exhibition at the Weisman features celebrated 19th and 20th century American artists.

» L&A, B2

“

We are here every Thursday night. We have a meal, and we have time of just fellowship and community. —Daniel Packman Co-founder, SOS

”

told an anecdote about a man he met at SOS who told him about how he discovered Britney Spears, how he’s immortal and how he’s figured out how to get to Mars in a day, but the

»See SOS,A5

The Waves of Malibu Fri. .8 ft @14s

Sat. .7 ft @13s

Sun. .7 ft @14s

Mon. .7 ft @13s

magicseaweed.com

A2 Graphic

NEWS

January 17, 2013

Audi R8 meets Malibu sunshine

Mariella Rudi / NEWS EDITOR

THE VIEW — Three weeks off from school, but some things never change. A beautiful view and expensive new cars are just as prevalent now as they were in December. Above is an Audi R8, which typically costs over $100,000.

1/8/13 7:06 a.m. Departmental – Lost/Found Property Location: Firestone Fieldhouse Summary: A found credit card was turned in to Public Safety. 1/8/13 12:25 p.m. Departmental – Lost/Found Property Location: Thornton Administration Center Summary: Found keys were turned into Public Safety. 1/8/13 5:29 p.m. Drugs & Alcohol Related Incidents – Possession of Marijuana Location: Drescher Campus Parking Structure Summary: A student reported detecting a possible marijuana odor. Public Safety officers responded but were unable to locate any evidence of the drug.

1/9/13 2:12 a.m. Drugs & Alcohol Related Incidents – Drunk in Public Location: Hall 5 – William Hayes House Summary: Public Safety officers responded to investigate a report of an intoxicated student. 1/9/13 12:18 p.m. Traffic Related – Hit and Run, Non-Injury Accident Location: Drescher Parking Lot T Summary: A vehicle collided into a parked vehicle. A student reported returning to their vehicle and discovering new damage. The responsible party left no contact information at the scene. They reported some minor damage. 1/9/13 4:16 p.m. Crimes – Larceny/Theft – Petty Theft – Misc. Location: Terrace Parking Lot

Calendar

THURSDAY Women’s Basketball vs. Santa Clara 7 p.m. Firestone Fieldhouse

1/10/13 3:50 p.m. Incidents – Suspicious Circumstances Location: President’s Drive Summary: A university student was approached by an unknown person and was asked, “Where is the party?” Public Safety officers responded to investigate but were unable to locate the individual.

1/11/13 3:52 p.m. Traffic Related – Traffic Accident, Non-Injury Location: Firestone Fieldhouse Lot Summary: Two vehicles collided while exiting the parking lot. Minor damage was reported. 1/12/13 10:10 a.m. Traffic Related – Hit and Run, Non-Injury Accident Location: Smothers Theatre Summary: A vehicle collided with a parked vehicle. A student reported returning to their vehicle and noticing new damage. The responsible party left no contact information at

the scene. Minor damage was reported. 1/13/13 12:34 a.m. Departmental – Lost/Found Property Location: Firestone Fieldhouse Summary: Lost property of university keys were reported to Public Safety. 1/13/13 2:24 a.m. Departmental – Lost/Found Property Location: Seaver Drive Booth Summary: A found cell phone was turned in to Public Safety. 1/14/13 5:30 a.m. Departmental – Lost/Found Property Location: Firestone Fieldhouse Summary: A found cell phone was turned in to Public Safety.

WHAT’S BREAKING

World

The ‘Bu

Residents have begun petitioning to ban overnight camping in Corral Canyon and other local high-risk fire areas. The Corral Canyon Fire Safety Alliance created the petition due to the fire risks.

FRIDAY Men’s Volleyball vs. Pacific 7 p.m. Water shut down Firestone Fieldhouse for maintenance project

MONDAY Cardio Kickboxing Noon-12:50 p.m. Harilela International Tennis Stadium Fitness Studio

TUESDAY St. Jude: Finding Cures, Saving Children 7-8 p.m. PLC 125

1/9/13 6:41 p.m. Drugs & Alcohol Related Incidents – Drunk in Public Location: Lovernich Student (Seaver) Apartments, A Block Summary: Public Safety officers responded to investigate a report that a staff member observed a student in possession of alcoholic beverage containers in their dorm room.

1/11/13 10:22 a.m. Crimes – Larceny/Theft – Petty Theft – Misc. Location: Graziadio Executive Center Summary: A student reported that their unattended wallet was stolen from the cafeteria.

Corral Canyon starts petition to ban Syria crisis: Dozens killed by Alepovernight camping po university blasts

SATURDAY Dream Center Service Project 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Dream Center in LA

Summary: A staff member reported a university gate remote control device was stolen from a university vehicle.

Two blasts at a university in Aleppo, Syria killed more than 80 people. The explosions reportedly struck between the residence halls and the architecture facility on the first day of exams. Aleppo has been a scene of conflict for the past two years.

scheduled

Stockholm train crashed into apartTuesday night was the beginning of a 30-hour wa- ments ‘by cleaner’ ter shut down in Malibu as part of a Los Angeles County Waterworks District 29 project. The purpose was to upgrade the primary water supply interconnection with the Metropolitan Water District which will improve pressure throughout the area.

A cleaning woman stole an empty commuter train in Stockholm, Sweden, injuring herself by crashing it into a three-story house. She was an employee of the railway company and managed to drive it one mile before it jumped the tracks. The three families in the building were not injured.

New acting captain appointed to Malibu station during investigation Cuba confirms 51 cholera cases in Lt. Matthew Squire of the LA County Sheriff ’s De- Havana partment now leads the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff ’s Station. The previous captain is under investigation for allegedly coercing a subordinate into sexual relationships. He denies the claim and the subordinate is on unpaid leave for unrelated felony vandalism and misdemeanor battery charges.

There has been a cholera outbreak in Havana, Cuba with 51 people infected. The source has been identified as a foodseller who caught cholera during an outbreak in eastern Cuba. This outbreak is the biggest in decades. Only the sale of sealed food and drink is temporarily permitted.

Reports compiled from Malibu Patch

Reports compiled from BBC

MARIELLA RUDI News Editor

Let’s keep it Pepp appropriate

The professor poses a Socratic question, and the answer has something to do with sex. Eyes dart back and forth from the professor, then to peers, back to the professor. Oh no, you just made eye contact with the professor. Quick, look down at your hands in shame. No one is moving. You contemplate whether you’ve gone deaf, but then you hear a bead of sweat roll off the temple of the kid next to you. We’re stubborn and too far into this thing to give up. But the professor will wait. Students are twitching and spontaneously combusting. One guy pees himself. It’s only been 30 seconds. “You guys can say it: sex,” the professor finally says. With permission we let out a collective breath, giggle and softly turn our heads to the people sitting next to us (like in that one scene in Mean Girls when they all admit they’ve been trash-talking each other). That was a close one. Hopefully the next time we have to talk about a subject listed under Seaver Student Handbook examples of misconduct, it’ll be about failing to posses a valid student ID on request or tailgating another car into a parking lot. Come on, guys, let’s keep this “Pepperdine appropriate.” I’ve had professors and Resident Advisors throw me that line whenever a conversation waded into legal aged waters (e.g. sex, drugs, California State Lottery). Each time I hear some variation of the phrase, I squint my eyes a little harder (Seaver-induced crow’s feet). Pepperdine appropriate? What does that even mean? It is not defined by the Seaver Student Handbook but by a unique campus climate. This Malibu miracle is fashioned between moral and ethical obligations to the Bible, and an often contradictory reality that comes along with thousands of 18 to 20-somethings learning and living together. In light of the firsthand account of sex assault at Amherst College and the academic whirlwind it inspired across campuses since, Pepperdine needs to champion an open dialogue of sex, sexuality, sex safety and sex crimes. On saying the word “sex,” I’ve seen students lower their voices a couple octaves in the Caf or go mute should an RA walk into the room. Some call this a spiral of silence or a climate of silence or a silence-y silence — whatever it is, it’s not healthy or conducive to real-world preparation. The acts themselves are forbidden, but the dialogue isn’t. “I would rather have all the risks which come from free discussion of sex than the risks we run by a conspiracy of silence.” The quote by a former Archbishop of Canterbury is seriously relevant to campus today. With the start of the semester, I look forward to three things: the return of ABC Family’s Bunheads, the Graphic’s first “sex issue” and more candid conversations about both preceding topics. I also hope to avoid more agonizingly awkward minutes of classroom time. g

mariella.rudi-lopez@pepperdine.edu

NEWS

January 17, 2013

Graphic

WaveNet interface upgraded By Patrick Rear News Assistant

As students moved back into their dorms on Jan. 5 and 6, the normal stream of university emails was joined by announcements that WaveNet — the portal used by students, faculty and staff to access Pepperdine’s many PeopleSoft systems online — was being upgraded. “I didn’t need to go to WaveNet at all over winter break until right before classes,” junior Edith Lagos said. “When I did log on, it was confusing and took a while to figure out

where everything was.” The upgrade was the final step in a process that began two years ago when Information Technology determined that the original version was not meeting all the needs of the Pepperdine community, and the version of software behind WaveNet was being retired by Oracle. As Tim Bodden, the project manager of the WaveNet portal redesign said in an email, “This gave us the opportunity to not only upgrade the software of the portal, but to engage the community to help redesign WaveNet all in one.”

The central WaveNet portal was unavailable to students and faculty from 8 p.m. on Saturday until 5 p.m. on Sunday while the system was upgraded, leaving some students scrambling to find their schedules, pay tuition and make it on time to classes. By the first day of school, all the upgrades had been completed, leaving behind a new version of WaveNet that Bodden hopes will better serve the needs of the Pepperdine community. The upgrade process included a committee of more than 50 students, faculty and staff who were important in shaping the

new face of WaveNet. “We wanted the community to be heavily involved in this project and make sure everyone was able to share their ideas,” Bodden said about the design process. “Some of the big ones were making it easier to use, mobile friendly, modernize and feel like it fits in with Pepperdine, and finally keeping content current.” Following the committee meetings, IT worked on the WaveNet redesign, determining a completion date of December 2012 after they went through the process of developing, testing and branding the new design. Though the upgrade was scheduled to cause as little inconvenience as possible, the first few days of the semester were difficult for some students and

faculty getting used to the new interface. As the week went by, junior Joshua Harrison said he eventually came to like the new layout. “I think it’s easier to find the stuff I use the most, and it works better from my phone,“ Harrison said. Most of the difficulties that have arisen with the new version have been worked out, such as difficulty logging in to the system or being able to access specific information such as schedules and student rosters, and the new features and design are fully available to students and faculty. The upgrades were intended to streamline the online experience for the Pepperdine community by converging WaveNet with the main Pepperdine site and the

community website (http:// community.pepperdine.edu/) to share a more consistent layout and enable users to search the entire site. The biggest chance was creating different interfaces for students, faculty and staff, which will help simplify the site and make it easier to access information about grades, financial aid and discounts available to Pepperdine students. While IT will continue making minor tweaks and yearly software upgrades to WaveNet, there are not currently any plans for another major change in the near future, though Bodden indicates that WaveNet will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the Pepperdine community. g

patrick.rear@pepperdine.edu

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A4 Graphic

Malibu crime rate increased by 24 percent By Nate Barton Assistant News Editor

In a 100-page report published last week by the LA County Sheriff ’s Department, 2012 crime statistics indicate that while LA County has the lowest homicide rate since the 1960s, Malibu’s crime rate actually increased by 24 percent. According to Malibu Patch, much of the increase was due to theft, with larceny and burglary being the most common. Overall, the Lost Hills Sheriff ’s station saw a 5 percent decrease in “Part 1 Crimes,” such as criminal homicide, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and larceny but included increases in forcible rape, grand theft auto and arson. Among the reported crimes was the arrest of Patrick Leach, 27, on suspicion of attempted murder. Leach allegedly shot his neighbor in the chest on Jan. 9. The victim was reported to be in stable condition by Malibu Patch. Other related incidents include the investigations of Malibu Councilmember and Pepperdine alumnus (2004) Skylar Peak, 28, who was reported in July by Surfside News to be charged with brandishing a weapon in a threatening manner, vandalism and erratic behavior. Peak made headlines again earlier this month when news

outlets reported that he was under investigation for a hitand-run. According to Malibu Patch, 911 received a call about unsafe driving on PCH on Christmas Day. The LA County Sheriff ’s Department later found the truck and identified the driver as Peak. The investigation is expected to continue for a few more weeks. The sheriff ’s department reported no murders for the second consecutive year in Malibu. Jerry Derloshon, director of Public Affairs, reminded the Graphic in an email that Pepperdine does not fall under Malibu city limits and that further questions should be directed to the local sheriff ’s office. “I think by now you know that Pepperdine places the safety and security of the Pepperdine community as a high priority,” Derloshon said. “And the university encourages our students to be diligent whenever they travel off campus, whether it’s just down the street into Malibu or to downtown Los Angeles.”

nathaniel.barton@pepperdine.edu

NEWS

January 17, 2013

FLU: vaccines depleted FROM A1 flu shots were supposed to come in the morning of the clinic.” This was not the case. In SHC Safinick’s 20-year experience, this isn’t typical during this time of the year, but she also said she’s not worried. About 200 flu vaccinations are supposed to arrive today or Friday, Safinick said, and another flu clinic for students, faculty and staff is scheduled for Wednesday. The SHC’s primary vendors are GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Pasteur, the two major vaccine producers in the United States according to USA Today. Last week, however, Fernandez said the East Coast companies depleted their supply to secondary vendors. Increased media attention to flu activity only worsened the spot shortage. “If there is a need, we’re going to find it,” Safinick said. “But in H1N1, this was the same problem.” The H1N1 pandemic in the 2009-2010 school year forced the health center to re-evaluate flu prevention. After H1N1, Safinick was able to get funding for free flu shots from Student Affairs and administration every year after. The SHC also started ordering twice as many vaccinations at the beginning of the year, going from 250 to 500 flu shots. “H1N1 changed our lives,” Safinick said. Health officials now are calling the widespread flu activity an epidemic. The Center for Disease

Control and Prevention reported that flu activity is on the upswing, with 29 states in “high influenza-like illness activity” since last week. Since the beginning of October, the CDC has reported 3,710 laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations. Back at Pepperdine, Safinick said the health center is staying on top of social media and the web page’s medical alerts to combat flu transmission. Last year’s flu season was mild They are “screening and triaging” students in the health center, Safinick said, meaning students showing influenza-like symptoms are taken immediately. “We are encouraging self-isolation, staying as far away from other people if you are symptomatic and ... [staying] in your dorm or residence for 24 hours after your fever has gone away, not using fever reducing medication,” Safinick said. Safinick wanted to make three points about influenza clear. One, everyone should practice avoidance behavior. This mostly means washing hands and coughing into your sleeve (the Count Dracula-cough, as Safinick put it). Viral particles are trapped into the cloth, “and that’s the end of it.” Two, she wanted to dispel the notion that getting a flu shot will give you the flu. “What’s in the flu shot is a killed virus,” Safinick said. “It is not going to give you the flu. No, no and no.” g

mariella.rudi-lopez@pepperdine.edu

your roommate gets the flu, inform 1) Ifthem that they can see a private doctor, go to urgent care or visit the Student Health Care Center.

PEP-RN at (800) 413-0848, 2) Publicize a 24/7 free student service with a seasoned nurse to answer questions and offer advice.

them to avoid coughing 3) Encourage and sneezing into the air or onto their

hands and remind them to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer frequently.

them to drink lots of fluids to 4) Urge avoid dehydration, take Tylenol or Advil to help reduce fever and take cold medicine to help with other symptoms.

the flu vaccine to prevent fu5) Promote ture sickness. an eye out for signs of an emer6) Keep gency like shortness of breath, high fever, chest pain and the inability to keep fluids down.

at least eight hours of sleep, 7) Get eat five to eight servings of veggies, avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your environment clean to help guard against the flu.

NEWS

January 17, 2013

Graphic

SOS: Malibu locals comfort homeless community FROM A1

government won’t let him release that information to the public. “It was at first entertaining, but you slowly realize that’s a person and he’s been through a lot of crazy stuff in his life,” Sahin said. “And then you talk to other people who are a little more articulate about the stuff they’ve been through; all these people are just victims of poor circumstances.” Winston and Alabama Phil are two original members of SOS, but they don’t see themselves as victims. “It ain’t really that bad to be homeless. Everybody cries about it a lot. But after you’re out there, you feel the freedom of not having nothing. Sometimes there’s a freedom to it,” Alabama Phil said. Alabama Phil is used to being homeless. In the 1980s he rode freight trains across the U.S. and got his first taste of a nomadic existence. He came to Malibu in 1999 with $15,000 in the bank and met Winston thereafter. “We all came in about the same time, but now about half of our friends are dead from alcoholism,” Alabama Phil said.

Alexander Hayes / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

TRANSITIONS — Students and Malibu locals bring meals to Webster Elementary every Thursday night.The homeless outreach program, SOS, uses the term “transitions” to describe their guests’ circumstances.

GRACELAND — Mark Bill and his friend, Dogee, visit SOS every week. Bill has gone for the past three years.

According to the two, alcohol is more prevalent than other drug use in the homeless community. “We’ve seen people come through here more than we’ve got fingers that aren’t with us no more,” Winston said. Close friends, too, Alabama Phil added. He listed off to Winston the friends they’ve lost to alcohol over the years: Don, Sarge, Frank, Threestrings Greg. “It’s like the whole regimen died. We’re the last of the regimen,” Winston said. Alabama Phil said their livers give out, and they end up vomiting their stomachs up.

them and get them home.” Winston is still homeless today, but Alabama Phil has a place behind his work, the Artifac Tree. They both don’t mind being homeless. Alabama Phil compared his lifestyle to a John Steinbeck novel. “Steinbeck kind of rewrote it for us,” Alabama Phil said In fact, if Alabama Phil wasn’t tied up with his job, he sees himself still hitchhiking. The only difference today may be his smartphone, which according to him, all homeless people have. “You got to have a cell phone to communicate in to-

“Can’t drink without eating forever without it affecting you,” Winston said. Winston had been 106 days sober from alcohol that night. Alabama Phil proudly claimed four years off of heroin. Seeing friends die was enough to bring them to sobriety, or what they call “coming to reality.” For them, through the Bible, SOS caters to their psychological needs more than spiritual. And that’s what works. It’s what keeps Alabama Phil off of heroin. Neither Winston nor Alabama Phil goes to a twelve step program. Since 1999, Winston and Alabama Phil have served as

Expert aids campus safety Deputy Chief of Police and Director of Threat Management Services of Virginia Tech speaks from experience about physical threat prevention

day’s world,” Winston said. For now, the two friends couldn’t see themselves living anywhere but Malibu. Not even nearby Topanga Canyon appeals to them. They describe it as a completely different culture. Every homeless community, Winston said, has their own cliques and dynamics, own lingo, own hierarchies and own social orders. “Malibu is the best place to be homeless,” Alabama Phil said. His old friend interrupted him again. “It’s just the best place, period.” g

mariella.rudi-lopez @pepperdine.edu

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By Nate Barton

Malibu, CA 90265

Assistant News Editor

In the wake of a national conversation about gun control and mental illness, Dr. Gene Deisinger addressed an audience containing DPS officers, International Programs staff and directors at the Disability Services Office Tuesday afternoon on campus safety in higher education. “You’ve heard I’m both a clinical psychologist and a cop,” Deisinger said jokingly. “When people engage in criminal acts, I get to arrest them and then ask them how they feel about it afterwards.” Deisinger is one of the nation’s experts on threat assessment and campus safety, and is a regular consultant to university administrators and Public Safety officials. He is the Chief Security Officer at Virginia Tech University and a managing partner for Sigma Threat Management Associates. After the fall “A month ago our nation was shattered,” Deisinger said in the meeting. “We had another mass tragedy incident in Newtown, Conn. when the unthinkable occurred in front of us all — that someone could go into a grade school and massacre a group of first graders. It is seemingly beyond comprehension until, of course, it happens. “But isn’t that our reaction after each and every one of these? We are startled and shocked to the core of the new ways we as human beings can impart pain and damage upon our community.” Deisinger’s primary objective was to inform Pepperdine safety leaders in threat management and safety procedure, but he insisted that while mass casualties are tragic, they should not be the primary engine for policy and procedure reform. “It is important that we learn from the lessons and the tragedies of Sandy Hook,

quiet patriarchs of the Malibu homeless. They told a recent story of a friend named Caroline, a “little 98-pound thing against the world,” who washed up in Malibu from Charleston, S.C. “Little Caroline” had become schizophrenic and ran away from home. Through a lot of people and prayer, Winston said, the 26-year-old nursing student was reconnected with her mom back home. “And that’s a funny thing about the homeless,” Alabama Phil said. “They see people like that and all the rest of them would just let them go. The homeless will feel sorry for

Selin Uzal / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

SAFETY FIRST — Dr. Gene Deisinger speaks Tuesday regarding public safety. He offered a unique perspective as a psychologist and law enforcement officer.

Aurora, Tuscon and Virginia Tech and on and on,” Deisinger said. “My concern is that we enact policies and practices based on singular and unique circumstances. I think it’s important that we keep a broad spectrum and understanding of what we’re learning from these incidents, and what we can use to enhance the safety and well-being of our community.” Public misinformation surrounding mass casualties in higher education is a large part of the issue, Deisinger said. “The media gets this wrong a lot,” Deisinger said. “Mass violence in higher education is not a new phenomenon. It has been going on since the dawn of higher education. The change is the number of casualties.” By the numbers In an interview before the event, Deisinger advocated against the use of statistics as a way to measure the success of a public safety department or police force. “The thing to be careful about with statistics is that statistics are generalizations about groups of people or groups of circumstances or groups of behaviors,” Deisinger said. “We like to boil things down to the numbers, and it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of the fact that the numbers are simply shorthand for much more complex and nuanced realities.” Furthermore, many of the popular beliefs on the causes of crime do not reflect the reality of crime prevention, Deisinger said. “The number of officers, except in the case of assault crimes, is not a significant factor in the deterrence or in-

tervention of crime,” Deisinger said. “There is some data that suggests that a high visibility and presence of security officers does decrease the likelihood of physical assaults, but it has minimal effect on sexual assault.” Deisinger went on to say that alcohol is present in the majority of reported crimes for both the victim and the perpetrator. He noted, however, that alcohol correlates with crime, but does not necessarily have a causative relationship. Moving forward Law enforcement officials across the country are coming together to tackle the culture of violence in America, Deisinger said. “We’re finding that more recent incidents, in particular Sandy Hook, have been a galvanizing experience for public safety agencies across the United States of asking the question of whether traditional law enforcement approaches are sufficient to mitigate risk and protect specialized communities like elementary schools and houses of worship,” Deisinger said. While this may be true, Deisinger said he is frustrated by the widespread criticism of law enforcement without providing any real alternatives. “One of my criticisms of North American culture is that we are really good at criticizing what somebody else did or failed to do,” Deisinger said. “What we’re not very good at is celebrating all that people did do to prevent loss of life, to mitigate harm that was already occurring and to help a devastating community through a horrible time.” g

nathaniel.barton@pepperdine.edu

PERSPECTIVES January 17, 2013

Graphic

GRACE STEARNS Staff Writer

How to pursue a professor Dear Grace, I have had my eye on a particular professor for the past three semesters. Now that I’m a graduating senior, I’m afraid I will lose my chance at love if I do not act now. How do you suggest I express my feelings? Sincerely, PhD Chaser Dear PhD Chaser, Fear not, you have raised a question that weighs heavily on the minds of many graduating seniors. With the real world looming ominously on the horizon, it is not only exciting but also monetarily practical to consider a romantic relationship with a professor as it promises a future of financial stability, stimulating discourse and the perpetual presence of a Church of Christ community. If you’ve selected a particular faculty member you wish to woo, check his or her marital status and tenure standing before adhering to a few simple guidelines that guarantee not only a ring, but also a faculty condo on campus by spring. 1. Tweak Your Degree So, the object of your affection taught a GE math class and you are a theatre major? Go ahead and email OneStop. A math minor will prove invaluable as you calculate the tip when out to lunch or attempt to figure out your gas mileage. Additionally, enrolling in two sections of calculus will be a welcome distraction from your play production and theatre dance courses. 2. Become an Office Assistant A surefire way to bump into division faculty is to plant yourself directly in the path of their mailboxes. Step above and beyond your duties by offering to deliver mail personally to his or her office, occasionally slipping a personal note, haiku or love poem between the regular stack of envelopes and revealing your authorship of said documents on April 26th. 3. Invent an Excuse to Monopolize Office Hours Something I’ve tried that has worked exceptionally well is inventing an excuse to interact more heavily with said professor. Conjure up a video project, interview paper or job shadow assignment for a mythical class and watch in awe as extensive, personal and professionally inappropriate conversations unfold. Lonely hearts, it’s not easy looking for love out there on Pepperdine’s campus. The time has come to take advantage of the most underrated babe pool in Malibu: Pepperdine faculty and staff. Take a risk, make the plunge and consider the innumerable benefits of pursuing an older, more stable human entity not daunted by the insipid mental burdens of people your own age.

grace.stearns@pepperdine.edu

Alexandra Rangel /ART EDITOR

STAFF EDITORIAL

Unseen struggle impacts student body Pepperdine is often recognized for its friendly community and laidback beach atmosphere, but this sunny exterior may often mask the feelings of depression and loneliness that plague college students. Nearly 30 percent of college students (at 2- and 4-year universities) reported feeling “so depressed that it was difficult to function” at some time in the past year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, unfortunately, these statistics only factor in the students who have begun to recognize the signs. On a campus so filled with natural beauty, friendly people and stimulating activities, it may be difficult for some to understand how anyone could be experiencing depression in such an environment. However, the truth is that depression can affect anyone. The NIMH explains that depression does not have a single cause but almost always occurs when our serotonin is lowered due to stress—something not so foreign among college students. It is also worth noting that the university’s unique cultural climate may harbor insecurities for students who do not fit the typical Pepperdine mold. This includes those who are non-Christian, the LGBTQ and transfer or internation-

al students. Students who feel unable to connect to the community are more likely to feel isolated and may be more prone to feelings of depression. Ironically, Pepperdine’s upbeat environment can also stifle students who are going through depression by pressuring them to feign happiness. The number of unhappy students is often understated because not everyone shows their true emotional state or admits that they are lonely. Because the face of depression at Pepperdine can be veiled, the student body should take the necessary steps toward guarding against it in a way that caters to the unique needs of our community. First, we must recognize and accept the existence of this darker side of student life. We must confront the fact that not everyone at Pepperdine is as happy as they appear, and maybe in doing so, we can deter depressed students from burying their feelings out of shame. By fostering a community that encourages honest communication and accepts negative feelings as a normal part of the human experience rather than a sign of weakness, we can encourage those struggling to reach out. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of

Mental Disorders, symptoms of a depressive episode include feelings of sadness, lack of interest in most activities, significant decreae or increase in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and observable psychomoter slowness. We encourage students to look out for each other and offer support where it is needed. If you notice someone displaying signs of depression, act out of empathy and lend an ear. If they need help beyond simply an attentive friend, encourage them to seek help by contacting the Counseling Center. Revving up for the new year may seem like a daunting task for some. But trying to stay active in the Pepperdine community may give you the necessary push you need to kick start that serotonin. The best way to combat ill feelings on campus is to realize that students do struggle, and they are not alone in the battle against the blues. It’s important for us to recognize that not everyone has an endless supply of happiness at Pepperdine, despite the friendly community and the ocean view. Life’s stressors can get anyone down, particularly those of us in college. If you’re feeling lonely, or depressed it’s important to seek help. With the encour-

agement of friends and family, you can feel better. Psychology Central reports that 80 to 90 percent of people seeking the necessary health treatment are able to function the way that they once did, which is encouraging to those of us skeptical of therapists. We should encourage people not to be ashamed about their loneliness and keep an open heart and mind to those who struggle. With better understanding of depression, we can begin to understand and help those who are hurting.

Pepperdine Counseling Center

The Counseling Center is located in the Tyler Campus Center, and is always available for students. They may be reached at (310) 506-4210 and are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments outside these hours my be scheduled upon request.

Face Off

Is the Facebook page Pepperdine Compliments really necessary? YES: You look at things like the compliment page and you see that people are actually saying nice things about other people, and you feel that, oh, maybe this is a really nice community and not something that’s just on the surface. It really is something that Pepperdine is rooted in.

Jamal Lopez Freshman

Kevin Whiting Freshman

NO: It’s absolutely not necessary, but to some extent it could help. It could be beneficial to some people in certain situations, I guess. Are the compliments meaningful if they’re anonymous? You won’t be able to reveal much intimate information that would actually make the compliment seem useful.

Executive Editor Nikki Torriente Managing Editor Andrew Kasselmann Creative Director Alexander Hayes News Editor Mariella Rudi Assistant News Editor Nate Barton News Assistants Falon Opsahl Patrick Rear Sports Editor HuiWen Chen Assistant Sports Editor Stasia Demick Sports Assistant Marissa Baly Perspectives Editor Allegra Hobbs Assistant Perspectives Editor Breanna Grigsby Perspectives Assistants Elisabeth Armstrong David Hutchinson Life & Arts Editor Ben Kryder Assistant Life & Arts Editor Danielle DiMeglio Life & Arts Assistants Danielle Accovelli Chirag Patel Page Designers Ellen Kim Iris Lee Photo Editor Rabecca Herron Assistant Photo Editors Monica Case Gina Choi Photo Assistant Connor Wheeler Art Editor Alexandra Rangel Assistant Art Editor Sacha Irick Copy Chief Ruth Book Copy Editors Lydia Evans Matthew Finley Brittney Gibson Elise Keitz Janae Masnovi Rachel Rant Nate Tinner Online Managing Editor Whitney Irick Assistant Online Editor Genevieve Chong PGM President Al Lai Director of Student Journalism Elizabeth Smith Assistant Director of Journalism Courtenay Stallings Graduate Assistant Heather Manes

Mission Statement: The Graphic is an editorially independent weekly student newspaper for the greater Pepperdine community. It serves the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. The Graphic strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. The Graphic participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although the Graphic reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student and not a University publication. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.

PERSPECTIVES

January 17, 2013

Awkwardness has advantages DAVID HUTCHINSON

Perspectives Assistant

I hear people use the word “awkward” around school almost daily. The syllables slip past their lips and plop into conversation as naturally as a frog might leap into the nearest pond. When I take part in these conversations, I often notice how frequently I use “awkward” in a negative context. I’ll say things like, “I hate those awkward pauses,” or “that conversation was really awkward,” without pausing to consider why I came away with that impression. I think we label perfectly normal interactions as “awkward” because they lack an artificial level of elegance that society has groomed us to expect. Members of our generation have grown up watching attractive actors and actresses deliver perfectly-timed lines on the silver screen, and it’s easy to interpret these cinematic moments as representations of real-life communication. James Bond smooth-talks the ladies, saves the world and gets the girl. Elizabeth Bennett frequently fires off eloquent salvos of her peppery wit, which eventually earn her both a husband and a fortune. The suave young agent and elegant lady in those films like “007” and “Pride and Prejudice” then become models for ideal interaction in the real world. Conversation that falls short of this verbal grace becomes “awkward.” Unfortunately, I participate in far fewer Hollywood-style conversations than I would like. I have neither Bond’s charisma nor Bennett’s wit, so silence punctuates many of my conversations. This doesn’t

Sacha Irick / ASSISTANT ART EDITOR

bother me, but occasionally an acquaintance will mention that these silences seem awkward and will do his or her best to navigate the conversation in a new direction. I also used to try to avoid awkward situations, but lately I’ve realized how useful they are. The circumstances we call “awkward” often help us build stronger relationships: They help us identify the insecurities of others, and empower us to accommodate those insecurities and give our friends support and affirmation where they need it. To illustrate this point, let’s return to that familiar problem of the awkward silence. I used to fear these conversational gaps because I felt they reflected my inability to come up with a suitable topic for conversation. To me, these brief dead spaces felt like eons spent vainly grasping for small talk. Mortified at my ineptitude, I

would feebly attempt to diffuse the tension by pointing out the awkwardness of the situation and either wait for a savior or excuse myself from the circle. In retrospect, I doubt that any of my peers noticed the awkwardness that pressed so heavily on my soul, and now I enjoy silence almost as much as I enjoy talking. However, these experiences have given me a greater empathy for other people: When someone mentions that a silence seems awkward, for all I know he could be experiencing insecurity similar to mine. When people label a situation “awkward,” whether we both tried to sit in the same chair or we ducked the same way three times while attempting to make room for each other in the hallway, they could be expressing that the circumstances made them uncomfortable. They may not

think twice about the encounter, but their comment might also derive from a fear of being seen as inelegant or subpar. By avoiding similar situations in the future, we can relieve this discomfort temporarily, but we shouldn’t stop there. Simply avoiding awkward situations is a bit like ignoring a leaky faucet: You can still enjoy a solid friendship, but you’ll have to listen to insecurity dripping constantly in the background. Eventually, that constant interference might drive you crazy. Instead of coexisting with this insecurity by avoiding awkward situations, I propose that we address the root of the problem by expressing our respect and appreciation for the other person. If this person has been struggling with insecurity, then they would welcome the affirmation. If we misread them, they’ll never know the difference — they’ll

simply think we’re trying to be nice. I’ve started to view “awkward” situations as a prompt to express kindness to others. They remind me that the face of ideal human interaction doesn’t belong to an airbrushed movie star; instead, it belongs to the average person, complete with freckles, pimples and blemishes. The behavior we label “awkward” is often a natural part of communication, but, if it makes people uncomfortable, then we should be prepared to address the root issue. If it prompts us to build each other up, then I say we could use some more “awkwardness” all around.

david.hutchinson@pepperdine.edu

Materialism inhibits fulfillment BREANNA GRIGSBY

Assistant Perspectives Editor

How might you judge a person who drives a 2013 Range Rover versus a person who drives a 1996 Honda Accord? Would you assume the person in the former was happier or more successful than the latter? Would you assume that the person in the former was better in most respects than the person in the latter? Most people would answer these questions with a yes, whether consciously or sub-consciously. The University of California and the American Council on Education surveyed a quarter of a million new college students and discovered information that supports the claim that materialism is a growing trend in this country. Out of these students, only 40 percent stated that they were attending college to “develop a meaningful life philosophy,” which was down from 80 percent who were surveyed from the 1970s to the late 1990s. In the same survey, more than 75 percent of these students stated that they were attending college to “obtain financial gain.” What is the definition of success? Does this definition of

success automatically mean that one will be a happy individual? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to live comfortably. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have nice things in life. It’s when an obsession develops with having these nice things, in an attempt to be perceived in a certain way, that a problem arises. Money doesn’t buy happiness — it just buys stuff, and we sure do have an obsession with stuff. Credit cards don’t buy happiness; they just buy stress and debt. Success and happiness are equated with how much stuff we have and credit cards are a quick way to get things we want when we can’t afford them. According to collegeparents.org, 84 percent of college students have at least one credit card, with the average student having $3,173 of credit card debt. Students are using these credit cards for necessities such as food and books, but 70 percent are also using them for clothes and another 69 percent are using them for cosmetics. While these are necessities at their basic levels, most students aren’t just sticking to the basics. They’re getting more than they need, to appear a certain way. Credit cards are a good way to build up credit while in school, but with the average graduating senior leaving school with

Sacha Irick / ASSISTANT ART EDITOR

$4,100 of credit card debt, on top of the thousands of dollars in student loans, they’re proving to be detrimental. So, while students are going to college to obtain financial wealth, they’re digging themselves into a hole. They’re trying to appear “successful” out of their season and things out-ofseason are never good. Materialism has led to the development of a nationwide shopping addiction. They could almost be synonymous, and one has definitely led to the other. A shopping addiction boiled down to its base is an obsessive

commodity fetish. Materialism is the obsession with acquiring material goods. In many cases, this obsession is driven by the compulsion to be perceived as a successful individual. In this country, success is also perceived to be synonymous with how much material wealth/ is possessed. Materialism has become a part of the value system in this country. It’s not presenting a pretty picture of the future. We’re headed down a road that says stuff defines who a person is. We’ve gone from owning things to letting them own us.

Our materialism has led us to be an indebted society. Even from childhood, children are learning the art of consumerism, and this does not bode well for their adult lives or the future of this country. If we don’t change our attitude toward material items, we will only stay in debt, which will and has kept us in its clutches for too long and has taken us further down than we ever wanted to go.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Editor must bear the writer’s name, signature, class standing, major, address and phone number (except in some circumstances determined appropiate by the Graphic Editorial Board). Letters must be fewer than 300 words and will be edited for syntax, grammar and brevity. Letters can be mailed to student publications or emailed to graphic@pepperdine.edu.

Graphic Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263 310-506-4311 graphic@pepperdine.edu graphicadvertising@pepperdine.edu

breanna.grigsby@pepperdine.edu

Graphic

ALLEGRA HOBBS

Perspectives Editor

Defending the shameless enthusiast

Take it from someone who avidly collects The New Yorker, has rare 19th-century editions of Shakespeare and Tennyson on her bookshelf and has seen just about every Rolling Stones documentary ever made — at a certain point, enthusiasm is looked upon with skepticism or disapproval. If you are a Millennial enthusiast, a good number of people will cynically assume you’re some kind of poser, strategically adopting a particular set of interests to project a certain image. If you happen to speak in an overtly passionate and long-winded manner about said interests, it may be assumed that you’re flaunting in a way that is either disingenuous or pretentious. What the people who make these assumptions do not understand is that your enthusiasm is truly, entirely genuine, and when you talk about the object of your enthusiasm, there is nothing false or contrived about your adoration. Why is this so hard to believe? When did we become so cynical? Maybe this is a phenomenon specific to our young age, but apathy seems to be more fashionable than enthusiasm. Maybe it starts around junior high or high school, when not caring about grades becomes cool and the kids who love learning are targets for scorn. It is also around this age that rebelling against norms, rules and expectations becomes a badge of cool — because it’s cool not to care what your parents want, just like it’s cool not to care what your teachers think of you and it’s cool not to care about the school dress code. The result is a rootless, pointless spirit of rebellion, the only aim of which is to rebel for rebellion’s sake, to work against something undesired rather than to work toward something desired. These are phases we (hopefully) grow out of by our late teens, but the indefinable allure of apathy seems to leave some lingering cultural residue. Overwhelming enthusiasm is still a bit foreign and freakish, and so it is received with confusion by some. If you are among the confused or skeptical, however, I’d suggest giving shameless enthusiasm a chance. I love being around people who are unabashedly enthusiastic about the things they love, and I would choose their company over the sullen and ironic any day. My friends are the ones who spend hours in art museums staring at Turners and audibly exclaiming at the sight of a Caravaggio. When they see a piece of architecture that takes their breath away, they stop in the street and take a seemingly endless series of photographs. Especially beautiful sunsets call for a drive up the coast, and, even at a place like Pepperdine, the view of the ocean never gets old to them. When asked about their favorite musicians, they instantly light up and become wildly animated. So when Neil Young comes on the radio and I feel the need to turn it up and listen in silence, they don’t wonder why. Nor do they wonder how something so simple could make me unspeakably happy.

allega.hobbs@pepperdine.edu

A8 Graphic

NEWS

January 17, 2013

Student life: then and now

In February of 1988, Pepperdine University’s alumni newspaper, The Pepperdine Voice, featured a photo spread titled “A Day in the Life of Pepperdine University;” 25 years later, the Graphic documented similar scenes for comparison.

1 9 8 8

2013

Alexander Hayes / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Pepperdine University Archives

GIVE IT TIME — Pepperdine students and staff from 25 years take classes, prepare food and socialize with friends. The photos on the left were taken in 1988 and were taken from the Pepperdine University archives, while the pictures on the right were taken at the beginning of the 2013 spring semester.

POOL: Construction set for summer FROM A1

are necessary for the stability and functionality of the pool, they present a large issue for teams that have daily practices in preparation for the next season. In addition to three-hour practices, water polo players will have to add a 30 to 60 minute round trip commute to their schedules and classes. “I’m also apprehensive about the quality of the pool we end up at. Not all high schools have large pools like ours. Training in a smaller, narrower pool could negatively impact our gameplay,” Ray said. The pool also employs about 20 students with lifeguard certifications that will have to find employment somewhere else. The only lifeguarding positions available will require a commute to the

Malibu High School or Sherman Oaks pools where the employees will potentially be relocated. “My concern is that swimming has become a part of my life and my routine. It’s something I can do to relieve stress and have fun and also be healthy,” said senior Natalia Barragan, who has been a lifeguard at the pool since her freshman year. “I know that a lot of people integrate our pool at Pepperdine into their daily routines, and it’s going to affect everyone when it closes.” Students who frequently use the pool for workouts or enjoy a leisurely daytime swim will have to adjust to the renovations as well and change their usual schedules. “Being my senior year, it really hits home because I’ve been in that pool a large majority of my college career and

I won’t be able to end my last year at Pepperdine with it,” Barragan said. However, not all of the reconstruction projects have students feeling annoyed or even

“

It’s going to affect everyone when it closes.

—Natalia Barragan Freshman

”

concerned. Pepperdine is also working toward the highly anticipated Campus Life Project, which was passed on Dec. 13, by the County of Los Angeles and California Coastal Commission. Initial plans for the major revamp began 20 years ago and have since become an evolved, sophisticated development

plan that will soon commence. According to Pepperdine’s Public Relations office, the new project includes construction plans for “new student recreation areas, structures for accessible parking and other uses and an athletic/events center.” “Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a development plan that includes an updated traffic management program and requires downward-directed outdoor lighting,” wrote Knowles Adkisson and Melissa Caskey from The Malibu Times in December. With plans for major renovations underway, Pepperdine will soon be several steps closer to achieving the vision for the university.

Debbie Sanchez / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

danielle.dimeglio@pepperdine.edu

FISH OUT OF WATER— A lifegaurd watches over the Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool. Used in the 1984 olympics, the pool will be closed this summer.

LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

2012 was an epic year — no pressure, 2013.

»See MORE, B5

Alexander Hayes / CREATIVE DIRECTOR

B2 Graphic

LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

BRIANNA MANES Staff Writer

Bang goes the universe Do your eyes deceive you? No, this is indeed a science column. My goal here is simply to make complex yet relevant science available to readers of all levels of scientific understanding. The Big Bang theory is the best model scientists have to explain the origin and development of the universe. It states that at one point, the universe was much more dense, but then it expanded outward rapidly and that this expansion is still occurring today. But what is the evidence for this? We stand on Earth, and every night the stars look the same as the previous night. There are a few reasons why physicists believe the universe is expanding, but for simplicity’s sake, I will summarize only two of them: Olber’s Paradox and the idea of cosmic microwave background radiation. Think for a moment that the universe is not expanding and that the universe is infinitely old. If the universe were infinitely old and infinite in space, it would have an infinite number of stars, and if this were the case, wherever in the night sky we looked, we would see a star. Every single possible direction our eyes could look, there would be a star at some distance, be it a few hundred light-years or a few billion light-years away. This would mean that the night sky would look as bright as a star, because from every possible point, a star would be sending its light. From experience, we know that this is not the case. We know that the night sky is mostly black and only speckled with stars. The fact that there is black space between stars in the night sky tells us that there is not an infinite number of stars in the universe and that the universe is not infinitely old. One of the most central ideas supporting the Big Bang theory is the idea of cosmic microwave background radiation. These cosmic microwaves give an estimate for the time elapsed since the Big Bang, otherwise called the “age of the universe.” The explanation of this idea is extremely complex and involves subatomic particles and light scattering that would be difficult to explain in constrained space, so I will summarize. Basically, the farthest light in our universe that scientists have been able to detect is not visible light, which we are capable of seeing with our eyes, but microwaves. These microwaves have an extremely long wavelength, which means that they have been red-shifted. Red-shifted light comes from an extremely far distance and from something that is moving away from Earth. It is estimated that this light is coming from 13.7 billion light-years away, but not from stars. This light is instead originating from the remnants of a “mixture” of particles that is characteristic of what the Big Bang theory predicts would be present in the very aftermath of the initial explosion. And as it takes 13.7 billion years for light to travel 13.7 billion light-years, we are essentially looking 13.7 billion years back in time. We are peering into what the universe presumably looked like at its origination.

brianna.manes@pepperdine.edu

Genevieve Smith / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Weisman opens modern life gallery By Bud Davis Staff Writer

Knights in shining armor, flirtatious high society couples and portraits of American opulence adorn the walls of the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art. The spring semester exhibition, “Illustrating Modern Life,” opened last Saturday and features selected works from what is considered the golden age of American illustration. The collection, part of the Kelly Foundation, includes pieces by Leyendecker, Pyle, Rockwell, Dunn, Wyeth and more. This era of American art originated in the late 19th century and persisted through the 1930s and 40s. As a result of society’s rapid industrialization and growth in literacy, everyday citizens sought out books and magazines as primary sources of entertainment more than ever before. Publishing companies, including The Saturday Evening Post, Ladies Home Journal and LIFE, featured colorful illustrations on their covers and in their pages that then set the standard for lifestyles, fashion and cultural attitudes. Essentially, the new abundance in illustrations helped define the American Dream. For instance, Leyendecker’s “A Modern Witch,” which appeared on the cover of LIFE Magazine in 1923, depicts a housewife riding a sophisticated vacuum, suggesting how modern technology granted women ample free time. His charming “Florist” also portrays the ideal fashion for high-class men during that time. Both paintings are on display downstairs. Other paintings underscore the importance of print literature, especially detective and children’s adventure books. Several represent dramatized medieval scenes, most nota-

SPIRITED AWAY — Senior Casey O’Neilldances at Apollo Night, which was sponsored by D.R.E.A.M.

A LOOK AT YESTERYEAR- Malibu locals and artists flock to the Weisman for the opening of the spring semester exhibition, “Illustrating Modern Life.” The gallery opened Saturday, Jan. 12 and will remain on display through March 31.

bly Wyeth’s “The Boy’s King Arthur.” Works by Schaeffer and Cornwell, showcased upstairs, also depict suspenseful, key moments from mystery novels, which underwent significant proliferation during the early 20th century. Collectively, the exhibition

elicits nostalgia for an idealized era long gone, crystallized by images of remote familiarity. It is a journey through American identity that invites viewers to engage in storytelling and the imagination. Michael Zakian, director of the Weisman Museum and art history professor,

explained that the exhibition shows “how an artist can tell a story through a single painting. That is really what it is all about.” “This exhibit is particularly interesting because it shows some of the founding art and images that we base our media and fashion on today,”

Andrea Nikolic, a Pepperdine University student said. The exhibition will be on display from Jan. 12 through March 31. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free for students. g

bud.davis@pepperdine.edu

Make every day count at the Misfit By Danielle DiMeglio Assistant Life & Arts Editor

Congratulations survivors! You made it through the Mayan apocalypse alive, into a new year and the beginning of a new semester! Now what? Do we make the same old resolutions by vowing to exercise seven days a week, suffer through juice cleanses and deep-clean our closets? I could easily go back to my life of agonizing over who “A” really is in “Pretty Little Liars,” dreaming of becoming a judge on “Iron Chef ” and waiting for that next big idea that’s going to make me a best-selling author. But we survivors need — and deserve — something more. After all, some people sold all of their worldly possessions before “The End” and are probably wishing it had really come. For the rest of us, this day should be a reminder of how important it is to celebrate each new day by doing the things we love the most and making every moment count.

And who doesn’t love eating? That’s where I come in. No more will you be relegated to the same old thing. Instead I have resolved to help you experience gastronomic life like you never have before. Join me on this weekly adventure where I will explore new and exciting restaurants within your reach (in terms of both distance and price) and feature some of the best food you’ve ever had in some of the trendiest, coziest and friendliest spots you never knew existed. You’ll be glad you did — and thank the Mayans for being wrong. Our adventure begins this week with the Misfit Restaurant and Bar located in Santa Monica, right around the corner from the Third Street Promenade. I find that this title is rather appropriate for all us college folk. Most of us pretend to act really excited about our upcoming graduations when, in reality, we’re casually having panic attacks about what we’re actually going to do with our lives. But

no matter how neurotic or intense or cool you might be, you’re guaranteed to fit right in at the Misfit. I stumbled upon this place with a group of friends on a late Friday night in hopes of finding something new, different and delicious. It certainly fit the criteria. We opened the doors and pushed back long black drapes that unveiled the perfect dive bar. It was like walking through a Heineken commercial. Cue the stylish people laughing with drinks in hand, waiters walking by with sizzling plates and music pumping. We approached the host who then entered our name and number on an iPad, saying he would text us when the table was ready. Could the Mayans do that? After a long day of work, school or walking around the pier, this happening place is the ideal spot for a night out. Misfit offers a contrasting urban vibe near the coast with high ceilings, cascading light fixtures and an inviting bar area. Bartenders in black ties

and vests stand behind the dark wooden counter top and take orders from guests in red leather chairs. The walls behind them are lined with rows of different wine bottles and above those are rows of books that reach the top of the ceiling. If the atmosphere isn’t enough to entice you, the incredible food and fast service takes this place to the top of the charts. While the menu is tapas style, the food portions are undoubtedly filling. The diverse menu offers a twist of traditional American food with unique flavor combinations and an array of signature cocktails (If you’re 21, of course). Despite the cool, casual atmosphere, the food is far from mediocre. My personal favorite is the crispy lobster tail nik niks, which are fried lobster tails served in a soft bun with pancetta, heirloom tomato and Russian dipping sauce. Another scrumptious dish is the hamachi crudo with avocado, chiles, cilantro, peppercorns and ponzu sauce.

If your mouth isn’t salivating already, maybe this will do the trick: Their fried chicken sandwich made with jidori chicken breast, fennel apple slaw and spicy mayo is absolutely outstanding. For vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free people out there, I have not forgotten about you. This place has sensational options for you as well. One of the most delectable dishes is the shredded kale and quinoa salad with sunflower seeds, preserved lemon, grapes, manchego and Parmesan cheese. For something more filling, choose the chickpea wraps with organic butter lettuce, smoked almonds, pickled melon and house-made sambal. They’re amazing! In this new year, whether you’re counting calories or wanting to try new things, give your taste buds a treat! After all, we did survive the apocalypse.

danielle.dimeglio@pepperdine.edu

LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

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Hide away in Malibu’s best study spots By Danielle Accovelli Staff Writer

Serious study time is essential for all college students; however, finding that ideal study location can be pretty challenging. Maybe your roommates are being too loud, or long hours in the library just aren’t cutting it anymore and you need a place to go to study away from campus. So why not try a study escape? These top spots for studying off-campus in Malibu have a little bit of something for everyone. Cafecito Organico: Located right next to Lily’s Cafe and Pastries, this cafe is only about 10 minutes from the Malibu Campus and is an ideal place to get in some quality study time. Cafecito Organico is unique in that it serves as both a coffee bar and a small antique library. The coffee bar is situated in the front with one spacious, long table ideal for spreading out your books and papers. A small bookstore that provides a comfortable study environment is located in the back of the cafe. The shelves are cluttered with old and new books, and antique manuscripts are displayed along the wall. The bookstore also has comfortable chairs and a small table to sit at and do homework. Cafecito Organico also offers free Wi-Fi access. Info: 29169 Heathercliff Road, Malibu CA, 90265 DIESEL, A Bookstore: If you are looking for a bookstore to study in that is clos-

er to campus, Diesel is the perfect place to go. Located in the Malibu Lumber Yard, this small bookstore is only a few minutes away from campus, but is easily overlooked as a study spot. The bookstore has the essence of a smaller Barnes & Noble, with neatly shelved books and display cases of calendars and other products. Seating inside of the bookstore is limited to a few cushioned chairs and a small table; however, there is ample patio seating and comfortable chairs outside. Info: 23410 Civic Center Way Suite A3; (310) 456-9961 Chocolate Box Cafe and Patio: The Chocolate Box Cafe — and the patio seating surrounding it — is generally a quiet spot in the Malibu Lumber Yard, though you may get distracted on a busy shopping day. The cafe offers a special discount for Pepperdine students and a wide variety of treats such as macaroons and crepes. Since there are only two tables located inside the cafe, the patio area directly outside provides a much better study space. With a spacious hardwood floor, comfy chairs and a few towering fishtanks, this patio is a great place to relax and study. Both the Chocolate Box Cafe and the patio are Wi-Fi accessible. Info: Suite C100; (310) 456-7977 Starbucks: Starbucks may seem like a pretty cliche place to study, but it actually provides a great work environment for both interactive and quiet studying. The Starbucks

Marissa Padilla / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

STACKS ON STACKS— DIESEL, A Bookstore offers students a quiet place to study or to simply curl up with a good book and relax for the afternoon.

located in the Malibu Colony Plaza (right next to Ralphs) is one of the most accessible off-campus study spots in Malibu with shuttles running from Pepperdine to Ralphs Monday through Saturday for students who don’t have cars. This Starbucks is an extremely popular study spot for Pepperdine students and a great place to foster an interactive study environment, though it does frequently get a little loud and crowded. If you still want to study at Starbucks but prefer a quieter environment, try the Starbucks lo-

cated in the Malibu Country Mart. This Starbucks is less frequented by Pepperdine students and has a spacious outdoor patio and inside seating area. Both locations offer free Wi-Fi. Info: Malibu Colony Plaza (310) 317-4515; Malibu Country Mart (310) 456-7300 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Another great coffee shop for studying is the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, located in the Malibu Lumber Yard. The Coffee Bean offers a similar environment to Starbucks, but its indoor seating is

limited to only a couple of tables. However, there is a large seating area right outside that is brilliantly lit at night. This location also offers free Wi-Fi access. Info: (310) 456-5771 Malibu Bluffs Park: The peace and quiet of nature always makes for a great place to clear your mind and study away. The Malibu Bluffs Park does not disappoint when it comes to combining the beauty of nature with studying. The park has many tables and benches near the entrance to do homework. If you pre-

fer a more remote and quiet setting to fit your studying habits, there are many trails leading away from the main area of the park that also have benches and tables scattered along the way. At Malibu Bluffs Park, you can also enjoy nature with free Wi-Fi access. Info: 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA So next time you feel the urge to get off campus and study, try visiting one of these locations for a true study escape. g

danielle.accovelli@pepperdine.edu

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LIFE & ARTS

Land a career this year By Bud Davis Staff Writer

It’s a new year. I’m safely assuming that getting a job is somewhere on that extensive checklist of New Year’s resolutions, especially for seniors who are set on graduation. The steps to securing employment may sound redundant and cliche by now. It’s a lot of the same-old information that anyone can learn or that almost everyone has been told repeatedly by concerned parents. But I would like to offer a slight variation on the traditional to-dos of getting a job — whether it be an internship, a part-time position this spring or a coveted post-graduation job for when summer finally commences. Whatever your resolution, let’s make the job search entirely about 2013. 2012 has come and gone with its successes, failures and an uneventful Mayan apocalypse. It’s done and over. Now, you need to make 2013 all about you. Take complete ownership of these next 12 months and don’t let excuses get in your way. Uncertainty for what the future holds makes many aspiring job seekers hesitant to pursue opportunity; don’t let that happen to you. Embrace uncertainty and its strange proclivity for personal growth. On that note, make it a habit to accept the following premise both in your daily life and job search: You can always count on change. I first heard this axiom a few years ago, and

Alexandra Rangel/ ART EDITOR

truthfully, I didn’t like it. It means no matter how adamant or deliberate you are in planning and scheduling, there is always a chance for disruption or redirection. Whatever plans you have now and for the future, be one step ahead of the game by arming yourself with a prepared consciousness. With all of life’s subjectivities, this is a truth that a number of individuals downplay and may even ignore. Prepare yourself for change this year when the

job search is riddling your mind. Don’t be afraid if you find yourself venturing into unknown areas or dabbling in unfamiliar fields. Welcome the possibility for something different and unexpected because it will enrich the year of 2013 — your year. And because 2013 is all about you, there is one more important element to making it yours. Start with a little silent reflection. Imagine for a brief moment all the inevitable change that is going to occur

in the next 12 months. Difficult and a bit unsettling? Resist the urge to shy away from this visualization exercise. Instead, find comfort in your talents, skills, accomplishments, attributes and the fellowship you share with others. These will help pull you through the year and give you the self-confidence needed to succeed in the job search. Because despite change, you can always rely on yourself. It’s enough to have a plate full of resolutions and as-

pirations that make it seem like time is against you. A good, healthy starting point, I believe, is making 2013 yours and taking ownership of whatever unexpected detours and reroutes you encounter. Recognizing and embracing the beauty of life will make graduation a little less daunting for seniors and will lessen the stress of job searching for everyone else.

bud.davis@pepperdine.edu

January 17, 2013 BENJAMIN KRYDER

Life & Arts Editor

Fight for the right to abstain

As a graduating senior this spring, I feel a certain moral imperative to discuss some of the pressing issues that I find most threatening to the quality of life of our Pepperdine posterity. Now, readers, when I survey the current political landscape, no terror keeps me awake at night like the recent legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washington. My deepest fear is that our sweet state of California could be the next to fall. In 2014, the dark, looming cloud of cannabis prohibition repeal might sweep onto the ballot. How do we go about shaping university policy on an issue as unseemly as marijuana legalization? How do we square a socalled civil liberty with the Christian values that shape the integrity of our university? I took to the Holy Scriptures for a starting point from which to frame an injunction on letting Pepperdiners smoke the reefer. 1 Corinthians indicates that our body is a temple, and that as such, any sort of inebriating substance would be morally impermissible. But for fear of a lazy hermeneutical standard, I flipped through the book of Acts for a second opinion, and what did I find? Apparently, this pretty decent guy, Stephen, got totally stoned. I even chalked the issue up as a scriptural stalemate until my Old Testament professor was telling me about these three guys Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were completely baked on the job (Abednego actually translates to “Bong-rip” in the original Hebrew). And I couldn’t even get through the first five chapters of Revelation without feeling a bit doped up myself. Recall the recent strategy Pepperdine has adopted to get a handle on cigarette smokers. Want to reduce the amount of smokers on campus? The solution is simple. Limit their space to a 6-by-10 foot box in the parking lot where cigarette smokers are free to roam around, exercising their right to smoke wherever they want within a 60-square-foot designated area of shame. I say we just throw up another one of these greenhouses caddy-cornered to “smoker jail” and let the herbally inclined hotbox a few square feet of Smothers lot on their 10-minute break between Wonderfully Made Convo and differential equations. For a minute, conceive of our future alma mater as if we did not adopt an agressive stance against pot. Sodexo would report astronomically improved food reviews. And curiously, an inexplicable upward trend in botany and music appreciation class enrollments might obtain. Trust me, in this 420 nightmare, the Green Team and Student-Led Coffeehouse both mean something very different. No folks, this isn’t your grandfather’s Pepperdine anymore. A pot-friendly Pepperdine is a hellish state of nature where law and order are not to be found. Clearly, as you well know, readers, I am militantly against the legalization of cannabis. I say it is far better to leave marijuana regulation to the seedy underbelly of medical marijuana capitalists and druglords and just hope and pray that we never have to confront the issue on our hallowed grounds. g

benjamin.kryder@pepperdine.edu

LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

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Echo the past, tune up the future By Benjamin Kryder

2012

Life & Arts Editor

was a year of musical triumphs. With new sounds, rhytmic patterns, and melodious vocals, the past year yields great expectations for the next 12 months. If the past is a good indicator of what is to come, then keep your Spotify pulled up, and await what is slated to be a year full of wonderful music. Here is a look at both some of the best albums of 2012 and a peek into what music the new year is set to deliver. benjamin.kryder@pepperdine.edu g

2012

2013

2012 saw Fiona Apple’s critically-acclaimed album, “The Idler Wheel...” Besides winning Apple a Grammy and hitting No. 3 on the Billboard 200, “The Idler Wheel” was lauded by music critics for the album’s originality and vocal wordplay. The album is a stripped-down, daring manifestation of Apple’s talent. It is arguably her best work to date.

Dan Brown’s upcoming album, “Old,” is set to build on the foul-mouthed, unmistakable flow of the rapper’s debut album, “XXX.” “Old” hopes to retain the unique delivery of the young rapper, while maturing in its production quality and sound. Including collaborations with Purity Ring and Kitty Pryde, Brown’s album will be a musical fusion. Album release date is TBA.

Indians’ debut album, “Somewhere Else,” is set to be released in early 2013. The complex use of a diverse selection of instruments coated in both acoustic and electronic elemental styles is catching a lot of buzz with musical critics. Having released an anticapatory single and a live video, music fans look to “Somewhere Else” as the first great album of the new year. Release date is set for January 28th.

Frank Ocean’s debut album, “Channel Orange,” exploded upon its release this past July. Ocean’s unconventional R&B style complemented the album’s themes of surrealism, decadence and drugs. Ocean belts a cool baritone voice in between dark narrative conversations and falsetto registers. Ocean’s burst on to the mainstream scene in 2012 was a unique addition to the musical world.

“Shields” was Grizzly Bear’s hit album of 2012. After a six-month hiatus from the band, Grizzly Bear returned to write and produce what is arguably their best album. In comparison to previous albums, “Shields” displays the group’s genius lyricism and haunting vocals. “Shields” is a complex and heavy-hitting emotional project that has made huge splashes in 2012.

Kendrick Lamar stole the show in 2012. His second album, “Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City,” creatively reimagined Lamar’s youth in the gang culture of Compton. Carving out his own aesthetic, Lamar’s flow and subtle beats belong to a musical style that has not yet been tapped into. With songs featuring Dr. Dre, Lamar’s album harkens back to 90s hip hop with an element that is entirely his own.

Frightened Rabbit’s upcmoning album, “Pedestrian Verse,” has been turning heads since the Scottish quintet released b-sides in September. Consistently delivering a rich and pleasant folk-rock sound, “Pedestrian Verse” looks to continue Frightened Rabbit’s tendancy to create quality, enjoyable music. Release date is February 5th.

Vampire Weekend’s lead man, Ezra Koenig, recently announced that the band’s first album since their hiatus would be released as early as the spring. Vampire Weekend has not dissapointed in the past as a fun, energetic indie rock group that consistently produces catchy, melodious music. However, those following the band’s new tracks say to expect a darker, fine-tuned version of the Vampire Weekend of the past. Release date is TBA.

YEAR: Keep the good times rollin’ FROM B1

April Fools’ Day for the Mayans may have come a little late this year, but until the next apocalyptic scare, some promising features of 2013 can keep us occupied. April Fools’ Day for the Mayans may have come a little late this year, but until the next apocalyptic scare, some promising features of 2013 can keep us occupied. Although some critics may argue that the world did in fact end with PSY’s hit “Gangnam Style,” I attribute the year’s atrocity to the mere fact that human thumbs are now allowed to feature in TV shows (namely “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo”). Monday, we are to expect Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington. As the 57th presidential inauguration, the theme is “Faith in America’s Future.” Coincidentally, Obama will be sworn in on Martin Luther King Jr. Day; later in 2013 we will mark the 50th anniversary of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Israel will hold elections a day after the president’s inauguration. Other elections to anticipate in the year include those in the Czech Republic, Italy, Kenya, Iran, Tunisia and Germany. While the year ends in the 50th anniversary of Kennedy’s

assassination, a happier event will occur earlier: the International Day of Happiness. Scheduled for March 20, the U.N. General Assembly has declared the first day dedicated to “the relevance of happiness and well-being.” On a side note, according to the Gallup Poll’s gross national happiness index, Latin Americans nations are the happiest, scoring 7 countries in the top 10. On the note of happiness, Pixar is scheduled to release its first-ever prequel, “Monsters University,” in June. Following the 2001 hit “Monsters, Inc.,” the film documents the friendship of Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. Pixar’s marketing team has even launched a functioning website for the fictional school that features details on its Greek life, information about its clubs and merchandise that can actually be bought. Despite having been complete for months, the release date was delayed to avoid a ticket sales clash with “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 2.” Following “Cars” is “Planes.” Scheduled to be theatrically released Aug. 9, “Planes” features Dusty, a sweet crop duster with a fear of heights. With friend and mentor naval aviator Skipper, Dusty enters the world of rac-

ing. Other highly anticipated films in 2013 include “Iron Man 3,” “Fast and Furious 6,” “Star Trek Into Darkness,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” “Despicable Me 2” and “The Hangover: Part III.” We also expect a flourish of rising artists. For 2013, smartphone-based application Shazam predicts the rise of artists including American-Moroccan rapper French Montana, Justin Bieber, Trey Songz producer/writer Bei Maejor and soundtrack rapper for “The Hunger Games,” Tito Lopez. While on that hopeful note, given’s Apple’s release history, terrible Tetris players can anxiously await the iPhone 5S as an even longer screen ensures longer playing times. Following Google and Apple, Mozilla Firefox is said to be debuting their first smartphone. While rumored to be cheaper than the Android, the Firefox phone promises to tap into hardware in “new ways.” Similarly, The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed sources that promise the Amazon Kindle Phone. Though details on the phone are unclear, personally, I am braced to anticipate some form of self-deleting video-clip sending communication device. On the topic of anticipation, Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middle-

Sacha Irick / ASSISTANT ART EDITOR

ton are to be expecting their first child in June. The queen herself even took the measure of issuing a royal decree, or a Letter of Patent, to ensure that if the baby is a girl she will be a princess and titled Her Royal Highness. Another couple expecting their first child is Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kanye West. Due to Kardashian’s pregnancy, the two will be entertaining a commitment ceremony at a private beach mansion in Malibu. Rumors state that they are unable to be officially wed because Kardashian has not yet been

legally divorced from former husband and mediocre NBA athlete, Kris Humphries. Other expecting limelight-lovers include Jessica Simpson and husband Eric Johnson, Shakira and husband Gerard Pique and Jenna Dewan-Tatum and husband Channing Tatum. On a heavier note, it seems that every year is flooded with disasters, natural or manmade. The problem lies not in the level of awareness, but in our nation’s inability to maintain the hype. Stopping Kony seemed to peter out, and I can only imagine the

next social justice fad to catch fire and fade. Truth be told, it is far simpler to hate a questionable organization than to donate time, money or efforts to help save the children. At any rate, if Facebook likes or reposts fed starving children, the world would be in better shape. As troubled (and delightful) as 2012 was, 2013 holds a handful of possibilities, releases and resolutions (because the world isn’t ending after all). Here’s to a good one.

justina.huang@pepperdine.edu

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LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

MOVIE REVIEW

Rogue Wave BEN HOLCOMB Staff Writer

Three cheers for staying here My girlfriend left for Germany last week, which forced me once more to examine my decision to spend all of my semesters in the safe maternal pillow of Malibu. Am I sour about it? Ha, not one bit! After all, what is possibly going on overseas that can’t be enjoyed here in Malibu, apart from the financial shakedown before you board your international flight? Is it the food? Don’t think so, Buenos Aires. Chipotle is five feet from my apartment, and it’s more glorious than ever. Think we’re missing out on eastern delicacies, Shanghai? Pick Up Stix is here in Calabasas, and it took everything right with Asian cuisine but eliminated the bad stuff, like MSG and parasites. But in Switzerland, there are the Alps, amazing chocolate and the world’s best standard of living! Um, first of all, this is America, and if there’s one thing I know about this country, it’s that we don’t recognize “studies” that don’t portray us in a flattering manner. So take your standard of living elsewhere, Lausanne. You have a point on the chocolate. But who needs mountains when you have XBOX? Just today I played basketball at Madison Square Garden and snowboarded down to save the world from a Nazi Zombie apocalypse. I scoff at your fresh air. “Now wait a minute, Ben,” you might say. “Florence is home to the richest history and most beautiful art found anywhere on earth. Surely you’ll concede that point.” I see your Da Vinci and raise you Honey Boo Boo Child. Check. “OK, well, London has Big Ben, was home to the 2012 Olympics and has Kate Middleton! And she’s pregnant!” I’m sorry, but am I the only one who hasn’t forgotten about a certain something that happened exactly 237 years ago? They were trying to tax our tea, you guys. Tea! It starts with us studying there abroad, and it ends with us in powdered wigs and Union Jack straitjackets. No, thank you. “Heidelberg is like a Disney dream world, a slice of history that transports you back in time and allows you to realize all of life’s wonders!” Call me when it’s the Shire. “In Malibu you have terrible traffic, which if you use it correctly is just as good, if not better, than any Zen meditation. We have the Santa Ana winds, which will cause our eyes to swell up and force us to question every major decision that culminated in you being in a place where 80 mph winds are called ‘Tuesday.’” Perhaps I’m grasping at straws here. I’m sure studying abroad is every bit as incredible as people like to say when they rub it in your face. But for all of us still here, having buyer’s remorse or envy can be a crippling pattern of thought. So even though I’m using Honey Boo Boo as a coping mechanism against Michelangelo, I do think it is important that we all take advantage of everything Malibu has to offer while we have the chance. Because, for a southern Ohio guy, this is about exotic as it gets. g

william.holcomb@pepperdine.edu

COURTESY OF Warner Bros.

GANGSTERS WILL BE GANGSTERS— Josh Brolin, Ryan Gosling and company exude the 40s zeitgeist of big guns and bigger egos in the new hit, “Gangster Squad.” The movie opened in theaters across the country Jan. 11.

LA catches fire with ‘Squad’ By Ayden Smalling Staff Writer

I love action movies. Nothing’s better than a thrilling car chase. A well-choreographed shootout can give any ballet a run for its money. And explosions? The bigger, the better. With these qualifications, “Gangster Squad” succeeds as a 40’s action flick. Although it has good guys quipping knowit-all remarks as they waste the bad guys, a grenade-fueled car chase and plenty of gunplay, it tries to force drama and ask moralistic questions that are misplaced in an action film. Now, don’t worry; the film isn’t all action. Ryan Gosling. Isn’t that all you need? He stands out as the hard-drinking, chain-smoking sidekick to Josh Brolin. And while our administration likes to think of these traits as negative, Gosling makes them seem so very cool. In a scene where he

speaks to Brolin’s pregnant wife in her kitchen, their eyes share an almost minimal affair even while discussing her husband’s safety. The real affair, and best relationship in the film, is between Gosling and Emma Stone, who plays Mickey Cohen’s mistress. Their first interaction has Gosling ordering a “Dirty Shirley” while claiming to be a Bible salesman, but not one you’d expect to find at Pepperdine’s May lecture series. The chemistry shines between the two through a film with otherwise forgettable characters. “Gangster Squad” also succeeds in recreating the glorified LA of another era. The cars, clothes and music are spot-on for the post-WWII experience. Audiences catch a nice glimpse of the “Hollywoodland” sign (the film takes place before Walt Disney stole the “-land” for himself ); Mickey Cohen stands just behind

it as he chains a rival mobster between two cars as a form of execution. And as residents of Southern California, we’ll appreciate the homage to the city. The squad members risk their lives to defend the integrity of the City of Angels and enjoy mocking Burbank in the process. With a cast of Nick Nolte, Brolin and Sean Penn, there is something big to be expected of these characters, and unfortunately, audiences just don’t get it. I don’t fault the actors — they do well with the material. I fault the director. Brolin is at his best barking orders and acting as the quarterback for the team of officers. But when he interacts with his superiors, his character seems flat. The film tries to present a dilemma in Brolin’s obligation to his wife. Why would he go risk his life when he has a pregnant wife? I’ll tell you why: enter-

tainment value. This forced drama is evident elsewhere, as well. At one point, one of the squad members questions if their actions make them any better than the mobsters they’re chasing down. This works for some films, but in a movie where stylized action is the selling point, it feels forced. And after seeing Cohen’s henchmen drive a power-drill through a man’s skull, the question of moral ambiguity is clearly answered — the line is fairly distinct between the good guys and bad guys. This clear distinction hurts Penn’s character, Mickey Cohen. If he were directed to be more charming, it would help his sadism, but he is played as just a mean, angry man. There is a gravity in seeing Penn slam a table in a restaurant and claim owning LA is his destiny, but we never see anything different from him.

The character is so one-sided that we never see Penn’s full potential. Arguably, the strongest part of this movie is its cast, and that is the same reason it lets us down. If this movie had Jason Statham and a few supporting players from “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, it might have been better received. Unfortunately, the audience is left with dramatic cliches, characters we’re supposed to care about but don’t and Ryan Gosling. But at least we get Ryan Gosling, right? g

ayden.smalling@pepperdine.edu

I give this film:

MUSIC REVIEW

Indians’ album travels ‘Somewhere Else’

By Nikki Torriente Executive Editor

Multi-talented musical virtuoso Sorren Lokke Juul, who performs under the moniker Indians, releases his first full-length studio album “Somewhere Else” Jan. 29, with all the bittersweet angelic melancholy of established indie artists like Bon Iver and Iron & Wine. Indians’ sound is difficult to pinpoint, but it’s a sweet amalgamation of indie folk with flavors of synth rock. The nine-track record is a beautiful snapshot of Indians’ talent both as a musician and a vocalist. The Danish-born Juul embodies all the necessary elements for one aiming for musical greatness, what with his hauntingly captivating voice and ethereal music. NPR Music deems Indians to be perfect “headphone music.” And it’s true — Indians provides a heart-wrenchingly alluring performance from the beginning of his album to the very last notes of his ninth song. “Somewhere Else” is a perfect score to one of those gray-skied, melancholic winter days because Indians doesn’t feel the need to shower his music with unnecessary pomp and circumstance. His music has a raw and mystical quality to it that brings it one step above elevator music and

places it on a whole different dimension. The album is the sweetest lullaby; therefore, it’s difficult to simply listen to a few songs on the record. Indians’ freshman effort is a collective unit of work and must be listened to its entirety. The opening track on the album, “New,” is the perfect introduction to the essence of Indians. Juul’s haunting vocals are the main focus of the track, but they’re carried through by a steady snapping rhythm. Midway through the track, Indians’ steady bass rhythm gets dropped and Juul’s “ooh-ing” vocals float around like the sweetest wind, similar to Matthew Bellamy’s — Muse’s lead singer — knack for wordless interludes in slower ballads. The vocals build into the last quarter of the track and into the return of the snapping rhythm, but it doesn’t crash through a crescendo like most songs do; it builds and becomes a steady sound, hypnotizing with its comforting lull. The third song on the album, “I Am Haunted,” is another magnificent track which brings a welcome change of pace. The track’s guitar rhythm adds another mastered element on top of Indians’ greatly layered musical talent. The catchy rhythm and lyrics, intertwined with Juul’s brilliant vocals, gives the song a Bon Iver in “For

Emma, Forever Ago” flair. It’s a beautiful mix of instrumentation, vocals and lyrics, and Indians proves he understands the power of crafting a great song. Although the track is more upbeat, the melancholic undertone found throughout Indians’ music is still present through his vocals. “La Femme” highlights Indians’ unique vocals and layers them over a staccato, synth-clapping rhythm. The melding of the two different sounds creates a beautiful intermission-like track for the album. In any other scenario, the competing sounds would not work, but Indians showcases his song-crafting talent in making them compliment each other. Together, the vocals and rhythm create a dynamic track that leads perfectly into another great piece of musical artistry: “Melt.” The track “Melt” is one of those eerily captivating tracks for which musicians like Bon Iver are known. Indians underscores his vocals by pairing them with a melancholic piano melody. The track is a beautiful, bittersweet masterpiece; every aspect of the track — the vocals, the rhythm, the lyrics — mix together to create a haunting track that forces the ear, in the most pleasant of ways, to listen from start to finish. The song is one of Indians’ best. “Somewhere Else,” the

final song on the album, is also the title track. The track is another melancholic song that begins with Indians’ remarkable vocals that lures in listeners with its lullaby-like quality. The song takes all of Indians’ skills and beautifully arranges them to showcase his talent. The song builds slowly into a synth rhythm that speeds up the pace of the song. It’s difficult not to tap a finger or toe along with the hypnotizing beat. The repetition of the “Somewhere Else” chorus adds to the hypnotizing nature of the song, but it’s such a beautiful track there’s no reason to mind being pulled in by the album’s final song. The entire album is a work of art. Indians has found his niche and knows what works for him and what doesn’t — and the album attests to that. It’s an album that takes the very best pieces of the indie folk genre and gently sews them together into a beautifully quilted musical journey. Melancholic, haunting yet alluring, Indians’ “Somewhere Else” is an album everyone should thoroughly experience.

Courtesy of HEYIAMINDIANS.COM

Key Facts

Artist Indians

Genres

Indie Pop

Label 4AD

On Tour? Yes, check out his website heyiamindians.com

leticia.torriente@pepperdine.edu

LIFE & ARTS

January 17, 2013

Graphic

Remember and behold 2012 Down 1. IBM’s first female chairman 2. Six-year-old reality star that fell asleep in an interview with Dr. Drew 3. Apple’s thinnest, fastest, and lightest new mobile phone 8. New device that became Amazon’s best-selling product 6. The sudden death of this pop star shocked the nation 7. Campaign for Invisible Children that became controversial 9. Olympic sport that experienced disqualifications for deliberately losing matches 10. State that was host to tragic mass shootings 13. Most-searched news topic on Yahoo!  15. Academy Award winner for best actress in “The Iron Lady”  17. Facebook purchased this popular photo-sharing app 18. Major company that invented glasses with a built-in computer 20. Korean disco takes over the nation with Psy’s hit song called? 21. Announces royal baby on the way  23. Silent film that won the Academy Awards for best picture, best actor, and best director Across 24. Olympic athlete swims for 24. The red-headed princess in Disney and Pixar’s 4. English-Irish boy band the last time film “Brave” 5. The new movie sensation based off of Suzanne 25. Greatest feature of the new 27. Quarterback of Super Bowl winners Collins novel MacBook Pro 11. First double amputee to compete in the Olympics 29. Hurricane that devastated the Northeast  26. Female artist that won a 30. Provocative teddy bear that starred alongside 12. Director of “Lincoln”  total of six awards at the Mark Wahlberg 14. Girls rejoice everywhere after this young star Grammys  31. Pepperdine student athlete that represented Saudi breaks up with Miss Gomez 28. Apple’s new smaller tablet Arabia in the Olympics 16. Nike’s lightest new shoe with precision fit and is 33. Winner of the all-around 32. Name of Beyonce’s new baby girl more eco-friendly and team gold medal in wom19. This young star hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 34. Carly Rae Jepsen’s hit single en’s gymnastics 22. Calendar that predicted the 2012 apocalypse

CALENDAR Friday, Jan. 18

Femi Kuti & the Positive Force 8 p.m. (Concert – El Rey Theatre)

Saturday, Jan. 19

Richard Hoeck, John Miller: Something for Everyone (Art – MJ Briggs)

SCORPIO: Try admitting everything you’ve ever done wrong via Twitter.

PISCES: Avoid flimsy dresses this week as winds will be high. You’re welcome.

SAGITTARIUS: Drink lots of orange juice this week because there is a terrible strain of the flu going around.

ARIES: Ask yourself what the E in Chuck E. Cheese stands for.

CAPRICORN: You are headstrong, determined and deliberate with your actions. So tone it down and stop being so annoying. AQUARIUS: Attempt to emanate “Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century” with your wardrobe choices this week. You will not be ruthlessly mocked. LEO: Beware of stray dogs. Channel Atticus Finch.

TAURUS: Embrace your earthy side by disregarding the need for both shoes and showers. GEMINI: Spread false rumors about all of your Virgo friends. VIRGO: Don’t read Gemini’s horoscope this week. LIBRA: From now on, flip a coin to help you decide life’s hardest decisions. CANCER: Try doing a rain dance or two this week.

>> g n i k par job of the week

Bad

Desperate for a parking spot, this driver thought he would squeeze into the sewer. Next time you’re walking down the road and see an awful parking job, take a photo and send it to us at graphic@pepperdine.edu.

Sunday, Jan. 20 Clint Black 7 p.m. (Concert – Smothers Theatre)

Monday, Jan. 21

The 22nd Los Angeles International Photographic Art Exposition 6:00 p.m. (Art-Santa Monica Civic Auditorium)

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Marc Cohn 8 p.m. (Concert – Smothers Theatre)

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Muse 8 p.m. (Concert – Staples Center)

Thursday, Jan. 24

Levitated Mass (Last day) (Art – LACMA) Al Lai/ PRESIDENT

SOCIAL

MEDIA >> highlight OF THE

WEEK

Pepperdine recently unveiled its first mobile app for Pepperdine Athletics. Designed for Apple and Android users and free to download, the app gives Waves up-to-the-minute news on all things Pepperdine sports. Features of the app include live scores, photo galleries, schedules and social media integration. Stay in the know and download the app today.

S ORTS January 17, 2013

»pepperdine-graphic.com/sports

Teams spring into new semester

Get the full rundown on all the sports this spring By Wen chen Sports Editor

Men’s Volleyball: This semester the Pepperdine men’s volleyball team is looking forward to another strong season. With a victory against UCSD this weekend, the team is getting fired up for the remainder of the spring. With five NCAA Championship titles, the men’s volleyball team has served as a point of pride for Pepperdine Athletics and looks to this season to continue to make Pepperdine proud. Head Coach Marv Dunphy said although the team is just getting started, it has the potential to do really well. With a 17-man roster, Dunphy believes he has a strongly balanced team for the season.

Women’s Volleyball:

COURTESY OF Pepperdine Athletics

DOGPILE — The Pepperdine baseball team celebrates on the mound.

Waves recap: over winter break By Stasia Demick

Basketball: While most students were home by Dec. 13, Pepperdine men’s basketball traveled to New Orleans to compete in the Tulane Classic. The Waves won 66-58 against Alabama State and lost to Tulane 69-54. The Waves returned home after Christmas to play Fresno Pacific in their last non-conference game. Lorne Jackson made

Assistant Sports Editor

For most students, the holidays are a time of excitement, excusable overeating and reconnecting with family and friends, but the Waves athletics teams were also busy competing and racking up wins during the break.

a layup in the last 3.5 seconds to win 60-59. Men’s basketball finished with an 8-5 record in non-conference play, which is the best performance since the 2004-05 season. Pepperdine began competition in the West Coast Conference with a 72-68 loss against No. 10 Gonzaga. Days later, the Waves won 54-47 against the Portland Pilots in an exciting

home game. Men’s Volleyball: The No. 4 ranked Waves will be a force to reckon with on the court this year. The men’s volleyball team won all three games of the exhibition season. The men’s volleyball season officially began Jan. 8 at the McDonalds Classic in UC Irvine. The last time this tournament was held, the Waves won the championship trophy.

This season their first match ended in a loss to UC Irvine, one of the top-ranked teams in the league and the national champions last year. Just this weekend, the men dominated on the court against No. 13 UC San Diego. The home game against Pacific on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. will be a game to watch.

»See RECAP, B9

PREVIEW ON PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: NEED TO KNOWS By Stasia Demick Assistant Sports Editor

Marissa Baly Sports Assistant

NFL: Season heating up It was a busy weekend for football fans everywhere, and hours of homework had to be sacrificed for the sake of the playoff games Saturday and Sunday. Regardless of their football allegiance, fans gathered to cheer on their hometown or favorite pro team.

NBA: Stars keep shining In the 11th week of the regular season, the current NBA standings have the Oklahoma City Thunder atop the West-

ern Conference, and the Miami Heat lead in the Eastern Conference. In a look at some of the league’s top players, LeBron James just became the youngest player to reach 20,000 points. Another star this season is Anthony Davis. The 20-year-old New Orleans Hornet was the first draft pick this season. He may be familiar after his impressive performance as the forward/center for Team USA in the Olympics.

NHL’s new season is shorter and busier

Twenty-six hockey teams are taking the ice this Saturday for the opening of the National Hockey League’s 2013 sea-

son. After much negotiation amongst players and owners for a new collective bargaining agreement, the NHL released their jam-packed schedule: 48 games for each team from this weekend until April 27, then the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Chicago Blackhawks (2010 Stanley Cup champions) start their season Saturday at the Los Angeles Kings (2012 champions) where the Kings will finally raise their championship banner. Another notable game is the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Philadelphia Flyers for a Pennsylvanian face-off.

MLB league changes

Even though professional baseball won’t begin for at

least two months, there have been some off-season tweaks to Major League Baseball that every fan should know about. With the addition of the Houston Astros to the American League (meaning that now all six divisions have five teams) this has been the league’s first growth since 1977. To celebrate the occasion, the Astros get to play the Texas Rangers in the season-opener on March 31.

MLS: Growing, growing, not gone It’s hard to believe that Major League Soccer only had 10 teams in 1993. Currently there are 19 clubs in the U.S., and MLS Commissioner Don Gar-

ber hopes to have 22 by the end of the decade. What does that mean for the present? Team No. 20 is going to appear this year, most likely in New York City. The NYC Red Bulls have never garnered much attention, plus a new stadium in Queens or another borough would be a great source of revenue for the surrounding area. Soccer fans hope that a new club and new stadium in New York will cause widespread inspiration amongst clubs all across the country to renovate their stadiums and keep gaining fans.

Women’s sand volleyball begins their season, after an impressive first year as an NCAA sport. They will make a bid for the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Championship, with their first game in March. Running on the momentum of being last year’s champions, the team moves into the spring season with high hopes. The AVCA selects four teams to compete in the final four of the championship during April, in which Pepperdine has a strong chance to participate.

Men’s Basketball:

The men’s basketball team is in full swing with their West Coast Conference games, which feature nine teams and 16 games this season. The team also hopes to qualify for an NCAA post-season appearance in March if they can win the conference championship. The team has taken a different approach this season and have played a younger lineup, with three freshmen and two sophomores as the starting five. Assistant Coach Bryant Moore said the coaching staff is working toward building the future of the team by allowing younger athletes to play. Coach Moore also hopes the team will be more competitive in their conference play.

Women’s Basketball:

The women’s basketball team is having a tough season, especially with two key players unable to play. The team recently won against University of San Francisco, but fell to BYU.

»See PREVIEW, B9

SCOREBOARD Men’s Basketball vs.

BYU San Diego

Date

Score

Jan 10 Jan 12

L, 76-51 L, 62-50

Women’s Basketball vs.

Date

San Francisco BYU

Jan 10 Jan 12

vs.

Date

Score

W, 71-67 L, 68-42

Men’s Volleyball UC Irvine UC San Diego

Jan 8 Jan 12

Score

L, 3-0 W, 3-0

Record: 9-7 9-8

Record: 4-9 4-10

Record: 0-1 1-1

NEXT UP... Thursday, January 17

Friday, January 18

Women’s Basketball vs. Santa Clara at 7 p.m. Women’s Swimming Beach Cup at 11 a.m. Men’s Volleyball vs. Pacific at 7 p.m. Saturday, January 19 Women’s Swimming Beach Cup at 10 a.m. Women’s Tennis at National Collegiate Tennis Classic (All Day) Women’s Basketball at Saint Mary’s at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 20 Men’s Basketball vs. Santa Clara at 7 p.m. Women’s Tennis at National Collegiate Tennis Men’s Tennis vs. Pacific at 1 p.m. Classic (All Day) Men’s Volleyball vs. Stanford at 5 p.m. Women’s Tennis at National Collegiate Tennis Wednesday, January 23 Classic (All Day) Men’s Tennis at Washington at 3 p.m.

SPORTS

January 17, 2013

Graphic

On the courts this week By Marissa Baly Sports Assistant

COURTESY OF Pepperdine Athletics

SPIKE - Senior Maurice Torres faces down all contenders on the volleyball court

RECAP: What we missed over the break FROM B8

Soccer: Although the soccer season is over, Anisa Guajardo has become one of Pepperdine’s greatest soccer stars. After an offensive career that ended in 2012 with 10 goals and the selection for 2012 West Coast Conference First Team Pick, Guajardo will join the Boston Breakers for the 2013 professional season. This year’s women’s soccer season saw 55 players placed on to eight different professional soccer teams in the National Women’s Soccer League. All 18 U.S. soccer Olympic gold medal winners will play on one of the eight teams during its inaugural season. Look out and pick a favorite from the Chicago Res Stars, FC Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit, Western New York Flash — and get ready to see a Pepperdine student representing the Boston Breaker’s jersey.

stasia.demick@Pepperdine.edu

The Wave Zone will be the place to be this January, and there is nothing more rewarding than cheering the Waves on to victory. But why skip a fun “study sesh” at Payson for a Pepperdine sports game? “I am stoked for all the opportunities coming up to cheer for Waves athletes,” Jessica Freitas, director of the Riptide Rally Crew, said. “Having fellow students come out to support the athletes’ hard work is not only encouraging but motivating, so I hope to see everyone there.” Women’s Basketball versus Santa Clara, 7 p.m. on Thurs. Led by seniors Shay Cooney-Williams and Kelsey Patrick, the Waves are 4-10 this season and 1-2 in their conference. However, a win won’t be easy against Santa Clara. The Broncos are 10-6 this season, including 2-1 in the West Coast Conference. Both teams average about 60 points per game on offense, so this conference game might be a close call. Men’s Volleyball versus Pacific, 7 p.m. on Fri. Ranked fourth in the nation and coming from their first win of the season against University of California San Diego, the Waves men are hoping to keep their momentum for their first home game of the semester. Because Pacific is a member of the West Coast Conference, a conference win for the Waves would be a great start for this new season. Women’s Swimming Beach Cup, 11 a.m. in Fri. and 10 a.m. on Sat. The Pepperdine women’s swimming and diving team is hosting the 2013 Beach Cup this weekend at the Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool. This is a big meet for the team as their first of the semester and pits Pepperdine against strong teams from University of San Diego, LMU and Fresno State. The Waves last competed in

the Arena Classic in November, where the women swam 45 new season-best times during the three-day tournament. Men’s Basketball versus Santa Clara, 7 p.m. on Sat. Even though the Waves lost to University of San Diego at their last home game on Saturday, they still have a winning season record (9-8) and a lot of games ahead of them. The Santa Clara Men’s Basketball team is coming to Malibu with a better record (12-6) but they have only won one of four WCC games. Even though the Waves have a new player rotation due to illness and other circumstances, hopefully they can send the Santa Clara Broncos home with one more loss. Men’s Tennis versus Pacific, 1 p.m. on Sun. Our promising and nationally acclaimed men’s tennis team will play their first match of the year on their home court here in Malibu. Pepperdine senior Sebastian Fanselow, who was out most of the fall with a knee injury, has returned to the team ready to perform and show why he is ranked sixth in the country at the collegiate level. Men’s Volleyball versus Stanford, 5 p.m. on Sun. Even though the Stanford Cardinals are not a WCC team, any win against this renowned California rival is very sweet for a Wave. The Pepperdine men will host the Stanford volleyball team on Jan. 20, right after their match against University of the Pacific on Jan. 18. Coach Marv Dunphy stated that the teams are “even on ability” and they will be “really tough games.” Stanford has been undefeated this season thus far (4-0), but this highly anticipated match in the Firestone Fieldhouse will give the Waves a chance to start the season strong, especially if they win against Pacific.

marissa.baly@pepperdine.edu

PREVIEW: Pepperdine spring sports FROM B8

Women’s Golf:

Men’s Tennis: After wrapping up the individual tournaments in the fall, men’s tennis is set for their dual season in the West Coast Conference this spring. The team’s WCC matches begin in March, in which they are firm favorites to win. This may propel them to the NCAA tournament in May. Head Coach Adam Steinberg said although the team has eight men playing this season, this is one of the best teams he’s had at Pepperdine. The team is ranked No. 7 in the NCAA rankings. Finn Tearney, co-captain of the team, said he feels good going into the West Coast Conference and the NCAA tournament.

Women’s Tennis:

The Women’s Tennis team has a busy semester ahead of them with 11 non-conference games scheduled and WCC games starting from mid-March to April. This spring, the team is attempting to qualify for the NCAA tournament. Within the NCAA Division I schools, Pepperdine ranks in the top 40 out of 300 schools. Coaches Gualberto Escudero and Scott Doerner hope to break into the top 20 teams next year. Escudero reflected that the team is working on maintaining good habits and eliminating bad

COURTESY OF Pepperdine Athletics

LAYUP - Lorne Jackson scores against the Gonzaga Bulldogs

habits. Last year, the women’s team won the WCC championship during the dual season; the team is hoping to do the same this season.

Track:

The track team is anticipating a good season this spring, with their first meet in February at Westmont College, which will see schools like UCSB and Claremont coming out to participate. The team has a total of seven meets scheduled this semester. Coach Robert Radnoti said the team has a strong showing for the 800-meter this season with four or five key runners. The 100-meter and 200-meter events also look promising, with sprinters who are hoping to break some school

records.

infield and outfield as well.

The baseball team kicks off the season with their first game in February against Western Michigan, a non-conference game. Pepperdine will face eight teams in the WCC, and although a tough road is ahead, Head Coach Steve Rodriguez is very confident of the team reaching the NCAA. Rodriguez said that they have a very good team and have the ability to beat anyone in the country. There are 35 players on the team this season, but they will need to adjust after losing a few key players who graduated last semester. Coach Rodriguez said they have a strong hitting and pitching lineup, and a strong

men’s golf has had an interesting year after a coaching change last semester, but the new head coach, Michael Beard, is no stranger to Pepperdine. While the team has lost ground due to less than stellar results from the fall, if they perform well enough this season it is possible for the team to qualify for regionals. The team’s first showing this season will be at an independent tournament in Arizona at the end of January. The West Coast Conference this year begins April 15 in Washington. The team is hopeful to qualify for the NCAA regionals in mid-May, which they did not manage last year.

Baseball:

Men’s Golf:

Women’s golf has consistently performed for the past 10 to 15 years and has been touted as one of the best programs in the country. Coach Laurie Gibbs can be applauded for assisting the women’s program to such success. In recent years, the team has won 11 consecutive WCC Championships and has qualified for the NCAA tournament 11 out of 14 times, including a great season last year that led them all the way to the championships. Coach Gibbs said the team is looking forward to a successful 2013 spring season. She also comments that the goal of the team is to practice hard in order to win.

Swim and Dive:

Pepperdine’s own women’s swim and dive team, whose season runs from mid-October to February is already nearing the end of competition season in the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC). Swim and dive bids in the NCAA championship are earnship by qualification, and despite Pepperdine’s strong showing in the top three of the PCSC, it is unlikely the team will qualify this year. The team is focusing on their stronger events of the 100-meter butterfly, 100-meter breaststroke, 200-meter medley and the sprint freestyle. g

huiwen.chen@pepperdine.edu

B10 Graphic

SPORTS

January 17, 2013

Got game? Players off the field By Wen Chen Sports Editor

Finding love on the tennis courts may be difficult, but scoring a date with a Pepperdine athlete may not be far away. We’re at the beginning of

a new semester, and sports in the spring are just getting heated up. With this combination, it sounds like a good time to meet someone new, either by checking out our single athletes on this page or meeting a fellow Waves fan at any of the many upcoming games.

Parker Kalmbach Junior, Advertising Men’s Volleyball

Moush Hovhannisyan Senior, Psych Men’s Tennis Likes: As a philosophy minor, Hovhannisyan enjoys reading and painting, and his ideal vacation would be Venice, Italy. Favorite color: Red and black. Ideal girl: “Down to earth, not materialistic, into art ... we should have complementary interests, open to anything ... or like Elyse from ‘The Adjustment Bureau’!” Tennis: “I’ve been playing tennis since I was 6, so about 15 years ... I might hope to go pro one day.” If you had to date someone on your team: “I think if a girl were to choose someone to date on the tennis team, probably Finn (Tearney) because he has the looks.” If your girlfriend were mad at you: “I’d say sorry, it’s really hard for the guy to be right ... guys should always be very polite to girls. How would you approach a girl: “Ask her nicely if she wants to hang out.”

A middle on the men’s volleyball team, Kalmbach has been playing volleyball for seven years but sustained a back injury freshman year, which forced him to sit out the season last year. He started playing again over the summer and has been doing well. Personality: Active, outgoing, open and spontaneous. Likes: Yoga, cooking, concerts and music in general. Ideal girl: “Active, open-minded, easy to talk to, sarcastic... We have to get along and have stuff in common.” If you had to date someone on your team: “Ryan Plueger ... for sure, even though he has a girlfriend.” If your girlfriend were mad at you: “She probably wouldn’t get mad at me in the first place.” Scariest moment: “Well, some guys lit me on fire at a concert once ... actually, probably last year when I found out about my back injury, and I didn’t know if I could play volleyball.”

Stasia Demick Freshman, Creative Writing Track What Stasia Demick’s mom would say about her: Smart, dedicated to her track, her friends and academics ... but she should probably walk the dog more often. Personality: Loyal, honest, very dedicated and outgoing, likes to have fun. Likes: Eating fro-yo, long walks on the beach, listening to music ... her favorite song is “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver and favorite movies are “Bridesmaids” and “Pitch Perfect.” Ideal guy: Good sense of humor, sings like Chris Brown, fast runner and nice. Celebrity crush: Chris Brown. Perfect first date: “Go to Jamba Juice; he takes me to see the Olympics and then fro-yo afterward.” If you had to date someone on the team: Katie Engel, “because she’s super good at cross country and 90s rap.”

Tara Panu Senior, Intl. Management Tennis Panu loves the outdoors, being active — like hiking or biking, basketball and really enjoys traveling. Personality: Outgoing, approachable, caring, loves being around people, adventurous. Ideal guy: “Guys who can make me laugh but also challenge me intellectually and in other aspects of life ... someone who is active and passionate about what they do.” Favorite color: Baby yellow. Favorite flowers: Jasmine. Perfect first date: “I’ve seriously had the worst first dates ever … I really don’t know what the perfect date is … something out of the box, to take the pressure off; something creative.” Most embarrassing moment: “Ke$ha was at the Malibu Inn and I was going to the bathroom and I full-on pushed the door and hit her in the face.”

Sarah Burris Senior, Psych Swim Burris’ idea of a perfect first date is for the guy to pick her up: go to dinner, and then bowling. She enjoys going to the beach and other outdoor activities. Personality: Easy-going and carefree. What would your mom say about you: “She would say I’m hard-working and active.” Favorite color: Blue. Favorite flower: Sunflower. Ideal guy: Good sense of humor, trustworthy, driven, up for trying new things. Celebrity crush: Captain America. Song: “Push” by Matchbox 20. If you had to date someone on your team: “Ally Bernard … we’re basically dating now anyway.” If you were mad at your boyfriend: “Apologize; I’m not one for showy things.”

Support Pepperdine teams or the athletes by going to the upcoming games, matches and meets hosted at home or encourage the teams by showing them your love even when they’re playing away from Pepperdine. Read below to find all of

Aaron Brown Sophomore, Business Baseball Brown describes his personality as sarcastic, humorous, driven and inspired. If he weren’t playing baseball, he would probably be a football player, and in his free time he enjoys going to the beach, surfing, snowboarding, playing ping pong and music — listening, playing and writing. Ideal girl: Athletic, sweet, Christian, spontaneous, humble, servant-hearted. If your girlfriend were mad at you: “I would propose a sincere apology over a very nice, romantic dinner with a bouquet of roses, and I would write her a song.” If you had to date someone on your team: “We’ve got a lot of great guys on our team ... but probably Drew Hacker; I’ve known him the longest, and he and I have a lot in common.” Mom would say: “She’d say I can never sit still.” Favorite movie: “The Grinch” and “300.”

the crucial information on nine single Pepperdine athletes. Everything ranging from favorite colors to most embarrassing moments is included.

huiwen.chen@pepperdine.edu

Kathy Messing Sophomore, Advertising Women’s Volleyball Hailing from Woodlands, Texas, Messing’s idea of a perfect first date is “something very casual where I can be relaxed and maybe do something outside.” Her favorite flowers are sunflowers, and her favorite color is green. Personality: Easy-going, spontaneous. Likes: Cooking, adrenaline-related activities. Celebrity crush: Channing Tatum. Ideal vacation destination: “Somewhere that’s different from anywhere I’ve ever been before.” Most embarrassing moment: “In the Tokyo airport, I couldn’t figure out how to flush the toilet, and I pressed the wrong button for the bidet, and the toilet started spraying at the door, and when I opened the door it started spraying this woman, and no one could figure out how to turn it off.” Favorite song: “‘Barefoot Blue Jean Night’— or all country music, really.”

Jett Raines Freshman, Computer Science Basketball An interesting fact about Raines: He was a drummer in a band in high school. To relax, he enjoys listening to music, eating and making popcorn. Playing basketball since: 4 or 5 ... so about 15 years. Ideal girl: “Blake Lively or Lights! ... she should be smart, humble ... and isn’t afraid to be straight-up.” If you had to date someone on your team: “Austin Mills, because he’s cute.” If your girlfriend were mad at you: “I would act goofy around her to break her out of a straight face.” Most embarrassing moment: “In 4th grade I was on a field trip to a museum, and the whole grade was outside, and the bird only pooped on me.” Scariest moment as a kid: “When I couldn’t find my mom in the grocery store.”

Matt West Sophomore, Sports Admin Volleyball West enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the HAWC and listening to music. To impress a girl on a first date, he would: “call Ryan Plueger and ask him if I could borrow his private jet ... fly to Catalina, have a seafood dinner, take a walk on the beach and then take a hike up somewhere to get a clear view of the stars and then fly back.” If not volleyball: Basketball or a pitcher. Favorite movie: “The Dark Knight Rises” Ideal girl: Has to be tall and athletic, mellow and laid-back, willing to try new things. Most tried and tested pickup line: “‘Can you grab my arm?’ ‘Why?’ ‘So I can tell my friends I was touched by an angel’ — from Leo on the volleyball team ... It hasn’t worked for either of us and we’ve tried it seven times.” Scariest moment as a kid: “I got in a one-on-one with a chicken when I was three, and I’ve had a phobia of birds until now.”

Valentine’s Day Issue: Want a particular athlete featured? Email Wen at huiwen.chen@pepperdine.edu.