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PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC MEDIA
Volume XLIII, Issue 13 | January 31, 2012 | www.pepperdine-graphic.com » Find out the wins and losses of the week on B9.
SAD founder challenges loneliness By Falon Opsahl News Assistant
Loneliness is a problem at all college campuses, but Pepperdine has significantly higher numbers of lonely students, according to the National College Health Assessment, a survey Pepperdine students can voluntarily take every two years. Some 64 percent of Pepperdine’s student body reported feeling lonely in a 2011 survey, as opposed to an average of only 57 percent at other universities. Counselors in the Counseling Center speculated that the isolated campus location, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, an empty campus on weekends, busy schedules that prevent the development of deep relationships and feelings of inadequacy with such high academic, behavioral, social and financial standards all contribute to the loneliness on campus. But these issues wouldn’t be so powerful if people just talked about their loneliness, according to junior William Cohen, the founder of the new club S.A.D., Students against Depression. Cohen first had the idea when he started struggling with depression in April 2012 but did not act on the initiative until last semester, when he
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Some 64 percent of Pepperdine’s student body reported feeling lonely in a 2011 survey, as opposed to an average of only 57 percent at other universities.
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struggled more and watched others go through symptoms as well. Though the club is still in its preliminary stages, Cohen said he intends for it to serve as a community that will confront depression on campus. “I want this group to have teeth,” Cohen said. “We will be active and moving on campus wherever we are needed. We want to be hands reaching out and touching the Pepperdine community in every way possible. This is a group for people that want to reinvigorate the Pepperdine community.” Cohen said he hopes to gain funds and hold events and host speakers. Albert Hawks, alumnus
»See SAD, A4
INDEX DPS Reports..A2 Calendar........A2 Editorial..........A8 Horoscopes....B7 Sports............B8
Dance in Flight »See B5 Connor Wheeler / PHOTO ASSISTANT
HAPPY FEET — Student dancers from Dance in Flight perform in Smothers Theatre. The squad is celebrating its 20-year anniversary, and recitals are from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.
Oh, deer!
How Pepperdine coexists with the natives By Kyle Simpson Staff Writer
When freshman Taylor Barnett came to Pepperdine, she was excited to have a Malibu ZIP code and be surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Barnett and her roommate Khali McRae soon learned that Pepperdine's campus — nestled as it is in the Santa Monica Mountains — had some natural hazards: mule deer. While driving back on campus late one evening, McRae slammed her brakes to avoid a deer that had vaulted over the brush and into the street. It was a narrow miss, and McRae said she finished her drive shaken. “It literally came out of nowhere,” McRae said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.” McRae’s story isn’t all that surprising to people on campus, but the facts behind Pepperdine’s coexistence with the deer might be.
Every year, about 1 million car accidents with deer occur, killing 200 Americans, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, the most dangerous mammal in North America may be the deer. Department of Public Safety officials said they have no data on how many deer have actually caused accidents at Pepperdine, but anecdotes like McRae’s of near-misses are common. “It does happen at Pepperdine, but not at a frequency that is notable,” DPS Deputy Director Dawn Emrich said. Professor Rodney Honeycutt, chair of the Natural Science Division, said Pepperdine represents an “edge habitat” to the deer, characterized by many ornamental shrubs, trees and garden plants. “To a starving deer, this is heaven,” Honeycutt said. So they populate campus and consume the landscape, making them vulnerable to cars, Honeycutt said.
“Malibu has experienced very little rain for most of the summer and late spring,” Honeycutt said. “Plant productivity from the native chaparral is low, and the older leaves are not optimal for deer. When we receive rain in the winter and early fall, the chaparral respond by producing new leaves and blooming. At this time, deer are less plentiful on campus because they prefer the new growth from native plants. This is one reason why they forage throughout the day.” Honeycutt also said he has noticed corn placed near the roadside of the intersection across from the dorms by Rho parking lot. He wondered if someone on campus might be responsible. “This is a bad idea because it encourages large number of deer to feed next to the road, thus increasing the possibility of an accident,” Honeycutt said. The deer on campus are primarily adult and subadult
females with fawns, Honeycutt said. Generally, mule deer form female groups consisting of an older female, her daughters and young of the year. “The breeding season or rut begins in the fall. The campus generally sees one or two larger, more dominant males at this time,” Honeycutt said. “The males tend to the females for several weeks and then disappear again.” And in a healthy population with plenty to eat, female deer usually have twins. This is not the case with Pepperdine’s deer, primarily because there is not enough to eat. Honeycutt also stated that coyotes, bobcats and mountain lions kill many newborns. Honeycutt added that it is a challenge in a high-deer-populated area to maintain landscaping. “To a starving deer, even English Ivy looks good,” Honeycutt said.
Webb Way and Corral Canyon Road and improvements in lane configurations. Officials say the funds will be spread over a span of four years, and the earliest developments are expected to start in July upon the completion of the Pacific Coast Highway Safety Study. These developments follow the death of Marisela Eche-
verria, 36, in October when she was struck by a Metro Bus. “Mari” was training for an Ironman Triathalon at the time of the incident, according to the family. A statement issued by her boyfriend urged citizens of Malibu to push for improvements along PCH for pedestrians and bikers. Another incident in early December involved a 56-year-
old bicyclist, who was struck by a Chevrolet pickup truck according to the Malibu Times. The man is reportedly in stable condition st the hospital after being struck by a Chevrolet pickup. While the pickup was said to be traveling at unsafe speeds, some remain frustrated with the bike lane’s proximity to the road.
»See DEER, A6
PCH receives $14 million grant
By Nate Barton Assistant News Editor
In an effort to increase pedestrian and biker safety, Malibu was given $14 million to improve road conditions on the Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Malibu Patch. The initial funds will reportedly go toward bike lanes, a raised median between
The Gun Control Debate Obama’s new proposal is making its way through Congress. What will it do to prevent gun violence?
»PERSPECTIVES, A7
Malibu Labor Exchange Experience a community where laughter and learning abound.
» LIFE & ARTS, B3
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nathaniel.barton@pepperdine.edu
The Waves of Malibu Fri. 0.7 ft @12s
Sat. 0.5 ft @15s
Sun. 0.5 ft @13s
Mon. 0.5 ft @12s
magicseaweed.com
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NEWS
January 31, 2013
Crowds gather for the musical ‘Bus Stop’
REBECCA HERRON Photo Editor
It’s more than a fairytale
Courtesy of RON HALL
MUSIC AND DANCING — Seniors Anna Tullis and Kyle Rogan perform in the Tony Award–winning dramatic comedy “Bus Stop.” The play ran from Tuesday, Jan 22 to Friday, Jan 25.
1/22/13 8:29 a.m. Traffic Related – Traffic Accident, Non-Injury Location: Thornton Administrative Center Ramp Summary: A vehicle collided with a fixed object. A university employee’s vehicle collided with a traffic pole. Minor damage was reported. 1/22/13 10:01 a.m. Traffic Related – Traffic Accident, Non-Injury Location: Drescher Campus Parking Structure Summary: A university vehicle collided with a fixed object. A university vehicle being driven by a student employee collided with a wall. Minor damage was reported. 1/22/13 10:15 p.m. Crimes – Larceny/Theft – Theft from a Vehicle Location: Drescher Campus Parking Structure Summary: A student reported
a vehicle headlight was stolen from a vehicle while parked on campus. 1/23/13 12:18 p.m. Fire/hazards – Gas Leak inside a Structure Location: Thornton Administration Center Summary: There was a report of an odor of natural gas in a building. Public Safety officers and FM&P responded. The initial report was unfounded. Officers will make periodic checks of the area. 1/24/13 11:50 a.m. Incidents – Suspicious Person Location: Seaver Drive Summary: A university staff member reported observing a suspicious person entering campus on foot. 1/24/13 12:56 p.m. FM&P Maintenance Call Location: Waste Flow Equalization Station
Calendar THURSDAY Discussion with Dr. Terrence Roberts 4 – 5 p.m. Payson Library
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FRIDAY Men’s Volleyball vs. USC 7 p.m. Firestone Fieldhouse
SATURDAY C4C Soccer Tournament 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Soccer Field
2
MONDAY Cardio Kickboxing Noon Fitness Studio
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TUESDAY “Did America Have a Christian Founding?” 2 – 3 p.m. Payson Library
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Summary: Public Safety dispatch received a fire alarm signal from a local fire alarm panel. There was no fire. It did not require an evacuation or a response from the Los Angeles County fire department. 1/24/13 4:36 p.m. Fire/Hazards – Power Outage Location: Malibu Campus Summary: There was a Malibu campus power outage. The outage was due to equipment failure. Public Safety officers, FM&P and Southern California Edison responded and restored power to all buildings except the Thornton Administration Center. Ongoing repairs are in progress to restore power at Thornton Administration Center. 1/25/13 9:15 a.m. Departmental – Busy with Misc Situation Location: Upper Debris Basin Summary: A staff member
reported that three manhole covers have been reopened and unwelded. 1/25/13 11:25 a.m. Incidents – Property Damage – Non-Criminal Location: Seaver Drive Booth Summary: A university vehicle struck the Seaver booth gate arm. A Public Safety officer and FM&P responded to take a report and repair the gate arm. 1/25/13 11:39 a.m. Drugs & Alcohol Related Incidents – Possession of Alcohol Location: George Page Residential Complex Summary: Public Safety officers responded to investigate a report of an alcohol in a dorm room. Officers located and disposed of the alcohol. 1/25/13 2:33 p.m. Fire/Hazards – Gas Leak, Outside
Location: Payson Library Summary: There was a report of an odor of natural gas outside of a building. Public Safety officers and FM&P responded. The leak was located and repairs were made. 1/26/13 10:26 p.m. Incidents – Disturbance – Loud Noise Location: Richard Rockwell Towers Summary: Public Safety officers responded to a noise complaint in the dorm. A resident student was warned for playing their music too loud. 1/27/13 1:18 a.m. Drugs & Alcohol Related Incidents – Drunk in Public Location: Dorm Krown Alpha Summary: Public Safety officers responded to investigate a report of an intoxicated student. A Public Safety officer confiscated a bottle of alcohol from a dorm room.
WHAT’S BREAKING
The ‘Bu
World
Alleged Malibu kidnapper arrested
Horror in Syria is ‘unprecedented’
Memorial service set for Jay Ogawa
Obama wants immigration reform
Verizon customers lose service
Cheap fireworks cause fire in Brazil
Reports compiled from Malibu Patch
Reports compiled from BBC News
Jaci Barragon was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after barricading himself into a Maywood home. He has been on the run since Monday morning, when he escaped from Malibu custody. Barragon was accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend and stealing a car.
A graduate of Malibu High School, 25-year-old Jay Ogawa, was killed in a rollover crash last week. While an informal service was held last week, the formal service will be held Saturday at Malibu Presbyterian Church. The service will be open to the public, but the venue is limited to 250 guests and will feature readings and music by Ogawa’s close friends.
Some Verizon customers in Malibu lost service Tuesday morning for about two hours. The outage lasted from about 9 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m. The cause is still under investigation, according to Verizon spokesman Jarryd Gonzales, but approximately 1,200 Malibu residents were affected.
The Syrian conflict has reached “unprecedented levels of horror,” according to peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi. There was another massacre in the northern city of Aleppo. More than 71 bodies were found in a western district, according to opposition activists. Brahimi has been searching for a solution.
President Barack Obama has announced that he believes it is time to change the American immigration system. The White House and senators plan to make citizenship available to about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Obama called the current policies “badly broken” and claimed that Republicans and Democrats are working together to find a solution to the problem.
Fireworks meant for outdoor use caused a deadly nightclub fire Sunday, according to the chief investigator in the southern Brazilian city of Santa Maria. The death toll reached 235 people. Four people have been arrested in connection to the fire, which is the deadliest fire in Brazil in five decades.
The real story behind REEL STORIES. I stood on a rain-soaked red carpet, so cold my body had gone numb. From the front of the stage there was an inaudible announcement, and, before I could process it, I was being guided to the front of the stage where someone handed me a deceivingly heavy glass object. REEL STORIES showed a total of six student films and gave out four awards, two of which we were lucky enough to receive. Last semester, as I sat in my capstone class, I found myself looking around the room at my peers, trying to decide which of them I would be able to work with for an entire semester, or, rather, which of them would survive the fall after being forced to work with me. (Ask anyone who has ever been in a class with me, and they’ll tell you that I don’t take schoolwork lightly.) Somehow I managed to find a group, though, and before I knew it we were starting pre-production on a 12-minute film that would take us four months to make — now I know why we have to wait another year for part two of “The Hobbit.” I didn’t really know my partners that well; I had a class with a few of them, but I wouldn’t really have called us close. But this was the starting point for all that was to come. We spent the next four months casting, scouting out locations, shooting, editing, sound editing, color correcting and even more editing. We fought, we laughed and we hardly slept, but most of the time, we loved it. Making a film even as short as ours is a lot of hard work, so when it came time to hand it over for REEL STORIES, I felt like I was giving away a piece of my soul to the judges. Friday night was bittersweet for my group. We were truly amazed and humbled at winning, especially Audience Choice (thank you for that by the way), and yet we were all sad that it was over. The truth about REEL STORIES is that you didn’t really get to see our “real story.” What we put on the screen was carefully crafted and edited to perfection, or as close as we could get, given the Jan. 12 deadline. The real story was everything that happened during the process — the arguments we had via long-distance phone calls and the nights we spent deliriously locked in an editing bay until the wee hours of the morning. It was the table we sacrificed for the sake of something we call art and the long days we spent driving around LA. Wendy found in Peter Pan the same thing the five of us found in each other: friendship and adventure. This experience taught me that a film is a collaboration of talented people who may become your best friends or your worst enemies. It also taught me the importance of having a first-aid kit when filming a scene where 12 guys bang their fists on a glass table, because that is a surefire way to break it.
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rebecca.herron@pepperdine.edu
NEWS
January 31, 2013
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Skaters rally for land swap By Sienna Jackson Staff Writer
The Malibu City Council has unanimously approved a proposed land swap that had inspired fierce debate in the community. The city has approved a proposal to relinquish ownership of the 532-acre Charmlee Wilderness Park in exchange for 83 acres of Bluffs Park, which is owned by the state of California and operated by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. This is welcome news to members of Malibu’s local skateboarding community, who were among the supporters of the deal. The skateboarders of Malibu have been left without a skate park for more than a year after Papa Jack’s Skate Park, which was donated to the city in 1999 and administered by the Parks and Recreation Department, closed in 2011. The City Council is considering using the newly acquired Bluffs acres as a home for a new skate park. The Conservancy wants the land swap for a “unique” walkin camping area. “Plus, the swap will expedite completion of the regionally significant Coastal Slope Trail,” Edelman said. In a letter opposing the
swap, the Malibu Township Council calls the proposal “unacceptable” and accuses the City Council of rushing the deal to avoid public discussion and criticism: “Public notice and discussion have not occurred because the issue was made part of the Ramirez lawsuit settlement, but neither park has anything to do with that lawsuit. The issues are unrelated. This flawed proposal appears to be rushed so as to prevent public disclosure and public input.” The Ramirez lawsuit concerns the unauthorized use by the SMMC of Ramirez Canyon Park as a rental facility for private events, such as weddings. Under the terms of the swap, this lawsuit between the Conservancy and the city would be settled. “We have an opportunity for active, organized activities,” said Mayor Pro Tem Joan House. “The only place where we have active organized recreation is Bluffs Park.” Sam McGee, 21, is a Malibu native and lifelong skater who hopes the land swap deal goes through. He’s skeptical, though, that a skate park will be built on the acquired Bluffs land because of perceived pushback from private homeowners abutting the land.
“Bluffs sits right over Malibu Road, so a lot of people who live right down there on Malibu Road below where the skate park would be are saying that it’s going to be too loud and that there are going to be kids there causing mischief ... but it won’t be loud. I mean, PCH is louder than anything. “They don’t have any problems with that, and they’ll be fine with the skate park,” McGee said. Another advocate of the skate park in the Bluffs is McGee’s mentor in skateboarding and employer, Craig Clunies-Ross. Clunies-Ross, a New Zealand native, is the owner of the Drill Surf and Skate retail store on Pacific Coast Highway near Trancas Canyon. Clunies-Ross is a vocal champion for skateboarding in Malibu, and the possibility of building a new skate park on the Bluffs acquisition is something he supports. “Bluffs, to me, makes the most sense. I think the Bluffs location is far more central.... It just makes a lot more sense as a location,” said Clunies-Ross. “[Skateboarding] really keeps a lot of young kids out of trouble; it gives them a place to go. It’s different from surfing in that surfers have the whole ocean to surf in — it’s for anybody’s use.”
Sienna Jackson / STAFF WRITER
LOYAL ADVOCATE — Craig Clunies-Ross sits behind the counter of his retailer store, Drill Surf and Skate on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Jan 18. Ross has been a strong promoter of skating in Malibu and supports the construction of a new skate park.
For skaters, it’s a different game. “They don’t want kids skating in the parking lots anywhere around retail businesses or skating down hills on regular streets, so you have to provide them with a venue to be able to skateboard. Aside from keeping them occupied with an activity and away from loitering and drugs, you have to give them a venue to be able to do that,” Cl-
unies-Ross said. Clunies-Ross has been involved in skate retail since 1997. Since then, he’s seen a wild growth in the number of those getting into the sport. “It’s just a shame that there isn’t a venue for it here and that it’s taken so long to make a decision,” Clunies-Ross. Until a new park is built, local skateboarders have nowhere to skate.
“They’re going as far as Simi Valley to skate there. Venice, Westchester, they’re traveling anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to skate,” Clunies-Ross said. Malibu skateboarders hope the land swap will result in the creation of a skating venue closer to home.
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sienna.jackson@pepperdine.edu
Classified Ad for Trancas Cleaners: “Trancas Tailor and Cleaners” 30765 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265 (310) 457- 6805 20% discount for all Pepperdine students *ALL UGGS CLEANED HERE!
Liz Arthur / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PASSIONTE PREACHER — University Ministries Director Dave Pommer speaks to Pepperdine students and fellow community members at UM Tuesday night at Malibu Presbyterian Church. UM had been held for six years in a temporary building after the Malibu Canyon Wildfire destroyed the church.
Malibu Pres reveals remodeled building By Patrick Rear News Assistant
Sunday marked the first time Malibu Presbyterian met in its newly constructed building after the old building was destroyed six years ago in the Malibu Canyon wildfire. More than 500 people attended the services Sunday in the new building. Services were held in the familiar onion-shaped building on Malibu Canyon Road while money was being raised and construction on the new building took place on the property behind where the temporary structure was set up. Despite the temporary structure, the church continued to minister to the Malibu community and to Pepperdine students specifically with University Ministries (UM), their weekly outreach. On Tuesday, UM launched their first night in the building. The church’s insurance policy that covered all of the expenses for construction of the
new building. The new Malibu Presbyterian building is over 17,000 square feet and includes both a sanctuary and a preschool. Taking advantage of the opportunity to start anew, the church now has improved sound equipment and acoustics to produce a fuller and richer sound. “The new building improves the worship experience; it was built with acoustics in mind,” said Pepperdine junior Thomas Yee, who is involved with the UM worship team. The new building also includes amphitheater-style seating that is better able to accommodate the entire congregation, downstairs fellowship rooms for use by the church and fire resistant materials used to prevent a similar situation from arising in the future. Malibu Canyon commuters will soon miss the white inflatable-looking structure that has been up for more than three years. Worship has resumed in
the new building, and the temporary structure will be demolished soon to make room for construction on a new administrative building that will replace the current system of temporary buildings and trailers that have served as offices after the fire. “In the end, all of this is really not about a building,” Tim Jones, Malibu Presbyterian’s director of outreach and communications, wrote in an email. “We are excited about how God has sustained our lives, has promised to walk with us and that his mission, love and hope for his church do not depend on temporary things (like buildings), but on his Spirit moving through his people. “More than ever, we are passionate about allowing his Spirit to reveal his Kingdom to our community,” Jones wrote. “And we will continue to do this through teaching, worship, community groups and mission trips reaching our city to Mexico and around the world.” g
patrick.rear@pepperdine.edu
Master of Social Work and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Azusa Pacific University’s graduate programs empower you to put compassion into action. Prepare to make a difference. Master of Social Work Internships in the Greater Los Angeles area Integration of faith and social work practice Full-time and part-time options For more information, visit www.apu.edu/msw/.
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901 E. Alosta Ave.
Azusa, CA 91702 13920
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NEWS
SASHA FARCE
January 31, 2013
Rebecca Herron/ PHOTO EDITOR
PHANTOM B — Students gathered outside the HAWC on Tuesday, anticipating the arrival of Beyonce. According to rumors on Facebook and Twitter, Beyonce was supposed to come on a campus tour at 5 p.m. She didn’t show up.
SAD: Club aims to support FROM A1
of Seaver College (2012) and office worker in Career Development at the law school, spoke at a Wednesday Convocation last year about some of the causes of loneliness on campus. “We don’t talk about our personal struggles almost ever,” Hawks said. “Everyone at Pepperdine is in the closet about something. Eating problems are a rampant problem for both women and men. We don’t talk about that. Cutting is an abnormally high problem here. We don’t talk about that. About half of Pepperdine’s students’ parents are
divorced. We don’t talk about that. Even just daily issues like financial struggles. We don’t talk about that. “So sin and behavioral stresses, we don’t like to talk about it because at Pepperdine and in Christian communities, we feel this constant pressure to be a perfect saint and to not struggle and to have everything together.” While Pepperdine has acknowledged the problem, it’s not a simple fix, said Connie Horton, Counseling Center director and associate dean of students. “We can’t just establish a loneliness program and expect it to be solved,” Horton said.
“If people are more attentive, there will be more success. Pepperdine students are to be commended because many of them want to make a difference in the world. But what many don’t realize is that there is a lonely person on the other side of the cafeteria or someone in the suite that needs someone to make a difference in their lives.” Senior Bailey Taylor said she often felt she could not discuss her feelings. “I often felt forgotten, out of place, not good enough and simply friendless,” Taylor said about her junior year, which she discussed at a Wednesday Convocation. “I found myself
in a deep slump and every activity felt meaningless. I was aware of my sadness but felt that being alone was an anomaly, so I couldn’t really admit that being lonely was my problem.” Cohen said he hopes S.A.D. will help students who are facing these issues. “I hope that [the club] will help people understand that they are not alone in their struggles. Most importantly, I hope to encourage people experiencing depression to find help in whatever way is best for them. I hope that this group will become popular and important to the stability of Pepperdine’s community.”
Campus Minister Linda Truschke said that even though feeling alone sometimes is completely natural, Pepperdine is still working to dispel feelings of loneliness. “We’re at a unique place that we even care about this issue,” Truschke said. “There are plenty of universities that don’t care at all about their students outside of the classroom.” Although Pepperdine students struggle with loneliness more than students at many other schools according to the statistics, there is hope. “Trust that it will get better,” Taylor said from personal experience. “Because it will.” There are places and people
that are here to serve students, Truschke said, including the Counseling Center, Student Affairs, Housing and Residence Life, and Campus and University Ministries. But it is also important to remember that this is a community problem and a community solution, Horton said. Cohen said he hopes S.A.D. can contribute to a greater feeling of community on campus in order to dispel such wide-spread loneliness. S.A.D. will give students a space to talk about their problems and realize that they can ask for and receive the help they need and deserve. g
falon.opsahl@pepperdine.edu
Alexander Hayes / CREATIVE DIRECTOR
NEWS
January 31, 2013
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Citizens question Trancas Market safety By Charmaine Cleveland
Staff Writer
It was a dreary Friday afternoon down at Malibu’s Trancas Canyon Shopping Center, but that didn’t stop busy patrons from going about their daily business — despite the parking situation. The marketplace is a humble array of buildings currently lacking in infrastructure. It has very little parking for its employees and customers, and no designated right-hand turn lane into the facility. On Jan. 14 at the Malibu City Council meeting, Trancas Canyon resident Cindy Vandor brought the problem to attention, speaking out against the lack of concern that had gone into planning the lot. Apparently, it has been an issue for some time now. The committee has kicked back the former plan that was proposed to fix the lot, due to its insufficient nature. But Vandor refuses to give up, claiming that the security of Malibu citizens depends on fixing the infrastructure. “We are begging you to make Trancas Shopping Center Safer. The City Council has bent the rules severely. It has approved this without asking vital questions,” Vandor said. “There are 36 MTA [bus] turn arounds every day, because delivery trucks are turning into the center from Trancas and not PCH. There is no deceleration lane on the highway, and the angled parking is dangerous.” Among Vandor’s other complaints was that the shopping center is about 50 percent short on parking, does not
have enough room for bicycles, the pedestrian crossing is not up to standards and there is a lack of sidewalks and disability access. Possibly the most compelling of Vandor’s statements was the Malibu West Homeowners association has spent thousands of dollars and months negotiating with the owners of Trancas Shopping Center to get an easement to build an exit road at their own expense. “So that the residents can evacuate in case of in an emergency. Because Trancas is a box canyon, there is only one road in and out for emergencies in case of a fire – that road is now a shopping center entrance,” Vandor said. Vandor also presented potential legal repercussions. According to the City of Malibu (LCP) Local Implementation Plan (2002), the Parking Regulations for Shopping Centers must conform to the following: five spaces for each 1000 square feet of gross floor area within the center, or spaces as required for each individual use within the center. Business or commercial usage regulations (present within the shopping center) slightly differ by requiring one space for each 250 square feet of gross floor area, including cleaning or laundry agencies. In addition, accommodations for the disabled were also brought into question. According to the Guide to Disability Rights Laws (2009) from the Department of Justice: The Architectural Barriers Act requires that buildings and facilities that are designed, constructed or altered with
federal funds, or leased by a federal agency, comply with federal standards for physical accessibility. With safety standards in question, and an alleged deficit in disability accommodations, the only thing which can be found at the Trancas Shopping Center is construction. Sam Sung, an employee at Trancas Cleaners, claims that despite the public dispute, there is currently no problem with the parking situation. “This parking lot is overkill. There is more than sufficient parking, and they are imputing more parking spaces during the construction. It all depends on the day so it may be different.” Sung went on to explain that until the construction is complete, there may be an inconvenience. However, once the extra parking lots are built in the shopping center next door there will be enough parking spaces and entrances. But some employees still think that parking is an issue, regardless of the construction happening directly next door to them. “It bugs me that there is no right hand turn lane, and I wish there was a left one on to Kanan. I could see how it [will] be a problem when it’s busier than this. There’s not going to be a enough spaces,” Marriah Doram, an employee at Zuma Moon Boutique, said. Doram agrees there is a lack of employee-dedicated parking and that it might be better served to take out the center divider. “There are no good angles to park at. I can sometimes get a parking spot up front near
the shop, but I feel like I’m pissing people off.” Sam McGee of Joe’s Surf and Skate is along the same lines as Doram, claiming that the parking situation is definitely going to be a problem in the near future. “When more stuff starts opening up it, especially the market, there are probably going to be some rear ends because most people miss the turn lane or don’t know that its there,” McGee said. For now, residents of Malibu who visit Trancas Shopping Center are continuing to cope with the increasing parking issue, and any inconvenience the construction may be causing. As for Vandor, the parking lot is still much more of a safety issue than anything else. She believes that responsibility lies with the city of Malibu to defend its citizens against these allegedly hazardous conditions. “The city and the customers have complained that the parking lot is to small by a long shot, but it was built anyway,” Vandor accused the council. “How many deaths will it take to get you to do the right thing about traffic safety? Who has to die? Your kids? My kids? You? The fact is the Trancas shopping center is very dangerous. The city reps are elected to do one thing – keep the public safe.”
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charmaine.cleveland@pepperdine.edu
Charmaine Cleveland / STAFF WRITER
HARD RIGHT — There is no easy way to access the Trancas Canyon Shopping Center. Many people have raised concerns about traffic safety.
City of Malibu (LCP) Local Implementation Plan (2002) Parking Regulations for Shopping Centers: – 5 spaces for each 1000 sq. ft of gross floor area within the center; or spaces as required for each individual use within the center. – To qualify for the “shopping center” criteria (5/1000) a well-balanced mixture of uses within the center must be demonstrated. – Where there is an imbalance of high intensity uses, restaurants, theater, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, beauty schools and other such uses and/or long-term parking uses, parking calculations will be based totally or in part on an individual basis. Business or Commercial Usage Regulations: – 1 space for each 250 sq. ft of gross floor area, including cleaning or laundry agencies. The Guide to Disability Rights Laws (2009) from the Department of Justice: – The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires that buildings and facilities that are designed, constructed, or altered with Federal funds, or leased by a Federal agency, comply with Federal standards for physical accessibility.
Lagoon resurfaces at meeting By Sam Adams Staff Writer
The Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project has been an extremely controversial situation throughout Malibu since the project began in early June of 2012. Many Malibu residents are furious about how the city and California State Parks decided to handle the problems that the lagoon has faced for years. Although everyone seems to be in agreement about the fact that the lagoon did have some issues, not everyone was pleased by the solution. The Malibu Lagoon was used as a dumping site for the better half of the past century, and, due to this fact, the lagoon has poor circulation, which has caused the oxygen levels to be close to zero in some areas. This affects the fish and the wildlife that live there. Bacteria are also an issue, as bacteria affect everyone and everything. With LA County losing 95 percent of its wetlands, the Malibu Lagoon has been a huge priority. California State Parks and their partners created the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project to create a less polluted lagoon and save wildlife. The project intended to remove excess sediment and recontour the western channels to increase water flow. Invasive plants would also replace the native vegetation. If the project were successful and the lagoon had better circulation, the lagoon would be able to cleanse itself naturally, which would allow for better surf and would attract greater species of birds and fish. The construction of the project was unpopular with Malibu residents from the beginning. Anyone driving by the entrance to the Malibu Lagoon this past summer was a witness to the controversy. Several Malibu residents protested against the Malibu Restoration Project throughout the dura-
tion of the summer. Signs read, “Save our Lagoon” and “No Construction.” Much of the blame for the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project was placed on the City Councilmembers of Malibu. Members include: Mayor Lou La Monte, Joan House, Skylar Peak, Laura Zahn Rosenthal and John Sibert. Several members of the Malibu community came to the Malibu City Council meetings to express their disgust toward the project. The anger prompted Malibu residents to personally attack the members of the City Council. “I am looking at five spineless jellyfish in front of me,” said Malibu resident Hamish Patterson. Although the council has taken the fall for the controversy of the project, the California State Parks project had been in the works for 15 years, according to Councilmember Peak, an ’04 Pepperdine alumnus. “It is not under the jurisdiction of the City of Malibu but rather that of California Parks,” said Peak at the meeting. The residents are not hopeful, as the Council and State Parks have really gambled with the lagoon, something that so many in Malibu treasure. “For the most part, many folks in Malibu were strongly opposed to the Lagoon Restoration Project as there is no guarantee that it will work,” Peak said. The council has been adamant that the Malibu Restoration Project is a project done by California State Parks, and Malibu residents are not too pleased with the California State Parks either. “State Parks has not always had the reputation of spending the money appropriately,” said Malibu resident Mari Stanley. The lagoon has triggered distrust for the Malibu City Council in many other upcom-
ing issues as well. The plans for a hotel to be built across from Bluffs Park and the Council’s agreement to consider a land swap of Charmlee Wilderness Park for 83 Acres at Bluffs Park also has Malibu residents hysteric with no faith in the council. The residents of Malibu have openly shown their discontent with the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project; however, the project does have several supporters. The supporters of the project include: the National Park Service, the Surfrider Foundation, CalTrout and the Sierra Club. “We fought and won Surfrider’s first victory at Malibu, and this project will help return the lagoon and wetlands to a natural state that was ruined decades ago,” said Glenn Hening, founder of the Surfrider Foundation. Although Hening seems optimistic about the project, many Malibu surfers are not. Surfers are furious at the way that the project has affected the surf, the smell and the appearance of the lagoon. “It is a disgusting mud pit down there, and it is ruined,” Lyon said. Even Councilmember Peak is not optimistic about the project’s effects on the surf. “As far as surfing goes, to improve the wave they will need to assure that the creek breaches toward the far west end of the beach near Third Point. This will be hard to achieve,” said Peak. The Restoration Project began the construction during this past summer, and Malibu residents are still upset with the results. “Despite its controversy, I hope the project improves the habitat for animals in the lagoon and overall water quality. It will take time to see results,” Peak said.
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samantha.adams@pepperdine.edu
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NEWS
January 31, 2013
DEER: They’re right at home FROM A1
Students see the deer in the bushes in the daytime eating grass or just resting. At night, they can be intimidating, according to some Seaver students. “I was walking back to my dorm at night from the HAWC, and I heard something in the bushes,” freshman Anthony Brown said. “I put my phone light toward the bushes and saw the deer staring at me, and I backed up and ran.” Many students remark that the deer are harmless and cute. Cuteness, however, only goes so far when deer block a student’s path. Freshman Taylor Pugh said she normally doesn’t mind the deer, but late-night encounters sometimes cause her to question her safety. “I feel the deer are too close to us,” Pugh said. g
kyle.simpson@pepperdine.edu
Genevieve Smith / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS — Deer are a part of everyday life for students. They have adapted to the encroachment on their natural habitat by roaming campus freely.
• According to the California Department of Fish and Game, there were an estimated 489,000 deer in 2012, up from about 445,000 deer in 2011. However, since 1990, California has lost nearly half its deer population. • According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 1.5 million car accidents involving deer each year. These result in approximately $1 billion in vehicle damage, about 150 human fatalities and over 10,000 personal injuries. • According to the Mule Deer Foundation, a majority of a mule deer’s diet is composed of weeds, leaves and twigs of woody shrubs. However, much of their natural sources of food have been largely eliminated by a century of fire suppression in forests. Mule deer usually live 9 to 11 years in the wild and can live to be much older in captivity. When alarmed, they often bounce away in a motion called “stotting.” With each bound, a mule deer may jump as high as two feet and as far as 15 feet.
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NEWS
January 31, 2013
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Payson hosts ‘Mob Talk’ By Mariella Rudi News Editor
What former mayor of Fort Lee, N.J., Burt Ross wants people to take away from his talk at Payson Library on Feb. 6 is a clearer understanding of the different moral choices life delivers. Most of those choices in life probably won’t involve a New Jersey mafioso’s half-a-milliondollar bribe or death threats. Ross’ do. Elected at 28, Ross became the youngest mayor of a large town at the time. He would also later become the only known public figure at the time to suggest wearing a wire for the FBI. In 1974, the mayor was bribed by the Mafia for $500,000, went undercover and later testified in a federal court that sent members of organized crime to prison. His talk will be based on the book “The Bribe,” published by Harper and Row, of which Payson holds two copies. “I think for a school where there’s an emphasis on spiritual and not on material, this is a very consistent message,” Ross said at his home in Malibu last week. “Clearly if you turn down a half-a-million bribe, you’re saying money isn’t everything.” Ironically, Ross is known for two things: turning down
money and losing money. “Every single person has Ross lost $5 million to Ber- these kind of choices on some nie Madoff, the Ponzi schemer level,” Ross said. who committed an estimated Instead, he hopes to draw $50 billion in fraud. In 2009, a connection to two classes he Ross spoke at Madoff ’s sen- has audited, taught by profestencing, where he referenced sors Tom Shadyac and Gra“The Divine Comedy” by Dan- ziadio’s Dennis Torres, which te, who recognized fraud as the teach “that there are values that worst of sins. for many of us are far more Years later, Ross likened important than the almighty Madoff and the bribe to dollar.” another pubOn Wedneslic example day, however, of cheating: Ross’s talk Clearly if you turn Lance Armwill be limited down a half-a-million to the bribe. strong. “Here was But he said bribe, you’re saying somebody he won’t mind money isn’t everywho made answering thing. a conscious Madoff ques—Burt Ross choice that it tions afterFormer mayor of Fort Lee, N.J. was importward. ant enough His talk for him to will be held in win at all the Surfboard costs, and people now Room at 7:30 p.m. As can view the consequences,” his elementary school teacher Ross said. “It’s a little bit Faus- once advised for any speech, tian. When [the Mobster] gave Ross will keep the talk “like a me the $100,000 in small bills, woman’s skirt: short enough to he said, ‘This is just the begin- be interesting and long enough ning.’ And I think there’s really to cover the subject.” a moral there — you are selling Ross’s style is part Larry your soul. It’s not a one-time David — minus the neurosis thing.” — and part Hesh from “The Ross thinks different people Sopranos” — minus the famiwill come away from his sto- ly. His self-deprecating humor ry with different lessons. He and cool attitude are something doesn’t expect to impart some only New Jersey can breed. newfound moral certainty. Ross’s life, however, was
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Campus Ministry and UM cooperate
By Nate Barton Assistant News Editor
It’s common for students to confuse Campus Ministry and University Ministries, but they are actually two separate entities rooted in two different church traditions. The Pepperdine-affiliated University Church of Christ runs Campus Ministry, whereas Malibu Presbyterian Church operates University Ministries. The two groups work alongside Pepperdine’s own university chaplain to minister to students, but they differ in denominational ties and worship style, such as instrumental versus a capella worship. “It’s kind of like flavors of ice cream,” Thomas Fitzpatrick, minister for Campus Ministry said. “If it were all vanilla, you wouldn’t appreciate the vanilla.” Along with co-minister Linda Truschke, Fitzpatrick described himself as a minister of the University Church who strives to be a missionary in the school. University Ministries director David Pommer said he feels the same in his role. “Thomas is one of the only other people in the world who knows what it’s like to be a campus minister at Pepperdine University,” Pommer said. “I think it has been a gift for both of us [to work together].” The pair said they have fostered a friendship over the years without competition. “I can name a ton of similarities,” Fitzpatrick said. “We want to prepare people to meet God.” “My sense is that the University Church and Campus Ministry provide a culture that is more familiar for people in the Church of Christ tradition,” Pommer said. Junior Hayley Presthus is involved in both ministries.
“I think they cater to different types of students,” Presthus said. “I know a lot of kids who love University Ministries but aren’t comfortable at Campus Ministry and vice versa.” Pommer said Malibu Presbyterian first shifted its focus to college ministry when it realized churches nationwide often neglect college students because they have little to offer financially. “Malibu Pres has been in Malibu for 60 years, so it’s established in the community,” Pommer said. “My understanding is that there was a Bible study for college students at the church for years, but sometime in the mid-90s, leadership in the church decided it was important to intentionally minister to college students.” Fitzpatrick said before the addition of University Ministries and Convocation, Campus Ministry was “the only game in town if you wanted to do something spiritual.” University Chaplain Dave Lemley, along with a small staff, leads another ministry program which tries to “contribute to the Christian atmosphere” on campus. Pepperdine, and not an individual church, supports the chaplain position, Lemley said. “My role related to university spiritual life and co-curricular programming is unique in being assigned and supported by the university,” Lemley said. “I have the opportunity to collaborate with other departments and resources of the university to develop programs and events that become part of our institutional identity.” Lemley said some of the most important roles of the chaplain include grief counseling and providing on-site assistance to Christians and non-Christians alike. “In pastoral care, my primary goal is to provide a reminder
of God’s presence and care to someone in a difficult transition,” Lemley said. “I then discern what university resources might be helpful in their situation — Counseling Center, Academic Advising, Human Resources — and try to make those connections.” Lemley said the sheer presence of a chaplain who serves the entire student body is vital for the success of a Christian community. “Christian community and spiritual formation need to be grounded in the church, but in a multi-denominational institution, a chaplain can have a unique ministry to people coming from various religious experiences,” Lemley said. Senior Zack Reed, a Campus Ministry intern, chose Campus Ministry because of his heritage in the Churches of Christ. “We create a space for them to experience God on a new level by creating a deep community of believers,” Reed said. Fitzpatrick said that while Campus Ministry, University Ministries and the Chaplain’s Office have the largest presence, there are several smaller student-led groups such as Adorn, the Catholic Student Association, Asian Christian Ministry and Celebration Chapel — a worship service that provides students with Convocation credit held in Stauffer Chapel every Friday at 10 a.m. Softening his gaze, Fitzpatrick described why he got into campus ministry in the first place. “I love the nature of the ministry,” Fitzpatrick said. “You get to play hard, you get to pray hard, you get to go on trips.... In college ministry you get to do a little of everything.”
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nathaniel.barton@pepperdine.edu
hardly a Martin Scorsese film. He went to a Quaker boarding school in Pennsylvania, graduated from Harvard and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from NYU Law School. He was Ted Kennedy’s first summer intern and president of the Harvard Radcliffe Young Democratic Club, where he hosted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1965. This month, Ross and his wife Joan celebrated their first anniversary of living in Malibu. Since the move from New Jersey, or “the old country,” Ross has enjoyed a smooth transition filled with discoveries like scorpions, surfing and avocados. The almost 70 year old is today more commonly known as Malibu Patch’s resident humor columnist. His weekly columns, published on Tuesdays, have not only been a welcome mat from the community, but also an emotional outlet that he could project through humor. “It’s the way I process things,” Ross said. Though Ross joked that he can’t hand out free bikes in exchange for attendance, he will serve free dessert and a good laugh. “I like to think that occasionally students can do something where they don’t have to be bribed.” g
mariella.rudi-lopez@pepperdine.edu
COURTESY OF Burt Ross
BEFORE AND AFTER — Above: New York Magazine featured the picture in 1976 for a cover story adapted from “The Bribe,” a book about Ross’s exploits with the Mob. Below: A New Jersey transplant, Ross is pictured today at his Malibu home.
Mariella Rudi / NEWS EDITOR
Sandra has been giving psychic readings for well over fifteen years, helping many clients in advice of money, love, relationships, career and marriage. Sandra is also an intuitive life coach helping clients get solutions to their daily life problems and issues. Come in today to understand tomorrow! Call Sandra today: 310-456-6400 Office: 22609 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90265
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PERSPECTIVES January 31, 2013
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GRACE STEARNS Staff Writer
Sarcasm confuses masses Dear Grace, Sometimes I read your column and I’m confused as to whether or not you are being serious. Do you have any advice on how to interpret the things you say? Sincerely, Dazed and Confused Dazed and Confused, How can satire remain satire when I myself lead a life so pathetic, ridiculous and largely desperate that I often adhere to my own “joking” advice only moments after I concoct it? Sure, everything written here begins as humorous commentary on the outrageous antics of college students. However, desperation often leads me to live out those ideas that originally served to mock others. As you read my column in the future, ask yourself these questions in an effort to discern my sincerity. No. 1 Do you know me personally? If you have ever interacted with me in any capacity, consider the source of the advice put forth on this hallowed left-hand side of the Perspectives section. Can you picture me acting out the things I say here? The answer is undoubtedly yes. Yes, I’ve stalked law students in the hope of sparking a mutually beneficial romantic arrangement. Yes, I’ve hidden behind the Christopher Columbus statue in order to avoid running into an ex-boyfriend. Yes, I’ve commented about myself on social media forums in an attempt to boost my reputation, and yes, I’ve tried jogging from my apartment to Pepperdine before class one time in an attempt to lose weight. If you can see me acting it out, my advice is fair game. No. 2 Do my suggestions hinge largely on accidental hijinks and coincidence? The advice I offer, while seemingly well-thought-out, usually hinges on colossal coincidence. Take, for example, my “Ring by Spring” article in March 2012. Sure, swooping in on a newly brokenhearted acquaintance and taking advantage of his or her emotional vulnerability as a means to procure an engagement ring before April may sound like an entirely plausible scheme. In actuality it is utterly absurd, relies heavily on happenstance and will likely end in tragic humiliation for all parties involved. No. 3 Are you a blithering idiot? You are currently dreaming, within a dream, within a matrix. Hello, are you serious, how did you get into this school, what is your name, where do you live, why do you bother waking up in the morning, etc.? No, you should not hold a beer-pong tournament in the Sandbar or get a tattoo to dissuade someone romantically interested in you. No, you should not ask someone to formal with a text message and quickly follow up with an “lol jk someone stole my phone.” No, you should not choose a fraternity based on my outrageous quiz and no, you should not take this column seriously.
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grace.stearns@pepperdine.edu
ANDREA WIJAYA /STAFF ARTIST
STAFF EDITORIAL
Deer deserve more For those of you who have failed to notice, Pepperdine is no typical college campus. It is actually an idyllic paradise built into the side of a hill and overlooking the Pacific Ocean. With this inevitably comes the burdens unique to living in a Disney-esque wonderland, burdens that students of more urban universities will never understand. Among these is the burden of sharing living space with all manner of ridiculously cute and demure wildlife. Generally speaking, reactions that accompany the fact that there are actual baby deer frolicking in green fields, ducks splashing in ponds and rabbits leaping among shrubbery seem to be positive and uplifting. This is mostly just judging from the Instagrammed visions of natural beauty. Also, the word “blessed” and variances thereof are hashtagged with wild abandon. But let’s come down to reality for a second and remember that sharing a campus with these creatures requires human cooperation — more than just the aesthetic enjoyment of
baby animals. And so, we’re going to take you through a brief run-down of things to avoid, in observance of the animals with which we cohabitate. Do NOT: No. 1: Leave food out for the deer on the side of the road. We can only assume this act is being carried out in hopes of befriending a family of deer via displays of kindness and benefaction. We are going to go ahead and dash that dream: The deer will never be your friends. Also, they do not need to be fed by humans. Unlike people, deer are not a co-dependent species that needs to be supplied with food. They are probably fairly accustomed to fending for themselves. Instead, perhaps consider the following: Leaving food on the side of the road draws animals to the side of the road — where cars drive. Do you see where this is going? So please, do not be this person. If you are this person, we beg you to reconsider being this person. If you know this person, we beg you to host an intervention to prevent this
behavior from continuing. If you see this person doing this thing, kindly ask them to stop, maybe by suggesting they instead procure a domesticated pet with which they can bond. No. 2: Stop in the middle of Seaver Drive to take pictures of the deer. This is only vaguely acceptable if you are a tourist — not a tourist to Malibu, a tourist to the planet Earth, witnessing greenery and sunshine and furry animals for the very first time. If this is the case, then by all means, stop wherever you please and take copious pictures of everything you see. Document the hell out of that monumental, world-altering experience. Watch the deer with wide-eyed wonderment as they make their way down the hillside, their majestic and graceful forms silhouetted against the sunset. Take it all in. Drown out the sounds of that line of cars impatiently honking behind you by imagining choirs of angels instead. This is the single exception to the rule. If the above does not apply to you, please resign
yourself to simply googling pictures of deer. You could even post them to Facebook and say that you took them — no one will care. If anything, they will thank you for not bounding in front of their moving car with your iPhone. No. 3: Name the deer. They all look exactly the same. And they certainly don’t know your name. No. 4: Speed recklessly through campus. Deer are not very bright. As a result, they have been known to spastically throw themselves in front of cars from time to time. Try to be aware of this deficiency on their part by doing your part not to bulldoze them over with your car at 60 miles per hour. Not only could you save a deer’s life, but you could prevent your own car from being totaled. Everyone is a winner. Also — and we hope this goes without saying — there are people crossing the street. Maybe that should be your primary motivation for not driving like a crazy person.
Face Off
Should Pepperdine change its mascot from a wave to a deer?
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 Esther Kang Ellen Kim Iris Lee Photo Editor Rebecca 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 Brooklin Nash 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:
YES: There are definitely plenty of deer on campus, and we kind of are on the territory of deer. There should be deer-crossing signs everywhere. I wouldn’t be surprised if our mascot were a deer.
Alonso Guerrero-Lopez
Freshman
Matthew Myatt
Freshman
NO: Willy the Wave is the best. He embodies everything Pepperdine stands for, from community to spirit. Ayo, Waves!
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 31, 2013
Violence demands response ALLEGRA HOBBS
Perspectives Editor
The problem with the current gun control debate is that it revolves almost exclusively around the rash of mass shootings that have so tragically plagued our country, especially recently. These mass shootings have seemingly crashed over us relentlessly likes waves with a terrifying frequency. These things make people take notice of the problems that were always there. They take notice because shootings of this kind are so incomprehensibly evil and soulless that a response is demanded of us. But they also take notice because the highly publicized and sensational nature of the “story” in the media is impossible to ignore. People are killed by guns every day., and the majority are not killed in mass shootings that are illuminated by a media spotlight. According to ABC News, in the United States, the rate of gun-related homicide is 3.2 per 100,000 people — the highest rate among developed
countries. Yet the disturbing prevalence of gun violence in our country seems to matter only when the deaths are numerous, gruesome and visible enough to merit our attention. Let’s turn our attention to the President’s newly released proposal on reducing gun violence, the wide-reaching components of which have been stirring up the controversy that is to be anticipated when it comes to gun control. It would enact measures to prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands, through a strengthened background check system, including measures like requiring criminal background checks for all gun purchases. It would ban military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. It would better-equip law enforcement to punish criminals and prevent illegal gun trafficking; beyond that, more police officers would keep watch over communities to better prevent violent crime. It would allow more thorough research to be conducted on gun violence, promoting investigation of societal contributions to violence beyond simply the accessibility of firearms. It
would strive to raise mental health awareness and to ensure that individuals living with a mental illness get the treatment they need, and it would be done in a compassionate manner that does not perpetuate harmful stigmas about mental illness. The proposal, despite being labeled as “extreme” by one congressman and being mocked by incensed gun-owners, is filled with commonsense measures that seem glaringly obvious even before taking into account the nature or frequency of gun violence in the U.S. Furthermore, Obama has stated that proponents of gun control should be more attentive to the concerns of responsible gun-owners and that respect should be shown to the cultural tradition of hunting. He has not been dismissive of those concerns, nor has he demonized gun-owners. He has noted the stark difference between the situation in rural and urban areas, recognizing the practicality of owning guns in rural areas. The fact that some want to emphasize mental health and violent media over the legality of semi-automatic firearms
stems from a preoccupation with the jarring, large-scale shootings like the recent tragedy in Sandy Hook. The shooter was mentally ill, and so this becomes the focal point of the conversation surrounding gun safety. It happened at a school, and so the possibility of teachers armed with guns is suddenly prescribed as a viable solution. But what about the thousands of gun-related homicides that occur annually? What about the even greater number of gun-related assaults that result in injury? What about gun suicides, which are at their highest rate since 1998? The numbers and statistics surrounding these issues are varied and complex — gun homicides have gone down while non-fatal assaults have gone up. There is no conclusive evidence that a causal relationship exists between civilian gun ownership and gun violence, nor is there any conclusive evidence to the contrary. There is also no conclusive evidence to support the claim that civilians carrying concealed weapons prevents gun violence. Analysts can assess the numbers and speculate, and they have. Academic
research has been conducted, and divergent conclusions have been drawn. The issue is multifaceted and complex. It is one thing to look at statistics and charts and respond intuitively, and quite another to establish a casual relationship between variables. That being said, to shrug our shoulders and do nothing would be irresponsible. We cannot continue to ignore the fact that our country has an alarmingly high homicide rate and that the majority of those homicides are committed with firearms. The President’s proposal, while it not eradicating all gun violence or preventing all tragedies, is a good place to start. These are commonsense reforms that certainly will not address every contributing factor in gun violence, but they may help to mitigate some. And if it may be the case that they could reduce the overwhelming gun-related death toll in this country, by any margin, I would say they are worthwhile. g
allegra.hobbs@pepperdine.edu
Sacha Irick / ASSISTANT ART EDITOR
Gun debate requires reform BROOKLIN NASH Copy Editor
Once again, politics have become passionate and reactionary. Class discussions are erupting. Political pundits are either screaming or lacing their words with sarcastic condescension. Friends are either carefully avoiding the subject or ardently standing by their necessarily simplified arguments. Ever since the tragedy at Sandy Hook in December, the issue of gun control has faced the nation squarely and unapologetically. Almost two months later, the question of what must be done has gone largely unanswered. This fact, while unfortunate, is nevertheless understandable. If you have read any sort of periodical in the last two months, you know this is a divisive issue. The White House and Vice President Biden, who has acted as the President’s commissary on gun control since the beginning of the year, have stated that they will resort
to executive orders if faced with an uncooperative Congress. On the other side of the aisle, Rep. Steve Stockman (R-Texas) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have pledged to block any such efforts, claiming that they would violate the Constitution (both in terms of the Second Amendment and the separation of powers). On the side of gun rights, the NRA has a history of punishing lawmakers who stray from its point of view. On the side of gun restriction, some marchers this week went so far as to call for a repeal of the Second Amendment. Even in such a polarized government, perhaps saying that this is a divisive issue is an understatement. Yes, President Obama has rolled out policy suggestions and the issue has been taken up in the Senate — but not in a way that promises to produce results. If anything, taking up the banner in such a reactionary way has only served to make the issue more divisive. This division stems from many factors of modern politics, and some of that cannot be changed in the here-and-now
issue of gun control — not the least of which are lobbyist and re-election concerns. But there is something that we can change, something that must change for the national discussion to be turned into national action. That is, we must do away with the notion that gun control is a simple issue. Democrats and Republicans alike tend to hold to an approach that focuses on guns themselves rather than saving lives. According to some, all weapons are allowed under the Second Amendment. According to others, only guns used for sport should be legal. Those who express sweeping statements such as, “You don’t need an assault rifle to hunt deer,” face off against others who utter inanities like, “The Constitution is the Constitution, and that’s that.” Despite this simplification in the public forum, the complexity of the issue is illustrated through a few pertinent observations: A single comma and 200 years of judicial review stand in the way of understanding
original intent in the Second Amendment. “Arms” (that is, weapons) meant something very different in the 18th century than in the 21st century. Self-defense, not only against persons but also against possible government intrusion, is a serious (and constitutional) concern of many United States citizens. Countries with drastically different gun control policies have fairly equal homicide rates. The list could go on. What can be done in the face of such a complex and divisive issue? How do we ensure that this time next year, we will be implementing effective and agreed-upon policies instead of grappling over the same political innuendos? Honestly, I don’t know. My aim here is not to espouse gun restrictions or rights, nor is it to hold democratic ideals over the realities of modern political mechanics. Instead, I only want to emphasize that taking a stand one way or another on such a complex issue is not going to convince anyone and, unless it includes significant concessions
on both sides, the up-and-coming bill is not going to solve anything. A term or two down the road, it will be revised, struck down or bypassed (as we saw with the ban on assault rifles in the 90s). What we need now is a new approach altogether, one that addresses the constitutional concerns of the right, prioritizes the policies of the left and does not trivialize the violent realities this nation has faced in the past year. We may not be able to help the screaming of the pundits or the stalling of the politicians, but we can help our own approach. Idealism aside, the temperance of our own passionate politics can effect change that lasts beyond the next election cycle.
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JUSTINA HUANG
Staff Writer
A is for Asian, and S is for stereotype The annoyance started on my first day back from winter break. On my journey back to Malibu from Shanghai, I suffered an unexpected delay. After emailing my professors explaining that I might not show up for my first classes, I arrived just in time for my 8 a.m. , exhausted. As we went around the room and made our introductions, I managed to clear my throat and say, “I’m Justina.” “She just flew in from China,” my professor said. Before my sleep-deprived brain had time to process it all, a kind, all-American athlete leaned in for an empathetic “Welcome!” “I am American,” I stuttered. The class exploded into laughter. After my minutes of mortification passed, I rationalized: It is not his fault. At least, not completely. After all, you see us everywhere. We could be complaining about the meager side of mashed potatoes the cafeteria attempts to pass off as rice or loving our lifelong partners — our trusty TI-84 calculators. At any rate, between arguing with our professors for that extra 0.3 percent and fastening our rice patty hats, we find time to complain — and we are very good at it. Just kidding — but I will admit to being a whiner and address the terrifying expectations that come with race. The average person would never assume that a Schneider or Schmidt speaks German, but a Lee or a Wu would be expected to be bilingual. And I am not even referring to international students. I am referring to plain, eligible-to-run-for-president Asian Americans who were born in the States and probably are not even majoring in engineering. Korean American student Jenna Kang explains that a “first-generation person has a title of ‘American’ due to naturalization but socially they are not.” The distinction is, according to Kang, that “people tend to make cliques with their own kind.” But how is it that all types of Europeans seem to be “the same kind?” There are far more “European mutts” than Eurasians or Afro-Asians. Is this a phenomenon that time itself will fix? After all, in the mid-200s comedian Russell Peters did predict that in a couple of years, due to cultural diffusion, the world would be a shade of beige. Love is blind and knows no skin color — I think not. The human brain is incapable of perceiving all people as the same. From a young age, children learn to notice differences between people and categorize them. Picture books develop schemas because it is the only way to navigate a complex world dictated by intelligibility. In other words, we cannot help but to tell things — even races — apart. The distinction lies in cultural branding. Asians who have fully assimilated into American culture bear the title of “whitewashed,” a term that negatively connotes supposed embarrassment and subsequent denouncement of Asian culture. Do I dare suggest a day where instead of being “whitewashed,” Asian Americans will simply just be “American?” After all, there are no “German Americans” or “British Americans.” So why are there “Asian Americans” or “African Americans?” Why are there “Native Americans?” Until this changes, this “A” of a scarlet letter will have to do. g
justina.huang@pepperdine.edu
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NEWS
January 31, 2013
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LIFE & ARTS
B1
January 31, 2013
»See DIF, B5
Opens tonight in Smothers
Connor Wheeler / PHOTO ASSISTANT
B2 Graphic BRIANNA MANES Staff Writer
Smoking will ‘hook’ah you in Raise your hand if you have smoked hookah. Don’t be ashamed — you’re in college, and hookah isn’t bad for you, is it? Hookah doesn’t have harmful chemicals, it doesn’t cause cancer and it isn’t addictive, right? Wrong. Recently there has been an overwhelming amount of evidence from scientific experiments showing that hookah smoking is harmful. For those of you living under a rock, hookah, also known as water-pipe smoking, is a form of smoking that requires, you guessed it, a water pipe. Tobacco leaves, usually flavored, are heated at the top. From there, the smoke moves down through a pipe into a pool of water at the bottom and bubbles out of the water to be inhaled. Hookah smoking originated in the Middle East and spread to Europe and Asia and recently to North America. This form of smoking has been around for hundreds of years but has picked up enormous popularity in the past decade. People enjoy the smoothness and taste of the smoke and the social quality of water-pipe smoking. There are many popular misconceptions about smoking hookah. For instance, there is the idea that the water filters out all the toxins in the smoke. The water does nothing to filter out the toxins, which means that with each drag, smokers are breathing in a great deal of toxins including tar and heavy metals from the charcoal that are usually used to heat the tobacco. When people smoke hookah, they are breathing in carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. And because average hookah smokers will smoke for around 45 minutes to an hour, they are breathing in as many or more dangerous chemicals than they might if they were to smoke multiple cigarettes. Tobacco naturally produces nicotine. Nicotine can cause the release of endorphins and dopamine, as well as acetylcholine, which makes us feel more focused and energized. It also causes users to be hypoglycemic, which means glucose is released into the blood, stopping them from feeling hungry; additionally, it can increase the cholesterol levels in the arteries and veins, putting users at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. When we breathe, gas exchange occurs between the air and our bodies. We inhale air into our lungs; important chemicals like oxygen will cross through a thin layer of cells in our lung and enter the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide will exit the bloodstream to be exhaled. But when people smoke, carcinogens come in contact with those cells and damage them, and if there is enough damage, the cells will start to grow irregularly and become cancerous. It is hypothesized that particles and chemicals from smoke cross the line of cells and enter the bloodstream, where they cause cancer. In essence, smoking poisons your entire body, so it is important to realize that hookah smoking is not harmless. So, fellow college students, please forgo this admittedly delicious-smelling trend, and stay away from the hookah pipe, for your own sake. g
brianna.manes@pepperdine.edu
LIFE & ARTS
January 31, 2013
Wisdom comes from a galaxy far, far away By Chirag Patel Life & Arts Assistant
On a cold, gray afternoon in Malibu, Duwayne Dunham exudes nothing but warmth and happiness as he recounts his humble beginnings as an editor in the Bay area. But Dunham’s experience is far from ordinary, as you might expect when your career in media begins with “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” and quickly jumps to the critically acclaimed film franchises of “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.” Since those early days, Dunham has had the opportunity to work with some of the most influential filmmakers of the last few decades, and he hopes to bring with him the knowledge and experience gained over the course of his career to the Pepperdine community as a newly appointed adjunct professor in media production. After graduating from San Francisco State University’s film program, Dunham was given his first opportunity in the film industry — to work as an apprentice editor on Fantasy Studios’ “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.” “San Francisco at that time was a very small film community,” Dunham said, who attributes his early career connections to working within a closely knit group of professionals. “I was just very lucky.... I was a film student ... and it honestly seemed like another world. I wasn’t a part of it — I wanted to be a part of it, but how do you get there?” Dunham advised students that there are no second chances in the film business: Filmmakers only get one shot, and they have to make the most of it. Dunham seized his opportunity with Fantasy Studios, and after working on a few projects, he eventually received a phone call that led to his work with George Lucas as an assistant editor. He was only the fourth person hired in Lucas’ new company. After working on a number of pictures, including “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Black Stallion,” Dunham was eventually given his first editorial position on “Return of the Jedi.”
Sarah Malone / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WISDOM FROM EXPERIENCE— Professor Dunham brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his students. Professor Dunham joined Pepperdine this semester to teach post-production.
“Working day in and day out with George was extraordinary,” Dunham said. “That was my real education. I learned a great deal from George.” Taking what he learned from his time with Lucas, Dunham moved on to work with another well-known and much respected (though often criticized) director by the name of David Lynch, doing editing for the films “Blue Velvet” and “Wild at Heart.” Dunham said that the decision to work with Lynch was based on choosing whom he felt he could learn the most from out of his available opportunities. “I worked seven years with George Lucas, and he taught me how to build a box,” Dunham said. “I worked seven months with David Lynch, and he taught me how to take the lid off.” Continuing his relationship with Lynch, Dunham began working on a feature by Lynch for ABC that eventually be-
came the critically acclaimed and much-talked-about series “Twin Peaks.” Dunham said that his time on “Twin Peaks” was the most fun he has had working in the industry, and he attributes it to the great relationship between the cast and crew, which, according to him, had a strong influence on the success of “Twin Peaks.” Dunham received an Emmy Award for “Twin Peaks” for outstanding editing and got his first opportunity as a director on three episodes of the series. USC’s School of Cinematic Arts is currently running a “Twin Peaks” series retrospective most Sundays from now until April 14, including screenings of every episode and Q&A sessions with the cast and crew. Dunham headlined the first such session Sunday. The events are free and open to the public and are sure to delight fans and newcomers to the series alike. The success of “Twin Peaks”
led to further directing opportunities, particularly on the Disney projects “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” and “Little Giants.” At the time, Dunham was raising his two young children and decided to make the move to family entertainment in order to share his work with his kids and continue to grow as a filmmaker. Over the next few years, he continued to work in family entertainment while also pursuing his own passion projects, which currently include inspirational and faith-based films. Dunham first found his passion for teaching after being given an opportunity to do so at USC. “I knew that I knew my craft, but I didn’t quite know how much I knew until I started talking about it, and then I realized ... after seeing all these people looking attentive out there, that maybe I do know something about it,” Dunham said. “I remem-
ber the best teachers that I ever had were those who inspired me. And that’s what I try to do. I just try to inspire students to aim high and dream big and pursue their passion, pursue their bliss.” Dunham was drawn to the chance to teach at Pepperdine because he believes in the university’s mission statement and the active nature of the Pepperdine community’s striving to meet the goals that it entails. He hopes to use his opportunity to teach, to share and to give back to students looking to follow in his steps and make a name for themselves in the industry. It is his penchant for learning and the constant drive to perfect his craft that makes Dunham such an engrossing study of what it is to be a great filmmaker.
sports fans. From the moment you step through the door, you’ll instantly be captivated by the aroma of sizzling patties and fried everything. The light, wooden interior and long, happening bar creates a modern, rustic ambiance for watching the game with great food in good company. Pick a seat wherever you’d like, and step up to the counter to place your order. If you’re grabbing a spot at the bar, ladies, you’ll be happy to know there are hooks for your purses underneath! Gotta love those little details. Choose from the extensive selection of beer on tap and order the famous “Office Burger.” Talk about a touchdown! The succulent patty is topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, Gruyere cheese, Maytag Blue cheese and fresh arugula. The burger is exploding with flavor and juices that could arguably evoke the same level of pure joy as winning the Lombardi trophy. Top that with an order of sweet potato frites in a basket and the game is over. Thin, crispy, hand-cut fries with fried sage and roasted garlic are the perfect compliment to
LA’s greatest burger. Dip those into tasty bleu cheese aioli, and there you have it folks — a clear winner.
famous chili. While this dive bar offers any kind of comfort food you could possibly imagine, you absolutely must try my terribly guilty pleasure known as the BBQ chicken mac and cheese. Imagine creamy homemade mac and cheese with pieces of tender BBQ chicken breast and pickled jalapenos all in one warm bite. Add a cup of soup or salad, and it’s the perfect game day meal on a cold day in February. If the game itself isn’t enough to spike your interest, how about creating your own game? This poppin’ place has pool tables, air hockey, foosball and an arcade to entertain you.
that is far from ordinary and takes traditional ice cream to a whole new level. Think you’ve tried it all? How about Milo & Olive brioche buns filled with creamy vanilla ice cream, cinnamon sauce and crispy bacon? Maybe you’re in the mood for something a little less extreme. Have the butterscotch crunch sundae or banana milkshake. But my personal favorite is the classic salted-caramel ice cream — it’s life-changing. Each month, the creamery releases new seasonal flavors using the best of the local farmer’s market. The greatest of January, you ask? Guava frozen yogurt and spicy chocolate ice cream. I can only imagine what satisfying flavors February will bring.
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chirag.patel@pepperdine.edu
Satiate even a linebacker’s appetite By Danielle DiMeglio Assistant Life & Arts Editor
Get ready to push your responsibilities aside, people. The unofficial American holiday is approaching and is within days of our reach. Couch potatoes and beer bellies all across the nation are feverish in anticipation. And frankly, so are the exercise junkies and veggie eaters. That’s right, football goers and halftime-show lovers: It’s Super Bowl time! Whether you’re stoked to see the game or you’re just in it for the cool commercials, there’s one thing that we are all unanimously looking forward to — some good ol’ game-day, tailgate-worthy grub. If you’re looking for a place to watch the game and eat delicious food, I’ve got two amazing locations that will make the Super Bowl a guaranteed success — no matter which team wins. Father’s Office Spotlighted in Food Network’s show “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” this upscale burger bar is the perfect nook for
Location: 1018 Montana Ave Santa Monica, 90403 Note: Must be 21 & older Barney’s Beanery Multiple flat screen TVs, hot wings and milkshakes — who could ask for a better combination? Ladies and gentlemen, I have discovered the ultimate haven for football fanatics everywhere, or any kind of sports fanatic, for that matter. The brick walls covered with colorful lights, posters, vinyl records and other random artifacts produce a lively and inviting atmosphere. The flux of trays floating by with enticing packed nachos, jalapeno poppers and BBQ sliders are just as inviting. This place takes the traditional American favorites like burgers, wings and potato skins, and (in typical California fashion) adds some south of the border flare. The broad menu offers everything from stuffed burritos and pepperoni pizza to baby back ribs and Barney’s world
Location: 1351 3rd St. Promenade, Santa Monica, 90401 If you’re not in a total food coma after your delicious meal, why not top off the event with some ice cream? Go big or go home, right? Sweet Rose Creamery After the game, enjoy the unique flavor combinations and organic homemade blends of this little ice cream shop
Location: 225 26th St., Santa Monica, 90402 Happy Super Bowl, everyone!
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danielle.dimeglio@pepperdine.edu
LIFE & ARTS
January 31, 2013
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Exchange laughs and stories at the MLE By Alexis Allison Staff Writer
By 6:36 a.m. on Friday morning, the sun had not yet risen. Instead, the dark sky pressed into the Malibu County Courthouse parking lot, clouds bulging with rain. Already, six work-seekers milled about the pavement, clenching their arms to their chests to stay warm. “Do you mind if I smoke?” 47-year-old Luis Cuellar asked. He arrives at the Labor Exchange Monday through Saturday by 6:30 a.m., opening time. The Malibu Community Labor Exchange is a local gathering spot for people seeking employment. “I’m an early bird — as they say, the early bird gets the worm!” Cuellar said. “If I had a garden I’d be in the garden right now.” He laughed, sipping coffee from a Styrofoam cup. Every day, people like Cuellar come with picture ID, register and jot their names and daily number onto a tiny slip of paper and plop the slip into one of two jars — a jar swaddled in red tape and all-caps handwriting that reads “women mujeres,” or a blue-taped jar labeled “men hombres.” Malibu residents then come, draw a name — and a dream — from the jars and settle a contract with their new work partner for the day. “This is a place of many characters,” Center Director Oscar Mondragon said. He leaned into his desk, his brown pilot’s jacket pressing into the wood. “People can come try to find work, help their family, help themselves, find a decent
job, an honest job and find money. It’s a place where they can feel welcome; they aren’t going to get judged for who they are.” Cuellar arrived in Malibu three weeks ago to look for money and job opportunities. Before that, he lived and worked in Idaho building locomotives. He lost his position, and he now earns a living doing odd jobs for local residents who hire him at the Labor Exchange. On average, he receives work two days a week. “Yesterday, I was in the dumpster picking out oak wood for a guy who was building a table,” Cuellar said. “That one [was my strangest job yet]. I’ll be here until I find something permanent.” Another seeking permanence is Kay Beeman, certified massage therapist. Currently car-less and homeless, she said she comes to the Labor Exchange for one reason only. “I need money,” Beeman said. “Period. End of story. However it comes to me.” The only woman at the Labor Exchange so early in the morning, Beeman sported a sky blue scarf the same color as her eyes and a black cap pulled low on her forehead. “It’s not just all backbone people; here are people who can read, write and edit things,” she said. “I went to college; I’m just broke. People here are all the way on the bottom, truth be told. Some of us are just straight poor.” Nearly 15,000 people like Cuellar and Beeman have passed through here since the Labor Exchange opened on Aug. 31, 1993, as a community-based, nonprofit chari-
ty, Mondragon said. Malibu residents support the Labor Exchange through donations, hiring employees and teaching English lessons to the workers who only speak Spanish. “You can come to Malibu and see it has an aura of rich town and snobby people, people who care about big houses and surfing,” Mondragon said. “There is that, but there’s more to it than that. There’s lots of caring people. This place exists because people care.” A car full of Webster Elementary school kids pulled up. “These are people you should meet,” Mondragon said. Three mothers, hugging packages of granola bars, Sara Lee bread and Smucker’s strawberry jelly, spilled from the car and began arranging their spread on the wooden table outside the Labor Exchange. Soon the wood was covered with apples, Cutie oranges, Skippy peanut butter and little round bottles of apple juice. “This is what makes this place alive,” Mondragon said as the kids began to pass out bananas. On the fourth Friday of every month, Malibu resident and mother of a 10-year-old Webster student Sky Kunerth brings breakfast and children to the Labor Exchange. She has been coming for the past three years. “She’s my angel,” Mondragon said, giving her a hug. “It’s good for people to see that [the workers] are human beings,” Mondragon said. “We also have a dream. People desire to do something better. Unfortunately, they can’t af-
Monica Case / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A PLACE TO FEEL WELCOME— While the Malibu Labor Exchange facilitates work contracts, it also serves as a welcoming place for community. The Labor Exchange is located on 23595 Cross Creek Road in Malibu.
ford to go to school but have to go to work every day to do it. It’s a different approach.” According to Kunerth, a member of the PTA at Webster elementary, the school wanted to take its students to a deeper level by exposing them to different aspects of Malibu, and to service. “I found this little niche — these are people who are a part of the community. I love being a part of that,” Kunerth said. “I think that every human’s mission is to help one another. If you build [that mission] from within and teach it to your children, they will hopefully model your behavior and become gracious adults.” Pepperdine students come Saturday mornings to the La-
bor Exchange to teach English lessons through a Volunteer Center program called Language Connection. The 9:30 to 10:45 time slot is open to anyone interested in sharing his or her abilities with the workers here. “People we get here come from so many parts of the world,” Mondragon said. “Students do mostly academia or partying on the weekends with friends, but doing something different gives you a new perspective, something beyond your everyday life.” Junior Spanish major Gabriella Smith began participating in Language Connection last semester. “I think the most important lesson I’ve learned is not to
Begin your career as a mental health professional.
forget our neighbors,” Smith wrote in an email. “As Pepperdine students, we commit ourselves to serving others. A lot of the service projects students go on require flying halfway across the globe and I feel that sometimes we forget that there are people in our own backyard who are in need of help.” When asked what Pepperdine students should know about the Labor Exchange, Kunerth responded with a smile. “That it exists — and there are amazing workers who can do so much more than clean up leaves and pick fruit,” Kunerth said. “It’s a lovely place.” g
alexis.allison@pepperdine.edu
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LIFE & ARTS
Unravel the ‘Reel Stories’ By Charmaine Cleveland Staff Writer
It was lights, camera, action down at Joslyn Plaza last Friday night as Pepperdine’s 4th annual REEL STORIES Film Fest made its debut. The event featured Pepperdine’s very own student filmmakers who were able to show their movies alongside feature length productions such as Alison Klayman’s “Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry” and Malik Bendjelloul’s Oscar-nominated film, “Searching for Sugarman.” Among the judges present were Academy Award–nominated filmmakers, critically acclaimed composers and Pepperdine’s very own director and head of the Center for Entertainment and Media Culture, Craig Detweiler. REEL STORIES Film Fest was founded in 2009 by university alumna Susie Lee (‘10)as an opportunity for student filmmakers to showcase their talent and unite the Pepperdine and Malibu communities. Since then, it has exploded, gaining popularity among undergraduate and graduate students alike. This year’s festival was bigger than ever, complete with a bouncer-equipped VIP section, a full-length red carpet and certified step-and-repeat. “Everything is just phenomenal,” said graduate student Hayden Christensen. “There’s an incredibly high quality of films that just keeps getting better and better, and it’s a place where they can showcase great student films and gain exposure with professional people.” With professional filmmaking also came professional prize money. In addition to the emblazoned crystal keepsakes that were given out was a cash prize of $1,000 awarded to the grand prize winners. While all the films presented a quality of hard work and
Staff Writer
You would not expect the mountain resort town of Park City, Utah, to be the location of a world-renowned film festival each year, but more than 50,000 people flock to Robert Redford’s Sundance film festival during its 10-day stretch, which closed on Jan. 27. Since its inception in 1981, the Sundance Institute has been dedicated to the development of independent cinema — cultivating and inspiring rising artists and filmmakers. I had the fortunate opportunity of volunteering for the opening weekend of the festival. As a volunteer, I was quickly welcomed there. I was very surprised to find the people, as well as the volunteers, to be so nice. Being in Utah, with its uncommonly high concentration of religious folks, I expected to encounter some friendly people, but my expectations were dimmer for the festival. I was wrong. Having discovered the hospitable nature of the festival, I even felt so inclined to pick up a couple of hitchhikers while I was there. There is a first for everything, but I think that will be both my first and last time for such adventures. Main Street was the center of all the action, with restaurants packed, live music every night and celebrities window-shopping along the sidewalk; it was a much dif-
BENJAMIN KRYDER Life & Arts Editor
Honest work earns just reward
Courtesy of KEVIN ARNOLD
ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET — REEL STORIES offers a chance for celebrated filmmakers and newcomers alike to present their work in front of a riveted audience. The festival was held Friday Jan. 25.
excellence, two in particular won the audience’s and judges’ votes. Ben Holcomb’s touching “Currency” and David Chang’s heartwarming “Wendy” ultimately won over the crowds. The two films portrayed what critics claimed embodied the true meaning of REEL STORIES. “It was my first time ever submitting a film to REEL STORIES,” said Holcomb. The student, who created Pepperdine’s comedic sitcom “The Beacon,” both produced and directed his film with the help of student composer Thomas Yee. His short film follows the daily exchange of hands that a dollar bill experiences and features a narrative of his 103-year-old grandmother. “I always liked the idea of how big the world was and how we’re all connected,” Holcomb said. “It was interesting to see how tangible it was with a dollar bill.” Holcomb’s grandmother, who hadn’t spoken much for
three years, was able to find a voice for her performance. It took some editing skills, but Holcomb was eventually able to splice together the materials to create a beautiful eight-minute rendition of her dialogue. “It is just a really great piece for my family to have of my grandmother,” Holcomb said in his acceptance speech. “Wendy,” on the other hand, was a roller coaster through adventure and budding college romance. “It was a great outlet for student creativity,” explained senior Titus Rhode, who acted in the film as Peter, a college student trying to get Wendy to attend his college. Though it was Rhode’s first time acting, he recalls the experience as nothing but enjoyable. “There’s been a lot of anticipation about the film,” Rhode said. As for the story itself, it details the journey of introverted
community college student Wendy and her pursuit of a four-year university. Amid frat parties and a half-hearted detention by a rent-a-cop, Peter is able to show her the deeper meanings of youth. “It’s a movie that shows that anything is possible, and even if you aren’t exactly looking for it you should just let [adventure] happen,” Rhode said. Other student films included the horrifying thriller “No Visitors,” the comical “Molly,” the dramatic “Studio” and the unique and creative “Diptych: Donna Americana & Le Dejeuner.” All were well deserving of awards for exceptional work at the film festival. “I filmed part of my movie in Florence,” said senior art major Mark Allen over his salmon pate. His piece was an abstract mish-mash of artistic imagery filmed with an 8mm camera. “It’s very avant-garde, with no linear narrative,” Allen
said. “It takes people out of their comfort zones where there is no need for words, that way they can have their own interpretations.” As the night concluded, none were left wanting. The general consensus was that the film festival had been a success, including its atmosphere. At a festival where the films are judged not only on the quality of their work but also on the substance of their message, REEL STORIES continues to present a thriving atmosphere of cultural enrichment for the Malibu and Pepperdine communities. The student work shown at the festival inspires and captivates audiences each year with their content. Pepperdine University can only hope to see REEL STORIES’ continued traction in the professional film community.
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charmaine.cleveland@pepperdine.edu
Sundance champions the power of film By Chad Stinson
January 31, 2013
ferent environment compared to normalcy in the ski town. It was a unique and exciting atmosphere for everyone there. After working during the day, I went off to watch films in the evenings. The two films that struck me were “Stoker,” a morbidly intriguing thriller, and the light-hearted comedy, “The Way, Way Back.” “Stoker,” starring Nicole Kidman and Mia Wasikowska, is a gripping film that deals with India (Wasikowska) losing her father to a car accident, which mysteriously brings her Uncle Charlie to live with her and her unstable mother (Kidman). India becomes quite curious of her uncle, so curious that she even becomes infatuated with him. It has somewhat of a Hitchcock vibe to it with disturbing scenes that make you feel uncomfortable while watching, but yet so engaged at the same time. I would personally even take the time to see it again so I can absorb the depth of the story. Of all the films at Sundance, this one might have the quickest release to theaters, coming out on the first of March. Groundlings alumni and Academy Award winners Nat Faxon and Jim Rash wrote and directed “The Way, Way Back.” With a well-rounded comedic cast, it was my favorite movie that I saw at the festival. It centers on an awkward 14-year-old boy, Duncan, who spends his summer vacation away at the coast with his
COURTESY OF SUNDANCE
RAVE REVIEWS — Jim Rash and Nat Faxon’s “The Way, Way Back” receives an overwhelmingly positive response. The film premiered in January at the Sundance Film Festival.
mother (Toni Collette), and mother’s boyfriend (Steve Carell). This role was quite atypical for Carell; his character was quite the jerk, always bossing around and bullying young Duncan. While Duncan ends up landing a job at the nearby water park, he starts to gain some self-confidence and happiness under the direction of water park employee, Owen (Sam Rockwell). With hilarious quips and one-liners, “The Way, Way Back” is an extremely fun film to watch. As the credits started to roll, the audience began to
clap and cheer while getting up for a standing ovation. The directors and the cast then walked onstage to begin a time for audience Q&A. It was such a surreal experience to watch a film and then have some of the most hilarious people in Hollywood talk about it right in front of me. Robert Redford once said, “Storytellers broaden our minds: engage, provoke, inspire, and ultimately, connect us.” I found this to be incredibly true while at Sundance. Stories bring us together and connect us in all differ-
ent facets of life. There were people from all over the world at Sundance, and they were there for the sake of film and storytelling. I love to watch movies because for a couple of short hours I get to tune into a story that is different from mine — a story that evokes emotions in myself that I wouldn’t experience otherwise, that then allows me to engage and connect with others. Film is a beautiful thing that brings us together.
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chad.stinson@pepperdine.edu
An unprecedented pandemic has swept through our campus via the sticky little fingers of sugar fiends and cereal addicts. Well, I’m putting the campus on threat level orange, and while I grant that this would be a nice suggestion for next year’s NSO theme, now is not the time for such jollity. Students are burgling the HAWC, and DPS isn’t saying dip about it. So, we’ve got to pin these suckers down before Sodexo hires some third-party goons to clean up this mess of thieves. Now, if you have proclivities for bypassing payment on your pop, then hear me out. I know what it’s like. I’m human too. I’ve felt the rush of precisely timing a shift-change while I gently slide an Acai Pomegranate Vitamin Water into my backpack and a trio of hardboiled eggs mysteriously vanishes into my sweatpants. Now the only scene in the upstairs of the HAWC is a mobocratic lootfest, where cash registers are only used to crack open the reserve crates of Jones soda. But is there nothing we can do to curb the madness? Some have suggested that we should avoid retributive punishment in favor of positive action building in order to elicit the natural emotive mechanisms of guilt and shame. Wrong. Well … half wrong. Yes to the shame and guilt. Enter the psychology of the criminal. There you are, shadowing over a fresh box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars without a maroon-clad authority in sight. What coerces you to act in accordance with the norms of our community? A wussy sign that says, “Stealing hurts everybody!” or the thought of losing your privilege to spend next semester in Heidelberg … because you’ll be in LA County prison? What if we perhaps narrowed the spacious and largely unmonitored foyer that almost seems to create moral dilemmas for aloof students who enter with every intention to pay for their carrot and celery cup? Or maybe we encourage Sodexo to keep Naked Juices within state of the art glass cases, which would require the retina scan of President Andrew K. Benton. Flood the late shift with infrared lasers and see if anyone has the gall (or flexibility) to channel Catherine Zeta Jones. Better yet, tie up every tuna sandwich with an ink, security tag. Let the perp run, cause she’ll be caked in blue-toned shame before she can make it to the CAC. Theft is no joke. While you might think that pocketing those pita chips is a harmless sleight of hand, your actions have consequences. Sodexo reports that 1 percent of the items they sell at Pepperdine are stolen at the hands of a kleptomania subculture. We have taken 1 percent of what is rightfully Sodexo’s. Personally, knowing the anguish I have caused, I can hardly look an employee in the eye while ordering my buffalo chicken sandwich. So today, I am beginning a new fund — the We Stole 1 Percent of Sodexo’s Money and Now We Should Give It Back Fund — to offset the chronic injustices we have caused through our selfishness and greed. Give what you can, and help make this right again.
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benjamin.kryder@pepperdine.edu
LIFE & ARTS
January 31, 2013
Graphic
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DIANA LOSEN
Staff Writer
Channel your inner damsel Conner Wheeler / PHOTO ASSISTANT
DIF: Dancers prepare to take flight By Nikki Torriente Executive Editor
Dance in Flight returns to Pepperdine and celebrates its 20th year on campus this week. The show, which opens tonight, runs through Feb. 3 in Smothers Theatre. While known for the artistry of its performances, the beauty of DIF goes far beyond the dancing. Since Pepperdine does not offer a dance major, DIF affords students the opportunity to reconnect with their passion and form relationships with other students through their dance. Although DIF is a student program, it has morphed into an inclusive dance company that has become one of Pepperdine’s most anticipated shows of the school year. At the helm of the DIF program is founder and director Bill Szobody, who has become a beacon of light to the dancers he mentors. Assisting Szobody this semester is Alex Nicandros, his assistant director, who had her beginnings as a DIF student dancer. “Bill [Szobody] and Alex [Nicandros] have gone above and beyond for this show,” said junior Haley Kiss. “I don’t think anyone has any idea what they are in for.” The Pepperdine community eagerly awaits DIF every year because of the amazing performances, and so do the
Conner Wheeler / PHOTO ASSISTANT
FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEES— Talented Pepperdine dancers dazzle the audience year after year. Dance in Flight will be held Jan. 31 through Feb. 2.
student performers. With auditions beginning in September and practices beginning soon after, the dancers of DIF understand hard work. But at the same time, the thrill of
collaborating with a group of dancers and performing on stage makes it worth all the time and effort. “I’m really looking forward to performing in front of an
audience,” said sophomore Tyler Burke. “I can’t wait until our audience sees all the hard work. This company, led by our phenomenal directors, is ridiculously talented, and the
work we all put in to produce this show is outstanding. Our hearts go into these dances, and we are all looking forward to sharing that love.”
your career (and life). Communication is a fundamental skill to harness early, and the more you practice, the less intimidating speech-giving can be. Additionally, the course teaches you how to create an engaging, readable PowerPoint — the most habitually abused technological resource. Second, creative writing. Perhaps one of the more “free verse” courses for some, it nonetheless introduces you to creative thinking and the process of innovating ideas and cultivating voice. As a course like this is structured as a workshop, it will acquaint you with receiving feedback, rethinking concepts, revising language, editing grammar and resubmitting work for consideration. This is a process you will inevitably encounter in the office. Third, accounting or business management. Managing money, understanding how a company operates and allocating resources are skills anyone must master in the business world. Taking charge of financial obligations and sustaining a productive organization require knowing how to balance a budget and, yes, some basic arithmetic. Fourth, logic. Too often, interoffice deliberation goes nowhere, and people will then look to the individual who can formulate a compelling, cogent argument. This is certainly a skill to hone in on because what is “logical” and “sounds pretty good” are two very different things, especially when you can recognize fallacies. Fifth, sociology. Humans
and society are deeply complex entities. Having a sociological understanding can help you understand why people talk and behave the way they do. It can also help you better address their needs and concerns, especially when you find yourself in contentious group settings and must negotiate with competing perspectives. Sixth, statistics. Everyone at some point has to handle data, whether it is as a top business executive or a non-profit manager. Statistics is one of the most widely used
math concepts that is applicable to all industries and, if learned, can help you better interpret numbers, studies, journals, ads and so on. Seventh, ethics. One day, you will be confronted with moral dilemmas in your work. It will happen so unexpectedly that you may not know how best to respond. Gaining knowledge of ethical dimensions will guide you in making tough decisions in your career and life. Remember, your major is valuable, but it cannot teach
you the entire breadth of skills and knowledge that are sought in the workplace. Space permitting, try squeezing in one of these courses next semester. Your future self will thank you.
leticia.torriente@pepperdine.edu
Seven classes everyone must take By Bud Davis Staff Writer
Every major, in my humble opinion, has tremendous value and can offer something worthwhile and unique to the professional world. Hopefully, many of us have elected an academic path that rouses our inner passions, provokes intellectual inquiry and draws us closer to our career aspirations. Although it has taken a few trials and errors, the exposure to different disciplines has revealed the necessity of embracing a variety of courses that are outside my concentration — something Pepperdine strives to achieve with its GE program. That being said, here are seven courses that every college student should take to prepare for the real world. I must note, however, that this list is not exhaustive — nor does it imply that the following classes supersede others. In fact, several have close substitutions. Rather, I believe they serve as a representation of basic skills that all students, regardless of major, must master in order to succeed in his or her career and to be a competitive candidate in the globalized marketplace. First, public speaking. This is a no-brainer, despite the maelstrom of criticism and fear engulfing it. Although it pushes you out of your comfort zone by demanding delivery of a finely executed, 10-minute oration, speaking in public is an experience that you will continue to face throughout
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Alex Rangel / ART EDITOR
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bud.davis@pepperdine.edu
Yes, as in being a damsel in distress. Pocket that incredulity — I’m not about to set the progress of feminism back a few decades. I won’t be endorsing the eyelash-batting and lower-lip-pouting variety of damsel. No “Oh my stars!” swooning or “little ol’ me just needs a big strong man” drawling. The kind of damsel-like activity I’m discussing is to be undertaken by guys and girls alike. That’s right, gentlemen: It’s 2013, and the time for you to embrace your inner damsel is now. I’ve come to appreciate the daring that comes with being a damsel and showing your distress. This was not an easy concept for me to grasp. I’m the girl who bungee jumps, shark cages and, as a kid, dreamed not of being a princess, but a secret agent (kind of still do, actually). I like the sweet, sweet taste of independence. There’s also this tendency in me sometimes to play the martyr and not ask for help in a (usually) misguided act of “selflessness.” But people are compassionate, and helping someone out is a gift not only for the person being helped, but also for the person doing the helping. After doing some quality (though admittedly cliche) bathroom-stall crying this past weekend, I realized that the root of my reluctance to ask my friends for help wasn’t some noble unwillingness to burden them, but fear. I didn’t want to be seen as pathetic or as the “Debbie downer.” I didn’t want them to resent me. But really, I was doing them a disservice by not letting them be the decent friends I know they are. When the motivation for doing or not doing anything is because you are honestly just scared, that’s something worth challenging. From cracking my new iPhone’s screen, to Bank of America taking away my savings account, to the disappointment of a dream not realized, to that overly dramatic bathroom scene, this week hasn’t been a cakewalk. I was in need of some cheering, and being a damsel brought me that. It happened after Felix, my cranky car, got a jump start from DPS. I drove for a while to give the battery time to get settled before I had to pull over to get gas. After filling up, Felix had a hissy fit and refused to start. It was time to ask for help. After a procession of a kind woman, her nice-but-gruff husband, a Berkeley alum (or a guy who just likes to wear a UCB hat), a young couple, a gas station employee, a handy older woman and a few others, Felix rumbled to moody life again. From the earnest concern in the older woman’s eyes to the good-natured car advice Berkeley Guy gave me, I felt blessed. I had gotten to witness a community’s worth of compassion. As fully as I’m convinced that God orchestrates the awkward run-ins in my life for entertainment purposes — and oh, do they deliver — I know He was responsible for this too. So the next time you’re in distress, pluck up your courage and admit it. Do damsel, my friends. It’s good for the soul.
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diana.losen@pepperdine.edu
B6 Graphic
LIFE & ARTS
January 31, 2013
MOVIE REVIEW
Rogue Wave BEN HOLCOMB Staff Writer
Whisper your criticisms Something happened to me this weekend that nearly crossed the threshold of human experience into another transcendent plane of reality. I’m fairly certain that no one moment in the days and years to follow will ever eclipse the range of emotions I felt in this singular thread of time. I was sitting in the front row, enjoying the Theatre Department’s presentation of “Bus Stop” — which was a fantastic play, just superbly acted by everyone in the cast — with a friend of mine. About an hour and a half in, one of the show’s most dynamic characters reaches his moment of self-actualization, and the tears are beginning to flow like root beer at a Chuck E. Cheese. At this juncture of the play, which by all means could be referred to as “the climax,” a grandmother sitting next to me leans over to her husband and shouts (like they were in the front row of a Def Leppard concert and not in a silent black box theater) “LOOK AT HER LEGS!” Alas, one of the characters in the play had on pantyhose with perfectly normal stitching lines running up the back of her leg. For the woman sitting next to me, though, this stitching was an egregious oversight that was taking her out of the moment and transporting her out of the 50s and back into 2013. Unfortunately, her exclamation did the same for everyone else in the audience. The others in the crowd joined in a giant collective gulp of terror, and the one brave soul who sneaked a soda in choked up the contents in their mouth. Even the actors on stage stumbled a bit at the loud noise coming off stage left. This wouldn’t have been that big of a story though, if not for what came next — because it was a game changer. This grandmother’s feeble husband leaned over to her and said something along the lines of, “Honey, I think you might have said that a little too loud, sweetheart. Everyone’s looking.” Aw, what a sweet and gentle guy, right? Wrong. Because she replied, without an ounce of remorse or prior reflection, “JUST DO WHAT I SAY!” My eyes were grapefruits. I looked like a nocturnal tarsier on acid. This exclamation was at least three times louder than the outburst before, and it caused me, sitting next to her, to break out into a giggle fit. What a response from that sassy senior citizen! Here she was, with the opportunity to apologize for her previous indiscretion, to admit she’s lost control of her speech volume in the waning years of her life, but no — she doubled down. And that was brave as hell. What’s the lesson here? Is it to keep quiet when people are acting their hearts out? Is it to have common courtesy and admit when you’re wrong? Or is it, perhaps, to grab your faults by the throat and own up to them, like an albatross turned into fashion accessory around your neck? This moment left me speechless. I don’t know the lesson. What I do know is that it was one of the funniest things that has happened to me in a long time. So, for that, all I can say is thank you.
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william.holcomb@pepperdine.edu
COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
A GOOD DAY FOR A WITCH HUNT— Gretel (Gemma Arterton) and Hansel (Jeremy Renner) hunt witches and take names in “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters.” The movie opened in theaters across the country on Jan. 27.
‘Witchhunters’ aims and misses
By Ayden Smalling Staff Writer
Oh, January. If all of the Oscar-contenders released during the holidays are the big party, then January movies are clearly the god-awful hangover. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” is a bad movie. I like bad movies; my friends even tell me I have “BMS” — Bad Movie Syndrome. But there are two types of bad movies: There is the film that knows it is bad but has fun anyway, and then there’s the film that makes you happy the Graphic reimburses you for seeing movies and writing reviews. “Hansel and Gretel” gives a very stylized take on the classic Brothers Grimm tale. Rather than becoming the witch’s dinner, the young siblings fight back, escape and take up a new profession. The film’s setting is the generic Anytown of Europe
somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries. The hunters have sensationalized weaponry consisting of automatic crossbows and Gatling guns — don’t tell Dianne Feinstein. The film attempts to use anachronisms cleverly, much like “A Knight’s Tale,” but the majority of them fail rather than revive the popularity of “We Will Rock You.” There’s some fun to be had with the traditional lore of witches. Hansel and Gretel’s first encounter with the witch does take place in a house made of candy. There is even a joke about how Hansel developed diabetes from all the candy the witch forced him to eat. Like much of the film, however, this is drawn out and overused. The first time a witch hops on her broom is entertaining, but it loses its value each subsequent time. The first few encounters with witches are fun to watch. The action is intense, over-
the-top and violent — very violent. One of the few areas in which this movie succeeds is with its gore. Heads explode, limbs are torn off and walls are painted with splatters of red stuff. It gives any video game a run for its money and does it well. I’m a fan of good gore, and the gore is done well. But the combat falls into a repetitive formula. Each time there is a fight, the witch somehow deflects the bullets and then disarms the siblings. The scene ends with a lot of over-the-top punches that send people flying into trees and rocks. The actors are hit or miss. Gemma Arterton (Gretel), who is better than her track record would show (“Prince of Persia,” and “Clash of the Titans”), does as well as anyone could with the material. I like her as a female action star. She is classy but doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. She also rocks the leather pants.
I also have to call out Peter Stormare, who plays the sheriff with a bad attitude. Though his name may not be famous, his face is easily recognizable. He always plays seedy, underworld types (“Fargo,” “Armageddon” and “Bad Boys II”) and he makes an otherwise forgettable character memorable. Jeremy Renner (Hansel) and Famke Jannsen (“X-Men”) merely phone in their performances. Hollywood keeps trying to tell us that Renner is the new action star, but I didn’t see him cast in either “Expendables” film — clearly, he still has work to do. I’m an optimist and I try to find the good in everything. But as you’ll notice, I haven’t made mention of the plot yet. That’s because it’s terrible. I’ve seen stronger stories in Songfest. “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” may be nominated
for this year’s Razzies. It may be showing at the Malibu theater, but don’t even go on half-price Thursday. Now if you’re looking for an out before Valentine’s Day, you might consider taking your significant other to this film for your last date (if you’re one of the seven people at Pepperdine who dates). It’s a gory, repetitive romp not worth a first-look.
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ayden.smalling@pepperdine.edu
I give this film:
MUSIC REVIEW
UMO’s ‘II’ flexes their musical elasticity
By Nikki Torriente Executive Editor
Three-member band, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, releases its new studio album, “II,” on Feb. 5, marking the drop of their second album. The 10-track sophomore record from the American– New Zealand trio continues to craft the band’s psychedelic indie rock sound by experimenting with myriad music genres ranging from 60s rock to classic blues and soul. Although the band takes influences from genres past, singer-songwriter and guitarist Ruban Nielson’s raspy vocals emote a more modern spin that’s reminiscent of The Black Keys’ unique funky rock sound. UMO’s lineup is rounded out by bassist Jake Portrait and drummer Riley Geare, who paired up with Nielson after he left The Mint Chicks. UMO’s “II” takes the band’s signature psychedelic rock sound and runs wild. The album still incorporates Beatles-esque and classic soul vibes, but the trio mix that sound with a space-y sound that NPR.org deems to be “alien.” UMO’s sound is unique in that it’s difficult to pigeonhole them into an exact genre; they fit in everywhere yet don’t really seem to fit in anywhere at all. The band’s
sound is constantly shifting on this album — dancing in and out of various genres — which makes for an interesting 40-minute musical and lyrical journey. One thing is for sure — UMO’s “II” underscores a less melancholic vibe and embraces a poppier, brighter sound. “From the Sun” is the first track on the album and begins with a sweet guitar introduction that soothes and captivates the ear. The guitar rhythm repeats throughout the entire track and helps tie the song together. As the vocals layer in with their old-gramaphone vibe, the song takes on a 60s psychedelic rock sound that — paired with the lyrics — whimsically dances around and creates a pleasantly funky opening track. What makes the song even more captivating is its simplicity; UMO doesn’t mix in tons of bells and whistles like with some of the other tracks on the album. The instrumentation, vocals and lyrics create the atmosphere of the song and highlight the trio’s musical talent. Another great song on the album, “So Good at Being in Trouble,” embodies what NPR.org calls “vintage soul.” The vocals on this track channel the likes of Ray LaMontagne and
James Morrison with their raspy vocals and soul-infused rhythm and focus more on simplicity than on experimentation. Beautifully simple, the lyrics really shine on this track because Nielson’s vocals are much more of the focus, and the lyrics are ridiculously catchy. The track is smooth, and its soulful rhythm with subtle indie folk nuances gives the song a unique flavoring that sets it a part from the other tracks on the record. It’s a welcome change of pace and one that UMO should look into exploring more on albums to come. The best way to describe “Opposite of Afternoon” — another track on the album — is to label the track as Beatles-esque. The guitar instrumentation is the driving rhythm throughout the song, and, paired with the vocal melodies and simplistic drumming, the song springs up from a time where the British rock of the 60s ruled the airwaves. The upbeat track is an exceptionally built song — lyrically and musically — and flexes the band’s versatility and genre-hopping propensity. UMO moves flawlessly through the 60s era British rock and yet manages to keep the sound timeless and fresh. The band has a real knack for using simplicity in their favor, and “Opposite of Afternoon”
is another great example of that talent. Veering away from any identifiable genre, “Secret Xtians” moves toward a more indie rock sound yet manages to avoid being labeled in any particular direction. The track is a catchy, upbeat rock song that carries sprinklings of 90s era grunge rock and highlights Nielson’s raspy vocal quality. The underlying rhythm has a bit of a soulful funk to it and, together with the vocals, creates a subtle psychedelic rock vibe that exemplifies one of UMO’s tried and true characteristics. As the last song on the album, “Secret Xtians” is a perfect wrap to a unique compilation of sounds. Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s “II” is a good album with some amazing tracks. Their ever-shifting sound isn’t for everybody, yet they do possess a few songs that fit into a more comfortable mainstream sound. UMO’s unique brand of far-out psychedelic indie rock is exemplified in their latest album and reveals the band’s musical fearlessness when it comes to taking risks. The trio flex their musical talent in their second album, hoping to bypass landing in a sophomore slump and instead rocket toward a successful album release. g
leticia.torriente@pepperdine.edu
Courtesy of UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
Key Facts Artist Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Genres
Indie rock, psychedelic rock, lo-fi
Label
Jagjaguwar
On Tour? Yes, check out unknownmortalorchestra.com
LIFE & ARTS
January 31, 2013
Graphic
Stately state that state
Down 1. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2. The Wizard of Oz 3. Cornhuskers 4. The first state 6. Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park 8. Montpelier 11. Mall of America 12. Jamestown 16. “North to the Future” 18. Chi-Town 19. Land of Enchantment 22. The Cheese State 24. Potatoes 26. Graceland 28. South Park 30. The Heart of Dixie 31. The Liberty Bell 34. Hoosiers 36. The Great Salt Lake
SCORPIO: Narnia is in YOUR closet! GEMINI: You are hard working, realiable and fairly dull. CAPRICORN: There is a band of feral children on the loose. Go into your dorm room, lock your door, and whatever you do, don’t come out. AQUARIUS: Every Aquarius will claim to have seen Jerry Garcia’s likeness in their Apple Jacks at least once...
Across 5. Aloha! 7. 30 Rock 9. The Bluegrass State 10. Boston, Seafood & Lighthouses 13. The Sunshine State 14. 8 Mile 15. Viva Las Vegas 17. Mark Twain 20. Little Rock 21. The ___ Turnpike
CALENDAR Friday, Feb. 1
Dance In Flight 8 p.m. (Performance –– Smothers Theatre)
Saturday, Feb. 2
Animal Liberation Orchestra 8 p.m. (Concert –– House of Blues)
23. Peaches 25. Annapolis, Seafood & Sailing 27. The Grand Canyon 29. Mardi Gras 32. Carrie Underwood 33. Me, Myself, and Irene 35. Yale University 37. The Golden State 38. Everything’s bigger in ___ 39. Space Needle 40. The Salem Witch Trials
PISCES: Barney was a Pisces.
For answers to the crossword, visit pepperdine-graphic.com
ARIES: You tend to hold grudges about things that never actually happened. You gotta stop.
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LEO: Try not to procrastinate this week. By that, I mean just don’t even pretend you are going to do your homework. TAURUS: Quit talking to yourself. SAGITTARIUS: Buy a Snuggie instead of just turning around your bathrobe. VIRGO: Defy reason and purchase a paper weight. It will be fun! LIBRA: People say that you are opinionated, which can also mean that you are obnoxious. CANCER: Be nicer.
>> g n i k par job of the week
Bad
This considerate driver went ahead and hopped up on the curb in case anyone wanted to double park the spot. 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, Feb. 3
Cro-Mags 8 p.m. (Concert –– Galaxy Theatre)
Monday, Feb. 4
Pyyramids 9 p.m. (Concert –– Los Globos)
Tuesday, Feb. 5
Jay Mohr & Friends 8 p.m. (Performance — The Improv)
Wednesday, Feb 6
Emeli Sande 8 p.m. (Concert –– El Rey Theatre)
Thursday, Feb. 7
The Campbell Brothers 8 p.m. (Performance –– Smothers Theatre)
Courtesy of JORDAN DESENO
SOCIAL
MEDIA >> highlight OF THE
WEEK
Didn’t get enough of REELSTORIES Film Fest last Friday? No problem! These three sites have all the info you need on REELSTORIES 2013. Become friends with REELSTORIES FilmFest on Facebook to view all the winners and photos from the event. Or you can follow REELSTORIES FilmFest on Vimeo to view current and past videos. You can even follow REELSTORIES on Twitter at @reelstoriesfilm to get minute to minute updates on REELSTORIES.
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SPORTS
January 31, 2013
By Stasia Demick Associate Sport Editor
The San Francisco 49ers have settled down in New Orleans with mounting anticipation for Sunday’s championship game. The Niners are looking for a chance to repeat history — 23 years ago, the Niners won the 1990 Super Bowl on the same field. A lot has changed, but die-hard fans and a legacy of victory ground the 49ers as a force to contend with in the Super Bowl XLVII. It has been almost two decades since the 49ers won their last Super Bowl in 1994. The history behind this powerhouse team includes five Super Bowl championships, and a sixth would tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for most wins in the 47 years of the Super Bowl. The Niners reached the Conference and Divisional Championships for 17 out of 21 seasons between 1981 and 2002. Then 2003 to 2012 marked a dry spell for a team that couldn’t even manage to make a playoff game. Last year, under
quarterback and No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, the 49ers made it to the Divisional Championships only to lose 20-17 to the future Super Bowl champions, the Giants. Jim Harbaugh is a former NFL quarterback who retired in 2000 and successfully began a coaching career. After coaching at Stanford for three years, he joined the 49ers in 2011. Smith, however, will find himself on the bench come Sunday. Rookie Colin Kaepernick will lead the team in the Super Bowl, based on his stellar performance during the second half of the regular season. Kaepernick got his first start filling in for the concussed Smith, and his exceptional performance over nine victories was what cemented him in the starting spot. His elusiveness, running ability and strong arm have helped his team to flourish. In his first postseason game, Kaepernick set the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback during a first playoff game. Kaepernick will also be one of the youngest quarterbacks ever
to play in the Super Bowl, and his coach, team and fans have full faith in his capabilities. In addition to a quarterback with exceptional running ability, running back Frank Gore will lead a powerful rushing attack for the 49ers. The 49ers defense is also not to be forgotten. The Ravens have a strong tradition of good defense, but the No. 4 ranked rushing defense of the Niners will be an important piece of the puzzle for San Francisco to secure victory. Other than the all-star line up, the public’s attention will be focused on the family rivalry between the 49ers and Ravens head coaches — Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh. The two brothers will face off in the Big Easy with parents and family present. No sides have been taken by the parents or family but the competitive natures of the brothers is sure to be present in the game. Jim Harbaugh has been known for fighting other coaches — an altercation with Detroit’s coach in 2011 required physical restraint. g
stasia.demick@pepperdine.edu
»pepperdine-graphic.com/sports
By Marissa Baly Sports Assistant
Edgar Allan Poe, American poet and author of “The Raven,” died more than 160 years ago; yet the football team named after his poem, the Baltimore Ravens, is very much alive. On Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens are going to walk into the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and face the San Francisco 49ers — winners of five Super Bowls — for the Lombardi trophy, one of the most coveted prizes in American sports. Coach John Harbaugh is leading the Ravens to their second Super Bowl. Their first was in 2000 when they beat the New York Giants. Football fans and the media are excited to see him take on his brother and fellow coach Jim Harbaugh for a “Battle of the Brothers,” but John Harbaugh said in a press conference after last Saturday’s practice that he is ignoring the off-the-field factors.
For the Ravens, the important things include consistent passing, strong rushing, successful kicking and punting and thirddown completions. On average, the team has performed worse than their regular season opponents in all five categories; only in defense and returning have they surpassed their opponents’ statistics. The Ravens have the highest-ranked quarterback in the NFL, Joe Flacco having a passer rating of 114.7 for the 2012 postseason. They also have the No. 1 rusher in the NFL, running back Ray Rice, and the league’s No. 1 wide receiver, Anquan Boldin. But in the Ravens true forte, defense, they possess the five best defenders in the NFL. Ranked number one is the heart of Ravens fans everywhere: Ray Lewis. Since Lewis was drafted from the University of Miami-Florida, he has become renowned for his charisma on and off the field, but his defensive playing has made him an integral part of the team’s
success since they were founded in 1996. Out of the 1996 draft, Lewis is the only player still in the NFL, and the fact that he’s an active player at the age of 37 is remarkable. Lewis’ experience and motivation helped ignite the Ravens for their fifth-straight playoff year. Yet despite the Ravens success, it was not a fairy tale season for the AFC champions. The Ravens’ founder and former owner, Art Modell, passed away on September 6, 2012, less than a week before their season opener in Baltimore. The Ravens managed to have a 9-2 record in the middle of the season, until they lost three straight games, ending with the firing of offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. They finished the season with 10 wins and six losses, but still stunned the nation with how far they have come with such a young franchise and relatively new coach.
Pepperdine’s pick for a win on Sunday
Survey shows which team Seaver students are pulling for in the Super Bowl By Marissa Baly Sports Assistant
More than 100 students of Seaver College were asked by the Graphic whom they were rooting for to win Super Bowl XLVII: the San Francisco 49ers, the Baltimore Ravens or neither. About one-third of students surveyed did not know which two teams were playing on Sunday. Once informed of which teams were playing, most students were quick to identify with the team from their geographical region (i.e., most 49ers supporters mentioned they were from California), but many students are supporting either the 49ers or Ravens in
relation to their favorite team that did not make the Super Bowl. Freshman David Hewett, from Midland, Texas, is not normally a Ravens fan, but justified rooting for them on this occasion: “The Ravens beat the Denver Broncos, and since I’m a San Diego Chargers fan, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Several Raven supporters are hopping on the purpleand-gold band wagon because of Ray Lewis, the lovable 37-year-old linebacker who is playing his last season before retirement. “I love how Lewis just sparks up the field,” Hewett said.
Despite Lewis’ likability, the 49ers are the most popular team on campus for Sunday’s game in New Orleans. However, the gender disparity shows a lot more male students supporting the 49ers because more female students were either indifferent about the game or unaware about the teams playing. The two pie charts show the data collected from the survey.
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Women’s Basketball Men’s Tennis Men’s Volleyball
vs.
Date
Loyola Marymount Jan 24 Saint Mary’s Jan 26
vs.
Date
Gonzaga San Diego
Jan 24 Jan 26
vs.
Date
Denver Florida State
vs.
Hawaii Hawaii
Jan 26 Jan 27
Score
W, 60-57 L, 84-72
L, 80-46 L, 79-61
Score
Score
Date
W, 7-0 W, 5-2
Jan 25 Jan 27
Score
L, 3-2 L, 3-0
Record: 10-9 10-10
Record: 4-13 4-14
Record: 3-0 4-0
Record: 3-2 3-3
marissa.baly@pepperdine.edu
NFL 2012-13 major highlights since September By Halli Spraggins Staff Writer
From lockouts to receiving records, Andrew Luck to RG3, the Saints and their sanctions to Ray Lewis and deer antlers, this year in the NFL has been filled with feel-good stories and controversy. Here are a few of the headlines from the season. This NFL season had a rocky start with the referee lockout that began in June. The football community was in an uproar as memes and blogs constantly questioned the abilities of the interim refs. But the straw that broke the camel’s back fell after the Seahawks “Hail Mary” in their game against the Packers on Sept. 23, 2012.
marissa.baly@pepperdine.edu
»See NFL, B9
SCOREBOARD Men’s Basketball
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NEXT UP... Thursday, January 31
Saturday, February 2
Women’s Tennis vs. USC at 1:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball at Portland at 7 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. BYU at 7 p.m.
Women’s Basketball at Gonzaga at 2 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. USF at 2:30 p.m.
Friday, February 1
Men’s Tennis
Women’s Tennis vs. Fresno State at 10 a.m. Men’s Volleyball vs. USC at 7 p.m.
Sunday, February 3 vs. Texas at 12 p.m.
Wednesday, February 6 Men’s Volleyball at Long Beach State at 7 p.m.
SPORTS
January 31, 2013
Graphic
Waves need wins after rocky week
By Marissa Baly Sports Assistant
Despite a mostly successful month for the Waves, the past week’s losses are a bitter aftertaste on earlier wins. The men’s volleyball team, ranked No. 4 in the nation, broke their three-match winning streak with two losses to the University of Hawaii this past weekend: 3-2 on Friday and 3-0 on Saturday. Fortunately, the men have a chance to boost their season’s record with a big home game against USC on Friday at Firestone Fieldhouse and a game at Long Beach State next Wednesday. The USC Trojans have had two wins and two losses this season and are just coming off of a 3-1 loss to the University of the Pacific, who Pepperdine beat 3-0 earlier this month. The Trojans also lost 3-0 to UCSD this winter, another one of the Waves vanquished foes on the court. Hopefully the Waves easy wins over what the Trojans considered tough opponents will help us going into Friday’s game. While men’s volleyball is facing a small rough patch, it has been smooth sailing for the men’s tennis team, ranked No. 7 in the country. The Waves are 4-0 for the season, beating the University of the Pacific 7-0, University of Washington 6-1, University of Denver 7-0 and FSU 5-2, all in just one week. The win against FSU has qualified the men for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s National Indoors in Seattle, in mid-February. Before that, the Waves will host the University
of Texas this Sunday at noon. The Longhorns are 4-1 and play USC two days before they come to Malibu. Another Waves team of note is the women’s tennis team, ranked No. 33 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association. They will kick off their spring season on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. against USC. The Trojans are ranked No. 4 and are 3-0 so far this season, but hopefully the Waves will have home-court advantage. The next day, the Waves will host the Fresno State Bulldogs, ranked No. 59. But the men on the tennis team aren’t the only Waves winning right now. The men’s basketball team beat conference rival LMU 60-57 at their house, breaking the Waves three-game losing streak and bringing them to a 10-9 season record. An 84-72 loss at Saint Mary’s on Saturday, however, brought them to an even 1010, despite sophomore Jordan Baker’s best efforts, scoring more than 20 points for the third time in the past five games. Regardless, the team is doing better than in previous seasons and is experiencing the first winning non-conference record (8-5) since the 2004-05 season. “We are very optimistic about our start...[the team is] exceeding expecatations right now, like Stacy Davis, who is projected to be the Freshman of the Year in the WCC. There is a lot to be excited about!” said Coach Bryant Moore. The Waves have a winning record in Malibu and hope to utilize their home-court advantage for the two home
NFL: Season Highlights FROM B8
Connor Wheeler/ PHOTO ASSISTANT
BRINGING IT IN— The women’s basketball team huddles up after a tough loss against Gonzaga last Thursday, Jan. 24.
games this week. On Thursday, the men face the BYU Cougars, who are 16-6 overall and 6-2 within the West Coast Conference. On Saturday, the Waves host the USF Dons, who are 9-12 on the season and, like the Waves, have only two WCC wins, the latest being to Gonzaga.
The women’s basketball team has been a bit more consistent than the men, but not in the best way. The Lady Waves have suffered five straight losses and have just one win to show for the month of January. On Thursday night, they play at the University of Portland against the 7-13 Pilots. The following
Sunday, the Waves travel to Spokane to play WCC rival Gonzaga, one of the top teams in the conference. The Waves hosted Gonzaga last Thursday, Jan. 24, and lost 80-46.
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B9
marissa.baly@pepperdine.edu
One referee called a touchdown while the other called an interception. The touchdown call prevailed and the Seahawks won the game 13-12. This controversial call exposed the need for a return of the locked-out, but more experienced referees. The NFL and NFL Referees Association finally reached an agreement in September after pressure from the fans reached an unbearable level. In week five of the season, the Saints quarterback Drew Brees broke Johnny Unitas’ record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass. Since 1960, Unitas held the record at 47 until Brees broke it in a game against the San Diego Chargers by throwing a now-famous touchdown pass in his 48th consecutive game. Each year, fans relish comparing the best quarterbacks in the league. This year, the much anticipated regular season faceoff between Tom Brady of the Patriots and Peyton Manning of the Broncos left New England on top, 31-21. During the playoffs, neither of the quarterbacks, however, proved a match for Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens. Manning and the Broncos fell first to the Ravens with a 38-35 loss in a riveting overtime game. The following week, the Patriots also fell short to the Ravens, and their hopes of winning their fourth Super Bowl since 2000 were crushed with a 2813 loss as the Ravens claimed the conference championship title and a spot in Super Bowl XLVII. g
halli.spraggins@pepperdine.edu
Ask A Wave
Which Disney character would you marry?
Connor Wheeler/ PHOTO ASSISTANT
Like this photo? Tweet the perfect caption @peppgraphic with #sportscap
“Snow White.”
“Alice in Wonderland.”
“Cinderella.”
Jett Raines Freshman Men’s Basketball
Jordan Scanlyn Freshman Men’s track
Hutton Moyer Freshman Baseball
“Pocahontas.”
David Sofaer Junior Men’s Tennis
“Belle.”
Cody Kulph Freshman Baseball
“Turtle from ‘Finding Nemo’ — Squirt.”
Jessica Mosbaugh
Freshman Swim & Dive
FAN CENTRAL: CHRIS HOSTETLER By Stasia Demick Assistant Sports Editor
Pepperdine Graphic Sports Like. Follow. Share. Pin. Download.
How do you show your spirit? To show my Wave spirit, I just show up. That’s 95 percent of the equation — filling the stands. Then when I’m there, I try to stand for the whole game — just to show support for the athletes. I also love yelling and making noise.
Stasia Demick/ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
What can Pepperdine fans do to get more involved in games?
Other people can get involved by going to games, joining in and cheering. It’s not like TV — yelling will make a difference at a the game, and our student section is a good way to help our team win. What is your favorite sport to watch and why? My favorite sport to watch is men’s basketball because I’m friends with the whole team — like Stacy, Austin and Jett. It’s fun to go and show support for my friends.
B10 Graphic
SPORTS
January 31, 2012
By Wen Chen Sports Editor
Football is a much-loved sport in this country despite its short history and, arguably because of, its rough-and-tumble nature. Devotion to the sport has been a hallmark of the United States at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. In an attempt to provide a clearer account of this complicated sport, I first turned to Wikipedia, which quickly proved too convoluted to navigate. Next, my friends abandoned the hapless task of explaining it to me. As a last resort, after I had actually tried watching a game and couldn’t discern the quarterback from the cheerleaders, I appealed to some great football movies — “Remember the Titans,” “The Replacements,” “The Blind Side,” “Invincible,” “Rudy,” “Waterboy” and “The Longest Yard.”
For anyone who struggles to understand this sport, I can’t promise these movies will explain much, but I guarantee that it will be an enjoyable time! And though I doubt that the players actually fall or tackle as glamorously in real games as in some of these movies, it just might be the starter you need to tempt you to tune in to the big game this Sunday. Lesson No. 1: “Rudy” Much like what we learned in “Ratatouille,” this feel-good film about Rudy’s triumphs on the field despite the odds serves to remind us that everyone can have a dream, and anyone can play football. Just don’t quit. Lesson No. 2: “Remember the Titans” A must-watch movie for all, football lovers or not, this is one of the best on the list of top football films. Some takeaway lessons on football and life are the importance of teamwork and living out what you believe in, because you never know what an impact you can make. Football is a team effort in which two teams of 11 people on each side try to score as many points as possible on a field that is 100 yards long with two 10yard end zones. Teams alternate between playing offensively and defensively, but what coaches Boone (Denzel Washington) and Yoast (Will Patton) show us at the state championship game is that we all have something to learn from each other. That’s why football is more than just a game. As Boone
puts it, the struggle on the field is filled with survival, victory and defeat. What the team displays in their shared commitment is the impact that a game like football can have off the field. It’s about more than just winning or losing a game. A quick tutorial on the essentials of football: The fundamental idea is to score a touchdown by getting the football through running or passing it to the end of the field known as the end zone. A touchdown gets the team six points, and after each touchdown, the team has the chance to kick the ball for an extra point or try for a two-point conversion by moving the ball into the end zone in one attempt. The games are played in four quarters of 15 minutes for 60 minutes. This often runs much longer due to the play stoppages. Lesson No. 3: “Waterboy” Even if you’re not the brightest bulb in the box, your mother will always love you. And Adam Sandler is funny. More than just comedy, however, Waterboy gives us an idea for the positions that can be played in football. The quarterback, who can alter plays and throws the ball, is arguably the most important player on the offense. The linebacker, Bouche’s position (played by Adam Sandler), tackles all over the field and is a key player on defense. Here is some more on understanding how the game is played: The game begins with a kickoff in which the receiving team catches and has to try to run back to the end zone. If the kickoff is not returned to the end zone, that team begins to play offense from where the ball was stopped. The offensive team tries to get the ball as far as they can until they are tackled or step out of
bounds. This is when the ball becomes dead and defines the line of scrimmage from which the next play begins. The play begins with the center in possession of the ball. He passes it backwards (called a snap), usually to the quarterback. The offensive team has four chances, known as plays or downs, to try to gain at least 10 yards. The attacking team gets a new try with a first down if they complete the 10 yards, but if they fail, the ball goes to the opposing team. Lastly, remember to hydrate when playing sports. Lesson No. 4: “The Replacements” This is a great movie, particularly the scene in the jail where the team sings “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor; it cracks me up every time. But the movie provides a great background of information on the positions and players in football. First and foremost, the quarterback, Shane Falco (Keanu Reeves) should have leadership qualities, a good arm and be quick enough to run with the ball. For dramatic purposes, also it’s also preferable to start as the underdog. Linebacker on the team, Daniel Bateman ( Jon Favreau), who was ex-SWAT and used to be in the military, typifies the desirable traits for such a position: aggression, leaning towards crazy. Wide receiver Clifford Franklin (Orlando Jones), must be fast and sure-handed enough to catch the passes from the quarterback. Other positions on the offense are the linemen or guards, offensive tackle and the running back. But the most important lesson from this movie: play like there’s no tomorrow. This is also a great movie for inspirational quotes. When trying to get Falco to play for him, Coach McGinty
(played by Gene Hackman) asks, “You know what separates the winners from the losers?” To Which Falco’s response is, “the score.” But the coach says no, it’s getting back on the horse after being kicked in the teeth. He also has a great (albeit sexist) moment when Falco comments on sustaining three concussions in a game, McGinty replies, “That’s why girls don’t play the game.” Lesson No. 5: “The Blind Side” Let’s be honest, “The Blind Side” is a great movie. However, it doesn’t include many football rule references except for Mrs. Tuohy’s (Sandra Bullock) line in the beginning narration: “The left tackle’s job is to protect the quarterback from what he can’t see coming, from his blind side.” A lot of significance is placed on the role of protection in this movie, which emphasizes the teamwork element of the sport. In one of the most violent, contact-intensive sports, a lot of hurt is placed on football players when they’re on the field. Even if they get knocked down, they keep trying. Why do such a silly thing? That’s why only boys play the game. Also, that yellow flag referees throw around in football games? This signifies a penalty. Don’t ask me why they didn’t just stick with cards like in soccer. I guess flags are flashier, and this is an American game, after all. Another fun fact: There are seven officials who referee a football game. Why that many? Like I said, this is an American game; make of that what you will. Last lesson of the day: Enjoy football in your own way. I recommend movies.
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huiwen.chen@pepperdine.edu