Greeks Rock Out at Arrowbands | 10/30/2015 | Red&Black

Red & Black

The Free

s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e r e d a n d b l a c ko n l i n e . c o m w a s h i n g t o n , p e n n s y lva n i a October 30, 2015

Greeks rock out at arrowbands by jordan toohey page 3

Courtesy Jake Brandl

OPINIONS: COLUMBUS DAY PAGE 16

SPORTS: MOLLY PEDDICORD PAGE 19

2 CAMPUS NEWS

Red & Black

30 O ctober 2015

Study Abroad Spotlight: Alexa Gross (Class of 2016) Emily Sterk Red&Black Editor-in-Chief

As a Spanish major, Alexa Gross (Class of 2016) always knew that study abroad would be a part of her future; what she did not know, however, was how significant an experience she would have.

During the spring semester of 2015, Gross enrolled as an international student at the University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.

While in Pamplona, Gross lived with two elderly Spanish women and five Spanish students.

“This was one of the easiest and greatest ways I immersed myself in the language part of the country.

Out of all 7 people I lived with, not one person spoke or understood a single word of English so I had no choice but to improve my Spanishspeaking skills in order to be able to communicate with my roommates,” said Gross.

When Gross was not in class, she took full advantage of the travel opportunities presented to her.

Her spring break was 18 days long, so Gross and her friends travelled to seven cities in three countries including: Nice and Monaco, France; Venice, Florence and Rome, Italy; Athens and Santorini, Greece in chronological order.

Gross was also able to travel to Paris, France. She

especially enjoyed this trip because she was able to meet up with one of her best friends from her childhood who also happened to be studying abroad for a semester, but in London, England.

Gross noted this particular memory is one that her and her friend will treasure for a lifetime. Initially, Gross was nervous to leave W&J’s campus and study abroad in Spain for five months and recalled her experiences with culture shock upon the early stages of her study abroad experience. However, after a short while, Gross acquired a new appreciation and love for the culture of Pamplona and Spain in general.

Specifically, Gross was taken aback by the active life style Spaniards have compared to the more sedentary way of life that most Americans follow. Gross said, “Thanks to the active and different languages healthy lifestyle in Every day, I catch myself saying and cultural Europe, I got into traditions from incredible shape that if it were not for W&J, I would her peers, rather and also lost two pants sizes while not have ever had the courage to go than just learning information abroad.” After five live by myself in another country the through textbooks. months abroad, Gross exclaimed Gross said that her for that long and I would not that study abroad biggest takeaway have ever had the most incredible has truly enhanced from her study her college abroad experience experience of my life thus far. experience and is the increased credits W&J for level of awareness her successful in textbooks,” said Gross. that she now has of the world around her. She also said she was able study abroad experience.

“Every day, I catch myself “Spending an entire semester to meet long lasting friends saying that if it were not for in Europe allowed me to from a number of different W&J, I would not have ever immerse myself in cultures I countries and was able to had the courage to go live by have only spent years studying learn in more detail about

Courtesy Alexa Gross

myself in another country for that long and I would not have ever had the most incredible experience of my life thus far.

I owe so much gratitude to this college for giving me the opportunity to study abroad for a semester,” said Gross.

She additionally feels her study abroad experience has boosted her resume and job search and allows her to stand out.

Any student interested in the study abroad program in Pamplona, Spain or in any other country can direct questions to Sara Kochuba, Director of Study Abroad.

30 O ctober 2015

3 CAMPUS NEWS

Greeks Rock Out at Pi Phi's Arrowbands Red & Black

Courtesy Jordan Toohey

Jordan Toohey Red&Black Contributor

This past Thursday, Pi Beta Phi put on their annual philanthropy event, Arrowbands.

Arrowbands, a dancing and lip syncing competition, is an event where all of Greek life comes on one evening to compete with the hopes of becoming the Arrowbands winner.

The winner of Arrowbands earns a cash prize that goes

to their house’s main philanthropy.

The week of Arrowbands kicked off with Arrow Days on Monday.

Arrow Days consists of a week-long competition full of coin wars, buying Angel Grams, and making banners leading up to the event on Thursday.

The Arrow Days ranking is as follows: First place Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, a tie between Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) and

Beta Theta Pi, and finally a tie between Delta Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Psi, and Phi Delta Theta.

Pi Phi’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Sarah Iaquinta, has improved Arrowbands over the years by changing the event and making it better for all of those involved.

“The event in general means a lot to me because over the past two years I have completely revamped the event by turning it into a week-long celebration. I like to consider Arrowbands my

baby (to say the least) due to the amount of time I have put into this event,” said Iaquinta.

This year’s theme was Rock of Ages, and each fraternity and sorority put their own spin on their acts.

FIJI stuck with a School of Rock theme, while ATO’s number was centered on an Elvis theme.

After each group performed their acts, the final results had Kappa Kappa Gamma as the overall winner.

Behind them in the standings were Alpha Tau Omega,

Delta Gamma, Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), and Kappa Alpha Theta.

“Overall, the event was one to remember. The event was a huge success! There were many great acts, and every sister of Pi Phi helped out in any way that they could throughout the preparation process,” said Iaquinta.

The event, which was held in Olin Theater, was performed for an enraptured audience, all of whom were eager to see what each house had created for the event.

4 CAMPUS NEWS

30 O ctober 2015

Club Spotlight: Yoga Club Alumni Spotlight: Todd Red & Black

Ulery (Class of 1990)

Sue Tran Red&Black Contributor

Yoga is much more than exercise for the tree-hugging, granola eating hippies. The practice of yoga (first used religiously) can be traced back to originate in India about 5,000 years ago.

Some scientists, however, argue the method of stretching may actually date back to more than 10,000 years.

Yoga is now practiced worldwide as a quick way to de-stress, improve flexibility or simply maintain overall well-being.

Being a student at W&J can be very stressful, so joining the yoga club would be a healthy and wholesome way to counteract all the stress from class load and typical daily struggles.

The weekly meetings demonstrate why yoga is more than just enhancing flexibility and muscle endurance.

Yoga has been used for thousands of years to reconnect with one’s inner self and to strengthen the soul.

The upbeat instructor, Kathleen, always keeps club members at ease with her hour long yoga sessions filled with positivity and great vibes.

Kathleen closes each session by inviting participants to lie flat on their backs, closing their eyes for a quick meditation where all

Jordan Toohey Red&Black Contributor

Courtesy clipartbest.com

stress and thoughts are lifted for a brief ten minutes.

For any weary college student, any time where work and stress is off their minds is considered a vacation.

Abby Katsos (Class of 2017) discovered yoga about two years ago and it has impacted her life greatly.

“Freshman year I started practicing yoga because I was feeling down from my difficult classes which differed greatly from high school. After getting in the routine of practicing yoga for a few weeks, I noticed an overall improvement in not only my physical health but also my mental well-being.

I felt more at ease,” Abby

recalls.According to the club’s constitution, “Bringing a Yoga Club to W&J is a great way to give students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to get a great workout and attain inner peace.

Yoga is known to decrease stress, increase brain productivity and promote a healthy lifestyle; a perfect way for students to balance the demands of college life.”

If any students are looking for a new way to de-stress and diversify their exercise routine, they should consider joining the Yoga Club which meets every Monday night at 8 p.m. in the Alley below the Hub.

Todd Ulery, a member of the W&J Class of 1990, has owned a family chiropractic office in Scottdale, PA for the past twenty years, where he specializes in sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Originally from Mt. Pleasant High School where he played football, baseball and wrestled, he decided to come to W&J to play cornerback for the football team throughout his four years of college.

During his time at W&J, he also branched out to get involved in other things throughout campus.

He was a member of the Fellowship of Student Athletes and a brother of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI).

“I chose W&J because I knew that I wanted to go into the chiropractic profession and the pre-health curriculum and the Biology program is top notch. W&J [also] has a great reputation in the health field,” said Ulery.

After college, he attended Logan College of Chiropractic in St. Louis, MO, where he continued on to get his chiropractic degree.

The chiropractic profession was not something Ulery had in mind for his future until

he sustained a sports injury in high school where he had to receive chiropractic care in order to return to athletics.

He loved how a chiropractor was able to improve his injury significantly and ever since that moment, he knew that he wanted to become a chiropractor.

He wanted to be able to help athletes get back to playing as soon as they could by helping give them the best rehab they could get.

He also loved helping regular people with any nagging aches or pains that prevent them from going through their days without pain.

“W&J was able to help me prepare for the real world because its strict academic curriculum helped me develop a great work ethic that I was able to carry with me up to this day. Also, the relationship that I developed with my peers and professors was a great aspect that I could take away from the college that helps me in everyday life.”

Throughout his time at W&J, he has made many lasting memories that will always play a big role in his life.

W&J has helped shape him into the person, businessman and chiropractor that he is today. To this day, he is proud to be an alumni of W&J.

THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS 30 O ctober 2015

Friday: • Trick or Treat at G&T's • Free Bowling with W&J ID (until 3:00) – 1 p.m. at Alpine Lanes • Frisbee Friday – 5 p.m. on Tech Center Lawn • SAB's Annual Fall Fest – 5 p.m. at Old Main and Hub Walkway • Olin Art Gallery Opening: Color Coded by Dylan Collins – 6 p.m. at Olin Art Gallery • Halloween Movie Marathon – 7 p.m. at Old Main Lawn • Fall Choral Concert – 7:30 p.m. at Rossin Ballroom • Mobile Monti's – 9 p.m. at the Hub Back Deck • Late Night Wing Bar @ G&T's

Saturday: • Field Hockey vs. Houghton – 1 p.m. at Cameron Stadium • Swimming and Diving vs. Frostburg State – 1 p.m. at Henry Natatorium • Swimming and Diving vs. Alderson Broaddus – 1 p.m. at Henry Natatorium • Monticello's: Halloween Theme – 9 p.m. at Hub LL Sunday: • Wind Ensemble Concert – 3 p.m. at Olin Theatre • OCF Day of Light – 7 p.m. at Old Main Entrance

HAVE A GREAT HALLOWEEN!

5 CAMPUS NEWS

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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HALLOWEEN MEMORY? "One year my friend and I went to this house that was outside of our neighborhood. To get there we had to take a path through the woods. There were pumpkin style lights that lit the path.

We were slightly scared and when we got there this older lady answered the door. She gave us full-sized candy bars! It was a successful mission!" -Sammi Sofia (Class of 2018) "When I was four, I dressed up as Scooby-Doo. Those were the good ol' days, even though I can't really remember most of it. I'm sure I ate a lot of candy, though." -Ryan Bush (Class of 2018)

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30 O ctober 2015

Accidental Medical Breakthrough Discovers Cancer Cure

Courtesy telegraph.co.uk

Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Staff

Accidental breakthroughs in the medical field have contributed some of the greatest inventions of all time.

Penicillin as well as the modern pacemaker were both accidental discoveries that fueled modern medical practices today.

However, not until recently did scientists decide to put two of the deadliest medical anomalies together: malaria and cancer. Before questioning the absurd stupidity of

putting the two together, we must dive deeper into the original study.

Danish scientists’ original intent was to find “a way of protecting pregnant women from malaria, which can cause huge problems because it attacks the placenta.”

This is an issue for women in areas who are pregnant and risk contraction one of the deadliest diseases on the planet.

What they found was absolutely astonishing. Malaria connects to the same carbohydrate as 90% of cancerous cell types.

This highly predictable path for cancerous cells is a

flaw in the “design” of cancerous cellular make-up.

In this sense, Danish scientists had taken advantage of this, knowing that malaria proteins connect to the exact same carbohydrate.

The process of the malaria attacking the cancer is actually quite simple. The malaria protein is essentially “gifted” a toxin that kills cancerous cells.

Scientists for decades have been attempting to link both tumors and placentas in a similar fashion of growth and self-nourishment, and this is a step in the right direction.

This exploit of treating cancerous cells as practically a placenta has been a successful

endeavor, thus killing cancer quite effectively.

The study had been conducted on mice in a controlled scientific environment.

The Danish scientists exclaimed, “In the tests on mice, the animals were implanted with three different types of human cancers.

It reduced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumors to about a quarter of their size, got rid of prostate cancer entirely in two of six mice and kept alive five out of six mice that had metastatic bone cancer compared to a control group all of which died.” As for now, the study on curing cancer was an accidental breakthrough

that is still being studied and hopefully can help lives in the future.

The study on malaria protection of women bearing children may be currently on hiatus, but will most certainly continue to move forward.

The combination of the malaria protein and the toxin are almost a surefire way of killing any cancerous cells and tumors forming on the body; the scientific community may have found one of the greatest accidents of all time.

Hopefully in a few years we may see these scientists receive the Nobel Peace Prize for a successful discovery for the cure of cancer.

30 O ctober 2015

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7 life

NASA Signs Agreement With Israel Space Agency

Courtesy israel21c.org

NASA and ISA directors raise a glass to the new NASA-Israel Space Agency cooperation agreement at the International Astronautical Congress in Jerusalem.

Kaitlyn Vongel Red&Black Contributor

NASA and the Israel Space Agency (ISA) signed an agreement to expand both their cooperation in space exploration and research “for the betterment of mankind and for peaceful use.”

ISA is hoping a space technology developed in Israel would play a key role in NASA’s planned Mars missions.

Since conserving energy is going to be vital in any future missions to Mars, ISA expects their technology to be important in such endeavors.

ISA’s technology is known

for being extremely light- of the International Astronau- forward to the opportunities weight, which will help with tical Congress in Jerusalem. this new agreement provides conserving that energy. This Bolden said that the agree- us to build upon this partneragreement came in light of ment would enable the United ship,” said Bolden.

“You [ISA] are known for NASA’s plan to send manned States space agency to top Isyour innovation missions to Mars. and technology NASA has a three-phase plan in By signing this agreement, and this agreement gives us [NASA] which they plan on carrying out a se- there are many potential areas the opportunity to ries of exploration of cooperation available: joint cooperate with Israel on the journey missions.

The first phase missions, personnel and scientific to Mars.”

By signing this is the integrated data exchanges, ground-based agreement, there test of the Space Launch System and research facilities, space exploration are many potential areas of coopthe Orion space and operation missions. eration available: capsule in 2018 in joint missions, order to send astronauts to Mars sometime in raeli innovation and technol- personnel and scientific data the 2030s. ogy in cooperation. “Our two exchanges, ground-based reThe deal was signed by countries have had a long his- search facilities, space exploNASA administrator Charles tory of cooperation in space ration and operation missions.

Bolden and ISA director Men- exploration, scientific discov- There is also joint workshops achem Kidron on the sidelines ery and research, and we look and meetings scientific instru-

ments onboard the aircraft and spacecraft, sound rocket and scientific balloon flights, space communications, educational outreach and other spacecraft and space research platforms.

“The implications of this agreement for Israel’s space and scientific communities are tremendous. The agreement... allows the science communities in both our countries important access to projects that offer the promise of significant development growth in the years ahead,” said Ofir Akunis, Israel’s minister of science, technology and space.

A W&J student, who would like to remain anonymous said, “Under the agreement, ISA and NASA will operate to research space technology for the benefit of humankind.”

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30 O ctober 2015

The New Playboy: Less Nudity, More Intellect

Courtesy abcnews.go.com

Above, Playboy’s Anna Nicole Special Edition magazine published in May 2007.

Kayla Marasia Red&Black Contributor “Playboy” magazine, a cultural icon of sex since its first issue in 1953, will no longer feature nudity on its pages.

Last month Hugh Hefner, founder and editor-in-chief of “Playboy,” announced the decision to stop the publication of nude photos.

89 years old and often pajama-clad with his “bunnies,” Hefner is attempting to keep up with modern thinking and increase sales of the publication. The magazine’s executive board believes that publishing interesting, intellectual articles and adhering to a PG-13 code

for photographs will make the magazine more accessible to a wider demographic.

In the past, “Playboy” has hosted a wide array of bold, thought-provoking articles and interviews; a fact that prompted the old joke of men “just reading it for the articles.”

Alongside famous nude centerfolds like Marilyn Monroe and Pamela Anderson, there have also been interviews and contributions from Malcolm X, Kurt Vonnegut, Shel Silverstein, President Jimmy Carter and countless others.

In fact, Ray Bradbury’s science fiction classic Fahrenheit

451 was first serialized in the magazine in 1954, thereby skyrocketing the beloved novel into popularity.

At a 1970 reunion, Hefner told his Playmates, “Without you, I’d be the publisher of a literary magazine.”

Accompanying the freeflowing sex and drug culture of the 1970s, “Playboy” peaked in its career at selling nearly six million copies.

Today, circulation figures have dropped to about 800,000 copies. The magazine has always been bold in both its pictures and its articles, but printed nudity is no longer commercially feasible, according to “Playboy” chief

executive Scott Flanders. “You are now one click away from every sex act imaginable for free,” he told the New York Times. “And so it's just passé at this juncture.”

In a risky 2014 marketing move, “Playboy” removed full nudity from its website, making it “safe for work” by using only PG-13 images.

As a result of the relaunch, the “Playboy” website experienced a 258% increase in unique visitors.

The magazine’s marketing executives hope that the strategy will be as much of a success when the new format is launched in print in March 2016. “Playboy” will soon

feature more intellectual articles as well as other forms of entertaining content, such as: features about night life, humor and the search for the best-fitting suit.

“We’re just trying to get guys to act more civilized,” says senior vice president of digital media Cory Jones.

“Playboy” has evolved over time, fluctuating in phases of intellectuality and sexuality through decades of being stuffed under mattresses.

Perhaps the newest phase in its evolution will redirect attention from oversexualized bunnies, making room for more inspired thought.

30 O ctober 2015

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Red & Black

Cookbook Provides $4 Recipes Leah Segal Red&Black Contributor

As a student, I appreciate a good and inexpensive mealespecially one that doesn’t involve ramen noodles.

That being said, it is time to put down the pizza and defy the stereotypical college diet with Leanne Brown’s cookbook “Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day.” A masters student at New York University, and originally from Canada, Brown was attempting to find an organization to utilize her cookbook full of cheap and easy to prepare meals.

Unfortunately, she was unable to find anyone who would help her, and took it upon herself to personally publicize her book.

Little did she know, posting her cookbook online as a free PDF would spark the beginning of a successful career, as well the start of a social movement.

In an interview conducted by the Washington Post, it was discovered Brown’s inspiration for such thrifty recipes stemmed from her shock of the amount of people on government welfare programs.

“Over 46 million people in the United States are on food stamps right now.

The population of Canada is 35 million people, so it struck me as a pretty big deal,”

said Brown. In an attempt to help combat US poverty, the book was produced to show families and students on a tight budget they too could eat healthy, tasty meals without breaking the bank.

The cookbook highlights the importance of healthy cooking and the utilization of food rather than the monetary cost.

A home cooked meal always trumps fast food and you get much more use out of the ingredients, therefore saving money.

For example, Brown advocates buying bulk to cut down on cost and making certain foods such as a crust-less quiche. Not only is it healthy, due to the removal of the buttery crust (which can also add to the grocery bill), but it is able to be made with anything you find in your fridge as “Eggs go with everything.

It can be leftover chicken, it can be the wilted, kind of sad looking vegetables you wouldn’t want to put in a salad — you can put it in there,” said Brown.

By adding ingredients already found in your fridge, you are maximizing their use, while keeping money in your pocket.

But why $4 a day? Apparently, that is the average amount an individual person on Food Stamps receive daily for meals, therefore Brown wanted to show these people eating a healthy, satisfying diet was possible. After the begin-

Courtesy leannabrown.com

Author Leanna Brown's publishing company donates a cookbook to a family in need for every one of her books sold.

ning success of her cookbook, they began to pop up all over country in community centers, schools and food banks, and are now being handed out after cooking classes in local libraries.

Most importantly, the book can still be downloaded for free, but if you were to

purchase it for $4, the company Workman Publishing is matching the purchase, and giving a paper copy to a family in need.

Overall, Brown’s genius idea to make life more affordable and healthy, can be easily accomplished and will help many people who find them-

selves stretching every dollar.

Those affected by stressful financial situations, or students with crippling student loans looming overhead, can breathe a sigh of relief knowing there are ways to lessen the blow, and not have to sacrifice their pockets books or health.

A R T S

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30 O ctober 2015

“Crimson Peak” Is Not A Typical Horror Movie; It’s a Gothic Romance

Courtesy youtube.com

Diana Ciarallo Red&Black contributor

“Ghosts are real, this much I know…”

With these words, the dark world of Crimson Peak is introduced.

We find our protagonist, Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), standing amidst a dismal winter setting, bleeding cuts on her face, breathing heavily and vigilantly pointing a large knife at her snow-enshrouded surroundings.

Viewers can only assume that she has met with a violent horror.

This is typical Halloween movie fare but according to the director of Crimson Peak, Guillermo del Toro, this is not

a horror movie - it's a gothic romance. Del Toro delivers on his promise. The scene of ghostly-white winter soon shifts into a flashback of a black-encompassed funeral, in which Edith recounts her first visit from a ghost - that of her own mother.

A disfigured apparition with boogeyman-like prowess, the departed mother gives her daughter the ominous warning to “beware of Crimson Peak.”

This prophetic message remains buried and forgotten for years, until the tortured Byronic figure of Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), enters Edith’s life when he approaches Edith’s father for an investment in his clay processing invention, and eventually, whisks her away

as his bride. Edith moves into Sharpe’s estate at Crimson Peak, named for the red clay it sits upon.

Edith is a fiction author and the couple shares the home with Sharpe’s sinister spinster sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe (Jessica Chastain).

Edith finds herself immersed in a real-life world of deadly secrets.

She discovers the meaning of her mother’s warning and finds it horribly intertwined with the dark history of her new home that seems to literally breathe with a haunting life of its own.

In this story, we find that ghosts are more than just real.

Drenched in the bloodlike red clay that permeates the film, Del Toro’s grotesque creations serve as grisly

metaphors for the true horrors that reside in the beautifully eroded estate of Allerdale Hall.

As the phantom-like Lady Lucille Sharpe states to Edith, “Love makes monsters of us all.”

Lushly painted with Del Toro’s blood-red brush, this Gothic tale of love, murder, insanity, incest and poison demonstrates just how horribly true this can be.

Terrified, Edith strives to investigate the meanings behind the house’s gruesome ghosts – discovering at the end of the film that there are those that live on darkness and devour beauty.

Working like a love affair between the ideas of Edgar Allen Poe and the Bronte Sisters, the grim machinations

of the film’s plot makes us wonder what it is that we must truly fear - the dead or the living?

This film has all of the CGI blood and gore that we expect to decorate a modern scary flick, but the most interesting feature of Crimson Peak is that it is very unlike the typical Halloween horror film.

Just as Edith states to her editor, “it isn't a ghost story, it's just a story with a ghost in it.”

The visual beauty and story of this film trump the CGI horror.

Fans of Hollywood’s golden age who are looking for a delightfully “haunting” flick to watch for Halloween will find just the right one in Del Toro’s thrilling love letter to gothic Victorian literature.

30 O ctober 2015

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A Phony Book Review: The Catcher in the Rye

Poetry Corner "Crone" Diana Ciarallo Red&Black contributor Her hair has been painted With the silver strokes of the shimmering moon The true glory of this hue of wisdom Is shown when the full moon runs her pale comb Trough the sage locks

Courtesy www.salon.com

Kayla Marasia Red&Black Contributor If Holden Caulfield were to meet you today, he would probably call you a phony.

A coming-of-age story of angst, alienation and loss of innocence, J.D. Salinger’s 1951 classic "The Catcher in the Rye" follows a teenage Holden on his quest to find meaning in the hypocritical, cruel “phoniness” of the adult world.

At the beginning of the novel, Holden is expelled from Pencey Preparatory, an esteemed private school for boys in Agerstown, Pennsylvania.

Unable to apply himself to his education despite his affinity for reading and writing, he willingly leaves the thoughtless, “crumby” environment of Pencey. Instead of returning home to his parents and younger sister, however, he catches a train to New York.

With his distracted, slangridden thought processes and an inherent unwillingness to be introspective, Caulfield

proves to be an unreliable (if hilarious) narrator. He sees the world as being black and white: children are innocent and good, as demonstrated

by Holden’s idolization of his smart, clever younger sister Phoebe, and adults are corrupt and evil.

Holden does not have a clear career path; instead, he wishes to save children from the inevitable fall to the corruption of adulthood.

I think that The Catcher in the Rye poignantly speaks to a part of human nature that we all must face.

With aging often comes a loss of innocence and a sense of alienation. Holden searches for belonging, but he always withdraws into his loneliness and alienation, as symbolized by his signature red hunting hat.

As we grow older, we are exposed to the sometimes bleak, evil nature of the world around us. While some take it in stride and melt into the crowd, many feel shattered by this notion and therefore isolate themselves from the

“phonies” that seem to surround them on all fronts.

Sixteen-year-old Holden struggled with his transition from the colorful, innocent joy of childhood to the sad, materialistic reality of adulthood. What makes the book a beloved classic is its utter relatability.

Holden’s humorous and often emotional ramblings endear him to the reader, frequently inducing a snort of laughter with his constant repetition of phrases like “I really do,” “crumbum” and “that killed me.”

Combining the slang and culture of the fifties with the common themes of growing up in alienation, The Catcher in the Rye is a classic that I would recommend to anyone at any stage of life.

To the cursory reader, the book is a thoughtless compilation of meaningless encounters.

However, when one looks beyond the surface, Holden’s struggle to find his place in the world and preserve innocence is one that is unforgettable.

These sage locks that bear the knowledge of life That we relegate to being sneezing pepper This hair that wields the wondrous experience of life Diminished by the scrutiny of youth-obsessed stares You call her a crone A word that has had its true meaning obscured A word that has come to mean something ugly When it should truly resonate in its beautiful light.

The wrinkles around her mouth are from years of smiling How can that not be beautiful?

“Broken Pots” Diana Ciarallo Red&Black contributor The vessels can no longer nurture growth.

Chaos of dirt and petals are found scattered everywhere These vessels that once housed flowers Lay broken in front of the home Where a family once grew Two remain now wild and unruly The stems twisting Around each other Quickly tightening So that their green necks may snap.

The shattered mess had once flourished with growth Someone knocked them down in spiteful anger The chaotic mess has been swept away

12 arts

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30 O ctober 2015

Album Review: Coheed and Cambria’s New Album Brings Stylistic Changes

Courtesy www.shakenstir.co.uk

Tyler Phillips Red&Black contributor

Progressive rock fans were treated with a new album from Coheed and Cambria on Oct. 16.

“The Color Before The Sun” is the first standalone album in Coheed and Cambria’s discography after the band took a break from writing their extensive anthology of concept albums entitled “The Amory Wars.”

That story line is based on a comic book series that lead singer Claudio Sanchez writes.

However, this album is written solely from the emotions of

the band members without regard to whether the songs need cohesion.

Fortunately for fans, all of the songs do fit together and listening to the album front-to-back is a satisfying experience.

While the band is most famous for their epic progrock hit Welcome Home from ten years ago, the album is different from this previous work. It now features straightforward rock tracks.

Island opens with a field recording before soft guitar, leading into a buildup for the upbeat rock backdrop. It ends by transitioning into a short jam that is very different from the rest of the song.

Here to Mars is a ballad with its subject being Claudio Sanchez’s personal universe and everything that makes this person matter to him.

The bridge features group vocals as the synthesizers and guitars are backed by pounding drums. Atlas offers the most variety of all the songs on the record. Named after Sanchez’s son, the song features powerful lead vocals as the band enters all at once.

Around three minutes in, it seems like the song has done everything it needs – verses, choruses, and a guitar chord to fade the song out – so it should be time to end, right?

Wrong. The song starts its second half with a brief bridge

before returning to another chorus: “Will you sink with this ship or will you burn it down? ... Cause this is your life now.”

Lead single: You Got Spirit, Kid, segues in from preceding track Young Love and is a very encouraging song despite the problems that the listener may face in life.

After the song ends on a high note, the album includes another brief interlude with different instrumentation.

The audience goes back to familiar territory with darker song writing while remaining welcoming to new listeners.

It still moves into new territory, though, and the band members have spoken

on their stylistic change: “It just felt more natural to not have the concept involved on this record,” guitarist Travis Stever said.

“In every way, we approached this record very differently than any prior.”

The album seems to be a great stepping stone for C&C to take a breath of fresh air from their conceptual writing and offer a new style to new fans.

Although more dedicated fans may feel let down with the new song writing approaches on “The Color Before The Sun,” the band has no plans of stopping their Amory Wars story line and its creativity any time soon.

30 O ctober 2015

13 arts

Red & Black

The Bold and the Lyrical: Stamos, Moore and Corden Create Skit Using Only Taylor Swift Lyrics

Courtesy www.thecelebrityauction.co

Lauren Lamm Red&Black staff

Oct. 5 introduced a new level of love for Taylor Swift, John Stamos and the American soap opera.

The Bold and the Lyrical, a play on the beloved favorite, The Bold and the Beautiful, was a soap opera skit written by James Corden for his show, The Late Late Show.

As though the combination of Julianne Moore, Corden

and Stamos was not enough to excite viewers, the skit was entirely composed of Swift’s lyrics.

Playing off of soap opera tropes, this mini melodrama followed Moore as she confronted her bad-boy lover, Corden, using hits such as Blank Space, Shake it Off and Love Story.

Their tumultuous relationship is tested as Moore’s jealousy boils over, resulting in a break up which, in true soap-fashion, is followed by a proposal a mere minute later.

Corden’s efforts, however, are spurned by Moore.

She declares that they are, “never ever ever, getting back together,” a statement that is driven home by her submerging the ring in a glass vase and then throwing it against the wall.

After this outburst of passion, Stamos enters, presumably acting as a former lover of Moore’s.

He declares that he can, “make the bad guys good for a weekend,” and resolves the situation with a cheeky wink.

Though obviously talented, Moore and Corden’s acting skills were thoroughly tested against the uproarious crowd.

They only broke character once as a line of Adele’s, Someone Like You, was used in lieu of a Swift lyric.

This mini soap, complete with a lounge coat, dramatic music, stiff drinks and the third act plot twist was wildly entertaining to viewers.

Carolyn Tomlinson (class of 2016) said that she, “[has] never loved anything more.

It’s just so funny! Although

I wish John Stamos was in more of the skit.” Though often criticized for her topics, Swift’s music is hugely successful, selling over 27.67 million albums within the United States, according to Billboard.

This skit provides a friendly medium through which they can equally poke fun at and celebrate her enormous body of work.

By incorporating her music into a melodrama, they showcase their own creativity while also highlighting her music’s notoriety.

14 opinions

OPINIONS Red & Black

30 O ctober 2015

A Lackluster Democratic Debate Ben Langdon Red&Black Contributor

For Las Vegas, there was a significant lack of fireworks at the first Democratic Presidential debate on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Instead, the 15.3 million viewers who tuned in were treated to two hours that would melt a policy wonk’s heart.

From Glass-Steagall to no-fly zones in Syria, the first Democratic debate bared no resemblance to either of the first two Republican Presidential debates.

A Trump-less debate certainly reduced entertainment value, but it did help to highlight key policy differences between the five Democratic Presidential candidates on the stage that Tuesday night. The clear

losers of the debate were the two men on the ends of the stage, former Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and former U.S. Senator Jim Webb. Chafee seemed absent minded and gaffe prone. His worst moment came towards the end of the debate when he seemed to imply that he was not sure what he was voting for when voting to pass banking legislation in 1999.

Webb was similarly inadequate, spending most of his time complaining about the debate format and his lack of speaking time.

Ultimately, these debate performances lead to the demise of both candidates’ campaigns.

Webb left the race on October 21, while Chafee made his exit on October 23.

The other three Democrats on the Las Vegas stage—former

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders—faired significantly better. O’Malley had strong moments throughout the debate, but failed to produce many powerful sound bites—a necessity in presidential politics.

His best moment came in his closing remarks, in which he praised young Americans for moving the country to more progressive policies. “That tells me we are moving to a more connected, generous, compassionate place, and we need to speak to the goodness within our country,” O’Malley said.

Sanders won the night on social media. The selfdescribed democratic socialist was the most searched on the web, and he successfully

E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Thursdays with the exception of exams and break periods.

Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the

College or its students, faculty, or administration.

The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency.

The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.

Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number.

Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.

Courtesy usatoday.com

Above, the Presidential candidatdes for the Democratic party appear in the first of six Democratic debates.

strengthened his liberal base. Sanders had the most memorable line of the night when he defended Clinton on her use of emails as Secretary of State, “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails!” Clinton had the best night out of any of the Democratic candidates. She was clear and concise and she

firmly established her position in the race as a center-left candidate. With this strong performance, Clinton left no room in the race for Vice President Joe Biden to enter.

Biden announced that he is not running on October 21. With Biden out, and a strong debate performance, the Democratic nomination is Clinton’s to lose.

C ontac t Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:

(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301

30 O ctober 2015

15 arts

The Truth About Columbus Day Drunk Consent and Rape Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Staff

ready knew the earth was not flat. Explorations by pioneers long before Columbus had proven this and knew that the earth was spherical, thus expelling the idea of “falling off the face of the earth.”

In fact, ancient Greeks had discovered this two thousand years before Columbus was even born. The myth began with roots to the early 1900’s when historians had mistakenly exclaimed this calamity, therefore rippling into our education system.

Red & Black

lumbus must have forgot about this act of peace, thus causing bloodshed and a hierarchical scale in a world that is not his. He exclaimed in his journal that, “I could conquer the As young, wide eyed students whole of them with fifty men in elementary schools, we were and govern them as I please.” taught the great feats and voyColumbus was also notable age of Christopher Columbus. for cutting the ears and noses Teachers (knowing well off of the people to go back to about the truth) had intheir towns and hunt the peoformed their students of a ple down to use their carcasses man who reached America as dog food.

He had done all in 1492 to not only prove the of this in order to receive what earth was round, but also to he wanted all along: gold. discover the “new world.”

So why do we Rightfully so, we had celebrate a man believed our teachers who not only acsince we had been Columbus was wrong about many claimed credit conditioned to foldiscoverlow their orders and things including his discovery, but for ing the world is take what they say to if we were to acknowledge him in round, but also heart; and we were so killed, raped, our history books, we should do very wrong to do so. and riddled soColumbus Day is things the right way. cieties with only celebrated today disease as well in merely twenty-two It is also quite surprisas lack any historical signifistates. This is because of multiple reasons that are quite evi- ing we do not celebrate more cance because he didn’t even dent in the historical time line. holidays of white, privi- discover America? Because For starters, Columbus leged men who rape and pil- some white men decided to.

Columbus was wrong NEVER landed in America. lage cultures more often.

The holiday lacks much about many things includHe had landed in the Bahamas historical significance, being ing his discovery, but if we and on a second voyage landthat it began with a group of were to acknowledge him in ed in the now French territory white privileged men from our history books, we should Haiti. This idea that he landed the Knights of Columbus do things the right way. in America and discovered to talk to a white privileged It was proven that “he did the “new world” that we studman (President Roosevelt) to help establish knowledge ied as children was a crock. make a holiday about a white about trade winds, namely In fact, the land he had privileged man.

The irony in the lower-latitude easterlies claimed was already inhabited by several million natives and this proposition is uncanny. that blow toward the CaribUpon arrival in the Ba- bean and the higher-latitude also discovered five hundred hamas, the Santa Maria had westerlies that can blow a years earlier by Leif Erikson, wrecked.

The indigenous ship back to Western Europe.” an Icelandic Viking. Which people of the “new world” had This fact however is disproves another argument helped repair the ship, saving by far not enough to cremade popular by Christothe people aboard and the carate a national holiday in pher Columbus supporters. go.

However, Christopher Cohonor of his “heroic” feats.

By 1492, the Europeans al-

Brittany Graft Red&Black Editor

Consent is a word we as college students hear frequently.

There has been a great deal of talk about what consent actually means, especially when at least one of the parties is intoxicated.

How is someone fully able to give a clear statement consenting to the sex they are about to have when they already consumed a few drinks that may make them feel more vulnerable and more inclined to be persuaded to say yes?

If it is both parties that are drunk, most people will tell you it’s not rape.

The Washington Post made a good scenario about this type of situation to put it into perspective: “Boy meets girl at a party. Boy and girl get drunk. Boy asks girl to go back to his room. Boy and girl kiss. Boy wants to go further.

Girl hesitates; she isn’t sure.

Boy takes out a condom. Girl opens it.”

Is that rape? Yes, and more colleges are beginning to realize this and over 800 of them have created some form of “affirmative consent” policy.

It does not matter how drunk either party was it is still rape and both parties are guilty. If the girl is drunk and is forcibly raped by the male, she is just as liable as the male who forcibly raped her. Both are victims and both are considered rapists.

However, our society does not see it that way. We as-

sume that if the girl and guy are drunk that the guy should know better.

If a guy goes out and gets drunk and wakes up the next morning beside an unattractive woman, people find it humorous.

However, if a girl goes out and gets drunk and wakes up to a male, we assumed he raped her and that she is the victim. It is sexist because both the guy and girl are just as equal to blame.

We hold people liable for their actions when they are intoxicated, well that is supposed to be the reason why one is at fault if they cause an accident while driving under the influence. We charge these people and do not let them use the excuse of being drunk and not knowing any better.

So, why do we let people get away with it when it comes to rape?

There needs to be stricter rules enforcing both intoxicated parties being held liable for their actions.

It should not matter what gender they are, both parties cannot clearly give an unambiguous consent to have sex, and both parties are at fault.

Instead of our society assuming that only women are the victims of rape when both people are intoxicated, we need to realize that both parties are victims and should be held liable and that being drunk is not an excuse.

Maybe this will make people stop having drunken sex, and to think before they act at parties.

16 opinions

Red & Black

30 O ctober 2015

What Good Does Capital Punishment Really Do?

Courtesy amnestyusa.org

Though the rate of death sentences that are given to inmates and are carried out each year is declining, capital punishment is still carried out on dozens of inmates every year. 35 inmates were executed in 2014 alone.

Ben Langdon Red&Black Contributor

President Barack Obama made an unusual statement about capital punishment on October 23 when he stated, “So I have not traditionally been opposed to the death penalty in theory, but in practice, it's deeply troubling.”

Obama went on to explain that recent botched executions and people being released from death row when new evidence arrives have caused him to question the fairness of the death penalty. President

Obama is right. The graphic tales of botched executions and the imperfections of our criminal justice system represent excellent reasons for abolishing the death penalty; but there are many moral arguments that override the institutional ones.

To truly understand why the death penalty must be abolished, one must understand what the death penalty enables the government to do.

The death penalty grants those within the judicial system the power to make decisions about ending a fully functioning, sentient

human being’s life. This is not killing within a war. This is not killing for self-defense.

This is not killing to prevent someone’s future crimes.

Instead, the death penalty is state-sanctioned vengeance.

Those who are convicted of the most heinous crimes serve no risk to the public behind bars.

The only reason to end these criminals’ lives is to perpetrate an eye-for-eye philosophy.

This is a faulty philosophy that only leads to a never-ending cycle of violence within a society.

As Mahatma Gandhi once put it, “An eye for an eye will

only make the whole world blind.” One reason often given for rationalizing the death penalty is the idea that those on death row are deserving of the punishment they are given.

It is not possible to defend the crimes of these individuals, and I will not attempt to. These criminals deserve to live out the rest of their lives secluded from the rest of society. They have broken their social contract with the rest of American society, and, therefore, must be expelled from it.

But, what purpose would taking the life of these individuals serve?

How

does the killing of prisoners serve the United States? The death penalty only serves to desensitize violence within our communities.

The death penalty speaks to the worst impulses within us.

It is the voice in the back of our minds, formulating plans of revenge.

If we are to expunge these violent and hateful tendencies from our society, we must end capital punishment.

This will not fix all of the ills of American society, but abolishing the death penalty will be an important step in creating peaceful, just and fair communities.

30 O ctober 2015

17 opinions

Red & Black

Coffee is a Safer, More Effective Energy-Boosting Drink Katherine Campbell Red&Black Editor

Midterms have just passed, essays and projects are now coming due and, yes, finals are now looming on the horizon. It is during these times of late-night studying and pulling an all-nighter in which you both write an essay and read the required texts the essay requires of you that student consumption ofenergy-boosting substances is at its highest.

Two of the most popular substances that students use to boost their energy are coffee and energy drinks.

Several students have their preferences when it comes to which energy-boosting substance they prefer.

Rider Daas (Class of 2019) said that he prefers coffee because “it doesn’t have all the extra chemicals that energy drinks do. But depending on how fast I have to wake up will determine how black I make the coffee.”

Sam Horowitz Soyos (Class of 2018), though, said he preferred energy drinks.

“Both coffee and energy drinks require getting used to the taste and I happened to have gotten over the taste aversion from energy drinks rather than the taste aversion to coffee,” said Horowitz Soyos.

While likely every student has some sort of preference, which drink is ultimately the better option when it comes

to a safe and effective boost of energy? Most people can safely ingest approximately 200 to 300 mg. of caffeine per day.

This seems like a lot of caffeine until you realize that one eight-ounce cup of coffee contains about 150 mg. of caffeine and energy drinks can contain anywhere from 150 mg of caffeine in a 16-ounce Red Bull to over 500 mg of caffeine in a 24-ounce Wired X505.

Even the single-serve shot of energy, 5-Hour Energy, contains 200 mg of caffeine which, for some, is the limit on how much caffeine they should be ingesting each day.

What some people do not realize is that excess intake of caffeine is linked to a whole list of negative symptoms.

Some of the less dangerous symptoms include dizziness, diarrhea, insomnia, irritability, headache and fever.

Some more serious and dangerous symptoms include trouble breathing, vomiting, hallucinations, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure and convulsions.

While an individual may not experience any of these symptoms if he drinks one 500 mg energy drink, if he drinks five of those energy drinks a day every day, he is likely to experience some harmful effects.

Energy drinks are also advertised to contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B and ginseng that are supposed to increase one’s energy level.

According to licensed nutritionist Monica Reinagel, though, “There’s no evidence

Courtesy details.com

that those huge doses have any impact on mental functioning or energy…It’s all window dressing.” Coffee, on the other hand, contains massive amounts of antioxidants which protect against diabetes and promote weight loss.

Overall, when you are deciding whether to pick up that Monster or order that cup of coffee in the Barista, choose the coffee. In my opinion, coffee is always the

smarter choice because it contains less and therefore safer levels of caffeine and because it has antioxidants that can help promote health.

Why pay the extra money for vitamins and minerals in your energy drinks that are not doing anything to actually increase your energy, and why take your chances with energy drinks when you are faced with so many negative and potentially dangerous

symptoms of consuming too much caffeine? When it comes down to it, it is always better to come to class and admit that you were not able to finish that essay on time rather to be in the hospital from caffeine overdose because you were not smart when choosing your energy-boosting drink.

That is why you should always drink coffee, or, my personal favorite, just get some sleep.

18 sports

Red & Black

30 O ctober 2015

Issa Hayatou: The New Acting President of FIFA

Courtesy ap.org

Cameroon’s Issa Hayatou has been named as a temporary placement for former FIFA President Blatter. The 69-year-old is also currently President of the Confederation of African Football.

Kaitlyn Vogel Red&Black Contributor

FIFA announced Issa Hayatou as the New Acting President following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.

Blatter was suspended for 90 days during which he will be relieved of all his duties, though he said he would not stand for permanent office.

Blatter was suspended following a controversial 17-year reign.

FIFA’s ethics committee suspended him after

a pending criminal investigation into allegations Blatter sold a World Cup TV rights contract to the disgraced former FIFA official Jack Warner in 2006. He then made a “disloyal payment” of £1.3m to Michel Platini in 2011. Both Platini and Blatter denied any wrongdoings.

Hayatou is the longestserving vice-president on FIFA’s executive committee.

From 1998 to 2011, he was the President of the Confederation of African Football; until he was disciplined by the International Olympic

Committee over his role in alleged bribery scandal at FIFA. Hayatou who is 69 years old, ran against Blatter for the FIFA presidency, said, “I will only serve on an interim basis. A new president will be chosen by the extraordinary congress on Feb. 26, 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position.”

Along with Blatter being suspended for 90 days, Platini believes he could replace him as FIFA President. Platini was the favorite to succeed his mentor until he became embroiled in corruption allegations and is now in

an identical sanction as Blatter; a huge blow to his presidential ambitions.

Platini submitted his FIFA election application papers before being suspended and hopes that his provisional suspension will be lifted so that he would be able to run.

Before he could run, he must still pass an integrity check by FIFA’s election committee, which will scrutinize all applicants after the deadline closes Monday.

Platini said, “I don’t think I’ve lost many votes and those who know me know I can look myself in the Mirror. I’m bullet-proof.”

W&J student Dylan Sarver (Class of 2019) said, “Due to the fact that [he] knew what was going on within the league, it was only a matter of time before he was suspended and replaced.”

It is unfortunate Hayatou is not looking to be the long term replacement for the presidency; he just wants to be the interim president until someone else can be named.

If Hayatou would run for the presidency, he would have a solid chance of winning because Platini is facing potential trouble for what he did alongside of Blatter.

30 O ctober 2015

19 sports

Red & Black

Student Athlete Spotlight: Molly Peddicord

Courtesy gopresidents.com

Peddicord is a senior at W&J from North Huntingdon, PA, majoring in Child Development and Education.

Lauren Virgin Red&Black Contributor

Molly Peddicord is someone who knows the true definition of perseverance: after tearing her ACL twice as well as her MCL in the span of one year while playing high school soccer, Peddicord continued to rehabilitate and train after surgery in order to return to the game she loves.

Peddicord is a senior at W&J from North Huntingdon,

PA. She is majoring in Child Development and Education, and she will be certified in Elementary Education PreK-4 and Special Education PreK-8.

Her future plan is to be an elementary school teacher who is actively involved in special education. Given the opportunity, she would also love to be a soccer coach.

Peddicord started playing soccer when she was three years old.

Her older brother Cody, a graduate from W&J and alum of the men’s soccer team, kick

started her love of the game.

She remembers watching his games and playing with him.

“For as long as I can remember we were always outside kicking around or in the house shooting on small goals,” Peddicord said.

Up until her junior year, Peddicord was a standout forward on Norwin High School women’s soccer team. Halfway through the fall season, however, she tore her ACL. After surgery and rigorous physical therapy, she was cleared to play again the sum-

mer before her senior year.

Before Peddicord could make it to the first game of her senior season, she tore her ACL again, in addition to tearing her MCL. She underwent ACL and MCL reconstructive surgery and once again showed persistence through weeks of physical therapy.

Although Peddicord’s injuries have left her with a lot of pain, she does not regret her decision to keep playing soccer. Peddicord said, “The physical pain is worth it for me if it means I can still play. After

training so hard to return to soccer after my first ACL tear, I could not imagine just simply giving up after the second. I could not come to terms with the thought of just giving up, so I worked a little harder.”

Peddicord’s advice to others who are facing serious injuries is to not give up: “Serious injuries are very hard on the body both physically and mentally.

Don't let someone else tell you that you can't do something.

It takes a lot of hard work, but it is definitely worth it in the end,” said Peddicord.

20 sports

Red & Black

30 O ctober 2015

President Vladimir Putin Slams ‘Politicisation’ of Sports

Courtesy ndtv.com

Ioseb Jorjoliani Red&Black Contributor

On Wednesday, Oct. 21 Russian President Vladimir Putin called for international measures to prevent politics from interfering into sports as the West continues to punish Moscow for the crisis in Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.

Indeed, limiting Russia’s performance and role in the sports world would highly disappoint not only Putin, but the vast majority of Russia’s population as well.“Sporting ideals and principles are more

often becoming hostage to political opportunism. This goes against the philosophy of the Olympic movement, which is based on respect, justice

to acknowledge the principles that he ignored when dealing with Ukraine; no strategy of Putin in regards to Ukraine has been based on respect,

the Ukraine crisis, where 18 months of clashes between Kiev and pro-Russian separatists have left more than 8,000 dead. Putin said a UN

Limiting Russia’s performance and role in the sports world would highly disappoint not only Putin, but the vast majority of Russia’s population as well. and openness,” said Putin at the inaugural meeting of the world’s Olympic associations in Moscow.

When Putin mentions sporting ideals and the world’s common principles, he forgets

justice or openness. Russia is hosting FIFA’s 2018 World Cup in 11 cities; however, the calls have been made by some foreign lawmakers to boycott the tournament over Moscow’s involvement in

resolution that could “finally cement the de-politicization of sport in international law” was needed. Moscow’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014 and its subsequent support of pro-Russian

insurgents in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions (where people are being killed every day) propelled Russia’s relations with the West to their post-Cold War status.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach echoed Putin’s statements Wednesday, saying that any form of boycott was discriminatory and at odds with the Olympic spirit.

FIFA has been embroiled in a large-scale corruption scandal partly over the award of the 2018 tournament to Russia and has asserted that Russia would not be stripped of its right to host the World Cup.