Student Life | Monday, February 20, 2006

STUDENT LIFE

THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSIT Y IN ST. LOUIS SINCE 1878 Last week, Forum editor Trein wrote about rioting over cartoons in the Islamic world. Today, editors Stepp and Shapiro follow suit. Page 6.

Senior Sports editor Justin Davidson gives At Pizzeria Della Piazza, our Stepping Out us a positive preview of prospects for our reporters Kaufman and Jacobson may have spring softball and baseball squads. Page 5. found the tastiest pizza out there. Page 7.

VOLUME 127, NO. 55

Making tracks: check out part two of Scene’s neighborhoods series on today’s back page.

See Page 10.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2006

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$12 billion student loan cut may hold benefits v Despite widespread criticism, bill that cuts student loan programs may include components helpful to students

By Jessie Rothstein Staff Reporter After the House of Representatives gave final approval recently to a bill that includes large cuts to government-backed student loan programs, financial aid officers at institutions all over the country are trying to understand how the bill’s statutes may affect their students.

The bill, which aims to reduce the federal deficit by slowing the growth of government spending over the next five years, cut about $12 billion from the loan program. These cuts are the largest in the history of the loan pro-

gram and include measures such as reducing government subsidies to private lenders and raising the interest rates for students and parents.

“Some of it’s still kind of vague and all of the major university groups are working feverishly to analyze these statutes,” said Bill Witbrodt, the Director of Student Financial Services at Washington University.

While these cuts have drawn a great deal of criticism from political figures and financial aid officers alike, Witbrodt pointed out that the bill actually includes many components that will most likely benefit Washington University students in a variety of ways.

One of the advantages of the new bill is that it increases the loan limits for freshmen and sophomores. On July 1, 2007, the ceiling on freshman loans will be raised from $2,625 to $3,500, and the ceiling on sophomore loans will be raised from $3,500 to $4,500.

“That will give current students a little more flexibility in

being able to borrow subsidized loans,” said Witbrodt.

In addition, the bill will assist graduate and professional students by opening up the Parents’ Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) to them on July 1 of this year. In the past, the PLUS Loan has only helped parents pay their contribution to their students’ education. Soon, however, graduate and professional students at the University will be able to benefit from the relatively low interest rates on these loans. Unfortunately, at the same time, the bill raises the interest rate on the PLUS loans available to parents from 7.9 from 8.5 percent.

Incoming freshmen may also benefit from the legislation due to its revisions concerning asset regulations. Currently, if a student applying for financial aid has assets in his or her own name, it is assumed that 35 percent of that will go towards the student’s first year of education.

Yet the new formula, effective July 1, 2007, will assume that students will use only 20 percent of their assets in this way.

“That’s going to help students who have their own assets qualify for receiving financial assistance,” said Witbrodt.

Witbrodt also believes that University students may be positively impacted by the legislation due to the fact that a portion of the savings will be used to implement Academic Competitiveness Grants. These grants will be available for students who are eligible for federal Pell Grant loans and who are studying courses related to science and mathematics. Eligible junior and senior undergraduates could receive up to $4,000 a year from these grants.

Criticism has been directed towards the measure of the bill which states that freshman and sophomore Pell Grant recipients may receive greater loans if they have completed a secondaryschool program of study that has been recognized by the U.S. secretary of education and approved by either a state or a local education agency. Critics of this statute fear that such conditions may lead to the establishment of a national curriculum for high-

school students.

Another controversial aspect of the bill is the fact that it raises the interest rate on subsidized student loans. Currently, interest rates vary each year due to shifting market conditions and are reset every July 1. As a result, borrowers currently pay an interest rate of about 5.3 percent. The new bill will raise this interest rate to a fixed 6.8 percent this July 1.

Since interest rates have been falling in recent years, the switch to a fixed rate could make borrowers pay more than they would under present conditions. Yet the opposite is also possible.

“In the future, as interest rates continue to escalate…students may be getting a pretty good deal,” said Witbrodt, pointing out that “the fact that it’s a fixed rate means that there won’t be any surprise.”

Many of the aspects of the legislation that have upset other institutions will not trouble students here, Witbrodt said. In particular, the fact that most of the budget cuts pertain to the lenders

has provoked a great deal of criticism among schools that believe that these cuts will eventually pass on the cost to the students.

“But here we’re always pretty vigilant on those kinds of things, and have such a good relationship with our lenders, that I don’t see that happening to our students,” said Witbrodt.

In addition, Washington University students also differ from those at other institutions with regard to the issue of origination fees. While students at other schools may have to pay a three or four percent origination fee for their loan—meaning that they do not receive 100 percent of the loan proceeds—these fees are nonexistent at Washington University due to negotiations that occurred with the major bank that works with the University.

Ultimately, students here will be able to benefit from several positive aspects of the bill without being burdened by the controversial measures, according to Witbrodt.

“It certainly could have been a lot worse,” said Witbrodt.

Raiding sheik camps on a toxic waste site: Training with the ROTC Students in uniform

On February 11, the Gateway Battalion, which is made up of ROTC programs from Washington University, Saint Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, traveled to Weldon Springs for a day of leadership training through combat simulation. And starting at 6 a.m., Student Life was there, too.

Senior photo editor David Brody, Scene special features editor Erin Fults and news editor Caroline Wekselbaum got up before dawn to take part in the ROTC’s training missions. Fults’ story recounts what it was like to be an “embedded reporter,” while Wekselbaum’s piece provides background on ROTC at the University. Brody’s photographs complement both reports.

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

By Caroline Wekselbaum News Editor Some might call them crazy for rising (sometimes before the sun does) before 6:30 a.m. three times a week, but for members of ROTC, this is an integral part of college life.

“You never get used to it,” said senior James Tucker who is majoring in history and religious studies.

Designed for university students and with a presence at 272 schools nationwide, ROTC is the largest military commissioning program producing officers for the United States Army.

While there are many aspects to this program, the learning component is divided into two main areas: practical physical training and classroom military science courses.

On average, members reported that they spend seven to eight hours per week on ROTC-related activities: two to three hours in a formal classroom, three hours of physical training, and a two-

hour training session in Forest Park.

But the time commitment is actually more demanding once less-frequent activities like lab work, weekendlong training exercises, and monthly fitness tests are taken into account.

When cadets engage in training exercises, such as the one attended by Student Life at Weldon Springs, the Army’s goal is to simulate what it would be like on a real mission. Cadets wear their full army gear and carry real guns (with blank bullets), along with a 35-pound gear pack.

Part of this training is to test the cadets with unexpected or variable situations.

“So basically…they’ll insert folks to throw a monkey wrench into the process,” said Major Travis Grigg, who teaches military science for ROTC at the University. “The point of the exercise is to see if your cadet in charge of that patrol at the time deals with that distraction properly and continues his or her mission or lets the situation

overcome him or her and not do it.”

Grigg offered an example of a time when cadets did not do what they should.

“We had a supply sergeant from one of the schools playing a role…He started an argument about how he stole my van…and the cadets didn’t really take charge of the situation, and he had grenade simulators in his pockets and while all these cadets were standing around, he just threw these grenade simulators down, and he said ‘All you guys are dead,’” said Grigg. “So that’s the kind of thing that could happen. You could have someone like a suicide bomber, somebody strapped and has explosives on, and that patrol leader doesn’t get that person away from his or her patrol, they could have something on them and hurt them.”

A cause for frustration amongst members of ROTC is that, for the most part, the University does not grant credit for any of the 22 credit hours cadets will take over

See UNIFORM, page 2

Cdt. Mack secures a perimeter during an ROTC training exercise in Weldon Springs on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006.

Behind enemy lines: A reporter’s notebook

By Erin Fults Special Features Editor Our patrol started out across the windswept field with a bleak sky above us and took to the road for the first mission. I was wearing a camouflage jacket so kindly lent to me on account of the frigid temperatures.

The cadets moved in a staggered formation with their weapons (containing blank ammunition) pointing outwards, heads always swiveling, always alert.

Even though we were just 45 minutes away from campus, it felt like this was actually enemy territory in far off “Caquetia” (the name of the

imaginary country where we were stationed).

Caquetia, a country full of dangerous terrorists, is different from past training grounds; Assistant Professor of Military Science, Major Travis Grigg, recalled his being shaped by the Cold War. “It’s a different scenario now; we’re fighting a different enemy,” said Grigg.

Caquetia is also near a toxic waste site and on the grounds of an old World War II dynamite production facility.

“They say there is still some [dynamite] buried in the ground and they forgot where it was,” said Grigg.

“It’s always a good feeling.”

The main aim of the training program is to give ROTC cadets experience in leadership positions in a combat simulated situation.

As a senior, Joel Groves of Wash. U. travels with the patrol to evaluate its decisions and actions.

“Everybody needs to take on the pressure of being in charge,” said Groves.

The training consists of three missions with different objectives and challenges (“variables”) thrown in to test on-the-spot decision making skills of leaders.

“It’s all a learning pro-

See NOTEBOOK, page 4

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

ROTC cadets fall in at 6:30 a.m. in the snowy cold at North Campus to begin their daylong training exercises.

For more ROTC photos, see page 3

2 STUDENT LIFE | NEWS

Senior News Editors / Kristin McGrath and Liz Neukirch / news@studlife.com

STUDENT LIFE

UNIFORM v FROM PAGE 1

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four years in ROTC. The exception to this is the School of Engineering, which grants six credit hours at graduation for those who participated in the program.

“Most public schools give credit…most of the private schools do not,” said Lieutenant Colonel Tom Wilson, who teaches military science. “The folks that we talked to over at Princeton or Johns Hopkins, they do not. It just depends on the school. Each university has their own policy for it.”

Wilson explained that balancing ROTC with the workload at the University is difficult, but cadets have support for this.

“When you get admitted to Washington University, you’re a pretty high caliber student to begin with, so you’re used to balancing a pretty severe workload in some cases,” said Wilson. “If they can’t stay in school, if they can’t graduate, they’re no good to me either.

I want them to stay in school

News: (314) 935-5995 Advertising: (314) 935-6713 Fax: (314) 935-5938 email: editor@studlife.com www.studlife.com Copyright 2006 Editor in Chief: Margaret Bauer Associate Editor: Liz Neukirch Managing Editor: David Tabor Senior News Editors: Kristin McGrath, Liz Neukirch Senior Forum Editor: Molly Antos Senior Cadenza Editor: Laura Vilines Senior Scene Editor: Sarah Baicker Senior Sports Editor: Justin Davidson Senior Photo Editor: David Brody News Editors: Mandy Silver, Caroline Wekselbaum Forum Editors: Daniel Milstein, Jeff Stepp, Matt Shapiro, Joshua Trein Cadenza Editors: Adam Summerville, Jordan Deam, Robbie Gross Scene Editors: Sarah Klein, Erin Fults Sports Editor:Joe Ciolli Photo Editors: David Hartstein, Pam Buzzetta, Meghan Luecke Online Editor: Dan Daranciang Design Chief: Laura McLean Copy Editors: Allie McKay, Nina Perlman, Kelly Donahue, Erin Fults, Rebecca Emshwiller, hannah draper, Julian Beattie, Mallory Wilder, Paige Creo Designers: Ellen Lo, Anna Dinndorf, Jamie Reed, Andy Gavinski, Elizabeth Kaufman, Kate Ehrlich

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Over the course of the week, Lock and Chain will contribute a series of small articles to commemorate George Washington Week.

What better way to begin than by learning a little more about the man after whom our University is named? We all know that George Washington was commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, the first president of the U.S., president of the First Continental Congress which drafted our constitution, and is often regarded as one of the greatest presidents. He is known for his personal qualities, including his modesty and his controlled ambition. He never took more power than necessary, although he had many opportunities. These are some of the qualities that the founders of Wash. U. took in mind when naming our University. There are some other bits of information, however, that may not be as well-known. For one,

Lock and Chain Honorary

If you wish to report an error or request a clarification, e-mail editor@studlife.com.

“The advantage of taking ROTC is that you don’t need to pay for school,” said Tucker. “So there’s people who are at Wash. U. who wouldn’t be at Wash. U. otherwise. I wouldn’t be at Wash. U.…There’s something admirable about spending four years serving my country, potentially risking my life for this country, to pay for my school.”

According to Tucker, members of ROTC tend to be more politically diverse than people might think.

“There’s supporters of Bush, non-supporters of Bush.

There’s really everyone in the military,” said Tucker. “Statistically, people come to the military just for the money.”

After college, members of ROTC might go on active duty, but this is not necessarily the case. Some might further their education by going to law school or medical school, for example, and then becoming military lawyers or doctors.

Because the cadets’ motivations for joining the army are different, Tucker said that this oftentimes determines what they do afterwards.

“It kind of stratifies people,” said Tucker. “You’ve got the people who are really excited about it. They’re gungho. ‘I want to go over there and do something right for my country.’ You’ve got some people who are kind of middle of the road. ‘I really don’t want to, but if I have to, I will.’

And then you’ve got other people who are like, ‘I really don’t want to go, but it’ll happen.’”

When asked if the army prevented Tucker from discussing certain subjects with Student Life, he answered that he could speak about nearly everything.

“I don’t really think so,” said Tucker. “Like, you shouldn’t jeopardize a mission, you probably shouldn’t come against the military too hard as a cohesive unit.”

— For George Washington Week —

By Candice Fletcher

If you’d like to place an ad, please contact the Advertising Department at (314) 935-6713.

got an internship, it’s nuts,” said senior James Tucker.

Occasionally, the balance between ROTC and other commitments becomes too much for some students.

“We’ve had some cadets that just say, ‘Look, I can’t do this now,’” said Wilson. “For instance, we had one young lady last semester who came in and said, ‘I wanna do this, I really like it, I wanna be in the Army, but I can’t balance the workload right now.’ She was trying to work at a job plus go to college plus all this other stuff going on in her life and she felt it was just too much…

She’s still in school, but she could not continue in ROTC because of the demands of the time.”

One of the draws to ROTC is that it offers a four-year scholarship to college. Cadets saw this as particularly advantageous, especially since, for many, private universities would be unaffordable without it.

WU history lesson

General Manager: Andrew O’Dell Advertising Manager: Sara Judd

Student Life is a publication of WUSMI and does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the Washington University administration, faculty or students. All Student Life articles, photos and graphics are the property of WUSMI and may not be reproduced or published without the express written consent of the General Manager. Pictures and graphics printed in Student Life are available for purchase; e-mail editor@ studlife.com for more information. Student Life reserves the right to edit all submissions for style, grammar, length and accuracy. The intent of submissions will not be altered. Student Life reserves the right not to publish all submissions.

and graduate, so we sit down with each cadet on a semester-by-semester basis and we counsel them…It is tough, and some of the other universities that do give academic credit for it, it’s probably a little bit easier.”

Cadets had mixed reactions to the difficulties in balancing ROTC and their other commitments.

“It’s actually not too bad at all,” said freshman Brian Jones. “It’s more hands-on training instead of the books and the writing papers…[in] other classes. So actually for me personally, it’s kind of a nice break…You get to come out and really delve into something and learn a lot. You’re just out there experiencing, so it’s really neat.”

But some cadets fi nd it difficult to maintain the balance between ROTC and their other activities.

“Outside of school, I manage a business, I have a house, and I’m taking a full load, I’ve

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

GW never wore a powdered wig; instead, he simply powdered his own hair. Also, it is a commonly held myth that George Washington did not have wooden teeth, but rather teeth made of lead or from animals including elk, hippopotamus, and human.

Later this week: anticipate two more parts to this article about the beginnings of our school, as well as the history of athletics here.

To find out more about George Washington, one can also stop by the following events: Monday: “George cut down the cherry tree.” Free cherry pie from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Mallinckrodt Tuesday: “George’s face.” Free quarters from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wednesday: “Happy Birthday, George.” Showing of “The Patriot,” birthday cake at Ursa’s, 7 p.m.

Thursday: “George’s fake teeth.”

Free whitening gum, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Friday: “You and George.” Photos with George from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cadets Jones, Pyatt and Schleider rest during a post-mission evaluation session.

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

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For more information please call the Army ROTC Department at 314-935-5521, 5537 or 5546.

You may also visit our web-site at rotc.wustl.edu

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

Senior News Editors / Kristin McGrath and Liz Neukirch / news@studlife.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

STUDENT LIFE | NEWS

3

The ROTC experience

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

ROTC cadets scramble to rescue a downed pilot while receiving fire from an entrenched sniper during a training exercise.

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

Cdt. Buckingham of Lindenwood University patrols a road during an ROTC training exercise.

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

Cdt. Hurst bandages Cdt. Walerstein’s neck after Walerstein was “wounded” by a simulated Improvised Explosive Device.

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

Upper-level cadets like senior Emily Nuse observed and evaluated the training exercises, which were conducted by first- and second-year ROTC cadets.

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4 STUDENT LIFE | NEWS

Senior News Editors / Kristin McGrath and Liz Neukirch / news@studlife.com

mutations in Rad9 can set the stage for the genomic instability necessary for the development of cancer.

CAMPUS

(MAP) science test from 30 area schools, which evaluates students’ knowledge of matter and energy, force and motion, living organisms, ecology, earth processes, the universe, and the scientific method. While 49 percent of third graders were found to be proficient in science, that percent dropped to 6.6 percent for 10th graders.

dental shootings that anti-gun advocates predicted have occurred. The number of people who might apply for the concealed-carry permits was also overestimated. Missouri law enforcement expected 60,000 permits to be issued during the law’s fi rst year. So far, however, 23,000 background checks necessary for the permits have been processed.

Two years since the Legislature “concealed-carry” law that allowed those with the proper permits to carry concealed weapons, gun violence has not gone up or down in Missouri.

While crime rates have not decreased like pro-gun advocates hoped, none of the acci-

Children shut out of No Child Left Behind’s promise Low-income families are not receiving one of the ben-

MRE is complete with snacks such as raisins, bread, peanut butter and even a cinnamon scone for dessert, as well as matches and rolling paper for cigarettes.

During the break, I had the chance to talk to some of the cadets about their reasons for being in ROTC and their plans for the future.

commitments,” he said, “but overall it’s well worth it. I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to Wash. U. if not for the scholarships.”

Being involved in Wash. U. ROTC also allows for a blend of college and army life.

“At a military school like West Point you live the army lifestyle,” said Tramposh.

WU researchers identify potential LOCAL new way to fight St. Louis students cancer lack understanding Washington University re- of science, study Concealed gun law searchers have discovered a NATIONAL has little effect possible way to make radiation says treatments more effective. By inactivating Rad9, a protein that repairs breaks in the DNA double helix, oncologists would increase the effects of radiation treatments, making them more deadly against cancer cells. In addition, Rad9 might help researchers identify people with a predisposition to cancer, as

Students from local middle and high schools lack proficiency in science, according to a study by the Center for Inquiry in Science Teaching and Learning (CISTL) at Washington University. The study analyzed results from the Missouri Assessment Program

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

efits promised in the 2002 No Child Left Behind law.

Although all children who are struggling academically while attending schools receiving federal poverty aid are eligible for a tutor of the parents’ choice, only 11 percent of those children received tutoring in 2004, according to the Education Department. According to civil rights activists and private tutoring companies, the schools are to blame, as unclear publicity, registration sessions during work hours, and school board members who do not give tutors enough time in the schools to communicate with teachers are factors that have been making it difficult for students to get the help they need.

Fraternity learns its manners Nationwide, 256 chapters of Sigma Phi Epsilon have adopted the Balanced Man Program, a four-year fraternity program designed to refine brothers’ behavior through etiquette dinners, alcohol safety education, and the elimination of hazing.

To help promote this philosophy of healthy living, the program has eliminated the pledge system and requires events free of both alcohol and profanity. Some have criticized the program for eliminating beneficial aspects of fraternity life, but others point to improvements such as raised GPAs and increased membership.

Other fraternities have adoped similar programs, such as Beta Theta Pi’s Men of Principle.

NOTEBOOK v FROM PAGE 1 cess,” said Professor of Military Science, Lieutenant Colonel Tom Wilson, “and that’s why we’re out here—to learn.”

The woods were silent except for the tread of our feet on the gravel and leaves, the occasional sound of gunshots in the distance or the drone of an airplane overhead. It was cold, with an occasional flurry of snow, but some cadets reported training in worse conditions, such as sleet and rain.

Every now and then, the squad would halt and take up positions along the roadside for surveillance. At one halt, hurried instructions were passed back, and it turned out that we had stumbled upon an improvised explosive device (IED). The cadets had set up a perimeter and messages were being sent to headquarters when a loud explosion ripped through the quiet winter air as the IED exploded unexpectedly.

Shouts filled the air, “Aid and litter! Aid and litter!” and first aid was immediately administered to the “casualties.” Casualties were denoted with a card detailing their injuries, and imaginary wounds were quickly bandaged. One of our casualties required a medical evacuation, and a van emerged from the woods to load the victim on a stretcher and take him away, though he returned to the group as a “replacement” down the road.

With one variable cleared, the decision was made to move out and complete the mission.

“For a leader, there is never a lull. You always have to be thinking about what could happen,” said Grigg, “and sometimes you have to take risks.”

We eventually came to a clearing, which Major Grigg informed me was considered a linear danger area, as our squad would be exposed. A whistle above us, indicating incoming artillery fire, suggested that we had overstayed our welcome, and the squad pulled back behind the wood line to stay concealed.

We continued to our ambush point denoted on the map. Lying belly down

amidst the trees, we silently awaited our targets. Moments later, three black-clad, armed men ambled up the road. Shots punctuated the silence, smoke filled the air and, at the end of the skirmish, three “bodies” lay in the road. Each one was carefully searched for identification, weapons and intel such as maps or communiqués.

“One thing to do to check if they are dead is kick them in the groin,” said senior and evaluator Emily Nuse, “but we’re obviously not going to do that here.”

To confirm that a body has been thoroughly checked, the subject is placed on its back, legs crossed, and arms crossed over the chest. Usually boots are taken off and jackets unzipped.

“This is serious because in Iraq they booby trap bodies a lot,” said Nuse.

Upon clearing the roads, an After Action Review concluded the mission. The mission was briefly evaluated, and the tactics, decisions and variables were discussed as a group.

On our way back into the trees, we came across one of our men tied to a tree and blindfolded; it was Cadet Pillarick, who had been stationed alone as security, in violation of the buddy system, and been taken by the enemy.

“We left one man behind,” said Pillarick. “It’s a hard lesson, but you always have to have a buddy.”

“When you come and see a guy tied to a tree, you learn your lesson,” added Grigg.

“This is the time to make mistakes and learn from them.”

After moving further into the woods, we stopped to organize the next mission.

Here, I was able to enjoy a Meal Ready to Eat (MRE).

There is definitely an attempt to provide diversity, and I had my pick of meals ranging from spaghetti to chicken fajitas to veggie burgers.

Each MRE comes with a cooking bag. Just insert the main course bag into the heating bag, add water and let the chemical reaction prepare a warm dinner. Along with the main course, the

removing the sniper threat and witnessing an Oscarworthy performance by injured pilot Kevin Blanchard, we cleared out and continued our mission.

Great emphasis is put on decision making and leadership skills and this exercise was more about leadership building than basic military

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

Cdt. Branson of Lindenwood University brings up the rear as the ROTC cadets march towards their first objective.

Nuse is planning on going to medical school after graduation and serving as a doctor in the army after residency.

“People assume that if you are in the military you are conservative,” said Nuse, “but people at Wash. U. are doing it for so many different reasons. ROTC is a good deal and I don’t think a lot of students know about it.

Wash. U. offers great scholarships.”

Senior Ben Tramposh (editor of the Washington University Political Review) plans on taking a similar “education delay” to attend law school and then serve on the Judge Advocate General Corps (JAG).

“It’s easy to complain, and it’s a big balancing of time

“But here we live the college life with the army on the side.”

After packing the MRE leftovers into our rucks, we set out under the guidance of our newly assigned squad leaders to complete our next mission—a raid on a sheik camp.

All was relatively quiet until we noticed a plume of smoke in the distance and arrived at the scene to find a downed helicopter pilot, appropriately fitted with fake wounds and a singed plastic hand.

One of our leaders was killed by the unexpected firing of a nearby sniper while trying to administer first aid. Another important lesson learned—clear the area before providing aid. After

training. In the heat of a combat situation, decisions have to made and acted upon—and quickly.

“It’s better to make a wrong decision that is acted upon than no decision,” said Grigg.

After some confusion about our location, we breached a nearby hill to find a camp of sheiks, decked out in robes and headdresses, in the clearing. It was surreal to see this convention of apparent foreigners in the middle of Missouri, but we were stationed in Caquetia, after all.

Teams were pulled back to set up our objective rally point and to plan the raid from within the concealment of the woods. Orders were distributed and teams

set up a perimeter around the enemy.

Shots were fired and returned, but the enemy was soon overtaken, searched and taken as prisoners. Excitement, shouts and smoke filled the air, and the mission was followed by another After Action Review.

For the last mission, we were removed from our embedded position within the squad to become the next variable. As the token journalists, photographer David Brody and I were instructed to turn on our media charm and to try and pry information from the squad. This would provide cadets with necessary practice in dealing with the media.

We were driven down the gravel road and dropped off, to await the arrival of the squad we had just left. After the squad “stumbled” upon us, we approached the unit, asking questions and taking pictures, despite orders to remain still. Our questions were met either with silence from the cadets or comments about orders not to reveal information from the squad leaders.

Here our stint as embedded reporters ended, and we left the Battalion to finish out their exercise with reviews and weapon cleaning.

The day was an eventful and informative one, infused with enthusiasm from the cadets for the day’s training and their involvement in ROTC as a whole.

Many of the cadets expressed concerns about the Wash. U. student body’s general lack of awareness concerning ROTC and what they do, and they encourage students to learn more and become better acquainted with the program and the students.

These fine men and women, involved in their studies, extracurriculars and social lives, still make the time to commit to their physical and classroom military training. After a day embedded with the ROTC in Caquetia, I gained a better understanding of what these students do and met so many amazing individuals, who put a face to the ROTC program.

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MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

STUDENT LIFE | SPORTS

5

SPORTS Baseball and softball teams showing promise, eyeing NCAA championships spect for the game, coupled with her ability to communicate and connect with the student-athlete, make her a player’s coach.”

The weather hasn’t Before coming to the Unichanged very much in the versity, Pineda-Boutté had past few months, but to anyexperience as being an assisone who looks out on the tant coach at Purdue UniverWashington University playsity and Creighton Univering fields there is one undesity, as well as interim head niable truth: spring sports coach at the University of season is nearly upon us.

Colorado-Colorado Springs.

With the baseball team kickAs a player, she excelled, being off its season next Saturcoming one of the best playday, spring teams are comers in University of Arizona ing in this season with high history. Pineda-Boutté stands expectations that should as one of the most prolific make for a very competitive players in the history of and exciting season.

University of Arizona softAll five spring teams will ball. She is the only Division be ranked nationally once I athlete to be named firstthe season gets underway. team All-America at three Women’s tennis is ranked different positions—catcher 15th and men’s tennis is (1996), third base (1997) and close behind at No. 17, while first base (1998). She helped the baseball squad edges guide her teams to the Colinto the national poll at No. lege World Series each of her 30. Even though the softball four years, winning the naand track and field teams tional championship in 1996 aren’t ranked yet, with their successful seasons last year, and 1997, while winning Pacthey will surely be up there 10 Conference titles in 1995, in the rankings once the 1996 and 1997. polls are announced.

In addition to the new Now, a look at each team, leadership, a number of newsport by sport. comers look forward to joining the championship caliSoftball: ber team. Freshmen Lindsay The Lady Bear softball Cavarra (catcher), Susan squad had one of the most Gray (pitcher), Katie Jones successful single seasons in (infielder/utility) and Kerry Division III history last year, Kreitman (infielder) join volas the team finished the regleyball standout junior Whitular season with a near-perney Smith (infielder) as the fect 45-1 record (8-0 UA A). new faces to the squad. They Their one loss came in a hope to play a supporting lowly day on March 20 as the role for the team, who lost several key members from last year’s squad due to graduation. In particular, spots left by pitcher Victoria Ramsey, the University’s winningest pitcher in the program’s history, and slugger first baseman Liz Swary will be tough voids to fill.

Nevertheless, the team has a number of solid returnees who plan to step up this season with the hope of bringing home a national championship. Six seniors, Tierney Bryce, Monica Hanono, Dionna Little, Amanda Roberts, Stephanie Sheppard and Kat Witherspoon, will captain the team, aiming to provide veteran leadership and experience to the younger players.

Two big returnees are juniors Jamie Kressel and Laurel Sagartz. KresSTUDENT LIFE ARCHIVES sel, the hard-hitJunior Laurel Sagartz posted a 24-3 season record last year while striking out a ting third baseman, team-high 183 batters in 164.0 innings pitched. The softball team went 47-3 last broke the school reseason before falling to the eventual national champions, St. Thomas University, in cord in home runs and RBIs last season the Midwest Regionals.

By Justin Davidson Senior Sports Editor

team fell to Augustana College in a close 5-4 battle. The team was nearly unstoppable throughout the season, owning the No. 1 ranking in Division III for the majority of the season. They went into the NCA A Midwest Regional with high hopes and the No. 1 ranking, but hit two speed bumps against the eventual National Champs, St. Thomas University, suffering losses of 7-0 and 9-0 to the overpowering squad.

Though the end of the season was disappointing, the team looks to the future to avenge their loss.

The team has some new colors and new faces that will try to give the Bears a little extra something that can take them to the Promised Land this year. First, at the helm of the team is new head coach Leticia PinedaBoutté (Leh-tee-cee-uh PihNAY-dah Boo-TAY), replacing ex-coach Cindy Zelinksy, who resigned in June.

“We are pleased that Leticia will be joining the Bears athletic staff as the head women’s softball coach,” said Athletic Director John Schael. “Coach Pineda-Boutté has excellent coaching credentials and player experiences. She brings a successful coaching background, is familiar with the needs of the student-athlete and is experienced in the organization, management and direction of successful programs.

Her understanding and re-

STUDENT LIFE ARCHIVES

Senior captain Alan Germano will try to lead the No. 30-ranked baseball team to another NCAA berth this season. Germano hit .326 for the Bears last season with three homers and 30 RBIs. with 11 and 34, respectively, while hitting .304 and being named to the UA A All-Academic Team. In addition, she won a gold medal at the 17th Annual Maccabiah Games in Israel this past summer.

Sagartz, arguably one of the most successful pitchers in University history, led the Bears to a University record 24-3 showing last season, posting a perfect game in an 8-0 win over Rose Hulman Institute on April 7. She also struck out a school-record 183 batters in 164.0 innings pitched, while also batting .346 with two home runs and 38 RBIs behind the plate.

The All-American will bring her best stuff to the mound this season as she hopes to improve on her record and losing performance against St. Thomas in Regionals last spring.

Baseball: The No. 30 baseball squad is coming off an extremely successful season from last year, as the team posted a school-best 32-10 record in the regular season, good for the most wins in school history. Their 5-1 showing in UA A play and win at the UA A Championships gave them their first UA A title since 2003. Despite being ousted in the third game of the NCA A Midwest Regionals last year, this year’s team looks promising. The squad lost few members to graduation and now has a core group who has tasted victory together and hopes to keep the trend going.

Senior Ryan Corning (infield), senior Alan Germano (catcher) and junior Andy Shields (pitcher/outfield)— leaders of the team for the past two seasons—will cap-

tain the squad this year, joined by other veterans and a group of new faces. Corning enters his senior season ranked second in University history with a .385 career batting average, ninth in home runs (13) and 11th in doubles (30). Last season he hit .346 while knocking in 24 RBIs and stealing 14 bases.

Shields enters his junior season ranked seventh in career batting average (.358) and hit a career-best .362 with eight home runs and 33 RBIs last season while leading the team in walks (26) and coming in third in runs scored (43) and doubles (12).

In eight games started on the mound, he threw three complete games en route to a 4-0 season record in 48.1 innings pitched, as well as striking out an even 50 batters. His stellar play earned him a first-team all-UA A and third-team all-Central Region selection, while also earning UA A Most Valuable Player honors.

In addition, key contributors will be returning to the squad. In particular, senior slugging first baseman Bryan Brown will come to the plate this year to try to outdo his solid first season with the Bears last season, in which he hit .350 with 11 doubles and 43 RBI in 41 games played. He was named to the NCA A All-Regional Team, hitting a teambest .538 at NCA A Midwest Regionals. He was tied for the team lead with 26 walks while having 14 multiple hit games and 12 multiple RBI games for the Bears.

Junior ace Brent Buffa will return to the mound for the Bears after tallying up teambest honors last season.

He posted a team-best 10-

2 mark on the mound with a 1.86 earned run average, which were good for eighth and 38th, respectively, in Division III rankings. His efforts, which included leading the team in complete games (four), innings pitched (67.2), strikeouts (51) and wins (10), earned him a spot on the first-team all-Central.

Lastly, third base standout senior Sam Hahn returns to the helm to try to lead the team further in the NCA As. Hahn led the team in 2005 with a .389 batting average, while also adding 26 RBIs, 19 walks and five steals to the effort. He held a 12-game hitting streak at one point through the season, showing his consistent playing ability. Classmate Jim Haley also had a stellar 2005 season. Starting all 42 games for the Bears, he was named second-team all-UA A and all-Central Region after hitting .375 with five home runs and 46 RBI on the season, leading the Bears in hits (60), at-bats (160), doubles (14) and stolen bases (17).

The baseball squad kicks off its season next Saturday in a double-header against cross-Wydown rival Fontbonne University at home.

Opening pitch is set for 12 p.m. The softball team starts its 2006 campaign two weeks later on March 10 and 11 in the Rebel Spring Games in Kissimmee, Fla. They will face off against four teams—Manhattanville College, Wittenberg University, William Paterson University and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy—which will stand to be solid warm-ups for the UA A Championships from March 14-18.

Are you an extreme sports enthusiast?

An award-winning video gamer?

A chess champion?

Or something else entirely?

Let us know! We’d love to report on your offbeat sports achievements.

Send us your story at sports@studlife.com.

6 STUDENT LIFE | FORUM

Senior Forum Editor / Molly Antos / forum@studlife.com

FORUM STAFF EDITORIAL

Kudos to the Writing Center A

s the Writing Center celebrated its 10th anniversary last week, members of the Editorial Board expressed skepticism about the Center’s impact upon students’ writing. In the past, many members of the Editorial Board had heard less than complimentary things about the Writing Center, and a few had even gone there in the past for writing help, only to be wholly unimpressed by the aid offered.

While we had these reservations, however, we also didn’t want to unfairly convict the Center. With that in mind, we decided to put them to the test during Writing Center Week: we concocted a far below average essay and brought it into the Writing Center for help.

The skeptics on the Editorial Board were certain that the Center would drop the ball on this one; others were cautiously optimistic.

As it turned out, the Writing Center came through.

The Writing Center tutor who worked on our questionable paper was patient and calm, slowly working through the various parts of the essay that needed work. He made sure to point out the need for a clear thesis, an easy-to-follow

train of thought throughout the essay and the importance of making each section of the assignment relevant. His patience was remarkable, and he was unfazed by the challenge of reworking a poorly written paper; he managed to be helpful without being condescending, which is commendable.

More important, it seemed as though the whole Center was functioning like this; there were three other tutors doing similar work that appeared to be just as helpful, and people frequently came in and out with a variety of assignments that needed work.

The Writing Center seems to be serving an important need on campus by providing a comfortable, welcoming place where students can get the help they need on assignments, whether that help entails minor tweaking or significant revision.

So counter to our initial doubts, the Editorial Board would like to congratulate the Writing Center on its recent milestone, and compliment it on its growth and development as a service to students. It was heartening to find out that this particular University project is providing the caliber of service students expect.

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

Our daily Forum editors: Monday: Jeff Stepp jsstepp@wustl.edu

Wednesday: Daniel Milstein daniel.milstein@wustl.edu

Friday: Joshua Trein jctrein@wustl.edu

To ensure that we have time to fully evaluate your submissions, guest columns should be e-mailed to the next issue’s editor or forwarded to forum@studlife.com by no later than 5 p.m. two days before publication.

Late pieces will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

We welcome your submissions, and thank you for your consideration.

Try some salt with your suicide bomb

N

obody likes being offended. Make a “your mom” joke to the wrong person and you risk getting a punch in the kidney, or worse. Call someone a “bitch” or a “homo,” or any other particular slur you might be able to come up with, and chances are you’ve at least hurt someone’s feelings, if not incited a fight. Politics is another arena where this manifests.

Calling Ann Coulter a “fascist bimbo” or calling John Kerry “a ghost-faced sissy” probably won’t earn you a fancy sitdown dinner. If you’re feeling bold, try entering into the religious arena. Insult someone’s particular beliefs, or even lack thereof, and wait for the explosion.

And if you insult the wrong person of the Islamic faith, don’t wait for the explosion.

Run from it.

The now-infamous Muhammad cartoons, published first in a Danish newspaper, have incited riots across the globe that have injured many, killed some and deepened the divide between the West and the Middle East. Cries of rage fill the air in Pakistani streets, along with burning flags and dummies resembling various Western leaders. Cars and embassies are torched, bombs are thrown and houses are sacked.

Most big American news

at worst. They’re not organizations, protesters, they’re including The New criminals. Not only do York Times, The they give the Islamic Washington Post world a bad name, they and CNN, have give the human race a refrained from bad name. I don’t care publishing the carhow angry you are, but a toons. An article cartoon does not go eyeon CNN.com lists Jeff Stepp for-an-eye with a Molotov this disclaimer: cocktail.

“CNN is not showIt is exactly this eye-for-aning the negative caricatures of eye idea that defeats these prothe likeness of the Prophet Mutesters’ legitimacy. An Iranian hammad because the network paper is hosting a Holocaust believes its role is to cover the cartoon contest, where I’m sure events surrounding the pubthe desired outcome is not a lication of the cartoons while politically insightful picture not unnecessarily adding fuel but instead a gross distorto the controversy itself.” tion of a human tragedy. Why This disclaimer, along should we give credibility to with similar ones from the people that incite such hatred? aforementioned media, is In the United States, we B.S.—baloney sausage. It’s cowardice. These media outlets have freedom of speech, which includes the freedom are corporations through and to offend. And offend we do. through. They aren’t desperately clinging to journalistic Remember the “Piss Christ” principles—no, they are afraid photograph? If you don’t, it’s of offending a dangerous a 1989 photograph by Andres constituency. They don’t want Serrano depicting a crucifix to be blown up. of Jesus submerged in a jar of And neither would I. But the artist’s urine. And while not printing the cartoons for this may have made Christians this reason only validates the across the word very angry, insanity of the violent protestthey did not resort to hateful ers. violence. Those who did were Let me put into words what punished. so many people seem unable And, yet, somehow, we’re to say: the people violentstill able to laugh at ourselves. ly—yes, violently—protesting Why? Because while offensive the cartoons of Muhammad material doesn’t make us are shameful at least, insane happy, we accept it as part

of our society. We agree that there are limits on acceptability, including the time, place and method of presentation of such material, but we don’t deny it outright, and we certainly don’t encourage the killing of those who present it.

Maybe we should start exporting sodium chloride to radical Islamists; because Lord knows (is that offensive?) they should take themselves and their bombs with a grain of salt.

If you’ve ever talked to me or read my columns, you know I’m not a neo-conservative. Not even close. I offend myself a little by even thinking like one with this column. But offend I must, because rationality must prevail over politics. If we defend the protesters, or if we, like the media, are afraid of them, we must tuck our tails and hide our hides. We should not be a culture that tolerates lies.

“The world is his who can see through its pretension.

What deafness, what stoneblind custom, what overgrown error you behold is there only by sufferance—by your sufferance. See it to be a lie, and you have already dealt it its mortal blow.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson Jeff is a senior in Arts & Sciences and a Forum editor. He can be reached via e-mail at forum@studlife.com.

Violence and cartoons Iran bomb ads off target

T

his past week, violence continued to erupt over cartoons depicting Muhammad, the main prophet of Islam, that were published in a Danish newspaper, from Pakistan to Turkey to Nigeria.

The scope of this controversy has reached new heights, and it remains to be seen how many more countries it Matt Shapiro will affect and how much longer it will go on. But all I can think as I read story after story, each detailing how a new riot broke out ostensibly over the 12 or so drawings, is that this has to be about more than cartoons. In fact, I would even say that this whole controversy doesn’t have anything to do with freedom of the press at all, but instead presents a warning for how international relations might function in the 21st century.

The initial reason for these riots was that Islamic law prohibits any and all depictions of Muhammad, but as the story has gone on, many have recognized that there have been many depictions of Muhammad before that haven’t incited nearly this large of a protest. The protests more likely have to do with the context and message of the cartoons, many of which suggest a connection between Islam and violence, such as the cartoon depicting Muhammad wearing a lit bomb, instead of a turban, on his head. What’s ironic is that by rioting, many Muslims are confirming the stereotypes put forth in the cartoons. The fact that people have died because of these riots can only perpetuate the uneducated stereotypes that Muslims are inherently violent and illogical.

The truth is, this does stand out relative to how another group might react when an offensive cartoon is published. For example, a few years ago, the Chicago Tribune (my hometown paper) prominently featured a cartoon depicting a caricature of Ariel Sharon, complete with an overly hooked nose, salivating over a pile of money offered to him by President Bush, clearly drawing on past stereotypes of Jews. But after this offensive cartoon was published, there were no riots or deaths; protests were filed, an apology was printed and that was the end of it. I’m not trying to say that the Jews handled it well, while the Muslims are handling it badly; these recent cartoons were published with the intention of being provocative, and Muhammad is clearly more central to Islam than Sharon is to Judaism. But with the freedom of the press, controversial items are published all the time, and the majority of these incidents are handled easily, without international rioting or deaths.

Ever since it began, this whole controversy has seemed a little off to me. First of all, the offending cartoons were initially published in September; I could maybe understand if a week or two passed before the controversy broke out, but five months seems like a pretty long time for people to think about protesting.

Furthermore, many images of Muhammad have been published before and not set off nearly as big a reaction. Even with the disrespectful context of these drawings, the fury with which the riots have occurred has to be about more than just the cartoons. Then again, the fury in the Islamic world is not too difficult to understand; I would imagine that it must be infuriating to consistently feel subjugated and mocked

by the countries who seem to be making all the decisions in the world, and these feelings of helplessness and frustration probably have more to do with the violence than the alleged actual cause. The snowball effect is doubtlessly important as well, where 10 people start rioting, then another 10 join them and so on, until the riot has moved from peaceful to out of control.

But there also continues to be a lack of leadership in the Muslim world, at least on a moderate, international level. Just as no well-known and respected Muslim leader spoke out against the attacks of 9/11 or took a stance against the suicide bombings in Israel carried out in Islam’s name, the rioting over cartoons continues without any calls for moderation.

The only real solution is some sort of international, cross-cultural dialogue, in which both sides will need to open their minds to understanding the other’s perspective.

The fact that people have died because of cartoons published in a newspaper is absurd, and as the riots continue, others will only continue to get hurt. Until some sort of larger talks occur, however, current stereotypes will only continue and sadly, the stereotypes of the violent, irrational Muslim and the ignorant, arrogant Westerner are quickly becoming entrenched in minds across the world. This should serve as a cautionary tale for the 21st century; as things are now, we are setting ourselves up for a clash of civilizations between the Western world and the Muslim world, when what we should be doing is working together to bridge the growing gap between us.

Matt is a senior in Arts & Sciences and a Forum editor. He can be reached via e-mail at forum@ studlife.com.

By Rashied Amini Op-ed Submission

O

ver the past few days, fl iers about Iran have sprouted up around campus.

The ubiquitous “Have you read the news about Iran today?” fl iers are accompanied by a fl ier with a short news snippet followed by “Know The Facts.

Stop the Bomb.” While it is encouraging to see campus activism, it is a shame to see it so misguided—so visibly flawed that it ought to be an embarrassment to whomever posts the fl iers.

While a description of Iran’s nuclear program could occupy pages, a brief description of its history would provide readers at least reasonable context to make accurate decisions regarding the current crisis. In the 1970s, during the reign of the West-friendly Shah, German contractors began work on the Buhsher nuclear reactor in the south of Iran. Following the Iranian Revolution, work was suspended until the late 1980s, when Iran increased work on their nuclear program—its details unbeknownst to the world. By the late 1990s, Iran had worked on a deal for the completion of the reactor at Buhsher. They were, however, working on sensitive nuclear enrichment, which could lead to either the creation of nuclear fuel for reactors or, if pursued, a nuclear weapon. This research was exposed by an Iranian exile group. Subsequently, the IAEA began investigating the Iranian program. Iran allowed unprecedented inspections of nuclear facilities by the IAEA. In fact, even now, all centrifuges, which are required for uranium enrichment,

are videotaped by the IAEA. Escalating tensions between the Europeans and Iran, who claims enrichment as a right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, have led to referral to the UN Security Council.

Concurrently, there is a deal being negotiated for Russian enrichment of uranium.

The fl iers all contain excerpts from articles about various aspects of the nuclear program. While all these articles are from reputable sources, the excerpts misconstrue the news to represent Iran as a prototypical boogeyman. In the fl ier about a purchase of SAMs from Russia they quote the Times of India, “Worth an estimated $700 million, the deal for up to 30 Tor M-1 surface-to-air missiles is the largest since…” leaving an ambiguous ellipsis at the end.

They omit the article’s vital statements about the Russian government, which endorses the sale as harmless to the international community. This pales in comparison to the fact that SAMs are defensive weapons. Who could blame Iran if they protect their nuclear program, a pricey investment, from foreign attack?

A logical extension of their argument would accuse the United States of having ulterior motives in defending our nuclear facilities, let alone airspace. Additionally, every nation ought to protect their nuclear sites, as a strike on a nuclear facility would not only damage structures but possibly result in nuclear fallout.

Other fl iers are no better in representing reality; instead, they forego the truth to adopt something akin to Fox News’ rhetoric.

Next, why Iran? There are many other nations in the world who possess nuclear

weapons. Nations such as India and Pakistan have endured a dangerous cold war for years. Additionally, Russia is creating missiles that are designed to dodge a ballistic missile shield. The United States itself is considering creating small nukes for use in taking out buried complexes— not unlike the centrifuge complex in Natanz, Iran. Would the fl ier makers like to see the Iranian program stopped by tactical nuclear strike? Would they descend to such hypocrisy? Further, Israel is just as likely to use nuclear weapons if Iran were to, “go nuclear.”

Inversely, Iran has still claimed they are holding true to the NPT. Back in the 1980s, Ayatollah Khomeini pronounced a fatwa claiming nuclear weapons as immoral.

Considering madman Ahmandinjad is not in control of the military, but rather the theocracy, it’s highly unlikely that they would contradict the opinion of Khomeini, who is revered among the leaders at Qom. The most infuriating tactic used by the fl iers’ creators is their anonymity. Do they lack the confidence to put their group on such fl iers? Do they themselves “Know The Facts,” or do they actually believe in some sort of non-contextual reality? Right now, they are just cowering behind a cover of half-truths and self-deception. I trust students are bright enough to know the facts and stop the bomb—not just an Iranian bomb, but all nuclear bombs, without reference to nationality.

Rashied is a sophomore in the School of Engineering. He can be reached via e-mail at drstrangeluv@gmail.com.

YOUR VOICE: LETTERS AND GUEST COLUMNS

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OUR WEB POLICY

Student Life welcomes letters to the editor and op-ed submissions from readers.

Editorials are written by the Forum editors and reflect the consensus of the editorial board. The editorial board operates independently of the newsroom.

Once an article has been published on www.studlife.com, our Web site, it will remain there permanently. We do not remove articles from the site, nor do we remove authors’ names from articles already published on the Web, unless an agreement was reached prior to July 1, 2005.

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Senior Scene Editor / Sarah Baicker / scene@studlife.com

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

STUDENT LIFE | SCENE

OUT

PIZZERIA DELLA PIAZZA

STEPPING

By Matt Kauf Kaufman and Ryan Jacobson

The Hill’s Pizzeria Della Piazza is the Shangri-La of the St. Louis pizza scene. But hungry Wash. U. students may just about need a treasure map to get there. The restaurant is a well-kept secret, tucked away about a block from Kingshighway. Once found, though, Pizzeria Della Piazza does not disappoint.

Pizza is a simple food, but at Pizzeria Della Piazza it becomes something special. Just as Rodin worked in marble, dough and sauce are the media for the artists behind this family-owned pizzeria.

The abundant cheese and toppings add to a masterpiece worthy of a culinary Louvre.

The menu at Pizzeria Della Piazza is clear-cut. A few appetizer and pasta options are present, but the focus here is clear. Diners are given a choice of thin crust, pan and stuffed pizzas. On our most recent visit, the group sampled all three crusts.

We began by delving into a thin-crust pie. We were immediately relieved to see that it was not your average St. Louis-style pizza. It was covered with classic mozzarella cheese, as opposed to the provel you might ďŹ nd at your local Imo’s. The crust also departed from St. Louis tradition. Instead of a cracker-like

crust, Pizzeria Della Piazza features a crust with much more texture and taste. The thin crust did possess a nice crunch but also maintained some moisture. In general, we were impressed by the thin crust. It was, however, easily overshadowed by the more substantial pizzas on the menu.

We found the next pizza we sampled, the pan pizza, to be a real treat. Displaced Chicagoans will take special pleasure in this delectable pie. The pan pizza stands about two inches tall and the menu boasts that depending on the size, it is covered with between one and two pounds of cheese. We believed this statistic as soon as we tried dishing out the ďŹ rst piece—gooey, delicious cheese capable of stretching several feet. The sauce, found on top of the crust and cheese on these Chicago-style pies, had a nice, fresh tomato zing.

The crust was tasty as well, but it may have been a bit too bready; that is, it was a bit heavy on the spongy texture.

One could attempt to rectify this problem by ordering the pizza well-done.

The stuffed pizza is another intriguing choice.

This stuffed pizza is not the same thing as the “stuffed

crustâ€? option at pizzeria wannabes like Pizza Hut. Instead, stuffed refers to the toppings and cheese. Take, for instance, the pepperoni pizza we decided to try. We were delighted to ďŹ nd a thick crust, topped by a helping of cheese and pepperoni. This was covered by a thin layer of dough, and then by an additional layer of cheese, followed by a layer of sauce. This massive pie was deďŹ nitely tasty, but also a bit too heavy. A mere piece left us feeling like we required a gastric operation at nearby Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Therefore, we feel that the pan pizza is the best of the bunch. It makes for a substantial meal but will not elevate your BCC to the same unsafe levels (note: BCC stands for blood-cheese content).

The atmosphere at Pizzeria Della Piazza was a fun one. This is a relaxing place to start off a weekend. The dining areas are modestly decorated and the wait staff is helpful but not overbearing. One service feature at Pizzeria Della Piazza that we particularly enjoyed was the unique system for calling over the waiter. On the table stands a plastic sign, with green on one side and red on the other. When something is needed, it can be turned

5100 Daggett Ave. Price Range: $6-10

RYAN JACOBSON | STUDENT LIFE

green side out, and is otherwise kept showing red. This ensured that the waitress visited us when we needed her, while letting us have our conversation, too.

In sum, the mammoth cre-

ations at Pizzeria Della Piazza are well worth the short drive.

The pan pizza especially is a shining star and is really not to be missed by anyone at Wash. U. who feels a hankering for some good pizza.

While you may have a special place in your heart for that favorite pizzeria from back home, surely everyone in St. Louis has a place in his or her stomach for a slice from Pizzeria Della Piazza.

LAFAYETTE v FROM PAGE 8

Inside the circle: Girls’ group analyses of guys probably due almost their thoughts interentirely, if not wholly, nally, why do women to socialization.� feel the need to disThat makes sense cuss what he said at when you realize that the frat party for three these analyses did hours? On a very basic not begin and will level, it comes down not end in college. to a favorite subject at They begin at least Wash. U.—biology. “The research does Laura Alexander as early as the little girls who ask, “Why suggest that women does Jimmy chase me around are better at verbal skills...and the playground trying to kiss this appears to be true across me one day and trying to pull many countries, not just the my hair the next?� And they United States,� said Alan Lamcontinue long past that into the bert, professor of psychology.

Y’s senior water aerobics class This is not very surprising when old women ask, “Why for any of us who have carried does Herbert think that his on conversations with both job after retirement is telling sexes. While many men are me how to run the house? I’ve actually capable of holding a been doing it the same way legitimate conversation, the refor the past 45 years.� Women sponses of others resemble the learn to spend hours of their indistinguishable grunts of the lives asking questions about Neanderthals we learn about in him—whether or not they can Intro to Archaeology. ever answer them.

An article in Cosmopolitan Okay guys, stop reading now from October 2005 reveals if you want to maintain your that “men often suck at talking mental images of girls gigabout their feelings because gling and salivating over your they are less likely than women hot bodies in their Victoria’s to translate their emotion into Secret bras. In reality, many words.â€? But why? While we can times we are sitting around count on Cosmo for 101 hot in baggy sweatpants, with no sex tips, it is not the most relimakeup and hair thrown into able scientiďŹ c source. So let us a messy ponytail as we discuss turn again to Dr. Lambert, who you. We analyze every single added, “My speculative guess is word, like whether you said the that this difference [in talking outďŹ t made us look “hotâ€? or about emotions with others] is

Pizzeria Della Piazza

Matt reaches for another piece of pizza at Pizzeria Della Piazza, where, say the Stepping Out reporters, the pizza is too good to be missed.

Romance 101 It happens in Whispers, behind closed doors of suites and in women’s bathrooms. Entire nights, meals and commercial breaks during “The O.C.� are devoted to it. When you see a group of girls huddling together and cautiously glancing over their shoulders while talking in hushed voices, they’re doing it.

They are analyzing his words, actions and thoughts. They are forming the ultimate judgment circle.

What exactly happens in these dissections of a highly confusing specimen? Guys have their hypotheses. Sophomore engineer Jeff Packer voices the common assumption that girls “have pillow ďŹ ghts in their lingerie and talk about penis size.â€? Hmm...not quite.

Sophomore Aryan Weisenfeld is slightly more on target with his guess that the conclusion girls come to during these analyses is “that 75 percent of guys are bad.â€? Actually I think the exact number is 82.3 percent...just kidding. Guys, I’m sorry, but the time has ďŹ nally come to ruin your panty party fantasies and reveal why women must discuss and what really happens in the small circles of snickering girls that go silent when you breach the perimeter.

Why do women do it? While most men are able to process

7

“cute� and every single action you take, like what your smile looked like as you waved across Mallinckrodt. We are not obsessive psychos; we’re just trying to understand you.

People say you learn everything you need to know in kindergarten. Bet you didn’t know that included love advice.

Just like in kindergarten, if you are good little boys, you will be rewarded, but if you have been bad little boys, be prepared for punishment. Leaving a spontaneous rose outside her door will result in her friends exclaiming, “What an awesome guy! If only all the others could be like him!�

If someone from her oor saw you hooking up with your ex at an off-campus party, however, it is not going to be pretty.

You will most likely not only be called every obscenity known to man, there will be a long line of, “Whatever, he’s ugly anywayâ€? and “Wait until I tell my sorority sisters; he’ll never have a date againâ€? and ďŹ nally the inevitable consolatory declaration, “He’s so not good enough for you!â€?

So guys, try to remember those valuable kindergarten lessons. The huddles of whispering girls that you once witnessed on the playground will not disappear anytime soon.

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Square. Restaurants range from Arcelia’s, a Mexican restaurant located at 2001 Park Ave., to Ricardo’s Italian CafÊ (1931 Park Ave.). There is also Soda Fountain Square (1801 Park Ave.), an old-fashioned diner that serves shakes, sundaes, classic diner fare and breakfast all day long.

Eleven Eleven Mississippi, named after its street address, is a sure bet for fancier cuisine. Eleven Eleven Mississippi’s offerings earned the restaurant a place on the Zagat Survey’s list of America’s Top Restaurants in 2005. A menu that varies from atbreads to pan-seared halibut mixes the cuisine of northern California and Tuscany. The fare is slightly expensive (entrees are typically about $16), but, as Padberg-White suggested, the restaurant is a great place to go if “your parents are coming in and you really want to hit them up for a nice dinner‌or if you want to impress them.â€?

SqWires Restaurant and Market occupies part of a renovated factory complex at 1415 South 18th St. SqWires Restaurant serves entrees in the $17-29 range and features seafood and steaks. Every Friday and Saturday, local bands perform from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. There is also SqWires Market in the Morning, which is a coffee shop, and the Urban Market, which sells a wide variety of foodstuffs like fresh seafood, wine, breads and cheese. Boxed lunches, which include sandwiches, chips and a cookie, are available through the Market as well.

For the college student with a tight budget, Padberg-White recommended 33 Wine Bar and Shop, located at 1913 Park

Ave. Padberg-White said the shop has “an amazing wine list� and it is possible to buy something “even if you only have 10 bucks in your wallet.�

She added that, “if you run out of money and still want to chuckle, [the] wine list is quite amusing to read.�

If chocolate is more your thing, head on down to Baileys’ Chocolate Bar at 1915 Park Ave. Freshman Stephanie Schiffman, who recently visited the Chocolate Bar, was amazed by the wide selection of decadent desserts. “I’m a huge chocolate lover and it deďŹ nitely satisďŹ ed my chocolate needs,â€? said Schiffman.

The Chocolate Bar offers traditional desserts like crepes, banana splits and brownies, but also offers less typical items like chocolate soup. A full line of drinks is served, including beers, wines and the bar’s signature chocolate martinis.

The Chocolate Bar even offers roses on its menu, making it an excellent place to take a date.

According to Goodson, not having a car is not an issue in Lafayette Square. “Walking around is the best thing to do,� he claimed.

Padberg-White agreed, stating, “It’s a wonderful location and it’s a wonderful walking neighborhood.�

Overall, the place that Goodson described as “a small town in a big city� provides modern relaxation in a historical context. Lafayette Square is a rejuvenated getaway that allows visitors the opportunity to get some rejuvenation of their own.

8 STUDENT LIFE | SCENE

Senior Scene Editor / Sarah Baicker / scene@studlife.com

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

GRAND v FROM PAGE 8

MAPLEWOOD v FROM PAGE 8 Manchester Rd.) is a Deadhead’s paradise, and offers yummy meals, snacks and beverages in a Grateful Deadthemed ambiance; Schlafly Bottleworks (7260 Southwest Ave.), located on the grounds of the local beer producer’s factory, carries many varieties of beer and surprisingly good, out-of-the-norm food, too.

There’s also a year-round farmer’s market held in Maplewood that features locally grown produce, meat, breads, honey and more. In the summers, it’s outside and can’t be missed. During winter, it’s held the last Saturday of each month in the Crown Room at Schlafly Bottleworks from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Schlafly Bottleworks also offers free tours of their facility six days a week. If you’re a beer connoisseur and have already done the AnheuserBusch tour, the Schlafly tour is right up your alley. Tour times and other information can be found at their Web site,

patronize Wal-Mart.

Maplewood is home to a number of interesting shops, many of which feature antiques. If you’re looking for a gift for your antiqueobsessed grandma, or are just interested in checking out things of the past, you might be interested in visiting the Maplewood Antique Mall (7233 Manchester Rd.) But if antiquing isn’t your thing, you might be interested in The Time, a funky clothing store with a coffee bar (7298 Manchester Rd.), or Femme (7270 Manchester Rd.), consistently considered one of the best women’s clothing boutiques in the St. Louis area.

This list is certainly not an exhaustive one. Maplewood is a great place to take a walk in warmer weather and do a little window shopping—so don’t waste time, and make an effort to seek out this little treasure of a town before you graduate.

www.schlafly.com.

Speaking of alleys, Saratoga Lanes (2725 Sutton Blvd.) claims to be the oldest bowling alley west of the Mississippi River and also calls Maplewood its home. For just a few bucks (and the extra effort of keeping your own score), you can bowl it up in this upstairs location just off Manchester Road. Saratoga Lanes also has a popular bar that’s full even when the lanes are empty.

Most of Maplewood’s destinations are located just across the street from the Shop ’n Save (7355 Manchester Rd.), a supermarket that might be worth a visit once you fi nally realize just how sick of going to the Richmond Heights Schnucks you truly are.

Shop ’n Save considers itself a discount supermarket, so you might be especially interested in becoming a customer if you’re looking to save a few bucks, but trying as hard as possible not to

MEGHAN LUECKE | STUDENT LIFE

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not found in your typical Schnucks.

Centered around the area’s largely diverse population, Grand South Grand holds a two-day Festival of Nations every year sponsored by the International Institute of St. Louis. Area businesses and neighborhood associations surrounding this international district present the festival, which has been a great success since its inception in 2001, when over 16,000 people came, according to the International Institute’s Web site.

Another fabulous entertainment option, if you miss the festival, stands out as the Fabulous Fox Theater. Located just north of Grand South Grand, this theater’s repertoire is as diverse as the area around it. From off-Broadway productions to alternative rock concerts, the Fox has it all. In addition to a great show, the decor of the theater is gorgeous, adorned with rich colors and supported by massive columns. Shows coming up include R. Kelly on March 10, “Rent” from March 17-19 and “Bombay Dreams” from April 4-16.

Grand South Grand provides many different niches for the internationally minded city-goer. From delicious restaurants to great entertainment, this neighborhood should be kept in mind for future voyages.

SOULARD v FROM PAGE 8 bring in.

It is said that you can hear music being played 24 hours a day along the streets of Soulard. To experience the music and pub scene for which Soulard is famous, locals recommend 1860s Hard Shell Café and Bar (1860 S. Ninth Street) and Mike and Min’s Tavern (925 Geyer St.). For cocktails, Clementine’s (2001 Menard St.)—the oldest gay bar in St. Louis—Molly’s (816 Geyer St.) and Big Daddy’s (1000 Sydney St.) are the most famous and festive. There are also some fi ner dining spots, such as Tucker’s Place (2117 S. 12th St.), Joanie’s Pizzeria (2101 Menard St.), Norton’s Café (808 Geyer St.) and Lynch Street Bistro (1031 Lynch St.).

Tucker’s Place is a very reasonably-priced steakhouse; Joanie’s is the place to go for some of the best pizza in the city; Norton’s and Lynch Street Bistro are both known for their beautiful outdoor dining areas, Norton’s for its Cajun and Creole-inspired dishes and Lynch Street Bistro for it’s delectable contemporary American creations.

Soulard is also home to many great coffee shops, including Belas Artes Coffee Shop and Multicultural Center (1854 Russell St.) and Soulard Coffee Garden and Café (910 Geyer).

For those of you who are less spontaneous and would rather go to more specific, planned events, Soulard has plenty for you as well. An annual Bastille Day celebration as well as a weekend of Oktoberfest both take place in Soulard on an annual basis. But the event Soulard is best known for has to be Mardi Gras. That’s when Soulard really becomes St. Louis’ own French Quarter.

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

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MAD SCIENCE INSTRUCTORS: Enthusiastic instructors needed to teach parttime (after school, 1 to 5 days per week), fun, handson science programs in elementary schools. Must have transportation. $25.00 - $27.50 per 1 hour class.

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BEAUTIFUL, FULLY FURNISHED (even includes TV and stereo) one bedroom at the Chase Park Plaza.

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FOR RENT: LUXURY 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes located in the Central West End, The Residences at Forest Park. Call us today at (314) 367-3300 for your personal tour!

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10 STUDENT LIFE | SCENE

Senior Scene Editor / Sarah Baicker / scene@studlife.com

MONDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2006

SCENE

Exploring St. Louis neighborhoods In this second part of a two-part series, Scene reporters leave campus to explore more of St. Louis’ neighborhoods.

Grand South Grand

By Amanda Ogus Scene Reporter How to get there: By car: Get onto I-64 East and get off at Vandeventer/Chouteau Ave. (Exit 36D). Drive down South Grand.

By Metro: Take the Metro going toward downtown and get off at Grand. The 70 Metrobus runs down Grand Avenue through the Grand South Grand neighborhood.

When living in the Clayton area in which Washington University is situated, it is easy to become accustomed to the Loop’s fi ne cuisine every time you want to dine, especially if you are living sans car. There is more out there, though, and even though the University’s shuttle ignores the Grand South Grand area, it does not mean you have to do the same.

Located in an area which contains the most diverse neighborhoods in St. Louis, Grand South

Grand is a six-block stretch of South Grand from Arsenal Street to Utah, two miles south of Saint Louis University’s campus. This area holds many interesting destinations for the college student, ranging from diverse alternatives to the Bear’s Den cuisine to a perfect activity on those rare sunny days.

In order to properly appreciate the heritage of this neighborhood, it is important to start with the Missouri Botanical Gardens, a 79-acre stretch of lush scenery that includes a Japanese botanical garden and the Climatron conservatory. This garden provides an excellent destination for a romantic pair, a fun group of friends or even the parents (when they are in town).

Henry Shaw founded this park, now a national historic landmark, just outside of the South Grand boundaries in 1859, when the surrounding area was merely countryside, and created a wonderful start to this rich community. Mining caused a population

explosion and the St. Louis city limits expanded in 1876 to include Grand South Grand.

Even many years after this initial population explosion, new waves of immigrants continue to flood this diverse area, as evidenced by the varied cuisine featured in the six-block stretch. A favorite for the Vietnamese enthusiast is Pho Grand, located at 3191 S. Grand. With an eclectic menu offering any kind of noodle soup, vegetarian or meat dish one could want, Pho Grand’s delicious selection is enough reason to venture to this part of town.

If not in the mood for Vietnamese, the South City Diner at 3139 S. Grand provides good ol’ American comfort food. Set up in the style of a 1950s diner, the diner features pictures of Marilyn Monroe winking at your extra-juicy burger. Although the wait time for dishes can be longer than expected, the diner certainly has an atmosphere of

MEGHAN LUECKE | STUDENT LIFE

its own. An added bonus: South City Diner is open 24 hours on weekends.

Another place with an eclectic selection is Jay Asian Interna-

tional Foods, located at 3172 S. Grand. This grocery store offers many different items

See GRAND, page 8

History, chocolate and cannons abound in Lafayette Square

By Felicia Baskin Scene Reporter How to get there: By car: Take I-64 East and get off at Jefferson Avenue (Exit 38C). Turn right on South Jefferson Avenue, then left on Lafayette Avenue.

Characterized by restored buildings and public open spaces, Lafayette Square is a treasure trove of history and fun. The neighborhood is a mere 15-minute drive from campus and is ideal for those times when you just want to escape the bubble.

Julie Padberg-White, past president of the Lafayette Square Restoration Committee, explained that Lafayette Square, “has been in the process of revitalizing in the past 30 years.” While other historic communities suffered rapid decline, “people moved in and started saving these buildings and also got historic preservation for the neighborhood,” she said.

The area is what she calls “a tremendous neighborhood architecturally.” Its architecture reflects

the 19th century and testifies to the fact that Lafayette Square is part of a national historic district. The houses surrounding the square are famous for both their beauty and their historical significance.

Chris Goodson, a developer and partner in the Gilded Age development firm, acknowledged that there is “a strong sense of community” in Lafayette Park.

In fact, Lafayette Square is a place that literally centers on community.

Residents’ houses surround Lafayette Park, a 33-acre destination for recreation and relaxation. The park “was actually put aside as marching grounds ages ago in the early 1800s…and was fenced to keep the roaming animals out of it,” said Padberg-White. Today, it is one of the few gated parks in the United States, thanks to a lawsuit that prevented the gate from being melted down for scrap metal in the midst of war efforts.

The park itself features sculptures, sports fields, walking trails and, in keeping with the area’s historic feel, cannons from the Revolutionary War.

The park also features a grotto, which Padberg-White said used to be the location for parties in the Victorian era and today serves as a popular spot for weddings.

Lafayette Park serves as the home field for the Perfectos—a vintage baseball team that plays other local vintage teams. Games played by vintage teams follow rules that date back to the 1800s. These rules are taken quite seriously; for example, if a player curses, a fine is issued.

The games themselves reinforce the historic nature of the area and help bring the community together.

“What’s interesting with the Perfectos is a lot of people who watch the Perfectos tend to dress in period costumes,” noted Padberg-White.

During the summer, the park hosts concerts every other Saturday with local bands usually playing jazz or blues. Community members bring food and friends to enjoy the music and scene the park has to offer.

No matter the season, great dining options are abound in Lafayette

for the excellence of each.

Be sure to check out the bar at Boogaloo—not only can the bartender whip up a fabulous cocktail, but the bar actually has swings instead of barstools.

Unfortunately, these places might be a little hard on the wallet of the average college student, so be sure to keep them in mind for next year’s Parents’ Weekend,

or when your best friend’s 21st birthday rolls around.

In addition to luxurious dining, Maplewood has other eateries perfect for students looking to be a bit more frugal: Tiffany’s Diner (7402 Manchester Rd.) offers typical cheap diner fare and is open 24 hours; The Grateful Inn (7336

See LAFAYETTE, page 8

DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

Marvelous Maplewood

By Sarah Baicker Senior Scene Editor How to get there: By car: Go south on Big Bend Blvd. Continue down Big Bend for a few miles. Make a left on Manchester Road.

Maplewood, even though it’s

a mere seven-minute drive from campus, is ignored by each of the four shuttle routes. Similarly, it’s just a bit too far of a walk from the South 40 or any current Metro stop. But Maplewood offers too much to be left unvisited—if you have a car, go there this weekend.

If you don’t, rent one from ResLife or beg your upperclassman friend to accompany you to one of the

city’s awesome attractions.

For those looking for somewhere to eat out, Maplewood is home to a number of stellar restaurants, including Monarch (7401 Manchester Rd.), Boogaloo (7344 Manchester Rd.) and Arthur Clay’s (7266 Manchester Rd).

The chefs of all three are highly regarded as being among the best in the country, and I can vouch

See MAPLEWOOD, page 8

There’s always something in Soulard

By Allie Wieczorek Scene Reporter How to get there: By car: Take I-64 East and get off at the Jefferson Ave. exit. Turn right onto S. Jefferson Ave. Turn left on Russell Blvd. Turn right onto Menard St. The historical Soulard is well worth the upwards of 20 minutes it takes to get there. The rows of red brick Victorian townhouses and 19th century churches help to create the French Quarter feeling of this community. It’s a really nice place to visit with a few friends and just walk up and down the streets. While there are a lot of wonderful places to eat, drink and listen to music, most of these places are very spread out from each other. Don’t let that discourage you, though, because the surrounding scenery as you walk DAVID BRODY | STUDENT LIFE

from one place to another is half the beauty of Soulard.

If the historical architecture and atmosphere aren’t enough to make the trip worth it for you, the Soulard Farmer’s Market (located at Lafayette and Seventh Streets) should do the trick. In keeping with the historical feeling of this community, this market is one of the oldest standing public markets in the country. These fresh vegetables, meats, cheeses, flowers and other goods put Schnucks to shame. For those of you without cars, it’s a great place to drag your parents (or older friends with cars) when you feel like stocking your fridge with fresh produce for once.

Soulard is also home to many fi ne restaurants, outdoor cafes and pubs, many of which are especially known for the jazz, blues and other genres of music they

See SOULARD, page 8