Step inside the haunted side of Portland p. 8 & 9
Spending too much on food at the The Commons? p. 13 Vol. 112, Issue 08
BEACON THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTLANDʼS STUDENT NEWSPAPER
Thursday October 28, 2010 www.upbeacon.net
STUDY ABROAD INCREASES STUDENT ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Photo from Google images Photos by Megan Irinaga | THE BEACON Photo illustration by Rosemary Peters | THE BEACON
University of Washington study finds that drinking increases during study abroad Caitlin Yilek Staff Writer yilek12@up.edu
For many UP students, spending a semester or a summer abroad immersed in another culture means being of legal drinking age, which leads to a higher consumption of alcohol. According to a recent study by the University of Washington published in the current issue of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, studying abroad leads to a greater consumption of alcohol while abroad and, in some cases, after the students return to their home campus. “I would say my alcohol consumption increased significantly while I was studying abroad, but it was only because it was legal,” junior Lacey Hall said of her experience while studying in Australia last spring. UW surveyed 177 students before their semester abroad and after they returned to campus. The study found that drinking increased considerably for students studying in Australia, Europe and New Zealand. However, those who studied in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America tended to drink less. “Legally we were allowed to
drink in Europe at age 18,” senior Elizabeth Beshoar said. Beshoar studied abroad in the Salzburg year-long program last year. “Since everyone on the trip was 18, we could drink a glass of wine or a beer with dinner or whatever,” Beshoar said. “In that sense, I did notice an increase in the amount of alcohol that myself, as well as other people, drank.” According to Fr. Arthur Wheeler, C.S.C., director of Studies Abroad, student drinking increases everywhere that public drinking is legal. However, behavior varies with maturity, he said.
“In my experience, the most irresponsible drinking behavior among students has been associated with drinking games.”
Fr. Arthur Wheeler, C.S.C. Director of Studies Abroad
“The younger the students, the more likely that they will experiment in an immature fashion,” Wheeler said in an e-mail from Spain. The UW study also found that, on average, students doubled their drinking while abroad. However, according to the researchers at UW, most students saw a decline in their consumption of alcohol post-study abroad. “I can’t speak for the entire group, but I know that my drinking has decreased significantly since
studying abroad,” Hall said. “I have only drank four or five times this semester.” Beshoar agreed. “Obviously the people who are not 21 don’t drink as much,” Beshoar said. “They can’t legally anymore.” Hall says that on average Australians drink more than Americans. “I think it is simply because the drinking age is lower for them,” Hall said, “And by (drinking) more, I mean more often. They don’t necessarily consume more beverages.” According to Hall, it was part of the Australian culture to go out and have a drink on weekdays. “They were way more laid back than Americans and weren’t on such rigid schedules, which I think allowed them to have more fun on weekdays,” Hall said. Hall says that her group consumed alcohol at least three nights a week. “(We drank) one or two school nights, on average, and then usually both nights on the weekend,” Hall said, “But there were also nights I didn’t drink at all and still went out.” Hall and her group were prohibited from drinking in their residence halls, so they did not consume wine or beer during lunch. Several times they went out for dinner, which sometimes included a glass of wine or beer, Hall said. According to Wheeler, See Alcohol, page 4
Oregon bans Spice
The day after The Beacon ran a story about synthetic marijuana, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy banned Spice Elizabeth Vogel Staff Writer vogel11@up.edu The Beacon ran a story on Oct. 14 about synthetic marijuana products called “Spice” or “K2.” On the same day the Oregon Board of Pharmacy enacted rules that make it illegal to possess or use these products. As of Oct. 15 “Spice,” “K2” and similar products are banned in the state of Oregon. “Their misuse and abuse by young people have resulted in a number of serious incidents requiring emergency care and hospital admission or death. The abuse of these chemicals has the potential to cause a life-threatening incident,” the Oregon Board of Pharmacy document on the new rules said. Kristina Houck, University of Portland counselor, also showed concern about the product. “I’ve read cases of increased heart rate, loss of consciousness and paranoia,” she said. According to the Oregon Poison Center, many people came to the Emergency Room
as a result of using synthetic “marijuana.” UP student “Alex” from the Oct. 14 article was surprised to hear about the new ban, but had no comment. Senior Jessica Stacey is happy about the ban. “I think it’s good because it sounds more dangerous to put something made in a lab in your body rather than something natural,” she said. Oregon is the 13th state to pass legislation to ban synthetic cannabis. According to a press release from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, the temporary ban allows law enforcement to prosecute both the sale and possession of synthetic cannabinoids, which are now on the Oregon list of controlled substances. The reasons given for the ban were that the products are easily obtained by young people and are dangerous. “There are no manufacturing standards for these chemicals, there is no current medical use, and there is documented evidence of serious medical consequences,” the press release said.
NEWS
2 October 28, 2010
On On Campus Campus ‘Salt’
Friday and Saturday night, the movie “Salt” will be playing in the Buckley Center Auditorium at 10 p.m. Flu Shots Friday, the UP Health Center will offer flu shots to faculty, staff, and students from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Pilot House. The cost is $15, either cash or check, and you must have your University ID card. For more information contact Tami Magnett at 503-9437134 or magnett@up.edu. Pilots After Dark Saturday, Pilots After will continue with its Mansion Mystery: A of Living “Clue.” The begins at 10:00 p.m. in Hall.
Dark Franz Game event Franz
HALLoween Sunday, the Residence Hall Association and the Office of Residence Life will sponsor its HALLoween from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Local neighborhood children and those of faculty and staff are invited to trickor-treat through the residence halls, including Tyson and Haggerty. For more information contact Residence Life at 503943-7205 or reslife@up.edu. Fireside Chat Tuesday, the ASUP Fireside Chat with Fr. Bill Beauchamp, C.S.C., UP President, begins in The Anchor at 6:00 p.m. Fr. Beauchamp will give a brief introduction and then the floor will be open for all questions. CORRECTIONS In the Oct. 14 issue, the “Fake ‘pot’ raises concern: Spice” article had missing photo credits. The photos are from Google images. In the Oct. 14 issue, Jeromy Koffler’s name was misspelled in the “Technical problems vex ASUP” story. In the Oct. 14 issue story, “UP students race in 39 th annual Portland Marathon,” The Beacon incorrectly reported the Portland Marathon was on Saturday, Oct. 9. In fact, it was Sunday, Oct. 10. In the Oct. 14 issue, a caption above a photo incorrectly spelled McKinley Pfahl’s name. The Beacon regrets the errors.
Accuracy in The Beacon
The Beacon strives to be fair and accurate. The newspaper corrects any significant errors of fact brought to the attention of the editors. If you think an error has been made, contact us at beacon@up.edu. Corrections will be printed above.
Dea n of Engineer ing After 15 years as dean of the School of Engineering, Zia Yamayee will make the shift from dean to professor at the end of the academic year. Luke Riela Staff Writer Riela14@up.edu After 15 years as dean of the School of Engineering, Zia Yamayee has made the decision to step down at the end of this academic year. According to Yamayee, when he officially steps down on June 30, UP President Fr. Bill Beauchamp, C.S.C., will appoint a search committee to find a replacement. Ideally, a new dean of engineering will be appointed by Aug. 30, 2011. Even though Yamayee will have completed his third five-year term as dean, he’s not ready to leave the University of Portland yet. “I plan to work here as long as I can,” Yamayee said. “University of Portland is my last stop.” He says that he expects to stay at UP as a full-time professor for another eight to 10 years before retiring. One of the reasons behind the decision to give up his position as dean was Yamayee has completed much of what he set out to do. According to Yamayee, from the beginning he wanted to increase the amount of both undergraduates and professors within the School of Engineering, as well as improve the facility. “We accomplished much of the goals we set in the late 90s,” Yamayee remarked. Another reason is that he seeks a better connection with the students. Currently, he teaches only one class each year. “I don’t get to interact with students as much as I would like,” Yamayee said. Yamayee also said he simply feels ready to move on. “It is time to go back to the faculty,” he said. He says that such preparation is necessary considering how long it has been. Associate Engineering Professor Mehmet Inan noted Yamayee’s kindness and good nature. “He is a wonderful man, and he listens to the faculty,” Inan said. “I was very happy to see him leading the school the last 15 years.” Yamayee plans to take a yearlong sabbatical before making the transition. “I will be trying to retool myself,” Yamayee said. “It will be 23 years since I’ve been a fulltime teacher.” Before coming to UP, Yamayee worked as the dean of the School of Engineering at Gonzaga University from 1988 to 1996.
According to Yamayee, the two universities are quite similar because “they both provide a well-rounded education.” Preceding his position as dean at Gonzaga, he was a part of the engineering programs at Clarkson University (19831985) and the University of New Orleans (1987-1988). When he was offered the job at UP, he didn’t know much about the university. “The more I found out about it, the more I liked it,” Yamayee said What was most appealing to him was that the university prioritized education above research. “I intentionally came here because of the focus on undergraduate education,” Yamayee said. Yamayee says he knew good professors from universities that supposedly put education
first, but ended up firing the professors for lack of research. He quickly found that UP was not like those universities when he became dean in 1996. “My first goal was to get the facility upgraded,” Yamayee said. With the donation of $12 million from Donald P. and Darlene Shiley, Yamayee’s vision of having a facility to house the engineering programs was made a reality. “Sometimes walking through the hallways I have to pinch myself to make sure this is real,” Yamayee said of Shiley Hall. Yamayee also set to work creating more complete engineering programs and building a larger faculty. He cut the amount of engineering degree programs from eight to five, and increased the number of professors from 17 to 21. The amount of undergraduates
enrolled in the School of Engineering has also increased from 295 in 1996 to over 550 this year. “With his leadership, we have more than (met) our goal of undergraduates by over 25 percent” Dr. Mehmet Inan, an associate professor in the Engineering program, said. In addition, he helped move Computer Science into the engineering program in 1999. “Zia was very instrumental in guiding the Computer Science program,” Steve Vegdahl, an associate professor in the computer science program, said. With Yamayee’s assistance, the Computer Science program was able to achieve accreditation from the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology. “He worked hard, worked with us, and we got the job done,” Vegdahl said.
Photos by Bryan Brenize| THE BEACON
NEWS
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 3
Growth leads to changes in Waldschmidt Vice Presidents Ransmeier, Ravelli and Goldrick see job changes Enid Spitz Staff Writer spitz13@up.edu The University of Portland is undergoing changes this year, and so are some prominent members of its staff. A new phase of strategic planning, UP’s growth, a soon-to-be-announced capital
campaign, and staff’s personal preference inspired changes to the job descriptions of vice presidents Denis Ransmeier, John Goldrick and Jim Ravelli. “We’re moving toward a strategy that’s usual at larger schools,” Ransmeier, vice president for Financial Affairs, said. “In terms of complexity, we are a big school.” The University developed noticeably
in recent years, with a new bell tower and dorms constructed, the Commons remodeled and the largest incoming freshman class in history. “UP is on a trajectory up, up, up,” said John Goldrick, currently vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Life. To keep the school running smoothly, Denis Ransmeier now focuses on
planning and finances, and Jim Ravelli was recently promoted to the position of vice president of University Operations. John Goldrick, who is transitioning toward retirement, will give up his current job to work part time as special assistant to Jim Lyons, vice president of University Relations, beginning July 1, 2011.
John Goldr ick Title: Vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Life New job: Assistant to the vice president for University Relations New responsibilities: Recruiting international students and working with international alumni After attending Notre Dame, working with the Peace Corps in Africa, meeting his wife in Thailand, living in Lebanon and dining with former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, John Goldrick settled into his vice presidential role at UP in 1997. “This is my favorite place of all,” Goldrick said. As vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Life, he has a long list of responsibilities, with departments including Financial Aid, Bon Appétit and Admissions reporting to him, plus UP’s legal affairs to manage. Goldrick loves every bit of his job. “There’s never a dull moment,” Goldrick said. “I’ve never not wanted to come to work in the morning.” He has been affiliated with the Holy Cross order for 42 years – an even longer relationship than his
marriage - and remembers when the incoming class was only 538 freshmen. A stroke last December and a seventieth birthday in July convinced him, though, that it is time to relinquish some of his responsibilities. “I love UP so much,” Goldrick said. Though on the road to retirement, Goldrick plans to work with UP as long as his health holds. He is looking forward to his new, part-time job recruiting international students and working with international alumni – a job his many experiences in foreign countries make him extremely qualified to do. Goldrick’s goal is to increase cross-cultural understanding and involve international students and alumni in the UP community.
Bryan Brenize| THE BEACON
Denis R a nsmeier Title: Vice president for Financial Affairs Job responsibilities: Budgeting, financial planning and neighborhood relations As Vice President for Financial Affairs, Denis Ransmeier oversees the University’s money. Recently, Ransmeier’s job expanded to focus on long-range financial planning. Budgeting, accounting, construction goals and campus maintenance now all fall under his job description. That means he is heading up plans for UP’s new waterfront property, a former industrial site that UP purchased in 2008. “We’re working to remedy it, to clean it up, and then we can put sports fields over that,” Ransmeier said. Acknowledging the money troubles that have swept the nation, Ransmeier sees his job with Financial Affairs extending beyond the waterfront to all of campus.
“There are all these different groups around campus,” he said, “but the one common thing is the finances.” So, in keeping with the goal-setting trend of strategic planning, Ransmeier is making a plan to ensure the financial security of the University. “We’re working on the master plan and how to fund it,” he said. Going into his third year of employment at UP, Ransmeier will work closely with the city and community as he manages the finances and expansion of the University.
Bryan Brenize| THE BEACON
Jim R av elli
Title: Vice president for University Operations Job responsibilities: Physical Plant, Human Relations and Information Services Two years ago, Jim Ravelli began working with IT services at UP, then was promoted to vice president for IT services. On Oct. 15, his role on campus expanded even further. Ravelli’s new job as vice president for University Operations includes management of Human Resources and working with Denis Ransmeier to oversee Physical Plant operations. He is optimistic about managing resources and maintenance of the campus, as well as directing long-term plans. “I’m very much looking forward to it,” Ravelli said. Now, 82 more people report to Ravelli, and he says his experience with them so far has been positive.
According to Ravelli, his new colleagues in maintenance at UP are underappreciated. “If things are working well, people don’t think about it,” Ravelli said. “But the first thing visitors mention when they visit is how beautiful campus is.” This beauty is largely due to the maintenance staff he now oversees, Ravelli explained. “I’m excited to take on this role,” he said. Despite the heavier workload, Ravelli is glad his expanded vice presidential responsibilities allow him to be more closely involved with this aspect of life on The Bluff. Bryan Brenize| THE BEACON
NEWS
4 October 28, 2010
Roommates adjust to forced triples Despite cramped quarters of ‘forced triples,’ some students enjoy living in them Elizabeth Vogel Staff Writer vogel11@up.edu When freshmen Nick Nobriga saw the size of his dorm room for the first time, he was surprised. “When they told me I’d be in a triple, at first I thought I was in a really big room,” he said. Nobriga is just one of many freshmen placed in a “forced triple.” Due to the largest freshmen class in UP’s history and the greater number of women, some halls were converted to female rooms, leaving less space for UP men. According to senior Nick Etzel, an RA on the third floor of Schoenfeldt Hall, seven out of the nine 180 square foot rooms on his floor are “forced triples.” Nobriga shares one of these rooms with freshmen Clinton Malson and Kyle DeFrancia. Despite the cramped quarters, the roommates said they get along. However, they had to make sacrifices to fit comfortably.
Scott Chia | THE BEACON
Freshmen Benjamin Cornish shares a room with two other people in a dorm room originally suited for two. At the beginning of the semester, there were 20 “forced triples” and only six “forced triples” have been broken down. “We had to get rid of our dresser to consolidate,” DeFrancia said. They also had to move the TV. “We used to have the TV (by the sink) but it wasn’t working. Toothpaste would end up on it,” Nobriga said. In addition to furniture issues, the roommates have also had to make social sacrifices. “It’s hard to have people come over,” DeFrancia said. Michael Walsh, director of Residence Life, said that more
parents than students have complained about the rooms. Residence Life is not planning on changing the way housing works next year. “It’s the same as always,” said Walsh. “We guarantee housing for first time freshmen.” Both Nobriga and Defrancia said they plan to live on campus next year. Malson, however, will move off campus. “I’m planning on staying here over the summer anyway, so it makes more sense to live off campus,” Malson said.
At the beginning of the year, Residence Life was hoping to move some affected students into regular rooms as students dropped out of UP. But due to University of Portland’s high freshman retention rate, few rooms have become available for students. “After the semester began we were able to break down six forced rooms,” Walsh said. There were about 20 “forced triples” at the beginning of the semester. Some students on Etzel’s floor
in Schoenfeldt were given the opportunity to move. “One person left to go to Kenna, so a room opened,” he said. Still, despite close quarters, not everyone is anxious to move out of “forced triples.” Nobriga was given the opportunity to move into a regular room in Kenna, but he turned it down. “My friends are here, and Nick (the RA),” he said. “I like this hall. It didn’t make sense to move.”
ALCOHOL: UW study indicates an increase in drinking
Continued from page 1
many students learn to drink responsibly when they have beer or wine with meals. “In my experience, the most irresponsible drinking behavior among students has been
associated with drinking games,” Wheeler said. “Putting peer social pressure on other students to drink while playing games is highly objectionable from a moral perspective.” According to Wheeler, UP addresses these issues by prohibiting drinking games,
giving sanctions to those who behave irresponsibly and encouraging students to watch out for one another and behave like responsible adults. The consequences for alcohol abuse while abroad vary according to the nature of the offense, Wheeler said. The
“Jane Addams and Progressive Era Social Justice” a lecture by
Dr. Maurice Hamington Director of the Institute for Women’s Studies & Services at Metropolitan State College of Denver
Thursday, October 28 th , 2010 5:30-7:00pm in Buckley Center 163 This is a free public lecture sponsored by the Philosophy Department. All are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.
impact of the behavior on grades also plays a role in deciding the consequences. “Students with prior warnings or prior sanctions often face more severe sanctions,” Wheeler said. “Safety is a primary concern, so we are especially focused on behavior that might endanger
the drinker or those in his or her company.” Safety comes first, Wheeler said.
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The UP Public Safety Report 1. Oct. 22, 10:38 p.m. - Public Safety received a noise complaint about a room in Haggerty Hall. Residence Life was notified and addressed the disturbance.
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2. Oct. 21, 10:33 a.m. - A student came to Public Safety to report a theft from the student’s vehicle while it was parked outside of Shipstad Hall. A report was taken. 3. Oct. 16, 4:38 p.m. - Public Safety received a report of two suspicious individuals by Fields Hall. The individuals left campus before officers made contact. 4. Oct. 15, 9:10 a.m. - A student reported to Public Safety that during the night her car was broken into while parked at her residence in the 4900 block of N. Willamette. This is not a University owned residence. The student followed up with a report to Portland Police Bureau. 5. Oct. 14, 1:36 p.m. - A student reported to Public Safety that a female was selling magazine subscriptions in the Academic Quad. She was idetified and asked to leave campus.
NEWS
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net
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Public Safety addresses reckless riding doesn’t register skateboards or longboards, so it’s not clear how many are on campus. BurkeSivers says that although he hasn’t heard many complaints about bikers this year, he has Sarah Hansell heard several complaints about Staff Writer skateboarders. hansell14@up.edu “What we’ve been hearing Imagine you’re walking to just recently is that they’ve been your first class of the day. It’s 8:05 a little reckless,” Burke-Sivers a.m. and you have five minutes to said. get there. “I have noticed some crazy You’re rushing through the skateboarders out there,” quad toward Shiley Hall. The freshman and longboarder Joe quad is crowded with other O’Sullivan said. “I have a lot walkers like you, bikers and of friends who have run into skateboarders. people.” You’re carrying a couple of Freshman skateboarder Chad textbooks that wouldn’t fit in Perkins has run into two people your bag. You’re almost to the this year. Perkins believes both doors when WHAM! the pedestrian and skateboarder A skateboarder flies into you. or biker are at fault. You’re knocked backward and “A lot of the time, it’s the your books go flying. people who aren’t really paying Several people have been attention and are on their phones a run into by skateboarders at lot,” Perkins said. “Skateboarders UP, which is one of the reasons should go slower, stuff like that. It could be a collective effort, you know, to make it safer.” There are also two double-tier bikes on • Skateboard at a safe speed when approaching campus this year, which high traffic areas with people. could potentially be more • Give audible signals as to where you are. dangerous to rider. • Slow down to safe speed before crossing “If they’re going to ride intersections. those, they really need to be careful and take some extra • Ride at a safe speed where there are cars. precautions,” Burke-Sivers • For 1st and 2nd violations, student will be referred said. “You definitely should to student services for disciplinary action. be wearing a helmet on • For 3rd and subsequent violations, there will be something like that.” However, senior Alex a $15 fine. Wentz, who rides a doubletier bike, or as he calls it, a “two-tall,” is not concerned. “If it comes down to which one is more dangerous, my bike has a brake and a • Bikes must give an audible signal when passing skateboard doesn’t,” Wentz pedestrians from behind. said. “In my opinion it’s • Pedestrians have the right of way. essentially a normal bike, it’s • Bikes must be registered at Public Safety. just a little taller.” • Bikes must always be secured with a lock to an According to both Burkeapproved bike rack. Sivers and senior and ASUP • Bikes left unsecured and unregistered are subject Vice President Katie Scally, to impoundment. safety concerns about bikers and skateboarders are often • 1st violation is $10, 2nd is $20, and subsequent more about courtesy than violations are $40. anything else. • If fines are unpaid for 30 days, the bike is “Sometime they may considered abandoned. bump someone or be a little • Bicycle privileges can be revoked due to careless rude in that way,” Burkeoperation or repeated violations. Sivers said. “That’s what I’ve
Bicycles and skateboards on campus raise safety concerns
skateboarding has become safety issues on campus, along with bicycles. “I just think we have so many people that are (biking and skateboarding), which is a good thing, but at the same time all of them don’t take into consideration the safety implications of biking and skateboarding around campus,” Director of Public Safety Harold Burke-Sivers said. Students at UP who walk rather than bike or skateboard have also voiced their concerns. “Sometimes pedestrians are worried they’re going to get hit when they’re taking a turn to go a different direction because bicyclists tend to just do whatever they want to get where they’re going, without warning,” freshman Katrina Welborn said. According to the Office of Public Safety, 300 are bikes registered every year. However, Public Safety
Skateboard Policy
Bicycle Policy
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Alissa White | THE BEACON
Freshman Nick Mannen skateboards through the academic quad on his way to a class in Shiley Hall. Public Safety has heard several complaints about skateboarders this year. heard this year.” Scally wrote a policy change for biking and skateboarding in the spring of 2009, which was implemented by fall of the same year. The policy change was, in part, a response to complaints that ASUP was hearing. “Concerns were coming in from both professors and students,” Scally said. However, like Burke-Sivers, Scally also sees this issue as more about courtesy than anything else. “A policy’s not going to be a solution,” Scally said. “No matter how much you fine someone, it comes down to common courtesy.” Pedestrians have also noticed the lack of courtesy in bikers and skateboarders. “Some bikers don’t even ask to pass you,” freshman Stephanie Petrie said. “I see accidents happening more frequently
if people don’t use common courtesy.” However, getting around by bike and skateboard are not discouraged by Public Safety, despite the safety concerns they can cause. “I think they’re wonderful means of sustainable transportation,” Burke-Sivers said. “It’s a great way for students to get around campus.” Burke-Sivers urges students to look under Transit and Travel on the Public Safety page on UP’s website for the rules about biking and skateboarding, which can be found under Parking Information. “Go there and see what it says,” Burke-Sivers said. “Just like anybody who’s driving a car, (bikers and skateboarders) need to abide by the rules.”
LIVING
6 October 28, 2010
UP students plunge into rural issues Alissa White Photojournalist whitea12@up.edu
We are all consumers. We all must eat to survive. But who provides us with this food? After spending six days in Yakima, Wash. on the Rural Plunge, I not only witnessed firsthand the hard work that goes into putting food on my table, but I realized that the jobs necessary to provide me with this food are in dire need of respect.
The plunge spanned from the first Sunday of fall break to Friday afternoon. The week ended up being a wonderful balance between emotionally intense information and energetic excitement. We visited a variety of farms and organizations that provide educational and social support to immigrant men and women. We also went to a childcare facility for
low-income families and spoke with an immigration lawyer. The most beneficial aspect of the plunge was simply being able to converse with those who have been directly impacted by seasonal labor and issues of immigration. The work these people do is hard, but it is work that the families take pride in. If I have learned anything from this plunge, it is
that there is no room for pity, but rather for respect and providing a sense of dignity to the labor that is done to keep the agricultural industry running. Some important wisdom I was given on the plunge was from a woman working to become a U.S. citizen. Despite her own personal struggles, she turned the conversation on us and encouraged us
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to follow our dreams, to take advantage of the opportunities we have been given in this country and realize anything is possible. If she has had the strength and motivation to learn a second language, raise a family, work in the fields and become a citizen, then I feel we all can set aside our minor complaints and be grateful for everything we have been given.
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1. Sophomore Eduardo Rocha, senior Rachel Seidelman and junior Bri Bobiak assist a farm worker picking cucumbers at the Alvarez Organic Farms in Yakima, Wash. While visiting the farm, Señor Alvarez shared his immigration story and information about his organic farm.
2. Dairy farm employees work in the milking area where they first clean the udders with iodine then attach a machine that milks the cows. Farmer Dan showed the group around his dairy farm on the last day of the plunge. He milks each cow three times a day with each cow producing an average of 10 gallons of milk per day.
3. Señor Alvarez holds up a habanero pepper plant at Alvarez Organic Farms. The traditional way of farming in Mexico is organic. He maintains an organic farm to protect his workers from health problems that may be associated with working around pesticides.
4. The Rural Plunge group poses with the orchard owner known as “The Man in the Yellow Hat.” After learning about the orchard, the group worked together with some of the employees to pick an entire bin of apples.
5. A wall at Casa Hogar displays photographs of all of the women who have been assisted by the center. While visiting Casa Hogar, part of the Rural Plunge group was able to make phone calls to Spanish-speaking people of the Yakima area to encourage voting while the rest of the group attended a citizenship class.
6. Rural plungers empty their armfuls of apples into the bin at an apple orchard owned by “The Man in the Yellow Hat.”
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 7
E N T ER T A IN GO SEE ... CONVICTION “Conviction,” starring Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell, promises from the beginning to be intense and emotional, and it delivers. The whole plot — an innocent man convicted of murder and his sister’s long struggle to liberate him — is filled with family drama, blood, sweat and tears. But it is by no means an action-packed movie. About halfway through, I must admit, I got tired of the emotional roller coaster. I kind of wanted to get off the ride before we even got to the one big drop. I guess that
means the filmmakers did their job by making me feel the same frustration that Betty Anne Waters felt while trying to free her brother. There are only so many jail visitation scenes I can watch in one movie before I start to feel pretty trapped myself. However, Hilary Swank’s acting doesn’t fail to impress. From her heavy Massachusetts accent to convincing emotional outbreaks, Swank is undoubtedly the star of this film. Rockwell is also compelling in the difficult role of an innocent man whose questionable character makes you almost hate to love him. Minnie Driver, fill-
M E
ing the token best friend role, brings a bit of fun and liveliness to an otherwise bleak film. Of course, there’s very little doubt that a film like this will end with the inevitable uplifting scene. Throughout all those jail visitations I found myself wondering just how long until that scene came. Based on a true story, I appreciated the fact that the ending wasn’t way too sappy. Like most films of this genre, it praises the incredible achievements of its characters’ real-life counterparts. If you’re looking for a tense emotional drama, “Conviction” is for you. – Enid Spitz WATCH ... THE TOWN
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“The Town” has all the makings of a triumph with a heart-wrenching storyline and breath-taking action sequence. It would be an all-time great film if it didn’t so tragically evoke the memory of the multi-Oscar award winning film, “The Departed.” There are some differences, but the main idea is the same. Affleck plays the main character, a smart and likeable guy, trapped in organized crime, also in a tumultuous and twisted re-
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lationship with a woman who doesn’t exactly know who he is… This echoes loudly of “The Departed,” or at least its essential themes. The problem, mainly, is that every scene that hearkens back to these themes was done better in “The Departed.” Affleck, who is both the star and the director of the film, illustrates a great deal of growth as an actor but still has signs of immaturity as a director. Much of the movie is shoot-em-up drama, coupled with some intense bankrobbing scenes which are captivating with their detail. What is missing, however, are longer scenes in which characters can
be established and actors can show their true talent. It seems that there were many good actors in this movie, however, due to the director’s apparent eagerness to fill time with shoot-outs, the audience barely gets to see the true caliber of the cast. “The Town” will not disappoint for those going for an intense crime action-thriller. But it definitely tries, and fails, to be more than that. Unfortunately for Affleck, it’s almost impossible to compete with Scorsese, even if you grew up in Boston. – Megan Osborn
Haunted Haunted Downtown Downtown 1 Underneath Old Town Pizza
Underneath Old Town Pizza on Southwest Davis Street is an entrance to a secret tunnel. The basement opens up into a cavern that was once an opening to the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. Constructed in the 1850s, the tunnels were initially used for “crimping,” which is the act of capturing young men and commandeering them to work as sailors. The budding Portland economy needed sailors to work at sea, and recruiters were not afraid to whack a poor man on the head and toss him on board. Soon the tunnels became a center for several other illegal activities such as smuggling bootleg liquor and
Benson Hotel
Above ground on Southwest Broadway sits the Benson Hotel. Constructed in 1912, the hotel is considered the most lavish in Portland. It features Italian marble flooring, glass chandeliers and a now extinct Circassian walnut that was purchased from Russia. The hotel has hosted every president since Woodrow Wilson with the exception of George W. Bush, but the hotel claims to have a constant visitor of a different sort. Simon Benson, a wealthy logging entrepreneur, funded the hotel. Benson was a teetotaler, which means he was completely against drinking alcohol. Benson therefore funded the bronze drinking fountains, called Benson Bubblers, found on the downtown sidewalks. Ironically, the hotel now has one of the most expansive bars in the area with some of most expensive alcohol. Gretchen said Benson died in 1942, but is said to float around the hotel, legless
prostitution rings. During this time, the ratio of men to women was 15 to 1 and prohibition was in full swing. With the scarcity of both, womanly affection and alcohol were hot commodities. There is one particular prostitute who is said to still haunt the pizza parlor. Built in 1880, the building the parlor is in was originally The Merchant Hotel. A prostitute named Nina often worked at the hotel. One day a group of missionaries approached her and asked her to tell them who had forced her into prostitution. In exchange for the information, they promised to help her escape. Days later, Nina was found at the bottom of the
and clothed in a dark suit jacket, particularly spiteful at customers drinking in his hotel. There has been a handful of other unexplainable happenings, such as knives flying off hangers on the walls in the kitchen. Guests of the hotel have also reported seeing apparitions, such as a woman in a turquoise dress or red rings, in the large gilded mirror that sits in the lobby of the hotel. One woman even reported seeing a small boy standing by her bedside who disappeared when she went to grab him. I stood and looked into the mirror, watching other people on the tours exclaim over the high activity readings on the EMF’s as they gazed in it as well. They were all just hoping for a glance of something in the reflection. Honestly, I just made sure Gretchen didn’t see me roll my eyes. She was yet to convince me to believe in any of the stories. But hey, I was trying to remain open-minded.
The Imperial Hotel
3
Across the street from the Benson, The Imperial Hotel, on the corner of Southwest Washington Street and Broadway, was constructed in 1894. The hotel was renamed Hotel Lucia, but the same old ghosts who have always haunted the Imperial are still supposedly actively tormenting guests. About a year ago, a guest had just settled in her room on the fourth floor of the hotel. She arranged her toiletries in the bathroom, and then went out by the
bed. The woman heard a crash, and ran into the bathroom to see all of her things out of their original place yet rearranged in a perfect line on the counter. Terrified, she ran to the lobby and demanded a different room. The staff agreed, and went to help her gather her things. For some reason, the woman’s room key and the staff key both failed to unlock the door. Then after several minutes of trying, the key seemed to magically work. They picked up all of the
basement elevator shaft with her neck broken. According to my guide Gretchen, Nina still haunts the building, sometimes appearing behind diners as a woman in black. After hearing this, I was prepared to possibly encounter the supernatural when my group entered the basement. Supposedly two other men had died there as well. Perhaps that’s why it smelled like dead bodies to me when I entered the dark room. Or maybe it was just my imagination. Regardless of the smell, the basement was far from warm and friendly. Maybe the ambiance of a room changes forever once it features a fatality or three.
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woman’s things and moved her to a room on the first floor. But her hairbrush was missing. It was found a week later in a vacant and locked room back on the fourth floor. There have been reports of a woman in a teal dress wandering through walls, and a tailless cat has been seen pacing the halls. The poor cat fell victim to infection after a workman lopped off its tail. All I have to say is, I would rather be haunted by a deformed cat than a hairbrush bandit.
O o
Once upon a time, on a spooky night.. on the “Beyond Bizzare” Portland Walking Tour.. .
Laura Frazier Staff Writer frazier13@up.edu
5 frightening Halloween things to do in Portland 13th door haunted house
Next Gretchen led us to a vacant parking lot, explaining that it has more electromagnetic activity then anywhere else downtown. Across from the club Venue 126 on Southwest 2nd Avenue, the “parking lot of mystery” is eerie with the harsh brick walls and graffiti. My EMF was certainly picking up some serious “spirits.” There are two theories that explain the haunted parking lot. One theory is that the
parking lot was built over an ancient Indian burial ground and is haunted by the Indians who died from the diseases brought over by settlers. The second is that the area used to be the location of the city prison in Portland’s early days. It is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of the criminals who died in the jail. Either way, I still think the telephone poles are the real reason my EMF was lighting up like crazy.
Vacant parking lot
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Located in Beaverton, 13th door has been reviewed as Portland’s number one haunted house. The haunted house boasts terrifyingly real terrors. This one is not for the faint of heart. Find more info at 13thdoor.com
Fright Town
Held in Portland’s Memorial Coliseum, Fright Town is a combination of horror museums and a haunted house. Its creepy characters, gruesome sights and residents in a haunted mansion are all combined into one. Fright Town is considered one of Portland’s most popular Halloween activities. Visit frighttown.com for more information.
Scream at the Beach
At the Jantzen Beach Center guests can enjoy Halloween shows, fair style rides and haunted woods. Visitors can also participate in costume parties and pumpkin carving. Check out screamatthebeach.com for specific events and times.
The Maize
Out by St. Johns, Sauvie’s Island is home to both a regular and haunted corn maze. The mazes are open rain or shine, so grab a pair of rubber boots if it’s raining and try your luck at making it out alive. Details at portlandmaze.com
Kells Irish Pub
5 Were you scared?
For those looking for the supernatural, there are some historical sites in downtown Portland that are worthy of exploring. Though a skeptic when it comes to ghosts, I embraced the opportunity to learn a little more about who or what is really haunting downtown. Thanks to Portland
The Bloodshack
Located at Southeast 11th and Ankeny, this haunted house is definitely not for the easily offended or horrified. Open late, there are horror-themed arcade games for customers while they wait. Emphasis on the gore at this one. Look it up brotherfish. com.
Known for rowdy St. Patrick’s Day festivals and great beer, Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub on Southwest 2nd Avenue also has a resident ghost. The establishment caught fire in the early 1900s and has been haunted ever since. The fire started across the street and traveled to the building via the underground tunnels. Gretchen explained that the pub has an old entrance to the tunnels in the basement, and guests have reported seeing a fireman wearing a helmet crawling around. So basically, go for the beer and the Irish tradition, just watch out for the man in uniform carrying a helmet. And don’t be surprised if he seems to crawl right through you.
Walking Tours, a handheld Electromagnetic Field reader (EMF) to point out the ghosts and a tour guide named Gretchen, I now know the spots to avoid on Halloween night. After the tour, I still consider myself an adamant skeptic when it comes to the paranormal. Gretchen did her best to convince me
Spooky Suckers Supplies Needed: - Kleenex or tissue - Suckers - White yarn - Scissors - Black marker
Want to brave it? and the others on the tour that ghosts really do exist. But Halloween or not, I wasn’t buying it. Ghosts aside, I appreciate the new bits of Portland history that I now know, and if I am ever lucky (or crazy) enough to see a spirit downtown, I can explain why.
Cost: $19 per adult Duration: under 2.5 hours Distance: less than 1.5 miles, no hills Time: 7 p.m. or 10 p.m.
How to assemble: 1. Cut a small piece of yarn. 2. Center the Kleenex over the top of the sucker. 3. Tie the yarn in a bow right around the top of the sucker stick. 4. Draw eyes and mouth on tissue with black marker. 5. Instant and fun Halloween treat for a friend!
For more information check out: www.portlandwalkingtours. com Photos by Bryan Brenize | THE BEACON Page designed by Elizabeth Tertadian | THE BEACON
FAITH & FELLOWSHIP
10 October 28, 2010
UP alumna furthers JVC mission in New York City Q&A Editor’s Note: 2010 UP graduate Rachel Jones is currently working in New York City with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Jones recently gave a phone interview with Pat Ell, assistant director for the Moreau Center for Service and Leadership, for The Beacon. Q: Rachel, can you tell us a little about your job assignment as a Jesuit Volunteer? A: I work with the New York City AIDS Housing Network. Basically, we’re a group of organizers, working with people who have HIV/AIDS or are directly affected by that. A lot of our people are pretty poor; some are recently paroled, some are former drug users, and some have just been really unlucky. We get groups of people together to talk about issues they face. We help people isolate an issue, figure out some actions that could improve that – maybe that’s changing a law or policy – and then work on doing that.
Q: Please tell us a little about your living situation. You live in an intentional community, right? A: Honestly, living in community has been really difficult at times. It’s a pretty stressful situation. We are in this giant city, there are five of us living together in a house, and we each have a $100 stipend for personal expenses in one of the world’s most expensive places. You know, friends call us up and ask us to go do things that we just can’t afford sometimes. Also, when we first moved in, we thought we had bed bugs! Bed bugs have been all over the news, and we were getting some bites, so of course we thought it was bed bugs. Actually, they aren’t bed bugs, but we are still getting some kinds of bites. We live in this really cool, old brownstone in Brooklyn, and that’s great, but the house is definitely old. So, new city, new job, a bunch of new people all together in one old house – that brings some stress. And it also turned out that my roommate snores, and I am a light sleeper, so I slept on the couch for a while. All that said, I really like my roommates. There
are some amazing people here, and even with all of the stressful things and tough moments, there have been some great moments, too. Q: How has spirituality played a part in your experience so far? A: You know, I’m working on that. That’s part of why we’re doing this. Faith has helped to really consciously look at my work and what I’m doing here. It helps to step out of the rat race and look at what I really value and see if I could live those things honestly. It gives me hope, it’s a challenge, and I hope I can grow in my faith here. Q: Do you have any good stories from the year? A: Well, I got arrested! We had been working really hard on a campaign to get better housing support for people with HIV and AIDS. People pay a lot of their money towards housing, and the apartments are generally really bad. People with Section 8 housing support, for example, have their rent capped at 30 percent of their income, so they have a little
bit of money for other living expenses. But we have some people who don’t get subsidized housing, and their rent can be 80 percent of their income, or more, and they are left with almost nothing to live on in New York City. We had passed a bill through the state senate and assembly, but then the governor vetoed it! And that was after pledging support. So a lot of people got together for a rally, and the governor wouldn’t talk with us. Some of us decided that we engage in civil disobedience. We basically did a sit in, and one of my housemates and I were arrested. We’re still working on getting that law passed, trying to figure out good ways to move this through the political system, because it would really help a lot of people who are already suffering. Q: Why did you decide to give a year of your life to service as a Jesuit Volunteer? A: Studying theology at UP, I learned about amazing people like Mother Theresa and Dorothy Day and saints, people who have given their lives to their faith and done amazing things. I also went on the Urban Plunge and the
Border Plunge, which were great opportunities to open up awareness and serve in a small way. I wanted to do more of that, and set a course for my life.
The Moreau Center sponsors a dinner for students interested in post-graduate service programs such as JVC, Holy Cross OLM and the Peace Corps. The dinner is on Tuesday, Nov. 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Terrace Room. E-mail moreaucenter@ up.edu to make a reservation.
OPINIONS
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 11
Mind your manners Etiquette in the classroom Lisa McMahan Staff Commentary Before I fetch my soapbox and climb up on it, let me preface with this: I am not Miss Manners. Although I do know which fork should accompany which dinner course, I didn’t have a debutante ball and I grew up in a place where cowboy boots are considered dress shoes. I have also committed some of the transgressions I am about to identify, but I like to think those instances are isolated to the bygone era of freshman naiveté. After three years at this university, I have progressively grown more aware of the unofficial UP etiquette, marked only by the lack thereof. Picture this: you are giving a presentation in front of your class. Suddenly, the door creaks open and your disheveled professor slinks in, closing the door softly behind her. Perhaps the apologetic expression on her face is enough for you to excuse the interruption, but her subsequent behavior makes it fairly obvious that she does not want to be there. Sporting purple sweats and a mean case of bedhead, she takes a seat in the back. It becomes apparent that whoever she is not-sosubtly texting takes precedence over whatever subject you are addressing. Five minutes before class is over, she closes her notebook full of half-hearted notes and shifts impatiently in her seat. In an instant, the rest of the class follows suit. A flurry of shuffling papers, zipping backpack zippers and general hullabaloo ensues. Hopefully, you didn’t have to ponder too laboriously to understand what I’m getting at. The ex-
ample is exaggerated, of course, but I hope it helps you understand what I find myself asking almost every day: If we expect our professors to uphold a certain level of professionalism and propriety, why don’t we, as college students, hold ourselves to the same standards? Perhaps it is exactly that: we are college students. We pay to go here. We like to be comfortable. We like to socialize and think of ourselves as individuals. We do what we want. But we’re also rude. I understand that being a fulltime student doesn’t leave a lot of time to devote to anything but papers, reading and exams, but that doesn’t mean we must throw courtesy to the wind. By making a small but concerted effort, perhaps we can change the world — or at least the atmosphere on The Bluff. • When my uncle attended UP in the 1960s, he would iron his shirt collar and cuffs to look presentable in accordance with the now defunct dress code on The Bluff. I get that it’s nice to be comfortable, especially after dragging yourself out of bed in the morning for an 8:10 a.m. class, but instead of schlepping your way to campus in your pajamas, throw on a pair of jeans. • Try your darndest to get to class on time. It’s embarrassing and disruptive, not to mention disrespectful. We all have mornings when the alarm doesn’t go off or we push the snooze button a few times too many, but if it’s becoming a habit, do something about it. • When you’re in class, be in class. Turn off your phone — nothing is worse than the moment when a professor stops her lecture and scans the room to see whose “Single Ladies” ringtone is reverberating off the walls. Classes are short and, I promise, you can turn your phone on when
it’s over. • Keep it together until class is over. If you respect professors’ time by showing up when you’re supposed to show, they will most likely do the same and let you out when they need to. Packing up early and causing a scene generally doesn’t speed up the lecture, and if professors go a minute or two past the official end of class, take comfort in the fact that it takes less than ten minutes to get anywhere you need to be on campus. I’d like to reiterate that you can take this advice with a grain of salt. The four years we spend at UP are some of the freest that we will encounter before entering the real world, and you can bet that after graduation, sweats won’t be kosher work attire, even on casual Fridays. Cowboy boots, on the other hand? They’re always in. Lisa McMahan is and English and German studies major. She can be contacted at mcmahan11@up.edu
Samantha Heathcote | THE BEACON
Elections are Tuesday Nov. 2nd! The Beacon encourages UP students to get out and participate in democracy by casting your vote for your representatives and decide on local issues. Let your voice be heard!
So get out there and...
VOTE!
Keep it classy and creative this Halloween Don your costumes, buy your candy and pick the parties you will attend. This is Halloween weekend. It’s a good excuse to stop worrying about your midterm grades (at least for an evening or two) and perhaps take on an alter ego for a night. However, let’s get original, people! Down with the old standbys: Playboy bunnies, Superman or cats. Think of something witty, spooky, extravagant or silly. Get together with your friends and pull off a group costume no one will forget. With a Goodwill right on Lombard Street, you have got no excuse for another has-been costume. They have all the trappings on the cheap for your tiny college budget. But don’t throw out all the traditions. Take part in Hallow’s Eve events that will never die! Gather up a group of friends to get lost in a corn maze, carve some jack-o-lanterns and scream your way through a haunted house (or just comfort your crying significant other). Halloween is also a good excuse to forget about your diet. Gorge on some of your favorite candy (or get it the day after for cheaper) and bake some pumpkin bread or pumpkin seeds. When all else fails, treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte. Don’t forget that UP invites children from around the University Park neighborhood to trick-or-treat around the dorms. Help make their holiday magical by being friendly and generous. Although you may be under a mask or having a really good time it’s important to remember to act respectfully and dress tastefully. Be inventive, not suggestive. Just remember during all celebrations to look after one another. If you go with a group, make sure everyone gets home safely. Be safe, but savor the holiday as a time to step back into childhood by dressing up and eating candy with good friends. Picture provided by: http://clericaladvantage.com
EDITORIAL POLICY
The editorial reflects the majority view of The Beacon Editorial Board. The editorial does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the collective staff or the Administration of the University of Portland. Other submissions in this section are signed commentaries that reflect the opinion of the individual writer. The Student Media Committee, providing recommendation to the publisher, oversees the general operation of the newspaper. Policy set by the committee and publisher dictates that the responsibility for the newspaper’s editorial and advertising content lies solely in the hands of its student employees.
OPINIONS
12 October 28, 2010
Palindrome dates in 2011
Aziz Inan Guest Commentary If each calendar date in all four-digit years is assigned a single eight-digit full date number as M1M2-D1D2-Y1Y2Y3Y4 (where the first-two digits M1M2 is the month, D1D2 is the day, and Y1Y2Y3Y4 is the year number), some of these dates are palindrome numbers (that is, the date number reads the same forward or backward) and these dates are referred to as palindrome dates. For example, January 2, 2010 this year was the second palindrome date to occur in this century since its full date number is 01-022010, a palindrome number. There are only twelve such eight-digit palindrome dates in the 21st century. The first occurred on October 2, 2001 (1002-2001) which mostly went unnoticed and the third is next year on November 2, 2011 (11-022011). The fourth one is February 2, 2020 (02-02-2020) and so on until the last one on September 2, 2090 (09-02-2090). Before 2001, the last such palindrome date occurred on August 31, 1380 (08-31-1380) and this confirms the rarity of palindrome dates. Note that this rarity is partly based on each date being represented by an eight-digit date number. There are some dates in the calendar, however, in which either the month or the day number (or both) is a single-digit number. Months that can be expressed using only single-digit numbers are January through September. Days that can be designated with single-digit numbers are the first nine days of each month. Full date numbers that involve single digit month and/or day numbers can also be represented using seven- or even six-digit numbers instead of eight. For example, Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 and this date can be expressed either as 09-05-1997 (eight digits), or 9-05-1997 (seven), or 09-5-1997 (seven), or 9-51997 (six). Interestingly enough, using
seven-digit date numbers for some dates introduces many more palindrome dates into the calendar. For example, the last sevendigit palindrome date before this century occurred last century on September 9, 1990 (09-9-1990). In this century, except 2100, a seven-digit palindrome date having single-digit month number occurring in year 20AB have the general form B-A0-20AB where single-digit month number B can take any value between 1 and 9 (January to September). Note that digit A (the tenth digit of the day number) can either be 1, 2, or 3, with one exception, that A cannot equal 3 when B = 2 (February). Based on these, there will be a total of 9 x 3 – 1 = 26 seven-digit palindrome dates with singledigit month number to occur in this century. It’s fascinating that none of these seven-digit palindrome dates have occurred so far; the first is coming up early next year on January 10, 2011 (1-10-2011)! These 26 seven-digit palindrome dates with single month digit are all concentrated between years 2011 and 2039, one to occur in each year, except years 2020 and 2030, and 2032. The second is on February 10, 2012 (2-10-2012), third on March 10, 2013 (3-102013), and the last (26th) is on September 30, 2039 (9-30-2039). Note that no seven-digit palindrome dates having single-digit day number exist in this century since BA-0-20AB is not a valid date number simply because the day number cannot be zero. Also, no six-digit palindrome dates can occur in this century since B-A20AB cannot be a palindrome number. It is also interesting to point out that in most other countries the month and the day numbers in a full date number are switched (for example, an eightdigit full date number is written as D1D2-M1M2-Y1Y2Y3Y4) and most of the palindrome dates in this date format are different than the ones in the month-day-year date format. For example, there are twenty-nine eight-digit palindrome dates in the 21st century in day-month-year date format as opposed to twelve in the monthday-year one. This year, 1 February 2010 was a palindrome date (01-02-2010), the third one of the
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29 to occur in this century. The first and second were 10 February 2001 (10-02-2001) and 20 February 2002 (20-02-2002). The fourth and fifth will be 11 February 2011 (11-02-2011) and 21 February 2012 (21-02-2012) and so on until the last (29th) one on 29 February 2092 (29-02-2092), a leap day. In addition to the 29 eightdigit day-month-year palindrome dates, there will be nine sevendigit palindrome dates in the daymonth-year date format in this century. All of these nine sevendigit palindrome dates are to be of the form A-10-201A (where each See Palindromes, page 13
Megan Osborn | THE BEACON
Professor Aziz Inan illustrates the pattern of the rare palindrome dates on the whiteboard
THE BEACON Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief. . . . . . . ����� Rosemary Peters News Editor . . . . . . . . . . ��������� Hannah Gray Design Editor . . . . . . . . ���������Megan Irinaga Opinions Editor . . . . . . �������� Megan Osborn Living EditoR �������������� Roya Ghorbani-Elizeh Sports Editor . . . . . . . . �����Aaron O’Connell Copy Editor. . . . . . . . . . . �������� Lisa McMahan
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OPINIONS
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 13
Commons is fancy, but too pricey Enid Spitz Staff Commentary Lunch from home: about $2. The same thing in The Commons: about $7. Eating with friends: priceless…unless of course you’re paying the high prices for University Commons meals. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a big fan of the new Commons. The design is clean, the fireplace is neat and the food looks good. As an off-campus student, I really appreciate how accessible it is. Last year, since I didn’t have a meal plan, when friends would all meet for dinner, I was stuck
outside. Now, The Commons has been successfully transformed into a great studying and socializing spot. There are perks beyond the style of the building too. Paying for what you want to eat and only what you want seems like a big improvement over last year, when something you wanted often came on a plate with something you didn’t. With that system, more unwanted food was served and therefore wasted. Being able to go through a line countless times after swiping your card to get in also diminished appreciation for the meals, leading to more wastefulness. It also seems like this system might be healthier. Now there are more decisions to be made: whether to pay for a cookie or fruit, to get water or a soda. Depending on the student of course,
having to manage food finances might inspire him or her to forgo less health-conscious picks. Outweighing those benefits, in my opinion, are the downsides to the new Commons’ system. While it seems only fair that people pay for what they eat, it’s unfortunate that the food is so steeply priced that students who need to eat more have to struggle with the high cost of their diet. Some student athletes, for example, have commented on how they can’t sustain their regular eating habits with meals priced as they are at The Commons. Of course, this situation mirrors real life, where people who eat more will inevitably buy more at grocery stores, paying more money. But at Fred Meyer or Safeway you don’t have to deal with a monopoly; you can choose between brands and sizes, controlling
your expenditures. I can buy a dozen eggs or a loaf of bread at a grocery store for roughly the same price as a snack at the Commons. It’s understandable that certain circumstances justify an increase in price. There’s packaging and labor and a lot more, I’m sure, behind the scenes. But for college students, the restaurant pricing of our school cafeteria puts a damper on the great aspects of the new Commons. It will definitely be a great new study spot and a nice place to meet friends, but actually buying meals there is impractical for off-campus students and stressful for some on campus as well.
before 1 October 2011 occurred last century on 29 September 1992 (29-9-1992). Note also that no seven-digit palindrome dates with single-digit month number exist in this century in the daymonth-year date format. In summary, in the 21st century, there are 12 eight- and 26 seven-digit palindrome dates in the month-day-year date format and 29 eight- and nine sevendigit palindrome dates in the daymonth-year date format. Amaz-
ingly enough, the total number of eight- and seven-digit palindrome dates in both date formats come out to be the same number, 38! Next year (2011), each date format contains double palindrome dates, 1-10-2011 and 1102-2011, corresponding to January 10, 2011 and November 2, 2011 in the month-day-year date format and 11 February 2011 and 1 October 2011 in the day-monthyear date format. Make sure you book your international travel
plans accordingly for 2011 so that you increase the chances of experiencing four palindrome dates!
Enid Spitz is an English and Communications Studies major. She can be contacted at spitz13@up.edu.
PALINDROMES: Rare dates in 2011
Continued from page 12
one occurs in October and the single-digit day number A varies between 1 and 9). The first one of these is to occur next year on 1 October 2011 (1-10-2011) and the last (9th) will be 9 October 2019 (9-10-2019). So, one seven-digit day-month-year format palindrome date exists in each year between 2011 and 2019 and none afterwards. Note that the last seven-digit palindrome date in the day-month-year date format
Faces on The Bluff By ALISSA WHITE Photographer
We asked:
What are you going to be for Halloween?
“I’ll be a cowboy.” Ben Thompson, senior, marketing and management
Aziz Inan is a Professor of Electrical Engineering at University of Portland. He can be contacted at inan@up.edu Reference: Aziz Inan, “Twelve Palindrome Dates in 21st Century,” The Beacon, November 19, 2009, Vol. 111, No. 11, pp. 11 & 13.
“Waldo.” David Sumada, freshman, psychology
“A baller.” Heather Bladek, junior, nursing
“A ballerina.” Kelsey Friedemann, junior, organizational communication studies
“Woody from Toy Story. He’s a balla.” Kurt Berning, junior, finance and operations management
SPORTS
14 October 28, 2010
Four more all but guarantees WCC title No. 2 Pilots win four straight, defeat closest WCC contender, Santa Clara Kyle Cape-Lindelin Staff Writer capelind13@up.edu The women Pilots soccer team continued their terrific run of 26 straight WCC victories with four wins coming against WCC rivals Loyola Marymount, Pepperdine, San Diego and No. 12 Santa Clara. The wins have all but locked up the WCC crown for the sixth time in the last seven years for UP including the last three straight. The Pilots have only two more games to play in the regular season before starting the NCAA Championship Tournament including the final home game against San Francisco on Oct. 31 when the seniors will be honored and the final game at St. Mary's on Nov. 6. As long as the Pilots win out their final two games, they should meet their season goal of being awarded one of the four No. 1 seeds in the tournament, guaranteeing home-field advantage throughout. “Getting one of the No. 1 seeds has always been the goal this season and it probably was the one thing that held us back last year,”
Kevin Kadooka | THE BEACON
Freshman Michelle Cruz works her way through the Pepperdine defense last Sunday at Merlo Field. The Pilots defeated the Waves along with the University of San Diego, Loyola Marymount, and their biggest competition, No. 12 Santa Clara. Head Coach Garrett Smith said. “Just because we're close doesn't mean we can afford to lose sight of what still needs to be done.” The Pilots started off their latest run of wins with a pair of home games at Merlo Field on Oct. 15 and 17 against Loyola Marymount and Pepperdine. The Pilots finally broke out of
their first half scoring slump with two goals coming off the bench in the first half to beat LMU 2-0. Freshman Michelle Cruz was the first to score in the 31st minute off a pass through the middle from fellow freshman Sarah Bridges. “Sarah made a great pass and I was right there so I just had to
finish it off.” Cruz said. “It’s great to take the lead early instead of worrying about going down a goal in the second half.” The Pilots struck back again, this time on the legs of junior Halley Kreminski ten minutes later. Kreminski intercepted a pass from senior Elli Reed and barely poked in a goal past LMU's goal-
keeper for the insurance goal. Junior Hailee DeYoung made the start at goalkeeper and made a phenomenal five saves to earn her second shutout. The Pilots battled hard at home against Pepperdine (7-5-4), See Soccer, page 15
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SPORTS
The Beacon — www.upbeacon.net 15
Fall break football, being at a Big Ten battle Bruce Garlinghouse
Staff Commentary Warning: Reading about this experience may cause a sudden urge to transfer schools. Read at your own discretion. A college football game consists of four hard-hitting, speed filled 15-minute quarters. In between the second and the third quarter is a halftime that lasts twenty minutes. A college football game day for in Wisconsin game starts hours before the opening kick off. There are no set quarters. No halftime. There are no refs, no set rules. A college football game begins with a flip of a coin and a kick off. College game day be-
gins with the arrival of a keg and a plate of eggs. Over fall break, while many of you were posted up on your couch, flipping through the channels, checking the scores of all the football games on Saturday, I was in Madison, Wis., the home of the University of Wisconsin Badgers. Their opponent that day: The No. 1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. While I know many of you have pride for your Pilots, we could take a page out of Wisconsin’s pregaming playbook. One pregame party? Nonsense. As I walked down Langdon Street, Wisconsin’s frat row, every house was packed full of backward hat-wearing frat bros, and their sorority neighbors from across the street. Smoke carrying the haunting aromas of ribs, steaks, burgers and brats filled the air and red and orange leaves peppered the ground. It didn’t matter who you
were, what frat you were from or what year you were, if you were cheering for the Badgers you were a friend and an ally. It’s not just the students that flood the streets. All of Madison comes to life. Middle aged men gather together, talking about the good ole days, exchanging stories over beer and brats. Their children close by toss a football, pretending to be the players that will take the field later that night as their moms watch from a distance. It’s a family affair in every sense of the expression, whether your family is your real family, you’re a frat brother, or simply a fellow Badgers fan. High fives are exchanged as fellow Badger fans pass each other along the street, surely most of them are strangers. This city-wide party lasts for six hours. Purple Pride is a short sprint. Badgers tailgating is a marathon.
This is the part of college football that is not shown on ESPN’s College Game Day. This is the part of sports that one has to experience to truly understand. And this is the part of sports that is unfortunately lacking at the University of Portland. As if a horn is sounded, each tailgater begins his or her trek to Camp Randall, Wisconsin’s football stadium, capable of housing 80,321 people. That is nearly 16 times the size of Merlo field. Each seat is filled, concession lines run long as fans rush to purchase their beverage and food of choice before the opening kickoff because after that first kickoff, only the most serious of bathroom emergencies could remove them from the game until halftime. When Wisconsin’s David Gilreath returned the opening kick off 97 yards, the hope that the No. 18 Wisconsin Badgers could
knock off the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes, became honest belief. Belief became reality as thousands of Badgers fans, myself included, participated in the ancient act of rushing the field. Displaying some of my own athleticism, I had to dodge two security guards, but it didn’t matter. Soon I would be lost in a sea of red. Players were placed on shoulders, giving high fives to fans as the whole crowd joined in singing Wisconsin’s fight song. Unfortunately we don’t have a football team, or an 80,000 seat stadium. But as soccer playoffs approach on The Bluff, keep this experience in mind and ask yourself if there is anything you can do to bring that kind of experience to Portland. Offer a beer to a stranger, cheer hard and keep inviting that neighbor of the Purple Pride house to come over.
SOCCER: Pilots come closer to No. 1 seed with four wins Continued from page 16 who upset UCLA's long standing 73-game winning streak against them coming into the match with UP. Pepperdine's luck couldn't hold through as the Pilots finally got the game-winning goal from junior Danielle Foxhoven in the 57th minute after a vastly defensive game in the first half. “Our defense was there for the whole game and it was just a matter of getting one goal,” Foxhoven said. “I thought I could get it done and the shot went in.” Freshman Erin Dees continued the Pilots’ great goalkeeper play with two saves and her fifth shutout of the season.
The Pilots took down San Diego and No. 12 Santa Clara on the road on Oct. 22 and 24. Both wins came on only one scored goal as both teams gave UP trouble scoring while being unable to control possession themselves. San Diego was taken down again by Foxhoven who scored in 52nd minute after taking advantage of a mismatched San Diego defender who got caught behind Foxhoven. After taking the pass from sophomore Taylor Brooke, Foxhoven attacked the goal post and sent in the game-winning goal. It was Foxhoven's fifth goal of the season and 46th of her career at UP. DeYoung made her third shutout start at the goalkeeper posi-
tion, recording one save; Portland controlled possession for most of the game despite few scoring opportunities. Sunday's game at Santa Clara was another defensive deadlock most of the way through. The Pilots themselves had ample opportunities including a shot by senior captain Keelin Winters which barely bounced off the Santa Clara goalkeeper's hand to prevent the goal as the first half buzzer sounded. “The fact that we don't allow the opposing team many scoring opportunities shows how committed our team is to defense, and that is what wins us games in the end,” Smith said. UP finally scored the game-
winner off Kreminski in the 79th minute after finishing a perfect cross pass from sophomore Kendall Johnson. “It just happens that my goals end up the game-winners but I'm glad I'm able to put the game away when it matters and let our defense handle the rest,” Kreminski said following the win. Santa Clara didn't back down after going down, however, as they turned up the intensity and managed to come close to scoring twice in the final minutes. In the 80th minute a Santa Clara shot bounced off the crossbar while a minute later, Brooke had to made a diving block to preserve the lead and the win. “Our two goalkeepers have
INTRAMURAL CHAMPIONSHIP PROFILE On Monday afternoon, Hard Balls failed to beat Off in the Shower, the reigning champions in intramural softball.
been fantastic and we hope they carry over to the tournament,” said Smith. “The fact that we have two starting level goalkeepers that are capable of shutting teams out will mean a lot once tournament play starts.” The four straight wins improve UP's record to 17-1-0 and an undefeated record in the WCC 5-0. The Pilots have been without senior Sophie Schmidt the last several games because she is training with the Canadian National Team in preparation for the World Cup qualifications but she should make her return for senior night against San Francisco on Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.
If you think your intramural team should be featured in The Beacon, contact The Beacon at beacon@up.edu
About Off in the Shower -Made it to the Championship game the last three years and won the championship the last two. - Lost only one game the last three years, including playoff games. - Captain and shortstop is senior Ryan Livingston. - Team Motto: No one can beat Off In The Shower. - Believe they have the best outfield in the league.
About the championship game - Played the team, Hard Balls, in the Championship game on Monday afternoon. Won the game 7 to 5. - Seniors Katie Coluccio, and Peter Vandomelin made big defensive plays in the field. - Senior Chris Carcich continued his “Cy Young season” with masterful performances in the playoffs and getting a win on Monday. - Senior Joe Kurtz has been on the team for all three years, and contributed another incredible year. - Senior John Avila had many big hits throughout the season. - Senior Peter VanDomelen celebrated by stripping down to his boxers on the run from the outfield to the dog pile at the pitchers mound.
Photo Courtesy Katie Coluccio
What is it like at a Big Ten football game? Page 15
Sports The Beacon
Inside the...
Cross Country House
16 October 28, 2010
Photos by Scott Chia | THE BEACON
Off-campus cross country runners find living together fosters team unity, carrying on a team tradition PJ Marcello Staff Writer marcello13@up.edu Red shirt juniors Matt Frerker and Shane Geiger, and true freshman Sean Thomas inherited the cross country team’s “Tommy’s House,” this year. “This house will always be called Tommy’s house because Tommy Betterbed was the oldest of the house last year,” Thomas said. “You might call him the founder.”
“I like it because it’s nice to go to practice together and since we’re all runners we have similar eating habits and diets. Living with these guys and being a part of the same team gives us some added respect for each other.”
Sean Thomas Freshman
Beyond the famed name of the house within the cross country team, the house is also one of three other cross country houses that serve as a location for weekly team building. “The team likes to watch both football and futbol on weekends, especially the European runners, they love to watch soccer,” said Frerker. “Thursday nights we are also the host for watching “The Office” and “It’s Always Sunny (in Philadelphia)” on the big screen,” said Frerker. Some special features of the cross country house are all of the different activities offered at the
house. “When you have a house there are some essentials,” Thomas said. “You need a big screen, a dance floor, big speakers, Netflix and of course, plenty of spoons.” However, the most unique aspect of the cross country house is the indoor golf. “We enjoy the occasional game of indoor ping-pong golf on our homemade indoor golf course,” said Thomas. It’s also important to determine roles in the house for good team bonding and a well functioning house. “Sean is the cleanest in the house and Shane is by far last for cleanliness,” Frerker said. “But he makes up for it with his cooking.” Another key for success as a household is deciding who gets what room and scheduling times. “Matt has the coolest room because it’s big enough for two people and it takes up the entire upstairs,” Thomas said. “I guess that’s just seniority.” Sean and Shane share the two bedrooms on the main level of the house, which includes a living room lined with cross country posters, several couches and a giant television, one bathroom and the all important kitchen. The downstairs holds another large television as well as more couches and a spare room. The benefit of living with teammates goes beyond just the team bonding days and watching sports together. “I like it because it’s nice to go to practice together and since we’re all runners we have similar eating habits and diets,” Thomas said. “Living with these guys and being a part of the same team gives us some added respect for each other.”
The Pilots are just a few wins away from claiming the WCC title Page 14 www.upbeacon.net