DU Clarion Volume 121 Issue 24

DU RANKED AS TOP SCHOOL FOR SKIIERS | PAGE 3 University of Denver student newspaper since 1899

Vol. 121, Issue 24

nov. 5, 2014

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Committee: Evans culpable in creating massacre conditions Alex Johnson Editor Emeritus

This Monday, Nov. 3, DU’s John Evans Study Committee released its report concerning the role of DU founder and thenColorado Territorial Governor John Evans in the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864. The report drew numerous conclusions about Evans’ role in the massacre, and determined that “Evans bears serious culpability for the Sand Creek Massacre having occurred.”

The committee also released recommendations for healing moving forward.

DU Associate Professor of political science Nancy Wadsworth chaired the 11-person committee and discussed the findings in a Nov. 3 email to political science students.

“Our committee believes that the historical evidence amply supports a conclusion that John Evans shared a culpability different in character but comparable in degree for the Sand Creek Massacre alongside John Chivington,” Wadsworth wrote. “This is a serious and uncomfortable finding, but we believe that grappling with it honestly can have a big impact on our institutional memory, and our campus climate.”

The committee, which included members of the DU community as well as Native American representatives, found Evans culpable for at least four reasons, primarily relating to his dual leadership position in the territorial government and

his role as president-appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs.

According to the committee’s report, Evans failed to carry out his duties as Indian Affairs Superintendent, creating dangerous conditions for the Native American tribes that inhabited present-day Colorado.

“Under dangerous conditions, Evans exerted grossly insufficient legal enforcement of claims on behalf of the tribes and largely ignored their complaints, thereby contributing to the acceleration in conflict,” said the report.

Evans, the committee found, was also culpable for advocating for war with Native Americans over more peaceful solutions and for creating the 3rd Colorado Cavalry Regiment, helmed by Col. John Chivington. This 3rd Regiment is infamous for committing the Sand Creek Massacre and for, according to the report, being created to harass and kill Native Americans.

Also argued in the report is the idea that, though Evans likely did not know Chivington planned to commit the massacre, Evans did create the 3rd Regiment and the conditions for the event to occur. The committee argues that this fact leaves him guilty in the massacre, although in a different character than Chivington, who directly oversaw the murder of Cheyenne and Arapaho people.

The final justification offered by the committee for finding Evans culpable is the deferral of his authority to the military.

Included with the report is a document containing recommendations for healing and moving forward. The recommendations include elements designed to address the massacre and Evans legacy, including increased campus dialogue about the massacre and Native Americans generally, creating more DU Native American student scholarships and, among other recommendations, “[Incorporating] the narrative of DU’s presence on native land in all official events (Pioneer Passage and other new student orientations, convocations, FSEM dinners, etc.).” In a Nov. 3 email to the university community, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp stated that DU would work towards a healing process.

“As a community, we will work through the report and its recommendations, and we will review ideas and suggestions from a variety of groups and individuals,” Chopp said.

The report also concluded that Evans never should have been appointed as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and argued that President Abraham Lincoln made a mistake.

“Abraham Lincoln erred substantially in the case of Dr. Evans. [...] it is clear that Evans never should have been appointed Colorado’s Superintendent of Indian Affairs,” the report stated.

Also outlined in the report are details of the nine-hour Sand Creek Massacre, including murder and mutilation committed by soldiers under Chivington’s command.

COURTESY OF LIBRARY.DU.EDU

DU founder and Colorado Territorial Governor John Evans.

Wadsworth and the committee hoped not to tarnish Evans through the process, but to come to a higher understanding.

“We have hope we have done a responsible job [...] We are not trying to tarnish the reputation of Evans are the Evans family, but we are trying to comprehend,” she said.

Overall, Wadsworth stressed greater understanding.

“At DU, the important thing would be to really understand the history of our founder in a more complex way that doesn’t try to sweep the bad parts under the rug,” said Wadsworth.

Interested parties can download the full report and recommendations on the John Evans Study Committee portfolio page.

Hockey splits BC games USG urges Driscoll updates Nikki Frick Senior Reporter

LINDA HE | CLARION Nationally ranked No. 10 DU Hockey celebrates its win against Boston College during a split series this past weekend.

SEE DENVER, PAGE 11

News

Lifestyles

COLLEGE PUNDITS DU STUDENT PIONEERS STARTUP DUKE IT OUT The DU College Republicans and DU Democrats debated election issues.

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DU Senior Jason Lightman started a business to help people travel comfortably.

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DU may look forward to a new student center in the coming years. Plans were created last year under Chancellor Emeritus Robert Coombe that would increase the amount of space available for students in Driscoll Student Center. Now, a new initiative is being pushed forward that could change the original renovation plan.

“The current building...is 8 percent accessible to students,” said Adam Hammerman, a senior from Rockville, Maryland who is head of the Driscoll Student Center Renovation Committee and Secretary of Community Partnerships at USG. “The new plans [...] have the building at 20 percent.”

Students currently have access to Driscoll Underground, Jazzman’s Café, Subway, and a few seating areas around the building. However, there is much more area in the building that is currently vacant or utilized by administrative offices and the bookstore.

The goal of the committee is to create a

What’s inside:

plan that would increase student accessibility to 50 percent: “The students didn’t really get input on the [original] plan,” said Hammerman, noting that it seems strange for a student center to be mostly inaccessible to students.

Hammerman says the new Anderson Academic Commons helped to satisfy academic needs for students, but there is also a need for places on-campus to meet the social needs of students. The previous plans for renovation, which were revealed in Feb. 2013, included a new food court area, a lodge-like community area, and a new meeting space.

The committee hopes to use a large amount of student input, especially from clubs that will be using the space, to guide the renovation. That process has already begun, but will grow in outreach once approval for new plans goes through administrative approval. The new plans could include features ranging from a completely new food court to a bowling alley, depending on where students show interest, according to Hammerman.

SEE DRISCOLL, PAGE 2

Entertainment

Opinions

Sports

“Nightcrawler,” which debuted last week, explores the dark side of the media.

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Should the popular eatery change its name in the face of public pressure?

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Men’s and Women’s swimming and diving continue their undefeated streak.

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GYLLENHAAL FILM PRO/CON OF CRAWLS THE NIGHT ILLEGAL PETE’S

SWIMMING AND DIVING SPLASH IN

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Driscoll to DU’s politicos debate the issues revamp? www.duclarion.com

John Poe Contributing Writer

On Oct. 29, the DU College Democrats and DU College Republicans met in Davis Auditorium for their quarterly debate. For the fall 2014 quarter, there were three topics of interest. They included capital punishment, government financing of student loans and concealed carry on campus.

“The topics were chosen because they were important to the election in Colorado,” stated Connor Everson, the DU College Democrats President and a senior from Seattle studying public policy. “[Overall] the debate went very smoothly, everyone had great points and I feel that there was no clear winner. Both sides struck a balance between using evidence and emotional appeals - we all left the debate with more knowledge about these issues.”

There were a total of six debaters and two moderators. Everson served as one of the moderators, while the other was Tyler Dumon, the DU College Republicans Acting Chairman and a senior from Chicago, Illinois.

The Debaters included Josh Giacalone, a sophomore from Blue Bell, Pennsylvania studying public policy; Max Goldberg, a sophomore from East Hampton, Connecticut studying applied computer science and political science and Spencer Rivera, a sophomore studying finance from Arvada, Colorado.

Three of the debaters are also part of the DU Debate Team: Brandon Arnold, a freshman from Pensacola, Florida studying philosophy, Kelsey Betz, a senior from Bailey, Colorado studying political science and Meagan Wilson, a freshman

from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The DU Democrat debaters were Arnold, Giacalone and Goldberg, while the DU Republican debaters were Betz, Rivera and Wilson.

The debate began with a discussion about capital punishment. “As society has evolved, the vast majority of the international community has come to view the state sanction billing of what it truly is: bad policy and morally wrong. It is time for Colorado and the United States to join nearly every other western democracy and eliminate the death penalty once and for all,” said Goldberg.

The DU Republicans disagreed with what the DU Democrats had to say.

“Capital punishment ensures the punishment fits the crime as well as creating a sense of closure for the victim’s family. Denying another person the full extent to their life is effectively a forfeiture of his own life,” said Betz. “Any less of a punishment does not do justice to the victim nor does it fulfill the goals of our beings. A lesser sentence such as life without parole drops murder to the level of non-lethal or violent crimes, and implies it is not a drastically worse offense.”

The debate then moved to the next topic: government financing of student loans.

“Today, the average college student will graduate with $26,000 in student debt. These numbers have been on the rise, along with college tuition for the past 50 years. However, these numbers reached their peak and started to level out in 2009 when the federal government stepped in and started issuing direct loans from the federal government.

We believe that government funded loans are the best option that we should take into account,” said Arnold.

The DU Republicans disagreed with the

effectiveness of government funded loans.

“America is the land of opportunity, and education plays a key role in that. We believe that higher education should be accessible and affordable but we believe that when going through the government neither of those goals are reached. What we see is [that the] government keeps handing out money and trapping people into expensive college loans,” responded Wilson.

The topic of concealed carry on campus began with the DU College Democrats asking questions of the DU College Republicans.

“College Democrats have no problem with challenging the status quo, but that challenge has to be rooted in some type of justification, said Giacalone. “So, I ask the College Republicans: Why do students need to carry guns on our campus? Is there a threat to the DU community that currently exists that is so great it can only be solved by allowing our students to carry guns on campus?

We believe that there is not one problem that this campus has that is actually caused by a lack of armed students.” Rivera disagreed with the argument that guns would not help students fight threats on campus. “Eliminating our second amendment right is not a rational response. There [are] colleges such as Colorado State University and several technical colleges in Utah that have allowed concealed carry on campus. There has not been a single increase in violence. None of these twelve schools have seen incidents with the result of gun violence.”

At the conclusion of the debate, Everson thanked the audience for coming out and the debaters for putting a lot of hard work into their respective topics. The next quarterly debate is planned for March of Winter quarter, according to Everson.

Continued from page 1

The main issues with the new student center plans come from funding challenges.

With two buildings (the Anna and John J. Sie International Relations complex and the Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science) on campus currently under construction, Hammerman says it may be difficult to fund the student center project until work on those two buildings is complete.

Further, Hammerman says it may take a few years to make plans that will appropriately reflect students’ needs and desires.

Director of Driscoll John Nichols has previously shown support for plans with student input, pointing out that the initial renovation goals were to help students.

“The whole effort has been to bring that number [of students] up significantly and make a place students can hang out and socialize,” said Nichols in a Jan. 2014 Clarion article in which he also cited fundraising as a major obstacle to any renovation.

At the moment, most members of the committee are in USG and all of the members are students. The current goal is to get approval for new plans. Hammerman said they hope to get more involvement from the student body to start the process of making the plans soon. Ideally, members of any clubs and organizations that would like space in the new buildings will have representatives on the committee.

“It’s not going to happen overnight…[but] if we get some student uproar, this student center will get going,” said Hammerman.

Anyone interested in becoming involved in the Driscoll Student Center Renovation Committee can contact the committee at DUStudentCenter@gmail.com.

GET BUCKS FOR BOOKS IN-STORE OR ONLINE AT BUYBACK.COM UND BOOKSTORE 2050 EAST EVANS AVE | DUBOOKSTORE.COM /DUBOOKSTORE

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DU ranked as top ten college for skiiers

by Carissa Cherpes Contributing Writer DU was recently ranked as the 10th best college for skiers by Freeskier magazine, a publication that focuses on “all things skiing.”

The magazine started with 30 schools, then used 16 different factors—such as average snowfall, the closest ski resorts and college statistics—to narrow the list down to 10.

The University of Utah is ranked number 1 with a score of 99. Sierra Nevada College comes next, followed by the University of Colorado at Boulder, Westminster College, the University of Alaska at Anchorage, Montana State University, Gonzaga University, the University of Nevada Reno and Western Washington University.

DU is ranked 10th with a score of 80.6.

The three most important factors in determining a school’s ranking were “distance to closest resort,” “average annual snowfall of closest resort,” and “number of ski areas within 100 miles.”

Here at DU, our closest ski resort is Eldora Mountain Resort, which gets an average snowfall of 300 inches annually. Within 100 miles, we have nine ski areas, including Breckenridge, Vail, Loveland and Aspen.

Several of the other factors were determined by ratings on ZRankings, a website that uses different algorithms to determine how good a ski resort is.

Freeskier took four different scores into consideration: the average score of all resorts within 100 miles, highest snow score of any resort within 100 miles, largest score within 100 miles and average score of all resorts within 100 miles.

Other facts about each school were considered as well, including average annual tuition, percent of students receiving grant aid, professor-to-student ratio and graduation rate.

For DU, the average annual tuition is $42,090 and around 42 percent of students receive grant aid. Our professor-tostudent is 1:11 and the four-year graduation rate is 67 percent of students, which is the second highest of the ten colleges.

Other factors include whether or not the college provides transportation to the surrounding ski areas, the number of courses offered with regard to skiing or snow and major film premieres on campus throughout the year.

Students at DU are able to go skiing once the season starts thanks to the University Ski Bus, which goes up to the mountains on the weekend.

The size of each school’s ski club was also taken into consideration. According to the magazine, our DU Alpine Club has around 460 people, making it the second -largest out of the top ski colleges.

The final factor was the legality of marijuana. While it did not carry as much influence as the other categories, it still did help four colleges in gaining extra points.

“I’m really excited for skiing. We’re so close to some of the best skiing in

America and I feel like it would be a shame to pass up that opportunity. DU being [rated] a great skiing school just means that there are more ski bums like me to go skiing with,” said Kyle MacDonald, a freshman majoring in Biology from Newton, Massachusetts.

DU is ranked the 10th best college for skiers by Freeskier magazine.

connor w. davis | clarion

Conquering the appilcation to study abroad Kellsie Brannen Assistant Lifestyles Editor For most sophomores and perhaps some juniors and seniors, the deadline for a very critical part of the coming year is quickly approaching—the deadline to submit a study abroad application. While this process can certainly be nerve-wracking and stressful, if you have the right idea about how to write the dreaded essay, it shouldn’t be a problem.

The Clarion is here to offer all study abroad applicants some helpful tips on how to conquer the nomination essay so you can say hola, bonjour, ni hao or what have you to your program next year.

Think about what you want out of your experience If you’re applying to study abroad, chances are that you already know where you would like to study. But really try to delve and ask yourself why. Why this place over any other? What would you like to accomplish while you are here? Most importantly—how will this particular university further your academic goals?

“Whenever I do study abroad 101 sessions, I always ask students, ‘Who wants to graduate on time?’ and everyone always raises their hands. We want to see that students have considered their academic goals and can connect the program they choose with their plans in the future,” said Emilie Wardip, Study Abroad Assistant at the Office of International Education.

Do your research Make sure to not only read the short profile provided on Passport, DU’s online system to research and apply for study abroad programs, but also more on the school’s own website and others related to it. Check reviews of the university and its study abroad programs on third party websites or message boards. You can also look at blogs from other DU students who have gone to wherever you are looking to attend at duabroad.com.

photo courtesy of duabroad.com

DU study abroad students look off into a brilliant Spanish sunset. The univeristy offers several programs in Spain, each a unique experience.

However, while you certainly want to ensure that this university is one that will fit you well and will benefit you in a holistic way, also make sure to pay careful attention to the courses that are offered.

You can view course offerings on the program’s website, so definitely be sure to take a look at these while doing research.

Some programs offer internships and other special opportunities as well, so take advantage of anything that will both offer a unique experience and help further your career goals.

“We want to see that students have been reflective and thoughtful and know what goals they have. Describe what classes you plan to take, and how these are relevant to major and minor. Be very specific. We want students to get the most out of their study abroad experience, so

show that you’ve done your homework and really are an expert at this point,” said Wardip.

Don’t procrastinate It’s a lot to ask for students to get started at this busy time of the quarter, but the long winter break is an excellent time to crank out the essays. While it might be tempting to take it easy and wait until the last minute to complete them, this is definitely not the way to go.

You don’t want to start the essay, realize you have questions and not be able to get them answered in time.

“Ideally, students will have their essays completed by the first week of December, so that if they have any questions they have plenty of time to ask.

However, while sooner is better, it also

really depends on how much research the student has done. The essay may not be as strong if you haven’t done very much research,” said Wardip.

Use all available resources These are essays, after all, so treat them like an essay you would write for class. Don’t just slop some words on the page and turn it in. Instead, take the time to edit and go over what you have written. Have friends look over and edit your writing, and consider using the writing center as a resource.

“We are on a college campus, and there are so many resources that are readily available to students. Use the writing center, as there is tremendous value in having an experienced writer look over your work,” said Wardip.

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The Grind: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema The Clarion staff reviews bars, restaurants and coffee houses, attempting cultural mutiny on all things hipster

diDU?know

Bringing you fun facts about little-known people and things on campus

by Connor W. Davis Lifestyles Editor

photo courtesy of yipit.com

Guests at the Alama Drafthouse Cinema can enjoy a flick while indulging in endless food and drinks.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: 3.25 beans

Food, booze and movies all in one place

by Lanna Giauque and Alex Johnson Clarion Staff

Eating a meal while watching a movie is no longer relegated to the realm of couch potatoes.

At Denver’s Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, located in Littleton, moviegoers can watch new releases and cult classics alike, all while being served their favorite foods and drinks. While this idea sounds like the best of both worlds, it is logistically hard to execute and can lead to some awkward moments.

The Alamo Drafthouse is located at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, about 20 minutes south of DU. The massive theater has numerous screens inside its complex as well as a small restaurant and bar area. But why choose between moviewatching and eating when one could do both simultaneously?

The experience was a new one for these grinders. Upon taking one’s seat (which were ample and comfortable) in the theater, a server walks through the aisle and explains how to order food and drink. Attached to the seats are small tables analogous to the desks used in DU classrooms. Each table is shared by two patrons, so if you didn’t know the person sitting next to you, you will by the end of the night, as you’ll be eating and drinking off the same small surface. This is one drawback of the establishment: Unless you want to eat right next to a random stranger, the eating component seems geared towards couples or a pair of friends.

Another problem we discovered while eating is the lack of light. While groping around in the near-complete darkness might be fun in some circumstances, it’s not an ideal way to eat a meal. We were perturbed while eating crudité and hummus: was that a pickle or a zucchini we just picked up? Was that kernel of popcorn adequately buttered and seasoned? While the idea of eating during a film is a great one—and we applaud the Alamo Drafthouse trying to implement it—it is logistically challenging.

The quality of the food is adequate, and the menu is primarily composed of pub food, including appetizers like loaded fries, baked pretzels and queso.

The restaurant also serves various types of pizza, burgers, salads and wraps. Additionally, the multi-page menu offers breakfast options for earlybird moviegoers as well as local, in-season goodies like Hatch green chiles in queso and burgers. We stuck to appetizers, sampling the bottomless popcorn with real butter and seasoned parmesan topping as well as the hummus and vegetable platter. We attempted to sample the baked pretzel as well, but to our utter and complete disappointment, the kitchen ran out. Due to the nature of this fast-paced theater/restaurant, however, we were never told this was the case and were therefore presented with a bill without having received all of our order.

This highlighted another problem with the Alamo Drafthouse: On busy nights, like the completelyfull premiere we saw, the staff seems to run behind, and food orders may take up to 45 minutes to arrive.

In addition to a hefty food menu, the Drafthouse also serves up drinks galore, including beers on draught and in bottles, cocktails and alcoholic milkshakes; we sampled the latter, specifically a mint-green sensation called The Grasshopper, a blend of mint and chocolate liqueurs as well as ice cream and whipped cream. It was excellent–well-balanced with just the right blend of alcohol and sweetness.

The patrons of the Alamo Drafthouse are a diverse group, with avid moviegoers sitting beside couples and friend groups.

However, it limits its clientele to those age 18 and up, specifying that minors can only attend if accompanied by a parent. Its appeal is to the unexpected and the new. Its atmosphere is decidedly different, as instead of dining and conversing with a group or individuals, patrons’ focus is divided between eating in the darkness and enjoying the film on the screen. Theater staff strictly enforce a no-talking and nophone policy, so forget chatting or checking the time while eating and watching here.

Overall, while it certainly has its flaws, the Alamo Drafthouse offers a unique moviegoing and dining experience and merits at least one try from the public.

Though they’re light, and coming in small quantities, snowflakes are finally falling in the mountains again. And before you know it, the 2014/2015 ski and snowboard season will be in full throttle. So check out the lowdown on opening dates, and don’t miss out on a thing this winter.

Arapahoe Basin opened on Oct. 17, and is putting in a serious effort to get Coloradans on snow nice and early. They may only have one trail open right now, commonly known as the white ribbon of death (watch out for other skiers and snowboarders), but one is sure better than none. The same goes for Loveland; They just opened on Nov. 1 and seem excited to be provid-

ing people with the pleasures of skiing and boarding again.

Keystone planned to open on Halloween, but due to some not-so-wintery conditions here and there, that date has been pushed back and is still to be determined. This was a bummer to a lot of people, but seriously, how bummed can you really get about a mountain not opening in October? Patience, young pios, patience.

The rest of Colorado’s mountains plan to get their lifts turning throughout November.

If you have an Epic Pass, look for Breckenridge’s opening on Nov. 7, Vail’s on Nov. 21 and Beaver Creek’s on Nov. 26. These locales tend to wait a little longer to open so they have a variety of terrain ready, so expect some good skiing and riding on their opening days.

connor w. davis | clarion

If you went for the Rocky Mountain Super Pass, keep an eye out for Copper on Nov. 7, Winter Park on Nov. 12 and Steamboat on Nov. 26. A couple other mountains to keep in mind are Crested Butte, opening on Nov. 26, and Aspen, opening on Nov. 27.

all photos by connor w. davis

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How to spend winter break right

by Jonathan Ackley Staff Writer

Outdoorsy advice for every season, every week.

Whenever I explain DU’s quarter system and the extended winter break we have, one question is always asked: “How are you going to spend it?” Unlike the shorter breaks of most colleges, DU’s offers students ample time to accomplish many things that we would otherwise not have time for.

So whether you’re planning to stay in Denver or are heading home for break, be sure to fill your time with things you enjoy—rewarding yourself for working hard this quarter so you can come back refreshed and ready to start again in January.

Look for Internships With the deadline for many summer internships fast-approaching, winter break is a perfect time to find an internship that is a good fit for you. Use the extra time to organize and prepare your resume so you can give yourself the best possible chance of landing something that will benefit you both in the short and long run.

Eat Healthier/Start a Workout Plan Many people make the New Year’s Resolution of eating better and living a healthier lifestyle, and if you are interested in starting better habits in the year to come, get a head start over winter break. You will most likely have a more-flexible schedule once break begins, so take advantage of it and begin a regular routine of going to the gym. Also, more free time means more time to cook, giving you the opportunity to make healthy meals for yourself regularly.

Read a Book (Or Books) Love to read, but haven’t had time during this quarter? Don’t love to read, but want to? Whatever your reason, consider picking up a book (or tablet) and reading during break. Whether it’s a bestseller everyone is talking about, some classics or an old favorite that you will never get tired of reading again, pulling out a book is a sure way to unwind and learn while you’re at it. Plus, nothing says winter like curling up by the fire with a blanket and a good book.

Ski and snowboard Last but not least is perhaps one of the most obvious ways to spend break, especially if you are from or staying in Colorado at all: skiing.

Get up to the mountains whenever you can, especially because it will be much easier now that you won’t have to worry about class and homework. Not to mention that during the week, the slopes will be much less busy than on the weekends.

Winter break is a perfect opportunity to relax after fall quarter and recharge for

The 2014 holiday gift guide

by Connor W. Davis Lifestyles Editor The holidays are a ways away, and you’re most likely broke because it’s the end of the quarter.

But planning gifts now will allow you to space out spending and enjoy the winter break with minimal stress. Take a look at these five items, ranging from eight to ninety-nine dollars. They’re extremely useful and reliable for all of the outdoorsy people in your life.

photo courtesy of beginwithinnutrition.com

Winter break is a great time to get as healthy as possible.

photo courtesy of seQuelmagaZine.org Reading a book, or even a piles of books, is a fun and cozy winter activity.

Stance Socks - $8 - 30 For those who are on a real budget this year, yet are determined to come up with an awesomely unique present, check out the huge collection from Stance Socks. This company coins themselves as “The Uncommon Thread,” and fittingly so because of their wonderfully wacky designs. Whether it be Larry Bird draining a three, a funky floral pattern or stripes and spots of exotic animals, your loved one’s feet will be styling out on the trail, street or wherever else they wander. Stance also just broke into the ski and snowboard sock game, so make sure to peek at those too now that winter is tiptoeing closer (pun intended).

PocketMonkey - $12 If you’re trying to find a gift for someone who will at some point have to open a beer, peel an orange, screw something together, measure something, wrench something, draw a straight line, open a letter or nick off the top of a banana, then buy them a PocketMonkey. This incredibly versatile tool accomplishes all of these things, and it’s amazingly the size of a credit card, allowing it to fit perfectly in a wallet. It’s capable of unlocking a dead bolted door and serving as a kickstand for your phone too, but these are both quite strange and unnecessary functions that you can probably ignore.

Eastern Collective Cable $17.95 There’s always that one person who already just has everything. They’ve received enough sweaters and scarves to last several lifetimes, and the last thing you want to do is get them another bad gift. If you have one of these people on your hands, the best thing to do is simply upgrade something they’ve already got. Behold: the Eastern Collective charging cables Offered for Apple and Android phones, as well as various other electronics, they come in a variety of colors and designs for any taste that will charge your devices with style in mind.

Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set - $38 Chances are your gift recipients have a whole lot of gear already, and you may not feel the need to get them any more. So why not give them the gift of managing all of this gear a little bit better? If this is the case, go for the Pack-It Specter Compression Cube Set, a set of two high-tech bags made of lightweight stretch material that compress your gear as efficiently as possible, making for easier packing. The set includes one big and one small cube fit for any outdoor adventure.

Polaroid Cube - $99.99 Polaroid recently came out with an action sports camera that fits in the palm of your hand and shoots incredible 1080p video.

It’s weatherproof and splashproof, and there’s a magnet on the bottom so you can stick it on your bike, ski pole, car or any other metal surface. This thing is going to change the way we document our outdoor adventures, and it’s an awesome gift for virtually anyone. You can even throw a string on it and wear it like a necklace. And while that may sound dorky, it’s pretty darn ideal, especially for traveling.

photo courtesy of blacktieskis.com Heading up to Vail or one of Colorado’s other many resorts is one of the most obivous, yet staisfying ways to spend winter break.

school starting up again in January. However, don’t forget to stay productive. It is a long break and it can be easy to get in a rut and not accomplish as much as you would like. But, if you keep focused and take full advantage of the break, it will be much more reward-

ing than Netflix in bed, and you can come back to school feeling refreshed and accomplished instead of regretful about not making the most of your free time. Hopefully this list helps, or at least gives you some ideas about how to make the most out of winter break.

photo courtesy of antyweb.pl

The Polaroid Cube is making GoPro owners across the world break into nervous sweats . Its size and quality are truly remarkable.

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DU student’s startup prepares to take flight Jonathan Ackley Staff Writer DU is a vibrant and stimulating community with many resources that can help you in almost any endeavor.

Few people know this better than Jason Lightman, a senior from Tuscon, Arizona majoring in business ethics and minoring in legal studies who is set to begin the launch process of his first startup, Live Comfy. Jason hasn’t let the fact that he is still a student slow him down, as he has ambitiously brought his startup from an idea into a fully formed company.

Like many startups, Jason’s product was born out of his desire to solve a problem—the almost inevitable discomfort

courtesy of facebook.com/livecomfy LiveComfy’s stylish and simple company logo.

while traveling, especially by plane. Many of us have experienced the early morning and late night flights on loud planes in cramped seats where all we want to do is rest, but simply cannot get comfortable enough to fall asleep. The first product to be offered by Live Comfy is designed to combat exactly this issue: an innovative jacket specially engineered to help you get comfortable while traveling.

Ditching the traditional bulky pillow and awkward blanket, the flagship product of Live Comfy offers built-in air pockets in the hood of the jacket that are inflated using a small rechargeable pump.

The pockets can be inflated and deflated exactly to your preferences using either the pump itself or by Bluetooth; an app is in the works for both iOS and Android that will allow precise changes of pressure in the pockets, affording the wearer a completely custom experience each time they use the product. The jacket also features an audio jack for listening to music and a USB port that you can use to charge your phone or other devices, perfect for those long travel days.

However, while the product may seem easy and straightforward, the process behind it is anything but.

From day one, Jason has dealt with the challenges entrepreneurship entails, and balancing academics with his startup venture has not always been the easiest thing to do.

“It requires thoughtful consideration as to how you prioritize your

photo courtesy of livecomfy

Jason Lightman, DU senior and founder of LiveComfy, has big plans for the future.

time, and it often requires sacrifices,” he says, as he speaks about finding an equilibrium with his obligations.

Some weeks, Jason has spent over 60 hours working on Live Comfy alone while also fulfilling his duties as a student. But with the product’s campaign launch on Kickstarter less than a month away, all the hard work and late nights will begin to pay off in a much more tangible way.

For more information about Live Comfy and the upcoming Kickstarter campaign, set to begin next month, check out the official website, www.alwayslivecomfy.com and be sure to “like” their page on Facebook.

While pricing and availability for the Live Comfy jacket has not been released yet, information will be posted on the company’s Kickstarter and website as it becomes available.

Your survival guide to the dreaded finals week

by Sierra Schlag Contributing Writer The most grueling week of the quarter has finally arrived: finals week.

The library will be filled to capacity, all-nighters will be had and students will feel stress across campus. Getting through finals week without a worry would be a miracle. But for the average student, following these helpful tips and tricks will certainly help.

Start Early If you think you can cram an entire quarter’s worth of knowledge into your brain in one night, you’re sorely mistaken. Start reviewing the material that was presented at the beginning of the quarter right now. This will give you a head start on the past information and allow you time to study for the topics you’re learning in class now. By starting early, you will give yourself ample time to study each subject thoroughly.

This will be a good way to switch up what you’re studying and prepare as well as possible.

Change your Scenery If you stay in the same spot in the library for hours on end, you will inevitably reach a point of unproductivity.

You should study for a few hours, then go outside, get some fresh air and walk to a new place to study. Coffee shops are great places to get out of the library and still have a nice place to focus; you’ll also have access to caffeine that will keep you going. The change of location will give you more motivation to keep chugging through finals week.

Eat Right You are what you eat, right? Start snacking healthily in order to give your brain the most power for studying.

Junk foods are low in nutrients and high in fats and sugars. Nutrients are needed for you to sustain energy and focus. Therefore, if you eat unhealthy food, you’ll get distracted faster and are less likely to study well. So bring things like fruit, veggies and nuts to

snack on. These are good for you and you can manipulate them into tasting as good as candy would. Apple slices and peanut butter are a great snack that has natural sugars and protein to keep you going.

Take a Break Finals week doesn’t have to be all about studying for the whole day. If you start your finals week by studying early, you can allow yourself time to have fun.

This will be a great study break and time to get your mind off those exams, papers and presentations. Breaks like these are much-needed and can be easy to do. Going to the gym or watching a movie with friends will give you space from your computer and notes. Naps are also great ways to re-energize and take a hiatus from studying.

Don’t Panic If you find that you’re deep into studying and you don’t know a topic whatsoever, don’t freak out. There are many resources at DU that can help out. The resources like the Writing Center, Math and Science Center and the Language Center, in the library will be of great access to help with papers, math help and science and engineering questions. Make plans with classmates to talk through the final and the topics expected. This will ensure that if any questions do come up, you’ll be able to contact at least one person who will know the answer. You can form study groups with classmates to help combine knowledge for the final. Professors will allocate office hours to go over any confusing material—use these. Start going to office hours before finals week and the last days of classes occur so there won’t be a crowd of students.

Stay Positive Just think: after the greatest information overload your brain has endured, you have six weeks off to relax. The motivation of Winter break should push you to study hard and well, and the best holiday present will be receiving good grades on these fastapproaching finals.

The Anderson Academic Commons is a popular study spot for students

connor w. davis | clarion

photo courtesy of du.edu

The research center in the Anderson Academic Commons gives students resources to enhance thier study habits.

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‘1989’ reflects Swift’s newest fling: pop ‘Tough Love’ avoids sophomore slump

By Madeline Zann Contributing Writer

photo courtesy of nymag.com

Taylor Swift, former country-pop singer, released her first solely-pop album, “1989,” this past week.

By Maddy Meredith Entertainment Editor Whether positive or negative, the cultural presence Taylor Swift has created is undeniable. Often portrayed as America’s country-crooning sweetheart, or the serial-dating, perpetually broken-hearted “ex” who uses song lyrics for cheap shots in revenge, Swift’s newest album is a step away from either stereotype.

The album, “1989,” is a whole different animal: something unseen in her career thus far. This fifth album is the culmination of her move to New York and recent singleness. It’s not country, but the change to pop is intuitive as “1989” is the evolution of her last album, “Red.” ”This song doesn’t take itself too seriously... and it’s a reminder to the haters that Swift’s here to stay, stay, stay.”

Swift already had her foot in the door of pop music. “Red” showed listeners “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” “Shake It Off ” is her newest album’s answer to these — the next level of her previous dance-pop hits. The kind of musical number best enjoyed while blasted at full-volume driving down the road, this song dares us to doubt Swift. The song is reminiscent of “Mean,” as she addresses her naysayers with lyrics like, “I stay out too late/ Got nothing in my brain/I go on too many dates/But I can’t make them stay/ That’s what people say.” This song is fast, upbeat and energetic. The ultimate happy-pop dancing song, the catchiness factor relies on Swift’s power as a producer. Between the perfectly-timed transition into the chorus, and breathy vocals, “Shake It Off ” is easily the happiest song on the album. Further proof

of the silliness is derived from the recently released music video, in which Swift changes from multiple dancing personas, from a ballerina, rap-star, cheerleader and finally ribbon-twirler.

This song doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it’s a clear —if not a bit selfindulgent— reminder to the haters that Swift’s here to stay, stay, stay.

In her next single, “Blank Space,” Taylor Swift addresses the perpetual power-struggle that often occurs in the beginning of a new relationship.

Through her lyrics, she takes us through a first date “new money/suit and tie/I can read you like a magazine,” and the ensuing struggle as both parties question each other’s motives.

But this love ballad is less of an exercise in denial than one in hope.

After all, what’s more encouraging than a supposed “blank space?” In addressing her “long list of ex-lovers,” Swift questions how her love-life has become something of a national pastime and baits this newcomer to be her next.

“Bad Blood” is Swift’s most heated ballad. The public’s interest in the song peaked immensely when she announced to Rolling Stone in September that “Bad Blood” was about a fellow female pop star. However, her intention was not to point fingers, but rather create a sound that her betrayed fans could relate to.

In vague, throaty vocals, the lyrics beckon said betrayer to “take a look what you’ve done/because baby now we’ve got bad blood/now we got problems/I don’t think we could solve them.” The chorus is a sequenced loop, the kind of graceful hook used in many of Swift’s songs. The drumbeat in the background and menacing shouts of “hey” combine illustrate Swift’s frustration with the backstabbing.

“1989” is Swift’s answer to those who questioned her next career move. In her most-processed pop songs yet, she maintains her credibility, and (perhaps most importantly) likeability. The album reflects the red-lipped, stiletto-heeled, single-girl spin of this newest chapter from Swift, a path which certainly looks promising. You can find “1989,” released Oct. 27, on iTunes and in Target now.

Last week, Jessie Ware dropped her second album, “Tough Love,” in the United States. “Tough Love” is her second album, and the follow up to 2012’s “Devotion,” which received extremely high critical acclaim.

Ware follows in the R&B style of “Devotion” with “Tough Love”, though to slightly less spectacular results. While there are moments where “Tough Love” shines, the album is altogether not quite as dynamic as “Devotion.” “Tough Love” falls flat midway through the album as the songs start to blend together. Ware seems to get comfortable with her brand of R&B and pop, but that’s not to say that the album doesn’t recover, or that it does not start out well.

The first song on the album, the titular “Tough Love,” was also the first EP released in July. It easily captures Ware’ style with it atmospheric instrumentation and Ware’s voice crooning over the top of subtle rhythms.

However, the album gains its momentum with songs like “You and I (Forever)” and “Cruel.”

The groove that surged through “Devotion” appears again and gives the album life, as do the blues rhythms of “Say You Love Me.” Co-written with fellow-Brit Ed Sheeran, Ware’s soulful voice shines both when singing alone and when layered with harmonies. As she sings, “I don’t wanna fall in love/but you don’t even want to try,” every ounce of soul in her voice becomes apparent,

expressing both strength and fragility.

The song is also one of the most lyrically strong of the album.

Ware kicks the dance beats into another gear with “Want Your Feeling.”

Adding seventies/disco influences with both the beat and the harmonies, the song infuses energy into the album.

However, Ware takes “Tough Love” in another direction with “Pieces,” as she belts “I had to shatter to pieces/you made me reveal myself ” over strings, sounding reminiscent of contemporary Emeli Sandé. Ware continues the album’s energy with “Keep On Lying,” but her momentum begins to falter with “Champagne Kisses.” She finishes the album with “Desire,” which starts out slow but builds as Ware sings “take me as I am/ don’t want to be left alone,” repeating her themes of love and longing.

While “Tough Love” has its moments where it seems to falter, it is still altogether a very strong album, showcasing both Ware’s songwriting and vocal talents. The sophomore slump was something that Ware deftly avoided. Her style is even more developed with this album, though it does to rely a little too much on what Ware and her producers know will work.

It’s an album that takes a little while to digest and appreciate; not an album that grabs the listener right off the bat, though some songs will. It will probably take a few listens with some good headphones before appreciation and realization start to set in. And it is certainly more elegant and subtle than many contemporary albums being released.

‘Nightcrawler’ a thrilling night ride Lanna Giauque and Alex Johnson Clarion Staff

“Nightcrawler” might not provide the kind of creepy-crawly terror you might expect from its name this Halloween season, but the thriller still finds a way to provide more than adequate horror and shock to the audience’s psyche.

“Nightcrawler” follows smoothtalking and hyper-analytical Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) in his search for a job in Los Angeles. From the very beginning, when Lou is caught stealing chain-link fence from a restricted area and — after a smiling conversation with the security officer who caught him — mugs the officer to both escape and steal the officer’s watch, the audience starts to suspect there’s something strange and dangerous about him.

This suspicion only grows when he pulls over to watch the aftermath of a deadly car crash up-close. During this excursion, Lou sees a cameraman filming the scene and discovers the footage will be sold to local news TV stations.

When the cameraman refuses to hire him, Lou resolves to learn the trade of “Nightcrawling” for himself.

Eventually, by working with Nina Romina (Rene Russo, “Thor”), a TV news manager, and Rick, an assistant he hires, Lou carves out his own niche filming crimes and their aftermath and selling his footage to a local TV station for a significant profit.

In his quest for better footage and a higher payoff, Lou’s behavior becomes increasingly risky and dangerous, until finally he weaves a tangled web of activities that are both less than moral and less than legal. While at first it seems he will not be able to escape the web he weaves, it becomes clear that the strange and dangerous Lou the audience has been

photo courtesy of getty images

Jake Gyllenhall plays Lou Bloom, criminal turned entrepreneur in new movie release “Nightcrawler.”

leery of from the beginning still has a few terrible tricks still up his sleeve.

Paralleling Lou’s story are the themes of increasing urban crime, the power of the media, and our society’s obsession with devastation.

Truly fantastic acting by Gyllenhaal carries the movie throughout; his ability to create a very nuanced character through simple facial expressions and methods of talking demonstrate his outstanding acting ability. Unique direction choices such as incorporating drab colors, distinctive metropolis shots of downtown LA and omitting explicit storytelling to allow the audience to draw their own conclusions also add depth and excellence to the film.

“Nightcrawler” is the kind of film that grabs the audience from the beginning, takes off running, and doesn’t let go until the bitter end. While the ending certainly does not provide the viewer with catharsis of any kind, it is perhaps this bitter and lingering aftertaste that gives the film its strength.

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WINTER FILM GUIDE: 2014 THE HOTTEST MOVIE HITLIST

‘All the Pretty Horses’ a smooth ride Book Bin Abbie Randall Staff Writer

photo courtesy of huffington post

Jamie Foxx and Quvenzhané Wallis star in the newest adaption of “Annie.”

Adam Lujan Staff Writer ‘Tis the season for moviegoers to be faced with a new batch of winter blockbusters: everything from feel-good family comedies to epic action-packed dramas to the occasional foottapping musical. This year is no different. Here are the five of the most promising films opening this winter.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 Nov. 21 It’s the beginning of the end for the much-loved “Hunger Games” saga with the release of “Mockingjay – Part 1.” Based on the final novel of Suzanne Collins’ popular series, the film will pick up where “Catching Fire” left off: Katniss’ (Jennifer Lawrence, “X-Men: Days of Future Past”) home district is destroyed, her best pal Peeta (Josh Hutcherson, “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) is captured by the evil Capitol and she finds herself the symbol for a newborn rebellion.

Expect the series to take an even darker turn, with this latest installment poised to be a full-out war film. Tough days lay ahead for the beloved and perpetually unlucky Katniss Everdeen—so grab some popcorn and enjoy the fray.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Dec. 17 Tolkein fans were understandably miffed by the original announcement of a three-film adaptation of “Lord of the Rings” precursor “The Hobbit.” However, Peter Jackson’s sixth and final film in the Middle-Earth saga just may be the payoff worth waiting for. “Battle of the Five Armies” promises to be a fitting final flourish to the mammoth franchise, wrapping up stories and characters now so culturally beloved. The title implies a massive battle—given Jackson’s track record with the like, it won’t disappoint—but the film will also address the power of unlikely heroes in the ever-present battle between good and evil. Look no further for what’s sure to be the holiday season’s biggest epic.

Annie Dec. 19 Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars—Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jay-Z and Jamie Foxx— teamed up to make this new ad-

aptation of the classic and muchadored musical “Annie.” Starring Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild) as the titular little orphan and Foxx (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”) as the Daddy Warbucks character, now called William Stacks, this is “Annie” for a new generation.

Rounding out the cast are Cameron Diaz (“Sex Tape”) as the vile Miss Hannigan and Rose Byrne (“This is Where I Leave You”) as the funny and warm Grace. This modern retelling, paired with a revamped soundtrack produced

by Jay-Z, will be a winner for the whole family.

Big Eyes Dec. 25 Tim Burton is probably best known for his quirkier works— “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Alice in Wonderland,” etc. But this Christmas, Burton will release his first drama in decades.

“Big Eyes” is based on the life of artist Margaret Keane (Amy Adams, “American Hustle”) and her husband Walter (Christoph Waltz, “Django Unchained”). In the 1960s, Margaret’s paintings of unusually big-eyed people garnered popularity and adoration—but her husband took all of the credit. “Big Eyes” follows this tumultuous relationship, with Burton dialing back on the special effects, monster makeup and Johnny Depp in favor of straightforward drama and storytelling.

Into the Woods Dec. 25 Rob Marshall’s highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy tale musical “Into the Woods” is sure to be the holiday’s biggest smash. A Tony Award winning soundtrack matched with all-star talent— including Meryl Streep (“The Giver”), Emily Blunt (“Edge of Tomorrow”), Anna Kendrick (“Dinking Buddies”), Chris Pine (“Star Trek Into Darkness”) and Johnny Depp (“Transcendence”)—is a cinematic dream come true. “Into the Woods” tells the story of famous fairy tale characters wrapped up in a quest of wishing and witches—there are magic spells, dashing princes and even a giant or two. This fantastical feature will spellbind audiences as the perfect holiday treat.

So bundle up and enjoy a movie or two—or five—this holiday season. Keep in touch over break @DUClarion and on our Facebook page to let us know which films got your vote.

It may or may not come as a surprise that the novel “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac McCarthy isn’t just about horses.

Sure, horses are an important part of the story, but they are not the central premise. Instead, the story focuses on the trials of a young man exposed to the beauty and danger of following his dream.

The novel begins at a funeral for the grandfather of John Grady Cole in southern Texas. Sixteenyear-old John Grady has been living on his grandfather’s ranch due to family circumstances which include his mother’s career as small-time actress and his father’s illness. However, now that his grandfather is gone, John Grady’s mother plans on selling the ranch, and there is nothing he can do or say to make her change her mind. Since his dream rests on living on a ranch with horses, he decides on what he sees as a logical Plan B: travel to Mexico to live on a ranch.

Thankfully, his friend Lacey Rawlins is also intrigued by the vision of a ranch in Mexico, so

John Grady isn’t alone in his venture. The two boys set off on their horses, packed with the essentials, and head for Mexico.

Before crossing the border, they meet another boy who calls himself Blevins. Despite the fact that they don’t trust Blevins because of his too-fancy horse, they allow him to tag along on their mission. They don’t realize until it’s too late that Blevins draws attention and trouble from Mother Nature and supposedly peaceful townspeople alike.

Once they reach a ranch, the boys comfortably settle into a routine working with horses. John Grady is highly skilled in breaking wild horses, his expertise surprising given his young age.

Still, the stability and comfort they find at the ranch doesn’t last long as John Grady falls in love with the beautiful and slightly mysterious Alejandra. To add to the complication, Alejandra is the ranch owner’s daughter, and though she loves John Grady, it is soon made clear that their love is dangerous for both their emotions and their lives. The rest of the ensuing story is riveting and always changing, denying opportunities for resolution at every turn.

John Grady is serious, honorable, and prideful to a

fault, making us forget that he is merely a teenager as he traverses the challenging terrain of Mexico.

We travel with him as he experiences friendship, loyalty, love, hardship, success and everything else Mexico has to offer to a young man on a horse. The larger question is in wondering if and how he will cross back over the border into Texas, and if he can still recognize himself after all he’s been through.

Throughout the novel, McCarthy’s refined style enraptures us not only through the plot line, but also through the complexity of his characters and scenery. Each character reveals him or herself by their interactions with each other, with the horses they are constantly connected to, and with the scenery as it changes in reflection of their situation.

McCarthy develops seamless symbolism and gives importance to every word he writes.

His writing is captivating because he rejects using excessive punctuation, purposefully ignoring the use of quotations when characters speak, but never allowing for a moment of accidental confusion. Once we adjust to the lack of expected punctuation, we forget the fact that something is missing, because everything we truly need is in the story itself.

Ladies First: strong women of 2014 films Chloe Barrett Contributing Writer Liberated, empowered women have been taking greater precedence than ever before in films released this year; these films encourage young women to be themselves, reach their full potential and aspire to be their own hero.

Gone Girl Oct. 3 The story of “Gone Girl,” book-turned-novel written by Gillian Flynn hit theaters Oct. 3 and pits a feminist psychopath, played by Rosamund Pike, against a misogynist brute, portrayed

by Ben Affleck, in perhaps the most twisted marriage of all time.

When the wife, Amy, frames her cheating husband, Nick, for her murder, an ensuing battle starts for the viewer’s sympathy, as both lie and manipulate in order to survive. Despite criticisms that the movie’s portrayal of Amy is sexist, there’s no doubt that she embodies an empowered woman: she’s smart, strong and committed to accomplishing something she truly believes in – vengeance for her husband’s betrayal.

At the heart of her indignation and the argument for this being a “feminist movie” is Amy’s “Cool Girl” speech. As Amy is making her getaway, she goes on a rant about how women must become the “Cool Girl” to attract and please men.

According to Amy, the Cool Girl is a woman who pretends to like what men like to seem desirable. She’s the type of girl who unashamedly loves threesomes and anal sex, football, dirty jokes, drinking cheap beer, eating hot dogs — while amazingly still maintaining a size 2 figure — who never complains and is always ready to forgive her man’s shortcomings. The Cool Girl essentially says, according to Amy, “Go ahead, shit on me, I don’t mind, I’m the Cool Girl.”

Amy’s character can be seen as a reaction to patriarchy of today, a whole new breed of femme fatale.

Classically, the femme fatale used her beauty to manipulate a malemade game, within the conditions men had set for her and embracing the persona they expected.

Amy opts out of this game, refusing to indulge male expectations; she is thus far the mostevolved representation of the femme fatale, and sets the stage for a far less compromising feminist movement.

Divergent March 21 “Divergent,” based on the sci-fi series by Veronica Roth, came out in theaters earlier this year on March 21. This post-apocalyptic film deals with a society wherein members have divided themselves into factions in an attempt to achieve order and peace.

The heroine Beatrice “Tris” Prior, played by Shailene Woodley must overcome a myriad of challenges after finding out she is “divergent,” a rare non-conformist who doesn’t fit perfectly into any one of the factions and is therefore a threat to the society’s pre-established caste system.

The mathematical expression of divergent is, put simply, “having no finite limits.” The story of Tris empowers young girls and women with her determination to push her limits, with her bravery, her vulnerability and her precedence in a male-dominated society. This story, which revolves around such a courageous woman, is just the inspiration needed for girls and young women; it allows young women to imagine themselves in the roles of heroines, leaders and catalysts for change.

Maleficent May 30 “Maleficent,” released May 30, is the newest take on Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty,” and explores the untold story of the evil fairy, played by a captivating Angelina

Jolie. “Maleficent” begins in a picturesque land where fairies frolic blissfully. There, a beautiful, pure-hearted, young Maleficent falls in love with the human boy — and future king — Stefan, played by Sharlto Copley. All seems destined for Disney’s trademark happily-ever-after storyline until Stefan begins coveting the kingdom’s crown and betrays Maleficent to win the throne. After this brutal betrayal, Maleficent becomes thirsty for revenge. Seeking retribution, Maleficent places a curse on Aurora, the newborn daughter of the now king, played

by Elle Fanning.

We all know this story, but this movie is told with a twist, taking feminist turns: in a particularly gruesome scene, Maleficent is lured by Stefan — a man she loves and trusts — to a secluded spot in the woods, where he drugs her, brutally strips her of her wings and abandons her passed out in the night. In this scene Maleficent is symbolically raped, and the remainder of the film is ultimately the story of how a woman overcomes the agonizing pain of that profound betrayal. In this movie, Maleficent’s wings are conveyed as her source of power and, like a young woman’s sexuality, are precious. The harsh manner in which they are sawed off her back causes her trust to be destroyed, her body to be violated, and ultimately, leaves her ravaged inside and out.

What follows is truly a survival story, as Maleficent regains her ability to love and trust.

Eventually she reclaims what was taken from her — her wings — with the man who so viciously devastated her laying dead on the ground, and her hovering over him, a victim turned conqueror.

Not only does this film refuse to let the prince be the hero — with a noticeably absent “Someday My Prince Will Come” — it also conveys a lesson to young girls to hold tightly to their own wings but also know they can never truly be taken away.

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Head-to-head—Illegal Pete’s: The spicy situation Illegal Pete’s dehumanizes immigrants Activists wrong on Illegal Pete’s Nikki Frick Senior Reporter “Illegal” immigration is a contested issue in and of itself, but the popular term is under fire by many critics. Close to home, there is rising controversy over the name of the popular Mexican food chain, Illegal Pete’s. In Fort Collins, community members are protesting the use of the word “illegal” in the name, causing a potential delay in the opening of the chain’s newest restaurant.

Although this controversy may appear unnecessary to many, the concerns are legitimate and Illegal Pete’s should seriously consider the requests for a name change. Furthermore, the DU community will need to take a stance if the name change does not occur across the chain.

Using “illegal” to describe a person is a slur and over-generalization. “By becoming judge, jury and executioner, you dehumanize the individual and generate animosity toward them,” said Charles Garcia, author and CEO of Garcia Trujillo, writing for CNN. The U.S. judicial system determines guilt in our country, not individuals. Even people who commit the worst crimes in the United States are not considered “guilty” unless proven to be, let alone “illegal,” which is not a term for a human, but an action. In fact, immigrant “crimes” are not even considered crimes in the judicial system.

Clearly, the term “illegal” is not only dehumanizing, but also inaccurate. However, these are not the only concerns in Illegal Pete’s name. The term “illegal” is a racial slur, as it oftentimes implies that “illegal” immigrants cross the Southern border, which is targeting a single race for dehumanization. This is especially true for Illegal Pete’s, which created its name as a label for Mexican food.

Pete Turner, owner of the chain, has stated that he is committed to inclusivity, especially through his company’s charitable contributions and fundraisers to a variety of causes, in addition to the fact that he helped pay for some of his employee’s citizenship.

“The name Illegal Pete’s [...] is a literary reference to a bar in a novel he read as an English major [...] Turner hoped the name would be ambiguous enough to spark people’s interest,” said Josie Sexton, a writer for the Coloradoan with regards to the name’s origins.

Despite Turner’s charitable efforts Alex Johnson and the origins of the name, “Illegal Pete’s” Editor Emeritus remains a racial slur. For the sake of people who have been accused of being “illegal” humans, the only way to prevent the use of Last week, Coloradans saw the the word is to stop using it. name of a local eatery in the national There may be concern, especially press. This coverage, however, was around DU, about the change in an iconic not positive for Illegal Pete’s; a group Colorado restaurant. Admittedly, “Pete’s of belligerent activists is demanding Mexican Restaurant” does not sound as the restaurant change its name. This unique as “Illegal Pete’s,” but marketing exigence is not only a vast overreacunder a different name should not be as tion on the part of the activists, but concerning for a restaurant that is as estab- it also highlights the flawed logic of demanding change from a private lished as this one. For most people who business. are familiar with the restaurant, a change T h e in name will controversy not influence over the their decision restaurant’s to eat there, name began nor will it affect in Fort Collins, the restaurant’s where a new reputation. location is In fact, slated to it is best for open.

About Illegal Pete’s to three weeks consider a name before the change before grand openthe dispute ing, Illegal becomes larger Pete’s owner courtesy of colorado public radio Pete Turner — which would affect the restau- logo of the popular meXiXan restaurant, illegal pete’s. recently, and the rant’s reputation. there has been controversy over the local restaurant’s name. community Illegal Pete’s gathered to operates one restaurant very close to the meet and discuss the name. Turner DU campus. DU has some history with explained, according to Westword racial controversy, specifically with the Magazine, how the business got its Boone mascot, and this dispute has the name — Pete, of course, comes from potential to draw the spotlight close to the owner’s name. “Illegal,” on the other hand, was chosen as a marketcampus once more.

The DU community should not feel ing tool, in order to seem “mysterithe need to intervene yet. The protest ous” or edgy, according to Turner.

This shows his intent was perin Fort Collins will likely dissolve soon, fectly benign and was in no way as Turner will ideally open the new res- meant to offend or harm. His ecotaurant with a different name. It will not nomic decision, unsurprisingly, was a completely settle, though, unless Turner marketing choice. moves forward with a name change for Those who oppose Illegal Pete’s the entire chain. It is yet unclear whether and demand a name change are guilty he would make such a move. If not, he will of selective outrage. For example, Democratic Senator likely face an extensive problem ahead of incumbent him as the restaurant becomes associated Mark Udall visited the DU Illegal Pete’s location recently in a campaign with insensitivity.

The DU community should also take a stop—was he asked about whether he stance if Turner does not change the name supported the name change? Further, and the conflict grows closer to campus, the entire debate begs the question of timing: Activists and those organot only to avoid association with the connizing against the restaurant seem troversy, but also to identify its role in the to have been quiet until now, three Denver community. DU should function weeks before a new location opening. as an intellectual leader in the area. To do While the renaming of Illegal Pete’s so, we must recognize and resolve issues may be the cause célèbre of the politiaround us, especially racial insensitivity. cally correct for the next few weeks, it is

Pioneer Voices: Staff Edition

truly not a crusade that merits so much attention and angst.

What about the real issues plaguing immigrant and migrant communities, like finding quality jobs, pursuing an education and access to healthcare? Is the issue of a restaurant’s name more harmful, more challenging and more injurious to those communities?

Illegal immigration is a monumental problem for our nation, and protesting a restaurant is a naive way to demand change or reform.

There are so many ways to make the world a better place for us all to live in. Is picketing to protest a name that was never meant to be harmful truly one of them? Are the world and the condition of humanity improved when one demands that a private business change its name? Absolutely not. Instead of drowning in a minutiae and making outlandish demands, activists could legitimately engage in the existing political process and urge lawmakers to address immigration reform — whatever that looks like.

What’s more is that those protesting Turner and his restaurant ignore a fact of the free market: Nobody is being forced to dine at Illegal Pete’s.

Just as certain people choose to boycott Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A, those who disagree with how Illegal Pete’s operates its business can make the decision not to dine there. It speaks volumes about our culture and our society that a business with which a small minority disagrees must consider changing its name to avoid a boycott and public pressure.

By that same flawed logic, should every institution that could offend someone be forced to change?

Rather than forcing a business to operate under one’s own ideological worldview, those who truly find the name abhorrent should, instead of protesting Illegal Pete’s, support competitors, therefore using the free market to advance their view.

This whole controversy brings to mind a quote by Erwin Rommel, World War II commander. “Don’t fight a battle if you don’t gain anything by winning.” If you’re going to be an activist, do something that matters. If you’re going to draw a line in the stand and fight for a cause, pick one that will improve the condition of your community, your fellow man or the lives of those around you. Don’t pick a childish fight with a local business.

what are you doing over winter break?

Jillian Queri Sophmore Utah “Going to Belize for a leadership class.”

maddy meredith Sophmore Colorado “Going to Nicaragua and Costa Rica for classes and adventure.”

evan hicks Freshman New Mexico “Going home to see family.”

ashlyn stewart Sophmore Colorado “I will be working and spending time with family.”

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Nov. 5, 2014

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Winter break gives DU students rest and relaxation Jena Moch

no sacrifice either. There is not much else the school could do with those additional two weeks that would be more productive, so we may as well be home with our loved ones, as we want as much time with them as we could possibly get.

Having the extended time also makes sense because, unlike DU students, the average out-of-state student has to fly home for the few days they have off for Thanksgiving, then go back to school for finals only to come home again two weeks later for winter break. With DU’s break, students are spending less money on flights to come home while also wasting less of their time.

To not have those two weeks seems like it would

be extremely stressful on students as well, because Thanksgiving is usually right before finals. The students are stressed out because they have to go back to school for two weeks to study and take their tests. They are worried throughout Thanksgiving.

DU students, on the other hand, have completed their finals and are worry-free for six blissful weeks. We are able to be present for the holidays in every possible way, with no distractions from school before they start.

A six-week break also allows students to build their resumes, as they are often able to get internships that they may not necessarily have time for during the quarter.

It is also a good time to earn some extra money, as there are jobs offered at this time due to it being peak holiday shopping season. By having six weeks, as opposed to the typical two or three, DU students have a better chance of being picked for these positions because we have more time to dedicate.

Other students have too short a break to be putting this kind of time in. Other than just internship and job opportunities, students are able to get more credits through DU’s interim courses. This provides opportunities for travel as well, which helps expose students to other ways of life and different cultures.

Students can also engage in community service during this period. Either way, winter break

activities look good on paper and give students a new perspective.

Aside from just working and building resumes, it’s okay to just take some time to unwind. We are college students and we work hard. It’s healthy to have some time off to recharge and really reflect on what matters in life. A lot of us are also not from places that are nearby; we don’t see our family a lot anymore, and when we do it’s not always for long. The six week break allows students time to reconnect with family, values and old friends. There is nothing wrong with some quality time.

In addition to helping students on an individual level, DU’s long winter break is beneficial to the entire DU community. We all come back happy, refreshed and ready to work hard again.

for generations. As the population of the United States increases and available resources worldwide decrease, it is important for DU students to take initiative within government to help progress pragmatic choices that would ultimately affect us.

Revoking a Constitutional right, something that has helped our nation become what it is today, would be a fatal mistake. By being born in this country, the children whose parents are not citizens irrefutably influence our society. They grow in this country, believe in this country and hold the values of this country. They have opportunities their parents didn’t have. They, along with the rest of their generation - are this country.

The following reasons will help explain why removing automatic citizenship by birth would be regressing: it would inflict irreversible wounds on American society, nothing would be done to improve immigration and it would fundamentally go against the basis

of American life: the Constitution.

First — Abolishing birthright citizenship would take away the citizenship of approximately 300 million natural born citizens in America today who have immigrant parents.

“One little-known fact about the U.S. Immigration laws is that the government often deports citizens by mistake,” noted Margaret Stock from the Immigration Policy Center. “These are often the underprivileged, mentally-ill, and uneducated who are unable to pose a sufficient defense.”

This problem would only be exacerbated if there were no more birthright citizens, because there would no longer be a federal obligation to these people that is provided through citizenship.

The Leadership Council for Civil Rights warned Arizona lawmakers in March 2011 that “Not having automatic citizenship creates a caste system with potentially millions of natural-born Americans being treated as somehow less-thanentitled to the equal protection that our nation has struggled so hard to guarantee.” We, as the future leaders of America, cannot allow the fear of illegal immigration to destroy the fibers of American society.

Second — Abolition does nothing for immigration. The proponents of Birthright repeal claim that if we end the ability to create “anchor babies,” then illegal immigration will slow down.

This is fundamentally false. The primary hole in this claim is that immigrants come here for jobs; the correlation can be seen by the trending economy.

Jacobson of Politifact.com pointed out that after the recession struck in late 2002, immigration levels dropped by one third. Then in 2006, just before the relapse into recession, the numbers dropped again. The flow of immigrants into this country is directly related to our economy, not our citizenship.

By revoking this right, almost 400,000 children a year born to legal residents in the U.S. would be considered illegal.

“We could see the numbers jump from 11 million now, to 16 million in 2050” mentioned Arizona Central in March 2010.

Abolishing birthright citizenship would do nothing to help us in our battle against illegal immigration.

And, finally — birthright citizenship is a constitutional right.

Section 1 of the 14th amendment clearly states, “All persons born or

naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

After the Civil War, opponents of the 14th amendment saw African Americans as “unfit” for citizenship. For many years, they indignantly fought the amendment.

Now, we see racial prejudice and ignorant fear again threatening our rights. The second we start laying down our rights because of fear, we lose what it means to be American.

Our constitution guarantees that all people born in the United States receive citizenship. To revoke or change this right would entail changing the constitution.

Because “all men are created equal,” it is imperative that the current system of birthright citizenship remain unchanged. This is not only because it is unpragmatic in terms of social, political and economic policy, but also because any inimaginable alternatives would irrefutably create a caste system of increased corruption and reduced freedom. Because we would live with the unintended consequences of such legislation, it is best to consider all the possible realities before implementing any radical change.

Contributing Writer Winter break: for most, it is time for family, fun, relaxation and even some productivity. It is not only desirable, but essential to the wellbeing of the student body, as it allows us to have opportunities many other people our age don’t get and do things we wouldn’t have time for otherwise.

With a break as long as six weeks, how could one not put it to good use? It’s one of the many perks of attending DU. For starters, one of families’ biggest complaints is that students don’t have enough time for Thanksgiving. With the six week break that problem is eliminated.

With the quarter system, there’s

Rethinking birthright citizenship : r e t t u G e

In th

Katerina Arzhayev Photography Editor

Over the past several decades, the amount of “anchor babies,” or children born to undocumented immigrants that help the family stay in the United States, has drawn a lot of criticism.

One of the ways proposed to fix this is to rethink the American citizenship system, and remove or restructure the policies that grant people citizenships based on where they are born. Such a policy should warrant considerable concern from the Millennial Generation - people born between 1982 and 2003 - seeing as 11% of us are born to at least one immigrant parent, according to the Millennial Generation Research.

Birthright citizenship, or the policy that grants automatic U.S. citizenship to those born on U.S. soil, has been a part of U.S. policy

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Nov. 5, 2014

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Denver men’s hockey splits Homecoming games Denver Pioneers fall to Boston College 2-1 on Oct. 31 Braiden Albrecht-Reed Senior Reporter

In a clash of two heavy-weight college programs, DU faced perennial power Boston College over the Halloween weekend.

DU entered the weekend ranked no. 11, while BC held the no. 5 spot in the national rankings. The two teams were expected to create some great matchups, and they did not disappoint.

Despite a strong performance on Oct. 31, the Pioneers fell by a score of 2-1 to BC. After a very even first period, Denver began the scoring early in the second period, when two defensive partners met for a timely and much needed goal.

Senior Joey LaLeggia skated behind the BC net, only to throw the puck into the slot for fellow defenseman junior Nolan Zajac, who then fired the puck past the blocker of the elite and powerful BC goaltending pros-

pect, Thatcher Demko.

The lead didn’t last long, however, as Ryan Fitzgerald of Boston College tapped in a pass from Austin Cangelosi only seven minutes later. The goal calmed the enthusiasm in the building, while also raising the tension for both teams. DU sophomore goaltender Evan Cowley demonstrated great poise by stopping a couple chances on oddman rushes, one being a complete breakaway towards goal.

The third period provided the climactic ending, though it wasn’t in the Pioneers’ favor.

A heart breaking end to a very complete effort from DU, this game provided a solid barometer which the team can use to track both their own levels of talent and competitiveness through the rest of the season.

The Pioneers went toe to toe with one of the most NHL-prospect laden teams in the country and nearly pulled off the win.

simon chen | clarion

Pioneer Daniel Doremus scores one of his two goals in the Nov. 1 game against BC.

Denver defeats Boston College 2-1 on Nov. 1 Carolyn Angiollo Staff Writer

The weekend of Oct. 31 through Nov. 1 featured a Homecoming showdown between the Denver Pioneers and the Boston College Eagles. After a tough loss in game one on Oct. 31 in Magness Arena, the Pioneers were determined to take home a win.

In the beginning of the first half, sophomore Trevor Moore had one of the first scoring opportunities but was blocked by BC goalie, Thatcher Demko. Eight minutes into the game, the first penalty was called on DU sophomore Will Butcher, which gave BC a one-man advantage. 30 seconds later, an interference penalty was called on BC’s Ryan Fitzgerald. This put the game into an intense 4-on-4 situation.

Denver freshman Danton Heinen smashed a slap shot at Demko, but he reached out his right leg to block the shot.

After the first 4-on-4 situation, another 4-on4 was called after penalties on both teams.

Pioneer sophomore Emil Romig went one on one with goalie Demko, but missed top left.

After the first period, DU led the shots-ongoal count with 12 to BC’s nine. The teams were even on power plays, each having three.

21 seconds into the second period, Heinen scored the first goal of the game with the assist from Moore and senior forward Daniel Doremus.

In the second period, DU suffered many power plays, with the first being a cross checking penalty. The remaining penalties were charging on Pioneer senior Ty Loney, roughing on senior Larkin Jacobson and interference on Butcher.

BC was able to score in the 12 minute of the second period, tying the game.

Pio Bio: Maggie Laughlin Carolyn Angiollo Staff Writer The Clarion spoke with junior gymnast Maggie Laughin.

media relations | du

SPORT: Gymnastics GRADE: Junior MAJOR: English EVENT: All-Around SPIRIT ANIMAL: Dog

Q: Where are you from?

A: Scottsdale, Arizona. I’ve lived in the same house my entire life!

Q: When and how did you get started in gymnastics?

A: My sister was in gymnastics. I was very young and I always wanted to be exactly like my sister. I was 5 years old and my parents took me to this recreational gym close to my house and it just kind of blossomed from there.

Q: How long have you been competing?

A: I’ve been competing since I was six.

I did a lot of competitions before high school. I did two seasons every year until probably second or third grade, and then I did one season a year until college.

Q: How did you come to DU? A: I knew that [Coach] Melissa [KutcherRinehart] was interested in me the first time I went to Nationals as a freshman in high school. Also, my brother came to college in Colorado and I wanted to be close to him.

Q: What was the biggest highlight from last season?

A: Last year winning conference was a huge highlight of the season.

DU’s first and only power play of the second period came when BC’s Brendan Silk was called for hooking. This penalty was called with 1:30 remaining in the period, carrying the remaining 30 seconds into the third period. At the close of the second period, both teams were even in terms of shotson-goal, but BC was leading in face-offs, 30 to 27.

At the beginning of the third period, DU went into another power play after a tripping penalty on BC. DU was unable to score on this power play.

The Pioneers had their eighth penalty of the game when sophomore Matt VanVoohris was called for interference in the tenth minute of the third period.

With two minutes remaining in regulation play, Pioneer sophomore Matt Marcinew had a scoring opportunity for Denver, but the shot was knocked away from the crowded net. After the third period, the score was tied at one and the game was sent in to a five minute overtime period.

With 54 seconds remaining in overtime, Heinen scored his second goal of the game with assists coming from Doremus and senior Josiah Didier. This was Heinen’s third goal of the season and he was also was named player of the game for his stellar performance and two goals.

“I was really proud of our studentathletes that fought hard and played with emotion all weekend long. Some were even playing through sickness. It was gut-check time and our players showed the emotion that they have inside that locker room,” head coach Jim Montgomery said.

The Pioneers will face the Western Michigan University Broncos on Nov. 7 and 8 in Magness Arena.

Fast break

Fall sports season updates and highlights Hockey: 4-2-0 season record thus

Q: What are you looking forward to most in this upcoming season?

A: Hosting conference this season is a huge deal. I’m just looking forward to traveling with the team and doing the best we can and doing what we are capable of. This year we can do it; our top goal is to be top 10 in the country and go to nationals and I think we have a good chance of doing that.

Q: Have you set personal goals for yourself?

A: For me, taking it day by day and taking it one turn at a time and one event at a time is more important. If I do that, I am capable of doing what I know I can do. That’s what I want for me. The cards will fall where they will and if I work hard everyday, I’m going to do what I’m capable of and be successful!

Q: What is your post college plan?

A: I don’t think people go professionally after college for gymnastics because I don’t think they have the opportunities for that. Career-wise, I’m not sure; I … want to be a teacher (kindergarten or first grade), a high school english teacher or maybe a professor for poetry and creative writing at a university. I also want to write short stories and children’s books on the side.

far.

Men’s soccer: 8-0-0 home record.

Women’s soccer: 5-3-0 conference record.

Swimming and Diving: Undefeated record so far this season.

Men’s golf: Placed first at Pacific Invitational on Oct. 31.

Women’s golf: Earned a third place finish in Golfweek Challenge Tournament.

Volleyball: 21-5 season record thus far.

Men’s tennis: Brought home two Regional titles on Oct. 19.

Women’s tennis: Competed in ITA Regional Championships on Oct. 19, going 4-3 in doubles play and 17-13 in singles play.

Nov. 22, 5, 2014 May 2012

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Swimming and diving maintain undefeated streak

12Michael Gooch

Contributing Writer

Diving into the 2014 season, Denver’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams have gone undefeated in all of their scored matches so far in their dual meet season.

On Oct. 30, the men’s swimming and diving won seven of fifteen events in an unscored training competition against the University of Wyoming.

“We have been swimming really, really well so far. Both the women and the men’s team have really stepped up in some big meets and have raced hard,” said junior breaststroke and freestyle swimmer Ashley Taylor.

DU’s men’s swimming team was recently ranked no. 24 by the CSCAA DI Poll Committee among the top Division I teams. They were also ranked no. 26 in the College Swimming Top D-1 Teams poll with 841.556 points. Denver’s women’s swimming team was ranked no. 35 with 888.296 total points.

“I think that we’ve done really well in our dual meets so far, we’ve won all of them,” said junior swimmer Morgan Mullenix. “We also beat Kansas and Missouri State at Kansas, which we are really proud of. Our team is very strong this year.”

The DU swimming and diving teams have been training since the first week of September and are looking to go undefeated in their dual meet season. Denver is also hopeful to win the Summit League Conference for their second consecutive year.

In the event on Oct. 30, the Pioneers took the top three finishes in the 1650 freestyle and the 200 butterfly.

Summit League Swimmer of the Week junior Dylan Bunch came in

first for the freestyle event with a time of 16:01.15. Bunch was followed by Pioneer senior Jeremiah Zgliczynski and freshman Alex Walton.

“They did well at attacking their races. They were swimming some of their off events because the meet wasn’t technically being scored,” said Mullenix. “My coach wants them to improve their underwaters and going out faster.”

Senior Ross Edfort led the diving team by taking first in the 1-meter and 3-meter events. Edfort was also awarded his fifth Summit League’s Diver of the Week award last week. “[It’s] just a good opportunity for us to get up and practice what we’ve been trying to do with our training,” head swim coach Brian Schrader said.

“I think we spread out and swam some events pretty well and we are just kind of moving forward in our [season] training cycle.”

Both teams have been working on transitioning training over into their competitions.

“We have been building up our yardage and strength the past couple weeks, getting ready for our winter invitational in November and moving into winter training, which is the most intense training,” Taylor said.

Denver will be on the road for their next two events. The men will travel to Las Vegas to challenge University of Nevada Las Vegas on Nov. 7 and the women will head to the Air Force Academy to swim against Air Force and Grand Canyon University on Nov. 8.

“I think this year we have amped up our training a lot earlier and that definitely has been showing in our meets as of recently,” said Taylor. “We want to win the Summit League Conference title again this year.”

Denver men and women’s basketball Fan Jam brings excitement for upcoming 2014 season

www.duclarion.com Braiden Albrecht-Reed

Nov. 5, 2014

Senior Reporter

On Oct. 29, DU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams showcased their talents in the annual Fan Jam. This event included a three point contest, slam dunk contest and half-court shot challenge. The Fan Jam creates excitement to the upcoming season each year, and it didn’t fail to disappoint in 2014, either.

In the first event, the women’s team was pitted against the men’s team in a contest of shooting prowess, the three point contest.

Senior Brett Olson, junior Nate Engesser and freshman Cam Delaney saw action for the men’s team, while senior Morgan Van Riper-Rose, freshman Tamara Lee and senior Jordan Johnston lined up for the women’s team. The men emerged victorious by a slim margin of two points, 17-15.

In the half-court shot contest, players lined up to take shots from the line at center court. After a few misses, red shirt freshman Dorian Butler was able to make the long bucket, taking home the crown.

Determined by fan vote, the dunk contest was the highlight of the night. This event pitted red shirt freshman Duke Douglas, senior Cam Griffin and freshman Jake Pemberton against one another in a fun, athletic dunk-off. After some dazzling slams from the players, it was decided that Griffin had won the small tournament.

After the festivities were over, fans were able to ask players for autographs and meet the personable student athletes as well. The annual Fan Jam builds connections and allow both the players and the fans to interact with each other. The atmosphere was light and energetic, turning hope and eagerness

SEAGULL

linda he | clarion

Freshman Jake Pemberton makes a dunk during the annual Fan Jam.

to the coming basketball seasons for the men’s and women’s teams.

by Anton Chekhov

THEATRE www.du.edu/theatre

Oct. 30 — Nov. 8, 7:30pm November 9, 2:00pm BYRON FLEXIBLE THEATRE

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