the visit
cross country
New movie isn’t a typical horror film Page 6
Men’s team clinches first place at National Catholic Championships Page 10 September 24, 2015 — Vol. 94, Issue 2
Series evolves into discussion on the supernatural
Children of Abraham
by broderick hooker | staff writer
As part of an ongoing series, Children of Abraham, three local faith leaders, Dalia Abdul Rahim, of the Tristate Islamic Center; Bonnie Sue Lewis, of Westminster Presbyterian Church and University of Dubuque’s Seminary; and Phyllis Garfield, of Temple Beth El, led a discussion on supernatural beings in the Islamic, Christian and Jewish faith traditions, respectively. “They are not speaking for their traditions, they are speaking from their traditions,” Dr. John Eby said of each of the speakers. He opened the presentation by likening it to reunited a family. Children of Abraham, which is an ongoing series of lectures and discussions about relations between these faith traditions, is in its fifth year. Abdul Rahim began the discussion with an overview of the Islamic beliefs about angels, demons and Jinn. Jinn are the least known in western culture, having no parallel in Christian or Jewish thought. The name Jinn derives from an Arabic word meaning to hide or be hidden. “They live in a parallel universe to ours,” according to Abdul Rahim, and are made of smokeless fire as opposed to human beings who are made of clay. Like human beings, they were made by Allah with free will and made to worship Him, and likewise can be either good or evil. Demons in
photo by Broderick hooker
Dalia Abdul Rahim (from left), Bonnie Sue Lewis and Phyllis Garfield share various faith teachings at the Angels, Demons and Jinn event Thursday.
Islam are not fallen angels, but rather Jinn who have chosen evil. The origin of Shaytan or Satan is in a Jinn named Iblis. Iblis refused to bow to Adam, as he perceived himself as a higher order being. For disobeying, he begged not to
Jubilation
be punished on the spot, but on Judgment Day, so that in between he may act as a tempter to mankind, proving they were not worthy of his bowing anyway. Demons are those Jinn who follow him. Angels, or Malak, in Islam do not have free will and are messengers to mankind. The most important of them in the Quran is Jibril, or Gabriel, who appeared to Mary as well as all of the prophets. Lewis spoke from a Presbyterian Christian perspective on angels and demons and their respective origins. She acknowledged that while angels and angel imagery are very popular today, most of what the public knows is a spinoff of Christian tradition of angels. Angels are created beings, usually in God’s presence, singing his praises. The Hebrew word for angel mirrors the Arabic, Mal’ek, which translates into the Greek angelos, meaning messenger. “It is only by God’s permission they interact with humankind,” said Lewis. Demons, in Christian theology, are fallen angels. Satan was created as an angel of light, but turned against God, and demons are those angels who follow him. Garfield, of Temple Beth-El, spoke on behalf of a Jewish perspective. Angels are mentioned very little in the Torah, but are mentioned more specifically in the prophetic books, continued on page 3
photo by maddy cole
The football team celebrates a come-from-behind 56-52 victory Saturday over Augustana. Story: Page 11
Dubuque community hikes to help refugees by rachel brands| staff writer
The Hike to Help Refugees event took place in front of Christ the King Chapel at noon Sept. 19. Or rather, the event started at the chapel. The participants walked on a route that took them from Loras to University of Dubuque to Clarke. The event was sponsored by the Dubuque International Day of Peace Committee and the Iowa United Nations Association. This is the fifth year the event has taken place in Dubuque. The first three years, the walk took place in various parks, and the most recent two were in town. “It’s so easy in Iowa to forget about all the problems people are experiencing elsewhere,” said first-year Shannon Schuster. “I think any time there’s an opportunity to open your eyes up to it, you should take advantage of it and try to help out.” Before the walk, all members were required to sign up and pay a fee; $10 for students and $20 for adults. At the halfway point and at the end, there were volunteers stationed there to hand out water bottles to the walkers. The participants reached their final destination at
around 1:15 p.m., which was much faster than anticipated. The walk was scheduled to be finished at 2 p.m. The barbeque across the street dubbed “BBQ in DBQ” was scheduled to start at the finish time. Art Roche, a member of the planning committee for the Dubuque International Day of Peace festival and board member of the Iowa United Nations Association, was moved upon hearing stories about refugees around the world and decided to get personally involved with the project. The turnout for the march was smaller than expected — there were about 10 people, two of which were Loras students. The rest were members of the Dubuque community. According to Roche, the turnout last year was much larger, consisting of about 30-35 people. “This is a fun fall activity that is a good way to alert and educate people while they’re still doing something that they enjoy, like hiking or walking,” said Roche. “People in Dubuque are generous. They want to do something and this is something they can do.” All funds raised at the walk will be donated to the Relief of Syrian Refugees.
photo by rachel brands
2
News
The Lorian Sept 24, 2015
Duhawks kick off school year with CAB by julie white| staff writer
When the rain came in late Friday afternoon, Loras After Dark, usually an outdoor event, was in danger of being canceled. Luckily, CAB found a way to make the event happen. The event was moved from Loras Parkway to Graber on Friday Sept. 20 from 9 to 11 p.m. It ended up being a huge success for CAB and all students who attended. CAB brought in free pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings and a caramel apple bar for food. They also brought in a caricature artist, a photo booth stocked with quirky costumes and different prizes which were raffled off. Additionally, the Dance Marathon Morale captains led the students in last year’s morale dance. The event allows students a break from the first few weeks of classes and an opportunity to hang out with friends and experience one of the first CAB events of the year. “It brings first years through seniors together in a fun atmosphere where they can eat, hang out and meet new people,” said CAB member and junior Allie Kaleta. Besides enjoying the social aspect of being around students of all grade levels, first-year students also got the chance to see how exciting CAB events can be. Loras After Dark had a DJ and dance floor set up, complete with strobe lights and colored disco balls. This allowed students to dance and mingle with ease, and created a similar atmosphere to other events hosted by CAB and other student organizations. “Loras After Dark was a great way to start the year,” said first year Madison Tolley, “and I am excited to attend more CAB events in the future.” CAB’s next major event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 1 with hypnotist Jim Wand. The event starts at 8 p.m. located in St. Joseph’s Auditorium.
photos by austin lowry-luther
Speakers connect MOI common reading to real world by natalie droeske | staff writer
Members of the Class of 2019 attended a series of four speakers during their common time on Monday, Sept. 21, that addressed how the MOI reading material, “Blindspot,” could be applied to the subjects of history,
neuroscience, sociology and politics. Traditionally an outside speaker is invited for this event (the 2014 event featured Eboo Patel, author of Acts of Faith, the previous year’s text). However, Dr. Kate McCarthy-Gilmore and the First Year Experience
Committee thought it to be best to “focus on the interdisciplinary piece and the liberal arts piece and really connect it to that part of MOI, to the college experience.” “We wanted people (speakers) from a variety of disciplines but that would be interconnected in their ways to look at the implicit bias,” said McCarthy-Gilmore, “I think it gave us a lot of different lenses for which to look at this text.”
“
We wanted people (speakers) from a variety of disciplines but that would be interconnected in their ways to look at the implicit bias.”
Dr. Kate McCarthy-Gilmore
,,
assistant professor of Spanish
photo by natalie droeske
Dr. Michael Jarcho, professor of neuroscience, explains how different parts of the brain work when making decisions, as discussed in the common MOI reading of “Blindspot.”
The four speakers offered diverse insights into the relation between the implicit bias and their respective fields of study. Dr. Kristin Anderson-Bricker opened the event with the parallels between her field of history and “Blindspot” lens for reform. Dr. Michael Jarcho of the neuroscience department showed that “mindbugs can be genetic in nature” with his presentation on
a study concerning twins and their biases at the age of 9. He also stated that “conscious intervention can result in subconscious change.” Dr. Kate Parks emphasized the stereotyping section of “Blindspot” that specifically dealt with the brain separating things into categories). She bridged this into her field of sociology in terms of the tendency that stereotypes generally benefit the dominant group. Dr. David Cochran then exemplified “Blindspot’s” theory of reflective thinking vs. automatic thinking in politics; people’s voting tendencies reflect implicit biases. He stressed that things like colors, symbols, slogans, songs and even accessories have the potential to sway one way or another. By providing these insights into classes and fields other than MOI, students were exposed to implicit biases in the world that surrounds an average Duhawk. “I wanted students to take connections out of their larger college experience,” said McCarthy-Gilmore. “I think they could then be sitting in a psychology class or a Spanish class and look at how the way some of the things they’re learning or talking about relate to these ideas of biases. Maybe the next time they’re thinking about political candidates, they’ll think a little bit differently about that.”
News
3
The Lorian Sept. 24, 2015
Art exhibit opens during Peace and Justice Week ‘‘
by louisa pavlik| staff writer
Peace and Justice Week kicked off officially with the Peace of My Mind exhibit displayed in the ACC and ARC Sunday evening, and it will continue to be available for viewing throughout the week. Fifty-two portraits of individuals working for peace across the nation are coupled with their personal story. The photos and stories were captured by John Noltner, a freelance photographer from Minnesota who also spoke at the opening night event. According to apeaceofmymind. net, the exhibit was featured at the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Forum and has been seen by over 80,000 people since beginning its travels in 2010. Attendees of the opening night were given an exhibit guide complete with reflection questions to foster a deeper interaction with the art, asking questions related to one’s personal peace and drawing connections between that and the art. The event was organized by Stacia McDermott, the campus Peace and Justice Coordinator, who introduced the first speaker and curator John Noltner. “A Peace of My Mind represents Noltner’s belief that art and storytelling have the power to transform our hearts as well as our communities,” she said. Noltner spoke easily to the crowd gathered and highlighted his own faith. “I constantly come back to Jesus’ commandment to ‘Love one another,’” said Noltner. “You know I’ve looked really hard for the exceptions and the qualifiers to that statement and it doesn’t have any. It doesn’t say love the ones that look like you , love the ones that act like you or love the ones that will vote like you in the next election cycle. It says ‘Love one another.’ Period. ” His skill for storytelling has earned him national and international acclaim. His goal to “seek
“A Peace of My Mind represents Noltner’s belief that art and storytelling have the power to transform our hearts as well as our communities. ”
Anastacia McDermott
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Peace and Justice coordinator
photos by cassandra busch
out common humanity” allowed Noltner the opportunity to, as he put it, “feed his hungry soul” through such meaningful work. His success could be accredited to his curiosity, starting with the simple question “What does peace mean to you?” From the pottery artist to the financial planner who doubles as
a Buddhism teacher, the stories of peace are compelling and thought provoking. The display opens a community dialogue for how we seek peace in daily life as well as in the grand scheme of international diplomacy. Brad Cavanagh, professor of social work, shared his story on getting involved in social work. He
reflected on how hard it can be to grapple with heavy questions as a college kid when you just want to make the world better but aren’t quite sure how. His words were encouraging. “How can we confront these ginormous issues facing the world today that are so complex?” he asked. “And then I think, ‘We al-
ready have. We have solved huge problems and conflicts. We eradicated smallpox, for instance’.” Michelle Kavanaugh, the social outreach and action intern for the Fr. Ray Herman Peace and Justice Center and an officer for DuSomething, spoke after Greg Gorton, the men’s basketball coach, explained how he serves his athletes every day in meaningful ways beyond coaching. Both spoke sincerely on the importance of authenticity and listening to others during everyday conversations. Kavanaugh, who spent a year doing service work with a Catholic organization in Atlanta, Georgia after high school, related to Loras’ many passionate students as she explained her struggle to work for peace in a classroom setting. “Working for peace isn’t something that’s always really tangible like doing mission work or traveling and doing social action things,” she said. Sometimes, working for peace is as simple as hearing someone else’s story and experiencing A Peace of My Mind is the perfect opportunity to do so. Even if you weren’t able to make the exhibit on its opening night, the art is most certainly worth taking the time to observe. Hearing the stories of those working for peace offers insight to people whom you might not normally have the chance of encountering. Building bridges is the key to waging peace.
Chess club begins third year of play by cayden long| staff writer
Last Thursday night, students had the opportunity to attend this year’s first Loras Chess Club meeting. Tables were labeled to sort students into their varying skill sets, from “I’m not sure how to play” to “I’m a chess fiend!” These labels were meant to welcome students of all levels of knowledge into Chess Club, whether they were looking to learn the game or just have a great time playing. Students were able to really enjoy themselves by sitting
down, playing a few games, munching on some free pizza and getting to talk to all of the interesting people that came and went through the night. Both new and veteran players alike greeted each new face that came through the door. “I was surprised that Loras did not have a Chess Club when I came here three years ago, so I figured I would start one and see how it goes,” said Dr. Benjamin Darr, a professor of politics and the faculty supervisor to the Chess Club. He went on to say that he hopes for the Chess Club to grow this
‘‘
“I was surprised that Loras did not have a Chess Club when I came here three years ago, so I figured I would start one and see how it goes.
Benjamin Darr
,,
professor of politics and faculty supervisor to the Chess Club
year, and he hopes that those with any skill level will be comfortable attending meetings. Those in Chess Club really enjoy being able to play, as well as the friendships that they have formed in common interests and competition.
Supernatural: Speakers find similarities and differences in faith traditions continued from page 1
most notably the book of Daniel. Jewish angelology developed a more defined angelic hierarchy well into the Middle Ages as the Jewish people came into contact with other cultures. Contemporary Jews of the reform and more liberal variety tend to place little emphasis on angels. “God has given us a job to do in this world,” said Garfield. Angels, in way, are less valuable to God in that they cannot choose to worship Him. There is a Jewish prayer, the bedtime sh’ma, which invokes angels to protect the sleeper during the night.
The rest of the evening was open to questions and provocative discussion between the speakers and the audience. All came away with a greater understanding of tremendous importance of these celestial beings in the Abrahamic tradition. The next events for Children of Abraham include the one-man play by Doug Donald titled “Jesus, Shakespeare, and Amelia Earhardt Run into a Wall” on Sept. 24-26, a Peace Rally against Gun Violence on Sept. 27 and Sukkoth, the Jewish Festival of Booths on Sept. 29.
For those considering Chess Club, meetings take place every Thursday night at 6 p.m. in Hoffmann Room 212. For all of those that want to learn or play, try it out, and maybe find a new hobby or another excuse to hang out with friends.
Want to write for the Lorian?
Ever wanted to see your name in print by a story you wrote. Sophomores and older get paid! If interested, let us know!
Cassandra Busch Cassandra.Busch@loras.edu
Ashley Pudil
Ashley.Pudil@loras.edu
4
The Lorian
Opinion
Sept. 24, 2015
Praise for the climate-change confronter by Louisa pavlik| staff writer
“This is my seventh lecture today, so excuse me for wearing a microphone.” Dr. Reese Halter, outspoken activist, broadcaster and ecologist normally does not give talks with a mic. Regardless of Loras being the last event on his packed schedule during his time in Dubuque, Halter brought zeal, personality and accessibility to the topic of climate change on Sept. 21, International Day of Peace. After a quick introduction from an equally interesting speaker and Loras professor, Dr. David Cochran, Halter wasted no time in getting to the meat of the issue. “Tonight I want to leave you with just three things: First, human beings are exceptional problem solvers - that’s what we do - AND elegant toolmakers. That’s what we do!” The problem we need to solve? Climate change. The Pope, scientists and a myriad of experts agree. The tools we make? Innovation and technology are developing to live on a warming earth. We can adapt to rising sea levels, polar ice cap melting, ocean acidification and prolonged heat waves. Dr. Halter made that clear. What he made clearer is that we also have a moral and ethical responsibility to do everything we can to prevent further environmental catastrophe and injustice. Halter took a short breath and continued, “The second thing, please. Please. For every problem, there are at least three solutions. And thirdly,” –if there were ever an appropriate time to use caps lock to reflect voice intonation,
it is now - “CHANGE IS OPPORTUNITY IN DISGUISE!” The following hour and a half passed quickly, but it was full of information. My mind was blown by the facts and intricacies of global warming. “This June, we lost 300 gigatons of ice. This, ladies and gentlemen, is irrefutable.” What does that mean? “This ice melting has the power to raise our oceans ten feet.” This too, is irrefutable. Think of Florida and our coastal towns. It’s not just beaches that are being swallowed up; it’s our towns that can slip into the sea. Along with rising sea levels, global warming causes extreme weather. This past June, Houston, “a town built to withstand flooding,” was doused by 11 inches of rain in one day. It was devastating. Australia, where Halter is from, experienced the hottest summer on record this past year, and its Great Barrier Reef has lost fifty percent of its biodiversity. “Half of it is dead. That’s the size of the U.K.,” explained Halter. Whales are being hunted for dog food in Japan, and our leaders are allowing it to continue. Mature trees - which Halter referred to as “CO2 powerhouses” - are dying off because of extreme heat. The poor are being slammed with heat waves in places like New Delhi, India. Our oceans have tripled in methylmercury over the past 50 years. Here, Halter did a little “food chain 101” – his words, not mine - and explained how fish eat sea plants, and big fish eat little fish and humans eat big
Dr. Halter delivered the news with urgency, but also provided empowering examples to alleviate some of the damage done by climate change. fish and now we’re full of poison, too. “We’re funding the biggest polluters, the wealthiest. We’re funding the Kochs! Come on! ... The top executives received six billion dollars in salaries over the last five years to do two things: prevent our government from stopping subsidies and prevent any policies to come in to alleviate the problems. OMG COME ON! I don’t care if you’re the Koch brothers or you’re somebody sleeping on the street. Guess what! We all breathe air! And if you poison the planet, we all suffer.” Taxpayers around the world are subsidizing wealthy oil giants to pollute our world. The facts spewing from Halter’s mouth were fascinating and upsetting in one breath. I found myself wondering during the talk why the U.S. couldn’t be more like the people of Holland, who recently sued their government for failing to combat climate change. This is the same country who has installed solar panels on a bike path used by thousands of people to commute to work every day. Yet, Halter told us time and again that we college students have “won the double lottery.” We live in the United States and are receiving a higher education.
Humans aren’t the only life suffering, either. Bees are dying off due to heat and harsh pesticides which the Environmental Protection Agency are failing to regulate properly. These remarkable creatures that can detect tuberculosis and pregnancy are also responsible for pollinating much of our flowering plants, yet they are dying off by the billions. Sea urchins and sea stars are “melting into goo along the California coast line.” Among all of the injustices was room for hope as well. Dr. Halter delivered the news with urgency, but also provided empowering examples to alleviate some of the damage done by climate change. The bees won’t go extinct because we can feed them. The Pope just issued an encyclical calling for compassion for the poor in fighting climate change. People in Detroit and Cleveland have started “fruit forests” that bring the community together through harvesting fruits, nuts and veggies. And the list goes on. Here on campus, we have students working to install solar power and reduce the use of plastic bags in Dubuque. We’ve installed low-flow toilets, we’ve harvested vegetables from the campus garden together and there are countless other projects working to make Loras more sustainable. The knowledge that we need to act on climate change is there, and more and more people are exercising their will to save nature. Dr. Reese Halter was just one example of the many extraordinary people on this earth working to save our planet. To end with his parting words: “We need nature, ladies and gentlemen. Nature does not need us.”
Why you should say ‘no’ to always saying ‘yes’ T
things, but some of those are only things he word “no” may I wish I could do. It can be a hard pill to have been one of swallow that you can’t do something, as my firsts, but as I’ve much as you want to, because you just don’t gotten older it’s becoming have the time. It’s so tempting to overharder and harder to say. schedule ourselves for the sake of loving Judging by the e-mail every activity option. signatures of the majority Being away from campus and all of of Loras students, I’m my involvements last spring semester guessing that I’m not was difficult, but it was so amazing and the only one that has definitely worth it. I had the opportunity to trouble saying “no” to take a step back and have a unique college participating in the many experience in Dublin. I was able to leave the fantastic organizations Cassandra and other opportunities United States for the first time, fulfill my dreams of traveling the world, and learn Busch on campus. executive so much about myself. Besides all that, it As great as all of these editor was also an opportunity to take a breather things are, there is a point from all of my extracurricular activities at when “too much of a Loras. By doing so, I had the ability to relax good thing” really comes into play. I have a bit, focus on my classes, and really live in been involved with a variety of fantastic the moment to enjoy myself. It was hard and worthy clubs and organizations in the to adjust to the more laid-back schedule at two years that I have been at Loras, and I first, but eventually I really learned to love don’t regret a second of time that I have it. I was able to have meals with friends and dedicated to any of them. However, as time spend longer than half an hour eating. I has gone on, I have begun taking more of looked out the window on my commute to a leadership role in these organizations. school instead of spending the whole time Because of this, I have been making more sending e-mails and planning projects and of a time commitment to each of them, meetings. and stretching I really focused on myself thinner and my classwork, and thinner. As much Something had to enjoyed reading the as I wish there were change. I had to relearn novels thoroughly, 48 hours in a day how to say the word instead of trying to so that I could give frantically speed read each of these clubs “no,” even though it was to get to the next and organizations harder than I thought assignment. Instead the time it it would be to do so. of making absurdly deserves, it’s just long checklists in my not so, and an issue agenda, I was able arises where I am to forget it every few days and plan each not giving enough effort to each individual day when I woke up, instead of weeks in one. Things start slipping through the advance. It was a much needed refresher, cracks. I forget to read an assignment here, and made me realize that I had been on forget to send an e-mail there, but cracks such a tight schedule during my past start showing in my foundation. three semesters at college that I had been I can’t do everything, as much as I forgetting a really important part of college: want to. I would love to be involved as a to enjoy my time at Loras. committee member on Dance Marathon, I’m not going to lie, being back at Loras raise money for UNICEF, lead tours of and being enrolled in 17 credits, having an campus, have fun with CAB, be a Breitbach internship off campus and being executive Catholic Thinker and Leader, play editor of two campus publications has not intramural sports, work for the newspaper, been easy in the slightest. I feel like I’ve earn money as a student worker, have an been a step behind for the past two weeks, internship off-campus, and much, much and it hasn’t been easy to readjust to being more. I have participated in some of those
Cassie’s corner
However, staying in the ridiculous amount of clubs and job positions that I was in was a disservice to everyone.
with friends, professors and classmates who I haven’t seen for months. It’s been great to see everyone again and return to our beautiful (and extremely hilly) campus, but an adjustment nonetheless. And coming off a more relaxed semester has made the transition back into all of my organizations and classes especially hectic. I did my best for the first week or two to just adjust to all of my prior commitments, even with the added leadership roles that I’ve taken on. However, I quickly realized that I didn’t even have time to eat, let alone give enough attention to any one of these commitments. I was shortchanging all of them, as much as I wanted to give my undivided attention to all of them. Something had to change. I had to relearn how to say “no,” even though it was harder than I thought it would be to do so. It was really, really hard for me. I’m a bit of a people pleaser (okay, a big one) and I hate feeling that I’ve let someone down or disappointed them. However, staying in the ridiculous amount of clubs and job
positions that I was in was a disservice to everyone. So I took a deep breath, sat down with a few of these organizations, and said that as much as I loved working with them, this year I would not be able to commit to them. I was expecting some sort of backlash, or disapproving gaze. However, my confession was met with nothing but an understanding nod, and “best of luck” with my other endeavors. Not one person got mad at me, or gave me reason to believe that I was singlehandedly destroying their organization. It was not easy for me to drop some of these organizations. I had to say “no” to some really worthwhile causes, and some of my best friends. I had to remind myself though that yes, I did need time to eat, and yes, I need to sleep more than five hours a night. I know I’m not the only one on this campus that has overcommitted themselves and so I’m addressing this to all of the fellow Duhawk overachievers out there: YES! You do deserve to enjoy the basic necessities of life, and you do deserve to enjoy the occasional opportunity to read a book for fun or watch Netflix or hang out with your roommates. As much as we’d like to think we are, we are not superheroes. It isn’t easy, but sometimes it truly is in everyone’s best interest to say “no,” and focus our attention on just a few commitments instead of 110.
Editorial staff executive editor:
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features editor:
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news editor:
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Opinion
The Lorian
Sept. 24, 2015
5
In news stories, scrutinize the source ‘Knapp’ Time
Dallas Knapp
T
his week, I embarrassed myself pretty badly. I was on my way to class, minding my own business, when I thought I saw one of my friends in the distance. I didn’t have my glasses on that morning, so I couldn’t quite tell one way or the other. As I was getting closer, I yelled
out his name. Yeah, turns out it wasn’t him at all, but someone that looked like him. Whatever, it happens to everyone. But there is something to be learned from the experience: it is hard to determine what we are seeing when we are distant and removed from the situation. To use an example, look at conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of JFK. It has now been fifty years, and there are still people arguing one conspiracy theory after another, each either building off of or completely disregarding theories that came before. The conspiracies surrounding JFK’s death are there in order to best explain what happened. That is to say, we have a blurry view of his assassination, and the conspiracy theories are being used as different lenses in order to best be able to see what really happened.
I’m not going to rant on JFK conspiracy theories. Instead, I’m going to rant on everyday conspiracy theories. There is one stance in politics today that I find rather odd: the media’s role of informing the public. Explaining our love-hate relationship with the media is tough. With so many news outlets - and just as many critiques — it is hard to settle on just one topic, so I will pick an easy one: clickbait articles. Clickbait articles are easy targets for criticism because of how simplistic the news becomes. “10 Reasons Why Obama is the Greatest” is a no nonsense article title; it tells the reader exactly how long the list will be, who the list will be about, and what the list will be about—simple and easy to digest. But clickbait articles serve a need, the need being quick and easy to digest information. Who has the need for quick and easy to digest information? People who don’t have time to read actual news, specifically 20- to 35-year-olds. Yes, we as the public have influence over companies no matter how large they are, because they are selling their services to us. So if ‘the media’ is trying to sell their products to us, then we as consumers have some power in what they sell to us. If there weren’t people reading clickbait articles, then there would be no clickbait articles, but people do read them, so companies will keep pushing. To take this a step further, the reason
Progressive reboot A
t a time when there are two parties that control all the political clout in this country, it seems impossible that any opposition or outside force could gain any ground. As more people turn away from politics, it has become the Charlie Grant time to create a wellestablished and well organized third option. The far right had the Tea Party, which despite all their anti-establishment rhetoric has been pretty much dissolved into the Republican Party. The left had Occupy Wall Street, but one can only sit in a park for so long before getting bored. So where will this third option come from? People are beginning to see that we have a government and an economy that is rigged for those with the most money and wealth. They are beginning
I’ll ‘Grant’ You That
to see that what we are doing and how humanity is presently conducting herself is unsustainable. They are beginning to see that while unfettered capitalism may have brought us the iPhone, it also brought the destruction of the only planet we can inhabit. They are beginning to see that wherever a corporation can make a dime, they will, despite the human cost. They are beginning to see that their dignity may have been an illusion all along and that they’re simply a cog in the inescapable system in which we partake. It’s time for this country and the whole world to have another progressive movement. A movement which looks at individuals with true dignity. A movement that recognizes that our current way of doing things is unsustainable. A movement where one has opportunity despite race or wealth. As the country moves further right as a whole, it is of tantamount importance to any other issue that we create an organized grassroots movement that says “enough is enough” and that all people must be represented.
Letters to the editor are welcomed! Do you have an opinion on something and want to write a “letter to the editor?” Do you have more questions about an article you read? Corrections or clarifications? A differing opinion about an issue brought up that you want to be heard? We want your input. In every published Lorian, all members of the Loras community are able (and encouraged) to write a “letter to the editor.” We encourage differing opinions, so take the time, speak your mind and let us air your thoughts. It’s not just the writers for the Lorian that have print-worthy material; you do, too. To submit a letter, please e-mail Cassandra Busch at cassandra.busch@loras.edu. In addition, everyone is welcome to submit story ideas to The Lorian. If you or an organization you are a part of is doing something noteworthy, or wants to get news out about an upcoming event, we also accept articles from guest writers as long as we are told a few days in advance.
that Fox slants to the right, MSNBC to the left, and CNN center left, is because they are fulfilling consumer needs. It isn’t Democrats who watch Fox, it is Republican voters that do, just as liberals watch MSNBC over any other news station. One critique that is often levied at the media companies is that they lack journalistic integrity, and that they care more about what advertisers and stockholders say than actually reporting the news. However, that isn’t fair to the companies because it places all of the blame on them. Again, Fox, CNN, and MSNBC are all marketing to different demographics, so they tailor their news accordingly. Fox running stories on how climate change isn’t real is not proof of the coal industry owning Fox news, it is proof that Fox viewers don’t believe in climate change. In fact, according to a Stanford study, only 60% of regular Fox viewers believed that anthropogenic climate change is real, meaning 40 percent of regular Fox viewers are climate skeptics. Some would connect the dots and claim that Fox is turning people into skeptics, but correlation does not mean causation. What can be said, though, is that if Fox suddenly started running stories on how climate change is very real and very much a threat, there
would be a sizable part of their regular viewing population that would suddenly not be interested in watching Fox news anymore. To tie it all together, at the beginning of the article, I talked about the troubles of blurry vision. If your eyes are blurry, you can’t see the exact shape of an object, but instead its unrefined outlines. This can of course lead to problems, such as mistaking one person for another, but it can also lead to more serious mistakes. But what is important to note is that had I worn my glasses that morning, I wouldn’t have made an ass out of myself when I called out my friend’s name. I forgot my glasses, so it was my mistake—no one else’s. In the same way, if we want to change how we get our news, then we have to change our viewing habits. Don’t like clickbait? Don’t click on it. Think Fox’s position of skepticism on climate change is ridiculous? Persuade people to stop watching or write to the station. The point is that casting all of the blame on companies for bad practices totally absolves us of our own sins. We have a part in the creation of their message as well, so that means we have to change it. We must ask ourselves: do we want easy information, or real information?
Lots of mud slung — especially at Trump — at Republican debate by peter fricano| for the lorian
O
n Wednesday night, CNN hosted the second Republican Presidential Debate at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley, California. The debate was broadcast to a national audience and gave eleven different Republican candidates the opportunity to show the country why reviews from most political pundits. they should represent the Republican The person who seemed to struggle Party in the 2016 presidential the most was Wisconsin Gov. Scott election. It was certainly an Walker, who looked awkward and interesting debate with controversial sweaty and whose poll numbers have maverick-celebrity-politician Donald dropped significantly over recent Trump drawing a great deal of months. This is a highly disappointing attention to himself. development for me and many within It was apparent from the outset the Republican Party who saw Walker of the debate that many of the as a rising star in the party. candidates were taking aim at Trump. Wildcard Sen. Rand Paul excelled This was great for the party because in the limited time he was given, and there is no doubt in he still seems to be a my mind that Donald presence in this race Trump and his brand (and on this campus The effects of this of politics have as well). The debate debate are still to continued and will was meant to pit the continue to damage be determined, candidates against the Republican each other, and all of but I still feel Party’s brand. Trump them seemed to take the Republicans has dominated the aim against Trump polls recently, but would best be (almost as much as more seasoned former Secretary served to debaters, such as of State Hillary run a moderate businesswoman Carly Clinton and President Fiorina and Florida such as Bush or Obama). Sen. Marco Rubio, Kasich or a person The effects of this seemed to shine debate are still to be who could unite brighter than the determined, but I still media mogul, who was the different feel the Republicans repeatedly attacked factions in the would be best served with success by to run a moderate party if they Fiorina. At one point, such as Bush or Kasich these attacks seemed want to win. or a person who could to make Trump blush unite the different and uncomfortable, factions in the party something others have if they want to win. I also think it been trying to do during Trump’s would be a good idea to avoid running meteoric rise up the polls. Trump, which would frankly be Others candidates, such as former disastrous for the party’s brand and Gov. Jeb Bush, Ohio Gov. John Kasich something from which we might not and retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson, be able to recover. seemed to have been given mixed
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The Lorian
Features
Sept. 24, 2014
DVD Release by Nino erba | staff writer
This summer has been glutted with the usual run of action blockbusters, be they superhero movies (“The Avengers: Age of Ultron”) or reboots of long-beloved franchises (“Jurassic World”). However, one film broke through the fog, and surprisingly, it was a reboot of a beloved franchise, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which is now available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is reason enough to restore faith in big-budget action movies. In a post-apocalyptic world, Max (Tom Hardy) is but one victim of a tyrannical terrain.
Haunted by memories from his past, he’s among the people reduced to being used as a blood bank for the savage War Kids, including Nux (Nicholas Hoult of “Warm Bodies”). Most of the remaining humans live under the oppressive reign of Immortan Joe (Hugh Keays-Bryne), who controls the water supply for the masses. An entire political argument could be made from this, but let’s move on. The action really begins when one of the lieutenants, Imperator Furiosa (Charlize Theron), veers off course from the squadron’s mission to collect gasoline. Inside Furiosa’s truck, however, are Joe’s five wives. This sets off one of the chase scenes that populate the film, and what chase scenes they are! We’ve become so accustomed to seeing endless CGI in movies that at this point, we can merely comment on how poorly or well done they are. So it’s a breath of fresh air that the special effects and action scenes in this movie are so real. The vehicles and explosions are tangible for once and for a movie that cost $150 million to make, the money for “Mad Max” was well spent. However, the freshest part of
A Visit to ‘The Visit’ by Ervin yahr III | staff writer
Let me preface this review by providing the fact that I am not much of a horror movie lover. I’ve never thought that I should spend my money on getting scared when I can just as easily scare myself by hanging out in the Vis or thinking about student loans. My friends dragged me to see “The Visit”, and I will honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike many horror movies that end up on Netflix, “The Visit” actually has a plot. Siblings Becca (Olivia DeJong) and Tyler (Ed Oxenbould) go for a week-long visit to their estranged grandparents’ house. They are off to see the parents of their single mother (Kathryn Hahn), whom she hasn’t spoken to in eighteen years. Becca fancies herself a documentary director and chooses to use the reunion as a film opportunity. The kids go on a train by themselves to their mother’s hometown while their mother and her cool new boyfriend go on an all-inclusive cruise. The week starts out very well with an awkward but pleasant meeting between Becca, Tyler, Nana (Deanna Dunagan) and Pop Pop (Peter McRobbie). The big horror theme of the movie is that the kids cannot leave their room after 9:30 p.m.
The previews of the movie made this abundantly clear and the movie did not fail to make this apparent during the first night of the kids’ visit. Leaving their room, Becca witnesses her grandmother vomiting at the bottom of the staircase while walking around in the dark. The horror genre is plagued with movies providing cheap jump-scares and obvious plots, but “The Visit” remedies this quite well. Every night and day the grandparents get weirder and weirder, and the filmmakers keep the audience asking “What’s wrong with these people?” Though there are jump scares in the film, they are well spread out and add a lot to the process of giving viewers the heebie-jeebies. Being more of a psychological thriller that makes you ask questions the whole time, “The Visit” doesn’t try to make you wet the bed or cheer for the villain because there is nothing better to do. Becca and Tyler prove to be relatively reliable protagonists that you want to cheer for. You don’t want anything to happen to them because they are round characters with an actual backstory. I don’t know which I am more impressed with: round characters in a horror film or the fact that Becca only made one stereotypical horror movie mistake. Pulling in the audience, spooking them, and making them think is on repeat during “The Visit.” Whether you want a good scare, or you’re interested in what was wrong with the grandparents (because I was purposefully vague about that in this review), I highly recommend this movie. It did not hurt to spend money on it, and I genuinely enjoyed it. At the very least, everyone should put it on their Netflix queue to watch with friends. It’ll get you thinking.
this movie is how it utilizes women as a major part of the film and how they have a stake in the movie’s plot development. The wives, who start out as captives, eventually adapt to their new environment to become hardened fighters and part of Furiosa’s team. Max and Nux also join the women in escaping Joe and his army but since they are joined by a bunch of tough old women from Furiosa’s past, the film is still dominated by women. But the most divine of all women in the film is Furiosa. Played with both flintiness and humanity by Theron, she’s among the best movie characters created this year. She’s the real star of this movie and it’s all the better for it. For all its virtues, “Mad Max: Fury Road” isn’t perfect. There isn’t much of a plot for the two-hour movie. Also, for a movie named after Max, he’s a seemingly minor character but it’s not too much of a weakness. What is jarring is how Hardy’s incredibly husky voice renders a good chunk of his dialogue difficult to understand. Nonetheless, “Mad Max: Fury Road” is a sterling summer blockbuster, with engaging characters, otherworldly action scenes and a rousing finish. The last “Mad Max” movie may have happened 30 years ago, but this one stands on its own and is one of the best movies released this summer.
MASS-ive Role for Johnny Depp by nino erba | staff writer
Perhaps this is just me, but it seems like the point when Oscar season officially starts keeps getting more blurred as time goes on. A good example of this is that “Black Mass” was released just last week but is definitely good enough to generate Oscar buzz. If nothing else, this film should snag a couple of nominations, especially in the acting categories. The film alternates between interviews of three former members of James “Whitey” Bulger’s (Johnny Depp) gang with the FBI and three specific blocks of time when Bulger became one of Boston’s most notorious criminals. The first block of time takes place in 1975, after Bulger is released from Alcatraz and already taking part in local crime. He hits a gold mine, however, when FBI agent and childhood friend John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) makes a deal with Bulger: if Bulger would help take down Italian gangsters in Boston, Connolly would help protect Bulger from the FBI. Both get what they want, (the film does a good job of showing the territory fights between the Irish and Italian gangsters in Boston during this time) but Bulger is by far the bigger beneficiary. After his son dies, Bulger changes. The second block starts in 1981, when Bulger expands his operations to places like Miami and Connolly becomes more corrupted by his alliance with Bulger. The third starts in 1985, when Connolly’s corruption is all but complete and Bulger, further hardened by the death of his mother, dips his toes into working with the IRA. Eventually, both overplay their hands, Connolly ends up getting arrested and Bulger goes on the run from the FBI until his eventual capture in 2011. It’s surprising to know that Bulger was the second-most wanted criminal by the FBI for years. After seeing this movie, it shouldn’t be surprising, but then again, the man who held the top spot after Bulger was Osama Bin Laden. Looking at this now feels almost antiquated in the post-9/11 era but Bulger was one bad dude, even by American gangster standards. The film does a good job of giving us a concise look at several periods in Bulger’s life, even if the full picture would be much longer than what’s s h o w n here. And what is shown is done excellently.
Director Scott Cooper shows restraint with his technique, preferring to show us the simple happenings and occasional shocking violence that occurred in Bulger’s universe. The film doesn’t show off its period detail, even though certain things (the cars, a green telephone here, a dial TV there) are clearly from several decades ago. Mostly, Cooper just tells the story and lets his cast guide us through it. This is a wise move, considering that the cast is terrific throughout. Benedict Cumberbatch is charming as Massachusetts State Sen. (eventually Senate President) Billy Bulger, who ends up having blood on his hands simply for being related to Whitey and being caught in the tangle of Whitey and the FBI. Dakota Johnson, in a small but key role as Whitey’s girlfriend, helps show a more human side of Whitey’s life before the death of their son set him on a bad course. Kevin Bacon brings a much-needed edge as Connolly’s boss, who rightfully chews Connolly out for his embarrassing performance in taking Bulger down as Bulger’s crimes keep growing. However, the nominations will surely go to Depp and Edgerton. Edgerton, as Connolly, masterfully shows a man who ultimately pays the price for allowing his loyalty to his childhood friend to corrupt him. And Depp, in the span of about two hours, has the last laugh at critics who noticed a dip in his fortunes after a string of flops and questionable choices (he might never live down “The Lone Ranger”). Here, his mannerisms are kept in check and gives a charismatic, masterful performance of a man who gets more dangerous with time. One highlight, already shown in one of the trailers, is when he eggs one of Connolly’s FBI coworkers to spill the beans on a secret family recipe for steak, which turns into a chilling threat by Bulger should he leak out information about Bulger. The air gets sucked out of the room, yet Bulger bookends it with a maniacal cackle. Johnny Depp’s comeback, folks. Is “Black Mass” a new classic in the gangster film genre? Probably not. Is it Oscar bait? Decidedly so. Is this problematic? Not really, because this film is worth seeing just for the fact that it rescued Johnny Depp from disappearing into self-parody and reminds us why he’s one of the biggest movie stars today.
Features
The Lorian
Game Review by blair ernest | staff writer
Video games are such a wonderful thing. They’re honest collaborations of art in the forms of writing, graphics and audio meshed together in such a way that challenge and inspire their players. So, like any good, inspired player, I am enthused to share my (spoiler free!) opinions on video games. I have recently played various games with Loras students in hopes that they might experience the same joy video games have given me. First, I would like to talk about “Bastion,” an action role-playing game (RPG)
produced by indie developer Supergiant Games. I seriously cannot comprehend how this game managed to slip under my radar between its release in the summer of 2011 and my experience with it last weekend. The game features a sort of hack-and-slash style in isometric levels, where the player follows the whitehaired, silent protagonist, who has been coined “the Kid” by the narrator. The game begins in the fictional city of Caelondia, which was recently struck by an event known simply as “the Calamity.” Players control the Kid as he makes
his way for the Bastion, where everyone agreed they would go when they came face-to-face with trouble. The story progresses as the Kid seeks out other survivors of the catastrophe as well as a way to undo the damage the Calamity has wreaked upon the land. The story - as you will find should you ever decide to pick the game up - is packed full of wonderful twists that will make players cry and question “why?” It’s a beautiful game, despite its seeming simplicity. The graphics are fine-tuned to be unique without going over the top, giving it a very fresh aesthetic. I cannot sing enough praise about the game’s soundtrack (pun definitely intended there). Sometimes the lulls in the background are purely ambient and other times it hits hard. The style of the Original Soundtrack is described by the composer, Darren Korb, as
Sept. 24, 2014
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“acoustic frontier trip hop” and was, in fact, recorded in the closet of his New York City apartment, which makes the mesmerizing beats that much more amazing and easy to appreciate. “Bastion” is available digitally on the Xbox Live Arcade, as well as on Windows through the Steam client. It was later released as a browser game for Google Chrome and a version is available for Mac OS X through the Mac App Store. So you have very little excuse not to play it! There are plenty of different ways to access the game and its price is very manageable at $14.99. I HIGHLY recommend giving it a go, and trust me, you’ll be singing renditions of it’s vocal tracks for weeks after you’re finished.
‘The Waterfall’ ‘The Lost Continent: Travels My Morning Jacket in Small-Town America’ by broderick hooker | staff writer
My Morning Jacket’s new album, “The Waterfall,” incorporates their signature spacey sound with a bright optimism making it one of the band’s best so far. It combines some of the country elements of their earliest work with their more recent psychedelic experimentation. A swirling, sunny synthesizer opens with first track “Believe (Nobody Knows).” A gentle walk in the park builds up to the refrain which bursts into a triumph that carries through the rest of the song. “Compound Fracture” mellows the triumphant tone of “Believe” while retaining an optimistic and contented tone. “Like a River” is one of the more pensive, eerie tracks of the album. The happiness of the previous two tracks stops here to think and reflect. “In its Infancy” is a personal favorite of mine. It opens with the summoning sound of guitar power chords and rhythmic symbols that quiet briefly for a haunting electric piano. The intensity builds when the drums join in once again for the chorus of the song. A wobbling synthesizer later in the track adds a powerful spacey underscore to the guitar solo. The combination of these elements creates a unique sound that resonates in a way that the listener won’t soon forget. “Get the Point” brings more acoustic instruments and a heartbreaking romanticism. The echoes of a slide guitar remind me very slightly of country music. The line “I wish you all the love in this world and beyond,” is a bittersweet goodbye that pairs uncomfortably with a later line, “The thrill is gone.” “Spring (Among the Living)” begins with Jim James’ soaring yet intimate vocals. The guitar solo paired with the wordless vocals later in the song create a floating effect like being carried by the wind. Those same vocals close out the song with an eerie echo. “Thin Line” relaxes with a reverb heavy guitar and echoing lyrics. The line “Crazy diamonds, Head out towards the sea,” parallels and alludes to Pink Floyd, a predecessor and glorious ancestor to ambitious, spacey albums. “Big Decisions” tells us exactly the same thing the title does. It is not angry, but it is intense with a very conscious need to end confusion. “Tropics (Erase Traces)” builds up from the opening guitar and easily slides into second place. It builds to an addition of drums, which adds intensity. The track plateaus with a simple yet captivating guitar solo, and ends with the plaintive guitar that introduced it. “Only Memories Remain,” the last track of the album, is underscored by a hypnotizing guitar riff. As the song that closes out the collection, it leaves the listeners with a wave of nostalgic longing. My Morning Jacket is one of the most original rock bands creating music today. Their nostalgia for psychedelia and progressive rock blends perfectly with creative songwriting and the ability to construct powerful atmospheres in their music. Anyone with an appreciation for powerful and spacey rock music should become acquainted with this album.
A Bill Bryson Review by sarah mueller | staff writer
“The Lost Continent: Travels in Small-Town America” tells of author Bill Bryson’s journey across the rural Midwest in search of that idealistic, American, small-town life. His travels begin in Des Moines, Iowa’s capital and Bryson’s hometown. As he drives from town to town, he reminisces on his childhood spent there, as well as making observations about the locals and their customs that range from poignant to hilarious. Bryson has a knack for bringing out the ridiculous in the mundane, and it was a delight to read his interpretations of the seemingly normal people he happened upon, mostly because we all know someone like them. Bill Bryson is a premier author in the genre of creative non-fiction. In fact, his memoir “A Walk in the Woods” was recently turned into a movie and is currently playing in theaters. As with all of his novels, “The Lost Continent” is laced with cutting sarcasm and intelligent, dry humor. Though at times the plot might seem like aimless ramblings (the overall story is rather repetitive), it is well-articulated and clever enough not to get stale. Being from a small town in Iowa myself, I appreciated this touching and witty memoir commemorating my home state and the Midwest in general. Bryson has taken on a not-so-interesting topic and made it highly entertaining with a refreshing perspective and razor sharp wit, creating yet another literary gem.
‘Uncomfortable’ by krissy juarez | staff writer
One word to describe rapper Andy Mineo’s new album would be uncomfortable. Not only is that the album’s name but also the lyrics are hard-hitting enough that it is clear Mineo does not care about catering to a certain group of people at all. In an interview with MTV News, Mineo describes that “trying to learn how to embrace discomfort” was a motivating force behind his new album. He goes on to say, “I wanted to push the limits and the boundaries … and try to find a new sound … and I know that innovation comes at the cost of failure,” specifically in regards to his new album “Uncomfortable.” With that being said, I firmly believe that all the tracks in the album have a similar sound but are constructed in extremely different ways. It is evident that he is in the process of locking into his sound, and he himself said “my sound is changing.” The songs that I believe Mineo successfully finds his sound in are “Uncomfortable,” “Desperados” featuring Mali Music, “Rat Race” featuring Jon Bellion, and “Vendetta.” These four songs stand out to me because they seem to bridge the old Mineo with the new. They contain a blend of slow and fast beats. The best way to describe them would be a R&B background with a forefront of rap verse that actually contains things worth saying. These songs push the listener to
think about society in a different way, like when Mineo raps in “Vendetta” that “‘Pac did a lot more for me than Barack” in reference to Tupac being more influential in his life than President Barack Obama. He also makes sure to tie in his Christian roots while still being able to have his music classified as secular hip hop/rap. In the song “Uncomfortable,” one of the verses is “I try to point them to the Son, but why they calling me a star”, which is a reference to Jesus, the Son of God. The main impact that Mineo’s beliefs have on his rapping career is that he wants to have a legitimate sound to counter the idea that vulgarity makes for good rap. In his case, it clearly does not. The slight issue I have with this album is the fact that a lot of it sounds more like R&B than just straight rap. When I think of rap, I instantly think of fast, solid beats. While many of his songs did contain the beats I was looking for, a lot of the time they were cut off either by a transition into a slower pace or overshadowed by background vocals and instruments. Although Mineo switched up Uncomfortable comparatively to Neverland or to Superheroes, he is an artist that I would encourage everyone to continue following to see where his career as a rapper leads. One can only expect good things to follow this album.
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The Lorian Sept. 24, 2015
Community
Too Legit To Quit written by anonymous | mystery staff writer
11 Reasons We Love to Hate Autumn by hannah reinert | staff writer
Once again, we’re forced to say goodbye to bikinis, sunscreen, sandals and the heat as summer officially ended on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Maybe we’re being bitter and pessimistic, but autumn just doesn’t compete with the summer season. Here are 11 reasons we love to hate autumn:
1. Iowa autumn weather can be beautiful, but unreliable. You’ve decided to wear shorts and a t-shirt on this warm morning? You can bet it’ll be sixty degrees and thunderstorming this afternoon. 2. Around this time of the year, buildings either have the windows open or the air on full blast. Remember how much we loved the ARC’s air conditioning in the summer? Now, we’re cursing their freezing classrooms, especially during our 8am class. 3. Dead leaves everywhere, all the time. Sure, the colors are spectacular, but we really don’t want them in our cars, in our book bags and in our houses. 4. Daylight savings time means an extra hour of sleep in the fall. However, it also means that it gets dark at 5pm. So, as you wake up to a setting sun after a late-afternoon nap, you can expect to feel panicked, disappointed and confused. 5. Pumpkin spice latte, pumpkin spice Pop-Tarts, pumpkin spice bagels, pumpkin spice oatmeal, pumpkin spice tea, pumpkin spice M&M’s, pumpkin spice Oreos …. ENOUGH … however, even I won’t turn down a pumpkin spice Scentsy. 6. Ahh, the fresh air of fall … combined with stench of football players and fans. Whether you’re a fan of football or not, it’s here to stay until February. At least fantasy football involves less odor. 7. You probably started this semester like all the rest – you’re going to read all the assignments, study every night and get plenty of sleep. Too bad all of our favorite TV shows are starting a new season including: Grey’s Anatomy, American Horror Story, The Big Bang Theory, CSI, Dancing With the Stars and How to Get Away With Murder. 8. Now that the fall season has arrived, we get to hear the dispute between ‘autumn’ or ‘fall’… as if it actually matters. 9. You will become sick sometime this season. It’s inevitable, so suck it up and stock up on cough drops, NyQuil and tissues. 10. Yes! Two holidays (Halloween and Thanksgiving) combined into one season. Ironically, one involves greedily asking for candy and the other being thankful for what you already have… 11. Fall is basically pre-winter, and winter is the absolute worst season. Therefore, by association, fall is one of the worst seasons.
‘To a Gravel Road’ by clarice kies | staff writer
Stop your dust covering my car, Kicking up a cloud of beige behind me. Nothing’s safe from your gulping haze. The alfalfa and prairie grass are a dull green now, People walking can’t escape it, even. Houses are covered in grime. Oh, it’s true, you have a certain charm. After a rainfall, deer tracks on you. Earthworms surface and the dust settles down. At sunset you absorb the pink, orange, and yellow so that a rainbow disappears perfectly behind you, and lightning bugs twinkle in the air. When I see you, I know I’m close to home. Welcome me with dust and all.
One might ask what the difference “why” could be “to be even more is between someone who is a fitness confident in my own skin,” or “to machine and someone who never decrease my risk for Cardiovascular works out. What’s the big secret? disease or type two diabetes.” If your Is it genetics, or a pill? Good try, “why” is strong enough, then no my fellow Duhawk! But the answer obstacle will be too big. There will i s i n e r t i a , o r , i n o t h e r w o r d s , be nothing put in your way that you motivation! The term is small, but can’t step on, demolish and get past. the concept is large, highlighting Do you remember all the excuses you a huge number of minute actions once had? Having a strong enough creating a catalyst for change. One “why” allows you say “buh-bye” to step in the right direction creates your excuses and temptations. One an opportunity to take another and of my favorite quotes is: “What you soon you will be on your way to the want now is not nearly as important as what you want most.” Small healthy lifestyle you desire. M o t i v a t i o n m i g h t s e e m l i k e a changes build up to major results relatively new term in the fitness and create momentum for success. industry, but the topic has been Once real energy has been expended discussed all the way back to Sir to alter an existing inertia, equal Isaac Newton and Galileo’s time. and opposite forces will usually act Galileo first introduced the concept to inhibit one’s good intentions. of inertia and Newton expanded it, Inertia can, however, work in one’s addressing the law of motion. This favor. As we talked about earlier, is where Bill Nye the Science Guy a b o d y a l r e a d y i n m o t i o n t e n d s comes in. Newton’s first law talks to stay in motion, therefore, if a about how when something is in healthy lifestyle has been adopted, motion, it tends to stay in motion the ability to sustain that direction unless acted upon by an outside is generally improved. Finally! Sir force. The same applies to people, Isaac Newton’s law is on your side! Always remember that someone as we engage in a healthy lifestyle. One healthy choice leads to another, o u t t h e r e h a s h a d t o o v e r c o m e more obstacles than which leads to another you, yet persevered and and eventually they Sir Isaac accomplished goals that become healthy habits. no one thought they WHEW! Sounds easy, Newton’s law is c o u l d a c c o m p l i s h . I f right? It is! Well, if there’s something you you do it the right way. want to change about Inertia encompasses on your side. yourself, or if there’s a emotions and the big goal you’ve had your mind, making it imperative to make sure your mind eyes on, but have been too afraid to is in the right place when attempting go get, consider this your motivation to change. One of the most crucial to get after it. I believe in YOU! Find p a r t s o f c h a n g e i s f i n d i n g y o u r your “why,” get your inertia rolling “why.” This applies to any attempt and take some advice from my main to change, not just diet and exercise man MC Hammer and be “too legit changes. Your “why” is the reason to quit.” Until next time, your helper in you want to change in the first place. For example, if your goal is to lose health, 10 pounds by Christmas, then your The Fanny Pack Girl
College Cooking: 3-2-1 Cake in a Mug by ava lalor | copy editor
As college students, we are always looking for ways to make life easier. Often we look for quick and creative ways to spice up our food options. Luckily, many people have done the grunt work of discovering these many food hacks we live by. About halfway through my first year at Loras, my aunt discovered a microwave-friendly recipe for cake in a mug. This recipe was my favorite two-minute desert last year. Whenever there was a reason for celebration or I was overly stressed, cake in a mug was only two minutes away. So what do you need for this recipe? It is as simple as 3-2-1. The three ingredients are: 1) One box of angel food cake mix 2) One box of your choice of a box cake mix 3) Water Before you make the recipe, add the two box mixes in a plastic bag or container. When you are ready, add: 3 tablespoons of the combined mix in a mug 2 tablespoons of water 1 minute in the microwave See, 3-2-1. To add variety, try adding whipped cream, frosting, or fruit. So the next time you are craving a late night or stress relieving treat, just stock up on this easy snack. Besides, stressed is desserts spelled backwards.
Mind & Soul
Tips with
Trish The Lorian is continuing a column by Tricia Borelli, director of counseling services. Here she will answer student questions concerning anything that relates to keeping it together while doing this crazy thing called college. Send questions or comments to Ms. Borelli, Loras Box 100, or to the e-mail address tricia.borelli@loras.edu. All names of those sending questions will be kept confidential.
Obsessed with Netflix Dear Trish, So, I’m having a hard time getting back into studying and being productive in general. I have never been the best at balancing schoolwork with the rest of my life, and Netflix doesn’t help. It seems like once I get into a show, I have to watch the whole season. Any thoughts short of getting rid of my iPad? Signed, Obsessed with Netflix Trish says, Ahhhhhhh, the obsession with Netflix. Let me guess. House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, Scandal or Breaking Bad? I have heard both students and staff here at Loras talking about all of them. Netflix has done wonders in putting many of you in some sort of trance-like state making it very difficult to get back on the task that actually brought you to Loras. In fact, Netflix has even declared “Binge Watching as the New Normal.” Netflix, Inc. did a study which reported the following: “A majority (73%) defined binge watching as watching between 2-6 episodes of the same TV show in one sitting.” The survey went on to say that there is no guilt in it, and most see it as a welcome refuge from their busy lives. I would say that most students at Loras agree. They enjoy the break from their own reality, and they are even finding it more entertaining than reading a friend’s social media posts. This may not be a bad thing, but beware; there are downsides to binge-watching. Surprise, surprise, the biggest detriment would mostly likely be unproductiveness. Not a good thing, especially when you are spending a lot of time and money to get a college degree. And besides, other than your studies getting less attention, your ability to socialize is also impacted. Most people reportedly prefer to watch their shows alone, so the more time watching Netflix means the less time interacting and connecting with other people. Connectedness is one of the best benefits of college. Some suggestions on how to avoid the unproductiveness that can sometimes come from binge-watching include these few rules: 1. Watch no more than two episodes at a time before taking a shower, going outside, or reading a couple of chapters. 2. Save the longer binges for the weekend as a reward after studying or working a regular shift. 3. Give yourself a bedtime, and stick to it; Many students find themselves watching Netflix into the wee hours of the night and then sleeping through class. This is not advised and can be avoided with a set bedtime. Lastly, the nature of most good television series are to make you not want to wait until the next day or week to see the next episode. So, Netflix fits right into our current culture of immediate gratification … you don’t have to wait. The danger of immediate gratification is that other things in real life don’t satisfy you immediately, and thus you are not learning patience and tolerance, some pretty important virtues to learn as young adults. For more help with binge-watching, come to the counseling center. Signed, Trish
The Lorian Sept. 24, 2015
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Our Source and Summit: The Eucharist by cheyenne secor | staff writer
According to the “Catechism of the Eucharistic celebrations have been Catholic Church 1324” the Eucharist is around since the Last Supper, literally. the “source and summit” of our faith. That being said, it is also one of This line gets thrown around in the biggest differences between the Christian conversations all the time, Catholic Church and most other but what does it really mean for us as Protestant Christians. Without the Catholics? Eucharist, physical proof of Christ’s Jesus is literally and physically death, resurrection and current present in the Eucharist. Thinking presence in our life, our faith has no about that is kind of weird, and it is foundation. definitely one of the hardest things in The Eucharist is the summit of our the faith to wrap one’s mind around; Catholic faith. Ultimately, everything so much so that several of Christs’ ties back to the Eucharist. There are disciples abandoned Him after He told more miracles than I can count that them that they had to eat His flesh and were caused by our association with drink His blood (John 6). the Eucharist. Since there is no faith Really though, who can blame without the Eucharist, it is made to them? What I love about Christ’s be very important. And, if in no other followers and the Jews in general is way, it is found to be our summit they screw up and miss signs from because it is the way we can interact Christ ALL THE TIME. This continual one-on-one, face-to-face with Christ. habit of missing what God is telling That is awesome! them is something I find to be very I opened by talking about how relatable both when it comes to the Eucharist is hard. It is difficult biblical characters, and in my own to understand, appreciate and love life, especially when Christ reveals to because it is beautiful, powerful and them the truth about the Eucharist. If wonderful! God has a habit of making you are telling me that the inverse true (the you would not leave whole “first shall be someone who told you last” concept). God The Eucharist to eat their flesh and transforms bread is hard to drink their blood (prior into flesh (this has understand, but to thousands of years happened in multiple of church history), then masses, look it up), once you do, it is you are either a liar or and in doing this, He so insanely worth you have a very, very creates this fantastical it, like getting an devout faith that I would miracle that can love to hear about. I transform people’s A on a test that know I would want to lives. you have studied leave, and honestly, I The Eucharist is really hard for. probably would. hard to understand, I say all of this but once you do, it is so because like I said, insanely worth it, like thinking about this is weird. getting an A on a test that you have Furthermore, it is difficult. Even for studied really hard for. I also liked practicing Catholics. Explaining to challenging you guys last week, so I people that we believe Jesus is present am going to try to give you a challenge in bread and wine is really awkward. every week. This week, my challenge This is not one of the easy teachings is to go into a chapel, whichever one of the church to begin with, and then makes your heart content, and take the Catechism has the audacity to say 10 minutes in front of the Eucharist that this idea of the Eucharist is both to pray, whether that is an additional the source and summit of our faith? 10 minutes to time you already spend When that first came out during the there, or the first 10 minutes that you ecumenical council of Vatican II in the have had in front of the Eucharist early 1960s, I am fairly sure that some outside of Mass this year. Extra points Catholics struggled with it. if you thank God for the gift of himself The Eucharist is the source of in the Eucharist. This is a double-dogour faith. This is undeniably true. dare, Duhawks.
‘Contemplation’ by madison tolley | staff writer
What will happen when humans obliterate the practice of individual thought? Will we
slip
off the surface and
fall
into the depths of a star-filled oblivion? Or will we simply stop altogether? Perhaps, we will e x i s t— stripped of beauty— as shadows of lives lived today.
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The Lorian
Sports
Sep. 24, 2015
Winning streak ends at 5 for women Soccer team (5-2-1) falls to No. 24 Wheaton, ties DePauw by Frank Fernandez sportswriter
photos by MADDY COLE
Junior Maggie Clements is one of only two upperclassmen on the women’s tennis team. She and fellow junior Jessica Dickhut are expected to lead the young Duhawks this season.
Women’s tennis team ready for tough tests Coach hopes challenging early-season schedule will provide late-season toughness by AARON BROEGE | sportswriter
The women’s tennis team has a challenge on the road as they travel to Ripon and St. Ambrose for matches later this week. The match against Ripon is a new one for the women’s team, and looks to be a fairly even matchup. Ripon is 2-8 this season, performing at around the same level that Loras has. Ripon also has about as much experience under their belt as Loras does this season. Loras hopes to take the win in Ripon and use that momentum towards the matches coming later in the week. The meeting with St. Ambrose will be the highlight of competition for the women as they face the team that they split with for one win and one loss in two meetings last season. The victory against St. Ambrose came in the 2015 spring season right before the IIAC Conference tournament in April. The win was the first that Loras had achieved against St. Ambrose in a decade. The team looks to repeat the performance Emma Cooke is one of two first-years from Illinois competing for the Duhawks. again this season. “I think it’ll be a very close match, we’re back in the right direction. Knox College very evenly matched teams as the results will also be competing at the meet at St. in the past seasons would suggest”, says Ambrose, but Loras knocked off Knox Coach Fenwick. After last season when easily with a 9-0 win last season. the team lost, 5-4, to St. Ambrose, then The competition ahead is going to be returned only to defeat them, 5-4. a good test for the team, helping them “It will be a good indicanot only gage where they are tor of where we are perforcompetitively but also allow mance wise this season”, them to gain experience on noted Fenwick. St. Ambrose “More experience the court for the Individual has begun their season 3-0, will develop match Conference Championship while Loras has had a slow that is right around the cortoughness. start to the season sitting at ner. 1-7 currently. Loras has faced Chad Fenwick “More experience will depowerhouse teams early on, tennis coach velop match toughness,” beincluding Coe and Central, lieves Fenwick. With a young and with those challenges team with great potential, Coach Fenwick believes that match toughness and expethe team is prepared for the matchup. rience is what is most important to the “Our tough early-season schedule defi- development of the team right now. nitely gives us (the team) an upper hand,” While the underclassmen on the team stated Fenwick. Additionally, the Loras gain the court knowledge they need to women have eight matches worth of expe- perform in the future, the women’s team rience this season, giving them the upper looks to their upperclassmen Maggie hand in that aspect. Clements and Jessica Dickhut to lead While St. Ambrose looks to be a testing the team during this crucial part of the competition, a win would steer the team season.
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Riding a five-game winning streak, the Loras women’s soccer team traveled to Wheaton, Ill. last Tuesday to face their rival, Wheaton College. The offensive prowess that aided the Duhawks during their winning streak was nowhere to be found during this matchup. Wheaton’s defense covered senior forwards Katie Truesdale and Danielle Vujovic tightly and allowed a combined two shots on goal, both coming from Vujovic. Wheaton struck first when Kristin Rauh beat junior goalkeeper Maria Siebels in the 21st minute to take the early advantage, 1-0. The Thunder added an insurance tally in the 89th minute to finish off the Duhawks, 2-0. Even in a losing effort, Siebels played strong in net. She made ten saves on twelve shots Tuesday night. Vujovic praised the firstyear starter for her goalkeeping this season. “Maria has been working hard for years to learn and grow as a goaltender and it shows in her performance,” she said. After a few days off, the Duhawks were back in action on Saturday as they took the bus ride to Greencastle, Ind. for an after-
noon tilt with the Depauw University Tigers. The Duhawks once again gave up an early goal, but answered back with two of their own. Katie Truesdale netted the equalizer in the 20th minute. Feeding off this momentum, the Duhawks took their first lead of the match when sophomore Maura Walsh scored on an indirect free kick. Walsh’s goal made it 2-1, which was the score at half. Walsh has been hampered by injury early this season, but has recently been seeing a fair amount of playing time and excelling. “Maura has really been making a name for herself and is definitely finding her way onto the scorer’s sheet,” Vujovic said. “It’ll be fun to see how she performs when she gets healthy. I have full faith that she will continue to score a lot of goals for us.” This will be important for the Duhawks as they move deeper into the season. Vujovic and Truesdale have carried the goal load for the most part this season, but the emergence of players like Walsh will help to spread the wealth. The second half saw a number of scoring opportunities for Depauw, and they finally evened the score in the 69th minute. The match ended in a tie after two scoreless overtime periods and the Duhawks moved to 5-2-1 on the season.
After back-to-back non-conference matchups, the Duhawks will now move into Iowa Conference play. They will look to continue their recent run of success in the Iowa Conference, winning four of the last five conference championships. However, coming off a season in which they failed to capture that title, the Duhawks were picked to finish fourth in the preseason. Despite this prediction, Truesdale and the Duhawks are ready. “All of us are really excited about conference play coming up,” Truesdale said. “We didn’t do as well as we hoped to last season so we really have some making up to do to get ourselves back up to lead the conference and win the title again.” With matchups against Wartburg, Luther and University of Dubuque on the conference slate, the Duhawks know they have what it takes to return to championship form. “Every year, we all compete for the top spot, so conference play obviously very important for everyone,” Vujovic said. “There is a new energy this season that I’m confident will lead us to success in conference play.” The Duhawks begin the road to their tenth Iowa Conference championship on Saturday, when they’ll face Simpson at 2 p.m. in the Rock Bowl.
Men’s soccer team suffers 1st loss of the season No. 6-ranked Loras beats the No. 5-ranked team before losing to DePauw and Western Illinois by Katie Truesdale | sportswriter
The No. 6-ranked men’s soccer team looked to bounce back from their latest draw against St. John’s as they headed to No. 5 University of Chicago for another tough game. In the opening minutes of the match, senior Johnny Rummelhart drew a free kick near the Maroons 18-yard-line where senior Jorge Simon netted his first goal of the season, putting the free kick in the back of the net and giving the Duhawks an early 1-0 lead. The Duhawks kept up their high-pressure style of play, tallying nine shots for the half and keeping Chicago scoreless. It seemed in the second half the Duhawks were able to find their scoring groove, netting three more goals in the 72nd, 75th and 85th minute from senior Richard Lenke, junior Austin Jacobi and senior Nick Popa. The 3 late goals put the game out of reach for the No. 5 Maroons. “Beating Chicago was a big win for us,” said Simon. “It let us know that we can compete with the top teams in the nation. But we take the same mentality going into each game no matter how big they are. Always have to focus on ‘one game at a time’ and not look ahead to other games on the schedule. I think this keeps us grounded throughout the season, every game matters and we have to get up for each game.” The men then headed to Greencastle, Ind. Saturday to face the DePauw University Tigers. With a more compact style of play, the Tigers succeeded in shutting down the Duhawks high pressure style of play and limiting any scoring opportunities the Duhawks looked to have through-
out the game. The Tigers tested the Duhawks back line and sophomore goalkeeper Jacob Peterson early, as they capitalized on a counter attack, scoring in the 13th minute of the game. After getting the early lead, DePauw settled in and played more defensively, in hopes to completely eliminate any type of Duhawk offense. The first half remained scoreless for the Duhawks causing some changes to the Duhawk formation late in the game. With 20 minutes left in the match, the men were still looking for the equalizing goal which resulted in removing their sweeper, senior Sam Koenig, and adding a fourth man to the attacking line. The men were able to get some quality chances but continued to struggle in finding the back of the net. With minutes remaining, Simon rocketed a shot past the Tiger goalkeeper to only find the crossbar, giving the Duhawks their best chance of the game. Going man-for-man in the back, the Tigers again were able to capitalize on the Duhawks back line with a break away, giving them a 2-0 lead with minutes remaining. DePauw handed the No. 6 Duhawks their first loss of the season putting the men at 4-1-1 overall. “I think the guys are learning a lot from this loss,” commented Simon, “We can’t let big games get to our head. Like I mentioned before we have to get up for every game and not look past teams. Everyone understands that it’s nearly impossible to go undefeated for the season so it’s good that we got it out of the way and we can move on. A lot of things didn’t go our way that game and that’s just the way soccer is, but all of us are staying positive and moving on to the next game.” The Duhawks are heading to Macomb, Ill. to go up against the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks Monday evening.
Sports
The Lorian
Sept. 24, 2015
11
photos by maddy cole
Junior safety Bryan Hermann celebrates an interception return touchdown against Augustana. The 50-yard score gave Loras the lead with 5:45 remaining in the game.
Duhawks win thrilling 56-52 shootout
Loras rallies past Augustana after surrendering 49 points in first half; Schulte breaks passing records in debut as starter by Drew Brashaw | sports editor
For the second week in a row, a Loras quarterback etched his name into the school record books while making his first start under center. Senior Nik Schulte’s record-shattering debut performance and a second-half defensive surge pushed the Duhawks past Augustana, 5652, Saturday at the Rock Bowl. Schulte, who began the season 3rd on the depth chart for Loras (1-2), completed 47 passes for 588 yards and 6 touchdowns against the Vikings (1-2), setting new school records in all 3 categories. “I have a lot of great teammates,” Schulte said, deflecting praise for his individual accomplishments. “It’s the guys around me. I knew if I could just sling it out to my guys that they’d make the plays, and they did.” One of those guys making plays for Schulte was senior Nate Even, who broke his own school record with 265 receiving yards, and found the end zone twice. Even’s 16 receptions tied another Loras record. “Nate Even, oh my gosh,” Schulte said of his most potent weapon. “There’s no one like him. He’s made plays for us year-in and year-out. Even when guys think they can double cover him like they did today, he still gets open and makes plays.” “Nik Schulte was incredible today,” Even said of his quarterback. The feeling is reciprocal. The Duhawks’ defense struggled to contain Augustana’s Sam Frasco early in the game, allowing the mobile quarterback to break free for 276 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground in the first half of play. The Vikings took a 49-27 lead into the locker room at the break. Loras’ defense stiffened in the 3rd quarter, forcing punts on 4 consecutive Vikings possessions. Schul-
Box Score
1
2
3
4
F
Augustana
21
28
0
3
52
Loras
3
24
22
7
56
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Nik Schulte was incredible today.
Nate Even
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senior wide receiver
Senior Nik Schulte completed 47 passes for 588 yards and six touchdowns — breaking school records in all three categories. te’s three third-quarter touchdown throws gave the Duhawks 22 unanswered points and tied the game at 49 heading into the final quarter. “We changed some of the things we were doing,” Loras coach Steve Helminiak said of his defense’s second-half adjustments. “We didn’t bring the same kinds of pressures because we wanted to bottle that kid up. I think (Augustana) went away from their game plan a little bit. They didn’t put the ball in (Frasco’s) hands to run anymore. They started throwing the ball more, and
that played into our hands a little bit.” Augustana regained the lead on a 24-yard Jacob Stytz field goal, but the Duhawk defense wasn’t finished making its second-half statement. With the Vikings driving near midfield and looking to extend their advantage late in the game, junior safety Bryan Hermann intercepted a pass batted into the air by linebacker Damon Davies and returned it 50 yards for a Loras touchdown. Hermann’s pick-six put the Duhawks ahead by 4 points with 5:45 left on the clock. “Hermann’s a great player,” Helminiak said. “He’s exactly the type of guy we want in our program: topnotch student, top-notch person and a top-notch player.” Former Dubuque Senior prep Wes Bowers nabbed an interception from Frasco with 1:24 left to play, sealing the Duhawks’ first win of the season. “It’s a great team win,” Helminiak said. “To get the win and have the knowledge that they can do it is huge for us. It propels us into our bye week and into conference play, so it’s a huge win for our guys.” The Duhawks will enjoy a wellearned bye this week before opening Iowa Conference play at home against Coe on Oct. 3.
Senior Nate Even caught gained 265 receiving yards on Saturday, breaking his own single-game school record. .
Junior linebacker Damon Davies celebrates the victory.
Junior Josh Schulte hauls in a pass from his brother Nik. Schulte caught 5 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
The Lorian
Sports
Sept. 24, 2015
Cross country shines in South Bend The Loras men’s team outpaces the competition at the National Catholic Championships; women finish 11th
Last year, the Duhawks placed second as a team in the Division III Central Region championships earning an Automatic Qualifying bid for the National meet. “Defend our Iowa Conference Championship title, top -2 automatic qualifying bid at the Division III Central Region Championship, and top 14 team or higher at the by MATTHEW MARTER | sportswriter Although storms were in the forecast for the National Division III National Championships,” Schultz answered Catholic Championships at Notre Dame University in South when asked about the goals for the Duhawks. That last goal Bend, IN, the Open and Varsity races ran as scheduled, would be the highest the cross country team has ever finished at the national meet. giving the Duhawks a prime chance for Meanwhile, the women’s team their first quality race this season. struggled in their 5K race by going out The men’s team had an excited outat a much more conservative pace than come in their 8K race. They defendthey needed to hit, Schultz said. ed their title as the College Division “Despite the graduation “We’re hoping to move up a bit from champion in such a manner that Coach of a great class, this group last year’s finish,” Schultz said. He reBob Schultz could not have been more is ready to be right where mains optimistic about the team, howthrilled. ever. “We had a couple of women run “I was very pleased not just with the last year’s team left off and really well, but not everyone. I believe win,” Schultz said, “but with how well even improve on some of last we are a much better team than where we ran as a team. Great pacing and pack year’s accomplishments. we finished on Friday.” One of the running.” Pack running, for those not familiar Bob Schultz women who ran well was junior Abby Heiderscheit, who ran 20:53, dropping cross-country coach with cross country, is a method in races 43 seconds from her time at the NCC where teammates run with the people last year. they practice with to motivate them “We have some high goals (of winthroughout the race. After losing a strong senior class last year, Schultz and ning their first Iowa Conference championship and qualthe rest of the team were a little unsure about the outcome ifying for the Division III National Championships) that I believe are realistic. This (meet) is a starting point, and of this season, but this meet is starting to change that. “Despite the graduation of a great class,” Schultz said, we will get better from here,” commented Schultz, after “this group is ready to be right where last year’s team left looking at the results. The Duhawks compete this Friday night at the Brissoff and even improve on some of last year’s accomplishman-Lundeen Invitational at Augustana College. ments.”
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The women’s volleyball team prepares for a recent match in the AWC.
photo by maddy cole
Duhawks split on the road Women’s volleyball tops Cornell, falls to Augsburg in Mt. Vernon by megan tews | sportswriter
Cornell College and Augsburg College; two tough competitors that the women’s volleyball team faced on Saturday. After a loss to Luther in the opening of Iowa Conference play, the Duhawks were eager for a win. The team split its matches, ending the weekend with a 1-1 record. With this lineup, some might be wondering why would the team purposefully schedule non-conference games against highly skilled competitors? Coach Jenna Ness has the answer. “I think it will be fun to see how we play against some top ranked teams. I always schedule tough so that we are ready to go for conference - we don’t take easy wins. I’m excited for our team to challenge each other,” said Ness. The women’s first game of the weekend was against former IIAC member, Cornell College. Prior to this match, the Duhawks and Rams had met 15 times since 2001. After defeating Cornell three sets to none, Loras now holds a 6-10 series record
against the Rams. The Duhawks really came alive in their match against Cornell, and everything seemed to be clicking for the team. Fans were kept on the edge of their seats as Loras sealed the match with three very close sets (25-21, 25-23, 26-24). The team’s highest margin of victory was only four points. This shows the women’s ability to stay in control of the match and fight through until the end. Unfortunately, after a thrilling victory against Cornell, the Duhawks fell to Augsburg College’s No. 20 nationally ranked volleyball team 3-0. Loras never gave in, but Augsburg’s several multiple-point runs drove the team’s momentum to a loss for the Duhawks. While no one likes defeat, there is an advantage of the women’s’ contests against Cornell and Augsburg. The team is gaining experience playing nationally ranked competitors and learning how to better play together. Junior Therese Schultz expresses this concept perfectly. “We’ve been playing some really skilled teams lately. Our coach schedules against these ranked teams to prepare us for our confer-
ence play so that we will be confident in those games. By playing these tough teams, we learn more about our team and realize the speed we need to play in order to win,” Schultz said. Schultz led her team in blocks this weekend with 10 in addition to recording seven kills and three aces. Another impressive performance this weekend included that of Haley Bergan. Bergan tallied 32 digs in the two matches. She is currently ranked first in the Iowa Conference in total number of digs with 229 on the season and fourth in digs per set with 5.09. As the season progresses, the team is becoming more cohesive. This will be critical for Loras’ success considering there are still plenty of games remaining. “Obviously losing is tough, but we learn from it, stay positive and are ready to focus on conference play,” Schultz added about the team moving forward. Loras will compete in the IIAC-NACC Crossover Challenge this weekend hosted in the Athletic and Wellness Center. This will give the team one more opportunity to play some non-conference matches before facing Coe and Buena Vista next week.
DREW’s Views
Good God W
hen the Seahawks defeated the Packers in last season’s NFC title game, despite quarterback Russell Wilson’s less-thanstellar performance, Wilson explained to the media how God set it all up. He said it was God who made him throw those four Drew Brashaw interceptions so that Seattle’s sports editor divinely preordained victory would be more exciting. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers responded to Wilson’s comments, saying “I don’t think God cares a whole lot about the outcome. He cares about the people involved, but I don’t think he’s a big football fan.” Then, after the Packers defeated the Seahawks this week, Rodgers made it a point to say “God was a Packer fan tonight.” Some people think Rodgers, a deeply devout Christian himself, was taking a shot at Wilson. I think everyone is missing the point. What if Wilson was right? The implications are horrifying. Using Wilson’s logic, wasn’t God just taunting the Packers for the first 56 minutes back in January? Wasn’t God just setting them up, along with all of their fans, for heartbreaking, soul-crushing defeat? It reminds me of “Paradise Lost.” The villain in Milton’s epic, a tyrant king named God the Father, stages a gruesome battle between two armies. Since the outcome of said battle was predetermined, all the violence is entirely unnecessary; GtF just wants to see a good fight. He even limits the size of the stronger army to ensure the fight makes it past the first round. Sorry about the 17th century epic poetry digression (hurry back, Dr. Merrill!), I’ll get back to my point. This whole thing had me troubled. Being the outstanding journalist I am, I decided to go right to the source to get the real story. Printed for you here in its entirety is my 1-on-1 interview with God. DREW: Thanks for This whole taking the time to talk thing had with me, Mr. God. It’s an honor to meet you. me troubled. GOD: “Hey, likewise Being the kid. Love what ya do.” DB: I know you’re a outstanding busy guy, so I’ll get right journalist I to it: What role do you play in what happens in am, I decided NFL games? to go right to G: “You said it, the source to Drew: I’m a busy guy. Especially on Sundays. get the real If I took the time to fix story. Printed every pro football game, I’d never get anything for you here in else done. I like to pop its entirety is in and screw around my 1-on-1 with a game here and there, but Sundays are interview crazy for me. I put Al with God. Davis in charge of all that stuff a few years ago.” DB: So you didn’t cause Russell Wilson to throw all those interceptions in the NFC Championship? G: “Nah, Russ did that all by himself. He’s a good kid.” DB: But why would he say it was you? G: “He likes to throw my name around, lots of athletes do when they win. They treat me like some kind of mob boss or something; cutting me in when they score, but keeping my name out of their mouths when they get pinched.” DB: And you’re okay with this? G: “Pub is pub. It’s definitely not the worst thing I’ve been blamed for.” DB: Have you seen Aaron’s post-game interview from Sunday night? Do you think he was taking a shot at Russell? G: “I haven’t seen it, but Kurt Warner sent me a text about it. Aaron’s hilarious.” DB: So you really don’t care about any of this at all, do you? G: “Meh.” DB: What would you tell the people who’ll say I shouldn’t have interviewed you? G: “Five letters: R-E-L-A-X.”
drew’s views
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