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MONTAGE Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964
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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 4 | THURSDAY, OCT. 12, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM Photos by Amanda Harris
Meramec students Rebecca Bolin (left), Luke Barber (middle) and Ian Buschmann (right) address the Board of Trustees to the backdrop of a full room. The students spoke about their passion for their teachers and their concerns regarding a potential reduction in force.
Students voice concerns over budget cuts
Speakers, board members butt heads during open forum section of Board of Trustees meeting Tania Robin | Staff Writer
The Student Social Action Committee (SSAC) represented Meramec’s student body at the Sept. 28 Board of Trustees meeting at the Harrison Education Center in north St. Louis. Over 50 STLCC students made an appearance at the public forum, a much larger turnout than the board was expecting, evidenced by the lack of available space in the meeting room. An overflow room allowed those who could not be accommodated in the first room to watch the meeting via live television feed with a two minute audio delay. Chancellor Pittman was surprised at the turnout and said in a later interview that he was happy students want to be informed and involved in the school’s proceedings. “It’s very important for students to participate in the college’s government structure,” said Pittman. “Their input was very much appreciated by the trustees and myself.” Members of SSAC were given the opportunity to speak alongside faculty during the open floor portion at the end of the board meeting. Most students addressed fears in reference to Chancellor Pittman’s
summer announcement that the budget cuts will likely result in a reduction of full-time faculty. “I’m here to represent all students and faculty who can’t be here today,” said SSAC president Xavier Phillips. “All we are asking is that you do what’s right. Don’t do what’s easy. Make the right choice.” Student Emily Calton spent three to four hours protesting after class for several weeks leading up to the meeting. Calton said it was important to help educate other students about budget cuts, program cuts and how professors will lose their jobs. “My professors inspire all the students and myself to reach for the stars and to work hard for the education we deserve. [They] truly care about what they teach and the ways they teach,” said Calton. “That’s why I’m here, on behalf of my professors and my school.” Music student Amber Buckner, who commuted three hours to attend the meeting, couldn’t attend school in person this fall due to a recent surgery. She told the board about how her professors accommodated her medical needs and helped her start the
semester remotely. Prior to the meeting, Buckner created flyers encouraging other students to attend in order to help their professors and save the education they love and depend on. “At Meramec, the college feels like a warm community. The professors give students hope, inspiration, and makes them see they can succeed,” said Buckner. Buckner’s mother, Kathy Buckner, attended the meeting alongside her daughter. Kathy Buckner is a Meramec alumna who met her husband at Meramec. She spoke to the board about how STLCC plays a central role in the community, but also brought to the attention of the entire room that some board members were preoccupied during the meeting. “You really bother me that you’re not even giving some of the faculty members the courtesy of paying attention,” said Kathy Buckner. “You’re in charge... and you can’t even give people the respect to pay attention? To your own staff? That’s kind of disgusting in my opinion.” Chancellor Pittman responded to the incident in an interview. He said that he had heard a student
continued on page 4
Fifth of July
IT: a review
Walking for fitness
-Art & Life, Page 5
-Opinions, Page 7
-Sports, Page 8
Page 2 | News
? g n i r r e f s n a r T Intereitsy otfeMdissoiunri–St. Louis
Oct. 12, 2017
Photo by Will Murry
Univers
Transfer
Counselor Rhonda Adams sets the rules for the discussion circle: nobody without the rock can speak.
Office hours for STLCC Meramec students: Mondays & Thursdays Call 314-984-7575 for an appointment 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Advising Center – Clark Hall
To learn more about our Off-Campus Degree Completion Program in Business at the South County Education Center, contact Sue Bateman at 636-481-3244 or batemans@umsl.edu.
Meramec hosts listening circle after Stockley verdict Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief
Christy Hummel Transfer Specialist askchristy@umsl.edu 314-516-6943 “I can help with all of your questions about transferring, scholarships and what it’s like to be a Triton!”
CHOOSE Serious education. Serious value.SM
Meramec hosted a listening circle on Sept. 27 in Student Center room 200. The event, prompted by the recent verdict in the Stockley trial, was attended by around 30 people including both students and faculty members. According to attendee Marco Hernandez, there were two circles: an inner circle of students and an outer circle of teachers and sociologists. In the center of both circles was a chair with a rock. One by one, speakers would sit in the chair and hold the rock. Only the person holding the rock could speak, and all others listened. Any questions asked by the speaker were considered rhetorical and could not be answered by other attendees. “It wasn’t a conversation,” said Hernandez. “It was just people grabbing the rock and talking.” Hernandez did not speak at the listening circle, and said he attended because he wanted to hear what everyone else had to say. Hernandez said most of the discussion was about white privilege and that it’s important to hear “someone else’s perspective.” Meramec will host another listening circle on Nov. 29 Contact Carolyn O’Laughlin at colaughlin2@stlcc.edu with questions.
Webster Preview Day Monday, October 14 Check out our NEW Interdisciplinary Science Building and learn about the special WATTS program for biology and chemistry scholarships. While you’re on campus you can also learn about Webster’s exciting academic programs; generous transfer scholarships; how to apply for free; and request free estimated evaluations of your transfer credit! For more information:
WEBSTER.EDU/TRANSFER Office of Admission 314-246-7800 or 1-800-753-6765 admit@webster.edu 470 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO
R EC-3199 CC AD_Meramec_171012.indd 1
St. Louis, MO 10/4/17 8:13 AM
Page 3 | News 4 Oct. 12, 2017
Task force created for campus renewal project Campus Facility Committee to address problem of “aging campus” A new task force is being created to help solve the issue of Meramec’s deteriorating campus. According to Provost Carol Lupardus, the Campus Facility Committee will identify and establish priorities for annual improvements at each STLCC campus as it relates to aesthetics, structure, environmental or programmatic changes or additions. “Dr. Pittman has charged three of the campuses—the aging campuses, as he says—to review a study,” said Lupardus. “The architects came around and did a study and mentioned priorities... And so he wants us to revisit that, and consider creating a budget for what needs to be done, identify and develop plans to address environmental concerns that may exist at each campus.” Environmental concerns include the asbestos which has resulted in condemnation of many classrooms in several Meramec buildings. Additional repairs include the circled cracks across campus sidewalks. According to Lupardus, this was done by John Schneider, Meramec’s environmental health and safety specialist from risk management who regularly visits the campus to identify potential dangers. “You may have noticed they’re all orange or yellow or green paint, circling areas that are areas of concern in terms of safety hazards,” said Lupardus.
“Hopefully the facilities committee will be reviewing all those and prioritizing, because it all takes time and of course money.” Roofing is another part of the school in need of repair, which Lupardus addressed in a Sept. 28 email to faculty and staff. The email referenced the closures of several rooms in Communications North closed due to water damage. “We have not had a major rainfall since the leaks were patched and we do not want anyone to move back into these rooms only to be moved out again if the patches do not hold,” said Lupardus in the email. “The engineering and design department is working with the roofing warranty company to provide a more permanent repair to the roof system which will require additional roof work on the building, projected to be completed this Fall. It is not anticipated that this work will cause disruption to classroom usage.” Another email, sent Oct. 6, announced a week-long project to replace part of the Science West roof. Meramec theater professor Keith Oliver was informed Sept. 28 that he might not be able to debut his play in the theater on Oct. 4 after the engineering department condemned the grid and fly system, which is used for lighting. Oliver said he didn’t know
Water damage on the ceiling on the second floor of Communications North, above the black asbestos box.
EDITORS
Melissa Wilkinson Jordan Morris Will Murry Erik Muschinske Amanda Harris Noah Sliney Ashley Biundo Ian Schrauth Shannon Philpott-Sanders
Cracks in a walkway near Lecture Halls/Science West. The spraypaint symbolizes that they have been tagged by risk management. whether or not his cast would be able to perform on the stage where they had rehearsed until the Monday before the show started. “Fortunately, we were able to get a crew in,” said Oliver. “They’ve secured the batons, which are the pipes that hold all the really heavy electric equipment, lighting instruments, from falling down.” Oliver described the lighting situation as “an ongoing problem”, and said that in the past, his crew needed to use a cherry picker to go up to the lights and move them around. According to Oliver, the state is also partly responsible for the state of the campus. “We’ve had an incredible amount of unfair cuts directed towards community college, which in its very nature helps educate a wide region for the 21st century,” said Oliver. “A community college that does not charge much for tuition, and has older facilities, it would hurt them doubly hard, right?” Oliver said that while he appreciated
STAFF
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Photos by Amanda Harris
Stephen Buechter | Staff Writer
Grant Applegate Madison Bouse Stephen Buechter Darius Haynes Morgan Ratliff Christina Perkins Tania Robin Sean E. Thomas Mary Wilson Paul Van Leunen Zachary Russell
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the immediate response to his “crisis situation”, praising in particular the chair, the dean and the provost, he also advises students to ask where funds budgeted for repairs are going. “I have not personally seen a budget of where all the money is and what it’s about. A complete budget, where I really know for expenditures - what the bottom line is, how much money the college really has. Then, how are we going to use this money?” said Oliver. ”I’m not sure I’ve heard answers to those questions. At least not ones that satisfy.” Lupardus said that involving students in the repair process is “critical” and that she hopes the committee will find a way to do so. Lupardus herself will head the Campus Facility Committee with co-chair Dean of Students Kim Fitzgerald. Other members of the committee include Facilities Manager Sam Guth, Theater Manager Rick Willmore and Director of Campus Life Carolyn O’Laughlin.
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To place an advertisement, contact the advertising manager for rates, sample issues, etc., 314-984-7955. Editorial views expressed or content contained in this publication are not necessarily the views of St. Louis Community College, the board of trustees or the administration. The Montage is a student publication produced seven times per semester at St. Louis Community College - Meramec, 11333 Big Bend Blvd., Kirkwood, Mo., 63122. 314-984-7655. One copy of The Montage is free
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Page 4 | Art & Life
4
Oct. 12, 2017
Photos by Noah Sliney
A self portrait by artist Jack Beal. The piece was submitted by Betsy Morris, who received it from Beal during her internship with him.
Show curator David Hanlon (center) speaks with gallery guests about his inspiration for the show.
Artists share inspiration in new exhibition
The Artist Collects features artwork from the personal collections of 28 regional artists Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief A new exhibition opened Sept. 28 at the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery in the HE building. According to curator David Hanlon, The Artist Collects features work submitted from the personal collections of 28 regional artists including instructors at Meramec, other STLCC campuses and the University of Missouri. “I sent a prospectus out to these artists in the summertime and requested that they think about which works they’re really inspired by or would represent what their collection is about,” said Hanlon. “It’s really pleasing to be able to see the result. It’s kind of a celebration of artists who are presently working.” Hanlon, who teaches photography at Meramec, said the purpose of the exhibition is to gather examples of work that his colleagues found inspirational. “I asked them to pick works that they found important to the things they do as artists or really revel in looking at for extended periods,” said Hanlon.
“Where they could hang it in their house and see new things in it fairly regularly.” Betsy Morris, assistant chair of the art department at Meramec, submitted two pieces from her personal collection. One of them is a piece by American printmaker Will Barnet. “I got that print when I was in high school with some money my mother gave me,” said Morris. “I went up to a print gallery in Indianapolis and told the lady, ‘I have this amount of money and I want to buy a print.’ And this is what I picked, without knowing anything about prints or the artist.” Morris’s second piece was drawn for her by artist Jack Beal during her internship with him in her junior year of college. Beal was best known for his series of four murals entitled “The History of Labor,” which he painted for the Labor Department in Washington D.C. Morris said she chose the piece because it wouldn’t have been shown
to the public before. “It gives people a chance to see work that they would not have occasion to see,” said Morris. “Particularly drawings...You’re not going to see a Jack Beal drawing.” Illustration teacher Chuck Groth also submitted two pieces, one by pastel artist John Collier, the other by painter Anita Kunz. Groth said that he collects a lot of artwork from his own fields of illustration and graphic design and that he is a huge fan of both Collier and Kunz. “The reason I picked those two to be in the show is because I thought it would be a good chance for my students to see some of the things I talk about in class through a different voice,” said Groth. Groth said the show is one of the strongest and most surprising he’s seen in the gallery in the last few years, praising the strength of every piece in the collection. “The concept is maybe the most
interesting part,” said Groth. “It’s like asking a musician, ‘what kind of music do you listen to?’ I think it’s really kind of revealing in a way to see what attracts the eye of an artist.” According to curator David Hanlon, his submissions include a photograph by Hans Levi, the first piece Hanlon ever purchased in graduate school. Hanlon, who studied photography under Levi, said he purchased the piece from one of Levi’s shows. Hanlon said that despite initial uncertainty over what sort of submissions he would receive, the show fell together well in the end. “I’m really grateful to all the artists who have opened up their collections to the exhibit,” said Hanlon. “It’s hard to give up even for a month some of the works you really prize. But the new collection we’re showing is certainly really terrific.” The Artist Collects will be shown at the Meramec Contemporary Art Gallery until Oct. 20.
Board of trustees called out for “disrespectful behavior” continued from page 1
Photo by Amanda Harris
quote an incorrect statistic during the forum and was attempting to find the source of the misinformation. “One student said we were going to cut 70 percent of full-time faculty,” said Pittman. “Where are they getting that information? Who’s saying these kinds of things? It was more of how do we get to the bottom of this confusion. It just wasn’t accurate and I assume it came from somewhere.” Pittman said he did not intend to appear rude, and called the incident, “a good etiquette lesson.” Several speakers later Chairwoman Doris Graham paused the forum to announce that she had received a handwritten note from a fellow board member. The note, which she held up for the audience to see, said that many of the speeches were “redundant.” She then said that normally they would end speeches at that point but today she would allow the remaining nine speakers their turns. “One of the trustees thought we’re hearing the same things over and over again and was trying to make it more streamlined, saying if you have anything
Kathy Buckner calls out the Board of Trustees for being on their phones during a Sept. 28 meeting at the Harrison Education Center. new to say it would be more valuable. The trustee was just trying to expedite,” said Pittman. Amber Buckner said she was hurt by
the statement. “I didn’t think that was necessary for the trustees to share that handwritten note with their audience who spent time
speaking to them just moments ago,” said Amber Buckner. Calton was also upset by the behavior of the Board of Trustees. In addition to phone use and the note, she also said that board members responded to speakers in a “rude tone.” “It was very immature of them,” said Calton. “We sat there for two hours and listened to them. They couldn’t even listen for two minutes.” The meeting officially ended after three and a half hours. The board thanked students for attending and sharing their experience. Chancellor Pittman suggested students organize themselves in Jefferson City to “show our governor why STLCC needs to stay the way it is for students, faculty and future students.” He also suggested calling or writing to representatives. “I’d be willing to work with [SSAC]. How we communicate with legislators is important and I can craft language for them to communicate in a professional manner,” said Pittman. “We need to channel this passion into helping our legislators understand how important STLCC is to St. Louis.”
Page 5 | Art & Life 4 Oct. 12, 2017
Photo by Amanda Harris Shirley Talley (Sienna Desuza) covers her ears in disgust after hearing about her mother’s college escapades.
Kenneth Talley (Alex Rodriguez) attempts to stand up while Jed Jenkins (Zach Sept) stands by.
Sally Friedman (Helen Pancella) recalls a time she thought she saw a UFO to Weston Hurley (Evan Turek).
‘Fifth of July’ raises curtain on theater season Lanford Wilson play about importance of family, facing personal problems Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief Meramec’s theater season kicked off Oct. 4-8 with Fifth of July, a play by Lanford Wilson set in Lebanon, Missouri. The play follows Vietnam veteran Kenneth Talley, his boyfriend and botanist Jed Jenkins, and several visitors to their rural farmhouse. Fifth of July was selected by director and Meramec teacher Keith Oliver, who said he’s been wanting to put on a Lanford Wilson play since his college years. “You have a group of young people who were sincerely hoping to change the world, and I can’t help but feel like it reflects a lot of what’s going on today,” said Oliver. “We have a lot of people who are wanting to take a stand but maybe don’t know where to begin. I think this play reflects back on something that’s been happening for many generations. We’re still trying to figure it out.” Freshman Zach Sept, who played Jed Jenkins, said his character is the strong silent type. According to Sept, despite his
character having the smallest number of lines in the play, Jenkins’s role is as prominent as the others. “We are all lead roles essentially,” said Sept. “When you get down to a small enough cast you can only have leads.” Tessa O’Bryan, also a freshman, plays long-suffering June Talley. The sister of Ken, June led peace rallies against the Vietnam war in her college days and during the play harbors a secret regarding the identity of her daughter’s father. “The play for [June] is about coming to terms with her current reality and confronting the feelings she’s had for the past 15 years,” said O’Bryan. June’s daughter Shirley, described by her actress as “flamboyant,” is played by Sienna Desuza, a 14 year old from Hixson Middle School. Desuza found out about auditions for Fifth of July through an online listing. “The whole entire cast has been
really great in helping me, because this is actually my first production ever,” said Desuza. “It’s helped me get a boost of confidence.” Desuza said she didn’t have any luck auditioning for plays at her own school but plans to continue acting after her experience at Meramec. Her ultimate goal is to perform in musicals. Director Keith Oliver started out as a professional actor, later getting his MFA in directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Oliver said he didn’t originally intend to become a teacher but knew after doing it in his MFA program that teaching had to be a part of his future career. “It’s interesting. In Greek, the word for director, didaskalos, means teacher,” said Oliver. “A director is really a super teacher because they have to help all the actors and teach what the play is all about.” Regarding the overall message of the play, Oliver said the
ultimate message is the importance of family. “This is a real mix of family members and in the end it’s the love and concern for each other that keeps them together,” said Oliver. “With all the hardship they’ve gone through and worries about the world, whether it’s relationships with one another, a war, a movement that didn’t take place...but they still have each other.” According to Desuza, the play’s ultimate message is about facing one’s problems. “It’s about not running away from yourself and your responsibilities just because you’re scared,” said Desuza. O’Bryan offered her own unique interpretation. “It’s about taking all of the pain in all you’re experiencing and overcoming it,” said O’Bryan. Meramec theater’s next production is Middletown by Will Eno, showing Nov. 15-19.
MONTAGE student voice What’s your favorite horror movie?
“The new IT movie, it’s my current favorite”
“I wanna say Jeepers Creepers Three, I like that whole series.”
“I like the original Saw, but I like the whole series.”
“Silence of the Lambs, for the psychological element in it.”
-Thomas Wilkinson, Freshman
-Erika Lloyd, Freshman
-Bradley Fabanich, Sophomore
-Orion Zmashenski, Sophomore
Page 6 | Art & Life
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Oct. 12, 2017
A T
M E R A M E C
The Music Program at Meramec offers courses and ensembles for all students. Classes are available for general education credit and the Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in Music to prepare for transfer into a Bachelor of Music program. ** SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE **
COURSES
MUS 101,102,201,202 MUS 103 MUS 113 MUS 114 MUS 115,116 MUS 121,122,221,222 MUS 128 MUS 130 MUS 138,139,216 MUS 141,142,241,242 MUS 143 MUS 150 MUS152 MUS 154 MUS 211,212
Music Theory I,II,III,IV Basic Music The History of Jazz The Enjoyment of Music Class Voice I,II Class Piano I,II,III,IV Survey of Rock Music Beginning Guitar Jazz Improvisation I,II,III Applied Music (Lessons) I,II,III,IV Intro to Desktop Music Publishing Fundamentals of Music Technology Audio Engineering Music Recording with ProTools I Music History I,II
Jennifer Silverberg (front right) answers questions from attendees after her Oct. 3 lecture.
In-between moments: Jennifer Silverberg on photography Tania Robin | Staff Writer
Interested in performing in an ensemble? All Meramec students may participate. No audition is required!
ENSEMBLES
Music 132 – Orchestra Music 133 – Jazz Lab Band Music 134 – Symphonic Band Music 135 – Concert Choir & Chamber Singers All ensembles hold a seat/part assignment hearing during the first rehearsal. Members of the Concert Choir may audition for the Chamber Singers and/or the Voices of Magic jazz choir.
For more information, contact the Meramec Music Department Dr. Jerry Myers, Program Coordinator, gmyers34@stlcc.edu, (314) 984-7638
Former Riverfront Times photographer Jennifer Silverberg opened up about how she found photography in the fifth annual Peterson Lecture Series on Oct. 3. Silverberg spoke to a full room in Meramec’s lecture hall 102. During her two hour lecture she spoke about her experience as a photojournalist, sharing photos and the stories behind them. Silverberg took several photography classes at Meramec many years ago as well as a class on Adobe InDesign and said she had a wonderful experience with STLCC. According to Silverberg, her ultimate passion is taking pictures of farm animals, people and their food. She loves working with chefs and capturing all aspects of food from farming to preparation to people eating and enjoying. Silverberg said that some of her best photos are “in-between moments”, photos she could easily have missed if she hadn’t had her camera ready at the time. “Always wear your camera and always be ready to capture what’s happening around you, because you never know when you’ll take a magnificent photo,” said Silverberg.
WRITE
HY PHOTOGRAP LAYOUT
JOIN
DRAW
DESIGN
THE MAJORS FAIR Wednesday, October 25, 2017 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Student Center Commons Undecided on a Major? Have Questions about a particular Major? STLCC professors from various academic programs and majors will be available to answer your questions.
Come by and get lunch too!
This event is sponsored by the Office of Academic Advising For additional information, contact 314-984-7526
MONTAGE TUESDAYS @ 5:00 P.M. IN SC 220A FOR OUR WEEKLY STAFF MEETING
CONTACT SHANNON PHILPOTT-SANDERS AT SSANDERS147@STLCC.EDU FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Page 7 | Opinions 4 Oct. 12, 2017
The Stockley Verdict: guilty of being black How being a young black male in St. Louis puts you on an automatic watch list If two years ago I’d been asked, “Do you think St. Louis will still be the epicenter of what is wrong with race relations in America in 2017?” I would have unequivocally answered, “No”. Two years ago I would have never imagined the potency of issues regarding race, the same issue that plagues the rest of this nation, to be as potent as it is here still. About two weeks ago, after a short day of school, I found myself complacent on my front porch, completely beside myself, just staring at the sky. I couldn’t help but worry about my friends. I couldn’t help but worry about their safety and their loved ones who care about them. I winced at the thought of the tears that would adorn the faces of their mothers like sorrowful Christmas ornaments upon the realization that their sons were shot dead in the street by a crooked cop for a reason that would only convict someone of a lighter complexion. Of course my friends don’t share the stain of a criminal history, but that doesn’t matter anymore. Not that it ever really did, but history has proven that if you’re caught just being black with a hoodie means you’re worthy of execution without due process and a fair trial, if there’s even a crime to be charged with at all. All of this raises the question, “Does the black man not deserve rehabilitation? Who says they don’t deserve a second chance in this world like everyone else does?”
Graphic by Noah Sliney
Will Murry | Art & Life Editor
To elaborate, it seems most often that white men get politer treatment from police, and I know this from firsthand experience. My friends and I, who are mostly white males, have done several stupid things late at night in public that could have definitely gotten us in trouble with the cops. In fact, police cruisers passed us on some of these occasions and never even stopped to check to see what we were doing. But one time three of my friends were walking down the street, one of them black. They were stopped
by cops on Brentwood, got questioned and had their identifications run. The officer showed a startling amount of unpleasant attention to my black friend. They patted him down and ran his identification a second time, and when it became clear that he had no record they finally let them go, but not until after a half hour of waiting and repeated questioning. When they returned from their walk they gave me a call and told me the whole situation. I was just relieved he walked away unscathed. I couldn’t
imagine having to call his mother to tell her what happened to her only son. I motion that if you have a stance on the recent events, there is no better time that now to have your voice heard. Protest or write, take advantage of these times and put your word out there. I encourage you to stand on the highest platform you can and have your voice heard. The only way that we, as a society, can get past these difficult issues is through discourse and debate. It is by no means easy, especially with issues such as this, but it has to be done.
IT’s time for a (very spoiler-heavy) contrary
Despite breaking box office records, new horror film IT doesn’t deserve the hype Against many odds, Andy Muschietti’s IT – Stephen King’s seminal horror novel turned movie– has taken the world by storm, shattering box office records while capturing the devoted attention of fans and critics alike. Truly, the only thing bigger than this movie’s box office take is IT’s forehead. Despite the relatively strong casting for those prickly, annoying kids, Bill Skarsgård as Pennywise the Dancing Clown was a main draw for many movie-goers. With everything from yellowy Sith eyes to a copyright infringement on author King’s buck teeth, he’s overtly and intentionally spooky. You know what’s not spooky? An old-school lookin’ clown. You know what’s spooky? An old-school lookin’ clown who happens to be Tim. I’m about as spooked by this iteration of Pennywise the Dancing Clown as I am by Nickeldumb the Leaping Buffoon. IT even speaks less than Bill, who can barely will the words from his mouth, and at times less intelligibly than a certain Western world leader. Although the (in more ways than one) horrific CGI usually spares him from needing dialogue, that doesn’t spare us from the CGI. And what an ending. Congratulations, you all banded together into a collective state of misplaced fearlessness and from there IT cowered away. In fact, he partially crumbled into floaty space bits before dropping into some well. The kids conclude that IT is most likely dead, but IT only needs to eat ev-
ery twenty-seven years and we humans generally eat a few times a day. Are they implying that IT will starve because of one poor feeding cycle? IT still got at least three or four kids, so IT had a snack to tide him over. The power of childhood magic may not bind them into adulthood, either – did anybody think to exchange even phone numbers, addresses, or anything? Hence, we wait for the sequel which was announced in an after-credits scene simultaneously unnecessary and downright discouraging. This should’ve been a three-and-ahalf-hour-long Watchmen-esque affair. Now we’re stuck in an awkward position of paying to see what is practically the same material twice and we’ve lost out on the parallel, referential structure of the out-of-time narratives present in both the novel and TV miniseries. All there is to look forward to in the sequel is the further dumbing-down of Mike – they already took away his research-oriented, history-minded self and molded it into some token killer. Muschietti actually announced that Mike will be a junkie using drugs to alter his mind in order to recall the events of the first film instead of, you know, being a meticulous, note-taking librarian with access to all the appropriate documentation to keep his memory fresh. That change is as pointless and stupid as a broken pencil wielded by someone who’s illiterate. At least in this version we got Bill finding Georgie’s jacket, and the group
Graphic by Noah Sliney
Morgan Ratliff | Staff Writer
comforted him in a collective moment of grief. It was a much more tactful form of bonding than them all jouncing (and I ain’t talking jump rope or trampolines) in grey water. But hell, the kids don’t even remem-
ber much of their summer after all is said and done. If the Losers are allowed to suddenly forget this movie, and taking into consideration all of the disastrous filmmaking, then I’m allowed to forget why I ever bothered to pay for this overhyped movie.
Page 8 | Sports Oct. 12, 2017
P.E. Class is a step in the right direction Walking for Fitness is a one credit class for a lifetime of fitness Walking for Fitness is a one-credit physical education class for students who want an easy start on their fitness journey, according to instructor Karen Koshak, who has been teaching the class since she arrived at Meramec in 2002. The class meets biweekly and consists of walking on various paths and trails through the Kirkwood area. Some destinations include the lake at Kirkwood Park and the local quarry. Students record their resting heart rate at the beginning of each walk and record their steps using a pedometer or phone application in order to track progress. “What makes walking for fitness interesting is that when someone out of shape comes to the class, they start seeing results and being more active,” said Koshak. “It’s the small steps. To see someone’s progress is interesting.” Koshak, who is originally from Queens, New York, taught health and fitness in California before starting at Meramec. According to Koshak, walking is a universal exercise that can be done by all kinds of students anywhere and anytime. Students can use skills gained in the class for the rest of their lives. Walking for fitness helps students learn to walk more properly, including practicing different breathing techniques. The class also includes instruction about dietary health and discussion of injuries that can occur from walking incorrectly.
Photo by Melissa Wilkinson
Christina Perkins | Staff Writer
Instructor Karen Koshak (front right) leads her Monday morning class to a Kirkwood neighborhood for a brisk walk. Students are required to record their steps with a pedometer in order to track their fitness progress. Mauresia Bowen, a student who is currently enrolled in walking for fitness, described the class as fun and healthy. “In walking for fitness, you’re moving and being active for everyday life,” said Bowen. “Some people don’t appreciate walking and take walking for granted but it is good for you to walk.” According to Bowen, walking for fitness teaches students not to take walking for granted, as many people don’t have the ability to walk. She also said the class will help with her sense of direction.
“At the end of the semester, I think walking for fitness will teach me to navigate around Kirkwood and how to keep a pace without being tired,” said Bowen. Student Evan Marty said he took the class because he needed a PE credit but found the exercises the class does before walking to be useful for his daily fitness. “I try to work out when I get up and go to bed but I just never remember to,” said Marty. “And with this we don’t do anything unless we do [the exercises].
So it’s more of a discipline thing that I need.” Koshak said at the end of the class she adds up all the steps done by students and calculates the miles they’ve walked. She said students are amazed at how far they can walk in one short semester. “It’s not that we do a tremendous amount but you do a couple miles here and there and it adds up,” said Koshak. Check with the enrollment office for next semester’s availability for Walking for Fitness.
athlete profile
Charles Jones w Photo by Darrius Haynes
“Growing up I idolized...Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. He’s a pure shooter just like me. He was never afraid of taking the last shots of the game or throughout the game too. Therefore, being a go-getter, a team player on the Archers and getting better each game is my goal this season. Last year making the playoffs felt amazing but losing to Lewis Berry College made me motivated to get my team to a National Tournament Championship game title. I’m only 19 years of age and I’m just getting started so I can do amazing things for the long haul for the team.”
-Charles Jones, Archers Shooting Guard /Small Forward