Vol. 5, Autumn Term Issue Aug. 23, 2013
Welcome, Class of 2017
By Malena Carollo Editor-in-Chief Chatting excitedly, the incoming class of 2017 sat bunched together around the blue-lit stage for the annual Ceremony of Lights on Aug. 9. As parents and family snapped pictures in the packed MacArthur Center, the freshmen held unlit candles, preparing to be inducted into what will be their home for the next four years. See LIGHTS, page 2 Please Recycle
INside:
Surviving Florida Heat page 3
Waterfront page 3
Hurricane Guide page 5
Crossword Puzzle page 11
The Current is a free, biweekly student newspaper produced at Eckerd College. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers.
2 Special Issue
the current
August 23, 2013
ECOS gears up for new school year By Brady O’Donnell ECOS President I hope you all had a wonderful summer. ECOS already has many projects, programs and events in store for the 2013-2014 academic year. In general, our goals include using funding for tangible products that affect a large population of the student body, encourage more student involvement by allowing more opportunities campus-wide and continuing to focus on improving campus life for all students. The mission of ECOS this year, as it should be every year, is to accurately represent the student body and to convey that every student has a voice, as ECOS is the organization of all students. We, as an organization, want to encourage students to take an active role in decisions on campus, whether they join a committee or respond to surveys. Eckerd is a community and everyone is a part of it, and it is expected that everyone respect the campus as well as the people within it.
This year, ECOS Executive Council wants to continue to build upon the progress that was made last year and work continuously to positively impact the campus and the students because we care. Although nothing is set in stone, I thought I would give the student body a sneak peak into potential projects this year. There will be two College Program Series speakers that are unlike anyone who has come before. The “Small Change, Significant Impact” program will be started again with many additions already in the works, so stay tuned. Finally, I would like to mention that there are many different ways to get involved this year including the Financial Affairs Committee, the Academic Affairs Committee, ECOS Senate and many others, so get out there and get involved. I speak for the whole Executive Council when I say that I am so excited for this year. We cannot wait to make a difference in all of your lives in some way. Feel free to let us know how we can do a better job. Good luck with the beginning of the year and I look forward to serving you all.
Inside Respect your roommate page 4 Prepare for a hurricane pages 5 thru 8 Freshmen athletes arrive page 9 My Big Fat Gay Column page 10 Solve the AT crossword page 11
photo by Dom Cuppetilli Brady O’Donnell poses outside his dorm.
Dine in St. Petersburg page 12
Autumn Term opens with annual ceremony from LIGHTS page 1
“We began the journey that brought us here together long ago,” Dean of Admission and Financial Aid John F. Sullivan said. “In fact, a student in this class who started their college search the earliest be-
gan nearly four years ago by filling out an interest form at a college fair at their high school on Sept. 9, 2009.” Early ambition seems to be a marker of the incoming class. “I was just excited to meet every-
photo by Alex Zielinski Incoming freshmen participate in the Ceremony of Lights.
one,” Freshman Keaton Crume said before the ceremony. “I was talking with everyone on the [class of 2017 Facebook] page and they seem like really cool people.” While 18 percent of freshmen this year are Florida natives, many more made their way from every coast of the United States or one of 21 countries. The average distance traveled by students in this class is 1,009 miles. “You have come here from all over the country and all over the world,” President Donald Eastman, who spoke next, said. “Because you’ve figured out one way or another, by Web, by word of mouth, campus visit or intuition that the Eckerd experience is one of the most compelling educational adventures in the world today.” A large part of that adventure, Eastman said, is what this class will learn from its fellow students. “There is a great deal of difference between going to college and getting an education,” he said. Eastman stressed the need to get
to know other members of their class and hear their stories, as interpersonal relationships are one of the cornerstones of Eckerd’s program. The Eckerd education is uniquely faceted. It has, Eastman said, five elements: residential, global, spiritual, environmental and personal. “You will leave this college not simply with a diploma of which you’ll always be proud, but changed,” he said. “Not changed because you’re a stronger Presbyterian or Baptist, or Catholic or Jew or Buddhist or Muslim, though that may happen. Not changed because you have reveled in life and love in this magical world by the sea, though that is very likely to happen. “But changed because for the continued challenge to you to think outside and the experience of those five values. You will leave not only with a degree, but with character.” To Eastman’s right on stage sat the Lamp of Knowledge, a flame flickering inside. “When you light your candles
in a few minutes,” he said, “you’re symbolically lighting your way into a new way of living. You’re beginning your journey to become an educated man or woman.” He turned the stage over to Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Suzan Harrison. Carefully, and with the help of a few audience lighters, the lamp was used to light the room’s candles one by one. As the flame slipped from wick to wick, Harrison led the room in the “Litany of Commitment,” committing themselves to knowledge and understanding. “As we pass this flame this night,” the room chanted, “we commit ourselves to the quest for learning that liberates the mind from the limits of ignorance and prejudice, that fosters the fulfillment of our unique selfhood and that enables us to lead through constructive service.” Faces glowing by their candles, the class of 2017 blew out the flames and took their first steps as college students.
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the current
August 23, 2013
Special Issue 3
New equipment, programs featured at Waterfront By Aaron Levy News Editor The Eckerd College Waterfront Program will have some new features for the 2013-2014 school year. The students’ portal to Boca Ciega Bay, now in its 42nd year, is unveiling new equipment, personnel and programs. The biggest surprise? A fully equipped wakeboard boat. Assistant Director of the Waterfront Jim Terkelsen said the waterfront’s biggest acquisition this year was something that stemmed directly from student feedback. “The big one is we’re getting — new to us — a 2003 Centurion Cyclone V-Drive wakeboard boat,” Terkelsen said. His job is to make the waterfront as student-friendly as possible. He has worked at the Waterfront for eight years, serving as assistant director for the past five. “This will be the first time in many years that the program has a boat designed for the purpose of wakeboarding, but will also accommodate water skiers too.”
The boat will feature a tower, open seating and water-filled bladders designed to give wakeboarders a bigger and deeper wake behind the boat. “The boat that we had just wasn’t the right boat for that activity,” Terkelsen said. The ever-growing wakeboard and ski culture and presence on campus made its voice heard. The existing boat used for those sports was missing several important components. “Certainly by the beginning of September, we’ll have that boat in service,” Terkelsen added. The waterfront program featured memorable events last year from activities such as Splash Bash 2013, camping and canoeing trips to Hook Island and Silver River State Park to fishing tournaments. Already, freshmen are getting acquainted with the waterfront and enjoying all that it has to offer. “I think it’s pretty awesome as it is,” Freshman Robert Weigel said. Freshman Jack Layden noted the program’s convenience. “We can
walk up here, get kayaks and be in the water in like two minutes,” Layden said. “We have a couple big things planned for this year,” Terkelsen said. A new, full-time recreation intern will work with him to create more opportunities and possibly even longer waterfront hours. Johannah Ramer, a 2013 graduate and former boathouse student supervisor, will hold the position. “She will be a tremendous help,” Terkelsen said. “She should allow us to do more with our events and possibly continue to have our longer boathouse hours.” Also, the paddleboard fleet is doubling in size. “Kayaks used to be the big thing,” Terkelsen said. “Now paddleboards are.” Nine new boards will supplement the original nine that were provided by ECOS and Dean of Students James Annarelli. As both students and staff prepare for the fall semester, Terkelsen advises them to stay safe out in the
Paddling in Boca Ciega Bay.
photo by Alex Zielinski
channels and bay. “Students tend to forget that we’re not the only boaters out there,” he said. “They don’t have the right of way over larger boats. Keep an eye on other boaters.”
As the year goes on, the Waterfront welcomes feedback from students for new ideas. “We love student feedback,” Terkelsen said. “As word comes back to our staff, it leads us in new directions.”
Survive hot Florida seasons without missing out on activities By Hailey Escobar Asst. Entertainment Editor Florida has become known for many things. It’s the sunshine state. It’s where the zombie apocalypse may or may not have started. It’s also the retirement capital of the US. But, there are several things the Florida natives learn from a young age in order to survive the torrential downpours and glaring sun. Here are some tips to get newcomers started. 1. Always have sunscreen and aloe vera Living at Eckerd means living with a beach literally outside of your door, and the sun. Always remember to have sunscreen in your room for days when you know you will be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Another option, especially for those with fair skintones, is a regular lotion or moisturizer with SPF. Also, make sure to have aloe vera on hand for times when you forget the sunscreen. 2. Be prepared for all sorts of weather Florida is also the lightning capital of the United States -- “Lightning Alley” -- and filled
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with unpredictable weather. More than likely, that unexpected downpour is an afternoon rain shower. Always have a backup plan in case it rains all day, and check the weather report before doing a big activity like going to Busch Gardens or to the beach. For extreme weather, go over the hurricane preparedness guide and have a plan if there’s a major storm.
alternatives are Treasure Island Beach, Honeymoon Island or a museum.
4. Respect nature Despite the suburbs and golf courses in the Tampa Bay area, we share much of the real estate with Florida’s wildlife. At the beach, learn the stingray shuffle (shuffling your feet on the 3. Beware of tourists ocean floor). Florida is a major tourist Do not touch the destination, so keep tourist turtle nests in taped season in mind if planning a off areas at the beach. trip to Disney World or ClearRemember while uswater Beach. It could mean ing the waterfront the difference between a 10 minute wait in line and an photo by Alex Zielinski that we share the Brian Story plays at Fort DeSoto Beach. ocean. Boat safely so hour wait in line. Going in the early fall tends to be when manatees and dolphins are not injured. things calm down before the holiday season picks up and hot spots will be packed during 5. Battle the bug bites Should nature get the best of you, though, spring break and summer. Some less-packed
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don’t panic. The two most common bites you’ll get are mosquito bites and fire ant bites. For mosquito bites, dab a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide on the bite for a second or two, or take an anihystamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec. Be sure not to use Benadryl cream and Benadryl pills together. For fire ant bites, pick up some powdered meat tenderizer in the spice section of Publix. Mix one part meat tenderizer with one part water and apply the mix to your bites until it dries. It should reduce itching and swelling. 6. Stay hydrated Invest in a water bottle or take advantage of the free cups being handed out by ECOS. The first sign of dehydration is being thirsty. Have water on hand if you spend time in the sun, and keep track of how much you drink throughout the day. If you do experience symptoms of dehydration — dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, confusion and fainting — get to a drinking fountain or the Health Services.
4 Special Issue
the current
August 23, 2013
Sex on the Beach
By Greg Reilly Online Editor
So you made it to college. Congratulations. Even though you might miss your parents and siblings (admit it, you do a little bit), there is one clear benefit to leaving the house: You can hang out in your room with someone you are attracted to unhindered by your family (or the NSA). Except now you have a roommate. At some point this semester, you may meet someone in class or at a party who you will want to invite back to your dorm to get to know a little better, if you know what I mean. You can tell your roommate you’re just having someone over to “study” or to “watch
a movie,” but we all know where both those things lead. Navigating the waters of sharing a small, 100-square-foot box with another human for the next nine months can be complicated. Love could strike you when you least expect it, so you should have a plan at all times. Here are some tips to keep everyone happy. In order to preserve a long-lasting healthy relationship with your roommate, it is important to establish a clear-cut, alcoholproof system early on to avoid a nude midnight collision. You might think it’s easy as sending a text to see if it’s okay to use the room, but that doesn’t always work. Your roommate isn’t likely to be paying attention to his or her cell
phone if they are in hot pursuit of a partner of their own. Perhaps come up with a signal to leave on the door that says the room is occupied. Putting the chain lock on the door is also an option; in the worst case, your personal time is interrupted, but at least your roommate won’t have to see you in action. If and when you do have someone over, put some music on to spare those in the room next door. Moving your bed away from the wall a few inches wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Also, it is important to discuss weeknight visitation hours. Keeping your roommate out of your dorm until 3 a.m. when they have an 8:20 a.m. class isn’t going to win you any points. The last thing you want to hear is that your roommate is getting a 1.8 GPA because they haven’t been getting enough sleep. If by chance your roommate is asleep when you arrive back with your partner, don’t try to pull a quick one either. You never know when they might wake up. If both your and your partner’s rooms are occupied, don’t try to take your party outside
Upcoming Local Music Date
Artist
Venue
866-8891
Time
8/23/2013
Backstreet Boys, Jesse McCartney and DJ Pauly D
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
7:00 p.m.
8/25/2013
Tribal Seeds with special guest Josh Heinrichs Band and Sheffield Crew
Jannus Live
7:00 p.m.
8/28/2013
Bruno Mars & Fitz and the Tantrums
Tampa Bay Times Forum
7:30 p.m.
8/28/2013
Toni Braxton
Mahaffey Theater
7:30 p.m.
8/30/2013
Dumpstaphunk
The Local 662
7:00 p.m.
8/30/2013 9/6/2013 9/6/2013
Blake Shelton
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Jason Aldean
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
7:30 p.m.
Jannus Live
7:30 p.m.
Blue October
to one of our campus’s scenic locations. It isn’t worth risking being seen by your classmates, campus safety or residential advisors doing rounds. Don’t take it to the shower, either. Everyone uses those showers. It’s just not right. Last but not least, dorm rooms were built for two people, not three. Even if your roommate says it’s okay that your significant other sleeps over five nights a week, it probably isn’t. If need be, you can talk to your residential advisor if you are having trouble talking to your roommate and feel your time is being disrespected. This is an issue that can be addressed in your roommate contract. The best thing to do is to establish an open line of communication with your roommate early on. As long as you both come up with a plan and decide when it is okay to reserve the room and when is off-limits, you both will feel like your space and time is being respected. Oh, that reminds me: Whatever you do, keep it on your side of the room.
7:30 p.m.
Maximo/St. Pete Beach 4925 34th St. S
ORDER. TRACK. REVIEW.
DOMINOS.COM
STUDENT VALUE MENU 1
$7
Large Cheese OR 1-Topping Pizza
Highlander Park
7:00 p.m.
9/7/2013
Goodie Mob
State Theatre
8:00 p.m.
9/7/2013
Zedd
The RITZ Ybor
9:00 p.m.
9/7/2013
John Mayer with Phillip Phillips
MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
7:30 p.m.
9/10/2013
Diana Ross
Mahaffey Theater
7:30 p.m.
9/12/2013
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Jannus Live
7:00 p.m.
9/13/2013
J. Cole
Straz Center
8:00 p.m.
* No Double Portions
Medium 2-Topping Pizza + 20oz. Coke
$7 $7
Small 1-Topping Pizza + 8pc Breadstick OR 2pc. Chocolate Lava Crunch Cakes
$7 S4
5
$7
Any Oven Baked Sandwich, Chips + a 20oz. Coke R
S5
S2
3
Starlight Concert Series
Any Small Pizza* (Including Specialty Pizzas)
S1
2
R
9/6/2013
4
6
Domino’s Penne Pasta in a BreadBowl Pasta OR Tin + a 20oz Coke TM
$7
R
S3
S6
IMPORTANT Thanksgiving Fall Finals Spring Semester Begins Spring Break Spring Finals
DATES
Thanksgiving Fall Final s November 22-23 November 28-29 Spring Semester Begins December 10-13th December 9-12 Spring Break January January 28 29th Spring Final s March 16-24 March 22-30
May 13-16 May 12-15
the current
August 23,
Special Issue 5
Hurricane Preparedness A pull-out guide
Eckerd College activates its plan once a hurricane is projected to approach our area. The plan is designed to promote the safety of the Eckerd College community, protect the college’s facilities and provide continuity for the college’s operations. When we face a storm, you have important decisions to make, and the college needs your assistance, too, to protect it photo by Lexi Dusher
Like us on Facebook for the latest breaking news and updates. Go to www.facebook.com/TheOnlineCurrent and follow us on Twitter at @TheECCurrent.
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Important Contact Information Eckerd’s Toll Free Number: 1-800-456-9009 Eckerd’s website: www.eckerd.edu Eckerd’s Emergency website: ecemergency.com Please note the emergency website has to be typed into the browser exactly as above. This website is based out of California which allows for students, staff and faculty to stay in contact.
6 Special Issue
the current
August 23, 2013
In-the-know (Important information about hurricanes) Understanding common National Hurricane Center terminology Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with 74 mph winds or grater in the Northern hemisphere. Storms of the same caliber west of the International Dateline and north of the equater are called typhoons.
Hurricane Warning: An alert of expected winds of 74 mph or more in a designated coastal area roughly 36 hours before tropical stormforce winds are expected to hit.
Storm Surge: A rise in sea level that results from a hurricane or storm. It is measured as the difference between the normal
Hurricane Watch: Prior to a hurricane warning, an alert Tropical Cyclone: A cyclone with a warm center formed that hurricane conditions could affect a over tropical or subtropical waters. It specific coastal area. derives its energy from high water temperatures and low upper troposphere Eye: The center of a severe tropitemperatures. cal cylone with less intense winds. It is generally cirTropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with a maximum cular and mostly encompassed in the wind speed of 73 mph. “eyewall cloud.” Hurricane Season: projects that it would In the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf take at least 60.5 hours to of Mexico, hurricane season runs from evacuate the Tampa Bay region if a May 15 to Nov. 30. In the Eastern Pacific full Level E evacuation is ordered). basin, hurricane season runs from June When Pinellas County orders an evacu1 to Nov. 30. ation, the four roads and three bridges that lead off the peninsula could likely already contain residents evacuating from regions surrounding Pinellas County. For those students who decide to stay and seek shelter locally, they have until the day before a storm hits to leave campus. We were evacuated and I left something important (medication, for example) behind in my dorm room. What can I do? If the storm hasn’t effected the phone lines, students can call the college at 1-800-456-9009 and listen for instructions on how to reach Campus Safety (direct line 727-864-8260). If Campus Safety deems travel permissible, an officer may be able to escort you to your room to pick up what you left.
Hurricane FAQs Eckerd is likely to order an evacuation before Pinellas County does. Why evacuate and close the college two days before the projected arrival of a hurricane? The clock is ticking when a hurricane is projected to hit. To avoid traffic and early symptoms of the storm, Eckerd evacuates early. Pinellas County Emergency Management generally orders evacuations 12 to 24 hours before a storm (the State
Are Eckerd College faculty involved in hurricane preparedness planning, response and recovery? Yes. A faculty member is part of the Emergency Management Group, the Emergency Management Executive Team and the Business Continuity Team. The Faculty Coordinating Committee (FCC) held a Fall 2005 forum on hurricane planning and met with the Emergency Management Group (EMG) in Spring 2006. Collegial chairs consulted in the development of the plan will take charge for planning efforts in their respective departments and at College Council.
In 2006-2007, collegial chairs and FCC took part in meteorological education sessions organized through the EMG. If evacuation lasts longer than a week, faculty are prepared to continue teaching their courses. Decisions about the closing time for evacuation and the time the college resumes normal operations are made in consultation with the dean of faculty and collegial chairs. How do I know when I can come back on campus after a storm? Once severe weather has subsided, the college’s Damage Assessment and Recovery Team will survey campus grounds and see if there are any risks of danger remaining. Once campus is deemed safe to return, President Eastman will declare campus “all-clear,” and instructions on returning to campus will be distributed via email, as well as posted on the website and recorded on the college’s voice mail system.
The information contained in this pull-out guide was taken from the 2013 Hurricane Guide for Students distributed by Eckerd College.
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the current
August 23, 2013
Should the floodgates open... Keeping in touch with faculty
Pet information
Should campus be evacuated, your professors will give you assignments before you leave to make sure you can keep up with your studies. They will keep in touch with you by email while the campus is closed, so be sure to check your campus email address for class updates. If you think you won’t have access to email at your evacuation site, ask your professors for an alternate contact method. Know that the faculty and staff of Eckerd College take preparing for hurricanes very seriously. They have to think and plan ahead of time, which is why all syllabi include each individual professor’s emergency information. It is the goal of Eckerd College to keep their students on track to ensure the completion of the course on time.
Plan for animals as you would plan for yourself. If a storm is approaching, start to keep pets indoors for longer periods of time to ensure that they will be comfortable while being evacuated. Arrange with friends or family to take you and your pet in since pet-friendly shelters in the Pinellas County area are slim and should be used as a last resort. If a shelter is your only option, know that you are required to pre-register, and priority is given to residents in mobile homes and manufactured housing. The three pet-friendly shelters in Pinellas County are Dunedin Middle School, Oak Grove Middle School and Thurgood Marshall Middle School, which is in St. Petersburg. Also, if you must evacuate to a location where your pet is not allowed, there is a kennel in a non-evacuation area, Kellogg’s Kennel on 46th Ave North. Call in advance for arrangements. It is also helpful to place a picture of you and your pet in a waterproof case should you be separated.
Evacuation Checklist To do before you leave campus:
√ Unplug all power cords √ Close and lock dorm windows. Do not tape. √ Remove trash √ Lock doors √ Empty and unplug refrigerators √ Move and cover electronic items. Keep off floor. To bring when you leave campus:
√ Course material √ Important belongings and personal documents √ Medications √ Pillow, blanket, air mattress and/or cot √ Foods for special dietary needs √ Cash √ Identification √ Clothing for at least five to seven days √ Personal hygiene items √ Bottled water, snacks and nutritious foods √ Books √ Electronics √ Flashlight √ Batteries √ Keys to car and residence √ Container or suitcase with lock To bring if you evacuate with a pet:
Vehicle information As a storm approaches, fill your gas tank and prepare your vehicle for travel. Gas supplies may be hard to find during an evacuation, and prices for gasoline will also increase with demand. Take your vehicle with you if possible. If you can’t, move your vehicle to the north parking lot on Derby Lane leading to McArthur Gymnasium. Make sure your parking decal is properly displayed so you can be identified as the owner. The risk of flood water reaching a car in this lot is reduced but not eliminated. Please review your auto insurance. Remove all vehicles parked under Omega, as flood waters will cause them to slide and collide. Direct questions to Chair of the Emergency Management Group Lisa A. Mets at metsla@eckerd.edu.
photo by Mike Geibel
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Special Issue 7
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√ ID collar and rabies tag/license √ Food and treats for two weeks √ Food and water bowls √ Medications and care instructions √ Comfort item for pet √ Manual can opener To do when evacuating with your vehicle. √ Have cell phone charged and a car charger √ Get a routine check before evacuation √ Properly inflate tires, makes sure they have good tread and have a full-size spare √ Working jack and lug wrench √ Bring empty gas can √ Get a full tank of gas
8 Special Issue
the current
August 23,
Eckerd College is located in Zone A Pinellas County Emergency Management uses a storm surge data model to determine flooding and evacuation levels. The model projects possible flooding from a storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane. Pinellas County has created a map of flood zones, ranging from A (coastal areas) to E (elevated areas not prone to storm surge flooding). Situated on Boca Ciega Bay, Eckerd College is in Zone A; that means we are in a coastal area exposed to flooding from storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane. We also could receive flooding from waves washing over the seawall. Flood zones were updated in 2010, so it is important that residents confirm their evacuation levels. To do so, visit Know Your Zone or call (727) 453-3150.
Where to go Pinellas County officials suggest that individuals who are ordered to evacuate from their homes find shelter in the homes of family and friends in non-evacuating areas, hotels and public shelters (the least comfortable option). Eckerd College’s preferred shelter location is Bauder Elementary School in Seminole, which is near the homes of Eckerd College staff members who can check on our sheltered students. Students must plan to arrive early in order to secure their places in the shelter. Various hotels in non-evacuation areas including the Ramada Inn Mirage in St. Petersburg and La Quinta Inn Clearwater Central in Clearwater. Be sure to call the hotels in advance to secure a room. Please note: These listings are provided as a convenience and not as an endorsement by Eckerd College. For more information, please visit the Tropical Weather Update through the link on the Eckerd.edu, where you can you can find additional information about hurricanes, procedures and policies.
courtesy of Pinellas County Emergency Management
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the current
August 23, 2013
Special Issue 9
Editor-in-Chief Malena Carollo thecurrent@eckerd.edu Online Editor Greg Reilly News Editor Aaron Levy currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editors Rosie Kraemer Asst. Entertainment Editors Hailey Escobar Sports Editor Mike Geibel currentsports@eckerd.edu Asst. Sports Editors Will Creager Colin Casey Webmaster Vincent Lynch Photo/Graphic Design Editor Alex Zielinski Faculty Adviser K.C. Wolfe The Current is a free biweekly student newspaper at Eckerd College. Offices are located in The Current Media Center in Cobb at 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of EC students, staff, faculty and administration. The Current welcomes letters to the editor. Submissions should be typed and not exceed 400 words. Writers must include their full name, graduation year and contact number. Faculty and staff should include their title, department and contact number. All submissions are subject to editing for the purposes of clarity, style or length. The Current holds the right to reject any letters deemed inappropriate. Letters can be sent via email to thecurrent@eckerd. edu with subject “Letter to the editor.” The Current will run full-length articles covering any arrests for crimes that present a clear danger to the community. Charges that would be investigated under this policy include robberies, assaults, weapons charges or illicit drug manufacturing, such as methamphetamine. The Current will continue publishing a small police blotter for felony arrests, and misdemeanor charges against student government leaders, Residential Advisors and staff members of The Current. We learn of arrests through searching the police arrest database by entering Eckerd’s address as well as from tips. Questions and comments can be emailed to thecurrent@eckerd.edu.
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photo by Alex Zielinski
Freshmen and transfer athletes gather at Turley Athletic Complex for a group photo.
New Triton athletes make Autumn Term entrance By Mike Geibel Sports Editor
Representing every sport on campus, more than 35 new student athletes arrived at Eckerd College for Autumn Term 2013. The newcomers are experiencing college life for the first time, while also beginning their college sports careers in either presason or off-season training. Golf, soccer and volleyball all begin their fall seasons in September and the newest athletes will have an opportunity to make their mark on the programs. Sophomore volleyball setter Emily Schadow said that her new teammates are excited to put in the work necessary to compete at the college level. “No one can really prepare themselves for their first college season, but if anyone is ready for it, it’s these girls,” Schadow said. “All of them are itching to get in the gym and start learning.” The higher level of competition isn’t the only thing the freshmen will be adjusting to. Along with their sports practices and traveling
to play all over the country, they will also be dealing with adjusting to college life. “It was a crazy balancing act between Autumn Term, preseason and a social life,” Schadow said. The freshmen of the fall sports teams will have important roles to fill. Volleyball Head Coach Michelle Piantadosi has shored up her front line with several middle blockers as well as right side and outside hitters. Piantadosi’s first full recruiting effort will attempt to take the Tritons back to the NCAA Championship South Regional for the seventh time in the program’s last eight years. Last year, the Tritons were defeated in the first round of the playoffs in five sets against Florida Southern College. Both men’s and women’s soccer reached new heights for the program in the 2012 season. Men’s soccer tallied an upset victory against No. 1 seed Lynn University in the SSC semis in PKs before falling in the finals to Rollins College. The women’s team had their first winning season since 2001, their first conference
win since 2006 and their first ever conference tournament victory. The women reached the conference semifinals and were named The Current’s 2012-2013 Team of the Year. The men’s golf team lost two starters from last year’s lineup. Two freshmen and three transfers will have a chance to compete early on through qualifying rounds against returning team members for spots in the five-man travel team. If the newcomers prove themselves, they will likely play alongside returning senior Jeff Evanier, second team All-SSC last year, and Greg Reilly. The two senior men will anchor the roster for the Tritons, who will be trying to go to the NCAA South Regional for the third straight year. On the women’s side, three incoming players will join returners Mara Shingleton and Whitney Edwards on the links. Previous classes of Eckerd athletes have set a high standard for the incoming freshmen, but with hard work and dedication, the Tritons will continue to reach new heights each year.
Upcoming home sports 7 p.m.
9/10/2013 Men’s Soccer Warner University
7 p.m.
8/25/2013 Men’s Soccer (Exhibition) Webber International University
7 p.m.
9/12/2013 Women’s Soccer Clearwater Christian College
7 p.m.
8/31/2013 Men’s Soccer (Exhibition) Flagler College
7 p.m.
9/13/2013 Volleyball Wilmington (Del.) University Bentley (Mass.) University
1:15 p.m. 7:45 p.m.
9/14/2013 Women’s Soccer Florida Memorial University
7 p.m.
8/23/2013 Women’s Soccer (Exhibition) Webber International University
9/5/2013 Women’s Soccer Ga. Southwestern State University 7 p.m. 9/7/2013 Women’s Soccer Johnson & Wales University (Fla.)
Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com
7 p.m.
9/14/2013 Volleyball University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras 7:45 p.m.
10 Special Issue
the current
August 23, 2013
MBFGC:
Eckerd plays in the sun
Tearing down the old walls
1. Students escape the heat and go for a splash. 2. ASPEC picnic brings smiles. 3. Students come hungry and happy to the ASPEC picnic. 4. Yellow bikes are claimed before their ribbon cutting. 5. Activators enjoy a break in the shade. 6. Students take a spin on the newly released yellow bikes.
By Colin Casey Asst. Sports Editor
photo by Bill Stickley
photo by Bill Stickley
photo by Greg Reilly
photo by Bill Stickley
photo by Bill Stickley
PerspECtives
photo by Greg Reilly
What are you most looking forward to this year?
“To get involved with all of the clubs, including rugby and waterpolo.” - Robert Moss, freshman
“Zumba and getting in“Volleyball.” volved in all the clubs” - Brianna Hyatt, freshman - Sydney Cavero, freshman
“I really enjoy the waterfront, it’s unique. I look forward to exploring the facility.” - Aniessh Jagarlamudi, freshman
A parallel world, by definition, exists on the same plane as reality but the two never cross paths. Similarly, the transition from home to college can create such a situation, especially in the LGBT community. One of the oddest things about coming out can be the dual reality that forms in life between where you are in the present versus who you are elsewhere. Some members of the LGBT community feel more comfortable “coming out” at Eckerd. The advocacy groups on campus, such as EC Pride, Counseling Services, and the overall supportive nature of the student body makes for an easier way out of hiding than a small town in Nebraska, for example. This comfort may come at a cost. If a person chooses to come out at Eckerd, chances are they’ll be uncomfortable doing so in their home area. Living an open life in one place and reverting to the old is not a healthy practice. This is the foundation of the wall, internally dividing a person. Fueled by fear of loss and rejection, doubt about whether or not friends and family love you increases. In extreme cases, hiding one trait will lead to a full personality shift. The LGBT community is not one cohesive block that acts as one. The perception of an LGBT member has transformed from a cardboard cutout stereotype to a broad and fairly inclusive demographic of all races, nationalities and religions. Some, however, avoid the community aspects and live their life in solitude. It all comes down to the individual’s perspective and worldview. The task is arduous, though with a few good friends, trust in yourself and trust in your family, it becomes easier to rip through the divisions. Knowing how to approach it becomes the only variable. By coming to Eckerd, you have taken a step into a larger world. It can be daunting and it can be comforting, heaven and hell, even simple and challenging all at once. Coming out in the middle of it could be tough, but sometimes the things that give you the most good are the most difficult. So welcome to the world of Eckerd. We are just outside the wall — tear it down and join in.
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the current
August 23, 2013
Special Issue 11
Autumn Term-inology crossword puzzle 70 Wild card game 71 Where Christ stopped 72 Cake house 74 F.D.R.’s deal 76 Long and unlikely, common of fishermen 80 28 across for 3 down 82 Floor tiers 87 Editor-in-chief ’s favorite cookie 88 A poet’s “frequently” 89 ___-inspiring 91 Bounce it off others 92 The Hunger Games’ lottery 93 Eckerd dorms with fur 94 Perpetually pester 95 Etna output 96 Vitamin K plant 97 Have a go 98 65 down 99 High ranking Sheikh
Crossword by: Rose Kraemer
Across 1 Rice crispy sound 5 Baby sound 8 Student’s reaction to homework load? 11 Red wines, abbr. 15 Elton’s “___ Song” 16 Not Her Campus but___? 17 Dilbert’s crooked cloth 18 Bread spread 19 Brussels-based org. 20 “Well, ___ be!”
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21 Potential Policy for 6 down 22 Ball or shake, i.e. 23 Creative Writing’s Jon 25 Black cat, i.e. 27 Author of 71 across 28 Silent but deadly 30 Judith of “Call Me Maria” 32 Boston’s paper 36 Main character in “Silver Linings Playbook” 38 Soccer position 43 Pacific paradise 44 West Side’s Juliet
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46 Musical stretch 47 Bud support 48 Oliver Twist’s ___ Dodger 50 Summoned to court 51 Tall tale 52 Soho socials 54 Yo-Yo’s strings 58 Month of now 60 Bean drink 64 Bends wire 66 Fishing fiber 67 Singer Billy 68 Like emendated works
Down 1 Boy Band always “N” 2 Very good at counting pairs 3 Industry down with Detroit 4 Set piece 5 ___Wok 6 Nonrenewable resource 7 Once Christiania 8 Barely speak 9 Brunello’s favorite baseball team 10 No. system with base 16 11 Lot’s of food will induce this? 12 Red Bull gives you this? (Condition) 13 Cow locator 14 Gary of “Too Many Tamales” 24 Wine enhancer 26 Redundant theme 27 Pole neighbors
29 This is___! 31 Jima’s preceder 32 Clock standard, briefly 33 Portia’s calling 34 Paris accord 35 Youthful Tom Hanks Film 37 Pinhole photography’s Skinner 39 Ballpark fig. at airport 40 Ebay subsidiary, Pay___ 41 Adam’s 40 down 42 Angry Taylor Swift album 44 Graduation month 45 This term 49 Organ ouchie 51 International Business’s Shapero 53 Homework? Dog___it 54 Tax pro 55 Building’s 12 down 56 Turned on 57 Eckerd’s Irby 59 Get a feel for 60 Schooner part 61 Without further___ 62 ___demort 63 Three time champ 65 Some wines, i.e. Brut 69 Beg to___ 71 Gross sheep? 73 Murphy’s “The___Professor” 75 “Adonais”, i.e. 76 Peppermint Patty 77 Length x width 78 Housewives of Orange County are this 79 Casual denial 81 Ocean’s end 83 Anagram of evil 84 Brie’s cousin 85 Surname of 27 across 86 Mosel feeder 88 Select, with “for” 90 23 across’s Autumn Term focus
For answers, visit www.theonlinecurrent.com
12 Special Issue
August 23, 2013
the current
The St. Pete Sampler Local fun and fine dining
By Hailey Escobar Asst. Entertainment Editor When fending for yourself outside of the cafeteria at college, the image of Ramen Noodle boxes and microwavable anything comes to mind. However, a closer look at the restaurants around St. Petersburg can always dig up a nice, cheap way to eat out on the weekends. Here are just a few places near Eckerd to visit for every food craving.
1. Skyway Jack’s: Breakfast
Head down 34th Street and you’ll eventually see the statue of Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall outside Skyway Jack’s. The easy-going and hole-in-the-wall style diner has tasty food at low prices — especially breakfast. Fill your plate with their fluffy pancakes or hearty omelettes for a filling start to your day. Before you go, remember to stop at the ATM since they accept cash only. 2795 34th Street S (10 minutes) Sun. to Sat.: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2. Taco Bus: Lunch
Mexico may be on the other side of the Gulf, but the food is not far from Eckerd. Located on Central Avenue, Taco Bus offers an authentic taste of Mexican food and drink at a reasonable price. They even have vegan alternatives for those who don’t want meat-filled tacos. Mexican native Chef Rene Valenzuela has been serving authentic Mexican food on the streets of Tampa for nearly 20 years. In the past few years, his business was featured on Food Network’s “Man v. Food” and “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” 2324 Central Ave (11 minutes) Mon. to Wed.: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thur. to Sun.: 24 hours
3. Old Farmer’s Creamery: Dessert
This homemade ice cream tastes so fresh it’ll make you think it just came from the farm — and it’s in a barn shaped building. Old Farmer’s Creamery makes ice cream the oldfashioned way with plenty of different flavors and combinations to choose from. With reasonable prices, it won’t break the bank to try multiple flavors
with plenty of choices for toppings. They even have ice cream for pets. Like Skyway Jack’s though, this is a cash-only establishment. 2531 4th Street N (11 minutes) Sun. to Thur.: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fri. to Sat.: 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
4. Vida de Cafe: Dinner
For students who would rather partake in an animal friendly meal, Vida de Cafe is a tasty local spot in Pass-A-Grille. Their raw food diet ideas and creativity with foods such as crab cakes (no real crab included) and mini lettuce tacos makes Vida de Cafe a fun place where even meat eaters can experiment a little. They also provide take-out for a healthy allnighter study session, and offer raw food classes to teach how to maintain a healthy, raw food diet. 120 8th Ave (12 minutes) Mon.: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tues.: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wed. to Thur.: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fri. to Sat.: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun.: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
courtesy of MapQuest
5. The Hurricane: Dinner
The Hurricane has been a staple of St. Pete’s Pass-A-Grille Beach for more than 30 years with freshly caught seafood and a location right across the street from the beach. Eckerd students can get 10 percent off their meal by showing an ECOS discount card or their student ID. The Hurricane serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. With an outdoor patio facing the ocean, it’s a relaxing place to have dinner after a long week of classes. 809 Gulf Way (12 minutes) Sun. to Thur.: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fri. to Sat.: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Be on the lookout for a feature on the new peer mentoring program at www.theonlinecurrent.com. Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com
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