Volume 5, Issue 10

VIEWPOINTS

ENTERTAINMENT

THE QUICKIE

HEALTH & FITNESS

SPORTS

Selfies, anyone?

Hollywood films: Where originality goes to die

Tale of a Triton: Mickey Mittermeier

Save your skin

Wakeboarding team starts season, rides waves

The Current looks into this new trend. Is this revolution in photography emotionally healthy?

page 5

Student bemoans lack of Hollywood originality.

page 9

Student involved in production of potential TV series.

page 12

Read about sunburn remedies that will save your skin during spring break.

page 13

Read about Moomba Masters, one of the first big events of the page 15 season.

Vol. 5, Issue 10 March 21, 2014

AMT to perform at selective Chicago Improv Festival

By Aaron Levy News Editor Another Man’s Trash (AMT), Eckerd’s improv comedy troupe, is taking their talents to the “windy city.” The group will travel to the Chicago Improv Festival to perform at the Playground Theater April 4.

AMT is the only college-affiliated comedy troupe accepted into the entire event and will share a show with two other acts, Oklahoma City-based Heel Turn and Chicagobased Sand. Nearly 150 different groups and individual acts will perform during the week-long festival.

The 17th annual festival is run

by Chicago Improv Productions, a non-profit institution that sponsors year-round comedy, arts and educational outreach programs in Illinois.

While all 11 AMT members plan to attend the festival, the four comics that joined this past fall will not be participating on-stage. Seniors Colton Thomas, Chris Higgins Cole Laddusaw and Geoffrey Fella, Juniors Jamie Auer and Thomas Ogg and Sophomore Andrea Petrucelli will entertain comedy fans.

With a cover charge of $15, Ogg believes the audience is likely different than their usual college viewership.

“They’re charging $15 admission so it’s going to be a more critical [audience] than your usual college audience which I think will only strengthen our team and our versatility,” he said.

AMT was founded in 2008 by late alumnus Jake Huzenis and Associate Professor of Theater Gavin Hawk. For many of the club’s members, being accepted to the CIF provides a rare opportunity to learn from established comedians and get a glance inside the industry they hope to make a career out of.

“When we look through the lineup of all the acts performing, it’s like people that we recognize from TV shows in some cases,” Thomas said. “It’s really cool because a good chunk of the team wants to do comedy, and/or improv, as a career right after college.

It’s an incredible opportunity and event to have on your resume.”

Among those hoping to pursue comedy after graduation is Higgins, who says he may move to Los Angeles and join a small contingent of AMT alumni chasing the same dream.

“I’ll be pursuing comedy for sure,” he said. “I haven’t quite decided what to go after but I’m keeping my options open. Chicago, LA or possibly Denver.”

AMT found its way to Chicago by way of taping and submitting their December showcase.

“There was an application process where we filmed our December show, sent it to the Chicago See AMT, page 3

Please Recycle

INDEX:

NEWS

Winter Term photo and video contest winners announced

Tu r n t o p a g e 4 f o r f i r s t p r i z e w i n n e r s . F o r c o m p l e t e c o v e r a g e v i s i t T h e O n l i n e C u r r e n t . c o m courtesy of Henry Ashworth A still from Sophomore Henry Ashworth’s contest-winning video that he filmed in Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.

Humanities Symposium to feature student research

By Sydney Cavero Asst. News Editor Although Eckerd is known for its Natural Sciences and especially Marine Science programs, the Humanities Department, operating out of the Letters Collegium, is growing steadily. Eckerd’s first annual Humanities Symposium CPS event will feature original student research in the humanities and be open to Eckerd students, faculty and administrative staff as well as the general public.

“We have students that are doing great work, really interesting work,” E. Leslie Peter Assistant Professor of East Asian Humanities Andrew Chittick said, “and I wanted a venue for them to show off what they do.”

According to Chittick, who spearheaded the event, there is a regular showcase sponsored by the Natural Sciences Collegium that welcomes student works from other disciplines as well. The Humanities Symposium will differ from that one in that its specific focus is on the humanities and interaction with technology in an increasingly technological society.

“We wanted to start one in the humanities,” Chittick said, “because we were interested in highlighting...approaches to visual information and web-based ways of presenting humanities information and research. We also wanted to emphasize what research in the humanities is.”

Unlike scientific research, according to Chittick, humanities research is not quantified, but instead focuses on noting peoples’ past and present creations, in-

1-4 VIEWPOINTS

terpreting that work and outlining its implications for the future.

This event will deviate from the traditional student showcase format in which students display and present their information using posters. The Humanities Symposium will instead involve some students presenting their information from laptops that will be set up in the lobby while others present in the auditorium.

According to the email, students may enter their work in three categories: a speech followed by a question-and-answer session, a technology-based presentation followed by a question-and-answer session or a web-based project. Applicants could submit individual pieces or collaborative work. The team or individual with the best work from each category will receive $100.

Because the event lasts four hours, Chittick said he will likely break it up into about three rounds, each lasting roughly an hour and a half. It will be a come-and-go event, but students wanting to receive a CPS credit will probably have to attend at least one round. More details will follow as the event approaches.

Chittick said he developed the idea last year when the Letters Collegium was discussing the initiative in digital humanities. He and Ramsey-Tobienne collaborated further outside of that discussion, eventually enlisting the help of Christian Nielson Endowed Chair and Assistant Professor of Film Studies Christina Peterson, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric Alexis Ramsey-Tobienne and Assistant Professor of Communication Michael Albrecht. These professors

then disseminated information about the event to the Letters, Communications, Religious Studies and other humanities-related Collegia, as well as students.

Chittick, Ramsey-Tobienne and the aforementioned professors now comprise the selection committee, the body that will evaluate students’ applications and choose those to be featured in each of the event’s time slots. Chittick first emailed students in late February to inform them of the event and invite them to apply to have their work included. The application required a short abstract of their piece as

well as a faculty recommendation. Chittick said that 16 students had already applied by March 5.

Senior Rachel Feinberg was among these applicants. She first developed an interest in technology her freshman year when she noticed the proliferation of smartphone usage among her peers.

She chose to pursue her Bachelor’s of Science in psychology.

“From then on I have been curious about the ways in which people and electronics have co-evolved,” she said, “and the impact this has See Symposium page 3

photo by Aaron Levy The first annual Humanities Symposium is being presented by the Letters Collegium.

5-8 ENTERTAINMENT 9-10 THE QUICKIE 11-12 HEALTH & FITNESS 13-14 SPORTS 15-16

The Current is a free, biweekly student newspaper produced at Eckerd College. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the

2 News

the current

March 21, 2014

WECX expands to world wide online streaming Editor-in-Chief Malena Carollo thecurrent@eckerd.edu Copy and Design Editor Mike Geibel News Editor Aaron Levy currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editors Sydney Cavero Teresa Young Viewpoints Editors Ely Grinfeld Shannon Vize currentviews@eckerd.edu Asst. Viewpoints Editor Gary Furrow Jr. Entertainment Editor Ian Lindsay currententertainment@eckerd.edu Asst. Entertainment Editor Hayden Johnson Quickie Editors Chelsea Duca Leah Bilski currentquickie@eckerd.edu Health & Fitness Editor Sabrina Lolo currenthealth@eckerd.edu Asst. Health & Fitness Editor Emma Cotton Sports Editor Mike Geibel currentsports@eckerd.edu Asst. Sports Editors Colin Casey Will Creager Dominick Cuppetilli Photo and Graphic Design Editor Alex Zielinski currentphoto@eckerd.edu

By Zach Toll Contributing Writer WECX, Eckerd College’s student-run radio station, previously broadcast FM only across campus.

But now, anyone in the world can tune in through WECX’s website, and the quality is better than ever.

While, in previous years, the station has been available online through a third-party downloadable plug-in, this marks the first time the WECX broadcast has been available directly through its own website.

“It’s so much better than it used to be,” WECX Public Relations Representative and Senior Alexa Evans said.

Evans, alongside Senior Shelby Smotherman, co-hosts The Talk, which airs Sundays at 11 p.m.

“We’re streaming in stereo now, which is phenomenal,” she said.

Senior and WECX General Manager Margaret Meckes said the increasing use of streaming internet radio prompted the creation of the station’s own channel. A bump in the number of disc jockeys on-air last year only added more impetus.

“As far as future changes go, we’re hoping to keep expanding,” Meckes said. The station hopes to raise awareness of its online service through increased social media promotion on the part of its DJs. “I listen to it while I study,” Senior Stacey Lawson said, “so it’s nice being able to have

By Sarah Raney Staff Writer

Web Editor Hailey Escobar

While unicorns are preserved in myths and legends, the unicorns of the sea, narwhals, still exist. However, their presence is threatened. Many have heard of the illegal smuggling of elephant tusks for their ivory, yet it is less well-known that the same is done with narwhal tusks. Popular Science magazine published an article entitled “Busted: International Narwhal Tusk Smuggling Ring” in February that detailed how narwhals are being hunted and killed for their ivory tusks.

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, passed by Congress in 1972, marine mammals cannot be taken in US waters. To “take” means “to hunt, harass, capture or kill,” as defined by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This also extends to the trade of narwhal tusks. It is illegal to buy, sell, export or transport narwhal tusks in the U.S. unless it is for scientific research, public display or enhancing the survival rates of narwhals.

Social Media Coordinator Marissa Meleedy Faculty Adviser K.C. Wolfe Director of Finances Hannah Zaremsky Director of PR/Advertising Sarah Richardson currentads@eckerd.edu Editorial Consultants Greg Reilly Rose Kraemer

The Current is a free biweekly student newspaper at Eckerd College.

Offices are located upstairs 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 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.

it

open on my computer.”

However, this development has not come without a cost. In order to stream online, WECX must pay the Wales-based company that maintains its servers $299 per year. The money comes from the station’s annual budget allocation through ECOS. The cost,

Meckes explained, is well worth it.

“Another reason we are increasing our servers to stream online is because it reaches more people offcampus,” Meckes said, “so if there were an emergency or anything of that nature, family and friends can tune in and find out what’s going on.”

Meckes adds that the station’s

new server can accommodate up to 500 listeners at a time and so far has been welcomed warmly by listeners.

“We’ve had alumni post on our Facebook page and our website to congratulate us for going online and tell us they’re listening in,” she said.

Listeners can tune in at wecx. eckerd.edu or www.shoutcast.com.

Narwhals threatened by illegal traders

Copy Editors Colin Casey Ely Grinfeld

Webmaster Vincent Lynch

photo by Aaron Levy Senior and WECX General Manager Margaret Meckes in the broadcast booth.

Canada, on the other hand, does permit the export of narwhal tusks to other countries but not to those that ban their trade, such as the US. Students also feel that narwhals should be well-protected against illegal poaching and trade.

“I think that’s bad because narwhals are the unicorns of the sea, and they’re majestic,” Freshman Lauren Chacho said. “I wish that I could ride one off into the sunset.”

“Narwhals are majestic creatures who deser ve

graphic illustration by Alex Zielinski

to live out their days undisrupted by humans,” Freshman Jessie Green said, “who so often disturb nature in an irreversible way.”

The narwhal’s iconic tusk is actually a tooth that pierces through the upper lip. Both males and females can have tusks though males are typically larger, up to 8.8 feet long. Scien-

tists are unsure of the exact purpose of the unicorn-like tusk. According to National Geographic, the most common theory is for mating rituals.

Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) and Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) are two i n ternational

o r ganizations that seek to protect narwhals, according to Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Alison Ormsby.

“Narwhals are listed as Appendix II by CITES, which means that trade can still occur but only with permits,” she said. “An Appendix I listing means no trading at all.”

The Popular Science article discusses the collaboration between NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Canada to stop the smuggling ring. A Huffington Post article entitled “Alleged Nar-

whal Tusk-Smuggling Ring Busted in Maine” described the transport of narwhal across international borders, mostly from Canada to the U.S. B o t h American and Canadian dealers have been brought to justice after nearly a decade of illegal trading, as detailed in both articles. However, because narwhal tusks can be sold for thousands of dollars apiece, depending on the size and quality, it is unlikely that narwhals will be safe permanently.

“The money made from wildlife smuggling is almost equivalent to that made in the drug trade,” Ormsby said.

However, there could be hope for future protection for narwhals.

In February, President Barack Obama issued an Executive Order against elephant poaching in Africa. Like narwhals, elephants are hunted for their ivory tusks.

“I don’t know if this could translate to greater protection of narwhals as well in the future,” Ormsby said, “but I think that greater crackdown on wildlife trade is needed.”

Narwhals are currently near See NARWAL, page 3

Humanities Symposium to feature student research From SYMPOSIUM, page 1

This interest spurred her to begin a research process that continued through her senior year, with the help of Psychology Professor and Associate Dean of Faculty Marjorie Sanfilippo and Associate Dean of Faculty and Psychology Professor Mark Davis.

“For my thesis I researched how the presence of cell phones in social situations are influencing human interaction,” Feinberg said.

Feinberg was excited about the opportunity the symposium gave her to showcase her research in a forum whose purpose aligned so closely with her interests.

“[It] will emphasize that there is a large body of research on campus that is not necessarily related to hard science,” Feinberg said. “This recognition will not only highlight the value and demand for humanities research, but also give students the confidence and the motivation to pursue their interests.”

Chittick said the selection committee will include the names and corresponding works that the committee chose in the advertisements for the event, which will be more heavily publicized after spring break. He added that they do not anticipate many attendees from outside the school because

they are only advertising through emails and posters on campus, as well as perhaps The Flush.

Chittick said he also plans to make a website for the symposium.

This would feature works from the showcase as well as work that was not originally selected by the selection committee, allowing more students to participate despite the event’s constraining time-limit. It would also enable those unable to attend the event, such as long-distance parents, to view students’ pieces.

Because the symposium will be a recurring annual event, Chittick would also like to eventually have a manager to organize the web-

site, as well as social media outlets such as Facebook, to spread awareness about the occasion.

He would also like to involve the works of ASPEC, PEL, alumni and potentially works from sources outside of Eckerd.

Chittick said he will use the $500 allotted for CPS events as well as some of the Letters Collegium’s budget to fund the symposium.

This money will be used for refreshments, technology, the prizes and to pay work scholars to aid in setting up and cleaning up.

The Humanities Symposium is scheduled for April 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Sheen Auditorium.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

News 3

News ECOS Executive Council candidates announced Brady O’Donnell for Jack Layden for Executive President Executive Vice President

Spencer Gradley for Vice President of Financial Affairs

courtesy Brady O’Donnell

courtesy Jack Layden

courtesy Spencer Gradley

If elected, Brady plans to: • Continue to work with the school’s clubs, students, organizations and faculty.

• Improve the Yellow Bike program.

• Build an outdoor workout park next to the sand volleyball courts.

If elected, Jack plans to: • Make a more efficient and productive Senate.

• Improve Executive Vice President office hours to communicate more with the student body.

• Continue to expand on current projects like Senior Wisdom Day and dorm improvements.

If elected, Spencer plans to: • Increase communication amongst the committee as well as communication between the committee and the numerous clubs and organizations.

• Move away from paper hardcopy submission of financial records and toward electronic submission and recording.

Mallory Akard for Vice President of Academic Affairs

courtesy Mallory Akard

If elected, Mallory plans to: • Engage the student body in a discussion about the best times to have CPS events to better fit student schedules and improve the overall image of these events.

• Bring nonalcoholic beverages to Pitchers with Professors to encourage younger students to become more involved.

Greg Johnson for Vice President of Academic Affairs

courtesy Greg Johnson

If elected, Greg plans to: • Develop a Summer Internship Funding Program so students can get hands-on learning experiences.

• Ensure school planners will be available before the first day of Fall semester.

• Continue to improve Tea With Faculty and Pitchers With Professors.

Service-Learning offers diverse spring break programming

By Amy Delano Staff Writer

itation and release center preparing meals and cleaning the cages of animals while also participating in environmental education activities and community projects. Those going to the Dominican Republic will be volunteering with Aves de Libertad supporting an elementary school in order to improve the learning environment by tutoring in English and helping with reading lessons.

In Ecuador, students will be working with the Shuar people’s non-profit organization Fundecoipa to engage in community development, learn about Shuar lifestyle and learn about forest conservation.

Those going to El Salvador will be working in El Roble on a construction project in an effort to help rebuild communities that were destroyed by El Salvador’s civil war. “The trip sounded really

cool because we’re going to stay in homestays,” Chacho said. “We’ll be really immersed in the culture.”

Students going to Puerto Rico will be serving the earth in memoriam of Nathan Lewis Mosby and doing gardening bioconstruction in order to learn about permaculture. Students working in Iceland will be laboring as they work on trail maintenance and fence building in Skaftafell National Park.

Other students choose to participate in local service projects.

Some students will be staying in Florida and working with the Florida Trail Association office to help construct a new section of the Florida National Scenic Trail.

In California, students will be working on the organic farm at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas monastery as they learn about Bud-

dhism. Students going to Georgia will be performing environmental work such as organic gardening, recycling and composting at the Hostel in the Forest. In New Jersey, Students will be working with the Grace Falls church located in the Atlantic City area to work with the after-school program, support the women in the red light district and serve the homeless.

These trips range from free to $1,300, though a variety of scholarships are available each year and fundraising is also done for each trip. “Spring break trips allow students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new city, landscape, or culture, and give back in a way that contributes to their understanding of and response to important social, political and environmental issues,” Rubino said.

The Office of Service-Learning is a useful resource on campus that is often overlooked. Not only does the office offer local trips to support the St. Petersburg community as well as discussions on community and worldly topics, but each year alternative spring break trips are offered to allow students to go abroad and serve other communities.

“These trips are unique because they provide an outlet for students to address social, political, and environmental issues in realworld contexts,” Service-Learning Intern Laura Lea Rubino said.

Students completed their applications, featuring a variety of short essay questions, during the fall semester, and a select number were chosen for each trip. “They

looked for people that had a lot of volunteering,” Freshman Lauren Chacho, who will be participating in the El Salvador trip, said. “I picked the trip because I wanted to help people in different countries that have different situations.”

These students will be traveling across the U.S. and around the world in a variety of trips offered this year.

Students going to Cat Island in the Bahamas will be working to build a neighborhood park for the Port Howe community while also exploring aspects of Bahamian life.

Those going to Belize will be working in The Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville to help create a fun and nurturing environment for children who have been abandoned, abused, and institutionally marginalized.

Students going to Costa Rica will be volunteering at a wildlife rehabil-

Narwals continued

AMT only college improv group accepted to Chicago

threatened, which means that they could achieve threatened status in the near future. They are facing threats on all sides. While they are hunted for their tusks, this might be the least of their worries. Like polar bears, narwhals are dependent upon sea ice for their survival.

As Arctic sea ice is melting due to climate change, narwhals are losing the habitat necessary for their survival. The combined effects of hunting and climate change could have disastrous effects.

According to National Geographic, Arctic species have evolved for thousands years to be suited to the polar climate. However, Arctic sea ice is decreasing much more rapidly than the rate of evolution.

As the trends of climate change continue, narwhals could be stuck between a rock and a hard place: facing loss due to both hunting and decreasing sea ice. For now, however, narwhals appear to be protected from at least some poachers.

Improv Festival committee, they reviewed our hour-long tape and emailed us back saying we had been accepted to perform,” Thomas said.

As for how the group will practice leading up to the event, Thomas and Higgins said they hope to build on the momentum generated following the recent Alumni Show, which saw such alumni as Alec Ogg, Matt Walker and Colleen Rast come back to perform.

“That was a huge confidence builder,” Thomas said. “That was the most attended show we’ve had all year and arguably our best show of the year.”

Higgins agreed. “Playing with some of those guys like Matt and Alec, who are also trying to do improv, is fun to do, and it’s refreshing to see guys who are doing that well after college on the same level as guys we have on the team now,” he said. courtesy of AMT’s Facebook page Another Man’s Trash is billed to The Another Man’s Trash Improv Troupe. From left to right: Sophomore Karl Mitchell, Senior Geoffrey Fella, Junior Paul Kovar, perform Friday, April 4 at 9 p.m. at Senior Colton Thomas, Sophomore Robert Musci, Junior Jamie Auer, Senior Chris Higgins, Junior Thomas Ogg, Freshman Carlo the Playground Theater in Chicago. Lombardi, Senior Cole Laddusaw and Sophomore Andrea Petrucelli.

From NARWHALS, page 2

C

From AMT, page 1

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

4 News

the current

March 21, 2014

Winter Term 2014 photo contest winners

photo by Sophomore Eric Claver The first place for the “Places” category shows a view of Tbilisi, Georgia, from a mountainside monastery.

photo by Junior Amanda Picone The “Grand Prize” photo shows an Eckerd student unwinding after a long day’s work on Lake Petén, Guatemala.

photo by Junior Elisabeth White The first place for the “People” category shows an employee and his pet chimpanzee at the Ndawara Tea Estate in Ndawara, Cameroon.

photo by Senior Katy Seyffer The first place for the “Gratitude” category shows students on a beach in Kribi, Cameroon, dressed up for the “last supper” of their trip.

photo by Sophomore Mitch Lemon The first place for the “Nature” category shows an alpaca with the town of Otavalo, Ecuador and the Imbabura Volcano in the background.

Check out the second place winners’ photos at www.theonlinecurrent.com photo by Junior Melany Johnson The first place for the “Students” category shows Junior Melany Johnson with one of the oldest members of the Long Neck, Hill Tribe.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

Viewpoints 5

March 21, 2014

Viewpoints Uganda passes new anti-LGBT law

By Buster Thompson Contributing Writer

U

gandan President Yoweri Museueni signed into law Feb. 24 what could be the most horrific violation of human rights: The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act. The law states that anyone found guilty of participating, aiding, or abetting in homosexual activity can be imprisoned for seven years to life in a Ugandan prison. The moment I read the headlines, images of barbarism, seclusion and even genocide raced through my mind.

I was bombarded by the countless, outraged reactions of various news networks and organizations. I was drawn to this political milestone because it reminded me that we, as civilized ‘animals,’ can dress up violence in the form of signed legislation.

Sunnivie Brydum is director of advocate.com, a committed LGBT and minority advocate organization heavily invested in the Ugandan controversy. She has been following Uganda’s anti-gay policies since the original bill was proposed back in 2009, and hasn’t stopped since.

“It took my heart,” Brydum said, “It seemed like something so inhumane and so unconstitutional no matter what

your constitution looks like.”

In addition to a prison sentence, the accused will have to undergo an invasive medical examination (without their consent) and an HIV test. The death penalty was amended out of the original 2009 bill, so I’m glad to see that there was at least some compromise in the decision making for such an atrocious piece of legislation.

“It got called ‘Kill the Gays Bill’ because that’s what it would have done, and using that terminology, and being all over Western media helped push it back,” Brydum said.

In the U.S., the topic of equal rights for the LGBT community is still a controversial issue. While the solution of granting equal rights might be clear to many, these rights are still stifled in some states. Yet these LGBT advocates and activists have come a long way from where they began, with eighteen states now allowing gay marriage. However, only a continent away in Africa, the pursuit of any same sex relation could land a person in jail for life.

Museueni’s motivations for signing the law, according to an interview conducted with CNN, stemmed solely from what he claimed were the desires of the Ugandan people.

“It’s not the state, it’s the society.

I’m acting on behalf of the society,”

Museveni said to CNN’s Zain Verjee.

President Museveni even had the gumption to suggest that this act was signed on the basis of scientific research. Ugandan scientists have concluded in their own indepen-

dent studies that homosexuality is not genetic and therefore curable.

“They are disgusting. What kind of people are they?” Musev-

“Let’s take a selfie” is the new phrase that is sweeping the nation. It even has an accompanying theme song by the overnight sensation The Chainsmokers. However, I wonder if selfies really provide the modern, authentic self-portrait.

“A lot of people will manipulate

themselves, and that is different,” History Professor Lee Irby said on the subject, which he teaches in his Human Experience class. “They will change it to make a statement, and I am not sure if I like that anymore than their regular face.”

Irby said the editing process of selfies means the selfie is not displaying a true image of oneself, but a façade to make people look more ap-

courtesy of @kimkardashian’s Instagram Kim Kardashian posing for one of the many famous selfie’s she shares on Instagram.

C

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

Friendly Fire

page 6

MBFGC

page 7

Letter to freshman self

page 7

See UGANDA, page 8

Jared Leto’s Oscar win creates controversy

By Hailey Escobar Web Editor

photo courtesy of ibkcity1’s Instagram Uganda President Yoweri Museueni stands by his recently passed anti-LGBT law.

Student analyzes selfies as inaccurate self portrait

By Gary Furrow Jr. Asst. Viewpoints Editor

INSIDE VIEWPOINTS

pealing and well-put together. This image is referred as one’s online self.

“You have this otherness to it,” Irby said. “You know who you are in your bedroom, in your home and with your family, but now you have to put something out there for some Instagram or another persona.”

In Human Experience: Selves and Others class, we learn about the self and others. By making multiple selves, we are not just “othering” our own true selves, but we also hurt our self-esteem.

We are pathologically lying to ourselves as well as Facebook.

As an early ‘90s kid, I was raised with little technology and the notion of being my true self is my only self, and I was happier that way. Now it seems like everybody, especially teenagers, worries about the image they are sending out. There is too much stress put on a photo of oneself “The better question is how healthy it is to be online at all,” Irby said. “None of it is very healthy, but none of life is very healthy.”

A psychologist interviewed for Teen Vogue, Jill Weber, says there’s a danger to one’s well being due to the instant feedback that comes after posting a selfie.

Although, Weber says it’s healthy to look for validation when trying to find one’s image, but opening oneself to a world of not just one’s supporters but enemies can cause side effects like depression and other emotional trauma.

However, students do not seem to notice the danger of creating a different online persona.

“Sure, if that’s what makes someone happy,” Freshman Samantha Concannon said about taking selfies. “People like taking

pictures of themselves. Even before cameras, people would pay to have someone paint a portrait of them. It’s just gained more popularity through jokes at the moment.”

That is true with the new dubstep single by The Chain Smokers called “#Selfie” which satirizes the culture of the selfie craze. The music video received more than 10 million views on YouTube, proof that the selfie craze may have staying power.

Justin Bieber and Kim Kardashian, notorious selife takers on Instagram, are not the only “artists” that take photos of themselves.Nearly 200 years ago, famed artist Vincent Van Gogh painted over 35 different self-portraits in his lifetime. The main reason why he did was because he was poor and could not afford models.

Even though it was painted and not photographed, he probably manipulated it to make himself look more appealing. The selfie craze and the editing process to make one look more appealing in photos has been going on way before Instagram was a thought.

Whether selfies are healthy for one’s ego or not, they have been around for too long to go away anytime soon. Even as annoying as seeing someone’s duck face or lips puckered up like a duck is, the act is not going away. Selfies aren’t bad as long as people are showing their true selves and not their online personas or not editing their photos .

“I feel the selfie craze is a good thing,” Concannon said. “Selfies are a good way to make someone feel positive about themselves and for some people they don’t get a lot of positivity, so why rain on someone’s parade?”

As he accepted his Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, musician and actor Jared Leto nodded to trans and LGBT victims. “And this is for the 36 million people who have lost the battle to AIDS and to those of you out there who have ever felt injustice because of who you are or who you love,” he said.

“Tonight I stand here in front of the world with you and for you.”

Leto, who is normally the frontman for his band 30 Seconds to Mars, recently gained attention for his acting ability rather than his vocals. Last year, he starred alongside Matthew McConaughey in the film “Dallas Buyers Club.”

The film focuses on Ron Woodroof (McConaughey), a hustler who tests positive for HIV in 1985, when treatment was nearly impossible to get. Woodroof tries to find a way around the pharmaceutical system to bring medication to other patients. Leto plays Rayon, an HIVpositive transgender woman who Woodroof teams up with in the film.

Normally, I would be excited for an actor such as Leto. He took on an extremely difficult role and portrayed the character with grace. I felt that this could be a step in finding more representation of all types of genders in film.

Despite critic and audience acclaim for the role (confirmed by the Oscar now in his possession), I discovered that he also received major backlash from the transgender community.

“I just couldn’t understand why another film had been created with a trans character that had no trans actor in that role,” Fallon Fox said in a Time magazine op-ed. “Now that he’s taken home the Oscar for best supporting actor for that role, the question matters even more.”

Throughout her article, Fox, a transgender woman, says she can’t understand why a transgender actor can’t represent a transgender character. Instead, directors will pick another actor to play the role, such as a male character to dress in drag for the character much like Leto. We’ve seen it before in films such as 1999’s “Boys Don’t Cry” or even in the Broadway show turned movie “RENT.” The more I thought on this topic, the more I found myself seeing the point of writers such as Fox. It was, after all, a few decades ago in See FEMINISTA, page 7

6 Viewpoints

the current

March 21, 2014

Friendly Fire:

Students debate Ukraine, Russia conflict

By Shannon Bownes Contributing Writer

Cold War politics have no place in the modern day international system. The furthering of Russia’s interest by force and coercion by Russian President Vladimir Putin is invalid and stamps the claims of Russian sovereignty on Ukraine’s southern peninsula of Crimea illegitimate.

When the Cold War ended in the early 1990s following the demise of the Soviet Union, the world saw a long awaited end to the prolonged tensions between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. The stubborn politics leading to influential force and conflict in nations that either side deemed “unstable” and vulnerable to the influence of either democracy or communism respectively had finally ceased.

With the recent push of Russia led by Putin, the Cold War politics of the 20th century are resurfacing. As protests in the Ukraine have challenged and ousted the Ukrainian leadership that favored strong ties with Russia, they have

Crimea has been a part of Ukraine since 1954 and had strong cultural and historical ties to Russia because it was once a Russianruled region. Consequently, Russians believe that if Crimea wants to sign a referendum allowing them to secede from Ukraine and join the Russian Federation, it should have the right to given the fact that a majority of the people living there are ethnic Russians, or at least identify themselves with the language and culture.

On the contrary, the U.S. believes that the Russian referendum is illegitimate and illegal. They accuse Putin of violating human rights and limiting democracy and freedom because Russia brought troops into the Crimean region.

This seems ironic to me. After all, the citizens of Crimea will have the chance to vote on the referendum and therefore have a say in whether or not Crimea will secede.

also challenged Russian interests.

This has given Putin what he believes to be valid cause to intervene in Ukrainian affairs and further violate the country’s sovereignty.

When Putin decided to break international law and approve Russian military occupation of Crimea, he gave up any legitimate power, right or say that Russia may have had in resolving the issue.

Although there may be a proRussian majority in Crimea, they still exist under the sovereignty of Ukraine and must follow the decisions made in Kiev.

After protests ousted previous Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and replaced him with Alexander Turchynov, a member of the opposition’s leadership, Russia began to occupy military bases and airports in Crimea, not out of Ukrainian interests but out of fear.

Putin saw that Ukraine was moving towards closer ties with the West and, taking this as a threat, sought to maintain some part of his power and influence in the region.

How is this violating human rights and democracy especially in light of the fact that the Russian Federation vowed to respect the results of the free vote? Especially, given the fact that a recent vote showed that Crimean citizens overwhelmingly decided to join Russia.The U.S. scorns the fact that Russia brought troops into Crimea to protect the Russians living there. Consequently, U.S. lawmakers are preparing sanctions against Russia. To me, irony and hypocrisy again pervade this situation. It is not America’s place to always intervene into other countries business and tell them when they can or cannot mobilize their army, or to suggest that Russia is some hegemonic superpower trying to take over Crimea with their army and force them to join the Russian Federation.

To put things into perspective, the United States has roughly 900 military bases around the world in

PerspECtives

“I wouldn’t consider myself an avid selfie-taker, but if Snapchat is included, then yes. Definitely an avid selfie-taker.”

- Halee Novotny, sophomore

The transfer of power and change of legislation in Kiev and the rest of the Ukraine was one that was originally demanded by the people due to a dissatisfaction with the previous leadership.

In a world that favors democracy, government by the people for the people, a power transfer demanded by the people creates what I believe to be a legitimacy that is recognized by much of the world including, of course, the West.

However, the situation in Crimea is different due to the conditions of Russia’s involvement.

When Yanukovych fled Kiev, he took refuge in Russia where he made statements explaining that he would not give up his fight for power. The fact that he has to fight the people he’s meant to represent for power only proves that he does not belong in head office.

Following these events, Putin took the liberty of violating Ukraine’s sovereignty by breaking international law with unapproved military intervention in

130 different countries, while Russia only has one base outside of the former Soviet Union which is in Syria. So why does the U.S. point out that Russia is mobilizing their troops illegitimately when they are standing up for the freedom of the people who want to be a part of Crimea especially considering how widespread their own military power is? I am not arguing that Russia should use military force to push its agenda on the people in Crimea; I am simply pointing out an irony that is not highlighted in the biased American media.

Due to post-Cold War agreements, Russia is allowed to maintain as many as 25,000 Russian troops in the Crimean region.

Thus, if we are looking at what is “legal” than technically Russia has the right to have troops in Crimea and the U.S. does not have the right to intervene. A recently conducted poll suggests that by a roughly

Crimea. Yanukovych claims these Russian troops are stationed there for a humanitarian mission. Although there are a population of Crimean citizens who have called for a state independent from the Ukraine, it has been done under the thumb of Putin and reflects Russian interests rather than the interests of Crimea’s citizens..

On March 16, a referendum in Crimea where the newly established legislation in the region will vote on whether or not the region will be annexed to Russia. The vote on the referendum has been rushed and was conducted under intimidating circumstances with the presence of Russian troops.

These conditions make the referendum illegitimate and Russia’s heavy involvement in Crimea only further exhibits how Putin’s Cold War tactics are being used to maintain power.

His illegal involvement has set this modern crisis up as an event calling on remnants of a Cold War past.

two-to-one margin (56 percent vs. 29 percent), the public says it is more important for the U.S. to not get involved in the situation with Russia and Ukraine as opposed to taking a firm stand against Russian actions regarding the referendum and military presence.

Overall, the current situation in Crimea between Russia and the U.S. seems to be a huge finger pointing contest in which each side blames the other for illegitimate practices.

Russia blames the U.S. for stepping in to mitigate the situation in Crimea, and the U.S. blames Russia for the “illegitimate” referendum they have proposed for Crimea.

Before these comments are made, each country should consider its own hypocrisy regarding these allegations and perhaps focus on their own issues instead of condemning the other.

By Alex Mezentsev Contributing Writer

Are you an avid “selfie” taker? If yes, how many do you take a day?

“I would consider myself an avid selfietaker, but I probably only take them like once every couple of weeks. Except for Snapchat, which I do more often.”

- Rachel Perry, freshman

“I am not an avid selfie-taker. I would say I don’t really take any at all. Maybe one or two a day in Snapchats, but that would be about it.”

- Connor Siegel, sophomore

“I’m only an avid selfie-taker on other people’s phones, and I do them by the dozen.”

- Paul Kovar, junior

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

MBFGC:

Grinding rights away

By Colin Casey Asst. Sports Editor

It is difficult to find a group more popularly associated with hook-up culture than the LGBT community. The stigma that developed from this culture has been highly detrimental to the community at large. Naturally, then, the culture must be dying out as the LGBT community comes to the forefront looking for equal treatment.

Not even close.

Technology makes everything easier, including hooking up with someone. Driven mainly by the rise in prominence of smart phones, certain apps are holding up the LGBT progress toward respect.

Respect is a key facet of the equal treatment debate. Many enemies of gay marriage used the hook-up culture from bath houses or public spots to argue that it simply is not possible for two gay individuals to settle down. Such rampant immoral behavior certainly did not belong in modern societies. But this article is not about the bathhouses and their questionable legality; it is about the more modern, close to home iteration.

Of course I speak of the lovably named Grindr app, which has become so popular that as I type this, the computer does not autocorrect as if I misspelled “grinder.”

The makers, Grindr LLC, have over 7 million users worldwide and claim their app is solely for dating purposes. Well, that makes sense: there are not many gay dating sites yet and the ones that do exist seem to thrive on the hookup culture.

Which is why it is so surprising to find that you can limit the range on the app’s people search to less than five miles. The profiles themselves are not reassuring either as coded acronyms indicate sexual preferences. Why is this sounding less and less like a dating application and more like a quick fix to sex?

I will not call for such things to be banned, nor will I go after the

makers for putting a derogatory product out. The people who need this message are the users. It may be awful in reality, but actions like using Grindr for hook-ups actually hinders progress towards gay rights.

The easy counter argument is the straight dating app Tinder, which functions the same way.

Does the existence of a straight version correlate to Grindr not being a big deal? No, it only displays one of the golden rules of economics: if there is a market for a product, someone will sell it.

Tinder was launched in November 2012, which may make the app seem old and out of date. Grindr, in contrast, was launched in 2009, right when smartphones became a larger market beyond Apple.

To their credit, Grindr LLC launched an equality campaign of their own for LGBT rights. However, this effort does not take away the fact that their product’s very existence threatens LGBT rights in the public eye.

Hook-up culture, in popular perception, is something often childish, a by-product of high school and college years. Grindr is not limited to the youth, as it is also popular with middle-age users. Even as a method of figuring out who is gay and who isn’t, the product does not make sense.

I cannot fathom growing up as a closeted individual, and yes sometimes one might want to meet those like him. But just how helpful is the app if the only reason someone talks to him on Grindr is to have a one night stand? How does that develop any sort of feeling in the closeted individual?

To bring it all back into the gay rights conversation, actions inside of a perceived hook-up culture can be harmful. When running for public office in San Francisco, Harvey Milk pledged to stop frequenting the area bath houses, places commonly associated with anonymous sexual activities. Despite the time difference, the bathhouse to Grindr connection seems real to me.

The technology is about as permanent as the ground you stand upon. That does not mean that there cannot be a tectonic shift in community opinion. If the LGBT community were to walk away from Grindr and the culture it fosters, it could be a huge step toward equal treatment and equal rights.

Viewpoints 7

#Amusing Musings

Here is where we immortalize the funniest quotes from EC students and faculty. No names, no shame.

Follow us on twitter: History Professor Was it really healthy that we had wife-swap parties in the 70s? Who’s to say? #DazedAndConfused

political issues

Communication Professor GMOs? More like “General Males’ Organization.“ #TellingItLikeItIs

Human Experience Student Why are all these flags up? Oh, it must be Explore Eckerd.

Faculty

#SchoolSpirit

Feminista: Jared Leto wins Oscar From FEMINISTA, page 5 early films that “black face” was a way filmmakers considered representing black characters.

Now, we know and see that this was offensive. Could having actors such as Leto perform transgender roles be any different?

Doing research into other possibilities for the role, I found that there wasn’t a shortage of actors to play the part of Rayon.

Actresses such as Harmony Santana or “Orange is the New Black” star Laverne Cox were fine potential candidates.

While I’m still happy for Leto’s achievement, this just reminds of the limited representation that Hollywood still faces in today’s society. It’s not just women who have been marginalized by pop culture, but transgender and homosexual women and men.

Sure, things have gotten a bit better with stars like Cox’s rise to fame or even the character Unique Adams on the show “Glee,” the only regular transgender character currently on the network.

There is still a long way to go before these amazing roles are represented by the people who understand the characters most.

courtesy of Instagram; fidelialouiseloves Photo of Leto dressed as ‘Rayon,’ the controversial trans role he won the Oscar for.

Letter to my freshman self: Shannon Vize

By Shannon Vize Viewpoints Editor Dear Shannon, This is your future self talking. I know that state school in Wisconsin sucks right now and winter is coming. You’re going to spend way too many hours in bed skipping class once the snow comes and completely ruin your love of root beer after you get introduced to root beerflavored Smirnoff, but I digress.

You only have to survive one semester in Wisconsin. Soon you’ll transfer to Eckerd and accumulate more freckles than you thought your skin could produce.

Your time at Eckerd isn’t something a quick letter in a newspaper can sum up, but I’ll do my best to give you some useful tips.

For starters, stay up later. Some

C

of your favorite memories and the most intriguing and friendly people in your life you’ll meet wandering around Kappa after everyone else has gone to bed.

Trust yourself. At times, it will feel like you are incapable of choosing what is best, but don’t scrutinize the pros and cons. You know what will make you happy; always choose that.

Experiment. Experiment with everything from clothes to music to writing and everything in between.

Expand your mind past what you think you know by trying out new things. The Ultimate Frisbee club is a nice start, but let’s be real--we both know it’s a joke to think you’ll show up for voluntary, physicallydraining practices. Instead, head over to Cobb sooner and check out The Current. The people there are cooler than you give them credit for.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

Next tip is do what you want.

You want to put wild colors in your hair? Do it. Why not dye all your hair blue and neon green?

You want to go tell that funny kid in the blazer you have a crush on him? Do it. He might even feel the same way. You’ll realize soon how short life can be, so don’t hold back. The moments when you surprise yourself by getting out of your comfort zone will be the highlights of your three-and-a-half years here.

Travel. You’ll study abroad just like you always wanted to. Yes, it will be hard to be away from the people you love, but it will also be the biggest adventure of your life. You will finally get your chance to see some of the most incredible sights this beautiful world has to offer.

Lastly, stop taking everything so seriously. Take a deep breath and let go of the constant stress. Maybe

give a hula-hoop a spin sometime.

You’ll be amazed at what you can do with it after a little practice.

Eckerd is your Never-Never Land, so enjoy it and learn from it.

You’ll get to be a kid again here, but you’ll be forced to grow up in a lot of ways. You’ll come to know the meaning of loss in a more profound, tangible way, but you’re too young to learn about that now. Just hang in there and love the people around you while you still can. You’ll fall in love, and you’ll break your heart, but it will be worth it. Trust me.

When it feels like they don’t, your best friends will be there to cheer you up. They will come to love and understand you in ways you never thought anyone could. Cherish these friends and accept that they will never let you sleep or stop raging when you want to, but you’ll thank them for it when you’re my age.

Use the waterfront more, write more and put some sunscreen on every once in a while. Remember that the sidewalk near Fox Hall collects dirt in the middle, so maybe take it a bit slower on your longboard after you print that final paper. Watch out for red ant hills and broken glass bottles when you’re barefoot, which you’ll be happy to note is a lot of the time. Besides that, I think you can handle everything else as it comes. You’ve done a pretty good job so far.

Beep Boop, Your future self If you’re interested in writing a letter to your freshman self for The Current please email: currentviews@eckerd.edu

8 Viewpoints

the current

March 21, 2014

Student reacts to Uganda anti-LGBT law continued From UGANDA, page 5 -eni said about the LGBT communities, “but I was ready to ignore that if there was proof that that’s how you were born, but now the proof is not there.”

Museveni is simply following the legislative processes taught and imposed by western political ideologies and influences, allowing him to justify his primal hatred by hiding it within the governmental bureaucracy.

Uganda is well-known for its outspoken disapproval of homosexuality, but this law pushes them further back in terms of their international standing, and certainly puts them in the spotlight, much like the Sochi Olympics did for Russia.

Since the law was signed, Museveni’s approval ratings have skyrocketed. It was also reported that Ugandan police and defense forces apprehended dozens of ‘alleged homosexuals’ even before the law was signed. The country’s local tabloid, “Red Pepper,” recently published a list of what they called, “Uganda’s 200 Top Homos,” prompting an informal hunt for Uganda’s already suppressed minority.

Luckily, LGBT groups in Uganda have had some success in the courts by eliminating the publication of future prejudiced media. “[Those] publications cannot publish that kind of private information any further,” Brydum said.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, in a Huffington Post article, commented on Uganda’s new law and the consequences it might have for their country.

“What is happening in Uganda is atrocious and it presents all of us with an enormous challenge,” Kerry said. “LGBT rights are human rights and the signing of this anti-homosexuality law is flat out morally wrong.”

In response to the waves of criticism from the U.S., and other major European and Western countries, President Museveni warned the world that Uganda will not adhere to what he views as an accepted global immorality.

“Respect African societies and their values, if you don’t agree you just keep quiet,” Museveni said, “If we are wrong we will find out by ourselves.”

With 20 percent of its national

budget originating from foreign aid, Uganda’s international support has been threatened since its president approved the law. Sweden, along with Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands,have cut aid to Uganda.

The World Bank has also responded by freezing a $90-million loan to the country. The total cut to Ugandan aid is now over $115-million.

However, this cut to Uganda’s health fund could have drastic effects for the innocent citizens afflicted with AIDS and other horrific diseases. In response, aid is slowly being diverted away from Uganda’s corrupt government to other organizations. “[Countries] are redirecting their aid. They no longer give it to the [Ugandan] justice sector, but instead send it to nonprofit sectors,” Brydum said.

The only dilemma is that non-profits are at risk because they aiding and abetting possible homosexuals under Ugandan law, and can be prosecuted.

The U.S. spends an annual $485-million on Uganda for both health and military services. Since 2011, the U.S. has trained the

country’s Ugandan People’s Defense Force (UPDF) to enforce western interests in the region.

Ironically, this is the same defense organization apprehending and arresting accused homosexuals.

Still debating the issue, the U.S. is forced to choose between the interests of its strong civil rights groups, and its interests overseas.

The country’s decision will have a great impact on the global stage as other countries sit on the fence, waiting for what happens next. “[The U.S. government] is launching an internal review into our relationship with Uganda,” Brydum said about U.S. indecisiveness. “I don’t think that our government will do anything.”

I believe that the U.S. has historically forgotten its own people when dealing in foreign affairs, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the U.S. continued to delay, and eventually forget, its decision to act.

A cut in funding from the U.S. does seem unlikely due to its interests in Uganda’s oil supply in the north and security tensions brought on by al-Qaeda affiliates in Somalia and groups like Joseph Kony’s in-

famous Lord’s Resistance Army.

According to Eckerd students able to witness the international reaction first hand during their 2014 Winter Term trips, countries like the U.K seem to strongly disapprove of Uganda’s new law.

As an Eckerd student, the weight of this issue is heavy for me, but what could I do to have some form of influence in a country thousands of miles away? “[Students] are more than willing to stand up and do something,” Brydum said. “[It] can be as simple as holding a rally on campus, documenting social media, and keeping aware of social and civil rights activists.”

Becoming more aware of local and national opinions, is as easy as going to various conferences about the act. For now, the almost endless controversy over LGBT rights seems to be the result of unnecessary legislation and bureaucracy.

If you are interested in this getting involved to lend a hand to the people of Uganda and others like them, visit advocate.com or advocate. com/uganda for more information.

Net neutrality threatened

By Kara Brown Staff Writer

There is nothing college students love more than Netflix and high-speed Internet that allows them to watch the entire series of our favorite television show in one sitting. District of Columbia’s Circuit Court of Appeals made a ruling that could change the Internet as we know it on Jan. 14. The court ruled to overturn the Federal Trade Communications Commission’s (FCC) current net neutrality regulations, which were put in place in 2010.

Net neutrality is the idea that an Internet provider should not reduce the flow of data for any services no matter what they are. The idea of net neutrality also bans pay-for-play, the idea that a company can pay to receive better access to the Internet so that they can give their customers a better experience. These policies have been important up until this point because the infrastructure of the Internet cannot be easily replicated. Now, however, many people fear that dominant carriers will restrict competition and cut deals that benefit one partner while putting their competition at a disadvantage. This ruling in favor of telecommunications companies should be of particular interest to college students because it compromises the web as we know it.

Netflix and Comcast confirmed a deal in which the movie-streaming service will pay the cable and Internet provider directly in return for better access to its network Feb 23. This announcement came only 10 days after Comcast agreed to buy Time Warner Cable, another cable and Internet provider. This was shocking because it furthered the consolidation of the major news networks.

As many skeptics argue, this consolidation has made it easier for CEO’s and the government to censor not only the web but media as a whole. Three media conglomerates own all of the cable news networks and Comcast and Time Warner serve about 35 percent of cable households.

The fact that the Internet is free, in the sense that once one has access one doesn’t have to pay for content. If companies are allowed to start charging for access to the information the web holds then instead of the Internet being an interconnected web, it becomes different pockets of information.

The Arab Spring, an ongoing series of

anti-government protests in the Middle East and North Africa have also been called the Twitter Revolution. This is because the protestors were able to organize themselves via Twitter and other social media in order to rise up against their oppressive governments. This social media activity and unfiltered access to what was going on brought light to the plights of the protesters and made it an international issue. If net neutrality is dead, then it potentially allows not only the Internet service providers to block access to certain websites but allows the government to so as well.

Along with these protests keeping the Internet free and open to everyone provides safe havens for marginalized people. “[The Internet] provides a safe area for LGBTQA individuals so that they won’t be judged,” Junior Eve Minkin said.

The FCC only threw part of the laws concerning net neutrality. Also the major telecommunications companies argue that they need these fees to update their aging systems and implement new and better technologies. This idea of the government and the FCC enforcing net neutrality has been brought to Congress multiple times and has been voted down.

“A lot of us believe that we don’t have a problem today,” Rep. Fred Upton, Chairman, Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet said.

(R-MI). “And we’re not going to overly regulate a product ... which might stifle the entrepreneurship and the progress we want to make in the future.”

People who are against net neutrality say that with increased fees this won’t crush start up businesses, but will allow them to have the money they need to compete in and make a splash in the telecommunication market.

These laws no matter what side you are on could possibly either help or hinder the progress. According to a “State of the Internet” report put out

by Akamai, an internet content delivery network, the U.S. ranks ninth in average internet speed in the world, behind South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Sweden. This further demonstrates the negative effect that government regulation has had on the Internet in our country.

The principles of freedom that the U.S. was founded should continue to be applied to the issue of net neutrality. This will allow us to grow economically, academically and politically.

866-8891 Maximo/St. Pete Beach 4925 34th St. S

ORDER. TRACK. REVIEW.

DOMINOS.COM

STUDENT VALUE

$7

1

Large Cheese OR 1-Topping Pizza

3

Medium 2-Topping AND 8-Piece Bread

S1

2

Large 3-Topping Pizza

$8

4

Large 2-Topping AND 8-Piece Bread

$9 S3

$10 S4

S2

IMPORTANT

DATES

Thanksgiving Fall Finals Spring Semester Begins Spring Break Spring Finals

Thanksgiving s Fall Final November 28-29 Spring Semester Begins December 9-12 Spring Breaks January 28 Spring Final March 22-30

May 12-15

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

Entertainment 9

Entertainment Originality dies in Hollywood

By Hailey Escobar Web Editor According to Variety, a daily focusing on entertainment and show business, Dreamworks CEO Jeffery Katzenberg has been hinting at a new installment in the “Shrek” franchise.

“We like to let them have a little bit of time to rest,” Katzenberg said in a February interview with Fox Business News. “But I think you can be confident that we’ll have another chapter in the Shrek series. We’re not finished, and more importantly, neither is he.” Already, the “Shrek” franchise has incorporated four films, a spin-off film, a Christmas special and a Broadway musical.

In the world of Hollywood,

the cycle of remakes and sequels is never-ending. Just look at the box office or upcoming films and one will see the pattern: “Captain America 2,” “Men in Black 3,” “The Amazing Spiderman,” “21 Jump Street,” “The Hobbit,” a new “Annie” and the list just keeps going.

If it’s not a sequel, it’s more than likely an adaption of some popular book series or Broadway musical.

Is this plague of repeated storylines the side effect of the industry’s lack of original talent? By taking a look at the independent films that have gained notice over the past few years, then we can see that can’t be true. At least, not with original films such as “Her” or “Moonrise Kingdom.”

What’s going on with Hollywood? What’s making pro-

ducers and executives want to repeat the same plot?

One reason for this could be money. After all, all of these franchises have proven themselves to be successful in the past. The 4 “Shrek” films have made $2.9 billion franchise. The Harry Potter films made over $7 billion.

Even James Bond, a 50-year franchise with 24 films under its belt, has grossed over $6 billion worldwide. They know that these films will make money, therefore there’s no risk involved with producing the film.

However, looking back at the history of Hollywood, movie fans can see that there’s been a long line of adaptations and sequels that have been produced over the years. “Well, that’s kind of how

cinema has always been,” Senior Cassie Ochoa said. “I mean, how many Great Gatsby’s are there?

There are 3. I think Hollywood has always been derivative. Everything’s based on a book or a play.”

So, it makes money, it’s how films have been made in the past, but when is the line drawn? After all, “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the latest version of the superhero franchise, came out only 5 years after the last version starring Tobey Maguire. The same story is constantly being told.

However, as long as we keep going to these retold stories, film executives will continue to make them. Seeing an original film every now and then may be a way for viewers to show them that we want fresher ideas.

All photos promotional

Suiting up for your spring break

By Shannon Vize Viewpoints Editor & Fashion Columnist Spring break is right around the corner, which most of us will either be spending here in sunny Florida or other tropical locations.

For those of you planning on soaking up some sun, here are some tips on what swimsuit styles to pack for your trip or try out on Kappa Field.

As most women know, our options for swimsuits vastly outweigh the options for men. There is everything ranging from skirted one-pieces to barely-there string bikinis, so be sure to use this range to your advantage.

There are several new women’s swimsuit styles making an appearance on runways, beaches and even our own Kappa Field. One of my personal favorites is the reinvention of the one-piece.

I was not a fan of the onepiece monokini trend when it first emerged a few summers back with large, gaping cutouts often coupled with fringe or an overwhelming print. I recommend avoiding this look because it rarely flatters anyone’s body type.

Instead, try out a graphic onepiece swimsuit. These suits generally avoid the cutout trend, or incorporate subtle, cute cutouts that show a glimpse or two of skin coupled with a vibrant graphic print of an animal, movie, or several other options. I’ve

C

spotted Senior Laura Hawkins on to sell the itsy bitsy bikinis that Kappa Field rocking a graphic one- are a staple on Brazilian beaches.

If you are comfortable showing piece I’ve seen. It is dark, with a shark jaw graphic breaching upward more skin, then I would recomfrom the bottom of the swimsuit. mend grabbing a pair of cheeky “I picked this one-piece because bottoms from Victoria’s Secret or I liked the design, I like sharks and it Billabong and giving it a try, espewas kind of bold,” Hawkins said. “I cially if you’re heading somewhere exotic for break. But if baring also liked the cut outs on the more bum isn’t for you, then try sides. I thought it gave out a vintage fit swimsuit botit a really cool look.” tom which tends to have much Another new swimmore coverage. They are high suit style that has waisted and tend to look become popugood on almost everyone. lar recently is If you’re worried the flounce banabout how other studeau top. This bidents will view kini top is strapyour risky less and has and differan additional ent swimsuit layer of fabstyles, don’t ric over the be. Hawkins chest that mentioned flounces how well reand moves ceived her as you do. I new suit love this style was on because it’s campus. something “I wore we haven’t it out on seen before photo courtesy of Laura Hawkins’ Facebook K a p p a and encourF i e l d ages a rare Senior Laura Hawkins wearing her new swim suit. and I glimpse of got a lot of comcomfort and modesty with its loose fitting, breathable shape. pliments. I think it’s just really I’ve also noticed a rise in the num- different and that’s why I liked ber of stores that now offer alterna- it and got it and why other peotive swimsuit bottoms for women ple like it too,” Hawkins said.

Now onto the gentlemen like the Brazilian style or vintage fit.

More and more stores are beginning and which swimsuit styles you

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

can experiment with. Although your choices are more limited, it doesn’t mean you don’t have cool and flattering options as well.

My first piece of advice is to vary the length of your swim shorts.

Men in countries all over the world have embraced showing a little more upper thigh when they hit the beach, but the trend seems to be slower moving in the U.S. Find a cut that falls a few inches above the knee at most, like Urban Outfitter’s swim shorts. But keep in mind that no one looks good in a banana hammock ever, so you don’t want to push the length too high.

If you want your interested in other showstopper styles, then try experimenting with the patterns, colors and fit of your swim shorts instead. Don’t go for a boring onecolored pair unless it comes in a fun and uncommon color like a shade of neon. You could also try out an interesting patterned pairs from Billabong if you usually go for solid colors. If new colors or patterns aren’t your thing, then try out slimmer fitting swim short style like the ones offered at J. Crew.

Since we go to college in Florida, investing in a fashionable, flattering new swimsuit will definitely pay off this semester regardless of where you spend your spring break.

Whether you are heading somewhere tropical or staying here at Eckerd have more fun under the sun by giving one of these latest swimsuit trends a try.

Be the life of the party: Three tips to throw a cheap college event

By Gary Furrow Jr Asst. Viewpoints Editor College parties are usually hot messes, minus the hot and double the mess.

Images of kegs and drunks with light up fingergloves create the stereotypical college party scene and the classy days of dinner parties are gone like Elvis’s photo by Ian Lindsay pelvis. That A figment themed stereotype is birthday cake. just wrong.

Not all college parties have to be keggers. Kegs are not allowed on campus anyways. Students can have an elegant, adult dinner party and not break the bank either.

Just follow my three easy tips, and you will be the talk of the campus, even without having crappy dubstep music blaring nauseatingly.

Tip 1: Theme it.

While planning the party keep in mind a theme for the dinner party. It can be anything from a food type like Italian or Mexican or a holiday or birthday. A theme party does not just include wearing a toga. The food should match the theme as well as the décor. This will take the guess work out of planning. Themes like Texican, with enchiladas and nachos dishes, or Do It Yourself, with a fondue, are two fun ideas.

Tip 2: Keep it simple stupid, or KISS. Do not go overboard with decorations or food. Just have enough for your guests and enough decorations to make your parties’ theme pop. You do not need to have a bull to throw a rodeo party. Also, be considerate of your guests and their food preferences. Make sure you know who’s a vegan and who is deathly allergic to nuts. This

will make your party cost efficient, elegant and fun not gaudy, expensive or deadly.

Tip 3: Have fun.

Just because a host does all the leg work does not mean he or she can not enjoy their own party. Hosts, after making sure your guests are comfortable, have a good time and be the belle of your own ball.

Follow these tips and you will be the hostess with the mostess like I was. I have thrown two successful dinner parties for my colleagues at “The Current” one being an Italian Christmas and a Mexican Saint Patty’s day. I fed over 20 hungry mouths at these parties.

The meal included soft drinks, appetizers, dinner and desserts and it cost under $100 a party, which easily beats the overdone college pizza party which is just nauseating. I even had decorations like themed tablecloths and banners.

10 Entertainment

the current

March. 21, 2014

ECKERD EVENTS

To have your event added to the calendar, email currententertainment@eckerd.edu.

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

21 7 p.m. St. Pete shuffle courts: shufle board

SUNDAY

THURSDAY

24

25

26

27

10 a.m.

Boyd Hill: tram tour

10 a.m.

Work place at the garden

Spring Break

Spring Break

Spring Break

Spring Break

7 p.m.

Monday Night Trivia @ Fergs

10 a.m.

Sunken Gardens: Adult Fitness

8 p.m.

Music Jams @ Everything Dolce

10 a.m.

Boyd Hill: tram tour

31

1

2

3

7:30 p.m.

CPS “Becuase of Science I have to be an Atheist” and other fallacies of Our Age @ Fox Hall

1;30 p.m.

Seventh Annual Research Symposium @ James

8 p.m.

Live music at The Hangar

8 p.m.

Karaoke @ The Pub

WEDNESDAY

23

29

Spring Break

TUESDAY

22

1 p.m.

Walmart shopping shuttle @ the mailboxes

28

MONDAY

30 10 a.m.

Work Place at the Garden

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

Walmart shopping shuffle Mailboxes

Tampa Bay Jewish film festival

8 p.m.

Trivia Night in the Pub with Mike!

The St. Pete Sampler Local fun and fine dining

Once a year the citizens of St. Pete take a vote. The online polls open and votes flood in for something more important than local politics. The vote is on the Best of the Bay’s favorite resturaunts. This weeks’ sampler takes an eclectic tour around the ’burg with only the best.

President Barack Obama featured on “Between Two Ferns” with Zach Galifinakis.

George Lucas gives filmmakers hypocritical advice about new technology.

Actor Wayne Knight is still alive despite death hoax.

Tyler the Creator arrested for allegedly inciting a riot.

Pikachu was chosen be Japan’s mascot for the 2014 World Cup. A new “Bachelorette” has been selected, in a continuation of awful television.

Reddit finds a possible Lord of the Rings Easter Egg in “Game of Thrones.”

Flaming Lips working on a Beatles cover with Miley Cyrus.

THE TIPSY TRITON Cocktails & Mixed Drinks .50 Caliber

Grateful Dead

• 2 oz Jack Daniels Whiskey

• 1 part tequilla

• 2 oz Jim Beam Whiskey

• 1 part vodka

• 2 oz Dry Gin

• 1 part light rum

• 2 oz Absolut Vodka

• 1 part gin

• 2 oz citrus soda

• 1 part raspberry liqueur

Bust out your nice high ball glasses for this one. Fill to the brim with ice. Pour liquors carefully over ice.

Splash with citrus soda.

Pour all liquors into shaker with ice and shake. Pour into a collins glass and garnish with a lemon.

A. Taco Bus 2324 Central Ave 9 mins from campus Monday to Weddnesday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thursday - Sunday Open 24 hours 4 1/2 stars $$ Beer and wine only C. BellBrava 204 Beach Drive NE 11 mins from campus Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

4 1/2 stars $$$$ Full Bar

B. Rococo Steak 655 2nd Ave S 9 mins from campus Tuesday to Sunday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Closed Monday 4 1/2 stars $$$$$ Full Bar D. Z Grille 104 2nd St N 9 mins from campus Monday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Closed Sunday 4 1/2 stars $$$ Full Bar

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

The quickie

The Quickie 11

There’s always enough time for a quickie

Heating Up Across 1 Ablaze 6 Large, majestic 11 Out of 100 13 Lighty cooked in oil 15 Oregon abbreviated 16 “Happily ____ after” 17 Bullets 18 “To __ or not to __” 19 Small lake 21 _____ Carlo 23 Scheduled event 25 Abbreviated compass point 26 Belonging to you 27 Halloween month 28 Canker ____ 31 Parent Teacher Association 32 Noises that attract birds 34 Townies 36 ____ piece (ECPC) 38 Sneaky 39 Tattoo 40 Fly far away 43 To this matter or document 46 Capitol of Egypt 47 Wrath 49 A loveable ____ 51 Clever 52 Scent 54 Twelve 55 Banana Skin 57 1960s nonconformist 58 Not well 59 Emergency Room 60 To correct 62 Sports network 64 Email response 65 Sign of irritated skin 67 Orange chip 69 Gully 70 Induct (two words)

For answers, visit www.theonlinecurrent.com crossword by Chelsea Duca and Leah Bilski

Down 1 Can of hairspray 2 French web domain 3 Frosted 4 Pastor abbreviated 5 Opposite of ally 6 Sorry or Twister 7 Sailor Jerry’s 8 Opposite of beneath 9 Northeast 10 Total failure 11 Head of Catholic Church (plural) 12 Military 13 Subordinate Persian ruler 14 Nicks 20 Roman emperor 22 Almond 24 Relax 29 Eckerd College Search and Rescue 30 Military honor 32 Russian rulers 33 Conquered by Cortez 35 Type of soap 39 Shoshonean 40 Narrows to a point 41 Religious ceremony 42 A function approaches this 43 Gave aid 44 Cab 45 15th Greek letter 46 Prance 48 Representative 50 _____ Peak in Colorado 52 ____ Kebab 53 Deodorizing spray 56 Ash Wednesday starts this 58A fit of irritation 61 Last month of the year 63 Before (prefix) 66 Former British princess 68 Texas Instruments abbreviated

Pottery Club

By Leah Bilski Quickie Editor

Freshman Garrett Schultheis knew he wanted to go to a university that would support his passion for ceramics, so when he decided to come to Eckerd, his first plan of action was to found the campus’s first and only Pottery Club.

“When I was deciding which college to go to, I would always ask if they had a ceramics club,” Schultheis said. “I decided that if there wasn’t a ceramics club on campus, I would start one and that’s exactly what I did.”

Schultheis’s love for ceramics started when he was a sophomore in high school. He started throwing clay for one of his art classes and immediately became enthralled with creating all sorts of pottery pieces. Schultheis would spend time throwing clay for hours after school, usually only leaving after the janitors forced him to pack up and leave. After completing all of the ceramics classes offered at his high school, he bought his own clay wheel and started up his own studio in his basement. The ceramic pieces he made ended up catching

the attention of the teachers, and even some of the janitors at his school and he ended up making some money doing what he loved.

When Schultheis came to Eckerd and started up Pottery Club he wanted to expose as many people as possible to the joys of ceramics.

“The fundamental reason behind me making this club was to bring in people that aren’t art majors or minors, or haven’t had the chance to take an art class,” Schultheis said. “I want them to have the opportunity to come and throw clay.”

Schultheis wanted participants to experience all parts of the pottery-making process, having members mix their own clay and buy their own tools at the beginning of the semester. With a hefty supply of fresh clay, members can make anything from mugs to vases, some even using their time in the ceramics studio to make sculptures.

The pieces made by Pottery Club are a result of students wanting to maintain their own creativity outside of classes and other responsibilities.

“Pottery Club is a place where students can express themselves with clay,” said officer of Pottery

Club, Freshman Tia Hildebrandt.

“They have the option to throw on the wheel or sculpt free-hand.

The club is really geared to fit the needs and creativity level of any member or potential member.”

Schultheis is always looking for more people to bring into Pottery Club, recruiting the majority of his friends and dorm mates to come try out throwing clay every so often.

“If you’re not forcing yourself to be creative, it’s hard to get motivated to do something,” Schultheis said. “Sometimes I just feel like making art, and I think that’s why so many people were interested in being creative with clay. For people that haven’t had the chance to do this before now have the opportunity, and I think that’s really cool.”

Pottery Club hopes to grow enough to be able to sell some of the work the club members put forth. They hope to raise money to buy more tools and supplies for the club and to hopefully make some more advanced pieces in the future.

To get involved with Pottery Club head over to the ceramics building next to the Ransom Visual Arts building on Tuesdays, at 7 p.m.

by Cypress Hansen Freshman Garrett Shultheis throws on the wheel in Eckerd’s ceramics studio.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

The Quickie 12

EC student takes adventures to the small screen

By Chelsea Duca Quickie Editor Junior Mickey Mittermeier has been referred to as Eckerd’s Tarzan, but with the development of a new conservation series featuring Mittermeier and his brother, he may soon be more than just a local legend.

The series is called “Hotspots: The race to save the planet.” It is a nature-based reality television show that will follow Mittermeier, his older brother John Mittermeier and their father Russell Mittermeier, all of whom are world travelers and conservationists. Mittermeier says that his younger sister may join later in production, as well.

“We each travel almost constantly, Dad being at 160 or so countries,

John at 104 or so and me at 70,” Mittermeier said. “It’s a reality show about our adventures and expeditions in some of the most remote and unexplored places on earth.”

Mittermeier’s father, a primatologist and the president of Conservation International, was first approached about the series about a year ago by producer Chris Ragazzo, who went on an expedition with him 30 years ago to the Peruvian Amazon.

“The expedition made such an impact on him that he looked my dad up 30 years later,” Mittermeier said. “Chris is now a well known producer and photographer who was interested in finding a new project and had been following my father’s work. We met with him at the Tar-

courtesy of Junior Mickey Mittermeier’s Facebook Mittermeier and his father pose with a gorilla at Virunga National Park.

zan centennial celebration that was being held in Tarzana because my dad and I are huge Tarzan and Edgar Rice Burroughs fans. He pitched the idea to us and we loved it.”

The idea is currently being developed by a Philadelphia-based production company called Lunchbox Communications. Chief Creative Officer Dafna Yachin won the “So you think you can pitch?” competition at the 2014 Realscreen Summit in January with “Hotspots.”

According to realscreen. com, this is the second year in a row that Lunchbox has won the pitch competition, beating three other projects. The judges were charmed by Mittermeier and his brother, who they called “eco-warriors” who are “smart and cute.”

The show will take advantage of the fact that Mittermeier is passionate about herpetology — the study of reptiles — and his brother specializes in ornithology - the study of birds.

Filming is not yet scheduled, but Mittermeier says that the team already has 12 pilot episodes planned, ranging from location in the high Andes, to unexplored regions of the Suriname rainforest. Each episode involves searching for a rare or endangered species in what is usually a relatively unexplored and dangerous area.

According to Mittermeier, they are currently in discussion with networks such as National Geographic Channel, Discovery, TLC, Animal Planet and Vice, but negotiations are still underway.

If it does get picked up by a network, Mittermeier believes that the series will air after he graduates. “Then I will have the most time available for travel,” he said.

“I am currently living in Australia with my girlfriend and my brother is working on his Ph.D in a remote part of the Molucca Islands in Indonesia.”

M i t te r m e i e r, who has always been outspoken about protecting the environment, is excited for this chance to take his activism to a new level. He hopes that if “Hotspots” is picked up by a network, it will inspire others to explore and conserve the courtesy of Junior Mickey Mittermeier’s Facebook planet.

Mitter- A lemur perches on Mittermeier’s head. meier says that he wants to share his wonder stance,” Mittermeier said. “I hope and curiosity with people and that this show can get real momenmake them think more critically tum so that it will be more like about the impact of their actions. the croc hunter again where they “In my personal opinion, many can inspire change and influence of the television shows on air these conservation and be less like ‘Jerdays have lost a lot of their sub- sey Shore’ and ‘Honey Boo Boo.’”

graphic illustration by Alex Zielinski

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

Health & Fitness 13

March 21, 2014

Health & fitness Remedies to treat spring break sunburns

By Savannah Sprague-Jackson Staff Writer Spring break is upon us so besides relaxing and having fun, that means being in the sun all day. It’s impossible to be perfect so there are bound to be many people with sunburns.

When out every day, no one wants to be the one who is all red and or be the sunburnt kid in class once spring break is over. I believe that natural remedies are better than any chemical brand since they don’t contain additives.

The best remedy to take with you is aloe vera gel because it gets rid of the burn and the sting. Be sure to get the kind that has the least amount of additives if you don’t use the gel straight from the plant. According to Earth Clinic, the Vitamins A, C and E are in aloe vera gel along with folic acid and choline, which revitalizes and restores sunburned skin. The amino and fatty acids in aloe vera gel help by diminishing redness and irritation.

You should apply the aloe vera gel to your skin as soon as possible for the best result.

Then continue applying afterwards whenever you feel the irritation coming back, or after each coat dries. Take a cold shower before bed and then reapply more aloe vera gel.

Honey also has helpful antibacterial properties. According to Keri Fitzgerald of the Huffington Post, raw honey is said to help heal wounds due to it’s ability to re-epithelialize, or grow new epithelial skin cells. This is helpful because essentially the sun kills skin cells.

Apple cider vinegar, the miracle worker, helps with sunburns as well. It is a natu-

Top three healthiest ethnic cuisines

By Rebecca Kass Contributing Writer It is easy to think that eating ethnic cuisine is making a healthy choice, but look closely before you whip up a taco salad or scarf down some chicken teriyaki. These days it is easy to find yourself biting into the ethnic version of a burger and fries.

“We’ve Americanized dishes to the extent that they don’t have their original health benefits,” author and M.D. Daphne Miller said in her book “The Jungle Effect: The Healthiest Diets from Around the World — Why They Work and How to Make Them Work for You.” On the other hand, by enjoying global cuisines in their purest state, you get meals that are fresh, fragrant and nutritious. Experts ranked the three healthiest cuisines in the world based on the lifespans and rates of Western disease of their respective populations. What their findings reveal is that food that is fresh, seasonal and local can provide the complete array of diseasefighting vitamins and minerals that lead to overall health and longevity. To prepare that food simply and healthily — and to enjoy it leisurely — is a style anyone can adopt.

Mediterranean This regimen is characterized by a high intake of olive oil, fruit, seafood, vegetables, moderate consumption of red wine, poultry, legumes and cereal grains such as rice, barley and oats.

There is also low consumption of dairy, dessert and red meat — all of which are native to the Mediterranean region. But perhaps the health of these people also has to do with how the food is actually eaten.

Mediterraneans take slow, leisurely lunches and often share small plates of food. Just look

C

ral anti-inflammatory which means it helps reduce the pain that comes with a burn. According to Earth Clinic, the vitamins and minerals in the vinegar replenish the nutrients that were lost in the sun. Apply with a cotton ball to the sunburned area.

Coconut oil is less known than the previous remedies but that does not mean it isn’t as helpful.

Coconut has an uncommon mixture of fatty acids that not only relieve the pain but also rejuvenate the skin. Earth Clinic states that it also prevents peeling. Coconut oil can be applied directly to the burn, plus it smells nice and tropical.

Another remedy for sunburns is oatmeal.There is an anti-inflammatory quality in the oat extract that will relieve the pain of a sunburn. Make up a plain batch and leave it to chill so that when you apply it to the burnt skin, it is cold.

The Old Farmers Almanac suggests a few more simple remedies photo by Alex Zielinski for when you are at home and Sunburns can be treated with a variety of remedies. have access to multiple products. burned area will help heal the skin as well.

You can use buttermilk to wash Finally, remember to restore your energy a sunburned face. Potatoes alleviate sunburns; just cut one in half and apply to skin. when you get a sunburn. Drink some tea Dissolve baking soda in water and apply to or have a salt tablet and always keep hya clean cloth to drape over the burnt skin. drated with electrolytes. There’s no need Applying yogurt with live cultures to a sun- to get heat stroke along with your sunburn. at the inhabitants of the island of Sardinia, which holds the record number of centenarians—both male and female. This lively group represents double the amount of people who reach their 100th birthday than that of mainland Italy, and they boast a 25 percent reduced risk of death from cancer. The best part of all this is there’s no food group that is left out.

Okinawan The Japanese have lower rates of most diseases of affluence than the rest of the Western world but the healthiest ethnic cuisine of all comes from Japan’s offshore island of Okinawa. Like Sardinia, Okinawa is home to some of the oldest-living peoples in the world.

“Not only are Okinawans blessed with a diet rich in cancer-fighting fruits and vegetables, but they also prepare them in the healthiest way possible, with a light steam or a quick stir-fry,” Miller said.

They also practice eating until you are eight parts, or 80 percent, full. The cancerfighting fruits and vegetables, including bok choy and shiitake mushrooms, combined with the simple diet rule, may explain why people in Japan are living so much longer.

Seventh Day Adventist/California Loma Linda, California is also ranked among the top three oldest-living populations and boasts the population with the longest lifespan in America: the Seventh Day Adventists.

Followers of the Seventh Day Adventist practice the dietary restrictions that are rooted in a combination of the biblical principles of the Levitical laws and the emphasis on self-control. They are lacto-ovo vegetarians, meaning they refrain from all animal products except eggs and dairy in small quantities.

Followers of the Seventh Day Adventist church do not smoke or drink caffeinated beverages. Their diet consists mainly of fruits, vegetables and grains. They also have a 50 percent lower risk of developing heart disease, certain types of cancers, strokes and diabetes.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

From the iPod of Takoda Edlund

Sex on the Beach

By Alana Brillo Staff Writer One subject I’ve heard come up from girls is how painful the first time having sex can be. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before your first time. However, it’s not that painful.

Some don’t feel any pain at all. Many girls also assume it’s going to hurt because of the breaking of the hymen tissue. I know I worried about it for a while.

But there really isn’t much to worry about. The first time may be a little uncomfortable but not as painful as it is made out to be. It is a very thin tissue that covers the vaginal opening. However, most girls only have a partial hymen because this tissue gradually erodes during the course of your life, especially if you play sports or use tampons. It never really “breaks” though: it merely moves aside or already has tiny openings.

The pain that comes with a girl’s first time isn’t because of the hymen since the hymen doesn’t contain nerve endings. It hurts because of pre-sex jitters that cause the vaginal muscles clench, making the first time more painful than it needs to be. While you may

not be able to control how your body works, you can control your nerves. Other possible causes are lack of arousal, lack of lubrication or going too far too fast.

If the hymen is intact, there may be some slight bleeding and pressure but nothing more. It should never be on the same level as menstruation and if it is, stop. If bleeding continues to the next day, check with your doctor or gynecologist as there may be other issues that you need to be made aware of.

Second, be comfortable with yourself. Being educated on sex and knowing your own anatomy is crucial to your confidence and that of your partner, especially if he or she is a virgin as well.

Make a point to know how you’re angled to avoid painful fumbling. Not everyone is the same and knowing your body will make the experience that much better.

When the time comes to do the deed, make sure to look for a private and stress-free location. If you’re too worried about getting caught or needing somewhere to be, it’s not going to be very enjoyable. Also, make the atmosphere stress-free by doing small things such as shutting off your phone, cleaning up any clutter

and dimming the lights.

Always remember to have confidence in yourself. Being comfortable in your own skin is key to making your first time a good experience.

Another very important thing to keep in mind is to take your time and enjoy this moment with your partner. Many times, girls will rush sex to reduce the amount of awkwardness as much as possible or to just get it over with because they feel it’s necessary for the relationship.

There’s no need for this. Sex should be natural.

Don’t pressure your partner into moving too far when they are not ready. Start with foreplay and go at a pace that’s comfortable for both you and your partner. Foreplay will arouse the both of you and causes natural lubrication, making penetration painless later.

Communicate with your partner. Don’t be afraid to ask to slow down or be more gentle. For your first time, you should be with someone who respects you and your wishes.

Finally, if you’re still struggling with soreness or heavy bleeding afterwards, make an appointment with your doctor.

14 Health & Fitness

March 21, 2014

How avocados benefit the body

by Savannah SpragueJackson Staff Writer

If there is one fruit that should be eaten regularly, it’s the avocado. Not only is it healthy in many ways, but it is easily added to a variety of foods. Avocados are known to be fatty. However, the fats that are in avocados are actually very healthy.

The abundance of good vitamins and compounds are helpful to having a healthy body.

According to Underground Health, an alternative medicine website, avocados are beneficial to your cardiovascular and circulatory systems. The vitamin B6 and folic acid in avocados help regulate the levels of homocysteine in the body, which are linked to increased risk of heart disease. The vitamin E and glutathione help maintain a healthy heart while the beta-sitosterol in avocados have been effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

They also contain a high amount of potassium that can also help control blood pressure.

The monounsaturated fats are the good fats that can reverse insulin resistance which in turn help regulate blood sugar levels. The soluble fiber in avocados helps to steady those levels.

Underground Health also discusses many other benefits to avocados. Studies have shown

that the intake of avocados can hinder the growth of prostate cancer.

The phytonutrient compound found in them is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the risk of degenerative disorders. The carotenoid lutein in avocados protects your eyes from age related macular degeneration and cataracts.

A v o c a d o s Avocados are full of healthy nutrients. cados are a conditioner and an ancan even help the body stay young. The an- ti-frizz agent. Just mash up the intioxidants found in avocados side and apply to damp clean hair.

Avocados are also a bad are beneficial in the prevention of aging symptoms. Also, breath solution. They eliminate the glutathione may help boost bad breath and coated tongues the immune system, which by addressing the root of the slows the aging process down. problem: uncleansed intestines.

Eating a plain avocado may These fruits are beneficial to physical beauty as well as health. not sound that inviting, but there Avocados are great for the skin are many way to prepare them. and are used in many cosmetics Instead of using butter in baked because they nourish the skin and goods, use avocado. It is simimake it glow. They are excellent lar in its creamy and oily qualfor hair as well, especially those ity but it’s so much healthier. with curls according to Mannino Since avocado doesn’t melt like of Women’s Day magazine. Avo- butter does, slightly increase

Throughout the day, students are usually running to their classes and club meetings, anxious about the next presentation or assignment. It’s easy for stress to take its toll and overwhelm us, especially at this time of the semester when midterms are in full swing. Even if you’ve never considered it, practicing yoga could be a great way to relieve your stress and calm your mind.

Along with being a stress reliever, Freshman Ricki Schilowitz believes that yoga has taught her patience. “I think just because you’re not good at it when you first start doesn’t mean yoga isn’t right for you,” Schilowitz said. “It means you just need more practice and you need to be patient.”

Schilowitz, who attends the sessions of Junior Cat Pappas, a student instructor, says after yoga class, she feels like her body is more balanced, her mind is more at peace and it’s easier for her to go about her night when doing homework. It also helps with her back pain.

Pappas makes sure her students relieve

their stress properly.

“Each body is different, and not only that, each side of our body holds tension differently,” Pappas said.

“So it’s really being able to read someone’s body and seeing what they need.”

She also recommends anyone who does physical activity to exercise at least twice a week.

“I’ve noticed with my regulars that come...you notice the benefits within your body and you can feel that flexibility within a month,” Pappas said. “It’s that muscle memory that helps you through it.”

Freshman Clara Suarez, also a yoga instructor, believes that students who take yoga at Eckerd are looking for a relaxing workout rather than a transcendent spiritual experience.

“When I first started yoga, I wasn’t looking for it, either.

But after practicing for a few years I’ve begun to notice that I’ve developed a sense of control over my mind and body, a new capacity for self-discipline and a renewed sense of gratitude for the little things my body does,” Suarez said.

“I don’t think I am anywhere near reaching enlightenment, but I definitely understand how yoga is an important tool for many to achieve it.”

Suarez believes it’s essential to focus on proper breathing and muscle tension. “Doing this allows your body and mind to cooperate in a way that is different from other exercises,” Suarez said. “There is something very spiritually rewarding about having all parts of yourself work together like that.”

Sophomore Charlie Colvin took Junior Rebecca Kass’ sunset yoga session for the first time with a friend visiting Eckerd and enjoyed the practice she focused on. He says because the poses focused on strength, the class was intense but easy enough to follow along with since she walks around helping her students with technique.

“It was such a good workout and I was sore for a couple of days but it was also very calming because she regulated our breathing the whole time,” Colvin said. It is hard for him to find time to practice but he will be regularly attending Kass’ classes in the future.

Even if yoga isn’t right for you, it’s important to set time for yourself everyday to do something you enjoy doing.

Suarez, Pappas and Kass all offer yoga classes at the Eckerd Fitness Center.

Meals with Midge: Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Herbs

By MJ Harford Staff Writer

photo by Emma Cotton

the amount of the other liquids to compensate. Besides, the idea of green food sounds fun.

Acording to the Huffington Post, avocados are a great source of fiber. The possibilities of food are endless: salad, guacamole, gelato, pizza, pasta and anything you bake.

Avocados are just so wonderful for the body that there is no reason not to eat them. They grow in Florida, so Eckerd students are in the perfect location.

One can buy fresh avocados at the Saturday Morning Market as well as other local food markets.

Yoga classes help students relax from daily stress

By Nicole Zavala Staff Writer

the current

Classes run almost every day of the week so this would be a great opportunity to check out the group fitness schedule to see if you can fit yoga into your daily routine.

“It’s about finding that activity that helps you find a centering, calming drive,” Pappas said. “It’s just being able to make time in the day for you to have those few moments to yourself so you can do better in school and with your friends and loved ones.”

Another form of yoga taught at the fitness center is yoga flow. Yoga Flow is a fast paced style that involves postures designed to get the heart rate up. It’s different from other forms of yoga because of the speed of the workout and it’s based on vinyasas, so it’s very diverse in the forms of poses used. Michelle Breult teaches yoga flow in the gym on Sundays, 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.

Suarez teaches yoga in the dance room on Sundays for an hour at 3 p.m. and Mondays at 4 p.m. Pappas teaches on Mondays at 7 to 8:15 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Kass is able to teach on Tuesdays at 7 to 8:50 p.m. and Fridays from 3 to 4 p.m.

Breault teaches yoga flow on Sundays from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

Like us on Facebook for the latest breaking news and updates.

Go to www.facebook.com/TheOnlineCurrent and follow us on Twitter at @TheECCurrent.

This issue’s recipe comes adapted from a beautiful cookbook called “Plenty” by Yotam Ottolenghi. He embraces plant-based recipes that are seasonal and nutrient-dense, not to mention beautiful and original. This quinoa salad can easily serve as a satisfying main dish because of its combination of grains and vegetables.

One serving of this salad has an abundance of protein, magnesium, Vitamin D and iron. Many of these benefits come from the sweet potato and the quinoa.

Quinoa, pronounced “keen-wah,” is an ancient grain that has a minimum of around five grams of protein per serving and is naturally gluten free. Sweet potatoes are high in magnesium, vitamin D and iron, which decrease inflammation, help with mood, energy levels and skin health.

Try not to be intimidated by the longer ingredient list or directions.

These are items you can find at Publix and make in a toaster oven and on a single burner. Preparing this recipe is a good opportunity for the “mise en place” (have everything in it’s place) technique; before you begin cooking, make sure to have all the ingredients chopped and measured. This way, the process can go smoothly with no burned garlic or rice stuck to the bottom of your pan. It took me about an hour from start to finish, including waiting for the rice to cook.

Ingredients: · 1 medium sweet potato · 3 tablespoons olive oil · Salt/pepper · 1/2 cup mixed wild rice · 1/2 cup quinoa · 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced · 3 tablespoons shredded sage leaves · 3 tablespoons chopped oregano · 6 tablespoons shredded mint · 4 green onions (green parts only), thinly sliced · 1 teaspoon lemon juice Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit,

peel and dice sweet potato into 1-inch cubes, toss with half the oil and salt/pepper. Roast for around 20 minutes, until tender.

2. Cook the rice, then drain pot and add boiling water over the quinoa.

Simmer for around 10 minutes.

Combine rice and quinoa in large bowl.

3. Put remaining oil in a frying pan, let the oil heat up until it starts to crackle a bit. Add the garlic and toast until light brown. Add in the herbs for about a minute. Pour over the rice/quinoa.

4. Add the sweet potato and green onions to the rice/quinoa/herbs.

Toss gently with the lemon juice.

Some crumbled goat cheese or

feta can be a delicious addition when sprinkled on top.

photo by MJ Harford Deviled eggs and celery.

Each issue I’ll be sharing an allergen friendly recipe that is easy, nutritious, and delicious. If you make any of them tag me in your instagram photos (@ midgesmoments) with the hashtag #mealswithmidge. If you have any requests, like converting a classic recipe to its healthier version or particular kind of meal for a particular allergy, send me an email (mjharfor@eckerd.edu).

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C

the current

March 21, 2014

Sports 15

Sports UPCOMING

SPORTS March 21

SOFTBALL

3 p.m. @ Lynn University

BASEBALL

7 p.m. v. Rollins College

March 22

WOMEN’S TENNIS

11 a.m. @ Rollins College

SOFTBALL

1 p.m. @ Lynn University (DH)

BASEBALL

1 p.m. v. Rollins College (DH)

March 23

WOMEN’S TENNIS

11 a.m. v. University of Missouri-St. Louis @ Tampa

March 24

MEN’S TENNIS

10 a.m. v. St. Olaf College

March 26

BASEBALL

Noon v. Flagler College

SOFTBALL

1 p.m. @ Ave Maria University (DH)

March 28

BASEBALL

6 p.m. v. Lynn University

SOFTBALL

6 p.m. @ University of Tampa

March 29

BASEBALL

1 p.m. v. Lynn University (DH)

SOFTBALL

1 p.m. @ University of Tampa (DH)

April 1

SOFTBALL

2 p.m. @ Southeastern University (DH)

C

By Mike Geibel Sports Editor For me, spring has always been an incredibly exciting time in the world of sports. There is a lot going on with the NHL making the final push to the playoffs, March Madness taking over NCAA basketball and spring training gearing up in the MLB. Even the NFL draft is an exciting time, and usually falls near my birthday, which is an extra benefit.

The one part of the spring that I dread every year is NFL free agency. To me, free agency is nothing more than a group of overpaid athletes clamoring for more money or a better city.

What bigger slap in the face to us, the fans, than to hear an athlete ask to sign somewhere else.

Granted, not all athletes choose to leave, and some even retire rather than go to a different team, but for the most part, NFL players go where the money is piled highest, instead of playing for a true love of the game.

The idea that players can make requests like “I want to sign with a different team, but not THAT one,” blow my mind. Especially free agents who make these demands. Free agents, by virtue of being a free agent in the first place, are not worth their current contract to their current team. So why then should other teams across the league scramble to sign these players if their own teams don’t feel that the value is there to keep them around?

With the NFL draft coming just a few weeks down the line, why not wait and draft a player for a much better price? Most free agents also don’t have the years left in them to keep up with a new draft pick. The most aggravating contract to me is the one-year deal. This contract signals to the team that the players will only be around as long as the teams keeps winning, alienating the players who have signed longer contracts.

The nearly unfathomable size of some of the recent NFL contracts is a slap in the face to fans as well.

No human being on earth should receive an eight-figure yearly salary to play a professional sport. If I had my way, seven digits would be out of the question as well. The league minimum salary affords a very comfortable lifestyle, especially when considering the added benefits and per diem payments. And what does the NFL really need this money for? They get shoes, clothes, meals, bottles comped at night clubs, hotel rooms comped in Vegas, backstage passes to concerts and tons of other freebies. The lowest minimum salary in the NFL, according to NBC Sports, is $375,000 for active roster rookies, nearly seven times the median salary in the United States.

According to the NFL, veteran players receive $1,225 per week and rookies receive $800 per week just for training camp. Voluntary offseason workouts earn each player $120 per day.

Also according to NFL.com, most players receive their full salary even if they are placed on injured reserve (for which the NFL Players Association provides health insurance).

That’s why I’m skeptical when I hear any NFL player say that they aren’t in it for the money. Or that they deserve to get paid because they risk bodily injury for the game.

Players cite the statistic that the average NFL career is only four years long when demanding more money, yet players still choose to leave college early without getting a degree to join the NFL ranks. If the focus of the athlete was on the future of his financial situation, the smart choice would be to graduate with a college degree to fall back on after those four years in the NFL were over.

Good Vibes: Your action sports source Clifford wins two to start season

By Dominick Cuppetilli Asst. Sports Editor

The 2014 wakeboarding season has officially gotten underway with the first two major events of the season: the Moomba Masters and the Mandurah World Cup. The Moomba Masters holds events in both wakeboarding and waterskiing, and is a highly awaited contest by locals of Melbourne, as it brings in riders from around the world. The Nautique sponsored event is held on the Yarra River, cutting right through the heart of Melbourne.

Harley Clifford started the season with two wins under his belt as he climbed to the top of the podium in both of these Australian events.

Following Clifford on the podium was Tony Iacconi in second with Danny Harf finishing third. While Clifford and Iacconi are both up and coming stars of the wakeboarding world, Harf is a veteran rider who has been around since wakeboarding was still in the X Games, and has done wonders for the sport.

Shortly after the Moomba Masters wrapped up, riders made the trip over to Mandurah for the next event. The Mandurah World Cup is held in partnership with Australia’s Action Sports Games, also featuring motocross, BMX and skateboarding.

The men’s event podium was a sweep of Australian riders. Iacconi took third this time after just finishing Moomba with a silver, while Cory Teunissen climbed up to the second place position. Clifford walked away with two first

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

place finished in the first two weeks of March.

Raimi Merritt stood on top in the women’s division, bringing the gold back to her home here in Fla. Close behind her was Nicola Butler, and Caroline Djupsjo ended up with a third place finish.

Warmer weather is upon us and with the opening of wake season comes the closing of snowboarding season. The Burton U.S. Open marks one of the final contests of this year’s powder.

The Burton U.S. Open was led by Taylor Gold, a rising star of the sport. Gold told Transworld Snowboarding that he was super stoked on how the season went for the young riders of the sport, and is glad to be showing the world what they are capable of.

After coming off a bronze-winning run at the Sochi Olympics, Taku Hiraoka scored a second place finish here at the event. David Habluetzel was unable to podium at the Sochi Olympics, but came up with a bronze in the Open to end the season.

SCORE BOARD Men’s Basketball March 8 v. Florida Southern College @ SSC Tournament L 82-76 March 7 v. Nova Southeastern University @ SSC Tournament W 66-52 March 5 v. Barry University @ SSC Tournament W 83-73

Women’s Basketball March 6 v. Nova Southeastern University @ SSC Tournament L 75-68

Baseball March 15 @ Florida Tech (DH) W 3-2, W 3-2 March 14 @ Florida Tech L 6-4 March 12 v. Hillsdale College W 3-2 (11 innings) March 10 v. Ohio Valley University W 5-4

Softball March 15 @ Rollins College (DH) L 8-1, L 9-1 March 14 @ Rollins College L 4-0 March 11 v. Warner University (DH) W 7-2, L 2-0 (8 innings)

promotional photo

16

the current

March 21, 2014

Sports

Softball swept by Rollins, falls back to .500

By Will Creager Asst. Sports Editor

photo by Spencer Yaffe Sophomore Infielder Natalie Leffler gets ready to run from third base in a game against Nova Southeastern University.

Winning Shots Send your fan photos to currentsports@eckerd.edu for a chance to be featured in upcoming issues of The Current.

photo by Alex Zielinski Players compete in the Rachel Price 3v3 Tournament, which took place March 15. Teams of up to six members payed $170 to register, with the proceeds going to the Rachel Price Scholarship.

Baseball starts SSC play strong

By Will Creager Asst. Sports Editor

The Eckerd baseball team is getting hot at the right time, winning six of their last eight games and winning two of three games in each of their first pair of Sunshine State Conference series.

After taking two of three games from No. 25 Nova Southeastern University March 7 and 8 to begin SSC play, they began their series at Florida Tech by losing 6-4 March 14 despite taking an early 2-0 advantage.

It then looked like Florida Tech was going to take the first game of the double-header March 15, as they took a 2-0 lead into the ninth inning. However, Sophomore Shortstop Rowdy Andrews, Junior Catcher Mike Abraham and Senior Outfielder Mike Vavasis all singled to load the bases with one out. Senior First Baseman Chris Hanson singled to make it a 2-1 game, and then Sophomore Outfielder Carter

Cashman gave Eckerd the lead with a two-run single. They held Florida Tech scoreless in the bottom half of the ninth, picking up the 3-2 lead.

Cashman again played a big part in picking up the win for Eckerd in the second game of the doubleheader. With the two teams tied 2-2 entering the sixth inning of the seven-inning contest, Cashman led off the inning with a double.

With two outs, he stole third and then scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch. Junior transfer Pitcher Jimmy Gutowski allowed just two runs in seven innings, earning the victory for the Tritons.

The team’s success has been fueled heavily by their greatly improved pitching staff, which has allowed just 26 runs in their past 10 games. This stretch has brought their team ERA down to 3.51 so far this year, which is drastically better than their 2013 team ERA of 6.57.

One of the main reasons for this

turnaround has been Gutowski, who has pitched in six games, five of which were starts, and has a perfect 6-0 record with an ERA of 3.00 while leading the team with 36 innings pitched and two complete games. He is one of 11 Tritons who have an ERA below 4.00, something that no Eckerd player could claim last year.

Offensive and defensive numbers have also improved from last year, but not as significantly as their pitching. Their slash stats are up from .268/.331/.375 last year to .289/.369/.382 so far this year, while their fielding percentage has jumped from .939 to .950.

Abraham and Senior Outfielder Lincoln Dunham are a big reason for the offensive improvement, as they have the top two batting averages on the team this season, at .371 and .366 averages respectively.

They both hit just .250 last year.

An increased role for Cashman

has also helped, as he has started 12 of the team’s 20 games so far, while hitting .340 and leading the team with seven doubles. He made just one start in the 2013 season.

This overall improvement in every aspect of the game has helped the team jump out to a 14-6 record, already just one win shy of matching their 2013 win total in 30 less games.

Head Coach Bill Mathews agrees that all aspects of their game have contributed to the team’s success.

“I think our pitchers are getting ahead in counts and forcing hitters to put good pitches in play,” Mathews said. “Our defense has been outstanding over the last two weeks and that certainly makes a huge difference. Our timely hitting has been crucial.”

The Tritons will look to continue their solid SSC play so far when they take on Rollins College in a three-game series March 21 and 22 at the Turley Athletic Complex.

After a hot 14-game stretch where the team went 12-2, the Eckerd softball team has started struggling again, losing six of their last seven games and falling back to .500 at 13-13 on the season.

After winning three of their first four Sunshine State Conference games, the Tritons have dropped their last five. The streak started March 8, when they lost both games of a double header against Florida Tech by scores of 3-2 and 4-2.

They then got swept in a threegame series at Rollins College March 14 and 15, getting outscored 21-2 in the process. They lost by at least four runs in all three games, something that hadn’t even happened to Eckerd once since they went 0-5 in the Eckerd College Spring Invitational to start the season.

Head Coach Josh Beauregard is still happy with the way his team is playing, and thinks that his team will come back strong again.

“I do not believe we are in a funk, we played a very good team this weekend and it showed,” he said. “We have to keep working to improve. If we have to do one thing to get back to where we should be, it would be to hit.”

In spite of their recent rough patch, the Triton’s pitching staff has still been strong, which has allowed them to maintain a .500 record. Junior transfers Amber Hay and Erin Dixson have both been solid on the mound, as Hay is 5-6 with a 2.42 ERA and Dixson is 8-7 with a 2.57 ERA while combining to complete 18 of their 26 starts.

Offensively, Sophomore Shortstop Kara Oberer and Senior Outfielder Chelsea Jeffares have provided sparks from the top of the order. Jeffares leads the team with a .351 average, three triples, 14 RBI and four steals and is second with 26 hits and 12 runs, while Oberer leads the team with 20 runs and 27 hits, is tied for the team lead with three homers and is second with a .333 average and nine walks.

Eckerd will look to get back on track in their three-game series at Lynn University March 21 and 22. If they can rebound strongly from this slump, they still have a great chance at achieving their goal of becoming the most successful team in school history.

In Issue 9, we incorrectly stated that Lynn University’s Alessandro Sarra was ranked eighth in the nation. Sarra was actually ranked sixth nationally.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

C