Issue 6 of The Current

The world is set to end Dec. 21. See Viewpoints page 9 on preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse.

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Vol. 4, Issue 6—Dec. 7, 2012

Behind the brassy boxes: An inside look

A glimpse of the inner-workings of the Eckerd College campus mailroom

News

Volunteering in New Jersey EC students volunteer to help victims of Hurricane Sandy.

By Malena Carollo Asst. News Editor

page 3

Entertainment

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student’s campus mailbox is his or her connection to the outside world. It’s a tiny window into an air-conditioned room where birthday cards appear, books are delivered and the results of the all-important writing portfolio rest each semester. Though the end result is simple—a package or a letter—the process of getting mail from the truck to a campus mailbox is much more complex.

While official hours of operation for the Eckerd mailroom begin at 9 a.m., Mailroom Clerk Tom Given is the first to arrive at 8:30 a.m., preparing the facility for the day’s mail. The window opens at 9 for operations, and the staff prepares for the constant stream of mail throughout the day.

How it works For the campus mailroom, 1,000 letters and 330 packages arriving in one day is considered slow. Packages and letters are received from UPS, DHL, FedEx Home, FedEx Ground and the United States Post Service (USPS).

Because there are so many different delivery services, mail can arrive anywhere from 8:30 a.m. to the end of operation hours.

The biggest shipments come from UPS and USPS around 10:30 a.m. A honk signals the truck’s arrival; Given and Supervisor John Ackerman unload the packages onto a cart, marking the date on each in marker. They sign for registered, certified and express mail only.

Once the packages are unloaded and marked, they are scanned into the mailroom’s electronic database, which Ackerman updates by hand each year. Any packages without a barcode are hand-written on slips that are put in students’ boxes. Package slips are then printed from the database, and the slips are stuffed into the individual mailboxes.

In the event a package arrives with only the college’s address on it, no personal mailbox number or name, it sits in a pile of currently around 20 undeliverable packages. Students can claim these by producing a tracking number.

Unclaimed packages, after a few months, are returned to the sender or the post office.

If the package is from a company like Amazon that includes a receipt slip with the purchaser’s name inside, Ackerman said he will open the package to find the name and put a slip in the correct box.

Macklemore plays show Eckerd students make drive to Orlando to see artist with new single. page 13

The Quickie

Longboarding Club Find out more about what the club on wheels can bring to our community.

page 17

Health & Fitness

Eckerd goes gluten-free Three students give different accounts of their gluten-free diet. page 20

Sports

Point guard’s story Sophomore Kayla Bowlin shares her story of coming to Eckerd. page 21

Campus front entrance to get facelift

By Aaron Levy Asst. Entertainment Editor photo by Alex Zielinski Eckerd College student mailboxes.

Letters have their own process. A carton of letters that arrives will be sorted into groups according to which department or box number they will go to. Given or a student employee will do “The Walk” to different departments to

deliver mail. Once the letters are sorted, they are stuffed into mailboxes.

“It’s kind of a meditative thing,” Junior Camille See MAILBOXES, page 4

Winter break brings dorm room inspections by staff

EC Book policy violations documented, potential disciplinary action as result

By Alexandra Roberts Asst. News Editor Whether you have your suitcases for break in hand or not, make sure to take a look around the room or suite to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything, like compliance with campus housing regulations.

Paying attention now can avoid a conduct meeting later—and avoid potential fines.

By the time students return after break, Campus Safety will have Please Recycle

INDEX:

inspected each room and suite.

Though the college does not set out to “write-up” students, Campus Safety does intend to enter all campus housing units to secure the campus for closing during winter break.

“Students are only written up if a blatant policy violation is left in plain view while staff members enter every room to lock all windows and doors and ensure everyone has left the campus,” said Coordinator of Community

News 2-8

Viewpoints 9-12

Standards Lori Meehan.

Under the terms of signed housing agreements, the college reserves the right to enter and inspect each room/suite. The inspection is part of an ongoing effort to protect the health, safety and welfare of residents.

The four most common housing violations observed in the past during room and suite inspections relate to lofting, illegal extension cords, candles and other open flames and ceiling violations.

Entertainment 13-16

Students can loft their beds to the highest rung and use plastic risers, but for safety reasons cannot loft any furniture on top of other furniture. For open flames, any appliance with the capacity to produce an open flame is prohibited because of fire hazards. And regarding ceilings, nothing should be hung from drop ceilings and no ceiling tiles should be removed.

These rules are to prevent any See SCSB, page 5

The Quickie 17-18 Health & Fitness 19-20 Sports 21-24

With all the public attention Eckerd’s front entrance has been receiving lately because of the recent, tragic accident that killed ASPEC member Robert “Bob” Shepherd, the last thing on most people’s minds has been how the front gate and its landscaping actually look.

Well, get ready for a change.

College officials say students can expect a few changes when they return from winter term. New landscaping and a demolition of the rock wall with existing Eckerd signage are just a couple of changes.

But whether the changes will have a fundamental impact on the way students enter the campus is yet to be seen. One thing’s for certain: the changes have long been planned to coincide with the Jan. 31 opening of the James Center for Molecular and Life Sciences, and not in response to the recent, fatal car accident or the college’s petition to Governor See GATE, page 4

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

2 News

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

LET’S BE BRIEF Global

National

Egypt’s constitution receives protests from minorities

Florida Department of Health receives criticism for offensive survey

The Washington Post Egypt’s new constitution, though approved by Parliament, received protest from many.

Minority political groups are concerned because the draft constitution was born in the constituent assembly, a body known to favor Islamists.

There is great concern that minority religions will not receive the adequate protections and many Christians and secularists are also concerned that the constitution will just consolidate the political victories with the Islamists.

North Korea plans satellite launch despite UN resolutions The Washington Post

Tampa Bay Times Florida Department of Health surveyed 4,000 women statewide between the ages of 18 and 24, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

While the survey did ask basic questions, it also asked detailed personal questions that prompted extreme criticism, cancelling a second round of surveys being sent.

Receivers of the random survey responded with confusion and outrage as they were asked to discuss numbers of sexual partners, experienced emotions after unprotected sex and losing virginity, among others.

Though women were offered $10 CVS gift cards in exchange for participation, the survey’s results were inclusive in the research of Florida’s record low contraception usage.

Indefinite detention dispute

North Korea plans to launch a three stage rocket containing a satellite between Dec. 10-22.

When this was attempted in April, the rocket dissolved 90 seconds after takeoff.

Both launches are nominally bearing satellites, but use technology that could build an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile capable of delivering nuclear warheads anywhere in the world.

The new launch will be aimed south over the Yellow Sea between China and South Korea just like the last one, though the new launch is receiving near universal condemnation. The United States, Japan, South Korea and China have all come out declaring the launch as illegal and destabilizing to the East Asian region.

Local

Local Christmas tree lot burns, arson expected Bay News 9

Fluoride reintroudced to tap water in Pinellas Tampa Bay Times

Gallagher Christmas Trees crumbled into ashes after the lot was set on fire around 4 a.m. Dec. 2. The lot on 3100 Fourth St. N in St. Petersburg incurred between $5,000 and $6,000 of damage, according to investigators.

Evidence was also found indicating that someone had poured gasoline on several of the farm’s trees.

In an interview with Bay News 9, owner David Gallagher stated about the incident, “It hurts a lot, it really does,” Gallagher said. “I mean, we’re family-owned. We’re not corporate, and you know, it’s not like it’s just a write-off for us that we took a loss, so we do have to make up for it.”

Pinellas County Commission voted to resume adding fluoride to the county water supply Nov. 26. The decision officially reversed an Oct. 2011 decision by the same commission.

Opinions on the matter range from advocates of public health to others claiming an overreach of government power, though the final decision was supported by health reasons. Fluoridation was approved by a 6-1 vote and will begin March 1.

The New York Times Senate voted Nov. 29 to amend the National Defense Authorization Act, supported 67 to 29 votes, to prohibit the government from detaining Americans arrested domestically.

This is in direct opposition to 2011’s definition allowing the indefinite detention of U.S. citizens and green card holders without trial or charges if they were accused of terrorist affiliations.

The implementation of the amendment is still pending.

Campus

Student’s photograph featured by “Vogue Italia” Junior Nika Ostby had a photograph selected as the “Photo of the Day” on the website for “Vogue Italia” Dec. 3. The photograph features fellow students Michelle MacChesney and Kaathleen Collins.

“I was so excited to get my picture accepted in Photo Vogue on Vogue Italia’s website. I was even more honored to be chosen as Photo of the Day.” “I’m so thankful for this opportunity and for my friends, especially photo by Nika Ostby Michelle Machesney and Kathleen The photo selected by “Vogue Italia” for their website.

Collins who are featured in my photo.

They are so supportive and I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Venezuelan students attend EC to escape conditions at home Poor economic conditions and violence at home drive Venezuelan youth to study abroad at U.S. colleges

By Maria Andreina Mora Bello Contributing Writer Venezuela may be rich in oil and beautiful Caribbean beaches, but this South American country, about the size of Texas, could be losing its most precious resource—the intellect and verve of its youngest and brightest.

The majority of Eckerd College’s international student population this year hails from Venezuela.

Each of these students has a reason for coming here and a unique story about how they got here.

Take Luis and Juan Herrera, brothers who moved from Venezuela to the U.S. to enroll in the ELS program. Luis moved to the U.S. in August 2011 and Juan the year before.

Sophomore Luis is 19; Junior Juan, 20. They are from Margarita Island, which is part of Venezuela and is located in the Caribbean.

The distance from Caracas, the capital, to Margarita is more than 200 miles.

Luis, an international relations major said, “It is not safe for me or my brother to go to school in

Venezuela. If you get stuck in traffic and you are not looking around you, someone could come on a motorbike and put a gun to your head, rob or kidnap you.”

Juan Herrera is in the engineering program at Eckerd. He also works as a physics tutor. They have an older brother, Enrique who is 25 and still lives in Venezuela.

He graduated from La Universidad Metropolitana, one of the top universities of the country, and is now working at Novartis, a pharmaceutical company.

Enrique explained to Juan that the conditions back home are not good at all. A college graduate, he said, only makes about $400 a month. Juan works 10 hours a week as an Eckerd physics tutor.

He makes the same amount of money that his brother makes back home. Since the currency in Venezuela has devaluated, the cost of living is expensive. A salary of just $400 a month makes life difficult.

Venezuelans may be facing tough times, but students like Junior Jesus Silva, say they refuse to lose hope.

Still, Silva is worried about the economic and political situation.

“We still have a country, however I feel that is disappearing each year.

For this reason, we need to work harder for it.”

Many Venezuelan students say they come to the U.S. for the kind of education that will benefit their home country when they return.

For others, returning home is less a possibility.

Alejandro Sosa, from Valencia City, the third largest city in Venezuela, is an Eckerd freshman majoring in physics. Venezuela, he said, has few opportunities for students studying physics.

“You don’t have chances to succeed.” But that’s not the only reason Sosa’s here. “Venezuela is extremely dangerous for me and my family. That is also the reason why I came here and my sister will come, too. I wouldn’t like to be on my way to class and get robbed or something worse.”

Sosa said he’s most saddened by how the government is dividing his country. “Whether you are for the government or if you are not for the government, they will make you feel that you are not part of Venezuela.”

Victor Gomez is a junior, also majoring in physics. He said he

misses his family very much.

The distance and costs of expensive tickets keep him from visiting family as much as he would like. Gomez said that even though the working situation in Venezuela is getting worse and worse, his family keeps working harder to keep him in the U.S. and at Eckerd.

While Venezuelan students here share similar experiences, they don’t necessarily share the same dream of returning home.

Some cite the violence in Venezuela, the worsening quality

of education and the lack of job opportunity as reasons for building a life in the U.S. after graduation.

But others insist there’s still no place like home.

“Living in the U.S. has been a great experience to me,” Silva said.

“I have learned a lot, I consider that my living experience here has changed the way I think, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go back and rebuild my country. I feel like I owe my country so much and I will give back to Venezuela everything I have learned here.”

photo by Maria Andreina Mora Bello Juan Herrera (left) speaks to his brother Luis on campus.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

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the current

Dec. 7, 2012

News 3

NEWS Students volunteer to help Sandy victims Students volunteers with nonprofit in New Jersey; send care packages to victims

By Taylor Glaws Staff Writer The scene in Far Rockaway on Nov. 24—yards strewn with debris, water marks up to six feet high, and many completely gutted first floors —was all too familiar to Queens residents.

A large crowd of volunteers gathering in front of St. Gertrude’s Church was a welcome sight in one of the areas hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy.

The church, which currently serves as the headquarters for World Cares Center, was a hive of activity by 9 a.m. on Saturday.

World Cares Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2001 shortly after Sept. 11, is confronted by many of the same problems as larger disaster relief organizations, such as power outages and massive flood damage.

However, WCC hopes to avoid the staggering logistical problems that inhibit other organizations from mobilizing quickly by making effective use of “SUVCs,” or Spontaneous Unaffiliated Citizen Volunteers, and by promoting “individual and family preparedness” in vulnerable communities.

One of WCC’s primary missions

in Queens is to help community members assess and mitigate the damage to their houses. Reggie Warren, the Commander of WCC operations in Far Rockaway, described the “muck-out” process: “It’s demolition work...and the whole process of mold mitigation.”

To accomplish this, Warren explains, WCC first sends out professionals to survey houses to ensure the safety of residents, and less specialized volunteers.

Explaining the importance of this practice, Warren said, “I don’t want to hack at a wall and hit a live line or something.” After this phase, teams of eight to ten volunteers are sent to their assigned houses.

Starting at 9 a.m., the teams set to work ripping out sheetrock, pulling up floor tiles, removing moldy wood and insolation and hauling bags of these materials out to the curb.

This also involved removing the homeowners’ waterlogged possessions from their houses, and required a great deal of sensitivity and respect on the part of the volunteers.

With only a few minor hiccups (at one point a bus filled with volunteers arrived at it’s assigned house only to realize that no one had re-

photo by Taylor Glaws A pile of garbage bags sits behind the van used to transport a group to their worksite.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

Sustainability update

page 4

New professor

page 5

A semester in London

page 6

Blast from the past

page 8

City backs light for EC entrance

By Anna Klingenberg Staff Writer

photo by Taylor Glaws A pile of belongings brought out of a damaged by volunteers.

membered to grab the necessary equipment.

As the group headed back to base, the bus driver exclaimed, “This’ll drive me to drink!” The teams of volunteers finished 13 houses in five hours.

The work done in just one day by WCC volunteers was made all the more impressive by the amount of cooperation and coordination with other disaster relief organizations such as Occupy Sandy (an offshoot of Occupy Wall Street), as well as various church groups, that was necessary to achieve it.

Other groups represented in the cramped headquarters of WCC were the Rockaway Surf Club, and participants in the citywide “Irish Day of Action.” “The Irish look out for each other” said one volunteer proudly.

The multiplicity of groups and individuals that participate in WCC relief efforts like the one on Nov. 24 reflects the philosophy of the organization as stated by WCC founder Lisa Orloff in a video on the WCC website, “Everyone has something to contribute.”

In many ways the coming together of people from such diverse backgrounds embodied the spirit

of the city. One group consisted of three Irish immigrants, a young family from Staten Island and an off duty police officer from Queens, who all identified as New Yorkers first.

The sense of duty felt by the volunteers to help their fellow citizens was best articulated by Warren, a native of The Bronx.

“The day of the hurricane I was like ‘man I need to get back to my city, you know, I need to clean up my city,” he said.

Similar feelings of responsibility exist among Eckerd students who are returning home to the New York/New Jersey area this Winter Term: “I know there are plenty of people without homes, and plenty of schools that had to relocate due to not having a safe environment for students,” said Junior Lauren Thompson, “while I am home I am hoping to donate my time for the cause and to bring ideas back down for ways to help restore the shore.”

At the end of a long day, volunteers returned to Saint Gertrude’s exhausted, but optimistic about the daunting workload ahead of them, as they strive to help their city recover from one of the worst catastrophes it has seen.

Spring break 2013 service trip destinations finalized

C

INSIDE NEWS

The St. Petersburg city council voted unanimously for a stoplight to be placed at the entrance of Eckerd College after hearing a request from the school’s president, Donald Eastman, Nov. 19. Eastman was accompanied by about two dozen members of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College (ASPEC) and friends of Robert “Bob” Shepherd, who was killed in a Nov. 7 car accident at the entrance of the campus.

Eastman explained to the council the location of Eckerd College and his position at the school, where more than 500 members of the faculty and staff and more than 1,800 students traveling in and around the campus are at risk because of the way the entrance is constructed.

Eastman continued to explain that the citizens standing in the audience belong to ASPEC, and that just 12 days earlier, long time friend and fellow member, Robert “Bob” Shepherd passed away.

Most members of the Eckerd community already know of the tragic Nov. 7 accident, where Shepherd and two other ASPEC members, Frances “Blackie” Sparzani and her husband Aldo Sparzani were hit by an oncoming car while pulling out of Eckerd’s main entrance, as reported in The Online Current. The Current learned that in a 2001 article he had told the St. Petersburg Times, “It’s a tragedy waiting to happen.”

Council member Steve Kornell was the first to respond by saying “I just want to take a brief moment to point out ASPEC. It’s such a unique program. It’s such a great educational program.” Kornell is an Eckerd alum who graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in human development and was able to sympathize with President Eastman and ASPEC members.

Like Kornell, Vice-Chair Leslie Curran is also an Eckerd College alumnus.

Junior Christy Morrow believes that a stoplight at the main entrance would be a good addition to Eckerd.“My personal opinion is that a stoplight would be a safer option for the Eckerd community because it can reduce speeding and make students more aware when exiting the campus.”

Not all students at Eckerd would agree. “I believe a stoplight in front of campus would be a bad idea because it will make oncoming traffic from the toll road and 275 backed up and congested, which will cause more problems,” said Sophomore Danielle Buchanan.

In the future, the students at Eckerd College should be on the lookout for updates on the light’s possible installation. President Eastman has been doing what he believes is best to keep not only the Eckerd community safe, but also the commuters traveling down 54th Avenue.

4 News

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Mailroom addresses common complaints of students, concerns over security MAILBOXES from front

Ayrea said. “I get in the zone and keep stuffing. It’s also really fun because you can hear people talking outside. That’s the best part because you can hear all the gossip from people.”

One thing she wishes Eckerd students knew is to be patient with students working the window. “It’s good to be patient with students working the window. “It’s good to be patient and not get sassy with whoever’s at the window,” she said, “because it probably wasn’t their fault if something went wrong.”

Student employees Ayrea is a third-year employee at the mailroom. She is one of 13 students on work-study or student assist in the mailroom.

According to Ackerman, students are selected for the position if they are outgoing, courteous and energetic. Ayrea noted that having available hours coinciding with the mailroom’s busy hours helps as well.

“The students work hard [in the mailroom], they do,” Ackerman said. “This is not like a normal job that a student gets where they can do their homework all day.”

Unlike in post offices, students working in the Eckerd mailroom do not need to go through a security screening process and are not fingerprinted.

Ackerman notes that the lack of union regulations makes the mailroom much more relaxed, and students are allowed to handle all incoming mail. The only thing they cannot touch on their own is a lock box with stamps, which they must get permission to open.

Security Regarding security, the mailroom has had only one security breach in recent history.

The mailroom was broken into Nov. 30, 2011 through the main window and several mailboxes were pushed open from the inside.

According to Ackerman, a student worker saw the open boxes and reported the incident to Campus Safety.

All mail was accounted for, no charges were pressed because there were no witnesses or suspects and the federal post office was not involved. Because nothing was stolen, Assistant Director of Campus Safety Tonya Womack said, the break-in was not reported.

The break-in happened by the perpetrator jiggling loose a window.

The window locked at the top, but a metal bar was used by the mailroom to hold the lock down in place from inside because the lock often came loose on its own.

According to Given, the makeshift lock had been used since at least 1996. The windows have since been replaced with sturdier locks.

Student workers are held to their own measure of honesty, and Ackerman said he has never had a problem with a student employee.

In a worst-case scenario of a student employee breaking into mail, Ackerman said he will report it to Campus Safety instead of the federal postal inspectors, likening it to the treatment of underage drinking or marijuana use on a college campus.

“If they’re ripping open cards, I’ll make a report to Campus Safety,” Ackerman said. “I’ve never had

anybody rip open packages that were not theirs.”

Mail tampering is a federal offense. The maximum punishment is a $250,000 fine and five years in federal prison.

According to Womack, complaints about missing or campus mail are not submitted through Campus Safety.

“I do know of a couple incidents that have been reported to the department,” Womack said in an email, “but ultimately the complaints are referred back to the mailroom.”

Complaints All complaints are directed to Ackerman. He addresses complaints verbally, and does not keep a written record of grievances.

“To us, we don’t get a lot of complaints,” Ackerman said. “From what I hear from the students that work here, if one person doesn’t receive their package when they were supposed to they’re talking in the dorms.”

Ackerman said he does not have plans to implement a system for submitting grievances beyond addressing them verbally.

The Current sent out a survey via email to the student body on their experience with the mailroom. Of the 151 students who responded, several complaints were common.

One was the hours of operation.

Science majors find that a combination of the morning class times and afternoon labs conflicts with the mailroom’s work day, making it difficult to make window hours.

“I have to choose between being late to class to get my mail or letting it stay until I can maybe get it on

a Tuesday or Thursday,” Senior Ian McKenzie, a biology major, said.

One solution students proposed in the survey was reinstating Saturday hours. Ackerman noted that Saturday hours had been attempted two times prior, once five years ago and once three years ago, in response to student demand. They were stopped because of the low student traffic.

Another complaint was that the stand-alone mailboxes not attached to the mailroom get filled slower.

“Lots of [student workers] don’t like to deal with [putting mail in the outside boxes],” Ayrea said.

Because mail comes in several times during the day, the mailroom staff waits until 1 or 2 p.m. to put mail into the boxes not attached to the mailroom all at once. Ayrea suggests bringing a tracking number and asking at the window if expecting a package in one of those boxes.

Two of the most common complaints in the survey were lost packages, or packages whose tracking numbers said they had arrived but weren’t in the mailroom. In the survey, 52.3 percent said they’ve had a package misplaced by the mailroom.

Ackerman said the two can easily be confused.

He noted that to look up a package, students need a tracking number. Often, a package is scanned at the U.S. Post Office in St. Petersburg, coming up as “delivered,” but the mail route takes awhile to actually deliver the package. Otherwise, the package may not have been properly addressed, and a tracking number will produce it from the unclaimed

pile. About once every two weeks, Ackerman will have a case that requires he ask the post office to trace a package.

Though many complaints were voiced in the survey, 53.6 percent said they were satisfied overall with the mailroom.

“For what we do,” Ackerman said, “I think we do a really, really good job at it for the amount of mail that comes in and to keep track of it and have it done every single day. And then on top of that do forwarding, return-tosenders and everything else.”

Quick guide to the Mailroom

Fast Facts

Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. MondayFriday

Shipping packages

70 lb maximum limit for boxes sent domestically 13 oz maximum limit for packages sent internationally

Receiving packages

70 lb maximum for boxes received

Tips on getting your mail Include full name, box number and school address Have tracking number

If a friend is picking up your mail Send email to ackermj@eckerd.edu from your EC address; say who’ll pick it up, your ID number, all mail or just one specific package

Campus anticipates new adjustments to front entrance GATE from front page

Rick Scott for a traffic light at the entrance.

According to President Donald Eastman in a recent interview with Current editors, “The landscaping from the front of campus all the way to the [James Center] will be done.”

This means new shrubs, a new main sign and no rock walls.

“The renovations will improve the appearance of the entrance and could arguably make it even a little safer,” says Bill McKenna, Eckerd’s director of planning, development and construction.

Designed to make the landscape appearance more consistent, plants and shrubs will be pushed back into campus from the street and the lighting at the entrance will be changed.

“It will be simpler for people to identify that this is the entrance to a college campus,” explains McKenna.

The current entry system, which requires all cars to pass directly by the campus security guard shack, is considered by some members of the community to not operate as efficiently as it could.

“The close proximity of the guard shack to the Bayway makes it so that even small lines of cars can cause backups into the right line of eastbound 54th Ave. South,” says Junior Josh Annarelli, a commuter student who serves as an ECOS off-campus senator and member of the parking committee. “The idea of the system is good, but it could be executed better. Maybe two lines leading into campus instead

of the usual one. I like the security of having a booth at the entrance, but it does slow down the flow into campus.”

Eckerd’s closed, rock-walledin design doesn’t offer many alternatives for entering the campus.

The 37th St. gate, at what is now the rear of campus, used to be the college’s main gate, according to Fred Sabota, associate dean of students for Campus Activities, though he doesn’t personally remember that era.

Whether any formulaic changes to the way traffic moves in and out of campus will be implemented remains to be seen.

The Florida Department of Transportation is currently reviewing traffic patterns along 54th Ave. to determine if a traffic signal in front of the campus entrance is necessary.

Some, like Senior Alyssa Morales, feel that a one lane, guarded entryway is effective for Eckerd. “I like having a security guard safety wise, and because our school is so small, I think that one lane is appropriate,” she says.

Still others, like Professor Gregory Padgett, feel the most important change is yet to come.

When asked if we needed more serious changes than just a metaphorical facelift to the front of campus, Padgett simply responded, “We need a light.”

A professor at Eckerd since 1989, Padgett remembers when there used to be a light at the Pinellas Bayway intersection.

FDOT removed that light in 1992.

photo by Evan Bollier Alumni Grove stands near the back of campus, tucked behind the waterfront and athletic fields on the way to the back entrance.

Carbon offset funds to revive campus grove

By Evan Bollier Sustainability Fellow

This semester, students were given three options on how to spend the money accrued in the Carbon Offset Fund. Students who fly all over the world for winter term and spring break service learning trips have the option to donate to offset carbon emitted. The funds are used to support green initiatives on Eckerd’s campus aimed at reducing the college’s overall carbon

footprint.

Between Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, an online poll was sent by email to the student body asking students to decide which of three projects would be chosen. The options were: 1) Installing two electric handdryers to help reduce paper towel consumption 2) Adding more recycling bins around campus 3) Restoring Alumni Grove with native plants and trees. The majority of students voted to

restore Alumni Grove.

During the spring semester of 2013, the Environmental Studies comprehensive exams class will host a workday in Alumni Grove to plant native flora purchased through the funds.

All students are welcome to join.

The specific day and time will be announced at a later date.

If you wish to donate to the Carbon Offset Fund for Winter Term 2013, please contact Evan Bollier.

Going abroad for Winter Term?

Bring The Current with you!

Take a photo of you holding The Current in an exotic location and submit it to currentnews@eckerd.edu Winners will be published in the first issue of Spring Semester.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

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the current

Dec. 7, 2012

News

5

New Arabic professor travels from Beirut to Eckerd Lux approaches teaching Arabic in unconventional way, focuses on language patterns

By Giuliana Grossi Staff Writer The Eckerd Community has welcomed a new Arabic professor this fall. Abdullah Lux spent the last four years in Beirut as the executive editor of “Contemporary Arab Affairs” and the director of translation at the Centre for Arab Unity Studies, where he translated books and journals from Arabic to English.

After completing his masters program at Columbia, he spent four years teaching English as a foreign language to cadets in the Saudi Navy. Lux has also taught Arabic and Islamic History at Queens College and the University of Utah.

So how did Lux end up on the brink of the Boca Ciega Bay? Lux paid our tiny campus a visit last winter, bringing him to Florida for the first time.

“I met with students and with faculty. I thought, this isn’t a place I could work, but a place I’d like to work,” said Lux. His wife, originally from Syria, wanted to return to her work in the US, and he was pleased with the size of Eckerd and the active involvement of students and professors. “I’m very happy to be here,” he said.

Many people are aware that Eckerd is on the list of “Colleges that Change Lives.”

When Lux was asked if Eckerd has changed his, he responded, “I’m one of those people that thinks, if you stop changing, you’re dead.” He continued, “you can always learn something from your students, from people you come in contact with… As an instructor, you will always find a better way to do something.”

Lux believes that if Eckerd, or any new experience, didn’t change his life, something would be wrong.

“How it will change it, I can’t tell you now,” he shrugged, “but it will be clear in retrospect.”

Lux was born in Vermont, but was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As an undergraduate, he studied art history at Stanford University with an emphasis on East Asian art.

“Art was the gateway to Eastern ideas,” said Lux. If you asked him then whether he wanted to become a teacher, he would have said he wasn’t interested. But his undergraduate work at Stanford was only a small part of his journey of learning. Since college, Lux has been interested in Buddhism, Zen and philosophy.

“I happened to get interested in things via art,” he claims.

Lux was nearing completion of his Master’s Degree in Arabic and Islamic studies at Columbia University when he found that the Saudi Navy was recruiting English teachers.

He decided to put the completion of his MA on hold for four years in order to travel to the Middle East and live there to improve his Arabic.

After he returned and completed his MA he considered getting a Ph.D. in neurology, but decided against it because he wasn’t ready to start eight years of science classes from scratch. He would also have had to sacrifice too many cats, and he loves cats.

Instead, Lux was persuaded by his close personal friend and mentor Dr. Bernard Weiss of the University of Utah to return to academia to achieve a Ph.D. in Islamic Studies and Teaching Arabic as a Foreign

Preparing for student dorm inspections over winter break

SCSB takes student’s opinion of violations into account when deciding diciplinary action SCSB from front page

practice that could create a safety hazard or contribute to injury or death of students—such as the misuse, covering, disabling or abuse of fire alarms, fire sprinklers or safety devices.

Junior Grace Whitmore was taken off guard when she returned from winter break last year when she was fined for Christmas lights.

“I had no idea that hanging them from your ceiling was a problem,” Whitmore said. The problem is that the lights were hanging from a drop ceiling, which could tamper with the near fire sprinklers.

Another violation and concern is the possession and use of electrical appliances.

A list of specific items that are allowed and prohibited is provided in the EC Book.Most common in this area is an overuse of electrical outlets, the use of power strips and the use of extension cords—make sure power outlets have an off/on switch.

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Should a student be charged with a violation of one of these policies, it will be reported to the Office of Community Standards and may result in disciplinary action.

The college understands that even the most well-intentioned students sometimes make mistakes.

Most conduct incidents are sent through the Student Community Standards Board (SCSB),“We don’t want to just go off of the incident reports,” SCSB Director Justine Black said. “We want to hear what the students have to say. We’re there to help [the students], we don’t want to get them in trouble.”

The primary purpose of campus housing searches is for your safety and protection—and for the wellbeing of the EC Community.

It’s not to trick or punish students.

A complete set of rules can be found in the EC Student Handbook. Otherwise, direct any remaining questions to an RA, a member of SCSB or someone from campus housing or Campus Safety.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

she says. “In terms of my learning Language (TAFL).

Although he didn’t always want experience, he has completely to teach, Lux found that he really altered the way in which I learn enjoyed it and didn’t want to do the Arabic language. Since Arabic is so intricate and decently anything else.

“I’m always the first person to say unforgiving, he teaches us what is I don’t know anything, but finally I most modern and used as opposed knew enough to teach. It’s been 20 to the stereotypical way of learning a foreign language. If you put in the years,” he said with a smile.

Islam interested Lux because it’s time and effort to study Arabic, Abdullah will undoubtedly take you indefinable.

“It’s not trying to categorize to the next level.”

During his first semester at a divine,” he said. As Lux spent much of his time engaging in Eckerd, Lux sought out and met learning about the Islamic world with Professor Holly White and sat and cultures, Eastern Art History in on one of her classes. He wanted and many other things along the to discuss ideas he had with her way, he felt as though he had a about new methods for teaching Arabic, which draw on the work responsibility.

“You have to put something of Lev S. Vygotsky and Alexander back,” he explained. And here he is. R. Luria. White is a psychology Lux teaches Arabic and advanced professor who focuses on cognition, Arabic classes. When asked if the psychological study of learning.

He believes that while learning he has been enjoying his classes and students, he responded that a language, the aural component he’s been enjoying them very much.

He encourages his students to immerse themselves in the language on their own time because class time isn’t enough when learning a language like Arabic.

“Arabic is very pattern-intensive,” he said, “I want them to be aware of the patterns.”

Mara Shingleton, a junior, is currently studying Arabic in Lux’s class.

“I am absolutely intrigued with Abdullah and his teaching style,” Prof. Lux instructs students in a Seibert classroom.

Possible Violations: - Lofting furniture - Candles and anything with the capacity to have an open flame (hot plates, toasters and incense) - Illegal extension cords - Covering safety devices - Presence of any unlawful drugs or drug paraphernalia (rolling papers, bongs, scales and baggies) -Ash trays - Possession of firearms, explosives or other weapons - Alcohol where residents are under 21 years of age (including empty bottles) - Possession of fraudulent IDs and/or possession of stolen property (including street signs or stop signs)

is essential because that’s how everyone’s first language is learned.

One learns to understand and speak, and then in school one learns how to formally convey things through writing.

“Learning any language is always good,” he said. “It’s good exercise for your brain.”

Although Lux became a Muslim in 1992, which is when he started going by Abdullah rather than Richard, it is important to him to keep his personal religious views out of the classroom.

“I teach [Arabic and Islam] from the standpoint of history, not faith,” he said. It’s clear that Lux has enough experience and understanding of the Arab-Islamic culture to share with his students.

“It’s been fun,” Lux said nodding his head. “It’s been a very interesting path of questioning.”

photo by Kate Farley

EC grads appointed to school board

By Dominick Cuppetelli Asst. Sports Editor Two former members of the Eckerd community were recently appointed to positions on the Pinellas County School Board. The Eckerd affiliates certainly had plenty to be thankful for on Nov. 20, just days before Thanksgiving.

Rene Flowers, an Eckerd graduate of the PEL program in 2005, was elected to serve on the school board for her first term. Carol Cook, who currently serves on the President’s Associates Board at Eckerd College, was re-elected to serve on the board alongside Janet Clark. All three of the new board members were sworn in by Pinellas County Judge Patrice Moore.

Cook, who had just been reelected to the board, was nominated and unanimously won the vote to serve as chairperson for the Pinellas County School Board.

Cook, who said, “It’s an honor, but a daunting task,” has served as chairperson in past terms, so she does have some experience in the matter. “I’m ready for it, but you never know what is around the corner,” says the now-acting chairperson.

Peggy O’Shea, who was already

an acting board member, was also nominated and unanimously voted into the position of vice-chairperson for the school board. Clark was additionally appointed as legislative liaison to the Florida State School Board.

Flowers, who had been campaigning for the position since January, was relieved to be sworn into the position at last. After the swearing in and formal business was taken care of, the new board member was able to take numerous photos with her loved ones and enjoy a reception in her honor.

Flowers is excited to work with such an educated group that serves on the board. As a new board member, she has many plans for the improvement of education in Pinellas County, including extending both the school year and amount of time spent in class each day.

Eckerd prides itself in contributing its hand in the community around it. It does this in many ways, but first and foremost is education. School Board Member Flowers takes the education that she received from Eckerd, and now uses that for the good of education throughout Pinellas County. With a set path in mind, Flowers stated, “Now the real work starts.”

6 News

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Tomaselli thecurrent@eckerd.edu Managing Editor Jeralyn Darling News Editor Cait Duffy currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editors Malena Carollo Alexandra Roberts Political Consultant Ethan Packey Viewpoints Editor Carver Elliot Lee currentviews@eckerd.edu Asst. Viewpoints Editors Ely Grinfield Shannon Vize Entertainment Editor Ian Lindsay currententertainment@eckerd.edu Asst. Entertainment Editors Hayden Johnson Aaron Levy Lizzy Brophy The Quickie Editors Ryan Wheeler Dominick Cuppetilli currentquickie@eckerd.edu Health & Fitness Editor Caroline Campbell currenthealth@eckerd.edu Sports Editor Mike Geibel currentsports@eckerd.edu Asst. Sports Editors Colin Casey Will Creager Ryan Wheeler Dominick Cuppetilli Graphic Design Editor Carver Elliot Lee Photo Editor Alex Zielinski currentphoto@eckerd.edu Web Editor Greg Reilly Asst. Web Editors Hailey Escobar Sabrina Lolo Web Master Vincent Lynch

Students answer London’s call to come abroad EC students travel to college’s house for a semester across the pond

By Carly Youssouf Contributing Writer

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arbara Del Castello, a Sophomore at Eckerd College, and 13 of her fellow students have accompanied theater professor Cynthia Totten this semester to study in the United Kingdom.

A biology major, Del Castello chose to go abroad this semester because she knew this was her only opportunity to go overseas before her schedule became too demanding.

Studying in London has always been a dream of hers. “It’s been my favorite city since I first went at age 12,” she says.

Del Castello’s favorite memory so far has been Armistice Day. She saw the sun rise over Big Ben, watched the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay the poppy wreaths and also met the cast of the BBC series “Sherlock” in Leicester Square.

“I still can’t wrap my mind around what happened,” she says.

Lincoln Andres-Beck, a communications major who graduated last May had the opportunity to witness the Royal Wedding during his semester in London.

Andres-Beck was surprised at how many international crowds turned out to watch the parade.

“There were flags waving from all over the world,

Faculty Adviser Tracy Crow Director of Finances Kevin Boyd Director of PR/Advertising Arielle Burger currentads@eckerd.edu

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.

courtesy of Dal Castello’s facebook page

which seemed weird to me because this was only a wedding, not the World Cup, not the Olympics, just the joining of two people in holy matrimony,” Andres-Beck says.

Andres-Beck stayed in the warm confines of the Centre while most of his housemates camped out in the freezing cold outside of Buckingham Palace. Beck says it was “like a royal family version of the Macy’s Parade.”

For Del Castello this semester, one of the most rewarding was the chance to travel. The Centre closes twice during the semester.

The first closure is for an excursion week in the beginning of the semester, which permits exploration throughout the United Kingdom. The second trip is a midsemester break where the students can travel to their location of choice. So far, Del Castello has traveled to Edinburgh, Inverness, Cardiff and Rome, and is currently in Paris.

“The locals are very nice,” Del Castello says. “I’ve made some friends and been on a few dates, but we will see if they last.” According to Del Castello, there are some differences between Americans and the Brits. She claims the British are more well-traveled and, apparently, better dressers.

“You’ll get a look for wearing a T-shirt and jeans.”

However, she feels the biggest difference was in citizen’s manners.

“It really isn’t a stereotype that the English are polite people,” Del Castello states, “you treat everyone like you treat yourself.”

As for the London Study Centre itself, Del Castello is happy with the facility.

“The living situations are actually very nice,” says Del Castello. Students stay in an old four story Georgian house equipped with a library, a kitchen and a small garden out back.

“It’s in a great area of town too,” she adds. The house is next to a small grocery store and around the corner from the tube station. It’s also not that far from Leicester Square, which is the place for nightlife.

Del Castello recommends some must-see places while in London. The Tower of London, known for England’s legendary beheadings and Westminster Abbey, where the royal

Del Castello recommends anyone able to study abroad in London do so. She describes this semester as a wonderful and influential experience, and really feels connected to the country and the people. coronations are held, are the places to experience London’s history.

For the thespians out there, she lists the key spots as The Covent Garden and the famous Globe Theater. The British Library, which holds the original Beatles scores and Piccadilly Circus, also made the long list of renowned attractions available to the students.

“The application process isn’t too difficult,” Del Castello says of entering the program.

Two recommendations are required from both a student’s mentor and another professor.

Those applying must fill out a small packet containing a short essay question and the usual health and security forms. They must also interview with the Director of International Education Diane Ferris, and the accompanying faculty director.

Once accepted, all that is left is booking a plane ticket and selecting courses. All students are required to take the British Seminar course, taught by the faulty director.

The faculty director also teaches an extra course in his or her field, such as Shakespearean Acting, offered by Totten this term. Native British professors teach the rest.

The Centre offers Art History: British Painting 1970-1960, Literature in London, Introduction to Contemporary British Politics and Theater in London. These four courses are offered every semesterthe only class that changes is the course taught by the faculty director.

The Theater in London course has been a continually popular course selection for students.

Students see ten plays, ranging from the famous West End productions to Community Theater. There is an extra $650 fee, not in the comprehensive cost, for the cost of going to the shows. Students believe that the experience is completely worth it.

As for the other professors, Del Castello says they are not much different from Eckerd professors.

“They are all laid back and funny as heck, and are all really passionate about what they teach.”

Although classes are held in the common room of the Centre most

professors take the class out into the city.

It is a much more hands on approach, and creates a nice balance between class and individual exploration.

Junior Ashleen Brydum, a communications major and international relations global affairs minor, explains that the class excursions add an element to academics that can’t be picked up from the pages of a book.

During her stay in London last fall Brydum states that living and experiencing the city “is something unparalleled in my academic life and I feel very fortunate to have been able to participate in such an adventure.”

The tuition cost is equivalent to tuition for a full-time semester at Eckerd, which the school’s website listed as $17,810 for the 2012-2013 year.

Local transportation, an International Student Identity card (ISIC), membership at the University of London’s Health Service center and admission to certain events in the British Seminar course are all included in the London semester comprehensive fee. However, the fee is based on the existing exchange rates, which can cause prices to vary.

The round-trip airfare from the United States to London is not included. It is suggested that students bring $3,000 for personal spending for things such as souvenirs, additional meals and concerts.

Del Castello recommends anyone able to study abroad in London do so. She describes this semester as a wonderful and influential experience, and really feels connected to the country and the people.

“I know for a fact that I have to live in London later in life.”

Sophomore Whitney Harrison couldn’t be more excited to study abroad this spring semester in London.

“I can’t wait to experience a whole new culture,” she exclaims.

Being a literature and creative writing double major, she says she is most excited about “living in one of the greatest places for literature in the Western world.”

Folk festival draws community seeking taste of the globe

By Maria Andreina Mora Bello Contributing Writer For a second year, Eckerd’s international students provided an around-the-world cultural experience during the recent St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society (SPIFFS).

SPIFF organizes an annual three-day Folk Fair filled with ethnic crafts, food and entertainment from 42 countries. Held in downtown St. Petersburg’s Vinoy Park, this year’s event opened with two days of cultural events provided by elementary and middle school students from the Tampa Bay area. The kids came to learn about other cultures and to get their make-believe passports stamped.

Sophomore Luis Herrera, working the event from the Eckerd display, said, “It was a great experience. The kids were really intrigued about

going to different countries to get a stamp. The Eckerd College table represented the entire Eckerd student body, and we were giving a ‘world stamp’ that represented the Eckerd community.”

Herrara said the kids seemed to love the event and at the Eckerd table they had the opportunity to play cultural games such as “What is the capital of…” or “In which country can you find this type of food?” The most popular game was a big world map where kids had to guess the name of a country.

If they answered the questions correctly, they won Eckerd prizes like Frisbees, pens and balls.

The event also included a parade of nations. One of the most elaborate performances was from China. There was a Chinese dance with a dragon carried by seven people. One person was in the front leading the movement of the dragon with a pearl, as if the dragon was chasing the pearl.

This year’s event was a repeat for Junior Edna Fernandez, who said even though she hasn’t yet had the opportunity to travel abroad, she feels as if she has through SPIFF. “SPIFFS is a great event to visit,” Fernandez said. “I was able to learn about different cultures and try new food from different countries.”

Another one of the most popular countries that participated in SPIFF was Korea. Many people were dancing to the new song “Gangnam Style” by PSY in their stand.

The Korean booth played the video on repeat on their huge plasma TV. The audience loved how the Koreans were teaching everyone how to dance to this new song.

“The ‘Gangnam Style’ was one of my favorite parts of the event,” Fernandez said. “I wanted to learn how to dance it and finally, after failing a couple of times, I got it.”

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

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the current Brought Career Ser Brought to to youyou by by Career Services

Dec. 7, 2012

News

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Watch organization works to restore Tampa Bay environment, natural habitats Tampa Bay Watch hosts key projects, learning opportunities

By Doug Izzo Contributing Writer

graphic by Alex Zielinski

Dear Lindsey, Winter break seems like a good time to begin applying for summer internships. Are there any resources you can recommend that can make my search from home more successful?

- Forward-thinking Freshman Dear Forward-thinking Freshman, Absolutely, but you might take a look at the resources you have around you now and bring those leads home with you to work on. The Career Service Department’s “Internship Blast” is typically emailed on Mondays and is a great place to start. Search your inbox for “Internship Opportunities” and you may find it if it’s gotten buried underneath the many emails you receive from other campus departments. Take a careful look at the highlighted application info and due date. If you find an internship there, make an appointment with Career Services before you leave to review and target your resume to correlate with that listing. Career services may also provide you with additional information or contacts for that internship that weren’t included in the initial listing. This is why it is advisable to check this resource before you go.

You should also ask your professors for ideas.

Often, speaking to them and letting them know that you are seeking an internship related to your major will help you make contacts in that field.

Simple networking can help you get acquainted with additional professionals, and you can write to them over break. Although this isn’t a direct application, it is something you should be doing anyway to make contacts. If you need advice on this process, Career Services offers workshops and guides on the practice of networking.

Now if you’re home and the above resources turned out zero leads for you, there are many resources out there on the Internet—some great and some really quite miserable. The ones we recommend are internships.com, and indeed. com. Both are great sources but be sure you protect yourself by knowing if the position follows the federal guidelines. The dor.gov site can provide you with the “Test for Unpaid Internships” that lists these guidelines.

Additionally, you can check the websites of the companies you would like to intern at. These listings are generally under their careers section, and might be tricky to locate. If they are, don’t forget to simply Google the name of the company and the word “internship.” This will help you find many companies using third party recruitment companies, including brassring. com, to host their job descriptions. Some of these websites may require you to register with them; I suggest making a separate email account that can be used for these accounts as well as professional networking.

Last but not least, remember College Central Network. It can be found on the Career Services Homepage under Job Search, just click the orange button and register. This site will show you listings for jobs and internships that come directly from employers looking to hire Eckerd students.

Tampa Bay Watch, which works to restore Tampa Bay’s wetlands after years of devastation, consistently draws environmentally minded Eckerd students to its ranks. As a graduation requirement, all students at the college are required to take one environmental perspective and one science course.

Tampa Bay Watch has restoration projects and educational programs dedicated to saving the delicate marine ecosystem within Tampa Bay. In one program, volunteers are given the opportunity to build and install oyster domes and oyster bars around the bay. This helps repopulate oysters, which act like natural filters and clean the bay. Volunteers can also help remove invasive plants or plant new seagrass and salt marsh grass along the Gulf Coast.

The “derelict trap removal” project has volunteers exploring Tampa Bay by boat, removing crab traps that are either left in the water during closed seasons or missing a current trap tag, line or buoy.

One of the more popular volunteer opportunities is called the Great Bay Scallop Search. This annual event allows volunteers to count scallops while snorkeling through Tampa Bay. The number of scallops counted is used to find population trends.

photo by Doug Izzo The Tampa Bay Watch main office on Tierra Verde.

Along with many volunteer opportunities, Tampa Bay Watch also hosts educational classes in its marine education center designed to teach children and adults the importance of the marine environment and also ways to restore it.

The Marine Education Center is used to teach members of the community about the various species of plants and animals inhabiting Tampa Bay. It includes two large tanks similar to the ones under Eckerd’s Marine Science Center. Senior Environmental Educator at Tampa Bay Watch, Andy Lykens, explained “We used these tanks for educational purposes. There

photo by Doug Izzo Construction on the new Service Learning center at Tampa Bay Watch.

Best of luck!

Lindsey Have a career-related question for Lindsey?

Send them to dearlindsey@eckerd.edu.

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photo by Doug Izzo The sun rises over Boca Ciega Bay, the Tampa Bay Watch center sittting on the horizon. The organization works to restore the natural beauty of Tampa Bay.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

is an artificial mangrove in one tank to show how various species rely on it as a life source.

We use an artificial mangrove because there is no sunlight underneath the building.”

In addition to the Marine Education Center, Tampa Bay Watch is also in the process of building a new Service Learning Center. Lykens, who graduated from Eckerd in 2008, stated “The new building will allow for Service Learning for schools.” He hopes this will help broaden the understanding of the marine ecosystem throughout the Bay area.

An informative poster in the Tampa Bay Watch office reads, “The new Service Learning Center will directly support activities for the Tampa Bay Watch Estuary EDventures program. Estuary EDventures is an environmental education program for Tampa Bay area schools that is designed to educate students about watershed issues and estuarine science; it also empowers them to act as stewards of the Tampa Bay estuary.”

When asked if they would volunteer at Tampa Bay Watch, Junior Ethan Horvitz, a marine science major, replied, “I think it would be kind of cool, but I haven’t heard too much about them.”

Sophomore Blake Borgeson, who is also a marine science major, said, “I would be interested. I haven’t thought about what I would do for Service Learning yet, but it sounds like it could be a fun way to get some Service Learning hours.”

Not only does Tampa Bay Watch offer an array of volunteer opportunities and classes to help educate the local community, but it also offers summer camps for kids to enjoy hands on research on Shell Key. Here, kids have the privilege to explore, learn and interact with our marine environment one on one.

In a USF Scholar Commons report, J.O.R. Johansson states “leading cause of seagrass loss was various dredging operations and shoreline developments. These included inbay shell dredging, port construction, ship channel expansion, causeway construction, and residential and commercial dredge-andfill projects.”

Tampa Bay Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, started in 1993 after decades of industrialization destroyed more and more of Tampa Bay’s fragile marine ecosystem.

Its mission is “protection and restoration of the marine and wetland environments of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs.”

In 2005 Tampa Bay Watch rebuilt its headquarters equipped with offices, a community center, a marine education center and a working lighthouse to accommodate the entire community.

Those interested in participating in restoration projects or educational programs are required to register in advance at www. tampabaywatch.com, or stop in at their headquarters at 3000 Pinellas Bayway S.

8 News

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

B l a s t f r o m t h e pa s t Welcome to the blast from the past, where The Current features articles from Eckerd College’s earlier newspapers.

This selection features outside perceptions of Eckerd students in the late 1960’s. Sit back, relax and enjoy your trip to yester-year.

The Outside Looking In

by Darryl Neill I have often wondered about the results of all our national publicity, proclaiming our uniqueness, our liberalism, our defender of the faithism and other various and sundry announcements. In the past week I have attended a China Conference at Harvard and a National Student Association tutorial conference in Orlando, where I met a number of students from other schools.

Here’s how it goes, in a montage: “Where are you from?”

“Florida Presbyterian College in...”

“Oh yes, I read about you in “Time” or “Newsweek”...” (Japanese student from Dartmouth).

“Well...”

“You’re that other semielite college down there, along with New College” (Yale man).

A scant year ago only two replies came from my mention of where I spend nine months of the year: “Where’s that?” and “Oh, a seminary student—we need God nowadays.”

Today it’s “You must have a good public relations department,” and “Do you really think you’re that unique?”

And just this week, “Presbyterian?” (wide, engulfing patronizing smile on a student from Florida Atlantic) “We look down on your administration’s decision about Carmichael.”

“So do some of us.”

“The Tallahassee riot? Ha. It was the police’s fault, not Carmichael’s, and the press worked it all out of proportion.” (Girl from FSU).

Ex-wunderkind Gregg Thomson, now in graduate school at Harvard, wearing long locks et al., told me “FPC is so far from the mainstream of active American student life, it isn’t funny.” Far be it from me to suggest that we start a corps to bring FPC into the mainstream of American student life, but Harvard, which my mentors and prestige-conscious administration had taught me to regard as the epitome of American Academia, does look like Haight Street in San Francisco.

I found it ironic that the same 700 average College Board Harvard students resembled well-known “immature” eccentrics. More Harvard graduates went into the Peace Corp last year than into Business School. What Gregg meant by the “mainstream of active American student life” hit home.

However, upon comparison with Florida State students, I found us to be filled with

young radical professors, that 25 percent of them to not take the Bible literally (the converse of what a FSU girl told me), and sort of a warm outpost in a cold Southland. And then there’s always the revelations of adult liberals in St. Petersburg about the difficulty in getting the U.N. flag flown on campus and alleged dealings of certain high administrative people within the John Birch Society.

We have learned many things this year. We have learned that yes, Virginia, conservative wealthy businessmen do exist, and that they do not like long hair. We have learned that individuals win and lose fellowships, not institutions. We have learned that we must communicate that education is not all readin’, writin’, and ‘rithmetic to the society that sustains us -- trusteed, donors etc.

We have learned that Utopian hopes are carried by individuals who create curriculums, march in protests, look weird, go to listen to men who are declared carriers of the plague and just plain give a damn. I began to think more about what Gregg had said.

Student senate meets to discuss upcoming events, updates on dorm projects, the effectiveness of RespECt

By Malena Carollo & Cait Duffy Asst. News Editor, News Editor Student-elected Senate met to discuss a revamped RespECt campaign, the recent longboarding forum and complex updates on Nov. 18. Nu Senator Hank Broege, Commuter Senator Henry Palmer and Delta Senator Tim Farrell were absent.

Vice President Eliza Van Dissel presented a letter from President Rhemy Brezin to the student senators. The letter, which was recently sent to the student body, outlined a new push for the RespECt campaign focusing on bystander awareness. Recent issues with vandalism on campus, including the recent incident with fishing line strung around campus and graffiti, have prompted the new push.

Kappa Senator Kyler Thomann questioned the effectiveness of the program.

“I don’t think RespECt works,”

he said. “I really don’t think it does. I think the only real progress we’ve made with this is personal communication with the person.

That’s literally the only thing that’s ever worked for me.”

Van Dissel agreed, saying she plans to meet with the leaders of all 90 student clubs in an effort to promote one-on-one communication.

Next, in the discussion regarding the recent longboarding forum, Van Dissel urged the senators to attend events they set up, noting only a few were among the 12 students who attended the forum.

Senators then provided updates on their complexes. West Lodge Senator Haven Allard plans to get new, more durable cigarette butt buckets. Omega Senator Brenna Durkin is looking into coasters with information on them about making sure someone doesn’t slip drugs into one’s drink while downtown.

The coasters have two tests on one side of the coaster for ketamine and GHP. They are priced at $5

per 10 coasters. Durkin also said there are plans to host the Omega yard sale on the grassy area next to Omega to have a more “yard-sale” feel instead of in individual rooms, and that residents would like an Omega garden.

Epsilon Senator Ivan Isaac Anderson has narrowed the location for a new hammock down to two locations, while Thomann discussed collaborating with Kappa Council to express residents’ desire for a new oven an a renovated lounge with more open space. Iota Senator Katherine Pace announced the refurnished Tokonoma Room in Iota Byers.

Commuter Senator Josh Annarelli said he is looking to plan a holiday party. In the spirit of holidays, Gamma Senator James Patterson announced Gamma’s 12 days of holiday celebration beginning Nov. 26 and ending Dec. 7 with a holiday bash. He motioned to use $60 from his budget for the decorations; it was unanimously approved.

Beta Senator Alek Matthiessen said his residents are unhappy with the water pressure in the showers, and asked for suggestions on who to talk to. Alpha Senator Henry Ashworth heard housekeepers in Beta complaining about cleaning up fish parts, and found that the wooden cleaning board at the pier is dirty and unusable. He was approved for $100 to buy a new, waterproof board for the pier.

Zeta Senator Mary Jean Harford announced clothing she will get for Zeta, including tank tops, snapback hats and fanny packs. Allard is in the last stages of getting shirts for West Lodge, which will be maroon and have a sheriff ’s badge with “West Lodge” on them.

The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

In lieu of an official open meeting Dec. 2, the senate gathered at the mailboxes before venturing to downtown restaurant Acropolis.

Greeted by a belly dancer and live music, the group settled into a round table at the back.

Missing from the dinner were Thomann, Allard, Pace, Broege and Parliamentarian Greg Johnson.

Conversation remained casual for the majority of the dinner, with the senators discussing winter term plans, their most adventurous meals and most embarrassing moments.

Senate matters were discussed as dessert was delivered to the table, with Van Dissel calling an official meeting to order at 9:13 p.m.. Van Dissel began by explaining details of the upcoming “Pause for the Cause” event. Annarelli next requested to use up to his full $100 for an event for commuter students. Patterson motioned to approve the request, Matthiessen seconded. The motion was approved unanimously.

Annarelli and Palmer both proceeded to discuss plans for their event, which they hope will include a full barbeque cookout, badminton and Sunday football on every TV. The event will be held 1 p.m. Dec. 9, at 133 2 St. West in Tierra Verde.

All commuter students are welcome to attend.

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the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Viewpoints 9

VIEWPOINTS Garden serves important purpose,

INSIDE VIEWPOINTS First Times

page 10

but future not rooted in campus master plan

Letter from the Editor page 10 “Easter Eggs”

page 11

By Beth White Columnist

Holidays and PC?

page 12

Since the garden’s beginning in February 2010 it has been an outdoor classroom where students learn, volunteer, lead, and become part of a community. As sophomore gardener Maya Carl described, “the garden is a place that always needs help and everyone is really welcoming.”

The idea for the garden was first pitched by Environmental Studies professor Kip Curtis the fall of 2009 as an opportunity for an outdoor classroom. The idea was supported by the school and initially received start-up money from Bon Appetit. Four students began working the land as part of an independent study the following spring semester. A steadily increasing number of gardeners from the garden club have helped care for the plants since then and by modest estimates have racked up at least 1,800 service hours in the garden, which has 15 regular plant beds, 11 experimental beds, a small orchard of over a dozen trees, and a composting system.

Unfortunately, most gardeners are concerned about the fate of the garden. Eckerd’s present master plan has a parking lot where the garden is currently located. President of the garden club, senior Deb Hilbert, recognizes that the land was reserved for the parking lot see Garden, page 11

Energy drinks are cause for concern

By Mary Kate McKenna Staff Writer

photo by Alex Zeilinski The garden is located between the two soccer fields and serves as a place for growth and education.

What students are saying about the garden: Nora Kilcup “It’s very relaxing so I come out here just to enjoy it and not so much because of my class.” (Kilcup is currently using the garden as the site for an independent study on organic gardening and composting)

Writing portfolio:

Sean Bossardet “I’ve learned more out in the garden than I have in most of my classes. It’s so hands on, I’m actually learning how to do something and can see results from it.”

Mary-Kate McKenna “I’ve learned to think critically about what needs to be done. Conceptualizing a seed and something that you planted and seeing it grow and proliferate; it’s something I never experienced before I came here.”

The United States’ energy drink industry, which has skyrocketed since the introduction of Red Bull in 1997, has been dodging FDA regulations and labeling laws in an effort to maximize profit and continue targeting the young American population. Energy drinks are labeled as “dietary supplements” and not foods or beverages, so companies are able to dodge various regulations such as those maintained for caffeinated beverages included in soda.

This, unfortunately, has led to serious health problems, including the death of 14-year-old Anais Fournier who died of a heart attack from caffeine toxicity after downing two cans of the energy drink market’s fastest growing commodity: Monster Energy. The FDA is now investigating the relationship between energy drink consumption and these tragedies but has not yet been able to legitimize direct correlations.

According to FDA spokeswoman, Shelly Burgess, it is still not clear whether these deaths were a direct result of energy drink consumption. “There is still no direct see MONSTER, page 11

who is it really benefitting

By Ely Grinfeld Asst. Viewpoints Editor I knew something was wrong when I received the letter that told me I had failed the writing portfolio.

In a brief moment, grief and anxiety crept over me. This portfolio, into which I had put an enormous amount of time and effort, was deemed “inadequate” by a majority of faculty readers. Being a creative writing major contributed to how much this rejection stung me.

Writing is everything I do, and achieving a standard of excellence is something I’ve always pursued.

Most of the confusion boiled down into one succinct question: “How is it that I failed?”

The writing portfolio is a general education requirement and all students who wish to graduate from Eckerd need to pass it. The hope is that by having a writing proficiency program, all students will graduate with the ability to write at a functional level. The portfolio is expected to demonstrate a seniorlevel of competency. The evaluation is performed by a committee of full-time faculty members drawn from all collegia and as many different disciplines as possible. If a stu-

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courtesy of Wikicommons

Threat of zombies on the rise

By Shannon Vize Asst. Viewpoints Editor

photo by Jeralyn Darling

dent should fail, they are required to enroll in a composition course before he or she is able to resubmit.

“The writing portfolio is taken as a whole,” said Dr. Ramsey-Tobienne, the writing portfolio’s coordinator. The faculty members look at the portfolio and decide if they would be willing to accept writing of this quality, with this range of mastery, and this range of ability in senior seminar, comprehensive exams, or a major course in the senior year at a C level or better.”

If this is true, then it seems that all of the professors who have evaluated my writing in the past might

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have “inadequate” judgment for passing my papers. While I cannot pretend that my writing isn’t better than it was in the past, I found it odd to find such a discrepancy between those who found my work competent and a “random” group of professors who did not. In other words, I was confident in the works I submitted; I knew I worked hard during their composition.

Dr. Ramsey-Tobienne has been coordinating the writing portfolio for the past five years. During the writing portfolio process, she acts see WRITING, page 12

Since it is nearing Dec. 21, the proposed apocalypse predicted by the Mayan calendar, I thought I would take some time to brief the public about the real threat: the zombie apocalypse.

Yes, that’s right, zombies.

As a fan of the popular zombie inspired show “Walking Dead,” as well as the book “World War Z” by Max Brooks, which will soon be released as a movie, I would consider myself a zombie expert. Most people laugh when I address the topic of a possible zombie apocalypse and reject it as unlikely and impossible. However, let’s take a look at the facts.

There have been three mysterious cases of gruesome cannibalism in the last year, the most infamous of which was in Miami in May, when Rudy Eugene, 31, attacked a

homeless man for 18 minutes and chewed his face off.

The press dubbed him the “Miami Zombie.” But police authorities were quick to state Eugene must have been under the influence of bath salts, which cause agitation, extreme paranoia, delusions and hallucinations.

The toxicology screen later showed he was not under the influence of any hallucinogenic drugs.

THC was the only drug found in his system.

Case number two. Jeremiah Aaron Haughee appeared to have unexplained strength and several injuries that he did not notice while attacking and biting the head of a civilian.

And take Richard Cimono Jr. who bit a chunk out of a man’s stomach. Subduing Cimono took five officers and a tranquilizer.

What’s still unclear about these see ZOMBIE, page 11

10 Viewpoints

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

First Times

Paradise all around us

surroundings all this time. There is

By Jeralyn so much more to our campus than the waterfront, though it is pretty Darling Managing amazing.

Editor The tree just below our balcony with its huge white flowers, the bunny that hops by at night, the bats that come out at dusk, the families of raccoons that roam the grounds, our friendly squirrels, I’ve seen a lot of pictures on the absolute plethora of birds Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and that call our campus home or use the like recently. They are mostly it as a vacation spot during the comprised of tanning, laying out, winter months. We are surrounded studying in hammocks and tend to by something much bigger than convey the message “yeah, I go to ourselves.

My majors and minors are what school in Florida. Hope everyone I would consider “indoor” subjects else enjoys studying for finals - creative writing, sociology, inside.”

Among the vast comments from journalism and literature. But friends who do not live on our we have so many other focuses incredible campus, I found myself that our campus truly makes a wondering what I’ve been missing difference in the learning process. out on (aside from a little Vitamin So many of my friends are marine science majors and our campus and D).

I don’t mind being pale. In fact, I facilities couldn’t be more perfect.

My roommate Jenna Caderas has quite like it. The hopeful future of not having skin cancer is also a plus. said that the hands-on experience But what if my fellow Eckerdians of studying marine invertebrates are onto something. I’ve only got and then collecting them during a few more months to find out class lab time couldn’t be more before it’s too late. So why spend rewarding.

And even though my work is my life wondering?

A blanket and a book on Kappa mostly done “indoors,” I can still Field won’t kill me. And a day study outside and take it all in.

After my unfortunately frequent of kayaking through mangroves and possible dolphin or manatee all-nighters, I can step out on my sightings would be a blessed balcony and listen to our campus sanctuary during this incredibly wake up with the sun. I will never forget the sunrises I’ve seen, with stressful time of year.

But I don’t have to use the friends and alone.

Our campus has so much to waterfront or soak up some rays to appreciate what our beautiful and offer for people of any outdoor persuasion. I myself hate sitting in unique campus has to offer.

I often walk by Chapel Pond the sun and baking, but I can still and watch the fish jump or the appreciate the beauty and serenity herons and egrets hunting for their of Eckerd College.

I’ve had plans to go to the food. I’ve even seen two adorable otters playing in the pond from the waterfornt all semester, but small patio by Roberts. I lived in somehow I never got there.

This may not be my first time Zeta, Nu and now Omega and just around campus, but it is my first looking out my window or sitting time accepting that the waterfront on my balcony I can see that we live just isn’t my thing, but that doesn’t in paradise.

So instead of soaking up the have to mean I love this campus rays, I’ve really been soaking up my any less. I just love it differently.

PerspECtives

“It was really fun, but it was a lot of work. It was worth it in the end. Being in the musical was a lot of work, but you get to meet a lot of new people and have new experiences.”

—Mikaela Roosa, sophomore

“It was like a submarine filled with farts. It’s a very funny, but very desperate form of punishment.”

— Patrick Fallon, junior

Letter from your editor: #Amusing Fact-checking and corrections seriously.

Our writers, whether they are editors, staff writers or journalism students, are instructed to record or take notes in all on-therecord interviews and meetings.

Regardless of where an article originates, editors are instructed to thoroughly fact check each quote in an article.

I apologize for what our organization considers probably the largest breakdown in our threeyear history. This is a situation we do not take lightly, and all appropriate actions have been taken to correct the situation.

Any questions and concerns or clarification of our policy can be directed to me personally, ectomase@eckerd.edu.

A Nov. 9 article in Health & Fitness, “Zach Toll: Abandons stage fright in role as ‘Legally Blonde’ UPS guy,” incorrectly quoted theater professor and Eckerd’s “Legally Blonde” director Gavin Hawk. We believe the quote, attributed to Hawk, was fabricated by the writer.”

The Current has an extremely strict fact-checking policy, complete with a required, detailed log. Our system requires editors to fact check each quote by our layout night, Monday. In this case, the editors did correctly email the professor to verify the quote, but the page inadvertently went to the printer before the editors heard back from the professor. This was not in keeping with our policy.

This is the first time we have published an inaccuracy with a quote in the three years we have been The Current. This time, somewhere, our system broke down and we take this situation

Elizabeth Tomaselli Editor-in-Chief The Current

Musings

Sitting in class and your professor says something funny? Tweet it to @ TheECCurrent and include the hashtag #AmusingMusings Chinese Professor “The Yangtze river carriest the best of waters but it also carries peoples’ poops.” #PoopFloats

Geology Professor “Are there any environmentalists in here? Let me just close the door before I offend anyone.” #GlobalWarming

Literature Professor: “He did the the things you do to prostitutes. The sex-thing, not the put-them-in-thetrunk-of-your-car-thing.” #LadyoftheNight

Consumption of energy drinks deadly MONSTER from page 9

link, there could have been other products involved and until we know for sure, we can not take action,” said Burgess.

Health experts have been trying to get our attention by publishing conclusive studies on the side effects of the drinks on children, as well as on students and athletes. The Journal of Pediatrics published an article, “Health Effects of Energy Drinks on Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults,” that claims “palpitations, seizures, strokes, and even sudden death” can be caused by overconsumption.

Energy drinks have become trendy, readily available and enjoyable factors of life for Americans. With slogans such as “nocturnal pleasure” and “deep temptation” marketing executives are blatantly trying to appeal to young adults who need the energy to pull allnighters. With claims to create a state of super alertness and better concentration, high school and college students are most susceptible to drink Monster.

What is most troublesome about the industry is the fact that they are able to dodge regulations. They can keep reaching out to young Americans who are becoming increasingly addicted to the “dietary supplements.”

On campus, we have the option to purchase these drinks, and according to Pub supervisor Eladio Aidolgio, Eckerd students do not hesitate to buy them, especially on late weekend nights. According to Aidolgio, “Students will sometimes read the nutrition content and then put them back, but some students will come in a buy 4 or 5 at a time.”

Student athlete Sammy O’Garro claims, however, that while many student athletes rely on these drinks, they just aren’t for him. “They make me feel jittery, and the crash affects my ability to perform on the court, so I stay away from them.” Unlike O’Garro, Jordan Miller, also a student athlete, advocates that they help her finish homework assignments tremendously, especially after coming home late from a game.

The FDA stated Nov. 27 that they are taking a new approach to tackling the issue in which they will focus more on drawing information from experts who claim to make informed decisions, rather than trying to find correlations from past incidents.

While countries like Australia and Canada have banned energy drinks or labeled them as foods, the dangers associated with the U.S.’s inability to inform consumers about imperative aspects of these drinks will only worsen as more young people become addicted.

How would you describe this past semester?

“It went by way too quick.”

— Davis Johnson, sophomore

“This past semester was one of the busiest of my college career, but it was also one of the most worthwhile.”

—Mackenna Cummings, sophomore

“It definitely exceeded my expectations as a freshman. I already feel like I’m becoming a better person being on my own and everything.”

—Victoria Cochrane, freshman

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the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Viewpoints 11

That’s why Eckerd is so big,

it’s full of secrets

By Ely Grinfeld Asst. Viewpoints Editor I was not surprised when I heard one of the walls cave in in my Nu suite. A dorm filled with eight guys takes a lot of abuse and things break often, but the shouts coming from my roommates piqued my interest.

When I left my room to join my roommates, hovering around the wall in a semi-circle, I was greeted by what seemed like a time capsule out of a cheesy college movie.

Inside the wall was a package left by former occupants of our suite.

The contents of the package are as follows: one Eckerd Rising Red Tide shirt, pictures of the occupants in the suite and a dated letter written by the thoughtful people behind all of it. If it weren’t for this astonishing discovery, I’m sure my roommates would have been nagging at each other over who broke the wall again. Well, they did that afterward. But until then, we all found ourselves hunched over the letter, reading its contents.

Finishing the letter gave us an insight into the former students that shared the space we currently occupy. The letter’s contents revealed some of Nu’s history and it read almost like a short story, despite some funny grammatical errors.

Despite all of that, the treasures

left to us by former Nu constituents left me with grand thoughts of Eckerd legacy and tradition.

Several things came together in my mind, as my roommates, or should I call them my fellow archaeologists, celebrated and hung up the contents of the time capsule in our room. First, how did these residents get the contents of the time capsule into the wall anyway?

The only logical explanation was that they broke it in a similar fashion, which is almost poetic in its parallelism. Second, if a group of alumni left us a care package as a historical keepsake, were there others who did the same?

Asking my peers on the news squad and friends around campus got me a few hints but nothing ever conclusive. A lot of the tips led me to erroneous results and many of the old “Easter eggs” left on campus by former roommates were either gone, covered up or never existed in the first place. Yet, the hunt continued.

A lot of the hunts led me back to Nu, where the whole adventure started. Nu is one of the most probable hotbeds of history on campus for numerous reasons. It is one of the oldest legacy dorms and it hosted primarily athletes during its historical run up until the past few decades. Sports teams are usu-

ally riddled with idiosyncratic traditions that are subtle and kept secret. I followed a few tips to some old Nu dorms, still came up with no results. While disappointing, I knew that the original find found in my very own dorm room was miraculous on its own.

Time capsules, or Easter eggs as I like to call them, are far from rare, especially in college environments.

Leaving time capsules is perfect in college because there is a fixed setting, and it is almost guaranteed that a large number of people will occupy a tight-knit space over the years, heightening the chance of someone eventually finding a time capsule. While Eckerd is a relatively young school, it’s still been transformed over the decades by its diverse alumni. The lack of results of my pseudo-experiment, or hoaxhunt, was shocking, to say the least.

While the hunt is far from over, I’ve decided I might need to go back to the basics. Many of these deep-seated traditions and historical relics have roots everywhere.

So if anyone has a certain tip or clue into Eckerd traditions and keepsakes, please alert The Current. Many of Eckerd’s histories are probably buried beneath our feet, in our ceilings or within our walls.

Someone just has to get to the bottom of time.

photo by Ely Grinfeld The letter that Grinfeld and his suitemates found in a time capsule hidden in their wall.

Have you found an “easter egg” on campus? Tell us about it! currentviews@eckerd.edu

Garden hopes to continue to grow GARDEN from page 9

courtesy of Wikicommons

Impending zombie apocalypse ZOMBIE from page 9

cases is whether either was on hallucinogenic drugs.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention even has an awareness campaign on what to do in case of a zombie apocalypse.

They provide a list of what to include in an emergency survival kit, which is surprisingly missing a weapon.

I recommend a bat or something that can take out a human head, since this has been proven the only way to kill a zombie in every zombie movie or book since the first ever zombie movie “Night of the Living Dead.” I would also recommend purchasing a copy of “The Zombie Survival Guide” by Max Brooks for an in-depth look at what you’ll need to survive. Maggie Silver, a CDC official told ABC News the zombie preparedness campaign was an effort “to spice up our general preparedness message. Why not give the people what they want?” It’s certainly comforting knowing there is a government approved zombie survival guide if such a thing does occur.

Even the military has begun recognizing the growing threat of a zombie apocalypse. In October, more than a thousand U.S. military personnel, state and federal government officials and police took part in responding to a fake zombie invasion as a part of Halo Corp. security company’s annual Counter-Terrorism summit.

The zombies were introduced as a way to lighten some of the darker topics and targets being discussed at the summit, such as terrorists.

Brad Barker, president of Halo Corp., explained to the Associated Press, “No one knows what the zombies will do in our sce-

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nario, but quite frankly, no one knows what a terrorist will do.”

The zombie apocalypse scenario is supposed to represent other unpredictable events, such as natural disasters and terrorists. By running this exercise it will better help the military react and respond to actual threats, at least that is Barker’s explanation.

But in most zombie shows and books, the government and military are the first to become aware of the zombie apocalypse. Is it simply a coincidence that they decided to run a zombie-themed military exercise just months before the predicted destruction of our civilization?

I’m not so sure.

Eckerd students such as Junior Ann Marie Arnold, seem prepared for what some may call the inevitable zombie apocalypse. “I don’t know if I believe it’s going to happen,” she said, “but I feel like we would be able to survive if we all stuck together and pooled our resources.”

Hayden Johnson, also a junior, claims, “I’m very prepared for the zombie apocalypse. I’ve read the “Zombie Survival Guide,” “World War Z” and watched the “Walking Dead” series. I’ve also seen a lot of zombie movies.”

When asked how he feels about the zombies, Johnson says, “They feel no fear, so why should I.” Although no one can predict when the zombie apocalypse could happen, there are several predictions as to how it will happen: a lab experiment gone wrong, an outbreak of a rare virus, human rabies or brain parasites.

With the Mayan prediction of the end of the world drawing near, I suggest we start preparing for the more probable threat: a zombie invasion.

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before the garden was created, but she is still a proponent of revising the master plan.

“Some of the trees we’ve planted will take decades to begin to flourish—that’s just how nature works. It’s taken years to develop healthy, productive soil in the sandy fill of ours,” said Hilbert.

“Think Outside,” is the school motto, so it seems uncharacteristic of the school to remove a garden for a parking lot. “I don’t really see what could be more ‘thinking outside’ than this [garden],” says Junior Celine Currier.

“I’ve learned more out in the garden than I have in most of my classes. It’s so hands on, I’m actually learning how to do something and can see results from it,” said Sophomore Sean Bossardet.

It’s a healthy benefit to the EC community to have a small organic farm on campus. Garden club president Hilbert justifiably enjoys the garden’s, “fresh, healthy, incredibly delicious food that did not have to travel hundreds of miles..., wasn’t tended to by modern slave labor and wasn’t grown with chemicals and industrial techniques that harm the soil and ecosystem.” Composting is also done by the gardeners, helping to reduce Eckerd’s carbon footprint.

The garden should be supported not only for the plants and knowledge it cultivates, but also for the leadership and connections with local community it fosters.

Hilbert said the garden gave her a chance to grow as leader, sharpening her skills in communication, planning, research and organization.

The garden club has reached out to local farmers, too. St. Pete Locally Grown is an online organic market which sells the produce of local farmers. This year, St. Pete Locally Grown began to host speakers on organic gardening in the Levys, the founders, backyard.

Connecting with the Levy’s has given Hilbert and other students the benefit of being,

“part of a larger community who is working to redefine and re-imagine what it means to be human in today’s swiftly changing planet,” she said.

There’s no doubt that the garden has grown and changed over the past few years, but it’s exclusion from the master plan continues to worry the club. “The creation of a parking lot would take away the centerpiece of the garden club and wipe away years of work done by dedicated students and sponsors,” says club president Hilbert.

In a recent meeting with Current editors, President Donald Eastman voiced his hesitancy in putting any permanent structures on the master plan. Student interests change over the years, he said.

However, the club recognizes that changes may have to be made. “If this has to be a parking lot, if it absolutely cannot change, maybe we should have the garden run through the campus,” suggested sophomore Bossardet.

Such a system could include raised beds, concrete beds, or hydroponic gardening.

Dedicating the plant beds at the dorms to gardening and composting could be part of a solution if the garden’s current location must be converted into a parking lot.

What seems most important to the gardeners is that the garden club continue to have a dedicated space.

Hilbert quoted a Greek proverb that says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” In a way, as Hilbert commented, that has been the mission of the garden club all along, “only we’re not old men but mindful youth who want to create a sustainable space for future generations of like-minded Eckerd students.”

Altruistic projects like these are at the heart of the EC community, making one hopeful that the garden club’s needs won’t be neglected.

12 Viewpoints

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Reflecting on Romney campaign: Right fight, wrong strategy

By Ethan Packey Political Consultant

I

t seems I’ve been writing opinion editorials all semester that extol the wonders of the RomneyRyan ticket. I genuinely expected them to win. The win didn’t come, and I was mad and sad and all manner of emotions the night Romney conceded.

But time has placed enough distance between me and the election so that I can give you one more opinion, my opinion of the results and what they say about the Republican Party’s immediate future.

The presidential election’s results were quite simple. President Obama won the popular vote, 50.9 percent to Romney’s 47.4 percent, with Obama garnering approximately 65 million votes to Romney’s 60.5 million. I cringe at the 3.5 percentage point gap, but I beam when I remember that McCain’s loss margin was twice the size of Romney’s. In fact, Romney’s popular vote total of 60.5 million outperformed not just McCain’s 2008 campaign, but the original Bush run in 2000, as well.

Bush’s 2004 reelection victory was the one Republican showing that Governor Romney did not beat. That is a stark lesson. In 2004, Bush aggressively courted minorities and was rewarded for it.

He beat John Kerry by more than three million votes garnering more than 50 percent of the Catholic vote, 44 percent of the Hispanic vote and 11 percent of the AfricanAmerican vote. By contrast, Romney received 27 percent of the Hispanic vote and a low percentage of African-Americans.

This is where the Republican Party needs to focus now. Romney did a lot of things correctly. He chose to not parrot social issues and instead focused on explaining his decency as an individual despite Obama’s attempts to paint him as a vulture capitalist. Romney chose to show some real boldness on policy proposals, giving plans for entitlement and tax reform.

He chose to make this election a choice between two different visions of America, instead of just a referendum on President Obama.

Holidays of mass destruction: PC or not

By Hayden Johnson

Asst. Entertainment Editor

And, to a limited extent, he was rewarded. Romney won every income bracket starting with those making $50,000 a year. He even won the white population under 30 by seven percentage points. However, to his detriment, Romney focused his outreach exclusively on the independents, rather than both independents and minorities, which is needed to secure a national presence.

There was minimal outreach to the minority communities, where the seeds of Republican victories lie. Ryan Heffner, chairman of the EC Republicans had some strong words about the failed minority outreach, “as much as we all look back at George W. Bush and cringe, he did teach us one thing: minority outreach and big-tent strategies are the way to secure the GOP’s national presence.”

That being said, the Republican presidential ticket is about the only place Republicans can look for any signs of victory in 2012. Once again, the Republican chances for picking up the Senate were destroyed by a combination of Tea Partiers and otherwise inept Republican candidates.

Todd Akin and Richard Mourdock were the big Tea Party names, of course, who took swing-state Senate races and made them losses.

Richard Mourdock was noticeably incompetent because he lost Indiana while Indiana went for Gov-

ernor Romney in the presidential vote and elected a new Republican governor, Mike Pence.

The Republican Party needs to show more cultural openness by appealing to women and other cultural and ethnic minorities in order to secure its presence nationally.

One of the Eckerd interns from the Romney campaign’s St. Petersburg office, Avery Cooper, said, “When the Republican Party denied Ron Paul a chance to speak at the convention, they ended their chances with a large number of younger and more moderate voters who could have been persuaded to cast their votes for Romney.”

The aura around President Obama has notably faded, as well.

Despite winning, he garnered four and a half million votes less than his result in 2008. “Hope and Change” evolved into “Forward,” but clearly a sizable chunk of Obama’s 2008 supporters chose to stay at home instead of progressing forward with Obama’s policies.

Still, Obama achieved that which all Republican operatives said was impossible. He maintained the record-high turnout among minority voters that helped propel him to victory in 2008 and now to reelection in 2012.

My congratulations, Mr. President. I hope you serve well during your final four years.

After we have given thanks for everything that we have and after Black Friday tramples on, the holiday season begins. The lights, the music, being around family and hopes for the New Year are staples for this special time. Yet besides an overindulgence of eggnog the night before, the only thing that gives me a headache this time of year is all the controversy.

For some reason, there are people who get annoyed by the all-inclusive term “Happy Holidays” or the other term I mentioned before, “Holiday Season.” Some may see the h-word as an attack on their Christmas spirit. This outrage can even be seen in major media outlets labeling this stride for political correctness as “The War on Christmas.”

There has even been the traditional backlash by the reactionary American Family Association with their yearly list of companies to boycott based on their lack of support of Christmas in advertisements. Companies such as Office Depot, Footlocker and Barnes & Noble have been deemed by them as being against Christmas.

Even Victoria’s Secret has been put on this year’s naughty list.

I don’t understand why it always causes such a fuss, year after year. It’s not as if every time someone says “Happy Holidays” a reindeer dies.

This conflict became apparent last year in Rhode Island, as Governor Lincoln Chaffee took heat for calling the decorated spruce in the State House a “holiday tree.”

I can see how it can be slightly annoying when the term “holiday” is obviously being used as a substitute for “Christmas”; nonetheless, there should always be a separation of

ing like votes of pity. And pity is something I don’t appreciate. Upon speaking to Ramsey-Tobienne,, I learned how few options I had. Appealing the decision is allowed for those who feel their portfolio was judged wrongly. But with five different readers, I felt I did not have much room to argue. My consolation prize is that I am able to “opt out” of the composition requirement on the basis that my major is already writing-intensive.

To have so few options to respond to a universally-applied requirement is atrocious. There are information sessions, writing center employees and faculty members to help, but in the grand scheme of things, Eckerd students are still scrambling to make sense of the portfolio guidelines. My timed writing and descriptive piece were adequate. The research paper and analytic paper were the ones that gave me trouble.

What really grinded my gears was the fact that these writing portfolios are meant to be graded holistically. However, my portfolio was

mostly deemed incompetent due to two papers, which you don’t find too often in the creative writing major (unless it’s literature analytic papers.) I felt that the portfolio, which is meant to judge competency on a general level, was reduced to technological prowess and citation perfection.

Moreover, I also felt demeaned as a creative writer in that my writing competency was deduced from my weakness in technical writing.

While I completely acknowledge the importance of citation styles and technical writing, I also cannot help but shake the feeling these categories somehow outweighed my competent creative pieces.

While this may not necessarily be true, there is something to be said about the way certain faculty members come to the decision of how to weigh certain papers. If so, is it an appropriate message to send to Eckerd students, especially aspiring creative writers, that technical skills are more valuable than writing conventions and style? Even more so when a student’s most “creative”

piece can be submitted optionally.

Moreover, I was also skeptical to the transparency of the writing portfolio evaluative process. Faculty members from all collegia volunteer to judge but the way in which they are trained is not explored in detail. According to Ramsey-Tobienne, faculty members use their experience to evaluate portfolios.

“Their training is that they are college professors,” Ramsey-Tobienne explained, “who understand what competent, college-level writing should be.” Readers also attend a norming session to familiarize themselves with the assessment process and rubric. At this norming session, faculty read and analyze a sample portfolio. This portfolio is typically a portfolio from the previous evaluation that was found to be borderline. This portfolio is not available to the public and its contents are not known.

Adding to all this, failing your writing portfolio impacts your opportunities at Eckerd in the near future. You can’t register for senior thesis until you pass, affecting your

courtesy of Flickr/GageSkidmore

church and state. It’s just the idea that labeling any publicly funded secular decoration as an attack comes off as, well, ridiculous.

December and the weeks leading up to it have always been home to multiple holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice and others.

“Happy Holidays” is something that includes people of many denominations with a gesture of welcoming. Even The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster has brought praise to this term as they celebrate a holiday called “Holiday” which can be celebrated anytime during the season.

There are many reasons to appreciate the term “happy holidays.” Nonetheless can it be considered to be politically incorrect to specifically state what holiday it is? Could it be inaccurate to not say “Merry Christmas” when it is in fact Christmas or not say “Happy Hanukkah” when it’s Hanukkah ? By creating a blanket phrase we can take on a different kind of ignorance. We assume by being vague we are just pleasing everyone.

There is even another conundrum that comes up with the fact that not everybody celebrates holidays this season. Atheists, agnostics, as well as other affiliations might not be celebrating any holidays.

By using a single phrase, we can be overlooking the cultural and ideological identities of our friends and neighbors.

Even with all conflicts of political correctness going back and forth, this is a season of much joy nonetheless. So, no matter what kind of customs you are partaking in, or not, have a happy holiday when you do celebrate, or at least just a damn good day.

schedule in your last few semesters.

This inconvenience is exacerbated considering there are only two submission dates a year, even though the writing portfolios get graded within approximately three weeks.

Moreover, these are faculty members who probably have never encountered my writing, nor do they know me as a student.

Instead of having my professors make the judgment of whether my writing has developed and become competent, I am labeled inadequate by faceless faculty who are never made known to me.

I truly love writing and, obviously, this hasn’t discouraged my ability to write for classes or for The Current (for which my editors are grateful). Writing is profound in that one’s writing improves in subtle ways each and every day. I always look forward to developing as a writer. But, I will always think of the day when I opened my mailbox nonchalantly to find the words, “I’m sorry to inform you that your portfolio has been deemed inadequate.”

Portfolio-judging process needs review: what is “competent”?

PORTFOLIO from page 9

as the fourth reader for any portfolio that needs a fourth read. She also conducts random plagiarism checks of a representative sample of portfolios. Each portfolio is read once by two faculty members, randomly selected from all collegia. If either one of those instructors labels the portfolio as “inadequate,” it goes to a third faculty member.

If, after that third read the portfolio receives its second “competent” assessment the portfolio passes. If not, the portfolio goes on to Dr. Ramsey-Tobienne. When the faculty votes come to a tie in faculty members who find the portfolio ‘”competent’” or “inadequate,” then it goes to the tie-breaker, director of the Writing Excellence program, Bill Kelly. This process allows for multiple opportunities from multiple perspectives for the student to demonstrate ability/competency.

My portfolio went under five revisions, indicating that there was a split on my portfolio’s competency.

Having those two votes of competency, while nice, ended up feel-

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Dec. 7, 2012

ENTERTAINMENT Macklemore brings great performance to Orlando

By Jennifer Lincoln Staff Writer From the opening moments of Macklemore’s Orlando show, when he turned his back to the crowd and the lights went in and out, the audience got hysterical. The energy throughout the night was incredible, with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis never slowing down or stopping to take a breather.

The show began when Macklemore performed “Ten Thousand Hours,” and everyone in the audience sang along and screamed at the top of their lungs. He started out his next song by throwing water on the audience, which of course made them even more excited, and kept dancing wildly throughout the show. At different points throughout the concert, Ryan Lewis and Macklemore would jump down, climb onto the railing separating them from the crowd, and belt out the lyrics to whatever song they were performing.

This was an amazing experience for anyone who, like me, somehow wedged themselves into the front row. Macklemore introduced “Thrift Shop” by pointing to someone in the audience, asking to borrow their fur coat, and, once the coat was passed up the crowd and to the stage, he tried it on and then pretended to leave.

The music started, the crowd went wild and Macklemore skateboarded out onto stage to deliver one of the best performances I’ve ever seen with the most fun I’ve ever had during one song in a concert. Macklemore held the microphone out for his fans to sing along with him, and jumped all over the stage while everyone in the audience literally went crazy.

Overall, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “The Heist Tour” concert was the most fun I’ve ever had at one show. As a long time Macklemore fan, I was ecstatic when he performed “Otherside,” “The Town” and “And We Danced,” three of my favorite songs. “Otherside” was an incredibly emotional performance because Macklemore discussed a close friend’s accidental death from

photo by Dominick Cuppetilli

an Oxycodone overdose.

A specific energy pulsated through the crowd, and everyone felt connected at that point through the one song because it speaks to so many people.

When Macklemore performed “Same Love” a similar but more hopeful energy was felt throughout the crowd. As it was the night after the election results came in and gay marriage had just passed in three states, something Macklemore has advocated for and even what “Same Love” is about. During “Can’t Hold Us,” Macklemore climbed on top of the speakers, jumped off, and proceeded to jump around the stage before hopping off and being lifted onto the hands of the

crowd so that they were literally holding him up while he performed.

The people in the crowd pushed his feet up and down and the whole room was jumping with him. The question posed in his song “Wings,” “I want to fly, can you take me far away?” was definitely answered in the way that Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s “The Heist” show transported everyone in the room to a different place mentally for the hours it took place.

My favorite moment of the concert was during “Gold” when Ryan Lewis stage-dived into the crowd and surfed for a while before jumping back on stage. He then proceeded to jump right in front of me and sing while he was holding onto the railing so that we were no more than an inch apart.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis performed two encores, the first being “And We Danced,” which drove the audience completely mad.

Macklemore exploded out onto the stage wearing a purple sparkly cape and a long blonde wig similar to the one he wears in the music video. Macklemore also rubbed against almost everything on the stage, including the stage itself, making all of the girls in the audience scream louder. The entire time he was performing “And We Danced,” the crowd sang along, screamed and, of course, danced wildly and with reckless abandon.

For his second encore, Macklemore ran out onto stage waving the Irish flag for “Irish Celebration,” when he stage-dived right into the center of the crowd, pumping them up, right before slowing down the song for the end.

To close out the show, he had the crowd chant, “We are f-----g awesome,” and shouted out to his girlfriend before asking the audience to clap for everyone who helped put on the concert that night. Macklemore also announced that Ryan Lewis is single, which definitely made me cheer louder. So, overall, how can I sum up my time at the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis “The Heist Tour” show in Orlando? Well, “We danced, and we cried and we laughed, and had a really, really, really good time.”

Gotta catch ‘em all, again

By Ely Grinfeld Asst. Viewpoints Editor It almost surprised me how much I enjoyed Pokémon Black and White 2, the Game Freak Inc. titles recently released for the Nintendo DS. Since Pokémon came to America with the Red and Blue handheld versions in 1998, I have simply been obsessed. Even at the tender age of 6, I knew that no other video game at the time gave its players such an extensive amount of customization to a gameplay formula that was profoundly fun and simple.

Every expansion to the series gave a new generation of kids a new gaggle of Pokémon to catch. The number of Pokémon is currently at 649, so catching them all might make your head spin. But Black and White 2 makes the tried-and-true formula fun again for a whole new generation of fans.

Pokémon Black and White 2 is a pair of video games set two years after the events in the original Pokémon Black and White. New protagonists are introduced, allow-

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ing Pokémon fans to choose from a new male or female hero. Changes are made to freshen up the experience for both longtime fans of the Pokémon franchise and fans that were drawn in with the original Black and White games.

The new games provide the biggest change to the Pokémon series in that they are the first to directly continue the storyline of a preceding game. In the original Black and White, the protagonists encounter Team Plasma, a rogue organization that wishes to free Pokémon from their Pokéballs–Nintendo’s clever euphemism for ‘enslavement,’ while also fighting the gym leaders to eventually become the Pokémon League Champion.

With this focus on the greater meaning of Pokémon-human relationships in these set of games, Nintendo and Game Freak hoped to breathe life back into a series that was possibly losing its fan base.

Series creator, Satoshi Tajiri, in a rare interview with Metro U.K.’s GameCentral, explained the pioneering example set by Pokémon Black and White 2 by being fol-

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low-up games. “While the story is important, and there was a lot of emphasis on that, it’s not just a sequel purely in terms of story,” Tajiri said. “It’s also a sequel in terms of interlinking connective play and so there’s the advancement of these features where you can play together, and so in those terms it’s also a sequel from Black and White to Black and White 2.”

The Pokémon team wanted to cut the fat from the games to deliver a pure, unadulterated Pokémon adventure. Where old Pokémon

games took forever to get through the beginning, you are out of your mother’s house in the gorgeous first town, Aspertia City, in less than two minutes.

There is no pretense or cause for celebration: the protagonist is just out to see the world and capture Pokémon. A familiar character from the original Black and White, Bianca, greets the protagonist and his/her rival and gives them both Pokédexs, the Pokémon equivalent of an encyclopedia or taxonomy see Pokémon, page 16

promotional photo

Entertainment 13

INSIDE ENTERTAINMENT Celebration of the Arts page 14 “Walking Dead” game

page 14

Lana Del Rey

page 16

Sex on the Beach

page 16

courtesy of Wikicommons

Stylish options for the Florida Winter

By Caroline Campbell Heatlh & Fitness Editor Since moving to Florida when I was 6-years-old, I was plagued every winter with the malfunctions of a simple winter wardrobe. Oh no, Florida winters don’t allow for thermals, coats and pants every day of the winter equinox. I would dress for elementary school in the early morning when temperatures hovered around a damp 50 degrees and warm-up by recess to a sunny 75. My thermals quickly became cumbersome as I sweated through them on an intense monkey-bar session.

It has taken me all of 16 years of fussing and fidgeting with daily attire to conclude an almost (but not guaranteed) foolproof morningto-afternoon-to-evening attire; for those on-the-go like myself. My ideal Florida winter outfit involves a few simple pieces and layers of a different sort. I believe in reinventing my summer-wear to suit the varying temperatures of our socalled “winter” weather.

For the morning, I start with boots, panty-hose, shorts, tanktops or short-sleeved shirts and a cardigan or blazer. The temperature might call for one more jacket. The hosiery and jackets can be remoeasily if the afternoon warms up. For a going-out evening attire I suggest keeping those same boots, hose and jacket but replacing the shorts and shirt with a simple sundress. A blazer or leather jacket turns any fun-in-the sun dress into whimsical, winter attire. I’m also a fan of kneehigh and thigh-high socks. I enjoy having fun with the different layers because our winter season lasts only a few months, then its back to bikinis. Feel free to also dust-off those hats and scarves, to let your playful winter wardrobe come to life.

14 Entertainment

the current

Dec.7, 2012

Eckerd’s Celebration of the Arts Attendees admire Kirk Ke Wang’s piece, “Black, White, and Other Colors,” on display in Cobb Galllery.

One of two foam statues created by Kirk Ke Wang titled“Hot Steel Lion,” and “Stone Lion” which are on display in Cobb Gallery.

Both students and the public gathered in a great turn-out for the art festival which had exhibits across campus.

Two festival attendees relax outside Ransom Art Celebration of the Arts, presented by the Eckerd College Creative Arts Collegium, took over campus Nov. 12 for a day of admiration for the different art programs across campus. The event kicked off with a gallery talk given by artists Theo Wujcik, professor emeritus at USF, and Kirk Ke Wang, professor of visual arts here.

The pair discussed their exhibition of paintings and sculptures entitled “The Invisible Elephant” that explores the idea that we each can see the same things differently. Later, guests were treated to an organ recital by Thomas Hall, college organist and instructor of organ. Alumnus Hall studied organ with the late William Waters.

Representing the creative writing department, Jon Chopan, assistant professor of creative writing, read from an excerpt of a work in progress. A 1999 graduate, Jay Baron Nicorvo, read a selection from his debut collection titled “Deadbeat.” The afternoon continued at Roberts Music Center for an evening of chamber music featuring a trio of Eckerd faculty. Concluding the celebration was “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” a student production directed by Gavin Hawk.

Students speak with Prof. Wang during the art festival in front of the piece, “The Asian Boy.”

photos by Mary Kate McKenna

Clicking for survival:

“Walking Dead” video game puts gamers in post-apocalyptic world

By Conor Sean McKenna Contributing Writer

in intense, zombie attacking scenarios, making you panic to click and choose what you want to do in desperate situations.

The camera angles are usually placed well, but still make sure to look around as much as you can, because you might start out looking in the wrong direction of what you need to see. This game controls really well, except for the awkward walking controls that make it difficult to walk directly where you need to go.

The game looks and sounds great with a unique graphic design and appropriate soundtrack. It may seem strange at first, but you can quickly become encased in the atmosphere of the game.

When I first saw this game being played, I didn’t think much of it. It seemed like a point-and-click game that wasn’t interesting.

I was wrong. I have had a fun experience with this game and really became captured in the world, story and gameplay. I found some of the beginning of the story to be predictable, but it does not take away from the experience due to the later shocking surprises along the journey. The characters and story are

If you can’t get enough zombie based stories or video games, “The Walking Dead” is just what you need. A familiar title to television watchers, “The Walking Dead” show and video game were both inspired by Robert Kirkman’s comic book series of the same name.

Though both are different, “The Walking Dead” game takes a familiar but twisted new direction.

“The Walking Dead” was made by Telltale Games, who releases a new episode of the game every month or so. The latest episode was released Nov. 20, ending the first season.

You play as the persecuted convict, Lee Everett, who finds himself in the middle of a zombie invasion while being driven to a prison in Georgia. Trying to survive, he stumbles upon Clementine, a young girl waiting for her parents. Together you meet various characters, some known from the comics, along the way.

The objective of the game is to survive and search for friends and loved ones.

The game takes a dark look at a zombie

apocalypse and heavily emphasizes the horror and trauma. You come across the traditional, slow-walking, corpse zombies referred to as “walkers.” You will be forced to violently kill using whatever you can find such as axes, screwdrivers and your own bare hands. The zombie attacks aren’t the only element in the game, and you’ll come across puzzles and quick decisions in your dialogue as you talk to other characters.

The puzzles within the game aren’t very challenging, but they force the player to make very difficult choices. A few times throughout the game, you must make heavy decisions that alter the story, sometimes at the risk of a character’s life. It helps capture the sacrifices one could have to make in an apocalyptic world.

This type of game is a point-and-click adventure game, meaning you point, with your cursor, and click on things in the environment around you so that your character may interact with them. But this isn’t your ordinary “look around and click things you see” pointand-click game. This takes it to another level.

You’ll be required to click on things quickly

great, but there are a ton of sad elements in the game, so prepare yourself.

I would recommend this game to anyone who enjoys zombie stories and fun games. It is a game that anyone can pick up, play and still be challenged by. I would not recommend this game to people who do not do well with violence, due to its M for Mature rating, or to anyone who doesn’t want a sad story. Overall this is a great game with a unique experience that really captures what a great zombie game is, rather than a commonly found mowdown-zombies-with-a-big-gun game.

promotional photo

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Dec. 7, 2012

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

7

8

9

First Friday Last Day of Classes

6 p.m.

Student Affairs Movie

4 p.m. CPS EC Christmas Carol

9 p.m.

Late Night Breakfast 4:30 p.m.

Phitness with Professors and Holiday Party 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

EDGE District Farmers 7 p.m. CPS Market 1000 Central Ave International Film Series

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15

End of Fall Semester

Winter Break

Events

Dec. 7 - 20

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

10

11

12

13

Final Exams 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Trivia Night @ Fergs

16 Winter Break

Entertainment 15

17 Winter Break

Final Exams

Final Exams

Final Exams

7:30 p.m.

Swing Dancing Lessons

7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil Tropicana Feild

10 p.m.

Rockband in the Pub

19

18 Winter Break

Winter Break

20 Winter Break

Noon Dorms Close 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Friday Night Drum Circle

To advertise your event with The Current, contact Current Entertainment at currententertainment@eckerd.edu

The St. Pete Sampler: Local Fun & Fine Dining For the holidays, students have to be getting tired of the Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing, so this week’s Sampler brings us to the Mediterranean. The best of the ‘berg’s Greek-style food, from sophisticated wine and dine, to late-night fast food is this week’s special.

EC Cocktails Hot Toddy

Spiked Egg Nog

Ingredients: 6 oz hot water 2 tbsp honey Half of lemon One shot bourbon

Ingredients: 1 cup store-bought egg nog 2 shots spiced rum 2 dashes ground cinnamon 2 dashes ground nutmeg ice

Preparation Mix honey into hot water until dissolved. Squeeze in juice of lemon.

Add in bourbon and stir.

Preparation Combine all ingredients in martini shaker and shake until well blended.

Serve in highball glass over ice.

Note: The beverages and recipes on this page are intended for consumption only by individuals who are 21 or older. The Current does not promote underage drinking. When combining alcoholic beverages with caffeinated beverages, it is important to be aware of the potential side-effects and limit your consumption accordingly. Drink responsibly, our friends.

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A. Salems Gyros and Subs 880 34th St. N 33713 11 mins from campus Mon-Sun 10 a.m. - 4 a.m.

3 ½ stars $ No alcohol served

B. Little Greek Restaurant 1052 4th St. N St.Pete FL 33701 14 mins from campus Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sat. - Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

4 stars $$ No Alcohol Served

C. Acropolis 515 Central Ave St. Pete FL 33701 15 mins from campus Sun-Thur. 11 a.m. - Midnight, FriSat. 11 a.m. - 1 a.m.

3 ½ stars $$ Full Bar

D. Salems Gyros and Subs 880 34th St. N 33713 11 mins from campus Mon. - Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 a.m.

3 ½ stars $ No alcohol served

16 Entertainment

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

From Pikachu to Oshawott: New game evolves From Pokémon, page 13

guide and their ‘starter’ Pokémon.

The starter is the classic Pokémon trope in which the protagonist begins his or her journey by choosing one of three unique Pokémon new to respective game. The player is then given the tools to capture other Pokémon from the get-go.

The immediate level of exposure to the gameplay is refreshing and welcomed to both veteran and newbie Pokémon players.

Catching Pokémon in Black and White 2 feels brand new while still keeping the consistent formula presented in past games. The available Pokémon in the first Black and White are limited to only the new ones appearing in the fifth generation of the games.

Black and White 2 bring in all types of oldies to the mix to make a mind-blowing amount of team possibilities. Moreover, Ken Sugimori’s designs for the new Pokémon are absolutely breathtaking and I personally could not remember being impressed with a Pokémon roster this much since the Gold and Silver versions of 2000. An early favorite of mine is Lillipup, the absolutely adorable dog Pokémon that looks like a Scottish terrier and packs a

serious punch.

The story proceeds rapidly, with the first Pokémon gym being in the beginning town. Cheren, another familiar face from the original games, becomes established as Aspertia City’s new gym leader.

Black and White 2 continue the trend of having eight Pokémon gyms, places in which the player tests himself against a strong Pokémon trainer in order to win a badge.

When the player collects eight badges, he or she qualifies to challenge the Pokémon League.

The journey to challenge the Pokémon League feels brand new in the Unova region. Unova is the name of the setting of the new games and the game designers wanted to evoke feelings for New York City. The references are almost impossible to miss, especially with huge cities like Castelia City, with its huge towers, four main streets and bustling pedestrians; towns of this size are unprec-

edented in Pokémon history.

Each setting is seamlessly involved with each other, and the player can notice a transition from pastoral to urban settings with every route. The music in Black and White 2 is particularly enjoyable and everything is so filled with emotion. One can feel like a fabulous farmer listening to the wacky tunes of Floccessy Ranch and then immediately be consumed by the beautiful slow ballads of end-game dungeons like the Giant Chasm.

The greatest rush for me so far

was hearing the thumpa-thumpa rave jam that associated legendary Pokémon battles. Instrument synthesizers are definitely refined in these versions and it really feels like you are in a live concert hall listening to Pokémon tunes.

The story quickly becomes heavy as old and new players confront Team Plasma on the ethics of capturing Pokémon. Such existential questions particularly affected my playthrough as it made me question the innocent enjoyment I got from the game: was I really partaking in digital slavery? Fear not, this is a Pokémon game after all and while there is a deep message to be found, the tone overall is still cheery and lighthearted.

There were some moments where I still found myself wanting more. The user interface was incredibly minimal and surprisingly had no customization to it, which upset me greatly. Each game allowed the player to customize the dialogue and interface layout and settings, something I appreciated as being a person who wants to make everything unique and personal.

I also was taken aback by promotional photo

how unfriendly the franchise continues to be to those who don’t have access to online trading. Many Pokémon in Black and White 2 only evolve through trading, leave players who prefer to play on their own in the dust. The game somewhat remedies this problem by introducing a few high-level evolved Pokémon in the wild so they can be caught.

The game can be beaten in approximately 40 to 60 hours and that is just for the main portion.

Pokémon black and White 2 includes a hoard of post-game options with the Battle Subway, Pokéstar Studios, and the Pokémon World Tournament, new modes that reinvent the classic Pokémon fighting gameplay.

Pokémon Black and White 2 take a few notable risks, as a sequel and as a game in the Pokémon franchise and they work. The game is aesthetically beautiful, the pokemon are plentiful and great and the thrill of the battle makes me feel like I am six years old again. At approximately $35, this game is a steal.

Pokémon Black and White 2 gets an 8.5/10.

Viral Video Update: holidays and facial hair “Bo Inspects the 2012 White House Holiday Decorations” uploaded Nov. 29 by whitehouse

By Nicholas Alton Contributing Writer

“How To Kill a Mustache” uploaded Nov. 30

by RhettandLink

Listening to the sounds of paradise

By Jacob Allgeier Contributing Writer

This year has been a disheartening one for Lana Del Rey. From mixed reviews of her debut album “Born to Die,” being hailed the worst performer ever to appear on SNL, and the canceling of her U.S. tour, it almost seemed like her career sizzled before it had even sparked. Del Rey has persevered and returned with the powerhouse “Paradise.” This eight-track EP is Del Rey’s musical redemption, proving that she has evolved into a confident and unique artist.

Channeling the 50s’ bombshell persona she is known for, Del Rey transports the listener to a fantastical America stuck between the past and present. In the assaulting ballad “Body Electric,” Del Rey pants, “Elvis is my daddy, Marilyn’s my mother.” In a sexually charged musical industry, Del Rey shows that

there’s a way to draw from the sensuality of classic artists while adding a modern spin. This can also be heard in the steamy tracks “Cola” and “Gods and Monsters” where classiness mingles with and tames desire.

The cover of Bobby Vinton’s classic “Blue Velvet” also shows Del Rey’s attempt to weave together the old and the new. The modern electronic riffs blended with an orchestra makes it accessible yet still as haunting as the original. The appropriately titled “American” continues this theme, sounding like a gloomier “Some Like it Hot” that can resonate with present-day listeners.

Where Del Rey’s vocal technique in “Born to Die” was often sporadic and forced, it is polished in “Paradise.” “Been tryin’ hard not to get into trouble, but I’ve got a war in my mind,” Del Rey sings in the opener track “Ride.” The listener

can feel the heartache lurking beneath her powerful voice. Those who say she can’t sing need look no further than this track.

The production of “Paradise” is more stripped back in comparison to “Born to Die.” The music doesn’t overpower Del Rey’s voice this time around, but instead accompanies it. The nearly acoustic track “Yayo” and dreamy “Bel Air” make Del Rey the center of attention. Her ethereal vocals have never been clearer than they are here on “Paradise.”

“Everybody said it, you were way ahead of the trend,” Del Rey muses in “American,” and ahead of the trend she is. In an industry that pumps out formulaic beats and shallow lyrics, it’s refreshing to know that there are artists like Lana Del Rey that transcend this stigma. Take a trip with Del Rey to “Paradise;” there’s something for everyone there.

“The Kama Sutra” has become a widely discussed source for sex positions. From Cosmo magazine to The New York Times, sexual commentary in many forms of modern media often makes references to the ancient Hindu text.

Although many believe the book to be merely a manual of sexual positions, “The Kama Sutra” doesn’t just discuss sexuality. The original Sanskrit text is an Eastern ideology discussing other aspects of relationships including marriage and family issues.

Also, it did not include the raunchy illustrations often seen in modern interpretations. “The Kama Sutra” consists of a combination of many ancient texts and was assembled by an Indian sage named Vatsyayana around the third century. Today, most people are only familiar with its sexual lessons. For this, it is often referred to as “the bible of sex.”

“The Kama Sutra” provides an interesting glimpse into the Hindu religion and way of life. Some sections include a guide for proper womanly pursuits and even a male grooming guide of sorts. Although it reflects a pre-modern conception of male and female roles, it does suggest the beneficial effects of reciprocity between both partners.

For those primarily concerned

with its modern connotation, many recent spinoff books, including some that offer adaptations for LGBT relationships, introduce variations of the original 64 sex positions. Even when used primarily as a sexual handbook, the act of exploring these positions builds a level of trust and respect in relationships. Partners must be comfortable with each other to build an environment for experimentation.

As a person who considers himself sexually open-minded, as well as very interested in differing philosophies, I wanted to let Eckerd kids know that “The Kama Sutra” is not just a kinky tutorial guide; it is the yoga of sex. To enter the Crane Pose (Bakasana)—a difficult yoga pose—it takes a lot of meditation and athleticism. The same is true with different positions of Kama Sutra.

I’ve found that incorporating this Eastern approach to sex has not only given me more pleasure, but the intimacy between my partner and me has become stronger.

Sex is more of a team effort since, in many of the positions, we rely on each other for balance.

For those interested in exploring a new way to have, and think about, sex, I recommend A.N.D. Haksar’s translation of the original Kama Sutra. It is faithful to the original Sanskrit text that explains how to intensify pleasure and happiness in a healthy relationship.

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The Quickie 17

THE QUICKIE

Crossword by Dominick Cuppetilli

Club Spotlight: Eckerd Longboard Club

By Ryan Wheeler Quickie Editor

Eckerd and longboarding are two things that are seemingly made for each other. During the school year, many Eckerd students use longboards to go everywhere on campus thanks to numerous well-kept paths spanning everywhere from the new molecular biology building to the waterfront. The schools website even has a picture of longboards resting on a wall outside a classroom on its main page.

Lately the school’s relationship with its student longboarders has been somewhat tumultuous. Professors have been filing more and more complaints concerning numerous accidents and near misses involving pedestrians and longboarders in the academic quad. It escalated enough that a forum was held Nov. 16 to discuss this prob-

courtesy of EC Longboard Club

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lem. I decided to sit down with the president of Eckerd’s longboarding club, Senior Eliot Mooiweer, to learn a little bit more about the club and Mooiweer’s own thoughts on the current state of longboarding at Eckerd.

How long have you been president of the longboarding club, and why did you want to be president?

I’ve been president since last year when the club’s first president, Jack Alden, transferred. I got into being the president after helping Jack, who was my roommate two years ago, start and run the club.

Why did you two want to start the club?

We really wanted to find people to ride with and to learn tricks from, as well as finding a way to help the longboard community maintain their equipment.

What is your own personal experience with longboarding, how long have you skated and what do you get out of it?

I’ve been longboarding since the beginning of high school. At that point, I was also snowboarding and surfing, so the board-riding theme kind of stuck. Longboarding gives me a sense of reprieve, whether it’s between classes or a late-night ride, it really helps me forget about the stress and troubles of my day. It’s also my primary form of transportation and exercise.

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What is the main purpose of the club?

I’ve been thinking about what the club can offer students, and it really depends on what people want to do. I’m available for advice and technical help for equipment and we have a bunch of tools that help with maintenance. I have given lessons in the past (from beginner riding to technical slides) and I’d love to get some more events going to get people riding together. Unfortunately, this semester my schedule swamped me (being a marine science senior), but hopefully next semester we’ll get going strong.

What do you think the club can bring to the Eckerd community?

The club connects riders with the tools, experience and hardware that they need for maintaining their boards. We also have connections with a number of shops that give club members (i.e. the student body) discounted rates. We also should have our very first sets of “yellow boards” arriving shortly at the waterfront, and next semester I’m hoping to shoot some footage of some of our riders to make into a video.

Are you aware of the current issues with longboarding and professors in the academic quad, if so what are your thoughts about it?

The issue with the longboarders and bikes in the quad is a bit of a tough issue. As a longboarder, I do feel it’s a shame that it has become necessary to ban riding in the quad, but I also understand the safety issue with the amount of people, blind corners and outward opening doors that are all over the place in there. It is our responsibility as riders, however, to ride safely and avoid pedestrians, and when people cannot handle that responsibility,

ACROSS

DOWN

1 Taxis 5 Alfred E. Neuman’s magazine 8 Hoard 13 Electronic music festival in Miami 14 to be 15 18th century kerchief 16 Lazy ___ (turn table) 17 Central Intelligence Agency 18 Kosher 19 Anew 20 Protective seed casing 22 Admiral 23 Dorm hall in Alpha Complex 25 Male 27 ____ and Reckless 29 Shines 33 Cow language 36 Ransom Arts manager ____ Ayers 38 Tiny island 39 The ____ of the Earth 41 Take to court 42 European money unit 43 Short and ____ (Teapot) 45 To make fun of 48 Pokemon #151 49 Horrid 51 Leaks 53 Pod vegetable 54 Napoleon Dynamite’s pet 57 Title of respect 59 Deserving recognition 62 Until 64 ____ Sharapova 66 2,000 pounds 67 Inched forward 68 Grasp firmly 69 To ask repeatedly 70 Flirtatiously stare 71 Civet cat’s cousin 72 Advertisement 73 Becomes a plant

1 Held on tightly 2 In the ocean (2 wds.)

3 Strong paper towels 4 ___ Antonio 5 Machinery repairperson 6 Italian for air 7 Unable to hear 8 American Football Conference 9 Resident of Milan 10 100 on a test 11 Cheap trickery 12 Our closest star 13 United States 20 Plankton’s ____ Bucket 21 Foundation for Medieval Genealogy 24 Female deer 26 Muhammad ___ (boxer) 28 Stuck to 30 Short for aluminum 31 English defined lake 32 To store something 33 Fit together 34 To a position on 35 Scent 37 One year old animals 40 Not expected 44 Draw 46 River dirt/clay 47 Environmental Protection Agency 50 Dam 52 Smudge 55 90 degree ____ 56 Trusty horse 57 Discount 58 Land of Aryans 60 Active Sicilian volcano 61 Traveled by cars 63 Peculiar 64 Joseph McGinty Nichol 65 Advanced Packaging Tool 67Goddess of the dawn

courtesy of EC Longboard Club Jack Alden flipping his longboard.

then actions do need to be taken.

Overall, the quad is a small section of campus, and there is no reason for bikers and boarders to ride through during busy hours.

Do you feel longboarding can be a potential danger to pedestrians?

Longboarding should not be a danger to pedestrians and it rests on the longboarders’ shoulders to avoid harming any pedestrians.

Here’s a list of thing riders should start doing if they’re serious about safety: -Keep your eye/ears open and head on a swivel.

-Call outs (“boarder/longboard, coming around!”) before taking corners.

-Point or say which side you are going to pass a pedestrian on.

-Ride in areas appropriate level for their level of skill.

-Avoiding busy areas when necessary.

-Ride on the road.

-Learn the 3 methods of speed control (walking off, foot braking and sliding).

- Wear a helmet and pads.

What can pedestrians do to help solve this problem?

As for pedestrians, I find the best advice is that if they don’t know where a longboarder is going, simply step off the sidewalk. Longboards tend to not work on dirt.

Personally, I prefer to ride the hardest and fastest at night, and I have a full set of pads for when I practice.

Generally, during the day, I use the road by the mailboxes and the path by chapel pond to get around.

How can interested students get involved with the longboarding club?

If anyone is interested in longboarding or needs anything (lessons, advice, tools etc.) they can contact me via email at esmooiwe@ eckerd.edu or on Facebook or find the club page at www.facebook. c o m / e c . l o n g b o a r d .

18 The Quickie

Dec. 7, 2012

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Dec. 7, 2012

Health & Fitness 19

HEALTH & FITNESS Holiday treats, with a twist

By Kate Astor Staff Writer

Liz’z Workout

99 Problems Jay-Z

Blackout

fresh fruits and vegetable dishes, Rockstar and is an extremely nutritionally Rihanna healthy holiday in general.

Love Somebody Maroon 5 It’s December, and the holiday season As for New Year’s, we all know Good Life is upon us. Which means so are the sweet that we spend the entire night Kanye West Starships noshing through chips, chicken temptations. Whether you celebrate HaNicki Minaj wings and sugary drinks. Instead nukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or New One More Night Maroon 5 of buttery puff pastry appetizers, Year’s, everyone’s holiday season is usuCountdown try spinach and brie topped artially filled with heavy caloric foods eaten Beyonce choke hearts. in large quantities.

Don’t Wake Me Up Chris Brown The artichoke hearts take the Between the latkes during Hanuk22 place of the puff pastry, and the Taylor Swift kah, the baked goods on Christmas, the spinach adds a lot of vitamins and coconut cakes during Kwanzaa, and the minerals that are beneficial for party foods during New Year’s, it is easy your skin, bones, vision and blood to fall off the nutritional track during the MENU courtesy of flickr/jeffreyw pressure. months of December and January.

Whole wheat pizza with vegetables.

Instead of ordering a few greasy However, by creating more healthy pizzas from the local delivery vitamins C and A for better immune system dishes for these holidays, and keeping moderation in mind, it is easy to stay health- support and a good amount of dietary fiber place, try baking your own pizzas with whole wheat crust, fresh tomatoes and low fat cheesthat can contribute to lowering cholesterol. conscious while enjoying the season.

Here are some healthy dishes that will easily Instead of Christmas cookies and cakes es.

For an extra addition of vitamins and phyreplace some of the calorie-dense classics that loaded with sugar, butter and lard, there are we are all used to: many recipes online for more healthy cookie tochemicals that are beneficial for the body, add vegetable toppings such as onions, mushInstead of potato latkes for Hanukkah, try and cake recipes. replacing shredded potato with shredded zucOne of the key things that all of these rooms, peppers or broccoli. Also, try elimichini, and try baking them instead of frying recipes have in common are substitutions. nating soda consumption by only serving unthem. Not only does this lower the calories For instance, healthy cookie recipes tend to sweetened teas, water and 100 percent juice within the dish, but it yields all of the great eliminate egg yolks, replace a portion of but- drinks.

There are plenty of healthful holiday recihealth benefits of zucchini such as receiving ter or oil with fat free yogurt or applesauce, pes out there that are and replacing all-pureasy to make and will pose flour with whole keep you satisfied. wheat flour.

Substitution is key in One example is creating these recimeringues. They are pes, so be a little more made entirely from creative when cooking egg whites and are this year. It is also immuch lighter than the portant to remember traditional holiday that moderation and cookies. portion control are The traditional important factors. dessert for Kwanzaa By keeping healthy is coconut cake, but replacements and porsince Kwanzaa means tion control in mind, “first fruits,” the cake there is no doubt that can be replaced by you can stay on track courtesy of flickr/luna sin estrellas and feel good about courtesy of flickr/meglet127 fruit salads. Kwanzaa Homemade bread, cooked spinach with a slice of Brie cheese. incorporates a lot of Zucchini cakes. this holiday season.

Breathe Carolina

From the iPod of Liz Tomaselli

Stay healthy during winter term trips

By Tiffany Flor Staff Writer For those of us going away on winter term, we all face a similar problem: how do we go abroad without completely spoiling the healthy habits instilled in our daily routine?

Before you start worrying that you’re going to gain ten pounds while on some island in the Pacific without a gym, think again.

A change to your diet, exercise routine and relaxation techniques can be a wonderful thing. Getting out of routine can sometimes be a stressful situation, but change is good.

Going to a different country sometimes means culturally different foods, days when the teacher tells you to grab a quick meal to go before your daily excursions, and, normally, lower drinking ages. Remember, this is no time to devour everything in sight just because it is to a month-long “vacation.”

There may not be a gym where you’re staying depending on your trip, and you may not be doing a lot of hiking or physical activity; in that case, choose an alternate form of exercise.

Senior Ian McKenzie, suggests an intense, five to ten minute routine that you can do in your room.

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“One I did last year involved three workouts, each done for 30 seconds over a time period of 5 minutes.

The first exercise was mountain climbers, then burpees and ended with jump-squats,” said McKenzie.

“Each of those for 30 seconds over 5 minutes, with no rest in between sets, will keep you in shape and maybe even improve your overall fitness.”

Traveling abroad can take a toll on your mind and body. Hanging out with a lot of people and constantly being on-the-go can be an awesome time, but remember that you have to take care of yourself.

Junior Cole Laddusaw travelled to the Galapagos Islands last winter term. He enjoyed taking an hour away from his day to himself, free of distractions, in order to relax his mind. Time away from the group to relax or meditate, can be an awesome way to keep your mind and body in check.

There are so many ways to enjoy your winter term and keep in great shape/health. Just remember to monitor what you take into your body, partake in plenty of physical activities and find time to relax from your hectic schedule. I wish you all luck and a life-changing winter term. Who knows, you may come back more healthy and fit than when you left.

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Exercise Cardio:

• Go on a jog every morning; remember to take a buddy with you • Run stairs in the hotel that you’re staying at • Explore the area by going on group walks • Do high intensity workouts in your room like my favorite 4 minute circuit: • 20 second burpees • 10 second rest • 20 second mountain climbers • 10 second rest • 20 second high knees • 10 second rest • 20 second jumping jacks • 10 second rest • repeat once immediately for 4 minutes total

Diet

• Drink plenty of sanitary water • Green and black teas help boost metabolism • Avoid sodas and too much alcohol • Eat roughly 6 small, healthy meals each day • Avoid fast food, go for healthy meals and snacks • Include protein in every meal and stuff down those vegetables • Take home leftovers

Strength workouts while you:

• brush teeth: do squats, side lunges, calf raises, stationary lunges • rinse hair: hold a squat position • apply make up (girls)/shave your face(guys): tight en your abs • going up/down the stairs: calf raises • waiting around: countertop push ups • sitting at your computer: hold yourself an inch or two off the chair with your arms using the sides of the chair while tightening your abs and keeping your knees at a 90 degree angle; hold between 30 seconds and a minute • folding laundry: wall sits • reading/writing in your journal: butt lifts, side leg lifts, fire-hydrants, leg raises

Relaxing

• get an adequate amount of sleep • jet lag: drink plenty of water, try a hot bath before bed, consider melatonin • take walks and explore; bring a buddy if advised by your teacher • try some yoga or stretching • read a book or keep a journal

20 Health & Fitness

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Going gluten-free

By Rachel Beck Staff Writer What do beer, croutons and licorice have in common? Gluten.

For those who are gluten intolerant, consuming one of these products can cause very negative side effects.

Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye, among other foods.

Andy Bene adopted a glutenfree diet two years ago to treat his Celiac disease. At the end of Bene’s junior year of high school, he and some of his classmates fell ill during a class trip to Peru.

After returning from the trip, his classmates recovered, but Bene did not. He tested positive for Celiac disease and he has been gluten-free ever since.

Bene has to be aware of avoiding gluten while on the meal plan at Eckerd. “There’s always the salad section as a backup,” said Bene. “The chef was really nice about saying which stuff had gluten and which stuff didn’t.”

Although, those who are new to a gluten-free diet must be careful. “Get very good at reading labels,” said Bene. “Some foods such as soy sauce and licorice, are not often associated with being wheat products. It can be a surprise to someone recently on a gluten-free diet.”

Bene buys a selection of

gluten-free products to supplement his diet. “There’s probably more gluten-free places than you think,” he said. “Betty Crocker has a bunch of pre-made glutenfree stuff.”

Contrary to popular belief though, a gluten-free diet may not be as healthy as you think.

“Don’t go gluten-free if you don’t have to,” said Bene. “Especially with the gluten-free cookies and cakes and stuff, usually those have a higher sugar content than just normal, not gluten-free stuff.

You have to do a lot to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients.”

Senior Liz Scherbatskoy is gluten intolerant, lactose intolerant and vegetarian. “I was not born this way. I happily ate bread and Panera,” she said. “I’m not a Celiac, but I’m gluten intolerant.”

She started realizing her symptoms her freshman year of college. “I just get really sick,” said Scherbatskoy. Symptoms included headaches and stomach aches.

To regain her health, Scherbatskoy made the switch to a glutenfree diet.

Praising the cafeteria, Scherbatskoy found options in the cafeteria through the meal plan her freshman year. “That salad bar is awesome.” She also praised Triton’s Pub. “They are pretty accommodating, I find.”

Now off the meal plan, Scherbatskoy has to find different ways to balance her diet. “I eat lots of Japanese food, Indian food, stuff like that,” she said. She recommended Chipotle and Burrito Boarder. “Also, I love Hiro’s, the sushi place. They have really good sushi,” she said.

Even though some restaurants have gluten friendly items, one still has to be careful. “You have to know certain things, like for instance, soy sauce has gluten in it,” said Scherbatskoy. “I learned that the hard way.”

Scherbatskoy has some advice for those attempting a glutenfree diet. “Do your research,” she advised. “Start liking to cook.”

Scherbatskoy cooks her own gluten-free meals.

She recommended a few brands that are delicious and gluten friendly. “I think the best bread is Udi’s bread,” said Scherbatskoy.

She also recommended the pasta brand Tinkyada. “[The] texture is a lot better than some other pastas,” she said. These different brands help make her cooking nutritious and tasty.

Senior Alice Daly started a gluten-free diet during her sophomore year of college. Though she does not have Celiac disease, a friend of hers suggested that she become gluten-free in order to overcome problems with stress.

“Being on a gluten-free diet has helped my body and my mind mentally be able to focus in class,” said Daly. If she accidentally does eat gluten, she has stomach pains and feels fatigued. “I feel like I become more depressed.”

Daly was on the meal plan during her freshman and sophomore years. “Actually, the cafeteria has catered very well [to my needs],” said Daly.

She moved into Nu her junior year and found her kitchen to be very helpful with her diet. “Living at Nu, I was able to create my own food,” said Daly.

As a senior living in Omega, she now can use an oven for her cooking needs.

Daly recommended locations to buy gluten-free products.

“Publix has a gluten-free section.

So does Wal-Mart,” said Daly. She also suggests Rollin’ Oats, located on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street and Nature’s Finest, located on Central Avenue—both in St. Petersburg.

If you are just starting a glutenfree diet, you can take some advice from Daly. “Keep trying and stay with being gluten-free. It’s tempting but you learn not to [eat gluten],” said Daly.

A gluten-free diet is not for everyone, so be cautious and become informed of the healthy ways to pursue this diet.

Café Bon Appetit freshens-up with new hydroponic garden

By Mary Kate McKenna Staff Writer

in a water and nutrient rich solution.

The same nutritional elements are Café Bon Appetit’s farm to fork iniused as plants grown in the soil; howtiative is intended to reflect their comever the plants are fed directly into mitment to buying local produce and the root base as opposed to dispersperpetuating sustainable farming pracing the water throughout soil that netices. cessitates plant roots to waste energy This summer, managers of Café Bon searching for nutrients.

Appetit furthered this initiative by colThis, along with the fact that the laborating with owners from Hydro plants are arranged in vertical stacks, Harvest Farms to bring a hydroponic saves 80 percent more water than vegetable and herb garden to Eckerd’s typical farming methods. main cafeteria.

Hydroponic farming does not use According to co-manager Valerie soil and thus allows crops to grow in McHugh, who spearheaded the colnon traditional places and avoid soil laboration, along with other managers borne diseases. of Bon Appetit, the new addition to This soil does not need to be tilled, the cafeteria has added a fresh outlook nor does it embody as many weeds or to the ways staff members are creating pests that hinder plant growth. meals at the Cafeteria, including deliAlthough the new installment on cious pesto and tomato pizza. the cafeteria patio is not free to stuMcHugh explains that staff members dent grazers, according to McHugh, go outside and pick the harvest themthe stacks installed outside the cafselves. eteria front entrance, are about to The harvest includes Swiss Chard, produce strawberries. lettuce, radishes, tomatoes, basil, pepThe strawberries will be free to any pers and other herbs. passerbyers once ripe.

They use what they have picked in While the hydroponic garden certainly does not account for most of the salad bar and health food lines. “Usthe food consumed at Café Bon Aping local foods is important to us, and petit, it is certainly a step in the right establishing an onsite garden is great direction. because it will keep us from dependThe garden will hopefully help stuing on shipments from far away places,” photo by Mary Kate McKenna dents visualize the innovative ideas said McHugh. being put to use in sustainable agriculThe owners of Hydro Harvest Farms, Hydroponic garden outside of Café Bon Appetit. ture. located in Ruskin, Florida, have colLook for the garden outside Café Bon Aplaborated with Café Bon Apetit in past Eco- and a digital timer that regulates the amount Challenges, and were solicited by managers to of nutrients and feeds the plants when they petit. need it most.

Also, check out the salad bar and search for instill the vertical hydroponic systems.

Hydroponic means water working, which these vegetables and herbs incorporated in Also called automatic gardens, the hydroponic systems come with a submersible pump refers to the fact that these plants are grown different dishes.

Cait’s Cookin’: Applesauce

By Cait Duffy News Editor When trying to stick to a diet, there are a few things that are truly vital. Having the determination to prepare your own meals and the dedication to continually say no will decide your success.

But whether you’re just trying to get healthy, drop a few pounds or, like me, combatting the need for medicine with nutrition and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), the support of the people around you is crucial. The creativity of friends and family can help improve the blandest of recipes, and it’s a lot easier to say no when they’re willing to accommodate your restrictions at meals.

Going home for Thanksgiving was a trying time, when I was dreading the piles of mouth-watering mashed potatoes, bread rolls and pumpkin pie. While the temptations sat abound, my mother had made a change to the menu. Instead of mashed potatoes, she served me the fruitiest applesauce I have ever tried, and it captivated my taste buds in a way that had to be shared.

Ingredients 5 granny smith apples 3 bartlett pears 9 strawberries 1/2 cup of blueberries cover with 2”water 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp honey* cinnamon to taste pinch of salt 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tbsp butter or butter substitute *Using local honey will help fight seasonal allergies

Directions 1. Chop up all of the apples, pears and strawberries into 1 inch slices 2. Place the chopped fruit chunks in a large cooking pot 3. Add the blueberries 4. Fill the pot with about 2 inches of water 5. Bring the mixture to a boil for 3 min utes, then reduce to a low-medium simmer 6. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 7. Add 2 tablespoons honey 8. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla 9. Add a pinch of salt 10. Add cinnamon to taste, stay under 1 tablespoon to avoid overwhelming the flavor 11. Mash the concoction together 12. Add 1 tablespoon of butter or butter substitute 13. Let the pot simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring every thirty seconds 14. Pour into a bowl and let sit until cooled, then refrigerate until serving.

Enjoy as a side with breakfast or lunch, or try serving as a dessert dish.

Green Apples.

courtesy of flickr/Artotem

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Sports 21

Dec. 7, 2012

SPORTS Bowlin’s unconventional path:

INSIDE SPORTS Good Vibes

page 23

The story of the sophomore point guard

Triton of All Trades

page 23

By Dominick Cuppetilli Quickie Editor

matter what. Both in practice and in games.” Buccilla said that the team is able to feed off of Bowlin’s attitude toward the game. “She knows what she needs out of her teammates and herself,” Buccilla concluded.

Coach Honsinger also added, “Kayla has played the point guard position her whole life and she knows how important her leadership is to our team. Her teammates respond to her work ethic and passion for the game and they know that she will always compete.”

Even with others satisfied with her performance, Bowlin does not want to be content at her current abilities. Bowlin said “I want to contribute more offensively.

Previously I have seen myself as more defensive, so I want to keep that up and work on offense.”

Another goal of Bowlin’s, that every point guard should strive for, is to make good connections with the players on the floor. She claims so far, she makes the best connections with sophomore guard, Taylor Bestry, who already has one season under her belt playing with Bowlin.

Bowlin added, “I can see a connection with Annie [Armstrong, freshman]. We have a good relationship on the court so far, and I can see the chemistry developing.”

With such a new team this year, finding these connections will be crucial. Coach Honsinger said, “We are excited and optimistic about this season. We have a strong crop of returners and a quality group of newcomers who have already made their impact on our team. We have a very coachable team that has already shown great improvement early this season. They are unselfish and play hard for each other.”

Bowlin seems to be as optimistic as her coach is on the season, and will have to prove that her leadership abilities are up to the task. She has 10 years of previous point guard experience to help her in her lead role here at Eckerd, and it seems that everyone has confidence that she will continue to be an example for the team on and off the court.

“If we can polish some things up, by the time conference [play] rolls around in January,” Bowlin said, “I think we will be a contender.”

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ayla Bowlin, a sophomore biology major from Monticello, Ky., has worked her way through the depth chart to become the starting point guard for the Eckerd College women’s basketball team.

Bowlin came off a strong freshman year to secure her spot as starting point guard in her second season with the Tritons. Basketball has been a major part of Bowlin’s life as far back as third grade, but her progression through the sport of basketball has been somewhat unconventional before reaching her current spot with the Tritons.

Although basketball is a solid passion in Bowlin’s life now, it did not necessarily start out as one.

She played peewee baseball before changing directions to the basketball path. In third grade, she was forced to switch from baseball to softball, which she did not want to do. Fortunately, basketball season started at the same time, and she set her sights on the court.

Bowlin began what her school called the Junior Pro program, which helped young basketball players advance their skills until middle school teams started.

Bowlin confesses, “It was just there, and I was good.” For Bowlin, basketball came naturally at first, and as she realized her potential, she began to work harder for the sport she eventually grew to love. “I was in the gym more than most kids that age,” says Bowlin.

Bowlin explained that Kentucky rules on players’ ages and grades are different than any other state.

According to Bowlin’s interpretation of the rules, a player can join any team no matter their age or grade. A player is also not limited to four years of eligibility for a high school sports team. This was exactly the case for Bowlin.

She began her high school varsity career while still in seventh grade.

That meant, as an 11-year old, she was playing with 18-year olds, some of whom have already had four years playing varsity. Bowlin said that this was a big step up, but she thinks it was a good experience for her.

After learning the basics of what

lin to try her hand at high school basketball collegiate sports, and was in seventh grade, she certainly rose to Bowlin began startthe challenge. She ing games as her team’s said that pre-season point guard in her eighth her freshman year grade year. From this was harder than anypoint on, Bowlin would thing she had done in start as point every high school, but it still year, taking a back seat wasn’t overwhelming. only to Senior Taylor The rookie point Young in her freshman guard came in a quiet campaign at Eckerd. player, not vocalizing Her varsity team was much on the court. almost as young as she However, this would was, comprised of mostsoon change and Bowly freshmen and sopholin would learn to be mores. Talking about a vocal leader on and the team during her off the court. She said, eighth grade year, Bow“Last year was more lin said, “We were really about learning the ofyoung and really good.” fense and defense. I She said that Kenwas relearning things I tucky high school bashad been conditioned ketball is also unique to do since third grade.” because all high school Much of this teaching teams in the state comwould come from last pete for the same state season’s senior point championship title. courtesy of eckerdtritons.com guard, Taylor Young.

There are no divisions Kayla Bowlin has taken over as point guard for the Tritons.

Bowlin claims, “the between a 5A school and a 1A school (the “A” system is gan getting serious letters of inter- best thing about last year [2011used to distinguish school size, with est from colleges in her junior year; 2012 season] was playing behind 1A being small and 5A being large). among them was Eckerd. Bowlin Taylor Young, because she was Bowlin’s high school, Wayne said, “a lot of kids get hung up on a great mentor on the court.”

Young, who has since graduated County, is a 2A high school, so in D-1 schools, but I was open.” She order to win a district or regional was more concerned with find- from Eckerd, said similar things game, they would have to com- ing a school that fit her and her about Bowlin. “We always went pete against much larger schools. personality rather than jumping at head to head in practice, so it was great going up against someone However in her eighth grade the first big name that showed inthat good.” The graduated point year, which was her second year terest. As fate would have it, Eckguard had only good things to say playing with the varsity squad, erd turned out to be that school. about her protégé. “Even being a the young Wayne County High “Once I visited Eckerd, I didn’t sophomore, she has great leaderSchool lady’s basketball team really have any other options. I felt ship skills, and being so competiwon their regional tournament. like I was where I was supposed to tive rubs off on everyone else.”

Although Bowlin’s team made be.” She explained that from the Young was a key player in last it to regionals all six years of her start she liked everything about year’s push to make the top four career playing for the high school, Eckerd, from the school itself to the teams of the conference, and her talthat year was the only year that they won. “It was one of those sur- basketball team. “The team was nice ents will be missed, but Head Coach real moments. Everyone rushed the and I loved the coach,” said Bowlin. Paul Honsinger shares Young’s enThe future starting collegiate thusiasm in Bowlin. “It is always court. It was unreal,” said Bowlin. point guard signed in the spring difficult to lose an All-Conference Throughout the rest of her high school career at Wayne County, of her senior year of high school player (like Taylor Young) but Kayla Bowlin received accomplish- to play basketball at Eckerd. “I has done a nice job bringing her ments including All-District hon- was just excited for the opportu- own strengths to the table. Kayla ors (2007, 2008, 2009) and All- nity.” The two things that Bow- is a tough player who takes pride Region honors (2007, 2009). She lin said she would have to adjust in being our defensive catalyst. She was Regional Tournament MVP to most was the distance from plays extremely hard and energizes in her eighth grade campaign and home, and the Princeton-style of- our team when she is on the floor.”

Junior guard, Amy Buccilla ranked fifth in her school’s all- fense that is run by the women’s time scoring record, while rank- basketball team here at Eckerd, agreed with this hard work and ening second in assists and steals. which she had no practice with. ergizing ethic that Bowlin brings to The time finally came for Bow- the team. “She is really intense, no The promising point guard be-

Tough Mudder

Back Cover

Crescent represents Eckerd in Collegiate Wakeboarding Series

By Dominick Cuppetilli Quickie Editor Eckerd Sophomore Morgan Crescent broke several records in her stellar season as the goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team this fall. Now that the soccer season has ended, Crescent has turned her attention to another favorite activity, wakeboarding. Crescent recently competed at the final stop of the Collegiate Wakeboarding Series Nov. 17 in Orlando.

In the water for most of her life, and competitively wakeboarding for the last six years, Crescent has had some major accomplishments in her wakeboarding career. She won first

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place at the Board-Up Miami tournament, second at the Tige Pro-Am and placed fourth in the 2009 National Women’s Division Competition.

After having not ridden in three months, Crescent decided to take her talents to Orlando and represent Eckerd in the series. Crescent said, “I thought it would be cool to represent Eckerd College and get more people interested. I missed wakeboarding a lot and wanted to get back into it.”

She also said the tournament wasn’t as stressful as a normal one would be. “[It was] just a bunch of college kids getting together.” While the tournament was still official, the fun atmosphere allowed Crescent

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to ease back into the feel of things.

Crescent competed both in the women’s and co-ed intermediate divisions. After a rocky starting run, Crescent still managed to get second place in the women’s division. Later in the day, during the intermediate competition, she was able to put together a much better run than in the morning to take first place in the co-ed competition. “Competitions are all about consistency, and coming off a time away from wakeboarding, I was pleased about landing the tricks that I did,” concluded Crescent.

This year’s tour of the Collegiate Series is over, but the long time wakeboarder hopes to get back into the sport next year and participate in more of the stops.

photo by Dominick Cuppetilli Crescent during her first run of the competition.

22 Sports

the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Eckerd Scoreboard Men’s Basketball

Women’s Basketball

11/23 v. Puerto-Rico Bayamon W 72-58 (EC) Bodney 12 points, 5 assists (EC) Brunner 10 points, 7 rebounds

11/24 v. North Georgia College & State University W 73-45 (EC) Vente 18 points, 6 rebounds (EC) Armstrong 12 points

11/24 v. Clark Atlanta University W 72-70 (EC) Stevenson 21 points (EC) Brunner 13 points, 8 rebounds 12/1 @ Rollins College L 73-45

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Friday

11/28 v. Ave Maria L 55-54 (EC) Vente 16 points, 3 rebounds (EC) Jackson 10 points, 3 rebounds

12/1 @ #13 Rollins College W 68-67 (EC) Armstrong 18 points, 9 rebounds (EC) Vente 18 points, 5 blocks

Women’s Volleyball 11/10 v. Nova Southeastern Uni. W 3-0 (25-15, 25-14, 25-14) (EC) Burr 24 assists (EC) McAlvany 9 kills, 6 digs

11/14 @ University of Tampa L 2-3 (26-24, 17-25, 16-25, 25-22, 8-15) (EC) McAlvany 15 kills, 13 digs (EC) Biggs 22 kills, 8 digs

11/29 v. Florida Southern College L 2-3 (25-22, 23-25, 25-23, 28-30, 1215) (EC) Biggs 15 kills, 20 digs (EC) McAlvany 17 kills, 15 digs

11/16 @ Barry University L 2-3 (24-26, 23-25, 25-20, 25-21, 9-15) (EC) Biggs 16 kills, 16 digs (EC) Burr 25 assists, 7 digs

Sunshine State Conference opponents in bold NCAA Championship South Regional in italics

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Monday

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Thursday

Pause for a Cause McArthur Center 3 p.m.

GOOD LUCK ON FINALS! STUDY HARD.

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Women’s basketball @ Valdosta State University

Men’s basketball v.

Shaw University 4 p.m.

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Men’s basketball v.

Johnson C. Smith University 7:30 p.m.

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Men’s basketball v.

Tuskegee University 7:30 p.m.

Sports Briefly

Eckerd

National

Athletics Dept. hosting “Pause for a Rubio approaching return Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio thrilled NBA Cause” fundraiser Sat. Nov. 8 Men’s basketball coach Tom Ryan, in conjunction with the athletic deptartment and ECOS, is organizing the “Pause for a Cause” fundraiser in support of Barry University men’s basketball coach Cesar Odio, who was diagnosed with leukemia in April for the second time. The fundraiser will start at 3 p.m., Nov. 8 in McArthur Center, and will serve as a one-hour fun break for students studying for final exams.

Both the cheerleaders and the dance team will be performing, and there will be multiple mini-games of volleyball, soccer, and basketball between the athletic teams to entertain the crowd. All proceeds from the event will go to the Cesar Odio Leukemia Foundation.

audiences during his rookie year until a torn knee ligament and subsequent surgery sidelined him from all competitions. With Rubio, the Minnesota Timberwolves found themselves in playoff position for the first time since the Kevin Garnett era; however, once he went down, the T-Wolves floundered back into mediocrity. Rubio was recently cleared for contact practice with the team, and looks to hopefully return by the end of December. With perennial All Star Kevin Love performing at MVP caliber levels, the return of Ricky Rubio could possibly push Minnesota back to the postseason.

NFL tragedy strikes

Two tragedies struck the NFL on the same

Women’s basketball upsets No. 13 night. On Dec. 1, Jovan Belcher, starting lineRollins in final seconds backer for the Kansas City Chiefs, fatally shot Trailing 67-66 with just under two seconds left in the game, Sophomore guard Taylor Bestry sank both free throws to put the Tritons (42, 1-0 SSC) ahead of the Rollins Tars (5-2, 0-1 SSC) 68-67 in their SSC opener. Junior forward Liga Vente and Freshman guard Annie Armstrong tallied 18 points, along with Bestry’s 12 points to pace the Tritons. The Tritons play next at Valdosta State (Ga.) on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.

his girlfriend then drove to the Chiefs facilities where he turned the gun on himself in front of the team’s head coach and general manager. Both present and former teammates came out in shock at the sudden occurrence. In a separate incident, a member of the Cleveland Browns grounds crew committed suicide on the same night at the Browns practice facility.

Junior Lindsay Biggs was named to the American Volleyball Coaches’ Association (AVCA) All-American second team. Biggs, who was a third team All-American in 2011, was also voted to the All-Sunshine State Conference first team and the All-South Region team this year. Sophomore Ali McAlvany was voted to the All-American third team, as well as All-SSC first team and All-South region. Junior Kaleigh Humphrey was also named to the second team All-SSC and Freshman Emily Schadow was selected to the All-SSC Newcomer squad.

game on the last weekend of the season. However, this year the Northern Illinois Huskies are crashing the BCS party. After three straight 11 win seasons, the Huskies won their second MAC title and clinched a spot in the Orange Bowl on New Years Day. Leading the way for the Huskies is quarterback Jordan Lynch who this season, broke Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson’s single season rushing record.

Awaiting the Huskies in Miami are the Florida State Seminoles who won the ACC Championship.

photo by Meg Meckes Junior Lauren Thompson lends a helping hand to a fellow Tough Mudder on an obstacle.

Winning Shots

Submit your fan photos to currentsports@eckerd.edu for a chance to see them featured in future issues of The Current.

MAC crashing BCS party Women’s volleyball receives numer- Mid-American Conference champions are usually limited to their conference championship ous player awards

photo by Dominick Cuppetilli Morgan Crescent performs a trick at the Collegiate Wakeboarding Series in Orlando.

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the current

Dec. 7, 2012

Good vibes:

By Dominick Cuppetilli Quickie Editor

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Dance parties, team cheers, fun with women’s volleyball

By Mike Geibel Sports Editor

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have always been fascinated by things I can’t do. For example, I can’t dunk a basketball, but I watch the NBA dunk contest every year. Another thing that has escaped me thus far in life is a volleyball jump serve. In this edition of Triton of All Trades, I met up with a few members of the Eckerd College volleyball team to find out if I have any future in the sport.

My two coaches for the day were Juniors Madison Burr and Jordan Miller. During my time learning a little about the sport, I was able to get some information about what makes the volleyball team so close.

It almost seems that the women on the team never travel alone.

They can be seen together in the Pub, at events on campus, and even other sports games. Burr explained it very well, “We are a family. I have a big group of ‘sisters’ and we like to be around each other.”

Burr also said that it is really great how well the team all gets along.

As we talked, my volleyball education began. I must confess, I have played a little volleyball in my lifetime, but never for anything more competitive than bragging rights with my friends. We started with the basics. As it turns out, I am not entirely terrible at passing or setting. The difficulty came in when Burr suggested that I learn the proper footwork for a jump serve and hitting, which those outside the sport often call a spike. The footwork when you’re actually trying to take the correct steps is a little difficult, but when I stopped thinking so much and just went with how my body naturally got to the ball, things started to come together.

All in all, I found out that I’m not the worst volleyball player on Earth. I did, however, come to the conclusion that my future in the sport is limited to the beach variety with a much more casual skill level of players.

Volleyball games happen to be one of my favorite sporting events to attend on campus. It really shows that the women enjoy what they are doing. There are team cheers for kills, blocks, aces and so many other things that fans sometimes don’t even know them all.

The women are always encouraging to their teammates, making noise and cheering on the court.

There are plenty of rituals the

women do before and even during the game that keep them in the zone and hyped up. Miller explained that a new development that began this year is the pre game dance party in the locker room. The team turns on music and all dance and jump around the locker room to psyche themselves up for the upcoming match.

It’s pretty clear in the attitude of the team that they have a lot of fun representing Eckerd and playing the sport they love. Miller explained that everyone gets involved in the fun and the seniors this year really bring an extra element to the team, “The seniors are a major factor of fun on our team.” She went on to say, “Alex [Laton] is the smart-a--, Liv [Frasier] is the crazy, quirky one and Taylor [Whaley] teaches us new dance moves.”

It isn’t just the players who keep the atmosphere light and team morale up. Coach Michelle Piantadosi and Assistant Bri Smith also contribute. During the season, the girls were sometimes allowed to have “crazy dress-up” days at practice, which helped to break the monotony of long practices that can grind on busy scholar-athletes.

Miller said, “Our coaches also fuel our fun by being goofy and silly with us, while still maintaining a balanced level of seriousness.”

Even during our interview and coaching time, Burr and Miller brought me into the fun atmosphere of the team. They explained that after setting up the nets and chairs for an upcoming game, they often have a contest to see if anyone on the team can throw a volleyball across the gym and into the basketball goal.

The “winner” gets to be the first one to leave. I was encouraged to try my hand at the shot and my first attempt was off the mark. As we walked down to the far wall to collect the balls, I decided to have another go at the long throw. In only my second attempt, I nailed the shot, leaving Burr and Miller stunned.

They explained that the shot had only been made a handful of times.

Although the women’s season ended earlier than they would have preferred, the team has kept their heads high. The seniors on the team will be missed as they graduate from Eckerd, but the team has a good number of major contributors who will return next year. I am already looking forward to next season and the fun that the team will bring.

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Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

his year’s surf season is coming to an end, and with it comes one of the biggest surf competitions of the year. The Vans Triple Crown of Surfing marks its 30th anniversary this year. The Triple Crown is divided into three surfing contests, all occurring on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.

The first stop is the Reef Hawaiian Pro, ranging from Nov. 12 to 24 at Haleiwa. The next stop is the Vans World Cup, spanning Nov. 25 to Dec. 6 at Sunset Beach. The final stop of the Triple Crown, and also the final event of the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour, is the Billabong Pipe Masters, held at Banzai Pipeline.

At the end of this event, the ASP World Champion will be crowned.

With the Vans World Cup still underway, and Billabong Pipe Masters still to come, the Reef Hawaiian Pro has already been an exciting competition on its own. According to vanstriplecrownofsurfing. com, surfers from around the world competed over 13 days, with the final coming down to just four men: Sebastien Zietz, Fredrick Patacchia, John John Florence (all from Hawaii) and Alejo Muniz (Brazil).

All eyes were set on John John Florence, who is the defending champ of the Vans Triple Crown.

Florence is both the youngest to ever compete in the Triple Crown (age 13 in 2005) and the youngest to win its title (age 19 in 2011).

Florence would manage to secure second place in this first event of the Triple Crown, out riding Patacchia who fell to third. First place of the Reef Hawaiian Pro went to Zietz, winning $40,000 in the process. With the second event closing

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soon, crowds are still trying to guess if Florence will take his title again, or if one of the many other possibilities will rise to the occasion.

The Billabong Pipe Masters is also special in the surfing community as it is in memory of Andy Irons, whose two-year anniversary of passing away occurred just over a month ago on Nov. 2.

In more local surfing news, the 13th Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic was held in its usual spot at Flagler Beach, Fla. According to surfingmagazine. com, Tant passed away in 1998 from an aortic aneurysm. Tant was a major component of the Flagler Beach scene. Although the event has become quite the attraction, the memorial competition stays close to the hearts of those that knew Tant.

In an interview he had with Channel 13 News, Tommy’s brother Will said, “We have a legacy, we’ve created a legacy. People know what the event is about. They know all the money we raise goes back into the community. They know it’s about having a good time and people are attracted to that.”

Eckerd Sophomore Andrea Stocker, a Flagler Beach native, can attest to the good times had at the event. “It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year,” says Stocker, who has been going for the past four years. “Everyone comes together and surfs and watches surfing.”

Following the memorial surf classic was the Red Bull Night Riders event. This Red Bull sponsored event has partnered with the Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic for the past several years, and helps to draw in an even bigger crowd. The competition is tow-in based, meaning the surfers ride into the wave being pulled in by a jet ski.

Once the rider thinks he has a good

spot, he lets go of the ski rope and rides the wave as normal. The event is also unique because it is held at night, with spotlights illuminating the sea. Being at night, Stocker said, “It was so much more gnarly.”

Brandon Hoffman, a Flagler local, was also involved in the competition. Stocker said, “It was very cool to cheer the local on in the contest.”

However, the night’s prize would eventually go to Evan Thompson according to surfingmagazine.com.

Snowboard season is finally upon us. For all the snowbirds out there that are used to riding down mountains instead of paddling across the water, there is finally some coverage for you. Burton held the Rail Days competition in Tokyo, Japan in mid-November, which marks the start of many snowboard competitions to come.

The event was set up similar to how a skateboarding street contest would be set up. A set of various obstacles was set up (on a decline of course) in the middle of the city for the riders to perform on, and riders could choose anything to do on each obstacle.

It was a timed event, so the best tricks from each person were considered in the final judging. According to burton.com, the judges favored Forest Bailey to take home the gold medal, along with 15 thousand dollars. Following Bailey was Jamie Nicholls in second, and Jonah Owen taking bronze.

Before the Tampa Pro occurs this coming March, the Skatepark of Tampa will host the Tampa Am the weekend of Dec. 7 to 9. The event is open to the public for a small fee, and should be a good event to go to, but if you want to enjoy coverage from home, make sure to check out The Online Current for web exclusive coverage.

EC Lax: Rechartered and resurgent

By Henry Palmer Contributing Writer

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ckerd College joined the Southeast Lacrosse Conference in 2006, went 13-1 and was ranked third best D2 team nationally in collegiate club lacrosse. Fastforward to only four years later and the team has diminished, forfeiting all of its scheduled games in the SELC and disappearing completely.

Now the lacrosse club is being raised from the ashes as 25 committed students attempt to resurrect the legacy that Eckerd lacrosse once was. However, the question remains, why did it die out in the first place?

In 2003, students Kyle Sullivan and Ray and Anthony Vasilas started the Eckerd College Lacrosse club. With a starting budget of $700, they put together a team and joined the Florida Lacrosse League, a small league compromised of mostly recreational men’s teams and a few small colleges.

With Kyle and Ray co-captaining, the team gained momentum and won the FLL championship in 2004 and 2005. After these successful two years, Eckerd stepped up and joined the Southeast conference of the National Collegiate Lacrosse Club.

After joining the SELC, Eckerd Lacrosse really took off. The challenge of joining a more competitive league exited the team and they exceeded all expectations.

Finishing the regular season with a record of 13 and 1, Eckerd made the national championship tournament, but was defeated in the final

four. Druing that season, Eckerd was lead in scoring by the Vasilas brothers. Ray and Anthony averaged 8 and 4 points respectively, with Sullivan also averaging 4.

After building a powerful program, the three top scorers graduated Eckerd. Sullivan moved on to coach at Trinity high school in Virginia before co-founding a Lacrosse club in Chicago: Wave One Lacrosse, a group with the goal of helping develop the fastest growing sport in the area.

The founders graduated Eckerd and were ready to pass on the torch of a team who had reached elite status, but nobody was there to receive it.

Losing not only its 3 star players but also their coach (to a different team) the following year Eckerd went 6-3, playing only five conference games. Despite a higher budget and momentum following the championship season, the team struggled to find it’s groove. They pressed on, but continued to struggle during the ’08 and ’09 seasons, finishing with records of 4-5 and 1-6 respectively.

Super-senior Sam Shaw was on the team those last two years, and is now the last remaining student who played on the original squad, “The team died out by the end of my sophomore year”, says Shaw, “I blame it on poor leadership. We lost a big group of seniors [in 2008] and the ones who took charge were bad at managing the club. They had no interest in it and instead of handing it down to the sophomores on the team they just

removed the club completely.” And so it was, after two years of struggles the team called it quits, and the 2009-2010 Eckerd school year saw no lacrosse club whatsoever.

Then, in 2011, just as quickly as student interest was lost, it was found again. In the spring of 2011 the lacrosse club re-chartered with ECOS and started back up. Forced to start from scratch (in other words, a “new club” budget limited to only $500).

The team thrived on student commitment; without coaches it was up to players to reach out to previous opponents and colleges in the area to schedule games. The team also picked up a sponsor; local hotspot Brewburger donated $600 for jerseys, a necessity to compete.

After a season of three games and one tournament, the lacrosse team ended the 2011 season with their sights set on bigger and better things. No longer is the team’s talent concentrated in a few players, which seemed to be the downfall of the previous program.

Still coach-less, and with a budget of $2,600 (only $16 thousand short of what they had for the 2009), the lacrosse team hopes to rejoin the SELC for the 2013-2014 season. This aspiration seems attainable. With practices being held regularly this fall and tournaments already scheduled, these boys are determined to bring E.C lax back.

Thanks to student leadership, Eckerd Lacrosse is coming back; and it looks like this time they are here to stay.

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Sports

Dec. 7, 2012

The new class of Tritons: Men's basketball newcomers plan to make big impact this season

By Anna Klingenberg Contributing Writer

photo by Mike Geibel Students and adults join together for a fun day of field hockey at Eckerd College.

Field hockey club plays host to friendly tournament on campus

By Mike Geibel Sports Editor Eckerd College hosted a field hockey tournament Dec. 1 on the turf of the soccer field. The tournament consisted of four teams which included players who are current Eckerd students, alumni, members of the Tampa Bay Grasshoppers and even students from other local schools.

The Grasshoppers are an adult team that plays in the area and has helped Eckerd in many ways this year. Club head Julia Hause said, “The Grasshoppers do so much for us and it's rewarding being able to include them in our practices and games on our field.”

The players were mixed to create evenly matched teams and those who had never played in a game before got the chance to try their hand at the sport. Hause and the other members of the Eckerd team were very happy with the turnout of the tournament and very proud of the way the new players performed in the games.

The atmosphere was informal and light at the games. Many of the adult players brought children along to enjoy the weather and watch

the festivities. A table next to the stands served as a makeshift buffet line with many different food dishes brought by several of the players from the different organizations.

Among the players who participated were college students and adults ranging anywhere from 18 to more than 50 years old. The tournament also brought together players with ethnic backgrounds ranging from nearly every continent.

The Eckerd College field hockey club also showed off their recently purchased tank tops emblazoned with the club’s name and logo by wearing them during the games.

Each team played three games during the day in a round robin type format. All of the games were very close and the results were almost inconsequential to the players involved. The lighthearted nature of the contests gave the day a feel of fellowship that is different from some of the more serious tournaments in the area. The tournament wasn’t about a trophy, or bragging rights, or beating a rival. As one Grasshopper player was overheard saying to her young son, “This isn’t like the other tournaments, this is just for fun.”

These games were about bringing

people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities together to play a fun sport for an afternoon and raise awareness of the sport around Eckerd. Club head Julia Hause hopes to keep interest alive for the team at Eckerd, and to keep the club around for years to come.

Hause and her sister, Senior Colby Hause, lead the team and have been very big factors in promoting the club for several years.

The day of field hockey was an excellent opportunity for students at Eckerd to have more exposure to the sport. As the younger Hause sister explained, “We used to play with the [Tampa Bay] Grasshoppers, but we always had to travel to their field to play. It’s nice to be able to play at Eckerd.”

Hause is also looking ahead to the future of the organization saying, “Hopefully in the Spring we will be having more tournaments with teams from other schools to strengthen the club and bring more of an awareness of Eckerd and field hockey to the area.”

Contact members of the team for the practice schedule resuming after winter break.

All interest and skill levels are encouraged to join the co-ed team.

The Eckerd College men’s basketball team is off to a strong start. Eckerd has a number of returning players but also brings new players to the Sunshine State Conference this season. E.J. Moody, Jerrick Stevenson, Kendall Roberts and Junior McLeod are the newest additions to this years’ roster with Ray Darnell also returning from an injury. The team is lead by head coach Tom Ryan who is assisted by Kendrick Wilson, Floyd Watkins and Marcus Bryant.

E.J. Moody is a 6-foot-3 freshman from Lakeland, Fla. Averaging 13 points per game in his freshman year at Lakeland High School, Moody was awarded MVP honors by his coach Deron Collins. By his senior year Moody averaged 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game earning the First Team All-County recognition. He was also named the Class 7A Player of the Year. Moody is undecided on his major but is looking forward to trying new things here at Eckerd.

Jerrick Stevenson, a 6-foot-4 freshman from Lakeland, attended George Jenkins High School, and averaged 17.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. As a senior, Stevenson had 45 assists and 35 steals. Scoring a season-high 38 points in his final game of his senior year, Stevenson was rated in the top 50 of SourceHoops’ Fall player rankings. Stevenson is also undecided on his major.

Kendall Roberts is a freshman from Fort Lauderdale, Roberts is 6-foot-3, and previously went to St. Thomas Aquinas High School, averaging 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists per game. During his junior year at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, he earned Second-Team All-County status and received third-team all-state honors during his senior year. Roberts

said in an email, “My expectations for this season are to make it further in the national tournament than we did last year and win a national championship. Nothing less.” Roberts loves EC and plans to major in communication and minor in sociology or management.

Ray Darnell is a 6-foot-6 sophomore from Waretown, New Jersey. In the 2011-2012 year, Darnell wasn’t able to play due to an injury so this year will be his first year playing with the team. At Southern Regional High School, Darnell was named a Southern Indiana All-Star and the Conference Player of the Year during his junior year. Darnell likes to play the guitar and plans to major in business management.

Junior McLeod is a 6-foot-6 transfer student from Toronto.

McLeod averaged 22.6 points and 14.8 rebounds per game in his senior year of high school. While he was named the team’s MVP, McLeod has also made an impact at a few different schools. McLeod spent his last two seasons at Santa Fe Community College located in Gainesville. He started playing basketball at age nine but didn’t play competitively until high school. “I’m trying to become an all-around player that has the ability to do anything the coaches need me to do,” said McLeod. McLeod is planning to major in management and has high expectations for the team this season.

With solid stats like these, fans should be expecting more from the team. Already getting lots of playing time, each player will be able to show off his skills and demonstrate how much talent Eckerd has.

Coach Ryan has high hopes for the team this season which is mirrored by fans’ support of the Tritons. Ryan summed up this season in a few words, “I believe we could have another good year, but just like last year it will depend on how good our defense is.”

Tritons conquer Tough Mudder

By Mike Geibel Sports Editor Eckerd recently sent a team of racers to the Florida edition of the Tough Mudder Dec. 1-2.

The Eckerd Fighting Tritons Tough Mudder team, which included 10 brave students, led the journey to the 12-mile mud covered obstacle race. EC-SAR also sent competitors to the race.

Members of the Fighting Tritons wore bow ties during the race, an homage to their alma mater.

Senior Ian McKenzie said, “Our team decided to wear bow ties in honor of President Eastman, and I got some compliments along the way about it.”

Tough Mudder is advertised as a 10-12 mile race with approximately 25 different obstacles along the way.

Obstacles include walls to climb, balance beams to traverse and ice

cold water to cross. McKenzie said that two of his favorite obstacles were named “Balls to the Wall” and “Mt. Everest.” He explained that these were some of his favorite obstacles because they were fun and challenging at the same time.

One aspect of Tough Mudder that is highly publicized is the camaraderie that builds between competitors along the course.

Racers are welcomed to help each other conquer obstacles and encourage each other to fight through the fatigue to finish the race. In fact, according to the Tough Mudder website, two of the main points of the Tough Mudder Pledge are: “I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time” and “I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.”

McKenzie said that this sense of cooperation was a major point of

enjoyment for him this year. “The camaraderie between everyone, whether they are on your team or not, is astounding,” he said.

The Tough Mudder organization is a proud sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project, and to date has raised nearly $4 million for the cause. The organization also keeps a sense of humor and a fun spirit in the race, greeting each participant at the finish line with a beer, live music and hearty congratulations.

Tough Mudder has become one of the most popular mud competitions for a reason. The great atmosphere and teamwork to achieve a common goal are all major reasons why Tough Mudder attracts so many participants every year. But more than that, McKenzie explains why some of this year’s Eckerd students have already decided to run the course again next year, “It’s good ol’ down-in-the-dirt fun.”

photo by Meg Meckes From left: Ian McKenzie, Lauren Thompson and Perry Evans show off their President Eastman inspired bow ties.

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