The Current Issue 3

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Vol. XXIV

October 23, 2009

St. Petersburg, Florida

Issue 3

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Teach

Grads attack

Alumni events commence Oct. 23

News & Features — Page 2

show

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WECX 99.9 DJ Dirty Love Dylan Kahn wants to get inside your head

Arts & Entertainment — Page 7

tra Stev and Pe g n li r lyn Da ct. 7

by Jera uad O photos in Hough Q ets bless p

design by Meagan Bemis and Shawn Craine

Athletics after Eckerd

Former student-athletes continue careers

Sports — Page 18

news & features

Executive Board Managing Editor Meagan Bemis thecurrent@eckerd.edu Editor-in-Chief Petra Stevenson Copy Editor Emily Krumm Director of Finance Michael Yunker Director of Advertising Caitlin Gerry Asst. Advertising Abby Gestl currentads@eckerd.edu Faculty Adviser Tracy Crow

Editorial Board Entertainment Editor Francie Devine currententertainment@eckerd.edu Viewpoints Editor Catee Baugh currentviews@eckerd.edu Photography Editors Shawn Craine Erin Linebarger Palmer Suk Sports Editor Max Martinez Asst. Sports Editor Kasey Kilinski currentsports@ecked.edu Sports Photographer Doug Thayer

Staff Writers Jaclyn New Jeralyn Darling Johnny Jones Miles Tade Sarah Malhotra Sarah Yost Sydney Albright Will Creager

Contributing Writers Alexandra Solan Brooke Barowski Dan McNamee Caitlin Duffy Brittany McNamara

• Oct. 23, 2009 • • Vol. XXIV Iss. 3 • 2

Friday, October 23, 2009

They’re back:

By Sarah Malhotra Contributing Writer This year’s annual Alumni Weekend will incorporate events for both alumni as well as current students. The weekend is a time for alumni to reunite and share experiences with fellow alums and with current students alike.

The seventh annual Triton 5K Run and Walk will take place Oct. 24.

Students may pre-register or sign up at late registration, which begins 7:30 a.m. in Upham parking lot the day of the race. The race begins at 9 a.m. Eckerd students pay $10 and race participants will receive a tshirt and hot breakfast.

The Emeritus Faculty Art Show Reception and Gallery Talk will feature Eckerd Professor Emeritus Jim Crane’s work from throughout

Annual alumni weekend packs events for both old and new

his career. This takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Armacost Library and Elliott Gallery.

The alumni take on Eckerd students in a softball game 2:30 3:30 p.m. Oct. 24.

The Panel Discussion: Stories of (De) Segregation: Eckerd’s Early Years will be hosted in Miller Auditorium from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m. The classes of 1964, 1969 and 1989 will lead a discussion about the challenges, setbacks and accomplishments through the generations of Florida Presbyterian/ Eckerd College.

Hosted by Eckerd’s current tennis coach Erin Koenig, the Tennis Clinic offers students and alumni an opportunity to brush up on skills, 10 to 11 a.m., Oct. 24. Cost is $10.

Oct. 25 concludes the weekend with the Alumni Worship Service at

Wireman Chapel. Chaplain Mona Bagasao, will be performing the service at 10 a.m. An all-alumni soccer game will be held at noon following the service.

Contact Tanner Kennedy, Interim Director of Alumni Relations in Franklin Templeton for more information.

news & features

Students sound off on H1N1 virus vaccination The latest strain of the flu known widely as both the swine flu and H1N1 has killed 600 and hospitalized thousands more.

Students, like the larger population, are split on whether to be vaccinated.

By Sydney Albright Staff Writer However you receive your news — television, Internet or newspaper — it’s hard to miss the headlines about H1N1, commonly referred to as swine flu.

Since early October, 600 people have died and thousands have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Since April when the virus first made the leap to the U.S., 43 children have died in the last month.

States, according to the CDC, have already placed orders for nearly four million doses of the vaccine. Doses are generally distributed through local health departments. Eckerd College is on the delivery list. “After we receive the vaccine,” said Whitney Wall, director of health promotions, “information regarding the distribution will be sent to all students, faculty and staff via email.”

The CDC’s distribution guidelines call for the H1N1 vaccine to be made available first to pregnant women, infants under 6-months, their siblings and daycare providers, as well as healthcare workers.

Beyond this is the next age group: those up to 24 years, especially people with medical conditions that could put them at higher risk.

But not every Eckerd student will be lining up.

In fact, many are voicing concerns regarding the safety of the new vaccine. Freshman Jeralyn Darling recently helped her boyfriend through a rough week of the seasonal flu, but insists, “I will definitely stay away from the swine flu vaccine. They’re still practically testing it.”

Darling is not alone. The CDC is spending a great deal of money and energy in attempts to assure the public that the H1N1vaccine has been prepared in the same manner as the current influenza vaccine.

However, what surely isn’t helping is that the vaccine used to ward off what we refer to as the seasonal flu, most prevalent from October through January, comes with its own loud dissenters: it seems everyone knows someone who’s come down with the seasonal flu after receiving the vaccine.

Health officials assert this isn’t possible, at least

likely had swine flu.”

Craine’s doctor prescribed Tamiflu, which Craine took twice a day for five days. “I was sick for five days and missed three days of classes,” he said. “The pills helped a lot.”

Since treatment for the seasonal flu and H1N1 are similar, Wall explained that the CDC does not always recommend testing for official H1N1, which is both timely and costly.

Seasonal flu or swine flu?

Regardless, flu season is just getting underway. Ask Senior Francie Devine, who came down with the flu and missed an entire week’s worth of classes. She wishes now she’d gotten vaccinated early in the semester.

So, will she line up for H1N1 when it becomes available here?

“I’m planning to get it,” she said, “just in case.

For others, cost will play a factor in their decision-making. artwork by Shawn Craine Senior Brittany McNamara just paid $25 for the seasonal flu shot. not with the seasonal flu shot (administered to teens She jokes, “I don’t think I’ll get the swine flu shot and older), as this shot contains a dead version of mostly because I don’t feel like getting poked with the virus. Officials insist that anyone who gets the another needle.”

On a more serious note, she added, flu soon after vaccination was already exposed to the “I don’t really have the money to pay another $25 for flu, or had contracted a version outside the realm of the swine flu shot.

Who knows how effective it will the vaccination, which can’t immunize against every actually be.” possible strain.

Sophomore Dan McNamee admits he’s never When it comes to anything flu-like, Eckerd health gotten the seasonal flu shot. “I’ve never gotten one officials are on top of things. According to Wall, the and it’s worked out pretty well for me so far.” As for college has been tracking the flu. Worst hit so far the H1N1 vaccination? “Depends on how expensive were the academic periods between Sept. 19 to Oct. it is,” he says. “My price range is from zero to $10.”

2 when more than 90 (a combination of students, Count on Sophomore Ben Maxwell to roll up faculty and staff) reported influenza-like illnesses. his sleeve for the H1N1. “I will definitely be getting While no student has been officially diagnosed one.” with H1N1 Influenza at Eckerd’s Health Center Watch for an e-mail regarding the arrival of the this semester, Wall reports, “We have had students H1N1 vaccination. Seasonal flu vaccinations are test positive for Influenza A. At this time, there is a available at Walgreens on 54th Avenue South, 10 strong possibility that someone who tests positive a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. Cost is $24.99. for Influenza A has the H1N1 flu.”

Sophomore Shawn Craine believes he had swine flu, though he was not officially tested and diagnosed.

“I had a 102-degree fever and called my mom with all For more information, visit www.eckerd.edu/ my symptoms,” he said, adding that his mom was “of health/flu. You can help by reporting your flu-like course, freaking out the entire time.” Craine’s mother symptoms to flu@eckerd.edu. called the family’s doctor and relayed the symptoms.

“He told her if those were my symptoms, that I most Friday, October 23, 2009

3

news & features Americans honored with Nobel Prizes President Barack Obama woke up last week to the news he’d been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In a humbling speech before the media, the president shared his daughters’ reactions. Malia, 10, said, “Daddy, you won the Nobel Peace Prize, and it is Bo’s birthday.” Sasha, 7, reminded her father they had a three-day weekend coming up.

Three Americans, Elizabeth Blackburn, Carol Greider and Jack Szostak received awards for their research in cancer and aging. According to the prize committee citation, their discoveries “have added a new dimension to our understanding of the cell, shed light on disease mechanisms, and stimulated the development of potential new therapies.”

The Nobel Prize in Economics went to Americans Elinor Ostrom and Oliver Williamson, a surprise to many. As the Nobel committee, itself, noted, “Traditionally, economic theory has by and large been a theory of markets or, more precisely, about market prices…This year’s Laureates have been instrumental in establishing economic governance as a field of research…Ostrom has provided evidence on the rules and enforcement mechanisms that govern the exploitation of common pools by associations of users…Williamson has proposed a theory to clarify why some transactions take place inside firms and not in markets. Both scholars have greatly enhanced our understanding of nonmarket institutions.”

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Friday, October 23, 2009

news blurbs

After graduation, an opportunity to live and work in Japan Eckerd graduates have for many years participated in the Sister City program between St. Petersburg and Takamatsu, Japan. Seniors interested in teaching English while living in Takamatsu from Sept. 1 to July 31 should submit applications by Oct. 30 to the International Education Office in Seibert 100.

The job involves working as a conversation aide in English language classes at a Japanese high school and visiting other schools and city government as a goodwill ambassador. Candidates can expect a monthly salary and subsidized housing, as well as opportunities to study Japanese and other cultural and travel interest.

Applications will be judged according to a student’s quality of academic record and strength of recommendations; the quality of the applicant’s essay; prior experience in teaching and working with young people; international experience and/or evidence of suitability in cross-cultural environments that include but are not limited to Japanese/ Asian ones. Some knowledge of Japanese language ability is helpful but not required.

Contact Professor MikalsAdachi (mikalseb@eckerd. edu) for more information and an application.

Eckerd College Joins National Climate Commitment Launch with Release of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Action Plan As one of the early signatories of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC)

in 2007, Eckerd has joined other institutions in the recent release of its Eckerd College Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation Action Plan. The ACUPCC initiative targets the largest-ever segment of a societal sector to simultaneously submit concrete activities to address global warming: colleges and universities.

The primary goal of the GHG mitigation strategy is to reduce Eckerd’s emissions of gases that contribute to climate change through a variety of strategies, ranging from conservation actions and behavior change to initiatives such as Zipride and the new air travel offset program.

Upon signing the ACUPCC initiative, President Dr. Donald R. Eastman III committed Eckerd to submitting the first iteration of a climate action plan within two years of joining the effort. “A key component of the Eckerd College experience is environmental,” said Dr. Eastman. “Eckerd’s mitigation strategy reflects projects that attempt to balance short-term and long-term sustainability options with financial feasibility and high visibility.”

More examples of Eckerd’s many sustainable projects include: Zipride.com, which provides ridesharing opportunities for the campus community; the Edible Peace Patch garden project at Lakewood Elementary School; the reusable EcoClamshell to-go container, the Yellow Community Bike program designed five years ago to increase bicycle use on campus and decrease automobile traffic; the hands-on, studentrun recycling program; the Visions of Nature / Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival; Iota Complex, a residence hall for which Eckerd is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design) certification; facilities vendor UNICCO’s GreenClean green products approach; Bon Appetit’s Circle of Responsibility and Eat Local Challenge programs that aptly match Eckerd’s environmental ambitions; and the popular Environmental Studies major that consistently graduates enough students to qualify as one of the College’s top three majors.

Inaugural Eckerd College Science Symposium Emerging science and social issues will converge Oct. 23-24 during the inaugural Eckerd College science symposium, Molecules and Life: Science Serving Society. The event will be held in the Sheen Science Center, and is free and open to the public.

Presentations from accomplished speakers and scientists-in-training will celebrate the research accomplishments of Eckerd students in the Natural Sciences collegium and Eckerd alumni in medical, research or other science careers.

Presented as part of the Many Experiences, One Spirit: Campaign for Eckerd College and the Center for Molecular and Life Sciences, a Campaign priority, the science symposium coincides with Eckerd College’s annual Alumni Weekend.

Schedule of Events: Friday, Oct. 23 2-3:15 p.m.

Tour of Science Facilities 3:30-3:45 p.m.

Welcome by Dr. Lloyd W. Chapin, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty for Eckerd College and Dr. Jeff Dodge ‘84, Honorary Chair of the Symposium and Research Fellow at Eli Lilly & Company 4-5 p.m.

“Exploiting Tricks Viruses

Use as New Targets for AntiHIV Therapy” - Dr. Karin Musier-Forsyth ‘84, Ohio Eminent Scholar in Biological Macromolecular Structure at Ohio State University 5-6 p.m.

“From Ancient Folklore to Modern Medicines” - Dr. W. Guy Bradley ‘85 Associate Member of the Tampa Bay Research Institute and former Eckerd College Associate Professor of Molecular Physiology (Dr. Bradley’s lecture is part of the College Program Series) 6-6:30 p.m.

Reception and Informal Poster Viewing 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Keynote Address by Dr. Patrick Griffin, Professor and Founding Chairman of the Department of Molecular Therapeutics at Scripps Research Institute, Scripps Florida Saturday, Oct. 24 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast and Opening Remarks 8:30-9:30 a.m.

“Global Climate Change: Our Great Challenge for the 21st Century” - Dr. Susan Soltau Kilham ‘65, Professor of Environmental Science at Drexel University 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Formal Poster Presentation of Student Research 10:15-11:15 a.m.

“Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Biosensor to Test for the Neuromuscular and Reproductive Impacts of Common Pesticides” - Dr. Denise Flaherty, Assistant Professor of Biology at Eckerd College and Amy Zeifman, Senior Biology Major at Eckerd College 11:15-11:45 a.m.

Closing Remarks, “The Sciences at Eckerd College” Dr. Laura Wetzel, Chair of the Natural Sciences Collegium at Eckerd College and Dean Lloyd W. Chapin.

news & features

photos by Meagan Putts and Bradley Ennis

Bryde whale brings legacy to EC marine bio students

By Kasey Kilinski Asst. Sports Editor A dead Bryde (pronounced BREW duh) whale, nearly 50 feet long, was recently towed to Ft. DeSoto Beach after it had been found floating in a Tampa Bay channel. The journey took nearly eight hours, plenty of time to activate Tampa Bay marine researchers, as well as Eckerd students.

Getting the whale to shore proved nearly as difficult, thanks to sandbars, as getting it towed to Ft. DeSoto. Eventually, the head was severed, as well as thousands of pounds of blubber.

On hand to participate in the necropsy were the Florida Fish and Wildlife, Clearwater Aquarium, and Pier Aquarium, along with the Eckerd students who volunteer at Florida Fish and Wildlife Marine Mammal Pathology Lab. “At one point, I stood inside the head as if it were a boat,” Senior Amber Davis explained. “I helped rip out the baleen which looked like parts of a tire with plastic plates and broomstick bristles sticking out of them. It was absolutely amazing.”

Davis volunteers at the Marine Mammal Pathobiology Laboratory at the back gate of Eckerd, and reports they get several dead manatees a week. According to Davis, she and the others at the Lab perform necropsies to determine how the manatees died.

For Senior Meagan Putts, the death of the Bryde provided her with a first.

“This was my first necropsy so I just assisted in any way I could,” she said. Putts just began volunteering at Wildlife Marine Mammal Pathology Lab for her QFM service learning project but plans on continuing to work with them after her hours are completed.

As for the fate of the Bryde, researchers discovered a large bruise on the whale’s back, indicating that the whale’s death was most likely due to a ship strike.

The remains of the Bryde were buried on east beach half way between the pier and the ranger station at the entrance to the park because of vegetation and rough sands causing it to be an unpopular part of the Ft. DeSoto shoreline.

Friday, October 23, 2009

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news & features ANOTHER FANTASTIC LIBRARY USED BOOK SALE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN! Where: Armacost Library (by the lanai) When: Begins Oct. 21 at 10 a.m. and ends Oct. 25 at closing time Hardcover books will be going for a mere $1 and paperbacks for fifty cents.

There will be lots of good stuff, covering a multitude of topics.

Fiction, too!

Shop early and shop often for the best deals!

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Friday, October 23, 2009

Eastman receives award Eckerd College President Dr. Donald R. Eastman III is the recipient of this year’s CASE III National Chief Executive Leadership Award.

This prestigious award recognizes the Chief Executive of a CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) District III member institution for outstanding leadership and service in support of education. CASE District III advances and supports educational and professional institutions in the southeastern United States.

Eastman was recognized for defining the five essential values of Eckerd College: residential, global, spiritual, environmental, and personal. Under his leadership, Eckerd’s Board of Trustees has increased its alumni representation and has elevated the College’s standing in the higher education world. In 2003, Eckerd was named one of 13 “Institutions of Excellence in the First College Year” and awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter. In 2004, Eastman proposed a 10-year strategic plan, which was unanimously approved by the faculty and Board of Trustees. Since 2001, through his guidance, the College has seen more than $50

courtesy of eckerd.edu

million in new construction and improvement across the campus resulting in an increase in enrollment and retention.

Eastman will be presented with the award at the CASE District III Conference to be held in Tampa, Florida in February 2010.

viewpoints

EDITORIAL

Student journalist discovers you can beat city hall

By Brooke Bargowski Contributing Writer On the first day of journalism class this semester, our professor told us, “This class will change your lives.” I was skeptical.

Now, several weeks in, after learning what it takes to bring two men with a combined age of 137 to the ground in a spirited fight, I’m starting to see her point.

I had to cover a city council meeting to fulfill an assignment designed to help me and my fellow journalism students understand the way our government works. On Oct. 15, I had a class cancellation that freed up some time in my schedule, so I ran to the library, printed out the meeting agenda and headed to City Hall in downtown St. Petersburg.

I sat there for about an hour and a half, diligently taking notes and trying to understand the issues being discussed, contemplating how much energy and creativity it would cost me to render my report of the proceedings interesting.

Then the council arrived at the last item on the agenda: the proposal to privatize the sidewalk lining BayWalk. The energy in the room shifted. I scanned the room, which was mostly filled with well-dressed senior citizens, many sporting stickers reading “SAVE BAYWALK!” I looked at the Eckerd College students sitting directly to my left. Everyone tensed in their seats with renewed attention.

About 70 percent vacant, BayWalk is struggling economically. Protesters have crowded the sidewalks in the past, upsetting business owners. Supporters of the proposal to privatize saw it as a way to appease existing tenants and attract new vendors. Opponents

saw it as a blow to the First Amendment, and the first step down a slippery slope.

When council member Herb Polson, who had previously opposed the proposal, cast his vote in favor, the motion passed with a total vote of 53, and the room that had held its polite silence for so long erupted into jeers, applause and a flurry of motion. The jeers came from members of the large portion of the crowd on their way out. They stood to dismiss themselves, many flinging accusations and obscenities at council members. I deciphered phrases such as “You’re so full of s— it’s ridiculous,” and “St. Petersburg is a city of fascists.”

Then, in a voice with a volume and intensity that eclipsed all the others, Frederick Dudley, 76, brother of council member Bill Dudley, screamed, “Why don’t you move?” Although I suspect the question may have been rhetorical, an opponent of the proposal, Ronald Deaton, 61, walked toward Dudley’s seat and asked, “Why don’t you eat s—?”

In a manner of seconds, Dudley had risen to his feet to confront Deaton, both men had grabbed each other by the neck, Deaton had fallen on top of Dudley and they were pulled apart. Dudley quickly calmed himself and slipped out of the crowd to apologize to council members, while Deaton was handcuffed on the floor. Both men were eventually arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.

Allow me to present to you my inner monologue during this time: Should I try to help or just keep taking notes? How did this just happen? Would that man punch me if I asked his name? Could I sneak around this crowd and talk to the council members?

Should I pay more attention to their reactions or to the scuffle? That lady looks pretty mad, too – is she going to start something? What should I ask? Would

PerspECtives Q: What are you going to be for Halloween?

Professor Crow be angrier if I got injured in a riot or if I don’t attribute these quotes? Reporters do this daily for their jobs. How incredibly bizarre.

While I was experiencing this brain-spasm, I kept my eyes and ears on everything I could. The council members’ reactions ranged from shocked and disappointed to totally unimpressed. Mayor Rick Baker sat immobile, with a wide-eyed stare that looked solemn and affected. I recalled the explanation he gave of his position as a proponent for the proposal before the motion had passed. He expressed concerned that if vendors could not be assured that their customers would have directed access, the center of BayWalk occupancy would drop from 30 percent to 14 percent. “It’s a slippery slope,” he said. “I think part of the frustration of everybody up here, and a lot of people in the audience, is that they want another option…. I just don’t know what that third option is.”

When I exited the building, three Eckerd students were already at the foot of the steps, hoisting signs with phrases like “Vacate City Hall, not city sidewalks” and “Can’t protest at BayWalk, we’ll protest at Baker’s.” David Trujillo, 20, a junior at Eckerd originally from Seattle, gave me the logic behind his passion for the issue during a phone interview later that day. “I think the most important thing we have to preserve is… for the people to have input in what the government does. If the government becomes very repressive, this is absolutely a step towards facilitating repression in the future.”

In the meantime, regular protests against the decision continue to take place regularly, and ironically, at BayWalk. For now I’ll remain objective on the issue – but I do recommend taking journalism.

“A Gossip Girl.”

–Hope Hurley, junior (right) “Sexy Mrs. Frizzle.”

–Erin Stockdale, junior (left)

“Cleopatra.”

–Michaela Ekowo, freshman

“A bumblebee.”

–Mallory Pettis, sophomore

“A guido.”

–Dan Capra, sophomore (left) “Batman.”

–Thomas Bishob, sophomore (right)

“A sexy nurse for an insane asylum.”

–Anna-Lace Gardner, junior Friday, October 23, 2009

13

viewpoints

Ben Maxwell: lifesaver

Snapshots of Eckerd

courtesy of Wikicommons

Journalism students interview classmates

14

Friday, October 23, 2009

By Alexandra Solan Contributing Writer

B

en Maxwell was only 15 when he saved his first life. As life-altering as that moment must have been for the 50-year-old family friend Ben saved from drowning in Cape Cod, it was just as life-changing for Ben. “I’ve always been a strong swimmer,” said the 20-year-old Eckerd junior, “and I’ve always thought about going into the Armed Forces, so I thought why not combine the two?”

When first looking at Ben Maxwell, one might not think he screams Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer. The Falmouth, Mass., native is a star on the Eckerd tennis team, majoring in creative writing. Ten years ago, he moved to Sarasota, Fla., where he plans on living the rest of his life. When asked why he chose Eckerd, he simply replied, “Eckerd actually chose me,” recalling that Eckerd recruited him for tennis, a sport photo by Alexandra Solan that he has been playing his whole life. “I really didn’t like Eckerd at first because I thought the athletic program was not the best, but I learned to love it.” He added, “My teammates are an awesome group of guys and I enjoy playing with them every match.”

While Ben still plans on playing tennis after graduation next year, he has his eyes set on his other goal, becoming a member of the Coast Guard. So, I asked Ben to take me back to that day he saved the life of his friend, Dave.

Ben and a group of his family had decided to go parasailing out on the Cape that day, despite the cloudy weather. After round one, Ben said he opted to go up for a second time with Dave. Yet this time around, the boat decided to stop and both men went down in the water. Ben didn’t think anything was wrong at the time, until he saw the sail go underwater. After unclipping himself and beginning to swim back to shore, Ben suddenly heard Dave gasping for breath. Dave had been pulled down by the deflated sail, to which he was still attached. By the time Ben got to him, Dave was 15 feet or so underwater. “To this day, Dave thanks me for saving his life.”

While this parasailing event helped Ben realize that he eventually wants to join the Coast Guard, it definitely has not been the only deciding factor. “Growing up on the Cape there were always a lot of Coasties, and as a kid I always thought about joining some kind of service.” He further admits that the Kevin Costner-Ashton Kutcher movie, The Guardian, also inspired him to become a rescue swimmer.

For now, Ben is just your typical Floridian who likes to fish, play some tennis and hang out with his buddies. As for the rescue stuff, he’s taking that one parasailing crisis at a time.

viewpoints

James Clappier: will attempt sailing world record

By Petra Stevenson Editor-in-Chief

A

lthough a major in Interdisciplinary Arts suggests otherwise, James Clappier insists that a career in photojournalism is “just a back-up plan.” Clappier is a sailor. And he’s set on winning records.

The Eckerd junior plans to be part of the youngest double-handed crew ever to race from California to Hawaii. Together with his roommate Cody Spruce, Clappier will sail the 2,070 miles from San Francisco to Kaneohe, Hawaii, in a race called the Pacific Cup in June 2010. If they succeed, the soon-to-be 21year-olds will be the youngest crew to ever complete the Cup, and probably the youngest to sail the route ever. “We feel it’s pretty ambitious,” Clappier said.

Clappier started sailing as a freshman at the Robert Louis Stevenson High School in Pebble Beach, Calif.

Over the last six years, he has been a part of a number of acclaimed sailing regattas. He and Spruce sailed the 2008 Pacific Cup together with a larger crew, and both have been part of delivery services that have sailed boats back to the California mainland— once after the 2009 TransPac, in which teams race from Los Angeles to Hawaii, and once after the 2008 Pacific Cup. The duo were also members of the Eckerd College sailing team for two years, although both recently quit for personal reasons. “Combined, we have a lot of ocean experience,” Clappier said, noting that he personally has sailed more than 10,000 miles.

The team will be racing a 1979 Santa Cruz 27, which Clappier purchased this past June using money he inherited from his grandmother. The boat is popular with double-handed ocean racers and is “very fast for its size and age, yet controllable,” Clappier said. “It’s not up to date from a racing standpoint, but it hasn’t been raced hard…so it’s a very unmolested boat,” he continued. “It’s like buying a muscle car that was just sitting in someone’s backyard.”

Although the craft is in good condition overall, he and Spruce have needed to put a lot of work into it. Over the summer, they re-sanded the bottom, which when bought, had come covered with sea anemones. “It looked like a marine sanctuary,” Clappier said.

A number of young sailors have attempted world records in recent years.

One of them, Michael Perham, is the youngest person to sail around the world single-handedly.

The British teenager was 17 when he took the world record in 2008, stealing the title from American Zac Sunderland, an older 17-year-old, who had set the record only six weeks earlier. Unlike himself, Perham had “all kinds of money and funding,” Clappier said.

Perham’s high-tech craft was “basically the polar opposite of this boat,” Clappier laughed, referring to his own sailboat, which is currently beached in Eckerd’s freshman parking lot. “We’re doing this very grassroots,” he said, noting the differences between himself and others like Perham. “One of

photo by Petra Stevenson

the things we’re trying to do is to show that racing isn’t just for the rich and arrogant.” He added that neither his nor Cody’s parents sail. “We’ve gotten into this completely on our own.”

Still, Clappier and Spruce are seeking sponsorship, looking for both parts and monetary support.

Clappier explained that if they used solely their own finances, their chances of winning would be diminished because of their outdated and worn equipment. “Sails are equivalent to a race car’s tires,” Clappier explained, “and if you’re racing with old sails you’re not going to get the maximum performance out of the boat.”

Maria Becerra: a woman of many cultures

By Brittany McNamara Contributing Writer

H

aving lived in three countries and in two dynamic cities, Maria Becerra has experienced an array of cultural activities and attitudes. A junior here at Eckerd College, she has perhaps a unique perspective from that of her fellow students.

Becerra’s beliefs and outlook on life are a culmination of a diversity of childhood experiences. Here is her story.

Becerra was born in June 1988 in Spain.

She lived there until she was 6, when her mother, father and two sisters moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to be closer to their extended family. Her family stayed there until it wasn’t safe to do so. When Argentina in 2001 slid toward an economic collapse—with over half the population living in a state of poverty and civil unrest – the Becerra family moved to Miami where another branch of her father’s company was located. Maria was 14.

Her family has been settled in Miami ever since, but the transition to an American lifestyle was not easy for Becerra. “At first it was a huge cultural shock because I had never been to the United States prior to that, except for a couple of short holidays,” she explained, fiddling with a white and green cap in her hands. “I do have to admit it was a complete 180- degree change.” photo by Brittany McNamara Becerra immediately noticed differences in

schooling. Back in Argentina, students had class all day in one room and had only one teacher the entire morning and one teacher during the afternoon.

Quite unlike the U.S. system, where students have as many as eight teachers throughout the day and a constant change of classrooms.

Thankfully, the language barrier wasn’t too much of a concern because Becerra had studied English in Argentina. The school she had attended was bilingual, which meant that from first through eighth grade, Becerra would study in Spanish during the morning and in English for the afternoon.

Becerra found that the biggest difference between Argentina and the United States is how people relate to one another. For example, in Argentina, Becerra knew everyone in her class. “We knew each other’s families and we would hang out together for tea time. Here, if you had not gone from preschool to the point you were there, you were a complete stranger.”

Students at her Miami high school were not very welcoming and distanced themselves from new students. Basic conversation and greetings among people are also different. Becerra explained that “in Argentina, hugs and kisses on the cheek were the norm for how to greet a person; in the United States, it was the handshake.”

Although Becerra has adapted to American culture, there are still many things that she loves about her Argentinean roots. One of the first things she mentions is the “closeness and sense of community.” Everyone is like one big family. “Even if you are a stranger you are going to be treated politely and warmly,” Becerra stated. She also mentioned that Argentineans are very honest and affectionate people. She enjoys many of the Argentinean cultural traditions, such as the 9th of July (their Independence Day), and many of the traditional dances (although the names of the dances now escape her).

Becerra looks forward to her visits to Argentina. It means a return to family, a return to friends, but most of all, a return to the close-knit community and sentimentality embedded in the Argentinean culture that Becerra holds so close to her heart.

Friday, October 23, 2009

15

viewpoints

“Amusing “Don’t go on the Internet when you’re sick. You’ll think you have cancer.”

—A composition professor on looking up symptoms online

“Break up the week’s worth of reading, so it’s not like a big turd landing on your head.”

—A human development professor on time management

“We’ll talk about shrinkage in a minute.”

—A business professor on economics

“I need minions...I’m going to take over the world.”

—A composition professor on student assistance

“The movie wasn’t out yet, so I downloaded this theft program...I shouldn’t be telling you this.”

—A Western Heritage professor on acquiring movies to be shown in class

” Musings 16

Friday, October 23, 2009

EDITORIAL

The danger of being textually active Confessions of an addict

By Sydney Albright Staff Writer If the first step toward recovery is admitting addiction, okay…here goes.

“Hi, my name is Sydney.”

“Hi, Sydney.”

“I text and drive.” (deafening silence) “But I’ve been text-free going on ten minutes now.” (deafening applause) I don’t know about you, but lately I’ve had too many close calls. And it seems like each one is getting closer and closer.

Over the summer, I was texting “r u…” and glanced up just in time. The car in front of me had abruptly stopped at a crosswalk for a group of pedestrians.

Rattled, I tossed the phone over my shoulder, and almost made it the three miles home before pulling over in the Wendy’s parking lot to retrieve it. I was lucky. Or, rather, all of us— the other driver, the hapless pedestrians and I—were lucky.

A recent New York Times article reports a study revealing drivers like me who text and drive can travel the length of a football field in the five seconds or so we’re looking down to text.

Then, at the beginning of the semester, another close call: I nearly wiped out two Eckerd students on yellow bikes.

As I was driving, and texting, last week on the way to a concert in Tampa, I nearly sideswiped a car on the Howard Frankland.

On the way back, I locked my phone in the glove box. But the darn thing started vibrating.

First time it vibrated, I beat the urge to pull over. After all, I told myself, a guy could get killed out here on the side of the road by a drunk driver.

Second time it vibrated, I was searching for the nearest exit.

Third time, I gave in like an alcoholic at a Kappa keg party; I pulled onto the shoulder, risking death by drunk drivers for what I was certain was a text of life-changing merit.

That’s it, isn’t it? The mystery of it all. Who’s texting? What’s happening? Where? Or maybe I’m just addicted to this sense

of being tethered to something larger than myself—to an entire network of friends and family, not to mention Facebook and Myspace and Twitter alerts.

Will they still be there for me if I don’t text back within a reasonable…forty-five seconds or so? My mother once got so worried when I didn’t text back within a few hours —hello, I was in class!—that she left me a voicemail threatening to have Campus Security check on me.

I’ve had moments when I honestly thought I could beat this addiction. Remember the car crash a couple of years ago that killed five teenaged girls? The 17-year-old driver was believed to have been texting and receiving messages before she careened head-on into another car.

Remember the train wreck in California last year?

Investigators believe it’s possible that texting might have caused the conductor to miss a stop signal.

Twenty-five people killed. Think about it: one minute you’re on a train, dozing or reading or…texting, and the next….

Man, these incidents made me take a hard look at how quickly life can change. I mean, what’s worse? Being dead, or being responsible for all that death?

Despite what cynics might say, I think there’s proof that we’re a pretty trusting society. After all, every day we place ourselves on a highway with other drivers and assume everyone will simply follow the rules, stay in their lane, maintain safe distance and so forth. If we didn’t trust, we’d never have the courage to leave home.

But then a semi blows past me, swerves a little too close to the Prius up ahead, and I wonder whether the trucker’s falling asleep, eating a burger and dropped the hot pickle in

his lap, changing radio stations or texting.

The grannie ahead of me who’s struggling to merge?

When I finally blow past her, guess what she’s doing? Talking on a cell phone.

There’s a hottie in a white tank top driving parallel to me on the interstate. She doesn’t notice me noticing her—because she’s too busy texting with both hands at 70 mph.

And that’s when I have to admit I wish there were a law

artwork by Shawn Craine

here against texting and driving.

(If not for a law requiring seat belts, how many of us would bother to strap in?) So far, only about eighteen states have adopted a ban against what’s unofficially officially referred to as Driving While Texting, or DWT. President Obama, a few weeks ago, signed an executive order banning federal employees from texting while in government vehicles or while in their private vehicles on government business.

I suppose it’s nothing new— this notion we have to save ourselves from ourselves, from people, like me, incapable of self-governance. But addicts like me need serious (government) intervention. Sure, I’ll suffer the DTs for a while when I’m not allowed to DWT, but I’ll live.

arts & entertainment

DJ Dirty Love making a radio right

By Sarah Yost Staff Writer

another limb to him, the music feels fluid and natural. I turn and ask, “You’re eighteen right Dylan?”

He says in his deep voice,“Yes in As I sit at my desk preparing for your human earthly years, is that my interview with Dylan Kahn, he what you mortals call them?” I smirk picks up my acoustic guitar and and continue prepping my questions. immediately starts to play some He mentions that I need to tune my funky blues. He does not play to guitar and that I need to play more show off but rather the guitar is like often. He claims he did not want to go to some big state school and liked that Eckerd is a smaller more close knit college. Dylan sings a sweet ballad about my roommate being kinky as he waits for me to fire another question.

He laughs and lounges back on my bed.

DJ Dirty Love, aka Dylan Kahn, is a freshman this year at Eckerd. Kahn is from Crystal Lake a little northwest of Chicago. He categorizes his home city as being one of “the average sized boring suburban towns where nothing happens.”

Kahn opted for Eckerd on an impulsive whim. Kahn is a newbie to the radio station and is eager for his new show. When asked about the reason behind the DJ photo courtesy of Sarah Yost name, Kahn says he decided

on it because it is the name of a Frank Zappa song from the album Overnight Sensation. Not to mention Zappa is Kahn’s idol.

Kahn starts to cuddle with my teddy bear as he reveals to me the reason he wanted to be on the radio.

He says that it’s because he is able “to escape, play music and be goofy, not to be goofy for the sake of being goofy but to be goofy and on the air.”

We scoff at this together and agree that that is an excellent reason. We manage to get off topic as we discuss the importance of music, arguing for whom Carly Simon wrote “You’re So Vain.”

“Everyone in the sixties had an affair with Mick Jagger,” Kahn insists.

When I inquired as to why music is so important to him, Khan mumbled, “I can’t answer that.” He later re-approached the question and affirmed, “I guess it’s because I have a connection to it. I don’t know why. It’s the only thing that’s real. Everything else is just a job or a chore; music is the only worthwhile thing. As cheesy as it sounds. Like that song by The Doors, ‘Music is Your Only Friend Until the End.’” Kahn is one of the most interesting people I have encountered and I am

eager to continue listening to his radio show. Kahn, along with fellow freshman Palmer Suk make up the DJ tandem Cookies and Cream.

Their music selection includes Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Robert Johnson and anything blues. Kahn professes his choice in compositions to be “any music that has a message or soul, I don’t listen to anything that just sounds cool, I like to listen to music that has emotion, that’s raw and that has a message. You don’t see that in anything much but the blues.”

That kind of passion for music is rare considering the popular music of today, and it’s admirable to witness someone who does not take music too seriously but still wants to spread the gospel of Bob Dylan to campus life. So if the sultry voices of B.B. King, Mick Jagger, or Howlin Wolf attract you, then tune in to DJ Dirty Love and his co-partner on Friday nights at 9 on WECX 99.9 FM. Kahn tells me he leaves his listeners with a salutation of, “ I hope my music gets into your head and in your heart and one day gets me into your [pants]. Good night Eckerd, I love you.” His last comment as he walks out the door is “See ya babe.

Turn on 99.9, tune in to Cookies and Cream, and drop out.”

Toy Story still entertaining more than a decade later

By Dan McNamee Contributing Writer Randy Newman once wrote, “Like a bird in the sky, if I believe I can fly, I will fly!” Well, Toy Story 1 and 2 started flying off the screen in a special three dimensional double feature that began Oct. 2.The double-feature is meant to excite moviegoers about the upcoming sequel, Toy Story 3, set to be released on June 18, 2010. The only place to catch the trailer for the new 3D movie, of course, was at the double feature.

After the glasses were put on, the audience was able to view a trailer for Jim Carrey’s animated take on A Christmas Carol. I was excited about the three-dimensional snow flakes that fell in the

courtesy of Wikicommons

theatre throughout the trailer.

So how are our friends Woody and Buzz doing?

Well, I became convinced that Toy Story 1 and 2

were made for the third dimension. The most memorable part for me was when Andy’s evil neighbor Sid blew up an army man with an M80.

Plastic pieces flew all over the theatre.

There were a few things about seeing Toy Story again that I could never have caught the last time I saw it, such as Hamm’s accusation of Woody’s “laser envy” towards Buzz. Tsk-tsk Disney.

I’ll admit, my eyes got a little foggy during Jessie’s song about losing her owner Emily in the second movie. Something about the third dimension really pulls the ol’ heart strings.

The trailer for the third Toy Story was promising, and the next installment in the series looks very touching. Without giving too much away, I will say this: A framed picture of our beloved Andy is shown, and he’s wearing a cap and gown.

Friday, October 23, 2009

7

arts & entertainment movie review

The “Bubble” List: must do’s before graduation

Experience Paranormal Activity

By Kaitlin Duffy Contributing Writer When I first decided to go see the newest documentary-style horror film, I had high hopes that I would enjoy it more than the previous two that I had seen; Quarantine and Cloverfield field. While Paranormal Activity proved to be a surprise, there is some similarity to The Blair Witch Project.

The film is shot in one location with a small cast of four actors, and the entirety of the film takes place over approximately 20 days, ending on October 11, 2009 with a surprise shock. The two main characters of the film, Micah and Katie, are a young couple who have just moved into a home together in San Diego. These unfortunate inhabitants are plagued by a supposedly Demonic spirit that has been periodically haunting Katie since she was about eight years old.

As the plot of the hour and thirty-eight minute film progresses, the spirit’s antics become more and more indiscriminate of when, where or who it strikes. This prompts the couple to call in the help of a psychic who bore a strange resemblance to both Steve Martin and George Bush. The psychic and one of Katie’s friends each attempt to help with the increasingly malicious entity, but Micah decides to take it upon himself to protect both his home and the woman he loves from an invisible attacker.

Thrill Eckerd

Join Eckerd in attempting to break the world record for the largest simultaneous dance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

The performance will take place on 8:30 p.m., Oct. 24.

Contact Lova Patterson, patterlm@eckerd.edu for more information.

1. Stay up all night on Kappa field- lay and watch the stars, play soccer or light up Frisbee.

2. Late night IHOP or early morning Skyway Jack’s.

3.Visit Dinosaur World in Plant City — both cheesy and educational fun 4. Jump into Frenchman’s Creek 5. Dress like a burrito for Halloween and go to Chipotle- Free Burrito!

Go easy on your wallet with cheap in St. Pete

By Francie Devine Entertainment Editor We’ve all seen them, “You might be a college student if you have ever written a check for 45 cents, or if you celebrate when you find a quarter.”As apt and funny as it may be, it brings up an important point. College students are notorious for finding the best bargain as well as for having a great time. So, for all the budgetconscious students here at Eckerd, let me show you what St. Pete has to offer that’s both entertaining and budget-friendly.

One of my favorite places in downtown St. Pete is Hooker Tea. I come from a long line of tea drinkers, but I never considered myself a fan until I went to Hooker Tea. They have over 100 different types of tea and are helpful to tea novices like me. They also have a tea bar that will brew tea for you on the spot.

It’s cheaper than a trip to Starbucks, with the added health benefit of delicious tea. Hooker Tea is a calm and fun environment, whether you want to relax and study or play some of the board games on hand. Downtown St. Pete is known for a lively nightlife and Hooker Tea is no exception. In the past, they have hosted a Wii and tea night, tealeaf readings and tarot card events, all for a very reasonable price. Currently, they have plans for a weekly concert series as well as a pumpkin carving night.

Next time you’re down by the pier, stop in for a spot of tea, or visit www. hookertea.com for posted events.

8

Friday, October 23, 2009

Even if you don’t go every weekend, Saturday Morning Market is a part of Eckerd life. Saturday Morning Market allows you to get a feel for the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, ready to eat food, like BBQ and prepackaged, breads and desserts available in downtown St. Pete. The streets are filled with blossoming gardens, jewelry, clothes and lively music. It’s a great place to go even if you don’t’ buy anything. The regular season kicked off on Oct. 3, so go enjoy Florida’s version of autumn with the locals.

Whether you consider yourself a history buff, a novelist know-it all or the celebrity gossip master, there is a way to test your talent. Beef O’ Brady’s on 34th Street hosts a trivia night every Wednesday at 7 p.m. It doesn’t cost anything, but it’s a fun night out to grab some dinner and drinks. I’ve gone with both large groups and small, so grab some friends and you might even win. The 3 highest scoring groups win Beef O’ Brady’s gift cards.

For more ideas, continue to follow The Current’s events calendar that includes both on and off campus events. We’d like to share your ideas, as well. Please send your story idea or event news by e-mail to currententertainment@eckerd.edu.

PUSH and shove your way to this great club

arts & entertainment

courtesy of Kasey Kilinski

PUSH Ultra Lounge: A good choice for an upscale night out

By Kasey Kilinski Asst. Sports Editor

“If you haven’t tried the duck taco, you are missing out,” says Christian List, former Eckerd student and current bartender at PUSH. “There aren’t many PUSH Ultra Lounge is a classy yet comfortable places around where you can eat a great dinner, then destination for a fun night out with friends. The walk upstairs and dance.”

Excluding the restaurant, PUSH nightclub, which contains three floors, makes for an enjoyable place “PUSH is like no other has four different bars on three separate floors. On the first and for everybody, always attracting a club I have worked second floor, the bars have flat satisfying mix of familiar (Eckerd) [at] because of the screen TVs usually playing sports faces, locals and tourists. games. The indoor dance floor The first floor gives an instant people. Anyone and on the second story has screens burst of relaxation as you walk in everyone comes to playing videos that match the to see a soothing fountain with an PUSH because we music being played. This room has inescapable natural vibe. To the exciting vibrant lighting and makes right, there is a restaurant that many provide such a it easy to let loose on the dance walk by but do not know about: Red comfortable floor. Throughout the area there are Mesa Cantina, “A Modern Mexican comfortable tables and VIP booths environment to either Taqueria and Ceviche Bar.” The to take a break from dancing or food, although slightly pricey, is said relax or go wild” socialize with new faces. to keep people coming back. The The rooftop is beautiful place menu includes items such as totopos to be on a starry Floridian night. (handmade chips with guacamole, — Christian List tables and dim lighting make black bean chorizo and Christy’s PUSH employee VIP the perfect setting for a romantic spicy chile cheese dip), fried tacos evening. If you are looking to get a (potatoes, peppers, jalapeño, jack quick drink, the bar up on the roof cheese, tomatillo avocado salsa and cotija cheese), spinaca salad (spinach, goat cheese, pickled red usually has less of a wait.

On Mondays and Tuesdays PUSH shows free films onion, pine nuts and hibiscus vinaigrette), and churrasco (grilled skirt steak, jalapeño cream sauce on the roof. On Wednesdays they have Yoga, which is also on the rooftop. Later on Wednesday nights, and gallo pinto).

PUSH hosts live rock bands for ROCK Wednesdays.

Every Thursday is the new College Night at PUSH. October 29th is the PUSH Fraternity RUSH Party.

Anyone can become a member and drink free beer all year. In becoming a member, you also receive a T-shirt and 20 PUSH Dollars. There will also be pong tables and bar-wide flip-cup. All this is for just for a one time payment of 20 dollars. The two busiest nights of the week are Absolut Friday (with Absolut drink specials) and Saturday Night Vibe.

Always ask the bartender for drink specials just in case.

Every so often there is a concert held on the stage where the DJ usually plays. In the past year popular groups like LMFAO, Paradiso Girls and Hoobastank have all performed at PUSH. These events are crowded, yet incredibly up-close and personal in this bar where there is no extra charge to see these famous artists.

“PUSH is like no other club I have worked [at] because of the people,” Christian explains. “Anyone and everyone comes to PUSH because we provide such a comfortable environment to either relax or go wild.”

PUSH/Red Mesa Catina is located in downtown St. Pete on 128 3rd Street South and is a popular destination for First Friday. Occasionally you may even spot celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Benji Madden, who were seen at the hot spot in 2008.

Friday, October 23, 2009

9

arts & entertainment

Howl-O-Scream: Proving evil never goes out of style

By Meagan Bemis Managing Editor Watch out for the fashion police, this is one event where you won’t want to commit even a minor infraction. Busch Gardens’ annual Howl-O-Scream Halloween event is centered on some deadly fashion and the warden of wardrobe is Ms. Vayne, followed closely by an entourage of deranged, dangerous models.

The theme, “evil never goes out of style” incites terror as guests enjoy 17 nights of catastrophic catwalks and a raunchy rush week gone all wrong.

Howl-O-Scream is expected to have more haunted houses than in years before, some new and some popular ones from years past brought back. Two of the new houses that shouldn’t be missed are

the “Delta-Epsilon-Delta: Pledge Week,” immortalizing the most gruesome forms of hazing ever seen, and the “Night Shade Toy Factory,” by day an abandoned building and by night a self-motivated factory creating toys children would die for.

Houses being brought back, by popular demand, are “The Doctor Is In,” “Death Row Vengeance,” “13,” “Taste of Blood” and “Trapped in the Walls.” But, don’t think you’re safe from the fear by not entering the terrifying houses.

The streets are filled with four scare zones, and nine bands of roaming scare-actors placed strategically to keep guests on edge, even when they just want to visit the bathroom.

Busch Gardens still has its famous coasters open for night time rides, and after guests have exhausted the rides, they can take in a show such as “Full Moon Cabaret: The Magic of Jason Byrne” or “Fiends,” a creepy montage of ghouls with dance fever.

Also open for a little break from the horror hiding around every corner is Busch Gardens’ Club enVy (a 21+ dance club). And don’t forget to stop by the

Fowl play at the CEC

By Johnny Jones Staff Writer On the outskirts of campus, past the academic buildings and through the wall of sewage smell, lies a feathered menace.

If you’ve made the trek out to the Continuing Education Center Dining Café, also known as the CEC Café, and sat outside, then you know of the duck that presides over the patio.

This duck seems to cause a split in the community: diners seem to have very different opinions about it. In general, students who regularly eat outside at the CEC were tired of the duck’s annoying antics. Newer diners were still in the honeymoon stage of the relationship. I guess you’re less inclined to hate something if you haven’t seen it bite people’s ankles and try to steal 12

Friday, October 23, 2009

photos courtesy of Busch Gardens

“little shop of horrors” for an exclusive 2009 HowlO-Scream souvenir.

Howl-O-Scream is a separately ticketed night event.

No costumes are allowed. For guest information, visit HouseofVayne.com or call 1-888-800-5447.

Remember, this is an event for mature audiences only, and those who are easily frightened or are offended by violence, gore or blood should avoid the event.

Feathery resident causes havoc on the north side of campus

food. duck in nearly T h e n every way again, many imaginable. students find People love, that the duck hate, admire and is an essential fear this him. part of their I’ve seen food outdoor dining. thrown at the “The duck, duck, witnessed ”Patrick,” adds him caught and everything to thrown by a my CEC eating student and seen photo by Johnny Jones him fly up on a experience,” says sophomore The culprit. table trying to Max Greene. steal food. I’ve “It’s one of those many only in Florida even seen him have a standoff with moments at Eckerd.” an egret. This duck predictably waits Patrick is only one of the many outside the CEC begging for food every names for the duck. I’ve heard Fabricio, day for dinner, but you can never Ronald, Donald, Quackie and The predict what he’s going to do.

Crack Head just to name a few.

I have been conflicted about this I’ve seen people respond to this duck since the first day it waddled up

to me begging for my scraps. At first, I didn’t think twice about his silly antics. Then I started feeding him just for kicks. Finally, I became intrigued when, after my friends and I fed him about eight pieces of cake, he refused to eat any more food. He just wandered around aimlessly, flying up into the tree branches and preening himself.

The duck’s future has often been the topic of dinner conversation. One of my friends, who wishes to remain anonymous, wants to kill the duck and eat him for Thanksgiving. Others say the duck should just be left alone in his natural state. We’ve already altered the duck’s future forever, so I don’t think it could ever return to surviving in the wild.

To this day, the duck still won’t eat cake.

sports Eckerd Women’s Basketball 2009-2010 Schedule

n o t f i f r o T p Ti Eckerd Men’s Basketball 2009-2010 Schedule 11/18/2009 Palm Beach Atlantic 7:30 p.m.

11/24/2009 Florida Memorial 7:30 p.m.

Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic 11/27/2009 UPR-Bayamon 11/28/2009 Edward Waters

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Coca-Cola Classic at the University of Montevallo 12/4/2009 Columbus State TBA 12/5/2009 Montevallo

TBA 12/15/2009 Saint Augustine’s Tampa Invitational 12/21/2009 Delta State 12/22/2009 Concordia 1/2/2010 1/6/2010 1/9/2010 1/13/2010 1/16/2010 1/20/2010 1/23/2010 1/27/2010 1/30/2010 2/3/2010 2/6/2010 2/10/2010 2/13/2010 2/17/2010 2/20/2010 2/24/2010 2/27/2010

7:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Barry* 4 p.m.

Florida Southern* 7:30 p.m.

Nova Southeastern* 7:30 p.m.

Tampa* 7:30 p.m.

Florida Tech* 4 p.m.

Saint Leo*

7:30 p.m.

Lynn*

4 p.m.

Rollins* 7:30 p.m.

Palm Beach Atlantic 5:00 p.m.

Barry*

7:30 p.m.

Nova Southeastern* 4 p.m.

Florida Southern* 7:30 p.m.

Florida Tech* 4 p.m.

Tampa*

7:30 p.m.

Lynn* 4 p.m.

Saint Leo* 7:30 p.m.

Rollins*

7:30 p.m.

Home games in bold * denotes a Sunshine State Conference opponent

By Will Creager Sports Writer

October 17 marked the beginning of the basketball seasons with the Triton Tip-off. However, the first games for the men and women’s teams are not until Nov. 18 and Nov. 15, respectively. Both are home games.

After the Eckerd Cheer team performed, the players on the women and men’s basketball teams were introduced one at a time, with each player putting his own spin on his entrance. The women’s team ran some lay-up lines and shot jumpers before the men’s team executed some amazing dunks.

The multicultural dance team followed with a performance. The sophomores won a shooting contest in which four teams - comprised of a player from the men’s team, a player from the women’s team and a student in the stands from each grade -competed.

Finally, the Eckerd dance team performed, ending the night with a dance line.

11/15/2009 Northwood 2 p.m.

11/21/2009 Valdosta State 6 p.m.

Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic 11/27/2009 UPR-Bayamon 3 p.m.

11/28/2009 Montevallo 3 p.m.

West Florida Tournament 12/4/2009 West Florida 6 p.m.

12/5/2009 West Alabama 2 p.m.

12/12/2009 Flagler 2 p.m.

12/18/2009 Palm Beach Atlantic 6 p.m.

1/2/2010 Barry* 2 p.m.

1/6/2010 Florida Southern* 5:30 p.m.

1/9/2010 Nova Southeastern* 2 p.m.

1/13/2010 Tampa* 5:30 p.m.

1/16/2010 Florida Tech* 2 p.m.

1/20/2010 Saint Leo*

5:30 p.m.

1/23/2010 Lynn*

2 p.m.

1/27/2010 Rollins* 5:30 p.m.

1/30/2010 Palm Beach Atlantic 2 p.m.

2/3/2010 Barry*

5:30 p.m.

2/6/2010 Nova Southeastern* 2 p.m.

2/10/2010 Florida Southern* 5:30 p.m.

2/13/2010 Florida Tech* 2 p.m.

2/17/2010 Tampa*

5:30 p.m.

2/20/2010 Lynn* 2 p.m.

2/24/2010 Saint Leo* 5:30 p.m.

2/27/2010 Rollins*

2 p.m.

Home games in bold * denotes a Sunshine State Conference opponent

photos by Doug Thayer Friday, October 23, 2009

17

sports

Eckerd produces Major League alums

By Will Creager Sports Writer Although Eckerd College has a solid sports history throughout the years, one particular sport stands out as having been the school’s best: men’s baseball.

Despite recent struggles, Eckerd has otherwise consistently had a solid squad year after year, including one that earned a second-place finish in the Division-II College World Series. Triton baseball has produced numerous players who have played for or held other jobs for major league clubs.

Steve Balboni: After leaving Eckerd as the career leader in home runs, Balboni was drafted by the New York Yankees in the fourth round of the 1978 draft. He went on to play for 11 seasons as a first baseman with the Yankees, the Kansas City Royals and the Seattle Mariners, finishing with a .229 batting average, 189 homeruns and 495 RBIs for his career. After his playing days, he went on to hold several coaching jobs for minor league teams before officially retiring.

Joe Lefebvre: An outfielder, Lefebvre was drafted in the third round by the New York Yankees in the 1977 draft. In six seasons with the Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres, he held a .258 batting average with 31 homeruns and 130 RBIs. Knee injuries cut his playing days short. After his playing career ended, Lefebvre coached for the Phillies’ and the Yankees’ minor league teams from 1987 to 1995,before joinging the San Francisco Giants organization in 1997. In 2008 Lefebvre was named “Senior Advisor, Player Personnel” for Brian Sabean.

Brian Sabean: Sabean played on the same high-school baseball team as Lefebvre before joining him on the Eckerd team. After graduating in 1978, Sabean spent time as a college coach from 1979 to 1984. Sabean spent thhe next eight years in the Yankees organization as a scout, Scouting Director and director of player development. After a three year stint as the Assistant to the General Manager, Sabean took over the GM position, a position he still holds today.

surgeries just to walk. However, his inability to push off the rubber led to him developing an unusual delivery that gave his screwball an unusually nasty spin.

This unique ability helped him have a long-lasting, successful career; in 11 seasons with five teams, including stints with both Florida baseball teams, Mecir went 29-35 with 12 saves and a 3.77 ERA in 474 games, all in relief. Mecir retired after the 2005 season.

Bill Evers: Evers graduated from Eckerd in 1976 before being drafted by the Chicago cubs. In four minor league seasons, he hit .250 with 11 home runs. He was a minor league catching instructor from 1980 to 1986 for the Cubs and Yankees.

He then began a great minor league managing career, compiling a 1381-1206 record over 19 seasons. He was the bench coach of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2006 and 2007 and is currently a scout for the Rays organization.

Billy Evers: The son of Bill Evers, Billy followed in his father’s footsteps in playing baseball at Eckerd. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2004 in the 35th round of the draft. However, he never made it past A ball in the minors and stopped playing after 2006.

Ryan Searage: Searage was a designated hitter for Eckerd and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round of the 2005 draft. His playing career also ended after the 2006 season, as he never made it past A-ball.

Josh Beauregard: Beauregard, an outfielder, graduated from Eckerd in 2003.

He played in the minor leagues for the Oakland Athletics organization in 2003 and 2004 before switching to the Worcester Tornadoes of the independant Canadian-American association, where he played from 2005-2007.

By Max Martinez Sports Editor Men’s rugby kept their unbeaten season alive with a pair of wins the last two weekends.

On Oct. 10 the Tritons ran over rival Central Florida in the second home match of the year. Last weekend, at the All-Florida Tournament, Eckerd shut out Lynn University by a score of 24-0. The win preserved the Tritons’ undefeated record and place atop the conference standings.

Bill Matthews: Before he became the head coach of Eckerd’s baseball team, Matthews was a student-athlete himself, playing under then-assistant coach Sabean. Matthews spent seven years at the Canterbury School in St Petersburg as Athletic Director, before returning to Eckerd in 1990. Matthews enters his 20th season as head coach this spring, and has 408 wins to date.

Jim Mecir: Mecir, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the 1991 draft. Born with clubfeet, Mecir required several

Sports Men’s Soccer

Women’s Soccer

Volleyball

Saturday, Oct. 24 v. Palm Beach Atlantic (Senior Night) 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 @ Lynn 2 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23 v. Nova Southeastern 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 28 @ Florida Tech 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 27 @ Florida Tech 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 v. Lynn 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 v. Johnson and Wales 7 p.m.

End of 2009 season

Saturday, Oct. 31 v. Florida Tech 4 p.m.

18

Friday, October 23, 2009

sports

Building a program: women’s rugby captain Mitchell Crowley

By Francie Devine Entertainment Editor

Everyone has a hobby. But it is rare to find someone who has fully devoted themselves to seeing his or her dream come to fruition like senior Mitchell Crowely has.

Mitchell, 21, has worked tirelessly for three years to pull together a women’s rugby team and this year it finally happened. There are 24 girls on the roster.

Crowley, Kristen Shull and Gysselle Rocha have taken it upon themselves to make it a successful team. Crowley calls the team her “saving grace this semester.” And adds, “It’s made me so happy.”

Crowley’s initial attraction to rugby started as a joke with her mom and doctor. Given her small frame, her mom found it outrageous that Mitchell wanted to play such a rough sport. Starting later in her freshman year, Mitchell became enthralled with rugby and has attended almost all of the men’s rugby games.

When asked why rugby means so much to her, Crowley responded, “I don’t know that it’s the aggression, but how much you have to put into it.

Like it’s not a sport where you just throw the ball, or you just kick the ball or you just tackle. Every person on the field has to know how to do everything. I’m

out in the backfield. I don’t do the scrums. I don’t tackle. I don’t do the really technical, physical stuff.

But I still need to know how to participate in a ruck.

I still have to be able to run and pass well.”

A game consists of scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. The scrum is when the teams huddle, trying to get possession of the ball. A ruck is the when the players try to keep the ball on the ground; a maul is the opposite, where the players keep the ball in the air. A line-out is used when the ball goes out of bounds and a player is lifted into the air to throw it back in.

The most basic rugby rule is that a player cannot throw forwards – the player must throw the ball backward to his or her teammates and then run to find a position further down the field.

Even though Eckerd’s women’s rugby team is new this year, Mitchell says that she constantly sees improvement. The team practices three days a week, with Pilates as a team bonding activity as well. The team consists largely of freshmen and sophomores, so Crowley sees this as a chance for a legacy, as the team will continue on even after she departs.

Once the team gets more settled, Crowley intends to take more of a hands- off approach and allow for the younger leaders to develop. The team’s coach, Candi Orsini, has worked closely with USA Rugby,

and the team is flourishing under her instruction.

Crowley has worked diligently and attentively to see that Eckerd College’s women’s rugby team is finally ready to go. Through hectic schedules, academic pressure and personal complications, rugby has been constant. And as courtesy of Mitchell Crowley she put it, “I don’t know what I would Founder of Eckerd’s women’s do if I didn’t have rugby team, Mitchell Crowley expects the program to conrugby.”

The team is tinue long after she graduates excited to start playing against small, local teams, but a date has yet to be set. The program may be new, but once it gets its bearings, women’s rugby is likely to become an undeniable force to Eckerd College athletics.

5000 34th St. South 727-866-7200

Eckerd College Student Discount Medium 1 topping $5.55 Large 1 topping $7.77 Medium 1 topping, bread stix, & 2-20oz sodas $11.50 Large 1 topping, bread stix, & 2-20oz sodas $13.50

Valid for carryout & delivery ($2 delivery charge applies) Friday, October 23, 2009

19

sports

Building a program: women’s rugby captain Mitchell Crowley

By Francie Devine Entertainment Editor

Everyone has a hobby. But it is rare to find someone who has fully devoted themselves to seeing his or her dream come to fruition like senior Mitchell Crowely has.

Mitchell, 21, has worked tirelessly for three years to pull together a women’s rugby team and this year it finally happened. There are 24 girls on the roster.

Crowley, Kristen Shull and Gysselle Rocha have taken it upon themselves to make it a successful team. Crowley calls the team her “saving grace this semester.” And adds, “It’s made me so happy.”

Crowley’s initial attraction to rugby started as a joke with her mom and doctor. Given her small frame, her mom found it outrageous that Mitchell wanted to play such a rough sport. Starting later in her freshman year, Mitchell became enthralled with rugby and has attended almost all of the men’s rugby games.

When asked why rugby means so much to her, Crowley responded, “I don’t know that it’s the aggression, but how much you have to put into it.

Like it’s not a sport where you just throw the ball, or you just kick the ball or you just tackle. Every person on the field has to know how to do everything. I’m

out in the backfield. I don’t do the scrums. I don’t tackle. I don’t do the really technical, physical stuff.

But I still need to know how to participate in a ruck.

I still have to be able to run and pass well.”

A game consists of scrums, rucks, mauls and line-outs. The scrum is when the teams huddle, trying to get possession of the ball. A ruck is the when the players try to keep the ball on the ground; a maul is the opposite, where the players keep the ball in the air. A line-out is used when the ball goes out of bounds and a player is lifted into the air to throw it back in.

The most basic rugby rule is that a player cannot throw forwards – the player must throw the ball backward to his or her teammates and then run to find a position further down the field.

Even though Eckerd’s women’s rugby team is new this year, Mitchell says that she constantly sees improvement. The team practices three days a week, with Pilates as a team bonding activity as well. The team consists largely of freshmen and sophomores, so Crowley sees this as a chance for a legacy, as the team will continue on even after she departs.

Once the team gets more settled, Crowley intends to take more of a hands- off approach and allow for the younger leaders to develop. The team’s coach, Candi Orsini, has worked closely with USA Rugby,

and the team is flourishing under her instruction.

Crowley has worked diligently and attentively to see that Eckerd College’s women’s rugby team is finally ready to go. Through hectic schedules, academic pressure and personal complications, rugby has been constant. And as courtesy of Mitchell Crowley she put it, “I don’t know what I would Founder of Eckerd’s women’s do if I didn’t have rugby team, Mitchell Crowley expects the program to conrugby.”

The team is tinue long after she graduates excited to start playing against small, local teams, but a date has yet to be set. The program may be new, but once it gets its bearings, women’s rugby is likely to become an undeniable force to Eckerd College athletics.

5000 34th St. South 727-866-7200

Eckerd College Student Discount Medium 1 topping $5.55 Large 1 topping $7.77 Medium 1 topping, bread stix, & 2-20oz sodas $11.50 Large 1 topping, bread stix, & 2-20oz sodas $13.50

Valid for carryout & delivery ($2 delivery charge applies) Friday, October 23, 2009

19

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

sports Page 17

Triton Tip-off marks beginning of basketball season

Page 18

Men’s rugby remains unbeaten

Page 19

Women’s rugby Captain Mitchell Crowley photo by Doug Thayer