The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College
Vol. XXV
September 17, 2010
St. Petersburg, Florida
Issue 1
Eye on the Horizon
Get prepared for hurricane season with our pullout guide, page 7
Meet our new dean Betty Stewart now in office
News & Features — Page 3
Eckerd “high” on list
Sigma Block Party
Our new spot in the Princeton Review
Viewpoints — Page 5
Tattoos, balloons, barbecue and more
Entertainment — Page 11
news & features
Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Petra Stevenson Director of Advertising Abby Gestl currentads@eckerd.edu Web Editors Max Martinez Shawn Craine Faculty Adviser Tracy Crow Director of Finances Beth Robinson News Editor Laurel Ormiston currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editor Ashley Daniels Entertainment Editor Johnny Jones currententertainment@eckerd.edu Asst. Entertainment Editor Jeralyn Darling
Convocation kicks off the 2010-11 academic year Convocation was held Sept. 8, leaving Fox Hall for the more accomodating space of McArthur Gymnasium. The format of the ceremony featured speeches by President Donald Eastman, Dean of Faculty Betty Stewart, and ECOS Vice President Erica Magnusson, as well as a performance by the Eckerd Concert Choir. New staff and faculty were introduced by Anthony Brunello and Betty Stewart, respectively. The recipients of various annual awards can be seen by visiting http://www.eckerd.edu/ convocation/10/inside. php?f=program.
photo by Michael Specht President Eastman delivers remarks at Eckerd’s convocation ceremony Sept. 8.
Viewpoints Editor Jaclyn New currentviews@eckerd.edu Sports Editor Will Creager currentsports@eckerd.edu
Staff Writers Kristen Torres Shelby Howell Sarah Malhotra Sarah Yost Abby Gestl Ethan Packey Lincoln Andres-Beck Will Skinner
photos by Michael Specht The Eckerd Concert Choir.
All they’re askin’ for is a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t
Photographers & Illustrators
by kristen torres
Doug Thayer Michael Specht Tonya Gabriel Morgan Swim Brianna Dickinson
Staff Writer
Contributing Writers Sean Sullivan
• September 17, 2010 • • Vol. XXV Iss. 1 • 2
Friday, September 17, 2010
photo by William Skinner Construction of the GO Pavilion is expected to continue through the fall. The new recreation center and event venue is projected to open in November.
Officers of the Eckerd College Organization of Students recently announced the first major campaign of the year, “Respect Campaign,” which will require incoming students to pledge to promote respect throughout the campus. The idea originated from the University of Michigan’s 2006 “Expect Respect Campaign.” ECOS hopes that by seeing the word “respect,” students and the entire EC community will think twice before vandalizing residence halls or other major areas of the campus. This campaign is part of a larger movement to increase school pride and community spirit. ECOS is handing out free “Respect” T-shirts in the ECOS office. Officers are encouraging all students attending the Sept. 25 men and women’s soccer games to wear the shirts.
news & features
New dean takes helm at Eckerd College at the college to various protocols.” One of her first experiences with Asst. News Editor the Eckerd community was Autumn uly 1 marked a new era for Eckerd College as the Term. Ceremony of Lights provided community welcomed Vice President of Academic Stewart with a unique opportunity. Affairs and Dean of Faulty, Betty H. Stewart, to “I just thought that was such an the campus. Stewart is the first new dean of faculty at enriching experience and was quite Eckerd in 31 years; she succeeds Dr. Lloyd Chapin. Hard- impressed with the ceremony itself…I working, smart, crisp and to the point, Mississippi-born think that had such a profound effect Stewart will “make quite a mark on this college,” predicts on me because I looked at my first class.” Stewart can connect with President Donald the class of 2014 because just “I truly appreciate her Eastman. a they are adjusting to Eckerd, “Change is perspective because she too is trying to find her way. different…I have it’s a fresh perspective “We are all experiencing this to make sure my on everything from the together,” she said. message is clear and ceremonies at the college Another new ceremony for the to say it numerous to various protocols.” dean was Convocation. times so those who This year it was held in McArthur have apprehension toward change will — Dean of Students Jim Gymnasium to accommodate feel a little more Annarelli more people, which Stewart said was to emphasize community. comfortable,” said “It was necessary for me because Stewart on her accession to her position as dean of faculty. Her message? now I get to see and put faces with “My desire is to make Eckerd the best college it can be.” names of people…our decision as a She understands achieving such a goal will take time. “We committee to introduce [new] staff to have the faculty, students and programs so now we will the community was very important, it allowed them to be celebrated.” just build upon the legacy that’s already here.” Learning her new job is going to take Stewart joins Eckerd from Midwestern State University quite a bit of her time since her plate in Wichita Falls, Texas, where she was dean of the College is full with the task of reaffirmation of Science and Mathematics and a professor of chemistry. for Eckerd’s accreditation. But in After living there for 20 years, Stewart calls the Lone Star her free time, she enjoys listening to State home. As she reminisced, Stewart said she would music and watching tennis. Stewart miss the food, and that it will take time for her to adjust to plans on being heavily involved with the humidity here. all aspects of campus life and wants Stewart believes her year is going to be a year of looking Eckerd students to feel comfortable at Eckerd’s policies and offering any advice she can. Dean with her. “My door is open,” she said. of Students James Annarelli is delighted she has joined As President Donald Eastman says, Dean of Faculty Betty Stewart. Eckerd saying, “I truly appreciate her perspective because “She fits into this place like a hand in it’s a fresh perspective on everything from the ceremonies a glove.” by ashley daniels
J
Google Apps offers new tools to EC by ethan packey
Staff Writer
Over the summer, ITS began upgrading Eckerd into a new information technology system, Google Apps for Education. The Gmail system has several managing features that can label and archive incoming e-mails based on sender or subject. It can also access your other personal e-mail accounts and import those e-mails to your Eckerd inbox. Should you prefer using an alternate e-mail address, Eckerd’s Gmail system has a forwarding feature that can be set to automatically forward all incoming e-mails to your preferred address. Google Apps for Education also includes several other useful applications such as a chat service (including the
photo by Michael Specht
option for video chat), a calendar that automatically sends you an e-mail before events that you have marked and a forum for the uploading, sharing and common editing of videos and other documents. In addition, groups can also create websites for themselves within the framework of Google Apps. You can opt-in to Google Apps for Education on your myEckerd home page, or go directly to the website at gmail.eckerd.edu. Any questions regarding problems with the new Gmail system or other Google applications should be directed to ITS Senior Systems Administrator Walter Moore at moorewr@eckerd.edu. Friday, September 17, 2010
3
news & features
What in the world is
What is the What?
Eggers and Bol Deng Africa Initiative brings novelist and war survivor to EC speak to class of 2014 by ashley daniels
Asst. News Editor
Dave Eggers and Gabriel Bol Deng joined Eckerd College by sarah k. yost freshmen in Fox Hall Sept. 10 Staff Writer for an intimate discussion on Eggers’ novel, “What is the What.” The novel tells the story Dave Eggers, author of Valentino Achak Deng’s of “What is the What,” journey from southern Sudan to and Gabriel Bol Deng, a the U.S. Originally, Achak Deng was to join Eggers; but due to “Lost Boy,” survivor of complications with his mother’s the Civil War in Southern health was forced to return to Sudan, spoke before a Kenya early. large audience of the local The class of 2014, having read community in McArthur “What is the What” for summer reading, was eager to question Gymnasium Sept. 9. They both men. Bill Felice, Professor came to discuss the effects of Political Science and Coand outcomes of the war chair of The Plight and Promise Bol Deng barely escaped of Africa: An Eckerd College with his life. Initiative, served as mediator. photo by Michael Specht Five themes were addressed: Eggers’ novel “What is Gabriel Bol Deng shares a smile with Dave Eggers losing hope, faith, the writing the What,” tells the life process, recovery and the him. Scared and hungry, he hoped they knew the story of Valentino Achak adjustment to the U.S. way to a safe place. Deng, also a survivor of the Civil War in Southern Bol Deng spoke eloquently For several moments Bol Deng recollected the on the importance of hope, Sudan and the co-founder of Valentino Achak Deng onset of death that seized his mind and senses. because of which he was able Foundation. Moments when he wished for death, pleaded for it to to overcome his life’s obstacles. President Donald Eastman introduced the come. Yet he sat on the russett couch with a look of “We all survived because of discussion along with Alizza Punzalan-Hall, Director thankfulness: He was hope,” he said. of Community and Media Relations at Eckerd and proud of what he had Then Bol Deng the Co-Chair of The Plight and Promise of Africa: faced and conquered. made the theme personal to each An Eckerd College Initiative. The power of his individual in the Eggers and Bol engaged in a spontaneous answers in his thick room. “The book conversation onstage in a living room-like set up accent hushed the may be you,” he complete with couch, armchair and coffee table voices of others and said. “Valentino where a lap top perched in front of Eggers. Palm compelled attention. could be you.” trees lit by a soft blue light bordered the couch, He recalled moments Faith, Bol Deng pointed out, is making the bold colors of Bol Deng’s clothing stand one could only imagine horrible to closely related to out. A spotlight lit the pair as Bol Deng began to were witness, especially as a hope. Both can recollect his memories of the war. child. The point that Bol come together to Bol Deng was about 10 years old when he was first move mountains, Deng kept repeating aware of the war going on in Southern Sudan. That he photo by Michael Specht which was education. “When same year, he was almost taken captive but skillfully relates to as the you get it, no one can Senior Erica Magnusson gets Gabriel played “dead” in order to escape. Afterwards, he hid take it away from you.” Bol Deng’s signature. obstacles in life. He said he was in a tree for many nights. He could not eat. He could Education put him in taught that there is a greater not drink. Fear had reached him in the pit of his front of Eckerd College, and education allowed Dave God but that he also believes stomach, and he was afraid to climb down to go in Eggers to write his novel. Without education the in the faith of an individual’s search of necessities. Soon he heard voices beneath Sudanese suffer and they die. The most comp,elling actions. Bol Deng’s view on him, children calling to him. At that point he thought part of the evening was when Gabriel Bol Deng this type of faith includes the he was going to die if he did not do something. So he addressed the room and asked, “What are you going belief in your homework. As a former high school teacher, Bol left his safe haven and went in search of others like to do with this liberal arts education?” 4
Friday, September 17, 2010
Deng believes in the power of education. Eggers then spoke on the process of writing “What is the What.” Mary Williams, head of the Lost Boys Foundation, wrote to Eggers about Achak Deng’s story. She thought Eggers would be the perfect author to allow Deng’s story to reach more people, which is what Achak Deng wanted. Eggers was apprehensive at first, unsure if he would be able to do the story justice. But when Eggers traveled to Atlanta to meet Achak Deng, they went to a basketball game where famous Sudanese-born player Manute Bol spoke to him: “You have to do this, you have to bring this story to western culture.” It was in that moment Eggers decided to take on the challenge. Along the way, Eggers gave up on the story at least five times. One freshman asked Eggers how he found his literary voice. Eggers’ response? “That’s what took four years.” It wasn’t until Eggers traveled to the Republic of Sudan and absorbed the culture that he felt he could embody Achak Deng. The writing process throughout was a constant back and forth between the men, with each chapter Eggers finished sent to Achak Deng for approval. Bol Deng said, “Trust was the key to writing.” Eggers agreed. The friendship that developed helped make “What is the What,” a success. Finally, Bol Deng discussed recovery. “Don’t dwell,” he said, “Put it aside and make on with your life.” By sharing his story with others, Bol Deng works through the pain he experienced in childhood. Eggers finished by pointing out that from horrible things came positive effects: including “What is the What,” and the formation of the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation.
viewpoints EDITORIAL
High ranking no reason for concern By Max Martinez Web Editor Every summer, year after year, The Princeton Review rolls out its updated guide to the best colleges in America. And recently, year after year, Eckerd College appears in that guide with a dubious distinction: a spot on the “Reefer Madness” list, a collection of the top 20 campuses for widespread marijuana use. This year, after jumping from 18th in 2008 to 10th in 2009, we are ranked 2nd on the list, just behind the Banana Slugs of UC Santa Cruz (and yes, that is their mascot, not a derogatory remark). Anybody who lives on campus can tell you that Eckerd students smoke a lot. I’m wagering most everyone on campus can tell you that. And yet, there isn’t a problem. That’s because Eckerd has become, whether we like it or not, somewhat of a model of recreational cannabis use. The students here, whether they partake in the occasional smoke circle, live every day like it’s 420 or don’t inhale at all, have created an environment like no other. More so than any other environment I’ve been in, Eckerd is a place where recreational drug use and intelligent conversation intertwine. For decades, those who toke, especially to the extent I’ve seen here on campus, have been characterized as lazy, uninformed dropouts. Yet we’re so much more. We’re Ford Scholars, editors, athletes, volunteers and
tour guides. We’ve won awards, attended conferences, published academic papers and entertained the idea of graduate school more than we’d like to admit. Every year, we complete thousands upon thousands of service hours, many of which are done in foreign countries during winter term or spring break. Our achievements as students have earned Eckerd the honor of being the youngest school to receive a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Our faculty recognize the unique potential of the students here, regardless of whatever intoxicating decisions we choose to make on our own time. On my first day in botany this year, while discussing the important reasons we should study plants, a student suggested that “psychoactive properties” was one of the most important things plants had to offer. As the class giggled like 6th graders in sex-ed for the first time, our professor laughed right along with us, made a joke about the subject, and accepted the student’s answer. Most schools would do everything in their power to stay off the “Reefer Madness” list. After all, it can’t be good for recruiting new students, right? Wrong. John Sullivan, the dean of admissions, said, “the ranking has had no effect on recruiting.” Sullivan also called into question the legitimacy of the rankings since they are determined solely by student survey responses. Each year, he adds, only about five families show concern or inquire about the ranking, but mostly it goes unnoticed. But the students notice. Within minutes of this year’s list being released, I counted at least three facebook status updates applauding our rise. For some on campus, myself included, being on the list is a reason to have school pride. We don’t have a football team, our school doesn’t have centuries of legends and history, and not too many people outside of the area know we even exist. If anything, our spot on the reefer madness list should be embraced by the community. By placing second, we beat out the University of Colorado at Boulder, home of arguably the biggest 420 celebration every year, where upwards of 10,000 students light up simultaneously on campus. Here, we have fewer than 2,000 students, and Florida lacks the medical marijuana laws that UC Santa Cruz and Boulder benefit from. Take a look at the list sometime and you will see plenty of respected academic institutions, including Emerson, Ithaca College and the University of Vermont. So while we puff-puff-pass our way through another academic year, let us not lose sight of what we’re really here for. Go to class, finish papers on time, the usual student to-do list. Enjoy life at what is now the number two marijuana school in the country. While you’re at it, make us number one.
The Princeton Review’s Top-5 “Reefer Madness” Schools 1. UC Santa Cruz 2. Eckerd College 3. Bard College 4. University of Vermont 5. Skidmore College
“Amusing “It’s the only time I’m going to be on top of Dennis Lehane.” —A creative writing professor on name tag placement.
“1+1=0 in the mathematics of trapeze art.” —A literature professor on suspension in the air between two trapezes.
“Clearly teddy bear baseball does not buy happiness.” —A sociology professor on discovering the cause of a student’s broken arm.
“I’m not a TV set. You can’t turn me on and off as you wish.” —A literature professor on listening to lectures.
“Grow some cojones!” —A political science professor joking about post-modern feminism.
Musings”
Artwork by Morgan Swim Friday, September 17, 2010
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viewpoints EDITORIAL
Car insurance, loans and eighth grade Algebra By Petra Stevenson Editor-in-Chief Recently, I went shopping for car insurance. In and of itself, this task ended successfully. No, towing is not included, and no, I have no deductible for collision, and pretty much everything else is at a bare minimum as well, but I am insured, and at a fairly reasonable price. Thank you, Allstate. However, changing auto insurers was not something I thought I would need to do this year. It started a few weeks ago with a phone call from my mother, in California. “Has something happened?” she asked. “No,” I said, though the question was undeniably vague. “Have you had an accident or something?” “No.” “Did you get a speeding ticket?” Again, “No.” At which point she explained that, for unknown reason, my car insurance had jumped from a consistent $900 a year to $3,400 — almost a four hundred percent increase. I will pause here to say that my parents are generous enough to pay my car insurance while I am in school. It’s the last major expense I have not taken on myself, and I am grateful for their support. When all this came about, I had been a secondary driver on their plan for nearly seven years. Of course, we reasoned, this dramatic increase must be a mistake. Someone must have confused some numbers,
and with a little effort, it would be resolved. So my mother did some digging, and some calling, and a lot of waiting on hold and talking to people in India about driving cars in California and St. Petersburg, Florida. And what she found out was that my credit score had plummeted, thus jacking the insurance rate with their particular insurer. Why? I took out a Stafford loan. Last spring, in the middle of the semester, I was hit with a course overload charge. I could not pay it, and, trying to do the responsible “adult” thing, took out an emergency loan to spare my parents’ dwindling savings account and ensure that I received credit for my course work. It was my fault, after all, that I had not read my tuition guidelines closely enough to know that one cannot take five classes a semester two semesters in a row and not pay extra. So I bit the bullet, or, as some Brazilians say, swallowed that frog. You live and learn, sometimes painfully. Now, all of you with these types of federal loans know that they do not come due until six months after graduation. I have more than a year before I need to start making payments. Somehow, however, having this new, unpaid government loan looming in my future makes me completely unreliable in the eyes of the bank. I guess it doesn’t matter that I have always paid my rent, cell phone, electric, water and Internet bills on time. Or that I have no credit card debt or unpaid medical bills. Or that I have a fairly consistent work history for someone my age. I can’t help but wonder about everyone else, too — that is, other students. Those loans are offered to practically everyone. Are we all mired in a spiraling maze of loans and debts and crappy credit?
PerspECtives Q: What is your evacuation plan if a hurricane were to hit Eckerd?
“I’m going to my house in Venezuela!” —Maria Mora, freshman (left)
“I’m going to Maria’s house in Tampa.”
“I’m going home to Naples!”
—Jesus Silva, freshman (right)
—Marissa Swope, junior
“Good excuse to go home and visit my family.” —Matt Knight, sophomore
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Friday, September 17, 2010
But more than that, I wonder about plot lines. About real-life chains of cause and effect. I was taking too many classes so that I could graduate on time. I had courses to make up because I took a semester off my freshman year, or, as I like to put it, “kinda dropped out for a while.” And while I left Eckerd for reasons I have neither space nor desire to discuss here in full, I can keep tracing back the reasons, analyzing my memories as a complex stream of intertwining, overlapping and cross-influencing events. Ultimately, maybe my car insurance went up because one day I met some British boys on the beach when I was seventeen. Or maybe it has more to do with that dreadful after-school Algebra class I took in eighth grade. How can we move on with our lives when we (literally) continue to pay for the mistakes of the past in new and unexpected ways? I did, after all, pay for that entire absent semester. Then I paid for it again through the extra loan —or will, with interest— and the higher auto insurance rate. Coincidentally, however, by working during my time off I was able to buy the very car in question. I’m all for living in the moment, but the truth is that we are an accumulation of our experiences, and that nothing you have done in the past is without its lingering consequences. Unfortunately, the trajectory of such longterm effects are remarkably difficult to predict. Then again, perhaps this complexity is one of the more beautiful mysteries of life in this world. By the way, if you see my little ’96 Honda putt-putting around campus, please try not to bump into her. I have no collision coverage, remember.
“I’m going to get a hotel on the East Coast and hang out.” —Jasmine Soule, junior
By Kelly Grasty Photographer
presents
Your pullout guide to
Hurricane Preparedness Eckerd College activates its plan once a hurricane is projected to approach our area. The plan is designed to promote the safety of the Eckerd College community, protect the college’s facilities and provide for continuity of the college’s operations. When we face a storm you have important decisions to make, and the college needs your assistance, too, to protect it from potential storm damage. This guide has been prepared to provide you information so you will know how to plan and respond.
Important Contact Information Eckerd’s Toll Free Number: 1-800-456-9009 Eckerd’s website: www.eckerd.edu Eckerd’s Emergency website: ecemergency.com Please note the emergency website has to be typed into the browser exactly as above. This website is based out of California which allows for students, staff and faculty to stay in contact.
photos courtesy of Wikicommons
Friday, September 17, 2010
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special feature
In the know Important information about hurricanes By Ashley Daniels Asst. News Editor
Keepi Many Eckerd College students hail from other states, so it is important to be informed about the seriousness of a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) website provides essential information. Below are “hurricane terms� provided by NHC. Hurricane Season: The portion of the year having a relatively high incidence of hurricanes. The hurricane season in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. The hurricane season in the Eastern Pacific basin runs from May 15 to Nov. 30. The hurricane season in the Central Pacific basin runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Hurricane Warning: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Hurricane Watch: An announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified coastal area. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Eye: The roughly circular area of comparatively light winds that encompasses the center of a severe tropical cyclone. The eye is either completely or partially surrounded by the eyewall cloud. Tropical Cyclone: A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere. In this they differ from extratropical cyclones, which derive their energy from horizontal temperature contrasts in the atmosphere (baroclinic effects). Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed (using the U.S. 1minute average) ranges from 34 kt (39 mph or 63 km/hr) to 63 kt (73 mph or 118 km/hr). Hurricane: A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind (using the U.S. 1-minute average) is 64 kt (74 mph or 119 km/hr) or more. The term hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones east of the International Dateline to the Greenwich Meridian. The term typhoon is used for Pacific tropical cyclones north of the Equator west of the International Dateline.
Eckerd College is likely to order an evacuation before Pinellas County officials order one. Why evacuate and close the college at least two days before the projected arrival of a hurricane? Time is of the essence. Eckerd College wants to give students and staff time to leave the area before Pinellas County becomes congested with traffic, fuel supplies run short, waves wash on shore and the outer bands of the storm arrive. Pinellas County has four roads leading off the peninsula, three of them bridges. Pinellas County Emergency Management generally orders evacuations 12 to 24 hours before a storm (Pinellas County projects that it would take at least 85 hours to evacuate Pinellas County if a full evacuation is ordered). When Pinellas County orders an 8
Friday, September 17, 2010
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Frequently asked ques
evacuation, the interstates running through St. Petersburg and Tampa may already contain residents evacuating from regions surrounding Pinellas County. For students and staff who choose to shelter at home in Pinellas County, Eckerd College is closed the day before the arrival of the storm to give them time to make final preparations.
We were evacuated and I left something important (medication, for example) behind in my dorm room! What can I do? Call the college at 1-800-456-9009 and listen for instructions
on how to reach Campus Safety weather conditions still permit s arrangements with you to escor
Are Eckerd College faculty involv planning, response and recovery
Yes. A professor is a member of t Group, the Emergency Managem
special feature
ing in Touch with Faculty
w that the faculty and staff of Eckerd ge take preparing for hurricanes very usly. They have to think and plan d of time, which is why all syllabi de each individual professors emery information. It is the goal of Eckerd ge to keep their students on track so sure the completion of the course on
or animals as you would plan for yourself. If a is approaching, start to keep pets indoors for r periods of time to ensure that they will be ortable while being evacuated. Arrange with ds or family to take you and your pet in since iendly shelters in the Pinellas County area are nd should be used as a last resort. But if a shelyour only option know that you are required to egister and priority is given to residents in mohomes and manufactured housing. There are pet-friendly shelters Eckerd provides: DuneMiddle School, Oak Grove Middle School and good Marshall Middle School, which is located Petersburg. Also, if you must evacuate to a on where your pet is not allowed, there is a el in a nonation area, gg’s Kennel ed on 46th North. Call dvance for gements. A ul tip: place ture of you your pet in c in case courtesy of Wikicommons re separated.
Direct questions to Lisa A. Mets metsla@eckerd.edu.
√ Course material √ Important belongings and personal documents
√ Medications √ Pillow, blanket, air mattress and/or cot √ Foods for special dietary needs √ Cash √ Identification √ Clothing for at least 5 to 7 days √ Personal hygiene items √ Bottled water, snacks and nutritious foods √ Book and/or iPod √ Flashlight √ Batteries √ Keys to car and residence √ Container or suitcase with lock What you need if you evacuate with a pet.
Design By Ashley Daniels and Petra Stevenson
Vehicle Information As a storm approaches, fill your gas tank and prepare your vehicle for travel. Gas supplies may be hard to find during an evacuation. Prices for gasoline may also increase with demand. Take your vehicle with you, if possible. If this is not possible, move your vehicle to the north parking lot on Derby Lane leading to McArthur Gymnasium. The “freshmen lot.” Make sure your parking decal is properly displayed so you can be identified as the owner. The risk of flood water reaching a car in this lot is reduced but not eliminated. Please review your auto insurance. Remove all vehicles parked under Omega. Flood waters will cause them to slide and collide.
tions about hurricanes
the Emergency Management ment Executive Team and the
What you need to take when you leave campus. And if you go to a shelter.
nformation
ved in hurricane preparedness y?
√ Unplug all power cords √ Close and lock dorm windows. Do not tape! √ Remove trash √ Lock doors √ Empty and unplug refrigerators √ Move and cover electronic items. Keep off floor!
For more information, please visit the Tropical Weather Update through the link located on the top right-hand side on the Eckerd College website. There you can find additional information about hurricanes, procedures and policies.
ld we have to evacuate the campus, professors will give you assignments e you leave to make sure you can up with your studies. Your profeswill keep in touch with you by e-mail the campus is closed, so be sure to k your campus e-mail address for class tes. If you think you will not have s to e-mail, ask your professors for an nate contact method.
(direct line 727.864.8260). If safe travel, an officer will make rt you to your room.
What you have to do before you leave campus.
Business Continuity Team. The Faculty Coordinating Committee, representing faculty, organized a Fall 2005 forum on hurricane planning and met with the Emergency Management Group in Spring 2006. Collegial chairs, who were consulted in the development of the hurricane plan, lead planning efforts in their collegia and at College Council. In 2006-07, collegial chairs and FCC participated in meteorological education sessions organized through the EMG. All faculty prepare their spaces when the college is evacuated, and faculty are prepared to teach their courses off campus if an evacuation is extended beyond a week. Decisions about the clos-
√ ID collar and rabies tag/license √ Food and treats for two weeks √ Food and water bowls √ Medications and care instructions √ Comfort item for pet √ Manual can opener
What to do when evacuating with your vehicle.
√ Have cell phone charged and a charger with a cigarette lighter adaptor √ Have a routine maintenance check before evacuation √ Properly inflate tires and makes sure they have good tread including a full-size spare √ Working jack and lug wrench √ Empty gas can √ Full tank of gas
ing time for evacuation and the time the college resumes normal operations are made in consultation with the dean of faculty and collegial chairs.
How do I know when I can come back on campus after a storm? When the storm has passed the area, the college’s Damage Assessment and Recovery Team will assess the college for safety. Once the college is determined to be safe to re-open, the president will issue an “all clear” declaration, and instructions will be transmitted by e-mail, posted on the website, and recorded on the college’s voice mail system. Friday, September 17, 2010
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Eckerd College is located in Zone A.
Pinellas County Emergency Management uses a storm surge data model to determine flooding and evacuation levels. The model projects possible flooding from a storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane. Pinellas County has created a map of flood zones, ranging from A (coastal areas) to E (elevated areas not prone to storm surge flooding). Situated on Boca Ciega Bay, Eckerd College is in Zone A; that means we are in a coastal area exposed to flooding from storm surge pushed ashore by a hurricane. We also could receive flooding from waves washing over the seawall.) Flood zones were updated in 2010, so it is important that residents confirm their evacuation levels. To do so, visit Know Your Zone or call (727) 453-3150.
Where to go... Pinellas County officials suggest that individuals who are ordered to evacuate from their homes find shelter in the homes of family and friends in non-evacuating areas, hotels and public shelters (the least comfortable option). Eckerd College’s preferred shelter location is Bauder Elementary School in Seminole, which is near the homes of Eckerd College staff members who can check on our sheltered students. Students must plan to arrive early in order to secure their places in the shelter. There are also various hotels in non-evacuation areas including the Ramada Inn Miage in St. Petersburg and La Quinta Inn Clearwater Cantral in Clearwater. Be sure to call the hotels in advance to secure a room. Please note: These listings are provided as a convenience and not as an endorsement by Eckerd College.
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courtesy of Pinellas County Emergency Management
Sigma Block Party signals return of EC students
arts & entertainment
photo by Tonya Gabriel Senior Breen Eitel gets in touch with his inner child on the inflatable slide.
photo by Tonya Gabriel Sophomore Woody Taylor and Bowen Idehen of Big Blu House kick it at the DJ table.
photo by Brianna Dickinson Junior Caitlin Doepp shows off her new balloon friend.
photo by Tonya Gabriel Freshman Blake Inscoe gets some serious ink.
photo by Brianna Dickinson Senior Jessica Boucher sports her new airbrushed tattoo.
photo by Tonya Gabriel Despite having to pay for beer, Seniors Kelsey Kappler, Hope Ronco and Kara Ricciardi still give Sigma Block Party a thumbs up.
photo by Brianna Dickinson Sophomores Kyrstal Charles and Amalie Bonde, and Freshman Lotte Tobiasen hold up their new custom-made signs. Friday, September 17, 2010
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arts & entertainment
Sex on the beach New advice column gets down and dirty on college love scene By Jeralyn Darling Sex Columnist
Everyone has one of those questions that never got asked or answered. Well, here’s your chance. Send us your questions. You can e-mail questions to currententertainment@eckerd. edu, or for total anonymity, slide your questions under The Current’s door in Brown 211. This column will provide help on sexuality, sexual health, relationships and any other topic or question you may be too shy to ask your closest friend or roommate. Within this space, voices from both genders will also explore and examine what it means to be in a relationship, about the blunders and the regrets. Think there’s no romance in college dating? Think again, says one of our sources. On the subject of “dating,” what’s your definition? Is there too much PDA on campus? (By the way, get a room does not mean a library study
room. ) Some of this advice will come from personal experience. Other advice will come from the relationship experts.
photo by Petra Stevenson
Press interview: meet your editor By Johnny Jones Entertainment Editor Ayo! Welcome to The Current’s Entertainment section. I’ll be your editor for this year, and I thought I’d give the greater Eckerd community some insight into my skull and what goes on up there. At first, I thought I’d make one of my writers ask me predetermined questions that set me up to give witty little responses. But I didn’t like the idea of having to share the spotlight with anyone, so I’m just interviewing myself instead. I will try to be as civilized as possible, but then again I am a dirty, untrustworthy college student so you never know what’s going to happen. Hello? Hey me, how’s it hangin’? Um, I’m supposed to be interviewing you, remember? Oh right, I totally forgot. Proceed. Your writing is pretty corny. I assume this is your first year writing for The Current? Actually it’s my second year, you hoser. If you had to pick one word to describe yourself, what would it be? Tough call. Either scrumtralescent or copasetic. What is your favorite genre of music? Not Justin Bieber. Do you have a favorite comedian? Wayne Brady. I like how he makes Bryant Gumble look like Malcolm X. 12
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Favorite holiday? Well, it used to be Labor Day, but since Eckerd doesn’t allow us to celebrate it anymore, I’d have to say Festivus. “Twilight”, “True Blood” or both? “Nosferatu.” Ultimate nightmare? To be trapped in the closet with Tom Cruise, R. Kelly and John Travolta. What is your best quality? I’m humble like Kanye. If you could have any super power, what would it be? I’ve always wanted to be able to take off my arm and beat people with it. Any words of wisdom for incoming freshmen? Just because the temperature is hotter than Silly Bands right now, don’t think it can’t get cold. But enough about me. Let’s talk about you! If you think you have funnier responses to any of these questions, send them to me at currententertainment@eckerd.edu.
photo by Jeralyn Darling edited by Caitlin Gerry
arts & entertainment
Events
September 17—September 30
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
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7 p.m. International Cinema Series “Secret in Their Eyes” (CPS) (Miller Aud.)
7:30 p.m. Kings of Leon Florida State Fairgrounds
1:40 p.m. Tampa Bay Rays vs Los Angeles Angels
7:30 p.m. The Everyday Champion (CPS) (Fox Hall)
7:30 p.m. Oil Spill in the Gulf: A Panel Discussion (CPS) (Fox Hall) 9 p.m. AAS Comedian Michelle Buteau
9 p.m. ECOS Social
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24 4 to 6 p.m. Club Fair (Hough Quad)
6 p.m. Young Jeezy Jannus Landing
4:30 p.m. Pitchers with Professors
7 p.m. Rascal Flatts Florida State Fairgrounds
8 p.m. Drake USF Sun Dome
26 3 p.m. Organ Recital (CPS) (Wireman Chapel)
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28 7 p.m. Invisible Children’s Face to Face Tour
8 p.m. Crosby, Stills and Nash Ruth Eckerd Hall
7:30 p.m. Negotiating Peace (CPS) (Fox Hall) To advertise your event with The Current, contact Current Entertaiment at currententertainment @eckerd.edu
Review
“Eat, Pray, Love” delicious, spiritual adventure By Sarah Katherine Yost Staff Writer Based on the New York Times best-selling memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert, “Eat, Pray, Love” is one woman’s journey to live. Julia Roberts plays Liz Gilbert, a woman unsatisfied with her life who decides to embark on a yearlong retreat to find something worth living for. This movie is about the knowledge of how to eat, pray and love. It’s about a woman who learns how to enjoy food. She passionately savors every bite. Liz learns the texture, and the feel of the pasta or fish she is eating. She studies her plate to appreciate the odor as well as the taste and to eat as if she couldn’t possibly eat another thing in her life
— it’s that good. There is a scene for almost every meal she eats; it’s enough to make you want to get up and lick the screen. I recommend not watching this movie before you eat because you’ll want to call your local pizza place from your handbag or pocket and have them deliver to the theater. This film is about a woman who has never prayed, who can’t pray. She tries to teach herself to be silent so that she can hear her inner self. Yet she only realizes that her inner self is not silent and never has been. This is also a film about a woman who stopped loving one man. She can’t bring herself to love another and then finally, allows herself to love once again. The cinematography is brilliant. The film shows the
passion of Italy’s people and its mouth-watering cuisine. Liz meets beautiful locals who take her in as family. They create relationships that are close but don’t intertwine with drama. The scenes of India are strong with color and spirituality because faith really guides the culture and Liz struggles in touching that part of the country. Bali is by far the most enticing country she visits. There is a scene where she is riding her bike in the countryside and is run off the road by fate. There, she finally lets go and finds her soul. Eat, Pray, Love says just that about life. Eat the most incredible food, have faith in a god or yourself, and love someone with everything you have. Friday, September 17, 2010
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sports
Forlán ready for world stage By Lincoln Andres-Beck Staff Writer In June and July, the world’s attention was turned to Johannesburg, South Africa, and the plethora of powerful stories.These stories included the first World Cup in Africa, the bad refereeing, and Spain finally capitalizing on the grandest stage in soccer after decades of underperforming. The most underpublicized star from the most surprising team in the tournament rose to prominence under our very noses. The name that is now known around the world is Diego Forlán. Forlán, originally from Uruguay, scored five goals in the World Cup, tied for the most of any individual. His effort was key in Uruguay’s unforeseen run to the semifinals, where they finally fell to the Netherlands. Before the tournament, he was just another creative midfielder. Currently, Forlán plays for the lesser Madrid soccer team, Atletico Madrid. In 104 appearances spanning the last four seasons, Forlán has scored 69 goals in league play. For his career, which began in 1998, he has accounted for 205 goals, including 17 with the infamous Manchester United squad, for which he played three seasons. With quick pace, penetrating passes to his counterpart
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at forward Luis Suarez, amazing dribbling ability, and a Beckham like placement on free kicks, Forlán led Uruguay to a surprising run into the semifinals. They eventually lost to the Netherlands by one-goal margin, and finished in fourth place after Forlán’s free kick to tie the game went off the crossbar as time expired in the consolation game against Germany. But even without a World Cup title, Forlán had introduced himself to the world with a phenomenal performance. I first took notice of Forlán while traveling with my parents at a business dinner during the early group stages. A man having dinner with us turned to me as I was watching the game and said, “Diego Forlán is the best player in the World Cup.” At the time, I could only be skeptical, but as I watched the game and continued to watch Uruguay during their crazy run to the semifinals, I saw the play of a true genius of football. He played the game as it should be played, with flair, finesse and teamwork. It would be surprising if Forlán didn’t make a move to a contender for the Champions League in the next couple of years and challenge for FIFA footballer of the year awards. But if he chooses to stay with Atletico Madrid, the countdown to the 2014 World Cup has already begun. Let’s hope Brazil is ready for Forlán.
courtesy of Wikicommons Uruguayan Diego Forlán burst onto the world scene with a 5-goal World Cup performance.
sports
Men’s soccer overcomes early deficit for victory in home opener By Sean Sullivan Contributing Writer Down 2-0 in the first half, the Eckerd Tritons came out electric after half time to win their home opener 3-2 Saturday against St. Thomas. Bobcats defender Douglas Sommer scored a goal from 20-yards out in the 11th minute. Nearing the end of the first half, St. Thomas scored again off a breakaway goal from freshman forward Mike Njie. “I was frustrated with our movement upfront and the lack of effort at times in the first half,” head coach Steve Magee said. “It was pretty emotional at half time. We wanted to get up for it and show the character of our team, and I think we did that in the second half.” courtesy of Eckerd athletics Ten minutes into the second half, the TritonsEckerd players celebrate their come from behind victory proved Magee right. over St. Thomas. Freshman midfielder Mark Lee sent in a perfect corner kick as 6-foot-4-inch junior defender Jimmy most important. Junior midfielder Alex Patterson sent in Lawler headed in the first goal for Eckerd. the cross as senior forward George Marchant put in the In the 59th minute, midfielder Daniel Lopez came on winning goal in the 86th minute. as a substitute. Less than two minutes later, the freshman The Tritons begin a two game homestand on Tuesday, intercepted the ball at midfield and scored an unassisted Sept. 21 with a match against Clearwater Christian, before breakaway goal, tying the game at two. With only minutes remaining in the second half, the facing Sunshine State Conference foe Florida Tech on Tritons ninth corner kick of the game proved to be the Sept. 25.
UFOs invade Kappa, North Fields By Will Skinner Staff Writer
Saucer-shaped projectiles have been spotted hovering and darting above Eckerd’s open fields of late, with most appearing in the hours before dusk. Occasionally, some may be seen lighting up the night sky or floating under the floodlights of our soccer field. These UFOs (Ultimate Frisbee Objects) have taken over the minds of some of Eckerd’s brightest with the goal of slowly building an army intent on attacking other schools. The EC Ultimate Frisbee team began to hone its disc craft on North Field on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m.. Over the school year, the team plans to compete against not only Florida state colleges but also other universities from out of state, including Tulane and Notre Dame, in as many as three tournaments across the state. Last year, the team achieved a respectable 4-4 in the Tally Classic. The club is mixed gender and open to varying skill levels, though prospective recruits might want to try their hand at a pick-up game if they are new to the sport. Pick-up games take place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m. on Kappa Field, but may start earlier in the day later in the semester because of daylight restrictions. Says Steven Barber, a captain of the club team, “Ultimate is a unique and fast-paced game that involves teamwork, endurance and coordination. It is a sport that anyone can enjoy.” If a flying saucer happens to land next to you while you are strolling around campus, do not be alarmed. Simply pick it up and toss it back. Or join the invasion.
Sports
Volleyball 2010 Schedule 9/17/2010 9/18/2010 9/21/2010 9/25/2010 9/29/2010 10/2/2010 10/8/2010 10/9/2010 10/16/2010 10/19/2010 10/22/2010 10/23/2010 10/27/2010 10/29/2010 11/3/2010 11/5/2010 11/12/2010 11/13/2010
Barry* 7 p.m. Nova Southeastern* 4 p.m. Saint Leo* 7 p.m. North Alabama 1 p.m. Florida Tech* 7 p.m. Lynn* 4 p.m. Florida Southern* 7 p.m. Rollins* 4 p.m. Valdosta State 7 p.m. Tampa* 7 p.m. Nova Southeastern* 7 p.m. Barry* 4 p.m. Saint Leo* 7 p.m. Palm Beach Atlantic 7:30 p.m. Florida Tech* 7 p.m. Lynn* 7 p.m. Rollins* 7 p.m. Florida Southern* 4 p.m.
Women’s Soccer 2010 Schedule 9/18/2010 9/22/2010 9/25/2010 9/28/2010 10/1/2010 10/5/2010 10/12/2010 10/17/2010 10/20/2010 10/22/2010 10/24/2010 10/28/2010 10/30/2010
Palm Beach Atlantic 7 p.m. Flagler 7 p.m. Florida Tech* 5 p.m. Tampa* 5 p.m. Lynn* 7 p.m. Rollins* 5 p.m. Nova Southeastern* 7 p.m. Montreat College 11 a.m. Saint Leo* 5 p.m. Clearwater Christian 7 p.m. Thomas 3:30 p.m. Barry* 7 p.m. Webber International 1 p.m.
Men’s Soccer 2010 Schedule 9/18/2010 9/21/2010 9/25/2010 9/28/2010 10/5/2010 10/9/2010 10/13/2010 10/17/2010 10/20/2010 10/25/2010 10/29/2010
Florida Southern* 7 p.m. Clearwater Christian 7 p.m. Florida Tech* 7 p.m. Tampa* 7:30 p.m. Rollins* 7 p.m. Lynn* 7 p.m. Nova Southeastern* 7 p.m. Montreat College 1 p.m. Saint Leo* 7:30 p.m. Ave Maria 7 p.m. Barry* 7 p.m.
Home games in bold * denotes a Sunshine State Conference opponent
Home games in bold * denotes a Sunshine State Conference opponent
Home games in bold * denotes a Sunshine State Conference opponent Friday, September 17, 2010
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The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College
sports
photo by Doug Thayer Junior midfielder Anthony Arico slides under a St. Thomas player in an attempt to win the ball.
ForlĂĄn establishes himself as a star in World Cup
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Ultimate frisbee team ready for another season
Page 15
Eckerd Men’s soccer wins homer opener
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