The Current Vol 25 Issue 5

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Vol. XXVIII

November 19, 2010

St. Petersburg, Florida

Issue 5

The Call of the Wild review, page 15 theater etiquette, page 11 Ethics team does it again Students sweep Southeast Regional Tournament

News & Features — Page 3

Alex Miskin as ‘Buck’ photo by Christy Wright

Social nudity

Why is the naked body considered indecent?

Viewpoints — Page 10

Got munchies?

Sarasota snack joint creates “dankalicious” concoction

Entertainment — Page 16

news & features

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 Robison News Editor Laurel Ormiston currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editor Ashley Daniels Entertainment Editor Jeralyn Darling currententertainment@eckerd.edu Asst. Entertainment Editor Shelby Howell Viewpoints Editor Jaclyn New currentviews@eckerd.edu Asst. viewpoints Editor Liz Tomaselli Sports Editor Will Creager currentsports@eckerd.edu Asst. Sports Editor Lincoln Andres-Beck

Staff Writers Johnny Jones

Kristen Torres Morgan Swim Christian Wimer

Photographers & Illustrators Michael Specht Tonya Gabriel Brianna Dickinson Ethan Cooper Ashli Fiorini Morgan Swim Christy Wright Caitlin Gerry

Contributing Writers Joshua Annarelli Kathryn Honan Anna Gobeil

• November 19, 2010 • • Vol. XXVIII Iss. 5 • 2

Friday, November 19, 2010

EC receives reaccreditation

By Ashley Daniels Asst. News Editor After days of intense scrutiny, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) recently awarded Eckerd College what amounts to an A+ for accreditation.

During the oral exit, the SACS committee chair reported it had no recommendations for the college. This means Eckerd meets all of SACS’ core requirements, comprehensive standards and Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) requirements.

“Those of us here know how wonderful Eckerd is, and it’s very nice when outside evaluators confirm what we know about our college,” said Dean Suzan Harrison, coordinator for the SACS visit. Receiving this “clean sheet” is exceedingly rare. So rare that SACS Vice President and Eckerd’s liaison, Dr. Marsal P. Stoll, has never experienced such a result in her three years with SACS. “Fabulous,” said President Donald Eastman. “We had great leadership from Dean Emeritus Lloyd Chapin and Dean Betty Stewart not to mention Associate Deans Suzan Harrison and Kathy Watson.”

The committee met with trustees, faculty, staff and students. It examined documentation verifying the college is in compliance with more than 70 standards.

With such high stakes at risk, tension was high on campus, but for Dean Kathy Watson, a little anxiety can be highly motivating.

“We were well-prepared and absolutely

committed to doing everything possible to received because Eckerd sought to design a achieve a good outcome, so our anxiety was worthwhile project that built on the college’s fruitful rather than maladaptive.” strength, and grew out of Eckerd’s mission.

For Dean of Students James Annarelli, the “Our ultimate aim was to craft a QEP that news of Eckerd’s success was would significantly impact the learning and just another affirmation of development of our students, one that the job happening here. would be transformational.”

“A SACS reaffirmation According to Harrison, Eyler said, process is one that “It is the reflection of the service focuses upon the that leads to the most profound member colleges’ learning, and reflection is at the ability to demonstrate heart of the college’s QEP.” the outcomes of SACS will complete the their academic and reaffirmation process in June student life programs 2011 when the SACS Commission of and I think we work Colleges Board of Trustees will vote very hard to ensure photo courtesy of SACS. formally on Eckerd’s reaffirmation that the great things SACS logo. of accreditation. that make Eckerd College the academic So what does the future of Eckerd community that it is were demonstrated in look like? According to Dean Betty Stewart, the evidence that we presented in terms of “Eckerd’s future is very bright,” she said. the outcomes of our programs.”

“We are celebrating our success today Prior to the SACS visit, Eckerd made because we have a structure in place that sure the entire community knew the QEP. will allow Eckerd to remain a high caliber Reflective Service -Learning. To ensure national liberal arts institution.” success, QEP Director Professor Olivier Annarelli agrees. “I see this as one Debure and Watson selected one of the additional sign that Eckerd College is as country’s leading experts on reflective service wonderful as it’s been in the past, and is – learning, Dr. Janet Eyler from Vanderbilt moving to even greater heights in terms of University, as the lead evaluator.

Watson said they expected Eyler to give providing the very best liberal arts education a meaningful critique to make the QEP even for students and in terms of moving toward better. Instead, Eyler said, according to a model of the residential liberal arts college Watson, “I love it! It is a beautiful project!” of the 21st century that others will seek to Watson believes the QEP was so well emulate.”

Safe Ride returns

By Christian Wimer Staff Writer Safe Ride is back. The program will entitle students who have purchased a membership card to unlimited free taxi rides back to campus from anywhere in St. Petersburg. Passes are available in the Campus Activities office. Since it just launched in the middle of this semester, the fee for the remaining month is $20—it will be $40 for the spring semester. “The prices will probably fluctuate in the future depending on the amount of participation we get,” said Senior Brittany O’Shaughnessy, the project leader.

O’Shaughnessy was aided in putting the program together by Dean Annarelli and Campus Activities. “We signed a contract with BATS Taxis and held a free trial last spring which showed good student interest,” said O’Shaughnessy, who picked up the program idea from a similar one at Embry-Riddle University.

“Safe Ride is designed to help students who find themselves stuck or in dangerous situations, such as having too much to drink or being stuck with a drunk driver,” said O’Shaughnessy.

“I do not intend for it to promote irresponsible drinking, but rather to encourage responsible habits by knowing when to call for help. It should help the community by reducing the number

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THIS WEEK:

o Birth of Lucille Ann Thonen, daughter of Professor of Theater Jessica Thonen. o Ethics team members speak on why ethics matter o Four Loko update o Laser Tag party at Kappa Field

news & features Ethics team wins regional tournament

By Laurel Ormiston News Editor

competitors. In the end, Eckerd College won by seven points. Hutchinson. “I have found that most people have an opinion Renihan is a returning member of the team, but this on corporal punishment from either their studies or personal is her first year as co-captain. She presented cases on experience. The discussions and debates that came from this topic made all the work he Eckerd College Ethics Team took first place Nov. banning computer-generated (CGI) child pornography, minding your ethics and worth it.”

13 at the Southeast Regional Ethics Bowl for the Facebook privacy.

First-time team seventh consecutive year .

The CGI child pornography case grabbed member Leyh said Their position qualifies them to move on to the National he enjoyed the Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl Competition held March in Renihan’s interest because of the questions it rasied in legal issues and the extent of competition. “It was Cincinnati, Ohio. excellent to see our The team was led by Co-Captains Elizabeth Renihan, First Amendment protection. She was also team in action on senior, and Kathryn Hamilton, junior. Both Renihan and intrigued by the role of society and culture Saturday. Being my Hamilton were members of last year’s team that placed third in determining the definition of protected first Ethics Bowl, I was amazed by our camaraderie, unity and at the National Ethics Bowl competition. This year’s team sees speech.

Renihan’s co-captain Hamilton also argued three cases. cohesiveness.”

Renihan and Hamilton joined by Senior Rebecca Hutchinson, Leyh was praised by Hamilton for his jumping onto the Junior Ryan Jarrett, and Sophomores Sarah Seniuk, Tony Her first case on bullfighting in Spain was a debate between the preservation of culture and respecting animal rights. team mid-season. “Tony came into the team halfway through Leyh and Baalika Patel.

Teammates Patel and Senuik both said that the most the season to pick up the cases of a team member we lost Hamilton said of ethics team, “Where else can you sit for interesting case for them to listen to was Hamilton’s case on and he absolutely blew me away in the semifinals with one hours with a small group of people of incredible intelligence the ban of Spanish bull fighting. of the most challenging cases we have encountered,” said and debate the meaning of some of the most relevant issues of “It was one of those cases that had so many factors to Hamilton. our time? We go so much deeper into every case than I have Leyh’s second case, co-presented with Patel, focused on the consider before taking a stance on the issue: economics, gone into any text or topic in a class in college.”

14th Amendment and granting citizenship to the children of Teams were provided with fifteen case studies derived from culture, animal rights, how cultures are defined (sometimes by illegal immigrants who are born in the U.S. The case focused current issues in the world that inspire ethical debate. “The the activities that take place in their country),” said Senuik. on whether the application and interpretation of the 14th She continued, “And in talking about Spain, it allowed for greatest challenge by far was reconciling myself to a side and Amendment is still ethically valid today. Said Patel of the taking a stance,” said Junior Rebecca Hutchinson. Of course, a different type of presentation, where most cases tend to be competition, “Some of the judges’ questions and rebuttal you don’t get to the Super Bowl of ethics without hard work. much more fact based; Spain is a country defined by passion remarks made my heart stop, but I had confidence in my Over the last two and half months, the EC ethics team met and life and so [Hamilton’s] presentation was able to reflect team.” regularly on Saturday mornings to formulate responses to the that cultural aspect.”

Fellow sophomores, Sarah Seniuk and Ryan Jarret, Hamilton’s second case was about the Animal Planet 12 cases, 10 of which would be called for them to present in prepared for cases on objectivity to truthfulness in journalism program, “Whale Wars,” the competition. standards, and on compulsory voting. Said Jarrett of ethics, “ and her third case on On the team’s road to victory, “Some of the judges’ questions Should ethics not be important to everybody? They regularly the construction of a Sophomore Anthony Leyh noted govern our thoughts and actions whether we are aware of and rebuttal remarks made my hydroelectric dam along that with the team’s intense it or not.

Ethics bowl forces you to evaluate to exactly what the Xingu river in Brazil, preparation, nerves during the heart stop, but I had confidence extent this occurs and whether or not your ethical impulses inundating 400 kilometers competition weren’t too much of a in my team.” can be considered correct. To live without awareness and of forest. hindrance. “We planned to win. We — Baalika Patel This is Hamilton’s first understanding of ourselves is possibly the greatest error one won. Simple as that,” said Leyh. could make.” year as co-captain, and she Head coaches are Naomi and Senuik will miss her teammates in the break they have before Leonard Block with the Academy of Senior Professionals says the biggest challenge for her was to learn how to respond preparing for Nationals. “Over the past two and half months at Eckerd (ASPEC). Additional coaches include Robert to rebuttals. “I learned to turn around [their questions in we’ve really become a sort of family. We’re all discussing Shepherd, Kirk Eason and Assistant Professor of Rhetoric rebuttals] by agreeing they brought up a related point, but really serious issues, and being both critical and constructive.

Zachary Dobbins. The faculty sponsors are Dobbins and Julie that I feel it is a morally irrelevant dimension, then redirect You learn so much about how these people think that it bonds Empric, professor of literature. Of the Blocks, Hamilton said, attention to my main point.” Something you,” said Senuik.

“Len and Naomi are our sponsors and coaches, but more Hamilton says makes the opposing team Of the overall team this “We go so much deeper into look focused on trivialities. accurately they are my family.” year, Renihan said that Returning team member Hutchinson every case than I have gone The team engaged with 24 other schools from Fla., Ga., they all work in unison, Al., and South Carolina in a debate-style competition. Each presented on pregnant athletes in the into any text or topic in a class giving particular praise to team faced off against other schools in rounds, the winner NCAA and on a proposed spanking the four new sophomore in college.” of which scored points that contributed toward the total. ban. The first case was to decide if a members. “We all have — Kathyrn Hamilton great relationships with Described as an “endurance competition” by team member pregnant athlete should still receive her each other on and off the Jarrett, the competition lasted about eight hours. The other scholarship while she is unable to play three qualifying schools are the University of Central Florida, during her pregnancy. The second case, on whether or not a team, and you can definitely feel that in competition. I can ban on spanking children between the ages of 0-3 was ethical, look down the table at the rest of my team and without saying the Naval Academy and the University of South Florida. anything we’re all on the same page. I think it’s going to serve “The competition was challenging this year. This only was particularly compelling to Hutchinson.

“I had a special affinity for my case on spanking,” said us well for Nationals this year,” said Renihan. made our victory that much sweeter,” said Hutchinson of the

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“To live without awareness and understanding of ourselves is possibly the greatest error one could make.”

— Ryan Jarrett

Friday, November 19, 2010

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news & features

HPV potentially deadly, potentially preventable

By Kathryn Honan ContributingWriter

photo courtesy of Wikicommons.

HPV-infected koilcyles on the bottom right with two normal intermediate squamous cells above. always a good idea – but talking to your doctor first is also important. It’s a personal decision, but college is the perfect time to get vaccinated.” Problem is, only 2 of 25 Eckerd students surveyed knew anything about HPV, while nearly all claimed to be sexually active.

Gardasil, like most medications, isn’t without risk. Some may experience severe allergic reactions. For Eckerd students cleared by family physicians, vaccinations are available at Health Services.

Stacy Larkin, a 28-year-old seemingly healthy accountant, is all too familiar with the virus and its consequences. She

Review 20 d r e k

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Sophomore Caitlin Duffy decided to get vaccinated with Gardasil after a family member contracted cervical cancer caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Sophomore Elizabeth Brophy says she was also vaccinated in high school through the advice of her mom after a family member was diagnosed with HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cancer.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States, and at least 85 percent of sexually active people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives.” (A scary statistic for college students, when you consider that 74 percent of the 6 million new cases of HPV every year occur in men and women from 15 to 24.) Even more frightening, most people infected with HPV do not show any signs or symptoms.

More than 40 types of HPV can infect males and females through intimate genital skin to skin contact – not just through sexual fluids like other sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Because of this, condoms do not fully protect.

Some types of HPV merely cause non life-threatening genital warts. Other types cause cervical cancer, or other less common cancers such as vaginal and vulvar cancer. Making matters worse, a person can be infected with more than one type of HPV. Genital warts, however uncomfortable, are not life threatening. Cervical cancer, alone, killed 3,976 women in the U.S., according to 2006 statistics from the CDC. Perhaps this explains the rush to vaccination. Gardasil, a vaccine for both sexes between 9-26, protects against genital warts, cervical cancer and the spread of HPV. According to Megan Coy, Eckerd College health promoter, “Vaccination is

Is Taking Submissions All Eckerd College students, alumni, faculty, staff and ASPEC members are invited to submit Please submit your poems, short stories & nonfiction (15 pg max), & art

by Nov. 22 to be considered for publication

Please visit www.eckerd.edu/eckerdreview and follow the submission guidelines to submit your work anonymously.

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Friday, November 19, 2010

was 20 when she learned she had HPV. She is infected with the cancerous types. When she found out, she said, “I felt horrible. I was scared that it would affect me having a baby, but I was young, so I pushed it out of my head and thought I would deal with it later when I got older.” Since the diagnosis, she has undergone many painful procedures in which doctors have removed sections of her cervix.

Gardasil wasn’t available until Larkin was 24. If it had, she said she wouldn’t have hesitated to be vaccinated. “I don’t think that doctors make young girls aware of how bad HPV is and how easy it is to contract. Using protection and getting vaccinated are the easiest ways to prevent infection.”

Though Larkin has endured a number of medical procedures, she says the disease hasn’t had too much impact on her life until this year, when she and her husband wanted to start having children and she discovered she had aggressive cancer cells on her cervix.

“If I want to have a baby,” she said, “I will now have a highrisk pregnancy and could potentially be put on bed rest for the last 4-5 months.” This is because a large portion of her cervix, which is used to support the weight of the baby in the uterus, has been removed. “I could have a pre-term delivery or miscarry a perfectly healthy baby.”

Not being able to have a baby would be stressful to any hopeful parent, but for Larkin, she has even more to worry about. “The cancerous cells can come back at any time, which means I will need more procedures which will remove more of my cervix which will affect future pregnancies. I may only be able to have one child and then have my cervix completely removed.”

The only way for a woman to know if she is infected with HPV is to get a Pap test (also known as a pap smear). At this time, there is no FDA approved HPV test for men.

ECOS update

Support World AIDS Day Dec. 1

By Kristen Torres Staff Writer The ECOS campaign “Thirsty?” begins Nov. 22. The campaign aims to reduce the use of glass bottles and cans around campus by replacing those materials with plastic.

To celebrate the launch, ECOS is giving away free plastic cups to students. The cups will be distributed door to door starting at 9 p.m. The cups can also be taken to the pub and the cafeteria for take away refills.

ECOS next has a week’s worth of activities planned to commemorate World AIDS Day. The awareness campaign begins Nov. 28 by “Painting the Campus Red.” There will be red ribbons to signify AIDS tied all around campus. Along with ribbons, there will be signs to raise awareness for AIDS and red peach

cranes scattered about.

On Nov. 29, World AIDS quilts will hang in the chapel. There will also be a movie about AIDS, with ice cream and the chance to tie red ribbons to hang on your person or around your dorm.

Official World AIDS Day is on Dec. 1. That day, ECOS encourages everyone to wear red to signify the spread of AIDS and to raise awareness about the issue. Ribbons will be passed out at the mailboxes, cafeteria and the pub to anyone who wants to wear one.

There will also be a memorial service at 5 p.m. in the chapel followed by baking holiday cookies and holiday ornaments for HIV patients in St. Petersburg.

Additional events that as of press time have no set date include the Climb for Condoms, Little Dresses for Africa and an Amnesty letter writing campaign.

news & features

Professor shares her passion for Japanese

By Shelby Howell Asst. Entertainment Editor

Ph.D. at Ochanomizu University in Japan. Mikals-Adachi has been teaching Japanese, Japanese culture and contemporary fiction to Eckerd’s students for six years.

Her name is Eileen Mikals-Adachi, but her students call her She said she first became interested in Japan when she was Sensei. This Japanese word, meaning teacher, is appropriate, in high school. “I took a world history course and the teacher given Mikals-Adachi is an associate professor of Japanese at had a very interesting section on Japan,” Mikals-Adachi says.

Eckerd.

In college, the plan was to study math, but she says she took a Mikals-Adachi is originally from New York. However, as Japanese language course “just for the fun of it.” Then came she entered adulthood, her love of Japan led her to receive her a Japanese literature course, and she “gradually started to fall in love with the culture.” What finally convinced her to change her major was a trip to Japan during her junior year.

After receiving her Bachelors’ degree in the States, Mikals-Adachi returned to Japan for graduate school. Mikals-Adachi ended up living in Japan for more than 20 years. While there, she said she had difficulty traveling home to see her family. There were no direct airplane flights from Japan to her hometown in New York. She was only able to travel home once every few years.

Despite this, Mikals-Adachi has many fond memories of her time in Japan. She met her husband over there, and they had two sons.

During her time abroad she immersed herself in the Japanese culture. This experience is what she passes on to her students. In the words of Junior Dahianna Salazar, “ [Mikals-Adachi] has so much knowledge about Japanese language and culture and encourages us to compare them with photo by Shelby Howell our own values and culture so we can get a full Professor of Japanese Eileen Mikals-Adachi models one of her re-fashioned understanding.” kimonos.

African Masks exhibit now on display

By Morgan Swim Staff Writer African Masks and Sculpture from the James and Heidi Crane Collection is the newest exhibit at the Elliot Gallery. On display until Dec. 3, the exhibit features 28 masks and sculptures from various regions of Africa, including the Democratic

Panorama of the African Masks and Sculpture exhibit at Elliott Gallery.

In addition to her classes, Mikals-Adachi has also led multiple Winter Term trips to Japan. This opportunity was designed entirely by Mikals-Adachi for immersion in language and culture. She found a school in Japan where students study Japanese during the morning, and in the afternoon she leads a group cultural excursion. “I lived in Tokyo for 22 years, so I know the places to go to,” she said. “ I know places that you probably are not going to find in a tour book.” Students with Mikals-Adachi will explore everything from sumo wrestling to an anime store.

Winter Term students also shop at a market for inexpensive Japanese souvenirs. Mikals-Adachi likes to find used kimonos (old-fashioned Japanese style robe) that she will re-style to wear. “All the scarves that I wear are actually recycled from old kimonos. So, that’s what I do in my free time - I take them [kimonos] apart and recycle or refashion them into something I can wear.”

Mikal-Adachi also enjoys writing poetry, embroidery, watching Japanese dramas and calligraphy. “I studied calligraphy in Japan. You know how in karate, they have a black belt and all those different levels? They have levels in calligraphy, so I have a dan [advanced] level in calligraphy.”

In February, Mikals-Adachi received tenure, and at the beginning of her seventh year at Eckerd (the 2010-11 school year) was promoted to associate professor.

Anyone interested in more information on Mikals-Adachi’s Winter Term to Japan should contact the international education office. You can also visit http://eckerdwt10japan. tumblr.com/ to see pictures and stories of students who have previously gone on this trip.

Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Gabon, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire among others.

James Crane, part-owner of the collection, sees the pieces as more than just art and urges viewers to put the pieces into their cultural context.

“If you really want to see these pieces, don’t look at them as curiosities but as windows into a very alien reality, far

different from our own” he says in the exhibit collector’s statement.

The display is curated by Senior Meg Kovaki, and is part of the Plight and Promise of Africa: an Eckerd College Initiative.

Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, the Gallery will close for Thanksgiving holidays on Nov. 25-26.

photo courtesy of Ashli Fiorini

Friday, November 19, 2010

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news & features

Examining the pros and cons of multiple majors

By Elizabeth Tomaselli Viewpoints Editor Sophomore Jaclyn New recently added Spanish to her list of majors, which includes biology and human development.

“I just have a wide variety of interests and I think that they’re all applicable to my future,” she says.

Jaclyn is not alone in her thinking. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the last decade has seen an 85 percent rise in the number of bachelor’s degrees with multiple majors. Why are college students, specifically Eckerd students, taking on more than one major?

For some, it’s about continuing to pursue their passions.

Junior John Cassell is combining a marine science major with a minor in art. He plans to pursue a career in marine science, but says his art education cultivates skills in what he refers to as a lifelong hobby. For others, it’s about being the most prepared for their future ambitions. Jacque Steffen, a sophomore, is triple majoring in biochemistry, psychology and Spanish. She admits it’s difficult “to switch gears” from one discipline to another, but each is a priority toward achieving her ultimate goal, becoming a physician with Doctors without

Friends of the Waterfront alum reunion sparks memories

By Ashley Daniels Asst. News Editor Eckerd College’s largest alumni organization, Friends of the Waterfront, came together to celebrate the waterfront programs and to reunite with new and old friends Nov. 5.

Friends of the Waterfront has 400 members and hopes to double within the year. Jim Terkelsen, the assistant director of Waterfront, said, “(Members) are all the people that in one way or another were connected either through Eckerd College Search and Rescue (EC-SAR), sailing team, recreational use, work scholars or instructors.” He adds, “They all have an interest in seeing the waterfront thrive and be a big part of the Eckerd community.”

The reunion started with a buffet dinner on the outside deck of the boathouse. Everyone gathered around tables, catching up and reminiscing. When Bill Covert, director of waterfront, took to the podium, he spoke about the 6th annual Triton Fishing Tournament that had taken place earlier that day. Sixteen boats and roughly 50 people raised $12,000 for waterfront programs.

Next on the agenda was the presentation of the Martin A. 6

Friday, November 19, 2010

Borders.

However, for many students it’s about expectations of employers. Devon Williams is a double major because she believes it is necessary. She explains, “I feel that double majoring will help me to have a broad sense of knowledge and ultimately give me a competitive edge in my future field.”

So is this the burden of the echo-boomer generation? Is the job market so competitive that undergraduates are forced to take on multiple majors? Or is this the age of renaissance, where we have become such multifaceted and overachieving human beings that one major alone can’t possibly satisfy our appetite for learning?

In a “Los Angeles Times” article, staff writer Larry Gordon entertains the possibility that college students seeking multiple majors are just an extension of their overactive high school selves; that students are still programmed to join as many clubs, sports and extracurricular activities as possible and study as many subjects as they can, with the same senioryear mentality that someday a college (or an employer) will want a diverse individual like them. However, some feel that students are spreading themselves too thin by having multiple majors. In his article, Gordon interviews Eric Frank, Occidental College’s dean, who expressed his concern for

Photo of Sailing Team and EC-SAR.

Dean Award by EC-SAR team leaders Clarke Heyes and Ashley Hibbard. The award was presented to the Lindley family for its efforts in helping EC-SAR. “It was a real honor to present the award to two individuals who really embody what makes Eckerd students unique,” said Heyes. “We have a love for the water, we have a love for the waterfront, we have a love for our school and we have a desire to serve our community. The Lindley’s are all of the above.”

Murray Fournie, chairmen of Friends of the Waterfront spoke to the members about how far the waterfront has come. Now 70 percent of Eckerd students use the waterfront program in one way or another for example renting kayaks and participating on the sailing team. Fournie commented on how huge of a commitment being part of the waterfront is.

Friends of the Waterfront play a pivotal role in the workings of the waterfront and are monetary supports of the program.

For example, [the boat] Rescue 4 was funded through the generous donation of the group,” said Turkelsen.

The group also helps current students and members network. According to Heyes, “Friends of mine have received help from the Friends of the Waterfront in choosing career paths as well as getting interviews and recommendations for

students who do not get a broad undergraduate education because their major requirements create an inflexible schedule.

Here at Eckerd, students may have found the perfect solution. Eckerd students complete a thesis or a comprehensive exam for each major their senior year, offering students the opportunity to earn multiple degrees while keeping their goals realistic. With this, Eckerd ensures that students are competent in the subject matter of their majors and discourages students from taking on too many majors and only gaining a superficial understanding of each.

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t be able to study things that I love and get credit for them, even if they wouldn’t conventionally be paired together,” said Sophomore Sarah Wolfhope, who plans to live in France and study marine science.

With 39 majors to choose from here, students have the liberty to earn degrees in a multitude of majors, and many choose to do so. This semester, there are 265 students double majoring at Eckerd, which is a significant increase from 154 double majors in 2007. However, whether this trend is warranted to maintain a competitive status in today’s workforce or is just a habit leftover from competitive, overachieving high school expectations remains to be seen.

photo courtesy of Eckerd College

jobs.”

The group helps to shape and steer the waterfront. “They are all individuals who felt their experience at Eckerd and their experiences with the waterfront benefited them in life,” said Heyes. “They have insight into what makes the waterfront so special and such a pivotal part of what makes Eckerd, Eckerd.”

Fournie wants to see the group become the single largest of Eckerd alumni. I would like to see this group have involvement on a regional basis where people can connect,” he said. Current students, he added, should know their alumni care. “[It’s] important for [current students] to realize that there is life beyond four years at Eckerd. That’s one of the things we look forward to do, is to reach out and help students that are sailors, EC-SAR team members, recreational users, to know that there is a group out there.

We may not know each other, we care about each other, we are going to help each other.”

Fournie closed his remarks at the dinner by quoting a Kenny Chesney song, “What I Need To Do” where Chesney sings, “I know what I need to do, I’m coming home.” For Fournie, coming back to the waterfront is coming home. He asks his fellow members to help others come home.

Earth Update

news & features

photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Oil spill affects inshore fishing in St. Petersburg — Locals claim no change at present

By Joshua Annarelli Contributing Writer

F

“The inshore fishing has been really good in the months following the spill, actually.”

— Tyler Silverson

or months, Tampa Bay residents, especially charter boat captains, commercial fisherman and restaurant owners, anticipated the worst from the BP oil spill in the Gulf. Their worst nightmares never happened.

“If the oil were to have come to the inland waters of the St. Petersburg, it would be extremely detrimental to the fishing industries,” said Spencer Goodwin, a local Tampa Bay Kayak Charter guide, referring to lost jobs and income that BP would have been responsible for making right.

The Gulf beaches around St. Petersburg were spared, and so were the fish, according to avid angler Tyler Silverson. “The inshore fishing has been really good in the months following the spill, actually. I’ve noticed the larger offshore fish have moved into the inshore structures where the smaller offshore fish usually inhabit in order to seek safety from the oil.”

St. Petersburg has actually seen an increase in fish in the

photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Photo of the Deepwater Horizon rig engulfed in flames.

bay and inland waters, which is good for the fish population hasn’t been affected, but the spill has made a fisherman, but what about long-term affects? stepping stone for the stricter limitations on how much fish a Silverson’s theory is that overfishing of the new stock might restaurant can get.” cause a cut in the species, which will result in stricter rules Dara Wilkerson, the dining manager at Snappers elaborates. and regulations on the size and number of fish an angler can “We haven’t had an effect in the grouper and snapper, but the keep. shrimp and oyster population has decreased in the northern But while fishing is up, Gulf where we got them from, causing the local dining industry the prices to increase. Now instead of “The spill has made a stepping has taken a hit. “As a result a half dozen oysters for seven dollars, of the spill, even some stone for the stricter limitations we sell three oysters for nine dollars.” locals are refusing to eat People have come to the beaches on how much fish a restaurant fish caught in the Gulf,” around this area because they want said Dan Casey, owner of can get.” to enjoy it while they can. Restaurant Snappers Seagrill on Gulf prices are up, but so are the number of — Dan Casey Boulevard. “Thankfully, the beachgoers.

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news & features

Royalty loves Disney, soccer, physics and Eckerd College

Meet Kappa Senator Donald McMullen

By Anna Gobeil Staff Writer

By Jeralyn Darling Entertainment Editor

photo by Anna Gobeil Junior Donald McMullen, senator for Kappa Complex.

Donald McMullen, a junior and second year Kappa resident, has been a senator since he began his journey here at Eckerd. He was senator of his entire class (class of 2012) his freshman year, and has held the position of Kappa senator since fall 2009.

McMullen says it is the community aspect of Kappa that separates it from all the other dorms, and separates him from all the other dorm senators. “I’ve finally taken to heart Thomas Edison’s quote that genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” Not only are Kappa residents inspired by the world around them, he says, they seem willing to go the extra mile and turn those inspirations into reality.

Take projects such as campus wide compost bins which calls for compost bins to be put in all the dorms. McMullen has been an active facilitator in this project all semester, a project that was created and voiced by members of the Kappa community. McMullen says he represents his constituency – the residents of Kappa – as a middleman, connecting people, and working the system for everyone’s benefit. He is in charge of Kappa kitchen, which raises money for Kappa Karnival at the end of the year, and is an active member of the constitution and regulation bylaw committee.

McMullen also works closely with a few other Kappa residents in a group called the Kappa Kommunity Kouncil. The Kouncil keeps a friendly neighborhood watch on all things Kappa. They are “all about building community 8

Friday, November 19, 2010

from a student point of view rather than an authoritative one” says McMullen. “It’s about respecting each other and trying to create a safe, peaceful community for those who live here.”

For the past three years, McMullen has been the one responsible for the cigarette buckets sponsored by the Eckerd College Organization of Students (ECOS) His work doesn’t go unnoticed by his residents.

“Kappa kitchen’s the sh--,” says Dylan Kahn, a sophomore and Kappa Morris resident. “Grilled cheese for a buck at 2 in the morning, he-- yeah!”

This year, McMullen is once again at work to better the Kappa community. His new ideas include setting up a lighting system for studying in the dorm courtyards, helping out with bathroom cleanliness by remembering to do simple, respectful acts like flushing the toilet, as well as promoting general cleanliness around the dorm and converting the study room in the lounge in a pantry (something that McMullen believes would be beneficial to a dorm in which at least half the residents cook their own meals).

McMullen has also suggested campus-wide improvements such as putting Kappa Kitchen online, which would allow students to order with a credit card through paypal.com.

McMullen’s job as Kappa senator is never-ending. But he says his love for Kappa keeps him going.

Bilal Abdullah is the grandson of a Nigerian sultan, Ibrahim Dasuki. Abdullah is also an Eckerd student.

Abdullah was the captain of his high school soccer team and valedictorian. He is shy, respectful and modest, though he has a 3.93 GPA. His smile is endearing and his Nigerian accent is beautiful. In our interview he was wearing an Abercrombie and Fitch shirt and a Boston Red Sox hat; he really looked the part of an American student. I noticed his three bracelets, the rubber “livestrong-style” ones. They read “Baller,” “Player” and “Erase the Hate.” It was difficult to believe his first visit to the U.S. was when he came to Eckerd his freshman year in 2008.

Abdullah is a junior and physics major from Kaduna, in Northern Nigeria. He is a practicing Muslim, one of only a few among our residential students. “Religion is the biggest difference between Nigeria and here,” he said. He thought that it would be more awkward going to his room to pray but everyone here has been more than accepting.

He has a very large family and they are pretty close. He has eight brothers and sisters with an age range of 12-22. Abdullah is closer to the top at age 20. Abdullah’s stepfather is the son of a former Nigerian king. Abdullah only told me this when more than half of our interview had passed because he is so modest. “Actually, my stepdad, his dad was a king,” he said timidly.

His favorite thing to do in his free time, which is slim because of his intense studies, is to play sports.

“Wherever I am, I always play sports. I grew up playing soccer and lately I love football,” he said.

He also likes driving and working on cars, a job he held this past summer. Abdullah also listens to a lot of music. In Nigeria, they listen to a lot of American hip-hop and

rap. The thing he misses most about home and the thing he likes most about America is the food.

“Food. It’s all about the food,” he said, reminiscing on the first time he tried food from Chipotle.

He admitted he’d never prepared for an American college. He had to take the SAT to get into an American school and by the time he applied, many application deadlines had passed; but Abdullah always looks on the bright side. “I’m photo by Jeralyn Darling glad I came because Physics major Bilal Abdullah happens to I’m hopefully going be the grandson of a Nigerian Sultan. to get into Columbia “Back home,” as he calls it, the next year. I don’t rich are rich and the poor are really think I could have done that without poor, and his country is mostly the [3/2] program.”

In the 3/2 program, or the Dual poor. “It’s really bad. We’re known Degree Engineering Program, an for really bad leaders. People Eckerd student spends three years that embezzle money. They don’t at Eckerd, earning a liberal arts think about the little people… A degree by completing almost all person may have two wives and ten graduation requirements. Then the children. How do you expect them student goes on to a cooperating to live on $1 a day?” Abdullah’s university, in Abdullah’s case voice grew quieter and more Columbia University, and earns an solemn, compared to when I was engineering degree. The program is associating him with his favorite designed for a student to earn two Disney character, Aladdin. He truly wants to help, but because of the degrees in five years Abdullah has chosen Columbia political corruption and unrest, and hopes to be accepted for next there isn’t much that anyone can fall. He will finish with a BA in do.

Now that he has had the chance to physics with one more course at Columbia. “He is an excellent take a step back from the situation student - very bright and serious and really analyze it, he wants to about his courses,” said Professor of make a difference. “I’d really like Physics Dr. Harry Ellis, Abdullah’s to help. Like, build charities and mentor and the 3/2 Program something like that. I don’t know, Coordinator. “He is one of our best maybe one day contest for the tutors for students in introductory presidency… I’ve always been like, I don’t want to be part of politics or math and physics.”

After I learned about his family whatever but growing up now and and his favorite activities, we seeing how bad things are I would moved onto a more serious topic – like to help out. I feel like if I get the the political corruption in Nigeria. [right political platform] I would do something right.”

He had a lot to say.

viewpoints Intelligent design deserves a second look EDITORIAL

By Ethan Packey Staff Writer

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e all know the premise behind the Darwinian theory of evolution: the natural mutations that afflict all species led to the evolution of all the living organisms on our planet, even the most complex species today, from single-celled bacteria billions of years ago. Several weeks ago, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship held three events- two movies and a guest lecture-about the theory of intelligent design and its ongoing conflict with the Darwinian theory of evolution. Interestingly, the biology faculty would not support giving these events CPS designation saying, “Intelligent design and evolution are just two ways of knowing and nothing really to debate. ID (intelligent design) belongs in religious classes and evolution in science classes. Better to keep them separate. Intelligent design is a religious discussion.” Personally, I think that the events of Get Intelligent Week show that there is legitimate justification for a debate between the proponents of the theories of evolution and intelligent design.

The Darwinian theory of evolution contends that nature selects those mutations most beneficial to the species for survival.

This evolution by natural selection happens on two different levels. Microevolution, the alteration of a species’ gene pool to suit its environment, occurs when a certain genetic trait favors individual organisms within the wild. Over generations, these traits are bred into the population and the species’ gene pool is altered to produce that trait repeatedly.

Macroevolution is the long-term evolution of new species from old ones. This happens from genetic mutations that lend to the production of radically new characteristics. This propagation of new characteristics creates a new species with a gene pool that is separate and distinct from the gene pool of the original species.

The theory of intelligent design takes a different approach.

The best explanation of intelligent design is given by Dr. William Dembski, a doctor of mathematics, in the movie “Unlocking the Mystery of Life.” Dembski indicates that the theory of intelligent design maintains that a sentient being created life and that evidence of this design is recognizable and testable through the specifications and irreducible complexities within all living organisms. This theory stands in marked contrast to macroevolution, which maintains that the evolution of species occurs through the natural selection of beneficial mutations within a species. I strongly agree with the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship that the debate between the theories of macroevolution and intelligent design must be carried further and given real credence as a scientific debate.

The first movie that Intervarsity showed, “Unlocking the Mystery of Life,” had a significant portion about the bacterial flagellum. The flagellum is an amazing machine because it directs a bacteria’s movement in much the same manner that an outboard motor drives a boat. The flagellum has 40 separate components that are assembled in a certain order; any deviation from that order of assembly or any missing parts and the flagellum is useless. The bacterial flagellum is one example of what proponents of intelligent design call

irreducible complexity. Irreducible complexity is the concept that a biological component or process is so improbable that its existence is more easily explained by design than by numerous, successive, minute changes. Supporters of the theory of macroevolution have a different opinion; they believe that the cell borrowed components of the flagellum from other structures in the cell to successfully construct the flagellum. This concept, that cells will naturally adapt different components of old structures to new functions, is called co-option. So far ten of the 40 components of the bacterial flagellum have been found elsewhere in a bacterium’s cell.

Another fascinating issue was raised by Tom Woodward of Trinity College, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship’s guest lecturer. He noted that a single-celled bacterium, the simplest living organism on the planet, has approximately 250,000 gene pairs. Most complex organisms have several million gene pairs. These gene pairs exist in a certain order that allows the cell’s complex systems to create the proteins necessary for life. In Woodward’s opinion, this systematic ordering of specific gene combinations is irreducibly complex and an example of structure and natural intelligence. This level of sophistication and specialization in DNA is amazing and presents a real challenge to proponents of macroevolution when explaining how new species evolved closely from old ones.

The movie “Unlocking the Mystery of Life” expands on the arguments that Woodward made about DNA. There were a few crucial elements of the movie’s explanation of DNA that I will mention here. One is the fact that DNA has been proven to be the most efficient method for storing information found anywhere in the known universe. It is known that the amount of knowledge contained in the DNA of a single-celled bacterium would fill hundreds of pages of text. This is an example of Dembski’s specification requirement, especially because all of the information is stored in varying patterns of the same two specific nucleic acid pairs that form DNA. The movie ends with a statement from Stephen Meyer about the understanding of the building blocks of the universe. In his opinion, science has moved beyond the 19th century statement that the universe is composed of matter and energy to a new statement that includes information or intelligence on the list of components with matter and energy.

This is a fascinating debate and clearly the proponents of intelligent design have a great deal of evidence that needs to be considered. Investigation and inquiry should be based on the evidence gathered by the investigator, not the existing understanding of the world. Charles Darwin even said, “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, minute changes then my theory would break down.” That is not to say that the theory of Darwinian macroevolution has died.

However, Darwin is indicating that the complexities which we have discovered since his time open up serious deficiencies within his theory of evolution. Time will tell whether or not Darwinian Theory can overcome these deficiencies, but for now our current theory of long-term evolution is in question and its researchers would do well to reconsider some of the more crucial aspects of their theory.

The debate between the theories of macroevolution and intelligent design must be carried further and given real credence as a scientific debate.

“Amusing

“Do you remember the QEP? Because you can forget about it tomorrow.”

—A QFM professor joking after the SACS visit.

“So we’ve got MAD versus NUTS...they’re all crazy.”

—A political science professor on strategic nuclear weapons policies.

“Hydrogen doesn’t give a s--t.

It’s kind of like the elemental whore.”

—A chemistry professor on the properties of hydrogen.

“Are you looking at my shoes?

They’re experimental.”

—A biology professor on wearing new shoes to lab.

“I think they said something about a five-year plan. You know, that’s one of the reasons the Soviet Union fell.”

—A chemistry professor on discussions at a faculty meeting.

Musings” Friday, November 19, 2010

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viewpoints

EDITORIAL

Why are we so clothes-minded?

By William Skinner Staff Writer

nudity. We’ll shell out more than $400 million to watch the Saw movie franchise, yet fine CBS $550,000 for broadcasting live the In the previous issue of “The Current,” accidental exposure of one of Janet Jackson’s an article detailed the story of one Juan Ro- nipples.

The porn industry is so big that it has been driguez, a man who streaked in front of the the driving force bePresident of the United hind many technoStates. While he did so logical innovations, for the sum of $1 million, yet when we see a his actions came with a fully naked person in far less appealing price: the flesh, we cry foul charges of indecent exand shy our eyes. The posure, public lewdness overwhelming prudand disorderly conduct, ishness of our society as well as possible sex has led us to equate offender status. nudity with sex in Rodriguez may have nearly every capacity deserved the charges save for art. Even in of public lewdness and the art world, police disorderly conduct, as officers will somehe intentionally drew times earn their pay attention to his genitaas art critics. Photoglia in an arguably rowdy rapher Spencer Tumanner, but what if he nick has been arrested had simply decided one numerous times for day that he didn’t want photographing nudes to dress himself before in public places. retrieving his morning Last year, a model paper? By law, he could was arrested for poshave still been charged ing nude in the Metwith indecent exposure. courtesy of Wikimedia Commons ropolitan Museum He also still could have Silhouette of a nude model. of Art of all places. been given the same permanent sex offender label as rapists and Five years ago, a Michigan artist was arrested child molesters receive. This begs the ques- and sentenced to thirty days in jail, two years tion, what is so indecent about the human of probation, and charged with a $500 fine for painting a half-naked woman on the outer body in its natural state?

America has long had a very odd view on wall of his gallery. It was for a replica of Mi-

chelangelo’s “Creation of Man.” In the Bible’s creation story, it tells of the innocence of Adam and Eve before eating from the tree of knowledge and of their original disregard for their own nakedness.

Whether you choose to believe that our shame of our naked selves indeed originated from the ingestion of a fateful apple, or if you prescribe to the notion that it is taught during our upbringing and reinforced by society, it is a curious proposition that we may yet unlearn it.

Junior Lukas Kucinski has over time done just that. The first time he was publicly nude was in a group setting, skinny-dipping with friends on the shore of Lake Michigan. Apprehensive at first, he quickly became acclimated. “As soon as it was off, it was like, okay, I can do this, I can feel somewhat comfortable.”

He would later do some modeling for art classes, at first in the bare essentials, modeling for the first time in the nude this semester. “The first minute or so is nerve-wracking.

I didn’t accept the fact that I was in a room full of people. I tried to forget about them, tried to deny their existence.”

As with skinny-dipping, Kucinski eventually became used to the situation within the first fifteen minutes. “It was very liberating. I started getting this weird feeling. You know when you’re a little kid and you feel like you’re totally exposed but you feel protected by your parents? That’s kind of how I felt. I felt totally exposed but I knew that there was nothing to worry about. I was overwhelmed by this warm feeling.”

Kucinski acknowledges that it takes a lot

of self-confidence to expose oneself in that way, a trait that he is lucky to possess in the current climate of perceived beauty. Another idiosyncrasy of Americans’ perception of nudity is that if it is to be acceptable, it is only under the condition that it is of persons so unrealistically “beautiful” that they in no way represent a normal human being. To put it another way, nudity is acceptable as long as it objectifies. This is perhaps because most of us despair at any sign of aging, which might remind us of our own mortality.

It is altogether harmful to deny this truth to ourselves rather than to come to terms with it. Indeed, if everyone were to go about their day without clothes, the incidence of self-confidence issues would probably fall dramatically. We would realize just how different each of us is, big or small, round or thin, curved or flat. That we all come in many sizes and shapes is nothing to be ashamed of.

Nor is it improper that we inevitably show physical signs of our transient nature.

Given this supposition, it’s a wonder more of us don’t endeavor to return to the innocence of Eden, to the carelessness of early childhood before we were taught to hide ourselves in shame. Oh. That’s right. We’d be labeled sex offenders and prosecuted like Mr. Rodriguez for “corrupting the public morals.”

Well, here’s hoping one day we’ll learn that it’s just as practical to wear a swimsuit while swimming as it to wear one while bathing. Here’s hoping we’ll one day be fine with dropping our trousers if it’s insufferably hot out. Here’s hoping someday we’ll stop being so clothes-minded.

EDITORIAL

Books over Nooks: Paper always beats technology

By Abby Gestl Director of Advertising

This is truly the electronic age where people find just about everything they could possibility want or need through the computer or a handheld. Though it leads one to wonder what will happen to old technology such as print books when there’s the nook that’s becoming popular.

Well, I can say with a lot of certainty that books are here to stay! With a nook, the first drawback I can see with it, is mainly how you wouldn’t be able to see anything on it. Just look around campus and you’ll see people hunched over their cell phones trying to make out the writing in the bright sunlight so I highly doubt that the shiny nook would be anymore visible. Unless you’re okay with going blind from staring at a screen all day opposite to a book that can be read anywhere there’s enough light. Some nooks have a special screen to try to reduce the glare, but it still seems like it would be hard to 10

Friday, November 19, 2010

make out a word of it in natural sunlight.

And of course god have mercy on your soul the second you drop it. Drop a book and at worst you just shake it a few times and try to ignore the dirt stains, or just move on to a new, clean book. Drop a nook, you know have to read every single book through a silicon spiderweb because simply downloading a new book won’t change the screen. Not to mention the gunk that will get on it from having to use the touch feature, unless you want to sacrifice being able to control the screen by using a cover.

Books also never need to be recharged. This may not seem like such an issue due to the long battery life with the ability to recharge electricity, but you just know deep down that one day the power on the nook will cut right before the killer is revealed, the girl chooses which guy or right before the sword comes down on the bad guy.

Not to mention, there’s just something about books. The smell of fresh ink on a page or the musty odor of an ancient

text almost tell you from a distance that what is there is important. Or even the smell being a call back to a childhood of thin paperback Magic School Bus or Arthur stories that had to be begged to be read “just one more time” before bed.

There’s also the solid weight that comes with novels where you can hold the book and say to yourself, “I actually read all this” as you feel all three hundred pages of weight in your hands, or seven hundred plus if you were a bit late to the Harry Potter and Twilight party. With a nook? You get to see the small cover on the screen and go “I think I read that…..icon there….” As you hold a nook whose weight will never change no matter what book you have displayed on it.

So, if it’s not obvious already, in the book vs nook debate I am firmly on the book side all the way. I’ve grown up around books all my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything to have them continue. Heck, even those cookie-cutter plot romance novels at three bucks a book.

Mandatory theater: EDITORIAL

viewpoints

A mixed bag of theaterphiles and theaterphobes

By Laurel Ormiston News Editor

W

hat I love about CPS events (and the Eckerd College extracurricular requirements for certain classes) is the forced diversity it brings in the audience members. I’m serious. It’s amusing to watch.

For instance, seeing me at a CPS event for chemistry would be an exercise in either watching me draw many, many pretty spirals on my notepad, or else watching me accept my fate and doze into a soft slumber.

But some students live for science, and would frown on my disinterest. A typical CPS mixed audience: the enthused and the unenthused. The same mixed bag of audience members applied to last week’s CPS event in the artistic realm: The Call of the Wild, directed

by Professor of Theater Gavin Hawk.

Now, theater CPS events are my types of events. Here, I would forgo sleep after two straight all-nighters just to be able to see the play. And if I saw an audience member sleeping through it- or worse, texting- I might just re-enact a little Senecan drama and spill blood on the seats of our lovely Bininger theater.

Well, sure enough, that’s precisely what happened when I saw the play last Friday. Minus the blood. While I was there voluntarily, many of my fellow audience members were not.

And watching the reactions of those who saw this play was some of the best spectating to be had.

Let’s face it, whether the audience was willing or unwilling they would agree that “The Call of the Wild” was weird.

Masked humans, knee-pad clad dogs, crazy accents and the feeling you were descending into the arctic (aided by the freakishly cold weather outside the theater)…this wasn’t “Guys and Dolls.” This was Guys and Dogs. And it was meant to shake your brain.

The play was something I appreciated, in the mix of realistic and presentational styles of drama, in the use of masks and music that borrow from the Asian drama, in the work that went into vocal and physical divisions between dogs and humans....

But I could tell by the phones flashing in front of me not everyone was having as jolly a time. Frankly, I can’t blame them too much; appreciation contains some elements of enjoyment, but a play that complex and dark isn’t truly my cup of tea either. I prefer happy plays. And if I were attending to be entertained, not educated or challenged in my mental psyche, I might have found “The Call of the Wild” a bit hard to handle.

I won’t say it’s the most innovative or crazy thing in theater

I’ve ever seen- but I’m not your typical college kid, either. For a typical college kid…this play would have just about blown your mind.

I suspect that you are a theaterphobe, raised with crazy notions about how “boring” theater is. I also suspect that “The Call of the Wild” either caused you to whip out your cell phone in an attempt to escape the agony of “theater” or sent you spiraling into an existential crisis, when you realized just how twisted and thoughtprovoking theater can be.

Those sent into an existential crisis may wish to know that theater is frankly not boring, and provides many things that other forms of entertainment cannot.

Mainly, theater is transient. No two performances will be the same. During one part of “The Call of the Wild,” a dog raises it’s leg, and pees. On another night, all of the dogs lifted their legs, and peed. Which version you saw depends on which night you saw the play. There were thousands of permutations just like that for every moment of the play. Dialogue can be forgotten; or improvisation can steal the show.

Live theater is more exciting than film mediums in some aspects, because film won’t change. Film is locked into one delivery, one angle of a frame, forever.

In theater, you can find a different angle or frame each night, just by choosing a different seat. Not to mention that play revivals are more numerous than film remakes, making it easier to see a Texting in a dark theater. different cast and crew for “The Crucible” than it is a film remake.

Now, those who attempted to escape the brain-game of the show by either sleeping or cell phoning must be addressed.

Given the show, I grudgingly accept that you did what you did, and that you were probably there by force. I accept with annoyance that leading a man to a show doesn’t mean the man will drink knowledge with his senses. Horses and men are very stubborn in that respect.

But can we please address etiquette for upcoming theatrical

This wasn’t “Guys and Dolls.” This was Guys and Dogs. And it was meant to shake your brain.

events. This may even serve you well for all events that take place in dark rooms, such as movies, QFM lectures or family movies; long, tedious events where you feel a cell phone is your only friend.

You’re to blame for your feelings of isolation. Technology is meant to make communication easier, not harder. Next time, use your electronic devices to get people to attend events with you. Be bored, in person, together.

Cell phones in a theater are incredibly rude. Movie theaters, Bininger Theater, if the venue has a dark room and an audience, cell phones are rude. Sure, this includes strip clubs.

Please consider that unlike passing notes, cell phones have LED screens that are highly visible in a darkened theater. If you must text your way out of enlightenment, please, try this method: Next time, bring whoever you’re texting with you to the play. Yes, bring them with you. Go ahead and pass notes; bring a pad and paper, and pass notes. Old-school, no LED screen, no distracting blue light in my face in a dark theater.

You’re happy, I’m happy, it’s a win-win.

If we were anything but Eckerd College, the play might have been considered a fairly pleasant and mindless to attend. We might have been doing simple, realistic dramas such as “Guys and Dolls” or “Hamlet”. Both are wonderful entertainment in their own right, but are they boundary pushing, in 2010? No, they’re not. “The Call of the Wild,” on this campusis. And even if it’s not the easiest play to accept, it’s perfect for us. It’s forcing college kids who would never, ever go see this outside of Eckerd to deal with it. For an hour and a half.

We come out changed. We know for sure now what we might have courtesy of Wikimedia Commons only speculated at before entering the auditorium doors: you know that yes, you hate theater; or wow! I love theater.

You don’t know if you like something until you try it.

Sometimes, this means you miss out on a wonderful addition to your life. Or on being aware of life-threatening allergy.

Either way, bravo, Eckerd, for playing Momma Bear and making us experience it before we graduate into the world, where we hope no one can ever again force us to attend events unwillingly!

Friday, November 19, 2010

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viewpoints

PerspECtives Q: How do you de-stress?

“I like to go swimming.”

“I skateboard when I get stressed.”

—Kathy Corradi, alumna (middle)

—Allie Mills, senior (left) “I like to cook or play rugby when I get stressed. I also like playing video games!”

—Mitchell Crowley, alumna (right)

“Usually when I get stressed out I’ll go for a run or play lacrosse.

Exercising or playing sports are both really good ways to calm people down.”

—Sarah Wolfhope,sophomore (right)

“When I de-stress, I go to the beach. The atmosphere is so relaxing and it’s even better when you see some dolphins. Another way I relax is to just hang with friends and listen to John Mayer.”

—Jenna Caderas, sophomore (left)

“I smoke cigarettes, and I like to run and work out. Running is one of my newly found ways to de-stress, but I also always enjoy just hanging with friends.”

—Tony Junghauce, freshman

“I clean my room or go to the gym. I also like to talk to my friends about whatever is bothering me. Ranting is just wonderful. Oh, and I sometimes play video games.”

—Dylan Meyer, junior (left) 12

Friday, November 19, 2010

By Jaclyn New Viewspoints Editor

arts & entertainment Review

“Megamind” mega awesome

By Shelby Howell Asst. Entertainment Editor Get ready for a new twist to the classic story of good vs. evil. “Megamind,” directed by Tom McGrath, has all the ingredients for your typical superhero story. There’s the super genius villain, Megamind, voiced by Will Ferrell, and the morally upright superhero, Metroman, voiced

by Brad Pitt. The fact that neither of them is originally from earth is obvious, but this never seems to be a point of interest.

The battles between these two archenemies take place in Metrocity and are covered by reporter, Roxanne Ritchie, voiced by Tina Fey. It is implied that she and Metroman are an item, but it is revealed later that they were never actually together.

Things start to get interesting when the story deviates from

enough plot twists to keep older kids and adults entertained. In fact, if anything, the overall message might be a little too heavy for younger children. But everyone should be able to enjoy the humor. It’s a tad corny at times, but corny in such an appealing way that you still can’t help but laugh.

Even if the plot doesn’t capture your interest, this movie is worth seeing for the animation alone. Every emotion can be seen though the eyes of the characters.

It is truly breathtaking to watch the characters flow from emotion to emotion.

If this movie has a fault, it is that it spent too much promotional photo time on backstory. The first half hour or so is spent the beaten path and shows what happens when the villain explaining how and why Megamind became so bad, actually defeats the superhero. From there, Megamind must while the final climactic battle only last a few minutes. decide if being bad has made him happy or if he’s bad because Still, as this movie will show, the good far outweighs the that’s what everyone expects him to be. bad.

While there’s no denying this is a kid’s movie, there are

Swing into dancing

By Sarah Irwin Staff Writer You’ve probably heard of the Swing Dancing Club and have seen students dancing in Fox Hall, so what should you do about it? Come out and dance!

Eckerd is now providing free dance lessons in Fox Hall at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. November 2 was salsa and merengue. The instructor, Julia Meyerovich, is extremely kind and demonstrates her beautiful dancing skills at the end of the lesson. If you are interested in attending, lessons are Nov. 23 (Hustle and Swing), and Dec. 7 (Foxtrot and Tango).

If you have a class or can’t make those times, she has a dance studio, 1st Dance Studio. All information about 1st, including dance lesson times and rates, can be found at www. dancelessonstampabay.com.

“Swing dancing relieves stress, is easy to learn, and you can swing to most types of music,” says Junior Dan McNamee. “The ladies can’t get enough of my swing dancing because

it requires more skill and confidence than grinding.”

The Swing Club goes to Zendah Grotto (4402 West Ohio Avenue) in Tampa every Sunday for a swingin’ good time. Club members will gladly teach beginners. The music is great and everyone leaves with a grin. No partner is required, and classes are free with admission to the dance, which is $7 for students and $8 for the rest. Lindy Hop’s intro lesson is from 6-7 p.m. Jitterbug essentials lessons are from 7-8 p.m., and grand dance is from 8 p.m. to midnight.

“Dancing is where I go to exist in the now,” says Junior Carly Chaapel. If it’s a good dance, I can forget all about my worries and connect with one person over one song and one movement.”

Club members highly encourage everyone to come out and dance.

Senior Katie Austin says, “When I dance, everything else melts away, and it’s just me and a stranger silently communicating through touch and rhythm — saucy, right?”

S.A.V.E.G.A.M.E club up and gaming

By Morgan Swim Staff Writer The Society for the Appreciation of Videographic Entertainment and Gaming Associated Multiplayer Events, more commonly known as S.A.V.E.G.A.M.E., will host several videogame-themed events in the next month.

Look for a Pokémon tournament Nov. 19 and a trip to Gameworks in Ybor City.

The Pokémon tournament is open to all Eckerd students and will be held in the student lounge. Pokémon Battle Revolution, a Wii game, will be used as opposed to the DS, so that spectators can enjoy the tournament without having to peer over contestants’ shoulders. The tournament will be restricted to fourth generation teams, which are Pokémon from the games Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum.

The club’s second trip this semester to Gameworks will be announced in December.

Transportation will be provided, but a $10 fee will be necessary to purchase a game card for the night.

A Super Smash Brothers Brawl Tournament is also planned during the week between winter and spring term.

Whether you are a hardcore gamer, casual player or a button masher, all Eckerd students are welcome to come because events are just as much social events as they are

competitions. Andrew Boland, the club president, encourages students to come and “throw down your mad gaming skillz and prepare for even MADDER social interactions!”

illustration by Morgan Swim Friday, November 19, 2010

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arts & entertainment

Horoscopes

By Jeralyn Darling Horoscope Muse

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 You have been in a fighting mood the past few days. Resist the urge to hit someone. Try going running with your iPod on full volume.

Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 Your lack of time management is getting the better of you. Sit down and plan out the next week.

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 You’ve made everyone around you happy but yourself. Leaving yourself a little “me time” once a day couldn’t hurt.

Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 You’re about to have a pretty awesome weekend. Take caution, though. If you party too hard this weekend, your grades will suffer in the coming week.

Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 It’s about time for an adventure. It doesn’t matter where you go, but get off campus. You deserve a break.

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 The beautiful weather has finally arrived. It’s ok to be the only person in the hammocks – just bring a blanket and a book.

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Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 You’re counting down the days – but to what? Find that light at the end of the tunnel and make a countdown to winter break.

Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 A dear friend of yours really needs some advice. You may not know it, but you’re the best person he or she could talk to right now.

Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 Good news is all around you. It’s your turn to receive it. Accept it graciously but don’t look for anything else – it will come when you least expect it.

Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 Take your closest friend or significant other and go see a movie. You’ll love the trip downtown and you need a little down time.

Virgo Aug 23 – Sept 22 Listen to a different type of music for one day this week. It will help you appreciate your music more and you will broaden your horizons.

Libra Sept 23 – Oct 22 Call home. There may be something very important that someone really needs to tell you.

Anime fans cosplay in Tampa

By Abby Gestl Director of Advertising Anime fans recently gathered for the event, Shadocon, at the Crown Plaza in Tampa. The truest fans dressed up for the occasion as their favorite fictional character, which is known as cosplaying, while others wore just jeans and a shirt. Famous voice actors and Internet celebrities were on hand for panels.

One such visitor was Doug Walker, better known on the Internet as the Nostalgia Critic on www.thatguywiththeglasses.com, who reviews children’s movies from the 80s and 90s. He was with another web celebrity, Egoraptor, who creates the Metal Gear Awesome series among other things on newgrounds (www.newgrounds. com), a video site dedicated to videogames.

The visiting voice actors were the well-known Vic Mignogna, voice of Edward from Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki from Ouran Host Club, Kyle Hebert, voice of Kiba from Naruto, Kamina from Gurren Laggan, and Kara Edwards, voice of Vidal and Goten from Dragonball Z, were also there.

The voice actors answered questions and then later gave out autographs to fans.

Panels consisted of information sessions, such as companies screening new animes that will be coming out soon, and fans also hosted panels.

During the fan-hosted panels, fans got together and sometimes dressed up, to answer questions other people had about a series. Some panels gave advice about how to become a part of the anime industry, while others gave information about how to sew costumes or how to get the best price on a gothic outfit.

A fight tournament decided the ultimate fictional fighter character. Dedicated cosplayers trained and memorized scripts before putting on their best performances. Raiden from Mortal

Combat ended up winning the fight against all the other fictional characters in the epic battles.

There was also a breakdance competition.

There were back flips, break dancing, and a wall run and jump. Winners were chosen based on the audience’s reaction to their performance.

People were able to show off their artwork in the Artist’s Alley. Dealers also put their goods up for sale here. Some of the items for sale were even imported from Japan. The prices tended to be reasonable for the most part.

Overall, the convention allowed fans to show off everything about the series they love, from art to sewing skills. And of course the love of the industry.

photo by Abby Gestl Sophomore Jessie Marston cosplays at Shadocon.

Eckerd’s green machine

By Emma Lord Staff Writer The Campus Sustainability Congress (CSC) is a club dedicated to making Eckerd one of the “greenest” campuses in the country. President Andrea Willingham and Vice President Wesley Lucas lead the club through a number of projects that support a more environmentally friendly campus.

CSC members are working to improve the recycling effort of cups and utensils in the pub and cafeteria, developing the green dorm in Gamma Freeman into a themed dorm similar to the pet and health and wellness dorms. They also helped to establish the new organic garden on campus, which is now run by the Organic Garden Club.

Willingham expressed satisfaction in the progress of her club. “It has been incredibly empowering to work with other students who share a concern for the sustainability of our campus and actually make real changes that benefit the Eckerd community. My hope for the future of CSC is that we can begin making more large-scale changes and perhaps even make

Eckerd one of the ‘greenest’ schools in America.”

The CSC is particularly proud of its latest project to produce an informational video on Eckerd’s Eco-Clamshell program in the cafeteria. In early November, the video was a runner up in a contest presented by G.E.T Enterprises, Inc., the producers of the clamshell boxes. Soon it will be implemented into advertisements around campus to promote the program.

The next big idea for CSC is to organize a series of events for next year promoting sustainability to reduce Eckerd’s footprint on the environment.

Modeled after the Africa Initiative, CSC aims to encourage student involvement for a greener campus. Willingham said the club’s efforts are still in the early planning stages and needs more member support to successfully make an impact on sustainability awareness and action.

To get involved, attend the weekly meetings on Wednesdays, at 6:30 p.m., at the Palmetto Café.

For more information and to view the clamshell video, visit http://eckerdcsc.webs.com or find the Facebook page under Campus Sustainability Congress for updates and links.

arts & entertainment Review

The Call of the Wild Who let the dogs out?

By Shelby Howell Asst. Entertainment Editor I tend to favor musicals, but I was impressed with many qualities of Eckerd’s fall theater production, “The Call if the Wild.” Junior Alex Miskin, who portrayed Buck, was nominated for the Irene Ryan Acting Award and Professor Gavin Hawk was awarded the Meritorious Award for Excellence in Directing. Both nominations were from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

To start off with, I have so much admiration for the actors of this play, particularly those who played dogs. I can’t begin to imagine what it must be like to have to crawl around on hands and knees as much as they did during this play. Even with the benefit of knee pads, I doubt it was an easy thing to do.

The actors who played people didn’t get a free pass on some physical trials either.

They spent most of their time balanced on stilts. This added a nice level of separation between

Costume Designer Casey Malone sees how stilts affect the costume design for Rob Davidson.

the people and the dogs. Another interesting technique was that all the human actors wore masks.

This helped to keep the audience from identifying with the humans, instead seeing the dogs as the ones with “human” expression.

The choreography for when the dogs were pulling the sled was also incredibly well done. I could tell that a lot of effort went into getting the timing exactly right for when one of the dogs would trip and bring the rest of the dogs down with him.

The set design was also well done. It was mostly white and fairly basic, just like how I imagine Alaska would have been at that time period.

As Johnny Jones pointed out in his preview article in the Nov. 5 issue, page 15, the actors spent a lot of time learning how to tell this story, while keeping in mind a dog’s perspective on the world. This hard work has definitely paid off in the outstanding production of “The Call of the Wild.” The next production by the theater department will be “The Gamester” by James Shirley, directed in the spring by Professor of Theater Cindy Totten.

photos by Christy Wright

Above: Johnny Jones threatens Lucian Scarpinato for his insubordination during the play. Left: Alex Miskin, Bob Avila and Christina Matos pull Johnny Jones’s sled. Right: Burke Lurssen narrates the story of Buck (Alex Miskin) and owner John Thorton (Rob Davidson).

Friday, November 19, 2010

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arts & entertainment

Review

Sex on the beach

Delicious, not so nutritious

By Ally Jinn Sex Columnist

By Jeralyn Darling Entertainment Editor

Some of you may have heard of a little thing called the “Turkey Drop.”

It’s when folks go home for Thanksgiving and “drop their turkeys.”

What’s worse is when someone drops a turkey via text, e-mail or a changed status on Facebook. This is just not cool.

If you were planning on dropping your turkey, or in the future if you want to break it off but you don’t know how, by no means whatsoever should you text message breakup.

I have heard one too many stories about a guy or girl whose heart has been broken by nothing more than a text message. This only means that the other person doesn’t have the cajones to speak to them in person – even a phone call would suffice.

My advice to anyone who is looking for an idea on how to end his or her relationship is simple: communicate. Communication is the biggest part of any relationship. If you can’t talk to your guy or girl, what’s the point?

Bearing this in mind, consider the text message breakup. It’s simple, it’s easy – it’s heartless. Not only will your ex continue to look at that text for hours, but you have barely put any effort into it at all. Oh, you lifted a finger. Lift that finger and at least give him or her a call. The memories that you shared have to be worth a little more than a 10-cent text.

And what of the Facebook status change? Facebook alerts your girl or guy for you – easy! No, awful. This is by far the worst thing I have ever heard. Not only do you not have the guts to meet with him or her and talk it out, you haven’t said a single word. Not one. They don’t even know why. Give them something to go on, please.

So, to recap, communicate! Don’t be that girl or that guy. Text messages, e-mails and Facebook may be quite convenient, but breaking up with someone with whom you have so many happier memories can go terribly wrong if you don’t have the decency to actually speak to them.

If you listen to this advice, then I will be thankful for you this Thanksgiving – so I don’t have to hear another poor soul’s terrible breakup story.

her picture is posted on the hall of shame.

The atmosphere is informal and there are pictures of Munchies customers on every wall. The food is terribly bad for you, but oh so good. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to pig out.

Munchies 420 Café is located on a back road, way down at the end of the road on a street corner (of what streets?). It is a tiny little place with just two booths. Extra seating is outside on picnic tables and one small table to sit at while you wait for your amazing, greasy food. Located at 6639 Superior Ave. in Sarasota, this place is worth the drive. Bring your friends (and an appetite) for a ridiculous, delicious food frenzy.

Munchies 420 Café in Sarasota is, without a doubt, the coolest restaurant I’ve ever experienced.

With menu items such as Dankalicious Chicken Nugs, Macaroni and Cheese Bites, Peanut Butter Cheeseburger, The Fat Daddy Sandwich and Fried Twinkies, this restaurant is not for the faint of heart (no really, cholesterol medication is recommended).

Though Eckerd is outside of the delivery range, Munchies 420 has incredibly convenient hours of operation for students anywhere, open from 4:20 p.m. to 4:20 a.m. Though the service is a little bit slow, I promise it’s worth the wait.

As an example of how ridiculous their culinary concoctions are, here is what goes into a Fat Sandy, my sandwich of choice: two cheeseburgers, onion rings, fries, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and macaroni and cheese. Did I mention that all of this is on the sandwich?

Munchies was featured on the Travel Chanel’s “Man Vs. Food” for their “Fire in Your Hole Wing Challenge.” The challenge includes eating 10 of the hottest wings on the planet in 20 minutes. The official rules are not posted anywhere but inside the café. Adam Richman, the man from “Man vs. Food” was unable to complete the challenge. The winner earns a spot on the wall of fame and a free t-shirt. Anyone The Fat Sandy fresh out of the kitchen. who loses goes down in infamy and his or

photo by Jeralyn Darling

Review

Glass blowing experience exciting, inspirational

By Jeralyn Darling Entertainment Editor

bench and showed me the few instruments we would be using to shape my piece. These included a small and large circular spoon, large tweezers, glass shears and a small blowtorch.

The Morean Arts Center in downtown St. Petersburg has an We also used a pipe to gather the molten glass, a table to roll incredibly interesting attraction that not many other museums the colored glass onto my piece and a ridiculously hot “glory hole” furnace. can brag about – a hands-on glass blowing experience.

The glass blowers made their art look easy, but let me tell For $50, one can spend about 30 minutes handling, you – if they make one mistake, shaping and blowing glass with the help of one or the entire piece is ruined and more of the Hot Shop’s incredibly patient artists. goes right to the metal trash pail.

Christian Zvonik, a glass blower at the Center, First, we gathered a small helped me create one of the most amazing things amount of clear molten glass on I’ve ever made. the end of the pipe. We heated I am not a visual arts major, but I would suggest this glass in the glory hole until that anyone who is should try this as soon as it was glowing orange. The entire possible. For less than the price of many textbooks, time the piece is being created, one can create a gorgeous paperweight or an the artist must be spinning the ornament. pipe to keep the glass centered.

Zvonik led my mom and I through the process We moved to the bench and I before he let us each have a go. Truly, it was grabbed the smaller of the two magical. When I had finished, the piece was still wooden spoons soaked in water glowing orange, but Zvonik assured me “it’s like to cool and shape the glass into seeing a brand new piece when you come in the a sphere and to keep the spoon next day.” He was right. I returned the day after from catching fire. Once the glass to pick up our completed paperweights and they was sufficiently spherical, we were stunning.

Making glass art was much more enjoyable than photo by Jeralyn Darling went back to the glory hole to fire the piece back up to 2000˚ F. We I thought it would be. Zvonik sat me down at the Jeralyn’s finished paperweight.

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rolled the sphere on a table covered in small pieces of violet glass, heated these into the piece and rolled the piece with a bigger spoon to allow the paperweight to grow. We added some aqua glass by rolling the piece on the metal table again, and we heated everything back up in the glory hole.

After the colors were the same temperature as the rest of the glass, the whole piece was glowing orange. Zvonik held the pipe for me while I clipped the tip of the sphere and formed it into a swirl. I then clipped the end of it and we rolled the piece on the bench again, to ensure that it was centered. I took the small blowtorch and fired the tip of my curly-que to make sure it was the same temperature as the rest of the piece.

I used the large tweezers to make an indentation of where the piece would break from the pipe. Once Zvonik had a very large oven mit on his hand, he instructed me to hit the pipe directly below the glass. Lo and behold, my piece was finished and sent directly into storage so the temperature change would not damage it.

This was truly an experience worth every penny. I proudly display my new paperweight on my dresser in my dorm.

Hot Shop Experience tickets are available Monday thru Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. and 5 to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 5 to 6 p.m. and are $50 for 30 minutes. Or you can watch a demonstration of the glass blowers creating their own art Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Hot Shop is located at 719 Central Ave.

arts & entertainment

Events

Nov. 19 — Dec. 2

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

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20

21

22

23

24

25

4:30 p.m.

Pitchers with Professors Triton’s Pub

9 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Saturday Morning Market 290 First St SE St. Petersburg

7 p.m.

International Cinema Series — House Miller Aud. (CPS)

8 p.m.

Another Man’s Trash Fall Finale Miller Aud.

26 No Classes 8 p.m.

Underoath Ritz Ybor

3 p.m.

EC Chamber Music Concert Roberts Music 104 (CPS)

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9 a.m. — 2 p.m.

Saturday Morning Market 290 First St SE St. Petersburg 8 p.m.

Apocalyptica Ritz Ybor

Painting the Campus Red — AIDS Awareness 1 p.m.

Music Fest on the Water - Free The Pier

4-8 p.m.

Ellenton Outlets Shopping Shuttle Leaving from mailboxes

8 p.m.

AAS Movie Madness Miller Aud.

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1

2

Hanukkah begins at sundown

Second Night of Hanukkah

Wear Red for World AIDS Day

7 p.m.

Haiti After the Earthquake Fox Hall (CPS)

30 7:30 p.m.

Translating Hope into Action Maximo Presbyterian Church (CPS)

No Classes Thanksgiving

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

Treasures of Maximo Park hidden in plain sight

By Johnny Jones Staff Writer

Just beyond Gamma Point on the other side of Frenchmen’s Creek is a treasure chest of fun: Maximo Park.

This historic park has been a desirable destination for many and a home to others for thousands of years. Park visitors can experience a magnificent beachfront view that looks out over the sparkling waters of Boca Ciega Bay. A massive observation tower lets visitors enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and the Gulf of Mexico.

As you stroll along the many walking and biking trails, towering oaks and cedars form a canopy of shade that covers a large portion of the park. Two different playgrounds and three boat ramps make the park accessible for all types and ages of park goers.

Maximo Park is also home to a top-notch disc golf course.

Disc golf is similar to its mainstream cousin; only instead of hitting a little white ball into a hole, the goal is to land your disc in the correct basket with the fewest number of throws.

And according to Eckerd College Alumnus Bryan Kerschner (’10), the Maximo course is one of the best in the area.

“Compared to a lot of the other disc golf courses around

[Eckerd College], it’s a lot nicer. There’s more trees, the holes are better. People bring their dogs and are willing to talk to you.”

Kerschner said that on more than one occasion, some of the professional disc golfers who frequent the course have helped him with his game. “Everyone there is nice. It’s just a nice place to play in general.”

Did I mention that it’s free?

A band of local disc enthusiasts who call themselves the Tocobaga Disc Golf Club has made Maximo Park their home course. The club takes its name from the Tocobaga Indians who previously inhabited the park. Large food waste dumpsites called middens provide a colorful chronology of shells that archeologists can use to learn about the Tocobaga.

Because of the park’s historical importance, it has been designated an archeological site. So remember, pocketing shells is illegal, no matter how cool they look.

It may seem odd to some that the park is home to both an archeological site and a disc golf course, but I think it only adds to the park’s versatility. According to the “St. Petersburg Times”, not everyone agrees. “Some see the golf course as a slight on the park’s history, and there have been contentious

dealings between some golfers and some activists in the past,” says Theresa Willingham, staff writer.

Regardless of the political debate surrounding this majestic landmark, its beauty cannot be denied. Next time you’re looking for a great outdoor destination in St. Pete, look no further than your own backyard.

Two boys play disc golf.

courtesy of Wikicommons Friday, November 19, 2010

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arts & entertainment Review

Zombie television: “The Walking Dead”

By Hayden Johnson Staff Writer Much like vampires, it seems that zombies are making their invasion into pop culture through books, video games, movies and now, television.

AMC’s new series, “The Walking Dead,” originally started in 2003 as a black and white comic book series published by Image Comics. Just like in the comics, the protagonist of the show is Rick Grimes — a police officer who, in one moment, found himself in the middle of a gunfight, and in the next moment found himself waking up to the zombie apocalypse.

Those who are familiar with the comic book series know that the real focus of “The Walking Dead” isn’t the gore and violence but the characters. What made the comic book series successful was the realism captured through the humanistic qualities of its characters. Morality, sanity and the survivors’ relationships played as much of a role in the narrative as the zombies did.

With veteran producers such as Frank Darabont (director of “The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Green Mile” and “The Mist”) and Gale Ann Hurd (producer of “The Terminator,” “Aliens” and “Terminator 2”) one can assume that this series is in safe hands. AMC even has the comic’s creator, Robert Kirkman, advising the creative aspects of the show. Just from viewing the first two episodes, it is quite surprising to see

promotional photo

what network television censors have allowed us to see. For example, during the second episode the survivors in Atlanta needed to gain access to a truck to make their escape from the ghoul infested city. To do this they took a zombie which they had recently killed, dismembered it and smeared its organs all over Rick and Glen’s jackets in hopes of disguising their “scent” from the undead hordes shuffling around in the streets.

Any fan of the comic book series will be pleased with how AMC translates their beloved panels into scenes. Many of the original characters such as Rick, Lori, Shane, Dale, Andrea and Glen have been portrayed with great loyalty to the comics. Even technical aspects such as the lack of color saturation that brings out the paleness of everything can be

Review

Review

“Minecraft” an 8-bit cubic wonderland

By Samantha Hagar Staff Writer One watches from a tower of glass as a pixilated sun rises over the horizon. The cows and pigs begin running frantically across the mountaintops and the zombies burst into flames as the sunlight stretches out across the cubic world. This is a gamer constructed world — a paradise of textured 3D blocks full of explosive zombies, skeletons and a whole lot of room for creative freedom.

It’s called “Minecraft,” a sandbox building game created and produced by indie PC developer Markus “Notch” Persson, who has since started his own company using the proceeds from the game. He’s had so much financial success that his Paypal account containing €600,000 (the profit he had acquired from game sales alone) was suspended. Understandably, there was a bit of suspicion as to how a simple indie game developer got his hands on so much bank — but once a gamer plays “Minecraft,” he or she will understand what the hype is all about.

Persson began working on “Minecraft” nearly two years ago, and released it to 18

Friday, November 19, 2010

seen as homage to the original black and white illustrations of the comics. Additional characters and situations have also been added to the series to make an original experience for both fans and newcomers alike.

Even though the series is off to a great start, only time will tell how far it will go and how audiences will receive it. Not only does “The Walking Dead” show the growing popularity of zombies in pop culture but also the greater acceptance of comic books as a sophisticated form of storytelling. Generally, I would recommend “The Walking Dead” to zombie junkies and especially to “LOST” refugees who are looking for a new series to latch onto. “The Walking Dead” can be watched Sunday at 10 p.m. on AMC.

the public just seven days later. Now, “Minecraft” has become an underground success that has grossed millions. Mind you, “Minecraft” is still in alpha, meaning it is still undergoing major tweaks and renovations. An indie game that has profited millions, and it’s not even out of alpha status? Sounds a little too good to be true, right?

On Minecraft.net, a gamer can test “Minecraft” out for free, and even save his or her game by signing up for an account.

The free version offered, called classic mode, is based solely around building (no enemies, unlimited supplies, etc.). If the gamer chooses to fork out the small sum of €10 (roughly about $14), one gains access to Survival Mode, which offers features not found in Classic (enemies, ores, weapons, an inventory, etc.)

I wholeheartedly recommend this simple but oddly addictive LEGO-esque sandbox to anyone looking for a cheap, engaging time-eater. While “Minecraft” is only about $14now, it’s going to double in price once the Beta is released, so if you like what you play in the browser, be sure to purchase now before the price goes up.

“Due Date” well-timed

By Ashley Walsh Staff Writer

the dialogue, is also brilliant.

Most of the movie consists of a dry back and forth discourse between Ethan and Zach that, “Due Date” is a hilarious, while low key, often brought original comedy starring tears to my eyes and hysterical the classic Robert Downey cracks of laughter to my lips.

Jr. and the up-and-coming However, what really makes superstar Zach Galifianakis. the movie is the acting. With The adventure starts in a their two completely different classic mishap at the airport comedic styles, Robert and where both Peter (Robert Zach play off each other Downey Jr.) and Ethan (Zach surprisingly well. Although the Galifianakis) are escorted off plot is twisted and ridiculous, the airplane and put on a no the two are able to maintain fly list. When he discovers his straight faces and make the wallet is missing, Peter makes the risky decision to drive from promotional photo movie.

“Due Date” is in theaters now Atlanta to Los Angeles with his new acquaintance. After about a day of travel, and I highly recommend Eckerd students see the two discover they are both broke, due to this movie. Although it may not be appropriate poor budgeting and multiple drug stops along for children, it is not just another raunchy the way. The rest of their journey consists movie dropping genitalia humor left and of the two simply trying to find their way to right, trying to obtain a few desperate laughs California so Ethan, an aspiring actor with a from the audience. “Due Date” is a dry, smart “Two and a Half Men” obsession, can make it comedy which stands out from other recent big in Hollywood and Peter can make it home movies with its wit and all too appropriate comedic timing. to see the delivery of his first child.

The movie is excellent. The directing is on the spot and wonderful. The writing, especially

sports Triton Tribe created to increase spirit for basketball season

By Lincoln Andres-Beck Asst. Sports Editor At schools around the country, body paint is selling out, team jerseys are flying off the racks and entire campuses are shutting down for the start of basketball season.

But here, at one of the smallest colleges in the Sunshine State Conference, the season is quickly approaching, and without much buzz around campus.

For Sophomore Turner Humphries, the lack of student involvement is worrisome. “There are many aspects of Eckerd College that I love,” says Humphries. “However, after attending a majority of the sporting events last year I was somewhat displeased with how our student body participated.”

So, along with fellow Sophomore Dallas Cedarberg, Humphries co-founded the Triton Tribe, a club to boost school pride and excitement for sporting events.

“It’s tough to turn on ESPN and see other students painted up head to toe in their school colors cheering on their team,” lamented Humphries, adding “I think we can still create that same type of atmosphere, even if it is on a smaller scale.”

Humphries hopes to raise interest in tailgating before games, pointing to how tailgating is almost a varsity sport at some schools.

In addition to tailgating, the club plans on giving away Triton Tribe t-shirts, creating a mascot and working with ECOS to buy a full King Triton outfit. Last week, the Tribe released a music video featuring the debut of their first mascot, blue man. Members of the men’s basketball team and EC dance team appeared in the video, which was posted to YouTube and the club’s Facebook page.

“Who doesn’t love a grown man in a full body latex suit?” said Humphries. “When I first saw the original ‘Green Man Suit’ I knew I had to get one on Eckerd College’s campus.”

The blue man will be appearing at every Tritons home game as the team’s unofficial mascot. Humphries explained the thinking behind the blue man was “to address Eckerd’s different symbols, and that for the most part students did not really know what a Triton was anyway.” Despite not resembling a triton in the least bit (it’s a shell, by the way), the blue man is a fun and recognizable mascot for students to rally behind.

Said Humphries, “I hope the Triton Tribe will give people a reason to come out and just get rowdy in the student section.”

Current

Sports Men’s Basketball

Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic Friday, Nov. 26 Tampa v. Queens University 5:30 p.m.

Eckerd v. Puerto Rico-Bayamon 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 27 Tampa v. Puerto Rico-Bayamon 5:30 p.m.

Eckerd v. Queens University 7:30 p.m.

Non-conference games Tuesday, Dec. 7 v. Florida Memorial 7:30 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic courtesy of the Triton Tribe King Triton, holding a triton shell, as depicted on the Triton Tribe Facebook page.

Friday, Nov. 26 Eckerd v. Puerto Rico-Bayamon 3 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 27 Eckerd v. Clayton State 3 p.m.

Non-conference games Tuesday, Nov. 30 @ Ave Maria 7 p.m.

Friday, November 19, 2010

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sports

promotional material

BCS Rankings for Week 12 1 Oregon 2 Auburn 3 TCU 4 Boise State 5 LSU 6 Stanford 7 Wisconsin 8 Nebraska 9 Ohio State 10 Oklahoma State 11 Alabama 12 Michigan State 13 Arkansas 14 Oklahoma 15 Missouri 16 Virginia Tech 17 South Carolina 18 Nevada 19 Texas A&M 20 Iowa 21 Mississippi State 22 Arizona 23 Utah 24 Miami (FL) 25 Florida State

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10-0 11-0 11-0 9-0 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 9-1 8-2 9-1 8-2 8-2 8-2 8-2 7-3 9-1 7-3 7-3 7-3 7-3 8-2 7-3 7-3

sports

Volleyball closes out 2010 with five-set loss at Florida Southern Courtesy of Eckerd Athletics The Eckerd College volleyball team recently closed out the 2010 season with a 3-2 loss (25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 25-18, 14-16) at Florida Southern.

Ashley Martin had a match-high 19 kills, and the Mocs (21-8, 11-5 Sunshine State Conference) fought off a match point to claim their third win in their last four matches.

Anna Niebuhr had 18 digs and was one of five Mocs with 10 digs or more.

Lindsay Biggs had 15 kills and 18 digs to pace Eckerd (9-18, 2-14). The freshman recorded her 13th double-double of the year.

She was also one of four Tritons to record at least 10 kills.

Alex Laton had a career-high 15 kills and had three solo blocks. Ariana Chinn collected her first double-double of the year with 10 kills and 13 digs. Olivia Fraser also chipped

in 10 kills and eight digs.

Junior setter Bri Smith tied her career high with 48 assists and also had seven kills on 12 attacks (.583 percentage).

The Tritons got off to a blazing start, hitting .317 with only two errors in the first set to grab a 1-0 lead.

The offense struggled in the next two sets, though, combining for 15 errors to fall behind 2-1.

However, Eckerd bounced back in the fourth, as Biggs and Laton combined for eight kills on just 16 swings. Biggs also added three service aces to force the deciding fifth.

In the final set, Eckerd served for the match with a 14-13 lead. The Mocs, though, got back-to-back kills from Diana Castrillon and Anne Pietkiewicz en route to claiming the final three points.

The Tritons, who had no seniors on the 2010 squad, had five service aces overall.

photo courtesy of Eckerd College Athletics Eckerd volleyball huddles up during their season-ending Nov. 13 match at Florida Southern.

Posey, Feliz win Rookie of the Year awards

By Will Creager Sports editor Major League Baseball recently announced the Rookie of the Year award winner of both leagues.

The announcements of these two players was even more intriguing than usual this year, because both leagues had multiple players that were more than qualified to win the award.

As it turns out, despite the fact that voting occurs before the playoffs started, both winners led their teams to World Series appearances: Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants won it in the National League while Neftali Feliz of the Texas Rangers won it in the American League.

Posey, a catcher, excelled at the plate both offensively and defensively. Although not called up until May 29, Posey made an immediate impact, picking up three hits and three RBIs in his very first game of the season.

He finished the season hitting .305, the best batting average of any NL rookie who played at least 100 games, and hit 18 homeruns with 67 RBIs. As good as he was with the bat, he

was just as good defensively. Giants pitchers had an amazing 3.18 ERA with Posey calling the pitches, and he also threw out 37 percent of would-be base stealers.

Posey’s main competition came from Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward, who hit .277 with 19 homeruns and 72 RBIs, Florida Marlins first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who hit .273 with 19 homeruns and 85 RBIs, and St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime García, who won 13 games with a 2.70 ERA and 132 Ks. Feliz, who was the closer for the Rangers, broke the record for most saves in a season by a rookie pitcher. He finished the year with a 2.73 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, 40 saves, and 71 Ks. Austin Jackson, a centerfielder for the Detroit Tigers, finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .293 with 34 doubles, 103 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases. Other top rookies included Danny Valencia, a third baseman for the Minnesota Twins who hit .311 with seven homeruns and 40 RBIs, and Wade Davis, a starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who won 12 games with a 4.07 ERA and 113 Ks.

photo courtesy of wikicommons San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey, 2010 National League rookie of the year, crouching behind the plate.

Friday, November 19, 2010

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sports

Mizrachi falls just short of goal in historical run at 2010 WSOP

By Will Creager Sports editor Four Mizrachi brothers. Four main event cashes. One dramatic run at history.

After winning the $50,000 buy-in Poker Players Championship event to start his 2010 World Series of Poker, earning $1,559,046 in the process, and then making the final table of the WSOP Main Event, Michael “the Grinder” Mizrachi had one thing on his mind: making history.

Had Mizrachi, who entered the nine-man final table seventh in chip count, won the Main Event, he would have made history in multiple different ways.

First of all, the first-place prize money of more than $9 million would have made him the all-time winningest tournament poker player of all time, surpassing current leader Phil Ivey. Instead, his fifth place finish and $2.3 million cash bumped him up to sixth place.

Also, Mizrachi would have become the only player ever to win both the Poker Players Championship and the Main Event in the same year. He would have tied Frank Kassela for

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Friday, November 19, 2010

WSOP Player of the Year.

All three of Mizrachi‘s brothers, Robert, Danny and Eric, cashed too, finishing in 116, 345, and 718 place respectively.

This feat becomes even more remarkable when you consider that the odds of four random players cashing is .01 percent.

Michael Mizrachi was eliminated in fifth place by Jonathan Duhamel, a Canadian who would eventually go on to win the tournament.

In Mizrachi’s final hand, he moved all in with his Q8 after a flop of Q54, only to be called by Duhamel’s pocket aces.

Duhamel’s hand held, much to the chagrin of Grinder’s cheering section.

Duhamel was the first ever Canadian to win the WSOP Main Event. He went into heads up with six times as many chips as Tampa native John Racener, who came in second place and won more than $5.5 million.

The rest of the November Nine were Americans Soi Nguyen, Jason Senti, John Dolan, and Joseph Cheong, who finished ninth, seventh, sixth and third respectively, Canadian Matthew Jarvis, who finished eighth, and Italian Filippo Candio, who finished fourth.

photo courtesy of wikicommons Professional poker player Michael “the Grinder” Mizrachi, who finished fifth in the 2010 WSOP Main Event.

sports

Boca Ciega bay hosts top sailing competition

By Lincoln Andres-Beck Asst. Sports Editor It was a historic weekend for the Eckerd College sailing program. The school and the bay surrounding it played host to the Women’s Atlantic Coast Championships, a sailing competition featuring the top 18 women’s sailing teams on the East Coast.

The competition allows teams to judge where they stand against many of the top sailing squads in the country. It was the second-largest event for the Lady Triton sailors behind Nationals, and hosting an event of such importance is a great honor for Eckerd.

Sharing his thoughts on the competition, Coach Jesse Combs said, “It gives us the opportunity to show off our facilities and equipment. The beautiful weather and

conditions encourage teams to come back for spring break and other events. We hope to host Nationals in 2013 and running a successful championship event here boosts our chances of hosting nationals.”

It was a long event, running all day on both Saturday and Sunday. Each team was comprised of an A and B squad, each of which ran 15 races throughout the weekend. The St. Mary’s College of Maryland Seahawks won quite handily, taking three out of 15 races and finishing in the top 9 in all but four. Eckerd College finished 13th out of the 18 teams participating. “The Lady Tritons sailed very well,” said coach Combs. “The competition was stiff and there was little margin for error.

We still have areas to improve and we will focus on that stuff in practice. Eckerd is lucky to have some of the top female sailors in the country.”

photos courtesy of Eckerd sailing Left: Eckerd sailing upwind at Women’s Atlantic Coast Championships.

Below: 18 schools competed in the WACC, hosted by Eckerd in Boca Ciega bay. Right: Eckerd juniors Emilie Mademann and Julia Melton compete in a B division race.

Friday, November 19, 2010

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The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

photo courtesy of Eckerd sailing Juniors Emilie Mademann and Julia Melton competing in the Women’s Atlantic Coast Championship.

Welcome to the Tribe

Group aims to increase excitement for Triton home games, add mascot

Page 19

ROY awards for Posey, Feliz World Series foes win coveted rookie honor

Page 21

Florida native in WSOP

Miami-born Michael Mizrachi finishes fifth in poker’s largest live event

Page 22