The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College
Vol. XXVIIII
December 3, 2010
St. Petersburg, Florida
Issue 6
Fly smarter this holiday season Airline tips & baggage fees
— page 3
© Jandrie Lombard
Quest for Meaning
Students ready for Festival of Hope
News & Features — Page 7
Intern Queen
Q&A with Lauren Berger
Viewpoints — Page 10
“Bonnie & Clyde” Best. Show. Ever. Period.
Entertainment — Page 16
news & features
ECOS cup campaign goes door to door Executive Board Editor-in-Chief Petra Stevenson 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 Web Editor Max Martinez Web Master Shawn Craine Faculty Adviser Tracy Crow Director of Advertising Abby Gestl currentads@eckerd.edu Director of Finances Beth Robison
Staff Writers Johnny Jones Sarah Malhotra David Font Emma Lord
Photographers & Illustrators Michael Specht Tonya Gabriel Brianna Dickinson Ethan Cooper Sarah Crismore
Contributing Writers Sarah Crismore Anna Gobeil Audrey Reinhardt Michael Turner Patrick Fallon
• December 3, 2010 • • Vol. XXVIIII Iss. 6 • 2
Friday, December 3, 2010
By Sarah Malhotra Staff Writer Thirsty? Put it in a cup! The new slogan is part of the ongoing “RespECt” campaign sponsored by student government leaders, and has received a lot of attention, which was what Eckerd College Organization of Students wanted to achieve. “We used [the slogan] because it’s borderline breaking the rules, but not, so we thought it’d be catchy, people would remember it,” said Stephen Barber, ECOS vice president of financial affairs. ECOS is promoting the cups primarily to fight the amount of broken glass found on campus because this poses a liability to students, especially those who walk around barefoot. “As an RA, I frequently saw damages, vandalism, and even injuries occur last year due to the misuse of glass bottles,” said ECOS Executive Vice President Erica Magnusson. “So last spring, we decided that these cups were going to be one of the initiatives within the Respect campaign.” Students had mixed reactions while actually receiving the cups last week. Some students were excited; others thought the cups supported underage drinking. “It’s not that we are supporting underage drinking by any means,” said Barber. “It’s more looking at the aspect of safety for the student body in
want to see in the near future. Suggestions included more quarter machines and better quality food from the cafeteria. In addition, the cups are eco-friendly and students can bring them to the cafeteria and pub instead of using the disposable plastic cups, which would reduce the amount of waste on campus. Junior Erik Burd remains doubtful that students will actually follow this suggestion. “I think it’s an okay idea, but we need to have cups that we can use in the caf that aren’t plastic, because throwing them away is a huge waste. So even though we have these, we’re not going to carry them back and forth to the cafeteria.” Sophomore Rosie Kerber saw the cups as a step in the right direction toward going green. “I’m very excited about the cups because I think sustainable items are wonderful and I wish that the cafeteria and Photo by Sarah Malhotra pub would stop using disposable items.” Stacks of free Thirsty? cups in the ECOS office. “The cups are a great idea,” said Freshman Brady Guy. “They’re definitely regards to glass bottles and an eco-friendly take on the disposable cups to help the a better alternative to carrying around environment and cater towards the needs of glass bottles. Just the other day, I mean, there was smashed glass right out in front the student body.” New to Eckerd, Freshman Jake Perry of Beecher and I actually walked through it commented, “I think that they’re really and cut my feet.” “I think these cups are a great way to get great and it’s good that a club at the school glass off campus and keep animals safe and is promoting safe drinking.” Students were glad to have the opportunity people with bare feet,” added Freshman Jeff to talk to their senators about changes they Evanier.
Haitian elections called fraudulent while voters ransack polling booths By Ashley Daniels Asst. News Editor Haiti held presidential and legislative elections Nov. 28 even though 12 of the 19 presidential candidates asked the government to null the election because of fraud. This political turmoil is another set back for the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The country is still recovering from the Jan. 12 earthquake, storms, a deadly cholera epidemic and unrest over U.N. peacekeepers. Many of the major contenders in the race for the presidency gathered in a hotel ballroom on Sunday afternoon to denounce President Rene Preval and call for the election to be canceled. The candidates wrote a joint statement.
“We denounce a massive fraud that is occurring across the country…We demand the cancellation pure and simple of elections.” Five million Haitians were to vote on a president, 99 members of the House and 11 of the 13 members of Senate and many were unable to do so. The biggest problem of the election was confusion. Either they had lost their voter ID in the quake or their names were not on the registration lists at the polling centers. Angry voters ransacked polling places and some opened late. Ballot boxes were stolen. Some voted more than once. This was not enough, however, for the Provisional Electoral Council to call off the elections. The PEC held a news conference Sunday evening where they came to the conclusion that the candidates had no ‘legal
weight’ and the elections would proceed normally. Even though the PEC did not state how they came to these figures, they said only 56 of the 1,500 voting centers had irregularities and those voters would be able to vote again. At the time this issue went to press, Jude Celestin, Preval’s heir apparent and protégé, led the polls. A reason opposition candidates and protesters believe the PEC won’t call off the election. Celestin is head of the state-run construction company and beneficiary of a well-financed campaign. According to ABCnews.com the next president of Haiti will oversee billions in promised post-quake reconstruction money as long as the government is certified as good, stable and non-corrupt. Results are likely Dec. 7 with a run-off of the top two presidential candidates Jan. 16.
news & features Touchy travel changes sweep nation By Ashley Daniels & Laurel Ormiston News Editors
Their latest effort to evade aerial terrorism involves body scans for all passengers. There are two types of body scan equipment in operation Travel ain’t what it used to be. Those traveling home by at U.S. airports. One is the “back scatter advanced imaging plane for winter break might want a rundown of changes to technology” used by Orlando airport body scanners. These airline procedures. have been controversial because of the dose of radiation. First, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) However, the TSA has stated that the low-level X-ray beam imposed new travel measures just before Thanksgiving. emissions are within guidelines laid out by the American National Standards Institute. Airports such as Tampa International and Miami use “millimeter wave advanced imaging technology” in their body scanners, which the TSA says emits thousands of times less energy than what is permitted for cell phones. However, a pat down is the alternative for those wishing to avoid the scan. An enhanced pat down procedure was put in place at the start of November, sparking a Internet-proposed national protest, encouraging passengers to demand pat downs instead of body scans. The Wall Street Journal reported Nov. 26 that according to airline personnel, the protest, “National Opt Out Day” never materialized. The controversial pat down now photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons has TSA officials using the front of Southwest Airlines is a popular choice for TPA flyers.
their hands to feel body parts including groin, buttocks and breast areas. Complaints from victims of sexual assault who found the procedure traumatizing were sent to the American Civil Liberties Association (ACLU).
Know your pat down rights • If you opt for a pat down, here are a few things you need to know going into the procedure. • You have the right to request it take place either in front of other passengers, or in a private room. • You may request whomever you wish to be present to witness the pat down. • The person conducting the pat down should be of the same gender, and should explain the procedure to you before beginning. • If you have a medical device, inform the officer before the search.
Airline costs climb to combat legislation By Ashley Daniels & Laurel Ormiston News Editors The cost to travel by plane is becoming more expensive. Services that were once free— such as luggage, changing a ticket, sending an unaccompanied minor or traveling with a pet— now cost between $75 and $250, according to a Nov. 23 New York Times article. Other changes to air travel include federal legislation passed in May that forbids a plane from sitting on the tarmac for more than three hours; otherwise the airline faces potential fines of $27,500 per passenger. As a result, the likelihood of a flight being canceled, as opposed to delayed, is rising. Among the most popular airlines that fly out of Tampa International Airport, AirTran, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, United and US Air-
ways are still not charging their passengers for carryon baggage. There are restrictions on all eight of these airlines though. Passengers can have one carry-on piece that does not exceed 40 pounds and one personal item. Items include handbags, umbrellas, coats, cameras, reading matter and laptop computers. These items have to be stowed under the seat in front of the passenger or in an approved overhead bin. When checking baggage for these airlines, refer to the chart for fees. The prices vary so be sure to check before traveling. Some airlines have exceptions for checked baggage fees so if you are active military or a sort of premium flyer for the specific airlines you are flying, check to see if you are exempt from the fees. All checked baggage for these airlines can’t exceed 50 pounds or 62 inches in overall dimensions.
Airline
1st bag
2nd bag
3rd bag
AirTran
$20
$25
$50
American
$25
$35
3-5 bags: $100/bag 6-10 bags: $150/bag
Continental
Online: $23 Airport: $25
Online: $32 Airport: $35
$100
Delta
Online: $23 Airport: $25
Online: $32 Airport: $35
3rd bag: $125 4-10 bags: $200
Jet Blue
FREE
$30
$75
Southwest
FREE
FREE
3-9 bags: $50
United
$25
$35
$100
US Airways
$25
$35
$100 Friday, December 3, 2010
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news & features
SPPD to lock wheels for unpaid tickets By Sarah Malhotra Staff Writer The City Council of St. Petersburg recently passed a motion to enact the practice of booting, or placing a device over the wheel of a car to immobilize a vehicle until all parking tickets are paid. The St. Petersburg Police Department announced that out of every 100 tickets issued, seven remain unpaid. This 93 percent success rate might seem noteworthy, but since 2002, citizens still owe the city $2 million from parking tickets exceeding 120 days. Police officials conducted research in other Florida cities including Gainesville, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando and Jacksonville to determine whether such devices were necessary for law enforcement. These cities find the device to be a useful tool in getting people to pay up. This ordinance, creating Section 26-163 of the City Code, allows police officers to place vehicle immobilization devices, more commonly known as “boots,” on vehicles whose owners have several unpaid parking tickets. “Boots” will be used as a last resort, only after the mandatory 10 collection letters, agency calls and the hold on the citizen’s license plate proves ineffective. Mayor Bill Foster immediately offered his support. “We have done so much to make parking more convenient each year. We’ve got Pay by Cell, we have decreased the times of enforcement, we’ve increased time availability to two hours throughout the city. We have done so much.” He argued that if citizens still don’t respect the law, the police need help enforcing it. Councilman Herb Polson volunteered a unique view on the matter. “I’m still reeling from the fact that people come to our baseball games and say it’s cheaper to get a parking ticket
here than it is to park in their home stadium parking lot and so they don’t find our parking tickets as a sanction. So this is just another arrow in our quiver to try to get that number down.” Not all council members agreed right away. Wengay “Newt” Newton worried that the practice of booting might be too extreme and had hesitations about the number of tickets that lead to a boot. “People should pay their tickets,” he said “We have a high percentage pay rate. I just didn’t want someone courtesy of Wikimedia Commons with three tickets to pay an Tire locks like this may be on your vehicle if you fail to pay parking tickets. additional $400 on top of what they already owe. Six To get the device removed, one would have to pay all would be a great number. I heard you say you were entertaining looking at the higher outstanding tickets and penalties, plus a $25 fee for removal ones first. If we’ve got anybody with 20, 30, 40 tickets that’s of the boot. Foster clarified some confusion over who exactly would insane. I’m just more worried about the ones with three and have to get the boot, so to speak. “If they can’t pay the ticket, so on.” The vehicle immobilization device would be put into effect we work with them. All they’ve got to do is call, come in, you for citizens who have one outstanding and overdue parking know, somebody might be getting parking tickets because violation notice for parking in a space lawfully designated they’re on job interviews because they lost their job. We’ll for disabled parking, or for citizens who have three or more work with everybody who’ll work with us. These are the ones outstanding and overdue parking citations issued to the same who get the ticket and laugh at the city and throw them on their floor.” vehicle.
New boat ramps in the works for Maximo and Grandview parks By Anna Gobeil Contributing Writer St. Petersburg residents recently gathered to hear the city’s plan for improvements at Maximo Park at the Bay Vista Recreational Center such as the construction of new boat ramps at both Grandview and Maximo Park. Raul Quintana of the City Engineering Department led the meeting, discussing the details of each project and informing the public of what to expect for the future. The funding for the projects, which comes from Penny for Pinellas, is a total of $1,350,000 with $650,000 being invested in Grandview Park and $700,000 in Maximo. The parks are in different phases of development. Quintana stating that Grandview Park “probably won’t be under construction until this time next year” while Maximo park is in the final stages of planning and construction is set to begin in the summer. Improvements to Grandview Park include building two new 20-foot wide boat ramps with floating docks, and a new wood4
Friday, December 3, 2010
en boardwalk and observation deck to connect the northern ramps at Maximo will be widened to 22 feet and will also and southern parts of the include floating docks. The park. “It’s a park that realslopes will also be adjusted ly hasn’t had anything done by about 14 percent to it in a long time,” says “We shouldn’t have any Quintana of Grandview’s washout issues with these need for improvements. ramps,” said Steve Ochsner, The park will also undergo the city’s project manager. improvements such as a The current parking lot at new restroom building, a Maximo will be grassed over new large picnic shelter, a and used for high traffic walking path, two new fishevents and a new parking lot ing docks, security lighting will be built. The new parkthroughout the park and ing lot will include 20 spots a larger more sustainable for standard vehicles and 53 parking lot. spots for vehicles with boat Maximo Park has seven trailers and a public restboat ramps that need to room and boat washdown photo by Anna Gobeil area are also in the works. be completely taken down The view from Maximo Park looking toward Eckerd College. and reconstructed. The
news & features
Skills to help seniors get started post EC By Audrey Reinhardt Contributing Writer
Y
ou’re 21, and live on a beach surrounded by your best friends. You’re content. Yet somehow, when you least expect it, the sinking realization creeps in that this Eckerd dream world is not going to last forever. Seniors, you know who you are. “The thought of graduation is truly a nightmare,” says Senior Julia Viscome, sitting in her cozy Omega home. “Why would I want to leave school when everything I want is right here?” The phobia of graduation is not uncommon to seniors throughout the country, and Eckerd students are no exception. However, Caroline Murphy, director of Career Resources, has encouraging news. According to Eckerd’s survey of 2009 graduates, despite the current economy and less-than-promising job market, 74 percent of Eckerd graduates are — Caroline working, and 80 percent of those working are holding a position related to their career goals. Surprisingly, this number has changed little compared to previous years, when the employment rate was at its lowest. “In recent years, the numbers have stayed about the same,” says Murphy. “The percentage of students in graduate school has stayed in the 30s, and the percentage of students that are in a field related to their desired career has remained in the 80s. By these numbers, it shouldn’t be discouraging for seniors looking to enter the job market after they graduate.” Murphy, who has been in Career Resources for six and a half years, offers some advice for the many students, not necessarily seniors, who are apprehensive about the thought of graduating. At the top of the list: networking. “Eighty percent of all jobs are found through networking,”
she says, “and you can network anywhere.” She says to start locally. Start with your friends, family, friends of friends, previous employers, even professors – anyone can help in this process. Cultivating good relationships is the primary skill to success, and if you have not heard this before: it’s not all about what you know, but who you know in the professional world. “Give them a summary of what you’re looking for and what you can offer,” advises Murphy. The more people you approach, the more opportunities you have for success. For some, the fear of graduation is not about finding a job but about feeling unprepared for the real world. Senior Elenia Witherell says, “I feel as if my major is very broad and because of this I am having difficulty figuring out what I want to do in the future.” Murphy advises that while that fear is completely rational, a liberal arts education actually fulfills all of the basic skills that employers are seeking. She Murphy, director of Career offers a list of the top ten skills Resources employers want, noting that these are the same skills “particularly fostered in residential, liberal arts colleges like Eckerd.” Portray those skills in a resume and convey them during interviews, and you’re likely to amp your success rate. Career-specific knowledge comes after you obtain the job and after your supervisors teach you those skills. As daunting as the thought of graduation is, the more students dwell and grow more terrified of the subject, the harder the transition. For some, this will be the most monumental transition of their lives to date. But students might remember the other transitions in their lives, and how smoothly they moved from elementary school all the way to college.
“Eighty percent of all jobs are found through networking, and you can network anywhere.”
Skills you need to succeed 1. Verbal and written communication skills 2. Analytical skills 3. Teamwork skills 4. Technical skills 5. Strong work ethic 6. Honesty and integrity 7. Interpersonal skills 8. Motivation and initiative 9. Flexibility and adaptability 10. Organizational skills
Here for Winter Term? Get ready for noise
Popular parking lot soon to be removed By Petra Stevenson Editor-in-Chief The parking lot bordered by the Sheen Science building and Franklin Templeton, (directly opposite of the freshman parking lot) is scheduled to be removed mid-December, according to a recent parking information session in Fox Hall. All trees in or near the lot will also be eliminated, meaning that January promises to be a noisy month for students taking on-campus Winter Term classes. Expect an increase in heavy truck traffic, as well, along the Avenue of States. The current lot is the proposed site for the new Sheen Science Center. The center will be built on top of a large, earthen mound to meet storm-surge height requirements. This man-made hill will be brought in soon, but must
compress for a few months before construction begins in July. Eventually, a new parking lot will be put in near — but not infringing upon — the palm hammock northwest of the current Sheen building. In the meantime, parking will be pushed back into north lot — the unpaved, gravel parking lot used primarily by freshmen. “It will be a little bit of an inconvenience,” says Bill McKenna, director of planning, construction and development for Eckerd College. “But there will be space [to accommodate parking]. It’ll just be a function of how far you want to walk.” He noted that the smaller lot just west of the existing Sheen building will remain to accommodate handicapped drivers and some faculty and staff. Pathways will also be built to facilitate and enhance the walk from north lot to the main quad, though at least initially they will
not be covered to protect walkers from sun and rain. McKenna also addressed parking concerns that have developed in the wake of the nearly completed GO Pavilion. The pavilion, which has been under construction since late June, required the permanent dismantlement of the parking lot across from Alpha and Brown Hall. As a result, parking has shifted north to lots across from Upham, and often overflows onto grassy areas all over campus. However, the Upham lot will soon be greatly expanded, increasing the number of parking spaces to 158. “We’re working aggressively to put this in now,” McKenna says. He estimates the new lot will be finished sometime next spring, though finances could push completion further into the summer. Solar lights are to be installed throughout the lot and new sidewalks are to better connect it to campus. The expansion is projected to cost about $400,000. Friday, December 3, 2010
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news & features
Ghana
EC students explain world sociopolitical issues
By Benjamin Brody Contributing Writer
seen her professor three times during the entire semester. When they do show up, they’re often preoccupied with other business. “Teachers come to class to sell stuff to the students,” orming a national identity has been a struggle for she says. “The government is not paying them, so they do post-colonial African countries, and The Republic what they want.” If students want an education, they have to fend for of Ghana, though one of the most successful, is no exception. Eckerd students Chesley Mintah and Brigitte themselves. Many want that college degree; even if it doesn’t carry much weight. For the supplies and other necessities Perenyi, who both lived in Ghana, provide insight. When it comes to nationalism in Ghana, Mintah says they might need along the way, they have to find sources “certain tribes dominate others.” Not with physical other than their parents. Consequently, student-teacher oppression, she adds. “There are two main parties and when relationships are not uncommon. “You can’t blame the girls they got into power they employ because the teachers are not only their people.” teaching and [students] need to These two parties, The National make the grades,” said Perenyi. Patriotic Party and the National “So what can [students] offer? Democratic Congress, are supported They can offer themselves.” by different ethnic groups. The This illustrates the importance problem is that ethnic groups of having institutions that generally vote in block because, as can enforce ethical standards; Perenyi explains, “Instead of voting without money there is little for someone because of what they are anyone can do. going to do for the country (people) In addition, many children do vote for them because they’re part not even go to school, partly for of their tribe.” Most of these tribes traditional reasons as Perenyi have their own language. When pointed out. “They feel that two tribes share a language they the place of the child is to help are usually part of the same voting courtesy of Wikimedia Commons the mother, on the farm or in block, which can be divisive. the kitchen,” she says. Even Talk about partisan politics. Ghana’s location on the continent of Africa. if parents would like for their According to Perenyi, “You don’t children to go to school, they really know what they’re going to do.” Despite a party’s rulings, candidates can always count on often don’t feel comfortable sending their children. “Parents don’t want their children to walk miles and miles loyal voters within their tribes. Not unlike American politics, when a party takes over, it away,” says Perenyi. “These are 4, 5, 6-year-old kids. They are cleans house, replacing outgoing officials with members of afraid that they will be kidnapped and turned into sex slaves their own party. Additionally, reforms that one party may on the remote villages.” Without the money for buses to send their children to have started are almost always reversed. Often this does not have to do with the merit behind an idea, but to spite the school, many parents opt to put safety before their children’s opposition. This makes it difficult for consistent progress to education. Private school is a solution for those with money. But change is slowly coming. While Ghana’s youth fail to be made in the long term. Another tough situation is education, which is intended to vote in large numbers, when they do vote they tend to cast be free for everyone. The government does not adequately aside tribal loyalty in favor of the party that “promises to fund the schools, according to Perenyi. “They don’t give create more jobs,” according to Mintah. Despite the desire for change, not everyone wants to lose money for infrastructure, for learning materials and they the Ghanaian traditions that globalization could destroy. As don’t pay the teachers, so they’re on strike.” Teachers have to make money to survive, and teaching isn’t Perenyi explains, “It’s developing, but then we like what we enough. As a result, students suffer, too. Perenyi says one of have. We want our roads paved, but we don’t want to lose our her friends attending a public university in Ghana has only culture.”
F
Ghana at a glance 6
Friday, December 3, 2010
Capital: Accra Time difference: UTC 0 (Five hours ahead of Washington, D.C.) Government type: constitutional democracy Independence: March 6, 1957 from the United Kingdom Population: 24,339,838* Country comparison to the world: 47
courtesy of Wikimedia Commons National flag of Ghana.
One staple of Ghanaian society, the market place, is already threatened by the results of globalization. “In Ghana, we mostly eat organic food. We don’t get processed food. We go to the market and get the real thing, right from the ground.” Besides the health benefits of buying organic foods, the market serves as a place where people go to socialize, which strengthens the community. While it is cheaper to buy at the market for now, increased wealth or lower prices at grocery stores could threaten the market. Globalization brings in outside competition. Perenyi worries about the effect. “People walk around with pots on their head selling their wares. Even on some of the (money) coins, there is a woman with a pot on her head selling her wares with her baby on her back.” The challenge for Ghanaians will be how best to improve their country and form a stronger sense of national identity.
courtesy of Brigitte Perenyi Chesley Mintah (left) and Brigitte Perenyi (right) once lived in Ghana.
*Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality, higher death rates, lower population growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2010 est.)
news & features
Seniors quest to improve
Festival of Hope By Sarah Crismore Contributing Writer
in our lives and really demonstrating what we’ve done including the service-learning.” O’Shaughnessy said. “We thought it ran parallel with Quest for Meaning.” The Festival of Hope planning committee, with Alex Perny and Brittany O’Shaughnessy as co-chairs, believe they organized an exciting and entertaining celebration in hopes of drawing in the entire campus, not just seniors or underclassmen seeking CPS credit. “This year we focus on student interaction,” said O’Shaughnessy. “And so what we wanted to do was have activities there so that students wanted to come. Not just the seniors, or friends, but really try to get everyone to come.” One activity planned for this year is the “Decorate Your Own Chalice.” On a firstcome, first-serve basis, students will be given dishwasher safe goblets that they can decorate and turn into a keepsake to remember the Quest for Hope. One of Kelly’s favorite parts of the festival is visiting the booths of his past Western Heritage students that now, three years later, are students in his Quest for Meaning class. He said it is interesting to see how the students have grown and what projects they choose to do. A different aspect of this year’s festival will be to honor the tragic loss of two students: Holt Weeks and Elisabeth Hamlin. “Many of us thought we’d like to remember those that we’ve lost on our quest,” said O’Shanghnessy. There will be a table of remembrance for the two students.
T
he Festival of Hope occurs every fall semester during the last week of classes. In past years, students have attended for Colleg Program Series credit or wandered through the lines of folding tables, drawn to the live music and crowds of people, in hopes of free food. But how many actually understand the purpose of the festival? The Festival of Hope is the pinnacle of the senior course: Quest for Meaning. After dedicating forty hours of service-learning to non-profit organizations around St. Petersburg, seniors join together to present and reflect upon what they have gained from their volunteering experiences. Brittany O’Shaughnessy, senior and Festival of Hope planning committee co-chair said, “I view the Festival of Hope as a celebration for all that we’ve accomplished this year of service, and kind of a demonstration of all the work we’ve put in and how much we care about giving back to the community.” Dr. William Kelly, who teaches one section of Quest for Meaning, believes the central idea of the Festival of Hope is to celebrate. He stated in an email, “We celebrate the fine work of the seniors in the course; we celebrate the college’s mission to make a difference in the lives of individuals within our immediate community; we celebrate a perspective that reveals that it is possible to effect real, positive change in the world.” It may be hard to imagine that one student can make a difference, but at the Festival of Hope, the senior class will demonstrate how one student’s forty hours of volunteering in addition to another student’s, and another and another (so on and so forth) makes a significant, positive impact on the community. This year, the Festival of Hope planning committee decided to invite the representatives from the organizations where seniors volunteered. This year’s festival has also been transformed into The Quest of Hope, a medieval theme similar to the Quest for the Holy Grail. “It really is going on a quest
***The Quest for Hope will be in Fox Woods, the area to the right of Fox Hall Dec. 8 from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.
Emblem for Festival of Hope class of 2011.
Illustration by Sarah Crismore Friday, December 3, 2010
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news & features
Professor writes on secretive subject in “Buddhist Warfare” By Johnny Jones Staff Writer The word Buddhism often brings to mind one image: a fat, smiling Asian man, meditating with his legs crossed in the Lotus position. Rarely do people think about the monk with a gun under his robe. “Buddhist Warfare,” edited and compiled by Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Michael Jerryson and Mark Juergensmeyer, aims at dispelling this one-sided notion about the pacifistic nature of Buddhism. The book is comprised of eight essays written by various scholars, including one from Jerryson, with the intention of examining instances of violence in Buddhist communities. “[The book] is deliberately not uniform in that I don’t think there is one resolute stance on Buddhist Warfare,” Jerryson said. Most of the essays take an ethnographic approach. Subjects range from Vesna Wallace’s essay on torture techniques used by the Mongolian Buddhist government to Daniel Kent’s first-hand account of Sri Lankan army monks delivering sermons to soldiers before they went off to fight. Jerryson explained that the study of Buddhism at the collegiate level is often one-dimensional. “The usual package you’re given is simply the philosophical, the ideals.” He stressed that though these are important elements to any religious tradition, learning how those ideals are interpreted and lived is essential. Jerryson’s face cracked into a smile as he told me of his conversation with some Thai monks about the 10 Commandments. “[Monks]
would say ‘People don’t steal or kill in the United States, right?”. He would have to explain that though most of our population is Christian, these are simply ideals and how they are actually interpreted is very different. There has been some confusion with regard to Jerryson’s motives for writing “Buddhist Warfare.” “I’ve been accused by some people of pushing a Christian propaganda, of attacking Buddhism, or not doing an appropriate job of displaying what Buddhism is to an English speaking audience,” he explained. In the book’s introduction, he states that his intention is to dispel the idea that Buddhism is a completely pacifistic tradition. “Like any tradition, it’s steeped in people and people are violent.” Since 9/11, Islam has been depicted as a religion of violence by most of the American media. As an assistant professor of religious studies at Eckerd, Jerryson has worked to dispel this notion as well. “You have this diametrically opposed Buddhism is peaceful, Islam is violent” view and I was hoping to disturb that dialectic. It is easy to submit to the constant bombardment of “Buddhist” images portrayed by popular culture. The grinning cartoon Buddha has become a staple item at gift shops and in gardens across our nation. But professor Jerryson wants you to look below the surface at the cold, hard truth: Buddhism isn’t just fun and games. Professor Jerryson’s next book, “Buddhist Fury: religion and violence in southern Thailand,” will be Book cover courtesy of Michael Jerryson published in March. The cover of Professor Michael Jerryson’s new novel dispels the myth of warless Buddhists.
EC welcomes new theater member, Lucy By Laurel Ormiston News Editor Lucille Ann Thonen, daughter of Assistant Professor of Theater Jessica Thonen, was born Nov. 9 at 12:56 p.m., weighing 5 lbs 15 oz. The birth of her daughter placed Thonen in the position of handing over the reigns of the theater’s design department to trusted students for the fall production, “The Call of the Wild.” “If only I could clone myself, I would gladly send one of me to campus!” said Thonen in an e-mail. But maternity leave means Thonen will not return to teaching duties until the spring semester. “I hate that I won’t be there to see my students present their final projects. It’s a favorite part of the semester for me, seeing my students pull together all that they’ve learned, and of course, I miss 8
Friday, December 3, 2010
spending time in the costume shop, ceived under her advising and imworking with the theatre students,” mense mentoring, and to grow up a said Thonen. little- something that a graduating And while senior needs to students practice now in miss their preparation for professor, the big, scary some found world.” her absence She added a chance to that “Jessica grow. Seand Doug [Thonior Casey nen] are the M a l o n e , most deserving who’s worked people I know; with Thothey are selfcourtesy of Jessica Thonen less and will nen for four Asst. Professor of Theater Jessica Thonen years, was and newborn daughter, Lucille Ann. do anything one member to help those of the class around them of 2011 who Thonen relied on to no matter the personal sacrifice.” guide the fall production’s de- Malone concluded by joking that sign. Said Malone of her teacher’s “Lucy better be cool, otherwise I’ll absence, “While she was greatly shake my first at her for taking such missed, in her absence it forced me a wonderful woman away from us to rely on what knowledge I had re- for too many months!”
Introducing the Arts, Music and Theater (AMT) Grant Purpose: To support the creative and artistic development of the Eckerd College Campus by funding student projects that seek to elevate the EC community through art, music and theater. Applications are available outside the ECOS office in Brown Hall. Return them to the desk of the ECOS VP of Academic Affairs with your name, phone number and e-mail at the top of the proposal. Co-sponsored by Another Man’s Trash and the ECOS VP of Courtesy of Kathleen Austin Academic Affairs. Another Man’s Trash logo.
viewpoints
Letter to the editor “Amusing the beach” column : Response to “Sex on
Using technology to end a relationship?
Firstly, the “Turkey Drop” was introduced by the Gen Y’ers as a benchmark, according to Urban Dictionary, a reference point by which to measure the growth of a young relationship: They met during Autumn Term and actually made it past the Turkey Drop. The idea being that fresh flings won’t last through the first semester, or that high school relationships carried over into college, often becoming long distance relationships (LDRs), won’t endure past the Turkey Drop. The term serves various purposes including but not limited to a clever, catchy way of describing a trivial event and employing humor to assuage the affects of-to use your own endearing words-“dropping your turkey.” That being said, the issue is with the process not the language. The text message, email (sic), and Facebook breakups are targeted as egregious and cowardly. Well, Kelly of liamshow. com already told us we “Can’t text message break up (after two years).” And how else am I supposed to break up with my internet girlfriend who I’ve only spoken with through chat? I’ve seen “You’ve Got Mail,” and I wasn’t convinced—everyone knows the danger of meeting an internet stranger, that’s why we stick to Mac’n on each other (I couldn’t resist). I’ll concur on the Facebook status change breakup being callow, because the dumpee finds out from two dozen people’s texts and wall posts of condolences. But I have to disagree with your reasoning for attacking these breakup methods, which you describe as failing to communicate. While they may lack face time, they are by no means a Cool Hand Luke “failure to communicate.” The Gen Y’ers are inundated with technology, and some of us are sinking. We don’t remember the first time our families got a microwave, we don’t know why we use the phrase “roll down the window.” The Current is publishing articles about the Nook and Kindle, and I just read about a 28-year-old Korean who had a heart attack playing Star Craft for more than fifty hours at an Internet cafe. While these innovations may be inhibiting
or reducing our abilities to function at work luncheons or handwrite a letter (or survive), they have a spurious effect on our emotions, which have not undergone diagnostics to receive recent updates. There is no wireless heart, no tears 2.0. No one has the patent on human emotions; dolphins make some people laugh and others cry. When the time comes to breakup “with someone with whom you have so many happier memories,” things will go wrong regardless of the terms of the termination. A mutual breakup can be just as detrimental as one that ends from infidelity, even uncontested divorces have people fighting over Roy Rogers Wagon Wheel Coffee Tables. Don’t chastise the poor soul for a virtual breakup, maybe she knows she wouldn’t be able to go through with it in person or on the phone—afraid to hurt him or that she would change her mind, or maybe he knows a face to face breakup would lead to discovering the aerodynamic qualities of cell phones, coffee mugs or other household items. Yes communication is a big part of a relationship, and if people are breaking up there probably was a disconnect or a break in communication. Whatever the case, there is no optimal situation for a breakup—except maybe having someone on deck—people will feel rejected, betrayed, used, neglected or abused, and everyone else is going to hear about it (and we’ve been hearing about other people’s problems since long before social networks and supermarket tabloids). Some people will Facebook stalk an ex, while others can manage to go “cold turkey.” Some will walk away like Lord Byron in silence and tears; there is no such thing as pot committed, and no one is entitled to know why. No one. So before you cast stones from your ivory tower about heartless, gutless breakups, remember all’s fair in love and war. Because, in most relationships, aren’t they the same?
“Maybe he knows a face to face breakup would lead to discovering the aerodynamic qualities of cell phones, coffee mugs or other household items.”
Justin Walker ECOS Intern
Did your professor just say the funniest thing in class the other day? Do you have an opinion about something you read in The Current? We’d love to hear from you. Send your responses to currentviews@ eckerd.edu.
“That’s what you see after mushrooms.” —A political science professor commenting on an unfocused projector.
“These are yeasties making out.” —A biology professor on pheromones in a yeast culture.
“It’s like Marx on Four Loko.” —A sociology professor on a radical sociologist.
“I can hear a mouse peeing on cotton.” —A creative writing professor on her excellent hearing.
“They’re like little 8-year-old Yodas.” —A biology professor on the effects of Progeria.
Musings” Friday, December 3, 2010
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viewpoints
Why we love the holidays...
Obnoxious home decor-a.k.a your mother refuses to throw out your sec- ond grade paper snowflakes.
By Jaclyn New and Liz Tomaselli Viewpoints Editors
The return of the pumpkin spice latte and other yummy seasonal drinks at Starbucks.
Excessive Christmas lights lead to sporadic neighborhood blackouts.
There are spontaneous red tag sales at all of your favorite stores.
Alcohol reveals awkward family secrets.
Mom’s home-cooking...enough said.
People think it’s acceptable to wear the colors red and green...together.
Your only homework is to sit on the couch and watch Fox Family holiday movie marathons.
Creepy men in white beards can get away with anything. courtesy of puje-fotolia.com Woman opening disappointing presents.
Ugly Christmas sweater parties! You get to see your family members.
You get to see that family member.
Why we hate the holidays...
EDITORIAL
The plight and promise of the Africa Initiative By Max Martinez Web Editor After 11 months and countless events, The Plight and Promise of Africa leaves Eckerd College next week, taking with it a chunk of my respect for the College Programming Series. The initiative was meant to educate the community about “the ongoing violence and suffering in many African nations and, on the other hand, of the successful transitions to stability, peace, economic development, and democracy in neighboring countries,” a goal I do believe was accomplished. But why Africa? Yes, the continent has been ravaged by the Western world in many forms — including but not limited to slavery, colonialism and the exploitation of resources — and disease has hindered recent development, but that doesn’t warrant a year-long initiative. What about the ongoing conflict and unrest in the Middle East, which poses a far greater threat to the world? Europe is in the midst of grave financial trouble while the U.S. tries to recover from the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression, and yet we’re lucky to see one event covering either. 10
Friday, December 3, 2010
The blunt truth is, no matter where you look in the world, there are serious problems that demand attention. Africa is no more deserving of our awareness than any other region. Stepping outside the Eckerd bubble for a minute, one finds a far different world than the one in which we go to school. Prescription drug abuse, a nationwide epidemic, has been particularly prevalent here in Pinellas County. “I’ve never seen a drug problem as severe as the one we’re facing now,” Sheriff Jim Coats told the St. Petersburg Times last month. Coats has more than 40 years of experience in law enforcement, and witnessed the rise in cocaine and heroin use in decades past. Unemployment rates, which hovered around 3 percent at the close of 2006, climbed as high as 12.9 percent (in Jan 2010) before dropping to 11.9 percent in September. That’s nearly three points higher than the national average of 9 percent. Perhaps “The Plight and Promise of St. Petersburg” would have been a more fitting series. At least then, after attending a particularly motivational event, one would have the ability to act locally on any newfound inspiration; a similarly motivated trip to Africa is not nearly as financially feasible. One must also recognize that the initiative took up an entire year, a quarter of our time in college (or 20 percent for superseniors). Considering the new registration requirements — 16
events by November of junior year — The Plight and Promise of Africa spanned nearly half of our CPS lives. As a freshman, it didn’t seem too daunting a requirement. Over the next four years, out of hundreds of yet-to-bedetermined events, I had to attend just 16. In my freshman year, I knocked out seven while managing to be exposed to a wide variety of topics, ranging from the 2008 election to the endocannabinoid system. While some diversity remained in the fall 2010 schedule, 13 of the 36 originally scheduled events were part of the Africa Initiative; another four were from the International Cinema Series. That’s fine and dandy for students with a passion for Africa, of whom I know plenty. But for those who aren’t interested, we’re left with an anemic list of events. Instead of concluding my CPS career with something informative, I texted my way through “The Call of the Wild,” wishing there was something else to attend before registration began. So, with my CPS days over, I have little personal interest in what events are offered in the future; that’s something for incoming freshmen to fret about. I just hope no other class has to endure a year of commonly-focused offerings, when so many more relevant, pressing matters sit on the sidelines.
Ask the Intern Queen
viewpoints Contact Lauren Berger directly via Twitter at http://www. twitter.com/internqueen or e-mail her to ask questions for this column at http://internqueen.com/contact
By Lauren Berger The Intern Queen
Q A
Q
: What should I do if I just acccepted an internship and was offered my dream internship right after? Can I do two at once? Ahhh! Thanks. — Brittany, Student at Cal State, Long Beach
: Hi, Brandi, When I was watching 90210 a few weeks ago, Annie had an internship interview and wore something sleeveless with her bra straps sticking out. I felt embarrassed watching the episode – who dresses like that for an interview? When I think of a sleeveless top, I immediately think of bra straps falling out or showing (even if it’s just a little bit), which is completely inappropriate. I say that your shoulders should be covered for the interview. My suggestion for men and women is always to go with a standard business suit. For women, if you want to switch it up and wear a skirt (of decent length) that’s fine. You can absolutely wear a sleeveless top under a suit jacket. In fact, when I moved to Los Angeles, my go-to outfit for job interviews was a white sleeveless top, black suit jacket, black suit pants, black pointy-toed heels, funky silver necklace (to show my personality), and stud earrings. Once you get the job or internship, the dress code might allow sleeveless tops, and that’s fine, but not for the interview.
A
: Hi ,Brittany. Thanks for tweeting. Do not worry. We can fix this issue. First, you have to know that this is very common. Many students apply for more than one internship (and I suggest they do!). And sometimes, you get so excited about that first offer that you say yes right off the bat. OR you don’t think you will land another opportunity so you say yes to the first thing that comes your way. My previous blog entry talks about quitting an internship which I never recommend. However, if you haven’t started the internship yet, that’s another story. Here are your two options: 1. Find out the time commitments from both internships. If they both only want a few hours per week, you might be able to do both. Check your school schedule and make sure you have enough time for eating, sleeping, studying, and being somewhat social – if you have the time – go for it! I doubled and tripled up on my internships because I learned how different office environments and different industries were run. 2. Call up the internship coordinator who offered you the first position. I really suggest a call over an e-mail because it’s that much more personal. Be honest. Tell the coordinator that you were offered another opportunity that you really think is a great fit for you. Explain how wonderful you think the first offer and company are and how sorry you are for any inconvenience. Add how you’d love to stay in touch, and actually stay in touch with them. You never know when another opportunity at that company might come your way or where that internship coordinator could end up.
Q
: Hi! I have a quick question.. Is it inappropriate to contact an internship opportunity asking if commuting is an option? Thanks! Nolan, Fashion Major
A
: Hi, Nolan, Thanks for the quick note. Commuting to and from internships falls under the connecting the dots category for employers. For example, let’s say you are living in Maryland (like our ambassador Tara) and applying for a spring internship in Washington, D.C. The D.C. employer might look at your resume and automatically think, “nope, that’s too far away.” They might think it’s a mistake that you applied or they might have instant hesitations about you getting to work on time. It’s your job to connect the dots for them in the cover letter and clearly state how you plan to commute each day. Let the employer know that this is NOT a problem for you and if you have experience doing this for another opportunity in the past, let them know. Commuting is only a problem if you make it a problem. Don’t let this come between you and any potential employer. Commuting is very popular, especially for students who don’t live in major metropolitan areas. BUT if employers feel like there is any hesitation on your part or feel that this might be an issue, they won’t hire you. Give them no reason to doubt your commitment. Good luck!
: Is it okay to wear sleeveless blouses to interviews? — Brandi, Student in Los Angeles
Q
: Hi, Lauren, I’m coming to the end of my internship at WGN News in Chicago, IL and I’m wondering what I should do for my supervisor? I’ve worked closely with him all summer and he’s really taught me a lot. Is a thank-you card enough? Or should I do something more personal? I want to make sure he remembers me so I can use him as a reference when I apply for jobs. Thanks! – Katie
A
courtesy of Lauren Berger The Intern Queen worked 15 internships before graduating from UCF.
Q
:Hi, Katie, Thanks for your note. I think students across the nation are asking themselves the same question this week. You do not need to buy your internship coordinator/supervisor a gift. If you feel that’s appropriate, that’s fine, but it’s not expected or needed. Make sure you MAIL a HAND-WRITTEN Thank-You Note. If you want to go above and beyond, you could do something creative like baking cookies or find out your supervisor’s favorite candy and bring some in to say thank you on the last day. Let them know that this is a small token of your appreciation. The best thing you can do is STAY IN TOUCH. After you send the Thank-You note, make a “keep in touch” plan on your calendar. Toward the end of each semester, make sure to send over an e-mail to your contact. The goal is to not let them forget who you are. Good luck!
: After finishing an internship, do I send letters to the president (small company) or the person who hired me or both? Thanks, Sarah, student at Purdue
A
: Hi,Sarah, Thanks for your tweet. If you work for a small company and have been introduced to the president at one time or another, I do think you should send him/her a thank-you note along with another note to your direct supervisor and any other executives who have helped you over the summer. Below are a few quick Thank You note tips: — Either purchase your own stationery or go the store and pick up professional looking Thank You notes in the card section. Get something basic that says Thank You on the front and is blank inside. You should be filling in the inside — not the card company. — The inside of the note should thank the employer for the opportunity, reference specific tasks that you enjoyed doing, and mention how you look forward to staying in touch. — Sign a Thank You note with “Best” or “Sincerely” unless you and your employer are on an “xo” basis. You are only on an “xo” basis with your employer if he or she has closed closed a note to you with that in the past. — If you do purchase your own stationery, make sure to keep it simple and classy. When picking it out, think about if you would use the same stationery in 15 years – is it timeless? If the answer is yes, you are probably picking out the right stationery. Friday, December 3, 2010
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viewpoints
PerspECtives Q: What is your favorite or funniest holiday memory?
“I went to one of those events where you sit on Santa’s lap and when I sat down I saw that it was my friend’s dad and he had grown his beard out. When I saw that it was someone I knew, I figured out that Santa wasn’t real. It wasn’t like a shocking moment or anything, but it was just one of those realizations that happens to every kid.” —Kim McCallister, senior (left)
“One Christmas when I was 5 or 6 my dad decided to hook up our dog to the sled and have it run downhill. We rode on top and the sled ended up in a tree.”
“I was at my grandmother’s house in Connecticut. I went downstairs in the wee hours of the morning, and of course I was a kid so I was excited, and I looked over and thought I saw a jolly old man eating the cookies we left out for Santa. When I looked closer, it turned out to be my mom.”
“In Bermuda each year there is an unofficial holiday called the nonmariners race. This is a race where different teams build a raft from all non-marine materials. This event has even been in the Guinness Book of world records. Also, everyone’s wasted, or as we Bermudians say, “full-hott and foolish.” The summer of 2009, I participated in this event. My brother and I started building our non-craft at 7 a.m. while drinking rum and champagne. The event is always politically themed, and in Bermuda we had just recently had a vote of no confidence, where the ruling party can vote out the leader. So, we named our boat “Boat of No Confidence.” We had a big, plastic swan on the front of our craft so our “boat of no confidence” would definitely sink. We had six or seven people on it, and we tried to sink the other boats. We didn’t win anything, but we did sink. I discovered how difficult it is to drunkenly swim. It was a high spirited, fun-loving time, in which my boat is your boat and my drink is your drink.” —Matthew Jones, alum
—Julian Philip, sophomore
—Ben Belgrad, sophomore (right)
“My favorite holiday memory is from a few years ago. My family and I were traveling and all the flights were canceled so we were stuck in Argentina. It was awesome because we were all just crammed in this tiny little hotel room without a Christmas tree or any presents. I think we just gave each other a dollar or something.” —Nick Napoli, sophomore
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By Jaclyn New Viewspoints Editor
arts & entertainment Review
“FORBIDDEN BROADWAY” Good, slightly dirty fun for theater geeks and freaks By Laurel Ormiston News Editor
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promotional photo
Review
“Unstoppable”: predictable, enjoyable By Emma Lord Staff Writer This action thriller starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine delivers the edge-of-your-seat excitement you would expect. When a runaway freight train is headed for the city, where it will surely derail on a dangerous curve, an engineer (Washington) and conductor (Pine) make the decision to chase after it to keep the toxic chemicals on board from causing a horrific explosion. It sounds like this film has every cliché in the book, but the fact that it is based on true events helps make the story convincing. Washington (“American Gangster”) and Pine (“Star Trek”) work well together and present two flawed but likeable heroes. Rosario Dawson (“Rent”) plays Connie, the determined station manager who keeps in radio contact to relay information to the two men who are the last hope for stopping the train. Besides the action, the best part of the movie is the tension between Connie and the corporate heads who would do anything to minimize the financial damage over loss of life. From the beginning of the ordeal, Connie is in the best position to assess the situation and find the best solution, but her superiors continually oppose her. While this is frustrating, she ends up getting the justice she deserves. As expected, there are several close calls that lead up to the big finale but there is still a surprise at the end. The story isn’t cluttered with too much back-story to slow down the action either. All in all, this movie is worth seeing for a good dose of entertainment.
t was Friday night and I was going to see the touring company of a musical. Only one word for that— huzzah! For once, there was no need to channel Adam Lambert and get your “boots on with the right amount of leather,” as per the usual night on the town routine. No, here was the relaxed Friday night I’d dreamed of since I first saw a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie. This, ladies and gentlemen, was a proper night out at the David A. Straz, Jr Center for the Performing Arts. And if that sounds like a cliché prim theatrical experience, how wrong you’d be. Two hours later, I’d cried three times and felt like I’d been run over by a truck. This was “Forbidden Broadway.” And it was so funny, it hurt. “Forbidden Broadway” is a yearly parody of the Broadway season— something not for the faint of heart. Your knowledge of theater trivia is put to the test with each number of the show— and woe to you should your date be less informed. But for those in the know, the show is a delightful romp through decades of theater history, overt jabs at favorite composers and full of so many laughs your sides will ache. If you grew up with films of the 40s and 50s, you can understand how heart-stopping it was to walk into the Jaeb theater and see the usual audience floor space not arranged in rows; but covered with tiny coffee tables, four chairs to a table and each table complete with a candle: while the sound of musical nostalgia played sweetly in the background. Tunes from stage and film musicals past and present ushered me out of 2010 and into an alternate universe. The stage was centered above it all— bare, save for a tinsel curtain that caught every light in the room. Old-fashioned stage lights glowed around the proscenium and along the sign hanging above stage left that said proudly, “Forbidden Broadway.” A piano sat stage left. Against this set the entire show unfolded, a cast of four actors, one pianist and countless prop and costume changes. Each number centers on a show and person that changed Broadway. Examples include Fosse’s choreography in Chicago, Barbara Streisand’s signature vocals or the “Disneyfication” of Broadway. As each number flew past in quick succession, it was apparent that the star of the show wasn’t an actor, or even the dexterous pianist. It was the phantom presence of Gerard Alessandrini, writer and lyricist. The genius of Alessandrini is that he takes an existing showtune melody, then rewrites the lyrics to mock either the show from which it came (such as “Practically Putrid” for Mary Poppins) or a show for which the sentiment of the piece is the same (“Liza One Note,” as modified from “Johnny One Note,” from “Babes in Arms.”) Each phrase lines up with the original in sinful accuracy. Listening to the complex rhymes and skillful puns that
comprised every song was sheer delight. The wicked, twisted joy of mocking something we hold so precious felt like – oh, sneaking a cookie from the cookie jar when you were five, while wearing mom’s best necklace and perfume. Delivering those lyrics to the audience was a meticulous cast that maintained their energy even when the audience missed a joke. Pianist and Musical Director Michael Sebastian never missed a note, had a jolly camaraderie with the actors and just looked like he was having a damn good time. I adored him. Too often the crew and musicians, as well as directors, or productions, are overlooked. Last night I felt the pianist, at least, got his desserts with the standing ovation. The female members of the cast each brought something unique. And their biceps were a match for Madonna’s. Lauren Gemilli had an infectious smile and knack for impersonations of ingénues such as Mary Poppins and Ariel. Heather Krueger was her bold and brassy counterpart— memorable moments include bringing the diva of Ethel Merman to life, as well as a hysterical gender-bending scene as one of the Jersey Boys. The men were comedians to the core. Derek Baxter opened the show, and only impressed us more with each number in which he appeared. Imitating such greats as Tevye from “Fiddler on the Roof,” Harvey Fierstein in “Hairspray,” and Colm Wilkinson in “Les Miserables,” he brought the house down every time. (Well, as much as the house can be brought down with the standard Bay area theater goers). Cast-mate Justin Michael Lore excelled at physical comedy and exaggerated facial pulls that delighted everyone. Plus, he was just plain cute. The four actors impersonated more than twenty people and lambasted at least a dozen shows. With the overwhelming number of wig changes, costume changes and personality switches the lack of a set— save for the curtain, the sign and the piano— went unnoticed. If anything, a set would have slowed the whole show down. Without anything to impede their movement, using only a “blank stage or canvas,” as Stephen Sondheim might say, the cast barreled from one number to the next in such a succession as to leave us breathless with laughter. This morning, as I looked at my playbill, I noticed it listed two more cast members and a few more musical numbers than I saw. I wonder— if I return, will I see a different show? I may have to go back and find out. Because overall, it was good, slightly dirty fun of the kind I never dreamed would be available to me living in 2010, not living in New York City. Thank goodness for touring companies! Info for the show, including ticket prices, can be found at the Straz center’s website: http://www.tbpac.org/Events/Cabaret/Forbidden_ Broadway__Greatest_Hits__Vol__1.aspx Friday, December 3, 2010
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arts & entertainment
Horoscopes By Jeralyn Darling Horoscope Muse
Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 You may want to celebrate the end of a very long semester and you have good reason. Just make sure you wait till the semester is actually over – then you’ll have something to celebrate.
Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 If you haven’t been doing as well as you could this semester, make up for it during finals. Start studying early so you don’t have to cram at the last second.
Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 You’re forgetting something very important. Remember to keep track of things in your planner.
Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 You don’t know what to do right now. You need to buckle down and decide something. You’re wasting time between decisions.
Gemini May 21 – Jun 20 Don’t worry about minor setbacks. Focus on the achievements you’ve made, especially over the past year. Those setbacks will lead to ultimate success.
Cancer Jun 21 – Jul 22 You will do exceedingly well on that one exam that you’ve studied way too hard for — but still think you’re gonna fail.
Leo Jul 23 – Aug 22 If you normally study in groups, go to the library and study alone. If you normally study alone, gather a group of classmates. You need a change.
Virgo Aug 23 – Sept 22
You can’t wait to see your best friend or significant other when you get home. Count down the days! It’ll be here before you know it.
Aries Mar 21 – Apr 19 You haven’t had quite enough fun this semester. Forget your studies just for one night and hit the town. Don’t think about finals or papers. You need one night to clear your head.
Taurus Apr 20 – May 20 You may have done something that you regret now. Make up for that one small past regret with a good decision in the present.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Libra Sept 23 – Oct 22 Try some romance over winter. It’s been a rough semester and you deserve a walk on the beach, maybe even a candlelight dinner.
Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 Breathe. You’ve done everything you can; now all you have to do is accept what comes your way. Three deep breaths and you’ll be on your way to an A.
Multicultural dance team busts a move By Jeralyn Darling Entertainment Editor The Multicultural Dance Club (MDC) has been clapping, slapping, stepping and stomping its way onto Eckerd’s basketball court since March 2007. But this is more than just a step team. Members say they’re not focused on competitions or performances; they are more focused on the love of the dance and the culture behind it. MDC is a small club for dancers of any level or background. They do not require tryouts and welcome members throughout the year. “We have about 20 members, but we always are fluctuating,” said MDC Co-President Joanie Bernardi. “Sometimes people leave for sports and others come on for certain dances they really want to learn.” “Multicultural Dance Club allows people to become familiar with the movements of the world whereas a strictly hip-hop class only exposes its participants to one style,” said sophomore Tianda King. The Multicultural Dance Club has never entered a competition. The team only performs to entertain. Some members say their main goal is to dance — to learn distinct styles and have fun doing it. “We decided as a club to have
a multicultural focus to expose, educate and entertain Eckerd students,” said Daria Hall, copresident. “Not everyone was able to study dance or dance for fun when they were younger thus our club gives people the opportunity to broaden their horizons and do something different. The beauty of doing multicultural dances and being a part of this club is that we allow for people to experience new cultures and movements and hopefully, they find their niche.” Audience members had a few things to say as well. “I think they should be a bigger club,” says Junior Linsey Niles. “If they had more performances they would gain more recognition on campus.” “Their dancing gets you really pumped. I like their beat,” said Freshman Matthias Fuell. The club was formed to incorporate diverse dance styles from Indian to African, hip-hop to salsa. “We try to showcase styles of dance that typically aren’t seen on campus and that we are interested in,” said Hall. “We’ve done dancehall, hip-hop, Step and Indian since I have been here.” MDC plans to incorporate Latin, African and Indian dance into their performance for this year’s Festival of Cultures. “I love to learn new and different dances, and through learning a dance you learn about the culture as well,” said Bernardi.
Bieber wins big at AMAs By Jeralyn Darling Entertainment Editor
• Rap/Hip-Hop Album: Eminem for “Recovery”
The American Music Awards were held Sunday, Nov. 21 on ABC. Justin Bieber won 4 awards, making him the youngest artist to ever win an AMA. The full list of AMA winners:
• Rap/Hip-Hop Male Artist: Eminem
• Artist of the Year: Justin Bieber
• Country Album: Carrie Underwood for “Play On”
• Breakthrough Artist: Justin Bieber • Soul/R&B Album: Usher for “Raymond v. Raymond” • Soul/R&B Female Artist: Rihanna • Soul/R&B Male Artist: Usher • Pop/Rock Album: Justin Bieber for “My World 2.0” • Pop/Rock Band, Duo or Group: The Black Eyed Peas • Pop/Rock Female Artist: Lady Gaga • Pop/Rock Male Artist: Justin Bieber
• Country Band, Duo or Group: Lady Antebellum
• Country Female Artist: Taylor Swift • Country Male Artist: Brad Paisley • Soundtrack: “Glee: The Music, Volume 3 — Showstoppers” • Alternative Rock Artist: Muse • Contemporary Inspirational Artist: MercyMe • Latin Music Artist: Shakira • Adult Contemporary Artist: Michael Buble
arts & entertainment Review
Bonnie & Clyde live on — in a heart-pounding musical that leaves you wanting more By Laurel Ormiston News Editor The Asolo Repertory Theatre has a warning sign for “Bonnie & Clyde” posted at every entrance to the theater auditorium: “Contains loud gunfire, strobe lighting, cigarette smoke, artificial haze and brief nudity.” They should include a warning that the show is phenomenal and will leave you shaking with adrenaline by the final curtain call. “Bonnie & Clyde: a new musical” is the brainchild of playwright Ivan Menchell and composer Frank Wildhorn. The musical follows the romance of the infamous criminal duo Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, from their different as night and day childhoods to their passionate four years of love and crime in the American South. The Asolo production directed by Jeff Calhoun has assembled a cast and creative ensemble of such merit that the production is now in discussion to head to Broadway in 2011. Trust me, and see it now. See it tomorrow. Because you might want to see it more than once. “It’s exciting as a performer to be a part of an original piece,” said cast member Leslie Becker at an actor talk back after the matinee on Nov. 28. Adapted beautifully from its historical roots, the show boasts a clever score of blues, rockabilly and gospel music that disguises itself as lyrical pop. By the time you figure out they’re singing in a country drawl, you find yourself thinking in one. Indeed, for a show set in such a distinctive region and time period— the 1930s American Southwest— you feel as if the story could happen anywhere, anytime. Tomorrow, in St. Petersburg. Such is the timeless quality of the romance inherent to the tale. Portraying that romance are Jeremy Jordan and Laura
Osnes. Jordan sizzles as Clyde— yes, sizzles— effortlessly ripping his way through songs and serving up his character with a lovable, but fearsome, energy. Charisma may just be an understatement. It certainly helped explain how Bonnie, portrayed by Osnes, falls under his spell. Co-star Osnes enchants as Bonnie, with crystal clear, soaring vocals that entranced the audience each and every time. Her interpretation of Parker shows equal parts femininity and devil— explaining how a girl who writes poetry morphs into a gun-wielding front-page diva. Said Osnes, when asked by an audience member during the talk back, “It’s fun to get to bring Bonnie to life in this way, but in my honest opinion, I do see them as criminals and murders. But, we have to make them loveable.” Added Jordan, “It’s nice to explore the good sides of them, and also the bad.” Jordan and Osnes are complemented with a large ensemble cast who support in roles as family members, officers of the law and the hardworking, yet destitute, Americans living in the Dust Bowl era. And while the entire ensemble cast is as strong as the leads, one cast member was particularly memorable— Melissa Van Der Schyff as Blanche Barrow. Funny from the first line she delivers, her story nearly supercedes Bonnie & Clyde’s in the actress’s heartbreaking portrayal of a woman who doesn’t want a glamorous lifebut gets one. With a superb knack for comedy and powerful voice, Van Der Schyff is unforgettable and— should she and the show go to Broadway— likely in the running for best supporting actress. To complement the skilled cast onstage are a multitude of design elements to praise. The set design is outstanding. Every moment of the show has some portion of the stage rising, sliding or rotating into a new configuration that dazzles in its simplicity. Wood-based, the rear set looked like gigantic, oversize wooden shutters from old Westerns, while the wooden ramps on the main level extended slightly into
the audience and up onto the walls of the theater walls. Easily a dozen locations are exhibited in the first act alone, each one as interesting to observe as the last— whether it’s a diner, a prison or the middle of a forest. No mater what configuration the set shifted into, at all times it gave you the sensation of being in the American West— a feeling aided by the use of a projection screen which flashed historical footage across the rear of the set. At times overused, the projection nevertheless worked exquisitely for ensemble numbers. The final touch to the play is in the brilliant costume design, also the creation of set designer Tobin Ost. Functional, historically accurate and beautiful to boot, I’m betting every woman who goes to the show will want to be Bonnie Parker; every man, pestered by his girlfriend to go buy a new wardrobe based off the effortless chic of Clyde. And did I mention the life-size representation of a Ford Model V8 that purrs in and out throughout the show? Yeah, that’s there, too. By the end of two and a half hours, you feel you’ve been shot out of a canon. Gunfire has accosted you from every angle of the stage, characters shot and mourned and above it all the compelling romance of a young couple set against the backdrop of the Great Depression. The perfect way to spend a day, if you love drama. Clever, fresh and downright gorgeous, “Bonnie & Clyde” is a must see. See it now through Dec. 19, or you’ll miss the preBroadway run of an incredible production. Student tickets are available for $10 at the box office day of show. Advance tickets are available online or at the box office. Visit http://www.asolorep.org for more details on ticket prices and seating options. In addition, a chance to participate in a discussion with the actors occurs after each Tuesday performance, Sunday matinees and selected Saturdays. See the website for more details.
Student theater production highlights Shel Silverstein’s adult humor By Sarah Crismore Contributing Writer For the first time in more than a year, a student production will be held Dec. 2-5 in the Black Box Studio Theater, located behind Bininger Theatre. Lane will direct “An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein” – five short scenes of gleeful yet naughty humor. In an interview with Lane, he described the play by explaining who Shel Silverstein was .“Everybody knows of him and has probably read “The Giving Tree” and some poems from “Where the Sidewalk Ends” or “A Light In The Attic.” They just don’t associate Silverstein with them. And he actually did this adult humor that no one really knows about. That’s really funny.” According to Silverstein’s official website, his career started by drawing risqué adult cartoons for Playboy. “An Adult Evening of
Shel Silverstein” is a collection of amusing short sketches highlighting Silverstein’s devious, black humor. Lane will not be staging the entire play, but only five of the ten vignettes, choosing to cut the less humorous ones. He selected the play because of the simplicity within the plots, the quirkiness of the characters and for Silverstein’s shtick for the absurdity of things in normal everyday situations. “It’s a really funny play,” Lane said. “ I knew it wouldn’t be hard to make the show good.” The stories range from Merrilee and Sherrilee the rhyming, miming, conniving prostitutes, advertising a steal of a deal, to Lissa’s unforgettable birthday where she gets the surprise that every little girl dreams of – a pony. But the surprise doesn’t stop there. So far, Lane has most enjoyed directing the vignette “One Tennis Shoe.” “The humor in that one is still funny – even now,” he said.
“One Tennis Shoe” is set in a restaurant where Harvey has decided to begin an intervention of his wife, Silvia’s, disturbing new habit. Lane said, “Our blocking is something I hadn’t seen done before. It really strengthens it and makes it funnier.” For Lane the most enjoyable part of producing the play has been working with the cast. Cast members have all ranges of experience from theater majors to students who have never acted before. “I felt casting would be really crucial,” he said. “And I’m very satisfied with everyone. They’ve lived up to what I’ve hoped for.” Take a break from studying for finals, and come down to the Black Box Studio Theatre, located behind Bininger Theatre, for a night of witty, “adults only” humor. Performances start at 8 p.m. Dec. 2-4 and 2 p.m. Dec. 5. Admittance is free, but seating is limited.
promotional artwork Friday, December 3, 2010
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arts & entertainment
Review
Harry Potter: we’ve all taken this journey together
Sex on the beach By Ally Jinn Sex Columnist Dear Ally, My roommate and I get along great, but lately he and his girlfriend have been spending a lot of time in our room. I’m perfectly content when we’re all hanging out, but sometimes they need to be alone. Being “sexiled” constantly has really messed with my studying, eating and sleeping. I don’t want to ruin the “bromance” my roommate and I have, but it’s my room, too. How can I ask him to cut down on the alone time hours without sounding like a jerk? Sincerely, Sexiled Sir Dear Sir, The fact that you and your roommate are so close will make this much easier. I’ll include several possibilities that may help all of your sexiled comrades (trust me, you’re not alone). You need to have a one-on-one conversation with your roommate. That doesn’t mean the two of you are talking while his girlfriend is watching TV in the background. No. You need some alone time, just the two of you. This will hopefully allow you a little more freedom with what you say because you won’t be worrying about embarrassing the girlfriend. Once you and your roommate are alone, don’t dawdle. Get straight to the point or you’ll back out. Let him know that you’re happy for him and all that jazz. It’s always easier to talk to someone if he or she is in a good mood first. Then, tell him exactly how you feel. Here are a couple of suggestions. They could spend half their time in your room and half in her room. You could text him or come up with a secret knock – something that lets him know that you really need the room, whatever the reason. If you can’t get up the guts to talk to him, ask a mutual friend for help. Perhaps something like, “Does it bother (your name) that you and (girlfriend’s name) are always in here?” It may take just that. Perhaps he just never thought of it. If he says something along the lines of “No, he’s totally cool with it,” your friend may reply, “Oh, that would annoy the crap out of me.” Then you may have a problem, and you actually need to talk to him, like I suggested earlier. I recommend skipping the baby steps, but if you’re afraid of talking it out, that’s understandable. If your roommate won’t listen, try talking to his girlfriend. People are a lot more understanding than we think. If nothing works, however, and the sleeping over arrangements are hindering your studies or sleep, you just may have to bring in your RA or write out a roommate contract (I know, lame). Hopefully, though, your bromance will pull through, and he’ll show more consideration. A word of caution: do not let the sexiling get out of hand. Bring up your concerns as soon as possible. I know one or two people who have spent multiple nights on couches, in tents in the lounge and in friends’ rooms. Don’t let it get this far. There is absolutely no reason for you not to feel welcome in your own room. Regards, Ally Jinn 16
Friday, December 3, 2010
By David Font Staff Writer What began almost ten years ago will now finally come to a close. Part 1 of the last installment of the Harry Potter saga is in theaters with its seventh title: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” Harry Potter fans rejoice! Clocking in at nearly two and a half hours, “Deathly Hallows” is the closest film adaptation to the books since the first and second movies. In the film, our story unfolds with Harry, Ron and Hermione in a race against time. To defeat the Dark Lord, they must find all the horcruxes scattered to the winds by Voldemort and destroy them. From the opening scenes, it is clear that “Deathly Hallows” is a different film altogether from the rest of the saga. It is also refreshing to know that “Deathly Hollows” is the closest adaptation from book to screen since “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” To date, the main ingredient in the Harry Potter films has always been the characters. In the seventh and final chapter, every actor brings his or her all to the table. It is truly amazing how much the three leads have grown since their debut back in 2001; they almost don’t even seem like the same actors. Over the last ten years, we’ve all taken this journey together; the audience, the actors, the filmmakers. We’ve all grown up and matured together. Based upon these elements alone, Part 1 of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows” is probably the strongest, as well as the most beautifully realized of them all. Of course we won’t know for sure until July when Part 2 is released, but with Part 1 so closely based on the book, I can only assume Part 2 will be fantastic. For all its pros, “Deathly Hollows” is not without its faults. There are too many references that pop up throughout the movie that if you haven’t read the books you either won’t be able to catch or the emotional meaning will be lost on you. In fact, one of the largest emotional
moments in the film hinges on the assumption that you’ve read the fourth book. No spoilers here. I’m glad that I can finally say it now: the Harry Potter films are no longer for kids. “Deathly Hollows” is by far the darkest in the series and it deserves every merit of its PG-13 rating. At the same time, dark “Deathly Hallows” is magnificently beautiful. In one scene, during the telling of the tale, it is animated through elaborate shadow puppet-esque graphics, and it is stunning. When it comes to the score, “Deathly Hallows” is a bit of a loner compared to the rest of the films. It was rumored for a while that John Williams would return to score the last installment or even Nicholas Hooper. I think I’m safe in saying that no one expected Alexander Desplat to conduct the score. Don’t get me wrong, the score is epic. But it holds almost no resemblance to the others. If I hadn’t listened to the score before seeing the movie, I may not have even noticed it. It’s great, but it’s different. It’s not as good as “Goblet of Fire” or “Half Blood Prince.” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is just one of those films that is nearly impossible to review, mainly because it’s incomplete. If Part 2 is done as well, then I believe that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” will be the best entry in the series since the first. Next to “Lord of the Rings,” the Harry Potter franchise is one of the best ever put to film. The finale will come to all of us with sadness, but hopefully Part 2 will bring all our expectations over the last decade to a close. For now though, I’ll have to agree with Rotten Tomatoes. “Deathly Hallows can’t help but feel like the prelude it is, but it is a beautifully filmed and emotionally satisfying penultimate installment for the Harry Potter series.” I loved it and can’t wait to see the finish in July. promotional photo
arts & entertainment
Events
Dec. 3 — 16
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Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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Thursday
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First Friday 8 p.m. The Beauvilles & Tres Bien — Free Jannus Landing 8 p.m. Perpetual Groove State Theater
10 Last Day of Classes! 6 p.m. All Star Weekend Capitol Theater
9 a.m. — 2 p.m. Saturday Morning Market 290 First St SE St. Petersburg
3 p.m. Messiah Sing-ALong Wireman Chapel (CPS)
10 a.m. St. Pete Power & Sailboat Show Albert Whitted Park
97X Next Big Thing 1-800 Ask Gary Amphitheater
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9 a.m. — 2 p.m. Saturday Morning Market 7 p.m. Red Jumpsuit Apparatus State Theater
5 p.m. Gift of Christmas First United Methodist Church (CPS)
6 p.m. Jamie Perlow and Peter Van — Free Hard Rock Hotel
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6 p.m. Darkest Hour State Theater 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs. Florida Memorial
1-3 p.m. Festival of Hope Hough Quad/ Slater’s Woods (CPS) 7 p.m. Attack Attack! Jannus Landing
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14 Arabian Nights Hafla Belly Dance Show St. Petersburg Nights
8 p.m. Louis C.K. Comedian Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
16 7:30 p.m. Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Atlanta Thrashers
93.3 Jingle Ball St. Pete Times Forum
To advertise your event with “The Current,” contact Current Entertainment at currententertainment@eckerd.edu
Review
“Glee” Christmas album sure to rock fans and non-fans alike By Liz Tomaselli Viewpoints Editor If you’ve ever had your grandmother’s special holiday eggnog, then you’ll understand “Glee’s” new Christmas album. Grandma’s eggnog is a holiday tradition, no, it’s a spectacular tradition. It’s a given for holiday gatherings, expected like the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall or the Snoopy float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; your holiday would be unrecognizable without it. And even though you sometimes think it’s a bit too sweet for your liking, or there’s a bit too much rum for you to comfortably watch your little cousins consume it, you wouldn’t dare criticize it. It would be as if you were Scrooge himself. Such would be the fate for harsh critics of
“Glee’s” holiday album. perfect opening song. It’s upbeat, gospelThe song list is a mix of holiday classics esque sound and exceptional vocals really and childhood anthems, ranging from demonstrate their talent as a choral group, “Baby it’s Cold Outside” to “You’re a Mean while songs like “O Christmas Tree” showcase One, Mr. Grinch.” the men of the group. The album has the “You’re A Mean One, Mr. perfect combination Grinch” has a bit too much of religious melodies speaking and off-kilter and festive tunes, sound effects for a smooth drawing in a and enjoyable listen; wide audience by however, these effects can brilliantly avoiding easily be overlooked for being pigeonholed the sake of experiencing in the “religious” an otherwise seamless category. Christmas album. Highlights on The standout song the album would on the album, however, definitely include would have to be “Last “Angels We Have Christmas.” With excellent Heard on High,” a solos and opening vocals promotional photo
similar to the opening credits for their weekly television episodes, it’s the perfect introduction for a “Glee” virgin and enough satisfaction for the “Glee” obsessed. “Glee” wouldn’t need a cult following for their Christmas CD to be a hit, but it sure helps. With a wholesome demeanor and irrefutable talent, the members of “Glee” are America’s sweethearts, and they sure know how to bring the holiday spirit (and the album sales). And while I wouldn’t recommend it as a substitute for Harry Connick Jr.’s soothing Christmas croons for a relaxing night by the fire, there’s no denying it’s a must-have for your holiday collection. Even if “Glee’s” peppy and wholesome image might not be your cup of eggnog, it is the most wonderful time of the year, and these “Glee” kids have some of the most wonderful vocals around. Friday, December 3, 2010
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arts & entertainment Review
“COD: Black Ops” impresses beyond expectations
DON’T JUST RENT A CONDO LEASE THE WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE!
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CALL TODAY! Sales Center and Models Open Daily. watersideatcoquinakey.com DIRECTIONS: From I- 275 South To South Village: Exit 17, Take a left on 54th Ave S. Follow to 4th St and turn left. Follow to 45th Ave S. and turn Right. Drive straight to Beach Dr. & turn Right. Follow to Waterside Gated Entrance. Prospect-Marathon Coquina, LLC. Broker participation welcomed. Prices, plans, dimensions and specifications subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Oral representations cannot be relied upon as correctly stating the representations of the developer. For correct presentations, references should be made to the documents required by section 718.503, Florida statutes, to be furnished by a developer to a buyer or lessee. Offers subject to change. See agent for details.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Since its premiere release in 2003, “Call of Duty” has become the gold standard in FPS (first-person shooter) gaming. “COD” has always offered a deep, immersive multiplayer experience and a compelling single player campaign story. The question is: does “Call of Duty: Black Ops” hold true to this standard? Well, it is this critic’s joyous opinion that “Black Ops” impresses beyond all expectations. “Black Ops” not only brings the multiplayer experience that we all know and love but it backs it up with maybe the best single player storyline the series has seen to date. “Call of Duty: Black Ops” is set during the Cold War era of the 1960s. The storyline spans across the globe from Cuba and the U.S. to Vietnam and Russia. The gamer assumes the role of a CIA operative who works behind the scenes and outside the law of many global conflicts and it is the gamer’s duty to prevent all attempts to destroy our beloved United States of America. I know, it may sound cliché, but trust me it works. “Call of Duty” has not been this badass since the first “Modern Warfare.” “Black Ops” is rated “M for Mature,” for blood and gore, intense violence and strong language. Parents be warned, this rating is strictly accurate. There hasn’t been a “Call of Duty” in the franchise yet as violent as this one and the language is nothing short of what you would hear in your average Scorsese movie. While graphic, war hasn’t been this intense since “Saving Private Ryan,” and it hasn’t been this much fun in a long time. “Black Ops” comes with so much in its package, it’ll probably take you two weeks just to get a grasp on everything. “Black Ops” has three modes of play: campaign, multiplayer and zombies. Yes, you read that correctly. “Black Ops” brings back the coveted and award-winning zombies mode from the previous “World at War” title. Be warned, the back of the box says “4-player Co-Op Zombies,” but that does not mean 4-player splitscreen. In “Black Ops,” you can play 4-player split-screen in multiplayer; there is no cooperative play in single player. In zombies mode, you can play with either one other player via split-screen or online with up to three players. If that sounds disappointing, it should. While misleading, rest assured all present and current modes of play are satisfying beyond belief. As far as graphics and presentation go, “Black Ops” is the best looking yet. As you make your way through the campaign, you may just stop and appreciate how much detail is presented in this game. It is astounding how fast the game goes from desolate Russian prison camps to lush Vietnamese jungles. Also for the first time in the “COD” franchise, you’re given the ability to swim during segments of the game. Mind you, these periods of play are short, but they are excellent. Judge if you will; you will definitely smile when you sneak up on your enemy from the depths of a murky jungle river and cut his throat. Like I said, it’s violent. “Call of Duty: Black Ops” is breathless and its multiplayer is incredibly deep. In short: “Halo” be damned, “Call of Duty” is the best FPS franchise in the market to date, and it is here to stay. promotional photo
sports Leading by example on and off the court By Patrick Fallon Contributing Writer Woody Taylor – member of the Eckerd basketball team and Resident Advisor for Gamma Wilson – seeks to be a paragon for others to emulate. Growing up in Laky Mary, Fla., Woody grew up as the third child of parents who, he says, provided everything he needed. Woody’s father taught him to finish what he started. “I was not allowed to quit,” he said, “ever in life.” His father told his son he had a gift at basketball, fueling his son’s passion for the game that has become a medium for affecting others. But it wasn’t until the coach of his high school team, Kim Gadro, told Woody he would never play basketball in college that Woody really began to devote himself to the game. “From that day forward, I decided that was going to be my goal,” he said. “Just to prove her wrong.” Now he plays for the Tritons, coaches a travel team, and counsels for summer ball camps. Woody has always known the challenges of devoting his life to basketball. “Use it, don’t let it use you,” he says. He does just that: using the game to set a bar, an example for himself and others. To Woody, the game is “a blessing from God,” because sometimes failure is just not an option. He says he has to do everything in his power to show people it can be done. Through basketball, he hopes to unleash his natural affinity for leadership, and inspire others. Wayne Sears, Woody’s friend of three years and basketball courtesy of Res Life teammate, speaks of Woody’s Woody Taylor, Resident influence on the court. “He has Advisor shown me that it is great to help people. He showed me that opening up to your surroundings may be the easiest way to accept change.” People are hungry for guidance, and they apparently listen to Woody because he lives in the spotlight associated with college athletics, yet tries
to help others. Tom Ryan, head coach of the men’s basketball team, said that what sets Woody apart is “his outgoing personality, drive to be successful in school and sports, and enthusiasm.” But Woody offers more than a predictably flawless jump shot. “Woody has shown me,” said Ryan, “that everyone needs a hand-up, encouragement, support, no photo by Lincoln Andres-Beck matter how much Woody Taylor in a Nov. 1 exhibition at USF it looks like they have their act together. One of his residents, Freshman Peter Tatum, said, “Having Woody as an RA has been completely beneficial.” According to Tatum, Woody has always been ready to help out and “was always really friendly from the beginning.” Tatum said Woody treats him with mutual respect. “Coming to Eckerd was a great decision,” Woody said for an Eckerd online interview. ”Becoming a Resident Advisor and helping others learn, grow and connect was an even better one.” Woody said in the online interview that he has a love for his RA position, for obvious reasons – like having your own room, but still being a part of dorm life, for getting paid, and for more humanitarian reasons: he gets to connect with fellow students. Woody’s passion for basketball and people shows no signs of decline. He is majoring in business and looks to work for the University of Louisville’s basketball program after graduation in 2011.
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Current Sports
Tuesday, Dec. 7 v. Florida Memorial 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 8 @ Northwood 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11 @ Lynn 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11 @ Lynn 5 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 19 v. Talladega 4 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 17 v. Francis Marion 3 p.m.
BCS Rankings for Week 14 1 Auburn 2 Oregon 3 TCU 4 Stanford 5 Wisconsin 6 Ohio State 7 Arkansas 8 Michigan State 9 Oklahoma 10 LSU 11 Boise State 12 Missouri 13 Nebraska 14 Oklahoma State 15 Virginia Tech 16 Alabama 17 Nevada 18 Texas A&M 19 South Carolina 20 Utah 21 Florida State 22 Mississippi State 23 Arizona 24 West Virginia 25 Northern Illinois
(12-0) (12-0) (12-0) (11-1) (11-1) (11-1) (10-2) (11-1) (10-2) (10-2) (10-1) (10-2) (10-2) (10-2) (10-2) (9-3) (11-1) (9-3) (9-3) (10-2) (9-3) (8-4) (7-4) (8-3) (10-2)
Friday, December 3, 2010
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sports
Andrew Fenstermaker (right) looks to pass to center Nick Agress (left) during the Tritons’ 88-53 win over UPR-Bayamon.
photo by Cassie Ochoa
Tritons near-perfect in Thanksgiving Classic Day One: Friday, Nov. 26 By Lincoln Andres-Beck Asst. Sports Editor Last weekend the McArthur Center played host to the annual Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic basketball tournament. The tournament featured 2 teams from the SSC conference on both the men’s and women’s draw. Both sides of the tournament feature four teams. The women’s draw contained Eckerd College, University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon, Florida Southern University and #13 ranked Clayton State. The men’s draw features Eckerd College, University of Puerto RicoBayamon, University of Tampa and Queens University. The opening game of the day was #13 Clayton State vs. Florida Southern which resulted in a high scoring affair with Clayton State pulling ahead in the second half for the 82-73. Clayton State rallied behind the 17 point 7 assist 5 rebound effort from Junior guard Tanisha Woodard and 16 points from Senior forward Renee Jackson. Leading all scorers from Florida Southern was Junior guard Megan Dzikas with 19 in the fiercely fought contest. 20
Friday, December 3, 2010
The second contest of the evening featured the Eckerd College Lady Tritons against the Cowgirls of UPR-Bayamon who were searching for their first win. The first half saw Eckerd jump out to an early 9 point lead before a hot streak from Junior guard Keisha Bachour who would lead all scorers with 21. The half would go back and forth with 8 lead changes until Eckerd ended on top by a score of 29-27 at halftime. In the second half Eckerd came out with a renewed passion and went on an 8-0 run to start the half and jumped ahead behind a 3/3 streak of shooting from 3 point range by Junior guard Kati Rausberg who went 5/7 from downtown and ended with 17 point. From that point on Eckerd took control and there was no looking back as they won by a score of 6448 after a last second midcourt shot by UPR-Bayamon Junior point guard Katia Acavedo was good. On the men’s side of the tournament, things got underway with the matchup between University of Tampa and Queens University located in Charlotte, NC. It was a hotly contested matchup, physical and fast paced, but Tampa went into halftime with a solid 8 point lead. Tight defense by the Royals in the second half and the offense of Senior guard Reggie Hopkins with 17 points and Sophomore forward Antonio
Stabler’s 12 points closed the gap. The game was tied up going into the final 5 minutes before Tampa got ahead by 2 until a controversial Intentional Foul call which gave Tampa a 4 point lead that would hold on as the Spartans took a 63-59 victory because of their offensive trio of Senior guard Rashad Callaway with 20 points and 7 assists, Sophomore forward Callum Townsend with 15 points, and Senior Glyn Hunter with 10 points and 8 assists. Finally in the nightcap, the 4-1 Eckerd College men’s team faced off against the UPR-Bayamon Cowboys in what would become a very lopsided contest with Eckerd starting the game on a 10-0 run and was cruising with a 30 point lead at halftime. The second half was much closer as the Cowboys rallied behind the play of Junior guard Javier Ayuso with 15 points and Junior guard Melvin Rivera with 18 points. In the second half there was only a 5 point differential in favor of the Tritons in the second half as they won by a score of 8853. Leading the way for Eckerd were Senior forward Lance Kearse with 12 points, Junior guard Wayne Sears with 12 points, and Sophomore forward Darrien Mack with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
sports
Tritons continue weekend dominance Day Two: Saturday, Nov. 27 By Lincoln Andres-Beck Asst. Sports Editor The Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic basketball tournament concluded with a second round of games. The matchups avoided any conference matchups involving the 2 SSC teams in each draw. The first game of the day was a women’s basketball contest between the Florida Southern Mocs and the Puerto Rico-Bayamon Cowgirls. This was a lopsided matchup on paper and it turned out just as lopsided. Florida Southern would win by a score of 81-56. Leading the way for the Mocs was Senior forward Emma Cannon with 16 points and Junior forward Sofie Lundberg and Freshman guard Taylor Maldonado with 13 points each. UPR-Bayamon was led by Senior forward Katiria Rodriguez with 14 points and Junior guard Keisha Bachour with 12 points. The Mocs rose to 4-1 and the Cowgirls are still searching for their first win with a record of 0-5. The final women’s basketball game of the EC Thanksgiving Classic was between the Eckerd College Tritons at 3-0 and the #13 ranked Clayton State Lakers at 7-0 who are coached by Dennis Cox, a graduate of Eckerd College class of ’81. Clayton State started off in a very physical full court man press which resulted in numerous turnovers during the first half and the Tritons were unable to recover, falling by a score of 58-40 as Clayton State stayed undefeated with an 8-0 record. The key statistic for the game was the 28 turnovers committed by the Tritons and the resulting 31 points off of turnovers for the Lakers. The leaders for the Tritons were Senior guard Ashley Lutz with 11 points and 5 rebounds, and Junior guard Kati Rausberg with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Leading for Clayton State were Senior guard Teshymia Tillman with 13 points and 4 assists, and Sophomore guard Drameka Griggs with 11 points. The Tritons women’s basketball team will return home Dec. 17 to face Francis Marion at 3 p.m.
The final day of men’s basketball at the EC Thanksgiving Classic began with what should have been an easy victory for University of Tampa as they faced the UPR-Bayamon Cowboys. But the Cowboys showed fight early on and at halftime the Tampa Spartans held a mere 4 point lead 38-34. UPRBayamon rallied behind Senior guard Melvin Rivera who led all scorers with 32 points, but eventually the high powered Spartans were too much for the Cowboys and they pulled ahead to win 88-68 and moved to 60 overall. Leading the way for Tampa with a doubledouble was Sophomore forward Callum Townsend with 24 points and 10 rebounds, he was followed by Junior guard Anthony Griffis with 19 points, and Senior guard Rashad Callaway with 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. In the final game of the EC Thanksgiving Classic, the 5-1 Eckerd men’s team faced off against the 1-4 Queens University Royals. The game held a slow start for the Tritons as they would go cold after taking a 4-0 lead to start the game and start with a 1 of 16 shooting run. The Tritons trailed by as many as 11 points during the first half, but behind the eventual hot hand of John Harper who would hit 3 3-point shots in a row Eckerd cut the lead to 3 as they trailed 33-30 at the half. In the second half it was the standout play of Sophomore forward Darrien Mack at power forward, winning offensive rebounds and driving to the paint against the tough zone defense of Queens University, that would push Eckerd into the lead in the final 4 minutes. The Royals cut the lead to four with under two minutes to play before the Tritons converted from the line to clinch the win. Mack led the Tritons with 18 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, Senior guard John Harper contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds to the win giving Eckerd a 6-1 record. Leading the way for the Royals was Sophomore forward Antonio Stabler who had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds before he fouled out, and Senior guard Reggie Hopkins with 18 points. It was a very stop and go game with 55 combined fouls between the teams and 30 combined turnovers. The Tritons will resume play on Dec. 7 when they face Florida Memorial at the McArthur Center at 7:30 p.m.
photos by Cassie Ochoa Top: John Harper flies through the air attempting a left-handed layup against UPRBayamon. Above: Kati Rausberg shoots a 3-pointer against UPR-Bayamon on Friday. Left: Walae Wade shoots a free throw during Saturday’s 82-75 win against Queens University. Friday, December 3, 2010
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sports
Buccaneers in thick of playoff hunt By Will Creager Sports Editor Even after a tough road loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 27, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in the middle of a tight NFC playoff race. The Ravens (8-3) offense came alive in the second quarter, scoring all 17 of their points. Those 17 points would prove more than enough, as the Ravens great defense held the Buccaneers to 264 total yards of offense. With 3:11 left in the fourth quarter, Freeman completed a 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end Kellen Winslow, cutting the deficit to 17-10. However, the Ravens got the ball back and were able to run out the clock, and the Bucs fell to 7-4. With their loss and both the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints winning this past week, the Buccaneers fell into third place in the NFC South division, two games behind the 9-2 Falcons and a game back of the 8-3 Saints. However, the Bucs are tied with the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants for the NFC’s second wildcard spot with just five weeks remaining in the season.
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Friday, December 3, 2010
Coming into the 2010 season, expectations were low for the Bucs, who were supposed to be in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Instead, a resurgent defense and wise-beyondhis-years quarterback Josh Freeman have kept the Bucs in the race for the postseason. Freeman, in just his second year in the NFL, has completed nearly 60 percent of his passes for over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, corner Aqib Talib leads the team with six interceptions, tied for second in the league. As a unit, the defense has 22 takeaways, a turnover margin of +8. Tampa’s defensive dominance is reminiscent of the infamous ‘02 Bucs. That year, the defense carried the Buccaneers all the way to a Super Bowl title, the franchise’s first. The team’s success, expected in years past, surprised many this year. Coach Rasheem Morris, who was a defensive backs coach a mere two years ago, is having the best season of his career, and at the best possible time. The Buccaneers’ remaining games include home games against the Falcons, the Detroit Lions (2-9), and the Seattle Sea Hawks (5-6), and road games against the Saints and the Washington Redskins (5-6).
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Athletes have new options in drug tests By Mikhail Turner Contributing Writer
Eckerd’s athletes can now opt for either urine drug testing or the saliva method. The athletic department added the saliva test for a variety of reason, mainly cost and administration. Erin Hughes, a new Eckerd athletic trainer who previously worked at Florida Institute of Technology, another Sunshine State Conference team, said, “The oral swab version is cheaper and easier for our staff to administer.” However, at press time this week, Hughes told The Current, “As a department, our policies are constantly under review for improvement, especially in areas like drug testing where there are always newer technologies. As an example, we were presented with a newer urine testing method recently and are considering relying more on urine than oral specimens again.” Urine testing requires an athletic trainer of similar sex to be present for observation. Eckerd currently has three athletic trainers, two full-time and one intern – two female and one male. With 11 NCAA sports, six female and five male, the sheer number of athletes on each team can be a scheduling hassle and time commitment. The oral swab allows any athletic trainer, regardless of gender, to administer to any athlete. This method of testing also makes things easier for athletes. Chris Moore, a sophomore on the Men’s Soccer Team, underwent urine sample testing last year and has already been tested using this method. “I prefer this method,” he said, “because it takes less time and doesn’t require someone to watch while I am in the bathroom.” Apart from cost and ease of administration, other factors play a role. An article concerning drug testing found in the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) presents a variety of pros and cons related to each form of testing. Of all the methods – urine, oral swab, hair or sweat patch – it is easiest to tamper with urine samples. Risk of tampering is minimal with oral swab testing. The accuracy of testing and the window of detection are also important. The accuracy of all these tests differ because it’s easier to detect certain drugs in urine samples as opposed to oral swab. This does not, however, mean that oral swab should be discounted as trustworthy.
Window of detection is also a consideration because test results for oral swab are valid for 10 to 24 hours making the results process faster, while urine samples are valid 1 to 5 days. Coach Bill Mathews, head coach of the baseball team, believes drug testing is “a very necessary ingredient of the athletic experience.” Mathews adds, “Whether the testing is for enhancers or street drugs, I feel it is an integral part of our responsibility as coaches to try and lead our athletes toward a positive life experience.” The banned classes of drugs listed on the NCAA.org website include stimulants such as amphetamine, anabolic agents, alcohol and beta blockers (banned for rifle sport only), diuretics and other masking agents, street drugs (like marijuana), peptide hormones and analogues, anti-estrogens and beta-2 agonists. Within each class, the NCAA lists numerous substances and exceptions. Phenylephrine, a stimulant, is present in many nasal sprays and cold medicines. While this stimulant is always an exception, there are instances where other banned drugs may be allowed with proper documentation of medical history. As is required by the NCAA, Eckerd’s implementation of the student athlete drug policy requires athletes to attend meetings and provide samples. Tests can be administered by team, unannounced or subject to submission. Students are notified no earlier than 24 hours before the scheduled time. Depending on whether a failed drug test is a first or second offense, athletes receive different types of discipline, such as drug counseling and possible scholarship revocation. Second time offenders may be expelled from the athletic department for a year, subject to an appeals process. If an athlete fails a drug test and then fails another from Student Affairs, the offenses count as first and second. Students can appeal their first positive test result but not based on the results of the test alone, as they must be able to provide proof of a athletic trainer’s failure to adhere to administrative protocol. Mathews said athletes need to make smart choices. “ College life, as in the real world, is full of choices,” he said, “and I feel it’s important for those of us that are leaders in the world of athletics to educate our athletes toward making good choices for their long term well being.” For a complete list of banned substances, visit NCAA.org
sports
Federer outlasts top-ranked Nadal in ATP Finals By Lincoln Andres-Beck Asst. Sports Editor Roger Federer ended a year full of hurdles triumphantly with a win over his rival Rafael Nadal who is ranked #1 in the world. Federer’s reign as the #1 ranked singles player in the world ended this year. However, his season ended successfully as he won the final of the ATP World Tour Finals by a courtesy of wikicommons score of 6-3, 3- Roger Federer, pictured above at Wimbledon in 2009, defeated Nadal in three sets to 6, 6-1. F e d e r e r take the ATP championship. dominated on his serve winning 92 percent of his first serve points and only lost 13 points on his serve all night. Federer achieved this by keeping all of his points short and thus nullifying Nadal’s endurance style game that favors the Spaniard. Federer began the year as the #1 player in the world and had held that position for 285 weeks, a single week short of the record set by American Pete Sampras, until he lost in the quarterfinals at the French Open to the Swede Robin Soderling. But even Federer’s impressive career wasn’t enough to stand up to the amazing year Nadal had, including winning the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. Federer swept all of his matches through the group stages of ATP World Tour Finals and beat world #3 Novak Djokavic in straight sets to reach the final. Nadal on the other hand had a rough time in the group stages beating Djokovic, #6 ranked Thomas Berdych, and coming from behind to beat Andy Roddick, then beating world #4 Andy Murray in a 3-hour, 3 set marathon 7-6 (7-5), 3-6, 7-6 (8-6). After ending his streak of semifinals at Grand Slam tournaments and faltering at the final 2 Grand Slams of the year, Federer played some of his best tennis of the year during the weeklong event.
Friday, December 3, 2010
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The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College
photo by Cassie Ochoa Sophomore center Quincy Okolie (42) goes up for a layup in a game against Queens during the Eckerd College Thanksgiving Classic.
Point Guard Woody Taylor Redshirt sophomore and Resident Advisor a leader on and off the court.
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EC Thanksgiving Classic
Men sweep, women finish 1-1 in holiday tournament.
Pages 20-21
Federer wins ATP Finals Second-ranked Federer beats topranked Nadal in three sets.
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