The Online Current Vol 3 Issue 4

Construction of new Molecular Science building progresses See Construction, page 6

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Vol. 3, Issue 1v—Nov. 4, 2011

What’s inside...

Nuclear energy debate The argument between open and closed nuclear fuel cycles.

Students occupy Tampa, St. Pete Global anti-corporation movement spreads to Tampa Bay area, drawing dozens of Eckerd students to the streets.

For coverage, turn to page 11

Viewpoints: page 12

Fort De Soto camping What you should bring when sleeping on the nearby beach.

Entertainment: page 14

Volleyball coverage Volleyball team bumps, sets and spikes its way to national ranking after upset of topranked U Tampa.

Sports: page 21

Money behind the movement An easy-to-read breakdown of the current financial distribution in the United States.

The Quickie: page 20

photo by Carver Lee Eckerd students stand on the corner of North Straub Park at the Occupy St. Pete protest Oct. 15 (from left: Dana Nalven, Noah Schlager, Hank Broege, Katie Estes-Smargiassi and Forest Jahnke)

The other energy crisis: Annarelli looks back on Energy drinks not as safe as they appear

By Randi Rogers Contributing Writer

Creative Arts Collegium to host event The arts are set to explode on Eckerd’s campus at the Celebration of the Arts Nov. 12.

News: page 2 Please Recycle

The University of New Hampshire recently proposed a ban on the selling of energy drinks on campus but quickly reversed its position after a student backlash.

The ban was intended to serve as an initiative to reduce the amount of students mixing energy drinks with alcohol and was one of the many moves made by school administrators to achieve the university’s goal of becoming the healthiest college in the nation by 2020. However the issue quickly turned to focus on students’ rights and freedom of choice.

As is the case with Four Loko and other home brewed energy drink mixers, what makes a night

INDEX: News 2 - 8

of drinking infused with the effects of caffeine dangerous is that caffeine allows for drinkers to consume higher amounts of alcohol for a longer period of time. FDA studies have confirmed this danger through studies saying “caffeine counteracts some, but not all, of alcohols adverse effects.”

However, something students may not know is that the FDA currently has no regulations for caffeine levels in energy drinks.

FDA soda regulations restrict 65mg of caffeine per 12 oz serving of soda, but of the top 7 selling energy drinks of 2010, all of them were above this level in only 8 oz servings. Top company Red Bull has a slightly smaller amount of caffeine per serving than its competitor Monster with 9.5 mg/fl See Energy Crisis, page 7

Viewpoints 9 - 12

lockdown, forward to future

By Malena Carollo Asst. Entertainment Editor Eckerd College went into lockdown Oct. 21 after Campus Safety received a tip from the St. Petersburg Police Department that Phillip Dietrich Hineman III, a 23-year-old Eckerd sophomore, was heading to campus intoxicated and in possession of a firearm.

Dean of Students James Annarelli was one of three college officials coordinating campus in the middle of the event.

Though he was not on campus during the lockdown, Annarelli was part of a three-way conversation including Lisa Mets, vice president and director for emergency management and special assistant

Entertainment 13 - 18 The Quickie 19 - 20

Sports 21- 24

to President Donald Eastman, and Adam Colby, director of Campus Safety.

“We were literally on the phone almost constantly during that hour, and had been during the time immediately approaching the calling of a lockdown,” Annarelli said.

Colby, who was on the scene, was relaying updates from SPPD officers on the scene, as well as those searching for Hineman off campus.

Eastman was periodically updated during the event.

Now almost two weeks after the incident, the question of Hineman’s future presence on campus remains.

Annarelli said he could not comment on whether Hineman would be allowed back on campus, citing the privacy of student records.

See Lockdown, page 8

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

2 News

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Briefing Global 7 billion strong; the human population Globalpost.com, BBC.co.uk

The world population has breeched 7 billion humans as of Oct. 31, coinciding with the date estimated by the U.N. While impossible to determine exactly who the seven billionth person born is, two newborn girls are both gaining international recognition after being dubbed with the title by separate organizations. Danica May Camacho of Manila, the Philippines, was born at 2 minutes to midnight, while baby girl Nagris, selected by Plan International, was born at 7:25 a.m. in a village of Upper Pradesh, India’s most heavily populated state. The world population didn’t reach 1 billion until 1804, but is expected to breach 10 billion by the end of the century. To figure out where you stand in the 7 billion, the BBC has a “Population Calculator” on their website. For, an individual born on Oct. 4, 1990 was most likely the 5,285,562,182nd person alive on earth, and the 80,339,965,050th person since recorded history began.

National “Snowtober” wreaks havoc on Northeast Weather.com A freak nor’easter storm rolled through the Northeast on Halloween weekend, dumping wet heavy snow from Maryland to Maine on Oct. 29 and 30. As much as 32 inches of snow fell in states such as Massachusetts, causing trees that hadn’t yet lost their leaves to break under the excess weight in states that were earlier devastated by Hurricane Irene. However, the damages to utilities in areas were worse from this storm than from the hurricane. More than 3 million homes and businesses lost power at the height of the storm, 13 deaths were reported and, as of Oct. 31, there was still more than 2 million without electricity. Food and gasoline were in short supply the first few days after the storm, as well as warm places to sleep and shower. This storm marked the fourth time since the Civil War that New York City had seen snow and the third weather State of Emergency for New Jersey in 2011.

Death toll from Turkish quake passes 600

California assemblywoman charged with felony

A 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck 9 miles northeast of the Turkish city of Van Oct. 23, destroying more than 3,700 buildings and trapping hundreds of people in the rubble. The Turkish government and donations from other countries have provided support in the form of thousands of rescue workers and crews, as well as supplies for refugees, within the cities of Van and Erciş, yet reports claim that not nearly enough support has reached the surrounding countryside. As of Oct. 31, the death toll had reached 601 victims, and is expected to climb to 1,000.

Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D) of California was allegedly caught by security officers in a San Francisco Neiman Marcus store while stealing nearly $2,500 in clothing. Hayashi, wife of a Bay Area judge, pleaded not guilty to the allegations in San Francisco Superior Court, claiming it was a mistake because she walked out of the store while on her cellular phone. She is currently free on $15,000 bail, awaiting further proceedings Nov. 15.

BNO News

Chinese space station program launched into action

Sacbee.com

Phoenix’s “Baseline Killer” found guilty on nine counts of murder

Bloomberg.com

Reuters.com

The Shenzhou-8 spacecraft launched early Oct. 31 in northwestern China as the country began the effort of setting up a permanent manned space station.

The unmanned shuttle was designed as a method for the Chinese space program to train and master the technologies of docking in space, as well as learn the necessary techniques to run a space station. Hopes are high for a manned flight by the end of 2012, with the goal of having the permanent station by 2020.

Mark Goudeau, 47, has been found guilty of killing eight women and one man in Phoenix between 2005 and 2006. The verdict came about Oct. 31, after a jury of six women and six men declared him guilty of nine counts of murder, as well as 58 other charges which included sexual assault, child molestation, kidnapping and armed robbery. Named for the the major south Phoenix street where most of his initial crimes were committed, the “Baseline Killer” was already serving 438 years in prison for sexually assaulting two sisters, one of whom was pregnant, in a south Phoenix park. He was arrested in September 2006 after an intensive police investigation.

Muammar Gadhafi killed, tyranny in Libya put to an end Huffingtonpost.com

Col. Muammar Gadhafi, ex-Libyan dictator, was killed on Oct. 20 in his hometown of Sirte. He was reportedly in a convoy attempting to escape his compound in the Mediterranean town when it was hit by a NATO airstrike that was being carried out by French warplanes. He survived the airstrike to be greeted by hundreds of rebels pulling the wounded man out of his car before parading him around town, embarrassed, stripped of clothing and bloody.

After being beaten, bludgeoned, kicked and shot by the rebels, he was pulled to an ambulance in an attempt to keep him alive. He died of two gunshot wounds, one to the head and one in the chest, which caused him to bleed out during the ambulance ride to Misrata, 120 miles from Sirte.

Gadhafi family planning to sue NATO Huffingtonpost.com

The international criminal court is expected to receive a lawsuit from the family of the recently deceased Col. Muammar Gaddafi, ex-dictator of Libya. His family claims the NATO airstrike on his convoy Oct. 20 was a deliberate attempt to assassinate Muammar Gadhafi Courtesy of Wikicommons a person protected by the Geneva Convention. The family’s lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, stated that “[the] convoy did not pose any threat to civilians. It was an operation to eliminate the Libyan leader, planned by the North Atlantic alliance.” This qualifies the incident as a war crime, by Article 8 of the ICC’s Rome Statute. As of press time, there was no posted date as to when the lawsuit is expected be received.

Veterans rally support for Occupy movement Huffingtonpost.com The Occupy Wall Street protests have been gaining support from veterans as two Iraq war veterans have been brought to the attention of the media. Sergeant Shamar Thomas, a Marine from New York, delivered an impromptu speech directed toward NYPD officers at the Occupy Times Square demonstration Oct. 15, stating their crowd-control methods were nothing more than police brutality.

“This is not a war zone!” he yelled. “These are unarmed people.” Private Scott Olsen was critically injured at the Occupy Oakland protest Oct. 25 when he was hit in the head by a tear-gas canister fired by police. The crowd he was in was 1,000 strong, yet Olsen was standing calmly, dressed in his camouflage jacket, his arms at his side when he was hit in the head with the projectile. The blow reportedly damaged the speech center of his brain, yet he is expected to make a full recovery.

Eastern Ohio becomes wild safari park after suicide Waow.com Fifty-six exotic animals were released by their owner in eastern Ohio Oct. 18, shutting down schools and causing a panic. Included in the wild stampede were grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain lions, leopards, baboons, Photo courtesy of Wikicommons lions and tigers. The owner of the animals reportedly pried open cages and opened the fences on his farm before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. None of the deputies in the area were equipped with tranquilizer guns, and, unfortunately, 49 of the 56 animals were killed in an attempt to protect Ohio citizens from attacks by the wild exotic animals.

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

News 3

Cnews INSIDE NEWS

briefing Statewide

Campus EC Creative Arts Collegium celebrates the arts

Lake City Domino’s Pizza burns the competition Apnews.myway.com Two managers of a Domino’s Pizza in Lake City, Fla. have been charged with setting fire to a rival Papa John’s store, causing the building to be completely gutted on Oct. 20. The two men, Sean Everett Davidson, 23, and Bryan David Sullivan, 22, were being held in jail after they were booked on an arson charge. Their bail bond was posted at $20,000. Jacob Wilkes, owner of the incinerated Papa John’s, was in shock, stating that “[he] was dumbfounded over how somebody could go to those lengths over pizza.”

New bracelets causing stir at Orlando area schools Cickorlando.com

Orange county public schools are warning parents of a new fashion trend that is causing concern. Bracelets being sold through a website, called shhmokewear.com, appear as simple macramé and bead bracelets, but when the ends are taken apart it becomes a pipe that can be used to smoke marijuana. School administrators at OCPS have developed a plan for punishing students caught with them, which entails suspension for possessing one and expulsion if it tests positive for being used for drugs.

Promotional photo courtesy of shhmokewear.com

Red light nanny cams come to Tampa Tampabay.com

Beginning Nov. 2, new cameras that have been installed at 14 of the busiest intersections around Tampa will be used to catch drivers that run red lights. The program began with a trial run on Oct. 1, during which the registered owner of any vehicle caught running a red light received a warning issued in the mail by midnight the following Monday. The trial period resulted in 5,267 issued warnings. The citations to be issued after Nov. 2 will be for the amount of $158, and are expected to be sent no more than one week after the recorded offense.

Smoking ban proposed for public housing units in Florida Sun-sentinal.com

A statewide effort to ban smoking in public housing has been proposed in Florida. It is currently illegal to smoke indoors at most restaurants, bars and workplaces in the state, but this new action calls for those living in apartments, condos and other public housing to be unable to smoke cigarettes within their homes. The argument is that it is unfair to expose nonsmokers in the units to second hand smoke from their neighbors, whether it is coming in through the ventilation systems or from windows. Yet opponents believe that it is unfair to tell people what they can or cannot do in their own homes. Albert Lovelace, a resident of the Palms of Deerfield public housing, feels that “if you can’t do anything in your own place, where you pay rent, you might as well not be there.”

courtesy of Celebration of the Arts brochure

The special celebration highlighting the various artists at Eckerd College, including faculty, staff and students, will be held Nov. 12 throughout the day. Six events will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. with a showing of Passion Play (Part One). All events are open to the public with free admission.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gallery Talk with Arthur Skinner ‘72 and Kirk Wang, Elliott Gallery The work of residential Visual Arts faculty and staff will be on display. Painting, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, photography, mixed media and video will be represented.

Promotional photo

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Organ and Chamber Music Recital, Zachary Johnston ‘11 - Organ Eckerd College Chamber Orchestra Members, Wireman Chapel Johnston began teaching himself pipe organ when he was 14. Upon being admitted to Eckerd, he began studying with Dr. Linda Pointer and then Thomas Hall. He currently resides in Tallahassee, Fla., where he studies choral conducting with Dr. Andre J. Thomas as Florida State University.

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Tales from the Upper Amazon, music inspired by my fellowship in Peru, The Brian Ransom ceramic ensemble, Wireman Chapel Ransom utilizes vapor-fired ceramic as its principal resonator. The ensemble features invented winds, horns, flutes, reeds, strings and drums. All of the musical compotition were written by Ransom.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Poetry and Fiction Reading by Sterling Watson ‘69, Scott Ward, Tracy Crow ‘02 and Daniel Vilmure, Roberts Music Center Each of these professors will read from their most current works.

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Come to the Cabaret! The Pearl in the Hogwaller, Becca McCoy ‘00 and James Weaver, Roberts Music Center 104 The 60-minute show features an eclectic array of music. McCoy went from being an actor in Chicago to a stay-at-home mom in Palatka, Fla., overnight, and lived to tell the tale.

8 p.m. Passion Play (Part One) By Sarah Ruhl Directed by Cynthia Totten Eckerd Student Production, Bininger Theatre The play examines the intersection of the human and the sacred of the human and the sacred as the villagers strive to lead the holy lives of the bibical figures they portray.

Students bring creative design to Eckerd’s fashion Ryan Cocca, a student at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill started a clothing line this year called Thrill City, which was created with the intention of developing a new model for street wear brands.

Often the brands pull references and inspiration from all over the world, but at the end of the day, they’re based in one particular physical location, North Carolina. With the help of Eckerd juniors Dallas Cederberg, Turner Humphries and Will Holmes, Thrill City is coming to EC. The design, done by Cederberg, will be on a heather gray crewneck sweatshirt and available for pre-order at a rate of $22 with a refund on shipping on the website, www.thrillife.bigcartel.com. Also, there will be a free giveaway of one the ‘Hoodlife’ crewnecks that will be posted on the Thrill City Facebook page and Twitter (@thrillife).

Promotional photo courtesy of Thrill City

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ECERT adds to safety

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Earth Update

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WECX returns to air

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Blast from the past

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City Council takes steps to keep St. Pete Police officers safe

By Devon Williams Director of PR

Photo courtesy of Wikicommons

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CPS Event inspires trip

The St. Petersburg City Council recently approved $511,500 to assist the St. Petersburg Police Depart with additional safety precautions.The unanimous vote, called a “no brainer”

by Steve Kornell, city councilor, comes after four police officers were shot and killed in the line of duty last year.

Police Chief Charles “Chuck” Harmon made the pitch during the public council meeting for access to the Law Enforcement Trust Fund to ensure the safety of officers.

He cited the deaths of the officers and went on to say, “After those events occurred, I talked with Chief Castor and we thought it would be a good idea to gather our Tampa Bay experts and look at the things we maybe could’ve done better to protect our officers when they go out to do what they do.”

This protection will come in the form of an armored rescue vehicle for $228,796.25, ballistic shields for $84,660, inspection mirrors and thermal cameras for $36,300, external vest carriers at $52,183.75 and weapon lights with holsters and accessories for $109,560.

Harmon assured the council members and attendees that this trust fund will not come from tax payers’ dollars and that most of the money was secured through “criminal enterprises and drug deals.”

Vice Chair of the Council, Karl Nurse, initiated deliberation regarding whetherofficers should be mandated to wear the bulletproof vests. While the chief said that almost 99 percent of officers now believe they will wear the vests, they want the policy to remain voluntary. For the police force, it is an issue of respect and choice. The availability of the new outer vests will make the officers more apt to wear them.

Wengay Newton, city councilor of District 7, supports the armored vehicle as he remembers being out with the police force on one of the tragic days when a St. Pete officer lost his life. “While this equipment won’t do anything to bring these officers back that we lost on that dreadful morning, hopefully it will protect the ones we still have.”

Called a “no brainer” by City Councilor Steve Kornell, the vote passed unanimously.

St. Pete native, Matt Walker, says, “It sounds like the money is there for that purpose. If it makes them feel safer and the people of St. Pete feel safer then I agree with it.”

4 News

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

CPS event sparks Eckerd student involvement in D.C. protest Student-led group of more than 200 plans to travel to Washington, D.C., to protest the Keystone XL pipeline

By Shannon Vize Staff Writer The Eckerd College Presidential Series recently hosted Bill McKibben, author of “Eaarth,” staff writer for the New Yorker, and founder of Step It Up and 350. org, in an event entitled “Resisting Climate Reality” in Fox Hall on Wednesday Oct. 12.

Fox Hall was filled with Eckerd students, St. Petersburg residents, and supporters of McKibben’s book and organizations. Extra seating and space was added as more and more students and supporters poured in to hear what McKibben had to say about the climate change debate. He discussed the negative impact humans have had on the Earth resulting in the rise of temperatures across the globe.

He then focused on his organization, 350.org, and it’s desire to put an end to this crisis through various means, highlighting the Keystone XL pipeline protest in Washington D.C on November 6.

McKibben founded 350. org with several of his friends while in college to bring about awareness of the climate change crisis our planet is undergoing.

The organization is named after

the scientific conclusion that, to preserve our planet, we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 392 parts per million to below 350 ppm. The latest movement of the organization is the protest to stop the Keystone XL pipeline from being built. The pipeline poses a threat to American’s safety, energy security, and gas prices.

The pipeline would cross Protesters outside of the White House. through the core of America’s agriculture states, the Missouri fuel efficiency is the only way to and Niobrara Rivers, the Ogallala reduce mid-east oil imports with or aquifer, sage grouse habitat, walleye without the pipeline.

By draining Midwestern fisheries and more.

A rupture in this pipeline could refineries of cheap Canadian crude cause a BP style oil spill across the middle of America and contaminate the drinking water for 2 million people.

The pipeline will not lessen US into export-oriented refineries dependence on foreign oil but in the Gulf Coast, Keystone XL transport Canadian oil to American will increase the cost of gas for refineries for export to overseas Americans. The projected increase markets. Much of the fuel that will of gas prices due to the pipeline is be refined from the pipeline’s crude projected to be 20 cents per gallon in the Midwest. oil will never reach our gas tanks.

The pipeline would also result The Energy Department Report on Keystone XL found in the destruction of thousands that decreasing demand through of trees and land. The Athabasca

courtesy of Wikicommons

tar sand oil, the pool of bitumen that would be turned into crude oil and used in the pipeline, is located in Alberta, Canada, where massive amounts of land will need

The plan of the protest is to encircle the White House with signs quoting President Obama’s promises from his 2008 campaign about his desire to end “the tyranny of oil” in hopes that Obama will veto the pipeline and block its construction.

Eckerd students were greatly inspired

by McKibben’s speech and began meeting with Eckerd faculty, holding student-run meetings and creating committees to gain awareness, support, and transportation to the protest in D.C. For more information go to tarsandsaction.org.

If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Wyatt Sugrue at wsugrue@eckerd.edu.

“A rupture in this pipeline could...contaminate the drinking water for 2 million people.” to be moved to access and refine it, resulting in the destruction of 54,132 sq miles of boreal forest in Canada alone.

For these reasons and more, McKibben invited those who attended the event, along with anyone who wants to get involved, to take part in the November 6 protest in D.C.

Naturally gifted student artist finds inspiration in new media at Eckerd

By Alexandra Roberts Contributing Writer Eckerd College sophomore Sasha Okoniewski is not the average student artist. The 19-year-old from Syracuse, N.Y. is driven to pursue a visual arts major based on a lifelong appreciation for art. Her diverse array of artistic capabilities differentiates her from the other 1,817 residential students.

She has taken classes in this perspective for as long as she can r e m e m b e r, with focuses ranging from d r a w i n g to painting to ceramics. Ever since Sasha Okoniewski was old enough to grasp a crayon in her hands, she dreamed of becoming an artist. “I just remember my mom always putting all my drawings on the refrigerator,” she said.

Okoniewski plans to make her living through her art, and since arriving at college

the bone structure. Aside has been exploring various mediums of art to determine from drawing, she has used her preference. Freshman year painting, clay and sculpture to she was enrolled in Drawing portray a woman’s body.

Fundamentals and Spec Topics Beyond conventional Museum Laboratory, along with artistic methods, Okoniewski other classes in other disciplines has found another medium required for graduation. Now to express her creativity. She that some of her perspective has been cutting others’ hair requirements are out of the way, for roughly two years, and her she is able own for around five years. to focus On her own head, she on her has experimented with a passion. short pixie cut, hair that fell T h i s down her back and, most year, she is recently, a partial buzz cut. diving into She prefers using scissors to classes ‘buzzers,’ because she likes such as incorporating her own style Art of the Western World, Clay I, into the hair.

World Music, and Visual Problem Photo by Alexandra Roberts “If someone’s going to trust Solving. Outside of class she An original drawing by Sasha Okoniewski. me to cut their hair, I go off experiments with watercolors on of what I would think would her own time. Her inspiration look good on them,” she comes from her grandfather, who she the classes she has taken encourage her to realistically showcase her works.

“So far explains.

Although she prefers cutting boys’ remembers “was a watercolor painter who I’ve really learned to see what I actually hair, she trims many of her female friends’ focused his sights on landscapes.” Through recent watercolor see instead of what I expect to see, and to hair, including her roommate’s.

Hogan runs her own business in beaded painting she has draw what’s actually there,” she says. “Before learned to make the coming to Eckerd, it was hard to draw jewelry, and states “it’s nice living with colors work together someone because I would have drawn what I another artist—especially with one with a and, she explains, thought they would want to see, but Drawing creative mind like Sasha’s.”

Though her grandfather inspired to “get the paints to Fundamentals really taught me to draw Okoniewski to pursue art, she also finds cooperate.” In spite what’s actually there.”

She describes her unique vision as her inspiration in the work of other artists. She of her natural affinity “Sasha Style.” Sitting in her dorm room, she declines to name just one favorite artist. “It’s for art, Okoniewski finds that the classes explains, “I have a very crooked mind that more an artwork that inspires me than an she has taken have doesn’t fit with other people’s minds…” “… artist,” she says. “It’s all based off of what I only improved her and that’s why it’s perfect,” her roommate, really like or don’t like, and what I like and Alex Hogan, interjects from across the room. artistic skills. don’t like changes.”

Eckerd College Okoniewski’s professors agree. “We love her Okoniewski goes on adventures to influence has provided to death,” professor Brian Ransom says. “She her creativity whenever possible, and has Okoniewski with consistently does interesting and new work, decorated a tree outside her dormitory with the skills to portray so far I’m plenty impressed.”

As drawing is her favorite form of art, feathers and twisted silverware. Even when various subjects she is eager to take more classes that she is not decorating them, she loves the accurately and incorporate drawing during her career at natural beauty of the trees around campus. effectively, regardless Surrounded by such beauty, she finds her of the medium. Eckerd College. Her favorite subject to draw home away from home. Smiling, she said “I Photo by May Armstrong She comments that is the female form. She is fascinated with the delicate parts—the lips, the eyes, and love Eckerd College.”

“I have a very crooked mind that doesn’t fit with other people’s minds...”

Sasha Okoniewski (top) with Alex Hogan.

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Students give up Fall Break to volunteer Promotional photo

By Alexander Zeilinski Contributing Writer Located in Brunswick, Ga., the Hostel in the Forest welcomed eight Eckerd residents for fall break. The trip, organized by service learning intern Lizzie Haag, was one of three service trips that occurred over fall break.

The hostel was created 34 years ago by Tom Dennard, and acted as lodging for international travelers.

However, it has since become a prime example of sustainable living in the southeastern United States. The hostel has policies that heighten the idea of sustainability, including a no cellphone or laptop policy in public areas of the hostel.

Without the distractions of technology, time seems to flow freely. One of the things Eckerd students realized was that the lack of knowledge about trivial things, such as time, actually made the days seem longer and begin to mesh together.

The hostel also values a sense of community. Every evening, a large vegetarian dinner is made for guests with ingredients grown on the property. Afterwards, all guests and employees at the hostel enjoy sitting around the camp fire, playing music, telling stories, taking starlit canoe rides on the lake or any of the hostel’s many activities.

Guests who stay at the hostel

have the option to pay for their stay, or work at the hostel for a reduced rate. Eckerd College students volunteered to do work at the hostel. Students worked in the herb garden, large garden, raked paths, cleaned windows, power washed the boardwalks and cleared trails with machetes for other guests to use freely. This was put in place to allow a more personal connection to land the hostel resides on.

Things that seemed relatively simple to the students made a big impact on the employees there. Not only did they connect with the employees, but they formed new friendships with the guests who also spent time at the hostel. People from all walks of life stayed at the hostel: two Australian college students couchsurfing across the United States, two students finishing up a ten day meditation at a local Buddhist temple, a mother and daughter who had a day off of school, and many others.

The hostel attempts to inspire guests to think about the world around them. As founder Tom Dennard said: “The comment I most often hear from people who have been to the hostel several times is, ‘The hostel has changed my life for the better.’” Be sure to check with service learning about another potential trip to the Hostel in the Forest.

A new initiative to increase campus safety has been started through the creation of the Eckerd College Emergency Response Team (ECERT). ECERT is a student-run division of Campus Safety and Security dedicated to effectively responding to emergencies. This Q & A session with Jeremy Bernfeld, the team’s leader, explores how ECERT will make Eckerd the safest it can be.

What is the purpose of the EC Emergency Response Team?

“The main objective is to help ensure the safety of our community during a time of need.

Our responsibility will be to respond to medical emergencies and other situations as requested by students, faculty, staff, and Campus Safety and Security. We will also be available for campus events as an on-site aid as requested.

The organization will have two different teams, Disaster Response and Emergency Response. The disaster response will be composed of any volunteer that completes a basic level of training but does not want or have the time to participate in weekly activities. The disaster response team will only be activated during an emergency that overwhelms the resources of the College and is requested by the College’s Emergency Management Group.

The emergency response will be composed of any volunteer that completes a higher level of training requirement and does want and have the time to participate in a duty rotation throughout the week. This team could be called upon daily to help supplement the response of Campus Safety and Security or upon the request of any member of the Eckerd College community who is in need of our service.”

New group finds safety their aim Who came up with the idea for the team?

By Evan Bollier Columnist

Above: Junior Ashley Hans-Barrientos. Below: Freshman Connor McKenna.

photos by Alexander Zeilinski

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The idea of an emergency response team on campus was once a reality. There was a team known as EC-EMS (Eckerd College - Emergency Medical Services). This team disappeared after the 2005-2006 academic year.

The EC Emergency Response Team will be settling into the niche that this organization once occupied. However, we will not only be responding to medical emergencies but will respond as an extra set of hands when requested

by Campus Safety and Security during other emergency situations as well.

Why did they decide to start it this year?

The decision to start was made during the end of last semester when the college received a grant from the University of Miami to create an emergency response team on campus.

Are there any qualifications requirements for joining?

or

Any student can become a member. We welcome anyone who is willing to give up some of his or her time to help make the campus a safer place. When a student joins, we will require that the student obtain a certain level of training. As the organization progresses our training requirements will become better developed. We will help all members obtain the training that we require. One of the hopes of the organization is to interest freshmen and sophomores in obtaining a nationally recognized first responder or emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. Once they have obtained these certifications, they will carry this organization into the future.

Who are the other officers?

We have not set individual student leadership positions at this time. Positions will be offered to members who demonstrate a consistent work ethic and show a passion for building

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Earth update EC Carbon Offset Results

New group finds fast, efficient student safety their aim

By Rachel Beck Staff Writer

News 5

the team. With the increasing awareness of the organization, I am hopeful that people will begin stepping up to the plate.

Who has the team been collaborating with?

We have been collaborating with many different on-campus organizations and offcampus agencies. These include Campus Safety and Security, Health Services, Eckerd College Search and Rescue, Eckerd College Emergency Management Group, Lealman Community Emergency Response Team and St. Pete Fire Rescue.

What kind of an organization is ECERT classified as?

The EC Emergency Response Team is not a club but instead a branch of Campus Safety and Security, just as ECSAR is a branch of the Waterfront Program. We do hope to affiliate with health services as well in the future.

The results are in. This semester, the money from the Carbon Offset Fund will go to increase campus composting. Four 52-gallon tumblers for the campus garden, a 5-tray worm factory, ten 5-gallon buckets for food scrap collection in the dorm complexes and five 45-gallon bins for food scrap collection behind the dining halls will be purchased from the collected funds.

With the help of Lizzy Haag, the Environmental Service Learning Intern, and the Garden Club, food scraps from all locations will be collected each week. In complex lounges, the 5-gallon orange buckets will be secured with lids at all times.

The four large tumblers behind the dining halls will be the main collection point for all food scraps and will supply the campus garden with fresh compost.

According to the World Resources Institute, carbon offset is defined as “a unit of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) that is reduced, avoided, or sequestered to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.”

At Eckerd, students donate a set amount of money to support projects on campus that will reduce emissions from flying abroad for schoolsponsored Winter Term and Spring Break trips. With the increase of composting on campus, there will be a reduction of emissions from incinerating and disposing of solid waste in the landfills of Pinellas County.

To get involved with composting, please contact Lizzy Haag in the Service Learning Office (Brown Hall). To donate money to the Carbon Offset Fund for Winter Term trips, please see Evan Bollier in the Gamma Sustainability Office. For more information, please visit www. eckerd.edu/green/office/offset.php.

Office hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. bollieea@eckerd.edu 727-864-8980.

Do you have any major events coming up?

We will be having a team development day on Nov. 19 where we will be hosting the University of Miami CERT (Community Emergency Response Team). During this time, EC Emergency Response Team members will learn how the Miami team functions in hopes of bettering our own team. We are also holding Incident Command System (ICS) training for current members. _________ ECERT aims to increase student safety on campus through providing aid during emergencies and being able to respond more quickly than an off-campus unit. To get involved, email ECERT’s leader, Jeremy Bernfeld (Junior, ‘13) at jabernfe@eckerd.edu, or the team at cert@lists.eckerd.edu

Wanttohaveyouropinionof yourschool’snewspaperheard, but don’t know how?

TheCurrent’sDirectorofAdvertisingandPR willhostafocusgrouponNov.9at5p.m. in Cobb.

Join us so you can be heard!

6 News

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Construction underway at Center for Molecular and Life Sciences site

Construction on the new Center for Molecular and Life Sciences site is well underway and expected to conclude in the spring of 2013.

The $25 million, 55,000 square-foot facility will accommodate Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry departments and serve to transform the sciences at Eckerd College. The Many Experiences, One Spirit Campaign that ended June 30, 2011, provided funding for this project.

The single-story center will include two classrooms, nine laboratories, three research spaces, 14 faculty offices, two courtyards, a greenhouse, a lobby and several student study areas.

Renovations to the current Sheen Science buildings will accompany the new facilities.

photo by Alexander Zeilinski Workers break ground at the Center for Molecular and Life Sciences building site.

After lull in programming, WECX returns to the airwaves

By Ethan Packey Staff Writer Eckerd College’s radio station, WECX, is in for a major overhaul, according to Nathan Rupp, the station’s general manager.

Last year, Rupp said WECX used its club money to buy new microphones, new microphone stands, a new mixer and other equipment for the broadcasting room.

This year, thanks to an allocation from the ECOS of $8,500, WECX will focus more on inserting itself more into Eckerd College community.

Rupp says that the radio station will undergo three major changes; “We’re looking to expand our visibility on campus through a new website, more events, and more opportunities for the student body to explore through the radio station.”

The first change is simple and the one that is most likely to affect the everyday lives of Eckerd College students. Rupp added, “We can get money to replace the speakers

outside the station and to put up more speakers and receivers around campus.” The speakers will play all the regular shows that WECX has, as well as playing hourly rotations that feature different genres at different times of the day. For those wishing to tune in inside their dorm rooms or elsewhere on campus, WECX broadcasts on the wavelength 99.9 FM. The radio station has music playing at all times whether as part of a show or the aforementioned hourly music rotations. This change moves along well with Rupp’s hopes to let the student body explore the radio station more; he has described greater interest from freshmen as a result of the CD-ROM sales that WECX hosted in Autumn Term and at the beginning of fall semester.

The only other scheduled event for WECX at this time is the annual Sunset Spins concert in the spring where a radio station DJ hosts a night of games and good times.

However, Rupp expresses hope that WECX can start “a monthly movie night showing rock operas”

Entertainment Editor Shelby Howell currententertainment@eckerd.edu Asst. Entertainment Editor Malena Carollo Faculty Adviser Tracy Crow Director of Finances Beth Robinson

and other events for people with great interest in music. Rupp’s plans vibe well with statements from students who enjoyed the CDROM sales, but looked for a move active presence from the radio station on campus.

The second major reform coming to WECX is the new website.

“I think that the website is the most important change coming to the radio station,” Rupp said, adding that the new website will feature a live stream of WECX and information about upcoming WECX events on campus, as well as about local concerts in the St. Petersburg area. The website will

also feature a blog so that students can post comments about the station’s events or music.

The third change has already begun. “Last year,” Rupp said, “we bought new speakers and a drum set for a new recording studio; however there are more expansions coming to that project.”

The recording studio is in the radio station’s collection of old vinyls (now residing in Rupp’s office). Rupp also mentioned that the radio station now has recording engineers on staff to help students who are new to the recording process when they come into the studio.

This feature is for students involved in bands or looking to create them so that they can really experience what it’s like to produce music for a larger audience than one they get in a gig.

Clearly WECX has become a part of campus life under the leadership of its new general manager, Nathan Rupp. As for other information, WECX’s radio show schedule is posted on the radio station’s doors.

Anyone interested in becoming a DJ should contact Rupp to schedule a time for you to get familiar with the radio station while under his supervision.

The Current is a free biweekly student newspaper at Eckerd College. Offices are located upstairs in Cobb at 4200 54th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL, 33711.

Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of EC students, staff, faculty and administration.

Editor-in-Chief Ashley Daniels thecurrent@eckerd.edu

News Editor Jaclyn New currentnews@eckerd.edu Asst. News Editor Cait Duffy

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Managing Editor Max Martinez Viewpoints Editor Jeralyn Darling currentviews@eckerd.edu Asst. Viewpoints Editor Carver Lee Sports Editor Lincoln Andres-Beck currentsports@eckerd.edu Asst. Sports Editor Seth Ravid The Quickie Editor Ali Clines The Quickie Editor Josh Keeler

Photo Editor Cassie Ochoa Web Editor Max Martinez Asst. Web Editor Johnny Jones Web Master Shawn Craine Director of PR/Advertising Devon Williams currentads@eckerd.edu Asst. Director of PR/Advertising Arielle Burger

The Current welomes letters to the editor. Submissions should be typed and not exceed 400 words. Writers must include their full name, graduation year and contact number. Faculty and staff should include their title, department and contact number. All submissions are subject to editing for the purposes of clarity, style or length. The Current holds the right to reject any letters deemed inappropriate. Letters can be sent via email to thecurrent@eckerd.edu with subject “Letter to the editor.”

-----------------The Current will run full-length articles covering any arrests that present a clear danger to the community. Charges that would be investigated under this policy include robberies, assaults, weapons charges or illicit drug manufacturing, such as methamphetamine. The Current will continue publishing a small police blotter for felony arrests, and misdemeanor charges against student goverment leaders, Residential Advisors and staff members of The Current. We learn of arrests through searching the police arrest database by entering Eckerd’s address, as well as from tips. Questions and comments can be emailed to thecurrent@eckerd.edu

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

News 7

Artisan finds meaning through theater

By Shane Farrell Contributing Writer

photo courtesy of Christy Wright Rob Davidson, right, and Alex Miskin, left, share a scene in “Call of the Wild.”

Outside the Triton Pub there is the smell of grease and sweaty college students. Rob Davidson is sitting on an outside bench. The table-top is covered in something sticky and sweet but Davidson doesn’t seem to mind. He sits watching the people around him, not saying anything. There is no apprehension, no air of selfimportance, he might as well have been waiting for the bus.

There is a lull in the symphony of screaming freshmen coming from inside, and Davidson takes a breath. He’s ready to talk.

“I’ve always been a storyteller.

Thats my passion. It’s what keeps me getting up in the morning.

I consider myself to be an artisan. Instead of using a pen or a paintbrush I use emotion.”

Davidson is a Theatre major at Eckerd College.

He’s not like most students in that he is now 28 years old. He came to Eckerd at the age of twentyfour-at the very cusp of becoming a PEL student. One wouldn’t know it by looking at him. This guy could still pass as a junior to any passerby.

There is that old motto don’t judge a book by its cover. That is especially apt concerning Davidson. He is the Benjamin Button of college students, spending his first four years after high school in the real world. Most teens go into college with the hope of getting a job, but Davidson bypassed that entirely.

He didn’t have one career; he had several.

“I’ve had 29 jobs. I’ve done it all: Blockbuster, Sears, landscaping,

photo by Shane Farrell Rob sports his Florida gear.

every menial job in Florida pretty much. I was once paid to crawl around in vents cleaning air-conditioners in industrial complexes.”

He stops talking for a moment.

He takes that brief pause, rolling his shoulders like a fighter going into the ring. A girl in board-shorts waves at him from across the patio.

He gives her a smile and a slight nod, but he’s not done with his story. There is a constant focus to what he is saying like a sculptor chipping away at a rock. There is a consideration to what he says aloud.

“I never say college as the all encompassing goal. I wanted to live life and not just learn about it. After a few years I accomplished that; my life was comfortable.”

Davidson sits up straight. Palms set on the cheap plastic table covered in mystery goop. A skaterkid coming from the Pub stops to listen. Davidson knows that he has reached the important part in his

story.

“There are two reasons why I decided to come to Eckerd. The first was that I wanted a challenge.

It was something that was unknown to me. The second, crucial reason was the people. At that point I’d lived my life, and now I want to learn about how other people are living theirs. My reason for living is to figure out why others do, and telling their story. Acting in the theatre allows me to do that. It’s taking those stories and making sense of them, growing from them.”

Davidson has certainly done that. Last year he devoted nearly half of his semester to directing the senior production of Carousel. The work schedule consisted of eighthour days of rehearsal, lighting, and production design. Davidson dropped all of his other classes to devote his focus on the completion of it. The result can best be summed up by theatre alum Luke Jacobs, who participated in the production.

“Rob was an absolutely phenomenal director. That man is an actor’s director in the sense that he has an insight for every moment.

He wouldn’t be afraid to give his opinion, but he was committed 100% to giving you your moment.

There was stress, but we all helped each other with that. Rob is a guy who loves what he does. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Now with only a few months before leaving Eckerd Davidson is marching out into the real world again.

“I just got an internship at Studio 620. It’s a performing arts center.

We’ll see what stories I can find there.”

Energy Crisis continued from front cover

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oz. compared to Monster’s 10 mg/ fl oz. Not to mention that nearly all energy drinks are sold in cans containing 2 servings.

This means that energy drinks contain more caffeine in smaller servings than the regular soda. Not to mention all the other ingredients that sound as though they were created by a mad scientist—glucuronalate, glucurondatone, inositol and many other interesting names. This mixed with a night of alcohol and partying is a major component of what has led to increased student hospitalization across college campuses.

After reversing the school’s decision, Mark Huddleston, president of UNH, stated to Huffington Post reporters, “I want to be sure we respect our students’ ability to make informed choices about what they consume.”

Leading energy drink company Red Bull sponsors many events on the UNH campus such as a motorcycle show held at the school’s spring picnic and the Red Bull “secret stash” contest that is also taking place at Eckerd, and said they are working with the school to “find a resolution.”

The Red Bull company says, “there is no indication that Red Bull Energy Drink has any effect (negative or positive) related to alcohol consumption. There is no reason why Red Bull Energy Drink could not, like any other drink, be mixed with alcohol” and continued “Since it would not be right to ban the sale of soda, coffee, or tea on a college campus, it’s also inappropriate and unwarranted to single out and restrict the sale of energy drinks,” Other statements released by the company focus on the safety and effectiveness of their product when used responsibly stating: “The benefits of Red Bull tie in naturally with the daily activities of college students as the product delivers energy and the ability to focus.”

When asked about the issue, Dean of Students James Annarelli offered his opinion.

“I would much rather take the approach of making known to students the possible risks of overly using or improperly using or

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons A pile of empty energy drink cans.

consuming energy drinks and allowing them to make their own educated choices in terms of being able to purchase an energy drink for proper consumption.”

At this point, Eckerd has no plans to remove the presence of energy drinks from campus.

In fact, the pub will soon begin selling three new flavors of the Monster energy drink.

Annarelli said he does not personally consume any of the six different brands and 19 varying kinds of energy drinks sold in the Triton Pub. Still, he believes students will choose wisely.

He continued to stress the importance of students making informed decisions on whether or not to consume energy drinks, but thought that ridding the Pub of the popular substance would be unfair, stating: “Students who choose to drink energy drinks responsibly who might not have an automobile would be disadvantaged over those who have greater mobility” if the drinks were banned on campus.

It is understandable that students in favor of energy drinks on campus would be upset with the decision to remove them for safety precautions. Meredith Brull, sophomore, supports the notion that the ban of selling energy drinks on campus would decrease incidents of alcohol poisoning. “If it’s at their fingertips [students will] be more likely to abuse [energy drinks],” she said, “But it would be a little bit overkill to ban them.”

8 News

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

B l a s t f r o m t h e pa s t I’ll drink to that!

Welcome back to the “blast from the past,” a feature showcasing articles from our archives.

This third piece, from Oct. 12, 1976, covers the grand opening of Triton’s Pub. The rest, as they say, is history!

By Jan Hajduko Long-gone Alumni The Pub is finally open! The hours are 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Now that it is open, the EC community is voicing its opinions on the matter.

FACULTY REACTION Charlie Morrison, Chairman of the Foundations Collegium, has mixed feelings about this long-awaited opening. He was in favor of The Pub because most of the Eckerd students are of legal drinking age and this experience will help them show their responsibility. Morrison also feels that it is better to have the students drink on-campus rather than off-campus.

Morrison did have some reservations, though, about The Pub. He fears that it may become a trap; students may drink too much because it is so close. He is afraid of its misuse, as there have already been some incidents of drunkenness on campus.

He ended on a happier note, saying that The Pub should be “a nice informal place for student faculty conversation.”

The Pub didn’t just come into being; it has been in plan-

ning for years and Sarah Dean, Vice President of Student Affairs, feels that all the work has been worthwhile.

Her reactions to The Pub were very positive; “I feel good to see people together.” Dean is impressed, so far, that people seem to be enjoying themselves. She appreciates all the help that has gone into getting The Pub open, but she stated that we need continuing support to keep things going.

Professor Marvin Bentley, Chairman of the Behavioral Sciences Collegium, is very much in favor of The Pub here at Eckerd. Bentley feels that it is better to have a pub on campus than to have the students go off campus, especially in an isolated area that Eckerd is.

Most colleges have had success with pubs and he doesn’t see Eckerd as an exception to the rule. One of the strongest supporters of The Pub is Professor Hallin. He feels that it has a “great potential for information gathering of the EC community in pleasurable surroundings.” Hallin thinks that the planners have done a fantastic job and he is planning on being active in Pub activities.

Professor Gil Johnston, the Chairman of Comparative Cultures Collegium. Said that it was too early to react to The

photo courtesy of Canerday, Belfsky, Arroyo and Architects Inc. Triton’s Pub was renovated by a local architect company in 2001.

Pub. Johnston was with Student Affairs when the initial arrangements for The Pub were being made and he was excited when the Trustees accepted the proposal. He feels that now, since it is open, the faculty will welcome it and use it and he, himself, is very eager to use its facilities.

Paul Herman, Dean of Residential Affairs, feels that The Pub is nice and he hopes everything goes all right. He said that The Pub should be a positive thing on campus- a place for everyone to meet and enjoy themselves. Herman des feel, however, that it could use an addition- he had in mind a color TV for special events.

Professor Roess, Chairman of the Natural Sciences Collegium, looks at The Pub as “facing a new reality.” He feels that the future of The Pub will be determined by the way we

handle the responsibility that goes with it. Roess thinks that we are mature enough to handle it and he feels that The Pub is here to stay.

David M. Smith, Operator of Food Services, sees many positive things in The Pub. He reported that there have been very few problems and he is grateful to the students for not giving our cynics a reason to criticize The Pub’s opening.

For the few nights that The Pub has been open, it has been full (but not overcrowded) every night; in fact 2 nights admittance had to be restricted.

Students as of Friday night had consumed between 12 and 14 kegs of beer and David does not see this number dropping in the near future.

Prof.

Dudley DeGroot summed up the situation best when he stated, “It is a great idea that has found its time.”

Lockdown, continued from front cover

In wake of lockdown, dean reflects on response “Please understand, as you know, police records are public. However, a student’s disciplinary status with the college is confidential,” he said.

“I would point out that we are going to place the safety of our community in a paramount position.”

When students have been accused of a serious violation of community standards, their continued presence on campus will usually be decided by a Conduct Review Committee. An assistant or associate dean will preside as chair and procedural officer for the committee, voting only in the case of a tie.

Members will include the chair of the Student Community Standards Board or designated member of the board chosen by its chair, a member of the faculty, a representative from

the Residence Life program and a senior student affairs administrator.

The case will be judged using the standard of college policy as outlined in the EC Book. “The level of seriousness of the alleged violation of college policy would be the primary consideration,” Annarelli said regarding the focus of the committee’s deliberation.

Reflecting on the incident, Annarelli says that the procedures went smoothly, considering the situation.

“In this case, we adhered to our established policies and procedures and were generally pleased with the way in which those policies and procedures were implemented during that difficult time,” Annarelli said. “What we will do after every

major incident is to debrief the incident and our response. We’re always looking for ways in which to enhance and streamline further the implementation of our policies and procedures.”

On a scale of A to F, Annarelli graded the Eckerd community an A- to B+ for their efforts during the lockdown.

“We were receiving reports also about the great level of cooperation that students demonstrated,” he said. “A prime example of that cooperation was the orderliness with which the fans at the women’s soccer game dispersed upon request and returned to their residence halls.”

For future incidents, a studentled emergency response team is

being trained to respond to serious emergencies, and will include an EMS team that will be on duty on weekends.

“I’m particularly excited about the reestablishment of the EMS group, because I had worked with student leaders a number of years ago when they established such a group on campus,” Annarelli said.

“It was an enormous enhancement to our Residence Life program.”

Though Annarelli says that he cannot recall a lockdown since the beginning of his time as an administrator at Eckerd in 1990, the closest Eckerd came was in October of 1996. SPPD officer James Knight conducted a traffic stop of 18-yearold Tyrone Lewis, who was taken to Bayfront Medical Center when

SPPD fired at least three shots after asking him to step out of his car. Lewis died at Bayfront, sparking riots in midtown and south St. Petersburg.

Dean Annarelli remains optimistic about the effects of the recent lockdown, however.

“I think for so many students, this experience was an entirely new experience,” he said. “Despite any community’s best efforts to prepare its students for unforeseen emergencies, when such emergencies occur, there will always be, on the part of students, an understandable level of fear and uncertainty. I think this experience will lead us to continue to educate our community concerning appropriate response in emergency situations.”

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Viewpoints

9

CViewpoints INSIDE Viewpoints

Transfer students left out of the loop

By Mike Geibel Staff Writer It’s been roughly two months since my Eckerd experience began and so far there hasn’t been much to dislike. The professors are great, the students are friendly and the campus is incredible. However, I’ve had to learn this on my own, and being a commuter who lives off campus didn’t help. It all began with the transfer orientation.

There are small things, like the E C Dance Company, that nobody mentioned. I didn’t know about the team until a few of the members told me to attend Triton Tip-Off to see the first performance. The existence of the dance company probably wouldn’t have made a huge impact on my decision to come here, but it’s the bigger problem, that transfer students get left out of the loop on a lot of issues. that continues to bother me.

Between Autumn Term and the beginning of classes, transfer students are invited to spend a few days learning about the school and getting familiar with the goings-on of campus. The problem with the orientation I got, along with this year’s transfer class who were there with me, is that the schedule needed a lot of work and the student-run events were poorly attended.

The first event of the orientation

this year started with around 150 students. By the third day, the library tour had 26 participants.

Did I mention the library tour was labeled “MANDATORY” on the schedule? The terrible turnout as the week progressed is hardly an excuse for the lack of information. The club fair, which was mostly student-run, was poorly represented. Many clubs and organizations had nobody at the fair to answer questions or recruit transfer students, and the ones that were at the fair did little more than take email addresses for the mailing list.

Triton’s Pub is a nice place to eat and hang out, but up until the past two weeks, it was a place I never gave a second look. Like many transfer students, I took my campus tour early one summer morning and the Pub wasn’t open.

I spent the first seven weeks of my time at Eckerd believing that the Pub was like the Caf, and that I’d need some sort of meal plan to eat there.

I could have missed out on Chris Higgins’ comedy at Open Mic Night, or the plethora of musicians who will be playing in the Pub this year. But what may be the ultimate betrayal is that nobody told me the Pub serves beer. I’m a few years past the legal drinking age, so this is some information that would have

been nice to know on weekend evenings when I wanted to kick back. Although, Pitchers with Professors does make a lot more sense now.

The orientation process and the different campus offerings are just the beginning. As many of the upperclassmen know, this past month saw the due date for writing portfolios. I hope everyone passed and I am a little upset that I didn’t.

Not because of any problem with my writing, but because I knew nothing about the writing portfolio until friends of mine around campus began compiling their own and getting them ready to submit. I received a note in my mailbox a few weeks later that informed me that I should try to submit it in the spring, but up until that point, nobody had mentioned that it was required to graduate. Pretty big deal, I think.

Whether it is something small like the dance company or something as major as the writing portfolio, the orientation team needs to step up their efforts to get the information out to the transfers. We deserve the chance to get involved just like everyone else.

Eckerd College may be one of the “colleges that change lives,” but it can only do that for transfer students if we have the knowledge available to get involved with everything provided to us.

Divorce equality Grades vs. Evaluations Occupy St. Petersburg Occupy Tampa Nuclear power

More inside

photo by Cassie Ochoa Mike Geibel wants to know why transfer students aren’t let in on the secrets of Eckerd.

Transfer students are missing out on important academic and social information: the writing portfolio and the Pub are at the top of this writer’s list. See page 10 for the perspECtives of other students on this issue.

Want to share your transfer story? Email currentviews@eckerd. edu or visit www.theonlinecurrent.com

Bank of America to start charging users more

By Sean lawlor Staff Writer

10 10 11 11 12

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, these new debit card fees are justified since the bank “has a right to make a profit.”

Over the past month, the populist Occupy But all hope is not lost for us consumers. movement has spread throughout the According to some congressional sources, nation’s urban areas and has inspired sister we still have the Adam Smith free movements across the globe in one unifying market escape route. We can just switch message. Pundits have disagreed by accusing to another bank if we are unsatisfied the movement of a lack of substance and with burdensome fees. Senator Durbin concrete set of goals; but as one who has who was cited in a report from NPR taken part in these protests, I can safely confidently boasted, “Bank of America attest that there are two common concerns: customers, vote with your feet. Get the unemployment and the tyranny of the private heck out of that bank. Find yourself a financial sector, and the rhetoric denouncing bank or credit union that won’t gouge you the oppression of “big government” espoused for $5 a month, and still will give you a by the Tea Party. That’s why when I was debit card that you can use every single marching in the “Occupy St. Petersburg” rally day.” a few weekends ago, the neon lit monolith of I’m afraid the unseen hand isn’t that the Back of America sign particularly caught easy, Mr. Durbin. Often banks impose my eye. closing account fees that make it difficult Last year, the president’s banking finance to switch banks and it takes time to reform bill included the creation of a review the costs and benefits of a new Consumer Protection Bureau to monitor bank, time that working class Americans unfair finance practices employed by banks don’t have. to exploit their customers. Thus far, the As a Bank of America customer myself, Bureau is unable to begin its enforcement I can’t help but think, there’s something activities because congressional Republicans happening here but what it is ain’t exactly have threatened to filibuster any nominee clear. for the post until the Bureau is weakened Why can the private sector charge and defanged to the extent that its existence its customers without warrant to make is arbitrary. Yet despite the Bureau’s lack of a “profit” instead of the government teeth, the private sector can nonetheless be simply making sure the wealthy citizens expected to overreact. in this country are paying their fair share Starting next year, Bank of America will in public revenue? Does the stability start charging $5 a month to debit card users of our country’s budget and quality of if a debit card transaction has been made. In photo courtesy of MoneyBlogNewz public goods matter less than the profits affect, this new rule charges Bank of America Bank of America will begin charging for anything but withdrawals and of a few shareholders? When I passed the customers for using their debit card for deposits using a debit card starting next year.

Bank of America sign during the Occupy anything other than an ATM transaction.

St. Petersburg protest was one thing I had Bank officials have accused one element of to shout above the din of protest slogans debit card to make a transaction. According to the financial reform in particular, the Durbin Amendment, as the cause for these necessary the Wall Street Journal, “in June, the Federal pontificated by the crowd, “I have the right to Reserve Board finalized rules capping such fees make a profit too!” new fees.

Bank of America received $45 billion in TARP The Durbin Amendment, named after Illinois at 24 cents per transaction, compared with a Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, caps hidden current average of 44 cents.” These fees are a funds in 2009 along with most other big banks. fees that banks impose on retailers known as way to recoup the funds the bank had received See Bank of america, page 10 “swipe fees” any time a customers uses their previously from hidden charges. According to

Sick of being “just a letter”?

Check out one writer’s views on written evaluations instead of letter grades.

Page 10

My Big Fat Gay Column In the spirit of Kim Kardashian’s two-month marriage, Max envisions a future with true marriage equality: gay divorce.

Page 10

EC students share their stories from Occupy St. Pete and Occupy Tampa

Page 11

photo by Carver Elliott Lee

10 Viewpoints

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

My big fat gay column

Divorce equality for gays immensely tired of a guy I was into

By Max pretty considerably when we met.

Martinez There’s only one solution: Senior, Managing legalize gay divorce. In the name Editor of all things equal rights, I demand After what I assume were 72 grueling, reality-TV fueled days of matrimony, Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries filed for divorce early this week, leaving millions of fans shocked and saddened.

I can only dream of being so lucky. Spending $20 million of other people’s money on a wedding to marry a man I met less than a year earlier sounds wonderful. Deciding a little more than two months later that “irreconcilable differences” have torn that marriage to pieces, even better; it’s the sacred bond of holy matrimony at its finest.

Given current trends in public opinion, I may be able to stop dreaming of marriage and actually tie the knot by the time I find myself in a committed relationship.

The latest Gallup poll, from May of this year, found that 53 percent of Americans support legal gay marriage, the first ever time a majority of those polled favored same-sex marriage in the poll’s history.

My wedding was planned a couple of years ago over drinks in Zeta Hiaasen: it is to be held in a ski lodge (a fireplace is a must) with “Baby It’s Cold Outside” at the top of the playlist (I hear there’s a Harry Connick Jr. version; that would work). I need an escape from this sauna we call Florida.

Then, maybe three months after I settle down, I can decide it isn’t for me. Monogamy is just too damn difficult to keep up. One fight will make both of us feel like we’ve fallen into a ditch too deep to dig out of, despite the generations of couples before us who recovered from the same difficulties.

Or maybe I’ll be disappointed my dream marriage isn’t so dreamy; instead, it’s too real. I’ll take one look at it, the repetitive small talk, the bills, all the little things, and I’ll want to run away. I know it is inevitable; it took me barely a month this summer to grow

the ability to wed, and subsequently leave, anybody I damn well please.

Who knows, we may even have a kid somewhere in between, and when our relationship ends, we can simply split the parenting duties. This is the American dream we’re fighting for, right? Marriage equality?

The truth is, I’m not even sure I want to get married, a sentiment shared by a growing number of my young adult peers, both gay and straight. I support marriage equality, I couldn’t imagine being against it, but sometimes I wonder what exactly we’re fighting for. The way activists yearn for gay marriage makes it seem like the end all and be all of equality, as if two men at the alter will wash away all the negative stigmas currently attached to the LGBTQ community.

If anything, being accepted into a clearly broken institution is just a chance to be as dysfunctional as the rest of society, to prove as incompetent as the 50 percent of current newlyweds that wind up divorced. I don’t want to see that happen.

My only hope is that having to earn the right to marry will make it a little more, well, sacred. Maybe not taking marriage for granted our entire lives will make us think a little more before popping the question, or motivate us to resolve problems instead of dissolving the relationship. Not being guaranteed the ability or even the right to have kids may make us appreciate what we get and take our role as parents seriously.

But if it works out differently, and I’ve blown through three husbands (for the second time this year, no pun intended) by age 35, then so be it. If two months becomes too much marriage to handle, I can exercise the rights earned for me by gay activists through the years and end my union with the same blatant disregard for the sanctity of marriage as a heterosexual couple.

Thanks for blazing the trail, Kim, and Britney, and all the other short-lived holy unions that came before you.

perspECtives “I knew everything that I needed to.

I knew the beach was here and that’s why I came.”

- Ben Brody, Senior

Single-letter grades too impersonal

By Elisa Edelstein Staff Writer In my expanse of time spent in education facilities, I have always been labeled in certain terms: a student, a child with disabilities and anywhere from an A to an F. Why is it that nobody took the time to see what I am truly made up of? How can a single letter ever tell a college what I stand for or what I am capable of? A mind is so much more than just a letter and I think it is unjust to say that all of my capabilities, ideas, thoughts, philosophies and ethics can be summed up by a single letter with a plus or minus attached to it.

At the end of a semester, a letter grade may say what kind of work I completed through my teachers’ eyes, but it doesn’t show the effort I put in, the hours I spent studying, the days I showed up to class or anything else that I did behind closed doors. This is why I am curious why every school doesn’t base their semester summaries on evaluations rather than a letter grade.

Evergreen College in Washington State uses the system of evaluations rather than the grading scale.

Instead of ending the semester with a letter, the professor takes the time to write up a narrative evaluation of each student in his or her class. The evaluation consists of commentary on what the student excelled at, what the student could improve upon and other subjects such as things to work on, or other modes of learning that might fit better with that particular student.

Each student also gets the chance to describe his or her work over the semester by writing up a selfevaluation that accompanies the professor’s evaluation on student transcripts.

As I began my research into the evaluation process at Evergreen, I found a section of the website purely dedicated to explaining the evaluation process and what goes into an evaluation from both the student and from the faculty member in greater detail. What students will get out of an evaluation is the chance to summarize their accomplishments, explain their learning environment and set goals for their future with a new understanding of the course. Students also gets the opportunity to write an evaluation of the course they took and the faculty member who led it.

Faculty members are then expected to prepare an evaluation of the students’ achievements and the

problems they encountered. When evaluation week takes place, students individually meet with their professor and receive their evaluation from the faculty member and trade their written evaluation of the course and the professor in return.

To me, this process of judging students’ work seems much more fair than sticking a letter to my work and calling it a day. After reading about evaluations at Evergreen, I am now stuck with the idea that grades are a lazy way to say that a professor truly got to understand me as an individual. Even if he or she did, that professor still has to grade my unique mind and everyone else’s unique minds off the same grading curve. This doesn’t make sense.

If Eckerd were to adopt the evaluation program, I believe there would be a great number of satisfied students. It encourages us students to forge better relationships with all of our professors and then allows us to get better feedback on what we are doing right and wrong within the curriculum.

Telling me the work I did was just a grade is extremely discouraging in my eyes and really does not say what kind of student I am at all. I have had circumstances where I had a final grade based off of merely four tests.

Testing is not the most efficient way for me present my knowledge; therefore, I suffer, my GPA suffers and my future suffers. All the hard work, knowledge I gained and time I dedicated to that class landed me with a solid B. I feel that an evaluation stating that I understood the material, showed great work ethic but could use help and structure in area X and Y would make all the difference to my learning experience.

I think this concept of evaluation is something Eckerd should really consider adopting. It would grab the attention of a lot of students, especially liberal arts students who are looking for a fresh and different pace from their high school grades and teachers. The evaluation system would make Eckerd a more personal place for both students and professors alike and would add an appeal to the college’s goal to grasp the attention as a school that changes lives.

Grades do not change lives, but taking the time to make a higher-level connection to professors to improve every aspect of one’s school life makes all the difference.

BANK continued from page 9

Bank of America charging debit card users What did the American people receive in 2009? Nothing but TARP debt and a mediocre health care reform that looks like it will go down the toilet of the judicial system anyway.

At the beginning of this semester, President Obama unveiled what he should have unveiled in 2009, a stimulus to American jobs only to have it killed by Congressional Republicans who see it as an

unnecessary fee to American taxpayers. What did Bank of America receive this year? A hefty $5 billion investment from Warren Buffet to match their $5 charge to debit card users. They just match so well. It really ties the room together.

But does this change anything in reality? Not particularly. Bank of America is merely making their formerly hidden fees open. While

last year’s financial reform hasn’t changed the justice and ethics of big bankers, it has forced bankers to show the true colors of their identities.

No longer will we see Bank of America as the bank of red, white and blue, but as the bank of red tape and green greed. Thanks, Bank of America. It was time that your customers finally learned the truth.

Q: What advice would you give transfer students?

“I wish I had known that Josh Keeler went here. I wish I brought a light jacket. I also wish I had known more about the writing portfolio as a transferring junior, so that I would’ve brought my collection of essays from home.”

photos by Cassie Ochoa and Josh Keeler

“Get involved with clubs and meet people. Also don’t drink the ‘Kappa Juice.’”

- Tyler Lane, Junior

“Go out and meet people, get involved in something you’re passionate about and explore opportunities on and off campus and abroad.”

- Will Rubino, ‘11

“There is diversity, you have to be able to accept things that may be outside the norm. Just relax and have a chill time.”

- Joe Whalen, Sophomore

- Egypt Kosloski, Junior

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Viewpoints 11

A mu s i n g Musings Student shares experience at Occupy St. Petersburg

By Cait Duffy Asst. News Editor The “Occupy” protests have spread to St. Petersburg, Fla., after spilling down the country and around the planet from Zuccotti Park in Manhattan. “We are the 99 percent” can be heard echoing off skyscrapers in cities everywhere, as human microphones fill the airwaves of parks and streets.

St. Pete saw its first rippling of the “Occupy” wave Oct. 15, when a general assembly met at South Straub Park. More than 300 came to represent Pinellas County as they showed their solidarity with the protestors around the world, from as close as Tampa to as distant as Sydney, Auckland and even Hobart, Tasmania.

Photos and videos of Eckerd students lending a hand during the general assembly popped up all over the Internet, yet most went unnamed in the captions of the St. Petersburg Times.

While the majority of people running these meetings are young adults in their early twenties, those being interviewed and portrayed in the media are mainly middle-aged.

The unemployment rate nationally has been holding high at around 9 percent, yet those between the ages of 20 and 24 find their unemployment rate at an enormous

15 percent.

We, as young adults, are being put in a financial chokehold.

College tuition prices are soaring, increasing at an average annual rate of 8 percent while interest rates on loans also skyrocket. How can they expect the average student, with a debt of somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000 after completing an undergrad program, to repay those loans when our unemployment rate is rising even faster?

As even part-time jobs are more difficult to find, the demand for student loans is increasing. We, as college students, are pouring out into the “real world” with no money in our pockets, no promises of jobs and, in many cases, nowhere else to go but back to Mom and Dad’s house.

The longer we have to wait to get a job, the more our valuable resume-building time is lost, and the more inexperienced we appear to future potential employers. Even if the economy manages to bounce back within, say, the next 4 or 5 years, there are many graduates that will still be sitting on their exponentially larger college debt at that time with little to no work experience in their field.

We have been set up for failure and none of the bigwigs want to acknowledge it. In today’s world, it’s considered an advantage to be debt-free. But why do most of us have to live our lives in debt? When one is in debt in any way, it is like he or she is not truly free. Our generation was set up for constant

“Why would I want to save paper?

It would take away jobs.”

- A chemistry professor on being environmentally friendly.

“Oh my God! The toilets are up to my ankles!”

- A visiting professor on going back to an elementary school.

“You know what they say about left handed people... they’re next to the devil.”

Protestors in downtown St. Petersburg at sunset.

debt in a world where we can’t find enough work to ever pay it off. We were set up for a life in which we are not free.

We are the future, are we not?

If our current financial state is any indicator of the future, then the most recent generations have forgotten to plan ahead. And that’s why we’ve found ourselves responding to our call to action.

College students have shown up at Occupy rallies in over 951 cities worldwide, and we’re still ignored by the media. We’ve given strong, intelligent answers as to why we’re there, yet they go unpublished as less qualified or less articulate individuals are blasted and plastered across the front pages.

When this future, our future, gets ignored by those in power, that sets up the generation after us for

Student shares his experience at Occupy Tampa

By Will Skinner Staff Writer I have stood in a square in the Swiss town of Appenzell where every year, on the last Sunday in April, Landsgemeinde takes place, a process that translates roughly to “general assembly.” The citizens of the canton, as many as 15,681 of them, gather to debate and vote on laws and on expenditures by the council. Voting takes place by a motion of hand-raising. It is direct democracy at its finest.

Landsgemeinden have lately been popping up all across the country under the moniker “Occupy,” recently in the cities of Saint Petersburg and Tampa. On October 15, I bore witness to one of this rising movement’s socalled “general assemblies” in Tampa’s Lykes Gaslight Square.

The members of Occupy Tampa, who have been fighting daily for their right to protest 24/7 on the sidewalk outside of nearby Curtis Hixon Park, had seen the success of the Occupy Wall Street contingent in laying a continual claim to the entirety of Zuccotti Park and were hoping to replicate it by “occupying” Lykes Gaslight Square.

Hence, the most pressing item on the docket that afternoon, as read by a facilitator by the name of Johnny, was whether to continue to “comply with the police department’s demands and delay occupying this park until we are able to meet with the city council to negotiate a designated space for us to protest,” or to “occupy this park, illegally, attempting to draw attention to our right to peaceably assemble and protest.”

At the time, Occupy Tampa was declaring itself the only national movement that had avoided any arrests. At hand was the question of whether using that fact as a “strong bargaining chip” in negotiations with the city council, mayor, and police department would be more beneficial to the movement than exercising civil disobedience and facing arrest, a tactic which has arguably led to

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subsequently higher turnout at other Occupy movements.

One protestor, Joe, who had been occupying the Curtis Hixon sidewalk for six days, felt so strongly that arrests would sabotage not just Occupy Tampa but the national movement, that he threatened to go home.

“We are the only movement with the chance to prove definitively for all time that the American system as it exists today is irrevocably broken,” he said.

His sentiment was echoed immediately by a woman who asked the group to “do the absurd and negotiate and ask for the rights that are ours ... so it’s on the record, that as Americans we had to ask.”

Still others dissented. One man declared, “This is city property. We are the city ... so know that it is our land and it is not their right to move us off our land.”

Yet another invoked the constitution, claiming that all present had a “constitutional duty as American citizens to occupy our space.”

One young girl was adamant: “It is now or never. I’m tired of waiting for tomorrow. I haven’t slept in two days. Today is the day.”

There were of course, those who had no fervent opinion either way.

One man, Marty, who had been occupying for a week, was also tired, “too tired to think straight,” and had similarly been deprived of sleep for two days. He had been told that if he sat down he would be arrested. Both angered and disheartened, he admitted, “I’d like to think we’re making progress, but that’s kind of shady right now... I’ll let you guys make the decision for me, but at the point I’m at right now, I want to break their balls.”

Another man made a plea for solidarity: “I will occupy anywhere there is a chance to be arrested or not, if you will occupy with me!”

One protestor visiting from Gainesville who had also spent several weeks occupying the state legislature in Madison, Wisconsin, pointed out two main differences between his experience there and at Occupy Tampa.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

photo by Carver Elliott Lee

an even bigger fall.

How can we teach others to succeed when it’s our turn to lead if our role models did nothing but push us under the carpet, too busy with their own lives and the present to worry about cultivating the future?

As we marched down Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, the sun setting in front of us and the crowd completely bathed in a fiery pink light, people ran out of restaurants and slowed their cars to yell in support and even join the ranks.

The front of the crowd heavily loaded with Eckerd’s finest, we yelled and chanted and held up our signs, trying to make a noise in a world where our voices have been stifled and our needs ignored. This has become our call to arms. This is our last stand before it’s too late.

First, there are no labor organizations with deep pockets ready to provide bail money to Occupiers, and second, the numbers then were too great for the police to feasibly arrest everyone.

He conducted a non-binding poll to see who was willing to stay, and only twenty or so raised their hands. The consensus was eventually reached that for that second difference to be bridged, everyone needed to bide their time and expand the movement.

Approaching the point that evening by which Tampa police had requested the park be evacuated and as the general assembly was wrapping up, a similar poll was taken.

Only four people raised their hands.

Someone shouted, “Good luck!”

There would be no arrests that day. The group had reached a consensus and continued to comply with the authorities. However, after three weeks of continued peaceable protest, eleven arrests took place during the fourth week of the Occupy Tampa’s existence.

With the first six of those eleven being for obstructing the Curtis Hixon sidewalk, it can be argued that the police were pressing the buttons of an increasingly exasperated, constitutionally-protected assembly.

One of the oft-repeated criticisms of the wider Occupy movement is, as Marty Linsky wrote in a special to CNN, that “the downside of operating by consensus is that the only way to get everybody to agree is to agree on something that is so ethereal and abstract it becomes meaningless.”

The argument may have some merit, as most of the news and discussion has been, as one protestor put it, “about people sleeping in Curtis Hixon, it’s been about the police, it’s been about negotiating for our rights, it hasn’t been about Wall Street, it hasn’t been about what’s brought us here.” The process is a slow-moving one, and not much has been accomplished as of yet.

However, I believe that I witnessed something special that day.

Listening to people make impassioned speeches, hearing their emotions rattle around, barely caged in their throats, I felt

- A chemistry professor explaining the doom of 10 percent of our population.

“I know I’m in the south but I’m not going to deal with ‘nekkid.’”

- A guest speaker on regional dialects and accents.

“Here he is wanting to bed the whore down the street and now he wants to bed me? Ahh!”

- A literature professor on the errors of Comedy of Errors.

“Somebody’s off their meds... and I just back away.”

- A visiting professor on emotional students.

“We’re going to do this by brute force method. Just bang this one into that one.”

- A physics professor explaining how to solve a problem.

that there is no way that the amount of energy and willpower invested into this movement will just fizzle out without leaving an indelible mark on our society.

One facilitator of the event, a student who had gone to Wall Street, asserted that “the longer you occupy, the more you will feel like a community, the more you will feel like a family, and we will come together and realize what one group and one person can really do to change the world.” Even after only a few hours I couldn’t agree more. I now cannot wait for the Keystone XL protest.

Another facilitator closed out the assembly by imploring, “Come here more than just the event days. If you want change, don’t wait for a Facebook notification. We are here 24/7.”

Her final remarks, I pass on directly to you, reader: “We want to see progress: get out there and make progress.”

photo by Will SKinner Protesters marching at Occupy Tampa.

12 Viewpoints

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Friendly Fire:

Nuclear Power

Ethan Packey Junior

Nuclear technology is an alternative energy source with great promise and great problems. In the United States, the foremost problem is excessive regulation born out of policies enacted after the Three Mile Island incident of 1979. What is really needed is a comprehensive review, probably in the form of a presidential commission, of all aspects of nuclear policy including: 1) funding for new power plants 2) funding for research and development in nuclear energy 3) nuclear regulations and 4) methods for spent fuel storage. As it is, nuclear power in the United States is not going away anytime soon. Around 20 percent of domestic energy production comes from about 100 commercial reactors.

I agree that nuclear power shouldn’t be abandoned completely. However, I don’t think more plants should be constructed until we see a change in the methods of disposing nuclear waste. Proponents of nuclear power point to Japan and France as examples of successful nuclear power producers. France uses nuclear fission to fuel 75 percent of its energy consumption, and it produces enough energy to export to other European nations. However, France and Japan employ what is known as an open fuel cycle, which allows spent fuel to be recycled. The major difference with nuclear power in the U.S. is that we use a closed fuel cycle, which simply dumps spent fuel into underground facilities where it takes thousands of years to decay. The only real attempt to build a formidable waste storage facility in Yucca Mountain Nevada has been delayed for several decades. The recent incident at Fukushima provides an opportunity for the U.S. government to reassess the nuclear power industry.

Nuclear Fuel Cycles These two diagrams illustrate the nuclear fuel cycles. The open cycle is more common, but many people are fighting for closed fuel cycles, as they lead to less radioactive waste.

Sean Lawlor Senior

Indeed, the United States can experience a great windfall in technological development from the nuclear industries of France and Japan. Open fuel systems do remove the need to have excessively long-term nuclear waste facilities. However, the idea of the open-fuel system brings up issues in my mind and perhaps in the minds of energy investors about the overall efficiency of the nuclear reactors if we’re recycling low-grade fuel.

After all, I don’t believe that either of us is advocating a government takeover of the nuclear energy industry, which makes efficiency a business concern. However, on the nuclear waste front, there is research going on toward the creation of Generation IV nuclear reactors that would produce nuclear waste with a half-life that lasts not thousands of years, but only hundreds. Not that this is a miraculous solution, it’s just some good news on the horizon. Another issue that the recent nuclear reactor issues in Japan has brought up is geography. Should a proposed nuclear reactor’s geographical location be a concern in the process of obtaining government approval for construction of a nuclear reactor?

If there is anything that the Fukushima incident has shown us, it is the necessity of geography when choosing the location of a nuclear fission reactor. Japan, unfortunately, resides along a shaky fault line, and the idea of building a nuclear facility in a place like California must imperatively be ruled out. Luckily for the U.S., our geography is diverse and the bulk of our nuclear reactors are located along the East Coast. Yet events this past August have shown that no location is immune from earthquakes and architects of nuclear reactors should be prepared for such disasters.

However, nuclear power shouldn’t be our only answer to alternative energy. A nuclear power plant hasn’t been built since 1996, yet nuclear R & D still takes a large portion of the Department of Energy’s budget. Due to the need for substantial regulations to placate public fears, nuclear power is expensive and unappealing to investors. Perhaps the DOE should consider investing its resources in more stable alternatives?

For more on the debate, visit www.theonlinecurrent.com

Illustration by Carver Elliott Lee Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

CENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment 13 More

American Horror Story

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Sublime

15

Sex on the Beach

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Long Islander Joe Whalen rocks the hardcore scene with future aspirations in music

By Hayden Johnson Staff Writer Joe Whalen is an Eckerd College sophomore at Kappa with a history in the Long Island hardcore scene.

So what is the hardcore scene? It is a culmination of concerts, venues and bands that play a type of music deemed “hardcore.” Whalen has played in bands such as Call it a Conspiracy, Curb Stomp, and Grinch This.

Hardcore music, itself, is a subgenre of punk that stands out in its deeper and faster sound.

According to Whalen, Long Island hardcore is “a lot heavier than metal, but it’s not just about the music, it’s about going to shows, moshing, and supporting your friend’s bands.” He adds, “It’s a lifestyle.”

It’s about five o’clock in the afternoon in his Kappa Morris dorm. Whalen is sitting underneath his lofted bed in a cave of pillows and blankets and casually spinning a glow stick. The gold afternoon sun pierces through the blinds of his window. “Long Island hardcore is similar to New York City hardcore they’re kind of offshoots of each

other,” he says.

He was just 13 years old when he first picked up the guitar. Whalen did not move into the hardcore style until he was 15. The experience of playing at a hardcore show is very intense. “There’s a lot of violence, very heavy music, a lot of fights and everyone is wearing a different band’s t-shirt.”

The violence and moshing at hardcore shows is not really viewed as something deviant. According to Whalen, “The violence and moshing is what makes hardcore unique in its genre.” Fans of this music go to these shows knowing that there will be all sorts of belligerent behavior but they go to them for that exact reason. Hardcore is not just a type of music but it encompasses a brutal audience participation at shows.

To get shows in the Long Island hardcore scene, Whalen and his band mates had to go through members of the scene. What this means is that the people who booked the shows were also common spectators.

Some of them would be kids who regularly attended these shows and

Review

if someone wanted to book a show at the venue they would have to be able to sell enough tickets make the cut. One of the most memorable shows that Whalen was able to book was the Battle of the Bands in which the winners were able to get the opportunity to play with iwrestledabearonce.

Whalen’s band won and sold $500 worth in tickets. After playing the show in the Traxx bar in Long Island with iwrestledabearonce, he and his band had the opportunity to talk to the members of the band about music and performing. He’s also played with groups such as Emmure, Kill Whitney Dead and Life Ruiner.

Whalen was a part of the music scene back in his home of Long Island. He also has future aspirations of music. He states, “No matter what I major in, I always plan on making music a part of my life and rolling with that. I want to find people to play music with.”

With a rich past in music scenes, Joe Whalen plans on expanding his horizons in Eckerd and St. Petersburg.

Whalen rocks out on the guitar.

photo by Jessica Viscovich

Review

“The Thing” prequel Powerful memoir delivers strong, doesn’t live up to original touching storyline about sisterhood

By David Font Staff Writer

promotional photo

It’s been about 30 years since John Carpenter took us to the frozen wastelands of the Antarctic and showed us what real alien terror could be. Now it’s 2011 and Director Matthijs van Heijningen has unleashed once again another take on this 80’s horror film, this time in the form of a prequel. So is this new film another horror classic in the making or just a shameless remake of a far superior film?

The movie follows Paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) as she has been recruited to travel to the desolate region of the Antarctic for the expedition of her lifetime. Joining with a Norwegian science team that has stumbled across a crashed alien vessel buried deep under the ice, they unearth an extraterrestrial creature that seems to have died in

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the crash eons ago. Unfortunately for Kate and her team, the creature is only asleep and it’s about to wake up. When a simple experiment frees the alien from frozen prison, Kate must unite the science team together, not only to protect them from the creature but from themselves.

It’s with a heavy heart that I have to say this, but this new “Thing” is, on its own merits, not a terrible movie. In fact, it’s much better than I expected it to be; but it doesn’t do very much to distinguish itself from the original 80’s film. It goes through the motions, but it just doesn’t capture the energy of the first. That being said, it’s not fair to call this movie bad. In fact I would say that John Carpenter would approve of this film. It is ironic, though, that this new version is such a mirror image to its predecessor. It would almost be easier to call it a remake than a prequel, but the movie does do a nice job at connecting itself with it’s 80’s sequel.

There is an upside to this article, however. If you’re a huge fan of the original, like me, then you might actually find yourself enjoying this film for what it is. When my mind remembers the 1982 film, I know that what I enjoyed most about it were the creature designs and the gore. If that’s all you’re looking for, then this new “Thing” might be just what you need to spice up your evening. But don’t expect it to affect you on the same level as the original John Carpenter version.

“The Thing” (2011) tries its best to do everything right, and that, unfortunately, is the problem.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

By Amy DeBevoise Contributing Writer Imagine being the eldest of three siblings. Imagine losing one to fatal illness, and then, another. No longer a sibling, what are you now?

“The only one left,” Jessica Handler writes in her memoir “Invisible Sisters,” a powerful story of loss, bereavement, and the human capacity to heal.

The story follows the remarkable journey of the Handler family, a family seemingly cursed by sickness and death, and their will to carry on through their daily lives in 1960s and 1970s Atlanta. Sarah, the youngest sister, is born with a rare and incurable blood disease called Kostmann’s Syndrome; the middle sister, Susie, at 6, is diagnosed with leukemia. Jessica stands alone as the self-professed “well sibling.”

After Susie dies, Jessica watches as her parents, isolated in their grief, begin the process of turning away from each other. Yet, “Invisible Sisters” is as much about a woman’s reclamation of herself as it is about a family torn apart by grief and incomprehensible losses.

With a candid ease and keen, perceptive voice, Handler paints a vivid portrait of her lifelong battle with loss, a journey that begins with an idyllic childhood, continues into aimless adolescence, and flowers further on to the novel thrills and soul-searches of young adulthood.

She presents the scenes of her life with captivating clarity. Each rich detail, their credibility owing to Handler’s research and textual

support in the forms of journal entries, letters, and medical documents, lends another layer of depth to the complex workings of her family’s, and her own, inner life.

She opens herself to the reader, unguarded, making her both a relatable and reliable narrator.

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Though the narrative traces Jessica’s life from childhood to adulthood, the narrator often makes effortless, seamless leaps between past and present that create a flowing, conversational feel. She enhances her storytelling See SISTERS, page 15

14 Entertainment

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Review

Horror genre comes to primetime

By Sara Jette Staff Writer After months of intriguing trailers featuring a myriad of odd looking characters in a darkly ominous setting, FX’s new series “American Horror Story” finally premiered Oct. 5.

The series follows the Harmon family, Ben, (Dylan McDermott), his wife Vivian, (Connie Britton) and their disgruntled teenage daughter Violet (Taissa Farmiga) as they move from Boston to Los Angeles to escape the emotional fallout of Vivian’s miscarriage and Ben’s affair.

The pilot starts in 1978, with a pair of redheaded twins intent on vandalizing an abandoned Victorian mansion. The two boys are brutally murdered in the old mansion, the very same house that the Harmon family moves into upon arriving in Los Angeles over three decades later.

Throughout the rest of the episode, the family meets an age-defying, oversexed housekeeper, a strange neighbor and her equally strange daughter, a mentally troubled teenage boy who visits the house as one of Ben’s psychiatric patients and a man with a melted face.

In each of the following episodes, different owners of the house throughout the years are introduced, each uncovering a new layer of creepiness involving the “murder house.”

The characters introduced in the pilot also continue to contribute information about the house’s unsettling history and allude to the family’s uncertain future in Los Angeles.

“American Horror Story” is the crazed love child of the creators of “Nip Tuck” and the co-creators of “Glee.” The names of these two shows stir up two major themes: sex and music.

FX’s “psychosexual thriller” has both. The soundtrack alone is enough to evoke nightmares and is comparable to, if not better than, most feature-length horror movies.

Moreover, the show contains a multitude of sexual situations and some dicey language that comes with most of the original series on FX (ie “Wilfred” and “Always Sunny in Philadelphia”).

The pilot episode left me with a bad taste in my mouth; there was no clear storyline and after watching, I was more shocked and confused about what I had just seen than I was after watching the ambiguous previews a month earlier. However, after seeing the next couple of episodes, I’m a little more hopeful about the rest of the season.

New episodes of “American Horror Story” can be seen on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX or can be streamed (by those over the age of 18) on FX’s website.

Review

“The Walking Dead” season 2: back and deader than ever

By Mike Geibel Staff Writer

promotional photo

Enjoy camping at Ft. De Soto

By Samantha Rolfe Contribuiting Writer

Imagine waking up in the morning and unzipping your tent to a sunny tropical paradise. For many Eckerd students, Fort De Soto Campground, on the edges of what’s been named one of the top beaches in the U.S., is just 8 miles from campus.

It’s a great mini-vacation to de-stress from homework and tests, all while staying close to home.

The park offers a variety of attractions that can keep you busy for the entire weekend. Or you could spend the weekend on the popular north and east beach just soaking in the sun. Some other attractions include the historic fort, the fishing pier, the nature trail, and canoe and kayak rentals. Don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? The park also offers a dog park and a pet area in the campground.

Due to it’s beautiful location, the Enjoy all the joys of camping with a lovely seaside view. campground is extremely popular with group. While the rules state that each site can locals, tourists and snowbirds. In the busy only have one tent, James Wright a veteran season, January through April, it’s booked Park Ranger at Fort De Soto for 13 years, says, up to 6 months in advance. Luckily, the park “You can’t always fit six adults in one tent, so keeps 10 percent of the sites open for walk-in we don’t mind having two tents on each site.” campers. Nightly rates range from $34 to $42, He just asks that each group keep only two depending on the season and the location of cars on site. “We have a small overflow area the site. All 236 sites have electricity, water, a across the street [for extra cars]. We ask that picnic table and a charcoal grill. you just park over there and ferry people Camping can be a more economical back and forth.” choice over a hotel stay; two nights at the So what other items should you bring? campground and food costs totals around You’ll need lots of blankets, pillows, a bathing $100. Unfortunately, Fort Desoto is a county suit, towels and the essential camping food park and does not offer any student discounts. (hotdogs, and stuff for smore’s). But don’t However, the park allows up to 6 people per site; divide the price among everyone and it forget to pack ice and bug spray. De Soto rounds out to a more affordable $17 weekend. Park Ranger Jorge Pacheco says ice and bug Alec Cohen, a junior at Eckerd who has spray are the two most forgotten items. camped at De Soto, said, “It’s really nice While there is an overpriced camp store for there. I don’t like how close the campsites are any extra items you might need, it’s best to to each other.” Campsites are about six feet go prepared and save some money. Cohen also advises to “Bring flashlights. It’s not an apart and separated by trees and bushes.

And if you don’t have camping gear, head extremely well lit campsite. Make sure you down to Eckerd’s Waterfront and reserve a set up before nightfall.”

For those with sensitive backs, investing in tent or two and some fishing poles for your

promotional photo

photo courtesy The U.S. National Archive

a blow up air mattress is also advisable. Two nights of sleeping on the ground with just blankets can make you feel like Quasimodo.

Cohen also warns future campers about campfires. “They don’t allow camp fires so bringing a portable fire pit or something would be a good idea.”

Never been camping before? Pacheco explains that first time campers may be in for a shock. “Prepare for bugs and wildlife.

First time campers come out and they realize they’re in the middle of the woods. People are not aware that they will encounter wildlife, such as raccoons, face to face here,” he said.

He also advises that unattended food should be locked in the car at all times to avoid the local furry bandits. “Raccoons are very active in taking the food away. They are used to humans being in the area and will stand beside you as you eat and not have any fear.”

Bugs, raccoons and sore backs not for you?

Ditch the overnight plans and head down for a day trip. The beautiful views and great attractions make for a great time. Either way, Fort De Soto is definitely worth exploring.

AMC’s breakout hit, “The Walking Dead” from last year, returned for a second season. Followers of the series remember last season’s finale as Sheriff Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, his group of zombie apocalypse survivors to the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, looking for answers. The only scientist left at the CDC provided no answers but informed the group that the laboratory was on an unstoppable countdown to self-destruct. Season one ended with the explosion of the building and the decision of the group to head to Fort Benning.

The sophomore season begins with the group, now down to just 11 members, gearing up for the 120 mile journey southwest from Atlanta to Columbus. Grimes is still the provisional leader of the group and makes many of the decisions as the show’s main character. As the group begins it’s journey, a graveyard of abandoned vehicles on the interstate puts a roadblock in their plans.

After one of their own vehicles has engine trouble and a “herd” of zombies is seen coming down the road, the group is forced to hide and remain completely silent while the large group of undead roams past. The viewers get the sense that there is no time to rest, and are thrown back into the fray of the zombie apocalypse immediately in the premiere of the second season.

Apart from the horror and gore of the zombie genre, the drama and human perspective of the show is what heralded such a vast amount of praise in the first season, and it looks to continue in the second. The sense that nobody is safe in the newly zombie infested world is what adds to the excitement and suspense in each scene. Followers of the comic book upon which the TV series is based will recognize several new locations for the group as they continue their quest for survival, including Greene’s farm, which is a prominent setting in the ongoing comic book series written by Robert Kirkland, Charlie Adlard and Tony Moore.

It can be difficult to live up to the second season hype after such a prosperous year like “The Walking Dead” had in 2010. Somehow, the creators of “The Walking Dead” have taken the popularity of the zombie genre and added a heavy dose of drama and suspense and the result is just as great as last season.

Based upon ratings from just the first two episodes of season two, the series has already been renewed for a third season. With thirteen episodes total this season, it will be interesting to see if the writers can maintain the level of success that they have so far achieved. The Walking Dead is on Sunday at 9 p.m. on AMC.

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Review

Review

By Lequina Knox Staff Writer

By Ian Lindsay Staff Writer

“Perfect Chemistry”: simply perfect Once you start reading this book, you will be hooked. The novel, “Perfect Chemistry,” is the first book in the “Perfect Chemistry” series by Simone Ekeles. It reminds me of a modern day version of the play, “A Westside Story.”

It is one of the most exciting and enchanting books that you will ever get to read. This book tells the story of Alex and Brittany from both of the characters’ points of views. Both teenagers are from the opposite side of the tracks and are forced apart by social class and expectations.

Fate has the upper hand, though, when Alex and Brittney are forced to do a school project with each other and end up finding that they have more chemistry with one another then they expected. Despite their differences, our two main characters are unprepared when they begin to stop looking for outside approval and just go after what they truly want in life.

Trust me, when I say that you will get wrapped up in the very passionate, unlikely story of romance that brews between Alexjandro (Alex) Fuentes and Brittany Ellis.

The best part about this book is that the two main characters are both extraordinary people that bring out the absolute best in one another, which allows them to face challenges in their personal lives.

However, the romance factor of this novel was not the only thing that I liked about the book. The element of self-discovery was a nice touch to everyday teenage drama. This book is wonderful, fun, charming, passionate, sexy, and cool. The book is a fast-paced read that takes you on a journey of self-discovery, following your dreams and heart-pounding, life-changing, teenage love affairs.

From SISTERS, page 13

Memory painted with words with references to the culture of the times, due in part to her father’s heavy involvement with the Civil Rights movement. Such references lead to striking scenes such as when Handler sees her first dead body (Dr. Martin Luther King’s), or experiences her first acid trip.

Handler’s ability to revisit and articulate the thoughts, not only of her past self but also of loved ones, demonstrates strong insight and admirable courage. She describes the thoughts of her childhood self as if she thought them only yesterday. Her writing provides a clear and true-to-life illustration of how a young child copes with death: “If I could notice everything around me,” she reflects, “I would have worked hard enough to keep everyone alive.” Later, she explains her dislike of fractions, for in the wake of her fracturing family, she firmly believes “{t}hings should be whole.” Handler makes brilliant use of concrete scenes to both give a detailed account of her family and to forge a segue into the deeper meanings that emerge, subtle and unbidden, from the story’s surface.

“Invisible Sisters” thoroughly captivates from its first page to its last, due in part to its author’s engaging honesty, bold detail and talent for craft. Handler succeeds in portraying the trials and triumphs inherent in the grieving process. Grief and loss are universal struggles to which any reader can relate. And while the Handlers’ tragedy will undoubtedly stir readers’ hearts, it is the memoir’s testament to the tenacity and will of the human spirit that readers will find most inspirational.

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Entertainment 15

New album has same name as Sublime, but worse content It has been fifteen years since the legend that made Sublime, the great Bradley Nowell, passed away. It has been four months since the band released its latest album with the new lead singer Rome Ramirez on July 12 titled “Yours Truly.” For music fans, this was one of the most controversial things since the Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show where Janet Jackson had a “wardrobe malfunction.”

For many, Sublime with Brad at the vocals captured the angst and love of the generation now in college.

Today, Bradley Nowell is recognized as an icon like Bob Marley. He is held in fan’s hearts the same way Tupac Shakur or Kurt Cobain are; as a great musician who tragically died before his time. It has taken four months of listening to this album for it to really sink in. Before “Yours Truly” was even released the remaining two thirds of the band Bud Gaugh (Drums) and Eric Wilson (Bass Guitar) began touring with new lead singer in hopes of trying to win fans over. I went to one of these shows. Rome has a remarkably great voice that echoes Brad’s, but I still felt betrayed by Bud and Eric. As I listened to their new CD I felt even more betrayed.

Panic The opening song gets people to their feet with its ska/punk feeling with fast—paced riffs and horns blowing throughout the song.

Personally, it sounds like the band tried to rewrite the classic Sublime song “Date Rape.”

The song is catchy, but only because it’s supposed to be.

Only This song reminds me of another band called “The Dirty Heads.” Rome actually was featured on one of their singles called “Lay Me Down,” but this is not necessarily a good thing. “The Dirty Heads” have always had a juvenile style especially when it comes to lyrics. This song is catchy but its lyrics sound like they were written by a ghost writer that studies what sticks in people’s heads and what sticks in people’s heads sells records.

Lovers Rock I like this song. It has a fun reggae upbeat feeling to it. Of course, like most of the

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album, so far it is weighed down with the bubblegum pop sound that makes it too radio friendly. Bradley might not be rolling over in his grave, but he’s certainly rolling his eyes.

Murdera Great guitar riffs but stupid lyrics. The song is nice to listen to, but falls short. Any song with the cliché lyric “Nananana” is going to instantly lose my respect. Things like this lost their originality after Bob Marley and should not try to be reproduced.

promotional photo

My World This song makes me wish Rome would have just started his own band. He is obviously talented as both a singer and a guitarist. I really enjoyed this song. Its lyrics parallel the same themes the real Sublime used to write songs about. The guitar riffs are heavy with the Long Beach ska feeling and the delivery is perfect.

Paper Cuts This song was definitely included in the album to be played while on tour. It is only a minute and fifty three seconds long which ties it in with those classic beach punk songs that Sublime began experimenting with back in the 90’s. The nature of this song is far from the rebellion that Bradley created, but it’s still a good song.

PCH I can’t make up my mind with what this song reminds me more of: Kids Bop 11, or a Radio Disney ultimate hits CD. Unless you are a fan of Miley Cyrus, I would hit the skip button on the stereo for this one.

Same Old Situation Same Old Situation sounds just as generic and bubblegum pop as the last song. This album is starting to feel more like a marketed commercial that is meant to get stuck in your head. But this song isn’t even catchy. It sounds like the same old stuff…that the radio plays.

Take It Or Leave It At least Rome does have a nice voice. This song is just like the last two feel like nothing more than fluff added to the album to stretch the singles apart. Nothing special, it’s cliché, and really, really disappointing.

You Better Listen A few nice riffs save this song from totally disappointing to just a little disappointing. I could zone out to this song on a car trip but it’s nowhere near iPod worthy.

Spun This song should make these guys embarrassed to tour with the name Sublime in any part of their band name. Spun is interchangeable with the last five songs and has the same juvenile lyrics of a limerick a kindergartner wrote.

Can You Feel It (Ft. Wiz Khalifa) Even though most Sublime fans probably won’t appreciate any Taylor Gang influence on a Sublime album, I feel like anything could be better and more refreshing than the last five songs. Rome has good delivery that is complemented well with Wiz Khalifa’s verses.

This song is probably one of my favorites on album. This isn’t saying much.

Overall, it is no surprise that Bud and Eric had a legal battle over the rights to make music under the name Sublime. All the talent in that band died with Brad and this album is proof of that. This album is nothing more than a marketed product designed to be catchy in order to sell more albums. There are three bonus tracks including a dubstep track which is almost pathetic .

It seems like Sublime with Rome did everything under the book to try to sell albums while forgetting why people loved Sublime so much in the first place. Sublime was real. It was raw and gritty and never tried to be more than three beach bums from Long Beach California who sang about smoking pot and owning Dalmatians. Sublime with Rome is a one talent act that won’t last.

16 Entertainment

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Taking back grandma’s tablecloth in the name of fashion

By Kaitlyn Granger and Sydney Hetrick Staff Writers

We spent a hot minute stumbling upon tangents as we brainstormed for our first article. It was the moment we noticed how one model fiddled with her lace collar that we found our topic. We refused to ignore the way the collar so beautifully filtered the black and white knitted sweater draped underneath it.

We later searched for more inspiration by sifting through all of the gently stitched lace in our wardrobes, and plunged ourselves into a sea of well-fashioned material.

Photo by Madeline Balser To be clear, ladies, we’re Granger and Hetrick pose in lace. not talking about the notion of extremes that lace is either what you wear to bed, or that defiled old fabric that lies above your grandmother’s couch. When styled well, lace is a must-have fabric to add to any fashionista’s wardrobe.

Color has always been a pawn in the game of fashion, and it’s no different with lace; dark colors are partial to nightlife, while brighter colors and pastels are fabulous for day. Always be cautious of making your outfit appropriate for the setting you’re in. Lace is perfect for those looking for versatility. Wear it out on Saturday night, then transform it on Monday to encompass that chanel-esque sophistication, perfect for class! (see pictures for inspiration) We can’t stomach anymore traumatizing glances at the girls who parade their assets around while donning their poorly styled lace; we’re sick of it!

The oversexed stigma lace clutches can easily be released with our simple rule of thumb that (brace yourself) uses basic division. Divide your body into a top and bottom; if one segment is uncovered, conceal the other half.

In other words, you’re allowed to toy with see-through tops, but for love of us, cover your bum.

Instead of drawing unwanted association to the elderly, summon your youthful femininity by pairing it with a more current trend. Lace adds a girly touch to any outfit. We love coupling it with denim or leather to create a style we call, “the delicate vixen.” So, ditch the tea party, grab that adorable lace trim off the table and run.

Thanks for reading our first article, guys. This column will be devoted to all things fashion. Here’s a taste of things to come: style interviews mustfollow trends, nifty ways to refresh your wardrobe, local store reviews and much more; we’re even open to your suggestions. Don’t worry boys; we’ll focus on trends for you as well. So, look for our articles in each issue of The Current, because we have a lot of great things in store for you.

Fashion gets complicated: The ins and outs of getting in and out of a romper

By Mercedes Williams Staff Writer

As a former lover and I tumbled about the bed, I noticed a frown creeping over his face. Normally, I would rather my partners be smiling, biting lips or engaging their mouths in more positive uses. Suddenly, he burst out, “How the heck do I get this off?!” I was wearing a romper.

His confusion was quickly abated when I demonstrated how the romper, being one piece of clothing, must be slipped from the shoulders, unzipped, or unbuttoned.

Although he recovered from the potential crisis, I was left pondering the validity of his outburst.

It is understandable that a male with little knowledge of fashion might be confused by this garment. It can’t be unbuttoned like pants, untucked like a shirt, or pulled over the head like a dress.

However, through further conversation with my peers, I found that most of them enjoy the romper despite these “setbacks,” and it does little to hinder them in carnal adventures. Some even praise this scanty piece for its simplicity.

Meg Fitzpatrick, junior, says, “They are very convenient for hasty clothes gathering in the wee hours of the morning, or when you realize you’re going to be late for class.” Others, such as Thomas Chamberlain, senior, cited their aesthetic appeal. “Rompers are mad cute.”

Each time my questions were answered with praises

courtesy of Castaway Vintage A model shows off a nautical-themed romper.

of the garment, I became more critical of this boy’s reaction. What was so confusing about this versatile garment? And is confusion over how to extricate the female body from a romper really a bad thing? Janelle Ford, junior, thinks not. “Men want something simple like a dress where they can just find what they are looking for. With a romper, they have to figure it out like a puzzle, but in the end it’s rewarding.” Sometimes, a bit of confusion can be a good thing.

Divorced by the spotlight: Kim attempts to split

By Malena Carollo Asst. Entertainment Editor The marriage every tabloid hoped would fail has finally jumped the shark. Kim Kardashian filed for divorce Oct. 31 after being married to Kris Humphries only 72 days, citing “irreconcilable differences,” according to TMZ. According to the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” Facebook page, Kim released a statement saying, “After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage.”

She added, “I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best.”

Humphries was caught offguard by the statement.

“I love my wife and am devastated to learn she filed for divorce,” Humphries said. “I’m committed to this marriage and everything this covenant represents. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it work.”

Kim asked that the two pay their own legal fees in court, and has hired celebrity lawyer Laura Wasser to represent her courtesy of Kalumba2009 in court. The two have a prenuptual agreement.

Kim poses at the 48th Golden Globe Awards.

TMZ reports that the wedding cost nearly $10 million.

SexontheBeach:

The walk of shame

By Natalie Droogers Sex Columnist Few things compare to the sight of a girl trekking across campus at 9 a.m. in a skirt that could be mistaken for a headband, heels that are too high for any hour of the day and with last night’s makeup slowly sliding down her face. We’ve all seen her; most of us have been her even if we refuse to come clean about it.

If you’ve woken up before him you’re probably laying there deathly silent in hopes of not waking the coma patient passed out face down next to you. Knowing that any sudden movement could possibly mean waking sleeping beauty and/or having vomited all over you.

A slow turn of the covers reveals that you had more fun than you thought, as you are naked.

You quickly but carefully pull the covers back on as you take a quick survey of the room to try to ascertain your location.

This only paints a vague picture of your naughty behavior. Thankfully you spot something loosely resembling last night’s outfit after what seemed like the most intense search and rescue mission ever, and you haven’t even left the bed yet. Being the smart Eckerd student you are, you know an outfit never looks quite as good as it did the night before and opt to commit the robbery. You locate either a pair of athletic shorts or a big t-shirt to walk home in to attempt to disguise yourself, which in reality probably draws more attention to you, but at least you got a souvenir for your trouble.

Now you have finally arrived at the big moment, you have planned your escape outfit; you located the majority of personal belongings hoping more will appear when you move stuff around. You begin to channel Tom Cruise in “Samurai” in hopes of a successful and unnoticed escape, knowing you still have to complete the rescue portion of your “search and rescue” mission.

At this point, you pray that you have not woken the creature in the bed and that you have previously identified the proper exit, i.e. the door. Escaping out of a window makes for a good story, but realistically you probably don’t want to have to do that. And, as someone who has done that, the height of Eckerd windows is really awkward for someone going in

or coming out. Good news, you’re half way home, sister! Eckerd is a small campus and you can pretty much get anywhere within seven minutes travelling, a total distance less than a quarter of a mile.

But during that time, considering your level of nausea and regret, you seriously feel like you accidently joined the NYC Marathon. You feel like you’re racing someone despite there being no one around.

The pace at which you’re walking is about as consistent as Glenn Beck. You feel personally victimized by every time keeping instrument on the planet, you truly believe that time has slowed down solely because it obviously revolves around you.

Your feelings of anxiety to get home are well founded. The longer you remain in public, the greater the chance of disaster. It would seem that based on your successful escape, the walk home would be smooth sailing, but no no, remember where you go to school.

It’s amazing for such a small campus how many people you will run into at 9 a.m. Not only did you have to lower your head in shame as you passed the only Saturday tour, but there’s nothing quite like walking barefoot, shirt in one hand, shoes in the other with a week’s worth of eye makeup dripping down your face and your hair matted to one side of your forehead.

Maybe you’re more like me and refuse to walk barefoot, so you shove your feet back into those 5 inch heels knowing all too well you might not ever be able to move your toes again.

It is true that some walks of shame are better than others and the deciding factor is often what was going on the night before.

These are some of the better Eckerd holidays when it comes to producing one-night stands and walks of shame: 1. Kappa Karnival: Experienced Eckerd folk get this and agree without a doubt, but freshmen you just wait, come May you will understand.

2. Toga: Somehow you can never figure out how to tie 2 yards of fabric into a toga again at 9 a.m. Instead of making a second valid attempt, you wrap yourself up like a sausage.

3. Halloween: Like any cute outfit, costumes never look as good in the morning, especially while walk of shaming it back to your room.

4. Parents weekend: Have you ever seen the face of a parent looking at someone doing the walk of shame. Especially when that student is their offspring.

5. Explore Eckerd Weekend: I wonder how many parents of prospective students have questioned the moral fiber of Eckerd after seeing a student the morning after a fun night looking like a hot mess doing the walk.

I think what I’m trying to say is you shouldn’t let the shame you think you should feel taint your perception of your behavior. Most college students have had one-night stands, and have done the walk of shame at some point. Don’t feel so bad that you did it, too. You’re just having fun like the rest of us.

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Entertainment 17

Nov. 4 - Nov. 17

Events Friday 4 7 p.m.

Amigo Miller Aud.

Saturday 5 8 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

6

7

8

2 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

All day event $3.95 Prime rib special at Boardwalk

8 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

5:30 p.m.

Gerry LaFemina/Poetry Reading Triton Room

Wednesday Thursday 9 4 p.m.

The Gulf of Mexico Lewis House

10 8 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

7:30 p.m. - CPS Rome’s Empire and God’s Kingdom Fox Hall

11

12

7 p.m.

City of Life and Death Miller Aud.

11 a.m.

EC Celebration of the Arts

8 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

8 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

13 2 p.m. - CPS Passion Play Bininger Theater

14 7:30 p.m. - CPS EC Community Band Fall Concert Fox Hall

16

15 7:30 p.m. - CPS Using Social Marketing for International Biodiversity Conservation Miller Aud.

1 p.m. - CPS A Sense of Place: Christopher M. Still Paintings Cobb Art Gallery

17 7:30 p.m. - CPS EC Chamber Orchestra Fall Concert Fox Hall

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

Books

Music

Movies

What you can look forward to in the next two weeks

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18 Entertainment

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Archnemsis headed for St. Pete

By Sophia Giberson Staff Writer Archnemesis w/ J2K & Sounduo @ The State Theatre Nov 5 Archenemesis is scheduled to play at the State Theatre Nov. 5 in downtown St. Pete. Archnemesis has gained success with their first EP “Diamonds and Glass” and their album “People›s Radio.” Attracting music lovers of all kinds, they are flourishing in the electronic music scene. But after attending Black Water Music Festival in Sept. of this year with fellow Eckerd students, I was overwhelmed by the visual and musical stimulation that Sounduo brought to the festival. When the show was over, I only wanted to watch them play again. Luckily, Sounduo is opening for artist, Archnemesis. Mixing

visual art with electronic sounds, Sounduo utilizes vocals, grooves, bass and dub to create an ambient collection of music.

When performing, the band often uses intense lighting, live drums and unique sounds that will never lose your interest. As they recently appeared on the music scene in 2010, they have successfully opened for artists including Elliot Lip and Big Gigantic and performed at Black Water Music Festival in Live Oak, Fla. United Kingdombased artist J2K is also scheduled to open, bringing grime and hip-hop to the stage.

So if you want to enjoy an evening of diverse electronic and hip-hop music in an intimate venue just ten minutes from campus, I highly suggest attending this concert.

For tickets and more information check out www. statetheatreconcerts.com.

Review

Zeds Dead hits some snags but still rocks the house

By Ian Lindsay Staff Writer

I’m sure Eckerd’s ears are still ringing from the bass tones erupting from Zeds Dead’s subwoofers at their Oct. 13 show at The Amphitheatre in Ybor City.

The revolving dance floor was sprinkled with Eckerd faces as the light shows and visuals danced over the night club.

Zeds Dead is a two person DJ collaborative including the members MC and Hook. The dubstep duo first started working together in 2004. At this time they produced electronica music under the stage name Mass Productions and produced a hip-hop influenced album called Fresh Beetz in the summer of ‘07.

Their next collaboration came in 2009 and the DJs began mixing their music with a higher BPM (beats per minutes) to achieve the sound known as dubstep. Since then, the two have been spinning only the heavy bass electronic music of dubstep and have only grown in popularity.

Each dubstep producer has a unique sound, but after the show at The Amphitheater, I feel Zeds Dead’s live set leans more toward the progressive house side of the electronica genre.

The doors opened at 9 p.m. By 9:01 the subwoofers were kicking as the Amphitheatre filled up with college kids. Two local DJs opened for Zeds Dead with the stage names of Mr. Saturn, and even more

famous was Nerd Rage who has made a name outside of the Tampa Bay area. Both DJs absolutely killed it.

Mr. Saturn opened playing several songs of the new Bassnectar album “Divergent Spectrum.” This had the club bouncing. Not only was the sound of The Amphitheater impressive, but the light shows that accompanied the music put the crowd in a trance. From concertgoers tearing up the dance floor, to those relaxing in the back sipping beer, there was always something entertaining to watch.

Above the revolving dance floor was a giant disco ball that created a stunning psychedelic affect from the strobe lights bouncing and reflecting into the dance floor. All this set the perfect ambience for Nerd Rage to drop his set. Nerd Rage spun mostly mainstream dubstep anthems like Skrillex’s “Cinema” and his own hit, a dubstep remix of Chris Brown’s “Look at me now.”

Nerd Rage had the club gyrating like a 5.0 Richter scale earthquake.

Around 1 a.m. a curtain lowered during Nerd Rage’s last song that reflected the Zeds Dead logo.

This was the cue for the crowd to absolutely loose it. Minutes later MC and Hook took the stage as Zeds Dead and dropped an atom bomb of bass and lights echoing throughout the club. Their set included hits like “Coffee Break,” “White Satin,” “Out for Blood,” and a Rolling Stone’s dubstep remix of “Gimme Shelter.”

promotional photo

I will say this, though: even as a huge fan of these producers, I was a little disappointed. I counted two times when the music completely stopped which means the DJ’s messed up somewhere while mixing. They bounced back quickly, but not without a few boos from the audience.

Another thing I was disappointed in was their transition from each song. Every transition was littered with a repetitive “house” beat that in my opinion got old quick.

Another disappointment was the fact they did not play my personal favorite song of theirs, a Sublime dubstep remix of “Doin’ Time.”

Other than these small errors, I still had a blast at their show and completely recommend it to anyone in search of a wild night.

Review

Art walks are a bimonthly adventure

By Sara Jette Staff Writer The diamond-in-the-rough town of Gulfport, is home to an eclectic array of local shops and eateries situated on the outskirts of Boca Ciega Bay located west of 34th St. S and south of 22nd Ave S. In Gulfport on any given day, one can find good food, fun shopping and some very nice people. But on every first Friday and third Saturday of the month, the town plays host to local artists, antique dealers and eccentric locals in their bimonthly art walks. At an art walk, things such as hand painted silk scarves, photography and handmade crafts can be found under pop-up tents lining both sides of Beach Blvd, Gulfport’s main street.

Aside from the stands set up for the art walk, many of the small shops are open and often hold extended hours during first Friday and third Saturday. These shops carry locally made crafts as well as various antiques and items displaying the prominent slogan “If you’re too weird for Gulfport, you’re just too weird.”

If perusing for treasures isn’t your thing, there is also a hot shop located in the center of town that is open to spectators and beginner glass blowers during the walks.

At Industrial Arts Center, walkers can sit outside and brace themselves against the radiant heat coming from within the studio to watch the masters at work or be immersed in the inferno to try their hand at the craft.

With eight options to choose from and with prices ranging from $20-$65, you can create a small vase or a birthstone ball.

Hungry walkers can find solace in any of the numerous family-run restaurants along the street, many of which have cozy outdoor seating and well priced meals (a few even offer live music). A favorite spot of mine during the art walks is Peg’s Cantina. With a relaxed garden vibe, and the proximity to the festivities, Peg’s provides a great place to enjoy a shrimp burrito with extra chipotle sauce and an ice cold local draft whilst people watching.

So whether you’re an art lover, foodie, craft aficionado, or just looking for something new and different, you’re likely to find something at an art walk that interests you.

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Nov. 4, 2011

CThe quickie

Crossword by Will Skinner

The Quickie 19

There’s always enough time for a quickie ACROSS 1 “The cat will ___ and dog will have his day.”

4 Stock market index 7 Pond inhabitants, occasionally 10 Pakistani CIA counterpart 11 Microphone type gaining notoriety 13 “To ___ is human, to forgive is divine.”

14 With 39-across, team which holds the second most World Series titles, after the NY Yanks 15 Female reproductive health practitioner 16 Long-haired Asian bovine 17 Officers in training 19 Catches, as fish or butterflies 21 Make loose 23 “____ do.” : “Good enough.”

26 Issues an order 29 Nonsense 30 Capital of Japan, before 1868 31 Tommy Pickles’ dog 33 Prefix preceding classical and cortex 34 Greek island; birthplace of Apollo and Artemis 36 Wordsworth’s “Lines composed a few miles above _______ Abbey on revisiting the banks of the Wye during a tour, 13 July 1798” 38 Adams-____ Treaty, a.k.a. the “Purchase of Florida” 39 Deck units 40 Period devoted to a particular activity, slangily 42 Zeus’ father 46 Little piggy?

48 “The Ring” star Watts 50 Rubbish improv. group?

51 Thirst-quencher, to Pierre 52 Spokesperson for the trees?

53 Wildebeest 54 Furnish with weapons 55 One outcome of 22-down/8-down

56 Avarice or envy, e.g.

DOWN 1 Grab-bag categ.

2 “¿Cómo ____ usted?”

3 With 39-across, additional playoff spots 4 Bassnectar’s genre 5 Mild oath, in SMS language 6 Triton guard #20 Sears Jr. 7 XL pipeline worthy of protest 8 With 22-down, “_______ boy ____ girl?”

9 Annoy 11 Vogue 12 Compass dir., Miller to Seibert 18 USD competitor 20 What Spain cried after the SpanishAmerican War? 22 With 8-down, “_______ boy ____ girl?”

24 Lascivious look 25 France’s second-largest metropolitan area 26 46-across, to Pedro 27 Idyllic garden 28 Monster Ball locale 29 1970 “27 Club” inductee 32 “The Walking Dead” creator Robert 35 Sugar suffix 37 General renowned perhaps more for a titular dish than his conquests on the battefield 39 Theory with Jeff Goldblum as a proponent 41 Sketch comedy show in its thirtyseventh yr.

43 Badgers 44 Present and potent prefix 45 Stupefy 46 After 51-across, most widely consumed beverage 47 Paddle 49 Gold, to Pietro

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Club spotlight New club: EC Thrift Store collects and sells worn-out clothing

By Katie Lantz Staff Writer The EC Thrift Store, a first year club, has generated a buzz across campus.

Sasha Giametti, EC Thrift Store Co-Founder, elaborates on how the idea came to be. “Considering that Eckerd aims to be a green campus, there is a high amount of waste and extra stuff that students have and don’t always dispose of properly.” She goes on to say she witnessed improper disposal of items during move out last year. “The EC Thrift Store is a way of recycling clothing and is beneficial to the community in more ways than one.”

The Thrift Store also raises funds to reinvest in students because all proceeds are donated to the organizations affiliated with spring break service trips.

EC Thrift Store member Kelly Nault explains why she joined. “I feel that the EC Thrift Store embodies the Eckerd spirit. The items are taken from the Eckerd community and the proceeds go back to the student body in order to help more students participate in spring break service trips.”

Will Rubino, intern for the Eckerd College Organization of Students, is excited about the thrift store. “I have always been proud of the fact that

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Eckerd is a campus run by the students. When I was a student, I would always tell my tour groups that if Eckerd does not have something that you want, then start a club and make it happen.

That’s exactly what the EC Thrift Store Club is doing.” Rubino adds he’s excited about this club because of its philanthropic tie-in.

The EC Thrift Store’s first day of sales, Oct. 21, held in Hough Quad, was a success, raising $137, according to Giametti.

Look for donation hampers with the EC Thrift Store logo in every traditional dorm and in the laundry rooms of Omega, Iota and Sigma.

Giametti says some students have voiced concerns that the thrift store will discourage sharing among students who ask for the return of the “free box” system. She wants to assure students that the EC Thrift Store only sells donations from boxes with the thrift store logo.

Lizzy Haag, environmental service learning intern, says she agreed to become the club’s staff advisor because, “having a thrift store on campus will be a great way to recycle and reuse clothing.

She adds, “hopefully it will make a small dent in reducing the amount of waste we produce.”

Brian MacHarg, director of Service Learning, is optimistic about the project. “The thrift store is a great way for Eckerd to be environmentally sustainable while putting funds to good causes.”

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photo by Cassie Ochoa This laundry basket is in Kappa Morris. There are identical laundry baskets in all of the dorms, and they serve as donation buckets for clothing that people no longer want.

20 The Quickie

Nov. 4, 2011

the current

Occupy Wall St. finds strength in numbers

Infographic courtesy of www.lifescience.com

Dollar bills courtesy of www.occupygeorge.com

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the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Sports 21

CSports A week of volleyball to remember Friday v. #1 Tampa

Saturday v. Rollins

By Ben Schlesselman Courtesy of eckerdtritons.com

By Ben Schlesselman Courtesy of eckerdtritons.com

The Eckerd College volleyball team served up an upset special on Oct. 28 by handing perennial powerhouse and newly-ranked No. 1 University of Tampa its first loss of the season in a five-set thriller, 3-2 (25-23, 23-25, 25-21, 17-25, 15-13).

Freshman Ali McAlvany hammered down 17 kills and reigning Sunshine State Conference Offensive Player of the Week Lindsay Biggs added 16. Alex Laton and Taylor Whaley were also in doubledigits with 13 and 12, respectively.

In a closely-contested match that featured countless twists and turns, the Tritons (20-3, 9-2 SSC) toppled the Spartans (24-1, 11-1 SSC) for the first time in school history in front of another packed McArthur Center on “whiteout” night.

And after sitting on the outside of the most recent AVCA Top-25 Poll with 38 votes received, the Tritons did their best to lock up their first national ranking since the 2009 campaign.

The Tritons extended their win streak to 11 games and sent shockwaves rippling across the volleyball world. Shortly afterwards, EC Head Coach Courtney Draper had her phone buzzing with congratulatory messages as the news went viral.

“Tampa is always a great team and they’re tough to beat,” she said.

“This is very special for our seniors, but our fans were amazing. They brought so much energy and it was like having a seventh man on the court.”

For several of those seniors, including Bri Smith (37 assists, 12 digs), Hallie Ward (15 digs) and Ariana Chinn (nine kills), it was vindication after taking Tampa to the brink in prior meetings throughout their careers.

“After taking a set against Tampa in our first meeting this year, we knew that we could do it,” the senior setter Smith said. “We really worked hard on the placement of our shots in practice this week and took advantage of them playing a 5-1 scheme.”

“This gives us a lot of confidence to reach the goals that we’ve set for ourselves,” she added.

Smith set the tone in the decisive fifth set with a service ace that tiptoed across the net for the frame’s first point. Her passing set up the next three points and EC held an 8-4 advantage before switching sides.

The Spartans cut the deficit to one point on two possessions, but Eckerd had an answer each time in Olivia Fraser, who spiked down the game-winning point.

Laton was unstoppable in the first set, ripping seven kills on just seven swings. The Tritons worked their way back down from a 14-9 deficit and tied the score at 22-22 on a McAlvany kill. Shortly after, Eckerd would clinch the first set on back-to-back kills from Chinn and McAlvany.

The nation’s leading hitter, UT’s Danielle Selkridge, had 13 kills while teammates Holly Reschke and Jessica Yingling paced the Spartans with 14 apiece.

The Eckerd College volleyball team channeled leftover adrenaline from toppling the nation’s topranked team on Oct. 28 into another memorable five-set win over a resilient Rollins College squad on Saturday, 3-2 (25-14, 20-25, 21-25, 2522, 15-10).

And the emotions were still running plenty high after the Tritons (21-3, 10-2 SSC) dethroned No. 1 University of Tampa on Friday in a five-set thriller, but avenging a regular-season loss against the Tars (20-8, 8-3 SSC) was just as important on EC’s agenda.

The Tritons rallied back from a 2-1 deficit to win their 12th straight and earn a little more breathing room for second place in the Sunshine State Conference standings.

Both Eckerd and Rollins had received votes in latest edition of the AVCA Top-25 Coaches Poll.

“We had to maintain focus and realize that today was just as important as last night,” EC senior libero Hallie Ward said. “We needed to validate our win (against Tampa) and this was a huge match for us because they (Rollins) beat us last time.”

If history taught volleyball enthusiasts a lesson based on previous meetings, it came as no surprise that Eckerd and Rollins went through another barnburner.

Ward dug out a team-high 26 attack attempts from the opposition and kept several key possessions alive late in the final frame. The Tritons led wire-to-wire in the final set, closing it out with a 4-0 run to put away the Tars.

Sophomore and current SSC Offensive Player of the Week Linsay Biggs continued her recent torrid streak, recording 18 kills on an eyepopping .485 attacking percentage with 12 digs. Alex Laton swatted 13 more to go along with six blocks while Ariana Chinn and Ali McAlvaney each had 10 kills.

Maija Strazdina elevated over the Rollins frontline for a pair of key kills in the fifth set as she finished with seven on just 17 swings in two frames of work.

Eckerd caught Rollins off guard early on, racing out to a 12-2 run in the first set to force the Tars to burn both timeouts and went on to clinch by a 25-14 decision.

Rollins didn’t hit the greatest in the second set, just a .209 clip, but earned a 25-20 win to tie before getting the offense in sync at a .333 percentage in the third set for the go-ahead point.

The Tritons had to work around 25 kills from Megan Hodges, who had 64 attack attempts, more than double the total of any player on the court. Camille Indest charged the Rollins surge in the second and third sets as she finished with 15 kills.

The Tritons outblocked Rollins, 10-4. McAlvany had five assisted blocks while Olivia Fraser and Chinn each helped send back three.

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photo by Ethan Cooper Junior Kaleigh Humphrey hits a serve in win against #1 ranked Tampa

Fraser fires up Lady Tritons

By Kelly Coston Contributing Writer “Jumpy, responsible and silly,” were the three words Volleyball Assistant Coach Jillian Kalvik used to describe Liv Fraser, a middle blocker on the Lady Triton squad. This junior biology major from Millbrook, N.Y., was selected as the Sunshine State Conference defensive player of the week after her phenomenal performance against conference rivals St. Leo University and Florida Southern College, putting up a season high of 11 blocks against FSC. She has also been recognized by the SSC Conference for her grades, making the commissioner’s honor roll for the four semesters she has spent at Eckerd. Not only does Fraser stand out on the court, but she appears to exemplify the term “studentathlete.”

Although it is difficult, she is very passionate about her major, and plans on going to veterinarian school after graduation. “One of my biggest challenges is managing my heavy workload along with volleyball,” Fraser admitted. She also finds time to volunteer at the Pinellas County Animal Shelter twice a week. In fact, Liv loves animals so much that she even has one here at school. Chi Chi is a two inch long dwarf hamster, who you can usually find buried under the neon purple bedding inside her red, strawberry shaped hut. “She loves crawling around on my cheetah carpet, and my head,” Fraser said about some of Chi Chi’s favorite activities.

When Fraser is not in class, or playing with her furry friend, she is putting in long hours at the MacArthur Gymnasium. “Liv is extremely athletic, and has quick feet and great jumping abilities,” Kalvik commented.

Liv proved her athleticism in high school when she lettered in volleyball, basketball, softball and track. Last season, Fraser was the only member of the team to start all 27 games. “She is vital to both our offense and defense,” Kalvik added confidently.

Aside from being an essential part of the Lady Tri-

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ton’s roster, Liv also brings another big asset to the team, her humor. “Liv is full of funny faces, and weird sounds. She’s very playful and full of personality,” Kalvik laughed.

Sophomore setter Madison Burr is Liv’s “little sister” on the team, meaning they exchange joke gifts on game days, and decorate each other’s lockers. “There is never a dull moment with (Liv),” her teammate Burr ensured.

“Last year, she gave me a five foot long Transformer’s cape that she sewed herself. It’s hanging up on my wall, definitely the best decoration in my room.”

With a little under half of the season left, Fraser’s goals remain solid. “I would like to make it to the Elite 8 this year, and be the top team in our conference,” she said in a determined tone while looking onto the court.

Currently, Fraser is ranked fourteenth in the conference for hitting, with a percentage of .294. “I couldn’t have accomplished as much as I have without the help of my coaches and teammates,” Fraser added.

Photo by Andy Meng

22 Sports

the current

Nov. 4, 2011

Sports Briefly Eckerd

Global

Volleyball enters national rankings

Crash leaves boxer in critical condition

If you haven’t been paying attention to the Lady Tritons volleyball squad this season, now would be a good time to start. The girls are now ranked number 22 in the nation on the strength of their 12-match win streak and their intimidating 21-3 overall record.

They are 10-2 in the stacked Sunshine State Conference, and are fresh off of grueling five-set victories over then-top-ranked University of Tampa and Rollins College. Tough, talented, and confident, the ladies have found their swagger. If they can hold it together through November, they’ll be a threat to do some serious damage in the NCAA tournament, which begins Dec. 1.

Golden Gloves boxing champion Pedro Luis Sosa was left fighting for his life Oct. 30, after an accident on New York City’s Cross Bronx Expressway that killed his sister, Jennifer Sosa. The 20-year-old champ and his 21-year-old sister had been traveling in a van with eight other people when they came upon a massive pileup caused by slick ice on the highway. When the Sosas stepped out of their vehicle to check on a vehicle ahead of them, they were hit by another car and thrown off the overpass, falling 75 feet. Pedro was scheduled to sign with boxing legend-turned-promoter Oscar de la Hoya on Monday in a deal that would have marked the start of his professional career.

Eckerd soccer in conference playoffs

Cardinals coach La Russa retires

As this issue went to press, the EC men’s soccer team was preparing to face Rollins in the first round of the Sunshine State Conference Championship on Nov 1. Despite losing to Rollins on Oct. 21 and dropping their regular season finale against Florida Tech on Thursday, Oct. 27, the 9-6-1 (W-L-T) Tritons managed to secure the sixth and final tournament seed.

Should they upset the third-ranked Rollins Tars, they would face second-ranked Florida Tech in the Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 4. “We’re excited to be in the tournament and really wanted to be here at the start of the season,” said Coach Steve Magee. “Rollins plays a certain way and we’ll have to counter with a combative style.”

Tony La Russa is going out on top. The legendary manager of the 2011 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals announced his retirement Oct. 31. The team’s thrilling seven-game upset of the Texas Rangers was the third World Series championship of La Russa’s 33-year career, which also featured six league pennants and 2,728 wins, the third highest win total of any manager. With a record like that, La Russa will be a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2014.

Although he has declared that he will never manage a ball club again, La Russa is open to the possibility of another job in baseball. If that doesn’t pan out for him, he joked that he would “maybe open a book store.”

Basketball ready to start season

The final whistle came late Oct. 23, bringing to an end a spectacular celebration of international rugby.

After more than sixty hours of game time, the Webb Ellis Cup returned to New Zealand, where the All Blacks beat France by a score of 8-7. New Zealand had not won the Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1977. Well-placed kicks and incredible ball control kept France at bay and the final whistle gave the All Blacks the Cup in front of their home country. Overall, the revenue generated by the entire Rugby World Cup is believed to benefit the country of New Zealand in the billions before it is all over, with over $750 million coming in direct profits from tickets, TV contracts, and merchandise sales.

The Lady Tritons will take the floor for their first home game of the season at 5:30 PM on Nov. 12, when they take on the University of West Florida’s Lady Argonauts at the Mac. With five new freshmen on the roster, the team will look to improve on last year’s 17-11 campaign that ended with a loss to topseeded Florida Southern in the Sunshine State Conference semifinals.

The men’s team will have to wait until their Nov. 16 home matchup against Southeastern University for their first taste of competition. They’ll have two chances this season to avenge their defeat at the hands of the Rollins Tars in last year’s conference championship game.

New Zealand takes home RWC

FALL CLASSIC continued from back cover

Cards cap October to remember Instead, Albert took that energy and turned it into a double.

This brought up David Freese, a St. Louis local in only his third professional season, with the chance to tiethe game and send it to extra innings. Freese hit a high fly ball to straightaway right field in what looked like it could be the final out of the World Series.

Instead, Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz bobbled the ball, sending Freese to third base and driving in two runs to tie the game.

Finally it appeared that once again the Rangers were going to win, thanks to Josh Hamilton’s eleventh inning two-run home run to center field. But once again, the Rangers bullpen couldn’t hold the lead, and instantly thanks to a Freese warning, the Cardinals had won on a walk off home run by the hometown hero forcing Game Seven.

Game Seven looked to be cut from the same nail-biter stone as the rest of the series. Early on, Texas took a quick two run lead in the top of the first off of Cardinal’s pitcher Chris Carpenter. But Game Six hero David Freese clubbed in two runs to tie the game in the bottom of the frame. It looked as if the game would turn into a shootout, until the fifth inning.

With the bases loaded, Rangers’ pitcher Matt Harrison was pulled after walking home what turned out to be the winning run. Texas ace C.J. Wilson was called in for relief

but in his first pitch, he beaned Rafael Furcal, sending yet another run home. After the fifth inning the capacity crowd at Busch Stadium began to sense that a championship was near. They believed in their team so much, that while facing the heart of the Ranger’s lineup in the ninth inning, the crowd broke one of the cardinal rules of postseason baseball: never countdown the outs.

Superstition didn’t matter though as the Rangers sat down one-twothree as the Cardinals clinched their eleventh World Series championship.

Aside from the outstanding baseball on display during the Fall Classic, the stories could fill the hearts of anyone watching. It wasn’t just the heartwarming stories of overcoming substance abuse that America had heard from the Rangers’ Josh Hamilton and Ron Washington anymore.

World Series most valuable player David Freese was one such tale. He had given up on baseball while in the San Diego Padres farm system but a trade to his hometown helped revitalize him as a player.

The 2011 Postseason was a coming out party for him as he thundered to two series MVP awards helping solidify him as both a Cardinals fan favorite and the team’s future third baseman.

Speaking of St. Louis fan favorites, Albert Pujols once again played his usual high caliber of offense as well as amazing defensive play in

Courtesy of jrodmanjr/flickr.com The flags that adorn the World Series trophy will be spend the next year in St. Louis after the Cardinals’ victory.

what could be his final games as a Cardinal. Pujols is expected to be the crown jewel in this off-season’s free agent class with suitors ranging from the Chicago Cubs to the recently vanquished Texas Rangers courting the three time National League MVP. At the start of the season in April, Pujols declared that he would not negotiate a contract until the end of the season. Said Pujols, “It’s distracting you know? If I’m trying to get a deal done during the season that’s all people would talk about.”

Clearly a year without distractions has benefited Albert who now looks to hopefully maintain his position with the franchise.

photo by Ethan Cooper Junior Caroline Bond diving to her left to block a shot during practice.

Bond guards EC’s goal, finds solace in soccer

By Greg Reilly Contributing Writer Caroline Bond, a junior goalkeeper from Huntington, N.Y., was born 100 percent deaf in both ears.

Bond, who started playing soccer when she was 5, has endured her share of setbacks on and off the field before making it to Eckerd.

Despite being deaf, Bond communicates after 15 years of speech therapy, along with the help of hearing aids and reading lips. Her perseverance, along with her athleticism, led her to achieving her dream of playing NCAA soccer, but she admitted the journey wasn’t easy.

“Being deaf is hard,” Bond said in the Iota complex common room.

“It’s been a long process learning how to be up front about it in new social situations. It’s a lifelong process of learning to be confident in myself. I owe my parents a lot for raising me as a hearing person, and I’m fortunate enough to have friends here that are patient with me because it can get really difficult.”

Friends, no doubt, like roommate Grace Whitmore. “Being deaf doesn’t seem to have an impact on how Caroline acts,” Whitmore said.

“She just goes about the day like everyone else. Her passion for soccer and love for life despite what she’s been through is amazing.”

Bond’s passion in life has always been soccer. After debating whether or not to keep playing during middle school and being cut from her freshman team in high school for being out of shape, Bond made it her goal to play college soccer, and wasn’t going to let her disability get in the way.

“I’ve been lucky to have only been judged by my skills on the field,” she said. “Being deaf could have been a detriment to my career, but I’ve worked really hard to make sure it hasn’t. I’ll use hand signals to communicate with my coaches and teammates, and I just have to make sure I’m loud enough when I’m talking to the defense and that I don’t lose focus out there.”

Bond is currently considering getting a cochlear implant in each of her ears, which is a surgically implanted electronic device that would improve her hearing.

“I’ve been told that it’s a great

idea and it would help me tremendously,” Bond said. “It’s scary, though. I would have to re-learn how to hear, and the rehab would take up to a year, but it wouldn’t affect my soccer too much.”

After playing club soccer and two years of varsity soccer for St. Anthony’s High School, the top soccer program on Long Island, Bond accepted an invitation to play for University of Central Florida in the fall of 2009. She spent a year as a back at UCF, then, transferred to Polk State in Lakeland, Fla., because of a lack of scholarship before landing here at Eckerd.

While Bond was at Polk State, she sustained a left knee injury that left her unable to train for this season. Despite limitedly play this fall, Caroline has met all of her fitness goals, and has been focusing on regaining her confidence in the net.

“I finally feel settled in at Eckerd, and that has made a huge difference for me after feeling kind of like a wanderer last year,” Bond said. “I was lucky to stay close to the UCF team but I didn’t like Polk State because no one had the passion I had.” She adds that she believes 90 percent of the game is mental. “It starts with how you’re feeling and how you’re thinking and if you are feeling good, you are going to work hard and perform better.”

Although the Tritons currently sit at 5-10, Bond is excited about the direction of the program under new head coach Danielle Fotopoulos and is aiming to be the starting goalkeeper for her last two years of eligibility.

After Eckerd, Bond plans to go to graduate school to become a sports kinesiologist and wants to get her goalkeeper’s license so she could possibly become Eckerd’s goalkeeper coach. If she gets back to the level she was playing at before her knee injury, Caroline wants to try out for the United States deaf national team that competes in the Deaf Olympics in Greece in 2015.

“I can’t imagine life without soccer,” she said. “Soccer is an escape for me and being deaf impacts me less while playing than in real life.

Being a part of a group that is cohesive and has each other’s back makes you feel really special and I want to be a part of that for as long as I can.”

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Nov. 4, 2011

EC golfers talk training, tournaments

By Ashley Daniels Editor-in-Chief

Over the summer, how were you training to prepare for the upcoming fall season?

Paul Henderson: I was fortunate to not work over summer so I basically golfed all day. I’d practice for a couple hours in the morning and then play in the afternoon and then workout at night.

Callum Georgallides: Golf is pretty much year round when you are playing in Fla. so there is never really an offseason. Summer is usually the busiest in the golfing calendar so some sort of golf happens almost ever day. I tend to work out six days a week.

What were your individual/team hopes going into the fall season?

Henderson: We knew we had enough talent to win a golf tournament, so that was our goal going in. Although we didn’t win, the 2nd place finish was a big conference boost for us. Also, seeing Jeff [Evanier] win was great, we were all proud of him.

Georgallides: My hopes as a senior are to do my absolute best at every tournament. I should be at the stage in my career where I can go to any event and compete with the best and do well. In our first event I achieved this coming in the 6th spot. It felt good to start the year off well but you cannot stand still in golf because every day is different. One day you are good and the next is no guarantee, you have to continue to get better.

What can Eckerd expect from the Men’s team for the remainder of the year?

Georgallides: The men’s team is in

very good shape this year.

Our first goal would be to make it to the Regional Tournament as a team. The top10 from region goes but our conference and region is the best in the country. Secondly it would be great if we win an event as a team. Finally, I think it would be fantastic if we could break into the top20 teams in the country and be ranked below 20th.

Looking into the spring, what tournament are you looking forward to most?

Henderson: I’d have to Courtesy of Luke Bobrowski say the Conference TournaFrom left to right: Greg Reilly, Callum Georgallides, Paul ment. It’s a great golf course Henderson, Luke Bobrowski, and Jeff Evanier. and for Eckerd College to be Conference Champions ball in our first tournament. Still get would be a big success. made fun of for it.

Georgallides: Our conference Georgallides: The best moment champions usually go on to win the from our golf team was a time at a tournational championship. Therefore it nament after dinner. We had been given would be great if we could do well, if a big dish of ice cream to take with us not win, the conference championand had it sitting in the front of the van ship. As an individual, I would hop to in a couple of the cup holders. It was challenge for Medalist honors and this mentioned that it probably shouldn’t tournament would be a fantastic one to win. Of course if we progress to the Re- be put there with which someone regional and National tournament, each sponded it would be fine. Low and betournament is better than the last so it hold a few minutes later the ice cream would be an absolute worldy if be won had spilled all over Luke [Bobrowski] the National tournament as a team and who yelled, “damn it, damn it, damn it” especially as an individual as you would (now a popular phrase on our team) folbe names the best player in the country lowed by Paul [Henderson] screaming, “Oh no, not my Spanish book,” which for Division II. Describe a funny or embarrassing moment was on the floor in the front of the van from this season. now covered in ice cream. In all it was a Henderson: I hit another team’s classic moment that I will never forget.

After day one of tournament, men’s golf tied for seventh

By Ben Schlesselman courtesy of eckerdtritons. com With two rounds in the books, the Eckerd College men’s golf team began to put the finishing touches on a strong fall campaign at the Marjorie Whitney Invitational hosted by Queens (N.C.) University on Oct. 31.

The Tritons (311-311--622) are in a three-way tie for seventh at TPC Sawgrass with Erskine College and St. Andrews University after completing 36 holes.

Nova Southeastern University paces the 12-team field at the top of the leaderboard, carrying a five-stroke lead over Barry University. NSU’s Ben Taylor recorded a 67 (-5) in second-round play to lead all individuals.

The Pete Dye-designed Valley Course was just home to the Nationwide Tour’s Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open presented by Planters last week.

The winning score fired by Gavin Coles in the four-round professional event was just 6-under-par while the field carried the highest stroke average (72.368) of any Nationwide Tour event this year.

As a result, scores across the board were understand-

Eckerd Scoreboard

Men’s Soccer

L 2-1 (EC) Patterson Goal (FT) Robinson Goal, Assist

10/11 @ Lynn L 1-0 (LU) Gracholski Goal (EC) Virtanen 7 Saves

Women’s Soccer

10/17 v. Tampa W 1-0 (EC) Frank Goal (EC) Virtanen Shutout, 5 Saves 10/21 @ #8 Rollins L 3-1 (RC) Mueller Goal (EC) Murawski Goal

10/11 v. Clearwater Christian W 5-0 (EC) Pederson 2 Goals (EC) Johnson 2 Goals, Assist 10/13 @ Florida College W 2-0 (EC) Pederson Goal (EC) Anahory Goal

10/15 v. Alabama-Huntsville W 3-0(25-18, 25-9, 26-24) (EC) Chinn 11 Kills (EC) Burr 30 Assists

10/26 @ Florida Tech L 5-0 (EC) Crescent 14 Saves (FT) Lademann Goal, 2 Assists

10/15 v. Christian Brothers W 3-1 (25-23, 25-21, 21-25, 25-16) (EC) Chinn 13 Kills (EC) Ward 18 Digs

10/28 @ #12 Rollins L 4-0 (EC) Crescent 8 Saves (RC) Schrader 2 Goals, Assist

Women’s Volleyball 10/14 v. Valdosta State W 3-1(25-17, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19) (EC) Biggs 11 Kills

10/21 v. Tampa L 1-0

10/27 @ Florida Tech

(EC) Burr 44 Assists

(UT) Perry Goal (EC) Crescent 6 Saves

Sports 23

10/18 @ Florida Tech W 3-0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-22) (EC) Whaley 8 Kills, 10 Digs (EC) Laton 5 Blocks 10/20 v. St. Francis W 3-1 (25-23, 25-16, 25-27, 25-18)

ably higher than average after the course retained challenging tournament conditions from hosting the touring pros. Intermittent showers also greeted the tournament field throughout the day.

“I don’t think we’ve ever experienced a golf course that has played this difficult,” EC Head Coach Bill Buttner said. “You just don’t see those conditions on country clubs or resorts anywhere. There was tough rough and very fast greens, but overall, it’s a great experience for the guys to see what it’s like above the collegiate level.”

The Tritons have their target set on Flagler College for regional implications going into tomorrow’s final round, trailing just by five strokes.

Callum Georgallides (t21st), Jeff Evanier (t-25th) and Paul Henderson (t-27th), are all within the top 30 to lead the Tritons on the scorecard.

Evanier carded the team’s low round of the day with a firstround total of 73 (+1).

Henderson posted backto-back 78’s and the senior Georgallides closed out his day with a 76 (+4).

Greg Reilly bounced back with a 75 on his second-round score and Luke Bobrowski pulled in with a first-day total of 168.

(EC) Laton 14 Kills, 4 Aces (EC) Smith 26 Assists 10/22 @ Nova Southeastern W 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-23) (EC) Biggs 18 Kills (EC) Smith 23 Assists 10/28 v. #1 Tampa W 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-23) (EC) McAlvany 17 Kills (EC) Smith 37 Assists, 12 Digs 10/29 v. Rollins W 3-2 (25-14, 20-25, 21-25, 25-22, 15-10) (EC) Burr 34 Assists (EC) Ward 26 Digs

Eckerd Sports Calendar Friday

Saturday

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Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

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Volleyball v. University of North Alabama 7 PM Men’s soccer conference semifinal @ Florida Tech pending quarterfinal win

Volleyball @ Lynn 7 PM

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Women’s basketball @ Florida Gulf Coast 11 AM Volleyball v. Florida Southern 4 PM

Volleyball @ Barry 4 PM Women’s basketballl v.

West Florida 5:30 PM

Men’s soccer conference final pending semifinal win TBA

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

Women’s basketball v.

Ave Maria 5 PM Men’s basketball v.

Southeastern University 7:30 PM

The Official Student Newspaper of Eckerd College

Inside

Sports

Olivia Fraser

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Caroline Bond

22

Men’s Golf Q&A

23

Lady Tritons take down Tampa in thrilling upset Coverage on page 21

photo by Ethan Cooper From left: Ryan Partch, Henry Lang, Rob Cortright, Zach Wardell, Jonas Lieponis, Kara Colarusso, Zach Davis, Brian Hill, Kevin Burdick, Nick Sotire and Will Holmes cheer on the Lady Tritons as they take on #1 Tampa on Oct. 28 at the Mac.

Outgoing Captain Buck prepares for life after Eckerd

By Mike Geibel Staff Writer Julian Buck almost didn’t come to Eckerd. He almost never became captain and president of the men’s rugby team. Luckily for all those who have come into contact with him, he did. After this semester, Julian Buck will graduate from Eckerd College and his eligibility with the rugby team will come to an end.

Buck’s contribution to Eckerd has been immeasurable, especially for the rugby program. He has over a decade of rugby experience and has brought his expertise to Eckerd, but he almost ended up somewhere else. Buck split time growing up between New York and Hong Kong. When it came time to choose a college to attend, he was looking for something in Florida.

He came to the Tampa Bay area to take a campus tour and visit USF and on a fluke decided to tour Eckerd. Buck stated that during his tour there were several key reasons that he chose Eckerd as his college after a tour that was originally only an afterthought.

“At the time, the Pub was open and they had really great burgers,” Buck remembers. “It was really good food, And of course, it was a beautiful day and there were people all over campus on Kappa field and south beach. I knew right then I wanted to go to Eckerd.”

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Buck has also recruited several others to come to Eckerd, myself included. We exchanged several messages about joining the rugby team when I first applied to the school, and he was the first person I met in person when I arrived on campus.

Buck was instrumental in bringing new rugby coach David Hedges to the team, and also played a large role in convincing freshman Rob Mabry, a very promising rugby recruit, to attend. Buck spoke with Mabry and his family and in the end, Mabry decided to come to Eckerd. He says of the process, “During September of my senior year in school I came to visit Eckerd. Buck was generous enough to let me practice with the team and get to know some of the guys. After this practice, I made Eckerd my first choice in schools. All in all, if it weren’t for Buck and the Rugby program, I would be headed to a state school in a tiny Texas town.”

Buck’s role as captain and president of the team has been passed on to Leslie Claridge but Buck continues to play an important role in motivating and helping the team to get better with every practice.

His leadership on and off the field will be greatly missed in the spring, when the heart of Eckerd’s conference play will occur. After graduating, Buck intends to return to Hong Kong and start work.

Visit us online at www.theonlinecurrent.com

Cardinals complete comeback, win world series

By Colin Casey Staff Writer Game Seven: truly the greatest two words in all of sports. In the last ten years, six Stanley Cup Finals, four NBA finals , and two World Series have been decided in this winner take all game. After Friday October 28, 2011 add one more World Series to that list. For many years, Americans have been subject to poor matchups in the Fall Classic producing lackluster memories for all but the fans of the winning team. This year would be different, very different.

At the start of September, the St. Louis Cardinals were ten and a half games out of the playoffs. Over the course of the month, starting with a home game against the rival Chicago Cubs the Cardinals went on a tear coming back on the final day of the regular season to make playoffs as the National League Wild Card. The road didn’t get any easier for the Cards as they had to face down the Philadelphia Phillies and their lethal pitching staff in the first round. But St. Louis made

Phillies ace and defending NL Cy Young winner Roy Halladay look foolish. The Cards polished off the Milwaukee Brewers in six games to win the National League and were ready to face the Texas Rangers.

Speaking of the Rangers, they clinched the American League Western Division crown in midSeptember and found themselves facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round. With a little help from the so-called “washed up” Mike Napoli, and superb pitching from Colby Lewis the Rangers found themselves playing for the AL Pennant against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers held two most valuable player candidates in Justin Verlander ad Miguel Cabrera, but the Rangers finished them off to clinch their second consecutive American League Pennant.

Looking at the tale of the tape before the World Series, it looked as if the Rangers would walk off with the title. But after only two games in St. Louis, it appeared that the series had potential to go the distance. Game Three saw Cardinal first baseman Albert Pujols hit

Cardinals swarm the field in celebration of their World Series victory

three home runs in the game, a feat previously accomplished by Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson. Game Five appeared to be a turning point when Rangers catcher Mike Napoli took first base on a dropped third strike; he went on to be the game’s winning run. The series shifted back to St. Louis with the Rangers needing to win only one game to win their first ever World Series title. But Mother Nature raised her hand and brought the Ranger’s momentum to a screeching halt when rain forced the postponement of Game Six. The next night, the Rangers sauntered in to the bottom of the ninth inning with a two run lead and two outs. Their closer, Neftali Feliz, hadn’t blown a save since mid-September.

In almost a mirror image to his performance in the 2010 Series, Feliz lost control of his slider.

A quick walk given up brought the Cardinal’s star, Albert Pujols to the plate. The crowd stood, acknowledging their star player in what could be his final at bat.

See FALL CLASSIC, page 22

courtesy of Jleybov/wikimediacommons