Currents Fall 2011 by The Pepperdine Graphic

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY PHILIPPE DECOUFLÉ MUSIC BY DANNY ELFMAN PRESENTED BY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

12 16 22 33 42 48 64 68 78

DOWNTOWN LA VIBE GIULIA SCOTTI

MOVIE PRODUCERS at PEPPERDINE RACHEL MILLER

MUSIC PRODUCERS at PEPPERDINE RACHEL TEETER & ZACK JENKINS

DESIGNERS at PEPPERDINE KOOPER MACLEAY

IN THE BEGINNING, A FASHION SHOOT HOUSTON COSTA

NOT A MISTAKE, NOT A COINCIDENCE CHELSEA COWLEY

REFUGE IN THE ROGUE NILES JERAN

SPENCER HAMBY TJ REED

JACK OF ALL DRIVE ZACK JENKINS

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Zack Jenkins Editor-in-Chief

I recently took a look back at some of the events of 2011 and have been pretty astounded: Arab Spring, William and Kate’s epic wedding that women worldwide tuned in to (and some men, so I’ve been told), the death of Osama Bin Laden, tornadoes and hurricanes devastating nontraditional parts of the country and world, Donald Trump making a gesture toward presidency (oh, please!), the Occupy Wall Street movement, etc. Following all of that, the year 2012 is undoubtedly going to be pretty epic. With the London Summer Olympics approaching, a presidential election coming up, a couple of solar eclipses scheduled and the Mayan calendar drawing to a close, you had better be ready for some major drama, because that’s only what’s planned at the moment. Who knows what political revolution will happen next? Who knows what natural disaster will hit where and when? Who knows? It seems like everything will befalling apart if you ask me — a perfectly delusional year.

SCOTT LAWRENCE President & Executive Editor

Our Fall 2011 team has exceeded expectations, taking to heart Pepperdine Graphic Media’s mission to innovate wherever and whenever possible. We strive to provide our community engaging and informative content they have never seen before. With Currents, we did just that.

So given that turmoil will always continue, natural disasters will always keep happening, we can very well understand that the Mayan’s ended their cyclical calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, for a reason: The world is probably going to come to an end.

From the student feature stories to captivating photo shoots to sophisticated design, we are confident this issue of Currents is sure to impress even the toughest critics. The Currents brand continues to evolve into a more modern publication, appealing to an evergrowing audience. We set out with one goal in

So what can we do about it? Not a dang thing … not a dang thing, that is, other than cherish every day and squeeze every ounce of life that we can out of each and every hour we’re alive for the next year. This issue is dedicated to the people and places that make every day special; that recognize we have a fixed number of days on this Earth, so we better make the most of it; that truly enjoy — and make others enjoy — being on this planet and waking up every morning. So let me leave you with one thought: are you making every day count?

mind this semester: to raise the standard of excellence in magazine production and revitalize Currents into a premier college lifestyle publication. Given the brand’s evolution over the years, what makes this particular issue so remarkable is that the staff has grown significantly, in skill and in number. More than 65 talented students had a hand in the creative process. Without this exceptional team committed to nothing short of perfection, we could not achieve the dreams we set out to achieve. This issue of Currents goes to show what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. Alone we go fast, together we go far. On behalf of the Currents staff and all of Pepperdine Graphic Media, thank you for your support. I sincerely hope you are inspired by all that lives between the pages. If nothing else, take the advice we learned along the way. Whether its passing a test, getting a job, or making an impact on the world, all it takes is all you got.

CURRENTSMAGAZINE editor-in-chief zack jenkins

assistant editor faculty advisers copy editor section editors

creative director design editors

staff designers

staff illustrator photography director staff photographers

houston costa elizabeth smith courtenay stallings jenny gardner allegra hobbs chelsea cowley rachelle jensen hayley decker giulia scotti Niles Jeran janise marvin tim nguyen justin mcfarland martha murphy hanna houglum danielle kim andrei zamfir madeleine laferney lauren eggertsen alexis gonzalez evelyn aleman heather manes matt scherffius rJ rycraw aaron schott harrison yager ashton bowles rebecca herron abdullah aldeghaither evelyn aleman rachel miller mallory cummins

fashion director hair & makeup stylist fashion assistants

houston costa alex nicandros janelle merritt jill amos rebecca herron

advertising

scott lawrence kevin fleming greg stevens

contributors

charmaine cleveland, rj rycraw, rachel miller, matt scherffius, ali valach, molly kemper, nikki torriente, jessica abu-ghattas, narine adamova, seelypon phanthip, janelle merritt, brett vanderpool, mary kate glenning, kooper macleay, tj reed, skyler mills, sienna jackson, rachel teeter, sarah attar, genevieve smith, lilly bogner, sonya singh, aubrey hoeppner

president & executive editor scott lawrence

Flavor of 6

M A L I B U

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In a city of the glamorous it is sometimes the unglamorous that brings the true flavor of life.

CHOLADA THAI BEACH CUISINE charmaine cleveland photography rachel miller

At first glance the small, hole-in-the-wall of a beach-hut known as Malibu’s Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine may not seem like much, but what it lacks in aesthetics, it makes up for in flavor. Those passing through Malibu may easily overlook the restaurant, which situates itself next to an operational bait shop as a constant reminder of Malibu’s surf culture. Its outward appearance would not attract many tourists, but those native to Malibu know that the menu, combined with the magnificent view of a sunshine-soaked Pacific Coast Highway is worth the trip. The colorful spices you’ll taste in Cholada’s every dish, truly makes this location a tiny piece of Asia hidden in plain site. The restaurant transports its diners from the quiet, unassuming streets of Malibu to a bustling Thai café with little room to spare. Upon entering the restaurant you’ll find a variety of experiences to tantalize the senses, and not all of them will be from your order. The people at Cholada are anything but dull, which you’ll soon find out, as you’re seated so close together you might as well order a family style meal. The restaurant is just the place for a college student ready to grab a bite to eat after a day at the surf. But don’t expect to store your surfboard anywhere. The spaces are small, and the crowd is so lively you’ll most likely need to shout over your Pad Thai to be heard. Remember to duck as the friendly Thai waiters expertly swivel platters of curry over your head while you scan a menu of everything from marinated chicken breast drizzled with spicy peanut sauce, to refreshing iced teas whose recipes come straight from Thailand. Seafood dominates a large portion of the menu, and is traditionally the most popular dishes ordered at Cholada. Fish can virtually be added to any meal. In addition to skewers of sweet shrimp, and exotic fish, fans of fried rice may be surprised to find that the dish includes lumps of crab meat in addition to the regular mixed vegetables. The curry is a rainbow of unique flavor with a section on the menu that is completely its own. Here, patrons may chose dishes not only by flavor, but by spice and color as well. Bamboo shoots and green onions are left to stew in a delicate coconut base, containing everything from duck, vegetables, and you guessed it, more seafood. Anything on Cholada’s menu can be ordered for under $15 dollars, a considerably affordable price for its location, and serving sizes. The restaurant is open late, and isn’t shy to larger crowds, so invite your friends, and get ready for your palates to be stunned by the flavor of Thailand.

WORNDOWN YET ICONIC. RACHELLE JENSEN photography rachel miller

alibuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view of the ocean has to be one of the most beautiful skylines around. But if you ever get the chance on a drive to Santa Monica, try turning away from the ocean to the east side of Malibu. Along PCH are little insights into the Malibu life and the people that consider this their home. Colorful and unique businesses dot the landscape, creating a very different view of Malibu than the upscale Country Mart. In one of the most architecturally interesting spots, near the Malibu Feed Lot and Reel Inn, lies the abandoned Topanga Ranch Motel. Topanga Ranch Motel stands out within the scenery and to locals as a historic part of old Malibu. The Motel consists of 30 picturesque white and red bungalows, dating from the early 1920s. The houses were originally created for those daring construction workers who built Roosevelt Highway, now our beloved Pacific Coast Highway. Originally the apartments consisted of minimal amenities, but as the road was finished, the hotel became a perfect spot for visiting tourists and locals alike to relax and enjoy a view of the Pacific. The rooms were eventually remodeled to include kitchens and bathrooms, but the land was owned by LAACO Ltd, who would only grant 30 day leases. In light of this, the owner, Ray Craig, wisely chose to forego many updates that would have brought the motel into modern day. The result is time capsule of quaint 1920s apartments that offer unique atmosphere as well as cheap living in Malibu (an interesting concept!). The cottages were about $75 to $100 a night and had at least a few permanent residents who considered the cottage their home The Motel stayed in business for approximately 85 years, until the state decided to buy the land it sits on for preservation as part of the Topanga State Park. Since 2007, the motel has sat empty, except for the lone park ranger who watches over the acquired 1600 acres. At the time of the purchase, the land was allotted two million dollars for restoration, yet none of this money has been seen for restoration yet. As of June 2011, the restoration has yet to begin. While the area is slotted for restoration, this only includes the addition of hiking trails and perhaps wine tasting. This motel is part of the heart of Malibu, even influencing local country singers, Steven Casper and Cowboy Angst, who named their 2010 album in honor of it. The unique hotel lives on in the culture of Malibu and hopefully, will be revived and reopened for future memories.

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BEST TACO TUESDAY? SARAH ATTAR PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH ATTAR

Cafe Habana

Duke’s

The moment I crossed PCH and entered Duke’s Barefoot Bar, the lively atmosphere coupled with delicious smells and a breathtaking view nearly won

I made my way to Café Habana and was in-

this Taco Tuesday first-timer over. Duke’s Taco Tues-

stantly pleased by the inviting Cuban-style envi-

day offers sizable grilled or battered fish tacos à la

ronment. Located in the Lumber Yard, Café Ha-

carte for only $2.50. I decided to sample one Ca-

bana offers $3 tacos on Tuesdays with options

jun grilled, which had come highly recommended,

of fish, chicken, pork or steak. Before even

and one beer battered. The (rather long) wait gave

ordering, free chips and salsa were brought

us enough time to watch the sky darken and see

to the table, bringing a huge smile to my face.

the L.A. lights begin to gleam across the ocean. At

And within only minutes of ordering, my steak

last, the tacos arrived! The tacos were a substantial

taco and fish taco arrived! Although the tortilla

size and provided a satisfying taste. The beer bat-

is a bit smaller, these tacos were packed with

tered had a nice crunch and the Cajun grilled came

just as much goodness. Toppings include pico

loaded with flavor. Once able to locate a seat (which

de gallo, cheese, lettuce and, my ultimate fa-

may take a while) in this busy restaurant, you’ll find

vorite, avocado — all in a corn tortilla. Also on

yourself with a delighted stomach, an oceanfront

the plate were two limes, which doesn’t sound

view, a laid-back surfer vibe and lots of Pepperdine

that fancy, but hey, it added a little something

company.

extra. The steak and fish tacos both had extraordinary flavor, with the steak being some of the best steak I have ever tasted (no joke). Café Habana’s candlelit atmosphere creates a more personal environment. Plus, they have great service, and we hear they’re getting a DJ every Tuesday night!

The Malibu Inn

Malibu Inn was the final, and most disappointing, Taco Tuesday stop. The restaurant was practically empty, though they do offer the cheapest tacos. At $2 per taco, you again have the choice of fish, chicken, pork or steak. Once served, I instantly understood the cheaper price. The tacos were more like an appetizer than a meal at half the size of the other restaurants. The chicken and steak were both tasty but nothing too memorable. Malibu Inn seems to cater more towards a daytime outing where you can also enjoy a stroll on the pier, enjoying the Malibu seaside just one crosswalk away. And then it pulls a 180 and becomes the only night spot in Malibu, other than Jack in the Box, for Pepperdine students.

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A Home In Paradise NARINE ADAMOVA photography HARRISON YAGER

Malibu may be known for its breathtaking sun-

Pritchett-Rapf, said, “The furthest distance of a mobile

sets, excessively high prices and residents with

home can have from the beach is 200 yards, so it is

Who hasn’t dreamed about spending leisure time

the hippest neighborhoods, but few people know it

perfect for those who enjoy the activities of the beach,

watching the sunset and the water rhythmically roll-

for one of the most heavenly places on earth: the Para-

surfing and kayaking.” It’s not surprising to see the

ing in and out on the beach? In Paradise Cove, that

friends from the beach or golf buddies.”

list of famous current and former residents, including

would be accomplished and accompanied by deli-

English actress and singer Minnie Driver, actor Mat-

cious meals. The park is located right next to the only

of mystery as its extraordinary location makes it the

thew McConaughey, director Sam Peckinpah and for-

restaurant in Malibu that has its own beach area. The

best-hidden spot in Malibu.

mer publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Otis Chandler.

heavenly dishes taste twice as good with bare feet in

dise Cove Mobilehome Park. The mobile home park still remains under the veil

Situated in a luxurious area right by the ocean,

Baywatch star Pamela Anderson moved into one of the

warm sand, light salty breeze and a profound view of

the park consists of around 265 small mobile houses

houses while her nearby mansion was renovated in

the Pacific Ocean.

located in close vicinity to one another.

2009. She chose to stay longer than she expected since

Paradise Cove is not a normal trailer park. It is quintessential Malibu, surrounded by a luxe, exqui-

she and her sons liked living there. There are really no disadvantages to the seques-

The location makes it one of the must-see places not just for tourists but also for nearby residents. The Paradise Cove restaurant was featured in several mov-

site and comfortable atmosphere. The Morris family

tered living in Paradise Cove. However, there is the

ies and TV shows, including American Pie 2, Charlie’s

acquired the area more than 100 years ago, with its

price you have to pay for the proximity to the ocean

Angels, Baywatch and The Rockford Files.

own cove, and then sold it to the Kissel family, who

and the exclusivity of the community. There are hous-

Even now, Paradise Cove is attractive to many

constructed a mobile home community. Today, the

es available for rent for around $1500, but for those

because of its unusual location and beautiful sur-

Kissel Company, headed by President Steven Dahl-

who would like to enjoy beautiful view in the morning,

roundings. But even more of a quandary, most of the

berg, regulates the area and provides comfort for the

purchased property might cost as much as $700,000.

residents have more than enough money to own lavish

residents.

An average house in the park, at around 400 square

houses in other parts of Malibu, and yet they choose

The park has many interesting features. It was

feet, can cost as little as $800,000, depending on the

the subtlety of a single-wide. There is nothing like liv-

built specifically to provide privacy and comfort for

inside features and conditions. Seeing an otherwise

ing in Paradise Cove.

those who are tired of the irrepressible bustle of every-

inconspicuous house priced for $2.5 million, in Mali-

day life. Quiet surroundings make the place perfect for

bu value, it has to come from something more than just

rest and family vacation.

appearance. “It is one of the safest communities in the

“Mobile homes are perfect as much for families as

area, and the most family-oriented, said Carter, “ Eve-

for young people,”- David Carter, a real estate agent of

ryone there knows each other, be it your neighbours,

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THAT ONE SIDE OF LA

WHAT’S THERE WAITING TO BE FOUND BETWEEN 90012&14 giulia scotti photography provided by fidm and Phil stern gallery

Drop off your car and walk. I’m serious. Lose yourself in the beauty of Los Angeles.

Finding your way around L.A. ain’t easy.

First stop: FIDM (919 S. Grand Ave.). The

Historic buildings compete with glossy sky-

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandis-

scrapers and entertainment centers in the city’s

ing’s latest exhibit, “Fabulous!” is the thread-

Lala, as some may affectionately call it, is

ever-changing skyline. The secret to make a

and-needle answer to a fashionista’s prayers:

a vibrant art capital. The pulsing heart of the

sense out of this maze is to think small. Minus-

The museum opened its closets to reveal 200

city is a mixture of old-town European deca-

cule art galleries and new exhibitions pop up on

years of Western fashion, from Viennese ball

dence and contemporary business efficiency.

a daily basis, and limiting one’s wanderings is

gowns to French corsets to roller skates, and of-

Downtown L.A. is an eternal contradiction that

the key to success.

breathes life at its every corner. Yuppies and

Our exploration will cover ZIP codes 90012–

fer a living testimony of how much times, and clothes, have changed. Haute couture is du jour

hipsters and Latinos and whites and African

90014: a map delimited by West Olympic Boule-

at FIDM, and if the names Alexander McQueen,

Americans mix n’ mingle, carrying out minus-

vard, South Grand Avenue, South Los Angeles

Carolina Herrera, Coco Chanel and Hubert

cule fragments of Los Angeles’ puzzle.

Street and West 2nd Street.

de Givenchy are music to your ears, be sure to check it out. The grand piece? A lace peacock gown the museum commissioned Alexander McQueen a few weeks before the designer’s untimely death in 2010: sartorial excellence at its finest. Admission to FIDM’s art gallery is free and the exhibition runs until Dec. 17. Next stop: Phil Stern Gallery, a hidden gem at the corner of South 6th and South Los Angeles streets. The unpretentious gallery could easily be overlooked, lost in the chaos of sandwich shops and clothing stores crowding the neighborhood. But a full-sized monochrome picture of John Wayne smoking a cigarette in checkered swim shorts and a panama hat is sure to catch your attention: It’s the poster to the gallery’s new exhibition, “John Wayne: Between Scenes.” Award-winning photographer Phil Stern, 92, acclaimed for his dazzling portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant and James Dean, leaves the Hollywood glamour behind to explore one of the most iconic Western actors in his most intimate dimensions — at home, with his family, behind the scenes. It’s a refreshing look at the man rather than the macho, and a rare example of trust between subject and photographer: John Wayne let his guard down for Stern, allowing him to take unexpected photos of the human being beyond the legend. Admission to the gallery (601 S. Los Angeles St.) is free. “John Wayne: Between Scenes” will close Dec. 10. Walking a few hundred feet north of Los Angeles Street will take you to your next stop. At

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

634 S. Spring St. lies Art Walk Lounge, the head-

Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein. Abstractionism

Fancy art, Ready-to-eat art, Best-for-less art,

quarters of Downtown Art Walk. Every second

and postmodernism go hand in hand, mixing

Ready-to-cook art, Fully cleaned art, Spend

Thursday of the month, contemporary art gal-

old subject matters with new forms of expres-

Less art, Eat Better art, Ham art, pork art, chick-

leries in downtown L.A. stay open late in a com-

sions.

munal celebration of art: One night, 50 galleries

And again, it’s the unexpected things that

and countless art walkers make it an unforget-

catch the attention. Cy Twombly’s dynamic

table experience. Pick up your map at Art Walk

painting from his 2007 series “Blooming, A Scat-

Lounge; the next walk is scheduled for Dec. 8.

tering of Blossoms & Other Things” dominate

Our next and final stop is MOCA, Los Ange-

the scene with its 8-by-18-foot blossom-punctu-

les’ Museum of Contemporary Art (250 S. Grand

ated yellowness, and a giant textile installation

Ave.). The museum’s permanent collection

on the ceiling of the exit hallway reads “pickle”

includes 20th-century masters such as Mark

in bright green capital letters.

Rothko, Jackson Pollock, Jasper Johns and Ed

Finally, a piece by Claesa Odenburg reads:

Ruscha, and its pop art exhibition “Common

“I am for U.S. Government Inspected Art, Grade

Objects” glorifies the popular appeal of Andy

A art, Regular Price art, Yellow Ripe art, Extra

en art, tomato art, banana art, apple art, turkey art, cake art, cookie art.” Yes, that is art too. And it lies at the (he)art of downtown L.A.

rj rycraw photography sarah attar

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Peter Tulaney, a psychotherapist and founder

er or not they owned a guinea pig. This is what

good job with the kids.” Ethan Long, current

of The Malibu Art Barn at The Lumber Yard, uses

sets The Malibu Art Barn apart: the care that

student at Pepperdine and an employee at The

art as therapy and community service: He hosts

goes into developing each child’s self-esteem

Malibu Art Barn, scrambled to gather tools and

classes every Friday to provide kids with a crea-

through art.

paints for the children but made sure to always

tive environment. With a hands-off approach,

have a smile on his face. It was his dedication to

he makes sure that children are able to create

Working with kids has changed Tulaney: “I have

helping the children that made them feel as if

without boundaries or restrictions.

learned more from them than they have from

they were friends with him.

me. I guarantee that.” Tulaney donates The MalThe welcoming environment of The Malibu Art

ibu Art Barn’s proceeds to the community to en-

Aside from the children’s classes, The Malibu

Barn is a relaxed setting with two large worksta-

sure a better environment for youth. “We do all

Art Barn hosts free workshops on weekends

tions and a leisure area. At first glance, colors

kinds of fund-raisers; we donate to every single

and offers options for the less skilled. Tulaney

and textures along the walls prove to be aes-

church; and we sponsor [Free Arts for Abused

and The Malibu Art Barn host “free community

thetically pleasing. From sculptures to paint-

Children],” he said. Tulaney’s priority is to make

workshops about once a month … and it’ll be

ings, mosaics and collages, The Malibu Art Barn

the community a better place.

really anything, like tie-die T-shirts or making

does it all.

mosaics.”

In an instant, it’s easy to notice the amount of enthusiasm the kids have for painting, sculpting and drawing. Tulaney, pictured below, knows how to keep them entertained. “I’m a

On a mission to improve the community by get-

“I have learned more from them than they have from me. i guarantee that.”

child therapist, so I’ve worked in the field of child development since I was in high school,”

ting messy with paints, clay and whatever other materials are in the shop, Tulaney and the kids he teaches exemplify the enjoyment of living every day.

-peter tulaney

E BL

5 TERCHAN STEPS TO CREATING ART

he said. His mission is to make all children feel

joy and a sense of accomplishment while making art, and he always welcomes spontaneous ideas. He recalls the time a child came in and

As a Pepperdine alumnus, Tulaney has kept

decided he wanted to make a guinea pig bed.

the connection with his alma mater. “Every

Although there was a schedule for the day, Tu-

staff member is a Pepperdine student,” he said.

laney honored the student’s idea and suggested

“They’re responsible, they’re smart, and whether

that everyone make such beds that day, wheth-

they’re involved in art or education they do a

1 CONCEPT Don’t just put pieces together and hope they work, that is quite lame. Come up with something, even if the idea is lame, and then make it happen. Be bold! I dare you. 2 MATERIALS Splatter some junk on a canvas and call it art. Mash some clay and call it interpretive. Know your materials and use them appropriately. You’re in control of your work. 3 MESSAGE You got a great painting there man. Okay, just kidding. Is that a rooster? You on LSD? Make your message decidedly discernible or not. It’s really up to you, boss. 4 STYLE Don’t be lame. I can’t handle any more of it. Study the greats and then make it your own. Give me some flava’! 5 Title You can be as random or as literal as you want. Have some guts. Weenie titles come from weenie artists. Be rad.

MOVIE PRODUCERS AT PEPPERDINE rachel miller photography harrison yager

SCOTT SALAS Passion is a word that resonates across all boundaries of life.

sue music videos and documentaries down the road. His current project is a one that he wrote and plans to shoot during his final year at Pepperdine. “It’s a very personal story,” Salas explained. “I put a lot of myself in my work, my own relationships. A lot of people in my life end up in my stories.”

It defines one’s story, one’s calling and most importantly one’s destiny.

Salas has shaped his perceptions of the film industry through the words

From a young age, Scott Salas expressed an interest in film and the craft of

and teachings of many mentors including his personal favorite director.

narration, a passion that developed from watching old films in his youth. A fascination with a particular book, “The Last Samurai” influenced Sa-

“Kurosawa explains in his biography that directing is an all-encompassing job. You need to know every single facet in filmmaking. That is what I’ve

las to explore the avenue of film and a particular director Akira Kurosawa,

dedicated my past two years to,” Salas said. “Before I put myself in the helm,

whose directing and films brought forth Salas’ passion.

I needed to master all elements as best as I could.”

“[Storytelling] is something that I’ve connected with as a person,” Salas

Other mentors include Randy Wallace, his screenwriting professor, his

said. “Watching films my entire life definitely changed who I ended up be-

boss, commercial director Joe Pytka and his mother, Telecommunications

coming. It influenced my outlooks and perceptions of the world.”

professor, Susan Salas.

The expression of film, Salas explained, is capable of touching a large audience and impacting the world. Its ability to resonate personally with each individual makes it a unique experience. In addition to his love of filmmaking, Salas described photography as another passion, noting that his perfect day would include visiting an art gallery, viewing photos, and yes, watching a movie or two. Besides directing photography for two student films, Salas plans to pur16

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

“She has given me as much knowledge as anyone, if not more,” Salas said. As a filmmaker, Scott hopes that his films resonate with an audience. “We get influenced all the time, but we don’t even realize it. You might walk out [of a theater] and forget about the movie, but one piece might have stuck with you.”

AUSTIN WINCHELL Austin Winchell has a clear impression of filmmaking—It’s not hard,” Winchell said. “It’s very hard.” But that doesn’t discourage him one

“You must knock on doors until your knuckles bleed. Doors will slam in your face. You must pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and knock again. It’s the only way to achieve your goals in life.” Michael Uslan

bit. His clear confidence and easy nature does not belong in a cubical.

“One of the worst things you can do is have a limited budget and try to do some big looking film. That’s when you end up with very bad work.”

Even though the process is detail-oriented, the finished product, according to Winchell, is one worth working toward. “[A passion] is something you would do for free,” Winchell continued.

Roger Corman

“I’ve taken probably 1,000 pictures this summer for friends for free. I’ve “The person who makes a success of living is the one who sees his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That is dedication.”

helped out on films just because it’s something I want to be there for—you don’t need to be paid to do it. I think I’ll be making movies and taking pictures for a long time.”

His love of film began with his grandfather, a director in the 70s, who

“Every single thing you see on-screen came out of somebody’s creativity. It doesn’t exist. Nature didn’t deliver it to us. Everything had to be dreamed.”

Winchell admired. Austin began his own path into filmmaking during high school. In addition to numerous independent projects while at Pepperdine, he created the Reelstories Film Festival trailer last year, and worked on a

mockumentary with fellow filmmaker Scott Salas this past summer.

Jeffrey Katzenberg “People just want to watch movies that are entertaining, it doesn’t matter what genre it is.”

Winchell’s favorite aspect of film is its ability to tell a story that connects an audience. He listed Quentin Tarantino as his favorite director,

Cecil B. DeMille

Matthew Vaughn

because of his ability to take control of every aspect of his films. Austin, as well, considers himself a hands-on director.

PRODUCER QUOTES TO INSPIRE

Though he does not plan to pursue acting, Winchell does put a lot of his qualities into his films. When he writes a story, he always pictures himself as the main character. “Most people tell stories every day, but there’s few you really remember,” Winchell explained. “I think that there’s a need for film in society. Everyone connects and can talk about the things that happened on the screen, rather than in real life. It’s a good cultural influence.” Above all else, Winchell’s belief in pursuing one’s goals with intentionality has largely shaped his outlook on the film industry. “Everything you do is right. You choose to do everything, even if it’s wrong,” Winchell said, quoting Chuck Palahniuk. “No matter what, you chose to do something, so it was the right thing even if you messed up.”

uccess in the media production world is something that has to be built. Skills must be acquired and honed, technical knowledge must be demonstrated, networking and connections must be developed within the industry and branding a name and label must occur if any single person is going to be successful in the entertainment industry. As students study and learn, many of the best successes and identifying works they produce find ways of being exhibited in more than just class workshops and portfolios. At this stage of the game it takes getting your work displayed on a larger scale and to a wider viewership in order to stand out and reach the next level of student producer. These featured producers have made steps towards making a hobby a career, infusing passion and purpose into their productions; and each promises to impress viewers in the coming months and years with their detailed and professional quality of work.

MADDIE BOEHME Maddie Boehme’s enthusiasm for film is expressed in her smile. Her

her family including her brother, Ben, who also shares her love of film. He

face lights up when she talks about her favorite types of film, “I’m obsessed

has served as a source of inspiration and guidance.

with Disney movies,” she exclaimed. And her surprising love of action-ad-

“I would love nothing more than for both of us to pursue our dreams

venture films is seen when she discusses her admiration for actors such as

of becoming filmmakers, and to work together one day in Hollywood,”

Cameron Diaz and Johnny Depp.

Boehme said.

But what’s really intriguing is her obvious interest for directing, which

While looking toward her future projects, Maddie explained that she

she credits to her Telecommunications professor Susan Salas, who pointed

values the process of creating a film. Seeing a simple idea come to life on-

out her talent. “It just made me more interested in it,” Boehme explained.

screen is something that she loves about directing. As well, Boehme loves

Though the initial fascination with filmmaking began during her junior year of high school, when she worked on the student television show, the morning announcements, she really expanded her love at Pepperdine, as she experienced numerous film classes. Boehme is currently a director on a show called “Sports Report,” which

having an image, knowing what she wants to create and seeing the final product come to fruition. But what she hopes her story will inspire, is that anyone has the potential to chase their dreams. “If anyone is interested in potentially pursing a career in the entertain-

broadcasts women’s sporting events, and the comedy show “The Beacon,”

ment industry, go for it; get an internship, see if you like it. We are in the

which she began work on in October.

perfect place for it. If you think you’re good at something, go for it,” Boehme

Since pursuing her filmmaking goals, Boehme has kept the support of

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

said. “Because you never know until you try.”

MUSIC REVIEWS GIRLS “FATHER, SON, HOLY GHOST” kooper macleay

The release of Girls’ second studio

ens’ distinctive songwriting and

album “Father, Son, Holy Ghost,”

vocal style set Girls apart from

has secured their reputation as one

other bands to which they draw

of the most popular emerging in-

likely comparisons. Lyrics are

die bands of the decade. This awe-

delivered more clearly and de-

some sophomore album by the San

liberately in these songs since

Franciscan band, released Sept. 13,

the “Big Bad Mean Motherfucker”

Get your boots stomping and

memorable chorus describing

is raw and nostalgic, yet somehow

and “Goddamned” days of “Al-

warm up your dance moves be-

those warm summer nights

peppered with optimism, with

bum,” and the maturity of their

cause it’s time to tap your toes

that we all know and love.

music that draws influences from

sophomore album is refreshing.

tunes of past generations. The al-

While Girls’ album touches on

bum is an instant classic, not just

a variety of different musical styles

Bryan’s third full-length

because it sounds classic, but most-

and genres, it is far from a hodge-

album was released on Au-

women.

ly because it’s really just that cool.

podge of randomness that doesn’t

gust 9, 2011 and features the

can’t get enough of his lyrics

Girls’ sophomore album avoids

fit together. Though the album is

hit “Country Girl (Shake it for

about young love and carefree

the dreaded sophomore slump,

a nice, easy listen, the second and

Me).” The fast pace of “Country

times.

the abyss many bands fall into

third tracks to “Father, Son, Holy

Girl” makes it hard for anyone

In addition to Bryan’s lyri-

when trying to recapture the es-

Ghost” reveal more substance

to resist the urge to ‘shake it’,

cal persuasion, his good looks

sence of their first album, “Album,”

than one would initially think.

whether they are sporting cow-

and Southern charm contrib-

while also attempting to grow,

Owens’ meaningful lyrics take

boy boots or tennis shoes. The

ute to his popularity among

the forefront in “Father, Son, Holy

upbeat tune is fun, lightheart-

women, while men find his all-

Ghost,”

themes

ed and playful, and this song is

American,

of love, loss and the need for ap-

one that a listener won’t be able

persona relatable.

proval string each song together

to stop singing.

experiment, and blah blah blah. Emotionally intensive songs such as “Vomit,” “My Ma” and “Forgiveness”

demonstrate

how

and

overlying

reinforcing

Ali Valach

to Luke Bryan’s newest album, ‘Tailgates and Tanlines.”

front man (yes, man...this isn’t

rather

that

The album also features the

a chick band) Christopher Ow-

this music is 100 percent Girls.

song “Drunk on You” with the

Many of Bryan’s songs are love songs, which explains why he appeals to so many young Bryan’s female fans

mud-on-the-tires

With “Tailgates and Tanlines,” Luke Bryan surely does country lovers proud.

The Black Keys’ 2010 album

The band comically an-

“Brothers,” their sixth studio ef-

nounced the release of their

at the bottom of the website in

fort, catapulted the band from

album via a cheesy spoof on

tiny font is the announcement

what the band is selling. Only

indie rock’s best-kept secret

a Cal-Worthington-type used

that The Black Keys’ album “El

to total rock ‘n’ roll superstars.

car commercial, in which Bob

Camino” is available for pre-

Hits like “Tighten Up” and

Odenkirk of AMC’s hit TV show

order.

“Howlin’ For You” became in- “Breaking Bad” announces that

kooper macleay

BLACK KEYS “BROTHERS”

nicely,

LUKE BRYAN “TAILGATES AND TANLINES”

According to Pitchfork Me-

stant classics, played over the

a 1994 El Camino is for sale.

dia, the band has once more

airwaves as well as on plenty of

Further, WannaBuyAVan.com

collaborated with legendary

movie soundtracks.

shares photos and a descrip-

producer Danger Mouse to cre-

The band has announced

tion of the would-be El Camino

ate what is expected to be an-

that fans’ thirst for The Keys’

for sale—call (330) 510-1206 for

other awesome Black Keys al-

unique,

more information on the van

bum. Their first single, “Lonely

blues-infused

rock

sound will be quenched upon

and ask for Pat or Dan (real

Boy” is sure to rock the radio

the Dec. 6 nonesuch release

Black Keys members), you’ll

well into the spring.

of their seventh album, “El

hear a real recording from

Camino.”

drummer Pat Carney about

COACHELLA OR

BU ST

hayley decker

there is something socially acceptable about a college student sacrificing one meal a day for two months in order to pay for a ticket to the annual Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival. The term “starving student” becomes literal when thousands of dedicated young adults reorganize their financial priorities solely for the love of live music. Known for its diverse lineup, eccentric crowd (including many celebrity attendees), and majestic desert venue, Coachella has in-

tive weekends, with tickets priced at $269 plus

creasingly attracted more and more fans each

fees, resulting in over $300 each.

year, with an estimated 80,000 tickets predicted to be sold for the 2012 festival. Hosted at the Empire Polo Field in Indio,

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

So what makes the financial sacrifices so worth it for Coachella’s young and impassioned crowd?

Calif. since 1999, Coachella brings together

“Coachella is about making a pilgrimage

a variety of the best current indie and main-

with your best friends to the middle of the de-

stream artists, playing three days worth of

sert to listen to three days worth of awesome

music in the desert heat. The festival’s hippie

music,” explained senior Kooper Macleay, who

vibe is partly defined by its dedication to mak-

has attended the festival four times since 2007.

ing it as much of an earth-friendly experience

After not being able to purchase a Coachella

as possible. At last year’s event, human energy

ticket because of the unexpectedly rapid sell-

was used to power DJ stations, unwanted tents

out for the past two years in a row, one Pepper-

from the campgrounds were collected for Hai-

dine senior was so determined to attend the

tian Relief efforts, and free water was given to

festival last year that she was willing to get a job

people who brought back 10 empty plastic water

passing out water bottles and checking wrist-

bottles for recycling.

bands.

As bohemian as it sounds, all of this comes

“I was not about to miss Coachella for a

at a pretty high cost. With tickets selling out

second time. I knew that even though working

within the first week of their release last year,

there wouldn’t have been quite as good and it

Goldenvoice (the festival’s promoters) made the

wouldn’t be the same, I would have still had the

decision to split the concert into two consecu-

chance to be there,” explained the student, who

wishes to remain anonymous. However, in a matter of weeks her Coachella dreams came true when she became random-

preciate the festival as much.” However, Macleay appreciates the rock n’ roll, grunge essence of Coachella.

ly acquainted with a popular musician and

“Part of the fun of the experience is being

Malibu local whose band has performed at

dirty and being amongst a bunch of sweaty peo-

Coachella in the past. Through this connection,

ple, and laying down in the middle of the grass,

she was given two “artists’ passes” and was able

rather than being waited on hand and foot hav-

to attend the event as a V.I.P., rather than as an

ing star treatment.”

employee.

The newly expanded event will take place

Another student achieved what most would

on the weekends of April 13-15 and April 20-22,

assume impossible. On the first night of the fes-

2012. It has been assured that both weekends

tival, senior Britt Hennemuth, along with five

will feature the same artists, however, the line-

of his friends, claimed to be the band members

up will not be released until early 2012.

of Coachella performer, Cee Lo Green, and suc-

Whether entering the festival with a pricey,

cessfully snuck in to the coveted stage seating,

specially designed wristband, or by sneaking in

where they watched headliners Kings of Leon

through the bushes, Coachella-goers prove that

perform.

one thing is certain-no matter what the circum-

Britt recalls his experience, “I have never

stance, live music will always thrive.

been to anything like it. Being able to watch the Kings of Leon perform from the stage was unreal. The fact that I probably won’t be as lucky next time makes me wonder if I will be able ap21

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

rachel teeter photography houston costa

h c s a i b r m h CGertz-Ro

On-campus talent discoverer and music producer,

Currently, Gertz-Rombach is working with various

Chris Gertz-Rombach, provides an outlet for Pep-

music majors, the gospel choir, and other musi-

perdine’s aspiring musicians via on-campus music

cally inclined individuals (such as Steven Jones,

production.

Graham Picard, and Kate Pauley) producing singles, performances and albums. Specifically he is

Gertz-Rombach began his musical career in high

working on revamping worships songs to target a

school, playing the guitar and participating in a

different audience, and Kitten Covers (covers that

band called “The Reason for Truth.” In this band,

change Top 40 songs’ vocals into meowing).

a lot of time was spent in the studio producing music. His experience in the studio didn’t become

While Gertz-Rombach may be producing on cam-

useful until this past January when Gertz-Rom-

pus, he hopes to be more on the business side of

bach recognized a need on campus.

the industry in the near future. Currently interning at Interscope Records, he’s getting an inside look

Gertz-Rombach saw that there were many talent-

and hands on experience in all areas of the biz,

ed artists at Pepperdine that didn’t have an outlet

where for him, producing is a hobby.

to perform. In five years, Gertz-Rombach has set a goal to “These artists needed a creative, expressive place

own an international music company, and a re-

to perform and let their voices be heard” said

cord label by the age of thirty, focusing develop-

Gertz-Rombach.

ment in Asia.

Using almost all of his savings, he bought soft-

Gertz-Rombach wanted to add that if any aspir-

ware and equipment to set up a studio. He then

ing musicians have read this article and would like

founded the production company Aspire Music

to be heard, please check out Aspire Music Pro-

Production that can be found on Facebook. This

duction on Facebook.

company is for Pepperdine artists who desire to let their musical talent be heard. 23

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

rachel teeter photography houston costa

He grew up with music, specifically the guitar and piano. When senior Houston Fry discovered that he could make money through music (from his father’s career), curiosity got the best of him and he became an aspiring composer before his feet could touch the floor from the piano stool. Later, Fry began to pay more attention to movie soundtracks and invest in better software and equipment to produce more realistic scores. This fall, Fry was offered a dream opportunity to

n o t s u o H Fry

intern under the famous Hans Zimmer (lead composer for Disney’s The Lion King and Tarzan, Gladiator, The Dark Knight, Inception). Once accepting, Fry has met with many famous composers and

received personal guidance from Zimmer himself. He also helped work on movie soundtracks like

the Smurfs, video soundtracks such as Assassins

Creed, and is currently working on the soundtrack for an upcoming major motion picture he cannot legally name or describe.

Simultaneously, Fry is developing his own composition style while working on his own reel of music. Creating a story to go along with the composition takes the most time, he explained. It has to go

with the musical composition and balance at the

same time. Besides composing for his internship and personal portfolio, Fry will be composing the

music to the new and upcoming film, Death Suspects a Murder, by the Pepperdine Film Society.

“I love being able to hide behind the picture” he said. “I believe that a story can be told [more] through music.”

Audiences don’t always realize there are people behind the scenes of a movie. “In the world of movie composing, it is not about the fame, it is about the work that [behind-the-scene people] do.” Fry is working to develop his own styles that will carry over after graduation in the spring in the eventual hopes of reaching a Zimmer-type notoriety... Keep an eye and ear out for him as the credits roll on movies in the future.

ZACK JENKINS photography houston costa

n i v s e e NJam

Few singer/songwriter/musicians were recruited

the group volunteered, performed, and raised

to numerous universities to play Division I golf,

money for the cause.

but senior Nevin James drove out of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania burbs with the desire to be-

“Feeding homeless in Virginia and rebuilding hous-

come an entertainer. The oldest of four siblings

es with ex-convicts were just pieces of the puzzle.

(two younger brothers and one sister) James has

They all came together into a great masterpiece,”

taken life by the reigns and recently concluded

Nevin James explained about the tour. “The shear

the national tour of “Death & Victory in Paris,” a

hours we spent together, the adventure of going

Rock Opera he wrote, produced and managed

on the road and performing together really took

from Richmond to Atlanta, Louisville and Malibu.

us from 12 strangers to family.”

“I was big into sports,” James explained. “But I

More information about the tour, the production

found music a better outlet for expression.”

and donating can be found at www.nevinjames.

Through music he has found expression, commu-

com.

nity and an opportunity to bring about change in the world.

While James tends to “work on a project to pro-

After writing and producing “Death & Victory in

once: releasing his first full-length album entitled

Paris,” almost two years ago, with a couple initial

“Jealous,” preparing for the release of the “Death

performances on campus, James recruited a cast

& Victory in Paris” Concert Film in early December,

of 12 musicians to tour the country. “I looked for

and fundraising and filming for the making of a

great musicians that were trustworthy … some I

movie based on the plot line of the rock opera

had worked with before, and some were recom-

characters next year.

ject basis,” he’s currently working on three at

mended randomly.” “Being the oldest and President of my Senior Class Although the group had never completely met

helped prepare me to be a leader,” James said.

before rehearsals in Pittsburgh a week before the

“With a strong support system at home,” James

tour started in June, James said the group quickly

feels that the sky’s the limit and each day he

became bonded for their cause: raising aware-

moves forward to becoming one of the stars.

ness of human trafficking in cities where activism isn’t quite as high as Los Angeles. Along the way 26

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

REEL STORIES PREVIEW GENEVIEVE SMITH photography houston costa

ReelStories Film Festival will be

Founding members Susie Lee, Omid Heidari,

Is it so bad for REELSTORIES to be a senior

stepping into its third year come

Tanner Joyce, Harry Lengsfield, Brianna Baxter,

showcase with an altruistic angle? Should

January 2012. The student-led film fest

and Katie Stjernholm collectively flew under

REELSTORIES consider being a bit more gen-

which aims “to inspire, to empower, to spark

the wing of adjunct screenwriting professor

erous with its time allowance to let a bigger

conversation and thus, change” as founding

(CHECK THIS, refine) Tom Shadyac (Bruce

pool of students create and submit their films?

member and alum Katie Stjernholm put it best,

Almighty, Patch Adams) as a few of them

Given the intensely demanding production

is predicted to have the stars aligned for its

traveled with him to the Mountain Film festival

schedule, the work that is shown on the big

third birthday. Guest judges with street cred

in Telluride, Colorado.

will emerge from the golden gates of Hollywood to put their 20 cents in on the hard work of student filmmakers.

Stjernholm recalled how the group unearthed

time barrier to affect us with their messages.

inspiration after “a week of watching documentaries; [they] convicted (sic) me, inspired

Ultimately the festival is open to all and strives

The festival Director’s Board has reached out

me, challenged me, and opened my eyes to

to create a point of connection between peo-

to the student body for the crème de la crème

issues that needed attention. [From that event

ple through conversation. Thus far, the grow-

in student filmmaking. Reflecting on the past

forward], stories were exchanged, conversa-

ing festival has done an excellent job. At RSFF2

two festivals, expect to find creativity of all

tion started.” The students banded together

alumnus and American director DJ Caruso

kinds splashed across the red carpet event. A

to focus on shifting the lens through which

(Disturbia, Smallville) spoke to the audience,

handful of carefully-picked Pepperdine stu-

this community viewed film, while celebrating

pointing out that when he was a Pepperdine

dent films will be shown alongside two fea-

the art of visual storytelling.

student in 1983 a film program did not exist.

ture flicks and a documentary. Yet even before

He made a call for the student body to recog-

this, attendees will step onto our breathtaking

Despite some hiccups along the road caused

nize the incredible resources we have at our

campus to be greeted by an outdoor gallery of

by a hesitant university which had grappled

fingertips now.

student art as the energy buzzes through the

with lackluster film festivals in the past, the

notes of a live musical performance. The prestigious event draws people in from

group warded off any nerves through the

“It’s a small school, grab a camera, get your

confidence and determination behind their

hands on things, try things, fall on your face.”

vision. Eleven top student film contenders,

In his support of the REELSTORIES vision, Ca-

all over the Malibu community, and serves as

eight awards, and two graduating classes later

ruso put his blessing on all those who wish to

a momentous showcase for graduating film-

we stand on the cusp of REELSTORIES’ third

hit a wide audience with their ideas.

makers, bidding them adieu to their college

birthday bash. Although the festival is flour-

years while whetting their appetite for the

ishing with each year, the toddler still has a

possibilities which await their storyboards in

few things to learn.

self and inspire your audiences… I wish you

Albeit grateful student filmmakers have whis-

making journeys. May they all be remarkable.

pered about the chokehold of the time con-

Create dreams and inspire.” An early happy

Student filmmakers have paired with music

straints the festival puts on them. Production

third birthday REELSTORIES film fest. May all

students to develop scores for their scenes

time covers the three weeks in November till

your dreams come true. To stay up-to-date on

while Braveheart director Randall Wallace has

the start of Thanksgiving and Christmas break,

the latest developments leading to the Janu-

doled out awards. While this year’s Directors

then the final cut is due the first week back

ary soiree, check in with pepperdine-graphic.

Board is riled up for an even “bigger, better”

into the spring semester. Some claim the pro-

com and www.reelstoriesfilmfest.com.

night, let’s take a moment to recall the birth

duction schedule is only feasible for telecom-

the future. Over the past two years, the event has been a smashing success.

of an idea which is now up and walking on its

munications majors, whose senior projects are

own two feet.

to make a film--thus dedicating all their time

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

“Find a reason to make this film. Inspire yourguys all the best as you continue your film-

to such.

night is beyond commendable, and perhaps some driven students will crash through the

DANCE INFLIGHT

Community is found within the Dance in Flight company.

NIKKI TORRIENTE photography HARRISON YAGER

tudent dancers find refuge in Dance in Flight (DIF) and breathe life into their self-expression through movement. From small beginnings in 1993, the DIF Company has steadily grown in numbers and this year sports a sizeable amount of dancers in its cast even though it is a bit smaller than previous years.

C U R R E N T S â&#x20AC;˘ FA L L 2 0 11

“We have a smaller cast this year,” says Kelsey Al-

tary, ICC representative for DIF, and choreogra-

exander, student director and a choreographer.

pher, in an email. “I always look forward to see-

“There are 58 people in the cast … we had a great turnout.” Alexander’s excitement for the production pro-

ing how it comes together because until show

The passion supporting DIF doesn’t go unno-

week, you never really know exactly what it will

ticed, especially in performances. Their passion

be or how it will be received or what it will mean

is what has made DIF “a campus favorite with

to the performers and the audience. “

cess and the eventual performance week of DIF is palpable. She says she heard “a lot of good

We’re only there because we want to be.”

sold out performances every year in Smothers Theater” says DIF company booklet.

A majority of the dances included in the DIF

things [about DIF]” which prompted her to join

performance are student choreographed, which

last year.

allows students the chance to really get into the

nity loves the DIF performances and look for-

mindset of being in a professional company,

ward to them every year.

“I’m really excited to do another dance show

And that’s no stretch. The Pepperdine commu-

while also letting them explore the abundant

with a theme to it,” says Alexander, who will lead

opportunities for creativity that dance pro- “It’ll get super crazy in January,” says Alexander

two dances as choreographer this season. “I like

vides. But dancers are not restricted to one style

having people be able to relate to it.”

of dance; DIF gives dancers the opportunity to

in regards to the nearing of final performances. “But I’m really excited.”

explore various styles in order to best express And this relateability is why DIF has blossomed

themselves.

so greatly since its humble beginnings in the

Dancers can’t wait to showcase all the hard work they’ve been doing since auditions started ear-

’90s. It’s the opportunity dancers have found in

DIF not only gives dancers the chance to build

lier this semester. Paired with her excitement to

the company to come together with other danc-

something from the ground up, but it also cre-

be able to share her passion with both the DIF

ers and share their personal visions while also

ates a tight-knit community between all those

and Pepperdine communities, Malone hopes

stepping out of their comfort zones that make

involved in the DIF process.

the audience is able to grasp just how important

DIF a staple in student dancers lives here at Pepperdine.

DIF is to them. For Malone, the draw of DIF isn’t solely that it is a place for her to dance.

DIF offers a professional working environment under the tutelage of Bill Szobody yet allows

much it means to us [the cast and crew] because “Most of all its a community,” writes Malone.

dancers to stretch their creative legs and pro- “Usually when people find out that none of the duce something wholly original.

“I … hope that they enjoy it and understand how in my opinion, that’s what makes DIF different from any other dance recital.”

dancers or choreographers in DIF get paid or school credit or anything they ask why we all

“It’s a really amazing feeling to start from noth-

do it and the only answer is that we love it and

ing and produce an entire show that hundreds of

can’t imagine our college experience without

people see,” writes Katy Malone, senior, secre-

it — and that’s what makes DIF so meaningful. 31

LITTLE BLACK DRESS MARY-KATE GLENNING ILLUSTRATION AARON SCHOTT

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” a beloved American classic, embodies the personalities of both the era and Manhattan’s swanky Upper East Side. Perhaps even more beloved is the film’s leading lady, Audrey Hepburn. Both the movie and its star set the stage for classic fashion statements that endure throughout time, most importantly the little black dress. The fashions, designed by Hubert de Givenchy, and showcased “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” have lasted throughout the past 50 years and inspired couturiers for decades. Renowned designers, such as Christian Doir, Chanel, and Karl Lagerfeld, were all inspired by Givenchy’s ideas. Nothing will ever top a black cocktail dress paired with a classic string of pearls. The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, Calif. celebrated the film’s 50th anniversary, as well as Hepburn and her iconic fashion, through their exhibition Little Black Dress: A Homage to Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Highlighting the event was a 1940s Christian Dior piece along with numerous recreations of dresses exemplifying those worn by Hepburn herself. Twelve little black dresses stood in front of a simple Tiffany’s blue backdrop, all of which embodied the persona of Hepburn. The main attraction, an exact replica of the floor-length Givenchy gown worn during the opening scene of the film, instantly commanded attention as one could recall Hepburn creating fashion history fifty years ago. Not only did FIDM honor the style presented in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” it also displayed contemporary staples, such as a rip-away dress designed by Martha Stewart in 1994 which was featured in the film “True Lies.” Designers Audrey Fischer and Syren Couture were also given the chance to showcase their work, which was worn by Kristin Bauer van Straten in HBO’s hit series, “True Blood,” through the “True Blood” latex dress collaboration that took place. ABC’s program, “Alias,” also had costumes on display, such as the little black dress worn by Jennifer Garner. Hepburn, Givenchy, and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” shaped the course of fashion for the rest of time with their debut of the little black dress. It would be a surprise not to find one hanging in most women’s closets with a matching pair of pumps and a pearl necklace. For the past 50 years we have, and always will, pay homage to Audrey Hepburn.

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

FASHION.

SWAG.

PANACHE.

STYLE.

Two Pepperdine students have found ways to transform their flair for the fashionable from passion to action. Steven Hansen and Chloe Bennett are the stylish students who have established themselves as some of Pepperdineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper echelon of trendsetters. KOOPER MACLEAY photography houston costa

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

BRING BROADWAY TO THE 80S AND BLEND IN INDIE FOR THE PERFECT STYLE!

STREET FASHION ACCESSORY INSPIRATION A sophomore from Murrieta, Calif., Chloe Bennet

’80s but also the graceful and feminine heroines

is a trendsetting fashionista with an eye for style.

of old Broadway,” noted Bennett, who highly es-

Although Bennett is not a designer, she creates

teems Broadway ladies Ginger Rogers, Claudette

looks and designs that are unique and different

Colbert and Ethel Merman.

from the mainstream, resulting in a taste all her own. Bennett describes her style as “relaxed, ro-

Although Bennett stresses the idea that style is

mantic and indie.”

distinctive to each individual person, she notes

Bennett credits the unique style she rocks to her

around on the streets, then picked up, trans-

that interesting fashion concepts can be seen chameleon-like characteristics growing up in

formed and developed into something all togeth-

Southern California.

er unique and different.

“I have been a skater kid, a cookie-cutter cheerleader

and

Fashion design may be in the future for Ben-

INDIEACCESSORY TIPS

stereotypical

nett, whose passions lie in theater

drama nerd,” she explained.

— from acting to singing to behind-

“Changing who I was depending

the-scenes stuff like stage makeup.

She was appointed to supervise the

stage makeup for two main-stage

productions during her freshman

looks cooler than optical

year, which was almost unprec-

illusions on your wrist

edented.

or collar bone.

on who I was spending my time with helped me, as strange as it sounds, find myself.” Bennett’s fashion sense is the

“MY mAIN GOAL IS TO SPEND AS LITTLE AS I POSSIBLY CAN FOR AS MANY PIECES AS I CAN GET.”

result of all of these metamorphoses she has undergone over

-CHLOE BENNET

“I am still doing stage makeup, but I

Detailed Layers Bags and jackets, layers will make

Necklaces and bracelets, nothing

Secret Compartments

the years. Bennett also seeks

would love to try my hand at fashion

out styles and trends from past

and costume design,” she added.

generations to define looks that are chic now.

them take a second look.

Rings and lockets, little hidden treasures are yours to give, how sweet

yet secret!

Bennett admires designers Stella

McCartney and Vera Wang, as well

Coats and bags, hide all the tissues and

love notes for cold winter.

Her favorite places to shop are not at ritzy depart-

as Anthropologie’s wedding line, BHDLN. She

Bows

ment stores but instead quaint hole-in-the-wall

also reveres the late Alexander McQueen because

places, where the real hidden gems are found.

of the intense drama that lies at the foundation of

Broadway finesse while nod

One of her favorite weekend activities is finding

all of his designs.

ding to your girlhood. Aww.

thrift stores and swap meets and seeking out little “buried treasures.”

Bags and jackets, channel the mod and

Hair-ties and wristbands, nothing says

“I have always respected and admired these de-

80s pixie like a

signers because they all accentuate the female

subtle little bow.

form but are all graceful and tasteful without be-

Colors

for as many pieces as I can get,” she explained.

ing too conservative,” said Bennett.

Experimenting and taking risks, according to Ben-

With a style all her own, Bennett proves that she

nett, are the fundamental ways to develop one’s

has that X-factor that makes it all simply work. In

your grandmother’s living

own style. She highlights that when there is ex-

order to be iconic, you have to have something

room but contemporary.

perimentation, it is easy to take bits and pieces

that sets you apart, and Bennett indeed possesses

from a variety of styles and morph it all into some-

that special something.

“My main goal is to spend as little as I possibly can

Tones should be subtle yet poignant.

Think pastel but schaffon,

rather, think of

thing creative and personal. “I am definitely inspired by the weird style of the 35

JUMP OUT THE NEST AND HOPE THAT THE WIND CATCHES YOUR WINGS, BRO! CROW’S NEST FOR THE SURF-N-SKATER

Steven Hansen, a junior from Glendora, Calif., is

Surfer/ Skater Styling Tips JEANS/CORDUROY

Pants shouldn’t be too loose or too

baggy, the medium fit

Crow’s Nest is a culmination of everything that is

the founder of Crow’s Nest Clothing, a surf and

important in Hansen’s life. The name represents

skate clothing company that’s rapidly gaining

the group his friends who refer to themselves as

mass popularity.

“The Crow’s Nest” — those types of friends that ultimately grow to become family.

Hansen has always been interested in clothing and design, and attributes his innate sense of

“Having the name ‘Crow’s Nest’ pushes me to re-

style to his mother and two older sisters, whom

member who I am doing it for, and knowing that I

he noted have “a great eye for art and clothing.”

have a family away from a family,” Hansen added.

“I have to give credit to my mom, because she has

While many clothing companies are started with

always showed me what looks good,” Hansen

profits as the primary goal, Hansen initiated

said.

Crow’s Nest because it was a means for his family and friends to connect. He and the Crow’s Nest

is back. Keep it casual

and comfortable. Keep

He believes that comfort is the catalyst to great

your range of motion.

style. Naturally, Crow’s Nest Clothing revolves

together to develop cool and original concepts

around the laid-back styles of the surf and skate

and designs.

BRAND TEES

It’s all about the logos, big and bold.

team are a tight-knit group of people who work

worlds, focusing on comfy and casual clothes that “anybody can rock — from babies to grannies.”

Crow’s Nest Clothing is more than just a moneymaking hobby in which Hansen dabbles. He seri-

It doesn’t have to be

neon anymore to get

When Hansen decided he wanted to create a

ously considers Crow’s Nest Clothing to be in his

attention. Rock some

clothing company, he quickly acted to reach his

life for a long time.

emerging or new labels.

lofty ambitions. “It would be cool,” Hansen said. “I like doing

ZIPUPS

“One day I bought a silk-screening kit and put it in

Solid colors, keep it simple to

things that are fun. Making clothes isn’t so bad.”

my garage,” he shared. “From there on, I worked

balance the big-brand

very hard and grew to having a full-on six-arm

As for the future of Crow’s Nest, Hansen seeks

tee. It better balance

processor.”

to build not just a brand, but also a lifestyle. It

your pants: loose pants =

tighter ZipUp, tighter

In fashion-assembly speak, that is a big deal.

pants = looser ZipUp.

However, the path that Hansen traversed dur-

it’s already sold in Xtreme Boardshop, Utility, and

ing the process from garage-based designer to

Anenberg, all local surf and sport shops around

founder and CEO of Crow’s Nest Clothing was

Glendora.

SHOES

Deck and canvas, for the chill days

wouldn’t be surprising if one day Crow’s Nest Clothing was sold in local Malibu surf shops —

not quite as simple as he may let on. Hansen said of his company, “I want people to

when you aren’t on a

board these are the 2012

way to go. Canvas won’t

rip when you’re doing

Hansen admitted. “I thought to myself, ‘No one is

something sick and

going to like these.’ I had a lot of doubts, and also

Surf Bros and Bettys in the Pepperdine commu-

deck is legit all-around.

times that I thought were too good to be true.”

nity — contact Steven Hansen at crowsnestcloth-

“The point where I thought I would give up was when I was in the process of making the shirts,”

you’ll need to match

Although Hansen got disheartened at a few

your chain and

points, this self-described family guy credits his

kick-flip support, just

determination to the solid support of his family,

watch your flair color.

as well as followers in his local community.

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

Quiksilver or Volcom.”

ing@gmail.com to order your new Crow’s Nest

Flat highs, they’ll give you the swag

think of Crow’s Nest when thinking of brands like

merchandise.

500 m wateR-ResIstant .

44 mm

www.bellross.com

BR 02 InstRument ChRonogRaph

FASHION FOR FALL janelle meritt & molly kemper photography tim nguyen

METALLICS

Say goodbye to the boring goto, solid black evening outfits; the newest trend is the bold, glamorous sparkle of metallic sequins.

Black Sequin Dress

1. Colored Pants The best choice of denim for any Malibu season is the new take on straight-leg, colored jean. Go bold.

Color Block Shirt Color blocking is the “mostwearable” option to brighten any outfit.

[WO]MEN’S WEAR

Blazers

Oxfords

3. Nude Pump Gold Metallic

Watches

A patent leather nude pump is a shoe necessity. Pair it with denim, evening dresses, or a skirt for a night out.

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

style. &intern. janelle merritt photography houston costa

Molly Kemper’s journey began in her Intro to Market-

Starting her internship, she wasn’t very interested

ing class, where she was given the task to conduct an in-

in working in fashion. But, after working alongside Pol-

terview with the president of a company. Unknowingly,

lard, that all began to change. “I have a friend in my

she picked a president who would later become her boss

boss,” Kemper said.

when she accepted a job as a paid assistant.

Kemper is a double major in advertising and Span-

Kemper chose Nicole Pollard’s name from a list off

ish with a minor in marketing. After working for Pollard

the Pepperdine website and sent her an email wanting to

second semester of her junior year, Kemper was promot-

meet in Santa Monica for a casual interview over lunch.

ed to a paid assistant. As Pollard’s assistant, Kemper is

She hesitantly brought her résumé along and nerv-

always in the know and keeping up to date on all the lat-

ously drove to Santa Monica to interview Pollard. Im-

est fashion trends. Pollard’s biggest tip that she stresses

pressed by the way Kemper handled herself throughout

to all her clients is to always wear clothes that flatter

the interview, Pollard asked her if she had time in her

their body types. Once that’s covered, the essential sta-

schedule to complete an internship the following semes-

ples women should have in their closets are a nice pair

ter.

of dark-wash skinny jeans, nude patent-leather pumps At the time, Kemper was a junior and had enough

time to take on an internship. A few weeks later, she met Pollard for an interview regarding the internship and was hired on the spot. When Kemper first started out working for Pollard’s

and a neutral-colored everyday bag. Men’s basics include a good pair of jeans and a tailored suit. Kemper says the trends we can expect to see in fall/ winter of this year for women are the continuation of the color-blocking trends. She suggests wearing a neutral-

styling firm, LalaLuxe, it was still based out of Pollard’s

colored top paired with bright-colored pants. Also, kha-

home office. Eight months ago, her styling dream became

ki sweaters, metallic and lace touches, black-sequined

a reality when her company grew large enough for her to

dresses, bold prints, colorful coats and menswear are

rent a space in a small office building in Santa Monica.

all in style for women this winter.

As an intern, Kemper observed and took note on how

For men, upcoming trends are camel-toned coats,

Pollard styled and dressed her clients. Pollard’s clientele

shawl-collared cardigans, gold-striped sweaters, tweed

ranges from Beverly Hills women to helping pick out out-

jackets, navy-faced watches and cuffed pants on suits.

fits for women visiting the L.A. area from foreign countries. A major part of Kemper’s job is to form good relationships with hotels and stores for Pollard to provide clothes

As Pollard’s company continues to grow, she’s preparing to move into an office in Beverly Hills in the coming months. LalaLuxe will be conveniently located close to all the high fashion retail stores on Rodeo Drive.

and rooms to style her clients in. Kemper claims that she often utilizes many of the marketing techniques that she’s been taught at Pepperdine. Kemper said she “never knows what to expect on a daily basis” when heading to work, and that’s a good thing for the senior.

EVAN MATTIASEN & JAMYE MERI GRANT 42

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

IN THE BEGINNING Just as the Caterpillar, the Mayans saw this world as the End. Just as the Butterfly, she saw it as the Beginningâ&#x20AC;Ś photography houston costa HAIR & MAKE UP ALEX NICANDROS

ANNIE NAM, HAYLEY KISS, EVAN MATTIASEN, LENAA ESCANDON

EVAN MATTIASEN, HAYLEY KISS, ANNIE NAM, JAMYE MERI GRANT 44

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

JAMYE MERI GRANT 45

HAYLEY KISS, LENAA ESCANDON, JAYME MERI GRANT, ANNIE NAM, MICHELE WEAVER 46

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

‘NOT A MISTAKE, NOT A COINCIDENCE’ COURTNEY BRYANT’S SUMMER COVERING THE ARAB SPRING chelsea cowley photography houston costa

The Turkish elections, Syrian uprising,

humanitarian aid and construction materi-

Gaza flotilla and the World Jewish gov-

als with the intention of breaking the Israeli-

ures consisting of metal detectors and bag

erning board meeting — all major events

Egyptian blockade of the Gaza Strip.

searches in shopping malls, bus stations and

that we heard about on the news in the United

“I quickly adapted to the high security meas-

even grocery stores,” Bryant said. “It became

States, while Pepperdine student Courtney

As the flotilla reporter-in-residence, Bry-

normal to go for falafel with a soldier friend

Bryant was in the Middle East covering them.

ant started following the raid when she first

who decided to bring his M16 along.”

arrived in Israel and covered it until Israel This past summer, Bryant, a senior, was grant-

ceased the blockade and all activists returned

One casual day at the office, an air-raid drill

ed a life-changing opportunity through the

home. The raid drew widespread condemna-

sent her entire office down six floors to the

Glazer Institute for Jewish Studies at Pepper-

tion internationally and resulted in a severe

basement. “I would have imagined these

dine. She landed an internship in Israel with

deterioration of Israel’s relations with Turkey.

things would alarm me, but I felt a surprising

the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) — an

sense of safety and serenity,” Bryant said.

Israeli media outlet with branches in both

Bryant’s favorite story she worked on was

radio and television and programming in He-

the World Jewish Congress governing board

Bryant traveled throughout Israel when the

meeting, a multi-day event at

opportunity arose and greatly valued her ex-

brew, Arabic and English.

which she saw many heavy hit-

periences. On one particular trip to the West

ters in the Israeli political sec-

Bank, Bryant filmed the inside of an Israel

television sector for Eng-

tor. She had the chance to meet

Defense Force (IDF) tank, but she was forced

lish news at IBA in Jeru-

Israeli President Shimon Peres,

to erase the footage by an intimidating Israeli

Minister of Foreign Affairs Avig-

solider.

Her internship was in the

salem and within a short period of time, Bryant was a full-fledged journalist working in the Middle East. Initially,

Bryant

wrote

“LIVING IN JERUSALEM GAVE ME THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO LIVE IN THE MOMENT, TAKING EVERYTHING IN AS IT CAME.”

gathered

of Foreign Affairs Daniel Ayalon,

She quickly realized that assertiveness was

Opposition Leader Tzipi Livni

key in safety and being taken seriously in

and former British Prime Minis-

the workplace. “It is necessary to stand your

ter Tony Blair.

ground as a female in the working world, es-

-COURTNEY BRYANT

stories for broadcast news and

dor Leiberman, Deputy Minister

pecially in an environment where so many “It was such a surreal experience

visuals

to be thrust into such an impor-

from international video

tant and exciting reporting scene.

feeds, but within three

I loved it,” Bryant said.

days, she was asked to cover the TLVFest, a

women choose the domestic path,” Bryant said. Spending the summer in Israel was the most life-changing experience of Bryant’s life.

lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)

Bryant’s summer internship not only granted

festival held each summer in Jerusalem. Her

her an incredible opportunity to be a journal-

interview she conducted and every fact she

news package impressed many, including her

ist in the Middle East, but it also allowed her to

gathered, she became deeply invested in the

boss, who asked her to cover a story almost

be independent and brave.

happenings of that small part of the Middle

every day after that.

Through each story she reported on, every

East. “Living in Jerusalem gave me the first oppor-

“I was blessed with the opportunity to report

tunity to live in the moment, taking every-

Through her experience, she discovered her

on the Turkish elections, Syrian uprising and

thing in as it came,” Bryant said. “I would get

true passions, and that has given her career

the Gaza flotilla — a story I followed through

off work, walk to the city center and meet up

direction a much narrower focus. She is now

its completion, to earn the title around the of-

with friends for hookah or dinner, go for walks

studying Hebrew and Arabic with hopes of

fice as ‘Flotilla reporter-in-residence,’” Bryant

around the city with my good friend Eliyahu

one day returning to the Middle East to con-

said.

or go into the old city to meet up with friends.”

tinue where she left off.

The Gaza flotilla was a military operation

Surprisingly, Bryant felt safer in Jerusalem

“I realized that my experience was not a mis-

raid by Israel that took place on May 31. It at-

then she does in Los Angeles and often found

take, not a coincidence, but a sign of the divine

tacked six ships in the international waters

herself walking home alone past midnight

hand in the course of my life,” Bryant said.

of the Mediterranean Sea that were carrying

without any fear. 51

REHAB CENTERS rachelle jensen

you

every

were

handed

hush-hush

centers’

list

malibu

addresses,

rehab

wouldn’t

you go hunt them down?*

After being reprimanded by a guard and taken for a tabloid new hire, I can concede that may-

fortuitous taxes — but are virtually a secret to

be that wasn’t my smartest idea. After nearly

those who live here.

10 calls for just a hint of information, with only a “we don’t do school reports” for an answer,

Malibu is becoming a high-industry city with

I was desperate. With lines like, “In Malibu to-

a budding corporate future, due in part to

day, it’s harder to open a bagel shop than a

rehab centers. This shabby little beach town

residential treatment facility,” from LA Weekly

grew because of its laid-back beauty and pris-

and the startling lack of any current informa-

tine exclusivity. And Malibu, at this moment,

tion on the various centers, I was nearly fooled

has an opportunity to decide the future it

into believing that Malibu locals complacently

wants. Malibu’s Council is crying for more rev-

accepted the 30-plus (as of 2009) drug reha-

enue (because spending less and sticking to a

bilitation centers dotting the landscape.

SOME ARE NAMES YOU HAVE HEARD OR WHISPERED, BUT DID YOU KNOW MALIBU HAS ALMOST 3 DOZEN REHAB CENTERS? HERE ARE THE MOST REFERENCED 25!

budget obviously don’t work) and has allowed rehab centers to dominate the corporate land-

Malibu residents have a history of animosity

scape. But is that really what we want?

with rehab centers, which have been a part of the local scene only since Promises opened in

Alain Tuggle, a 39-year resident of Malibu,

1989. With about one center per 372 people,

wrote to the Malibu Times that “Old Malibu

and at least a couple of patient-sparked “ac-

is dying. The small town feeling is gone; the

cidents” dotting their records, residents have

small town caring is gone. People that have

not been thrilled with the turn the city took

lived here for 20 years or more are being sued

from its original beach-town roots to rehab-

because their animals make too much noise or

center hotspot.

their trees obscure the view.”

In 2009, a committee of residents was formed

We can only move forward or be lost in the

to go in front of the City Council about the

past, but I do think there is a place for pre-

issue of rehabilitation centers. And nothing

serving the rich history and culture of Malibu

has been published since. The Malibu Times,

if the small city is going to be known as rehab

which was supposed to do a series of articles

central. It’s time to pay attention to the voice

in followup, never brought up the topic in

of people who live here. It’s too late to go

print again. Curious.

back and keep Malibu a small, unknown city,

After Pepperdine, rehab centers are the sec-

for: cozy beach town or rehab mecca of the

ond main source of revenue for the city of

United States.

but it is possible shape what we are known

Malibu, which begs the question: Why don’t we hear more about them? Malibu’s “luxury”

“Malibu needs to take a look at itself. Moving

privacy restrictions for the safety, privacy and exclusivity of the

rehab centers and sober housing allow people

forward in this world does not mean erase his-

patients. Currents Magazine and staff respect this privacy and the

to shop around Malibu and support the local

tory as you go.” —Alain Tuggle

efforts patients and doctors make to overcome the struggles of ad-

economy — as well as provide the city with

*Sober living and addiction rehabilitation centers hold to strict

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

diction and adhere to a healthy and sober lifestyle.

EATING DISORDERS jessica abu-ghattas photography evelyn aleman

From girls with uniformly perfect bikini bods to guys with seemingly effortless washboard abs, it’s not hard to imagine why so many Pepperdine students fixate on their body image. But some student groups have decided life’s too short to count calories. “Probably because of its location, Pepperdine students may live in the shadow of the ‘Malibu Barbie’ mystique,” said Student Health Center (SHC) nutritionist Katherine McCune. “However, according to the National College Health Assessment, a yearly survey assessing the health of college students, Pepperdine rates of eating disorders have traditionally mirrored those of similar institutions around the country, about 2 percent of females and 1 percent of males being diagnosed and treated each year.” Statistics compiled by the Pepperdine Counseling Center indicates 44 percent of students are trying to lose weight (58 percent of females and 26 percent of males), although only 26 percent of students identify themselves as overweight. In addition, 1.6 percent of students report having

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

anorexia and 1.4 percent of students report hav-

comment relating to weight, size, shape or ap-

“While it is ok to say what they have observed

ing bulimia.

pearance, including “positive statements” like,

(for example, ‘It looks like you’ve lost a lot of

Dr. Jennifer Harriger, assistant professor of

“You’ve lost weight.”

weight’), it is best to avoid getting into arguments

psychology, is a nationally interviewed eating-

Senior Madison Krall, vice president of public

disorder expert who teaches a class on the psy-

relations for Delta Delta Delta, coordinated pro-

gling friend responds with, ‘No, I weigh the same

chology of eating disorders as well as a first-year

motions for the week, which took place Oct. 17

as always’). If a concerned friend is trying to work

seminar that deals with disordered eating. She

to Oct. 21. Throughout the week, Delta Delta Del-

out exactly what they want to say and feel like

serves as the co-chair of the Academy for Eating

ta encouraged students to pledge not to engage

they could use some help in figuring that out, the

Disorders, a special-interest group for athletes

in fat talk for the week.

SCC staff would be glad to work with them to

with eating disorders. Harriger listed several reasons college students are more vulnerable to developing disordered eating habits: 1) The transition to college creates a higher risk because it is a big change in a person’s life.

Fat talk creates body dissatisfaction, which is a risk factor for eating disorders, according to Harriger.

about those behaviors (don’t debate if the strug-

help identify some options. “Concerned friends sometimes offer to go with their friend or support them in other ways,

Krall said the sorority-sponsored convoca-

like going with them to appointments or driving

tion Oct. 20 was a key part of the week’s events,

them to an off campus appointment. If the friend

because they were able to engage students in

who’s struggling would like to talk about what’s

2) Lack of parental support in addition to be-

discussion of their experiences with fat talk. In-

happening, we encourage the concerned friend

ing surrounded by peers in a dorm environment.

dividuals came forward and shared their personal

to carve out time and private space so that they

For young women, this may mean constantly

stories as well. Delta Delta Delta hoped the pres-

can listen without being distracted by other re-

hearing their female peers complain about their

entation made students more aware of what fat

sponsibilities or worries about being overheard.”

appearance or body. For young men, this may

talk is and how it can be eliminated from campus.

mean having roommates who constantly go to the gym, according to Harriger. 3) The pressure to find a romantic partner.

The goal is to promote the healthy ideal vs. the thin ideal, according to Krall, who took Harriger’s course on eating disorders last summer.

Harriger said this pressure is greater at Pepper-

“This is something we should be working [to-

dine, specifically as a Christian university where

ward] on campus,” Krall said. “Eating disorders,

students are told “this is the time you could find

even though we may not see them, are really

your potential mate.”

prevalent on campus.”

“Part of attracting a mate is the way that you look,” Harriger said.

“Everyone struggles with disordered eating,” Krall said. “[We should] encourage girls to seek

Fear of the “Freshman 15” could lead to dis-

out healthy food options instead of trying to be

ordered eating as a result of skipping meals, eat-

thin because of what the media portrays and how

ing late and unhealthy choices at the cafeteria.

they think they should look.”

Although this is only her third year working

Pepperdine actually has a professional eat-

at Pepperdine, Harriger said her experience talk-

ing disorder treatment team, a joint effort of

ing to students indicates that body image issues

the Counseling Center and the SHC, staffed by

are prevalent on campus. She said the location, in

a physician, therapist and nutritionist. Katherine

Malibu and Southern California in general, seems

McCune plays an instrumental role in the eating

to influence new students. Shelle Welty, a coun-

disorder team as a registered dietician holding a

selor who works with students struggling with

master’s degree in educational psychology and

eating disorders notes that this is especially true

counseling.

of international students and those from other parts of the country.

“Every month, between the Student Health Center and Student Counseling Center [SCC], we

“There is a lot in this area that contributes to

see about four to five students for whom disor-

people being a lot more aware of their bodies and

dered eating is a problem,” McCune said. “But

concerned with what other people think of their

we suspect that for every person we meet, there

bodies,” Welty said.

are others out there who don’t come in for treat-

“People here are more focused on their body

ment.”

image,” Harriger said, noting that she often hears

McCune offers the following advice to stu-

students say, “Before I came to Pepperdine, I

dents who may be concerned for one of their

didn’t really think about it.”

friends: “Whenever someone suspects a friend

Delta Delta Delta, Gamma Rho — Pepper-

may be struggling with disordered eating, we en-

dine’s chapter of the sorority — participated in

courage them to — if they feel comfortable — ap-

“Fat Talk Free Week,” which raised awareness of

proach their friend from a genuine place of con-

how “fat talk” can create distorted or unhealthy

cern, expressing their worry in their own words,”

perceptions of body image. Fat talk includes any

McCune said.

Overall, the percentage of Pepperdine students in the healthy weight range decreased

while the overweight category

increased by

2%.

58%

of female students are trying to lose weight, although only 29% of female students identify themselves as overweight.

19%

of students are not trying to do anything about their weight (15% of females, 26% of males).

25%

Of female students, of those with Anorexia are trying to lose weight compared with 59% of females not identifying as having anorexia. Students who report feeling very lonely in the past 12 months are

12%

more likely to describe them-

selves as overweight. 55

lemon.

lemon n. 1. Yellow, egg-shaped fruit. 2. One that is unsatisfactory or defective

C U R R E N T S â&#x20AC;˘ FA L L 2 0 11

CLEANSE GONE WILD. hanna houglum photography harrison yager & evelyn aleman

DUMBEST DIET CRAZES Baby Food Craze

The cleanse craze of our generation has officially

liquids, the body is depleted of water weight, and most of

gone wild. The master cleanse, juice cleanse and brown

the time a lower number on the scale indicates a loss of

rice cleanse are just a few of the hundreds of cleanses sur-

muscle weight as opposed to the desired loss of fat. Since

facing in diet books and health magazines.

muscle is the body’s integral calorie burner, losing that

Health nuts and cleanse crazies see these diet routines as the best way for people to detoxify and “cleanse” their

strength inhibits the body’s ability to lose fat as opposed to helping it.

bodies of various poisons. These detoxes are also adver-

Detoxes tend to make the human body go into shock

tised to support fat-flushing and rejuvenate the body in

from the drastic shift from eating varied solid foods to

what some dieticians believe to be the healthiest of ways.

drinking strange concoctions or eating organic fruit for

It’s hard to believe that drinking a combination of lem-

every meal. This shock often leads to a slower metabolism,

on juice, maple syrup and cayenne pepper, or imbibing a

which no one looking to lose weight wants at the end of the

cup of Epsom salt water can truly rid the human body of

day.

replace high-calorie snacks with jarred baby food.

Cookie Diet eat six, 90- calorie cookies a day when hunger arises.

Lemon-aid drink 6-12 glasses of

any sort of toxins, but many cleanses have shown positive

So the question of whether or not these detoxes actu-

lemonade laced with

outcomes if done correctly and followed by a healthy diet

ally work is in the hands of each individual and depend on

cayenne pepper and

regime and exercise. Cleansing and detoxing has also been

which cleanse a person opts for as well as the results they

maple syrup to get a

reported by some to boost immunity and energy in people

desire. It is safe to say that the traditional option of eating

booty like Beyoncé’s

feeling depressed or ill.

healthy and working out is everyone’s best bet to experi-

However, some results have also indicated that these

ence lasting weight loss or muscle gain. But to anyone who

detoxes can be terribly unhealthy due to a lack of calories

wants to drink lemon juice, maple syrup and cayenne pep-

or nutrients. Especially with cleanses that rely mostly on

per, who am I to stop you?

Twinkie Diet at only 150 calories each, eat up to 14 Twinkies per day and you can lose weight.

As there are a million and one diet philosophies, here are some of the top diet blogs on the net today:

Doing the Worm http://crazydiets.blogspot.com/ http://www.dietgirl.org/

back in the 1900s people would swal-

http://www.fatmanunleashed.com/

http://calorielab.com/

http://www.stepawayfromthecake.com/

http://www.kalynskitchen.com/

low a worm pill and once inside of you the worm would eat off your food.

http://www.diet-blog.com/ http://www.iateapie.net/ Sleeping

STEP 1: Take a shot of any hot sauce before every meal you eat. The hotter the better. STEP 2: It’s spicy, isn’t it? Drink several glasses of water. STEP 3: Drink more glasses of water. Not thirsty? Take another hot shot. STEP 4: After drinking so much water, you should be too full to eat. STEP 5: Cleanse complete.

Beauty Diet sleep like Elvis and you’ll lose weight. the diet recommends sleeping 24/7 for weight loss.

THE HOT SAUCE DIET IN 5 STEPS 57

TURKEY

DROP

EVERYONE HAS A STORY... matt scherffius

EAT PAY LOVE lilly bogner

LACMA In addition to its impressive collection of art, the museum continuously showcases a variety of concerts, independent movies and special exhibitions throughout the year. Admission: $10 w/ Student ID. 5905

Wilshire Boulevard LA, CA 90036 Troubadour

A popular destination for quality music, this small, storied venue is a must for serious music fans and those who simply enjoy the live atmosphere. Featured Events: www.troubadour. com. 9081 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, 90069 Griffith Observatory Located on the

slope of Mount Hollywood, this observatory has the most spectacular views of the entire City of Angels. Admission to the observatory is free. 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles,

Michigan Ripper I’m from Michigan and was dating my boyfriend since sophomore year of high

CA 900027 The Penthouse at The Huntley

school. We figured we could make our long-distance relationship work via Skype and phone, but

This posh restaurant and lounge boasts an

when he blocked me on Facebook and stopped returning my calls, he just wasn’t worth it. When

extensive drink menu, fireside hangouts, and

I went back home for Thanksgiving, boy did I tear him a new one. And that was that … no more

a 360-degree view of Santa Monica. 1111

football players.

Second Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403 Gjelina

If you’re into locally grown ingredients and Not no. 2 It was my senior year. He was smart, funny and understood my quirkiness. He encouraged

seasonal foods, this Venice eatery is sure to

me to embrace it. Then when I came to Pepperdine he started cheating on me with some substances

be a new favorite. 1429 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Ven-

that weren’t exactly legal. I tried to get him to quit, but he wasn’t having it. … So over Thanksgiving

ice, CA 9029

break, I decided I wasn’t either. He tried cleaning up his act and we got back together the next summer, but I was still No. 2 to his 420, and so I kicked him to the curb again So What If He’s Older I liked older men, whether my parents approved or not. He was three years older and it was my senior year. We didn’t want an LDR and, coming from Seattle, it would’ve been just that. But we didn’t break it off until, randomly in September, his mother called me and told me he’d been arrested for something “drug related.” I never really found out exactly what it was because

AND IN CASE YOU’RE WONDERING WHAT TO DO TO WOO: Matt scherffius

Learn to Surf Because surfing in Malibu really sets you apart.

he went to jail for a month. When I went home and saw him face to face, I broke it off. No convicts for me, please. Thanks. Enjoying Single Life We started dating my junior year, and he followed me to Pepperdine. He got an apartment in Calabasas, got a job and wanted to be all hubby hubby. By Thanksgiving I knew I

Small is Good Because if you have washboard abs, you’d better show them. To everyone. Including Andrew K. Benton. And his dog.

needed my space, and it wasn’t going to work out. It sounds sort of harsh, but hey, the heart wants what the heart wants. I didn’t want him anymore.

Two Words Range Rover. Lifted truck. Dodge Challenger.

Giant Cuddler After 2 months of iChating and being the great boyfriend I am, I decided to surprise her on our 6-month anniversary. I was greeted by Facebook relationship change, my wasted ex and her “He-Man” esq of a new boyfriend. The night escalated to drinking, blacking out, in jail, and

Know When to Stop Talking You can only go downhill from here.

instead of sharing a warm dorm with my GF… I spent it huddled next to a drug smuggler dressed as Jolly the Green Giant. Happy Holidays.

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

Pick Up Malibu Natives Dress like a hobo; the more holes in your sweater, the more stylish you are.

INTERELIGIOUS DATING AT PEPPERDINE seelypon phanthip photography abdullah aldeghaither

Nowadays, the topic of weddings tends to come

in their beliefs. Obviously, this went for the guys

help de-stress from my week and learn what my

up in conversations regularly. Friends are get-

on campus as well. Slowly, I started seeing what

friends take from the service. I’ve had friends

ting married and starting the next chapter of

people wanted in relationships. Usually, they

interested in attending temple with me, but

their lives. The floodgate of wedding conversa-

looked to take relationships long term; they

boyfriends … not so much. It could be that the

tion opens with young women talking about

wanted to find out if they could imagine mar-

services were at the same time and he didn’t

the perfect white wedding dress and getting

rying that person. This adds to the dating epi-

want to forfeit going to his service. It may be that

married in the churches they grew up in. How-

demic. People are dating for marriage, not for

religious acceptance is a one-way street: his way

ever, that dress and wedding is not for me. I was

the sake of dating. You can probably see how it’s

or the highway. At least one trip to the temple

raised a Buddhist, and I have another dream

difficult to date when you’re a Buddhist girl at

would suffice, don’t you think?! Relationships

wedding in mind. My wedding involves three

a school filled with mostly Christian boys. The

are difficult when your views don’t exactly line

days of ceremonies and prayer, sitting on the

dating life can be discouraging when you know

up, but even more so when it’s your faith.

floor in a bright-colored dress, barefoot. How-

the odds aren’t in your favor. I’m not saying that

ever, I have yet to be in a relationship with a guy

it doesn’t happen — I have been a part of the

Our social values may be the same; they just

who shares my faith.

dating scene and chose from what few options

come from different places. Finding that guy

I had.

who shares my faith — or at least accepts my

Growing up, I didn’t attend religious services

faith — will be difficult here. I’m a pretty laid-

regularly, but I did have a sense of faith that

Occasionally, I like to attend church with a

back person; however, I still want that bright-

grew upon arriving at Pepperdine. Coming

friend, since the temple I attend is sometimes

colored wedding dress with a guy who will en-

here, I didn’t realize how involved people could

too far of a trip to make on Sunday morning by

dure three days of chanting prayer.

be with their church and how strong they were

myself. It is nice to have some spiritual time to

CAITLIN RACICH skyler mills photography harrison yager

With the inaugural sea-

to surf at age 8 and to

national prominence. I

son of women’s colle-

paddleboard at age 13,

want to pave the way

giate beach volleyball

both of which she uses

for a tradition to be

fast approaching, Pep-

today to “stay in shape”

established

perdine junior Caitlin

and “enjoy the ocean

mately, leave a legacy

Racich

lifestyle.”

of victory.”

case her talents. The

However, her true pas-

Although

self-proclaimed “beach

sion has always been

plays

girl” spent her summer

beach

She

role in Racich’s life, she

in-

considers the sport a

could

not

and,

ulti-

more ready to show-

volleyball. to

honing her skills with

prefers

door volleyball because,

mere tool to impact

Team in Hermosa Beach, “Beach allows me the op-

the world. Her ultimate

Calif., and recently com-

portunity to be involved

goal in life? “Help oth-

peted in the U-21 World

in every play, offense or

ers. If I can achieve that

Championships.

defense, whereas the

through volleyball, then

ing the event, Racich

indoor game is so spe-

great, but if not I’d like

explained, “Competing

cialized to certain posi-

to find another way, like

international

tions; I feel like beach

coaching or teaching.

competition is just such

forces me to become a

Ultimately, I just [want

a different experience.

much more well-round-

to] leave a positive im-

The play is at such an in-

ed player.”

pact on the world and

against

do the most I can with

credible level — I mean, for these international

With the upcoming sea-

players,

son, Racich hopes to

their job. I am thank-

build on the momentum

ful for the opportunity

created by her and part-

volleyball

and believe that what

ner Kim Hill. Their vic-

I learned from the ex-

tory at the USAV Beach

perience will definitely

Collegiate Challenge in

help me in the upcom-

April has increased their

ing season.”

notoriety, and they plan to contend for a nation-

Racich grew up in Santa

al title in the spring.

Barbara and, with an

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

volleyball tremendous

the USA Junior National

Relish-

beach

active family, came to

“I want to propel this

love the beach early on.

Pepperdine program to

Her father taught her

a level of excellence and

what I’ve been given.”

Celebrating75Years Strengthening Lives for Purpose, Service, and Leadership

www.pepperdine.edu/75th 61

MYRIAH Stockman Soccer’s Big S

ister

Brett vanderpool photography harrison yager

She’s a five-foot-four inch dynamo

most quick-footed players Stock-

on the field and Captain of the best

man changes the pace and the

women’s soccer team Pepperdine

speed of the game.

has fielded in years. Myriah Stockman, President of RipTide, the stu-

Stockman sees this season as the

dent pride organization, spirit is

culmination of the team’s hard

competitive. It’s doubtful that any-

work, and personally a way for her

one will be screaming louder court-

to give back to her “sisters on the

side than the girl in the orange

team.” As the oldest of six children,

jumpsuit.

her leadership of peers made her the big sister on the team.

Stockman, 22, has been playing soccer since she was a kid growing up

Stockman, a Sports Medicine major

in Sandy, Utah, but has loved all

minoring in Coaching, looks feels

sports for as long as she can remem-

that her vocation is leadership and

ber and sees it as her duty to hoot

service. “People today don’t real-

and holler for every team, every

ize the potential they have, and my

game.

goal is to help them see the greatness in them.”

On the field, Stockman is a quickfooted defender who creates plays

With her characteristic energy, en-

from the backfield, directs the team

thusiasm and optimism Stockman

with her clearly recognizable voice

looks forward to graduating and

and drives forward on her own

entering the service world.

when given room to run. The senior has started 57 of her 58 career ap-

Early on in the season she saw the

pearances, fielded in Varsity match-

potential the team had and knew

es as early as her Freshman year.

they would go far. “We have a team of athletes this year. No matter who

Fall 2011 proved to be a record set-

we go up against we can run at

ting season: first NCAA appearance

them all day,” she said.

since 2005, first WCC Title since 2002, record 18-game unbeaten

And run at them they did. Despite

streak, tied WCC record for most

losing in closing seconds of the first

WCC wins in a season at 7, only 11

overtime period, the Waves made

goals given up during the season,

their first NCAA tournament in

an overall season record of 15-1-4.

years with Stockman leading the way.

As team captain, Stockman brought

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

life to the field. In their final sea-

“It’s all just a way to give back,”

son game against Long Beach she

Stockman said. “Doing well on the

charged from the backfield and ran

field is doing well for my team and

at the 49ers all day. As one of the

doing well for my family.”

KITEBOARDING Strap in and harness up...if you think you’re hardcore zack jenkins photography harrison yager

Hey you, bet you didn’t know this.

IT’S PRETTY COMMON to be driving down PCH

Feet strapped on (loosely) and trained on the

and see dozens of surfers sitting out in the water

basics of launching and riding in the water, I was

waiting their turn for the little waves Malibu has

pretty proud to get up after a couple of hours of

to offer, but only occasionally will you see kites

trying. I look forward to my next few lessons so I

on the same level of the highway. At points like

can eventually get to the point of gnar to get up

Sunset Boulevard or the Chart House, you’ll get

in the air and throw some tricks.

Kitesufari in Santa Monica offers lessons, gear, and trips 424.238.5813.

Oh, and if you’re planning on taking some les-

”Charlie Browner,” is a term used for a kiteboarder.

the best vantage point to watch some real extremists shred some waves, kiteboarding.

sons, be ready for your shoulders, back and abs It seems a bit insane to strap yourself to a board

to get a workout. Kiteboarding is a bomb core

and let the wind pick you up into the air and

workout and can take you by surprise if you

propel you along the surface of the water, waves

aren’t quite ready for it. Hence it’s one of the

or no, but for anyone who remotely considers

fastest-growing water sports and is developing

themselves hardcore, epic, gnar, or anything of

a huge specialty community.

the like … you definitely need to go kiteboarding!

Nothing gets better than a sunny beach day in Southern California and the edgy thrill of kite-

A few places pretty close to campus give good

boarding. Much like wind surfing, sailing and

rates and lessons: Monkey Air Kitesurfing in

rock climbing, kiteboarding is guarenteed to

Malibu, Kitesurfari in Santa Monica and the

give you a rush and a workout, making a typical

Kiteboarding School of Los Angeles down in

Saturday afternoon one you won’t forget. Go out

Venice.

and live on the edge. Go kiteboarding!

Kiteboarding dates back to 13th cent. China, it was used at a method of utilizing wind to gather thrust and propel their canoes.

Nuking, when conditions are very dangerous for kiteboarders (wind speed 3040 knots). Vacationing? Visit the Cook Islands and attend their annual International Cook Islands Kitesurfing Competition in Aitutaki. Crail, Indy, Trindy, Tail, Tailfish, Stalefish, Slob, Seatbelt, Melon, Lien, and Nose are all types of board tricks performed while the board is in the air. Take lessons! If you don’t, you’ll have a much harder time and probably hurt yourself.

I was pretty hesitant to try it out, as I don’t even know how to surf, but figured I’d give it a shot. Beginner lessons take a pretty reasonable pace and provide all the equipment and expert supervision you need. I figured it would take some upper-body strength to control the wind sail, and I was right. Steering a kite can be a bit tricky, so it was definitely important to do some land work with steering before getting out into the water.

REFUGE IN THE ROGUE niles jeran photography niles jeran illustration danielle kim

C U R R E N T S â&#x20AC;˘ FA L L 2 0 11

t had closed in all around me, all that

stirs in the wilderness, the mountains, and

in the valleys. I stood beneath El Fitz Roy, the infamous mountain peak that dominates the

Patagonian landscape. The sun sprayed orange across the clouds as it set behind the legendary Argentine spires. The time I spent backpacking through Patagonia was marked by winds that blew 100 miles per hour, torrential rain, wading through overflowing rivers and climbing deep into the Patagonian bush. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure what enchanted me more â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the true wild of the place, or the pressing dangers of pushing myself to new limits. Maybe it was both. But perhaps more than anything, it was the first time in my life that I saw clearly.

My eyes were opened to truths that are often

in the distance, teetering on the edge of cliff,

lost in contemporary society. There were no

and standing under a towering mountain peak.

appointments, no meetings, no rush and no obligations to anything but my two friends, our

There is nothing like immersing yourself in

journey and myself. I saw life for what it was — a

something rogue and wild. It’s the core of our

voyage through the ups and downs, the lefts and

spirit — adventure and discovery of the un-

rights, a test that can only be mastered through

known. Because of this, it is important that we

time spent outside. I understood why nature

occasionally break away from society’s choking

had always been so important, why elderly cou-

grasp. When you feel life closing in, it’s time to

ples live in log cabins, why people take vaca-

break from the city grid and trudge through the

tions in the mountains and why

uncharted. Whether you consid-

vagabonds seek refuge in lost

er yourself an “outdoors” person

forest towns.

or not, there are varying degrees of nature that can all have an in-

People retreat to the outdoors for a variety of reasons. Some go outside for recreation, some see nature as an escape and others even see it as financial opportunity. While certain motives are manipulative, others are magi-

“the connection between humans and nature is most fully alive when we come into contact with the beauty of our natural world.”

cal. Regardless, it is undeniable that people have an inherent

STARGAZING VANTAGE POINTS

DEER CREEK North of county line toward Ventura, a short drive to a dirt parking lot, look out over the ocean

credible effect, and if you need examples, you don’t have to look far. Think about the everyday hiker, the wildlife photographer, the skier or surfer, the lawyer who takes his family camping every

-Niles jeran

connection to the outdoors.

summer. These are all examples of people breaking loose. Why do you think cities have parks,

But what is this connection? And

why people enjoy their gardens,

why is it important? What if the world did end

or running along trails? It’s because living

in 2012? How would we change our perceptions

alongside nature is where we innately belong.

of nature? What would we do different, if any-

It’s where we feel like us.

thing? As we look into our future (which may only be The connection between humans and nature is

months), we need to realize the significance of

most fully alive when we come into contact with

our daily actions. Not just conservation efforts

the beauty of our natural world. It’s seeing a blue

like recycling but also how we react to and per-

heron soar over your head, hearing a wolf howl

ceive the natural world. If the world does end

MATADOR STATE BEACH Secluded nook that shields most life from L.A. Beautiful view of star reflections at night. Be wary of fog. Not as consistent as mountain view.

SOLISTICE CANYON If you are for a hike, then the top of Solstice canyon is the place to go. Secluded, dark, and far from the city. What could be better?

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

in 2012, would you want your last months to be spent wandering suburbs, working 40-hour weeks and not fully experiencing your own possibilities? I hope not. We can learn a lot from conservationists such as John Muir and authors like Jon Krakauer, individuals who sought answers outside of basic hu-

cordoba is an unknown paradise for the vagabond-open space, hospitable estancias,* and simple living. *ranches

man interaction. There is only so much one can learn from a Starbucks or a business meeting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ability to see the simplicity in life, the rhythm of swaying trees and ripples in the pond. Today is when we start living, when we jump into the ocean, when we climb that rock face, when we go on that hike, when we explore our world and, in turn, how we fit within it. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to go to Patagonia or the Himalayas to envelope yourself in nature, either. Southern California is home to some of the most beautiful settings in the world. The Santa Mon-

TORRES DEL PAINE IS AN OASIS.

Brown dirt and sand suddenly turns into lush green, and mountains suddenly erupt from the earth like a volcano.

ica Mountains and Pacific Ocean are havens for the tired Los Angeles citizen, and they are only a short drive away. If the end of the world is near, how will you spend what time you have left? 67

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

It is not about the fun of the game. It is not about the pain. It is all about the leadership, the experience, the life and the time. I play water polo. Know my name Spencer Hamby. Watch me lead. I am a Wave. I am a Junior Olympian. And I am living the life, so watch me dominate. 69

tj reed photography houston costa

Chlorine filled his senses as Spencer Hamby dunked his head under the water just before the first whistle of the Junior Olympics opening match. He’s not foreign to the pulsing crowd or international competition, but the August street riots in Greece were another thing. “There is no one here who can beat you,” said his coach, the words sticking in his head. Years of training lead up to this moment. Courage and selflessness define Hamby’s drive as he raises his body out of the water, unleashing like an aggressive python. August of 2011 marked Hamby’s second appearance at the world Junior Olympics, the first being in ’09 in Croatia. He was added to the roster in order to “give them what they need to be the best team they can be,” balancing out a diverse team skilled national coaches. This time the

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

arena was in Volos, Greece, with a team Hamby

The team landed in Volos, Greece, on Aug. 22.

called the “best junior national water polo team”

The team was given two days off to relax, but

that he’d ever been apart of. Robert Lynn, the

the city was a bit beaten as tension began to

assistant coach from the 2008 Olympic team,

mount from growing financial crisis. Hamby

and Guy Baker, the head women’s water polo

found serenity in the Aegean Sea and said he

coach at UCLA, led the team. Hamby took lead

had “never seen something so blue” in all his

under the “best minds in the sport” the United

life, bluer than the Pacific view of Pepperdine. A

States had.

calm before the storm, Hamby reflected on the upcoming carnage the team was about to cause

Hamby, a junior majoring in history, started

like a warrior preparing for battle. He kept his

training with the junior national team in Los

mind confident and calm and went back to his

Alamitos, Calif., on Aug. 8 until boarding a

deliberate training schedule, focusing on the

plane to Podgorica, Montenegro, with an out-

tournament: breakfast, followed by 9 a.m. prac-

look for domination. The team put serious time

tice, a short break, followed by another hour of

into their preparation with two practices a day

practice, 1:45 p.m. lunch, then another hour of

totaling six hours of intense pool time, everyday,

practice and the day closed out by dinner, and

and faced off with scrimmages against Austral-

then precious rest time to recover before the

ia and Montenegro in preparation for the Junior

next day. With four days until the tournament

Olympics matches coming up in the following

started, the U.S. team knew that no team was

weeks.

untouchable.

Ever since he began swimming at age 4, Hamby

The Necessities of Life

has always tried to “make myself the best.” His thirst for international excellence, coupled with

Hamby is a finely tuned fighter in the water, and

a quirky attitude trapped in a 6’3”, 220-pound

nourishing his body while in Greece was a chal-

frame, gave a heartbeat to the world team. The

lenge. With 5-liter water jugs dangling by their

star-spangled squad with Hamby was shooting

sides at all times, Hamby’s 40-pound travel

for a top five finish, as they were much improved

bag was composed of 5 pounds of clothes and

from their ’09 appearance with a stronger squad

35 pounds of snacks. He declared that Super

and better preparation. This was their time to

Cookie Crunch is the only PowerBar needed,

capitalize on it. The team chemistry was unlike

along with the essentials of Ritz crackers, ba-

anything Hamby had felt before, giving him

gels, Pedialyte and Nature Valley Oats Granola

goosebumps just to talk about it.

Bars. And he proudly packed them all.

Volos, Greece

them in the ’09 Croatia games 7-6, the U.S. ener-

They were then ranked in the bottom 12 and eas-

gy was spiked. But at the end of the third quarter,

ily defeated Brazil and Iran. Final results: Ser-

Upon arrival, Hamby said the city of Volos was

Spain was slighting them 5-4. Spain didn’t let up

bia, gold; Spain, silver; and Australia, bronze. It

quiet and downtrodden, with few people mov-

and, by the end of the fourth quarter, bested the

was a bad luck of the draw for the United States;

ing through it. Apparently, during soccer sea-

U.S. 7-4.

Hamby’s still digesting. A man of confirmed confidence, he traveled

son the city was full, but given that the economy was wrecked and it wasn’t the soccer time of

The next game held better fortune for Hamby

year, the city seemed vacant until the day after

and the States as they pounded in 20 goals

back home with bruises of experience and cuts

opening ceremonies for the Junior Olympics,

against South Africa while only allowing 2. The

of excellence. Greece did not go as expected, but

when riots broke out. Flames engulfed cars,

scoring for the Junior Olympics is done on a

Hamby returned as a redefined Wave. After the

stores burned and windows shattered as ten-

point system, making every goal count to rank

training, riots and games, he has a more concise

sion filled the broken streets. Hamby recalled

your team ahead of the next, thus bringing the

picture of “what is right and what is wrong.” Now

the pain and devastation of the city from be-

U.S. back into contention.

wholly aware of the tenacity and fervor needed

hind his window in the hotel. The sobering riots brought a different tone to the tournament.

to be a champion, Hamby is determined to turn The second win in the tournament came against

Pepperdine’s team upside down. “I would not

Mexico, with a 17-4 victory. Hamby and the

be who I am without having 26 brothers fight-

Always the upbeat optimist, Hamby put the

team were still on track for being able to qualify

ing beside me,” he said. “Every team is beatable.”

chaos out of his mind and distracted his team-

for the top bracket thanks to their large margins

mates with video games. He thought it was the

of victory.

perfect way to lift the team’s spirits. With his

From extensive shoulder rehab to Andrew Milcovich (a senior teammate) telling him to stop

military-like leadership, “Starcraft” (a decisive

However, the U.S. lost the next game to Serbia,

playing so much “Call of Duty,” Hamby walks in

military-campaign science-fiction game) be-

10-6. The game was still a landmark for the U.S.,

balance between epic gamer and a world-class

came the team’s distraction as news reached

Hamby said: The Serbians are “bred” for water

athlete. He’s a hopeful for a spot on the World

nations abroad. With years of experience in vid-

polo.

University Team, which would be the next step

the best way to manage the team until the first

The United States next faced Australia, their

Clayton Snyder and J.P. Macdonnell are waiting

match.

scrimmage opponents in Montenegro. In past

for him. And Spencer Hamby is making the days

scrimmages the two teams traded wins. This

count until those tryouts: training, killing (in

would be the big war for Team USA. Their top

the games), and scoring (in the water).

eo games and strategy, he figured this would be

And the Games Begin

up from Junior Olympics, where former Waves

goal was to beat Australia. Missed opportuniThe tournament was kicked off Aug. 27, and the

ties, turnovers and low shot attempts led to a 5-4

first match was against Spain. Having beaten

loss for the U.S. Hamby was crushed.

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

t1ps f0r th3 ph0t0 n00b HARRISON YAGER photography TIM NGUYEN & EVELYN ALEMAN

“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs.” Ansel Adams

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

1 2

Composition

The way you arrange the elements of a photo within the frame of your viewfinder. Most often the composition quality makes or breaks a photo. Try the “Rule of Thirds.”

Editing

Less is more when it comes to changing your photos. While magazine photographers may spend hours perfecting someone’s skin, that doesn’t mean you can or even should. Using the clone tool to get rid of a few blemishes is usually all that’s needed. It’s better to leave freckles and blemishes than have splotchy, fake-looking skin.

Software

If you can’t afford Photoshop, go with the less-known open source program called GIMP. It stands for Graphic Image Manipulation Program and is completely free online, plus it comes with many of the standard tools that Photoshop has.

Your camera is only as good as you are. People often will watch a photographer take a good photo and say, “Wow, you’ve got a nice camera!” Nice equipment doesn’t discount the hours spent learning and practicing techniques or brainstorming ideas. Better equipment accompanies experience, not the other way around. Just because you have a good camera doesn’t mean you’ll take great photos.

Know what equipment you need to achieve the look you want. If you want to get great photos, you may just need to spend more time learning editing techniques. Instead of buying a camera with higher megapixels, consider buying a cheaper camera model and saving more money for other expenses. Lighting equipment will make the biggest impact on your portrait photos, followed by lenses and lastly by camera models.

POLITICAL MINDS AT PEPPERDINE Sienna Jackson photography harrison yager

Pepperdine is home to many notable members of the student body whose aspiration, inspiration and dedication show us just what can be achieved when you become an active member of the Pepperdine community. Currents magazine takes an in-depth look at the biggest movers and shakers on the Pepperdine campus, who have become leaders in the Waves community. Bobby Hall is a 20-year-old senior and interna-

ally. “I came up from such a low level and really

tional business major with a minor in market-

began to excel. I gained a lot of self-confidence.”

learning more about yourself, your strengths

ing. He’s the annotator for his fraternity, Sigma

In high school, Hall jumped right into stu-

and weaknesses. I get to create so many rela-

Chi, a student mentor, a former SGA senator and

dent life, becoming the entertainment editor of

tionships here, because I’m so involved,” he

is involved in service programs such as Step

his school paper, a weekly writer for the Tustin

said.

Forward Day and overseas studies.

local paper, a member and enrolled in the In-

“I feel that Pepperdine’s community, at this

ternational Baccalaureate program. But Hall

campus, since we’re such a small school — I feel

The main reason why Hall is so invested in

tangible outcomes for the things I do. You start

campus life is out of gratitude. “Pepperdine has

hasn’t let those successes get to his head. “I

that people who aren’t enjoying their time here

given so much to me. I feel like I can give back

really don’t know how to talk about myself so

just aren’t getting involved and seeing what this

and create relationships with people.” In middle school, Hall was initially shy and inactive, but that changed in eighth grade, when he became the star cross-country runner

it doesn’t sound big-headed. So most people at

place has to offer. If you’re just coming here to

Pepperdine don’t even know about this stuff.

go to class and that’s it, then you’re not getting

This is the first time I’ve ever told anyone.”

the full experience.”

Here at Pepperdine, Hall savors the hustle

in his hometown of North Tustin, Calif., near Ir-

and bustle of campus life and activism. “I guess

vine. In high school, Hall took his team all the

overall I like being busy, I like seeing a tangible

way to the state meet and ranked 39th nation-

outcome for my efforts. At Pepperdine, I see

THE NOT-SO BIG-HEADED FISTBUMPER IN A BUSINESS SUIT “I LIKE BEING BUSY.”

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

Mimi Rothfus is a 21-year-old senior, a

THE ALWAYS SMILING, BIG SISTER WITH PEARLS AND A GAVEL

ogy concentration and SGA president.

“HERE TO HELP.”

Rothfus, originally from Pittsburgh,

public relations major with a psychol-

Pa., applied to a handful of schools, mostly on the East Coast. But Pepperdine, she said, is the school she fell in love with: “When I visited this campus everyone was just so nice and happy to be here. I came home crying because I thought I’d never get to go here.” At the end of her sophomore year, Rothfus launched her political career, running for vice president of administration along with a group of friends. “I’m really grateful for Pepperdine. I love this school and that really motivated me to give back. I saw SGA as a service to the school.” “[For the presidential run,] I campaigned really, really hard. I had posters and photos, I went to all the Greek chapters, I shook hands. The night of the election and the runoff election I did not sleep at all.” As president, Rothfus hopes to add a common area to Lovernich Residential Complex and expand the use of the campus shuttles to meet greater transportation needs for students. But Rothfus wasn’t always so active in student governance: “I went to a small high school; there were only 12 students that graduated in my year, out of 60. I was school treasurer, but mostly I would perform in plays every now and then. I didn’t have many friends; I wasn’t confident. It was a strange experience.” So why become involved in student politics now? “It was just, it was something that worked for me. I’ve made a complete 180 here. I like SGA because it’s so Pepperdine focused. It’s about making the Pepperdine experience better for my fellow students; we’re here to help.” After graduation, Rothfus plans to return to the East Coast to become a teacher. “I volunteer at an orphanage in Guatemala, I’m the oldest of six — I just really love kids,” she said.

Nicolás Gutiérrez is a 20-year-old senior, a business finance major and the vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). Gutiérrez’s roots in leadership, activism and student politics began during his high school years in San Jose, where Gutiérrez served as the captain of the football team, “even though I was the smallest guy on the team,” he said. “A lot of what leaders do is learning from other people, and leaning on them. You can’t just be an island; it’s a team effort.” To Gutiérrez, being a leader relies not just on his own personal strength, but also on the people around him: “Be a part of a strong group — you have to. People who you look up to and respect and trust. You need not only people who can support you but who’ll be honest with you and tell you when you’re wrong. That only happens with people that you trust.” At Pepperdine, Gutiérrez has become involved in SGA and numerous service programs overseas. His campaign for vice president “was a fun time, but by the end of it all, I was exhausted,” he said. “I’m so grateful [for my campaign staff]. They gave me the opportunity to learn and grow and give back. It’s in other people that the power lies. My role is to give that power back and empower the students.” A major motivational force in Gutiérrez’s life has been his family. “My dad is one of six children. He grew up in the inner city without a dad, and he is the first member of his family to complete four-year college. A lot of what I have today is because of how hard he worked to give those opportunities to me.” Gutiérrez’s plans after Pepperdine include thoughts of working in Europe or Wash-

THE LITTLE CAPTAIN WITH A FLASH OF DYNAMISM

ington D.C., or going on to grad school. Harvard, where Gutiérrez took an international finance course over the summer, is high on his list.

“YOU CAN’T JUST BE AN ISLAND.”

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

VISIONS

JACK ALL

DRIVE

SPONSORED REPRESENTATIVE Patrick McConlogue stepped into the spotlight by receiving a professional endorsement as the first ever Rockstarpreneur

ZACK JENKINS photography ASHTON BOWLES

hen Patrick McConlogue whips around a corner in his white Mercedes, especially after a long day on campus when the sun starts to set over the PCH horizon, his back seat rattles with empty Rockstar cans. “I’ve probably kicked back four or five [by mid-afternoon],” he claims, scrolling through his iP-

hone to find just the right song. Aesthetically, the scene probably looks like a car commercial – clean white Mercedes zipping down PCH, sunset and ocean on one side, the bright green lawn of Alumni Park

PRESIDENT

on the other, the growl of the engine pushing the car forward down the hill – but for McConlogue, a 21-year-old entrepreneur whose passion for start-ups and politics has begun

National Presidents Association, a

building a presence around the name in Los Angeles, there’s a symbolic angle as well. This

start-up mentorship program that

view, PCH and Malibu alike, is precisely where the minds are meeting, where social influ-

will be run with a meeting-of-the-

ence and low key atmosphere meet. It’s also where, if McConlogue finds a bit of luck in the

minds ideology

coming year, the next – and seemingly most audacious – campaign begins. McConlogue spends a lot of time thinking about campaigns. Not just political or entrepreneurial campaigns, but social campaigns. “We no longer live in a world where money is the currency,” he claims. “We live in a nation of entertainment and consumption. Money’s worthless. The new currency is relationship currency. The last valuable thing we have is people.” As a keen observer of people, simply sitting at Starbucks sipping on his double shot espresso, McConlogue is obsessively yet unknowingly aware of what people are wearing, how they are talking, their body language toward others, how they press the keys on their QWERTY or keys on their iPhone.

FOUNDER

He’s such an observer, he’s turned it into his day job. He’s the CEO and Founder of Affecter, a real-time analytic company that specializes in predictive social media and shop-

You’ll find his fingerprints, and pro-

ping behavior, and most recently known for being the spearheading President of the Na-

jects, in everything from social me-

tional Presidents Association, a nation-wide network for college student governments and

dia market innovation to sales man-

mentors that aims to be a behind-the-scenes force in developing America’s higher educa-

agement training, along with a drive

tion system, thus reaching some 3 million students. McConlogue founded and developed

that make the San Diegan someone

Echo Republic, the world’s first music stock market, and is an Associate at Aggressive

worth knowing about.

patrick.m

C U R R E N T S â&#x20AC;˘ FA L L 2 0 11

“I’D LOVE TO LEAVE THE WORLD WITH A Imagination, a Pepperdine student think-

logue affirms, clasping his hands and lean-

tank that fosters and develops budding en-

ing forward. “My [personal] philosophy is

plains, “is that I like bringing people who

trepreneurial ideas and projects. All of his

rooted in empowerment. It just bothers me

matter to mentor people who care … I want

ventures remain mobile, operating out of a

when people have an amazing gift and don’t

to build a nation-wide campaign for entre-

garage, living room, rented office space, on

use it.” Jokingly, because he has been called

preneurs, real entrepreneurs.”

campus or wherever else need be (adapt-

a Jack-of-all-trades, McConlogue has been

They loved him and bought into his vi-

ability and flexibility are key for young

dubbed the “Jack-of-all-drive” in the Pep-

sion and enthusiasm so much that they just

and budding businesses), all not far from

perdine Entrepreneur Club, to which he

had to sponsor him after he ran a campaign

McConlogue’s favorite scenery, his PCH

amusingly chuckled, “If you’ve got a card,

through the Entrepreneur Club called the

sunset. Yet his social observance of others

play it.”

Rockstarpreneur Speaker Series, where

goes much further than the thought of dol-

While his ambition has shaped much

lar signs and returns. Political networking,

of his success, McConlogue is still unim-

small seed investments ($5000-$15000) to

social networking, entrepreneurial net-

pressed by how far he’s come. “A real entre-

build their companies,” according to Mc-

working: All these and more crowd McCo-

preneur always has five or six plans in his

Conlogue. Rockstar Energy Drinks award-

nlogue’s head as he cruises up and down

back pocket, that he’s been thinking about

ed him with a $50,000 sponsorship invest-

the coast.

for months, and can pitch in a heart-beat.”

ment, which birthed Affecter (the social

The real key he explained is getting the right

influence company) that now has “a new

person to listen.

Westlake office space … and 25 employees

“Higher education is at a pretty important point in development,” he said sitting in the window over coffee, “where we need

keting. “The main thing,” McConlogue ex-

entrepreneurs networked and “received

in China.”

to raise the value of student governments

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO GET OUT

(SGA) in universities.” A common qualm

OF YOUR CAR AND KNOCK ON A

(the Fountainhead’s tower media portal

heard from many student representatives

WINDOW TO MAKE SOMETHING

for manipulation) structure of Affecter is

across the country is that they don’t actu-

HAPPEN

The whole idea of the “Gail’s Newspaper,”

to pull consumer influence as the newest

ally have much power in campus affairs.

Sitting at the intersection in front of the

version of marketing currency: human

McConlogue is a medium-sized guy with

Malibu Commons, McConlogue looked to

capital. “Tapping into the power of social

a compact and blocky frame, clean shaven

his right and saw a Rockstar Energy Drink

buying,” claims www.affecter.com. “With

with medium length brown hair fluffed

van. Knowing a little bit about the growth

Affecter, savvy consumers get discounts

up with a precise amount of gel, and blue-

of the industry, he simply “got out, walked

based on their social influence...beyond

grey eyes the shade of Malibu morning

up to the driver’s side door, and knocked

generic terms like age, sex, and location

(the hazy ones that promise to clear up by

on the window.” It’s pretty easy to imagine

each participating company can target

mid-afternoon); he has a leashed voice and

the strange face the driver must have made,

consumers based on three additional cri-

tends to reign himself back when he speaks,

but in case there’s any doubt, McConlogue

teria: Reach...Relevance...and Resonance.”

frequently pursing his lips or leaning back

turned his head to the side, raised an eye-

The project launching in late November is

in his chair to appear pensive, putting

brow and made an expression of confusion.

those around him at ease and building

“The guy was like that, which makes sense,

set to tap into an initial customer base of

confidence in his position in discussions.

right? But I simply asked him ‘What would

“That was the first step,” McConlogue

Discussing the concept of networks, how-

it take to get someone [from Rockstar Man-

explains about getting start-up money and

“164,000 in the age range of 18-32.”

ever, clears that greying glint in his eye

agement] to an event?’” Long story short,

some corporate support. “Half of network-

and brings a sly smirk to light, flashing

the light turned green and he practically

ing is about discovery (exploring the psy-

his bright white teeth; success, more than

confused the guy into giving him a business

chology of people and matching with those

anything else, seem to do that.

card in a couple seconds. But what resulted

that benefit you).” And if it needs a little

“I’d love to leave the world with a drug

was a strong connection with Rockstar’s

push, he isn’t afraid to push.

to solve apathy and indifference,” McCon-

Western Division of Distribution and Mar-

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

“I find Patrick to possess the classic

DRUG TO SOLVE APATHY AND INDIFFERENCE.” traits of the American entrepreneur,” Pep-

D.C. to meet with the Congressional House

perdine President Andrew Benton said.

of Education.

“He is bold, willing to take risks and under-

“This is going to raise the value of SGAs

changed my path.” After that, McConlogue learned selfdiscipline. “It’s not all about comfort and

stands the importance of making friends

across the country,” McConlogue explains.

happiness,” he explains with a resigned

in ever-widening circles. He makes you

The NPA team expects to see “integrated

yet firm expression. “We [humans] weren’t

want to invest in his dreams and, I suspect,

direct and immediate access to Repre-

meant to be comfortable. If someone dies,

he will do well. He is supremely confident

sentatives and entrepreneurs” paired with

you’ve got to wonder … did they live up to it?”

without being brash, and that’s a nice com-

student body presidents. “This will give

bination.”

college students immediate access to the politicians, and vis versa,” McConlogue

that conversation with his father how eas-

SO ON “CONNECTING PEOPLE WHO

explains. “This will give students a voice

ily it can be to let someone or something

MATTER WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE,”

that will be heard.”

THE NPA WAS FORMED

With a sigh, McConlogue learned in

that seems important take away the silent yearning one may have to live their life to

The National Presidents Association is

WE WEREN’T MEANT TO

the fullest, but when it comes down to it,

basically “an incubating program for en-

BE COMFORTABLE

McConlogue is sponsored by Rockstar for

trepreneurs and future politicians,” Mc-

The oldest of four children, McConlogue

Conlogue explains. “The NPA is the invis-

was raised with a mentality of responsi-

a reason.

ible hand that will always be involved in

bility and leadership. “My parents always

“STAY HUNGRY. STAY FOOLISH.”

university development to some capac-

supported be in my endeavors, but I was

The closing words of Steve Jobs’ infamous

ity, both Pepperdine and others.” With the

raised to be an individual … I was home

2005 Commencement Speech are words

overall goal of uniting student body presi-

schooled down in San Diego, so we would

that McConlogue has lived by since hear-

dents, assigning individual mentors in an

really study anything I needed or wanted

ing it later in high school. “Just like the

area of business and politics, “a two-fold

to.”

Steve Jobs speech,” he said Just as Jobs,

membership” with a cyclical leadership

He didn’t always have it figured out,

the late Apple Founder and CEO, wished

structure to allow for growth, develop-

though. McConlogue admitted to spend-

for himself, McConlogue wishes the same

ment and prosperity for the student bodies

ing a few years going in the wrong direc-

as he faces one of his last undergraduate

of ALL participating universities.

tions. “I chased girls. I didn’t have a clear

semesters.

McConlogue has teamed with a few friends to create this extended network

direction, until one conversation I had with my parents.”

Eventually McConlogue hopes to run for office. “Although I’d like to announce

that saw it’s first leadership summit in late

After spending a summer in DC work-

that I’ll be running soon,” McConlogue

October and “has been in communica-

ing in the Page Program, a high school in-

cannot say exactly when, and drops his

tion with some top politicians,” involved

ternship program that allows students to

head in anticipation, smirking slyly at the

in higher education initiatives. The NPA

directly work in congressional offices on

idea of a young representative in Califor-

attendees met with the California House

Capital Hill, McConlogue returned to San

nia’s 30th Congressional District (where

Committee on Education and California

Diego confused and lost in only the way

Malibu is located).

Representative Henry Waxman in their

that a misdirected teenager can be.

first visit to Malibu and currently represent

“My dad was truly angry. I liked a girl,

Cruising down PCH with the window down, music blaring, Rockstar cans rolling

79,000 students from seven top universi-

lost her and just wanted happiness,” Mc-

around in the back seat, it seems the sun

ties in university development initiatives.

Conlogue summarized. “It’s crazy how

is just rising on what senior Patrick Mc-

As the list of involved universities contin-

much you’ll just throw things away if

Conlogue will be working on. “I’m going to

ues to grow McConlogue is “optimistic”

you only go for emotions.” After a long

live up to it,” he says, direct and expecting,

about the success of the Spring summit

and emotional discussion with his par-

knowing that he won’t let himself or his

and, following a recent trip to Washington

ents, “I made a decision, which completely

family down.

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ALLEGRA HOBBS

ince its emergence on the political scene in the fall of 2009, the Tea Party movement has drawn a range of responses from both sides

Alex Cooper, member of Pepperdine College Libertarians:

staunch opposition. Three students weigh in on the

On the Tea Party as a negative force in politics:

grassroots movement’s origins, current political in-

“It would be seen as a good thing that you do have

On the Tea Party as a negative force in politics:

a lot of people who are passionate about one sub-

“In the beginning the Tea Party started out as sort of

fluence and possible future.

Stephen Moore, Democrat:

of the spectrum, from fanatical support to

ject, rising up and having a major influence in elec-

a Libertarian movement. … It’s very visibly moved

tions, but the influence they’re having seems to be

from being a fiscally conservative, fiscally responsi-

just blatantly irrational. They’re so opposed to any

ble movement, to espousing some very conserva-

kind of compromise that it’s incompatible with the

tive ideologies in terms of social issues as well. …

Ali Ramirez, President of Pepperdine College Re-

system that we have in place, and it just seems that

Sometimes it even just turns up into what looks like

publicans:

they are overly reckless and hold their ideology of

hateful, ignorance rants. That’s what’s given the Tea

small government above the values of the govern-

Party this bad image. And you also see that with Tea

On the Tea Party as portrayed by the media: “If

ment we do have and what we need to do to keep

Party candidates too. I think this is the most visible

you think about the foundation of the Tea Party, it’s

the country moving.”

way in which the Tea Party has become far right —

about taxes and small government. But I think it has

On the Tea Party’s future loss of influence: “I

I think that any candidate that’s considered a Tea

been snowballed into including very socially con-

think they have a mentality that is just categorically

Party candidate is some ultra-conservative Christian

servative positions just because that’s who they find

opposed to compromise. It seems like it’s hard for

fundamentalist.”

who will talk to the media. I think it portrays them

any movement with that mentality to continue mov-

On the Tea Party’s influence in the 2012 elec-

as radicals almost, not tolerant. But really they’re just

ing with the success that it is having. And they don’t

tion: “I think the party is having very negative ef-

patriots who want to shrink the government and go

have a broad or wide enough base of supporters in

fects upon our political system, including electing

back to the values that our country was founded

order to keep a consistent level of support; unless

these far-right fundamentalist candidates. I think it

on. When they get painted as racists and whatnot, I

all of a sudden the base grows, but it looks like it’s

has a detrimental effect on general elections too

think it’s a little misconstrued.”

doing the opposite.”

because … you have the Tea Party, which is rela-

On the Tea Party’s future role in politics: “I hope

On the Tea Party’s influence on the Republican

tively unified and pretty big, voting for a particular

more people listen to what they have to say and real-

Party and on the 2012 election: “[The Tea Party]

candidate, whereas the rest of the Republicans are

ize that maybe they do have some good points. And

will no doubt have a role and probably a pretty sig-

splitting between several candidates. So what you

maybe the establishment Republicans can use some

nificant one [in 2012], but not as powerful as it was

end up getting is the Tea Party candidate wins the

of the Tea Party platforms to run on. But I think if

in the midterm elections. It seems like a little bit of

primary, and if a Tea Party candidate wins the prima-

it’s just the Tea Party, they’re a little too extreme to

their energy is dying down, like the traditional Re-

ry for the Republican presidential campaign, Obama

have a concrete role in the political scene. A lot of

publican base is starting to gain a little of its mo-

is getting re-elected. … What’s more is you might

them do have the same views as the establishment

mentum back. It seems a little counterintuitive, but

have some of these moderate Republicans trying to

Republicans; I don’t think they’re that different, [the

the traditional Republican base is the one that flexed

appeal to the Tea Party and so they might do things

Tea Party is] just more vocal and more activist.”

its muscles and got the gay marriage bill passed in

they wouldn’t otherwise do, support positions that

On the Tea Party as a faction within the Re-

New York, so they’re getting back some of that mo-

they wouldn’t otherwise support, and that seems

publican Party: “If a Tea Party Republican and an

mentum that they lost with the rise of the Tea Party.

problematic to me as well.”

establishment Republican sit down and talk, they

It seems that people are getting a little weary of [the

On the future of the Tea Party: “The more it takes

might see that they have more in common than they

Tea Party] and that that traditional, typical Republi-

on this far-right image, the more it starts to look like

think. So I think the Tea Party Republicans and the

can is starting to get a little bit back.”

lunatic fringe, and no one wants to be associated

establishment Republicans need to band together.

with lunatic fringe. I think if it doesn’t go back to

There is power in numbers. We already have a two-

talking about just fiscal issues, it will fade into obscu-

party system. We don’t need another group to di-

rity. People will search for other means to talk about

vide votes.”

their fiscal responsibility than through the Tea Party.”

C U R R E N T S • FA L L 2 0 11

MALIBU ART BARN

The

MALIBU ART BARN is now offering adult-

workshops exclusively for Pepperdine students, faculty, and staff. Whether

you

are an

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, an

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STUDENT PUBLICATIONS IS CHANGING TO...

PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC MEDIA A1:Layout 1 3/23/11 2:18 AM Page 1

Volume XLII, Issue 18 | March 24, 2011 | pepperdine-graphic.com

INDEX DPS Reports..A2 Calendar.........A2 Editorial..........A8 Horoscopes....B2 Sports...........B10

» Get yours Friday!

‘Bridges’ in progress

» SPORTS

RUGBY

According to the group’s By edgar Hernandez meeting budget, the purpose news AssistAnt of the group is to “review In the wake of the na- Pepperdine policies, recent tional conversations on les- trends in biblical interpretabian, gay, bisexual and tion and research on homotransgender (LGBT)-related sexuality, and current needs issues, Pepperdine University and future directions for cohas jumped on board ordinating [Pepby creating the comperdine’s] mittee “Building response as a Bridges: Pepperdine’s community.” Response to HomoDean of Stusexuality.” dents Mark Davis Since last Novemstands as the ber, the group, comchair of the composed mainly of mittee and asserts Pepperdine faculty, there are several has been meeting to factors behind DAVIS discuss Pepperdine’s Building Bridges. stance on homosexuality. “I noticed that many conBuilding Bridges is preparing versations were occurring in to release its summary state- silos. So I decided to bring ment before the end of the together representatives from spring semester. various departments engaged

ON A ROLL

CUR

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in conversation,” Davis wrote in an e-mail. Aside from departmental discussions, Davis also commented that his own conversations with gay and lesbian students over the past year made it clear to him that there are some misunderstandings to address. Although during Pepperdine’s continuing reaccreditation process, the WASC visiting team observed that “Pepperdine would benefit from more open dialogue about diversity in its various forms,” Building Bridges is not a direct response to WASC’s criticism. However, Davis assured that WASC “will be very interested in how Pepperdine is address-

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» LGBT, A4

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HARRISON YAGER / PHOTO EDITOR

Top 25: Pepperdine’s club rugby team has officially placed in the top 25 collegiate rugby teams in the United States. The team has a 5-0 record for this semester, with a 12-0-1 overall record. Read more about the team and its future inside.

» SPORTS, B10

ZACH ALFRED / NEWS EDITOR

Flooded out: Sunday, March 20 L.A. County Fire Department worked to bail out Duke’s. See more photos and read about the fate of Duke’s inside. »NEWS, A5

student to represent Pepperdine at dubai conference By Madison Leonard AssistAnt news editor

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Pepperdine senior Matthew Miller will be taking a 16-hour flight to Dubai this weekend, as part of the World Student Organizing Committee for the sixth biennial Education Without Borders 2011 Conference, taking place March 28 to 31. As a student organizer, Miller met with other students in Abu Dhabi last June to pick the conference theme, “Innovative Solutions to Global Challenges: Diverse Perspectives,

Unified Action,” and will arrive early this weekend to approve all the aspects of the week’s events. An international studies and political science double major, Miller was initially recommended for the conference while interning in Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2009, after a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Upon arrival of the 4,000 student participants from almost 130 countries, an opening ceremony will be hosted in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest

building. The following two ternational students, and endays of the conference will in- gaging in multilateral commuclude presentations and round- nication. “It’s really a rare optable discussions of portunity to have so selected student-writmany students toten papers on the subgether from so many themes of the countries and cultures, conference: education, economics, science, and you really can’t new media and policy. solve a lot of these Currently working global problems with for the State Departjust one country’s perment in the Bureau of spective,” Miller said. MILLER Democracy, Human Tackling issues like Rights, and Labor, global warming, the fiMiller looks forward to hearing nancial industry, and the curthe presentations from the in- rent political tension in the

Middle East and North Africa, student presenters at the conference will use their diverse perspectives to seek fresh solutions. “These students are going to be the leaders in the next generation to work together and create ideas that mesh with everyone, and have solid obtainable goals to affect change, versus just talking about ideas and policies and theories and things that aren’t quite as tangible,” Miller said. “And that’s the whole concept of the conference: to take those policies

and theories, apply them and give students things to do with them.” Outside of the presentations, Miller and the other student participants will be meeting with mentors such as Stanford University Senior Fellow, Dr. Helen Stacy, and Tony Blair, former prime minister of the United Kingdom. Miller said these global leaders will provide meaningful conversation points, as well as take away new ideas from the students.

»DUBAI, A3

PROBLEMS WITH DATING Pepperdiners must break out of the friend zone.

» PERSPECTIVES, A9

Just lear:shake it

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Instructor Deanna Hallum introduced female students to the world of belly dancing Saturday, March 19, in the George Page commons. Hallum hopes to help break some of the stigmas surrounding belly dancing by introducing it »See Life & Arts, B7 as a form of fitness.

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WANT MORE PHOTOS? View and download at www.flickr.com/photos/ pepperdinegraphic

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WHO WON SONGFEST? Students celebrate victory.

» L&A, B1

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magicseaweed.com STEPHANIE NELSON / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Housing

Guide | 1 3/23/11

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Look inside! pg 12

It’s the End of the World ALLEGRA HOBBS

So have you heard? The world’s going to end soon. I’m not just talking about the Mayanpredicted apocalypse (the details of which

the country were in a state of uninterrupted

the few in power adhere to a legislative pro-

bliss; the state of the country being what it is,

cess that paints them as such, while the all-

“infuriating” seems a more apt word.

seem pretty vague thus far). A sweep across

powerful 24-hour news cycle perpetuates this fictional representation of an America

the spectrum of media sources will reveal a

September saw the near shutdown of the

with a stark, immovable line dividing it into

news culture heavy on the doom and gloom,

federal government — the third such threat

jarring shades of red and blue.

constantly reminding us with hyperbolic

in the year 2011 alone — over the latest in a

language just how much we don’t have go-

series of bipartisan squabbles. With Repub-

The overwhelming dissatisfaction coming

ing for us at the moment. The trouble is, no

licans insisting on offsetting aid to natural

from the American people cannot be fully

one can seem to agree on just what will ul-

disaster victims with cuts to clean energy

alleviated by a system so hell-bent on polar-

timately drive the nail into our coffin. The

programs, and Democrats balking at the

ity. Furthermore, politicians will continue

conservative right keeps screaming at me

insistence on spending cuts in the face of

to sacrifice innovation and real change in

through my television that Obama and his

necessary disaster relief, the threat of a full

favor of cookie-cutter ideals associated with

big, centralized federal government are go-

shutdown was crushed by a last-minute Sen-

the far right or the far left, so long as that is

ing to raze our civilization to ruins, while

ate deal. But the deal did nothing to dimin-

what is required for the sake of reelection.

the left seems convinced that Republican

ish the root of the problem, which has be-

leadership and its agenda of fully-privat-

come so deeply ingrained in our collective

The end of the Mayan calendar is the least

ized-everything would be accompanied by

consciousness that it seems to have taken its

of our worries. The state of the economy is

hail, locusts and rivers of blood. Then there’s

place as an indispensable cog in the politi-

discouraging, but it will eventually recover.

always that fringe group/guy on the subway

cal machine.

The guy on the subway might be right about

spreading the word that America is a mod-

God’s wrath, but if he is then it’s probably

ern-day Sodom and Gomorrah, and it’s only

Basically, our two-party system and the

a matter of time before the skies open up and

seemingly requisite hyperloyalty that it at-

already too late to redeem Hollywood and purge our culture of its wicked ways. What

God’s wrath comes pouring down.

tracts are a recipe for disaster. Congress

we should be worried about are the conflict-

itself is so divided it’s a ticking time bomb,

driven forces that are dividing our society

All of which goes to say essentially this: We

especially in such a trying fiscal climate.

and resisting cooperation. It’s about time

are afraid of the wrong things. Our routine

What’s more, it is a potentially toxic system

the forces running this country aligned

games of finger-pointing and agenda-push-

in that it obscures the basic human truths

themselves with the forces putting them

ing are not only exacerbating our problems,

present in American society by inflicting

into office and, perhaps most important,

they themselves are the problem. As our

on it a reductive binary filter, so that we see

with the forces comprising the majority.

two-party system becomes increasingly

everything in terms of Right and Left. If the

partisan-centric, it threatens to dramati-

manner in which we view politics is allowed

cally slow down decision-making and there-

to be so narrowly confined by partisan or-

fore bars improvement where it is needed.

thodoxy, we choose to grossly limit our po-

A quick glance at the most recent Gallup

tential.

polls will tell you that now is a particularly depressing time for politics. Americans are

I know I’m not the only one troubled by the

dissatisfied with the state of the country as

gridlock on Capitol Hill and its wider impli-

a whole. They’re sick of the executive office,

cations. Americans are becoming increas-

sick of Congress and sick of waiting on those

ingly jaded when it comes to partisanship,

who govern to put aside self-interest for the

and that weariness can only continue to

sake of the common good. Yet apparently

mount with the unprecedented disunity

those in power think they were put into of-

and hyperpartisanship demonstrated by

fice so they could bicker and be generally

our leaders. The majority of people in this

unproductive, which would be annoying if

country are not contentious ideologues, but