The Sandspur Vol 112 Issue 18

Matrimony and the Academic Phony Life and Times surveys the trend of coming to Rollins to find a partner.

Is it more than a myth? page 10

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Asia’s Advantage Awakens This week’s opinion section topic tackles the rise of Asia and China to the status of world power and its superpower potentials. page 15

Basketball’s Big Win Against Lynn Men’s team propelled to the top of the SSC, seventh in the region with upset win against Lynn University. page 19

THE STUDENT VOICE OF ROLLINS COLLEGE SINCE 1894

www.thesandspur.org

Nancy Aguirre the sandspur

DANI PICARD / The Sandspur (illustration)

Created by Eve Ensler and performed here at Rollins College by some of our very own students and faculty, The Vagina Monologues is an annual event. It is an expression of resistance, celebration and grief. Ranging from stories of sex, masturbation, rape, abuse and so much more, this play forces the public to recognize that the vagina does exist, and that it is a beautiful thing that should be celebrated, rather than considered taboo to talk about.

Ensler traveled the world, interviewing women as she went, asking them about their own relationships with their bodies. She asked questions such as "what would your vagina say if it could talk?" and "what would it wear?"

Their responses both surprised and inspired her. She found that women everywhere were "hungry" to talk about their vaginas, probably due to the fact that they had never been asked before and had no context in which to articulate their thoughts and feelings on these issues.

Ensler then put together these stories from such a diverse group of women and ended up with a controversial play in which the "v-word" is found 128 times. It is not that

Ensler particularly likes the term, or the many variations on it, but in examining the word and what it represents, she is analyzing why people are so afraid to say it and discuss it. Throughout the play, it is referred to as a "poonani," "nappy dugout," and a "coochie snatcher." Ensler doesn't have a preferred term, but she hopes that through her play she can promote a conversation and perhaps turn these terms that are deemed vulgar and crude into what they should be -beautiful symbols for the magnificence they represent.

Here at Rollins, the reaction to the monologues has been positive, with a large turnout at each of the three performances this past weekend. Oral Frier, a sophomore English major said, "It's a phenomenal show that speaks not only to women, but to people, regardless of sex." It is a feeling shared by many, as the audience laughed outrageously at some of the humorous monologues, and sat in collective wonder and sorrow at the more serious monologues about rape and mutilation of the female organs.

Proceeds from the entrance fee to the show went to The Healing Tree, a Sexual

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Student Involvement Fair 2006 Kelsy Field the sandspur As the new semester begins to pick up again, you might find yourself with some extra time on your hands and no longer interested in reruns of bad reality tv shows. In order to help you get involved on campus, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership is currently sponsoring the student involvement fair. As op-

Index NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 CRUMMER NEWS . . . . .5 HOLT NEWS . . . . . . . . . .6 LIFE & TIMES . . . . . . . . . .8 ENTERTAINMENT . . . .12 OPINIONS . . . . . . . . . . .15 SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

posed to previous semesters, the involvement fair is ongoing these next few weeks, with one club a night to showcase what makes them so great. With over 75 registered organizations on campus, you're sure to find something that really sparks your passion.

Last week the Cultural Action Committee, represented by Odile Perez and Donna Lee, greeted students with food and friendliness, encouraging them to check out the latin film showcase going on this week. The Cultural Action Committee works to celebrate diversity on campus with their splinter organizations, including Camp Alliance, Circle of Friends, Alliance for Change and Impact. In case you

missed their orientation on the 9th, you can check them out on the web at www.rollins.edu/cac, or stop by their next meeting on Thursday at 5:30 pm in the Warden Dining Hall.

On Monday, February 13, Five Stones offered great food, music and opportunities for students looking to become more involved on an international scale. Five Stones, which works to alleviate poverty in the Dominican Republic, presented students with a power point presentation that showcased their accomplishments, which includes two campus wide volleyball tournaments and fundraising over $55,000 to go to Cruz Verde. Students wanting to get involved in Five Stones can

DANI PICARD / The Sandspur

CAMPUS COMMUNITY: Many of the Student Involvement Fair festivities took place in the Cornell Campus Center.

look forward to a geared up semester as Five Stones will put on an international dance competition and actually head down to the Dominican to make a difference. Five Stones will also be

selling rocks as a fundraiser, using the personalized stones to create a pathway to the school. If you want to get involved with Five Stones, stop by one of their weekly

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NEWS

2 THE SANDSPUR

WORLD NEWS COURTESY OF CNN.COM Iraq: The trial of Saddam Hussein and his seven codefendants adjourned after a stormy session in which the Iraqi leader created a scene by shouting “Down with Bush!” Hussein also yelled “Long live Iraq!” and “Long live the Iraqi people.”

Hussein then cursed the judge and called him a criminal.

V-Day CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Trauma Recovery Unit at Arnold Palmer. It is refreshing to see this type of event here at Rollins College, allowing students, faculty and members of the community to expand their views and opinions on issues as thought-provoking and important to society as this one.

Iraq: A suicide bomber struck outside a bank in Baghdad, killing six civilians and wounding 41 others.

The attack took place as people were lining up to get pay from the Ministry of Trade or to receive compensation due to shortages in the countries food-rationing system.

Italy: U.S. skier Lindsay Kildow crashed during a women’s downhill training run. The gold-medal contender was airlifted to a hospital after her fall and emerged with nothing worse than a bruised hip.

Italy: Skating icon, Michelle Kwan, headed home from the Torino Olympics emptyhanded. A new groin injury forced her to withdraw.

NATIONAL

NEWS Washington D.C.: Vice President Dick Cheney accidently shot a hunting companion in the face, neck and chest with bird-shot while on a quail hunting trip in Texas.

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

New York: Road crews scrambled to clear highways for commuters and thousands of travelers stranded at airports. Travelers waited to get home as the Northeast dug out from a recordbreaking storm that dumped two feet or more of snow.

Louisiana: The federal government is being slammed due to its response to Hurricane Katrina, leaving people left stranded when they were most in need. People are calling the incident a “a failure of leadership.” Katrina was a national failure.

Alabama: A fire that burned a northwest Alabama church was determined to be arson and may possibly be related to the nine other Baptist church fires in the state. Authorities want to hear from those who may be responsible.

Washington: The proud symbol of a nation for more than two centuries, the elegant American bald eagle is no longer threatened with extinction. Officials have announced a plan for removing it from the endangered species list. It should be off the list within the next year.

V-Day Art Show Highlights

Fair ‘06 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 meetings in the Elizabeth Hall community room on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.

Or perhaps you became a member of Phi Eta Sigma, but you don't know exactly what to do with that certificate? They were at the Darden Lounge informing students about what exactly the Phi Eta Sigma is all about, from campus wide projects such as Hurricane Katrina food drives to tutoring local Orlando students, although the main goal is higher scholastic learning among college campuses. They meet the first Tuesday of every month, so contact dlittle@rollins.edu for more information.

Then again, maybe these are too active for you, and you prefer the behind the scenes type involvement.

Then the Sandspur is looking for you, as we are always in need of a few good journalists. The Sandspur meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Sandspur office.

So get out there and get involved in these coming months - you know it's good for you, and if not for you, it looks great to those grad schools. The fair will be going on all month, so scope out who's who when you stop by Beans for your nightly meal.

All Pictures by Nicole Fluet of The Sandspur

Correction

Last week’s article on bell hooks incorrectly stated the school in which she taught. The school was actually called Oberlin, not Overland as the article suggests.

NEWS

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

THE SANDSPUR 3

A Look at Cuban Race Relations Karina McCabe

This seems confusing to Americans who have the the sandspur ability to check a different box for ethnic identity on On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the every form if they choose to Department of History, Latin do so.

American and Caribbean Nonetheless, it is imporStudies and the Internationtant to understand that the al Studies Center sponsored Church in Cuba has the legal a lecture entitled "Negotiatauthority to define each pering Race and Family in Late son's ethnic heritage, meanColonial Cuba: Individual ing that a mixed race person Actions and Official Policies" can be legally classified as

by Karen Morrison. "white" if he could get three "We have a very strong people to Latin Amerivouch as can studies witnesses program here," to his inDr. Barry tegrity.

Levis, Chair of Morrithe Departson exment of Histoplains that ry at Rollins this can College, exbecome plained of the extremely decision to complicatmake a multied, espedepartment cially as event, "and it the system was a good opof race portunity for a classificahistory speaktion is rider, too." dled with Morrison, JOHN FERREIRA / The Sandspur who is the As- PICTURE THIS: Morrison called on visual displays in order to sup- c o r r u p tion. This sistant Profes- port her discussion and keep the audience interested. can range sor of History at Moravian College, spoke show that 65 percent of from bribing priests to placto an almost packed audito- Cubans are classified as ing one's mixed race child in rium about the foundations mixed. This, however, is not an orphanage in order to atof racial relations in Cuba in owing to a drastic alteration tain "white" status, as this is an effort to explain the high- in the figures for bi-racial what is typically done by orly complex intricacies of es- marriages. Instead, Morrison phanages.

The importance of attablishing categories of race believes that this shows a in the nation today. This is greater amount of self-confi- taining "white" status, or an extremely contentious dence among the Cubans in issue at present, particularly both their heritage and their as President Fidel Castro is leader who is promoting this seeking to establish a nation- sense of pride in their naal identity as an Afro-Latin tional identity. ethnic group. Morrison explained it is so much more diverse than this though.

Before 1959, according to Karen Morrison, Cuba's racial breakdown was 16 percent black, 22 percent mixed and 60 percent white.

This reflects the Cuban "dream" of breeding out blackness in order to make each generation "whiter."

In 1980, the percentages have drastically altered to

JOHN FERREIRA / The Sandspur

STANDING UP: Karen Morrison speaks to the Rollins Campus about Cuban racial relations and raises awareness.

JOHN FERREIRA / The Sandspur

PREPARING TOGETHER: Dr. Barry Levis helps Morrison prepare for her presentation and speech beforehand.

even altering one's racial category to mixed or black, lies in the legal segregation of marriages in Cuba, where a couple must be from a similar ethnic background in order to marry. Additionally, the logic behind manipulating one's racial background is that "whiteness" is associated with respect and freedom, whereas black heritage has a more negative association with bondage.

"I thought it was an interesting look into the Cuban racial identity," history major, de Lancey Moser, '07, said of the lecture. "It was a perspective I had never considered before." She added later.

This perspective is Morrison's area of expertise in history considering both her personal and academic ties

to the subject. Her grandmother still lives in Cuba and Morrison stayed with her while she wrote her doctoral dissertation on the topic of Cuban racial relations. Morrison has attained both a degree in electrical engineering from Duke University in addition to an M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of Florida. She is also the recipient of several dissertation fellowships.

Dr. Julian Chambliss, another history professor at Rollins, suggests that having such scholars with these excellent academic credentials will "get more attention for our Latin Studies program, and the History department wants the opportunity to help in that."

NEWS

4 THE SANDSPUR

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Upcoming Rollins Career Expo Jami Furo the sandspur The Rollins Office of Career Services will be hosting a Career Expo on Friday, March 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the McKean Gymnasium in the Alfond Sports Center.

This is an annual event during which companies offering full-time employment, summer employment, and internships. They set up tables where representatives can give information and answer questions about job opportunities in their organizations. Those who attend the event can gather information about a variety of different positions and pick up business cards from those companies that are interested in

them.

All students and alumni are welcome to attend, and the Office of Career Services suggests that students attend the event before their senior year, in order to get a feel for the event and to explore their options early.

The Office of Career Services will also be compiling a "Rollins Resume Book."

The office encourages all students to submit their resume to them by March 13. After that date, they will compile all of the resumes that they have received into a book and give it to all of the employers. The employers will, therefore, have the information of all of the students that have submitted their resumes before the day of the event.

The Office of Career Services also gives suggestions on how to dress for the event. For women, they suggest a conservatively cut white, off-white, or neutral blouse with a skirt suit (preferable to a pantsuit).

They also suggest closed-toe pumps with skin-colored stockings, conservative nail polish and jewelry, and understated make-up. They suggest that women wear long hair pulled back in a neat style and that all women bring a briefcase or portfolio, instead of a purse.

For men, the office suggests a long-sleeved white or light blue Oxford shirt with a conservative necktie, dark socks, and leather shoes with a coordinating belt. They also suggest a briefcase or

portfolio.

For both men and women, they suggest covering tattoos and body piercings, avoiding extensive perfumes, and using breath mints before talking to any of the representatives.

From now until the time of the expo, the Office of Career Services will be hosting classes, that are intended to prepare students for the event. They will be offering a "Resume Writing Workshop" and a class on "How to Work a Job Fair." Students can get more information about the dates, times, and locations of these classes on the Office of Career Services website, which is accessible from the Rollins homepage, or by going to http://www.rollins.edu/ca-

reerservices/expo/index.htm l.

Later in the spring term, the office will have compiled a listing of all of the employers that have confirmed they are attending the 2006 Career Expo. This list will include the names of the employers, their geographic locations, and the positions that they are looking to fill.

After the list is posted, the Office of Career Services suggests that students research the companies on the list before attending the event.

For any additional information about Career Expo 2006, contact the Office of Career Services or visit their website which can been found on the Rollins main page.

Englander Comes to Rollins Campus Rochelle Siegel the sandspur Rollins College continued Winter With the Writers with writer and novelist Nathan Englander, on February 9. Englander shared his wisdom, experience, and knowledge of writing with the audience of Rollins College students, faculty and community. During the afternoon master class, Englander worked with young aspiring writers. He critiqued their work and shared his ideas and thoughts about writing. In his opinion, "Fiction is the purest form of writing, with no room for error, it can be perfect, and that is what we must strive for. Otherwise readers will see right through it."

Englander was born in 1970, which, according to Connie May Fowler, means he is "just a baby." "I grew up in an Orthodox home in New York, where I had a right-wing, xenophobic, anti-intellectual, fire-andbrimstone, free-thought free, shtetl-mentality, substandard education. And so I began to look elsewhere; I began to read literature.

Simple as that," said Englander of his childhood.

Englander opened up the evening event with a reading from his newly finished novel, "I finished this morning," he said before he began. The Winter With the Writers audience was luckily the first to hear him read from the new novel. The soon-to-be released novel will most likely be titled A

Ministry of Special Cases.

Most of what Englander writes about comes from what he has influenced during his life. "I grew up on the mean streets of Long Island, but the greatest influence on my writing came from the year I spent in Israel. Although I grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home, it was on this trip I lost my first religion. Writing has become my religion," he confessed during the question and answer session hosted by Connie May Fowler. He had never been anywhere, so he got his passport and went to Jerusalem, but it was while he was in Jerusalem that he realized he was happier in New York.

Englander revealed that

COURTESY OF ROLLINS PR DEPARTMENT

REVIEWING WORK: Englander reviews student work.

"When I get distraught about a novel I throw 50 pages of it away and start over." He shared many of his thoughts about his development as a writer. He admitted that "The hardest thing with the novel is recognizing when to let go."

He is an author who writes

about what he is interested in, and sometimes that leaves him with a lot more material than he actually needs. "I sometimes end up with three or four feet of rough drafts and my room is covered with my drafts."

His work is so far-ranging and appears to come from many different places.

Fowler described his work as "really quite dazzling."

And she is not the only one who seems to think of his work as "dazzling;" his highly acclaimed fiction has been published in The New Yorker, Story, American Short Fiction, and The Atlantic Monthly.

In June of 1999, Englander was included in the 20 Writers for the 21st Century issue of The New Yorker, and in 2003 he was selected by the Voice Literary Supplement as a Writer on the Verge and received a Guggenheim Fellowship.

He has been an international bestseller for his story collection published in April 1999, titled For the Relief of Unbearable Urges.

His stories have been anthologized in Best American Short Stories. Several awards have been won by Englander, including The Pushcart Prize, The American Academy of Arts & Letters Sue Kauffman Prize for First Fiction, French Prix WIZO, and the Bard College Prize for Fiction.

When asked about his writing process, Englander admitted that he occasionally loses himself in his work, "I work seven days a week, usually in public. I

am that mumbling guy in the back of the coffee shop.

Once I get into my sweet spot, the whole world melts away and for hours, I know nothing about the world around me."

COURTESY OF ROLLINS PR DEPARTMENT

THE NEXT BIG THING: Fowler interviews Englander.

As the evening even drew to a close, Englander recalled his first meeting with a major writer while at

college in Iowa. The author was Tobias Wolff, this year's first Winter With the Writers speaker. Meeting Tobias Wolff was a big moment for Englander. He even recalled that Wolff "signed a book for me and wrote, 'Looking forward to reading your work.' Those words have stuck with me and have been an inspiration."

Englander admitted that he loves the life he is living, and it makes him feel good when people call him The Next Big Thing.

He just wants to write because that is what he loves to do, and he is being praised for doing something he loves to do.

THE SANDSPUR VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Crummer News EDITOR: MELINDA GREEN

CRUMMER@THESANDSPUR.ORG

5

Leadership Center Offers Simulation on the “Power of Leadership” Melinda Green the sandspur On Saturday, February 11, Crummer's Center for Leadership Development (CLD) hosted a repeat of a half-day simulation called the "Power of Leadership" that it put on last fall. The simulation occurs face-toface in real time, and participants constantly make decisions in a changing, and largely unknown, environment. They make these decisions mainly through "gametype" activities performed on a team.

According to HLC, Inc., who produces the simulation, it "teaches leaders how to use power to resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, solve problems, and manage positive change in the corporate culture."

The company recommends it for business people, including newly promoted managers or those whose zeal has diminished over time, but as the CLD demonstrates, it can also be used for those who are still training to become managers.

The simulation, however, was quite frustrating for many of the participants because of its nature; it put some members of the simulated organization at a natural disadvantage to other members for what seems like no reason. The students landed on teams characterized as bottom, middle, and top – connotations that have a real impact throughout the simulation when members find it nearly impossible to change their position or to understand the actions of members on other teams –

effectively." Some members of the "losing" groups banded together to take down the top team, while the top team attempted to keep their place and simultaneously accommodate the wishes of the other teams.

Spite and animosity had surfaced between the teams, and sometimes even among the teams, but, as the facilitators explained in the wrapup, it all could have been prevented or dealt with if teams had properly exercised the "Power of Leadership." The teams had not thought of themselves as part of a greater organization and had not worked together to create a common vision, mission, goals, or objectives for everyone to rally around.

Also, a lack of both COURTESTY OF HLC, INC. understanding and infordecisions, behavior, and atti- mation dissemination comtudes of leaders are often bined with extreme competimisperceived by their fol- tion by many participants resulted in mistrust by the enlowers."

This was the case when tire group. All too often, the top team realized its these same things occur in huge advantage over all school teams, in work teams, other teams; the chips and throughout organizaseemed stacked in its favor, tions as a whole. Thankfulwhile the other two teams ly, the students who particiseemed to be waging an up- pated in the "Power of Leadhill battle. The other teams ership" simulation now have saw the top team's decisions the heads-up and are better as selfish rather than simply prepared to deal with these competitive, and anger, re- issues in their everyday sentment, frustration, and, lives.

This simulation was part for some, excitement arose.

At this point, another of the Center for Leadership goal of HLC set in as "the Development's mission "to simulation "help[ed] partici- deliver a co-curricular propants who are power averse gram that develops and enunderstand what they must hances students' abilities to do to improve their effective- lead effective teams and betness and help[ed] those who ter understand the role of are power prone understand leaders in effective organizawhat discipline they must tions." It hosts several simuemploy to use their power lations a year with the goals and were guided by a "rulebook" that, as the group later realized, members of the top team could change as they saw fit.

Seems unfair, right? Perhaps, but the purpose of the simulation is to highlight how much power is within an organization, the different ways members of different decision making groups can wield it, and the effects their decisions have on the entire organization. As HLC explains, "it helps participants understand why the

Upcoming Events 2-20 Spirit in Business Meeting Join a dialogue about the role of spirituality in today's business environment featuring guest speaker Rabbi David Kay. Food and drinks are provided. Crummer Hall 222 at 11:45 AM.

2-23 Leadership Lecture Series Come hear about Progress Energy Florida’s partnerships for success. President and CEO William Habermeyer, Jr. will talk about his personal leadership style and experiences. Galloway Room at 7:30 AM.

2-23 Executive in Action Series Listen to Chairman and CEO of Cambridge Holdings Andrew J. Czekaj speak about applying entrepreneurial principles.

Crummer SunTrust Auditorium at 5:15 PM.

of increasing students' awareness of leadership and power, and encouraging them to exercise the most optimal, effective, and responsible uses of each.

Through these hands-on activities, the Center is fulfilling its mission and training Crummer leaders to continue leading effectively in

COURTESY OF ROLLINS COLLEGE

CLD Director Dr. Susan Bach facilitates simulations and assessment tool interpretation workshops.

other organizations. The CLD is having another simulation, called "Food Corp.," on March 11. For more information on the Center or simulations, contact CLD Director Dr. Susan Bach or Student Leadership Counselor Rebecca Morales.

COURTESY OF ROLLINS COLLEGE

CLD Student Leadership Counselor Rebecca Morales guides students towards leadership goals.

Business Tip of the Week When preparing a cover letter to send along with your resume, always include your plans for following up with the company.

THE SANDSPUR VOL 112 ISSUE 18

Holt News

6

EDITOR: JEAN BERNARD CHERY HOLTNEWS@THESANDSPUR.ORG

Commission Ponders Standard Test For Colleges And Univesities Government seeks to study accountability, cost and quality of in America’s higher education.

Tanisha Mathis the sandspur A higher education commission named by the Bush Administration is exploring whether colleges and universities should join the standardized testing trend. The test results would show that students are learning and provide an easier way to compare the quality of education different institutions offer.

Charles Miller, a businessman and chairman of the commission, recently stated to the other members of the board a developing need for more accountability in higher education.

“What is clearly lacking is a nationwide system for comparative performance purposes, using standard formats,” Miller wrote adding student learning was a main component that should be measured.

Miller was the head of the Regents of the University of Texas years ago when they used standardized tests to prove their students were learning. Miller points to this example and two other testing initiatives as substantiation that testing of writing, analytical skills and critical thinking is possible.

The 19-member Commission on the Future of Higher Education, which was appointed last fall by the secretary of education Margaret Spellings, has until August to make a report on numerous issues which include accountability, quality and cost. Not all educators are on board with the idea of standardized tests for colleges and universities.

“To subject colleges to uniform standards is to trivialize what goes on in higher education,” said Leon Botstein, president of Bard College. “Excellence comes in many unusual ways. You cannot apply the rules of high-stakes testing in high schools to universities.”

In an interview Miller stated he didn’t foresee a replica of the federal No Child Left Behind Act which tests public schools and pun-

ishes those that fail to improve the learning of their students. “There is no way you can mandate a single set of tests, to have a federalist higher education system,” he said. But Miller does feel public reporting and accountability of the standardized test results “would be greatly beneficial to the students, parents, taxpayers and employers.”

Spellings agrees and feels that choosing a college is the most expensive and important decisions families make and they are entitled to as much information as possible.

The commission’s research coincides with college officials feeling the pressure to justify high tuition costs in both public and private institutions.

However, those same officials are wary of testers gauging the different institutions of higher learning, which includes small liberal arts colleges, large public universities and religious academies especially if they will be tested by the federal government.

David Warren, the president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, says his group is opposed to any single national test. “The notion of a single exam implies there are national standards, and that implies a national curriculum. Then we are on the way to a centralized Prussian education system.”

At this time there is no unanimity on the commission regarding testing but some of its members are interested in measuring what is going on in America’s institutions of higher education.

Jonathon Grayer, a commissioner and who is chief executive of test-coaching company Kaplan Inc., says that with the growing number of college students and the tax dollars spent, “it is important for us to seek some type of knowledge about how much learning is going on.”

The idea of standardized testing in higher education is not new. In the mid-1980 the Department of Education di-

rected the groups that accredit universities and colleges to include assessment of student achievements.

There are relatively few ways to gauge what college students have learned except for licensing exams and graduate school admission tests and even those don’t fully show how much the student learned.

Robert Zemsky, another commissioner, feels the essential question is “How good is the product?” the professor of education at the University of Pennsylvania says, “A growing number of people are beginning to want answers. What higher education is about to learn is that they can’t play the ‘trust me’ game any longer.”

Money seems to be the motivating factor for accountability. Spellings says the federal government subsidizes approximately onethird of higher education’s funds and it knows very little about the return investment. Besides the money are the college dropout rate and the poor performance of

graduates once they enter the workforce at a time of ever increasing international competition.

According to a 2003 Department of Education study, National Assessment of Adult Literacy, less than a third of college graduates examined displayed the skill to read complex English texts and draw complicated inferences.

It is yet to be determined if financing will be an incentive to implement standardized testing or institutions will be penalized for their failure to test students. At first thought, it would seem only public universities would be subject to government regulation since they are subsidized by state taxes, however, private institutions can be subject to regulation if the government pushes to implement standardized testing. Private institutions are accredited by groups authorized by the federal government and they must meet certain criteria to remain eligible for federal grants and financial aid.

Institutions that decided to bypass standardized testing don’t personally bother Miller, but he wonders if their trustees, donors and future employers would care.

“How public are some private institutions? They depend a lot on public funding too. And we have shifted more of the cost back to the students. So I think consumers and other people will begin to ask questions like this more.”

Another unanswered question is who will create the standardized tests.

There are several test versions on the horizon to include the Collegiate Assessment Test, developed by the Council for Aid to Education, a National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education supported test and a computerized test from the Educational Testing Service in New Jersey.

With a six-month deadline looming, the commission seems to long on questions and short on answers.

H O LT N E W S

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

THE SANDSPUR 7

Balancing Work And School Tanisha Mathis the sandspur Snuggled between Buffalo and Rochester, New York, Attica is the hometown of Hamilton Holt senior William “Billy” Wallace.

His stay in Orlando was to be a brief one; he was accepted into the Walt Disney World College Program but like most transplants stayed because of the weather.

He currently works in Marriott Vacation Club International’s Training and Development division where he helps oversee the training program that prepares everyone from entry level managers to vice presidents on the operating procedures of the timeshare resorts for the international conglomerate. Wallace is dedicated to the corporation; his ultimate career aspiration would see him as the Vice President of Global Strategy for Marriott Vacation Club.

The team-first concept required in the corporate setting finds its way in all facets of Wallace’s life.

Whether it’s his favorite movie, “Remember the Titans”, for its message of teamwork development or his favorite book, Jim Collins’ “Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…and Others Don’t”.

Aside from movies and book, Wallace enjoys outdoor sports such as softball, water sports, down hill skiing and is an active member

COURTESY OF WILLIAM WALLACE

of the Orlando gay/lesbian softball league. The avid sportsman knows that a healthy lifestyle helps in winning the battle against a hectic schedule. One of his biggest obstacles in maintaining his good health is his diet. “I love junk food! I’m doing pretty good about not eating it, but I still want to cut it all out of my life.”

His desire for a healthy lifestyle also fits into his biggest fear of dying young.

“I have so much I still want to do and accomplish in my lifetime.” The International Affairs major is also seeking a minor in Business and is interested in earning an M.B.A. from the Crummer Graduate School of Business. He chose Rollins College because of the small class size and what he deems a return on his investment. “The assistance a Rollins education and the Rollins staff provides in life after academics is well worth the money.”

To date, his most rewarding class has been Religion and Global Politics taught by Dr. Jill Gorman.

“What I really enjoyed the most was the class discussion.” Dr. Gorman provides life and enjoyment to the learning process and she utilized other tools than textbooks that read like, well, textbooks. “There was a book about Iran but what made it so different and interesting was that it was like a cartoon, or a comic strip.

But definitely the discussion and everyone talking was how I leaned best.”

His advice to new Holt students is to not hesitate to jump in the game and communicate. “Ask any and all questions that you can think of…the more you ask, the more you will learn, and the better you will do.

Night classes are hard after working all day, but really focus and put as much effort into each night, it’s so rewarding in the end and the time really will go by fast.” When Wallace feels overwhelmed by the frenzied pace of having a career that causes him to travel to Europe and Hawaii during the semester and being a full-time student, and the difficulty of devoting equal time to all courses, he pulls inspiration from his younger sister.

Wallace says it’s a big obstacle “trying to find time for work, class, traveling and still make time for myself and my friends.” Upon graduation what does the senior plan to do? “Go on vacation to Australia and relax.”

A NETWORKING SUCCESS STORY This week instead of featuring a new question, I decided to spotlight one of our recent graduates who successfully practiced several of the key concepts discussed in this column.

Jennifer Mindrup, a December 2005 graduate visited the Career Services office in early December.

With her degree complete, she knew it was time to put her job search into high gear. We brainstormed together on job search strategies.

Jennifer left that day with her resume ready and the knowledge that she would need to begin networking. She agreed that it was necessary but admitted that she was uncomfortable with the prospect.

As a first step, Jennifer agreed to make a list of the people she had met during her time at Rollins.

She decided to send each of them a note or email just to say “hello” and to let them know that she had “finally” graduated. She also wanted to sincerely thank each of them for positively influencing her life.

Looking back, Jennifer admitted, “Actually picking up the phone, sending the card or email was difficult at first. I know people are busy and I did not want to bother them. “

“But I soon discovered that they were pleased that I took the time to contact them.” She was careful not to ask for a job. Her only intent was to say “thank you.”

At the top of her list were several professors who had made a significant impact in her education.

Jennifer sent an email to an adjunct professor who is a local HR consultant.

The professor was pleased when she received Jennifer’s note. She remembered how impressed she had been with Jennifer’s commitment and performance in the classroom.

She immediately called Jennifer and invited her to apply for a new opening within her firm. The result? Jennifer recently accepted the position and is beginning the career she had hoped for.

“Being willing to step out and network can mean the difference between getting a great job or none at all!” Jennifer enthusiastically exclaims! Thanks, Jennifer, I could not say it better myself.

Do you have a question for Marian? E-mail her at mcacciatore@rollins.edu.

She guarantees that all questions will be responded to individually or in this column.

Hamilton Holt Calendar Event: Senior Series: Rollins Alumni

Event: Internship Information

Event: Senior Series: Job Search

Date: 4p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006

Date: 2p.m. Wednesday, Feb.22, 2006

Date: 4p.m. Wednesday, Feb.22, 2006

Event: FREE Graduate Admissions Practice Tests Date: 9a.m. Sturday, Feb. 25,2006

Location: Bib Lab, Olin Library

Location: Office of Career Services Classroom, Carnegie Hall

Location: Bib Lab, Olin Library

Location: Bush Auditorium

Subject: Advice on Planning Life After Rollins

Subject: Earning Credit Through Internship

Subject: Job Search Strategies

Contact: Office of Career Services

Contact: Office of Career Services

Contact: Office of Career Services

Subject: MCAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT (administered by Princeton Review) Contact: Office of Career Services

THE SANDSPUR VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Life&Times

8

Literary Triumphs: Carolyn Carpan Lori Lipkin the sandspur Besides housing a wealth of information through periodicals, reference material, computer terminals and a 24-hour study area, the most valuable resource at the Olin Library is definitely the librarians, Carolyn Carpan being one of them.

"The thing that I think a lot of students don't know" shared Carpan, "is that reference librarians are on duty everyday to give students assistance with their research, and that's really important because we know people are busy working in their dorm rooms or working at home and may not know that we're available."

Carpan came to Rollins from Nova Scotia in search of a tenure track faculty position which she found on the American Library Association web site for Rollins.

"In Canada there were too many librarians and not enough jobs," she says. "I wanted to be in an academic setting, so I sought academic library positions."

Carpan was always interested in reading and writing from a young age but never dreamed she would one day be a Reference Librarian at Rollins College.

As a child growing up in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Carpan admitted to cataloguing all of her own books at the age of ten.

"You'd think that'd be a clue that I should be a librarian," she exclaimed. "Soon enough, I knew I wanted to work at the public library when I was in high school and got a job at 16 as a page in the main branch public library in the reference department."

Carpan went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Sociology and Women's Studies, then completed a master's degree also in Women's Studies and another master's in Librarian Information Studies.

Carpan said that in order to be a faculty member in Olin, two master's degrees are required: one to be a professional librarian and the other within varied chosen subject disciplines.

EDITOR: KARINA MC CABE FEATURES@THESANDSPUR.ORG

Carpan decided on Women's Studies major because it is an interdisciplinary area which gave her a really good background to actually be a reference librarian at a Liberal Arts school like Rollins. "I've studied a little bit of everything in my time so that was helpful."

Aside from being a part of the Rollins community, Carpan has also published two books, multiple book chapters, as well as several journal articles. Her extensive repertoire is available at: http://web65.rollins.edu/~ac arpan/vitae.html Her first book publishing took place in May 2004, and it is called “Rocked by Romance.” It is an annotated bibliography and guide to teen romance fiction mostly used by librarians, "but parents, teachers, and teens themselves could use it as well," she said.

COURTES Y OF ROLLINS COLLEGE Not only can you ask a A REASON TO SMILE: Olin librarian, Carolyn Carpan has reference librarian in Olin achieved several lifetime goals, including becoming an author. about it, but they will gladly also available at Olin to view. Course (RCC) classes on find you a copy presently She is presently working campus. held there.

Carpan is in charge of ortowards completing her next Carpan's second book, project of a monograph ganizing the library's part of published in September about the history of Ameri- RCC. She makes sure that li2005, is a biography of chil- can Girl's series books. brarians are signed up to dren's author Jane Yolen.

Along with her very well work with all the different This is a book for middle established career path with professors on campus. grade readers in a series of valuable published learning Additionally, she teaches biography curriculum-based tools and published articles, a one credit course, “Using material aimed mostly at she loves working at Olin . the Web for Research.” Ususchools and public libraries, She wishes more students ally three or four sections are would take advantage of the offered a semester and many services offered. "Even taught by each Olin librarian if you don't want to come at different designated into the building or are un- times.

They try to broaden the able to but still need help, you can call us on the phone: kind of materials available to 407-646-2507. There is a ref- students besides the library erence librarian on duty data bases. Students are taught how to find and evalevery day."

Carpan also wants stu- uate materials from the Indents to know that "As far as ternet that will be valuable we're concerned, there is no toward professor's requiresuch thing as a stupid ques- ments, as well as personal tion,” said Carpan. “Don't knowledge gained in rebe afraid to come ask us be- search for valuable every cause whatever you need to day life kind of information.

"Although it is a very know, you need to know it for a good reason, so don't be ambitious course with only afraid to ask. We're here to six classes to cover a lot of inhelp students be successful formation, we encourage people to sign up for it and in their studies."

And that is only a small believe it assists in every aspart of what Carpan and the pect of a successful Rollins other reference librarians do career," said Carpan.

More than anything, at Olin.

They teach when a pro- Carpan says the best part of fessor wants them to teach a her daily interactions at specific class about resources Rollins are the people, the tied to a specific assignment campus' community as a or course; usually a one time whole and the friendly, supclass session where they portive environment Rollins demonstrate the library re- is known for fostering.

On a side note, Carpan sources available. They also show the first year students thinks the architecture is a quick library intro by breathtaking in comparison doing a short session with all to Nova Scotia, with no comthe Rollins Conference plaints about the weather!

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

L I F E &T I M E S

The Early Years History of Winter Park, week 2.

Karina Mc Cabe the sandspur Today, $13,000 is considered pocket-change for most residents of Winter Park.

However, just a little over a century ago, this sum enabled two men, Loring A. Chase and Oliver E. Chapman, to purchase the entire COURTESY OF ROLLINS COLLEGE ARCHIVES 600 acres of land around GETTING HERE: The Winter Park train depot in 1882. This Lake Osceola, naming it addition rapidly drew a greater population to the town.

Richard A. Campen, this tial spots. Examples of these Winter Park.

At this point, Winter depot came to the grand include two buildings locatPark was a mere site along total of $758.00, a cost split ed only a short walk down the railroad tracks, but this between various residents of Interlachen Avenue from the proximity to a good trans- the town who saw it as a Rollins campus, the First portation system was good long-term investment Congregational Church of Winter Park and Osceola enough for the two business for the town.

Lodge. Also nearby, stands Close to the train depot partners and friends to fore"The Cloisters" apartments, were the first buildings on see a prosperthe former reous future for sort hotel their new known as town.

"The Rogers The exHouse." panse of enviThis led ronmental rethe "South sources alone, Florida Jourincluding an nal" to apabundance of plaud their efserene lakes, forts after just lush tree the first year groves and a of work saygood climate, ing, "With enabled them commendable to envision a zeal, the genpicturesque COURTESY OF ROLLINS COLLEGE ARCHIVES tlemen have retreat for NORTHERNER’S RESORT TOWN: The Rogers House was n e g l e c ted wealthy north- the first hotel in Winter Park. This is how it looked in 1882. nothing.

They erners.

"As we rode along the Park Avenue. Initially, the have had the town most adlovely shores of Lake Vir- only building standing was vantageously plotted for ginia, Osceola and Maitland, occupied by "Ergood's artistic beauty and convenI was delighted," said Chase Store," a dry goods Pioneer ience…The spot they have in a letter in 1881, "and hav- store where today's toy chosen we consider to be one of the ing been in the loveliest spots real estate in Orange business for County; inmany years, deed it would had an eye for be hard to town sites and find anybuilt not a caswhere a place tle in the air better adaptbut a town, ed to carrying never thinking out their idea it would matethan the one rialize." they have seH o w cured…" wrong he was.

By 1885, Within true progress two years, the as COURTESY OF ROLLINS COLLEGE ARCHIVES shows Chase and NO DOWNEAST?: Park Avenue several years after the addi- Winter Park Chapman's adtion of the train depot draws more consumers to the area. merged with vertising the town of Osceola, and bestore, "Fairy Tales," now prowess established Winter tween them had already stands.

This multi-purpose Park as an attractive town of culture among northerners. building was also the resi- reached a population of 600, It also helped that the town dence of a school, a post of- while the entirety of Orlanwas now home to an official fice, mass services and even do's population was only 4,500. train depot stop along the a town hall.

The Sandspur is grateful Further elements of their tracks, and thus replacing the original open platform extensive town planning to the Winter Park Historical to become the first building also included additional Association for information in the town on March 18, sites for these services, as provided in this article. well as for churches, parks, 1882.

According to history, hotels and plenty of residen-

THE SANDSPUR 9

Ask The Fox! Dear Fox, My girlfriend and I have been together for six months. This semester has been very hectic for me and I forgot to get her a Valentine's Day gift. How do I make up for this?

Please help.

Sincerely, Definitely Gift-less and Potentially Girlless Dear Girl-less, It sounds like you have dropped the ball on this one. Forgetting Valentine's Day is right up there with forgetting the anniversary, the birthday, etc.

How could you possible forget a holiday that card and candy companies have pounded in your head the last two decades?

No life can be so busy that a small token of appreciation cannot be obtained or crafted. From the sound of it, you didn't even address the fact that Valentine's Day exists. What would St. Valentine think of this egregious romantic misstep?

Let us look at this from a pragmatic standpoint. Do you not see how this forgetfulness takes a relationship from granted?

If in fact you are happy with a relationship, perhaps you should contribute to it.

Yes, it means buying into sappy commercialism but if the relationship is worth it, so be it. It’s time to take action because it really does speak louder than words.

Now, we shall turn our attention to digging you out of the hole you have managed to find yourself in.

In order to make up for your error in judgment swift and decisive action is necessary. Throw yourself and your surplus funds at her.

Now is the time to be over the top and decadent, there is absolutely no such thing as thrift and conservation when it comes to mending a

broken bridge.

In this case the bridge was not simply damaged over time, no, this was a direct hit from a daisy cutter, potentially destroying the foundation of respect that your relationship is built on.

There is a degree to which there should be some “give” built into a relationship. She will understand up to a point that you are particularly busy this semester, in this case though, it really is the thought that counts.

It is this thought that you have allowed to become unimportant. It is definitely time to make even the small gestures important in order to gain back what has benn lost.

To not do all you can to make it up to her, no matter how ridiculous you see it, would be stupid on your part and demonstrative of the lack of commitment and respect you have for the relationship.The fate of your relationship exists in your hands. You decide whether or not to change for the better or accept the worst.

This whole Valentine’s Day situation does not spell the end for your relationship, rather it is a new beginning that forces you to take less for granted and become an active part in the details of the relationship.

If you opt out of this new found responsibility, you could always spend Valentine’s Day alone, it just might work better for you in the long run.

Lovingly Yours,

The Fox

The Fox returns to answer this week’s social and relationship ques tions from Rollins students. If you have any questions that you would like The Fox to answer, then send an email to fox@thesandspur.org

10 THE SANDSPUR

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Life Times

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

I Am Not Here For My “M-R-S Degree.� Wha Undermining The A&S Degree Lori Lipkin the sandspur There was once a time when it was more important for young women to find a respectable husband than to receive a good education.

Oftentimes, these young women would attend prestigious universities, but their interest in finding a husband would supercede their educational aspirations.

This was during the 1950s when the two dilemmas in a woman's life were marriage or a career. Even colleges often taught women how to become good wives, mothers, and homemakers.

The times have since changed. In today's society, it is just as important for women to receive a good education as it is for men.

At Rollins, though, it may seem like some of the girls are here looking for a rich husband and seeking out what many Rollins students dub "The MRS Degree" (that translates to Mrs., by the way). The question is, is Rollins a finishing school disguised as a college?

Considering the high tuition fees at Rollins, one can only assume that it possesses some of the wealthiest students. Hence, the most eligible bachelors for the financially inclined. Consequently, making it seem like the perfect place for a young woman to come in search for a rich husband.

It is not only a rumor that students are here for their Mrs. degree, though.

"Kids have said their grandparents have sent them here to find a rich husband," Dena Connelly, '07, recalled, "They do not ever intend on working again in their life, not after they find their rich husband."

The term "finishing school" refers to a type of higher education that follows grade-level school. It is intended to complete the educational experience, and it may often consist of an intensive course load.

Finishing schools focus on developing a range of academic and social skills.

Programs typically include subjects such as languages and communication, interpersonal skills, etiquette and

social skills. Additionally, home management proficiency is an important part of instruction, including cooking, floral art, table decoration and many others.

While Rollins may not be called a finishing school, it does seem to have many things in common with one.

Namely, Rollins College is a private school emphasizing cultural studies and preparing students for social activities. Furthermore, because of Rollins' small class size, it is easier for students to improve on their communication skills, an important social skill.

Besides this, think of the enormous proportion of the student-body who have come from boarding schools.

There is even a group on Facebook called "Yes, I Went to Prep School and, yes, I'm Better Than You," which consists of 246 members.

Rollins credentials show that they may have a reason to think this.

In 2005, Rollins College was ranked first among regional universities in the south in America's Best Colleges published by US News

& World Report. According to Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, Rollins College has been rated "very competitive." Now the real question is, is Rollins very competitive in the academic department or in the social atmosphere?

Rollins is Florida's oldest college and enrolls about 3,622 students, including the number of students enrolled in the graduate program and evening school. Many of these students come from some of the wealthiest families.

How rich are they?

Many students have their own trust funds, Louis Vuitton and Prada purses, and it is not uncommon to see students driving around campus in their costly BMWs or Mercedes.

"It does undermine our school and give those who are truly working hard in their studies a bad name," believes Connelly, and she is not the only one who deems the Mrs. Degree rumors to hurt the college's reputation, assuming those buying into the rumor consider the school full of unintelligent

JUST GRADUATED: An M-R-S Degre

and unambitious students.

And yet, the academics at Rollins are demanding.

And even if we are "in a bubble," according to Hilary Serra, '08, we are all equally members of this beautiful college campus called Rollins College.

So, whether we are here to reach our career goals, or to meet that man of out dreams, we are all working hard to achieve a goal, and that is what counts.

Stu The

Id for the every c lookin the ma men c wives. ~A

"Ye think i gree. T MRS d GPA th demics what c ~M

&

Life Times

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

THE SANDSPUR 11

atever Gave You That Impression?

ee Achiever?

Are We More Impressive Than A Finishing School?

Rochelle Siegel the sandspur

DANI PICARD / The Sandspur (illustration)

udents Take On e M-R-S Degree Reputation

COURTESY OF ARIAL HARRINGTON

don't think women come here eir MRS degrees. I believe that college has a handful of women ng for husbands, but that is not ajority at Rollins... If anything, come here looking for future

Andrea Williamson, ‘07

COURTESY OF MARISSA WILLIAMS

es, I think it's true, but I don't it effects the validity of our deThe women coming here for a degree obviously have a lower han the women focused on acas. Academic achievement is counts, not ulterior motive."

Marissa Williams , ‘07

This year freshmen were selected from the largest applicant pool in the history of Rollins College.

According to David Erdmann, Director of Admissions, it was the most competitive admission process since class growth began in the late 1980s.

This year's SAT and ACT scores, for example, are the highest in the college's history with fall 2005 enrollment consisting of 58 percent women and 42 percent men.

High test scores, though, are no longer the undisputed distinguishing factor at most top colleges. Instead they are an extra requirement.

Statistically, the amount of m o n e y spent on test preparation for college admissions tripled over the last four years. As a result, more applicants are scoring higher on the SAT. Since test scores and grades have lost some of their meaning, admission officers at top colleges place more emphasis on leadership, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.

This is also true of Rollins.

"SAT scores are not the primary driver that we accept in the application process," Erdmann adds, "There are a lot of other factors that go into our accepting."

Erdmann further explains, "What we are really looking for when we accept a student is how they are going to positively impact the student body on campus; what is their WOW potential to the student body."

In high school, the girls are out-achieving the boys.

But the boys are higher achievers on the SAT test.

and from the airport, avoiding the high costs of shuttle service and cabs, and the inconsistent catching a ride from friend's issue."They researched it, came and talked to me about it, and built a coalition on campus for support," Little described, "Most of their idea was funded through SGA fees,along with a nominal charge that students would pay. Then there's Kristen Stone, who came in as a freshman and stepped right in to oversee and successfully accomplish the task of becoming chair of V-Day." Furthermore, Little says, "These three women are great examples showing, that you don't have to wait or know every in and out of campus to get things done.

You just have to have passion, vision, and desire and you can really shake things up and make things happen around Rollins."

The only difference Little sees is a kind of conventional wisdom around Rollins that the females outpace JESSICA COMBS / The Sandspur (illustration) the males, in terms of academclass uncovered huge differ- ic and social leadership on ences from past year classes campus.

Both Erdmann and Little in many areas.

Higher academic capa- agree that more women bility yielded a new attitude apply to small Liberal Arts exuding from students in a colleges than men, leaving a ready-to-make-a-difference question mark for exactly mode, academically and so- how competitive it is for that cially. "They were ready to extra 58 percent of women jump in and started getting that apply?

As I became engaged in involved," says Little.

He noted a few exam- the inspiration from both ples of exemplary incoming Little and Erdmann, it is obfreshman making a differ- vious how passionate they ence: Alex Winfree, Marisa both are about helping stuGermaine, and Kristin Stone. dents achieve their highest Little praised the potential.

"Rollins really is a specourage and ingenuity these three incoming female fresh- cial place that is preparing man brought to the Rollins the leaders of tomorrow," and Winter Park community says Little.

Erdmann comments, as peer mentors (Winfree and Germaine) and V-Day "One of the things that strikes me about the student chair (Stone).

Winfree and Germaine body as I walk around is that became Peer mentors and at Rollins, everybody's good Student Government Associ- at something but there are ation members. They created different things their good a way for students to get to at; that's why they're here."

What ends up happening is a phenomenon in high school with boys getting higher scores on tests, but girls showing higher classroom achievement in the classroom.

"It is rare for us to find high scoring, low achieving women in applicants, but not rare for us to find high scoring, lower achieving men in applicants," Erdmann explains, "Our students have done interesting things. They've made differences in their communities, and those become exclamation points over their applications."

Doug Little, director of Rollins Explorations in the Mills Memorial Hall, claims that this incoming freshman

Black History Month Diversity Celebration Week ENTERTAINMENT "The Book of Liz" begins at the Fred Stone Theatre on Feb. 23 "All My Sons" at the Annie Russell until Feb. 25 “Campus MovieFest: Red Carpet Night.”Feb. 22, 8 p.m. at Skillman Hall.

CAREER CORNER Senior Series: Rollins Alumni Give You Great Advice On Planning Life After Rollins Tuesday, Feb. 21, 4:00 p.m. in the Olin Library Bib Lab Senior Series: Finding The Right Direction -Job Search Strategies Wednesday, Feb. 22, 4:00 p.m. in the Olin Library Bib Lab Senior Series: Your Life in a New City-The Long Distance Job Search Thursday, Feb. 23, 4:00 p.m. in the Olin Library Bib Lab Graduate School Practice Entrance Exams Day (GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE) Saturday, Feb. 25, 9:00 a.m. in Bush Auditorium. Register in advance.

Senior Success Orientation Thursday, Feb. 23, 3:00 p.m. in Career Services STUDENT GROUP ACTIVITIES ACE: Coffee House, Wed. 22 Black Student Union Feb. 18: "Soul Glo" party, 9 p.m. (location TBA) Feb. 19: Gospel Fest at Knowles Memorial Chapel, 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 21: Black Film Festival at DDU, 7 p.m.

Feb. 23: Black Contributors Banquet at DDU, 6:30 p.m.

(RSVP to slaw@rollins.edu) Feb. 24: Black Sitcom Marathon, DDU, 5- 2 a.m.

WINTER PARK Polasek Museum: Presents "Amazing Lubok!" Shows paintings by artist Vladimir Fomin. until Feb. 26.

Vino! Wineshop and PMG Events: Presents first annual "Vinofest!" with live music, wine, and food from area restaurants to benefit Winter Park Live Oak Fund.

Feb. 19, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. on Park Avenue. Tickets are $35 in advance.

THE SANDSPUR VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

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Arts&Entertainment Arts&Entertainment EDITOR: LARA BUESO

AE@THESANDSPUR.ORG

Particles of Genius from Truth Kalene McCort the sandspur Ever feel yourself being slowly suffocated by the circumstances and odd idiosyncrasies that make up your life? Ever feel a track stopping fear of failure encompass your whole being till

you find it impossible to think a clear thought? New York University graduate, Jennifer Elster further examines these themes of the human psyche in her indie film “Particles of Truth.” In an artistic, yet psychoanalytical way, Elster has managed to make a masterpiece filled with beautiful imagery. The film’s ironic wit will have the corners of y o u r m o u t h turning up and will also bring on tears of heartbreak.

T h i s cinematic emotionevoking journey is all set to an innovative soundtrack that adds a sense of depth to the film that makes

it so much more that just some art flick. But who would expect any thing less than a great tune selection from Elster, who is responsible for the concepts behind certain music videos of Fiona Apple, David Bowie, Garbage, Marilyn Manson, Moby and Nine Inch Nails.

Much like in music videos, the visuals in “Particles of Truth” blur the lines between reality and one’s personal perception of reality. In just under two hours the viewer is taken through two intense days in the life of Lilli Black (Jennifer Elster), a young artist whose rocky childhood past prevents her from succeeding in the art world. Her paintings, much like the film itself are thought provoking, sorrowful, and breathtakingly beautiful. Lilli’s fear of not being successful and never quite feeling as if she measures up dictates every decision she makes.

On the day before her very first showing at a New York gallery Lilli serendipitously meets Morrison Wiley (Gale Harold), a germaphobic writer who manages to travel outside of his apart-

ment but rarely leaves the comfort of his BMW. While observing fellow New Yorkers go about their daily routine on the chaotic streets, Morrison spots Lilli and finds her intriguing. His efforts to try and start a conversation with her are met at first with strong resistance. Eventually he convinces Lilli to get in the car and even offers her a turkey sandwich, and a copy of his latest book entitled “Notes from a Vehicle.” The two bond over their emotional distress and may actually find the comfort and sanity they have been searching for in the arms of each other.

Lilli’s drug addicted hippie parents and their scrubby friends frequently visit her in the form of flashbacks. Although her mother doesn’t seem to have any redeeming qualities, Lilli’s father seems caring, but unable to love her in the way she needs because of his dysfunctional upbringing. A more severe conflict is thrown in the mix when the viewer learns that Mr. Black is suffering from AIDS. Other mentally distraught characters add greatly to the nurture vs. nature argument and

provide a glimpse into the harsh realities of life.

This is definitely not your typical light popcorn and cola film, more like a Marlboro and strong Merlot film.

The faint of heart may need the two previously mentioned vices to puff away and drown their sorrows as they empathize with the characters. “Particles of Truth” is the first movie I have seen in a long time that has sent me running for the Kleenex with a sinking heart (but, in a healthy, artistic, therapeutic way!). I also found myself marveling at the interesting cinematography and the use of color in the film. The casting of this film was ideal. The intensity of the acting is undeniably “Oscar worthy” and the little subtleties intricately placed throughout the film spoke volumes. On a rainy Sunday, when you feel you can handle an extremely moving film, take a trip to Hollywood Video and rent yourself “Particles of Truth.”

Elster’s provocative tale of fear, and the truths one must face in order to overcome it may have you examining your own truths.

COURTESY OF MATTER PRODUCTIONS

Singer Karrin Allyson Jazzes Keene Hall Jami Furo the sandspur On Sunday, February 12, Karrin Allyson, the two-time Grammy-award nominated jazz singer visited Rollins.

She performed a concert, backed by the Jazz Surge–a group of some of the finest jazz musicians around–in the John Tiedke Concert Hall in Keene Hall, here at Rollins. The concert kicked off the USF College of Visual and Performing Arts' Jazz Masterworks Series, which will feature several other big name acts, including Chick Corea.

The concert started with a number performed just by the Jazz Surge, directed by Chuck Owen. "Beautiful Love," a glorious instrumental jazz piece, featured incredible solos by Mike Scaglione on tenor saxophone, Jerald Shynett on trombone and Mark Neuenschwander on bass. The dynamic performance set a tone for the rest of the evening that was none other

than magical.

Karrin Allyson entered the stage on the next number, which was "Hello, Young Lovers," a song from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I." Allyson's clear yet emotional, pure yet sophisticated voice added an insurmountable charm to the u p b e a t s h o w tune.

The highlight of the number was Allyson's scat versus guitar duel, with guitarist Rod Fleeman absolutely rising to the challenge.

After a performance of a medley of the two songs "Say It" and "All or Nothing at All," Allyson and the Jazz Surge played a set of Brazilian tunes. "Faltando Um Pedaco," as it is called, was so wrought with emotion that the notes, chords and

rhythms could be felt from the inside of the soul outward. Allyson's performance of these Portuguese-language songs in the Brazilian style differed immensely from the songs that came before and after them, but her performance was just as strong. Already, her versatility was apparent.

After the Brazilian set, the Jazz Surge backed out and Allyson sang a set with just the rhythm section, made up of Rod Fleeman on guitar, Rollins' own Per Danielsson on piano, Mark Neuenschwander on bass and Marty Morell on drums. They began with Joni Mitchell's "All I Want," which Allyson recorded on her newest album, Wild for You. After that number, Danielsson left the piano and Karrin Allyson herself took his place. For the next two numbers, she both sang and played. These included an upbeat song called "Turn Around" and the highlight of the concert, "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress." Allyson's

performance of this song was nothing less than stunning. Her voice carried enough feeling to make the heart tremble and the technique to boggle the mind.

Her performance on this number was truly a surreal experience, sending listeners into a trance that was only broken when the notes ceased sounding.

The concert was com-

pleted by the Jazz Surge rejoining Allyson, and they performed a swing song with a traditional big band feel.

The next concert in the jazz series will be a jazz combo of Central Floridian jazz musicians on March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tiedke Concert Hall.

COURTESY OF KARRIN ALLYSON

VOL. 112 ISSUE 17

A RT S &E N T E RTA I N M E N T

Nudity, Variety and a Sweet Look at Reality Katie Pederson the sandspur Brilliant. That’s what they say in the UK when something is just so great that the word ‘great’ doesn’t even bring justice to it. And that is just what the comedydrama Mrs. Henderson Presents is – brilliant. And then just when the comingback-to-the-States cultureshock blues sets in for this ex-study-abroader, and I start to think that there must be better places to experience thirty degree frigid weather then in supposedly ‘sunny’ Orlando, Florida, it’s nice to know that I can retreat to the warmth and comfort of a nearby movie theatre to get some therapeutic release and feel that once again, life is brilliant.

From the generally unknown writing duo David and Kathy Rose and the director of such timely comedy classics as High Fidelity and Dirty Pretty Things Stephen Frears, Mrs. Henderson Presents is a beautifully witty, campy comedy about the struggles of one vaudeville theatre during the Second World War in London. Mrs. Henderson Presents tells the story of the recently widowed and wellto-do Laura Henderson, played by the exquisite British screen and stage star Dame Judi Dench (Pride & Prejudice, Shakespeare in Love). In the wake of her husband’s death Mrs. Henderson searches for an outlet

in the show, and takes her idea to friend Lord Chamberlain (Christopher Guest, A Mighty Wind, Best in Show) who just happens to grant licenses to all British theatres. When Chamberlain comes up with the idea that nudity portrayed absolutely still is ‘art’ a new kind of show begins at the Windmill that wins the hearts and dollars of the tired soldiers and rundown London protesters alike.

Only could the British make a movie about a strip joint both comedic and classy at the same time.

Dench and Hoskins work magic in this film with their combined acting talents, and the report between them is both coarse and comedic. Mrs. Henderson Presents is a true gem of a film that proves that hope can exist in the most unexpected of places and that friendship can withstand the worst of turmoil and struggle. Though viewing COURTESY OF WEINSTEIN COMPANY the film makes me desperSmee in Hook and as Mario ately miss my own days in London’s West End it marks in Super Mario Bros.

Their initial idea of a an inspirational summit for none-stop revue is a com- my week, a steady reminder plete success, but when of the good and enduring other theatres get wind of things in life- life , love, and their accomplishment and the presence of art in everytry to copy their model, fi- day life- and the dauntingly, nancial trouble emerges. In undying necessity to realize order to save her precious that life is brilliant.

Windmill Mrs. Henderson suggests that they put nudes and finds it in the derelict Windmill Theatre in London’s West End, which she quickly buys on a whim and sets up under the management of the apprehensive Vivian Van Damn played by renowned British theatrical luminary Bob Hoskins most markedly known in the United States for his roles as

MRS. HENDERSON PRESENTS (R): For OVERALL a wonderfully inspiring, hopeful, witty RATING: Aand campy comedy with a classy twist of sexual bravado and nudity.

Sudoku Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9

Solution:

THE SANDSPUR 13

Tony Hussle Lacks Genius That He Seeks Jami Furo the sandspur Tony Hussle doesn't pull any punches with his music, though maybe he should have considered pulling some. His new album, "Sexy, Freaky, Electric," is jampacked with mediocrity and attempted technological genius. The product is an under 25 minute album of "whatever."

The album begins with a minute-long introduction, simply titled "Intro," which is no more than a recording of Hussle's mother telling a story about him when he was a small child. She tells about his first experience with a music man from their church coming to their house to teach young Tony how to play the piano when he was just two years old.

This innocent tale, told from the perspective of a mother, gives the illusion that the singer is both pious and a musical prodigy. Neither could be further from the truth.

The rest of the album is made up of six songs that all have approximately the same tempo, mood, instrumentation, and, overwhelmingly, the same subject matter: sex. Blatant, outright, no bones about it, sex. This man obviously has a one track mind, and he easily could have had a one track album since all of his music sounds basically alike.

The laid back R&B style of the album gives the impression that it may be a good album to turn on when you're with that special someone. Turn the lights

down low. Light some candles (though not in your dorm, of course). However, the lyrics are far from being conducive to any kind of romance. It's about as romantic as a porn movie. In fact, that's kind of what it is, audio porn.

While synthesizer effects and "creative" mixing can often be seen as innovative, in the case of Tony Hussle, his effects are simply distracting. The heavy synthesizer and microphone effects do not mix well with the slow, easy-going R&B style.

It sounds like two separate things going on at the same time, instead of one cohesive musical unit. The mixing, while some may call it "creative" or "innovative," is really nothing better than "poor." Unimportant voices cover up the important ones, though you may be better off to just not listen to any of them.

Tony Hussle, whose real name is Anthony Pearyer, wrote all of the music for the album and played all of the instruments. Given this fact, it's no wonder that he chose an alias. It's perfectly logical that he would want to remain anonymous so no one would want to connect his name to this poor display of artistry. His voice is soulful, but not in the least pleasant.

His instrumentation is bizarre, but not in the least unique or inventive. His writing is profane, though not in the least shocking enough to make it an interesting proclamation of freedom of speech, and certainly not profound enough to make it so.

With just over 20 minutes of actual music, and that music being so repetitive and of such poor quality that you wish that it was not even that long, "Sexy, Freaky, Electric" is hardly even worth a listen. If you like barely secondrate, obscene, poorly constructed R&B, then maybe this album is for you. But for those with taste, you may want to try one of the millions and millions of albums that are vastly greater than this one.

COURTESY OF TONY HUSSLE

14 THE SANDSPUR

A RT S &E N T E RTA I N M E N T

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18 Thrift Store Treasures

Second Hand Does Not Necessarily Mean Second Best Kalene McCort the sandspur The crowds of soccer moms and teensters on their cells, the hormonal food court employee pushing Asian chicken samples in your face as your stroll by, the sound of cash registers collecting the hard earned money of America's consumer…ah, yes who doesn't love the mall, (also known in certain circles as the epicenter of suburbia). Well, for those of us that find this environment not exactly ideal, there is a solution. Tired of the same over-priced clothes that seem to inhabit every store? If so, it may be time for you to venture out into the world of secondhand retail. Although the idea of wearing previously owned clothing may seem freaky to some, once you do it's really not all that scary.

Living in central Florida one does not have a great selection of amazing thrift stores from which to choose, but we do have a few.

If one is looking for unique funky jewelry at a very reasonable price there is a tiny thrift shop located on Aloma (near the Mellow Mushroom restaurant) in a Publix shopping center that

has got you covered. Even though this thrift shop offers clothing and a variety of knickknacks, they seem to specialize in jewelry. I mean, where else could you find a super chunky colorful wooden beaded necklace, a unique handmade metal silver necklace and original 1970's Indian inspired love beads all for under $15? The low prices of these beautiful pieces and the fact that all proceeds go to the Winter P a r k Hospital w i l l o n l y motiLARA BUESO / The Sandspur vate the customer to purchase more!

Personally, I feel better about "splurging" on accessories when I know that the cash will go towards helping people in need of medical care.

On a separate shopping trip apart from my necklace excursion I found a really unusual pair of black pants adorned with an orange and red Middle Eastern pattern on each bottom cuff. What was the price of this rare treasure, one whole Ameri-

can dollar my friends. Yes, I actually bought a pair of comfy, yet stylish pants for less that my Starbucks Venti Caramel Macchiato. Imagine my amazement and overall feeling of accomplishment from this smart, sensible purchase.

Next, we have Thriftko, located on State Road 436 near Smokey Bones BBQ and Sports Bar. Although there is a definite odor that encompasses this store, it's really not all that overpowering.

Plus your sense of smell will be hindered when your eyes are forced to work overtime scanning the many racks for hip threads. You must be willing to dig for your items, but hey who doesn't like a challenge. You may find the clothes a little dusty or itchy, but I assure you this is nothing a few trips to the washer machine can't take care of.

Also, while at Thriftko music aficionados can check out the diverse record collection.

They have quite a selection, everything from "The Chipmunks Greatest Christmas Hits" to "Best of Bowie."

The third store which I have left for last, has a certain stigma that some just can't bring themselves to overlook. I am talking about The Salvation Army. For

years this establishment has provided the less fortunate with clothing, food, furniture and household items, but it's not just for the underprivileged anymore. The central Florida area is teeming with numerous Salvation Army stores. The one I have visited in the past is located at 1330 State Road 436 in Casselberry. This spot is truly a hit or miss, some days you may find lots of appealing items, and others times you may find yourself surrounded by the same old oversized stinky blazers and Florida tourist tees.

But, don't let the latter statement discourage you away from these secondhand shops. Think of these stores not as clothing graveyards where outdated outfits go to die, but as places where they go to be reborn!

Take some advice from nineteenth century American writer and abolitionist, Lydia Maria Child, who said, "Why should we all dress after the same fashion? The frost never paints my windows twice alike."

On a day when you are feeling optimistic and are in dire need of "new" clothing pop in a thrift store and look around.

LARA BUESO/ The Sandspur

Rollins, Do We Know?

Nancy Aguirre the sandspur

Total Sampled: 115

THE SANDSPUR VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Opinions

EDITOR: BRETT HEINEY OPINIONS@THESANDSPUR.ORG

15

This Week’s Topic: China’s Growth The “Rising Sun” and Restless Dragon The Asian power advantage and problems that hinder the superpower potential of the Chinese state.

John Ferreira the sandspur At the end of World War II, Asia lay in ruins. Japan had experienced the apocalyptical nightmare of two atomic bombs. India was still a colony. China still had no stable government and opposing sides were gearing up for a resumption of their civil war.

Six decades later, Japan is one of most vibrant economies of the world.

India is rising, and China’s progress is striking fear into the hearts of many.

Asia is rising. Asian nations are attempting to live up their potential. Yet none is willing to respect them, and the West seems fearful of Asian development.

China's development, over the last 25 years has been nothing short of amazing. The progress is more impressive if you consider the historical context with which the Communists came to power in 1949. The Chinese consider the one hundred years before the revolution a century of humiliation, because of the degrading treaties and concessions forced on the Chinese by foreign neo-colonial powers.

This is not the time or place to discuss the methods employed by Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party in their attempts to progress. I will allow my body of writing for this publication and other places to speak for itself about how my views on Communism and Populist movements.

The dragon has finally

awoken from a century long nap.

The development which has now come to China should not be seen as a historical anomaly.

It should be seen rather as an attempt of the fourth largest and most populous nation on Earth to reclaim their rightful place as one of the world's major powers. Westerners have grown accustomed to China being a second rate state, or a nation in chaos. The time of the chaos was the outlier not the recent progress. The "Middle Kingdom" has had 4,000 years of uninterrupted civilization.

To illustrate Chinese superiority to the West, when the "Age of Discovery" began in Europe they went to sea with ships that were four times smaller than the Chinese fleet ships were. The Chinese progress should not be viewed therefore as something odd or surprising; China is simply assuming their right to be within the powerful nations of the world.

Even though I believe that the Chinese have a right to reclaim their place as a world power (they do after all have a permanent seat in the U.N. Security Council.)

Chinaphobia has reached ridiculous proportions. It seems that everything today is blamed on the growth of China. Rising gas/oil prices, concrete shortages, deforestation, unemployment, outsourcing, and global warming. Americans especially seem to view China as a monolithic monster who will gobble up the world's resources and become a new world hegemon.

The fact is, however, that

China will not be able to continue their astonishing growth without dealing with serious internal and external pressures for change. There are serious structural imbalances that exist in their economy. For a society that claims to be communist there have been growing income differentials between the rural and urban areas which is sure to create tensions. Unemployment remains high. For all the development China has had the nation still ranks 118 in per capita GDP, according to CIA numbers. Domestically there is a growing civil society movement which will want more political empowerment as time goes by.

There are also unresolved ethnic questions, and even though the West may view China as a unitary group, many Chinese are strongly regionalist.

Externally, China must

not only deal with the United States attempting to curb its power, it also contends with a growing nationalism in Japan. After a decade of shaky economic growth, Japan is emerging as a strong nation ready to shed its radical pacifism which it has embraced since World War II. A new generation of Japanese leaders, unafraid to face up to China and the West, is rising and the consequences for China may be significant.

It is about time Japan woke up to the fact that it is the second largest economy of the world, and therefore should be treated with more respect.

The Chinese also need to be wary of a nuclear weapon wielding India, another populous nation, which is also looking to check Chinese influence in Central and Southeast Asia. It may seem that China is being encircled

by American friendly democracies with the populations and the economies to confront China.

One scholar once noted that China's problem is one of multiplication and division. Their large population multiplies problems, while resources accumulated must be divided between the people. China must find new and creative ways to walk the fine line between their politically repressive system and their growing economic liberalism. One thing is for certain though, the future looks murky for China and the country that will emerge 20 years from now will probably look nothing like the China we see today.

John Ferreira is Managing Editor of The Sandspur and is a History and Political Science Major in the School of Arts and Sciences.

DISCLAIMER: THE VIEWS EXPRESSED WITHIN THE OPINIONS SECTION ARE ENTIRELY THE OPINIONS OF THE INDIVIDUAL AUTHORS, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE SANDSPUR STAFF OR ROLLINS COLLEGE. PLEASE ADDRESS ANY COMMENTS, OPINIONS, RANTS, OR RAVES TO OPINIONS@THESANDSPUR.ORG.

FEBRUARY 17, 2006 VOLUME 112, ISSUE 18 Joshua Benesh

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Editor-in-Chief

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Managing Editor

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THE STUDENT VOICE 1000 Holt Avenue - 2742 Winter Park, FL 32789 Phone: (407) 646-2696 Fax: (407) 628-6349 e-mail: editor@thesandspur.org ISSN: 0035-7936

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ROLLINS COLLEGE SINCE 1894 SECTION EDITORS

ASST SECTION EDITORS

NEWS ........................................NICOLE FLUET

NEWS ...................................ROCHELLE SIEGEL

HOLT NEWS ...............................JEAN B. CHERY

HOLT NEWS ..........................TANISHA MATHIS

LIFE&TIMES. ........................KARINA MCCABE

LIFE&TIMES ..................................KELSEY FIELD

A&E.............................................LARA BUESO

A&E ...........................................JESSICA ESTES

OPINIONS ....................................BRETT HIENEY

Sports ........................................JUAN BERNAL

SPORTS ..............................ANGELA GONZALEZ

PHOTOGRAPHERS JESSICA COMBS.....................PHOTO EDITOR

COPY EDITORS TOM TRASENTE

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HEATHER WILLIAMS

PRODUCTION ASSTS ONLINE PRODUCTION ASST......KELLY MCNOLDY PRINT PRODUCTION ASST.......SOPHIA KOSHMER

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ESTABLISHED IN 1894 WITH THE FOLLOWING EDITORIAL: “Unassuming yet almighty, sharp, and pointed, well rounded yet many-sided, assiduously tenacious, victorious in single combat and therefore without a peer, wonderfully attractive and extensive in circulation; all these will be found upon investigation to be among the extraordinary qualities of The Sandspur.”

OPINIONS

16 THE SANDSPUR

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

The Hypocrisy of Chinese Human Rights What we should keep in mind when considering China’s human rights policies and foreign companies and the rest of the world’s response to such violations of human rights.

Kelsey Field the sandspur As the Iraq war rages on and Bush makes his millionth statement about how we are liberating the people from an oppressive government, and how other countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia are next because the United States will not tolerate such gross human rights violations, I have to wonder where China lies. If you are going to claim what we are doing is in the name of democracy and to protect the inalienable rights of all people, not just Americans, you're going to have to include China, or you are just spouting off hypocrisy. Yes, China has improved drastically since Mao, but does that really justify their human rights violations that continue today? According to Freedom in the World, 60% of the global population that lives in non-free countries, which is roughly

around 1.6 billion people, is in the People's Republic of China. But as a major US trade partner, and a country that holds a large portion of US debt, we apparently cannot bring up subjects as sensitive as human rights. And by remaining silent about China, while publicly stuttering about the Middle East, we are essentially giving permission to China to keep up the "good work," as long as it does not begin to interfere with our international trade agreements.

Ignorance of major tyrannical leaders is not immune to just the Bush regime. In fact, within the last week there has been wide spread demands for reformation of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights, with a new draft circulating around New York's diplomats.

China's human rights violations are most noted in torture and mistreatment of prisoners, forced confessions, repressed freedom of speech, the press, assembly,

association, religion, privacy, and worker's rights. As noted by the Freedom House, China is considered one of the worst human rights abusers, along with Cuba, Eritrea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Zimbabwe, but you really would not know that, based on the amicable relations between the United States, the United Nations and China.

China's restrictions on human rights are blatant. Although their 1982 constitution stipulates that the citizens have the freedom of expression and the press, the preamble mandates adherence to the four basic principles-China's leadership, socialism, dictatorship of the proletariat and MarxismLeninism Mao Zedong thought. This is all controlled by strict measures against international news collaboration and severe censorship laws, which require an "80% positive and 20% negative" ratio. Religion is another hot spot, where only the four state recog-

nized religions are allowedBuddhism, Taoism, Christianity and Islam. Not to mention their torture methods, that continue today in prisons, many of which are very well documented. And this all ignores the fact that China is part of the UN Convention Against Torture, joining in 1988. And just to make you think of Mao's China is the death penalty that is used for crimes such as theft and embezzlement.

In fact, China accounts for 77% of all death sentences carried out in the world; on January 9th, 1993, 356 death sentences were passed down

by Chinese courts. And the statistics are steadily increasing. But the real kicker is Tibet, the shining emblem that really emphasizes the human rights violations in China that other superpowers are not willing to talk about. Peaceful marches asking for their freedom have resulted in hundreds of arrests, with high rates of torture and ill treatment, most notably against women, oc-

curring in the jails.

Lately, the controversy in China has been the incarceration of "dissidents," who post their thoughts on message boards online through Yahoo and Google. Both American companies have earned the disgust of many human rights organizations and politicians, who are now working on making the companies unusable in China because their policies violate the right to privacy-though I think this is at the bottom of major human rights issues.

Perhaps instead jail those who are selling women online or promoting those great "vacations" to places like China to take part in really cultural activities, such as sex with a 14 year old prostitute.

Kelsey Field is a Junior International Relations and Spanish major in the School of Arts and Sciences

Effective Education and Moving Jobs to China Many U.S. companies are outsourcing jobs to China and in many cases these Chinese workers are cheaper and more capable than the workers educated in the American school systems.

Chris Winsor the sandspur Sitting here writing this article I can absentmindedly spot twenty different products that have imprinted on them these three words, “Made in China.” It's almost exciting to find something garnished with the alternate “Made in the USA” stamp.

We have already given up nearly all large scale industrial production to the laborblack hole and now we are facing a similar vacuum effect on traditionally domestic services.

Another rising motivation for American education to get moving comes from new statements by textile companies within the EU. Apparently, they are finding new reasons to outsource production to developing states. Not only are they accumulating all the initial benefits of outsourcing, but production expansion has greatly facilitated market expansion to these moderniz-

ing cultures.

Dalian, the Silicon Valley of China, houses tens of thousands of employees for corporations embodying the economic backbone for American business: GE, Microsoft, Dell, SAP, HP, Song, and Accenture – to name a few of the multinational companies applying to China for cheaper workers.

In recent years, effects of globalization have expanded the services available abroad to include: programming, software, and database design; website design, development, and marketing; engineering, CAD, and architecture; graphic design, presentations, and multimedia; business consulting; writing, editing, and translation; finance and accounting; and the list continues to numerous services that up till now have been exclusively accessible in domestic markets.

Creative minds have really gone to work on developing new and insightful services available through outsourcing. One business

offers personal managing assistants that take the place of secretaries. They can manage all the responsibilities of current secretaries and are much more productive due to time zone differences. Say an employee of a firm has to make a presentation for the board in the morning. That employee can send the parameters/outline of the presentation to his assistant and he/she can prepare a full multi-media presentation for him while he sleeps.

As China and other developing nations continue to expand services, both in size and variation, we as American college students should feel very threatened by the escalation potential of this phenomenon.

Many describe it as a leveling of the playing field. Our Chinese counterparts are not only cheaper, but they're also more capable in many cases.

Chinese primary schooling has always been much more rigorous than American high schooling. Combine their better school sys-

tem with motivated students looking to take American jobs and the lazy American high schoolers have little chance of competing with foreign students.

Every year American universities accept a larger percentage of international students and foreign universities become more and more selective with their applicants.

Given the resources of the average American high school student, a Chinese student applying to university would quickly surpass regular standards for his age-group.

Companies like Intel have caught on to the magnitude of the issue with American education. They realize that a restructuring of the educational standards lays at the heart of bringing balance to the outsourcing phenomenon. Intel Innovation for Education is a new initiative seeking to elevate American standards for primary education. Unfortunately Mr. Bush still chugs along with his No Child Left Be-

hind Act that is effectively leaving all of America's youth behind the evolving global market.

How the Bush Administration can extrapolate any real progress from this backwards ideology I cannot comprehend. Raising the minimum standard according to an already flawed system of qualification does nothing to elevate American students to a competitive level with our Chinese counterparts. It is a policy designed completely and utterly to appease the lower class, lower academic tier.

The policy makes the arrogant assumption that bright students will naturally find venues to higher-intensity academics. Until Bush is either slapped by the Secretary of Education or taken off his throne, we as a nation face a difficult future in the international job race.

Chris Winsor is a Freshman International Relations major in the School of Arts and Sciences

Next Week’s Topic: Second Amendment

OPINIONS

VOL 112 ISSUE 18

THE SANDSPUR 17

Contributing Voice A look at the nature of Jihad in Islam and how the news media inaccurately portrays it as a “Holy War.�

The American media bombards the public with horrific images and loaded terminology regarding Islam. It is little wonder then that the public, absorbing and responding to the information, begin to view Islam as a "terrorist" religion.

However, the question that nobody asks is how accurate is this depiction of Islam in the media. But that should be the most important question in the contemporary world of media. Profit-driven media organizations, under constant pressure to boost ratings, succumb to the snare of sensationalizing the news to arrest the viewers' attention and loyalty.

Therefore, it is very important that people seek out the facts for themselves, free from the media's influence.

Islam is the second largest religion in the world; it is also the fastest growing religion. The question in everybody's mind at this point in time is: What kind of religion would allow September 11th to occur? The answer is no religion. Just as Christianity has its Ted

Bundy, Scott Peterson, Timothy McVeigh, Islam has its share of radicals. Just as Christianity does not condone rape, murder, terrorism, and suicide, Islam also does not condone these ghastly acts. Islam should not be judged by the acts of a few extremists.

So, what is Islam? The word Islam translates as "peace" and the contradiction inherent in labeling this a "terrorist" religion is evident from the mismatch of the two words. It is analogous to an oxymoron, but from the portrayal of Islam in the media, one never suspects the irony.

The day that lives in infamy, September 11, changed the perspective on Muslims and Islam dramatically. But one has to ask, "Can a few misguided people that hijacked a plane, crashing into the twin towers of New York City represent Islam?" Too many individuals steeped in ignorance fail to ask this fairly simple question. Bassam Chaaban, the speaker from the Islamic Society of Central Florida,

dared ask this question of those attending his lecture from the 2006 Rollins Intercession class called "Islam in the West."

There is a big myth regarding the September 11 attacks. The myth is that of "jihad," which is mistakenly translated as "holy war" in the media. In Arabic, there is no word that translates as "holy war" and jihad is not the exception. The mishandling of the word "jihad" in the media often propels the masses to believe that Muslims and Islam condone the hateful attacks committed against the people in New York City. Nothing can be farther from truth and the understanding of the meaning of "jihad."

All over the world, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims commit "jihad" in their daily lives everyday. What? How? Are these questions running amuck in the mind? Fine, here's the answer: There exist essentially three kinds of jihad. Jihad can be a struggle against 1) a visible enemy 2) evil forces in all

forms and 3) passions and carnal desires of the self.

Jihad of the second kind is made against the temptation represented by the devil to succumb to a lifestyle that is not in keeping with approval of God, which can include but is not limited to gambling, drinking, fortifications, thievery, etc. Jihad of the third kind is committed against desires of the flesh.

Jihad is then a blanket term for all kinds of exertion or effort, physical, mental, or material undertaken in the way of God. For the first type of jihad, God has ordained clearly that it can be undertaken only in the event of self-preservation and selfdefense. Under no circumstances can Muslims wage war against a peaceful people, and must accept peace, when enemies indicate the desire to make peace. Indeed, Muslims must make every effort to maintain their treaties and friendly relations with non-Muslims under all conditions, unless strong violations, aggression, and unforgivable transgressions are made against

Muslims. Even then, there is a strong urging in Islam to forgive and undertake more efforts to make peace.

Jihad does not mean fighting and killing for propagating Islam. Faith is a matter of conviction and conscience and no amount of force and coercion can ever bring a man or woman to believe in something of which he or she is not convinced.

The Koran says, "Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors." From that alone, one has to understand that September 11 attacks were a horrific transgression against innocent people that Islam can never forgive, which means that hell is awaiting those who committed the terrible tragedy that will live on in the memories of all concerned.

Samar Sultan

THE SANDSPUR VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

Sports

18

EDITOR: ANGELA GONZALEZ SPORTS@THESANDSPUR.ORG

Rollins Baseball Beats out Carson Newman Over the Weekend Rollins Baseball continues the season with a 6-4 record.

John Ferreira the sandspur The Rollins College baseball team took three of a four game series against Tennessee College, Carson Newman.

The Tars won the first game 3-2 in 15 innings, the second 6-4, the third 21, and dropped the last game 3-2.

The first game of the series was a marathon that went 15 innings. Carson Newman scored first in the second and fifth innings, off of critical defensive errors. With runners at the corners, pitcher David Nathanson got the runner on first in a run down but first baseman Stefano Foggi overthrew third base allowing a run to score. The Tars commit-

ted four errors in the first five innings. The visitors only scored off of Rollins errors in the first game.

Second baseman Gary Martoccio hit a two run blast to tie the game in the eighth inning. Stefano Foggi highlighted the offense going 3-6. The Rollins offense struggled though leaving 13 men on base. Nathanson started the game, struck out seven, walked none and gave up two unearned errors.

With the game tied, the bullpens took over.

Rob Cloar pitched five innings in relief. Michael Eppich, John Masklee and Gene Howard also pitched with scoreless innings of their own. The Tars loaded the bases in the eleventh, but the offense failed to get the win when the next batters struck out and lined out. In the fifteenth, Brent Magnuson got on base with a one out walk. Freshman catcher Eugene Martinez came to

COURTESY OF RC SID

ON THE MOUND: David Nathanson, first on the mound Friday.

the plate and blasted a double over the center fielder's heard, giving the Tars the win.

After the emotional high the Tars swept the doubleheader on Saturday winning game two with another walk off win.

The offense led the way in the first game of the doubleheader. Eleven batters came to the plate in the first inning, and the Tars got six hits and scored five runs. Jesse More lead the way with a RBI double, Stefano Foggi followed with a RBI single, Tyler Hartman brought home two runs with a double of his own, and Steve Mannebach topped it off with a RBI single. Mario Lombardo started the game and was solid throughout.

He struck out seven hitters in 5.1 innings, gave up three runs, two of the earned.

After the initial barrage the Rollins bats fell silent, and Carson Newman threatened to come back. Rollins added some buffer with a run in the bottom of the sixth on a RBI double by Ryan Maddern. John Masklee came in relief and held the score for the save.

In the second game the Tars could not repeat the great offensive production. Jonathan Wano started the game and pitched eight innings giving up six hits, and one unearned runs. Michael Eppich got the win though, for working the ninth giving up one hit.

It was a close game throughout, but Foggi's bat lead the way again. He went 2-5, and with good performances from Gene Howard (2-4) and Ryan McKenzie, who went 2-4 and got the game winning

COURTESY OF RC SID

AT BAT: Gene Howard sends out a single, evening the score.

single.

Already down 1-0 the Tars drew even when Gene Howard hit a single to left scoring Jesse More from third. With dominating pitching, the teams remained tied until the ninth, when Brent Magnuson was hit by a pitch and then stole second. McKenzie then got the big hit that lead the Tars to their third straight win.

The streak would end with the final game of the series. It was another extra inning affair, a good way to cap off a dramatic series, which included two walk-off wins for the Tars. This game took 12 innings but this time Carson Newman came out on top.

The Tars started the scoring in the first inning when Gary Martoccio walked and was brought

home by a double from Stefano Foggi. Rollins would score again in the third when Ryan McKenzie was brought home by Gene Howard, who hit a double. Staring pitcher, Eduardo Chile seemed untouchable throughout most of the game but the visitors got to him in the eighth inning. Chile (0-2) had a great outing for the Tars, going nine innings giving up only two hits and two runs, one of which was earned while striking out a season high 13 batters. Chile went six and two thirds innings before he gave up a hit. They got to him in the eighth though as a pass ball scored a run, and the visitors tied it up n the ninth with a RBI single. The game winner would come in disappointing fashion, a wild pitch from Rob Cloar.

TARS SPORTS SCHEDULE FRI 17 Baseball vs. St. Thomas (DH) - 6pm

SAT 18 Sailing - South Points #2 - St. Pete, Fla. W. Tennis vs. Lynn - 10am W. Basketball vs. Barry - 2pm M. Basketball vs. Barry - 4pm

SUN 19 Sailing - South Points #2 - St. Pete, Fla. Baseball vs. St. Thomas (DH) - 12noon Softball vs. Ft. Valley State (DH) - 1pm

MON 20

TUE 21 W. Tennis @ Saint Leo - 3pm Baseball vs. Fla. Southern - 7pm

WED 22 W. Basketball vs. Fla. Southern - 5:30pm M. Basketball vs. Fla. Southern - 7:30pm

THUR 23 M. Tennis vs. Saint Leo - 3pm W. Tennis vs. Fla. Tech - 3:30pm

S P O RT S

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

THE SANDSPUR 19

NFC Clinches Pro Men’s Basketball Bowl Victory Continues Magical Season with Lynn Upset Angela Gonzalez the sandspur

Rollins Men take first place in the Sunshine State Conference.

Juan Bernal the sandspur

The Rollins men's basketball team continued their unbelievable season this week with victories over Palm Beach Atlantic and the sixth ranked team in the South Region, Lynn University. With those victories, Rollins improved their record to 18-5 and a 10-2 record in the Sunshine State Conference, which is good enough for first place.

On Tuesday, the Tars rolled into the confines of the Alfond Sports Center riding an eight game winning streak. They faced Palm Beach Atlantic, a team who the Tars beat 86-70 two weeks earlier in West Palm Beach. The Sailfish marched into the game with a 4-22 record. Coach Tom Klusman encouraged the troops to play with passion. "Looking at this game, it wouldn't be big if we won, but it would be huge if we lost," he said.

The Tars did just that, as they got out to a 10-0 lead from the opening tip off. The rest of the half the Tars executed well on the offensive end and held the Sailfish to 17.2% shooting on the defensive end. The Tars took a 40-20 halftime lead into the locker room.

In the second half, it was more of the same from the Tars as they outscored the Sailfish 51-35. The Tars shot 66.7% from the field in the second half, and got at least three points from every player in uniform. They took an easy non-conference victory by the score of 91-55. Kevin Hogan led the Tars with 15 points. Isaac Codrey had 14 points and 5 rebounds and Jon Smith contributed 13 points. Chauncey Gibbs had eight points, six rebounds, including his first three pointer of the season with a minute left in the game.

On Saturday it was on to Boca Raton and the campus of Lynn University for the biggest game of the season.

Lynn was ranked #6 in the South Region. Rollins and Lynn both came in tied for the conference lead. From the opening tip off, the Fighting Knights showed the Tars who was boss. They led by as much as 22 in the first half and took advantage of many Rollins mistakes: shooting 6/15 from the free throw line, 2/11 from the three point range and committing 12 turnovers. Lynn took the lead into the halftime locker room 41-24.

In the halftime locker room Coach Klusman told them to play "Rollins basketball," which was to have fun, relax and run the offense.

The players took his words to heart, and they started the second half on a 16-6 run.

The Tars trimmed away at the Knights lead piece by piece. With 5:41 left, a 3pointer by senior Nate Rusbosin gave the Tars a 62-61 advantage.

The Tars were able to hang on to the lead, despite free throws by Lynn's Marcus Hayes and Sheldon Edwards. With 28 seconds left and the Tars up 67-66, John Thinnes rebounded a missed hook shot by Sheldon Edwards and converted one of two free throws, to give the Tars a 68-66 lead. On the ensuing possession, Hayes missed a 3-pointer and the Tars pulled out the rebound as time expired, giving the Tars their biggest victory of the year and sole possession of first place in the Sunshine State Conference. Johnny Reibel was huge, leading the Tars with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. John Thinnes added 16 and Deon Troupe chipped in 12. The Tars shot 68% in the second half and held Lynn to 32%, despite getting outrebounded 38-29 and shooting a miserable 15-33 from the free throw line.

The Tars will continue to improve on their #7 rank in the region and look to keep the #1 spot in the conference standings as they return to the Alfond Sports Center for three consecutive home games. They face Tampa on Feb. 15, Barry on Feb. 18 and their final home game is on February 22 against archrival Florida Southern.

Cincinnati's Shayne Graham (placekicker).The first quarter saw only an AFC touchdown when Chris Chambers caught a 16-yd pass from Peyton Manning and Shayne Graham making the extra point. The second quarter held more action. The NFC team's Neil Rackers kicked a 32-yd field goal and shortly after the AFC's Shayne Graham kicked one for his team.

Then a 14-yd pass caught by Alge Crumper evened out the score at 10-10 for the first half of the game. In the second half of the game, Derrick Brooks' 59-yd interception return brought the NFC in the lead until in the fourth quarter when the AFC's Trent Green ran one in, tying things up again. But it was the NFC who finally pulled ahead with two completed field goals by Neil Rackers ending the game with a score of 23-17. Derrick Brooks took home the Player of the Game award and a car because of his solid defense, which was ultimately accredited with the win for the NFC.

After the glitz of the Superbowl faded, the NFC and AFC spit out there best and brightest to face off in this year's Pro Bowl in beautiful Honolulu, Hawaii. The NFC was finally able to taste victory after the Seahawks disappointing loss to the Steelers. The NFC picked up Seattle Seahawks' Steve Hutchinson (guard), Shaun Alexander (running back), Mack Strong (fullback), Robbie Tobeck (center) and Matt Hasselback (quarterback) on offense as well as Tiki Barber from the New York Giants and Jake Delhomme from the Carolina Panthers. On defense, the NFC boasted Derrick Brooks (linebacker) and Ronde Barber (cornerback) from Tampa Bay with Arizona's Neil Racker kicking 3-3 on field goals.

On the AFC side, the Colts' Peyton Manning led as QB with Steve McNair in reserves. Defensively the AFC saw Denver's Champ Bailey (cornerback) and Al Wilson ( l i n e backer), S a n Diego's J a m a l Williams ( l i n e backer) a n d Shawne Merriman ( lineGARY W. GREEN / KRT Campus b a c k e r ) SOLID DEFENSE: Ronde Barber (20) & Derrick a n d Brooks (55) show their defensive strength.

CLASSIFIEDS H ELP WANTED Money For College The Army is currently offering sizeable bonuses of up to $20,000. In addition to the cash bonuses, you may qualify for up to $70,000 for college through the Montgomery GI Bill and Army College Fund. Or you could pay back up to $65,000 of qualifying student loans through the Army’s Loan Repayment Program. To find out more, call (407) 671-6041.

Part-Time Canvasser League of Conservation Voters is seeking part-time canvassers to spread environmental messages. Position hours are flexible, but must have occasional availability between 4-9 PM on weeknights or Saturdays. $10 per hour. Call 407-6280530.

N ON -W ORK -S TUDY P OSITION Photographers Needed The Sandspur is looking for new photographers to work as photojournalists. All skills and levels needed. To find out more, email editor@thesandspur.org or come to a Tuesday meeting at 6:30 PM on the third floor of the Mills Building.

Would you like to place an announcement or classified?

Call (407) 646-2696 or e-mail advertising@thesandspur.org.

S P O RT S

20 THE SANDSPUR

VOL. 112 ISSUE 18

The 2006 Winter Olympics Kicks Off in Torino, Italy The Torino Olympics are officially underway & not sparing on the drama.

Angela Gonzalez the sandspur The 2006 Winter Olympics officially kicked off on Friday, February 10, with around two billion people watching in Torino, Italy. The spectacle went on for three hours and included many big name celebrities. Fashion designer, Giorgio Armani raised the Italian flag while Yoko Ono and Peter Gabriel sang their

rendition of "Imagine" and actresses, Susan Sarandon and Sofia Loren carried the Olympic Flag together. Italian skier, Stefania Belmondo had the honor of lighting the traditional Olympic Cauldron. The entire show was laced with fireworks and various other pyrotechnics including skating performers with blazing fire on their backs, Ferraris, Ducatis, artistic dancers and acrobats.

So far the US has won five gold medals and two silver medals, which puts them at the top of the ranking for overall medal standings. The five gold medals were won by Chad Hedrick

and Joey Cheek in Speed Skating, Hannah Teter and Shaun White in S n o w boarding and Ted Ligety for Alpine Skii n g .

Gretchen Bleiler and Daniel Kass won the silver medals for Snowboarding.

But the US ANDREW P. SCOTT / KRT Campus has stiff competition “THE FLYING TOMATO”: American Shaun White claims victory in snowboarding. this year. Close behind is break as well. Wayne Gret- pulled out of competition Russia with four gold, three zky has been linked to a after 10 years of striving for silver and two bronze and multi-million dollar gam- Olympic gold due to a Germany with four gold, bling ring compromising groin injury that occurred his image as "The Great in practice. US skeleton one silver and two bronze.

In total medals won, One." A total of 12 skiers rider, Zach Lund was Norway has the lead with have been suspended so far banned for one year after by the FIS (International using a product to combat 11.

The Torino Winter Ski Federation) due to ab- his premature balding. The Olympics has seen its fair normal blood test results. 52-year-old luge athlete afshare of scandal and heart- Michelle Kwan recently fectionately known as "Grandma Luge" crashed during practice, which caused her to pull out of the games after six years of competing. In figure skating, China's Zhang Dan and Zhang Hao endured a tough spill during their presentation after an attempted throw quadruple Salchow that cost them the gold.

So far, this year's Olympic games are shaping up to be fruitful for the US and not sparing on any juicy stories for the press.

For all information and upSTEVE DESLICH / KRT Campus dated schedules, visit THE WAR ENDS AT TORINO: After 10 years battling for www.torino2006.org.

Olympic gold, Michelle Kwan steps down as a contender.

C

A M P US

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Friday Feb 17

Sun Feb 19

Wed Feb 22

All Campus Refreshments Darden Lounge - 7:30AM

“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” CFAM Gallery - 3 PM

All My Sons Annie Russell Theatre 2 PM & 8 PM

All My Sons Annie Russell Theatre 4 PM

Rollins Swing Club Dave’s DownUnder - 8 PM

Mon Feb 20

Winter With the Writers Suntrust Auditorium 8 PM

Hip Hop in Cuba Suntrust Auditorium 4 PM All My Sons Annie Russell Theatre 8 PM

Sat Feb 18 All My Sons Annie Russell Theatre 8 PM

Tues Feb 21 Involvement Fest Galloway Patio 6 PM

Thurs Feb 23

All My Sons Annie Russell Theatre 8 PM

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