The SpringHillian by The SpringHillian

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September 17, 2009 Volume 89, Number 2 Mobile’s 1st Collegiate Newspaper

arOund CaMpuS

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Academic center for students opens this semester in Burke

Wonder why being green is trendy - it’s easy, that’s why. pg. 8.

Center for Academic Excellence opened this semester to help students with their course work.

Eichold Gallery hosts art from local artists. pg. 12

PAIGE MALONE News Editor

Greek life and campus programming board host annual pig roast pg. 9

OpiniOnS & eDItorIALs

Read two students differing opinions on the power of the Internet. pg. 5.

Keith Neicase / SHC Photographer

Jim Love writes about the holy grail of horse racing. pg. 6 Wondering about clubs in Mobile? Check out Kendrick’s column. pg. 6

DOUG BRUCE / Photography Editor

Eight years after Sept. 11, a nation remembers loved ones. See Remembering page 2.

Obama makes education speech life & to school children across the U.S.

CULtUre

Lambda Chi Alpha holds watermelon bash. pg. 9 Wondering where to eat off campus? Read Anna Plovanich’s idea. pg. 10

sports Check out Devin Golden’s football predictions for this season. pg. 17 Former Editor Evan Parrott talks about fantasy football. pg. 13 Greenberry Taylor focuses on Badger sports. pg. 13 & 16

President Obama makes a speech from Arlington, Va. As a result, a controversy sparks. PAIGE MALONE News Editor

As students around the country began their lessons after a relaxing summer break, they received a warm welcome from President Obama. Obama addressed the young students of America last Tuesday, Sept. 8 from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. This motivational speech was viewed in classrooms nationwide and became an unexpected controversy for the Obama administration. When word of the president’s educational address was out, the oppositions were endless. Many Americans voiced concerns

for the young minds that could possibly be swayed toward a specific political view. Teachers and school administrators debated as parents protested whether or not to allow the students to tune into the president’s address. Obama, however, did not appear to have a political agenda. As the president welcomed the students back to school, making jokes referencing his educational background, he made light of the adjustment from a laid-back summer to the structure and demands of school. From the beginning to the end of his address, it was clear he was speaking to the See Obama’s page 4.

The Center for Academic Excellence has opened its doors at Spring Hill College. As the year progresses, they expect to have a very busy semester. The Center for Academic Excellence is chaired by Tracy Childs, Academic Student Advocate. As you enter the Center, located in the Agnes Williams Suite in the Burke Memorial Library in room 107, you feel at ease with the open layout and flowing floor plan. The tutoring stations are round tables where student and tutor are equal. Before even entering a session with one of the peer tutors, you are immediately comfortable and open to the help you are about to receive. That is the goal of the Center for Academic Excellence. It is a place where students can go for assistance in writing and math and feel comfortable regardless of their circumstances. When the center is open, Marcelene Llamas Trianosky, Director for Writing

at the Center and instructor in the English department, welcomes students to “come hang out and have an intellectual community that is fun as well as interesting.” The need for increased attention in the areas of math and science brought the Center for Academic Excellence to life. Prior to its opening, the students relied on tutor lists and did not have the convenience of just walking in. Dr. George Sims, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, saw the need to offer a program to those who may struggle at times with math and writing, specifically a way that would be effective and fully focused on their needs. Trianosky expressed that separating tutoring from academic services gives the students a faculty member who is knowledgeable in the subjects to guide the success and focus of the tutors. The peer-on-peer setting is highly beneficial to the success of the students. Trianosky explains See Center page 4.

DOUG BRUCE / Photography Editor

Mike Courtney and Marcy Trianosky discuss various approaches to mathematics for visiting students.

Page 2 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

News

Paige Malone News Editor kpmalone@stumail.shc.edu

Remembering Sept. 11, eight years later a nation reflects

Mobile firefighters gather to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and in the line of duty over the city’s history. PAIGE MALONE News Editor

Eight years ago last Friday marked one of the most pivotal moments of our time. As the planes crashed into the twin towers, Americans were stunned beyond belief. The friends and family we lost and the heroes that gave their lives will always be remembered and celebrated as years go by and our lives move forward. But we do not move on as we once did, we move forward with the constant memory of September 11, 2001 and the effect it has had on our nation. Throughout the country, Americans gathered to memorialize the lives lost and the stand we took on that fateful day. Moments of silence allow us to recall, and serve as a constant reminder of our rights and freedoms as Americans. The ideals which govern our great nation were compromised and we stood strong as we showed the world we would not go down easy. The site where the twin towers once stood is now a gaping hole and iron frames guarded by memorials and constant reminders of the nearly 3,000 heroes that lost their lives. In New York, ground zero is filled with somber silence and emotion. The relatives and friends of those lost, gathered to mourn and commemorate their lives. As the ceremony continued, they carried flowers and pictures in memory. The ceremony closed to the sound of “taps” played by the trumpeters of the New York Police and Fire departments; another year has come and gone. President Obama spoke at the pentagon saying, “No words can ease the ache of your hearts” as he laid a wreath of flowers over where the 184 people lost their lives. Early in the morning, the first

lady Michelle Obama held a moment of silence outside the White House marking the eighth year anniversary of the attacks. The memorial actions of Americans on Sept. 11, were seen not only in New York and Washington, D.C., but around the country. Just down the street from Spring Hill College, city officials and civilians gathered at Fire Station 22 on Airport Blvd., as the Honor Guard, a group of fire department men and women of all ranks, led a ceremony paying tribute to the men and women who lost their lives. This occasion did not only honor those of Sept.11, it memorialized the 13 Mobile firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The group of fathers, sons, brothers and friends that serve as a constant reminder to those in the community of the heroic gestures firefighters make every day as they respond to calls and save the lives of those in trouble. The speeches heard at the ceremony were filled with inspiration and admiration. They discussed the importance of the heroic duties and the men and women who serve, and as well as the “thin line” between giving by serving and serving by giving all. As they laid a memorial wreath, they remembered all of the sacrifices of the men and women of the fire and rescue departments across the country. During the ceremony a commemorative bell that stands permanently outside Fire Station 22 was rang. The 4-5 ring sequence “5555” is rang when a life is lost in the line of duty. It is symbolic for the radio transmission when there is a loss of a responder in law

DOUG BRUCE / Photography Editor

The firefighters of station 22 remember all those who past on Sept. 11 in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania as well as the fallen firefighters of the Mobile Fire Department. For more pictures from the Sept. 11 Memorial see page 8 in Life and Culture. lives and how many kids men and women of emerenforcement, fire-rescue lost moms and dads, and gency services portray. or emergency medical serhow many moms and dads We may not remember vices. lost kids” what we did a month ago, Honor Guard member Since Sept. 11, or even a week ago, but and driver for Mobile staBroughton says things have we can all too clearly see tion 16, Ronald Broughton, gotten better in terms of the time a place of where says “its [Sept. 11] always public awareness of what we were on Sept. 11. The in the back of my mind.” firefighters go through. emotions that we felt can Broughton has been serving Broughton, who did not be brought back with just a as a firefighter for 20 years decide to become a fireslight glimpse of a photo or and says the lost men and fighter till his twenties, said, memorial of that devastatwomen are always in his “for a long time you would ing day. For Broughton, heart. He explained that as a hear kids say firefighters the day of Sept. 11 began fire fighter you never know are heroes, now its EMTs, with his normal morning what to expect when you emergency services and the activities, as he was sweepare called out to serve, and police department. We are ing the floor at station 16. the events of Sept. 11 have all heroes.” He caught a glimpse of made them more aware The acts of the men the smoke and fire ripping of what could happen and and women who have lost through the trade towers. how they must be prepared their lives in the line of duty He immediately got the to handle anything. The will always be honored and guys, and they watched nature of their job is to save remembered. Each day they from beginning to end as lives at all costs. Broughton are out there saving lives their brothers and sisters of made note of what one of and risking the ultimate sacthe fire department fought the chief officers said durrifice, their own. Broughton through it all and pulled ing the memorial saying summed their experiences the people from the build“when catastrophic events up by referencing a song, ings. As they sat stunned, occur, you see the fire serhe said, “all gave some but Broughton said they just vice, EMTs and police runsome gave all. That’s what thought about what was ning to the event and the Sept. 11 was. Some gave litimportant to them. He said, public running away.” This tle but a little of them gave “you look at all of those message emphasizes the all.” people who just lost their bravery and honor that the

News

Page 3 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Coming up this month on campus...

Day & Date

Event

Location

Contact Person

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Alabama Coastal Cleanup Saturday in Service

7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.

Dauphin Island New Hall Parking Lot

Kelcee Smith, klsmith@stumail.shc.edu Sr. Patty Huffman, 380-3496

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Community Mass Showstoppers Dance Team Try-outs Student Mass

11:00 a.m. 2 p.m. 9 p.m.

St. Joseph Chapel Chemistry Building, Room 126 St. Joseph Chapel

Campus Ministry, 380-3495 Julie Adams, jladams@stumail.shc.edu Campus Ministry, 380-3495

Monday, September 21,2009

Meditation Group

5:30 p.m.

On the Green in Front of AB

Heather Salazar, hsalazar@shc.edu

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Mix & Mingle Networking Reception

4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Gautrelet Room

Elizabeth Dexter-Wilson, 380-3470

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Praise and Worship

9:00 p.m.

St. Joseph Chapel

Campus Ministry, 380-4184

Thursday, September 17, 2009

U.S. Constitution Jeopardy Amnesty International S.H.O.R.E.S* Praise and Worship

Time

4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m.

Quinlan Hall Java City Biology Building, Room 108 St. Joseph Chapel

Tom Hoffman, 380-4184 Sara Boccardo, sboccardo@shc.edu Kelcee Smith, klsmith@stumail.shc.edu Campus Ministry, 380-3495

Special Notices: •

*Please notes that Thursday’s S.H.O.R.E.S meeting is mandatory for everyone interested in Coastal Cleanup.

•

There is a Fall Career Expo being held at the Mitchell Center Arena on South Alabama’s campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17.

•

The Green 10 art exhibit will continue in the Eichold Gallery until September 25.

•

National Hazing Prevention week is Monday, Sept. 21 through Friday Sept. 25

Visiting sisters reflect on time at the Hill before graduation

Sisters Thu Do and Yen Le reflect on their time at Spring Hill since joining in the spring of 2007 as students of business and psychology. MARY RIES

Contributing Writer

They aren’t your typical college students. They roam around campus in habits and spend about 2 and a half hours of their day dedicated towards prayer. They are about 8,500 miles from home and are actively involved with Campus Ministry. These unconventional students are Sister Yen Le and Sister Thu Do. Le and Do began attending Spring Hill in January 2007, and as their time at Spring Hill wraps up, they are reflecting on their experiences here. Le and Do were approached in July 2006 by Mother Superior and the Archbishop to come and study on the Hill. Both took the opportunity and have enjoyed their experience in America and on campus. The decision to come to learn in America was the sisters first time out of their country. “I am reminded by many people to learn new things from the American

culture. I shouldn’t forget my country, but I can share my new culture with people in Vietnam,” said Do. A few of the cultural differences that the sisters will be taking back to Vietnam include the different style of learning, the difference in food and the diversity of people they have met on their journey. Do says that she has learned critical thinking skills and how to do better research. “I never would learn this in my country and now I can take this back to my convent and diocese,” said Do. In the beginning, the sisters had planned to live on campus for a semester then move into a religious community, were they thought they might feel more comfortable, but after their first semester they loved staying on campus and have resided here throughout their entire experience. “We still keep our

religious lifestyle. Usually people study with other religious people, and our friends were very surprised that we can keep our lifestyle and still live on campus,” said Do. Le and Do have also benefited from living on campus because of the convenience of the professors being within close distance, especially if they needed help

with their English papers. They also enjoyed getting to know fellow students. “Everyone is very friendly, and we feel that we have become friends with both the faculty and the students,” said Le. Do and Le are involved with several activities on campus such as Adoration, Praise and Worship and other various Campus Ministry activities. Le is double majoring

in Theology and Psychology and Do will be receiving her Masters of Business Administration. After graduation, both sisters will be attending Graduate school. The Sisters have found their time here to be of benefit to them and as a pleasant experience, “We feel like we are at home here,” said Do. 1/ 2 wi Off th D th epo is Ad sit

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Sisters Thu and Yen renewing their vows in April 2009.

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News

Obama’s speech gives lessons Continued from page 1. young students of the United States. The president addressed the educational responsibility of each student. The motivational speech highlighted the importance of education and the opportunities it provides. It is not always evident to students why they are learning certain skills at the time, but Obama touched on this knowledge as a basic need for their success and the success of our nation. “We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that – if you quit on school – you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country” said Obama. He related to students that face challenges in everyday life by sharing his own struggles as a child. He offered examples of extraordinary people who have beaten the odds, and he let students know all that matters is that you work hard, not the circumstances you are placed in. “That’s no excuse for talking back to your teacher, or cutting class, or dropping out of school. That’s no excuse for not trying,” he told students as he urged them to overcome their circumstances. “I’m calling on each of you to set your own goals for your education – and to do everything you can to meet them” encouraged Obama. Along with long-term goals, Obama asked students to set small goals, like doing all of their homework. The president stressed the fact that whatever you choose to do, whether big or small, you must commit. “The story of America isn’t about people who quit when things got tough. It’s about people who kept going, who tried harder, and who loved their country too

much to do anything less than their best” said Obama, as he called upon the students as the future of America. The speech was relatively well-received, despite prior reservations. However, the speech was not the most controversial aspect of the president’s motivational plan. The real controversy arose as the Department of Education distributed suggested lesson plans to schools. The plan included a section calling students in grades kindergarten through the sixth grade to write a letter explaining “what they can do for the president.” These letters would later be redistributed so they could remind themselves of their goal and check their progress. This activity was not suggested for middle school or high school students. Other suggested activities included students building background information by research and reading books on or by the president. Another suggestion was that students pick quotes from the speech and contemplate how they inspire them or ask themselves “What does Obama want me to do?” Some Obama critics say the lesson plan influences a political preference on young developing minds and may give them a biased look into politics. Others are concerned that students who are not Obama supporters, or have no knowledge of his background and morals, may be behind in the lesson following the address. The White House is defending the president, saying his intention was “designed to encourage kids to stay in school.” Since the address, cabinet members have scheduled similar speeches at schools around the country.

Page 4 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Center helps students succeed Continued from page 1. that students can relate to each other on a level that teachers cannot. She goes further to say “they are the ones writing the papers, solving the problems and we think the level of communication that a student can achieve with another student is higher.” As Director of Writing in the Center for Academic Excellence, Trianosky devotes her time and effort to ensure students get quality help through active learning. Before coming to Spring Hill, Trianosky ran the writing center at Hollins College. She says it is a similar community and is sure her past success will follow her here. She says the Spring Hill community is “exactly the type of environment that is conducive to a successful collaborative tutoring session.” One aspect of our community has stuck out to Trianosky as being extremely beneficial. As she discussed our mission statement she drew special attention to a specific element. “The spiritual component of our mission creates a dimension that I did not have at Hollins and I think adds a real depth to everything that we do here, and that is really what drew me to Spring Hill,” she said. Since its beginning, the Center for Academic Excellence has received great response from faculty members and the administration. This is important for Trianosky who says her motto is “collaboration on the Hill.” This collaboration is on all levels, between faculty and students, faculty and the Center for Academic Excellence, students and the Center for Academic Excellence and so on.

She has already received even writing for an internfaculty referrals and says ship or graduate school. they are getting tremendous The quantitative reahelp from the library staff. soning portion of the Center Trianosky says they try for Academic Excellence and enact this collaborais operated by Ms. Sandra tion not just in the tutorials, Mayo. Mayo is the Direcbut among themselves. She tor for Mathematics in the says “we try and make sure Center for Academic Excelfaculty is brought into the lence and is a member of the picture and the faculty-stueducation and mathematics dent loop is connected.” department. The Center for For students strugAcademic Excellence has gling with writing, the had many visitors for help on Center for Academic Excelmath assignments since the lence is the perfect place center opened. Students can to go. The tutors on staff work one-on-one with tuin the center have been tors or in small groups with through training and have students of all ability levels. learned how to stimulate The tutors have been trained collaborative learning. in tactics to best help each Throughout their time as individual student and are an tutors they have staff meetexcellent resource. ings and developments The Center for that keep them refreshed Academic Excellence is truly on materials and fully prebeneficial to students of all pared. They can guide you ability levels, concentrations through every step of the and backgrounds. With the writing process. The peerskilled knowledge of the to-peer setting makes the tutor and the collaborative writing center a great place learning experience, the Cento bounce ideas around for ter for Academic Excellence an assignment. From beis sure to have great success ginning to end, the Center at Spring Hill. As Trianosky for Academic Excellence said, “learning is fun, learnis available to help. Triaing together is the most fun.” nosky says the best time For further informain the writing process to tion visit www.shc.edu/cae come in would be right when you receive the assignment. She says this prevents students from getting stuck and frustrated. If you have completed all of the writing and just need some last minute help, Trianosky says better late than never. The center does not only offer assistance on English assignments. They cover writing across the curriculum. Any type of writing, DOUG BRUCE / Photography Editor they can handle, Mike Courtney studies at the Center.

Page 5 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Opinions & Editorials

Letter from the Editor: There is more to life than cell phones

Elizabeth Farren discusses how cell phones and social networking sites have taken a toll on various means of communication - leaving the basics in the dust. is a good idea, but do I really know enough people to conELIZABETH stitute that many accounts? FARREN On top of e-mail, you can eafarren@stumail.shc.edu Editor-in-Chief contact me through Facebook, calling my actual cell phone, or Instant Messaging How many times me through one of two screen a day do you check your names or through one of two Facebook account? Not for Skype accounts. legitimate reasons, like to see But here’s the crazy what time you have a meetthing: you could write me, ing, or when you are hanging stick a note on my door or in out with friends, but just to my mailbox. Who doesn’t see if the girl in your math like getting mail? Think back class is finally dating the guy to freshman year when you from English, or who has checked your mailbox everyaccomplished what in Mafia day, especially if you lived in Wars. Ask yourself, is FaceWalsh, only to find it empty. book your morning ‘paper?’ We complain about how we What worries me is how attached we, as a society never get mail, but why do we expect any? and as a In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Truly and generation, have average American teenager sent honestly, if all we ever become to 2,272 text messages a month. technolo- New York Times do is communicate gy. with those As Ashley Robinson referwe really care about via one enced in last week’s issue, the of eight technologies, why Internet can be a blessing or should they write us? a curse. This week, she asks What is surprising in us to raise the bar and adapt this messaging chaos is that in to the society created by the Internet. But how much more the fourth quarter of 2008, the average American teenager can we adapt? I mean half of sent 2,272 text messages a us have iPhones and the half that does not, has their e-mail, month, according to the New York Times. Facebook or Twitter sent to More shocking is the their phone. This creates an amount of text messages that environment such that by the go across the world daily. time the phone has finished The Gartner Group estialerting its owner of a new mates that around 3.3 trillion message, another has arrived, text messages will be sent creating a constant flow of worldwide over the year, so echoing message alerts. that’s roughly 904,110 per Now, I’ll be the first day. Quick messages via cell to admit that I three have phone or Internet have created e-mail accounts sent to my short, romantic moments into phone. The more frightening thing is that I have five some- a daily reminder. An “I love you” between husband and what active e-mail accounts. wife has been taken down to Maybe it’s because I’m over “luv u” or even better (hugs) organized and I figure that (kisses), which is only cute five ways of contacting me

The SpringHillian Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

E-mail: hillian@stumail.shc.edu

Phone: (251) 380-3850 or 380-3840 Fax: (251) 460-2185

on Skype. But what is even more worrisome is the younger folks in our generation and the folks behind them. The largest text messaging demographic is people under 30; 87 percent of their cell phone use is for text messages, according to AARP Bulletin’s Web site. Although I can believe this statistic without a moment’s hesitation, it’s sad. We communicate through Facebook and e-mail, and if you don’t have the former, we won’t talk to you unless we need something. If you don’t have the latter, then you won’t hear from us for way too long. So why not change that? Call your grandparents or relatives every week just to say hello. I’ve been doing it since I was three. One of my favorite things about my afternoon run is that I have a legitimate reason to leave my phone somewhere. Lately I have found that I leave my phone a lot of places when I go out because I am just tired of the constant noise. Put your phone down and walk around campus, go running, or enjoy the weather. Leave it on your desk as you head to dinner and really listen to your friends. Go on a weekend trip with friends and only take one phone for emergencies. It’s only when you’ve left your phone, your Internet or other ‘link’ to the outside world, that you realize there’s something so much better. I’m not asking you to go read a book or discover the stars, but just realize that there’s more than Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Oh wait, I forgot about Pandora...nevermind. Photography Editor Doug Bruce dmbruce@stumail.shc.edu

Kendrick Dunklin Opinions & Editorials Editor ktdunklin@stumail.shc.edu

Adapting to the 21st Century Ashley urges students to take advantage of what modern technology has to offer at Spring Hill. ASHLEY ROBINSON acrobinson@stumail.shc.edu

Editor Emeritus

Nowadays, information is just a click away, and everyone has seemed to notice. I couldn’t even make it to my second day of classes without hearing about our new online site called “Moodle.” Was this really necessary? Well, incase the N1H1 virus breaks out at Spring Hill College and we are all quarantined, or incase of a ghastly hurricane, I do believe the site is quite nifty. It is user friendly and even has a cool name. Sites like these are filling the Internet and making it easier for us to learn from home. However, clever as this may seem, will we as students be able to still get the hands-on experience needed in the classroom? Were we ever getting that experience in a classroom? The only way, in my opinion, that we can still get the same experience, if not better, is by using a very interactive tool. If the 21st century eventually leads us to learning primarily online, I do believe human interaction is key to keeping our intelligence at a fine standard. In my last column, I quoted the director of University of California at Los Angeles’ Memory and Aging Research Center at the Semel

Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He believes that we were born into an environment of electronics that is rewiring our brains. If this is true, and I do concur myself, we should raise our standards. Not only should we raise the bar, but include in our online learning, elements that trigger our brains’ interactions like puzzles, patterns and engines that heighten our reflexes. If these engines also let us design and create, we would be more proactive with them. If we have the freedom to turn in work in our own style, while meeting the professor’s guidelines, we would be more apt to trying new things and broadening our perception. One thing I can surely tell you is that our multitasking skills are thriving. I find myself in a few of my classes located in computer labs and I’m multitasking like a maniac! I even tried myself after the lesson, writing down all the major points we went over in class. I had retained everything the professor was saying and even what the students had discussed. I did all of this while writing a blog, checking e-mail, instant messaging with a friend and researching for my last column. The 21st century has raised the bar, so let’s adapt. We need more tools online that work with us, rather than dumb us down and make us lazy.

Coffee Talk from Spring Hill College NEXT WEEK’S TOPIC: What’s your thoughts on social networks like Facebook and MySpace? Advertising Manager Adam Pfaff appfaff@stumail.shc.edu

Advisor Stuart Babington sbabington@shc.edu

Page 6 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Opinions & Editorials You can find me in the club

Jim’s vacation at Saratoga

Kendrick takes a look at the top three nightspots Jim Love talks about his summer trip to the horse racing city of Saratoga. in Mobile to give the city a much needed boost.

The city of Mobile is constantly on the receiving end of negative attention. Around Spring Hill College, I always hear students ranting about how there is nothing to do in Mobile. I even hear native Mobilians proclaiming that their city is lame and boring. I am a proud Mobilian, so I find this kind of talk just appalling. The city of Mobile is on the rise, and I am one of those individuals that see the potential in this city. Of course Mobile has its issues that can definitely be fixed, but what city does not? I can go on and on about issues I have observed when I have visited cities like New Orleans, Atlanta and St. Louis, but that is not my reasoning for this editorial. I am writing to be an unofficial ambassador for Mobile. I want to give you my top three favorite night spots that you can visit in Mobile this weekend. You can also visit these places throughout the week, but I don’t condone partying when you have class the next morning. That is just something that I do on my own accord. Crooked Martini – 7639 Cottage Hill Rd. #C. The Crooked Martini is a great place to get live music, great martinis, but only if you are over the age of 21, and a great crab dip. If you want a trendy spot to chill with your friends or to meet new people, this is definitely the spot for you. If you are looking for something to do on Tuesdays, they have a karaoke night that is very

entertaining. Skyview Lounge – 17th Floor of Holiday Inn-Downtown Mobile. The Skyview Lounge is a stylish lounge that gives you a great view of downtown Mobile and Mobile Bay. Like the Crooked Martini, if you are looking for a sophisticated place to chill after a long day or week of classes, this is definitely the place for you. Happy hour at this spot is Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. It’s also a great spot to watch your favorite sports games. Club Insanity – 310 Dauphin Street (Behind the Spot of Tea). Club Insanity is a 21st century club equipped with a computerized L.E.D. dance floor, two big blue ray screens, 12 HD televisions and a VIP section. This is a club where the craziness never dies. To all of those Club Atlantis lovers, Club Insanity is what you call a real club. They have bartenders that do these juggling tricks while they fix your drinks. And for all of you die-hard sports fans, they also have a sports bar and game room that is just insane. I have only listed my top three, but there are plenty of other places that you can enjoy in the city of Mobile. Let’s face it: we are college students looking to have a nice time when we have had a week full of stressful classes. If we did not enjoy ourselves, we would not fit the stereotype of being a college student. It is all part of the requirements of being in college, so go out and enjoy yourself. I want your experience in Mobile to be great, and I want to hear people raving about the fun this great city has to offer.

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KENDRICK DUNKLIN Op/Ed Editor

JAMES LOVE

jvlove@stumail.shc.edu Contributing Writer

It may be hard to believe, but Labor Day is already a week and a half behind us. The official end of summer is this coming Tuesday, but Labor Day is what marks the end of the season for many people. In many ways it was a difficult summer for me; it was filled with many graces but it had a tough ending. One thing I did learn this summer, however, is that I will never let another one pass without a trip to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. I was actually blessed to take three trips this summer. I attended a seven-day silent directed retreat at the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, Penn., about two and a half hours from where I live, in early July. I’m sure that those of you that know me well cannot believe that I was silent for a whole week, but believe me, I was silent. The retreat was a great experience and it allowed me to do a lot of productive thinking and reflecting away from the hustle and bustle of the Washington, D.C. area. I would be blessed to make another retreat there in the coming year. In the middle of July, I took a three-day road trip with a good friend to see major league baseball games in Pittsburgh and Cleveland. That was also a fun trip and it put me two steps closer to my recently created goal of seeing all 30 major league baseball stadiums. I’ve been to seven to date. My final trip this summer was to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. in late July with my uncle Dan. Some of you probably have several questions for me right now. Where is Saratoga Design Consultant Jonathan Sealy jtsealy@stumail. shc.edu

Springs? Why do you never want to miss another summer there? Why did you go with your uncle? The respective answers are: It is in upstate New York, it is home to the best horse racing in the U.S., and it is home to the best horse racing in the U.S. I know the last two answers may offend the Kentuckians on campus, but ever since Keeneland inserted polytrack - Kentucky horse racing is simply a few lengths behind. We arrived in Saratoga Springs around 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, after an eight hour drive. At dinner, an hour later, I became fully aware that horse racing is supreme there. We went to Sergio’s, a family style Italian restaurant for dinner and we were joined by Kenno, Con and their guests. I was in awe when I realized that Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos was two tables away and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was in the corner eating with his family. We enjoyed our meal and got back to our hotel to handicap the races for Opening Day on July 29. Kenno and Con are friends of my uncle and very accomplished horseplayers who would be at the track with us for the opening days of the meet. At Sergio’s, Kenno asked me what I expected the track to be like. I told him I thought it would be modernized, but that it would still have its historical charm. He replied that I would be in for a “huge surprise” and I most certainly was. They have been racing at Saratoga Race Course since 1864. The entire clubhouse box area is made of wood and each box has three or four chairs, which had to be at least 100 years old. We were fortunate enough to sit in the box

area all three days we were there. There is a mandatory jacket policy in the clubhouse which can be a little problematic when it is 85 degrees, and the only air conditioning is in the form of a rare breeze traveling through the open air facility. The clubhouse is also where many heavy hitting sports personalities sit. In the three days I was at the track, I saw Bill Parcells, Jim Boeheim, Jim Calhoun and famous horse trainers D. Wayne Lukas and Steve Asmussen, who was buying lemonade for his three kids. The real allure of Saratoga to me, however, is the quality of the racing. The best 2-year-old horses in the country come to Saratoga, and the stakes schedule is unrivaled by any other track. All of the big owners and trainers bring their horses to Saratoga to try to get a coveted picture in the winner’s circle. The high quality of racing means big fields and excellent wagering opportunities. I had a successful trip despite having a rare win less day on day two because I hit a few nice exactas on day one and day three. The trainer of the winning horse from my day one exacta, Tony Dutrow, happens to know my uncle, and it was a privilege to meet and talk to him on day two, even though I was losing. If you do not like horse racing, you are probably wondering why I recommended that everyone go to Saratoga Springs every summer. That question can be answered in a variety of ways. The food is the most logical thing that comes to mind. In my four days in Saratoga Springs, I literally ate like a king. Everyone, including the jockeys

Contributing Copy Editor Heather Bozant hmbozant@stumail. shc.edu

Contributing Copy Editor John Merrill jamerrill@stumail. shc.edu

See Saratoga page 7.

Page 7 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Opinions & Editorials

What happened to people’s belief in the Catholic Church Heather Bozant discusses how people have lost faith in the Catholic Church HEATHER BOZANT hmbozant@stumail.shc.edu Contributing Writer

The start of a new school year brings a number of new and familiar faces onto campus. The new students are nervous and confused about where to go and what to do, particularly when older students who have already grasped the ways of campus life surrounding them. But despite the confusion, excitement and anxiety that are prevalent throughout the first weeks of school, there is an overwhelming sense of community. I attend Mass at Spring Hill College, and there is no better way to experience this sense of community than in the college’s opening Mass. In the church, the emotions of confusion and anxiety slip away as people are united under one common goal: to be united with Jesus. Opening Mass is always crowded, so there is a huge chance that the person seated next to you is someone unknown, but for some reason, that doesn’t matter. The primary appeal of attending Mass on campus, as well as anywhere else, particularly for new students, is the ability to be in a place with

others sharing the same ideals, uniting under the common goal of receiving Christ in the Eucharist. In communion, we are one. In receiving Jesus’ body and blood, we become united in Jesus. The church is a community of believers. For me, my parish church is like a family because it’s usually the same people that are seen every weekend and it’s only natural that we get to know each other. Sadly, the church on campus is not like that. While opening Mass may be crowded, soon the number of church-goers will dwindle. Students will either become overwhelmed with school work or other obligations, which results in their faith being put on the back burner. But is that uncommon even away from college? How often do we choose not to attend Mass in favor of some alternative activity or event? I’m always struck by the lack of teenagers and young adults present in Mass. For being a familial community, the church certainly lacks entire families that attend Mass. As children mature, parents usually give their children the option of attending Mass. This is especially true when their children are in college,

which is understandable—they are capable of making their own decisions. But, more often than not, when given the option of attending Mass, the young adult’s choice is to skip it; thus, resulting in parents attending Mass sans children. But when did going to church become such a chore? My family has always attended Mass together. As a teenager, I remember complaining about having to get up so early, but I am thankful now that my parents instilled within me the necessity of attending Mass. Going to church is a bonding experience—it’s a way of strengthening ties not only to a person’s faith, but to a person’s family. Participating in the Mass is a way of actively seeking God and saying yes to him. Today, as the number of people slipping away from church continues to increase, we must remember that, as a community, the church needs its members because without us, the church is nothing. It is an empty building. It is only together that the building can become a church. In communion, we are one—we are united with Christ. What greater experience can there be?

Saratoga provides for great racing and eating Continued from page 6.

and trainers, goes to Siro’s, not to be confused with Sergio’s, after the races because it is across the street from the track. We were fortunate enough to get seated for dinner there on Thursday, and I had the privilege of meeting another track side character, who referred to himself simply as the Governor; I could write a whole article about him alone. Even

something as simple as lunch on the way to the track was superb. We went to Saratoga Awesome Dog two straight days and I am convinced that they make the best chili cheese dogs in the Northeast. Saratoga Springs is also known for its famous natural spas, good golf, nice summer weather, the family friendly atmosphere at the track and the Horse Racing Hall of Fame. My uncle and I went to the lat-

ter on Friday morning before the races. Since it combined my love of history and horse racing, I must say I enjoyed the Hall of Fame a lot. Like many other people, I believe that summer does end on Labor Day. However, unlike others, I believe Labor Day is the end of summer because it is the end of the Saratoga racing season. I guess I will have to wait until next July for another summer in Saratoga Springs.

Letter to the Students: We are America, so can you

Devon Austermann, Tim Corbett, Kyle Jones and Neilson Lea pay their respects to America In memoriam of Sept.11, As the members of The Wixy, Devon Austermann, Tim Corbett, Neilson Lea and Kyle Jones reflected upon the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 this past Friday, we all came to a realization of our ardent passion for what really matters most. Old Glory flew halfmast for five days over the White House after that fateful day eight years ago. Our nation was awash with a flood of patriotism and U.S. flags were sold out of stores for months. No one was going to mess with us, “throw a sucker-punch from somewhere in the back” and get away with it. The fervor of national pride seemed endless and retribution was on the horizon. Regardless of our political views, we all wanted justice. Has this quest for justice ended? Has our enthusiasm for our nation faded? We’ll give you our answer: “Hell No.” We felt compelled to write on the subject of patriotism on the eighth anniversary of Sept. 11. America is a way of life for us, as it should be for every citizen. As Adlai Stevenson said, “Patriotism is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” Now, we aren’t saying you need to go enlist. We haven’t. What we are saying is that you should devote at least a small portion of your life to being a mindful citizen. We all need to educate ourselves on this nation’s principles and history, not depend on the media or professors to shape our minds for us. Patriotism is not loyalty to a piece of land or a cult of personality, but loyalty to principle. We can fly our flags high and remove our hats respectfully at the sound of “The Star-

Spangled Banner,” but without action and eternal vigilance, liberty will vanish for our posterity. This is not so much a call to arms, but a call to duty. It is our obligation, nay our burden, as citizens to defend this nation’s principles against “all enemies, foreign and domestic.” When we mention eternal vigilance, we don’t mean standing at the border with a gun defending from some foreign invader. We mean being wise, educated and active citizens. We mean watching the news. And not just Fox News or CNN, but all news outlets: T. V., newspapers and Internet sites. When was the last time you checked AP.org or the Drudge Report? We mean reading and understanding the founding documents of this nation. No, not just the preamble to the Constitution or the first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, but the Federalist Papers, Jefferson’s Notes on Virginia, Paine’s Common Sense and the Puritan sermons that influenced the rugged individualism that became a fundamental value of American society up to this day. We hope this message stays with all of you, or at least inspires you to reflect on what matters most to you. Political awareness of the ordinary citizen is at an all-time low, at a time when more people than ever before have the ability to participate. We encourage all to not sit idly by and “leave politics to politicians,” but learn about, participate in and contribute to true American patriotism. From sea to shining sea, THE WIXY: Devon Austermann, Tim Corbett, Kyle Jones, and Neilson Lea from Fairway Apartments - Langan 212.

Page 8 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Abby Cowart Life & Culture Editor alcowart@stumail.shc.edu

Life & Culture

Student Spotlight: Lauren McCarthy Easy steps make the Junior Lauren McCarthy gives The SpringHillian

world a greener place

insight into her “Badgertastic” life on campus. DOUG BRUCE

Photography Editor

When not in classes, Spring Hill College junior Lauren McCarthy is heavily involved in a current of co-curricular activities that shape much of the student community. McCarthy volunteers with the Foley Center, helps plan student activities as a Vice President of Special Events with Campus Programming Board and serves on several Student Government Association committees. Being a part of SGA is a very important responsibility to McCarthy. She has an active role in planning Badger Brawl, one of organization’s biggest events. McCarthy shares, “I have enjoyed being on SGA because it serves as a link between the students and the

administration.” As the new Student Center is built and the campus becomes more energy efficient, SGA has maintained an active role in “greening” the campus. McCarthy says, “I am proud that the SGA has brought awareness about “going green” to campus. There are recycling bins all over campus, and we have had two successful Earth Day celebrations over the past two years, and I hope that is something that can continue for years to come.” Working in the Spring Hill community is as important to McCarthy as the surrounding community. At the Foley Center, McCarthy works with elementary students. She explains, “This is my third year tutoring at Westlawn

Dr. Bordas provides students with simple ways to make Spring Hill College more eco-friendly. DR. LESLI BORDAS

you have way more electronic gadgets than the dorm room has plugs. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it to your advantage when that red-headed (treehugging) co-ed comes to your room. To be effective, this strategy does require you to actually turn off the power strip before you leave your room (don’t get caught with your switch on).

lbordas@shc.edu Associate Professor Chemistry

DOUG BRUCE /Photography Editor

Matthew Malus walks down the path with McCarthy. Elementary School. It is a completely different environment than what I was exposed to in elementary school.” McCarthy is a native of Pensacola, Florida. Interestingly enough, she was born in Hawaii. While describing her love of See Student page 11.

Symbols of remembrance on Sept. 11

DOUG BRUCE /Photography Editor

Clockwise from top left: Equipment driver and honor guard member Ronald Broughton; Firefighter Dale Shaw and his daughter Ashley remember fallen first responders; A symbol of remembrance; Firefighters listen to remarks.

You don’t ever litter, you recycle when you can and you’re ready to take the next step, but what is it? There is no wrong way to start an eco-friendly project, and there are many resources that can help you get started - see web sources at the end of this article. I have, for your convenience, consolidated several ideas into a top ten list of simple things you can do at Spring Hill College. • Make that change: It’s as easy as changing your dorm room light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. The newer versions of compact fluorescent lights are much brighter and can be as much as 50 times more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. Although you can find them across the street at CVS or Bruno’s, they are often cheaper at Wal-Mart. •

If you can turn me on, you can turn me off: Even compact fluorescent light bulbs consume energy so if you are not using it, turn it off! Don’t be afraid of turning off a light you think nobody else is using; the worse that can happen is that it gets turned back on.

•

Turn the power strip off when you leave: You bought a power strip so you could conserve energy and help save the word. Yeah right! You bought a power strip because

•

Conserve water: Do you really have to run the water while you brush your teeth? If it takes you two minutes to brush your teeth (dentists recommend brushing for three minutes) and 30 seconds of that to rinse your mouth, then one and half minutes of running water are wasted. A regular faucet discharges three gallons per minute, which means you have wasted around 4 and a half gallons of water. We will assume, for your mother’s sake, that you brush your teeth two times a day and, if you are part of the incoming freshmen class, you are one of 362 students on campus that have jointly wasted 3,258 gallons of water in one day. One semester of careless teeth brushing for the freshmen class equals 296,478 gallons of water! Aren’t we glad the upper classmen do not brush their teeth as often?

• If you have a choice, use a laptop: Laptop computers are not only more portable; they use 25 percent less enSee Ten on page 10.

Page 9 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Life & Culture

Watermelon Bash raises funds for Gulf Coast’s North American Food Drive Saturday’s rain did not deter teams from assisting Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropy event a success by raising over $2,500 in donations. ABBY COWART

Life & Culture Editor

The men of the Delta Delta chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha hosted their annual philanthropy event, Watermelon Bash, Saturday, Sept. 12, on Dorn Field. According to Michael Lysek, the vice president of external affairs, the teams that participated in the event helped Lambda Chi raise over $2,500 in donations. Donated money is still being calculated, but Lysek hopes that once the money is translated, the amount will beat last year’s total of 68,000 pounds. All proceeds from the event benefitted Lambda Chi’s philanthropy, the North American Food Drive. After the donated money is collected, it is translated into pounds of food and given to the Bay Area Food Bank, which provides homeless shelters, and food centers in the Gulf Coast regions of Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Delta Gamma, Delta Delta Delta, Phi Mu, the soccer team, the softball team and two teams of freshmen women participated in the fund-raising activities. The event featured several competitions including a greased watermelon relay, watermelon hockey, tug-of-war, over-under and a seed-spitting contest. Throughout the

week, women from the different teams also raised money for the philanthropy by holding bake sales and “dorm storming” for donations for the North American Food Drive. The ladies of Phi Mu took first place in the competition, while Delta Delta Delta placed second and Delta Gamma placed third. Delta Delta Delta also received the “most spirited” award at the event. Despite the rainy weather that accompanied Saturday’s event, many people still came out to support the cause. “This

year’s watermelon bash was extremely successful. We raised $2,000 from teams alone and are expecting more from donations by the end of the week,” said junior Ryan Meisemann. Lambda Chi Alpha expresses their gratitude for the support shown at its event, even though the conditions were messy. “I think everyone had a fun time despite the rain and the mud. Thank you everyone for participating, and congratulations to Phi Mu for their victory. I can’t wait until next year,” said Meisemann.

G R E E K

L I F E DOUG BRUCE /Photography Editor

Chris Bruce hoses mud off Mark Ponseti.

DOUG BRUCE /Photography Editor

Onlookers at Watermelon Bash get pushed in the mud pit.

LAUREN MCCARTHY/SHC Student

Caitlin King, Jay Hay, Jessica Caire, Meghan Kacic, Ally Slivka and Kat Renik gather at the Greek Life Pig Roast.

DOUG BRUCE / Photography Editor

Freshman Andy Poveda smashes a watermelon in the mud pit at Lambda Chi Alpha’s Watermelon Bash on Saturday.

DOUG BRUCE /Photography Editor

Margarita Perez kisses the “pig” at the Greek Life Pig Roast.

Page 10 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Life & Culture

LoDa Artwalk a hit Small Italian eatery offers big taste local Italian restaurant provides authentic cuisine in a comfortable, quiet atin downtown Mobile This mosphere. The small environment makes Via Emilia the perfect place for a date. Monthly artwalk offers food, art and entertainment. ABBY COWART

Life & Culture Editor

Feeling artsy? If so, the second Friday of each month has become a popular time and place to be in downtown Mobile. During the city’s LoDa Artwalk, join downtown art galleries, institutions, studios and unique shops as they open their doors and welcome the public inside to see beautiful artwork and sample delicious foods. Currently in its fourth year, the event has grown tremendously since its start, offering new venues, more artists and more activities. The most recent artwalk was held Friday, Sept. 11, in the Cathedral Square Arts District from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event was sponsored by the City of Mobile Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. According to Charlie Smoke, the director of community development at the Mobile Arts Council, the September artwalk always attracts many people, as it kicks off the art season. “More than 20 venues participated, and the streets were full of people; about 1,135 visited Mobile Arts Council,” said Smoke. “I usually stand at the door of the Arts Council to greet visitors and answer questions, and so for me, the best part of the artwalk was watching the crowd, enjoying its diversity, and chatting with people about the work in our galleries and other Mobile Arts Council projects - and about

everything else going on in the arts on both sides of the Bay.” Also taking place at Friday’s artwalk was the presentation of the 2009 Greater Mobile Arts Awards by the Mobile Arts Council. The awards acknowledged the important contributions that individuals, groups and businesses make to the cultural life of the Mobile community. This year’s recipients included: Charles Smith, Elmo Hammer, Danny and Pam Mollise and Arlene Mitchell. Gallery 54 and the Azalea City Quilter’s Guild received awards for the business and organizations category. Another unique highlight to Friday’s event was the opening of the new gallery, The Paper Wasp. A space formerly occupied by the Chesser Gallery. The gallery features book and paper-related art and is currently showing an exhibition called “The Migration,” which emphasizes works with a bird theme by three artists, including gallery owner Wayne McNeil. The city’s next artwalk is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 9. For more information on how to get artwork displayed at an artwalk, contact Charlie Smoke at (251) 432-9796.

ANNA PLOVANICH alplovanich@stumail.shc.edu Contributing Writer

Tired of generic Italian joints like Olive Garden and Fazoli’s? Craving some authentic Mediterranean flavor? Then I suggest you try Mobile’s own local restaurant Via Emilia. I stumbled across the humble little house that is Via Emilia a couple of years ago, and it quickly became my favorite eatery. The service is friendly and the food is excellent, though a little more expensive than regular Italian chains. There are only about 10 tables inside and 10 more on the patio, but the

Source: Via Emilia Web site

Via Emilia is located at 5901 Old Shell Road across the street from the University of South Alabama’s campus. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations are available for four or more. Call (251) 347-3677 or visit viaemiliamobile.com for more information.

Ten ways to live green on the Hill Continued from page 8.

ergy than their desktop counter parts. While you’re at it, install a sleep mode on your computer that will further reduce your energy consumption. •

•

Source: Alabama Web site

atmosphere is intimate and romantic, a perfect place to take a date. The owner and chef of Via Emilia is Chatman Ellis, who devoted his time to collecting authentic recipes from Northern Italy. Via Emilia offers seafood, lamb, pasta, beef and chicken entrees. On the lighter side, the restaurant also serves soups, salads and appetizers, like the Southern staple of fried green tomatoes and classic bruschetta. For bread connoisseurs, Via Emilia’s is delicious and homemade to boot. My favorite dish is the Bolognese Lasagna, which comes with fresh roasted vegetables. And your meal isn’t complete without a slice of cold tiramisu.

Is it time to talk about plastic? Invest in a reusable water bottle. Brita pitchers, which run between $15 and $45 are good alternatives to tap water if you find Mobile water questionable. Look for the FilterForGood. com water program and watch for updates from the Spring Hill green team. Wash your clothes in cold water: Most of the energy used in the washing machine is attributed to heating the water. Wait until you have a full load of

clothes and use phosphate free detergents. •

Use eco-friendly cleaners: Fancy smells and colors do not clean better. They just make you feel better about cleaning. To keep things fresh and clean, try diluting white vinegar.

•

Grow your own vegetables: The environmental club is in the process of developing a student garden on campus. Located near New Hall, this organic garden promises to be a place you can commune with nature and eat healthy.

•

What to do about the temporary cafeteria: The new student center and cafeteria promises to be state of the art and totally green, but what do we do until then? Last year, we experimented with recycling

the plastic plates and utensils, but this was unsuccessful. You can’t recycle the plastic with residual food. It is not possible to wash plates at our temporary location and we are limited by space, but there is something we can do: 1) Use the least amount of plates as possible. 2) Don’t use paper towels unnecessarily. 3) Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill it with the drink of your choice. 4) Bring your own utensils and wipe them clean after you’re done. They will be ready to use for the next meal and less likely to break on you. For additional information check out these additional web sites: www.treehugger.com; www.care2.com; www.supereco.com; www. planetgreen.discovery.com

Page 11 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Life & Culture

Story of imperial czars adds Student leader encourages involvement to mystery of powerful family Continued from page 8. the community.” perfect answer to everything, Perry’s book highlights an ancient imperial family’s rule over Russia and their ultimate decline. ANNA PLOVANICH alplovanich@stumail.shc.edu Contributing Writer

Since I was young, I’ve always been fascinated with the myth of Anastasia’s survival as well as the whole Romanov family in general. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know who I’m talking about, the Romanovs were the last czars of imperial Russia. The family ruled from 1617 to 1917 and has ties to Peter and Catherine the Greats. Nicholas II was the last tsar and Alexandra Fyodorovna was the last tsarina of Russia. Together they had five children, Anastasia, Tatiana, Maria, Olga and Alexei, the heir. The Revolution of 1917 saw the removal of the Romanovs from their palace to a remote country home in the Urals. In July of the following year, Bosheviks were ordered by Lenin to assassinate Nicholas and his immediate family. They were awakened at 2 a.m. and taken to a basement, where they were told their photographs were to be taken as proof of their survival. Gunfire was opened, yet the Bolsheviks were amazed to see bullets ricocheting off of the clothing of the women, who had sewn over 1.3 kilograms in jewels to the inside of their clothing. Gruesomely, they were finished off with bayonets and shots to the head. After this episode, there was a popular rumor that Princess Anastasia had survived and escaped the assassination. Many women came forward to claim themselves as

Anastasia, the most infamous being Anna Anderson, who, after DNA testing, eventually turned out to be yet another fraud. In John Curtis Perry’s book The Flight of the Romanovs: A Family Saga, he spends less time on the rumor of Anastasia’s survival and rather recounts the vast Romanov family history. Perry details the rules of each czar, even down to the petty skirmishes between family members. It was interesting to see hints of the ultimate decline of the Russian czar style of ruling, throughout each czar’s rule. You could follow the decisions and laws that were made and follow the pattern of demise. Nicholas and Alexandra both kept diaries, as well as wrote numerous letters, quotations from which are sprinkled through the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading these excerpts; it made the Romanov family seem more like actual people rather than historical figures. I also found it fascinating that today there are so many descendants of the Romanov family that are still living, many of whom are princes and princesses of Europe, including William and Harry. Bizarrely, remaining branches of the Romanov family still quarrel with each other regarding the issue of succession. After reading The Flight of the Romanovs, I feel as if I am an expert on the dynasty. Additionally, the mystery that for me has shrouded the family has been lifted, yet I find them all the more captivating.

living and participating in Gulf Coast communities, McCarthy paused to say, “I actually don’t like seafood. Fun Fact!” McCarthy’s drive for involvement does not come without inspiration. She says she has always looked up to her mother, whom she considers to be a personal hero. McCarthy says, “I have always looked up to my mom throughout my entire life. She served as a Navy nurse for many years and is always looking to help others. She is always there when I need her and I strive to be that kind of person for my friends and

Like most Spring Hill students, McCarthy’s work on campus has not come without struggle. With every opportunity and every involvement, new challenges are always present. McCarthy offers, “While being involved in so many things at once is one of my favorite parts about being at Spring Hill, it can sometimes be my least favorite. I have learned so much from seeing the campus at all different angles and having to deal with many different situations, not all positive.” And while there have been challenges, they are not without gain. McCarthy explains, “I have definitely learned that there is not a

but I have to do my best to represent the organizations that I believe in and the school that I am a part of.” Believing in her school and community, McCarthy is passionate about getting involved. When asked if there is truly one word to describe her, she immediately responds by describing herself as, “Badgertastic.” She confers, “Being a badger is more than just being a student at Spring Hill. There are so many opportunities offered by the school to allow for educational and personal growth.” McCarthy is an Integrated Communication major who is graduating in 2011.

SUDOKU

Answer to last week’s puzzle:

Job Availability A unique learning experience is available in DAPHNE to students in psychology, special educations, speech therapy, occupational therapy or other related fields. Positions are available for providing in-home and community training and services to a male adolescent with autism. The program utilizes ABA based skill acquisition and behavior management strategies. The program is coordinated under the direction of a behavior analyst (BCBA). Afternoon/evening and weekend hours are available at $10.00/hour. Applicants will receive orientation and both general and specialized training in procedures and applications for the program. Interested individuals should contact Karen Rucker at 863-397-4809.

Page 12 The Springhillian September 17, 2009

life & CulTure

Get to know: Dean Joe Deighton Eichold Gallery to host Dean Joe gives the students an inside look at what he does at Spring Hill College and what some of his plans are for the upcoming school year. ELIZABETH FARREN Editor-in-Chief

During Preview, many freshmen are introduced to Joseph Deighton, who serves as the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Upon his arrival to Spring Hill College in the summer of 2006, Deighton insisted upon being called Dean Joe and not Dean Deighton. To this day, he still goes by this name. Before Spring Hill, Deighton worked for Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio followed by eight years at Avila University in Kansas City, Mo. Deighton became interested in Student Affairs during his time as a student at Case Western Reserve University. He originally attended Walsh University studying accounting and finance. While studying both at Walsh and Case Western, Deighton was involved with housing and student affairs through his time as a resident assistant and other activities. So what does the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students do? According to the Bulletin of Information, Deighton works with Residence Life,

SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that every row, column, and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9. Answers for the puzzle will be in next week’s paper.

Student Activities, Judicial Affairs, Intercollegiate Sports and Recreation Programs as well as the Wellness Center. Deighton emphasizes how important the Office of Student Activities is to the Spring Hill experience. He works with Jennifer Stallings to create events on campus that help to compliment the lessons taught inside the classroom, but instead Deighton emphasizes that so much of college is the experiences outside the classroom.

He focuses on emphasizing the Jesuit mottoes, such as cura personalis. Deighton expresses that he has always had the goal of creating a student activities that help to mold the whole person and give unforgettable experiences to students. Despite all the seriousness that Deighton puts into his job, he emphasizes that he wants students to enjoy their time being on the Hill. As well as working with the student activities office, Deighton also works with Badger athletics. He says he is excited for the new athletic director, Jim Hill to arrive to Spring Hill at the beginning of October. When asked what his favorite part of his job

Green10 exhibit this month Campus gallery displays art with a social justice theme focused toward the environmental crisis. ABBY COWART

Life & Culture Editor

KEITH NECAISE / SHC Photographer

is, he replied that he enjoys seeing students succeed and grow. He enjoys seeing first year students mature through their senior year and grow into student leaders. Deighton also loves the small campus feel. He has always been a fan of small schools and enjoys the atmosphere created by the closer environment. He feels it is because of its size that Spring Hill has so many wonderful student leaders. When asked about his goals for this coming year, Deighton stated that each of the departments he works with has its own goals, but overall he hopes to continue building a better campus community. He also says that as a department they have to get creative with the limited

The Eichold Gallery hosted the opening reception for the Green10 art exhibit Thursday, Sept. 3, in the Fine Arts Building. The opening exhibit of the academic year reflects Spring Hill College’s social justice theme, “Renew the Face of the Earth.” Each piece featured in the show utilizes recycled materials in an effort to celebrate the natural world or speak of the environmental crisis. The opening ceremony welcomed many students, faculty and guests from around the Spring Hill community, who are looking to learn more about art’s contributions to the current state of the environment. “The Green Show, for me, is significant in that the current state of the global environment is in dire straits due to the irreverence of human neglect. This exhibition is an opportunity for me and other artists to raise awareness and hopefully encourage change for a better tomorrow,” said featured ceramic artist Dave Truesdale. Many students found the environmentally friendly nature of the exhibition encouraging and influential in its promotion of the college’s social justice theme. “I really liked how Casey Downing Jr.’s ‘No Passing’ took the theme to heart by using found objects to create thought provoking pieces about our effect on the planet,” said sophomore Jacqueline Dunsworth. “The double meaning of ‘No Passing’ really resonates. The literal interpretation of the solid yellow line on a highway shows the fact that if we don’t

act to stop the overproduction of waste, we cannot move on to find ways to improve our situation and the future of the planet.” Wanda Sullivan, gallery director and curator for the exhibit, feels that the exhibit is not only a way to reflect social justice themes but also a means to communicate the Jesuit themes that Spring Hill stands on. The exhibition features the work of 10 artists, offering a variety of works ranging from paintings and sculptures to mixed media presentations. “There are some very traditional works and some very non-traditional works. There are two dimensional pieces and three dimensional pieces. I love putting very different works together, they create a unique synergy,” said Sullivan. The following artists have work displayed in the exhibit: Raine Bedsole, Casey Downing Jr., Susan DowningWhite, Alan Gerson, Fred Lawyer, Greg Shelnutt, Karoline Schleh, Dave Truesdale, Rachel Wright and Tony Wright. The Green10 exhibit will remain in the Eichold Gallery through Sept. 25. Beginning Oct. 5, the gallery will display the works of Sheri Flick Reith and Tom Lee. The reception for this exhibition will be held Thursday, Oct. 22. The first student exhibition will be held in April 2010. The Eichold Gallery is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All exhibitions are open to the public and admission is free. For more information on the Eichold Gallery, contact Wanda Sullivan at (251) 3803863 or wsullivan@shc.edu.

Page 13 The SpringHillian September 17, 2009

Sports

I want to be like Michael Jordan, king of basketball The man who changed the game of basketball says farewell for the final time. GREENBERRY TAYLOR Sports Editor

The single most iconic athlete to ever play the game of basketball graced fans with his presence one last time Friday night; Michael Jordan was inducted to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. David Robinson, John Stockton, Jerry Sloan and C. Vivian Stringer were also inducted that night, but as usual, all eyes were on Jordan. Sitting there captivated by the highlight reel that featured some of Jordan’s game-winning shots, insane dunks and re-caps of past championships won, I wasn’t thinking about the speech to come. I knew it would be good; it’s Michael Jordan for crying out loud. But I had forgotten how good his Royal Airness truly is. With all eyes on him, Jordan spoke last. He once again found himself in the role of the closer. And he closed in true Mike fashion. Jordan approached the podium with tears in his eyes. He spoke as passionately as he had played. He thanked teammates, coaches, and friends who had helped him along in his career. He also thanked his family, who he said instilled his nature to compete. Now, some of you may be thinking that this sounds like your run-of-themill, average speech, but it wasn’t. As Jordan’s speech progressed, the camera panned over the faces in the crowd of National Basketball Association superstars and legends. They were all captivated by Jordan’s words, especially

Greenberry Taylor Sports Editor gbtaylor@stumail.shc.edu

Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan didn’t even blink when the camera was on him; he was to busy absorbing everything he could from the legendary Michael Jordan. The fact that someone of Duncan’s stature, who has won four National Basketball Association Championships, was so captivated just shows how great Jordan really is. When Michael Jordan’s speech was coming to an end he closed by saying two things that made his speech unforgettable. He said that his induction to the Basketball Hall Of Fall isn’t a “defining end” but “ simply a continuation of something I started a long time ago.” After that, Jordan closed by saying, “Never say never. Because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” Come On! This guy is like Friedrich Nietzsche in a basketball jersey. Name a current athlete you’ve heard drop a line like that recently? You can’t, because they don’t make them like Mike anymore. As if the speech wasn’t enough to remind me of how great Jordan really is, ESPN aired Michael Wilbon’s interview with Michael Jordan. Wilbon asked some good questions, but his best question asked frankly, “do you want to be called the greatest [living basketball player]?”. Jordan’s response was unbelievable. Jordan said that he didn’t want the title. “I think it disrespects Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. All the guys that prior to me I didn’t get a chance to play against.” Jordan went on to say he “cringes” and gets a little “embarrassed” because “no one knows. I never got a chance to play against

Hard times for lady Badgers The Sharks of Nova Southeastern University handed the lady badgers a tough loss Sunday. GREENBERRY TAYLOR

Granholm scored the second

The women’s soccer team suffered their third straight loss Sunday afternoon against the Sharks of Nova Southeastern University by a score of 2-0. Elizabeth Brauher scored the first goal of the game for Nova at the 20 minute mark with the ball ricocheting off the hands of the Badgers goalkeeper Emma Pitchford. The ball hit the crossbar and rolled into the net.

goal with 73 minutes on the

Sports Editor

Source: Chicago Bulls

Michael Jordan as number 23 for the Chicago Bulls.

those guys [Chamberlain and West].” Who doesn’t want the title of the greatest? Jordan’s humility just proves how genuine he is about the game of basketball. Humility goes hand in hand with greatness. No one likes athletes who flaunt their talent. Jordan would never dare, he has too much respect for the game. Kids’ heroes are commonly athletes. Kids pay attention to their every move. They look to them as role models. But let’s face it: today’s athletes aren’t saying things like “limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.” Instead they are on television with accusations ranging from rape and murder, to using steroids and controlled substances. It makes me sad for the kids growing up right now. It makes me miss Mike. I worked at a summer camp for three years. Kids were always in my ear about who the best player in the game was. So I would ask them if they could be one player who would they pick. I typically got the answer “Kobe Bryant’ or “Lebron James” and sometimes a “Kevin Garnett.” Then they would ask me that same question in return. My answer was simple, and watching the Hall Of Fame inductions only solidified it: “I wanna be like Mike.”

Nova’s Danielle

clock with a right-to-left shot that snuck by Pitchford and made its way into the lower left corner of the goal. The Badgers had six shot attempts for the night and three corner kicks while the Sharks were able to get off 11 shot attempts and also three corner kicks. Spring Hill’s goalkeeper Emma Pitchford had three saves for the night.

What’s your fantasy? Get a break down of who to start and who to sit for your fantasy team for this upcoming NFL weekend. EVAN PARROTT

that the breakdowns in the secondary will stop anytime soon. Sit ‘em Carson Palmer @ Green Bay Packers

enparrot@stumail.shc.edu Editor Emeritus

Quarterbacks Start ‘em Eli Manning @ Dallas Cowboys The Dallas Cowboys surrendered almost 300 yards to a mediocre QB in Byron Leftwich. Expect a Super Bowl winning QB to do better. The Cowboys defense had zero sacks week one. This week, they face the best offensive line in the NFL. Manning should have plenty time to find his targets. Trent Edwards vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers The Buccaneers secondary gave up over 350 yards through the air last week. With one of the Bucs’ starting safeties suspended for the first four games, there is no reason to expect

The Packers’ defense tortured Bears’ QB Jay Cutler in every way imaginable in week one. Cutler was constantly pressured, and the Bears receivers were constantly covered. If Palmer couldn’t get things going in the air against an inferior Broncos team last week, there isn’t much hope this week against a strong Packers defense. Joe Flacco @ San Diego Chargers Joe Flacco was probably the biggest QB surprise of week one. He threw for 300 yards and three touchdowns against the Chiefs defense. The problem for Flacco is that he isn’t going to play against the Chiefs every See Picks page 14

Page 14 The Springhillian September 17, 2009

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