No. 22 (April 20, 2017) by University News

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Thursday, April 20, 2017

A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1921

Vol. XCVI No. 22

SGA hosts open forum with school officials

First-ever ‘Oath week’ under way

from marginalized populations. “I think it definitely created a very false image of On March 1, 2017, the what SLU is,” said a first-year SGA senate voted to “take student. back” the Oath, in response “[The Oath] was literally to its alleged misuse by union everything I ever received versity administration. In from SLU.” particular, the authors of Many of the attendees the bill objected to its use were members of the SGA in marketing materials and or well-known activists on asked that non-student use SLU’s campus, all of whom of the Oath be subject to were clearly sympathetic to SGA approval. this point of view. F o r t y The maeight days jority of the after that bill conversaThe idea of the was passed, tion revolved Oath is something SLU’s Diveraround the that I strongly sity LeaderOath’s intendbelieve in, but ship Cabinet ed purpose. it’s the practice held its first Senior Ronald Oath Week Clark reads that has been event. it as a direct completely thrown Tu e s challenge. by the wayside. day marked “[The Oath Juan Barzallo, senior the start of of Inclusion] Oath Week; says somefour days of thing about events intended to help stu‘we do not succeed by our dents engage with the Oath individual ambitions, but by of Inclusion, particularly in learning about each other,’ the wake of Senate Resoluand I think it’s pretty bizarre tion SR007-17. The theme that people tend to stick to of this year’s Oath Week their own bubbles, which is “Reclaim the Oath” — a tend to be pretty monochrotheme that reflects the SGA’s matic,” said Clark. majority belief that the Oath A major point of agreeof Inclusion’s original intent ment was that SLU as an inhas been warped and forgotstitution needs to be actively ten in the past seven years. involved in holding itself and “The idea of the Oath is its students accountable to something that I strongly the goals of the Oath. “If the believe in, but it’s the pracinstitution doesn’t get intice that has been completevolved, it doesn’t matter, bely thrown by the wayside,” cause we’re all talking about said senior Juan Barzallo at this for four years at a maxiThe State of the Oath event mum and then we’re gone,” on Tuesday. said event organizer Raquel The State of the Oath Dominguez. event, intended to “have For all of the students student speakers share their who took to social media story about how the lack of to express their concerns living the Oath has aﬀected in March, when they pertheir experience,” evolved ceived the Oath was “under into an intimate and inforattack,” student interest in mal discussion on the Oath’s the State of the Oath event use (or misuse) at SLU. was remarkably low. “I’m About 25 students gathvery frustrated with the lack ered in a lecture hall in of openness and the lack of Davis-Shaughnessy Hall to concern... Most of the people discuss their personal exon campus don’t really care,” periences with the Oath said a first-year student from of Inclusion. The informal the back of the room. dialogue was led by current Several opportunities reSGA Vice President of Dimain to participate in Oath versity and Inclusion AmanWeek events. There will be da Pekau. Though she began an “Activism at SLU” panel by reading from a sheet of on Thursday evening and a prepared comments, Pekau closing event called “Reclaim quickly tossed her script and the Oath” on Friday. The opened the floor to comweek will end with a Safements from the attendees. Zone training on Sunday, Most of the students April 23. For more details on present felt that the Oath DLC’s Oath Week, see the was being used as a marketSGA special announcement ing tool to mislead students email, sent on April 18. By JUSTIN SEATON Staff Writer

PESTELLO: Dozens of students attend an open forum with President Pestello to ask questions and voice concerns. By MEREDYTH STAUNCH Associate News Editor

On Wednesday, April 19, SGA held a Student Body Forum in the Center for Global Citizenship at 5 p.m., which involved questions regarding the budget, rising tuition costs and staﬀ and administrator cuts, pre-

sented by SLU President Dr. Fred Pestello, University Provost Nancy Brickhouse and Chief Financial Oﬃcer David Heimburger. Joining the oﬃce in September of 2012, Heimburger spoke first about his responsibility in ensuring professional business and financial operations at the university,

primarily pertaining to operating margins declining because of flattening revenues. “Our revenues were starting to become flat about five years ago because our enrollment was decreasing while there were increases within the financial aid packages,” Heimburger explained. “The decreases in enrollment and

increases in financial aid were coupled with expenses growing -- these lines of revenue and expenses lining across last year resulted in a $16 million deficit.” However, amidst the overarching debt, there have See “Forum” on Page 2

St. Louis water crisis rises to surface ters their bones. East and North St. Louis’ poorest and highest minorAudiences lined up outity populations have the side the door on Wednesday most lead in their water. night of April 5 in the Busch These include areas with Student Center, eager to see 85 percent or more minorBillikens for Clean Water’s ity populations with houseAtlas presenhold incomes tation on St. ranging from Louis’ water $20,000Lead in paint and crisis. $40,000 a year. pipes has been This preIn comparsentation an issue from the ison, the three covered the ealthiest 1960s until today. wsuburbs history of lead in St. poisoning in Lead poisoning is Louis, Fronthe water of tenac, Ladue irreversible. St. Louis, and and Town and how that inCountry, have teracts with class and race. annual household incomes According to the preranging from $100,000senters, infrastructure in the $200,000, and 90 percent or United States is in decline more of these populations right now. Lead in paint and are white. When tested, pipes has been an issue from these communities have litthe 1960s until today. Lead tle or no lead in their water. poisoning is irreversible. “Water is a right, not a Victims can be hospitalized and treated but not cured, See “Water” on Page 2 especially once the lead enBy MARY ADCOCK Staff Writer

Courtesy of Mary Adcock

HONDURAS: A group from Billikens for Clean Water went on a trip to Honduras. Pictured is Shalini Raichur.

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Emma Carmody / The University News

INSIDE SCOOP:

ARTS

Whitney invites the summer

Tennis Senior Day

Why SLU needs to be on “the pill”

Page 5

Page 8

Page 9

SPORTS

OPINION

2 April 20, 2017

NEWS

Water: Billikens for Clean Water advocates for communities in need

privilege,” former Billikens for Clean Water president Shalini Raichur said. She remains involved with the group, helping plan meetings and going on trips. After their research, the presenters asked themselves questions: Why was lead found in water in primarily low income communities? And why is it such an underrepresented issue? To answer these questions, Billikens for Clean Water is pursuing advocacy about this issue and is looking to test water in schools and homes in St. Louis. They want to “have a backing, a community to fight for people’s right to clean water,” Ashley Gomel, president of Billikens for Clean Water said. “We have a lot of work to do…someone has got to do it.”

The group believes government and policy is a problem when it does not enforce checking water at schools and daycares, as well as not checking the children for lead in their bodies. One way people looking to make

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Change isn’t made with fear. Find humanity in others to see our brothers and sisters as brothers and sisters.

“

Continued from Page 1

Ashley Gomel, freshman

a diﬀerence can help is by writing to and/or calling the government about enforcing laws that test water and children for lead. Billikens for Clean Water meets about once a month and has sent a group to Honduras recently over spring

break. They are looking to build relations with this community by developing a water system for a rural town there based on what the residents of this community desire. Implementation of the water system is expected to take place during winter 2017 or spring 2018. During the spring breaks of 2016 and 2017, a group of these Billikens also travelled to Flint, Mich. to interact with the communities aﬀected by the water crisis there and hand out water bottles. Additionally, they appeared at Saint Louis University’s Public Health Fair at the beginning of April. “When people come together, that is when change is made,” Gomel said. “Change isn’t made with fear. Find humanity in others to see our brothers and sisters as brothers and sisters.”

Courtesy of Mary Adcock

ACTIVISM: An environmental activist, Berta Caceres, is depicted in this mural ouside a BioHealth building in Honduras that the Billiken group saw while on their trip.

The unity wall comes to campus

Emma Carmody / The University News

Last week, the SLU Cross Cultural Center sponsored the Unity Wall event at the clocktower. Students were invited to “write messages of solidaritiy for immigrants and refugees on the wall that unites instead of divides.” The wall has now been moved from the clocktower to outside the front of the Center for Global Citizenship.

Forum: Q&A session involving academic affairs Continued from Page 1

been cuts made to the staff and administrator departments and various programs to counteract the deficiency; once the floor was open for questions to Heimburger, the inquiry was raised regarding which specific programs were cut to counteract the deficit and the logical reasoning behind the reductions. “On the staffing side of it, they came in to look at benchmark universities and compared our organizational structure with that of other institutions to determine which areas of the university have access to passing and which need more evaluation,” Heimburger said. Clarifying more on the housing project, he referenced a trend on the decision of potential students deterred from enrolling at SLU, with the finalizing factor coming down to housing—the decline in revenue caused the university to adopt a master housing plan to affirm the comfortability of new students and reel in high school seniors to choose SLU to further their education.

“One of the things we do each year is that we look at the incoming class, including the students who enrolled and those who decide not to enroll,” Heimburger said. “The number one reason of these students was the housing, and we’re hoping the new housing will allow us to maintain our recordhigh retention rates.” As of last week, 41 percent of the potential SLU candidates took the survey. Continuing with the forum, Brickhouse came to the forefront with a discussion involving academia and scholarship services. In her letter communicated to her colleagues, Brickhouse elaborated on the importance of instilling an education rooted within the Jesuit heritage. She said the educational hallmarks must be “pronounced curricular and co-curricular heretics, sustained and integrated throughout all four years for all students and in all majors; and the core of SLU’s education must be rooted in the integrated study of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and the arts.” As Brickhouse empha-

Emma Carmody / The University News

CURRICULUM: Pictured is Nancy Brickhouse, provost. She gave an update on the academic curriculum.

sized the educational goal of cultivating the person as a whole, she was challenged as to how the holistic approach can be retained when the cuts to the humanities are unproportional compared to that of the science curriculum, why the non-tenured professors are more readily let go, and what the ultimate driving factor is in determining which staﬀ and administrative workers are let go. “The university had certain targets that it had to hit,” Brickhouse explained. “There were cutbacks within the College of Arts and Sciences, and I will say some natural science requirements were spared because the professors are currently teaching 400 students at a time; other than that, all departments were asked to make some sort of reduction.” According to Brickhouse, other reductions in faculty employment are still being determined, with a “shared sacrifice” among the higher-ups and middle people. Finally, Pestello addressed the students and staﬀ by debunking misconceptions circulating campus in relation to SLU’s financial stabil-

ity. Affirming “with absolute certainty,” he explained that SLU is not at risk of bankruptcy or closing—overall, there are some short-term budget challenges which need to be noted and addressed. Pestello elaborated that SLU’s financial standing is comparable to other Jesuit institutions and went on to discuss how the 535 Redevelopment Plan will connect the north and south campuses without necessitating the acquirement of new land. Excited for what the next five to seven years will bring, Pestello asserted an investment of over a billion dollars due to the plan and from Spring and Grand halls attracting more students. Concluding the evening, a viable concern was raised about the restriction of contraception on campus. While SLU is a Jesuit institution, it also promotes the inclusion of people from varying religious faiths, or lack thereof, and morals. The question was highlighted as to how an institution can promote inclusion yet ban condom and pill dispersal to people of different faiths and different beliefs about contraception.

NEWS

April 20, 2017

Let Us Introduce You: Eric Eggemeyer By MEGAN HAMMOND News Editor

Let us introduce you to Eric Eggemeyer. He is from Waterloo, Ill. and studies history and secondary education. Originally, Eggemeyer decided to attend SLU because his mom was an employee, but he grew to love the university because of the people. SLU is composed of people from a mixture of cultures who have diﬀerent political views and backgrounds. Eggemeyer appreciates that his professors have made an eﬀort to teach students the importance of working together, no matter their beliefs or previous life experiences. During his time at SLU, Eggemeyer has changed his major several times: physical therapy, nutrition and dietetics, music, communication sciences and disorders, history, then education. After six years of school, he

Emma Carmody / The University News

LUIY: Eric is a double major in education and history. He will graduate in May after being at SLU for six years. is graduating in May. In his words, “At last!” Junior year, he decided to become a double major in history and education. Although he could have graduated a semester early, he decided to follow his passion for teaching. Eggemeyer has been

heavily involved with the music scene at SLU during his six years. He was in Master Singers for two years and Astha A Cappella the past four years. He played trombone for several years throughout middle and high school, but never pursued

band at SLU because he enjoyed singing more. Joining Astha proved to be one of his best college decisions, according to Eggemeyer. Although he auditioned for several other a cappella groups in the past, he decided to join Astha because his friend Jessica goaded him to try out. Astha is the co-ed Indian fusion a cappella group on campus. Singing is a way to unwind from the stress of college; Astha has provided Eggemeyer with not only the opportunity to relax, but also to interact with a diﬀerent kind of culture. This Sunday, April 23, Astha has a concert in Tegeler Hall at 3 p.m. After graduation, Eggemeyer hopes to go abroad with teaching or through the Peace Corps. Once he heard about his friend’s experiences teaching English in China, Eggemeyer decided to help people by teaching English or doing other mission work.

Race, class and wellbeing in St. Louis By MEGAN HAMMOND News Editor

On Wednesday, April 19, Dr. Jason Purnell spoke on race, class and well-being in St. Louis. His lecture, titled “For the Sake of All: Translating Evidence into Health and Well-Being,” featured a May 2014 report done by the organization For the Sake of All about the health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis and, most importantly, why it should matter to everyone. Purnell is an associate professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard, his Ph.D. from Ohio State University and is a licensed psychologist. He was invited to speak as part of the “Happiness and WellBeing” lecture series, aimed at discerning quality of life, how human lives matter and how to make them better. The lecture series is part of a larger initiative: “Happiness and Well-Being: Integrating Research Across the Disciplines.” The $5.1 million project is a partnership between Saint Louis University and the John Templeton Foundation. The funding is used for research done by people of various disciplines, including the sciences, philosophy and theology and religious studies, for the purpose of figuring out what makes life worth living and how to secure quality of life. During Purnell’s talk, he heavily referenced the research done for the 2014 report. He said the report project focused on the social determinants of health: the conditions in which people were born, grew up and worked and the daily conditions of life. Economic policies and systems, development agendas and social norms are just a few factors that contribute to quality of life. Purnell said healthcare is not the sole contributor to health; communities and households play the biggest part. In the health impact pyramid, poverty, education and housing are the main issues contributing to wellness. There were fours goals for the report. First, “Inform the public about social determinants of health as they impact African Americans,

as one of the populations most impacted by health disparities.” Second, “Present the regional, economic and health consequences of intervening (or failing to intervene) on social determinants of health.” Third, “Provide evidence of the impact of persistent disparities on all members of the region.” Finally, “Influence the policy agenda on health disparities by broadening the conversation beyond personal responsibility and the delivery of medical care.” Purnell showed a graph displaying the death rates of African Americans and whites in St. Louis. There was a general decrease in mortality, but the gap between white and African American death rates was astounding. Purnell said being in poverty and receiving less than a high school education are the two biggest contributions to the death rate. Although it may seem that the factors should not be linked to death rates, it has been proved that social factors largely impact death rates. In St. Louis, the average life expectancy changes by almost 20 years within a 10mile radius. Clayton has an average life expectancy of 85, while in St. Louis city the average life expectancy is 67. Purnell said, as the research shows, “Life and health are not equally distributed in St. Louis.” Generally in prominent, white communities, the quality of life is much better than in black, innercity communities. St. Louis is in the top 10 most socially segregated cities, according to Purnell. Although healthcare plays a part in premature death, according to the For the Sake of All report it is only 10 percent. Behavioral patterns such as diet, smoking, weight and physical activity impact premature death rates the most. Generally, people group individual eﬀort and responsibility with behavioral patterns, but Purnell said there is more to it. Behavior happens in a context: some people feel unsafe in their neighborhoods, making it impossible to go outside for an afternoon walk and others do not have access to healthy foods. Thirty-nine percent of Afri-

Q&A with Eric:

Q. What is your favorite vacation memor y? In high school, I went to Florida with the school band. We stayed on Disney World property for a whole week and went to two different parks each day. The last day, we marched in the daily Disney parade. Q. Who is your role model? My mom for sure! I respect her a lot; for most of our lives she has been a single parent. We don’t have a lot of money, but she always put food on the table and found time to be home. Q. What character quality do you hope people learn from you? Open-mindedness. You can learn a lot more when you keep an open mind. People feel safer during conversations and it’s possible to have more productive discussions about controversial issues.

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Monday, April 10 9:47 p.m. ASSAULT A Grad student who resides at the Saum Apartments stated that today at 5:00 p.m. and on March 15, a female student, who also resides at the Saum, approached the student at the outside, front of the apartment building and jerked his right wrist very hard, causing red marks and lasting pain both times. The female student told the male student that she did not want the male to have any friends. The female was happy when the male was alone. There were witnesses for both incidents. The student declined medical attention and refused to notify the police. The male student stated that he did not want anything done to the suspect, but just wanted to report the incidents. Captain Walker was notified.

Wednesday, April 13 11:26 a.m. INFORMATIONAL A patient lost his balance and fell, due to a preexisting medical condition. The patient, who was in the company of his daughter, stated he was not injured. The office manager where the incident occurred was aware of the fall, and the office of the building manager was notified. Pictures of the area were taken and SLU facilities were notified to repair the gate. Courtesy of Washington University in St. Louis

HEALTH: Dr. Jason Purnell is an associate professor of social work at Washington University in St. Louis. can Americans in St. Louis city consider themselves to be safe in their neighborhoods and 66 percent have easy access to healthy food. Education is one of the most consistent and strongest predictors of health outcomes, but race still affects mortality. Purnell said, “Even if I had a magic wand and gave everyone a college education, race still plays a role.” In a hospital, if a woman gave birth to a black baby, the infant would automatically have a higher chance of death than a white baby born in the same circumstances. Not only is there a higher death rate among African Americans, the rate of hospitalization for mental illness is 121 percent higher in African Americans than Caucasians. Purnell contributed that to the fact that outpatient centers are less common in cities than in the suburbs. There is also a vast economic impact: $1 billion of hospital charges are for heart disease, cancer and diabetes in St. Louis. Forty-two percent of hospital charges for mental health are from African Americans. Purnell said money is being lost, and his recommendations are as follows: “Invest in quality early childhood development for all children, help low to moderate

income families create economic opportunities, invest in coordinated school health programs for all students, invest in mental health awareness, screening, treatment and surveillance, invest in quality neighborhoods for all in St. Louis and coordinate and expand chronic and infectious disease prevention and management.” Phase two of the For the Sake of All project is to engage the community, inform policy makers, activate private and public sector stakeholders who can implement change and evaluate the impact of the project. In the United States, Purnell says the popular conception is that individual effort determines life outcomes. There is a cultural and values-based brick wall that makes it difficult to enact policy and program changes that are necessary to make the city a better place. Purnell said individual effort is essential to a successful and productive life, but is not sufficient. Without a supporting context, individual efforts do not ensure success. People mostly look at the quality of life to see issues, but do not take the time to look at the environment people were born into, whether that be a city or a specific race.

Saturday, April 15 4:45 p.m. AUTO ACCIDENT An MCI Tour Bus carrying the University of Alabama Gymnastics team was entering the Weber Parking Lot at Chaifetz Arena. As the driver approached the gate he observed the gate arms lift for the van in front of his bus. He was under the impression that the gates would remain up for him to enter the lot. As he drove through the gates both gate arms lowered and struck his bus. One of the gate arms was shattered into multiple pieces while the other one was pulled off at the bolts. Pictures of the area were taken and SLU facilities were notified to repair the gate. The gate arms were repaired and replaced within the hour by Chaifetz Maintenance staff.

Tuesday, April 18 4:41 p.m. ACCIDENTAL INJURY A female employee reported that while she was making a purchase in the Subway sandwich shop she tripped over an empty soda crate in the dining room area and injured her left leg. Victim refused medical attention and manager of the sandwich shop was notified and on scene.

Be a Responsible Billiken STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu dps.slu.edu

4 April 20, 2017

GAMES

Games Across 1 5 9 13 14 16 17 19 20 21 23 24 26 27 29 33 36 38 39 40 42 43 45 46 47 49 51 52 53 56 61 63 64 66

14 15 16 13 Statistics A Flintstone 19 17 18 Trumpeter 21 22 20 Love god Put on, as cargo 24 25 26 23 Employ Pet name for a 27 28 29 30 31 32 child? 33 34 35 36 37 38 Mideast ruler Depletes 40 41 42 39 An opening in the baseboard? 45 46 43 44 Checkers color 47 48 49 50 Scoundrel Spending limit 51 52 53 54 55 Piece of music School 61 62 56 57 58 59 60 assignments 64 65 63 Kipling novel Actor Jack of Rio 66 67 68 Lobo Downhill racer 70 71 69 Chinese cabbage Copyright ©2017 PuzzleJunction.com or dynasty Steamed 67 Tiny organism 10 Wuss 41 Restaurant Gossip type 68 Ginger cookie 11 Diva’s delivery giveaway Singer Abdul 69 “___ there, done 12 Geeky sort 44 Actor Guinness Cancún coin that” 15 Playing card 48 Kind of toast 40 winks 70 Glitch 18 Continental capital 50 Old Roman road Founder of 71 Hardy heroine 22 Guff 53 English Channel scholasticism 25 Garden bulb feeder O. Henry’s The Down 28 Oregon’s capital 54 Karina and Gift of the ___ 30 Slave girl of opera Magnani Golf peg 1 Object, softly 31 Cry of pain 55 Tufts Cpl.’s superior 2 Cropped up 32 Sp. girl (Abbr.) 56 Fiasco, as a play Adage 3 Modulated 33 Asian title 57 New York canal Sweet roll 4 Inquires 34 Markers, of sorts 58 Zenith Sana'a native 5 Insect catcher 35 Equine 59 Goals Killer whale 6 Brit. ﬂiers conveyance? 60 Small songbird Nitwits 7 Dutch cheese 37 Tablelands 62 Sail holder Desperate Hours 8 Art ___ 39 Bean counter, for 65 Fictitious biz actress Rogers 9 Diploma short name (Abbr.)

4 7 1 9 2 6

7 3 8 4

2 4 5 9 3

8 3 5 9 6 1

9 8

19th Century Writers

Last week’s solutions

4 3 8 5 7 2 9 6 1

2 1 6 9 4 8 3 5 7

5 9 7 1 3 6 4 8 2

3 8 5 7 1 9 2 4 6

9 6 1 8 2 4 5 7 3

7 2 4 6 5 3 1 9 8

6 7 3 4 9 1 8 2 5

8 4 2 3 6 5 7 1 9

1 5 9 2 8 7 6 3 4

ALCOTT

HAWTHORNE

STOWE

BAUM

HUGO

TENNYSON

BRONTE

IRVING

THOREAU

BROWNING

JAMES

TOLSTOY

DEFOE

LAMB

TWAIN

DICKENS

LONGFELLOW

VERNE

DOYLE

MELVILLE

WELLS

DUMAS

MUIR

WHITMAN

EMERSON

SEWALL

WILDE

HARDY

STOKER

ZOLA

Arts Entertainment

April 20, 2017 arts@unewsonline.com Natalie Riopelle, Arts Editor Tom Bergan, Assoc. Arts Editor

Whitney and the sound of summer

ingly shot into the the public’s eye ever since the June 2016 release of their deThere isn’t a single sound but album “Light Upon the that encompasses what sumLake.” With a January apmer feels like. Of course one pearance on “The Late Show might think of an ocean’s with Stephen Colbert,” their waves crashing or sunscreen quick ascent was all but cesquirting out of a bottle, mented. The whole experibut never has summer been ence of gaining such a fan summed up in a sound. That base has caught the memchanged in 2015 with the bers oﬀ-guard, considering it formation of the band Whittook years for previous projney. The band is the brainects to get to the levels they child of members of indie have achieved with Whitney. bands Smith Westerns and The moment in which Unknown Mortal Orchestra. the quick success sunk in Whitney, with their care-free with guitarist Max Kakacek sounds that was “When we were seemgot signed. It ingly written In a time in which all all of a sudden on and for a very artists are seemingly became beach, took the real.” Kakacek looking forward title for creatthen added ing a seeming“Also, February to find the next ly unattainable of last year, we futuristic sound, sound. all quit our jobs Whitney looked H a i l and toured Eubackward. ing from the rope without Midwest, one an album… might expect Despite this the band’s sound to be in we were getting decent reactune with the thrashing tions and crowds, and kind guitars that have become a of all realized that this could staple of the Chicago scene. very well be something.” The long lineage of loud rock The success they have that spans from Naked Raygarnered is more than justigun to Twin Peaks is nothfied by their magnificent aling near Whitney’s sound. bum. It changes tempo at a Instead they lean heavily on moment’s notice, going from singer/drummer Julien Ehthe dance-inducing guitar rlich’s beautiful falsetto, a lick of “No Matter Where brass section that taps into We Go” to the slow build of severely underrepresented “On My Own” as if it were instruments within indie, normal to have such an arand guitar licks that are irrayed sound. The vintage resistible to dance to. vibe of each song adds to the Whitney has seemalbum’s charm. In a time in By TOM BERGAN Associate Arts Editor

Courtesy of Daniel Topete

DAVE: Despite the snowy condition of the photo above, Whitney, whose members Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich are pictured above, and their debut album “Light Upon the Lake” radiates nothing but warmth. which all artists are seemingly looking forward to find the next futuristic sound, Whitney looked backward and found a treasure trove of sounds entirely unique to today’s music landscape. And yet it all happened by accident. The recording process started when Kakacek and Ehrlich decided to make a song out of the blue. The result of this writing session was “Dave’s Song,” which not only made it onto the album,

but is one of its standouts. With the first attempt at making music being so successful, more songs were all but inevitable. In regards to their retro sound, Kakacek said that it was very much a product of what the band was listening to at the time. “Making ‘Dave’s Song’ reminded us of an older American historical recording, like from a long time ago.” Kakacek continues “So we kind of got down to the folk and country artists

Franchise ‘fated’ for success

we had always respected, but never considered as something to gain inspiration from before this point.” Just as Smith Westerns seemed to be influenced by the lo-fi indie of the past two decades, it is quite easy to see that “Light Upon the Lake” was “inspired” by much older records. And although it is quite diﬀerent from the Chicago scene they grew up and recorded in, the album and band are still very much a Chicago group.

When asked about the Chicago scene, and how it influences the band, Kakacek says, “In Chicago, everyone has a positive mindset, there is not much competition between bands. We will be asked to join sets to lay down some bass or trumpet, and always do because everyone supports one another.” He elaborated on his personal See “Whitney” on Page 6

‘Injustice 2’ a fighting game with DC Comics characters made by the same company who It seems Warner Brothmade “Mortal Kombat” users games is about to reing approximately the same lease another smash before fighting moves of the “Mor“Shadow of War,” and it’s tal Kombat” characters. And something I never thought no finishing moves; where’s I’d see, but now want more the fun in that? Taken at than ever. “Injustice 2” is due face value, this might make to come out on the game seem May 16, and if unattractive at the numerous “Injustice 2” seems best, but the gameplay clips story made it to be taking a page and teasers out of DC Rebirth: so much more. that have been “Injustice” released so far introducing beloved finds the beare anything characters as new loved heroes oﬀ of which to of DC on an again. base an opinalternate verion, I think sion of Earth we’re all in for a where Batman’s worst nightblast through this dimension mare is realized: Superman and beyond. “Injustice 2” is has become an all-powerful the sequel to 2013’s phenomdictator hell-bent on ensurenally successful video game ing the world’s complete “Injustice: Gods Among Us.” The idea of the game was See “Injustice” on Page 6 initially ridiculed for being By KARL O’BRIEN Staff Writer

Courtesy of Universal

FATE: The gang is back in “The Fate of the Furious,” some fresh faces and other old favorites. Full of action and intensity, what the movie lacks in plot it makes up for with jaw-dropping special eﬀects. By SEAN KELSO Staff Writer/Senior Critic

As the latest addition to the over-the-top car franchise, “The Fate of the Furious” delivers expected thrills and historically flexes its box oﬃce muscle. “The Fate of the Furious” is directed by F. Gary Gray (“Straight Outta Compton,” “The Italian Job”), and stars the familiar cast, headlined by Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell and others. Following the heartbreaking loss of Paul Walker, and the emotional conclusion that “Furious 7” left us with, “The Fate of the Furious” picks up right after those events, with Dom on his honeymoon with Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) in Cuba. The opening is filled with

usual “Fast and Furious” premise a thousand times, flair, overblown music, a car “The Fate of the Furious” race and ridiculous explobrings it to a new level by acsions. We then meet the latcepting its utter ridiculousest villain, Cipher (Theron), ness, and fully committing to a cybertech terrorist with it for a pure adrenaline rush. vitriolic information that Theron’s dreadlocks and evDom apparerything else ently cannot in the film are “Fast and Furious” overdone, but gloss over. The “Fast” crew films have come to it works since perform an depend on the action all the actors unsucce ssf ul are having as mission with set pieces, and they much fun as Hobbs (John- continue to deliver. the audience, son), and Dom while zombie betrays them cars are flung and steals a from rooftops powerful EMP device for and the laws of physics are Cipher. After losing Dom seemingly redefined for this and the EMP, the team joins film alone. forces with Mr. Nobody The fuel that these films (Russell), and prior villain, run on is preposterous acDeckard Shaw (Statham), to tion, and it delivers. In the stop Cipher’s plans for global opening EMP heist, we see domination. an enormous wrecking ball While we have seen the demolish enemies as if they

were toy soldiers. Not long after, Cipher activates free falling cars from a parking lot, as the sky rains SUVs and four doors. With expectedly poor acting and dialogue, “Fast and Furious’” films have come to depend on the action set pieces, and they continue to deliver. Akin to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, each Furious film adds layers to the impossibilities, this one delivering “The Rock” kicking a torpedo at an enemy crew, whilst an active submarine zooms close behind, ready to launch more missiles their way. While some may have a flat tire when it comes to this franchise, the box oﬃce results for “The Fate of the Furious” suggest several more See “Furious” on Page 6

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

FIGHT: The game allows the player to choose from a wide variety of characters, including Batman.

6 April 20, 2017 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up in STL this week?

ARTS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Injusticeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;: Back again Whitney: Sunny Continued from Page 5

experience with the scene: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has been interesting from diďŹ&#x20AC;erent ages. I was big into punk and DIY when I was younger. Recently weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been hanging with Twin Peaks and Riley Walker.â&#x20AC;? To have a scene in which everyone collaborates and works with one another is a seemingly rare occurrence in such a large city, in stark contrast to the often cutthroat images of New York City and Los Angeles. Much like their sound, the scene Whitney belongs to goes

SLU VIBE April 27, 6:00 p.m. Chaifetz Arena Parking Lot Free to SLU students, the SAB concert boasts its best lineup in years. With both Daya and COIN playing, be prepared to dance.

Courtesy of Warner Bros.

SUPER: The new game, scheduled to be debut in mid-May, will be released as both a console platform and as a mobile app. Continued from Page 5

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grateful Dead Movieâ&#x20AC;? April 20, 7:00 p.m. Multiple Theaters For one night only, the Grateful Dead Movie is brought out of the vaults for deadheads to marvel at once more.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lion Kingâ&#x20AC;? Through May 7 The Fox Theatre The stage adaptation of one of Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved movies has been wowing audiences for over 20 years.

against much of what the music industry is today. Whitneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ascent can only go one place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; upward. They went on the road with â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Head and the Heartâ&#x20AC;? earlier this year, and will be spending a few dates with French darlings â&#x20AC;&#x153;Phoenix,â&#x20AC;? in addition to a massive slot of headlining dates and festival appearances. They have already grown from a small to medium front act on festival lineups, and as they test out new material on this upcoming tour, they may just find themselves at headliner status before they know it.

obedience to him. Tragically, Superman lost his mind after the Joker tricked him into killing his wife, Lois Lane and their unborn child with Loisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final heartbeat activating a nuke that destroyed Metropolis. Supermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign of terror only ends when Batman and the Justice League of the proper Earth were able to bring their Superman to defeat and imprison him. The game inspired a popular graphic novel spinoďŹ&#x20AC; series that illustrated the events of the five-year war, seeing the deaths of such beloved icons as Alfred Pennyworth, Green Arrow and Huntress. The game was widely praised for its immersive storytelling, wonderful graphics, engaging gameplay and usage of the DC label. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Injustice 2â&#x20AC;? picks up a while after the first game left oďŹ&#x20AC;, where the Insurgency, a sort of anti-Justice League oďŹ&#x20AC;shoot, is trying to rebuild Earth and save it from the machinations of the Society, a group of villains who wish to take the shattered Earth for themselves. With

this new threat comes the new playable (and presumably fightable) characters of Gorilla Grodd, an intelligent ape who wants to claim the world for his species; Captain Cold, one of the Flashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief enemies and, in essence, a poor manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mister Freeze; Scarecrow, a mad scientist who uses his fear toxin to conjure his enemiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worst fears; and Cheetah, a former archaeologist and treasure hunter granted powers through a curse. Catwoman also returns from the first game to join the Society, though possibly as a double agent. During all this madness, Superman escapes, seeking revenge for his humiliation in the war with the Insurgency. However, a larger threat looms as the android supervillain Brainiac, who in this continuity is responsible for the destruction of Supermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home of Krypton and is obsessed as always with collecting shrunken worlds, comes to the embattled Earth to finish oďŹ&#x20AC; the Kryptonians once and for all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Injustice 2â&#x20AC;? seems to be taking a page out of DC Rebirth: introducing beloved

concepts and characters as new again. The gameplay and fighting styles of the characters look to be much the same as the first game, but there is much greater room for character customization and multiplayer options that can be unlocked more rapidly as the game progresses. Also, there are many new characters from whom to choose to play, particularly as Batman tries to recruit them to the reinvigorated Insurgency. Some new characters are still yet to be revealed, but the more notable ones include Supergirl, Black Canary, Atrocitus, Swamp Thing, Poison Ivy, Firestorm, Doctor Fate and Batmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son Damian Wayne returning to his role as Robin, as opposed to Nightwing in the previous game. If these names and ideas mean nothing to the reader, there is still plenty of time to research them before â&#x20AC;&#x153;Injustice 2â&#x20AC;? is released. In the meantime, I will be watching for even more updates to find out more about yet another gem in the crown of comics that rightfully belongs to DC.

Saint Louis University Theatre presents

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Monsterâ&#x20AC;? By: Neal Bell

Courtesy of Dominique Goncalves

BUZZ: The band is on the road throughout the majority of 2016, including a stop at Delmar Hall on May 9.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Furiousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Continued from Page 5

films revving up their engines. As of Easter Sunday, April 16, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Fate of the Furiousâ&#x20AC;? swept in approximately $532.5 million globally, making it the largest film opening globally in history, a feat previously held by 2015â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Wars: The Force Awakensâ&#x20AC;? ($529 million). Even though the action scenes are quickly cut and enthusiastic, the heroes seem to still be immune to

all forms of danger after these seven films, as Dom and the crew appear to belong in the Marvel or DC universe with their strength. Sure, Theronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s character is not developed and is as flat as villains can come, but in the end, she is a familiar plot device to string along the beloved action scenes that fans pay the ticket prices to see. Fans of the franchise are almost certain to find â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Fate of the Furiousâ&#x20AC;? satisfying, as it continues to raise and redefine the bar of modern entertainment.

April 21-22; 28-30

The Hats of Stephen Jones Through September 4 Saint Louis Art Museum The British fashion icon is the focus of this exhibit, with an eclectic and expansive offering of his work.

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ACTION: Dwayne â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Rockâ&#x20AC;? Johnson (above) became a mainstay of the franchise in its fifth film.

Sports

April 20, 2017 sports@unewsonline.com Lauren Tondl, Sports Editor Vivek Gorijala, Assoc. Sports Editor

Softball brings home three wins over Easter break By BOBBY STILWELL Staff Writer

SLU Softball saw some action both at home and on the road over the last two weeks. First, SLU hosted UMass for a three-game series April 8 and 9. SLU dropped both games of the Saturday doubleheader, but won the single game Sunday. In the first game of the doubleheader, UMass struck early off a pair of Billiken errors and a UMass double. UMass tallied one in the top of the first. SLU held UMass to one run until UMass tallied another run in the top of the fifth. UMass tallied another run in the top of the seventh, this time off a double to the outfield. SLU trailed 3-0 heading into the bottom of the seventh, despite multiple attempts to rally back. Through a pair of walks, a passed ball, and a fielder’s choice, SLU tallied one in the bottom of the seventh, but that was the extent of the scoring in game one. SLU lost 3-1. In the second game, UMass tallied two in the top of the first off a pair of sacrifice flies. SLU again held UMass in the top of the second and third before UMass tallied two more off a pair of RBIs in the top of the fourth. SLU stopped UMass from scoring after that point, and added two runs of its own in the bottom of the sixth off a bases-clearing double by

junior first baseman Alyssa Tarquinio. This was the extent of SLU’s offense in game two, however, and SLU went on to lose 4-2. Head Coach Christy Connoyer summed up the SLU rally in the second game with one sentence: “If a team’s gonna give you more than three outs, take advantage of it!” In the final game on Sunday, April 9, junior pitcher Maddie Baalman pitched seven shutout innings over UMass. SLU’s only run in the 1-0 victory came from a bit of strategy in the bottom of the third. Junior left fielder Josie Knesel hit a double, followed by a sacrifice bunt by senior shortstop Alex Nickel. A single by sophomore second baseman Mackenzie Lawson drove Knesel home. Despite pitching a complete game shutout, Baalman gave credit to the rest of the team. “[We] made some great plays. Great team win!” Over Easter break, SLU traveled to Washington, D.C. for a matchup against conference foe George Washington. SLU went 2-1 in the three-game series on April 14 and 15. In the first game, SLU exploded on offense, winning 11-2. The scoring began in the top of the first off an RBI single by junior third baseman Allie Macfarlane. George Washington answered back in the second. In the top of the fifth, Nickel drove in a run off a single,

Saint Louis Athletics

FIST BUMP: Head coach Christy Connoyer congratulates a few of her players after scoring a run at Billiken Sports Center on April 9. The women beat UMass, 1-0, oﬀ an RBI single from sophomore infielder Mackenzie Lawson. Nickel hit a run home in a suicide squeeze, senior center fielder Mackenzie Peter delivered an RBI single, and Macfarlane drew a bases-

followed by a Lawson threerun homer. Macfarlane hit in the fifth and final run of the inning oﬀ a triple. SLU tallied three in the sixth.

Baseball victorious in UMass series By VIVEK GORIJALA Associate Sports Editor

Baseball’s hot start appears to have fizzled out completely, with the Billikens enduring a rough patch that they hope will disappear in time to deliver an impressive performance during the Atlantic 10 Conference Championships. Over the

last eight games, SLU baseball has put up a meager 3-5 record. First oﬀ for SLU baseball was a two-game series against Fordham. The resulting two games seemed to be a microcosm of SLU’s performance this season—after thrashing the Rams 10-0 in the first game, SLU was then defeated 7-1 in the second.

The first game against Fordham saw a masterclass pitching performance from sophomore pitcher Miller Hogan, who moved to 5-0 on the season and threw eight innings of five-hit ball. He recorded only two walks and scattered four strikeouts in his eight innings. SLU’s 10-run oﬀensive explosion came in part due

to a strong performance from junior catcher James Morisano, who went 4-for4 to record SLU’s first fourhit game of the season. One of those hits was a home run, which brought Morisano to six four-baggers so far this season. Redshirt senior Trent Leimkuehler hit a double in the eighth inning of the first game, meaning that he continued his extrabase batting with his 14th double of the season. Junior outfielder Parker Sniatynski was 3-for-4, and scored two runs while recording a steal in the first game. Game two also had some notable individual performances, although SLU could not put it together as a team and only managed to score one run in a disappointing performance. Sniatynski went 2-for-4, giving his second straight multihit performance. Junior shortstop Alex King also went 2-for-4, moving his season batting average to a very strong .319. SLU then lost their second straight game, with this loss coming in a close 5-3 loss to McKendree. Junior pitcher Aaron Patton took the loss after failing to get an out and allowing three runs on two hits and a walk. SLU’s only oﬀense came from

Saint Louis Athletics

BATTER UP: Freshman infielder Jake Garella awaits a pitch from Missouri State at Billiken Sports Center on April 17. The men dropped to 21-21 with the 15-8 loss.

CHEER

JEER WHO TO CHEER ROB GRONKOWSKI When the Super Bowl winners, New England Patriots, visited the White House, Rob Gronkowski was up to his usual antics. Sean Spicer, White House press secretary, was speaking during the visit. Gronk asked if Spicer needed help with his speech, to which a stunned Spicer responded that he was fine.

See “Baseball” on Page 8

loaded walk. GW answered with a run in the sixth, but SLU tallied two more in the seventh. Senior right fielder Emma Buckles produced an

RBI double, and scored oﬀ a double steal with Knesel See “Softball” on Page 8

Track makes mark at Mizzou By VIVEK GORIJALA Associate Sports Editor

Individually and as a team, SLU track and field has thrived in the past few weeks. On April 11, SLU sophomore Ann Harlos and senior Michael Reader were named Atlantic 10 Performers of the Week. Then, SLU track and field saw numerous school records and personal records fall in the Tom Botts Invitational at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Mo. Then, due to his performance in the high jump at the Mizzou Invitational, freshman Ethan Erusha was named the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week on April 18. Harlos and Reader won their awards after a successful SLU Invitational, which was held at the Medical Center Stadium on the medical campus. Harlos, during the meet, registered a personal best in the 400-meter hurdles. She crossed the finish line in a time of 1:01.23, good for third overall. She showcased her versatility with a time of 14.78 in the 100-meter hurdles, good for second place. Her 400-meter hurdles time is unbeaten so far in the Atlantic 10. Meanwhile, Reader won the high jump at the SLU Invitational, reaching a height of 1.95 meters, a personal

best this season. The 1.95 meter jump was also, at the time, tied for the top jump in the Atlantic 10 this season. This past Saturday, the Billikens traveled to compete at the University of Missouri’s Tom Botts Invitational. On the first day of the meet, Friday, April 14, sophomore Tannock Blair set the SLU school record in the 1,500-meter race, finishing in 3:48.86. He also won the event with that time, finishing oﬀ a great day for the distance runner. Over in the field events, sophomore Jaryn Blackshear-Bryant improved upon his own school record in the high jump, registering a mark of 6.67 meters. Overall, the SLU men and women’s teams finished fourth, in a meet that included schools including Missouri, Nebraska and Northern Iowa. In the Tom Botts Invitational, Ann Harlos finished third in the 400-meter hurdles, with a time of 1:02.51. Freshman Megan Kress finished fifth in the 1,500 meters with a time of 4:39.79. Then, junior Jasmine Jefko finished fifth in the shot put, recording a distance of 12.70 meters. First place finishers, other than Blair in the 1,500 meSee “Track” on Page 8

FEAR WHO TO JEER STARLING MARTE The Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder was suspended for 80 games for PED use in violation of MLB policy. He tested positive for nandrolone, a banned substance, and he will be ineligible for the postseason after the 80 games have been served. His actions have left his reputation and his team’s chances in shambles.

WHO TO FEAR CHICAGO BULLS Back-to-back upsets of the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seeded Boston Celtics have left the NBA wondering if the Bulls could make a postseason run. It’s still early, and the Celtics could come back, but all indications point to an upset that could turn everyone’s predictions upside down.

8 April 20, 2017 Tweet of the week

@realmadriden

@Cristiano becomes the first player to score 100 #UCL

Scores from the week Baseball Billikens 3 McKendree 5 Freshman catcher Ryan Hernandez hit his second homer.

Billikens 8 UMass 4 SLU had six runs in the seventh inning to earn the win.

Billikens 8 UMass 1 Sophomore pitcher Miller Hogan earned his sixth win.

Billikens 4 UMass 5 The men conceded two runs in the ninth in the series.

Billikens 8 Missouri State 15 Freshman pitcher Garrett Acton earned 4 strikeouts.

Billikens 4 SEMO 5 Junior outfielder Parker Sniatynski hit his third homer.

Softball Billikens 2 UMass 4 Junior infielder Alyssa Tarquinio had a two-run double.

Billikens 1 UMass 0 Senior pitcher Maddie Baalman had a four-hit shutout.

Billikens 11 GW 2 SLU had 12 hits in the scoring frenzy.

Billikens 2 GW 10 Senior infielder Alex Nickel tallied a single.

Billikens 5 GW 2

SPORTS

This week in sports Thursday, April 20

Friday, April 21

Saturday, April 22

Sunday, April 23

Men’s Tennis 1:30 p.m. @ UMKC Women’s Tennis 1:30 p.m. @ UMKC

Track and Field All Day, Pacesetter Invitational @ Terre Haute, Ind. Baseball 6 p.m. v. Dayton

Softball 12 p.m. v. La Salle 2 p.m. v. La Salle Baseball 2 p.m. v. Dayton Men’s Soccer 7 p.m. v. Maryville

Softball 12 p.m. v. La Salle Baseball 12 p.m. v. Dayton

Monday, April 24

Baseball: Struggle to continue early success

Women win fourth consecutive match

Continued from Page 7

All-Academic honors. Verginie Tchakarova began her collegiate tennis The women’s tennis squad career at Murray State, but rose to 13-7 on the year became a Billiken for her last when they defeated William two years. In her junior year, Woods University in their she was selected to the Allfinal home match of the seaConference second team. son. The Bills swept their She tied for eighth place on opponent, 7-0, and racked SLU’s all-time single-season up their fourth consecutive list with 23 victories. Her 24 win and eighth win in nine doubles wins tied for second matches. Before the compeon the all-time single-season tition, the team paid tribute chart as well. She was also to seniors Aspen Cervin, Elselected as an ITA Scholareonore Tchakarova and VerAthlete. ginie Tchakarova. Eleonore Tchakarova The match opened up also transferred to SLU afwith doubles play. The Tchater spending her first two karova sisters were victoriseasons at ous at the Murray f i r s t State. In spot, 6-2. her first W h i l e season Cervin as a Biland freshliken, she man Ariwas seana Rolected to driguez the Allfell, 6-4, Conferat the secence first ond spot, t e a m . sophoShe regmore Ally istered McKen21 sinzie and gles wins freshman to tie Cassie for 13th McKenzie p l a c e Saint Louis Athletics sealed the on the doubles all- time team vic- SENIOR DAY: (From left) Verginie Tchakarova, Aspen Cervin s i n g l e tory with and Eleonore Tchakarova celebrate their SLU tennis careers. season a 6-3 win. list. She SLU continued to show also earned 23 doubles wins Cervin was again named their dominance in singles to put her in fourth place on SLU’s Most Valuable Player, competition, winning all six the all-time single-season and she earned a spot on the matches in straight sets. At chart. Eleonore earned ITA All-Conference first team. the top spot, Cervin took the Scholar-Athlete recognition Junior year, she was an Acavictory, 6-2, 6-1. Eleonore as well. demic All-District choice, Tchakarova pounded on her The women will wrap up earned A-10 Most Outopponent in the number two their regular season play on standing Performer honors spot, winning 6-0, 6-0. VerApril 20 when they travel to and was placed on the Allginie Tchakarova played a Kansas City, Mo. to take on Conference first team. Enclose match, pulling out the UMKC at 1:30 p.m. Then, tering the current season, victory, 6-3, 6-4. Ally McKthe Bills will compete in Cervin was tied for eighth in enzie took an easy victory the Atlantic 10 Conference singles wins with 68. She has at the fourth spot, 6-0, 6-1. Championship on April 27been named an ITA ScholarFreshman Mariluz Rojo Do30 to fight for the title. Athlete and earned A-10

freshman Ryan Hernandez, who hit a home run, and Sniatynski, who hit a triple to drive in a run. SLU travelled to Amherst, Mass., to continue their season against the UMass Minutemen, and won two games out of the three-game series. In the first game, which SLU won 8-4, senior pitcher Devin Mahoney moved to 4-0. Garella once again provided a strong pinch-hitting performance, sparking the six-run seventh inning outburst with a double. The second game against the Minutemen also went to the Billikens, with SLU winning 8-1. Hogan turned in another dominant pitching performance, and allowed no runs over six innings, and now has a 1.24 season ERA. The final game against UMass went to the Minutemen in the ninth inning, despite Morisano’s seventh home run of the season. The starting pitcher, Wark, had six strikeouts in five innings. SLU only lost by one run, after surrendering two runs in the ninth inning. SLU also dropped their next two games, against Missouri State and SEMO, by scores of 15-8 and 13-2, respectively. Against Missouri State, freshman pitcher Garrett Acton took the loss, allowing six earned runs in 1.1 innings. Then, against SEMO, Sniatynski and freshman catcher Ryan Hernandez provided the only offense with solo shots into the stands, while SLU failed to keep SEMO from scoring. SLU is now 21-13 on the season and 5-5 in the Atlantic 10. Next up are three conference games at home against Dayton, beginning on April 21 at the Billiken Sports Center.

By LAUREN TONDL Sports Editor

mingo won her match at the number five place, 6-2, 6-3. Finally, Cassie McKenzie collected a win at the sixth spot, 6-1, 6-2. The three seniors have made a large impact on SLU’s team and their history. Cervin has spent all four years as a Billiken. During her freshman year she collected several impressive accolades, including A-10 Most Outstanding Rookie Performer and a place on the All-Conference first team. She was also named the team’s Most Valuable Player. In her sophomore season,

Track: Finish fourth at Tom Botts Invitational Continued from Page 7

ters, included Erusha in the triple jump with a distance of 13.41 meters. Blair finished second in the 800 meters, with a time of 1:52.82. Sophomore Manuel de Backer finished second in the 5,000-meter race, earning a time of 14:34.50. Sophomore

Alexander Eldridge threw the javelin 44.42 meters. SLU’s 4x100 relay team was the final second-place finish for SLU. The team, composed of BlackshearBryant, sophomore Will Moore, junior Josh Freivogel, and senior Kyle Clinkingbeard, ran the total of 400 meters in 43.73. Sophomore

Dorrian Gordon finished third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, in a time of 9:57.94. Blackshear-Bryant threw the javelin 42.51 meters, good for third place in the event. Next up for the Billikens, on April 21-22, is the Pacesetter Invitational in Terre Haute, Ind.

Senior outfielder Emma Buckles had three hits.

Billikens 8 SIUE 15 Senior catcher Hailey Weavers had a three-run homer.

Women’s Tennis Billikens 7 William Woods 0 SLU won their fourth consecutive match and eighth in their last nine. The women dropped one set in doubles.

Men’s Tennis Billikens 3 William Woods 4 The Bills dropped to 7-9 on the season in their last home match against William Woods University.

Tuesday, April 25

Wednesday, April 26

St. Louis Blues St. Louis Cardinals Women’s Tennis TBA, NHL Playoffs First 7:15 p.m. v. Toronto Blue TBA, Atlantic 10 Conference Round, Game 6 v. Jays Tournament @ Orlando, Fla. Minnesota Wild

Saint Louis Athletics

TECHNIQUE: Senior Kamaria Gage circles around during the hammer throw at the Billiken Invitational on April 8. Gage won the event with a throw of 47.46 meters.

Softball: 2-1 series victory over UMass Continued from Page 7

stealing second. In the second game, GW got to work early, scoring five in the first three innings. Lawson and Macfarlane each drove in a run off singles. GW plated five in the bottom of the fifth for the 10-2 victory. In the third game, GW took an early 1-0 lead. Knesel answered with an RBI single in the third. Macfarlane delivered the go-ahead run off a sacrifice fly in the fifth. SLU added two more in the sixth from a Nickel sacrifice fly and a throwing error following a double steal. GW answered with a run in their half of the sixth. Senior catcher Hailey Weavers got the run back in the seventh off an RBI single, clinching the 5-2 victory. Finally, SLU hosted SIUE for a cross-town clash on Tuesday, April 18. SIUE tallied three runs in the first, before Weavers answered with a three-run homer to left-center in the second. SLU would be unable to score anymore in the game, and SIUE tallied one in the fourth, two in the fifth, and one in the sixth to clinch the 7-3 victory. Connoyer really was impressed with Weavers delivering on the three-run shot. “SIUE score[d] early to take the momentum and we came right back and grab[bed] it.” Next up, SLU hosts A-10 foe La Salle for a three-game series. Saturday, April 22 is a doubleheader, and Sunday, April 23 is a single game. First pitch for both days is set for noon. Afterwards, SLU will play a midweek doubleheader against Southeast Missouri State at Cape Girardeau, Mo. Then, SLU will resume A-10 play against George Mason.

Men drop final home match By LAUREN TONDL Sports Editor

The men’s tennis team competed in their final home match of the regular season on April 13 at Forest Park against William Woods University. They engaged in a close competition but were beaten out, 4-3. The squad also honored their lone senior, Paarth Dodhiawala, before the matches began. SLU dropped to 7-9 on the season. SLU started oﬀ on the back foot after dropping the doubles point. Junior John Nogalski and sophomore Oscar Pachon lost to David Barbieri and Stefan Simic, 6-4, and junior David Ferragut and junior Charlie Parry lost to Oscar Barreiro and Johnnie Carmichael, 6-4. In singles competition, the Bills still had the chance to make a comeback, and they were almost successful. Ferragut won at the first spot in a tight match against Christian Barbieri, 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. Justin Nogalski was successful at the number five spot, defeating Oscar Donker, 6-4, 6-2. Charlie Parry brought in another win for SLU at the sixth spot against David Barbieri, 7-5, 6-3. After losing the first set, 6-2, Dodhiawala appeared to be making a comeback in the second set at the number three spot, but ultimately lost the second set in a tiebreaker, 7-6, against Chris-

topher Vleeming. Pachon suﬀered the same fate at the fourth spot, losing to Johnnie Carmichael, 6-4, 7-6. John Nogalski had the opportunity to give SLU the victory at the number two singles spot. After winning the first set, 6-2, he put himself in a good position to do just that. However, his opponent, Oscar Barreiro, gained the momentum and finished the final sets, 6-3, 6-3. William Woods took the victory, 4-3, to improve to 9-5 on the year. SLU will wrap up their regular season competition on the road against UMKC on April 20 in Kansas City, Mo. with a 1:30 p.m. start time. The Bills will enter post-season play on April 27 as the travel to Orlando, Fla.

Saint Louis Athletics

SENIOR DAY: Paarth Dodhiawala poses before his last home match.

Opinions Editorials

April 20, 2017 opinion@unewsonline.com Trevor Rogan, Opinion Editor

Editorials are opinion pieces written by the Editorial Board of The University News. The editorials printed in this space represent the opinion of The University News. Commentaries and Letters to the Editor represent the opinions of the signed authors, but do not necessarily represent the opinions of The University News.

A St. Louis city-county reunion is due

In 1877, St. Louis City formally separated itself from St. Louis County. The decision was a matter of taxes; city residents did not want to pay taxes that would help fund the much smaller population that lived in the county. They did not foresee the impact this move would have on the region and certainly did not expect the tables to turn so dramatically, with the city later wishing that more of the county wealth fed into the city’s revenue stream. Today, this split with the county has had large consequences for the city. Wealthy county residents journey to and from the city for business and leisure, visiting places like Forest Park, Busch Stadium, the Fox Theatre and Powell Hall. These visitors may spend some money in the city when they enjoy all it has to oﬀer, but the lack of a shared funding source between the city and the county allows county residents to benefit from city

Sophie Lappe//Illustrator

attractions without paying for their upkeep or construction. For example, if the city were to fund a stadium for a professional soccer team, the county residents would be taking advantage of a huge investment into the city without contributing. This would essentially be a free ride for county residents: all play and no pay. On April 4, Proposition 2 was voted down by city residents. The proposition would have provided $60 million in public funding from city residents through a use tax on out-oftown purchases. Part of the reason why residents voted down Proposition 2 on April 4 might have been linked to the absence of county funding to help build the stadium. While the St. Louis ZooMuseum district still collects property taxes from both the city and the county and services such as those provided by the Metropolitan Sewer District go toward each, the

divorce between the city and the county have led to large disparities in the opportunities that county residents have compared to those who reside in the city. One such disparity lies in public education. The public education that children in St. Louis City receive is worlds apart from the education that children in St. Louis County receive. Last spring, an analysis by NPR found that there is a huge discrepancy between the amount of funding that city schools receive versus county schools. For example, Clayton School district spent $19,681 per student, while St. Louis Public Schools spent only $9,826 per student. These diﬀerences are possible because the city and the county fund their schools largely based on local property taxes. Around the country, there are huge diﬀerences in per-pupil expenditure in urban, suburban and rural areas, but St. Louis’s divide is prominent. Whereas

students in county schools may receive iPads to take home with them, students in the city may not have access to basic school supplies. County schools, with their wealthier residents, can attract better teachers with higher-paying salaries. They can spend more on technology and equipment, from microscopes to calculators. This difference in funding to public schools is certainly a sad reality to hear about, and the unfairness behind using some of the city’s attractions without funding them is easy to understand as wrong. But this lack of funding does not have to go on without action; this reality can be changed. One way to remedy some of the obvious inequities that exist between city and county residents would be for each to share funding sources. Essentially, the city and the county can and should forget past conflicts and reunite. Although the city might be at fault for originally separating from the county, this logic ignores that this decision was made over a hundred years ago. It is not the fault of current city residents that people living there long ago chose to be selfish. The separation of the city and the county is unfair to the city residents, especially children suffering in an unequal education system that does not provide them with the same opportunities as other children. County residents benefit from what the city has to offer, and it is unreasonable that its residents do not contribute. It is time for county residents to make amends and pay their fair share.

Letters

to the editor The University News reserves the right not to publish any letters that are deemed intentionally and/ or inappropriately inflammatory, more than the 300word limit or unsigned by the orginal author. The following are letters and/or website comments. Because the identities of website posters cannot be verified, all website comments should be treated as anonymous. Actual letters to the editor may be submitted online at unewsonline.com or e-mailed to opinion@unewsonline.com. Please include your cell phone number. Dear University News Editor: I read with great interest your opinion piece on “How Netflix is shaping American society”. I commend you for addressing a huge cultural issue shaping our society. You ended the piece by stating “there also does not seem to be a clear path to counter the possible impacts that Netflix has on us as people.” Might I suggest the unthinkable: Cut the cord? Not just cancel the Netflix account, but also the cable subscription. At that point, why even have a TV? Partially based on the arguments you provided in your piece, I did all this about three months ago. Along with the TV went the stand, cords and DVD player. An issue then became what to put in its place? After all, the TV was in the most important spot in the living room. There is now a sofa there, and all of the humans are forced to face each other, resulting in levels of conversation reminiscent of days visiting my grandparents. When people aren’t around, time is filled reading or walking around the neighborhood. Yet, the insanity didn’t end there; the internet went next. If you think ditching Netflix and your TV is difficult, losing the internet feels like you’re in the Peace Corps. Not to dismiss the Peace Corps, but it’s a similar feeling of being totally alone. At that point, the home office becomes relatively useless, since I can’t even print this page because the printer connects via Wi-Fi (gone). All this said, there are serious drawbacks to this social experiment. First, the sense of boredom is much higher. Second, friends and family not being able to reach me easily strains relationships. And finally, not having access to instant information (i.e., Google Maps) requires a lot more planning. Regards, Anonymous SLU Professor

SLU should increase access to contraception On April 5, SLU’s SGA passed a resolution recommending that the Student Health Center increase student access to birth control. While the SGA does not have enforcement power over the Health Center, we believe that this resolution is an important indicator of students’ views and that the SGA should continue to push the University to expand access to contraception. Although SLU is a Catholic university whose policy is against premarital sex, the University should not force its students to adhere to Catholic doctrines. As a university, the institution’s main role in the lives of students is not to influence their private aﬀairs. The school may be a private institution with

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a religious aﬃliation, but its focus is largely academic. The United States is becoming increasingly secular, and the University should adapt to this changing reality. SLU has a large social justice presence and should concentrate on how this social justice aspect aligns with the Jesuit mission. In addition, it is unfair for it to enforce some Catholic doctrines but not others. There are many other rules that the Catholic Church has for the followers of the Catholic faith, but SLU students do not have to follow these rules during their time at the institution. For example, SLU still serves meat on Fridays during Lent despite rules against consumption of meat on these days. Moreover, students may

receive hormonal contraception from the Student Health Center if the medication is being used as a menstrual aid. Because of this exception, students may still use birth control even if their intention is to use it to prevent pregnancy. If students want birth control badly enough, then they may lie in order to achieve that end. The result of SLU’s policy — if students indeed lie to receive contraception — is immoral behavior among students despite the University’s intention to encourage what it believes to be moral Catholic doctrine. For the Catholic Church, premarital sex may be immoral, but so is lying about why one needs a prescription. These lies also may have bigger consequences for stu-

dents. When they lie about their medical records, they may risk unexpected health complications. These health risks are much lower when doctors prescribe patients contraception based on accurate information, but when students need to lie to receive birth control, the risks grow. This process of requesting and being prescribed birth control should be transparent and honest, not secretive and deceitful. In order to show that the University prioritizes women’s health, SLU should engage the SGA in conversation about this subject. Other Jesuit universities have been involved in similar conversations, including Georgetown University, Loyola University Chicago and Fordham Uni-

versity. Student groups and activists on each campus have urged their schools to increase access to contraception. Last fall, a group of students at Loyola protested through Students for Reproductive Justice (SRJ), which is an unregistered student organization. The students distributed hundreds of condoms and informational packets while demonstrating. Ellie Molise, an SRJ member at Loyola, also claimed that there were people she knew at the college who lied about having health problems in order to obtain birth control. Students at other Jesuit universities across the country have the same concerns that SLU students do regarding access to birth control. SLU has the opportunity

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to listen to its students and provide health care services that other Jesuit universities will not. SLU has the opportunity to recognize that its students are mature enough to conduct their private affairs. SLU students, who have to buy health insurance either privately or through the University, should be able to purchase birth control for whatever reason they provide. They should not have to make up something about their medical record that necessitates that they receive contraception. The University has been inconsistent in their enforcement of other Catholic doctrines. Although its Jesuit roots are important, the University should reconsider its policy on contraception.

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

Being a fan of multiple sports teams is OK

Karl O’Brien

I firmly assert that it is totally acceptable for one to like multiple sports teams in the same leagues. I can already hear the angry howls of diehard fans of all manner of teams from the New England Patriots, to the Chicago Blackhawks, to even my beloved St. Louis Cardinals. In many ways, rabid sports fans are analogous to nerds; sometimes people can be both. Both rabid sports fans and nerds can be fanatically devoted to the source of their obsession, recall nearly every piece of information — no matter how trivial — about it and display a flagrant disregard for civility when confronted by a member of a rival fandom. Of course, this is not true for all rabid sports fans and nerds, but there are some bad apples who may spoil the whole bunch if we are not careful. For my own part, my favorite baseball teams by division are the Toronto Blue Jays (AL East), Kansas City Royals (AL Central), Seattle Mariners (AL West), Washington Nationals (NL East), St. Louis Cardinals — of course — (NL Central) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (NL West). My favorite hockey teams can be broken into the Toronto Maple Leafs (Atlantic Division), Washington Capitals (Metropolitan Division), St. Louis Blues — obviously (Central Division)

and the Anaheim Ducks (Pacific Division). My football loyalties lie with the Miami Dolphins (AFC East), Kansas City Chiefs (AFC West), Baltimore Ravens (AFC North), Indianapolis Colts (AFC South), New York Giants (NFC East), Seattle Seahawks (NFC West), Chicago Bears (NFC North) and the Atlanta Falcons (NFC South). Finally, for basketball, my support lies with the Chicago Bulls (Eastern Conference) and the Memphis Grizzlies (Western Conference). I would choose more for the NBA, but I can never remember the divisions and who’s in them. While my following, the actions of, and cheering on such divergent sports teams may seem like a disloyal and sell-out sort of behavior, I see no problem with not overinvesting myself in one particular sports franchise. Granted, I will not stop cheering on the Cardinals and the Blues, but there is an appeal for me to follow multiple sports teams throughout their respective seasons. Because sports are a past time, I feel they should be treated with a grain of salt and enjoyed as a pleasurable leisure activity that knows no specific ties. There’s no sense in getting bent out of shape when one’s favorite team doesn’t make it to the playoﬀs or when one feels the world’s about to end; there are much better things to do in life than that. Having a wealth of teams to cheer on, or at least follow, throughout their playoﬀ journeys ensures that one can enjoy them for what they are: leisurely temporary diversions from the hustle and bustle of life.

Of course, there is the problem of what occurs when two of one’s favorite teams have to face each other during playoﬀ games, or even during the regular season, a problem that I’m running into this year with the Capitals and the Maple Leafs facing each other in the Stanley Cup Playoﬀs. I think it would just be fun to say “may the best team win” and watch them duke it out, thus taking a casual and more detached approach to something that should have its own place in a fully balanced life. If any readers are looking to take my advice and are wondering how to pick their favorite multiple sports teams, I leave that up to them. I personally pick from either geographic closeness, or the teams of cities I have been to and enjoyed. Or, if I enjoyed watching the career of a certain player on one of my primary teams and am eager to see how they continue with another team to whom they have been traded, I will take more of an interest in seeing that team succeed, as to bring glory to that player. I have already adopted that attitude with Brandon Moss, who was traded to the Royals, and T.J. Oshie, who was traded to the Capitals. Finally, if you really just despise one team over all others, I freely will tell you to support any team that plays them, even if it’s just for one day or a series of games. I already take that approach with the Blackhawks, Cubs and Patriots. So if you want to remain as carefree as possible when watching TV and just enjoy a good show, let all your team flags fly. It’s not a problem if you don’t look up.

The importance of understanding the fundamentals of genetics

Arjun Bagai

Why do children look more like their mother than their father? Why do people have diseases such as Albinism or Trisomy 21? Does the environment influence our appearance? These questions all deal with genetics and heredity. Genetics is the study of genes and their impact on organisms. Genetics deals with DNA and RNA, cell division, laws of inheritances, mishaps in genetic machinery and how genes and the environment influence the phenotype. I believe genetics is very important in each and every human being, especially as our traits are determined by it. Genetics starts with the microscopic. Humans all have cells, which are the basic units of life. These cells contain hereditary information in the nucleus known as DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid). DNA contains the instructions that allow organisms to express their characteristics. Some traits include lactose intolerance, five-fingered hands and melanin production. These result from biological proteins. The method in which proteins are made is known as the central dogma. The DNA produces RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), which is a single-stranded molecule. This acid is made in order to transport it out of the nucleus of the cell. The site of protein synthesis occurs outside the nucleus, specifically in the Rough Endoplasmic Re-

ticulum. RNA helps produce the proteins at this site. With these proteins, traits are expressed. Without the central dogma, there would be no production of proteins that are necessary for survival and growth. There would be no life without the essential proteins. In addition to protein synthesis, cells need to multiply rapidly in order to provide suﬃcient functions in the body such as formation of tissues and organs. Cells divide by two methods: mitosis and meiosis. The former deals with reproducing somatic — body — cells. In mitosis, two body cells are made per cell and the genetic information is passed on from the parent to the daughter cell. Meiosis is the process of producing gametes or sex cells. In meiosis, half of dad’s chromosomes are expressed in the child and the other half comes from mom. Through meiosis, a genetically unique individual is created. Problems can exist with cell division; a major problem that occurs is cancer. Cancer results from abnormal growth and division of cells. The cells undergoing mitosis never stop dividing, and too many cells are detrimental to the body. The cells move from one body section to another, which makes it hard to stop and remove all of the tumors. I believe this is an important area of study because it is important that we understand how traits pass from one generation to the next, and it is important to understand abnormal proliferation of cells during division. Without understanding this, it will be very hard to cure and treat those who have cancer. Understanding the basis of tumor growth allows doctors to save lives. Scientists have used pedi-

grees to study human inheritance patterns. They study autosomal and sex-linked traits among people in a family and what is the likelihood that others will have or will not have a disease. Inheritance can also help to find certain problems that exist. One example is sicklecell anemia. This is caused by homozygous recessive alleles for the blood cell gene. The proteins produced cause red blood cells to form their sickle shape. These sickle cells have a decreased surface area and cannot uptake enough oxygen. Understanding inheritance is crucial because you should be able to figure out the probability that your offspring will have some disorder and what the preventive measures are if there is a high probability. Our phenotypes are not totally dependent on the outcomes of genetics. Lots of times, the environment plays a role with expression. Another branch of genetics is known as epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of how external factors affect the expression of DNA rather than the change in the genetic code. Rabbits, for example, have different colored ears in different environments. Different environments have different external stimuli that affect the expression of the code. You know that living in different environments affect the moods and behaviors of people. Some may prefer the heat over the cold, while others may prefer the opposite. Of course, this may seem a simple overview of genetics, but it is very complex. Genetics is very important as it determines the individual and the properties that exist within in that individual. While we may think about it, genetics apply to our lives each and everyday.

Public Health alums: Don’t dismiss EOH department Dear President Pestello, We as graduate alumni of the SLU CPHSJ respectfully express our united deep concern for the possible de-establishment of the Environmental & Occupational Health (EOH) Department, which has existed as a degree program for over 25 years. The EOH Department has empowered alumni and students to prevent fatal waterborne diseases globally, curb the spread of Zika virus through vector control nationally and reduce lead exposure in children in the St. Louis area. Without the EOH department, SLU would no longer be preparing environmental health practitioners who impact the most essential of resources aﬀecting everyone’s health locally and globally in keeping our land, water and air safe. At a minimum, this equates to a significant loss to the St. Louis region, given that there is no equivalent replacement program in any of the neighboring schools. SLU’s EOH Department is fundamental in training public health practitioners. Graduates have and continue to work in areas to prevent arsenic contamination globally, reduce Missouri lead pollutants and monitor air radiation in St. Louis. EOH alumni have worked with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Defense (DOD), the U.S. military, and urban and rural communities with cross-cutting competencies for mitigating and preventing disasters. To lose a program that contributes so significantly to the success of public health endeavors would unquestionably have a lasting harmful impact on SLU stakeholders. Although we realize that the University has diﬃcult decisions to make regarding its structure, we encourage you to reconsider de-establishing the EOH Department at Saint Louis University. It has never been a more critical time to not only sustain but strengthen the field of public health. The loss of this department would inevitably impact the quality of the entire program, as environmental health is a core component of public health. The College for Public Health and Social Justice is key to our Jesuit mission, and environmental health is inextricably woven into the field of public health. We urge the University and college to support the EOH Department and its widespread impact on students and the public health field. We ask you to continue to seek alternatives in sustaining this crucial program. We welcome discussion on how we can support this critical program in a way that is feasible and rewarding for all its stakeholders and continue to support the Jesuit mission. Respectfully, Saint Louis University College for Public Health & Social Justice Alumni Stephen Passman, MPH Gregory Doyon, MPH Nikhil Kothegal, MPH Kee-Hean Ong, MPH, PhD, CIH Leslie Thornburg, MPH Erica Suhling, MPH Tyler White, MPH, REHS Parul Mahajan, MBBS, MPH Jenna Vavra, MPH Kristen Stevens, MPH Emily Bixler, MPH, CPH, ATC Ying Wang, MPH Matthew Baxendale, MPH Olaniyi Olayinka, MBChB, MPH Daniel Berg, MD MPH Regina Hawkins, MPH Stephen Goo, MPH Jill Miller, MPH Alexandra Feld (Schwach) Mark Krupa, MPH Jake Gilliland, MPH, MSc Tosin Akinlade, MPH

Marijuana has real potential for medicinal use

Branson Fox

Cannabis sativa forma indica is the formal name for the plant that 1 in 8 Americans claim to smoke and 1 in 2 claim to have tried. A lot has changed about our understanding of cannabis since it was scheduled as a drug with no medical use. Despite the fact that the federal government has yet to reschedule the drug, an overwhelming amount of research shows that it has valid medical properties. We finally know some of the negative effects of marijuana, but they are nothing like what Reefer Madness would have us believe. One of the studies showing the effects of continued and constant use of Marijuana was published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine — the same journal that published evidence that suggested states with medical marijuana see far fewer opiate deaths. The study showed that after a period of extended marijuana use, or smoking every day for five years, people who smoked would only be able to recall 8.5 of 15 words, compared to 9 of 15 in people who never smoked. By comparison, similar drinking habits would likely lead to irreversible brain damage. The study was unable to show causation, and smoking 1,825 joints over five years did not affect problem-solving skills or the ability to focus at all. Another study, conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, shows that Mari-

juana may cause dependence and present symptoms of withdrawal, at least in adolescents at an outpatient substance use clinic. Of the 90 participants that indicated cannabis was the substance they used most often, 76 met the criteria for dependence. This means that users showed increased tolerance and had a hard time stopping use, even when cannabis caused increased symptoms in other diagnoses. Thirty six participants also reported symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, depression and diﬃculty sleeping — symptoms associated with withdrawal. Despite these symptoms, it did not significantly impede participants’ ability to discontinue the use of cannabis. Science suggests that cannabis is not physically — only psychologically — addictive, which explains these results. There are also many confounding variables that were not accounted for in this study, such as the use of other illicit drugs and underlying mental health issues. One may argue that cannabis was medicating symptoms that researchers attributed to withdrawal. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) released the most thorough report on cannabis in January of this year. They made over 100 conclusions based on over 10,000 published abstracts from 1999 to 2016. If you are interested in reading the whole summary, it is available online to the public. If not, there are some key points you should know. Marijuana has a tremendous amount of support in this review for treating chronic pain. The review also provides evidence that marijuana is eﬀective at reducing nausea and vomiting

in cancer patients. There is significant, or even conclusive, evidence that marijuana can drastically reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis. There is moderate evidence that marijuana can help short-term sleep problems. There is limited evidence that marijuana can treat anxiety and PTSD. There is moderate evidence to suggest that smoking marijuana is not linked to lung, head or neck cancer, but there is a marginal amount of evidence that links it to a rare form of testicular cancer. There is a limited link to the ingestion of marijuana triggering a heart attack or brain bleed as well as a limited link to it causing prediabetes. However, there is also a limited link to a decrease in diabetes. There is moderate evidence that consumption of marijuana by smoking is linked to worsening respiratory system function, but this is not the case if you consume vapors. Smoking marijuana is associated with lower birth weight in babies. There is moderate evidence that it leads to marginally lower levels of attention and focus. There is limited evidence that it leads to poor academic outcomes. There is significant evidence that it can exacerbate symptoms or development of schizophrenia. There is moderate evidence it can worsen cases of depression. Under the influence of marijuana, drivers are twice as likely as a sober driver to be in an accident, this is in comparison to drunk drivers who are 13 times as likely as sober drivers to be in a car accident. Marijuana is starting to sound a lot like a legal pharmaceutical, with a long list of benefits and another list of side eﬀects. It begs the question: why isn’t marijuana legal for medicinal use?

April 20, 2017

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