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A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1919
Vol. XCIII No. 8
By WOLF HOWARD News Editor
The presidential search process is nearing its second phase as Saint Louis University hosted two open fora last week, providing the entire SLU community with information about the search process and asking for input on what qualities the university’s next president ought to have. James Ferrare, the head of AGB Search, the consulting firm hired to guide SLU in its presidential search, led both meetings. The first open forum was held Monday morning, Oct. 14, in the Learning Resources Center on SLU’s medical campus. Students from SLU’s Madrid campus joined the meeting by video. The second open forum was held the same afternoon in the Center for Global Citizenship (CGC). The second forum had over 100 people in attendance. Ferrare opened the meeting in the CGC by providing the general outline of the search process over the coming months. The data his team gathered over the month of October will be used to draft a presidential profile to be approved by the Presidential Search Committee, a collection of administrative, faculty and student representatives tasked See “Fora” on Page 4
On gathering global experience University of Edinburgh
Universities of Lyon
SLU Madrid Campus
Founded in 1583 Enrollment: 27,675 students
Founded in 2007 Enrollment: 130,000 students
Founded in 1969 Enrollment: 675 students
By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor
Studying abroad is an educational phenomenon that continues to grow among college students. Last year at Saint Louis University, over 450 students spent a semester studying abroad and spanned the geographical region of over 20 different countries. These students had spent the previous semester carefully planning and preparing for their cultural experiences, which exposed them to many positive and negative life-altering changes. A semester abroad requires a carefully contemplated decision, as it is an experience that will greatly affect a student in one way or another. From complete immersion into a different culture and lifestyle to the educational aspect and long-distance communication involved, studying abroad consists of numerous outlets through which a student can be shaped and affected. “It is really difficult to generalize how a study abroad experience impacts a student, both positively and negatively, because each student’s experience is so different,” stated Annie Cavedine, assistant director of studying abroad at SLU. “In most cases, the impact of a
Sources: Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2013 http://www.ed.ac.uk/about/edinburgh-global/news-events/news/global-since-1583 http://lyon-university.org/about-universite-de-lyon/ http://spain.slu.edu/
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Poetry from across the pond at these events. Seasoned “We want your poems, veterans of poetics perform your rants, your ballads, in the same venue as shy stuyour short stories, your dents letting their words see diaries, your experimental the light of day for the first texts, your heart, your mind, time. Many poets have esyour body. We want the established themselves in the say on your summer holidays community you wrote and return when you time and were four, For such a small again, but your adolescity, it’s surprising each event cent haiku that there’s such has new facand extracts a wide variety of es, making from your every event e v e n t u alpoetry events surprising ly-to-beand new. completed -Allie Kerper, Inky Finepic fantasy Hamilton College gers Edinquadrilogy.” burgh, a colAt Soap lective in the Box, a bicity that puts on open mics weekly open mic for both and workshops, summarizes poetry and music, the hosts this attitude in their invitamake sure to give extra suption to perform: port and cheers for those
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I’m an English major in her element: poetry slams, open mics, literary pub crawls, six bookshops in two blocks. Edinburgh oozes literature. T h e Maggie Needham p o e t r y scene is particularly vivacious, with multiple poetry events to be found around the city each week. These range from poetry slams in elegant restaurants to open mics in pubs to poetry readings at the Scottish Poetry Library. Spoken word poetry is an equalizer
Thursday, October 24, 2013
performing for the first time. This welcoming atmosphere makes it easy for students studying abroad here to get involved. Allie Kerper, a junior from Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y. currently studying abroad at the University of Edinburgh, found this to be the case. “For such a small city, it’s surprising that there’s such a wide variety of poetry events,” she said. “Edinburgh is one of the most literary places I’ve ever been, and it’s been great to meet so many people who share my passion for poetry and writing.” These types of literary See “Poetry” on Page 4
Do you generally approve or disapprove of the Affordable Care Act? Approve Disapprove No opinion
18 to 29 %
51 44 5
30 to 49 %
46 47 6
50 to 64 %
41 54 5
65+ %
38 54 8
“Young adults aged 18 to 29 are more likely than middle-aged and older Americans to approve of the healthcare law. They are also the only age group more likely to approve than disapprove. Young adults are more likely to be uninsured than those who are older, and their willingness to get insurance is crucial to the law’s success.” Source: “Approval of Affordable Care Act Inches Up,” Gallup.com
An eye-opening month in Pamuse It’s easy for us to take Roma, even represented the education for granted, but it children in court to have all truly is a great privilege that custody taken away. is denied The parents are alcoholto many. ics who leave the young kids T h i s to care of themselves. Before summer, coming to the Pamuse orI spent phanage, the brothers made a month a living scavenging through volungarbage cans for glass beer teering bottles that could be exat Šv. changed for 20 cents. The Antano boys knew that their mother Ziba Sidrys Vaikų would take their earnings Namai if they brought the money (St. Anthony›s Children›s home, so they would hide Home) in Pamušė, Lithuania. them instead. After learning It opened about each my eyes to a orphan›s new reality: past, I quickNever in my life a brutal rely underhave I seen such ality where stood that full appreciation children face there is no neglect, alshortage of for the promises coholism tragic backand possibilities and abuse grounds, that education has at the hands such as this to offer. of their own example. families. FortuThey do not nately, the dare make Pamuse orbig plans for the future when phanage is a safe haven for they are merely struggling to these children and the 30 survive. others that live there. Spending my days helping They can live comfortably, and playing at the orphanage attend school regularly and as a volunteer exposed me eat properly. Having experito the tough situations and enced the horrors of life at tragedies that these children such tender ages, they have have experienced. Two of an uncommon determinathe boys, ages 8 and 10, have tion about them to improve been placed in orphanages their circumstances. six times over again. My cousin and I were able Their parents constantly lose temporary custody of the children. The head of the See “Pamuse” on Page 4 orphanage, a woman named
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Community heard at open fora
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
NEWS
Let Us Introduce You: Pamela Rolfe Out and about in Lyon: C’est la vie Professor talks Spain, family, life as a journalist As an international journalist, professor and loving mother, Madrid professor Pamela Rolfe’s time is pretty much consumed. This, however, doesn’t seem to stop the Saint Louis University professor from setting aside enough time to teach an inspiring course to the futuregeneration journalists. Rolfe teaches a news writing course at the SLU campus in Madrid and continues to immensely enjoy this aspect of her life. “I love working with the students and seeing that moment when they understand the difference between a regular news item and great journalism,” stated Rolfe. “I hope to teach my students to distinguish between news and other information, and to imbue them with enthusiasm for the field.” As a part of her news writing course and inspiring students to engage with the material, Rolfe uses handson journalism projects that give the students experience in the field. One such project consists of a field trip to a public park where students can interview random Spaniards for their news writing articles. Fun class engagement like this could be the reason why so many students take a liking to this Madrid professor. Rolfe was born in Clearwater, Fla., but has been living in Spain for almost 23 years and has been teaching at SLU Madrid for seven years now.
Rolfe received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy at the University of Florida and then continued her education there by receiving her Masters in Mass Communication. Before receiving the Masters, however, Rolfe spent some time teaching English and having fun in Spain and became enamored enough with the country to return back once her studies were completed. She has dabbled with many news and media sources, but they all have one thing in common: Spain. “My specialty is Spain,” said Rolfe. “I’ve written for many U.S. and British media—but always about Spain.” She currently writes for The Washington Post, covering general news, finance and feature stories as well as for The Hollywood Reporter about the film and TV industries in Spain, as these are both very important aspects to the Spanish culture. Rolfe began her work in the journalism industry at the Madrid bureau of the Associated Press. “That’s where I really learned what it takes to be a journalist and become familiar with the various issues in Spain. After that, I went to Reuters—the British news agency—but still [was] in Madrid. One thing led to another...” Although the journalism professor’s idea of her field was slightly skewed at the beginning, she has found significant meaning and passion in what she does. “Originally, I think I had a more glamourous idea of
Photo courtesy of Karlos Corbella
what it was, traveling and writing,” she stated. “It is that, too, but I like to think of journalism—the journalism I write—as a bridge between cultures or people. Helping to forge trans-Atlantic knowledge of the other. Sounds kind of far-fetched... but, it’s true. I love where I am and what I’m doing.” All of this hard work leaves Rolfe with a greater appreciation for her vacation and free time, which according to her is family time. All of her interests revolve
Record-breaking Make a Difference Day Students are preparing for Make A Difference Day this Saturday after Saint Louis University broke its participation record with 3,000 volunteers last year. Proving to be one of SLU’s most anticipated events of the year, MADD has annually attracted a variety of volunteers. Students, faculty, staff, parents and alumni are all invited to gather together on Oct. 26 to celebrate the school year’s largest day of service. As the years have gone by, this SLU tradition has only improved with age, growing and advancing every year. Jessica Smith, a returning volunteer and member of Alpha Phi Omega, SLU’s service fraternity, encourages all students to volunteer for at least this one day. “I worked with the public health group my first year,” Smith said. “We went to this nursing home in the section for men and women with dementia. I teamed up with a lady named Miss Dolly. We started carving pumpkins and making decorations, and she lit up! She even began talking about her dog and laughing! Later, they supplied us with lunch, and our coordinator walked in saying Miss Dolly has not smiled in five years, and we were the first to get her to smile!” Another previous volunteer, Corinne Halsted, says there is more to service than people think. “The day, in general, is a great reflection on SLU’s mission for the development
of men and women for others,” Halsted said. “It creates this perfect balance of doing something new and helping others all at the same time.” Recent graduate Shannon Russell, former president of APO, has been involved with the organization for the last three years. She feels it only becomes easier to find her way back to MADD every year. “It’s a unifying experience, not just for APO, but for the entire SLU campus,” Russell said.
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The day, in general, is a great reflection on SLU’s mission for the development of men and women for others.
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By IAN SULLIVAN Contributor
-Corinne Halsted
Russell and the rest of the APO executive board collaborate each week to create the ads and banners hung throughout campus and to prepare for the event. “The day itself reflects SLU’s mission [and] its students’ interest[s] in social justice and helping their community,” Russell said. “The whole goal of this day is to have the biggest impact by reaching out to more areas of community. ” The number of SLU volunteers that participate in MADD has grown extensively over the last decade. The Center for Service and Community Engagement co-sponsors the event.
Robert Wassel, Assistant Director for Community Service and Outreach, said he has been personally involved with the program for seven years. “My first year, there were 1,400 volunteers, and now we have 3,000,” Wassel said. “This has added to the national profile for SLU as a service school, one of the largest in the nation.” For most students, numbers and statistics are not what draws them to volunteer. “I really believe our students are passionate,” Wassel said. “There is a culture of service on SLU’s campus. It’s in our Billiken DNA.” Last year over 3,300 of you volunteered at 136 sites across the St. Louis area. This year, a record-breaking 3,691 participants have already registered for the event. Groups of volunteers will be working at multiple different sites across the city. Last year’s sites included public schools and community gardens, where volunteers prepared an area for vegetables and fruits to grow. “Many people don’t have access to fresh produce without taking six to seven bus routes,” commented Wassel. Another group worked to revitalize Greenwood Cemetery. Unkept and overgrown, the cemetery is a historical landmark in St. Louis, holding the graves of Dred Scott’s family. Volunteers pulled weeds and worked to support the cemetery’s environmental sustainability. The MADD opening ceremony will be held at Robert Hermann Soccer Stadium at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 26th.
around her family and work, and with family in the U.S., she always has reason to return back to her roots. “As a Florida girl, I’m particularly drawn to the beach and try to get there whenever I can. My family has a ranch in Colorado in the San Juan Mountains at 10,000 ft. where I go every summer. It’s the best place to disconnect from the world. There is no Internet connection even. Just the sounds of nature, deer, trees, mountains and the odd bear!”
Student life is quite differLyon have in common is the ent on the other side of the amount of fountains. Walkpond. In the words of Alading throughout the city you din, it’s will be sure to see numerous “a whole fountains throughout your n e w day. world.” One of the defining traits Uniof Lyon is its status in the versities gastronomy world. The cuiin Lyon, sine in the city is taken to a France higher level with restaurants are nothusing the freshest ingreing like dients and accompanying Katherine S a i n t meals with the highest qualKelliher Louis ity of wines. Un i v e rDespite the large quantity sity. You do not have your of restaurants throughout Billiken community security Lyon, the city also supplies blanket with you at all times. habitants with numerous There is no Busch Student outdoor markets to purchase Center with the usual rescheese, wine, vegetables, taurants. You cannot take a fruits or anything your heart nap by the fountain, or run desires. around the track and pick up The city is located near a smoothie on your way out, the center of France, with or make daieasy access ly appointto the faments to mous vinethe writing yards of the You do not have center. StuBeaujolais dents don’t and Côtes your Billiken gather at 9 du Rhône recommunity p.m. on Sungions. security blanket day to celThe city is with you at all ebrate mass large but acat the Colcessible due times lege Church. to the excelSome might lent and efargue that ficient metro life without system. all of these All metaspects, except mass, might ros run underground while not be so bad. buses and trams operate on Lyon, France, the third the street attached to wires largest city in the country, similar to telephone wires. has a high student populaThe metros operate from 5 tion and does well to adapt a.m. to midnight during the to the needs of students with week. things like discounted transAlong with the portation rates and passes to cultural events around town. See “Lyon” on Page 4 One thing that SLU and
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By JESSICA WINTER Associate News Editor
SLU hosted ‘possessed’ boy whose story inspired the film The Exorcist
Matthew Lehner/The University News
The recently refurbished and reopened Sinquefield Stateroom on the fourth floor of DuBourg Hall, the falsely rumored place where the possessed boy Robbie stayed while on campus. By JONATHAN ERNST Contributor
More than 60 years ago, Saint Louis University housed a supposedly demonically possessed boy at St. Francis Xavier College Church. This story inspired the popular film The Exorcist. According to University archivists John Waide and Randy McGuire, the possessed boy, referred to as “Robbie,” spent four or five days in the College Church rectory. This rectory no longer stands and was later replaced with the current rectory. Robbie grew up in Cottage Hill, Md., a suburb of Washington D.C. In January of 1949, scratching sounds
began to come from his room, his bed shook and objects were enigmatically relocated around the house. As the legend goes, the mysterious occurrences began to follow Robbie to school, as his desk would shake and his books would move by themselves. Scratches also began to appear all over his body, appearing to be the word “HELL” across his chest. Another scratch similar to the word “LOUIS” caused Robbie’s parents to bring him to St. Louis for treatment. Jesuits Walter Halloran and William Bowdern, then pastor of College Church, cared for Robbie while at the church. It is rumored that Robbie
was kept on the fourth floor of DuBourg Hall, but Waide shot down this rumor in a presentation addressing the exorcism in October 2008. He said that it was very unlikely the boy stayed in that hall, though his screams might have been heard in DuBourg Hall. Robbie was moved to the Alexian Brothers’ Hospital in St. Louis for the final days of the exorcism. This hospital later burned down and was replaced by St. Alexius Hospital. This story of Robbie’s demonic possession can never be confirmed, but Waide said that the priests’ experiences also suggest that the story cannot be easily dismissed.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER24, 2013
Your financial future deserves a real conversation
HOSTED BY DAVID GREENE + ROBERT SMITH
Join NPR hosts David Greene and Robert Smith on a journey through stories about their personal finances and yours. NPR presents Family Matters: Your Financial Lifetime, a multigenerational, interactive, lively and even fun conversation about money. Joining the discussion will be Michelle Singletary, Personal Finance Columnist from The Washington Post; Alvin D. Hall, American Financial Advisor and Media Personality; and Erin Currier, Director of the Economic Mobility project at Pew. They will share their own stories, while hearing yours. We’ll all leave with new perspectives and answers, and a commitment to continue sharing on NPR and NPR.org. Because the conversation starts here, but it goes on for the rest of your life.
S I N Q U E F I E L D S TAT E R O O M
Join us for an unconventional discussion about saving for college, home ownership, retirement and your financial lifetime.
October 29, 2013
NPR Presents FAMILY MATTERS: YOUR FINANCIAL LIFETIME
THIS DISCUSSION WILL NOT BE AIRED. RESERVE YOUR PLACE AT STLPUBLICRADIO.org/FamilyMatters
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2013 AT 6:30 PM – DOORS OPEN AT 6:00 PM ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY, SINQUEFIELD STATEROOM 221 NORTH GRAND BLVD., ST. LOUIS, MO 63103
This event is made possible by TIAA-CREF, an organization that shares NPR’s commitment to enriching and facilitating the conversation around financial awareness and responsibility.
NPR, the NPR hosts, and the other speakers at this event are unaffiliated with any TIAA-CREF entity (“TIAA-CREF”). TIAA-CREF does not endorse or recommend their advice. Their statements are solely their own and TIAA-CREF expresses no opinion with regard to them. © National Public Radio
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Events Calendar The Idea of Global Citizenship Friday, Oct. 25, 3:30 p.m.
(Center for Global Citizenship)The Center for Intercultural Studies will present a forum on the history of global citizenship and the values involved with the concept.
Warriors for Heroes: MMA vs. PTSD
Saturday, Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. (Chaifetz Arena) Chaifetz will host a Mixed Martial Arts event, Warriors for Heroes, in which proceeds will go to designated non-profit rehabilitation programs for veterans.
SPICE Lecture Series Wednesday, Oct. 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
(John and Lucy Cook Hall) Architect and customer designer Rocio Romero will present on her vision to create affordable modern architecture and designs.
Lyon: Student offers campus contrasts The University lacks a certain community feel that Billikens around the world convenient metro system, have grown to love. Lyon is a very bike and scoot“The university here er friendly city. There are doesn’t feel like a big fammany bridges in Lyon as well ily the same way SLU does. to accommodate pedestrians They don’t really try to creacross the two main rivers ate a community feel.School in the city, Le Rhone and La here is just a place where you Saône. Another priceless asgo to learn whereas SLU is pect of the city is the breatha place to learn and make taking view at night from the friends and to grow as a highest point of town known whole person,” junior Anna as, ‘Fourvière.’ The city is lit White, studying abroad up as far as in Lyon, the eye can France, said The university see. about the H o w University here doesn’t feel ever, the system. like a big family Un i v e r s i t y The stuthe same way SLU itself leaves dent-teacher does. a bit to be relationdesired. For ship is not -Anna White, example, as prevalent student students of at Lyon UniSaint Louis versity as Un i v e r s i t y well. Teachare blessed with a beautiful ers dress casually for class, campus; students in Lyon do do not arrive on time and not have that luxury. often ride scooters to class. The University is essenStill, Lyon is a beautiful tially one main building with city filled with fantastic feafour sectors and classrooms tures: you can spend the day in each of the sectors. There with great shopping, great is one cafeteria in the buildfood, take a walk through ing where students can purthe park, run along the river, chase snacks, sandwiches, see a football (soccer) match, drinks, candy, etc. There attend a show at the theatre are no patches of freshly cut and still have time to stop green grass, endless amounts and appreciate the numerof flowers or a university ous monuments and musebeach like SLURUBA. ums.
Poetry: Edinburgh welcomes writers
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Photo courtesy of Blind Poetics
Blind Poetics: A poet performing her work at an event at the Blind Poet, a pub in Edinburgh. Continued from Page 1
nights around the city have deep roots in Edinburgh’s history. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named Edinburgh the world’s first “City of Literature” in 2004. This well-deserved title proclaims the deep literary history of the city. Edinburgh was the home of writers such as J. M. Barrie (“Peter Pan”) and Walter Scott (“Ivanhoe”). The Scott Monument in Edinburgh is the tallest monument to a writer in the world. Arthur Conan Doyle
(“Sherlock Holmes”) lived in a building I now go to for meetings with the Catholic Student Union. Of course, you can’t get through a conversation about Scottish literature without at least mentioning Robert Burns, the national bard of Scotland. And Edinburgh is not just a city of dead poets. Now, the city boasts such bestselling authors as Ian Rankin, Irvine Welsh and J. K. Rowling. Scotland has much to offer that can be overshadowed by its shiny English neighbor, but with such an active and engaging literary community, there is nowhere else I’d rather be.
Abroad: Ups and downs overseas
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to introduce them to new concepts and ideas that they’ve never been exposed to. Explaining what mountains or beaches are to a child who had never heard of them was a life-changing experience. Just seeing how limited and deprived many of these children are is a stark reminder of the inequality in this world. Access to education opens so many doors and it is truly disheartening to know that many people do not have that opportunity. Upon coming to this realization of unequal opportunity and the impact of education, I was adamant about helping in a more substantial way. Project ELI (Exchanging
Literature Internationally) is a nonprofit organization at SLU that donates used children›s books to the SLU Madrid campus. I was able to extend this project to the community in Lithuania by working with the coordinator, Daria Dietz, to have books sent to the Pamuse orphanage. The kids were overjoyed when they opened the box full of English books. Their faces lit up and they exclaimed that they were so excited to learn. I have never seen such full appreciation for the promises and possibilities that education has to offer. In that moment, I realized that its impossible to take education for granted when using it to its fullest potential—sharing it with others.
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study abroad experience is heavily influenced by the goals of each student.” While many students partake in the experience for the cultural immersion and international travel, some use it as a way to enhance their fluency in a foreign language or for an international internship. The reasons behind the decision to study abroad are endless, as are the reactions to the experience. “Studying abroad was an experience that brought about many necessary changes for me,” said Alexander Garbin, a senior at SLU. “Being in Spain changed my views on several things. I realized I was uninformed on many different subjects.... [and] this made me want to gain more knowledge of these things.” Many students have reported that their semesters abroad gave them a confidence that they had previ-
ously lacked, as this is usuexperience culture shock ally the first time they have when first arriving at a forlived by themselves in a difeign country as well as when ferent country. arriving back home. “As a study abroad stu“We try to prepare the dent myself, the personal student as much as we can, growth I feel that is attached but [culture shock] is someto studying abroad is pricething that most of our stuless,” stated dents going Admi ssion abroad will Counselor experience at I see that I was in for the SLU least once,” M a d r i d said Hidalgo. the midst of a fascic a m p u s “This can nating experience Diana Hiaffect how of new things and dalgo. “Havthe student new people ing to learn adapts to the to fend for culture, and -Sito Sasieta, your own, to if they fight solve issues immersing Student in a more thems elve s indepenit can result dent manner, for me was the in a negative experience and greatest benefit.” their academics can be afWhile studying abroad fected by this.” has various positive outLoss of motivation, decomes, the negative aspects pression and feelings of should not go overlooked. alienation can accompany Insufficient research of a the emotional rollercoaster host country can propose that comes with studying complications for students, abroad, but this does not as can the occasional homeseem to impose on many sickness. Many students also students’ fond memories of
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Fora: Process nears recruitment phase with finding SLU’s next president. AGB Search will use the profile as they recruit and interview potential candidates to find a suitable fit for the university. Information concerning the search process is available on SLU’s website. Ferrare asked the crowd for their opinions on the issue of only looking at Jesuit candidates. According to Ferrare, the overall response has been that a dedication to the Jesuit mission is a must for any presidential candidate. Mike May, a Jesuit and associate professor of mathematics, emphasized talent over affiliation. “I’d rather have a good, competent lay-person than an incompetent Jesuit,” May said. Many audience members touched on issues that were
central points in the ‘no rent iteration the commitconfidence’ controversy surtee lacks any staff members. rounding SLU’s campus in Her statement was met with the last academic year. strong support from the auGregory Beabout, an asditorium. sociate professor of philosMultiple people stated ophy, suggested that AGB that a good president should Search gather a broad range understand the value of of perspecSLU’s faculty tives on the and how to issue, statwork with We owe it to you ing that a rethat group cent feature to better the to have a broad in St. Louis university. perspective... I Magazine Christine promise you we on the no Stevens, a confidence professor will do that events didn’t in the math -James Ferrare, provide an department, accurate acargued that Head of AGB Search count of last the next year’s melee. president “We owe would find it to you to have a broad perit easy to tap into the goodspective,” Ferrare responded. will and creativity she sees “I promise you we will do amongst the faculty. that.” Another speaker encourOne speaker requested a aged the committee to venstaff representative on the ture outside of academia in search committee. In its curtheir search, arguing that a
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CEO, man or woman, might be a better fit than an academic if their skill set was right. Beabout disagreed, stating that having a president with experience in earning tenure is a non-negotiable necessity. One community member suggested candidates should have a global perspective. Ferrare said that was a common concern, mentioning that students on the Madrid campus wanted to be known not as a separate campus, but instead as “Saint Louis University Madrid.” Comments were also made that a contemporary president needs to understand the role of technology in business and academics, as well as the cost of maintaining and upgrading such technology. Ferrare closed the forum by encouraging anyone with thoughts on specific candidates to contact him.
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Pamuse: Donated books brighten lives
this time in their lives. “When I look back on my time in Ecuador, I see that I was in the midst of a fascinating experience of new things and new people, and I also know that I was in the middle of a very hard struggle to make and keep all of my relationships as deep and meaningful as possible,” said senior Sito Sasieta. These struggles as well as highlights are what keep study abroad students reminiscing about their experiences and promoting the program to younger generations, as well as planning for future returns. “I strongly believe that the positives outweigh the negatives, and I tell every freshman and sophomore that I meet to study abroad,” stated Alex Abbate, a senior at SLU who plans on studying abroad again, this time during medical school. “Going abroad again and traveling in general is without a question something that is very important to me.”
THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Wednesday, October 2
10:06 p.m. - INFORMATIONAL A SLU student reached inside her purse to retrieve an item and accidentally discharged her pepper spray. The spray permeated throughout the entire room causing the entire class to evacuate.
Saturday, October 5
10:13 p.m. - MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT A SLU student reported his vehicle stolen from the parking lot. The victim later advised DPS that his car was borrowed by a friend and not stolen.
Saturday, October 12
4:19 p.m. - DAMAGE TO PROPERTY A DPS officer noticed a broken window to a building. Further investigation revealed graffiti painted on the corner of the building as well.
Monday, October 14
6:42 p.m. - DISTURBANCE DPS officers discovered a group of students that were loud and throwing objects from their balcony. The students returned to their apartments.
Be a Responsible Billiken STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
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Arts Entertainment
October 24, 2013 arts@unewsonline.com Molly Rippinger, Arts Editor Kendra Cruse, Assoc. Arts Editor
Weird is welcomed in Maplewood Strange Donuts pack a peculiar punch
Molly Rippinger/ Arts Editor
Donuts: Crazy concontions inspired by things like Reese’s peanut butter cups (left) and beloved celebrity Heath Ledger (right) go quickly in St. Louis’ trendiest new bakery. Every day I eat oatmeal. You’re probably assuming I also love needlepoint and PBS, too, but I’ll defend my breakfast to the grave. It costs pennies, can be Molly Rippinger adapted to any season (pumpkin spice or apple cinnamon, anyone?) and tastes absolutely delicious. So ask my roommates, in the morning I am one happy camper sitting Indian style on the couch while eat-
ing my bowlful of oats. Given my allegiance to oatmeal I have no idea why I volunteered to write about donuts, let alone the new shop called Strange Donuts. Considering they specialize in crazy creations with names like “rainbow pony” and “Bart’s revenge,” this was so much more than a jump from Quaker quick-cook to Scottish steel-cut. So on Wednesday I headed to Maplewood, muttering the whole drive that these donuts better be worth the wrench thrown into my morning routine. When I pulled up there was a line snaking out of the small storefront. Good sign num-
ber one, quickly followed by number two, which was the intoxicating smell of the freshly fried donuts wafting the various flavors of sugary glazes and toppings into the morning air. Maybe a change of pace will be good for me after all. I found my place in the queue, stealing sips from my thermos of coffee as we inched closer to the door where I saw good sign number three – the giddy smiles of everyone clutching their boxes of Strange Donuts as they fumbled for their car keys on Sutton Avenue. I witnessed numerous first, second, third, fourth and fifth bites taken behind
steering wheels where privacy was feigned by the walls of cars and foiled by untinted windows. From the shameless shows of devouring I saw, I bet hundreds of car interiors are going to be as bespeckled as Strange’s paint-flecked walls by remnants of chocolate sprinkles, cookie crumbles and sticky smears of marshmallow. Once inside, I stared up at a chalkboard listing the day’s selection of “classics” and “creations.” As I wondered what “Grandma’s kiss” would taste like translated through a pastry, there was a gap in the crowd and I had my first proper view of the display case. Good sign number
four – the donuts were in fact strange looking, but in the best way possible. The sticky glazes were an ideal adhesive to cement things like Fruit Loops, crushed Butterfingers and graham cracker crumbs. I honestly had no idea what to order, so I let a couple of people pass in front of me as I took in the options. As I watched a couple of donut deals go down, I couldn’t help but be impressed by how many people came into Strange and were welcomed like old friends. The shop has only been open for about 2 weeks, but you would have thought that Corey Smale and Jason Bockman had
been manning the counter in Maplewood for years. One woman got an apology because they had run out of her favorite, the Long John, but they were confident she’d love their riff on Boston Cream. Another got a sneak peak sample of their newest creation for, a donut called “brisket and gravy” made with barbeque from the local joint Sugarfire Smokehouse. Her reaction reassured that this will be a big hit with the late-night crowd this weekend. It could not have been more evident that love for See “Strange” on Page 7
Crossing the threshold to explore MOCRA Just beyond the clock tower at the heart of campus and within the historic walls of Fusz Hall lies a prestigious art museum unlike anything of its kind. The Museum of ContemporaryReligious Art, or MOCRA, is unique not only to SLU, but also to the international art community. In 1993, MOCRA claimed the distinction as the first museum of contemporary interfaith art in the world, yet many students still do not know that it even exists. As the museum celebrates its 20th exhibit, called Thresholds: MOCRA at 20, Part One: The First Decade, brings together a diverse collection of the artists and artworks previously displayed during MOCRA’s first decade of operation. It also allows students, faculty and the public the opportunity to experience the many powerful exhibitions MOCRA previously brought to SLU. For centuries, artistic expression has been deeply rooted in cultural faith traditions with countless examples of artists rendering their personal beliefs through well-refined techniques and popular mediums. Today, many associate religious art solely with ancient artists, styles and art forms; but, when considering the messages and images seen in art today, it becomes clear that
contemporary art continues to depict what is inherent to human nature, especially spiritual beliefs. The underlying foundation of MOCRA lies in this appreciation and celebration of diversity in all religious traditions and the artistic expression of faith and spirituality. From 1954 to 1989, Fusz Hall was the home to hundreds of Jesuit scholars preparing for the priesthood or brotherhood. Today, MO-
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Our students are the principal reason that this museum exists, and I want to make every effort to let them know that MOCRA is their museum, and we want them to come and visit us as often as they would like.
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By EMILY DRENOVSKY Staff Writer
-Fr. Terry Dempsey, S.J., Curator
CRA exists in the space once used as the Fusz Chapel. The transition from place of worship to art museum was made possible by curator Fr. Terry Dempsey, S.J. and his passion for contemporary expressions of faith and religion. Twenty years ago, he envisioned a sanctuary for interfaith artworks and made that dream a reality through the founding
of MOCRA. Since then, Dempsey has been committed to bringing memorable and meaningful exhibitions to MOCRA and the SLU community. Today, the exhibitions at MOCRA inspire artists, students, teachers and leaders alike. Most recently, MOCRA was named “Best Museum” in St. Louis by The Riverfront Times. This accolade reflects how Thresholds is a true testament to the fervent efforts of Dempsey to spiritually resonate with the faith traditions of SLU as well as St. Louis. Dempsey hopes that Thresholds will “demonstrate [that] the artistic engagement with the religious dimension is alive and well in our own time.” Dempsey also preaches the necessity of “using the visual vocabulary of our time to address themes that are the fundamental concerns of all humanity.” The artistic mediums displayed in Thresholds cover the entire spectrum of the visual arts and religious traditions. Photography, painting, pencil drawing, dance and even inflatable sculptures exemplify just a few of the unlimited ways that Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and aboriginal beliefs can be expressed in modern art. However, such incredible art forms can only
Courtesy of Cheryl Ungar
MOCRA: The former Fusz Chapel is the world’s first museum of contemporary interfaith art.
Courtesy of Lewis deSoto
See “MOCRA” on Page 8
Buddha: The 25-foot inflatable self portrait inspires viewers to consider their own death.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Work it on West Pine Five tips for fall fashion
Strange: Donuts in St. Louis get funky Continued from Page 6
Kendra Cruse, Associate Arts Editor
Fashion: Trendiness this fall is all about sweaters, the more comfortable and colorful, the better. Find this one and others like it at www.etsy.com/shop/EmbraceWEIRDNESS
Fall is my favorite season. There is pumpkin everything: pumpkin chai, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin bread, pumpkin ale and even a pumpkin launch held in Tegeler Field on Nov. 2 During fall the leaves are starting to change to an array of lively oranges, but what I love most about fall is the fashion. People, IT’S SWEATER WEATHER!!! Fall is the perfect season to be cute, comfy and warm. My five fall fashion must haves include: 1. An oversized sweater. My life motto is there is no such thing as an ugly sweater. The uglier the better. I encourage people to wear earth tone colored sweaters this fall and also weird colored or patterned sweaters. Don’t be afraid to grab that sweater with pumpkins and cats on it because you think you might look silly, in actuality that sweater will scream “I am a fun and festive person.” If you are in need of some fun sweaters for fall check out
my Etsy shop at www.etsy. com/shop/EmbraceWEIRDNESS. 2. A hat. Beanie or brimmed hats, fall is one the only season that your ears get the chance to be warm and cute. I love matching my earth colored sweaters with vibrant colored beanies or
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My life motto is there is no such thing as an ugly sweater.
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By JANAE SHEPHERD Staff Writer
my vibrant colored sweaters with earth tone colored beanies. A wide-brimmed hat is a must in my fall wardrobe; I’m talking a Panamastyle wide- brimmed hat. The best part about wearing a hat is that your ears maintain warmth and you can disguise the fact that you probably haven’t combed your hair in weeks.
3. A scarf. I love bright silky fun patterned scarves, which can be tied a million different ways. My neck is sensitive to cold so fall is the perfect season to start wearing my infinity scarf. Infinity scarves compliment any outfit while allowing you to stay warm and cozy. 4. Boots. This fall you will catch me wearing boots galore, such as combat boots, cowboy boats, knee high boots, knock off Doc Martins and Timberlands. My boot choice typically correlates to my mood. Boots help you trek through the fall weather feeling confident and stylish. 5. Printed socks. Printed socks are one of the best investments you can make under $15 to instantly update your combat boots, chunky heels, skirts, jeans and cropped trousers. I love matching my pink floral socks with my floral sweater. Fashion is whatever you want it to be. There are no rules in fashion. Just remember, tis the season to be trendy, comfy and warm!
Strange Donuts was mutual, my good sign number five. Having finally realized I could stand there all day without making any kind of a decision about what to order, I enlisted in the help of the guys behind the counter. As I asked what possibly possessed the three of them to open a donut shop in St. Louis, Jason plucked six of his favorites for my box while I got the answer. Co-owners Smale, Bockman and Tyler Fenwick are long-time friends who recognized an untapped market for creative donuts. They knew establishments like World’s Fair and John’s would have their loyal customers, but nobody was daring to put fried chicken on a waffle/donut hybrid. Looking at the success of similar business models, such as Voodoo in Portland and Gourdough’s in Austin, the guys knew Strange Donuts would take off here in St. Louis. Only eleven days in and the response to Strange has been tremendous. For those determined to be amongst the first to taste a “gooey butter” or “Mexican hot chocolate” donut on their opening day, the line began forming outside at the ungodly hour of 4:30 a.m. The boys sold out before noon, closing up shop in the afternoon to prep for their latenight weekend hours, which last from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. Thursday – Saturday. The
same story played out for their second service, with a huge line stretching down the block. Even though I could have hung out all morning perfectly content, chatting with the guys and watching the delight of customers, my oat-less stomach was growling. I played it cool leaving the store, but after quickly turning the corner I broke into an awkward trot to my Toyota. Once inside I had to go for a bite of the “Heath Ledger, gone but not forgotten,” a moist cake donut enrobed in a coat of caramel glaze and topped with bits of crunchy Heath toffee. My oatmeal has never tasted like that. It was decadent, indulgent and definitely not a breakfast item suitable for daily consumption, but man was it good. The rest of the half dozen donuts found a happy home in the newsroom, where the general consensus was not only that I am a god for doing a story about Strange Donuts, but also that these are top-notch pastries. While I’m sure they wish I would write a story like this every week, at the very least I know about 10 people that will now be looking for an excuse to go to Maplewood this weekend. If you know what’s good for you’ll do the same and ditch your typical breakfast routine just once to make your morning a little strange.
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OUT on the
TOWN Arts Editor’s Picks
Movies Ghostbusters Oct. 25 & 26 Midnight $3 Admission The Moolah Theatre Turandot Thursday, Oct. 24 7 p.m. The Tivoli Wadjda Sunday, Nov. 3 12 p.m. The Tivoli
Game Shows! The Price is Right Live! Friday, Oct. 25 8 p.m. Peabody Opera House
Music The Eagles Thursday, Oct. 24 8 p.m. Scottrade Center Animal Collective Friday, Oct. 25 8 p.m. The Pageant InFest STL#4 Saturday, Oct. 26 4 p.m. 2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center
Haunted Houses The Darkness Daily through Oct. 31 $25 per adult 1525 South 8th Street Soulard Scream Park at Creepyworld Daily through Oct. 31 $45 per adult 13th St. & Highway 141 Fenton, MO
Courtesy of Janae Shepherd’s Facebook page
Fashion: Hold on to your hats; this year’s fall trends are spicier than your pumpkin lattes.
Molly Rippinger/ Arts Editor
Strange: The pastry case (top) is filled with unique creations found only at the new donut shop (bottom).
Far from “Normal”: Self expression at SLU less populated during the summer months; Illinois State University’s campus is a big chunk of the town of Normal. In my college search, I avoided ISU and other schools in the area like the plague. I wanted nothing to do with that town and I was ready to leave. I’m glad to say I now realize that the way I felt about central Illinois was just teenage angst. Coming back as an adult, I love my town more and more with each visit. As a young townie, I romanticized adult life. I expected everything I saw on TV and in movies (Boy Meets World, anyone?) to be
what my life would become, opposite actually. Unfortuespecially my life in college. nately, artists here seem to When I came to SLU, I was be confined to Xavier Hall, sorely disisolated from app ointe d. the rest of the While there Artists here seem bubble. The are plenty art is tame to be confined to of things I and the stuXavier Hall, isolove about dents are stiSLU, there lated from the rest fled. is nothing reativof the bubble. The ity Cand but room selfart is tame and for improveexpression ment when is something the students are it comes to ISU does stifled. encouraging pretty well. freedom of On this most expre ssion recent trip and experimentation in this home, I was lucky enough community. I’m not saying to experience a bit of college there isn’t any talent in this life at my could-have-been neck of the woods, quite the alma mater. Part-secret so-
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Over Fall Break I visited my hometown, the Twin Cities, Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. G o o d ol’ “BloNo” is known for a few things. Insurance-giant State Kendra Cruse Farm is headquartered in B-town (can I get a hot tub?!), and Bloomington is also home to the first-ever Steak ’n Shake (you’re welcome, you midnight-milkshake maniacs). Another part of this area is
ciety, part-open mic night, Theater of Ted is free for anyone wanting to watch and open to anyone wanting to perform. The show took place in a classroom andstarted at midnight. Attracting guitar-wielding singers, stand-up comics, poets and even mimes, it was everything I dreamed college would entail. Am I the only one wondering where the creativity, expression, experimentation is at SLU? That’s what college is for! This is a call to action, comrades! As the Theater of Ted-folk like to say, dare to suck. Take risks and be weird! We can be mature after we graduate...maybe.
The Lemp Brewery Daily through Oct. 31 $20 per adult 3500 Lemp Ave. Soulard Fright Fest at Six Flags Every Friday and Saturday through October Eureka, MO Corn Maze Massacre Every Friday and Saturday through October Eureka, MO
Exhibits Quilt National 2013 Open now through Oct. 27. St. Louis Art Museum Thresholds Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24 - Dec. 15 MOCRA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
“Pacific Rim” Movie Night in Xavier Hall
MOCRA: Past works are alive in current exhibit “I was really surprised that this museum was right here be truly appreciated through on campus, and how cool it active experience and viewwas inside. All of the art was ing. interesting and thought-proUpon entering the main voking. I wish I had known gallery space, guests are imabout it sooner.” mediately overwhelmed by a One of the artists cur25-foot-long inflatable statrently on display, Craig Anue of the reclining Buddha. trim, made a statement cap“The Paranirvana” by Native turing the ultimate objective American artist Lewis deSoand message MOCRA wishto speaks to the ever-present es to translate to audiences. holiness of the Buddha, even Antrim said, “If you don’t get in his hours of death. involved with the religious Witnessing the process of and spiritual dimensions, deflation and inflation of this then you are denying yourcolossal piece of art mirrors self one of the great definiwhat it may be like experitive aspects of being human.” encing the last breath of a Getting involved is as easy person’s life. Moving to the as taking a few moments out side chapel mini-galleries, of your daily walk through viewers journey into new territory within each unique the quad to stop into MOc h a p e l CRA. space. Just this F r o m small effort If you don’t get Au s t r a l i a n will lead to Ab orig inal the discovinvolved with paintings of ery of beauthe religious and sacred natutiful and spiritual dimenral elements, meaningful to controsions, then you artworks, versial phowhich can are denying tographs of be endyourself one of individuals lessly rethe great definiliving with warding for AIDS, to a tive aspects of those willcollection ing to take being human. of 65 wildly the time to colorful explore. -Craig Antrim, artist crosses and Threshcrucifixes by olds: MOLos AngeCRA at 20, les artist Craig Antrim, the Part One: The First Decade unique works of Thresholds will be on display until Dec. challenge viewers to step out 15. MOCRA is located off of their comfort zones and of Fusz Hall, also home to find the value and appreciaa residence hall and muchtion of the sacred beliefs of loved food court. It was others. founded by Father Dempsey; Dempsey works tirelessly to it used to be the Jesuits’ chamake sure every student repel before being converted ceives the opportunity to visto its current use. The Jesuits it MOCRA and experience lived in Fusz Hall when the the influential exhibitions. space now hosting MOCRA According to Dempsey, served as a chapel. MOCRA “MOCRA is a museum was recently named the Rivwhere we want all members erfront Times’ “Best Muof the Saint Louis University seum” of 2013. The Times community to feel welcome. cites the museum’s “focus We welcome students and on the myriad ways religious their teachers from the variimpulses shape art producous areas of study at SLU. tion,” as part of its allure. After all, our students are The Times further touts the the principal reason that this museum as the “country’s museum exists, and I want only museum to engage this to make every effort to let otherwise untouchable subthem know that MOCRA is ject by the adamently atheistheir museum, and we want tic contemporary art world. them to come and visit us as Admission to the exhibit often as they would like.” is free to the public, though Theresa Devine, a sophoa $1 donation is suggested, more Occupational Therapy student visited MOCRA and museum hours are Tuesfor the first time last week. day-Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Continued from Page 6
Courtesy of Pacific Rim Facebook
Movie: SLU Theatre and Billikens After Dark are teaming up this Saturday night to present Pacific Rim. The showing in the SLU Theatre begins at 9 p.m. and is free for all students. Come relax after a strenuous Make A Difference Day with your friends! The summer blockbuster, starring Charlie Hunnan and Idris Elba, is set in a futuristic world facing a legion of creatures, called Kaiju, begin rising from the sea. The only thing that can combat these monsters is a special robotic weapon, called Jaegers, which are operated by two pilots locked in a sort of brain bridge. As humanity seems to be facing defeat, the only two who can save it are two unlikely pilots, played by Charlie Hunnam and Rinko Kikuchi. The two are set to pilot a Jaeger from the past and fight for mankind’s future. Take a break from school for a two-hour apocalyptic journey at Xavier Hall this weekend!
Runners conquer the “TASK” at hand
Courtesy of Facebook
Marathon: Runners flock to St. Louis this Sunday to compete in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. The race benefits TASK (Team Activities for Special Kids) and snakes throughout the various neighborhoods of the city. Check online to see the course map for cheering on people more athletic than yourself or avoiding the traffic barricades.
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Take awkward family portraits with us. Join the UNews. Courtesy of Facebook
MOCRA: Celebrates its 20th anniversary with a special exhibition running until December.
UNews
Sports
October 24, 2013 sports@unewsonline.com Alex Kozich, Sports Editor Ryan Glover, Assoc. Sports Editor
SLU men’s soccer downs Flyers in weekend matchup By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer
After a rough non-conference schedule, the men’s soccer team began their conference season with a three-game home stand at Hermann Stadium. The Billikens ended their stretch with two wins against Fordham and Dayton. They also had one draw against George Washington. The Bills are now 8-3-1 going on the road against St. Bonaventure and Duquesne to begin the road portion of their conference schedule. “I thought it was a good way to start the Atlantic 10,” said head coach Mike McGinty after the victory against Fordham. “We have high expectation to do well in the league and that was a tough Fordham team that came in here and had a great game plan… and I thought the guys handled it pretty well and did okay managing it.” The Bills opened the conference season against the Fordham Rams on Friday, Oct. 11. Francisco Vizcaino got the first goal of the conference season for the Bills. In the 33rd minute, Vizcaino collected a rebound after a David Graydon shot and buried it in the back of the net. That was Vizcaino’s third goal of the season and gave the Bills a 1-0 lead.
Billiken Media Relations
SOCCER: Kingsley Bryce scores one of his two goals against No. 24 Dayton over the weekend. The Bills handed the Flyers their first loss of the season with the 3-1 victory. “It was a rebound; I got a lucky bounce and put it past the keeper,” said Vizcaino on his goal. In the 42nd minute, Kingsley Bryce added an insurance goal. After a beautiful sequence out of the back, the ball went to Alex Sweetin who passed it on to Vizcaino, who deflected it to Bryce, who knocked it into the goal. That was Bryce’s third goal of the season. That goal gave the Bills a 2-0 lead that they would not relinquish. However, the game against George Washington on Sunday, Oct. 13 was a different
story. The game was stagnant until the 44th minute when Sweetin scored a goal with the assist from Bryce and Filip Pavisic. That goal was Sweetin’s fourth goal of the season. That goal gave the Bills the 1-0 lead just before halftime. The second half had a series of questionable calls from the officials, but the most hurtful to the Bills was Graydon being issued his fifth yellow card of the season. According to NCAA rules, if a player accumulates five yellow cards, they must
sit out one match. Graydon had to sit out the match against Dayton. If Graydon receives three more yellow cards, then he must sit out another match. After pressuring the Bills, George Washington broke through with a goal in the 88th minute, tying the game at 1-1. The Bills came close in the second overtime to scoring a goal, but could not convert. This gave the Bills their first draw of the season. Saturday, Oct. 19, the See “A10” on Page 11
Cardinals vs. Red Sox Previewing the 2004 World Series rematch In a rematch of the 2004 World Series, the St. Louis Cardinals will represent the National League against the Boston Red S o x of the Americ a n league in the 2013 Alex Kozich Wo r l d Series. In 2004, the Red Sox swept the Cardinals four games to none to end their 86-year World Series drought and end the “Curse of the Bambino.” Since then, both the Cardinals and Red Sox have won two World Series, the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007 and the Cardinals in 2006 and 2011. Both teams have taken very different paths to this World Series, however. In the last three years, the Cardinals are coming off a World Series championship and a loss in the NLCS last year to the World Series champion San Francisco Giants. The Red Sox on the other hand suffered one of the biggest collapses in all of baseball in 2011. After leading the Tampa Bay Rays by nine games on September 3rd, the Sox went on to lose 18 of their final 24 and miss the playoffs. After firing manager Terry Francona in
the offseason among rumors of fried chicken and beer in the clubhouse, the Red Sox hired Bobby Valentine and proceeded to self-destruct, owning the worst record in baseball last season. The Red Sox fired Valentine after just one season and replaced him with John Farrell, who was the Red Sox pitching coach from 2007 to 2010 and completely turned things around. In this article I will look at four categories, starting pitching, bullpen, lineup, and manager and make a final prediction on who will come out on top. We begin with starting pitching. Both St. Louis and Boston have very good starting rotations. Adam Wainwright and Jon Lester are two of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Michael Wacha, the NLCS MVP, has been arguably as dominant as Wainwright in the playoffs and Jon Lackey is coming off a dominating effort against the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS. The biggest difference lies in which teams third and fourth starter, Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn for the Cardinals and Clay Buckholz and Jake Peavy for the Red Sox, can out duel the other. Joe Kelly and Lance Lynn have an advantage here as both
See “2004” on Page 11
Field Hockey
Swimming and Diving
Volleyball
Women’s Soccer
The Billiken field hockey team dropped to 1-15 on the season following a 5-2 loss at VCU and 2-0 loss at Richmond over the weekend. Freshman Meredith Jeffers and junior Jami Alexander each scored their second goals of the season in the loss to VCU. The field hockey team will finish the regular season with four straight road games at St. Joseph’s and LaSalle this Friday and Saturday and St. Francis and Lock Haven next Friday and Saturday.
The Men’s and Women’s swimming and diving team defeated the Eastern Illinois panthers at the Simon Recreation Center on Friday 132-77 and 134-75, respectively. The men’s team pushed their record to 5-1 and the women moved to 4-1. Morgan Peterson led the Billikens winning three individual events. Both the men and women will be taking on Truman State and William Jewel in Kirksville, Mo October 26.
The Volleyball team currently holds an 8-14 record, but is 4-3 in Atlantic 10 play. The team has lost three consecutive matches, against SEMO, VCU and Indiana State, respectively. SLU is currently fourth in the A10, trailing VCU, Duquense and George Washington. They will play their next conference game against La Salle this Friday. These two teams squared off in Philadelphia earlier this season, a match that the Billikens won 3-0. The Bills hope to gain ground in the A10.
The Women’s soccer team was riding a wave of momentum leading into their matchup in Dayton last weekend. The Billikens dropped a heartbreaker to the Flyers, losing 2-3 in OT. With the loss, the Bills dropped to third place in the conference and currently trail Dayton and VCU. Overall, the team posts a 4-10-2 record and is 3-2-1 in Atlantic 10 play. The next contest for the Bills will take place at home against Rhode Island, who remains winless in A10 play.
Photos courtesy of Billiken Media Relations
CHEER
JEER
FEAR
WHO TO CHEER: ZACH HODSKINS 6’3” Zach Hodskins recently committed to Florida to play basketball. Normally this isn’t a big deal but Hodskins was able to do this even though he was born with only one hand. This is no pity offer either. Hodskins averaged 11 ppg for his high school team that won two state championships in the last four years.
By Alex Kozich, Sports Editor WHO TO JEER: BRANDON WEEDEN Last week, Brandon Weeden threw what could have been the worst pass in NFL history. Weeden followed that up with a 10 QBR and another terrible underhanded pass against Green Bay Sunday. Weeden has been so awful that he has done the unthinkable; make me and many Browns fans yearn for Tebow time. Thanks Brandon.
WHO TO FEAR: FLORIDA STATE Florida State debuted at No.2 in the first BCS poll after annihilating No.3 Clemson 51-14 in “Death Valley” last weekend. Famous Jameis and the Seminoles rank in the top sixth in the nation in both total offense and defense. If any team were to end the SEC’s reign atop the BCS, it looks like the ‘Noles could be the ones.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
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SPORTS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
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Running & gunning for the Heisman
SPORTS
By RYAN GLOVER Associate Sports Editor
U
@TheUNewsSports For the latest Billiken coverage
Scoreboard Friday, Oct. 18 Field Hockey vs. VCU Saturday, Oct. 19 Volleyball @ VCU
L (2-5)
L (0-3)
Women’s Soccer @ Dayton L (2-3) Men’s Soccer vs. No. 24 Dayton W (3-1) Sunday, Oct. 20 Field Hockey vs. Richmond L (0-2) Tuesday, Oct. 22 Volleyball vs. Indiana State L (2-3)
The Heisman Memorial trophy is the single- most celebrated and sought-after award in American collegiate athletics. Its mission states: “The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity”. Awarded each year since 1935, it is one of the most prestigious awards for any sport at any level. On Saturday, Dec. 14, the Heisman Trust will announce the 79th winner to be invited to the historic fraternity. A number of candidates have emerged as Heisman hopefuls thus far. Here is a breakdown of the top five candidates mid-way through the college football season.
1) Jameis Winston - Quarterback - Florida State
After the first week of the college football season Jameis Winston dominated sports headlines and twitter feeds. Many people (myself included) doubted that the true-freshman quarterback would be able to live up to all the hype. Seven weeks later, Famous Jameis is sitting pretty at the top of my mid-season Heisman power rankings. Why he belongs: Winston is fresh off the biggest win of his young career. He led the Florida State Seminoles into Death Valley to take on the No. 3 Clemson Tigers, who many considered to be favorites. Winston did not just play a competitive game; he and the Seminoles pummeled the Tigers on their field by a score of 51-14. Earlier this month, the Seminoles destroyed No. 25 Maryland 63-0, which was one of the biggest blowouts of a ranked opponent in NCAA history. This week, the Seminoles find themselves at No. 3 in the Associated Press rankings. On the season, Winston has thrown for 1885 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. He has completed 71.3 percent of his passes and posts a 210.4 passer rating. The test: His challenge will take place in Tallahassee on Saturday, Nov. 7 against the No. 7 Miami Hurricanes. If Winston finds a way to beat the Canes and keep his team on track for the national title, his Heisman resume should be in great shape.
2) Marcus Mariota - Quarterback - Oregon
Considered the favorite by many experts, Marcus Mariota narrowly missed out on the top spot in my rankings. The sophomore quarterback has led Oregon to No. 2 in the AP rankings. Why he belongs: The numbers tell the story for Mariota. He is the leader of the Ducks’ offense which is perhaps the most prolific in the nation. His toughest test came earlier this month on the road against the No. 16 Washington Huskies, a game that Oregon won by a comfortable three-touchdown margin. Mariota has posted a gaudy stat line. He has thrown for 2051 yards and 19 touchdowns, and he has added 493 yards and nine more touchdowns on the ground. He has not yet thrown an interception, and he is the only player in the country that averages more than 10 yards per carry and per pass attempt. The test: Oregon is yet to face the stiffest competition on their schedule. Three games stand out: versus No. 12 UCLA, Oregon State and at No. 8 Stanford. If Mariota can post strong performances and lead the Ducks to victories in these games, he has a solid chance to emerge as the Heisman favorite.
3) Melvin Gordon - Running back - Wisconsin
Calendar Friday, Oct. 25 Men’s Soccer 2:30 p.m @ St. Bonaventure Field Hockey 2:30 p.m @ Saint Joseph’s Volleyball 7:00 p.m vs. La Salle
Saturday, Oct. 26 Swimming and Diving Truman State/William Jewell 1:00 p.m @ Kirskville, MO
The average fan may not be familiar with his name, but that is sure to change. Melvin Gordon is the sophomore running back that leads the No. 22 Wisconsin Badgers and their explosive running game. Why he belongs: Gordon possesses the “wow” factor, a must for Heisman hopefuls. The lone running back on the list is one of the most dynamic players in the country. In seven games this season, the Badgers running back has lengthy touchdown runs of 70, 71 and 80 yards, and a 65-yard scamper that came up just short. So far he has totaled 1012 yards on just 107 carries, and has reached the end zone 11 times. His 9.5 yards-per-carry average leads all running backs and trails only Mariota for the national lead. Gordon is number two in the country in rushing yards, and trails the leader by just 24 yards despite 45 fewer carries. He has totaled more than 140 rushing yards in all but one contest despite splitting carries with senior James White in the Badgers backfield. The test: Quarterbacks have owned the Heisman recently, winning 10 of 12 awards since 2000, so the odds do not favor Gordon. In order for him to move up in the Heisman ranks, Gordon will have to steal the spotlight with historic performances in the Badgers final five games, all against unranked opponents.
4) Johnny Manziel - Quarterback - Texas A&M
Coming into this season, many wondered if Manziel would be able to replicate his magical Heisman campaign. Johnny Football’s life was covered on a nearly daily basis over the summer and his off-field antics lead to a one-half suspension to begin the season. Why he belongs: Despite the off-field concerns, Johnny Manziel remains one of the best players in college football. The Texas A&M quarterback became the first freshman to win the prized Heisman trophy, and his statistics may be better than a season ago. Manziel leads the No. 14 Aggies with 2289 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions and a 73.3 percent completion percentage. His quarterback rating stands at 182.8, which is nearly 30 points higher than a season ago. The test: Home losses against No. 1 Alabama and No. 24 Auburn have damaged Manziel’s stock. Additionally, Manziel’s questionable integrity will cost him crucial votes. The 5-2 Aggies will face two must-win road games to conclude their season against No. 13 LSU and No. 5 Missouri. If Manziel can lead his team to consecutive victories, he will carry a lot of momentum into the awards ceremony.
5) Sean Mannion - Quarterback - Oregon State
Sunday, Oct. 27 Men’s Soccer 11:00 a.m @ Duquense Field Hockey 11:00 a.m @ La Salle Women’s Soccer 1:00 p.m vs. Rhode Island
Briefs SLU soccer forward wins two weekly awards
One of the more unheralded names on the list is Sean Mannion, the quarterback for Oregon State. He is the key piece of the Beavers’ aerial attack. Why he belongs: Mannion is the reason why Oregon State possesses the most dynamic passing offense in the nation. He has already thrown for an astounding 2992 passing yards and 29 touchdowns with only three picks. The junior quarterback averages 442 passing yards per game, and has posted a 68.6 percent completion percentage and quarterback rating of 170.7. The test: A stunning loss to Eastern Washington may prove costly for Mannion. The Beavers cupcake schedule will intensify.Their brutal remaining schedule includes No. 8 Stanford, No. 3 Oregon, USC, ASU and Washington. Mannion must continue his stellar play against top competition and make a statement win against Stanford or Oregon. The Beavers cannot lose more than one game if Mannion hopes to stay in the hunt.
A-10: SLU pushes record to 8-3-1 as season winds down Continued from Page 9
Billiken Media Relations
Forward Kingsley Bryce
Men’s soccer forward Kingsley Bryce was named to the CollegeSoccerNews. com’s national team of the week and was also selected as the Atlantic 10 conference player of the week after scoring two goals and assisting on one against No. 24 Dayton over the weekend. He is also the first Billiken to record five points in a single game since 2009. His two goals bring his season total to a team leading five goals.
Bills faced the Dayton Flyers. Dayton came into the game being the only team in the nation not having lost a match with a 10-0-2 record. The Bills changed that record on Saturday. Bryce had a memorable game, scoring two goals and having one assist. He was involved in all three Billiken goals. In the 29th minute, Bryce got his first goal after getting a ball from Sweetin and knocked it into the back of the net. That was Bryce’s fourth goal of the season. In the 65th minute, Bryce gave an assist to Raymond Lee who knocked it into an
empty net for the second goal. In the 72nd minute, the Bills got their third goal of the match after Robert Kristo made an assist to Bryce who beat the keeper for his second tally of the match and fifth goal of the season. The Bills allowed a goal late, but came away with the 3-1 victory. The Bills have a 2-01 conference record, giving them seven points, which places them as tied for second in the conference standings. La Salle currently sits atop the conference standings with nine points. The Bills will begin their conference road schedule this Friday at St. Bonaventure and then will travel to Pittsburgh on Sunday.
Billiken Media Relations
TEAM: The Bills currently hold third place in the A10. Six games remain until the conference tournament.
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2004: Sox and Cards aim for third title this decade Continued from Page 9
have pitched well in the playoffs thus far, whereas Buckholz looks like fatigue from a midseason neck injury is starting to set in and Peavy was a disaster in his only start in the playoffs against Detroit. Boston may have to consider skipping Jake Peavy and pitch Lester on short rest to avoid another game 4 disaster like in the ALCS. Advantage: Cardinals. Moving to the bullpen, both teams are very evenly matched in this category. The Red Sox boast a trio of Junichi Tazawa, Craig Breslow and closer Koji Uehara that has been virtually unhittable in the playoffs thus far. The Sox can also throw former starter Ryan Dempster if they need a long relief guy. The Cardinals are no slouches when it comes to the bullpen either. The Cardinals bullpen is full of live young arms that showed in the NLCS that no stage is to big for them. Closer Trevor Rosenthal is fast becoming one of the best closers in baseball and Seth Manesse and Carlos Martinez are both excellent set up men. While both teams offer excellent bullpens, the Red Sox have a slight advantage with closer Koji Uehara and his split finger fastball that has completely dominated opponents both in the regular season and in the playoffs. Slight Advantage: Red Sox. The lineups are where the two teams have the biggest separation. The Cardinals boast a lineup that was first in runs scored, by a large margin, in the National League, second in batting average in the National league and fourth in all of baseball. The Cardinals will also be getting back Allen Craig for the series, which should give them a boost. The Red Sox, however, led Major League baseball this season in runs scored and were second overall in batting average. In the postseason, the Red Sox rank fifth in batting average (.236), first in On Base Percentage (.325) and first in runs (45). The Cardinals are second in runs (42) but just ninth in batting average (.210) and seventh in OBP (.285). Factoring in that the Red Sox had to face former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander, wins leader and probable AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and era leader Anibal Sanchez in the ALCS, facing the Cardinals pitching staff may actually seem like a break. Advantage: Red Sox. The final category, manager, is hard to define because of its subjective nature. Both the Red Sox and Cardinals are considered to have two of the best managers in baseball but I am giving the advantage to the Red Sox because John Farrell turned virtually the same team that led the league in losses last season into a team that tied for the best record in baseball this season. His impact on the culture in the Red Sox clubhouse cannot be understated. Advantage: Red Sox While both teams have their advantages over the other and are undeniably the two best in baseball, I am picking the Red Sox in 6 because of their potent lineup and the fact that they have Koji Uehara to close out games. Just like when New Orleans won the Super Bowl the year after Hurricane Katrina, it seems like the Red Sox are playing for something more than just a trophy. Plus, the Sox are sporting those awesome playoff beards.
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UNews
Opinions Editorials
October 24, 2013 opinion@unewsonline.com Ryan McKinley, 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.
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A call for all to go abroad In the spirit of our study abroad issue, it’s important that not only Saint Louis University students recognize the benefit of studying abroad, but all college students. Studying abroad may be the most spiritual, most expensive, most fun and altogether greatest learning experience of a student’s life. Last year, over 750 students went abroad through Saint Louis University and 450 went abroad for a full semester or more. SLU is a university of over 11,000 total students, 7,000 of which are undergraduates. So, the students studying abroad constitute a tiny percentage of the total student population. Some students perhaps just don’t want to, while others, such as those in the Medical Scholars program, find it extremely difficult to do so. This is frankly not acceptable. The expected and unexpected benefits of studying abroad are astronomical, and it is imperative that any student that can go abroad should go abroad. It is also extremely important that SLU and other campuses take a more comprehensive effort to both allow and encourage students to study abroad. SLU already makes it easy to study abroad, with many programs cheaper than a semester at SLU. However, there is always more the university can do.
Last week, the New York Times chimed in with a debate on the worth of studying abroad. As part of the debate, Curtis Chin, a contributor to the paper, stated that “[studying abroad] can be a waste of time.” In a typical cost-to-benefit analysis, he argues that studying abroad may not be worth the money or even marketable for those who aren’t motivated. “Studying abroad can be a nice ‘add-on’ in theory,” he states, “but it also can be a waste of time, or simply a good time, for an unfocused and privileged university student.” In his critique of studying abroad, Chin talks of how many study abroad experiences are not always beneficial. However, Chin’s definition is extremely narrow, pertaining to how beneficial an experience will be in helping that person get a job. Beneficial is so much more than that. These study abroad opportunities are more than mere job-preparedness training; they are intensely personal experience where one has the time to look at themselves: their life, their values and where they’re headed. Students have the opportunity to see just how independent, how open-minded, how adaptable they really are. While studying abroad, there’s also the time to be extraordinarily selfish, in the best way
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possible. With no family, no organizations and no heavy course load, you can completely and utterly focus on you. These are not job skills; these are life skills. These are skills that will help you be a better friend, spouse, lover, parent, teacher and person. They are unfettered, universal and powerful contributors to living well. As far as the argument of how little a “privileged and unfocused college student” can benefit from studying abroad, We’d like to counter how little such a student is benefitting from their college experience in general. What we know and what we’ve seen are students that have never been challenged before go abroad and come back new people. One can’t simply go through the motions while abroad. One can’t hide behind their family; they’re not there. One can’t hide behind their traditions; the same traditions don’t exist. The only thing they can do is open themselves up to a new culture, a new religion, a new language, new people and new experiences, and they will never be the same. A SLU education is intended to teach the whole person, and there is no other experience that contributes more in fulfilling that ambitious promise.
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My life motto is there is no such thing as an ugly sweater
Janae Shepherd, Student, Page 7
Having to learn to fend for your own, to solve issues in a more independent manner, for me was the greatest benefit
Diana Hidalgo, SLU Madrid Admission Counselor, Page 3
Halloween Costumes: Be Extraordinary Halloween is only a week away, prompting the dreaded decision of what to dress up as this year. For those without the time or the interest to come up with a glorious, sexy or downright funny costume idea, this choice can be much more difficult than any midterm. However there is no reason to fret, because the UNews will hopefully give you plenty of clever ideas for you all to choose from. There are many people who seek to take the easy route of choosing a Halloween costume. They ask themselves, “what clothes do I already have that can make an adequate costume? Do you think anyone would notice that I’ve been a football player for the past five years? Where can I find mouse or cat ears to go with my leggings and black tank-top?” This is no time for mediocrity people! Your creative reputations are on the line! It honestly takes less time than you think to come up with a clever costume idea that is against the norm. For the sake of cleverness and uniqueness on this most auspicious of holidays, the UNews staff has come up with classic ideas to avoid (or revamp) and new ideas to try. We promise you will be the talk of the town. It’s safe to say that Miley Cyrus is one of the most polarizing figures in the world right now, with some saying that she is cool, fun and young while others say she is a raving, sex-crazed maniac (not of the Monday variety, but she is certainly welcome). Either way, a lot of people will consider her a good choice for a Halloween costume. Wrong! Instead of dressing up (or down) as Miley from the VMAs or from her new Wrecking Ball music video, dress up as the wrecking ball or the hammer that also stars
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in her video! Instead of dressing up as Jay Gatsby or Harry Potter, find a lesser renowned literary character to portray. Someone like Boo Radley or the giving tree comes to mind. Also, don’t portray an entire ethnicity that is not your own. It’s very often rude and insensitive. So just don’t do it. Here are some more ideas for ordinary and extraordinary costumes: Ordinary: 1. Minion (unless you paint your body yellow) 2. Ghost, Witch or Pumpkin 3. Sexy kitten, or mouse or any other cute animal that is never sexy 4. Putting on a jersey and calling yourself an athlete 5. President Obama Extraordinary: 1. The “shrub Billiken” in front of the BSC 2. Any of the statues on campus (preferably one of the clothed ones, otherwise campus safety may have some thing to say.) 3. The government shutdown (be creative) 4. A bag of Eminems (trash bag with face cut-outs of Eminem) 5. If you have red hair, you can put bread around your neck and call yourself the ginger bread (wo)man.
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Save the lowly Rams, Missouri sports are utterly dominant. The Cards are looking to bring home another World Series title, the Missouri Tigers are undefeated in the torturous SEC, the Kansas City Chiefs are also undefeated, and the Blues are still a Stanley Cup pick.
11 Counties in Colorado will be voting on a ballot to request their elected officials to seek secession, citing conflicting values with the liberal state government. Other than trying to ruin our nation’s flag, the people who initiated this ballot are like children who’s parents made a decision they didn’t like.
Show-Me State Sports
THE UNIVERSITY NEWS 2013-14 EDITORIAL BOARD editor-in-chief Brianna Radici eic@unewsonline.com
sports editor ALEX KOZICH sports@unewsonline.com
online editor christopher webb webmaster@unewsonline.com
managing Editor TONY TRAINA managing@unewsonline.com
Assoc. sports editor RYAN GLOVER sports@unewsonline.com
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News Editor WOLF HOWARD news@unewsonline.com
Arts editor MOLLY RIPPINGER arts@unewsonline.com
copy editor CASSIE BOEHM copy@unewsonline.com
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assoc. arts editor KENDRA CRUSE arts@unewsonline.com
copy editor ANNALISE WILCOX copy@unewsonline.com
OPINION EDITOR RYAN MCKINLEY opinion@unewsonline.com
design director ALLEGRA MERRIWEATHER design@unewsonline.com
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Briana Kagy/ Chief Illustrator
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the editorial board of the university news recognizes avis meyer, ph.d. as the newspaper’s faculty mentor.
North Colorado
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OPINION & EDITORIALS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013
ing a modern phenomenon, technological progress betechnologies--tools, devices, came what Marx called “the machines--have been with modern equivalent of the us, in some form or another, creation myths of pre-modern cultures.” since the beginning. Hand in hand with this However, the word “techis a fervent religiosity with nology” wasn’t actually used which we began to underin its current form until the stand the role of technology late nineteenth century. In and progress; in his book his essay “Technology: The “America as Second CreEmergence of a Hazardous ation,” technology scholar Concept,” American studDavid Nye writes how early ies scholar Leo Marx writes Americans saw the frontier how prior to industrializaas a new Eden and saw it as tion, different inventions their righteous duty to culwere seen more as atomistivate civilization with matic contraptions, as so many chinery and turn the feral different machines. The land into a utopia. If there term “technology” emerged is any doubt as to whether alongside the advancement this trope of technology-asof what he calls new “sociodivine-instrument has cartechnical systems.” During ried forward industriin history, alization, just consider society bethat after the came conWhat is the nature moon landnected via of technology, ing, Northe telegraph man Mailer though? What myand the old wrote that world was thologies lie beNeil Armtransformed neath the iPhones strong was as indusand airplanes? “a veritable trial workhigh priest ers replaced of the forces craftsmen of society and maand scienchines began to dominate tific history...a General of the everyday life on a broader church of the forces of techlevel than before. nology.” Inevitably, a new concept Nye does well to point had to be invented, one that out, both in this work and could describe the newly in others, the fact that our mechanized world. Indeed relationship to technology is the word “technology” imprimarily an emotional one, plies something of an entire mediated by feelings of mohistory and worldview, a rality, cultural superiority, changing of the way we see and awe at our own creation. ourselves and the things that Despite the mathematical, we make. And the narrative seemingly linear nature of that developed around techtechnology, we don’t relate nology posited humans and to it logically but through their creations as the driving abstractions. Technology is, force of history; the idea of
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The word “technology” conjures up a host of images--computer circuits, satellites, cavernous Metropolis cities, Google glasses, Batmobiles; its promise is one of Roberta Singer the annihilation of space and time, the ability to have at our fingertips an infinity of information and extend our power over the natural world. What is the nature of technology, though? What mythologies lie beneath the iPhones and airplanes? What meanings do we assign to it? The centrality to technology to our culture is indisputable--can we really separate it from ourselves? To what extent are we the things that we make? Personally, I don’t see technology as being fundamentally different from other aspects of cultural life like religion, art or food. I believe that we are technological creatures; in an anthropological sense, one of the main things that define our genus is our ability to make and use tools. An Oldovai hand axe is different in form from a tablet, but conceptually they are the same thing; just think of the famous scene from Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Our hominid ancestor tosses a bone into the air, the camera pans up and the stick becomes a spinning spacecraft. Far from be-
as I mentioned, just another aspect of human culture, which is communicated in and mediated by symbols. If we don’t unpack the mythos surrounding these things or recognize that our thinking about technology is rooted in history, that there are alternatives, we will have less agency to address all of the serious problems--global warming, pollution, land loss, even modern types of eugenics--that come along with blind technological innovation and unquestioned adherence to technology’s telos. There are many alternatives to look to in the communities of people who are very conscious in what technologies they adopt based on what social values they hold. Most notably, the Amish get together as a group to decide which machines to adopt and which to leave behind. There are also different responses to medical technologies that seek, through invention, to conform every body into some enlightenment ideal of the “normal” human--a movement within deaf culture, for example, resisting cochlear implants. We are the things we make, but we can also control what this looks like. Rather than throw our hands up in the face of determinism, in thinking about technology and its unsteady history, and by unpacking some of our own myths surrounding it, I hope we can start to take a more self-conscious approach to it and choose modes of technological being that support a more just and ecological world.
Anirudh Koul/Flickr
Those blasted blue lights! tinue the detachment of the placement of the blue SLU from the urban fablights determines who is ric that surrounds it. It is supposed to belong where this detachment that poses or who has the right to use us as elitist, privileged and which public spaces. focused inward while our Do you have to be a Bilschool remains situated in a liken to be in the blue-lined neighborhood that has tried buildings? We could be atto hold on and continually tempting to tell people not redefine itself through deassociated with the univercades of population loss, sity that they better watch urban renewal projects and out while they bask in the threats from SLU’s continglow of the blue lights beued expancause they sion. are playing S L U by our rules claims to now. Or poBeyond the fact support its tentially the that they are horJesuit misblue lights ribly tacky, these sion by creare attemptating a sense ing to renew lights raise of commuinforce the interesting quesnity among purpose of tions about SLU’s students, our gates faculty and and fences; relation to the city. staff to fathat is, to cilitate our keep those development who belong as men and to us in, women for others. and those who do not out. Our university needs to Maybe they are meant to broaden its idea of what enforce boundaries between community is and what it what belongs to us and what means. Our neighbors in belongs to everyone else. Midtown are part of our They could be an attempt to community too, and by igreinforce the university’s arnoring them, shutting them rogance. out or by posing them as Regardless, the blue lights threats to our existence, we do nothing more than con-
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Everyone can breathe easy now because there is finally new decoration up on SLU’s campus. No, not another statue, somet h i n g m u c h worse. It’s the Olivia White g l i m mering blue neon light strips that have been going up on street lights surrounding campus over the past few weeks. These lights echo those that tarnish buildings in Midtown such as Hotel Ignacio, Triumph Grill and the Drake Plaza Apartments, to designate SLU’s ownership of these buildings. Beyond the fact that they are horribly tacky, these new lights raise interesting questions about SLU’s relation to the city. Are the blue lights meant to be nothing more than symbols of the university’s dominance and reign over Midtown? Or was that achieved when SLU received the permit to destroy the Pevely Dairy Complex? Maybe
fail to live out our mission as a university. It is going to take a certain sense of humility to begin to see our university not as the castle on the hill in Midtown, but as a mere piece of the neighborhood just as valuable as all the others. It is this sense of humility that I expect and demand to see in the next president of this university. I hope we find someone who believes that we can still be one of the top Jesuit schools in the country without fancying ourselves the kings and queens of Midtown. Someone who does not believe that the role of a university president is to buy up properties, tear them down and rip up the neighborhood block by block, but instead sees his or herself as someone poised to lead and inspire a united university community. A great president will recognize that in order for SLU to build and sustain a community in Midtown it needs to be sensitive to the needs and desires of our neighbors. So take down the blue lights, tear down the fences and break the locks on the gates. Let’s build a SLU we can all believe in.
After the Shutdown throughout the Senate and Now that the dreaded House only delayed a minute government shutdown is aspect of the health care law. over, what happens to the The economic effects of budget, the government shutdown the Afseem to be clear as of now. fordable According to an economist C a r e at Standard & Poor’s, the Act, and government shutdown cost the wellthe U.S. economy approxibeing of mately $24 billion. Spending the US at chain retail stores across econthe country fell .7% during o m y ? Joseph Benoist the shutdown, while mortSome of gage applications dropped the annearly 5%. Auto sales felt the swers may be controversial shutdown as well with a 2% or opinionated but others are drop. Overall, the governmore concrete. Since 2011, ment shutdown only hurt the government has consisthe economy. tently kicked the can down Whether one blames the road regarding the debt the Democrats, Republiceiling along with sequescans, Congress, or President ters. The deal that reopened Obama for the government the government funds the shutdown, there were cergovernment until January tainly failures of political 15. Since the reopening of action on the right side of the government, the Treathe aisle. Alongside of the sury Department will pergovernment shutting down mit debt as need through on October 1, the exchanges February 7, with no specific of “Obamacare” opened. For limit. Therefore, February sixteen days, almost every 7, 2014 may look and seem media outlet in the counextremely similar to the past try focused largely on the few weeks of budget dealing. government shutdown, its With no actual debt ceiling, consequences, who caused couldn’t the Treasury Deit and so on. In the meanpartment issue an obnoxious time, the website that allows amount of debt in order to Americans access to enrollprevent a future ceiling dement into the Democrat bate? Although it seems like endorsed an option, health care it actually is plan malagainst the functioned, law, which The initial issue, denying the specifically people acprohibits “Obamacare”, cess to enthe Treasury made it out of the roll. HypoDepartment deal to reopen the thetically, if from issugovernment nearly the Republiing debt that cans in Congoes beyond untouched. gress would the actual have initially spending of passed a the governclean budment. Ultiget resolution, avoiding a mately, the longer Congress shutdown, the entire focus kicks the can filled with the of media for the past weeks US government’s debt down would have been on initial the road, the more possifailures of “Obamacare”. This bilities of government shutwould have placed the ball in downs will linger, along with the Republicans court and all of their consequences. worked in their advantage The entire government on the issue, but due to the shutdown argument quickly budget battle these failures shifted its focus over the in the healthcare law were weeks of the shutdown. It placed on the back burner. all started with the repeal, For the Republican condefunding or delay of differtrolled House, the failures of ent aspects of the Affordable “Obamacare” as the headline Care Act, but as time went news would have been much on, the topic swiftly maneubetter than the failures of vered its way into a debt ceilCongress, especially since ing, spending and Affordable many Republicans voted Care Act debacle. The initial against the deal to end the issue, “Obamacare”, made unfavorable government it out of the deal to reopen shutdown. the government nearly unThe most frustrating part touched. The only part of of these government battles “Obamacare” that was deis that pressing issues such layed in the deal was the colas immigration, unemploylection of reinsurance conment and education get little tributions. The Transitional attention if any. With such Reinsurance Program within a primary focus on budgets “Obamacare” will reimburse and government spending, health insurance providers problems that affect every who welcome high-cost inday Americans lose their imdividuals. Essentially, the anportance. ti-Obamacare Republicans
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72% of SL U U L S f students 69% o c hose to U L S f o % s 0 9 t n drink les stude s or not a d l u o w 1 s t 1 n 9 e d t l u l t s would ca cted all due to academ rs e h t o t n i a e c w p s obligation if they su dent t o n d i d s y . e h t f en i tu v s e ( r e h t o an ) m e h t l w o o n h k o c had al 93% of SLU ey h t f i t . s i s g s a n o i t poison students be lieve needed help. it is a Billik ens U L r S esponsibilit t t s o 71% o o n y to M e s o f SLU h i n c f t e r s o v s e t ne in a t uden e n s e u d a ts ma s i stu nk bec t u a s t i u o ke n where l re to a i n r o go ho s w o m to d ir pers e o i ne’s health th a f me . s e e u h riend l t a v a / n d safety is in after fs e i a l p e a b rty. jeopardy.