Crescent Magazine October 2011

crescent University of Evansville

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College Culture Upfront • October 2011

Around the Bend

Evansville’s new Ford Center makes for an eventful future

The mixing of Vision with creativity UE Theatre makeup artists redefine self-expression

Rapture Ready

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and we feel fine

What makes us so uncomfortable with our natural state of being?

The Naked Truth $2.50

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crescent MAGAZINE

10.2011

20

Rapture Ready

The end of the world has been predicted countless times. What is our obsession with Earth’s expiration date?

03 Dorm Storm

Powell Hall’s Cyril Patra proves that helping others can be an art.

22 Around the Bend Downtown Evansville is looking super sleek thanks to the new Ford Center.

28 Fascinating People

UE Theatre’s makeup divas break out their brushes and showcase their work.

w w w

17

The Naked Truth With everything stripped away, it seems Americans are squeamish about showing a little skin. But what is it that keeps us from baring it all?

32 Live and in Color AcesTV shares a piece of its history as the network expands to cover more than just sports.

2/Viewpoint • 3/Dorm Storm • 4/Vox Populi • 7/Arts & Entertainment • 8/Giving Back • 11/Health & Science • 13/Food 14/Through the Lens • 35/Third & Short • 36/Off the Wall • 38/The Lists • 39/A Closer Look • 40/That’s What She Said 10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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Our Viewpoint

crescent

100% Natural

MAGAZINE

Get comfortable in your own skin.

With the colder months approaching, when our summer wardrobes will be put to rest, we at Crescent Magazine thought we’d give our THE NAKED TRUTH skin one last good run. This month we’re here to talk about nudity. What does it mean in today’s society? Why is it appealing, and why does it make us cringe? Most of this controversy boils down to how nudity acts as an idea.

For many, nudity is the forbidden fruit.

A naked body is pursued and lusted after. It’s our natural state, but it’s prized, coveted. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love to dance around in just underwear when his or her roommates aren’t home?

But why should anyone have to care if the roommates are around? Skin is skin, and everyone has it. But still, by and large, we keep it to ourselves. What would people think of us if we didn’t?

It’s quite possible we’d be called a slew of degrading, demoralizing terms, or even just crazy. There’s no way around it when sex is involved. And today, skin means sex. When advertisers want to use sex to sell a product, they show skin.

They show arms, legs, toned abs and perfectly lifted cleavage with just the right amount of sweat.

crescent University of Evansville

College Culture Upfront • October 2011

magazine

AROUND THE BEND

Evansville’s new Ford Center makes for an eventful future

THE MIXING OF VISION WITH CREATIVITY UE Theatre makeup artists redefine self-expression

RAPTURE READY

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and we feel fine

What makes us so uncomfortable with our natural state of being?

$2.50

And then there are the establishments, like strip clubs, where women take off their clothes to sexually excite whomever walks in. Or even the porn industry, where clothes are usually conspicuously absent — these institutions sap both human flesh and form for money’s sake.

Meanwhile, a woman cannot wear a dress that flaunts her assets just because she wants to look nice. Instead, she is assumed to either be looking for sex or … looking for sex. People see a plunging neckline, and automatically, they assume the lady is a tramp.

And a man cannot strike a rugged pose, donning only his boxer briefs, feeling free while the breeze perfectly caresses his hair, without people thinking he’s trying to be sexy. The point is: We cannot wear whatever we want to wear — or not wear — without being judged. Our clothes are supposed to say something about us, and with that comes moral implications that we may or may not intend.

If everyone walked around in the nude, what would we hide behind?

Where would we keep all our doubts, insecurities, regrets and intentions? We’d have no more pockets. No more girdles telling us to keep it all in.

We couldn’t rely on our clothing to support our frames. But as a result, at least we’d be free of muffin-tops; we would no longer constantly be trying to squeeze into something that obviously doesn’t fit.

editorial Writing Director: Mindy Kurtz Writing Editor: Kate Wood Research Editor: Danielle Weeks Columnists: Mark Boxell, Lacey Conley, A. J. Ogundimu Contributing Writers: Josh Garrett, Brodie Gress, Taylor Hamilton, Kayla Hammel, Cory Hart, Jessica Ingle, Chelsea Modglin, Amy Reinhart, Rachel Willis

editing Editing Director: Lacey Conley Copy Editors: Jenelle Clausen, Glen Miller

CREATIVE Creative Director: Amanda Squire Photo Editor: Nathan Edmiston Page Designers: Yolanda Alvarado, Kaylee Harden, Katie O’Brien Advertising Designers: Jeffrey Buente, Andrew Schulingkamp Contributing Photographers: Jessica Crihfield, Mariah Gardiner, Amy Rabenberg

marketing & sales Marketing & Sales Director: Blair Wissinger Advertising Sales Manager: Ryan Cramer Sales Associates: Qassem AlMosslem Marketing Assistant: Taylor Paquette Circulation Assistant: Michael Armanno

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how to contact us Address: Ridgway University Center, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, Ind. 47722 Editorial E-mail: crescentmagazine@evansville.edu • Phone: (812) 488–2846 • FAX: (812) 488–2224 Marketing & Sales: (812) 488–2221 and 488–2223 • Marketing & Sales E-mail: crescentadvertising@evansville.edu

Crescent Magazine is the University of Evansville’s student magazine. It is written, edited and designed by and for students, and distributed six times during the academic year. It is funded through advertising revenue and a subscription fee paid on behalf of students by the Student Government Association. Circulation is 1,700. Printed by Mar-Kel Printing, Newburgh, Ind. © 2011 Student Publications, University of Evansville. Editorial Policy. Commentary expressed in unsigned editorial pieces represent a consensus opinion of Crescent Magazine’s Editorial Board. All other columns, articles and advertising are not necessarily the opinion of the Editorial Board or other members of the magazine. Letter Submissions. E-mail letters to crescentmagazine@evansville.edu and write “letter” in the subject line. Crescent Magazine welcomes letters from UE students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, but material the Editorial Board regards as libelous, malicious and/or obscene will not be published. Letters should not exceed 400 words. For verification, letters must include the author’s name, year in school or title and email address. Crescent Magazine does not print anonymous letters or those that cannot be verified. Letters will be edited for length, style, grammar and spelling.

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Dorm Storm

This Powell Hall resident makes a living by taking the road less traveled and trying new things.

by Cory Hart

M

Make your way to the first floor of Powell Hall and at some point you will encounter junior Cyril Patra’s sincere and smiling face. A biochemistry major with hopes of going pre-med someday, Patra is not afraid to try new things. As a child growing up in Memphis, Tenn., she tried a variety of activities, including ballet and karate, before finally deciding to stick with the violin.

“My mom said I couldn’t touch it until my first lesson,” Patra said, recalling her earliest days with the instrument.

But Patra’s self-expression extends beyond the violin. Not only can she hula hoop, sip a glass of water and strum her ukulele simultaneously, but she also has a way of striking up a conversation.

This is a good thing because Patra is a woman of many stories, courtesy of the globetrotting she has under her belt. Her lively personality has graced a number of continents, and the walls of her residence hall room are plastered with pictures from her travels. Having emigrated

Who Knew?

Nathan Edmiston/ Crescent Magazine

Patra also finds ways to give on a smaller scale. Not long ago, she picked up henna tattooing. With the support of friends, she has grown to love it and has become skilled at making masterpieces on the hands of friends and acquaintances alike when they stop by her residence hall room.

For a woman who is always on the move, Patra finds time to appreciate the little things.

Be it a henna masterpiece or something as grand as a trip across the world, she is always willing to share her time, talents and experiences.

Quick Facts

to the U.S. from India when she was 3, Patra said she grew up balancing two different cultures, but her cultural experiences did not end there.

Patra traveled across the ocean again last fall, encountering rain-washed London on her way to a semester at Harlaxton. She recalled how she used the book “Eat, Pray, Love” as her guidebook for her European adventure. The book’s spontaneous philosophy influenced her own, especially when a friend approached her one evening and said, “I want to go to Ireland.

Let’s go.” So they went.

“I was sprinting everywhere in Ireland,” Patra said.

She also loves to work for the greater good. Among her philanthropic causes, Patra contributes to Amnesty International and Invisible Children, a movement seeking to stop the abduction of children for use as child soldiers.

But she said her most rewarding charity experience to date was participating in Displace Me, a Nashville, Tenn., event that raises awareness about the 21-year-long war in Uganda.

n Minor: Spanish n Involvement: Summer Resident Assistant, International Orientation Leader, International Club, Sigma Alpha Iota n Game: Scrabble and other classic board games n Favorite Ice Cream: Vanilla n Coffee or Tea?: Both, especially black tea) n Future Pet: Siberian husky n Favorite Holiday: Martin Luther King Jr. Day n Favorite Song: “On the Radio” by Regina Spektor n Favorite Movies: “Honest Wish" and the "Harry Pot- ter" series n Favorite Food: Vegetables n Special Skill: “I pick things up really quickly — instruments, dance steps, etc.”

Actor Tommy Lee Jones and former Vice President Al Gore were freshman roommates at Harvard.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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Corrupting the Conversation The Tea Party continues to poison the rhetoric in Washington while average Americans are left behind.

Vox Populi / A. J. Ogundimu Perry are two of several Tea Party-affiliated candidates up When the Tea Party movefor the Republican presidential nomination. ment started, it was supposed Bachmann’s most recent scandal involved a clinic run to be about preserving the by her husband, Marcus, where therapists allegedly adConstitution’s values. The varivised homosexual patients that their orientations could be ous groups and individuals uschanged through prayer — a method of action the Amering the Tea Party name all inican Psychological Association has considered unorthosisted they merely wanted to dox. Mr. Bachmann takes a firm stance against what he return America to its roots and fix the financial crisis. considers sin, claiming on a radio talk show that homosexBut then, Joyce Kaufman, a conservative radio host, uals are barbarians who need to be educated. On top of said this: “If ballots don’t work, bullets will. I’ve never in these statements is Mrs. Bachmann’s opinion that wives my life thought the day would come that I would tell indimust be submissive to their husbands, which given the vidual citizens [they were] responsible for being the milinature of her husband’s opinions, is cause for some alarm. tia the Founding Fathers designed.”

Perry, on the other hand, made Those probably aren’t the conwaves when he referred to Social stitutional values most Americans Ordinary citizens, Security as a Ponzi scheme. Conare looking for. sidering that more than 50 million wanting lower The Tea Party started in 2009 Americans received Social Secuin the wake of one of the worst fitaxes ... threw tea rity benefits in 2009, it seems Pernancial downturns in recent history’s opinion doesn’t jive with the bags into rivers in ry. Ordinary citizens, wanting lowaverage American image of the Tea er taxes and government spending, protests modeled after Party unless, of course, that idea threw tea bags into rivers in proof average is only those fortunate the Boston Tea Party. tests modeled after the Boston Tea enough to exist without any kind of Party. The focus, at least initialThe focus, at least government support. ly, was fixing the economy. While That’s just for starters though. initially, was fixing originally referred to as “teabagDespite supposedly being a supgers,” groups such as the Tea Party the economy. porter of the Constitution, PerExpress and TeaParty.org formed ry proposed a series of potential to organize protests and make their amendments in his book “Fed Up! Our Fight to Save Amermessage heard, a message that quickly turned ugly. ica from Washington,” such as banning abortion and gay Signs depicting President Barack Obama as the Jokmarriage, weakening the Supreme Court, repealing all iner, the infamous “The Dark Knight” antagonist, or in a come taxes and turning the Constitution into a manifesto grass skirt started appearing at rallies. Other signs equated for modern far-right thought. healthcare reform to Nazism. TeaParty.org founder Dale This laundry list of controversies and borderline radRobertson was seen displaying a racial slur. These all deical statements coming from the Tea Party have not only tracted from the actual debates about reform and turned pushed the Republican Party to the right, but they’ve althe Tea Party into a media circus. tered the political conversation in this country. It has gone Despite this situation, or perhaps because of it, the Tea from one where problems get solved to one where it’s OK Party movement has continued to garner support, and to make impractical ideological statements, talk about usseveral of its politicians have emerged as leaders. Former ing guns instead of voting and smear the entire institution Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, of government. Politics are often called nasty, dirty and both popular yet unsuccessful candidates, have become ugly. But right now, they’re nothing short of toxic. poster children for the movement, while Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, Texas Vox Populi columnist A.J. Ogundimu is a junior creative Gov. Rick Perry and others have campaigned on a fairly writing major from Evansville, Ind. explicit pro-Tea Party platform. In fact, Bachmann and

Who Knew?

4

Porcupines float in water. • Baby robins eat 14 feet of earthworms daily. • George Washington grew marijuana in his garden.

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

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STUdEnT AlUMni AmbASSAdorS SAA’s mission: • To provide students service & leadership opportunities • To build a foundation for future alumni leaders • To foster communication, awareness and interaction between current students & alumni To learn more about SAA or to join, contact Melanie Bacaling at mb298

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Zeta Tau Alpha’s

BIG MAN on CAMPUS

7 p.m.

October 15 Eykamp Hall

Turn in your Save Lids to Save Lives pink Yoplait yogurt lids!

Drop boxes located in all Residence Halls and Ridgway University Center

This Year’s Theme

Entertainment

Broadway brings itself to Evansville as “Chicago” takes center stage at the Civic Theatre.

So You Think You Can Dance finalists from the popular Fox television series will perform Oct. 15 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis as a part of the national SYTYCD tour. The perfor-

local scene

Whether you are a game player, a dancer or a musical connoisseur, Evansville has a lot to offer. But before you set foot outside your door, let us test the waters first. Never let another night be boring.

mance begins at 7 p.m., with routines spanning a wide range of dance styles, such as Broadway, contemporary, ballroom, hip-hop and more. Tickets start at $36.50 and can purchased through the Chaifetz box office at 314–534–1111 or online at thechaifetzarena.com.

Arts & Entertainment / Joshua Garrett Maze at Mayse Mayse Farm Market will host seasonal activities every weekend this month, including wagon rides, two corn mazes and a 20foot cornfield slide. From 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturdays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sundays, patrons can also enjoy a farmer’s market with everything from apples, cider and produce to baked goods and homemade fudge. Admission is $6. For more information, visit maysefarmmarket.com.

River City Festival of Films Independent film enthusiasts can attend Verite Cinema’s daylong film festival, which kicks off at 10 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Towne Square Mall in Owensboro, Ky. The event gives local artists a chance to screen their work. Admission is $2, with proceeds going to New Beginnings, a charity designed to help victims of sexual abuse. For a list of films, visit rivercityfestivaloffilms.com.

Evanescence The Grammy–winning band, led by singer-songwriter Amy Lee, will perform at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 at Chicago’s Congress Theatre. Admission is $35. Tickets are available through the Congress box office or online at congresschicago.com.

Historic Newburgh Ghost Walks Downtown Newburgh will get spooky the evenings of Oct. 21–23. Visitors can choose between two walking tours explor-

Who Knew?

ing Newburgh’s haunted history. Tours begin in Preservation Hall and depart every 15 minutes; each lasts about an hour. Tickets purchased before Oct. 20 are $7. For times, call 812–853–2815.

Antiques and Flea Market With more than 175 dealers, eight buildings and an outdoor space, this venue has a lot to offer the vintage collector.

The market is open from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Oct. 29–30 at the Vanderburgh County Fairgrounds. Admission is $2. For more information, call 812–471–9419 or visit collectorscarnivalshows.com.

Owl City After the June release of the band’s highly anticipated new album, Owl City is launching its “All Things Bright and Beautiful” tour, arriving in Louisville, Ky. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9, at Expo Five. Tickets start at $20. For details and ticket information, visit expofive.com.

“Chicago: The Musical” Civic Theatre stages the Tony Award– winning musical hit Oct. 14–30. Set in the 1920s, at the height of Prohibition, the show follows the passionate story of two vaudevillian stars. Showtimes are at 8 p.m.

Oct. 21–22 and 28–29 and 2 p.m. Oct. 16, 23 and 30. Tickets are $12 with a valid student ID and can be purchased through the Civic box office or online at civic.evansville.

Texas Hold ‘em

If you are 21 or older and in the gaming mood, put on your poker face and get pumped for some Texas Hold ‘em at O’Brian’s Sports Bar & Grill. O’Brian’s, located at 1801 N. Green River Road, is just a few minutes from campus. Stop in at 2 p.m. Sundays for a bite to eat and some free poker games.

Swing Dancing Lessons

Classy clothing and 1920s flair combine for an energetic night of dancing with the Eville Swing Cats. Grab a friend and get down at the Main Gate Bar & Grill, 518 Main St., for a 30-minute lesson.

Admission is just $3 with a valid student ID. Lessons are at 7 p.m. every Thursday, with dancing from 7:30–10 p.m.

Stella

Been searching for new way to get your fix of psychedelic shoegaze rock? Try Stella, a threeman band that’s not afraid to turn the amps up to 11 with music inspired by bands like Deerhunter and Fleet Foxes. If you think you can handle it, the band is set to play Oct. 28 at The Hockey House, 803 S.E. Second St.

Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying. • The electric chair was invented by a dentist.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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by Cory Hart Being students means we’re always a bit short on cash.

This can affect the way we volunteer, because with such tight budgets, donating is often out of the question. So, if you find yourself strapped for funds, consider giving of your time instead. n It Takes a Village It Takes a Village Canine Rescue is a non-profit organization geared towards finding loving homes for mistreated, abandoned and surrendered animals. Volunteer your time by helping care for the dogs, taking them to their spay or neuter appointments or coordinating adoption drives. It Takes a Village also looks for foster families to look after pets until permanent homes can be found.

If you’d like to give a hound a home, e-mail the organization at ITVrescue@gmail.com, or call 812–250–9247 for locations.

—itvrescue.com

Giving Back

These five organizations across the Tri-State area are prime opportunities to offer your time and energy and to experience the impact of volunteerism firsthand.

n Lampion Center

n Literacy Center

n Tri-State Food Bank

n Aurora

The Lampion Center, 655 S. Hebron Ave., has been helping families in need in Vanderburgh, Warrick and Posey counties since 1885. The center provides families with resources to help combat issues such as drug abuse, divorce, depression and others by offering counseling and adoption services, as well as psychological testing and evaluation. The center has partnered up with corporations like Verizon to help people make a difference in the world. If you’d like to volunteer, call 812–471–1776.

The Literacy Center provides tutoring services to Evansville adults who were never given the opportunity to learn to read and write. You can help by doing a wide variety of volunteer work such as teaching participants basic reading and writing skills or assisting current tutors during basic skills sessions.

If teaching isn’t your strongest suit, you can also aid the center in creating fundraising ventures or by serving as a board member. Visit the center at 3411 N. First Ave. or call 812–429– 1222 for information.

The Tri-State Food Bank reaches out to the nearly 26,000 citizens of Vanderburgh County, along with many more in other counties. The food bank, 801 E. Michigan St., offers several ways to lend a hand, from packing donations in the center’s warehouse to providing office help. Those at the food bank have also created a program called Weekend Backpacks of Food, which provides food to schoolchildren who might go hungry when school lunches are not provided. If you’d like to help, call 812–425–0775.

Aurora, 1100 Lincoln Ave., aids in helping the homeless, spreading awareness on ending homelessness and educating the public about poverty. Volunteering possibilities include picking up donations, answering phones, preparing mailings, attending special events, raking leaves, assisting in snow removal and more. Those at Aurora also assemble Outreach Bags and Housing Starter Kits, items needed to help move clients into permanent housing. Volunteer applications are available on the organization’s web site.

—lampioncenter.com

—litcenter.org

—tristatefoodbank.org

—auroraevansville.org

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Health & Science / Taylor Hamilton

Treating yourself right What Halloween candy won’t give you a scare? Is a flu shot really necessary? How can droppings revolutionize fuel? Read on to find out.

A Sticky Situation Although trick-or-treating after age 12 can be questionable, there is no denying that people of all ages love candy. The unfortunate fact is that after age 12, these treats tend to start pulling their own tricks — in the form of thicker waistlines, oral cavities and insulin imbalances, which can each cause a host of other health problems.

Granted, just a few sweets per week has been shown to increase longevity, but exactly how many is a few? And what candies have this life-extending ability? According to Milwaukee news source Today’s TMJ4, dark chocolate contains antioxidants and can reduce a person’s risk of heart disease, cancer and even cavities when eaten no more than two or three times a week.

Raisins, nuts and peanut butter are other healthy options. And when it comes to oral health, it seems those chewy caramels and jellybeans are actually better for you than cake.

Caramels and jellybeans might be sticky, but they don’t get between your teeth as easily as other not-so-sticky sweets. Cake, cookies and other bread products are far more difficult to remove from teeth than a piece of jellybean.

To Flu, or Not to Flu? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all people 6 months and older be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Flu shots are available almost everywhere medicine is distributed, often at a relatively low cost. While some may be concerned with the safety — or question the necessity — of seasonal flu shots, it’s safe to say this: A vaccine works like studying for a test.

When a professor posts an old version of an exam, you get a chance to preview

Who Knew?

the test’s difficulty level and the types of questions it will include. A vaccination is similar, giving your immune system a sneak peek of what the real “test” will look like while it still has time to prepare.

The Potential of Poop Sure, pandas are cute and cuddly, but few people would suspect they are the next innovators of environmental fuel technology. According to ScienceNews.org, researchers at the Memphis Zoological Society have determined the bears’ feces may be used as a biofuel in years to come.

Apparently, due to the high cellulose content of their diet, microbes inside pandas’ digestive systems have certain abilities many other gut microbes do not.

In most creatures, cellulose — woody plant material — is indigestible, which is essentially why humans cannot eat trees.

Pandas, though, have the ability to get nearly all of their nutrients out of a single plant source, bamboo — even without the multi-chambered stomachs of cows and other grazing animals.

This is thanks to the highly efficient bacteria inhabiting their digestive tracts. Researchers say that if these microbes can be harvested from panda poop and coaxed into living in laboratory settings, they would be able to break down plant materials into clean energy. This is just one more reason to save endangered animals from extinction — you never know where the next scientific discovery will turn up.

Health & Science writer Taylor Hamilton is a senior applied biology major from Owensboro, Ky.

Living Green Reusables

When it comes to staying organized, Suite101.com suggests opting for binders rather than notebooks. Binders are reusable — you fill them with only the paper you need. Notebooks are not.

Showering Smart

The Franklin Institute says cutting your shower time by only two minutes can save more than 14 gallons of water, enough to supply a small family with fresh drinking water for a week. Most of us don’t have to pay water bills yet, but quick-showering habits may come in handy when we do.

Homegrown

Buying local food is great for several reasons: It cuts down on fuel used for transportation. Also, food is typically fresher than what you might find at the grocery, is often grown organically and is usually sold at a fair price. In town, try Bud’s Farm Market at 3301 S. Weinbach. Bud’s only sells food grown in Vanderburgh County and even provides biodegradable bags for you to carry your produce home.

Scientists aren’t sure what color dinosaurs were. • The sun is 330,330 times larger than the Earth.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

All makes and models serviced.

4721 Washington Ave. • (812) 401–2693

by Jessica Ingle

Diners gettin’ down & dirty

T

Between two local long-time favorites, which burger will be the winner?

ment, while Steak ’n Shake adheres to a more modern sitdown style. And while the former is the ideal place for a quicker, less intimate meal, Steak ’n Shake is great for a conversation late at night or early in the morning.

Ritzy’s is the real deal. Memorabilia dot the walls, and the green-and-white checkered floors add to the ‘50s style. Cashiers are helpful, pointing

to a sign with the combos listed in bright colors, and food is delivered shortly after ordering.

As for the burger, the patty itself is unassuming. A large leaf of lettuce sticks out ostentatiously, overwhelming the meal. In a word, it is not love at first bite with every condiment and topping overpowering the meat. After a few more, though, the flavor begins to set in and has a nice, if average, taste with no excess grease.

But halfway through the burger, the chilliness of the room becomes too much, and it is hard not to want to scarf down the rest and leave as quickly as possible.

In contrast, Steak ’n Shake, while maintaining its diner look, is dressed with warm, inviting colors of red,

white and black. The temperature is comfortable, and the service is friendly and fast. Even at 7:30 on a Thursday evening, squishy booths and straightbacked chairs are filled with happy people sipping milkshakes and munching fries.

Steak ’n Shake’s single steakburger with everything is exactly what it sounds like, but at first bite, it is far more flavorful than Ritzy’s, even if it is greasier. The taste is distinct and juicy, the ingredients fresher. Biting into the burger brings that satisfying dribble down the side of the mouth — a burger that needs napkins is a good burger indeed.

While Ritzy’s proves a more authentic experience, taste wins out over aesthetics. Steak ’n Shake’s juicy steakburgers are flavorful, superior to those the fast-food joints dish out.

G.D. Ritzy’s burgers fall flat on their buns when compared to this franchise.

Baskin-Robbins 848 S. Green River Road baskinrobbins.com

Culver’s 1734 Hirschland Road culvers.com

Dairy Queen 1159 E. Virginia St. dairyqueen.com

Chick-fil-A 800 N. Green River Road chick-fil-a.com

Baskin-Robbins is the place to go for everything from milkshakes to smoothies and floats. In addition to six traditional flavors, including chocolate chip, strawberry, vanilla and mint, customers have the option of adding any flavor they wish to be mixed in a shake. Baskin’s chocolate milkshake is made with ice cream exclusive to the sweetshop since 1945.

When it comes to shakes and malts, those at Culver’s don’t mess around. With over 10 different flavors to choose from, including a fudge-and-caramel “Turtle Shake,” the restaurant’s extra-thick milkshakes are treats meant to be eaten with spoons, and not straws. Sample other menu favorites, such as Culver’s homemade custard, made fresh every hour, or thick and creamy Concrete Mixers.

Dairy Queen’s award-winning milkshakes come in a variety of flavors, including banana, caramel, strawberry, vanilla, cherry, hot fudge and peanut butter.

And with each of the three available cup sizes costing less than $5, splurging is not only perfectly acceptable but economical as well. Try one of DQ’s many other menu items, including malts, dipped cones and Blizzards of all kinds.

Though the restaurant is not famous for its dessert, its milkshakes should not be underestimated. Each is handspun, with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Available flavors include the traditional chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, with a cookies and cream shake adding a little pizzazz. A regular-sized shake will cost about $3, well worth its large size.

The hamburger: simple, unrefined. It makes for the perfect American meal with a side of fries and a cold glass of soda.

Popular in the Evansville area, G.D. Ritzy’s, 601 N. Green River Road, and Steak ’n Shake, 7929 E. Division St., go head-to-head to determine which 1950s diner-esque joint has the best burgers in town.

Both Ritzy’s and Steak ’n Shake give off that familiar old-time vibe, but the major difference between the two restaurants is the way in which food reaches the customer.

Ritzy’s has the standard wait-in-line-to-order arrange-

Others of Interest

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

13

Through the Lens

by Nathan Edmiston

Street Carnival

Labor Day’s Student Organization Fair brought out students by the masses. With UE’s almost endless club offerings, there was something to pique everyone’s interest. And turn-out was impressive: Freshmen through seniors visited the club tables that were set up from the BowerSuhrheinrich Library to Ridgway Center, where eager members and group representatives offered freebees to those who passed and invited interested students into their organizations.

And with the first day in weeks that did not break the 95 degree mark, Sept. 5 was an ideal way to start off the semester.

Amy Rabenberg/Crescent Magazine

Mariah Gardiner/Crescent Magazine

Performing with Trebles Without a Cause, sophomore Eric Stoessel and junior Jacob Buras serenade the audience by singing their version of Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” toward the end of the fair.

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Jessica Crihfield/Crescent Magazine

Unlike many who are afraid of heights, freshman Katie Ziebell faces fear with laughter as she climbs the first part of the rock wall.

Mariah Gardiner/Crescent Magazine

Taking time from the lively fair activities to sit down and look through last year’s memories, sophomores Veronica Asher and Rachel Kohout find themselves caught up in nostalgic stories and pictures.

Sophomore Bianca Edelhoff spreads the word about BSU and the African Student Association to those stopping by the group’s table at the Student Organization Fair. This year’s location attracted more students to explore the available club and group options.

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Takes the Throne

Hannah Barrow Lauren Barth Michaela Bortle Trisha Brandonisio Josie Brown Aubrie Cook Sara DeMaras Danielle Duvall Tiffani Emery Emily Frazier Maggie Gahagen Jenna Garrison Steph Hautsch Kate Higgins Molly Holthus Kassie Hurst Tiffany Iseler Nicole Ivanovic Brecklen Jones Kiki Jones Emily Kays Alexia Kind Jenna Koschmeder Dimi Mayorga Hannah Okray Nina Price Katie Prosser Rachel Reising Brie Reyes Danielle Sage Olivia Shrum Melissa Swager Brittany West

ZETA TAU ALPHA

the

NAKED

w

truth

Nudity is a normal condition, so why is it such a problem for Americans?

When Justin Timberlake tore off a piece of Janet

Jackson’s clothes during the halftime show of the 2004

Super Bowl, exposing her nipple-shield adorned breast,

the FCC received 540,000 complaints from Americans. Her sheathed nipple was uncovered for a mere half-second, but the incident triggered a rash of fines imposed by the FCC, including a $550,000 fine to CBS, which broadcast the game.

by Kate Wood

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

17

Nudity is defined as the state of wearing no clothes or body covers. It can also be defined as wearing significantly fewer clothes than is acceptable according to the rules of a particular culture. In both cases, some or all body parts that may be considered intimate or private are exposed.

Too much revealed skin is seen as taboo, but even when people are covered, they do not necessarily have to be, and that is where the line between comfort and discomfort lies. In most modern cultures the need to cover is required because nakedness is frowned upon.

ers acceptable, another might consider provocative.

In spite of the fact that it now is acceptable to display nearly all of one’s body poolside or at the beach, total nudity continues to make Americans uncomfortable.

“Think about the smallest bikini that is allowed on a beach,” said Mari Plikuhn, assistant professor of sociology. “That is the current standard for acceptable nudity.”

But what is acceptable on the beach is not always acceptable with everyday attire. If a woman shows too much cleavage in public or a man bares it all for any reason, many find it unacceptable. Women

“Clothing has become an implicit symbol of power,” said Michelle Blake, associate professor of sociology.

Although perceptions of nudity are individual, it is considered by many to be disgusting, offensive or disrespectful.

So what are the standards for revealing skin in today’s world?

During the last 50 years, there has been much liberalization in Americans’ attitudes “We very much have a double concerning sexual behavior, but nudity continues standard. We have a public to bring ridicule, wrote standard and private standard.”

Anthony Layng in USA Today Magazine. In an article published by the Society for the The incident sparked much debate, Advancement of Education, he said that even though 66 percent of respondents to a March 2005 Time magazine poll believed even though legal restrictions have been relaxed and clothing-optional locales are the FCC overreacted by fining CBS. In Canmore numerous than ever before, most ada, where the show was broadcast by Americans continue to disapprove of the Global Television Network, the incident nudity. passed largely without controversy.

For Americans, nudity is provocative “I know many people in other countries because most of the time it is associated are scratching their heads and thinking with sex. Lora Becker, associate professor ‘What in the world is the big fuss?’” Robof psychology, said people relate sexuality ert Thompson, director of the Center for with anatomy because so much focus is dithe Study of Popular Television at Syracuse rected at body parts rather than at the perUniversity, told BBC News at the time. son and who that person is as a whole.

In today’s society, rarely does anything Since nudity and sex are so closely relatinvoke anger, excitement, shame and scaned, they arouse curiosity. dal more than nudity does. While Ameri“We very much have a double stancans are much more sophisticated today dard,” Blake said. “We have a public stanthan ever before on many subjects, nudidard and private standard.” ty continues to bring about emotional reacPeople now have to make a conscious tions. Many believe nudity is personal and effort to cover — or not cover — because should be kept private. ties between nudity and sex are so strong.

“I don’t want to see every part of everyone, and I don’t want everyone to see every This proves slightly more difficult for women because what one woman considpart of me,” sophomore Niki Rahming said.

are thought to have questionable morals, and men are labeled perverts, even though the showing of skin cannot actually define one’s moral character.

Blake said society is often caught up in censorship, giving opinions on what is and is not acceptable to show in public. And a woman is seen in a different light once she exposes herself to the public’s eye.

Blake used the uniform worn by servers at Hooters restaurants as an example of how most taboos surrounding nudity boil down to exploitation. She said the women are not exploited because of the way they dress, but because there is a specific reason for the way they dress. The name of the restaurant itself puts focus on breasts as sexual objects, adding that if there were a similar restaurant that featured scantily clad male servers, it would be seen as perverse or as a joke.

“There is more of a value judgment placed on women who take their clothes off for a living than on men,” Becker said.

She said males have the upper hand because male nudity is rarely taken seriously and used the comparison of two runners to prove her point. If a man is jogging shirtless and in short shorts in public, no one thinks anything of it. But if a woman is doing the same in a sports bra and short shorts, she is viewed negatively.

There are some who believe that since America was founded by people with Puritan ideals, it is more inclined toward rigid moral values. Others would point to the American industries that promote the exploitation of nudity by making it somehow both forbidden and titillating. This has resulted in varying viewpoints on the expo-

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

sure — or overexposure — of bare skin.

Nudity in American movies and on television continues to be a touchy subject as well. Full nudity has gained acceptance in Europe, where people see it as less objectionable than violence. Full and partial nudity on American TV is traditionally not shown, although it has gained some acceptance on cable networks. Movie directors and producers even apply self-censorship, limiting nudity in their films depending on the ratings they hope to acquire.

Nudity in the United States is not illegal under federal law; it is left up to state and local governments to decide what is ac-

of those things that is hard for them to accept. Rejecting nudity is a part of Americans’ values, and most people refuse to let go of the values they were raised with.

Much of this would not be a problem if nudity were not placed on the same plane as sex.

And in some cases, like in the art world, it is not. Paintings and statues of nudes are exhibited without much complaint. At all times in human history, the body has been one of the primary subjects for artists. It is still an essential part of learning the human form, particularly in life drawing courses.

“The human body is one of the princi-

in America. It is hard enough when it is associated so closely with sexuality, but it is even harder when people feel embarrassed about the skin they are in.

“Not everyone has that perfect body,” Brace said. “Embarrassment comes from people not looking how they think they’re supposed to look.”

He said the media makes people feel as if they are not skinny enough, curvy enough or toned enough — the message is that people should not be satisfied with what they were born with. And that is where the shame about nudity comes from.

While a seemingly obvious statement,

ceptable. Some states have designated certain locales to be clothing-optional, but constraints are usually social rather than legal. In most states, for example, unacceptable nudity includes the public exposure of a woman’s nipples or male or female genitalia.

Layng said there have been some efforts to relax U.S. laws that do not allow women to be bare-chested in public on the grounds that the laws do not apply to men.

Small protests have been staged in recent years by women in American and Canadian cities, but their cause does not seem to have gained much support. Public nudity is still a no-go in most situations.

Where legal definitions of nudity exist in Western cultures, perceptions of nudity in other cultures is generally determined by one’s cultural and religious backgrounds, rather than by legal definitions.

Writing in Wajibu, a journal of social and religious concern, Karega-Munene, of U.S. International University, said Europeans appear to have a more relaxed attitude toward nudity, sex and morality than Americans.

Although it is common for women to go topless on public European and South American beaches, the practice still is likely to result in an arrest in the U. S. Part of the reason nudity is both praised and condemned has to do with cultural backgrounds and how people were reared.

“I think it’s ingrained in our culture that only babies can be naked,” sophomore Emily Rosenquist said.

Senior Andy Bennett said even though people have progressively become more accepting and open-minded, nudity is one

ple subjects artists use,” said Chair Stephanie Frasier, associate professor of art. “To a certain degree, artists and nonartists have a slightly different viewpoint of nudity, but there are some people who can appreciate nudity as an art and nothing indecent.”

Art, which for centuries has been displayed publicly, is rather common and more accepted than public nudity of real people. But most people are still ambivalent when it comes to public nudity. And if an artist is trained to appreciate the human form for what it is, it is possible to render it beautifully and create a masterpiece from someone’s ohso-scandalous skin.

Because the naked body is part of classical training, models are needed. At UE, nude models are rarely current students because of what Frasier labels ethical concerns, so others are hired to pose for art students. And while artists might be comfortable with viewing a nude body, it can take a lot for anyone else to be, including, at times, the models themselves.

USI junior Chris Brace, who has posed nude for classes at UE, said he has never felt uncomfortable or ashamed to be naked because he believes he has an attractive physique and there is nothing to be embarrassed about. But he realizes not everyone feels this way since the media places so much emphasis on body image and self-perception.

Getting naked is not an easy thing to do

people often do not realize how much their perceptions of themselves are influenced by others, which blankets their beliefs or insecurities.

“Our acceptance of our bodies is influenced by society,” Becker said.

Many Americans are so thoroughly ethnocentric about nudity that they insist their intolerance is a reflection of human nature.

But some people are ready to be done with all the connotations, associations and expectations related to nudity. Some do not think it should be such a big deal.

“We’re all born naked,” junior Becky Kennedy said.

It is possible that someday more people will feel the same way. Maybe it will seem preposterous and taboo not to be naked when people want to be. But as long as bare skin is perceived as both sexy and shameful, clothing, in most situations, will not be optional.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

19

Rapture

READY m

“Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today,” Peanuts comic strip creator Charles Schultz said. “It’s already tomorrow in Australia.”

by Chelsea Modglin & Danielle Weeks

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

May 21 was supposed to be Judgment Day, when God’s salvation program would result in sinners being banished to Hell and the righteous being saved. Or so Christian radio broadcaster Harold Camping of the Family Radio organization predicted.

But May 21 came and went, and sinners and saints alike are still here. Since then, Camping has revised his prediction, clarifying that May 21 was actually the spiritual apocalypse, whatever that means. Now Camping says the physical, fiery end of the world will come Oct. 21. Or it may come Dec. 21, 2012, the date New Age writers cite on the Mayan and Aztec calendars that predicts the end of the world.

By all accounts, the world should have ended thousands of times already. Yet because science has yet to prove there is such a thing, the future is left to individual speculation. Evidently, anything can trigger the end of the world. And though religious prophecies come most readily to mind, theology is not alone. From Nostradamus’ famous predictions to natural disasters, global warming, solar flares, nuclear meltdowns, economic crises and environmental destruction, there are no shortage of ways the world might end.

People are fascinated by the possibility of an apocalypse, and the term “apocalypse” has different meanings for different people. For some, the end of the world is not about cataclysmic fire and brimstone.

“God is the author of justice,” said sophomore Kathryn Dueker, an InterVarsity Christian Fellowship member. “God’s coming back to make things that were wrong right.”

The end of the world can also mean the end of civilization or the standard of living people are used to. In many parts of the world, people are struggling to survive harsh or overpopulated environments with limited resources.

“Parts of the world are stressed already;

people are dying in large numbers,” said Chair Michael Cullen, professor of biology.

“That is the end of the world for them.”

Senior Justin Spicer, founder of the Skeptical Society, said there are two general conceptions concerning the apocalypse: the end of the planet and the end of humanity.

“The end of human civilization — it could happen,” Spicer said. “The world would keep going on the way it always has.”

The way Westerners look at history influences their obsession with doomsday.

Chair Dianne Oliver, associate professor of religion, said there are two general ways of viewing time: linear and cyclical.

Western societies tend to look at history with a linear perspective, which means time is seen as a line of progressive points with a definite end. But other cultures see time in a cyclical manner, which means time works in a circle and is made up of never-ending cycles. For those people, there is no permanent end.

Hinduism is one religion practiced by people who profess such a cyclical view and see destruction as a necessary step in the time cycle. In other words, one must destroy in order to create. Oliver compared this belief to watching a HGTV home renovation. Humankind has to tear down the old, malfunctioning parts of life before new, improved ones can be built. Unfortunately, society is tearing down the house without any real plan or means to restore it.

“If the world ends anytime soon, it will be because we misused our resources,” Spicer said.

People should keep in mind that a lack of resources will not necessarily lead to the end of the world. People depend on certain resources to survive, but the planet does not rely on people for its existence.

“The point is, the Earth won’t miss us,” Spicer said.

But there is a balance. While people

should be aware of their effect on the planet and how resources can be better conserved, extreme attitudes about the world ending can be dangerous.

“If you have the philosophy that your actions won’t have any effect, you’re unlikely to control yourself,” Spicer said.

Yet it seems as if people already have trouble with self-control since resources are being consumed at an alarming rate.

And overconsumption contributes to global warming.

“If all the world lived like the U.S., we’d need five planets,” Cullen said.

There was even a prediction by meteorologist Albert Porta in 1919 that the union of six planets would generate a magnetic current that would cause the sun to explode and engulf the earth. While Porta did not have the correct date, Spicer said the very thing that sustains the human race might, in fact, threaten survival: the sun. He said the sun has already reached its middle age and will eventually — in about 5 billion years — enlarge to encompass the orbit of the Earth. The result: Nothing will survive.

Of course, there is also the concern that the world might end because of humankind’s use of weapons and technology.

Those at religioustolerance.org believe that if people do not learn to be tolerant and coexist with those of different religions, World War III is inevitable.

Such a war would be of cataclysmic proportions, since religiously motivated wars tend to be much more vicious than ordinary wars because both sides believe they are carrying out the will of their God. If all sides possess nuclear weapons in sufficient numbers, billions of people could die.

“If the world is going to be destroyed, it’s likely to be because we let global warming or a nuclear bomb run amok,” Oliver said.

Cullen said the greater issue is in the smaller problems that accumulate over

time, since people generally do not think of long-term consequences. This lack of foresight might lead to a world in which no one can live.

“You don’t have to have a nuclear explosion to have problems, “ he said.

“You don’t have to destroy a city to make it uninhabitable.”

Environmental concerns are one thing, but religious prophesy results in an entirely different take on the apocalypse. James Berry, associate professor of anthropology, said prophets are generally those who believe they receive direct revelations from a deity. A prophet’s purpose is to let others know they must change their ways. Oliver added that at best, prophets are simply trying to get a message out to raise awareness about the way people live.

“It’s a way to call to say ‘Wake up, pay attention to the world in which you live,’” she said.

But at their worst, prophets are opportunists who play on people’s fears in order to further their own agendas. People like Camping have gained notoriety because of sensationalist prophecies.

“They’re vain attempts at celebrity in a media-saturated country,” Oliver said.

Besides seeking attention, prophets are usually misinformed about the holy works from which they derive their end dates.

Those like Camping and the Millerites — followers of the teachings of Adventist William Miller who, in 1833, first shared his belief that the second coming of Christ would happen in 1843 — came up with their end dates using numbers from the Bible.

Oliver said in our post-Enlightenment society, people have faith that numbers represent a literal truth, but numbers were symbolic for most Old Testament authors. The Bible itself states in the book of Matthew that no one will be able to predict the end of the world.

People have believed in the apocalypse since Jesus’ death, and many predictions centered on famines, plagues and natural disasters. Some mystics in the 15th century predicted the world would end in 1496, about 1,500 years after Christ’s birth. Even Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, believed doomsday would happen in 1794.

Berry said society’s preoccupation with forecasts is something specific to Western culture. Ancient societies and those removed from Western culture do not have a notion of the end of time. In those societies, Berry said the focus was and is on the living.

Memory is partly to blame for some apocalyptic obsessions. Spicer said many people have trouble referencing history and tend to exaggerate, ultimately remembering things inaccurately. They only remember the good old days, since in religious texts, the creation of life is portrayed as perfection in a perfect world. That viewpoint, coupled with a world seen today as flawed, results in people believing society must have done something wrong. When things look bad, they search for an escape — even something as drastic as the end of the world.

“When things are tough, people want to find hope in something,” Oliver said.

But the notion of hope is not always rational. It does not always fix problems or punish the unworthy to make things better.

It is about the notion that eventually good will triumph over evil.

But some people might not believe the world has time for “eventually,” since Oct. 21 is just around the corner and the end of the Mayan calendar is little more than a year away. But in all likelihood, the world will still be turning.

“Don’t go selling all of your possessions,” Berry said. “I’m fairly sure the world will be here.”

“Pocket Guide to the Apocalypse: The Official Field Manual for the End of the World”

Christ Chicken n 1809: Yorkshire fortuneteller Mary Bateman owns a chicken that supposedly lays eggs bearing the phrase “Christ is coming.” It is later discovered that someone is actually writing on the eggs and shoving them back into the chicken each morning.

Covered in Bees n 1977: Salem Kirban interprets the ninth chapter of Revelation to mean that a swarm of killer bees will plague the earth and usher in the apocalypse.

Heaven’s Gate n March 26, 1997: Astrologist Chuck Shramek sees a “Saturn-like” object fall from the Hale-Bopp comet and land on Earth. The Heaven’s Gate cult takes these rumors seriously and commits mass suicide as a way to enter the spacecraft, which they believe will take them to heaven.

Emergency Broadcast n March 31, 1998: Hon-Ming Chen, leader of the God’s Salvation cult, says Christ will return and invite the members aboard a UFO at precisely 10 a.m. He says God will first appear on Channel 18 of every TV. Chen later assembles the cult in Garland, Texas, because the city name sounds like “God’s land.”

Nuclear Baby n Sept. 12, 2006: Yisrayl Hawkins, leader of the House of Yahweh cult, predicts a time of nuclear war will begin. This “nuclear baby” is supposed to gestate for nine months and break out in full force on June 12, 2007.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

21

A 22

by Mindy Kurtz & Brodie Gress

With only four weeks until its grand opening, Evansville’s newest entertainment venue is attracting attention in all the right ways.

round the Bend

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

d

Downtown Evansville presents a common utilitarian theme that is apparent with the houses and businesses that line the rather narrow streets. But starting on Sixth Street, a giant bend of silver and glass stretches across the skyline. The structure’s mirrors, which plate the front and sides, glint with the color of futuristic chrome, and the curved ceiling resembles an alien spacecraft that has somehow touched ground in the middle of the city. Welcome to the Ford Center.

But this $127.5 million monster is not scary. In fact, its inner design is nothing short of chic. The entrance is entirely made up of windows with sleek light fixtures and staircases. Nestled at the center of this extravagant entrance is something familiar: the corridor of champions, an altar of nostalgia that used to make its home in Roberts Stadium.

But just because Roberts is being left behind in this transition does not mean it was not home to fond memories, especially for men’s basketball coach Marty Simmons, who appeared in Roberts both as a coach and a player for the Aces in the ‘80s.

“I love that place,” he said. “I’ll never forget [my] senior night for the rest of my life.”

For Simmons, Roberts stood for the essential ties between players and their community. But even though Roberts is becom-

circuit TVs posted throughout the facility that will broadcast continuous floor action through eight stationary cameras.

To offset this consumerism, Ford is also shooting for a USGBC LEED Silver Certification — a technical way to say the building is eco-friendly. And they already have a start.

During construction, recycled building materials were used to create much of the arena’s structure. For example, the center’s refurbished wood was recycled from the framework of an Indiana barn.

Ford also has the singular ability to transform from basketball court to ice rink, dirt floor or concert stage, in only three hours. This allows for diversity of events.

Country superstar Reba McEntire, ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra are just a few of the acts set to grace the multimillion-dollar floor.

“People will figure out where they want to park quickly,” he said. “But they can’t get off the Lloyd at 5 until 7 and expect to get [to Ford] for tip-off at 7:05 p.m.”

Levy added that the problematic parking for the Freedom Festival, which also reigns in tens of thousands of people, has already been solved.

Perks and problems aside, the center is being built with the community in mind.

The aim in creating a new entertainment venue was not to get rid of Roberts but rather to renovate all of Evansville and revitalize downtown.

“Roberts was an island in a sea of concrete next to a park,” Kish said. “Anything important that happened at Roberts happened 40 years ago.”

Epps believes that even though Ford is different when compared to the rest of the

“Our community doesn’t like change, but the center is a good change.” ing a thing of the past, he believes great things are around the corner.

“Roberts is a large part of the basketball program and community,” Simmons said.

“We want to take those themes to the center and make new and exciting memories and moments.”

He finds the new arena extremely eyecatching, and believes it will draw crowds, and not just students. His team is especially fired up about their new home.

“There’s just a wow effect,” Simmons said.

Coach Oties Epps said he has no expectations for the center, but the new women’s basketball coach is not concealing his enthusiasm for coaching there. “[I’m] just excited for the privilege to play in such an amazing venue,” he said.

From the $2 million scoreboard to the open bar to the extra-comfy seats, there is plenty to be excited about.

Ford will host audiences as large as 11,000 for concerts — 10,000 for basketball games and 9,000 for hockey. Seating is divided into three sections: upper bowl, lower bowl and suites. But if you were thinking about buying a $55,000 suite (a cost not including the price of concert tickets), think again: They have been sold.

But seats are not as costly and provide a great view from courtside to the nosebleed sections. Other perks include 18 restrooms, five concession stands and 178 closed-

And kicking off the concert season is Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, mostly known for the hit “Old Time Rock & Roll.”

Project manager John Kish said Seger was one of the first to express a desire to open the center. He said booking the rock band was a way to show the community that the center’s musical performances would be more than just country music.

Seger’s concert would never have been possible in Roberts because of its poor ceiling support, but Ford is equipped to hold lights and then some.

“You could hang a locomotive from this ceiling,” joked Audra Levy, project communications manager.

One problem that has been addressed with the center is parking — where is everyone going to park? Kish explains that parking is available, but it is spread out to fit the urban feel of downtown.

“The distance people have to walk is no farther [than at Roberts],” he said. “They just have to look both ways before they cross the street. It’s more about people’s perception than anything.”

There are three parking garages available to patrons and one surface lot, known as the “Back 40,” located behind the center, all adding up to more than 3,000 spots.

Kish reasons that if people are willing to carpool and adapt to a new setting, parking will not pose as big a problem as some may think.

city, it is nothing to be concerned about.

“Our community doesn’t like change, but the center is a good change,” he said.

Simmons’ team will play its first regularseason game at 2:05 p.m. Nov. 12 against long-time rival Butler, last year’s NCAA Tournament runner-up. Epps’ team will play its first home game at 5:15 p.m. Nov. 29 against Ball State.

Simmons calls the game against the Bulldogs a terrific matchup to open the facility. Both coaches believe the center, combined with excellent games from the teams, will revitalize their fan bases. “[If] we do our jobs as coaches and put a good product on the court, then students will enjoy some good basketball,” Epps said.

Kish hopes by bringing games to the center, Evansville’s residents — particularly students — will discover some fun weekend nights awaiting them downtown. “[There are] more and more reasons for businesses to create a denser use for the land, which creates an urban experience,” he said. “That’s what the heart and soul of Evansville needs to be.”

Ford is modernizing Evansville’s downtown, building upward from its colonial roots. Its east wall’s sleek, modern curve replicates the Ohio River bend where Evansville got its start, and a foundation of traditional Indiana limestone supports the center — a lifeship has landed.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

23

?

CAn’t mAke it to the

gAme

Catch all the

exCiting Purple Aces action on

Your Home For Purple Aces Athletics

Aces Military Appreciation Night 7:05 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4

Vets Day 5K Walk, Run, Roll (sponsored by UE VETS student organization)

• Aces vs. University of Illinois, Springfield at the

8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 13

Ford Center

• Race starts and ends at the LST Memorial Ship

• Discounted tickets for veterans and current

Grounds, downtown Evansville

service members

• 5K route is along the riverfront and war memorials

• Ticket information available online at

gopurpleaces.com or by calling 812–488–2237

Veterans Day Service 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11

• $20 registration through Nov. 1 ($25 after Nov. 1) • Proceeds benefit Lucas Place II, housing for homeless

disabled veterans

• Eykamp Hall, Ridgway University Center

• Register online at • Campus community, friends and alumni invited https://www.raceit.com • Luncheon reception to follow register/?event=6327 or call the UE Office of Veterans Affairs at 812–488–2141

24

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

ROUTE MAP Actual race length is 5.026K Finish line race management and race chips provided by the Greater Evansville Runners and Walkers Club

We Love Our New Cutie Hooties

Alison Ande Melissa Ball Melissa Barber Jill Block Morgan Burrough Becky Calahan Rebecca Denne Jessie Earle Kelsey Edens Mallory Ermler Cassie Gilham Sam Horton Mara Huber Elita Intini Emily Jolly Helen Kenney Kristen Levy Lauren Longest Meghan Moore Stephani Mrozinski Kendra Norris Kristin Pins Molly Rawson Molly Roesch Jackie Samyn Katie Schmidt Taylor Shotwell Jessica Sizemore Rainesford Stauffer Desiree Talavera Katie Whitsitt Abby Yenzer

campus crime Sept. 25 — A student was found intoxicated in H-lot. Student referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Sept. 24 — A student in Brentano Hall was found intoxicated. Student referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Sept. 23 — A Garmin GPS system was stolen from a vehicle parked in O-lot. Loss reported at $210.

Sept. 20 — A computer was stolen from an office in Carson Center. Loss reported at $2,500.

Sept. 17 — A cornhole set was stolen from the yard of 308 S. Frederick St. Loss reported at $65.

Sept. 11 — A student was found passed out in the bushes between Krannert and Hyde halls. Student referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Sept. 10 — A student’s driver’s license, UE ID and cash were reported stolen from

The following information was compiled from criminal offense reports filed Aug. 30–Sept. 27 in Safety & Security. a Schroeder Hall room. Loss reported at $55.

Sept. 7 — A vehicle parked in N-lot had a tire deflated.

Sept. 4 — A student reported being assaulted near the Carson Center Courts. Suspect referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Sept. 2 — A student was found in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia in a vehicle in O-lot. Student referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Sept. 1 — A student reported clothing stolen from her Morton Hall room in late April. Loss reported at $62.

Aug. 30 — A traffic cone was recovered from a student’s room. Student referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. Loss reported at $15.

— A pingpong table was stolen from Morton Hall.

— A digital scale was stolen from Koch Center 335. Loss reported at $300.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

25

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Gaga for Gaga. ‘Nuff said. 9gag.com

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A whole new take on pumpkin craving. creativeideasforyou.blogspot.com

The Internet is an endless source of entertainment — so many places to explore, so little time. Let us provide you with the funny, the sarcastic, the bizarre and the cool.

media.photobucket.com

This butternut squash skull from skulladay.com just screams for attention.

Les Queues de Sardines specializes in unique graphic style tights. boingboing.net

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Loads of inspiration at thinknice. com

Something for every occasion at someecards.com It’s all done with polish, water and a toothpick. victoriac7. tumblr.com

For the sports lover in you.

Check out more sweet treats at sweetcakes661.com Men’s wool sneaker, $35 at jackthreads.com

Homecoming 2011

Reunion Weekend

UE Alumni A S S O C I AT I O N

NOVEMBER 11–13 Welcome Alumni • History & Creative Writing alums, Adult Education, all classes ending in 1 and 6, Chi Omega 60th Anniversary & Alpha Omicron Pi 60th Anniversary • Full schedule of events at evansville.edu/homecoming

Student Events Saturday, Nov. 12 • 9 a.m. — Homecoming Parade • 12 p.m. — Chili Cook-Off and UE’s Best Dance Crew Finals • 2 p.m. — Homecoming Game vs. Butler at Ford Center • Royalty Crowned at Halftime

Every Friday is Purple F rida

y

UE is proud of its Treasures & Traditions • evansville.edu/alumni 10.2011/Crescent Magazine

27

the mixing of vision with creativity

Making a change in an actor’s appearance starts with these vital details. In fact, Brzozowski said the process of doing her own makeup is similar to doing theatrical makeup.

“It’s the same concept, but more subtle,” she said.

Some argue that makeup masks a person, but Brzozowski disagrees. It actually adds to the character being depicted.

“A lot of people think that when you wear that much makeup, you’re hiding who you are,” she said. “But in a sense, you are showing more of yourself. I love the expression you have in doing makeup.”

This expression is definitely beneficial to actors. Makeup renderings help actors get in touch with a script since it allows them to visualize their characters.

“The coolest part is when you first get your rendering,” sophCombining genius with hard work to transform students omore Kelsey Miller said. “It’s the first picture you see of the physical life of your character.” into actors, two of UE’s most fascinating Assuming a role is a step-by-step process. At their dressing tause makeup to bring characters to life. bles in Shanklin Theatre, actors literally transfix themselves as

by Rachel Willis they get into character. Some actors do their own makeup, depending on how complicated the design. But others prefer having it done by the makeup crew. Regardless, Brzozowski checks to make sure it is done correctly and that it reflects the vision Charlie Chaplin once said he rarely understood she and Allen had in mind. Each face must look realistic and apthe character he was about to portray before he stepped on stage. But the moment he was dressed propriate to the role. And once the actors have their and the makeup was applied, he started to feel makeup on, their roles the character, he began to know him, and by the and the play seem more time he walked on stage, he was fully born. real to them.

That is how important makeup is to an actor’s “If you think things portrayal of a character and the overall authenare feeling flat or dry, you ticity of a production. And as the makeup artists beadd the hair and makeup, hind UE Theatre, sophomores Chelsea Allen and Sarah and it brings a whole new Brzozowski understand that what they do helps actors get into energy,” Miller said. character and that their intricate designs are an integral part of Sophomore Tim Green the magic of UET. especially looks forward Brzozowski, who is in charge of UET’s makeup, makes sure to his makeup sessions. each actor’s makeup is applied correctly before a production.

“You feel kind of important for those 20 minutes,” he said.

And Allen, as UET’s makeup designer, decides what sort of look “You feel a bit like a movie star.” each actor will have.

While the preliminary drawings done by Allen and BrzozowsBut there is a great deal of planning and effort that takes ki give them a pretty good idea of place before the first bit of foundation is ever how each actor will look, dress reapplied. While actors are busy with rehears“The end result was great, hearsal is the first time they actuals, Allen is busy doing period research in orbut the process of actually ally get to see the characters they der to investigate the look she and Brzozowski have created. believe is just right for that particular producdoing it was the most “I think anyone is always a littion. They are looking not only for historical rewarding part.” tle bit overcritical of themselves accuracy, but inspiration. once they see their work,” Brzo“I have to find one image that kind of says zowski said. “But the more time I spend looking at it, I appreciwhat I want to say,” Allen said. ate it more, and I separate myself from it. It’s like, ‘Wow, did I reWhile her inspiration many times comes from paintings and ally do that?’” other professionals’ work, she is always looking for emotions to Allen and Brzozowski admit that a show’s opening night is evoke what she wants a design to convey. After she finds inspiranerve-racking, but Brauner credits the artists with always being tion, she takes pictures of each actor’s face and uses the photos laid-back and in control, even in high-stress backstage situations. to “map out” the makeup each will wear by making sketches.

“They are very skilled in what they do and relaxed with it,” “Chelsea’s renderings look exactly like the people,” junior he said. “I never have to worry because I know it’s in the right Craig Brauner said. “It’s interesting how [Allen and Brzozowski] hands and it’s going to be phenomenal.” see others. I think they see people differently and notice the litNot only do Allen and Brzozowski help keep actors calm and tle features that most people miss.”

C

28

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

in character, but believe it or not, the makeup does too. The correct look can transform a student actor into a mischievous fairy or help a present-day audience see things as they were in the past.

Green said his makeup was essential to his role in last semester’s production of “The Hot L Baltimore.” He said his prosthetic nose, fake facial hair, scars and age makeup allowed him to zero in on his character.

“When you see yourself in the mirror for the first time, you’re like, ‘This is who it is,’ and it takes some of that self-consciousness away,” Green said.

Makeup certainly gives an actor better insight into the mindset and motivation of a character, especially when the role is far from the actor’s reality.

“If I don’t really look older, it’s hard to get into that mentality,” Brauner said.

Playing someone older is always a challenge, and makeup helps with that challenge.

“One of the hardest things to do is realistically age a college student,” Allen said.

“Ugly is sometimes a lot more challenging, but for me, it is a lot more fun.”

When challenges arise, these artists get creative with whatever they can find. Brzozowski recalled a challenge she encountered when doing the makeup for “Skin,” an original short film by junior Michael Armanno. In it, one character needed an extreme skin rash, which Brzozowski created using toilet paper and liquid latex.

“That was a lot more time consuming and detailed than theatre makeup,” she said.

And when preparing the actors for last fall’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Allen experienced the oddest thing she has encountered yet, since airbrushing — where makeup is sprayed directly onto the skin — was used extensively for the Shakespeare comedy. When she started airbrushing the fairies’ bodies, an effect Allen

Sarah Brzozowski

n Design involves more than just makeup. Often, artists will use bar soap, liquid latex, prosthetic pieces, stencils and wigs to complete a look. n On stage, casual makeup is completely washed out. For this reason, stage makeup is made extra-dark. n Stage makeup comes in a cake form and is thicker, greasier and oilier than regular makeup. It can sometimes take days to fully wash off. n Allen’s mom, a high school theatre teacher, introduced her to the world of theatrical makeup when she was 10 years old. n Part of Allen’s job at the Great River Shakespeare Festival in Winona, Minn., included mixing a gallon of fake blood every day.

Chelsea Allen

photos courtesy/Chelsea Allen

hoped would make the creatures look whimsical, she quickly learned she was allergic to the makeup and was rushed to the emergency room.

“The hard and the strange things are the things you finish and are really proud of,” she said.

Brzozowski also worked on preparing the fairies. Along with applying the makeup, she cornrowed the actors’ hair, weaving lace into the plaits and at times even using a needle and thread. Allen and Brzozowski also placed twigs in the actors’ hairpieces in order to make them appear more like fairies and arranged their real hair so that the audience could not see the seams.

During “Midsummer,” actors sometimes underwent this complicated hair and makeup transformation twice a day. But the trauma paid off in the end. The hair and full-body makeup completely transformed the actors into otherworldly fairies. “[The actors] barely looked human,” Brzozowski said. “The end result was great, but the process of actually doing it was the most rewarding part.”

Experiences such as these have helped Allen and Brzozowski develop their styles and shape their theatrical futures. They both express themselves through the actors they transform — their ideas and creativity on human display.

“A painter uses a blank canvas,” Brauner said. “A face is that canvas for them.”

And showcased in every UET production is a just a glimpse of Allen and Brzozowski’s brilliance and talent.

n The makeup brand does make a difference. Allen said she is a die-hard Ben Nye fan. With Ben Nye products, colors are truer — perfect for her extreme makeup needs. n Brzozowski got into makeup when a high school director needed her to create Frankenstein’s monster for a production. n For her own look, Brzozowski wears eyeliner and mascara, but if she could spend hours on her makeup every day, she would.

fascinating facts

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

29

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Athletes in Action

photos by Amy Rabenberg

Advantage Rules It has been a tough season for the women’s team so far, but with MVC play just underway in the last several weeks, the Aces still have time to turn things around. Currently, they sit in last place in the conference, but you never know what might happen come MVC Tournament time.

Attacking the ball, forward Tasha Prentice and Tennessee-Martin defender Morgan Brandon angle themselves for position as forward Breana Beine looks on.

A leap boosts goalkeeper Chaviel Harrison into the air, unhindered by Tennessee-Martin midfielders Midori Sera and Lucy Pater, to prevent the kick from going into the goal.

With the ball headed her way, defender Olivia Robinson leaps for control. Instead, she is jerked by the impact of IPFW midfielder Rhea Proctor shouldering her, causing her to miss the ball.

Grabbing a handful of Miami (Ohio) defender Erin Doone’s shirt, forward Kaitlin Robinett fights for position during the tense game against the Redhawks. Forward Kristen Davis and MU defender Sam Parrish look on, trying to decide where the ball is headed next.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

31

by Amy Reinhart

“What the HECK is Aces TV?” • AcesTV was called simply “Aces All-Access” in 2007 and was featured on gopurpleaces.com. The network was the live-game video streaming outlet of the Athletics Department.

live

After covering only sports for the past few years, AcesTV decides it’s time to step up its A-game.

and in color

When AcesTV began in 2007, the network was nameless, and operations included two people, two cameras and one laptop. Since then, production has flourished — any time there is a campus sporting event, one can expect to see staffers there with cameras rolling.

But while AcesTV is known for being a sportsbased network, its staff is making big plans and major headway in branching out.

Junior Braden Pretzsch, executive producer, started to plan changes last summer. He became involved with AcesTV halfway through his freshman year, when the network’s focus was exclusively sports.

He is energized about the expansion. The most significant change will include increased coverage of on-campus events. He believes AcesTV helps sell UE and gives it something to be proud of. Pretzsch also believes that, in this day and age, video is the news focus rather than print, which is the impetus for this campuswide coverage.

“Unlike print, video is 24/7,” he said. “If a picture is worth 1,000 words, video is worth 10,000.”

And Tom Benson, WUEV general manager and AcesTV adviser, agrees.

“If you don’t have video to show what you’re doing, you’re behind the eightball,” he said.

Pretzsch compared coverage to a well-oiled

32

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

machine. By adding more diverse on-campus events, AcesTV builds a better machine. “[The changes] will open up opportunities for those who aren’t interested in sports,” Benson said. “We want to tell what the university is all about.”

Many students haven’t heard of AcesTV, but junior Kayla Duff, co-advertising and marketing director, is looking to change that. She said the staff will use WUEV, posters, banners and social media to keep people interested.

“We want to make sure our name is out there,” she said. “The bigger we are, the more people will know about us.”

And while more coverage will inevitably mean more work for staff, the production team continues to grow. There are more than 30 students involved — most of whom are new.

Benson stressed the importance of the educational experience staff receives in meeting people and getting a grip on video production. New staff go to games and observe senior staff members’ filming routines. In order to maximize their natural abilities, new members are trained in how to shoot, frame and edit video, and the expansion will reflect this, as AcesTV staff may shoot smaller “packages,” originally two- or threeminute recaps and stories.

Pretzsch believes AcesTV lets students showcase their talents, and he stresses that

• Original funding for AcesTV came from a grant from the MVC. • The network was rebranded “AcesTV” in 2009.

• The first non-game video was the web show “Inside Aces Soccer” — a reboot of an independent study project by alumnus Michael Webster.

• AcesTV received an equipment overhaul and additional support from the MVC in January 2010, including three HD cameras and a portable production unit called the TriCaster, which allows for multi-camera shoots.

• AcesTV merged with WUEV in September 2010.

• AcesTV conducted its first callout meeting in January 2011 and increased its staff size from six people to 14.

• Associate producers for live events, sport packages, campus packages and marketing and advertising positions were created and named in May 2011.

• Teaming up with University Relations, AcesTV produced its first campus-specific package in June 2011 with video coverage of the National Concrete Canoe Competition.

• Following this year’s fall call-out meeting, the AcesTV staff officially reached 32 members.

• All AcesTV staff members are either volunteers or communication students earning practicum credit.

• AcesTV registered this fall with SGA to become an officially recognized student organization.

jobs are not just for communication majors.

“We have a melting pot of majors in AcesTV,” he said.

As the staff grows, so will the network.

With these additions come new responsibilities. But rather than stressing out, Pretzsch said he strives to enjoy the expansion, chaos and all.

Benson said AcesTV has refrained from expanding because it never had a staff large enough to cover both sports and oncampus events. But now it has enough people and equipment to do it.

They have covered such events as President Thomas Kazee’s inauguration, the National Concrete Canoe Competition, the building of the new Ford Center and “Remembering 9/11: A National News Perspective.” There are plans to cover concerts and UE Theatre productions. Most of the changes have yet to happen, but the staff is already pumped.

“My excitement level is simply through the roof,” Pretzsch said. “We’re going to do big things, and that’s what AcesTV is all about. I hope it excites students and makes them love tuning in. This is AcesTV, and we’re all Aces.”

COME HEAR ...

William E. “Bill” Bartlet Writer & Historian Learn how this local author researched and wrote “There I Grew Up,” a history of Abraham Lincoln’s Indiana years.

Don’t forget to log your hours on WebAdvisor.

Looking for more hours? cse.evansville.edu/service

4:15 p.m. October 20

Writers Forum in Writing Center Clifford Library Celebrating the National Day of Writing

Center for Student Engagement

Fan Fair

402–3212 Eastland Mall

NFL, College & MLB Apparel • Gift Items

10% Discount with valid UE ID

Mon. – Sat.: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sun.: 12–6 p.m.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

33

The women of

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Happy GARDEN 1927 Pollack Ave.

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Buy 4 Lunches, get 1 FREE Lunch: 11:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.

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Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Student RewaRdS Swipe your Student ID card at UE athletic events and earn points with the Aces Student Reward Program!

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Alex Moore

Don’t Miss out on

oCtoBer HoMe events Cross Country:

10/15 UE Invite Men’s soCCer:

10/12 vs. Drake 10/15 vs. Missouri St. 10/22 vs. Butler 10/26 vs. Indiana 10/29 vs. Bradley BasketBall:

10/29 vs. DePauw (M) & Oakland City (W)

swiMMing & Diving:

10/07 vs. SIU (W) 10/22 vs. Ball St. volleyBall:

10/14 vs. Wichita St. 10/15 vs. Missouri St. 10/28 vs. SIU woMen’s soCCer:

10/23 vs. Drake 10/27 vs. Missouri St.

Check out the Fan Zone on

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Third & Short / Mark Boxell

The evolution of sports journalism Online is where small-time outlets trump big-time media — providing advanced statistical analyses, thought provoking discussion and a personalized feel.

N

o one can say the Internet hasn’t changed the way the world consumes its news. Social networks and blogs have made the exchange of breaking news quicker and more efficient and have given consumers the chance to participate in the media world. Similar changes can be found in the way sports journalism has evolved. Sports blogs can attract thousands of views daily by providing in-depth statistical analyses, team-specific facts and even satire. Many of these blogs also give fans the chance to post their own topics, creating an open forum.

User-generated content can be one of the most satisfying aspects of online sports blogs and message boards. True, outlets such as ESPN allow their readers to comment on stories, but this is often the limit for user-generated content.

But many independent message boards allow users to create and discuss their own topics. Not only can this be a source of relevant opinion and sports information, but often communities are created within individual message boards and blogs.

Most people love sports because they bring people together on a social as well as competitive level. Sports become a common bond for Internet users as well, and that shared interest can inspire conversations about unrelated topics, ranging

Who Knew?

from art to politics.

Ultimately, social media can only realistically challenge the fraternal order of traditional sports media if it can provide analyses that traditional sources cannot. One way blogs and message boards have been able to achieve this end is through statistical analysis.

Most sports fans are familiar with RBIs, ERAs and field goal percentages. These statistics are fairly simple to explain, even to those who do not watch or even care about sports.

But how useful are these statistics? Does the number of wins a pitcher accumulates really matter, considering he has little control over the number of runs his team scores? Should a football team’s offensive statistics be adjusted throughout a season to make up for games in which opponents have used second-string players? These questions have recently challenged the classic system of statistical analysis present in every sport.

Brian Fremeau is one of these challengers. His Fremeau Efficiency Index, which can be found at FootballOutsiders.

com, is a rating system created to gauge a college football team’s overall efficiency based on the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities.

Among other things, the FEI makes sure that a team’s offense is not punished statistically by the effectiveness of its own defense. For example, the offense may accumulate fewer yards during scoring drives because the defense consistently provides it with optimal field position. So, a team’s efficiency is the most important factor in determining its effectiveness, not its number of yards.

Team-specific blogs and message boards also garner a great deal of attention. Most people have a favorite team, and sites give fans the chance to discuss favorites in greater depth than with traditional media sources.

It is still difficult for such sites to gather ad revenue ma-

jor news sources manage.

Much of this is because many people who visit sites are casual fans looking for score updates, unaware of the many other resources available at the click of a mouse.

But sites like FootballOutsiders.com are doing just fine without the money, and I don’t have a problem with such sources staying underground.

Overall, message boards and blogs can provide both atmosphere and analyses that traditional news sources cannot, while still preserving a sense of journalistic professionalism.

These sources may not scare large corporations like ESPN, but they do act as respectable and refreshing sources of sports news and banter for fans.

Third & Short columnist Mark Boxell is a sophomore history major from Evansville, Ind.

Your ribs move every time you breathe, or about 5 million times a year. • Sir Issac Newton invented the doggie door.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

35

off the wall Who Knew?

Oral sex was illegal in 18 states under old sodomy laws until 2003 when they were finally invalidated.

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According to food2.com, just combine SKYY Infusions and pineapple juice in a shaker with ice and strain. Combine orange sherbet and ice.

Shake, strain and layer over mixture. Combine simple syrup and milk.

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Ingredients: 2 oz SKYY Infusions Pineapple 1.5 oz orange sherbet 1 oz pineapple juice 1 oz milk 1 oz simple syrup

it came from the library n A bear gallbladder can sell for anywhere from $800 to $3,000 in certain restaurants, and a bowl of bear paw soup sells for as much as $1,500. n The Indianapolis Colts have the most consecutive wins in NFL history, winning 23 games from Nov. 2, 2007–Dec. 17, 2009. n Elephants are the largest creatures to receive pedicures. n Before the 1960s it was frowned upon for publishing companies to print swear words, so writers started coining their own.

This was especially popular among sci-

36

fi authors. “Frak” is a popular alternative curse in “Battlestar Galactica.” n The 1942 Boston fire at the Coconut Grove Nightclub killed 490 people. It is considered to be the largest fire in history.

What’s the only thing that would make Beyonce even more attractive? A pair of actor Steve Buscemi’s eyes of course. On chickswithstevebuscemiseyes. com, hundreds of attractive women, from Ke$ha to Christina Ricci to Katy Perry, have had their eyes

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

n In Indiana, the record for sitting in wet spaghetti is 68 hours and was set by Lyna Helms in 1981. n The Dr. Who Appreciation Society, created in May 1976, is the longest-running Dr. Who fan club. replaced with Buscemi’s careworn peepers.

So, if you are in need of a laugh, or a small boost of self-esteem, head on over to the site and have a peek at the gallery. n Have you ever thought butter should be its own food group? So has the Food Network’s southern-style show host Paula Deen. In fact, it is thanks

gotta get it Instant cup noodles are a food staple for college students.

Cheap, quick and easy to make — what is not to love? But if the normal noodle brands are all too bland for your sophisticated palate, Harrods now offers a gourmet solution to your mealtime woes: the Posh Noodle. In many ways, the Posh Noodle is like the 50-cent instant noodles we have all grown accustomed to. The microwaveable noodles come in a cup with a lid that peels back, but this cup is hand-flocked and decorated with gold leaf.

And that’s not all. Each to her love for the savory, consolidated fat that the web site pauladeenridingthings.com first came to be. From amusement park rides to celebrity shoulders, the site depicts her Photoshopped body hitching a ride on nearly everything. So if you’re looking for an additional laugh full of fat, give it a look.

hole in the wall

Posh Pot comes fully equipped with a fancy fork and table linen set. Not to mention the meals are vegetarian-friendly. How much would one have to pay for such noodle luxury?

Each Posh Pot runs at 29.95 pounds, which is about $48. All proceeds from Posh Pot sales are going to charity, though, so you can enjoy your sumptuous noodles while still helping the less fortunate.

So if you are entertaining a particularly highmaintenance guest in your dorm room, act fast! Harrods offers a limited quantity of 100 Posh Pots made. trendhunter.com

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Our phones contain some of our most valuable information, so it makes sense that losing one is terrifying. But with Find My iPhone, a free app from the iStore, your phone’s location is pinpointed with GPS technology.

Send a message, play a sound or lock or delete all data on your phone.

Men’s erections are influenced by a number of factors. Young, healthy men rarely have erection difficulties as a result of physical reasons. More often, young men have erection problems that are largely caused by performance anxiety. The Kinsey Institute says if a man worries about pleasing his partner and is stressed about being able to get an erection, those worries may actually make it more difficult for him to get or keep one. In addition to anxiety about pleasing their partners, guys have a lot stacked against them when it comes to lifestyle factors.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol can contribute to erection problems as can general life stress, lack of sleep and illness. The most important thing a guy can do for himself, his relationship and his penis is to keep his health in check. Exploring sexuality in ways that take pressure off the penis — such as breast play, sensual touching, making out and performing oral sex — may also be low-stress, pleasurable ways of sexual sharing.

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ms

Illegitimate Children

In Everett, it is illegal to display a hypnotized or allegedly hypnotized person in a store window. No exceptions.

If one is a parent to two or more illegitimate children, that person will go to jail for, at minimum, one month.

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Watch your Mouth

Biting someone with your natural teeth is “simple assault.” Biting someone with your false teeth is “aggravated assault.”

Emergency Sex

No one may have sex in the back of an ambulance if it is responding to an emergency call.

telegraph.co.uk

Shoe Attacker Have you ever wanted money so badly that you beat someone with a shoe? A woman in Chippenham, England, didn’t take it that far, but security videos show that she hit a Barclays cash machine with her stiletto almost 50 times before giving up. Police have not been able to identify the woman, who even backed up and took a running start before striking the machine with her heel.

Got Milk?

Milk not only builds strong bones, but it builds strong boats too. This year, 36 Latvian teams participated in the area’s annual 50-meter milk carton boat race along the Leilupe River. The construction of these watercrafts took 45,000 milk cartons. Teams vied for top speed and design. Craft make and size were both unrestricted. All teams had to do was make their boats float.

Alpha-Dog Vladimir Putin added riding in a bikers’ festival to his list of recent macho man stunts.

Dressed in black and riding a three-wheeled Harley Davidson, Putin rode through Novorossiysk on Aug. 30.

The annual festival celebrated the port city’s resistance to German forces in World War II. Putin’s escapades — including stripping for a checkup — caused U.S. diplomatic cables to dub him “alpha-dog.”

Company Cuts Going green can sometimes mean a trip to the salon. Japanese construction company Maeda Corp. rationalizes that people with shorter hair use less water to wash their hair and do not use dryers for as long.

To be environmentally conscious, the firm asked their 2,700 staff members to get uniform hairstyles — a bob for every woman and a short back-and-sides for every man.

n Janky: Pit Stains — All it takes is a little detergent and water to get those nasty yellow rings out from under your sleeves.

Invest in some Oxy-Clean and party like it’s $19.99. n Juicy: Workout Sweat — Fresh sweat is natural and much more appealing than stale sweat after it’s made a permanent home in your threads. n Janky: Facebook PDA — There’s nothing worse than seeing your newsfeed filled with emoticon hearts and pet names. Feeling

janky vs. juicy

tidbits & assets

the need to let your someone, plus all 500 of your friends, know that you’re so happy you’ve been together for a week and an hour is just a bit much. n Juicy: Sending a Love Letter — Sending a letter, or leaving a private note, is way more endearing than posting online. Letters are a way of making loved ones feel special and keeping the media mushiness to a minimum. n Janky: Story Toppers — We get it; you’ve been to China before. And you own an autographed photo of Brad Pitt. But can we get a word in edgewise? Telling cool stories is a great way to break the ice or kill the silence — just don’t hijack the conversation. n Juicy: Listening — If you have friends, you probably didn’t make them by talking to yourself. Conversations go both ways, which means sometimes you need to shut up and listen. You may have more than one awesome story to tell, but don’t be afraid to share the spotlight.

10.2011/Crescent Magazine

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Jordan Kocher

1. “The Dark Elf Trilogy” R.A. Salatore (Wizards of the Coast, 1990–1991) The series follows Drizzt Do’Urden, a drow elf who lives under ground — therefore, the majority of the action takes place under ground as well. In the series, Drizzt has been exiled because drow — or dark — elves are evil, but he is actually good. He is also a master swordsman, which makes battle scenes exciting to read.

Freshman “Forrest Gump” (1994) It introduced me to a whole new world of things a person could do with shrimp. In this movie, Forrest is really good at pingpong. So, if you like shrimp and pingpong, [you should] watch this movie.”

Amanda Weisman

Junior “Cast Away” (2000)

2. “A Game of Thrones” George R.R.

Hanks’ character displayed a great deal of mental strength by never giving up while on the island. It shows just how big an impact a positive attitude can have on a person’s life.”

Martin (Bantam Spectra, 1996–2005) I started reading this series on a whim, and I liked how the story and characters surprise you. People who you think at first are the main characters end up dying later on. I also liked how the seasons can last over many de-

Ryan Stallings

Freshman “The Green Mile” (1999) It’s a good movie overall. I like how Michael Clarke Duncan’s character is innocent, and Tom Hanks’ character knows and tries to help him, even though it is hard to do.”

as far as senior Brandon Long is concerned. This biology major gets his kicks from a little science fiction, delving into fantastic worlds of magic, dark elves and epic battles.

cades. Apsects of the characters and plot both hint at magic, but you don’t ever really see it.

3. “Harry Potter” J.K. Rowling (Bloomsbury, 1997–2007) All seven of these are just classic books. I’ve been reading them since I was a child, and I still read them. Rowling’s books are kind of hard to put down once you begin reading them.

Plus, everyone today knows the story of Harry Potter and his friends.

4. “The Wheel of Time” Robert Jordan (Tor Books, 1990–2010) Known to fans as WoT, this series has 14 books in it, so each is able to go

Who Knew?

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really in depth with the characters. As you would expect, character development is fantastic. Each story grasps the concept of magic in a great way, and the series includes many grand battles.

5. “The Sword of Truth” Terry Goodkind (Tor Books, 1994–2007) There are a lot of parallels between Goodkind’s series and Rorbert Jordan’s, and it is evident that Goodkind was influenced by his work. Some of the key elements in the main characters and plot are similar. The story takes place over two continents and includes several military-style battle scenes, which makes for an exciting read.

best movies Bailee Sanders

Freshman “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993) It shows the concern that children often have for their parents. It demonstrates how intriguing someone who thinks he is destined to be lonely can be just because he decided to tell his story.”

If you rearrange the letters in Vin Diesel it reveals his credo: “I End Lives.” • The average person falls asleep in seven minutes.

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

favorite movie soundtracks Students share their favorite music from some memorable movies.

“Inception” Hans Zimmer “The music is really epic. It adds drama to the movie and sets the mood for all the scenes.” senior Katelyn Lowman

“The Lion King” Hans Zimmer, Elton John and Tim Rice “It’s my favorite soundtrack because it has really cool African beats, which bring the scenes to life. The soundtrack is fun and original; that’s my favorite part.” freshman Jessica Sizemore

“The Illusionist” Philip Glass “Philip Glass is a true master of making a film’s music intertwine delicately with the plot. The music’s themes take you from reality and welcome you to all that is surreal. Written in a very classical style, this soundtrack is both gorgeous and haunting.” sophomore Laura O’Leary

“Space Jam” Various Artists “[‘I Believe I Can Fly’] is a motivational song — the message that R. Kelly sends to the listener is that nothing is impossible, that you should always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams.” junior Troy Taylor

A Closer Look

Nathan Edmiston/Crescent Magazine

at Sodexo’s Marchetta

We all do it daily. We visit Cafe Court at mealtimes, swipe our cards and go on our way. Most of the time, we don’t even notice to whom we’re handing our IDs. But, it’s hard not to notice Sodexo cashier Marchetta Anderson when you’re in her line.

“She’s happy-go-lucky,” said coworker Linda Garrett. “She’s always doing something funny to make you laugh. You can’t even ride down the street in a car without her doing something.”

On bad days, coworkers can find Anderson doing imitations and impressions to try to make them smile.

“I don’t see it, but everyone says I’m a huge jokester,” she said. “I just like to make people laugh — I treat them the way I would want to be treated.”

Whenever she has a day off from work, Anderson can be found at the park with her grandchildren or watching movies at home. Her favorite films are children’s movies. She even knows “The Lion King” word for word.

Maybe spending free time at the park helps keep Anderson’s attitude playful, but it could also be her recent diagnosis of type II diabetes, which makes her grateful for what she has.

“I look at my life in a new light now,” she said. “I don’t take it for granted. When I get the chance, I go grab my grandkids. Believe it or not, I live the simple life.”

Anderson personally keeps track of her diabetes, having consulted a dietitian. She makes sure to read nutrition labels to stay aware of what she can and cannot eat. With this knowledge, Anderson recommends to students who eat at Cafe Court: Try the grilled chicken with a side salad and fresh carrots or green beans.

“You can’t go wrong with that combination,” she said. “You get your meat and greens in every meal. Desserts, on the other hand, can be iffy. They might say that [they are] sugar free, but they probably still have sugar in them. I didn’t really eat sweets before, but now that I can’t have them, I crave them all the time.”

Whether it’s a funny face or just a joke, Anderson’s line is where the fun can be found. If you want to see her off-the-clock, you might find her at a movie theatre, especially given last month’s premiere of “The Lion King 3-D.” She jokes that her family could have its own red carpet, but with Anderson, anything is possible.

by Kayla Hammel 10.2011/Crescent Magazine

39

That’s What She Said / Lacey Conley

Essay More than a d*ckhole Pipe down, ya hooligans. It’s story time. Indulge me in my senior moment, as I impart all the delightfully crotchety, geezer-like wisdom of a ripe 21 years.

In lieu of sounding like your regular 20-something coot, embittered from recent technological developments — “In MY day, we couldn’t access Farmville from our phones” — and the devolution of TV since even before “Jersey Shore,” I will spare you the amped-up ‘90s Nickelodeon nostalgia typical of my cohort and the time-honored “things were simpler” speech, but I will say that, sometimes, nowadays and honestly, I just don’t understand the youth.

I can say this because my childhood and teen years, now thankfully distant, are one quavering mass of nondescript memory, just stuffed in my head — some hazy amalgam of Lisa Frank binders, Pavlovian allocations of Warheads and playground auditions for Spice Girls tribute bands. I can say this, too, because my few chance encounters with tomorrow’s surgeons, police forces — our theoretical physicists — have all left me with the same enigmatic impression and just a little maternal in that belt-wielding, authoritarian, “Oh God no” kind of way.

For example, last December, I arrived for the first time in Bangor, Maine — land of seafood, Stephen King and my ex-boyfriend’s family, hell-bent on spending the holiday as one. Among the attending: my ex-boyfriend’s doting mother, with her prominent aphasia; cranky, tells-it-like-it-is-and-was-backwhen-dinosaurs-roamed grandfather; and his live-in mother-in-law, stereotypically preoccupied with everyone’s health.

New additions included my ex’s mother’s fiance, who I kept wanting to call Rocko, his New England accent just

Who Knew?

40

a little Stallone, and, most memorable, his 13-year-old daughter, Mariah, thoroughly attached to her Kindle and Wii. Mariah was what got me. Bieber-lookalike Mariah — with her neon-starred Converse, skinny jeans, her blue- and black-checked flannel pull-on. She had that same kind of “eff you” attitude you’d expect of the age, as she tucked her sweatband-clad hands into her jeans, but for some reason, she took almost immediately to me and to my ex, latching on like a punky little parasite, in some strange symbiotic mix of regard and contempt. Our roles as joint babysitters were perhaps most salient when, after presents were opened, it was time to team up.

All adults took their meds and “beat the sheets” for the evening, leaving we youngsters to make nice for the night.

My ex engaged Mariah in some Mario Kart, while she screeched things like “Weak!” and “Boned!” at the screen.

He and I, though, seated close on the couch, began to do what we did best of all of things. We fought.

“Well, I didn’t know,” I said to him, angry, keeping my tone in check to be kind to the girl. “Don’t be such a d*ckhole,” I said in half-whisper. I pushed his shoulder so he would know I was mad.

“You stop being a d*ckhole, and I’ll stop being one.” Mariah was watching us now from the floor.

“I’m not a d*ckhole,” I said, which made the girl howl.

I was a little afraid she had learned a new word.

“Oh my geez!” she snorted. “Well,” she said, “you kind of are.”

It took me a minute to regain my cognitive footing, to realize she meant the functional description and sense of the phrase — in that, I had ladyparts and could be used as a penis cozy (for lack of a better or more PC term). My body was a cavity, a hollow, a niche. He Tarzan; me Jane. Me knothole in tree.

For one, I was appalled that someone of her age could look at two people who seemed somewhat attached and just right-out assume they were sexually involved. For another, my christening as mere semen receptacle was an admittedly less than welcome decree. I was more than a d*ckhole. I had life insurance. And car keys! I had responsibilities back home, and e-mails to check.

O’Charley’s would have sent my next ecoupon by now.

I found myself thinking things I’d heard only from husks: “When I was your age!” “Listen here, whippersnapper!” But, then, I could not help but to watch her, enthralled again in her game, still fledgling-finding herself in her rainbow plastic-studded belt. Kids these days — their identities so ensnared in the desire for things, that need for others to look at them and see more than just another blob of being, relative in size and configuration of limbs, that it so bends them toward anything adult. Sometimes, talk of d*ckholes is all we have to bridge that generational gap, whether we are more than the mere stuff of our genitals or won’t be for another few years.

Essayist Lacey Conley is a senior creative writing and psychology major from Kendallville, Ind.

Some ribbon worms will eat themselves if they can’t find any food. • Nondairy creamer is flammable.

Crescent Magazine/10.2011

Seniors: • Connect with UE alumni to help enhance your job search and transition to life after college!

UE Connect will allow you to:

• Join UE Alumni Online — the alumni online community — prior to graduation • Search the UE online directory and contact alumni • Download the UE app, Crib Sheet, for tips on all sorts of life decisions • And much, much more www.evansville.edu/alumni/ueconnect

UE Connect

ConneCting alumni • transforming lives

Find out more at Commencement Central • October 19 • Ridgway University Center