No. 5 Sept. 22

The University News Celebrating 90 Years as a Student Voice of Saint Louis University

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Vol. XCI No. 5

Thursday, September 22, 2011

OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! Go here, go there, go everywhere! St. Louis Guide explores the music, the food and theater too! >> SEE INSERT

Parking fees to pay SLU expenses Chea+ter’s set to Rates increase in effort to cover costs for budgetary items

make changes

By JONATHAN ERNST Editor-In-Chief

Parking: By the Numbers Faculty & Staff

Students

2010 Regular 2010 Preferred

$46.67/month $69.17/month

2010 On-Campus $255/semester 2010 Off-Campus $200/semester

2011 Regular 2011 Preferred

$51.67/month $76.67/month

2011 On-Campus 2011 Off-Campus

$280/semester $220/semester

Source: Parking and Card Services

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

The Seattle Lot, like every other lot in SLU’s possession, is maintained through revenue from parking fees.

By PATRICK OLDS Associate News Editor

This semester’s increases in the rates for parking permits have motivated students and faculty to seek a resolution to some unanswered questions concerning where the increase in funds are specifically allocated.

According to the Director of Parking and Card Services Ann Gioia and the Vice President of Facilities Management and Civic Affairs Kathleen Brady, the increase in revenue will go towards supporting other budget items not specifically related to the Department of Parking and Card Services.

“If there is a surplus from the parking permits, that surplus goes into a pot for the University,” Brady said.

“Sometimes Parking and Card Services will get that money back to make improvements to existing lots or to acquire new ones, but sometimes it will go to other areas of the University that are financially deficient.”

The monthly faculty and staff rates rose from $46.67 to

$51.67 for general parking and were approved this past July, from $69.17 to $76.67 for pre- while the rise in semester ferred parking. Students who permit parking was decided live on campus saw the price in early August. go from $255 to $280, and for According to Chris Recommuters it rose from $200 gan, vice president of serto $220. vice operations, the decision “We make a concerted ef- to raise the rates of the daily fort to keep prices low at SLU and event parking was recomwhile still mended by trying to rethe Parking main above and Transthe curve por tation in relation If there is a sur- A d v i s o r y to new faCommitcilities and plus from the parking tee in early u p d a t e d permits, that surplus July. Howtechnology,” ever, the goes into a pot for the PTAC recBrady said.

The pay- University. ommended ment for in Februparking ary not to used to be -Kathleen Brady increase included the rates into tuition for faculty, until 1999. Students would pay staff and students. for parking, even if they were “The hourly, daily and not utilizing it, and they were event parking increase was subsidizing faculty and staff approved by the committee, parking as well. and through the approval pro“We didn’t feel that it was cess of the executive staff, it right for students to take on was decided that permit pricmore of a load then they al- es would rise as well,” Regan ready have in terms of finan- said. cial commitment,” Brady said.

Susan Toretta, a staff repThe daily and event rates resentative for the PTAC,

“

”

has been involved with this process and understands the nature of the committee’s recommendations.

“The committee makes recommendations, and the committee recommended not to raise the semester parking rate, but the final decision is the President’s Coordinating Counsel,” Toretta said.

According to Parking and Card Services, the budget process is as follows: In late summer, each department begins gathering information for the next year’s budget cycle, and in September, the department provides information to the budget division on revenue projections. The revenue is mainly from semester rates and the hourly, daily and event rates. In the fall, the PCC has several budget meetings, and then the board of trustees approves the budget.

“What do our constituents [students] want to see in regards to the parking permit increases? I believe that they would like to see tangible See “Parking” on Page 2

Keeping a closer eye on student imbibing SLU supports stronger student safety and prevention

By BRIAN BOYD News Editor and

By PATRICK HITCHINS Staff Writer

It is no secret that the consumption of alcohol plays a role in the American college culture. According to a study published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 84 percent of college students have consumed alcohol in the past year.

Saint Louis University is not immune from these measures. Since the beginning of Welcome Week on Aug. 24, 107 cases of alcohol-related violations have been reported by the Office of Student Conduct. According to Program Director of Student Conduct Katherine Weathers, the number of violations at this point in the semester is almost identical to the total in recent years over the same time period.

“I don’t think [alcohol abuse] at SLU is more prevalent than any other university.

I don’t think SLU is unique in terms of number of reported alcohol incidents. Is drinking among college students

a problem? Yes, but it’s a nationwide problem between students 18-24 years old from what data and research tell us,” Student Health Services counselor Meredith Osborn said.

Senior Parks College student Tyler Ruff believes that the intensity and frequency of drinking have declined over his years at SLU. “I remember it was a lot more fun as a freshman,” Ruff said. “There was always a party somewhere.

Now, SLU has cracked down on everything.”

Kevin Smith, a freshman College of Health Sciences student, thinks that SLU has achieved a good balance between students who choose to drink and those who do not.

“SLU seems to be somewhere in the middle. Some people do it, but it’s not surprising to meet a lot of people who don’t,” Smith said.

SLU has implemented programs to help students educate themselves about alcohol and protect them from alcohol abuse.

The University offers programs through Student Health and Wellness in which

Drinking in College

FAST FACTS

84% of college students drink alcohol regularly 60% of college students “binge” drink regularly (consuming 3+ drinks in one sitting) Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

counselors offer individual and group counseling to those struggling with an alcohol or substance abuse problem.

“I do a lot of assessments on addictions and dependency, whether it be with alcohol or drugs,” Osborn said. “We work to guide whoever needs our help into sobriety.”

The Alcohol Vision Team is a faculty and student group established to ensure a safe environment on campus and to reduce harmful outcomes stemming from drug and al-

The city of St. Louis is investigating Chea+ter’s Sports Grill and Ultrapub over the ownership of the bar’s liquor license and improper paper work filed with the city, forcing it to close its doors an hour and a half early.

The St. Louis Liquor Control Board is reviewing who holds the ownership of the bar’s liquor license to see if it matches who owns the establishment on Laclede Street, according to Excise Commissioner Robert Krailberg.

“We weren’t sure who was running the operation, and from what we have gathered, Mike Sansone is the current owner,” Krailberg said. “They should have filed earlier; they moved forward before the proper paper work was filed.”

Director of Operations for Cheater’s Matt Ratz confirmed that Sansone is the current owner of the bar and liquor license, and Brian Monday, whose name is on the change of name registration form filed with the city, has backed out of the business.

“There were a couple of bylaws that we didn’t abide by.

We have a 1:30 a.m. license right now, and we are going to live with it and roll with the punches,” Ratz said. “The bottom line for us is affected, you are talking about us closing up at 1:30. You are talking about an hour and a half of prime time for our business, and that is the facts right now and something we have to deal with.”

If the bar had switched owners, a new liquor license application would have needed to be filed with the city.

Saint Louis University and all property owners within 500 feet of the bar would then be

cohol abuse. The team consists of representatives from student development, Public Safety and Security Services and students from peer education groups such as the Student Health Advocates and Peer Educator Program (SHAPE).

The team has been working in conjunction with the St. Louis Police Department and owners of local bars to ensure a safe environment for See “Drinking” on Page 3

able to voice any protests of the bar for review of a new liquor license.

These petitions have already been voiced by Vice President for Student Development Kent Porterfield as he criticized Chea+ter’s since it changed from Laclede Street Bar and Grill this summer, stating the name was in “poor taste” and was a “poke at the University and its mission.”

Ratz said the bar’s name will be changed to Pierre Laclede Pub Eatery, and some of the more controversial aspects of the bar that SLU spoke out against, such as the schoolgirl uniforms, will be taken out.

“We realized that it is a sensitive issue that the name falls with academic cheating, and we took that to heart, and we are going to make a change,” Ratz said. “We want to be a friendly neighbor, and we want SLU’s support.”

Porterfield said he is encouraged by the change.

“I don’t like the name and I was open about that. It certainly seems that the new name will be more appropriate,” Porterfield said.

For now, Chea+ter’s will close its doors at 1:30 a.m. to comply with their current liquor license. Ratz said it could take months for their 3 a.m. license to be reinstated because to the longevity of the process.

Krailberg said that there is no application pending from Chea+ter’s to reinstate the full license, and once all the paper work is properly filed, the business will be under review.

“Right now our main focus is to become a restaurant and to teach these kids to come in early and have fun earlier in the night, which has happened this past week,” Ratz said.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

The freshly minted establishment has fallen behind in business with an earlier closing time of 1:30 a.m.

Rapper Common to discuss memoir

By KRISTEN MIANO Staff Writer

Rap artist Common is anything but common. A wellknown hip-hop phenomenon, he has rapped about politics and social issues, called out the commercialization of the hip-hop industry and even created some controversy when he accepted an invitation to the White House this year, despite having rapped about violent topics.

This week, Common will be the first Great Issues Committee speaker of the year, speaking to the Saint Louis University community about the content of his new memoir, “One Day, This Will All Make Sense.”

Common, otherwise known as Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr., gained popularity as a rapper in the 1990’s. He is known for his politically conscious lyrics and has preformed and worked with artists such as Mary J. Blige and Kanye West. Common is also an actor and has been in several movies, including “American Gangster,” “Wanted” and “Terminator Salvation.”

Common’s release of his new book is one of the rea-

sons GIC President Luke Gatta said the organization wanted to bring the artist to speak to the University.

“We wanted to bring him before the book came out,” Gatta said. “But we thought it would be a good idea to ride the wave of enthusiasm and bring him now that the book is out.”

Gatta said that Common expressed enthusiasm for See “Common” on Page 3

Blue the Billiken Explore St. Louis

Read and Recycle The University News prints on partially recycled paper.

News

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Let Us Introduce You

Michael Wolff

Former Missouri Supreme Court Justice brings experience to SLU

By PAIGE QUIRIN Staff Writer

The Saint Louis University School of Law has seen some of the best and brightest professors walk through its doors, bringing experience and knowledge to the classroom to benefit aspiring lawyers. However, Director of the Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Law and Advocacy and professor Michael Wolff brings experience to the classroom that few can match.

After serving for the Missouri Supreme Court, Justice Wolff has returned to the classroom as an integral part of the University community.

After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire in 1967, Wolff matriculated to the University of Minnesota to obtain his Juris Doctor.

While earning his law degree, Wolff served as a general assignment reporter and copy editor for The Minneapolis Star.

Wolff has been a part of SLU since 1975, beginning as an assistant professor working in the SLU School of Law. He taught at the University for 23 years, making his way up the ranks and becoming was going on inside and outa full professor until his ap- side the classroom,” Wolff pointment to the Missouri Su- said.

Wolff was voted into office preme Court in 1998.

“I have been teaching off and on, mostly on, throughout my career. I like it at SLU,” Wolff said.

The values are Wolff has had extensive experience in the legal field, aside from the Missouri Su- right and the stupreme Court and academia. dents are engaged Wolff worked in private socially conpractice while on a teaching and hiatus in 1981 and 1982, and scious. worked alongside former Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan as his chief counsel from -Michael Wolff 1993 to 1994 before becoming Carnahan’s special counsel until 1998. While on the for a 12-year term in the Nobench, Wolff still managed to vember 2000 Missouri General Elections. However, Wolff teach a course at SLU Law. “It was a complementary retired from his position as part of my role as a judge. It a justice in August of 2011, a gave me a real sense of what year before his term was set

“

”

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Security Services

Wednesday, September 14 7 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Stealing Over $500

SLU Event Services loaned out their golf cart to students of Res Life.

The location of the golf cart as of this date is unknown. A DPSSSsearch for the cart was to no avail.

Saturday, September 17

12:00 a.m.- 7:00 a.m.

Tampering with Motor Vehicle/ Two Arrests DPSSS was contacted by a SLU student who stated he saw two black male subjects break into two vehicles parked on the lot. While canvassing the area with the reporting student DPSSS officers stopped and detained two subjects at Grand and Lindell. After obtaining a positive ID from the student the two subjects were placed under arrest and SLPMD was contacted to respond.

Victims of both vehicles were contacted and responded to scene.

Tuesday, September 20 10:45 p.m.

Accidental Injury

A SLU student was walking down some stairs and missed the last step,falling to the floor in the recreational area. There were no items disrupting the stairway. The student refused medical treatment.

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

Parking: Fees go to help overall budget Caandra Johnson / Staff Photographer

to expire. He chose to return to SLU Law to serve as the director of the Center of Interdisciplinary Study of Law and Advocacy, a program that allows current and future lawyers to gain knowledge and skills for the court room.

“The program is mainly interdisciplinary now, but in the future we want to bring in more advocacy into the program. It is a great program to be in,” Wolff said.

Wolff cited the character of the SLU community as one of the reasons he was drawn to the University, where he teaches a course on civil procedure.

“SLU has a sense of community, which is one of the reasons why I like it here.

The values are right and the students are engaged and socially conscious,” Wolff said.

Continued from Page 1

results as to why increases are needed,” Roya Massoudnia, Student Government Association commuter senator, said.

The parking rate increases are discussed every three years based on new expenses and maintenance.

“The extra money that is made from the parking is going beyond Parking and Card Services to help with the overall budget,” Gioia said.

“The budget all goes into the big blue fund. Sometimes we have to pay that back. We are a weird department. It is strange how the administration does things sometimes.”

A fee is defined as a payment for a specific service.

According to some students, such as freshman Natalie

Conners, that makes a surplus ineligible for use on other things.

“If they are going to use parking revenue for other things, then they should tell us,” Conners said. “For all we know, they could be using that revenue for things we don’t need. We have a right to know.”

SGA President Matt Ryan declined to comment on the matter, stating he needed to gather more information.

“If transparency is a problem for students, then a way to solve that is to create a savings account of sorts,” Heather Bednarek, chairwoman of the economics department, said. “Any excess parking revenue could be funneled into a savings account, and either that money could be refunded or make the next year’s permits pro-rated based on the amount of excess, if any.”

Bednarek said that if the savings account is not possible, there should be a way to show students how money is allocated. According to Bednarek, it should be taken into account that SLU parking is not a monopoly. There are several other choices from which to choose. The parking fee is not mandatory -- there are meters, private lots and public transportation that could be used instead.

Correction: In last week’s editorial titled “DPSSS has made outstanding improvements in the past year”, the statement “A DPSSS officer shot at a student on Monday, April 4” was incorrect. The officer shot at a vehicle, not a student. The University News regrets the error.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Bauman-Eberhardt renovation will be big for students Plans for the building are in the design stages, but SGA president is optimistic about future

By SARAH TARRANT Staff Writer

Plans to put the BaumanEberhardt Center to use are underway. The building, previously referred to as the West Pine Gym, is being renovated into the Center for Global Citizenship.

The West Pine Gym was previously used for Saint Louis University sporting events, but the last event held there was a women’s basketball game in February 2008. Since then, the Department of Athletics moved to the Chaifetz Arena, and the building has been used less frequently.

“One of the things that student leaders have said to us over the years is that they really would like to see a large gathering area,” Vice President of Student Development Kent Porterfield said.

Plans for the Center include a high-tech auditorium, administrative and student organization offices, a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a global commons, or what Porterfield refers to as a student “living room.”

“We believe that the global citizenship concept really plays nicely into the whole oath of inclusion,” Porterfield said. “We see [the Center for Global Citizenship] as being this open, inclusive, inviting space that gets students into the building, interacting, and locates a lot of the services

and activities around them,” Porterfield said.

Other plans for the building include a renovation of the space to create an auditorium with theater style seating for events that might attract a larger audience.

Additionally, The Cross Cultural Center, currently located in the Busch Student Center, will relocate to the newly renovated Center, along with the organizations and administration associated with it. The new office space is expected to take up to one third of the current space.

Student organizations currently located in Des Peres Hall will also be moved into the Center as will The Center for Community Engagement, according to Porterfield.

“We hope that global citizenship as a concept, or as a part of the educational experience for students, touches all students, that students don’t see the facility as just being for a particular group, but for being for all students,” Porterfield said.

The fact that SLU’s campus does not have a space for large groups of diverse students to interact is something that Student Government President Matt Ryan said he hopes will change with the West Pine Gym renovation. “[The Center for Global Citizenship will] offer students from all different backgrounds an opportunity to go in there and have both casual

Allison Smith / Staff Photographer

The Bauman-Eberhardt building will begin a renovation after plans are approved by the administration and Board of Trustees. and formal opportunities to share their culture, history, and heritage,” Ryan said.

The renovation plans are still in the developmental stage. A vision for the center has been developed, and some work with the construction group has been done regarding the design and layout of space. According to Ryan, a committee is being put to-

gether that will work with the architects to make the vision a reality.

“We have a very good general concept of what it would be,” Ryan said.

As of now, the completion date is unknown. The next step, according to Ryan, is to run the plan by the president’s office and to get the board of trustees approval.

SLU earns national recognition in service

Once this process is complete, the architectural work can begin. By the end of the year, Porterfield said he hopes to finalize the design and get project ready to go out for bid, pending board approval.

Although the details of the plan are not known throughout the student body, students agree that this space can be put to better use.

“It sounds like a great addition to the campus,” junior Erin O’Neill said.

Ryan said he is not sure what the impact of the Center will be on the SLU community, but he believes that it will add to the SLU community.

“It will at least create a culture of both learning and living out the college experience,” Ryan said.

SGA debates mail, hammocks

Ample opportunities to volunteer promote Jesuit mission

By EMILY CAVALIERE Staff Writer

Last year, Saint Louis University students spent more than 1 million hours serving their community. This staggering number is part of the reason SLU reached No. 2 in the ranking of universities that do the most community service by The Washington Monthly.

Throughout the year, students are presented with multiple opportunities to participate in service events, something that contributed to the University’s ranking.

Responsible for the annual fall semester day of service, Make a Difference Day, is Assistant Director at the Center for Service and Community Engagement Robert Wassel.

Make a Difference Day was mentioned in an article by The Huffington Post and in a slide show of the national ranking, recognizing that it is “one of the largest days of service at any college in the nation.”

During Wassel’s first year at SLU six years ago, 1,400 students donated their time and energy to their community during the event. Over the past five years, the event has

almost doubled in size, with 2,778 volunteers participating last year.

“We are shooting for 3,000 this year,” Wassel said.

When looking at SLU’s numbers concerning community service, Wassel was not surprised that the University had ranked so high.

He said that according to last year’s student survey, 84 percent of students engaged in community service, which is well above the national average of 40 percent. During his time here, Wassel said he has noticed that SLU attracts a certain type of student who is predisposed to give back.

One of the reasons Wassel said he feels that SLU is so successful in raising student interest and involvement with service work is that there are ample opportunities for students to get involved.

“There are a multitude of departments [that are involved with service] that cover many bases,” Wassel said.

He also said that there are numerous service opportunities at students’ fingertips, such as Alpha Phi Omega, an organization of which SLU houses one of the biggest chapters in the country.

Another unique opportu-

nity for students to give back is Campus Kitchen, a nationwide organization in which students prepare and deliver meals to those in need. Ten years ago, SLU was the first college to jump at the chance to host the organization, which has since established divisions on 30 other college campuses across the country. Now, SLU’s program is thought of not only as the first, but also as one of the most successful. Campus Kitchen Coordinator and SLU alumnae Jenny Bird said that some of the program’s success can be attributed to the school’s Jesuit mission and our location in the city.

Bird said that there are 50 student volunteers a week at Campus Kitchen and that she sees “a huge mix of the student population” as well as a “huge commitment.” These volunteers are responsible for the 500 meals a week that are produces and delivered to the needy of the community. Bird said she feels that because of SLU’s Jesuit mission, it is often taken for granted that at some point, most students will serve the community in one way or another.

Between classes and extracurriculars, SLU students are

putting forth time and effort to serve those around them, and their work is not going unnoticed. SLU not only took the silver in the community service ranking, but also placed “94th out of 258 colleges making a ‘contribution to the public good,’” according to a press release from the University.

Both Wassel and Bird said they feel it is important to recognize the amount of opportunities that the University has to offer, and that they urge students to discern what they are passionate about.

“SLU is a smaller school that has grown in reputation,” Bird said.

After watching both the student interest and the service opportunities grow over his past 6 years at SLU, Wassel said he agrees.

“We are making a name for ourselves,” Wassel said.

This ranking was based on factors that include the total number of hours formed, the number of students and staff that partake, the prominence of service-based scholarships available, as well as the amount of courses that incorporate service and the size of each university is relative to the statistics taken.

Drinking: Vision team enhances area Common: Conscious associated with drinking on policy are subject to fines, pathe college campus. Under- rental notification and, in cer- Creativity Continued from Page 1

students by encouraging that their employees participate in Training for Intervention Procedures to effectively manage the safety of their patrons.

“Bar owners have an investment in keeping the community safe in order to keep their business thriving. They don’t like when students trash their bar or when students get really intoxicated,” Osborn said.

Bilikens After Dark, a program directed towards students looking for social events without the pressure of drinking alcohol.

“We try to do interactive, exciting and uncommon events. The goal is to create an event that’s not just recreating a party without alcohol,” program director Joel Hermann said.

Hermann sees the campus culture at SLU as one that focuses on achievement rather than partying.

“I think a lot of our students are more intelligent than they need to be, and they are aware of what can happen and the dangers of what that can happen [while drinking],” Hermann said.

The Office of Student Conduct also plays a prominent role in minimizing the risks

age students can be cited for underage drinking and possessing a fake identification card, and students of legal drinking age can be cited for

“

Bar owners have an investment in keeping the community safe in order to keep their business thriving.

-Meredith Osborn

”

public intoxication and purchasing alcohol for minors.

“When you look at the code of conduct this year, you’ll see that it’s very different from past years. In the past we had one code of conduct violation for alcohol, and it was all-inclusive,” Weathers said.

Students cited for an alcohol violation can either accept responsibility for the incident and endure the appropriate sanctions or appeal the citation and go before the student conduct board for a hearing.

Students found in violation of the University’s alcohol

tain cases, probation and additional sanctions contingent upon the individual situation.

All cited students must attend a SLU Harm and Alcohol Reduction Program as well.

SHARP primarily focuses on educating students on how to reduce the potentially harmful effects of drinking.

The program also educates students on the negative effects on the body and mind that alcohol can bring.

“Quite honestly, a lot of the time it tends to be freshmen in SHARP. Some of that education is really essential in terms of if this is their first time experimenting with alcohol, having freedom and excitement of college campus,” Osborn said.

SHARP classes offer practical knowledge to students regarding drinking, such as defining what one drink really is and teaching students how to control their intake.

“A lot don’t know what a standard drink is, or what’s in jungle juice. One cup is not one standard drink, and we have students who go down to the ER and they have no idea how they got that bad,” Osborn said.

Continued from Page 1

his upcoming appearance at SLU and that GIC is equally enthused to be having him.

“He’s a role model for so many people,” Gatta said.

“He has a message of coming together, something we can related to the Oath of Inclusion.”

While Common’s lecture will be focused on the rapper’s experience, Gatta said that he hopes everyone who attends will have a good time.

The speech, also entitled “One Day, This Will All Make Sense,” will feature a performance by SLU’s hip-hop dance group Xquizit, as well as a book signing at the end of the event.

“I was really excited to hear Common was coming,” senior Jina Dubose said. “I was a big fan of him as a musical artist and I’m really interested to hear what he’s going to say because I know he’s a very conscious rapper.”

Common will be speaking at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept.

22 in the Wool Ballrooms, located in the Busch Student Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. for ticket holders and at 6:30 p.m. for everyone else.

Mark Campos / Staff Photographer

Among other things, SGA discussed transparency of housing.

By CHARLES BOWLES Staff Writer

The Student Government Association made a move Wednesday to create more transparent housing assignments, improve campus mail delivery and hang more hammocks around campus.

Senators also gave final approval to a bylaw amendment to eliminate non-senators from the Internal Affairs Committee. Law School Senator Grant Farnsworth proposed to allow non-senators to remain on the committee as they do on other SGA subcommittees, but the amendment was rejected because senators feared that committee members would be unaware of the proceedings and actions in SGA. “It is just inconsistent with how other subcommittees function in student government,” Farnsworth said.

Bills brought before senate mainly consisted of seating senators and defining goals for the various subcommittees in SGA. The bill that generated the most discussion was the seating and the goals of the 2011-2012 SGA Residential Affairs Committee.

Marchetti Towers Senator Jessica Jones moved to step down from the committee because of prior commitments. Her removal sparked debate from other senators as to whether Jones could fulfill

her duties as a senator, because senators are supposed to be seated on a subcommittee.

After debating her seating, the senators moved to vote on the bill, which passed. The goals of the subcommittee include improving the transparency and fairness of the housing selection process.

“This bill is looking to aid students across the board and not exclusively focused on freshman and sophomores,” Griesedick Senator Blake Exline said.

Also in the goals of the Residential Affairs Committee is the improvement of the efficiency of student mail delivery. It also seeks to add hammocks to other locations around campus.

“The mail delivery has a lot of room for improvement,” junior College of Arts and Sciences student Mary Hoglund said. “They were pretty slow last year.”

Last week, an amendment was made to strike committee representatives from the Internal Affairs Committee.

The bill, which was tabled for a week, was up for debate again at this meeting.

The bill caused considerable debate after an amendment was reintroduced to include committee representatives to the Internal Affairs Committee.

Senators decided to reject the amendment and proceeded to accept the bill with its current language.

Opinion

The University News Talk to us: Parisa Rouie 314.977.2812 opinion@unewsonline.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

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Greek life cultivates student growth, genuine sisterhood

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unewsonline.com facebook.com/theunews twitter.com/theunews EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JONATHAN ERNST (314) 977-1590 eic@unewsonline.com GENERAL MANAGER CONNOR BERRY gm@unewsonline.com NEWS EDITOR BRIAN BOYD ASSOC. NEWS EDITOR PATRICK OLDS news@unewsonline.com OP/ED EDITOR PARISA ROUIE opinion@unewsonline.com ARTS EDITOR ERIN EVERETT ASSOC. ARTS EDITOR TJ KEELEY arts@unewsonline.com SPORTS EDITOR MICHAEL JOHNSON ASSOC. SPORTS EDITOR DERRICK NEUNER sports@unewsonline.com PHOTO EDITOR SHAH (YUQING XIA) ASSOC. PHOTO EDITORS KELLY HINDERBERGER photos@unewsonline.com DESIGN DIRECTOR BRIANNA RADICI design@unewsonline.com MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR CURTIS (ZHENGZHONG WANG)

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Editorials Editorials are opinion pieces written by the Editorial Board of The University News.

The editorials printed in this space represent the opinion of The University News.

Commentaries and Letters to the Editor represent the opinions of the signed authors but do not necessarily represent the opinions of The University News.

Parking rate increase shows lack of openness, depreciation of students The Saint Louis University community deserves more respect from the administration.

Students and faculty came back to school this year to find that parking rates had increased, despite the student body’s recommendation against it. Almost a month into the school year, many are still complaining about the parking prices, and they have likely all been dismissed with different excuses for the extra money they pay.

The general student body is not buying the various explanations they have been hearing. These excuses include the rise in gas prices, parking lot maintenance and safety expenses, and even inflation.

As it turns out, the spike in parking prices has little to do with the parking facilities, and it is mostly going toward paying off debts in other departments of the University.

While this is an unexpected explanation, in the end, it seems logical. After weeks of students and staff complaining, they may have even been disappointed that this is not nearly outrageous enough of an excuse to have been hidden for so long.

But the validity of the excuse does not acquit the fact that the administration failed to include input from the university community

I was astonished and offended to find a letter so blatantly and blindly reinforcing the common yet unmerited stereotype of Greek life.

It is true, over 400 girls went through recruitment this year, and hundreds more are already involved in Greek life. But why would such a large portion of SLU’s student body willingly subject themselves to materialistic organizations based upon lies and deceit?

Yes, being a member of a sorority is expensive.

However, ever y single member has the right to view and voice their concerns regarding the budget for the year. How else would an organization pay for its own social events, outings, clothing, and operational costs?

Recruitment is based solely on character and compatibility with the chapter and its members. If Greek life at SLU were based upon judgemental criticism of physical appearances, clothing and expensive accessories, I would instantly withdraw my membership. Heck, I would not have made it past the first night of recruitment.

Although I was initially uncertain about Greek life, I have stayed Greek due to the genuine and strong bonds between each and ever y one of my “sisters” – some of my closest friends who form the network of support and love of which Greek life consists.

Ever y chapter is a diverse assortment of women with unique personalities, interests and passions. We proudly raise money for reputable organizations such as Ser vice for Sight and the Ronald McDonald House. My sorority even sponsors an 8-year-old from El Salvador through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

My sorority inspires me to be a better student, citizen and friend. I am proud to wear my letters.

I am proud to represent and take part in such a positive organization. I am proud to be a participant in Greek life at Saint Louis University.

-Theresa Wertin is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students must enjoy off-campus culture If you are beginning your second year at enrichment and, most importantly, the cultiSaint Louis University and still do not know vation of a unique and open worldview. All where “The Loop” is, or you have never en- these elements are essential parts of four joyed a day at the Botanical Garden, you are years of undergraduate experience, and they not only on your way to wasting your college can be achieved with a little bit of legwork. career, but you may have also unknowingly Close to SLU, students can take advaninsulted St. Louis. tage of a variety of different ethnic restauIf you plan on rants located on spending four years South Grand, or enof your life in a new joy the Fabulous Fox city, taking advantage Theatre or the Powell of what it has to offer Hall Symphony just a becomes almost a few blocks north of There is no reason not duty. How else will campus. you indulge in this These experiences to feel at home in college, opportunity to see the will not only enrich world? even if it is school. St. their college experiFew students have ence, but will help Louis is the crossroads of students build a relahad, or will have, the privilege of touring tionship with the city America the globe at some that hosts four years point in their lives. of their lives.

While it is much more There is no reason fulfilling to set foot not to feel at home in on another continent, college, even if it is there is no reason why students should not school. St. Louis is the crossroads of Amerexplore the city where they have come to ica, where cultures mix and mingle on the study. streets and in the shops. From the metropoliIt must be remembered that academics tan feel of Washington Avenue to the prairies are only a portion of what college offers. In of Forest Park, the Gateway City is just that fact, a college education should be an amal- -- a gateway to a great variety of people and gam of academics, social education, artistic experiences.

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in their decision. Their decision against student and faculty recommendations may be valid, but the administration disregarded the importance of student involvement by not informing them of their reasons when they made the decision.

The administration’s lack of openness toward the university community is depreciative and shows intentional exclusion of students and faculty in the decision-making process.

It is worth mentioning that this uninformed student body included none other than the executive members of the Student Government Association, who vie to “involve students in a productive partnership of shared governance with the faculty, staff and administration of the University.”

The failure of the administration to provide information to SGA about their decision making shows no such “involvement” in creating “shared governance.”

We ask the university administration to be more respectful and inclusive of the community it serves. This includes transparency, openness and regard for the students’ and staff’s rights to have access to information that concerns them.

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a letter to the editor titled “Sororities divide students and limit individualism” that was published on Thursday, Sept. 15 in The University News.

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29%

Sports teams

24%

Parks

24%

Food

23%

Theater

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Quotes of the week

“

If they are going to use parking revenue for other things, then they should tell us. For all we know, they could be using that revenue for things we don’t need, we have a right to know.

- Natalie Conners, freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences.

”

See Page 3.

“

These [are characters] we can relate to. They love their family.

- Tom Corbeil of “The Addams Family”.

”

See Page 7.

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Opinion

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

Lack of knowledge about economy deepens pessimism We cannot all be experts at foreign trade, metal exchange or sovereign debt markets, but there is certainly something missing in our Commentary education when it comes to the economy.

M o n e y shapes our lives.

When we are born, our parents’ money decides if we are going to be born Federico Garcia Lorca in a better or worse hospital.

Later, it will decide our education, our clothing, our friends and our vacations. Then, when we start earning our own money, it is the same cycle over and over again.

A recent Bloomberg National Poll showed that “Americans’ pessimism about the economy has deepened, and confidence in both political parties has fallen with only 20 percent saying the country is on the right course.”

According to these results, the average American believes that the economy is bad, but nobody has a clue how to fix it.

Still, we are perfectly OK with our economic ignorance. We hear things like “the Dow Jones lost 0.72 pecent in the morning” or “China’s GDP grows 8 percent per year” and we do not care at all what that means. For sure, we know that money is a big driver in our lives, but beyond that, who cares?

Even if we do care, it gets too complicated to be understood, and in many cases, we do not even have the time to accumulate enough knowledge. We already have a major at school. Some people even have double majors and minors. Many students have a job or two. Others go straight from classes to clubs.

Ask any of your friends majoring in economics, and even they probably have trouble explaining how money has a value, who gives value to it or why suddenly the economic

Brandon Woods / Illustrator

crisis shows up on television and everybody starts losing their jobs and savings.

In theory, we should not have to worry about it. As a doctor does not worry about how to pilot an aircraft, or a lawyer about how to build a bridge, we, as citizens, should not have to worry about something that we entrusted to our politicians and economists.

Having to keep an eye on them is like babysitting a four-yearold. That is definitely not the way citizens should feel about their representatives. Instead of thinking they are good and make mistakes, we tend to think they are bad and sometimes do things right. These are people managing the national budget -- everybody’s money.

Of course, deciding who is doing right or wrong often comes hand-inhand with partisan views.

Some people believe that the deregulation of the markets led to this global financial crisis.

However, in the early 2000’s, the

housing markets were booming and the price of a house increased in double digits every year, and economists started to worry about the burst of the bubble.

The Federal Reserve was keeping their interest rates low and banks were willing to lend money without all the securities they should have had for returning the money.

Phil Gramm, current vice president of investments at UBS, Switzerland’s largest bank, and former economic advisor to Sen. John McCain, offered some key considerations in an article for the Wall Street Journal in 2009.

“The principal alternative to the politicization of mortgage lending and bad monetary policy as causes of the financial crisis is deregulation,” Gramm said in the article “Deregulation and the Financial Panic.”

In the end, we are at the bottom of the pyramid and believe ourselves to have absolutely no control over these kinds of affairs. Therefore, we

do not worry about these things. We default to oblivion, hoping that, if we do not see it, it disappears.

The International Monetary Fund estimates the U.S. GDP for 2010 is $14.7 trillion, but who understands how much money that is?

Instead of this oblivion, citizens can stay informed by setting up a Twitter account and following the tweets of The Economist, the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Bloomberg or Forbes.

You don’t like Twitter? Get an RSS application and subscribe to the major economic analysts. Start reading articles, ask questions to those who know more than you or watch CNN instead of ESPN (OK, that might be too hard).

Knowledge about our economic system will not harm us. We certainly can know much more than we do now.

Federico Garcia Lorca is a senior in the Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology.

New Sexual Assault policy serves as reminder, helps protect students On April 4, 2011, all institutions of higher learning in the U.S. received what is now known as the “Dear Col-

Commentary

Kripa Sreepada, Sean Worley, Cheryl Sullivan

league Letter.”

This letter, issued by the U.S. Department of Education, outlines policies and procedures pertaining to sexual assault. It mandates that all federally-funded institutions include certain requirements in their dailyfunctioning policies.

Saint Louis University is subject to this “Dear Colleague Letter,” and while we are making efforts to comply with these regulations, it should be noted that the University was already working toward more effective policies on the issue of sexual assault.

The formation of the Sexual Assault Working Group has been monumental in the changes that are now in place.

This group of faculty, staff, administrators and students has worked to create changes in University policies and protocols to encourage the establishment of a safe, secure campus environment.

To address some opinions raised about the recent changes in our sexual assault policy, we offer you a “Dear Fellow Billikens” letter: Dear Fellow Billikens, The time for change is upon us. The shifting of our culture is long overdue. The discussion about sexual assault needs to be had now. Yet, what can we use as a motivator for a cohesive action as a community? It is simple.

The recently-updated sexual assault policy is what we will use as our rallying call, as a University and a collective group of humans.

The policy is not intended to be used as a weapon against an individual in a situation or to instill fear. Instead, it is used as a reminder of the dismal reality that 20 percent of women, and nearly 6 percent of men, will be sexually assaulted during their college careers.

That statistic is not acceptable, and the inclusion of any member of our SLU community in it cannot be tolerated.

“

However, we cannot move forward until we are all aware of and understand fully what the policy expects of our behaviors.

The policy is not a tool to make “sex entirely unsexy” or to impose any “paternalistic” practices, as noted in a commentary last week.

The policy goes through great measures to explain that the understanding of consent has evolved for the better, and that our culture is changing.

The only thing “unsexy” about the policy is its font choice, but even that could be argued. No longer should “sexy” be thought of as sexual activity that does not require active participation from both parties.

Thus, we can revisit the definition of consent, as described in the policy.

It is the “explicit, verbal agreement to engage in, and continue to engage in sexual activity... [and] may be withdrawn at any time... [It is the] responsibility of the initiating party to obtain the affirmative consent of the other party throughout the duration.”

To summarize, yes means yes and a single instance does not set precedent for future encounters.

This is based on the notion that human beings are not things that can be used over again, just because they were used before.

Emotions, situations, affinity and affection are all factors that vary and fluctuate with individuals.

Consent is sexy. Consent is important.

Consent needs to be protected, for it is the most critical factor in acquaintance rape charges.

A grim 90 percent of sexual assaults on college campuses involve an individual the victim knew prior to the event. This fact is abhorrent and should be used as a motivation to end the lackadaisical approach we currently have in regards to protecting each other.

Only we can create change. Not I, not you, not he, not she. Only we have the ability to construct an environment, where all individuals are safe, secure and protected. Only we can foster a community and a culture that stands against the disregard of the inherent human dignity of all individuals.

This is our SLU. Let us stand together against all injustices to protect each and every individual.

Let us rally one another to continue bettering our community. Let us eliminate the culture of past. Let us say yes.

Human beings are not things that can be used over again, just because they were used before.

”

Kripa Sreepada, Sean Worley, and Cheryl Sullivan are student members of the University Sexual Assault Working Group.

Starla Salazar / Illustrator

Aid inaccessible to Somalia famine victims, surrounding nations can help The Wikitravel page for Somalia is, in a twisted way, hilarious.

This hilarity is due to the irony that such a guide exists for a place Commentary to which no one in their right mind would ever choose to travel.

For those unaware, the nation of Somalia has been without an effective government for 20 Vinnie Schneider years.

Wikitravel is an open source travel guide which anyone can edit (à la Wikipedia), and the entry for Somalia states clearly such words of wisdom as, “the easiest method for staying safe in Somalia is not to go in the first place. Kidnappings, armed clashes, piracy and warlording are all common in this country;” “While arranging your trip, it is advisable to request that you be accompanied by hired Somali armed escorts, or bring along bodyguards;” “The risk of your being injured, killed or captured is extremely high;” and simply, “Independent travel is suicidal.”

It should come as no surprise, then, that when a humanitarian conflict occurs, such as the current famine, international governments and aid organizations are somewhat slow to respond.

We have all heard the statistic countless times: There is enough food in the world to end hunger, but it is unfairly distributed. This statistic is useless, and it makes the false assumption that ending hunger in the world is as easy as flying food to the hungry, wherever they may be in the world.

The example in Somalia shows just how inaccessible the hungry can be.

The famine stands to affect the lives of 13.3 million people by U.N. estimates, but the country is largely closed off to any aid the rest of the world could potentially offer.

Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-aligned terrorist organization in control

of much of southern Somalia, has had a tricky relationship with aid organizations in the country, having kicked them out and welcomed them back several times.

The organization has also allegedly intimidated, kidnapped and killed some aid workers, leading to a partial suspension of humanitarian operations in southern Somalia.

Many independent aid organizations have withdrawn from the region permanently and completely due to the uncertainty of operating in the area.

There is no easy solution to getting those who need aid out of the southern war-zone. Many die along the roads to the camps — either at the hands of hunger or as a casualty of violent warfare.

One solution would be armed military intervention to remove Al-Shabaab from the country and restore some semblance of order.

Obviously, this move by any nation would be very unpopular, expensive and risky, though it would likely help improve a situation which could not get any worse.

A more realistic option is to be just that — realistic. Neither the U.N., the Red Cross or any one single government has the necessary means to end the famine or the hostile situation in Somalia.

But the little that can still be done should be done. Some Somalis are lucky enough to access a refugee camp in the north or are able to flee the nation entirely. Approximately 920,000 refugees have escaped to Ethiopia and Kenya.

The best help that can seemingly be offered is the continued effort of the surrounding nations to provide for the refugees who flee across their borders.

Though the situation is bleak, it serves as an important and painful reminder of the political and complex factors involved in ending hunger in the world — factors which must be considered if the world is ever going to be able to reach its goal of eliminating hunger entirely.

Vinnie Schneider is a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Abroad: U.S. must support Palestine; Kenya manages pipeline disaster Living on campus, it is easy for students to get caught up in the University bubble. We might profess a dedication to being world citiCommentary zens, but when you have 16 hours of credit and multiple extracur ricular commitments, checking and understandting the news quickly takes a lower Stewart Heatwole precedence on the priority list.

This week, the president of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas, and his cohorts will be presenting to the U.N. their proposition for statehood.

The leadership of Palestine is taking a real gamble with this proposition because they want full statehood and membership in the U.N. -- or nothing at all.

The Palestinians are not interested in being honorary members, or anything of that sort. The plan is to use the momentum from the Arab Spring movements, the 18 and counting protests that have occurred in the Arab World since Dec. 2010, to try and improve their chances of popular support from the people of Palestine, and from those around the world.

Unfortunately for the Palestinians, there have been some members in the U.N. that have already pledged to use their veto against the Palestinian proposition. In particular, the United States and Israel have outwardly expressed their intentions to restrict Palestinians from obtaining statehood.

This is disheartening.

The Palestinians are advocating a completely non-violent demonstration and campaign for statehood.

They realize that if violence were to break out, all hope would be lost.

When looking at the U.S., it is easy to see the hypocrisy in their advocacy for the underdog or underserved, when they try to deny Palestine sovereignty. The economic ties of U.S. to Israel seem to be a little too obvious a reason why the U.S. will use their veto in the upcoming vote.

Israel obviously does not want a part of their country to secede and become sovereign, giving them ample reason to oppose the Palestinian proposition. They could be looking at the possible tensions that would arise if Palestine were to become independent.

The U.S. sees itself as a peacekeeping force, and allowing for something that could potentially turn violent, without stopping it early, only hurts the U.S. in the long run.

I am still ashamed of the actions the U.S. plans to take because I feel it is a humanitarian right to be able to gather and dictate authority over oneself, especially when an entire nation is forced to live in refugee camps.

In other news, last week, near Nairobi, Kenya, at approximately 9 a.m., an oil pipeline burst, unleashing free gasoline to anyone with a bucket. Naturally, people came from miles away to try and gather some of the free gas. It seems that those who are routinely beaten down experience some of the worst unexpected catastrophes.

After the pipeline burst, the wind soon switched directions and embers from the nearby trash fires quickly ignited the free flowing gasoline.

The explosion that occurred killed approximately 100 men, women and children. The explosion left a scene that resembled the war torn “no man’s land” in between trenches during World War I. A catastrophe like this is completely unheard of in places like the U.S. and Europe, but this has happened before in Kenya.

In 2009, a similar explosion killed 113 innocent Kenyans, who were trying to make life a little easier for themselves.

It is hard to put into words the immense amount of suffering the average Kenyan experiences on a daily basis. As one Kenyan put it, quoted in a New York Times article on Sept 13, 2011, “It’s dangerous, but that’s how life is here.”

When the situation is looked at critically, poverty is at the root of the devastation this explosion caused.

If the people did not feel the need to gather as much gasoline as possible to survive, the casualties would not have been so high. If there was a sanitation system that worked properly, there would be no reason for the burning of trash and embers to ignite the gasoline.

Unlike politics, there are not two sides to the story when it comes to poverty. There are the greedy that exploit the “have-nots,” leaving them in a slum without a single amenity, basic or not.

Stewart Heatwole is a sophomore in the College of Education and Public Services.

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

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America’s spookiest family frightens the Fox

By KRISTIN McGUIRE Staff Writer

Thursday, Sept. 22

Ba da da dum, snap, snap.

Inspired by the macabre cartoons of Charles Addams, a new musical tells a sinister, yet touching, story about a family that most people have grown up watching.

“The Addams Family,” opening just last year in Chicago, will be visiting the Fabulous Fox Theater in one week as it tours across the country.

“The Addams Family” cartoons from the 30s, television show from the 60s and movies from the 90s have been a part of American pop-culture for multiple generations.

Whether you have grown up watching the show and the movies, or if you have just heard the theme song at a Halloween party, “The Addams Family” will prove to be entertaining, touching and just plain creepy.

The musical revolves around every parent’s worst nightmare: Meeting your daughter’s boyfriend.

To the astonishment of her family, Wednesday Addams, the princess of all things dark and morbid, has found a perfectly normal, all-American boy.

Chaos ensues as her suitor and his parents are invited over for dinner at the Addams mansion. Expect chorus lines full of ghosts and ghouls, horrible mix-ups and, above all, family loyalty.

Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, Tom Corbeil looks perfect for the iconic role of Lurch in this dark musical.

Although Corbeil does not have a background in musical theater, he said he could not be happier having this opportunity to perform with the talented cast of “The Addams Family.”

It was not until he was 25 years old that Corbeil started taking voice lessons.

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Courtesy of Jeremy Daniel

The cast of “The Addams Family” includes Tom Corbeil as Lurch (far right). “The Addams Family” will run at The Fabulous Fox Theatre from Sept. 27 to Oct. 9. Tickets are now on sale through the theater box office and website.

Since then, he has appeared in multiple operas across the country, including “La Boheme,” “Don Giovanni” and “The Barber of Seville.”

This classically-trained baritone has received Metropolitan Opera Council, as well as Liederkranz Foundation awards, two prestigious opera honors.

He heard about “The Addams Family” auditions through a couple of mutual friends who knew the choreographer and original Lurch on Broadway.

Corbeil said an aspect about his ghoulish character that excites him is that “[Lurch’s] back story isn’t very defined. There’s a lot to

investigate and invent.”

Although the two do not have much in common besides their lofty height, Corbeil draws from Lurch’s softer side when performing this show.

“Lurch cares for people.

Building from that place of genuine, caring relationship is something that every human being can relate to,” Corbeil said.

Although performing eight shows a week and living out of a suitcase is not easy, Corbeil remains positive about the experience.

“We’re in different cities every week,” Corbeil said.

Corbeil said that he relishes the “opportunity to get

By AMY VERMEERSCH

4 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Taste of St. Louis Soldiers’ Memorial Park Free admission

Staff Writer

Friday, Sept. 23 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Opening Reception for Faculty Studio Art Exhibit Boileau Hall Exhibition will run through Oct. 22 Saturday, Sept. 24

Saturday, Sept. 24 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dancing in the Street Grand Center Sunday, Sept. 25 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Taste of St. Louis Soldiers’ Memorial Free admission

MUSIC Tuesday, Sept. 27 Doors open 8 p.m.

Concert 9 p.m.

Richard Buckner The Billiken Club Free admission

practice peace… as patrons of the arts,” Corbeil said.

Corbeil said he is particularly excited about the “talented, incredible cast performing a story that everybody knows.”

Although “The Addams Family” features some pretty kooky characters, “these [are characters] we can relate to,” Corbeil said. “They love their family.”

Corbeil said that the performance is filled with dark humor in a way that will charm audiences.

“It’s unique to blend those together so well,” Corbeil said.

For more information, visit thefabulousfox.com.

Four stages and 700 live performers

Friday, Sept. 23

11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Taste of St. Louis Soldiers’ Memorial Park Free admission

to know local flavor of parts of American [he] wouldn’t see otherwise.”

The tour is set to visit more than 30 cities within the next year, ending up in Pittsburgh in August.

Part of what makes this tour unique is that the “cast melds together so well, like a family,” Corbeil said. “This is so important when you’re on the road for a year.”

Corbeil encourages college students to make an effort to support the arts in any way they can.

“Active involvement in the arts is important for any study for a well-rounded education.

The arts are the way that we, as civilized human beings,

Courtesy of J. Pollack

The three-day Taste of St. Louis festival will celebrate the best of the area’s culinary arts.

By STEPHANIE MUELLER Staff Writer

Trailing only behind Ted Drewes and the St. Louis Cardinals, the Taste of St. Louis leads the pack of Metromix’s 101 things to do in St. Louis in 2011. As 300,000 patrons will attest, the title was given for good reason, and keeps local foodies coming back year after year.

Held Sept. 23 through 25 this year, the three-day festival combines all that makes the city of St. Louis great.

Restaurants, business and artists from across the city come together at Soldier’s Memorial Park to cater to an everincreasing demand from St. Louisans and tourists alike, forming one of the biggest annual festivals in the city of St. Louis.

Mack Bradley, Public Relations Representative for the event, says, “The Taste is in its 7th year, and it has quickly become one of the region’s best events, and the signature culinary event in St. Louis.”

Forty-five restaurants, including SLU favorites The Drunken Fish, Pappy’s, and The Cup will set-up on Sauce Magazine’s Restaurant Row for the event.

Ranging from Indian cuisine to down-home American, the delicious conglomeration will not include the traditional

restaurants of which the city often focuses.

Instead, an emphasis on up-and coming restaurants will be prevalent, with trendy Central West End staples taking the place of restaurants steeped in St. Louis tradition.

The majority of food options will be available for $3$7.

SLU graduate student Jonathan Roper is looking forward to the festival. His family’s company, Roper’s Ribs, will hold a booth on Restaurant Row for the first time in the business’s 19-year history.

“We love the opportunity to try many different restaurants all in one place, and love the crowd diversity,” Roper said.

A selection of chain restaurants will also take part in the event, with Bravo! and the Hard Rock Café topping the list in the midst of mostly locally-known venues.

Roper commends the festival for its attempt to broaden the horizons of the people of St. Louis, saying, “The Taste gives people a reason to explore the opportunities of food that otherwise they would not have been exposed to.”

The Lumiére Place and River City Casino stage will offer an exciting competition this year, as they host the 2011 Chef Battle Royale, pitting talented chefs against each oth-

er in a Food Network-inspired contest. The competition will consist of seven 45-minute rounds of cooking, leading to one ultimate champion.

The stage will also be home to the 2nd annual Pizza Games, where pizzerias across St. Louis will compete to determine who truly has the best pizza in St. Louis.

Despite the name of the event, food is not the only attraction of the weekend.

A plethora of musicians will take the Peabody Opera House Outdoor Main Stage, including national acts Civil Twilight and Fitz and the Tantrums.

As the Peabody reopens its doors after extensive renovation, patrons of the Taste of St. Louis will not only enjoy the music on its sponsored stage, but also get a chance to look inside the restored facility prior to its Opening Night Gala on Oct. 1.

“The Peabody will be touring people through this magnificent facility starting on Friday evening,” Bradley said.

The Art and Wine Walk will display both local and national artists, amidst a variety of wines that can be tasted with the purchase of a ticket.

Soldiers’ Memorial can be reached from the Civic Center Metrolink station, and is only a five-minute drive from SLU.

Picture hundreds of dancers, four stages, enthusiastic audiences, food everywhere you look and people dancing in the street. It is the one and only Dancing in the Street Festival, presented by Grand Center, Inc., on Saturday Sept. 24.

Celebrating its fifth annual day of dance, the Dancing in the Street Festival is an opportunity for dancers of every age and level of experience— or inexperience— to come together to showcase their love of art and movement.

Live dance performances from selected troupes and performance groups will run from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sept. 24 on each of the event’s four stages. Then, from 6 to 9 p.m., there will be live music and open dance. To top it all off, the event is free for all attendees.

A panel of judges picked the 700 dancers and more than 75 performances slated for this year’s Dancing in the Street Festival. All 60 of the selected groups are from St. Louis or the bistate region.

“Year after year, the talent that we attract . . . keeps getting better— rarely do you find this much talent in one place at one time,” Travis Howser, director of events and theaters for Grand Center, Inc., said.

Many dance styles will be

represented, including jazz, clog, ballet, tap, modern, jive, flamenco, hip hop, salsa, Broadway, contemporary and Bollywood, just to name a few.

Some of the groups that participate in Dancing in the Street are popular troupes around St. Louis, such as Bollywood Shuffle, The Bulgarian Dancing Group and Mound City Slickers.

Headlining this year’s festival is dance troupe Quixotic Fusion. This is a group that combines musicians, dancers, aerialists, composers, choreographers and visual designers. The troupe is using special 3-D lighting projections for added effect during their performances.

Quixotic Fusion’s two performance pieces will be showing at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the exterior of the Grandel Theatre.

Dancing in the Street also provides an important opportunity for area teens to showcase their talents, including performers from Hazelwood East High School, Normandy High School and Soldan High School.

Grand Center, Inc. and the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) have prepared choreography for a group of audience members to be able to participate in a flash mob performance. Those interested can find the instructional See “Weekend” on Page 8

Courtesy of Grand Center, Inc.

More than 75 performances are slated for this year’s Dancing in the Street Festival, including 700 dancers.

Arts

8

The University News

unewsonline.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Are you ready to Spotify?

Taste Buds

By TIM JANCZEWSKI and ADAM KAMPEN Columnists

Attention campus, we are the Taste Buds, providing you with the most sarcastic, bombastic and fantastic food critiques around. We like to eat well, and we want to help you do the same.

For our first column, we wanted something with a little St. Louis charm. No better choice to fit this description than The Best Steakhouse, located just past Olive on Grand Boulevard.

Adam The menu itself was a rather modest list of options, including sandwiches and platters of meat. Tim took the first place in line.

He seemed a bit frazzled when grill master Robert addressed him as “Next!” but quickly shouted his order back at the man. I did the same.

Tim had a plate of rib tips with cheesy potatoes, a side salad and a piece of Texas toast. I devoured a pork chop sandwich, with a side of fried okra and a slice of pecan pie.

We each ordered dishes we felt we had a bit of experience with. Tim, being from Kansas City, knows a thing or two about good barbecue.

As for me, I’ve had some of the best fried okra you can find in and around New Orleans, and don’t get me started on pecan pie.

As we ate, the only pauses made were to sip some water or add a little more Country Bob’s All-Purpose Sauce.

I was surprised to find that my pork chop sandwich was simply a grilled pork chop nestled between two pieces of Texas toast. It really didn’t leave much to the imagination.

I found my okra to be virtually tasteless without Country Bob’s help, though the portions were satisfactory.

My pecan pie was pleasant, and a good end to a decent meal.

Tim With my whole arrangement in front of me on the table, I took my first bite from the most tempting item – the deliciously buttered slice of Texas toast.

It is my opinion that the side salad is really only included for moral support.

As for the potatoes, I splurged and added melted cheese to the undoubtedly secret blend of spices peppered over the fried potatoes. If my entire meal had to consist of only one thing, I would have chosen a full plate of the potatoes!

The entrée of rib tips supplied the backbone to my meal – almost literally. They had been barbecued to a satisfying tenderness, and the sauce lathered on top made this a 10-napkin meal.

I later found out that the restuarant does not make their own sauce. This was a shortcoming, in my opinion, but not completely surprising, since they are not a self-proclaimed barbecue restaurant.

Things to remember Order with confidence, and do not underestimate the number of napkins you will need.

Keep this off the radar for a first date. It’s more of an “evening out with the boys” kind of place.

If you’re looking for a filling meal close to campus for under $10, The Best Steakhouse is a pretty good choice.

We will probably be back there to eat again sometime this year when we are in the mood for basic, American food that is a step above McDonald’s, and a step below Applebee’s.

The music gods have finally touched down in America, and the name they are hiding behind is Music Commentdary called Spotify.

F o r t h o s e who are unawar e, Spotify is one of the newest free music Jimmy Grzesik ser vices available.

That’s right, the f-word -- free. Being just as broke as the next college student, that news should be music to your ears (no pun intended).

Let’s break it down. First, a computer or smartphone is needed to download the program interface, which works a lot like iTunes.

Once downloaded, the next task is finding a song to listen to. Any song can be played

anytime, anywhere, thanks to the cloud Spotify has set up.

The cloud is a service rather than a product, where music is provided over a network.

With Spotify, that new music can be streamed online.

Custom playlists can also be made through the interface. If making your own playlist isn’t your thing, Spotify has already gone out of its way to make radio stations based on the artists you like.

There is no downloading of individual songs as in iTunes, though.

The cloud service allows you to keep your computer cleaner and run faster.

If that isn’t good enough for you, how about seeing what your friends are listening to by linking to Facebook?

All of the music saved on your computer can be uploaded to Spotify for listening, which is perfect for the aspiring artist.

As soon as a song is re-

corded, it can be uploaded to Spotify, or even shared as a post on Facebook for all your friends to see.

Now, there are a few shortcomings of Spotify. As wonderful as the cloud is, if you do not have Internet access, you will not be listening to music.

Frequent use of advertisements, like in Pandora, are also a detriment to Spotify.

Their frequency varies on the length of songs that are being listened to, but every four to seven songs, ads will be played.

However, there is the option to upgrade the Spotify account and pay for the service, which will eliminate the ads.

Spotify is the next thing in music, and can easily make iTunes a thing of the past.

As a college student, who wants to pay $10 for the newest Lil Wayne album when Spotify will basically give it to you for free?

Weekend: Festival unites community in music and dance Continued from Page 7

video on YouTube.

Viewers can watch the instructional video as many times as needed. There is no registration necessary to join in the choreographed community street dance.

Food will be served from prominent local vendors, including Triumph Grill and Pappy’s Smokehouse.

Dancing in the Street takes place at Grand Boulevard and Washington Avenue, between Delmar Boulevard and Lindell Boulevard.

Grand from Lindell to Delmar will close at 6 a.m. on Sept. 24 while preparations and set-up for the event are occurring. Parking lots and garages will be available for parking at this time.

For more information on Dancing in the Street, please visit www.grandcenter.org, or call 314-289-1507.

Pitt nearly hits ‘Moneyball’ out of the park Six years after his directorial debut, “Capote,” Bennett Miller returns to the big screen w i t h “ M o n Movie Review eyball.”

Aaron Sorkin’s and Steven Zaillian’s adapted screenplay foc u s e s more on T.J. Keeley the people who try to reinvent the game of baseball than on the game of baseball itself.

Brad Pitt stars as Billy Beane, the General Manager for the Oakland Athletics.

After the A’s lose to the New York Yankees in the 2001 playoffs, Beane becomes frustrated with his inability to “win that final game.”

The problem is the payroll. Currently, the New York Yankees boast a payroll of over $200 million, while the A’s pay their team $66 million collectively. The solution is sabermetrics, the application of economics to re-evaluate the effectiveness of players to get

on base, and in turn, to score and a strong love of the game runs. he has played his entire life.

This all sounds like rivetPitt displays wide emoing drama, right? After a bit tional range as Beane. Far of a slow start, “Moneyball” from the glamor-only roles he picks up momentum mainly played in the “Ocean’s” series, fueled by the Pitt’s take on witty exchanges Beane leaves from the pen one certain Moneyball of Sorkin, the that Pitt is a writer who can comfor table make the poliand talented tics of Washleading man. ington D.C. and Hill goes cyber-capitalism all nine inTHE GOOD engaging. nings with The rapidPitt.

Miller Sorkin, Miller, Pitt, Hofffire dialogue belets Hill ocman and Hill have great tween Pitt and cupy the team chemistry.

Jonah Hill is one screen for of the film’s most several minTHE BAD appealing traits. utes before With a slow start, the film In addition, the his character gets overly sentimental film, like its speaks. This in too many scenes. protagonist, selis possibly to dom watches let the audiTHE VERDICT baseball, so ence get their audience memlaughs out at The finest baseball film I bers who are the comedian have ever seen. disinterested in from “Superbaseball will not bad.” Here, feel alienated. though, Hill Instead, they are is in “Cyrus” presented with a story about mode, not sacrificing any a man with conviction in the laughs, but offering a much face of uncertainty, clever- more nuanced character than ness in opposition to cynicism merely playing an incarnation

A-

of himself in a Judd Apatow film. It is a fine performance.

Do not be fooled by the ads or the source material.

“Moneyball” is not a traditional baseball film, nor is it the cold and calculating statistical pseudo-documentary that director Steven Soderbergh had planned to make. Like he did for “The Social Network,” Sorkin makes computer nerds interesting by leaving out the numbers.

“Moneyball” will likely be compared to “The Social Network.” This is not fair, partly because it is an inferior film, but also because its aims are different. “The Social Network” was a cold and scathing social critique and morality play by way of David Fincher. “Moneyball” is more of a human interest story and a crowd-pleaser. While occasionally sentimental, “Moneyball” achieves an emotional payoff “The Social Network” never wanted.

“Moneyball” has a delicate magic to it, even if it feels like it could have been better. Pitt, Hill, Miller and Sorkin would all agree with the words of Beane: “It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball.”

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Sports Billiken Briefs Women’s Cross Country on a hot streak

The University News Thursday, September 22, 2011

unewsonline.com

>> Men’s Soccer

Homecoming sets stage for first home win After dispatching another ranked opponent, team countines to search for stability

By CHARLES BOWELS

Saint Louis senior Hilary Orf smashed the Billikens’ cross country 5K record at the National Catholic Invitational Friday, Sept.

16th at the University of Notre Dame, turning in a time of 17:22 to lead the women’s team to a third-place finish.

Orf broke her own school record for the second consecutive week. All the runners contributed to the success. For the first time in school history, five runners broke the 19-minute mark in the 5K event.

“I feel great about how the men’s and women’s team competed today,” SLU Head Coach Jon Bell said.

Staff Writer

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

Atlantic 10

play set to

commence

After a rigorous nonconference schedule, the Saint Louis volleyball team (4-6) opens Atlantic 10 Conference play Friday, Sept. 23 at the Chaifetz Pavilion.

The Billikens will play host to A-10 foe Univeristy of North CarolinaCharlotte at 7 p.m.

The 49ers of Charlotte ramble onto SLU’s home court with a 6-6 record on the year.

BILLIKEN SCOREBOARD

R

Men’s Soccer

L 0-1 @ Florida Gulf Coast

W 2-1 @ South Florida Women’s Soccer

T 0-0 vs. SEMO

T 0-0 vs. SIUE Volleyball

W 3-2 @ Miami Ohio

L 1-3 @ Tulsa

L 0-3 @ North Carolina Field Hockey

L 1-3 @ Missouri State

Talk to us: Michael Johnson 314.977.2812 sports@unewsonline.com

Freshman midfielder William Hidalgo and the rest of the Billikens look to notch thier first win at Robert R. Hermann Stadium this season.

The Saint Louis University Billikens (2-4-0) will be playing the Missouri State Bears (1-4-1) at Robert R. Hermann Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the annual homecoming weekend.

This past weekend, the Billikens took on No. 17 South Florida and Florida Gulf Coast in the University of South Florida Tournament.

The Billikens won against No. 17 South Florida 2-1 on Friday Sept. 16th.

Saint Louis freshman Kingsley Bryce netted both of the Billikens goals. Bryce’s first goal was in the 36th minute.

Nick Maglasang was credited with the assist.

The Bulls of South Florida came out the halftime break firing and scored in the 47th minute, but Bryce answered quickly, burying his second shot in the back of net in the just nine minutes later. Mike Roach earned the assist.

Bryce was named the Atlantic 10 Conference men’s soccer Rookie of the Week on Monday for his pair of goals in the USF match.

“He is very good so far, and the best is still to come,” senior Billikens forward Mike Roach said.

The Billikens had a quick turn around and squared off against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday. Riding high off a their second victory against a ranked opponent this season, they had a difficult time regaining their form in their second match of the weekend.

The Bills dropped the contest 1-0. They had plenty of opportunities in the first half but could not find the back of the net. Florida Gulf Coast in the 80th minute capitalized on their chance and got a shot past the Billikens keeper Nick Shackelford.

“Florida Gulf Coast is a tricky team. At the bare minimum, we needed to find a way to at least get a draw,” Head Coach Mike McGinty said.

“It is a tough one to swallow.”

The inconsistent play of the Billikens is evident. The Billikens came through in the clutch against ranked foes like Notre Dame and South Florida, but at the same time have lost to teams like Northern Illinois and Florida Gulf Coast.

Still, the Billikens have had one of the toughest nonconference schedules in the country.

The atmosphere for SaturSee “Homecoming” on Page 10

Pair of scoreless draws leave Billikens in neutral

By ANDRIA LAMPE Staff Writer

Perhaps the women’s soccer team looked past this last Sunday’s contest against the SIU-Edwardsville Cougars.

The Saint Louis University Billikens concluded the match in a 0-0 stalemate with the Cougars after a rollercoasterlike and rainy afternoon.

They also drew against the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State (SEMO).

Even after cruising to a 3-1 win on Sunday, Sept. 11th against University of Missouri-Kansas City, the Bills could not find the net once in either game this past weekend.

Midfielders Alli Reimer and Colleen Kustura and freshman forward Lindsay Elking peppered the SIUE goalie all afternoon, but they could not get the Billikens on the scoreboard. Sophomore forward Jenny Hummert also contributed with several promising, but deflected, kicks.

Goalkeeper Katie Walsh reacted impeccably to the Cougars’ offensive pressure and notched seven saves, and she recorded a clean sheet in the match. Walsh nabbed her season high of eight saves in Friday’s game against SEMO.

Curtis Wang / Multimedia Director

Junior Katie Walsh was named Atlantic 10 Co-Player of the Week, the second of her career.

The Billikens pushed hard for a goal just before halftime and provoked cries from the stands and the bench.

A significant turn of events followed a first half plagued by erratic downpours, dropping temperatures and gusty winds and tried to take away any momentum SLU had built going into halftime.

Nonetheless, the Billikens did not allow the deteriorating weather and sloppy pitch to distract them. The end of

halftime saw improved communication, a solid defensive line and increased physicality.

Second-half play mimicked the first 45 minutes with scoring opportunities and defensive saves. The closing minutes of regulation time produced no goals, and the teams went into the first of two 10-minute overtimes.

After an offensive shot and a couple goal deflections, the first overtime ended in zeros, but the second overtime

came to a thrilling finish.

After a drive by Hummert to the goal from the top of the penalty box followed by a blocked shot just feet from the net, the Billikens earned two consecutive corner kicks at the 23-second mark and the 15-second mark. Unfortunately, these were not enough to gain the lead over the Cougars.

“We had our defense figured out, and we did well trying to create opportunities for

ourselves,” Head Coach Tim Champion said about the tie.

He also expressed that not having freshman forward Abbey Stock in the game was an unfortunate situation. Stock leads the team in scoring with three goals, one assist and eight shots on goal.

Katie Walsh has been racking up awards and climbing the team’s statistical categories. For her pair of clean sheets, she was named CoPlayer of the Week in the Atlantic 10 Conference for Sept.

12-18. Her shutout against SIUE was her team-leading third of the season.

Walsh has been steadily chipping away at some of the SLU career stat charts as well. The junior has racked up 12 shutouts, 124 saves and 2,552 minutes up to this point.

Her significant number of minutes logged is the sixth highest in the program’s history.

Expect Walsh to see her numbers progressively grow throughout the remainder of this season and the next year’s campaign.

This Sunday, Sept. 25, Walsh and the rest of the Billikens will take on Missouri State University, whom they tied 0-0 last season. A victory would be a much-needed boost as they usher in conference play in October.

>> Commentary

The Great Conference Jenga Game: Is SLU up next?

In the world of collegiate athletics, if football is king, then men’s basketball has been relegated to the dancing jester, begging for the court’s attention as they all gaze adoringly upon royalty. Football has always been bigger and better than basketball, – notice how very Derrick Neuner few care that the NBA is on strike – but in the last year, the demand for college football has been moving at a fever pitch.

I probably just told you something you know. Here’s something else – Saint Louis University doesn’t have a football team, nor are they planning to add football back to its roster of sanctioned sports.

It’s haunted SLU before. In 2005, the Billikens were exiled out of an imploding Conference USA after the Big East snatched five schools away –DePaul, Marquette, Louisville, Cincinnati and South Florida. SLU was hoping to be in that group, but DePaul, with the all the glories of Chicago, was a better draw. Plan B: the Atlantic 10 Conference. Plan C: the Missouri Valley. Plan D: oblivion.

SLU, of course, chose Plan B. Now, let me tell you something you didn’t know. SLU doesn’t have football – and that’s the best thing it has going.

In the past week, the non-football schools of the Big East – DePaul, Marquette, Georgetown, Providence, St. John’s, Seton Hall and Villanova – met to discuss their future in a conference where football is about to become king. Those schools happen to have something else in common. Throw in Notre Dame and you are looking at the premiere private, Catholic colleges in America.

I spoke to several sources this week -- at SLU, the Atlantic 10, the Big East, ESPN – and everyone realizes, though they may not admit it, that the Big East is irreparably fractured.

With the shocking loss of Syracuse and the University of Pittsburgh, the Big East has the opportunity to go all-in for football. That means that the basketball schools become the ugly stepchildren. Who would want to be in that conference?

Don’t believe me? Look at the struggles that are ripping the Big 12 Conference apart. The only thing holding that hodgepodge together is the University of Texas; it’s also the reason why the conference is on the brink of extinction. Texas refuses to share a nickel of the $300 million it will receive from ESPN in the next 20 years. Its brothers in the Big 12, and possible partners in the PAC-12 Conference, are balking. All that glitters is gold, I suppose.

So the Catholic schools in the Big East have a choice to make – go it alone or go without. This should have

SLU licking its chops. The Billikens may get their second shot at the Big East – and soon.

Because this is my column, I’m allowed to share my ignorance and bliss in any quantity I want. So sit down and relax. I am proposing, right here, right now, the creation of a Papal League.

Think about it. The eight basketball-only schools from the Big East and the best-of-the-best from the A-10 – SLU, Xavier, Dayton and Temple – joining hands, stuffing wallets and sharing courts. Throw in Butler from the Horizon League, and voila! You have a lucrative, competitive basketball conference. These schools are nearly identical to each other in every way – academically, philosophically – and would always have God on their side.

For SLU, it would mean a return to competitive basketball not seen since the glory days of Conference USA. The move would provide recruiting inlets in Chicago, Indianapolis and the Eastern seaboard for both athletics and academics. If we are truly to become the best Catholic university in the United States, this is a must.

There are two other options that SLU must consider. Remaining in the A-10 is an incredibly smart and viable option. I am not advocating that the Billikens aggressively look for a new conference home. The A-10 fits the profile SLU is looking for and has been a competitive fit thus far. SLU

officials will tell you that the conference fits their desire to be associated with like-conferences – read, Catholic – and expand the University’s reputation eastward, but SLU wants in the Big East, make no mistake, and this may be their chance.

What I am suggesting is that SLU not wed itself to the conference. If the A-10 is to be picked apart by a bigger conference, SLU cannot get stuck the way it did in 2005. If so, then they will have no other choice than to, dare I say it, join the Missouri Valley Conference.

Following the mass exodus of schools in 2005 from CUSA, SLU was offered a spot in the Valley. But they were smart and proactive, and they said no. The Valley would never advance SLU’s mission, and financially it would make no sense. SLU does not belong there.

But if the A-10 falls apart, a possibility however remote, then why not? Bring the Billikens home and let them dominate the mid-major of the Midwest. There would be no point in staying in the A-10 sans Xavier or Temple, and if I were calling the shots, they wouldn’t.

No one knows where the road is headed. But this much is clear: Chris May was brought here to make sure SLU competed at the highest level.

It is now just a waiting game – and hopefully May, along with his boss, Fr. Biondi, are ready to play with the big boys. Time is a-ticking.

Sports

10

The University News

unewsonline.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

>> Feature

Being a Billiken, more than meets the eye CJF

Who to

After 100 years of reticence, Billiken voices insight into daily life

By MICHAEL JOHNSON Sports Editor

The athletic department has thrown up banners, billboards and posters all over the city of St. Louis and the campus here at Saint Louis University urging fans to “Let Your Billiken Roar.” There’s one slight problem. No one has a single clue what a Billiken sounds like. From the looks of it, most people would probably guess that it could only muster up a few incoherent guttural tones.

In order to clear up this dialectal distress, the Billiken decided to celebrate its 100th birthday by breaking this lifetime of silence with its first ever interview.

Turns out, behind that oversized glazed over smile sits a thoughtful, academic and playful mind.

This longtime vow of silence is puzzling. Why would the big Billiken on campus maintain such a mute lifestyle?

“I consider to myself to be a Billiken for men, women and others,” the Billiken said. “I would rather hear the crowd scream and shout for the teams rather than myself.

I’ll let them have all the fun while I play the role of getting them pumped up.”

The winking emblem of Saint Louis University athletics sure does a good job of that. Whether it’s by getting the fans pumped up during a key moment in a big game against an Atlantic 10 rival, tossing out free t-shirts for young Billiken fans or playing a prank during a break in the action, the Billiken sure keeps busy.

But there is more to life as SLU’s mascot than just horsing around at athletic events. It takes its role on campus seriously. Billiken maintains a full course load and carves out time from its busy schedule to hit the weights.

How many universities can lay claim to such a well-rounded mascot? Ignatius of Loyola would blush in envy of this full-package, cura personalis individual.

The origins of the Billiken are fuzzy, like its felt skin, but they are certainly rooted in strong family ties.

“I have a mom and dad Billiken,” the Billliken said. “I have a younger

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

The Billiken is a popular spectacle at sporting events and was once known exclusively for its exaggerated antics and t-shirt tossing abilities. brother, Big Blue, who has gotten a lot of publicity lately because he’s flashy and inflatable. I would be lying if I said I’m not a little jealous of him, but I’m happy for him.”

The whole Billiken crew has royal blue eyes and white hair, but miraculously, they are of Chinese decent. Go figure.

Family comes first in the Billiken’s life. Second on the list of priorities are academics. All of SLU’s student athletes are working towards a degree in their field of choice.

The Billiken is no different.

The student mascot has been enrolled in 18 hours for all 200 semesters it has been on the Frost Campus. “It’s a symbolic thing,” the Billiken said.

“The University was founded in 1818, so the higher ups will not let me take anything less than 18.

Hands down, my favorite class has

got to be the tumbling course I take with all the Saintsations.”

When he’s not busy in class, the Billiken trains hard in the Simon Recreation Center in order to maintain the proper fitness necessary to keep its iconic bodily features. The mascot is careful to stay away from abdominal exercises. A chiseled stomach could lead to fewer wins for SLU’s teams.

“My belly is notable because it radiates good luck,” the Billiken said. “But the chicks definitely dig my biceps. They’re irresistible.”

After pumping out several sets of curls, it chugs a protein shake and heads upstairs to the basketball courts to perfect its patented reverse half-court granny shot.

When game days roll around, the Billiken utilizes a pre-game routine to maintain focus. This means heading on over to the SLU mas-

cot’s favorite dining establishment in all of St. Louis, Griesedieck Dining Hall, for a hearty meal.

“I load up on all the healthy options,” the Billiken said. “I make sure to hit all the food groups. I get whatever cut of meat is offered and toss some starches, like potatoes, on my plate to balance it out. For my second course, I ravage the salad bar, loading up on veggies and topping it all off with thousand island dressing.”

With a full stomach, it heads over to the locker room to get pumped up. After putting on some headphones, the Billiken puts the Space Jam soundtrack into its Walkman and blares the volume to full blast.

After the opening kickoff, tipoff or serve, it’s all eyes on the Billiken -- and the game. When in a bind, the mascot whips out its go-to move to energize the crowd.

“The old one-hand-to-the-ear and finger-to-the-crowd move gets them every time,” the Billiken said.

“It’s a genuine crowd pleaser.”

The Billiken is a competitive son of a gun and wakes up everyday striving to be the best mascot in all of the land. Sharing the spotlight with Louie, the St. Louis Blues Mascot, and Fredbird, the St. Louis Cardinals mascot, is not an option.

“People go ga-ga over the Clydesdales too because they are such powerful creatures,” the Billiken admitted. But the illustrious, majestic horses that beer drinkers have come to identify with Anheuser-Busch products are no match for the Billiken.

“Yeah, I rode one once,” the Billiken quipped.

Now it may seem like the Billiken may have a little bit of a competitive streak, but can anyone really blame it? It would be lame if the face of the University was a dweeb who was content settling for second place.

There it is. There are no more excuses for the students who claim not to know how to roar like a Billiken.

A Billiken’s roar sounds like swagger, bulging muscles and faintly of the Space Jam soundtrack. So go out there and let it roar for the Billiken and the student athletes this homecoming weekend.

Homecoming: Bills Budding SLU squad weak off tee rounding into form >> Club Golf

By TONY TRAINA Staff Writer

Continued from Page 9

Every story has a loser.

Even the tale of Saint Louis University building a firstclass NCAA Division I athletic program has claimed its victims within the University.

When Saint Louis University decided to move from Conference USA to the Atlantic 10 beginning in the 2005-2006 academic year, it was subsequently announced that both the men’s and women’s golf teams would cease to exist.

Even though SLU no longer competes on golf courses at the Division I level, a group of students are actively pushing to create a competitive club team open to all students on campus.

In exchange for eliminating the varsity golf teams, the athletic department decided instead to allocate their funds to a men’s and women’s track and field and cross country team.

This strategy created more scholarship opportunities for student athletes as well as made the University a more attractive member of the Atlantic 10 conference.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but strategic analysis clearly demonstrates that this realignment better fits with our long-term athletic department goals within the Atlantic 10 Conference,” former Athletic Director Cheryl Levick said.

“The formula for funding the golf programs did not work for our department.

This change will allow us to enhance our opportunity for success within the A-10,” she said.

Becoming the only NCAA Division I track and field program in the St. Louis area was also an appealing opportunity the department could not pass up, and the teams have recently had some great success.

While the women’s team saw little success during its short-lived existence, the last director of golf operations, Ed Scwent, brought SLU men’s golf to heights previously unattained.

The team was successful

day’s game will be electric.

The Billikens have averaged 3,507 attendees at their two home games at Hermann Stadium. This Saturday’s game will also feature the traditional homecoming fireworks festivities.

Despite this great fan support, the men in blue have yet to secure a victory at home.

They are 0-2 at home on this fall. The Billikens are aching to treat their supporters with a win this weekend.

“We look forward to getting back in front of our fans at Hermann Stadium for Homecoming next Saturday,” McGinty said.

Bryce and Raymond Lee, a pair of freshman midfielders, lead the Billikens with two goals apiece. Lee has added an assist for a team-high five points.

Senior midfielder Alex Johnston and sophomore forward Adnan Gabeljic have also tallied for the Billikens.

Missouri State is coming in after winning its first game of the season 1-0 against the Bearcats of the University of Cincinnati. This game will complete a five-game road trip for the Missouri State Bears.

This game also marks the return of midfielder Ryan Moses who transferred from SLU after his sophomore season. Moses has only played a

Photo courtesy of Chris Elliott

Fellow SLU club golf team members warm up before one of their weekly outings. both on and off the course.

Under his watch and tutelage, the team was home to an AllConference USA selection and two Scholar All-Americans.

Now, SLU golf has reemerged on the horizon, albeit as a spec. In 2008, SLU Club Golf President Joe Valentine began laying the foundation to form the club for those “with an interest in the game to practice and play competitively.”

While still working to become an SGA Chartered Student Organization, the burgeoning club has developed a small following. They have presented to the SGA, aiming to garner university funds, but they have not yet been successful.

“The club is not yet a team, but they host weekly outings at their home course, the Highlands, in Forest Park,” Club Golf Vice President Chris Elliott said.

Valentine and Elliott are also actively pursuing tournaments with teams from surrounding colleges and universities to give the Billikens a competitive experience. Their outings are typically on Friday, and turnout varies from

week to week.

This is more appealing and accessible to the general student body than the more time-consuming and demanding varsity team. It would also be more economically viable for the university to maintain.

While the club push is driven by a small group of guys, golf at SLU has experienced a rise in popularity over the last few years. For those looking for more than just a leisurely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, intramural golf is now offered through the Simon Recreation Center.

While the club attempts to attract a larger following, this offers a good venue for golf enthusiasts to tee it up who may be weary of jumping directly into the competitive circuit.

Since the loss of the varsity squads, golfers across the university have felt the void of a structured team.

The leaders of this effort continue to see support across the university, but it is also necessary for the group to become more organized if they expect to gain the support of the SGA and become a legitimate force on campus with staying power.

total of 42 minutes in the six games that Missouri State has played this year.

“It will be good to see an old friend, but when we get on the field, it is all business,” Roach said.

The Billikens lead the alltime series 8-0-4 against the Missouri State Bears. The squads have met in each of the last three years. Last season, SLU and MSU played to a scoreless draw at Hermann Stadium.

Missouri State has only scored three total goals this year in 77 shot attempts. The team scored its first second half goal in its game against Cincinnati.

The Missouri State goalkeeper, Trevor Spangenberg, has allowed eight goals in six games. Spangenberg has allowed six second half goals.

Two of Missouri State’s goals have been scored by Missouri State freshman defender James Fawke. Fawke scored the game-winning goal against Cincinnati in the 80th minute.

Midfielder/forward Jared Gain has also tallied for Missouri State, which has been outscored 8-3 on the season.

The Billikens have one more non-conference game after this match before Atlantic 10 conference play begins against Rhode Island on October 7th.

CHEER

Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo The Dallas Cowboys quarterback reentered the game in the second half after breaking two ribs earlier in the contest, leading his team back from 10 points behind to defeat the 49ers in overtime. His game-winning pass to backup receiver Jesse Holley is the first time he has connected with someone whose name starts with “Jess” in quite some time.

Who to

JEER

Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Dunta Robinson In the third quarter of a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, the Atlanta Falcons cornerback hit Eagles receiver Jeremy Maclin with a dangerous helmet-to-helmet tackle.

The hit came less than a year after Robinson performed a similar tackle on Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson, causing both players concussions. The side effects of concussions can include memory loss, which might explain why Robinson was quoted after the game as saying, “I don’t have a reputation as a dirty player.”

Who to

FEAR

Courtesy of Baltimore Ravens

Ray Rice While Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis remains the only human being who can remain physically terrifying even after appearing in an Old Spice commercial, it will be the Ravens running back Ray Rice who the Rams should be worried about in their matchup this Sunday. Rice has established himself as one of the best running backs in football, and he is a bigplay threat in the passing game as well.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

Fans attending the homecoming game on Saturday, Sept.

24th at 7:30 p.m. will be treated to a deluxe firework show.

By JONATHAN AUPING Staff Writer

11

Sports

unewsonline.com

Thursday, September 22, 2011

The University News

2011-2012 Billiken Men’s Basketball Schedule R

Wednesday, November 2 Cardinal Stritch (Exh.) Saturday, November 5 St. Ambrose (Exh.) Friday, November 11 Tennessee State Tuesday, November 15 Southern Illinois Sunday, November 20 Washington Thursday, November 24 Boston College Friday, November 25 Villanova or UC Riverside Sunday, November 27 Oklahoma, Santa Clara, Washington State or New Mexico Tuesday November 29 Loyola Marymount Saturday, December 3 Portland Wednesday, December 7 Vermont Saturday, December 10 TBA Saturday, December 17 Alabama State Thursday, December 22 Arkansas State Tuesday, December 27 Texas Southern Saturday, December 31 New Mexico Wednesday, January 4 Dayton

*Conference Games

Saturday, January 7 Wednesday, January 11 Saturday, January 14 Saturday, January 21 Wednesday, January 25 Saturday, January 28 Wednesday, February 1 Saturday, February 4 Wednesday, February 8 Saturday, February 11 Wednesday, February 15 Saturday, February 18 Saturday, February 25 Tuesday, February 28 Saturday, March 3

George Washington* Temple* Charlotte* Duquesne* Xavier* Massachusetts* St. Bonaventure* Dayton* Saint Joseph’s* La Salle* Richmond* Fordham* Rhode Island* Xavier* Duquesne*

Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament

Tuesday, March 6 Friday, March 9 Saturday, March 10 Sunday, March 11

First Round Quarterfinal Semifinal Final

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Thursday, September 22, 2011

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WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Who will you nominate for the Last Lecture Series?

Nominations from students will be accepted until September 30, 2011

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

The nomination process is online.

Please visit the website: http://www.slu.edu/lastlecture.xml.

Nominate TODAY!

MONDAY NIGHTS 9:15pm The Billiken Club Bring your team of four and compete in this weekly Pop Culture Trivia Challenge.

Show off your skills and have your team be crowned Trivia Champion for the week!

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

This program is supported by the offices of the Vice President, Frost and Vice President, Health Sciences and the Division of Student Development.

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Each semester a faculty member will be selected from student nominations to share reflections from their life’s journey and speak to students in an informal format as if it was their last lecture ever.

WE ARE ALL BILLIKENS

Last Lecture Series

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! St. Louis Guide 2011

The University News Celebrating 90 Years as a Student Voice of Saint Louis University

St. Louis Eats

St. Louis Guide

The University News

With your head full of brains and your shoes full of feet,

You’re too smart to go down any not-so-good street.

If you ever get hungry and need something to eat,

Head to these tasty places for a wonderful treat!

Ice cream and frozen yogurt provide year-round summer flavor

By BO PENG Staff Writer

Nothing brings back the taste of summer like ice cream and frozen yogurt do.

Fortunately, the St. Louis area caters to ice cream lovers on a year-round basis. Here are just a few of many options.

The Flying Cow 3331 Locust St. Price: 42 cents per ounce With a clean shop, 30 diverse toppings and 12 different flavors, there is no cooler ice cream parlor so close to Saint Louis University than The Flying Cow. Located on Locust Street, The Flying Cow is a five-minute walk from campus.

In addition, it is a relatively new place that opened this past summer.

“Though we are new here with business, we promise at Flying Cow you can enjoy a healthy snack that you can customize yourself,” Manager Zack Smith said.

That’s right, The Flying Cow is a unique self-serve frozen yogurt destination where the possibilities for tasty treats are endless.

Currently, The Flying Cow is offering coupons for 10 percent

off purchases for SLU students, and with every nine cups of their frozen yogurt, one cup can be purchased for free.

FroYo: Premium Frozen Yogurt 4663 Maryland Ave., within walking distance of campus 6329 Delmar Blvd., in the Delmar Loop Price: 40 cents per ounce

famous not only for its frozen yogurt, but also for its cold drinks.

The shop offers approximately 40 different types of frozen yogurt, including Amaretto, Tutti Frutti, butter pecan, Dutch apple pie and many fresh fruit

“

We promise at Flying Cow you can enjoy a healthy snack that you can customize yourself.

FroYo’s frozen yogurt is loaded with vitamins, minerals and active cultured probiotics.

There are 10 different flavors of low-fat frozen yogurt, offering a strong defense for those who are not yet ready to say goodbye to summer.

Armed with a bowl of colorful frozen yogurt, customers should pay attention to FroYo’s toppings bar.

Customers can choose from freshly cut fruit, nuts, cookie dough, real brownies, whipped cream, chocolate sauce and sprinkles to decorate the “base.”

flavors.

Lancia also boasts a team of extremely friendly employees.

Customers are welcome to try sample after sample before they settle on a certain one.

Lancia

The Fountain on Locust

14844 Clayton Rd. Price: 40 cents per ounce Lancia is an ice cream shop

”

-Zach Smith, manager of The Flying Cow

3037 Locust St., within walking distance of campus Price: Approximately $7 per desert

The Fountain is said to be one of the most handsome ice cream spots in St. Louis City.

The restaurant’s interior decoration is particularly “cool,” not just because of its signature ice cream, but also because of the beautiful, hand-painted Art Deco interior.

Home of the ice cream martini, every desert at the Fountain is handcrafted to look exactly like the pictures on the menu.

With homemade ice cream sauces, chocolates, ice cream martinis, champaign floats and a variety of signature cocktails, everything asserts The Fountain’s sincerity for food.

pineapple-marshmallow-sauced French sundae, layered with toasted cashews and chocolate sprinkles, is an adventure for your taste buds.

The Crown Candy Kitchen’s turtle sundae may be the most remarkable, cloaked in silken vanilla ice cream and hot fudge, and covered with caramel sauce and buttered, toasted pecans.

Everything is served in a soda fountain glass, soaking your heart into the sweet, oldfashioned atmosphere.

Crown Candy Kitchen

Price: $5 for a concrete, $4 for a sundae

1401 St. Louis Ave. Price: $2.50 for a one-scoop cone/cup, $3.85 for a two-scoop cone/cup Crown Candy has been owned by the Karandzieff family since 1913, and is now living in a charming relic.

Upon stepping in the restaurant, the first thing that may surprise a customer might be the old-fashioned atmosphere, complete with the hand-painted wooden structure and vintage Coca-Cola trays.

Taking a sip of the inch-thick Lover’s Delight, or a strawberry-

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard 6726 Chippewa Ave.

Ted Drewes offers customers a different way to indulge a sweet tooth.

Since 1930, Ted Drewes has served St. Louisans with its signature concrete, served upside down.

Every evening, the store will gather lines growing to the edge of Chippewa Street, but that does not mean customers cannot get custard as soon as possible.

The staff operates seven windows, so lines move quickly.

Ted Drewes frozen custard is also available at select local groceries.

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3

St. Louis Guide

Pi Pizzeria, presidentially-approved food and fare Restaurant’s Chicago-style pizza attracts food lovers nationwide

By MATT EMODI Staff Writer

The deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza served at Pi Pizzeria has captured the hearts and taste buds of critics and food magazines alike.

The restaurant gained popularity when President Obama visited St. Louis and ordered pizzas for his staff, prompting the opening of a new location in Washington, D.C. this fall.

With four permanent locations in the St. Louis metro area, including Kirkwood, the Delmar Loop, the Central West End and

one on wheels, the Pi Truck, there is no need to stress about getting that needed pizza fix.

The prices for either a thin crust or deep dish pizza may be a bit steep, but signs show these conceptions have failed to deter people from swinging by for a hearty meal and a drink or two.

A pizza, thick or thin, can cost anywhere from $11 to $20, deppending on the topping selection.

“The deep dish pizza caught me totally off guard,” said junior John Kozlik. “It only took two slices to fill me up.”

To accommodate the upper-

end prices are much larger slices of pizza, as many Chicagostyle pizzas live up to.

Drinks, on the other end, have people calling Pi’s “Green Hour” one of the best happy hours in the city. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day, Pi offers varying drink specials at every location, not to mention their lengthy list of draft beers.

Not only has this restaurant become a hot spot for happy hour fiends, but they serve breakfast every day starting at 6 a.m.

Their “almost famous” breakfast pizza is popular among

many hot and cold breakfast items, such as waffles, biscuits and scones.

Pi has become a staple to St. Louis dining.

One might crave a simple sit-down meal with friends, or be found using Twitter to locate the official Pi Truck (@ PiTruckSTL) that could be stationed anywhere in St. Louis.

This pizzeria is unlike many in the industry, with trendy happy hour specials and hours of operation that are not common. Like a typical college student, Pi believes that pizza is good at anytime of the day.

Minghao Gao / Staff Photographer

The Central West End Pi location includes a full-service, wrap-around bar for patrons.

Pappy’s brings taste of Memphis to St. Louis

By MATT EMODI Staff Writer

Only at Pappy’s Smokehouse will fanatics wait in a line that extends out the back door just to sink their teeth into some good old Memphis-style barbecue.

Named as the best barbecue joint in the United States by a recent Zagat survey, Pappy’s crème de la crème meats and their out-of-the-ordinary business culture capture the hearts of both local residents and travelers alike.

Mike Emerson, owner of Pappy’s Smokehouse, grills with a unique mindset.

His slogan, “We’ve got nothing to hide, so the sauce is on the side,” accurately describes why Pappy’s ribs and beef brisket spends anywhere between four and 14 hours in the smoker, above apple or cherry wood.

It is left up to the customer to choose which of the three homemade sauces to devour.

The simple, but delicious, sides, including sweet potato fries, baked beans and more, are nothing short of extraordinary.

Pappy’s just celebrated their third birthday this year.

In such a short time, Emerson and his staff have had their share in the scope from critics across the nation. Pappy’s has been featured on the Food Network and other related television channels.

Famous critic Adam Richman, from the TV series “Man Versus

Mark Campos / Staff Photographer

Pappy’s Smokehouse complements its famous barbecue sandwiches with delectable sides, including sweet potato fries and coleslaw.

Other side item menu favorites include baked beans, potato salad, fried corn on the cob, green beans and baked potatoes.

Food,” made a pit stop in St. Louis to film an episode.

Richman was pinned up against the $35 dollar “Big Ben” meal on his trip to the Gateway City.

Emerson invented the “Adam” bomb, which then became planted on the full-time menu in his honor.

Seasoned customers understand to head to the smoke-

house early because Pappy’s is officially closed once the last bits of brisket are scarfed down.

Arriving early is a must, even though the visitors sometimes arrive before the doors are officially opened for the day.

If an early trip is out of the question, Pappy’s encourages customers to call ahead of time and order for pickup, at 314-535-4340.

What students say...

“It’s the only place I’ll go and wait more than an hour for food.”

-Matt Johns, graduate student

“After going to school in Kansas City, Mo. for a year, I didn’t think I could have better BBQ. Then I went to Pappy’s and my tastebuds were blown away.”

-Andrew Shipp, senior

St. Louis Movies

St. Louis Guide

The University News

You’ll be on your way up, You’ll be seeing great sights.

At these St. Louis theaters, You’ll have some great nights!

Tivoli Theatre evokes vintage appeal, quirky charm

By WOLF HOWARD Staff Writer

With a three-story tall red neon sign looming over the Walk of Fame, it’s hard to miss the Tivoli Theatre, a centerpiece of the St. Louis Delmar Loop.

The Tivoli takes a pass on major box office hits, instead deciding to focus on indie and foreign films that most large movie theaters would not offer.

The theater was opened in 1925, but suffered a decline until its closure in 1994.

In 1995, Joe Edwards, owner of Blueberry Hill and a major figure in the success of The Loop, spent $2 million for renovations at the historical landmark, aiming for a return to its original 1920’s form.

Visitors can feel the age of the theater by simply walking up to it. The distinct “Tivoli” sign is clearly not of the modern era, and the marquee, surrounded by large yellow light bulbs, is still maintained with manually set letters.

Double doors abound, the entrance has the feel of walking into an old cinema to watch newsreels and cartoons.

The ushers, as well as their outfits, actually fit with the image, unlike most modern theaters where an employee in a vest and beret seems to be dressed for the wrong party.

The hallways are lined with

Allison Smith / Staff Photographer

The Tivoli Theatre’s marquee and neon lighting are a stand-out feature of the Delmar Loop. old movie posters, many of them fan favorites and B-movie horror flicks.

There is only a need for one concession stand, and it is a small one at that, but stacked with all of the city favorites, including Ted Drewes frozen custard and various beverages from Fitz’s Rootbeer and Schlafly, among others.

There’s even a small section

of tables and chairs, so patrons can relax and enjoy their food in between movies. The terrazzo floor and ornate wall decorations further separate the Tivoli from most modern theaters.

The actual theaters are a major part of what makes the Tivoli a St. Louis favorite. There are only three screens in the entire venue.

The main screen room is

beautiful by all standards.

Pushed behind a stage, the screen is covered by giant red curtains. The vaulted ceiling is complemented with recessed domes, and everything has been beautifully painted and set.

The chairs are worn and comfortable, and the decline of the room is subtle, but effective, so audience members can always see past the person in front of

them. It feels a lot like a refined live theater.

Another major pull of the theater is the wide-ranging movie selection. The Tivoli is well known for showing movies that have a cult following.

“The Room,” for instance, a movie often accused of being one of the worst pieces of film ever made, has developed a major following in American culture, purely because of how bad it is. And, due to the underground’s appreciation for horrific cinema, “The Room” has a welcomed home in the Tivoli’s projection rooms.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is also played frequently. Released in 1975, “Rocky Horror” has become a beloved piece of strangeness among many circles.

The usual way to watch it is dressed up as one of the characters from the movie, perhaps the transsexual Transylvanian played by Tim Robbins, and singing along with every musical score available. People sometimes jump on stage and throw things at the screen. The showing becomes a big party for a bunch of misfits and music lovers.

It’s because of that fact that audiences can find this sort of fun and love of film at the Tivoli Theatre that it is so adored by the people of St. Louis and the Delmar community.

unewsonline.com

St. Louis Guide

5

Food, bowling and movies at The Moolah

By KATHRYN GRUNDY Staff Writer

Since its opening in 2005, the Moolah Theater and Lounge has been enchanting St. Louis moviegoers with its blend of Old World charm and unique, modern amenities.

As one of the last singlescreen movie theaters in the country, the Moolah offers a rare alternative to the impersonal multiplex.

Located in Midtown next to the Saint Louis University campus at 3821 Lindell Blvd., the Moolah is known especially for its quirky architecture and design.

The Moolah Temple’s walls are decked in vibrant pink, green and gold. Intricate motif and architectural flourishes mark its Moorish influences. A breathtaking high-vaulted ceiling graces the main theater.

According to the website for St. Louis Cinemas, the chain of movie theaters that includes the Moolah, the building has undergone a $17.2 million restoration in order to achieve its historic charm.

First erected by the Shrine Masons in 1913, the Moolah Temple building was vacated during the mid-1980s and fell into deep disrepair.

Fortunately, in 2002 a redevelopment company built the theater within the temple and restored the building to its original glory.

Nowadays, the Moolah draws a varied crowd of single adults, families and students from all over the city.

This may be because of all that the Moolah has to offer.

The theater’s 390 seats consist of plush, leather couches and balcony seating. Feature films are shown on a massive 20-by-45-feet screen in the main theater.

At the Moolah Lanes, customers can take their same-day ticket stubs and receive a free bowling shoe rental or a free game of bowling.

Also at the Moolah Theater is the Mini-Moolah Lounge, a smaller version of the main theater, furnished with the same leather love seats.

On Monday nights, visitors can patronize the concession stand and watch themed double features in the “Mini Moo.” “We play television shows in [the Mini-Moolah Lounge] throughout the week, plus

the Oscars, Rams games, and ‘Breaking Bad’ on Sundays,” Landon Burris, assistant manager, said.

Burris explained the uniqueness of the Moolah and the Mini-Moolah Lounge. “[The Mini-Moolah Lounge] shows how special Moolah is, that people can come here and buy a concession and see a movie free,” Burris said.

The price is special at the Moolah in many ways.

With student ticket prices of $7 and weekly events like $5 Wacky Wednesdays, the Moolah is an affordable way to experience the movies.

Quality over quantity is a philosophy that rarely exists in a cinema multiplex, but at the Moolah it is reflected in the business model.

This is partly because the Moolah caters to an audience that more closely resembles an unconventional, artistic movie crowd than that of a popular, box office hit.

“You won’t find mainstream action or horror movies here, but really good movies of a higher quality,” Burris said.

Burris said the owner of the Moolah, Harman Moseley, likes to take risks on smaller movies.

In the lobby of the Moolah, visitors will find a sign advertising the theater’s support for other businesses native to St. Louis.

The concession stand carries local products, like Ted Drewes frozen custard, Billy Goat Chips, Dogtown Pizza and Lake Forest Confections.

Starting this fall, the Moolah Theater will extend this St. Louis support to local filmmakers.

Every Thursday, the Moolah will accept submissions from local, amateur filmmakers to be shown in the Mini-Moolah Lounge.

“If it becomes a big enough film, they will play it in the main theater,” Burris said. “We want to do more stuff like that.”

On Oct. 6, the independent St. Louis film “A. (Anonymous)” will be the first of its kind played in the main theater.

The special screening is scheduled for one night only, and a live band will be present for the event. Currently, Steven Soderbergh’s action-thriller “Contagion” is playing at the Moolah.

For more information, visit the Moolah’s website at www. stlouiscinemas.com/Moolah.

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

The Moolah Theater and Lounge, located across the street from SLU’s Frost Campus, is known for its ornate, Moorish features. The iconic building was restored in 2002 after a period of disarray.

St. Louis Concerts

St. Louis Guide

The University News

You’ll find the bright places, Where Boom Bands are playing.

Clap your hands to the beat, Do you get what we’re saying?

Blueberry Hill: Celebrating American pop culture

By WOLF HOWARD Staff Writer

Blueberry Hill is one of the seminal attractions of the Delmar Loop district in St. Louis, and the restaurant has become strongly intertwined with all things pop culture in America.

A holographic image of Blueberr y Hill’s owner Joe Edwards, with “Welcome” written across it, is a strong hint as to how the restaurant will feel – that is, like a welcoming stroll across America.

The walls are lined with portraits or pictures of famous musicians and actors, not to be outdone by the entirely random, but overwhelming, assortment of giant fish plaques, dinosaur statuettes and trophy heads that take up every bare surface they legally can cover.

“The Simpsons,” “Star Wars” and figures of the St. Louis native Chuck Berry are just a few of the centerpieces available. The cases are full of memorabilia.

“The Simpsons” shrine, for instance, has a full cast of characters in the form of action figures, with the back of the case lined with comic books and an other thing relating to the brand of the iconic television show.

The menu offers a strong variety of choices, from burgers to Trout Almondine. One of the dishes offered in the specialties section is the Chili Mac, a

Candra Johnson / Staff Photographer

A haven for food- and music-lovers, Blueberry Hill is located in the main drag of the Delmar Loop. plate of macaroni topped with a heap of chili and then covered in cheddar cheese.

The burgers are a staple of the restaurant (“Voted No. 1 Burgers,” the menu boasts), and come thick and juicy. Toasted ravioli, a beloved St. Louis appetizer, is offered, and for some, is eaten as an entrée. Root beer floats are also available, made with the local favorite Fitz’s Root Beer.

The food is well-priced and well-presented, and the staff is

friendly and fun, not to mention fashionable.

For those of the drinkng age, the bar has an impressive array of liquor selections and a rotating guest beer every week.

Breakfast options are also available and served all day.

Food is served until midnight every day except Sunday. After 9 p.m. the restaurant becomes a bar, and allows only drinking age adults inside.

Aside from a delicious menu, the restaurant offers a variety of

entertainment, from games to live music. A full-scale dart room is located on the east side of the half-block long building, along with a few other games. Large pictures of past dart champions are placed high on a wall.

Anyone making a trip to use the restroom will come across a hallway completely lined with snapshots of Edwards and various celebrities that have visited the Blueberry Hill.

Here, the restaurant shares with the patrons all the fame that

has touched Blueberry’s floors.

The star power ranges from worldwide to cult status, and moves across years of influence.

Everyone, from Bo Diddley and Keith Richards to The Strokes and Harry Caray, has taken a photo with Edwards.

The display shows that America is as in love with Blueberry Hill as Edwards is in love with America.

A ver y strong draw of Blueberry Hill is its connection to Chuck Berry, a St. Louis native. The national rock and roll legend, who has shaped the future sound of countless rock bands since 1955, plays a monthly show at in The Duck Room, a venue located in the restaurant that has become a standard name in the St. Louis area.

Berry’s star on the Walk of Fame, located on the sidewalks of The Loop, is fittingly placed directly outside the entrance, and his shows sell out almost immediately after being announced.

The Duck Room is host to many other local acts and can hold up to 300 people.

Along with The Elvis Room, a 200-person venue, Blueberry Hill does its part to provide authentic local music. Private parties are welcome to buy a room out for a night.

Nearly all shows are for ages 21-and-older, but the experience comes highly recommended.

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St. Louis Guide

Delmar Loop holds world-ranked concert venue The Pageant concludes 10th anniversary celebration, begins new performance season

By DAVID MOONEY Staff Writer

Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Lauryn Hill, Phoenix, Bon Iver and Matisyahu.

What do all of these awardwinning artists and bands have in common? They have all played at The Pageant.

The Place

Located at 6161 Delmar Blvd. in the St. Louis Delmar Loop, The Pageant is a premier club venue that shakes its fists and says “nay” to the thought that live music in this city is a thing of the past.

While celebrating its 10th anniversary and getting ready to step into its 11th in October, this stronghold for the music scene is also joyously beating the drum of better times than ever.

In fact, in Pollstar’s Top 100 Club Venues in the World for 2010, The Pageant took fourth, just behind venues in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Brussels, Belgium.

The Pageant was constructed with the music lover in mind.

The capacity for this venue ranges from approximately 1,000 to 2,300 people, depending on which show is playing. No matter where listeners sit- the furthest from the stage is 75 feet away -“There isn’t a bad seat in

the house,” the venue boasts on its website.

The building houses a dance floor, balcony seating for folks ages 21 and older, comfortable seating surrounding the dance floor and standing area just about everywhere else. The venue culminates to create the perfect environment to see live music the way it ought to be seen.

“

In Pollstar’s Top 100 Club Venues in the World for 2010, The Pageant took fourth.

The Music

”

The Pageant is continually bringing great music to the ears of St. Louisans, anywhere from Grammy Award-winners and nominees, all the way to local artists getting their foot in the door of the music industry.

If music lovers ever were to get a fever for some live tunes, The Pageant has got the prescription. On any given week, the venue offers three or more

shows for an affordable price.

And, speaking of shows, The Pageant has got a plethora of talent coming our way in the next several months.

When the temperatures drop in October, The Pageant heats up. Death Cab for Cutie, Arctic Monkeys, Beirut, Lucinda Williams, Brett Dennen, Matt Nathanson, Chromeo, Mayer Hawthorne and the Drive-By Truckers will all be stopping by this fall.

If none of these names catch attention, there is an act for that. The Pageant plays hip-hop, jazz, indie rock, dubstep, folk, country and R&B.

The Extra

Besides being a great place for live music, The Pageant also features The Halo Bar and Suite 100. For those looking solely to get their groove on, the Halo Bar has disc jockeys that spin on a year-round basis on nights when no shows are scheduled.

Suite 100, the merchandise shop where bands set up after the show, is a “sweet” place to stop by and support the artists after their performances.

So, if you are desiring affordable shows from amazing musicians at a venue so intimate that the sweat from the lead singer’s brow will most likely fall upon the crowd, then head to The Pageant.

Candra Johnson / Staff Photographer

The Pageant has a maximum capacity of 2,300 people, and, as their website notes, “There isn’t a bad seat in the house.”

The Firebird takes a chance on local, up-and-coming artists

By MATT EMODI Staff Writer

To earn a profit, bands must not rely solely on CD sales, but touring as well. The Firebird has succeeded as a live concert venue and haven for traveling and local musicians since 2007.

Located east of Saint Louis University’s campus at 2706 Olive St., the venue was formerly known as The Bluebird, until local musician and talent buyer Mike Cracchiolo and friends bought the building and renamed it The Firebird in 2009.

The Firebird books local and up-and-coming musical groups for performances, as well as comedians and veteran artists spanning across the map.

“We still manage to book the occasional unknown bands, just

because we like their sound,” Cracchiolo said. “A lot of times, those bands go on to be a lot more successful.”

Despite occupancy limitations, fans and bands have grown to love the dimly lit, well-separated bar-venue combination.

The bar, selling cheap PBR tall boys and all sorts of concoctions over ice, is tucked in the far corner.

Adjacent to the bar are booths where the bands can often be caught preparing for their stage takeover or enjoying a cold, discounted beverage. The venue also has a wall adjacent to the stage dedicated to a performing group’s merchandise table, not to mention the great acoustics and lighting options that are available to the musicians.

Kevin Griffin, lead sing-

er for local reggae-rock band Dreadnot, said he enjoys performing at The Firebird as much as any fan loves to observe.

“We particularly like The Firebird because they have a great atmosphere there,” Griffin said of the management’s professionalism with the bands and the venue’s open floor plan.

The crowd demographics typically will deviate based upon the artist that has been booked.

“There are plenty of clubs in town that cater to an older crowd, but based simply on our taste in booking, most of our acts draw in college kids up through folks in their late 30s,” Cracchiolo said.

The schedule is always full of performances. In terms of genre, Cracchiolo said artists who perform at the Firebird typ-

ically will range from rock, indie, punk, metal, electro and hip-hop genres.

“We try to keep it diverse and eclectic so that there is always something for everyone,” Cracchiolo said.

Cracchiolo said he has a niche for determining who will and will not show up for any Friday night or weekday performance.

He has been a local musician for nearly 10 years, and he has also served as a bouncer for The Pageant in the Delmar Loop.

This background in the St. Louis music industry unfolded into multiple talent management jobs within the local scene.

Cracchiolo said he believes that college-aged clientele are the most passionate music supporters, and that they make up a notable fraction of the audience

at The Firebird.

Despite the near proximity to SLU’s campus, Cracchiolo said that SLU and Washington University students have been particularly tough to draw away from campus.

“As our reputation has grown, students are realizing that we’re in safe spot, and located fairly close to campus,” Cracchiolo said.

Cracchiolo said he has noticed more students in attendance, and hopes that this trend will continue. At a very friendly location, The Firebird continues to be a favorite amongst local artists and musicians from around the nation. For those looking to replace full house headlining tours with an intimate one-room performance, The Firebird is the place to go.

St. Louis Parks

St. Louis Guide

The University News

You have brains in your head,

You have feet in your shoes.

Go out and explore

St. Louis parks and zoos!

‘Heart of St. Louis’ larger than New York’s Central Park active, allowing patrons to touch and control features for further fun and understanding.

The park is close enough to SLU’s campus that students can easily drive down Forest Park Avenue, hop on the MetroLink on Grand and get off at the Forest Park stop, or even walk.

Forest Park is not easily experienced in one day, so there is always something new to discover.

By T.K. SMITH Staff Writer

As summer winds down and the St. Louis weather cools, there is nowhere more enjoyable to be than the outdoors.

Forest Park is a natural escape set deep into urban St. Louis, and upon entering, it’s as if the entire city disappears into the skyline.

Saint Louis University students and St. Louisans alike can enjoy the sheer beauty of 1,293 green acres set aside purely for their entertainment.

Founded in 1876 on the centennial of the nation, Forest Park was the site for the 1904 World’s Fair and holds many lingering jewels from that time.

There are various trails for bikers, joggers and aimless walkers that encompass the whole park. If a different mode of transportation is preferred, there are beautiful water channels available for boating when the weather is favorable.

The various water channels, lakes and lagoons are teeming with wild life, and fishing is permitted in many areas.

Various pavilions, barbecue grills and picnic tables are provided at every turn to rest, eat and enjoy the scenery.

The park has a sports complex, including racketball, tennis, basketball and handball courts. There are also fields for

What students say...

Ryan Doan / Staff Photographer

Forest Park, covering nearly 1,300 acres of land, is commonly referred to as “The Heart of St. Louis.” The park is home to the St. Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum and much more. rugby, football, softball, baseball, cricket and lacrosse.

For golfers, there is a 36-hole golf course, where it is rumored that the 264-foot Ferris wheel from the World’s Fair is buried.

Forest Park is not just a pretty face - it is also a major historical and cultural center for St. Louis, offering many free amenities open to the public.

A major attraction is the St. Louis Zoo, which is highly rated by many travel guides.

The Missouri Histor y Museum is a stop worth making, as exhibits include Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition of the World’s Fair and the National Bicentennial Exhibition of Lewis and Clark.

The St. Louis Art Museum sits high on the park’s historic Art Hill and, as one of the last pieces of architecture left from the World’s Fair, is a piece of art in itself. The museum

is divided into sections of time period, world location and style.

It is easy to breeze through each floor and follow time as art and the world change.

If history and art are not your idea of a good time, the St. Louis Science Center (SLSC) is full of fun and interesting things to do, especially for kids and kidsat-heart. Along with its exhibits, the center has an Omnimax theater, a discovery room and a planetarium.The SLSC is inter-

“Forest Park is nice because “Forest Park is nice there are things to because do, like there are things to do, likecan go to the zoo, but you go to the but you also justzoo, go there tocan hang also just go there to hang out out and toss a football.” and toss a football.”

Malloy, senior -John -John Malloy, senior “Forest Park has a ton to offer for all age groups.

From physical activity to a relaxing atmosphere, you will find something for everyone.”

-Mary Ellen Eifel, senior

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9

St. Louis Guide

Free attractions: The St. Louis Zoo

By STEPHANIE MUELLER Staff Writer

Arguably the greatest free attraction in the city, The St. Louis Zoo is not only renowned for its elaborate exhibits, but also for a continuing focus on diversity.

Located in the heart of Forest Park, the sprawling Zoo contains more than 18,000 animals and 700 species.

“I love going to the Zoo,” senior Hannah Beaty said. “It’s the perfect place to ride my bike to and spend an afternoon.”

The most recent addition to the Zoo is Caribbean Cove, a sting-ray exhibit built in 2009 where, in addition to petting sting-rays, visitors can also see small, shy sharks that the Zoo said are not a danger to humans.

Another popular attraction is a massive, multi-million dollar penguin exhibit that, despite its polar temperatures, is not only impressive, but about as upclose-and-personal that one can get with arctic creatures in the center of the Midwest.

If penguins aren’t the key to happiness, though, River’s Edge will bring visitors to the desert to see everything from leopards to elephants, including the Asian elephant Raja, the first elephant to be born at the Zoo. Raja has since fathered three other elephants, the most recent of whom, Kenzi, was born this past summer.

Historic Hill holds another

Fangyu Wu / Staff Photographer

Home to more than 18,000 animals, the St. Louis Zoo is one of the area’s most beloved free attractions, for tourists and natives alike.

Zoo favorite, with a primate exhibit that has long held a place in St. Louis’ heart, and continues to attract visitors of all ages. Recently celebrating the ‘Zootennial,’ or its 100-year-

anniversary, the Zoo is steeped in St. Louis tradition.

“Anytime I have visitors in the area, I bring them to the Zoo,” senior Brianne Keller said.

“It is an iconic location for the

city of St. Louis, and the fact that it’s free is one of the best selling points.”

Based around a Flight Cage purchased from the 1904 World’s Fair, the Zoo has found itself to

be as equally prized an asset of the city as the great Fair itself.

With more than 3 million visitors a year, the appeal of the Zoo and value to the city can’t be missed.

Tower Grove Park serves as ‘Victorian ideal’ for community

By T.K. SMITH Staff Writer

Founded in 1868, Tower Grove Park is known for its beautiful Victorian Pavilions and its lush greenery.

With 289 acres, it is the second largest park in St. Louis and a truly beautiful sight in the spring.

“When you live in a city, you get consumed from all the concrete around you,” junior Aravinth Karunanandaa said.

“Tower Grove is a good place to get out of that funk, and go somewhere where green is everywhere.”

Tower Grove, located south of Saint Louis University’s Health Sciences Campus at 4256

Magnolia Ave., has various species of trees and shrubs from around the world, and is a refuge for several species of birds.

Tower Grove has many areas designated for picnics and recreation, tennis courts, ball fields and a playground for kids.

The park also offers horsedrawn carriage rides, and the stone horse stable, built in 1870 before the park was publicly established, is the oldest structure in Tower Grove.

The Piper Palm Green House is also quite old, constructed in 1878. It is the oldest greenhouse west of the Mississippi River, and has become a popular spot for wedding ceremonies.

The park also features many built-in structures, the most

popular including the fountain pond surrounded by the ruins of the Lindell Hotel, which burned down in 1867.

Tower Grove Park is held to a Victorian ideal, standing on the principle of an older, forgotten time.

The park is usually overlooked due to the attention of Forest Park, and is so-called “one of St. Louis’s best-kept secrets.”

The park is located in the Shaw neighborhood. For SLU students, it is a short trip down Grand Blvd.

Tower Grove is a must-see for those visiting St. Louis - if not for recreation, then for the sheer beauty and antiquity of the classic, well-kept park.

Amy Vermeersch / Staff Photographer

Tower Grove Park is a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of larger, tourist-dense areas, such as Forest Park and the Zoo.

St. Louis Theater

St. Louis Guide

The University News

Oh the places you’ll go- there is fun to be done!

There are points to be scored, there are games to be won.

For more entertainment, check out these great spaces,

The Peabody and the Fox- just two of the places!

Powell Hall: Home of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra writer Ben Folds on Nov. 9, to music from John Williams on Dec. 29 and 30.

When Powell Hall schedules concerts, it makes sure the performances are appealing to a large range of audiences, so everyone will feel welcome and find a show that they want to come check out.

To find out more information about Powell Hall or SLSO, visit http://stlsymphony.org/ students.

By AMY VERMEERSCH Staff Writer

St. Louis Symphony’s Powell Hall is known for its tremendous acoustics, beautiful foyer and dramatic performances.

This fall season, Powell Hall, located north of campus at 718 Grand Blvd., is offering a large variety of shows, aiming to combine music as well as dance.

In 1925, when the theater first opened, it was known as the St. Louis Theatre. It underwent a $2 million renovation and reopened on Jan. 24, 1968.

The name was then changed to Powell Symphony Hall, which has been the name ever since.

Powell Hall has a total of 2,689 seats since its renovation.

During the Hall’s renovation, architectural and acoustical specialists focused specifically on how to improve exits, service facilities and the setup of the hall.

Powell Hall aims to portray European elegance. The renovators modeled the red, gold and cream color scheme after the Royal Chapel at Versailles.

The stained glass windows in the front of the Hall show images of Saint Louis IX, the King of France.

In the 1980s, some of the major theaters around Powell Hall underwent renovations of their own.

What students say...

Ryan Doan / Staff Photographer

Powell Hall serves as home to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, currently in its 132nd season.

These changes eventually evolved into the Grand Center Redevelopment Project, a multimillion-dollar effort to improve the arts area of the city.

During this time, Powell Hall was used as a model for the other renovations in the neighborhood. Powell Hall entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) was founded in 1880, and it is currently in its 132nd season.

The Symphony aims to captivate audiences with their music,

believing that great music should be available to everyone.

The SLSO has completed many outreach programs for the community.

Each year, the musicians take part in nearly 250 free events and performances to bring their music to a wider audience.

One of the programs includes the E. Desmond Lee Fine Arts Education Collaborative, a partnership with the University of Missouri- St. Louis, Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts.

The Symphony also helped

out many schools in surrounding areas, and puts effort into making sure schools have interaction with musicians and artists. The SLSO offers student tickets for only $10 in advance.

Some orchestral performances coming up include Maurice Ravel’s “Daphnis and Chloe” on Nov. 4 and 5.

Powell Hall does not just offer orchestral shows, though.

This season, they are presenting the “Live at Powell” series, where the SLSO plays music ranging from Bugs Bunny to collaboration with singer-song-

“It’s really beautiful. I feel like there should be a better adjective than great... it’s phenomenal! My family and I used to go there often when I was younger.”

- Sophie Fisher, sophomore “It has nice acoustics for orchestra and singing. I performed there when I was in elementary and middle school.”

- Liz Hornsey, sophomore

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St. Louis Guide

Peabody offers blast from the past ‘Fabulous’ theater strives Iconic opera house reopens in former glory to be student-friendly

By DAVID MOONEY Staff Writer

The historically rich doors of the Peabody Opera House will be opening for the first time in 20 years this October.

After receiving $78.7 million in restoration, the Opera House is sure to be more magnificent than ever.

The Peabody Opera House (formerly the Kiel Opera House) at 1400 Market St. is located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis.

This historic landmark offers the community a vivacious place to catch a show in timeless fashion.

Not just restricted to music, The Peabody promises guests entertainment on all levels.

Whether it is theater, special family events, comedians or even holiday happenings, something will always be going on at The Peabody.

What makes The Peabody so unique, like St. Louis itself, is the treasure chest of history that lies within it.

This history goes all the way back to 1934, when the Opera House, known then as The Municipal Auditorium, was constructed.

A name change in 1943 gave the opera house the more familiar title of the Kiel Opera House, named after a former mayor of St. Louis.

In a time of success in the years that followed, the Opera House attracted some of the biggest names in music history to ever take the stage.

Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, David Bowie, Duke Ellington and Bruce Springsteen are just a sample of the greatness that has taken place within the elaborate walls of the Opera House.

But the time came in 1991 when the decision was made to close down the Kiel Opera House - and all the memories within it.

A slew of slumping years and the construction of the Scottrade Center in 1994 was the main cause for such action.

Through the years of its vacancy, however, many attempts were made to bring the great wonder back to life.

Although they were unsuccessful, the final attempt made in June of 2010 was, and is, a triumph.

The owner, SCP Worldwide, which also owns the St. Louis Blues and the Scottrade Center, has put in the funds necessary to restore the old Opera House back to the breathtaking landmark it once was.

With the grand reopening of the Opera House this fall, The Peabody will hold its opening night, featuring comedian Jay Leno and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, on Oct. 1.

The event is fittingly titled as “An encore 77 years in the making.”

Leno and Franklin will come together to make a memorable

night for the city of St. Louis.

Plenty of other special guests will be making the stage to celebrate the past, present and future of the Opera House.

With its rebirth, The Peabody establishes itself as one of the primary sources of art and culture in St. Louis, and it puts St. Louis on the map for quality live entertainment.

In this day and age, The Peabody offers an experience that most could only read about and dream of.

“So, grab a top hat, a white tie, and your tails,” and come stepping out to The Peabody this fall.

For more info and a schedule of upcoming events, visit peabodyoperahouse.com

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor

The Fabulous Fox Theatre is just one of the many artistic attractions that can be enjoyed in the Midtown neighborhood.

By KRISTIN McGUIRE Staff Writer

Courtesy of Mark Buckner / Peabody Opera House

Inside the newly-renovated Peabody Opera House, $78.7 million was given to restore the old building to its former condition. The Peabody will officially reopen on Oct. 1.

Located just one block away from Saint Louis University’s Frost Campus, the Fabulous Fox Theatre has been entertaining audiences since its opening in 1929.

This historic theater produces shows year round, including touring plays and musicals, comedians, musicians and dance groups. Students can even enjoy these performances for a discounted price.

“I love going to the Fox,” theatre major Jessica Canfield said.

“With the theater being so close to campus, and the fact that they do student rush tickets, it’s really easy to see the shows there.”

Student rush tickets are often available the day of a show for a discounted price, usually between $10 to $15.

If students are interested in working for free tickets, they might consider signing up as a volunteer usher.

The Fox Theatre is one of five Fox Theatres built by William Fox. The original theater boasted of the second largest auditorium in the U.S. at the time, with more than 5,000 seats. It showed movies as well as elaborate stage shows.

When the stock markets crashed in 1929, William Fox lost his fortunes. His theater hardly fared better. Competing with neighboring theaters in a failing economy, the Fox Theatre was leased to multiple owners in the 1930’s.

Finally in March of 1978, the

Fox Theatre was shut down. The landmark seemed to have been closed forever after less than 50 years of business.

However, in 1981, Leon and Mary Strauss explored the abandoned theatre and instantly fell in love.

They, along with Fox Associates, bought back the prized theatre. It cost $3 million to restore the theatre, while it had cost $6 million to build it in 1929. They wanted to replicate the theater to its original state on its opening night in 1929.

The Fox Theatre has been serving St. Louis for years, providing an eclectic assortment of arts and entertainment. It has provided venues for stars such as Bob Hope, who sold 80,000 tickets in one week in 1940, Nat “King” Cole, Pearl Bailey and John Wayne. Archbishop Joseph Ritter even condemned the theater as a “place of sin” when they displayed an 80-foot cut-out of actress Jane Russell in 1953.

For the 25th anniversary since the renovation, Mar y Strauss and other members of the staff put together a display to commemorate the past 1,500 performers and shows that have entertained at the Fox since 1982. This display, called Peacock Alley, is located on the fourth floor and is free to visit.

Whether students are interested in touring a historical building near campus or seeing a favorite comedian take the stage, visitors should check out the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

For more information, visit http://www.fabulousfox.com.

The University News

Shah (Yuqing Xia) / Photo Editor