V
SPORTS 8
REDBIRD HOOPS SURVIVE UGLY MATCH VS. TULSA, 65-58
NEWS 2
STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS TO HELP HURRICANE MARIA VICTIMS VIEWPOINT/EDITORIAL 4
POLITICAL COMEDY HELPS IN DARK TIMES
THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
videtteonline.com
Vol. 130 / No. 29
ISU’s got talent Circus performer, alumnus Christian Stoinev shows off trusty Chihuahua companion during halftime acrobatic performance
I
ABOVE: Scooby, Christian Stoinev’s Chihuahua, poses for the audience during Saturday’s halftime show. LEFT: Stoinev lifts Scooby into the air with his legs while he is balancing on his hands.
llinois State University 2013 graduate Christian Stoinev returned to Redbird Country with his fourlegged assistant Saturday and Sunday to provide halftime entertainment during the men’s and women’s basketball games against Tulsa University and Butler University, respectively. Stoinev and his dog, Scooby, performed their balancing and acrobatic act during halftime. The audience was clapping, cheering and gave the pair a standing ovation. He is a fifth-generation circus perfomer and was a member of Gamma Phi Circus as an undergraduate student. In 2014, he took his talents to the national level and auditioned for NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Stoinev made it to the top 12 on the show. He has been in front of crowds since he was 5 years old. He has won several international awards, and at 13 years old, he was one of the youngest acts in the Big Apple Circus. Since his run on “America’s Got Talent,” he has been performing in NBA halftime shows with his Chihuahua companion. Stoinev also appeared in the second season of “America’s Got Talent” in 2007. Men’s basketball won 65-58 against Tulsa University, while women’s basketball lost 56-45. Full game coverages page 8
PHOTOGRAPHS BY MONICA MENDOZA VIDETTE PHOTO EDITOR
Milner Library’s website set to upgrade this month MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180
Illinois State University’s Milner Library will be updating its website this month. Several staff members made the decision to update the website’s appearance and functionality over the summer. A preview was released in August to see what users thought about the update. The major additions to website will include new landing pages that will help navigate users through the website more efficiently. Users will have greater access to research tools, a page to introduce new students and faculty alike to Milner Library and the services it can provide for them, an exhibits page highlighting upcoming and past events and much more. This update will be available to the public starting Dec. 18. Associate Dean for Public Services and Technology and Subject Librarian Chad Khal said that these changes were a long time coming. “We wanted to improve web access to the wealth of services and resources that Milner provides to campus,” Khal said. “Based on user feedback and insights from assisting library patrons over the years, we knew the soon-to-be retired website is a challenge to navigate, not mobile friendly, very busy aesthetically, and has a different feel from the rest of the university websites. It also did not reflect best practices in web design that have developed in recent years.” Khal believes students and faculty will appreciate the updated website once they see it go live and the website will see consistent updates in the future to give users a better experience overall. “We think our users will find it a much more user-friendly resource,” Khal said. “The feedback we’ve received since we released the preview website in August has been overwhelmingly positive. We
Biss shows solidarity with grad students Gubernatorial candidates supports master’s candidates seeking unionization ANDREW DOUGHERTY Political Reporter | @addough
Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer
Milner Library’s new website will include landing pages that will help users navigate.
will continue to welcome feedback after the go live date. We realize the website is a living thing and needs to continue to reflect the needs of our users.” Khal sees the update as a huge improvement for users and the library, especially with the addition of the update being mobile-friendly. “I greatly prefer the new design,” he said. “The consolidation of information into the new landing pages makes it much easier to find things. It’s also much easier to use on my phone.”
Gubernatorial Democratic candidate State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) spoke Friday at the Normal Public Library where he discussed his support for graduate student attempts at unionizing across Illinois. Biss began by talking about a trend in higher education that is being mimicked nationwide where those in power are accumulating resources while those with relatively little power are being taken advantage of. Daniel Biss “This is a group of students who are fighting for their own economic security and they are fighting to have this university be a more welcoming place for graduate student teaching assistantships and eventually research assistants as well,” Biss said. “What I see is a group of students who are struggling, working hard and contributing to academic life and yet can barely make ends meet,” he said. see BISS page 5
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
STAFF LIST 2017-2018 Editor in Chief Ema Sasic News Editors
Kevin Schwaller Stephanie Rodriguez Features Editor
Emily Griffith
Sports Editors
Art Directors
Lee Walls Phabian Clark Ad Sales Manager
Jonathon Higgs Ad Production
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Student organized fundraiser to raise money for Puerto Rico
Michael Marra Manager Nate Head Evan Morris Photo Editors
Monica Mendoza Zach Oldenburg Natlie Stuckslager Office Manager Night Editors Maddillon Kenney Brigid Ackerman Marketing Team Haley Varnes Manager Brittany Olson Social Media Manager
Business Adviser
Maddy Wierus Madeline Smith
General Manager
John Plevka
DIRECTORY EDITOR NEWS 309.438.8745 309.438.2882 ADVERTISING FEATURES 309.438.8742 309.438.8746 BUSINESS SPORTS 309.438.5929 309.438.3723 CLASSIFIEDS FACSIMILE 309.438.7685 309.438.5211
FOLLOW US Twitter @The_Vidette
Instagram @the_vidette
Facebook @The-Vidette
YouTube @videttevideo
High Low
TUESDAY
39 Low 22 Precip 0%
WEDNESDAY
Precip
63 29 50%
36 17 Precip 0%
THURSDAY
MONDAY
OUTSIDE LOOK
30 Low 17 Precip 20%
FRIDAY
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor | @StephanieRoddd
Business Manager
A
Puerto Rican Illinois State University student organized a fundraiser to raise money for the nonprofit The Puerto Rican Agenda that sends necessary supplies to those still living with the repercussions of Hurricane Maria that left over 3 million islanders without power in September. Senior acting major Jordan Figueroa was inspired to run a fundraiser after hearing about the state of the island post-Maria. “I was on the phone with my parents and they were telling me about all the devastation that happened. I decided to do something about it right after that phone call,” Figueroa said. “So I went around asking every theatre RSO if they wanted to help me out with the project, and they said yes. With some help from my friends, we got the Normal Theater to help us out and provide the venue.” Every Monday the Normal Theater has an event called Vaudeville Mondays, where pre-approved acts can come and perform, and Figueroa said a friend gave him the idea to ask if they could use a Vaudeville Monday for a fundraiser. The event will be performance based, with a few acts taking the stage. “We’re going be asking for monetary donations to help the victims of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. The money is going to an organization called The Puerto Rican Agenda, and these guys do a really great job of getting food and supplies to the people on the island,” Figueroa said. “They’ve already sent planes full of supplies to help, so when [my friend] told me about them, I knew that’s where I wanted to send the money.” Figueroa feels the island has been left to fend for itself after the catastrophic category 5 hurricane ripped through its shores, and to him it is important to stand up and help his fellow Puerto Ricans. “This fundraiser is important to me personally because my people are out there and they’re dying, and not enough is being done to help,” Figueroa said. “Shortly after the hurricane, other things became headlines in the
High
High Low
High
High Low Precip
32 16 20%
ISU clinic helps transgender clients match vocal identity KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa
Illinois State Universit y ’s Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic is helping those who are transgender with the process of developing voice patterns that match their identities. Clinic professionals tr y to reduce any tension in a patient’s head and neck for the voice mechanism to be more efficient. Clients go through several different procedures such as stretching to release tension.
The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration,
“If a person’s voice doesn’t correspond with their visual presentation, some people take issue with that and treat the person in a variety of inappropriate ways,” clinical educator Tricia Larkin said in a statement. The clinic is open to any individual in the area, not just students. Appointments can be scheduled through the Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic website at csd.IllinoisState.edu/ Clinic/Default.aspx.
faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
309.454.2960 | www.classactrealty.com All Student Apartments are Walking Distance from Campus!
Joe Cavaretta/Sun Sentinel/TNS
Families of Caribbean hurricane evacuees who arrived on board the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas wait for their relatives, Oct. 3, 2017, at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.
news, and Puerto Rico was sort of forgotten by the majority of news outlets. And because these people are my people, and the fact that they’re in need, I want to help. If I could, I would want to save lives and help the infrastructure of the island recover, but I’m more than happy with raising just a little bit of money.” The fundraiser will begin at 7 p.m. Monday at the Normal Theater with donations to The Puerto Rican Agenda being accepted throughout the night.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Photos by Tiffany Morrison | Vidette Reporter and Photographer
ABOVE: Members of Gamma Phi Circus perform on the German Wheel during its holiday themed show. LEFT: Two future Redbirds sit on Santa’s lap.
From crafts to circus to Santa Claus Children’s Holiday Party brought family fun for all
TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
To kick off the last and merriest month of the year, families from the Illinois State University community gathered for a joy-filled night of holiday spirit Friday for the Children’s Holiday Party. Although the reservation deadline for the event was Nov. 25, those who came without reservations were still welcomed in with open arms. “I’ve been involved with this event for 15 years and I love it,” Nikki Brauer, director of Health Promotion and Wellness and member of the Administrative Professional Council, said. “It’s such a nice event for staff, as well as students and family members to be together and enjoy the month of giving and celebrating with your loved ones.” With entrance into the party, families were also given a ticket to see Santa, where they got to take pictures of their kids while they talked to Santa about what they wanted for Christmas this year. “This was our first time attending the event and it’s been simply fantastic,” Normal resident Julie Schumacher said. “My kids all had such a great time and they were so excited that they were able to meet Santa.” Horton Field House was packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy. On the right-hand side, there were three inf latable
bounce houses, each catering to certain age groups. Along the back of the field house were students from the Arts for Elementary Schools: Theatre class who designed different arts and crafts activities for the kids to take part in for their final project for the semester. “We had to break up into teams and come up with our crafts then design and create a how to for them,” Rachel Reid, early childhood education major, said. Reid’s group created a snowman head that would let the kids countdown to Christmas. The days would be represented around the snowman and the snowman’s nose would be able to turn, just like a hand to a clock, as the kids counted down the days. “It was a great experience for us because we were able to get a feel for what we’re going to be doing for the rest of our lives,” Reid said. The kids all lined up at each table in excitement to create their own craft of their choice, with the help of their family members. “It was super hectic the whole time because kids would just keep coming up to the tables,” Reid said. “But it kept us entertained and the kids were all so great, so it was a good time!” Other students volunteered to help out during the party as well, with set up and clean up, maintaining the drink and cookie bar and more. To the left, most of the field
house area was cleared out for Gamma Phi Circus’ performance, which started around 6:30 p.m. and lasted for about an hour. Families and kids gathered around the huge circular arena created and giggled, gasped and cheered for the performers as they demonstrated what Gamma Phi Circus is all about. All of the performers were wear ing bedazzled holidaythemed outfits as they performed their holiday-themed acts. In between acts, the clowns would perform mini skits which centered around the holidays, such as Christmas shopping or opening presents the night before Christmas. One of the acts incorporated two trapeze artists as they performed to “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” as one of the performers was covered in green paint to appear to be the Grinch. The performance also featured unicycles, hand balancing, the teeter board, gymwheels, Acro Sports and more. The holiday party has been a long-standing tradition for ISU, and is planned by the Office of the President and University Events, the Civil Service Council and Administrative Professional Council. The event is funded by donations from presidents of the council as the event gets a bigger gathering each year. “We find this event ver y
DINING
Tiffany Morrison is a news reporter and photographer for The Vidette. Any questions or comments regarding her article can be sent to tmorris@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @MorrisonTiffany.
CARRY OUT
DELIVERY
LUNCH SPECIALS $11.75 FOR 3 ROLLS S E RV E D W I T H S A L A D
$8.25 FOR 2 ROLLS S E RV E D W I T H S A L A D
DINNER SPECIAL $15.95 SUSHI LUNCH UPGRADE $3 FOR SPECIALITY ROLL
10% OFF WITH STUDENT ID DINE-IN ONLY AND CAN’T BE COMBINED WITH OTHER COUPONS
MONDAY
Burger Baskets:
$1.50 $2.00 $2.50 $3.00
$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket
Coors Lt & Miller Family Bottles 20 OZ Bud Family Draft 20 OZ Micro Drafts Whiskey Monday
TUESDAY
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
$1.75 20 OZ Rolling Rock $2.00 Import/Micro Bottles $2.50 Tito’s Tuesday
WEDNESDAY
21 & Over After 6 pm and during Bears Games
102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393
important because it has been a great way for us as a university to foster community,” Brauer said. “I used to bring my family every year and the picture with Santa would always be our Christmas card. This event lets families create their own traditions and memories for the holidays.”
BAR & GRILL
$1.25 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Vegas Bombs $3.00 Top Shelf
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Political comedy is more than just laughs
A
fter the 2016 election, many liberals were forced to look inward. Many tuned in to the voices that have become some of the most trusted in politics against all odds. They went to HBO, Comedy Central or TBS to find a sort of catharsis and understanding of what had just occurred. In the past, they just went to Jon Stewart, but now political satire shows are popping up in droves. We have Samantha Bee, the unfiltered firebrand, John Oliver with his comedic breakdowns of downright frightening prospects for the world and we have “Veep,” a show that feels ridiculous in some situations, but also feels like any given thing could very well happen to higher ups in Washington. The number of comedians and platforms tackling political issues isn’t necessarily a bad thing. As wonderful as Stewart is, there could always be more voices on this topic, and in all honesty, the jokes have been writing themselves for the past two years. While the fruit is most certainly hanging low, it does not mean satire and mocking is the way to go
about things, especially in regard to the voters. One of many faults the Democrats have had for a long time was the appearance of being arrogant, though it is likely better to be considered arrogant than racist, as many on the right have demonstrated in their actions. Maybe this isn’t a label the Democrats feel they need to shed, and that’s fine. Arrogance is often misconstrued as being correct and knowing it, and that’s
where the major issue with political comedy lies. Though it is an informative and engaging medium for the most part, the effects are only positive if you’re of a certain mindset. The importance of political comedy to the left is clear: it offers a pseudo break from the world where one can (hopefully) chuckle about the ridiculous situation we find ourselves in. But this current era of political comedy lends some truth to the “smug
liberal” stereotype. This leaves liberals in a particularly sticky spot. Do they aspire to hit hard on those who made a horrible, horrible choice with their vote but don’t see it that way and probably never will? These are the types of people who are instantly turned off by political comedy. It can be a form of catharsis, but it’s tough to use in arguments if one is truly trying to find common ground with someone that is on the complete opposite side of things. Political comedy allows people to laugh at things that probably shouldn’t necessarily be laughed at, but also at things that are so ridiculous they could and probably have been plot lines on “Veep.” It takes the edge off even for a couple minutes, right before being serious at times to truly drive home the importance of the issues and being engaged. It’s not all fun and games on these shows. More often than not there’s a greater point to be made, and without the Jon Stewarts, Sam Bees, Hasan Minhajs, Larry Wilmores and John Olivers of the world, it would be a whole lot scarier.
Editorial Cartoon by Phabian Clark | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ALEX GOUGH, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Say no to graduate unionization
Dear Editor, I am writing to address the issue of graduate student unionization mentioned by State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) in his guest column that served nothing short of a campaign piece for his run for governor and served no purpose to our university community. I strongly urge my fellow graduate students to not fall victim to the misleading, mean and improper actions of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) union organizers from Chicago attempting to unionize the graduate assistants here at Illinois State University. Talking with fellow graduate students in my program this week and over the last weeks with graduate student leaders, we are upset to hear not only how uneducated SEIU and its representatives are on ISU and its community, but also the distasteful tactics to undermine our right to vote whether to have a union. This has been done by inappropriately telling graduate students, especially international students, the “union pledge cards” are simply to sign students up to be added to a list or to be alerted when a vote might happen. In reality, these cards allow out
of town unions like SEIU to circumnavigate the intended process to hold an election and just certify themselves as our union. SEIU has misrepresented our university and graduate school, the processes and procedures we have in place and our graduate students that serve representing the interests of our collective graduate student body to university, college and school administration. Graduate assistants work part time here at ISU, and our compensation is fair, but also clearly laid out. Our primary responsibility is to earn a graduate degree and that could entail working in exchange for a tuition waiver and a stipend. Many programs do not require or need an assistantship. Graduate students chose to take on the responsibilities and duties; it is not forced on them. Graduate assistantships offer us opportunities to work with faculty, administration and experts in our field. Part of being an adult, and an educated citizen, is also living within your means. No matter what level of higher education a student seeks, it is expensive, but a union does not reduce the cost of university attendance. It only makes it more unaffordable with locking stu-
VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone
dents into rigid and unnecessary contracts, most of the time negotiated by graduate students no longer at an university, but also through added administrative bloat and union dues. Both sides of the issue would have to divert time and money away from students to negotiate contracts that may never lead to any changes. ISU already has graduate students representing each college at the doctoral and master’s level on the Graduate School Advisory Committee and a representative on the Graduate Council. The graduate school provides many services and opportunities to us that I would not want to lose at the expense of a union that is out of touch and only in it for our money. The best representatives for graduate students are other graduate students, not Chicago unions out of touch and not connected to our community. Sincerely, Adam Guenther Adam Guenther is a graduate student in the College Student Personnel Administration program. Any questions or comments concerning his letter can be sent to aguent1@ilstu.edu.
number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via email to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
Removing Renner’s agenda-setting power undermines democracy Dear Editor, As mayor of the City of Bloomington, Tari Renner’s job is to push the city to improve in accordance with the wishes of its citizens. He has proven himself both responsive to concerns and willing to work with community organizers to ensure those concerns are addressed. When several of these groups came together in the spring and summer to ask that the city establish a Public Safety and Community Relations Board to hear complaints about police conduct and recommend solutions, Renner responded by hearing speakers for and against the board, and continued to facilitate the discussion until the board was enacted in July. It was Renner who originally placed the discussion of the board on the council’s agenda in May, in response to requests from Black Lives Matter BloNo, Not in Our Town, the NAACP and the YWCA of McLean County. Alderman David Sage proposed that Renner’s power to place items on the council’s
agenda be removed, and that the agenda only include items supported by the majority of the council members. However, when the Public Safety and Community Relations Board was put to a vote, the overwhelming majority of the council voted in favor of it. The fact that Renner introduced the measure to enact the board in response to public pressure and that it passed with the approval of the majority of the council is proof of effectiveness of the city’s democratic system. By removing Renner’s ability to submit items to the council’s agenda in response to community members’ requests, the council would limit the city’s ability for robust change and action. Sincerely, Jim Gass Jim Gass is a 2016 Illinois State University graduate. Any questions or comments concerning his letter can be sent to jegass137@gmail. com.
ONLINE POLL
Is political comedy harmful?
?
Cast your vote at Videtteonline.com or by using The Vidette mobile app
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Pilot program improves health among those with disabilities PORCHIA WHITE News Reporter | @porchia_white
Marcfirst in Normal developed a pilot program to improve health and wellness among those with developmental disabilities, which has proven to be beneficial to the Bloomington-Normal community. Each participant’s health history, screenings and goals are noted before providing them with an exercise prescription. All exercise prescriptions are designed differently to fit the needs of a participant. Laura Beavers, Behavioral Health Program manager, said people with disabilities tend to die about 25 years earlier than the average life span, and have higher cases of chronic conditions such as heart disease. “So far we have seen about a 60 percent drop in cholesterol rates, heart rates and so forth increased mobility, decreased ER visit, reduction in weight ad circumference, all high cost areas,” Beavers said. Most exercise routines call for 20–30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise, core flexibility and strength training two to three times a week. The data gathered through the program will determine whether continuing or expanding will reduce medical expenses. Marcfirst partnered with Advocate Bromenn Health & Fitness Center and the McLean County Health Department to put this program together. Costs for health assessments,
Submitted by Ken Chiu
Marcfirst program helps aspiring artists use their work to overcome the challenges that go along with developmental disabilities. customized training plans and guidance is all covered by the McLean County 377 Board and the Advocate Charitable Foundation. “We are so fortunate to have been selected to be a partner and provide services to Marcfirst residents,” Catherine Porter, Advocate BroMenn Center for Integrated Wellness executive director, said. “This opportunity allows us to provide services that will truly affect the health and wellness of a special group of individuals in our community.” One testimony cited by Beavers was a participant of the program whose goal coming in was to be able to walk someday. Within seven months of the project, this individual was walking. “What’s so great about our partnership is its individualized and
isu christian faculty
its participant centered. All of the services we provide are specially designed for that individuals’ disability and life circumstances,” Beavers said. “What we’re really looking at is allowing individuals with disabilities to live like all of us, and to have the same dreams and hopes like the rest of us.” Each participant works alongside a personal trainer to motivate and do the same activities with them. Around 40 percent of people that join a program in the fitness center drop out. However, none of the participants in this program have dropped out and because of the dedication seen in participants and staff, there has been a noticeable improvement in the mental health and socialization of the individuals.
BISS continued from page 1
“That is not good enough and we can do better.” There is currently a law in Illinois which prohibits graduate research assistants from forming unions, and Biss said he is striving to change it. “These graduate research assistants should be able to have the ability to unionize since they are working for the university, doing research and getting paid,” Biss said. “They should be able to advocate upon themselves to unionize.” The graduate students in attendance spoke about their own personal grievances with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which contains a provision that would make tuition waivers count as income, and thus become taxable income. “Graduate students are seeing splitted stipends and some graduate students don’t have stipends at all, while administrators particularly at ISU are seeing large increases in their pay and sports coaches have seen very large increases,” JD Lewis, graduate teaching assistant for sociology and anthropology, said. “If that money, instead of being appropriated to people who are
already doing extremely well was appropriated to graduate students and adjunct faculty and all of these hard workers who help this university run, it could make a substantial difference,” he added. Biss said it was “absurd” that the GOP and Congress were restructuring the budget to hinder graduate students who are already in a tough financial position, yet are giving tax breaks to the wealthy and the elite. “I have an affinity for this work as I used to be in academia and a graduate student myself. I see the way graduate students are mistreated and I know it from my own experience which is why I want to stand in solidarity with these students,” Biss said. “This federal Republican tax bill would be really awful in the way specifically in which it treats graduate students. It is just cruel and a bad idea. We need to stand together to pull that dangerous provision from that dangerous bill,” Biss added. “But if we’re unsuccessful it’s just going to put more pressure on our states responsibility to adequately support our public institutions of higher education and that’s what I’m going to do as governor.” Biss said graduate students at ISU should stay strong and they are “inspiring” not only him, but those around them.
staff fellowship
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!
luke 2:14
The ISU-CFF is a group of faculty and staff united by their common experience that Jesus Christ provides intellectually and spiritually satisfying answers to life's most important questions. In this Christmas season, we thank God for his gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any spiritual questions you may have. John Baldwin Communication 438-7110
Janet Caldwell Special Education 438-2959
Scott Fisher Facilities 309-533-1286
David Loomis Economics 438-7979
Jennifer Banning Family and Consumer Sciences 438-5960
Karen Coats English 438-3740
Peter Foreman Mgmt. & Quantitative Methods 438-5579
Jamie Mahurin-Smith Communication Sciences & Disorders 438-5308
John Berger International Students, Inc. 212-4450 Hulda Black Marketing 438-7147 Joe Blaney College of Arts & Sciences 438-5669 Kevin Boyer Mathematics 438-3895
David Collier Music 438-8022 Jeff Courtright Communication 438-7310 Carol Cox CECP 452-0963 Jim Cox Marketing 452-0963 Cheryl Fogler Planning, Research, Policy Analysis 438-3390
Sarah Gentry Music 438-3458 Ellis Hurd TCH 438-5115 Jin Jo Technology 438-7793
Andy Mitchell Chemistry 438-2697 Greg Mullins Facilities Management 309-838-1476
Barbara Ribbens Management & Quantitative Methods 438-3283
Jan Jolynn Staley Marketing 438-7261
Gina Turton Honors Program Kimberly Risinger 309-458-2559 Music 438-8100 Sharon Van Der Laan Anne Schmidt Milner Library Mathematics 438-7461 438-7503 Kent Walstrom Stephanie Sellers Accounting College of Arts 438-7157 and Sciences 438-7725 Jamie Watson Teacher Ed. Center Linda Showers 438-8684 Marketing 438-8650 Pauline Williams School of Teaching Neil Skaggs and Learning Economics 438-5882 454-1180
Jan Murphy Office of the Kimberly Judson Provost Marketing 438-2916 438-2715 Judy Neubrander Alan Lacy College of Nursing Office of the 438-7018 David Snyder Provost Music 438-7008 Steve Parsons 438-5222 Music 438-8959
If you would like a free copy of the book More Than a Carpenter Call 309-452-0963 and leave a message Paid for and sponsored by the lllinois State University Christian Faculty-Staff Fellowship. The ISU-CFF is a registered organization of Illinois State University. University affiliation is given for identification purposes only.
24 Hour Fitness Room
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
Meat Free Monday seeks to reverse economical problems BECKY FLETCHER Features Reporter | @becky_fletcher
Home to seven billion people as well as 8.7 million different types of species and 391,000 different types of plants, the Earth is teeming with importance. There has been an increase of endangered and extinct species, as well as the ongoing debate on the whether global warming is real. The nonprofit organization Meat Free Monday seeks to inform people of the danger the Earth is currently facing while offering up a solution: eating meat-free once a week. Meat Free Monday was launched by musician Paul McCartney and his family in 2009. According to Meat Free Monday’s website, going meat free, even just once a week, can help in reducing greenhouse gases, saving money on grocery bills, saving animals and alleviating world hunger. In short, meat takes a lot of energy to make
and process. It also takes a great deal of grain to feed an animal going to slaughter and the grain fed is converted to energy inefficiently. According to the organization’s website, “800 million people on the planet now suffer from hunger or malnutrition, yet an amount of cereal [grain] which could feed three times this number of people is fed to cattle, pigs and chickens.” With this in mind, many people are coming to the realization that going meat free is more beneficial than not. And living a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle has become popular in recent years. Cassie Metz, Illinois State University senior environmental health major, has made the change. “I decided to cut out meat because of climate change,” Metz said. “Then I found out about all the other terrible aspects of animal agriculture, so now I’m vegan.” Israeli animal rights activist and vegan Natal’ya Oseyeva chose her lifestyle based off compassion for animals.
“The moment I saw and heard the terrible truth about the industries, I couldn’t think about anything but the justice for animals,” Oseyeva said. In Israel, Oseyeva said she fights against live shipments, testing on animals, zoos and circuses, fur, leather, help for stray dogs and cats and more. Oseyeva has been an activist for three years and believes Meat Free Monday is “a great way to introduce people to the lifestyle without it being scary because changing habits can be really difficult.” Both Oseyeva and Metz believe the organization sets a good example of how to start small while also making a difference to the world. However, an issue that arises with this campaign is that people feel vegetarians and vegans push too hard on others for lifestyle change. Metz has talked to many of her peers about
changing their lifestyle and admits she may talk about it a little excessively. That said, Metz’s sister and friend are now vegan because of her. “My roommate from my freshman year is a vegetarian now, but I never pushed her to do it, she looked into it on her own, but she said that I helped,” Metz said. “I personally always begin with compassion because I’d like to believe people are kind,” Oseyeva said. “One day without meat helps a lot, but isn’t extremely difficult to do. I’d like to believe people’s hearts are bigger than their stomach or habit. Trying wouldn’t kill you, but not trying would kill millions of innocent animals,” Oseyeva added. Whether the arguments are agreeable or not, a great deal of research has been published on what the benefits of going meat free once a week does for the environment. For more information, visit www.meatfreemondays.com.
REVIEW
‘Coco’ captures hearts with superb visuals STUART STALTER Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS
ISU senior human resources major Donovan Roby, accompanied by senior communication major Justin Pickett, performed for the filming of “The 5 Elements of Hip Hop” Friday at Stony’s Palace Café in Chicago. Tiffani Jackson-Skinner Features Reporter
His big break
ISU musician Donovan Roby stands out in ‘The 5 Elements of Hip Hop’
I
TIFFANI JACKSON-SKINNER | Features Reporter | @_smilesssss
t is common for a person who is passionate about an art to go out of their way and express it to people, hoping audiences support its success. While many people just listen to those expressions and go on about their day, with perseverance and patience, it is the hope that the right person will come along, believe in that vision and contribute to see it through. That special person just STUDENT recently came along for Donovan PROFILE Roby, Illinois State University senior human resource management major. With a great amount of support from campus peers and social media shares, Roby has established his identity as a musician within the ISU community and his music has landed in the hands of an ISU alumnus who is currently opening doors for his success. After a features performance at this year’s Black Alumni Homecoming Concert, Terrence Seaphus, alumnus curator and creator of “The 5 Elements of Hip Hop,” gave Roby the opportunity to perform as an artist on his show. “As a member of the Black alumni committee, we were actively looking for students to perform for the alumni Homecoming concert. One of the committee members happened to forward The Vidette music profile on Donovan to my email and as I read about his passion, goals and how great his music was, I wanted to see it all in action so I and
my colleague invited him to perform for the concert,” Seaphus said. After seeing one of Roby’s performances, Seaphus believed there was something that set Roby apart from other artists. “When I spoke to him, I could tell how deeply connected his soul is to music and how passionate he was about performing and sharing his message to the world,” Seaphus said. “I just saw his potential and genuinely believed that he could make it on top as an artist for the new generation…” Making that connection following the alumni concert, Seaphus and Roby stayed in contact to communicate about Roby’s potential role in “The 5 Elements of Hip Hop.” “With this particular show I want to bring an element of pureness back to hip hop and that’s where I feel artists like Donovan and the other features on my show would come in, as the pure artists who have a real message to share with the world,” Seaphus said. On Friday, the filming event took place. Roby, accompanied by ISU senior communications major and pianist Justin Pickett, made his way to the Stony’s Palace Café located in Chicago to film for the first and second episodes of the show. As the third feature, Roby performed songs from a new album he is planning to release next year. As he performed, audience members sang along, danced and cheered him on as he brought life to the camera and stage. “My vision is that people will connect the
history of hip-hop with today’s artists and give our artists a more global and diverse look,” Seaphus said. “Not diversity within multiculturalism which is something we still have, but getting back to the pure lyrics that hip-hop is known for and that’s why I came up with this show.” At the end of the night, the host of the show, Albert Love, said Roby’s performance was the highlight of the night. “My favorite performance were the original songs written and performed by Donovan and Justin. It was really impressive to hear a man — Donovan’s age — speak the knowledge he did,” Love said. “… He spoke knowledge and told his story of how he overcame life struggles to get to where he is now as a true artist and that overall was an amazing performance to witness.” Roby not only left the audience with a memorable performance, he was also able to network with business owners during the event and booked his next gig. With the help of Seaphus believing in his talent, Roby has officially begun his journey to being an artist of the next generation. “It was an honor to perform for the crowd and I am so grateful to Terrence for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to share with the world what I love to do,” Roby said. Roby will continue to share his music and hopes to use his story of how quickly his career is elevating to inspire other artists who have not gotten their big break yet.
Another movie results in another home run for the Babe Ruth of family friendly cinema. Pixar’s latest effort “Coco” erases any skepticism regarding the company’s ability to return to form following weak sequels and the subpar 2015 original “The Good Dinosaur.” Born to a family of shoeshiners, 12-year-old Miguel Rivera (Anthony Gonzalez) aspires to make feet tap instead of shine. Unfortunately, Rivera’s family detests music after his idol and perceived great-great grandfather Ernesto De La Cruz (Benjamin Bratt) abandoned the family to pursue superstardom. Following De La Cruz’s motto of “seize your moment,” Miguel embarks on an otherworldly journey to pursue musical dreams. As usual, Pixar showcases excellence in plot execution. The writing opens with inviting charm and humor before maturing into themes of sacrifice, legacy, death and family importance. The storyline curves into an excellent plot twist. The swerve is an emotional haymaker, hitting viewers’ hearts with pinpoint accuracy. Clever stor y telling ensures that the punch is not telegraphed. The setting is just as dynamic as the plot. Co-directors Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina showcase Pixar’s grandest visual effort. That is impressive for a company revered for innovative imagery over the last 23 years. Every scene features an array of bright colors and high attention to detail. For example, Pixar Cloth and Tailoring Lead Emron Grover said that it took three years to perfect getting clothes to interact with the computer-generated skeletons. Make no bones about it, Pixar should have zero difficulty marketing skeletal characters as popular Christmas toys. Skeletons compensate for their lack of skin with an abundance of charisma.
Full story online.
videtteonline.com
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
ISU bows out of NIVC NICK DAMIANI Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani
Vidette Archive
Illinois State finished its season in the second round of the National Invitation Volleyball Championship Friday.
Beathard back to ISU sidelines
the Illinois State football’s offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015, is back as the Redbirds’ OC, Spack announced Thursday. “We are very excited to welcome back Kurt as a member of our staff,” Spack said. “He has great knowledge
of our system and culture here at Illinois State and helped lead the best offense in program history in 2014. We need a spark right now, and we believe Kurt Kurt is the perfect Beathard person to bring that. His wealth of experience as an FCS coordinator and FBS assistant will be invaluable to our team and we can’t wait to get to work with him again.” Beathard stepped down after the 2015 season to spend more time with family, but is excited to get back to
breather, I’ll do whatever it takes.” Muller seconded that and added there’s one adjustment Yarbough is making this season that he’s never had to do any other basketball season prior to this. “He’s been terrific since last Saturday and you can see it in his body language and his demeanor and energy level,” Muller said. “Milik’s ... a great young man who is still understanding and trying to figure out how to go through a basketball season without his father. It’s just part of growing and understanding how to handle adversity and we’re trying to help him with that.” Fayne finished the game two rebounds shy of a double-double as he countered Yarbrough’s 22 with 17 of his own, grabbing two boards. However, he was playing with a heavy heart as Fayne’s grandfather passed away on Wednesday and this game was a little personal
for him. “It was real personal, just because a lot of the times he would always watch me play basketball,” Fayne said. “The day he passed away when we were in Nevada. It was hard for me that day because I know he was supposed to be down there ... it just felt real good to get the win tonight.” Now Muller’s squad heads back out west to face BYU at 8 p.m. Wednesday. At this point in the season, Muller has mentioned how rigorous of a travel schedule this team has and it’s not getting any easier in the coming weeks. “It’s the last week of class, you’ve got finals coming up ... Last weekend, I said that the only thing that matters: ‘you got two things in life for the next two and half [to] three weeks [which] is academics and basketball,’” Muller said. “It’s hard, but I think the desire is there.”
Former Redbird offensive coordinator returns after two year hiatus MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU
Brock Spack’s search for a new offensive coordinator is over just a week and a half into the off-season. Kurt Beathard, who served as
HOOPS continued from page 8 “All I know is [John] Munn said it’s his collarbone, it’s not broken, which means he was afraid it was,” Muller said. Yarbrough would go on to score a career-high and game-high 22 points. Overall, the effort and intensity Yarbrough has shown the last two games is what Muller has been looking for out of the junior and both Muller and Yarbrough agree, they’re beginning to see eye to eye on that aspect. “He’s like a father figure to me. He’s hard on me, I just have to see it as he just wants the best from me at all times,” Yarbrough said. “I know my team needs me and these are my brothers. So, I’ll do whatever to stay on the floor, if it requires me to go all out and die out there tired and just come out and get a
CLASSIFIEDS FOR RENT: SUMMER 18 1214 Fell. 2 blocks from Wesleyan. 3 bdrm, 1 bath, ceramic, hardwood, washer/dryer.$1200/mo. + utilities. 3096601089 712 E. Taylor. 2 bdrm apt. Close to Wesleyan and ISU. $800 per month + utilities. Washer/dryer included. 309-660-1089
ISU and to the game of football. “I’m excited and humbled at the same time to have this great opportunity to return to the program at Illinois State,” Beathard stated. “I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with the players I worked with here at ISU in the past and getting to know those I haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet or met briefly during the recruiting process in 2015. We are going to evaluate every player at every position, see what our
strengths are and play to those as best as we can here moving forward.” Beathard led the Redbirds to their most proficient offensive seasons, quarterbacked by Tre Roberson who earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Newcomer of the Year (2014) and First-Team All-MVFC honors in both 2014 and 2015. The offense set 15 single-season records in 2014, while winning a share of the Valley title in each season.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
FOR RENT: FALL/SPRING 17-18 Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $270 $670. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $240 $570. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 1 and 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
Spring 1 & 2 bedroom units available www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
305 Vernon Apt. 8 2 bed/1 bath, immediate move-in All utilities included, washer/dryer
FOR RENT:
Illinois State volleyball saw its 2017 season come to a conclusion Friday, as the Redbirds fell in four sets to Green Bay in the second round of the National Invitational Volleyball Championship. The defeat marks the end of coach Leah Johnson’s first season on the Redbird sidelines. She led the team to 22 wins, tying the second-highest total in the program since the turn of the century. The usual fast starting Redbirds found themselves in an unfamiliar 2-0 hole that they could not dig themselves out of. “Set one was competitive but honestly we were a little flat. Our defense was well behind average tonight, but we came out of the break fighting,” said Johnson. “Being down 2-0, I think that pressure and knowing this could be the end got us going.” The Redbirds were led by Juma Armando’s 13 kills while senior Jaelyn Keene chipped in 11 of her own in her final game in a Redbird uniform. Keene leaves ISU as one of the programs most decorated
players, being named to the MVC First-Team in each of her four seasons. She is just the second player in program history to do so and a unique talent that Johnson knows will be tough to replace. “Jaelyn really embraced new ideas this season, one on one we had a lot of good leadership conversations and I think that’s where she goes unnoticed. She is all about doing what is best for the program and not just her.” Despite the early 2–0 hole, ISU seemed to grab some momentum back after a dominating win in set three in which it led by as many as 11 points at one time. The same play carried into set four as the Redbirds overcame an early 5–1 deficit to eventually take a 19–15 lead late in the set. Yet, as they did all night, the Phoenix battled back to tie it at 22 before finishing off with back-to-back kills to take the set 26–24. A tough ending to a season of many positives for the Redbirds, an outlook Johnson wants her team to have looking forward. “This was a great season for us, we won a lot of volleyball games, so in the big picture we have a lot to be proud of this season.”
SAMI, www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
FOR RENT: SU/FALL/SPR 18-19 808 S Linden: Large 1,2,3 and 4 person units. All Utilities Included. Next to the trail. Start at $355. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY $265 - $455 per bedroom. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Houses 3+ BR great locations. W/D, AC. Pets Okay. $395+ per BR. Call Sean 3092611302. AGT.INT
Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $315. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Houses: 2 to 6 Bedrooms. Start at $325 per person. Walk to Campus. 3094542960
Fell: Spacious 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at $380. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Premium campus houses available 4, 5 or 6 bedroom. Many to choose from. Call Nathan 3096602390
North Linden 4 bdrm house. Off street parking. Great location. Call Days: 309275-1281 Evenings: 309-365-8604.
301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms. Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry. Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
401 N. Fell Ave. Remodeled 4 bedroom/2 bath. New flooring, kitchen cabinets and counter top, above range microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, large balcony, washer & dryer in unit. Central air, secured building, off street parking, high speed internet provided. $640/per person. Call Excel Real Estate at 309-829-5885.
LINDEN TRAILS: BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION. 4 bedroom 4.5 Bath Units with Washer/Dryer. Next to the Trail. Utilities Included. Start at $610 per person. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
Sports
MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017
WEATHERING THE STORM MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU
There were some tough moments, but Illinois State weathered the storm Saturday. The Redbirds defeated Tulsa for the season time in two weeks, 65-58. “It wasn’t pretty,” ISU coach Dan Muller said. “That was a tough win for this group, so I’m really proud of them.” With Saturday’s result, both teams move to 4-4 this season. The Golden Hurricane led 49-47 late in the second half, which was their first lead since it was 4-2 early in the first half. Illinois State would respond with a 11-0 run, regaining the lead 58-49. On that run, Isaac Gassman hit a huge 3-pointer off the bench, followed by a Madison Williams four-point play. “Ike [Gassman] came in and made a big shot, did some good things. I thought Madison played with great energy and passion,” Muller said. Sterling Taplin would hit a 3-pointer with 1:43 remaining in the game to cut the Redbird lead to just six, but Milik Yarbough would find Phil Fayne on an alley-oop to ice the game. In the first half Illinois State would lead by as many as 11 points, behind the three-headed monster of Yarbrough, Fayne and Keyshawn Evans. Yarbrough tallied nine first half points, while Fayne and Evans added seven and five, respectively. Tulsa shot 39 percent on the afternoon, but went into the half shooting 52 percent. The Golden Hurricanes
coughed the ball up 21 times on the afternoon, resulting in 20 points off those turnovers for ISU. “It’s hard to win anywhere, particularly on the road, when you [give up] the ball over 21 times,” Tulsa coach Frank Haith said. “They had 21 points off those turnovers, that made it very difficult for us to win.” That same defensive intensity from Illinois State could not be seen in Wednesday night’s loss at Nevada, however despite forcing 21 turnovers, Muller wasn’t happy with the defensive intensity at all times Saturday afternoon. “I was happy at times, [Tulsa was] shooting over 50 percent for probably 28 minutes of the game. But, we had forced a lot of turnovers,” Muller explained. “In the first half they had 14 turnovers, but were shooting over 50 percent, so there’s a balance there. The last eight minutes I was really happy with it ... we’re still not as consistent as we’d like to be, but again I think fatigue affected that a little bit more tonight than it has, also.” Illinois State’s rebounding woes continued, as Tulsa out-rebounded the Redbirds 49-29. With just under 12 minutes left to play in the game, Evans went into traffic and threw up a layup under the basket. Visibly in a significant amount of pain, Evans was tended to on the baseline and then helped off the court. Evans would eventually return to action, but was still in some noticeable discomfort. see HOOPS page 7
Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor
TOP: Junior Milik Yarbrough brings the ball up the court Saturday. Yarbrough finished with a game-high 22 points. ABOVE LEFT: Dan Muller coaching from the sidelines. With Saturday’s win, ISU moves to 4-4 on the season. ABOVE RIGHT: Keyshawn Evans attempts a floater on the baseline over a Tulsa defender.
Women’s hoops can’t complete comeback, fall to Butler Sunday NICK LANDI Sports Reporter | @nlandi1033
went on a 17-4 run before entering the were the most in the game and just about second quarter with a 17-5 lead. ISU would matched her season average of 11.4 per game never get the deficit within single digits entering Sunday’s contest. Along with her 12 A perfect record at home vanished for after that. points, Schickel got her fifth double-double in Illinois State women’s basketball on Even though the Rednine games this season. Sunday after it lost to Butler 56-45 at birds outscored the Butler’s zone defense held ISU to Redbird Arena. Bulldogs 17-8 in the fourth 13/51 (25.5%) shooting from the field. In the team’s first home loss this quarter, the deficit was too Its ability to collapse on players in the season, the Redbirds (3-3) struggled big to overcome. Juniors paint forced the Redbirds to rely on to keep up offensively with the experiMichelle Weaver and Tori more outside shots, which translated enced Bulldogs (5-4). Senior Hannah Schickel, along with sophoto little success. Green had 18 points and eight rebounds more Kristen Spolyar, each “We saw their shooting percentage Kristen Katrina for ISU in the loss. had a team-high 12 points and that was one of the areas that, Gillespie Beck “We played a really good team today,” for the Bulldogs. whether we were in man or zone, we ISU coach Kristen Gillespie said. “I With ISU junior Simone wanted to keep them on the perimthink Butler was the best team we’ve faced Goods missing her fourth-straight game due eter as much as possible,” Butler coach Kurt thus far.” to injury, Butler took advantage of her absence Godlevske said. Butler, who only has one freshman on down low. The Redbirds were outrebounded Considering that Illinois State was not its team, used its experience to stay ahead 41-35 and outscored in the paint 26-12. used to seeing zone defense consistently so of the Redbirds. After Green hit a layup in Schickel, particularly, was a problem for far throughout the season, it led to slow start opening minute of the game, the Bulldogs the Redbirds in the paint. Her 11 rebounds for the offense.
“I think the zone definitely hurt us a lot,” junior Katrina Beck said. “Like coach said, we haven’t really seen 40 minutes of zone this year yet, and I think at first we were just playing really passive and not really being aggressive and playing our game.” With as strong of a finish as her team had, Gillespie continues to reinforce the idea of her team continuing to fight hard, regardless of what the scoreboard says. “I couldn’t be more proud of our young women of just continuing to stay the course and fight,” Gillespie said. “We don’t really care what the score is. It’s always about us. We want to be competitors. Until that final horn goes, we are going to fight and claw and try to get stop after stop, rebound after rebound, and score the ball.” With its three-game homestand now over, Illinois State heads back out on the road for its next game at 7 p.m. Thursday against Milwaukee.