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THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017 Vol. 129 / No. 47
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‘We cannot all succeed if half of us are held back’ -Malala Yousafzai
Community embraces International Women’s Day Story by MARY CULLEN and EMA SASIC | News Editors
W
ith Wednesday marking International Women’s Day, supporters across the United States, including Bloomington-Normal, found several ways to embrace feminism. Around the country and on campus, women took part in A Day Without a Woman, the first in its kind in which women did not go to work, wore red or did not shop in typical consumer franchises, but rather local women- and minority-owned businesses. A Day Without a Woman was organized by the same women that held the Women’s March on Washington following President Donald Trump’s inauguration. According to the Women’s March website, the
event was created to fight for justice and the human rights of women and all gender-oppressed people through a one-day demonstration of solidarity. Professors at Illinois State University joined in on this movement. English professor Kass Fleisher felt the need to participate due to the actions she sees in her department. “Within my own workplace I am distressed about the treatment of women,” Fleisher said. “I don’t know that my concerns will have an effect, but if enough of us make the implicit statement, perhaps university leadership will take notice.” For others in the community, the need for participation was simple: women’s equality rights.
Above: Senior English major Becca Maree and senior English creative writing major Harley Chapman stand together as women and are active feminists in the ISU community.
WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATED TACTFULLY VIEWPOINT PAGE 4
“I was on Twitter and Facebook all day long, obsessively,” Bloomington resident Michelle Sawyer said. “I didn’t sleep last night because I’m just worried about our country.” While Sawyer did not express a positive outlook on the state of the country, crediting Trump for the reason as to why she took part in A Day Without a Woman, she encourages women and men everywhere to keep up the fight. “Stay diligent. Don’t go to sleep now. We’ve got it started, we can’t lose momentum,” she said. She also believes the takeaway from the day’s event is the spreading of awareness among men and women. see WOMEN page 3
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The Illinois State University creative writing program in the Department of English will be presenting its fifth annual @Salon2017 event — Gwedolyn Brooks Centennial from noon to 5 p.m. on March 25. The event will feature renowned local and regional artists at the McLean County Arts Center in downtown Bloomington and will include poetry, performance, music and visual art. The event is free and open to the public. The salon program will feature poetry readings by Daniel Borzutzky of Chicago and special guest Duriel E. Harris. Downstate Legacies will launch ISU professor emerita and alumna Elizabeth Hatmaker’s new book, “Infrastructures” at the event. Guest readers will share poems from the book. “I hope [guests] are inspired to celebrate creativity and the imagination by making art and supporting art and artists, collaborating with others to co-create the worlds we inhabit as individuals and together in our varying communities,” Duriel E. Harris, creative writing associate professor and performer at the event said. There will also be a sound art exhibition and musical selections by DJ 1st mind and actor and theater artist and composer Duane Boutte, who will share a new musical composition created especially for the event. Brooks’ selected poems will serve as inspiration and lyrics. Works-in-progress presentations by graduate students in the ISU creative writing program will also be featured. The graduate students presenting are chosen by the creative writing faculty from a pool of submitted proposals. Works by featured artists will be available for purchase and light refreshments will be served at the event. There will also be an open gallery hour for attendants to tour the 90th Annual McLean County
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@Salon2017 will feature poetry readings and a sound art exhibit. Amateur Art Competition/Exhibition in the Brandt Gallery and the exhibition of Stephanie Roberts’ paintings in the Armstrong Gallery. This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency and the McLean County Arts Center. Other co-supporters of the program include “Obsidian: Literature & Arts in the African Diaspora”, ISU LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute, ethnic studies and women’s and gender studies programs. More i n for mat ion about @Salon2017 can be found at atsalonisu.org or by contacting Duriel E. Harris at atsalonisu@gmail.com. COUPON
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THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
Normal film festival celebrates women directors
WOMEN continued from page 1
A Day Without a Woman was criticized prior to its occurrence due to it falling on International Women’s Day; a day dedicated to acknowledging women’s contributions in the economic, political and social spheres. Many believed it was counterintuitive to have women not go to work on Wednesday, especially since the fight for equal pay among genders is strong, or only available to those who were “privileged” enough to miss a day. Several students did not find it necessary to participate in the event. Instead, one saw it as an “exclusionary” activity that does not consider economic setbacks many women have to face. “I believe the Day Without A Woman is exclusionary, as many women are too poor to take off work or skirt certain responsibilities,” senior English creative writing major Harley Chapman said. “It is designed more for middle class white women and doesn’t take into account the unique situations of lower class women, mothers and women of color.” “I think it fails to recognize the women who don’t have the privilege to take a day off of work [or] protest,” senior English major Becca Maree echoed in response to Chapman. Although some acknowledged many women around the country do have the ability more so than others to “shut down economically,” volunteer for Empowered Women Empower Women Veronica Kroesch was able to spend her evening giving back to the greater cause. “I wasn’t able to ditch my eighthour work day, but I was able to
KEVIN SCHWALLER Senior News Reporter | @kevschwa
Avery Rainwater | Vidette Photographer
Lawyer Stacey Tutt shared the story of her upbringing at Wednesday’s Empowered Women Empowering Women event in the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts. give back my time at the end of my shift,” Kroesch explained. “A lot of us can still reach out to our community at the end of the day.” Empowered Women Empower Women, an event held Wednesday in the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts organized by a group of local women activists, was geared toward celebrating and inspiring women. A primarily female, red-wearing crowd of all ages, races, ethnicities and sexual orientations of 300 were in attendance. WGLT correspondent Colleen Reynolds was the emcee and was joined by 13 speakers and performers. Among them was Stacey Tutt, a professor of law at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For her speech, she decided to read her
college admission essay that outlined the story of her father going to jail after sexually assaulting her. As Tutt explained, the essay was the moment she realized she wanted to help and empower women. “I miss being an innocent child, but I found the strength and determination that was within me. I believe it is my turn to help others through their tragedies,” she said. “I volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center because I know firsthand the importance of advocates.” Among advocates on campus is Dean of Students John Davenport, who was present at Wednesday’s celebration. As someone who thought the event was for “a great cause” and wanted to show his
Illinois State honors Women’s History Month PORCHIA WHITE News Reporter | @porchia_white
The entire month of March has been dedicated to women’s history, and Illinois State University will be recognizing it by hosting multiple events to celebrate. The events are used to discuss the history of women and celebrate their accomplishments. Different organizations at ISU have put together ceremonies in honor of this. On March 20, the Social Work Club will be hosting Women’s March for Equality”on the Quad from noon to 1 p.m. The goal for this organization is to help spread knowledge and awareness throughout the community. Other organizations such as Pride and Sister Circles will be at the event as well. Participants will circle the Quad while celebrating
Illustration by Nick Buegel | Vidette Art Director
accomplishments of women over the years and bringing light to challenges women still face. Diversity Advocacy will be holding the event Lunch n’ Learn from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 29 in the Escalante Room located in Hewett Hall. Among this organization is graduate assistant
support, he stressed the importance of being more knowledgeable about the topic. “I think in our office we are very much in support and we want to learn more,” he said. “We don’t want to assume that we know everything about a particular cause, so the folks we deal with, the students we deal with and people we have conversations with are all just trying to learn more and be as helpful as they can.” T-shirts at the event provided by Meltdown Creative Works are available online and in shop. The shirts cost $20, and $5 of the proceeds go directly to the Mid Central Community Action agency’s Neville House, a domestic violence shelter for women of McLean County.
Tiffany Fulford, who said she looks forward to the events associated with Women’s History Month each year. “With diversity as a core value for the institution, it is important for ISU community members to celebrate and appreciate the diversity that embodies women,” Fulford said. “To me, the university-sponsored programs and recognition of fascinating women are most exciting. The university has a truly fascinating women’s (and) gender studies program. They have empowered many of my students and their voice should be lifted and recognized as a key contributor to the institution.” During Lunch n’ Learn, guests will be served a dish as they are learning the history of women. They will also be able to interact in the event by sharing their personal stories. Women’s and gender studies program Director Alison Bailey believes Women’s History Month should be celebrated year round. “The purpose of designated months such as Women’s History Month or Black History Month was originally to honor the historical contributions and struggles of these groups. I think a designated month serves a good purpose, but I think that they also marginalize these groups,” Bailey said.
Beyond Normal Films (BNF) will host a film festival of movies directed by women beginning Thursday at the Normal Theater. The nonprofit organization’s festival will kick off with “Certain Women” at 7 p.m. Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts Shari Zeck will introduce the film. BNF Vice President Rochelle Gridley said Zeck will give a short introduction to the film, about women’s issues and about film.” “Queen of Katwe” will screen Friday and Saturday. “Certain Women” will show again March 11. “Things to Come” will be shown March 16 and 18. “The Fits” will be shown March 17 and 19, ending the festival. The organization provides the community with cultural and educational activities in support of the cinematic arts. Gridley said the organization wanted to highlight women this year. “We wanted to have a festival that was about a certain group,” Gridley said. “We wanted to have a cohesive theme. We chose women directors because everybody is thinking about women right now. The Women’s March on Washington, no [female directors] were recognized at the Oscars, and we wanted to draw attention to some women directors.” BNF was founded in 1996 by two women, Charline Watts and Colleen Farlee, who saw the newly renovated theater as a chance to bring a different kind of films to Normal. Gridley said it is important to celebrate women’s work in the film industry. “Women’s work everywhere is important,” Gridley explained. “But it is especially important in the film industry because women don’t receive as much recognition for their behind the scenes work, and women have only recently broken into directing.” The film festival is part of this spring’s Farlee Film Festival, which honors Farlee. Films for the festival are recommended through polling of the membership and then obtained by the Normal Theater if available. Screenings are financed through BNF membership fees and hosted by the Normal Theater. Tickets for each film are $7 for general admission and $5 for students. For more information on the festival, visit beyondnormalfilms. org.
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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
A Day Without a Woman, a day closer to equality
T
he world stopped to watch Wednesday as International Women’s Day was celebrated in a new, unexpected way through A Day Without a Woman. Organized by the same women who brought us the massive Women’s March held in protest of Trump’s inauguration, A Day Without a Woman was created to show the impact of women in our society. Critics said this movement was a “privileged” one, leaving out those who cannot afford to miss a full day of work for the sake of losing their job. Fortunately, there were many other ways for women to participate. Supporters were encouraged to take the day off work, if this was both professionally and financially possible, wear red to support the cause and avoid shopping anywhere that was not owned by a woman or minority person. While numbers for how many women participated in the protest in any of the aforementioned ways are nonexistent, TIME released a story earlier this week detailing the impact that a true Day Without a Woman would have on our society and economy. With women making up about half of the nation’s workforce, 47 percent of all workers would
veto going into work. Noting that most public school teachers are women, students would go home uneducated for the day giving the statistic that more than threequarters of their teachers would not have shown up. Along with that, 96 percent of all dental hygienists, 91 percent of all registered nurses, 60 percent of all accountants, and 53 percent of all pharmacists would also have taken the day off. Most college campuses would stand desolate considering that women professors have outnumbered their male colleagues since the late
1970s. Don’t forget about the students, too, for 55 percent of all 4-year college students are women. So what does this list from TIME tell us? Well, first and foremost that women are ever present in our lives. If they weren’t paid only somewhere between 78 to 82 cents for every dollar their male counterparts make, this likely would not be a problem. If women could choose what to do to their own bodies when it comes to abortion rights, women may not be marching. If women were treated equally in
all aspects of life, both at work and in social settings, maybe they would have all been working yesterday. The list goes on and on, but when ego is set aside and reality hits, women have every right in the world to take a day to show their peers how much their effort matters. Truly, it is sad. It is sad that women feel the need to completely withdraw themselves from daily activities just so that others can see how important they are and how life altering their work is. But, it is the world we live in.
The editorial board has honored A Day Without a Woman by intentionally leaving this cartoon space blank.
Women wake up every day knowing full well that they will be treated differently than their male peers. Rather than being present and attentive in board meetings around the globe, women will often be asked by their male coworkers to take the notes that day, leaving them too busy pushing pen to paper to actually have their voices heard. Having been raised in a society where women are told to be obedient, kind and nonaggressive, how could she say no? Even worse, when that women does speak up with a great idea, it is likely one of the males she works with will get the credit after simply agreeing or hijacking the idea altogether. Will she say something? Likely not, because ladies aren’t raised that way. So Wednesday these ladies took a stand for something bigger than them or their office drama. Women around the nation took a chance for their fellow ladies to say, “Screw you, I’m just as important as the next guy.” Is it sad that it has come to this? Of course. Is it likely that we will see a major change starting today? Probably not, but for the women who did take a stand, and for those who stood beside her, yesterday was the start of a new age, a brighter beginning and a feminist future.
Editorial written by MARY CULLEN, 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.
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We must stop criticizing women’s choices MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
I
n case you missed it, Emma Watson has been making headlines over the last couple of days due to a Vanity Fair photoshoot. One photo in particular left some people angry. What was the photo of, you ask? Well, you probably guessed it – Watson bearing some mild cleavage. Mansplaining king Piers Morgan was one of the many to critique Watson’s photoshoot, saying it is part of a bigger cultural problem ,“All actresses […]
strip naked to promote themselves and their movies.” British radio presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer criticized Watson as well, saying Watson “complains that women are sexualized and then sexualizes herself in her own work. Hypocrisy.” How could she? That selfproclaimed feminist? Sweet, innocent Hermione Granger? And now a Disney princess? Watson clapped back at the criticism, noting the apparent misunderstanding of what feminism is. “It’s about equality, and it’s about choice,” Watson said. “It’s about the ability to choose. It really boils down to choice, and there’s so many misconceptions and misunderstandings about what [feminism] is. Feminism is not a stick with which to beat other women, it’s just not.” And she’s right. Women (nor men) should be condemned for embracing their
sexuality. It is not un-feminist to show some skin. Feminism is about deciding whether you want to express your sexuality, and when, with who and how you wish to do so. Nudity is also just not always about sex; it can be a form of liberation, of embracing your body. In the same interview, Watson expressed satisfaction with the editorial photographs from Vanity Fair, as well as being creatively involved. Watson has been a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador since 2014 and helped launch HeForShe, a campaign that encourages men to support gender equality (yes, men can be and are feminists). Considering she is one of the most active feminist celebrities out there, it is hard for me to grasp the idea of critiquing her feminism. It is dangerous when we try to poke holes in feminism and those who actively support it, consider-
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE Redbird Rumble: To professor Beth Hatt and Latin Ameri-
can studies Director Maura Toro-Morn who co-founded CAUSA, the Committee Assisting Undocumented Student Achievement at ISU in light of the Trump administration’s new deportation policies.
ing there are still many people out there who think it is simply about hating men. Just as we need to continue to advocate for equality for all genders, we need to remind those who oppose the movement what it is really about. For some reason, it is apparently self-deprecating to wear revealing outfits. And you should most certainly not be confined to specific clothing just because you consider yourself a feminist. Women should be allowed to dress up or down as much as they would like. After all, men can, right? No matter what anybody says, women — and most notably female celebrities and politicians — are often judged by their appearances. This needs to end because so many people often project these beliefs on all women. The world must accept that women own their bodies and can express themselves however they choose.
Why can’t a woman both look good and be strong? If she’s proud of her body, she should be more than allowed to flaunt it. Feminism is about women having the chance to make their own choices and not simply cave to pressures of society. Morgan said there was a double standard of women allowing themselves to be objectified while calling for gender equality. Even if that were true, the two contradict each other and there isn’t any correlation. However, those who relentlessly criticize women’s appearances perpetuate this double standard more than Watson, or any other activist, who decides to pose semi-topless for a professional photoshoot. Kevin Schwaller is a news reporter and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Fumble: To a proposed bill that would allow Illinois dentists to void state workers’ dental plans. According to GLT, affected state workers would be forced to pay for all dental work out of pocket and wait for Illinois to pay them back.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
Normal ‘sharin’ green’ for St. Patty’s parade
Blo-No prepares celebrations for Irish weekend
DYLAN STEVENS News Reporter | @Dkstevens12
TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
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“It’s smack dab in the middle of The Town of Normal w ill March Madness too, so we’ll be able to celebrate both. We’ll have every be holding its seventh annual St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday TV turned on and we’re prepar- “Sharin’ of the Green” St. Patthis year, and the Bloomington-Nor- ing for a very busy weekend,” Luke rick’s Day Parade starting at 1 mal area is preparing for a grand Rokos, general manager of Pub II, p.m. March 18. The parade is sponsored by weekend of jam-packed events and said. “We already have some shamspecials to celebrate. rocks hanging up around the area the McLean County Irish HeriThe day before St. Patrick’s Day, and we are going to be doing a few tage Society, WJBC AM 1230 and Easterseals. the Bloomington Center for the Per- giveaways.” This annual celebration invites forming Arts (BCPA) has The Young Maggie Miley’s, the DublinIrelanders scheduled to perform to inspired pub with Victorian cottage family and friends of all ages to start off the weekend with traditional décor, has a unique experience to offer. attend this event. This gives commusic. This group consists of eight Specializing in Irish beverages, it munity members the chance to performwill provide show their Irish spirit, along with ers, who are $4 Jameson make donations to Easterseals. Easterseals is an organizahandpicked Caskmates, tion that helps provide services every year Jameson by the Irish Black and to children with disabilities and Cultural $3 Bacardi is supported by the community A c a d e m y, Oakheart n’ as much as possible. However, it is not the main reason for the bringing Coke cups. their pasOne of parade. At the parade, local sponsors sion for the the specials and other partners will gather history of is a tradiand march from the Alamo II Ireland and tional Irish expressing pub shot bookstore to La Bamba Mexican that through called the Restaurant, which is down North Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer forms of Nutty Irish- Street and around Uptown Circle. The turnout is usually between Pub II and Maggie Miley’s have various spemusic and man, which cials for St. Patrick’s Day. dance. is a type of six and eight thousand people, “Normally, we try to get an Irish cocktail that mixes Irish liquors Bai- depending on the weather. band around for the celebration of ley’s and Frangelico. It has a sweet, Regardless, every year the walls the holiday. This is the first time we’ve hazelnut flavor and the after taste of of Uptown are covered with spectators. The parade members had The Young Irelanders though, but the strong Irish whiskey. we’ve been told we needed to book Later in the evening, the pub will carry a large Irish f lag to collect them, so we are expecting a great tra- also have a special guest performance the “green” from any people willditional performance,” Max Johnson, as well as an appearance from the ing to donate. Joe Tulley, Uptown Manager an employee for BCPA, said. local bag pipers. for Town of Normal, has been The artists have shared the stage with Bono, recorded with Ronnie Wood from The Rolling Stones and have been a part of Riverdance and Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance.” This year, the group consists of a wide range of instruments, such as flutes, fiddles and banjos, as well as two young dancers. The tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and the performance $5 Domestic Pitchers will start at 7:30 p.m. $3 Fireball On St. Patrick’s Day, the Pepsi Ice Lunch Special: Ribeye Steak Sandwich Center will hold a St. Paddy’s Skate from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and will have a $6 $2 Domestic Longnecks admission rate for everyone, $1 off if $3 Rail Calls wearing green, as well as a $2 rental $3 Imports and Micro Brews skate fee. Lunch Special: Reuben For the special occasion, the ice will be decorated green and Irish tunes $5 Bud Family Pitchers will play all night long. A contest will $4 Vodka & Redbull have with prizes for whoever is con$4 Bombs sidered the “best dressed leprechaun.” Lunch Special: Pork Tenderloin After the long, family-packed day, $2 Domestic Bottles enjoy a drink or two during this holi$3 J.P. Wisers Rye Whiskey day with a group of friends at one of $3 Sailor Jerry the local pubs. Pub II will have $4 beef Lunch Special: Ham & Cheese sandwiches and $4 potato soup for the occasion. Drink specials will include $3 Jack Daniels items like $3.50 Genius pints and $4 $2.50 Keeper Cup Jameson shots. $2.75 Corona and Corona Lite Local bag pipes will also make an Lunch Special: Cod Sandwich appearance at 4:30 p.m. and then Patio Open & Margarita Specials Everyday! again at 9:15 p.m. 102 N. Linden St. 309.452.0699
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coordinating the parade for five years. He has also attended every single parade except for the first one, which is when he first came to town. Obviously he is devoted to this tradition and an advocate for community involvement around Normal. “It gives folks a chance to finally climb out of their cabin fever and typically enjoy the weather beginning to clear up,” Tulley said. “There is no specific fundraising goal, just a fun community specific event.” In regards to the main goal of the parade, Tulley said it is all about having a good time. “Our parade targets fun first and money second. However, we do try to do a little bit better
every year,” he said. “Starting last year we began charging for the parade. This is to help support those who put in the hard work to be in the parade.” The parade was originally scheduled for this weekend, but due to the possibility of low temperatures and snowfall, it was moved to March 18. A potential for low attendance and possible hazardous road conditions on Saturday caused parade planners at the McLean County Irish Heritage Society, Easterseals and WJBC to consult with Town of Normal officials on the decision, according to a press release.
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Across
1 Fish feature 5 Sporty sunroof 9 Impressionist’s métier 14 Mount between Pelion and Olympus 15 Bat mitzvah dance 16 “__ Theme”: “Doctor Zhivago” song 17 Done in a comprehensive plan? 20 Primed 21 Duffers’ dreams 22 Gamer’s game face 23 Criticize harshly 24 Emailed a dupe to 25 Darth, before he turned to the Dark Side 28 Postgrad challenge 32 Quarrel 33 Pit-__: heart sound 34 Target of annual shots 35 Tied up in a government program? 39 Useful Scrabble tile 40 Fairy tale heavy 41 Suez Canal ship 42 IBM’s chessplaying computer 45 To a greater degree 46 Singer India.__ 47 Word with candy or sugar 48 Book with tablets 51 Candle holder 52 The White Stripes, e.g. 55 Out in a classic sports car? 58 Veil material 59 Bolivia neighbor 60 “It follows that ... ” 61 Lid woes 62 Intervene, with “in” 63 Some game
By Roland Huget Down
1 Scads 2 Part of a chain 3 Atty.-to-be’s hurdle 4 System of connected PCs 5 Lockup, in slang 6 Carved symbol 7 “Warcraft” killers 8 Kung __ chicken 9 British school test 10 Annual Macy’s tradition 11 Q.E.D. word 12 Indian music style 13 North Sea feeder 18 Tigers Hall of Famer Al 19 Move out 23 1% alternative 24 Have a jones for 25 Like football passes 26 “Scrubs” extra 27 Herbal flavor similar to licorice 28 __ citato: in the
3/9/17
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47 Tight-knit group 48 Young newts 49 Cross off 50 Alternative to de Gaulle 51 Tech news site 52 Desperate 53 Sugar craving, say 54 Wrinkled-nose cause 56 Co. with brown trucks 57 Place to plant
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
Get lucky this
“Wearing of the green” St. Patrick used the shamrock as a symbol of the Holy Trinity when explaining Christianity to the Pagan Irish. He wore the three-leaved clover on his lapel, making it an iconic symbol that is still used today. The “wearing of the green,” another symbol of the day, comes from a song of the same name which protested the persecution of United Irishmen supporters for wearing green. In opposition, popular tradition came to use the wearing of green clothing, accessories and shamrocks.
Swim in the green river Chicago’s tradition of dying the Chicago River green started in 1962. City sanitation workers realized they could double up the orange vegetable dye used to detect illegally dumped sewage to also use as decoration for the holiday. Although the green waterway only lasts for a few hours, it’s one beloved Chicago tradition that many look forward to every year.
History St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17 to celebrate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and the overall culture and heritage of the Irish. Irish folklore claims that Saint Patrick drove snakes out of Ireland, but historically and geographically, serpents have never claimed the Emerald Isle as their home. The tale seems to be allegorical then, depicting Pagans as snakes. With Saint Patrick’s Christian influences, he metaphorically eradicated “snakes” out of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day Whether celebrating in Normal, in a bar or on a beach, may the luck of the Irish be with ya Compiled by ERIN ANIOLOWSKI | Features Reporter Illustration by NICHOLAS BUEGEL | Vidette Art Director
St. Paddy’s ... blue? Aaron Thomas, senior film major, celebrates the traditional way – by wearing blue. Chicago might be dying the river green, but St. Patrick’s color was actually blue. A lighter shade of St. Patrick’s blue was used on ancient Irish flags and armbands of the Irish Citizen Army. Green became St. Patrick’s Day’s color during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 when the clover became the symbol of Ireland’s nationalism. The tradition of the “wearing of the green” became a regular practice and soon spread to uniforms. This Nationalist tradition, along with the image of the famous lush green fields of Ireland, creates a sea of green every year.
Drink the dark brew Guinness tastes completely different in Ireland than anywhere else, even just over the pond in England. This beverage is more than just a drink, however, having supported the city of Dublin through hard times and having a storehouse in the shape of, yes, a glass of Guinness. Arthur Guinness made his brave beginning in 1759 when he signed a 9,000-year lease on a dilapidated, ill-equipped property and started brewing the famous bold, black beer.
Unleash the ‘pot of gore’ Without a doubt, the movie choice for a St. Patrick’s night-in has to be the “Leprechaun” film series. The seven-movie comedy horror series follows the terrifyingly mystical creature as he tries to find his stolen pot of gold, doing whatever it takes to get it back. Interestingly enough, young Jennifer Aniston makes her film debut in the first “Leprechaun” in 1993. The series becomes more of a spoof after going to Las Vegas, space, and “tha hood.“ If watching bad horror films is the preferred way to spend time, this series that didn’t get more than a 25 percent on Rotten Tomatoes is the perfect way to spend St. Paddy’s day.
Wilde dedicates Spring Break to new opportunities EMILY GRIFFITH Features Reporter | @emilygriffy
As students trade in their studies for relaxation and partying over Spring Break, one Illinois State University professor is dedicating her time to find new learning opportunities for her students. Assistant professor Darby Wilde has been teaching at ISU for 8 years now. She teaches modern dance techniques and dance history in the ISU dance program. Over Spring Break, Wilde will be File traveling to the Republic of Cyprus, an island off the coast of Turkey. While she is there, she will be visiting the University of Nicosia. Not only will Wilde be teaching dance classes, but will also be meeting with the university’s global studies department to discuss a possible study abroad program in the spring or summer of 2018. “I’m really looking forward to on one level meeting with the global studies people, experiencing their dance program, seeing the similarities and differences, and seeing how our students can benefit from studying there,” Wilde said. Wilde has never traveled alone internationally, she added. “On a more personal level, I’m really looking forward to stretching and growing and seeing how these other influences in this experience can influence not only my teaching, but my own creative practice and research in terms of choreography,” Wilde said. Once Wilde arrives back to ISU to finish the rest of the spring semester, she hopes to bring back some of her learning
Professor
experiences to share with her students. However, Wilde also reflects on the fact that this trip can also be a learning experience on how she and her students can become more globally aware citizens. “I think as the economy changes, it’s still really important to keep a focus on the arts,” Wilde said. “The arts bring people together and so part of the reason for going on this trip is to experience different parts of the world.” During her time at the Republic of Cyprus, Wilde will also be visiting five ISU students who are currently studying at the University of Nicosia. That being said, Wilde recently went to the Alamo II to purchase some ISU merchandise to bring and share with them, as well as the other international students. Wilde said, “I got [the ISU students] a couple of ISU things to say we miss you and come back sometime, because I think Natlaie Stuckslanger | Vidette Photographer there has to be some sense of missing Assistant professor Darby Wilde will be traveling for the College of Fine Arts during where you came from if you’re studying spring break to learn how foreign schools teach dance. there for a whole semester.” Although Wilde is dedicating her time can learn from. this Spring Break to opening new doors for ISU students Wilde said, “I didn’t go to school here, I’m just faculty, but who want to study abroad, her dream spring break vacation I feel a strong connection to Illinois State and I am extremely would be in the Greek Isles. She would love to be on a beach, proud to be representing Illinois State.” to experience serenity and culture and to meet new people she
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
ISU heads to Hoops in the Heartland Redbirds finish 2016-17 season with two less conference wins than ’15-16 MIKE MARRA Senior Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
Illinois State wrapped up the 201617 regular season play on Saturday with a loss to Bradley, 70-59. The loss dropped Illinois State’s overall record to 7-22, with a 4-14 record in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Redbirds were given the No. 9 seed in this week’s MVC tournament – Hoops in the Heartland. “We’re excited to head back to iWireless and the Barb Quad Cities, they Smith do a fantastic job. It’s really an exciting environment and we’re very fortunate to be able to get there for the tournament,” coach Barb Smith said.
The seeding sets up a third matchup with No. 8 Indiana State. On Jan. 8, the Sycamores defeated the Redbirds, 63-49, at Indiana State and then Feb. 3, the Redbirds were beat once again, 65-47. “Indiana State’s gonna be a tough match-up, it’s gonna be a battle, it always is. It’s very physical. They’re a great defensive team and I know it’s gonna be a battle,” Smith said. “The toughest team is gonna win.” Wendi Bibbins scored 17 points in the first game and 23 points in the second game against the Redbirds. Turnovers have plagued the Redbirds all season long, as they average 17.5 turnovers per game. Offensively, the Redbirds only score 54.8 points per game, while allowing opponents to score 68.9 points per game, second to last in MVC. Indiana State comes in scoring 55.5 points per game, but allow
DANCING
continued from page 8
When ISU was punched in the gut Sunday, MVC Player of the Year and Defensive POY Paris Lee responded with his own blows time and time again. He had no help from a veteran group he has depended on all season long. Lee’s efforts attracted national atten-
opponents just 58.0 points per game. This season was the third year in a row Illinois State failed to win double-digit games and has not done so since the 2013-14 season when it won 10 games. “It’s a new season, it’s 0-0, everyone’s 0-0 now and seeding is seeding, but anybody can beat anybody. And we are probably, I would say, healthier than we have been since the UIC game earlier in the conference season — earlier in the year,” Smith said. One player who has been plagued by injuries this season is Hannah Green. Green missed time early this season with a concussion and then again toward the end of the season with a nagging knee injury. Among all the injuries, Green still led the MVC in blocks with 71 blocked shots. Green was by far the leading shot blocker, as Bradley’s Vanessa Markert
tion — “Paris Lee” was among the top-10 keywords trending on Twitter during the championship game. Lee, a in-state four-year starter, is part of Muller’s first recruiting class. He is the type of player every program needs to in order to succeed. The Redbirds laid their own bed with early non-conference losses and not getting the job
Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Senior Photogrpaher
Senior guard Brechelle Beachum drives the basket against Evansville. was second with 33. Green’s 71 blocks is 58 more than the second leading shot-blocker for Illinois State, with the next closest being Megan Talbot with 13 blocks. The tale of Illinois State’s season can be summed up by one thing: The only statistics Illinois State averages higher than its opponents
done on the biggest stage this season. If there was any ISU team in the past two decades which is deserving of making the tournament, it is this one. And if there was any player during Muller’s tenure who deserves to dance, it is Paris Lee. Lee honors late associate head coach Torrey Ward, who died during a plane crash on April 7, 2015, by wearing Ward’s old basketball
is turnovers per game and total turnovers on the season. The Redbirds are last in field goal percentage (34 percent) and three-point field goal percentage (26 percent). The Redbirds and Sycamores tip off at 4 p.m. Thursday from the Quad Cities.
shoes. If “Illinois State” is announced on Sunday, it would be the full-circle moment Redbird fans have longed for since Muller reached the tourney as a player in 1997-98. The Redbirds have a lot stacked against them. But Lee hopes he can take those shoes dancing next week. Maybe, just maybe.
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is a 9 -- Cash flows in and out with greater velocity. Together, anything seems possible over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Friends are your secret power. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 9 -- Practice your talents and skills. Follow a personal vision. Advance in your career over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Take bold action. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Follow a dream. Your wanderlust grows over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Get up and go! Visit the source of a fascinating subject. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is
an 8 -- Plan and budget for future growth, with Mars in Taurus over the next six weeks. Family assets rise with careful tending. Teamwork makes the crucial difference. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Focus on your career. Partnership flowers over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Collaborate for a shared vision. Your community provides what you need. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -Today is a 9 -- Explore and investigate. Work faster and make more money over the next six weeks with Mars in Taurus. Crank the power up to eleven. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- To-
day is an 8 -- Manage financial accounts. With Mars in Taurus for six weeks, your actions speak louder than words. Make your move. Go for love, beauty and passion. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 7 -- Collaborate with your partner. Improve your living conditions over the next six weeks, with Mars in Taurus. Home beautification, repairs and renovation especially satisfy. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is a 9 -- Nurture your health despite a busy schedule. Writing projects flow with ease over the next six weeks. Get the word out with Mars in Taurus.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017
ON THE BUBBLE
The Vidette sports desk weighs in on who should be ‘Last Four In’ Syracuse, Rhode Island, Xavier, USC
Rhode Island, Xavier, Southern California, Wake Forest,
The waiting game for Illinois State is nearly over. Dan Muller’s squad owns just one top 50 win, a knockout of Wichita State at Redbird Arena in January. But following that win with 41 and 20-point losses to Shockers sinks the final nail into the Redbirds coffin. ISU will hear from a selection committee Sunday, unfortunately it will be the NIT on the other end of the phone. Syracuse was in nearly an identical spot last season with the bubble, and Jim Boeheim’s club finished its year in Houston at the Final Four. Finishing 10-8 in the best conference in the country will be enough to sway the committee to send Syracuse to Dayton for the First Four.Rhode Island might not even have to worry on selection Sunday. If URI does not leave Pittsburgh with the A-10 title, the Rams will have to sweat it on Sunday, but their 42nd ranked RPI and a crucial win over a strong Cincinnati team allow the Rams to sneak into the big dance. Nobody expected to Xavier to be in the bubble. Ranked in the top 25 to begin the year, the Musketeers have fallen on hard times in recent weeks due to injuries. But their quality wins against Wake Forest and Creighton will be just enough to allow Xavier to move on to March Madness. USC has the best win in this group and probably the strongest case to pmake the tournament. The Trojans have a 23-8 record. The selection committee should look kindly on USC, who finished with a 10-8 conference mark. A win over Washington in the first round of the Pac-12 tournament should cement the Trojans spot.
Xavier looked to be safely in the tournament until the Musketeers went on a late six-game losing streak. Xavier has a top-25 win over Creighton, who was ranked 22 at the time. Xavier has spent time in the top-25 this season and has had a few wins in the Big East tournament would put it on the other side of the bubble. The Musketeers also own an RPI of 33. USC seemingly had an at-large bid, until a four-game skid tossed that up in arms. The Trojans have 23 wins on the season and own an RPI of 39. USC’s biggest win of the season came against UCLA, while also beating SMU, who appears to have a spot in the Tournament. If the Trojans can put Washington away soundly in the Pac-12 tournament, the Trojans should grab one of the last four spots. Wake Forest finished the season strong with wins over Louisville and Virginia Tech. The Demon Deacons currently have wins over Miami, Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech and Louisville, but did lose to Clemson and Syracuse who are also on the bubble and outside looking in. If the Demon Deacons can win an ACC Tournament game or two and put themselves at 20+ wins, they’ll sneak in. Rhode Island is a tricky one. URI has won four games against top-100 opponents and own a non-conference strength of schedule ranking of 24, while owning a strength of schedule ranking of 54. It has a win over Cincinnati and VCU, who both appear to be tournament teams. Rhode Island’s strength of schedule is 55, while their RPI is listed at 42. Michael Marra | Senior Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
Tom Prizeman | Sports Reporter | @TPrizeman
Illinois State, Illinois, Southern California, Virginia Commonwealth Both Illinois teams — the Redbirds and Fighting Illini — will claim two of the four coveted last spots in the NCAA tournament bracket. While ISU will be sweating on Selection Sunday due to its lack of RPI top-50 wins, its 17-1 conference record and double-digit win over Wichita State in January cannot be looked over. Fifty miles east of Normal, the Fighting Illini have completely flipped the script on what appeared to be another mediocre season. Wins over four teams currently projected to be in the bracket and a win over Michigan Thursday in the Big Ten tournament will hoist
the blue and orange into the big dance. The last teams to sneak into the tournament will be Virginia Commonwealth and Southern California. Both teams have work to do in their respective conference tournaments later this week, but both the Rams and Trojans are equipped for lengthy runs. USC will use every ounce of its attractive win over No. 3 UCLA back in January to entice the committee and VCU will earn an automatic bid as the Atlantic 10 conference tournament champion. Nate Head | Sports Reporter | @NateHead51
Kansas State, Syracuse, Wake Forest, Xavier Illinois State will not be on this list due to its inability to consistently blow out mediocre opponents and its performance in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship Game. Kansas State will take over that final spot in the field due to wins against Baylor and West Virginia. Syracuse would have been on the list of last four byes, but its loss to Miami early in the ACC tournament demotes the Orange. This also reminds the committee of their rough first half of the season. In the first few months, the team had bad losses to Connecticut, St. John’s, and Boston College. But wins against Duke, Florida State, North Carolina, and Virginia should get SU in. The Demon Deacons of Wake Forest will ride both their RPI (33), strength of schedule (20), and opponents’ strength of schedule (7) to March Madness. This coming despite the fact they are 3-8 against teams in the RPI top 50. But Wake Forest gets a spot due to having that power conference factor, something the committee will take in favor of ISU’s mid-major identity. Finally, we get Xavier on the list. While this Musketeers team is weaker than ones in the past, XU should not be overlooked. One of the best strength of schedules in the country (12) along with victories at Creighton and home against Wake Forest, Chris Mack’s squad will have a chance to make an impact in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Nick Landi | Sports Reporter | @TheDon1033
Illinois State, Kansas State, Wake Forest, Xavier Although Illinois State (27-6) ended the Arch Madness Tournament on the wrong foot, it lost only to Wichita State, a nationally ranked team, who ISU has previously defeated. Kansas State (19-12) will make the cut due to wins against Syracuse and Baylor. The Wildcats lost to predicted No. 1 Kansas twice this season, but only by two and three points. Wake Forest (19-13) will have a chance to play in any post-season
tournament for the first time in six years. The team is on a four-win hot streak, including a win against Boston College in ACC Tournament. Xavier (19-12) has lost six of its seven previous games, but the strength of its competition (12) is a factor to consider. Xavier may not be the powerhouse many are used to, but it is a team that should be put in the NCAA tournament. Beth Geistlinger | Sports Editor | @beth_geist
NCAA TOURNAMENT BUBBLE WATCH Are they in or out? Selection Sunday 2017 is 5 p.m. Sunday. The show can be streamed on NCAA.com and will be aired nationally on CBS.
Illinois State
(27-6, 17-1 MVC) RPI: 31 Best Win: Jan. 14 vs. Wichita State, 76-62 Bad Loss: Nov. 11 at Murray State, 73-70 Only two top-100 wins
California
(19-11, 10-8 PAC-12) RPI: 56 Record vs. Top-100: 4-9 Bad Loss: Feb. 17 at Stanford, 73-68
Syracuse
(18-13, 10-8 ACC) RPI: 79 Best Win: Feb. 22 vs. Duke, 78-75 Bad Loss: Jan. 1 at Boston College, 96-81
Let these Redbirds dance
Ilinois
(18-13, 8-10 BIG10) RPI: 58 Record vs. Top-50: 3-9 Bad Loss: March 4 at Rutgers, 62-59
Kansas State
(19-12, 8-10 BIG12) RPI: 60 Best Win: Feb. 4 at Baylor, 56-54 Record vs. Top-100: 5-10
Xavier
(19-12, 9-9 BIGEAST) RPI: 33 Record vs. Top-25: 0-6 Have lost six of last seven games
MY VIEW JOSH TOLENTINO | Sports Editor @JCTSports
T
he door was open. Then the Shockers slammed it shut with a 71-51 rout over Illinois State in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship Sunday in St. Louis. Or did they? The door is still open — just a crack for the Redbirds. The Redbirds were MVC regular season co-champions, which in most years would mean they did enough to earn an at-large bid. But the Valley is at its lowest point in more than a decade. When looking at Illinois State’s resume, a 27-win season and high RPI (31 as of Wednesday) should get the team into the NCAA Tournament. But that isn’t the case for the Redbirds who don’t have much going for them outside of those couple statistics in the eyes of the committee. During his last press conference, ISU coach Dan Muller pleaded he hopes the selection committee “looks at the full body of work” his team has done this season. The full body of work that Muller is referring to isn’t just ISU’s record and RPI. The Redbirds boast one of the nation’s best defenses instilled to them by Muller, who was a two-time Defense Player of the Year. ISU is No. 4 in the country in defensive field-goal percentage, limiting its opponents to just 37.7 percent from the field. The Redbirds also rank No. 6 in points allowed (61.0 OPP PPG). However ISU lacks marquee wins. The Redbirds best win is a Jan. 14 victory vs. Wichita State at Redbird Arena. But the Shockers later blew ISU out twice on nationally TV by a combined 61 points. Muller knows ISU’s resume isn’t up to par with other teams on the bubble. When your top conference wins are over the likes of Drake, Northern Iowa and Missouri State, that doesn’t bode well against a team like Syracuse, who holds a big win over Duke. Barring help from a handful of different teams in Power-5 Conferences, the Redbirds will have missed 19-straight NCAA Tournaments. ISU’s 19-year drought is second in the MVC only to Loyola Chicago, which hasn’t made the NCAA tourney since 1985. There have been early peeks of outside help — Syracuse and Clemson were both booted early from the ACC Tournament. But the Redbirds are going to need a lot more help to still be considered come Selection Sunday. ISU may not be a NCAA Tournament team based on its resume when being viewed by the committee, but from a viewpoint of someone who has been following ISU closely this season, there isn’t a doubt that the Redbirds are among the best 68 teams in the country. Will ISU make the tourney? Probably not. But the Redbirds are an exciting group to watch full of athleticism and length. ISU plays hard-nose defense, a trait lacking among many teams in today’s age of basketball. See DANCING on page 7