Washburn University September 21, 2016
Volume 143, Issue 5
News
Features
Sports
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New Content Online Daily
Student organizational involvement roadmap Upcoming Meetings TWLOHA
5 p.m. Sept. 22, Living Learning Center, Blair Room
Nakama Anime Club 5 p.m. Sept. 23, Memorial Union, Wilson Room
Students with Children
6:30 p.m. Sept. 28, Memorial Union, Shawnee Room
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Queers & Allies
6:30 p.m. Oct. 3, Mabee Library, Room 105 Photo illustration by Lisa Herdman
Mapped Out: Washburn University provides students with a diverse set of organizations to choose from, including some that offer resources for non-traditional students, students of the LGBTQ+ community, first-time college students and students studying for specific degree or classes.
Queers & Allies Q&A’s mission states that it will create an open space for people of all sexualities and genders to network together. A safe and diverse environment is encouraged and upheld to help support its members.
Students with Children
Nakama Anime Club
Students with Children aim to provide a supportive space for parents, guardians and soon-tobe parents that are also students. Resources are also provided to help the students succeed.
Nakama Anime Club’s mission states that they wish to provide students with a non-judgemental environment in which to write, read, watch, view and openly discuss aspects of what the anime genre really means.
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Mock Trial Team Mock Trial team aims to provide preparation for students looking to go into the legal field. The team helps students with their public speaking and advocacy skills by traveling to compete to Mock Trial tournaments.
Scorch on the Porch Monday the 26th: 11:00am - 1:30 pm on the East Patio. Scorch Specials: $5 All-American Breakfast meal deal. T-Shirt Combo - $19.00 (Original: $28.00)
TWLOHA
TWLOHA aims to provide students with an open environment in which to connect students with others who can support and help them. They wish to extend the national organization’s mission on campus. ROADMAP: continued on page 4
2 News
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
Briefs Alpha Phi celebrates centennial
Wa s h b u r n U n i v e r s i t y ’s Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi is celebrating 100 years at Washburn. The sorority will host an evening cocktail 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 23 in the Bradbury Thompson Alumni center. They will give tours of the Chapter House and Campus 10 to 2 p.m. Sept. 24. A formal Banquet will follow from 6 to 9 p.m. in Washburn Rooms A and B in the Memorial Union. Alpha Phi, originally founded at Syracuse University, is a sorority that values academic success. The Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi was founded at Washburn University in 1916. They appoint a Director of Scholarship to work with each member, creating a tailor-made plan for each member. The women of Alpha Phi have a strong passion for donating their time to the local community, completing nearly 3,500 hours of community service during the 2015 –2016 school year.
Rec hosts escape room
Washburn University will host a Breakout Escape Room game 7-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2016 at the Student Recreation and Wellness center. The Breakout Escape Room will challenge your teamwork
skills as you work with your friends to find clues, break codes and solve puzzles. This is the perfect event to break the ice with your new team mates, prove yourself in stressful situations and most importantly, to have fun. All students are welcome. For more information, contact Student Activities and Greek Life.
Panel urges students to vote
Naturalism or theism debate
Christian Challenge will be holding a free debate at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in White Concert Hall. Frank Turek and Jeffrey Jay Lowder will discuss whether naturalism or theism is a better answer to explain reality, or if there is some grey area between that would better answer how reality came to be. Turek, doctor of apologetics, is an award-winning author and president of CrossExamined. org. Jeff Lowder is co-founder and past president of Internet Infidels Inc, a principle website for atheists. Christian Challenge asks that people bring a can of fruit for the Washburn University food pantry.
Changes coming to FAFSA, scholarships
Free Application For Student Aid will be changing for students, when applying for the 2017–2018 school year. In the past, the application was
Photo by Mark Feuerborn
Panel: Professor Michael Smith (left), Natasha Martinez of the League of Women Voters and Kerry Gooch of the Kansas Democratic Party met for a panel discussion on voting rights, voter suppression and youth voting involvement on Sep. 20. The three focused in particular on voter ID laws, a policy they perceive as actually being a political strategy to curb an election in one party’s favor.
available to students starting Jan. 1. This year however, the application will be available on Oct. 1. This is mainly to help high school seniors, so that they have more time to choose which school they would like to attend, but can affect college students as well. With this change comes Washburn University’s new priority deadline, normally on Feb. 15, it is now Nov. 15. The second change being made to the FAFSA is the tax information from two years prior to the award year. Those applying for financial aid for the 2017-2018 school year will use their tax information from 2015 instead if 2016. For Washburn University the
priority deadline for scholarships is Dec. 1. Returning students who have received an academic scholarship must complete a Scholarship Renewal Application by Dec. 1, but all other scholarships may renew until Feb. 15, 2017.
Debate Watch 2016
With election season 2016 in full swing, it is only a matter of time before the presidential debates begin to take over the airwaves. In preparation, Washburn University is organizing Debate Watch 2016. Beginning 7:30 on Sept. 26, Mabee Library will host a preliminary discussion followed
Washburn Campus Police Report September 14 10:35 - Burglary/Theft to a vehicle: radio, road atlas. Parking Lot 10. Report taken: investigation continues. September 16 12:12 - Information report: air fired weapon. Living Learning Center. Report taken: weapon recovered by WUPD: referred to Associate Vice President for Student Life.
September 16 17:33 - Information report: alcohol violation. Lincoln Hall. Report taken: Referred to the Associate Vice President for Student Life. September 18 20:11 - Theft: cash/check. Garvey Fine Arts Center. Report taken: investigation continues.
by a viewing of the first presidential debate during its 8 p.m. airtime. Follow-up discussions will take place in coordination with the vice presidential debate on Oct. 4, the second presidential debate on Oct. 9, and the third and final presidential debate on Oct. 19. This all of course leads to the presidential election on Nov. 8. The events are open to any and all who are interested and free pizza will be provided at each one. If you can’t make it to the library don’t worry, you can still follow the discussion on social media with #WUDebateWatch. Don’t miss it!
The Washburn Review’s crime report follows crime trends on a yearto-year basis. This chart accounts for crime from Jan. 7 to Sep. 20. Alcohol Violations - 7% Assault - 3% Burglary (Vehicle) - 8% Criminal Damage - 15% Domestic Violence - 1% Drug Arrests - 11% Harassment - 7% Sex Offense - 1% Theft (Auto) - 5% Traffic Accidents - 17% Theft - 26%
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
News 3
Career, Graduate School Fair ready students’ future Shayndel Jones
Students were able to speak with business recruiters about optional job openings, internUnderclassmen and graduate ships and graduate school proschool students attended the Cagrams for their future, as well as reer Fair which was hosted from drop off their resumes. This was 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 14 in a business formal event, so stuLee Arena. dents could create a good first This event was to gain knowlimpression. This event was hosted to help students meet representatives from businesses all around Kansas. There was a wide variety of volunteers to communicate with, such as law enforcement officers from Topeka and surrounding cities. Local banks and financial service organizations, including Shelter Insurance, Capital Federal Savings and Central National Bank attended to recruit new associates. Health service organizations, like Valeo and Pathway Family Services reached out to students about job opportunities. Other local businesses searched for new employPhoto by Shayn Jones ees for the upcoming holiRecruitment: A member from the KSNT news team recruits new employees and day season. Emporia police officer, interns for the upcoming year. WASHBURN REVIEW
edge about career paths for internships and post-graduation. The Resume Roadshow preceded this event Sept. 13 for students to seek guidance about their professional resumes before presenting them to possible employers.
Harley Arnold, spoke about the opportunities she has had since she joined law enforcement. “This has been a very positive experience for me and I really enjoy my job,” Arnold said. “I want students to be able to start a career and go somewhere with it and I have had that experience since I joined the Emporia Police Department.” Several organizations spoke about the opportunities they have for students, such as internships becoming potential long-term careers, gaining knowledge for future jobs and the benefits of joining their organization. “This is a good way for students to get the information they need and the qualifications they might need,” said Arnold. “It also helps them get applications out to businesses.” Graduate schools from around Kansas traveled to Washburn to recruit new students. The University of Tulsa and Graduate School, Emporia State University, University of Kansas Fellowship, Wichita State University, and Kansas State University were present. Several Washburn Universi-
ty department were recruiting. Washburn University psychology department, criminal justice, law school, allied health and nursing were searching for degree-seeking students and graduate students. Makayla Shields, freshman business major, spoke about her experience with the career fair. “I really want to be able to start my own business some day and Washburn seems like a good place to do that,” said Shields. “I think this is a great opportunity for those who may not know what they want to do or for those who want to know more about their field of study and the job market.” The Career Fair is open to all students at Washburn, but it is aimed more toward upperclassmen who are searching for internships, careers post-graduation and graduate schools. The next Career and Graduate School Fair will be held Feb. 15 at Lee Arena.
Shayn Jones, shayndel. jones@washburn.edu, is a sophomore mass media major.
Ichabod slam poet wins National Poetry Award Ryan Thompson
WASHBURN REVIEW
The National Poetry Awards named Matt Spezia, junior marketing and entrepreneurship major, slam artist of the year. Spezia travelled to Hickory Hills, Illinois to accept the award and perform at the National Poetry Awards’ seventh annual award ceremony Sept. 3. Troy Lewis founded the National Poetry Awards as a means of recognizing the talent and leadership of poets and spoken word artists throughout the United States. Popular vote determines the winner of each award after a committee narrows down the nominees to four finalists. The awards are community focused and a number of categories specifically recognize socially
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conscious artists. Such awards include multi-cultural poet of the year, religious poet of the year and the Troy Poet Lewis community outreach award. Blaq Ice, a member of the artist and activist organization, P.O.E.T., nominated Spezia for his competitive success over the past year. “In slam poetry, you do keep track of points, so you have an average and then how you did in national level slams,” Spezia said. “I was very fortunate this year.” Spezia was also nominated for slam organizer of the year, for creating and hosting the Washburn After Reading slam held monthly at The Burger Stand. “That award focuses on people who are trying to build slam communities,” Spezia said. “You
have to be PSI certified, which we are. Basically those are the people who make the rules of the game. It had to have been in existence for more than six months but under a year, so they were really looking for who’s building scenes.” Spezia represents Topeka in the Kansas-based poetry team, Nique Poetry, and offers a chapbook and CD of original work for sale. “I’m still incredibly grateful for the people who have allowed me to do this,” Spezia said. “Without them I’m not able to go to these amazing places and do all of this.” Ryan Thompson, john.thompson2@washburn.edu, is a senior English major.
Photo courtesy of Matt Spezia
Slam-azing: Matt Spezia holding the slam artist of the year award with Blaq Ice. Blaq Ice nominated Spezia for the award.
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4 News
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
ROADMAP: continued
Chemistry Club Chemistry Club’s mission is to help students who have an interest in chemistry to become better acquainted with it. It also hopes to connect interested students with potential networks and opportunities in the science field once outside of Washburn.
National Association Leadership Institute for Music Education Leadership Institute National Association for Music Education Collegiate’s mission is to provide students pursuing a degree in music education with opportunities and networks to prepare them for after graduation, when they will become professional music educators.
Student Leadership Council’s mission is to provide students with experience in leadership opportunities and disciplines within the Washburn and Topeka communities, while promoting leadership development and concepts in a positive fashion.
Family Day unites students Esme Harrison
WASHBURN REVIEW
Photo by Scott Stormann
Bounce: A girl starts her jumping decent from the top of the bouncy double-slide. Family Day hosted many different activities for children and their parents to participate in, including bounce houses.
Skincare Med
Esthetics Phone: (785) 213-9309
Email: Skincaremedicalestheticstopeka.com 4121 SW Twilight Dr - Suite 4 Topeka, Ks 66604
The annual Washburn Family Day festival invited student’s families to tour the campus as well as participate in festivities hosted by the staff of Washburn and their students Sept. 17. Family Day encourages freshman and other students to have fun on campus for a day. Several tents are set up providing games, food and Washburn memorabilia. Tailgating is also part of the event. There is a pleasant mix of families, alumni and students celebrating Ichabod success. Organizations and clubs like the Washburn Players contributed to Family Day with fun tables and creative games for the visitors. There were a few bouncy houses supplied, as well as a live band who covered David Bowie and other classic rock artists. Many other organizations
Student Athlete Advisory Committee SAAC’s mission is to serve as student-athlete mediators. They help with on-campus sports-related happenings, as well as conferences. They hold many fundraising events throughout the year, which typically serve a national charity or foundation.
supplied delicious snacks, drinks and ice cream for those attending. The fraternities and sororities were also involved in the celebration. With pitched tents and a grill, they prepared for their march on the side of the stadium with their letters exposed. Justine Frakes, sophomore theatre major and member of the Washburn Players, sat next to Darria Dennison in the sun while children participated in their photobooth games. “Washburn is very welcoming to families,” Frakes said. “The community has a big role in our education, opening our libraries and auditions to the public.” Frakes’s family was attending as well. Ichabods, as they are attending a smaller campus, are given the opportunity to meet the community living off-campus. “The fact that there is tailgating before a game on the Memorial Union lawn shows that this school is community
Young Life Young Life offers students a community where they can learn to enjoy college and feel accepted regardless of their religious beliefs. They provide guidance and faith, everyone is welcome to attend.
based,” Frakes said. The support from the community matters a lot to the students at Washburn, and that is why they spend their time and energy on Family Day. Parents realize their dedication, too. Christina Carter from Eudora, Kansas had her first experience at Family Day. “I miss my child,” Carter said. “But I know they’re not too far away and the house is quiet. Family Day is important because the student’s families take the opportunity to experience their loved one’s school. It helps their overall success. They meet local kids and families and can reach out to them if needed.” The overall consensus of Family Day is positive, with many parents like Carter attending to see the support their children are receiving. Esme Harrison, Esme.Harrison@washburn.edu, is a freshman English and pre-law double major.
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washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
A weekly editorial
Bush: Voting how he wants, and so should you George H.W. Bush, former Republican president of the United States, is going to vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, according to former Maryland lieutenant governor Kathleen Kennedy, on Sept. 20. Kennedy originally uploaded a photo to Facebook announcing the former president’s potentially private prospects for America’s new president, with the caption: “The [former] President told me he’s voting for Hillary!” A few hours later, the post had gone viral. Prehaps, what is strangest of all is the concept of Bush, a Republican voting for a Democrat, being shocking news. America has consistently seen rigid partisanship in its political parties, and this same partisanship is what consistently keeps every branch of our government from progress. This problem is so clearly evident in every facet of the American government and yet the people treat it as completely normal. The idea of bipartisanship should not be seen as something newsworthy. It should be common practice and it’s what actually gets work accomplished between political parties. Our nation has already seen government shutdowns and hostage situations where public functionality is at stake, all thanks to partisanship. Gridlock cannot be accepted anymore. Bush has a right to vote however he wants as an American citizen and any pressure on him to cast his
vote based on party lines is entirely undemocratic. This stance is a double-edged sword, however. While Bush has the right to vote however he wants, all American people do as well. While some of the ex-Presidents have made their voting choice clear, this is an unfair attempt at swaying public votes. While some may question Trump’s viability as a candidate, there are people who legitimately believe he is the best choice for the Oval Office. They formed this opinion on their own, as opposed to having someone else tell them who the best option is. If Americans vote simply based on who else is voting for a candidate, they’re not voting for what they actually believe in. Even if the ex-Presidents are endorsing Clinton because they believe she is the best fit for a position they previously held, that is still opinion. The take-away here: there is going to be a massive amount of pressure from political parties on who to vote for in November and sometimes this pressure will involve something as shallow as a celebrity endorsement to earn votes. A celebrity endorsement does not control American’s conscience. In November, the only person who will be in the voting booth is you and the only person who ever has to know your choice for the presidency is yourself.
- The Editorial Staff
Art of waiting Alex Hounchell WASHBURN REVIEW
to work out failed ideas and see the light of a better idea form from those ideas that just won’t work. Procrastination can be negative if the procrastinator goes beyond the point that they can finish what they are supposed to work on, but even then time is on their side. When things are down to the last second in a sport for example, it raises the stakes. That last precious few minutes forces the people who procrastinating to create their absolute best work in the moment. If someone were to finish the final draft of projects weeks in advance, they would still be stressed out for the remainder of the time about what else could be done. The procrastinator though, has had time to have fun and presumably gather information, if only subconsciously, on the project they need to finish in three days. It is the time constraint that allows procrastination to work successfully when it does. People who procrastinate may have poor planning skills, but they have refined time management skills. And how couldn’t they when they are constantly asked: “don’t you have a project due in a week?” As Thomas Edison said: “just because something doesn’t do what you planned it to do, doesn’t mean it is useless.”
Some people may view procrastination to be a negative attribute, a sign of laziness, but it can have positive connotations for people seeking creative venues. For example, procrastination is syonymous with waiting to see all of the available options and pathways. This allows for more informed decisions. It is essentially the difference from being a swordsman or an archer. A swordsman thrives off acting in the moment with their gut and going straight into a situation with their first idea. This can be effective, but it works better for analytical and non-creative processes. The procrastinator is more calm and collected, but by waiting they can avoid the stress of the moment. This pause can be the difference between acting on a subpar idea and waiting through several bad ideas for a good one to manifest. By having those bad ideas and letting the thing you are supposed to be working on sit in the background, the procrastinator is able to think of ways around their bad ideas. Thomas Edison famously said: “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that Alex Hounchell, alexander. won’t work.” hounchell@washburn.edu, is A procrastinator has time a senior English major.
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Don’t you have a project due in a week?
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“In Review”
Turfwar: Meanwhile, in the office...
Opinion 5
Student Media Staff Executive Copy Editor Lisa Herdman Production Manager Stephanie Cannon Advertising Manager Ariele Dutton Yearbook & Bod Magazine Team Leader Kenzie McCoy Yearbook & Bod Magazine Assistant Team Leader Shayn Jones Web Team Leaders Eric Gorton Shannon Hoffman News Team Leader Ryan Thompson Features Team Leader Colleen Kelly Multimedia Team Leader Mark Feuerborn Promotions Team Leader Ali Dade Advertising & Promotion Kaleb Marconette Isran Rahman OfficeStaff Charlotte Tchamlesso Copy Editors Kraig Dafoe Russell Budden Graphic Design Erica Faulkinbury Grace Foiles Sheldon Malicke Devin Morrison Carney Ziegler Yujie Zai Staff Reporters Natalie Engler Faith Hadley Alex Hounchell Shayn Jones Dylan McManis Sophia Oswald Andrew Shermoen Alexis Simmons Brenden Williams Staff Photographers Scott Stormann Ian Johnson Kaylee Snell Brian Cervantez Multimedia Staff Will Hartner Ethan Lagahid Annalee Lubeski Vincent Neff Kaleb Marconette Adviser Regina Cassell Please visit washburnreview.org for more news, stories and everything else that matters to WU.
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8 Features
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
Musical ‘Toxic Avenger’ yields wit, raunchy humor Ali Dade
WASHBURN REVIEW
The genre of the rock-musical is one that is still attempting to be fully and respectfully shaped, and could learn a lot from the lewd, wicked and complex musical that is “The Toxic Avenger.” “The Toxic Avenger,” is a rock-musical based on the 1984 movie of the same name and was written by Joe DiPietro (book) and David Bryan (music and lyrics). It details the struggles of Marvin Ferd III (later known in the show as Toxie), as he attempts to save his hometown of Tromaville from an emergence of toxic waste that is smelling up the city. After being dumped into the toxic waste by the town bullies, geeky and inadequate Marvin transforms into Toxie: a tall, hideous, man composed of green-slime who is still out to save Tromaville. The show is equipped with a love story between Toxie and a blind librarian named Sarah, as well as a narrative on corrupt government leaders. Every issue presented in the show is tackled with wit and crude humor. Many of the jokes in the show
Photo by Ali Dade
Jersey: The eclectic set for “The Toxic Avenger” provided Tromaville, the musical’s setting, with a unique visual style. The set was composed of miscellaneous odds and ends from previous Helen Hocker productions.
include references to current issues we are facing in America, as well as pop-culture references. These included playful stabs at presidential candidate Donald Trump, Twilight book series author Stephanie Meyer and former talk-show host Oprah Winfrey. The inappropriate humor of the show can be seen through some of the creatively witty
song titles, including, “Thank God She’s Blind,” “Evil is Hot” and “Everybody Dies!” One notable scene in the show was hailed by Topeka Civic Theatre as ‘the most memorable and unbelievable duet you’ll ever see on any stage’ involving two distinct characters that happen to be played by the same actress. The title of the song contains so many expletives, it
cannot be listed here. From a technical standpoint, this duet required agility, speed and dedication from the actress portraying Marvin/Toxie’s mother and the city mayor (played by Karen Bartlett) as she would take turns switching character with herself, flying backstage to change costume and wig quickly, before running back onstage to belt out more of the song.
The actors were presented with a complex piece that they did a spectacular job of shining up. I don’t think that Topeka Civic Theatre’s production of “The Toxic Avenger” could have been presented any better, with extremely talented actors, actresses and musicians, a mood-setting stage atmosphere, and costumes/makeup that were beyond believable. The situation in which a musical or play will make me laugh so hard to the point of tears comes rarely, but came wonderfully in the packaging of “The Toxic Avenger,” however it should be noted that due to the inappropriate but well-placed jokes, the show is not suitable for children. “The Toxic Avenger,” will be playing at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 1, with 2 p.m. matinees Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, at the Helen Hocker Theater in Gage Park.
Ali Dade, alexis.dade@ washburn.edu, is a sophomore English major.
Gordon-Levitt’s ‘Snowden’ lacks excitement, depth Andrew Shermoen
WASHBURN REVIEW
Director Oliver Stone is a capable filmmaker, but he still has had yet to bring himself out of the slump he’s been in since the late ‘90s. Based on the true story, Edward Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), an ex-soldier devoted to his country, decides that his computer expertise to put his computer expertise to use in the CIA. After gaining clearance to view classfied surveillance data, he wrestles morally with whether or not to leak this information to the public and become the most wanted man in the country. “Snowden” is easily Stone’s best film since “Nixon,” but that doesn’t mean it is worthy of unending praise. It isn’t a return to form, nor is it a revelatory biopic or brilliant thought-piece on American culture. “Snowden” is a film that, frankly, did not need to be made. Stone is notorious for his focus on tough political subjects. He despises war, as seen in “Platoon,” and “Born on the Fourth of July,” loves history and is critical of political systems. He has been consistently unafraid to show America in its worst mo-
ments, and he loves characters who are notoriously selfish and egomaniacal, as shown in “Wall Street.” It’s a miracle he hasn’t made a Donald Trump film yet. His craft is persuasion, but he’s also a storyteller. His stories examine perspectives one would rarely ever see. He chooses boring topics, and is unable to charge the script with any pathos or finesse. “Snowden” is a legible film, but nobody writes home about legible. Its script and story flows, the writing is fine and often boasts honest emotion, the acting all around is brilliant (even Nic Cage is fine), and some of the shots and sequences are visually stunning, which is suspected from Anthony Dod Mantle. The cast is exceptional. Levitt has captured the unique persona of Snowden so well that one wonders if he isn’t just a vessel for Snowden himself. Shailene Woodley brings true emotion to the love and tension in the relationship of Snowden and Lindsay Mills. Mills is one of the most private figures in the entire story of Snowden’s leak and the best moments of the film feature their relationship. I think the central issue of this film’s failures is its subject. Ev-
erything that “Snowden” tried to be was done better in “Citizenfour,” a 2013 documentary about the leaks directed by Laura Poitras. Melissa Leo plays Poitras in “Snowden,” and the character’s presence is a constant reminder that her real life counterpart’s time spent interviewing Snowden over a four day period in Hong Kong is head and shoulders better than “Snowden.” If you feel the urge to watch a film that gets into Snowden’s headspace, “Citizenfour” is a much better way to spend your time than the deeply uninteresting narrative of “Snowden.” Stone has clearly fallen from grace, and while he has captured an interesting subject he is unable to provide that subject with the gravitas he was once known for. “Snowden” is a mediocre film with brilliant performances that is just too early for its time.
Andrew Shermoen, andrew. shermoen@washburn.edu, is a senior secondary English education major.
Image courtesy of Open Road Films
True To Life: Director Oliver Stone’s new biopic is based on the life of Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower that leaked documents about US surveillance procedures. After watching the film Snowden himself is quoted to have said it was a “surreal” experience.
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
Features 9
Topcon 2016 provides art, collectibles and community Lisa Herdman
WASHBURN REVIEW
The third annual Topeka Convention returned with gaming, art, comics, cosplay and vendors - and a plethora of new and famous faces - from Sept. 16 to 18 at the Ramada Topeka Downtown Hotel & Convention Center. Door admission for Friday or Sunday was $7 and Saturday was $14 for adults. Three day passes were available, and events, as well as appearances by famous actors and artists were different each day. 2016 Topcon put an emphasis on the 50th anniversary of Star Trek and introduced a group of actors and actresses never before seen at the convention. These included Greg Peters, the creator of Pinkie and the Brain, Timon and Pumba, and the Animaniac cartoons; Patrick Barnitt, an actor in multiple films in the Star Trek series; Noelle Hannibal, an actress in the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek:First Contact and Star Trek:Voyager; and Spencer Wilding, an actor in Guardians of the Galaxy and the Harry Potter movie series. These actors and artists were available for signatures, pictures and to feature original work and drawings to be sold to the public. Many upcoming authors of science fiction and fantasy novel authors were also present. Authors and artists featured included Jessica von Braun, Eric Wile, George Ismael Feliu Jr., Beejay Hawn, Dane G. Kroll and Susanne Lambdin. Many
Photo by Lisa Herdman
Larger Than Life: Iron Man and Captain America gather a crowd to take a picture with, including participants in the cosplay contest. The Iron Brothers of Topeka have made an appearance at Topcon every year since its debut, selling pictures and interacting with the crowd.
authors are returning from the previous year. Some completed series by previous authors returned to be sold in sets. The convention utilized many rooms in the Ramada, including the main floor and the lower level for educational panels. The topics covered in the panels ranged from how to pull off a cosplay of the opposite gender, to how to better publish your work, all held by experienced cosplayers, authors and artists.
Each year panels are changed and particpants are able to suggest which panels they would like to see for the next year. A cosplay contest was on Sunday in the lower level of the Ramada and had many returning characters as well as first time cosplayers. All ages were welcome to participate. A new staff for cosplay judging was brought in, including Nikki Blackburn, a cosplayer and Extra Life participant to
Photo by Lisa Herdman
Total K.O.: Parents watch as their children jocky for high score in retro video games provided by Warpzone Retroplex. Crowd favorite games included “Space Invaders,” “Punch-Out!!” and “Duck Hunt.”
raise money for local Topeka childrens hospitals. “I had a great time at Topcon,” Blackburn said. “I was able to judge my first costume contest and was able to help make a kids birthday wishes come true with some great people. It was a fun weekend filled with friends and new experiences!” Returning cosplayers sought to outdo previous performances with loud music, more colorful costumes and interacting with the crowd. Red Dalek returned and pestered the crowd and the Iron Brothers of Topeka walked around playing music and posing for pictures. Each year new cosplayers appear to give tips and table for the companies they came to represent. KC Brick Lab and Jane Doe Nerdgasms tabled near the entrance with their handmade products and crowd interaction. Brick Lab invited families to come and see their Lego city, featuring super heroes and villains as well as lone pieces made to purchase. KC Brick Lab is a returning staple of the convention, and normally draws a crowd. A new feature of the event was a cosplay karaoke. Hosts of the event as well as cosplayers of all ages lined up to sing in front of an audience. Participants could play music from favorite games as well as many other crowd favorites. Games were set up by the returning vendor Warpzone Retroplex, who sets up retro
video games for participants to challenge each other in. Top scores are posted on a board above the games and gamers are asked to pay to try to beat a score and have their name featured on the board. Duck Hunt and Punch-Out!! are some crowd favorites. The games encouraged families to come try out their luck at some of the older games that younger children may not be accustomed to. The Kid Zone room sported drawing sections and crafts that were comic and super hero based. Marton’s painting station, representing Aunt Nancy’s Face Art, offered hypoallergenic paints for a base price of $7. It gathered a line of mainly adults, wanting to add paint as a part of their costume. Full-face paint, arm sleeves and body paint was offered. “I have been painting for four years, but this is my first time at Topcon,” Marton said. “I think it is great to participate in something like this. I get to meet so many college students here, and get so many new ideas for designs. I think it is great to get the community together.”
Lisa Herdman, Lisa. Herdman@washburn.edu, is an English and mass media double major.
10 Puzzle
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
Puzzle Page Start
Student Sodoku (Student-generated and student-solved)
Each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1-9.
2
61 8 9 1 23 3 68 5 9 71 4 8 6 5 7 94 6 9 7 248 2 4 9 5 6 7 8 41 759
9
Finish
4
Excuses Excuses Unscramble each of the clue words on the right. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells below with the same number.
Graphics by Devin Morrison
Sports 11
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
Sports Speak
School Spirit Dylan McManis
WASHBURN REVIEW
While Washburn may be a Division II school, it doesn’t mean we should act like it. I covered the Family Day football game, and right away I noticed something disturbing. The crowd had a severe lack of students. While students were certainly present, having participated in many of the family day activities, they made up a very small portion of the game’s attendees. Many of the students who were there looked to have been dragged there by their families. Greek Hill only sported three different Greek Life organizations, the student section was empty and I noticed during the entire game, there seemed to be a steady stream of students leaving in small groups. This is not okay. I’m not about to be the one to tell everyone they have to get involved on campus, but I will say that following a sport and actively participating in its community can be very rewarding. And I know that the majority of the people that read this column are not the ones that need to hear this, but it needs to be said. Don’t take a back seat in college. While this may sound like some life advice column
that can be thrown anywhere else in this paper, sports is quite possibly one of the easiest and largest student activities to get involved with. Attending a sport doesn’t have to mean you’re sporty; you don’t need any special skills to attend a football or soccer game; anyone can do it. Going to a sporting event isn’t always about you, a lot of the time it’s about school spirit and supporting your fellow students in the activities they put their all into. Athletes have a sense of comradery in the sports that they play, so why shouldn’t you? So go to games. If you’re a freshman you can take pictures at them for your WU101 class credit, and if you’re not a freshman then I would hope that you feel some sort of connection to Washburn at this point. Do your best to enjoy the games. Go with friends and congratulate a player afterwards. Most sports are held on the weekend, and I know for a fact that the majority of you aren’t using your Friday nights to work on the five-page paper you have due on Monday morning. So go out and cheer for the team, GO BODS! Dylan McManis, dylan. mcmanis@washburn.edu, is a sophomore English major.
Volleyball wins 3-0 in traditional rivalry Dylan McManis
WASHBURN REVIEW
Emporia exists as Washburn’s rival, but they didn’t pose much of an obstacle to the Washburn volleyball team Sept. 20, where Washburn won their on home turf, going 3-0 on their sets. While Emporia managed to hold Washburn in their sights, staying within six points of Washburn at the end of each set, Emporia was unable to lead a set by more than two points during the entire match before Washburn shortly caught up with them. Except for digs, which Emporia led 47-43, Washburn led the match in every single major stat, kills and points holding the largest gap; where Washburn led 40-32 and 54-41 respectively. Of those 40 kills, Washburn’s top three kill leaders were
Sarah Vicory with 12, Leanna Willer with 10 and Megan Pedersen with 5. Vicory also led the game with 13.5 points, meaning that over 88 percent of her points were from kills, making her the MVP of the match. “Going into it we were hoping to get a good win tonight and I think that’s what we did,” said Vicory. Vicory, like many of her fellow teammates felt the Emporia rivalry wasn’t something they should worry about. “Honestly, every team in the MIAA is a big rivalry for us, so we just go in and hope to win every game going with the same intensity and energy. We just need to focus on our side of the net and get our job done.” Outside of kills, which often bring a wave of excitement to the audience, is the equally as important strategic move of
Photo by Dylan McManis
Upfront kill: Makayla Maxwell spikes the ball over the net for a kill during the last set of the match. Maxwell got four kills and four blocks in the game.
blocking. At the match, two players led the team in blocks for the night, Megan Pedersen and Makayla Maxwell. “I felt like we did pretty good, but we could have been a lot better. We could have been scrappier,” said Maxwell. Maxwell is one of four people on the team over six feet, and her position at the front puts her constantly in the middle of the action. “It’s exciting, definitely an exhilarating thing. You got to do your job and we all just got to work as a team. Even though I’m up in front, I still have two [teammates] up there with me who are just as important.” Maxwell even had a message for the students of Washburn: “We need more people to come; we need more of a student section!” Washburn’s next match will be against the University of Nebraska at Kearney, in Kearney, Nebraska Sept. 23 before they turn around and play against Fort Hays State in Hays, Kansas, Sept. 24. “The next two teams we play are currently undefeated,” said Vicory. “So we will see how that goes, we will prepare a lot this week to play against those teams and just take it one game at a time.” At the time of this article, Washburn has a 10-3 overall score, Nebraska-Kearney has a 15-0 record and Fort Hays State has a 12-1 record, having lost to Nebraska-Kearney during the Washburn versus Emporia State match. Dylan McManis, dylan. mcmanis@washburn.edu, is a sophomore English major.
Sports 12
washburnreview.org
September 21, 2016
A tale of two halves
Graphic by Justin Sanders
Washburn football wins annual football matchup Dylan McManis
WASHBURN REVIEW
The Ichabods may have won their Sept. 17 Family Day football game against the Lindenwood Lions, but it was a last minute save that kept them
from the clutches of defeat. The Washburn Ichabods ended up winning 34-29. During the first quarter of the game, the Ichabods were down 0-7 to the Lions, but Jake Horner’s 62-yard touchdown pass with 6:07 left on the clock be-
Photo by Justin Sanders
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Touchdown: Quarterback Derick McGinnis leads the way as wide reviever Bryce Chavis rushes for a 25 yard touchdown in the second quarter to bring Washburn ahead 34-7. This was Chavis’ second touchdown of the game. -------------------------------
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gan the Ichabod’s rise to victory. “It was really exciting, I’m happy I could get the game tied back up and keep us in it. And then all of my teammates stepped up and did great things the whole first half,” said Horner. At the end of the first half, the Ichabods led 34-13 after two touchdowns from Bryce Chavis. After making up the defecit, the players were driven to win and didn’t show any signs of letting up. “It was just executing; we just had to execute our plays right,” said Chavis. “We knew if we executed today, whoever got the ball would make it happen. It happened to be me a couple times, but our offense played pretty good.” But when the Ichabods returned from the locker rooms for the third quarter, Lindenwood shut them down, holding them at 34 points. In the fourth quarter, Lindenwood ended up scoring two touchdowns, the extra point and a field goal to put them at 29
points. This score left Lindenwood a single touchdown away from victory; a touchdown they almost got during the last play of the game before Jace Williams intercepted their attempt at a touchdown pass with a single second left on the clock. “It was an interesting game,” said Horner. “A tale of two halves, but we did what we had to do to get the win. We knew that this was a must win game if we wanted to accomplish our goals going forward. It’s just a step in the right direction as far as we look at it.” The contrast between the first and second halves can not only be seen on the scoreboards, but also in the final yardage. At the end of the game, Lindenwood had 261 passing yards with a gain of 201 rushing yards to Washburn’s 247 passing yards and 168 rushing yards. “I was real pleased in the first half; I’m glad that we won,” said Head Coach Craig Schurig. “I was disappointed in how we played in the second half, and I’ll take blame for that. We got
a little cautious on the offensive side, but we had enough in us to get it done, so I’m proud of the way our guys finished it. Lindenwood did a good job coming back so we’ve got to give them credit.” The Ichabods will be playing their next game of the season against Nebraska-Kearney Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. in Kearney, Nebraska. Although the Ichabods had a poor showing in the second half, Schurig remains optamistic about their upcoming games. “Would have liked to have kept the pedal down in the second half and keep going, but we backed off and that wasn’t smart,” said Schurig. “Obviously we’ve got to keep getting better and we feel like we have a really good team, but each week we’ve got to improve. We have a couple big games coming up, and we hope to put in all four quarters next time.”
Dylan McManis, dylan. mcmanis@washburn.edu, is a sophomore English major.
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