The Saint :: Issue 8

Chicago: The Musical Get an inside look at the popular musical hitting campus this weekend.

Study Abroad | 3

page 5

theSaint

Thursday, February 21, 2013 Volume 32, Issue 8

We no how two spel.

>>NEWS Boy scout controversy | 2 The Saint has everything you need to know about the recent controversy involving homosexual participation.

Wildlife in CA | 3 Reporter Cait Hilton gives the insight to a reserve outside of L.A. that has recently been destroyed.

>>CULTURE Oscar Party | 6 Saint Reporter Brian Kalchik gives the details for this year’s fancy party full of movie stars and prizes.

Beasts | 6 Beasts of the Southern Wild makes a surprise appearance in the Oscar nominations.

Reporter Ian MacNeil checks it out.

>>SPORTS Track and Field

|

7

Aquinas’ teams look forward to the NAIA indoor championship.

Zach Eddy

Aquinas Hockey | 7

| 8

Culture Editor Paris Close interviews the senior basketball standout as the season comes to an end.

Refresh yourself: Aquinas style Coca-Cola brings a new twist to an old favorite

By Lianne Crouthers The Saint Reporter Over the last week, flyers and emails advertising Refresh Yourself peppered cork-boards and inboxes around campus. The event required extensive planning, was smoothly executed and intermingled a zerowaste, environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Campus Life organized delicious food and beverages, door prizes and entertainers for the night. CocaCola sponsored the event, providing collector ’s cups and a fun, laid back atmosphere.

Food contributors ranged from the iconic Yesterdog to Quaker Steak and Lube, serving up their tasty hot wings. Piles of Jet’s Pizza and various Creative Dining snacks showered partygoers with a ton of choices for after-dinner fare.

Throughout the night, a massage therapist had her hands full with students eager for tension-melting chair massages. Four stylists from Panopolous Salon were clipping a wa y a ll e ve ning w hile c lus te rs of students waited in line for free haircuts and watched their friends get new do’s.

Mascots cheered on participants during a Wing Eating Contest and were even caught dancing along to the energetic music of The Bergamot.

The opening act of the evening, Audiobody, was a dynamic duo of percussionist jugglers.

Lighting up the stage with neon drumsticks and slick juggling, the pair’s sensational choreography kept the audience engaged through their whole performance.

Tuition raises for coming academic year Aquinas not immune to annual price increases

By Mayra Monroy The Saint Reporter Students of Aquinas should plan on seeing a 4.8% increase in tuition by next year. On February 4, President Juan Olivarez and the College Board of Trustees released an email stating that there would be an increase for the next year. This 4.8% increase is seen in tuition and room and board costs. Tuition will go from $25,070 to

were opened. “It’s something we’ll all have to accustom to,” said freshman Rachel Dormal. In recent years, tuition has risen, constantly increasing as the years progress.

Wi t h a p p r o x i m a t e l y 9 0 % o f Aquinas students receiving financial aid, this spike in tuition might cause students to seek more aid. In 2011, Aquinas released a report on an estimate of the average debt of graduates. In this report, the average

<<THE 4.8% INCREASE IS SEEN IN BOTH TUITION AND ROOM AND BOARD COSTS>> $26,280, while room and board will increase from $7,810 to $8,186.

A 4.8% increase in tuition is more than the approximate national average of tuition increase for the 2012-2013 year for private colleges.

Last year ’s saw a 4% increase in private college tuition. In comparison, area colleges such as Calvin College have total tuition of $35,390, almost $3,000 more than Aquinas’ $32,880.

Public universities such as the University of Michigan have a tuition cost of $25,848 for undergraduates living in state and $51,976 for out of state students.

Reactions to the tuition increase were almost immediate, as the email and letters carrying the information

debt of a graduate was $20,695, the lowest compared to that of Michigan public and private colleges, and below the national average of $26,600.

Despite a tuition rise, Aquinas College is never short on financial aid opportunities. A number of scholarships, whether they be from outside sources or endowed, are available to students through the financial aid office. Along with scholarships, students have access to grants as well as student loans.

The entire ballroom was p a c k e d ; e ve n the standing area was crowded. With every song, Audiobody b r o u g h t something new to their performance.

The carefully timed light show and music kept the crowd excited as Audiobody performed their Blue Man Group-esque tunes.

Chuckles, gasps and sighs could be heard in the crowd as the duo executed coquettishly COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS c o o r d i n a t e d Partying the winter blues away: The Bergamot impressed Aquinas partygoers with their mix of original m o ve s . T h e i r songs and covers, keeping everyone on their feet and rocking out. performance ended with a undulating melodies and masterful almost relieved at not having a dance raucous, well deserved applause rhythms. The vocalists remained partner, the band was so engaging from the audience. charismatic and sassy while the rest that it didn’t matter the pace of the The next group to take the Wege of the band played their guts out. song,” said McKay. Ballroom stage was The Bergamot, an Overall, the evening kept Junior Kathryn McKay took alternative band that offered original part in the festivities and thought the partygoers on their feet, swaying to music and covers of classic hits. The performances were very entertaining. the music and mingling with their band immediately got the crowd on “ T h e B e r g a m o t g a ve a f a n t a s t i c friends. On a frigid Friday night in their feet, dancing and singing to performance. Even during the slow February, Refresh Yourself brought their jams. songs, when there may have been some heat to the AQ campus.

Even though their songs were a few of us tempted to cower in the new to most of the audience, it was corner from the high school shame we easy to get swept away by their

Salary Debate Debate over teacher salaries continues at local levels

By Lianne Crouthers The Saint Reporter On Monday, January 28, Michigan State Superintendent Mike Flanagan met with Michigan State University scientists. His main topic of discussion was a proposal t o i n c r e a s e i n c e n t i ve s f o r career mathematicians and scientists to enter the teaching profession.

According to Tory, MIbased journalist Jessica Carreras, Flanagan reported, “When you ratchet-up teacher salaries to $100,000-plus, market forces will direct more mid-career changers and you’ll attract more math and science college students into our educator prep programs.”

This would have long term impacts on both the teaching profession and its recruiting practices.

During his presentation Marketable areas: Science and math teachers are Flanagan did not suggest and secondary levels. prioritizing the pay scales of certain teaching subject college credentials as well as their over others. Instead, he posited that years working in the district. the intent of the state should be to The same data from the State of continue to raise the average salaries Michigan reported that the minimum of all teachers to a six figure level. salary for districts in Kent and According to the State of O t t a wa c o u n t i e s i n 2 0 1 0 - 1 1 wa s Michigan, in the 2010-11 school $ 1 0 , 3 0 0 ( G r a n d H a ve n ) a n d t h e year districts in Kent and Ottawa maximum was $99,010 (Jenison). counties had average salaries ranging F l a n a g a n ’s a s s e r t i o n t h a t from $53,427 (Godfrey-Lee) to increases in educator salaries $70,212 (Wyoming). It is important will produce a boon in qualified, to remember that often teachers do dedicated teachers, however, is part not enter these districts making the of a minority in Michigan right now. average pay. Usually, they start on Last year, the Michigan Legislature the bottom of a complex step system voted to cut funding to state schools that takes into account both their

highly sought after at both elementary

by $1 billion dollars.

This year, the city of Pontiac may have to appoint an emergency financial manager for its school system since Flanagan has cut off its funding. According to Lori Higgins, a reporter for the Detroit Free Press, “the district’s deficit increased from $12.2 million in June 2010 to $24 million in June 2011…The district received two advances from Oakland Schools to meet financial obligations, including payroll.”

news

page

2

<<

THE SAINT | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Aquinas: Service learning trips head off for spring break

Michigan: GM picks up John Cusak and drops Tim Allen

National: U.S. government seeks to limit drone use by police force

World: Pope Benedict XVII to step down at the end of the month

Five service learning trips will be heading to Kansas City, Kentucky, Guatemala, Louisiana, and the Dominican Republic. Students and advisors will be doing various projects, including medical work in the DR, home repairs in Kentucky, and teaching in Louisiana and Guatemala.

Actor Tim Allen seems to have become the voice of Michigan over the past few years with his General Motors ads and “Pure Michigan” campaign. GM played a commercial during the Grammy awards that featured actor and Illinois native John Cusak. With a new campaign, GM announced that Allen has been replaced by Cusak.

The presence of drones in everyday life to aide in things such as traffic patrollers have caused the public to worry. A federal law passed last year has made it easier for government agencies to obtain them. The police force in Seattle, Washington, have banned the use of drones and have also turned over the two they had.

On Monday, February 11, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he is planning to resign at the end of the month due to health concerns. At the age of 85, the Pope is the first to resign in 700 years. The Cardinals of the Catholic Church will start conclave on March 1, and reportedly hope to choose a new pope by Palm Sunday.

Antisocial?

laura farrell |news editor

In the past few months, I feel that my personality has changed quite a bit. I think most of us agree t h a t o u r c o l l e g e ye a r s b r i n g a n immeasurable amount of change.

We were all incredibly stupid before entering into this world of liberal arts and freshman year can be a painful memory. Sophomore year brought arrogance as we saw how “freshman” the freshmen were. But we were not much smarter. Junior year, my current status, has been unlike any other year. Thus far, junior year appears to be an endless rush to finalize everything from your major to outlook on life.

It is no wonder through all of the craziness that we college students choose to vent our frustrations and feelings on social media outlets.

When screaming in your pillow or spilling your emotions to your mom is not enough, what better way to vent than exclaim to everyone you what a crappy day you are having? And everyone has their favorite outlets of media to use and there seem to be so many nowadays I cannot even keep track myself. Everything from Reddit to Instagram seems to have its own brand and followers.

I think there is one place that intelligence completely escapes us. Stupidity claims all ages here.

And it is one thing that I simply cannot handle anymore and will go without: Facebook. For some people, it’s a place of competition.

Competition about who can create the wittiest status about the weather or the latest gossip on campus.

There are competitions about who can get the most “likes” on their gag worthy baby belly pictures or equally disturbing “selfies.”

I really do not need to know what former high school classmates are eating for dinner or what tests people have the next day. This seems to be an Ayn Rand-worthy attitude, but I cannot keep up with my own life, so why should I take the time to be concerned with minute details of others?

My list of Facebook “dislikes” c o u l d g o o n f o r p a g e s . A n d ye t only recently have I questioned my presence on the site and what it’s worth. Well, it’s apparently not worth much. Almost two weeks ago I decided to deactivate my Facebook account. Why should I continue to check into something that frustrates me daily when I can simply not have one?

What is even more disturbing than the things posted on Facebook are our attachments to them. I could not even tell you how many times I have typed facebook.com in my browser or made a note in my head to look up something or someone on it.

Comedian Bill Burr put it best when he said that 87% of people online are complete jerks. This leaves only 13% that are nice in Burr ’s eyes.

I think that we all fall into that 87% at some point, and for some of us, probably daily.

I quit Facebook because there were way more negative things than positive things that came from me looking at my profile every day.

Sure, there are benefits to Facebook like keeping up with my family and knowing what is going on in my social circles.

But I am here to challenge you.

I want to challenge you to turn off your computer and be friends the old fashioned way, and actually try. Do not make yourself subject to the constructed world of Facebook, which just tends to tick us off. If you find yourself getting agitated with the endless posts and complaints of your Facebook companions, just leave. Maybe we will learn that we should not do everything available to us, just because it is available to us.

Again, I have not even been off Facebook for two weeks yet. I can promise though if you try, you will be shocked by your attachment to it.

If that’s not a good enough reason to convince you to take a break from it all, just note that the Facebook Corporation paid zero dollars in taxes this year. Just a thought.

Fighting for equality

Boy Scouts of America comes under fire for controversy over their attitudes on homosexual participation

By Paige Graham The Saint Reporter The Boy Scouts of America have been spotted frequently among recent headlines due to the possible l i ft o f the ir b an o n ho mo s e xual membership. Public interest in the BSOA’s homosexual membership ban has increased exponentially since the BSOA’s executive board unanimously voted to reinstate the ban this past summer.

It might seem odd to most that so many people are taking an interest in an organization that has, for the most part, been ignored by the public eye, but we mustn’t forget that, in America, things only become important to the public when they become associated with scandal.

T i c o Pe r e z , t h e B S O A n a t i o n a l commissioner said, “America cares about who we are. That is the silver lining in all this.”

This recent controversy has certainly gained momentum within the BSOA community due to the organization’s emphasis on religion.

The opposing argument has been publicly broadcast as one involving the issue of human rights, claiming that a ban on gay membership is in direct violation of human rights and is only promoting discrimination in children.

Both arguments are being backed by numerous organizations, and since the BSOA has not expected this amount of public pressure, they have postponed their discussion on lifting the ban until May 2013. Some might argue, based on their own admission, that the “Scouts Honor ” might already be violated by none other than the BSOA themselves.

On the official BSOA website there is a sub-page entitled “Scouting is

Diverse.” This page is intended to educate those outside of the scouting community concerning the BSOA’s emphasis on diversity. This sub-page states the following: “Scouting is truly a melting pot. Scouts come from all walks of life, all types of family units, faiths, and racial and ethnic

argued that this statement could create confusion for those wishing to become members.

The latter is especially a concern because, although being gay is not allowed in the BSOA community, the organization has openly admitted that they do “not proactively inquire

COURTESY FORT MEADE

Differing Opinions: The Boy Scout pledge has been accused of being hypocritical as it promotes diversity and acceptance in all aspects of life. groups. The BSA respects the rights of people and groups who hold values that differ from those encompassed in the Scout Oath and Law, and aims to allow youths to live and learn as children and enjoy Scouting without immersing them in the politics of the day.”

Some have argued, both those who are for and against the membership ban, that this statement comes off as extremely hypocritical. The BSOA denies not only homosexuals membership but atheists and agnostics as well. Many have argued that “respecting the rights” of someone does not exempt the right of membership. Others have

about the sexual orientation of employees, volunteers, or members.”

This means that gays could technically be a part of the organization as long as they do not make their sexual orientation apparent to others in the BSOA community. This is similar to the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy that affected the United States military from 1993 to 2011.

This confusion could possibly have negative consequences for both sides of the argument.

The national opinions on the BSOA’s ban on gay membership are extremely varied and the Aquinas community seems to be the same way.

When asked about his opinion on the

BSOA’s membership ban Matt Grady, a junior, said, “Someone shouldn’t be denied membership solely based on their sexual orientation, especially since your sexual orientation isn’t something you can necessarily choose.”

For many AQ community members, the answer is as simple as “yes” or “no.” For others, like sophomore Natalie West, however, the answer is more complex. When asked about her opinion on the topic, West said, “I think that private organizations should be able to choose who they allow membership to on an individual basis; I think that they have the right to do so.

Trying to deny an entire group of people membership without ever interviewing any of them personally is ridiculous, especially when you are trying to set an example for young children.”

Freshman psychology/criminal justice major Ashley Occhipinti made an interesting point when asked about her opinion, saying, “I don’t think homosexuals should be denied membership from any organization.

How are what the Boy Scouts doing any different than what organizations did to African Americans and Women before the civil rights movement?”

The decision in May will undoubtedly be widely published and widely criticized. Will they choose to follow their gender counterpart, the Girl Scouts of America, who have openly accepted gay members since 1991 or will they stay faithful to the Christian ideals that they were founded on? Only time will tell.

Study An abroad trips international journey

By Sarah Parlette The Saint Reporter

COURTESY AQUINAS COLLEGE

Home away from home: The Ireland program makes it’s home in Tully Cross.

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter The 2013-14 school year will see many study abroad programs, all with tried and true track records.

According to the International Programs site, “students may choose among fall semester programs in Italy, Japan and Spain. Spring semester students may choose from programs in Costa Rica, Ireland, France, Germany, and Japan. In most programs, local adjuncts and directors are employed to serve as on site staff and faculty.

“Students can earn from 12 to 19 credits and satisfy elective or language requirements for graduation. Each study site has an extensive excursion component that is designed to augment and intensify the material offered in the program’s academic courses.”

If studying abroad is not appealing to you, there are other studying opportunities outside of Aquinas. There are three programs that allow students to study in different parts of the United States.

In either the fall or spring semesters, students can study at Barry University in Florida, the Dominican University outside of San Francisco and at St. Thomas Aquinas College in New York.

For many past students, such as current senior Stephanie Beld, who studied abroad in Ireland in spring 2012, there was a hint of nervousness at first,

but after a few weeks, the transition was nothing. “It is not a goodbye, but instead it is a sooner or later,” Beld said. “We are part of the community and we create our own families away from the states.”

While most of the programs are language-based and language-required, some programs like Ireland and Italy do not have language requirements.

Past students have also traveled throughout their respective continents to get the whole experience.

Some programs have already reviewed applications and have interviewed their respective students, but other study abroad trips are still in the process of applications and interviews.

On the International Programs page of the Aquinas website, there are many useful tools that can help you, if you decide that studying abroad is appealing to you.

While many study abroad programs are either in the process of reviewing applicants or they are just starting the process for new applicants, other programs have yet to begin this process.

So check in with the International Program director Joelle Baldwin to see if your desired trip is still accepting applications.

More information for each of the trips can be found at http://www. aquinas.edu/intprograms/.

News Editor Laura Farrell E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

In partnership with the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, the Aquinas College Theology department encourages students to embark on an international and spiritual journey to rebuild the Catholic Church while promoting English proficiency in Ukraine this upcoming July.

F r om J u l y f i r st t o 2 2, a t t h e Annual English Summer School (ESS) of the Ukrainian Catholic University, volunteers from all over the English speaking world, and hopefully some Aquinas students as well, will be immersed into the UCU student population and aid Ukrainian college-level students in bettering their English.

The hope of the ESS, sponsored by the Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation, is to create an English speaking environment around its students in order to increase their proficiency in the hopes of reaching a fluent level. Volunteers will teach English courses and be able to experience the differences between We s t e r n a n d E a s t e r n E u r o p e a n Christianity.

These students, who come from all backgrounds, some from local villages and towns and some from other countries, are all different levels of proficiency. According to Dr. Marko, Chair of the Theology Department, who has taught at the ESS for a few summers, the students who go to learn and practice their English improve exponentially and rapidly over the course of the three weeks.

The constant practice from a morning bible study to in-class debates and three week long

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

e l e c t i ve s g i ve t h e s t u d e n t s a n d vo l u n t e e r s a c h a n c e t o e n h a n c e their conversational skills and comprehension.

Volunteers who are accepted to the program do not need to have any experience speaking Ukrainian.

Teachers are paired up to team teach groups of 10 or fewer students in both basic and upper level English courses and are able to create their own curriculum based on the resources given to them.

Senior Jarrod Irwin taught at the ESS during the summer of 2011 and stated that as someone who has had no prior experience with English as a second language, that t e a c h i n g a b a s i c l e ve l c l a s s wa s difficult, occasionally stressful, but also rewarding in the things that he learned about European history.

The ESS, which usually changes its location yearly, is normally two to three hours away from Lviv near the Carpathian Mountains. The only costs are airfare plus personal extras, which both Marko and Irwin agreed ended up being no more than $150 for the week of exploring after the ESS school has ended.

Volunteers are put in up in a dormitory setting and will share rooms with other teachers. Meals are also offered to the volunteer teachers for the month long program which are “cafeteria-style” and typically made up of traditional Ukrainian foods.

Potential teachers are not required to obtain a visa for the program. Applications may be found at the UCU ESS website and submitted no later than March 30, 2013 at http://www.ucu.edu.ua/ess/.

3

THE SAINT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

NEWS

Destroying environments

A fresh face

AQ bookstore closes down for renovation and comes back with a sleek new look Due to the renovations, the offices and café in The Aquinas College lower Wege were b o o k s t o r e wa s b u s y in the midst of the with renovations this clutter. The Corner, p a s t we e k . S t u d e n t s usually open from walking through Lower 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., We g e w i t n e s s e d a didn’t open until drastic renovation of the 11:30 a.m. and bookstore, spanning from closed its doors a the week of February half hour an earlier 4 through the 11. The than usual. Working bookstore closed off half in such close the hallway to allow proximity with the room for the renovators, renovators, office causing the couches workers cooperated normally put in front of with the noisy the doors to be moved. renovating.

The entire week, the With a new set LAURA FARRELL / THE SAINT renovators boarded up Looking good: The renovations to the AQ bookstore give passers-by a good up, the bookstore windows, ripping out has never view of all the AQ gear they could be wearing. the carpet and moving l o o k e d b e t t e r. items around. These The renovations d r a s t i c r e n o va t i o n s week, to allow for the changes to take improved its appearance and serve to brought in a whole new image for the place while not interfering with the benefit AQ students as well. bookstore. The small windows were offices or students that are located in With a new layout, the bookstore replaced by ceiling to floor length lower Wege. Other renovations included allows items to be located quicker and mirrored windows, allowing a more the replacement of the floor, requiring allows easier access to necessities. New open atmosphere. renovators to take out the old carpet items, a new layout are sure to help the A giant encasing of plastic covered the and replacing it with new hardwood bookstore be even more successful in side of the bookstore during renovation flooring. the future.

Army Corps of Engineers “kills” natural habitat outside L.A.

By Mayra Monroy The Saint Reporter

You’ve got mail United States Postal Service to cut mail delivery on Saturdays nationwide

well. Congress members began to question the postal service’s The United claim and States Postal Service challenged announced on their new February 6 that plans prospective were going into effect plan. to eliminate post A delivery on Saturdays.

Congressional This announcement mandate in d i d n ’t c o m e a s a 1981 required surprise, as the Postal the postal Service has been in service to billions of dollars of deliver six debt. days a week.

In October, the Congress states Postal Service reached that the Postal its debt limit and S e r v i c e i s n ’t wa s p r o h i b i t e d b y able to make Congress to borrow the decision to any more. With such a decline in postal COURTESY MATTHEW SPIEL c u t S a t u r d a y services due to new No more weekends: The United States postal service will discontinue delivering d e l i v e r y without the t e c h n o l o g y a n d mail on Saturdays in order to cut costs. approval of the resources, the Postal Congress. The Service is in crisis.

Postal Service claims that under the On Wednesday, the Postal Service for us to ignore.” announced that a five day delivery In recent years, the Postal Service current budget allowed by Congress, s y s t e m wo u l d b e g i n i n A u g u s t . has been cutting back on costs, shutting it doesn’t require a six day delivery With this change, an approximate $2 down small branches, shortening week and will move to enforce the new billion would be cut from the yearly hours and letting go of staff all around changes despite the disapproval.

With the future of mail delivery debt,which was a shocking $15.9 the country. The price of a standard billion last year. postage stamp went up as well, an hanging in the balance, the Postal There has been a steady 37% annual increase. With the cutting back Service’s decision is supported by many, decline in mail volume since 2008, of Saturday delivery, it would be save including the Obama administration. with most mail being online or sent costs due to a cut in hours for staff Though mail will not be delivered on electronically. At the press conference, and less equipment and vehicle usage Saturday, the Postal Service does plan to continue delivering packages on the postmaster general Patrick Donahue delivering on Saturdays. stated, “Our financial condition is Despite being a cost efficient idea, six day schedule. urgent. This is too big of a cost savings this new change brings in skepticism as

By Mayra Monroy The Saint Reporter

News Editor Laura Farrell

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

COURTESY ELIOT PHILLIPS

Displaced homes: The Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve was home to many types of plants and animals prior to human interference.

By Cait Hilton The Saint Reporter In December of 2012, the Army Corps of Engineers razed nearly 50 acres of the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Los Angeles, California.

The Army Corps of Engineers, owners of the damaged section of the wildlife reserve, had planned to cut the land down to “ground zero.” After stripping the land to its bare soil, the Army Corps intended to spray herbicides to prevent any further growth in the area for a full two years.

The wildlife reserve lies between two of Los Angeles’ busiest freeways.

T h e A r m y C o r p s c l a i m t o h a ve flattened the land in order to deal with flood risks that were a threat to the safety of the public. Their efforts, however, have severely harmed the plants and animals that have made their homes in the reserve.

Cottonwood trees once stood 30 feet tall in the Sepulveda Basin.

Coyote brush and mule fat, also commonly referred to as seep willow, surrounded the trees on the ground, which was covered in other native plants. Among the plant life lived over 200 species of birds and many other animals.

Now, the birds have fled and the plants have become scattered brush, cluttering the reserve. The once rich soil is now marked by the tire treads left by the destructive heavy machinery.

The Army Corps states that they

plan to replace the once prosperous 48 acres with native grasses. Their reasoning is to discourage the development of homeless camps, to avoid becoming a safe haven for drug dealers, and to prevent other lewd activities.

This project is currently under speculation by various government agencies and local societies aimed at environmental safety. Their concern is that the Army Corps violated laws protecting wetlands and the species that inhabit them. Because of all the attention brought to the issue and the potential wrongdoing of the Army Corps, the work has been temporarily halted.

It is not only the government that the Army Corps has upset by destroying the reserve; the public is also outraged. The population of Los Angeles feels that it had no knowledge of the project until after the damage had been done.

The Army Corps states that there was an announcement posted on their website in order to inform the public – this announcement received no comments. The lack of awareness about the project makes the issue all the worse.

In order to move forward into a satisfying resolution, the committees d i s c u s s i n g t h e S e p u l ve d a B a s i n Wildlife Reserve will have to find a balance between public safety and the well being of the environment.

Wrecked roads

By Carly Plank The Saint Reporter Anyone who has driven through the harsh winters of Michigan and thought they had escaped unscathed may be in for a nasty surprise when late winter or spring thaws occur.

Potholes can cause extensive damage to a vehicle’s tire rims, shocks, and struts.

In order to control Michigan’s rapidly degrading roads, different laws and measures are being considered at both the state and local levels. Drivers can expect even more potholes than usual this year, as numerous and rapid freezes and thaws have already occurred throughout the fall and winter.

Pothole formation begins when rainfall or melted snow seeps into the ground below a road and freezes, causing the ground to expand and the asphalt to be pushed upwards. Upon thawing, the ground contracts and leaves a gap beneath the surface of the road. Due to the pressure applied by cars and other vehicles, these areas of road collapse.

These gaping holes are repaired by filling them with asphalt, but other methods, such as the cold patches being tested in the Flint area, work more effectively and better withstand cold weather.

These patches are composed of recycled rubber, hot asphalt, and a chemical binding agent. The introduction of rubber to the patching material could help cut costs, as asphalt prices have increased steadily through recent years.

A t t h e s t a t e l e ve l , o ve r e i g h t million pounds of asphalt are used to fill potholes each year. In addition to raising vehicle registration fees by up to sixty percent for passenger

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

vehicles, Governor Rick Snyder has proposed increasing the gas tax from nineteen to thirty three cents per gallon.

The Michigan Department of Transportation is mainly concerned with repairing the trunkline, which consists of all federal, state, and interstate highways in Michigan.

In order to do so, Snyder would like to increase funding by $1.2 billion annually.

Another option, put forth by a group of Republican senators, proposed a two percent hike in the sales tax without increasing the gas tax. Either way, a two thirds majority from both the house and senate would be needed to pass a tax increase.

Locally, the city of Grand Rapids faces an estimated $14 million funding deficit while 63% of its roads have been graded as “poor condition” based on a 2012 assessment by the Grand Rapids Sustainable Streets Ta s k F o r c e . S o m e o f t h e wo r s t areas are located at Division and L a f a ye t t e , F r o n t S t r e e t a n d M t .

Vernon , Michigan Street downtown, and Wealthy Street in Eastown.

The Task Force has set a goal to raise an extra $9 million each year to repair roads by keeping income taxes the same as they have been since they last increased in July of 2010.

So in the meantime, keep a tight grip on your steering wheel and report any local potholes you may find via kentcountyroads.net or the Grand Rapids 311 mobile app.

To r e p o r t p o t h o l e s o n S t a t e highways or to file a claim involving vehicle damage due to a pothole, visit Michigan.gov/mdot.

opinion >> FROM THE CROWD

APPLAUSE TO...

Saturday Night Live, for making cruises, meteors, and the Pope funny; Adele, for telling Chris Brown what’s what; Mumford and Sons, for their big Grammy win; Will Ferrell, for being a stone-faced NBA security guard; Asteroids, for being polite and not destroying us; Soul Food Sunday, for feeding and educating us; Netflix, for streaming TV shows we can binge on; Valentine’s Day, for only occurring once a year.

page

THE SAINT | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

More than one way to have fun

By Paris Close Culture Editor Has anyone ever told you how boring you are? Yeah, you. The one reading this article right now. But don’t be ashamed. I’m going out on a limb to prove to you all that of us “boring” people can have a blast too.

Allow me to be clear. I am not calling you boring. In fact, I am simply illustrating standards set by the typical college student to show you exactly how someone’s “cool” factor is determined. You’re in college now and those high school days are long over.

Keep in mind, the word “fun” is not what it used to be. Once you reach college, the meaning of the word is broken into three factors: drinking, smoking and most notoriously among college kids, partying.

I know, right?

Since when did the word fun limit itself to clubbing, drinking and staying out all night long? When did the word reduce itself to getting trashed and waking up the next day, only to find an

Facebook hecklers; Water mains, for being so easily broken; Meteors, for not staying outside our atmosphere; Sport Illustrated swimsuit issue, for lack of swimsuits; Lays Chips, for making our flavor nightmares come true; The Pope, for being a quitter; Harlem Shake videos, for weirding us out; Horse meat, for sneaking into lasagna; Carnival Cruises, for not having an emergency back-up plan; Gas prices, for turning us into hermits.

theSaint 2012-2013 E D I T O R I A L B O A R D Editor-in-Chief News Editor Culture Editor

Stephanie Giluk Laura Farrell Paris Close

Sports Editor Managing Editor

Alyssa Frese Michelle Szczap

Adviser Dr. Dan Brooks *** Please note that the views expressed on this page are those of their respective author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of The Saint as a whole.

MISSION The Saint has worked diligently for the past 31 years to produce an informative, entertaining and journalistically-correct student publication. The Saint is distributed by students at Aquinas College and in the surrounding community.

Our goal is to continue to provide an open forum for the ideas, views and concerns of the Aquinas community.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR All letters must include a signature, typed or handwritten, and include a phone number for the sole purpose of verification. The Saint reserves the right to edit letters to the editor based on content, punctuation, length and libel issues.

Letters should not exceed 300 words. We will not print anonymous letters to the editor and will not accept letters to the editor over the phone.

>> write us a letter!

e-mail — saint.editors@aquinas.edu, or use the form on our website.

physical copies – AB, Room 2

embarrassing photo or story about you circulating on Facebook?

There is nothing wrong with going out to parties every now and then.

It gives you a chance to be social, meet new people, build character and confidence. But who says you cannot be social in the comfort of your own home?

The problem is if you are not always a part of the “In Crowd,” you are most likely considered a nobody. The truth of the matter is not everyone can be a party person. Some people feel uncomfortable drinking, dancing and socializing in public places, especially parties.

What people need to understand is that this does not make you boring.

Although we cannot rid the world entirely of the Stiflers and Regina Georges of our generation for telling us how “lame” we are, we can use our secret weapon against them. And, no, I am not suggesting you trick your annoying friend into eating any highcalorie nutrition bars and I am certainly not advising you to rendezvous with their mother, either. Sick.

Instead, I have a better idea. Compromising.

If you have a friend willing to lay off their party plans to do something you think is fun, like watching movies or playing board games, it shows they care enough to give it a try.

Why not reciprocate that same effort by easing your way into their lifestyle as well? It gives them a better understanding of you and could even blur the lines between being boring and being accepting.

What I am trying to say is we all have our definitions of fun. Some people enjoy going out to clubs, others like being at home with a few friends watching a flick here and there. Although we have our differences, we can find common ground with one another through compromise.

You are not boring. None of you are. You are your own definition of fun.

As long as you keep this in mind, you will always have a good time no matter where you are.

Pro-problem solving

By Lianne Crouthers The Saint Reporter

HECKLES TO...

4

There are many factors that affect peoples’ opinions concerning the abortion debate. Forty years after Roe v. Wade, there are strong divisions within our culture on this topic. Often, this topic is considered a facet of the larger issue of women’s health.

Since the abortion issue reflects the fundamental desire of women to enjoy the same sovereignty over their health care and bodies that men enjoy, a sovereignty that has been categorically denied to them throughout history and across sociopolitical boundaries.

This is, of course, not the only concern that shapes peoples’ opinions on this subject. Many people are impacted by socioeconomic, religious, and political leanings when forming their decision to identify themselves as pro-choice or pro-life. These factors can lead to polar opinions on the topic of abortion and easily contribute to a vitriolic discussion within our society.

The unwillingness of people—in public arenas—to engage in rational, polite, calm discussion on this issue

has raised a boil of dysfunction in our society. It is important to remember that, regardless of personal sentiments, Supreme Court rulings cannot be overturned or appealed. Therefore, it may be most beneficial for our society if we turn our attention away from acidic attitudes that alienate people who do not agree with us. Instead we should focus more intently, as a culture, on preventing the root causes of abortions: unplanned pregnancies and a culture that regards adoption as superfluous.

Perhaps it is time to seriously consider comprehensive birth control education in public—even private—schools. If students are armed with greater knowledge, the chances of an accidental pregnancy are much less likely. Abstinence is certainly an admirable lifestyle. However, it takes discipline to maintain and is most definitely not for everyone. It makes sense to inform students of all their options and the consequences of their choices. This way when a person makes a choice it can be done with complete foreknowledge and understanding. Comprehensive birth control education also decreases our cultural stigma of body shame. If stu-

dents can feel comfortable addressing their own physiological and hormonal drives without discomfort or censure, we can begin to build a society with healthier body images and sexual partnerships. If people aren’t ashamed of themselves and their natural drives they are free to be more accepting partners and parents.

When a couple considers parenthood, adoption is often not a factor in the conversation. Sentiments like, “an adopted child isn’t really ours” or “we couldn’t really love it as much as a child of our own” can prevent children of unplanned pregnancies from being placed in functioning, healthy homes. If we want options for women so that they may exercise their power of choice when faced with an unplanned pregnancy, then we need to have a culture that accepts adoption as a healthy and plausible first option for prospective parents. These changes make a huge difference in our cultural dialogue. When women feel safe asserting personal sovereignty and adoption becomes a mainstream parenting habit, our whole culture benefits, regardless of where individuals stand concerning abortion.

A big step backward for mankind

By Stephanie Giluk Editor-in-Chief

As many of you have no doubt heard, a meteor exploded over Russia’s Chelyabinsk region on Friday, February 15, injuring around 1,200 people. About 50 acres of windows were shattered and 3,000 buildings damaged as the meteor detonated with a force equal to that of an atomic bomb. NASA has reported that it was the largest near-Earth object to cause serious damage to our planet since the Tunguska event in 1908, where an asteroid demolished about 820 miles of uninhabited Siberian forest.

The meteor in question was 50 feet wide, 7,000 tons and was traveling toward Earth at 40,000 mph. The shock of its entry into our atmosphere caused it to burst apart with incredible force. This meteor hit just a few hours before another asteroid, named 2012 DA14, came within 17,200 miles of Earth during a close but harmless flyby. NASA knew about 2012 DA14, but no one saw the smaller meteorite coming. This is a problem.

Though the meteorite that exploded over Chelyabinsk was “small,” which means it wasn’t detected by NASA or any other space programs, it did an incredible amount of damage. Though we face very real threats like these from space, President Obama’s 2012 budget proposal decreased NASA’s budget by $59 million, reducing it to $17.7 billion, with another decrease ready in 2013’s proposed budget. Though talking

Management E-mail saint.business@aquinas.edu

Phone (616) 632-2975

about money in the billions doesn’t elicit much sympathy from us regular folks, NASA got hit hard with budget cuts, especially devastating to efforts for planetary exploration.

In 2012, the President requested $361 million for just Mars exploration, which is a $226 million drop in funding, a 38.5% cut which will most certainly halt new exploration efforts of Mars. NASA had to pull out of the ExoMars mission with the European Space Agency due to these cuts and halted missions planned for the future. While NASA should take some of the blame due to Curiosity being over budget and their difficulty in the past staying within budgets, this cut went very deep. Ed Weiler, head of the NASA Science Mission directorate, quit in protest due to these cuts.

Bill Nye, speaking as CEO of the Planetary Society, summed up all the problems caused by the reduced budget fairly well, saying, “The priorities reflected in this budget would take us down the wrong path. Science is the part of NASA that’s actually conducting interesting and scientifically important missions. Spacecraft sent to Mars, Saturn, Mercury, the Moon, comets, and asteroids have been making incredible discoveries, with more to come from recent launches to Jupiter, the Moon, and Mars. The country needs more of these robotic space exploration missions, not less.”

It seems like, in light of the meteor explosion, people should be eager to fully fund and support NASA, not take more money away. NASA has alWebsite www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

ready announced that they have approved $5 million for the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) project, developed by Dr. John Tonry at the University of Hawaii Institute of Astronomy. ALTAS will give us a one-week warning for a 50-yard diameter asteroid (also known as a city killer, just in case you weren’t worried enough) and a threeweek warning for a 150-yard diameter asteroid (country killer). But so far, no steps have been taken to increase overall funding.

It’s important that space exploration and science programs are supported and well-funded. NASA is a small part of the federal budget--less than 1%. Reducing NASA’s budget does little to help the overall spending of the federal budget. If NASA, if science in general receives more support, we could have a healthy and impressive program for Mars exploration, search for signs of life on other planets, increase our overall scientific knowledge, and inspire future generations of children to reach for the stars, very literally.

Science is our future, and we should recognize its importance. You can let your Senators and Representatives know you feel this way by writing to them, a very simple but underutilized practice. Join the Planetary Society. Speak out! Don’t let our future get blasted away by a giant asteroid from space.

culture

page

THE SAINT |THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Movies: More alien flicks in store for 2013

Television: Jonathan Taylor Thomas returns to TV in Tim Allen sitcom

Music: Harlem rapper Azealia Banks swags out on “Harlem Shake” remix

Director Scott Stewart brings audiences the psychological thriller Dark Skies, hitting theatres February 22. Stewart’s latest flick reels us in to witness one family’s fear of an alien presence and its insatiable appetite for terrorizing and preying on helpless humans.

Sounds legit.

If you were born in the mid-’90s, chances are you know about tween idol JTT. Before heartthrobs like Justin Bieber were around, we had Randy Taylor from Home Improvement. Now, after an eight-year hiatus, Thomas is back and will be making a guest appearance on Allen’s CBS sitcom Last Man Standing.

Yung Rapunxel has become a lot more famous for her controversies than her musical c a r e e r l a t e l y. H o we ve r, B a n k s ’s l y r i c a l talent and hard-hitting flow should not go unnoticed, especially with her sassy spin on Baauer ’s viral YouTube hit.

<<

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

>> KATY PERRY

Could we be hearing more bridal bells for Miss Perry sometime soon? The pop songstress was spotted with some heart-shaped bling on her engagement finger this weekend courtesy of boyfriend John Mayer.

COURTESY PACIFIC COAST NEWS

Tarantino tackles slavery in his latest revenge epic

Breaking ice is never easy paris close | culture editor How does one introduce who they are without totally embarrassing themselves? Good question. Luckily for me, I have the very pleasure of making this announcement on paper instead of in person. Just kidding, of course (insert playful emoticon here).

For those who don’t know me, probably most of you, I am Paris Close, The Saint’s new Culture Editor.

I am in my junior year, and I feel like I’ve made so much progress since my beginnings in my hometown of Pontiac, Michigan. I have been writing for our school’s newspaper for about two years now, and aside from that, becoming an editor is the best thing to have ever happened to me.

A little about myself? Let’s see here. Well, when I am not stressing over exams and term papers, you can usually catch me doing some serious rebloggin’ on Tumblr or glued to Law & Order: SVU marathons. On days when I am feeling extra special, I might play a few riffs on my acoustic guitar and desperately attempt to sing Paramore songs. When I’m bored, I will crack a few jokes about Taylor Swift’s love life here and there or watch corny YouTube videos like “Invisible Drive-Thru Prank” (which is awesome, by the way).

When you are asked to write about yourself, for the entire Aquinas College public to read, it can be a bit intimidating. Will I sound boring?

Maybe. Is my story interesting enough?

Hopefully. Am I the right person for the job? I think so.

There is nothing I love more than culture, music and entertainment.

With the exception of cats. Cats always take the cake in my book. Then again, there is frozen yogurt which never fails to win my heart. Speaking of Frogurt, have you checked out the new Spoonlickers in Eastown yet? It’s so good!

Sorry, getting off track again.

Writing and editing is nothing foreign to me. I am an English major.

If you have not guessed it already, we English students eat, breathe and sleep all that is literature. True stuff.

So, would I consider myself a good candidate for this position? Absolutely. Of course there will be other candidates to receive the torch, perhaps even those better than myself. Even so, I was privileged enough to have the title handed down to me by our former Culture Editor and current Editor-inChief, Stephanie Giluk.

Continuing the legacy, I plan to bring you all some good ole’ juicy, cultured content. Content that will keep you enlightened, charmed and hopefully spark your interest in writing for our publication one day. There will be pop culture gossip, local events going on in our city and lots to do with the entertainment scene. With such a friendly and welcoming staff sitting before me, I aim to contribute creative projects and bring even more numbers to The Saint’s following.

Among those projects will be an “Artist Spotlight.” Ever wanted to get a friend into your newest favorite band or artist? I know exactly how you feel.

So I’ve contrived an opportunity for students to write short blurbs on any artist of their choosing who they feel is deserving of additional recognition.

I plan to make these little features a staple “thing” in this section, being featured in each issue. I think it is really necessary, especially for any culture section, to include rising artists who are making their way up the Billboard chain. You are probably more used to seeing album, movie and restaurant reviews (which will most certainly continue on, by the way) and so I think adding a few fresh music artists into the mix wouldn’t hurt either.

Well, I am not sure what else to say without feeling like I’m rambling on. I would like to give thanks to my fellow editors, once again, for this amazing opportunity. I think this semester will be chock-full of fantastic articles, so stay tuned as we embark on this new and exciting journey together!

5

By Paige Graham The Saint Reporter If you’re a fan of Quentin Tarantino’s shock-value ridden dramatic comedies then you will love Django Unchained.

Set in the South two years before the Civil War, Django Unchained stars Jamie Foxx as Django, a slave whose history with previous slave-owners lands him face-to-face with Germanborn bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). Schultz is searching for the murderous Brittle brothers, and he believes Django can lead him to his prize. In return for his assistance, Schultz promises Django that he will aid him in finding and freeing his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) whom he lost to the slave trade long ago. Schultz and Django’s quest eventually lead them to a plantation called “Candyland” ruled by Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) with the aid of his right-hand slave leader Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson). It is up to Django and Schultz to figure out how to free Broomhilda without getting her, or themselves, killed in the process.

Although Django Unchained is undoubtedly a Tarantino film, it seems to lack the infamous “Tarantino” complex and heavy dialogue. There are definitely enough witty and sarcastic one-liners to fulfill a true Tarantino fan, but the dialogue just doesn’t seem to be as overall complex as other Tarantino films like Inglorious Basterds or Natural Born Killers. The lack of dialogue is fitting, however, since most western style films focus heavily on action, which Django definitely and sometimes gruesomely does.

The acting in Django Unchained

COURTESY THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

It’s a showdown: Jamie Foxx’s Django faces off against Leonardo DiCaprio’s villainous Calvin Candie. definitely meets Tarantino standards due to the work of talented actors such as Foxx, Waltz, DiCaprio, and Jackson. This is Foxx’s first big movie since 2009’s Law Abiding Citizen and it’s definitely a memorable one. Foxx has, however, had small to medium roles in recently popular films such as Due Date and Horrible Bosses, so don’t call it a comeback. Waltz, who has worked with Tarantino before, also does an amazing job in Django Unchained. Waltz proudly admitted, after the movie was released that he often spent many sleepless nights with Tarantino tweaking and giving opinions on the movie as it

was being written. DiCaprio shows the world his talents as an actor by playing an incredibly racist and conniving villain. Samuel Jackson doesn’t disappoint either, portraying a character the audience loved to hate.

Tarantino has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Django Unchained, which wasn’t unexpected, and Waltz has been nominated for Best Supporting actor (which isn’t that shocking either). Foxx and DiCaprio have failed to impress the Academy, however, and haven’t been nominated for any of the categories. We can be pretty sure Foxx and DiCaprio aren’t

Artist Spotlight: Sleeping with Sirens

Things are heating up in AQ’s Chicago musical

jump up and join in.

The set is painted black, staying simplistic in order to allow the characters, dressed mostly in lace, to have the entire spotlight.

Nefcy says, “I really like how the minimalistic sets and costumes allow the audience to focus on the actors, music and choreography.”

Blyveis, landing the role that has been high on her bucket list, says that she is honored to be in CAITLIN HILTON / THE SAINT Aquinas’ producIt’s getting hot in here: Taylor Nefcy and Jacob Bergmann tion of Chicago spice up the night. that pays such “homage to the

By Cait Hilton actual Broadway show.”

The Saint Reporter The hard work of every cast and crew member and the long hours talAquinas College brings criminals lied up at every practice has resulted Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart to cam- in a stunning performance. The time pus this weekend with Chicago the spent together has also kindled reMusical—an alluring, con-filled show, markable bonds between members of bound to keep you at the edge of your the production. Gomez explained that seat. she has taken the role of Mama “on and In the role of Mama, Nubia Go- off the stage,” and all the other charmez, a senior majoring in Theater and acters stated they have never worked minoring in Music, describes her last with a cast more supportive and eager show at Aquinas as a “night full of for the same vision of success. The pasjazz and sassy dancing.” She shares sion of the crew really shows, not only the stage with junior Maddie Blyveis, their raw talent but the chemistry bebringing the dominant convict Velma tween performers. While watching the Kelly to life, and Sophomore, Taylor show, Bergmann says to keep in mind: Nefcy, also known as the murderous, “They both reached for the gun.” attention hungry Roxie Hart. These Come support your fellow Aquicell block inhibitors bend over for the nas students as they bring to you Chihandsome gold digging lawyer, Billy cago the Musical. Performances will Flynn, played by senior Jacob Berg- take place at the Aquinas College mann.

Performing Arts Center Thursday, The girls’ high powered pursuit to Feb. 21, through Saturday, Feb. 23, at be free from the bars and the threat of 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 24, at 2:00 hanging makes for a great show of sly p.m. Admissions for students is $10, competition, interesting conflict, and faculty and staff are charged $12 and musical numbers in the court room tickets for general admission are $20. that will blow you away. Each member For more information regarding ticket of the Chicago cast has a booming voice pricing and availability, please call full of vibrant, feisty attitude that will (616)456-6656. undeniably make the audience want to

Culture Editor Paris Close

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

too upset about it. Foxx already won an Oscar in 2004 for Best Actor in Ray and DiCaprio hasn’t won a single Oscar in all his years of acting, so he’s used to it.

Django Unchained is worth seeing; especially you’re a Tarantino fan, or even just a fan of raunchy action films.

You should warn your easily-grossedout friends about some very bloody and violent scenes, or maybe you shouldn’t and watch them suffer—the choice is yours. Either way, this critic definitely recommends Django Unchained and gives it a rating of four out of five stars.

COURTESY TARINA DOOLITTLE

Amped up: Sleeping with Sirens brings a new vibe to the punk scene.

By Paris Close Culture Editor Artist: Sleeping With Sirens Genre: Post-Hardcore Current Album: If You Were A Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack Comparisons: A Day to Remem ber, We Came As Romans, Pierce The Veil Popular Tracks: “James Dean & Audrey Hepburn” and “Roger Rabbit” It is time you start embracing your edgy side and by “edgy,” we mean plugging in those earbuds to an awesome post-hardcore band, Sleeping With Sirens. With resemblances to fellow punk-rockers A Day to Remember and Asking Alexandria, Sleeping With Sirens is a rising band with something more to prove.

These guys have been making moves and creating movements since their beginnings on the sandy beaches of Florida back in 2009, and continue to do so now in our very own city, Grand Rapids. If you are eager to enhance your iTunes library or feel the urge to expand on your “Favourite Bands” list with artists you can mosh to in the comfort of your dorm, then look no further than Sleeping with Sirens.

The quintet consists of Kellin Quinn (lead vocalist, keyboard), Jack Fowler (lead guitar), Justin Hills (bass guitar), Gabe Barham (drums) and Jesse Lawson (rhythm guitar, backing vocals).

Phone (616) 632-2975

SWS has often been noted for their rather straightforward, cutthroat approach to music but their lyrics are quite passionate, and dare I say, “romantic.”

Throughout all of the truculent guitar shredding and snare strumming in “If I’m James Dean, Then You’re Audrey Hepburn,” Quinn croons, “They say that love is forever/ Your forever is all that I need.”

After releasing full-length albums With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear and Let’s Cheers to This, the band’s third and most recent EP, If You Were a Movie, This Would Be Your Soundtrack, illustrates an acoustic breakdown of a few favorable tracks including: “Scene Two - Roger Rabbit,” “Scene Three Stomach Tied in Knots” and “Scene Five - With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear.”

Quinn has one of the most versatile, noteworthy voices in post-punk music right now, becoming the band’s essential trademark. SWS’s signature sound is the total package for headbangers and those who love to smash and crash.

Give them a try. If you like what you hear, you are in luck. The band is currently on their “Take It Or Leave It” tour and will be performing at The Intersection in Grand Rapids on April 14, 2013.

For more information regarding the band, ticket pricing and tour dates visit their website at sleepingwithsirens.net.

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

6

CULTURE

THE SAINT |THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Be a star at AQ’s Oscar party

Catherine Jandernoa takes AQ Idol 2013

By Laura Farrell News Editor With a new corporate sponsor, Refresh Yourself proved to be a hit again this year, with the final round of the seventh Annual AQ Idol. After two rounds over the past month, three singers were left to compete for the highly coveted crown. Sophomore Taylor Nefcy, last year’s winner, acted as emcee for the event and brought some much needed comic relief to the competitive rounds.

In the first round, Junior Dala Carroll started off the night with Beyonce’s “I Was Here.” Carroll set standards high with her rendition of the powerful ballad. Fellow Junior Marissa Marx followed Carroll with “Who I Am” by Jessica Andrews. Judges noted what a great job Marx did, as country seems befitting for her. Senior Catherine Jandernoa finished out the first round

with a Michael Jackson favorite, “Man in the Mirror.” The song was well received by the crowd as Jandernoa made the song her own.

Round two included songs handpicked by the three judges: Media Department Assistant Chad Buczkowski, ITS Technology Trainer Katy McAvoy and Library Co-Director Francine Paolini. Pink’s recent hit “Try” was chosen for Carroll and who proved she how versatile a singer she is. A Sam Cooke song by Paolini was chosen for Marx who took a side step from country into standard blues, showing her multifaceted singing skills as well.

Jandernoa sang “Stars” by Grace Potter and despite throat troubles, Jandernoa finished off the soulful round with a bang.

Before round three, the judges decided that Carroll and Janernoa would be the final two contestants, as Marx

was voted out of the competition but gave a memorable performance nevertheless. Carroll left it all out on the stage performing “Keep Holding On”

by Avril Lavigne. It was Carroll’s best performance of the night and became a crowd favorite. Finally, Jandernoa sang “That Wasn’t Me” by Brandi Carlile.

The audience could feel Jandernoa’s raw emotion as she belted out her beautiful rendition of the tune.

After a night of talented performances and much deliberation, Jandernoa was crowned the winner. Along with title, Jandernoa received a whopping $500 check. Jandernoa, who came in second place two years ago, said, “I can’t stop thinking about how much my last song means to me. I couldn’t ask for a better blessing than my family and friends at AQ.” AQ Idol proves to be a hit on campus, with no lack of talent from year to year.

Beasts of the Southern Wild: from Cannes to the Oscars

By Ian MacNeil The Saint Reporter Heart songs: eclectic mixtures of life’s testimony beating in rhythmic syncopation. Every living being shares a heart song and they continue to sing even after our earthly existence ceases.

“When I die, the scientists of the future, they gonna find it all. They gonna know, once there was a Hushpuppy, and she lived with her Daddy in the Bathtub.” Beasts of the Southern Wild is the powerful and sobering heart song of a six-year-old girl living in a southern Louisiana bayou separated from the polluted and congested city in a fictional, seemingly fantastical, post-apocalyptic world. Hushpuppy (Academy Award-nominated Quvenzhané Wallis) battles the deepest poverty in the neglected Bathtub bayou with her abusive and ailing Daddy, Wink (Dwight Henry).

Living in an abandoned trailer atop 15-foot oil drums, Hushpuppy lives a seemingly routine life chasing geese and farm animals around the property. Tomboyish, she is in an in-

quisitive spirit with a sassy attitude to accompany her zest for exploration.

Hushpuppy’s story is contrasted with those of the prehistoric and supposedly extinct “Aurochs,” large warthoglike creatures emerging from the melting tundra that reflect a convergence of reality and fairytale.

A dramatic and sophisticated version of Where the Wild Thing Are, Beasts is an intelligent film that almost requires an advanced literary mind to comprehend the strategic and beautifully woven symbolism within the Academy Award-nominated screenplay (written by Behn Zeitlin and Lucy Alibar) adapted from Lucy Alibar’s one act play Juicy and Delicious. Directed

by Best Director nominee Behn Zeitlin, Beasts emerged from the Cannes Film Festival into a Best Picture-nominated masterpiece.

Deserted without notice by Wink on multiple occasions, Hushpuppy fights for the attention of her own demons in a desperate attempt to find love; a love she has continuously searched to find; the love of her be-

loved mother, whom she has not seen since her infancy.

After most residents flee an unyielding storm that floods the Bathtub, Hushpuppy, forced to remain in the storm’s wake by her father’s stubbornness, combats his worsening illness with her own self-determination. She embarks on an expedition that will leave her with an overwhelming feeling of purpose, begging all of us to reexamine our own reality. When her journey crashes into the stampeding Aurochs, the power of self-reliance stands dominant over rugged strength.

With a beautiful script and phenomenal performances by Wallis (the youngest actress ever nominated for an Academy Award) and Henry (a deli owner who auditioned on a whim), Beasts promises to be a tour de force of sensation from melancholia to excitement and dissonance to solidarity.

This compassionate and vibrant film captures the unstable and battered relationship of a father and daughter torn apart, yet surprisingly intertwined by their own heart songs.

COURTESY DOUG KLINE

A good time: This year’s Oscar party is sure to be a smash.

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter The Oscars will be coming to Aquinas. The annual Oscar Party will be held at St. Joe’s Hall in the main lounge on February 24 starting at 7:00 p.m.

There are many activities that will make participants feel like they are really at the big event. A Red Carpet Paparazzi Photo Booth will be present for participants to show off their million dollar smiles and best Oscar poses.

There will be a chocolate fondue bar and sparkling grape juice available to all guests in attendance.

The event is also being sponsored

by Siena, Regina and Woodward area councils, along with student groups: AQPB, Polis, Bravo and Klub Polski.

On top of that, over $400 in prizes will be distributed throughout the event and a grand prize sponsored by Programming Board as well. This prize is top secret, giving you even more incentive to come on out and see what it could be. Prediction contests will be held for “select categories,” with participants deciding who they think will go home with the Oscar.

This is an annual Aquinas Residence Life tradition. According to Senior RA and co-event organizer, Ian McNeil, “St. Joseph Hall and the Residence Life Department are very excited to host The 85th Annual Academy Awards Party. We hope to bring people together through prizes, food and a passion for the best films of the year.”

Those attending are encouraged, but not required, to dress in their “finest” attire for the star-studded event.

Maru Sushi & Grill brings more flavor to Cherry Street

With 24 categories and a ton of nominees, the Oscars will definitely keep people on the edge of their seats.

Here is just a snippet of the nominees and awards to be given out this weekend: Best Picture Armour Argo Beasts of the Southern Wild Django Unchained Les Misérables Life of Pi Lincoln Silver Linings Playbook Zero Dark Thirty Best Actor in a Leading Role Bradley Cooper Daniel Day-Lewis Hugh Jackman Joaquin Phoenix Denzel Washington Best Actress in a Leading Role Jessica Chastain Jennifer Lawrence Emmanuelle Riva Quvenzhané Wallis Naomi Watts Whether you are coming to see your favorite movie or actor/actress win an Oscar or experience a good time with friends in a laid back atmosphere, this is an event you cannot miss.

For a complete list of categories and nominees, visit http://oscar. go.com/nominees or other Oscar related sites.

Music’s biggest night

COURTESY GRAMMY.COM

Yummy: Muller says Maru serves up some snazzy sushi fit for every budget.

By Alissa Muller The Saint Reporter Walking into Maru Sushi & Grill, you find yourself entering into another world, a world where sushi and art are synonymous, chopsticks are required, and everyone is happy.

With its prime location in the heart of the East Hills district, Maru Sushi certainly lives up to the average Grand Rapidian’s high expectations for businesses in the area.

The design of the restaurant is smooth, pristine and the best of both worlds: intimate and open. Windows make up the entirety of the building creating an inviting atmosphere.

While most of the seating is in the form of tables, booths line one wall of the restaurant and are adorned with hanging lights that make for a cozy setting.

The food is not prepared in the “back of the house” but is rather the focal point of the restaurant. Chefs work behind a bar located in the center of the building that also doubles as an alternative seating area.

Maru’s extensive menu caters to a wide variety of patrons. Looking around, you see college students happy that they are far from a cafeteria, young couples with their children out for a family night, retirees, as well as girlfriends getting together to catch up over drinks.

Whether you can afford to break the bank or not, you will be able to find something on the menu. Most dishes are between $7-$14, but you can find dishes on both ends of the spectrum, such as two sushi rolls for $4 or a chef’s platter for $50.

The majority of the menu consists of sushi (with clever names such as Super Mario, Miss Saigon, and Crouching Tiger). But Maru also offers soups and salads and sharing plates such as Salmon Tartar and Organic Edamame.

They also have an extensive wine, beer, and cocktail menu.

With sushi categories labeled sashimi, nigiri, and maki and items in the descriptions such as kampyo, masago and negi, it may be overwhelming and hard to know where to start. But Culture Editor Paris Close

COURTESY MARTIN ABEGGLEN

not to worry, the staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and eager to ward off any doubts you may have. And trust me, coming from a picky eater; try something new. The chefs know what they’re doing.

I highly recommend the Boogie Veggie. It consists of sprout, avocado, cucumber, pickled gourd, and asparagus while rice and tempura sweet potato wrap around the outside. The description doesn’t do it justice; it’s like nothing I have ever tasted.

The chefs at Maru not only know how to combine the right ingredients for an amazing taste, but they also know how to arrange the food on the plate in a visually pleasing way. These chefs create masterpieces. When you receive your order, you hesitate between staring in awe at the beauty of the sushi displayed on the crisp white plate and fighting the urge to gracefully (or not) shove the rolls into your mouth.

Take the walk down to 927 Cherry Street and treat your taste buds. You won’t regret it.

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

Remarkable: Best New Artist fun. grabs two Grammys at the annual event.

By Mayra Monroy The Saint Reporter Music’s biggest night took place Sunday, February 10. The 55th Grammy Awards, hosted by LL Cool J, was a night filled with stunning performances and big winners.

An opening performance by Taylor Swift kicked off the event, setting standards high for acts to follow. LL Cool J honored both the occasion and musical veterans with a comeback on the Grammy stage. Along with LL Cool J, several other tribute performances took place, commemorating the notorious names of music. Among those performances was a spectacular Bob Marley tribute by Bruno Mars, Sting, Rihanna and Ziggy and Damien Marley.

Some of the night’s biggest winners included fun., who performed a rainy but outstanding rendition of their track, “Carry On.” The band snagged the Grammy for “Song of the Year” and “Best New Artist.”

The Black Keys, whose strong performance of “Lonely Boy” proved to be nothing short of entertaining, were also big winners and walked away with three Grammys, including “Best Rock Album” for their hit record, El Camino. Frontman Dan Auerbach also

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

received “Producer of the Year” for his work on The Black Keys’ record, Dr. John’s debut and Hacienda’s recent album.

Other performances included Maroon 5 joined by Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran with Elton John, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert and a rocking performance by Jack White among others.

Awards and acceptance speeches aside, the night was filled with amazing comebacks.

Justin Timberlake, who took a break from music to work on his acting career, gave a powerful performance of his newly released single, “Suit & Tie,” joined on stage by another big winner, Jay-Z. To end the ceremony, LL Cool J took the stage with Blink-182 drummer, Travis Barker, Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello and Public Enemy’s Chuck D to perform a song from LL Cool J’s upcoming album. During the performance, a tribute to the late Beastie Boys rapper, MCA, was integrated, with their single, “No Sleep till Brooklyn.”

After 81 Grammys were given out, LL Cool J chose to end the night with a remarkable statement: “A Grammy isn’t a shiny trophy, it’s a dream come true.”

sports

page

Aquinas Basketball: Regular season comes to an end

Olympic Wrestling: Will this American tradition be cut for good?

Oscar Pistorius: South African sprinter suspect in murder charge

The Aquinas men’s and women’s basketball teams finished off their regular season on Saturday, February 16. The men finished with an overall record of 12-18 while the women finished with an overall record of 12-16. The Aquinas men’s JV Basketball team finished the regular season with a final record of 13-9.

The International Olympic Committee has recently announced a plan to cut wrestling from the 2020 Olympics. College wrestling coaches say that cutting wrestling for the Olympics could impact college recruitment as the wrestlers will have nothing to look forward to beyond collegiate competitions.

Olympic athlete and South African doubleamputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is facing serious legal charges after his model girlfriend Reeva Sttenkamp. Pistorius admitted to shooting her accidentally because he thought she was an intruder. He is currently being held in custody for premeditated murder.

Detroit Red Wings stay competitive

By Natalie West The Saint Reporter After the slow start to the season, which included five losses in eight games, the Detroit Red Wings finally hit an almost too-productive three game winning streak. The Wings beat the Saint Louis Blues on February 7 with a victory of 5-1. Two days later, they were again victorious over the Edmonton Oilers 2-1. Finally, on Sunday, February 10, the Wings triumphed with a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Kings.

Wednesday, February 13, found the streak broken after a 3-4 overtime loss to the Blues, but after the dismal beginning of the season, Wings fans can certainly see this small streak as a reason to have hope.

Right wing Todd Bertuzzi was placed on injured reserve on February 8 due to a sore back and center Joakim Andersson of the Grand Rapids Griffins was called up to fill the position. Former Red Wings goalie, Joey MacDonald, was picked up off of his waivers by the Calgary Flames, who have bigger plans for the talented goaltender.

Needless to say, the season is not over yet. There is still a lot of hockey to be played. The Wings’ power play unit is starting to shape up as well as their penalty kill, which is exactly what the team needs to give them the advantage. The Wings need to keep their motivation if they want a shot at the playoffs.

A first season success

<<

WHAT TO WATCH

>> MEN’S TENNIS

The Aquinas men’s tennis team has kicked off the 2013 season. Holding an impressive record of 3-1, the Saints are off to a phenomenal start.

The men will head to Ferris State tonight and Valparaiso on Saturday, February 23, before jetting off to Orlando for seven games over Spring Break.

In stride

Aquinas indoor track looks to compete in NAIA championships

AQ Hockey wraps up first season, achieving milestones

By Hillary Najor The Saint Reporter The Aquinas College Saints men’s hockey regular season has officially ended with a win against Kettering University and will head to the playoffs where they play Michigan State University.

On February 8, the Saints took on Kettering, defeating them 5-4 in a shootout. Kettering scored on the Saints in the first period, but senior Paul Ziemke tied it up soon after. Junior Greg Baranyai, freshman Doug Zelenka, and Ziemke all scored in the second period, giving the Saints a two goal lead heading into the third period.

In the third period, Kettering answered the Saints with two goals tying the game up. The Saints then were headed for a shootout where sophomore Matt Kryzkwa and Ziemke scored and goaltender Freshman Matthew Daniels made an incredible save to lead the Saints to their final victory of the season. “[It was] a lot closer than it should have been,” said junior Christian Potter, “[We] struggled

defensively, and gave up chances we should have had. Fortunately we were able to get away with a win.”

After this match up, the Saints are now preparing for their first ever playoff game against Michigan State. The Saints lost both of their regular season games to the Spartans, but are more determined than ever to be victorious and know what they are up against this time around.

Most of the team was injured during the second half of the season, but the lineup is looking healthier.

For the Michigan State match up, the Saints look forward to having a solid lineup.

“We are going to be better prepared for them, and we are going to bring it all to the table,” said junior Hugh Ingalls. “We are just going to give them all we got.”

The Saints finished seventh in their very competitive league, proving their squad can compete with these established programs. They hope to build off this season for next year and are excited for what lies ahead.

Sports in the sun Baseball, softball, lacrosse and tennis teams head south in preparation for promising spring seasons

By Brian Kalchik and Alyssa Frese The Saint Reporter and Sports Editor The spring sports teams will be starting off their seasons on the road in various locations. With inconsistent weather throwing off schedules and shifting between indoor and outdoor practices, all of the teams are looking forward to finally competing in warm weather and getting their seasons off to a good start.

The teams that will be competing over spring break are the baseball and softball teams, men’s and women’s tennis teams, and men’s and women’s lacrosse teams.

The Aquinas Baseball team will be competing in Winter Haven, Florida, with 11 games between March 3 and March 9. The Saints, with an experienced roster and talented newcomers, are ready to make some noise in the WHAC this year.

“I am looking forward to getting the experience of playing and building better chemistry overall as a team,” said sophomore Tanner Lung.

The Aquinas Softball team will be competing in Tucson, Arizona at the Tucson Invitation Games with 15 games between March 2 and March 9. The Saints will be looking to be a dark horse to compete for the WHAC title.

“During our trip to Tucson, AZ, the team is looking to make improvements and come together on and off the field, in order to return to Michigan ready for what the season has in store for us. As I prepare for my last trip to Arizona, I am working hard to achieve my highest performance level, affording my team great success. Our team is rich in talent, with depth in all positions, and expectations are high for a great season.

With the strong effort and commitment that was demonstrated during the fall, coupled with the work ethic as a team during this winter, we are anxiously anticipating a promising season,” said senior pitcher Carlie Giarmo.

7

THE SAINT | THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

COURTESY MARK AND LINDA HESTON

By Taylor Hodges The Saint Reporter

COURTESY MARK AND LINDA HESTON

Leaping Ahead: Senior Álvaro Romero gets a running start as he participates in the long jump. Romero placed first on Feb. 1 at Angola, Indiana.

By Taylor Hodges The Saint Reporter The indoor track season has been underway since late November and the men’s and women’s teams have not disappointed. Many of the athletes have personal goals as well as team goals they would like to see accomplished.

“My goal for the year is to work my way up to a jump of 6’7. It will be very hard to reach, but I think it is definitely possible. I am seeing it more and more as all of the pieces begin to fall together,” said freshman high jumper Chris Ford. “As a team, we would definitely like to do well in the conference and again at nationals.”

The women’s track team has high aspirations for this season as well. “My individual goals are to break eight seconds in the 60 meter and break 26 seconds in the 200 meter,” said freshman sprinter Micaila Rice. “Some team goals we have include working hard together and pushing each other as well as cheering each other on.”

As the indoor season is winding to a close with the final event being the NAIA Indoor Championships in Gene-

va, Ohio, the team is now preparing for what will come in the outdoor season.

“The indoor season has prepared me for the outdoor season very much because it was a very big shock to my system, and once we begin the outdoor season, I think I will be ready because my eyes have been opened,” said Ford, “I have learned so much from the other jumpers who have experience. Those guys really know what they are doing, and it shows.”

Both teams are hoping the hard work they’ve put in will show they’re the best teams in the WHAC. “We look to win the Conference Championship this Indoor and outdoor seasons,” said freshman Luke Hawley. “We have worked hard and will continue to work hard.”

The men’s and women’s teams competed at the WHAC Championship in Angola, Indiana on Saturday, February 16. The men’s team placed third out of seven teams while the women placed fourth out of six teams. Both teams will compete in the final meet of the indoor track season at the NAIA Indoor Championships in Geneva, Ohio from February 28 to March 2.

College Basketball Michigan dominates State, ND beats Louisville in fifth overtime

By Joe Foldenauer The Saint Reporter

COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS

Sunshine state: Senior Kyle Masteller returns the ball in action for the Saints.

Masteller and the men’s team will compete in Orlando, Florida over spring break.

The Aquinas men’s and women’s tennis teams will both be competing in Orlando, Florida, to kick off their seasons. The Men’s team was ranked ninth in the preseason poll. Both teams are looking to build off strong 2012 campaigns. The men will compete in seven games from March 2 to March 8. The women will compete in six games from March 2 to March 7.

The Aquinas Women’s Lacrosse team will be spending their break competing in North Carolina, playing two games in two days. The team is looking to build off a strong campaign last season.

“I think we have a really strong freshman class this season, and the team chemistry is right where it needs to be, so I’m hopeful that spring break will be successful. A national championship is definitely in the works,” said sophomore midfielder Haley Jacob.

The men’s lacrosse team will be competing in Georgia for four games from March 2 until March 6.

The Saints are looking for the first playoff win in team history this year.

Sports Editor Alyssa Frese

“This year ’s spring break lacrosse trip is definitely going to be successful. We are going to see some good competition; however, as a team we have been working hard and getting better every day whether it be in the weight room or at practice as a team. Individually we have formed a strong confident mentality based around each other and the work we have put in for the up and coming season. We are ready to be successful,” said sophomore midfielder Tim Hansen.

All six teams have been practicing for months and are ready to put their hard work to good use. The competition will be high and every team will take away something from the games played whether they win or lose.

“All of the teams are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete in good weather, said Athletic Director Terry Bocian. “Being in a normal routine and not having to worry about the weather will help all of the teams get off to good starts for this season.”

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

This season for the Michigan State Spartans has been exciting, to say the least. Ranked eighth in the nation and second in the Big Ten conference, hard work and consistency have paid off, as evidenced by their impressive 22-4 record so far.

Starting last week with the most anticipated game of the season, the Spartans pulled off a win against the number four Michigan Wolverines, 75-52. This was the first time in history that both of these teams have been ranked in the top ten teams of the nation.

The Spartans never lost the lead in this game with the help of Gary Harris as the lead scorer with 17 points.

Following this win the Spartans had another win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Both Michigan and Nebraska helped prepare them for the number one Indiana Hoosiers last night.

The Michigan Wolverines have had one of the best seasons in recent years. Previously ranked number one in the nation, the Wolverines were unstoppable, until the Indiana Hoosiers caused the Wolverines to slump. After a short-lived win against the Ohio State Buckeyes, 76-74, U of M has gone on a losing streak. First losing to Wisconsin in overtime, 65-62, and then losing to Michigan State.

If Michigan wants to get back on track with their season, they are going to have to step up and get some wins

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

in their games against Penn State and Illinois.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been doing very well this season, with a record 20-6 and being ranked 21st in the nation. Their most exciting game this season was their win against the Louisville Cardinals in fifth-overtime. The final score was 104-101.

Notre Dame’s Jerian Grant scored an impressive 19 points which helped lead the Irish to their win. Following this win, the Irish had another overtime win against the DePaul Blue Demons 82-78. The Fighting Irish broke their streak and fell to the Providence Friars in a 71-54 loss.

The Grand Valley State Lakers have had a winning season with a current record of 16-7, starting off with a win against Northern Michigan, 64-56. Ricardo Carbajal had an impressive game racking up fifteen points, two steals, and one block. Following this win came a loss against Michigan Tech 69-51.

This brought an end to a three game winning streak the Lakers had over Michigan Tech. Despite the loss, the Lakers rallied and defeated the Lake Superior State Lakers 82-57.

However, following that win lead to another loss this time from Northwood 60-52. The Lakers have three regular season games left with the next being February 21 at Saginaw Valley State University.

8

SPORTS

THE SAINT |THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

Grand Rapids Senior Zach Eddy shows good Griffins continue character on and off to tear up the ice the court

By Paris Close Culture Editor

By Taylor Hodges The Saint Reporter

When you think of senior Zachary Eddy, one of Aquinas College’s star athletes, words like “kind-hearted” and “leader” are sure to come to mind. Or, as long-time friend and fellow teammate Jon Hornak describes him, “an allaround great guy.” So one has to ask: How does one grow into being such a dynamic basketball player, amazing friend and beloved athlete?

In order to get a better feel of Eddy’s character and how he came to be the man he is today, we travel to his hometown: Coloma, Michigan.

Eddy remembers his childhood in Coloma to be a great one, and reminisced about the summers he spent working on Salty’s Children’s Farm: “Salty was the doctor at Lakeland Hospital. My sisters and I spent every summer working five days a week for him. He would pick us up from home, took us out to lunch and paid us to work on his farm in the afternoon,” said Eddy.

At 11, Eddy received the shocking news that Salty had cancer, encouraging him to work as hard as he could for his dear friend. “I watched him battle cancer and work on his own farm with us through all his sickness,” Eddy said about his childhood role model. “He never gave up and continued to work until he could no longer.

Even with the loss of Salty, Eddy managed to find refuge in something he was equally passionate about, basketball. At Grace Christian School, Eddy’s love for the game had fully emerged, paving way for an even more luminous future ahead.

While most of us are unsure about our calling, Eddy realized early on that his love for the sport was evident. “I experienced great basketball success at a very young age, averaging 15 points and 14 rebounds a game, which should never be done at 16,” said Eddy.

After his sophomore year of high school, Eddy describes the transition from Grace Christian to the Class B school, Lakeshore High, as challenging. “School was tougher. I didn’t know anybody, and basketball was on a whole ‘nother level.”

Despite struggling to adapt to a different school so late in his adolescent years, Eddy rose to the occasion, earning both a basketball scholarship to Aquinas and a few title crowns. “The year I transferred to Lakeshore, I was voted Prom Prince of my junior class.

The year after, Homecoming King,” said Eddy.

Although Eddy’s high school royalty proves he is one heck of a guy, the bashful basketball star still considers himself to be a bit “dorky.” But who knows Eddy better than his teammates and his own coach?

“Zach has been my roommate,

The Grand Rapids Griffins were riding a three game win streak heading into last weekend. Beating teams such as the Hamilton Bulldogs, Abbotsford Heat, and the Houston Aeros added to the team’s confidence. The Griffins needed that boost to give them hope for a run in the playoffs despite losing a series against the Oklahoma City Barons. Due to injuries on the Red Wings roster, some of the Griffins players have been called up to provide some depth within the organization. Recent call ups include center Joakim Andersson, goalie Petr Mrazek, and center Tomas Tatar. They have been performing well and have contributed to the Red Wings’ recent victories.

Tatar, who has played four games this season with the Red Wings, has posted one assist as well as two penalty minutes. This Slovakia native has already seen time with the Wings in previous years and is hoping to make

Detroit Pistons stay motivated to win

COURTESY ANDRIS VISOCKIS

Put it up: Senior Zach Eddy puts up a lay-up for the Saints in home court action against Northwestern Ohio. teammate and one of my best friends since freshman year,” said Hornak.

“He is also one of our most skilled players, our ‘go-to-guy’ in the clutch and has hit a few game winners for us down the stretch.”

So, what else should we know about Eddy that only an honest friend could share? How about the Bat Cave?

“He loves pitch rooms, he covered our window in St. Joe’s and we never knew what time it was,” Hornak confessed.

“He has an amazing heart and cares a ton about the people in his life.”

It is always awesome feeling to know that you can make your fellow teammates and school proud. And no one knows more about this feeling than Aquinas’ Head Coach David Hammer, “I really wanted to play for Coach Hammer,” said Eddy. “He got me very excited to play for him, and I wanted to be the best player I could be.”

Eddy’s most memorable year in his career was when the Saints beat both rival schools within the same week.

“We’ve only beat Davenport once since I’ve been here,” said Eddy. “We played and beat both our rivals, Cornerstone and Davenport. It was the best week of my life.”

When asked what he was most proud about with Eddy’s performance on the team, Hammer notes his development as a person and basketball player over the years. “Watching his development will always be spoke to other young players,” said Hammer.

“Zach’s presence will be missed next

year.”

This may be Eddy’s last year with Aquinas, but he has already started making moves towards even greater prospects. “I am looking into becoming a store director,” said Eddy. With a concentration in Business Administration and Sports Management, Eddy sets his sights on a retail leadership program with Meijer Inc. Although he bids us farewell this year, let us all give our fellow Saint the best of wishes and never forget the legacy he has left us with and the contributions he will further make after he graduates in May.

By Brian Kalchik The Saint Reporter After a mid-season trade that saw Tayshaun Prince and Austin Daye leave the Pistons for the Memphis Grizzlies and the arrival of Jose Calderon from the Toronto Raptors, the Pistons hoped to solidify their backcourt while shedding some salary cap space for the next season.

The Pistons lost a tight game at the Palace to the Brooklyn Nets 93-90, followed by a very impressive home win against one of the top teams in the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs, with a score of 119-109. The Pistons then went on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks and won a close game 105-100.

Aquinas men’s and women’s tennis 2013 season looks promising for both teams

By Alyssa Frese Sports Editor The Aquinas men and women’s tennis teams are both off to a great start. The men’s team, which was ranked ninth in the nation during preseason, hold a 3-1 record this season. Competition is high for the Saints as they compete against Ferris State University and Valparaiso later this week. The team contains a mixture of skill this year as three freshmen join the team: Andy Struble, Frankie Fischer, and Kristoff Saari.

“I have a lot of goals this first season. The first is to have a winning record in tie-breaks. Playing in the 6 spot I also want to give my teammates confidence during our dual matches, so finishing matches quickly and not getting to those tie break situations is something I really want to focus on,” said Fischer.

The combination of returning and new players gives the team hope for a season just as successful as the previous.

“Right now we are ranked ninth, but if we have a solid spring break and play well, I believe we can move

up even higher. It would be great to make the elite eight in Alabama, but a final four is definitely not out of reach. Our main focus is to play well throughout the whole year and not take anyone lightly,” said junior Aaron Hendrick.

The Aquinas women’s team is equally as ambitious as the men’s team. The Saints hold a current record 4-2 with their next six games being played in Daytona Beach, Florida over Spring Break.

The women’s team also holds a collaboration of new talent with returning players.

“My personal goal is to go to every match with a strong and mental positive attitude and to bring my Agame every time. As a team, it is important for every person to play the best they can and push each other to want to improve with every match,” said freshman Marjeanne Bothma.

The season outlook is promising for both the men’s and women’s teams. With hard work and collaboration, anything is possible for the 2013 season.

Sports Editor Alyssa Frese

E-mail saint.editors@aquinas.edu

a big impact. Next up from Sweden we have Andersson who has posted zero points in the two games he’s played.

The 24-year-old is known more for his physical presence on the ice instead of putting the puck in the net. The 6’2, 206 pound Swede comes off as very intimidating to his competitors on the ice.

Finally, Mrazek, the goalkeeper who turned 21 on February 14, has been outstanding in net for the Red Wings as Jimmy Howard gets some much deserved time off. The man between the pipes earned his first win in the NHL in his only game played so far. Only allowing one goal on 27 shots and having a save percentage of .963 has showed that this Czech will be in the NHL soon enough.

As the injured come back, expect to see these young faces tearing it up again with the Griffins. The Griffins hold an impressive 29-16 season record so far. The Griffins’s next home game is against the San Antonio Rampage on February 23.

Phone (616) 632-2975

Website www.aquinas.edu/thesaint

The Pistons were represented during All-Star Weekend. Rookie backup Center Andre Drummond was invited to the Rookie/Sophomore game, but had to back out due to an injury. Second-year point guard Brandon Knight competed in the All-Star skills competition.

The Pistons fell to the New Orleans Hornets at home, losing 105-86. The Pistons then played their final game before the All-Star break, beating the Washington Wizards 96-85.

The Pistons are now 21-33 overall, which is 11th in the Eastern Conference, trailing 8th-placed Milwaukee by six and a half games.