The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES-DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011 | VOL. 129, NO. 22 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

Duo honored with Double D

by Matt Moran

Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

Zach Johnson has another award to show off with his 2007 Masters green jacket: the Drake Double D Award.

On Tuesday, Johnson and former Drake volleyball player Lisa Behlmann Cannon were presented with the Double D Award, which is the highest honor Drake bestows upon its former student-athletes.

The award is given to former letter winners for their achievements and contributions to their profession and community after leaving Drake. Only 236 people have received the honor.

“This award puts things into perspective,” Johnson said. “It’s not all about golf. It’s indicative of Drake: student first, athlete second.”

Johnson is one of the most notable professional athletes to emerge from Drake. A graduate in 1998 with degrees in management and marketing, Johnson decided to turn pro after his four-year college career. The Cedar Rapids native is most known for winning the 2007 Masters Golf Tournament, which is one of four annual major championship tournaments on the Professional Golf Association Tour. He has also been a member of the 2006 and 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup teams.

“To go back to Drake, I never thought it would be this [award] that would bring me back,” Johnson said. “I was taken aback; one of those times you kind of pinch yourself.”

“

This award puts things into persepective. It’s not all about golf. It’s indicative of Drake: student first, athlete second.

”

-statement by Drake World Language and Culture Department

Behlmann Cannon was a four-year varsity letter winner from St. Louis who graduated with a degree in finance in 1980. She earned her master’s degree in business in 1989 from the University of Houston, and completed the Executive Development Pro-

gram at Harvard Business School in 2006.

She spent 30 years in the high technology field, holding a number of senior management roles in the U.S. and abroad. From 1993-1996, she was based in Munich, Germany, leading European marketing initiatives for Compaq Computer, which is now Hewlett-Packard.

“I owe so much for my time here at Drake,” Behlmann Cannon said. “I was blown away; it’s such an honor. It brings things full circle.”

The award was presented to both recipients at the annual Double D dinner on Tuesday evening. Behlmann Cannon and Johnson were then honored during halftime of the Drake men’s basketball game later that evening.

Johnson, who flew completely under the radar on his way to winning the Masters, was ironically not even the top golfer for the Bulldogs during his tenure.

He said it’s the “underdog” role in which he thrives, and it motivates him to have a strong work ethic.

“I just enjoy competition,” Johnson said. “I always feel like my back is against the wall, always feel like I’m not supposed to win, and I like it that way. I love the underdog.”

Behlmann Cannon said the camaraderie of her volleyball team while at Drake provided necessary skills to be successful in international business.

“Teamwork [was] one of the most helpful things when working with people from different countries and with different languages,” Behlmann Cannon said. photo by MATT MORAN | sports editor “I had a wonderful time at Drake and a ZACH JOHNSON addresses Des Moines media at the Iowa Hall of Pride Tuesday. Johnson has terrific experience with athletics.”

Drake athletic director Sandy Hatfield earned over $19 million over a seven-year career on the PGA Tour.

Clubb said both individuals are terrific us with the right tools” to be successful in life after college. role models for Drake athletics, and said He also thanked his parents for instilling in him a hard-workthat their colleagues describe them as “focused, energetic, harding, never-say-die attitude. working, fun, good character” people.

Johnson said that this award exemplifies what is great about SEE JOHNSON, PAGE 2 Drake and its athletes. He said his time at Drake has “equipped

The Scarlet Letter

What withdrawing from a university class actually means

by Ann Schnoebelen

News Editor news@timesdelphic.com

Who? What? Where? When? Why? Or how about “win?”

Actually, that “W” on a student’s transcript refers to a “withdrawal,” and Drake University students have until Monday, Jan. 31 to drop a class without the letter appearing on their records.

Far from Hester’s scandalous stitched initial, a “W” is supposed to serve as a neutral indication that a student registered for a class, but for one reason or another withdrew after the cutoff date.

The explanations for withdrawing can take far more than a single letter to describe. But it would be hard to fit, “This course ended up being completely different from what I thought it would be, and I didn’t want to spend valuable time on work that didn’t relate to my professional development” on a transcript.

A withdrawal does not factor into a grade point average, and as long as they’re not a regular occurrence, students shouldn’t get overly concerned, says Kevin Moenkhaus from Drake’s Office of Student Records.

“A ‘W’ is a mark of the transcript that simply means a student withdrew from the course,” he said. “It just says a student was here, but didn’t complete the class.”

It certainly hasn’t been a source of distress for Drake 2010 graduate Greg Wolf. He’s now getting his master’s degree in accounting at Washington State University, and says he was never questioned about dropping a marketing class during the application process to graduate school.

“It definitely hasn’t came back to give me any problems,” he said.

Many students, such as Wolf, drop a class after realizing a few weeks into the course that they’re not going to earn the kind of grade they originally hoped for.

“Essentially what happened is, I signed up for a lot of classes first semester because I was basically trying to make second semester easier with only 12 credits,” Wolf explains. “I bombed

the first quiz, so I dropped it and took the ‘W.’” He retook the class during the spring and ended up doing much better than he says he would have had he stayed in the class.

Sophomore business student Erikray Minturn tells a similar story.

He dropped Accounting 041 last semester, but now that he’s retaking it with a different schedule, he says he feels much more confident in the grade he’ll earn.

“I just didn’t have the will to study for it, so I stopped going to class,” he said. But this semester is different. “I have more drive to actually study… I already got a tutor, just in case.”

Wolf and Minturn also point out that they each have only one “W,” something Drake Law School’s Kara Blanchard says is an important point.

“An infrequent ‘W’ on a transcript will not negatively impact a student’s chances of admission,” she writes in an e-mail to The Times-Delphic. “However, numerous withdrawals can raise a red flag.”

One of the reasons for this, Moenkhaus says, is that even if the mark is not a representation of the student’s performance in the course, too many of them can cause disruptions in financial assistance.

“Although we consider a ‘W’ mark to be non-punitive, repeated instances could potentially impact a student’s financial aid in extreme cases where students do not make satisfactory progress toward their degree,” he says.

As long as the course is dropped within the official add/drop period, Drake policy states that students may shift from full-time to parttime status or reduce their credit hour enrollment (with the exception of a complete withdrawal from the university) without penalty.

However, after the first two weeks of the semester, this same switch does not result in any change in tuition charges. This means that even if a person has become a part-time student in terms of credit, tuition-wise he or she is paying full price.

In the long run, accepting a ‘W’ now could mean being able to retake later on for an ‘A.’ And unlike Miss Prynne, that’s exactly the letter most students are seeking.

W

inside

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW TO...

>>Find the roster for a particular course

You haven’t been in that class since your very first semester, why is it still on Blackboard? And how did everyone else already find a lab partner? The Times-Delphic offers a few helpful hints.

• Log in to the blueView homepage and click on the “Student Services” tab.

>>Stop displaying old classes on Blackboard

•The top middle box is called “My Courses.” Right below the title is the option to “Click here to:” Click to navigate to the next page.

• On Blackboard’s homepage, in the upper right of the screen, find the module entitled “My Courses.”

• In the top right corner of the box appear a little pencil and a minus sign.

Click the pencil to navigate to the next screen.

• Here, you are able to select which classes to display on the homepage by checking or unchecking the boxes. Even if you choose to hide one now, you are still able to go back later and check the box to display it again.

• Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page to save your changes.

• The next screen displays the courses in which you’ve enrolled and an option in the top right to select a semester. Click the title of the course you want to see the roster for.

• This brings you to the “Course homepage.” Find the menu on the left side of the screen and select the last option, “Members,” under the“Course Tools” module.

• An alphabetical class roster should appear.

•THE CATCH: This function is only available for courses using Blackboard or blueView’s course studio, a decision left up to individual professors.

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Let your résumé shine with these tips

10 reasons to be a Packers fan

Catch the spring semester schedule

Men’s tennis sets new MVC record

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PAGES 5

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NEWS

quote of the

news

day

Resume Workshop provides students with personal feedback from area professionals

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THE TIMES-DELPHIC

THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011 | PAGE 2

We are able to see the American culture on a daily basis, and now we can show you how we do it back home.

—EARL LEE, INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT | PAGE 2

A sampling of the Super Bowl

by Nikki Mittlebrun

Staff Writer nicole.mittlebrun@drake.edu

It’s Super Bowl time and the Student Activities Board is starting the second semester strong with a Super Bowl Cooking Show today at 5 p.m. in Parents Hall. The event will feature Sodexo Chef Jordan Roberts demonstrating how to make a variety of different tailgating themed foods that are easy to make even in a dorm room. The first 65 students to arrive will be rewarded with free food.

“The cooking show will be an interactive way for students to learn how to make Super Bowl foods such as salsa, guacamole, chicken wings and much more,” said Alex Caskey, the co-chair of Cam-

pus Impact.

SAB has done a cooking series in the past and themed shows off of everything from upcoming holidays to shows focused on specific ethnic groups.

“The events have been well-attended, the food is always really good and since it’s themed you can go to the events where you like the food,” SAB President Greg Larson said. “We try to target different pallets. It’s not very formal either, the chef will have a table and he’ll ask for students to come up and help and you can just shout out.

There’s also a live camera feed so the people in the audience can see.”

First-year student Alison Richards has attended the cooking show series in the

past.

“I liked that it’s a hands on demonstration and I then get to eat the food that is made at the end,” she said.

She also plans on attending the event tonight. “I’m very excited to see quick appetizers that I could make as a college student and they won’t put a deep hole in my pocket.”

Immediately following the demonstration, students can participate in a beanbags tournament for a chance to win a gift card.

“We tried to incorporate bags because it fits in with the tailgating atmosphere,” Larson said.

Teams of two can sign up on the spot and the tournament will start around 6 p.m. just outside Parents Hall.

photos by JACKIE WALLENTIN | staff writer

STUDENTS MINGLED WITH PROFESSIONALS on Tuesday to gain insight into the craft of resume writing. Drake Academic Achievement Coordinator Chrystal Stanley and representatives from Nationwide provided their expertise and answered questions to clarify the dos and donts of resumes.

The event was designed to assist students in developing a resume unique to them and relevant to their chosen field of study. Professional and Career Development Services led the workshop, which was open to students of all years and majors.

Résumé tips from the pros • Use simple, everyday language. Avoid jargon.

• Begin accomplishment statements with action verbs.

• Be specific: Give examples and emphasize achievements.

• Be positive, enthusiastic and honest. Don’t exaggerate.

• Proofread for spelling and grammar errors.

• Avoid fancy type or flashy paper.

• Use key words (nouns) that describe your education, skills and accomplishments.

• Don’t fold, staple or bind your résumé.

• Avoid italics, underlining, graphics, shading, borders, bullets, lines and reverse type.

• Consider using all capital letters for headings.

• Place your name and phone number or e-mail address at the top of each page on its own line.

• Always view your résumé or send it to yourself so you know how it looks.

-tips from the Drake Professional and Career Development Services.

For more information on PCDS go to drake.edu/career.

photo by MATT MORAN | sports editor

LISA BEHLMANN CANNON worked 30 years in the high technology field and was a varsity letter winner for four years before graduating in 1980.

Drake alumni earns award FROM JOHNSON, PAGE 1 “[This award] is a testament to my parents,” Johnson said. “The example they showed with work ethic; put in the time, put in the energy.”

Although Johnson still holds the Masters title as his greatest individual accomplishment in golf, he says he has learned a lot more through the Presidential and Ryder Cup teams.

He grew up playing team sports, and said he

International night will showcase diverse cultures of university students

by Kensie Smith

Staff Writer mackensie.smith@drake.edu

Many students travel abroad, bringing back mementos of their travels. There is over six billion people in the world. Each with their own culture and memories. They cross paths, but rarely does the beauty of this diversity converge on one stage.

Drake International Student Association (ISA) will bring together the vivacious variety of world culture in Drake University Sheslow Auditorium this Saturday at 6 p.m.

SEND YOUR STORY IDEAS TO NEWS@TIMESDELPHIC.COM

wouldn’t be the person he is today without the support he receives. “[My career has been] a team approach, with so many instrumental players behind the scenes,” Johnson said. “This group of people helps me stay in the moment while still looking toward my future. They keep me focused.”

Still, Johnson can’t wait to get another chance to be on top of the golf world, the feeling he had after winning the Masters.

“It fuels the fire; once you get a taste you want more.”

“International Night: Memoirs of the World,”will feature a vast mixture of dance, music, fashion and art to demonstrate how a small university can have such a large global representation. The two-hour production will feature acts like a Chinese Lion dance, music from Thailand and Jamaican dances.

The annual event is paired with a theme to connect the acts. This year’s production is assisted with the help of ISA president Earl Lee, who has been involved with the production for three years.

“This year we decided on Memoirs of the World because we all have an autobiography to tell and here we tell of one man’s journey to find himself,” Lee said.

Lee said the event not only connects the international students but the entire study body should take advantage of the chance for real-world learning about the university’s mission statement.

“We continue to promote the Drake mission statement of creating responsible global citizens by using our performances and dialogue to breakdown stereotypes that exist about countries,” Lee said.

Food also plays a large role in the cultural identity of a nation, and following the production, a reception featuring 16 different dishes will be offered in Parents Hall There are approximately 360 international students, from over 50 different countries studying at Drake. Many of them have been involved with assuring the authenticity of the presentation. Planning such a large production can be difficult to coordinate but rewarding.

“I think new ideas are fresh and I have enjoyed the challenge of working with a group of students who think some things need to be changed,” Lee said.

Tickets were available this week and selling fast at the reduced rate of $10 with a Drake ID. To get a passport to this night of adventure stop by the Olmsted Breeze way today and tomorrow between the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Tickets will also be available at the door for $15.

The event is open to the Des Moines community and children age 13 and under may attend for $5.

“We are able to see the American culture on a daily basis and now we can show you how we do it back home,” Lee said. “The event will be amazing and you will truly enjoy yourself.”

FOR BREAKING DRAKE NEWS, CHECK OUT WWW.TWITTER.COM/TIMESDELPHIC

PAGE 3 | THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011

OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

opinions&editorials Top 10 reasons to be a Packer fan this Super Bowl

Z

ing boom tararrel, ring out a song of good cheer. Now’s the time to roll the barrel, for the gang’s all here!”

I am officially the happiest person to ever walk on the face of the earth. Why, you may ask? Well for those of you who don’t know me, I am, arguably, the biggest Green Bay Packers fan outside the state of Wisconsin. Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few days, you know why I am constantly on cloud nine. That’s right, the Green Bay Packers are going to the Super Bowl!

My excitement level is at an unhealthy level. My roommates are actually afraid of me because I have never been this happy. I am so happy, that I will even accept those that want to jump on the bandwagon. So, without further ado, here are reasons to cheer for the greatest team in the NFL on Sunday, Feb. 6:

1.

The fans own the team: Yes, you read correctly. Fans have the opportunity to actually own the team. Some company or billionaire does not own the Packers; we own the Packers. Thankfully, my family is part-shareholder, so although I’m not from Green Bay, I still feel the love.

2.

Smallest town to have a professional team: It’s not just the 53 players out on the field fighting for a win; it’s the entire town of Green Bay and the whole fan base. When Lambeau Field was renovated, the people voted for the tax increase for funding, not some big shot executives.

3.

Cheeseheads: Need I say more? Who doesn’t want to wear a piece of foam cheese on their head? I know I sure do. For those who don’t like the Packers, calling someone a cheesehead is an insult. But if you’re like me, and the rest of the fans, it’s a wonderful compliment. We wear that cheese with pride.

4.

History: “The Frozen Tundra” and “Titletown” are two names that are associated with Green Bay, and rightfully so. I’ve been to three games at Lambeau and only one was above zero, and barely, I might add. We’ve also brought 12 National Championships back to the home where the Super Bowl trophy got its name: Vince Lombardi, coach from 1959-1967.

For just the second time since 1996, we have a chance to bring the trophy back to where it belongs.

5.

Lambeau Leap: For those of us who are fortunate enough to score seats within the first few rows of the end zone, you can touch a Green Bay Packer when he makes that famous leap into the crowd after a touchdown.

6.

Preseason Bike-Riding: One of the many things I love about the Packers is that they actually take the time to get to know the fans. Each preseason, kids are asked to ride their bikes to watch the team practice. Afterward, you could be one of the lucky ones to have a player ride your bike back to the locker room. This tradition started back in the days of Lombardi and continues today.

7.

Never Give Up: While many teams would give up after losing many starters from a multitude of injuries, we overcame those challenges and are now playing the biggest game of them all: the Super Bowl. We also won three road games in the playoffs to make it to the Big Game.

MCL injury or not, we stay in the game. Never underestimate our ability to fight until the end.

8.

B.J. Raji’s Touchdown Dance: Perhaps one of the best celebration dances I’ve ever seen. If you can’t cheer for us, you at least have to hope to see a 337-pound, teddy bear look-a-like, get another pick-six, just to see the hula dance from “The Freezer.” It’s priceless.

9.

Championship Belt: We’ve all seen it throughout the season, now here’s hoping that Aaron Rodgers can trade in the invisible belt for a real championship belt. He’s proven numerous times that Ted Thompson made the best choice in the 2005 draft by picking Rodgers as back-up to Favre.

10.

End the Favre Saga: Everyone is tired of hearing about it every game: “The man who had to fill Brett Favre’s shoes.” Well Rodgers has done more than fill them; he’s found his own pair that fits perfectly with the city of Green Bay. He’s certainly made a name for himself and is a legend in the making.

On Feb. 6, put on a cheesehead and cheer for the Green Bay Packers.

REBECCA MATALONI | COLUMNIST

Mataloni is a sophomore news/Internet and music major and can be contacted at rebecca.mataloni@drake.edu

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

thebuzz

Professors use hip-hop as a learning tool?

Letter to the Editor Center for International Programs and Services To the Editor: A recent article in “The Times-Delphic” made me aware that some understandable confusion exists about the differing roles of Drake’s Center for International Programs and Services (known as the International Center) and the Center for Global Citizenship.

On a campus where many offices and individuals are working together to achieve Drake’s goal of preparing students for responsible global citizenship, it may be helpful to review who does what. Here are some key highlights that I hope will be useful:

International Center

Study abroad advising International student advising Student exchange programs Faculty-led programs abroad English as a Second Language instruction

Center for Global Citizenship

Global Ambassador Certificate program Global Public Health Concentration Brings international programs and speakers to campus Supports Model EU, Model UN and faculty’s international development

Chinese Cultural Exchange Program

Teach in China program for recent graduates Facilitate academic partnerships with Chinese universities

International Admissions

Admission and financial aid for qualified international students Foreign credential evaluation

World Languages and Cultures

Certificate of Competence in Language and Culture in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian or Spanish.

To learn more about all of these opportunities, go to www.drake.edu/international. And if you aren’t sure who to call, you are welcome to call me!

Regards, Gretchen Olson Director of International Programs and Services 271-2084 The International Center, “The Point,” 1331 27th St.

Greek life, a way of life Alpha Phi wishes you a successful semester! If you asked a member of Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta or Kappa Kappa Gamma, she would have probably done the same. Our pens just got lost in the mail.

For sororities, image is everything. Every fall we come to campus a week before everyone else. We dress to impress and sing recruitment songs until the frat guys across the street are already 10 beers deep. While fighting to get the best pledge classes, we also work to win the highest GPAs, complete the most community service hours and raise the most money for our national philanthropies.

A sorority’s stereotype during recruitment can make or break its success as a house. Whether perceived as the “grandmas,” the “fat girls” or even the “skanks,” sororities internationally work to rise above negative images and convince girls that their organization is worth being a part of—and it is. That’s why we go to such great lengths.

With spring recruitment right around the corner for some houses, Adam Block tank tops, Tiffany-inspired bracelets and even sorority-sponsored pens are sure to be cropping up all over campus. But with every sorority comes the individuals who make it what it is.

There is always going to be that girl who stays

at home every Saturday night and reviews her therapeutics notecards, someone who rocks the Dublin dance floor like she was paid to be there instead of paying to get in, and your sister who has never missed a Sigma Chi toga party, is hand-cuffed to the hottest FIJI and has fallen into the SAE Hawaiian moat every year.

Every girl plays an important role in her house and the recruitment process. If you’re already in a house, are looking to join or are a lifetime member of Gamma Delta Iota, it’s easy to forget that most houses on 34th Street don’t fit into a specific role. Together they make the Drake Greek system what it is — a group of people that, in the face of great adversity during the last year and a half, has continued to grow and thrive, not only as individuals, but also as a whole.

EMMA COLLINS COLUMNIST

Collins is a sophomore English major and can be contacted at emma.collins@drake.edu

Correction In Monday’s issue of The Times-Delphic, it was mistakenly listed that the Visual Arts Association of Drake’s event “Cat Rocketship” will be on Jan. 7. The true event title is “10 Things” by Cat Rocketship and is being held Jan. 27. VAAD and the Honors Student council will also host a showing of the film “Corpse Bride” on Feb. 4.

AP photo

THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884 LIZZIE PINE, Editor-in-Chief editor@timesdelphic.com JESSICA MATTES, Managing Editor features@timesdelphic.com

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The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The TimesDelphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

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FEATURES

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THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011 | PAGE 4

don’tmissthis

“10 Things” by Cat Rocketship and sponsored by VAAD is 6-7 p.m. tonight in Drake’s Fine Arts Center

‘The King’s Speech’ receives a raving review

by Frank Merchlewitz

Staff Writer frank.merchlewitz@drake.edu

British filmmakers sure do buddy movies a lot differently.

“The King’s Speech” is a classic tale about the king who must rely on the commoner to achieve his ends.

Right away, the audience feels sympathy for George VI (Colin Firth), a nervous, hot-tempered man with a terrible speech impediment. After an agonizingly awkward speech at the closing of the 1925 Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium, George VI seeks elocution lessons from a number of speech therapists. At the advice of his wife, Queen Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter), he meets with the unconventional and “controversial” Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush), and together they work to find the root of the king’s fear of public speaking.

“Speech’s” source material seems so excellent that it’s a wonder that this film took so long to make. Start with a base of royal flavor and family melodrama, add a pinch of the looming Nazi threat in 1930s Britain, then drizzle with an unlikely friendship, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for Oscar bait. But all of that would be for naught if “Speech” weren’t a genuinely good film. Which it totally is.

“Speech” succeeds on virtually every level. As a period drama, the film

works splendidly. Granted, I’m a sucker for any film with British accents.

But you shan’t be finding any chimney sweeps or singing orphans in this film.

The foggy streets of London prove to be a fitting backdrop, capturing the uncertainty of a king and a country on the brink of war. The juxtaposition of George VI’s speeches with those of Adolf Hitler is quite striking and reflects the significance of public speech in persuasion.

As such, “Speech” is quite a suspenseful film despite any large-scale action. At times, my palms were sweating as the king tried to speak and failed. I found the film thoroughly engaging; my desire for the king to succeed and give a big “Go kill those Nazis!” speech was so great that at times I wanted to yell at the screen, “Just say something!” (In fact, a woman behind me kept whispering that phrase during several pivotal scenes in the film.)

My interest in the film was piqued when Colin Firth won best actor at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. I’ve always been a fan of Firth’s work; he’s like a Hugh Grant that I don’t want to punch in the face.

Certainly in “Speech,” Firth has earned his accolades. He becomes George VI in this film, with his coarse demeanor and every one of those weird little throat noises (they will make you wince). Out of place in his own skin as he is forced onto the throne, Firth humanizes the king like

no other could—at times a pitiable wreck and at others an admirable symbol of strength.

Sure, “The King’s Speech” is an inspiring period piece about England during the lead up to World War II, but what really makes the film shine is the almost whimsical relationship between the stammering monarch and his witty Australian speech therapist.

This is where Geoffrey Rush comes through in a big way. He’s funny, he’s charming and most of all, he’s believable. The best moments on screen come when he and Firth are interacting. The odd couple relationship turns this piece into buddy comedy at times.

Firth and Rush’s rapport is unique; you don’t often see a (dare I say it…) “bromance” between two gentlemen in their 50s, let alone in 1930s Britain.

Still, the two manage to have a lot of fun yelling swear words, waltzing and singing, while still maintaining a relationship that allows them to be serious with one another. It never crosses over the threshold to the unrealistic, remaining continuously captivating without falling flat. And without stuttering.

photo from TIME WARNER

Skate cheap, date cheap at Brenton Plaza

by Lillian Schrock

Staff Writer llillian.schrock@drake.edu

For a fun, cheap date (but not too cheap), look farther than Drake University’s Agora and Jethro’s Barbecue—Brenton Skating Plaza has great deals daily and offers 2-for-1 admission during “Cheap Skate” hours every Monday night from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Normal prices are $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children, with skate rental costing $3. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every weekday, it costs $5 for admission, rental and includes hot chocolate and a cookie.

Located at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive, about 10 minutes from campus, Brenton Skate Plaza is ideal for those who are young and old; and for novice or expert skaters.

According to Brenton Skate Plaza em-

ployee Kaci Mclain, Brenton is the only ice rink in Des Moines that offers public skating seven days a week. The ice rink opens right before Thanksgiving each year and closes around Spring Break time. The rink is scheduled to close Sunday, March 6 this year.

Brenton Skate Plaza also offers broomball: A sport in which players wear rubbersoled shoes and use a broom-like stick to hit a ball into a net. Brenton Skate Plaza has a broomball league that practices every week during the winter.

For his first time skating on ice, firstyear student Ethan Clevenger chose Brenton Skate Plaza because the rink is so close to campus.

“It was my first time skating, but I picked it up pretty quick,” Clevenger said.

“It was a fun social activity that you could do with lots of people. A great way to get out of the residence halls.”

Ten-year-old Amber Swinehart began taking ice skating lessons at Brenton Skating Plaza last winter. She was a beginning skater and fell down her first time on the ice, earning a large bruise on her shoulder.

However, Swinehart kept returning to the ice and became instantly charmed by the sport.

“I wanted to learn how to skate and I was determined to get better,” Swinehart said. She has returned to the ice rink this winter with her grandmother, Suzanne Stevens, to carry on her love for ice skating.

“It’s an outdoor skating rink, which we really like,” Stevens said. “And the people who work here are pleasant and helpful.”

Brenton Skate Plaza can also be rented out for parties and offers a live DJ every Friday night. For a full list of prices and public skating hours, visit brentonplaza. com. photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

Winter footwear can be practical and fashionable

by Erin Hassanzadeh

Staff Writer erin.hassanzadeh@drake.edu

The months of a bitter winter season on college campuses pose many obstacles for students. Whether it is the hibernating tendencies of eating too much and sleeping more, or not wanting to make the hike to work out, one thing any college student should not be caught with is faulty winter footwear. My Grandma has always advised me; “If you want to stay warm, tuck in your undershirt and put something on your ‘foots’ for heavens sake!”

Trekking through the snow, sludge, ice or annoying sidewalk salt requires some preparation, and because conventional winter boots possess mere functionality and no style, we as Drake students must branch out into the world of irresistibly great-looking shoes that can get the job done.

As with all things in life, a strong foundation is key when it comes to wintertime kicks. The art of wearing a fuzzy sock is an undeniable re-

source in the quest to keep warm this season.

My recommendation concerning these fuzzy, little buggers is to go for a polyester base. Being an avid user of the fuzzy sock I can say from experience synthetic fur is an awful material on the feet, as well as the silky options. Not only do they shed and suffocate the feet, but they also they simply do not posses the same cloudlike feeling as the cotton and polyester versions.

Go for fun colors and patterns! As far as guys are concerned, do not be afraid to wear these things, even if it will only happen in the privacy of your own room. For Ugg boot fans, I would advise against pairing them with a fuzzy sock for obvious overheating issues. The only true rule with fuzzy socks is the more fluff the better!

All right gals, let’s be honest: We cannot get enough of the extra-tall leather boots this year.

Whether they’ve been black, brown, leather, pleather, loaded with buckles, patterns or distressed finishing, these things have been the must have item for the ’10-’11 school year. Tall boots are a great addition to an outfit whether you’re wearing jeans and a sweater, or a great dress and leggings. My honest opinion is that,

while I own a few pairs myself, there are far better options for the winter months. If you can’t seem to kick the knee-high leather look, pairing your boots with a fuzzy sock should do the trick.

Just be careful of that nasty sidewalk salt, it can really destroy a leather finish.

Now for the gentlemen, let me first give credit where it is due. It seems to be a bit more challenging for men to find acceptable winter shoe options, however, you also possess the right to have toasty toes this season. The trend of the Timberland-style boot seems to have crept up as a common choice over the last few winters.

While I have many male friends who swear by the darn things, there are better looking options out there that will get the job done, and impress a fashion-forward lady. If you waver your loyalty away from the Timberland boot, try out a new style or a pair in caramel colored leather.

For all the girls out there looking for a cute, fashion-forward boot option, a shorter boot in a great plaid could do the trick. The shortness of the boot will be easier to throw on for trudging to class. I have faith that we can get more creative than the predictable pair of Uggs! Throw

a curveball and pair these great boots with skinny jeans or try them with a casual dress and leggings. They will be just as warm, as well as more fashion-forward, and can of course can be paired with a fuzzy sock.

If one is looking to forgo the boot look all together this winter, a shorter, rubber-soled pullover look may be what you are looking for. Just be prepared for slightly decreased traction, and the possibility of some snow creeping in. As always, pairing this shoe with a patterned fuzzy sock is advised and should compensate for the warmth lost from a boot.

It’s not too late to grab a new pair of snowfriendly shoes this season. The sad reality is that we still have a few more sludge-ridden winter months, so don’t hesitate to shop online for a great-looking, creative, new winter shoe. All of the suggested options will look marvelous, keep slipping to a minimum and keep the feet warm!

photo from ralphlauren.com

photo from timberland.com

PAGE 5 | THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011

FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

mericorps a volunteer outlet for students and alumni

by Janna Lauer

Staff Writer janna.lauer@drake.edu

Most people have heard of the Peace Corps, but what about AmeriCorps? AmeriCorps is often referred to as the domestic Peace Corps.

AmeriCorps is a national service organization that was created in 1993 by the National and Community Service Trust Act. This legislation combined several domestic service organizations under one central organization that has come to be known as AmeriCorps.

AmeriCorps and its subprograms provide many service opportunities in communities across America, including right here in Des Moines. In order to volunteer you must be over the age of 17 and a citizen of the United States or a lawful resident. Volunteers gain real world

experience, receive a living allowance and are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and an end-of-service stipend. Volunteers can expect to participate in programs that include tutoring and mentoring disadvantaged youth, fighting illiteracy, improving health services, building affordable housing, teaching computer skills, cleaning parks and streams, operating after-school programs and helping communities to respond to disasters. The time commitment varies from full time (1700 hours) to half-time (900 hours) to quarter time (450 hours) per year. There are also summer positions available.

Drake alumnus, Joseph Piearson, experienced AmeriCorps firsthand. Piearson graduated in 2008 with a public relations major and a theater minor. He also had a year of experience with AmeriCorps under his belt.

During his senior year, Piearson worked as the coordinator of Youth Philanthropic Activities through AmeriCorps State. This position includes setting up and coordinating high school grant boards with each other and their communities. These boards are granted money, which they then grant to businesses in their area.

Piearson himself was involved with one of these boards while in high school, which is how he became so interested in them. After finishing his first year with the Iowa Council of Foundations, he was asked back for a second year, which he accepted.

Piearson, because of his work with these groups, is considered one of the state’s experts on the set up and maintenance of them. Piearson also received a direct job offer because of his involvement with AmeriCorps. After his second year of volunteering, the Iowa Council

of Foundations created the position of program associate, for which he was a prime candidate, because it was similar to what he was already doing plus some administrative work.

Overall, Piearson had a great experience and would encourage others to also get involved with AmeriCorps. He does admit that it was a major time commitment for a student, but he would change his time management rather than miss such an experience. Piearson also added that the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award he received for his service was very helpful in paying off his student loans.

If you would like more information on service opportunities or AmeriCorps in general, please e-mail me at janna.lauer@drake.edu or visit the AmeriCorps website at www.americorps.gov.

A run-down of spring semester

by Kensie Smith

Staff Writer mackensie.smith@drake.edu

Second semester means backpacks, classes, presentations and work. It means learning.

Drake sits in the middle of a cultural hub of music, sports, theater and events that open eyes to a whole new kind of learning. With over 100 student activity organizations, 16 social fraternities and sororities, an active recreation department and an extensive Student Activities Board all hosting campus events, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the library cubicles and go exploring.

Mark Twain once said, “I never let my schooling interfere with my education.” Open your eyes and your mind to learning, to people with passion, professionals with expertise and athletes with sporting prowess. Go learn outside of a book. Make sure to put these upcoming must-see events on the schedule.

Lectures

The Arts

Student Events

Young Adults & Consumption in Urban China

Middle States

International Night: Memoirs of the World

Opening Reception Art Exhibit Anderson Gallery Jan. 28, 5-7 p.m.

$10 with Drake ID SheslowAuditorium Jan. 29, 6-10 p.m.

Drake Jazz Day Concert

All University Career Fair

Opening Talk and Reception - Cowles Library - Collier Reading Room, Jan. 25, 7-8:30 p.m.

Robert Reich Speaking on Aftershock

“The Next Economy and America’s Future,” Sheslow Auditorium Feb. 2, 6-7 p.m.

Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m.

Drake Writers and Critics Series

Upper Olmsted Feb. 3, 3-6 p.m.

Vagina Monologues Olmsted Bulldog Theater Feb. 24, 7 - 9 p.m.

“Contemporary Ethnography” Cowles Library Reading Room Feb. 21, 7–9 p.m.

Greek Gala Olmsted Pomerantz Stage March 3, 7-9 p.m.

Bucksbaum Lecture

Twyla Tharp Drake University’s Knapp Center April 4, 7-8:30 p.m.

Relay for Life Knapp Center March 25, 6 p.m.-6 a.m.

Drake Writers and Critics Series

Drag Show

“Drake Writers Night,” Medbury Honors Lounge April 21, 7–9 p.m.

Olmsted Pomerantz Stage April 6, 9-10:30 p.m.

Malaysian Night Olmsted Parents Hall April 11, 6-9 p.m.

Leaders and Luminaries photo by SARAH ANDREWS | staff photographer

Drake Choir Benefit Concert

Student awards celebration Sheslow Auditorium April 15, 12:15-3 p.m.

Street Painting

Sheslow Auditorium Feb. 19, 8-10 p.m.

April 15, 4-7 p.m. at Painted Street

Drake Theatre “The Cherry Orchard” $4 student tickets with ID Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center March 3-7

Drake Theatre “Standing On My Knees” Free admission, reservations required Studio 55, Harmon Fine Arts Center 8 p.m. March 24 and 26, 2 p.m. March 27

Guest Recital by the Air Force Jazz Band Sheslow Auditorium March 30, 8-9:30 p.m.

Drake Choir, Chamber Choir, Chorale, and University/Community Chorus $10 tickets, $5 for students St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High St. April 9, 8-10 p.m.

Belize Dance Marathon

Turner Jazz Concert

Relays Parade

file photo

Upper Olmsted April 16, 2 p.m.-midnight

Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center April 16, 8-10 p.m.

Around Campus April 16, 2-3 p.m.

Drake Theatre

May, 6, all day to study, relax or go exploring

Dead Day

“The Glory of Living” Studio 55, Harmon Fine Arts Center $1 with student ID April 28-May 1

Drake Opera Theatre

Sheslow Auditorium May 1, 2-4 p.m.

file photo

Drake Symphony Orchestra Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center May 3, 8-10 p.m.

There are always more events and activities being added to the events calendar. Also look for a number of senior and spring recitals by students in the fine arts department, featuring some of the best voices, acting and musical talent. Click to www.drake.edu for the campus calendar and follow @DrakeUniversity on Twitter for daily updates.

If the extensive list of campus adventures doesn’t spark your interest, Des Moines has a large number of intriguing, exciting and inspirational events. With the likes of Broadway shows at the Civic Center, famous artists at the Art Center and professional sports at the Wells Fargo Arena this semester should never be dull.

Click to www.desmoines.metromix.com for a weekly go-to guide to discovering Des Moines.

THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011 | PAGE 6

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

sports

PLAYER OF

THE WEEK

Senior tennis player Mauricio Ballivian sent a message to the rest of the conference that he is the player to beat this season in the Missouri Valley. On Sunday, Ballivian captured the No. 1 singles’ title at the State Farm MVC Individuals Tournament, and then paired up with sophomore Anis Ghorbel to win the No. 1 doubles’ crown.

TENNIS

Drake makes history with three titles

by Dominic Johnson

Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

MEN

The Drake men’s tennis team set a new Missouri Valley Conference record for most titles won by a team in State Farm MVC Individuals Tournament history. The team added three titles this past Sunday, overtaking record holder Indiana State and raising its total to 51 titles in tournament history. Senior Mauricio Ballivian teamed up with sophomore Anis Ghorbel to take the top doubles crown, while Ballivian won the top singles crown, and sophomore Jean Erasmus captured the title at No. 3 singles.

Last year’s Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and Drake’s lone senior, Ballivian, started off his Sunday morning by pairing with Ghorbel in the doubles semifinal at the No. 1 slot. The duo took on a solid Wichita State pairing that pushed the Bulldogs until the very end of the match, but Ballivian and Ghorbel triumphed, 9-7.

In the doubles final, the tandem faced an Illinois State team comprised of Timon Reichelt and Alexander Pelaez, the top two players for the Redbirds. This was the same duo that gave Ghorbel and Ballivian their first doubles loss on Saturday morning, and the two were looking for a little redemption.

“When we lost the first match against them we were like ‘We’re going to meet those guys again in the final and get our revenge,’” Ghorbel said.

At the beginning of the match, it looked like history would repeat itself, as the Drake duo fell behind. As the Redbirds inched closer to victory, Ballivian and Ghorbel took advantage in a change of momentum to break the other duo’s serve, and the two did not relinquish the advantage. The Bulldogs took home their first title, winning 8-6, on the strength of Ghorbel’s booming serve and Ballivian’s fluid volleys. “‘Mau’ and I are like brothers, we understand each other, we communicate a lot during the matches and we never get negative,” Ghorbel said after the pair’s doubles victory.

After a 45-minute reprieve, Ballivian and Ghorbel took the courts once again, this time for singles action, with sophomore James McKie, Erasmus and first-year Robin Goodman alongside them at second, third and fifth singles, respectively. Only Ballivian and Erasmus prevailed, as the other Bulldogs eventually fell to their Illinois State counterparts.

In what seemed to become a trend of Ballivian’s for the weekend, he looked somewhat sluggish at the start as he dropped the first set, 4-6, to Reichelt of Illinois State. But once again the Drake senior came out of the set changeover looking energized and determined. Breaking

the serve of his opponent multiple times, Ballivian took the second set, 6-2. Reichelt’s play picked up in the third set, but Ballivian refused to fade away and won the match on the strength of his serve with a 6-4 advantage in the third set. This was the first conference championship title for Ballivian at the top singles slot, and he admitted that this was the fulfillment of one of his preseason goals.

“He really just got it in his mind that he was going to win this tournament at all costs,” head coach Evan Austin said, “and the hard work he’s been putting in paid off for him.”

If his play this past weekend was any indication, Erasmus may soon join Ballivian as one of the top players in the conference. Erasmus faced off against Matheus Periera of Wichita State at the third singles position, and like his Bulldog teammate, he too was plagued by a slow start.

Erasmus faced a 0-4 deficit in the first set. He made a small comeback, but eventually lost the set, 4-6. However, his improved play and the encouragement of Austin brought the sophomore back into the match. Erasmus’ smooth strokes from the forehand and backhand swings soon began to dominate the Wichita State opponent, as the Drake player took the second set, 7-5.

With all of the other matches finished, teammates and fans focused their attention on court four, and the enthusiastic Erasmus indulged in it as he constantly fist-pumped toward the crowd as he cruised to a 6-2 victory in the third set, winning his first individual conference title in convincing fashion.

“Ever since coach Austin came on the job, I realized that I truly believe that I am the best that I can be on any day because of his faith in me,” Erasmus said. “He makes me believe in myself and makes a habit of it on a day-today basis, not just with me, but everyone on the team as well.”

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, that was the last title won on Sunday. McKie fell to Illinois State’s Pelaez 5-7, 3-6. After making a valiant comeback in the second set, Goodman lost to Tuomas Manner of Illinois State 1-6, 6-4, 3-6.

Despite a 5-1 lead in the first set, Ghorbel lost to Filip Miljevic of Illinois State 6-7, 6-3, 1-6.

Despite their three titles, the Bulldogs were not completely satisfied with Sunday’s results, as they dropped three singles matches to Illinois State and only had one doubles team in the finals compared to three for Illinois State.

Despite the setback at two of the doubles positions, the team has already begun to take measures to remedy that. Austin said that he will be changing around the doubles lineups early in the season, with the exception of Ballivian and Ghorbel, to see what pairings work best together.

“We had a long talk about it as a team,” Austin said, “and we’re going to spend a great deal

photo by DOMINIC JOHNSON | staff writer

JUNIOR CESAR BRACHO returns as a sharp backhand at the State Farm MVC Individuals Tournament at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center this weekend. After sitting out the fall season with injury, Bracho hopes to return stronger than ever this spring.

of our time working on our doubles and I feel it’s going to eventually be a very strong point for us.”

The Bulldogs will begin their dual-match season this Saturday at home against the University of Missouri-Kansas City. The match will take place at 1 p.m. at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center, located behind the Bell Center.

WOMEN

The Drake women’s tennis team closed out its trip to Manhattan, Kan., this past weekend with a 1-6 loss to the Kansas State Wildcats.

Despite failing to capture the doubles point, the Bulldog duo of sophomore Manca Krizman and junior Gabby Demos looked impressive at the No. 1 doubles slot as they posted a 9-7 victory over Kansas State’s Karla Bonacic and Pe-

tra Niedermayerova.

Freshman Klavdija Rebol paired up with junior Jessica Aguilera, and senior Jessica Labarte with junior Earlynn Lauer, but both teams fell, 3-8, to their Big 12 foes.

In singles play, the Bulldogs struggled at the first five positions, with each Drake player losing in straight sets. The lone singles victory and team point was earned by junior Amanda Aragon in three sets. After winning the first set and dropping the second, the two players settled the match with a 10-point super tiebreaker that Aragon won decisively, 10-5.

The Bulldogs will travel back to Kansas on Feb. 5 to take on the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence. The match is scheduled to begin at noon.

TRACK & FIELD

Both Bulldog teams face tough This week in >>BULLDOG SPORTS challenges at UNI, Kansas

by David Johnson

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Today vs. Wichita State, 7:05 p.m., Knapp Center Saturday vs. Missouri State, 2:05 p.m., Knapp Center MEN’S TENNIS Saturday vs. UMKC, 1 p.m., Roger Knapp Tennis Center Sunday vs. Saint Louis, 9 a.m., Roger Knapp Tennis Center Sunday vs. Nebraska-Kearney, 3 p.m., Roger Knapp Tennis Center MEN’S BASKETBALL Sunday vs. Illinois State, 2:05 p.m., Normal, Ill. MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Friday @ Jack Jennett Invitational, 11 a.m., Cedar Falls, Iowa Friday @ Kansas Indoor, 1 p.m., Lawrence, Kan. Saturday @ Jack Jennett Invitational, 9 a.m., Cedar Falls, Iowa WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD Friday @ Jack Jennett Invitational, 11 a.m., Cedar Falls, Iowa Saturday @ Jack Jennett Invitational, 9 a.m., Cedar Falls, Iowa compiled by Matt Moran | Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

Staff Writer david.e.johnson@drake.edu

The indoor track season will continue for the Bulldogs this weekend when they travel to the University of Northern Iowa Dome in Cedar Falls for the Jack Jennett Invitational this Friday and Saturday.

The Bulldogs will be looking to continue the success they have already achieved this season.

Senior Ari Curtis is coming off a victory in the long jump and a personal best time of 56.24 seconds in the 400-meter dash at the Iowa State Open last weekend.

Last year, Curtis set school records in the outdoor 400-meter hurdles; 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay with Marissa Smith, Emily James and Sarah Yeager; distance medley relay with Casey McDermott, Beth Hamling and Nicole Braun-

sdorf; heptathlon; and the indoor pentathlon.

Sophomore Dan Karys added his second win of the season last weekend in the triple jump.

His jump of 46 feet, 11 inches was his best of his Drake career.

Both the men’s and women’s teams will be competing at the Jack Jennett Invitational in Cedar Falls over the weekend. The action gets started for the Bulldogs with the women’s pentathlon at 1:30 p.m. on Friday. Most Drake events will take place on Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m.

The men’s team will also be sending athletes to the Kansas Indoor meet in Lawrence, Kan., on Friday. The Bulldogs have one month to prepare for the State Farm MVC Indoor Championships at Northern Iowa at the end of February. This meet will mark the end of the indoor season, as the teams move outdoors for the final months of the semester.

RNs/LPNs RN &LPN Medical Chart Review HEDIS Project

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Must be willing to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours a week and travel locally to provider offices in the Des Moines region. Virtual abstractors and over readers are also needed.

Interested applicants please email resume to: service@unival-med.com or fax to 800-382-8611.

SPORTS

PAGE 7 | THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

MEN’S BASKETBALL

First-place Missouri State edges Drake Late 7-0 run allows Bears to spoil Bulldogs’ upset bid in a game with 16 lead changes and six ties

by Eduardo Zamarripa

physical game, I didn’t expect Ryan to get a foul call there.”

With the loss, Drake’s record now stands at 8-13 overall and 3-7 in MVC play.

The Bulldogs have recently taken heat in a Des Moines Register article for having the lowest home attendance average in the MVC. However, the atmosphere on this Tuesday night was nothing short of electric, with over 4,000 fans.

With fans pushing on with every bucket, the Bulldogs used the lift from a loud and raucous crowd. The biggest beneficiary might have been Wedel, who was absolutely on fire.

Wedel finished the night with 21 points, including 6-of-10 from three point range, three assists and two rebounds.

Also contributing were sophomore Ben Simons, who chipped in with 12 points, and junior transfer Kurt Alexander. Alexander was able to penetrate the Bears’ defense as he posted 13 points to go along with four assists.

The Bulldogs gave the Bears all sorts of trouble largely because of their three-point shooting. Drake shot 10-of-18 from behind the arc and shot 46 percent overall from the field.

Sophomore Seth VanDeest and Rice struggled with foul trouble all game, as they both saw less than 25 minutes of action. VanDeest finished with four points and three rebounds, while Rice recorded seven points and five rebounds.

Drake will hit the road for its next two contests. They’ll square off against Illinois State this Sunday and will face Southern Illinois in Carbondale next Wednesday.

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

FIFTH-YEAR SENIOR RYAN WEDEL drives to the basket with a left-handed dribble. Wedel had 21 points in Drake’s near upset of the Valley’s top team in front of over 4,000 fans at the Knapp Center Tuesday night.

Packers punch ticket

by Mike Wendlandt

Staff Writer michael.wendlandt@drake.edu

This NFL season has been one of many surprises, from the collapse of the Broncos to Seattle going to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. But one of the bigger surprises is how the Green Bay Packers came from being the No. 6 seed with a 10-6 record to dominating the playoffs, and heading to Super Bowl XLV in two weeks. There are many reasons for this, but here are a few on why they’re going to Dallas and the Chicago Bears are heading home.

DEPTH

Anyone who has followed the NFL knows that the Packers had the most injuries this season. Ten major contributors are on injured reserve, missing a combined 90 games among them. Six of them–running back Ryan Grant, tight end Jermichael Finley, tackle Mark Tauscher, linebacker Nick Barnett, safety Morgan Burnett and linebacker Brad Jones– were starters in week one, but their replacements have been superb during this stretch.

New running back James Starks has been the find of the postseason, and linebacker Desmond Bishop has been a force in the middle replacing Barnett. Also, players such as Erik Walden and Sam Shields have been huge as

Playing at home against the best team in the conference, with professional golfer and Drake grad Zach Johnson watching from the stands, the Bulldogs were primed to deliver an upset.

Boy, did they come close.

In a game that featured 16 lead changes, six ties and no lead larger than seven, the Bulldogs fell to the Missouri State Bears, 73-70.

Drake took a 62-61 lead with a little under three minutes remaining in the second half. The Bears responded with a 7-0 run that appeared to put the game out of reach.

But the Bulldogs came back and cut the deficit to 71-70, before a couple of free throws from senior Nafis Ricks pushed the Bear lead to three. Freshman Rayvonte Rice missed a near half-court shot as time expired, ending Drake’s aspirations to upset the leading team in the Missouri Valley Conference.

“There’s no doubt when you play a lot of close games, and you win them like they have, and some in very dramatic fashion, it gives you a little bit of a swagger and a belief that you’ll win it again,” head coach Mark Phelps said.

Phelps was not happy with some of the calls that went against the Bulldogs in the closing minutes. With Drake down 64-62, fifth-year senior Ryan Wedel got a questionable foul call as he hauled in a rebound.

“We had four guys around the ball and the official makes a foul call,” Phelps said. “In a very

FINAL GREEN BAY

PACKERS free agents. Without these role players, I guarantee that Green Bay wouldn’t have made the playoffs, let alone the Super Bowl.

TURNOVERS

Every national analyst states that if you win the turnover battle, you’ll win the game, and that has never been truer for the Packers. From the three interceptions of Chicago quarterbacks, to Eli Manning’s five turnovers earlier this season, Green Bay has dominated the turnover battle. Second in the league in interceptions and being near the top in turnover ratio has been a huge factor this year.

VETERAN LEADERSHIP

Green Bay is a young team, but the few older veterans they employ have had a major impact in the locker room as well as on the field.

With Charles Woodson being the vocal leader and Ryan Pickett playing his heart out week in and week out, the Packers have had the proper leadership to take them to the Super Bowl.

Now congratulations go out to the Chicago Bears. They had a good season, but with all the factors and adversity the Packers faced this year, it is truly a dream season for the cheeseheads.

CHICAGO

BEARS

Bears fans weep, just like QB

by Elizabeth Robinson

Staff Writer elizabeth.robinson@drake.edu

The Bears/Packers game last Sunday was not simply a game that started at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. This monumental battle began moments after it became known that the greatest rivals in NFL history would be facing each other for the NFC Championship. I began wearing my Bears apparel early last week, dealt back the trash talk that the horrid Packers fans threw out and whole-heartedly agreed with those who called me obsessed with the Bears, because I am, in fact, a die-hard fan.

Sunday was a day full of excessive nerves, excitement and team pride. While the result of the game was far from what I, along with Bears fans everywhere, had hoped, I will defend my team ‘til the end. Granted, I’ve seen the Bears execute their plays and fight for the win harder in previous games, but overall I would argue that regardless of what critics may say, the Bears deserved to be in that game and held their own due to the circumstances that resulted.

While Packers fans may boast and flaunt the win, it was evident that neither the Bears nor the Packers played in a very impressive fashion.

The game was littered with flags and fouls, and neither team played to its full potential.

Here’s what happened: Chicago’s fairly inconsistent quarterback, Jay Cutler, started the

game and was unable to connect with receivers or make significant gains. This started the team off on the wrong foot, which became even more of a hindrance due to Cutler’s knee injury. The injury caused him to be even more ineffective, and eventually he left the game in the hands of backup quarterbacks (who had a combined start of only one game this season).

I’m proud to say, despite the quarterback drama surrounding Cutler, third-string quarterback Caleb Hanie surprised us all with an excellent playoff debut. In the short time that Hanie played, only a little over a quarter, he had a 65.2 passer rating and passed for 153 yards.

His strong performance—as well as our aggressive second-half defense—managed to keep the Bears in the game all the way up until the final seconds.

Obviously the game didn’t turn out how I wanted, but I have to say everyone seemed to be so sure that this game would be such a blowout and that the Packers would simply dominate.

But I know that when it came down to those final minutes and the Bears were bringing it back, Packers fans were scared. We weren’t expected to be anything this season, but look how far the Bears went! As a true Bears fan, I look to next season and plan to come back stronger than before. The Bears and Packers rivalry will intensify, and the Bears will be back next season for revenge.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake looks to separate from Shockers Bulldogs can move to .500 in Valley with win

by Mary Bess Bolling

Staff Writer mary.bolling@drake.edu

Returning to the Knapp Center, Drake will take on Wichita State tonight with tip-off at 7:05 p.m.

The Shockers are tied with the Bulldogs at 3-4 in the Missouri Valley Conference and have a 9-9 record overall this season.

Coming off a 30-point loss against conference-leader Missouri State last week, the Shockers will look for the win, relying on offensive standouts junior Haleigh Lankster and sophomore Jessica Diamond.

Sophomore Michelle Price has also become a force on the court. The forward earned her first double-double in the Shockers’ 59-56 win over Illinois State last weekend.

Drake has had its fair share of impressive individual performances. Senior guard Kristin Turk remains the conference’s scoring leader by a five-point margin and junior Rachael Hackbarth’s points per game average put her in the top 15 as well.

Tonight will begin a four-game home streak for the Bulldogs, with Missouri State, Evansville and Southern Illinois rounding out the lineup.

Turk said she looks forward to returning to home turf this week.

“It’ll be nice to get back home and to get back into the atmosphere in front of our home crowd, but we need to stay focused in those games,” she said.

Turk said the team recognizes the stiff competition coming up for them at the Knapp Center.

“Wichita State has the ability to play really well and Missouri State is obviously the top team in our league, so we’ve got to be ready for them,” she said.

Head coach Amy Stephens said she’d like to see the Bulldogs play a tighter game, hone shooting skills and work on being more poised in pressure situations.

“I want to see our team get better defensively and rebound the basketball,” Stephens said after the loss to Indiana State last week. “If we continue to improve, I think our team could finish in the top five in the Valley.”

Drake stands at fifth place in the Valley right now, tied with Wichita State and Illinois State for the middle-of-the-road conference standing. A loss tonight could put the Bulldogs in the bottom half of the conference.

FILE PHOTO

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

$1.5 million gift brings jazz program a spacious new home

FEATURES

THURSDAY, JAN. 27, 2011 | PAGE 8

Jazz center gets major tuneup

by Sarah Andrews

Staff Photographer sarah.andrews@drake.edu

The Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center is a 4,600-square-foot arts facility designed by Daniel R. Sloan, principal at Baldwin White Architects.

Its namesake, retired senior chairman of McDonald’s Corp. Fred Turner, is a Des Moines native who attended Drake from 1951 to 1953. He served on Drake’s Board of Trustees from 1980 through 1987 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the university in 1983. He was also awarded Drake’s top honor for alumni, the Distinguished Service Award.

Drake is where he met his wife, Patty, the Center’s other namesake. A university alumna, Patty was very involved in music and the arts at Drake.

She passed away in 2000, and the Center’s 70-seat jazz club/coffee bar is called Patty’s Place in her honor.

Construction of the jazz center was completed just in time last semester for Drake’s Jazz Ensemble Two to move its Dec. 7 concert from the Performing Arts Hall into the new facility.

The concert featured the ensemble under the direction of Associate Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies James Romain. Free and open to the public, it drew such a large crowd that some members of the audience could be seen standing against the walls or sitting on the ground.

Members of the ensemble practice on Mondays and Fridays in the new space, and sophomore music and performance major Taylor Gamble raves about the facility.

“It’s better in every single way possible,” he said, comparing the jazz program’s old performance space to the new.

“The sound system is better because we have an actual sound system set up, and we have plenty of space now with separate and sound-proof rooms,” he said. “People can tune up and rehearse while an ensemble or small group is playing in the main room.”

To view this semester’s full recital schedule for the Drake Jazz Program, visit drake.edu/friends/ calendar.

photos by SARAH ANDREWS | staff photographer

MEMBERS OF DRAKE’S JAZZ ENSEMBLE II practice Monday in the recently completed Patty and Fred Turner Jazz Center.