The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES-DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011 | VOL. 129, NO. 24 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

Out of Egypt Three students find themselves caught directly in the midst of a revolution

photo by IAN WELLER

A

s he looked out from the roof of the apartment, Ian Weller could see black smoke billowing over the skyline of Alexandria, Egypt.

The Drake University junior had spent the afternoon roaming the side streets of the city, taking photos of the emerging protests against President Hosni Mubarak’s 30-year rule.

The uprising started on Jan. 25, three days earlier, when thousands of people filed into the streets to demonstrate against poverty, rising food costs and government corruption. The Egyptian government attempted to quell some of the resistance, shutting down the Internet and phone service. Mubarak announced the formation of a new government. But his plans did not include him stepping down immediately—the one demand demonstrators have expressed most fervently.

The sudden disorder erupting in the Middle East was unpredicted by most political authorities. It’s hardly surprising, then, that it was also unforeseen by Weller and two other Drake students planning to spend the spring 2011 semester at Alexandria University. Amina Kader and Ashley Crow are also juniors. Kader is from Urbandale, Iowa, and Crow from Truro, Iowa. All three are learning Arabic, and had chosen the Institute for Study Abroad-Butler University program at Alexandria University as the best site for their studies. Their flight to the Middle East left O’Hare SEE EGYPT, PAGE 8

Cradle of Civilization Trip participants wait to make plans Safety remains primary concern of the summer 2011 study abroad program to Egypt

by Monica Worsley

Staff Writer monica.worsley@drake.edu

Assistant Professor of Politics Mahmoud Hamad and 34 Drake students intending to travel to Egypt this spring are left wondering if the birth of an Egyptian revolution will have an effect on the Cradle of Civilization 2011.

The Cradle of Civilization is a three-week study abroad opportunity for Drake University students. In the past Hamad, a professor of international relations and political science, and Drake students have traveled throughout Egypt embracing the learning experience associated with immersion in a new culture.

The week after spring semester finals, Hamad and a new group of students hope to enjoy the same experience.

Hamad said the trip is meant to “engage students firsthand in the rich history of Egypt as an example of the Middle East, which is a vastly different area than what we have here in the United States.”

“I feel like I took away more than I could say,” said Anna

Limberick, who participated in last year’s trip. “I not only learned through unique once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but also was able to experience my learning firsthand. I didn’t just learn about Islam — I saw it, heard it, felt it and experienced it.”

Pre-travel requirements include reading informational books and attending discussions every other Friday. In addition, the students must obtain visas and have already provided a $500 security payment to Drake.

The main concern of many students planning to go is the logistics of refunds for security payments and plane tickets if the trip is cancelled due to the revolution and ensuing events.

“They’d miss out on the trip of a lifetime,” Limberick said of the pending trip cancellation. “Sure, they can visit on their own, but they won’t have Dr. Hamad’s help to gain access to people and places unknown to tourists and travel guides.”

“It is too early to tell the effect of these protests on this year’s trip,” Hamad said. “When we decide on a course of action in the future, safety will be the main concern.”

The final decision will include input from the Drake Adminis-

inside

tration as well as the State Department.

Although the students are apprehensive about the prospects of their trip, many have taken an unselfish point of view upon hearing of the protests.

“I’ve been anticipating this trip since August, so I will be disappointed if we can’t go,” said junior Hannah Reichert. “However, Egypt’s freedom and a chance at a true democracy is the bigger issue at hand.”

Paige Hulsey is another student eagerly waiting to see how the current events will affect the trip.

“Honestly, I wish I was there now,” she said. “History is being made as we speak and I hope when we look back in a few years, we will be able to say that the U.S. administration supported a call for freedom and democracy abroad.”

Hamad, who is a native of Egypt, is also hopeful that democracy will prevail once the revolution reaches an end.

The revolution’s impact on Drake goes beyond the faculty

SEE CRADLE, PAGE 8

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Student arrested in Residence Hall on drug charges

The Academy Awards: tradition, history and drama

A little too much LikeALittle? A website examined.

Take a look at some Super Bowl XLV quick facts

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NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011 | PAGE 2

news SECURITY REPORTS day

REAL THREAT 6:40 a.m. Jan. 30 Security responded to Stalnaker Residence Hall based on complaint of a male sleeping in another male student’s bed. The underage for drinking male student was awakened and was taken to a friend’s room where the friend said he could stay.

A resident assistant was present. The trespasser stated he had been drinking at a fraternity house all night long.

10 a.m. Jan. 26 Security and fire/rescue responded to the fast food establishment at 30th street and Forest Avenue based on report of an unconscious male. The

male was experiencing excruciating chest pains and was transported to a local hospital.

11:55 p.m. Jan. 26 Security responded to a fourth

floor room in the Goodwin Residence Hall based on a report of an odor of marijuana.

The room entered was occupied by a female student and former male student. Upon entering the room the odor of marijuana became even stronger. Although both admitted to smoking marijuana at 42nd street and University Avenue and not in the room there were marijuana seeds and other drug paraphernalia in the room that was confiscated. The female student had candles in her room, which is against residence hall policy and a fake driver’s license which were confiscated. The former student was advised on trespass for the Drake campus. Residence hall staff was present. The matter of the

RHA discontinues Drake Movie Channel

by Ryan Price

Staff Writer ryan.price@drake.edu

The Residence Hall Association voted 15-4 Monday night to end its contract supporting the Drake movie channel after this year.

President Sean Walsh went over the survey results returned from Hall executive councils.

Surveys revealed that 88 percent of Residence Hall executive council members knew how to access the Drake movie channel while 12 percent didn’t. Thirty-seven percent of the members never used the Drake movie channel, while the majority did.

The same contract supporting the movie channel has existed for the past 10 years and the contract renews every three years.

Vice-President of RHA Michael Porterfield is in charge of the movie channel and had one person contact him and express their appreciation for the movie channel.

“More programming on campus doesn’t mean there will be more attendance,” Porterfield said, addressing the idea that funding could be diverted to create more programs.

“The movie channel provides an alternative for students who aren’t that outgoing or might want to stay in to relieve stress.”

The talk often came down to a question of over-programming on campus, and parallels were drawn to the Student Activities Board.

Several representatives thought SAB programmed enough for campus while others disagreed.

“SAB doesn’t bring good programs to campus, but we do for our residents,” National Residence Hall Honorary President Earl Lee said. “As an RA, having more money will let us think bigger on ideas.”

RHA treasurer Leah Torrison asked about the ongoing feasibility of the Drake movie channel.

“I’m a finance major and I see that our income is variable, it depends on how many people live in the halls,” Torrison said. “It’s a financial decision you have to make and as a business decision, it’s not practical.”

“People are saying ‘Yes we like it [the movie channel], it’s nice to have, but when we weigh the costs of this, it’s not really worth it’,” Campus Communications Coordinator Stephen Slade said. “We could be in the hole already if not for the donations of the Office of Residence Life.”

“If you’re allowed to dream bigger, see what you can come up with,” Slade said.

Eric Ferring, president of Morehouse Residence Hall, sought more money for better programming.

“We’re in this little bubble, we have $600 the entire year and we can only think within what $600 allows us,” Ferring said. “We can always reenter into a contract next year or the year after.”

“

I guess it’s a question of risk versus reward. Do we take the risk and dream big?

Do we look toward making more solid footing for next year’s RHA?

”

– Nicole O’Connor, President of Ross Residence Hall “I hear a lot of people complaining that they don’t see where their money goes, but if programs were to be on a larger scale then I think people would be gratified with their payment,” President of Ross Residence Hall Marti Wolf said.

President of Crawford Residence Hall Nicole O’Connor spoke last in the debate.

“I guess it’s a question of risk versus reward. Do we take the risk and dream big? Do we look towards making more solid footing for next year’s RHA? Even if we do fall flat on our face, we can correct it next year,” O’Connor said. “RHA’s mission statement is ‘Making Halls into Homes’ and looking at the best part of my home, is it my TV or is it the time I spend with my family?” she asked The board then voted to end its contract supporting the Drake Movie Channel.

The men banded together and stayed up all night on the streets with knives and clubs to protect their families, property and honor.

— ASHLEY CROW, A JUNIOR EVACUATED FROM EGYPT | PAGE 8

fake driver’s licenses has been turned over to the State Department of Transportation for prosecution.

1:41 a.m. Jan. 30 A security officer observed a female who appeared to be intoxicated near Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall Complex. After some stalling she produced a fake driver’s license. It was confiscated and she was sent into her residence hall with sober friends. The director of residence has been notified.

3:20 p.m. Jan. 30 A male staff member reported he fell in the rear of 1229 25th St. He was complaining of pain to his knee. He was transported to a local hospital.

9:31 p.m. Jan. 30 Security responded to Stalnaker Residence Hall based on report of a panhandler. His story as to why he was in the hall did not hold water when a resident assistant recalled that the former Drake student had been advised on trespass previously. Police were called and the subject was arrested for trespass.

8 a.m. Jan. 31 A female student reported someone threw a rock through a window on her vehicle while it was parked on University Avenue near 24th street.

male who had passed out. It was determined a female Sodexo staff member had passed out. She was transported to a local hospital.

5:59 a.m. Jan. 31 Security, police, and fire/rescue responded to the 1400 block of the street based on report of an injured female.

It was determined a female student was struck walking across 27th street by a vehicle driven by another female student. The injured student complained of head and leg injury and she was transported to a local hospital.

11:15 a.m. Jan. 31 Security and fire/rescue responded to Hubbell Dining Hall based on report of a fe-

Student charged with drug possession A Times-Delphic Staff Report editor@timesdelphic.com

A Drake University student was arrested Friday in Goodwin-Kirk Residence Hall on drug charges, according to the Des Moines police department.

Melinda Hiltabidle, 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and illegal possession of prescription drugs, according to the police report.

Drake security responded to a report of the smell of marijuana coming from a room within the residence hall.

According to Des Moines police, Drake se-

curity searched the room after a marijuana odor was detected originating there. Security officers reported finding marijuana and Adderall pills.

Police say Hiltabidle does not have a prescription for the drug.

Police were called and arrested Hiltabidle when they found out she had a previous Polk County warrant for failing to appear in court after a previous charge of marijuana possession.

Hiltabidle, a junior, was taken to the Polk County Jail where she was still in custody Wednesday, according to the Polk County Sheriffs’ Department. She is being held on a $2,000 bond.

Her arraignment is tentatively set for Monday.

Interested in being part of the 2011 The TimesDelphic Relays team? Come to the writers’ meeting tonight in Meredith 104 at 6:30 p.m.

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Calling all prospective editors It is now time to apply for next year’s editorships of these student publications:

The Times-Delphic Editor-in-Chief DUiN Editor-in-Chief Drake Magazine Editor-in-Chief Periphery Editor-in-Chief Drake Broadcast System President Applications are available in SLC and are due March 21. If you have questions, please contact Carol Spaulding-Kruse at carol.spaulding@drake.edu.

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

opinions&editorials

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

thebuzz

Who will win Super Bowl XLV?

Academy Awards speculation in the air While winter weather may have been enough to cancel work and school in parts of the Midwest this week, it will take much more than that to postpone the upcoming Academy Awards on Feb. 27. Floods in Los Angeles postponed the ceremony one week in 1938, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968 pushed it back two days. An attempt on President Ronald Reagan’s life in 1981 was the most recent cause for delay. Aside from these instances, the ceremony has occurred annually as scheduled for the last 82 years.

As a kid, I remember quickly becoming bored listening to jokes I didn’t understand and hearing accolades for movies I’d never heard of. But, I was fascinated by the idea of the Oscars. I loved watching the previous winners that aired on Turner Classic Movies and wondered what would shape the film industry in my lifetime. There never seems to be time to see movies in college, let alone to watch them be honored on a Sunday night with Monday’s deadlines looming. But, I still love this tradition, even when I can’t watch it unfold on live television.

There is so much history and drama that goes into planning the awards themselves.

While political elections may be wrapping up in November, producers and studios are just beginning their own campaigns. They rush to expose their films to the 6,000 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The more members that see a movie, the better chance it has of being nominated.

According to the Academy’s website, nomination ballots are mailed to members in late December and returned in January. All voters nominate a film for the Best Picture award and the awards in their fields, as designated by the Academy. The top nomination recipients in each category receive the official nominations that are announced to the public in the third week of January.

Oscar Facts from oscars.org

Official Name:

Academy Award® of Merit

Height: 13½ inches Weight: 8½ pounds Number of Awards Presented: 2,701

First Recipient:

Emil Jannings won Best Actor for his performances in “The Last Command” and “The Way of All Flesh” in 1929

Design:

A knight holding a crusader’s sword, standing on a reel of film. The reel features five spokes, signifying the five original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers

Designer:

Cedric Gibbons, chief art director at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Sculptor:

Los Angeles artist George Stanley

Manufacturer:

R. S. Owens & Company in Chicago

Manufacturing Time:

Three to Four weeks for 50 statuettes

Then, the speculations begin. Every Movie bloggers and entertainment publications begin placing their bets. But, despite all of the speculation, you never know what curveball the Academy might throw. This is the part I love. In an age where the audience has control over every winner of “American Idol,” I think it’s refreshing to leave these awards up to the professionals. That’s why receiving one is such an honor. While actors definitely seem to care about what audiences might think, to know that those trained in your craft respect your work is an even greater reward for many in the industry.

Film is a wonderful tradition that helps us preserve history, reflect the culture of our own generation and explore new ideas and possibilities. So, even if you don’t have the time to watch the ceremony, I would encourage you to check out some of the nominated pictures and test your own preconceptions and held notions through the film medium.

If you’re living on campus, you have the opportunity to watch “Inception,” “The Town” and “Despicable Me” on RHA’s Drake Movie Channel this month. “Inception” was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and “Despicable Me” was nominated for Best Animated Feature Film. Actor Jeremy Renner in “The Town” was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.

ERIN HOGAN COLUMNIST

Hogan is a junior English major and can be contacted at erin.hogan@drake.edu

The Universal Perspective Greek life, a way of life

I

n September of 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 1 space probe on a course to photograph the planets of Jupiter and Saturn and to chart the edges of our solar system.

Thirteen years and nearly four billion miles later, the spacecraft rotated around to take a long distance snapshot of our planet. The picture sent back to our scientists was almost entirely the empty void of space with the exception of a tiny point of blue light. That little pixel was Earth.

Most of you may wonder why this matters.

Indeed, the affairs that bring joy and suffering to astronomers may seem completely foreign to us laypeople. There is, however, a powerful truth to be found in the photo. The idea that is represented in the Voyager 1 picture of Earth is the concept of “perspective,” a word that has such a meaning that few take the time to contemplate.

In our daily lives, we view the world around us with only the eyes of our own. Occasionally, we may be challenged to change our perspectives in a class studying art, sociology or foreign cultures, yet these are not enough to grapple the idea of perspective when faced with the pale blue dot–the immensity of our insignificance in the eyes of the universe.

To speak metaphorically, our perspective on our own existence is akin to a person permanently hunched over, eyes boring into the ground without realizing that there is an entire universe hanging above his or her head. When you walk the world, you concern yourself with affairs that are of an immediate nature; waking up to go to class, conversing with your friends, worrying about your assignments, making plans for the weekend and the like. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the small, immediate tasks of daily life, there comes a time when we must step back and appreciate something more than just the here and now. We must at some point lean back and lift our eyes up to the sky above us and witness the complexities of existence beyond the small activities that we occupy ourselves with.

For example, when you are walking to class in the morning, do you ever appreciate the intricacies required for something trivial like the

breeze on your face to be happening? Do you ever sit and wonder how infinitely complex the atomic structure of the desk in front of you is?

Do you ever contemplate the billions of years it took the material world to arrive where it is now and the possibly infinite time it has left to work its wonders without you?

I like to call this the “universal perspective.”

If you transcend your own self and bear witness to the miraculously complex scheme of things through the eyes of something greater than humanity, it allows you to put your own life into “perspective.” Your worries about grades, anxieties over what others think of you, stress over material and emotional security in your future are understood for the diminutive reality they truly are.

“

Try to understand the world around you is more than what you perceive with your own senses...

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 MATT MORAN, Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu ANN SCHNOEBELEN, News Editor news@timesdelphic.com KATIE MINNICK, Sports Design Editor katie.minnick@timesdelphic.com

CONNOR MCCOURTNEY, Photo Editor photos@timesdelphic.com

”

Try to live with the universal perspective for a day. Try to understand that the world around you is more than what you perceive with your own senses, but rather an independent, infinite reality that you are lucky enough to inhabit. If you do so, perhaps you will realize that the little fears and worries that you occupy yourself with are not as important as you once thought they were.

KAILA SWAIN, Digital Editor digital@timesdelphic.com

KRISTEN SMITH, Copy Editor kristen.smith@timesdelphic.com

LAUREN HORSCH, Copy Editor lauren.horsch@drake.edu

REED ALLEN, Business Manager business@timesdelphic.com

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KEVIN PROTZMANN COLUMNIST

Protzmann is a first-year philosophy major and can be contacted at kevin.protzmann@drake.edu

S

o, your little just got lavaliered by her frat-daddy, but her candle-passing won’t be for another week and you have to keep it on the DL? (I would never say that sentence, just so you know.) But somewhere, somehow, that random Alpha Chi Omega or Delta Delta Delta would, and while the Drake Greeks might pride ourselves on being a little more down to earth, it’s hard to understand something that’s (literally) all Greek to you. For those of you new to the Greek system (it is spring recruitment time) or have sworn it off entirely, here’s a quick glossary to get you up to speed.

Lavalier/Pin Usually worn on a necklace, a lavalier is a set of silver or gold letters. For fraternity men it’s presented to girls as “the next step” in a serious relationship, placing them above their brothers and allowing them the privileges of their fraternity (it’s normally the step before an engagement, so if you’re only a sophomore and you’re already being lavaliered you might want to slam on the breaks a little).

Candle-passing Have you been recently lavaliered? Given a promise ring? Gotten engaged? Then you deserve a candle-passing! A sorority tradition, the women of the house stand in a circle, sing their house candle-passing songs and send around a lit candle. Depending on the house and it’s traditions, the candle normally goes around once for friendship, twice for lavaliering, three times for pinning or four times for engagement. The girl who has the candle-passing blows out the candle when it gets to her and gets to reveal herself as the lucky girl.

Frat An abbreviation for fraternity, most “frats” prefer to be called by their full name or fraternity– unless it’s used in pop culture (think totalfratmove.com).

Crush A party held by either a fraternity or sorority, a

“crush” normally allows every member to invite multiple guests and is often one of the house’s largest events of the semestee–if you’re not Greek, this is your way into a Greek social event.

Big/Li’l, Mom/Daughter

Bigs and li’ls or moms and daughters are two women in the sorority, one older and one younger who are (by mutual election) assigned to each other. They (theoretically) help guide and nurture each other just as a real mom and daughter or big and little sister would.

Housemom Hired to oversee a sorority, a housemom originally oversaw the girls and their welfare as well as imposed rules like curfews, skirt lengths and mealtimes. Now, however, most housemoms oversee the upkeep of a sorority’s physical property and maintenance (sorry, guys, she’s not usually as hot as Anna Faris in “House Bunny”).

Dry week

Normally imposed around initiation time, Greek members are restricted from drinking alcohol during dry weeks.

I-week Also normally on dry week, I-week is the abbreviation for initiation week.

Philanthropies Every national fraternity and sorority aligns it-

self with volunteer opportunities, normally with a national cause or organization and while most fraternities at Drake participate in the tradition, all five sororities hold at least one philanthropic event every year.

EMMA COLLINS COLUMNIST

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

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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THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011 | PAGE 4

don’tmissthis

The All-University Career Fair is today in Upper Olmsted, 3-6 p.m.

Gusto Pizza opens to Des Moines public and receives raving reviews

GUSTO PIZZA CO. hosted a grand opening Monday and is planning on opening an outdoor patio when weather permits.

by Matteo Izzi

Staff Writer matteo.izzi@drake.edu

The word “gusto” in Italian means taste or flavor. That is, if it is pronounced “GOO-sto.”

The correct pronunciation of Gusto, the name of the new pizza eatery near Ingersoll and Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway, is entirely up to the observer to decide how to say it. Of course, the other pronunciation of “gusto” (GUH-stoh) is an adjective that can be defined as “enjoyment or vigor in doing something” or “zest,” often used by directors when encouraging actors to give more feeling to a scene or line. Both versions fit Gusto Pizza Co. perfectly.

Monday, Jan. 31, was the grand opening of Gusto, although they held a soft opening on Sunday night, using social media as the only method for promoting the event. Upon entering the restaurant on a Monday evening with a friend, there was a lopsided ratio of about five customers to eight employees, which made the place feel very spacious. The restaurant seats

about 70, and owner Josh Holderness mentioned, that come, spring there will be patio seating for 60 more.

After ordering and sitting down, the upscale, modern décor and casual atmosphere grew on me. The restaurant was well-lit, but not too bright, and the frosted windows at eye-level while seated drew my attention inside rather than out. The high-definition flat screens playing black-and-white movies coupled with iconic photographs of Frank Sinatra and the woman depicted in the Mona Lisa added a distinctive charm to the place, reminiscent of Frank’s Pizza in Dogtown, a previous venture of owner Tony Lemmo.

Lemmo opened Gusto with friends Holderness and Joe McConville. Lemmo wanted something different than what he had at Frank’s, which was located just across from The Dublin Pub on University Avenue.

After ordering at the register, we took a number and sat down to wait for our food. When it arrived, our waitress explained about the name pronunciation as well as the menu and what Gusto is all about. The most interesting items on

the menu are the quirky “signature pies,” which range from the Thai Kwon Dough pizza with Thai peanut sauce to the Il Figaro with pears and dried figs. The wide range of toppings reminded us of Fong’s Pizza, located downtown off of Court Avenue. However, the presentation and options seem more refined at Gusto.

My friend and I decided to sample various items off the menu, ordering breadsticks, the Spartacus pizza and, for dessert, chocolate hazelnut cannoli. The breadsticks weren’t filling, but were quite good for $4. We chose the 10inch pizza ($9-$10), but a 14-inch is also available ($15-$16).

The Spartacus was special, as it included local Graziano Brothers’ Italian sausage, as well as banana peppers, pepperoni and mushrooms, topped with mozzarella cheese with a rather tasty red sauce. The cannoli was definitely worth the trip. Besides the signature pies, Gusto offers a comparably priced build-your-own pizza, in addition to salads, pastas, sandwiches, desserts and an eclectic array of sodas, San Pellegrino drinks, wines and beers.

Even though Gusto impressed us with the

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

quality of the food, but the prices may make it difficult to become an affordable stop for college students. It offers eat-in or carry-out if you call ahead of time, and for now, doesn’t offer delivery.

Holistically, Gusto Pizza Co. is a great place for a casual dinner with friends, a lunch with family or a first date. It isn’t incredibly expensive, but the atmosphere is relaxed (and the music soft enough) to allow for good conversation. This restaurant could be a unique study destination, although there is currently no WiFi and no specialty coffees are to be found. It is conveniently located close to downtown Des Moines, but also not too far from campus. It can be considered a decent alternative to Jethro’s, Paul Revere’s or Dogtown establishments, especially if you want to get a little farther off campus and experience a different crowd. For a special lunch, try Gusto Pizza Co. between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, for $7 one can receive a 7-inch pizza and a side salad, known as “Gusto Pronto.”

Black Tuesday an unveiling for upcoming Black History Month

by Lillian Schrock

Staff Writer lillian.schrock@drake.edu

“You don’t have to be us to befriend us” is the new tagline of Drake University’s Coalition of Black Students, and it was revealed at the CBS Unveiling Ceremony on Tuesday night in Olmsted Center.

For the students involved in this organization, this year is about involving more students of every ethnicity. The Coalition of Black Students would like to express that they’re not an all-black organization and all students are welcome. The group exists to have discussion and debates to work toward a better tomorrow.

“The Coalition of Black Students is somewhere I can go and feel at home,” Tenneh Massaquoi said. “It’s a family-like organization.”

To become part of this organization, students can simply start attending CBS events. Students

can get involved by attending the CBS Black History Month events. To start off the month, there is a Super Bowl party Sundaythere starting at 2:30 p.m. The party will be at the Black Cultural Center across from St. Kate’s. Kickoff isn’t until 5:30 p.m., but join CBS before and during the game to cook Super Bowl food.

On Feb. 10 at 6 p.m., CBS is putting on “Haunted History: Take a Walk on the Black Side.” According to CBS, Haunted History is an interactive exhibit aimed at demonstrating a dramatic representation of black Americans’ trans-Atlantic slave trade history, diaspora, survival, turbulent assimilation and challenged integration into United States culture. The event is taking place in Upper Olmsted, will have student actors and will engage those who attend with audio-visual effects.

The Black on Black Banquet is a CBS-hosted formal taking place on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in Parents Hall. The formal is open to

all students on campus. According to CBS, the Black on Black Banquet is a celebratory event showcasing the pivotal role and purpose of black student organizations on college campuses today. Formal attire is required, there will be a DJ and food will be served.

On Feb. 19, “Catwalks for a Cause: (R)evolution to Fight with Fashion” is taking place in Upper Olmsted at 6:30 p.m.

According to CBS, its annual fashion show will highlight the various styles of fashion covering historical time periods of influence, under recognized styles, industry fads and trends, or underrepresented model shapes, sizes, colors, heights, weights and overall styles. The proceeds of this event will go to Children and Families of Iowa.

And finally, on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m., CBS’s Mama’s Cooking will take place at the Black Cultural Center. Students can attend to enjoy home-cooked soul food.

“Black History Month is a period of reflection, recognition, change and evolving perspectives,” said Lawrence Crawford, the president of the Coalition of Black Students at Drake.

“It’s about moving forward to a more promising future in the black community.”

Crawford stressed that the Coalition of Black Students is not only about blacks and AfricanAmericans understanding their histories, but it is also about people from every background understanding and acknowledging their ancestries and where they came from.

“The new tagline means we’re welcoming everyone,” said CBS member Tanaya Thomas.

“I’m excited about what the future holds for us and this campus.”

Black History Month Schedule Super Bowl Party Sunday, Feb. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Black Cultural Center

Haunted History: Take a Walk on the Black Side Thursday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Upper Olmsted

Black on Black Banquet Saturday, Feb. 12, 7 p.m.

Parents Hall

Catwalks for a Cause: (R)evolution to Fight with Fashion Saturday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.

Upper Olmsted

Mama’s Cooking Sunday, Feb. 20, 3 p.m.

Black Cultural Center

PAGE 5 | THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011

FEATURES

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

MOVIE REVIEW

James Franco embodies Ralston in ‘127 Hours’

by Frank Merchlewitz

Staff Writer frank.merchlewitz@drake.edu

One man. One gorge. No rules.

“127 Hours” is a classic tale of boy meets boulder, boulder pins boy, boy cuts his arm off with a dull pocketknife. If by now you haven’t heard the story of Aron Ralston (played in “Hours” by James Franco), you’ve probably been trapped under a rock for the past eight years. Basically, this young outdoor enthusiast sets off on a trip to Canyonlands National Park in Utah, wherein he suffers a nasty fall. Ralston’s tumble shakes loose a pretty hefty piece of rock that crushes his arm and traps him in a crack of the earth, where he is cut off from all human contact. Sensing imminent death in the canyon, Ralston struggles with the lack of food and water, his own demons and the personal mistakes that got him stuck in the first place. However, through his own perseverance and remarkably high threshold for pain, Ralston survives by severing his arm and walking to safety.

Yeah, that dude’s pretty hardcore.

I have to admit, I was initially drawn to the movie out of a sense of morbid curiosity more than anything else. “How can they anyone make a movie about one man trapped in the same place for five days?” I asked.

Well, to answer that question, start by casting James Franco. It’s an incredibly unique role to play: an isolated man, slowly losing his mind to dehydration and seclusion. More than most roles, Franco’s acting has to be based entirely on internal struggle; there are hardly any characters that he can react to. That’s what makes Franco’s performance so powerful. The whole movie rides on his facial expressions, his mad ramblings and his reaction to such a dejecting experience. Franco pulls it off with an air of quirkiness that makes the film at times humorous and at others eerie. The way he delivers dark jokes about drinking his own urine is both funny and sobering. And the visual is, as one might suspect, pretty gross.

Of course, the movie isn’t a comedy at all, though it has its moments (a certain famous cartoon dog makes an appearance). But at the same time, it can’t necessarily be described

strictly as a drama. In fact, “127 Hours” has all the makings of an action film. It’s a thriller right down to the core, albeit limited in terms of space. There are many incredibly tense, pulsepounding moments as Ralston tries to free himself. His various hallucinations give way to some pretty surreal, intense images. The film’s tension is drawn from some great directing by Danny Boyle. Known for his Academy Award winning work “Slumdog Millionaire,” Boyle uses that same gritty, disparate style to keep “Hours” enthralling throughout. In addition, his “Slumdog” composer-in-chief A.R. Rahman delivers another fantastic (and Academy Award nominated) score that beautifully compliments the anxiety of isolation and the harsh desert terrain.

In many ways, “Hours” and “Slumdog” deliver similar levels of emotion. But “Hours” succeeds in a rather unique feat: Using only one dynamic character and one primary setting, it manages to be engaging without becoming boring. In “Slumdog” and other like films, a pulsing score and harsh lighting work with a matched action, like running from thieves or crooked police. “Hours” has to deliver that same energy minus the stimuli of physical exertion, something it does effortlessly. Sure, there are flashbacks that color the action and give back-story to our lovable, idiotic, pseudo-hippy protagonist. These pieces, however, are among the weaker parts of the film. At times, I just wanted to check back in with my buddy in the gorge to see how he was doing. Was he still stuck? Oh, right.

It goes without saying that there’s a reasonable amount of gore in the film. I assure you, “Hours” earns its R rating all in that one pivotal scene (you know the one I’m talking about).

However, the horrific images never seem pornographically violent. Quite the contrary, it’s the most artistic way I’ve ever seen somebody cut his or her own arm off. The music, the smash editing and the final indifference Franco demonstrates serve to make it much less about showing something disgusting and a lot more about giving the viewer a physical manifestation of the protagonist’s determination. I, for one, knew that if I found myself in Ralston’s situation, I would have died crying like a little girl. No question about it. photo from FOX SPOTLIGHT PICTURES

Popular website flattering or creepy?

LikeALittle the new way of catching someone’s attention on campus

by Cori Clark

Staff Writer corinne.clark@drake.edu

“At Subbell: Male, Black hair. You dropped something…my jaw,” an anonymous user of LikeALittle said.

LikeALittle is the anonymous flirting website sweeping college campuses across the world.

Recently LAL has made its way to Drake University and has been successful. The website is currently on over 400 campuses and is expanding quickly with requests for chapters from thousands of schools. LAL hopes to have a chapter for every four-year college within the next year.

The flirtatious website was first created in Palo Alto, Calif., on Oct. 25, 2010 and debuted on the Stanford University campus.

Evan Reas, the founder of LAL, said he started the website because it was difficult to connect with people around him and he wanted a better way.

Reas, an economics grad from Stanford, and his LAL team wanted an easier way to communicate with people around campus. LAL avoids the awkwardness of making the first move when someone spots a cutie at the campus dining hall, dorm or bar. The website has led to multiple face-to-face romances.

A male student from the University of Ottawa in Canada reconnected with his childhood crush through the website and has been dating her ever since he confessed his love to her on Like a Little.

According to Colin Seebach, a first-year at Drake University, it’s nice to see compliments about you. Seebach has graced the pages of LikeALittle multiple times with Justin Bieber look-a-like comments: “At Crawford 4th floor: Male, Brunette.

Boy who looks like Justin Bieber, you don’t really look like Justin Bieber. He looks like a little boy and you look like a sexy man. Don’t believe anyone if they think you look like Justin Bieber, its not true!”

“It is flattering when you see it,” Seebach said, as he blushed looking over the comments about him.

Bree Johnson and Ryan Berry are responsible for bringing the LAL chapter to Drake.

“One of my friends who goes to Luther posted it as her status [on Facebook] and Drake didn’t have one, so I thought ‘hey that would be great,” Johnson said.

Johnson, a biochemistry, cell and molecular biology major, got the website going by posting to the website five times an hour and was checking it up to 10 times a day until the website got momentum to stand on its own. Johnson checks the website a couple times a day to delete any negative comments.

“When it first started, people would post stupid stuff, and we wanted to make sure it was appropriate,” Johnson said.

If you are wondering where to find all the Drake cuties, Johnson thinks Hubbell Dining

screenshot from LIKEALITTLE.COM

Hall and Cowles Library are your best bet to find someone to write about.

The website is kept anonymous with the help of fruit names.

“Fruit names contribute to the positive, playful spirit of the site. People find it difficult to take negative comments seriously when they’ve been written by a blueberry,” states LAL rules.

If you are wondering who pomegranate is,

just use the message feature to directly communicate with the person who is crushing on you.

The website is completely free and the creators do not make any money off the website.

The LAL team is focused on making a product that students will love to use. There are no plans to sell ads on the website either.

The LAL team is working on a number of new features, including mobile phone applica-

tions and anonymous live chat. LikeALittle is also having a video contest on why people love the website. The website does not have plans to expand to high schools as of now. If you haven’t checked out the website yet, look for your description or post an anonymous comment about the hottie who sits in front of you in bio lecture at www.likealittle.com/drake.

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

sports

D-E-E-ETROIT

THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011 | PAGE 6 THE DRAKE MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM will play Detroit in the annual ESPN BracketBuster game on Feb. 19 at 7:05 p.m. at the Knapp Center. Every year ESPN matches teams from mid-major conferences as a showcase to the country right before the NCAA tournament. Detroit (11-12) is a member of the Horizon League, where the Titans sit in seventh place with a 5-6 conference record.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Buzzer-beater nullified as Drake falls

Bulldogs still searching for first MVC road victory

by Eduardo Zamarripa

Staff Writer eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

SENIOR RYAN WEDEL (10) and sophomore Ben Simons (34) are Drake’s two most potent 3-point threats.

Both rank in the top five in the Valley in 3-point field goal percentage.

With time winding down and Drake down 77-75 in overtime against Illinois State, freshman Rayvonte Rice pushed the ball up the court and found junior transfer Kurt Alexander in the corner. Alexander swooshed in a 3-pointer as time expired. The Bulldog bench exploded in jubilation. That feeling quickly evaporated when the officiating crew determined the ball was still in Alexander’s hands when the clock expired.

“I snuck a peek [at the replay] and there couldn’t be a lot of argument from me,” head coach Mark Phelps said. “The video doesn’t lie, but that’s a tough way to lose a basketball game.”

Alexander’s shot was waived off and Drake was left still looking for its first conference road win of the year. This time, the Bulldogs were able to fight back from a 32-23 halftime deficit, only to see their comeback attempt fall short.

“I don’t really think there’s a feeling you can describe it with,” sophomore Ben Simons said.

“We thought Kurt had just made a great shot and got us a win on the road, and then to have them go to the monitor and then see them celebrate, it’s a tough feeling.”

The loss drops Drake’s record to 8-14 overall and to 3-8 in conference play. The Bulldogs have lost six of the past seven games.

Drake was able to take an early 13-4 lead, but then saw the Redbirds reel off 14 straight points. The Bulldogs shot only 32 percent from the field in the first half and they clearly missed Rice, who was plagued by early foul trouble.

“We had foul trouble in the first half which hurt us,” Simons said. “Two key guys, Rayvonte and Jordan [Clarke], were both in foul trouble.

They got back in the second half and that really helped us out.”

Rice scored all of his 17 points in the second half and in the overtime period and also had

six rebounds. Simons converted on four 3-point field goals and led all scorers with 18 points.

With nine minutes to go in the game, the Redbirds extended their lead to 56-43, the largest lead in the game. But unlike other road games, the Bulldogs were able to hang tough.

“One of the things we haven’t done well on the road is fight back,” fifth-year senior Ryan Wedel said. “We finally responded and started executing on the offensive end. We couldn’t get the stops we needed to win the game.”

Led by Rice’s second-half explosion and junior transfer Kraidon Woods, Drake went on a 26-10 run to take command of the game.

Woods registered 10 points and nine rebounds, both career highs.

With the Bulldogs now leading 69-66 and time winding down, Illinois State sophomore Anthony Cousin was fouled shooting a 3-pointer. Cousin made all three of his free throws to send the game into overtime.

“We didn’t play as well as we would have liked in the beginning of the game and into the second half,” Simons said. “But we really fought down the stretch and battled back into to it. I think that’s one thing we can take from it and continue to build on.”

The Bulldogs traveled to Southern Illinois on Wednesday, and details from that game will be available in the next issue of The TimesDelphic. The team takes on Northern Iowa at home on Saturday at noon.

“We’ve got to come out and do the things we’ve been doing the past two games,” Simons said. “Playing hard, executing what we need to execute. Try to limit what they do and hopefully come out with a win.”

The Bulldogs have lost two very close contests in a row. But they are confident their improved play will soon translate to some wins.

“We played our best game Tuesday night and we came out and played our best game on the road [on Sunday],” Wedel said. “If we continue to play as hard as we did we can go on a run here late in the season.”

Valley squads strap up for wild finish

by David Johnson

Staff Writer david.e.johnson@drake.edu

With the NFL season drawing to a close and snow covering the ground, the action on the hardwood begins to heat up with college basketball teams battling for postseason positioning.

The Missouri Valley Conference has three teams sitting on the NCAA tournament bubble entering February. Missouri State, Wichita State and Northern Iowa all received votes in the latest Top 25 Coach’s Poll released by USA Today.

ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi has two teams from the Valley in the NCAA tournament at this point in the season: Wichita State and Missouri State. Defending MVC champion UNI has recently entered the postseason picture on the winds of a seven-game winning streak, including wins on the road against both Wichita State and Missouri State.

ESPN announced all three teams will participate in televised games during BracketBuster weekend Feb. 18-20. Each team will be facing teams with a Rating Percentage Index in the top 60. That weekend will give the MVC the opportunity to improve the conference’s current RPI ranking of 12.

This year’s expansion of the NCAA tournament from 65 to 68 teams will allow for an additional three at-large teams to make the tournament field. Members of the MVC will be hoping for one of

these additional teams to come from their conference.

The MVC hasn’t sent multiple teams to the NCAA tournament since 2007 when both Creighton and Southern Illinois made it to the big dance. Northern Iowa, Wichita State, Southern Illinois and Bradley made the tournament in 2006. Of course, most people remember Drake’s magical run in 2008, a year when it was the lone Valley representative.

With RPIs in the top 60 in the nation, every game becomes important for the top three teams in the MVC. The Bulldogs find themselves near the bottom of the Missouri Valley Conference with a 3-8 record in conference play and 8-14 overall. To qualify for an at-large berth for any postseason tournament, it would be best for the Bulldogs to finish the regular season with seven straight victories, which gives them an opportunity to finish at or above .500 after the MVC tournament.

The outside chance of an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament remains with a Cinderella run to the championship in the MVC tournament. In 2005, Oakland made the NCAA tournament with a losing record as a result of winning the Summit Conference tournament.

Two essential areas of the game the Bulldogs can improve upon in the final six games would be free throw percentage and rebounding. The Bulldogs rank at the bottom of the conference in both statistical categories. They are shooting .643 from the line and being beaten on the

glass by 8.6 rebounds per game through 11 conference games.

The Bulldogs are three games behind Evansville for the sixth seed in the MVC tournament, which would keep them out of the play-in games on the first day of the tournament.

“Getting out of the play-in game is a good thing,” senior guard Ryan Wedel said. “It is easier to win three games than to win four in four days.”

The Bulldogs have recently suffered close losses to Illinois State and MVC front-runner Missouri State.

“If we play the way we are capable of, we can win against anybody in the Valley,” Wedel said. “The team has improved over the last three games and we can make a run at the end of the season.”

The future of Drake basketball looks bright with freshman Rayvonte Rice leading the charge for Drake hoops. He is second among all freshmen in the Valley in scoring and rebounding, behind former Ames High School standout Doug McDermott, who now plays for Creighton.

The Bulldogs will host the streaking UNI Panthers on Saturday at noon. The Panthers are riding a seven-game winning streak going into action on Wednesday night and dropped the Bulldogs 69-49 earlier this season. The Bulldogs gave up 12 3-pointers in the last matchup as the Panthers shot 50 percent from beyond the arc.

MVC Stats

>>Leaders

as of Jan. 31

SCORING

1. Andrew Warren, Bradley, 18.9 points per game 2. Kyle Weems, Missouri State, 16.5 3. Colt Ryan, Evansville, 15.0 7. Rayvonte Rice, Drake, 12.9

REBOUNDING

1. Mamadou Seck, Southern Illinois, 7.8 per game 2. Carl Richard, Indiana State, 7.4 3. Doug McDermott, Creighton, 7.3 Drake Leader: Rice, 4.9

PASSING

1. Antoine Young, Creighton, 4.5 assists per game 2. Nafis Ricks, Missouri State, 4.3 3. Jake Odum, Indiana State, 4.0 Drake Leader: Four players with 1.7 (Wedel, Rice, Alexander, VanDeest)

STEALS

1. Jake Odum, Indiana State, 1.8 steals per game 2. Andrew Warren, Bradley, 1.5 3. Kyle Weems, Missouri State, 1.4 3. Rayvonte Rice, 1.4 compiled by Matt Moran Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

MEN’S TENNIS

Drake shuts out Nebraska-Kearney for second straight win

by Dominic Johnson

Staff Writer dominic.johnson@drake.edu

The Drake men’s tennis team continued its dominant play over opening weekend with a 7-0 victory against the University of NebraskaKearney Lopers.

The Lopers, a Division II team, were picked to finish second in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. They were no match for the Bulldogs at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center this past Sunday.

Head coach Evan Austin once again changed his doubles lineup for the dual match, this time due to freshman Robin Goodman sitting out after sustaining a neck injury during his match against the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Junior Sean O’Grady stepped in for Goodman in the doubles lineup, pairing up with sophomore James McKie in the third doubles slot.

McKie is usually paired with Goodman at the second doubles position, but the change in the lineup proved to be a strong suit for the Bulldogs.

O’Grady and McKie dominated at the third position, posting an 8-0 victory in less than half an hour against Josh Smith and Rodrigo Duncan of Kearney. O’Grady showed no signs of

nerves despite being moved into the lineup at the last minute.

“I wanted to be ready whether I would play or not play,” he said.

The doubles match at the first slot played out almost the same way, as senior Mauricio Ballivian and sophomore Anis Ghorbel teamed up together to deliver a dominant performance.

The beginning of the match was close, but the Bulldogs eventually pulled away, capturing an 8-2 victory.

The second doubles match was a bit different, though. Sophomores Ryan Drake and Jean Erasmus were together again for this tight match. The Lopers took the Bulldog duo the distance, but Drake found a way to win 8-6.

After the match, Austin replaced Erasmus in the singles lineup due to some discomfort in the sophomore’s bicep. The injury, although not serious, was a precautionary measure that Austin felt he could afford after seeing the strong play by the rest of the lineup.

With both Goodman and Erasmus sitting out of singles play, the lineup had to be altered slightly. Ballivian and McKie still played first and second singles, respectively, but the other players moved up one or more slots. Ghorbel, who usually plays at the fourth slot, moved up to take Erasmus’ spot at third singles. Junior Jona-

than Hadash, who usually plays at sixth singles, moved up to the fourth position to take Goodman’s spot. The rest of the lineup was filled by O’Grady and Drake at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively.

Similar to the doubles matches, the Bulldogs had relatively no problems in routing the Lopers in singles play.

Ballivian avenged his Saturday loss against UMKC with a routine 6-2, 6-2 victory over Josh Raymond of Kearney. The lone senior practiced new shots and patterns to expand his arsenal, something that will come in handy later in the season against nationally ranked opponents on teams such as Iowa and Minnesota.

“I tried new things in my match, like coming to the net more often and hit my backhand down the line,” Ballivian said. “This game helped us to build confidence.”

At second singles, McKie experienced solid defiance from Kearney’s Yeswanth Nadella in the first set, but the Drake sophomore was able to take the set 6-4. McKie never relinquished the momentum in the second set, posting a 6-1 score to earn the win.

Sunday’s match was the first time Ghorbel played at the third singles slot, and he performed admirably, crushing Duncan 6-1, 6-0.

Hadash, who had experience at the fourth

slot last spring, followed Ghorbel’s trend of dominance as he defeated Kearney’s Kyle Conzemius 6-2, 6-0 off the strength of his crushing groundstrokes.

O’Grady played at the fifth position in what was his first singles dual match at the Division I level, and his consistency from the baseline granted him a 6-1, 6-3 victory over John Steinke.

“My goal was just to play my best and work on aspects of my game that I thought need improvement,” O’Grady said. “My backhand has been hurting me recently, but I felt I really stepped up and am hitting through the ball which is what I needed to work on most.”

Ryan Drake’s match at the sixth position was close as the Lopers nearly won a set, but Drake’s play in the first set tiebreaker not only earned the set, but the momentum as well. After winning the first set 7-6, Drake ran through the second set 6-1.

The Bulldogs’ next match is against the University of Central Florida on Feb. 12 in Bloomington, Ind., a day before taking on Butler.

Drake’s next home match isn’t until Feb. 20 when they take on the University of Illinois at Chicago and Graceland in a doubleheader at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.

SPORTS

PAGE 7 | THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake ready for weekend battle at Knapp Lower-tier opponents can help get Bulldogs back on track

by Mary Bess Bolling

Staff Writer mary.bolling@drake.edu

At this point in the season, the Bulldogs have seen it all before.

The team is now 3-6 in the Missouri Valley Conference and 9-11 overall. Drake has played every Valley team once already this season.

Drake will take on Evansville (7-13) tonight at 7:05 p.m. at the Knapp Center. The Bulldogs will have another home contest Saturday at 5 p.m. against the Southern Illinois Salukis (2-18).

“We’ve played all of them, so we know what to expect,” freshman Morgan Reid said. “We’ll be ready come Thursday.”

Reid said that one of the struggles for the youth on the team has been experience.

“I think, with most of us young players, it’s just getting used to being out there,” Reid said.

“Now that we’ve played everyone once, nothing is really new at this point.”

The newcomer has played a key role this year on defense, earning the most rebounds on the team in tough matchups against Wisconsin, Iowa and Northern Iowa. Reid also earned four steals in Drake’s 66-57 loss against Wichita State last Thursday.

As one of the standout defensive players, Reid said Drake could use some focus on defense in the coming contests.

“I think as a team, we just try to capitalize on our strengths,” she said. “At some points, our defense is really strong and, when that happens, we need to take that momentum and build on it.”

So far, the Bulldogs have shown up to play for one half and let down during the other. Head

coach Amy Stephens said that will continue to challenge her team for the next half of conference play.

“The biggest key for our team is consistency,” Stephens said. “Our team just has not been able to put two halves together.”

When Drake played Wichita State last week, the Bulldogs started shooting only 30 percent from the field in the first half, but finished at 41 percent, matching the Shockers’ second-half average.

Saturday’s game against Missouri State was the same story but inverted. Drake finished the first half leading by one point, but lost the lead quickly in the second, falling to the Bears 90-61.

Stephens cites a number of factors that contribute to the inconsistency. The youth of the team and injuries to key players like junior Brittnye McSparron and sophomore Katie Schechinger are two of the key factors.

“It makes for tough nights when you play teams with six juniors and a senior and a deep bench,” Stephens said.

The Missouri Valley is a strong conference this year, now ranking eighth in the Collegiate Basketball News RPI Report. The Valley also comes in 10th for strength of schedule.

Evansville and Southern Illinois, though the lowest teams in the standings, will no doubt reflect that strength.

Evansville: The Purple Aces are 2-7 in the MVC. Drake has seen them on the court once before this season, on Evansville turf, playing a close game and pulling away with a 69-62 win in overtime.

Kristin Turk scored a season-high 41 points in the matchup.

“They’re very scrappy, and they haven’t been

photo by CONNOR MCCOURTNEY | photo editor

JUNIOR RACHAEL HACKBARTH sets up for the jump ball to start the game against Missouri State last Saturday. Drake faces Evansville and Southern Illinois this weekend, two teams the Bulldogs have already defeated this season.

blown out by anyone,” Stephens said. “They’re competitive and they play hard.”

Southern Illinois: The Salukis are 0-9 in the MVC. But don’t let their record fool you. Stephens said they’re a hard-fought team, just like Evansville.

“Every week, we have our hands full,” Stephens said. “Hopefully, playing at home against two teams we’ve already beaten will give us the confidence we need to win.”

Are you ready for some

FOOTBALL?

Not much separates these historic franchises in Super Bowl XLV. It’s a safe bet that both teams will bring the heat on defense, and the game may come down to which quarterback handles the pressure better.

by Mike Wendlandt

Staff Writer michael.wendlandt@drake.edu

For the past 44 years, it always seems like time stands still just once a year. Is it New Year’s? Nope. It’s Super Bowl Sunday, and there is no better final game than the one we have this week as two of the NFL’s most storied teams will battle it out for league supremacy in Dallas.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers, it didn’t start out too well. It took them 41 years to win a title.

But since then, it’s been like clockwork. They’ve won six Super Bowls since 1974 -- the most by any team in Super Bowl history. Led by a great quarterback and a solid running game, the Steelers will try to ride all the way to their seventh Lombardi Trophy.

For the Green Bay Packers, it’s been 14 years since a title, but there is no more prolific team in terms of championships than the Pack. With a

league-record 12 titles, Green Bay has achieved far more than imagined when this tiny city entered the league back in 1919.

This will be the first time that these two teams have ever met in the postseason, and it’s only fitting that it’s this season, when both have had such tumultuous seasons that aren’t at all reminiscent of their past successes. From Pittsburgh losing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for four games due to a league suspension, to Green Bay losing 15 players to season-ending injuries -- it has been quite the roller coaster ride for both.

But now, on to the preview for the game.

With quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay probably has the hottest player on the planet as of this week. He has absolutely torn up the league during this postseason, but it has really been the emergence of running back James Starks that has opened everything up. His presence makes teams at least think about the run, leaving holes that Rodgers can pick apart in

>>SUPER BOWL

•

XLV

quick facts

This is the Packers’ first Super Bowl appearance since 1997, when Brett Favre won his only championship over the New England Patriots, 35-21.

•

This is the Steelers’ third Super Bowl appearance during QB Ben Roethlisberger’s tenure, and the 28-year-old is already going for his third ring.

Two years ago, Roethlisberger’s touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes gave Pittsburgh a wild, 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII.

• Both defenses rank in the top five in yards allowed per game and feature

the last two NFL Defensive Player of the Year winners. Steelers’ safety Troy Polamalu earned the honor this season and Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson garnered the same award last year.

Editor’s Pick: Steelers 26, Packers 19 compiled by Matt Moran Sports Editor sports@timesdelphic.com

the passing game. With receivers such as Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and James Jones out there, I expect a big day for the Packers’ offense.

With Pittsburgh, it’s all about experience.

They’ve been here recently, in 2008, and most of their starters from that team remain. They still have Roethlisberger, as well as receiver Hines Ward, but running back Rashard Mendenhall is the Steeler X-factor. Green Bay’s only weakness on defense is the run game, and for Pittsburgh to win, they need a big game from Mendenhall.

Defensively, it is a push. Both teams are the top two scoring defenses in the league, and both are amazing at getting to the opposing quarterback. That’s where the offensive line comes in, and Green Bay gets the slight edge due to Pitt center Maurkice Pouncey’s ankle injury. Pittsburgh’s O-line will have a hard time stopping Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji, but also watch out for A.J. Hawk and Cullen Jenkins.

In the secondary, two of the premier players of the past decade are playing -- one on each side, in Green Bay’s Charles Woodson and 2010 Defensive Player of the Year Troy Polamalu for the Steel Curtain. Neither team gives up much in the passing game, so that will be entertaining.

Now, whoever wins this game will win the turnover battle and win on special teams. That’s why I’m going to pick the Packers to win this game. Kicker Mason Crosby has the leg, and punter Tim Masthay has been flawless in the playoffs, consistently pinning teams deep in their own territories. And the Packers have forced the most turnovers of any team in the league this year.

I expect a big game from Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ defense, and it’s enough for them to pull out a close 24-21 victory to win their 13th championship.

NEWS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

THURSDAY, FEB. 3, 2011 | PAGE 8

‘This world is unpredictable’ FROM EGYPT, PAGE 1

Revolution Rundown

Airport Jan. 19, but just over a week later, their careful planning would be completely disrupted.

In a blog entry dated Jan. 27, Weller wrote: “The two days of protests seemed to have subsided, leaving both sides asking ‘now what?’ For me the answer is simple; go to the coast, learn Arabic, and take good pictures.” The Waunakee, Wis., native expressed little concern, writing, “Things happen here just like the rise and fall of the Nile; it is part of life.”

But just three days later, he and 11 other students would spend a day and half stuck in an airport restaurant protected by armed guards.

By Monday, they would be displaced by more than 1,500 miles, sitting unhurt in Prague, Czech Republic, examining options and wondering what would happen next.

A quick tutorial on what’s happening in Egyptian politics

by Matt Vasilogambros

Staff Writer matt.vasilogambros@gmail.com

photo from IAN WELLER

Friday, Jan. 28 On Friday afternoon, as Weller makes his way through the Alexandrian streets, he passes burning vehicles, the smoke rising to join the haze already in the air. At one point, he finds himself in the midst of protestors gathered in front of a police station, also on fire. He uses what Arabic he knows to communicate, even persuading one family to let him up on their apartment balcony to get a wider shot of the crowds.

Several of the Egyptians he encounters are concerned, urging him to leave the area and telling him he is unsafe there. One man even gives him a ride partway back to his apartment when it appears Weller won’t make it home by the time the government’s new curfew takes hold.

“They didn’t want Americans to get hurt in this sort of thing,” photo from IAN WELLER Weller says in an inIAN WELLER poses in front of the terview, noting that he pyramids during what was supposed was never fired at or to be a semester-long trip to Egypt. targeted by any of the He and two other students were people in the protests. evacuated from the country Jan. 31.

Later that evening, as he stands on the roof of the apartment, Weller begins to cough. Even after slipping past the increasingly volatile situation outside, he is unable to evade the tear gas and smoke wafting through the city air.

Saturday, Jan. 29 In 48 hours since their arrival in Alexandria, the political unrest in Egypt has escalated dramatically.

On Saturday night, Weller can hear gunfire from inside the apartment building where they are staying, and their neighbors have barricaded the street and stairwell. He identifies the Molotov cocktails as the most frightening part of the scene, calling them, “primed and ready to be dropped on any attackers.”

But Kader writes in an e-mail that she doesn’t think the Alexandria protests are as bad as some of the things Americans may be seeing on the news. She describes Saturday as going “smoothly, besides the burnt police cars and trucks we saw on the roads along with posters on the walls of buildings with President Mubarak’s face torn off.”

She writes about what she and a couple of the other female students can see from their apartment window. After waking in the middle of the night to women screaming, they hurry to peer out onto the street below. Kader writes that, “what we found was amazing and inspiring. The men from our neighborhood had formed a watch group of sorts. They all had clubs, 2x4s, knives, and other forms of weapons in order to protect us and the rest of neighborhood from looters.”

In an e-mail to her mother, Crow also mentions this scene.

“The Egyptian people are so amazing,” she writes. “The men banded together and stayed up all night on the streets with knives and clubs to protect their families, property and honor.”

Crow tells her mother, Pam, about the evenings leading up to the students’ evacuation, reiterating Weller and Kader’s unruffled sentiments. She assures a worried Pam of their relative safety. “There was even an Armenian man outside my apartment protecting us Americans in Egypt,” she writes, adding, “They stayed up from 4 p.m. during curfew to noon the next day. As we left, we gave them all of our groceries in thanks.”

Amid a situation in which as many as 300 people are

reported to have died, Kader writes, “I have never felt more safe in my life. Just seeing these men outside for the entire night gave us the assurance we needed to feel safe at such a scary time.”

However, in a blog post dated 6:36 p.m., Weller finally writes that he believes they will probably have to leave the country.

Sunday, Jan. 30 Back in the U.S., their parents have seen the riots on TV. Pam Crow says the first phone call from her daughter after the protests began comes early Sunday morning. Ashley Crow tells her they are safe in an apartment in the city. Just hours later another call brings word of entirely different plans.

Weller, a Navy officer candidate, receives word Sunday morning that they are being instructed to evacuate. They gather their belongings, and the students and their peers from IFSA-Butler join 13 others crammed into an 11-passenger bus.

Kader notes that this will be an especially memorable experience for her. Today is her 21st birthday.

Monday, Jan. 31 The students have told their parents a plane chartered from Cairo will pick them up at a small airport in the desert outside Alexandria. They are being taken to Athens, Greece.

The aircraft never arrives.

“The plane scheduled for take-off from Cairo left three hours ago and we were informed that the aircraft was denied permission to land in Alexandria,” reads the e-mail the parents receive from Joanna Holvey Bowles, executive vice president and chief operating photo from ASHLEY CROW officer of IFSAASHLEY CROW (left) and AMINA Butler.

KADER (right) smile in this photo Instead, the famitaken soon after the two arrived in lies learn, the students Egypt. They and one other Drake stuare boarding a plane dent were evacuated Jan. 31. bound for Prague.

After spending well over 30 hours in the airport under the watch of plain-clothed guards with pistols, Weller, Kader and Crow arrive in the Czech Republic late Monday night.

“It’s really weird that last night I was sleeping next to gunfire and now I’ve got these nice little floral things in my room,” Weller says in an interview before heading to his room at the Holiday Inn the students are staying in tonight.

What comes next “One thing I have learned,” Crow wrote her mother, “is that this world is unpredictable.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the students still sit in Prague, weighing their options.

“I’m in international limbo, as well as academic,” Weller said. Drake is helping them look into other study-abroad options. Weller and Kader are tentatively planning to move their semester abroad to Muscat, Oman. Crow is still determining whether she will join them there, or go instead to Morocco.

“Drake has been fantastic,” Weller said. “The study abroad folks just really helped out.” Although faculty at the university were working to make necessary arrangements to get the three students enrolled in classes back home, Weller said, they’re pretty determined to stay.

“My priority is staying in the Middle East and learning my Arabic,” he said firmly. He added that he doesn’t feel like he’s in any danger, and that he’s appreciating the piece of history they were able to witness.

“Every time you walk around with an Egyptian flag on your backpack, people say ‘Whoa,’” he said, talking about when the group landed in Prague. “People, they

ask, ‘You showing solidarity?’ And I say, ‘No, I was there.’”

>> More to the story

photo from IAN WELLER

The Times-Delphic will continue to bring you updates on the whereabouts and experiences of Ian Weller, Amina Kader and Ashley Crow.

See timesdelphic.com and future print editions for the latest information.

After eight days of intensive protesting throughout Cairo, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced Tuesday that he will not run for another term in the fall. Mubarak has led Egypt with an iron fist for over 30 years.

Mubarak’s decision came after U.S. President Barack Obama urged him to not seek another term in office, according to The New York Times.

Images of hundreds of thousands of protestors showed unanimous disapproval after Mubarak refused to step down immediately. The Times reports that protestors will continue demonstrating until the president steps down.

Protests started on Jan. 25, after Tunisians successfully led a revolution to overthrown their dictatorship.

Thousands of protestors took to the Egyptian streets to protest increasing poverty, the rising costs of food and corruption in government. Since then, protests for democracy have popped up in Jordan, Algeria and Yemen.

Protests continued, even as the Egyptian government shut down the Internet and phone service. On Friday, Mubarak announced that he would form a new government to appease the protestors—a move that was met with more protestors that reached the millions.

Protestors have defied curfews, clashed with the military and swarmed downtown Cairo for days on end. According to the Los Angeles Times, as many as 300 people have been killed by the police and military in protests.

The White House has been hesitant to outright call for Mubarak to step down. On Sunday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called for a peaceful transition to democracy. That same day, the U.S. embassy in Cairo urged all Americans living in Egypt to leave immediately. After the announcement, the U.S. government organized chartered planes to depart to Europe.

For decades, Egypt has been America’s strongest ally in the Arab world.

With Mubarak on his way out of power, some analysts are concerned about the future of Egyptian-U.S. relations.

Additionally, Israel has been uneasy with the latest instability, as Egypt has had a cold yet peaceful relationship with Jewish state for several years.

Program’s future uncertain FROM CRADLE, PAGE 1 and students planning to travel.

“This is one of the few issues that it doesn’t matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat, a liberal or conservative,” Hamad said. “I think that most Americans share the belief in commitment to liberty, freedom and democracy.”

The protests are comprised of people from all walks of life - Muslim and Christian - asking for the opportunity to rule themselves and decide the future of their country.

From an international relations standpoint, Hamad stresses the importance of Americans siding with the people of Egypt.

“Sooner or later the peoples’ will will prevail and we don’t want the U.S. to be a source or target of hatred because we supported the Mubarak regime for 30 years,” Hamad said.

Hulsey also expressed her concern about how the revolution will affect Egyptian-American relations.

“I think that depending on how the U.S. continues to respond to this situation will affect how U.S. tourists are treated abroad,” she said.

The future of the Cradle of Civilization experience and American relations with Egypt may remain in question, but the support for a democracy remains strong with the group.

“I hope that in May, I will be one of the first tourists in a democratic Egypt,” Hulsey said.