2.26.13

Metamorphoses Hamline’s theater department makes a splash with a watery take on a Greek tragedy. see A&E page 7 HAMLINE UNIVERSITY | ST. PAUL, MN | 2.26.13 | VOL. 125 | NO. 17 | HAMLINEORACLE.COM

Polls open, tight finish expected

see CAMPUS page 2

PHOTOS | ANDREW MAAS, ORACLE (From left): HUSC candidates Lucas Dolan, Corbin Conliffe, Yakasah Wehyee and Josh Wood explain their positions in electoral debates last week.

Student congress candidates vie for votes in final days before election’s end.

Kristina Stuntebeck Reporter The 2013 HUSC Presidential/Vice Presidential informal debates kicked off around noon on Tuesday, Feb. 19 with a gathering in GLC. The candidates, with the absence of vice presidential candidate Josh Wood, gave brief overviews of their plans for HUSC’s future to a relatively small crowd.

Lucas Dolan and Corbin Conliffe stated that they want to focus on internal issues to help with the learning curve of HUSC and make it a stronger organization. Yakasah Wehyee, their challenger, proposed his plan that focuses on external issues and looks “outside of the box” to expand the organization’s reach. The propositions provided two distinct visions for HUSC in the coming year.

These visions were expanded upon the formal debate later that night. Students filed through the doorway and filled nearly every seat in Anderson 111-112, anticipating the evening’s event. The buzzing room fell to a hush as Hamline senior AJ Capaul, the Political Affair Committee Chair of HUSC and moderator for the evening, announced the official start of the debate. Candidates began with a

general overview of their platforms, similar to those given in GLC earlier that day, before the more heated portion of the debate began.

One popular topic was that of the separation between HUSC and student orgs — the Multicultural Alliance (MA) in particular — and HUSC’s inaccessibility to students outside of the organization. Conliffe said that he and Dolan plan to bridge this gap through weekly meetings with MA. “The idea is that it’s a private meeting between MA and HUSC,” Conliffe said.

He explained that the meetings would be private because public meetings had a “stand-offish” nature in the past, and they want to avoid conflict.

Wehyee was skeptical of the proposal and said it will take more than a change of policy to mend the gap between HUSC and student organizations.

“If there’s historically bad blood between student orgs and representatives, then nothing is going to bridge that,” Wehyee said.

He said the experience he and Wood have from their involvement within numerous organizations is needed to bring the two together.

Another key point in the debate was that of community. Dolan said that through his presidency in HUSC, a real community can be created.

APAC celebrates Lunar New Year Jordan Fritzke Associate News Editor Dragons competitively danced to spirited music at the Asian Pacific American Coalition’s (APAC) Lunar celebration last Sunday. The traditional dragon dance is used in various celebrations in order to ward off evil spirits. Participants threw green paper and red candy as symbols of good-luck wishes affiliated with the annual celebration. The green symbolizes good fortune and the red is for positive opportunities to come. Guest performers and speakers were invited by APAC to show how various cultures across Asia celebrate the new year and what it means to them.

This particular new year marks the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese horoscope.

PHOTOS | ANDREW MAAS, ORACLE

“I see HUSC as being a key player in the sense of community,” Dolan said. “I’m friends with many leaders in other orgs, and I think we can bring many different areas together.”

Wood also said a sense of community can be achieved when organizations work together with HUSC. “One thing that’s really missing is collaboration,” Wood said. “We need to use HUSC as a platform to bring this community together.”

Wehyee said HUSC has not done its job when it comes to making community a priority, which should have been one of the biggest objectives.

“Unfortunately, HUSC has been too quiet on this issue, and it’s an issue that needs to be addressed,” Wehyee said.

“We as a community need to have a sense of community.

We need to be proud that we’re Pipers.”

Wood said that pride is essential in any good leader to create enthusiasm within an organization.

“One quality of leadership that needs to be there is pride,” Wood said. “Through that pride, we’re going to have a board that wants to take on more and change more.”

The main changes Wehyee and Wood said they would make focus on financial aid and campus climate, which includes the need for pride mentioned above. Wehyee

see HUSC page 2

2 News

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

INCIDENT LOG

(continued from front)

EDITORIAL & PRODUCTION Editor in Chief Preston Dhols-Graf Managing Editor Hannah Porter News Design Editor Laura Kaiser Associate News Editor Jordan Fritzke Whimsy Editor Jake Barnard Opinion Editor Steven Rotchadl Arts & Entertainment Editor Alyse Emanuel Sports Editor Josh Epstein Variety Editor Laura Kaiser Copy Chief Jackie Bussjaeger Copy Editors Jake Barnard, Emily Klehr, Rock LaManna Senior Reporters Jena Felsheim, Gabby Landsverk Reporters Austin Abramson, Breanna Berry, Amane Kawo, Brittany Rassett, Taylor Richter, Sarah Schneekloth, Sarah Sheven, Kristina Stuntebeck, Gino Terrell Columnists Don Allen, Jake Barnard, Steve Merino, Cal Sargent Photographers Marisa Gonzalez, Rachel Johnson, Andrew Maas Illustrators Bre Garcia, Anna Monin, Kristina Stuntebeck Web Editor Sam Reimann Ad Manager Don Allen

HUSC: “One quality of leadership...is pride” talked about his experience working with the provost as the only student representative on the Financial Aid Task Force and said he will help improve financial help for students as HUSC president through scholarships.

Dolan talked about a number of the changes he is currently helping to implement, as well as those he would make in office. He described his current involvement with the new bookstore initiative, the fight to keep the student chapel open and untouched and the Sorin Project that will turn Sorin A and B into a student game room.

Despite the disagreement on both sides, all the candidates agreed that HUSC needs to have a bigger presence on campus and increase its public relations. Dolan said the issue is one that he and Conliffe have been aware of and plan to change.

“We realize that there is a problem with human representation,” Dolan said.

He said they intend to have more representatives go out and talk to organizations to increase PR. For Conliffe, there was another simple solution this problem.

“Communication, communication, communication,” Conliffe said. “Bring your friends, bring your entire representative board [to HUSC meetings] because we want you there.”

He and Dolan also said they would also expand their use of posters to get the word out and, ideally, increase attendance at HUSC meetings.

Wehyee and Wood said they plan to utilize media on campus, such as posters, Pipervision and The Oracle, to expand PR and pledged to attend at least 10 events hosted by other organizations each semester, 10 sporting events each year, and have the other members of HUSC do the same.

The debate ended with a Q&A opportunity that lasted until the cut-off time of 9:30 p.m.

Grant Lewis, a junior at Hamline, was surprised by the level of professionalism shown in the debate and said the crowd seemed to favor Wehyee and Wood, but he thought Dolan and Conliffe came out on top.

“I think, debate-wise, Lucas and Corbin came off more professional, more prepared and more ready for the debate,” Lewis said. “That’s what I gathered.”

Capaul said she was thrilled with the turnout and the overall flow of the debate.

“As moderator, I felt like things went smoothly,” Capaul said. “I think people got to learn about each candidate and what they’re planning to do with HUSC, their strengths and limitations if they’re in that role.”

Capaul said though there were a few audience interruptions here and there, she had no complaints about the crowd.

“The audience, I thought, was awesome,” Capaul said. “I was expecting more chaos.”

Junior Heather Hammond was not so pleased with some of the attitudes in the crowd. She said she is an undecided vote, but that the current HUSC president and vice president made unnecessary comments during the debate that seemed very unprofessional. She said she believes that the current candidates are all improvements.

“What I’m leaving with is, either of these parties are more than capable of changing the image of HUSC by bringing back the respect and the voice of students,” Hammond said.

SOCIAL NETWORKING

A “confession box” for Pipers Facebook page sparks questions regarding anonymous posting.

POLICIES The Oracle has been published by Hamline students since 1888. The paper is funded through a student fee levied by the university’s Student Media Board. We are a public forum. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or staff. We do not discriminate in employment.

Our mission To cover news, trends, events and entertainment relevant to Hamline undergraduate students. We strive to make our coverage accurately reflect the diverse communities that comprise the student population.

Corrections The Oracle welcomes corrections of quotational and factual errors. Please send such commentary to: pdholsgraf01@hamlineuniversity.edu and place “Correction” in the subject line.

The first copy is free; each additional copy is 50 cents.

Direct advertising inquiries to pdholsgraf01@hamlineuniversity.edu.

The Oracle accepts most print and insert requests.

1536 Hewitt Ave. MB 106 St. Paul, MN 55104 Tel: (651) 523-2268 Fax: (651) 523-3144 pdholsgraf01@hamlineuniversity.edu hamlineoracle.com issuu.com/theoracle1888

Feb. 15, 3:33 p.m.

Property Malfunction Security officers were dispatched to the basement of Robbins Science to check on some possible leaking pipes. It was determined that the leak was coming from plants that had been watered, not pipes in the building.

Feb. 17, 3:48 a.m.

Medical Emergency An ABM worker reported to Safety and Security that there was an unconscious student in the second floor showers of Sorin Hall.

Emergency Medical Responder trained officers were dispatched to the scene and St. Paul Medics were contacted. The medics were cancelled when the student was found conscious and breathing.

Feb. 19, 11:03 a.m.

Property Damage A student reported to Safety and Security that a vehicle had parked into his bumper on Taylor Avenue. A St. Paul officer was already on campus and assisted the individual with filing a damage report.

Feb. 19, 1:35 p.m.

Suspicious Person A staff member from Bush Center called to report a suspicious individual in the building. Officers searched the area including parking lots and buildings but the suspicious person had already left campus and was not located.

Feb. 20, 8:39 p.m.

Suspicious Person The Anderson Center front desk worker called to report a suspicious person in the lobby of the building. An officer made contact with the individual, who was an ARAMARK employee.

Jordan Fritzke Associate News Editor The Hamline University Confessions page on Facebook was created on Thursday, Feb. 20, and has since received around 180 likes as of Feb. 24. First-year Emma Snyder-Woodside, creator of the page, explained her reasoning for starting an independent page where students can anonymously post their thoughts.

“A while ago, I stumbled upon a couple of Tumblr sites, specifically one named ‘Pipers Post Secrets,’ but it didn’t seem like it was being utilized any longer. Since I’ve been at this school, I’ve seen a lot of students struggling with anything from academics to personal relationships, and I wanted to create a place where they could go and realize that they’re not alone,” Snyder-Woodside said.

According to Snyder, the site allows students to anonymously post statements or questions through a Tumblr page under the same name. However, this anonymous and independent affiliation from Hamline as an institution may spark concerns over the nature of the site. Snyder-Woodside responded by highlighting her specific intentions for the page.

“The anonymity may give students an initiative to be more brutal with their comments, but that is their own decision. My intentions with this page are for people to speak out and tell the truth, a way to get other people to connect,” Snyder-Woodside said. “It’s really up to the people who are posting. They’re going to make the page what it is.”

Hamline University Confessions (HUC) is not the only page for college students to anonymously voice their thoughts. Other schools have similar pages, for example, University of St. Thomas Confessions. The nature of St. Thomas’ confessions page, in contrast to recent posts on the HUC page, may depict a different image of how anonymous pages are used. St. Thomas first-year Bri O’Gorman

Feb. 15, 1:07 p.m.

Property Malfunction A student requested assistance in locking his dorm room door in Drew Hall because the lock was broken. An officer was able to lock the door without trouble.

Safety and Security crime prevention tip

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION | EDITORIAL STAFF, ORACLE compared the overall content of the HUC posts to St. Thomas’ Confessions page.

“I mean, yes, you can see some crazy posts on the HUC page, but St. Thomas’ has no boundaries. Some people have said some pretty cruel things; and being anonymous, at first it seems funny, but it’s a little scary to think you yourself might be talked about anonymously in such a way,” O’Gorman said.

Snyder-Woodside explained the potential consequences if the Hamline University Confessions page were to be used like that of St. Thomas’.

“There certainly have been some comments that I’ve been reluctant to post on the page.

I think the Hamline student body overall is quite different from that of St. Thomas, and if it does get out of control I probably will take it down,” Snyder-Woodside said.

When walking alone, don’t wear headphones. They block your ability to hear someone approach you.

Try to keep your car maintained, and keep your gas tank at least half full, especially in the winter.

Never leave your personal belongings unattended, even for a minute, when in public places. Thefts can happen very quickly.

Utilize the escort service for safety escorts. Call x2100 24 hours a day for service.

Safety and Secuity statistics from February 15-21

Escorts: 220 Access requests: 78 Car jump starts: 9 Vehicle un-locks: 1

News 3

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

STUDY ABROAD

An international opportunity for mutual education Students of J-Term Global Service-Learning class travel to Starfish Country Home School in Thailand.

Alyse Emanuel A&E Editor Do you ever ponder what you can do after graduating from Hamline that will have a positive impact on the world? Well, just look to Hamline alum and former professor Dick Haugland for a perfect example.

Haugland graduated from Hamline in 1965 and returned in 1975 to teach in the Chemistry Department. In between, he received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Stanford University.

He also founded the biotechnology company Molecular Probes, Inc. in 1975, which he sold in August 2003, and since then, he has been living almost full-time in Thailand.

This J-Term, students in the class “Global Service-Learning through Education in Thailand” traveled there to observe the unique school founded by Haugland in 2005 called The Starfish Country Home School, which is just outside of the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai. Named after a story about how small efforts can make a big difference to an individual, the school strives to provide quality education and housing to needy Thai children.

“Most of the children were from hill tribe communities, and some children had parents in prison or were from single parent families where there was some struggle,” said Education Professor Letitia Basford, who led the J-Term trip. “So this was a school where most of the students lived and were just granted a really amazing opportunity at a really topnotch education.”

Basford first heard about the school when Haugland came to campus to give workshops on his innovative “Thaiglish” curriculum, which seeks to teach children how to read and understand Thai and English through representing words with pictures.

“I recall hearing that he was interested in this opportunity to have Hamline students come over, and I jumped on it,” Basford said.

Sophomore Aileen Scheibner commented on the Thaiglish curriculum in a letter to Haugland.

“Pairing the picture with the word and the phonetic breakdown of the word is a great way to learn a second (or third) language. Especially at a young age, I think the visual aid helps a lot,” Scheibner wrote.

Other students were similarly impressed with the teaching method. Sophomore Morgan Schams also reflected on her firsthand experience with Thaiglish in a letter to Haugland.

“For each picture, I wrote how the Thai word sounded with the English alphabet, and from there, I was able to more quickly memorize the Thai vocabulary and pronounce it correctly,” Schams wrote.

The original plans for the Hamline students were more curriculum development based, but when Basford saw the response of the Starfish kids to the Hamline students, “it was just complete adoration.”

PHOTO | COURTESY OF MORGAN SCHAMS A young Thai girl at Starfish Country Home School.

“It [became] about…having English immersion opportunities and conversation practice, but mostly an opportunity to get to know one another,” Basford said.

In addition to spending quality time with the Starfish students, the J-Term class had a wide variety of Thai experiences, including elephant rides, river rafting and Buddhist temple visits. According to Basford, among the most notable experiences were visits to local hill tribe communities.

“Those were really special days where students really got to see two very different experiences,” Basford said. “One of a Hmong village that was being supported by the Thai king and also…the Akha hill tribe community where there was a little more poverty.”

Both facets of the trip, the Starfish school and the hill tribe community visit, were integral to the overall experience of the J-Term class.

“I think the class really focused on engaging with these kids, but it was also reflecting on non-governmental work around educa-

tion and learning about what was happening, at least in this little part of the world,” Basford said.

Overall, Basford considered the trip a success.

“It was a very successful partnership between Hamline and Starfish. The Starfish kids, I think, are never going to forget the Hamline students, and I don’t think the Hamline students are going to forget them,” Basford said.

Besides the unforgettable connections made between Hamline and Starfish students, there are certainly other long-term benefits that Hamline students got out of the trip.

“I think that’s really eye-opening and helpful for future teachers…to know what’s out there and that they have more options beyond just teaching here in the country,” Basford said. “They can take their license and they can go overseas, and there’s a variety of international teaching options out there for them.

And I think some left really hungry to do just that.”

ANDERSON CENTER

Student center earns award Association of College Unions International honors Anderson Center.

Hannah Porter Managing Editor Austin Abramson Reporter Hamline University is slotted to receive an award for the Carol Young Anderson and Dennis L. Anderson Center at the 93rd annual conference for the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) from March 10-14.

According to their website, the ACUI is “a nonprofit educational organization that brings together college union and student activities professionals from hundreds of schools in seven countries.” This year’s conference, held in St. Louis, MO, will highlight issues and trends in higher education through networking, educational workshops and keynote speakers.

The conference, themed “Discover New Perspectives,” will also feature an award ceremony to recognize community-building and leadership in college communities. Although it is unknown exactly what award Hamline will receive, Director of Student Leadership and Activities Wendy Burns will be at the conference to accept the award. Burns, who served as a member of the University Center Task Force, said she is honored to represent Hamline in St. Louis.

“I am delighted that I get to represent and accept the awards on behalf of Hamline,” Burns said.

The Anderson Center, which opened its doors in August of 2012, was designed as a multi-purpose space to facilitate student activities, dining, studying and relaxation.

The building is described on Hamline’s website as “a welcoming icon of an innovative, diverse, learning-centered university for generations of students.”

With several eco-friendly architectural features, such as solar panels, a green roof and high-efficiency windows, the sustainability of Hamline’s student center reflects a growing trend of addressing sustainability issues on college campuses. The ACUI conference will feature an educational session, “Enacting Sustainable Initiatives on Campus,” presented by a representative from Appalachian State University and three members of the Perkins+Will architectural firm.

Although Hamline’s Anderson Center will not be featured as a case study in this session, the university may have a chance to showcase their sustainable building later in 2013 at the ACUI Region 10 Conference. According to Burns, the conference is projected to take place in St. Paul, and a portion of the event may even take place in the Anderson Center, giving the university an opportunity to present the sustainable and community-oriented features to other student organizations and colleges in the Midwest region. However, no details about the regional conference have been officially announced by the ACUI.

4 News

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Q&A

Research reviews Obama’s term Political science professor discusses President’s performance.

Amane Kawo Reporter Joseph Peschek is a professor and the chair of the political science department at Hamline University. He teaches courses on presidential politics, American foreign policy and political theory.

His current scholarly research concentrates on contemporary American politics and democratic theory.

Last year, Peschek wrote his scholarly research on the Obama presidency and the great recession with an emphasis on political economy, ideology and public policy. He says, “Under Obama, the country has moved in directions, in both domestic and foreign policy, that reveal as much continuity with, as departures from, the record of his predecessor. Even if supporting President Obama for reelection, the left also needs to maintain a clear critique of him and the political system that produced him” Q: What motivated you to concentrate on the political economy and policy aspects of the Obama presidency for your research?

Dr. Peschek: Obama was elected in 2008 on a message of “Change,” and that particular year was also a time of economic recession. I wanted to see to what extent was he able to bring about change and what economic policies did he have in place in order to do so. I also wanted to concentrate on the significance of his policies and, if change was implemented, to what extent did he live up to his campaign platform of change in America. His supporters overestimated the extent to which President Obama was going to change the economic policies in place previously. If one looks at his advisors and his approach to things, he has a much more moderate, middle-of- the-road approach, rather than a progressive one. I think a majority of people, mainly his supporters, were overly enthusiastic and expected that he was going to fundamentally break with the rules of the system.

Q: You briefly discussed the challenges of corporate power in a capitalist society by stating concepts of “demand constraint” and “resource constraint.” What is the significance of the two?

In a capitalist economy where the growth of the economy depends on private investments and decisions of corporations, political leaders tend to be very sensitive about doing anything that will undercut business confidence. In the case of President Obama, quite often he will criticize, but overall, he will reassure the business industry that he is neither anti-business, nor anti-corporations.

Those are two concepts that try to explain why corporations have power in our system. The demand constraint theory implies that corporate and business interests are always considered first in a capitalist economy, whereas resource constraint explains the difficulty of ordinary citizens with few resources to have their interests implemented into public policy. The negative aspect of resource constraint is the power corporations and the wealthy hold.

Q: In your article, you stated that ordinary citizens operate under severe resource constraints in having their interests translated into policy. Do you think this is still the case in what is supposed to be a democratic state?

Yes. Lobbyists and interest groups have a tremendous amount of impact on the policymaking aspect of government. The health care reform and some aspects of the legislation were certainly compromised due to the inability to gain votes. The public option that was secluded from the bill prior to passage was seen as a victory for private insurance companies and corporations whose interest lies in the business. It is not to say that both systems are not compatible, necessarily, but I do not agree that capitalism entails democracy. Historically, capitalism and democracy have been at odds with each other. Capitalism itself creates a tremendous amount of economic inequality and social inequality.

Q: You mentioned the concept of “Neoliberalism” quite often. Do you believe that Obama has overall practiced Neoliberalist policies or upheld it throughout his term?

To some extent, Neoliberalism applies to a free market approach. The so-called “Neoliberalism” has been an ideology that crosses both Republican and Democratic administrations. The context for this is the worldwide economic crisis of 2008. Some people saw it as a problem of Neoliberalism. My answer to this is, partially he has, but not fully.

The Obama administration certainly used the power of the federal government to save an economic crisis through continuing the bailouts of the financial industries, by helping to prompt out the auto industry and also through the economic stimulus packages, which was probably one of the most progressive aspects of Obama’s response. However, I do concur that Obama is caught in the middle in a sense that Republicans are quite resistant to his progressive approaches. The country has moved in directions that reveal at least as much continuity with as departures from the record of his predecessor.

Q: What do you think are the main causes of the 2008 Wall Street crisis, and how do you think President Obama handled the crisis?

I am certainly not an economist, but the crisis has its roots in the previous years, where there had been several risky financial instruments that were developed by Wall Street.

The other factor was the housing market that became greatly over-inflated. The so-called “Housing Bubble” was about to burst, and people should have recognized it earlier. It was almost like a house of cards. Once things started unraveling, the housing market starting to go down, and many realized that it was a serious crisis. In my article, my case studies included the stimulus package, financial reform and health care. From all three, I mentioned that the least change was in the financial sector. There has not been a qualitative reform on how the financial industry works.

HAMLINE EVENTS TUESDAY, FEB. 26 Gospel Choir Final Performance ANDC 111 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27 Pariahs of Politics: Firsts in History - LGBTQIA in Politics ANDC 304 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 28

PHOTO | COURTESY OF HAMLINE UNIVERSITY Political Science Professor Joseph Peschek.

Q: Do you believe that many progressive individuals who voted for Obama applaud his policies as President or condemn them?

President Obama’s progressive supporters believed in his message of “Change.” To some extent, he has driven away from certain conservative ideologies and policies, but many progressives want to see more change, and they certainly want him to take a sharper break from the era of George Bush. However, I do not believe that his supporters should get their hopes up; they should not have expected drastic changes during his presidency. The American people must also understand the way power operates within the system, and then we would certainly understand why there would not be radical changes in policies with the current administration.

Q: You mentioned the Health Care bill several times. Do you believe that it was a victory for progressives or a loss?

Yes, it is one of the most important pieces of social policy legislation in modern American history, and it does have several progressive features, in terms of who will receive coverage.

However, it is flawed and compromised, precisely because of the reasons I mentioned in my article, such as the trade-offs. The concessions that were made to health insurance companies also assure us that several parts of the legislation were not in place in order to assure the bill will pass. There are many steps to take before we have [a] rational health care system in this country; we have yet to have a national health care policy and [are] certainly awaiting if that is ever a possibility.

On Nov. 6, 2012, President Obama was reelected president of the United States. Many progressive supporters are still hoping for a change in policies. His second term as president will certainly determine whether Obama’s policies will reflect as much change as he has promised supporters during his campaign.

Faithiest Reading Group: Common Ground Between Religious and Nonreligious People GLC 138S 11:20 a.m. - 12:40 p.m.

Off-Campus Housing Fair ANDC 111/112 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1 International Roundtable Series - “Gentile Bellini’s Excellent Turkish Adventure: Nuances in the Function of Renaissance Italian Portraiture” GLC 1S 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

First Friday Forum - “Talking About the Tough Times: Right Words, Wrong Words, Words of Hope” Klas Commons, ANDC 12 - 1 p.m.

Hamline Theater Department presents: Metamorphoses Anne Simley Theatre 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 2 Hamline Theater Department presents: Metamorphoses Anne Simley Theatre 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 3 Catalyst Benefit Dodgeball Tournament Walker Fieldhouse 2:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 4

ANDERSON CENTER

Multifaith Alliance: Time Student Center Chapel 5 p.m.

Coverings installed on controversial stairs

Safe Zone Training ANDC 305 1 p.m.

Student center staircase recieves requested modifications.

To have your event featured in the events box, e-mail us at editor@hamlineoracle.com

Preston Dhols-Graf Editor in Chief Much-anticipated modifications were made to the Anderson Center’s controversial stairs last Friday. After testing out several possible patterns of magnetic riser coverings, a design with strips of small diagonal holes was adopted. Although there are still holes, they are much more spread out, so as to make it much more difficult to see anything through the stairs from underneath. Also, every second step has a fully covered riser to further break up the view.

Although the changes were only made to the first to second floor staircase at time of print, the second to third floor staircase will soon be similarly modified, according to building management.

Dean of Students Alan Sickbert has worked with members of the Hamline community, the Facilities plant, Anderson Center management and the building’s architect since the stairs issue was originally brought to light.

“I am appreciative of the staff in the Anderson Center and the Physical plant for listening to student concerns about the stairs and responding with a solution within a responsible time frame,” Sickbert wrote in an email.

Those who originally called for changes to the stairs were gratified by the changes.

“I’m really pleased that we had some re-

sponse to our concerns before the end of the semester,” said Women’s Studies Professor and Head of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) Kristin Mapel Bloomberg. “I’d really like to thank Dean Sickbert for his continued communication with us throughout the process, and for his continuing support of our concerns.”

WRC worker sophomore Morgan Schams voiced similar sentiments.

“I’m glad to see that it’s in progress and things are being done, and I hope this progress will continue with the requests we made,” Schams said.

The coverings are considered to be a permanent solution, and further additions are being considered, according to Anderson Center management.

Whimsy 5

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Crossword 1

2

3

4

5

6

12

7

by editorial staff 8

9

13

15

16

21

22

23

26

28

29

33

48

49

24

27

30

34

37

32

17

19

25

36

11

14

18

20

10

31

35

38

39

42

40

41

43

44

45

50

51

54

55

46

47

52

53

56

Visit hamlineoracle.com to view puzzle solutions.

Deadline march 4 t 3FDPHOJ[JOH PVUTUBOEJOH MFBEFSTIJQ BOE DPOUSJCVUJPOT PG TUVEFOUT GBDVMUZ BOE TUBÄŠ BU )BNMJOF XIP IBWF HPOF BCPWF BOE CFZPOE UP NBLF )BNMJOF BOE UIF XPSME B CFUUFS QMBDF

Across 1. Plenty 6. Arthur of "Golden Girls" 9. Outdated internet 12. Poetry competitions 13. Everything 14. Preppy teenage clothier, abbr.

15. Sunfish, crappies, perch etc.

17. Sudden sharp feelings of pain or emotion 18. Years old 19. Continental federation of 27 states, abbr.

20. Can be slivered or made into butter 23. Flour sieve 25. Ghostly utterance 26. Parent's sister 28. Central European waterway 29. More than one wishes to hear, abbr.

30. A group of two 34. Hamline plan category for letter "W" 35. What Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" almost shot out 36. The state of a zombie 39. Island of huge heads 42. Synonym for Greek goddess Demeter 43. Someone's habits or manner of working, abbr.

44. David Tennant or Matt Smith, for short 46. Ancient king of Nile region 50. The first fruit-eater 51. Archaic European unit of measurement 53. Link's damsel in distress 54. Dalek unit of time, roughly equivalent to one second 55. U.S. Department of Justice's narcotic grp.

56. _____ Lied, Japanese manga/anime series and poem title (German for "Elf Song")

Down 1. Venomous serpent 2. Academic citation style 3. Fairytale faun flutist 4. Party rocking musical group 5. To autograph a student loan online?

6. Prefix of "humbug!"

7. Public transit train in windy city, for short 8. A single central european mountain 9. French painter Édouard 10. A transition, in music, film or conversation 11. High performance auto system or energy drink 16. State of a surgery patient 20. Honest president 21. Digital laughter 22. Minecraft villain, or torch & pitchfork-wielding group 23. Indirectly mocking or derogatory 24. Computer concerned dept.

27. "Kill Bill" Thurman 31. Adverb meaning thus far 32. Sailor's affirmative 33. Slang alternative to "duh" 34. CA metropolis 36. Livestock mammary gland 37. Sensitive fiber, or something you can have a lot of 38. A wooden peg or cylinder 40. To astonish or take breath away 41. Snow boot brand 45. British English dictionary, abbr.

46. Military arm of Communist Party of China, abbr.

47. Acronym-derived nickname for 80s TV extraterrestrial 48. Lyrical stanza, one famously written "to Joy" 49. Chewbacca's partner 52. In French, masculine article alternative to "la"

Leo says to submit Wesley Award nominations now!

t )BNMJOF T IJHIFTU IPOPS t BXBSET XJMM CF QSFTFOUFE .BZ

Nominations for

John Wesley Awards are now being accepted

'PS NPSF JOGPSNBUJPO PO UIF TFMFDUJPO QSPDSFTT BOE UP PCUBJO OPNJOBUJPO GPSNT QMFBTF WJTJU XXX IBNMJOF FEV XFTMFZBXBSET 4VCNJU OPNJOBUJPOT UP TUVEFOUBÄŠBJST!IBNMJOF FEV JO QFSTPO BU UIF %FBO PG 4UVEFOUT 0Ä‹DF JO #VTI 4UVEFOU $FOUFS PS NBJM .4 $

6 A&E

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

WORLD MUSIC

PHOTOS | PRESTON DHOLS-GRAF, ORACLE -FGU )BNMJOF WJPMJO JOTUSVDUPS (JOOB 8BUTPO MFBET UIF mSTU *SJTI +BN 4FTTJPO 3JHIU GSPN MFGU UP SJHIU 4PQIPNPSF +BOB 3PBDI BOE mSTU ZFBST .BSUIB .D%FSNPUU BOE 3BDIFM 4DINJUU mEEMF PVU *SJTI UVOFT

Traditional Irish tunes take new shape The Irish Jam Session offers Hamline community members the opportunity to explore and reinterpret traditional Irish music.

Alyse Emanuel A&E Editor

T

26

Eric Bibb and Habib Koite Dakota Jazz Club t Q N

5 A hand-picked selection of the best Twin Cities music concerts and events

Dan Croll UI 4U &OUSZ t Q N

For those Hamline community members kind of an experiment. Just start it and see with a hearty appreciation for jigs and what happens.� reels, your opportunity has finally arrived.

An Irish music ensemble in particular Ginna Watson, a Hamline violin would offer students of all levels a unique instructor for the past six years, held the opportunity to play a different style of first Irish Jam Session at Hamline last music, according to Watson.

Thursday as an opportunity to share her “I thought it would be a great thing to knowledge about Irish music with others do because it’s just a great form of music, who have a similar enthusiasm for the and it’s very accessible to a lot of people,� genre.

Watson said. “I love Irish music, and I think Currently, the group “I want to that a lot of my students, both is comprised of mainly share the my class violin students and my fiddle players, but Watson private students, have talked about tunes that is hoping to get more that they really enjoy it,� Watson instrumentalists and even said. “I want to share the tunes that I know and vocalists involved. The I know and learn more tunes, and session welcomes playlearn more this is a good way to do it.� ers of any level who play According to Watson, she had virtually any instrument— tunes, and noticed that there was a general from penny whistles to this is a interest among her students in bodhrans—and previous traditional Irish music and no opgood way to involvement in music at tions around campus to capitalize Hamline is not necessary. do it.� on that. “I would like to expand “I’ve run into a lot of students this to people beyond the Ginna Watson that have a lot of musical abilimusic department. So if Violin instructor ties and talents. There are a lot of there are people out there people who would like to particiin the Hamline commupate in some way, but maybe there isn’t an nity who are interested in doing it, or even organized ensemble for them to perform voice, I have some really nice Irish songs in or just to play in,� Watson said. “So it’s that I think would be fun,� Watson said.

W

27

Dada Trash Collage ,JUUZ $BU ,MVC 'SFF t Q N

T

28

The Blind Shake 5VSG $MVC t Q N

6 Word of the Day XNDO UVNCMS DPN 'SFF t .JEOJHIU

F

1

batteryboy $FEBS $VMUVSBM $FOUFS t Q N

7 Cynthia Hopkins .D(VJSF 5IFBUFS t Q N

8 Jukebox the Ghost 'JOF -JOF t Q N

S

2

Healing Records Winterfest 5IF $BCPP[F t Q N

Watson’s openness about the group doesn’t stop at instrumentation. “This doesn’t have to be traditional.

The tunes are great, and they work on their own in any way, I think,� Watson said. “We can just kind of come up with our own versions. I’m just kind of open to experiments.�

Watson is also open to incorporating traditional and nontraditional methods of learning tunes into the session. “I want to do maybe a combination of learning tunes by ear, and maybe we might use music for some, but if there are people who play by ear and don’t read music, that’s fine,� Watson said. “If there are beginners, that’s fine. There will be something for them.�

In addition to teaching at Hamline, Watson also plays fiddle and harp in the internationally acclaimed Rose Ensemble and with the Irish singer Katie McMahon, one of the original members of the Irish group Riverdance.

The Irish Jam Session is currently looking into performance opportunities at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill, The Center for Irish Music, Ginkgo Coffeehouse and more. The group meets on Thursday evenings from 5-6 p.m. in Drew Fine Arts 222.

S

3

Reina del Cid %VOO #SPT PO (SBOE "WF 'SFF t Q N

9 Alternative Motion Project 4PVUIFSO 5IFBUFS t Q N

10 Venus in Fur (last show) +VOHMF 5IFBUFS t Q N

M

4

Autre Ne Veut 5SJQMF 3PDL t Q N

11 Schubert Club 0SEXBZ .VTJD 5IFBUFS t Q N

A&E 7

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

THEATER

Metamorphoses hits the stage swimming Upcoming play features Hamline actors, a directorial debut and a pool of water.

Gabby Landsverk Senior Reporter Hamline’s Theater Department is kicking off their spring season with a splash—literally: the upcoming production of “Metamorphoses� has actors submerged in a pool of water, and audience members may get wet.

Adapted from Ovid’s poem of the same name by playwright Mary Zimmerman, the show is a series of brief vignettes focusing on various human and divine characters in Greek mythology.

It is senior lecturer Kaori Kenmotsu’s directorial debut at Hamline. True to Kenmotsu’s background as a choreographer, the play relies heavily on movement, but stops short of becoming a formal dance, Kenmotsu said. “[Movement] is the best medium that I can tell a story in as a choreographer,�

Kenmotsu said.

For this reason, she explained, the play was selected for its sparse, kinesthetic language. “Basically the play is the poem,� Kenmotsu said, adding that this allows actors to express themselves physically as well as verbally.

Cast members also said that movement is central to their roles in “Metamorphoses,� as each actor plays different characters from scene to scene. “You need to find ways to move like completely different people,�first-year Joe Bolling said.

Sophomore Briana Libby agreed, adding that this is challenging to accomplish during only a single scene. “You don’t have a ton of time to establish the characters, so you have to do it right away,� Libby said. “[It’s] incredibly motion based.�

Adding to the challenge of this process is the several feet of water that is central to the set. Cast members agreed that the water was often the best and worst part of working on the show, as they were forced to learn how to stay in character and move gracefully both in and out of the water. “Incorporating the water into every

-thing has been challenging as well as really interesting,� senior Bre’elle Erickson said.

Libby and Bolling agreed, as did Kenmotsu, who explained that the water was added to the set recently; previously, the cast had been taking weekly field trips to local pools in order to practice moving through and interacting with the water. In spite of the relatively short time they’ve had with the set, Kenmotsu said that the cast is meeting the challenges head-on. “It’s been wonderful to see the risks that they’ve been taking in the pool,� Kenmotsu said.

Not only the actors, but also the audience is expected to immerse themselves metaphorically and literally in “Metamorphoses,� Kenmotsu added. “The audience is so close to the action,�

Kenmotsu said.

Erickson agreed, adding that experiencing the water is as unavoidable to the audience as it is to the actors. “The water is an essential part of the show; the water is almost another character,� Erickson said. “There’s definitely going to be a splash zone in the front row where you may get wet.�

Along with contributing to the play’s movement and aesthetics, water is important to the play’s themes, which are as fluid and transformative as its title suggests, according to Kenmotsu. “They’re all about the idea of transformation, and the idea of how love and human emotion transforms people,� Kenmotsu said. Although this is the central theme of the play, Kenmotsu explained that each scene offers a different perspective. “I’m trying to find different lenses and ways of looking at all the different stories [together],�

Kenmotsu said.

An additional layer of meaning is added by the music, composed by sophomore Andrew Brady who has been deeply involved in the rest of the creative process. “A lot of what you hear is...the inevitability haunting different characters,� Brady said, describing how fate is another underlying theme throughout the play’s narrative arc.

These undercurrents of humanity and emotion, transition and change combine with the production’s technical components

PHOTOS | JAKE POMEROY, ORACLE 5IF TFU PG i.FUBNPSQIPTFTw GFBUVSFT B QPPM PG XBUFS VUJMJ[FE CZ BDUPST UISPVHIPVU UIF TIPX to create a truly innovative experience, according to the cast. “I hope [Hamline students] see what theater can be...that it’s this really experimental, transforming art,� Libby said. “I’ve grown incredible amounts as a performer from this production.�

Other performers agreed that the show pushed them to reach outside their comfort zone. “It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before,� Erickson said.

Brady echoed Erickson’s opinion.

“It’s going to be a very unique experience,� Brady said.

In that case, the audience may find, as the actors have, that metamorphoses aren’t limited to the stage, and the transformation of the characters just might mirror their own. “Metamorphoses� opens March 1 at 7:30 p.m. and continues March 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee showing on March 1:00 p.m. The Theatre Department recommends reserving tickets early, as seating will be limited.

8 Opinion

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Staff Editorial

SPEAKOUT

Are you voting in the HUSC election?

Why or why not?

Kimberly Tran First-Year

Kayla Skoglund Sophomore

Jesse Mamaril Sophomore

Chitayen Vue First-Year

“I’m in HUSC, so I think it’s important to support those running. Student government is the voice representing the students, so voting for the right candidates ensures that everyone’s opinions will be heard.”

“Yes, because I want somebody responsible who’ll do their job correctly.”

“I like both of the candidates, so I’m still figuring out who I am voting for.”

“Yeah, I’m definitely voting, because there are changes I want to see happen.”

AP out of style

T

he Associated Press (AP) just came out with a few dramatic changes to their style guide. Since The Oracle follows AP style, this affects us — and you, the people who read our paper.

The word “homophobia” has been banned because it suggests “mental disability” or “illness,” and therefore should not be placed in a “political or social” context. Instead, AP suggests the use of “anti-gay.” Two other words, “Islamophobia” and “ethnic cleansing,” were also banned.

AP claims they are doing this to remain “precise and accurate and neutral.” We at The Oracle don’t see how this change reflects the objective stance which AP style supposedly holds dear.

This matters. Whoever coined that famous “sticks and stones” phrase probably never realized the power of words, such as in this example. Since the AP style is the industry standard for journalism, readers will rarely be seeing the word “homophobia” in print from now on. That stretches into daily thought, everyday discourse, and even into our own minds. Words can definitely hurt you; ask a psychologist about it.

Most national media we surveyed also stands against this change. Michelangelo Signorile of The Huffington Post wrote, “By banning the word [homophobia] the AP does exactly what it seemed to be trying to avoid: backing an agenda and taking a side.”

Many journalists focused on the inanity of such a literal take on the suffix “-phobia.” Nathaniel Frank of Slate put it best when he explained, “The ‘mental illness’ part is surely too literal—no one accuses arachnophobes of needing an asylum.” A few other writers think the change won’t matter. Doug Fisher, professor at University of Southern California, described it as “trying to stop sand in the desert.” In his view, homophobia as a word is already too ingrained in the national lexicon.

The AP is not going to single-handedly change that. They’ve overstepped their boundaries of power. And why? That’s a question The Oracle wonders, as does Stef Wilenchek, Hamline’s Assistant Director of Gender and Sexual Orientation Initiatives.

“I don’t know what the intention of the AP is in doing this,” Wilenchek said. “Is it to fall in line with social pressures? Is it good intention in trying to sound more correct in language?”

We’re not sure. And the AP doesn’t seem ready to talk about it, completely blacking it out from their “AP in the News” section of their website, despite the repeated national coverage and public statements to Politico.

Sure, language isn’t a gun, but that doesn’t mean language doesn’t wield power. Language formulates the way people think, the way societies develop opinions and the way our worldview takes on its contemporary form. Wilenchek had the same idea on this that we had.

“In terms of shifting a culture in favor of any marginalized group, language is such a big part of that shift,” Wilenchek said.

With the AP’s rather sudden and arbitrary shift away from the word “homophobia” to “anti-gay,” they are also suddenly and arbitrarily shifting power from the LGBTQIA community to the homoph—er —“anti-gay” crowd (wow, sorry if we offended you, bigots).

We at The Oracle find their “mental illness” reasoning to be outrageous. Phobia is not used by people in that context very often. In the Oxford English Dictionary, “-phobia” is defined as a suffix for “forming nouns with the sense ‘fear of —’, ‘aversion to —.’” Therefore, homophobia is defined as the “fear or hatred of homosexuals and homosexuality.” AP’s definition of “phobia” fits in a little too conveniently, like clever lawyers twisting words to protect guilty clients. And yes, we assert — the anti-gays are very guilty of bigotry.

The response some journalists have is: too bad. They’re not going to bend. And we’re not going to bend at The Oracle. “Homophobia” is here to stay, as a word, and, unfortunately, as a reality for many.

The AP is not going to change that by banning it from their wire service. This banning flies in the face of many well-respected news outlets, from small college newspapers to nationally syndicated magazines. It’s a mistake that has put a dent in the Associated Press’s national reputation and influence, and one which they will surely come to regret.

We want to hear from you. Letters must be 450 words

or less, include submitter’s full name and graduation year (when applicable), be submitted electronically at least three days before publication and must also include contact information. The Oracle reserves the right to edit or withhold publication of letters. The content of the Opinion section does not necessarily reflect the views of the staff.

E-mail submissions to: editor@hamlineoracle.com With questions, contact: Drew Science 106 or x2268

PHOTOS | ANDREW MAAS, ORACLE

Unpacking Black History Month The mentality of the many black people who did not want Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Minnesota during the 1960s is the same attitude of many blacks in 2013.

Larry Tucker, a 74-year-old North Minneapolis resident and businessman (he was the appraiser for the land where Target Field now sits) and Mr. Ronald A. Edwards, 73 — a historian, author and columnist for Minnesota’s oldest black newspaper, The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder — both tell a story about what happened in the early 1960s when the late Martin Luther King, Jr. planned to visit Minnesota. Many Negroes in Minnesota told Martin Luther King, Jr. and his people they did not need him in Minnesota; blacks in the state were doing just fine.

They did not want King’s visit to stir up the good white folks. Ironically, some of these folks went to Morehouse College with King and ended up living in the Twin Cities.

Their claim was that Minnesota did not have the same problems Mississippi had. If a challenge arose during this era, black Minnesotans and sympathetic whites would fill streets along with clergy, college students and community leaders in an effort to protest the wrongs they felt were unjust.

On Dec. 20, 2012, Minneapolis Police beat a 22-year-old college student by the name of Demario Booker into a coma. As Mr. Booker laid in his hospital bed at North Memorial Hospital, the police officers involved in the beating denied family members access to the young man who needed several plates surgically inserted into his face and head. Silence followed.

Not one word about this incident took place within black academic circles. The president of the Minneapolis Urban League, Mr. Scott Gray, said, “I didn’t know about it.

I didn’t see it on television.”

Local media, including WCCOTV, Star Tribune and FOX 9 News, had detailed information about the beating but still refused to air

any details. WCCO-TV went as far as to record an interview done by reporter Reg Chapman that was never aired, according to Mr. Booker’s attorney Mike Padden, who also confirmed he spoke with producers at Fox 9 News and a senior reporter at the Star Tribune about his client’s beating. If we as a black community are dependent on the mainstream media for our news, we will be sent back to the days of “whites only” drinking fountains and bathrooms; surprisingly, without any advanced notice. The silence of black flagship organizations, students on college campuses and community members on Booker’s beating was reminiscent of those who rejected King and others like him in the early 1960s.

‘Silence is what makes events like Black History Month problematic. While it might be okay in some places to celebrate it with song, dance and fashion reviews inside academia, there should be a greater calling by people who are being trained for leadesrship roles.’

To remain silent and stay far away from controversial subject matter in an effort to please the status quo is a death sentence for future black leaders.

While some hide under the cloak of an illusionary mask ready to strike down any person who would bring public attention to the

DON ALLEN abandonment of the black tragedy, they fail to realize that at one time people gave their lives so we can freely walk on college campuses.

But now something has happened.

Pride is now replaced by a need to look and be like the status quo.

Silence is what makes events like Black History Month problematic. While it might be okay in some places to celebrate it with song, dance and fashion reviews inside academia, there should be a greater calling by people who are being trained for leadership roles.

Where is the call to action? Once again, the songs and dance of Jim Crow win. The systemic issues and the philosophy of the black tragedy, meaning where we are now, where we have been and what the future holds, has concerns that need to be talked about and addressed in the public sphere. Shamefulness becomes one of the many problematic challenges within black address.

W.E.B. Dubois once said, “We black folk may help for we have within us as a race new stirrings; stirrings of the beginning of a new appreciation of joy, of a new desire to create, of a new will to be; as though in this morning of group life we had awakened from some sleep that at once dimly mourns the past and dreams a splendid future, and there has come the conviction that the youth that is here today, the Negro youth, is a different kind of youth, because in some new way it bears this mighty prophecy on its breast, with a new realization of itself, with new determination for all mankind.”

Black History cannot be a month-long celebration of what a few think about blackness, only to be packed away until next February.

Opinion 9

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Time to vote for HUSC president.

Who will it be?

STEVEN ROTCHADL Once again, my story starts in the library, where the campus losers metaphorically high five each other over inside jokes. Digging through mountains of dilapidated reference tomes on presidential campaigns for a history paper, I see a girl with a “Yakasah & Josh for HUSC” sticker on her folder. So I sauntered up next to her and asked: “Why are you giving Yakasah and Josh your vote for HUSC President & Vice-President?”

“I’m not,” she answered. “They just gave me this sticker.” She desperately scrambled up her homework and ran away from me. * * * * * Voter apathy is nothing new. We’re all familiar with the dad who votes Romney simply because of his luscious hair or the soccer mom who supports Hillary because she cried on TV in New Hampshire.

To be fair, this HUSC campaign has the most participation I’ve ever witnessed for a Hamline election, but certainly, plenty of apathy will always hang overhead.

So after thinking this campaign through and through, I’ve come to a conclusion about which side the average apathetic student should support. For all the apathetic voters out there, here’s some apathetically reasoned points to guide your apathy sort of in one direction just in case you decide to vote, maybe.

First, let’s define this campaign in a sentence. So unfair, I know, but that’s how the real world works.

People vote for people because they give them stickers.

Here it is: Dolan-Conliffe represent well-documented experience and knowledge; Wehyee-Wood represent the unrepresented.

Lucas Dolan and Corbin Conliffe have a much more impressive political resume than their opponents. I think most of us would be terrified to go up against them in a competitive job search. Just read the “about us” note on their campaign’s Facebook page to see for yourself.

But does an impressive political resume equate to impressive qualifications for HUSC leadership? I’m not so sure. Weyhee and Wood have proven their leadership in ways that are less documented. They might not “know” HUSC, but they do know the Multicultural Alliance and other aspects of Hamline University. If we want HUSC to change, why would we elect the people already entrenched within it (Dolan-Conliffe)?

The Dolan-Conliffe campaign has already anticipated this argument, and they make a good rebuttal on Facebook: “Experienced leadership does not mean maintaining the status quo,” they write. “It means having a better understanding of what is required for change.”

That’s a good point. Wehyee-Wood might be more connected to the general student body because of their participation in orgs, and they might have concocted some great schemes to fix things, but do these schemes keep in mind the logistics of how to make change happen? If Weyhee and Wood were elected, they’d have a substantial HUSC learning curve ahead of them. Dolan and Conliffe know how to actually make the change happen through their experience in HUSC. And they list specific examples.

But then you could say the opposite too. WehyeeWood have experience with other things that Dolan-

Conliffe do not, such as the previously mentioned Multicultural Alliance orgs. Will Dolan-Conliffe actually step outside of their HUSC comfort zone like they purport they will? Once again, politics runs in circles. * * * * * Circles: that’s exactly “it” with politics. That’s the fundamental issue we’ve been grappling with for years.

We’re bored of politics, and we’re bored of being represented by politicians because we’re fundamentally bored of all these circles, endless arguments breeding endless apathy.

Therein lies the answer to which campaign the average apathetic student should support.

Despite the well-reasoned and rational examples to support Dolan-Conliffe, I just can’t support a campaign so obviously entrenched in legislative society.

Lucas Dolan interns at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

On the other hand, Josh Wood likes OccupyMN on his Facebook. Call me delusional or call that fact irrelevant, but I gain a lot of respect for people who recognize the change that social movements like Occupy are capable of. Go ahead, criticize me. It’s not a rational, cited-with-footnotes, outlined, step-by-step reason to support Wehyee-Wood. I get that.

And that’s sort of the point. It’s time to break away from all the resumes and spreadsheets, starting with the liberal arts college presidential campaign. One small step will lead to another.

Take a step back, connect with people — you know, actually connect with people — to see how they feel, not how they think. In the words of anthropologist Michael Taussig, “politics as aesthetics is back.”

Democracy often serves as a barrier, a concrete wall of specialized discourse erected between humans which, as a language, distances us from our collective emotions. So why grow our dependence on it? Why continue to elect people who specialize in this field of reason, in this style of discourse? Why not elect people from our own generation’s contemporary social battlegrounds, like the Multicultural Alliance or, more broadly — and years down the road — the Occupy Movement?

The time has come to represent the unrepresented.

That’s why, personally, I support Wehyee-Wood for this HUSC election.

But I’m just one person, with one reason. Maybe the other campaign gave you a sticker, and that’s convincing enough. Reasons are reasons, blah blah blah. Sure, taking sides is important, but the most important lesson from this year’s HUSC election is this: apathy is on the way out. That’s the trend on campus.

From criticisms of the Anderson Center construction to the protests over the marriage amendment nostance, Hamline’s apathy is shrinking quite quickly. The increased participation in this presidential campaign is yet another testament to that trend. No matter what happens, I applaud both campaigns for a job well done.

You have an actively engaged audience in the student body. In four years, I’ve never seen HUSC accomplish that feat. These four leaders at Hamline have reminded us all why we came here in the first place.

WILL YOU BE HERE NEXT YEAR? We’re looking for non-senior columnists!

YOUR NAME

Apply @ DSC 106

STEVE MERINO Spring semester is well underway, and for Hamline’s graduating seniors — myself included — it’s time to start worrying about life as a post-grad.

For some this means continuing their education to pursue a masters or Ph.D., yet for many, graduation brings on the terrifying reality of entering the workforce. For some of Hamline’s graduating students, this isn’t so terrifying. However, for students like myself, the thought of graduating pushes my stress level to the maximum. Not only will we be saying farewell to the friends we have made over the past four years, but we will also be leaving behind the college student lifestyle. Or perhaps not.

In my experience, the college lifestyle has been characterized by a few key aspects: long hours in a quiet area, activism, and (at times) too much alcohol.

Realistically, all three of these things are bound to change upon graduation, but not necessarily so. The solution to continuing that typical college lifestyle is grad school.

But for many students, that isn’t something they can see themselves tackling at this point in their lives for a variety of reasons, whether it be lack of experience or uncertainty about what exactly they want to do with their lives. Without the prospect of continuing their education, grads are left with — the way I see it — only a few options.

Obviously we all have to get a job at some point (that’s just part of being a good American).

We can either head into some drone job, by which I mean a job solely to pay the bills (and let’s be honest: there will be bills), or find a job that is centered around activism and creating a better world in the States or abroad.

Being the type of person who is easily frustrated by routine and mindless activity, I am quick to advocate for a life of little money and large societal benefits. The way I see it was best described to me the first time I saw Cameron Crowe’s 1989 film Say Anything when main character Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) proclaims, “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to

It’s all about the jobs sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed.” The first time I heard these words I was a little confused, but after thinking about them a little more, I realized that I shared the same mentality about my post-college desires.

This is easier said than done.

Currently, I am in the process of applying to low-paying, serviceoriented jobs here in the States and will soon be applying to equally low-paying and serviceoriented jobs abroad. However, this plan does come with a list (and quite a lengthy one at that) of setbacks. First, for most of these service type jobs, student loans can be deferred, but during that time, the interest still racks up. Second, if you are to take a do-gooder type job abroad or in any state other than Minnesota, the cost of relocation is not cheap: think airfare, apartment, etc. Lastly, while most of the service jobs abroad offer pay, many of them also require what they term as a program fee in addition to airfare, which means upfront charges are between $2,000 and $5,000.

So where does this leave us?

The other day, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine. We tend to think very differently about how to structure our lives, so when I told her that I was going to apply to as many places as possible and hope I get into many of them, she just stared at me. I explained how I want to have options and be able to choose the one that is the most financially responsible and, at the same time, emotionally rewarding. Her response to that was, “I’m just going abroad.”

I can’t think like that, not with a mountain of debt constantly knocking on my door. I am at a crossroads: either I take some lifeless job with the hope of being able to do what I truly want in a few years, or just going for it, jumping head first into the mysterious waters of a life of service. The latter seems like the more rewarding option, and let’s be real, what’s life but a gamut of uncertainty?

‘We can either head into some drone job, by which I mean a job solely to pay the bills (and let’s be honest: there will be bills), or find a job that is centered around activism and creating a better world in the States or abroad.’

10 Sports

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

MEN’S HOCKEY

Young team learns from season Hockey players look to bounce back next year after a season that failed to live up to expectations.

Sarah Schneekloth Reporter Two years ago, the Hamline men’s hockey team was one of the best in the country. Last year, the team finished 10-14-2 and lost in the first round of playoffs. The assumption at the beginning of this season was that Hamline men’s hockey would be in the playoff hunt again.

“The expectations of the team at the beginning of the year were high. We were ranked fifth in the preseason poll in the MIAC I believe, which is the middle of the pack, but a playoff team,” first-year forward Brandon Zurn said.

By the time winter break rolled around, the hockey season was half over, and the men still hadn’t found their first win.

“The focus of the team changed right after Christmas break,” Zurn said. “We knew we were a young, inexperienced team with only two seniors, so we began to focus more on developing the younger players, and our goals really changed from making the playoffs to being a spoiler team.”

Being a spoiler team meant the men were looking to get as many wins as they could to steal points away from teams that were fighting to make the playoffs.

Their second game back, they found what would be their one and only win of the season against St. Thomas.

Junior goaltender Matt Hemingway clinched the win for the Pipers with a 33-save shutout, but the Tommies didn’t give up without a fight. The lone goal came after 64:29

minutes of play. The game-winning overtime goal was scored by junior Zach Johnson and assisted by sophomore defenseman Joe Rubbelke and Zurn.

The men ended their 2012-2013 season with a record of 1-19-5.

“Obviously, the year didn't go the way we wanted or expected it to,” Rubbelke said.

Although the team’s season may not have gone the way they liked this year, Zurn and Rubbelke both put up big numbers of their own.

“I always expect a lot out of myself,” Rubbelke said. “Coming off a good freshman year, I wanted to be able to carry that over into this season to help our team win.”

Not only did Rubbelke lead the Pipers in points this season, but he led all MIAC defensemen with most points per game at 0.84.

Playing solid defense and aggressive offense is a mix most players have trouble balancing, but Rubbelke takes it one stride at a time.

“Obviously there are times in games when the defense comes first and is more important, and I focus on just that, but I am going to get involved in the offense as much as possible,” Rubbelke said.

Having a defenseman step up in the offensive zone can be a risky play. If an opponent gets around him, it will likely lead to a good scoring chance.

“I try to pick and choose the right times to get involved and create offensive opportunities,” Rubbelke said.

Zurn also focused on playing tough on both ends of the ice. With eight goals and 12 assists (including one on the game-winner), Zurn led his team with goals and was second in total points behind Rubbelke. But the most impressive stat lies hidden, a +1 rating.

When a player is on the ice during an evenstrength goal that their team scores, they get a

+1, but when they are on the defensive side at even strength when the puck goes in the net, a point gets subtracted. On a team that was outscored 75 to 29 during even strength play, that is a feat no other Piper can claim this season.

Zurn said he was shocked to see his +1 rating at the end of the season because he has always seen himself as a player that puts up points and not necessarily as a defensive player.

“Whenever I'm on the ice and in the defensive zone, I try to make sure I'm in a good position. We worked on defensive zone a lot in practice, and I feel like that improved my play on the ice,” Zurn said. “I also have to credit my line mates Grant Fahnhorst and Kevin Novakovich because they were a big help to my +1 rating on the ice.”

Rubbelke is excited for a fresh start next year, but he won’t completely erase this season from his memory.

“Our motivation is going to come from being the last place team in the MIAC and trying to get back to the top. That will be in the back of our minds all offseason and help us strive to get better,” Rubbelke said.

Zurn has similar goals for next season.

“I'm looking to win some games and make playoffs next season,” Zurn said. “This season was definitely not a memorable one, but our team is very close, and we will never quit.”

The hockey team loses two seniors this season. With a young, talented core, the Pipers are ready to come back fighting next season.

“We are looking forward to getting Hamline hockey back to the top of the MIAC,” Rubbelke said.

Zurn and Rubbelke both see a bright future for their young team.

“Hamline hockey will be on the rise again,” Zurn said.

“We knew we were a young, inexperienced team with only two seniors, so we began to focus more on developing the younger players, and our goals really changed from making the playoffs to being a spoiler team.”

Brandon Zurn First-year

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Playoff loss caps a successful season Despite a quick exit from their first playoff appearance in three years, the women’s basketball team is viewing their 2012-2013 season as a success after winning 14 games.

Gino Terrell Reporter The 2012-2013 women’s basketball team ended their season on a high note as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2009 and finished with a winning record.

“Memorable” was the one word head coach Kerri Stockwell used to describe this season.

“From start to finish, there was a definite focus and purpose to this season,” Stockwell said.

Last Tuesday, the Hamline Pipers faced the Saint Benedict Blazers in the quarterfinals of the MIAC playoffs. Despite the loss, the Pipers displayed their ‘don’t look back, don’t back down’ mentality as they never showed any signs of quitting and played hard until the final buzzer sounded.

In the final 1:30, they played with the same intensity as they did from the start. However, it wasn’t enough, as the Blazers were able to hold on for a 86-79 victory that brought Hamline’s season to a close.

That has really been the story of the season. This team had the ability and mental toughness to overcome a 0-5 start. Their determination to accomplish their goal—to make the playoffs—paid off as they finished with an overall 14-12 record.

“This year was definitely a success,” senior captain Kara Poirier said.

“Looking at all of our accomplishments, I couldn’t be more proud of my team.”

Along with reaching the playoffs, they have set the record for consecutive road wins as they reached six straight.

Poirier said their improvement represents how dedicated this team was during the offseason. This year, the Pipers finished 14-9 in the MIAC,

an improvement from last year’s 6-16 MIAC record.

“We showed we could beat the best in the conference,” Stockwell said.

The Pipers defeated the top two MIAC teams in regular season play.

On Jan. 12, they beat Concordia 73-66 in overtime, and they beat St. Thomas 66-60 on Jan. 26.

St. Thomas went on to win the playoff tournament, successfully defending their MIAC title from last season.

“The team chemistry this year was tremendous,” Stockwell said.

“From the people on the floor to the bench, everyone was involved.”

She mentioned that before the season, many people had counted this team out because of their lack of height. This season was a great testament to the team. They showed they can accomplish their goals no matter what obstacles they're presented with.

“Anything is possible. If you want it to happen bad enough and are willing to work hard enough to do it, great things will happen,” Stockwell said.

Along with Poirier, seniors Stephanie Pilgrim and Cassidy Vogt will be leaving the program. Stockwell said it’s always hard to see seniors go, but at the same time, it’s exciting to see new faces join the team.

The seniors’ work ethic and accomplishments have built a foundation for the returners. They led by example and have now passed the torch down to the next class.

“I really appreciate all my teammates for helping to make this such a wonderful senior season,” Poirier said. “I am very excited to support them next year as they continue this tradition of success.”

Stockwell has made it clear that her team is striving for another opportunity to compete in the playoffs next year.

“It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get there,” she said.

Stockwell’s plan is to build off this past season’s momentum. She made an analogy, saying this transition is sort of like life: moving forward with the things that have gotten you in a good position and finding things to improve on.

“Anything is possible. If you want it to happen bad enough and are willing to work hard enough to do it, great things will happen.”

Kerri Stockwell Women’s basketball coach

Sports 11

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013

BASEBALL

EDITOR’S DESK Minors are major for Twins Last week, baseball teams finally reported to spring training. The Twins, coming off one of their worst seasons in team history, had some new faces.

This offseason, they traded two of their starting outfielders, Denard Span and Ben Revere, primarily in exchange for prospects.

The word “prospects” has a negative connotation in many baseball circles.

Trading major league players for nonmajor league players rankles many baseball fans, who see it as a sign of giving up or only look at the risk of acquiring an unproven player who might not develop into anything.

This kind of knee-jerk reaction to trades has always bothered me because it ignores the reality of baseball and the way teams are built.

For the Twins, who are never going to be a big-budget team that can acquire expensive talent in free agency, the way to develop a winner is through the farm system with prospects acquired in trades and the draft.

The biggest thing about prospects is that they play for the league minimum salary for at least three years and are under team control for six years, which is crucial for teams like the Twins that don’t have deep pockets like the Yankees.

And while prospects are perceived to be risky investments, every MLB player was at one point a prospect—this is simply how talent has to be acquired for a team on a budget. In the era of massive free agency contracts, it’s often the only way a team like the Twins or Rays can have a legitimate star player (like Joe Mauer, who came through the Twins’ system).

PHOTOS | ORACLE ARCHIVE Senior Dan Ellefson (top) stole home in Hamline’s victory over Northwestern while junior starting pitcher Dan Eickman (bottom) threw five shutout innings.

They’re ready to play ball Smallball approach pays dividends for Pipers in a convincing 9-1 victory to open the season at the Metrodome.

Josh Epstein Sports Editor Although they have a new coach for the first time in 11 seasons, the Pipers looked like the same type of team in their opener on Thursday night, using a patient approach to beat Northwestern 9-1 in a non-conference matchup at the Metrodome.

Coach Jim Weyandt picked up his first career win after serving as an assistant under current Athletic Director Jason Verdugo for nine seasons.

The Pipers got the win with smallball: despite having no extra base hits, they managed to scrape together nine runs in the seven-inning game.

Hamline took advantage of a Northwestern pitching staff that had a difficult time finding the strike zone throughout the game.

The Pipers drew eight walks, with four more

batters picking up a free base when they got hit by a pitch.

In contrast, the Pipers’ pitchers had little problem dispatching Northwestern’s lineup.

Junior Matt Eickman got the opening day start and threw five shutout innings, giving up just one hit with no walks and three strikeouts.

When he left the game, the Pipers already had a 7-0 lead. They scored three times in the first, including one run on a steal of home by senior Dan Ellefson. Hamline was pesky on the basepaths throughout the game, stealing five bases without getting caught.

Senior Jordan Buck drove in a run with a single in the fourth, then knocked in two more with another single in the fifth. He led the Pipers with three hits and also drew a walk while batting leadoff.

Senior Andy Weiss and junior Rannon Arch closed out the game for the Pipers by throwing the final two innings in relief. Weiss threw a shutout frame while Arch gave up the lone run of the game. Northwestern was held to just two hits.

Game two of the scheduled doubleheader

got off to a better start for Northwestern.

They were leading 3-2 before the game was suspended due to a time limit. The game will be resumed in April.

The Pipers are coming off a season where they went 18-22 and 9-13 in conference play.

They lost Andy King, one of the best hitters in the conference, to graduation. They were ranked eighth in the MIAC preseason coaches poll.

St. Thomas picked up the #1 ranking, edging out Saint John’s by seven points. The Tommies won 41 games last year and were 19-1 in MIAC play, but were upset in the MIAC playoffs by Saint Mary’s. They have won or shared the regular season title in the last ten seasons.

The Pipers have four Metrodome doubleheaders on the docket in the next month, along with a nine-inning game against the University of Minnesota. On March 22, they will begin a week-long stint in Arizona where they face four more teams in doubleheaders.

The MIAC season will begin on March 30 v.

St. Thomas, with their home opener on April 3 against Bethel at Midway Stadium.

That’s why it’s a worthy investment for any serious Twins fan to pay attention to what is happening in the organization beyond the major league team. In the internet era, following the team’s prospects via milb.com box scores or various writers is relatively easy, and it adds a new level of understanding to most of the team’s moves.

The moves this offseason made plenty of sense with knowledge of the team’s farm system. The Twins had plenty of highly touted outfield prospects, making Span and Revere somewhat expendable given their trade value. On the other hand, the team had almost no pitching, which they were able to acquire with both moves.

The Twins are almost certainly going to be bad this year, and it will be accompanied by the typical complaining and moaning from fans about the lack of progress they’re making. In reality, the success of the major league team is not really important this season compared to how their top prospects perform in the minors.

The ultimate goal is for the MLB team to be good, but realistically, that’s at least two years away. In the meanwhile, cheering for a rebuilding team can actually be fun if you pay enough attention to what’s happening at all levels of the organization.

—JOSH EPSTEIN, ORACLE

12 Advertisements

The Oracle | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013