Issue 9 - Fall 2013

The

eorgetonian G

November 6, 2013  Volume CXXXIII Issue 9

SAM to host non-profit organization Members of Servantworks will speak on sex trafficking in Thailand

By KAITLIN FAHEY Staff Writer

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omorrow the Student Abolitionist Movement will be hosting members of Servantworks to speak about fighting sex trafficking.

Servantworks, a non-profit organization, began in 2003 with the purpose of helping women trapped in the red-light districts of Thailand. The organization, consisting of several “teams,” is committed to “personal and societal transformation based on the life and teachings of Jesus” (servantworks.com).

According to their website, the goal of Servantworks is to address the source of sex trafficking through “making disciples in the same way Jesus did: living

and working with people, patiently teaching and demonstrating the heart of the Father, [and] training them to do the same with others. “ The organization’s largest program, The Well, is located in Bangkok. The Well seeks to

empower victims of sex trafficking to find lives of dignity and purpose. This ministry aims to build friendships with

women caught in Thailand’s sex trade, provide them with support for emotional and spiritual healing and help them acquire skills to sustain a self-supporting lifestyle.

The women are then returned to their villages as “agents of change.” Former sex workers have been able to return to their homes as educators, youth mentors and entrepreneurs, among other occupations.

Another program within Servantworks, called Narimon, seeks to “provide an alternative form of earning a living to women who are caught in the Thai sex trade.”

Women who are employed by Narimon design make jewelry, which is available for purchase online.

Servantworks is coming to Georgetown College to share

their knowledge and encourage others to “begin helping broken people…find restoration and freedom.”

T o m o r row’s event will include messages from several presenters: Jim Larson, who started the program with his wife, Judy, is the Servantworks Thailand coordinator. Jub Paypromnuk, who grew up in a Thai village, is the co-director of Breakthrough, a program within villages which aims to prevent girls from falling into trafficking.

Dao Houngho, one of the first women to become a member of The Well, now works as an outreach and intervention worker. She will speak “about the change process— mostly about having hope and

really gaining freedom from complex PTSD— post traumatic stress disorder— over the long term.”

Another woman from The Well ministry, Fern Boonraksa, will speak. After gaining employment experience outside of Servantworks, she now uses her business talents as the chief operating officer for Narimon.

Tomorrow’s presentation will take place in Asher 112, beginning at 6 p.m. Attendees will receive a NEXUS credit.

For more information, contact Dr. Singer at rebecca_singer@ georgetowncollege.edu.

GC wants you to share your opinions in CORE survey

By COLLIN SMITH Photo Editor

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nterested in winning an iPad mini? Want to share your opinions on the current Alcohol Policy? Participate in Georgetown College Student Life’s CORE Alcohol and Other Drugs survey. The survey will be used to help

Student Life enhance policies and alcohol awareness programs. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. It is anonymous. It will supply information about the drinking norms on campus in order to help Georgetown College make informed decisions in regards to its policies.

Once you’ve taken the

survey, you can then enter the drawing for an iPad mini. To take the survey go to www. coresurvey.com and enter 18721 as the 5 digit login code.

The survey will be open from now until November 22. More information can be found on GC Student Life’s Facebook page or Twitter.

Source: Apple.com

One student could win an Apple iPad Mini.

News

Page 2

The Georgetonian

Day of the Dead enlivens Newman Headlines Center community connections

Global

Sponsored by Global Scholars

 India launches rocket for a 10 month mission it hopes will allow it to join an elite group of space explorers to Mars  Congolese Revolutionary Army, a rebel group that fought the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo for nearly two years announced its disarmament Tuesday  The Pakistani government is under pressure to block NATO supply routes to Afghanistan this month if the United States continues its campaign of drone strikes in northwestern Pakistan

 The Cuban government announced Tuesday it plans to end the country’s dual-currency system to restore value to the Cuban peso

Follow us on Twitter! @GCGlobalScholars

Center hosts special service for celebration of “El Dia de Los Muertos”

By HANNAH KENNEDY Staff Writer

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The Day of the Dead celebration served an opportunity for a cultural immersion experience. Additionally, the event built community between

After the service, everyone shared a wonderful meal provided by the parishioners. There were plenty of tables and chairs outside for everyone to sit at, and the altar honoring the loved ones that had passed was set up among the food and festivities.

Melissa Rodriguez, the secretary of the Georgetown College Newman Center, served as a leader in planning the event. When asked about the success of the celebration, she said, “I thought the event went pretty well. We had a little over 100 people present, which I thought was a very good turnout. I’m really impressed by the work Beth Purdy did, as well as Leticia from St. John’s, at decorating. Father Linh was great at bringing the Spanish mass over to the McCandless House. I know my parents were impressed with the mass service and the whole Day of the Dead event. I was very happy about how it went.”

he Georgetown College Newman Center has gained plenty of momentum throughout the semester.

The organization centers on encouraging Catholic students in their faith, putting their faith into action and establishing relationships between students and community partners with likeminded beliefs and goals.

The Newman Center hosts mass services every The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH Sunday which are open to all.

The event featured a Spanish mass attended This past weekend, the by students and community Parish-goers.

Newman Center’s mass was given a colorful character, enriched by a the observance of a the students and the Spanish parishtraditional Mexican celebration of ioners at St. John’s.

El Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the On Wednesday, Oct. 30, to preDead). pare the celebration for campus The celebration of El Dia De Los enjoyment, volunteers met at the Muertos took place at the McCand- McCandless House to decorate the less House, home to International altar that was used to Programs. honor their loved ones.

The event was sponsored by These altars, called the Georgetown College Newman “ofrendas,” were disCenter in cooperation with George- played at thevent. town College’s Spanish Immersion At 12:30 p.m. on Program, International Programs, Sunday outside of the and the Georgetown College Center McCandless House, for Civic Engagement. The Day of the there was a special Dead celebration was also a Nexus Spanish mass, led by event for students.

Father Linh and the The students of Georgetown parishioners.

College partnered with parishioDespite the chill ners from St. John’s Catholic Parish, after the sun hid The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH located just off campus, to celebrate behind the clouds, the Pictured above is a sugar skull, a traditional offerthe lives of loved ones who have weather was perfect for ing found on a Day of the Dead ofrenda. passed. the outdoor service.

News College Habitat for Humanity raises awareness to mission, hosts basketball tournament Issue 9

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s the nights grow colder, we can enjoy the warmth and comfort of our homes. Unfortunately, many of our neighbors in Scott County and across the nation do not have this luxury. Their homes not only lack proper insulation to keep out the cold air but also sufficient roofs and wiring.

The partnership between homeowners and Habitat builds through hundreds of hours of “sweat equity” that each homeowner earns through working on his/her own or another Habitat house.

This initiative cannot be done alone.

While it is important and encouraged to help build adequate housing for those in need, we must also consider looking further into this problem and seek to resolve the issues that lead to homelessness.

Visit Habitat for Humanity’s advocacy website (http:// www.habitat.org/gov) to learn more about what you might do to support affordable housing worldwide. This is a quick and easy way to get involved with Source: Ashley Fox HFH and show your support.

Student Habitat workers pause their work to In 1995, Georgetown Colpose for a group picture. lege started its own chapter of Habitat for Humanity, which continues to work in partnerThe National Center for Healthy ship with the Scott County affiliate.

Housing estimates that 5.7 million U.S. This weekend, the 20th Annual Habitat families live in such substandard hous- Classic basketball tournament, sponing, defined as “housing conditions sored by Toyota Tsusho, will be played that cause significant illness, injury and in Alumni gym. deaths.”

Everyone is encouraged to come The Habitat for Humanity concept out and support both the Lady Tigers is simple but effective. Through the use and HFH by attending. Games will be of volunteer labor and donated mate- played at 6 and 8 p.m. on Friday night, rials, construction costs are kept low. and 2 and 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

With respect to Scott County, Habitat The Lady Tigers will open their homes cost about $80,000 to build. season against Taylor University in the However, these homes are not 8 p.m. game on Friday evening, and simply given away. Partner families are will take on the College of the Ozarks selected based on their need, their ded- on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. ication to partnering with SCHFH and Thanks to a grant from our their ability to pay back a zero-inter- campus SGA, the first 100 students in est loan for the appraised value of the attendance will get into the tournahome. Mortgage payments go toward ment free of charge. Volunteers and construction of future homes. fans are welcome.

November 6, 2013 Page 3

If you would like to get involved with Habitat for Humanity, please contact our chapter President, Ashley Fox (afox2).

Our chapter works with SCHFH to eliminate substandard housing in Scott County. We welcome any level

of participation. See our newest Facebook page, “GC – Habitat for Humanity,” to see upcoming events, photos and more.

Submitted by Georgetown College Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity

Student paints picture of his “Sweet Home, Brazil”

By GUSTAVO PRADOS de CARVALHO Contributing Writer

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arnaval, samba, soccer, beautiful girls and breathtaking beaches - after traveling a lot around the world and living one year in Canada in a high school exchange program, these are some of the most common stereotypes that I heard about my home country, Brazil. There are a lot more I could add to this list such as that the cities in Brazil are inside the rainforests – referring to the Amazon Rainforest – and that our capital city is Buenos Aires.

In fact Carnaval is very famous in Brazil and we do have some really good festivals. Samba is one of the most popular types of music and yes, we are good at playing soccer – we won 5 Soccer World Cups so far and hopefully we will add another star to our jersey in 2014. The biggest portion of the Amazon Rainforest belongs to Brazil and no, our city capital is not Buenos Aires, it is Brasília – built in 1960 by a very famous architect.

Well, I am happy to say that my country has a lot more to offer than just these common stereotypes. I am not saying that they are bad though, I

would just like to have the opportunity to show you guys, my fellow Americans, what Brazil is up to.

We became independent from Portugal in 1822, so our official language is Portuguese. Brazil also underwent more than a half century of populist and military government until 1985, when the military regime ceded power to civilian rulers. Our current government type is a democratic federal republic, with presidency elections every four years by population votes.

Brazil is the largest country in Latin America, and the world’s fifth largest in geographic area. According to Bloomberg, our population will surpass 200 million in 2013. We are also the only country in Latin America that is part of the BRIC, a group of emerging economies thought up in 2001 by a Goldman Sachs economist, Jim O’Neil.

BRIC is a grouping acronym that refers to Brazil, Russia, India and China and in 2010 South Africa was also added to this group, changing the name to BRICS. In 2012, Brazil’s GDP was 2.2 trillion USD, the 7th highest in the world (Bloomberg).

BRAZIL Continued on page 7

Sports

Page 4

The Georgetonian

Sox win World Series once again

By TYLER PHILLIPS Sports Writer After a World Series of six hard fought games against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Boston Red Sox have emerged victorious as the 2013 champions of Major League Baseball. The Sox outfought their competition to win the series by a total of four games to the Cardinal’s two.

Although the Redbirds were able to compile consecutive wins in games two and three of the series, the Sox quickly rebounded with a winning streak of three overpow-

ering performances to take the of the game as “The Curse of victory. the Bambino,” is indisputably In the grand scheme of the lifted and a part of the franseries, Boston outscored St. Louis by more than five runs in two of their four victories. More impressively, this championship marks the Red Sox’s third World Series title in the last nine years; Boston has now successfully reached the prize in 2004, 2007 and Source: Bleacherreport.com 2013.

Red Sox celebrate third championAmidst the celebration ship in the last decade. over Boston’s success in the last decade, further affirmation is clear. The 86 yearlong Red Sox World Series chise’s past. drought, known to followers In fact, this title also stands

as the first time the team has secured the championship on their home field since the curse began in 1918. Boston’s rapid acquisition of World Series titles is a near mirror of the team’s dominant status before the onset of the curse, and a positive indication of the Sox’s direction in the future.

Red Sox veteran slugger David Ortiz, who maintained a .688 batting average with two home runs during the Series, was named the Series MVP after Boston’s win in game six.

Despite the honor and praise being paraded in his direction, Ortiz was quick to divert the

attention to a more significant matter.

In his post victory interview, Ortiz dedicated the victory to the city of Boston in light of the Boston Marathon bombing earlier this year.

“This is for you and all of those families who struggled after the bombings earlier this year,”Ortiz declared. “This is for all of you”(sports.yahoo. com). Despite the hardships presented to the city through the severe misfortune of the bombing, it can be certain that Boston has been given a new moment of celebration.

to Columbia, Ky. to take on Lindsey Wilson, and ended up losing in four sets.

Although the weather was nasty outside, both teams had to try to focus all of their attention on the match. The No. 20 Tigers (27-9 overall record, 13-3 Mid South Conference) battled against the very tough No. 9 Blue Raiders (31-2, 16-0),

.270 compared to Lindsey Wilson’s .045.

Unfortunately for Georgetown, the next sets were a little difficult. As a result, the home team found much success even scoring six straight points.

At the end of the match, the Tigers only had a hitting of .184 compared to the .216 of the Blue Raiders.

Several GC players had some individual success. Two different players had double-digit kills. Emily Weber mustered 14 kills, along with a hitting percentage of .429, both Georgetown highs of the day. Caraline Maher also had some individual success. She was able to record 11 kills on the night.

Lindsey Wilson, on the other hand, had three different

players with kills in the double-digits. Nadelina Nesheva had 14, Kailey Moorhead had 13, and Taylor Hayne finished the night with 10.

Georgetown coach Nick Griffin hopes this loss can be a learning experience for his team. He said “Serve and serve receive hurt, coupled with hitters being a bit off, and that isn’t a good recipe against a top opponent. We [must] learn and make this final push.

Every match is about learning and improving yourself.

Hopefully we will do that” (georgetowncollegeathletics. com).

The Lady Tigers look to find themselves on the winning side of the scorecard at Bluefield College on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

GC volleyball falls to Lindsey Wilson

By ERIC BALMER Sports Editor The Georgetown College volleyball team has been pretty lights out this season, especially with a 15-2 record at home. Before last Thursday, GC had been on a three game winning streak. But on Halloween, the Tigers traveled

Football Men’s Bball Volleyball Women’s Soccer Men’s Soccer

W. Bluefield 49-7 W. Salem International 108-82 L. Lindsey Wilson 24-26,25-17,25-21,25-18 W. Pikeville (Senior Night) 2-0 L. Pikeville 1-2 (2OT)

and lost with the scores of 24-26, 25-17, 25-21 and 25-18.

At first, Georgetown was going strong. They started the evening up with an 11-3 lead on the home team. Even though Lindsey Wilson came back on top during that set, the Tigers won the first set.

They found great success, even having a hitting percentage of

Nov. 9 vs. Union 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 9 vs. Miami Middletown 6 p.m.

Nov. 8 @ Bluefield 7 p.m.

Sports

Issue 9

November 6, 2013 Page 5

National Champions start season

By ERIC BALMER Sports Editor The time has finally come when the No. 1 ranked, reigning NAIA National Champion Georgetown College basketball team takes the court in their first action of the season.

When the Tigers won the championship game, there was much buzz around campus and rightfully so. This year, they hope to start the winning journey all over again. GC has played two games already, and is at a perfect 2-0 record.

Georgetown first faced Miami University-Hamilton on October 2. Led by pre-season All-American Monty Wilson, the Tigers came away with a 129-81 victory. Wilson finished the game with 23 points. Jaylen Daniel and Trenity Burdine, who both saw their first action as Tigers, were able to reach double-digits in scoring, too. Montavious Marc was productive on the boards, recording 10 rebounds.

Their next game was against NCAA Division II opponent Salem International

University. This game was a bit more of a struggle for our Tigers, and at one point they were down 26-14 in the first half. During the second half, Georgetown went on a 94-56 run over SIU to ensure a 108-82 win.

Wilson was dominant once again, as he put up 26 points, which was the game high.

Cotrill came close to that; he scored 19. He was impressive from beyond the arch and went five of seven from three point land. Marc was a monster on the boards once again,

recording 14.

Daniel was plagued with foul trouble which resulted in him only scoring nine for the night. Marc, who was a beast on the boards, also finished with nine points.

The Tigers have been quite effective offensively. GC has averaged 118.5 points through their first two games. What’s probably more impressive is how they’ve only allowed 81.5 points to their opponents.

Georgetown’s season is looking as promising as anyone could have expected.

There’s not much more they can do, other than continue to work hard and focus on one game at a time. They will not have to worry about traveling anytime soon as they have six more home games before they have to travel to Georgia to face Life University on December 2.

Georgetown’s basketball team looks to continue their success against Miami University Middleton on November 9 at 6 p.m. at home.

Chessboxing challenges mind and body

By KAITLIN FAHEY Staff Writer Sports are mentally challenging. Between strategizing, learning plays and staying focused, athletic competitions can be as intellectually stimulating as they are physically taxing. In general, however, most sports continue to be revered for their intense physical demands rather than mental strength. A sport started in Amsterdam, called chessboxing, combines brains and brawn in a much less subtle way.

Chessboxing derives its name from the two sports of which it is comprised— chess and boxing. Described as “the ultimate challenge for both the body and the mind” and “more radical than a biathlon,” chessboxers participate in alternat-

ing four-minute rounds of became the first chessboxing chess and three-minute rounds world champion. of boxing for a maximum of 11 Today, there are major rounds(wcbo. org).

The concept of chessboxing originated from a French comic book written

by Enik Bilal in 1992. However, the sport did not come to life until 2003 through Source: Fadfsf.com Dutch artist Iepe Chessboxing tests both mental and physiRubingh, who cal strength of players. envisioned the sport as an “artistic performance” combining chessboxing clubs in cities such the themes of a healthy spirit, as Berlin, London, Los Angeles a healthy body and aggression and Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The management. Rubingh, under World Chessboxing Organizathe name “Iepe the Joker,” tion, whose motto is “fighting competed against “Luis the is done in the ring and wars Lawyer” in 2003, when Iepe are waged on the board,”

holds three to four championship matches each year.

While the WCBO accepts applications to compete in the championship matches, the criteria for these matches are somewhat rigorous. Applicants must be younger than 35 years old, be in an “exceptionally good” state of fitness, and have competed in at least 20 boxing matches. In addition, potential candidates must have an ELO rating, which is used to measure relative skill level in the chess component, of at least 1800. A recommended training regimen includes alternating 400-meter runs with three-minute rounds of chess in quick succession, along with sandbag training.

A chessboxing match can be won by three different methods: checkmate, knockout or decision. In the event of a tie

in the chess game, the winner is decided by the number of points earned in the boxing match. If boxing ends in a tie, the player who had black on the chessboard wins.

The next international chessboxing event will be held on December 8 in London, England.

Source: Wcbo.com

Page 6

Features

The Georgetonian

Senior Spotlight: Maddy Fritz

By KAITLIN FAHEY Staff Editor When Maddy Fritz first considered coming to Georgetown College, her initial thought was: “There’s no way I am going to a school that doesn’t have air conditioning in the freshmen girls’ dorm!”

However, after further reflection, Maddy realized she liked the atmosphere of the small school, the surrounding cities and the proximity to her hometown of Henderson, Ky. As an art major with an emphasis in graphic design, she was also impressed with the facilities and resources in the art department.

With her December graduation approaching, Maddy hopes to find a job either with a marketing and advertising firm, as a freelancer or wherever the wind takes her.

Throughout her time at Georgetown, Maddy has

remained extremely active sports in college. She said, “It and Justin Timberlake in on campus through orga- was a blessing in disguise—I the upcoming months. She nizations such as Alpha ended up where I needed to wishes she had more time to Gamma Delta, the Presi- be.” spend reading. dent’s Ambassador Program She enjoys listening When asked about some and Residence Life. of her fondest college She has also been an memories, Maddy orientation leader for reminisces on experithis year’s group of ences with her closest transfer students. She friends. “Unexpected expresses her exciteplans usually make ment for the newly-esthe best memories,” tablished Newman she said, recalling the Center on Georgetime during her first town’s campus, finals week when she saying, “It gives the “stayed up until 3 or Catholic students an 4 a.m. with Kelsey opportunity to bond Burton studying bioland find similar faithogy, eating cheesy based friendships.”

Ramen noodles and Outside of campus dipping our Oreo The Georgetonian/ CRYSTAL JACKSON cookies in cake frostactivities, Maddy loves to spend time Maddy Fritz presented her work as part of ing.” outdoors, especially on her senior thesis.

Another memory the water. She works as was just earlier this a lifeguard in Hendersemester, when her son during the summer, and to music, particularly live three roommates decorated she swam and played soccer music. She attended Bonna- her apartment with encourcompetitively in high school, roo Music and Arts Festival aging signs before her art though an ACL injury pre- this summer and looks for- defense. She said, “When I vented her from continuing ward to seeing Macklemore woke up…I was surrounded

by all of their support.”

Maddy also recalls memories of the college community in general, such as competing with her sorority sisters during Greek Week and the bonfire in the Quad after last year’s men’s basketball team won the NAIA National Championship. “There was a lot of Georgetown pride and campus unity, and the energy was unforgettable,” she said.

Although her time as a student at Georgetown will be coming to an end next month, Maddy offers some advice for current underclassmen: “Always strive to find the balance – not just in college, but in life. Work hard now; it will pay off later. You are the only person responsible for yourself, so own up to your successes and your shortcomings. Your time here at Georgetown is very short compared to the rest of your life, so don’t waste your time or resources!”

Issue 9

Features

November 6, 2013 Page 7

BRAZIL (continued from page 3) The interest rate in Brazil to become a very expensive is reported by the Banco Cen- country in general. The taxes tral do Brasil, our “FED.” It are high; it is very expensive to averaged 16 percent from 1999 get the goods to the seaports to until 2013, reaching an all time be exported and the labor costs high of 45 percent in March of are very high. We have to pay 1999 and a record low of 7.25 percent in October of 2012. In Brazil, interest rate decisions are taken by the Central Bank of Brazil’s Monetary Policy Committee (COPOM).

The official interest rate is the special system of clearance and custody rate (SELIC), which is the overnight lending reference rate in the country.

Over the past 2 decades, the Brazilian Source: Facebook.com economy has been flying Gustavo is an international student very high. Starting in 1994 the way from Brazil. where we controlled the inflation and stabilized the economy with a new currency, the “real”, controlled the ultra high levels of inflation rate, which reached up to 80 percent a month. In September 2013, the annual inflation rate was 5.8 percent, the lowest rate this year. The Central Source: Wikipedia.org Bank targets the rate at 4.5 percent for the end of this year. a lot of money to hire employAfter a decade of encourag- ees legally. ing growth, Brazil’s economy Over the past decade, the has stopped increasing. “With- income of the poor people out substantial changes to has increased, making them public spendings and business middle class, allowing them to relations, the country may lose buy more services and goods. its momentum” (“The Econ- The middle class represents omist”). We have had years almost half of the population of fast rising expenses such now. The problem is that Braas labor and transportation zilian public services and infracosts, and it has allowed Brazil structure have not improved at

the same pace.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of more cars hit the roads because of the government stimulus for the population to buy more cars. But most of the roads cannot handle this huge amount of new vehicles; traffic in big cities has become worse and there are also a lot of parking issues.

Many of the new, big infrastructure projects included on the government’s Growth Acceleration Program announced in 2007, are running years behind schedule and way above budget. Brazil is still a young country, but our government spends an all incredible 11.3 percent of GDP (“The Economist”) on pensions and that urgently needs to change to make room for more investments in infrastructure and public services.

We are working on changes, though. In June 2013, Brazil saw a large street demonstration of frustration, where more than a million marchers took the streets in some of the major cities, protesting against rising inflation, high taxes, poor public services and political corruption. Even soccer, a Brazilian passion, became a target to the protesters.

We must lower and simplify the taxes and rethink the outdated labor laws. We also need to partner with the private sector to provide the

infrastructure the country needs.

The June protest showed the politicians that today’s young adults are better educated, smarter, less willing to accept the current levels of corruption and that we expect more investments in the country.

The global commodities boom helped the country by demanding more of the Brazilian iron deposits and agriculture produce. And in 2007, Brazil found vast deposits of

deep sea oil, which we call “Pré Sal.” We also have one of the largest aquifers in the world, the Guarani Aquifer, an important source of fresh water. Brazil is today’s South American leading economic power and a regional leader.

I am hopeful that we will see some significant changes over the next years, and I am studying hard and learning how to help my country be a better place to live in and make more contributions with good things for the world.

Quote My Georgetown Professor “I’m too sexy for my vocabulary.” - Dr. Rivas Posted on the “Quote My Georgetown Professor” Facebook group

Georgetown Tree Huggers

The Georgetonian/COLLIN SMITH

This week’s Tree Hugger is junior Meredith Scalos.

Page 8

ArtsEntertainment

The Georgetonian

Student praises dystopian book “Divergent”

By LEANNDRA W. PADGETT Copy Editor When I first ran across the novel “Divergent,” by Veronica Roth, I was skeptical. I saw it on a rack in Kroger, of all places, and dismissed it as another cheap paperback with little literary merit. A second exposure to the book changed my mind, however. I read the dystopian fiction because it is in the curriculum for the sophomore English class in which I am student teaching at Scott County High School.

Though I began it out of obligation, after only a few pages, I was intrigued.

The book reminds me of “The Hunger Games.” Both are set in the eastern/ central United States in the future.

“Divergent” is set in Chicago, “The Hunger Games” in Appalachia. Both are coming of age stories with strong female characters who share many of the same characteristics. The central conflicts deal with narrowing down a group of contestants through life– threatening stakes, tests of physical

and mental strength, love interests and (spoiler alert) rebellions.

Despite belonging to an increasingly popular genre of literature (young adult dystopian fiction), there are some unique features to the story that keep it interesting. In the world of the novel, society is divided into five “factions,” each named for their prominent characteristic – Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite. The different groups maintain different aspects of society based on their strengths (those in Candor are judges; those in Dauntless take care of security, etc.). At the age of 16, teenagers undergo an aptitude test and then choose a faction.

When the protagonist Beatrice, or Tris, takes her aptitude test, she is told that she does not fit into one category neatly. She is “Divergent,” something that is very dangerous and that she must keep secret. The social commentary is obvious, and makes the story relevant to our society, one in which conformity and nonconformity are hot issues.

This book has an interesting plot, vivid descriptions, complicated issues and lovable heroes (though the PG– rated romance scenes were a little too numerous for my taste). Once I got into the story, I could not put the book down. It is a quick read, and I finished quickly, only to immediately seek the second book in the trilogy, “Insurgent.”

The third book, “Allegient,” just came out in October.

“Divergent” is a great read for anyone who wants to escape scholastic reading without totally shutting down their mind. Even though there are numerous characters to keep straight, this book is not difficult to understand. However, “Divergent” leads one to contemplate deeper issues such as identity, social conformity, categorization and personal strengths and weaknesses. Reading it provides a thought–provoking escape.

Now is a great time to read the book, for it is being made into a motion picture in the spring of 2014. Read the book now, and form your own pic-

Source: Bookcounty.com

“Divergent” will be released as a movie in the spring of 2014. ture of its world and characters before images of the actors and actresses are imprinted onto your mind. “Divergent” can be found locally in Kroger and Wal-Mart as well as in the LRC’s collection. A library order of “Insurgent” has also been requested.

Cochenour Galley featured work from students

By ALEX COURTENAY Staff Writer For the past several weeks, artwork from senior art students was on display in the Cochenour Gallery (located in the LRC). If you did not get the chance to check out Maddy Fritz’s or Shelby Eden’s artwork, then you missed out on some awesome pieces. Both of them had wonderful, innovative and unique art on display.

Fritz’s artwork demonstrated the creative side of business cards and logo variations along with customizing an original shoebox design. She created and branded a shoe business that bolsters artists and their work. When asked about her pieces, Fritz said, “I wanted my design work to represent

a cohesive and professional body of work, while still remaining true to who I am as an artist.”

Shelby Eden plans to be an art education teacher. For her exhibit, she showcased students’ art from the class that she assists in. The multiple art pieces are outcomes of Source: Maddy Fritz Source: Gcva.blogspot.com Eden’s lesson plans that she Maddy’s shoes portray her creative style Shelby’s artwork came from lesson plans created for the classroom. as an artist. she taught to her students.

The lesson plans include watercolors, print art and pop art. reach my goal in becoming a tool and Upcoming exhibit: From Georgetown College Visual helpful resource to all teachers and Christopher Saucedo will have Art, the art department blog, Eden bring art into all subjects taught in the his exhibit “Red Cross Blankets” on wrote, “I am so excited about this proj- classroom!” Visit her website, www. display in the Cochenour Gallery on ect that has been developing and that shelbeden.com/education, to see more Nov. 8. will continue to develop as I strive to of her work.

Issue 9

ArtsEntertainment

November 6, 2013 Page 9

Perry broadens musical spectrum with PRISM

By HANNAH KRIEGER A&E Editor Katy Perry’s newest album, PRISM, was released late last month. Before the release of this album, I wouldn’t have considered myself a Katy Perry fan. I was familiar with all of her radio hits, but I was never interested in actually listening to what other songs could be on her albums. I guess I saw her as a one–dimensional artist who created upbeat, and sometimes eccentric, pop music. Well, Perry certainly surprised me with her album PRISM. Her songs quickly captivated me, and I have enjoyed listening to them on repeat for the past several weeks.

Perry clearly understands the perfect balance between music, lyrics and singing. I really enjoyed the different style and sounds of the music that Perry chose to incorporate throughout PRISM. I also find Perry’s voice to be flawless. She can really sing anything that she wants to, and it’s clear that

she has earned her place in the music some lyrics that are clever and the aesthetics of music and singing really help industry with this album.

I was pleasantly surprised to find these songs to shine. I would classify that the lyrics are absolutely beautiful “Dark Horse,” “Legendary Lovers,” “Roar,” “Walking on Air” and sometimes and “International Smile” poetic for a majorin this category. “Dark ity of the songs.

Horse” is one of my favorOf course there ites on the album, with its are a few filler unique sound and distincsongs like “Birthtive rhythm. “Legendary day” and “This Lovers” definitely has a is How We Do.” feel to it that is all its own, However, Perry which makes the sometimes has 16 songs on suggestive lyrics work in a PRISM, so the poetic way. fact that only two Source: Thehothits.com Most of the other songs are what I would PRISM, Perry’s fourth studio classify as fillers, album, was released Oct. 22. on PRISM are inspirational and will be highly relatable is actually quite an accomplishment. Each song on this to her fans. “Ghost” (another one of my album appears to be a personal story favorites) is about expecting someone or feeling that Perry is sharing with her to always be there, but then finding fans. I found most of the songs to be he chooses to disappear without any relatable and inspirational. warning. “Love Me” is about learning Some songs on the album are just to love yourself the way that you want fun and catchy to listen to. They have to be loved and realizing that to build

a relationship you shouldn’t second guess your feelings. “By the Grace of God” is probably the most inspirational song on the album. It’s about picking up the pieces from a bad relationship and realizing that, with the grace of God, it is possible to move on and survive.

Perry has the exceptional ability to write beautiful songs that are fun to listen to. Over the years, she has definitely matured as an artist and has only gotten better in her career. I was thoroughly impressed with this album and I recommend that you give it a listen.

I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised to hear the stunning music on PRISM.

pants role—laughs are guaranteed.

With Bri Gibson, Nikita Taggert, Sarah Cox and Sarah Smith starring as the leading ladies who are all after this one guy one can just imagine the hilarity that is brought to the table. Not to mention that Samuel Gilbert III is in the role of Captain Sir Joseph, the supposed leader of this motley crew.

There is much more to this operetta than just the principle cast, as we have a phenomenal set that is larger than life as well as a chorus who has been directed under the careful hand of Dr. Deakins, a fresh faculty member in the music department.

If you aren’t kept laughing by the principle cast at any point then you can certainly turn to watch the members of the chorus play the roles of Sir Joseph’s

it has a little something for everyone: wonderful singing, beautiful set design and pure comedy.

Is there an album that you would like to review?

Contact Hannah Krieger at hkriege0@georgetowncollege.edu.

Sail away with “Pirates of Pinafore” this weekend

By MEREDITH SCALOS Staff Writer Every year the Lyric Theater Society of Georgetown College presents a fall opera for the enjoyment of the community. This year’s operetta has been dubbed “Pirates of Pinafore,” which is “[a] ridiculously silly operetta parody based on characters and themes of Gilbert & Sullivan” as described by the director, Heather Hunnicutt, on the show’s Facebook page.

As a member of the cast, I can honestly say that this operetta will make the audience laugh and keep them laughing until the curtain call. Of course, when the whole operetta is based on four lovely ladies chasing after a single tenor—starring Morgan Fralick in the

other daughters, sailors on Sir Joseph’s ship and other interesting characters we see throughout the operetta which make this production all the more entertaining.

The music is phenomenal, the script is witty and entertaining and the pace of the production is quick and light-hearted as we follow this crew through their journey. The operetta will be showing this weekend, Nov. 8, 9 and 10. Both the Friday and Saturday showings will begin at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday showing will be a matinee at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at the door: $10 for adults, $5 for students (with I.D.) and children 10 and under receive free admission. I recommend everyone coming to see this production because

Source: Facebook.com

“Pirates of Pinafore” is a delightful and comic opera performance.

Opinion

Page 10

The

Georgetonian

Editor-in-Chief....................................................Caitlin Knox Managing Editor......................................... Hannah Krieger News Editor................................................ Caliesha Comley Sports Editor...................................................... Eric Balmer Features Editor............................................. Meghan Alessi A&E Editor................................................... Hannah Krieger Opinion Editor........................................... Jonathan Balmer Web Editor ......................................................Lynsey Jordan Photo Editor.......................................................Collin Smith Technical Editor...............................................Chuck Harris Copy Editor.....................................................Stephanie Lee Copy Editor....................................................... Anna Meurer Copy Editor...............................................Leanndra Padgett Faculty Adviser...........................................Jennifer Beckett

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The Georgetonian

I cannot prove God

By JONATHAN BALMER Opinion Editor Last weekend I attended the Center for Faith & Learning’s philosophy conference “Kierkegaard: A Christian thinker for our time?” The Baylor University conference included scholars from a wide variety of perspectives and disciplines, presenting their thoughts on the intersection of Kierkegaard’s philosophy, faith and everyday life.

The only book I have read on Kierkegaard is the Oxford “Very Short Introduction” and, though I learned a lot, I’m far from being able to explain clearly to anyone what “Teleological suspension of the ethical,” means, or what exactly what the Kierkegaardian leap of faith entails.

While I’ve learned a tiny bit of some philosophy, it is in literature that I found imagination —one thing among many feeding my faith. I learned, as C.S. Lewis remarked, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”

It is noteworthy that a literary scholar like Lewis is not popularly known for his “Sixteenth Century Verse, Excluding Drama” but instead his apologetic books and his fantasy series, “The Chronicles of Narnia.” The two, I think, are not unrelated. Any good apologetic is situated in a story. What is Gospel (good news) anyway?

Certainly not just a set of prop-

ositions but a story in itself: a narrative more than a formula.

It is not new data of which I was previously unaware which confirmed my life in faith. Rather, that confirmation came in the way I saw the world and the awakening of what I already knew. Lewis’ rising sun rose for me in Chesterton. G.K. Chesterton’s “Ethics of Elfland” caused the world to seem for me far from a mundane world of indifferent and determined facts.

The facts-of-life themselves surprisingly come alive as miracles because they are wonderful. Think of a young giggling child who never tires of playing a game and begs his exasperated parent “Do it again!”

Similarly, the sun rising daily is no mundane thing but perhaps God’s own “eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we.”

Chesterton suggests, “The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore.” So the world became charged with God before me through a cosmic shift in my perspective. That the world might have been any other way, made the entire universe amazing. That the sun rose opened an opportunity for faith’s imagination to thrive in me.

A recent book of apologetics exemplifies this. It is not a logical defense of Christianity’s ideas but an explanation of what it is like to be a Christian. Francis Spufford’s book “Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense” contends that religious thoughts

“are not made of glass, [and] do not need to hide themselves nervously from whole dimensions of human experience.”

Spufford, in his artistic and profanity-filled prose, attends not to merely argue but to show what life looks like as a Christian.

The Dutch Reformed theologian Abraham Kuyper may have been on to something when he said “no single piece of our mental world is to be hermetically sealed off from the rest, and there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’”

If Christians believe that in any form, then we may see God not just in arguments but in the way we live life together in churches, in schools. Our faith may change the ways we see art and science. We may hear God’s beauty in the most moving symphonies and see Christ in the face of the beggar.

Christianity or any other religion cannot be proved and will never satisfy the requirements of a materialist, positivist school of thought. There will never be a formula or proof of God’s existence. But I encourage you to look at philosophy, art, literature, and the sciences.

All truth is God’s truth, after all. And I hope you may be able to see , somehow, the Christian life not only argued but lived.

I can give no empirical proof of faith. If something is true it must not only be believed but grasped and lived. But I will give you an invitation, the same one Jesus gave in the first chapter of The Gospel according to John, “Come and see.”

Opinion

Issue 9

November 6, 2013 Page 11

For Democracy’s sake: restore the vote CRISTIAN NÚÑEZ Staff Writer Twohundred thousandKentuckians are currently unable to participate in the democratic process in the Commonwealth.

They are not allowed to vote, to run for office or even serve on jury duty. Kentucky is one of the few states in the Union who still do not allow ex-felons to vote, with felons as its 4th largest and one of its fastest growing communities.

Of the 250,000 Kentuckians, 186,000 have served their sentences and parole, but are tax

paying citizens without the right to vote. In a time in which almost every Kentuckian has had contact or personally knows someone who has been convicted of a felony, it is an issue that is hard to ignore. Does Kentucky benefit from not allowing a significant portion of its Commonwealth to vote? Or is it does it only serve to its detriment, fostering an environment that encourages recidivism and a burden on the tax payers’ wallet?

Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC), a grass roots organization with chapters and members all over the Commonwealth, has taken up the issue of disenfranchisement and has made voter empowerment one of its main focuses.

During this season of inac-

tivity for Kentucky politics, KFTC has taken up an initiative to build momentum for the next election season, hoping to really build support for representatives and senators who will support voter empowerment.

As part of this effort Democracy Parties were thrown all over the Commonwealth on Nov. 5 to invite Kentuckians into KFTC and let them know about the issue of voter empowerment.

Georgetown College’s very own Sociology Club, often a partner of KFTC, held a Democracy House Party. In the midst of delicious chili, desserts and drinks, party goers discussed the issue of disenfranchisement and how to build efforts for voter empowerment.

Attending the House Party

was Michael Hiser, a prison chaplain and adjunct at Jefferson County Technical College. He spoke about his experience as an ex-felon and his efforts to bring civic engagement to Kentucky Prisons.

Hiser added a very human dimension to the issue of disenfranchisement. With a genial and kind-hearted presence, it was hard to imagine him as one of the statistics mentioned above.

As Democracy Party goers soon learned, Michael Hiser is a husband, father, teacher and mentor who is passionately driven. Despite growing up in an urban ghetto and being a 17 time felon, Hiser was able to gain release and get a college education, which he soon used

to help others who were still in Kentucky’s prison system.

He reminded those who attended that he along with others with felony convictions are human too - human beings with family members, passions, and hopes. When speaking about the issue of voter disenfranchisement, Hiser has often encountered questions and objections, to which he responds with disarming honesty, humor, and compelling arguments.

“You’re going to have to deal with them on way or another,” Hiser reminded partygoers, “Why not help them contribute to the building a better democracy? It’s hard to convince someone to tear down something they helped build.”

first 30 seconds of any episode knows the themes of the show—friendship, magic and ponies. What everybody does not know is that the creative director of “Ponies” has also worked on other shows like “The Powerpuff Girls” and “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends.” Spark any interest?

I agree; fascinating, but why should you take any different perspective based on creators?

Allow me to continue.

While some people seem to have the impression that “Ponies” is full of sexual references and innuendo, the only thing it has ever been censored for was having a mentally handicapped character. But wait, says you; lots of shows have deaf or blind characters, and they aren’t censored. Why

not have a mentally handicapped pony?

Well, my dear ponies—er, people—if you encountered a pony called Derpy-do who was mentally handicapped... well, you get my drift.

Despite such controversy, however, this character is extremely popular among the bronies.

Here’s one for all the geeks and nerds— the references “My Little Pony” is filled with are to things like “Star Trek,” “Star Wars,” “Doctor Who,” comic-book heroes, stand-up comedy, Sher-

lock Holmes, and much, much more.

It also holds many plays on place names, like Fillydelphia, Canterlot and, of course, Equestria (equus, for my amicae Latinae). Not only do t h e creators throw in references from their own favorite shows, but the fans’ favorites as well.

It’s not o f t e n that you find a show that will take your fan-based opinion into account.

Many bronies, myself included (yes, females can be bronies too), when asked why

they enjoy this show, a show “for little girls” as it were, respond with, “Because it’s awesome!” or something along those lines.

Not many will specifically think of the reasons I have just listed, and why should they?

There are so many other things to love about “My Little Pony” like the characters, the message etc. Every character is unique, and develops throughout the course of the show unlike some cartoon characters.

Now, do not think that I am trying to convince you to be a brony—think what you want.

Have an opinion; I know I do.

My goal is simply to inform, and to correct misconceptions.

Bronies: magical and fun-loving or just weird?

By FIONA McELRATH Staff Writer Right now, you are probably thinking one of two things: “Oh hay! A ‘My Little Pony’ article!” or, “Oh, hooves! How could they print an entire article about ponies?” My answer to you: quite easily (see issue 8, back page). However, for all you hoof-haters, lovers and just plain indifferent ponies—I mean, people—here are some interesting facts about this popular pony show that gets adults, teenagers and college kids as excited and hyper as small children.

Anyone who has seen the

THE BACK PAGE

Really, Georgetown?

By LEANNDRA W. PADGETT Copy Editor

I

n an effort to write a Back Page article reminiscent of those of old, I will start with a complaint: Georgetown students do not get involved.

Perhaps this should be qualified — approximately 97 percent of Georgetown students do not get involved.

The remaining three percent are overworked, overstressed and underappreciated.

Evidence for the first statement: multiple organizations, clubs and groups on campus do not have the necessary critical mass of participants to function effectively.

While I believe this to be true across the board, I will cite only those examples which I know from firsthand experience to be lacking in man/woman power.

The Student Abolitionist Movement (SAM) is a worthy cause; it is an anti-slavery movement. Sounds good and like something that a Christian college (or any conscientious group) should support, right? However, in the 2012-2013 school year, a small group of officers planned multiple meetings in which the only person to show up was the faculty adviser. Let me repeat that— no one showed up! This year has only been worse. The only active members of SAM are three officers— all of whom are seniors. Really, Georgetown?

Then there’s the Georgetown Sustainability Initiative (GSI). This is campus’s environmental or green movement. Meetings usually consist of only a few students. This semester, four students have consistently shown up.

Four students! Granted there are about three students who are involved outside of meetings, but let’s do the math

— that’s still only about seven students on this campus who feel that efforts to make Georgetown more sustainable are worthwhile. Really, Georgetown?

Let’s talk about Habitat for Humanity. This is a well known, international organization that builds houses for the underprivileged. A good cause, yes?

Guess how many students are actively involved? Five. Really, Georgetown?

Dance Marathon is an annual event that raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network.

In its third year (spring 2013), participation was down with only about 50 participants (many of whom did not stay for the whole night of activities).

GC raised $6,000. That is not a number to scoff at, but in 2012, the school raised about $11,000 and had about 100 participants. Great things are possible when people come together.

Why did we backslide? Really, Georgetown?

One might look at these facts and say that Georgetown students are just not into charities or social justice issues.

While that has dangerous and disturbing implications of its own, it is not the only issue. There are other areas in which we are also unfortunately lackadaisical.

Intramurals are one example. While some sports, such as volleyball and basketball are well attended, individual sports are a joke. As an Independent, I always sign up for every individual sport because it’s an easy way to earn points. Let’s be honest — I can’t hit a tennis ball to save my life, but I won

second place in individuals this year.

How did I earn this rank? I played one game and lost. Yes, there were only two of us who participated in this intramural sport. Really, Georgetown?

What about Tiger Tunistas, our women’s a cappella group? Attendance is low. There are talented singers on this campus. I’ve heard them! But only a few of them get together for this small, low pressure performing group.

The George-Tones, GC’s male group, is not active this year at all. Really, Georgetown?

Tragically, the list could go on and on. Small campus groups with good intentions consist of only a few students. The same three percent or so of students stretch themselves too thinly over many groups (I am so guilty of that — I am or have been involved in all of the groups listed above, plus many more). These students are stressed and cannot fully devote their energies to any of their causes because they are so overcommitted. Where are the other 97 percent?

Let me challenge you, campus (though I realize that a percentage even smaller than the active three percent actually read this newspaper). Get involved.

But not overly involved. Choose a cause, (or two, or maybe even three) to devote your energies toward and then commit to the cause. This is a time of unique opportunity for us, a time when we are surrounded by like-minded people and equipped with the valuable resources of a college, campus and faculty who are willing to support our efforts and help us grow in knowledge and practice.

If underclassmen don’t get involved soon, many of these senior-led groups will crumble next fall. The organizations will literally cease to exist. Step up Georgetown. Step up.

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GC is beautiful during the fall months. #georgetonian

The Georgetonian/CHUCK HARRIS

Welcome to GC Dr. Greene. #yearof thebeard

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Congrats to the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, for being recognized as a Chapter of Merit. #GCproud