The Point, Issue 13, February 2, 2015 by LomaBeat.com

The Point student newspaper of point loma nazarene university

monday, february 2, 2015

Features, page 3

volume 43 | issue 12

A&E, page 5

Public Safety to install cameras in Young parking lot BY KENDALL BOSHART STAFF WRITER

Spencer Schulze had just finished parking his car in the upper Young lot. Schulze, a sophomore at the time, noticed that it was a bit foggy out that night but didn’t think anything of leaving his car parked in the Young lot. “Next morning I come out, and one of my wheels is gone,” said Schulze. Schulze initially thought that one of his friends was messing around with him, until he realized that someone else had taken it. Schulze contacted Public Safety who instructed him to fill out a police report. He followed through with the report but remembered feeling disappointed because there was not much action taken toward a solution. Unfortunately, Schulze is not the only student who feels there is a lack of security down at Young. According to PLNU’s 2014 Annual Security Report, students reported 16 motor vehicle thefts on campus in the past

three years. PLNU, until recently, had not taken security measures beyond regular patrols to solve the problem. That’s when ASB Director of Finance, Matt Herskowitz, in partnership with Public Safety, started work on what has come to be known as “The Camera Project.” This project, which will install five cameras, three in Young’s upper lot and two in the lower, is an effort by the university to create better security in a location that is relatively removed from campus. “The way I look at it, Young is one of the least secure places on campus,” said Herskowitz. “[It also] has the least amount of security, as far as fences and cameras. It has the longest response time for a Public Safety officer [and] there’s no reception down there; so even if you did see something go down, it would be difficult to call the police.” Living in Young for three of his four years at PLNU, Herskowitz SEE CAMERAS, PAGE 2

Sports, page 6

Opinion, page 8

More on Loma Beat!

Loma All Nighter Frenzy: Sugar, burritos and Capture the Flag

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WEIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Students played pool, Capture the Flag, table tennis and Mario Kart at the ARC Loma All Nighter Friday. Approximately 100 students started off the night. More came for Ortiz’s burritos at 12 a.m. but the night finished at 3 a.m. with about 20 students who stuck around to watch “Hot Rod.” See more on PAGE 2.

Process to remove Prescott Prayer Chapel set in motion BY MADISEN STEELE STAFF WRITER

Prescott Prayer Chapel will be torn down and a new chapel will be built. After an email sent to students on Tuesday, Jan. 27 by President Bob Brower, students can expect more construction here on campus. “The decision has been made to build a new Lyle and Grace Prescott Prayer Chapel rather than relocate the existing chapel,” Brower said via a campus-wide email. In order to make room for the science building, Prescott was scheduled to move just 40 feet towards the street in time for the fall semester. Upon completing the research necessary to move the building, the university discovered that the chapel was structurally inadequate. Rotting in the frame of the building and the costs of renovating the small chapel was approximately $450,000, 15 times more than the $30,000 it took to move the chapel from Pasadena College. Joe Watkins, vice president of external relations, said this decision has been a long time coming. Faculty were notified of the issue at a meeting late last fall. “The entire process took several months to gather all of the information necessary to make a well informed decision,” said Watkins via email to

The Point. Ron Benefiel, the current dean of the school of theology and Christian ministry, was a part of bringing Prescott Prayer Chapel to PLNU back in June of 1972 from Pasadena College. Benefiel was also involved in the decision-making process. “Bob Brower and Joe Watkins have kept me up-to-date on their thinking regarding the future of the prayer chapel,” said Benefiel via email to The Point. “They have been considering the options for some time... at least for the past year.” Brower said PLNU waits on the design and the city before projecting dates and costs of the new chapel. “When the design is agreed to, we will need to get the required city permits, get bids for the construction project and then the timeline for the construction can be established,” said Brower. PLNU, will coordinate with an architectural firm, contractors and subcontractors, when they are selected, to create a floor plan and timeline for the new chapel. Watkins said they plan to finish the building by Spring 2015, the same time as the new science building. “Once an architect has been identified, we will begin the work on the design and the size,” said Watkins. “The chapel will be removed within

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK/PLNU PRESCOTT PRAYER CHAPEL

PLNU planned to move Prescott Prayer Chapel at the beginning of last semester. Now the chapel will be torn down and replaced by a new chapel. Cost, location and floor plan have yet to be determined.

the next few weeks after removing the stained glass windows, the crosses and any other items of significance. Then the building and foundation will be removed from the site by the contractor in the safest way possible.” Pieces of the old building, such as the stained glass windows, will be incorporated into the new chapel. Theology professor Steve Rodheaver said he appreciates the determination to be faithful to the heritage and purpose of the prayer chapel. “Preserving the windows is a good symbolic, connective thing to do,” said

Rodheaver via email. The chapel will be built to withstand the coastal climate, increase in space and move closer to the street just beyond the science building, which Watkins is confident students will enjoy. “The response so far to the news of the Prayer chapel has been remarkably supportive,” said Watkins. ASB director of spiritual life, Riley Verner is excited for the new building and for that space to finally be available. “The new space will be amazing,

I’m sure, and will allow for a place to remain for years and years to come without worry that the structure will fall apart,” Verner said via email. Benefiel said while he has a history with the original Prescott Prayer Chapel, he understands that in its current form, it may not serve its original purpose. “The old prayer chapel has served us well,” said Benefiel. “While on the one hand, it is sad to see it go, I am looking forward to seeing what the new prayer chapel will be like as it is designed to meet the needs of the campus community today.” Many students share Benefiel’s nostalgia towards the loss of this beloved chapel. “Tearing down Prescott and building a new one comes with a little bit of sadness for those who have spent hours in there and have encountered God in that place,” said Verner. A Facebook page created last Thursday called “PLNU Prescott Prayer Chapel” is a place where those who have called PLNU home can reflect on and post memories of their time in Prescott Prayer Chapel. “I’m so thankful for this page! Prescott Prayer Chapel was my favorite place on campus!” posted recent PLNU graduate Rebecca Rossiter. SEE PRESCOTT, PAGE 2

the point | monday, february 2, 2015

2 | NEWS

Students rally 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Loma All Nighter

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WEIR PHOTOGRAPHY

FROM PRESCOTT, PAGE 1

“I can’t wait to visit the new chapel when it is built. My friends and I have so many wonderful memories of worshipping late into the night.” Benefiel hopes the new chapel will still be a place that students can come to seek quiet time with God.

“I am hopeful that it will continue to be not only a symbol of the importance of prayer on our campus. but also a designated place where people gather to speak to and hear from God,” said Benefiel. Because current construction makes Prescott Prayer Chapel in-

accessible, a replacement space for prayer has been created on the upper rotunda atop of the Ryan Library, otherwise known as the Ryan Plaza. Brower said this space is available for all who “seek a quiet space for prayer and reflection.”

FROM CAMERAS, PAGE 1

witnessed incident after incident, with one case involving his own bike being stolen. A personal motivation and the motivation of past thefts encouraged Herskowitz to attempt to get cameras installed. “I’ve seen this need on campus for a long time,” said Herskowitz. “[By] being elected to the Director of Finance position I am finally [able] to do something about it.” The Camera Project has been nearly five months in the making with initial plans beginning as early as August 2014. Because of what it entails, the project quickly spread to involve numerous departments on campus, including ITS, Public Safety and Campus Facilities. Public Safety had to interview multiple camera manufacturers and consider the different weather conditions that are present at Young before making a final choice. Information Technology Services (ITS) had to create space on their servers to accommodate the feeds from the cameras and Campus Facilities had to go in over Christmas break to dig trenches and lay conduits. In total, the project ended up costing around $15,000 in ASB money with the university picking up the extra project costs. Public Safety Supervisor Kaz Trypuc believes that this joint effort will have a positive effect on the way security is handled down at Young. “Our expectation is that the cameras will provide us with real-time information on activity in the parking lots and post-incident information that can be used to solve crimes and actively prevent future ones,” said Trypuc. “If they serve to deter the commission of crimes in the first

place, then all the better.” Herskowitz, who worked closely with Public Safety, has seen a lot of willingness on the part of the school to put this project into action and believes that the result will be well worth the cost. “Public Safety did a lot of work on it,” said Herskowitz. “From my end I am just like, this is a worthy cause, we have the funds, let’s write the check. But for Public Safety, they had to work through all the logistics [and] they did a great job on following through with this.”

“

I’ve seen this need on campus for a long time. [By] being elected to the Director of Finance position I am finally [able] to do it.” - Matt Herskowitz

Though no official completion date has been set yet, Trypuc and Herskowitz are confident that the final product will be beneficial for students living and parking in Young. “A lot has to happen to get a live image from a camera in the parking lot below Young Hall to a computer display here in Public Safety,” Trypuc said. “But once the project is complete, we expect to see its positive impact on school safety for years to come.” Herskowitz said he hopes these cameras will make people think twice before breaking into the cars in the Young Hall parking lots. “It’s a preventative measure,” Herskowitz said. “Not saying cameras are going to stop someone from breaking into cars, but it may help in catching [those responsible]...this has a return on investment, it’s basically going to be saving students money.”

monday, february 2, 2015 | the point

FEATURES | 3

features

THINK ON THAT

“My question is are we willing to turn off our minds to the way that seems right to man, to religion, to Christianity, to the world and let Him write this love story on our hearts?” - Elexa Echevarrieta, Timeout speaker

Q&A with Spiritual Renewal Week speaker Randy Beckum: Dance Dance Loma ‘What if God believes in us and trusts us?’ BY SAMANTHA WATKINS

BY KATIE CALLAHAN

STAFF WRITER

At PLNU there are not a lot of opportunities to dance besides events on campus and the one or two clubs like Turning Point, Stomp Line Dance Club or Swing Club. So here are a list of places to go in San Diego if you want to get your groove on. 1. Like to line dance? Well take a car and drive to In Cahoots (21+). They’re open Tuesday through Sunday. Address: 5373 Mission Center Rd. Price: varies on night Hours: Tuesday – Friday 5pm – 2am and Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 2am 2. And if you’re not 21, get a group and go to Stampede in Temecula. Address: 28721 Old Town Front St. Price: $7.50 before 7pm and $15 after, Thursdays $3 and Mondays free Hours: Monday, Friday, and Saturday 6pm – 1:30 a.m. and Thursday 8 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. 3. If line dancing is not your thing, check out Champion Ballroom in downtown San Diego. Friday nights Address: 3580 5th Ave. Price: Friday $7 for dancing all night long, bring a partner, $49 special for two private classes and one group class Hours: Friday 8 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday for lessons and times vary 4. And if you’re looking for structured dancing, then check out Culture Shock right in PLNU’s backyard. They offer hip hop to burlesque, if that’s your style. Address: 2110 Hancock St. #200 Price: $15 for a drop in class, $7.50 for hip hop on Friday nights Hours: 6:30 p.m. is the class for half off, other classes are Monday – Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 5. Want to try something on the edge? Then a Cirque class at Flip Force San Diego is on the list. This is the class with the arial chiffon (a cloth hanging from the ceiling) that you flip around on. Address: 9282 Miramar Rd. Price: $82 for an entire season (6 months), must contact if you want to drop in Hours: Monday, Thursday – Saturday, other classes are available throughout the week 6. Also on the extreme side are pole dancing classes at Fun Pole Fitness: $15 per class and it’s a killer work out! Address: 2828 University Ave. Price: $15 for a drop in class Hours: Sunday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 8:15 p.m., classes at various times 7. Perhaps dancing is not really your thing, but stretching is. Try a class at Core Power Yoga! They offer everything from hot yoga to sculpting. Address: 3555 Rosecrans St. Price: First week is free, then $20 per class or $95 for five Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m.-7 p.m. 8. There are also classes at Evolve Fusion Fitness for yoga or spin if you want to build up that core before you hit the dance floor. The first class is $5 and then you get a week free! Address: 5617 Paseo Del Norte #222 Price: First class is $5, then first

This week’s Renewal Week speaker, Randy Beckum, is the vice president of community formation and chaplain at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. Beckum shared some of his experiences and passions with The Point via email. The Point: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Randy Beckum: Both [my] grandfathers were pastors. My father was a pastor, [and] always felt “called to ministry.” Important numbers: Married to Lorie (Orjala) Beckum 38 years, three daughters, one son, one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law, two grandsons, one granddaughter Education and Ministry: - B.A. MNU, M.Div. NTS, D.Min/Miss. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School - Youth and Music Pastor, Frankfurt, Germany - Pastor to Southeast Asian Community, Long Beach, California - Missionary: France - Extension Education (Eastern Europe): European Nazarene College - Chaplain / Professor of Mission and Intercultural Studies: MNU - Vice President of Community Formation/Chaplain: MNU What is something that most people do not know about you? RB: I road a ten-speed Schwinn bicycle from Nashville, Tennessee to Miami, Florida the summer I graduated from high school. What does your faith journey look like? RB: I was “saved” many, many times growing up. I gave my future to God when I was 18. That is a decision that has not changed. However, my understanding of who God is has changed, my theology has changed, my beliefs have changed. I feel like there is still so much more to

SEE DANCE, PAGE 4

learn. Jesus once said, Ask questions, seek, knock on doors because there are always new things to discover, always new things to find, always new doors to be opened. How were you chosen to speak at this semester’s renewal week? RB: I’ve known your chaplain Tim [Whetstone] and your [vice president for spiritual development], Mary [Paul], for a long time and Tim asked me to come out several months ago. You are the university chaplain at MNU. What are some of the joys

the things that seem to work and discard the things that flop. Students are always coming up with fresh ways to serve and worship. There is no lack of energy, excitement and wonder. Only one percent of the world’s population has a college degree. The challenge for me is to watch a student miss the point of the experiences they are having at a Christian university filled with caring, intelligent staff and faculty who are all wanting them to succeed. What are you most passionate

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALYSSA BECKUM

Randy Beckum, the vice president of community formation and chaplain at MidAmerica Nazarene University, will speak in Chapel this week as part of Spiritual Renewal Week.

you have discovered in these positions? What do you find most rewarding about your current work? What do you find most challenging? RB: One of the great joys of being the chaplain at MNU is the opportunity to work on a team with students as well as seasoned ministers. There are beginnings and endings built in to the academic year. We can try out new ways of doing ministry and keep

about? RB: Being a loving, generous and kind human being. Helping students out of the sad addiction to violence and competition that is so prevalent in our culture. What will you be speaking on at this Spiritual Renewal Week? RB: What if God believes in and trusts us? What if God does love us with a pure, unfiltered love?

What if God actually does intend for us to join him in his mission? What if we could really think like Jesus? Do you have any college student stories/experiences you could share with us? When your student body president was here, she mentioned that MNU recently experienced a death in the student body but that the school has come together around community. How have you responded to this on campus? What have you found is helpful to students who are mourning? RB: I’ll combine these two questions: Over the last five or six years we have had what we call “Passion to Serve” projects. These have been student-initiated projects that we have adopted campus-wide. We’ve built a clinic in Guatemala, an orphan-care facility in Kenya, purchased a van for an urban youth center, supplied milk and meds to a child care organization in Zambia and last year we built a school in Haiti. These have been student-led projects and trips that have brought life to our community. On Jan. 1, one of our student leaders (soccer player, RA, Serve Team Leader) who was passionate about our Haiti project and had been there on a mission trip, was killed in a tragic car accident. We had a team in Haiti at the time. The dedication of the school turned into a memorial for Quincy [Foster]. She had played soccer with the children there and had bested all the guys on the team so they remembered her well. We will take on a project next year to build a soccer field next to the school, in her honor, for the league of 20 teams that are in the surrounding area. Anything else you would like for us to know? RB: Thanks for your interest and the invitation to be with you all.

So you want to be a professor at PLNU? BY CORI DEASON STAFF WRITER

A different classroom location, new lesson plan and an unfamiliar face were a part of last Tuesday’s 11 a.m. Creative Writing Fiction class. The reason: Students were assisting in the hiring process at PLNU. Rick Hill, the class’s regular writing professor, said this teaching opportunity shows if the hire is ready for her own classroom and if she is a good fit for the Literature, Journalism and Modern Languages Department (LJML). “If the prospective individual is hired, she is going to be teaching in the writing department, so she will be teaching writing classes,” Hill said. “So we were looking for a writing class she could teach and it really came down to what writing class could she teach in the schedule that we had.” LJML was hiring to replace Mi-

chael Clark, the previous writing professor who left to go to Azusa Pacific University at the end of last year. “We are searching for a professor to replace him,” Karl Martin, chair of the department. “We need the position to keep the writing program fully staffed. Without a replacement, we would have to hire part-time professors to teach classes for our writing majors.” The potential applicant discussed

her process of possible employment to PLNU, and discussed some of the requirements of the position and the extent of the application process. Because the applicant is still within the hiring process, PLNU requires that she remain anonymous. “The job was posted last fall in October, which is pretty normal for faculty positions in English,” she said to The Point. “I sent in my materials, which are huge - they expect a lot of things - the CV, a creative and a critical writing sample, transcripts and teaching evaluations. So I sent off my whole packet, then I had a phone interview with them in December and then I got a call in January to schedule the campus visit.” This process is the similar for all professors looking to teach at PLNU. Paul Schmelzenbach, the department chair of physics and engineering explained via email the typical run down of the hiring process at PLNU.

“An advertisement is usually published in a few national publications, and on job boards both within PLNU and places like the CCCU [Council for Christian Colleges and Universities],” Schmelzenbach said. “Someone looking for a position would most likely find out about a job through these means, or sometimes through word of mouth such as through a conference.” Materials needed in the application for PLNU consist of a CV (a resume for academics) and responses to essay prompts depending on the position. “Then the pool is narrowed to a number of individuals who would be part of a phone interview,” Schmelzenbach said via email. “After a series of phone interviews, the pool is narrowed to usually two individuals who will be brought into PLNU where they will be interviewed in person (both by the department as well as sevSEE HIRING, PAGE 4

the point | monday, february 2, 2015

4 | FEATURES

“Although I had many worries about leaving home and did not know what to expect abroad, I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and personally experience a different culture. I have to say, the work to get here was definitely worth it!”

- Bekah Akiyoshi

STUDY ABROAD PHOTO OF THE WEEK

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEKAH AKIYOSHI Junior Bekah Akiyoshi is studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. She is pictured here in Toledo, Spain.

What your favorie Girl Scout cookie says about you BY SAMANTHA WATKINS STAFF WRITER

There’s no need to deny it. When a girl comes with a badged-out vest and bag full of cookies, we don’t question if we can spare the extra five or so dollars but rather struggle to decide what flavors to get. Here’s a list to let you know what your cookie of choice says about you.

FROM DANCE, PAGE 3

week free, $90 for five classes Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. 9. Or if you want to try some tumbling, dance moves or just be crazy, there is Sky High Sports. Address: 8190 Miralani Dr. Price: $12 for first hour, $6 per each additional hour Hours: Sunday – Saturday 10 a.m.midnight FROM HIRING, PAGE 3

1. Thin Mints. The round mintflavored cookie with a chocolate covering. You’re easygoing, like things straightforward and care about others’ opinions. I mean, you chose a cookie that will leave your breath smelling flawless after all!

2. Caramel deLites (or as us veterans call them, Samoas). Toasted coconut covered in caramel and drizzled chocolate - talk about knowing what you like. You have your head on straight, are a go getter and nothing will stand in your way…except finding the nearest Girl Scout to purchase another box.

3. Peanut Butter Patties (or Tagalongs, it’s just more fun to say). Layers of peanut butter in a chocolate coating scream Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in disguise. You have high standards, maybe even a bit demanding at times, but you also a soft side, not to mention a sweet tooth.

4. Cranberry Citrus Crisps. A cookie with zesty flavor and whole grain, who ever said cookies couldn’t be healthy? You’re a person who jumps right in without testing the water; you have a gentle heart and love deep conversations.

5. Lemonades. A sugar cookie with lemon icing, sour yet sweet. You’ve been told you’re sassy and while this is may or may not be true, you are smart. You have a special charm about you that helps you get what you want.

6. Savannah Smiles. Lemonflavored cookies with powdered sugar say you’ll do it; you’re a people pleaser. You want others to like you and have a problem saying no. So you take on a lot, but always find a way to manage it, making sure you don’t let anyone down.

7. Thanks-A-Lot. A cookie with a thin layer of fudge, similar to Samoas but not as fancy. You are a social butterfly and constantly the center of attention whether you try to be or not. Even though you have many friends, there are a handful that you know you can count on for anything, and you thank them, a lot.

8. Toffee-tastic. It’s a gluten-free cookie; yes that’s right, gluten-free. You are special, you have a quirk about you that just draws people in and want to be your friend. You don’t try very hard for things to work out, they just do and they turn out fantastic.

9. Do-si-dos (or simply put, the Peanut Butter Sandwich). Two oatmeal cookies with peanut butter on the inside make for a sticky combination. The phrase, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer” describes you. You’re determined, friendly to many and not afraid to be blunt or real with people.

10. Rah-Rah Raisins. A new cookie this year with raisins, oatmeal and Greek yogurt chunks. You live life on the edge, are a constant adventure seeker and cherish the moment. You can let loose, yet be composed and professional when needed.

11. Trios. This cookie is an oatmeal peanut butter chocolate cookie that is gluten-free too – yes you can indeed have it all. You are not as confident as you seem and are a people person; you don’ t like being alone. You have that best friend that you grew up with, you will always be besties and already know that you will be in each other’s weddings.

12. Shortbread/Trefoils. You wear your feelings on the outside, but because of that, you are surrounded by people who constantly care and lift you up. You are a diamond in the rough.

FROM KYLE, PAGE 5

with others in war and whether or not that decision warrants the loss of life on both sides that we’re going to see.” “Unfortunately, war brings the inevitability of death, but we don’t need to make a Hollywood blockbuster that is celebrating that,” Lupo said. 3rd Class Petty Officer Devin Deckert is currently a sophomore at PLNU and a Navy veteran. He was stationed at Coastal Riverine Squad-

ron 1. Deckert’s job was to locate and defuse underwater explosives. Because of his experience in the Navy, Deckert had very strong opinions towards “American Sniper.” “The movie isn’t for entertainment purposes like many other movies of war,” Deckert said. “It’s there to tell a life story of a Navy SEAL.” Deckert believes that anyone can qualify as a threat, despite his or her

age. “If there is any threat to your guys, you have to eliminate it, even if it is a young child,” Deckert said. “It was an accurate portrayal of real life situations and many people do not even realize what’s really going on in this world.”

Lindsey Lupo believes there is a much deeper issue behind the death of these Iraqi people. “When you’re in a war you have to do what you need to do to win that war,” Lupo said. “However, we should probably be having conversations about why we even go into these wars, start these wars or collaborate

eral individuals in the administration).” Kerry Fulcher, provost and chief academic officer, provided us with details about how prospective individuals traveling from a farther distance than PLNU are appropriated for. “We cover all expenses for faculty candidates and their spouse if we invite them to campus for an interview,” said Fulcher via email. When applying for the position, the prospective candidates must submit a commitment to the mission of PLNU with a personal statement of faith and commitment to teaching at a Christian University. They must also provide academic qualifications, demonstrate their ability to instruct in the class teaching session and show proof of “other professional or extracurricular experiences” as stated in the job posting for the LJML position. Any other requirements would pertain to the specific job listing and could be found on the advertisement page. “Finally, if all goes well, there would be an offer extended to a candidate and some time given for them to decide if they would like to accept the offer,” said Schmelzenbach. Each year PLNU attempts to fill available spots in the teaching departments as timely, and efficiently as possible. “Last year we hired six faculty members, after having the same amount either retire or take jobs elsewhere,” said Fulcher via email. “This year PLNU is searching to fill six more faculty positions for Fall 2015.” Hill emphasized the principal desires that PLNU has when looking for members to join the teaching community. “Point Loma is very conscientious in how they hire; they don’t do it quickly,” Hill said. “They are looking to hire people that are a good fit and are going for a long career. It is very thorough.” The process recognizes qualified individuals who meet the religious and academic standards at PLNU. Disclosure: Cori Deason is a student in the creative writing class that brought in the potential professor.

monday, february 2, 2015 | the point

A&E | 5

a&e

PLAN YOUR WEEK

Sundance Film Festival: Celebrating passion BY ALEXANDRA TAYLOR CONTRIBUTOR

As soon as I stepped off the plane in Salt Lake City and saw the rapper Common standing a few feet behind me at baggage claim, I knew this weekend would be surreal. But it was not until I reached Park City’s Main Street that I realized I had made it. I was at Sundance Film Festival. Usually, the town is a quiet ski village that sleeps six months of the year. But when winter comes and Sundance begins, the town is awake and vibrant. Everyone is from everywhere but Utah. We are all either filmmakers dressed like Wes Anderson, producers in all black or undiscovered models in furs. Everyone did his or her best to be somebody this week. I saw a young Obi-Wan climb into an Escalade on the first day. This was the second year that Dr. Wicks, a literature professor at PLNU, organized a class for Sundance. The class is under the title Special Studies in Communication (or COM 490) and requires film analysis, reviews and a term paper. The three students in attendance this year were Veronica Woda, a media communications major; Rachel Guthro, a French major with a minor in world literature; and myself, Alexandra Taylor, a writing major. For five days, Dr. Wicks drove us through snowy hills in an old Toyota Camry from our host home to Park City. Former PLNU professor Dr. Norm Shoemaker hosted us in his home outside the town. Every morning we attended Windrider Forum, an organized group of Christian schools that come together each year to discuss faith and cinema. It was invigorating to meet so many like-minded students from schools like Taylor University and Fuller Theological Seminary and share our nerdy insights into what films we liked or didn’t like. Discussing films from a Christian perspective was an added bonus and not something that is always easy to find in the film industry. As Dr. Wicks said, “I’ve found my people.” Monday was my birthday, and it was a good one. I saw “Last Days in

the Desert,” a film written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia and starring Ewan McGregor. It is a fictional account of Christ (or Jeshua in the film) during his fast in the desert. He encounters a family and witnesses a struggle between the son and father, which parallels the struggles between himself and God. McGregor plays both Christ and a demon. After the film, Windrid-

called “Bathhouse” featured stop-motion animation, anthropomorphized animals and a chemical contamination incident. “I wanted people to feel uncomfortable,” said the creator Niki Lindroth Von Bahr in the Q&A after. Another highlight was “Sons My Brother Taught Me,” a film about a Lakota Sioux family living on a res-

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES WICKS

Rachel Guthro, Veronica Woda and Alexandra Taylor were interviewed by a media organization about Ewan McGregor’s performance in “Last Days in the Desert” while at the Sundance Film Festival.

er Forum got the director to join us in a Q&A session. I was able to ask him a question about his script. Garcia’s film had little dialogue, and the script was only about sixty pages (about the length of an hourlong TV drama). I asked him whether his original intent was to have a lean script or whether he wrote much more and cut out the fat later. He replied that it was his intent to communicate more through setting and action. This made every word much more meaningful. He was careful not to make Jeshua appear overly insightful or prophetic, but instead he wanted to portray a Holy man who is searching and who has not quite found the answers that he does find at the end of his journey. Best birthday ever, I’d say. We saw about a dozen short films in the course of the week, all of which covered a diverse range of topics. It is popular now to enter a short at Sundance and hope it gets noticed so that it can get turned into a feature film. My favorites were the animated shorts because each was as strange and twisted as the next. One animated short

ervation in South Dakota. It follows a brother and sister as they navigate growing up in a reservation haunted by alcoholism. 19th century Russian author Leo Tolstoy said that there are only two types of stories: ones where a man goes on an adventure and one where a stranger comes to town. However in this film, Johnny, the brother, struggles to decide whether to embark on a journey to Los Angeles with his girlfriend, or stay with his mother and sister. It is so convincingly real that it looks like a documentary. Tuesday night, three of us went to the midnight showing of “Slow West,” a film produced by Michael Fassbender. This happy, violent film was shot in New Zealand. It felt somewhat like a play—staged in vivid color with a brighter-than-life aesthetic. However, it seems the romantic naivette of the main character is what gets everyone into serious trouble. While it was not my favorite, I would be thrilled if this were my first film in Sundance. It will likely be one of those cult hits that fans come back to when John Maclean emerges as a widely recognized direc-

tor, much like Wes Anderson’s “Bottle Rocket” or Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs.” Finding celebrities was remarkably easy, and usually an accident. The four of us sat in the back of the Egyptian Theater to watch “Listen to Me Marlon,” a retrospective documentary of the life of the actor Marlon Brando, an influential American actor who died in 2004. The film consists entirely of his own sound recordings and interviews, as well as film clips. It also features a digital reconstruction of his head that appears sporadically to narrate his story. The audience is invited into an intimacy with the actor that allowed for many emotional moments. But the most emotional moment for our friend Veronica Woda was the presence of James Franco and Jane Fonda only a row to our right. It was like looking into the eyes of a rare animal in the forest. A not-so-rare animal was the presence of a supportive artistic community. A few of us ran into directors and producers, and the wisdom they shared all contained the same principle: be generous to everyone, and always send thank-you notes. The experience of Sundance Film Festival is one I will never forget. I will always remember how it fueled a passion in my heart for cinema not only as an art form, but also as a ministry. Those 8:30 a.m. conversations between us in our Camry on the way to Park City were a challenge to keep learning, to keep thinking critically and to keep the fellowship with each other in Christ.

“

Sundance is about celebrating your voice, your passion and your vision as an artist. - Alexandra Taylor So when a student in a panel asked, “What is the aesthetic of Sundance?” I thought he missed the point. Sundance is about celebrating your voice, your passion and your vision as an artist. There is no aesthetic or structure that guarantees acceptance. Create what you want to see in the world.

Alexandra Taylor’s Pick: “Listen to Me Marlon” Directed by Noah Baumbach “An intimate film about a conflicted and pained man. I like the transient, memory-like aesthetic.”

Dr. James Wicks’ Pick: “Turbo Kid” Directed by Anouk Whissell, François Simard, and Yoann-Karl Whissell “Violent 80’s nostalgia. It’s like MegaMan on steroids.”

Rachel Guthro’s Pick: “Last Days in the Desert” Directed by Rodrigo Garcia “Despite the fact that it is a fictional account of Jesus’ time in the desert, I thought that Ewan McGregor played the part of both Jesus and the demon very well.”

Veronica Woda’s Pick: “I Am Michael” Directed by Justin Kelly “James Franco plays an honest portrayal of a man struggling with his sexual identity. It reminded me that religion is about love.”

‘American Sniper’ incites response nationwide BY PAIGE ADLHOCH STAFF WRITER

Clint Eastwood’s new film “American Sniper” has stirred up quite a controversy over the portrayal of Chris Kyle’s choice of victims during the Iraq War. Bradley Cooper plays the role of Chris Kyle, a Navy SEAL who is the deadliest marksman in U.S. military history. Kyle is sent to fight in the Iraq War after the terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001 and he finds that the decisions he must make on the frontline are some of the hardest decisions he will ever face. Being faced with the choice to kill different people in battle, including women and children, Kyle suffers from Post-traumatic stress dis-

order. Because of his severe PTSD, Kyle becomes emotionally and physically unavailable to his family, especially his wife Taya Kyle, who is played by Sienna Miller. Unfortunately, on Feb. 3, 2013, Chris Kyle was murdered by a Marine Corps veteran suffering from PTSD named Eddie Routh. This story was based on the book, “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” written by Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice and Chris Kyle himself. “American Sniper” has generated positive reviews and popularity. According to Box Office Mojo, the film made $89.3 million opening weekend and broke the box office records for the month of January. “American

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLIDER.COM

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in “American Sniper.” The film is up for six Oscars.

Sniper” has also been nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture. Despite the movie’s popularity, it has caused some anger among

the public. Many people are refusing to see the film because they believe it is praising a man who killed women and children who didn’t necessarily deserve to die. American director and political activist Michael Moore tweeted on Jan. 18, “My uncle [was] killed by a sniper in WW2. We were taught snipers were cowards. [Snipers] will shoot you in the back. Snipers aren’t heroes. And invaders are worse.” In the article, “The American Sniper Controversy Proves Film Critics Matter,” Keith Phipps argues that the viewer comes to one of two conclusions. “Depending on who’s doing the talking, American Sniper is a piece of right-wing propaganda that only

bloodthirsty racist warmongers could love, or it’s a movie that honors the sacrifices of American soldiers so well that anyone who found fault in it for any reason doesn’t love America.” Riley Whitsitt, a freshman Marine Corps ROTC student at PLNU said that giving viewers a sense of reality may be shocking. “‘American Sniper’ portrayed a hero and it was biographical in that sense and it was doing it so realistically,” Whitsitt said. “It showed so many instances of brutality to show people what happens in war. I completely support people having different opinions on it, I just think a lot of people don’t realize the reality of it.” Professor of Political Science SEE KYLE, PAGE 4

the point | monday, february 2, 2015

6 | SPORTS

sports

SEA LION SCORES

1/29: M. Basketball, Win 65-34 vs. Holy Names 1/29: W. Basketball, Win 67-49 vs. Holy Names 1/31: M. Basketball, Win 62-58 vs. Notre Dame De Namur 1/31: W. Basketball, Win 58-39 vs. Notre Dame De Namur

UPCOMING EVENTS 2/2: W. Basketball vs. Academy of Art 2/4: M. Tennis vs. UC San Diego 2/6: M. & W. Basketball vs. Fresno Pacific 2/7: M. Tennis vs. Azusa Pacific

Super Bowl XLIV rushes students to Twitter and to the ARC BY LOUIS SCHULER STAFF WRITER

The Point asked students in the ARC Sunday to tweet reactions during the Super Bowl XLIV game to #lomabeat or @lomabeat. Here are the responses to the game, unfiltered.

MVT: Most Valuable Twitter posts

PHOTO BY LOUIS SCHULER Over 100 students arrived at the ARC to watch the Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday. The New England Patriots beat the defending champions, Seattle Seahawks, 28-24.

PLNU baseball team has ‘nothing to lose’ this season BY ARIEL ORIARTE STAFF WRITER

Sports at PLNU have taken off this year as the transition into division two has begun. Soccer dominated the PacWest Conference, basketball topped the number one team in the nation and baseball is gearing up to make sweep their opponents. The season looks bright for the Sea Lions. They have 18 returners and brought in 16 new players who have the potential to bring that competitive edge that was otherwise lacking in previous seasons. Senior outfielder Trey Hunt said he is confident in the new players’ abilities. “With the core veterans that we have and a few plug in transfers, we should have no problem competing at a high level,” said Hunt. “If our young pitchers can keep their composure like

we know they are capable of doing, we will be fine.” Senior catcher Anthony Torres agreed with Hunt, and said the team’s consistent pitching and better hitting will better the team this season. “As long as everyone stays healthy, we should have a good year,” Torres said. Ryan Garcia, a sophomore first baseman, had his season cut short last year due to a tear in his labrum in the middle of the season. Coming off of this injury, he has entered this season with a new work ethic and a more serious attitude. “It was really difficult to sit back and watch my team play knowing that I couldn’t be out there to help them last season during the stretch run,” Garcia said. “I can’t wait to be back on the field competing with my teammates,”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION Last year as a freshman, pitcher Kevin Lillicrop allowed 66 hits in 70 innings and struck out 49 batters, walking just 14 batters.

The 2015 Preseason Pacwest Poll projected the Sea Lions to finish in sixth in the conference behind rivals Cal Baptist and Azusa Pacific. “If anything, it makes us want it more. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. We will show everyone who voted against us why they made a mistake,” Garcia said. Head coach Joe Schaefer believes in his team, and their potential to win out this season. “I think we have a talented team and I think we can compete at a high level. We play a pretty tough schedule this year, so every game is going to be close. But if we can keep getting better each week, we should have a pretty good shot at a conference title,” said Schaefer. Their season opener is Feb. 5 against Western Oregon here at PLNU.

monday, february 2, 2015 | the point

SPORTS | 7

Men and women’s tennis return for 2015 season MEN’S TENNIS BY LOUIS SCHULER STAFF WRITER

After two consecutive losing seasons, new head coach and former PLNU tennis player Curt Wheeler may be the missing piece for the men’s tennis team. The former assistant coach will be taking the reins from Richard Hills, who coached the team for 35 years. Wheeler built an impressive career as a player, accruing the fourth highest match winning percentage in one season of school history along with an NAIA All-American nomination in 2009. He said retaining Hills’ coaching focus on the doubles aspect is important for both the men’s and women’s teams. “One thing coach [Richard] Hills did a great job of was teaching doubles,” said Wheeler. “And I am on the same page as him in terms of the love of doubles and how important it is for our teams. When he was coaching me as a player, it was always a big focus for us - winning the doubles points because when we play, we usually start out with that; and so if we can get a lead after those matches it can give us momentum going into singles.” Last year, the team had four seniors who composed half of the roster. Conversely, the team is divided between lowerclassmen and upperclassmen for the 2015 season. Junior Martin Blaho, who transferred from Bratislava, Slovakia, said the addition of Wheeler and a youth-

ful team brings everyone together. “I think it’s good, because there’s much more unity to the team, said Blaho. “Everyone came at the same time, so that makes us stick together better.” Blaho said he plans to set an example for the younger players while utilizing Wheeler’s ACE mantra—attitude, concentration and effort. “It’s something that coach talks to us about a lot and it’s something that if the key to those components are good then you shouldn’t have a problem,” said Blaho. “So that’s the biggest thing. I try to lead by example through my attitude, effort and concentration because I know for the younger guys sometimes if they’re having a bad day,

it’s easy to fall into being frustrated.” Many Sea Lions are making their freshman debuts this season including Grant and Jack Alston, CJ Erion, Blake Smith and Andre Staab, a recruit from Germany. Erion said the team has been going out of their way to make the transition from high school to college comfortable for them. “Well right off the bat we did a lot of team bonding activities,” said Erion. “It’s going well. We’re all getting along, playing well. I feel like in practice we do a good job of helping each other out, keeping each other going and playing well. I am sure that will correlate to matches. I am pretty excited to play with these guys.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION AND STATESMAN JOURNAL Junior Martin Blaho (left) received third team honor in singles as part of the All-PacWest team. Freshman CJ Erion (right) placed third at last year’s 6a Oregon tournament, the highest level of competitive play.

While the team has been able to bond on the field, this younger group of players will have to strengthen their mental game in order to prepare for Division II level of play, said Wheeler. “The fun part about coaching underclassmen –and freshman - is you really get a chance to mold them in attitude, game style, mentality and strategy,” said Wheeler. “For me, that’s one thing I really enjoy as a coach, is trying to mold their minds into good tennis players. Because in tennis specifically, you got to be mentally tough. The ones who are mentally tough are far more successful than the ones that are usually more talented. So for me that’s always a challenge with the younger class—trying to get that mental aspect ready to compete day in and day out.” Wheeler said the team looks to minimize the amount of injuries they had to endure last season, which played a crucial role in their 7-17 record. “I know last year Martin [Blaho] was hurt for a good chunk of the season, and we lost, I believe, four or five matches that he didn’t play in,” said Wheeler. “So when one of your best players isn’t playing in a college tennis match, it could be the difference between losing 4-5 or winning 6-3. So having him injured last year was especially tough.” The Sea Lions will begin their season at home on Feb. 4 as they take on the 18th ranked team in the nation, UC San Diego.

Men’s tennis roster Grant Alston Jack Alston Martin Blaho Wesley Lerg CJ Erion Kevin Mckelligan Daniel Millken Blake Smith Andre Staab James Tenbroeck

WOMEN’S TENNIS BY LOUIS SCHULER STAFF WRITER

The women’s tennis team has had much success the past six seasons with a 79-42 team record and two NAIA championship runner-up finishes in 2011 and 2012. Last year the Sea Lions had a team record of 13-13, finishing 8th out of 12 teams in the PacWest Conference. Many of the matches came down to the wire, said new Head Coach and past tennis player for PLNU, Curt Wheeler.

“

I think have the capability to replace the players from last year and hopefully even a step above. So I think we have a great chance of improving on the record we had last year.”

- Curt Wheeler

“Last season was a very good season and just like the guy’s side, we had multiple matches that we lost 4-5,” said Wheeler. “They came down to a few points here or there. If we would’ve played the bigger points a little better, we could’ve easily been 15-11.” Wheeler said 2014 alumni Maika Adair, Hope Penner and Sharon Relbstein will be replaced with a good recruiting class with high expectations. “It was going to be extremely difficult to replace them being seniors and having experience and how good they were as players,” said Wheeler. “But this year we got some new freshmen and a transfer that I think have the capability to replace the players from last year and hopefully even a step above.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION Senior Preethika Venugopal laughs during a match last year.

So I think we have a great chance of improving on the record we had last year.” Junior Hillary Ramage said Wheeler’s coaching style works well for the young and inexperienced players, differing from previous coach Richard Hills. “I think Coach Hills was definitely more ‘old school’ than Curt [Wheeler],” said Ramage. “I kind of feel like Curt pushes us a little bit more just because he’s recently played for a college

team, so he kind of knows what it takes. I think it’s easier to relate to him just because he’s younger and understands how to be a student-athlete now instead of when Coach Hills was [in college].” Firsthand experience has created a rapport between the coach and the players this year. Senior Preethika Venugopal –who played under Hills for three years - said Wheeler has placed importance on winning the

Profile: Curt Wheeler new tennis head coach - 2009 NAIA All-American - .846 match winning percentage in 2007 - 4th highest winning percentage for one season in school history - Last singles match, 05/07/10, was a win against Mikey Lim of the #3 ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, with a score of 6-2, 6-3. INFORMATION AND PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION

doubles matches for both women’s and men’s teams during practices. “Having a different coach definitely makes this team different from the other ones,” said Venugopal. “I feel like we work on doubles a lot more too now, which is really nice because Curt is a really good doubles player. So it’s nice to have his influence on how our doubles is working now; I think that’s going to be really beneficial.” With the season opener looming ahead and a 10 person team composed of six underclassmen,Wheeler said the main goal for the team season remains to stick to the ACE – attitude, concentration and effort – mindset, which aided him during his career as a player. “I think for me it’s a very personal philosophy in terms of how I played tennis, how I competed and how I coached in the past too,” said Wheeler. “It worked well for me, and I don’t try to make it anymore complicated than that. I try to make things very simple for my players and myself, because if it’s simple and clear, then it’s just a matter of going out and executing.” The young Sea Lions faces Azusa Pacific University at home on Feb. 6.

Women’s tennis roster Hannah Chiu Madeline Cunningham Nikki Newell Justine Phillips Hillary Ramage Cassidy Siegfried Preethika Venugopal Regina von Koch Jen Weissman

the point | monday, february 2, 2015

8 | OPINION

opinion

Katie Callahan // Editor-In-Chief Kendall Boshart // News Editor Samantha Watkins // Features Editor Louis Schuler // Sports Editor Jonathan Pickett // A&E Editor

Arthur Shingler // Opinion Editor Abbey Stewart // Copy Editor Kelsey Vasquez // Design Editor Michelle Ito // Assistant Design Editor Jake Henry // Web Editor

‘American Sniper’: In support of the troops Student responds to critical tweets from Hollywood celebrities BY JOSHUA RAY CONTRIBUTOR

Clint Eastwood’s “American Sniper” is a film about Chris Kyle, a dedicated Navy SEAL sniper, who is caught between his ideals, duty, family and the controversial war in Iraq. It illustrates the several combat situations Kyle finds himself in and the struggles that plague him and his family at home. The film contains several themes such as duty, honor, and courage and has been a hit with audiences across the United States, pulling in a record $105.3 million in the first four days following its release. However, the film has sparked controversy and debate over its alleged pro-war message. Several Hollywood celebrities, Seth Rogen and Michael Moore specifically, have come out publicly criticizing the film and Chris Kyle.

“

‘The point of the film was not to justify the occupation of Iraq but to give an account of a soldier who fought in Iraq.” - Joshua Ray

On Jan. 18, Rogen tweeted, “‘American Sniper’ kind of reminds me of the movie that’s showing in the third act of Inglorious Basterds.” He is referring the fictional film, “Stolz der Nation” (Nation’s Pride), that represents the glorification of battle via Nazi propaganda, where a decorated German sniper is depicted shooting American soldiers from a bell tower. Filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted calling snipers “cowards” and went on to say that “invaders r worse,” referring to the American troops in Iraq. Personally, I think that Rogen’s comparison of ‘American Sniper’ to “Stolz der Nation” is based on the fact that they are both war films portraying a skilled sniper. “Stolz der Nation” is a fictitious example of war propaganda meant to rally the public to a cause and inspire patriotic fervor. However, I would argue that the film’s purpose is not to rally the American public to support the conflict in Iraq. Rather, it is to illustrate the struggles an American sniper faces both in the heat of battle and at home. ‘American Sniper’ tells the story of Chris Kyle. Michael Moore also referenced

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/U.S. MARINE CORPS/ CPL. DAMIEN GUTIERREZ “American Sniper” recounts the life story of Chris Kyle (above), the deadliest Navy SEAL sniper in American history.

There remained no doubt in his mind Women were an incredible, fascinating mystery Not like the ones within the pages of a book But one with indescribably more complexity Just as he thought this, the old man reentered the room They had spent the last three hours discussing her However, the old man demanded coffee before they continued The younger man once again started on her mysterious allure It wasn’t so much so that she was more attractive But rather that there was something entirely different He had never met a girl quite like her before She was, in the most plain description possible, magnificent The old man listened intently It had been a long time since he had first been in love He gazed over to the picture on the nightstand For 47 years his wife convinced him there was in fact a God above

#LomaChatter Have something to say? Submit your random thoughts, funny comments, or opinions!

Text your #LomaChatter to 619-786-6890! #LongLiveBrewerCrane New Year’s resolution #14 Get a date with Chip Pitkin So that Superbowl, huh? Let’s not and say we did. Alright, time to write a date on my paper...Jan- wait, it’s February. PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Actor Seth Rogen (left) and filmmaker Michael Moore (right) faced backlash for their social media posts about “American Sniper.”

the film in a tweet which claimed that snipers are cowards and that invaders are even worse. I believe questioning the methods and the causes of war is wise; however, I would disagree with Moore’s conclusions. Snipers have played an important role in military operations and are put through intense training in order to prepare for extremely dangerous situations and the immense responsibility that comes with that job. I cannot imagine a coward being able to even complete the required training to become a sniper in the United States Armed Forces. In response to Moore’s claim that invaders are even worse than cowards, I would say that many people in Iraq saw us as liberators rather than invaders. However, this doesn’t seem enough to dismiss his criticism of the conflict in Iraq which continues to be a point of heated debate. I would then reiterate that the point of the film was not to justify the occupation of Iraq but to give an account of a soldier who fought in Iraq. One cannot blame a soldier for being sent to war by his leaders. A soldier is responsible only for his or her specific actions committed during combat. The responsibility for the war itself lies with the government and with a government by the people, of the people, the responsibil-

ity lies with us, the people. Some Hollywood stars have jumped to the film’s defense and were joined by public figures, Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich who have spoken out against comments made by Rogen and Moore. A steakhouse in Wisconsin even went as far as publicly banning Moore and Rogen from dining at their restaurant and was quickly joined by others throughout the country. The American public has responded quite positively to the themes presented in “American Sniper.” Texas governor Greg Abbot has just announced Feb. 2 to be “Chris Kyle Day” throughout the state in honor of the fallen service member. I consider Chris Kyle a genuine American hero and to his fellow comrades, he is seen as a guardian angel, protecting them from above. I appreciate the glimpse of the horrors of war but also recognize the heroism and bravery that are present among our troopers. It is thanks to them that Rogen, Moore and I are all able to freely express our thoughts and share our opinions. Ray is a sophomore ministry major hailing from Texas. Ray enjoys traveling, horseback riding and Clint Eastwood films.

POETRY CORNER: To love a mystery BY TYLER WEHR STAFF WRITER

The Point

The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point Weekly or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to ashingler000@pointloma.edu.

When the younger man was finished The older man gazed directly into his eyes Eyes could tell a lot about a man They could separate truth from euphoric lies In the younger man’s eyes he only saw conviction Unwavering, resolute, complete determination For the first time in his young life, he was actually in love The old man held him in deep adoration He spoke in a voice barely above a whisper A woman’s love is a love of unspeakable enormity Yet, even when you think you fully understand her Parts of her still remain a complete mystery This is what makes her so incredible, he continued The more you learn about her, the more you will love her It’s a love that is so complex, yet so simple And, my son, it is absolutely perfect; of that, I am absolutely sure Wehr is a junior finance major who enjoys writing, a good book and playing volleyball. PHOTO COURTESY OFWIKIMEDIA COMMONS/ MARXDS

Thinking that one of the same Loma Chatters from last week would go here?! Think AGAIN! So on Wednesday Tim Whetstone definitely stuck his left hand in his pocket 47 times, and 3 more times with his right hand...nervous habit much? Haha! So now I can’t stalk people on the portal. WTF?! Keep posting pictures of your friends on all the Instagram crush pages. Its not like you’re fooling anybody. For those kids who stripped in front of the camera at the all nighter, we can see you. Remember that one time at band camp...

Calling all artists! We are looking to decorate these new newspaper boxes that we will place around campus! We are hosting a contest for the design concept! Your design could be featured on the box below! Contact info@lomabeat.com for more information or with any questions you may have.