The Point, Issue 15, February 16, 2015 by LomaBeat.com

The Point student newspaper of point loma nazarene university

monday, february 16, 2015

Features, page 3

volume 43 | issue 15

A&E, page 5

Sports, page 7

Opinion, page 8

More on Loma Beat!

Hello Friends bridges the gap between PLNU and the Congo BY MADISEN STEELE STAFF WRITER

PLNU won second place in a national competition for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries to further plans on raising awareness of clean water importance in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Last week students raised $1,630 toward the building of a well at European Parliament Mutombo Primary School and Mutowa Institute in the Congo. The goal is to raise $6,000 by April 3. Robert Gailey, director of the Center for International Development, said there is a donor that will match any of the donations that are made during this fundraiser, so he encourages students to get involved. “We’ve had more than 50 people contribute funds to the campaign online or by giving cash in various locations” said Gailey via email. PLNU held a student-run water challenge Feb. 9 through Feb. 13 to raise awareness about access to fresh water, hygiene and sanitation. Courtney Mayer, a graphic design professor here at PLNU, was one of the leaders of this project that started last semester. “This started out as a project for my portfolio class. I wanted them to have an integrated social cause branding project. I went to Robert Gailey,” said Mayer. After Mayer approached him, she asked if he had any projects for her class. He told her that Nazarene Compassionate Ministries’ national

competition focused on water justice in which they award a Nazarene university for their implementation of a plan for a national water campaign. Gailey’s class and Mayer’s class, along with accounting professor Susan Brownlee’s class, came up with a plan on how to spread awareness on water justice issues and how to use the classes’ skills to benefit a community in need. This project started in midOctober and they had until Dec. 1 to come up with an idea, a proposal and a budget. “We wanted to ask someone from the community who had a real problem with water,” said Mayer. “So we sought out Pastor Celestin Chishibanji. Pastor Celestin is the LoveWorks connection to PLNU. We said to him, ‘What are the water justice issues in your area?’” Chishibanji said they were building new schools in the Congo that don’t have fresh water and they need a well. He also expressed a need for toothbrushes. “He also said that if you give a community a well, you must teach them how to use it so that it doesn’t get contaminated,” said Mayer. To help in this effort, nursing students made videos in hand washing and how to use a toothbrush properly. Mayer said her team used a web program called Sparkwise to coordinate social media on a single webpage. From there, Mayer gave Chishibanji an iPad as a means of constant contact and connection with SEE HELLO FRIENDS, PAGE 2

SCREENSHOT COURTESY OF OLIVIA MOWRY PLNU student Olivia Mowry and 2014 alumna Jené Johnson released their sequel to the viral video, “Do you wanna go to Starbucks?” Feb. 10. The new video, “Love is an open store,” is a parody of Frozen’s “Love is an open door.” This YouTube video, which reached over 8,000 people as of Sunday afternoon, prompts viewers to visit their Kickstarter page and donate to their new venture, “Cut!: A Hollywood Musical.” See page 7 for more

Measles in Disneyland lead to campus-wide caution BY TAVIS ROBERTSON STAFF WRITER

A campus-wide email warning of a potential measles outbreak was sent to the PLNU student body Monday. While no student cases have been reported, the health alert followed a large outbreak of more than 100 people across Southern California that originated at Disneyland in December. The email sent by Caye Smith,

vice president for student development, outlined the university’s response in the case of an outbreak, relying heavily on quarantining infected persons and verifying the immunity of all exposed persons. “In the information we sent out, we tried to provide students with enough information so that if they had symptoms which mirror early measles symptoms, they knew to call the Wellness Center so we could actually do an in-room evaluation,” said Smith. “So,

if we were to then diagnose a student with measles, we could contact parents or guardians and help that student go home.” This quarantine-centered strategy exists in large part because of how extremely contagious measles is. According to Dr. Dawne Page, biology professor and immunologist, all it takes is being in the same room as a person with the disease. “Measles is one of those viruses SEE MEASLES, PAGE 2

Ukrainian journalists visit PLNU to discuss Ukrainian, Russian relations BY PAIGE ADLHOCH STAFF WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK/HELLO FRIENDS PLNU Students Melanie Voigt and Olivia Armitage, graphic design majors, explore the “Hello Friends” installation on Caf Lane where they can interact with the iPads, learning about water issues in the Congo and donating money to build a well.

Eight Ukrainian journalists visited PLNU Friday to explain the difficulty of journalism in the midst of a territorial issue between Ukraine and Russia. The group spent five days in Washington, D.C. at various media organizations, but were brought to San Diego by the San Diego Diplomacy Council in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Kiev, Ukraine. Maksym Savanevskyi, the Editorin-Chief of a website in Ukraine, Watcher.com.ua, gave his perspective on the invasion. “Ukraine and Russia do not have defined borders,” he said. “While they

were signing a cease-fire agreement, there was a shooting and the house of my grandmother was under attack. Of course, the shooting was on the Russian side.” The group attended journalism professor Stephen Goforth’s Intro to Journalism class Friday morning and later spoke with students in the Literature, Journalism and Modern Languages lounge with students and faculty. Iryna Yarmolenko, a Ukrainian journalist for SKI TV’s segment, “20 Minutes,” told students in the first class that journalism can be a way to track progression of the war. “You probably know about the

issue going on with the war in the eastern part, so very often the people gather money to send to the soldiers in the front,” Yarmolenko said. “So we often conduct investigative journalism to see if the money gets used.” Sergei Ivanov, a journalist and blogger form “Ukrainska Pravda,” an internet news site, said that in the American media market, Russia is on the right side and Ukraine is on the wrong side. “In the discussion in the U.S. about sending military systems to Ukraine, the channel ‘Russia Today’ is doing everything they can to not provide assistance to Ukraine,” said Ivanov. SEE UKRAINIAN, PAGE 2

the point | monday, february 16, 2015

2 | NEWS

FROM MEASLES, PAGE 1

that is really, really infectious,” Page said. “And that is the big problem with this virus; until you break out with your rash, you can be infectious and not know it.” Vaccination for the virus, however, is 99 percent effective in preventing the spread of the virus, according to Kimberly Bogan, associate dean of student success and wellness. And the university’s policy requires that all undergraduate students receive a variety of vaccines—including the vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)—prior to attending the school. Students are, however,

allowed to waive this requirement for reasons of health or personal belief. “There are some people who actually can’t be vaccinated for health reasons,” Page said. “Often someone can be born with an immunodeficiency so their immune system isn’t properly functioning to begin with.” These individuals that cannot— and those that choose not to—get immunized are at a huge risk in outbreak scenarios. “It would also significantly impact other students who are unvaccinated,” said Smith. “At that point, we would very likely consult with the public health department and we would like-

ly ask all unvaccinated students to go home until we were past that period of recommended quarantine.” Smith said those who aren’t vaccinated should at least be informed so that they can know what to prepare for in the event of an outbreak. “If there are students that are unvaccinated, and they are over the age of 18, they can make that decision legally for themselves,” said Smith. “So I would ask the unvaccinated students to look at the literature, come in and talk to one of our nurse practitioners or consulting physicians and to think carefully about that issue.”

PHOTO BY GABRIELA GARCIA Students worked to create homemade soap Wednesday night in the ARC. Each student kept two bars of soap. Any remains will be sold to help build a water well in the Congo. FROM HELLO FRIENDS, PAGE 1

PHOTO BY PAIGE ADLHOCH Eight Ukrainian journalists discuss journalism in Ukraine with students in the Intro to Journalism class in Ryan Learning Center Friday. They later spoke to students and faculty from the Literature, Journalism and Modern Languages lounge. FROM UKRAINIAN, PAGE 1

“Russian mass media and information is trying to influence the market here in the U.S.” One journalist, who has to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said that while the situation in the eastern part of Ukraine might be redeemable for Ukraine, that is not the case for Crimea.

“For Crimea, the hope is not there anymore,” said the journalist. This Ukrainian journalist said fear often drives the work journalists do in Ukraine. “We work under the conditions of what we feel is fear. We write about something important, something dangerous. We destroy it as soon as we write it because you don’t know who

will get a hold of it....You’re lucky you’re living in a free country with much more freedom. We fear for our lives.” Katie Callahan contributed to this report.

PLNU. Next an installment on Caf Lane was created to provide students with updates on what is happening in the Congo. This installment includes two iPads under cardboard trees that contain live updating information from the Congo, informing students who are interested. The installment was only up for the fundraising week; however, the website will still be up until the end of March so people still have the chance to give. Mayer’s graphic design class voted on an idea and finally selected a concept created by Rachel Harrell. Both the installation on Caf Lane and the website were designed by Harrell. The team got second place in the national competition and $8,500 to implement the plan. The students decided $7,500 of that amount would go toward student scholarships for Beauty for Ashes. This past week, daily events rose awareness of the issues of accessibility to clean water, hygiene and sanitation in the Congo. Tuesday had a focus on hygiene. Fifty-nine PLNU students made soap in the ARC. Thursday, 15 students participated in a toothbrush collection and Friday about 15 students helped with the cliff cleanup and BBQ. “It’s really cool that they are trying to provide clean water for the DRC,” said senior Kirsten Hibbard, sustainability student volunteer. “Cleaning the cliffs is definitely a way to keep our

water clean.” Hibbard is also on staff with the Hello Friends project. Mayer said that even though the week is over, there’s still more to be done. “We’re trying to document these events, load them up onto social media and tell this unfolding story to build empathy towards this issue,” said Mayer. “We’ve raised over $1,000 this week and the end goal is to have $6,000 by the beginning of April. The next step is to go out into the community and get business and churches to help donate.” Students can donate by visiting the website, hellofriendsplnu.org, for more information on the process of donating. “I think it’s the greatest thing that’s happened to Point Loma,” said senior business major, Bradley Zimmer who has been involved in the process from the beginning. Mayer is excited to see where this past week of events will lead. A team headed by Mary Paul will head over to the Congo this summer and will most likely visit the site to see the new well. “It’s just been a great experience for all of us, the faculty and the students involved,” said Mayer. You can visit the Hello Friends website to make a donation. http:// www.hellofriendsplnu.org/.

PLNU Speech and Debate maintain national third-place ranking BY NICK KJELDGAARD STAFF WRITER

PLNU’s Speech and Debate team has continued to hold its third place national ranking in back-to-back tournaments over the past few weekends. Forty-two schools from across the nation attended the 2015 Sunset Cliffs Classic speech and debate tournament hosted by PLNU two weeks ago. “This tournament is one of the biggest of the year,” said senior political science major Frank Daniel, president of the PLNU debate team. “It lets schools and teams from all over the U.S. participate in one of the most competitive tournaments of the year.” In total, 149 teams from 42 schools competed, with PLNU’s squad adding five teams to the mix. The rest of PLNU’s 25-member team helped with the tournament. “It was nice helping make the staff’s job easier,” said freshman political science major Montana Massone. “It was great meeting all these judges from around the country.” PLNU had a strong showing, with most of the teams advancing to the next rounds. “Four of our five teams entered

PHOTO COURTESY OF AEI STAFFER The PLNU Debate team went to Washington, D.C. for a tournament at American Enterprise Institute. Pictured from left to right is Coach Melissa Lazaro, Kasey Graves, Montana Massone, Nick Kjeldgaard, Zach Springer, Frank Daniel, Caleb Moore and Director of Forensics Skip Rutledge.

advanced to the elimination rounds in Parliamentary Debate,” said Director of Forensics Skip Rutledge. “Students nicknamed it ‘the bloodbath by the beach’ many years ago because of the intense competition.” The first weekend of February had PLNU’s Speech and Debate team competing at home, while last week they were across the nation in Wash-

ington, D.C. at the American Enterprise Institute. The tournament, sponsored by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and Colorado Christian University (CCU), had over a dozen schools participating in this first trial run of the tournament. AEI and CCU were excited to offer a brand new tournament and provided scholarships to schools

based on distance traveled. “It’s a lot smaller than the Sunset Cliffs tournament,” said sophomore literature major Caleb Moore. “The weather is also drastically different. When we got to D.C., the wind felt like getting snow thrown in your face.” PLNU sent two senior division and one novice division team to attend and support this new tournament.

Members of the team debated the economy and how different policies might impact the future of American jobs and business. “I’ve learned more about economics than I ever wanted to,” said Moore. Spring semester marks the busy part of the season, with Spring Regional Championships, the National Christian College Forensics Institute’s championship, the National Parliamentary Debate Association’s championship and the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence, all in different parts of the U.S. This week, PLNU’s debate team will compete in the Spring Regional Championships at Moorpark College, marking the third straight tournament in a row for the squad. “I’m expecting good things for Spring Championships,” said senior international studies major Kasey Graves. “Loma will do great and have several teams advance to elimination rounds.” Disclosure: Nick Kjeldgaard is a member of the debate team. He competed in these tournaments with his debate partner, Kasey Graves.

monday, february 16, 2015 | the point

FEATURES | 3

features

THINK ON THAT

“Renewal Week wasn’t just a week. It’s an invitation that every week is a renewal week. Come home.” - Chip Pitkin, Feb. 9 Chapel, Renewal Week response

PLNU student fights to stay at her dream school BY MADISEN STEELE STAFF WRITER

Cristeal Laughlin always wanted to come to PLNU and wouldn’t let anything stop her from attending her dream school. Cristeal grew up in Murrieta and her church was affiliated with First Church of the Nazarene on the PLNU campus, so she had been to PLNU many times over the years due to retreats. She arrived here at PLNU in Fall of 2012. But her health pushed her to drop out of school. She fought hard to get back into PLNU. And now she is back, paying for school all by herself by working two jobs. “You just gotta keep going. Persevere. Keep trying,” Cristeal said. Cristeal attended PLNU for one semester. She had a job on campus with Steve Riddle in the athletic department. Halfway through her freshman semester, she got another job handing out flyers with a realtor that she said was a gift from God. During that first semester, Cristeal’s life changed. “I was diagnosed with precancerous tumors, which basically means that I grow tumors,” Cristeal said. “They hadn’t turned into cancer yet, but if [left] in my body, they can eventually turn into cancer. And because of the largeness of the tumor, it would be extremely aggressive. When I found it, it was probably the size of a dime, and within a month and a half, it was the size of a golf ball.” No one in her family has had this cancer and the odds of her contracting it were very rare. The doctors informed her that things did not look good and she began preparing for the worst. “When I was dealing with that I was all alone,” Cristeal said. “I was two weeks into my freshmen year, so I didn’t have a lot of friends.” She did meet one girl on her hall that she befriended in the first few weeks at PLNU named Jade Goodwin, who would accompany her to doctor’s appointments. “You don’t expect an 18 year old to get breast cancer,” said Goodwin. “What do you say to someone?…She’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF CRISTEAL LAUGHLIN Junior Cristeal Laughlin (left) had cancer her freshman year. She dropped out of PLNU, but did everything she could to come back. One of her friends, Jade Goodwin (right), a junior at PLNU, accompanied her to doctor’s appointments.

doing it on her own and I don’t even know how. She’s just amazing.” Then the doctors found that the tumors were benign but needed to be removed. Cristeal finished her first semester and then took a semester off of school for medical leave. The tumors were removed and she was free of cancer. She enrolled to complete a summer session at PLNU. After that session, the medical bills became too much and she was forced to drop out of school. “I thought that I was done,” she said. “I thought that God just did not have this in the plans for me. I’ve left this school twice now. I gave up and I was throwing a temper tantrum.” When she returned back home to Murrieta, she decided to move in with her best friend since sophomore year of high school and her family, for about a year and a half. She took a full time job as a nanny and worked 60 hours a week. She also got an internship at her church to keep busy. “I fought cancer by myself in college at 18 and now I’m almost 21 and I no longer have fear about it,” said Cristeal. “I’ve now been in remission for two and a half years.”

As a precaution, Cristeal goes in for check-ups every couple of months. Because of that, she wants to get financially stable and in a position where if this were to happen again, it wouldn’t completely change her life in such a dramatic way as it did before. In part because of her experience with cancer, Cristeal wants to be a nurse. She believes she can help others overcome because she understands what they are going through. “I want to use my story to help other people in that kind of situation - I know how scary this is, but this is what can happen and I’m living proof of that,” she said. “You can get out of this and be completely fine. Yeah, there is a possibility it can come back, but that’s no reason to live in fear.” Her hard work and growing independence eventually pushed Cristeal to make the decision to return to PLNU. “This is home to me,” Cristeal said. “About four to five years ago my father passed away and his memorial was down the street from this school. So this place has so much history and sentimental value to me that I feel at home here. There is just a sense of be-

ing comfortable that I don’t have anywhere else.” Cristeal left PLNU majoring in theology and Christian ministries, her second choice, but this time, she only wanted her first choice, nursing. Cristeal filed for FAFSA and applied for PLNU when she realized she could afford it. However, she would have to pay for it herself and would receive little to no help due to her family’s financial situation. “This semester, we had about 53 transfer students begin at PLNU, but Cristeal isn’t considered a transfer student, since she was a former PLNU student -- she’s a readmit,” said Shannon Hutchinson, the director of undergraduate admissions, via email. “Readmit students (students who were here, left for whatever reason, and want to come back) are a top priority for us -- we want students to finish their degrees! There were 16 readmits this spring.” Coming back, Cristeal found that the nursing program didn’t allow sophomores to switch their majors to transfer into the program. So Cristeal took matters into her own hands. “In hindsight, I was very idiotic in how I approached this,” Cristeal said. “I just emailed the nursing school. I didn’t even send in an application like you’re supposed to; I didn’t know there was one. I told them my story. I said I was diagnosed with cancer so that’s why I left the first time, then I couldn’t afford anything because of all of my cancer bills, so I left the second time, but now I want to come back.” In order to transfer into the nursing program, students have to complete all their nursing pre-requisite classes, said Hutchinson. “Students apply to PLNU, like a regular transfer and also apply to the School of Nursing. PLNU freshmen pre-nursing majors are given first priority in the process and transfer nursing students are considered for admission after them.” Cristeal was set on this program, but got an email back from the head of the program, Barbra Taylor, saying transfers aren’t usually accepted into the program. “I met the dean [Taylor]...and she

said we don’t do this, but we want you to succeed because we think your story is awesome,” said Cristeal. Taylor said if Cristeal was willing to step up to the challenge, then she was more than welcome in the program. “The curriculum in the School of Nursing at PLNU provides the necessary foundation for the nursing student to enter the profession,” said Taylor via email. Cristeal moved from Murrieta down to San Diego the first week of January. She currently lives with her cousin and uncle who live about 30 minutes away. Cristeal said she is not worried about financial problems anymore. “I know God is going to provide,” she said. “He’s given me peace.” Cristeal’s friends agree that she is always in the highest of hopes and is looking forward. “She just doesn’t complain about her life. She always had this strength,” said Goodwin. Cristeal still works two jobs and runs her own photography business called Cristeal Felien Photography to make an income and has learned to juggle her responsibilities. “I make time. I’m very strategic in how I plan things,” Cristeal said. “Both my jobs I get to pick my hours… so it’s been really difficult to plan everything but I have everything worked out to a tee. It’s taught me time management.” Her plan now is to graduate with her BSN and then start working in a hospital a few years, and then go back to school and get either a masters or doctorate in nursing. She wants to be a scrub nurse and maybe open her own practice one day. “In some states, nurse practitioners can open up a practice,” she said. “I like the idea of being my own boss.” By the end of the summer, Cristeal will enroll in the nursing program. Coming into her junior year, Cristeal couldn’t be more thrilled. “I’m so ecstatic to be here. I’m pushing myself harder than I’ve ever pushed myself,” said Cristeal. “I’m really happy; I just love the family and the community here…I wouldn’t want to change anything about it.”

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the point | monday, february 16, 2015

4 | FEATURES

Former student: Homeless for the night BY YANITZA PATFIELD CONTRIBUTOR

When I first thought of sleeping on the streets alongside my homeless friends, I said to myself, “That is a crazy idea Yanitza,” but immediately I felt God reply, “It is crazy, but I don’t call you to live a normal life or a comfortable one, so do it.” I knew I wanted to relate more to these beautiful people I have made such a strong connection with, but I wasn’t sure the best way of going about that until God answered me. I was given the urge to spend one of my nights out on the streets of Ocean Beach to just love and share my time with the people who are so often rejected and ignored. I prayed and prayed and prayed the week following up to the night I was going and God just instilled such a strong sense of peace over me. I was not afraid, I was not discouraged, but rather I was excited as I waited in anticipation for what God had in store for me. I layered up my clothes, put a few items in my backpack and headed out. When I got there, I found my friends hanging out on the wall where they normally are on a weeknight. They looked confused as to why I was carrying a sleeping bag and my backpack. I could tell they were curious as to what I was planning on doing for the night, so when they asked, I told them, “I’m hanging out with you guys all night.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF YANITZA PATFIELD Yanitza Patfield, a former PLNU student, spent an evening on the streets of Ocean Beach. She left PLNU to study pre-nursing in another program.

There was joy and worry in their faces. They had joy because they felt so appreciated and respected that someone who had a home, who had a bed and had all of the things they lacked, chose to sacrifice a night of those comforts to sleep on the cold, dirty streets that they call home. But they were afraid because they were more aware of the dangers that came with being on out the streets, especially for women and they did not like the risk of me being exposed to them. As I explained my purpose and my confidence I had, they all encouraged me. Mama T (who is the street mom in OB) offered me a spot to sleep next to her; she is not a women to be messed

STUDY ABROAD PHOTO OF THE WEEK

with, so she knew I would be safe. Laura (who recently moved from the streets into a home in OB) gave me all the details I needed on street safety. She told me what to look out for, where the best spots were to sleep and she even offered me her place to crash if something came up that made me feel like I couldn’t sleep outside anymore. I was so happy to be out there with my friends and to feel God working on my heart. The night didn’t end up being some type of great salvation night for all of these street folks and it didn’t up being as dangerous as people feared, but it was a great experience. I got to walk around and pray over this com-

munity of people. I was able to witness and experience the good and the bad that come with living on the street. I witnessed the homeless community in OB who were willing to look out for one another. Unfortunately, I also felt the stares of “normal” people walking by looking at me in disapproval or in shock that I was sitting there with these “unlovable” or “invaluable” people. I saw how poorly my friends were treated and how other humans could throw trash at them with no conviction or shame. I saw police following them around and watching them more closely than others. I didn’t look like I had been on the street for longer than a day and yet I was getting offered food every hour while my friends had been offered nothing. Even in my tripled layers, long socks, beanie and a sleeping bag, I was still freezing cold as I tried to sleep. I could not get comfortable and I even had to move sleeping spots multiple times due to the cold and police. I had to find a spot that was not crowded with people and that hid me from the cars driving by. By the time I had found this spot, I only had a couple hours left before I had to wake up and move to avoid getting a fine for loitering. We spent most of the time along Newport which leads up to the pier. When it was time for me to get up and move, I was so tired and cold and unmotivated to walk around to go find

the public restroom and get ready for the day. But sure enough, as I walked down an empty Newport Street, my friends were up and walking around preparing for another day in the OB. They thanked me and sent me on my way and from that, I was relieved to go back home and sleep in my twin bed. Before this, I have had this homeless community on my heart for only reasons God knows and I know that I am still supposed to be present there in order to bring God’s kingdom to them. I am still figuring out what that looks like exactly, but until I get the whole picture, I am taking the steps. Small but great in faith, and that’s what it is all about, having enough faith in God that any fears that stand in the way of me completing His will become so small and can’t stop me. With that, I want to challenge whoever is willing and wanting to grow in faith to be bold for God, to be fearless and to have peace in the actions he calls us to live out. And to take a step. God doesn’t call us to comfort; He doesn’t want us to be dormant with our faith and He definitely doesn’t want us to neglect the poor and the broken. I would love to have you come hang out with us in Ocean Beach some day or even possibly spend a night or a weekend living in their conditions. So if you are interested, please don’t hesitate to call, text or email! Yanitza Patfield is a sophomore prenursing major at San Diego Mesa College and a former PLNU student.

“I have been so blessed with the opportunity to study abroad for a second time, this time with my twin sister in Prague, Czech Republic! We haven’t been in school together since high school, so this has been such a great experience for us to be together again and to grow and experience the world in ways we never would have imagined.” - Marissa Hornaday PHOTO COURTESY OF MARISSA HORNADAY

Marissa Hornaday is a junior broadcast journalism major studying in Prague, Czech Republic.

monday, february 16, 2015 | the point

a&e

A&E | 5

PLAN YOUR WEEK

Former student Nick Leng’s EP tops 300,000 views BY PAIGE ADLHOCH STAFF WRITER

With only his keyboard and the talent he acquired from PLNU, Nick Leng set out to take the electronic music world by storm. His debut EP, “Tunnels and Planes,” received five stars on iTunes and well over 300,000 views on SoundCloud. “Over the last couple years, I realized that music was something I wanted push at to make my career and I’m really excited that I’m possibly getting a shot at it,” Leng said. Leng, 21, was born in South Africa but moved to Petaluma, California when he was 8 years old. Leng was a junior majoring in music last semester, but decided to take this semester off to pursue his music career in Los Angeles. “While I was at school, I was working hard at my solo project and it was kind of hard to juggle both,” Leng said. “I always had it in the back of my mind to take off a little bit of school to push my music and do more shows, and towards the end of the semester, things started getting a little more serious and I decided to take the plunge and take some time off.” Leng believes his music career is worth the risk of taking time off. “For all I know, I could be making a mistake and wasting some months, but doing music and having a career in it has been my dream ever since I was small and, when I think about it, I am the only one that can stop me from pursuing my dreams,” Leng said. “I think, at least for the time being, that I’m doing the right thing.” Leng became fascinated with music when he was young. “I remember in South Africa play-

ing with the volume on a classical radio station and bringing it in and out rapidly and being fascinated by ‘cropped’ sound,” Leng said. “I used to want to go to bed early so that I could imagine and dream of playing on stage in front of crowds of people.” By the age of 14, Leng was already producing music but it was not until his freshman year at PLNU that he took it seriously. He tried getting his name out there by sending his work to

guy,” Leng said. On Jan. 30, 2015, Leng’s new EP, “Tunnels and Planes,” was released. “So far, it has been received really well and it has got the attention of some people which I have looked up to in the music world for years,” Leng said. “I’m seriously so excited for what is in store for this year.” Vice Media’s electronic and music culture arm, Thump, published an article called, “Nick Leng Makes Dance

PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK LENG Nick Leng, a former PLNU student, left PLNU to pursue a career in music. His EP (cover above) received five stars on iTunes and 300,000 views on SoundCloud.

different blogs. Finally, during Leng’s sophomore year, he was approached by a music manager Chris Danks, a PLNU alumnus. “He’s stupidly connected and any success I have had, I attribute to that

and Indie Music Hold Hands in ‘Tunnels and Planes’” by Rachael DAmore. She suggests the education and training Leng received in school has benefitted his music career. “It’s often hotly debated whether

or not professional training or education have any weight in the quality of an electronic artist’s music,” DAmore said. “While we feel that the pendulum swings both ways equally, Nick Leng is an example of professional training being an advantage, a definite advantage.” Leng attributes his music education to professors, Paul Kenyon and Bill Clemmons.The title track was started in Bobby B’s. “I remember sitting at that table looking out at Caf Lane and coming up [with] little vocal chops and [a] chord sequence,” Leng said. “Leaves” is Leng’s favorite track. He wanted to give this song a unique sound. “For ‘Leaves,’ I tried to create something that would allow me to get lost in my own mind, and even though it has a beat which is quite present, I wanted to make something that gives one the same feeling you get when you listen to some slow ambient music.” Leng’s most popular track, “Inside Your Mind,” featuring Carmody, has received over 300,000 views on SoundCloud. Leng said those around him gave him the inspiration for this track. “The lyrics were inspired by some conversations I’ve had with some people who were going through some deep depression in their life. I tried to lyrically capture the feeling of [being] lost and alone and living inside your mind,” Leng said. Aside from performing at PLNU events such as Musoffee and Lomapalooza, Leng has played small gigs throughout San Diego. Leng is currently in contact with some booking agents such as Windish and a few others, trying to find additional members to incorporate into his live shows.

“I really want people to see my music as a ‘band’ type of thing, not a one-man live DJ setup,” Leng said. “After that is all said and done and we have a booking agent solidified, I’ll go on tour.” Lucas Ustick, a sophomore at PLNU, is a disc jockey who has played at events on campus such as the Silent Disco Dance. Ustick is a huge fan of Leng and believes Leng’s talent will get him far in the music industry.

“

This industry will sift through those who aren’t as committed and those who want it with all their soul will emerge.” - Nick Leng “His music is super good and I really think he just needs to get out there because he knows what he’s doing,” Ustick said. “There are a lot people who are really bad that have made it, so he doesn’t have to worry knowing people as much since he actually has the good music to back it.” Although success in the music business is difficult, Leng said it’s worth investing in. “Stick with it. Music is so competitive and there are so many people out there trying to ‘make it,’ but if you’re passionate about it and want it with all your heart, I think that over time, this industry will sift through those who aren’t as committed and those who want it with all their soul will emerge.” Leng has been contacted by some big names in music. Leng hopes to perform in San Diego soon.

Netflix Pick of the Week: ‘The One I Love’ BY ALEXANDRA TAYLOR CONTRIBUTOR

Four years as a broke college student has taught me the value of a Netflix account. My name is Alexandra Taylor and I am a senior writing major who watches all of the bad Netflix films so you don’t have to! Every week I will share the best of what I’ve seen, explain why you should watch it and let you decide for yourself whether these little-known films were worth the 120 minutes you spent. On to my review: Most of us know a couple that has seemingly lost their spark. When they first got together, he romanced her with flowers and she baked him heartshaped cookies while they watched Wes Anderson movies. They went on quirky dates like taking photos with old Nikons while kayaking to watch an obscure concert at Humphrey’s. But lately it seems that whatever they had, they’ve lost. They bicker instead of giggle and they sigh instead of smile. What if you could find the love you lost with the person you care about? This is the question addressed in

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS/GOOGLE IMAGES “The One I Love” features Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss. The film documents the couples’ trip to a vacation home where they attempt to mend their relationship.

“The One I Love,” author Charlie McDowell’s directorial debut featuring Elisabeth Moss as Sophie (“Mad Men,” “Girl Interrupted”) and Mark

Duplass as Ethan (“The League,” “Safety Not Guaranteed”). At the suggestion of their therapist (Ted Danson), the listless couple visits a

scenic vacation home in what looks like the heart of California’s wine country. Moss’ character peruses an album filled with pictures of happy couples and their success stories. The two of them share a meal, explore the grounds and things seem to be going well. In fact, things seem to be going a little too well. Without spoiling anything, let me just say that in the end, they find exactly what they are looking for—and it’s not what you expect. If you are like me, you will watch this film, think maybe it is going on a little too slow and start flipping through your Instagram feed. Then you will look up and find yourself watching the strangeness of a Twilight Zone-esque romance that will make you wonder: “Why is this under the Comedy section?” No, you are not tripping on bad cafeteria coffee -- you did just see what you thought you saw. There is a disturbing mystery unraveling that hints at more than a little trouble in paradise. In fact, the chaos that ensues probes deep into the very nature of human relationships and love. Do we only love the one we want to see?

The setting needed little help in the area of cinematography-- the lush landscape of vivid greens and yellows created a veritable Garden of Eden. While there is little in terms of a soundtrack, the mood is serene. The acting on the part of Moss and Duplass is seamless. The interplay of roles -- both the smitten new couple and exhausted relationship -- show a breadth and depth of the chemistry and talent of the two actors. If you like stories that make you feel as well as think about the nature of relationships, then this film is for you. Also, if you are like me and you like Elisabeth Moss in just about anything, you’ll love it also. Is there a happy ending? That is for you to decide.

monday, february 16, 2015 | the point

A&E | 6

‘Do you wanna go to Starbucks?’ creators release sequel BY KATIE CALLAHAN STAFF WRITER

The creators of the viral ‘Do You Wanna Go To Starbucks?’ Frozen parody came out with a sequel Feb. 10. But that’s not at all. “The goals for that one are completely different from the goals for this film. The first one was made out of love for the craft,” said Olivia Mowry, the director of both videos and a student at PLNU. “This one is also out of love for what we do because obviously we love what we do or we wouldn’t be doing it. With ‘Love is an Open Store,’ we are actually promoting a web series that we are starting.” This project, “Love is an Open Store,” has been a long time coming for Jené Johnson, a 2014 PLNU alumna and Mowry, a senior media communications major with a concentration in film studies. Mowry is

currently studying at the Los Angeles Film Studies Center as a requirement of her major. She is interning at Night & Day Pictures. Johnson lives in Los Angeles where she has booked shows as an extra and works at her church. The sequel was filmed last summer, but because of tight schedules and Mowry leaving to travel abroad in Austria, they put the project on hold. This video departed from their viral Starbucks video in that it wasn’t filmed on campus, but in Balboa Park. Unlike the other video, this one is more intentional about its audience. “I hope that people can enjoy it and that it can be another theme song for them because I know that lots of people have taken on the song whether they’re a barista or coffee addict,” Mowry said. “I hope ‘Love is an Open Door’ is another avenue for that.” This video also features Weston

SCREENSHOT FROM YOUTUBE / OLIVIA MOWRY “Do you wanna go to Starbucks?” went viral last year during finals week. Student Olivia Mowry and 2014 alumna Jené Johnson came back with a sequel Feb. 10 called “Love is an Open Store.”

Bennett, a 2013 PLNU alumnus, as a love interest opposite Johnson who bonds with her over coffee in this spin-off of the Frozen song, “Love is an Open Door.” He’s known Johnson for 13 years, since their first elementary school performance of Pinocchio in Twin Falls, Idaho. He helped write the parody lyrics. “It’s great to see that over 7,000 people have enjoyed the video,” Bennett said via text. “More than anything, it was an incredibly fun opportunity for us to join our creative talents to do something we love to do.” Six extras in the film were PLNU students: Annalise Eastman, Rebecca Wong, Emily Malotte, Aaron Burgett, Alex Cosio-Santillan and Luciano Gallegos III. The “Do You Wanna Go To Starbucks?” video has over 4.3 million views on YouTube. The sequel had received over 8,000 views Sunday. “With YouTube and social media, we have the ability as creators for people to watch our stuff and with the Starbucks video, we have an audience,” Mowry said. “How many people can say that? So it’s great for me and Jené and all the people we are going to get involved in this, as unknowns, to get people to see our work.” The pair will release the new web series after raising $41,500 via Kickstarter for filming on location in LA and hiring professional actors. Even those who give $1 to receive updates and newsletters. If giving exceeds $50, people can receive gifts for their support. The series, “Cut!: A Hollywood Musical,” follows the story of Penelope (Penny) Gatherswald who is pursuing her dreams to be an actress

in LA and finds that it’s not as easy as she expected. Johnson, the composer, will star as Penny.

“

You know the saying, ‘You write about what you know?’ Jene and I both have a dream to be here in LA and I think that has a big influence on our storytelling on this.” - Olivia Mowry “The competition is crazy out here and there are so many politics in the industry. So part of this musical is to actually show that, because Penny is so naive and then she realizes really quickly what it’s actually like in Hollywood and how hard it is. There’s nothing that really shows that, so I think it’s important.” Mowry and Johnson came up with the series idea this past summer. “You know the saying, ‘You write about what you know’?” Mowry said. “Jené and I both have a dream to be here in LA and I think that has a big influence on our storytelling of this, but we also wanted to make it fun and musical. But what’s more musical status than someone pursing their dreams in LA? That’s ‘Singing in the Rain’ status right there. The web series just comes out of our desire to keep making stuff together because we work really well together.” This mini-musical web series will have one original song an episode and will run about five minutes long. Mowry and Johnson outlined three episodes before Nicholas F. Hernandez wrote them into a script. Her-

nandez is an LA native working for Nickelodeon. He is also Johnson’s boyfriend. “Olivia’s a brilliant director and our writer, Nick, is amazing and hasn’t had the avenue to show how good he is. I think it’s going to be a really cool project that everyone is chomping at the bit to get started, so we have been waiting to use our talents in a big way.” Johnson dubs herself a musical theatre junkie, but that she’s ready for this role in part because of her PLNU days as the musical theatre club president. “I have never done a musical before so this is entirely new for me as a composer,” Johnson said. “But with the basic outline that we had come up with about how we wanted the series to go, I was able to come up with some music.” Six episodes make up a full season and if given the opportunity, they will do a second season. Filming will begin in late April if the funds are raised within 30 days. Preproduction will follow for two months thereafter. “Yesterday I was getting excited putting all the pieces together and realized this is going on the internet for everyone in the world to see which means it’s not just an idea anymore, it’s reality,” Johnson said. “It’s so exciting and weird but good weird.” Donations for the web series can be made at https://www.kickstarter. com/projects/850117665/cut-a-hollywood-musical/.

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the point | monday, february 16, 2015

7 | SPORTS

sports

UPCOMING EVENTS

2/17: M. Baseball vs. UC San Diego 2/18: M. & W. Tennis vs. Western New Mexico 2/18: M. Basketball vs. Cal State San Marcos

2/20: M. Basketball vs Saint Katherine 2/21: M. Baseball vs. Bethesda 11:00 & 2:00 Doubleheader 2/21: M. Tennis vs. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 2/21: W. Tennis vs Pamona Pitzer

First national letter of intent signed by elite player BY LOUIS SCHULER STAFF WRITER

PLNU’s track and cross-country team have landed a dynamic runner, Josie Frye from Clovis, California, for the 2015 Fall season. Frye, who signed the school’s first official National Letter of Intent (NLI) with the Sea Lions, brings a hard work ethic supplemented with great athletic ability, said Head Coach Jerry Arvin. “Just in conversation back and forth with her, I knew that she was a great fit for us and she was what we were looking for,” said Arvin. “Because we weren’t looking for just a runner, we never look for just an athlete [primarily]. They need to have the other two components. They need to want to be in a situation where Christ is centered around them continually and they have to have the strong academics for them to be successful here, otherwise we’re doing them a disservice.” Along with these attributes, Frye brings impressive track times to the table. She ran the 3200-meter in 11:26.45, good for a second place finish out of 18 other athletes in last year’s West Coast Relays—one of the biggest meets in the California central

PHOTO COURTESY OF PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION Josie Frye signed the first national letter of intent for PLNU’s Track & Field team Nov. 24 after visiting for a preview day last October. This photo is from her league cross country meet this year where she got a personal record that day for a 5K and placed third.

section, boasting 32 athletes with top 100 performances in the United States during the 2014 event. Subsequently,

she placed an impressive 10th place out of 79 other competitors while posting a sub eleven-minute time

– her personal best – at the Adidas’ Champions Distance Classic. Additionally, her personal best time in the 3200 meter puts her in seventh place on the Buchanon High School girl’s all-time list for the race. Coach Arvin said Frye is one of the fastest 3200 runners he has seen while coaching at PLNU. “With 28 years of experience working with athletes here, working with collegiate athletes, working a lot with the same teams just not at the Division II level, I can tell you for all of the other girls that we have ever gotten, the only girl who came in with faster times than Josie is Alex [Hernandez] for the 3200.” Freshman Alex Hernandez said she’s excited to run with her due to the competitiveness of their personal track times. “I think she’s going to contribute so much,” said Hernandez. “Obviously during meets with her really great times, but also during practice because she’s capable of running such great times. During practice, she’s probably going to set a new bar that can help all of us get even more competitive…I am excited to train with her because I think our 3200 times are similar, and because of that, I think we can make the team even better together.”

Two of Frye’s fellow athletes signed NLOIs with Arizona State University and the University of Nebraska. Despite the possibility of playing for a Division I school, Frye said she wanted to come to PLNU for their athletic and academic programs.

“

Running-wise, Point Loma just seemed like a great fit for me.

I began my college searching and there was just something about that program that always stuck out to me

- Josie Frye

Running-wise, Point Loma just seemed like a great fit for me. I had talked with Coach Arvin my junior year as I began my college searching and there was just something about that program that always stuck out to me,” said Frye via email. “Also, I knew I wanted to go to a college where there was a healthy balance between academics and athletics and I feel like Division I universities tend to tip the balance in favor of athletics.”

‘Fabulous Four Freshmen’ bring new talent to PLNU

PHOTO BY PLNU SPORTS INFORMATION Known as the “Fabulous Freshmen 4” by Head Coach Bill Westphal, Amy Ogren, Roya Rustamzada, Alex Brunk and Paola Roa are determined to take their team to conference.

BY JESSICA LUCAS STAFF WRITER

There’s a talented group of freshmen making noise on the PLNU women’s basketball team. Roya Rustamzada, Amy Ogren, Alex Brunk and Paola Roa, four new players who have been dubbed “the Fabulous Four” by Head Coach Bill Westphal, are leading PLNU into the postseason. The freshmen are led by Roya Rustamzada, an exercise and sports science major from Temecula. Rustamzada has been the PacWest Freshmen of the Week four times this season. “She’s un-guardable,” said assistant coach Dwayne Cosby. “She’s the best we’ve had since Jess Mercado [who was an All-American Basketball player for the Sea Lions in 2005].” Rustamzada began playing basket-

ball when she was 5 years old. “I like the way it can take me away from reality,” Rustamzada said. “I can just think about anything.” Even though the team is now very close, Rustamzada said transitioning from high school to college athletics was difficult. “In the beginning, it was tough. It was hard adapting to the new players,” Rustamzada said. Despite the initial unease, the team quickly came together on and off the court. “Now I love it. I’ve never played with a team like this,” said Rustamzada. “We all clicked really well and quickly, which was surprising, but we had a lot of chemistry. I’m going to be so sad when the season’s over.” The depth of their bond is evident. They can’t seem to stop gushing about each other.

“I really enjoy playing with each of the girls,” said Ogren, a childhood development major from Yorba Linda, California. “Their personalities and their basketball skills are spectacular.

“

I love all the freshmen; we’re like a little family, I love how we all get along and work well together. Everyone is always looking out for each other.” - Alex Brunk “I love all the freshmen; we’re like a little family,” said Brunk, an education major from Newbury Park, California. “I love how we all get along and work well together. Everyone is

always looking out for each other.” “I love how different we all are,” said Roa, a entrepreneurship and marketing major from Huntington Beach, California. “The team is diverse, but we all fit together like puzzle pieces. We need each girl and we all contribute.” While basketball is important, each girl agrees that it’s not the defining aspect of their lives. “I like how the team has the ability to put school and other needs in front of basketball,” said Ogren, a childhood development major from Yorba Linda, California. “Basketball isn’t life. We can have fun with it.” “I came to PLNU for academics and basketball, but mostly because I knew God was calling me here and I wanted to further that relationship.,” said Roa. Each of the girls has many inter-

ests outside of basketball. Roa plays other sports and writes poems; Ogren likes camping and going to the beach. Rustamzada enjoys relaxing and Brunk bakes and volunteers to help students with special needs. Although they are all multi-dimensional in their interests, each freshman seemed determined to do one thing: win conference. “I think we are a phenomenal team. We’ve been underestimated, but we’re the best team in the conference,” said Roa. They show lots of promise now and are hoping to get better every year. “In the next four years we’ll really gel together,” said Ogren. Look out PacWest, these four freshmen are coming for you.

the point | monday, february 16, 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

#LomaChatter

The perfect cocktail BY REBECCA AGUILERA CONNTRIBUTOR

No taxis were in sight. The clock read 9:02 a.m. I had 20 minutes to get to the Hearst Publications building in order to make it to my interview with the allotted 10 minutes early to appear professional. I flew across the country only to be late to the biggest interview of my life. Standing in the 40-degree weather in a felt cheetah skirt, rice paper thin tights and a sheer white blouse was not my best idea. I looked professional, stylish and cool. I figured I didn’t want to wear my coat because my blouse would wrinkle and I could hear my mother saying, “They look at everything. You need to be perfect.” At the age of four, I would always go into my mother’s closet and try on her fake pearls and my dad’s slick leather shoes. I would put on her lipstick and shine the shoes to look perfect. But I always looked like a cute little mess smeared with shoe shine and lipstick that looked more like the Joker than Elizabeth Taylor. 9:15 a.m. and we are sitting on 8th Ave. in traffic. The building was only two blocks away, but I knew I couldn’t run in the too tall of heels inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. We crawled toward the building and my mother began to nervously ramble as she always does when she thinks something is horribly wrong. Perhaps it’s my calm exterior that made her anxious, or maybe the

fact I had forgotten to print a second resume for the interview—a rookie mistake. At the age of 10, I wore nothing but gym shorts and Limited Too tops. I would come home covered in the leftover dust of a red rubber ball. I was anything but the quintessential girl. I was taller and larger than most of the girls in my third grade class—and I was bigger than most of the boys. I was anything but perfect. “Do you know what you are going to say to the Cosmopolitan lady? You look nice, but make sure you can walk in those heels.” I think my mother was more nervous than I was. 9:27 a.m. and I am practically running into the most modern skyscraper I have ever seen. As I walk over to the security desk, there is a sea of women with resumes in tote looking stunning. I couldn’t help but begin to brush my hair with my fingers and feel inadequate next to the blonde with the Chanel bag. This was my competition? And as her eyes scanned my outfit from the bottom up, I could feel myself shrinking. It was apparent she was the perfect one. At the age of fourteen I was forced to wear a Catholic school uniform five days a week. White knee high socks, a checkered plaid skirt and crisp white button-down were my weekly garb. In my uniform I was able to look like everyone, but I constantly felt myself shrink when I compared myself to the other girls. I was always the one that

The Point

The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point 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.

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

Text your #LomaChatter to 619-786-6890! Group projects...need I say more? So...sunny San Diego meant bathing suits for some, but I’m studying... I know it’s spring, and it’s 70+ degrees outside, but...hot cocoa??? ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF REBECCA AGUILERA

Aguilera spent Dec. 16 through Jan. 16 in New York City interning with Cosmopolitan and Seventeen Magazine. The photos below depict Hearst Tower, the entrance to editorial at Cosmopolitan, Aguilera with other interns and the view from the 34th floor.

was far from perfect. As security called my name, I walked passed the countless women and walked up the escalators. The guard pressed some buttons and left me in an elevator that was made entirely of reflective glass. I was now alone staring at myself as I climbed to the 37th floor. The reflection that looked back at me was anything but perfect. At the age of 20, I wore head-totoe black and a massive red-checkered scarf. I roamed the area called Hotel de Ville in Paris, France. As I stopped at a magazine stand to buy postcards, I noticed all the American magazines being sold. A Cosmopolitan was sitting right next to Vogue, which was what I

was really after. The issue was flawless and although I cannot remember who graced the cover of the magazine, she probably looked perfect. Looking at myself in the elevator, I wish I had picked a different outfit or maybe allowed more time to get ready. I was a cocktail of anxiety, hope and nerves. But this was the best I was going to get that Friday morning. The elevator doors chimed open and I walked onto the floor of Cosmopolitan Magazine not striving for perfection, but hoping my best would be good enough. Aguilera is a a senior international studies major with a writing minor. She studied abroad in Paris and Brazil.

February is such a runt in the litter of months I can’t take my daily shortcut through the new grass next to the library? #lomaproblems When I talk to the Theology professors outside of class, instead of looking me in the eye, they look up to the heavens. I gave up Empathy. I didn’t need it anymore #strengthsonpoint Gunna start giving out Loma Chatter’s number when guys pick up on me so that their texts make it in the paper. So what happens if I try calling the Loma Chatter number? To all my sailors in the caf with the paper napkin hats, sail away.

Men telling men happy Valentine’s Day in the caf line for omlets. #truefeels

OSCAR WATCH: ‘Birdman’ or ‘(The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’ BY ARTHUR SHINGLER STAFF WRITER

As I left the theatre, I found a grin creeping wider and wider across my face. I told my companion it wouldn’t leave for a while. It didn’t. I got in the car and brought out a notebook I’d written in during the film, flipped directly to the center and read a sentence I’d written as I watched Birdman’s final scene play out: It tells you things about your life you didn’t want to hear / but so often, secretly, we want to choose truth over dare / until we choose dare and get truth / and we discover what is beautiful / in truth / when it all, it all is stripped away. There were two other words following: “or . . . oh.” That’s it. A grin, a sentence in a notebook and the impression I’d just experienced a very important work of art. “Birdman” follows washed-up, attention-starved former superhero film star Riggan Thompson (Michael Keaton) as he finds his way writing, directing and starring in a stage adap-

DRAWING COURTESY OF FLICKR/SAEF MJB “Birdman” is Oscar nominated for Best Picture among others and features Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis and Edward Norton.

tation of short story, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.” Alongside an ensemble cast including Emma Stone (daughter), Zach Galifianakis (agent/producer) and Edward Norton (actor), Thompson grapples with his professional mortality and self-worth. Like Keaton, who played “Batman” in Tim Burton’s 1989 adaptation, Thompson has drifted away from the public eye and been put in the box of his former roles. Thompson’s theatre attempt is a final push to be recognized as relevant and creative – as an artist. Director Alejandro González Iñár-

ritu certainly has succeeded in doing what Thompson tries to. This is immediately aesthetically evident in two qualities: the entire film is presented as if it was filmed as one continuous shot and the entire soundtrack is composed of unaccompanied jazz drumming (perhaps making “Birdman” a great double feature alongside “Whiplash”). These bold decisions allows the film’s narrative a kind of freedom. It’s so different that it is only itself. But Birdman’s status as Birdman, a unique work of art, something to be experienced and something violently open ended, makes it difficult to talk

about in this context. Most of you have not seen this film. Despite these facts, this is also the film I’ve conversed most about this and last year with other people. The people who see it are passionate about it, want to talk about it and have thoughtful opinions. I also haven’t spoken with a single person with my same interpretation of the ending. Not many films possess that unique topic of conversation. “Birdman” is Oscar-nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role and Best Director. But “Birdman” lives up to its alternate title, “The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance,” in that it is far above any kind of nomination or award that could be placed on it. The film itself is so out of the box, well-crafted, acted and presented that it places itself on a higher, blissfully ignorant level. This is particularly unexpected given the all-star cast. So, watch the trailer, watch the film, grin, write and tell people how wrong they are about the ending. It will not get old. Trust me.

The blossoms outside of Keller have a nutty, almost hard, woody aroma. Ah, brings back memories from high school.

POETRY CORNER: One of the words is yes BY CHLOE SPARACINO CONTRIBUTOR

At the beginning of each day when exactly half of me is asleep and the other half awake One of two words escapes Accidentally Loudly Out Loud Always one of the same two words. One of the words is “Yes” and the other starts with “F” and is an expletive. At first I was concerned, but, This has been going on for quite some time And lately the word is Yes. Yes means “Yes I want to live.” There used to be just one word, but I taught myself to say Yes Sparacino is a department assistant for the Fermanian School of Business. She has written for the Viewpoint, The Point Weekly and Mannerhouse Quartley.