The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 | VOL. 131, NO. 30 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

Sixteen ounces, and glass still full Cup size may change, but still the same Hubbell

by Eryn Swain

Staff Writer eryn.swain@drake.edu

Have you noticed anything different at the Quad Creek Cafe recently?

At the end of the fall semester, Drake Dining rolled out a new fountain drink cup. What was once a large 20-ounce cup has now downsized to a 16-ounce cup. Around campus, there seems to be much talk of the new cup size.

“If you are sitting over there, it isn’t a problem, but those who take it back...it is like three long sips, and you’re thirsty, and that is it,” said Intisar Nasir, a sophomore actuarial science major. He also noted that he hears from many students who don’t care for the smaller cup.

However, some students don’t seem to mind too much about the changes. TJ Mitchell, a sophomore marketing and management major, said that he doesn’t see the issue with the smaller cups.

“I don’t mind the changes,” he

said. He added that he understands it saves resources and money by switching to smaller cups.

Dannie Crozier, the general manager of Sodexo dining services, said that the smaller cup provides a twofold benefit. For one, the smaller cups create less waste — of the cups, soda and of ice. This, in turn, is better for the environment and for the overall costs.

“Honestly, students tell me ‘nice work’ on the smaller cups,” Crozier said.

He added that the ice machines at Quad Creek Cafe no longer run out of ice like they used to because there is less waste, and many students complimented him on it.

However, that doesn’t change the opinions of students who are used to a larger cup with unlimited refills. Even the new size only means a few more trips to the soda fountain.

Eventually, just like when Facebook changes, students will get used to the cup change and almost forget what it was like to have the old cup.

JOEY GALE | photo editor

THE NEW HUBBELL CUPS are here to stay. They save both on ice and on soda consumption in Hubbell.

Inept Internet — Why the Drake Internet is so slow

Your Netflix video could be the reason for the delay

by Bailey Berg

Staff Writer bailey.berg@drake.edu

LAUREN HORSCH | editor-in-chief

THE INTERNET SERVICE ON campus has become one of the most talked about problems around Drake.

Many of us have been there.

Curled up with our laptops, taking a study break and indulging in our new favorite show on Hulu. Just as the show gets to the climax, the campus Internet lags, leaving us agitated and cursing the fickle campus Internet.

Drake students are fuming over the campus Internet service, or lack thereof.

“There have been times where I’ve streamed videos to my phone, and it’s been hours faster than the campus Internet,” sophomore Rachel Weeks said.

Junior Mallory Bonstrom added that the Internet problem affects more than just watching videos.

“The speed of the Internet makes it much harder to download homework from Blackboard,” Bonstrom said. “It’s pretty frustrating.”

Jeffrey Sabin, Drake’s director of communication and network services, said that the students add to the problem.

The amount of Internet bandwidth (data being transmitted over the network), which Drake gets through CenturyLink, can easily support thousands of students, faculty

and staff simultaneously if the users are doing standard web browsing, research and social networking.

However, it’s leisure activities such as video streaming, online gaming and downloading files that drastically impact the performance of the campus Internet.

Sabin explained that some activities use dramatically more bandwidth than others.

“Sending an email uses, on average, 0.2 megabytes, versus streaming a movie from Netflix, which can take more than two gigabytes, even at a lower resolution,” Sabin said. “These are just averages, but it should point out the vast difference between the two.”

Basically, as the number of students streaming movies or playing online games increases, the speed of the Internet on campus decreases.

Some students, however, believe they’ve found a way to increase their Internet speed.

“I’ve found that different buildings and locations on campus have different Internet speeds,” said second-year pharmacy student Brittney Smith.

This is only partly true, said Ann Kovalchick, Drake’s chief informa-

SEE INTERNET, PAGE 2

‘Problem’ Twitter accounts allow for Drake students to bond

@drakeproblem, @DrakeGrlProbs talk to the TD about their appeal

by Ethan Clevenger

Staff Writer ethan.clevenger@drake.edu

“Who is farting on the Dublin dance floor?”

“That one guy that answers every single question asked by the prof and with way more detail than is necessary” “It is impossible to watch YouTube videos” Many of you may recognize these as #drakeproblems. We’ve all got them, and a lot of us tweet about them — so much, in fact, that several handles have been dedicated to the epidemic of problems. These and other odd handles are staples for any Drake student on Twitter. So what

makes them tick?

The handle @drakeproblem’s description reads “The ORIGINAL Drake Problem! I’ve got 99 Problems, Drake is one.” It’s nearing 700 followers and does its best to shed light on those pesky things that we all groan about on a day-to-day basis around campus, in particular the food and the wireless Internet.

The founder has requested that his name be left out of the article to add to the mystery of the account.

He said that sometimes people recognize him on campus and say, “Hey, aren’t you the guy with that Twitter account?”

He often replies “Yeah, maybe, sometimes.”

Henceforth in this article, he will be referred to by the handle @drakep-

inside

roblem. The handle @DrakeGrlProbs agrees. At first, she didn’t remain anonymous and only recently deleted all the personal information from the blog because people seemed to like the mystery of it, and it helps keep the account unbiased.

The @drakeproblem Twitter account started on Welcome Weekend this year, as @drakeproblem noticed the #drakeproblems hash tag showing up on his Twitter feed from people around campus. Eyeing the past success of @DrakeGrlProbs, he and a few friends were struck with the idea to put a face to these problems, and @drakeproblem was born. What started as a joke between friends quickly took off as he began tweeting more often.

“Now I’ve got ‘HootSuite’ set up

to do scheduled tweets and everything,” @drakeproblem said. “A lot of those tweets are retweets of people around campus.” @drakeproblem said that he intends to utilize the account in a future race for Student Senate. He described the account as a “gateway to see problems on campus,” problems Student Senate tries to solve. It’s not too surprising that the account seems to get more complaints sent its way than the @DrakeStuSenate account, which would actually be trying to solve those problems.

It’s easy to see how some of these problems could step on some toes, so @drakeproblem makes an effort to filter what the account tweets, since Twitter is available to any faction here on campus – Greek, indepen-

dents, faculty and women’s studies students alike.

“I try not to criticize the school,” he said. “I try to comment on the community. It’s all in good fun. I just make sure it’s not going to blow up.”

The veteran @DrakeGrlProbs agreed, as she said that she is a proud member of the Greek community, but it doesn’t have a huge impact on her tweets.

“Sometimes my tweets refer to Greek life, and sometimes they don’t,” she said. “But they are not at all geared only to sorority women. I have worked hard to make it as relatable as possible.” @DrakeGrlProbs started unas-

SEE TWITTER PAGE 8

NEWS

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

Pinning isn’t just for your sweetheart anymore

Jane Hoe is back with some selflovin’ good times

Super Bowl is right around the corner, have some fun

Q&A with Ben Mullis, the newest Bulldog

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NEWS

news

quote of the

day

“

THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 | PAGE 2

Pinterest can be used for more than just planning your wedding or next meal How the university uses the new site

by Sarah Sager

Copy Editor tdcopyed@gmail.com

Drake University is pinning. The university has joined the newest social media site, Pinterest. Students often use the site as a means of procrastination. They plan dream weddings, pick something new for dinner or find ideas for their next crafting project.

The site works by users “pinning” pictures of their interests to virtual pin boards. Categories range from weddings to geek and home décor to sports. The conversation on Pinterest happens a lot differently than on traditional social media sites.

“One could argue the culture of sharing on Pinterest makes it even more social than other platforms,” said Aaron Jaco, Drake’s digital media specialist, in an email interview.

“In a noisy social media environment dominated by chatter of the written word, Pinterest is a relatively quiet

and uncluttered refuge.”

Jaco monitors most of the university’s social media accounts.

“It is imperative that we be an active participant in relevant conversations taking place online to drive conversations about topics of interest to students, prospective students, alumni, faculty members and friends,” Jaco said.

Although we live in a time of sharing information, not everyone is ready to share everything. Erin Austin, a sophomore public relations major, said that she finds it awkward to pin pictures to a future wedding board when everyone, including her boyfriend’s cousins, follow her posts.

If students post wedding plans, what does the university pin? Among its boards you can find “Adorbs Bulldogs,” “Study Inspiration” and “Explore Des Moines.”

Maria Opatz, a sophomore public relations and English major, is an intern for Drake’s office of marketing

and communication. She pins to the university’s Pinterest.

“Of all of our boards, my favorite to pin to features fun recipes that can be made in a dorm-room microwave,” Opatz said. “And searching for pictures of ridiculously cute puppies for the ‘Adorbs Bulldogs’ board isn’t half bad either.”

Jaco said that the university uses other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to connect with alumni and to “build relationships with journalists, community members, prospective students and the public at large.”

The university isn’t the only group on campus connected to multiple media platforms. Check out Drake’s social media directory on the Drake website to find your school or program.

We’re just getting better and better

—AMY STEPHENS, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH | PAGE 3

FROM INTERNET, PAGE 1

JOEY GALE | photo editor

“

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

tion technology officer. “(Drake) prioritizes Internet traffic for instructional uses during the day and for residence halls during the evening,” said Kovalchick.

What this means for students is that from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 60 percent of the available bandwidth is allocated towards educational buildings, which is why Weeks’ Internet is slower in her dorm room as opposed to what it would be in Meredith Hall.

On nights and weekends, 90 percent of the available network bandwidth is apportioned to the residence halls, leaving 10 percent to educational buildings like Cowles Library.

However, no two connection speeds are created equal, Sabin said.

There are numerous variables that play into Internet speed, from the actual speed of the device — laptops, tablets and phones — to the drivers and software versions that play a part in the Internet connectivity equation.

Sabin also points out that many websites and systems on the Internet do not provide state-of-the-art connectivity speeds.

“In other words, no matter how fast a client’s connectivity to the Internet is, it simply cannot get the information any faster than the Internet host system is giving it,” Sabin said.

Currently, no plans to increase the Internet speed have been brought before Student Senate, but the department of communications and network services is investigating ways to make Internet usage fairer across the board.

One possibility would be to follow in the footsteps of many other higher education institutions and to set a cap on daily bandwidth usage.

“Just like everything else, we see certain users consume more bandwidth, in some cases significantly more, than the average user,” Sabin said. “By implementing quotas, a user could only consume the limits that have been imposed on them. If they are approaching the capacity given to them, it would appear to them as a difference in Internet speed.”

However, Sabin said this approach is not being implemented at this time and is merely an option that the university is researching. He added that they’re not in favor of controlling Internet bandwidth for anyone.

Other options that Drake is exploring are collaborative partnerships with other academic institutions and Internet service providers to increase the amount of bandwidth available to on-campus constituents.

Many students aren’t conscientious about how they use the limited commodity, Sabin said.

“Internet bandwidth can be compared to a faucet,” Sabin said. “When more water is needed, a turn up of the faucet will provide more. However, it does require additional expenditure to increase our Internet bandwidth.”

The additional expenditure that Sabin mentioned would likely lead to an increase in the students technology fee, a matter already weighing heavily on some students’ minds after this week’s tuition increase.

“An increase in price could really affect students who are paying for their college,” Weeks said. “While it’s frustrating, in the end it doesn’t really get in the way of how I live my life.”

>>Internet Traffic Prioritization breakdown — Monday-Friday

6 a.m. - 6 p.m., 60 percent of

bandwidth is dedicated to

educational buildings — Nights and Weekends

90 percent is dedicated to

residence halls

now leasing for fall 2012

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

PAGE 3 | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012

opinions&editorials

THE TIMES-DELPHIC Big fan of foursquare? Like checking in everywhere you go? Help Des Moines win a foursquare badge by following #visitUS in Des Moines, IA - a list created by Drake’s Social Media Strategies class.

Jane Hoe: Learning to feel the love Masturbation.

There, I said it. And I’ve done it.

Masturbation is normal. Don’t even deny it.

At some point in time, you’re going to want to touch yourself, and damn it, you probably should.

There is a time and place to pleasure yourself. Having your roommate in the room when you do it is probably not the best way to go about it.

Setting the mood for your own pleasure can increase your chances of climax, and plus, who doesn’t like putting on the glitz for no reason?

Maybe you like to masturbate in private. Then find a space that you feel comfortable in, and get the motion going. If you’re more of an adventurer and want to risk public masturbation — go for it (but I must say that I do not suggest it. You can get in serious trouble for that.)

What I’m trying to get at is that masturbating isn’t shameful. This isn’t a question of right or wrong, because really, what’s wrong with a little bit of self-lovin’? Nothing. You know what’s

“

This isn’t a question of right or wrong, because really, what’s wrong with a little bit of self-lovin’?

Nothing. You know what’s right for you, and damn it, you should do what’s right for you.

”

right for you, and damn it, you should do what’s right for you.

Anyway, let’s get back on topic.

Masturbation isn’t anything dirty (unless you let it get that way). In fact, it’s totally human to want to self-serve.

We have self-checkout lanes in grocery stores, self-serve fro-yo shops and, of course, we pump our own gas. So obviously, we should be able to masturbate in the privacy of our rooms.

According to the Kinsey Institute for sex research, 61.1 percent of males between the ages of 18-19 have masturbated alone within the past month. That means a lot of tissues are being used in the first-year dorms.

The percentage of males that say they have masturbated alone goes up slightly to 62.8 percent for males between the ages of 20-24. I could say that I expect more from my male counterparts, but honestly, we’re all a bit busy, so I’ll give you some slack because I know how hard it can be to make time for yourself.

Ladies, though, I’m disappointed.

According to the same data from the Kinsey Institute, only 26 percent of women between the ages of 18-19 have masturbated alone in the past month. Now, I know all you single ladies are dreaming of some sexy, manmeat a la Noah in “The Notebook,” so why aren’t you letting that dream come semi-true? It seems like a lot of work, but I’ll tell you one thing: it’s worth it.

If you’re one of the lucky few men or women on campus who have significant others, why not spice up your self-love life by sharing it with your partner.

Sometimes, that can be the best education your non-tuition dollars can buy. Learning how to pleasure your partner the way he or she likes it will not only turn them on, but it’s sure to make sparks fly for you.

There are such things as vibrators, and they make things go so much faster. I mean, go down to your local sex shop (might I suggest Romantix) and find the model that’s right for you.

They come in a range of prices and

sizes (some are outrageous; seriously, I would never want some of those in my body…ever).

What you think about during masturbation is another story. Does it really matter? No. So what if you’re thinking about that certain professor in your 8 a.m. class or that hunk that sits next to you. It’s all about what you want, and not what society tells you to think about. But, if you’re thinking about your mother, you might have a problem…and it’s called an Oedipus complex, so maybe shy away, or go talk about your feelings instead of feeling yourself.

So, Bulldogs, light some candles, put on some silk sheets and share the love.

JANE HOE | COLUMNIST

Hoe is the TD’s anonymous sex columnist.

She is a student at Drake and can be reached at janehoe.drake@gmail.com

Movie review: Respect for silent film, The Artist

AP PHOTO

If you have been watching the award buzz in the media lately, then you have probably heard about the film taking home all of the awards.

Of course, I’m talking about “The Artist.” It is a black and white silent film. I know what you’re thinking because I thought about it at first, too.

Who in their right mind, in this century, would go to a silent movie?

Believe it or not, silence really is golden. This movie was actually very good. It proves something that old Hollywood already figured out a long time ago. You don’t need talking to make a good movie. Although I really appreciate the movies we have today, it was nice to sit back and enjoy something that paid tribute to the legendary movie business. It was not hard to follow the storyline or what the actors were trying to convey at all. The music in the film is great, too.

It guides the plot along perfectly and has the right amount of “bubbliness” when the scene is happy, and the right amount of intensity when the scene is heavy. I promise, you will stay engaged with “The Artist” the whole time.

“The Artist” stars Jean Dujardin

as George Valentin, a silent film actor in the late 1920s. As the ‘20s come to a close and the Great Depression sinks in, movies are taking a turn, too.

Silent is out and talking is in. Valentin, however, believes that silent films are an art and refuses to make a film that he will talk in. Peppy Miller, on the other hand, has just come into the movie business and is embracing the new talkies. Miller, played by Bérénice Bejo, and Valentin become friends, and she helps him realize that movies will always be an art, and that he can still make his art and talk at the same time. Then there is the real star of the movie, Uggie. The lovable Jack Russell terrier steals every scene he is in. He isn’t just there to be cute, either. He saves the day a couple of times.

I really judged this movie wrong when I first heard about it. It isn’t hard to watch a silent film at all. You will come out of the theater and have a new respect for the movie industry and the way films have evolved throughout the rich history of the business. “The Artist” should be right up there with the top award contenders. Although I am more partial to

“The Help” or “The Descendants” (by the way, see those movies, too) for a Best Picture Oscar, I still think “The Artist” deserves a lot of recognition. It is different, and it gets your attention, which is true of all the great award winning movies that came before it (yes, those black and white silent ones, too). I recommend that you go and see this movie. Luckily, “The Artist” is showing right now at the Varsity Theater. So, hurry and go because you don’t get many opportunities to see a film like this, especially during award season. You also don’t get very many opportunities to see a dog as cute as Uggie in a leading role.

STEPHANIE KOCER | COLUMNIST

Kocer is a first-year magazines and English major and can be contacted at stephanie.kocer@drake.edu

STAFF EDITORIAL

Our Two Cents •

•

Just last week we commented on how icy and cold campus was. Now we’re walking around with short sleeve shirts on and light jackets. This bipolar weather is crazy, but we’re not complaining about the great spring-like weather.

We hear Dublin has something cooked up this weekend that doesn’t involve drunken shame and misfortune.

Check out Facebook to see what Blue Inc. has planned for students before this weekend’s basketball game.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

LAUREN HORSCH, Editor-in-Chief

tdeditorinchief@gmail.com

ELIZABETH ROBINSON, Managing Editor

tdfeatsopsed@gmail.com

EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA, Sports Editor

tdsportsed@gmail.com

JOEY GALE, Photo Editor tdphotoed@gmail.com MATT MORAN, Copy Editor

tdcopyed@gmail.com

KAILA SWAIN, Business Manager kaila.swain@drake.edu

•

Don’t you ever wish there could be more time in the day?

It’s already getting to that point where there seems like so much to do but so little time.

•

The student section for the last few basketball games has been outrageous. Not only is cheering like a crazy person fun, but it also helps the players. If you’ve never been to a game, get to one ASAP and cheer loud.

The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published semi-weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The TimesDelphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

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FEATURES

features

THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 | PAGE 4

don’tmissthis

Go Red Zumbathon Saturday, 2/4 @ 11 a.m.

Bell Center intramural gym Tickets are $5 and are being sold in Olmsted from 11 - 2 all week Proceeds go to the American Heart Association

Super Bowl Sunday: Are you ready for some football?

For those of you who don’t already know, Super Bowl XLVI is right around the corner. The New England Patriots take on the New York Giants this Sunday in Indianapolis, as two East Coast powerhouses battle it out for the title. The Times-Delphic stopped some students on campus to see what they had planned for the big game.

Lauren Turner

Jacob Repp

Sophomore – Elementary Education/Magazine Journalism “I’m not watching the game because I hate the Patriots. Also, I have no TV in my room.”

Senior – Health Sciences “Given who’s playing, I’m a bigger fan of the commercials,” says Jacob, who’s excited for the game.

Kelsey Johnson

Napoleon Douglas

Sophomore – English/Magazine Journalism Kelsey isn’t a huge football fan, but enjoys getting pizza and hanging out in her room with friends. “For me, it’s an excuse to eat crappy food.”

Sophomore – Vocal Performance Napoleon plans on hanging out with his fraternity brothers. “I’m a work-a-holic, so I like to take the weekend off and not do anything.

I’ll probably cook lots of food, and dress up in team colors.”

Kelsey Hupp

Taylor Vivant

First-year – BCMB Hupp said that she likes to get really into football and plans on watching the game on the big TV in the Stalnaker Residence Hall lobby.

“I want the Patriots to win,” Hupp said. “Tom Brady is an attractive man. I will gladly watch him throw the football.”

First-Year – Marketing Taylor is going to be participating is Kappa Kappa Gamma’s spring recruitment over the weekend, with a Super Bowl-themed bid day.

Steven Theisen

Sam Kennelly

Senior – Accounting Steven is a Vikings fan, so the actual game is bittersweet for him. While he’s not a huge fan of the halftime show, he admits that the commercials are fun to watch, and is worth getting together with friends for.

Junior – Psychology Every year, Sam joins the DGs at the house, and they all watch the game together. “It’s really good for the girls not into sports to get into the game and enjoy hanging out with the sisters.”

Getting together with friends?

Here are some tips for a great Super Bowl party Find the biggest TV you can.

Set out a snack table with all kinds of party food. Be it homemade or Jethro’s take-out, nothing says Super Bowl like pizza, nachos, and hot wings.

Challenge your friends to a bet on who will win the game, or by how much.

Wear a team jersey. Even better if the team is not actually playing.

If it’s warm enough (and it just may be!) throw the football around Helmick Commons before kickoff.

AP PHOTO

Not a football fan?

Not a problem! Non-sports buffs can still enjoy the game.

Watch the commercials, and pick out the funniest, craziest, most confusing, and most memorable.

Watch Madonna rock the Halftime show, pray for no wardrobe malfunctions.

Watch adorable pooches romp around in Puppy Bowl VIII. AP PHOTO

by Kathryn Kriss

Staff Writer kathryn.kriss@drake.edu

Go bowling, and enjoy how empty the lanes are.

FEATURES

PAGE 5 THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

Seeking a purpose in the mysterious chapel Oreon E. Scott Chapel to be used for prayer, meditation

by Meagan Flynn

Staff Writer meagan.flynn@drake.edu

Every Wednesday at noon, a man enters the thick wooden doors of Medbury Hall’s Oreon E. Scott Chapel. Shoeless, he proceeds toward the back of the small, circular chapel and soon emerges from a veiled closet with two crystal singing bowls.

He pauses before ascending the three steps to the round marble altar, which is illuminated by a single beam of skylight from the above dome window — the chapel’s only light source.

Without a word, he begins to lightly stroke the edge of the smaller bowl for his audience of three, creating an all-encompassing reverberation. Each woman’s eyes are closed — perhaps they are meditating or praying — and as he begins to play the larger bowl, the two bowls resonate in harmony, seemingly in a hypnotic fashion. After a while, he places the mallets down on the altar and recedes back to his wooden chair and into meditation.

Gradually, the reverberation fades until it so quiet that the ticking of a nearby clock can be heard succinctly.

For years, Ted Lyddon-Hatten, a United Methodist minister, has been welcoming the community to Scott Chapel for his half-hour session of meditation, reflection, and silence. It is one of few ways that the chapel is in use today.

“It’s my sacred time every week,” said Shari Miller, who has been coming for two years. “It gets me in a different place. It’s a way I can really try

to settle my mind for 30 minutes, and I’ve learned to become more still.”

Though the primary use of the chapel today is non-denominational meditation, decades ago, it was used for much more.

The chapel was built in 1954 by Eero Saarinen and was dedicated on Nov. 8, 1955. The major donor was Oreon E. Scott, who was a life member of the Drake Board of Trustees and a leading laymen of the First Christian Church.

Its original intended purpose was to be the chapel for Drake’s Divinity School, since Drake was founded by Protestants, according to art history professor Maura Lyons.

“The fact that there really isn’t a place to preside — the chairs are spaced so that everyone is equal — it adds to the dimension of dialogue, even chanting,” said Charlene Skidmore, assistant director of the honors program. “You want the sound to be resonating and spiritual in some ways. It’s a great place to have discussion.”

The way that the chapel was designed so that everyone was evenly spaced and so that the center of the room was an illuminated circular altar was no mistake. In fact, Saarinen added multiple aspects of symbolism.

According to a Drake-issued pamphlet about the Scott Chapel, courtesy of Skidmore, the roundness of the structure is significant because “the circle is traditional in religious expression” and “connotes equality, the close-binding fellowship of humanity, and eternity.” The evenly spaced

JOEY GALE | photo editor

chairs signify that “all sit in equality before God.” And over the skylight dome is a bronze crown “denoting the dominion of God,” and in the center of the crown a sphere represents the world. Above the world used to be a cross, was reflected on the marble altar.

However, according to Skidmore, after the cross broke in a windstorm, it was not put back up because by that time, Drake was no longer a Christian-based school.

Though it is no longer necessarily

a Christian chapel, it may be used for prayer, as well as meditation or any other group’s ritualistic practices as long as it is respectful of the space.

“Because it is lesser known on campus, I try to bring students,” said Lyons. “I’m always interested in their reactions — the white marble in the middle and the light shining down.

“Sometimes people find it a little intimidating. People are always curious about what it was used for — they aren’t used to the drama of it. People can have the same experience, but

have different conclusions about it.”

According to Lyons, the former Dean of the Divinity School, John McCaw, is still living today, and his vision for the chapel is one of a hopeful future.

“He hoped that each generation of students would find a purpose for the chapel,” said Lyons. “He didn’t want it to become something that was unused space.”

Student shares experience Drake spends morning with politics in Iowa at state capital

by Meagan Flynn

Staff Writer meagan.flynn@drake.edu

Most people have only seen Sarah Palin and Michele Bachmann in the media — on CNN, CSPAN and maybe even Saturday Night Live. But sophomore Alex Latcham has gotten to know each of them in a professional setting.

The political science major worked extensively for both Palin and Bachmann during the presidential campaign and especially the 99 County Tour, in which Bachmann traveled to every Iowa county in only 10 and a half days, Latcham said.

“The biggest thing was definitely the 99 County Tour,” said Latcham. “It was crazy. It was 11 days of 18-hour days with 10 events a day. We’d leapfrog ahead to set up the event.

She would attend, we’d stay for 45 minutes, then leave (for the next event).”

To Latcham, networking is important, and that is exactly how he was led to Palin and Bachmann. A friend of Latcham’s, who had managed Palin’s 2008 campaign, was able to connect Latcham to Palin.

While Latcham was working on behalf of Drake to bring candidates to speak on campus, Bachmann’s Iowa campaign manager, Eric Woolson, asked if he’d join the Iowa College Republicans as the director of outreach. Latcham happily obliged, and his duties were quite beneficial in terms of experience.

“It’s doing anything that needs to be done to keep the campaign moving forward,” he said.

“Coordinating media, getting lunch, driving the candidates — basically anything. You have to have really good people skills.”

Latcham also escorted the congresswomen to debates, set up press releases, and even had to deal with Occupy protestors. The skills that he developed as a result of his involvement are ones he will carry with him into his career.

“It’s formed me into a more confident, competent individual,” Latcham said. “You learn how to deal with a variety of individuals, and I really discovered my passion. I want to get on

another campaign.”

Latcham is currently trying to form a bipartisan political club on campus for students fascinated by the American political system and campaigns.

“We’ve got a lot of enthusiasm and interest following the debates,” said Latcham. “(The club) would facilitate networking, because really, that’s the game of politics. It’s the networking.”

When Latcham gets out into his field, he hopes to work as a consultant for politicians and the campaigns.

“I love politics. I can’t pinpoint it exactly, but it really interests me,” he said. “I love the actual ground game of politics in which you see the (events) actually taking place. It really is history in the making, and you get to witness that.”

At a glance...

• Latcham was one of five students who discussed their experiences with the media and political organization during the Caucus at yesterday’s Engaged Citizenship Experience entitled “Drake and the Iowa Caucus.”

• This year’s Engaged Citizen Experience theme is “Technology and Democracy: Dialogue and Dissent.”

courtesy of SARAH COFFEY

by Jennifer Heartley

Staff Writer jennifer.heartley@drake.edu

The Iowa State Capitol hosted the Bulldog Breakfast this morning to give students the opportunity to chat with Iowa legislators. Drake students also had discussions with Drake alumni serving as Iowa legislators from 7-9 a.m. As a private institution, Drake isn’t impacted in the same ways state schools might be, but students at Drake might be impacted by issues that the legislators discussed, such as high-speed rail, economic development and tax policy.

Sam Pritchard, chair of the Community Outreach Committee of Student Senate, came up with the idea for the Bulldog Breakfast as part of his election platform last spring.

The sophomore marketing and politics major Pritchard said that the Bulldog Breakfast reiterated Drake’s image as an exceptional school, and that it will give students the opportunity to speak with legislators.

“The Brocal Chords will be performing in

the rotunda (of the state capitol) at 7:15, which helps announce that there is something big going on in the rotunda and will likely attract a lot of attention,” Pritchard said. He also said the performance will start off as a flash mob.

There was a lot of planning that went into the Bulldog Breakfast, starting with the Community Outreach Committee. This committee reserved the space in the capitol building, contacted the legislators and ordered the food for the breakfast.

The Bulldog Breakfast was open to all students. If you were not able to make it, Pritchard said that students can still take a trip to the state capitol on their own time, and they can take a tour and meet with our “state decision-makers.”

“It is the people’s house, so students should know that it is always open to them,” Pritchard said.

The Iowa State Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The number to call for tour times is (515) 281-5591. There is no admission fee.

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THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 | PAGE 6

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

sports

men’s golf squad will open its spring campaign this Saturday at the Big DID YOU The Four Championship. The competition will take place at the Lone Tree Golf Club Chandler, Ariz. The Bulldogs will rely on redshirt freshman Devin Leland, KNOW? infreshman Blake Huser and sophomore Connor Steele to lead the way.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Drake looking to make a move in MVC standings

by Matt Moran

Copy Editor matthew.moran@drake.edu

After an emotional week that saw Drake earn its biggest win of the season, it’s back down to business for the Bulldogs, as the team takes on Missouri State this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the Knapp Center.

Drake (13-9, 6-5 MVC) took on Indiana State (13-9, 4-7) on the road last night. The Bulldogs defeated the defending State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship winners 7964 in their MVC opener at the Knapp Center on Dec. 28, 2011.

Three days later, however, the Bears (13-10, 6-5) defeated Drake 72-61 in Springfield, Mo. Missouri State shot 60.4 percent from the field in that game.

But this is a rejuvenated Drake team that is coming off a 93-86 triple-overtime win over Wichita State, bumping the Shockers into second place in the MVC. The Bulldogs lost to No. 12 Creighton, which is in first place in the MVC, on Jan. 25, 77-69.

This Drake team has seen the emergence of senior point guard Kurt Alexander, who has scored in double figures in six of his last eight games heading into yesterday’s contest. This team has also seen the emergence of redshirt freshman Jeremy Jeffers, who scored 11 points off the bench against Wichita State and has contributed solid minutes during Drake’s run to third place.

“The fans are just crazy this year,” Jeffers said. “The student section has done a great job this year…it’s just a great atmosphere. I love playing here at Drake with this great community behind us.”

Drake was tied with Missouri State and Illinois State for third place in the MVC heading into yesterday’s action.

The Bears took on Wichita State while the Redbirds battled Creighton.

Missouri State won the regularseason MVC title last year, and it boasts last year’s Larry Bird Player of the Year award winner in senior Kyle Weems.

Weems is averaging 16.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season, which is good for sixth and fifth, respectively, in the MVC. Sophomore Rayvonte Rice had 19 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists in his last outing against Wichita State.

Junior Ben Simons added a career-high 29 points in that contest.

Rice (17.3 points per game) is third

in the conference in scoring, and Simons (16.2 ppg) is fifth. Drake’s onetwo punch will be crucial if the Bulldogs want to lock up a top-three seed for the 2012 State Farm MVC Championship.

“Ben (Simons) and Rayvonte (Rice) continue to be probably the best combination of wings in our league,” head coach Mark Phelps said after Drake’s loss to Creighton.

“

ALEX MASICA| staff photographer JUNIOR BEN SIMON faces up against a defender in the Bulldogs’ game against Creighton on Jan. 25. Simons is having a terrific season, averaging 16.2 points per game on 48.7 percent from the field to go along with 3.5 rebounds per game.

The student section has done a great job this year…it’s just a great atmosphere. I love playing here at Drake with this great community behind us.”

”

- redshirt freshman Jeremy Jeffers

Phelps also said that Drake’s sixth man is an essential piece to the team’s success.

“This is a great venue,” Phelps said about the Knapp Center. “This is a great building. Fans are right on top of you…we love our home court. We love our fans.”

CHECK ‘EM OUT Make sure to catch their next game SATURDAY, FEB. 4 7:05 p.m.

Knapp Center

ALEX MASICA| staff photographer SENIOR KURT ALEXANDER tries to drive past a defender in the Bulldogs’ game against Creighton on Jan. 25. Alexander is averaging 8.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. The Bulldogs will take on Missouri State on Saturday.

Alexander will be key for Drake as MVC race heats up

by Stephanie Griffith

Staff Writer stephanie.griffith@drake.edu

At the age of 12, Kurt Alexander did not think that he would ever be playing basketball at the collegiate level.

In fact, he barely knew the sport. Ten years later, the 6-foot-tall, senior guard holds a presence on the court.

Born in the Cayman Islands, Alexander spent his childhood playing soccer. When his family moved to Toronto in 2002, Alexander saw basketball for the first time.

“I saw people playing basketball and then just started getting into it,” Alexander said.

Alexander started playing basketball in high school and then spent two years

at Iowa Central Community College.

“I got better as time went on,” Alexander said. “Then I had two good years at junior college.”

While at Iowa Central CC, he was a two-time All-Iowa Region 11 first-team performer and averaged a league-high of 18.6 points in his final season. For the 2010-11 season, Alexander transferred to Drake and played in all 31 games.

Now in his second season, Alexander has settled in with the team and school.

“It was a good transition,” Alexander said. “The coaching staff really helped.”

Bulldog teammate Karl Madison thinks that in addition to being a great player, Alexander brings a lot of energy to the game.

“During practice, he gets guys go-

ing,” the redshirt freshman Madison said. “He’s a winner.”

Head coach Mark Phelps agreed that part of what makes Alexander a solid player is the energy that he can bring off the bench.

“Kurt has the ability, when things break down at the point guard spot, to get his shot,” Phelps said.

His winning attitude and consistency have contributed to the Bulldog’s 13-9 record, including scoring 17 points in Drake’s triple-overtime victory against Wichita State last Saturday. He also added six points in the final overtime period.

“He has really stepped forward and played at a very high level, especially lately,” Phelps said.

After graduation, Alexander said

that he would like to play professionally, possibly overseas.

“I would like to be a pretty good professional basketball player, make money and support my family,” Alexander said.

Alexander and his teammates remain focused on the season. Right now, the team is tied for third place in the Missouri Valley Conference with this Saturday’s opponent, Missouri State.

Madison said that the team needs Madison to continue playing at a high level.

“He just needs to keep doing what he’s been doing,” Madison said.

Alexander has been providing a steady presence off the bench. In the Bulldogs’ win over Iowa State, he contributed 10 points and a career-high four assists.

“His scoring can help tremendously,” Madison said.

After getting to know the campus, Alexander said that he feels as if he’s been accepted as part of the community.

“People know you, and that feels good,” Alexander said. “It makes playing easier because it’s like I’m playing for the community.”

With what he has done these past two seasons, people have certainly gotten to know and to appreciate Alexander. His winning attitude, consistency and dedication will hopefully help the Bulldogs as they aim for a strong finish.

“We have very high aspirations for what we can accomplish this season,” Phelps said. “Kurt will be a key piece in that pursuit.”

MEN’S TENNIS

Q&A with the newest tennis Bulldog on the block Name: Ben Mullis Year: Freshman Major: Law, Politics and Society Hometown: Leicestershire, England The Times-Delphic: Why did you choose LPS? Mullis: I took business, law and psychology classes back home, and I really liked the law aspect, so I wanted to go into that field here.

TD: What brought you to Drake to play college tennis?

BM: Coach Evan Austin got in touch with me and recruited me. So I was talking with him, and I also knew Robin Goodman from back home; also, (I knew) James McKie briefly as well. Those two all said good things about Drake, and I thought it would be a good fit for me. Going to a high level school while also playing tennis sounded great.

TD: Who is your favorite professional tennis player right now?

BM: Rafa Nadal. He is just an absolute warrior. He isn’t the most technically astute player, but he makes the most of what he’s got. His mentality on the court has got to be respected by everyone on tour.

TD: Who is your favorite tennis player of all time?

BM: John McEnroe. I just loved his never-say-die attitude on the court. Even if he didn’t portray himself in the best ways, he did what he needed to win on the court.

TD: What is your favorite memory you have of playing tennis?

BM: It’s always good when you win for yourself, but when you win for the team, it can be even more powerful.

There was a big week of matches for Leicestershire, where I was representing my county, and we got promoted because we were unbeaten over the five days. We got promoted to Group 3.

We beat Cambridgeshire, where Robin is from, and Nottinghamshire, South

Wales and North of Scotland. All the guys were so pumped, and it was just really great.

TD: What match are you most excited for this year?

BM: The thought of playing in the NCAA (Tournament) is exciting, so the conference tournament is what I’m looking forward to the most. To win the conference tournament, and then play the top teams and hopefully take a few down along the way would be unbelievable.

TD: What is your greatest weapon on the tennis court?

BM: I’d say my mental skill. I’m good at keeping calm when I’m not playing too great. And when I’m on top, I can stay on top and be very positive on court.

That, and my physical game as well.

Rather than having a massive forehand or big shot like that, I just wear opponents down.

TD: What is your favorite thing about

Drake so far?

BM: The unlimited amount of food in Hubbell has to be up there. I also like the training room. With the whole rehab side of the sport, they look after you pretty well here.

TD: What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed between the U.S. and the U.K.?

BM: People’s sense of humor is vastly different. You can say something here, and you know your friends back home would find it quite funny, but you might hear the tumbleweeds in the background here.

TD: After having sealed the last two Drake victories (over DePaul and Denver), McKie called you Ben “The Clinch” Mullis. What do you think about that nickname?

BM: I’d like to be able to maintain that reputation over the course of the season. Hopefully, I’ll be clinching many DOMINIC JOHNSON | staff photographer matches over this season and my four FRESHMAN BEN MULLIS poses outside years at Drake.

Hubbell Dining Hall in his Drake attire.

PAGE 7 | THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012

SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs eager to take on explosive Missouri St.

by Taylor Soule

Staff Writer taylor.soule@drake.edu

There are 31 days in the month of January. Just don’t tell that to the Drake women’s basketball team. The Bulldogs look to erase Jan. 7 from their memories when they take on Missouri State tonight at the Knapp Center. Tip-off is set for 7:05 p.m.

On Jan. 7, the Bears dealt Drake a devastating 32-point defeat at Missouri State, the Bulldogs’ largest loss of the 2011-12 season. Needless to say, Drake is eager for tonight’s second chance.

Missouri State’s deep roster features three players averaging doubledigits in points. Casey Garrison, the preseason pick for Missouri Valley Conference player of the year, averages 17.8 points per game alongside 5.9 rebounds.

Garrison isn’t the only threat from the Bears, though. Missouri State’s Christiana Shorter boasts 13.5 points per game, followed narrowly by Jaleshia Roberson’s 11.8 points per game.

The Bulldogs look to counter the Missouri State attack by playing strong defense.

Besides strong defense, Drake’s improved, efficient offensive will be key tonight.

The Bears average 73.9 points per game compared to the Bulldogs’ 60.7 points per game. Following a rocky offensive start to the 2011-12 season,

head coach Amy Stephens is confident that her team can outscore and outlast the Bears.

“We focus so much on our defense through this time of year, it takes our offense a while to get going,” Stephens said. “You’ve got to be able to score the ball, and we’re doing that now.”

Despite Missouri State’s deep lineup, Drake’s offensive threat is far from one-dimensional, Stephens added.

“Morgan (Reid) is scoring for us,” Stephens said. “Amber (Wollschlager) is scoring for us. Now, we’re not so one-dimensional. We have other players. Obviously, Rachael (Hackbarth) is the key leader and centerpiece.”

Averaging a whopping 19.3 points per game alongside 10.8 rebounds, Hackbarth is making a run for MVC player of the year. Battling for the MVC’s highest team honor as well as the MVC’s highest individual honor, Hackbarth and Garrison add a dualrivalry to tonight’s game.

Following Sunday’s 82-77 overtime defeat to Northern Iowa at the Knapp Center, Drake looks to finish its four-game home swing on two positive performances. After the Bulldogs take on Missouri State tonight, Wichita State, the MVC’s top team, travels to the Knapp Center on Sunday.

Though two challenging opponents await Drake, Stephens is ready for her team’s positive practice to pay off on the court.

“We’re just getting better and bet-

ter,” she said. “We’re improving. Offensively, we struggled so badly early in the season. Now we’ve really hit stride. It’s been really fun to watch.”

The Bulldogs are 11-9 overall and 5-4 in the MVC, a record identical to

“

The grey squad is a group of guys who volunteer their time to be a part of our practices. When we go against bigger, faster and stronger guys, we are prepared for what we will face in games.

”

a bottom-half team?

Here are my thoughts.

You know what they say: practice makes permanent. Generally speaking, practice is the time for improvement. However, the best teams take

improvement to an entirely new level.

They do this by creating a game-like environment in which every player understands the importance of good habits. A team that wants it easy or goes through the motions will more than likely not be successful.

What does it mean to practice good habits? This may range from footwork to going full speed in every drill or maybe even a solid defensive stance. Let’s look at it this way — if you’re a senior in high school, and Geno Auriemma, the renowned University of Connecticut women’s basketball head coach, came to watch you practice, how would you respond? If you were even relatively smart, you would take every drill seriously. You would expend all your energy in doing things the right way.

This should be the way all players approach practice.

One particular aspect of our basketball program that is truly valuable to our success is the grey squad. The grey squad is a group of guys who volunteer their time to be a part of our practices. When we go against bigger, faster and stronger guys, we are prepared for what we will face in games.

They serve as our scout team as well.

Our coaches will give them a set of plays to run through, and we will guard the offense. It gives our team a competitive edge in a way. The last thing a guy wants is to get beat by a girl. To be honest, it’s actually pretty fun to push around a bunch of guys in our drill work. And believe it or not, there are always some good friendships made in the process. In fact, a former player met her boyfriend through the grey squad — they are still together to this day!

regular-season home stretch demands continued improvement.

“There’s still a lot of basketball to be played,” Stephens said. “I just wouldn’t overlook anybody in our league.”

ALEX MASICA |staff photographer FRESHMAN LIZA HEAP protects the ball in a game against Bradley last Friday. The Bulldogs defeated the Braves 77-62.

Drake is now 11-9 overall and 5-4 in league play. They will take on Missouri State at home on Thursday at 7:05 PM.

Sophomore diaries:The importance of committing to improvement There are many factors that come into play in order to compete at the Division I level. In the Missouri Valley Conference, it’s hard to say who is the best team. Essentially, it’s the team that comes ready to play that finishes on top. The competition is neck and neck. It’s hard saying who will grab the title this year come tournament time. What is it that separates one team from the other? What is it that makes one team more resilient or gritty than the other? What is the difference between a top-half team and

Creighton. Sitting in a game out of second place in the MVC standings, the Bulldogs look to make the regular season’s final weeks count. Playing nine games versus nine different opponents in just one month, Drake’s

While practice during the season is a big part of success, there is so much to be said for the off-season.

We are here from June through the end of July working out as a team.

The summer up until October can obviously be considered the time to improve our game as individual players. But with improvement also comes adding more skills to each of our repertoires. It’s hard for a player that doesn’t add something new to their game each off-season to make strides in our league. Teams in the Missouri Valley Conference know every player’s strengths and weaknesses like the back of their hands. Rachael Hackbarth and former Bulldog Kristin Turk are prime examples of this growth process. Rachael could hardly make it up the court as a freshman, and she is now a serious contender for MVC player of the year. Turk hardly played as a freshman and sophomore, and is now leading her team in Sweden to a championship.

Great things don’t happen in the blink of an eye. Great teams and players evolve through time and the commitment to becoming better.

CARLY GRENFELL | COLUMNIST Grenfell is a sophomore public relations and management double major and can be contacted at carly.grenfell@drake.edu

>> sports blurbs WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Senior Rachael Hackbarth was named the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for the period of Jan. 23-30 on Monday.

This is the fifth time this season that Hackbarth has earned the award. Hackbarth is just the fourth player in league history to earn four or more player of the week awards in a single season.

On Friday (Jan. 27), Hackbarth led the Bulldogs with 22 points and 13 rebounds in a 77-62 win over Bradley.

On Sunday (Jan.29), Hackbarth finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds in a 82-77 overtime loss against UNI. Hackbarth is averaging 19.3 points per game and 10.8 rebounds this season. She also has had 13 double-doubles.

WOMEN’S TENNIS Junior Manca Krizman was named the Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Week.

This is the second time Krizman has earned this award in her career and it marks the first time a Bulldog earned the distinction this season.

Krizman posted a 6-0 combined singles/doubles ledger last weekend, leading Drake to a perfect 3-0 mark at the Mid-America Jamboree Team Dual at the Roger Knapp Tennis Center.

On the season, Krizman owns a team-best 21-8 combined singles/doubles record, including 13-2 in singles. Krizman has won her last 10 singles contests.

MEN’S TENNIS Anis Ghorbel was named Missouri Valley Conference Men's Tennis Player of the Week.

This is the first time this season that a member of the men’s tennis squad earned the distinction and the third time Ghorbel has earned the honor in his career.

Ghorbel registered a 3-1 combined singles/doubles ledger at the Harvard Kick-Off Invitational. Ghorbel, rated 51st in the nation, led Drake to a 4-2 win over No. 66 DePaul with a 6-3, 6-3 win over George Chanturia at the No. 1 singles position.

Against No. 73 Harvard, Ghorbel accounted for the Bulldogs' lone tally in a 4-1 setback downing Jonathan Pearlman at the top slot, 6-1, 6-4.

Ghorbel earned an 8-5 decision at No. 1 doubles in a 4-1 win over Denver. Ghorbel was also leading his singles contest at No. 1, 7-6, 6-7, 3-1 over Yannick Weihs before play was suspended after Drake garnered the deciding point.

On the season, Ghorbel owns a team-best 23-4 combined singles/doubles mark, including 14-2 in singles. Ghorbel has won six straight singles tilts and is 8-1 in his last 10 matches.

Super Bowl Sunday? Here are some of our favorite rivalries The Super Bowl is just a few days away, and Drake intramurals is preparing to celebrate its undocumented holiday. All staff and athletes are asked to take the day off this Sunday to honor one of the greatest contests that professional sports has to offer. This is a selffacilitated holiday, as past years have shown a palpable absence of almost every team on the night of the Super Bowl.

The faceoff between the New England Patriots and New York Giants may present just an average amount of excitement, but it leaves a significant opening for students to create their own. In light of the big game, I would like to offer a list of a few of our favorite long-standing intramural match-ups that may exceed the moderate enthusiasm of this Sunday’s showdown.

SigEp vs. FIJI The most recent meeting of the two fraternities was this past Sunday in the competitive basketball league. The

40-minute thriller left SigEp with a close victory over FIJI, but the buzz of the fan sections could have told the story either way. The teams typically draw a major crowd in the event of their match-up during any sport. The Greek Street rivalry seems to date back several years and has enough potential for significant staying power. The question remains: can we ever harness the pride and bragging rights of the victories into any actual prize?

Carpenter United vs. Off Constantly These seasoned teams are mostly well known for their activity in the indoor and outdoor soccer leagues. Carpenter United was created close to a decade ago when a group of Carpenter Hall boys got together to represent a pseudo-professional team name. I have not seen any amount of skill match that of Carpenter United’s peak a few years ago. As most have graduated, the team remains with a few aged players, a few

rookies and the same old hard work. Off Constantly is assumed to have been created by someone with a sense of humor; they tend to have fun when explaining how they chose their name. They have been around for a few years and are seen on multiple playing fields. The team is typically dressed in all red, a few cut-off shorts and T-shirts, and it will give any soccer team a free track practice. Their speed is what allows them to keep up with the finesse of Carpenter United.

The indoor season is right around the corner, and this game will be the one to watch.

Old guys vs. Young guys One of the fortunes of intramurals is the rule that allows anyone affiliated with Drake University to play. Students, staff and employees of the university are all welcome to join or create any team for any league. Students righteously occupy the majority of intramural teams, but a considerable amount of Drake’s staff

often participates for some outstanding competition. When a contest brings a group of young, fresh and quick athletes up against a squad of unassuming professors and random Drake personnel, don’t be so quick to predict an outcome.

Most of the veterans have been tried and tested over the years and probably have a few seasons of their own intramurals under their belts.

The Firm vs. anybody The Firm is notorious throughout intramurals for its aggressive and experienced play. The squad consists of players from the law school, and the name on any schedule is sufficiently intimidating.

Enough of them must have read my columns to think of changing it. One alternative the program has seen is Attorneys at Ball, and I believe one year the team just capitalized its name to THE FIRM instead. Any other team names resembling law, court or a beast could possibly be players originating from The Firm.

The notoriety of intramurals teams gives our program character, and we wouldn’t have much to talk about without your spirit and enthusiasm. I like to think that this year’s Super Bowl pales in comparison to some of our favorite intramural contests. Whether the rivalry is old or new, Drake intramurals loves a good competition.

HALEY BOSCO | COLUMNIST Bosco is a senior English and secondary education double major and can be contacted at haley.bosco@drake.edu

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB. 2, 2012 | PAGE 8

Got a problem? #Hashtag it FROM TWITTER PAGE 2 sumingly as a class project, and she said that now she is surprised the accounts are such a success, and she is “psyched about all the followers”.

“Almost every tweet I write gets retweeted, which is incredible,” @ DrakeGrlProbs said.

This leaves @DrakeProblems, the predecessor to @drakeproblem. Unfortunately, the account did not respond to a request for an interview. @ drakeproblem says one of his goals is to determine who is behind the mimicking account.

These accounts make efforts to interact with other accounts on campus, creating a sort of odd Twitter network. One of the most often referenced is @DrakeSquirrel, which takes on the persona of one of the many squirrels we see around campus. Most recently, @DrakeSquirrel mused about the weather, saying that because of the lack of snow, he’s now “pulling dinner out of the mud.”

Check out some of the best tweets from Drake-centered Twitter accounts:

@DrakeProblems 126 Tweets 607 Followers “Problems that those of Drake University face in their lives.” @DrakeGrlProbs 209 Tweets 481 Followers “#sorrywerenotsorry”

@drakeproblem 494 Tweets 705 Followers “The ORIGINAL Drake Problem. I’ve got 99 problems, Drake is one. ”

Photo of the Week:

JOEY GALE | photo editor

While out on assignment, our photo editor snapped this picture of the soda fountain in Quad Creek Cafe filling up a delightfully stout to-go cup that they’ve been using since the end of last semester. The 16-ounce cups have become a topic of discussion around campus since Sodexo started using them.