The Times-Delphic

THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER FOR DRAKE UNIVERSITY SINCE 1884

THE TIMES DELPHIC DES MOINES, IOWA | THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2011 | VOL. 131, NO. 24 | WWW.TIMESDELPHIC.COM

Occupy DSM still going strong SAB allocations debated

by Lauren Ehrler

Staff Writer lauren.ehrler@drake.edu

Allocations for members of the Student Activities Board to attend the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) regional and national conferences prompted the most discussion among senators during the Nov. 17 meeting.

The conferences allow Vice President of Student Activities Jessica Hamilton and other members of SAB to attend learning sessions, meet other campus programming boards and book campus entertainment at a discounted price.

“It is basically vital for this organization to attend this so they can plan for the next semester,“ Sen. Michael Riebel said.

Sen. Riebel attended the conference last year along with fellow senator Carly Kinzler.

“I think this gives us a better opportunity to bring diverse acts,” Kinzler said.

Sen. Sam Pritchard urged senators to think critically about the types of programming that is brought to campus through the NACA conferences.

“We absolutely need to…take a look at quality programming versus number of programming,” Sen. Pritchard said.

Sen. Nate Bleadorn said he’d rather see more effort dedicated to boosting attendance rather than bringing more programming to campus.

“Attendance with SAB events, along with a lot of other events on campus, has been struggling,” he said.

“Every single event, attendance has been up,” said Hamilton of the attendance at event.

Student Senate ultimately passed the allocation of $2,358 for Hamilton and two SAB members to attend the NACA National Conference in Charlotte, N.C. An additional $2,063.56 was allocated for VP Hamilton and three SAB members to attend the NACA Regional Conference in St. Paul, Minn.

Two new student organizations were also approved in Thursday’s session. International Traders of Iowa and Phi Delta Epsilon, a “social, medical, professional fraternity,” passed by unanimous vote.

Senators postponed the approval of another new organization, Christians United for Israel, until a representative from the organization could be present to speak and answer questions.

Previous notice was also served on a motion by the Diversity Interest Senators to remove themselves from service on the Campus Advancement Committee and the Student Services Committee. They have elected to stay on the Student Fees Allocation Committee.

Senators also discussed the Fireside Chat with President David Maxwell, held on Nov. 16. Suggestions for improvement included holding the event in a different venue and giving future events a theme.

“We want to get as many people there as possible and get as many questions answered as possible,” Student Body President Greg Larson said.

Meeting by the Numbers

$2,358.00

For SAB members to attend a national conference in Charlotte, N.C.

$2,063.56

For SAB members to attend a regional conference in St. Paul, Minn.

Pre-trial for arrested protesters starts today

by Meagan Flynn

Staff Writer meagan.flynn@drake.edu

The Occupy movement between police and protesters across the nation, but one night during the Occupy Des Moines protest, a police officer addressed the crowd.

“But don’t forget, you are apart of the 99 percent, too,” said one of the protesters. “…….Believe me, I’m painfully aware of it…,” the police officer replied.

The police officer said it with a smile, perhaps revealing a glimpse of the part of himself that many had not seen from other police officers.

He and another officer had just stopped by to lay down the protesting rules at the Tower Park pavilion, where dozens of Occupy Des Moines protestors had gathered before their march to the First Federated Church on Nov. 19. A GOP presidential candidate forum was underway, and presidential candidates Herman Cain, Michelle Bachmann, Rick Perry, and Newt Gingrich were present.

Drums rumbled, passing cars sounded horns and at least 50 protestors made themselves heard, each bearing bold signs demanding such things as “Make Wall St. Pay!” as they marched around the block to the GOP forum.

“The people united will never be defeated,” they yelled.

“We are unstoppable, another world is possible,” they yelled louder.

And as they rolled into the parking lot, the trademark “We are the 99 percent” with an added “And so are you” was the underlying, blaring message.

“I want to put the power to create currency back into the hands of the treasury [instead of] the FED,” said protestor Clarke Davidson. “I want publicly funded elections and for each presidential candidate to have equally funded campaigns.”

Davidson said his two major

dissatisfactions with the country’s political system are among dozens of other issues that have been raised at the protests, such as more funding toward education, reduction in taxes, and — one of the more powerful — people before corporations.

The Occupy Des Moines movement has been in full swing since it debuted on Oct. 9 at the capital building. After being forced off the capital grounds by police on Oct. 14, the protestors have occupied

Stewart Square Park where they pitched dozens of tents, including multiple large storage and kitchentype canopies.

“I think we’re making great progress,” said protestor Jeff Craig.

“As an occupational movement in Des Moines, we’re keeping the lines of communication open with the city.

SEE OCCUPY, PAGE 2

RACHEL WARD | staff photographer

PROTESTERS in Occupy Des Moines display signs as they walk to protest corporate banks.

Cholesterol isn’t a student’s best friend

by Katie Kalmes

Staff Writer katherine.kalmes@drake.edu

A panel of doctors from across the country who met last week, believe that cholesterol will not be something only middle-aged adults worry about but young children as well, according to a recent Des Moines Register article by Tony Leys.

The panel recommended that children between the ages of 9 and 11 get their cholesterol levels tested.

They also recommend that they get tested later on between the ages of 17 and 21.

“I won’t just test an individual’s cholesterol levels without a reason such as family history or another medical problem,” said LuAnn Volkmer, a nurse practitioner at the Drake University Student Health Center. “A lot of students don’t come here for

preventative health care they come here for urgent care. Not routinely do I do a lipid panel.”

Cholesterol levels, at any age, are tested through blood draws. Usually a lipid panel is taken, which is what the health center uses for students. A lipid panel looks at cholesterol, highdensity lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins. It’s a test that takes everything that affects cardiac risk into consideration.

The higher your cholesterol level, the higher your cardiac risk, which means a higher chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found in all blood vessels across the body. While your body needs a certain level of cholesterol to work normally too much can cause heart disease and other dangerous health problems.

There are two types of cholesterol, good and bad types. The good

cholesterol is called high-density lipoproteins (HDL). These proteins take cholesterol back to the liver so that it can leave the body as waste. Bad cholesterol is low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The LDLs cause fatty deposits in arteries that slow down the blood supply from your brain to your heart.

According to Volkmer, students should only be worried about their cholesterol levels if there is a family history of high cholesterol, if they have high blood pressure or are obese.

“I think students have probably heard the word cholesterol before but that they don’t necessarily know what it is or why it is so they probably consider it more of an older problem and something they don’t have to think about,” Volkmer said.

“I know what it is but I’ve never thought about my cholesterol level.

I’ve always assumed mine is fine because I’m young,” said sophomore Hannah Stonewall.

If you are worried about your cholesterol levels there are some simple ways, diet and exercise, to prevent high cholesterol and to fix it.

Foods such as deep-fried and fatty foods (in excess) are going to raise your cholesterol level. You should focus on eating high-fiber foods such as oatmeal and wheat bread, because they help your body break down cholesterol. Exercise will also help your body breakdown cholesterol better.

“It all goes together because usually people whose cholesterol levels are higher are those who need to lose weight. Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol all go hand in hand,” Volkmer said.

Students can schedule and appointment to have their cholesterol levels checked for any reason at Student Health Center by calling 515271-3731.

Social media, employers and you

The ‘grandma rule’ might not be enough anymore

by Stephanie Sanyour

Staff Writer stephanie.sanyour@drake.edu

The use of social media is a controversial issue, especially when it comes to looking for a job. Employers not only look at a resume and cover letter, but also at the candidate’s social media accounts.

In a 2010 Jobvite Social Recruiting Survey, of those employers who responded they were hiring that year, 92 percent used or planned to recruit employees via social networks. Of this group, 86 percent used LinkedIn, 60 percent used Facebook and 50 percent used Twitter for recruiting.

Professors and professionals lecture on using the “grandma rule” when it comes to posting online, because of such statistics like the Jobvite survey. The “grandma rule” is the common ground of not posting anything online one wouldn’t want their grandma to see and that could potentially damage their reputation. However, students at Drake don’t seem to be very worried about this.

Senior accounting major Ricardo Araujo uses Facebook and LinkedIn. He prefers Facebook because

inside

he believes that medium to be more accessible to people and companies.

Araujo is not afraid of being looked up online.

“I’m not afraid at all, I don’t have any improper comments or posts,” he said. Araujo also takes security measures so that only his friends can see his pictures and posts.

First-year journalism and politics double major Faith Gachii also uses social media. She has Twitter and Facebook and uses both accounts for socialization purposes.

Like Araujo, Gachii also uses security measures and her Facebook account is private and she does not accept requests of people whom she doesn’t know. Gachii is also not afraid of what other may find about her online.

“I’m not afraid of future employers finding things online because I am careful of what I post,” she said.

Gachi is aware of the “grandma rule” and applies it to her social media accounts.

“I make sure that I don’t upload pictures that I wouldn’t want my mother to see,” she said.

However, she is aware that what is posted online, can harm a person’s

ability to get a job.

“It’s easy for employers to find out things about your personal life. I feel that your personal accounts are a reflection of who you are, so people should definitely be aware of what is on their personal accounts and how those accounts portray them.”

Sophomore pre-pharmacy major Steffy Vanchi believes it is important to have strict security measures on social media accounts.

“I am aware that people can find a lot of things about you if you allow yourself to put that information out there without putting some shields or controlling who gets to see them,” she said.

Vanchi also has a Facebook account but has strict security measures so that only her friends can see her information and posts. Vanchi is also knows the risks involved with the personal content that is uploaded in social media sites.

“If you work in a job that involves or revolves around media, then what you post can most definitely cost or save your job,” Vanchi said.

Professional and Career Development Coordinator Chrystal Stanley argues that what students post on so-

cial media sites does matter, especially if they are looking for a job.

“Employers do consider your online profile when making hiring decisions. They are seeking to ensure that you will represent the company in an appropriate manner. You want to ensure the image you are portraying is professional,” Stanley said.

Stanley explains that companies use social media sites to see whether an individual has established a professional image, and they look for red flags in behavior. Stanley also states that all social media sites can be equally dangerous. She advises students not to be afraid of those sites and to use them as networking tools.

“Don’t shy away from using them.

Just use them carefully,” Stanley said.

When looking for a job, Talent Developer and Attraction Manager from the division of Human Resources at Principal Bank, Josh Ingalls, suggests students to “build a complete and accurate profile on professional networking sites such as LinkedIn to develop your network of individuals, groups and companies that will assist you in working towards job opportunities that are of interest to you.”

OPINIONS

FEATURES

SPORTS

One student’s review of the new “J.Edgar” movie

Are Drake students ‘bleeding blue’ for athletics?

Former Bulldog to play pro-ball in Sweden

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

PAGE 2 | THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2011

opinions&editorials

THE TIMES-DELPHIC The academic calendar for the 2012-2013 school year was recently put on Drake’s website. This calendar gives the exact dates for the new J-term which will start next year.

Review: Film depicts Solution to secret life of J. Edgar Social Security Walk into the FBI and Robert Mueller is undoubtedly its director. Yet it’s impossible to ignore, even today, the effect J. Edgar Hoover had and continues to have on the institution.

From the time he became director in 1924 until the moment he died in 1972, Hoover ran the FBI with an iron fist. His reign spanned the terms of eight presidents where the country witnessed an unprecedented rise in power of the FBI. Despite the treasure trove of secrets he possessed, the facts of Hoover’s personal life largely remain speculation.

What we are given is that he liked to dress up as a woman, lived with his mother until she died, never married, and had a very close relationship with long time partner Clyde Tolson.

These facts are never verified but it is assumed that Hoover was a homosexual, an interesting detail considering he had dirt on the sex lives of every prominent person in public life, dirt that gave him the ability to dramatically increase the power of the FBI and change its place in politics forever. There is never a doubt at any point in the movie who the president fears most and it’s Hoover.

Clint Eastwood could have made this movie focused on J. Edgar Hoover, the homosexual. Instead he focused on the public image Hoover maintained throughout his life, even in private. He was a straightforward moralist, a man who surrounded himself with people he could trust and who followed his every order.

Agents were clean cut, wore suits and ties at all times and were always under the watch of Hoover. The film takes us back to famous cases such as the capture of John Dillinger and the manhunt for the kidnapper of the Lindbergh baby.

Hoover’s publicity machine depicted him as acting virtually alone in solving the thousands of cases he investigated.

However, he was not present when Dillinger was shot down outside the Biograph Theater, although America got the impression that he was. He also never forgave the star agent, Melvin Purvis, for actually cornering America’s Most Wanted. There was doubt from within that Bruno Hauptmann was guilty in the Lindbergh case, but Hoover firmly believed he was guilty and that was all that mattered. It was only appropriate that Hoover took such a prevalent stance against communism after the Bolshevik Revolution. The rise in communist threats after World War II gave Hoover the perfect channel to further increase power through the spread of the Red

“

Clint Eastwood could have made this movie focused on J. Edgar Hoover, the homosexual.

Instead he focused on the public image Hoover maintained throughout his life, even in private.

mother throughout the movie.

I firmly believe that both Hoover and Tolson were repressed homosexuals after watching this film. While I believe they engaged in some sort of a sexual relationship after a love-at-first-sight type experience, the pressure from Hoover’s mother and the reality that the tangible costs of being an open homosexual couple far outweighed any of its benefits, pursued the two men to forge a lifelong friendship as companions.

As hinted at previously, the two main women in this film provide the mask that hides Hoover’s true character. The first being his heavily influential mother Annie Hoover (Judi Dench), who unequivocally provides the “invisible hand” that silences Hoover’s inner feelings with her scorn for “daffodils.” The other is the allimportant Helen Gandy (Naomi Watts), the woman with whom Hoover attempts to preserve his self-image with a failed marriage proposal on a “romantic” evening in the Library of Congress. Gandy and Hoover share a special relationship, as she becomes the keeper of all his secret files.

All in all, Clint Eastwood attempts and succeeds at depicting the life of one of the most controversial, yet feared men in American political history.

This film is a worthy and remarkable attempt at providing clarity into a life that was fought long and hard to be kept a secret. Eastwood succeeds in creating a film that spans time beginning with the Bolshevik Revolution, peaking with the Lindbergh kidnapping and ending with the controversy of the Nixon administration while still preserving historical accuracy in terms of dress and the culture of the times. This is a brilliantly done film that deserves the credit where it is due.

”

Scare.

Lost in the constant wonder of J. Edgar Hoover the person, is the brilliant acting done by Leonardo DiCaprio in this film. It often goes unnoticed throughout the film how well DiCaprio embraces the role of Hoover while putting forth an awe inspiring performance, especially in his relationship with Tolson and his

CALEB COPLEY | COLUMNIST

Copley is a sophomore LPS and political science double major and can be contacted at caleb.copley@drake.edu

Some have commented on my articles that I never give solutions to the problems I cite. However, I think they are missing the point. Limiting government is the solution. I’ll quote from Barry Goldwater to explain my goal: “I have little interest in streamlining government or in making it more efficient, for I mean to reduce its size.”

But in the spirit of compromise I will offer a solution to a governmental problem without completely ending the program in question. I believe this is a solution that, if given enough logical thought, can be accepted by those on both sides of the political aisle. The problem at hand is Social Security, something that desperately needs to be fixed or America will find itself in a world of hurt.

The dangerous future of Social Security is no secret. Up until 2010, Social Security was running a surplus and people argued that there was no way it could add to the federal deficit. But this has now changed. The Hoover Institute claims that, “In 2011, Social Security will add $151 billion to the current federal deficit.” Factcheck.org confirms the insolvency of Social Security and warns America that the program will contribute “well over half a trillion dollars in the coming decade” to the deficit.

Of course, there was always the claim prior to these deficits that the Social Security Trust Fund would be able to pay out benefits. This was never true. The Trust Fund consists of nothing but governmental bonds (IOUs) and, as we now see, cannot help solve Social Security. In the Clinton administration’s 2000 budget, it was explained that, “(The Trust Fund does) not consist of real economic assets that can be drawn down in the future to find benefits.” So, the looming threat to Social Security is real and both Democrats and Republicans are cognizant of this.

But what solution will solve the problem?

One solution is higher taxes and many will support this direction, despite the fact that it has always been the solution and look where we find ourselves today. In order to fund benefits of Social Security the tax increase would need to be larger than ever. But since taxes are already so high, compared to the benefits received, “Social Security has quite simply become a bad deal for younger workers” that provides a “below-market rate of return,” the Cato Institute reports.

What this means is simple: Young workers could get far better benefits if they were able to invest their money privately.

This is why I endorse at least a partial privatization of Social Security. I

understand many Democrats oppose this solution but I have not heard a better option yet and I consider their fears to be unfounded. While many privatization solutions have been drafted, the Cato Institute has one of the best. Titled the “6.2 Percent Solution,” individuals would have the option of diverting half of their payroll tax (6.2%) to a privately invested account. The remaining 6.2% would be “used to pay transition costs and to fund disability and survivors’ benefits.”

Also, those who wish to stay in the current system could do so and they would receive the benefits payable with the current level of revenue. This solution offers two things: Choice and restoration.

Nobody would be forced into the new system and Social Security would be restored financially. Not to mention, young workers will earn a higher level of return in benefits. I will spare you all the details but the plan can be found online if you wish to read more.

Other components of reform assuredly need to be made as well, such as raising the retirement age. However, partial privatization of Social Security is the most significant step that America could take to solving the Social Security problem.

BENJAMIN LEVINE | COLUMNIST

Levine is a sophomore politics major and can be contacted at benjamin.levine@drake.edu

STAFF EDITORIAL

Our Two Cents • This week, quick trips to the C-Store typically result in hour long waits just to check out. C-Store buy-out has officially arrived.

• You know we’re in a fine state of affairs when President Maxwell has to send out an email about the Penn State Scandal. And now a new scandal has turned up at Syracuse. This is getting out of hand.

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• Has global warming actually happened? Now it’s December and it’s still sunny without any snow.

In a way it’s concerning, but it’s pretty nice at the same time.

• Now that Thanksgiving is over, we deem Christmas music acceptable. Time to prepare for the holidays!

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FEATURES

features Drake law professor is

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2011 | PAGE 3

don’tmissthis

Jim Havens - career speaker and comedian Sponsored by Student Activities Board Tonight at Pomerantz Stage, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Are Drake students ‘bleeding blue’?

assisting with pre-trial New competition to gain attendance at games FROM OCCUPY, PAGE 1

We’re working hand-in-hand with the fire department. The police are glad we’re here. The neighborhood association is glad we’re here…It’s been a win-win situation all the way around.”

The “Rolling Rally” at the First Federated Church on Nov. 19, which also included a subsequent rally at the Iowa Events Center, where Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, former chief of staff to President Obama, was a keynote speaker at a dinner charging $100-$5,000 per plate, is only one of the many protests that have taken place in the past few weeks.

On Nov. 5, National Bank Transfer Day, Occupy Des Moines protestors marched to Wells Fargo Bank and Bank of America to close their accounts and transfer to small, local banks or credit unions.

According to the Credit Union National Association, credit unions added 40,000 new accounts on Nov. 5 alone.

“The goal is to get the banks to be banks and not thieves,” said Craig.

“If you don’t believe in what the large banks are doing and their way of business, join a local bank or credit union.”

In addition, Bank of America has also discontinued its $5 checking fee. However, Anne Pace, a Bank of America Media Relations representative on the East Coast, does not cite the Occupy Wall Street movement as a direct influence on the decision.

“Our government has been corrupted by money,” said protestor Art Behn. “It’s no longer a government of ideas, it’s a government of dollars.”

For this common share in belief — or similar beliefs — among protestors, the decision to occupy the Iowa Caucus has been made. Occupy Des Moines activist Jessica Mazour traveled to New York City to read the statement of intent and invite the world to the caucus occupation.

The last paragraph of the statement of intent reads, “For too long, greedy corporations and corrupted politicians have dictated public policy and political interests

on a global scale. Although these corporations and moneyed interests have vast capital resources, now every dollar belonging to the 1 percent shall be countered by a voice.… We demand our grievances no longer be ignored.”

The statement also pledges not to interfere with caucus voting and to be nonviolent.

In fact, all protests have succeeded in exercising cooperation with the Des Moines Police Department and refraining from violent disobedience.

After the arrests on Oct. 9, Davidson is the only one to have been arrested since then on charges of interference with official acts. On Wednesday, he was released on bail.

For the 32 individuals who were arrested at the capital on Oct. 9, Drake law professor Sally Frank, a member of the Occupy Des Moines legal committee, is dealing with pretrial matters and representing those who were arrested. The pre-trial will take place today.

Frank is not only optimistic about Occupy Des Moines, but also of the future of the Occupy Wall Street movement as a whole. “[The movement] is also helping to affect political debate,” she said.

“Things like the deficit should not fall on the backs of the 99 percent…

I’m very excited about the national Occupy movement, and I hope it will have an impact.”

Nationally — in fact, internationally — the movement is only growing in numbers. According to the New York Police Department, at the Nov. 17 New York City Day of Action, a historic estimated 32,500 protestors participated. The movement has occupied hundreds of cities throughout the world.

“I think this occupation is going to continue until you see visible change within the government — whether structural change or change in practice,” said Craig. “Social and economic justice needs to find its balance. The government can’t be geared toward appeasing the 1 percent or the people that can afford to buy their own politician. It needs to fight for the people.”

>> CAMPUS CALENDAR

FILE PHOTO

by Raeann Langes

Staff Writer raeann.langes@drake.edu

Sitting in the stands and surrounded

by Sitting in the stands, surrounded by all your friends, there is something special about cheering on your fellow Drake Bulldogs. Although it is rare to see students flooding into most Drake sporting events, it is important to support all members of the Drake community. There is nothing like the roar of the crowd when a player scores an amazing goal, gets a kill or hits a perfect three. The sound of a cheering crowd creates excitement and fun for both players and fans.

“The fans bring energy so when they get pumped up so does the team,” first-year Symone Daniels said of the importance of school spirit for the women’s basketball team. “It creates a positive atmosphere for the game and without the fans it is much harder to get pumped up and excited.”

After the men’s win over Iowa State a couple weeks ago, the team ran to the student section to celebrate with the fans.

As fans and players hugged, cheered and high fived, there was no denying the school spirit in the stands that night. This type of school spirit and the roar and support of the crowd fuels the players and brings excitement and energy to the game.

“I think there is a lot of school spirit,” first-year cheerleader, Alana Linde said.

“At the Iowa State game there was a great turn out. There are also a lot of alumni that come back to support the teams and I think the band does a good job of rallying the students.”

Student Senate’s First-Year Interest Committee, Student Activities Board and Drake Athletics have come up with a creative way to boost school spirit. The Bleed Blue Hall of the Year Competition will last for the remainder of the academic year with a vision to encourage high attendance at athletic events. Prizes will be awarded for the winning first-year hall as well as win-

ning upperclassmen hall.

“We want to boost school spirit because at a small school it is important to support your peers,” Alessa Strelecki, a member of the First-Year Interest Committee, said.

“We want it to be well rounded so there is more equal attendance for all sports. Every athlete works really hard and deserves the support of other students.”

Tracking attendance began at the final volleyball game of the season versus Creighton on Nov. 19. After showing student IDs upon entering an event, the number of students from each hall will be tallied and students will receive raffle tickets for various prizes sponsored by Drake athletics. Prizes include free subs from Planet Sub, free pizza from Papa John’s, t-shirts, sweatshirts and other prizes.

Women’s basketball takes on North Dakota tonight at the Knapp Center, men’s basketball takes on Air Force on Saturday, Dec. 3 and the track and field team will travel to Iowa State on Dec. 9 for the Iowa State Holiday Preview.

Characters find love in mental institution

by Adam Meirink

WHAT: Curling Club Open House WHERE: Metro Ice Sports Facility WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3, 9:30-11:30 p.m.

WHAT: Christmas Madrigal Dinner WHERE: Parents Hall WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.

Staff Writer adam.meirink@drake.edu

Drake University’s Theatre Department presents the unconventional love story of Will Eno’s “The Flu Season” as a part of its 2011-2012 main stage season.

Giving new meaning to Rihanna’s latest single “We Found Love,” “The Flu Season” tells the story of a relationship that forms between two mental patients.

“Falling in love in a regular show turns it into a romantic comedy, but in “The Flu Season” it’s much more complicated because of the setting,” senior Briana Wright, who plays Woman, said.

Forrest Williams directs this piece as a part of his senior capstone.

“It is a combination of genuine American realism with a dash of the absurd and an ancient Greek chorus — without the boring parts,” Williams said.

“There is a lot of humor, but it also makes you think.”

The show’s absurdist elements provided an acting challenge for sophomore Moria Sutherland, who plays Prologue.

“I’ve never played a narrator before; it was difficult not being an involved member of the play. Since I had no scene partners I had to learn to react off of nothing,” Sutherland said.

As a student director, Williams had support from the faculty in producing “The Flu Season.”

“The faculty has backed me up and because it’s a main stage we had a budget. Also, the business school

graciously lent us some chairs,” Williams said.

Sutherland found working with a student director to be a rewarding experience.

“Forrest was an insightful and creative director. I often forgot he is still a student; he is extremely dedicated and professional,” Sutherland said.

Sophomore Morgan Daniels, who plays the Nurse, was inspired by Williams from the start.

“He started off our rehearsal process by saying that he wanted our show to be the best of the semester, and I think since then we have all been holding ourselves to that standard,” Daniels said.

The appeal of the show comes from its ability to break from theatrical norms.

“This show is very different from traditional plays.

It is snarky and nonsensical in a way that makes you want to see more. The twists in the story unfold in a matter-of-fact manner that still has high drama,” Sutherland said. “This is a play that challenges the idea of writing a play.”

Audience members will each walk away with something different.

“It says different things for different people. I want people to make their own opinions about what to take away from it because I think that makes for good storytelling and good theater,” Williams said.

“The Flu Season” runs Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are free and available in the box office. Reservations can be made in person or by calling (515) 271-3841.

WHAT: Holiday Wish Party WHERE: Pomerantz Stage WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 4, 3:30-4:30 Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leadersh

Excellence Passion Connections Opport Excellence Passion Connections Opportunitie Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leadersh Excellence Passion Connections Opportunitie The President’s Circle had a record 900 Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leader members last year!

This leadership-levelOpportu Excellence Passion Connections Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leadersh giving society recognizes Drake supporters Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leadership Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leader who contribute an annual gift of at Excellence Passion Connections Opportuni Excellence Passion Connections Opportunities Leadersh least $1,000.

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SPORTS

THE TIMES-DELPHIC

sports

softball team signed three players for the 2012-13 season on Monday. Drake DID YOU The added Chelsea Blaylock, Seyerra DuBois and Mariah McKinnon. The men’s golf KNOW? squad announced on Sunday the signing of prep standout Will McDonald.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Former Bulldog Turk signs with Swedish team

by Eduardo Zamarripa

Sports Editor eduardo.tamezzamarripa@drake.edu

Former Bulldog standout Kristin Turk signed a contract to play for the Swedish professional team Markbasket on Monday. The team is part of the club Basketklubben Marbo and is located in the town of Kinna in the Mark municipality in Sweden.

During her tenure at Drake from 2007-2011, Turk registered 1,405 points, good for 15th all-time at Drake. She was also named a first team all-Missouri Valley Conference selection her senior year after leading the conference in scoring at 20.0 points per game.

Times-Delphic: How did this opportunity present itself to you? When did they approach you or make the offer?

Kristin Turk: I actually only found out about this opportunity on Nov. 16 and they made an official offer on Nov. 17 or 18. I just signed this morning (Nov.28) at 3 a.m. after getting back from a long day of travel from the Drake women’s basketball tournament in Cancun. I was there as a radio personality.

TD: When are you scheduled to meet with the team for the first time?

KT: They are still looking for my ticket overseas, but the coach is looking to fly me over on Wednesday (Nov. 30).

I will meet my coach, Frank Alm, for the first time at the airport when he picks me up. I have only spoken to him through email and have yet to meet anyone else with Markbasket.

I am really excited to meet all of my

coaches and teammates.

TD: I know you had an opportunity to play in Greece, what happened there? What caused the deal to fall through?

KT: I was supposed to play in Greece, but the poor economic and social situation in Athens prevented me from going over there. I am actually very fortunate that this happened, because I fell very ill with mono and a mouth virus the week after I was supposed to leave for Greece. I am now fully recovered and in great shape and am so excited that things fell into place the way they did.

TD: How hard was it for you to go through that? Did you ever think you would not be able to play professionally in Europe anymore? Did that ever cross your mind?

KT: I was nervous for a while that I wouldn’t actually play professionally because I had no “plan B” and I really had my heart set on going to Europe. I am very fortunate that I have a great agent that never gave up on me (Jeanne McNulty).

TD: What have you been doing to stay in shape and to keep you motivated to keep going?

KT: I am allowed a practice a month per NCAA rules with the Drake women’s basketball team, so I actually practiced with them in Cancun.

I have also been running distance and sprints as well as doing court workouts daily.

TD: You were involved with covering the Bulldogs. What were you doing

THURSDAY, DEC. 1, 2011 | PAGE 4

exactly?

KT: I have been doing color commentary on the radio for Drake Women’s Basketball this season. I have done four games and was scheduled to do more, but cannot because of my opportunities in Sweden. I have really enjoyed bragging about the program that has given me everything for the past four years.

TD: How nervous are you to finally go play in Europe? Do you think you are going to be a bit rusty?

KT: I know from practicing with the team that my passing is a bit rusty, mainly because I haven’t passed to anyone in an organized basketball game in about eight months. I do believe that I still have the energy and fire that I always had, which will get me through any rusty spots I may encounter. I have been shooting almost daily, so I don’t think that has been affected.

TD: What’s going to be the toughest thing about living in Sweden?

KT: I am an extremely picky eater and I’ve heard that they eat a lot of fish in Sweden. I like shrimp, but that’s about as adventurous as I am with seafood.

TD: When do you anticipate playing for the first time? How excited are you to play basketball again?

KT: I will play on Saturday, Dec. 3 against Telge, an undefeated team in our league. I am so excited to get back out onto the court and start playing again. There’s no better feeling in the world.

Women’s Basketball Update compiled by Eduardo Zamarripa

The Bulldogs returned from the Triple Crown Cancun Challenge with a pair of close defeats to put their season record at 1-4.

Drake lost 50-47 to Marist in the first game of the challenge (Nov.24). Down three with 17 seconds remaining, senior Rachael Hackbarth’s shot hit the rim to hand the Bulldogs their third loss of the year.

Hackbarth led the way with 19 points and 12 rebounds.

The Bulldogs took on Hofstra in their last game of the challenge. Drake trailed Hofstra 59-40 with eight minutes left and were able to cut the deficit to 65-60. But the comeback attempt fell short as Drake lost 70-60.

Redshirt freshman Carly Grenfell finished with a careerhigh 14 points.

The Bulldogs are now 0-3 on the road this year, but will return for a two-game home stand. Drake will take on North Dakota today (Thursday) in the Knapp Center at 7:05 p.m., before taking on North Dakota State next Thursday (Dec.8) at 5 p.m.

Men’s Basketball Update compiled by Eduardo Zamarripa

The Bulldogs defeated Cal State Northridge 73-49 on Saturday to improve their record to 4-2. Drake is now 3-0 at the Knapp Center this year.

Sophomore Rayvonte Rice led all scorers with 22 points and tallied seven rebounds. Junior Ben Simons added 14 points, while redshirt junior Jordan Clarke and senior Kurt Alexander finished with 11 points each.

The Bulldogs outscored the Matadors in the paint 34-16 Drake also forced 21 turnovers and scored 27 points off those turnovers. The Bulldogs also out-rebounded the Matadors 39-29.

Drake shot 47.1 percent from the field and held Cal-State Northridge to 35.1 percent from the field.

Drake took on Boise State last night on the road. Check thetimesdelphic.com for the score. On Saturday, the Bulldogs will take on Air Force at 7:05 p.m. in the Knapp Center.