No. 7 (Nov. 30, 2017)

University News

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Vol. XCVII No. 7

A student voice of Saint Louis University since 1921

November 30, 2017

The Federal Communications Commission has released a plan to undo its Net Neutrality laws.

Net Neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should not block or favor websites.

The proposed plan would allow internet service providers to treat certain internet companies and online businesses dierently based on the content that they provide. The FCC will not be voting on this proposal until Dec. 14, but it is expected to pass because Republicans control three out of the five seats.

-Tannock Blair, associate news editor

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News

November 30, 2017

INSIDE SCOOP:

Photo by Austin Smart on Unsplash

ARTS

“Murder on the Orient Express” Page 6

Emma Carmody / The University News

SERVICE CLOCK: Dr. Fred Pestello speaks to SLU students at the beginning of the 200-Years-In-One Challenge.

SPORTS Swim & Dive Shows Some Muscle Page 17

OPINION The Importance of Net Neutrality Page 20

SLU commences community clock race

By EM MILLER News Editor

Saint Louis University officially began their 200-Years-In-One Challenge on Nov. 14, 2017. The goal of the challenge is to accumulate 200 years—or 1,753,176 hours—worth of service within one year through the combined effort of students, faculty, and people around the globe. The challenge is open to anyone who wishes to improve the world through service, even if they are not associated with SLU. The 200-Years-In-One Challenge officially began at 3 p.m., and featured speeches from Dr. Fred Pestello and Dan Carter, who discussed Saint Louis University’s history of service along with the service that SLU plans to achieve in the future.

As a Jesuit university, SLU has a long tradition of service within the St. Louis community. Specifically built to honor SLU’s Jesuit heritage, The 200-Years-InOne Challenge is part of SLU’s bicentennial celebration and is an effort to look back at the history of SLU while making improvements for the future. In order to do this, the 200-Years-In-One Challenge is working with the Center for Service and Community Engagement along with

incorporating SLU volunteering events such as Make a Difference Day and Showers of Service. Any form of volunteering is accepted for the challenge, as long as it is unpaid work and used to further the public good.

The Jesuit education is intended to inspire students to become “men and women for and with others,” encouraging students to reach out to the world and community around them. This education, focused on preparing students to pursue justice for others within their daily lives, is built around the idea of service, something to which the 200-Years-In-One Challenge is devoted.

Laura Geiser, Assistant Vice President for Brand Management, is in charge of the 200-Years-In-One Challenge. She commented that the 200-Years-In-One Challenge was proposed to address SLU’s history of service, saying, “In celebrating SLU’s bicentennial, we felt it was important not just to look back, but to give back.

So many universities and institutions mark their major anniversaries with retrospectives and histories. While those things are important, we also felt that we needed to do something in the present that will impact the future. Given SLU’s longstanding

commitment to service, this challenge is an especially meaningful way to celebrate our legacy.”

The amount of time that has been volunteered is displayed on the 200-YearsIn-One Clock, which is located on the southeast corner of Lindell and Grand Boulevards. Time for the clock can be logged in real-time using an online app or a link provided on SLU’s website. Currently, there is no plans to check the validity of service hours logged into the clock.

According to Geiser, “We will take at face value what the participants submit. SLU’s service data has always been based on selfreported hours, and this challenge will be no different. This effort is about engagement and involvement.”

SLU has faith that the challenge will be met. According to Geiser, “We are confident that the hours will be achieved. Saint Louis University students, faculty and staff always have given back in a big way. And because this challenge goes beyond our campus and includes alumni, parents, and even those not directly affiliated with SLU, we believe this effort will be a success.”

At the time of this article, three years, two days, and 13 hours of service had already been completed.

News

November 30, 2017

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Tweets

of the week @NBCNews President Trump says the GOP tax bill “is going to cost me a fortune, believe me... this is not good for me.” An NBC News analysis found that Trump and his family could save more than $1 billion under House plan.

@SLU_Official

Beards for Blankets: Burly and bodacious

By TANNOCK BLAIR Associate News Editor

As the month comes to a close, many men (including SLU students) will now be found flaunting unshaven faces around campus. This annual trend has been steadily growing ever since the early 2000s. Every November, many men decide not to shave their facial hair in awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s suicide. The event has undergone a number of different monikers, including Movember, No-Shave November, and sometimes No-vember (involving the opposite action of remaining cleanshaven for the month).

This year, the No-Shave November trend is going even further on SLU’s campus with Labre’s Beards for Blankets. Beards for Blankets is a competition for “any guy to enter” in which the man with the greatest beard wins. In order to enter, you must pay a $5 entry fee (unless you shave the day you enter, then the fee becomes $3). There is an element of skulduggery, however, in which anyone can donate $5 to force one of the contestants to shave within 24 hours. Within that 24-hour timeline, the contestant or a friend of the contestant

can donate another $5 so that they don’t have to shave. This creates the bidding war that is an integral part of the competition’s charitable revenue.

This will all culminate in a multifaceted beard competition at the beginning of December. The competition will feature four individual categories: thickest beard, best or most creatively trimmed beard, best mustache, and best facial hair joke. There will be four judges who will decide the winner in each category.

The thickest beard will be measured by eyesight at first, and with a ruler if necessary. The best or most creatively trimmed beard, the best mustache, and the best joke categories will all depend on the opinions of each judge. The winner from each respective category will then proceed to the final category, the King of Beards, which will crown the ultimate winner of the contest. The King of Beards will be determined not only by each contestant’s performance in the initial categories, but also on their performance in a Q&A pageantry-style segment, which will include questions such as “Why do you think you should be the King of Beards?”

The event will take place this Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4:30 p.m. in BSC 251A.

According to SLU Labre, “all are welcome.” Labre is looking for anyone who is interested in being a judge for the competition. There is going to be a raffle for the judge’s position, and it will be $2 to enter. Labre will also be looking for non-cash donations that will be used as prizes for the competition (gift cards are especially welcome), as well as items for the homeless, including gloves, blankets, cough drops, winter hats, feminine hygiene products, and anything else that could be helpful in the coming winter months.

Charity is an important part of Labre as SLU’s ministry with the homeless.

The foundation of which, according to former president Corey James, is to use “food as an excuse for relationship.” Every Wednesday and Thursday, the members of Labre go out to different areas in the city of St. Louis and reach out to the underprivileged experiencing homelessness to share a meal and conversation.

Andrew Sweeso says, “I am so grateful that I have had the opportunity to go out every week to work with our friends who are living homelessly.” He describes the goal not just as feeding the hungry, but “humanizing our friends, and in turn humanizing ourselves.”

Garry Ritter, Ph.D., has been named the next dean of the School of Education at Saint Louis University (SLU). His appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2018.

@igorvolsky Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim tweets this morning feed Islamophobia & could incite violence and hate crimes against the Muslim community. They are absolutely disgraceful.

@NPR More than 15,000 American Airlines flights over the December holidays do not yet have pilots scheduled to fly them, according to the pilots union — because of a glitch in the scheduling system.

@KamalaHarris It’s ridiculous that two months after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, many are still without power. That’s why I’m joining @BernieSanders on a bill to put these islands on the path toward recovery.

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November 30, 2017

News

The bill threatening to terminate the EPA

By SAVANAH SEYER Staff Writer

Even though it is probably one of the shortest bills ever introduced into Congress, H.R.861 has had a large impact. The onesentence description of the bill states, “This bill terminates the Environmental Protection Agency on December 31, 2018.”

Introduced by freshman Rep. Matt Gaetz from Florida, the bill’s specific and only aim is to do away with the EPA. Reactions to the introduction of this bill have been mixed, although most voters see this as an extreme move as opposed to simply reforming and revamping the EPA. The EPA was created by President Richard Nixon in the 1970s after a large amount of environmental disasters. Since then, the EPA has continued to offer protections for the earth and regulations for businesses and individuals to cut down on harmful conditions to the environment.

Secretary of SLU College Democrats Robert Lasky spoke about the importance of the EPA, saying, “[The EPA] has created so many solutions to problems that we don’t even think it does anything anymore, when in fact, it drastically solves issues of environmental and climate change.”

Douglas Fritz, the president of Green Billikens, also commented on the EPA’s beneficial role, saying, “The EPA is one of the few regulative industries that addresses head-on the intersectionality of the environmentalism and sustainability movements. It protects us from the environmental destruction by individuals and corporations who are more motivated by profits than environmental consequences. [The EPA] keeps forests and wildlife somewhat protected and prevents companies from dumping toxic waste in your driveway.”

The EPA has become one of the many lines of division between the Democratic and Republican parties in recent elections.

Most Democratic leaders are strongly supportive of the EPA, while many Republican and right-leaning officials have criticized the EPA’s heavy regulations, saying that the agency requires businesses and individuals to jump through too many hoops in order to comply with the regulations and that the rules and structures of the EPA are far too strict.

“I’ve noticed a serious trend with this need for small government being the need for elimination of programs,” said Lasky. “I think the sentiment comes from, ‘We can make government more efficient by reduc-

ing the amount of bureaucracy that people go though.’ People don’t see the problem, because the organization has eliminated a lot of the problem. The change has already happened, and they are trying to maintain the change.”

One of the main oppositions to the EPA’s power is the argument that having a large federal government agency overseeing all of the environmental issues of the nation is inefficient. Many believe that state and local governments would be better equipped to protect their own environments. Anytime budget cuts are proposed to the EPA, this is a main argument.

A main concern of EPA supporters is that states would not be able to financially or logistically implement the kinds of regulations and protections that are necessary. Supporters of the EPA say that a federal program allows all states and cities to have the same protections across the board.

Many environmental experts agree. In an interview earlier this year, Mary Jane Angelo, a professor of Environmental and Land Use Law, spoke about the issue.

“A lot of states just don’t have resources available to them,” said Angelo. “Wealthier states would have better protection that poorer states.”

“A federal EPA allows regulation to protect the country as a whole, and also gives the EPA more leverage to address concerns,” said Fritz. “State and municipal borders are largely arbitrary and not geographic; however, the environment is a global and national system.”

Many experts think that it is unlikely that H.R.861 will pass. There is not enough detail in the bill, and it seems far too drastic a measure for most voters. However, in the opinion of many, even this line of thinking could have large effects on the future of environmental protections in the U.S. “It’s really scary to think that organizations like the EPA might be taken away because, in the next 40 years, what if we are back at 60% more polluting emissions and constant river fires and oil spills,” said Lasky. “It’s frightening that we are taking away regulations that have, by and large, proved to be effective.”

Fritz agreed, stressing the importance of the EPA on a global scale.

“There is currently very little environmental global accountability, and abolishing the EPA would remove national accountability,” said Fritz. “Environmental issues are See “The bill” on page 5

Tiny Homes for Big Change

By RILEY MACK Staff Writer

“Imagine how it feels to have no home, how it feels to sleep in a shelter where you are concerned for your safety, and where you wonder if you will ever get the help you need. Imagine how it feels to believe that no one loves you.” The North Grand Neighborhood Services, or NGNS, states that these unfortunate situations are daily life for many on the streets of St. Louis, and this is what inspired their next project—in collaboration with Rockwood School District and Social Justice 4 All, they will build tiny houses for the homeless in St. Louis.

Since the St. Louis homeless population has remained a steady 1,750 people since 2014, this campaign is becoming crucial as the harsh winter approaches. Within three months of creating the project’s GoFundMe page, they have almost raised $31,000 of their $75,000 goal, so surely it will be a success. The total will be used to create three tiny homes, with two people residing in each. However, Executive Director of the NGNS Donna Torrillo added promptly that this number is simply “how we would start out,” as she assures that they hope to help more in need throughout St. Louis in the future.

Receiving the full budget for these homes in the near future is a hope for many involved in the project; furthermore, Torrillo remains positive because “people are very generous” with donations to their cause, and she thinks that they’re “going to keep on fundraising until next year.” After providing the transition from homelessness to a stable home, the NGNS will expect rent from their future tenets, meaning they will have to maintain jobs in order to pay this monthly fee. Although this process may be tough, Torrillo says that the residents will be renting their very own home, and “that makes all the difference in the world.”

The reason for the tiny homes, the NGNS states, is that this model has proved successful in other areas of the country. One of the first effective examples of this idea took place in Seattle in 2008. The “Nickelsville” operation first started with a community of tents where the homeless would reside outside of the City, but was soon transformed into a community of tiny houses due to the work of the Low-Income Housing Institute, or LIHI. “We began to reach out to schools and training programs and soon we were partnering with them to build inexpensive, but quality, durable tiny houses,” the LIHI states. From there, the LIHI began many similar projects for those in need. The Tiny Houses for Those in Need project (STL) follows a model similar to the LIHI, as they

hoped to find sustainable housing at a small cost. The tiny home’s benefits to this project are based upon simple facts of cost-efficiency: They utilize less lumber and building materials, smaller and fewer appliances, and less space to heat or cool.

Not only is the NGNS helping the homeless, but also Summit and Eureka High School students will get the chance of a lifetime while assisting this project. According to Torrillo, the idea actually started from these young minds—the NGNS is just seeing their work through. Both high schools will be assembling one of the tiny houses on their premises throughout this school year, as well as teaching a “Geometry in Construction” class for the students to learn how to build it. When the school year is over, the two tiny homes will be transported to the city, where the third home will be constructed by the students and other workers, and permanently attached to their designated site. The NGNS is not only exposing the students to the value of giving back to their community, but they are also teaching them an entire new trade; they will be learning geometry and traits of the construction business, such as electrical, plumbing, and designing homes.

Those involved in the project hope that the students will learn a valuable lesson, says the executive director. “I think it’s more than just building it… I think it’s a great way for the students to come out of their neighborhood [and to] come out of their comfort zone.” By exposing the students to the struggles of the lower St. Louis society, Torrillo “really like[s] the idea of getting the kids, the homeowners, and the people in the community together to see what’s being done and how they can work together.”

The NGNS is hoping to house the homeless, but also plans to bring their community together for a greater purpose. They will have volunteers from around the community working on the third tiny house onsite after the other two homes are completed by the high schools. Once this third home is finished, it will mark the end of the project and the beginning of a new life for many.

They hope that sharing this moment with their community will bring people together toward a common goal—helping to fight a battle that many struggle with alone every day.

The NGNS argues that everyone deserves “to understand that they are loved, that they are not alone, and that their future holds promise.” This community believes that we can make a difference in the battle against homelessness. Donate to the cause, and help make a difference in St. Louis at https:// www.gofundme.com/tinyhouses-stl.

News

November 30, 2017

Let Us Introduce You:

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Karen Rieffel

By EM MILLER News Editor

As a current sophomore at SLU, Karen Rieffel is on her way to achieving her dreams. From St. Charles, she originally did not want to attend SLU, fearing that it would be too close to home. Once she visited, she changed her mind, however—SLU’s campus and community won her over, along with her admission into both the Medical Scholars program and the Honors Learning Community.

Rieffel is currently majoring in neuroscience, though she didn’t start there.

In the beginning of her freshman year, Rieffel was originally a psychology major. “It’s kind of a funny story,” Rieffel commented. “I was a psychology major because I watched a lot of Criminal Minds and I really liked brains and how people think, but then I went to SLU 101 and they told me I was going to have to minor in biology. I decided it was more efficient to change to neuroscience, which is a mix of psychology and biology. It’s just a major—it’s not

neuro or die. But I’m learning things I enjoy and interacting with really cool people. What else do you need?”

Despite her major change, however, Rieffel is happy with neuroscience and enjoys her new major, saying, “The faculty have been good so far. I’ve enjoyed my bio classes so far, so I’m glad I’m in a more heavy biology tract than I would have been otherwise.”

Rieffel’s love of science fits into what she wants to do later in life—become a doctor. Currently a pre-med student and part of the Medical Scholars program, Rieffel has a clear plan of where she wants to go in her future. “I want to go to med school, get married, start a nonprofit, get a dog—more than one dog, actually—I want to get all the dogs. I want to be a doctor who does clinical research and teach at a med school eventually.”

Even outside of her classes, Rieffel is already pursuing her dreams. She works as a Learning Assistant for a freshman biology course, which helps her gain valuable teaching experience. Rieffel is also beginning to obtain

hands-on experience doing research in the emergency department of SLU Hospital. Volunteering is important to her, as she spends time volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri.

In addition to her passion for science and medicine, Rieffel is an avid outdoorsman. A member of the Wilderness Adventure Club, Rieffel enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors.

Currently, she is planning a backpacking trip through the Rocky Mountains in 2019. Having hiked through the Rocky Mountains once before, Rieffel loved it. “I’ve gone before and it was amazing,” she said, “so I always wanted to go back. “Plus, there’s nothing like eleven days without deodorant to teach you things about yourself.”

Rieffel is an active member on SLU’s campus, giving back to the community that helped convince her to come to the school originally. In addition to being a member of the Wilderness Adventure Club, Rieffel is also involved with AED, Rainbow Alliance, and the Honors Learning Community.

The bill to terminate the EPA Continued from Page 4

intersectional with racial, socio-economic, educational, public health, ecological, and occupational concerns. Removing a champion or a regulating body of these issues and concerns would be devastating not only for our locality but also for our globe.

We have a global obligation and moral obligation to maintain and expand our commitment to the environment.”

Here at SLU, protecting the environment is becoming a more talked-about and cared-about issue. After the university cut the Office of Sustainability and the graduate program in sustainability, there is little to no oversight on the school’s environmental impact.

One of the lone holdouts is Green Billikens, a non-chartered group of students who meet weekly and work on environmental projects here on campus and around the community. Green Billikens and SGA have been working together and passed a resolution to create a new SGA committee on sustainability designed to

keep an eye on the university’s environmental impact.

“It will have members of the Facilities and Services committee, Green Billikens, senators, and non-SGA affiliated students on it,” said Lasky. “It will [oversee] the MAGIS program for sustainability, the master plan for sustainability, and will be a liaison for students to parts of the administration and student government.”

For students and anyone who is passionate and concerned about the future of environmental protection, there are numerous ways to make a difference.

“Get involved. Call your senators. We have a hotline to every single elected representative in our federal government. So you can call your representatives and you can tell them that this isn’t something you want,” said Lasky. “Even if your representative doesn’t support [H.R. 861], them coming out and saying, ‘I got a thousand calls from constituents saying they don’t want the EPA terminated’—it makes a difference.”

Photo courtesy of Karen Rieffel

Rieffel with her brother Ryan and their dogs.

THE SLU SCOOP All Information Provided by Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Monday, Nov. 27 11:21 a.m. FIRE ALARM DPS responded to a fire alarm inside of Fusz Hall. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the testing of a new air handler unit located on the roof had introduced dust into the inside of the building, resulting in the activation of smoke alarms on every floor. Multiple attempts had to be made to reset the alarms, but eventually all were reset.

Monday, Nov. 27 2:30 p.m. TRESPASSING DPS responded to a report of an unknown individual sleeping in the restroom at the medical campus track area. Investigation of the subject resulted in the discovery that he had an active warrant in the city of St. Louis. The man was moved to the Wool Center, and SLMPD was called and responded to take custody of the subject.

Be a Responsible Billiken STOP. CALL. REPORT. 314-977-3000 witness.slu.edu dps.slu.edu

Arts&Entertainment UNews

“Murder on the Orient Express”: New adaptation not quite killing it

Courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox

MURDER: “Orient Express” offers a stylish and talented cast with Kenneth Branagh at the head.

By NATALIE RIOPELLE Arts Editor

Agatha Christie, the “Queen of Mystery” and the author of dozens of novels and short stories, is purported to be the third best-selling author in history, following Shakespeare and the Bible. Her stories are known for their suspense, their recognizable detectives and, most crucially, their ability to time and again leave the reader surprised by their endings. Of these detectives, Hercule Poirot has most entranced the public, and it is he (played by Kenneth Branagh) who takes center stage in the recent remake of “Murder on the Orient Express,” released in early November.

Fictional detective Hercule Poirot’s rise to prominence occurred during Christie’s lifetime and has clearly maintained strength even after her death in 1976. Poirot stars in 33 of Christie’s novels, as well as a whole host of her short stories. The private detective, a former officer in the Belgian police force, conducts his investigations meticulously and compulsively with an ego surpassing even the size of his illustrious “moustache”— a man known for being just as clever as his head is round.

“Murder on the Orient Ex-

press” recounts a train ride taken by Poirot across Europe on the ritzy, glitzy and exorbitantly expensive Orient Express.

On the train with him are a slew of interesting sorts: a professor, a doctor, and even a princess among them. Although temporarily derailed by snowy, mountainous terrain, all is calm

Branagh’s Poirot, however, does not adhere quite as strongly to the source material [as did his predecessors]. aboard the Orient Express until the train awakens to find that one of its passengers has been murdered. Trapped aboard a train far from the nearest station, the remaining passengers are likewise trapped with the knowledge that where there is a murder, there is also a murderer.

It is Poirot who must bring that murderer to justice.

Kenneth Branagh directs and stars as Poirot in 2017’s “Murder on the Orient Express,” a remake released decades after the 1974 original (starring Albert Finney), but not so long after the

acclaimed 2010 version made for the TV series, “Agatha Christie’s Poirot,” starring David Suchet as the Belgian detective. For many, these two actors, Finney and Suchet, came to be the actual embodiment of Poirot—particularly Suchet who spent over a decade portraying him on TV. Small and portly with mustaches housing enough grease to fry a frozen burger, both Finney and Suchet’s Poirot were just as Christie had described. Branagh’s Poirot, however, does not adhere quite as strongly to the source material.

While Branagh may not be stupendously tall at 5 feet 10, he is certainly not short, nor is he particularly rotund or reminiscent of an egg as Poirot is constantly described to be. However, given the aforementioned discrepancies between character and actor, in an apparent attempt to make up for Branagh’s lack of short stature and portliness, the mustache Branagh sports as Poirot was magnified into nothing short of a spectacle. Draping from his upper lip to his ears, the mustache’s sheer improbability was in danger of drowning out Branagh’s considerable star power. At the very least, whenever See “Orient Express” on Page 8

November 30, 2017 arts@unewsonline.com Natalie Riopelle, Arts Editor Chandana Kamaraj, Assoc. Arts Editor

Lady Gaga returns

By CHANDANA KAMARAJ Assoc. Arts Editor

The concert kept getting bigger and bolder with other moving parts like the turnLady Gaga released her ing stages that descended most personal album to date from above, the main stage last year, “Joanne,” and just that tilted as the dancers got around to touring a coudanced—and needless to ple of weeks ago at Scottrade say—the flashy costumes. after a daring performance The sets continued with at the last Super Bowl. One ramps that also functioned thing’s for sure: Only she can as screens, lasers that ilmake such a huge venue seem luminated the venue, and like an intimate setting with snippets of her music videos her poise and her powerful from songs that weren’t permusic. formed. Gaga kept the audiThe album dived into the ence engaged by unapologetreality of Lady Gaga: her ically demanding that they chronic pain that is expanded stay standing throughout visually with the Netflix docthe concert because it’s only umentary “Gaga: Five Foot polite.

Two,” which she explained Gaga treated her audience delved into the moments that to a night filled with twenty she wasn’t comfortable in exsongs, all the back-to-back posing, but agreed that the hits, like “Poker Face,” “Apmakers porp l a u s e ,” trayed flaw“Born This lessly. The alGaga kept the Way,” “Alebum is named audience engaged j a n d r o , ” after her aunt by unapologetically “Telephone” “Joanne” and “Pawho died demanding that parazzi.” The before Gaga they stay standing dancers kept was born. up with her throughout the The sold-out energy with show already concert. their sharp seemed like choreograa hit when phy and ecthe audience centric costumes, consisting members waited outside the of sunflower leotards, cowvenue for 45 minutes before boy boots in “John Wayne,” the show started, but their and bright red leather in excitement levels never died “Dancin’ in Circles,” a song down. that Gaga said brought out Lady Gaga finally appeared the her sexual side. on stage after no opening act, The ones that she sang simply a DJ, to a setting that from “Joanne” emphasized had tremendous amounts the need for inclusion, love of lighting, platforms by the and support. Gaga took her viewers down in general adtime when singing through mission, and a large amount “The Edge of Glory,” which of the audience in crazy coswas written for her best tumes from her music videos. friend who died of cancer, Gaga opened with beat-heavy a song which stripped her “Diamond Heart,” the first down to tears as she persong of her newest album, formed it. She said that it bringing out a large army is during times like these of dancers onto a moving that one needs to know that stage with fire and smoke all they’re not alone. The perforaround her, highlighting the jewels on her statement-wear for the concert: her glittering See “Gaga” on Page 8 pink cowboy hat.

Arts

Pixar’s “Coco”: A story of family

a guitar and many recordings— until one day, his secret is discovered on Día de los Muertos, also Over Thanksgiving break known as the Day of the Dead, we take time to reflect on what and his dreams are squashed by we are thankful for and spend his grandmother and the rest of quality time with our families. his family. Miguel also discov“Coco,” recently released on ers that his hero, Ernesto, is his Nov. 22, helped actualize these great-great-grandfather, and ideals even more. goes to the cemetery to steal his “Coco” is the latest Disney guitar (after his grandmother Pixar installment since “Cars had broken his) to use for his 3,” which was released this past performance to prove that his summer. “Coco” generated a talent and love for music is true. total of $155.2 million worldUpon stealing the guitar, wide as of Nov. 26. It placed as Miguel is transported to the the fourth largest Thanksgiving world of the dead, where no opening weekend film, behind living humans could see him.

“Frozen,” ”Moana” and “Toy StoHe journeys on a mission to ry 2.” Not only that, it is also the find Ernesto in the underworld. first film with an all-Latinx cast He makes friends with a man to have a six-digit budget. named Hector who says he will What is leading to all of the help him find Ernesto as long as popular backing that is making when Miguel becomes human “Coco” so lovable to not only again, he will put his picture up critics, but also families? Is it the on ofrenda, the vivid colors and familial alter, so immersive expeHector can visit This film has a rience that makes his daughter one you feel a part of touching story that last time. the film? The stoshows that family is This film has a ryline that keeps touching story you intrigued the always with you and that shows that whole time? is a part of you, even family is always The down-toif you disagree... with you and is a earth morals in part of you, even which everyone if you disagree can relate? Maybe with what they even the music that reflects real have to say. It shows that love Mexican heritage and does not from your family, your dog and culturally appropriate it? If you some unlikely friends can help answered yes to all of these quesyou reach your dreams in life. tions, then you are right.

“Coco” does a great job of also “Coco” follows 12-year-old aligning itself with Mexican herMiguel on his journey to underitage in a way that honors their standing the importance of famtraditions, rather than using ily and where one comes from. them in a way to make money.

He narrates his story by explainIt follows tradition rather than ing how music was not allowed culturally appropriating their in his household, because his heritage. great-great-grandmother, Coco The vivid colors and attention herself, banned it from her to detail in the animation will home due to her musician husleave you speechless, and comband having walked out on her pletely captivated by the film in and their daughter. From there, front of you. Pixar does it again she learned how to make shoes, with its great animation skills, in and then taught her child, who which you can only expect the taught their children, and so on. best.

Miguel explains how he does “Coco” is a must see in my not want to be a shoemaker like book, and is for anyone of any the rest of his family, but a muage. This film will keep you sician, just like his local homemesmerized and will leave you town hero, Ernesto de la Cruz. thinking about those who set Miguel’s grandmother has no the path before you, and maybe clue about Miguel’s obsession— even put a few tears on your or about the young boy owning cheeks.

By MADISYN SIEBERT Staff Writer

7 Out of time: “Doomsday Clock” arrives November 30, 2017

By KARL O’BRIEN Staff Writer

The Doomsday Clock is a timekeeping device used to determine roughly how close the world is to nuclear war. It moves closer to midnight as its maintainers, the Atomic Scientists’ Board, deem global destruction is imminent.

The pervasive sense of doom that accompanies the Doomsday Clock was a prominent theme of the classic graphic novel “Watchmen,” with each chapter’s cover showing the clock moving closer to midnight and blood falling until at the end, the clock was drenched in it.

The story was set during the Cold War in an alternate 1985 (not “Back to the Future: Part II”) where superheroes have been outlawed after several incidences of violent vigilante activity. In this bleak, ultra-realistic and cynical universe, the all-powerful Dr. Manhattan helped the United States win the Vietnam War, buoying Richard Nixon to be elected to a fifth term in office after the 24th Amendment was abolished. As tensions rise across the globe and the nuclear apocalypse seems imminent, billionaire philanthropist Adrian Veidt, once the “costumed adventurer” Ozymandias, seeks to promote peace by any means, even if it means sacrificing the reputations and lives of his former friends.

Drawn into a web of intrigue, Ozymandias and Manhattan’s former comrades Nite Owl, Silk

Spectre, Rorschach and the Comedian seek to unmask the conspiracy as more and more of them fall prey to the whims of a world that none of them saw coming.

Enough background; it’s time to get on with the show. “Doomsday Clock” is also the title of a limited DC Comics series that sees its first issue debut Nov. 22. This series has massive implications for the DC Universe, as it marks the first time that the characters of Watchmen meet with the heroes of DC. It has been confirmed already that Dr. Manhattan had a hand in the events of “Rebirth” last May, either having created the previous New 52 universe, much more pessimistic than DC’s usual fare, or at least significantly altered events.

Dr. Manhattan’s disgust with humanity following the events of “Watchmen” inspired him to create his own universe, so perhaps this mystery of what universe he created will finally be solved. Also, when Wally West tried to return to Earth, he left the Comedian’s blood-stained smiley face button embedded in the Batcave wall.

Batman and Flash investigated the button, but only witnessed the death of the villain Reverse Flash in a stream of blue light, button in hand, after claiming to have seen God. All these are trademarks of the omnipotent Dr. Manhattan, who was seen grabbing the button at the end of the crossover of the same name.

Now, thanks to some earlyrelease cover art, it is confirmed that Batman possesses another

Courtesy of DC Comics

Watchmen artifact: the journal of the psychopathic vigilante Rorschach, whose mask resembles an inkblot test and shifts depending on his mood and movements.

Rorschach, who sees the world in black and white, was killed by Dr. Manhattan after determining to inform the world of the truth behind Ozymandias’s horrific actions; namely, that he sacrificed three million people to a fake alien invasion to unite the world against a common foe.

“Watchmen” author Alan Moore has said that Rorschach resembles a more realistic version of Batman, so it will indeed be interesting to see how these two interact, considering the fact that a release of the first few pages of “Doomsday Clock” implies that Rorschach is alive in 1992, when the events of the story begin.

What also will be an interesting character dynamic is the divergence of Superman and Dr. Manhattan.

The story revolves around these two titans, hailed as the epitome of invulnerability in their own worlds, somehow meeting and feuding over their views on humanity. Whereas Superman is an alien whose exposure to Earth’s atmosphere grants him superhuman powers and love for his adoptive parents enables him to embrace his humanity and responsibilities, Dr. Manhattan is a human turned into a blue radioactive being in a horrible nuclear lab accident who can manipulate matter, transmit his conscience into multiple places, enlarge or shrink himself at will, and essentially play God in all that he does.

Because of his elevated state and deeply scientific approach to the universe, Manhattan sees humans as just one more form of life in the universe who will die out eventually, and feels little responsibility to care for them. In a way, Manhattan is also a superman, but more in the Nietzschean sense of one who has transcended the limits of humanity so much as to be coolly unconcerned with human affairs.

Much remains unanswered, but one thing is clear: if “Doomsday Clock” really is to mark the end of “Rebirth” once the final issue is released in October 2018, it will mark a comics initiative that pulled out all the stops and always respected its characters to the very end.

8 November 30, 2017

Arts

“Orient Express”: Murder misfire

introduction is no less important in films than in books; if anything, it is more important, because viewing auBranagh’s Poirot was on the screen diences cannot simply flip back to a (almost always) the same question apprior page to reacquaint themselves peared with him: How in the world can with a character. that mustache be accepted as real?

And “Murder on the Orient ExDespite the mammoth mustache, press” houses a formidable, and fathe film itself is visually beautiful. Shot mous, cast of characters: no less than in Malta, New Zealand and France, 13 potential suspects, utilizing the among other places, “The Orient Exacting talents of Judi Dench, Johnny press” presents gleaming vistas as well Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer, among as the enviable lavishness of the studio others. Sadly, this troupe of intertrain’s interior. Colors radiated off of esting characters played by interestthe screen at points, making the moing actors are doomed to become ments without color, moone muddled soup of ments of fear and of peril, people the audience that much more striking.

Sadly, this troupe doesn’t know well Cinematographically, the of interesting enough to care about. film delights, but, as with characters...are Even Poirot is held any movie, not everything at a distance from can be a delight. doomed to become the audience, despite The pacing of “Murder one muddled soup of Branagh’s attempts at on the Orient Express” people the audience humanizing the aloof befuddles. Opening in Jedoesn’t know well and indefatigable derusalem for reasons unrelated to the film’s plot, the enough to care about. tective with bouts of crying and an inserted movie takes its time exbackstory of lost love. plaining to the audience A portion of Poirot’s why Poirot came to be on the train in charm, perhaps, is his unknowability. the first place. It feels like half an hour The detective is himself a mystery. A before Poirot finally even enters a train man gifted with a meticulous mind car—bear in mind that the movie is itand so many “little grey cells.” But the self two hours long. The movie doesn’t Poirot in Branagh’s film, while slightly jump out of the gate; it limps. more relatable, lacks the mystery that Each introduction to each of the Poirot often carries with him. He is numerous characters comes in quick just a man with a silly mustache and snippets, spaced with no apparent an almost passable French accent. rhyme or reason, so that, when the “Murder on the Orient Express” is murder occurs, it feels as if we haven’t not a masterpiece, nor even as good even had time to remember who’s who, as its 1974 predecessor, but is not terlet alone dive into their potential morible by any means. Maybe if the 1974 tives. original or even the television verThat is perhaps the supreme difsion from 2010 did not cast such long ficulty in translating Christie’s work shadows, audiences could simply lean to the silver screen: the sheer number back and enjoy the beautiful cinemaof characters. Christie has the luxury tography and the promise of a shockof an entire book to craft when each ing ending. But alas, when watching character appears as well as pages to the weakest of “The Orient Express” devote to their descriptions—movies adaptations, they simply cannot. have no such luxury. Yet, character Continued from Page 6

Courtesy of Twenieth Century Fox

To do in STL Christmas on the Hill

Sat. Dec. 2, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Marconi Ave.

The University Theatre: The Merchant of Venice Fri. Dec. 1 - Sun., Dec. 3 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr.

“Just Getting Started” Release: Fri. Dec. 8

U.S. Bank Wild Lights Fri. Dec. 1 - Sun. Dec. 3 St. Louis Zoo

Polar Express Train Ride Thurs. Nov. 30 - Sun. Dec. 3 St. Louis Union Station

Gaga: Tour of inclusion Continued from Page 6

mance was raw, and it exposed her voice and her piano, as she took time away from her five-piece pop band.

She fought and came back strong with her fearless “Born This Way,” where she sang and rocked her head back and forth directly into the camera, giving her audience a sense of perseverance.

Lady Gaga’s “Joanne” world tour was her message to the world that she is reaching out to support her fans who are going through struggles in their lives right now. Through her music she sincerely assures that she will be there for them as seen in her song “Come to Mama,” signifying her support to the LGBTQ community.

Throughout the concert, she singled out audience members who wore bling on their pink jackets and the pink cowboy hat from her album cover and repeatedly pointed and said “I love that” and “I see you.”

Audience members left Scottrade ardently emotional with a resounding sound of her powerful music.

Courtesy of Getty Images for Live Nation

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November 30, 2017

Needed: Opinions Editor, Illustrator, General Manager

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Photography

Trump’s arrival in St. Charles sparks protests

November 30, 2017

11

By MEREDYTH STAUNCH Managing Editor

Three hours prior to President Trump’s speech at 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday at the St. Charles Convention Center, protestors and supporters gathered outside the building where the president was to speak on the Republican tax plan. Exchanging chants, the parties were either heard shouting, “Make America great again,” “Who do you serve, who do you protect?” or “No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA.” While Trump supporters stationed themselves on one side of the street and activists on the other, some members from both groups intermingled to make a direct statement to the other, escalating the confrontation. From burning Trump signs to using a small shipping box with the words “We love and support Pres Trump” to collect the signs’ broken pieces, the supporters and protestors gathered for more than just the tax plan—they congregated to make a political statement.

The tax plan will consist of separate House and Senate plans and will include major reductions in the corporate tax rate and individual tax rates, and it will increase the standard deduction. While Republicans claim that the tax plan will improve the economy by creating more job opportunities, critics see it as championing businesses and wealthy taxpayers. On the other hand, the tax cuts for middle and lower incomes will expire within a couple of years.

Wednesday’s event regarding this plan was not open to the general public. Instead, invited guests of organizations, such as the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce, were invited to attend.

12

Photography

November 30, 2017

Raising her hand high in the air, one of the head protesters leads the chant “Stand up, fight back� in response to the Trump supporters’ remarks and the police pushing them away from the sidewalk and onto the grass. While at the St. Charles Convention Center, several people were arrested for not moving.

After nearly five hours of protesting, activists march around the Convention Center for a brief meeting and information about another upcoming protest.

Police officers lined the street, separating both parties.

Across the street, proud Trump supporters wave their flags in support of the president and the Republican tax plan.

Standing in silence during the gathering, a protester raised her sign to make a statement against Trump and his White House administration.

Supporters show their box they created to pick up torn Trump posters.

Photography

November 30, 2017

13

What are Students Thankful for this Thanksgiving?

By EMMA CARMODY Photo Editor

Thanksgiving break marks the homeward stretch to the end of first semester, and coming back from Thanksgiving break seems to be nearly impossible for everyone. Despite the late nights in Pius Library and the looming threat of finals, a lot of students realize they have a lot to be thankful for, from family and friends to morning coffee. When you’re wishing you were back at home or didn’t have to take a final, reminding yourself of everything you have to be thankful for both at SLU and home can make you reevaluate just how lucky you really are.

Nathan Held and Ethan Koch

Graham Vogt

Madeline Smith and Mattisyn Perak

Alexis Stogner

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Photography

November 30, 2017

“I’m thankful for...”

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Olive Elwell, Lauren Crawley, and Jason Wilhite

Delanie Muenchen

Mayur Khanna

Sequoyah Lopez

Sports

Saint Louis University Athletics CONTACT: Senior guard Aaliyah Covington beats a Washington State defender.

November 30, 2017 sports@unewsonline.com Bobby Stilwell, Sports Editor Monica Ryan, Assoc. Sports Editor

Saint Louis University Athletics CONTACT: Senior guard Jackie Kemph takes the ball up the court against Dayton.

Women’s Basketball working hard early in season

By Sam Glass & Erin McClelland Staff Writers

The Saint Louis University Women’s Basketball team traveled up to Chicago, Ill. for the Maggie Dixon Classic on the weekend of Nov. 17. The first matchup for the Bills saw a face off against Mississippi. Ole Miss came into the game with an unbeaten record, but the Bills blemished that record overcoming Ole Miss 79-64. The first quarter played out close, but senior guard Jackie Kemph put the Bills in the lead with two free throws, setting the score at 22-21 for the first quarter. The second quarter was just as close with the scores ending level at half at 41.

The second half belonged to the Bills as they outshot and outscored Ole Miss in the third and fourth quarters moving them on to play DePaul University in the championship match of the Maggie Dixon Classic. DePaul and SLU fought hard in the first quarter finishing at 26-20 with the Bills trailing. The second and third quarter saw SLU take the lead, outscoring DePaul in both quarters. The Bills slipped in

the final quarter and ultimately fell 86-78.

Though the Bills lost, Kemph was named to the All-Tournament team.

The Women’s Basketball Team hopped back into action Nov. 21 when they took on SIUE. The Bills ran the show in the first quarter with junior center Tara Dusharm scoring 10 of the 25 Billiken points. SIUE took over the show for the second and third quarters, but SLU fought back in the fourth. SLU was unable to edge SIUE and lost 79-72.

Thanksgiving weekend led SLU to Las Vegas for the South Point Shootout. Stepping up to their first game of the tournament against Cleveland State, Head Coach Lisa Stone said, “We’re going to have to really dig down and demonstrate the toughness that we lacked in Edwardsville.”

They demonstrated that toughness when a 3-pointer from junior guard Jordyn Frantz put the Bills in the lead which they kept for the entirety of the game. The season high 80 points gave the Bills a decisive victory over Cleveland 80-64.

The Bills continued to battle in the South Point Shootout against LSU. Senior

forward Jenny Vliet earned her fourth career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. The Bills played a strong first half, holding an eight-point lead over LSU. The third quarter slimmed down the margin, ending at 47-45 in favor of the Bills.

A burst of energy saw LSU come into the fourth quarter and take control of the game. LSU put in 26 points compared to SLU’s 12, ending the game in favor of LSU at 71-59. Kemph was named to the AllTournament team once again.

SLU fell in a close game to the Vanderbilt University Commodores on Nov. 29 in at home in Chaifetz Arena. In the 74-69 effort, five Billikens contributed doubledigit points including Jackie Kemph (17), Maddie Gits (17), Jenny Vliet (11), Aaliyah Covington (10) and Paige Rakers (10).

SLU won the opening tip but the Commodores were able to get on the board first with a three-point field goal. Billikens senior Jenny Vliet opened scoring for SLU with a matching three shortly after.

The Billikens went into halftime with a 34-32 lead. This is the third loss for the Billikens this season in which they went

into halftime with a lead. The other two came against Louisiana State University and SIUE. A big difference maker in the game was in the free throws. SLU only earned two free throw attempts in the game and missed on both, whereas Vanderbilt shot an impressive .85 making 17 on 20 attempts. The Billikens had doubled up Vanderbilt in fouls with 18 to the Commodores 9.

The two teams were even with nine three-point field goals although SLU had more attempts. With just one minute left in the game, following a timeout, the teams exchanged threes before another timeout was called with Vanderbilt up 70-69.

The lead changed 12 times during the game and the Billikens held the lead for 19:47 versus Vanderbilt’s 12:28 but SLU was unable to hold on in the end for the win.

The team has a short turn around and will play the Little Rock Trojans Friday, Dec. 1 at home in Chaifetz Arena at 7 p.m.

The Billikens look to bounce back from the tough loss and plan to play tougher defense against the visiting 2-3 Trojans.

16

Sports

November 30, 2017

Saint Louis University Athletics

DUNK: Freshman forward Hasahn French jams the ball in the hoop against Rockhurst. French posted a double-double against Detroit Mercy.

Men’s Basketball building confidence, more shots

By Bobby Stilwell Sports Editor

SLU Men’s Basketball saw plenty of action before and after Thanksgiving, finishing up competition in the 2K Classic at both Madison Square Garden and back home at Chaifetz Arena before continuing non-conference play against Western Michigan Fresh off victories against Seattle and Rockhurst, SLU traveled out to Madison Square Garden for the championship round of the 2K Classic. SLU got started against Virginia Tech on Thursday, Nov. 16, in a 77-

CHEER

71 victory.

SLU took the lead midway through the first half off an 11-0 run, capped by a trey from freshman guard Jordan Goodwin and a bucket from sophomore forward Jalen Johnson. SLU led 36-29 at the half.

Virginia Tech pulled within four late into the game, but SLU went 11-14 from the charity stripe in the final minute to clinch the victory.

Redshirt junior forward Javon Bess led the team with 22 points and nine rebounds, with Goodwin clinching a double-double (19 points, 10 rebounds).

WHO TO CHEER ALABAMA RAZORBACKS After all but five players were tossed from last weekend’s basketball game and losing two of the remaing five, the team outscored Minnesota in the final eight minutes...with only three players on the court.

The next day, Friday, Nov. 17, SLU played Providence for the 2K Classic Championship, but came up short in the 90-63 loss.

The game was a back-and-forth battle in the early minutes, with SLU going up by four, five minutes into the game. With 12:17 to play, redshirt senior Aaron Hines hit a jumper to put SLU up 12-11. However, Providence answered with a trey and grabbed the lead for good. Providence went on a 13-2 run to take a 20-point lead at the half before expanding it out to 27-points at the end of the game.

Bess again led with 16 points, shooting 8-9 at the charity stripe. Freshman forward Hasahn French pulled down 11 rebounds, scoring eight points.

SLU got some much-needed time off before hosting Detroit Mercy in the final game of the 2K Classic on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

SLU tied everything up at 70-all in the closing minute of play, but Detroit Mercy hit a jumper at the last second in the 72-70 loss.

SLU got on top early 8-0 with a pair of early Johnson treys before Detroit Mercy See “Shots” on Page 18

JEER

FEAR WHO TO JEER

WHO TO FEAR

DAVID FIZDALE In the midst of his second season as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, David Fizdale was fired Monday Nov. 27.

This season, Fizdale had eight straight losses, a 7-12 record and a poor relationship with star player Marc Gasol.

SERGEI BOBROVSKY The Columbus Blue Jackets are leading the Metropolitan division with 33 points. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has three shut outs this season and has a .935 save percentage this season. He won the Vezina Trophy after a 41-17-5 record last season.

Sports

This week in Sports

November 30, 2017

Friday, Dec. 1

Saturday, Dec. 2

Monday, Dec. 4

Wednesday, Dec. 6

Friday, Dec. 8

Saturday, Dec. 9

Tuesday, Dec. 12

Women’s Basketball 7 p.m. v. Little Rock Swim/Dive USA Winter Nationals @Columbus, Ohio

Men’s Basketball 1 p.m. @ Butler Swim/Dive 5 p.m. @ Indiana State Relay

Women’s Basketball 9 p.m. @ Washington State

Men’s Basketball 7 p.m. v. Southern Illinois

Women’s Basketball 7 p.m. @ Mizzou

Men’s Basketball 7 p.m. v. Houston

Men’s Basketball 7 p.m. v. Murray State

17

Saint Louis Athletics

SPLASH: Sophomore Collin O’Brien powers down his lane in the backstroke. O’Brien set a school record over the break in the 100 IM, swimming it in under a minute.

Tough Competition Leads to record-breaking meet

By Megan Hammond Staff Writer

Last week, Nov. 17-19, SLU swimming and diving competed in the Northwestern Invitational. The men placed fourth out of six and the women eighth out of nine. The competition took place over three days in Evanston, Ill..

Although the Billikens only achieved first in one event, they were still able to make a dent in the competition. Several swimmers placed second in multiple events

and few finished past sixth. Notables on the men’s side include sophomore Collin O’Brien and senior Ryan McCoy; for the women, sophomore Savannah Nichols, senior Mina Glenesk and senior Riley Kirby.

On Friday, Nov. 17, the men and women recorded strong performances. Kalley Schwab placed sixth in 3-meter diving with a 229.30 and Glenesk was tenth in the 500 free (4:58.26), ranking third in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Freshman Natalie Daniel, sophomore Mary First, and seniors Elaine Mahon and Maggie Sheean finished

eighth in the 200 free relay (1:35.81).

On the men’s side, O’Brien was second in the 200 IM (1:50.27) and fourth in the 50 breast (25.69). McCoy placed fourth in the 500 free (4:30.64), ranking him first in the A-10 Conference. Freshman T.J. Halliburton, O’Brien, junior Isaiah Williams and McCoy were fifth in the 400 medley relay with a time of 3:20.21.

The invitational continued through the day on Saturday. Mahon, Glenesk, freshman Erica Morris and Kirby were eighth in the 800 free relay (7:39.54). Freshman Ka-

tie Schmude ranked second on SLU’s alltime list by placing twelfth in the 400 IM (4:30.00). Kirby was tenth in the 100 back (56.70), Nichols was twelfth in the 100 fly (56.95) and Glenesk was twelfth in the 200 free (1:53.46).

In the 200 medley relay, Halliburton, Junior Justin Mars, McCoy and O’Brien placed fourth (1:30.00). McCoy was third in the 100 fly (48.93), Sophomore Grant Streid was sixth in the 100 fly (49.42), HalSee “Records” on Page 18

18 November 30, 2017 Shots: Confident men shoot more Continued from Page 16

bounced back within two. SLU got back up by eight with another Johnson trey with 3:40 left in the first half, but Detroit Mercy mounted another rally to close within two at the half.

With nine ties and seven lead changes in the second half, the teams battled for the lead. SLU went up by five, but couldn’t mount a rally in the second half.

French posted his first career double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Johnson went 8-15 from the field on the way to a career-high 24 points on the night.

After Thanksgiving break, SLU came back to Chaifetz to host Western Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 28. SLU came up short in the 65-51 loss.

The first half was a back-and-forth for

both teams, with Western Michigan taking a 23-22 lead to the half.

Western Michigan went on a 19-3 run in the second half to build a 57-39 lead with 4:32 left in the second half, before SLU rallied with a 10-0 spurt to close the lead to 5951 with 1:39 left. Western Michigan buried a trey on their next possession, jumping out to a double-digit lead again.

Bess led SLU with 14 points, shooting a perfect 6-6 on free throws. Goodwin chipped in 13 points with 7 rebounds. Johnson chipped in 10 points.

SLU heads to Indianapolis on Saturday, Dec. 1, for one of just four road games in nonconference play. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. against Butler.

Sports

Records: O’Brien crushes 100 IM Continued from Page 17

liburton was sixth in the 100 back (50.28), Mars was sixth in the 100 breast (56.17) and sophomore Keegan Paulson was seventh in the 100 back (52.30).

On Sunday, Nichols won the “C” final in the 200 fly (2:04.88), ranking third on SLU’s all-time list. Kirby placed fifth in the 200 back (2:02.90) and Schmude ninth in the 200 fly (2:06.29). Glenesk did the long distance swim, placing seventh in the 1650 free with a time of 17:12.54. In the 400 relay, Sheean, Daniel, Glenesk and Mahon were seventh (3:29.45).

O’Brien achieved a new school record,

placing second in the 100 IM (51.27). McCoy was third in the 100 free (44.95), ranking first in the A-10 Conference. Williams was third in the 200 fly (1:49.33) and Streid was fourth in the same event with a time of 1:49.59. O’Brien, Williams, Streid and McCoy were able to finish in second place in the 400 relay (3:01.66).

The Billikens will compete next in the USA Winter Nationals, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, in Columbus, Ohio. Their last meet of the year will be the Indiana State Relay Meet in Terre Haute, Ind. on Dec. 2 at 5 p.m.

Field Hockey participates in Giving Tuesday, funds girls’ education

By Erin McClelland Staff Writer

Everyone has heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but a lesser known post-Thanksgiving day to spend money is known as Giving Tuesday. The Saint Louis University Field Hockey team was challenged by their Graduate Assistant Coach, Dominique Masters, to participate either as individuals or as a group to find ways to give back. The team decided to all pitch in $7.75 and raised a total of $132 for “More Than Me,” an organization focused on providing girls in Liberia with education and healthcare. Their mission focuses on using education as a catalyst for transformative social change for every girl in Liberia.

Coach Masters found out about Giving Tuesday through social media and she “wanted the team to embrace [the] challenge because it is something worthwhile [and] spreads kindness and creates an impact, big or small.”

Junior Monica Ryan took to the challenge right away and proposed the idea of donating to “More Than Me” as a team, asking each member to give just a little amount.

Liberia’s education system is in a state of emergency, leaving many of the people illiterate and in need of some kind of schooling. Due to a civil war in Liberia, 80 percent of schools were left in shambles and 65 percent of school age children don’t attend any type of school. In 2013,

all 25,000 applicants to the University of Liberia failed the entrance exam. About 73 percent of all women are illiterate and only 20 percent of students that enroll in first grade go on to enroll in 12th grade.

“I feel really good about getting the whole team on board. We can do more good together than on our own,” said Ryan.

Freshman Jordan BeSore said, “It’s really important to give back, especially to an area or organization you’re passionate about, [like education]. I feel very proud of our team, because I know we all really care about education for women, and it’s something we can all relate to. I’m blessed being able to get a higher education and I want to be able to spread this ability to other girls too, and I’m so blessed to be part of a team that values this as well.”

After donating, the team learned that all donations made on Giving Tuesday to “More Than Me” was matched by a generous donor to the organization. Therefore, $264 was donated in the name of Saint Louis University Field Hockey.

Coach Masters said, “Hearing that the team had come together as one group to raise the money for ‘More Than Me’ made me feel so proud! They had the power to choose what they wanted to do as individuals or as groups, and for them to come together as a unit highlights their strength and thoughtfulness as a team.”

Courtesy of SLU Field Hockey’s Instagram

DONATION: The Field Hockey team all pitched in to help raise money on Giving Tuesday. More Than Me received $132 from the team, and the donation was matched by a generous benefactor to fund two girls’ educations in Liberia for a year.

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November 30, 2017

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Opinions&Editorials

November 30, 2017

opinion@unewsonline.com Opinion Editor: Open

Net neutrality and a case for capitalism

Megan Hammond Staff Writer

Since last week, the topic dominating newsfeeds and conversations is net neutrality. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai released a statement with his plans to kill net neutrality. The “Restoring Internet Freedom Order” is scheduled for a vote at the Open Meeting on Dec. 14 this year. For the past year, I have been going back and forth on the subject of net neutrality. Although it seems like a no-brainer to support, I have some reservations.

Net neutrality guarantees that Internet Service Providers (looking at you, Verizon, Comcast and Time Warner Cable) will not be able to “slow down, speed up, or block data as it is routed from its content originator to end users.” Basically, ISPs cannot charge websites for a higher level of ac-

cess to users. The regulations in essence would ensure that small businesses also have a chance to break onto the scene by offering competitive pricing. With that line of reasoning, if net neutrality were to be taken away, corporations would drown out the little guy by charging exorbitant rates for more accessibility. As a user, that’s a terrifying thought; we would never know if our ISP was blocking certain information or favoring certain websites.

The regulations were put in place by the Obama administration in 2015, harking back to Title II of the 1934 Communications Act, which declared that the Internet is a public utility controlled by the FCC. Although this may seem cut and dry, the official statement released by the FCC says that Obama “imposed heavy-handed, utility-style regulations upon the Internet…It’s depressed investment in building and expanding broadband networks and deterred innovation.” Furthermore, if the Order is passed, the Federal Trade Commission “will once again be able to police ISPs, protect consumers and promote competition, just as it did before 2015.” The result will

be a “light-touch, market-based framework” that served the world well before 2015. According to the FCC Chairman, there is no need for net neutrality.

Net neutrality’s all-encompassing nature could be seen as a fix-all, but really it hampers innovation. Under Title II, the FCC heavily regulates the internet—we know that—but it is important to note that ISPs are required to run any new technology or business proposals past the FCC. On top of that, the FCC’s decision on the new tech or business plan cannot be appealed; even if it is appealed, the FCC can still change their decision at any point. The result of all the red tape is change, and it is a slow arduous process, and innovation is severely stifled. Additionally, the FCC is also authorized to determine which companies can enter the ISP market, partially regulate the capital investments made by companies.

With the FCC being the almighty end-all be-all regulator of the internet, vesting that much power in a board could lead to gross oversight, when in reality, the free market itself regulates ISPs. Users would switch ISPs

if one slowed down or blocked information or favored specific websites. Due to the natural competition in the free market, companies such as Comcast, Verizon and Charter do not have enough leverage themselves to favor certain websites. Imagine if your Netflix connection slowed down, was blocked (God forbid), or pointed you toward Hulu instead. You would drop Charter at the drop of a hat to get your dear “Gilmore Girls.” In practice, the cases when ISPs would slow down, block data or show favoritism are rare. In 2010, when the first try for net neutrality failed, the FCC were able to “cite just four examples of anticompetitive behavior, all relatively minor.”

The FCC’s power extends to taxing ISPs, which can hurt small startup ISPs. Under Title II, they have the authority to tax the crap out of ISPs. Telecommunications companies already have higher state and municipal taxes than other business, but they could be subjected to more taxes at the FCC’s discretion. The additional taxes could make it more difficult for small ISPs to be successful because they would have to charge their users more for their servic-

es. According to the FCC Chairman, “Title II regulations have stood in the way of investment.”

Just among the 12 largest ISPs in the U.S., “domestic broadband capital expenditures decreased by 5.6 percent, or $3.6 billion, between 2014 and 2016.” Net neutrality also forbids “paid priority,” sending certain information faster than others to computer monitors. Small ISPs rely on the extra income to keep afloat since they do not have as many resources as large ISPs. Users would be forced to decide between high service costs or slow internet speed.

Instead of ensuring net neutrality through federal government regulations, the better solution would be to let capitalism take the reins. Taking away regulations brings more competition, which in turn allows the market to check itself against corporate abuse. Congress could pass legislation with light regulation of ISPs, and then return the Federal Trade Commission to its right position as the sole enforcer of the regulations and abuses.

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OPINIONS & EDITORIALS

November 30, 2017

Being thankful for being

John Schaefer You are more fortunate than you may have ever realized.

Last week, I engaged in conversation with a fellow SLU undergraduate that revitalized my perception of what “being thankful” truly means. Across a span of 10 minutes, we covered a variety of topics ranging from the benefits and drawbacks of structured religion to the existence of a universal objective in life. After our initial discourse, it became evident that no matter how one opts to view the world, there is an inherent mystery within it that is the ongoing ponderance of human existence. The genesis of this search is stationed in the question: “Why are you here?”

Whatever that reason may be, temporarily place it aside as we dissect and examine how you got here. It all starts with those who came before you, namely your parents. You may love them or you may hate them, but regardless, they played a crucial role in your existence.

The odds of your parents meeting one another is about one in 20,000. They each interacted with around 10,000 other individuals during their “dating prime.” The odds of them actually going on to date, marry, and conceive a child (you) are miniscule. Furthermore, when they did decide to date, marry, and conceive a child, your mother had around 500 unique, ovulated eggs that could be used to match any of your father’s hundreds of billions of different sperm that he had produced thus far. The odds that the “correct” combination was arranged to form you in your current genetic state are incomprehensibly small. There are various principles of physics that affected these outcomes as well; if earth’s gravitational constant, electrical charges, or even space dimensions had been different, you would not have been born in same that way that you were.

After everything’s said and done, the chance of one being born a human, and to possess all of the characteristics that they do, is 1 in 400 trillion. To try and put this in perspective, there is a better chance of the same person winning a

$100 million powerball nine times in his or her lifetime. After doing some more research on the statistical odds of life, the reality became chilling. Think about it. These odds include all people, such as those in developing countries, the impoverished, and so on. If you are a student at SLU reading this, you are even luckier. Less than 7 percent of the world has a college degree. Let that sink in for a minute.

Another conversation that I had was in direct relation to those living in developing countries. A good high school friend of mine, who was on a two-year mission trip to Paraguay, called me this past weekend. He spoke of all his adventures and the tremendous differences that exist in the ways of life between citizens in the U.S. and those in Paraguay.

Throughout our conversation, there was one word that really stood out to me and that is selflessness. He kept referring to the general absence of greed in the country. Obviously, there are going to be exceptions to this trend, but the overall environment that he described to me was one of genuine care for others, especially from missionaries. Based on his personal experiences in the country, he offered, “No matter how hard I try, I will never be able to place myself first again. Some of the experiences I have had working with the impoverished are just—you can’t put into words.” He went on to speak of the many materialistic things he used to enjoy in America such as social media and video games and how they no longer produce the same thrill. This is not necessarily a knock on America, but it is certainly meant to be a reminder that we have so many extra luxuries of which others across the world will never even know.

Oftentimes, the holidays are used as a time to reflect upon one’s life. They are also a time to recognize the blessings that surround them. Personally, I have fallen short on many counts in doing so in the past. I am a “numbers guy” and desire concrete data; however, blessings, with the exception of finances, are not usually viewed in this same light. Viewing luck in a statistical sense this last week really opened my eyes. We have all overcome extreme odds to have reached this point in our lives. Therefore, it is important to recognize this fortune and make the most out of the gift of life that we have received by giving our best efforts every day.

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St. Louis City-County merger

Jakob Benedetti

It’s almost a stereotype at this point. You know what I’m talking about—that first day of freshman year when everyone is all excited to meet new people and just be in college, and everyone gets asked the same three questions: “Where are you from? What building are you living in? What’s your major?” After asking these questions for a few months, I just assumed that every other student here is a Pre-Med student from either St. Louis or Chicago living in Spring or Grand (I’m a political science major from Kansas City living in Gries. Go figure.)

I quickly found, however, that among people from both St. Louis and Chicago, there existed subtle differences depending on which part of the city they came from. People from the actual city of Chicago tended to think of themselves as the true Chicagoans as opposed to the fake ones who came from the suburbs.

Likewise, people from the actual city of St. Louis had a similar mindset.

Unlike Chicago, however, there are very few SLU students actually from St. Louis city proper. Why is this? Well, perhaps the most obvious reason that there are more people “from St. Louis” who are really from the suburbs is because St. Louis has so many suburbs to begin with. Over the past few months, though, a perennial conversation in St. Louis has been reopened regarding the potential merging of the city and county of St. Louis. Such a merger would come with many distinct benefits.

The problems that come from this fracturing of the greater St. Louis community are deep-seated and far-reaching but are not unsolvable. Cities like Chicago and Louisville, among others, have confronted similar problems in the past and overcome them. When

Louisville merged its city and county in 2003, it not only became one of the largest cities in the country overnight, it also streamlined nearly every aspect of public life from the police and fire departments to the court system to the city bureaucracy and unlocked a level of regional unity and cohesiveness that had never before been seen in that community. Having fewer government officials and consolidating the bureaucracy meant that engaging in civic and political activity was easier and more rewarding for individual citizens, as it was clearer who exactly was responsible for the administration of the community. In St. Louis County, where there are currently 89 municipalities, 57 different police departments, 43 different fire districts, and 81 courts, this is not possible. Proponents of keeping the county divided as it currently is argue that the division allows people to have more direct control over their local government;however, if everyone who’s “from St. Louis” actually lived in the city of St. Louis, then much of the confusion that inhibits people from participating politically would be eliminated, and the region would be unified around the principles of shared governance and cooperation that have made SLU so great.

Specifically on the issue of law enforcement, the sheer number of jurisdictions within the county makes it more difficult for law enforcement officers to do their jobs and to be clear as to which court to send their perpetrators. In addition, a merger would give smaller departments in the county access to greater resources and better training that the city has been using for years. This would not only make life easier for law enforcement officers, but would also simplify the bureaucracy of the criminal justice system in St. Louis and make the community safer as the quality of law enforcement increases.

There is also an economic reason to support a merger. Firstly, consolidation of the bureaucracy would mean that there would be fewer government officials, which would save money.

Secondly is the issue of debt. The city of St. Louis, as well as some smaller municipalities in the county, has a significant amount of debt. However, a See “Merger” on Page 23

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Opinions & Editorials

November 30, 2017

Gratitude as a transformative process

Betsy Daly Staff Writer

Gratitude is transformative. It makes us look at life differently, like everything in life is a gift—good and bad alike. The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is a great time to recall all that has occurred in the past year and to consider how it has affected you. It is easy to take everything that happens in life for granted—like there was no one beside you that helped you make it through the bad times; like there was no one who enjoyed those memorable moments with you,; like there is no one to be grateful to for how this played out or how you handled that.

Like there is no big plan. Like there is no big Planner. But when we take this time at the end of yet another year to think about how everything that happened maybe wasn’t coincidence, we might notice the blessings and find that our heart fills with gratitude. I want to share with you a story about something that I am very grateful for this year.

I remember staring at Mark in the incubator. He was so tiny, skinny and limp, with tubes and other medical devices attached to him. He was even smaller in person than he looked in the pictures. Born seven weeks premature and with in utero growth restriction (IUGR), my nephew Mark didn’t yet weigh 3.5 pounds when I first met him. Observing his frailness that first day, I was afraid I would never get to see him grow up, and that the odds would turn against him and we would lose him in spite of all the extensive medical attention he was receiving and the prayers being offered up for him.

But I encouraged myself not to be so doubtful. I distinctly remember staring at Mark’s tiny little feet in the incubator and telling myself that I knew one day soon those feet would be pounding around the house carrying a mischievous toddler to his next trick, and that not too much fur-

ther in the future those same feet would probably also be sprinting through a park on a long run like his parents so often enjoy now. It was these images that really helped me to keep hope.

A year later, I am so grateful for all the lessons that Mark has taught me. Who knew that someone so frail could be so strong? Mark was in the hospital for almost two months fighting the complications of being born premature and with IUGR. After his discharge, he continued to fight the complications for much longer while quarantined at home. All the while he was so calm and sweet. (Or at least, that is what he is like when his Aunt Betsy is around. His parents might tell a slightly different story.) Even from his days in the hospital, Mark has had this absolutely precious smile that he generously shares with anyone who smiles at him.

Now adorned with a few teeth, his smile lights up his whole face and warms your heart. I have butterflies now just thinking about his smile. Nowadays, he uses his calm strength to bear the aggressively loving hugs of his three-year-old brother. He has showed himself so strong and cheerful, with a personality I didn’t know a one-year-old could have. Last week when I was home for Thanksgiving, I got to hold Mark’s tiny hands as he walked through the house. Those tiny feet aren’t too much bigger now, but they bear a fighter.

It would be easy to say that it’s all thanks to modern medicine that Mark is the little boy he is today. But I think there is so much more to be grateful to than just that.

I’m grateful for the nurses and doctors that took such good care of Mark during his stay in the hospital; I am grateful for the friends and family that helped Mark’s parents during the most challenging times; I am grateful for Mark and his parents—my brother and sister-in-law—for all their hard work and sacrifice. And I am grateful to God for everything in between.

Mark’s story so far isn’t just a story about one person, or one family, or a few medical professionals. It’s a story of so many people, things and medical discoveries dating back decades, as well as “coincidences,” prayers and graces. By looking back on this major event of this past year, I see how beautiful it is and how much bigger it is than it might look at first glance. I am so grateful. How does gratitude transform you?

A defense for the Star Wars prequels

Karl O’Brien Staff Writer

With the eighth installment of the Star Wars saga, “The Last Jedi,” coming out in only about two weeks, I think it is time that Star Wars fans— and even casual observers of the cesspool of dogmatism that the fanbase can be—give the prequel films a second chance. In light of “The Force Awakens” essentially being a recasting of “A New Hope” with only a smattering of originality, Episodes I, II, and III should definitely be given their proper due. Long overshadowed—and usually rightfully so—by the success and appeal of the classic trilogy (“A New Hope,” “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi”), “The Phantom Menace,” “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith” have their fair share of problems and are by no means completely good movies. The cringe worthy dialogue, flat acting, poor characterization and overreliance on CGI are definitely standout issues that drag the quality down. Even so, many A-list actors appeared in the prequel films, like Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor and Christopher Lee, who obviously had the acting chops to perform their roles well.

Perhaps they just fell victim to poor writing under the helm of George Lucas, who never was the best at writing dialogue. The few memorable characters from the prequels, like Darth Maul and General Grievous, have been given plenty of life on TV shows and in graphic novels, so their appeal is not completely lost. While the prequels’ stories may have been jumbled at times and may not flow the smoothest, they still explain many aspects of the classic trilogy. They were able to showcase a respect for their predecessors by utilizing similar cinematography and plot points, which make them actually quite effective when viewed from a purely artistic standpoint. Besides, John Williams did also compose the scores for the prequel films, giving

us anthems with much more popularity than themes of the original trilogy, such as “Duel of the Fates” and “Battle of the Heroes.” While the prequels’ titles may be overly simplistic, in hindsight the titles of the original films were keeping with the intent of calling back to old Saturday film serials that ran in theatres before the feature presentation. Which brings us to the feature presentation, if you will, of many prequel haters’ arguments: the existence of Jar Jar Binks. For those unfamiliar with Star Wars, Jar Jar is a Gungan, an amphibian race of aliens who ends up helping the people of Naboo overthrow their Trade Federation occupiers in Episode I. Jar Jar is often derided as a racial stereotype of Caribbean residents, and an annoying, flat character whose only purpose was to entertain children. However, realizing the negative reception received, Lucasfilm elected to keep his scenes throughout the next two films, to the point where he appears, yet does not even speak, in Episode III. Jar Jar’s characterization as a buffoon also helped to explain a key plot point and teach a key lesson about politics.

In Episode II, he proposes granting emergency powers to Chancellor Palpatine to create a new army for the Galactic Republic, effectively solidifying Palpatine’s position as a dictator and enabling him to institute the oppressive Galactic Empire with minimal resistance. The often-maligned Senate scenes in the prequels furthermore serve to amplify the scope of the conflicts that would culminate in the rise of the Empire, and further scenes in the TV show “The Clone Wars” deepen the tensions between the Republic and Separatists and raise issues of planetary self-determination. All of these points are well and good, but are by no means my chief objection to people blatantly disregarding the Star Wars prequels. As a student of history, I believe it is important to consider all sources from which one can derive information about a person, place, event or phenomenon when attempting to understand or make a new argument about it. The Star Wars prequels happened, folks. They weren’t great, but they happened, and hopefully I have portrayed them a bit more rationally.

In the meantime, here’s to “The Last Jedi” building off the full scope of what has come before it to make a better Star Wars saga moving forward.

November 30, 2017

Opinion &Editorials

23

Letter to the editor Who is Saint Louis University?

Who are we?

The past couple of years have been hard for Saint Louis University. My sense is that we are lost, wandering in a fog. Exactly who are we? We are labeled Jesuit. Greater purpose, higher good; but what is the identity behind the brand? Who are we and where are we going?

Paolo Coehlo wrote a story called “Looking at Other People’s Gardens.”

In that story he describes a person that begins to plant the garden of their life and then notices a neighbor looking over the hedge. That neighbor likes to give advice on how the garden should look. Over time the gardener pays more and more attention to the advice of the neighbor. As she pays more and more attention to the advice of the neighbor, she comes to forget the garden she had imagined, where the garden began, everything she had invested in the garden, and the dreams of everything the garden could be if she were to focus on it again. Most importantly, she loses sight of the mysteries hidden in the soil in which she was working.

Saint Louis University is lost and, in the absence of leadership, we let the neighbor dictate our garden to us.

What is substance and what is facade?

We are not at a point in time where we can continue to listen to the neighbor’s advice on our garden. It is time for us to consider who Saint Louis University is, not what we want to appear to be.

Every indication is that we are a primarily undergraduate tuition-driven institution. The faculty are knowledge

workers who individually struggle to find that balance between contributing knowledge, sharing that knowledge, creating works, and applying knowledge in service to the institution and our society. We took great pride in the garden we were planting but the vision we had for that garden got lost.

When our own vision got lost, it was far easier to listen to the neighbor and his advice on our garden. Now we are toiling in a garden we did not choose and certainly never imagined. Can the garden we started on be restored? The decisions facing all of us as faculty and staff would be far easier—maybe more palatable—if we could understand what SLU is trying to do with her garden.

Until SLU comes to a clear understanding of who she is and what that means, she will continue to wander in this fog. Part of our coming to understand SLU’s identity is understanding how we are going to invest ourselves as knowledge workers and find ourselves resourced to do whatever we are trying to do with our garden well. Are we research intensive or are we a primarily undergraduate institution with pockets of funded research? Do those labels matter at all? I do not believe SLU can turn away from this current crisis until we rediscover who we are. Until we know who we are and what that means for our future, we are wasting time and resources, frustrating and even antagonizing constituencies, and ultimately tending the neighbor’s garden while our own garden withers from neglect.

-William Siler, Ph.D., Department of Physical Therapy

Merger

Continued from page 21 memorandum released by the Polsinelli law firm in 2014 as part of a larger study on the potential effects of a county-city merger said that there is no reason to believe that the county would be held responsible for debt incurred by the city of St. Louis, and vice versa. Also, a merger would significantly simplify the tax code. A simplified tax code, more efficient government, and strengthened regional spirit would also help to attract businesses to the region and lift burdens on existing

businesses. It would also make it easier for businesses in one municipality to expand to another part of the county.

Louisville also saw many of these economic benefits when they merged in 2003.

Although it is the hard thing to do, a merger between the county and city of St. Louis would strengthen this community as a whole, make government easier, attract new businesses, and help make St. Louis the powerhouse of a city it deserves to be.

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