Crescent Magazine December 2009

crescent College Culture Upfront

December 2009 n uecrescentmagazine.com

University of Evansville

MAGAZINE

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY ROADTRIP Dash on down to Santa Claus

A LITTLE

TASTE OF

HEAVEN

Some of the classiest desserts in town Courtney King reveals her enchanted life

HIGHLIGHTING the HOLIDAYS

THE CHANGE HE BELIEVES IN

He’s not your average Joe Brown $2.50

Uncover different religions around the globe

T R E A S U R E T R A D ts n e v E g n i Upcom ember to Rem

.3 pers • Dec s e V s a tm d Chris Advent an • Dec. 4 ty r a P ta n a Purple S s • Dec. 8 p o P y a d li Ho 16 ent • Dec. m e c n e m Winter Com

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& I

O N S

In this Seas on of Giving, we celebrate the tradition of giv ing to UE …

It all began in 1853, when re si

$20 each to fo dents of Moo re und Moores H ill Male and Fe s Hill, Indiana, bought shar Moore purcha es for male Collegiat sed 50 shares e Institute. John and donated Collins 12 acres of la nd for the colle In 1917, an am ge. azing $500,0 0 0 was raised in of Evansville less than a m to move the co onth by the ci llege. dimes, and qu tizens ar ters. High sc Grade school children gave hool students their pennies, do na ted ne ever y school teacher in Evan ar ly $1,000. Almost sville made a donation.

Special campa igns have been un de rtaken throug the $40 Millio h the year s, in n Facing the Fu cludin ture effort be gun in 1985 an g $50 Million W idening the Ci d the rcle campaign in 1999.

UE’s most ag gressive capita l campaign, U home stretch.

•Envision $73.5 Million of the $80 Mill 2010 is in the raised. The ca ion goal has be mpaign has al en ready given us University Cent the new Ridgw er and the Sc ay hroeder Family School of Business Adm inistration Bui lding.

University of Evansville Alumni Association • www.evansville.edu/alumni

contents Coming of Age

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DECEMBER.2009 28

Whined & Dined

Think college life is tough? You’re not alone. Various students give insight and advice on the life lessons they have learned since coming to UE.

Get the skinny on all things Sodexo

20

Gifts for the Naughty & Nice

15

Toys you might not expect to find under the tree

Highlighting the Holidays

10

The Change He Believes In

SGA President Joe Brown tackles change and committment with humor

You all know about Christmas, but what about Eid ul-Fitr or Diwali? Don’t be a Scrooge: enlighten yourself to the world around you.

“I try to inject humor into any serious situation, but that doesn’t mean I’ll start cracking jokes at funerals.”

—Joe Brown, page 10

INSIDE 4 The Cubicle 6 Health & Fitness 7 Spotlight 8 The Gauntlet 10 Snapshot 12 Coming of Age 14 Eats & Sidedish 15 Religion 18 Cover Story Profile 20 Sexplanation 22 Off the Wall 23 How to...

24 Cheap Dates 26 Wildcard 27 Naughty vs. Nice 28 In the Know 29 Crossword 30 Beauty & Fashion 32 Schitzengiggles

7

Spotlight

Guard Kavon Lacey works to transform his team

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

Writing Director: Peter Hanscom Writing Editor: Lauren Oliver Departments Editor: Josh Fletcher Literary Editor: Kristin Benzinger Assignment Editor: Jennifer Stinnett Columnists: Regan Campbell, Justin Hodge, Monica Krause Contributing Writers: Josh Cleveland, Whitney Cohen, James Drury, Brennan Girdler, Alex Jackson, Mindy Kurtz, Megan Merley, Heather Powell, Amanda Squire, Rachel Solava, Lauren Williams, Kate Wood

peephole

crescent

CREATIVE Creative Director: Sylvia Seib Assistant Creative Director: Jamie Willhelm Photo Editor: Alaina Neal Designers: Jennifer McKee, Jessica Siddens, Amanda Topper, Pieter van Tongeren Illustrators: Bethany Barry, Courtney Hostetler Contributing Photographers: Sunny Johnson, Nicole Davenport

EDITING

FLAVORED FEAR Trying to conquer green olives during Homecoming’s Ace Factor, junior Curtis Personett chows down the concoction to win points for Sigma Phi Epsilon. (Photo: Nicole Davenport)

Editing Director: Allison Butler Copy Editors: Andrew Brandsasse, Rachel Hurley, Kirsten Yates

WEB SITE DESIGN & PRODUCTION Web Director: James Will Web Designers: Dan Latini, Suzy Maiers

MARKETING & SALES Marketing Director: Beth Samelak Advertising Sales Manager: Chris Watkins Advertising Design Manager: Melissa Weisman Advertising Designers: Tiffany Conroy, Sarah Powell Marketing Liaison: Emily Johnson

HOW TO CONTACT US: Address: Ridgway Center, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, Ind. 47722 Phone: (812) 488–2846 FAX: (812) 488–2224 E-mail: crescentmagazine@evansville.edu Marketing & Sales: (812) 488–2221 and 488–2223 Advertising E-mail: crescentadvertising@evansville.edu Printer: Mar-Kel Quick Print, Newburgh, Ind. Crescent Magazine is UE’s student magazine. It is written, edited and designed by students, and distributed seven times during the academic year. The magazine is funded through advertising revenue and a subscription fee paid on behalf of students by SGA. Circulation is 1,750. © 2009 Student Publications, University of Evansville.

Editorial Policy. Commentary expressed in unsigned editorial pieces represent a consensus opinion of Crescent Magazine’s Editorial Board. All other columns, articles and advertising are not necessarily the opinion of the Editorial Board or other members of the magazine’s staff.

Letter Submissions. E-mail your letters to crescentmagazine@evansville.edu and write “letter” in the subject line. Crescent Magazine welcomes letters from members of the UE community, but material the Editorial Board regards as libelous, malicious and/or obscene will not be published.

Letters should not exceed 400 words. For verification, letters must include the author’s name, year in school or title and e-mail address. Crescent Magazine will not print anonymous letters or those letters that cannot be verified. Letters may be edited for length, style, grammar and spelling.

They may also appear in Crescent Magazine’s online edition.

RALLY THE MASSES Whipping them into a frenzy, junior Dillon Heape (Hugh Dorsey) stands amid the citizens during UE Theatre’s production of “Parade” last month in Shanklin Theatre. (Photo: Sunny Johnson) PLEASE NOTE: Campus Crime and The Midwest Wing have moved to their new home at uecrescentmagazine.com. Read the updates on each every week by logging onto the magazine’s web site.

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

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{ PAY IT FORWARD.

These days, special occasions seem to be all about receiving — which is abundantly clear around the holidays. This is especially true for students. Our excuse is always, “I’m too poor to get a gift for anyone.”

While students typically don’t have the most stable financial situations, that doesn’t mean we can’t give gifts. Gifts are much more than material possessions.

Merriam-Webster defines a gift as “something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation.” There is no mention of spending money or material possessions.

In a world of self-involvement and overconsumption, it’s important for us to remember what a gift truly is. Something as simple as smiling as you pass someone on campus can change a person’s day. Perhaps you just brightened a bad day with your smile. Now, that person may go and do something nice for someone else. The process will continue, creating a domino effect.

It seems that many students become so wrapped up in their own world that they forget others are around them. Between tests, classes, clubs and work, students would probably be inclined to argue they don’t have time to worry about others.

It doesn’t take a lot of time to make a difference — a fact that is sometimes forgotten.

Many small efforts can be just as effective as one large one, and something small is better than nothing at all.

Catherine Ryan Hyde addresses the philosophy of paying forward instead of paying back in her novel “Pay It Forward.”

The main idea is that someone gives a gift or performs a favor and, instead of asking for something in return, they ask that the receiver perform good deeds for three other people. Ideally, this practice will reach everyone if those three people pay it forward.

In Hyde’s novel, 11-year-old Trevor McK-

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

} inney, is given an assignment in school to come up with an idea to change the world.

On his walk home, he’s inspired to start a “pay it forward” campaign. As Trevor does good deeds for others, he inspires those around him to act likewise.

From a simple school assignment, Trevor is able to change the lives of many people, including a reporter named Chris. After he receives a car for free, Chris is determined to find the originator of the pay it forward idea. Through a surprising series of events, Chris is finally able to track down Trevor.

We won’t ruin the ending for you, but Trevor goes through great lengths to accomplish what he believes is right — that this pay it forward practice can change the world. And maybe it can.

Imagine if tomorrow everyone on campus did something nice for three people they didn’t know or usually associate with.

Would tomorrow be different than any other day on campus? We certainly believe it would be. This isn’t just an abstract idea from a novel — people all over the world are finding ways to pay it forward.

One such group is the Post Pals from Britain — a group of friends who all have terminal illnesses. Affected by the small gestures of others during such a difficult time of their lives, they decided others should be touched by kindness, too. The original Post Pals started a web site that includes profiles on sick children and asks people to send the children cards or small gifts.

Another real life example is that of Dr. Eddie Harris. This graduate of Harvard Medical School devoted two mornings to give eye exams to children from low-income households free of charge. Those who participated had never had eye exams before.

All around us people are performing good deeds because they believe in the pay it forward cause. Now it’s time to show everyone that students believe in paying it forward, too.

Crescent Magazine has gotten the ball rolling with its Operation Holiday Donation.

We will be collecting donations to send to American troops overseas. This is not something we are doing only at Student Publications; we are opening it up to the entire UE community.

Suggested items for donation are things like batteries, baby wipes, sunscreen, ChapStick, books and magazines, gloves and hats, gum or other nonperishable foods.

Even these small items can make a positive difference for soldiers serving overseas. Donations can be brought to Student Publications or we will gladly come to you and pick up your donation.

We’re not accusing the student body of not volunteering their time. On the contrary, there are many students who reach out to the community. What is less common is the idea of volunteering simply for the joy of giving back. Many students volunteer their time for organizations or for the volunteer hours, not just because they want to do something for others.

We would like to see students doing things for others because they want to, not because there’s some tangible reward they can gain from it. There are so many people out there who need your help, especially with the current economic climate.

But we’re not just talking about those who are hurting financially — everyone can use some help.

This is only the beginning. We started paying it forward; now it’s your turn. Do something nice for a stranger. It can be as simple as holding a door for someone or letting someone in a hurry cut in front of you in the SubConnection line. Help someone move furniture. Join an organization like Habitat for Humanity or Big Brothers Big Sisters. Tutor someone in your class for free. Show those around you that you care.

Whatever it is, big or small, get out there and keep the kindness going. n

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health & fitness

by James Drury & Kate Wood

P

Research shows naps are OK — just maybe not in class

rofessors don’t often realize that early in the morning their monotonous voices sound like lullabies to groggy students. Can they honestly blame us when they catch us dozing off once, twice or maybe a few times?

Even with a full night’s sleep, the urge to close our eyes is insistent and almost expected from day to day. While many of us fight to stay awake all day, studies show this may not always be the best solution.

WHO SAYS I In 1986, researchSHOULDN’T NAP? ers at Munich’s Max MORNING Planck Institute pubPERSON? lished research and Take your nap studies on napping. between 1 and They gathered volun1:30 p.m. teers and put them in an underground room NIGHT OWL? for several weeks per Your best time is session, with no way between 2:30 to tell what time of and 3 p.m. day it was. Researchers then told participants to sleep whenever they wanted.

Without an imposed sense of time, volunteers fell into a natural rhythm with two sleep sessions, sleeping for a long period at night and again in a one- to two-hour session during the afternoon.

These naps typically began about 12 hours after the midpoint of a participant’s nighttime sleep. The study confirmed the idea that naps are a part of our natural sleep cycle, meaning we don’t have to worry about them interfering with our nighttime rest.

Since then, other studies have drawn similar conclusions. Sleep researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have conducted studies indicating an increased desire for sleep midafternoon.

More importantly, ignoring the need for

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

a nap will cause more drowsiness and decrease mental and work performance, although that desire can be suppressed.

Freshman Chelsea Hook said when she studies late at night, she’s drained the next day, but when she naps, she feels rejuvenated and is ready to take on whatever she needs to get done.

Not only do naps enhance mental capabilities, such as memory and creativity, but they also improve mood and alertness.

Sophomore Shandra Morehouse said she takes naps after long periods of reading because she feels more awake and focused afterward.

“Naps keep me happy in a little kid sort of way,” she said.

Many people are afraid of napping because they are slow to wake up from them, a feeling commonly known as sleep inertia.

But it can be avoided in simple ways.

Jennifer Ackerman of The Boston Globe reports by limiting your nap to 45 minutes or less, increased alertness and concentration are apparent soon after waking up.

If you have more time on your hands and are not bothered by mild sleep inertia, allow yourself to enter into deep sleep, possibly even REM sleep, by taking a 90 to 120 minute nap.

The benefits of napping for a longer period of time are that REM and deep sleep improve memory and cleanse the mind of stress. It’s a perfect way to unwind while catching up on lost sleep.

If you’re a morning person, the ideal time to nap is between 1 and 1:30 p.m., while if you’re more of a night owl, the best time to nap is between 2:30 and 3 p.m.

The next time you feel the urge to close your eyes and take a catnap, don’t resist.

There’s no shame in refreshing your body and mind, as long as it’s not while your professor is lecturing. n

Reviving Recess Back in your kindergarten days, you couldn’t wait to go outside for recess. Now, it seems like everybody’s too busy for some old school fun, but who says you have to give up recess in college?

UE may not have that awesome jungle gym or rusty swing set you remember fondly from elementary school, but were they really what made recess so great? Running around with friends and making your own fun is the best part of recess, whether you’re in kindergarten or college.

BALLIN’

Kickball was a recess staple, and there’s no reason it can’t be for college students, too. Even if it’s too cold to play outside, kickball is just as fun in the gym. You may have to adjust the rules to make it work, but that’s one of the game’s perks: you can make up almost any rule you want.

TAG, YOU’RE IT

If you’ve never played tag, there’s no reason to keep missing out on this playground perfection. Get a bunch of friends together and start a game.

You’d be surprised at how exhilarating it can be.

TENSION BREAKER

For those of you who have a lot of tension to get rid of, consider the infamous Red Rover. Nothing relieves stress like running headfirst at a wall of people holding hands.

If you break through, you’re the winner. If you don’t — and fall flat on your butt — you’re still a winner if everyone gets a laugh out of it. At all costs, avoid trips to the emergency room. Remember, you want to break through their hands, not their bones. n

sports

by Lauren Oliver

Spotlight On:

KAVON LACEY

Junior Kavon Lacey, co-captain and a point guard for the men’s basketball team, has big plans to turn the team around. The exercise science/pre-physical therapy major from Alton, Ill., has learned to balance school, basketball and a major shopping habit.

Crescent Magazine: What’s the hardest part about being a full-time student and athlete?

Lacey: Time management. Basketball is a full-time job. It’s about finding time to study and using that time wisely.

CM: What keeps you motivated?

KL: It’s what I love to do. I love basketball, and I love schoolwork. I’m blessed to get the chance to do both. Being the best at both is what keeps me going.

CM: What do you plan to do after you graduate?

KL: Playing basketball would be great. I really want to go to PT school and open my own practice back home. I like learning about the body and helping people get back to their daily lives.

CM: How did you come into the role of team co-captain with (senior) Pieter (van Tongeren)?

KL: I watched Shy (Ely) and Jason (Holsinger) last year to get ready to take on that role. I like a challenge. I like being a coach and a leader on the court and getting guys where they need to be. I tell the new guys about time management since it’s a whole different life balancing college and basketball. Pieter and I are always helping each other.

CM: What has been your proudest moment playing basketball at UE? KL: This year — being captain and

having the respect of the team and coaches. Transforming the team to get them where they need to be would be my proudest moment. Being a kid playing basketball and now seeing myself on billboards makes all the hard work worth it. It gives kids hope. If I can do it, they can do it.

CM: Who inspires you the most?

KL: There are a lot of close family members and kids back home. A lot of great athletes who chose the wrong path inspired me to go to college and do better. My two kids inspire me every day.

Having this opportunity is wonderful because I get the chance to make their lives better. It reassures me why I’m really doing all this.

CM: What has been your most embarrassing moment at UE? KL: My book bag is really old, and one morning I could feel it falling apart. I went to reach it, but my books went everywhere.

CM: What would you do with $1 million?

KL: I would probably put it in the bank and live the same life. And maybe get a new car or help my parents.

CM: What’s on your bucket list?

KL: I want to travel to every continent — except Antarctica — and skydive. And I want to see my children graduate college.

Photo by Sunny Johnson

When he’s not quizzing his friends on movie quotes, this basketball player can be found cleaning the house

CM: What do you do with the little free time you have?

KL: I’m a big cleaner. I’m not a neat freak, but I’ll start with one room and end up cleaning the whole house. I also love to watch movies. I tell people I’m a “movieologist” because I quote movies so much. I shop a lot, but I need to stop. I have to have a pair of shoes to match every shirt in my closet.

CM: What’s your favorite part of being on the team?

KL: Every day is something special.

It’s something we all share. I can’t put it into words — just laughing in the locker room, when guys get scared on planes, the team camaraderie. Just being on the team is one of the greatest moments. It builds every day. n

the gauntlet

One Nation

UNDER GOD? Are Judeo-Christian principles taking over the government? Should the Ten Commandments continue to be displayed in government buildings or are they prevalent enough? What morals and standards should government be held to?

RELIGION & MORALITY — KEY TO LIBERTY

T

he influence of Judeo-Christian principles in American government dates back to our nation’s founding. When writing the Declaration of Independence, members of the Continental Congress cited the common citizen’s “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” acknowledged the authority of “the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God,” appealed to the n Justin Hodge, a “Supreme Judge of the senior mechanical engineering world” and asserted major from “a firm reliance on the Petersburg, offers protection of divine a conservative Providence.” point of view on In fact, the first act issues. of the First Continental Congress in 1774 was to offer a prayer asking for God’s aid and protection.

As our Founding Fathers created the body of laws which would become our Constitution, they took great care to examine what role religion would play in our nation.

They recognized that the institutions of government and religion must be kept distinct and separate since the merging of po-

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

litical and religious authority had led to corruption, persecution and war throughout history.

Yet they also knew the right of the people to exercise their religious beliefs freely was essential in maintaining a free and prosperous society.

As Samuel Adams noted, “Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.” To guarantee the religious liberty of the American people and prevent the creation of a national religion capable of infringing upon this liberty, the Founders declared in the First Amendment of the Constitution that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”

Unfortunately, in the last few decades many have come to believe the purpose of this “establishment clause” was not simply to prevent government intervention in religious institutions but was to exclude all religious principles from government or public reference.

They often cite the idea of “separation of church and state” as one of our nation’s key founding principles, but this statement does not appear in our Constitution or any other founding document.

It comes from a letter written in 1802 by

President Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptist Association. Examining this statement in its original context reveals that Jefferson was opposing government infringement of the rights of this particular religious group, not advocating exclusion of all elements of religion from government.

Although Jefferson was most likely a Deist and did not conform to the teachings of Christianity, he chose to attend church regularly in the Capitol.

When asked by a friend why he did this, he replied, “No nation has ever yet existed or been governed without religion. Nor can be. The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I as chief Magistrate of this nation am bound to give it the sanction of my example.”

Many people today believe those ideas belong to an era long past, and such pro-religion acts are not the legitimate role of government and politicians.

But I would argue that removing the religious and moral statutes on which this nation was founded damage the very foundation of the system that made the United States the best example of representative government the world has yet seen.

Appearance of religious symbols or recognition of religious activities by the federal or state governments does not consti-

tute the creation of a theocracy. If citizens choose to display a manger scene in their community, no passerby is forced to believe as truth the story this scene represents.

If a school allows its students to pray or participate in religious activities, no student is forced to participate. And if a judge chooses to display the Ten Commandments in his courtroom, no citizen is forced to acknowledge these as divine truth.

If nothing else, permitting these activities and symbols reminds us of the Founding Fathers’ central argument in our nation’s Declaration: that our unalienable rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness are not rights conferred on us by the government, but are God-given rights upon which no one can legitimately infringe.

As Jefferson proclaimed, “Can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” n

THOU SHALT NOT BE ARROGANT

T

he issue of church and state is often criticized in America. Its controversial aspects, like the display of the Ten Commandments in courthouses, are what gain attention while the beautiful aspects of the relationship are ignored.

Liberal Christianity has emerged onto the country’s consciousness with President Barack Obama as its figurehead. Obama’s faith played an important role in bringing him to the position he is in today.

Religion is his motivation to ensure the health of all citizens, end wars and promote green technology to save God’s creation.

A liberal n Monica Krause, understanding of the a senior interChristian faith makes us national studies major from Fort reconsider the role of Wayne, offers a religion in the political liberal perspective life of the United States. on issues.

Obama clarified his beliefs in a speech on religion and politics at the 2006 Sojourners conference. While acknowledging the historical influence of religion, he also said, “We are no longer a Christian Nation.”

Usually, discussion arises in situations such as when people demand the Ten Commandments be removed from public areas — perfectly rational given that they are an overtly religious symbol.

The posting of the Ten Commandments suggests a preference for the dominant Judeo-Christian beliefs. Many citizens feel excluded because they are not a part of this religious majority.

This display may also contribute to a biased justice system that favors a faith that has been known to be oppressive, violent and discriminatory. Christianity has not always set the precedent of justice, equality and inclusion our Constitution requires.

With such problems, why are religious symbols used in government? Religion doesn’t have a monopoly on morals or ethics — certainly inspiration can be found elsewhere.

Government is not an amoral institution, so these attempts to include ethics and morals are a good thing. Justice and equality are some of the values the Ten Commandments convey.

Therefore, posting the Ten Commandments isn’t the abomination some may think. Clearly, the ideals they represent are honored in our society. When viewed this way, the Ten Commandments do not necessarily advocate Judeo-Christian beliefs above those of other religions.

Judges who display these religious laws in their courtrooms are not looking for conversion, but for a commitment to the values that foster better community.

Our government needs symbols to preserve our culture. Just think of the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle and the American flag. It also needs morals to set standards of acceptable behavior.

Without visual representations, values are easier to ignore. If that happens, we’ll have problems much worse than religious imagery in a secular government.

The difficulty is finding symbols that appeal to a wider audience. Religious ones, unfortunately, are a divisive choice. Because they exclude large groups of people, they do not work for their intended purpose. They do not appeal to our common commitments to justice because the values are disguised in a religious costume. It’s time to find other symbols of the morals all Americans value.

It would be a mistake to include elements of all the religious traditions in our society because there would be no end to the desire for all groups to be officially recognized.

That is why church and state should be kept separate. Instead of supporting any one religion over another, it’s better to allow free practice of every belief.

If America loses its ties to Christianity, it will not result in moral relativism. There are universal definitions of right and wrong, but they are not tied to a specific religion.

It’s ignorant to believe other traditions do not affirm the same values as Christianity. No single voice or ideology can understand the complexity of ethical debates, so all points of view should be included.

Liberal Christianity welcomes those discussions. It seeks interreligious dialogue.

Religion has a role in the U.S., but on the side of the people, not with the government.

Christians, don’t be overbearing. And non-Christians, don’t succumb to your minority status and be silent.

Separation of church and state is a tough issue that cannot be resolved without communication. Together, we need to build a culture that is inclusive and without favoritism, incorporating symbols that appeal to everyone.

This must happen all while maintaining the shared moral and ethical values of our judicial system. n December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

9

snapshot

by Brennan Girdler

The

Change He Believes In C asually leaning back in his office chair at a dangerous 45-degree angle, the SGA president is sitting, waiting for anyone to walk through his door.

After trying twice, President Joe Brown, a finance and global business major, now occupies the top spot he has desired for years, and he’s prepared to use his position to do all he can to get you more involved.

“These years are about springboarding you into other and better things,” he said.

“Becoming involved is the best thing for any student.”

Starting early in his freshman year, Brown began to notice SGA struggling and quickly got involved.

“I was anxious about getting in and working hard for the students,” he said about his decision to run for SGA president his junior year.

After losing a close race to friend and mentor Caresse Bucchan, who graduated in May, Brown took the Student Development Fund chair instead, and decided to run for the top spot last spring.

Before his election, Brown was one of the notable figures behind last year’s significant constitutional amendment, which requires all organizations to have representation in Student Congress. The amendment was crafted to combat student apathy in regard to Congress, which he said had no system of accountability and dwindling representation.

Once the amendment passed, it caused major uproar; but Brown stood behind the work of the committee, helping garner the votes needed to pass the legislation.

“Congress had 15-ish people voting on $80,000 of student reserves,” he said.

Almost immediately following the passage of the amendments, he was elected president.

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

UE’s SGA president works hard for you, but he isn’t all business

Keeping campus busy and students involved is Brown’s primary goal. He believes that you only get out of college what you put in it.

Brown thanks and credits his fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, for jump-starting his college experience and making him an involved student. But that’s just one of the many organizations he’s involved in. He’s everywhere.

Senior Megan Sicard said that while he has a serious and official side, his years as an Orientation Leader allowed him to display his inner child.

“Joe’s a gregarious guy,” said sophomore Toby Onwumere, who also commented on Brown’s fun side. “He loves to talk, crack jokes and pretend to dance, making him the perfect OL.” Although Brown refutes Onwumere’s dancing claim, senior Katie Loomis, SGA vice president, has experienced his funloving and carefree nature.

“He likes to go out of his way to be your friend,” she said.

Brown is known to make people feel comfortable and included, which helps when dealing with startled freshmen during Welcome Week.

But Brown admitted it can be difficult when you’re the only student in a meeting with President Stephen Jennings or Dean Dana Clayton, vice president for Student Affairs, and dealing with serious issues.

“It’s like a quasi-world,” Brown said.

“I have to be a peer to students and a respectable peer to administrators.”

Like any leader, he has to stay on his toes at all time, but he doesn’t let stress and work get to him.

“I try to inject humor into any serious situation,” Brown said, “but that doesn’t mean I’ll start cracking jokes at funerals.”

His life is split between a multitude of activities — organizations, people and the

ever elusive free time.

“Buying a planner was a big step,” Brown said. “Prioritizing these things takes up half of my time.”

Remember though — Brown isn’t an administrator; he’s a student. Elected to serve the student body, he more than fulfills his duties.

Those who regularly see Brown in his business attire say that under the suit, he’s a friendly guy.

“Joe’s personal and inclusive,” Sicard said, “[He is] sure to treat everyone well with respect and good humor.”

Look for him in his office if you need to have a serious chat or just stop by for a dance if you need a laugh. He always looks forward to visitors and chances to procrastinate.

“I love giving hugs,” Brown said, “except for those awkward side hugs. Why not give a full hug if all it takes is just one more arm?”

It would be difficult to find another student more representative of — or more in touch with — the student body than Brown. Maybe that’s exactly why he was elected to his position.

“Every time I go in my office and open my blinds, I’m happy,” he said. “The opportunities this campus has offered me — as a student and as a quasi-administrator — have been wonderful. When I sit behind my desk, I always look forward to phone calls, emails and walk-ins because it means I can do what I had to run twice to do, [which is] better student life at UE.” Brown said he has learned just as much out of class as in, and he credits all of his involvement for making his college experience so worthwhile.

“I told him one day he’d take over the world,” Sicard said.

And while he may not be a household name yet, he has conquered campus. n

Photo by Sunny Johnson

11

coming of age

of

A

Finding solutions as you struggle with life’s choices and your personal identity

nother school year. As the semester drags on, you feel like Bill Murray’s character in “Groundhog Day,” where the same monotonous things seem to happen to you day in and day out.

You’ve already suffered through more semesters than you care to admit, often doing things that make you pause and question yourself.

You‘ve tried to do what others want you to do, but that hasn’t worked. Bottom line — it’s time to start making some decisions about who you really are and what you want to be.

For many, it may not be that desperate, but for others, coming up with answers to life’s many questions and deciding what to do once you find them can be daunting.

Many had their first alcoholic drink in high school or earlier and find that turning down a drink in college is no big deal. For others, the pressure to experiment and fit in trumps everything else.

Stereotypically, fraternity and sorority members across the country are wild partiers with no future goals in life. Who hasn’t watched and laughed at the shenanigans of Bluto and the rest of the crazies of “Animal House”? But you don’t have to party like Bluto to have a good time.

Sophomore Shelby George, a Zeta Tau Alpha and Lambda Chi Alpha’s sweetheart, doesn’t drink. She didn’t in high school, and the practice has continued in college.

“I just never drank,” she said. “People offered alcohol to me, but I always turned it down. Besides, I knew I could have fun without drinking. The [Lambda Chi’s] love that I don’t drink. No fraternity guy has ever pressured me to drink.”

But, not everyone abstains from drinking. Junior David Riedford, Phi Gamma Delta president, has struggled with his own decisions concerning alcohol for years. He started drinking before his junior year in high school and has continued in college.

“Drinking was the same here, only it was a lot easier to find, more accessible,” he said.

Health problems eventually forced

12

by Josh Cleveland & Lauren Oliver

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

Riedford to reevaluate his use of alcohol.

He has since attended counseling for his alcohol use and has stopped drinking.

“Everybody’s been really supportive and not thought twice about it,” he said, adding that his brothers have helped him find activities that are healthy alternatives.

Even his counselor is impressed by the way his brothers have accepted Riedford’s decision to quit.

“I have a less selfish attitude now,” he said. “It was all about getting drunk and not caring who with. Then [I] became more focused on friends than drinking. Now, drinking is fun but not necessary, and it’s possible to have fun without drinking.”

Drinking is not the only vice students have to deal with. Drug use — no matter how big or small — is still a common danger. Junior Kent Johnson is one student who understands. “[Pot] made me a huge slacker,” he said. “Drug use can be either a phase or an addiction. Luckily for me it was just a phase.”

In the end, it took getting caught for Johnson to realize he had to give up using.

“It was a positive push toward a better lifestyle,” he said. “I think more clearly, and have more time for friends that matter.”

For those who are questioning their drug or alcohol use, Counseling Services is available. They are dedicated to helping students not only with drug and alcohol problems, but also with their transition into adulthood. Although most students are mandated to counseling after an alcohol infraction, any students struggling with drugs is encouraged to seek help.

“Most students who come in are pretty honest,” said Sylvia Buck, director of Counseling Services.

Counseling offers education for awareness and prevention of alcoholism, but don’t think you need to be a heavy drinker to go to counseling. Counselors are there to help with any is-

sue one may have with personal identity and choices in college.

“The counseling process is a safe place to explore values, life goals, strategies for achieving goals and fight self-defeating behavior,” Buck said. “In college you are coming of age and developing mature relationships. When you’re living on your own, you develop a sense of confidence and learn to manage emotions and relationships. These are wonderful years of reaching toward your goals.”

Considering the number of choices facing students today, it’s easy to forget the reason people come to college. Many choose a major for all the wrong reasons, forgetting they need to be satisfied with their choice once they enter the job market. When students have a less than solid

plan for their college education, Career Services is there to offer a helping hand.

Diana Cundiff, assistant director for career outreach, helps students set the path for col-

lege and the real world. Students who are undeclared can take personal assessment tests to help them find what they’re looking for, but if that doesn’t get the job done, a major discoveries program can guide them to choosing a major.

“I want to help them find a major that makes them excited to go to class,” Cundiff said. “You have to enjoy what you’re learning.”

Junior Margaret Durkovic had trouble settling on a major. Initially, she declared elementary education as her major, but before finishing her first semester, a professor recognized Durkovic’s other talents and pushed her toward a writing major. Fearing she would have limited career options in writing, Durkovic added a Spanish major but still felt unsettled.

“The summer before sophomore year, I had an epiphany,” she said.

After seeing a psychologist, she realized she wanted to do the same thing. So she switched to a major in psychology with a minor in writing.

“I definitely second-guessed myself,” she said. “I thought, ‘I picked my major for a good reason so I should stick it out,’ but I’m glad I didn’t.”

Durkovic feels freshmen are pressured to pick a major to form their college identities, but she wishes UE would push the undeclared option.

“You can never say this is what you’re going to do forever,” she said. “You learn and discover things about yourself. If you’re inflexible, you can never be happy.”

Students also face choices concerning their sexuality. Those struggling with identity, sexual or otherwise, can find support in PRIDE. This organization is devoted to helping students learn to love the individual differences that make everyone unique and come to terms with who they really are.

“Every year we run into numerous students who are struggling internally with their sexuality,” said senior Brent Ploughe, PRIDE vice president.

He said the organization is a safe, discreet place to explore who you are as you take the first steps to understand yourself. “[You can] be comfortable with who you are,” Ploughe said. “Then you will be better suited to make a difference on campus.”

Chaplain Tammy Gieselman is another avenue for students to turn to for advice and is available to talk with students who need guidance.

“There are always ongoing spiritual issues for students,” she said. “It’s their first time away from their parents, and they’re

figuring out where they’re going to land on their spiritual path. It’s not always easy.”

One student who understands this struggle is junior Abby Hendrix. Growing up, she was split between her mother’s Southern Baptist beliefs and her father’s Catholic faith. While her mom pushed Hendrix toward the Southern Baptist faith, Hendrix felt stifled, finding she wanted nothing more than to reject religion as a whole.

Since coming to college, she has adopted a more agnostic stance through meeting

people with similar views and situations.

To other students who are struggling with spirituality, Hendrix offers some advice.

“You’re not alone,” she said. “You can be open or reject it. Be yourself. Don’t follow a religion because someone else tells you to. It’s your decision — not others’.”

Regardless as to what you may be struggling with, there are people who can help you make tough decisions. Using the support systems available can help transform students into the respected adults they are destined to be. n

It may not be flowers, but it’ll sure make you feel better!

1924 E. Morgan Ave (812) 425–4422

FREE Delivery to UE’s Campus!

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

13

eats

by Lauren Williams

A little Taste…of Heaven A metropolitan experience in an unlikely place

Descending the steps from Main Street into a cellar may seem creepy. Cellars are usually damp and dirty, but for this new restaurant it provides a secluded spot for a relaxing getaway.

Owners of Taste..., known as a wine and dessert house, transformed this cellar into an elegant and contemporary restaurant.

It has a modern metropolitan feel with a touch of home. Its exposed brick walls, distinctive paintings and outdoor grotto make Taste the picture of sophistication and comfort.

“We wanted it to resemble upscale dining, but we didn’t want it to be uncomfortable,” co-owner Althea Grant said.

She said she wanted people to be able to relax after a hard day. After living in Atlanta, where this type of restaurant is a

Delightful Desserts Piece of Cake has all you need to get in the Holiday Spirit. Take home a Santa Surprise basket for under $20.

In the mood for a classic? Get a dozen chocolate chip cookies for $6.95.

Open until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 2 p.m. Saturday • 210 Main St. Famous for its variety, Grand Traverse Pie Company is sure to have your favorite flavor. Whether it’s peach or pecan, all pies are made from scratch. Get your fill until 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday • 6245 Vogel Road Lic’s Deli and Ice Cream is the place for frozen sweets and treats. Their fatfree sorbets are made with all natural fruit juices and contain no dairy.

Open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 10 p.m. • 2001 Washington Ave. and 4501 Lincoln n

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Crescent Magazine l December 2009

popular diversion, she decided to bring something new to Evansville.

“We thought it would be different, unique and there’s nothing like it around here,” she said.

The small restaurant, just down the street from Hammerheads at 323 Main St., offers a light fare of desserts, cheese and fruit trays, wine and coffee in a relaxed environment.

“It was a nice change of pace,” senior Emily Wheeler said.

She went with a group of friends for dessert and enjoyed the comfortable chairs and smoke-free facility.

Taste is open to all ages, so sharing a 21st birthday with underage friends is no problem. But Wheeler warns students not to stop in if they’re expecting a party. It’s different than the usual places like RiRa and Fast Eddy’s where students traditionally go for a good time.

“It was chill,” Wheeler said. “You actually got to talk.”

It’s an excellent place to sit and enjoy good food, wine and conversation.

“It would be a great place to go on a date,” senior Cortnye Stone said.

Whether it’s a date or an outing with friends, Taste is the place for wine.

If you’re not a wine expert but want to experiment, Taste can help. Servers will ask a few questions to get a starting point.

Once they’ve gotten to know their customer, they’ll bring out a few different types of wine they recommend, offering to bring a full glass once you find one you like.

They also offer a wine flight, which consists of three or four different wines. Tamara Wandel, associate professor of communication, and a self-professed wine connoisseur, recommends new tasters take this route.

“The wine flight allows a person to try several small samples of wine,” she said.

“You can get a nice sampling of what interests your palate.”

But the wine flight isn’t just for those new to wine. The two-ounce pours make a great accent for different foods and desserts, since Taste offers desserts rang-

ing from chocolate truffles to scrumptious cakes. Other popular desserts include peach cobbler, crepes, chocolate pate and red velvet cake.

“My favorite dessert of all time is cheesecake; they have great New York cheesecake,” said Stone, who also likes the location and felt the prices (most are below $15) were reasonable for the quality of her dining experience.

Affordable prices in a classy establishment make this downtown location ideal for celebrations.

“It’s fun,” junior Christin Spurlin said.

“You can go with your friends and get cheese and fruit and listen to good music.”

The restaurant offers live music on the weekends usually consisting of jazz, light rock and blues. In addition to live music, Taste offers specials almost every night with a wine tasting on Tuesdays. Wine Down Wednesdays features $3 glasses of the house wine and on the first and third Thursdays of the month, there are specials on domestic beer. The Lyric Cafe, similar to an open mic night, is every second and fourth Thursday.

Taste is open from 4–11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday and from 4 p.m.–1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. The wine and dessert bar will celebrate its first year anniversary on New Year’s Eve with a party you don’t want to miss. n

religion

by Heather Powell & Jennifer Stinnett

g n i t h g i l h g i H the

s y a d i l o H Holidays bring you home, connect you to your past and give you something to look forward to every year. No wonder everyone loves them.

T

he day before a big holiday — no matter which holiday it may be — holds an electric anticipation.

There’s something in the air that somehow makes bad moods disappear and the world a little bit brighter. No matter the faith, tradition or culture, holidays bring out something that invites people to get better connected to the things that make life matter.

“It’s the connection to something that is deep, something deeper and broader than we are,” said Diane Oliver, professor of religion and philosophy and department chair.

“It’s a connection to our families and our communities.”

And this connection isn’t limited to any specific holiday, well-known or otherwise.

There are just certain characteristics that are universal and more encompassing than any one religion.

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

15

One aspect shared by multiple holidays is the feeling of excitement — that feeling that something wonderful is just around the corner. For Muslims, Ramadan is a fast that focuses on preparing not only for the feast, called Eid ul-Fitr that happens at the end of December, but also focuses on preparing for the whole year.

For Christians, this preparation involves more than just wrapping presents and decorating the house with lights. It involves preparing one’s

heart for the religious aspects of the holiday as well. The Christian tradition of Advent represents this attempt to prepare spiritually for Christmas. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, different candles are lit, each representing a different aspect in the life of Jesus Christ.

Oliver said it’s unfortunate that people often overlook this anticipatory part of the holiday, which she believes is important to fully appreciate the holiday season.

But another key facet of many holidays is the time spent getting friends and family together in one place for a big ol’ party.

Take a look at the Indian festival of Around The World lights, Diwali, a celebration of Indian culture and religion represented by different Usually, when you think Christmas, you sources of light, which encompass the think of Christmas trees and a nativity whole day from morning to night. scene, right? The craziest tradition most of us Starting at 4 a.m., fireworks fill have is a little bit of spiked eggnog on Christmas the sky and most Indian housEve, but take a look at some of these Christmas traes are decorated with electric ditions from around the world and you’ll see that lights and diyas, which are maybe we need to spice it up a little bit. small oil lamps.

But the fireworks are GREECE — In Greece, they have these devilish little connected to a religious creatures named Killantzaroi, who come out during the tradition. The holiday 12 days of Christmas. Traditionally, these little elf-like crearepresents the triumph tures do things like extinguish fires, braid hair and sour of good over evil when milk. They enter through the chimney, unless you have a fire Hindus remember the going constantly. But if one gets in, some Holy Water can Lord Rama’s defeat of help get them out. the evil Kansa.

They also celeAUSTRALIA — Since Christmas falls in the middle of their brate a puja, or worsummer, most Australians celebrate the holidays outside with ship, for Lakshmi, the picnics and games. Think fourth of July, only Christmas. Also, goddess of wealth every year, thousands of Australians gather in Melbourne for and prosperity. But “Carols by Candlelight,” which is an important tradition in it’s also about the difAustralian culture. ferent subcultures of the community, comEGYPT — Egyptians don’t celebrate Christmas in the ing together for a single same month because most Christian Egyptians follow the celebration.

Orthodox calendar. For them, Christmas falls on Jan. 7.

Senior Ritu Shah said In Egypt, everyone goes to church at midnight wearDiwali holds a special place ing a completely new outfit. After the service, they go for her because it’s a minhome for their traditional Christmas meal: fata (rice, gling of so many different types garlic and meat). of people, and it guarantees time with her family and friends.

CZECH REPUBLIC — Here you can find out “It’s so special because you meet if there’s a wedding in your near future. your family members you don’t see Legend has it, if a woman puts a cherthroughout the year,” she said. “It’s everyry twig in water Dec. 4 and it blosthing together. It’s special because you’re soms before Christmas, she will doing it with the people you love. And it be married before the next means sweets and gifts, which is always Christmas. welcome.”

But it’s not only Diwali that brings people together while at the same time con-

Christmas

16

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

taining powerful religious aspects. Even the quickest examination of other major religious holidays, such as the Islamic holiday Ramadan and the major Jewish holiday Yom Kippur, prove that many holidays are more similar than people might think.

For instance, Yom Kippur is centered on asking forgiveness for any wrongdoings and being at peace with your community and family.

Even Ramadan, with its emphasis on individual spiritual discipline, ends with a feast with one’s family and friends. In primarily Islamic countries, Eid — as the festival is called for short — is a national holiday where children and their parents travel from door to door, collecting candy and other sweets.

Christmas, too, focuses on family. After all, most memories, beyond the number of gifts, often revolve around time spent with rarely-seen family members and other people we love.

“The whole family comes together,” junior Ben Menke said. “It’s one time of year that everybody’s required to be together.”

But the religious aspects of Christmas cannot be overlooked. For many people, the connection with their faith is what gives the Christmas parties and gift exchanges a deeper meaning.

“You get to celebrate Jesus and bless others with gifts,” junior Shannon Jennings said. “What’s more beautiful than that?”

Even though she believes the holiday can be special regardless of any religious aspects, celebrating Jesus’ birth is what makes Christmas so important to Jennings.

But whether someone is a fervent believer, casually connected to a faith or not interested in religion at all, the holiday season can still hold meaning.

Senior Liz Badolato said she enjoys Christmas, but not for spiritual reasons. For her, celebrating Christmas is more about spending time with loved ones than the religious aspect.

“I live so far from home, it’s about seeing my family,” she said.

But even Badolato, an avowed atheist, does not minimize the importance of Christianity to the holiday. She said even though she doesn’t believe in Christianity, she believes people, especially children, should know what they are celebrating.

“I feel like a lot of times, parents don’t tell their kids about the religious aspect,”

she said. “It’s important to know the history of the holiday if you celebrate it.”

So while these holidays share so much in common, the history and traditions behind each one are unique. Thus, with all these common characteristics and all these religions overlapping, it’s no wonder a controversy has arisen over what is the appropriate holiday greeting: “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”

On one hand, some Christians believe that it’s unfair that they are not allowed to express their beliefs publicly because of the stigma of the phrase, “Merry Christmas,” which is often deemed politically incorrect. Some people believe this is a sign that Christmas is becoming secularized and the religious aspects of it are fading.

“I think if anything, the holiday season is commercialized, but Christmas itself is disappearing,” Jennings said. “You’re not even allowed to say ‘Merry Christmas’ anymore.”

Senior Dawn Sorg agreed with Jennings.

“I think it’s stupid,” she said. “People need to get over it. I think [Merry Christ-

mas] is more a socially-accepted phrase. I don’t think it’s me trying to impose my religious views on people.”

But other Christians don’t consider the issue to be a reflection of the disappearance of Christmas’ religious aspects.

“People blow it out of proportion a lot,” Menke said. “I am a Christian, but I wouldn’t be offended about being told ‘Happy Holidays.’ I am going to live in peace with them regardless.”

Senior Amanda Cunningham, while celebrating Christmas herself, is still conscious of others’ beliefs.

“I notice I say ‘Merry Christmas’ to people I know, but ‘Happy Holidays’ to people I don’t know,” she said. “I don’t want to offend anyone.”

Oliver recognizes that at its worst, people are trying to take the religion out of Christmas, but she believes that at its best, it’s an attempt to be conscious that not everyone believes in same the things.

“People of other religions are not so much offended by the term ‘Christmas,’” she said, “but it is more of an attempt to

recognize the minority voice, the variety of voices in our community.”

So on one side, you have those who believe the controversy is ridiculous and merely an attempt to take religion out of the holidays. But on the other side, you have those who believe that the debate is actually about being aware of other cultures and their beliefs.

Ultimately, it’s obvious there is more to a holiday than just a celebration of a religious event. It’s the celebration of family, community and tradition. It is a celebration of the electrified feeling that predicts something wonderful is coming.

“So it is not religious in the sense of any particular belief, necessarily,” Oliver said.

“But it is, nonetheless, religious.”

Holidays break down barriers between countries and cultures, but at the same time, they reaffirm the traditions of the past and offer a foundation in a topsy-turvy world.

With all their surprisingly similar characteristics, they are something you can count on, no matter what. n

The Holiday Table Holiday: Hanukkah (Jewish) Date Celebrated: It begins this year at sundown on Dec. 11 and lasts through Dec. 19.

Why Celebrated: People of the Jewish faith celebrate it to remember the Maccabean revolt.

Random Facts: Dreidel is a top with one letter on each of its four sides. What the top lands on determines what prize is received.

The Menorah is a reminder of a miracle, which occurred in 165 B.C. The Menorah was supposed to continuously burn, but after defeating the Syrian army, the Jews discovered there was only enough oil for one day and it continued to burn for eight days.

Holiday: Kwanzaa (African heritage) Date Celebrated: Dec. 26 through Jan. 1.

Why Celebrated: It’s a holiday that celebrates AfricanAmericans, their history and culture.

Random Fact: Dr. Maulana Karenga modeled the holiday after the First Fruit Festival celebrated in Africa in 1966.

During Kwanzaa, celebrators light a candle every night.

Each candle represents different values in the African culture.

The principles are: unity, self-determination, responsibility, economics, purpose, creativity and faith.

Holiday: Ramadan (Muslim) Date Celebrated: It follows the Islamic calendar and falls on the ninth month. This year it began around Aug. 22 and lasted until Sept. 20.

Why Celebrated: It’s an annual month-long fast to purify the soul and refocus on God. It’s considered one of the five pillars of Islam.

Random Fact: After Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid alFitr, the Festival of Fast-Breaking.

Holiday: Diwali (Hindu) Date Celebrated: This year it was celebrated Oct. 17 Why Celebrated: Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights.

People string lights on their homes and make colorful designs with rangoli, and artform involving sandprinting.

Random Fact: Lighting the diyas represents the destruction of negative forces through knowledge. The light of the diyas represents knowledge.

Holiday: Christmas (Christian) Date Celebrated: Dec. 25 Why Celebrated: Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth and is an opportunity to get together with family and friends.

Random Fact: It’s traditional to kiss your loved one beneath the mistletoe.

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

17

profile

As the winner of Crescent Magazine’s Launch Party Profile Drawing, we couldn’t have selected a more deserving person to share with readers

by Megan Merley

Photo by Alaina Neal

18

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

M

any people know her on sight, and some even know her without being introduced. Senior Courtney King, an elementary education major, may not be a fictional Disney character, but she is pretty animated.

She is popular — during this interview, she was interrupted a number of times by people stopping to say hello. One of them was a student who she had as a member of her small group from two years ago.

Easy to like, she is an Orientation Leader, an Admission Ambassador and a Chi Omega. People say she is one of the sweetest and most outgoing people on campus. She seems to talk to everyone, and it’s hard to think of her as anything but friendly and effervescent.

Growing up in Avon, she said she was shy. She may even go down in history as the only person who ever got picked on for being too nice. But she doesn’t seem bitter about it.

“This one time, a girl on the bus sat on me,” she emphasized, laughing as she recalled the experience.

Her childhood bullying may have been a blessing in disguise — it got her extra attention from some of the most influential and inspiring people in her life — her teachers. King said they were responsible for so much of what she is today since they instilled in her a love of learning.

“I had a lot of really great teachers,” she explained.

“They really invested in me, encouraged me when I needed it.”

King said another source of inspiration is her family.

Her parents and two younger sisters have had a lot to do with her passion for teaching. Her youngest sister, Chelsea, has a learning disability. This has been an extra incentive for King, driving her desire to be the best teacher she can be. She wants to be to others what her teachers were to her.

“I love seeing that light bulb go on,” she said of her passion for teaching.

This passion for guiding and encouraging others carries beyond her professional aspirations. She is involved in her sorority, serving as a liaison between new and active members as the new member educator.

She helps new members become acclimated to sorority life and is often the one they turn to for advice about school, work and everything in between.

King said she also just really enjoys giving back to the community and UE in general.

“I don’t think I’d be who I am today without the support and friends I’ve made at this school,” she said.

King has a heart for people. She said she loves to meet ordinary people and learn their stories.

“I think that everyone has a story,” King said.

She also said she enjoys helping those in need. This philanthropic trait stems mostly from King’s identification with her Christian faith. It is a major part of her personality and personal philosophy.

“My life has been changed through my relationship

with Christ,” she said. “I don’t want to be pushy about my faith or anything, but it’s a big part of me. I just want to love people the way Jesus did.”

She said she believes strongly in expressing her faith through love, by encouraging others and just doing what she can to make people feel good.

While she may dream of going out and talking to ordinary people on the street, for now her plans lie closer to home. She intends to teach either in Evansville or near the Indianapolis area. She already has extensive experience with children through her work as a camp counselor and with Girl Scouts of America.

King wants to continue to be a part of this community. She also would like to be close to her friends and family because she said she really values having a support system comprised of friends, family, sorority sisters and other Christians.

In her spare time, King said she enjoys spending time with her many friends and indulging her hobbies — playing tennis and tutoring her younger cousin. She also likes to write hand-written letters to people she hasn’t seen in a while and often includes pictures she colored out of a coloring book.

“Anything to make someone’s day better,” she said.

King definitely has a sillier side. While campaigning for Homecoming queen, she handed out Burger King crowns with “King for Queen” printed on them. Her idea apparently worked since she won the votes and the real crown last month.

King also professes a deep love for Laffy Taffy jokes because she said they are good icebreakers in her OL groups during Welcome Week. She is also notorious for singing into a toy microphone she keeps in her car, occasionally bringing it out to belt out Miley Cyrus songs with her roommate.

“I’m not ready to grow up,” she said. “I wear mismatched socks, wore a tutu out on my birthday — I’m definitely keeping the kid alive.”

King is personable and warm, and works to make a difference in other peoples’ lives, whether by performing an expected kindness or by just taking the time to listen when people need her most.

Talking to people is easy for King. The only time she said she is hesitant to say anything is when she is prompted to speak about her own strengths.

When asked what her greatest talent was, she simply shrugged and said, “I don’t feel like I’m very talented. I really pride myself on talking to and being able to relate to people. I feel like I’m a lot like my Grandma Rosie, very approachable. I don’t know if that counts as a talent, though.”

A friendly, funny person, King is endowed with a sense of empathy and a profound love for others, although she’d be the first to tell you otherwise.

“I’m not perfect,” she said. “I’m just like everybody else.”

But anyone who has met her might say something a little different. n December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

19

sexplanation Here are some gifts you may want Mr. Claus to deliver but are too shy to include on your wish list

B

eing naughty usually gets you coal, but for the sake of pleasure, being a little naughty can be really nice. This holiday season, you may discover that finding the perfect holiday gift doesn’t have to be a neverending struggle.

Tina Quigley, Exotica Romance and Fantasy Superstore general manager, said there are a variety of sex aids on the market, and that a sex toy may be just the gift to give that special someone this year.

Through popular culture and the various media, people are led to believe that dildos — toys that resemble a penis in shape, size and appearance — are the only toys available. In fact, some people think sex toys are a joking

Want a positively perfect gift idea for this holiday season? How about slipping one of these gifts under the tree or in your sweetie’s stocking.

matter all together.

But those who sell and use sexual aids generally laugh at this misconception, especially the claim that the only toys available are dildos, which are popular and timeless devices made from rubber, silicone and, most recently, glass.

Any sexual aid is meant to enhance a person’s or couple’s pleasure. Quigley said Exotica, like many other adult fantasy stores, offers beginner-level toys intended for people who want to experiment with their own bodies to the more advanced toys — those meant to be used with a partner.

While not all dildos resemble a penis, their shape is similar. If you think glass dildos sound sketch, think again. Not only are they beautiful, they are smooth and can contrast your body heat.

“They are non-porous, so they’re easy to clean,” Quigley said, adding that glass dildos are recyclable.

HELLO KITTY VIBRATOR

gifts for the

NAUGHTY

NICE

by Josh Fletcher

A step up from the dildo is its hyperactive cousin, the vibrator. It’s meant to vibrate against the body and stimulate nerves that ultimately result in a pleasant feeling. Quigley said it’s a better economical decision to purchase a vibrator instead of a dildo since it can be used with or without vibration.

Vibrators come in various designs, colors and speeds. Some even glow in the dark. Dr. Laura Berman, a nationally-recognized sex educator and therapist, recently said on her popular syndicated radio show that half of women age 18–60 use vibrators.

She also said vibrator use has been linked to improved sexual functioning in both men and women.

Quigley said the most popular type of vibrator is the rabbit vibrator. It comes in different shapes and sizes. Most have different pulsing levels. It’s also phallic in shape and includes a clitoris stimulator, which is attached to the shaft.

Men have options, too. Quigley said penis rings are by far the most popular gad-

VIBRATING RING

What more could a girl want?

Not only is the Hello Kitty Vibrator an instant conversation starter, it’s just too darn cute. This mildly powered vibrator is easy to travel with and only requires one AA battery. Try to keep the kitty quiet — you won’t want her purring too loud.

The snug grasp placed around the shaft of his penis makes this vibrating delight not only stimulating for both of you, but keeps him from prematurely ending the fun. Most vibrating rings come in various speeds that increase the intensity of each thrust.

IVIBE RABBIT

Designed by Doc Johnson, a maker of adult toys, this vibrating love wand will spoil you and your partner. Just like a jackrabbit, it’s build for speed and power. Not only does it have rotating pearls in the shaft, but it also has several other tricks and trinkets for exterior stimulation.

20

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

SYSTEM JO LUBRICANTS

With an assortment of men and women’s products, System JO provides a non-sticky solution for many couples. It’s the only lubricant approved and produced by the Food and Drug Administration. Exotica’s Tina Quigley says one drop of this stuff equals seven drops of regular lube.

gets and are normally made from rubber, silicone or leather. It’s placed over the shaft to slow the flow of blood from an erect penis so the man can maintain an erection longer. A penis ring can also be situated around the scrotum and penis for a more inclusive genital ring.

If toys aren’t your thing, there are other ways to steam up your holiday season.

While sexy lingerie is always an option, some people enjoy role-playing fantasies.

In sexual role-play, couples act out characters with an erotic incentive as part of the fantasy while wearing costumes and using props.

Menshealth.com reports that role-playing can lead to great sex once people get past the awkwardness of their play-acting.

“Part of enjoying tantalizing sex is experiencing a level of escape,” said Dr. Scott Haltzman, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Brown University and the author of “The Secrets of Happily Married Men.” While some find role-playing a tad ridiculous, many others never leave behind the fun of playing dress-up.

“Nurse, maid, bunny, cheerleader and school girl costumes are hot items all yearround,” Quigley said.

And since it is the season, you can always enjoy a little seasonal role-playing.

Santa Claus hats and sexy Mrs. Claus outfits can spice up the bedroom and are easy to make. Just use your imagination and have a seat on Santa’s lap. n

PASSION THROW ADULT GAME

No, this isn’t the afghan your grandmother knitted you for your birthday. Passion Throw is a cloth board game for you and your partner to experience. The spaces you land on throughout the game are loaded with fun moves, such as kiss your partner’s neck, rub his shoulders, lick her inner thigh and a lot more.

WHIPPED CREAM

Fluffy whipped cream is splendid on sundaes, but even better on your partner. The easy-to-use pressurized can allows you and your partner to design and decorate each other’s bodies.

Don’t forget the cherry.

Holiday Donation

OPERATION:

y tar s e n n Mo natio ed Do cept Ac

Help Crescent Magazine collect goods to send to our

Soldiers Overseas!

Deadline: 4 p.m. • December 4 Drop Off: Student Publications • 2nd Floor RUC

ACCEPTED ITEMS: Pens Socks DVDs Books Coffee Cards Candy

Gloves Toiletries Chapstick Sun Screen Baby Wipes Gum/Mints Pillowcases

NOT ACCEPTED: Chocolate Pornographic Material

Twin Sheets Phone Cards Magazines Chewing Tobacco/Dip Non-Perishable Food Novelty Christmas Items Puzzles/Crosswords/Sudoku

Bulk Religious Material Pork or Pork By-Product

Bootlegged Movies or CDs Unauthorized Political Material

For more information, contact Crescent Marketing & Sales at x2221 or crescentadvertising@evansville.edu

off the wall

Our

DRINK MONTH OF THE

Holiday Songs:

Holiday Punch If you’re looking for a festive drink to spice up your holiday season, Holiday Punch will do the trick. According to whattodrink.com, this beverage can be served to the under-21 crowd but is easily converted for those of age.

Mix the juices into a punch bowl, pour in soda water and top with scoops of sherbet for 16 1-cup servings. For individual cocktails, adding 1.5 oz. of vodka per serving is suggested.

INGREDIENTS

Favorite

2 48 oz. cans pineapple juice 1 40 oz. bottle cranberry juice 2 750 mL bottles soda water 1 liter strawberry, raspberry or lime sherbet Optional: 1.5 oz vodka

If you don’t believe us, YouTube them yourself. They’re real.

• Ante Up Bitch, It’s Christmas — “Scary Movie 2” • I Farted on Santa’s Lap — The Little Stinkers • Walkin’ ‘Round in Women’s Underwear — Bob Rivers • The Hannukah Song — Adam Sandler • The 12 Gays of Christmas — “Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist” • I Saw Daddy Kissing Santa Claus — Standstill • Chipmunks Roasting on an Open Fire — Bob Rivers

WORD OF THE MONTH... floopywuckus “You left your floopywuckus outside again.”

CAMPUS COMMENT:

“My grandma gave me a biography of Darwin.”

SHANNON JENNINGS

What is the most off-the-wall gift you have ever received?

[ junior ]

“Last Christmas I received a leather duffle bag despite the fact that I was a vegan at the time.”

“Snoopy Christmas boxers, but they were from a girl from color guard, and it “Ben Wa balls.” was just awkward.”

JON HARVEY

[ junior ]

“My high school boyfriend painted a British flag on my shoes.”

TERESA SAPIEN

[ junior ]

[

senior

“A package of 500 little packets of Pop Rocks.”

[ junior ]

ALLYSON HOCH

[ junior ]

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

BRENT SIGLER

]

BRITT CRAFT

“My dad gave me binoculars last year.”

22

JOANNE COBAR

[ junior]

“

“I got a ring from my boyfriend (of four months) that he stole from my mother. He took it to a pawn shop, but they wouldn’t give him any money. It also had her initials in it.”

JACKIE MCCOY

[ junior ]

W

Resolutions You

I will read Ace Notes every day. There’s a better chance it won’t rain at all this month.

KNOW You Won’t Keep

We all make those well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions that we honestly think we will keep.

But there are other resolutions we wish everyone would make and follow. Here is the list of New I will use Year’s resolutions we know most the Writing students won’t keep.

Center. For every paper.

I will not use Facebook in class. Seeing your face pop up on a computer a row ahead of you is creepy.

I will not skip any classes. Someone has to get the perfect attendance award.

I will not play Farmville on campus computers.

Leave the computers for those of us who actually have work to do or papers to print.

Favorite Holiday Desserts 1. Jell-O Jigglers 2. Apple crisp 3. Ho Hos 4. Gingerbread houses 5. All holiday cookies

WORD STREET ON THE

Santa Claus is coming to town…

Gifts to Re-gift: 1.Your baby sister — I asked for a puppy, not this.

2. Anything Hickory Farm — Keep your novelty sausage to yourself, please.

3. Fruitcake — Why are people still buying these?

4. Unpaid parking tickets — Everyone loves donating to a good cause.

5. Drug store perfumes and colognes — Sometimes B.O. smells better than these scents.

SAY WHAT?

tomorrow.

“Rainbows and unicorns go together, right? You know, happy shit.”

– John Stamm, assistant professor of physics

5

1/2 Ways to

Spice Up Yo

Family

u r

Holiday Traditions

While spending Christmas with the family can provide its own entertainment, here are a few ways to make sure there’s never a dull moment over Winter Break.

ONE TWO THREE 1.

CHANGE NAME LABELS ON PRESENTS: Imagine the look on Grandma’s face when she unwraps sexy lingerie from your uncle.

2. PUT LAXATIVES IN SANTA’S MILK: Now you’ll definitely know if Mom and Dad are really stealing those snacks.

3. USE DUCT TAPE TO WRAP PRESENTS: Duct tape doesn’t just come in that boring silver color anymore.

Now wrapping can be exciting with color-coordinated tape.

FOUR FIVE 1/2 4. SANTA CLAUS STRIPPERS: Ho-ho-ho. He’s coming down your chimney, and if you’re lucky, maybe he’ll bring a few elves too.

5. DIRTY SANTA: Add a twist to your Secret Santa by gifting edible underwear or anything to make your friends blush.

1/2. ADD SOME CAYENNE PEPPER: Is that spicy enough for you?

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

23

cheap dates

by Whitney Cohen

Have a

Holly

y l l Jo

Road Trip

Take a little drive east for an hour on I-64 to the Indiana Christmas wonderland known as Santa Claus

W

hen the bells start jingling and the chestnuts begin roasting, it’s time to set your GPS for Santa Claus — Santa Claus, Ind., that is.

Some may only know this city as the home of Holiday World theme park, but there’s so much more to Santa Claus than you would think. With such a famous name, how could there not be?

“The town is so neat and different,” junior Tyler Hodges said. “Besides, who doesn’t love Christmas?”

There are so many hidden gems that make the town of Santa Claus a special place to visit.

Santa’s Candy Castle is a one-stop shop for all your holiday treat needs. Reopened in 2006 after decades of standing empty and joyless, it has been restored to its former, cheery self.

Thousands of people pass through the castle’s gates each season to browse its selection of seasonal treats and unusual Christmas supplies.

Expanded Christmas season hours give shoppers plenty of time to stock up on gourmet hot chocolate mixes, unusually flavored candy canes like pina colada

24

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

and sour apple peach, and chocolaty treats sure to make you crave a tall glass of milk.

The castle has one quirky gift that will put a smile on even the biggest Scrooge’s face — Personalized phone calls from Santa can be sent to any phone number.

“I just wanted you to know that you’re one of my favorite kids in the whole wide world,” Santa Claus said during one such phone call to a delighted sophomore Kelly Couchman.

Know anyone with a serious Santa obsession? Want to find out more about the history of Santa Claus? If so, then the Santa Claus Museum is a must. The museum opened its doors in 2006 and is a wonderful resource for visitors interested in the surprising origins of the town that was once called Santa Fee. There are several different tales of how the city came to be called Santa Claus — one even involves the sound of mysterious sleigh bells. But you’ll have to stop by to learn what really happened.

The museum also has an impressive collection of Santa Claus dolls and figurines that’s constantly growing.

“It’s a unique place with an interesting history, so come take photos and get some

fun Santa Claus souvenirs,” museum curator Sue Hurst said.

Admission to the museum is free and a fun time for everyone.

Easily the highlight of the holiday season is the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration. This one-of-a-kind event has expanded in recent years to include more merry activities than ever before.

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout December you’ll be able to knock a few essential tasks off your Christmas to-do list by catching up on old times with the Big Man himself, decorating Christmas trees and going caroling.

But don’t think for a second that this is all the Christmas celebration has to offer.

Try out Kringle Karaoke and jam along to all the holiday tunes of your childhood.

If you’re in town after dark, take a drive through the Santa Claus Land of Lights.

“There are just tons of lights everywhere; it’s the ultimate Christmas village,” Hodges said of the elaborately decorated neighborhoods in Santa Claus.

This year’s theme, The Shining Story of Rudolph, is a display that takes Christmas lights to an entirely new level. The Land of Lights is made up of about 300 separate lighting displays along a driving path more than a mile long.

Each home along the route tells a differ-

ent part of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s story. Santa Claus residents claim the beloved reindeer was born in their very own town.

For a complete schedule of Christmas Celebration events, go to santaclauschristmascelebration.com.

Want your Christmas cards to make a statement this year? Bring them by the Santa Claus Post Office where they’ll be hand-canceled with the only authentic Santa Claus postmark in the world.

Every month, 13,000 pieces of mail are processed at this post office, but Postmaster Marian Balbach anticipates about 500,000 pieces this holiday season.

Before you head back to campus, stop by what is believed to be the oldest Santa Claus statue in the world; standing 22 feet tall, this Santa makes for an impressive Facebook photo opportunity.

As you’re making your way out of Santa Claus, driving along Jolly Lane or Silver Bell Terrace past Mistletoe Drive, remember that even the tiniest of towns have big stories to tell — some just a little merrier than others. n

UE Bookstore Buyback

UE Bookstore Buyback Noon • December 9 – December 16

Discounts and Promotions During the Week Cash on the Spot • Up to 50% Cash back.

Exact value of book dependent upon a variety of factors including readoption status, market value, edition status and book condition.

We gladly quote ALL books, whether used on this campus or not.

Original purchase receipt is NOT required, but you will need your UE ID.

Fill this entry form out and bring it with your Buyback Books to enter the Buyback Drawings, including a $100 Bookstore Gift Certificate.

Clip and Complete

December ‘09 Buyback Drawing Name: Email: Phone: You must be a UE student to be eligible to win prizes.

Deposit in Bookstore only during Buyback December 9-16.

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

25

wildcard

by Mindy Kurtz & Rachel Solava

..........Crash and Burn C affeine has become part of the average college student’s diet. We drink espresso, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, Monster and Rockstar energy drinks to get us through the day, and our sugar and caffeine intake just increases as finals draw closer.

But will cup after cup of caffeine keep you awake long enough to study for that big exam?

Coffee and energy drinks will give you bursts of energy, but they won’t necessarily help you concentrate. Relying on stimulants to help you stay alert could ultimately backfire and cause you to crash.

For a healthier alternative to caffeine, you can boost your energy, immune system and concentration by choosing foods high in B vitamins and antioxidants, such as bananas, almonds, most fruits and vegetables, dark chocolate and green tea (in moderation).

Scents can also help you stay alert.

Studies have recently shown that the smell of cinnamon and peppermint can increase alertness.

So break out a pack of Big Red or Winterfresh and start chewing.

Instead of reaching for your coffee pot, try reaching for your pillow instead.

Napping for 20 to 30 minutes can be invigorating and can re-stimulate your thought process. Don’t snooze too long though, or you’ll wake up feeling more exhausted.

READING AND RECOVERY DAY

Whether you’re recovering from an all-nighter or from a party, here are some things students like to do other than read or study on Reading and Study Day. Sleep — We all know that eight hours a night hasn’t been happening, so you might as well take this opportunity to catch up on some shut-eye.

Watch TV shows online — Speaking of catching up, this free day is a great chance to relax by watching your favorite shows, whether you missed last week’s episode of “Glee,” or the entire last season of “True Blood.”

Go out to eat — Take a study break and grab some food away from campus.

26

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

You deserve to reward yourself with nonSodexo food.

Recover from Tuesday’s celebration — It’s what most of us do anyway.

If all else fails, reading or studying for two hours won’t hurt. It’s what the day is actually for, right?

ACHING FOR A BREAK?

Exercise — If you don’t have time to get to the Fitness Center, take a short walk outside or do some jumping jacks. If you can’t waste time leaving your room, check out exercisetv.tv for a variety of free workout videos.

Read a book — Whether you’re reading Stephenie Meyer or Dan Brown, curling up and reading a few chapters of your favorite book can calm your mind after long study sessions.

Watch a funny movie — Laughter is the best medicine, so if you’re feeling gloomy from hitting the books, take a short break with friends and watch a movie that makes you laugh. From the older, darker comedy movies such as “After Hours,” to the recent mind-numbing comedies like “The Hangover,” there’s a funny movie for everyone.

THE ALL-NIGHT FIGHT

You stare at the clock in disbelief: It’s 12:30 a.m., you have a World Cultures final in eight hours, and you have yet to open Dante’s “Inferno.” Between slamming out power chords on Guitar Hero, watching YouTube videos for hours and finally going to Jazzman’s with that gorgeous guy from calculus, the day has seemed to vanish.

Now you’re left with two options: One, curl up under the covers and hope for the best tomorrow, or two, pull a dreaded all-nighter.

It seems as if all college students have done it, and friends swear that reviewing until sunrise works, but is pulling an all-nighter really that helpful?

Most medical sources say that sleep deprivation, even when re-

viewing for a test, is anything but beneficial. Memory systems and frontal lobe function suffer remarkably after an allnighter. In layman’s terms, not getting enough sleep can put a serious dent in your verbal fluency, creativity and problem-solving skills the following day.

According to an article in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine, sleep deprivation can affect your motor skills the same way alcohol does.

The article cites a study, which, after depriving subjects of 19 or more hours of sleep, found their blood alcohol concentration appeared as .1 percent. In Indiana and several other states, a BAC of .08 percent is grounds for a DUI. In other words, if you’ve had less than five hours of sleep, you can’t legally function behind the wheel.

So, before you feel like popping open an energy drink and blasting your entire iTunes library, remember that a little more sleep goes a long way.

If you find yourself desperate enough to pull an all-nighter, use these tips to cram for that neglected final and still catch a few winks.

1. Tackle the unfamiliar material first, and leave what you know best for last.

2. Study selectively and identify the vital information. Make flashcards to make sure you know the important definitions, concepts and equations. Rewriting and recitation will help you memorize the facts.

3. Use your textbook well. Most textbooks have summary sections, review questions and practice tests for each chapter or unit.

4. Write down the main ideas of each lecture from your notes or beg to borrow notes from the cute girl or guy who sits in the front.

5. On the day of the exam, briefly review your condensed notes. n

Happy Holidays

y t h g u a NVS Nice NAUGHTY: Lip tattoos — If you have to pull down your bottom lip to show your tattoo, it’s just not classy.

••• NAUGHTY: Stealing from Goodwill — C’mon, you can cough up $2 for a shirt.

NICE: Shopping at Goodwill — It’s not cheap, it’s vintage.

••• NAUGHTY: Decorating your vehicle — Hanging a wreath on your hood is about as classy as a pair of antlers protruding from the hood’s sides.

NICE: Decorating your residence hall — A Charlie Brown Christmas tree and some mistletoe and lights are just the touch to brighten up your room.

••• NAUGHTY: Christmas sweaters — You might as well put on your mom jeans and call it a night.

NICE: Christmas socks — Decorative footwear gives everyone a sneak peek of your holiday spirit without ruining your credibility.

Staff at Turoni’s!

4 N. Weinbach • 477–7500

408 N. Main • 424–9871

Pick up your Harlaxton College

Application for Fall 2010!

Priority Deadline is Dec. 7 Harlaxton College British Campus of the University of Evansville

Since 1971

Harlaxton College

NICE: Cherry-flavored lip balm — People would rather look at or kiss your glossy lips than your lip tattoos.

from the

Harlaxton College Office SB 261 • www.harlaxton.ac.uk

of UE students

say that when out with friends, they

prefer their friends not drink

or drink moderately/ stay in control.

Fall 2007 Social Norms Survey

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

27

in the know

by Peter Hanscom & Jennifer Stinnett

Whined & Dined

Finally setting the record straight on the persistent rumors about meal plans, prices and all things Sodexo

C

ollege and complaining often seem to go hand-in-hand.

But over the years, nothing has been complained about more than Sodexo. Everything about Sodexo — from its food quality and customer service to its prices — has been bashed, torn up and ridiculed. But not many know the truth behind rumors that have been circulating since before most of us even knew what UE stood for.

•••

WHY SODEXO?

Sodexo has had the contract for dining services for longer than most administrators can remember, and it’s not likely to change anytime soon. Two years ago, UE renewed its contract with Sodexo, which will continue until 2017.

Jeff Wolf, vice president for fiscal affairs and administration, said UE did not advertise the expiration of the old contract, and thus no bids were received from outside vendors. And while Wolf said he’s had conversations with Aramark — the only national competitor to Sodexo — he confirmed that UE was satisfied with the service Sodexo had been providing.

Interestingly enough, upon the renewal of the contract in 2007, Sodexo agreed to donate money toward construction of Ridgway Center.

“We were partially affected by their contribution of $1.5 million to the new Ridgway Center,” Wolf said.

WHY ARE MEAL PLANS SO EXPENSIVE?

You might be surprised to hear that Sodexo has no input in deciding the price of meal plans. Sodexo general manager Dan McClain said he has no authority in the prices students pay.

This could explain why the Red Eagle meal plan, the most expensive choice at USI, also catered by Sodexo, costs $1,625 a semester — almost $500 less than what UE students pay for equivalent service.

UE prices are determined by the board

28

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

of trustees and are evaluated yearly, taking inflation into account. When students pay their bills, 100 percent of the meal plan money goes directly to UE. Sodexo then bills UE monthly for a set number of meals, allowing UE to retain a portion of the original meal plan price.

“A lot comes out of the meal plan fee,” Wolf said.

While the school makes a profit on each student’s meal plan, Wolf said, that money is used to defer the cost of insurance, annual depreciation and operating costs.

Thus, any complaints you have with the price should be directed toward UE and not Sodexo.

WHY ARE YOU REQUIRED TO HAVE A MEAL PLAN?

You’re probably familiar with the university policy that mandates any student, not of senior status, living in a residence hall must purchase a meal plan. This is a sore spot for students, especially those seeking independence or greater choice.

“If I had it my way, I wouldn’t have one,” sophomore Alyson Hollis said. “I would just cook everything myself.”

More than 1,400 students currently have some form of a meal plan, ranging from the Block 200 to the Flex 355.

But Wolf said the reason for the requirement is because UE’s trying to foster a sense of community on campus.

“We’re trying to promote an environment where students are comfortable being with oth-

er students,” he said. “We want students to eat together.”

Students living in the Villages, including fraternity housing, are not required to purchase a meal plan, regardless of their academic status.

“We always give up our receipts to the fraternity guys who don’t have meal plans,” Hollis said. “They mooch, but you’ve got to love them.”

After moving into Phi Gamma Delta his sophomore year, senior Dan Purdy was able to drop his meal plan and now claims to spend roughly $900 on food per semester, less than half the cost of a normal meal plan purchased through UE. “If I don’t have time, it’s still convenient to eat there,” Purdy said. “I just pay with cash now instead.”

Students living in the Villages wishing to cancel their meal plan for spring semester can still do so by visiting Residence Life, but the plan must be cancelled before the first charge is made.

WHAT IF YOU’RE DISSATISFIED?

It’s virtually impossible to have a meal in the dining hall without hearing someone complain about Sodexo.

“Everyone says the food sucks,” said sophomore Jill Jungemann, Student Congress issues chair, as she flipped through the list of complaints received during last month’s Issues and Concerns Day. “We had about 15 of those.”

Since there are so many complaints, students should be aware of the outlets available to offer Sodexo their opinions.

One option available is Issues and Con-

MEAL PLAN BREAKDOWN MEAL PLAN Block Block Block Block

200 with $65 Flex 150 with $165 Flex 100 with $350 Flex 40 with $200 Flex

SEMESTER COST

COST PER MEAL MINUS FLEX

$2,100 $2,100 $2,100 $960

$10.18 $12.90 $17.50 $19

crossword One option available is Issues and Concerns Day, where Jungemann’s job is to forward students’ comments to the appropriate Sodexo staff member and UE administrators. Another option is attending Food Advisory Board meetings, which are at 3:30 p.m. every Thursday in the dining hall.

During the meetings, FAB members bring concerns from each residence hall to Sodexo administrators.

Along with FAB and Student Congress, Sodexo has a comment-card board in the dining hall and hosts a Facebook page, both of which take positive and negative feedback.

“We’ll talk to anyone that wants to talk to us,” McClain said.

He admits that Sodexo often receives feedback that is impossible to follow through on. For example, at almost every FAB meeting he’s asked to offer chili mac, a cross between macaroni and cheese and chili, more frequently. McClain reminds students that his job is to cater to all students.

“There are 1,500 people eating lunch here,” he said. “Sorry, but you can’t have chili mac every day.”

But there have been some changes enacted, influenced by student comments.

Recently, McClain said Sodexo made the switch from shredded carrots to baby carrots, based on a students’ recommendation. Also, they have begun to offer more fresh fruit and stopped using oil on the Fusion grill, opting instead for water.

Even though it might seem pointless to complain, students will be surprised to find how receptive the Sodexo staff is to their concerns. McClain said they are eager to hear your input. Just keep in mind there are some things they can’t change. n

ACROSS 1. Metrical unit 5. Arabian judge 9. Grandfather of Saul 12. Exude 13. Sleeping 14. Mountain on Crete 15. Javanese carriage 16. Weed 17. Computer generated imagery (abbr.)

18. Alcott heroine 20. Sable 22. Article 25. Nat’l Endowment for the Arts (abbr.)

27. Garland 28. Time period 29. International (abbr.)

31. And other: abbr. (2 words) (Lat.) 34. Sinbad’s bird 35. Fr. Author 37. Amer. Dental Assn. (abbr.)

38. Wing (pref.)

40. Grape syrup 41. Jap. Fish 42. Article (Fr.) 44. Negative population growth (abbr.)

45.

46.

49.

51.

52.

54.

58.

59.

60.

61.

62.

63.

Deviate Necktie Droop Male person Baseball equipment Eth. Danakil people Pointed (pref.)

Afr. tree Polish rum cake Footlike structure Direct Poetic foot

DOWN 1. Before some vowels (pref.)

2. Tumor (suf.)

3. Free 4. Monad 5. Felis (2 words) 6. Amateur Boxing Assn. (abbr.)

7. Skin (suf.)

8. Utopian 9. Wink 10. Wayside 11. Pour 19. Camelot lady 21. Female ruff 22. Manmade protective mound

23. Owl’s cry 24. Moon of Saturn 26. Hindu soul 30. Pulka (2 words) 32. City in Judah 33. Den 36. Legend 39. Race the motor 43. Palmetto 46. Thunder sound 47. People 48. Subtract 50. Taro 53. Yarn measure 55. Federal Aviation Admin. (abbr.)

56. Antiballistic Missle (abbr.)

57. Mortar beater ANSWERS

96

%

of UE students

have not used

marijuana in the last 30 days Fall 2007 Social Norms Survey © 2009 Satori Publishing

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

29

fashion & beauty

by Alex Jackson & Amanda Squire

30

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

unique, but this doesn’t mean he seeks out pricey, distinctive pieces.

“I’m not consumed with what I wear,” he said. “When I buy clothes I buy them because they look like me.”

McIlveen said he tries to avoid spending a lot of money on clothes. He is willing to shop anywhere — even his brother’s closet. His favorite places to shop are Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. He also enjoys shopping online.

“I think you can find good things anywhere, even Target and Wal-Mart,” he said.

But McIlveen’s most unique accessory was given to him as a gift. This accessory is one of a kind: a vibrantly colored backpack that can be spotted from a mile away.

“I know no one else has this thing on campus,” he said, laughing.

From his scarves to his passion for colorful accessories, McIlveen is not afraid to try new looks.

“I don’t think I dress like other people,” he said. “I just put on whatever I have in my closet without much thought.”

McIlveen revealed that his favorite clothing season is fall.

“I’m really into the layers, hoodies, hats and sweaters,” he said.

New or gently used, it doesn’t matter to McIlveen as long as it fits his persona.

“I like secondhand everything,” he admitted.

Whether it’s his brother’s closet or a thrift store, McIlveen can find his favorites for low prices.

“As long as you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, it shouldn’t matter what other people think,” he said.

McIlveen’s number one piece of advice is to shop smart.

“Buy things that will

last a few years,” he suggested.

McIlveen advises investing in a good winter coat. A quality winter coat usually costs a little more than your typical jacket, but sometimes spending that little extra is worth it.

“I have a hard time spending money on clothes,” he said, “but when it comes to something I need, I’m willing to splurge.”

After graduating in May, McIlveen plans to move to New York to pursue acting. There, he will reenter the city lifestyle in which he feels most at home. New York is where fad meets fashion, and where this man will meet the world. n

laina Nea l

here are really only two “F” words you need to know: fad and fashion.

Fads are temporary, but fashion is forever, and no one understands this better than senior Riley McIlveen.

Having grown up in Canada, Calif., and Las Vegas, McIlveen has been surrounded with the style on city streets.

“I don’t know what my style is really,” he said. “It’s pretty casual for city standards — not on campus though. I have a city-street style, I guess.”

When McIlveen is in his hometown near Las Vegas, his style fits the norm. At UE, he believes people look at him differently, but that doesn’t stop him.

“It’s all about what I like for me,” he said. “I’m happy with the way I dress.”

Though being fashion-forward might seem daunting, it comes naturally to McIlveen. It’s all a matter of confidence. And he is most confident when wearing his trademark accessory.

“I like both spring and winter scarves,” he said.

In either season, scarves are fun accessories that can really add a lot to an outfit. But a scarf wasn’t always his trademark.

While McIlveen has a defined sense of fashion now, that wasn’t the case before he came to college.

“It’s interesting to look back on what you wore in high school,” he said.

McIlveen remembers wearing vintage bowling shirts, board shorts and Hurley tees. We can all relate to fads like these. Do you remember wearing butterfly hair clips or skater shoes?

“Fashion trends are so funny,” he said.

Trends may come and go, but in the end it’s finding whatever makes you feel most comfortable that defines your personal style. McIlveen admitted to going through different — even embarrassing — styles to find himself.

“I don’t consider myself to be a trendsetter,” he said. “It implies that you’re following something.”

McIlveen believes his sense of style is

Photo by A

T

From fads to fashion, this theatre major has developed a sense of style that lets him face the world with confidence

Boxers, Briefs

or Boughs of Holly?

If it’s Friday at UE, then it’s Purple Friday.

Wear your best PURPLE every Friday!

You never know when the Purple Patrol will strike.

Some like ‘em tight and others like ‘em loose. When it comes to underwear, men have several options to suit their personal preferences. Boxers may be men’s first unUE Alumni Association and dergarment choice, but what exactly is their appeal and Student Alumni Ambassadors that of their close relative, www.ClubRoyaleNightClub.com • 401-1699 • 2131 W. Franklin boxer-briefs?

THE CLASSIC: BOXERS

Comfort plays a big role in selecting the perfect underwear. Since 1944, boxers — originally called boxer shorts — have met this standard. Depending on the feel you enjoy most, you can find boxers using fabrics ranging anywhere from cotton to silk. Not only do boxers provide the comfort men want, but women find them sexier and more appealing than your typical “tighty-whities.”

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: BOXER-BRIEFS

Do you enjoy the length of boxers, but find they aren’t as comfortable as others claim them to be? Some men dread the hassle of the “boxer wedgie.” One solution for a happier bottom is the boxerbrief. Like boxers, boxer-briefs come in a variety of colors and fabrics.

In this decade, boxers, whether tight or loose, are sure to stick around. Now — well into the new millennium — you wouldn’t catch Tom Cruise dancing around in his 1980s briefs. Boxer-briefs might not be as popular as boxers, but they provide a comfort that combines the best of both worlds.

‘TIS THE SEASON: PRINTED UNDERWEAR

The great thing about underwear is that you don’t have to stick with the traditional hues; you can rock your favorite season year-round underneath your clothes. Printed underwear is a fun choice to jumpstart your day. This December, give Santa a break and save room for him on your underwear. If Christmas isn’t your holiday — or boxer of choice — you’re sure to find boxers for every season to add some holiday cheer to your life. n

Thursday Night Is College Karaoke Night Entertainment & Drink Specials 7 Nights a Week!

Mon. – Sat. Open at 3 p.m • MySpace.com/ClubRoyaleNightClub • Friend Us on Facebook

CONGRATULATIONS

December Graduates

2009

Keep in touch with your alma mater; it’s easy! alumni@evansville.edu • 812–488–alum www.evansville.edu/alumni.

Best of Luck!

–From the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations

December 2009 l Crescent Magazine

31

schitzengiggles

I

running DOWN a dream

nsanity is a disease that affects the majority of us at some time or another. Your parents are crazy. A professor who asks if you’ve started a paper four weeks in advance is crazy. The guy selling pears on the median pretends to be crazy for business.

Naturally, you think you know a ton of crazy people, and if you don’t, you’re probably circling random letters in this article, trying to decode a hidden algorithm Ed Harris said would keep us ahead of the Soviet Union.

Real psychos are closer than you think.

O’Charley’s is a charming environment, but like any second-rate dining experience, the patrons are a mixed crowd, especially if you’re seated in the vicinity of the barstools. A friend and I once had dinner at an Owensboro, Ky., O’Charley’s in a booth located accordingly.

I was browsing the menu when I heard the first syllables of inane chatter over my shoulder, and I listened carefully. A man seated at the bar was talking with a young couple at the booth directly behind him, asking them a barrage of questions that seemed tenuously connected.

I stole a glimpse of him. He appeared to be a fairly average depiction of the middle-aged, road-weary burnout — a guy who wouldn’t necessarily stand out if not for his complete absence of personal boundaries.

He introduced himself as “Chip, from Florida, visiting a friend in Kentucky” to the couple, and asked for their names as well.

Throughout their exchange, I noticed two things: the couple’s inherent discomfort, and that Chip was actually the kind of person who would challenge you to shots of detergent, and afterward would cleanse his palate by chewing the face off of a bat.

I asked my friend if she was hearing all this. She nodded and seemed gravely unhappy having to sit facing Chip. I looked around and noticed that most of the restaurant was staring at him, and the bartender was trying his hardest to take Chip’s attention away from the nervous couple.

With a serious tone, Chip asked the couple if they’d seen these signs — he used his hands to demonstrate the shape of a sign — that said “Meth Watch” on them, and wanted to know what they were about. When

32

Crescent Magazine l December 2009

n

he was told meth was a drug, he said, “Oh! how he used to drop acid with Jim Breuer What kinda shit is that?” in New York. The entire restaurant watched Soberly, the gentleman told Chip about me cycle through responses of “uh-huh,” the side effects, mainly the sores the ad- “yeah” and “oh really,” jumbling the order dicts pick at once they’ve so he wouldn’t notice a pattern. stopped mowing their lawns and The bartender fought against his feeding their children. laughter, my friend blushed and “What the hell is that all everyone else was furious that I about, man? I don’t wanna tear was egging on this whack-job. my skin up, I wanna get high!”

He became particularly pashe shouted, using his hands to sionate when he talked about create some kind of visual aid Dave Chappelle, giving him a defor his last sentence. n Regan Campbell, meaning shout-out in a stand-up About this time, as I looked a junior creative routine, swearing profusely at down to gulp my potato soup, writing major from great volume.

I realized I was wearing a Tom Vincennes, closes When it was time to leave, I Petty and the Heartbreakers T- each issue with paid my check and approached shirt. It had a large band logo on his special brand Chip as he was in the middle of the back, a mere ten feet away of humor on life’s some story about stowing away lighter moments. from Chip. on a ship and walking over the Shit. It was just a matter of time. Though Mediterranean and offered a parting, pityI was having fun listening to this guy, I was driven handshake. about to become a participant and was toHe shook my hand but continued with tally unprepared. his story. “They don’t understand a word “You know what I mean,” he said, turn- you say over there in Europe. But you waning back to the bartender. “High!” He quiet- der into a farming community — you carry ed down. That could only mean one thing. a bag of flour, you help them milk a cow…”

“This guy knows all about that, he’s wearHis eyes kept dilating with enthusiasm ing a Tom Petty shirt.” as he spoke, “And they will feed you; they I glanced up at my friend — glassy ter- will give you a bed.” I watched the recogniror had seized her. I turned gradually and tion of where he was disappear for a secsaw the couple: the woman silent, livid, and ond and then return. “And that’s a comthe man softly apologetic. I looked at Chip merce.” and gave an uncalculated response: “Yeah, He was still shaking my hand. I listened man.” patiently, waiting to have my hand tacked to “Dude,” he said, his fingers dancing in the bar by a bowie knife. the air, “you ever tried shrooms?”

When he decided to release me, I bade Two paths presented themselves to me him farewell, wished him the best and got at that point. I could tell the truth and alien- the hell out of there. “That’s a good lookin’ ate myself from Chip, or play the devil’s ad- girl, man,” he said, ultimately. vocate and keep him safely on my side. I “Thanks,” I said. chose the latter. “Not...not very often,” I I’ll always think of this encounter when said, stiffly. someone throws around the word “crazy.”

This began our brief friendship. He be- Here was the Hunter S. Thompson to my gan a long tirade about nearly every con- Nicholas Sparks — a relic of a world I’d nevtrolled and illegal substance on the market, er comprehend. asking for my opinion on each.

I prefer to believe that Chip is a seaThe conversation soon turned back to soned world traveler, a comet that burned Tom Petty. I pointed out that he appeared up and landed in the Midwest to try meth. particularly familiar with his music, but he He probably does keep Dave Chappelle and scoffed, claiming he knew him personally.

Tom Petty on speed dial and thinks everyHe told stories about how he rolled body rushing away from him is a lunatic. joints with Mr. Petty in his living room and Godspeed, Chip, wherever you are. n

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