Crescent Magazine March 2013

crescent University of Evansville

College Culture Upfront March 2013

magazine

THE MONGOLIA PROJECT

Eight students and two professors change the lives of people on the other side of the world.

ON THE UPBEAT

From impromptu gigs to bluegrass vacations, senior Ellyn Washburne leads an exciting and musical life.

MYTH BUSTERS

Students hear a lot of myths about UE, but are these stories really true?

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EDITORIAL Writing Director MINDY KURTZ HENSLEY Writing Assistant AMY REINHART Senior Writer JESSICA INGLE Writers BRODIE GRESS CRAIG KEEPES CHELSEA MODGLIN EMILY MOLLI CHRIS NORRIS A.J. OGUNDIMU ALEXANDRA WADE JAMELYN WHEELER

EDITING Editing Director JENELLE CLAUSEN Copy Editors ASHLEY MATTHEWS ANNA SHEFFER Fact Checker EMILY KRIEBLE

thestaff

CREATIVE Creative Director AMANDA SQUIRE Photo Editor SAMANTHA COOK Designers JEFFREY BUENTE KEVIN O’REILLY BROOKE RENEER KATIE WINIGER Photographer JESSICA CRIHFIELD-TAYLOR

MARKETING & SALES Marketing Assistants ASHLEY DAVIS ALISON PETRASH Circulation Assistant MICHAEL ARMANNO

contents 12

ENTERTAINMENT l A.J. Ogundimu

16

FASCINATING PEOPLE l Chelsea Modglin

18

COVER l Alex Wade & Amy Reinhart

20

FEATURE l Jessica Ingle & Emily Molli

28

OVERTIME l Jamelyn Wheeler

Prepare to spend a night out on the town in style by making a trip down Main Street — and taking a pit stop at some popular Evansville bars along the way.

Senior Ellyn Washburne can get your foot tapping with her impressive mandolin playing, and she definitely knows how to lead an exciting life, from playing jigs at Harlaxton to impersonating an Austrian immigrant.

It often goes without saying: Students are good at finding things at UE to complain about. But are things really as bad as we make them out to be? Find out as we examine some campus myths and get the facts.

Both business and engineering students travel across the world to make a difference in the lives of Mongolian citizens. Read on to see how they found ways to build hope in a hurting country.

This outstanding cross-country runner proves that records are meant to be broken and determination is the key to all kinds of success. Find out how this athlete balances school, running and her future goals.

03 Viewpoint

25 Through the Lens

04 Vox Populi

27 Dorm Storm

07 Innovation

30 Fitness & Health

08 Giving Back

31 A Closer Look

10 One Word

32 Off the Wall

14 First Time

34 The Lists

23 Q&A

36 Don’t Quote Me

24 Campus Crime

facebook.com/uecrescent l issuu.com/uecrescentmagazine l crescentmagazine@evansville.edu 02

Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

When resumes define our generation, are we behind?

IT CAN

be said that not all resumes are created equal. Sure, a resume’s purpose is the same no matter what job you are applying for. But that does not mean that every resume should look the same. Think about it: Would you hire an designer whose resume was void of any complementing colors, shapes or font styles? And on the other hand, would you hire a biology student who turned in a lacking but design-heavy resume?

In reality, resumes come in a variety of styles — from the creative to the very straightforward — and skillfully tailoring your resume to your desired position increases the chances of getting noticed, being associated with that position and thus landing the job. This seems like a no-brainer.

Therefore, we have to ask the question: Why does the Center for Career Development recommend that all of our resumes look alike? It seems as though students will make appointments only to have their resumes treated as though they are applying for the exact same job as the person who just left. Every resume pumped out of CCD is made to look the same — center and bold your headline, list your career objective first and never, ever make the document longer than a page.

The truth is that we are not all made or educated the same way, so why should our resumes look like we are? Our resumes should represent our individuality, not inhibit it. Why is CCD so adamant about the design, length and — in all honesty — the painfully bland look of this template resume?

We are a generation that lives in a fast-paced, technology-saturated world, and that notion is well on

its way to permeating the job-searching community. Sure, your resume might fit on a single page and be easy to hand out at a networking event, but that may not be enough.

Applicants who have landed jobs at big-time corporations like Google, CBC Radio and others have resorted to making their resumes look like movie posters, Facebook pages and even milk cartons — and these resume creators are not strictly applying for design positions but for business and accounting positions as well.

Several resume web sites, such as Business Insider, suggest your resume needs to be tailored to your career objective. Job search and employment expert Alison Doyle states that when choosing a resume format, not one resume fits every job. Needless to say, we are left wondering why CCD does not tailor its resumes as well.

Its cookie-cutter tactics might work for students planning to stay in smaller cities like Evansville, but for most of us, UE is just a stop along the way to a much bigger, more competitive place.

ourviewpoint

Resume enclosed

CCD certainly helps students put the right things in a resume. They know what to put on resumes, but fall short when it comes to how to present that information for different jobs. And when it comes to researching possible jobs and creating mock interviews, it is typically spot-on and useful. And even though nothing makes a better impression than good, smart interview etiquette, you have to make it to that interview first — and that comes from having a solid, well-established and well-tailored resume, one that is unique to your job and, most of all, one that will get you hired.

HOW TO CONTACT US Address: Ridgway University Center, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, Ind. 47722 Editorial e-mail: crescentmagazine@evansville.edu • Phone: (812) 488–2846 • FAX: (812) 488–2224 Marketing & Sales: (812) 488–2221 and 488–2223 • Marketing & Sales e-mail: crescentadvertising@evansville.edu

CRESCENT MAGAZINE is the University of Evansville’s student magazine. It is written, edited and designed by and for students and distributed six times during the academic year. It is funded through advertising revenue and a subscription fee paid on behalf of students by the Student Government Association. Circulation is 1,700. Printed by Mar-Kel Printing, Newburgh, Ind. © 2013 Student Publications, University of Evansville. z Editorial Policy: Commentary expressed in unsigned editorial pieces represents a consensus opinion of Crescent Magazine’s Editorial Board. Other columns, articles and advertising are not necessarily the opinion of the Editorial Board or other members of the magazine. z Letter Submissions: Crescent Magazine welcomes letters from UE students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, 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 does not print anonymous letters or those that cannot be verified. Letters will be edited for length, style, grammar and spelling. E-mail letters to crescentmagazine@evansville.edu and write “letter” in the subject line.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

03

Android paranoia

The drones are coming. Should we be scared?

UNMANNED AERIAL

vehicles, commonly known as drones, have become a hot topic among both politicians and privacy advocates, and for good reason. The idea is scary: machines operated from hundreds of miles away destroying targets with bombs and missiles, targets identified by the CIA or some other agency with little oversight.

Cameras fly in the sky, watching for potentially illicit behavior.

voxpopuli

It’s a vision of the future straight out of science fiction horror movies, and it’s quickly becoming reality.

Drone strikes in Pakistan against alleged al-Qaida targets have raised controversy in Congress, mostly due to the lack of accountability these attacks have. The CIA has been authorized to carry out the strikes, one of which killed Anwar al-Awlaki, an American citizen believed to be an al-Qaida operative.

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

Now lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are pushing for greater congressional oversight on drone targets, since the attacks are being carried out by the CIA on President Obama’s orders instead of going through the usual military chain of command. It’s not a new program, by any means. Drone strikes actually began under former President George W. Bush, and Obama has merely expanded the program. And there is a good reason for drone attacks, mainly that they reduce risk to American lives by allowing pilots to control these machines from miles away in relative safety. Placing our military out of danger is a significant benefit of the program.

But what kind of a precedent is set by killing an American citizen — even an alleged terrorist — with a drone? It’s a moral quandary. Al-Awlaki was a known proponent of terrorism and had positioned himself as an enemy of the United States. But even Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber and perhaps the most infamous domestic terrorist ever, was allowed a fair trial. The idea that the government may have killed an American without due process — to say nothing of the numerous Pakistani civilians killed in drone strikes — has ignited fears of drones being used on American soil. There is already a market for drone use inside American borders, including surveillance by law enforcement.

If the drone market does take off, there could be camera-equipped drones all over the country, snapping high-resolution photos and sending them back

to corporations and police stations. Such a scenario would risk violating the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which guarantees protection against illegal searches. Although it may seem like wild conjecture, it’s happening.

The Federal Aviation Administration has already granted many organizations, including the Seattle Police Department, authority to use drones in American airspace. While it was stated that the drones would only be used in a handful of especially hazardous situations, the public backlash was enough to shut down the program earlier last month. Now the American Civil Liberties Union is calling for a city ordinance instead of mere police policy in Seattle to dictate the usage of drones in order to prevent abuse of the technology.

New technology is often scary, but what is causing the widespread opposition to drones, even among the young and tech-savvy? The most obvious culprit is simple paranoia. The modern era is one defined by the invasive collection of information. From online banking to Facebook to warrantless wiretapping, someone is always watching us in one way or another. The sharing of information is an inevitable, uncomfortable side effect of living in today’s society, and the steady erosion of privacy has only quickened in the past few years. Government policies reflect our growing comfort with sharing more and more of ourselves.

The result of this sharing is a growing sense of fear.

You never know who is watching at any given time.

It could be the government, or it could be Google or it could be someone stalking your Twitter account.

And the intentions of those parties may be honest, but there’s no real guarantee. Even the drone strikes overseas are a result of fears of another terrorist attack on America and a desire to prevent such an attack from happening before it has a chance to really take shape.

But it’s not yet clear at what cost that security will come, or if there will even be a long-term payoff to Obama’s expansion of the drone program. So do we chalk up the drone backlash to paranoia and call it a day? Absolutely not. There are causes behind growing fears about privacy, and the real solution is to remove the cause, not cover up the symptom.

a.j. ogundimu l columnist

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SCIENCE

by Emily Molli photo by Samantha Cook

FISHING

FO R A CU R E Zebra fish may lead to treatments for deformities.

In the depths of Koch Center is a small room that senior Shemikah Colleton calls her second home. The room, which used to be an empty closet-sized space, is now decorated with Colleton’s fish-themed paintings and the centerpiece of her studies: fish tanks filled with zebra fish. She started experimenting with the effect of ethanol on adult zebra fish and larvae last semester.

Colleton diffuses alcohol into the water, the fish breathe it in and she observes their reactions. She experiments with zebra fish embryos to find ways to slow or reverse fetal alcohol syndrome by using nutraceuticals — natural remedies or over-the-counter products. Her motivation, curiosity and drive served as her fuel when she took on the task, said Lora Becker, associate professor of psychology.

Zebra fish embryos are the most effective specimens for Colleton’s fetal alcohol research because they are clear and react in much the same way as a human fetus would when exposed to alcohol. “A lot of it is ethanol research,” she said. “There’s a lot of drunk fish going on, and there’s a lot of alcohol going on.”

Although they are hard to collect, with these clear embryos, Colleton can see the cells mutating through the microscope and can manipulate those cells by moving or removing them. The embryos also have a talent that she finds useful. “They can regenerate their fins and heart muscle,” she said. “And they’re easy to take care of and not as expensive as rats.”

Throughout the course of her research, she has tried treatments that have not been explored before. “People don’t know about the fish labs and that fish eggs can be used to do research on fetal alcohol syndrome, autism and other deformations,” Colleton said. “There’s actually something serious going on in the deep backs of Koch Center.”

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

07

givingback

service

Helping people

with disabilities to lead independent lives is the long-time mission of Evansville ARC. Founded in 1954 by parents of mentally disabled children, the program has aided hundreds of people as they learn to cope with the challenges facing them because of their disabilities. And ARC prides itself on its ability to extend its services to people with many kinds of disabilities. ARC wastes no time when it comes to helping; families may enroll children as young as 6 weeks in ARC’s Child Life Center.

One of the highlights of ARC is its inclusive preschool program that allows children with and without disabilities to be cared for side by side.

Children are given the opportunity to socialize with their peers. They read books, have playtime, take naps and participate in a variety of organized activities. “The results have been phenomenal,” said Denise Seibert, ARC development director.

UE students has been getting involved with ARC in multiple ways and has had a long-standing relationship with the program. “We have a lot of groups who have come to help us out,” said Ariza Miyagi, special events and volunteer coordinator. “We’ve had [Phi Gamma Delta] and the Morton-Brentano Hall Council help us out with The Really Big Show this year.” The show, which was in February, is ARC’s main fundraising event — a community variety show that raised more than $84,000 last year to support ARC’s areas of greatest need.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, those enrolled in the day services program — people who tend to have more profound disabilities — are provided with opportunities to work on developing skill sets. They even have access to a newly renovated, handicap-accessible kitchen where they can cook. Seibert said they enjoy the cooking classes, and she is a fan of their cooking — especially when they bake chocolate chip cookies.

“It smells great,” she said.

The organization asserts that it is the right of all people to have the same opportunities and to be viewed as valuable members of society.

ARC believes that all people are created equal and have their own unique gifts to contribute to society. And people enrolled at ARC are making an impact by engaging in the community and volunteering at more than 50 nonprofit agencies through ARC’s Connections for Life program. “So many have helped them,” Seibert said. “They want to give back.”

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

by Cory Hart

Independent people

These organizations provide services to those with challenging disabilities. in order

to create an inclusive environment for the disabled, Best Buddies brings middle school- through college college-age students with disabilities together to form friendships and participate in a variety of activities, such as bowling or going to the mall. “We [volunteers] get just as much out of it as our buddies do,” junior Helen Kenney said. “It is a fun and rewarding program. New people who come in are always surprised at how much they get out of it.”

a nonprofit

organization founded on Christian principles, Jacob’s Village has provided a broad range of support for adults with developmental disabilities since 2004. It encourages independence in disabled individuals by providing them with an accommodating home after their caretakers have passed away. Jacob’s Village believes all people are special and have the right to realize their full potential. And from interacting with residents to helping around the village, volunteers are always welcome.

The aim

of Easter Seals is to help people with autism and other disabilities and needs live more fulfilling lives — and UE has gotten involved with giving to the program each year through Phi Gamma Delta’s “Hot-Tub-A-Thon.” The fraternity raised $11,600 last year and hopes to raise $13,000 this year. “It’s a perfect event because of the timing,” junior Austin White said. “Classes are beginning to wind down and the weather is really nice. It’s also unique and just tons of fun. I mean, who doesn’t love sitting in a hot tub? Every year a few patients from Easter Seals come. Seeing how much a difference we can make is awesome.”

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by Brodie Gress photo by Samantha Cook

Tom’s ONE WORD is Energetic AFTER ZIPPING

through words and amending his initial decision, sophomore Tom Grady finally settled on this one. “Energetic is a nicer way of saying sporadic,” he said.

The Newburgh, Ind., native uses his energy to learn how the past affects the present, an interest he pursues by majoring in history and political science and minoring in legal studies.

Despite his heavy course load, Grady stays positive by cracking jokes in class and keeping a grin on his face. “I like to be cheerful all the time and constantly doing something,” he said. Besides studying, he is an avid runner, regardless of the weather conditions outside, and is also involved with several campus organizations. He served last semester as UE’s chapter president of the National Society of Leadership and Success. His interests are varied, and he hopes to attend law school after graduation, a prospect some would find daunting. But Grady’s enthusiasm remains constant as he makes plans for his future.

tom grady l sophomore

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

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11

entertainment

DOWN ON MAIN STREET

Barhopping in Evansville’s downtown is a must.

Find out about two bars that are worth the visit.

by A.J. Ogundimu photo by Samantha Cook

MAIN STREET

has become a popular destination for students and Evansville locals looking to cut loose and have fun after a long week, especially those who enjoy the downtown bar scene. Some of the watering holes are relatively new, and others have been around for quite a while, but all of them offer a good time in their own way. And all of the biggest names are within walking distance of one another, which Christopher Boone, owner of Hammerhead’s Sports Bar & Nightclub, sees as a big advantage to spending a night on Main Street.

“It’s nice to see people park their car and go to four or five bars,” he said. “You got bar-nightclubs, you got the comedy club, you got six different kinds of bars down here. It’s destination downtown.” This sentiment is shared by junior Drew Reisinger, who prefers Peephole Bar & Grill. “There’s definitely a lot of movement,” he said. “I can tell when a lot of people are going to the Peephole, they aren’t just going to the Peephole. Nights when the Peephole is busy, other places are busy too.”

It is not surprising that students and locals looking for a good time would decide to hit multiple spots in one night.

There is plenty of variety among the different bars and clubs, with something for everyone. Considering UE’s diverse student body, that’s a plus. Take a look at two of the more popular hot spots. Hammerhead’s, located at 317 Main

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St., has been a fixture of the downtown scene for 12 years.

It takes advantage of its “sports bar and nightclub” description: there is a sports bar on the upper floor and a nightclub on the bottom floor.

The upstairs has a somewhat intimate feel and features an expansive bar as well as pool tables, darts and other bar games. The downstairs is more open, with plenty of room to dance and a booming sound system. The interior of the bar is dark, which is great for a nightclub feel, especially when the place fills up with people looking to party. The busiest nights among the college set are Thursdays and Saturdays, and for good reason. Thursdays feature karaoke on the top floor, and those looking to dance can head downstairs to the dance floor and the DJ. There are two DJs on Saturdays — hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s and today are played on the upper floor, and hip hop and R&B are on the lower — along with $4 bomb shots. “A lot of bars have what you would call college night,” Boone said.

“We don’t call it that, but it is college night.” The crowd can be eclectic, but for the most part, Hammerhead’s is geared toward younger bar-goers. “We’re a 20-something bar,” Boone said. “We’ve always got the kids coming out because we’re a dance club.”

The prices play to the younger crowd as well. There are no cover charges except a $3–5 cover on Fridays and Saturdays

“It’s just a party. It’s all about having fun.”

— and Saturdays, the charge is only for men. Thursdays feature $1.50 pints. And for St. Patrick’s Day, the bar will serve $2 pints. “We always have a pint special,” Boone said. To Boone, it is all about having a good time at Hammerhead’s, no matter what your tastes may be. “We get a little bit of everything,” he said. “You wanna be able to play music for everyone. It’s just a party. It’s all about having fun.”

While Hammerhead’s fuses a nightclub and sports bar, Peephole Bar & Grill, located at 201 Main St., is a change of pace from the typical college bar experience. “There’s free popcorn every time I’ve been in there,” Reisinger said.

“One time when we went there, there was this bunch of people. They were playing Bon Jovi. They bought everyone in the bar shots. They kept getting us the free popcorn, and this guy said, ‘Hey, I think you’ve had enough free popcorn.’

So that whole night, Bon Jovi guy kept monitoring our popcorn intake.”

And there is more than just the popcorn. Peephole is a sit-down establishment, with plenty of tables but no dance floor. It is a place to sit back and have a few drinks with friends, not dance the night away. While that might discourage some bar-goers, the spacious bar and relatively bright lighting make for a more relaxing atmosphere.

TVs play different programs, including reality shows such as Top Gear, depending on who is watching. And on some nights, there might even be a customer sitting and using a

MacBook Pro. “It’s just a sort of laid-back feel,” Reisinger said. “I don’t want to call it hipster because for Evansville that doesn’t work, but it does feel more current.” That same feeling continues with the music, which may not be as loud as at other bars but is definitely varied, depending on who is feeding money into the jukebox.

It is not just Bon Jovi; fans of everything from Neutral Milk Hotel to Wu-Tang Clan should be able to find a song to satisfy them for the price of a few dollars. With most bars in the Tri-State focusing on either pop hits or live music, the variety in the music at Peephole is refreshing. It is also affordable. There is no cover, and there are reasonable prices — even on mixed drinks. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, so it should not be too hard for even the most selective drinker to find something to enjoy.

Hammerhead’s and Peephole are only about a five-minute walk apart, and it is not uncommon to see students migrating from one to the other to meet friends and take in a different experience. On a busy night, there is a nice flush of activity that is not as common in Evansville as in other college towns. There has been a lot of talk in recent years about revitalizing Evansville’s downtown, and the bars on Main Street are definitely doing their part to make the area a center of social interaction. “Worst thing about barhopping is driving from the west side to the east side,” Boone said. “We’re getting a lot of people to come downtown.”

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

13

Nailed it

Pedicures. They’re not just for women anymore.

WHEN DESCRIBING MY

feet, most people use the phrase “hobbit-like,” and I tend to agree with them. My feet are flat, wide, hairy and almost leathery in their texture. This is why I feel bad for wearing flip-flops, and it is also why many people have joked that I should get a pedicure. As part of this joke, I was sent to Evans Nails to get a tuneup for my Tolkienesque feet.

firsttime

Evans Nails, along with parent company Eva Nails & Spa, is a nail salon that has been in Evansville for 14 years. Evans is located at 4712 Vogel Road and offers manicures, pedicures and nail art. Walk-ins are welcome, but an appointment is recommended as the salon can get busy. When I walked in the door, a man looked up from the nails he was working on and happily greeted me as I took my seat and admired the salon’s decorations, which were heavily influenced by Vietnamese culture.

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

The ceilings were painted light blue with clouds, and the walls were painted like beaches, which created a welcoming atmosphere. Lilly Pham was the nail technician who would be working on my feet. She led me to my chair and directed me to the woman in the seat next to me for information. This woman, Michele Mansfield, who is a regular customer of the salon, gave me an idea of what I could expect from the experience. “The first one is a little weird,” she said. “It’s kind of intimate.”

Pham began with a peppermint foot soak, getting my feet clean and soft enough for her to work on.

She then took one foot out and started cleaning the nails with tweezers. While she did this, she told me all of the employees at Evans are Vietnamese and that they speak to each other in Vietnamese because it is faster for them. Mansfield chimed in again and said the technicians are not actually insulting the customers when they do this.

I had not heard the salon workers talking, but that was still a relief to know. Pham then began to file my toenails. She told me that, despite popular belief, the salon has a healthy male clientele. Men come in for weddings and other formal events, and elderly men get their nails done when they cannot bend down to do them themselves. Pham did not understand the stigma surrounding pedicures for men. I understood the stigma just fine, but I decided to leave the discussion for another time.

I asked Pham who her boss was, and she pointed to Ray Pham, the man who had greeted me when I came in. Lilly told me he was the Sunday manager and that he had painted and decorated the salon himself. “He wants the customers to have a minivacation,” she said. As Pham continued to fiddle about with my feet, she explained why many salon workers are from Vietnam.

Apparently, when Vietnamese immigrants come to America, they need to get a career quickly. Many do not have time to get a four-year degree, and they want something they can do full-time, so many go to a salon academy, where the schooling takes less than six months to complete, Pham said. Mansfield complimented Pham’s work.

“I’ve been to American salons,” she said, “and they don’t pay as much attention to you.” Being my first time, I could not compare Pham’s work to that of others, but I agreed with Mansfield. So far, my feet felt good. After the cleaning and soaking was finished, Pham took a rough purple pumice stone and began to sand down the bottoms of my feet. As she was doing this, I remembered a few people had told me pedicures could hurt and even damage your feet if done incorrectly.

Fortunately, there was no pain. I found it to be relaxing. The pumice stone even tickled my feet. Finally, Pham moved on to the massage. She broke out the lotion and began to rub up and down my calves and feet. I felt bad for her having to deal with my leg hair, but the massage felt good, so I did not say anything. Evans Nails is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. A manicure costs $12, and a classic pedicure costs $25. A full list of prices and services can be found on the web site evansville-nails-spa. com. You can make an appointment in the salon or by calling 812–473–0666.

In all, the experience lasted about 30 minutes, and I left feeling relaxed and refreshed. My feet felt more elfin than hobbit-like, so I considered the experience a success. This would not be something I would do regularly, but I felt good having done it at least once.

Beforehand, I was apprehensive about how a pedicure would look on my “man card,” but after, I realized it is a perfectly normal thing for people of any gender to do.

chris norris l reviewer

WNIN is looking for people willing to help out the community through service to the station. With several departments, WNIN is full of a variety of opportunities to volunteer:

Member Services • Television • Radio • Events There’s even the potential to turn volunteering into an internship and receive college credit.

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03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

Connecting individuals and institutions to help make the Evansville Tri-State the best place to live and work in America.

15

EVERYWHERE SHE GOES,

PEOPLE

fascinating

senior Ellyn Washburne finds music and even other worlds. Because her father is a guitarist and her mother was a ballerina, music was — and still is — important in her parents’ lives. So it’s not surprising that Washburne’s musical career began early at age 7. “My parents made all the siblings take a year of piano, and then we could each decide what we wanted to do,” she said. “Some instruments we had formal training on, but others we learned from books.”

As a music major, Washburne’s areas of expertise are playing the piano and singing. But she plays much more, including the mandolin, violin and guitar. Surprisingly, Washburne has not always loved music; she was a reluctant student when she was first introduced to it. “In the beginning it was a chore,” she said. “But at some point I realized that music was just fun.”

ON THE UPBEAT Passion and dedication make musically talented Ellyn Washburne stand out.

by Chelsea Modglin photo by Samantha Cook

“

I went to Dublin with my fiddle and found an open jam session at a pub.”

Her favorite genres of music are bluegrass, classical and traditional Irish. “I like bluegrass because it’s a lot of upbeat music,” she said. “It’s fun to play and kind of a group effort. As for traditional Irish music, I found that on my own. I guess I just liked the sound of it and the way it goes along with dancing.” Washburne used to take classes in Irish dancing, but recently her busy schedule has kept her from continuing. To say that she misses dancing would be an understatement. “I just like moving with the music, right on the beat,” she said. “Rhythm is a really important part of both dancing and music. Throughout history, a lot of music was written solely to accompany dancing. They’re very closely linked.”

For Washburne, emotion is also intrinsically related to music. “If I’m feeling sad, it’s a release to sing sad songs,” she said. “Or I could sing a happy song, if I want to get out of feeling sad. Music can set the mood.” Outside of her classes, Washburne often plays and sings for her fellow members of Student Christian Fellowship and Venturing Crew. She also enjoys volunteering her time to help others, such as playing for the elderly in a nursing home, and she uses her love for music as a way to accomplish that.

Humble at heart, Washburne said she likes to help people, but she does not want to seem like she is showing off with her talents. But she has found through her experiences that music is a valuable service for people. “Whatever need they have, I hope to provide them with something they can enjoy,” she said. She has also been involved with the Boy Scouts of America’s Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico for the past three years. Last summer she worked as an amateur actress playing an Austrian immigrant.

In the evenings, Washburne and the rest of the actors would perform pre1900 American and Austrian folk songs but would later open the floor for requests like The Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down to Geor-

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

“But at some point I realized that music was just fun.” gia” and Don McLean’s “American Pie.” “I go to Philmont to have a bluegrass vacation,” she said.

“There is no piano and no place to plug in your guitar, so the style is bluegrass or close to bluegrass just by the nature of where you are.”

Although her friends know her to be very lively and outspoken, Washburne is often reserved in other social situations. But there is a way to get her to open up. “Once you start talking about something she has an interest in she really opens up,” senior Marley Rardin said. “Especially with music. She’s always open to new experiences with music. I think music reflects her personality.”

While at Harlaxton last spring, Washburne spent a majority of her time seeking local festivals and pubs for opportunities to play and sing alongside fellow artists from different cultures. “I would google a place and try to find where the

traditional music was,” she said. “I found music everywhere I went.” Washburne said she went pub-crawling — minus the alcohol — in Killarney, Ireland, going from one gig to another.

In another country, she managed to figure out from a poster that there was going to be a jam session at a hotel down the street, and there she got to dance with an old Swiss man. Washburne said her most treasured memory from her travels was a trip to Dublin, Ireland. “I went to Dublin with my fiddle and found an open jam session at a pub,” she said. “I got to play along with Irish musicians in an Irish pub. It was a dream come true.” When she was not scouring Europe for music, Washburne contented herself with performing in a talent show at Harlaxton manor.

She had even written a sarcastic song about all the “best” things of Indiana, such as bizarre weather and endless acres of crops. The lyr-

ics to the other songs she played were written decades ago by author J. R. R. Tolkien, but she brought them to life when she set them to music. “It was easy at the time,” she said. “I don’t write music very often, but when I do, it’s because it’s coming to me and coming very easily.”

She says that her studies in classical music have helped her in songwriting, as well as providing other benefits. “I feel like I am part of two worlds,” she said. “In the classical music world, there is sheet music, and it is played exactly as it is written down. In the bluegrass music world, few are able to read music, and [they] simply play by hearing it. Being part of both worlds has helped me a lot.” After graduation, Washburne plans to attend the University of Kentucky to study musicology, specializing in the American and Irish folk genres. But it is certain that no matter where she goes, Washburne will be taking music with her.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

MYTH

by Amy Reinhart & Alexandra Wade illustration by Jessica Crihfield-Taylor

BUSTERS From rumors floating through campus to Twitter’s ever-growing and popular #UEProblems, it can be said that students have their fair share of myth about UE. Crescent Magazine set out to discover whether some myths were valid or just people’s way of letting off steam.

“There is nothing to do at UE on weekends.” One concern is the lack of weekend activities. Other than Greek philanthropies, planned events are rare, leaving students with two options: sleep or study. Senior Lindsey Potter, SAB president, said SAB focuses on weeknights and may have one or two weekend events per month. “It’s a given that students will fill their weekends,” she said. “It’s the campus’ job to make sure students are busy every night of the week.” Though the unversity’s events seem few and far between, Potter strives to make the most of it by offering fewer but larger and more popular events. Hanover and Butler also struggle to plan weekend activities, but DePauw hosts events every weekend. UE students are not so lucky. So, in this case, students have reason to complain. Myth: True

“Parking permits are too expensive, and there are not enough spaces.”

Parking is one of the main campus concerns for students and employees. Looking at the numbers, it is easy to see why. There are about 1,600 parking spaces at UE, but Safety & Security issued 1,938 permits for the 2012–13 academic year. That includes replacements as well as permits for commuters and Continuing Education students. “We always sell more because not everyone’s here at the same time,” said Geneva Davis, Safety & Security senior administrative assistant. Space is not an issue, but prices are a different story. A UE permit costs $50 per year and costs the same amount to renew each year.

Butler’s permit costs $60 the first year, but yearly renewals only cost $5. Hanover charges $10

Do students really have valid reasons to bash UE? We compared the university to three similar schools to find out.

for a four-year permit. There are plenty of spaces at UE, but our prices are higher in comparison. Myth: Debatable

“Free speech is limited at UE.” Students complain often but rarely take action. Dean Dana Clayton, vice president for Student Affairs, cannot recall any disruptive protests at UE within the last 20 years. “The culture of the campus often dictates how often that sort of thing happens,” she said. But do students not protest because they are afraid or because they think they do not have the right? UE’s student handbook says students have the right to protest as long as it does not disturb others or their education. This policy also applies to written material. “The University of Evansville encourages the exchange of ideas and thoughts, but it has to be done in a respectful, manageable way,” Clayton said. Butler, Hanover and DePauw have similar policies, but UE has something they do not — a free speech zone. The zone is on the south side of Olmsted Hall. Students have the right to speak freely; they just do not take advantage of it. Myth: False

“UE has a lot of Greek students.” It is common to see Greek letters at UE. Membership is the highest it has been in four years, so at first glance, it may seem as if everyone is in a fraternity or sorority. While there are more Greeks this year, they only make up about 27 percent of students. Cara Fabrocini, Center for Student Engagement assistant director, said it seems as if members are everywhere because they serve in positions in other organizations and wear uniform clothing. “If everyone wore the same shirts every day, it would seem a lot higher than that 30 percent,” she said. Of the other schools, DePauw led with 70 percent, followed by Hanover with 50 percent and Butler with 35 percent. Although Greek life is important at UE, it is more prevalent at other colleges. Myth: True

“UE’s campus is inaccessible.”

Another concern at UE is poor accessibility. Several buildings are only accessible to everyone on their first floors, and Hughes Hall is completely inaccessible. This makes it hard for students with physical diasabilities to get around. Even getting to class can be hard for some. But Ronda Stone, former Disability Services coordinator, said students know before coming to UE that the campus is not fully accessible and that there will be challenges. For example, if handicapped students need to meet with someone who has an office in Olmsted, they must meet elsewhere. “Even though the buildings aren’t accessible, the services are,” Stone said. “It may just be harder than it is for traditional students.” Butler, DePauw and Hanover also have accessibility issues, but they have fewer students who use wheelchairs. Stone said UE has more wheelchair users due to the small campus and flat terrain. UE is not completely wheelchair friendly, but it provides alternatives.

Myth: True

“Food prices are high and there are not enough options.” When it comes to food, students may feel that they do not get their money’s worth. Most meal plans cost more than $4,700 per year, but there are only three places to eat. Limited hours add to the frustration. While Butler and DePauw have more expensive meal plans, they offer better variety and more hours. Dan McLain, Sodexo general manager, said enrollment affects whether restaurants will work with a school. “I’ve dealt with Starbucks and other places,” he said, “and if you don’t have a certain number of students, they won’t talk to you.” UE’s weekday meal hours are similar to other schools, but they are scarce on the weekends. Cafe Court is open 10 hours each weekend, while Hanover, Butler and DePauw have food courts open up to 20 hours. UE beats the other schools in price, but falls short in variety and hours. Myth: Debatable 03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

19

THE

MONGOLIA PROJECT

In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, eight UE students and two professors come together to aid a community in need.

by Jessica Ingle & Emily Molli

The Zaisan Memorial (top) provides the perfect vantage point to see the older city of Ulaanbaatar and the new construction that surrounds the mountains, while the group’s gers — felt-lined tents — await them for their final night in Mongolia. [photos courtesy of Jyl Loehr]

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity for many. Though a lot of students choose to spend time overseas in Western Europe, there are actually hundreds of opportunities to travel to places around the globe, and there is much more to do than just sightsee. Pete Sherman, associate professor of management, explained that in the American educational community, there is a growing trend of international and interdisciplinary projects that schools can adopt to promote global service learning.

gan planning the trip to Mongolia two years before they boarded the plane that would take them 6,500 miles from Evansville. Through funding from the Institute for Global Enterprise and the Kern Family Foundation, a private, independent grant-making organization based in Waukesha, Wis., they were able to bring a sizable group with them last August. “We invited students who thought it would mean something,” Layer said. “I wanted them to grasp the differencemaking potential in Mongolia.”

More and more universities have ventured off the traditional path of semester-long study abroad programs and have started offering smaller, more focused projects. The Mongolia Project, led by School of Business Administration and School of Engineering & Computer Science professors, is one such project. The project team consists of Sherman, John Layer, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and eight students from the schools. The framework of the project came together from a similar venture in the Dominican Republic in 2008.

Nearly half of Mongolia’s 3.2 million people live in Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital and only major city; this is the home of the Mongolia Project. After arriving in the city, participants from the two disciplines set to work on their own parts of the project. The civil engineers designed a training center and a dormitory while the mechanical engineers researched green alternatives — solar energy — to heat both the air and the water in the two buildings. Though the engineering students are constructing their designs back at UE, the engineering teams have to keep in mind where the buildings will be constructed. The special tools and skills available in the United States are not as easily accessible in Mongolia, and the finances required for the heating and building projects are limited.

Layer and a group of students, along with representatives from G.O. Ministries, a Christian nonprofit organization with locations in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, Haiti, Colombia and the United States, assessed and built a three-story church that was finished in less than a year. “[G.O. Ministries] asks these countries, ‘What do you need?’” Layer said. “And they basically provide infrastructure for these countries. They build churches, schools and feeding centers.”

G.O. Ministries reaches out to populations that need it most, providing education, medical facilities, nutrition centers and water purification systems to them. Layer and Sherman be-

Once completed, the buildings will be dedicated to those recovering from alcoholism and prostitution. According to the World Health Organization, alcoholism could be considered Mongolia’s biggest obstacle in making economic progress since 22 percent of Mongolian men are dependent upon alcohol and 72 percent of violent crimes are fueled by alcohol. “Every day had its risks,” Sherman said. “It was all eye-opening. Alcohol is an epidemic in Mongolia.” And according to UNICEF, there are 19,000 sex work-

ers in Mongolia. With a population of 2.7 million, this means there is about one prostitute for every 140 people in the country.

Throughout the trip, the mechanical engineering students aided the civil engineering students as they collected data about the steep hill and surrounding area where the buildings will be constructed. Senior Kevin Ulrich said the civil engineers had to record every detail of the land because they knew they would not have the chance to see it again. The engineering divisions communicated with each other because the mechanical engineers’ systems had to be integrated into the civil engineers’ designs.

Green energy alternatives are also a rarity in Mongolia. “It’s very polluted,” Layer said. “They have Soviet-era coal-fired power plants.” These plants are constantly shooting toxic black smoke into the atmosphere. Much of Mongolia still has remnants of its soviet assistance from the days before the USSR dissolved. When the Soviet Union fell, Mongolia’s economy experienced numerous recessions and depressions along with the occassional growth spurts that came as a result of mining coal.

But many Mongolian men and women still need a steady source of employment and income, which is where Sherman and the business students came in. They worked with Streams in the Desert, a Christian nonprofit that supports and employs many Mongolian men and women in jewelry making as a way to help them overcome their destructive lifestyles.

Much of the business side of the project involved doing research and helping Streams fix problems within its operation. The original plan was to find ways to help advertise its products

on a larger scale, but there were problems at the core of the business. “They had almost no accounting skills whatsoever,” Sherman said. “It’s a very limited business.”

Unlike in corporate America, there are no ways for Streams workers to advance within the company, and there are no management positions — every employee works at the same level with no chance of a promotion or a pay raise. Therefore, workers focus more on short-term goals than long-term goals. Because of this short-term mindset, Streams needed the business students to make suggestions to help improve quality control and to establish better investment strategies. “We had to tread lightly when acting as consultants,” senior Phoebe Hodina said.

“We had to reach a balance of not being condescending while trying to give helpful suggestions within reach.”

The short-term focus was one obstacle students addressed by teaching and showing the workers the benefits and advantages of looking ahead to what is best for business in the long run. Cheap tools and products do not last as long as the pricier, more durable ones, and frequently replacing them ultimately costs the business more.

Hodina and the other students had to scale back their larger plans and take small steps as soon as they saw how the Mongolian work ethic differs from the U.S. work ethic. Some common issues in Mongolian business are tax evasion, bribery and falsifying financial statements. The business students worked with the social workers assisting Streams, but the social workers had limited business skills, if any at all.

The students introduced Streams workers to accounting software used by small businesses to improve the efficiency of their bookkeeping.

Careful planning goes into creating new buildings. Seniors Chris West and Katelyn Spainhour survey a plot of land for the new retreat center outside of Ulaanbaatar. [photo courtesy of Kevin Ulrich]

They also gave helpful insight into solving human resource issues. The most concerning obstacle was that women could still make more money as prostitutes than they could by making jewelry and other items for Streams. To curb this, the business team brainstormed monetary and nonmonetary incentives to keep the women off the streets and coming back. “It was all about encouragement, bringing positive and spiritual events in their lives,” Sherman said.

The group’s expectations of Mongolia’s culture, development and business techniques turned 03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

21

out to be far different from the reality they encountered once they arrived. “It was hard to get the full scope of what was necessary,” Ulrich said. The students essentially went into the tasks blind, unsure of what was acceptable in Mongolian society. “We didn’t know what we needed to know,” senior Jyl Loehr said. “Coming from the U.S., we had no idea of the restrictions.

We had to find the right people to talk to.”

Apart from business and engineering techniques, the entire group felt a collective culture shock as they spent more and more time in Ulaanbaatar. They ate variations of horse and sheep.

They learned that, in Mongolia, common interpersonal space is much smaller. Clean running water was difficult to find. The temperature plummeted to minus 43 degrees. “I watched my students melt with the realization of what they have in America and what they can do to make a difference,” Layer said. He said the students did not get homesick — they wanted to reach out and make a difference after seeing how privileged their lives are and how easy it is to impact the lives of others.

Mongolians live a life unlike Americans in almost every way, but the students still managed to find a way to work well with Streams. “Mongolians are untethered,” Sherman said. “They live life in the way they want to live. They have almost no exposure to Western religion.” Though the students may have felt out of their comfort zone at times, especially when dealing with the language and cultural barriers, an experience such as this teaches them to form bonds with different kinds of people. “You have to be flexible and be able to adapt to new situations,” Loehr said. “I mean, how many people get to go to Mongolia?”

Even though the students are no longer in Mongolia, they are still working hard to finish a report they will give to G.O. Ministries in May detailing their findings and suggestions. This report will also include the information G.O. needs to begin the building process back in Mongolia. The group wants to return to Ulaanbaatar, but because of the difficulty in getting to Mongolia — along with the extreme temperatures year-round — a trip may not occur until after the students graduate, if at all. “My hope is to see some of my students go back to see their designs implemented,” Layer said. One thing is certain: Whether or not the students return to Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolia Project is an experience they will never forget.

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

Q: A: Q: A:

Samantha Cook/Crescent Magazine

Q: A:

6 Questions Director Debbie Kassenbrock

Crescent Magazine sat down with Academic Advising’s schedule master to ask a few questions.

Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

q&a

INTERVIEW What is a common mistake students make when scheduling their courses?

Sometimes they drop a course and don’t remember to put those hours back into their schedules. Then they don’t have enough hours to graduate. A student needs to fill out their application for degree card so we can customize their checklist.

Many students change their majors. Are there any repercussions when that happens?

It’s pretty easy to change your major if you’re in a major that has a lot of electives, but some don’t have a lot of wiggle room. For those, if students do change, they may not graduate on time or they may have to take summer credits. Unless you are changing to a major that has no electives, we can usually get with the department chair to find out if there are any substitutions or waivers available. For those people, it would be smart to visit Academic Advising — there are a lot of options.

Some majors are very cut-and-dried when it comes to scheduling, but others are not. What advice would you give to students about staying on track?

If you’re proactive, it’s like a puzzle — it will come into place.

Students know that’s something I really enjoy doing. Many, many advisers call me and say, ‘I know about my major, but would you help me with this additional major?’ And that’s why we stay so busy here.

Some seniors panic when they find out they do not have all of the courses they need to graduate. When should students do their senior checklist?

A year in advance is the best. If it’s less than a year in advance, it’s really detrimental because if they need additional courses, they wouldn’t have time to take them. We like students to do it in the spring of their junior year in case they have to change their fall semester schedule.

It’s fair to say that not all advisers are created equal. What should students do if their advisers are not helpful?

They should come see me because it isn’t rare. I don’t like to say it happens on a regular basis, but not everybody’s personalities click. Students have the right to choose their advisers.

Most faculty have advising duties as part of their responsibilities. What makes a good adviser?

Good advisers have to be good listeners. They have to be familiar with their own department’s major requirements. They have to know their students well enough so if students have specialties they want to fulfill, the adviser can help them. A student should be with an adviser who most closely fits [his/ her] personality and the field [he/she] is pursuing.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

23

campus crime The following information was compiled from criminal offense reports filed Jan. 23–Feb. 17 in Safety & Security.

Feb. 17 — Student apprehended driving a vehicle with two flat tires down Walnut while intoxicated.

Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

— Student found intoxicated and trying to enter Lambda Chi Alpha house. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Feb. 13 — Student reported being harassed by another student on Facebook.

Feb. 11 — Student reported his expired passport was stolen from the Phi Kappa Tau house and eventually found outside. Loss not reported.

Feb. 10 — Two non-students found in possession of marijuana in C-lot. Evansville Police called and issued one male a citation for possession.

— Non-student found in possession of oxycodone while parked in a vehicle in N-lot. Evansville Police called and suspect banned from campus.

— Student taken to St. Mary’s Hospital by another student after she was found intoxicated outside Ridgway Center. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Feb. 9 — Student found in possession of alcohol in Hughes Hall. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Feb. 8 — Student found in possession of marijuana in a vehicle near Hughes Hall. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Feb. 7 — Student reported receiving harrassing text messages from her roommate’s boyfriend.

Feb. 5 — Calculator stolen from a Koch Center office. Loss reported at $114.

— Safety & Security officer struck by a vehicle driven by a man trying to flee from security officers while they were investigating a suspicious person call at Ridgway Center. Suspect arrested by Evansville Police and charged with criminal recklessness.

Feb. 4 — Testbook stolen from Koch Center. Loss reported at $129.95 Feb. 2 — Two students found intoxicated near Frederick and Walnut. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Jan. 29 — Student found in possession of marijuana in Hughes Hall. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Jan. 28 — Student reports her vehicle’s tires slashed while parked in the alley near Walnut duplexes.

Loss not reported.

— Student used another student’s UE ID to order pizza. Loss reported at $18. Referred to the vice president for Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

Jan. 25 — Bicycle stolen from Powell Hall bike rack.

Loss reported at $20.

Jan. 23 — Money stolen from a Biology Department desk in Koch Center. Loss reported at $10.

24

Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

throughthelens

photos

by Samantha Cook photos by Jessica Crihfield-Taylor

Mighty pucks Grab your goggles.

As the evening

winds down for some, battles rage in the Fitness Center. Mid-spring semester means intramural floor hockey, a game that many have not played since middle school. Students race up and down the court, sporting chemistry-experiment-esque goggles while trying to get a small rubber ball into the other team’s goal using the hockey sticks’ colorful blades. Though opposing players might be friendly around campus, during floor hockey all bets are off. Pushing and shoving are common as players “accidentally” whack a few shins with their sticks in the name of good sportsmanship. By the end of the night, no matter how many bruises people go home with, it was all worth it.

“Watch yourself. No high-sticking on the court!”

[One is the loneliest number. Sophomore Michaela Bortle guards her goal for Zeta Tau Alpha while watching the action at the other end of the court.]

[Breaking away from the pack, freshman Anneliese Trapp of Zeta pushes the ball past junior Cassie Curry of The Lady Pucks and rushes down the court toward the goal.]

[Hoping to stay in control, junior Sara Gerlach of The Lady Pucks concentrates on keeping possession of the ball as she and freshman Elaina Robinson of Zeta race down the court.]

[In a battle of two against one, the ball seems to be winning as freshmen Megan Montgomery and Alex Weintraut of Zeta team up against junior Theresa Morrow of The Lady Pucks.]

11.2012 l Crescent Magazine

25

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

w i t h va l i d U E ID

Crescent Magazine and LinC Positions for 2013-14

APPLICATIONS DUE

MARCH 15

Download an application from facebook.com/uecrescent or facebook.com/uelinc.

Also available in Student Publications.

For more information, visit Student Publications, second floor Ridgway or e-mail tm2@evansville.edu.

A VIBRANT

SPIRIT

ART IS MORE

than just a way to distract senior Erin Sparling during class lectures.

She recognizes it as an opportunity to help others. But that does not stop the pre-art therapy major from doodling during class. “When I have a pen in my hand, I’m one of those people in class who always has three sentences of notes and a landscape across the top of the page,” she said.

Sparling, a native of Cincinnati, was encouraged in her artistic abilities by a long string of teachers, dating all the way back to her days in elementary school. “I think it is just something she enjoys doing, and she can do it well,” senior Brittany Triggs said. And Triggs is not the only fan of Sparling’s art. Friends and family members have claimed various pieces of her artwork — including Sparling’s personal favorite, a gouache painting titled “Climbing Trees.”

Sparling can often be found tinkering in her preferred mediums of oil painting and watercolor in her apartment while simultaneously catching up on the latest episode of “How I Met Your Mother” or “The Big Bang Theory.” Although she may

dormstorm

by Cory Hart photo by Samantha Cook

seem shy when you first meet her, Sparling is actually a people person. She said working alone becomes lonely, so you will generally find her working among friends. But when she needs to concentrate, she goes to one of the studios on campus. Sparling’s personality is as charismatic as her artwork.

piness doing it,” senior Molly Adams said. “She is passionate about it.” But if you were to ask her friends, they would tell you that it is not just children who have a soft spot in Sparling’s heart; she simply loves people. “When she asks how you are doing, she really wants to know,” Adams said.

Her friends say that she has a stroke of sincerity and colorfulness, making her the person they have come to love. “She is a pretty mellow person,” senior Maggie Deneweth said. “But then she’ll have a quirky, fun side.” When she is not busy creating her artwork, Sparling is helping others. She interned last semester at Patchwork Central, a local nonprofit organization that offers after-school programs for children and aids them through tutoring, crafts and other activities. She was hired this semester as the organization’s program assistant.

And Sparling is sure to make time for her friends. Adams remembered one adventure in which she and Sparling went to Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards in Starlight, Ind. They had wine, of course, but what really won Sparling over was the cheese. Sparling is a huge cheese lover, Adams said, and she recalled Sparling saying that if the world ended she could live off of cheese.

She aspires to work with special-needs children — at home she volunteers to help them ride horses — so Patchwork was an eye-opening experience. “It has taught me how to work with children in an art setting,” she said. Sparling loves her job. “I think she finds a lot of hap-

Deneweth said Sparling’s quirkiness is also reflected in her artwork. When a painting of Sparling’s is primarily black and white, there will be a random splash of color to set it off, giving it that funky feel she aims for. One of her paintings, “Illuminated,” features the colors of the rainbow, including the unusual choice of brown.

“I like to make objects a little more interesting than they are,” she said.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

27

overtime

SPORTS

BURNING RUBBER

Kelby Jenkins brings the heat as she sets record after record.

by Jamelyn Wheeler photos by Samantha Cook 28

Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

MANY STUDENTS

qualify a hurried jog or a brisk walk to class as their weekly exercise, but every week, junior Kelby Jenkins has a far more rigorous routine. She runs a total of 70 miles per week, and she manages to burn through a pair of running shoes every three months. She already broke the women’s cross-country 6K record during the sport’s fall season and is well on her way to breaking the 5K as well. Though some would attribute Jenkins’ massive success to the fact that she is a natural athlete, her dedication is undeniable.

This type of dedication lies in her ability to motivate herself to run — even when she does not feel like it. For the Frankfort, Ind., native, there are two contributing factors: her natural motivation to succeed and her love of the sport. But Jenkins was not always so fond of running. She said she hated running for the track team her freshman year of high school and did not begin cross-country until her senior year.

Luckily this disdain did not carry over into college. In fact, Jenkins said running is now a stress reliever and helps clear her mind. “After every run it gives me a good feeling,” she said.

Though Jenkins has had many successes this past season, she is happiest with her fourth-place finish at the MVC Championships, where she ran her personal best 5K. During the season, she placed first at UE’s Mid-America Opener and the Eastern Illinois, Tennessee Tech and UE invitationals. She also finished third in a heat of 337 runners in the Greater Louisville Classic. And at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional Championship, Jenkins broke UE’s women’s 6K record by an impressive 51 seconds while placing 33rd.

To Jenkins, running and succeeding are not the only exhilarating aspects of cross-country. “It’s being on the team,” she said, “ and feeling I’m contributing to something.” Coach Don Walters sees Jenkins as an influential team member. “She’s the first one at practice and the last one to leave,” he said. While preparing, Jenkins leads the pack, forcing her teammates to compete with her. Junior Jackie Carlson describes Jenkins as motivating. “I can aspire to improve myself because of her,” she said.

Jenkins is definitely a role model during the season, but her hard work does not end there. “She is one of the most dedicated athletes I’ve ever had,” Walters said, and with good reason. Though an average week during the off-season entails running 45 to 50 miles, this does not compare with her normal 65 to 70. Even in the summer Jenkins does not quit. She trains and works hard relentlessly — except for Sundays. “Sunday is always a day off,” she said.

Despite all of the effort and time she puts into her sport, Jenkins knows her limits. “She knows her body really well and knows how long she needs to run,” Carlson said. And by being aware of her comfort zone at 70 miles per week, Jenkins tailors her workouts to her own needs. Her work ethic and dedication to training have resulted in her being successful, but that success did not come overnight.

Jenkins now agrees with one of Walters’ mantras — “It’s going to take you two years to learn how to run,” she shared. Her success her junior year is evidence of this. “You get a feel for it the first year,” Jenkins said. “Then the second year you can concentrate on how to improve.” Her progress within her sport is apparent, but her experiences have also benefited her in a different way. “I’m usually a quiet person,” Jenkins said. “I guess running has given me confidence.”

This confidence, along with Jenkins’ dedication, extends into her academic life. As an accounting major with a minor in economics, she maintains a 4.0 GPA, which is not an easy feat — let alone for someone who averages so much training time per week. It seems that Jenkins is incredibly selective about how she spends her time. “She knows when to study, when to eat and when to practice,” Walters said.

“There’s no time for anything else.” And Jenkins’ stellar academic performance is reflected in the team as a whole. Not only did the women’s cross-country team have one of its most successful seasons on record, but the women also had the highest team GPA at UE last year and placed eighth in the nation for highest team GPA. Jenkins has even greater aspirations for next year. Now that she holds the 6K record, she has her sights set on the 5K record and competing at the NCAA National Championship. After graduation, she plans to run in half marathons, although not competitively. No matter what she decides to do, one thing is certain: Jenkins will find a way to locate her limit and then push it, as her transition from newcomer to team leader has shown. “I always want to do my best so I don’t fall short in my potential,” she said.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

29

fitness

& HEALTH

by Brodie Gress

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE Enjoy the tan, but know the risks.

SKIN CANCER

is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting more than 2 million people annually, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Angie Wooton, assistant professor of nursing, said skin cancer could have many causes, but she believes it is partially due to tanning — whether outside or at salons. “You don’t realize that it’s that accumulation over time, that what you do today will affect you later,” she said. “You always think it’ll happen to someone else.”

Students should screen themselves for signs of skin irregularities each month. Moles that look asymmetrical, lumpy, dark or large may be the start of skin cancer.

Wooton recommends getting a professional diagnosis whenever you see something out of the ordinary. “I would advise going to a dermatologist, not just a health care provider,” she said.

“Before you start something, you want to look into the risks of it.”

Wooton also advises against using tanning salons because of their proven link to skin cancer. But junior Karolina Toth does not regret tanning. “That 10-minute session’s like a light

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

therapy session for me,” she said. “Sometimes you’ve got to give yourself a little break. There’s a chance of dying every time you get in a car, but people still do it every day.” Toth is familiar with the risks and takes precautions before going to the salon. “Before you start something, you want to look into the risks of it,” she said. “You don’t want to go to a place where they don’t change the lights very often.”

By lights, Toth means the UV-emitting light bulbs in tanning beds, which good salons update frequently. To minimize a tan’s harm, start with two-minute sessions and slowly extend that length over time. Most salons require tanning goggles to protect the eyes. And it is important to note that fair skin is more susceptible to harm than dark skin.

But salons are not the only danger. Wooten said a friend of hers worked as a lifeguard for two years in Florida. She never went to a salon, yet she developed a skin lesion under her eye. To reduce your risk, use sunblock when going outside, even if the sun is not bright. Check the label to make sure the SPF — sun protection factor — is 30 or greater. Apply it hourly, stay in the shade and cover your skin.

Whether you choose to go to tanning salons or just spend time outside, it is important to realize the possible dangers and take the necessary precautions for your health. “Prevention is the key,” Wooton said. “That’s the bottom line.”

I AM

a bridge

TYPICALLY KNOWN AS

the concrete canoe guy around campus, Mark Valenzuela, associate professor of civil engineering, aims to be the bridge that will lead his students to success.

He hopes to inspire them in and out of the classroom, as his own experience shows. Valenzuela and his students are working on their 13th concrete canoe. “At the 2001 regional conference, we came in eight out of eight,” he said. “That’s a better way of saying last.”

But since 2001, his teams have made it to national competitions five times, and in 2011, UE became the smallest school ever to host the ASCE Concrete Canoe competition. Valenzuela appreciates the passion and determination his students bring to the project. When Valenzuela is not teaching engineering classes or helping build a formidable canoe, he spends his free time playing his favorite instrument — the bagpipe. While teaching at Harlaxton in fall 2008, Valenzuela was introduced to the instrument through an unlikely person.

ACLOSERLOOK

by Jessica Ingle photo by Samantha Cook

Valenzuela is the former Grand Marshal — better known as the person who carries the mace during ceremonies like graduation.

“There is a bagpiper there named Billy,” he said. “Billy the bagpiper is also the pest control manager. I was impressed by Billy.” Valenzuela also befriended a faculty member’s Canadian spouse who is of Scottish descent and knew a lot about the bagpipe. From there, his interest grew. His favorite part about playing the bagpipe is its drones, or reeds. “You can make ancient, mystical sounds with the bagpipe,” Valenzuela said. “It reminds me of ancient chants — there’s always some mystery involved.”

The bagpipe is a difficult instrument to master because most of the learning process is memorization. “Bagpipes are usually played from memory,” Valenzuela said. “The music is something that’s handed down through oral traditions.” He admits to a slight obsession with the instrument — he owns four sets of Scottish bagpipes — but said music is a constant thread in his life.

Valenzuela recently discovered the Spanish bagpipe, which represents his Filipino heritage better than the Scottish bagpipe. He said because the Spanish bagpipe’s structure differs from that of a traditional Scottish bagpipe, people would not wonder why he does not wear a kilt.

Besides walking around campus playing his bagpipe, Valenzuela has also played for Baccalaureate and at Neu Chapel and St. Mary’s Medical Center. “Bagpipes are fun,” he said, “but they are associated with serious situations.”

Valenzuela has also performed at a Sept. 11 service and a funeral procession. Combining the sciences and music brings balance to Valenzuela’s life, and he seeks to add beauty to the world, whether through an aesthetically pleasing building or a piece of music. “There is kind of an order to things,” he said. “I always ask myself, ‘Can I make this building strong, but make it beautiful as well?’”

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

31

offthewall

The first documented condom existed during the Renaissance as a chemically soaked linen tied onto the penis with a ribbon.

WHOKNEW?

dotm GOTTA get IT PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS explored the ocean — and there are several ways to navigate the deep blue sea. But what if we told you that you could not only enjoy this experience the traditional way, but also do it as a whale? No, we’re not talking about anything anthropomorphic. The company Innespace has created Seabreacher Y, a craft designed to resemble a killer whale. According to seabreacher.com, the submarine is piloted like an aircraft — it even has a panoramic bubble-top canopy — and is built to order. With whale-like features such as a large tail, pectoral fins, a tall dorsal fin and a rounded nose, the craft can go about five feet below the surface and can travel 40 mph on the surface and up to 20 mph under the water. The watercraft can jump out of the water at heights of up to 16 feet. And the whale is not the only design; there are sharks, dolphins and even jet-inspired models. Just shell out $65,000 and the Seabreacher is all yours.

heard it here

“The only happy artist is a dead artist, because only then you can’t change.”

tidbits & assets

— Sylvester Stallone

Peppermint Patty Cocktail

If you think peppermint and chocolate is a winning combination, try adding schnapps and see what you get. According to cocktails.about.com, just combine the peppermint schnapps, dark creme de cacao and cream in an ice-filled glass, and stir. And if you really want a chocolate boost, try squeezing some chocolate syrup into the glass beforehand.

INGREDIENTS: 1 oz. peppermint schnapps / 1 oz. dark creme de cacao / 2 oz. cream kinseyinstitute.org

MORE WOMEN are removing some or all of their pubic hair. Many men are following this trend as well, trimming, shaving or waxing off more of their pubic hair. Just how many women or men are removing all of their pubic hair is unknown, but total pubic hair removal is more common among 18–24-year-old women. Female students say the landing strip style is popular, while others prefer their pubic area to feel smooth and hairless. They may also find they feel more comfortable giving or receiving oral sex when there is little or no pubic hair. While a partner may find a certain style sexy, if you don’t, it may inhibit you during sex. The Kinsey Institute encourages women and men to do what feels most comfortable. Pubic hair can be removed easily and grows back quickly. As a result, people can experiment with different styles to see what feels right to them.

WHOKNEW? Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his cap to keep him cool during games. To stay fresh, he changed it every two innings.

32

Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

telegraph.co.uk

HOLE IN THE WALL A PHOTO BLOG dedicated to the 2012 British Olympic athlete Mo Farah running, the web site mofarahrunningawayfromthings.tumblr.com, places the athlete’s photos into movies and other hilarious scenes.

Viewers can suggest the next “Mo,” submit their own and even donate to the Mo Farah Foundation, which provides necessities to children in East Africa.

THERE’S AN

app

FOR THAT

Looking for healthy choices in the grocery store? With Fooducate, just scan an item’s bar code, and this free app will give it a grade from A to F based on how healthy it is. It will also alert you if the food has preservatives or other additives.

THE WEB SITE lifehacker.com is a guide full of all sorts of simple tips to make life easier. There are several articles, from how to use a pumice stone to depill sweaters to how to remove food odors from your hands with coffee beans. There are do-it-yourself pages on the site as well to absorb any free time you might have.

dumblaws.com

oddlaws

A Hairy Situation

ms

In Tylertown, it is unlawful for a person to shave while in the center of Main Street.

Well, This Sucks

co

In Denver, it is unlawful for people to loan vacuums to their next-door neighbors.

time suck of the month

Beer in My Bucket

WHETHER YOU love literature and history or

In St. Louis, it is illegal to sit on any street curb and drink beer from a bucket.

just had to read them for school, harkavagrant.com is the web comic for you. Using both historic and literary figures, artist Kate Beaton has created adventures — from Darwin’s odd trip to the Galapagos to Cinderella’s pumped-up journey to the ball — that will tickle almost anyone’s funny bone.

Only in Jersey

mo

nj

Motorists must honk before passing another vehicle, cyclist, skater or skateboarder.

it came from the library Erik Kessels of the Netherlands downloaded 950,000 pictures from Flickr. This made him the world record holder for the most pictures downloaded from a web site in 24 hours. He printed 350,000 of the images and put them into piles to show how private photos have become public. “What’s Next?” was the name of the exhibit.

The water slide with the world’s highest drop is located at the Aguas Quentes Country Club in Barra do Pirai, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The slide, Kilimanjaro, was constructed in 2002 and stands at a height of more than 163 feet. To tackle this monstrosity of a slide, you would race down the 50-degree slope at speeds of almost 60 mph.

Galeophobia is the fear of sharks, but despite fear-inducing films like 1975’s “Jaws,” not all sharks are the man-eaters they have been made out to be.

Although there are more than 360 species of shark, only 30 of them have been reported to attack. Statistics show that you are more likely to die from a falling coconut than a shark attack.

The shortest woman ever recorded was Pauline Musters of the Netherlands. She was 12 inches at birth, and only managed to double in size, reaching 24 inches tall before her death at age 19. The shortest man ever recorded, and also the shortest human, is 73-year-old Chandra Bahadur Dangi of Rhimkholi, Nepal, who is only 21.5 inches tall.

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS

BACON FARE. February’s

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, was filled with savory smells. The fair featured more than 10,000 pounds of bacon served in unusual ways, such as bacon-flavored cupcakes and gelato. Other events included lectures about bacon and an eating competition. The festival was preceded earlier in the week by a bacon queen pageant.

EASY ON THE EYES. A children’s playground in the Cotswolds in England has been fenced off while local residents argue whether it is too brightly colored to fit in with the area.

The upcoming play area was a major attraction to families, but some locals complained it was too big, bright and visible to passing traffic on the main road.

The developer has agreed to repaint the equipment dark green, but no changes have been made.

STRIPPED OF DIGNITY. Fabio, a popular heartthrob stripper, was supposed to perform during Ladies Night at the Baltic Inn and Restaurant in South Wales. But Fabio had to cancel at the last minute, and novice Leon Zbudowskyj replaced him, walking onstage unshaved and unprepared. The women booed and threw napkins, and the night ended in a large brawl. Five police cars were sent to break up the fight, and Zbudowskyj was arrested on suspicion of assault.

WHOKNEW? A frog can throw up by expelling its entire stomach, using its forearms to dig out the contents and then swallowing it again.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

33

thelists

BEST places things that make us crazy to eat this month HICKORY PIT STOP

THE FAR RIGHT

You can stay on the right side of the road, can’t you?

So why not stay on the right side of the sidewalk? Trying to navigate any hallway becomes instant hell if you’re trying to be the salmon swimming upstream.

LONG WALK What’s worse than having to walk all the way to Safety & Security by way of H-lot?

Not much. Maybe this is a lot to ask, but how about a shuttle service? Surely the officers could spare a golf cart.

ALWAYS OPEN Contrary to popular belief, some of us actually study on the weekend. Aside from our rooms, weekend study locations after 10 p.m. are few and far between, especially in the Bower-Suhrheinrich Library and Ridgway Center.

TEST COORDINATION Biology, literature and German tests all on the same day? Seriously, how does this keep happening? We’re beginning to think there is a giant calendar of test dates, and professors intentionally schedule them together.

has been a staple in Evansville for years because of its spot-on barbecue creations and its delectable sauces. Since it is a small, homey place, the atmosphere is cozy. Meals are served with a slice of rye bread and a pickle spear, letting the customer focus on the flavorful meat. Guests can try the house favorite baby back ribs or sliced pork, or order a cold beer. 1521 N. Main St. • 812–422–6919

HEADY’S PIZZA is a small pizza shop on the

North side of Evansville that offers a wide array of pizza choices, ranging from its Steak and Pepper Feta pizza to a house favorite, the Chicken Blah Blah — a chicken, bacon and red onion pizza smothered in a special sauce and bubbly cheese. For those who are a little more health conscious, it has a wide variety of salads as well. 4120 N. First Ave. • headyspizza.com

THE LOG INN, built in 1825, is one of the oldest

original inns and stagecoach stops in the United States and offers a menu of warm, filling food. Its Americanstyle menu includes items such as mashed potatoes, fried shrimp, oysters and what has been called the best fried chicken in town. Dine where Abraham Lincoln visited in 1844. 12491 County Road 200 E., Haubstadt, Ind. • theloginn.net

CAFE ARAZU’S dining room overlooks the Ohio

River, and aside from the great view, the menu offers a diverse selection of Middle Eastern cuisine, from signature kebabs to shawarma to red lentil soup. Though the menu is a little pricey, it offers a fusion of ethnic food and several different types of wine. 17 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, Ind. • cafe-arazu.com

great READS 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

just in: Al Roker 1.losesThislucrative Fruit-ofthe-Loom endorsement deal. —Ruth Buzzi

bored at the airport, 2.I justSosmiled at a baby to kill time. —Todd Barry fun thing to 3.do One is take your iPod

headphones, rub them together like paddles, yell “CLEAR!” and pretend you’re saving a mouse’s life.

—Jen Statsky love something, 4.set Ifit you free. Maybe not

sharks though. Or bees.

Viruses. Lots of stuff really.

Look, the point is don’t love anything. —Jason Miller hiking. Smokey 5.theYou’re Bear appears smoking a cigar. He nods, flicks it into a pile of leaves and smiles, “No one will ever believe you.” —Nathan Buckley

memorable celebrity tweets

as far as senior Jessica Russell-Pope is concerned. She loves books — both classic and contemporary:

“We Were the Mulvaneys” Joyce Carol Oates (Penguin, 1996) “Pride and Prejudice” Jane Austen (T. Egerton, 1813) “Angela’s Ashes” Frank McCourt (Scribner, 1996) “Nature” Ralph Waldo Emerson (James Munroe and Co., 1836) “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy J.R.R. Tolkien (George Allen & Unwin, 1954–1955)

WHOKNEW? Taco Bell’s founder is a descendant of Joseph Bell, the man Sir Arthur Conan Doyle used as a basis for the character Sherlock Holmes.

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

TOP 10

Radiation is more common than you think. You probably didn’t know these things were radioactive.

1. BRAZIL NUTS are one of the

6. BANANAS PRODUCE

2. GRAND CENTRAL Station

7. GRANITE TABLETOPS can

3. DENVER, located one mile

8. CIGARETTES CONTAIN

4. EXIT SIGNS’ LIGHT isn’t

9. POTTERY PRODUCED be-

most radioactive foods because the roots of the tree grow deep enough to absorb radium.

has walls and a foundation made of granite, a rock that naturally absorbs radiation. above sea level, receives twice as much radiation as other places because of the atmosphere’s thinness. produced by electricity, but it is instead generated by samples of a radioactive element, tritium.

5. CAT LITTER contains ben-

tonite clay, which contains traces of uranium and thorium. However, the levels of radiation aren’t high enough to cause any real harm.

quantities of radiation genetically. But to feel sick, a person would have to eat 1 million bananas. subject food to radiation because of granite’s tendency to hold in radiation. radioactive materials that survive the production process and are released into the air when the cigarettes are lit. fore 1960 — mainly pieces with a red tint — contains high levels of uranium because it used to be mixed into the glaze.

10. GLOSSY MAGAZINE paper is covered in kaolin, white clay that can hold elements like uranium and thorium.

tunes

listverse.com

These quotable movies often sneak into daily conversations.

Melanie Qua

Sophomore “Pitch Perfect” (2012) “You can’t really use it in real life, but that’s OK. It’s just so funny.”

‘90s songs these readers cannot get enough of.

Daniela Fuentes-Rivero

Freshman “The Notebook” (2004)

“MY NAME IS”

“HEY JULIET”

“I just love Eminem before he got super famous. He’s just a white boy from Detroit. And I’m from Michigan, so I’ve got that bias.”

“My friends and I used to make music videos to it in school, and we thought it was cool.”

Eminem

LMNT

sophomore Rebecca Denne

sophomore Zoe Post

“CANDY”

“WANNABE”

Aaron Carter

Spice Girls

“It really gets my mood up when I’m feeling down, and sometimes I listen to it just for the reactions I get.”

“It was one of mine and my sister’s favorite songs. It’s also my sorority’s pledge class.”

freshman Kelly McKnight

“JUMPER”

sophomore Tyler Arnzen

“YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME”

Third Eye Blind

Randy Newman

“Third Eye Blind has everything that a ‘90s band is supposed to be: a really good rock song, but with a deeper meaning.”

“

MOVIES

“[‘Toy Story’ is] one of the movies I remember seeing as a young child. It’s one of my favorite movies, and that song always stood out to me.”

junior Jesse Willingham

freshman Deyonte Jenkins

Lists today are a way of trying to get through the day, because we are losing a sense of time.”

—David Viscott, psychiatrist and author

“It’s pure romance and it’s perfect. So it’s all we want in a relationship. We expect those things in our lives. We want their story to become our story.”

Nathan Edmiston

Junior “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” (2000) “There are just so many things that can be applied to life.”

Donnie Gaston Senior

“The Waterboy” (1998)

“Pretty much anything Adam Sandler.

There’s a song in there that’s ‘Water Sucks.’”

Raquel Aamot

Sophomore “Horrible Bosses” (2011) “It’s just really bizarre situations. They turn into murderers because they don’t like their bosses. That’s weird and crazy and hilarious and awful.”

WHOKNEW? Bolivia’s largest prison has no guards inside the walls. Inmates elect their own leaders, make laws and get jobs to pay their cells’ rent.

03.2013 l Crescent Magazine

35

Consider the ostrich

Welcoming our new flightless overlords.

MY BROTHER

don’tquoteme

Derek True is the bravest person I know. Looking at the two of us, you would not think we were even remotely related, let alone in the same genetic ballpark. While Derek has the rippling physique of a Greek god, I have all the upper-body strength of a snowman with twig arms. Although Derek was a high school athlete and was later trained by the U.S. Army in sniping, mortar launching and first aid, I still get short of breath walking up the stairs in Olmsted Hall.

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Crescent Magazine l 03.2013

But even the mightiest among us have their weaknesses. For Samson, this was getting a haircut. For Superman, this is kryptonite. For Kanye West, this is opening his mouth. But for Derek, this weakness is ostriches. Before you hold this fear of oversized birds against my brother, try to understand that ostriches are not the gentle feathered friends we have been led to believe they are.

Ostriches can run up to 50 mph, while our species’ shining example, 2008 and 2012 Olympic recordbreaker Usain Bolt, topped out at almost 28 mph. On average, ostriches stand at least a foot or two taller than most humans. With their combined height and speed, it is plausible that they could one day gain the sentience to put together a kick-ass basketball team — if they do not decide to form a death squad of some kind and rise against humans first.

Not only would they be able to catch even the fastest among us, but also their main means of attacking is a kick strong enough to kill an adult lion or, at the very least, shatter a human skull. So before you judge Derek, picture a bird taller than you, faster than you and hopefully not curious as to what your brain tastes like. Derek’s aversion to ostriches came from a personal encounter with one.

My family had some friends who raised ostriches for meat when we were children. While I have never heard the story from Derek himself, the legend in my family is that he simply wandered a little too close to one of the ostriches. Maybe he thought it looked friendly — or tasty. Either way, the ostrich pecked my brother, and a lifelong fear was born.

Remember, we are not talking about a peck from a chicken or a duck. We are talking about a massive beast with a sharp beak. After that day, Derek avoided ostriches. This was a relatively simple task

in Evansville, especially after we lost contact with our ostrich-farmer friends; the only other conceivable place to encounter the birds would have been Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden or perhaps a freak circus accident.

As we rarely visited the zoo and Tim Curry had forever ruined clowns for me, the chances of meeting another ostrich seemed almost impossible. Fast-forward to the summer of 2002. My brother was about to enter his freshman year of high school, and I was about to enter my first year of middle school. My mother, Derek and I were driving from Tulsa, Okla., back to Evansville after a week of visiting relatives.

After driving awhile, we decided to stop at Exotic Animal Paradise, an animal reserve straight from 1993’s “Jurassic Park.” Visitors drive through the park, and animals saunter up to their cars to be fed. Despite its name, the paradise was a bit skimpy on what I would classify as exotic animals. After half an hour of cows, rabbits, deer and other barnyard-type animals coming to get food from our jeep, we began to suspect we were victims of a tourist trap.

Then, I saw it. Sneaking behind the vehicle, an ostrich approached my brother’s outstretched hand as he fed the other animals that had congregated around our car. In a moment that is well-documented — thanks to my handiwork with the family video camera — the behemoth bird went to eat out of my brother’s hand, and noticing the beast for the first time, my brother screamed like an air-raid siren.

After a bit of confusion caused by the ostrich trying to retreat from our vehicle and my brother trying to climb into the front of the car while appealing to a deity of the highest power for help, we managed to drive away. Despite his fear of ostriches, my brother still remains the bravest person I have ever met, and after our ostrich encounter at Exotic Animal Paradise, I have a new respect for the greatest of birds.

Maybe elephants get all of your attention when they break out of circuses, but just know that the ostriches are planning something. Sometimes, as I walk down the streets of Evansville late at night, I think I hear a ruffle of feathers or see a bird-shaped shadow pass over me. It is on those nights that I walk a bit more quickly.

craig keepes l essayist

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In an effort to give back to the Evansville community, this month’s spotlight nonprofit business is WNIN, Tri-State Public Media, Inc.

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a s

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2013

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to at

You ar e

inv ite d

n te

12 e h dt

n n ua a h t

P de

SAT., APRIL 6 7 PM – MIDNIGHT Holiday Inn 7101 U.S. Hwy 41 N. Evansville, Ind.

$10 at the door Appetizers at 7 p.m.

EVERYONE WELCOME Security Provided

Sponsored by the Tri-State Alliance • www.TSAGL.org