The Fellowship of Christian Athletes returns The Fellowship Returns to Gustavus after a long absence Jacob Seamans News Editor

he Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), the nation- ally renowned ecumenical prayerT and Bible study group for young athletes, is getting restarted by a group of students looking to bring its unique mis- sion and programming back to Gustavus after a long dormancy. Its return, however, is not without controversy. “There was talk among the Proclaim leaders about starting up FCA, and I had been involved Su b m i t t e d in [FCA] in high school,” said Delphine Broccard, junior com- The Fellowship of Christian Athletes works to promote Christianity among college and high school students, encouraging private expressions of religion. munication studies major. She wanted to bring FCA back to Gustavus so future Gusties who were involved in FCA in Wanna get away? high school, like her younger dorms, apartments or to live off complex process that involves that the college does not allow brother, could continue to benefit Gusties face campus. “randomly assigning numbers to all students who wish to live off from its programs. Currently, about 400 Gustavus students. These numbers are gen- campus to do so. “Three of the The group, one of many being challenges and students choose to live in off- erated within classes. All juniors, last four years, we have allowed formed across the state, aims to bonuses living campus housing each year. for example, will have higher everyone who wished to live off bring a Christian element to ath- “The way we determine the numbers than all sophomores. campus to do so,” Strey said. letic competition. off-campus number of off-campus students Off-campus and apartment hous- “Most students are so involved, “We are really about looking at is to subtract the number of beds ing are the most popular, so we I think that’s why more students Becky Krocak the sports world and saying, ‘Hey, on campus from the total student [assign] those first. Assigning prefer to live on campus.” Weekly Staff Writer we want to make a difference,’” body and subtract one percent rooms is not all first-come, first- However, not all students who said Jeff Juni, FCA Area Direc- from that. In other words, we serve. Everyone makes their apply are accepted in the first ith housing assignments tor for southern Minnesota. “We have 99 percent of the beds filled choices, and then we run the round. approaching, many stu- want to help athletes and coaches on campus,” said Charlie Strey, program [that assigns rooms],” dentsW have to make the choice take the God-given talents they Director of Residential Life. Strey said. whether to stay on campus in Continued on page 4 have, understand those [talents] Assigning rooms is a fairly A common misconception is come from God, help them to thank God for them [and] use those things to glorify Him.” However, despite its name, Senate cabinet stipends FCA also focuses on a wider Mary Cunningham certainly will have seven Senate any Lutheran; however, Bethany “It’s an investment in the lead- audience. Weekly Staff Writer members seeing green, the move is also amending its policies to ership of the student body as a “FCA is…basically trying to may not make Gustavus student include Cabinet stipends. whole,” Co-President Chris Edel- get the word out through sports,” fter facing potential budgeting organizations feel quite as content. The second reason is that being brock said. said Whitney. woes last spring, one may be This controversial move certainly a cabinet member is very demand- It is the Senate’s hope that this “It’s not [just for athletes]. Any- Asurprised to hear that discussion at has students raising their eyebrows ing. Students who have to work in payment will also increase the di- one can come,” said Sophomore the last full Senate meeting focused and asking “Why now?” but it order to pay for college may not be versity of applicants for the Cabinet Callie Nelsen, one of the leaders not on allocating money to student also has some student organiza- able to participate in senate while positions and help to further the of the group. “FCA is a Christian organizations; but on allocating tions concerned about their future holding a work-study job. impact of Senate campus-wide. organization…to serve other money to the Cabinet of Senate. funding. “We wanted to expand the op- While the stipend may open op- Christians. It’s basically just a The Cabinet, which includes the Co-Presidents Tony Spain and portunity [to partake in leadership portunities for Gusties interested in group of people who get together positions of the Co-Presidents, Chris Edelbrock explain that there positions in Senate] to people who leadership, student organizations once a week and worship, dig into Vice President of Finance, Vice are several reasons behind this don’t get a check every month from who depend on Senate for funding the Bible and [join in] fellowship President of Administration, Direc- change. The first is most area col- their parents,” Co-President Tony may be wondering if this will affect with other Christians.” tor of Communications, Controller leges already pay their cabinets up Spain said. their cash flow in the future. and Floor leader, will become paid to $5,000 per semester. The only The third reason for the new positions starting in the spring other colleges that don't provide stipend is that Senate hopes it will Continued on page 3 2008 semester. While this move stipends are Macalaster and Beth- improve the leadership of Senate. Continued on page 4 Page 2 The Gustavian Weekly December 14, 2007 n e w s Shared Space: love the space you're in

Al e x Me ss e n g e r Shared Space, a student choreographed, performed, directed and produced dance performance, exemplifyied the hard work of the Gustavus Dance program and the intricacies of modern dance. The show drew sold-out crowds and, before one performance, a tailgate party. News Editor: Jacob Seamans News | Page 3

WEEKLY Safety and Security Report Th e Gu s t a v i a n We e k l y Cl a s s i f i e d s Thursday, 12/06 Two students in North Hall were each cited for a drug and alcohol violation. 4 BR (2-bath), 2 BR or 1 BR

A bias incident occurred when unknown persons wrote inappropriate remarks on a stu- Rent next year: one block from campus! All utilities in- cluded in the rent except lights, spacious 4 BR ($1320), 2 dent’s door. Safety and Security is investigating. BR ($690) and 1 BR ($575) apartments. Appliances, heat, water & sewer included. Off street parking, on-site laundry A student while in the College View Parking Lot was cited for underage consumption. facilities, deck with a beautiful view of the valley. 1118 South Washington Avenue Friday, 12/07 A non-student while in the Campus Center was cited for underage consumption, tres- Call: 507-382-0249 passed from campus and transported to DETOX.

Saturday, 12/08 Break Free! Live in your own house! 12 month lease for next year. A student while in Pittman Hall was cited for underage consumption and transported to DETOX. Legendary "Green Acres" 6 BR, 2BA, 2 Kitchens, LOTZ of living space. Up to 8 people.

Tip of the Week: The Element of Surprise: "Taj Mahal" of St. Peter, 4 BR, 2BA, 2 Kitchens, Close to GAC campus, BIG yard for grilling. Make it tough for someone to take you by surprise – don’t wear ear buds or headphones when walking, running or studying alone. "Gingerbread House", 3 BR, 1 BA, w/loft. Big yard! Across from park for healthy exercise.

Published weekly on Fri- tacting Th e We e k l y office. Ben Smith at admanager@ "Club 169" Make it your address! 4 BR, Eat-in Kitchen, Xtra Room for study or entertaining, 1 1/2 car garage. day, except during academic Opinions expressed herein gac.edu. breaks, by the students of are not necessarily those Th e Gu s t a v i a n We e k l y is Call Joyce for a personal showing (612) 306-0744. Gustavus Adolphus Col- of the institution nor of its published 25 times through- lege. student body. The Editors out the 2007-2008 year, re- Subscriptions are avail- assume full responsibility maining dates are: January Looking for a fun and energetic able from Th e Gu s t a v i a n for editorial and unsigned 18 and 25, February 22 and We e k l y , 800 West College material. 29, March 7 and 14, April person to coach a boys' gymnastics Ave., St. Peter, MN 56082 Letters to the Editor can 4, 11, 18 and 25, May 2, 9 for $40 per year. Single cop- be sent to LettertotheEdi- and 16. team next year. ies are available on campus [email protected]. for free. If you are interested in E-mail: [email protected] Additional copies are publishing an ad with Th e Phone: (507) 933-7636 If interested please contact Melissa Lee at mlee@ available for a nominal fee Gu s t a v i a n We e k l y , please Fax: (507) 933-7633 gac.edu and can be obtained by con- contact our Ad Manager,

"Fellowship" from page 1 wonderful organization. I was involved At one point, the students restarting reading into the Bible, doing whatever, and with it in high school, and I felt that de- FCA debated whether they wanted to there was a big change in the vote. The last FCA has come under some fire from spite the discriminatory policy they have, continue their association with the national vote was 8-1 [in favor].” on-campus groups because of a policy that overall FCA would be a really good thing organization or if they wanted to start a Even though the group decided to bars openly homosexual students from for this campus to have,” said Bill Kline, similar group that wasn’t associated with stay with the national organization, those holding leadership positions in the group. who wrote a letter in support of bringing the national FCA. “For the group, it was within the group emphasize that they are This ‘Sexual Purity Policy,’ as it is called, is the group to Gustavus. He emphasized the fifty-fifty right down the middle, and there not trying to hurt people or cause prob- part of the form from the national organiza- fact that the policy only affects the leaders were some good points on both sides, but lems. “We’re not trying to turn anybody tion to apply to be a leader within FCA. of the group. “[The policy] is only for those ultimately we decided that we wanted away; we’re not trying to cause a big storm. “The Sexual Purity policy, as stated by in the leadership, and it’s not like they dis- to [stay with] FCA,” said Whitney. “FCA It’s something that we want to work. We FCA, is that the members of the leadership criminate [against] who can be in the club. is known, and their policies are what we don’t think that it’s going to create any team should remain sexually pure, as the If they did something like that, [it] would want, and we can use their materials. It discrimination because everybody can Bible says…. That entails any sexual acts be a much bigger issue.” came down to people praying over it, be involved in it,” said Whitney. “It’s not or homosexual acts,” said First-year Chris our goal to have social issues of the day to Whitney, the Worship Leader for FCA at divide Christians. We want to bring people Gustavus. together at the cross and hear the message The national FCA cites the Bible as its of Christ,” said Juni. basis for the group, and that this is the rea- “Regardless of what the policies are, I son for the policy. “We have a statement of feel like it should focus on the ministry,” faith, basically talking about the Bible. [The said Broccard. Sexual Purity Policy] is there because there However, FCA does stand by its posi- are so many issues and problems in society tion. “Not everyone is going to agree, but coming from that,” said Juni. “[FCA’s] we’re not going to apologize. We’re trying stance is based on the Bible.” to be Bible based. If you start picking and This policy has frustrated some leaders choosing things out of [the Bible] that of efforts to promote LGBT acceptance on you don’t want to follow, then you might campus. “[The Sexual Purity Policy] is as well throw the whole thing out,” said frustrating because I feel like the people Juni. who are trying to start FCA here don’t “FCA chose God's word as a guideline oppose homosexuality. It’s not their per- for the leadership policies, and I think that sonal belief, it’s this national [organiza- anyone that wants to be involved in FCA tion’s] belief,” said Allison Oppenheimer, will be mature enough to respect that. The sophomore communication arts/literature reason we're bringing FCA here is not to teaching major and Q&A member. create controversies. Instead, our goal is However, some GLBT students believe to build up a Christian community for ath- the overall worth of the group outweighs letes and non-athletes,” said Sophomore Su b m i t t e d its negative aspects. “I think FCA is a FCA encourages Christians to play sports as part of their faith, such as prayer on the field. Callie Nelsen. Page 4 | News The Gustavian Weekly

"Get away?" from page 1 of living, being able to come and a small residential campus, we “The concerns I’ve run into the house. People need to go into go as I wish during breaks/sum- have access to resources.” deal with looking at leases and living off campus with their eyes "Of the 281 students who ini- mer and having more living space “The biggest challenge for reading them carefully. The wide open,” said Strey. tially sought permission to live off than if you were on campus,” said me was being more isolated. On Residential Life Office provides Most of the students who live campus, the first and only round Magee. campus I was always near every- resources in how to deal with off campus find it to be a very to receive permission, 64 men and However, living off campus one all the time, but off campus some of these challenges: deal- rewarding experience, despite the 18 women did not receive permis- also comes with its own chal- it's just me and my roommates. ing with landlords and learning challenges involved. “I love liv- sion to live off-campus. All of lenges. “Time is a resource. There Another challenge was, and still about what the city offers and ing off campus and wish I would these students were comprised is cleaning time, shopping time, is, keeping our place clean and expects. There are certain respon- have decided to do so before my of sophomore students," said As- etc. Living off campus is an ef- coordinating it with all of my sibilities expected of students. We senior year,” Magee said. sistant Director of Residential Life fort,” Strey said. roommates,” said Anton. collected landlords’ information In the end, the decision to live Troy Seppelt, who coordinates the According to Strey, some of the “One challenge would prob- in a book that is in the Residential on or off campus depends on housing process. disadvantages involved with liv- ably have to be making my own Life Office. People are welcome individual personality. “I think Students have several reasons ing off campus are “accessibility food, and another one is leaving a to come in and look at the book off campus housing is sort of a for choosing to live off campus. to campus resources and friends. little earlier in the morning to get or meet with me about leases mixed-bag and depends on indi- “What you would hear from stu- Someone cleans your bathroom to classes on time,” Magee said. so they know what they’re get- vidual circumstances as to if it’s dents is the perception that living and kitchen for you. The big- Other challenges for students ting into. Some leases place all right for you,” Strey said. off campus gives more freedom gest thing is that because we are involve landlords and leases. responsibility on the tenants of and a lower cost,” said Strey. “I chose to live off campus for a couple reasons. First, my room- mates and I figured that it would be slightly cheaper than living on campus in an apartment or a suite. We were sick of living in dorms after our sophomore year. Second, I personally preferred to live off campus to have my own living space, as well as a kitchen,” said Senior religion and political science major Luke Anton. “I found that it was cheaper to live off campus year round, rather than living in the dorms/apart- ments during the school year,” said Senior management major Steven Magee. Living off campus has many benefits for those who choose that option. “The benefits of living off campus for me are things like having my own room, multiple living areas and a kitchen. I also find it beneficial to learn the re- sponsibilities of living in a house and having to take care of and clean your own place, rather than having janitors do it for you,” Anton said. St e v e An d r e s “The benefits would be the cost Many students consider the long trek and dealing with landlords a worthwhile exchange for living in their own house.

"Senate" from page 1 student organizations should rest easy. Carla Shutrop, Vice President Spain and Edelbrock had hoped for Finance, believes that the short that the stipends would not come answer to this question is “no,” as out of the Senate budget. However, two members of the Cabinet— the after discussions with Financial Vice President of Finance and the Aid, the Dean of Students Office Controller—have always been and the Campus Activities Board, paid. it became clear that the Senate The reason why these two Budget was the only logical place Cabinet positions are paid and the for the money to come from. Edel- other five are not is unclear to the brock explains that the motion to Co-Presidents. They are confident, amend the bylaws to include the however, that the payment of Senate funded payment was not Cabinet members will not affect popular at first, but because of the student organizations. One rea- discussion during the full Senate son for their confidence is that the meeting, the amendment passed rollover funds (funding allocated unanimously. Edelbrock believes to organizations that are not used) that this makes a statement about are expected to be larger this year the importance of the issue. than in the past. This means that Senate may have had its fi- there may be more money avail- nancial woes in the past and may able to organizations in 2008 than have more in the future. However, in previous years. Also, the amount stipends for the Cabinet of Senate that the Cabinet will be receiving may not only entice a wide variety will not burden the budget. of students to run for Senate and With the Co-Presidents and the Cabinet, but it also may at- Vice President receiving the most tract leadership that will improve compensation at $500 per semester Gustavus. and the pay decreasing from there, The Gustavian Weekly Page 5 v a r i e t y December 14, 2007 A moving portrait

Ryan McGinty Weekly Staff Writer

ontrol is a biopic on the life epileptic seizure. of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Director Anton Corbijn is un- Cthe late great band Joy Division. merciful in his portrayal of Ian If you’re unfamiliar with Joy Curtis. He shows the bad, and Division, they were formed in the good, but mostly the bad. the late 70s in the aftermath of From Curtis' adulterous affair, the punk movement in England. to his problems with epilepsy, Curtis struggled with fame, it's all there, and it's not sugar failed marriage and his own coated. inadequacies, and eventually The biggest accomplishment hung himself at the age of 23. of Control is that it works simul- The subject matter is gloomy taneously as a character piece and the film mirrors this with an and as a movie about a band. opaque style. It is shot in grainy The music is there in full force, black and white, with of course, but it’s not all about the music. a lot of grey as well. This paral- It’s about the lyricist’s murky lels the almost infinite grey area life. The music only adds to the in Curtis' life perfectly. film’s listless atmosphere. Relative newcomer Sam Ri- The film leaves us with no ley plays the enigmatic lead answers about Curtis’ life, and role with a sort of brilliance not that’s the way it should be be- usually seen in such a novice cause who really knows? The actor. He nails the character of viewer is left with no solace at Curtis, from his deep voice to the end of the film, just as Curtis

Su b m i t t e d his unorthodox style of dancing was left with none at the end of Winner of the British Independent Film Award, Control is a biopic of the life of Joy Division's lead onstage, which looks like a mix his short life. singer, Ian Curtis. Control combines elements of biography, drama and music. between a boxing match and an

Eighteen years in the playing

Meet Your Fellow Gustie: Coach Mark Hanson 1983 Grad of Gustavus Adolphus College continues his tradition

Christina Strey Weekly Staff Writer

is favorite color is blue “All Time All-Conference.” He hopes look good for the men's and he spends his time in scored a total of 1,774 points, team. Lund:H specifically the basketball making him the basketball pro- Hanson does have a life courts, the swimming pool, gram's all-time leading scorer outside basketball, and anyone sometimes he meets for class in and he was a three-time Gustie who has taken a class from the hockey forum…and did I MVP selection. him knows that he loves the mention the basketball courts? Hanson predicts good com- outdoors. By day, Mark Hanson teaches petition for this season: “The His favorite non-work re- a wide variety of outdoor activ- league is awfully strong from lated hobby is fly-fishing, fitting ity classes on campus, including top to bottom, with any number in perfectly with his love of canoeing, kayaking, camping of teams being strong enough canoeing, which is his favorite and rock climbing. By night, to win the conference. We are class to teach. He likes the class he paces the sidelines of the one of the teams that might be because he gets to teach what basketball court as the Men's capable of doing that. We need he loves, because of the strokes Head coach, a position he has to continue to improve our de- (pry, pull, ruddering) and be- held for 18 years. Hanson's fensive intensity and maintain cause it's a great way to get off basketball history is, to put it positive offensive consistency. campus and get a tan during the frankly, pretty sweet! As for the future—I don't make day. Both the course and Coach Ab b e Pa u l h e From 1979-1983 his name is prognostications.” It seems he Mark Hanson come highly rec- The Men's Basketball Head Coach, Mark Hanson, enjoys playing marked in the records under didn't take Divination, but his ommended. sports both inside and outside of Gustavus. Page 6| Variety Variety Editor: Ally Pelton

Arts Center adds color to St. Peter

Andrea Janney Weekly Staff Writer

t. Peter is well-known as the painting and drawing, all of home of Gustavus Adolphus which are available to both College,S and attracts many visi- adults and children. It also tors on a regular basis. Families sponsors gallery shows and mu- passing through the area might sical events on a regular basis. stop to take a picture by the Senior Sara Baer, a volunteer Pearly Gates or grab a bite to at the Arts Center of St. Peter, eat at Ruttles. says the Center is “always look- Although attractions like this ing for volunteers,” and that are staples of the St. Peter com- the Center is currently trying munity, there are other attrac- to start a new program called tions that visitors and students LINK. should take the time to see Created specifically for col- before leaving the area. lege students majoring in art, The Arts Center of St. Peter LINK connects students with is one of the lesser-known at- Minnesota art organizations, tractions of south-central Min- and provides members with nesota, and it provides services numerous benefits. that enrich the lifelong educa- Currently on display, are by tion of its community. paintings by critically acclaimed The mission statement post- artist Mary Pettis. In January, ed on the Center's website the gallery will feature draw- reads, “In the belief that the ings by Kris Lowe. arts are essential to a healthy Relocated to a new build- community, it is the mission of ing—after the original was the Arts Center of Saint Peter to leveled by the `98 tornado—the stimulate and support artistic Arts Center of St. Peter can be activity throughout southern found nestled among the many Minnesota. We accomplish shops that line Main Street. this mission through exhibits, It is open Tuesday through performances, education, and Sunday from 1:00-5:00 p.m., and community outreach.” Thursdays from 1:00-8:00 p.m. True to its mission statement, If you're interested, contact the the Arts Center offers a variety Center at (507) 931-3630. of classes including ceramics,

Al e x St ass e n The Arts Center of St. Peter offers classes like basic figure drawing and Ukrainian egg dyeing for both community members and Gustavus students.

Question of the Week: What is Your Favorite Part of the Holiday Season?

"Christmas Sweaters." -Junior Rose Tauke

"Spending time with family, friends and [making] snow angels." -Senior Brandon Ness

"The food, because my family is Italian. It's delicious!" -First-year Christina Mangine The Gustavian Weekly Variety | Page 7

No clean getaways Running with the tunes

The Coen Brothers are at it again, Abby Travis this time with the release of Weekly Staff Writer No Country For Old Men was exhausted and ready to Ryan McGinty Icollapse at any moment; the Weekly Staff Writer only thing that kept me going was the softly striking piano and grooving bass that rever- o Country For Old Men is The acting is without fault. berated from my headphones. I the newest film by the Tommy Lee Jones plays the role jolted suddenly. James Murphy NCoen Brothers (Miller’s Crossing, he was born to play. He is per- had just whispered “Shame on Fargo) and is perhaps their best fect as the weathered and weary you” over the carefully layered to date. southern sheriff, with a hint of harmonics. Shame on me for Based on the novel of the sarcastic humor. Josh Brolin is wanting to stop! He continued, same name by Cormac Mc- a great actor in this film. He’s “Hey—your love away from Carthy, the story takes place in tough and believable. Everyone me. You can't hide.” I continued Texas during the 1980s. is phenomenal in the movie, but my run, freshly invigorated by Llewelyn Moss, played by Javier Bardem’s performance LCD Soundsystem's recently Josh Brolin, is a hunter who leaves the rest in the dust. released album, 45:33. stumbles upon the aftermath Bardem’s character, Anton LCD's lead man is James of a drug deal gone horribly Chigurh, is the most frightening Murphy. He is a composer and Su b m i t t e d wrong. He gets greedy and figure I have seen on the screen the lead singer/multi-instru- LCD Soundsystem, and its lead singer shown in the upper left, have takes the unclaimed money for in years. He is a murderous gi- mentalist for LCD, as well as debuted several albums during the band's career. himself, which gets him into a ant, with no moral compass to being head of his dance-punk heap of trouble. Throughout speak of, and a shotgun with a label, DFA Records. Other mem- the movie he is pursued by a silencer. He’s the kind of per- bers include Al Doyle (guitar, was 45:33, which has now been instrumentation, still including seven-foot tall, psychopathic se- son about whom both kids and percussion), Phil Skarich (bass), re-released by Murphy's DFA the horns, but then it jumps rial killer, played menacingly by adults have nightmares. His Nancy Whang (keyboards, Records, including several b- back into a quicker tempo for Javier Bardem, who is also inter- presence is indescribable—you synthesizers) and Pat Mahoney sides from European singles. several minutes. The soft lyr- ested in the cash. The sheriff of have to see the film to under- (drums). 45:33 was designed, accord- ics are space-like and distorted the town, played by Tommy Lee stand. LCD has previously released ing to Murphy, “to reward and almost beyond recognition. The Jones, who is also the pseudo- As I’ve said before, Chigurh two albums. Both albums were push at good intervals of a run.” final movement concludes with narrator, is intent on bringing is a killing machine, and they universally acclaimed. Despite this original statement, over seven minutes of celestial this psychopath down. show it without mercy. The The double-disc set LCD Murphy later admitted that sounds—cooling out after one This film brings new mean- film is extremely gory and the Soundsystem (February 2005) he does not actually run; he very long run. ing to the word suspense. I body count is high. This is es- was one of Amazon.com's Top just wanted the opportunity to Although 45:33 may have can’t remember the last time I sential for the film, but those 100 Editor's Picks of 2005. In compose a long-form record. been produced for runners, jumped out of my seat so many with weak stomachs may want the same year, LCD received Fair enough. it is also well-suited for the times during a movie. This to heed this warning. I’m not nominations for two Grammy The music itself is often cat- academic. The piece is a perfect atmosphere of anxiety is accom- saying that you shouldn’t go see awards. Sounds of Silver (March egorized as electronic or dance- companion to marathons of plished through the use of a tool it, but maybe just bring a trash 2007) was received with ex- punk. 45:33 is a more “sprawl- reading and paper-writing as often forgotten in the modern bag with you. tremely high praise as well. ing” type of music; it is not ri- its lyrics aren't distracting or day film world: silence. There That being said, No Coun- Although LCD enjoys great diculously fast-paced or created overwhelming. is no soundtrack to this movie. try For Old Men is an absolute popularity in Britain, the group in any way that may prove to 45:33 is ideal for the active I don't remember hearing any masterpiece, and you should do also played on August 3, 2007, be distracting or detrimental to college student (especially dur- music at all. This feels unusual, everything in your power to see at Lollapalooza and with The the runner. While there are some ing finals). As Murphy said: and gives the viewer a sense of it as soon as possible. Arcade Fire in September at intermittent lyrics, there are no “Sometimes the best way to uneasiness. St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Audito- complicated lyrics with which keep running is to find that rium. to be distracted. parts of the run are actually In October 2006, Murphy The piece is primarily elec- rests—that while you're still produced a corporate-funded tronic, but also features the running, you're viewing some piece of original workout/run- use of horns. The beat breaks of the run as soothing and recu- ning music for a Nike+ promo- and drops out around the 28- perative, rather than constantly tion, available exclusively from minute mark when things slow feeling like you're running for iTunes for six months. The result down significantly to sparse your life." The Gustavian Weekly Page 8

December 14, 2007 f e a t u r e s

El i z a L. Sw e d e n b o r g The Gustavian Weekly Page 9 f e a t u r e s Features Editor: Eliza L. Swedenborg

Midnight Jazz

Eliza L. Swedenborg Features Editor

ith finals around the unique in the music world be- chemistry and chemistry double corner, one of the only cause of the emphasis it places major Scott Simpkins, the Lab Wbright spots in sight is Midnight on recognizing and showcasing Band’s stand-up and electric Express this Sunday at 10 p.m., the individual musician. “Jazz bass player. “Our director tells featuring the Gustavus Jazz to me is the ultimate form of self- us, ‘The band’s cookin’,’ and we Ensemble and the Gustavus expression,” said Junior health will definitely enjoy cookin’ up Lab Jazz Band. In addition to fitness major Carl Lundholm, a some hot jazz for all those will- providing background music, trombone player. “When a per- ing to listen.” the bands provide atmosphere. son improvises a solo or makes Lundholm also gave his On the eve of finals, the Evelyn up a melody on the spot, there advice as to what to look for. Young Dining Room will be is nothing on this earth to bet- “Everything!” said Lundholm, filled with boisterous students ter exhibit what’s truly on the “but more specifically, lead sax and staff despite the inevitably inside. What sets apart a good master Jonathan Monk’s solos, gruesome days to follow. It is a soloist from a bad one or even lead trumpet virtuoso Erik Ma- paradox. In this way, the Mid- a great soloist from a good one hon’s inconceivably high notes night Express is like jazz itself. is mastery of one’s instrument (followed by his near black- Jazz seems to contradict it- and self-confidence.” outs), drummer-extraordinaire self continuously, but without Whatever the talent of the Andy Haaheim’s mind-blowing conflict. Perhaps this contra- musician, however, the suc- fills and all notes played by the diction is the only way it can cess of jazz music inexorably bands in between. Midnight make sense. Here is one way it depends on the way the band Express-goers should basically contradicts itself: somehow, at interlaces all the musical strings. just look forward to kickin’ back the same time, jazz is about the “Both bands really nailed that and gettin’ lost in some great music, about the musician and last concert,” said the director, tunes. I hope to see all you about the ensemble as a whole. Dr. Steve Wright. “This is how Gusties there!” “It’s all about the music, I know everything’s going okay: man,” said Junior music per- if I’m not worried in the front, formance major Eric Mahon, a I’m just snapping my fingers trumpet player in the Lab Band. and cueing things just to look This statement is true. John like I’m earning my keep. And Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, I tell them that. By and large, by Clifford Brown, Pat Metheny, the time we hit a concert they’re Jaco Pastorius, Clifford Brown, pretty much just on their own. Wes Montgomery, Miles Davis: I really had a good time and I ask any member of the Lab know the band did, too, and so Band about jazz musicians and did the audience.” he or she will list off droves of When you arrive at Midnight them as if they were old friends. Express, take some time to ap- Intimately knowing the history, preciate the musicians. the habits and the eccenticities “I would suggest that Mid- of the music is a prerequisite to night Express-goers listen for being a jazz musician. how the band grooves and fits On the other hand, jazz is together,” said Sophomore bio- Page 10 The Gustavian Weekly December 14, 2007 s p o r t s ‘‘

Ad e l e Bu r k Jennifer Thelemann Senior. Outside hitter. volleyball All-Conference first team

Emily Klein Mi k e Lu d w i g Junior. Libero. Volleyball all-conference first team Chad Arlt.jr.widereciever.football first team Jared sieling. sr. linebacker. first team Bridget Burtzel jordan stolp. sr. quarterback. second team Junior. setter. mitch anderson. sr. running back. second team Volleyball all-sportsmanship team jared thelemann. jr. guard. second team ethan armstrong. jr. returner. second team John Ostertag. jr. kicker. second team Patrick riordan. sr. defensive end. third team 2007 Tom johnson. sr. widereciever. sportsmanship fall sports all-miac selections chris delaubenfels. Sr. men’s cross-country first team Laura Edlund. sr. women’s cross-country first team Sarah bernhardson. sr. women’s cross-country first team

An n a Ah l b r e c h t

Mike butterworth.Senior. forward. Men’s soccer miac mVp first team all-conference

Jack Underwood. Senior. midfielder. men’s soccer all-conference first team

flynn stewart-franzen. Junior. Defenseman. men’s soccer all-conference first team

Br i a n Fo w l e r Frasor horton. sophomore. midfielder. men’s soccer all-conference first team Sports Editor: Andy Keenan Page 11 | Sports SPORTS SCHEDULE Gustavus’ Men’s hockey team looks Friday Women’s Hockey solid before the holiday break vs. UW-Superior - 7 p.m. Holiday Schedule 12/27-12/29: Women’s Basketball @ San Diego Surf ‘n Slam vs. UW - Eau Claire 12/30: Men’s Basketball @ Springfield (MA) - 2 p.m 1/1-1/6: Nordic Skiing @ US Nationals / NCAA Qualifier 1/2: Men’s Basketball @ UMASS-Boston - 2 p.m. 1/4: Men’s Hockey vs. Stevens Point - 7:05p.m. 1/5: Women’s Basketball @ St. Kate’s - 3 p.m. Men’s Hockey vs. Marian - 7:05 p.m. STANDINGS MENS BASKETBALL An n a Ah l b r e c h t SCHOOL MIAC RECORD MACALESTER 3-0 4-3 CARLETON 3-1 7-1 Led by their talented group of seniors, Gustavus sits in second place in ST. THOMAS 3-1 7-2 GUSTAVUS 3-1 4-2 the MIAC at a record of 6-4, 4-2 in conference play HAMLINE 3-1 4-4 ST. JOHN’S 2-2 3-3 Justyn K. Dow Oles jumped ahead 2-1 early in be the only puck to elude First- In the five-game stretch of BETHEL 1-2 4-3 CONCORDIA 1-2 2-5 Weekly Staff Writer the second frame. Just minutes year goaltender Josh Swartout their recent success, the Gusties ST. OLAF 1-3 3-6 later, the Gusties answered as all night. have outscored their opponents AUGSBURG 0-3 0-6 Senior Ben Ollila notched his The 1-0 lead did not last 19-9 and have seen contribu- ST. MARY’S 0-4 0-8 he Gustavus Men’s Hock- fourth goal of the season on long however, as Gustavus tions from a wide range of play- W. BASKETBALL ey team’s season is now in assists from Senior Tim Ornell came out and exploded with ers. Being a young team, the SCHOOL MIAC RECORD full swing. After starting and Junior Casey Dynan. The four goals in the second frame. Gusties faced many ups and CARLETON 4-0 5-2 theT season with two impressive two teams finished the period First-year Brad Wieck opened downs early in the season. GUSTAVUS 3-1 3-1 road wins, the Gusties (6-4-0) tied at 2-2. the scoring for the Gusties with Seniors Ollila and Ornell feel ST. THOMAS 3-1 4-2 encountered a slight hiccup, Both teams came out fly- his third goal of the season just like the team is finally gelling BETHEL 2-2 4-3 together as one unit and trust- HAMLINE 2-2 3-2 losing three straight one-goal ing in the third period. The three minutes into the second AUGSBURG 2-2 4-3 games against #6 ranked UW- Gusties scored first with an even period. A few minutes later, the ing their line mates much more. MACALESTER 2-2 3-3 River Falls, #7 ranked UW-Stout strength goal by Sophomore Gusties capitalized on a power “We believe we finally have the ST. BEN’S 2-2 3-3 and Hamline. Since that loss forward Josh Pauer, midway play opportunity as First-year pieces in order to make a serious CONCORDIA 2-2 2-4 second half push,” said Ornell. ST. KATE’S 1-3 2-4 to Hamline, the Gusties have through the final frame to make defenseman Josh Fifield lit the ST. OLAF 1-3 2-5 found a way to return to their the score 3-2. Three goals is all lamp for the second time this The Gusties, after improv- ST. MARY’S 0-4 0-6 winning ways and have now Gustie Junior goaltender Matt season on a feed from Cody ing their MIAC record to 4-2-0, MEN’S HOCKEY won four out of their last five Lopes needed, as he stood tall Mosbeck and Casey Dynan. currently sit in a first place tie games. In that stretch, Gustavus in net and shut the Oles down Mosbeck then recorded a goal with St. Mary’s and St. Thomas. SCHOOL MIAC PTS REC recorded a 3-1 win over Ham- in third period. Senior defens- of his own - his first of the year The second half of the season ST. THOMAS 4-0 8 9-1-1 will pose many challenges for GUSTAVUS 4-2 8 6-4 line, a 6-0 win over St. Mary’s, man Niko Suoraniemi would - at 15:14 of the second period ST. MARY’S 4-2 8 4-5-2 and a 4-2, 6-1 sweep over MIAC give the Gusties some breathing to extend Gustavus’ lead to Gustavus with some key MIAC BETHEL 3-2-1 7 8-3-1 rival St. Olaf last weekend. room at the 12:04 mark of the 3-1. Only 1:33 later, Junior Eric match-ups against teams such HAMLINE 3-1 6 3-3-2 In last weekend’s sweep over third period, netting his first Bigham gave the Gusties a 4-1 as St. Thomas, Bethel and St. ST. JOHN’S 2-2-2 6 4-6-2 John’s. Ollila said, “We know ST. OLAF 2-3-1 5 4-5-2 the Oles, the Gusties played goal of the season and finalizing with an even strength goal. The CONCORDIA 0-4 0 1-8 some of their best hockey of the the scoring in an important 4-2 Gusties took that 4-1 lead to the there are some top contender AUGSBURG 0-6 0 0-9-1 year. Led by solid goaltending, victory. locker room after two periods of teams in our future, but we take WOMENS HOCKEY the Gustie forwards were able Saturday night proved just as play. The third period closely every game one at a time and to provide plenty of offense. In successful for the Gustie squad resembled the second, as the try not to get too far ahead of SCHOOL MIAC PTS REC the series opener Friday night earned a convincing 6-1 victory Gusties picked up right where ourselves.” GUSTAVUS 6-0 12 8-1 Look for scores and statis- ST. THOMAS 5-1 10 8-1 at Don Roberts Ice Rink, the on the Oles’ home ice. For the they left off. Ollila scored his CONCORDIA 4-1-1 9 4-6-1 Gusties battled back from an second consecutive night, both second goal in as many nights tics from Wednesday’s non- ST. BEN’S 3-2 6 3-4 early 1-0 deficit as Sophomore teams came out playing evenly with a goal midway through conference match-up against BETHEL 3-3 6 4-1-6 winger David Martinson scored for much of the first period be- the third frame. To conclude the Johnnies. Following a short ST. OLAF 2-3 4 2-5 holiday break, the Gusties will ST. MARY’S 2-4 4 2-6 his sixth goal of the season to tie fore the Oles opened the scoring the scoring, Bigham recorded HAMLINE 1-4-4 3 6-5-1 the game 1-1. with a goal in the final minute his second goal of the night and host UW-Stevens Point and ST. KATE’S 1-5 2 2-6-1 The second period followed to take a 1-0 lead into the first his fifth of the season, and the Marian on Friday and Saturday, AUGSBURG 1-6 2 1-9 the same scoring trend, as the intermission. That goal would Gusties prevailed 6-1. January 4 and 5. Page 12 | Sports The Gustavian Weekly Gustie skiers off to a good start Andy Keenan one senior, Kevin Manbeck- Weekly Sports Editor Patzoldt. This year’s women’s team has been tagged as one of the he Gustavus Men’s and strongest of the collegiate ranks Women’s Nordic Skiing because of their core of experi- teamsT are off to a good start ence. DeWahl, Willis, Junior thus far in the early season. In Kelly Chaudoin and Senior the first event of the season at All-Conference cross-country the Trollhaugen Classic Sprints runner Laura Edlund form the in Dresser, WI, six Gustavus nucleus of a very formidable skiers finished in the top three squad. of their respective races. Senior “Our confidence is very high. Kathleen DeWahl had the best Every year we come back it afternoon with a pair of vic- keeps getting higher,” said Wil- tories in both the classic and lis. “We have a huge level of freestyle races in the Women’s pride and we know that we can Senior Division. Fellow Senior take on the best teams in our di- Sarah Willis was right on De- vision. There are no separations Wahl’s heels, finishing second in Nordic Sking. We are compet- in the classic and third in the ing against the top Division I, II free. A pair of first-years led and III schools. We know that the way for the men. Andrew we can be in there - we know Tilman and Jens Brabbit both that we have that potential placed well in the Older Junior The Gusties are done until Division. after the first of the year when Success on the part of first- they will head to Houghton, years must persist in order MI, to participate in the United for this team to do well. This States Cross Country Skiing year’s Gusties are comprised of Championships at the Michigan Su b m i t t e d eight first-years along with one Tech Nordic Training Center Senior Kevin Manbeck-Patzoldt looks to anchor this years Men’s squad as the lone senior on the team. He sophomore, Michael Paulson, from the first through the sixth and teammate Elias Anoszko are the only upperclassmen competing for the Gusties this year. one junior, Elias Anoszko, and of January. The Gustavian Weekly Page 13 c o m m e n t a r y December 14, 2007 Notes from a skeptic Letters to the Editor True cliques? Gustavus' cable problem A sparkling new pair of diamond earrings, a brand new pair of Erin Ge “cliquey,” but it is a choice that think should seriously consider Nike Shox, a MP3 Player, or for you romantics out there, a romantic one is allowed to make. Per- mime-hood, or Ms. Opinion- night out with a loved one. So you are probably wondering what Weekly Staff Columnist sonally, I would describe that ated, who has absolutely never these all have in common. Well let me tell you that all of these individual as ignorant, because been wrong in her life, so she items have a price valued around $100. very time I watch a movie they are completely missing out can’t possibly be wrong at the Gustavus currently has a one-year contract with Mediacom, about high school-age in- on potential new friends and time. Do you really want these and within this contract Mediacom can set the price of cable where Edividuals, I question where the experiences. people to like you? ever they feel. How can this be? Last June the five-year contract writers get their information. In many of these high school I believe honesty is the best ended between Mediacom and Gustavus, and Gustavus looked I’m sure everyone has heard set movies, the main character policy here. If you get to know elsewhere for a cable provider, but with other local cable providers the term “clique” before, but is usually trying to get into or me and find that you can’t stand not willing to take on the expenses of wiring the entire campus like I highly doubt anyone has gain attention from someone in my need to use sarcasm in every Mediacom has already done, those options fell through, leaving encountered any of these peer the “popular group.” While I other sentence, we probably Gustavus with the options of going back to Mediacom or possibly groups to the extreme in which can pick out people from high shouldn’t be friends. After com- not having cable. they are portrayed in movies. school whom I would put in this ing this realization, don’t go on There are currently 1000 dorm rooms on campus and 45 percent When I was in high school, popular/cool group, I think the pretending like we’re good pals. of those rooms purchased cable this year. Lets use $400 as the aver- my class spent an entire week- only reason they were ever con- I’d hope you’d remain civil, but age figure price of cable paid by each of these rooms. 450 rooms x end retreat discussing cliques. sidered popular and cool was there’s no need to be hugging $400=$180,000. What if every room on campus received cable? 1000 The hope was that we would all because they thought of them- me in the hallways or planning rooms x, lets say only $300=$300,000. So why didn’t Mediacom come away from the weekend selves that way and broadcasted spring break road trips. In accept this offer? After all, they are gaining more money from the as one big group of friends, but this belief to everyone else at ev- the end, I would much rather deal. Mediacom didn’t accept this offer because they wanted rights let’s be honest: we all know that ery opportunity. Oddly enough, know how someone actually to go into anyone’s room on campus at any time for cable purposes. the chances of a group of 200- these are the students that most feels about me, even if it’s not Gustavus told Mediacom that this would never happen, and they plus 16-year-olds coming away of the other students don’t like positive. both agreed on a basic one-year contract instead. from a school-sanctioned retreat for that very reason. They are People are going to choose to So this brings us back to the beginning: what would you buy all holding hands and singing the ones the rest of us avoid at be around people with whom with an extra $100? I propose that every student next year does Kumbaya are pretty much nil. reunions and homecomings and they share common interests not pay Mediacom for cable, so spread the word, and say no to All the cliques I’ve come pretend we don’t recognize as and viewpoints, and there’s Mediacom. You might think it is a tough task, but even myself, an across I wouldn’t really label we pass them at the mall. nothing wrong with that. If you avid sports watcher, can go without cable in my room if it means as "cliques." As an athlete, I do I have never really under- desire to be popular, I wish you that I will be saving hundreds of dollars. Don’t give your money have a lot of other friends who stood the desire to be popular. luck. To make everyone like to a monopoly, and you will see the clear advantages of my action are athletes, but I also have many Of course, everyone wants you would require constantly when you open your wallet or purse to see an extra hundred or friends who are not. Overall, I friends—people on whom they changing yourself to meet the two. think we tend to associate with can rely and have fun with—but expectations of all the differ- people with whom we share would you really want everyone ent people around you. In the James Herberg '09 common interests. I have never to like you? First of all, I don’t end, you may forget who you felt that was a negative thing. even think that it’s possible— actually are, which is, I believe, The choice to only associate just by being who you are, you the worst fate of all. While my with those alike yourself and to are bound to make someone attitude on this topic may not Saving energy through solar panels not befriend those who do not angry. There are also plenty of garner me tons of new friends, In the past few years, the public concern over environmentally share your perceived level of people out there who you don’t I know the friends I do have friendly energy has become an increasingly important topic. As the physical appearance or choice particularly like: the ‘funny’ are true and like me for who I price of oil rises and the global climate concern continues, people of extracurricular activities is guy seriously considering be- am. And that is all I want and are starting to look for alternative energy sources. One of these what can be described as being ing a comedian whom you need. alternatives is a photovoltaic (solar panel) system. These systems have been around for a long time but many people have wondered how cost beneficial they truly are. Solar panels can be installed for several thousand dollars, but can they save you money? How long would it take to pay off the system with your potential energy bill savings? Under current de- mands, the average Minnesota home uses about 700 kWh (kilowatt- hours) per month. The cost of building a solar panel system that will supply this amount of energy­­— even during the winter months with low solar radiation—would cost over $60,000. The tax credits from the state and federal governments are not large enough to even make a dent. The best way to utilize a solar panel system is to install one that will work alongside the electrical company. This would allow you to greatly decrease the size of your solar structure, but in order to make the system cost beneficial, the energy demands need to decrease as well. With such high energy consumption, a photovoltaic system is not correctly beneficial without the use of additional energy saving techniques such as efficient appliances, fluorescent light bulbs, etc. As technology advances and the costs of these systems continue to decrease, solar panel systems will be a cost beneficial investment in the future, as well as being both environmentally friendly to you and your checkbook.

Jennie Andersen '09 MCT Ca m p u s Kevin Johnson '09

Do cliques, like the ones exemplified in the movieMean Girls, really exist? Continued on pages 14 and 15 Page 14 | Commentary Commentary Editor: Chelsea Becker The impact of reason Letters to the Editor A farewell Liberals: celebrating the holidays Last week’s sarcastic commentary titled “Cheer up liberals, life Louis Vander Streek cording to my beliefs and prin- to put yourself and your beliefs is good” left us wondering which liberals actually deem the holi- ciples and will never apologize out there. day season “evil”? More importantly, what would compel such Weekly Staff Columnist for that, nor should anyone. Throughout my writing, I an ungrounded attack upon the humanitarian issues that liberals It is difficult to be a conserva- have attempted to remain true raise, especially when they are so relevant during the holidays? The tive on this campus and even to my conservative principles spirit of giving is to be embraced by everyone, regardless of one’s o the vast majority of you harder to advocate conservative to the best of my abilities. In political standing. If a conservative feels they are “being told to that read my pieces and do principles here. It takes a lot to doing so, I came to realize that think that we are living in a world of hatred and greed” that they notT know me, I regret to inform stand up for these principles and I did not want to convey the simply “don’t see,” then I fear they are only deceiving themselves. you that this will be the last col- to argue for them in the public status quo. I wanted to push Through global awareness, we are truly able to appreciate the umn that I write for Th e Gu s t a - sphere, especially at Gustavus. the envelope. I wanted to be privileges in our own lives. What this article failed to mention is v i a n We e k l y . I am graduating at It can be intimidating for any- provocative to the point where the resourcefulness of socially-conscious gift alternatives that are the end of this semester and thus one to voice their thoughts and I knew I would get a reaction, provided by organizations such as Heifer International, Nothing will no longer be able to provide opinions, but even more so if all while being honest with my but Nets, HeroRAT, Oxfam Unwrapped, UniversalGiving, Kiva, my insight and conservative you know that those thoughts own beliefs and principles. This Fair Indigo and Ten Thousand Villages. While you may find our spin on issues and topics that are not shared by most who will has been quite a challenge at liberal belief system depressing, allow our actions to speak louder all too often hear or read times, especially as I am espous- than our words. Motivated by hope and holiday spirit, we have are either not "Conservative thoughts them. Walking ing my thoughts on issues that made a modest contribution to Nothing but Nets in your honor. brought to at- need to be dissemi- into a class- affect life in such a fundamental This $10 gift covers the cost of purchasing and distributing a mos- quito net that guards families in Africa against malaria infections. tention or are nated not only for the room where way. Again, never has my point done so with you know the been to write in a provocative Upon receiving your gift, recipients will also be educated in its only a liberal like-minded to read and majority of manner just for the state of be- use. Happy Holidays! analysis. Tra- hopefully find solidarity students and ing inflammatory, but to inspire ditionally, I in, but for liberals and perhaps even thought and discussion. Erin Luhmann ’08 have written others as well." the professor I have tried to argue for Mollie Kelly ’09 about state disagree with freedom, for less government, and national your core be- for responsible spending of politics, but I am going to use liefs is not an easy task, and yet, taxpayer dollars, for the best this space to talk about being this is the situation in which military defense in the world, Coming out vs. staying in conservative on campus at most conservatives find them- for an economics predicated on Gustavus. selves on this campus every choice and free markets, for less Recently, a Facebook group has been formed on this campus The commentary pages day. Most of the time I relished reliance on government and an entitled “Staying In Week 2008!” In its own words, “This group is should not be flooded with the opportunity; yet other- attitude of entitlement and for for anyone who would support a 'Staying In' week at Gustavus. only liberal analyses week after stimes, I did not. Although this notions of self efficacy, pride and If homosexual students are allowed to have a 'Coming Out' week, week. There needs to be a voice experience has been incredibly a positive faith. This approach heterosexual students should be allowed to participate in 'Stay- for those on campus who are frustrating at times, I think that has allowed for further engage- ing In' week.” The ignorance that forms the base of this group distinctly in the minority, as I it has also been useful for me ment of ideas and a respect for surprises me, as well as the sheer number of supporters it has (as know that conservatives and and others like me to be forced argument and debate, as well as of December 11, the group had been in existence for one week and Republicans are. Conservative to do more than just the base a more diverse Gustavus com- had 56 members). thoughts need to be disseminat- amount of munity. The proposed title of the week is the first clue to lack of educa- ed not only for the like-minded work and ef- "I hope that there will be So, it is tion surrounding Coming Out week and GLBT issues. If intended to read and hopefully find fort. Know- others after me who con- here that I as a clever opposition to Coming Out week, it fails. Coming Out encompasses searching within yourself to examining your gen- solidarity in, but for liberals ing that you tinue to provide substance shall say my and others as well. Exposure to will be one farewell. I der and sexuality, and then being comfortable enough to tell the some conservative arguments of few argu- and credence to conserva- wish to thank world about it. Coming Out can be a wonderful experience for and claims forces engagement ing for a spe- tive thought and to the all of those many people, but we cannot forget how very dangerous it can be. with these items of discussion cific view- minority that we represent w h o h a v e Verbal and physical attacks on students' sexualities are common, internally or with friends and point means here at Gustavus in order helped me in even at Gustavus. Just as much meaning can be found for heterosexuals during classmates externally. With relying on to project a future that is this endeav- these thoughts, an approach others less or without Coming Out week as for the GLBT community. Attendance at any from a former We e k l y editor and increas- altogether safe and filled whom my ef- of the activities during the week instead of simply reading the chalk and some invaluable prompting ing reliance with liberty and freedom." forts would makes this clear. Breton Krafft’s chapel homily gave a wonderful and advice from my advisor, I on one's self be meaning- depiction of the true meaning behind this week: it is a challenge began editorializing. It has al- and one’s less. I hope to look at your own sexuality and gender, and discover what that ways been my intention to use own research. Doing this has that there will be others after me means to you. Few heterosexual people ever take the time to do my columns as a starting point not been and is not easy, as I to continue to provide substance that; Coming Out week stresses the fact that more should. from which further discussion have been ridiculed by both and credence to conservative The greatest difference I see between these two weeks comes can take place, never as an end- friends and others alike for the thought and to the minority that down to acceptance. Coming Out week encourages inclusion of all all explanation of that which I positions I have taken in my we represent here at Gustavus people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identifica- am writing. columns and in class. But I have in order to project a future that tion. Staying In week is all about exclusion. They want to keep the Undoubtedly, I have offend- also found tremendous support is altogether safe and filled with GLBT community out of their week, out of their family weekend, ed a majority of my readership from these same friends and liberty and freedom. and out of their lives. Is it not obvious that this could only lead over the course of my columns other people whom I did not to oppression? I am disappointed to see a mentality such as this that made their first appearance even know. You would be sur- at Gustavus. last spring. For this I do not prised by the people you meet apologize. I have written ac- and talk to when you are willing Erica Koos ‘09

"What I worry about is this TOM BROKAW Quote of generation of young people former NBC anchor, who thinking they don't have to be a is working on a book on the 1960s the Week part of the political system." The Gustavian Weekly Commentary | Page 15 Offering perspective Racing for the presidency Greg Boone would still support Romney in asleep shortly after he started will turn people away from perficial campaign coverage Weekly Staff Columnist November, just not in the pri- talking, but I’m pretty sure he politics. This kind of media translating to lower turnout at mary. In the general election it said something like “shut the coverage is what makes people the caucuses and lower turnout ith the campaign season won’t matter if Romney is on hell up you damn kids, the think that politics is dirty and in November. Prove me wrong. ramping up for the next the ballot, but for some reason grown-ups are trying to talk!” full of personal attacks. I For the sake of the political sys- PresidentialW Election, it seems it is worth covering. It seems I can only assume he was refer- can only see this excessively tem of the United States, prove like campaign coverage is domi- odd that general news sources ring to Giuliani and Romney. In negative, sensational and su- me wrong. nating the news media. In fact, are covering the campaigns in the middle of all the bickering, campaign coverage constituted so much detail. Based on voter is Anderson Cooper, ordinarily almost 20 percent of news cov- turnout from the last presiden- a great journalist, trying to keep erage last week. Runner-ups tial election, only 55 percent of Giuliani and Romney from pull- Letters to the Editor included the Middle East Con- Americans actually care about ing hair, slapping and calling ference, the Clinton Headquar- who wins the general election, each other names. My cousins ters hostages, Pakistan and the so why would any more than aged two, four and six have Easing the textbook burden economy. Like all campaign that care about who is nomi- more civil disagreements than coverage, the journalists cover- nated? According to caucus these two. A little while back an article was published about recent rob- ing the mad dash to the White turnout reports from 2004 less I haven’t kept up with the beries (and the subsequent apprehension) of textbook thieves. House choose to focus almost all than 10 percent of the nation Democrats because the Republi- When I read this article, I couldn’t help but think about the rising of their energy on the latest faux actually turned out. can candidates are just so much cost of books. At this precise moment in time, textbooks have pas or “flip-flop” committed by The CNN/YouTube debates more fun. The only Democratic never been worth more. Since 1986, textbook prices have risen a candidate. Unfortunately for prove one thing: ordinary citi- candidates that even come close an average of six percent each year, which is double the annual most Americans, the election is zens do not know how to ask to matching the hilarity of al- inflation rate of about three percent, according to the Govern- still almost a year away. With questions, and politicians don’t most every Republican can- ment Accountability Office. caucuses starting in just three know how to answer them. didate are Mike Gravel and Our own Bookmark is said to be a nonprofit organization; weeks, it sometimes seems as The recent Republican debate Dennis Kucinich. These two however, the support and protection that the administration if the country is electing two was a shouting match of epic are, like Ron Paul, too extreme and school give the Bookmark suggests otherwise. Sometimes presidents: one Democrat and proportions. I watched about to take seriously, but make for it seems the school’s protection of the Bookmark is a little out- one Republican. five minutes of Romney and good television trying to defend rageous, especially when it offers it up as the only option for A National Public Radio Giuliani responding to a ques- everything from UFO sightings access to textbooks. Because of this there is currently a policy story a few weeks ago discussed tion about immigration that to legalizing marijuana. against holding any type of textbook at the library — not just the implications of Romney’s descended into something more The primary process nor- those needed for classes: any textbook. Not only does this seem faith and his ability to garner the like a shouting match between mally receives little attention a little extreme on the library’s part, but think of all the books evangelical vote in South Caro- siblings than a serious exchange before the national conventions, you don’t have access to as a student. Between the internet and lina. The story, and many like of political ideas. Giuliani: “I and even then the only point of interlibrary loan, students have access to any resource we might it from other sources, sounded will not turn America into a interest is who won. I suppose need. So isn’t forbidding textbooks to be held at the library a as though Romney was already sanctuary city, and New York there is some good that can little contradicting? on the ballot and up for election. was never a sanctuary city.” come from all of this early cam- Other colleges, such as the University of Illinois, have taken Alarmist overtones of Rom- Romney: “No, you will, I’m the paign coverage. Perhaps the steps to make textbook access easier by allowing textbooks for ney bringing down the party one that won’t!” Giuliani: “Oh increased attention will flood class to be checked out at the library. All Gustavus needs to do because he is a Mormon rang really? You’re the one who caucus night with newly in- to start the process is to take down the ban on holding text- through the bulk of the story. hired illegal immigrants to spired partisans and vicariously books at the library. The library would not be mandated to hold What the journalists failed to paint his house!” Romney: “No improve voter turnout in eleven textbooks—including specific textbooks for classes—but would realize was that Romney is I didn’t!” Giuliani: “Yes, you months. I doubt it. Maybe I am have the option of carrying textbooks donated or requested by not even on the ballot in South did!” and so on…. Then Old way too cynical, but the way I teachers or students. Let’s make our resources that much more Carolina. Eventually one of the Man Thompson chimes in with see it, media coverage of elec- accessible and reliable, instead of having a policy that actually interviewees explained that he his geriatric grumblings. I fell tions, especially this election, bans certain books from being held at our library.

Tracy Saunders '10

Tackling global warming Each year Earth’s average temperature increases, sea levels rise and ecosystems are destroyed. We can see the consequences of our actions and are being warned by scientists and specialists. Why not listen? Global warming is an existing problem that has been around since the beginning of the twentieth century and is affecting every single living inhabitant on earth. The Kyoto

Protocol is an effort to reverse the effects of greenhouse and CO2 gasses on global warming. Even though the United States did not sign the treaty, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, Eden Prairie and hundreds of other cities in the U.S. decided to act on their own and take action against global warming. We should follow their example and start taking individual action. Improving the current situation is neither complicated nor hard. The best place to start is by taking actions such as planting a tree, driving less, recycling or turning off all electric devices when they are not be-

ing used. By doing this, less CO2 gases will be emitted into the atmosphere, and, additionally, most of these steps save money. If we don’t take action soon, global warming will become unstop- MCT Ca m p u s pable. Let’s start making a difference while we still can. Presidential party nominee debates, such as the Republican debate here, are getting more and more press coverage, despite other news-worthy issues and stories. Ignacio Belmonte '10 The Gustavian Weekly Page 16

December 14, 2007 c a l e n d a r

* The Calendar Page is considered editorial. The opinions expressed herein are not the opinions of t h e Sunday, December 16 Wednesday, December 19 g u s t a v i a n w e e k l y , but the expressions and opinions of an immature mind. Readers are advised that none READING DAY: FINALS: DAY 3 of these rants are to be taken seriously. Crunch time for Finals. The campus now divides into two parties. Party One is those who stake out Today in History 1843, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, is spots in the library, computer labs, etc., at the crack first published in England. The book’s OK, but the Friday, December 14 of dawn and don’t move for thirteen hours straight. world will have to wait 150 years for The Muppets Party Two is those of us who hole up in our rooms to immortalize it. Fall Art Show by Senior Studio all day, unshowered, unshaven, ordering Erb’s and Gerb’s and watching the Kill Bills all day, stubbornly Holden Evening Prayer Art Majors. denying that finals start in 24 hours. All Day 7:30 p.m. I am showing up as a can of soup and posing as Holy Communion Michael Ruckert, I have heard of the psycho- abstract modern art. People will pay millions to hang logical power prayer has. Can it take the place of me up in their houses. 10:00 p.m. studying? Seeing how much procrastinating I’ve been doing, Writing Center Final Exam I sure could use a hit of Jesus right now. Thursday, December 20 Tutoring in the Courtyard Café Midnight Express 4:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. FINALS: DAY 4 Hmmmm, study for boring, difficult exams or I didn’t know Professor Friert could even stay Responses to last weeks’ question get one of those chocolate chip cookies from the up that late. regarding the victor in a Regina- Courtyard Café? Tough call. Monday, December 17 Imogen-Feist showdown: Death by Chocolate in the Dive (hosted by Sigmas) FINALS: DAY 1 (dun dun dun) Adam Strand: “Trick question, Amy Winehouse 6:30 p.m. would win. She would get all of them addicted Hey, death by chocolate is no laughing matter, Happy Birthday, to drugs, causing them to eventually end up in ladies. Look at the fat kid from Willy Wonka and Ludwig van Beethoven! rehab.” the Chocolate Factory, he could have really hurt I’m always impressed when I hear the phrase, himself! “Beethoven’s Eighth.” I’m lucky to get one or two Elizabeth Faldet: “I don’t even know if that is in a night, but eight? Dear God, Ludwig, aren’t you On-Campus Movie, Across the exhausted? a viable question...obviously Spektor. Heap, Universe judging by the sound of her voice is probably a St. Peter Area Food Shelf hologram so even if she tried to side kick Spek- 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Donations tor there would be no actual contact. Despite You know what else stretches across the universe? A freshman’s waist line after being dumped via text All Day her name Feist would be far from intimidating messaging one month into a college relationship. Got lots of money on the old Caf card? Going in any fight. I don’t think her cutesy dance abroad J-Term? Sleep through most of your meals moves would lend themselves to actual violence. LineUs and eat Ramen instead? Then buy some Caf food and donate it. So in the scene— Heap is eliminated because 7:30 p.m. she doesn’t actually exist and Feist would run Who is more feminine, Kelly Katharine Nelson Book Buy Back away.” or Brandon Boat? Come on down and decide for 8:30 a.m. yourself! Remember that time Native Americans sold Mas- The Pickle: “The hypothetical meeting of all sachusetts to the colonists and only got back, like, Michael Johnson in Concert twenty bucks? When I sell my Psychology book back these women in a single room would prob- 8:00 p.m. for $7 I can feel the pain of Native Americans. ably result in a nuclear reaction, given how Men and guitars usually equal sexiness, but Daily Chapel radioactively cool they all are. So in a sense, Vitamin D-depleted Guitar Hero freaks are just 10:00 a.m. I believe they would all be lost in an atomic awkward. catastrophe.” Little late to be praying, don’t you think? Saturday, December 15 Tuesday, December 18 - the pickle - READING DAY: FINALS: DAY 2 Also known as “Get up and study your freaking brains out” Day Book Buy Back Book Buy Back 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Screw it, just sell them back to the naïve first Come one, come all, it’s a magic show! See these years. Yay, hazing! fine folks turn a Norton’s Literary Anthology into Holiday Open House, hosted two quarters! by Provost Mary Morton and Back to Elementary School Night President Jim Peterson 6:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Is this where we pee in our pants and eat our Sorry folks, VIP only. I wonder what they do boogers again? at this party that they don’t want students to wit- ness. I’m guessing strip poker or break-dancing On-Campus Movie, Across the contests. Universe 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Meditation Yes, Angelina Jolie has adopted children from 7:00 p.m. I’m a dill in a Box. across the universe, but that doesn’t make her lips WARNING: MAY CAUSE INNER PEACE AND any less threatening. SELF-ACCEPTANCE. Happy Holidays, Gusties!