BOWL GAME BAFFLER THEY SHOULD HAVE STOPPED AT TWO USC or Michigan? 'SANTA CLAUSE 3' HAUNTS THE HOLIDAYS/ page 14 page 9

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1 , 2006

AISO UNIVERSITY --' s STUDENT NEWSPAPER Nontraditional MARQUETTE TOPS VU life and death Campus grieves sudden passing

Stephanie Lehman

TORCH CAMPUS EDITOR

Kevin Johnson was not your typical Valparaiso University student. At the age of 36, he was what administra­ tion offices call a "nontraditional student," someone whose aspirations to attend college were put off for a few years before they could be realized. But Johnson was nontraditional in other ways, as well. When he first arrived from Massachusetts in the fall, he found that he was the only blind student on campus. If coping with that hardship wasn't enough, Johnson also had to maneuver his way around campus grounds using a prosthetic leg, the result of a diabetic complication - a disease he had dealt with since childhood. With no family in the area to support him, Johnson was on his own, with only his seeing guide dog companion Samuel Adam to share in his difficulties. Johnson overcame these adversities and worked hard despite occasional setbacks. He was well on his way to fulfilling his dreams of becoming a social worker, already having Becky Malewitz/Torch established a good rapport with the social work department despite his limited time at the uni­ VU guard Jarryd Loyd cringes as Marquette's David Cubillan dives on top of him for control of the ball during Monday night's versity - a mere 100 days. game. VU was unable to stop Marquette's Dominic James from dominating the final minutes of the game. It was with surprise and regret that the uni­ James hit a go-ahead three-pointer with seconds left to play to give Marquette the 65-62 win. The near-upset was the closest the versity learned of Johnson's sudden and program has come to defeating a ranked team since Bryce Drew and the Crusaders topped Ole Miss in the 1998 NCAA Tournament. For complete coverage/ see page 16. see LOSS/ page 3 Campus becomes fenced in New construction projects find students winding their way to class

Kathryn Kattalia electrical mains as the first piece of Though necessary to overall cam­ updating the campus infrastructure so pus growth and improvement, the new TORCH STAFF WRITER that we could accommodate the new projects, in addition to ongoing con­ For many Valparaiso University buildings, particularly the union. What struction of the north entrance parking students, obtrusive fencing has become you're seeing now is the second piece." garage and South Chapel Drive, have a way of life. Workers have many within the "I like how the fences move every begun to install new VU community day," said freshman Hannah Johnson. storm and water just the fads wondering when "It's like finding my way through a mains as a way to Campus Master Plan they'll ever be able maze every time I try to get to class." increase capacity Guiding Principles to take a straight Much to their dismay, students and pressure. This > Strengthen the connection route to class returning from Thanksgiving break this will more efficiently between faith and learning again. week were greeted by the presence of accommodate future > Enhance VU's community "It's get­ even more chain-link fences, blocking growth and renova­ environment and residential ting annoying find­ off construction sites between tions. Having strug­ character ing new ways to Wehrenberg and Kallay-Christopher gled with aging > Provide a sense of tradition class every day Halls and the VU Center for the Arts. water lines, installa­ and elegance that is welcoming since the fences are Though inconvenient to some, the tion of a more updat­ to all blocking the way," additional fencing is indicative of the ed system is now > Provide definition to the said freshman university's readiness to enter the next underway. academic, residential and Carolyn Engerer. stage of work imperative to turning the Efforts to make recreational districts of campus Some stu­ campus master plan into a reality. VU a more pedestri­ dents feel that the Mandy Chalk/Torch "We're doing several things," said an-friendly campus by moving traffic university should finish one project The number of fences on campus seem to have doubled as Fred Plant, executive director of patterns and the addition of an upgrad­ well before going on to another. With construction continues to expand while workers install new Physical Plant. "Last spring and sum­ ed telephone data loop are also in the storm and water mains. mer we installed all new gas mains and works, according to Plant. see FENCES, page 3

Announcements 2 1 COMING OUT BEG STEP ASIDE UNION BOARD Classifieds 12 Women rip off four Isn't six figures enough? Sudoku 12 game winning streak, Apparently not. 8 0 6 13 Flicker ZL 1 P ^ page 6 Weather 2 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 Campus THE TORCH A nnouncements Annual Christmas Concert tickets available VU's annual Christmas Concert, a campus tradition for nearly What 80 years, will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 and at 5 p.m. Dec. 2 in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Call the VU box office you need at ext. 5162 or visit the Christmas Concert Web site at www.valpo.edu/events/christmas2006 for more information or to order tickets. Second Fair Trade Fair held by SALT to know VU students are sponsoring a Fair Trade Fair on Dec. 1 and 2 in the union to increase awareness of the growing fair trade movement. The fair, sponsored by the university's Social Action Leadership Team for the second consecutive year, will offer fair trade handcrafts, coffee and chocolate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 1 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 2. Students in SALT will be available to share infor­ mation about the fair trade movement and how to support it. Student Senate to hold transit forum Student Senate invites students, faculty and staff to its meeting on Dec. 4 for an open forum on the proposed city transit sys­ tem. The meeting is at 9 p.m. in Neils 234. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions and have stu­ dent voices heard on this important issue. Please consider attending this discussion, as Senate wants to hear from you. Poetry reading presented by VU students Students in a VU poetry writing course will present a reading of their original poetry Dec. 6 at the Brauer Museum of Art. The "Voices with Vision" reading will begin at 7 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Among the original works read by 11 VU students will be poetry inspired by artwork on display and in the permanent collection of Brauer Museum. For more information, call ext. 5278 or visit the department's web site at www.valpo.edu/english. Auditions for The Vagina Monologues Auditions for The Vagina Monologues will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Reading Day, Dec. 9, in the Union Belfry (by the fish- tank lounge). No acting experience is necessary. The play is part of a global movement to end violence against women and girls. All proceeds benefit local and global charities. Vespers assured seating cards available Assured seating cards to VU's annual Advent Vespers service at the Chapel of the Resurrection are now available without charge. This year's services are at 8 and 11 p.m. on Dec. 8. The services of music and readings are a traditional part of Advent celebrations on campus. Valparaiso's Kantorei choir, the University Singers and organist Joseph Bognar, associate pro­ fessor of music, will perform a variety of sacred songs during the service. The 8 p.m. service is designed specifically for the Northwest Indiana community and will feature several promi­ nent community leaders as readers. Members of the campus community will serve as readers at the 11 p.m. service. Assured seating cards are available in the chapel office from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Cards also may be ordered via e-mail to [email protected] or by mailing a request to the Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind., 46383. Requests must specify which service, number of cards required and a mailing address to which to send the cards. Only those with assured seating cards will be seated prior to 7:50 p.m. and 10:50 p.m. Handbell Choir to perform annual concert Tim Stride/Torch The Valparaiso University Handbell Choir of the Chapel of the Junior Matt Weber appeared for the first time at Union Board's 707 Lounge on Wednesday. Resurrection will perform their annual Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in the VU Center for the Arts. The concert will feature traditional religious and secular music of the Christmas season, including "Lo, How a Rose E're Blooming," "Jingle Bells" and "Charlie Brown Christmas." The concert is free and open to the public; freewill donations will be accepted. VUPD Honor society holds Scholastic Book Fair printed as a service of The Torch The Kappa Delta Pi honor society is organizing a book fair on report Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10. The Scholastic Book Fair November 20 A set of keys was found by house­ November 29 keeping at the ARC. The keys are on will be located in the Community Room of the CCLIR from While having lunch with a student at Unknown person(s) placed two dead a key ring with a University of St. noon-6 p.m. both days. All the money that is raised will be the Law School, a subject suffered a fish on a vehicle parked at Brandt Francis ID. The keys are being held at donated to the Spring Valley Homeless Shelter to buy books for stroke. The Porter County EMS was Hall during the late evening hours. VUPD until the owner is located. all the children. Any support and/or donations would be greatly summoned to the scene and the sub­ The incident did not cause any dam­ appreciated. ject was transported to Porter age to the vehicle, but the reporting Hospital for medical care. November 28 person plans to have the vehicle Four juveniles were seen skate board­ cleaned. corrections A person notified VUPD about an ing on university property. VUPD identity theft where the suspect is spoke with the juveniles and they A portable video game was found at clo rificatio n s possibly using someone else's identi­ were all issued trespass warnings in the ARC after the basketball game on fication to obtain school loans and reference to skate boarding at VU in Nov. 29. The game was brought to The Torch corrects its mistakes. credit cards. VUPD is currently the future. VUPD by housekeeping and will be If you see something you believe is a factual error, investigating the allegations. held until the owner is located. contact Assistant Editor Colin Selbo at (219) 464-5426 or [email protected].

TONIGHT: SAT. PM: SUNDAY: sky Almost So close Barely 7 Clear Cold, windy Partly cloudy VU Low 19° Low 16° High 22° w e a e r THE TORCH CAMPUS NEWS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 Celebrating 100 years of life and service Smoke-free College of Nursing recognizes accomplishments of former dean with birthday party City ordinance poses Sam Ruffin threat to public smoking TORCH STAFF WRITER Heather Dueball At 42 years old, Gertrude Bluemel's career in TORCH STAFF WRITER nursing was just beginning. A smoke-free environment is poten­ Now, at almost 100 years of age, she makes her tially on its way to the city of Valparaiso. way back to Valparaiso University to be recognized On Nov. 9, an ordinance was drafted for all her accomplishments as a nurse and as one of designating almost all public buildings as the founders of VU's nursing program. non-smoking areas, including restaurants, "She's a founding faculty member - she's just retail stores, shopping malls and schools. very instrumental in the college of nursing, so when Though the ordinance has not been she turned 100 we were definitely going to throw her voted on yet, most residents appear to a party," said Karen Stacy, administrative assistant to favor its passage. the dean. "The comments I have been receiv­ The College of Nursing held a party in ing say it's about time," said Valparaiso Bluemel's honor on Nov. 27 in LeBien Hall. The city councilman John Bowker. "We need plan was to recognize the upcoming 100th birthday to show our leadership as a city." that Bluemel will be celebrating on Dec. 6 of this Bowker said that one of the reasons year and to help show students just how much a for the non-smoking ordinance is the degree in nursing can do. obvious health hazard caused by second­ Janet Brown, dean of the College of Nursing, hand smoke. The other main reason is to gave a small speech and 65 undergraduate nursing guarantee the right of nonsmokers to students came out to sing "Happy Birthday" to Photo Provided breathe smoke-free air and to recognize that the need to breathe smoke-free air has Bluemel. After she blew out the candles, the stu­ Gertrude Bluemel/ a co-founder of VU's College of Nursing, was honored by 65 priority over the desire to smoke in public dents had time to interact with Bluemel and get to undergraduate nursing students at a special 100th birthday party on Monday. know the woman who had dedicated so much of her places. efforts to the nursing profession. in nursing and a degree in midwifery. Bluemel took advantage of her "I prefer a smoke free environment," "Honoring professor Bluemel with a birthday party was a fitting education and spent seven years abroad as a missionary nurse and said Valparaiso resident and Valparaiso tribute to a great nursing leader. It is rare that students in a nursing nursing educator in Sierra Leone, West Africa and Nigeria. University English professor Arvid Sponberg. "I try to avoid places with a program can experience the heritage of their program in such a fash­ Over the course of her career, Bluemel would serve as the head large amount of smoke." ion," said Brown. nurse and supervisor of Robert Long Hospital and Riley Children's Most of the students in attendance were underclassmen, many Hospital and take up professorship at Berea College. Eventually she taking their first nursing classes this semester. This experience provid­ would go on, at the age of 64, to become one of the founding profes­ just the facts ed them with an opportunity to see what they are capable of and what sors of VU's nursing college. During her time at VU, Bluemel served > Porter County is one of 38 they have to offer the world. as dean and professor. counties in Indiana with only a "When we first started off (at the party), I did not know who she "(Bluemel's work) shows that you have a lot of potential to do a portion of its schools 100 percent was or how she related to the college of nursing except that she was a lot of good with what you have," said Borys. tobacco free professor here," said sophomore nursing major Teri Borys. "Now, When Bluemel left the college, an award was established in her > Schools in 27 of 92 counties in after seeing how much she has done after the age of 42, it is really honor. The Bluemel award is given out every year to one graduating the state of Indiana are 100 percent tobacco free inspiring." senior who displays determination, perseverance and a sense of Bluemel received her nursing diploma from Indiana University humor - qualities that embodied Bluemel as a nurse and a professor. The ordinance also states that some­ in 1948, and from there she would go on to obtain her master's degree Contact Sam Ruffin at [email protected]. one who is smoking must be at least fif­ teen feet from the entrance in order to keep the smoke out of the smoke-free day." environment. Although the Wehrenberg construction site "This is certainly a public health is temporary, Plant doesn't expect the water issue," Bowker said. mains project to be completed until spring On campus, smokers tend to gather break. Students can anticipate campus as a around the entrances to the union, resi­ whole to be under construction up until the dence halls and the Christopher Center. If 2008 completion of the new student union. the ordinance passes, these smokers "We all understand that progress some­ would need to be at least fifteen feet away times creates inconvenience," said Reggie from the entrance of every building on Syrcle, executive director of university rela­ campus. tions. "We recognize that there is a price we "It doesn't bother me unless it's in a have to pay for progress, and short term place where a ton of people gather or inconveniences are more than going to be off­ when they are all crowded around the set a thousand times by the benefits of the door," said sophomore Kristen Lyons. new union." Since VU is already smoke-free Plant agrees that the campus must under­ indoors, the main difference for students, go this period of construction in order to faculty and staff is that they will be able to shape the future of the university into the best go to public places off campus, such as possible outcome. restaurants, apartment buildings, places of Mandy Chalk/Torch "In order to make this a better place with employment and sports venues and experience none of the health risks of Construction between the VU Center for the Arts and Wehrenberg and Schnabel Halls has forced better capabilities for the future, this is what smoking. students to walk well out of their way while trying to get back and forth from class. we have to go through," Plant said. "It's not convenient for any of us, but this is what a According to Bowker, the city has community does. We do what's in our best been looking into a smoke-free environ­ FENCES, fromoaee 1 Cam^' • „ , w interest." ment for almost a year. During the past I think (all the construction) is pretty Contact Kathryn Kattalia at year, the city has been trying to compro­ new sites added almost daily, all students cur- ridiculous," said sophomore Joel Alfano. "It mise with bar owners and restaurant own­ torch .news @ valpo .edu. rently see created are pits of mud across seems like they put a new fence up every ers. This ordinance is the final compro­ ence in the world that social bought a new copy of the next move forward, be able to get a mise. LOSS, from page 1 workers make." book, carefully tore out the pages job and not depend on govern­ "This gives people the opportunity to unexpected death. He passed Niedner went on to share a and spent seven hours scanning mental assistance." go enjoy a meal without being at risk," away in his apartment in few instances of Johnson's life on them so that his laptop computer Though Johnson's life was Bowker said. "This also gives the employ­ Valparaiso on Nov. 24. campus that showed his resilien­ could read the book to him again. cut short before his could com­ ees a safe environment to work in." Fred Niedner, chair of the cy and determination. He first His resolve provided a sense of plete those goals, his life was a The ordinance does not extend to pri­ vate residences, hotel and motel rooms theology department, presented arrived at VU in July and memo­ encouragement to those who gift to the campus and to the and retail tobacco stores. the homily at a memorial service rized the routes to and from his watched him learn and grow day community. If the ordinance passes at Monday's held at the Chapel of the classes with Samuel Adam. by day. "We did get social worked city council meeting, the council plans to Resurrection in Johnson's honor When he came back in August, through Kevin's presence," President Alan Harre read an review the ordinance sometime down the Thursday morning. however, he was not told of the excerpt from Johnson's personal Niedner said. "We came to share road to see how it has affected the city. "(Johnson) wanted to do construction and consequent essay he included with his VU his blindness and his sight, This is to ensure that all parties, restaurant something that involved sharing, green fences that littered campus. application, which once again because today some of us do owners, bar owners and the people of accompanying and acting togeth­ His routes were no longer acces­ showed how determined he was indeed see more clearly what it's Valparaiso, will be satisfied with the new er," Niedner said. "He wanted to sible. On his way between Meier to live life to the fullest. like not to see. And that's a start." ordinance and its health benefits. serve others. He wanted, if noth­ and Kretzmann Halls, Johnson "I have not finished address­ The social work department "I don't like smoking," said junior ing else, to help the rest of us see fell in the mud, not being able to ing this challenge," Johnson also hosted a celebration of Megan Myers. "I think that this ordinance what it's like not to see. Which, if see that the sidewalk and street wrote. "This challenge is a life Johnson's life earlier today. is an excellent idea." you think about it, is the teaching had changed places. But, he got long challenge that you have to After two public hearings, the official of compassion. Kevin didn't up and went on. master, and it is a never ending Josh Weinhold contributed vote will be Monday at 7 p.m. in City want to let blindness and the loss Later in the semester, some­ work. My goals are to fulfill my to this report. Contact Hall. of a leg define him. He was deter­ one stole Johnson's textbooks for life by getting a good education Stephanie Lehman at Contact Heather Dueball at mined to make the kind of differ­ his CORE course. Johnson and to prove to myself I can torch .news @ valpo .edu. torch .news© valpo .edu. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 CAMPUS NEWS THE TORCH SALT peppers campus with fair trade facts Well-loved Campus group seeks to serve up student awareness of global trade issues prof passes Jon Eaton economic conditions encountered by producers people think about social justice. In the past, in developing countries. there had been no reflection on why things are TORCH NEWS EDITOR Small, independent growers and producers the way they are, a notion that has been adopted Colin Selbo All may be fair in love and war, but trade is must endure market fluctuation, facing possible by the SALT group. TORCH ASSISTANT EDITOR apparently a different story. disaster due to a lack of access to credit. The The upcoming Fair Trade Fair supports This weekend, members of Valparaiso contention is that most of the profits are made by SALT'S continuing mission to increase aware­ It's always hardest to say University's Social Action Leadership Team are the people in the middle, not by the retailer, the ness of social issues and prepare students for good-bye to the caring people looking to level the playing field in global eco­ grower or producer. Therefore, fair trade strives lives as Christian service leaders. For the stu­ of the world. Witness Jani, a nomics by promoting fair trade practices with an to organize the producers, pare down the middle­ dents involved, the event has become an oppor­ Valparaiso University psychol­ event known as the Fair Trade Fair. man's profits, and give producers a more con­ tunity for them to express themselves in an area ogy instructor, was one of those "Our goal right now is just to make people stant income for their product. where they feel passionate about making an people. aware of the issues surrounding fair trade and "SALT wants to create the connection that impact. Jani, a native of how available fair trade items are," said Jessica will reduce the power and the markup of the "For me, it was actually fair trade," said Zimbabwe, passed away on Harms, a sophomore SALT member in charge of middleman," Wetzstein said, "by making sure sophomore Elyse Glieschen, indicating what Nov. 21 after a running the fair. people who produce are treated well by those first attracted her to SALT. "It was one of those long battle Members of SALT will sell various fairly who consume." things where I came to help with the fair trade with cancer. traded items, including chocolates, handicrafts, SALT has not always been so proactive in event, and that really pulled me into SALT." He had been a jewelry, and toys. Student organizers, however, its efforts to increase awareness of large-scale This is exactly the mentality that Wetzstein part of the VU stressed that the focus of this event is increasing social issues. According to Wetzstein, the group, hopes will continue to pervade the group. community fair trade awareness, not fundraising. formerly called "Social Concerns," had focused "I want students in SALT to have that expe­ since 2004, "When we get goods from other countries mostly on volunteering for various community rience, knowing how to organize people and and those who Witness Jani and they say Guatemala or Vietnam on the tag, organizations. Shortly after Wetzstein came to resources around a big idea," Wetzstein said. knew him best - we often think of sweatshops and exploitation. VU, the group changed its name and its mission, "I'm really interested in students developing the say he brought a positive atti­ But with fair trade, this doesn't have to be the becoming more of an educational and activist skills to pursue what they're passionate about." tude to campus. case," said Liz Coyne, a sophomore Fair Trade group. The event takes place on Friday from 11 "It's certainly a loss to the Fair organizer. "It's gotten a lot more diverse in its focus, a a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday campus community to lose The Rev. Jim Wetzstein, assistant university lot more thoughtful," Wetzstein said. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the union. someone with those personal pastor and SALT'S staff advisor, understanding Wetzstein says, SALT is more engaged than Contact Jon Eaton at qualities," said psychology the fair trade issue begins with the knowledge of the previous group had been in issues of how [email protected]. professor Jim Nelson describ­ ing Jani as both grateful and compassionate. "He approached life with a lot of gratitude; always wanted to give back," said Nelson. Psychology professor Dan Arkkelin agreed with the posi­ tive sentiments. Arkkelin said Jani was a "very soft spoken, gentle man" and that he had a sunny dispo­ sition and friendly smile." Arkkelin described Jani's com­ ing to VU as "serendipity." Coming to the United States from Zimbabwe in 1990, Jani earned his bachelor of arts in pastoral studies from Moody Bible Institute in 1993. He Lutheran Educational Alliance with Parochial Schools came to the Christian faith through missionaries who con­ "LLAPais more than fmi a gnpbri it '$ a program demoted to changing Um« verted him and his family. This led to a strong faith, which he My life was changed by Hie centered opportunities, my commitment to kept throughout his struggles the program inspired 0 Med nni students from the inner oty..." with cancer. "He saw what he was • Phi) McBride, LEAPs ^ cohort. doing as a ministry. He was a deeply Christian man," Nelson We believe that good teachers need excellent training, said. Moreover, Jani's dedica­ m tion to his work and his stu­ ItmMiMM ' ; "• ti mth U IPs, tt*$&gn&progr&m I ]ua s dents was just as impressive. thai J ihh country: The elates taught u> \nhat lev Y stud As he continued to go through chemotherapy treatment, there pn • were days when Jani, a com­ - Kafl Harbaugh, I ,f AP$2 cohort, muter from Chicago, was unable to drive. But Jani didn't let it deter him, taking the train I l.Al's f nn ides its students with high quality teacher training through an innovative to VU instead. Nelson would often pick him up at the train Master of Education program. College graduates with tmy major ser\ e as full-time station. teachers in under-resouioed parochial schools white preparing tor teaching licensure. "He never complained. He just tried to do the best he could," said Nelson, adding What principals say about LEAPs teac that Jani did not want to be a burden on anyone. hard workers,., In addition to teaching, desire to learrt**. Jani was working on his doc­ torate in education when he exceeded expectations.., died. well-prefYiH'.L,, This continued to amaze Arkkelin. He says he was a is Ixw « -

Sandi Doughton neled more than $1 billion to indi­ vidual researchers and institutions and Kristi Heim based in Seattle. The total includes MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES $30 million to launch a Department of Global Health at the University SEATTLE - For people seek­ of Washington. ing money and moral support in the With Gates funding, Seattle battle against diseases of the poor, scientists are helping lead develop­ an annual trip to the Swiss city of ment of vaccines for malaria, Geneva, home of the World Health AIDS, pneumonia and a host of Organization, was once considered other afflictions that ravage Africa, mandatory. Asia and Latin America. Seattle- Today, WHO officials are just based programs are delivering as likely to make their own pil­ insecticide-treated bed nets and grimages to Seattle, headquarters new-generation malaria drugs to of the Bill & Melinda Gates people in Zambia; distributing vac­ Foundation. cines to rural clinics in Scientists with promising vac­ Mozambique; and directing street cines, medical inventors and the theater in India with a safe-sex world's top health experts parade theme. through the foundation's modest For-profit biotech companies headquarters, hoping for a share of are also lending their expertise to the $1 billion or more it spends help speed new technologies and each year on global health. And drugs to market, and to the people before taking over as WHO's direc­ who need them most. Betty Udesen/MCT tor general in 2003, one of the first Being based in the same town Lab-on-a-card systems, like the prototypes shown here, are being developed by a Gates-supported Seattle things the late Dr. Lee Jong-wook as their biggest benefactor gives consortium to quickly diagnose diseases such as dengue and typhoid fever. did was visit the foundation, which the researchers opportunities to funds several WHO programs. meet, mingle and make plans over After transforming his home­ coffee, at parties and during infor­ tiny budget, a staff of eight and an Since then, PATH has received drugs. town through a software revolu­ mal seminars. unwieldy name: Program for nearly $750 million, more than 10 PATH's rapid growth has been tion, Bill Gates, the world's richest The momentum is sure to Appropriate Technology in Health.. percent of the foundation's global- replicated at other Seattle institu­ man, is now using the fruits of that grow once the new University of Bill and Melinda Gates first health spending. Along the way the tions on the receiving end of Gates empire to seed a new kind of indus­ Washington global-health depart­ met PATH's board of directors at a organization has grown to more grants, creating jobs and providing try here. It's one he and his wife, ment comes on line next year, with 1995 dinner in the Columbia Tower than 500 people in 65 nations and a modest boost to the local econo­ Melinda, hope will reshape the plans to eventually expand to 50 in downtown Seattle. The couple moved into a new headquarters. my. world and save millions of lives. faculty members and up to 500 stu­ wanted to know all about life in the PATH's mission has morphed But the benefits to the region "Seattle is going to be the epi­ dents. directors' home countries, which from its initial work developing go beyond the financial, said Lee center of global health for the 21st "There's a synergy that comes included Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, simple syringes, birthing kits and Hartwell, the Nobel Prize-winning century," said Dr. Paul Ramsey, from having all these things in the Egypt and India. Melinda asked other health technologies adapted geneticist who leads the Fred dean of the University of same place," said Dr. Chris Elias, questions about growing up as a for African villages or illiterate Hutchinson Cancer Research Washington School of Medicine. president of PATH. girl in a Muslim nation. Nepali women. It now coordinates Center. Ramsey has reason to be effu­ No Seattle-area organization Two weeks later, PATH got a some of the Gates Foundation's "It's moral," Hartwell said. sive. has benefited more from a relation­ letter announcing a $750,000 grant most ambitious programs, includ­ "We are not just a community that In addition to spreading its ship with the Gates Foundation for the organization's reproductive- ing getting existing vaccines to enjoys our wealth, but a communi­ wealth around the globe, the foun­ than PATH, the Ballard nonprofit health work, the Gateses first foray children in poor countries and ty that is reaching out to the world dation, since its creation, has Tun­ founded nearly 30 years ago with a into global health. speeding development of new and trying to make a difference." Fresh start, or impending disaster? Hezbollah calls for new government in Lebanon, escalates political crisis dismayed with the soaring influence of Shiite appealing to Lebanese to hang flags outside Iran while neighboring Iraq disintegrates into their windows Friday to assert their support chaos. Iran's ally Syria has signaled that it is for the government. "We will not allow this in no mood for an accommodation with the coup against the democratic system, its rules United States, despite pressure from some arid institutions." quarters in Washington for the United States "Lebanon will remain!" he concluded. to mend fences with Damascus. "Enough conflicts. Enough assassinations. And the raw sectarianism of the vio­ Enough tragedy." lence in Iraq is exacerbating Sunni-Shiite In his address, Nasrallah accused the tensions across the region, and especially in Siniora government of failing to address the Lebanon, where Hezbollah's challenge to the needs of all Lebanese, implying that Shiites government has deepened fears that the' had been neglected by a government domi­ country could again be headed toward a civil nated by the Sunni, Christian and Druze war similar to its vicious conflict in the alliance. 1980s. "The main reason for the impotency and Paul Assaker/MCT President Bush, in his meeting with failure of the government is that it is a gov­ A man stands on a mountain of rubble that once was a series of homes in Ayta al-Shaab Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in ernment of one faction," he said. "Lebanon, near the Lebanese-Israeli border. Jordan, addressed U.S. officials' broader with all its complexity, variety, character and concerns about the region when he warned, aspects, can never be governed or have its Liz Sly ignation, a call that culminates weeks of "If the extremists, succeed in Iraq, they will crises solved by one side or by a certain threats by the Shiite Islamist movement and be emboldened in their efforts to undermine coalition." MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES heralds a dangerous new phase in Lebanon's other young democracies in the region, or to Hezbollah's goal, he said, is not to escalating political crisis. overthrow moderate governments, establish exclude the ruling coalition from the govern­ BEIRUT, Lebanon - The leader of the "On Friday, we will gather and meet in new safe havens, and impose their hateful ment, but to force the formation of a nation­ militant Hezbollah movement, Sheikh Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, Arabs and the ideology on millions." al unity government in which Hezbollah and Hassan Nasrallah, instructed his followers capital of resistance ... to push our country Hezbollah's threat to topple the govern­ its allies would have an equal share. Thursday to take to the streets Friday to toward this national choice, this logical and ment of Prime Minister Fuad Siniora repre­ Supporters of the more secular Shiite Amal bring down Lebanon's U.S .-backed govern­ correct choice," he said in the recorded sents the latest setback to the U.S. vision of a movement and a Christian faction led by ment, posing the latest threat to American address broadcast by Al Manar. new, democratic Middle East. Christian Gen. Michel Aoun, who has allied hopes in the Middle East just as President The call was a reminder that although On Thursday night, after Nasrallah's himself with Hezbollah, are also expected to Bush wrapped up talks with Iraq's prime Bush used his visit to Jordan to assert call for street mobilizations, Siniora attend the demonstrations. minister in neighboring Jordan. America's undiminished commitment to a appeared live on television to deliver an Though Hezbollah's precise plans Nasrallah appeared on Hezbollah's TV democratic Middle East, he left behind a emotional address to the nation, warning that remain unclear, Nasrallah indicated that the station to tell his supporters that the time had region on the brink of turmoil in the face of Lebanon's democracy was endangered by gathering Friday would be the start of an come for what he indicated would be an powerful challenges to America's waning what he said amounted to a threatened coup. indefinite period of demonstrations and indefinite period of strikes and demonstra­ influence. "Lebanon's independence is threatened strikes that would only be called off when a tions aimed at forcing the government's res­ America's Sunni allies in the region are and its democracy is in danger," he said, new government is formed. "You've got 12-year-olds out every night, drinking and creating nuisance on the street with their parents not knowing or even caring." - British Prime Minister Tony Blair, 6 / THE TORCH DECEMBER 1, 2006 asking for required parenting classes

STAFF EDITORIAL LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Give the gift of love Union Board foolishness anger anyone. I'm merely saying that for all it is Here we are, fast approaching Thanksgiving cracked up to be, for all the rankings and the and with it the greater holiday season (Christmas et awards and the proud history, VU, "the institution,'' costs other student groups al.). Inevitably, when we reach this time of year, couldn't care less about the students. I've seen the people give thanks for life and living, for bounty system at work over the past couple of years; I've The Valparaiso University Student Senate has learned a valuable and the beauteous things in their lives. seen how it treats students. The system has failed lesson. They finally see that if you give Union Board a $160,000 budget, Remembering our Creator and all good gifts is me, it has failed my friends. I have all but lost they still won't stop asking for more student activity fees. only right and appropriate, regardless of whatever hope. Senate has spent too much time this year dealing with the antics of faith you follow. It's also the time of year where So you'll forgive me if years from now, when Union Board. Union Board easily has the highest budget of any student many people start worrying about what presents to I'm sitting down to a nice home-cooked meal, I organization at VU, topping out at more than $160,000. Yet time and time give each other when the special day of their par­ pick up my glass of wine and say a toast to you, again, Union Board comes back to Senate requesting even more money. ticular celebration rolls around. VU. For all those times when numbers were more Sometimes, the requests are legitimate. Often times, they are not. As we remember the good things in our own important than people. For all those times when But legitimate or not, these continual funding requests show terribly lives, I would encourage everyone to consider those in power didn't give a damn. Cheers! poor fiscal planning and a lack of respect towards both Senate and the stu­ giving a gift to a local charity, in hopes of touch­ dent body. ing the lives of others in our greater community. Kevin Clemens To make matters worse, Union Board has a habit of spending money A gift to charity can be touching and makes VU Student '08 on events that Senate has already rejected. After sponsoring a previously a great alternative to a gift card for those hard-to- rejected event, Union Board often comes back to Senate whining about shop-for individuals on a Christmas list. Many needing the money like a little kid begs for a higher allowance. local groups even take the time to write out a Airline safety over-regulation For example, earlier this year, Union Board brought comedian Josh personal thank-you letter addressed to the person Blue to VU for the Homecoming fashion show. However, Senate had in whose name the gift is given, if asked. The year is 2006, five years after the horrific already decided not to commit funds for such a pricey host and said that a Addresses and information of any number of events of Sept. 11, 2001. Our fight against terror­ student could fit the role just as well. Union Board of course brought Blue local charities can be found in your local library, ism is still quite imminent. The Transportation anyway, and attempted to write the event off as a diversity event. on the Internet or through area churches and civic Security Administration is doing everything in their This is the kind of garbage that Senate has to deal with, and thus far, organizations. power to make sure we're safe and secure, or are Senate has bitten their collective lip and generally given Union Board a I serve on the board of directors for Habitat they? more than fair shake. for Humanity of Greater Valparaiso and have also As I passed through airport security for a But at Monday night's meeting, some Senators had had enough. been active as a volunteer with Porter County recent flight, I was pulled aside so a TSA agent Union Board was back before Senate needing slightly more than $350 Special Olympics. I am also an Eagle Scout who could search my backpack. to pay for a conference some members had attended. continues to participate in programs offered by After going through each compartment the Citing the fact that requesting this money is irresponsible and limits the LaSalle Council of the Boy Scouts. I have TSA agent pulled out a recent gift. The snow globe money available for other organizations with legitimate needs, eight seen first hand how time, talents and treasures I was traveling with apparently didn't meet the Senators voted to deny the request. These eight rightly see that the best can combine to impact our present and our three ounce liquid requirement. I was told I'd way to make Union Board act in a fiscally responsible manner is to start future. either be escorted back through security at which denying its obnoxious petitions for funding. But even some Senators who A favorite Christmas song of mine is "The point I would be able to check my bags or the voted in favor of the request, specifically members of the finance commit­ Eyes of a Child," and I would close by reminding agent would be forced to confiscate it. Since it took tee, are fed up. people of a phrase in that tune - "When you give me 30 minutes to get through security already I Senate's finance committee is planning to send a letter to Union Board love, it's love you'll find." Please pass the love on was forced to leave the threatening snow globe expressing their frustration with Union Board's habit of continually asking to others this holiday season - give a donation to behind. €&®li for money not included in its budget. Among other things, this letter high­ the charity of your choice. A key goal for terrorists, and obviously one lights Union Board's refusal to transfer money already in its budget to that has been achieved in their fight against us, is cover other costs. Union Board has a budget that is more than six pages Matthew B. Byerly to disrupt our daily lives. As a result, we have been long and the idea that it cannot find an additional three or four hundred Graduate Student forced to accept unreasonable lengths and measures dollars to shift around within its budget is absurd. in the name of security. Other student organizations make these sort of sacrifices all the time. Despicable men like Hitler, Stalin and more Sometimes hard choices need to be made and cutting events or projects to Here's to you, VU recently, Saddam Hussein are the ones usually cover other costs is a necessary process. Student groups make such deci­ associated with ridiculous measures in the name of sions all too often, with the apparent exception of Union Board, which I chose to attend Valparaiso University security. This time, however, the U.S. and her seems to want everything its way all the time. because it was the right fit. I found a strong aca­ absurd air-travel safety regulations can be thrown into that category as well. Union Board's resistance to making these hard choices ultimately demic program that fit my interests in Christ hurts smaller organizations the most. Limited funds are available for College. Everyone always talked about the Instead of spending millions of dollars pay­ Senate to dole out during the semester and groups without large budgets "Valpo smile," that contagious strain of friendli­ ing thousands of employees, why don't we fix should have priority in receiving these extra funds. With Union Board's ness you find when walking around campus our system? Clearly, if we trained fewer officials, continued requests for more money, less money can go to groups who only (which nowadays amounts to the shared experi­ for the cost of our thousands of second-rate ones, sponsor one or two events all year. It's another example of the big guy ence dodging muddy water as you tromp through to properly read people, their actions and identify stepping on the feet of the little guy. the wet grass). actual threats we'd be better addressing the situation. With a semester still to go in this academic year, changes need to be But despite a few minor imperfections - side­ made. Senate is on the right track by standing up to the bullying tactics of walks that flood with muddy water, overpriced I acknowledge my "snow globe" incident is Union Board and by drafting a letter confronting the problem head on. food, bogus residential policies and an administra­ just one. Many will argue the TSA is doing a great job and if we change our policy, we'll have Union Board, on the other hand, has a lot of work to do. They can tion that is more concerned about their own agen­ another 3,000 deaths on our hands. My point is start by learning to respect student funds. The money they request willy- das than the student body - despite all of these that the United States is one of the greatest coun­ nilly is supposed to be spent in the best interest of the student body. If they things, VU is a great school. tries on God's green earth, but we're certainly not can learn to respect the concept of fiscal responsibility, the rest will hope­ There are incredible professors who have had showing it. We should be using our intelligence fully fall into the right places, with student organizations that genuinely a profound influence on my life. I have made many and our state of the art technology to combat this need extra funds. If not, that $160,000 budget will continue to grow. friends that I will have for as long as I live. I have been involved in numerous organizations and com­ threat. Staff editorials are written by an editorial board selected from the staff of mittees throughout my time here. All of these great As long as we continue forcing our passen­ The Torch. They represent the official position of the newspaper. experiences and relationships have been blessings gers to throw away liquid containers over three in my life. ounces and forcing obviously harmless old ladies And yet, 20 years down the road, when I to be frisked, we will be losing the fight against open my mailbox and find that letter from the VU terrorism. VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER VOL. 100, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006, ISSUE 12 telling me about all the new expensive buildings As a citizen of (supposedly) the freest nation they want to construct and would I please con­ in the world, I'm outraged that our government JOSHUA D. WEINHOLD EDITOR IN CHIEF tribute to the ValpoFund, a fund "which allows hasn't come up with something more reasonable. COLIN D. SELBO university leaders to react quickly to the changing We need to stop wasting our time and either do the ASSISTANT EDITOR needs of the campus community," I will have job well and efficiently, or put it in the hands of LISA HERBST, BUSINESS MANAGER BECKY MALEWTTZ, PHOTO EDITOR myself a little chuckle, tear the letter in two and someone else that will. SHANNON MCDONALD, ASST. PHOTO EDITOR SARAH BENCZQC, ADVERTISING MANAGER drop it into the garbage can with the rest of the STEPHANIE LEHMAN, CAMPUS EDITOR MlCHELE IRZYK, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

JON EATON, NEWS EDITOR JOHANNA BRINKLEY, COPY EDITOR junk mail. Maggie Seidel

"WE WILL STRIVE RON CASTOR, SPORTS EDITOR JOHN BOEGEN, CIRCULATION MANAGER I don't say this to be rude. I don't say this to Former VU Student INCREASINGLY TO QUICKEN JOHN DIMMICK, INTERACTIVE EDITOR THE PUBLIC'S SENSE OF EVAN BRYSON, A&E EDITOR CIVIC DUTY." BRAD ANDERSON, OPINION EDITOR DON WRUCK m, ADVISOR - THE ATHENIAN OATH g Phone: (219)464-5426 \j Letters to the editor must include the name, address and phone The Torch is published weekly during the academic year, except during examination weeks, holidays and the first week 3 number of the writer. A 400-word limit will be enforced as of the semester by the students of Valparaiso University under the provisions of the VU Student Senate constitution and the O e-mail: [email protected] Committee on Media by-laws. fii necessary, and the editorial staff reserves the right to edit The Torch, a standing member of the Associated Collegiate Press, the Hoosier State Press Association and the Indiana "" Fax: (219)464-6728 Collegiate Press Association, is represented by several national advertising agencies, including: 360 Youth, 151 W. 26th St., New g letters as necessary. No letters will be printed unsigned York, N.Y., 10001; Y2M Networks. Inc., 100 City Hall Plaza, Level 2, Boston, Mass., 02108; Campus Media Group, Inc., 2350 § Mail: 1809 Chapel Drive Wycliff St., Suite 40, St. Paul, Minn., 55114; and MJS Communications, 358 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton, Mass., 02135. without sufficient reason. The editor must know the name of The subscription rate is $40 annually, first-class postage paid at Valparaiso, Ind. 2 Valparaiso, IN 46383 Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the university body or adminis­ the author of unsigned letters but will hold it in confidence. tration. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. 3 Office: 35 Schnabel Hall THE TORCH QPINION/EDfTORIAL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 US. laws are violating DIETmm*, m mmmmmmmm VU! m mm mm rather than protecting dlP^dfc citizens' civil rights JR

We've all heard about funny laws still on the books in various states and counties. •P Take California for instance, where animals are banned from mating publicly within 1,500 feet of a tavern, school or place of worship. Or Ohio, where it is illegal to get a fish drunk. Or even Michigan, where Emily Weller you cannot swear in front of women and children. These silly laws are not enforced and good for a laugh ^-^ TORCH STAFF WRITER or an occasional forwarded e-mail. \ **$r v^ *«s»* ^0» But what about all of the ridiculous laws on the books today that actu­ ally are enforced? The U.S. has fallen into a terrible mindset in which more laws imply more safety, no matter how much they may infringe upon the lives and choices of citizens. Laws make citizens feel secure because they seem to be tangible evi­ Robert Thompson/Torch dence that a problem is being addressed. People see an issue and expect action. In response, lawmakers craft a law, and in the end we have some­ fttHWP«D-ni»i&p»prrtK•WasKM S thing that can be defined and explained. Laws evoke a sense of power over what they address. This gives comfort in the face of difficulty. Laws also ease people because they take away personal responsibility. Rather than being accountable for their own health or economic well-being, people can rely on government restrictions and codes to provide for them. This also gives people the ability to find fault in the government instead of them­ selves when something goes wrong. However, most people do not We would find it acknowledge that the more power we give to the government in the ridiculous if the name of security, the more freedoms we relinquish. While citizens see government banned laws as protection, the government gains more authority with each law French fries. Why made. Though it can be easy to grant power to the government, it is can wWee nonot t very difficult to revoke it. Take the Patriot Act, for exam­ see the outlandish- ple. Enacted during a difficult time in our country, it was meant to ness of other laws eliminate terrorism in the United States and keep an eye on those »WE HEED SOMEONE TO DRINiEN^.COMEPIAN HERE SkCK H0N\E.„ that turn victimless who posed a threat. But now that -QUKX-.CN17EDW!-" the chaos has subsided here, the ads into crimes? government has not given up this power. If they choose, they can still rely on the Patriot Act to spy on citizens, for whatever reason they deem proper. No smoking? No thanks We must ask ourselves as good, insightful citizens, what the actual purpose of a law should be. Laws should only be implemented to protect The wonderful Valparaiso with possibly the exception of some family-run rights. And yet, there are thousands upon thousands of laws that exist for City Council strikes again. businesses? Absolutely not. For some individuals, other reasons. In an effort to step up the action of smoking is like a meal in itself; it is The concept that laws are meant to protect can be applied to both city-wide health awareness, a way for the individual to rest and relax. Should criminal and economic law. Today the federal criminal code, outlining the Valparaiso City Council is these individuals be barred from the opportunity criminal laws, spans 1,400 pages, while the Federal Registry, which con­ considering a mandate to have to exercise this right? Once again, no. It still any form of smoking banned makes sense to have a smoking and non-smoking tains all government regulation on businesses, is 75,000 pages long. Joe Malan Economic regulations should prevent the use of fraud, monopolies and in most public places. An section in a restaurant, where individuals who force in businesses. These things hurt consumers. However, many laws are TORCH STAFF WRITER ordinance is also currently want to smoke can be and where customers who created in the government's economic interest. Once the government starts being considered to ban smoking in many common do not want to smell cigarette smoke can stay making laws to control the economy for its own benefit and profit, it has public places, including the following: libraries, away from it. overstepped its law making duties. banks, bars where individuals under 18 might How then, does the city have any role in As for criminal laws, so many things have been made into crimes that enter, elevators, theatres, public transportation deciding what places are smoke-free? That's just it almost takes a miracle for a citizen to lead a blameless life under U.S. facilities, schools and restaurants. it. It does not. In the name of democracy, busi­ law. If the purpose of law is truly to protect the rights of citizens, then I The list goes on. Now, let us stop for a nesses should decide individually whether to venture to say half our criminal laws should be eliminated. If people moment and contemplate something. Where make their establishments smoke-free or not. choose to smoke marijuana on their own, they are only affecting them­ should smoking be allowed, and where should it Again, businesses, mainly restaurants, also have selves. Their lives and health are their own responsibility, and it would be not? free reign to decide whether or not to have both wrong to expect someone else, such as the government, to police their Let's take a public library for example. A smoking and nonsmoking sections, which would health for them. As long as their choice is not affecting anyone else, there library is a place of quiet study and reading. If be highly beneficial and right in line with the idea needs to be no law regarding this. someone were to light up a cigarette in the facility, of the individual's right to choose. The same applies to what a person chooses to eat. We would find it someone might notice the smell and take offense In a final analysis, we can determine which ridiculous if the government banned French fries because they are to it. If that individual took offense to it, he might types of businesses are smoking-appropriate and unhealthy. Why then can we not see the outlandishness of other laws that get angry, and if he got angry, he might make which are not. Major public areas of entertainment make a crime out of an action that has no victim? some sort of offensive noise. This would surely and fine arts, such as libraries and theaters, should What we need is a government of reactionary laws - a system prompt a disturbance, and thus cause the library to be free from public smoking, because the action where laws react to crimes, rather than a system that sets up preventative no longer be a haven of peace and tranquility. could easily disrupt those who have come to read laws, which assume people will commit crimes. Compare it to parenting. Thus, one can see why smoking is not and should and view fine entertainment. However, in places Some parents will allow children freedom until they do something not be allowed inside a library. such as bars and restaurants, where smoking is wrong, and then they will be reprimanded accordingly. This concept is A second example, albeit a more interesting considered part of a meal, a form of relaxation or commonly referred to in political terms as positive liberty. But other par­ one, is that of a bar with individuals under the a natural pastime, each individual establishment ents will restrict their children, believing that it is inevitable that their age of 18. Why should smoking not be allowed should be able to be responsible for their own children will mess up and refuse to give them freedom lest they do so. here? First, individuals under the age of 18 are smoking policies. This is known as negative liberty. The second parent is the type of gov­ not allowed to buy or use tobacco products, as There is no need for a city council to force ernment ours has evolved into: one which assumes its citizens' guilt regulated by the law. Second, if adults were to the direction of all businesses, especially that of before they commit crimes. Citizens should stand against this anticipato­ enter the bar and smoke, and let us say that they restaurants and bars, in the position of smoking. It ry use of law, and take both their responsibilities and their right back are rather lenient adults, then children or adoles­ is understandable that the citizens of Valparaiso .into their own hands. cents may somehow get hold of a tobacco prod­ desire a clean city, and I do, also. However, the People speak of freedom so often and yet refuse to look at how our uct. Therefore, smoking at any bar where individ­ option to smoke within certain businesses should own government has mutilated what the word means. Living in a govern­ uals under the age of 18 may be present, where it still be given to those who understand the risks ment of positive liberty, where laws are meant not to limit our behavior but is difficult to regulate tobacco products, should and are willing to accept them. to protect our rights, would allow citizens true freedom. be prohibited. The views expressed are solely those Dan Trubey contributed to this column. The views expressed are solely Now, consider something else. Should smok­ of the writer. Contact Joe Malan at those of the writer. Contact Emily Weller at [email protected]. ing be disallowed at all restaurants in Valparaiso, torch .opinion @ valpo .edu. 4-

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 8 QpiNiON/EprroRiAL THE TORCH Construction is cleverlyRecognizing race is a cloaked obstacle courseproblem, not a solution

Editor's Note: The crash is planned days in advance to have the The Boston their prior experiences, but the color of following column is a maximum effect. After all, your students University College their skin. This is obvious racism. This is work of satire. The pro­ need to learn that napping during the day Republicans have flat wrong. How can we claim to be fight­ grams and companies and sleeping past 7 a.m. will only slow unveiled a scholar­ ing racism with a tool that is itself racist? described are not real, them down in the modern corporate world. ship for white stu­ Proponents of minority aid programs nor are they associated And we have added some new and dents only. I say claim to help disadvantaged members of with Valparaiso Katie Cissell exciting things just for you. Now to both Brad Anderson good for them. society. Many go so far as to say that University in any way. save you money and double our efforts at The Caucasian they're righting the wrongs of the past by TORCH STAFF WRITER Welcome to the the same time, we have instructed our pro­ TORCH OPINION EDITOR Achievement and helping those whose races historically were "Preparing for Life Fitness Program!" fessionals to only drive backwards! That's Recognition Scholarship requires applicants downtrodden. Congratulations, Valparaiso University, twice the beeping at half the cost! They to be at least 25% Caucasian and includes While that's a positive sentiment, con­ on your recent purchase of the Preparing for now also double their efforts in the prime two essays, including one about what it sider this: by redressing grievances like Life Fitness Program or PLFP! of napping times and start even earlier in means to be white in today's society. slavery and Jim Crow laws through eco­ We at K&N Industries pride ourselves the morning. We'll even have deliveries According to the BUCR, however, it nomic means, America is putting a finite on a spectacular product and have included made by our loud trucks in the middle of isn't intended to help white students finan­ price on the painful, color-based injustices this wonderful welcome packet! the night! cially; rather, they're using it as a long- done to generations of minorities, while at We are just as excited as we know your We at K&N Industries have created the needed tool to protest the bigotry inherent in the same time endorsing those same mean­ students will be with your new purchase! perfect formula to ensure that every student race- and ethnicity-based scholarships, and ingless nuances of melanin as viable factors Just think, with the money you saved by is confronted with varying challenges every in affirmative action programs in general. upon which to judge those minorities. using good old single-ply toilet paper and day. Is there a hole blocking the students' Alex Maugeri, president of Princeton's Admittedly, there are myriad societal the money you gained with the very reason­ paths? Well, rather than just leave that hole College Republicans, has stated publicly problems that correlate with race. able prices you charge for food, your stu­ there, we make sure to change it up, in what a lot of people may be thinking: "If it Educational opportunities for whites and dents are really the ones gaining so much order to keep the students on their toes. The is just intended to spark debate, then the Asians are often many times better than for through our program! next day it might be a huge swamp of mud College Republicans commend them, but if blacks and Latinos. A disproportionate Your students will be greeted with new and standing water, whereas the next there it is actually awarded to only white stu­ number of racial minorities live below the challenges each day. These fences and holes may be a convenient walkway made of dents, it is misguided." So far the scholar­ poverty line. More are in jail. are set up during the night or over week­ asphalt. Should we leave that there? No! ship remains unawarded, and hopefully it But pretending that the causes of these ends by our cleverly disguised PLFP pro­ We will dig it up immediately and force the will stay that way, but not necessarily problems today somehow have to do with skin fessionals. Every day will require your stu­ student to take a roundabout route. because it is wrong to favor whites (which color is ignorant. In the past, this was the case, dents to ponder anew challenging questions As for the fitness part of our program, it is). Rather, it is inherently racist to make but no longer are racist laws to blame; the such as, "How do I get to class?" and "Why your campus may be a "walking campus," assumptions about a person's innate abili­ cycle of poverty created several decades ago is the street flooded?" and of course, but our program makes it a "walking a very ties based solely on the color of his skin, no by those laws is by far the most significant "Didn't they just dig up that hole and refill roundaboutly-routed campus which is not matter what color it is. factor. Race-based solutions it yesterday?" unlike a construction labyrinth." We chal­ Why do we place so It is a patently are outdated and ineffective. Soon, ever so soon, they will realize lenge both their muscles and balance as our much stock in the value of Reform and improvement the important lessons they are learning. gravel is always spread unevenly, and we at differences in skin tone in foolish assumption of public schools and That fence blocking access to nearly the K& N Industries take great pride in leaving the first place? Saying that crime-prevention programs entire building with only two minutes large ruts in the mud for your students to ethnicity is an indicator of that people who will fix far more problems before class starts could be the corporate scramble over. We create fitness in body true diversity is just as than affirmative action can ladder to success! (Do not climb the fences. and mind. Your students will be forced to valid as basing diversity are different colors hope to do. They are rented.) They must be on their become quick thinkers as they must change on eye or hair color. It is It is impossible to toes and ready to search for that break in their route everyday and still maintain their more accurate to look at think differently advocate both race-based the proverbial fence of life to ensure their class schedule. differences of thought and aid programs and a color­ professional success! We at K&N Industries realize that opinion or social and eco­ because of it. blind society; they are As for the holes our PLFP profession­ some students do have cars. We have nomic background. It is a mutually exclusive by def­ als create, they represent the down times in thought of them, too! We will close and false and patently foolish assumption that inition. A better solution than affirmative life. After all, who doesn't plan their future block off as many roads as possible so that people who are different colors think differ­ action is to ignore such inane differences with the knowledge that they will most like­ while their bodily fitness may be lesser ently because of it. entirely, and focus on eliminating poverty ly end up unhappy living in a cardboard than the walking students, their minds will By creating programs that require race- and improving education across the board. box behind the dumpster at McDonalds? benefit from the new routes they must find. based quotas for employment and giving In fact, it is the greatest repentance we These holes in their paths right now prepare We hope you are pleased with the scholarships with skin color as a deciding can offer for the racial crimes of the past. them for clambering right back out later in results, and we look forward to many years factor, what are we as a society implying Recognizing that all people are created life. (Do not climb in the holes. They are of future business with you, Valparaiso about race? It seems to me that giving some­ equal, regardless of ethnicity, is the best rented.) University. one aid based on racial diversity is as bogus apology. It solves rather than exacerbates What's that? The beautiful sound of Sincerely, as the concept of racial diversity itself. issues of race, and achieves what any race- progress, that's what you hear. Your students Kit and Nat Essentially, this sort of color-based inclusive society strives for: equal treatment will hear those melodious sounds every day, Co-Owners of K&N Industries help tells racial minorities that something for all people, regardless of ethnicity. all day! The wall-piercing beeping is coun­ The views expressed are solely those of about the way they look makes them inferi­ The views expressed are solely those of termanded by the seemingly random crashes the writer. Contact Katie Cissell at or to the white majority; not their level of the writer. Contact Brad Anderson at of equipment, but we assure you, every torch .opinion @ valpo .edu. education, not their job qualifications, not torch .opinion @ valpo .edu.

"How is it that the new sidewalks by Meier and Gellersen "Over the fences and through the mud, to class we attempt still flood? Has someone decided that walking through to go! No matter the day, or if we try a new way, our toler­ puddles on the way to class is somehow part of the 'Valpo ance is sure to be low!" Experience'?" - November 29 - November 16 "Let's hire the people who built the Red Robin to recon­ "Why can't it snow instead of freezing rain?" struct our campus. That way, it will get done in two months - November 16 and the new union will serve alcohol!" - November 30 "I love cats. Do you love cats, Flicker? They taste so sweet." "Why is it that every time CC freshmen have an insanely - November 20 long paper due, there are a bunch of exciting things happen­ ing on campus? Valpo doesn't have that many exciting Flicker responds: "Umm ... I prefer dogs." things going on but when they do, they all coordinate per­ fectly with my paper assignments." "I think VU owns stock in National Rent-A-Fence." - November 30 - November 27 "Why does the pep band take up valuable space in the stu­ "Where's the herd?" dent section of the ARC? They could at least practice once - November 28 in a while." - November 28 "Long live the Valparaiso Crusader!" - November 30 "Remember World AIDS Day, December 1." - November 29 "Git 'er done, Flicker!" - December 1 >» The views expressed in Flicker are solely those of "Flicker is better than the Post-Tribune's Quickly. Flicker individual members of the campus community. Send an could totally dominate Quickly in a bar fight." AOL Instant Message to Flicker at VUTorch with your - November 29 BECAUSE EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION comments. And remember, it's anonymous. '+

[music] Due in stores Dec. 5, "Eminem Presents: The Re-UP" features 50 9 / THE TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 Cent and other big names. Already seen? Denzel Washington plays typical hero in 'Deja Vu' Kris Adamik

TORCH STAFF WRITER Dodging bullets shot by the enemy, Denzel Washington's character crouches beside a vehicle, waiting to make his move toward the battered victim lying nearby. In one swift motion, Washington grabs the woman and jumps out of harm's way just as a massive explosion of fire erupts into the sky. Sound familiar? In the recently released, fast-paced drama "Deja Vu," the always-compelling Washington plays a charismatic hero, determined to track down a terrorist and save the hundreds of lives. Resembling his driven, straight- Tim Allen stars in Disney's The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause/ in theaters now. Perhaps an apology is in order? faced characters from "Inside Man" and "Man on Fire," Washington's performance in this latest crime drama may cause viewers to, ironically, experience deja vu. Nevertheless, despite some overall confusion and potential plot holes, "Deja Vu" is a rapid-fire, visually stimulating film, characteristic of producer Jerry Bruckheimer and direc­ HO HO HORRIBLE tor Tony Scott. What begins as a calm, jovial movie certainly does not 'Santa Clause 3' goes on the naughty list last long. After witnessing hundreds of eager sailors, laugh­ ing children and smiling parents board a New Orleans ferry, Evan Bryson the ride. Santa has his concubine - well, the vessel departs with 543 men, women and children This is fascism - that's what it is; a OK, his wife, Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth TORCH A&E EDITOR aboard. Suddenly, an explosion puts an end to all happiness consumerist, atheist, nihilist, fascist Mitchell) - trapped under the aurora as the ferry goes up in flames and bodies fly into the river. I'm not trying to sound hysterical, dictatorship of the most uncanny kind: borealis with him, and all she wants is An agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms hyperbolic, or snooty when I say fat man rules absolute over children to see her family for the holiday.Santa, and Explosives, Doug Carlin (Washington) is sent to scour Disney's "The Santa Clause 3: The with pointed ears. Using toys, he takes on the other hand, is always free to visit the scene for any evidence leading to the cause of the explo­ Escape Clause" is unholy holiday trash. over the world. his ex-wife, stepdaughter, and biologi­ sion. The meticulous Carlin discovers a small piece of what When we've abandoned our browning Santa, played with indubitable cal son. The elves are perky, profes­ used to be a bomb washed ashore. Rather than focus on the Christmas trees on highways, I hope Christmas-cheer by Tim Allen, is a sional, sometimes silly, but always origin of the material, Carlin is more interested in a body the master prints of this film suffer a domestic mess. He is behind on his heartwarming. The major obstacle recently taken to the morgue. The body just happens to be similar fate, thrown-up lonely in a wet, Naughty.or Nice List, there are kinks in between the "wife returning to the U .S. that of a strikingly beautiful young Woman; Claire Ktichever roadside ditch. the toy manufacturing, and he's feeling is the cryptic "S.O.S." - Secret of Santa. (Paula Patton), who appears to be a victim of the ferry explo­ Enough critics already hate the strain in his new marriage. Remember, The wife is preggers, too, and a team of sion. Carlin's investigation takes a turn when he is told that film that in describing, bombastically, in previous "The Santa Clause" highly skilled elf OBGYNs are always the woman's body was found before the ferry went up in my own hatred for the film I'm feeling movies, Scott Calvin became Santa, on call in case her water breaks. These flames. a little indulgent. Alas. This film stole dealt with that psychological blow, and are kids, again, dressed like elves. The With his gut telling him that Claire's death is no coinci­ my father's hard-earned money; it then had to hurriedly find a wife before effect is, needless to say, disconcerting. dence, Carlin is approached by FBI agent Andrew Pryzwarra played on my mother's need for a sen­ he lost his powers. The metaphysics Martin Short plays Jack Frost, a (Val Kilmer) to join a team investigating what is now timental holiday movie in the absence need some refining, but this franchise soft-core villain in the movie. He wants believed to be a terrorist attack. Pryzwarra takes Carlin to of her oldest sons; and, because its tra­ cashcow uses bright lights and obnox­ the project's top-secret headquarters, a small, dimly lit room dition, my brother and I went along for ious music to gloss over the details. see HORRIBLE, page 10 with computer screens and other equipment scattered about. Dr. Alexander Denny (Adam Goldberg) explains to Carlin that he is part of a project that uses satellites and sur­ Yo, guys! He's coming out of retirement again ... veillance cameras to digitally recreate a constant stream of what happened exactly four days and six hours in the past. Sylvester Stallone laces on the boxing gloves for one more round of 'Rocky' Because of Carlin's well-known expertise as an ATF agent, boxer. Carlin is recruited to use this technology to help the FBI Jon Davis Most importantly though, "Rocky" is not a boxing locate the terrorist who bombed the ferry. But Carlin's ana­ TORCH STAFF WRITER movie. It is a movie about someone who happens to be a lytical nature causes him to suspect that there is more to the A couple of weeks ago, I was in the theater getting ready boxer, but it is not a boxing movie. Boxing movies do not "surveillance project" than meets the eye. to watch "The Departed." Suddenly, during the previews a take home the Oscar for best picture as the original "Rocky" As Carlin enters a world of wormholes, confusing familiar theme song started playing and I grinned while did. For a boxing movie watch "Play It to the Bone." For a explanations and souped-up Hummers, his suspicions sur­ everyone else groaned. movie about an average guy who uses boxing as a medium to rounding the project are confirmed. Carlin must face the con­ "Rocky Balboa," the sixth film in the "Rocky" series is make a statement about the strength of spirit in the common sequences of potentially altering the present with the manip­ coming out Dec. 22 and it seems it is going to be received man, watch any of the "Rocky" movies. ulation of the past. by a hostile crowd. There is a major difference. One important difference While some might find "Deja Vu" to be silly and unbe­ The complaints appear to center around the arguments for the "Rocky" series has been its disinterest about winning lievable, what one must realize is that the film has a sci-fi that Rocky always wins anyway, he is old and it is just a box­ in the ring. In the first one, most people do not even realize twist overlapped with realistic drama and crime investiga­ ing movie. The fact that he always wins is just a misconcep­ who won, because the focus is on Rocky yelling, "Adrian!" tion. tion from people who have not watched any "Rocky" movies when the announcer in the background is telling the outcome Also, the science behind the technology does not have since they were kids. During the five movies, he loses twice of the fight. to necessarily make sense if the story is captivating. With and draws once. Considering there are only seven actual box­ The focus is always on overcoming some difficulty in interesting characters, stunning visual affects, intense chase ing matches with Rocky in them for any considerable amount his life. In the original movie, Rocky strives to rise above his scenes and impressive acting, "Deja Vu" is a thrilling expe­ of time, he does not win an outstanding portion of the fights. station in life as a Mafia goon and a smalltime boxer who is rience. As for his age, there is some truth to this. Sylvester past his prime. In the sequel, he is showing that his first fight Just keep in mind that those disappointed with the Stallone himself recently turned sixty, and presumably was not just a fluke and that he can be something other than movie were expecting brilliance. "Deja Vu" is enjoyable for Rocky Balboa is not far behind, judging by the age of the a common laborer. "Rocky III" deals with loss both in and those interested in simply being entertained. actor playing his son in comparison to his age in "Rocky V" out of the ring. The fourth film is about overcoming differ­ The views expressed are solely those of the writer. However, it is not entirely unprecedented for an over- ence and, more than any of the others, defying the odds. The Contact Kris Adamik at [email protected]. the-hill boxer to make a come back. George Foreman was final movie to date shows Rocky trying to pass on his knowl­ well into his forties when he returned to the ring, doing edge. smalltime but successful fights. Similar to this, the preview "Rocky Balboa" will no doubt have a similar angle that informs us that Rocky himself is merely planning to do like­ focuses on universal life problems and not pugilism. wise - fighting at clubs and other small venues. Now is the time to prepare. Dust off those old "Rocky" Stallone is in the best shape of his life. In no other film movies. Forget when you were a kid and fast-forwarded to - including all the "Rocky" and "Rambo" movies - has he Dolph Lundgren and Stallone resolving the Cold War with had a build like he does now. He looks like he is in his early their fists. Watch them with the eyes of a college student. If forties rather than someone who can claim a senior citizens' not, most likely the only chance to watch a "Rocky" film in discount. He even has his own men's health magazine for theater as an adult will pass you. older people. Sure Stallone is probably not exactly as spry as Muhammad Ali used to be, but he definitely has the muscle The views expressed are solely those of the writer. tone to contend with the sheer power of a heavy weight Contact Jon Davis at [email protected]. Denzel Washington and Paula Patton confound in 'Deja Vu.' w

10 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THE TORCH Beyond 'Ugly': 'Betty' an early success Television show is hopeful sign that innovative, groundbreaking style isn't out of fashion

Maureen Ryan society and this lower-middle class resident of Queens - a bland-ify a show so that it offends no one. The thinking is, if clash in which, by the way, neither side is necessarily held up MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES you remove the elements that might turn off individual con­ as the gold standard. stituencies, you widen a program's potential appeal. What It's a good thing Betty Suarez's poncho is roomy. We rarely saw a chick-friendly aspirational drama in you usually end up with is a big bunch of non-threatening Under that billowing bright-red garment, which she which the prize is not a guy, but respect in the workplace. blah. wore in the first episode of ABC's "Ugly Betty," Suarez And how many family dramas do we see in which characters But "Betty" went in the other direction, stacking up lay­ sneaked in the tools of a television revolution. struggle to afford their medication and talk about immigra­ ers, colors and tones, and mixing comedy, camp and drama The success of the Thursday night show, tion issues that with a devil-may-care brashness. one of the few real hits of the new season, has affect them direct- The show is a veritable pinata full of treats: If you don't upended as many rules of television as you ly? like the family saga, you can enjoy the forays into the catty care to count. "Whether it's fashion world; if you don't like the antics of the haute cou­ It's not just that a curvy Hispanic woman the Cinderella ture divas, there's a soapy murder mystery to solve; and if with thick eyebrows is starring in a broadcast myth or the Ugly you're not into that aspect of the show, there are not one but network hit, though that is stunning. But this Duckling - that's two romances brewing for Betty. is a season of surprising developments. After the quick way There's also the endlessly relatable idea of the outsider all, the only other recent breakout character is people are sum­ persevering in the face of snubs and obstacles. Who hasn't not from one of the glossy, expensive star ming up the story, felt like Betty? vehicles that debuted in the last few months. but if you watch, Vanessa Williams says her four kids, who range from No, the other standout character of the you realize that's college age to 6 years old, all love the show - they actually fall season is a nerdy Japanese "Star Trek" not it at all," says persuaded the actress to continue in the role as diva fashion fan, the lovably geeky Hiro of "Heroes." Eric Mabius, who editor Wilhemina Slater when she thought about dropping Could it be that networks are stepping outside plays Betty's boss, out after filming the pilot in New York, which is where her their comfort zones of cops, lawyers and docs Mode magazine family lives (the show is now shot in L.A.). "They said, and may be on the verge of offering us fun, editor Daniel 'Mom, this is a great role. You'll have fun. We'll be fine,'" quirky, just plain different characters? Let's .Meade. "Betty is Williams said. hope so. redefining the "My eldest is actually at (the Fashion Institute of Even if that doesn't happen, the success entire paradigm Technology) in New York; she loves the idea of it being set of "Ugly Betty" is heartening, not just on her terms." in the fashion world. My 6-year-old loves how I get to because the show is a touching dramedy with Here's the behave on the show - yelling, throwing things," Williams a starmaking performance by America biggest rule that says with a laugh. Ferrera at its center. It's also a thrill because "Betty" didn't fol­ And that cross-generational appeal has paid off with the the show is chock-full of things that just low, to the show's 14.2 million viewers who have been tuning in each week. aren't done on TV - or usually aren't done MCT eternal credit: The As Michael Urie, who plays Betty's fellow assistant well. show, which follows the story of Betty's unlikely stint as the Marc, puts it, "There's Queens and there's Manhattan, and Until Betty and her un-chic "Guadalajara" poncho assistant to a publishing scion, didn't try to strip away the we've found our audience in both places." swooped into the snooty offices of Meade Publishing, we many complicated layers that make it a delectable, unique "I love the idea of doing a first-generation Latino- rarely, if ever, saw clashes of class and culture like the one concoction. American story, which is sort of my experience, in trying to we're seeing now between the highest echelons of Manhattan Usually network executives appear to have one job: To balance these two very different worlds," Horta says. Voices and Vision' combines word and image 'EXTREME BEHAVIOR' IS ACCEPTABLE Student poets to read at Brauer Museum of Art Freshman album from 'Hinder' TORCH STAFF the nation. Through my poetry, I'm able to poems are factual or fictional: I use inten­ refreshes old rock sound express ideas not traditionally held by this tional ambiguity, focusing on feelings the Kris Schmautz On December 6 at the Brauer Museum university, and create different sexual identi­ language suggests. If anything, I use poetry of Art, students from Professor Edward ties with real personalities behind them," as an expression of the private." TORCH STAFF WRITER Byrne's poetry writing class have the oppor­ Rossi said. Solomon recognizes some of the com­ In today's music scene so many artists tunity to share their work with the campus. "Poetry creates awareness for the plications of conveying poetry that is on the are focused on the pop-fused country, eccen­ This free and open Wordfest event, GLBT, and poetry expresses a universal con­ page into poetry that is heard by the ear. tric renegade punk and grind-your-booty-so- titled "Voices with Vision," showcases the dition to share with the community," said "I'm nervous about how (my poetry) will be hard-it'11-fall-off bass in rap. But, a new poetry of 11 Valparaiso University students Rossi. "We're reading poetry just the way perceived," he said. "I play with form a lot sound has been reborn with the emergence in a professional setting, and begins at 7 p.m. John Balaban did at campus and this lends on the page, in line breaks and varying of Hinder. "It is rewarding to witness poets, some credence to our voices." rhythms with the spacing of words, and I A new band on the scene, their music of whom had never shown their work to any­ Is Rossi nervous about the nature of her wonder how I can convey this orally." brings back memories of the old-school rock one before this semester, now confident planned performance? An important aspect of "Voices with sounds of past greats. The five-man band enough of themselves and their work," "I'm going to practice, make sure I Vision" is the relation of the Brauer from Oklahoma City is committed to return­ Byrne said. "They are able to take their poet­ don't trip up," she said. "The worst thing is Museum's art to the content in the poems. ing to a time when the music was life, not ry outside the walls of the classroom and, in when poets can't even read the poems in "This blending of voice and vision just a job. They have done just that with their their individual voices, share their poems front of them." enhances the event, as does the rich atmos­ album entitled "Extreme Behavior." with others." Junior Jeffrey Solomon sees the event phere in which the poets read their words The band's name comes from the histo­ Senior Michelle Rossi plans to politi­ as the convergence of the private meeting the while surrounded by vivid images," Byrne ry of its members. According to Cody cize the event with her poems about gay, les­ public. said. Hanson, the drummer for Hinder, most of bian, bisexual and transgender issues. "I'm typically nervous about reading the members were dealing with personal "According to The Princeton Review, my poetry," Solomon said. "Poetry is very Contact Torch A&E Editor Evan Bryson issues when the band was formed. we're the 12th most homophobic school in personal to me. I'm not concerned if my at [email protected]. Lead singer Austin Winkler attributes his smooth and textured vocal style to artists vene on a punishment for Jack Frost (they sentence him to commu­ such as Steven Tyler and Josh Todd from HORRIBLE, from page 9 nity service). In the mix is: Mother Nature, Father Time, Easter BuckCherry. He and Hanson write almost all to take over Santa's bustling enterprise, turn it into an amusement Bunny, and Mr..Sandman. Director Michael Lembeck creates anoth­ the bands emotion-packed lyrics. park, have an adoring legion, et cetera. (Typical villain stuff, yet er creature, an implicit (sometimes explicit) monster, with many These lyrics are mostly about issues the strangely similar to Disney's own marketing strategies.) Short's char­ ferocious heads. One head is anti-gay, another is anti-Christian, members have dealt with in the past, such as acter is fey, flat, and honey-glazed hammy. When Frost moves, you another is pro-consumerism. All the mushy, sentimental magic of the regrets for leaving a girl or not wanting to wonder if he's straining ever muscle on his person not to bust out the film cannot hide the fact that these people come together through leave a girl. razzle-dazzle, jazz hands, something with flare. In the finale of the frivolous gift giving, where products take the place of genuine con­ Lyrics from the song "Better than Me" film, Frost does sing and dance in an onanistic fizzle of glory. Why nection, and where the reason for Santa's One Night is entirely are about a man telling his girl that she won't he just melt? ignored. A Christmas movie without Christ isn't atypical, but the should leave because he isn't good enough Perhaps I'm just cynical, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure severity with which this film neglects the most renowned subject of for her. "I really miss your hair in my face/ out the motivations for this character. Yes, Jack Frost simply ushers December 25 is brutal. and the way your innocence tastes/ and I in winter and cold, and yes, Santa Clause is worshiped the world The ever-gruff but talented Alan Arkin provides some centering think you should know this/ you deserve over; but Short's performance suggests a narcissistic homosexuality, for the film as Mrs. Claus's father. Her mother, played by Ann- much better than me." and a creepy penchant for dancing with the child elves. As such, Margret, is just as festive. They are shored up safely to the North Pole With only ten songs included, the reigning supreme over the North Pole would probably interfere with by snuff provided by Mr. Sandman's pillowcase pharmacy. The album clocks in at about 39 minutes in all the free time he previously had for getting his hair frosted and Secret of Santa is preserved by all elves pretending to be Canadian length. But even though it's short, it's an scoping out the boys of summer. For real. I'm assuming Disney (they say "Eh?" when they've finished speaking). album you can listen to multiple times and wanted to give Jack Frost some redeeming qualities - creativity, a Here the movie reaches such ridiculousness, I can only say, on find new pockets of interest and new sonic droll wit, and what critics applaud as energetic, over-acting; howev­ top of all its other ugliness, such a beast created has a fourth and gems. er, what's so grand about a gay predator? more disgusting face: anti-Canadian. The views expressed are those solely of Other legendary creatures inhabit the film. They are holding-a The views expressed are solely those of the writer. Contact Evan the writer. Contact Kris Schmautz at summit at the North Pole. Who knows why? Ah, that's right - to con­ Bryson at [email protected]. torch .ae @ valpo .edu. 1"

THE TORCH ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 11 The tragic rise and fall of 'Cosmo' Kramer Were Michael Richards' remarks a sign of a racist or a struggling former star?

Eric Mink gain nothing by doing so; indeed, he put his MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES own reputation at risk by associating himself with the radioactive Richards. It was a star­ Two weeks ago, if the name Michael tling gesture for anyone in show business, an Richards had come up in conversation, peo­ enterprise in which self-interest is the closest ple would have talked about Kramer, the thing to a universal motivation. character Richards portrayed as a member of The logical conclusion is that Seinfeld one of television's most celebrated comedy does not believe Richards is a racist. He may ensembles for nine seasons on "Seinfeld." be wrong, but Seinfeld worked with Today, Richards' name is a conversation Richards five days a week, 22 weeks a year, flashpoint, owing to a stream of vile, racist for nine years. At the very least, he comes to bilge he didn't so much speak as vomit at the table with a lot more firsthand observa­ some noisy comedy club patrons during a tion of Richards than anyone else who has performance at L.A.'s Laugh Factory two commented about him to date. Friday nights ago. An edited, poor-quality Second, and maybe most peculiar of all, video chunk of Richards' rant - captured by Richards' launched his verbal assault on an audience member's cell phone - soon stage in the middle of a stand-up perform­ turned up on tmz.com, a cheesy celebrity- ance. This was not a betrayal of secret truths gossip Web site owned by Time Warner. The during a woozy late-night traffic stop. These Web being the Web, the footage has migrat­ were not ugly words spoken in misplaced ed to other sites, and anyone still curious to confidence to blabby associates and later see the footage for himself would have no leaked to the press. trouble finding it. Richards, a former cast member of the When I brought up the subject at my sis­ most successful TV sitcom of all time, was ter's Thanksgiving dinner table, one of my performing in a mainstream comedy club in nephews - a young musician who lives and America's entertainment capital - in front of works in New York - said he was sick of see­ 300 or so paying customers. He had to know ing people cut celebrities slack for disgusting that what he was saying would become even behavior. Ordinary folks would get no such more widely public than it was at the instant benefit of any doubt, he said, and neither it flew out of his mouth. And he said it any­ should well-known entertainers. way. A day earlier, a black colleague of mine For this to make any sense at all requires forcefully declared that Richards' own words some knowledge of Richards' inflated - (he screamed the "N" word several times and arguably, self-delusional - sense of his own made a particularly savage reference to talent. And for that, you need look no further lynching) left no room for any conclusion than "The Michael Richards Show," an other than that he is a racist. Even his fum­ abortive star-vehicle sitcom launched and bling televised apology, which aired a few quickly cancelled by NBC in the fall of days later during a serious segment of "Late 2000. Show with David Letterman," acknowl­ Granted the title of executive producer edged the "anger," "hate" aud "rage" that and teamed with several former "Seinfeld" had come out of him, she pointed out. script writers, Richards touted his new detec­ She's probably right. It's hard to con­ tive character as a contemporary envisioning ceive that such ugly things could burst forth of Inspector Clouseau. In promotional inter­ from someone who harbored no racial ani­ views, Richards referred to himself as an Michael Richards accepts the 1997 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of 'Cosmo' Kramer on me popular sitcom 'Seinfeld.' Richards has drawn harsh mus, whether buried deep or not. "artist" and compared the work to that of criticism for shouting insults at an African-American man who was heckling him during a I've never met Richards, although the Peter Sellers - the tortured comic genius of stand-up comedy routine in November. many years I spent covering and writing the "Pink Panther" movies, "Dr. about television in St. Louis and New York Strangelove" and "Being There" - and that ly noisy group of patrons, some of whom are from its 2005 American Community Survey. encompassed the entire run of "Seinfeld," of the 1940s-'50s French actor-director black, make their way to a table on the sec­ The figures document wide gaps between and then some. I feel no inclination to cut Jacques Tati, known for his physical comedy ond floor. Gathered to celebrate a friend's white and blacks in poverty levels, income, him any slack. It's a fair argument that, hav­ and meticulous filmmaking technique. birthday, the people, by their own account, home ownership and education - to say ing been caught and called out, Richards The problem was that "The Michael proceed to greet each other, order an initial nothing of racial disparities in health, disease now is best relegated to who-cares, post Richards Show" itself turned out to be not round of drinks and essentially ignore and access to medical care. "Seinfeld" obscurity, a considerably shrunk­ the least bit funny. It was, in fact, painfully Richards on the stage below. And last Saturday night in New York, en minor pop culture personality. And having and pathetically unfunny. Audiences drawn To a self-styled, underappreciated five police officers fired 50 shots and man­ viewed the Laugh Factory footage in various to the first TV venture of a "Seinfeld" star comic genius, being ignored surely is the sin aged to kill one unarmed man and seriously contexts close to 20 times now, I find the after "Seinfeld" fled in droves, and NBC of sins. When a comparatively mild ethnic injure two of his unarmed companions. The notion of excusing his repellant outburst yanked it after airing just a few episodes. insult - hardly uncommon in live comedy - victims were black, as were two of the offi­ unthinkable. More to the point, the notion that fails to silence the group, the supremely con­ cers. The incident is under intensive investi­ But understanding is different from Richards saw himself walking in the foot­ fident Richards rockets into the realm of gation. excusing. Richards may well have been steps of Sellers and Tati - when he actually shocking racial slurs, perhaps believing his As a dispiriting account of wayward nothing more than a closet racist who inad­ was walking in something considerably professional skills will carry the day. They performance, artistic delusion and possible vertently exposed himself to the light. But a more malodorous - indicated a serious dis­ do not. bigotry, the Michael Richards episode is couple of things make me wonder if there connection from the reality of his notable but Instead, the customers reject his abuse interesting. As evidence of the continuing might be something else at play here besides limited gifts for physical comedy. and challenge him, and the situation esca­ American struggle with racism, there's much an eruption of latent bigotry, something to do Leap ahead six years. Richards, a sketch lates and deteriorates. Richards' illusory gifts more illuminating and disturbing material with talent, performers and performance. comedy performer and actor with little not only fail him, but also transform him into readily available. First, although he condemned Richards' stand-up background and virtually no profes­ the stereotypical white bigot. on-stage conduct, Jerry Seinfeld personally sional accomplishments since the end of Three days before Richards ambushed Eric Mink' is commentary editor for the intervened to get Richards air time to apolo­ "Seinfeld" in 1998, is working the stage of himself in Los Angeles, the U.S. Census St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Contact him at gize on Letterman's show. Seinfeld stood to an L.A. comedy club. A large and admitted- Bureau released a new set of data drawn emink@post-dispatch .com. Where have all the rockers gone? Uh, right to the top of the charts

Jim Farber Most music fans couldn't pick 600,000 copies of its latest CD, Rock albums have also been So, why hasn't the press paid the members of bands like Hinder "Foiled." And the critically lingering on the charts longer of ample heed to these cornfed bands? MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES and the Fray put of a lineup. But abhorred act Nickelback continues late than those of any other genre. To Joe Levy, executive editor There's a quiet revolution each boasts an album that just to post spectacular figures for its A full 30 percent of the disks cur­ of Rolling Stone, it's partially a going on in music, made all more sailed past the million mark, with "All the Right Reasons" CD, all rently logging more than 25 weeks regional issue. "The rock press is, surprising since it's coming from the momentum to move far more. without a peep from the press. on Billboard's Top 200 list belong for the most part, based in New the normally noisy world of rock. These Midwest-based-bands After 58 weeks, Nickelback's to guitar-based bands. York, and the music business is While the media were snooz­ have also recently landed the two disk remains in the top 20 of So far, Hinder's CD, "Extreme mainly in L.A.," he explains. "It's ing, a rash of low-key guitar-based most downloaded songs in the Billboard's album chart, with sales Behavior," has held on the list for been true for decades that bands bands have wormed their way up country: Hinder with "Lips of an closing in on 4 million. That's the 40 weeks and, if anything, is only which do better in the Midwest, the charts, to the point where such Angel" and the Fray with "How to highest figure for any album on the picking up sales speed. Same with like these, don't get as much atten­ groups now dominate the nation's Save a Life." Top 200 now. It's also some 2.5 the Fray, which after 44 weeks is tion. That's held true whether download portals, leaving most At the same time, the faceless million more CDs than have been moving more units per week of you're talking about REO hip-hop acts, and even many pop Kansas band Blue October has moved by the best-selling rap act "How to Save a Life" than it did six Speedwagon in the '70s, Journey in ones, in their sales wake. stealthily moved more than this year (T.I.). months ago. the '80s or Hinder now." [want to be in on the joke?] Clips are now free to current VU students. Want to print a birthday shout-out? Want a hilarious professor quote published? E-mail Classifieds your clip to [email protected]. 12 /THE TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 To Place a Classified Ad TRAVEL CLIPS CLIPS CLIPS Spring Break 2004- Travel with STS, It makes my job easier. Classified ads are available Oh, this movie makes me so happy. I've been to three states. Kentucky, Ohio America's #1 Student Tour Operator to and Michigan. free of charge to current Jamaica, Cancun, Acapulco, Bahamas Mom, please don't tell people that. I'm the free-spirited one. Valparaiso University students. and Florida. Now hiring on-campus Where'd you go in Michigan? reps. Call for group discounts. You'll just be walking around Chicago There's a way to get it reversed? Information/Reservations 1-800-648- It's called the RECAP program! All non-student classified ads one day and Mayor Daley will shoot Michigan City. 4849 or www.ststravel.com you. must be pre-paid by cash, What does that stand for? I take No-Doz once a day and I'm not check, Visa, MasterCard or FOR RENT And he'll get away with it too because addicted to it. Discover. of his darn machine. Wait, you're going to order it? On Share House. Female only. Furnished. Ebay maybe? Stop laughing, it's not funny. $275 per month plus one-half We haven't gotten the New Yorker in a To place a classified ad, utilities. Academic year lease. Available while, It's kind of like an extra turtleneck. I'll just end it right here, right now and e-mail now or next semester. Scenic. In give you one final headline to put on [email protected], Valparaiso. E-mail [email protected] I bet it was because we stopped paying I thought I could have these types of the front page. or call 773-988-6015. them. conversations with anyone, but I can't call (219) 464-5426, or keep up with you. Boom! fax (219) 464-6728 ROOMMATE NEEDED It's because you procrastinated, Josh. Looking for roommate. $350 per Can you get back to me anytime And I want you to use my exclamation To Purchase Display Ads month plus half utilities. Location in His forehead had an overbite. between now and ... tomorrow point. downtown Valpo. Avalailble ASAP. morning? For a complete copy of a Contact: [email protected] I don't want to write this story. Can I Remember when that couch was falling 2006-2007 Torch Rate Card, CLIPS just submit my notes? I'm really glad I'm a dude. on you? e-mail Sarah Benczik at You know Jon, they're only 97 cents a They're not smart enough to read any Think about it - three years of your life I should only have to consult the Code [email protected], pack. newspapers. you're just in a bad mood. of Ethics once a night. call (219) 464-5426

or fax (219) 464-6728 It tasted like it, too. Or the clips for that matter. I'm just gonna turn my music up loud. This is twice now.

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The season of sophomore Laura Rolf came to a close with another suc­ cessful run in the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terra Haute, Ind. The early season goal of head coach Mike Straubel was that Rolf would reach the championship meet, and that dream was realized with a third place run through terrible conditions in the Great Lakes Regional to advance to the national championship. The final meet of her sophomore year ended with a 41st place finish, top­ ping more than 210 other competitors. Texas Tech sophomore Sally Kipyego routed the field winning by 25 seconds . Kipyeago was the only runner who finished in under 20:30. Michigan State sophomore Alissa McKaig, who bested Rolf by just half a second at the Great Lakes Regional fin­ ished ninth, in 21:06. The Stanford Cardinal placed all five runners inside the top 65 at the event hosted by Indiana State University. Rolf took home two Mid-Continent Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Week awards this year. She won the Crusader Invitational and placed in the top three on three occasions. Twice in those events she was topped by her teammate, senior Danielle Nunnelly. "Danielle and I push each other every day," said Rolf. "We want to bring out the best in each other in prac­ tice and our meets."

Contact Adam Tein at torch .sports @ valpo .edu. Tim Stride/Torch A change in Sophomore forward Sarah Ott works the offense earlier this season. Olt scored a career-high 17 points in the 77-74 win over Loyola. Chris Binnall aided by three three-pointers, to up the advantage to 51-42 with 15:33 remaining in the second half. direction TORCH STAFF WRITER "I feel like we started the game slow and didn't pick up defensive­ y ly but later on got better," Kulaga said. "They had (an) inside and out­ Mrak out as men s It isn't over until it's over. side game and we had to adjust to their outside shooting and also Trailing by five points in the waning minutes of the second half defend inside better. After halftime we did a better job defensively, soccer head coach against Loyola University-Chicago, the Valparaiso University pushed the ball on offense and made some threes." women's basketball team upped the tempo, utilizing a 10-2 run to earn TORCH STAFF Bradley answered the Crusader attack with an 11-2 run to tie the the victory, 77-74, over the Ramblers. contest at 53, but behind the potent three-point shooting of Kulaga, The Crusaders expected a challenge from Loyola, senior Carrie After 16 years serving as the head Myers, and Rietema, VU had reestablished a 13 point lead with 3:23 Myers said, but with the right preparation VU would be ready for any coach of the Valparaiso University left to play, sealing the victory. challenge posed by the future Horizon League foe. men's soccer team, Mis' Mrak's tenure Rietema paced the Crusaders with 20 points and eight boards, With 1:46 remaining in the contest, sophomore Agnieszka Kulaga has come to an end. The university while moving into 13th place on VU's drilled her only three of the game pulling the Crusaders to within one announced this week that it does not career scoring list with 930 points. at 74-73. plan to bring Mrak back for the 2007 in the game The senior also ranks in the top 20 in On the ensuing possession, Kulaga gave VU the lead for good, season. >GLANCE. The brown and school history with 406 career boards. driving to the hoop for a lay-up with 1:10 left in the contest. "I am appreciative of the 16 years gold defeated Loyola on Kulaga posted a career-high 18 The Ramblers aimed to retake the lead on their next trip down the of service that Mis' has given to the pro­ the road, 77-7A, for their points, shooting 7-of-12 from the court, but the Crusader defense was ready for the challenge, denying gram and wish him well," said Mark fourth victory in as many field, while tallying a career-best five Loyola on consecutive possessions, courtesy of a steal by senior Betsy Labarbera VU director of athletics. "I games assists. Rietema and a block by senior Tamra Braun with five seconds left on feel that we have reached a point where >VU's RECORD: 4-2 Myers chipped in with 17 the clock. it is in the best interest of the men's soc­ >SATURDAY: Crusaders vs. points, moving into sixth place in VU trailed by four, 42-38, at the break and 72-67 with 3:51 left in cer program to move in a new direction. Indiana St., 12 p.m., at Crusader history with 142 three-point the contest before rallying twice en route to the dramatic win. Mrak tallied 79 victories during his Hoosier State Classic shots made, while Ott added 12 The victory, the fourth consecutive win for the Crusaders, was an time at VU, an average of just under >TV/RADIO: VWUR- points. overall team effort anchored by the five starters, who each scored in five wins a season. In 1996, the team FM/95.1 "Aggie (Kulaga) and Sarah real­ double digits. won VU's only Mid-Con tournament ly stepped up and played well against Bradley," Myers said. "Aggie Braun tallied 18 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Sarah Ott title and advanced to the NCAA did a great job of pushing the ball and finding the open man as well as poured in a career-high 17 points. Kulaga added 13 points, Rietema Tournament play-in match. hitting some big shots. Sarah also hit some big shots and played tough chipped in 12 points, and Myers tallied 10 points. The 2006 team earned seven wins, defense in the post. Both of them continue to work hard in practice and On Tuesday, the Crusaders used a balanced offensive-attack while the most by a Crusader men's team are improving every day." making 14 of 25 three-point attempts to down the Bradley Braves for since 1997. Despite the higher win total, In other action, the Crusaders suffered consecutive defeats, 64-45 the first time in school history, 82-73. VU failed to advance to the Mid-Con to Northwestern University and 85-51 at the hands of Indiana "I believe we are really starting to come together as a team and conference tournament. University, to open the 2006-2007 season, before posting back-to-back (are) getting a feel for one another on the court," Myers said. "There VU finished with a two and four victories against the Akron and Northern Arizona , 50-49 and 62-56, seemed to be a greater sense of unity which will be imperative to our record in the Mid-Con. respectively. future success." Work on finding a replacement to VU will continue its road trip as the Crusaders play Indiana State "Last year we lost to them in double overtime and I don't think we Mrak will begin immediately as the uni­ in the annual Hoosier State Classic at Butler University on Saturday. pushed the ball like we did this year," Kulaga said. "We also executed versity will conduct a national search. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. in Indianapolis, Ind. better and made some important threes ... And probably what's the Contact Sports Editor Ron Castor most important we played in front of our fans in our arena." at [email protected]. Holding a 37-34 edge at halftime, VU quickly added to the lead, Contact Chris Binnall at torch.sports® valpo .edu. 14 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 SPORTS THE TORCH Second is the best Two writers weigh in on who should be in the BCS title game

Mark Schoeck pionship bid. Losing to Oregon State is rea­ son enough to move them out of the title TORCH STAFF WRITER game and into a lower bowl game. The Ohio State Buckeyes will be play­ A rematch of one of the sport's greatest ing in the Bowl Championship Series rivalries on Michigan's home field would national championship game. surely end better for the Wolverines. It Good, we've gotten that out of the way. seems as though the misfortune of playing Now if it was only that easy to pick their at Ohio State was the catalyst that knocked opponent. U of M out of title contention. Controversy has been swirling around The fact that a championship game the world of the BCS ever since it was comes down to statistics and arguments established prior to the 1998 college foot­ every year is absurd. It's difficult to imagine ball season. The point system continues to doing the same for other championship con­ disregard worthy teams that would provide tests. If the Super Bowl came down to rank­ the best possible title game. ings instead of playoffs at the end of every year, the Indianapolis Colts would be pres­ In 2006, the arguments have come ent year after year. down to a few teams. Coming in behind OSU are the USC Trojans, the Michigan If college basketball used a BCS-style Wolverines and Florida Gators, ranked two, championship, we'd never experience the three and four, respectively. Cinderella stories that make March Madness one of the best events in sports. All three teams have very strong sched­ ules that are comparable to one another. All It's time for the BCS to take a hike. three squads have knocked off top 10 teams The top eight teams should engage in a throughout the season. USC and Michigan bracket-style playoff to decide the champi­ both defeated Notre Dame by 20 points or onship contest. more, and Florida defeated fifth ranked If it came down to a playoff competi­ LSU in week seven. Based on the teams tion at neutral sites, Michigan would surely they've defeated, it's hard to determine be the top candidate for the BCS champi­ which one is most deserving. onship. They have found a way to score big against top teams all year, and running back The games that should be taken into Mike Hart is a playmaker that can break a consideration are the ones that each team long run at any point. lost. The only team with a shot of beating The Michigan Wolverines went into the OSU is their archrival from Michigan, not Horseshoe with an undefeated record and the Trojans. lost by a field goal to a Buckeye team that The Ohio State Buckeyes are playing is undoubtedly the best team in the country. for a national title against a team that lost to The Gators lost to 11th ranked Auburn unranked Oregon State weeks ago. in week eight on Auburn's home turf. You might as well send them the tro­ The USC Trojans, currently ranked sec­ phy now. ond in the country, lost to unranked Oregon State in week seven. Why are they ranked The views expressed are solely those of Rashaun Rucker/MCT above Michigan and Florida? Their strength the writer. Contact Mark Schoeck at Mike Hart hurdles an MSU defender earlier this season. UM's lone loss was to OSU. of schedule should not grant them a cham­ torch .sports@ valpo.edu.

Amanda Batovski like Nebraska, Oregon and California all at or fewer than 10 points. Even though TORCH STAFF WRITER Michigan is one of the top defenses in the country, USC has an advantage over the It's that time of year again, and I'm not Wolverines in other key areas. talking about the holiday season. This season, USC played six teams that Even though it is the time for joy, hap­ were at the time they played them or at piness and giving, it is also the time for some other point during the season, ranked drama, spending hours in front of the televi­ in the top 25. Michigan played four. While sion and controversy. it may appear that both seemed to have had College football is essential this time of their fair share of tough match-ups, it is the year. However, many of its faithful watchers non-conference schedules that give USC the have come to disapprove of how they deter­ edge. The Trojans' non-conference match­ mine its National Championship match-up. ups included Nebraska and Arkansas, while While this could be a rant on the poorly the Wolverines played Central Michigan, structured BCS, the game itself is more Vanderbilt and Ball State. important. With the Michigan Wolverines Since the schedules seem almost equal and USC Trojans still eligible for that covet­ in their own sense, we then turn to the ed match up with the Ohio State University results of the games played. USC did it all, Buckeyes, it is the Trojans who should get beating ranked teams, winning on the road the second spot in the national champi­ and close game as well. They defeated onship game. Arkansas, Oregon, Notre Dame, California When you are trying to decide who and Nebraska all by two scores or more. should be in the title game, you have to look They never scored less than 20 points in a at the overall makeup of the team. Since game, even in their lone loss of the year. there is no computer formula to figure that Michigan, on the other hand, struggled out, the BCS gets off the hook for this one. against teams that they should not have. You Despite a "rebuilding year" for the Trojans, can't take away their performances against it has not looked like anything of the kind. the quality teams on their schedule; howev­ Losing two Heisman trophy winners, er, to struggle against Ball State and to not along with an ample amount of surrounding dominate Penn State and Northwestern can talent, can be hard to replace. However, make you question their offense. USC has done nicely in adjusting and With USC still having one game left on adding players into their perennial power­ their schedule against UCLA, it is not a lock house. With John David Booty taking over yet that the Trojans will be going to the at quarterback, Chauncey Washington tak­ national championship game. However, if ing a load of the carries and including wide they get past the Bruins, there is no doubt outs Steve Smith and Dwayne Jarrett in the that they will be booking their flight to mix, the Trojans have a high power offense Glendale, Arizona. that many teams had difficulties in stopping. So happy holidays, and, of course, The defensive side of the ball has also happy bowl watching. been a strong point for the Trojans. While not as dominant as past defenses, opponents The views expressed are solely those of Paul Rodriguez/MCT of USC have managed to average only 15.1 the writer. Contact Amanda Batovski at points per game. They have also held teams torch sports @ valpo .edu. USC's Dwayne Jarrett snags the ball out of the air against Notre Dame earlier this season. THE TORCH SPORTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 15

Becky Malewitz/Torch Freshman Jessie White slices through the Loyola defense earlier this season. White, along with fellow freshman Sarah Jewell, garnered Mid-Con All-Newcomer learn honors. Crusader women win hardware Several VU players honored with conference awards at conclusion of season

Nick Kovatch opponents," said head coach Stephen she directs and leads us and she's a big rea­ Anthony said. "For her to be a first team all Anthony. "I look at her freshman year, and son why we've had success the last two conference and to be essentially the best TORCH STAFF WRITER personally, I set a goal for her to get 10 goals years," Anthony said. "She certainly stepped goalkeeper in the Mid-Con doesn't surprise The Valparaiso University women's as a freshman because that's where Kendall up her game and that's why we reduced the me. I know Erin sets her goals pretty high, soccer team had the best season in the pro­ Brown set the bar last year and Sarah did number of goals allowed this year." and that's the level she wants to be at." gram's history and the individuals that that. While she may be a good defender, she In addition, Lauren Cooper was named helped make it happen are being recognized "I still think she has a tremendous can also provide some offensive firepower. to the Mid-Con's second team, and Jessie with various conference awards.. upside, and I think Sarah is going to become She scored four goals, including a match- White and Jewell were named to the All- Freshman Sarah Jewell, sophomore a better player next year, and she'll be a bet­ winner against Oral Roberts on Sept. 22, a Newcomer team. Cooper, a junior midfielder Jackie Thomas and junior Erin Murray were ter player at the end of her four year career." game VU won, 2-1, in double overtime. scored a career-high three goals this season selected to the All Mid-Continent Thomas meanwhile played stellar Finally, junior goalkeeper Erin Murray and tacked on an assist for the Crusaders this Conference first team. defense for the Crusaders to earn her spot on made the first team for a third time. She season. White had a solid rookie season scor­ Sarah Jewell had a terrific freshman the first team roster for the second time of allowed only .87 goals per match during the ing two goals, one of which was a game-win­ campaign, leading the Crusaders with 10 her young collegiate career. regular season, a mark that set a school ner against Oakland, and had two assists. goals and 22 points. She was able to help the Crusader record and was second best in the Mid-Con. The efforts of these players helped lead The forward's 10 goals were just one defense allow a school record low 14 goals In addition, her .838 save percentage broke the Crusaders to a 12-3-3 record during the shy of the school's single season record. She in the regular season. Also, the team's the school record and was good for third this regular season and a 4-0-2 record in the Mid- also ranked second in the Mid-Con in shots defense allowed a conference best 47 points season in the Mid-Con. Murray also had Con. That earned the brown and gold their and points this season. this season, thanks in part to Thomas' great three shutouts this season, giving her 14 for first outright Mid-Con title in school history. "She had a strong year. She came up defense. her career, also a school record. Contact Nick Kovatch at with some big goals against some good "She's a steady solid player in the back, "She's consistent and confident," [email protected]. 'Ocho Cinco' gets his revenge against the Ravens Bengals surprise Baltimore in a defensive battle, allowing just one touchdown

Mark Moloney Ravens in the AFC North. Cincinnati is 4-1 in divi­ sional play the first tie-breaker for teams that split a MCCLATCHY-TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES season series and tie for a division lead while Baltimore is 3-1. CINCINNATI - Defense wins championships, The Ravens (9-3) had a five-game winning the saying goes. streak halted. Thursday night, defense prevented a champi­ The Bengals led 6-0 at halftime, getting second- onship. quarter field goals of 23 and 27 yards by Graham. Cincinnati, coming off its first shutout since Cincinnati went with its third-string center in 1989, extended its shutout streak to a team-record the second half. Starter Rich Braham missed his 10th seven-plus quarters en route to a 13-7 victory over game because of a knee injury. His replacement, Eric the Baltimore Ravens. Ghiaciuc, suffered a knee injury late in the second The Ravens, with the NFL's second-ranked quarter. Ben Wilkerson, a second-year pro out of defense, could have clinched the AFC North title LSU, took over from Ghiaciuc. with a win at rain-soaked Paul Brown Stadium. Less than four minutes into the second half, the Cincinnati had posted six shutout quarters three lead widened to 13-0 on a flea-flicker touchdown times in franchise history, most recently in 1980. pass of 40 yards. That milestone fell Thursday night. Rudi Johnson took a handoff from Carson Shayne Graham kicked a pair of field goals and Palmer and flipped the ball back to the quarterback. T.J. Houshmandzadeh scored on a 40-yard flea-flick­ Ravens safety Ed Reed bit big-time on the fake er pass for the Bengals' points. run, leaving Houshmandzadeh wide open at the 12- Baltimore scored with 1:01 left on a 36-yard yard line. Houshmandzadeh made the catch along Steve McNair pass to Derrick Mason. the Ravens' sideline and waltzed in for the score With their third win in a row the Bengals (7-5) Graham's first kick, 11 seconds into the second remain in the AFC wild-card race. quarter, came after a 6-yard Palmer to Chad Johnson Cincinnati came into Thursday night's game in the end zone was negated because Johnson was tied with Jacksonville and the New York Jets in the flagged for pushing safety Dawan Landry. wild-card race, a game back of Kansas City and Baltimore's other three first-half possessions Lloyd Fox/MQ Denver. ended with punts, as did their first four tries of the Chad Johnson scampers away from the Ravens defense Thursday night. The Bengals climbed to within two games of the second half. [nfl] §Tony Romo leads the first place Jr- Cowboys into New York to face the rival 16 / THE TORCH / FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2006 * | Giants at 3:15 p.m. Sunday on Fox. CLUTCH PLAYS DOOM VU VU comes one superstar away from upset Crusaders eaten

Eric Brooks up by Bulldogs TORCH STAFF WRITER Eric Brooks The Valparaiso TORCH STAFF WRITER University men's basketball team did With three minutes to go in the first half during everything right for Monday night's back-and-forth affair with eighth 39 minutes and 56 ranked Marquette, the Golden Eagles held the lead at seconds on Monday 25-14. The same rang true in Wednesday's meeting night. with future Horizon League opponent Butler. But for the final But the ending wasn't nearly as close and no late four seconds, it was­ shots were needed for the 18th ranked Bulldogs to pull n't what they did away and beat a lack-luster VU squad, 60-47. wrong, it's what "You have to compliment Butler," said VU head Marquette sopho­ coach Homer Drew. "Their defense was outstanding. more and pre-season We're very young and inexperienced and it showed Ail-American tonight. We're getting better, but we're not where we Dominic James did want to be." right. The Crusaders James' game- in the game (3-3) shot just three winning three-point­ for 17 from behind the er from the top of the >GLANCE: The Crusaders arc and only 39.1 per­ lost to two top ranked 25 key sealed a 65-62 cent from the floor on opponents at home; 65-62 victory in front of the night. to Marquette and 60-47 to 5,036 fans at the A scoring Butler Athletics-Recreation drought of nine and a >VU's RECORD: 3 3 Center and capped half minutes at the end >SATURDAY: Crusaders at off an incredible six top-ranked Ohio St., the first half doomed and a half minute run 3 p.m. the cold-shooting from the sophomore. >TV/RADIO: LPTV-56; Crusaders, who could­ "I just have to WVUR-FM/95.1 n't net a field goal give thanks to my during the zero for teammates," James seven stretch thanks to a stifling Butler defense. said. "I just got in the "We don't like to live and die by the three," Drew zone and went for the said. "We want to have an inside game. When we got win. I was just letting the ball in there, we had too many turnovers." the game come to The Bulldogs (8-0) didn't fare much better, but hit me." their shots when they needed to and pulled away late in Fresh off a con­ the first half on a 16-3 run to lead 32-17 at the break. vincing win against "We have a lot of respect for VU," said Butler ACC powerhouse head coach Todd Lickliter. "We expected the same Duke, the eighth- (play that VU gave Marquette) and we got the same. ranked Golden We got contributions from a lot of players." Eagles nearly Back-to-back fumbled possessions for the became victims of Crusaders to start the second half set the tone for what the biggest VU win would be another tough 20 minutes of basketball. since Bryce Drew's Becky Malewitz/Torch Butler senior guard Julian Betko started the scoring for magical game-win­ the Bulldogs with a three-pointer to push the Butler Marquette point guard Dominic James puts up a shot at the ARC Monday. MU is 7-0 on the season. ning NCAA lead to 35-17. Tournament shot in 1998 against Ole Crean's Golden Eagles hit 44.7 per­ squad got two three-pointers from Huff Drew's squad then answered with a three of their Miss. cent for the game but could only manage and an alley-oop dunk from sophomore own from junior Shawn Huff to make it 35-20, only to But James wouldn't let that happen, six for 22 in three-pointers. But even Urule Igbavboa on their first three pos­ see the same Butler response moments later on a three- as the phenom scored the final 18 MU with the poor shooting, it was a stretch sessions to pull within two at 34-32. pointer from junior forward Pete Campbell to inflate an points and lifted his team to a 7-0 start performance of 10 of 12 from the chari­ After a Loyd three-pointer tied the game 18-point lead. on the year. ty stripe helped Marquette hold off VU at 40-40, Huff gave the Crusaders their The Crusaders would cut the lead to 11 with 11:31 "I'm very proud of this basketball before the James three-pointer. first lead of the night with two free left on consecutive lay-ups by sophomore forward team," said VU head coach Homer A dismal start seemed to doom the throws to make it 42-40 just moments Urule Igbavboa, but that was the closest they would Drew. "But you have to give James cred­ young Crusaders, who shot two for 11 later. get. it. He's an All-American candidate and from the field through the first 12 min­ But even after a 7-0 Golden Eagle "I think it was a combination of both (their defense he showed why. If James misses one of utes of the game. But thanks to some run all courtesy of James, the shots con­ and our poor shooting)," Drew said. "Their defense those shots, we have a chance." early Marquette miscues, the brown and tinued to fall for VU, who crawled back was very good. I think of some of the lay-ups we But it wasn't just James who was gold were only down 21-8 with 7:56 to to take the lead again at 57-55 with just missed and want those back." hot. go in the first half. 2:30 left on a three-pointer in the corner A running jumper in the lane from Butler junior The Crusaders shot the ball well, That's when the shots started falling from McPherson. guard A.J. Graves put the game out of reach at 44-27 too, and in impressive fashion. Junior for VU. That lead wo.uld be the last one of with 9:45 left. While the Crusaders did close off the Jarryd Loyd's three-pointer to tie the Three consecutive three-pointers the night for the brown and gold with game on a 15-9 run, the real story of Wednesday's game game with just 23 seconds left capped from Loyd, junior Shawn Huff and James taking over the game for MU was Butler's ability to keep on winning. off an outstanding shooting night for sophomore Jake Diebler brought the down the stretch. The victory comes as an after-thought to the VU. suddenly hot Crusaders to within nine at "We changed our defense during Bulldogs' NIT Season Tip-Off wins over teams like An eight for 10 tally from behind 31-22 and the raucous record-setting that final timeout," Drew said. "We tried Gonzaga, Tennessee and Indiana. the arc during the second half powered home crowd to their feet. Add a lay-up to get two people on James. We were "I think we realized we have a lot of season left the brown and gold to a 60.9 percent from sophomore Brandon McPherson hoping to get a steal and win the game and some challenging games coming," Graves said. shooting performance in the half and with just six seconds left in the half, and on a shot at 'the buzzer." "It's been a great run for us. We've got to keep going 46.8 percent from the field for the con­ VU found itself down 31-24 at the VU would have the chance to go for and press forward." test. break. the tie, but McPherson's desperation With little rest for the weary, VU is back in action "Watching VU on tape, they have "It took us time to get in the flow of three-pointer rang in and out, providing tomorrow afternoon against the nation's top-ranked an outstanding program," said MU head the game," Drew said. "I'm so proud of the Golden Eagles with a sigh of relief team, Ohio State. The date with #1 will be the coach Tom Crean. "We probably took a both Brandon and Shawn. I saw a lot of and the win. Crusaders' third in as many years after facing consen­ few chances defensively that we didn't character out there from both of them." sus number one Duke last year and Illinois in the 2004. need to take. We had some foul trouble, There was no cooling the Crusaders Contact Eric Brooks at too." out of the locker room either, as Drew's torch .sports@valpo .edu. Contact Eric Brooks at [email protected].