Where Does Your Money Go? in This Issue Eric Rowe - Staff Writer Whether Christian Or Not, Dutch Or Irish, All Dordt Students Have a Common Bond: Tuition

February 26, 2015 Issue 3 Pick it up, pass it on, and please RECYCLE.

Dordt College TheDiamond Where does your money go? In this Issue Eric Rowe - Staff Writer Whether Christian or not, Dutch or Irish, all Dordt students have a common bond: tuition. Prairie Grass Film Results Pg 2 While tuition can be both an investment in the future and a source of stress for student debt, managing the pressure that comes from both can be helped by clearly seeing where College Bar Dances Pg 3 your tuition money goes. Dordt’s operating budget is roughly $35 million. Through tuition and fees as well as auxiliary revenue from housing and food service, about 85% of revenue comes Violent Sex Culture pg 4 from students in one way or another. The rest of the operating revenue comes from gifts, grants, sales and Dordt’s short-term investments. The categories that you see Columns Pg 5 on the chart that apply to Dordt are set up by the National Association of College and University Business Officers( NACUBO). These standards provide consistency while Spring Break Golf Trips Pg 6 comparing finances across the board. Gifts come from Dordt alumni, people involved in founding the college, and people who believe strongly in the mission of the college and from support from churches. Senior Recital Pg 7 The $12 million cost of the science building link was provided through donations – not from money from students. It’s been the college’s policy that any building that is O Brother, Where Pg 8 primarily for education is paid for by money raised from donors. Art Thou? Continued on page 5

Wellspring raises Men’s volleyball to be new varsity depression awareness sport in 2016 Luke Venhuizen - Staff Writer tryouts. Throughout the season the club had Megan Kaiser - Staff Writer depression is a disease and sometimes four tournaments, with moderate success. needs to be medically treated. Dominating every tournament that they Now, with a year under their belt, they On February 22, the Student Wellness “I think it’s good for students to have gone into, the men’s volleyball club has came back even stronger than before. Advisory Team (S.W.A.T.) hosted hear that Neal is on medication for his put itself on the map. Wellspring and used it as a time to raise Moving under the athletic department, the depression. It shows that it’s okay to The Men’s Volleyball Club only came awareness of depression. They asked club team started out dominating the first treat depression, because it is a disease, into existence last year. Eric Geels, the team’s Dordt professors Neal DeRoo and Walker two tournaments they were entered, and then just like cancer. Just like you would captain, with the encouragement from Cosgrove, who have both struggled with winning their first home tournament of the seek treatment and medication for friends, got the ball rolling in the fall of last depression, to tell their stories and answer cancer or diabetes, depression can be season, bringing their record to 17-0. year. students’ questions. treated medically too,” said Cosgrove. This year the club team added Brian “How we were originally planning on In addition to hearing DeRoo and Not only did DeRoo and Cosgrove Hoekstra as their coach, which was a blessing doing it was getting together with a group Cosgrove’s stories, Dordt counselor Jessica give advice to people who are struggling according to Eric Geels. Hulst facilitated the question and answer with depression, but they also answered of guys to play once a week, or every other “To allow us to focus on the game and time. All three emphasized a few ideas some questions and gave some insight week,” said Geels. how we play on the court is so helpful, and about depression. about how other people can deal with After a few open gyms, approval from letting Brian worry about when to sub people “Hopefully it helps students to see and someone who has depression. Student Symposium, and much student and other stuff has been so nice,” said Geels. hear from someone who’s been through “Just being there is the biggest interest, they started the spring semester with Continued on page 8 depression. It’s a chance for them to thing you can do for someone who is see that there is hope, that they can get struggling with depression. You can’t through it and still be successful,” said screw it up, just be there for them and DeRoo. let them know that you care about The main goal that S.W.A.T. wanted to them,” said DeRoo. accomplish through this time was to raise “I think that we as Christians awareness of depression on campus by tend to over-spiritualize depression. bringing in people that students know and Sometimes Christians are respect who also struggle with depression. unsympathetic and think that it’s simply “We want to normalize it. I’ve realized a spiritual matter, when in reality, it is how not open people are about depression, a disease that needs medical attention,” and so that’s made me become more vocal said Cosgrove. about it. I think of my class as a family, so If students have further questions I tell my story in the first day of class, to about depression, Dordt counselors be open and transparent about it. My door Jessica Hulst and Arlene Heynen will is open to students, and I usually get six or be hosting an informational lunch on seven students who come to me about it,” Wednesday, March 4. More information said Cosgrove. about that lunch will be published in Another point that Cosgrove and the near future. DeRoo emphasized was the fact that Men’s volleyball: undefeated this season and ready for varsity play. Contributed Photo Page 2 News Film challenge continues to grow

Lydia Marcus - Staff Writer Many weeks of preparation were invested in PGFC. Megan Kaiser, a The Prairie Grass Film Challenge digital media major, was responsible for marked its ninth year on February 20, producing promotional material and video and it was bigger than ever. This year, the footage for PGFC. Prairie Grass Film Challenge (PGFC), “I spent A LOT of time in the lab,” said which initially targeted the Midwest, Kaiser. “I took care of all of the digital featured 40 teams from across the United aspects. The advertisements, the videos States and Canada. that were shown at the ceremony, the “About 70% of submissions are from audio. If you saw or heard it and it wasn’t a the Midwest,” said Mark Volkers, a 48 hour Prairie Grass film, I made it.” digital media professor. “The rest are Creating all the videos and from all over, Michigan, Colorado, advertisements was a large responsibility, Missouri, California…We wanted to give but Kaiser said she loved doing it all. young people an opportunity to get into “My favorite part is the scheduling visual arts.” of time… Organization is my jam,” said PGFC welcomes any participants Kaiser. “I also have a love/hate relationship who are high school-aged and older— with stress and timing. When I’m given it is open to people of any skill level. It a task, I do everything to the best of my aims to expose people to the art of film ability to make sure it gets done ASAP, making and promote participation in the even if it is not due for another month.” Left to right: Prof. Volkers, Shelby Herrema, Kaylie Ogle, Tanner Brasser, Dan Woudenburg visual arts. Next year PGFC will celebrate its Photo by Megan Kaiser There were many quality films tenth anniversary, and “we’re kind of “I’m already pumped for it,” said Kaiser. Who knows what year 10 will bring? submitted to this year’s Prairie Grass planning a big blow out,” said Volkers. “I’ll be a senior so that means I’ll have to “Holograms, a bounce house… the Film Challenge. Dordt students, local Prairie Grass Films is planning to host a take somebody under my wing so they can possibilities are endless,” said Kaiser. “I community members, and participants day of workshops that will cover all facets continue doing what I’ve been doing. I will for sure work to the best of my ability nationwide enjoyed watching the of film making. love teaching this kind of stuff to people to make it a 10 year anniversary that no movies that had been generated in a “We plan to fly in a keynote speaker so I’m excited for that.” one will forget.” mere 48 hours. from Los Angeles,” Volkers added.

PLIA trips put love into action

Joel Dykstra - Staff Writer this year is to Denver, CO, said, “I see this as great opportunity to learn and to meet people During the community block on while serving God together. It’s exciting!” Friday March 17, Dordt students will Like many PLIA goers, Quinlan is hoping that assemble to be prayerfully sent off on God will use him to touch someone’s life both the 35th annual spring break PLIA trip. on his team and in the Denver community. The week long service trip will mark a As a Dordt college senior, this is Brasser’s continuation of a few Dordt student’s fourth year of being involved with PLIA and desires in 1981 to give their spring break contributes his freshman year experience to serving others. The PLIA members from 1995 shared the same founding goal of spreading the love of Christ that as his reason for being so committed to the PLIA (Putting Love Into Action) is a PLIA teams are striving for this spring break. club. “When I came back at the end of spring student organized club that sends Dordt break freshman year, I came back refreshed, students to work at sites as far away as rejuvenated and knowing that God had done Georgia and New Mexico. While the club a work,” said Brasser. began with just 13 students going to Cary, Some question the effectiveness of short Q Commons Part 2 MS, this year 112 students will break off term mission trips but PLIA committee co- into teams and serve at 14 sites all around At 7pm on February 26, hundreds of people from Dordt and the sur- chair Kevin Steiger has a different perspective. the nation. rounding community will gather in the Campus Center to “learn and “Short term trips don’t get much credit” Among college students there is consider how to advance good in Sioux Center.” he said. “Even though we are there a short a common perception that spring The original mission of Q Commons was to encourage Christians to amount of time, I believe we can encourage break trips should be about personal recover a vision for “their historic responsibility to renew and restore the local bodies of Christ. Also as teams we indulgence but PLIA committee co-chair cultures.” Q Commons hopes to accomplish this mission by initiating grow together and encourage our teammates.” Tanner Brasser said PLIA teams seek conversations, both on a global and on a local scale, about relevant cultur- Both Steiger and Brasser are joined by a al issues. Q Commons begins these conversations by featuring a series of to be an encouragement to ministries number of other PLIA committee members talks delivered by Christians who have experience with or interest in those and churches that are trying to make who invest many hours of their time year aspects of our culture. an impact in their local communities. round to make the spring break mission trip Q Commons is composed of three streamed presentations from global Service activities often range from taking possible. Speaking on behalf of the committee, speakers and three live talks from local speakers. Through these six talks, Q care of kids to construction work. “PLIA “We are excited about having 112 students Commons hopes to inspire, inform and equip participants to advance the is the complete opposite idea of spring public good in their local community. going out across the country” said Brasser. “I break,” said Brasser. “In every way you are Global speakers include New York Times Bestselling author Malcolm love seeing students when they come back. giving yourself up to service.” Gladwell—who will discuss legitimacy, Broadcast Journalist Soledad Everybody just wants to stick together!” Sean Quinlan, whose first PLIA trip O’Brien—who will discuss race in America, and Television Producer Mark Burnett—who will discuss virtue in entertainment. Iowa State Senator Randy Feenstra will give a brief talk. Superintendent Pat O’Donnell, President Erik Hoekstra and Sioux Center Mayor Dennis Walstra will facilitate a panel discussion about cooperation among the community. News Page 3 Sustainability Update: A Compost Crusade

The third article in a series on sustainability world about to face the challenge of feeding crusade last year in an attempt to reduce and “good living.” 9 billion people, addressing food waste might waste and build community here on Dordt’s be a good place to start. campus. After a semester of researching we by Lillie Koerner on behalf of the Just go dumpster diving one night and put forth a proposal, but the logistical hurdles Sustainability Committee prepare to be shocked by the amount of of implementing and maintaining a compost salvageable food destined to rot in a landfill. pile proved too much for Dordt to sanction I probably don’t need to tell you that It almost seems criminal! But the reality is at the time. Sound like a theme similar to my food waste is a prominent issue of global that grocery store waste is no more than an last article on recycling? magnitude, but just to be safe, I’ll rattle off amplified example of what Americans do So what first began as a quest to compost some statistics from the NRDC’s 2012 report on a daily basis. Cheap groceries, unrealistic on campus ultimately turned into an titled Wasted. About 10% of the U.S. energy portion sizes, blemished produce, and assessment of how much food waste Dordt is budget goes toward bringing food to our expiring food are just a few reasons so many actually producing. The conclusion we came tables, yet 40% of food is lost somewhere calories go uneaten. to? A lot. In fact, a 20-day audit of the Dining from field to fork. As the largest component of What can Dordt do, you may ask, to Hall estimated that over 74,000 pounds of municipal solid waste, decomposing food in decrease its flow of food into our landfill? The food waste is generated each school year, landfills accounts for 23% of all U.S. methane EPA’s “Food Recovery Hierarchy” prioritizes over half of which is considered compostable. the years to come. I’m also beginning to hear emissions, which are contributors to climate actions that organizations can take to prevent Furthermore, a waste collection study in the more and more students talk about things change. The craziest part? Reclaiming just and divert wasted food. The most preferred apartments revealed that the average room like composting and trayless dining. All this 15% of the food we waste could feed more action is reducing the volume of surplus food throws out nearly eight pounds per week tells me we’re headed in the right direction. than 25 million Americans every year. In a generated (aka source reduction). Next comes of compostable food scraps alone. All this In the meantime, a little part of me still feeding hungry people, then feeding animals. accumulates to thousands of pounds each dies when I see whole apples disappear with Finally, there’s composting. Composting is year, leaving behind a food waste footprint their trays into the Commons dishroom. the last attempt to repurpose food before it with numerous ecological implications. No matter what Dordt is or isn’t doing, we ends up in the solid waste stream. As nature’s But all is not lost! I am hopeful that Dordt should always be mindful of the way we’re recycling system, it transforms waste into will once again consider composting and consuming. How we treat food says a lot a valuable soil amendment that ultimately other food reduction strategies in the near about what we value. And what we value is helps create more food. future by supporting those with a passion ultimately a reflection of who we are. The Many colleges across the country have and vision for sustainability. Creative Dining world is not a Pizza Ranch buffet, friends, so enriched campus life by embracing student- Services has already been a big supporter of let’s show our appreciation for the good gift of led composting systems. Recent graduate sustainability on campus and are carefully food by putting a stop to needless waste. Chris Bylsma and I began our own compost considering ways to address food waste in

Stamp of approval?

Ashley Bloemhof - Staff Writer a retreat, a Facebook page created on February 5 included all the details and even The scene is rather typical: freshmen’s promised a night void of law enforcement, blood racing, hearts sprinting at the thought #wedontshutdown. of handing their IDs to someone besides Clearly a standard for campus promotions the local police officer. Minds of frantic has been set, which brings a deeper question upperclassmen slowly eased as they mentally to surface. Should posters hung on campus rehearse the call home to mom and dad. be regulated based on content? Or should “Yeah mom, she’s a great girl. Loves the Lord bulletin boards act as an area of expression, and loves her family…How did we meet? displaying more than just the opportunities Um, I think my friend Jack introduced us…” sponsored or promoted by Dordt? College students are no strangers to local The following are standards enforced by bar dances. the Office of Student Services concerning The Black and White dance held last the poster placement policy on campus for Saturday at the Cue Bar may have gained external events: additional attendees during its fifteen minutes of fame in the spotlight of Dordt’s 1. All posters displayed must be cork boards. approved by student services. Dordt College faithfully employs posters 2. The “Student Services Approved” to publicize events and student opportunities. stamp grants approval to a poster. Bulletin boards promoting student recitals, 3. Because approvals may take one internship opportunities, and local churches business day to consider, contact information are filled with fliers screaming for attention. may be requested in order to notify the Norms were challenged, however, when individual or group of their poster being posters advertising The Black and White either granted or denied. dance were strung around the college. And 4. A maximum of 10-12 posters for an strictly they may regulate various happenings. this event.” hastily ripped down. event may earn approval. Student reaction varied in response to Michael Grady, an engineering major, While the posters themselves did not the proposal of no regulations on bulletin agrees there should be some regulations, contain offensive content, the Cue Bar Social media sites have provided a large board postings. but that the Black and White dance poster neglected to have the fliers “Student Services avenue for students to promote activities Bekah Olson, a sophomore at Dordt “definitely should have been approved.” Approved”, violating the poster placement freely, and events in the area are often College, disagrees with zero-policy standards. Is this a conflict between freedom of policy at Dordt College. On February 10, displayed on the DCC website. This works “There should definitely be a regulation speech and school policy? Or is it vitally Student Services sent emails to Resident against any argument that without the on posters because otherwise you could important for the college to enforce standards Life staff members, asking student leaders to posters students would have no access to such put up anything you wanted to. It could be upon posters hung? Continuing discussion is remove any posters they saw. information. Yet the question remains of how completely and utterly offensive. By putting inevitable as the two continue to intersect. Fortunately for Dordt students needing strict Dordt’s standards should be, and how up the posters, Dordt is saying it supports Page 4 News 50 Shades of Grey: Love, sex, or violence?

Haley Mulder - Staff Writer “Because our society is so sex-saturated, more and more teens are feeling the need to Sex and violence glorified andhave sex or watch porn. This also stretches romanticized. Not many are eager to admit to sexual movies. More people are watching their interest in the film 50 Shades of Grey. them because they think they are okay.” The glorification of violence and sex in “Because sex is constantly trivialized the media is stronger than ever. Speaking out in the media, it becomes harder and harder against it and facilitating conversations about to take it seriously. How do you see sex as it helps spread awareness and encourage valuable when everyone else is giving it away advocacy against these harmful views for free?” portrayed by the media. As Christians, it is so important to What are Dordt students saying about 50 continue to see sex as a holy gift from the Lord. Shades of Grey, but more specifically, what Though it is portrayed differently through the are students saying about sex and violence in media, not just 50 Shades of Grey, we have to to downplay the emotional significance that like 50 shades could potentially be damaging the media? I surveyed an Intro to Sociology remember what sex is really about. Sex is an sexual intimacy should require and should to both women and men alike, I don’t think class and got some answers. Anonymously, emotional connection and expression of love develop.” it’s anything really new that we need to be students replied with some quite intelligent that God designed. Olson believes that it’s a scary thing to shocked and concerned about.” comments on this subject. Here are a few of Social work professor Erin Olson also realize that sex and violence are linked in a Movies like 50 Shades of Grey are the responses I collected: weighed in on the heavy subject. public format, and that is has been happening unfortunately only the beginning. It wasn’t “The rising amount of sexual ideas and “As a culture, we communicate to people even before 50 Shades. the first, and it won’t be the last. The violence in the media is having great effects in that sex is both the most important and least “We see images of sex and violence every media’s influence on sex and violence is our society and it’s spreading to younger and important thing,” Olson said. “Our music, day and this is damaging for people of both getting stronger and stronger in our society. younger ages. If this keeps happening, what is movies, television and advertising show our genders,” Olson said. “This culture changes Remembering the gift of sex and how it is it going to be like for our future kids?” obsession with sex and it appears to be a very the expectations of both genders when it meant to be enjoyed serves as an important “Sexual violence objectifies something important, if not the most important, thing in comes to sex and makes violence the norm reminder to all of us who are continuing to that is supposed to be a gift, which is not the world. At the same time, however, we also instead of love, which is what God intended live and be influenced by this ever growing okay,” said one student. hear the message that it’s “just sex” and we try for sex to be about. While I think movies dark world. Students of Dordt: Tuition Breakdown (cont.)

Continued from page 1 “Maintenance” covers the expense of the Lauren Davis the college’s policy that any building physical needs of the college. “Transfers” is that is primarily for education is paid for a category that covers debt expenses. Dordt Haley Mulder - Staff Writer play in church. Davis accepted, and that’s by money raised from donors. borrowed $11.5 million to build Kuyper when she fell in love with music. Grants are awarded mostly in the apartments, and makes a debt payment Senior Lauren Davis is anything but “It was God’s way of teaching me that my sciences. A federal grant is for a specific every year out of student fees. The “transfers” conventional. identity is in Him,” Davis said. purpose, so it is necessary to track the money pays for equipment that is used on “My sophomore year at college, I got five After her family moved to Sioux Falls, she dollars. Dordt’s campus. piercings.” applied to Dordt and began her journey at “When we collect tuition and fees, “Computers, vehicles, microscopes for we don’t tag the money to be used for science classes,” Nederhoff said. “Something There are a lot of special things about college. one specific thing,” Arlan Nederhoff, that isn’t consumed when you use it.” Davis, she is truly one of a kind. Davis made mistakes in her beginning “I have a tattoo on both of my feet,” Davis executive director of finance, said. “It’s The first expense chart shows where years here, and realized it was time to get a general way to say, ‘here’s where the student and other revenue goes by function, said. “One is a lantern that represents Psalm serious with God. money comes from and here’s where the but it is also helpful to see what the money is 119, which says ‘I am your lamp, I will guide “I went through a journey of repentance money goes.’” spent on across the categories. “Salaries and the way.’ The other one is an anchor that and one on one time with God,” Davis said. Instruction expenses include the benefits” show that the employee cost is the stands for God being the anchor in the wind Fast forward to now, Davis is faculty salary and the costs associated largest percent of the budget. and in the waves.” happily engaged to her fiancé, Jesse Herman. with the Ask Center. Public Services “Purchased services” cover the cost of the covers the operation of the radio station. dining hall contract and the nursing program’s Her tattoos and piercings represent a part “He was part of a progressive Christian of who she is, and how she chooses to express Academic Support is a category that partnership with St. Luke’s college. “Travel metal band,” Davis said. “We immediately hit provides funds to the provost’s office and expenses” cover the cost of away games in herself. it off. He was the cutest guy in the band.” the Dordt library. athletics, trips to recruit for admissions and Davis is a Theology: Youth Ministries Davis now displays a real two-karat red “Student services” is a category, as advancement staff traveling to meet with a major and pop-culture minor. ruby on her ring finger. well as an office on campus. The category donor. “Supplies” are non-reusable items. “Youth ministry has always been a part “I knew I wanted something different,” covers the work that Robert Taylor heads “Equipment repair, toilet paper, chemicals of my life,” Davis said. “I saw brokenness in Davis said. “We found it at an antique store. up on the lower level of the campus for chemistry,” Nederhoff said. “If you use center. It also covers the funds for the it and it’s changed or gone afterwards, it’s a my fellow peers, and I desired to reach out to He told me he was going to the bathroom, but Admissions Office, athletics, the campus supply” them. I’ve realized that I am supposed to be really he bought the ring. I had no idea.” in ministry and am called to help out teens.” clinic and career services. Financial aid is Dordt pays dues and fees as a member Davis is the kind of girl that you just included under the student services slice of organizations such as the Council for Davis believes that it’s important to relate can’t help smile around. of the pie. Christian Colleges, which provides a larger to teenagers on their level, and to honestly I guess you could say one way to describe “Institutional” refers to the expenses voice in Washington D.C. Dordt belongs connect with them. her is “more precious than rubies.” of the Business department, Human to the IAOCU, which is a group of private “We need to get to know them,” Davis Resources, Advancement, and the colleges in Iowa that influences state policies. said. “They aren’t just rebels.” president’s office. Computer services is It is through the efforts of this organization Along with a passion for ministering to an institutional expense as it goes beyond that students who live in Iowa can receive a teenagers, Davis has a huge heart for music. service to students. grant to come to Dordt. “Music will always be a part of my life,” “They run the website, software, the “Eighty five cents of every dollar comes telephone system,” Nederhoff said. “If it’s out of the student’s pocket,” Nederhoff said. Davis said. “I love every kind of music except connected to a computer, it runs through “We want to make sure we are good stewards country.” computer services.” of every dollar you give us.” After excelling in many sports in high school, Davis tore her ACL and meniscus during a basketball game. “After that happened, I knew I was not going to be able to play sports in college,” Davis said. “I started to question who I was and my gifts and talents.” After that, Davis’ church asked if she would be willing to learn the bass guitar to Opinion Page 5 Kyle Fosse: Narayan’s The Kaiser Jerusha Yerusha: Media Madness Beware the White Knowledge has spoken Savior Stereotype

Kyle Fosse - Columnist Narayan Núñez Blandón - Columnist Megan Kaiser - Columnist Jerusha Pimentel - Columnist

As a society, we’ve become so safe. We Whether globalization is a social problem Just to be vague, there are two types of cof- I have a challenge for you. Go onto your avoid tough topics in fear of offending our or not, that is subject for another discussion. fee drinkers. The consumer who likes it black Facebook account, and delete every single photo postmodern mentality, we read every other As communication barriers are broken down and the consumer who takes it with buckets that includes you on your last mission trip—spe- blog post telling us what’s newly discovered due to the advance in technology, ideas, of sugar. cifically those where you can be found crouch- to be unhealthy, and we love one another opinions, and in certain cases, cultures can However, a third can officially be includ- ing down amongst a crowd of happy but poor, through a thin glass pane – a touchscreen be transmitted from one place to another. In ed. Forget your morning cream and sugar, dark-skinned children, your white face grinning soul. my mass communication class, we learned just throw a slab of butter in your mug. The cheerfully in the center. Delete the shared self- ies of you and the poor teenagers, mothers, and On Friday the 21st, we smiled at the cute- that those that control the media control the recipe of this new fad consists of coffee, two grandmothers of those from villages in far away ness of “Ruckus Production’s” Best-of-Show thoughts and opinion of the media receiver. tablespoons of grass-fed butter, and MCT oil Prairie Grass film “Bitter/Sweet”, as the hip- or coconut oil. I suppose it depends on your countries—and even from those living in the in- In this globalized world, sadly, only the pow- ster in the coffee shop tick-tacked out little preference. The real kick is that you have to ner-city areas in the United States. erful countries control the media and, along notes on his typewriter to ask out the girl. mix it all in a blender, which is understand- And for those of you who will be going on with such power, distribute culture content to Maybe we all wish someone would write us able if you’re putting half a stick of butter into PLIA in a few weeks: I challenge you to not post a little note on a typewriter and deliver it by the viewers. your drink. a single photo that includes the image of you and hand. The United States has been one of those Though it seems like this you could even- others on your team “serving” those in your des- What do we have to show for our friend- powerful countries that distribute media tually wreck your cholesterol levels, Dave ignated area. ships and relationships in contrast to what our content around the world for quite a while. Asprey, the man behind the website Bullet- Why? For two reasons: first, you’re doing parents and grandparents have? Gone are the Along with this global distribution this is not proof Executive, seems to think it’s a fantastic more damage than good by posting those pic- days of the inconvenience of having to write necessarily a bad “thing”, but it is definitely idea. Instead of eating breakfast, drink a cup tures. What do you think is being communicat- letters in ink and eagerly awaiting a reply, of something that is worth of noting. A study of Bulletproof Coffe. Forget waffles, oatmeal ed—to both other white people and people of pinning Polaroid memories to a real wall, or performed by the Pew Research Center in and fruit because according to this guy, but- color—when these kinds of photos are repeated- of actually walking… well… anywhere. 16 different countries, demonstrated that in tery coffee is the overall substitute. ly shared by you and so many other well-mean- How often are we really ever alone with a 5 years long period (2007-2012), people in An article from Authority Nutrition states, ing white Christians across the globe? Most of someone, or even just ourselves, before a such countries have a more positive attitude “The brew supposedly helps you burn fat all you probably have very good intentions; you phone buzzes or a little red flag pops up to towards US American pop culture, ideas of day, increases your mental acuity, and can went and served on a mission trip and had an tell us we’re popular? I’m not trying to be a democracy, ways of doing business, customs, even give you the energy to climb Everest incredible, possibly life-changing experience. cynic. Sometimes I cringe at myself and my and technological advances. Nevertheless, if you care to. Labeled as an alternative to You met a bunch of awesome new people—be it inability to engage fully in the here and now; despite the positive attitudes, a median 70% breakfast, could it be the next breakfast of kids, the elderly, or the homeless—and you un- simultaneously existing in so many places, yet from the research say that the dissemination champions?” derstandably want to share it on Facebook and every other social media, just as you share ev- present in none of them. of the U.S. culture (or Americanization as Replacing your breakfast with coffee that erything else in your life (your breakfast, your When we’re always off in another world, other one call it) is not good. has butter and oil in it doesn’t sound ideal to or with another person, it can be difficult to me. Actually, I don’t know anyone who would engagement ring, your new haircut). I grew up watching American TV shows, find true connection beyond 140 characters, think it was ideal. The essential nutrients But what if I told you that by posting these many of which were translated into Spanish; and the fear of opening up too much too that you get from a healthy, hearty breakfast photos, you are contributing to a very damag- most of these shows displayed a entire differ- quickly to too many people. Sometimes, we are nowhere to be found. Bulletproof coffee ing stereotype known as the “white savior”? This just want – maybe need – to sit down and just ent reality to that of my country and demon- could potentially give you energy and provide stereotype advances the dangerous lie that the be real for a moment. strated the big contrast among societies. some necessary fats, but it isn’t a replacement darker-skinned poor people on earth need to be “To love at all is to be vulnerable.” CS Lew- Before I learned English, I already had a nor should it be something consumed multi- saved by white Christians; it contributes to other is once said that. Certainly, we put on a façade strong desire to see Mount Rushmore, visit ple times throughout the day. stereotypes concerning black, Hispanic, or other of vulnerability. In our self-pity, we cry out to the Twin Towers at New York, eat at Chuckie An article critiquing the Bulletproof coffee marginalized groups as being poor, uneducat- the world “I am unique! I think like no other Cheese’s, become an exchange student, have craze states, “between the two tablespoons of ed—and therefore quite hopeless without the person, and I struggle in ways you couldn’t a basement or have a bedroom on the second butter and one tablespoon of MCT oil in your kindness and charity of white Christian strang- possibly understand,” and we try our very floor with a window facing the road. I also morning coffee, you are consuming 140 per- ers. It is also among the pile of reasons that many hardest to explain why, all the while hiding wanted to build a snowman, drink hot choco- cent of your recommended daily amount for white Americans are somewhat shocked to learn behind the pretence that “you couldn’t pos- late, talk to Santa Clause, eat a legit chocolate saturated fat before you have taken a single that Africa contains many, many educated, gift- sibly understand.” Instead, maybe we need chip cookie, and speak English in the “Amer- bite of real food.” ed, and independent cultures and individuals to learn to simply be vulnerable; to use our icano way”. Such ambitions of my childhood, From many reviews, it is apparently very who come from 53 diverse countries and islands of the continent. In short, the images in these gifts, our specialness to the best of our abil- I opine, are enough evidence to support my tasty, but you also feel like you’re wearing five mission trip photos contribute overall to the ities and let the world look on and say “you point: powerful media content from abroad pounds of lip-gloss when you’re done with white supremacist system that still quietly per- are unique.” affected the way I thoughts since I was a child. your buttery cup of joe. There are also plenty If we value affirmation over love, we find of reviews that say it is absolutely terrible. If verts our country and globe. The ways that the United States affects ourselves working to feel loved, rather than you want to put a little bit of butter in your If that isn’t a good enough reason for you, I’ll countries around the world are not limited to loving and being loved. Maybe that’s what it coffee, have at it, but two tablespoons is ex- provide the second: the Bible says so. financial and economic ways, but also cultur- all comes down to: likes, stars of approval and cessive. It’s not a meal. It’s a beverage. Repeat Read Matthew, chapter 6, particularly verses ally. People around the world, this includes “followers.” after me. It’s not a meal, it’s a beverage. You, 1-4: ““Be careful not to practice your righteous- kids, teens, adults and seniors, are exposed to Now, don’t go running for the hills and however, don’t have to listen to me. I just sim- ness in front of others to be seen by them. If you staging public phone-burnings, but I do won- the culture of the United States almost instan- ply don’t advise it. Stick to butter on toast or do, you will have no reward from your Father in der sometimes: if the foundation of my heart taneously when they watch shows from here. butter on potatoes, because no body has time heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not is held by One who will never drop it (as I’d The cultures of others are influenced and for a butter smoothie. announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites like to believe), what do I have to fear in giv- changed, and people abroad obtain an erro- do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be ing it away, while I share breath with seven neous concept of the United States. honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have re- billion connections here on earth? So we’ll There is a price here that sometimes is not ceived their reward in full. But when you give to leave here tonight, but not before we give accounted: the loss of cultural identity. Many the needy, do not let your left hand know what each other back our hearts.” might disagree, but the strong influence of your right hand is doing, so that your giving may U.S American culture through the media is be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is some sort of threat. It’s understandable to be- done in secret, will reward you.” So, my dear lieve that culture changes and adapts as time reader: go, serve, be His hands and feet—but do it for Him, and not for Facebook likes. progresses, but is it truly worth it? Page 6 Sports Dordt College golf teams California bound

Christian Zylstra - Staff Writer home course opening up in the spring,” said head golf coach Mark Christians. “[Another Students across campus are looking goal] is to develop the camaraderie on the forward to spring break; no class, road trips team by traveling together, playing over 100 with friends, and going home are a few of the holes of golf in four or five days, and spending many plans students are lining up for the 10- time enjoying God’s creation.” day break. But for the Dordt College men’s Many of the courses Dordt plans to play and women’s golf teams, spring break brings provide different challenges and obstacles. a different excitement. The added difficult and prestige make the trip Eight men, five women and two coaches a great chance to improve skills and get ready have the privilege of traveling to California for the spring season. during spring break to play five beautiful “Certainly the additional practice and courses: TPC Harding Park and Half Moon experience playing difficult courses helps our Bay in San Francisco; Poppy Hills in Pebble team prepare for our spring golf meets and the Beach, CA; Oakdale Country Club in strong competition in the GPAC conference,” Oakdale, CA; and Spring Creek Country Christians said. “It allows each player to Club in Ripon, CA. work on the parts of their golf game that Dordt will join the Trinity Christian needs improvement and gives the coaches an College men’s golf team for a round opportunity to interact with our team outside at Poppy Hills. The Advancement and the normal routine of an academic semester.” golfer Micah Roos. “Don’t get me wrong, be really cool to play there and then watch Admissions departments are also sponsoring The additional practice is necessary for golfing on some pretty prestigious courses is the pros play the same course a little over a a tournament for friends of Dordt and the the team as well. Living in Northwest Iowa awesome, but spending time with friends and month later.” Ripon Christian golf teams at the Spring provides many challenges for a golf team, teammates is a great time as well. After having “I’m looking forward to playing Half Creek Country Club. none more so than winter. Its cruel hand gone to Myrtle Beach last year for spring Moon Bay,” said sophomore golfer Christian This is not the first year the Defenders covers courses with snow and shuts them break, we played some amazing courses, but Manes. “When I was a kid, my family went are taking a trip during spring break. The down for several consecutive months. Any the guys on the team as well as the coaches camping out by Half Moon Bay, and I’ve tradition started in 2005 when Dordt decided chance to shake off some rust and fine-tune was the reason the trip was so fun.” wanted to play there ever since.” to take its top eight male golfers; however, details is a chance worth taking. That being said, the golf courses are still The spring break golf trip has plenty to this is the first time the trip will feature the If you talk to the golfers, playing these fantastic. Playing on such prestigious courses offer for the Dordt College Defenders, and men and women’s teams. great courses isn’t the best part about the is something to look forward to. it’s a great springboard into the spring golf The trip provides many opportunities for spring break trip: it’s the quality time spent “I am looking forward to playing TPC season. the Defenders, ranging from improving their together. Harding Park the most because the Cadillac game to building team camaraderie. “The best part about a trip like this is Match Play tournament is being held there in “We use these trips to get added practice having a fun, care-free week with some late April/early May this year, as well as the (and at times competitive meets) prior to our great friends and teammates,” said junior 2020 PGA Championship,” Roos said. “It will Softball looking to continue hot streak

Aaron Ladzinksi - Staff Writer a lot more confident this year than I am last year. I believe that this year from the fall and Dordt softball ended last year on the the winter we have been strong. Showing a hottest streak of their entire season. Going lot of improvements through that time. As 10-3 in their last 13 games. Making the GPAC we are extremely close this year. Helping our tournament by the bare skin of their teeth. team unity go up yet another level.” Coming in the 8th seed in the tournament. “I want to finish top 5 of the conference Although the team lost two games and were and making the tournament,” said Larson. “I knocked out of the tournament they made a just want to have a winning season and enjoy playoff push that they can look forward into the last season that I get to play fast-pitch the next year. As the girls only graduated out softball.” one girl from last year’s team. Although the team’s strengths are looking Coach Jeff Zomer is looking forward to great, every team has a flaw to their game. the season after last years play of making According to Zomer, the team’s weakness the conference tournament. “I believe a through the fall was the mental play “Physical positive we can build on this season is the we are a strong team. Mentally I’m not sure balance we have through out the team as the yet this spring. I believe this is something that upperclassmen and lower are all equal,” said all teams can improve, no matter what the Diamond Staff 2014-2015 Zomer. “This is the best I have seen it since sport is.” Co-Editors: Columnists: Lydia Marcus coming into the program.” The team will travel to Oklahoma the Hannah DeVries Megan Kaiser Aaron Ladzinski Seniors this year Erica White and Sidney weekend of the February 20-21 before Jeremy Vreeken Narayan Núñez Jon Janssen Larsen who were big contributors to the heading to Arizona for games during spring Blandón Joel Dykstra team last year, are coming back. As White break. The women’s first home game will be Copy Editing Staff: Jerusha Pimentel Ashley Bloemhof batted .326 on the year with 8 homeruns and on March 24th against Morningside College, Lydia Marcus Kyle Fosse Luke Venhuizen 37 runs batted in. Additionally, White lead kicking off the beginning of conference play. Haley Mulder the defenders last year in the runs batted in Eric Rowe Staff Writers: Photographers: category. Larsen helped at bat as well. She Jon Janssen Christian Zylstra Megan Kaiser had a .304 batting average and 14 runs batted Eric Rowe Kyle Fosse in, with a team leading 4 triples. These two Layout Designer: Haley Mulder Eli Anderson look to be Dordt’s biggest keys for a push for Justin Pastoor Megan Kaiser the playoffs yet again. Lauren Bird Staff Adviser: White has been looking forward to the Sports Editor: Narayan Núñez Derrick Vander Waal new season and is happy to build upon the Justin Pastoor Blandón results of last year. She had this to say “Im Arts and Entertainment Page 7 Houweling and Hageman give senior recital

Lauren Bird - Staff Writer required to give a recital, but chose to anyway. more musical theatre pieces than In addition to performing pieces that “I started out doing voice lessons for a classical pieces. both students have learned in their previous On February 21, Dordt seniors Brittany music scholarship. Over the years, both my “It makes sense for my major to perfect years of lessons, the two also had a chance Houweling and Jon Hageman gave a joint accompanist, Dylan Schmitz, and I started songs like this. I was able to do some songs to perform a song for both voice and flute. recital to showcase their talents. Hageman, getting a passion for it, so we did a recital,” that my mom and sister wanted to hear me The song, written by Jean Berger, is among a tenor, and Houweling, a flautist, are both said Hageman. sing, and I’ve always dreamed of performing Berger’s lesser-known pieces and was given music minors, which means they were not Hageman, a theatre major, performed a few of them, like Santa Fe from the Newsies to the music department when Berger visited and What You Own from the musical Rent. in 2001. One of the biggest things I’ve taken away “There’s not a lot written for voice and flute. from this experience is learning how to let I think this was a really unique opportunity to the theatre part shine without the musical be able to perform this song that’s really an part floundering,” said Hageman. unknown song,” said Hageman. Houweling’s recital experience also ties While neither Hageman nor Houweling into what she hopes to do with her education were required to give a recital, they both as an elementary education major. believe it was a rewarding experience. “I will be certified to teach both general “Just because you don’t have to give a education and music education. I’ve had recital doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give some private students in lessons for many it a shot. It can teach a lot and has lots of years now, and this recital helped develop my benefits, like professional development,” empathy towards them, to understand their said Houweling. struggles and motivations. Probably one of Several other seniors will be performing the hardest parts of this experience was not in their recitals later this semester. Ivory allowing myself to say that it was good or Niewenhuis will give an organ recital on April good enough. I feel like perfecting musical 24, Sophie Bonnema will give a piano recital skills and making songs perfect never really on April 25, and Leanna Bentz will give a ends,” said Houweling. harp recital on May 2.

Music Review: Kanye West takes new direction

Jonathan Janssen - Staff Writer emphatically begs, again from the perspective of his mother, “Tell Nori about me.” In a What in the world is Kanye West up to? previous interview West has expressed that After releasing Yeezus in 2013 to rave critical his only regret is that Donda was never able to reviews, West took a year-and-a-half hiatus to meet his daughter North “Nori” West, yet this go on tour. During this time he was in and line expresses his solace in the fact that he can out of the media’s eye going into numerous still tell his daughter about her grandmother. extended rants in his concerts. In the The song ends with a beautifully simplistic infamous 2014 controversy, he stopped his piano solo from McCartney that extends well show because there were people seated at his over a minute. Ending with a splayed out concert – only to discover he was directing chord, McCartney provides a perfect outro to his complaints at the disabled section. West’s most touching song since his last ode After a rocky year, West has finally to his mother “Hey Mama” in 2005. stepped back into the musical world “FourFiveSeconds” sees McCartney with two new releases: “Only One” and backing Rihanna and West with muffled “FourFiveSeconds.” While technically exuberant chords. Belting out her frustrations, intended to be released on Rihanna’s Rihanna declares “I think I’ve had enough / I upcoming album, “FourFiveSeconds” bears might get a little drunk,” while West laments, obvious connections to West’s single “Only “Woke up an optimist / Sun was shinin’, I’m One” in two primary ways – their stripped- positive / Then I heard you was talkin’ trash / down, minimalist sound and famous Hold me back, I’m ‘bout to spaz.” Beatles guitarist Paul McCartney’s feature McCartney’s signature Beatles sound is on both songs. displayed brightly on the bridge as he trades In these unexpected (yet somewhat in his guitar for organ keys. On top of a fitting) mashups featuring the king of rock gospel-sounding chord progression, Rihanna & roll and the self-proclaimed “god” of hip- gets introspective about her relationship, hop, McCartney takes up the background realizing that there are problems on her end providing a poppy ballad for West on “Only as well as his. One” and an up-tempo acoustic riff for While the songs’ lack of over-the-top Rihanna and West on “FourFiveSeconds.” production is somewhat refreshing in a “Only One,” sung entirely by West with genre filled with artists covering up their the use of his signature autotuned voice, lack of talent with every tool under the sun, showcases West as an introspective son the underproduction here borderlines on dreaming about Donda, his late mother, forced one too many times. While the idea talking to him from heaven. Singing “As could have spawned a more authentic, artistic I lay me down to sleep / I hear her speak sound, it instead falls into context-limbo – to me,” West stops speaking from his own it’s hard to tell when and where these songs perspective and switches to his mother. should be played. McCartney’s hand in this song becomes Final Verdict: “Only One” definitely more understandable when “Only One” is outshines “FourFiveSeconds” in terms of compared to the Beatles’ hit “Let It Be” – a Kanye’s new sound, but if both records are an record written by McCartney about his own indication of the direction West will be taking late mother “speaking words of wisdom.” his next work, the new jubilant Kanye will be “Only One” is a level-headed piece, yet a spectacle to behold. it reaches its climax as West repeatedly and Page 8 The Back Page

Men’s Varsity (cont.) Throwback Thursday: O Brother Where Art Thou? Continued from page 1 Elgersma said. “What I found is that you play However, they’re not stopping there. The in a club because it’s fun, you play because of Jonathan Janssen - Staff Writer most powerful uses of music in the film is a club is looking towards the future to become the joy of the game . . . and sometimes with beautifully chilling performance of “Didn’t a varsity sport next year. varsity you have to play because it’s a part of This week as a throw-back Thursday Leave Nobody but the Baby” by three deadly Hoekstra was approached last year by your financial package.” of sorts, I’m going to take a look back at sirens, seeking to ensnare the prisoners for captains Austin Lindemulder and Eric Geels The level of commitment for a varsity a film from the year 2000: Joel and Ethan the reward. True to its Greek origins, the song about becoming the coach. Whether Hoekstra sport is greater than that of a club sport. Coen’s O Brother, Where Art Thou? is transfixing. will be the coach if the team becomes a varsity There is now a set of rules that needs to be Taking place during the Great While critiqued in its day for its seemingly sport is undetermined. followed. Eligibility needs to be met. A full Depression, O Brother is the filmmaking disjointed scenes with the characters jumping “I don’t think it’s an only teacher, only time coach needs to be hired, and traveling brothers’ modern take on Homer’s ancient around from escapade coach sort of a decision for me, but more could be exhausting epic The Odyssey. to escapade, the where does God want me to spend my time,” Nevertheless, there are many positives The pseudo- Coen Brothers’ said Hoekstra. that come along with becoming a varsity intellectual style has developed Professor Bill Elgersma understands sport. Scholarships could be awarded, the prisoner Ulysses since this time and the difficulties of transitioning from a club level of play will rise, scheduling between Everett McGill its scene choices team to a varsity team. Elgersma started the practices and games will be done through (played by George make more sense women’s soccer club, coached Dordt’s hockey the athletic department, making everything Clooney) and his given their future team, and assistant coached the men’s soccer more organized and easier taken care of. chain-gang mates, context. Given the team during their transition to a varsity sport. “Throughout this season and into next the hot-tempered source material – Elgersma cautions the men’s volleyball year, I think our positive attitude and being a Pete Hogwallop The Odyssey – these club team about transitioning into a salt and a light will be challenged and tested,” and foolish Delmar disjoints make even varsity team. said Hoekstra. “I think the team is becoming O’Donnell (John more sense. The “It’s a rethinking of the process of what a team God is proud of.” Turturro and Tim Odyssey features a club is, verses what varsity becomes,” Blake Nelson), separate adventures escape their of the Grecian hero bondage and take Odysseus which are a journey across tied together only by 1937 Mississippi to Homer’s narration. Cartoon uncover McGill’s Given the visual by Jerusha Pimentel treasure and run nature of film, this away from their narration would be troubles. The hard to portray, so three idiots meet the brothers must be many dangers – including a group of let off the hook to an extent for this misgiving. beautiful, yet deadly singers, a cycloptic Through its problems, O Brother, Where Bible salesman, and a blind radio station Art Thou? holds its weight as a worthy manager – and along the way and are contender in the current day. Like a fine wine, pursued by a devilish sheriff seeking its taste has only increased with time. their hanging. At the same time, incumbent governor of Mississippi Pappy O’Daniel is seeing his campaign throttled and his name smeared by gubernatorial challenger Homer Stokes, who is emphasizing his efforts to “sweep the state clean” and his friendship with the “little guy” through the use of brooms and a dwarf. The race for candidacy and the three prisoners’ race for treasure are intertwined as they become overnight sensations – and governmental supporters – with their lucky-strike hit song “Man of Constant Sorrow” and are caught up in the proceedings of Stokes’ dubious private life. The real charm of the film (and, arguably the most praised aspect of the film) comes from the soundtrack, assembled by legendary producer and musician T-Bone Burnett. Mixing a variety of genres ranging from bluegrass to gospel to blues, the soundtrack, as much as the characters themselves, moves the story along. Among the