Vol. 57 No. 15 the February 9, 2010 BAGPIPE bagpipeonline.com

Going Digital Library acquires new resources

NAOMI BELZ by Laura Childers by their relevance. This means stu- half on electronic resources. Delegating Disci- [email protected] dents and faculty will no longer have Although the library continues to to search the collections individually. add to the print collection, Covenant As print sources increasingly turn The cloud-based platform will allow librarians said that there may be a digital, Covenant College’s library various web-based databases (e.g., time when the library caps its print plinary Decisions is staying on the cutting edge. Ac- JSTOR, EBSCOhost, ProQuest) to resources because of storage limita- cording to Tad Mindeman, Director function seamlessly within the new tions. A benefit of digital media is by Susanna Griffith witness testimonies.” of Library Services, the library is integrated system. that it gives students access to a lot of [email protected] “It gives you a chance to present planning to introduce a brand new Mindeman said that Covenant information, without taking up more your case in front of your peers,” said library system, hire a new librarian, has been selected by the On- space on the peak of a mountain. Students accused of violating Thomas O’Ban, 2009-2010 Student and enhance digital resources--all line Community Library Center “We have 13,000 periodical sub- Covenant’s Standards of Conduct Body Vice President. The current within the next few months. (OCLC) to be an early adopter of scriptions.” said research librarian have options they should know Student Body Vice President, Tim “We are an entrepreneurial-type its new integrated software system. John Holberg. “Where would you about. The Joint Judicial Committee Van Vliet, added, “It’s an alternative to staff. Change is not a bad thing. We The school will be one of the first put them?” (JJC) provides an alternate source being judged by the administration.” aren’t on the bleeding edge, but we are 70 institutions nationwide to install Yet in regard to the current buzz of disciplinary action for accused The Student Body Vice Presi- on the cutting edge,” Mindeman said. this cloud-based platform and the about Kindles on college campuses, students who believe they have been dent chairs the JJC. The rest of the Covenant’s integrated library only one in Georgia. Mindeman said that the library was wrongly convicted. committee is comprised of another system, currently maintained locally The library is also searching for not quite ready to embrace e-readers. Vice President for Student De- member of the Executive Committee on hardware from a client-server a new candidate to manage the “We have not adopted a purchase velopment and Dean of Students of Student Senate, two Resident Assis- platform, will be traded for an en- library’s digital projects and digitize program for e-readers because we are Brad Voyles explained, “Students do tants, a Resident Director, two faculty tirely outsourced web-based system. its archives. Expected to start July waiting for the dust to settle as to have the opportunity to plead ‘not members, and the Dean of Students The new cloud-based platform is 1, this librarian will have an office who will win the platform war. We responsible’ and have their opinion who serves as a non-voting member. expected to make research more effi- on the first floor of the library and tend to see dedicated e-readers as seriously considered.” In addition, students can bring cient, lighten IT workload, and save faculty. useful, but stopgap tools before the According to the student hand- a character witness for encourage- the college large infrastructure costs. These changes are one result of the arrival of more versatile, multifunc- book, “The Joint Judicial is an alter- ment during the hearing. “The The new system will offer a library’s increased spending on elec- tion mobile devices.” native committee made up of both character witness is a silent advisor,” discovery tool similar to a one-stop, tronic resources. Currently for every Still, a small group of students have students and staff members that will Google-like search that will access all dollar the library spends on physical continued on page 2 hear and examine all evidence and continued on page 3 of the library’s sources and rank them items, it spends about a dollar and a 2 News Crossman is the Bossman Library continued from page 1 by Lindsay Burkholder be a part of your professional organi- [email protected] zation and be a Christian influence on the decisions and standards that begun to reap the benefits of the de- There is more to Brian Crossman are set,” he said. “It’s important to vice. Senior Kip Burdette said that his than meets the eye. Crossman, Chair promote ethical behavior, sportsman- Kindle allowed him to carry around of Covenant’s Physical Education ship and fair play. I’ve also developed an entire library in his backpack. Department, received a Letter of a lot relationships and connections.” “It makes it easier to travel, Commendation at the National Soc- When asked about the award, he makes less clutter in your room and cer Coaches Association of America casually brushed it aside, claiming luggage, and you save money on (NSCAA) annual awards banquet it was “because I’ve done this a long each book you buy,” he said. on Jan. 14. The recognition was in time. It was humbling, but it was However, the library is open to honor of his service as the head of definitely a great surprise.” change. the Ethics Committee, the part of Bill Davis, professor of philoso- “The whole publishing industry the organization that sets national phy at Covenant, put the award in is about to be turned upside down standards for sportsmanship and fair a different light, though. “The fact with Google’s massive digitization play for all collegiate divisions and that this enormous national associa- service. They are attempting to some high school teams. tion recognized and thanked him digitize every print book and they’ve He first began teaching physical for his work is evidence that he is already done eight or nine million. education at Covenant in 1984 and making an important contribution TAD EVEARITT It will be an interesting eight or was the head coach of men’s soccer to an area of the broader culture and sion of the National Association of his profession,” said Will Stern, asso- nine years. As more resources be- until 2004. He currently coaches a that he is representing Christ and Intercollegiate Athletics. ciate professor of physical education. come digital, we need to make sure semi-pro team in Chattanooga, which Covenant College well,” Davis said. While speaking of this, Crossman “He’s basically a hands-off person that they are also available in mobile recently finished second in the nation. This was not the first time Cross- again minimized the importance of who wants kids to learn something.” platforms,” said Mindeman. Crossman has been a member man has been recognized for his his awards and simply emphasized “He is consistently dedicated to In addition, both Holberg and of the NSCAA for 30 years and service to athletic organizations. In the importance of representing the college and has served Cov- Mindeman said that students now is responsible for keeping track of 2004, he received the Merit Award Christ in all aspects of culture. enant faculty well,” said Jeff Hall, have to sort through an ever larger and reporting all red cards that are from the National Intercollegiate Whatever his protests, Crossman vice president of academic affairs. thicket of information. issued at collegiate-level games. Soccer Officials Association and he is highly qualified and well-respected “Dr. Crossman works hard and has “The forest is so large! People might He takes his involvement in the served for two years as the president among his colleagues. “Dr. Crossman impeccable integrity.” get lost. Students are tech savvy, but organization seriously. “You need to of the men’s soccer coaches divi- is probably in the top one percent of not always savvy in finding the right information.” said Mindeman. Thus, the role of research as- sistance remains crucial. For those ourselves, we’d realize how foolish My friends can attest of my own in- the character of fellow Chris- fearing information technology and childish we can be. ability to be a mature adult (at most tians—and human beings with bringing unintended consequences, Letter I think the response to the Jack- times). But do we deserve respect? feelings—put in charge over us. Holberg continues to offer excellent son Pond edict bears witness. Many When we act childishly, should we Why wasn’t there a more mature aid as well as sound perspective. people—myself included—posted be treated like adults? written complaint given to the “There are lot of messianic dudes to the acerbic statements on Facebook. I agree that the administration administration? We can’t make that think technology is going Most of these were funny, but goes too far at times. I think a Covenant a better place unless we to save the world, but I’m more Editor others were foolish, mean, or both. communication gap and mutual work together in an environment comfortable using it as a tool. Not My own reaction falls into the distrust exists between both sides. of mutual respect. So until I learn an ideology. I think that is like realm of foolishness: stating that I At times it feels like many of the to engage in debate as a twenty- infusing a hammer with deep mean- reactivated my Facebook account things we hold dear are going three year old adult, I hope my ing. It is what you do with it. The to post a witless status on partying away: Jackson Pond, hammocks, friends and colleagues hold me library uses appropriate technology I wanted to respond to Mr. Lutz’s at Jackson Pond. I won’t name the cross dressing, the virgin sacrifice. accountable, and if need be, use a to accomplish its goal of managing article, “We’re All Adults Here.” I individual who made this com- And some things desperately need “stupidity filter” on me. information.” think Mr. Lutz makes a lot of good ment, but it was foolish and hot- to change: the RA process, how Recognizing the popularity of points—the administration should headed: “You know what? I don’t pranks are viewed, and the level - Timothy Van Vliet current e-readers, on March 2 the not take the role of our parents, think Ford should be allowed to of communication between the library will award a Kindle and a and college should be a time for us have children because I ‘feel that it administration and the student $150 Amazon gift certificate to a to grow up. How can we become may pose a risk’ to the betterment body. But we’ve gotten caught up student who participates in the Feb. adults if we’re not treated that way? of humanity.” Now I don’t want to in showing protest through Face- 21-28 campus-wide library survey. But I think that if we’re honest with get preachy on the student body. book statuses and in demonizing

Have a faculty quote you’d like to see published? Faculty Quote of the Week Email it to [email protected] “When they write the history of American civilization a thousand years from now, the Roman bread and circuses will seem like nothing next to Jerry Jones’ Pleasure Dome.” - Dr. Bill Davis weighs in on the Superbowl Features 3 The Verdict Yes... As the Marriage Mill Turns to being by Juliet Cangelosi began noticing Mary Anna (‘78) said he liked my mom more because friends had a crush on Jonathan, so [email protected] when he went to the library to work she rejected him,” said Adrienne. she wasn’t supposed to like him. friends. on The Bagpipe. Their daughter, The couple became engaged after However, the two eventually be- We’ve all heard it. “Marriage Mill sophomore Adrienne Belz, said that college, while Mary Anna was teach- came good friends. “From good con- No... on the Hill.” And, honestly, maybe during her parents’ junior year, “My ing in Georgia at LaFayette Elemen- versations to good long walks along to being it’s true. (If you’re still in denial, just mom would be on the side wall, back tary. Adrienne said, “When my dad the bluff trail, our friendship grew. I wait for spring. It’ll hit you like the by where the computers are now, would visit the classroom, he would guess one might call these dates but I more than Mack Truck of Love.) Many stu- listening to classical music.” get remarks from the other teachers didn’t see it that way,” said Jennifer. friends, dents on campus have parents who Their first official date was at the because he had an Iowan accent. My The two came from different met at Covenant, and we all know Spring Banquet of ‘77, and they mom’s coworkers told her, ‘He’s cute, backgrounds. “I was the typical apparently. faculty members who found their were a “couple” from then on. Once, but doesn’t he talk kinda funny?’” Lookout Mountain, private Chris- true love here. In honor of the Val- they went to the bluff and Andrew Clara Groene’’s parents, Jonathan tian school, PCA-raised girl. He entine season, The Bagpipe decided asked for permission to kiss her. (‘86) and Jennifer (‘85), met during was the Midwestern, public school, Letters to the to dig into the Covenant Romance Mary Anna turned to him and po- the fall of her junior year in Carter Catholic boy,” said, Jennifer. The editor are Archives for a few of these stories. litely replied, “No.” “My dad always Hall. She remembers that one of her couple became involved in New Clara DeMaster’s parents, Ron City Fellowship and taught a second welcome! (‘79) and Shelba (‘79), met for the grade Sunday school class together. first time as freshman at Covenant. One night later on, Jonathan told Send them by email to Although they were both music Jennifer to dress up and that he was [email protected], education majors, according to their going to take her “someplace nice.” with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line. daughter, senior Clara DeMaster, they Instead, they stopped at an old burnt didn’t spend a lot of time together. She down house that sat on the bluff Or send letters to: was an academic; he was an athlete. near the college entrance. The stone The Bagpipe The following year, one of Shelba’s foundation was all that remained. Box 689, 14049 Scenic Highway Lookout Moun- roommates was planning on serving A table was set up with candles and tain, GA 30750. for Madrigals with Ron. As it turned two good friends served a full meal. out, her roommate got sick and Under a full moon, they became of- Shelba took her place. “Apparently, ficially engaged. Jennifer said, “It was The Bagpipe she thought my dad was a dork at the most natural step to take. I was Established in 1955 first, but he wouldn’t give up on her. marrying my best friend.” That summer he visited her several According to Dr. Bruce Young, Hannah Vanbiber times, Wisconsin to Michigan, and his story of meeting his wife Cynthia Editor in Chief by the end of it they were ‘going is all about “how opposites attract.” steady,’” said Clara. Dr. Young is from San Francisco, on Sam Townes Managing Editor Ron proposed during their senior the west coast, while Mrs. Young hails year. Clara said he was “sitting on a from Newark, NJ on the east coast. Kathryn Jarrett couch in someone’s basement with no He’s white; She’s black. He came from Layout Editor ring.” Ron presented Shelba with the a “mostly middle class neighborhood ring a few months later in the Great in the city,” while she grew up in an Adrienne Belz News Hall. The couple was married on their inner-city housing project. He was Austin Humbles Arts graduation day at St. Elmo Presbyte- Presbyterian, she was Baptist. David Pifer Sports rian Church, and they held the recep- Young said they met during “the Annie Huntington Photo tion in the college’s Great Hall. early 1970’s through common friends Lianne Visser Copy Adrienne Belz’s dad, Andrew (‘77), in the ‘hippie’ group at Covenant.” Paul McLain Web Late-night conversations debating so- Grace Mullaney Opinion committee makes a recommenda- the best procedure possible for cial and political issues brought them Davis & Lutz Distribution tion to the Dean of Students. Ulti- students accused of violating the Stan- together. “Through our ‘debates’ we Committee mately, Voyles still has has the final dards of Conduct. “It’s an affirmation learned how much we enjoyed each Cliff Foreman continued from page 1 say but has expressed his intention that options are good, and the student other’s company, and most of our Faculty Advisor to seriously consider the committee’s should have that choice,” O’Ban said. time was spent laughing together.”

This is a Covenant College student publication Van Vliet explained. “They do not recommendation and abide with it Student Development respects the One time, Young borrowed a car to The views expressed herein do not necessarily vote in the hearing but they are a as long as it is consistent with previ- committee and is willing and eager take her out on a date, and he forgot reflect those of the College or the student body. source of support.” ous decisions and existing standards. to work with it to bring the best to release the emergency brake while 14049 Scenic Highway•Lookout When the hearing commences, the Although the committee has results in cases of student discipline. he was driving. “By the time the car Mountain, GA 30750 Dean of Students presents the case been in existence for years, it was Skrivan explained, “This first case got to the bottom of the mountain If you would like the Bagpipe to against the accused student and then not called into action until recently. also showed that although the ad- there were no brakes. I tried to stop run a story on something, send the student delivers their side of the “Most of the time, students claim ministration has the final say, they in the car by jumping out to hold it back your suggestion by email to story. Witnesses present their evidence responsibility when accused,” Voyles no way have abused this power and with my feet,” said Young. “Need- [email protected] with either verbally or through written explained. A Feb. 2 meeting marked leave the decision to the committee, less to say, that did not work, but we “Story Idea” in the subject line. evidence, and the student is given the “the first time the hearing actually while still offering guidance in order coasted safely into a parking lot.” chance to question all witnesses. went to completion,” said Student to avoid sanctioned inconsistencies.” He proposed to Cynthia in Carter For advertising inquiries, After all evidence is presented, the Senate Treasurer Aaron Skrivan. Additional information about the Lobby. “I’m so thankful she said ‘yes’ contact Hannah Vanbiber - Dr. Bill Davis weighs in on the Superbowl [email protected] committee deliberates and decides Student Senate hopes to continue Joint Judicial Committee is avail- as are our eight children and eight on a proper outcome. In closing, the to improve this system and provide able in the Student Handbook. grandchildren,” said Dr. Young. 4 Arts Chiddy Bang Takes Off

by Grant Thomas harmonies. popularity, and within two months, Go.” Between the mixtapes and EP, to upbeat synths that flaw- [email protected] Chiddy Bang is a dynamic duo Chiddy Bang was signed to the Chiddy Bang has also managed to lessly match the feel of MGMT’s consisting of Chidera "Chiddy" British recording label EMI. sample and remix Cee Lo Green, popular song. Although some of In the short space of two years, Anamege and Noah "Xaphoon In April of 2010, Chiddy Bang Tom Waits, and Radiohead. their songs are repetitive, on the Chiddy Bang has gone from being Jones" Beresin. The two met at released a shorter second mixtape Chiddy Bang’s lyrics cover a wide whole Chiddy and Xaphoon Jones unknown to getting “attention Drexel College in Philadelphia, but titled Air Swell, which sampled and range of topics: conflict in Nigeria merge their fresh beats and play- like a soldier in the military,” as have since dropped out of college remixed popular UK artists such as (where Chidera’s parents emigrated ful lyrics harmoniously. the lyrics from their popular song to focus on their musical career. In Gorillaz, La Roux, Ellie Goulding from), love of the hip-hop game, Chiddy Bang’s studio album “All Things Go” declare. Chiddy Feb. of 2009, the group released and even Mary Poppins. This past slums-to-riches stories, and party Peanut Butter and Swelly is due Bang produces a genre-defying a free mixtape named The Swelly October, they released a new EP anthems. They inject new life into early sometime this year. With no blend of hip-hop and electronica, Express. The album describes their titled The Preview. This latest work the songs that they use as samples. other artist presently aiming at masterfully merging the distinct journey from Philly to NYC to samples Passion Pit and features the For example, the song “Opposite of the same spot in the music scene, genres of hip hop and indie music meet music industry bigwigs. The unique Darwin Deez on “Bad Day” Adults,” starts off with the telltale Chiddy Bang has nowhere to go with catchy synth and auto-tuned mixtape enjoyed significant Internet and Sufjan Stevens on “All Things sound of “Kids,” but quickly turns but up. Bright Eyes Plays In a Different Key by Walter Somerville [email protected] ish account of the beginning of the ent in many of the songs as Oberst sublime. Oberst weaves mythological though the new album is much more world, comprised of lizard men struggles with both the desire for a metaphors and references to obscure experimental than anything the band Conor Oberst, frontman for indie and trans-dimensionality. Brewer’s concrete religious belief and a strong historical events into an intricate and has released. The instrumentation is trio Bright Eyes, has his share of bizarre religious views bookend aversion to the burden it would place engrossing tapestry that begs listen- complex and varied, ranging from eccentricities. He has cited Daniel several songs throughout the album, upon him. Other themes include ers to stop and contemplate their distorted guitars and 80’s synthesiz- Johnston, a songwriter who released prompting uncomfortable laughs postmodernism, the fate of children meanings and implications. ers, to more familiar implements much of his material from the and raised eyebrows in the critical born to immoral parents, and the Musically, The People’s Key falls such as acoustic guitar and piano. confines of a mental hospital, as a listener. realities present only in our strang- closest to the band’s 2005 electronica The opening song, “Firewall,” begins major influence. Although Oberst The theme of religiosity is pres- est dreams. The lyrics, as always, are album, Digital Ash in a Digital Urn, with dissonant guitar and an oppres- is no stranger to questions of sanity sive drum beat, only to break into a or mental inconsistencies, his lyrics funky Rhodes organ for the finale. have always remained coherent and It sounds like an identity crisis, his subject matter intimately relat- but it feels complete and unique, a able. On Bright Eyes’ newest album, testament to the talent and musical The People’s Key, Conor Oberst seems integrity of the band. to have finally followed his idol Though fans of the acoustic sound completely off the deep end - but heard in both I’m Wide Awake It’s somehow it works, making The Morning and Cassadaga may be People’s Key his most mature album disappointed by the percussive na- to date. ture of The People’s Key, Bright Eyes’ As with previous albums, The newest album is a masterpiece. If the People’s Key opens with a monologue, rumors are true that this is, in fact, setting the stage for themes explored their last album, it is a magnificent throughout the album. Danny swan song, worthy of the same ac- Brewer, a friend of Oberst’s, begins claim previous efforts received. the song “Firewall” with an outland- Arts 5

Liz Lawrenson: Lady Gaga I've always been curious about seeing Lady Gaga live, but tell myself I should just pre- serve her as a character in my mind. My imaginary Gaga is similar to Glinda the Good Witch in that floating bubble above Munchkinland, but in reality she can be the Wicked Q: Witch of the West at the same time. My relationship with Lady Gaga's music has been a cycle of admiration, obsession and heartbreak. Her aura is fueled by her voice, which is fed in turn by her eccentric Which costumes and attitude (or is it the opposite?). From the satisfying heartstrung "Speech- less" to the gutsy, explicit "Show Me Your Teeth", Lady Gaga has proven that she is a more complex character then she might appear at first glance. Her rockstar platform has favorite always been sex, fame, and self-sufficiency--but I'm afraid that Lady Gaga will eventu- ally have to quit believing in everything her stardom is built around. She's a human being, not Glinda or the Wicked Witch. Ultimately she can’t measure up to artist do the character I’ve constructed in my mind. No doubt she will mess up and stop believing in fame, sex, and self-sufficiency. I’d just be disappointed by a live show, because everyone there would try to be just like Lady Gaga - try to dress like her, try to sing like her, pretend they're you avoid self-sufficient, and desire fame and sex. In they end, they’ll be unsatisfied, just like her. Sam Townes: Hip-Hop Acts Without Live Instrumentation seeing live? Nothing ruins a treasured jam quicker than a half-drunk rapper and his hypemen barking verses over a canned BOOM BOOM…BOOM with a faint sample tinkling in the background, the ‘DJ’ nodding his head and expertly juggling the ‘play’, ‘pause’, and ‘skip’ buttons on his computer. I once attended a Wu-Tang affiliates’ concert where the instrumentals were pulled from an entourage member’s cell phone (I’ll leave the perform- ers unnamed lest I be slashed with liquid swords, earth-slammed, etc.). Even if these “Laptop ft. Live Vocalist” concerts don’t sound horrible, they fail from the standpoint of showmanship. Unless you’re a member of a rapper’s personality cult (read: groupie), it isn’t that interesting to watch a dude rattle off a verse you’ve already heard forty times. Best case scenario: “That sounds pretty much like it did on the album. He’s a great performer!” There simply isn’t enough happening on stage, unless you count the swarming sea of hypemen in the background (we are called legion, for we are many). As I noted in my review of a Wale & B.o.B. concert a few years back, a rapper and live band working in tandem is a beautiful, albeit improbable (due to hip-hop’s structural constraints), achievement. There is, however, a select scenario where a hip-hop act is worth seeing even if they don’t have a band: a capable freestyler in conjunction with a turntablist. This still fits within my general rubric, as I would argue that freestyling and scratching are kinds of live in- strumentation, though in isolation they fail to achieve the improvisational, collaborative vibe you get from a rapper interacting with a live band. Ideally, of course, a great hip-hop show will have all three: a live band, freestyling, and scratching. If you find yourself at a show with none of these, your best bet is to join the hypemen and groupies in their ancient, ineffable rituals.

Luke Mosher: The Mars Volta No band has a higher “I like this band” versus “I would never see them live” ratio than The Mars Volta. They’re one of the better modern progressive bands, and their albums are charged with more electrified guitars, aggressive horns, and weird time signatures than you can shake a stick at. The Mars Volta is like a jazz band composed of metalhead members, who drop acid before they record. The band is almost always out of control, teetering on the edge of melody and dissonance, or beyond that, dissonance and out- right chaos. Part of the fun of listening to them is seeing whether they can pull up out of their nosedive, or if they barrel straight into the mountain. In a live venue, however, I’m afraid that the core of the band, guitarist and composer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez and singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala, would purposefully choose to accelerate into said mountain. You might happen to go to the show where Rodriguez-Lo- pez decides to insert a 20 minute bridge of nothing but noise into the middle of a song. Or maybe Rodriguez-Lopez will play in an entirely different key and tempo than the rest of the band. Or maybe Bixler-Zavala will make up new lyrics on the spot. On one live recording of “The Widow,” arguably their best known single (the only one to make the Billboard charts or receive significant airplay), he forgets his own lyrics just a few lines in. Everything that makes The Mars Volta exciting in the studio makes them self-destruc- tive live. Taking risks in the studio is fine because if it doesn’t work, then it’s just “cut” and “take two.” Taking risks live is done at the expense of the audience, and with the price of tickets these days, I’d rather stay home and listen to them on my stereo. 6 Opinion ANNIE HUNTINGTON

The Miseducation of a Nation by Mitch Prentis the much larger problem that is teacher salaries and job security to cation students are required to have future teachers to major in a defined [email protected] public education. individual classroom test perfor- an area of specialty, and while I think academic discipline, and then add With the advent of public school- mance, teachers were incentivized this is a nod in the right direction, the education courses and classroom There are few professions as ing and the increasingly pitiful to do whatever necessary to produce the ideology is still flawed. When theory. This, at the very least, seems noble as teaching. I am person- state of academic achievement in ‘good looking’ scores. Schools also learning becomes something other to put the process in the right order. ally thankful for each and every the United States, the desire for an began looking to collegiate educa- than content- and knowledge-ori- This evident shift in our public teacher that I have had through- objective metric of learning rose to a tion degrees as the measure of who ented, it seems that we have missed education departments bespeaks out my academic career. The task clamoring demand. To some extent, ought to be hired and who was the boat. This is not to say that all the approach which our nation of training and shaping young this was a sensible and even prudent qualified to teach, hence the neces- classroom techniques are worthless has taken with education. In our people and their minds is one that request; if you can’t measure a prob- sity of having a teaching certificate bunk--they certainly have a time attempts to turn learning into a sci- is both vital and necessary to our lem, it becomes awfully hard to tell to teach in the public school system. and a place--but to value them over entific formula through standard- future and our flourishing. how much progress is being made in Education programs around the the knowledge that has traditionally ized tests, certificates, and “teach- That being said, I think the fixing it. This clamor brought about country have taken a similar turn. been the territory of education can ing methods,” we have lost some of idea of “education” as a spe- a new focus on standardized testing, Rather than focusing on the content be nothing other than faulty. what education and learning used cific major and a department which soared to new heights under being taught, our programs focus Much of this ideological change to mean. We don’t need teachers of academic study is decidedly the Bush-era No Child Left Behind on the methods being used to teach. has come as a result of the miserable, who know only methods of teach- backwards. This is not intended legislation. And so the primary This puts the cart before the horse; bureaucratic state of public education. ing tests, we need teachers who to belittle anyone in the education vehicle through which measurement to concentrate more on the methods It is lamentable that the earmark of a know what to teach. The process by department. However, I think of how much a child is learning - of teaching than on what is being “good teacher” is nothing more than which information is passed seems the fact that education degree and how well a teacher is teaching taught is inherently backward. This a teaching certificate; our system of of paltry importance in comparison programs are so prevalent in our - became test scores. system produces students who know evaluation ought to be much deeper. to the actual knowledge conveyed. culture and collegiate system is As the government increasingly very well how to take a standardized New programs, like Covenant’s The time has come for us to focus indicative of the quick fix that our tied funds to district test scores, and test, but have learned little else. Master’s Program in Teaching, are a less on how we teach children, and country has tried to throw upon individual schools in turn attached I understand that upper level edu- step in the right direction, as it allows more on what we teach them. Stemming the Tide of Anti-Americanism by Ben Scott College--has gone too far. outside of America. From all of my life with identity problems. America gave most aid to tsunami, earthquake, [email protected] Anti-Americanism sees America experiences outside of America I have me hope for a better future and an flood, or hurricanestricken coun- as a negative force in the world. It is come to one conclusion: America is environment in which to achieve my tries. We might not do it perfectly, There is a danger facing our country overly critical of American capital- exceptional. Our Declaration of In- dreams. but we always lead the way in giving. and our values. In my opinion it is ism and American innovation. It dependence, constitution, free market This country consistently sacrifices America is not without faults. It one of America’s greatest problems. It consistently casts America in the role system, and religious heritage all con- the lives of her citizens to fight on took the deaths of more than half is not a danger we like to talk about, of the aggressor and oppressor. While tribute to America’s unique identity. behalf of others. America fought with a million Americans to end the evil and it is prevalent here at Covenant. these criticisms are well-intentioned, I America is great because it is the Europe and Asia against the evils of system of slavery. It took another It is the danger of anti-Americanism. think they go too far and that the atti- land of opportunity. Many of our Nazi Germany and put an end to hundred years to end racial segrega- American youth tend to be overly tude behind them hurts our country. forefathers immigrated to America in the slaughtering of 12 million Jews, tion in our country. We have many critical of our weaknesses and failures I am a missionary kid. I lived four hopes of a better life. In many cases, Christians, homosexuals, gypsies, faults in our history of imperialism as a country. We tend to want to and a half years in Nairobi, Kenya America welcomed them and gave and other marginal groups in the and in our immigration policy. The rebel against our heritage and create and eight years in Berlin, Germany. them the chance to make that life. Holocaust. Vietnam War was an unnecessary controversy. But our society at large- I have traveled to nineteen countries, Personally, America welcomed me: a Time and time again, the United continued on page 7 -including many of us at Covenant and spent most of my childhood troubled, searching fourteen-year-old States is a forerunner in giving the Opinion 7 ANNIE HUNTINGTON Getting Down with Speaking Up Bagpipe Staff in difficult conversations while young [email protected] women were encouraged to attend In the last year and a half, 75 opinion conferences on “authentic beauty” articles were written for the Bagpipe. and “purity.” I am not knocking pu- 60 of those articles were written by rity and authentic beauty, but there is men. Is this an odd coincidence? Are something wrong with neglecting to women really less inclined to share engage a person’s full humanity. It is their opinion in the Bagpipe? If so, wrong for women to solely attend to where does this hesitancy come from? modesty, purity, and being a house- We asked three women to reflect on wife (as valuable as those subjects are). their experience sharing opinions. Growing up in these environ- ments, I developed a kind of chip Adrienne Belz on my shoulder. I assumed I needed I love that I get to write for the to be ultra-intelligent, funny, and Bagpipe. I love that I can write articles thoughtful just to be heard. Sharing whenever I want. I find it hard to an opinion became a way to prove understand why I am part of just a something. I have slowly worked handful of women that take the time myself out of this self-made trap, but to write articles for this paper. I have I still occasionally find myself hesi- my fair share of insecurities, but by tant to share my opinion, wonder- attempting things like writing and ing if people will listen to me with sharing my opinions I’ve learned to ANNIE HUNTINGTON the same ears they will listen to the become more confident in my abilities. worried that presenting my opinion what matters and to passionately around me, even if my opinions bring man I’m arguing with. I know many For some reason, young men at passionately will sound emotional or show that it is important to you. judgment or arguement. women who share this reluctance. Covenant seem to respond to those in over-exaggerated, and that my opinion Of course, women can also make At Covenant College we are sur- charge of them and the decisions au- will be dismissed as invalid. Interest- level-headed, logical arguments. But Grace Mullaney rounded by female professors and thority figures make by writing articles ingly, when a man expresses a strong for me it was important to realize that The churches I grew up in had women like Dr. Kathleen Nielson. about rules on smoking or being nude opinion I automatically assume they presenting that rational argument with shortage of thoughtful women. They’re are thoughtful and academic- on halls. Women seem content to sit have sufficient knowledge on the topic passion and determination is valuable Women’s Bible studies I went to -the kind of women I never encoun- on the sidelines, reading those articles. they are discussing. These fears may and right. Embracing passion allows me ended up centering on how a passage tered at my local church. As young I’m not calling for an outright not ring true to all women, but they to share my thoughts without worrying made us “feel,” and what “lesson” we women at Covenant, we have the rebellion, but I know that women honestly describe my experience. about ridding my opinion of emotion. had learned. These Bible studies fell opportunity to leave behind any have good things to say. Women have I tend to write off any emotion- As much as I feared writing this short of any actual study. After a while reductionist understanding of women valuable contributions to make in dis- ally charged ideas. I subconsciously article, I knew it was a step in changing I started going to ones led by men. we learned as young people. We have cussions, but for some reason many of feel that a rational, logical thought the bias in my own mind. My thoughts This is by no means the rule or the gift of a place that encourages all them aren’t articulating those thoughts process is safer. After all, thoughts do not stem from some overly-emo- even the norm. However, there was a people to embrace their humanity, in written or spoken form. devoid of emotion are likely to be less tional opinion but rather a readiness to tendency in the Christian circles I ran to share their opinions, and to think Be eager to speak, whether it be for fallacious. Furthermore, as a female reject passivity and accept the challenge in to encourage young men to think deeply. Let us work towards that end- the Bagpipe or even at the lunch table. I want to avoid being roped into the to be an active part of conversations deeply, attend seminary, and engage -male and female alike. Talk to people that know more than stereotypical ‘woman’ category which you. Don’t just know your opinion. assumes that every decision is based Let others know what you’re thinking, on inconsistent feelings. But does too. We all could use an exercise in feeling passionate about a topic nec- sharing our opinions. essarily mean you’re irrational? Emo- tion is equally as important as reason, Shelby Knapke and both can be used tactfully to It’s intimidating to even think present a persuasive argument. It is about writing an opinion article. I am respectable and right to argue about ‘merica do. Have we done obscene things? Yes, continued from page 6 we have. How did our people learn about them? They learned about them tragedy. We have intervened in on television and in the newspapers.” regional conflicts in which our pres- At the end of the day, I am proud ence was not appropriate. to be an American. I am proud to be I like how former Democratic Sen. a part of the American story. I have Daniel Patrick Moynihan put it. “Am done my fair share of criticizing my I embarrassed to speak for a less than country where criticism is needed. perfect democracy? Not one bit. Find Yet I have had enough of the overly me a better one. Do I suppose there anti-American spirit around campus are societies that are free of sin? No, I and in our classrooms. It’s unaccept- don’t. Do I think ours is on balance able and shameful. It’s time to face incomparably the most hopeful set of the truth. There is no country like our ANDREW SHAUGNESSY human relations the world has? Yes, I own. We are truly blessed to live here. 8 Sports

GARRETT REID an explanation of the How It’s Done: men’s basketball strategy by Tyler Smith help to educate the questioning fan. factor contributing to the inconsis- shot for a teammate. The Princeton games, and has had a chance to win [email protected] tency is injuries, and the Scots have relies on every player on the court to several of them, including the recent Consistency: The men’s basketball had their fair share of those this season. pass, decoy, and shoot with consis- heartbreaker to Sewanee. Further- “Winning” and “Covenant College program in the past four years has seen For evidence of this, one need not look tency. Coach Taylor decided to run more, comparing the numbers to last men’s basketball” are words that have three different coaches. In the summer any further than key players Damien this offense this year, figuring it would year we see an improvement, as only not been associated with one another of 2008, Nathan Kirkpatrick took Chaney and Kasey Chambers, who are better fit with the team’s current two of the twenty-two losses were by for quite some time now. In fact, the over as head coach after Andy Euler both currently out due to hand and a personnel. But learning it is no easy five points or less in that season. Covenant College men’s basketball resigned. After one short and unsuc- foot injuries, respectively. Injuries to task, and becoming good at it is even team has not seen a winning season cessful year, Kirkpatrick was gone. Last players make running a system that more difficult. It takes most programs Looking Forward: With five games for over a decade, but going into this year, Head Coach Kyle Taylor took much more difficult, and limit the several years to master it due to its remaining on the schedule, the Scots season, most players and fans felt a over, and now in his second year, has amount of personnel that can have an complexity, but when run correctly, can still end on a strong note. The sense of optimism. There were many had an “extended stay” by Covenant impact on a game. it can be devastating to defenses. purpose of this article was not to make returning players, a new offense to basketball standards. This lack of con- Unfortunately, this is just year one for excuses for the 4-16 record that the better suit this team, and a returning sistency in the coaching position is a The Princeton: When most people this offense, so we may have to wait a Scots have posted to this point, but coach. Yet while the expectations were challenging thing for any player to deal think of the Princeton offense they couple more years to reap its benefits. rather to educate the casual basketball high heading into the season, the team with, and it can be very problematic think Ivy League schools running an fan that may not know or see the has only managed to put together a for any athletic program. For instance, extremely confusing offensive scheme. Buzzer Beaters: To better un- struggles that this team goes through. below average 4-16 record with just every coach comes in with a different The offense requires constant rotation derstand the loss column let’s take With a coach that is hopefully staying five games remaining in the season. style, offense, recruits, and strategy. from all five players on the court a look at the numbers. Out of the aboard for more than a year or two, This has left the fans of Covenant Having to learn a new offense every and the ball to constantly be passed team’s sixteen losses, nine of them an offense that--once mastered--can basketball wondering just where things year is not an easy task, and some play- around in order to disrupt the oppos- have been by less then ten points. Of dominate solid defensive schemes, and went wrong. While there is no surefire, ers who were recruited two coaches ing defense. A player will often run those nine, five have been lost by five hard play late into games, the men’s apparent answer, a simple inquiry into ago find themselves playing in their as a “decoy” to draw a defender away points or less. This tells us that our team can bridge the gap between win- a few key areas of the program may third system in four years. Another from the basket and open up an easy team has been competitive in most ning and Covenant basketball. Covenant Athletics by the Numbers Scores 10: Number of scouts who attended Covenant baseball’s inter-squad scrimmage in the fall. 9: Amount of home runs hit by junior Taylor Oldham last season to lead the baseball team in that category. Men’s Basketball vs. Sewanee (52-55 L) 21: Number of wins – and losses – by a baseball team who finished at .500 last season. 5: Amount of home runs hit, apiece, by softball team leaders Courtney Wagoner (sophomore) and Beth Harris (junior). Women’s Basketball vs. Sewanee (52-46 W) 1: Number of away wins posted by the softball team last season. Women’s Basketball vs. Spelman (41-72 L) 8: Day in February when the tennis teams will start their 2011 season at Berry College. Women’s Basketball vs. Agnes Scott (50-62 L) 4: Number of wins, apiece, that both the men's and women's basketball teams had through Monday night.