College Review Opinion Allison Brown reviews Josh Low and Jay Meg Ryan's latest flick Sulzmann offer their Against the Ropes. viewpoints on the liv- The movie also-stars ing wage. Omar Epps. 4

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Living wage debate thrives in Memphis 120 living wage cam- threshold may account for this; creasing overall earnings in the ductively employed at these By Michelle Hope are over paigns in cities and counties indeed, according to the Census workforce. higher wages (The Commercial As proposals to mandate a liv- around the country. Bureau, the poverty line increased In response to this, Professor Appeal, January 9, 2004). ing wage in the city of Memphis For the most part, the living from $18,248 per year for a fam- Bethany Peters in the Rhodes Eco- It seems then that the living move towards serious consider- wage is consistently proposed as ily of four in 2000 to $18,400 in nomics Department calls attention wage would have an overall in- ation by the city council, it seems a way for local governments, 2002. This rise occurred along- to the theoretical implications of hibiting effect on the economy of only natural that the fire behind school districts and universities side an increase in the number raising the minimum wage based Memphis. Indeed, as Daniel con- the living wage debate has been to address concerns about those of people living in poverty from on standard neoclassical models. tinues, the increase in taxes re- reignited. A living wage, as op- forced to live below the poverty 11.7 percent in 2001, to 12.1 per- She states that even though the quired to subsidize higher wages posed to the minimum wage, is line. A living wage campaign cent in 2002. The living wage living wage will draw more people will inhibit incentives to work and one that enables an individual and works to pass legislation that re- campaigns hope to correct this into the labor force, firms will hire invest in the economy, leading to their family to live above the pov- quires companies to pay a living downward spiraling and offer a fewer workers if the wage is minimum economic growth. Ris- erty line (the federal poverty level wage to their workers. The Mem- comfortable and sustainable stan- higher. Thus, there is an increase ing tax burdens and reduced em- is $18,400 per year for a family phis Living Wage Campaign de- dard of living to all workers. in economic unemployment (the ployment opportunities will slow of four). Thus, the living wage fines a living wage as $20,000 per Perhaps the strongest argu- difference between the number population growth, which itself campaign aims to raise the mini- year, not including employer-pro- ment against living wage ordi- of workers willing to work and the affects economic growth. In ad- mum wage, currently at $5.15 an vided health care benefits. This nances is the fact that increasing number of workers firms will hire) dition, if the living wage ordi- hour, to the living wage. equals around $10 per hour. the minimum wage to the living when there is an increase in the nance does raise the general wage Overall, Ciscel, a professor of The Memphis Living Wage wage may lead to inflation. How- minimum wage. Level, the increase in workforce Economics at the University of Coalition includes twenty-seven ever, advocates of the program Also, she adds, even though costs will inhibit competition Memphis, estimates that for a member groups, congregations still insist that the social benefits it is true that workers who are within the market place (The Com- single parent living in Memphis, and faith groups, community or- far outweigh the economic costs. still working will get greater ben- mercial Appeal, January 9, 2004). a living wage would constitute ganizations and labor unions, as Overall, the most obvious advan- efits due to the higher minimum Despite this, the Living Wage earnings of around $26,128 per well as a number of concerned in- tage of the living wage is the in- wage, some workers who would Organization suggests that evi- year compared to the $10,712 a dividuals. According to the Liv- crease in quality of life for those have ajob under the current mini- dence from cities that already year earned by a full time worker ing Wage Organization, the ba- who currently live below the pov- mum wage will be jobless. Fur- have living wage laws indicates on minimum wage (Living Wage sic premise behind the living wage erty line (around 12.1 percent of thermore, Professor Coldwell that most of the costs of living Research). The concept of a liv- campaign is that no one who un- the population). In addition, and Daniel, who teaches Economics at wage ordinances are absorbed by ing wage has numerous disadvan- dertakes full-time legitimate em- according to the Living Wage Or- the University of Memphis, be- businesses through reduced train- tages and advantages, all of which ployment should be forced to live ganization, though living wage lieves that the introduction of a ing and recruitment costs or by have been subject to much de- below the poverty line where ba- laws help ensure that individual living wage would have a serious small reductions in profits. Evalu- bate. sic needs for a comfortable and workers and their families main- effect on the "distribution of ations of living wage laws found At the center of these de- sustainable lifestyle remain tain at least a minimal standard wealth and the growth of per no evidence of job loss, and the bates are the living wage cam- unmet. Moreover, living wage or- of living, the benefits of in- capita income in our city" (The costs of contracts for the city in- paigns, which lobby for the pass- dinances work to change the creased economic activity as a Commercial Appeal, January 9, creased by only insignificant ing of such legislation. Living downward trend in incomes for result of this are spread through- 2004). In an article in The Com- amounts. There is also the fact that Wage Research estimates that low-wage workers. out the community. To be cer- mercial Appeal, he states that where there may be small increases there are 106 living wage ordi- Indeed, though the minimum tain, an increase in income leads "any increase in wages that is not in costs to taxpayers (primarily be- nances (locations where a living wage has increased over the past to an increase in consumerism, induced by the operation of a cause of city workers' wages being wage is instated) enforced by 98 few years to accommodate which ultimately benefits the competitive free market transfers raised by the ordinance), there will counties and cities, 3 universi- changes in consumerism, defini- economy. Thus, the living wage wealth from those who pay the likely be an accompanying reduc- ties and 4 other local jurisdictions tions of what it means to live com- benefits the community by reduc- necessary increase in the cost of tion in the cost of public assistance in 31 states. It is thought that fortably have changed. Thus, ing the costs of public assistance. products to those who receive the for low-wage workers that taxpay- with an average wage of $11.25 economists have identified a Moreover, living wages not only higher wages. But unless the ers currently bear (Daniel, The Com- per hour without health benefits downward spiraling of incomes for benefit those who earn them, higher wages are subsidized by a mercial Appeal, January 9, 2004). (more than double the current wage workers (i.e. those paid per but also workers at many dif- source from outside the market, The content of such debate federal minimum wage) these hour instead of an annual salary). ferent wage levels due to the the process yields a loss for which makes it clear that the issues ordinances are being adopted at Some suggest that the ever- fact that the overall wage there is no compensation." Thus, Living wage, continued on Page 5 a rate of one every month. There changing nature of the poverty threshold is pushed upwards,~~-~~~.~~.-~~---- in- fewer wage earners can be -pro----- ...- I. _ at----.---- '--~L3~ OPNION Wednesdav F hriar 25, 2004 " -ii

ASSOCIATE EDITOR ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Erin Hoekstra Autumn Brice NEws EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR Frances Rabalais Jack Baber THE SOU'WESTER OPINION EDITOR THE RNODE'STER EDITOR founded 1848 Chris Ebersole Caroline Bishop FORUM EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Christian Masters Miriam Dolin EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amber Show COPY AND LAYOUT EDITOR Amy Barnette BUSINESS MANAGER Elizabeth Maxey EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Lauren Wilder Layout designed by Amber Show and Frances Rabalais Member of the Associated College Press (ACP) Letter to the editor death." Homosexuals were in- and individuals who have suffered Professor Drompp, deed persecuted, tortured and more, and that it would be just as I respectfully concede your killed by the Nazis, as were many unfair to compare my situation point. I made a terrible error when other minorities, and I regret with that of I wrote that "Homosexuals, Mus- the falsehoods that I used in a re- persecuted homosexuals, Muslims lims and the poor have not been cent response to another student. after 9/11 or any other group as it herded into cattle cars by the mil- Although the example would be to compare those victims lions and transported to facilities I provided was hasty and flawed, with any Albanian persecuted by in which they were tortured my point still stands that no mat- Milosovic, for example. There are before being gassed or burned to ter what, there will always groups endless examples of "worse," and I unfortunately chose a bad one FRIENDS WORLD PROGRAM. when making that argument. For that I sincerely apologize, but I stilL think that particular point has merit despite a very poor illustra- Live, Study and Work tion. Furthermore, I think it impor- Abrod 'While Earning tant to re-emphasize the purpose of the original opinion piece that College Credit sparked this particular debate. I was not writing so that students for Japan «Chna and faculty should feel sorry on my door; England * India me and the posters Costa Rica that portion of the piece was meant merely to illustrate a dis- Y; io 1,t1 ,,-rn _ .,i it, connect I see, especially in to T twsan India academia: lip service is played Thal and diversity, but somehow the goal of diversity of ideas doesn't extend far enough to include conservative political thought. Traditional mi- norities are not the only ones who experience irrational behavior I %l~F k1~tliJMJ chLd from cLoseminded individuaLs, and IndcrCV TI; P~a hf&xrgY a person should be held account- tr-rr;rik I~ aax~~sr able for his or her prejudices re- gardless of political leanings. Again, please accept my apol- ogy for the undeniably inaccurate rtlulltYil statements I made previously. (631) 287-8474 Alex Hornaday '05 e-mnail: twallu.edu Have an opinion? wwW.11uP.adu*.clsworld Editor's note: The letter is a response to the Professor Michael Share it with us! Drompp's letter in the February 18 edition. iNW spzo Travei Incentive Award submit your letters to [email protected] fo Fal 2.0 iiigSuet - ~ ---~~ THESOU'WESTER \I~rJ~~rrJ~ll ~-~~rllRnl 3~ 3nnn rIJJ 5I1 I A- J U VVct'JI lt,[My 7 OPINIoN Student Viewpoints: The Living Wage JAY SULZMANN JOSHUA LOW Government must step up An ill-conceivedsolution where business has failed to a real problem a group supply), which in turn leads to When you graduate from many people, but I will not ac- Having people paid a living On February 5, 2003, in- higher prices. This calls into Rhodes, how many jobs should cept a society that says that our wage does not significantly in- of Tennessee state legislators cluding State Representative Paul question the benefits even to you have to work to survive? poverty levels are the best that crease costs for businesses. As those who remain employed at Two? Three? Should you have to can be done. Requiring busi- Jay Sulzmann has pointed out Stanley (R-Memphis) introduced local the higher rate. Increasing my work 70 hours a week just so that nesses to pay a minimum wage on Rhodes Connect, wage costs House Bill 421 to prevent "liv- salary does not do me much your family can live above pov- has helped many people. Re- are only part of the cost of do- governments from enacting The bill good if my expenses are going erty? Could you get by on Less quiring businesses to pay a liv- ing business. Furthermore, ing wage" ordinances. up just as fast. than 10 dollars an hour with a ing wage has been proven to wage costs are not the only part passed the state Senate in March, a vote in the Specific aspects of many family? The answers to these benefit workers. A living wage of labor costs for a business. 2003 and awaits living wage ordinances only questions lead many people to is not a cure all for societal ills, Recruitment is a major cost for House this year. In the meantime, for criti- make their consequences suggest that wages should be but it will help a considerable a business. Training workers is it has become a flashpoint living worse. In many cities, the liv- higher. The federal minimum amount of people. another significant cost for cism from supporters of a hot topic of de- ing wage applies only to com- wage is $5.15 an hour, equaling A living wage is a wage that business. A study done at the wage laws, and panies doing business with the $10,712 a year. These wages are is enough to allow a worker and University Of Massachusetts at bate here at Rhodes as well. de- municipal government. A fre- not enough to live in Memphis. his or her family to escape pov- Amherst found that increasing A living wage is typically corre- quently cited study by econo- It simply takes more than ten erty. Economist Dr. David Ciscel wages to a living wage would fined as a mandated wage at or above mist David Neumark found that thousand dollars to survive in of the University of Memphis only increase labor costs by less sponding to a salary such limited ordinances prima- Memphis. This raises a moral has done a study of wages and than one percent (Working Pa- the federally defined poverty line. rily benefit employees of the question-Is it right to allow com- costs in Memphis detailing what per Nine). More broadly, it encompasses any wage municipal government, while panies to pay poverty wages? a living wage is. A living wage The costs of raising wages local rule setting a minimum or state leading to a 7% increase in un- This question becomes more does not provide for luxuries of the lowest incomes need not higher than the federal of HB 421 employment in job sectors not tenuous when it is applied to such as occasionally dining out be passed on to consumers. minimum. Opponents argu- bound by the living wage! This companies that are contracting or even getting a candy bar out Raising the wages of a certain have mustered two distinct they is the worst of both worlds for with the city of Memphis. In of the vending machine. He group of people happens all of ments against the bill. First, idea the average worker. Also, ty- other words, some tax dollars found that for a family of one the time. The New York Times say, the living wage is a good poverty; ing the living wage to the pov- are going to companies that pay guardian and one child an in- reported that CEO pay rose 6 that can help to reduce not pro- erty line is inefficient because wages so low that people are come of about $26,000 was percent, which is faster than it should be encouraged, per- many families have two wage- either working more than 40 needed to survive in Memphis. inflation. Wage compression hibited. Second, even if you is a earners. A $9.50/hour mini- hours a week or are on public The Memphis Living Wage Coa- could be used by businesses to sonally think the living wage mum wage (fairly typical of assistance just to make ends lition, a group of community reduce overall labor costs while bad idea, local governments meet. groups, churches and other re- paying working families a liv- should be able to decide for them- existing statutes) means that one. a family with two full-time Once the moral argument ligious associations, and labor able wage. After all, the CEO selves whether or not to have as ef- workers will take in a minimum that people should be able to organizations, defines a living does not have to choose be- If the living wage were poverty as of $38,000 a year. That hap- support themselves on one job wage as $10.00 an hour with tween paying the doctor bills fective a tool against would be pens to be slightly above the has been established, the search health insurance. and eating. its supporters insist, it The average household income in for the solution to poverty be- Some people are opposed As for job loss, economists worth serious consideration. tell a the U.S. today. In effect, this gins. One method that has been to requiring businesses and gov- debate this. Some say that economic facts, however, to kind of living wage tries to attempted is a governmental ernment to pay a living wage. raising wages increases unem- very different story. It is easy wage make everyone's income above assistance program to raise the Some people say that it is bad ployment. Some say that it look at cities that have living average - an obviously unreal- incomes of impoverished people for business. Some say that does not. In the late 1960's, ordinances and find individual have been istic goal. above the poverty line by giving costs will increase for consum- the minimum wage was as high workers whose lives case stud- But why not let local gov- them money. Other subsides ers. Some people say that a as ever, but unemployment was improved. But selective of the ernments make the decision have been tried, such as food living wage will cause job loss. low. In 1997, the minimum ies miss the broader impact of the dra- for themselves? The Neumark stamps and Section 8 vouchers. None of these arguments hold wage was increased. The im- living wage. Because the study finding that living wages While I am not going to argue the much water. pact on the unemployment fig- matically higher wage rates, primarily benefit local govern- merits and faults of these pro- In Memphis, business pro- ures is indiscernible. cost of doing business increases ment employees suggests one grams at this time, the fact re- duces far more income than is Enacting a living wage or- substantially. Firms have little obvious answer. Pursuing a mains that many people work needed to pay a living wage for dinance would be good for choice but to lay off workers. statewide policy, in fact, and Live below the poverty line. every single worker in Mem- Memphis. If you want to be- Thus, while some workers are bet- sense for a Business has FAILED to pro- phis. Looking at only labor in- come involved in the campaign ter off because they are getting makes eminent are worse off state like Tennessee. Economic vide for thousands of workers come, Dr. Ciscel found that to help many working families, paid more, others is heavily and their families. Over 20 per- there is $32,000 of labor in- please contact the Memphis because they now have no income activity in Tennessee concentrated in three or four cent of all Memphis residents live come per job in Memphis. Yet, Living Wage Coalition at 901- at all. It gets even more compli- business is not paying a living 332-3570 or go to cated: laying off workers may in poverty. Business certainly Ill-conceived, continued on Page 2 does provide a livable wage for wage to every worker. www.midsouthinterfaith.org. mean cutting production (reduced

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THESOU'WESTER Wr.~rnpclnWednesdnJU I Fphr,hrunLII/ 2571j 2fl0004 flws I Living wage, continued from Page 1 Judy Shepard speaks at Rhodes surrounding the living wage are On October 12, 1998, Mat- CampusSafety By Ashley Kutz 2.14.04-2.20.04 fraught. On the one hand, it can thew Shepard died. Mrs. Shepard seriously improve the lives of those Judy Shepard is a self-proclaimed remembers "praying over him and 2/14 NOTHING UNUSUAL REPORTED currently surviving below the pov- "mom with a story and many opin- for ourselves" because she real- erty,line and bring economic pros- ions." Her lecture, sponsored by FOS- ized that their "suffering was just 2/15 4:29 p.m. Spann Place, vandalism inside a perity to the community byincreas- TER, chronicled her own experience beginning." room, report filed. ing market consumerism. However, with the death of her son and her After reconciling herself and it is also possible that the benefits subsequent work in hate crimes pre- her family, Judy began doing ev- 2/16 NOTHING UNUSUAL REPORTED of such a program will be confined vention. Her hope is that by sharing erything possible to put an end to to city employees, while rising costs her grief, she will make the world a hate crimes because she "does 2/17 4:30 p.m. Tutwiler Street; received call from resi- and tax burdens will actually lead to more accepting place. not want this to happen anymore." dent on Tutwiler concerning a suspicious a slowing of economic growth. Matthew Shepard was enrolled at Education is one of her priorities man. CS responded and made ID of sub- Thus, the overall issue surrounding the University of Wyoming in Oc- because hate crimes "happen ject and found him to be harmless. the living wage, and the possible tober 1998 when he was fatally because people are ignorant and instatement of a living wage ordi- beaten and tortured by two men fearful." She adamantly argues 2/18 NOTHING UNUSUAL REPORTED nance in the city of Memphis or in- because he was gay. The savagery that "hate isa teamed behavior" deed anywhere in the country, has of the crime and its motivation that is "handed down from gen- 2/19 9:45 a.m. Soloman practice field; property serious consequences both for the made national headlines, shocked eration to generation." Hate "di- damage, photos are taken and incident economy and society, for those di- the Laramie community and dev- minishes us" and "makes us report filed. rectly affected by changes to mini- astated the Shepard family. less"-there is a better alterna- 6:19 p.m. Lynx Lair parking area; Aramark mum wage, and for the population As Judy Shepard dealt with her tive, and she believes that with employee, infant daughter is locked in as a whole. grief, she received expressions of effort everyone can leam it. side a car, with car keys inside. MFD is The question then remains why sympathy and support from across Judy Shepard has testified called; they respond and free child from it is that we as students should the nation. Ultimately, she found pur- before the U.S. Senate's Judiciary vehicle, no one is hurt. take an active interest in the liv- pose in joining the effort against hate Committee in support of hate ing wage debate; what impact crimes and considers her work as a crimes legislation and has ap- 2/20 2:45 a.m. Ellett dorm, officer is called by RA to in-- does it have on our lives, both daily tribute to her son. peared in television announce- vestigate an unusual incident, report is now and for The presentation began with a ments aimed at curbing anti-gay filed. the future? For this, Professor Peters believes that video response to hate crimes, violence and promoting a greater 4:10 a.m. Tutwiler street; three cars are broken "students at Rhodes will be af- which centered on the Matthew understanding of gay issues. She into. MPD is called and respond with dog fected by an increase in the mini- Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. inci- also has become active in the or- squad. Officers search area for hours, to mum wage [for the simple rea- dents. This video recounted not ganization, Parents, Families and find suspect, but no one is found. Report son] that it will be more difficult only the details of each of these Friends of Lesbians and Gays is filed. to find a job while in college." hate crimes, but also provided in- (PFLAG), and has established the TATS: Indeed, the already-competitive sight into areas of progress, and ar- Matthew Shepard Foundation to ACCESSES: 106 VISITORS: 1,187 nature of the job market makes eas that have not yet changed. carry on Matthew's personal in- CITATIONS: 108 PROPPED DOORS: 1 this is an important issue, espe- . Mrs. Shepard shared her Victim terest in social justice ESCORTS: 21 JUMP: 1 cially for those students needing Impact Statement, which was pre- Her lecture shifted from her BOOT: 1 TOW: 0 to work either for economic rea- pared for the Court in an effort to personal testimony about her son sons or because of the valuable attempt to express the impact of her to the currently controversial sub- Ill-conceived, continued from Page 3 about 12% of their income in work experience it may provide. loss and illustrate "what Matthew's ject of homosexual marriage. She With regards the future, Pro- life and death" means to their fam- cited Massachusetts's recent le- large metropolitan areas. If state taxes, while the top fessor Peters hopes that the is- ily.Matthew had "such hopes for the galization of homosexual mar- Memphis or Nashville were to 20% pay about 4%. And that sues surrounding the concept of future, his future." He was "a friend, riage as a step forward, but only adopt a living wage, the con- was before Tennessee legis- a living wage will appeal more to confidant, and reminderof how great in theory. Mrs. Shepard fears that sequences - inflationary pres- lators increased the sales tax the graduate's sense of social life can be." this leap has set the opposition sures in particular - would and added a state lottery, a awareness and responsibility The Shepard parents were living forward, which will ultimately de- affect the entire state. The notoriously regressive source rather than being something that in Saudi when they found out about lay the process even more. text of HB 421 contains a-of revenue. One way to truly has a direct impact on their lives. what Judy Shepard describes as a Judy Shepard's visit revisits clear and convincing descrip-' help Tennessee's poor would In closing, she suggests that "stu- "mother's worst nightmare." the issues and dialogue started tion of the destabilizing ef- -be to cut the sales tax and dents who care about the welfare Throughout their 25-hour long trip on campus in the fall of 2003 with fects of a living wage in one eliminate it entirely for food effects of policies (that is, how back to the United States, the im- the McCoyTheatre's presentation part of the state. and medicine as most states policies positively or negatively age of Matthew "alone, tied to a of The LaramieProject. This play The travesty in the pro- have done. This and other affect certain groups) will care fence in a prairie" kept running is a tribute to and testament of living wage campaign is that economically sound policies about policies involving raising through her head. Matthew Shepard's life and the there are many far more ef- could bring far greater actual the minimum wage because it When they were finally able to reactions of residents of fective ways of combating benefits for the poor, while affects members of our society." see him, Matthew was "motionless, Laramie, Wyoming. the real problem of poverty creating none of the counter- Thus it seems that the living wage unaware" and there were "tubes ev- There is one key component in Tennessee. Foremost productive inflation and un- debate is still something about erywhere enabling him to hold onto to change, according to Judy among these is reform of the employment that are sure to which we should care, if only be- life." Everyone, including the family Shepard: voting. She ended her tax code. A 1995 study found result from a living wage. cause of the fact that we share a and medical staff, was "painfully comments by encouraging every- that the bottom 20% of market economy and society with aware that Matthew would never one to always "be honest and Tennessee's residents pay those whom it does affect. wake up." vote." THESOU'WESMER. Agi Wednesday February 25, 2004 " I The PhiladelphiaStory satirizes Victorian values, high society REVIEW. ByAshlevMcCallen undertones, however, can- gies of freedom and choice, Victorianism still r Looking for new music? Try VAST -by Matt Lum not be ignored, as Philadel- but Tracy Lord prompts her to embrace a upbeat song on the album. phia socialite for her wedding- socially acceptable marriage From there, it moves to "C prepares i eFh'pki her second wedding, mate. Although she dresses "Thrown Away," with that is, 95 guests are ex- and talks like the widely heavy emphasis on guitar 11, ryr' where at the ceremony and publicized New Woman, and vocal samples. After pected for Tracy has difficulty under- the album mellows 509 guests are planned that, standing that "there aren't out a lot. There are a few the reception. scandalizes the rules about human beings," fast moments beyond that Tracy society of which her ex-husband point, but nothing to the 1920s Philadelphia mow coure or vw-w.oenwIwrqon.c, unconventional constantly reminds her. point of the first two with her VAST RELEASES NEW ALBUN uncouth cursing Although the actors tend tracks. Highlights include pants and VAST's new album Nude came out the heart of conser- to over-enunciate, and "Turquoise," "Be with yet wins February 24. Nude is the followup and modest George distractingly so, the toMusic for People, andwas released and vative Me," "Ecstacy,"[sic] storyline remains consistent on its new label, 456 Entertainment, "I can't say no (to you)." Kittredge. co-owned by Carson Daly. appears to to expectations and can be There's really not In 1939, playwright Philip The wedding be a stress-free event until enjoyed by both women and I figure that there are much else to say about the Barry could see only one ac- two reporters make their men. Playhouse on the only a handful of people album. If you like VAST's tress in the role of Tracy way into the Lords' house- Square will be hosting one on this campus who have other work, then you'll Lord in his Broadway produc- as overnight guests. more week of The Philadel- ever heard of VAST, so probably like this one. If tion of The Philadelphia hold They intend to expose to the phia Story with perfor- here's some background you don't know what his Story: Katharine Hepburn. world the snobbish (yet fash- mances on Thursday, Friday info. VAST stands for Vi- other work sounds like, Luckily for him, she took the ways of the elite and Saturday evening, clos- sual Audio Sensory The- imagine listening to a Broadway starring role and ionable) society. What ing with a Sunday matinee. ater (which happens to be singer who is a cross be- reprised it in the subsequent Philadelphia they discover could possibly All shows start at 8:00 p.m., of VAST's debut tween Robert Smith and movie. Though Playhouse on the title turn the Lords into a spec- and tickets can be purchased album). A man named Jon Bono performing with a the Square is not fortunate enough to have a Hepburn in tacle bigger than Janet at the Playhouse box office Crosby is about 95% of the band that is somewhere at 51 S. Cooper. Student between Radiohead, Tori the making, the production Jackson's Superbowl ac- project. There are a few tions. tickets are $16 with a valid contributors here and Amos, Collective Soul and is still entertaining and en- Tracy's internal conflict student ID. Visit the Play- there-mainly for co-pro- The Smashing Pumpkins. dearing. emerges as she struggles to house on the Square website duction, authentic drums I highly recommend The plot of The Philadel- distinguish between love and for information about up- or sparse string or wind Nude or any of VAST's phia Story is lighthearted She desires to coming shows: http://www. instruments. But all the other albums. I think that and comic, much like a ro- convenience. embrace New Woman ideolo- playhouseonthesquare.org. vocals, primary instru- his music has the capabil- mantic comedy. Its serious mentation, composition, ity to appeal to many dif- and production are done ferent audiences, so by Jon Crosby. Therefore, chances are, you'll find RHODES PUZZLER VAST is essentially a stage something you'll like, es- #43 (February 25, 2004) Last week's movie pass winner: Jeremy Sadkin name for his solo project. pecially if you like any of mentioned will therefore refer to the bands The letters from the following quote have been removed and placed in alpha- form. above. VAST in the singular in the grid below. (So the letters E,F VAST's new album, The official release betical order in the corresponding column Nude, Crosby's first album date for Nude was Febru- and R make up the first column of the quote, but not necessarily in that order). in nearly four years, is an ary 24, but you can still Black squares indicate word breaks; words do not break at the end of the lines. interesting mix of vocals, order an autographed spe- What is the quote and who said it? rock band instruments and cial edition pre-release U U electronic samples. It is copy directly from VAST's not a far deviation from new label, 456 Entertain- any of his previous albums ment (co-owned by Carson (the last of which is titled Daly, furthering everyone's Music for People) other perception that music label E D O C A T E O D I I C N A E A N C E that he ac- executives suck). Checkout than the fact F E S S I VI WN I GOO R P RO G a drummer for that site at tually hired O this one rather than pro- www.456entertainment.com R U U R O N S S V R Y gramming drum samples. as well as VAST's official Nude opens with "Tur- and very cool website, The Rhodes Puzzler sponsored by the Math/CS Department of Rhodes College. Send your so- quoise," which has an www.realvast.com, which lution (with your name!) to sheltontrhodes .edu or turn in a hard copy to Kennan Shelton, 318 intro that is undeniably has many sample audio Ohlendorf. All solutions must be received by 5:00 p.m. Monday. A weekly winner will be reminiscent of Michael and video clips to give you randomly chosen from all correct entries to receive two free movie passes donated by Malco The- Jackson's "Bad." "Tur- a better taste of his mu- atres. See the Rhodes Puzzler Page at http://www.mathcs.rhodes.edu/Puzzler/puzzler.asp. quoise" is by far the most sic. II THESou'WESTER Wednesday, February25 2004 Ryan plays against type in Against the Ropes By Allison Brown a struggling boxer for a dollar This is for all you Meg Ryan from a condescending crimi- Dinner fans. And all you pseudo- nal of a boxing promoter, This week, Leah Kaye reviews popular sports movie fans. In her new played by Tony Shathoub. her downtown restaurant The North End, and film Against the Ropes, Meg When Kallen goes to find delivers just what she prom- newly acquired client, she ises: a good time. While she finds that he is a washed-up Against the Ropes. M o v e breaks out of her happy-go crack addict being beaten up lucky romantic comedy mode by his dealer, played by Omar The North End fails to live up to reputation for this one, she still retains Epps. By Leah Kaye Overall, there were inter- toward the purchase of text- that trademark liability that Instead of taking the esting selections, like the ham- books or gasoline or a pint at makes her fun to watch, even boxer, Kallen opts to train the burger on an English muffin, the Saucer, which is where I when she's playing a semi- skeptical Epps, who has box- and the dinner prices were should have gone. trash tough girl boxing man- ing potential but is slightly cheap enough to encourage If you should choose to ven- ager. "raw" (as Ryan's character customers to be daring. The ture out and give it a try, I sug- Against the Ropes is based puts it in the film). From legendary hot fudge pie was gest keeping the number of on the biography of Jackie here, the movie goes into a good but not worth the exorbi- people in your party below five. Kallen, a real-life female barrage of training scenes tant price. In addition, stay away from the sportswriter turned boxing and brief boxing matches. Photo courtesy of AOL Citysearch As for the lows: The food nights when there are big manager who foraged into the The boxing clips are some of HE NORTH END: IS IT WORTH tasted good, but not good events at the Pyramid; the male-dominated world of pro the least intense sports HE TROUBLE? enough to make the bill, and place will fill up within five boxing while raising two scenes ever captured on Though it has a certain charm, the the time spent, worth the visit. minutes for reasons unbe- daughters by herself. While film, but at its core Against North End certainly has its flaws. Table Against all rationality, the knownst to me, freaking out the two daughters and the the Ropes is less about space is limited, and prices are not al- head waitress saw a party of the single inept waitress. former career as a sports- sports than it is about the tu- indicative of quality. ways eleven enter the building and The final evaluation can be writer are dropped from the multuous lives of its charac- Maybe the timing was bad; decided to place the newbie summed up using an analogy script to fit a more tradi- ters, and those lives just hap- maybe I went with too many waitress on it. This was a di- with the chairs at The North tional Hollywood formula, pen to involve a few instances people; all I know is that all in saster from the start. She knew End. The chairs were wobbly the fact that Kallen's actual of boxing and sweating. all, I was not too impressed the menu well, but was other- and breaking; a number had to childhood was spent in a While the film's toughness with The North End. While it wise quite inept. When it came be switched out when other family-owned boxing gym is is a far cry from Meg Ryan's was named for its location on time to pay, it took an extra customers left to use the bath- emphasized in the film. It's previous work, and her char- North Main street near the hour to get everything sorted room. This may have added to true: the movie does stray acter wouldn't even dream of Pyramid, a friend who earlier out, including the right number the atmosphere of being cheap from the absolute truth of watching a romantic comedy, that day had said they ought to of drinks charged to the right but getting the job done Kallen's life, but it's all for Ryan doesn't completely get have named it The Rear End people and the correct 15% Podunk style, or it may have the purpose of presenting a away from her America's was closer to the truth than he mandatory gratuity. been representative of the risk more coherent storyline. If Sweetheart image; the movie realized. I was personally in a rage we took in hoping to dine and you want to know all the ins is a little too fun for that. But Starting with the highs, the when leaving the restaurant, leave within two hours without and outs of Jackie Kallen's she does manage to play a dif- menu was creative and I had a because the inept newbie wait- spending an ungodly $28 on real story, Against the Ropes ferent type of character with hard time picking one dish. ress did not understand that some rice, some pickles, and a is not your movie. conviction and sincerity. Many of the items had a South- the head waitress had put the beer. But if you're looking for a Overall, if you want a hard- ern style, like the fried pickles 15% on our checks, so when I The North End light, entertaining, and often hitting sports movie, don't and the Po-boys. There was also gave her cash, she kept my funny drama with a sporty expect that from. Against the grub, live a special section of wild rice change and did not even offer Genre: Pub feminist twist, go for it; Ropes, but if you want a Meg dishes that seemed out of place to give it back. As a side note entertainment Against the Ropes is a good Ryan movie with just a bit at first. When we realized that to all waiters and waitresses: Location: 364 N. Main, use of that seven dollars. The more punch than you usually they found a way to concoct a In my mind, this is theft. Give Historic Pinch District story centers on one scene get from her, Against the cheeseburger heart-attack us- me back my money, unless I Phone: (901) 526-0319 wherein Ryan's character buys Ropes is a great pick. specify otherwise. Granted, it ing otherwise healthy wild rice, Website/Menu: www. How to Reach Our Authors and Us seemed to fit right was only a dollar, but it was MY the dishes thenorthendonline.com As the official student newspaper of Rhodes College, The Sou'wester is produced entirely by the stu- dollar, which I could have used dents on staff. It functions independently of faculty and administration. The newspaper is published weekly throughout the fall and spring semesters, except during exam periods and breaks.

Staff meetings are open to the Rhodescommunity and convene in the second floor of Briggs Student Center every Tuesdayevening at 8 p.m. The Sou'wester is a member of the Student Publications Board, Want to complain about a a six-publication consortium that includes the editors of all student publications, class representatives, and at-large representatives from the student body. bad dining experience? All staff editorials published in The Sou'wester represent the majority opinion of the Editorial Board composed of section editors and executive editors. Opinions expressed in The Rhode'ster, opinion col- umns,and letters-to-the-editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Sou'wester Editorial Board. Letters-to-the-editor are encouraged; all letters must be signed and will.be edited for clarity. REACHING THE SOU'WESTER ... Write an article and send it to [email protected]! Phone: (901) 843-3402 - Address:Rhodes Box 3010 Fax: (901)843-3409 The Sou'wester E-mail: sou'[email protected] 2000Ndrth Parkway Memphis, TN 38112-1690

IHESOU'WESTER StRTS Wgrlnccrln, I,.hn inn 2'~ ,m4i { -Rhodes to host SCAC

By Camelia Traha tournamentedition of the NBA Memphis Gnz- zlies. All proceeds from the silent The Southeirn Collegiate Ath- auction will benefit the Memphis letic Confere nce men's and Interfaith Association (MIFA). women's basket ball tournament is Also, just as last year, admis- this weekend. sion to all sessions of the 2004 SCAC The top eightteams (both men Basketball Tournament is free. and women) will be seeded ac- However, each attendee is asked Meal Com-bo cording to regular season finish, to bring two canned goods in lieu and a single-eliimination tourna- of an admission fee to each game. * Cl~~O~ ~ ~I 1t ment will begin Friday, February As with the money raised through *r~t P~cra~she~raw 27 and run through Sunday, Feb- this year's charity auction, all do- rt~hlta~ ruary 29. nations benefit MIFA. Rhodes Coll ege plays host to Additionally, during halftime of this year's toun ament, with Mem- selected SCAC tournament games, phis University Schoo also hosting 2004 SCAC Basketball Tournament games at its fadility on Friday. All t-shirts will be given away to lucky women's first round games on Fri- fans. The DePauw/Rose-Hulman day will be plaLyed at Memphis pep band is set to perform again University Schoc )l, with all men's at this year's basketball tourna- first round gai es to be held at ment for all games at both venues Rhodes. Both the men's and as well. women's semi-fi nals and finals will And on semifinal Saturday, the be played at Rhodes in Mallory All-SCAC basketball teams will be Chuniky Chicken Gymnasium. announced, including this year's t PotRe Combo The SCAC is also hosting its SCAC Players-of-the-Year. The charity auction, Nhich promises to men's team will be announced f' 1Pie be bigger than ev'er. Sixteen team- during the half of the 5 p.m. game, *AS all nk signed basketbaIts (one for each while the women's announcement team participat ing in this year's will come during the half of the 7 tournament) witI be auctioned as p.m. contest. well as other priemium items, in- This is the second year the cluding a 20045 SCAC tournament Southern Collegiate Athletic Con- t-shirt signed byAAtlanta Hawks leg- ference has held a postseason tour- end Dominique VWilkins, an official nament which will decide both the SCAC baseball signed by 2002 At- men's and women's champion that lanta Braves niumber one draft will represent the SCAC as its au- choice Jeff Franc :oeur and a team- tomatic qualifier to the NCAATour- STRSDAY signed basketbal.1by the 2003-04 nament. Cripy Stps Meal Coo Golf wins Pizza Hut IBell South inter- collegiate tournament By Camelia Tahan With a team score of 289, the * Pi SctMe bi Lynx won by 13 shots over second roaI 0 * The Rhodes men's golf team place University of Indiana at claimed victory at the Pizza Hut / Purdue (302) and fourteen shots Bell South Intercollegiate Golf over third place William Et Mary Tournament after firing an open- (303). ing round team score of 1 over John Jennison won his first Col- par at the Dancing Rabbit Golf Club legiate Tournament with his 2 un- in Philadelphia, MS. Rhodes was der par round of 70. Chris Thomp- led by John Jennison ('07), who son tied for second with Jeff shot a two under par 70 while Chris Moulder of the University of Indi- Thompson ('04) shot 1 under 71. ana with one under par 71. Due Good at participating KFC- locations. Cross town foe Christian Brothers to rain, day two was cancelled, and i 0 hr ~ ofi J wl, l' University also played in the tour- since Rhodes led the entire tour- nament, capturing 14th place with nament, they were crowned, beat- ~ P8161~ ,,hw k .~ ~~ a score of 328. ing out both Division I and IIteams. rn _, , -r 1% 91 _;_L1_ __._re THESOU'WESTER