Vol. 57 No. 12 the December 9, 2010 BAGPIPE bagpipeonline.com

Domestic

Dispute Members of the Catacombs on the chapel lawn by Adrienne Belz & Juliet Cangelosi said Anderson. “Campus-wide [email protected] Students and administration seek events, all-campus RA meetings, and even moving RAs to other Even the most unique and quirky middle ground on residential concerns buildings can foster this campus halls at Covenant evolve. But unity and break down some of over the last few years, students the negative barriers between say they believe Covenant’s hall at three particular concerns to students felt that RA candidates Ford articulated that the resi- halls and buildings.” life has seen more drastic changes students: Resident Assistant assign- who were plugged in on particular dential life focuses on the college’s But Anderson also said that than normal. ments, hall renovations, and the ap- halls were being swapped with other macro-community rather than the a desire for the ‘big picture’ can’t Multiple Resident Assistants proach to hall traditions and pranks. candidates who, in turn, had close micro-community. She says Resi- undermine the desires of the were recently assigned halls they connections with their own halls. dential Life staff can see problems smaller community. “The sub- had no connection with. Tradi- RA ASSIGNMENTS “Last March it seemed like they as well as potential where students communities make up the larger tional pranks from halls like the In a meeting on Nov. 11, were moved around more than may not be able to. community. It is how we make Catacombs and Ghetto have been student senate voiced concerns normal. It’s something that can be Anderson said that the Student sense of a larger community...It is banned. Meanwhile, Carter looks to the Associate Dean of Student confusing, perplexing, or frustrat- Senate has spent a lot of time dis- easier to identify with a 20-per- ahead to more renovation, and Life, Emily Ford, about complaints ing for students,” said Anderson. cussing the importance of both hall son hall or sports team.” students are curious what the Resi- from students about RA assign- “We asked her Resident Life’s life and campus life. Joe Lloyd, a senior who applied dence Life committee’s goals are. ments. According to Student Body reasons for it and talked about its “The school needs to have a co- The Bagpipe decided to look President Alex Anderson, many effects on smaller communities.” hesive, united group of students,” continued on page 2 Confessing History Dr. Jay Green co-edits new book

by Molly Anderson Explorations in Christian Faith and provoking. [email protected] the Historian’s Vocation, released in “We just got to thinking it was early November. probably time to publish some- Over the last few months, Covenant Green and his partners, friends thing that reflected the current state History Professor Dr. Jay Green has John Fea and Eric Miller, collec- of historiography, or Christians been analyzing and editing a lot of tively conceived the idea for the thinking about what it means to writing--and not just his students’ book. They connected with multiple do history, both from the Christian papers. He recently edited a new historians, and created something book of essays, Confessing History: that they hope will be thought continued on page 3 GARRETT REID 2 News Sister School Takes Strides Forward by Grace Mullaney characterized by its reformed theol- not anxious to see something happen said Dr. Belz. Providence isn’t accredited yet, [email protected] ogy and thorough liberal arts educa- quickly,” said Dr. Belz, “I am looking Jane Shibley, Covenant senior but, Dr. McIlhenny points out, tion. Belz is one of four Covenant for slow growth. It takes patience.” and Californian says that she loves graduates of Providence are now In Pasadena, CA no more than half alumni working at Providence. Providence is a “unique” place Covenant, but “if I had my college studying at Westminster Seminary, an hour from Disney, Hollywood, Aaron Belz, Ryan McIlhenny, said Dr. McIlhenny. Students at career to do over, I’d go to Provi- Mid-America Reformed Seminary, the Cali. coast and Los Angeles sits a Max Belz, and the president of Providence are generally “a certain dence.” Shibley is excited by the and Fuller Seminary. Schools like small reformed Christian college. Providence – Dr. Derek Halvorson type of person,” said Dr. Belz. “They fact that Californians are no longer Calvin, Greenville, and Covenant Founded in 2001, Providence – all graduated from Covenant with are risk takers and have vision out- forced to move across the country to Seminary are recruiting Providence Christian College is reminiscent of history degrees. side the norm…they have a found- get a reformed Christian education. students. Covenant’s start in the same city While possibly coincidental, ing spirit about them.” While the Providence student “The Church would be stronger over half a century ago. Dr. Belz explained the concurrence. The school is expected to gain full body has remained steady for the and the world would be a better Covenant shares more than “Having a historical perspective is accreditation from the Western Asso- past few years, the number of appli- place if there were more institutions geographical history with Providence. essential to developing institutions,” ciation of Schools and Colleges in the cants doubled in 2009. “Next year like Covenant -- faithful colleges that “Covenant looms large in the found- Dr. Belz said, “It’s having the per- near future. Right now Providence could be the biggest class yet” said shape students to tackle every aspect ing of Providence” said Dr. Aaron spective that this can happen that is offers seven majors and has between Max Belz, Covenant alumnus and of their life and of the world in which Belz, Covenant graduate and now not isolated to the business world or 60 to 65 students in attendance. admissions representative for Provi- they live from a biblical perspective,” professor of English at Providence. wishful thinking.” Providence also has an incred- dence. Growth of the college has said President Halvorson. Covenant itself began as a small, Dr. Belz is in no rush to push ible retention rate. “Once students been a natural result of the move unaccredited school in Pasadena, Providence into rapid growth.“I am start attending, they don’t leave,” from Ontario, CA to Pasadena.

but transferred to Second Central Second Central used to have a the quality of the dorms, but wor- administration gets a tighter and for the last two years before he was large mural of their hall emblem, ries if Ghetto’s signature “brick” tighter grip on the hall,” said Hall Life assigned the RA role. He said it The Duke, painted on their walls walls are in danger. Fletcher. “Personally, if I had has been a challenge to take on the “Now with the renovations, “If [renovations] get going, seen those [pranks] when I was continued from page 1 position on Catacombs. “Try[ing] they’re all gone. 2C is just a blank we’ll see what we can do to save the previewing I would have thought, to get everybody to mesh together wall,” Connis said. bricks...We might start a petition, that’s really cool! Like, they have to be an RA, gave up the offer is still a challenge no matter how According to Sherratt, a homo- but if they paint over them, we’ll fun here!” said Fletcher, citing the to be on another hall because he long you’ve been there,” he said. geneous campus is not the goal of paint them again.” multiple pranks and traditions didn’t get the position the Five Sherratt said she hopes students Residence Life. “I think students that have been extinguished on Points, the hall he was deeply can learn to trust authority with tend to think something is being PRANKS his hall over the last few years.” involved in. He hopes in the future the process. “They have had more taken away from them [when Three years ago, Ghetto held a Catacombs’ traditional pranks the Residence Life will communi- experience ... I don’t know anyone buildings are renovated], and I’m “beach day” during preview week- including cross-dressing for all-hall cate with the halls to find out who who loves the students more than not always sure why,” said Sher- end where men from the hall were meetings and an annual “virgin each hall wants as RA. the people who are in charge.” ratt, who wishes students better running around the chapel lawn in sacrifice” have specifically been Abby Sherratt, Carter Hall’s understood that the college wants swimsuits and speedos. The whole banned in the last two years. Resident Director, said she is RENOVATIONS to provide good housing and are hall was put on probation. Senior Joe Dodd, who has lived frustrated when people assume As halls in Carter are fixed up obligated to take care of students. These days, students are re- on the hall for three years, said it how Residence Life makes their and freshly painted, some residents Ghetto resident Taylor Fletcher, quired to ask Student Development has changed a lot since he was a decisions. “We don’t sit in a are worried that hall personality a junior, said he understands the permission before playing pranks. freshman. room and think about how we will be renovated too. administration’s desire to improve “It seems like every year the “There used to be more focus can switch around rooms. There’s on tradition, but traditions keep a process, and it’s painful and getting taken away, and we’ve tearful. It matters. Our job is to never had a clear understanding know about the students, and so as to why,” he said. we know when we make deci- Joe Oliver, RD of Founders, sions it’s going to be hard. And said that he doesn’t view pranks as some people hate that.” representative of a hall’s identity, The way the process is cur- but rather just things that halls do. rently set up, RAs cannot apply “I think of Catacombs as a com- for specific halls, and Sherratt feels munity of men learning and grow- that letting halls vote would be too ing together, not what they do.” divisive. Both Ford and Sherratt But Dodd believes tradi- admit that the RA process isn’t tions like pranks are critical for perfect. building community. “Those are But Ford thinks the Residence ways Catacombs expresses itself. Life staff has made some success- They’re things Catacombians ful, although drastic, decisions bond over...a hall is about rela- when choosing RAs. tionships, but those traditions are Current RA of Catacombs, a big part of what build relation- Senior Dave Connis, lived in ships. The hall feels less unified Founders Hall his freshman year, than it used to.”

GARRETT REID GARRETT —with reporting contributed Last year’s Carter Christmas by Kate Harrison

Have a faculty quote you’d like to see published? Faculty Quote of the Week Email it to [email protected] “The belly button has huge theological implications.” - Dr. Kelly Kapic on Jesus’ human birth in Doctrine I Features 3 The Verdict Yes... Santa! Christmas Spirit No... Professors share thoughts on the season’s reason by Anna Wiersema ents bring video cameras into the Dr. Pat Ralston: giving. The whole season has become Santa! Why are [email protected] house of the Lord to preserve im- “The 12 Days of Christmas” more relaxed, and we enjoy the new ages of their children acting out the pace and the emphasis on the true you kissing my Dr. Daphne Haddad: most sentimentalized version of the A few years ago I stopped celebrat- meaning of the Incarnation. “Let Earth and Heaven Christmas story one can imagine: ing “commercial” Christmas. I now mom? Combine” by Charles Wesley nothing of the cross or the sec- follow the ancient church calendar, Dr. Cliff Foreman ond coming of Christ, everything observing Advent as a quiet time of “A Special Christmas Memory” Let earth and Heaven combine, focused on the plight of Mary and anticipation and spiritual introspec- Angels and men agree, Jesus as they struggle to stay warm tion. I discovered the tradition of the I will always remember Decem- Letters to the To praise in songs divine in a stable (doesn’t that bring a tear Jesse Tree and add an ornament each ber 25, 1937, when I learned the editor are The incarnate Deity, to your eye? Wouldn't you like to day during Advent. On Christmas true meaning of Christmas. Our God contracted to a span, lend them your MasterCard so they Eve, the Christmas tree goes up; we We took the sleigh to Grampa's welcome! Incomprehensibly made Man. can afford a nice, warm room at bless the tree and turn on the lights, house, stabled the horses, and went Holiday Inn?). For me, Christmas symbolizing Christ the Light of the in to enjoy the goose dinner that Dr. Ron Jones: Send them by email to represents an attempt to recover World. We sing and eat our favorite Gramma had made. Our gifts were “Christmas and Easter” [email protected], the meaning of Christ's Advent as Christmas treats. Then we enjoy the small but meaningful tokens of our with “Letter to the Editor” I struggle to undo six decades of 12 days in the Season of Christmas. love. Grampa gave me an old New in the subject line. Everyone in our family knew the cultural conditioning. I love getting small gifts for my Testament that his father had given Or send letters to: meaning of Christmas: the birth of grandchildren for each day. On the to him. He had inserted a bookmark The Bagpipe God who is Emmanuel, the One twelfth night we gather for gift- at Luke 1. I read the Christmas story. Box 689, 14049 Scenic who was and is now among us, It was a sad time. Grampa's busi- Highway Lookout Moun- experiencing our poverty, our pain, ness, which employed my father tain, GA 30750. our joy and our lives. Yet it was and my five uncles, was about to go Easter where Christmas was com- bankrupt. But we did our best to be pleted in our family. We gave gifts at cheerful, nonetheless. Christmas but again at Easter, which Dinner was over and I was enjoy- The Bagpipe was placed at just as high a priority. ing a large bowl of plum pudding Established in 1955 Mom shopped for "deals" all year with fresh cream skimmed from the long so that she would have gifts to milk Gramma had gotten from Bossie Kate Harrison give on both Christmas and Easter. the cow that morning, when there Editor in Chief was a knock at the door. My father Dr. Jim Wildeman: pulled it open and an old man was Isaiah Smallman “Christmas as Co-optation” standing there on the doorstep. He Managing Editor had long gray hair and a long beard. Christmas is an example of what We invited him in, but he said he Kathryn Jarrett Layout Editor social critics would call "co-opta- couldn't stay long. He pulled a large tion.” Gerald Graff defines the term roll of $100 bills out of his pocket and as "the defusing and domesticating handed it to Grampa. Grampa was Adrienne Belz News of ostensibly oppositional forms of overwhelmed; he wanted to draw up Sam Townes Arts culture by their tolerant acceptance a promissory note, but the man said, David Pifer Sports and commercialization . . . . by "You don't understand, sir—this is a Lauren Hartzell Features embrac[ing] threatening ideas and gift." Then the man rode off in a sleigh Garrett Reid Photo channel[ing] them into politically pulled by strange horned animals. Lianne Visser Copy unthreatening forms." Most of our We were all ecstatic. There was Paul McLain Web Christmas practices have nothing $20,000 in the bundle, enough to Daniel Coulbourne Opinion to do with the revolutionary arrival pay all of Grampa's debts. J. Davis & A. Lutz Distribution of God as a poor baby/savior into When the police showed up later our world, but everything to do looking for a notorious gangster, we Cliff Foreman Faculty Advisor with "taming" the person T.S. Eliot told them that we'd spent the whole called "Christ the Tiger." Even the day celebrating Christmas and This is a Covenant College student publication The views expressed herein do not necessarily special programs our churches put hadn't seen a soul. reflect those of the College or the student body. on have been co-opted, so that par- CREATIVECOMMONS.ORG

14049 Scenic Highway•Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 “produce a volume that reflected the these things over and over and over marily are employed as teachers. If you would like the Bagpipe to best thinking on the relationship again; it’s amazing how many hours As a teacher living in an academic run a story on something, send Dr. Green between Christianity and history and the tedium it takes to get some- world, Green reflected that he has your suggestion by email to by our generation of Christian thing like this out. It’s gratifying but benefited from books like this. continued from page 1 scholars.” it’s almost anti-climactic.” These are the kind that are still on [email protected] with In terms of process, Green said Some of the essays in the book his bookshelf today because they “Story Idea” in the subject line. point of view and as an extension of editing and writing are very differ- are autobiographical while others helped him determine his profes- our Christian identity. So the essays ent, and editing is just a bit more explore theory and theology. Some sional goals in terms of his faith. For advertising inquiries, in the book flowed from that,” said tedious. question moral judgement and at Heads up history majors: “I am contact Isaiah Smallman Green. “It feels a little bit like grading, least one is concerned with church going to assign this in Historiogra- ph: (443) 845-7191 Green wrote one chapter in the because you’re going through other history, but every one looks at the phy,” said Green. [email protected] book, entitled “Public Reasoning people’s work, you’re trying to evalu- vocation of teaching. Although all by Historical Analogy.” In editing ate it, you’re trying to offer people of the authors come from different and in writing, Green’s goal was to suggestions,” said Green. “You read backgrounds and beliefs, they pri- 4 Arts Mike Posner Eminem The most promising member of the The angriest man in the business The Top of freshmen class of 2010 Billboard is back. And, to no one’s surprise, comes from an unlikely source: a he’s still really, really angry. On the quiet suburb outside of Detroit. rebound of an apparently success- Posner’s self-produced songs ful recovery from multiple drug The Top 40 “Cooler Than Me” and “Please addictions, he has shifted the object Don’t Go” show off his smokey, of his fury from his mother and by John Drexler intriguing voice and individualistic substances to… uh… I’m not totally [email protected] song writing. He’s a one man show: sure. He’s just REALLY ANGRY. Rihanna he plays keyboards and sample Perhaps grasping at some former 2010 has been a fascinating year pads live while fiddling with a mac glory, he comes across as a troubled for Top 40 music. Lady Gaga Somehow, Rihanna has managed book and singing spot on. His David Guettat 30-year-old with the mind of a teen- and The Black Eyed Peas took to consistently put out hit after music is not the result of some LA age trailer-park junky. His biggest hit some time off after their remark- phenomenal hit over the past five producer’s calculated pop formula, This French House producer has “Love The Way You Lie” is a disturb- able year in 2009, Lil’ Wayne years. She rarely, if ever, flops. it’s the relatable output of a truly been blasting subwoofers and ing song about domestic abuse and was in prison, Britney Spears And now, in the wake of a hu- creative song writer’s insecurities erupting clubs internationally for his inability to love his wife without was, thankfully, silent. The grow- miliating domestic abuse scandal, and failures with women. Posner’s two decades. In 2009, when this also wanting to burn her alive. It’s a ing trend of fast-paced dance hits she is bolder than ever. Her 2009 smooth, dancy production and electro-veteran decided to tap into bit appalling--though unsurprising-- from the likes of Ke$ha and Katy slow-paced dance hall tune “Rude sleuthy, earnest vocals combine to the pop music scene, he got way that this song gained such popularity Perry has in many ways shaped Boy” is emphasized by essentially create two of the coolest songs of more than he bargained for. Guetta’s on Top 40 radio, a medium usually the year. Other artists still boldly perfect, crisp production and a the year. first effort, the Black Eyed Peas’ “I characterized by mindless listening. and successfully hold to a tradi- fine-tuned, pulsing synth-line. Gotta Feeling” earned a 12-week tional pop hip hop format. But 2010 proved to be a change in run at number one, and number be it hip hop or house-infused, pace for Rihanna: “Only Girl five on Billboard’s hottest songs of almost all of the biggest hits this (In The World)” and “What’s the last decade. And he was just year are dance songs. There are My Name” further showcase her getting warmed up. This year alone, some new faces in the mix: some no-nonsense vocals, but present he released “Sexy Chick,” “Com- good, some hopeful, and some a more thoughtful, genuinely sad mander,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” really, really bad. This article Rihanna. After years of putting “Memories,” and “Gettin’ Over.” discusses the notable members of out great music, she is just now Each of these songs is uniquely 2010’s Top 40 artists. coming into her prime. These impressive and ambitious. His cool three fantastic songs have posi- persona, jaw-dropping guest list, and tioned her as the only legitimate big, bassy tunes have secured him a threat to Beyonce’s “Queen of unique position: celebrity producer. Ke$ha Pop” status. He carries and embodies the spirit of clubby pop singles, and has success- The queen of sleaze was unrelent- Justin Bieber fully crossed over from seedy French ing this year. She introduced her- clubs to the LA party scene, and self with the party anthem “Tik His music video “Baby” has just now into the car stereos of many Tok,” establishing her adolescent, over 402 million views—the most Americans. alcohol-driven, raunchy mentali- views of any video on the internet, John’s ty. This theme underlies her other by far. He’s nominated for two massive hits “Take It Off,” “Blah coveted Grammys: Best New Artist Blah Blah,” and “We R Who and Best Pop Vocal Album. His Top Ten We R.” But there is something two radio hits have featured Usher undeniably contagious about her and Ludacris. He’s 16. In reality, filthiness. Those who dispar- if his songs were performed by from the age her the most are the ones anyone else in the music business, who can’t get enough of it. I am they’d be second-rate at best. They Top 40 disgusted by her every move, but aren’t great songs by any standards. I cannot resist these songs. She is So, in that sense, his age is a gim- a siren calling our generation to Nicki Minaj mick. But we can’t hate him for the replace toothpaste with whiskey praise he has conjured. After all, and hang out with guys that look While Lil’ Wayne was in prison, where would pop music be today if like Mick Jagger. Of course we his female protégé temporarily we shot down every self-serious kid don’t give into such ridiculous filled his role as the lovable odd- with a high voice and a following of 1. “Please Don’t Go” Mike Posner demands--that is, until the beat ball from Wayne’s group Young hundreds of millions of desperate starts pounding. Then, for a few Money. But she may ultimately girls? We’d be in a dark, dark place 2. “Letting Go (Dutty Love)” Sean Kinston ft. Nicki minutes, something about her replace him. Her erratic, bipolar in which Michael Jackson and Jus- Minaj just seems right. rapping has become a staple in tin Timberlake never made it big. 3. “What’s My Name” Rihanna ft. Drake American pop music. Her abil- ity to adapt to the song at hand 4. “Power” Kanye West while remaining true to her style 5. “Only Girl in the World” Rihanna is impressive. She stole the show 6. “Tik Tok”/ “Your Love Is My Drug” Ke$ha on nearly every song she rapped on this year, which is no small 7. “Cooler Than Me” Mike Posner feat considering that she rapped 8. “Mine” Taylor Swift alongside Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Sean Kingston, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and 9. “Dynamite” Taio Cruz Jay Sean. Wheezy is free now, but 10. “Deuces (Remix)” Chris Brown ft. Drake, Andre he may have created a monster 3000, Kanye West, T.I., and Fabolous that even he can’t handle. Arts 5 127 Hours is Rock Solid

by Daniel Tucker Millionaire, Boyle loves to film in alone with his regrets. with ones small enough to [email protected] an urban setting where thousands Spending ninety minutes with fit inside Aron’s water bottle. of people hustle about every day. James Franco doesn’t necessarily There isn’t a dull shot in the Seven years ago, you couldn’t turn With his latest film, we are given the sound like riveting cinema, but film. Also notable is Boyle’s on the news without hearing about reverse. Instead of one or two indi- Franco masterfully carries the film use of point of view shots that Aron Ralston, the avid mountain viduals amidst a group of thousands, in one of the best performances of make it feel as if we’re in the climber who cut off his arm after Boyle gives us an individual who the year. Like Tom Hanks in Cast cave with Aron. being trapped under a boulder decides he’s better off away from the Away, Franco’s portrayal of Aron is There are times, however, for more than five days. Director hustle and bustle of the world. the main reason why we stick with when Boyle’s drive to find in- Danny Boyle brings Aron’s inspira- “I can do everything on my the film. He creates a character that novative ways to tell his story tional story to the silver screen in his own,” Aron says at one point in the is both believable and worthy of our take away from the impact of latest, 127 Hours. film. This seems to be his motto. time, capturing the audience’s sym- the film as a whole. He seems It’s true that 127 Hours doesn’t Aron avoids his family, shuts out his pathy. We don’t write Aron off for so focused on trying to tell the offer many surprises in terms of its girlfriend, and spends most of his shutting people out of his life. We story in an interesting way— story. The movie is about a guy who free time exploring the outdoors. root for him every step of the way. be it through split screens or gets his arm trapped, cuts it off, and Later, as Aron comes to grips with We cringe when he cuts his arm off, extended dream sequences— goes home. However, under Boyle’s the fact that he might die in Blue and we share his elation after the that he forgets to tell the story. solid direction and James Franco’s John Canyon, he begins to realize deed is done. Despite this, 127 Hours is a tri- raw performance, the film becomes the folly of a life of isolation. If he’d Boyle’s camera work and editing umphant and inspirational tale a riveting character study. just picked up the phone when his is perhaps the highlight of the film. that celebrates the human spirit 127 Hours is an interesting depar- mother called or told a single friend 127 Hours provided Boyle with the and serves as a reminder of the ture from Boyle’s regular fare. The where he was headed, he wouldn’t chance to experiment with cameras. importance of community. director of Trainspotting and Slumdog be waiting to die in a canyon, all He uses hand-held cameras along DANGER DAYS My Chemical Romance is back

by Walter Somerville to place their music. Danger Days is as grand as ever, Danger Days returns [email protected] built around their best and most co- MCR to their roots as a punk rock herent album concept to date, thanks band, (re)introducing a more raucous It has been four years since My to Way’s incredible imagination. His sound without compromising the Chemical Romance released The recent entrance into the world of pedigree of their catchy hooks. Single Black Parade, a sprawling concept graphic novels, The Umbrella Acad- “na na na (na na na na na na na)” is album and tribute to the great an- emy, was met with near-universal so full of hooks that it will take weeks them rockers of the 70s. After four acclaim, proving his worth as a writer to get out of your head. Others, like years of constant touring, frontman and storyteller. The story ofDanger “Destroya” and “Vampire Money” Gerard Way admitted in an inter- Days follows the band’s new alter- showcase the brutal punk sound absent view that the band was a bit tired egos, the Killjoys, through a dystopi- since their first record, while the synth- of the theatrics and somber tone of an California in the year 2019 in an driven “Planetary (go)” and riotous the shows, and that they planned on adventure full of laser blasters, masks, “Party Poison” perfectly embody the doing a more stripped down, back- dastardly villains, daring rescues, and spirit of the Killjoys. to-the-basics album. creatures known as Draculords. Though most of the songs on the Enter Danger Days: The True Lives The album is structured as a radio album succeed, there are several no- of the Fabulous Killjoys, an album program narrated by a character who ticeable failings. “Summertime” and no less ambitious than The Black introduces himself as Dr. Death Defy. “Sing,” though not failures outright, Parade and one that surpasses the It’s a story that would fit perfectly as lack the unique touch found in most conceptual scope of its predeces- a Saturday morning cartoon from the of MCR’s work. “Sing,” for example, sor, shedding much of the over- 80s. Danger Days serves as a vessel could easily pass for a 30 Seconds to wrought theatrics and Gothic tones through which the members of the Mars song. Lyrically the album revels that turned many listeners off to band offer tribute to their favorite in its subject matter. “Bullet Proof the band’s 2006 venture. Though childhood pop culture relics. The Heart” opens with the line “I’ve the term “back to the basics” may joyfulness of the album is visually got a bullet proof heart, you’ve got conjure thoughts of a simpler album apparent in each of the music videos a hollow point smile.” Other songs and a less extravagant execution, the released so far. The band’s devotion mention laser beams and other sci-fi actual product proves, for the most to this concept enables it to succeed staples. It isn’t a deep album by any part, to be the exact opposite. where The Black Paradefailed. means, but it is a rowdy good time, MCR are at their best when they While the concept may remain especially when taken for what it is: have a story and context in which the indulgent fantasy of several men who never quite grew up. 6 Arts & Opinion Busting Bipartisan Myths The national debt, Chinese relations, & QE2 until the life of the bond matures. by Aaron Skrivan Thus, China is actually not in the [email protected] driver’s seat as many believe, and have a vested interest in the well It is common to hear things in being of our economy. the media that are not necessarily 3. What does QE2 mean, true, but many times they are a and why do both Democrats and spin on a partisan issue. We have Republicans hate it so much? QE2 all heard them whether it be from stands for “The second round of Glenn Beck or Keith Olbermann. Quantitative Easing.” Essentially, Lately however, the misinfor- the government is buying back mation that I have heard in the $600 Billion of the national debt, media—and subsequently on not only to decrease our debt but campus—are not partisan issues, also to put more dollar bills into rather factual errors created by the economy. Institutions and unreliable media outlets. individuals own treasury bills as an 1. National Debt. As of investment. If the federal reserve Nov. 26, 2010, the current comes from the fact that Clinton that a $1.6 trillion dollar deficit is trillion. Of the $4.3 trillion, China buys them back, the owners will re- national debt outstanding was lowered the public debt, making small in comparison to what other holds just under $900 billion, or ceive cash for their bonds, and they $13,794,243,004,364.88, the appearance of a federal surplus. presidents have created. around 6.5% of our total debt. In have the ability to get out of the (treasurydirect.gov) a significant However, he borrowed significantly 2. Who owns our debt? China addition to this, these bonds do investment without having to wait debt. Actually it is huge for what more from intergovernmental hold- owns most of it, right? Of the not have a “call feature” as some until they mature a few years down America is used to, but noth- ings (i.e. Social Security). Having $13.7 trillion U.S. debt, foreign believe, meaning that China is able the road. Sounds great right? The ing compared to other coun- said that, it is appropriate to note countries hold approximately $4.3 to collect ONLY interest payments downside is in order to do this the tries. While this figure places Federal reserve will have to print our outstanding debt at 93% of dollar bills, making each dollar bill our annual GDP, the country of that we hold in our wallet fraction- Ireland is just shy of a 1300% ally less valuable. The upside to the Debt to GDP ratio. So where has audience reading this is that all of all of the U.S. money gone? That those student loans that you have TARP Bailout thing, right? No. essentially went down in value with Nearly all of the $700 Billion of the dollar. Since China owns $900 TARP has been paid back. The billion of U.S. debt, they are not best guess is that when the dust thrilled with the whole QE2 thing, settles, taxpayers will be out ap- nor are those who own great a deal proximately $25 Billion of the of wealth. $700 Billion that was lent. Ok, It is my hope that this article but wasn’t it Bill Clinton who left helped to explain some of the sit- office with a Surplus and Bush and uations going on in our Economy Obama have carelessly created an right now. In addition to this, I even larger deficit? Also incorrect. would encourage partisan replies In fact, Clinton created a deficit of to this article on how people feel $1.6 Trillion. The confusion here AARON SKRIVAN about the above issues. Community: In Sickness and Health by Patricia Quigley Other times, I am on my hall and build each other up, just as you are Not Chaplain Messner, your RA or we are a community that should [email protected] notice that there seems to be distance doing.” How can we do this as a your DC. Not me. Not anyone. It is truly grieve the brokenness of this between various “cliques” among us. community if we are divided among far healthier to share a burden than world together. It occurred to me recently that on this I know that it is easy to develop a ourselves, rather than united as one? to sorrowfully bear it alone. You In closing, we should seek to be campus, students sometimes acciden- “group” on your hall but that is not Truthfully, we cannot. We have to are on this mountain to be reached a community “in sickness and in tally isolate other students. While this what a healthy Christian community be aware of the needs of the body by God and by His people – take health”, for lack of a better term. We is surely not malicious, it is unfortu- looks like. A solid Christian commu- in order to meet them. To know advantage of that gift! should all strive to be unified in both nate that it happens at Covenant, a nity should be unified regardless of the needs of others, we each have to Romans 12:15-16 says: “Rejoice sorrow and joy. We should seek the college that boasts of community. people’s differences in background, listen to others actively, not passively; with those who rejoice, weep with new students, off-campus students, In several settings I have seen age, or class year. When a com- that way, the compassion shown in those who weep. Live in harmony and “old” students alike with the students being left out of the com- munity of believers is growing and this body on the Covenant campus with one another. Do not be haugh- same zealous compassion as when munity atmosphere around them. functioning in a biblical manner, will not come across as dutiful or ty, but associate with the lowly.” Christ first sought us. Again, for the Sometimes, I see a lone freshmen the feel of the atmosphere should be flakey; but real and true and Christ- Through the loss of my mother many broken and hurting on this sitting by themselves at lunch and inclusive, not exclusive. filled in all things. earlier this fall, God has been teach- campus, don’t isolate yourselves, for I wonder why no one has taken Include those that are struggling Also, a word to the struggling, I ing me to allow others to grieve with that is like butter to a wound. My them under their wing. (And, yes, it with tremendous challenges in their don’t know your exact struggle, but me. This is not so much because prayer is that you would find fellow- occurs to me that I am also a part of personal lives. 1Thessalonians 5:11 I know the pain you must feel. Just everyone “gets it” and grieves my ship and comfort among these, your the problem by not including them.) says, “Encourage one another and a reminder: no one is a mind reader. mom specifically, but rather because brothers and sisters in Christ. Arts & Opinion 7 The Top 10 Coolest 10. Jackie Onassis We all assume John F. Kennedy was elected because of his ties to the mafia, but should we not also assume that People of the 20th Century it was because of the affluent stylings of Jacqueline Bou- vier? After JFK’s assassination, this heroine of cool went The 20th century was the century of cool, when cool was born and raised, and as some would on to marry the fortune of Greek shipping magnate and have it, died. The following ten children of the 20th century are the best exemplars of what it billionaire Aristotle Onassis. Jackie-O maintained her is to be cool without ceasing. They were always cool, 100% of the time, 24/7. Each bred their spot in the public eye late into her life as queen of high own brand of cool, and everybody else’s coolness is inherently indebted to them. society. 9. Bruce Lee 8. Jackson Pollack

King of two kingdoms, the golden son of China ruled Who knew splattered paint could look so cool? His both martial arts and Kung Fu films with an iron fist -- signature drip technique made him one of the most thus the dragon enters the roster. This self-instated actor, famous and controversial artists of the 20th century. In director and philosopher could snatch a dime off the palm regards to his relationship with Native American art Pol- of your hand before you could close it, leaving a penny lock stated: “I feel nearer, more a part of the painting, behind. Even Kareem Abdul Jabbar was no match for the since this way I can walk round it, work from the four founder of Jeet Kune Do martial arts (translated The Way sides and literally be in the painting.” Spoken like a true of Intercepting Fists). by visionary. Sadly he died in an alcohol-induced car crash. Zach Knuth & 7. Marlon Brando Daniel Coulbourne 6. Nelson Mandela

Jack Nicholson once said, “When Marlon dies, everybody After his 1962 arrest by South African police in coop- moves up one.” Unfortunately for “everybody,” Brando’s eration with the C.I.A., the most inherently uncool cool never died. Whether playing a leather jacket wear- organization in history, Nelson Mandela spent 18 of ing motorcycle outlaw or a gangster with cotton balls in the next 27 years behind bars as a political prisoner. his mouth, Brando always played it cool. But the essential This anti-apartheid activist and co-founder of the Hollywood bad boy refused to let his swagger be limited armed branch of the African National Congress was to the screen. He was an outspoken advocate of American initially committed to nonviolent protest, but eventu- Civil Rights and Native American Movements, and even ally became one of the best known freedom fighters of punched Ron Galella (yes, the same one) in mouth. the century. 5. Che Guevera 4. Nico Christa Paffgen rose to fame in the German fashion After being captured by the C.I.A. and led off to his industry as a model when she was given her adopted execution, Che was asked by a Bolivian soldier if he name by a photographer. She got too hot to trot was thinking about his own mortality. He responded through collaborations with the Velvet Underground, by saying, “No, I’m thinking about the immortality Andy Warhol, Federico Fellini, and Philippe Gar- of the revolution.” To an entire generation he became rel. She also enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist synonymous with rebellion; loved by some and despised despite being deaf in one ear. A rumored vegetarian by others. Che’s dedication to armed resistance would and self-proclaimed nihilist, Nico kicked a fifteen year become too cool to ignore. heroin addiction shortly before her death. 3. Hunter S. Thompson 2. Muhammad Ali The creator of Gonzo journalism, the rock star of jour- Muhammad Ali once said “I am the astronaut of box- nalists bred an unrelenting and bastardized cool that few ing. Joe Louis and Dempsey were just jet pilots. I’m in would dare to associate with. Through the art of Gonzo a world of my own.” For nearly 30 years he “floated like he exposed the Kentucky Derby, Las Vegas, our Presi- a butterfly” and “stung like a bee.” No athlete has ever dents, and even the Superbowl for what they really are, defined a sport as much as Ali defined boxing. As a -de the results of a depraved and utterly pathetic humanity. vout Muslim, Ali refused to serve in the US Army after His funeral consisted of a 153 foot tower with a double the draft, and subsequently was arrested and stripped thumbed fist holding a peyote button situated atop with of his boxing license and title. He is famous for saying a cannon which launched his cremated ashes, while fire- “I ain’t got no quarrel with the Vietcong. No Vietcong works bombarded the sky to Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine ever called me N*****.” The Supreme Court eventually Man” and Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit In the Sky.” reversed the decision.

“I was minding my own business when something says to me, “you ought to blow trumpet. I have just been trying ever since.” The Birth of The Cool. Cool belongs to Miles Davis like peanut butter Miles belongs to George Washington Carver. It’s his; you and everybody else owe your so-called “coolness” Davis to the man with the horn. He sketched Spain, took 1 the seven steps to heaven, and left us all kind of blue. He sported a mullet and looked good doing it, because “For [him], music and life are all about style.” 8 Sports GARRETT REID Shifting Gears Basketball and fan support at Covenant

by David Pifer [email protected] basketball games with creative, seen it in awhile and the team actually At most schools, the Christmas collaborated chants, and plenty of looked pretty good. They were playing season brings a welcome change to rowdy, raucous cheering. And while hard and scoring some nice baskets.” the athletics scene. Bowl season aside, it is safe to say that a small school like Fans at the game were also privileged football is over, and the other pe- Covenant could never live up to that with the chance to see a slam dunk by ripheral sports have run their course. level of grandeur, it is also safe to say sophomore John DeVries, an occur- Gone are the tailgaters, the marching that the school’s students, fans, and rence which has become a rarity at bands, and the brisk fall temperatures. players could up the excitement level Covenant in recent years. Arriving are the chilling winds, the just a notch. And while the Scots failed to half-time contests, and the crazy, The Midnight Madness ex- defeat a strong Emory team that night, creative fans. The spectators have travaganza was a good start in that they showed signs that a corner could exchanged their seats in the outdoor, direction, but after that event the be turned very soon. There’s rumor gridiron-laden stadiums for the more excitement seemed to dissipate due to going around of a fan group compa- accommodating, indoor seats of the the interrupting Thanksgiving Break, rable to the Crazies starting up, and hardcourt arena. Basketball season has the knowledge that finals were around the word about Covenant basketball taken center stage. the corner, and the fact that the other is getting out there. Just the other day, Yet here at Covenant College, sports programs were in postseason for example, I was driving down the that doesn’t always seem to be the contention. Attendance and support mountain, listening to the radio, and case. Even with soccer – Covenant’s at the home opener against Berry one of the local talk show hosts an- equivalent to other school’s football College, for example, was minimal, nounced that Covenant College would – having finished its season, and and the year looked like it was shap- be playing Emory University this volleyball having played out its final ing up to hold yet another sparsely week. I found myself thinking how sets, the excitement for basketball populated gym, and yet another weird it was to hear Covenant basket- doesn’t always seem to be in the air. dismal record. ball being mentioned on the radio, Sure, one can pin it on the fact that However, this past Wednesday but shouldn’t it be that way? Why can’t the team has won an average of 5 night’s game against the visiting Em- Covenant basketball games become a games over the past two seasons, ory University Eagles seemed to prove fun-filled, popular, community event? Junior Chase Foster, who plays guard for Covenant, goes up for a shot or that the seniors have seen three otherwise. On the heels of the team’s Ultimately, the answer to that lies in different coaches in a four year span, first win of the season against La- the cheering voices of potential fans, but the fact remains that schools, and Grange College, and following a spir- and in the hands of a team that needs FINAL SCORES: the students in particular, should get ited effort against perennial GSAC to improve upon its 1-6 record. Hope- excited for basketball season conference champion Maryville fully, the hard-fought, highly-viewed Even the most average sports fan College, optimism was high in the games like the one against Emory this Men’s Basketball @ Sewanee (51-60 has most likely heard of the crazy Covenant basketball community and past Tuesday are a sign of things to student section at Duke University. it showed both on the court and in come. The team’s next home game is L) Dubbed the Cameron Crazies. The the stands. “The stands were packed,” this Thursday against Piedmont Col- group sets about packing out the said senior spectator Chris Sossou. “It lege at 7:00. Come out, get crazy, and Women’s Basketball @ Sewanee (94- stands at every one of Duke’s home was definitely the most crowded I’ve show your support. 100 L) Women’s Soccer @ King (0-4 L) Congratulations to Hunt Davidson and Men’s Soccer vs. Oakland City (2-2; 4-5 L in PKs) Chris Pifer of the men's soccer team for Women’s Volleyball vs. Oakland City (0-3 L) receiving All-Tournament honors as they Women’s Volleyball vs. Campbells- helped guide the Scots to a fourth place fin- ville (0-3 L) ish at the NCCAA National Tournament.