The Point Weekly – 10.15.2012

MEN’S SPORTS PHAZING OUT
/ p. 8

BACK IN THE SWING OF THINGS
/ p. 11

Monday, October 15, 2012

Volume 41 • Issue 6

College voter apathy may affect upcoming election
kyle lundberg editor-in-chief With the deadline for registering to vote fast approaching, the role of the college-age vote in the election process is coming under increased scrutiny. During the 2008 presidential election, the youth came out to vote, driven by Barack Obama’s powerful social media campaigns and the influence of youth-oriented organizations such as Rock the Vote. Despite this, young voters still only made up about 19 percent of the electorate. And, according to a recent Pew Center study on voter enthusiasm, this year the amount of voters age 18-29 who say they’re “more interested in the election than four years ago” has dropped 17 points, and those who are “following the election very closely” have dropped 12 points from 2008. Now, facing a stagnant job market and a surplus of student loans, many young people seem to be turned off by politics altogether. At PLNU, some students see a lack of political interest in the campus community. “Our campus is very apathetic,” said Shannon Leonard, president of the PLNU College Republicans. “The turnout is never there,” said Justin Vos, member of the College Republicans and vice president of Students for Mitt Romney. “You want to target people who will come out for you. Young people don’t pay taxes, and they’re not too involved in debt.”

Prominent figure rescued by Public Safety

2012 VOTER’S GUIDE
R e gi st ration de adl ine in Cal if ornia is on Octob e r 2 2 . Onl ine : http s : / / w w w . s o s . c a . g o v / e l e cti o n st u r b o v ot e . o r g In Pe rson:
DMV

Other students see a lack of knowledge about the issues. “I myself am not a voter,” said PLNU sophomore Tyler Boer. “I think people who vote should have an idea on what they’re voting for…most people today don’t really know what they’re actually voting on.” According to Lindsey Lupo, PLNU professor of political science, although the youth vote increased in 2008, voter turnout among college-age students has consistently been low.

“Since 1972 and the passage of the 26th Amendment, there has been an average 17-point gap between 18 to 24-year-olds and those 25 years and older,” Lupo said. But, Lupo added, voter turnout is not the only criterion by which to measure political participation. “Youth are highly engaged in direct action, protests and volunteerism, for example,” she said. “To measure political participation by voting alone is not a full picture [Cont. Student Voters, p.2]

Public safety officer Daniel King with the recovered Lady Nease statue

courtesy of mark mann

parker bunch staff writer A statue was taken from Nease Hall and placed atop Brown Chapel on Wednesday evening, according to Public Safety Supervisor Kaz Trypuc. “Our officers removed [the statue] and returned it to Nease Hall on Thursday morning,” Trypuc said. The statue was identified as “Lady Nease,” a sculpture usually found in the Nease Hall fifth-floor lounge. The statue was immediately spotted by Public Safety officer Daniel King while on his morning campus patrol. “When I arrived at work at 7, I noticed the statue on the roof of Brown Chapel,” King said. “I quickly grew to enjoy the sight of this beautiful woman as I [patrolled] around campus.” King said Public Safety soon received a call requesting the removal of the statue, and “Lady Nease” was removed from her perch. “[After] carefully climbing down with her, we moved her back to her resting place in Nease Hall,” he said. King suspects the statue was placed atop Brown Chapel as a type of prank. “She [appears to have been] abducted in the night by a group of young ruffians,” he said. He was unable to disclose the names of the suspects but said video evidence of the abduction exists. “Unfortunately, the folks responsible for the prank neglected the Nease Hall cameras,” King said. “That’s all I can say about that.”

Students react to Wellness Center changes
alexandra taylor staff writer Last February, news broke that management in the PLNU Wellness Center had terminated all four counselors and the nurse practitioner following plans to change the services offered. The Wellness Center is in the process of assembling a new team capable of providing numerous services, including counseling, academic advising and aid to those in the Disability Resource Center. The changes in service include, but are not limited to, combining the Academic Support Center and the Wellness Center into one unit. The Wellness Center is now referred to as the Student Success and Wellness Center. The “success” portion of this title is being accomplished by using academics as the focus of counseling strategy. Furthermore, counseling sessions have been reduced from unlimited sessions down to six. Students will then be referred to further professional help off campus. [Cont. Wellness Center p.2]

Photo by Casslyn Fiser

The interior of the updated Wellness Center

2 | NEWS

October 15, 2012 the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012

[Student Voters Cont. from p.1]
of the election process. The college question is important; young people with college experience are twice as likely to vote than those without.” Other evidence suggests that the primary reason college students are not voting may be the fact that they are confused about how to register. According to statistics from the

Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, over one quarter of college students reported in 2010 that they didn’t register because they didn’t know where or how to do so. Registration is also key to voter turnout. In 2008, 87 percent of college students who registered to vote actually ended up voting, according to CIRCLE. Recent efforts have cropped

up to help increase the ease of access to voting registration. PLNU’s College Democrats and Republicans have voting registration forms available for anyone who asks, and the Office of Student Development has been promoting an online registration program called “Turbo Vote.” The program promises to “make the voting process as awesome as renting a DVD from Netflix” by keeping track of deadlines,

sending text reminders of upcoming elections and sending all of the registration forms to the voter. Students from California can take advantage of the “motor voter law,” which allows residents to register to vote when visiting any DMV office. Out-of-state students who want to vote in California simply need to establish residency, which they can do even with an on-campus address. On Election

Day, the First Church of the Nazarene on campus is a polling place, but absentee ballots, which voters receive in the mail and then mail back, are also available. The deadline to register to vote varies by state. In California, it’s 15 days before the election. This year, it’s next Monday, October 22. The California Secretary of State’s website contains detailed information on registering to vote at sos.ca.gov.

[Wellness Center Cont. from p.1]
So far, responses to the changes have been mixed. “Last year was awesome and I had great counselors that helped students out,” said A.J Gizzarelli, a student who has used the counselors this year and last. “But it is not as good this year. “When a student goes in for counseling they aren’t worried about academics. That’s a mistake — the Wellness Center is for wellness, the Academic Center is for academics,” said Gizzarelli. One of the biggest concerns among students is the six-week program. Students are only allowed six sessions with a Wellness Center counselor before being referred to off-campus help. The Wellness Center’s page on PLNU’s website does offer several professional programs, including PLNU Professor of Psychology Daniel Jenkins’ Lighthouse Psychological Services. However, some students are afraid their insurance will not cover the expenses needed for further professional help. Roy-Malachi Lagaretta, a junior who has been attending counseling sessions for two years, said he is upset about this new policy. With a limit of six sessions and limited insurance, he is not sure where to turn after his sessions are up. “I’m just going to stop [attending counseling sessions]; I could benefit more from a professor who has more experience, like professor Hall, or from a pastor,” said Lagaretta. Whether a student can continue to receive counseling if they cannot afford it elsewhere has yet to be determined. Dr. Kim Bogan, who has overseen these changes as the associate dean of student success and advising, emphasized the renovation of the building. “[The Wellness Center] has undergone cosmetic physical changes to invite students to a calming, peaceful, spa-like environment,” Bogan said. These changes include freshly-painted blue walls and curtains that screen the section containing pamphlets on various illnesses, both physical and psychological. In regards to the counseling changes, Bogan stressed that it is a part of the Center’s mission to “promote a seamless continuum of services for academics and wellness.” New staff and prospective candidates are expected to reflect this mission. “We are in the process of getting staff,” Dr. Bogan said. An email will be sent out campus-wide when the hiring process is completed. Other students said they have enjoyed their treatment at the Wellness Center. Jasmine Myles, a sophomore, recently received services from a nurse in the Wellness Center. “Every time I went in, the lady at the front desk remembered exactly who I was and exactly what I was doing,” Myles said. “She was super sweet and gave me all the information I needed to know.”

Conflict of political affiliation and faith
rylie shore staff writer The first Presidential debate of this election season has sparked heated debates among students across campus as they discuss opposing political views. Last Wednesday, following the Presidential debate, ASB held a discussion where students were free to express opinions and reactions to the topics addressed by the candidates, and the room quickly filled with tension as students articulated opposing views. The Pew Forum conducted a poll on religion and political affiliation, finding that in 2008 65 percent of White Evangelical Protestant voters identified with the Republican Party, while 28 percent identified with the Democratic Party. Four years later, these numbers have changed to 71 percent identifying as Republican and 22 percent identifying as Democrat. Gallup Politics took a national poll, not taking religion into consideration, and reported that since 1988 the Republican Party has decreased from 31 percent to 27 percent, as has the Democratic Party from 33 percent to 31 percent. However, the Independent party has increased from 33 percent to 40 percent.

“Nazarenes seem like good people who are willing to discuss important issues intelligently and openly...”
When taking the whole of the American population into account there is a mere 4 percent gap between the two parties, yet the gap sits at 49 percent when looking at Christian political affiliations. Taylor Rivers, PLNU student and member of the College Democrats,

said that the ties that have been made between the Republican Party and Christianity alienate Christian Democrats, making the latter feel unholy. “It is dangerous to tie religion to a political party,” she said. Dylan White, a Republican junior, theorized about the causes of the association between the Republican Party and Christianity. “As a Christian, God gives us things out of grace, but at the same time there is this sense of we have to do work to get things in life,” White said. God wants us to love other people, and one of the best ways we do that is maximizing our strengths and helping other people. Republicans love helping people, but it’s not giving them a check, it’s in helping them find a job.” Some Democrats on campus shared how their faith influenced their decision to become a Democrat rather than Republican. David Lingner, a professor of Chemistry on campus, said in an email that the principles that influenced his decision to affiliate with the Democratic Party include, “social justice,

fairness, strong values, compassion, education, environment, future-oriented, fiscally intelligent, militarily strong but not aggressive.” Ron Benefiel, dean of the PLNU school of Theology and Christian Ministry, described in an email that his ministry encounters with the people on the streets of L.A. caused him to switch from being a Republican to a Democrat. “I switched my party affiliation to Democrat largely because of my relationship with and concern for those who lived on the margins of society,” he said. “Every individual has divine value, hence all persons are to be valued equally as children of God, in God’s image,” said Michael McKinney, PLNU professor of German and literature. “I have deep empathy for the poor, the disadvantaged and disenfranchised, as I think Christ did as well.” McKinney also said, however, that equating religion and faith can be troubling. “Where the line is crossed is in inputing one’s political views to God and

the Christian faith. This is the height of arrogance and expression of power: ‘My ways are God’s ways,’ for this provides the license to kill — or whatever — all in the name of God, who stands behind whatever I do; i.e., God is on my side, not yours.” PLNU student Gina Doles recently switched her political affiliation when she realized that the Democratic Party upholds more of her own beliefs than the Republican Party, as she said she believes Democrats show more concern for people. David Lingner said he admired the open political nature of the PLNU community. “Nazarenes seem like good people who are willing to discuss important issues intelligently and openly, with respect for the opinions of others and without ad hominem attacks,” Lingner said. “Being here has brought me back to the church and to Christianity. In some ways, I’ve never left, but now I’m much stronger, thanks to the knowledge that Christians are not necessarily associated with Republicans.” Benefiel said he recognizes the tension that exists in our country between the two parties, but said that, as a Christian institution, “We should be reconciled to each other knowing that we share a higher commitment and allegiance to Christ and the Kingdom of God.”

October 15, 2012 the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012

NEWS

|3

PLNU participates in college food drive
by volunteers in one of 153 food distributions associated with the food bank. The food bank receives donations and funding from foundations, individual donors, supermarkets, the USDA federal government and food drives, which the organization considers an important source of food. of the food they provide. 94 cents of every donated dollar goes to the food programs associated with the food bank, and 6 percent of each dollar is used toward the organization’s overhead costs. According to Burt-Gracik, participation of students and faculty in the food drive is key to its success. “To me, it’s just incredibly important to have a good showing,” said Burt-Gracik. “We’re the only Christian school participating. There’s a lighthouse at the end of Point Loma, and it’s there to be a light to shipping vessels that come in here. Well, I think we need to be a spiritual light here on Point Loma, and serve our community — the hungry among us.” On November 9, Hard Rock Hotel will hold a ceremony in which the winning school of the food drive will be announced. Among the attendees are Jerry Sanders, mayor of San Diego, and Tony Young, council president. They will honor and present the guitar trophy to the winning school. “If we can extend a hand and help out, even donate a meal off your ID card — that is huge because that will help someone not go hungry for the night,” said Aguilera. “We’re just asking you to serve.”

Posters with this logo containing additional information are posted at various locations around campus.

shannon barr news editor As a PLNU sophomore, Rebecca Aguilera knows firsthand how tight the wallets of college students can be. Despite this, PLNU students, faculty, and members of the Point Loma community are being asked to give back. An on-campus food drive, College Rock Hunger, begins today and will run through the 28th of this month.

I think we need to be a spiritual light here on Point Loma, and serve our community — the hungry among us.”

“As college students, we don’t really have that much money, but I think it’s really simple to give back,” said Aguilera, who is one of about 10 student volunteers organizing and promoting the food drive. A partnership between the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Hard Rock Hotel San Diego to fight hunger in San Diego county has resulted in this food drive geared toward getting college students involved. There are four local college participants: University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, California State San Marcos, and PLNU. The colleges are competing to raise the most donations, whether in the form of food or money, and the school with the most donations-per-student ratio will win. According to San Diego Food Bank’s website, “The prize for the winning school is a life-sized ‘guitar trophy’ with the name of the school engraved on the front, and the name of the winning school will be projected on the side of the Hard Rock Hotel for a week.”

This is PLNU’s second time participating. Director of Community Life & Co-Curricular Strengths Programs Melissa BurtGracik headed the event last year, and plans to completely change the outcome this year. “We had a really poor showing,” said Burt-Gracik, describing PLNU’s attempts during the previous food drive. “We didn’t have many donations at all. So after last year, I said to myself, ‘I’m not going to let that happen again.’” Fresh & Easy, Vons and various areas around campus will have food bins for donations. Sodexo is providing packages of food that students can buy and place in the donation bins, as well as offering Sea Lion dollars or PBC credit swipes in two and five dollar increments, allowing easy ways for students to donate. A “virtual food drive” is available online, where people can donate money toward the drive. In addition, PLNU’s annual Fall Festival, which supports a benefit every year, has chosen College Rock Hunger this year. Guests attending the festival on Saturday will be asked to bring canned goods. The food drive has taken place annually since 2008.

tional opportunity because a lot of people, a lot of students, don’t realize that hunger and poverty are really very serious in our community. It’s kind of hidden, and this really helps to increase the awareness on this as an issue in our community.” Those that benefit from the donations of the food bank include the 350,000 people the food bank feeds every month. Among the recipients are senior citizens, single parents, low-income families and, more recently, middle-class families that have suffered job losses in the recession. “The food that you distribute to us will make it out to those distributions, and it will go directly to whoever it is standing in line,” said Carter. The food provided by the food bank is primarily distributed

“Last year we raised around 60,000 pounds worth of food and monetary donations, so it’s been hugely successful.”
“One thing that we really want to emphasize is that no donation is too small,” Carter said. “You know, people think a dollar isn’t very much — we can do a lot with a dollar. We can provide three meals for every dollar that is donated to the organization.” Carter explained that the San Diego food bank, along with others, has relations with wholesale food markets and food growers that discount food products for these organizations. They can buy eight pounds of fresh produce for a dollar, and most of the money donations will go toward providing fresh produce for families, a measure the food bank is taking to increase the nutritional value

“As college students, we don’t really have that much money, but I think it’s twitter.com/@PLNUrockshunger really simple to give back.” @PLNUrockshunger
“Last year we raised around 60,000 pounds worth of food and monetary donations, so it’s been hugely successful,” said Chris Carter, vice president of communications, marketing and public affairs for the food bank. “This is going to be the biggest year yet, and we’re really excited about it,” Carter said, adding that this food drive is also “an educa-

4 | FEATURES

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” L.M. Montgomery in Anne of Green Gables *Warning: These quotes may or may not improve your intelligence.*
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Who’s Who at PLNU: McKinney reflects on students, law and PLNU
Spotlighting staff, students and faculty
eddie matthews staff writer 43 years is usually enough of a career for two teachers, yet Dr. David Michael McKinney is no ordinary professor. McKinney started teaching at PLNU when he was 25 and has followed the school from its Pasadena roots, where it was located when he started teaching. McKinney teaches German and literature at PLNU, and his continental authors class always has a surplus of students trying to get in. In many ways, McKinney’s reputation precedes him. He can be found in his office in Bond Academic Center, behind the Constitution that is pasted on his office window. When asked what kept him here after the transition from Pasadena to Point Loma, he cited the students as the main reason. McKinney spoke about how valuable it is for students to get professors with Ph.D.s as freshmen. students’ lives.” McKinney talked about all the students over the years that have become real friends. “On any daily basis I will get two or three emails from kids that graduated 20 years ago, 30 years ago, and it’s always good,” he said. “You actually do become friends, so I have an unlimited number of friends, and when you start mentioning names back 10, 15 [years] — just warm fuzzies.” McKinney is also a lawyer as well as a full time professor, doing Appellate Law usually dealing with murders and always working in defense. When asked about his appellate work, he recited a common story. “It probably was on one day, [they were] good people, their life was really good and then on one day then something bad, for whatever reason [they] made a big mistake and now they’re going to spend the rest of their life in a prison cell,” McKinney said. “And they’ve got moms and they’ve got dads and brothers and sisters . . . so on that side, there’s more than one person who’s been given this life sentence.” McKinney is a humanist and his love of people is evident in the way he talks and especially in the way he teaches. This feeling is what keeps him from assuming anything when defending someone in his appellate work. McKinney said that he suffers on both sides of each case, feeling the deep hurt of the victim’s family as well as empathizing with the reality of life in prison for the people convicted of murder that he defends. Dr. Hadley Wood, who has been teaching at PLNU for 36 years and has known McKinney since 1976, spoke of a time when she wanted to improve her literature class and sat in on one of McKinney’s classes for insight. “He was very influential in helping me find my own voice as a teacher,” Wood said. If PLNU students from the last 30 years were asked about their most influential teacher, it’s likely that McKinney would be at the top of the list.

...his love of people is evident in the way he talks and especially in the way he teaches.
“I don’t think our kids get any less of an education here than they would at UCLA . . . I think the teaching that goes on here by my colleagues is off-the-chart good,” McKinney said. “I couldn’t even think of any whose highest priority isn’t to give the students maximum education, in whatever field it is.” Garret Levsen, PLNU baseball pitcher in his junior year, cited how well McKinney teaches and how personable he is. “I took three years of Spanish in high school and I learned more in two semesters of German than I did in three years of Spanish . . . he knew how to relate to the students pretty easily,” Levsen said. “One thing I like about [McKinney] too is he’s involved with the

Got any ideas for Who’s Who at PLNU? Email them to cradke692@ pointloma.edu!

PHOTO COURTESY OF EDDIE MATTHEWS

Newspapers found in Keller give insight to past
alexandra taylor staff writer A treasure trove of old newspapers was discovered in Keller Visual Arts Center during some routine cleaning on September 27. Heidi Boening, a sophomore visual arts major and lab assistant in Keller Arts Center, found the articles by chance in late September when doing some housecleaning. be a stash of old issues of the StarNews, an evening newspaper for Southern California. “Heidi found the newspapers, and I helped identify them,” said Joe Sloan, also a worker in the Visual Arts Center. By looking at the dates, Sloan gathered that these papers were from the mid-sixties. The paper’s Pasadena address suggests that students or faculty from PLNU’s old location had placed them there. Boening remarked that the papers were strategically placed where someone would find them years later. “They were folded perfectly in the back of the shelf,” said Boening. “They were shelves with compartments, and that’s not how shelves are normally made. Someone knew that they would be torn down.” The papers provide quite a history lesson. Many of the front-page articles reveal concern about Vietnam. One article, entitled How War May End Hinted, discusses former president Lyndon B. Johnson’s State of the Union Address. The story focuses on a short proposal to North Vietnam by Johnson to reduce their “use of force.” Should California Bar Outsiders? is an article about the debate as to whether California should tax or limit incoming citizens. The Californians of the day seemed to want to limit people coming in, according to the article. “I don’t like a lot of people. California has too many people already,” said one student in the story. There are also several political cartoons, which illustrate the issues of the day. One depicts Fidel Castro, former dictator of Cuba, as a fat baby bird crying for a large worm held above in the beak of a vulture representing the USSR. And, just like newspapers of today, the Star-News is riddled with advertisements. One ad claimed it had found the key to “dramatic weight loss.” PLNU Art Professor Andy Hunter is still in the process of deciding what to do with the newspapers. “I have to contact some people,” he said. “Whoever is interested I suppose will figure out what to do with them.” Hunter has stored the newspapers in Keller until further notice.

“The wood was really old when I broke it open, and in the back I saw a newspaper sticking out.”
“We were supposed to tear down these boxes,” she said. The boxes function as shelves to hold paintings in order to dry them. “The wood was really old when I broke it open, and in the back I saw a newspaper sticking out,” she said. Little did she know that when she broke them open there would

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEXANDRA TAYLOR

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

FEATURES | 5

Pressure at the pump has students eyeing bikes
taylor roy staff writer Gas prices steadily increased last week in California, specifically in the Southern region. The spike was dreadfully noticeable in San Diego. Between October 4 and 5, the cost per gallon jumped up 20 cents. The California Government’s Energy Almanac confirms that during the first week of October, the cost rose almost 50 cents. California’s state average, a record $4.66 per gallon, is 80 cents higher than nationwide prices. Members of the PLNU community are struggling with the extraordinary numbers. Delila Prado is one of many students taking courses at the Community Heights Classroom. Once a week, she makes the commute from the main PLNU campus for a literature course in City Heights. Though she tries to carpool, her ride-a-longs have been accumulating a tab without contributing to her gas fund. Her frustration extended to the school as well. “The fact that it’s in like City Heights — 20 minutes away — I feel like they should be giving us a little bit of gas money,” said Prado. As far as university transportation, their budget does not feel as much of a strain. Transportation Manager of Physical Plant Fred Ebrahimi explained that PLNU’s gas source is purchased and replenished about once a month. An outside company comes and fills up a large tank on campus to fuel vehicles. “By the time we buy again, the gas prices are back down,” said Ebrahimi. However, buses burn a large amount of diesel gas, which is where the cost hurts. Ebrahimi expressed that the department has to be more mindful when it comes to diesel gas use. While bike riding and ride-sharing are encouraged and prominent in the PLNU community, students are finding additional ways to fight the high gas prices. Kathleen Bolamba, a sophomore taking advantage of having a car on campus this year, found relief through her smart phone. “My friend showed me the Gas Buddy app and it’s changed my life,” said Bolamba. “Instead of wasting my gas driving along Rosecrans, this handy-dandy app gives me local gas prices. App users update the prices every few hours so that it’s super accurate.” For now, Southern California drivers will have to seek out the cheapest pumps or avoid traveling by car until a significant price-drop responds to the considerable increase. colton irvine and macy douglas staff writers Pump up your tires. Your car won’t have to work as hard and use as much gas when the tires are pumped to the correct PSI. Use your air conditioning wisely. These random hot days may make you want to crank that knob on your dashboard all the way to the deepest color blue, but be aware that blasting that A/C will drain your gas tank and your checking account. Lay off the gas. When you see the streetlight turn from red to green, don’t feel obligated to smash your foot on the gas pedal. Lose the weight. No, I’m not calling you fat, but you need to do something with all that junk in your trunk. The more weight you have in your car, the more gas it is going to use to drive places. Utilize the shuttle. The shuttle service offered at PLNU is a great way to get around when your legs are too tired to go any further. It’s free, it’s mildly fast, and the people that drive it are friendly and play good music. Use public transportation. One of the perks of living in a big city is the access to almost anywhere via public transportation. The city of San Diego offers trolleys, buses and train rides all over the city. Exercise . If you just want to grab some Cup of Yo, Peet’s or Subway, pull a freshman and walk. If you own a bike, work on those leg muscles by biking to your destinations.

Places to go during Fall Break to see the season
callie radke features editor This Friday, the students of PLNU will be graced with the long-awaited Fall Break. Visions of jumping in piles of leaves, sipping apple cider and wearing cozy sweaters are swimming before the eyes of many a student. Unfortunately, the closest we have to leaves are the piles of seaweed at Ocean Beach and sweaters leave us sweating by the end of the day. Where can autumn-deprived students go to snuggle in their sweaters and boots? And how can they make it there with just one extra day added to the weekend? Lucky for us, we have a number of destinations that are worth a day trip or a long weekend, some within just an hour’s drive of our home sweet home. This quaint town is only an hour-and-a-half drive away. Located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian offers such attractions as apple picking, hiking, art galleries, tea cottages, book stores and, of course, apple pie. Since it is a higher elevation than San Diego, the air is already getting crisper in Julian. So don that flannel and go get some pie! Check out www.julianca. com for more information.

Julian

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Why limit it to the town itself? The state park offers a variety of hiking trails and camping opportunities. Head over to Lake Cuyamaca to check out boat rentals, fishing, camping or picnicking. Or grab your hiking boots for a trek up Stonewall Peak, a moderate 5.3-mile trail that ends with a view of the surrounding park and Lake Cuyamaca.

Big Bear
If you’re looking for a longer trip, Big Bear is a drive of about two hours and 45 minutes. Make the drive if you’re interested in hiking, fall colors, camping, biking, an alpine slide or a variety of other activities. Go to www.bigbear.com to plan your trip.

A drive of less than two hours, Disneyland and California Adventure are classic destination points. Just don’t forget your Mickey ears.

Disneyland Resort

Palomar Mountain is a two hour drive from Point Loma and offers picnic spots, camping, hiking and mountaintop views of the surrounding San Diego area. The day use fee is eight dollars. Look for more information at www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=637.

Palomar Mountain

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Internships in the Greater Los Angeles area Integration of faith and social work practice Full-time and part-time options For more information, visit www.apu.edu/msw/.

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Alignment with current California licensure requirements Professionally active faculty who teach from personal experience A curriculum that integrates spirituality and values A blend of the theoretical and practical elements of psychology For more information, visit www.apu.edu/mft/.

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Student Voter Guide
6 | CENTER

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

Prop. 34:

Death Penalty

What California Voters should know
kyle lundberg editor-in-chief

-Repeals death penalty as maximum punishment for persons found guilty of murder and replaces it with life imprisonment without possibility of parole -Reduces cost of murder cases. -Reduces cost of holding criminals. Housing on death row is more expensive that life imprisonment due to increased security, etc. -Approx. $100 million savings over the first few years.

Prop. 30:

Prop. 35:

Human Trafficking

Temporary taxes to fund education
Guaranteed local public safety funding. The state’s 2012-2013 budget plan assumes passage of this measure. The budget includes a backup plan that requires spending reductions, “trigger cuts,” should voters reject the measure. -Increase personal income tax on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years. -Increase sales and use tax by ¼ cents for four years -Raises about $6 billion in additional annual state revenues through 2016-2017 -The additional revenues will help balance the state budget through 2018-2019 If rejected, the majority of spending cuts will come to education, with $250 million in cuts to the UC system and another $250 million to the Cal State system. Over $5 billion will be cut from public schools and community colleges. More minor cuts will be made to the Department of Parks and Recreation and DOJ Law Enforcement programs.

-Increased penalties for human trafficking, including prison sentence up to 15-to-life and fines up to $1.5 million. Trafficking would now include creating and distributing obscene materials depicting minors -Convicted trafficker must be registered as a sex offender -Some increased costs for human trafficking training for police officers.

Prop. 37: Prop. 38:

Genetically engineered food.
-GE food must be properly labeled as such. Dept. of Public Health would regulate the labeling of such food, and individuals could sue manufacturers who violate labeling provisions.

Prop. 33:

Auto Insurance Companies

Tax to fund education and early childhood programs.
-Personal Income Tax rates would be raised on all but the lower income bracket from 2013-2024. The higher the income bracket, the larger the increase in the marginal tax rate. (PIT is a tax on wages, business, investment and other income of individuals and families). -60% of money raised would go towards schools, with 10% allocated for Early Care and Education and 30% going towards state debt payments. -In relation to prop. 30, which also addresses raising taxes, the measure with the most “yes” votes prevails. -Trigger cuts would still take effect if proposition 30 does not go into effect.

-Allows insurance companies to offer “continuous coverage” discounts on auto insurance policies for new customers who switch their coverage from another insurer. It also would provide the discount to workers who have been laid off for 18 months or less and those who have had inactive insurance due to military service.

For more propositions visit our website at pointweekly. com or sos.ca.gov/elections

the point weekly | monday, january 23, 2012 Monday, October 15, 2012

San Diego Mayoral Candidates
Jerry Sanders has reached his term limit, and now we must choose between Bob Filner (Dem.) and Carl DeMaio (Rep.).

CENTER | 7

Bob Filner
U.S. Representative campaign platforms: -Public safety: top priority: honesty, integrity and respect -Arts and Culture: local and national level. -Jobs: port into a global maritime center, harnessing green energy and creating demand for solar power. -Education: restoring priority of youth services and resources among public and private sectors. -Small business advocacy -Returning power to the neighborhoods -Protecting and promoting San Diego’s unique environment. -Chargers stadium: must give something back to the city and its taxpayers.

Carol DeMaio
San Diego City Council Member DeMaio’s “Roadmap to Recovery” is a 10-step plan that emphasizes: -Keeping city government accountable and open -Clean and safe neighborhoods -Comprehensive pension reform -Improving city infrastructure -Job-friendly policies targeting: tourism, defense, high tech and clean tech. -Reducing mayoral and council expenses In the primaries, DeMaio received 32% of the vote, and Filner received 30%. -Information from candidates’ campaign websites, carldemaio.com and bobfilnerformayor.com

For insight on local issues, check
out the upcoming San Diego mayoral debate between candidates Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner, hosted by PLNU and the Asian Business Association. Thursday, October 25, 10:45 a.m., Liberty Station Conference Center, 2600 Laning Road in Point Loma. Register online at abasd.org.

8 | SPORTS

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

10/15-16: M. Golf @ CSU San Marcos Fall Invitational, all day. 10/15: M. Soccer @ San Diego State University, 7 p.m. 10/16: Volleyball vs. Biola University, 7 p.m. 10/17: M. Soccer @ CSU San Marcos, 2 p.m. 10/17: W. Soccer @ CSU San Marcos, 4 p.m. 10/20: Volleyball @ Grand Canyon University, 3 p.m.

Three men’s sports face final season of existence
greta wall staff writer The 2012-2013 school year will be the last year PLNU will have men’s cross country, men’s golf and men’s track and field. The three teams will be cut from PLNU athletics at the end of the year. This decision is a result of Title IX requirements placed on PLNU Athletics. According to Assistant Athletic Director Russ Blunck, the school is required to allow the same percentage of athletic opportunities for men and women based on enrollment, within a 5 percent range. The enrollment of women compared to men at PLNU is much higher, which calls for more women’s sports to accommodate for the percentage difference. In 2010, the school had to cut the women’s softball program because they could not find a suitable field for the team to practice and play on, which meant they lost a team of about 20 women. Losing such a significant amount of women put the percentages out of Title IX regulations, so women’s golf was added. However, the addition of women’s golf was not a significant enough boost, forcing the school to decide which men’s teams would be The loss of men’s golf also affects the lives of many students. Former head coach and current director of golf Ben Foster told U-T San Diego that the loss of the program is sad, and a San Diego college not having golf is “like not playing hockey in Canada or not playing football in Texas. It’s an unfortunate situation.” The current men’s golf team consists of five seniors and one freshman. The seniors here in 2010, when the decision was made, have been grateful to be able to finish their college careers in golf at PLNU. The school chose to allow the freshmen on all three teams at the time of the decision to finish their careers at PLNU instead of abruptly cutting the programs like they did with softball. That meant that the programs would be cut at the end of this school year instead of the end of the 2010-2011 school year. “I wish we didn’t have to do it,” said Blunck. “Those are three really high-quality sports that we have not only done well in but have had great student athletes, good mission fits in those sports, great academic kids and great Christian kids. It’s a travesty that we have to do it, but that’s the bottom line: we have to do it, it’s beyond our control.”

Men’s track and field is one of three PLNU sports teams getting cut after this academic year. Men’s golf and men’s cross country will also be cut. These teams have been some of the most successful programs at PLNU. Cross country and track have won a combined 10 Golden State Athletic Conference titles. Men’s golf has been to 22 NAIA National Championship Tournaments.

photo courtesy of marcus emerson

cut. This decision resulted in what is now the end of men’s cross country, golf and track and field. “Losing softball meant we had to cut a pretty significant number of men’s sports and add a women’s sport,” said Blunck, “which we did with women’s golf.” Head cross country and track and field coach Jerry Arvin was informed by the administration in 2010 that his men’s programs would be cut after the 2012-2013 school year. He says he is still upset with the decision but has come to terms with the fact

that there is nothing he can do to change it. “Personally I wasn’t happy with the decision three years ago,” said Arvin. “It impacted my men greatly and through that has impacted me and has impacted the women’s team at the same time, because it’s never been a men’s and women’s team — we do everything together.” Brant Jones, a senior runner for PLNU, says he never would have come to the school had he been told he was not going to get to run all four years. He says he feels that the

decision has had a major impact on the athletes at the school. “This decision impacted the lives of so many people,” said Jones. “Athletes like me who were extremely happy and loving life at Loma all of a sudden had to decide if they wanted to transfer or stay. “I made the decision to stay and it was the best decision I could have possibly made. It’s extremely sad that there will be no more men’s track and cross country after this year, but I am extremely thankful I got to finish my career here.”

Loma Fantasy Guru: Stock Check
colton irvine staff writer With over one-third of the season gone, let’s take a look at whose stock is rising and whose is falling across the NFL. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans — With the emergence of Arian Foster as the league’s top running back, the Texans have more or less shifted to a run-first, passsecond team. While this is great for the Texans, as they are not forced to rely on the passing game, it does not spell good news for Johnson owners. Johnson has been targeted only once in the Red Zone and has seen a steady drop-off in production. Stock Check — Falling Steven Ridley, RB, New England Patriots — Historically, the New England running game is about as unpredictable as the San Diego weather as of late. Ever since 2005, when the Patriots offense featured Corey Dillon, they have had trouble finding a true starting running back. They may have found him in Steven Ridley. Ridley has put together an impressive first half so far, running for a total of over 500 yards in the first six games. Add to that four touchdowns, and Ridley is among the top performing fantasy running backs. Stock Check — Rising Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins — Perhaps overshadowed by rookie phenomenon Robert Griffin III, Morris has emerged as the go-to back in the Redskins offense. At 5’10, 220 pounds, Morris carries a heavy punch and has been a workhorse in the Redskins offense, taking some of the pressure off Griffin’s shoulders. Through five games entering Sunday, Morris was averaging nearly 100 yards on the ground to go with his four touchdowns. Don’t be surprised if Morris begins to get more national attention as the season drags on. Stock Check — Rising Matt Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions — Since coming into the league, Matt Stafford has had one of the strongest arms around. He is a true gunslinger who is surrounded by targets, which means his numbers should be a little inflated more than others. Unfortunately for him, his legs set him back, as he is one of the most immobile quarterbacks out there. His immobility has made him a sitting duck for defensive linemen, resulting in more errant throws, and, as a result, interceptions. Stock Check — Falling Week seven byes: Atlanta, Denver, Kansas City, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego. Take a look at your roster if you have players from any one of these teams in your starting lineup for week seven.

PLNU 1ST IN PACWEST

courtesy of plnu sports information

The PLNU women’s soccer team shot to the top of the Pacific West Conference standings this week. Junior Kelly Christerson (pictured above) scored two goals in a 4-0 blowout of Hawaii-Hilo Monday. On Saturday, the Sea Lions followed that with a 6-1 shellacking of Chaminade, led by freshman Natalie Swift’s goal and two assists.

SEA LIONS SCOREBOARD
MEN’S SOCCER
10/8 L 1-3 vs. Hawaii-Hilo 10/13 L 0-1 vs. Chaminade (Hawaii)

WOMEN’S SOCCER
10/8 W 4-0 vs. Hawaii-Hilo 10/13 W 6-1 vs. Chaminade (Hawaii)

VOLLEYBALL
10/8 W 3-0 @ Hawaii-Hilo 10/12 L 0-3 @ BYU-Hawaii

CROSS COUNTRY
10/13 M. 6th, W. 4th @ Vanguard Invitational M: Russell - 5th, 25:38.99 W: Matranga - 21st, 18.45.81

WOMEN’S GOLF
10/8-9 9th @ Western Washington Invitational

10/10 W 3-0 10/13 L 2-3 @ Chaminade (Hawaii) @ Hawaii Pacific

FOR MORE SCORES AND STATS, CHECK OUT:

WWW.PLNUSEALIONS.COM

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

SPORTS | 9

Jake’s Take: All in the name of “equity?”
jacob roth sports editor The first time I heard the news was in March of my senior year of high school. I had a Facebook post from my friend Matt Day, who is a year older than me and runs competitively at Westmont. “You applied to Point Loma, right? If you were (or are) considering running in college, Point Loma announced that it is CUTTING their track and xc programs (Title 9....). Just fyi.” I was speechless. Sure enough, I went onto the PLNU website and looked it up. It was true: the school was cutting men’s cross country and track (along with softball and men’s golf). My dream school was cutting one of the things that drew me to it the most: the chance to run in college. I was furious. Just a couple weeks prior, I had gotten back from visiting PLNU. Coach Arvin was great; the team was fantastic; the school was phenomenal. I talked it over with my parents and decided to still attend PLNU. After all, college is first and foremost about education — running was a bonus. Eventually the decision was made to phase out the men’s sports over three years rather than immediately cut them. I’ve still gotten three years of running here, but to this day I can’t help but feel cheated. As this cross country season comes to a close, I keep thinking how I won’t be able to compete next year. Neither will the rest of the track team. Or the men’s golf team. I can’t even imagine what it feels like for the former softball players, whose team was cut so abruptly. I’m thankful for the three-year phase-out. But why were my fellow athletes and I robbed of the chance to compete further? According to a 2010 Point Weekly article, the problems originated in 2008, when the city of San Diego notified the school that the softball team could no longer use the softball field down at Sunset Cliffs (which has always belonged to the city). Because clearly there is nowhere else in San Diego to walk girls in every educational program that receives federal funding.” So in the name of “equity,” Title IX forced PLNU to cut my sport and rob who knows how many future runners and male golfers the chance to compete in college. Look, I understand where Title IX came from. When the law was passed, it was great for women’s sports. Because of Title IX, my female friends and family have gotten to compete in high school and collegiate sports. But nowadays, when women make up nearly 60 percent of all college students all it does is destroy male athletic programs. Title IX has inadvertently become the embodiment of the exact thing it seeks to eradicate: gender discrimination. PLNU can’t financially support a softball field, so we should punish the men’s teams that have nothing to do with it? Colleges all across the country are suffering because of Title IX. Men’s sports programs are shrinking. A 2001 USA Today story noted that between 1980 and 1999, 40 percent of NCAA and NAIA wrestling teams were eliminated. In 1980, there were 80 collegiate men’s gymnastics teams. Today there are 20. The ever-expanding femalemale ratio of college students will only worsen the condition. If the current trends continue, men’s sports could see themselves in the same situation women’s sports did in the ‘70s. But of course, that’s not discrimination at all. The intentions of Title IX are noble, but it’s gone too far. How many men won’t get to go to college because the scholarship the teams that would’ve given them scholarships no longer exist? How many men won’t get the same wonderful experience of PLNU running that I’ve been blessed with for the past two and a half years? The blame doesn’t fall completely on Title IX, nor does it fall completely on PLNU for failing to find a softball field. But it sure doesn’t fall on the men who run, jump, throw and golf at PLNU. And yet, we seem to be the ones who are paying the price. Love the column? Hate the column? Let me know what you think: Email me at [email protected]. Or go online and check out lomasportsguy. blogspot.com.

Title IX has inadvertently become the embodiment of the exact thing it seeks to eradicate: gender discrimination.
your dogs. So because softball had no field, someone filed an anonymous grievance to the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) on the basis that the softball team was not treated equally — which was obviously true. Eventually, the decision was made to cut the softball program because no suitable backup field was found, and the school lacked the necessary funding needed to implement the offered alternatives. By the way, PLNU softball finished second, fourth and seventh in the NAIA National rankings during the final three seasons (2008, 2009 and 2010). With the softball team gone, the school was out of line with Title IX regulations. Title IX, according to www.titleix. info, “is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity for boys and

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
KYLE RUSSELL
M. CROSS COUNTRY
At the Vanguard Invitational Saturday, Russell was the Sea Lions’ top finisher, placing fifth out of more than 100 runners. The junior from Temecula, Calif., led PLNU to a sixth-place team finish with an 8k time of 25:38.99. Russell is one of the favorites to win the PacWest Championship Meet on Oct. 27.

KELLI LECLAIR
LeClair was on fire as the Sea Lions finished 2-2 on their inaugural PacWest Hawaii roadtrip. The freshman outside hitter from Yucaipa, Calif., totaled 59 kills during the trip, including an incredible 20 kills and 21 digs in a five-set loss to Hawaii Pacific on Saturday.

W. VOLLEYBALL

10 | OPINION

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012 Kyle Lundberg Shannon Barr Callie Radke Jacob Roth Kathleen Rhine Hana Eades Megan Pittam Janelle Hiroshige Kendra Pittam Rachel Barr Keio Lewis Editor-in-chief News editor Features editor Sports editor A&E editor Opinion editor Layout editor Assistant Layout Copy editor Web Editor Ads manager

p | 619.849.2444 ads | 619.849.2301

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The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point Weekly or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to [email protected]
www.pointweekly.com

D.C. dispatch: student’s reflection from nation’s capitol
abby hamblin
contributor

Before I came to Washington, D.C., I thought I had a pretty good picture in my head of what it would look like. I dreamed of seeing the Lincoln Memorial, spending hours in the Smithsonian and walking where George Washington walked. Washington seemed so powerful and impressive, and I couldn’t wait to drink it in. But the reality of the city is a little bit different than the postcard version. “Federal Washington” is a lot like what you’d think. You get to certain areas and see “the department of” this and the so-and-so “agency,” one after another, until that tiny part of your brain holding what little you learned about the government in your high school social studies classes wants to explode. And, being here during election season, you can seriously feel it.

The debates are treated more like Superbowls, with people hosting huge parties at bars or in living rooms all over Washington. Every bus stop greets you with another political discussion. The newspapers and Tweets coming out of D.C. make sure you know what’s going on in national politics. But that part of the city is just a portion of what’s really going on in the District of Columbia. Did you know that D.C.’s infant mortality rate is almost double the national average? Or that more than half of family households in D.C. are run by single parents? D.C.’s high school students have a graduation rate of just 62 percent. D.C. has the widest income gap between the rich and poor of any city in the U.S. 3.2 percent of Washingtonians over the age of 12 are living with HIV or AIDS, which is an infection rate higher than that of many developing nations. I could go on all day, and I’m talking about “The District.” People live here. Although they

are not represented in Congress (taxation without representation), they’re here. Washington is about as urban as it gets, and there are a ton of issues to be overcome here. The poverty rate is high and gentrification has the city fighting against itself. The state of public schools here is about as bad as it gets in America. And this is where the President of the United States lives!

Living here and walking among the citizens of D.C. has shattered my perception of politics’ holy city.
I was excited to come to Washington and become wrapped up in politics and the high energy of election season. I did find that here, but that’s not all I found. Living here

and walking among the citizens of D.C. has shattered my perception of politics’ holy city. I’m not as impressed by the huge buildings and all the power anymore because I walk right by them with single moms, unemployed dads, and homeless street performers. The power of Washington is in its people. The buildings, leaders, money and fancy suits are nothing without the people for whom they exist. The biggest thing on my to-do list coming here was to see the White House, the “Executive Mansion.” The amazing things that happen there have always fascinated me. Before I came here, I wondered, “How close can I actually get to the place where wars are considered and treaties are signed?” When I finally made it to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., I found that I could get just about as close as anybody else. Standing at the fence out front with hundreds of other Americans, I realized that I care less about

the building and more about the nation it represents. Although there are gates around it, people still come from hundreds of miles away to stand in awe of America’s power and might. But those people standing side by side along the fence are who really matter. I might have access to a few more places here in D.C., but I’m no more important than I was when I lived in a one-stoplight town in Kansas. So this election season, know that even though you’re miles and miles away from the power and the home of the man we’ll decide to elect, you’re just as important. Just because you aren’t near the buildings that house the issues and the men and women who make the decisions doesn’t give you an excuse to be uninformed and inactive. You do matter, and every vote counts, from the District to San Diego.

Voting: a symbol of freedom
student columnist

amy cruse

Here’s a little self-disclosure: I have never voted before. I am not even registered to vote. I used to tell myself I had two perfectly legitimate reasons for abstaining. To begin with, I didn’t know anything about politics other than what I’d heard from my parents, and I felt it was irresponsible to cast a vote for something I neither knew nor cared about. When I went to college I told myself it didn’t even matter if I knew all the facts.

Having the freedom to vote means we also have the freedom to abstain from voting.
In most cases the vote comes down to which of the two choices is the lesser evil. Why vote if either outcome is unfavorable? Perhaps voting is similar to getting an education. It seems a ploy to make us

into checklist drones by following some primitive rite of passage. Graduate from high school? Check. Go to college? Check. Vote for the party my parents do? Check. Those who don’t vote may think, “rebel against the machine! I don’t need an education to feel smart, and I don’t need a vote to feel free.” After studying the data from the 2010 census, I noticed two things. First, without exception, registration and voting percentages increased the older the age group. For example, of citizens 65 and older, 75 percent registered to vote, and of that figure, 68 percent voted in 2008. Second, the more educated citizens are, the more likely they are to vote. 65 percent of citizens with some college or an associate’s degree voted in 2008; 73.3 percent of those with a bachelor’s degree or higher voted that same year. Now that I reevaluate myself, I realize I was just being lazy and ignorant. If I don’t know anything about politics, I must research it. If I don’t like my choices, I must become active and change them. Older women in my life are constantly reminding me of the long and difficult road my ancestors traveled

for women’s suffrage, how many sacrifices were made so that I could stand where I stand today. My high school English teacher once told me, “The day you can no longer vote is the day you no longer

have freedom.” Having the freedom to vote means we also have the freedom to abstain from voting. But If we didn’t have the choice, it wouldn’t be freedom.

Thus, I will proudly vote in this coming election and take part in the most pure symbol of our freedom.

Awkward Sea Lion :
Sharing your Loma fails
You walk with your umbrella popped open...
...and then it stops raining

Submit your Awkward Sea Lion moments to [email protected]

You computer hop in the library... ...because numerous people
forgot to log out

You think the Caf is high-class...
...because they serve guacamole

Camron Cluff Editorial Cartoonist

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 11

10/16 Allegiance- A New American Musical @ Old Globe Theater, 7 p.m. 10/16 Paul Kenyon piano recital @ Crill Performance Hall, 7:30 p.m. 10/18 Brad Paisley with The Band Perry @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m. 10/19 The Script @ Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, 7 p.m. 10/20 Fall Festival @ PLNU campus, 10 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. 10/20 Booker T. Jones @ Anthology, 7 p.m. 10/21 Old Masters of Music & Art @ SD Museum of Art, 2-3 p.m.

Spoken word group returns for fifth year
kathleen rhine a&e editor

The kitchen on the third floor of Nicholson Commons is the Wednesday night meeting place of an unlikely crowd. Drinking herbal tea and sitting around the large table in the middle of the room are members of the unofficial Poetry and Spoken Word club. Started five years ago by Nicholson Commons Director and club advisor Milton Karahadian, the club has competed at poetry slam invitationals put on by the Association of College Unions International. PLNU is part of Region 15 of ACUI and competes in teams of five against universities in Nevada,

Hawaii and California. “Spoken word people on campus are underrepresented,” Karahadian said. “At this event, they have a place to express themselves. I try to develop the group to go to these events.” The only problem is acquiring enough people to compete. Many of last year’s members graduated in May, leaving the leadership of the club to underclassmen. Sophomore Keana McGrath decided to grab the reins. “I just started last year, and I’m stoked about it,” McGrath said. “I didn’t realize I could write, but they welcomed me to the team. I’m scared to be leading because I don’t want people to think

there has to be a certain style.” Karahadian shares McGrath’s outlook on the group. He gives students the freedom to govern themselves, only stepping in when necessary. “I’m an advisor, like for a club, but it’s really student-led,” Karahadian said. “I don’t want people to be scared to be a part of this. I want a good environment where they are appreciated and affirmed. Skill level doesn’t have to be high. You can learn and develop.” Though the club has a goal of traveling to and competing in the annual ACUI poetry slam, their mission delves deeper into the meaning of oral expression.

“It’s transparent because you’re explaining yourself and proclaiming your story. That’s important to me,” Karahadian said. “We’re probably the only Evangelical school in the whole association. Why shouldn’t Christians be part of it? We can further the gospel.” For incoming students to the group, allowing innermost thoughts — and views that may be suppressed at a private Christian university — is attractive. “Whether we want to talk about small issues in our lives or how our views on right and wrong may differ from the norm, the group seems to be founded on the intent to put away judgement and strive, rather, for understanding,”

sophomore Joelle Soch said. And the Nicholson Commons kitchen just may be the perfect place for those discussions. Sharing original poetry, laughter and conversation with supportive peers around a welcoming table is the premise of each meeting. “I want an intimate conversation with someone and want it to be a vulnerable space,” McGrath said. “A lot of people don’t know about the club, but there is an underlying culture of poetry writers at our school that needs an outlet.”

Back into the swing of things
Sean Woodard staff writer

Dancing students move in a “OneT wo-Rock Step” motion to the jazzy beats of swing music on the roof of PLNU’s athletic training building. They are engaged in the excitement of the moment until the unthinkable happens — the music cuts out. Like a needle scraping across a record, the dancers screech to a stuttering halt and are disappointed at the music’s sudden disappearance. Senior Christa Davis shouts “Sorry!” as she runs over to her computer and reloads the music playlist after the Wifi connection has temporarily cut out. After a tense moment, the music is back; with joy, dancers resume their mixture of basic and advanced steps. The atmosphere is vibrant and electric as Davis observes the resurgence of PLNU’s unofficial Swing Club with the new school year. The club’s 2011-2012 membership dwindled as communication decreased, leadership spread out and members developed busy schedules that did not leave room for swing dancing every Thursday night. So, Davis promoted the club as much as possible when the 2012-2013 school term began. “I didn’t want to see swing die,” Davis said. She and a few other upperclassmen began reorganizing the club and worked on how to reach out to old members while advertising the club to incoming freshmen. They revamped the Facebook Swing Dancing Group page and spread news of the club by word-of-mouth and passing out slips of paper with club information. For the past few years, the swing dancing club had not become an official club through ASB because of school policy regarding dancing, Davis said. In addition, the revision of policy in the current edition of the PLNU student handbook regarding entertainment leaves an ambiguity that some believe needs further clarification. “Consistent with the history of the Church of the Nazarene and the Mission of PLNU, students are expected to practice a high standard of discernment in the use of leisure time and choice of entertainment.,” the handbook states.

“All forms of leisure and entertainment should enhance spiritual and personal growth and should uphold proper moral boundaries and reserve.” Jeff Bolster, dean of students and director of residential life, was unable to comment on ASB’s club-chartering process. However, he said he commends PLNU students on their intelligence, compassion and discernment, and states that — in regards to school policy in certain cases — students should not be micromanaged by policy to the point where it dictates their life and choices. “I think that the vagueness of the [entertainment] policy can be reinterpreted more positively as to say that we trust our students to the degree where specificity is not always crucial to a policy,” Bolster said. “Now with some, there are. . . But in areas like this, I think we can trust our students.” Mark Wright, professor of theology and philosophy, believes that the club should have the opportunity to be ASBsponsored and that the club can coexist with school policy. “The ambiguity can work in the swing dancing’s favor. . . But there’s caution about practices that can lead to certain immoral behavior,” Wright said. “There is some wiggle room, and not just wiggle room so you can get away with something.” Even with these new changes, the future of the club was uncertain; so when an unprecedented number of students showed up for swing dancing the first Thursday of the fall semester, it was a great surprise to Davis. Since then, the club has grown in size with each passing week as new students arrive to try out their dancing shoes. The format of the club’s swing events have changed this year, with basic lessons starting at 8 p.m. and free dance from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. T o change things up, in addition to couple dancing, each swing session also features Samba and Shim Sham line dancing. Freshman Samantha Watson has been a regular to swing dancing since that first Thursday. She calls it a unique club and encourages everyone to “come and try it and give it a chance, ‘cause it’s worth it.”

Students practice their swing dancing steps on a Thursday night on top of the athletic training building.

courtesy of natalie ryder

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12 | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

the point weekly | Monday, monday, january 23, 2012 October 15, 2012

Performance doesn’t disappoint
“Edges” features PLNU students with a passion for storytelling through song
anna goforth staff writer The musical theater club owned the stage this week with its debut fall 2012 performance. The club chose the nontraditional musical Edges, which is considered a song cycle. This meant that there was literally no dialogue during the performance and each storyline had to be told through song. This was a difficult task that the club successfully completed. While the set and costumes stayed consistent for most of the performances, the storyline changed with every song, keeping the musical fast-moving and upbeat. The musical included nine cast members and 19 songs. Directed by alumna Charity Ziebarth, the cast included PLNU students Jack French, Weston Bennett, Michael Hartshorn, Collin Maenhout, Brittney Doehring, Kirsten Swanson, Kiana Bell, Victoria Roth and Jene Johnson. With every scene change, the cast members transformed themselves into brand new characters. Issues covered in this comingof-age story range from Facebook addictions to commitment fears to a young girl faced with the realization that her perfect boyfriend may, in fact, be gay. These issues made the musical relatable to audience members. Some of the highlights included opening number “Become,” followed by “Boy With Dreams.” Hartshorn’s confident vocals told the story of a young visionary working his way through college at a Pizza Hut, leaving him wishing for a new life. Maenhout, Hartshorn, Bennett and Doehring filled the room with scintillating harmonies and grabbed many laughs from the audience during “Be My Friend.” The song was a tribute to this generation’s current Facebook obsession: “whenever I feel lousy, whenever life’s a bore, I count my friends in order; I’ve got 504.” During the song “In Short,” the audience could not contain their laughter when Swanson uttered the bottom line of her recent breakup: “I hope you die.” This comedic rant was easily relatable to anyone who has once wished physical pains on an ex. “I Hmm You” depicted a young couple struggling to declare their love for one another and ultimately choosing to substitute the intimidating word with “hmm.” The adorable performance by Johnson and Bennett was a great conclusion to the first half of the musical.

The strong finale piece... left the audience with a positive message
The theme of commitment fears was continued after the intermission with Roth’s upbeat song, “I’ve Gotta Run.” Doehring took the musical in a more serious direction in “Perfect,” where she faced the struggle of trying to be perfect for a man.

courtesy of casslyn fiser

Brittney Doehring and Jack French perform a number during the Musical Theater Club’s show, Edges. The show ran from Wednesday through Saturday night.

Bell gave a powerful performance in “Ready to Be Loved,” leading up to the strong finale piece that left the audience with a positive message of letting go of fears and doing things on one’s own. While there was a lack of con-

nection between songs, it was easily made up for by the amusing lyrics, applicable themes and believable characters. Ziebarth said it best: “It’s interesting, it’s catchy and it’s directly relatable to every student.”

FASHION BRIEF: Fall Focus
All women’s fashions courtesy of Polyvore.com and men’s fashions courtesy of Forever21.com
kelsey roland staff writer So long, flowy tops and cut-off shorts; fall trends are taking over. With the change in weather — it will happen here eventually — comes change in daily attire. Although it may not get as cold here in San Diego as it does in other regions of the nation, that doesn’t mean that you can’t participate in this season’s fashion. Ladies and gentlemen, be prepared to keep yourself warm while looking stylish at the same time. As tank tops are shoved lower and lower in drawers, colored jeans for males and females can still be pulled out for the winter months. Emily Sauer, a Fashion Merchandising major at PLNU, said that mustard yellow is a popular color for the season. “Floral pants can still be worn as we transition into fall, but with brown and navy hues,” she said. “Classic leather or combat boots are essentials as well.” Throw in some knit scarves and chunky jewelry for accessories, too. Harper’s Bazaar reveals that some must-have items include army green parkas with cinched waists and furtrimmed hoods. Peplum tops are becoming popular and can be worn by people other than the Kardashians. “The popularity of the peplum is holding strong, and the trend is getting bolder and bolder by the day,” Bazaar wrote. Chilly weather brings back the chunky sweater, and that should be no surprise. According to the Style Bistro, sweaters are “a fashion trend everyone can wear!” Sauer shares that guys can wear sweaters this season, too. “Guys’ fashion never really changes, just the hues and colors that they wear,” she said. Esquire, a men’s magazine, focuses on darker colors like blues and blacks on top while playing with lighter shades on the bottom. “Because you already own dark jeans, light jeans will add contrast and texture to all of your looks,” the magazine said. With these trends in mind, PLNU students will be able to keep themselves up-to-date with the fashion world as they strut down Caf Lane to and from class. It doesn’t hurt to dress with the season, wearing colors and textures that remind one that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.