THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

WJU Student Publication

News Challenger: From Tragedy to Triumph

Arts & Living The Joy of Thrifting

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Online Radio Launches at WJU Levi Morris Arts & Living Editor

Josh Edgar, freshman, and Andrew Benson, Co-Owners of www.cardinal.fm, pose with a promotional banner (Allison Burke/Staff Writer).

In an attempt to give Wheeling Jesuit a permanent media outlet other than the Cardinal Connection, a few students have taken it upon themselves to launch the Internet radio station, Cardinal.FM. Such a venture hasn’t made it out of the planning stages at Wheeling Jesuit for quite some time. Professor Richard Cain explains, “This is my fifteenth year [at Wheeling Jesuit], and this would have well pre-dated my time. There’s not been a working radio station, to my

knowledge, in the last fifteen years.” The humble origins of the station that would prove to break this trend rest in the minds of freshmen Josh Edgar and Logan Crowley, who has since relinquished his duties as co-owner. “I’ve been part of several radio stations before I got here, and one of them disintegrated,” explains Edgar. Though still unofficial, the station was created with the university in mind. “A friend and I put together the idea that we should start another one, and I thought, ‘Wheeling Jesuit doesn’t have a radio station. We could start Continued on page 2

“Parking Problem? Or a Walking Problem?” Alli Santer Staff Writer Recently, a new parking policy was instated for two of the upper parking lots on campus. According to Steve Habursky, Director of Campus Safety & Security, this measure has been taken to ensure that the physical plant can safely and adequately

plow these lots. “When we have snow it is very difficult to remove and plow because cars are parked in various places in the lot, so a straight line cannot be maintained. This then makes it difficult for other cars to park. Having no parking in those lots over the snowy winter months lets the physical plant crew cleanly Image courtesy www.wju.edu/cardinal

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Shriya Adhikary News Editor

New President Meets Students

The start of a new semester always brings with it changes and new faces around campus and this spring is no exception. WJU’s newly appointed President Richard Beyer officially started his term at the beginning of the new year, and was warmly welcomed by the student body and its president at the campus event “President on Tap” in the RATT on January 24, where beer and drinks were on the house.

Amid cheers (whether the cheers were for the free beer or Beyer has yet to be determined), Beyer spoke to an assembled crowd of about 50 students and staff about his excitement at being able to work at Jesuit and his plans for the future enhancement of the university and its mission. “It’s an honor to be president of Wheeling Jesuit University,” said Beyer. “It’s really a gem. I believe we’re ready to reach new heights and be recognized around the country and world.” As president, Beyer’s main focuses include increasing

New Appalachian Institute Director

student enrollment and funding for the university, and working to foster growth and continue the standard of excellence at WJU. He is looking to implement a new process between April and September with the involvement of students, faculty, community and alumni, and has a thorough five-year plan in mind. “We want to prepare you for life-long success,” said Beyer. In order to help him achieve his goals, Beyer has brought in two executives to join his team: Jim Holt as the vice president for Institutional

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Grace Williams Staff Writer

Mary Ellen Cassidy, the new director of WJU’s Clifford M. Lewis, S.J. Appalachian Institute has many expectations and visions for the future of the Institute, Wheeling Jesuit, and Appalachia as a whole. Cassidy is a native of Wheeling, and after moving several times as a child she found herself attending college at WJU. She graduated with a BS in chemistry, and then went on to earn her Master’s in Science and Mathematics

Education, also through Wheeling Jesuit. After Cassidy’s career path led her through years as a chemist and as a teacher, she was drawn back to WJU in order to pursue her passions for Appalachia as well as education. Cassidy had previously worked with Ben Stout on a Southern West Virginia watershed research project and had participated in projects with Jill Kriesky, former director of the Appalachian Institute. When Cassidy learned of the open position, she took the opportunity to serve the community and share her

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Next Issue: February 17

News.....................1-4

Arts&Living.....................5-7

Sports.....................8-9

Opinion.....................10-12

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CARDINAL CONNECTION

Cardinal.FM Continued from page 1

one and make it the official radio.’” As self-starters, Edgar and Crowley had to overcome several obstacles before Cardinal.FM could launch online. First and foremost was the issue of securing funding, which the founders had to raise themselves. This went toward the purchase of the condenser microphone and the SAM broadcast software, which suffices as an entire radio soundboard. Aside from that, there was also the task a creating a website, which took several months, not to mention hiring a staff and setting up a programming schedule. All of this work paid off on January 17 at 8:00 p.m., the official launch of Cardinal. FM. Edgar and Crowley generated early buzz for the station through Facebook, with the creation of a Cardinal.FM fan page and invitations to the launch. “At the launch, basically everyone had little launch parties in their rooms, so we have an estimate of 100 to 125 [who tuned in].” The first night of broadcast was a cause for celebration, and Edgar wanted to spread the fun. In addition to accepting music requests all throughout the evening, there were contests every hour and

WJU President Rick Beyer talks with a student in the Ratt (Ashleigh Pratt/Sports Editor).

several items given out as prizes. The launch received a generally good reception from students. “They played a lot of good songs…There were some really good suggestions and I liked how you could win something on there,” commented sophomore Patrick Oliverio, who also noted that he has continued to listen after the launch. Students aren’t the only ones who see it in a positive light. Professor Cain adds, “I want students to have as much access to media as possible. Just from a professional point of view, my students can benefit from opportunities to practice and put their skills to good use to serve the community.” Having cleared the hurdle of officially taking off, the station’s staff is tasked with maintaining it with nightly shows. Edgar’s show, “Takin’ Care of Business with DJ Matchboxx”plays Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 to 10 p.m.

Even though they have the convenience of broadcasting from their rooms, setting up an Internet radio station and running it is a lot to demand of freshmen. “I try to not let it get in the way of schooling and papers I have to write, but it’s definitely a challenge,” admits Edgar. In spite of the extraordinary effort put into it, Edgar believes it will be worth it in the long run. He expects to be fully reimbursed when the university officially acquires the station, but until then, the station is also making money from on-air advertising. Even if he only comes out even, Edgar will be satisfied to have created something for his school. Looking ahead, Edgar already has future plans for the station. “We definitely want more DJs on the air. We want 24/7 live DJs on- that’s the dream…Expand our listenership, reach out beyond the bounds of the university.”

Appalachian Institute Continued from page 1

knowledge while delving deeper into the three focuses of the Appalachian Institute – public health, energy sources, and water quality. The Institute appealed to Cassidy because of its wide variety. “I like the idea that it encompasses academics and social service all under one umbrella,” said Cassidy. Although she has yet to experience the powerful influence that immersion trips can have, she is looking forward to being involved in upcoming trips. She believes that being exposed to the Appalachian issues will help students get the most out of their college experience. Wheeling Jesuit strives to graduate young men and women with a passion to leave a positive impact on the world. The Institute is just one way to empower students to make a difference. The Jesuit Mission is intertwined with that of the Appalachian Institute, “to initiate programs and collaborate with both local

and national partners to find and implement solutions to the contemporary challenges and issues of central Appalachia.” Cassidy plans to expand on the mission and increase student involvement. She sees the Appalachian Institute as a great venue for social service, academic leadership skills, and research. She believes that there is a lot that students can learn as well as offer. Cassidy states that “even the small things such as writing a letter or making a phone call are ways students can solve or help prevent problems.” Her greatest concerns with the Appalachian Institute are the funding and involvement behind all the new ideas. The university has a reliable structure in place to deal with funding, but as far as involvement goes Cassidy is calling on students to get involved and do whatever they can to move mountains.

President Continued from page 1

Advancement and vice president for Enrollment Management Larry Vallar. Both men have a lot of previous experience and success in their respective fields, so the hope is that their efforts will transform and enhance WJU as well. At the RATT, Vallar and Beyer also spoke about their plans to push for student retention, one of the primary concerns at the university. “We have an obligation to ensure that all of the dollars you spend on school are wisely invested,” said Vallar, whose tactics to increase retention include recruiting from Jesuit high schools, enlisting the help of alumni, and figuring out how to use the staff’s talents and resources to the best of their ability. His comment sparked another main concern among the students – tuition fees.

In response to a student question about the possibility of an increase in tuition, Beyer said that tuition prices would unfortunately have to be raised, but that it would not be a very big increase. In the Q&A portion of the night, students also questioned the president about the university’s debt, its Jesuit identity, technology, and the surrounding area’s loss of jobs. In reference to the question of how the Jesuit mission fits into his plans, Beyer said, “Everything we do has to fit into the mission – life, leadership, and service. I anticipate us only getting strong in terms of our Jesuit identity.” Beyer also spoke about he hopes to get active students on campus more involved with the surrounding area in order to alleviate some of the economic issues and said that the university has the capacity to deal with our debt concerns.

It’s a Walking Problem Continued from page 1

plow the lots to allow for better and safer parking,” Habursky stated. However, many students on campus have reported their frustration with this new parking policy. The parking lots behind Ignatius only hold so many cars, and formerly, the spillover parking spread into the Acker Science Center and Swint Hall parking lots. Now, this overnight parking is forbidden. Senior Shane Rabant cynically remarked that “most everything else at this school sucks, why shouldn’t the parking?” Clearly on-campus students are angry, but commuters now have more parking. So is it really a parking problem, or as Habursky ventured to ask, “a walking problem?” The two lots that are now cordoned off for early morning plowing were, before, a convenience. Now, students must park in the Campion/Donahue lot or wherever else they can find. This means students are walking farther in the cold to return to their dorm rooms. Rebekah Jewel, a sophomore and

Ignatius resident commented on the inconvenience, “It is very irritating. We pay so much money to go to this school, and now we cannot even park relatively close to our dorm. I work off campus and don’t get back until at least ten o’clock some nights. All I want to do after work is go back in my dorm and relax, but now it is just a big hassle to find somewhere to park where I don’t have to walk for ten minutes in the cold.” So, are students lazy? Or have they suffered through too many injustices? Various administration and students would debate the topic. Though the students themselves weren’t initially asked for input. Students upset about the policy can voice their concerns to security and administrators at a student senate “hot topic,” this Monday at 9:30 p.m. in the Acker Science Center auditorium. Nevertheless, until further notice, Ignatius residents must endure the trek from one of the lower parking lots to their dorms. Bring your gloves.

News

CARDINAL CONNECTION

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011 3

Life, Liberty, Service: Winter Break Mexico: Faith Rinklin; freshman

Freshman Faith Rinklin poses with a student group. The students traveled to Mérida, Mexico (Photo Courtesy Amanda Schultz).

“Es méxico” was the catchphrase of the students and Professor Radaker who went to Mérida, Mexico over winter break. The trip was part of a Spanish class studying the mix of cultures in Mexico. We spent the 75° F mornings studying at the Instituto de Español Moderno, or Institute of Modern Spanish, in conversation and grammar classes. In the afternoons we went on excursions around Mérida, mostly visiting ancient civilizations sites, such as Chitzen Itza and Uxmal, pre-Columbian Mayan sites. No matter the site, which definitely are architecturally different, the vastness of the pyramids and openness of the grounds made the setting surreal, almost like a movie set. Despite their age and considering how little is actually known about the Mayan way of life, the condition of the buildings and the intricate stone carvings provided enough detail to picture some of the extravagant celebrations. Our group also experienced both the past and present Mexican cultures through a show that demonstrated Mayan dances, as well as traditional salsa, including several wedding dances.

Inside the governor’s palace, the mix between the ancient civilizations and the new was depicted in several large pieces of art, explaining Mayan legends, Mexico’s grainy past of conquistadores, to more present-day struggles. To further immerse ourselves in the culture, we stayed with Mexican host families, giving us a more realistic taste of food, values, and lifestyle. For my host family, it was very important to eat lunch together, talk about the day so far, and listen to music before dispersing for evening soccer and gymnastics practice. One of our last experiences was perhaps the most moving. We went to “The home of new life” where girls with no, or very poor, families had sponsors to provide an education, food, and an overall better life. As soon as we arrived with coloring books and snacks we were showered with kisses. We played BI-N-G-O, colored, and even danced to Pitbull. Diving into a bottomless cenote, jaywalking a highway, getting used to being extremely close to other cars on the road, and even walking for 20 minutes in the rain to get some coffee and hotcakes was an educational adventure that is all just part of “es méxico.”

El Salvador: Mark Sappington; senior

El Salvador was an incredible capstone experience of my four years at Jesuit. I had never been on an international service trip before so I was very excited to do so. We arrived Saturday afternoon and immediately began traveling the city to get a better understanding of where we were. We traveled to a location called Puerto De Diablo – a look out area from which one can see the entire city of San Salvador. The following day, we went to a Spanish Catholic mass, and then to a local orphanage. The mass was very interesting, but since I am not much of a Spanish speaker nor am I Catholic, I was doubly lost. The orphanage was amazing, yet heartbreaking. To play with these children of all ages and to see the joy in their eyes and the love in their hearts was astonishing, however to know that many of them did not have a bright future was very hard to swallow. The rest of the week, there were three work sites at which one could choose to serve. The first was at a man named Santiago’s house. I went to this site the first day. Santiago was very poor and he lived in his house with his wife and eight kids. Their house was made of four corner posts with tarp draped between the posts and a sheet metal roof. At this site, we were building Santiago a new house with tile floors and multiple rooms – the works.

When we arrived, there were already eight men from the local village who came to help build Santiago’s house. I was amazed at how hard these men worked. We hand-mixed concrete and laid the footers for his house. To get the water to mix the concrete we had to hike a quarter mile down what appeared to me to be a drainage ditch but I later found out was a trail to a slow moving natural spring. We filled five gallon buckets and carried them back up the steep trail. I did this once the first day; however, the locals were walking up and down the trail seven to 10 times a day like it was no one’s business. The rest of the days there I went to the third worksite, which was a local daycare. This work was a lot of fun, getting to play with the kids and teach them things as they taught us things. It was such a challenge, yet it was so fun to try to break the language barrier. The final worksite that I did not get a chance to go to was a building site where they were constructing a new daycare for the children we were looking after. We were also able to visit the location where Archbishop Romero was assassinated for speaking out on behalf of the El Salvadorian locals, see traditional Salvadorian dancers and a local band, as well as go shopping in a nearby market and try to haggle for our prices. This trip was an experience I will never forget. Students pose during their winter break service trip to El Salvador (Photo Courtesy Mark Sappington).

New Orleans: Laura Kane; sophomore

The New Orleans Service Trip over the but no matter how frazzled I become, winter break changed my life. I think of my service experience in There’s nothing better than being able New Orleans and other Wheeling Jesuit to give back to God. Service allows me service trips, and I am instantly calm. to do that in so many ways and serving Service has a way of grounding you and in New Orleans was no exception. showing you exactly what you shouldn’t Painting a house for a wonderful take for granted in life. woman and spending the week bonding with sixteen people, some of whom Sophomore Laura Kane takes a break from scraping a house (Photo Courtesy Chris I barely knew, is an experience like no Bohinski). other. Words cannot describe nor do the trip any justice. I am amazed by how much devastation is still in New Orleans; so much more work needs to be done. As students, we can serve those people and help be a part of rebuilding their lives. My New Orleans trip will stay with me forever. There are moments where I am so stressed out, I can barley think straight,

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THURSDAY,February 3, 2011

CARDINAL CONNECTION

From Tragedy to Triumph Rebecca Olsavsky Staff Writer

The Challenger Center celebrated its 25th year of educating students during an anniversary event held on January 28, at Wheeling’s Challenger Learning Center in the Center for Educational Technologies located on Wheeling Jesuit University’s campus. The event also marked 25 years since the Challenger space shuttle tragedy; a tragedy in which the space shuttle exploded after its launch in 1986. The explosion resulted in the loss of the seven crew members. The focus of the anniversary event was not on the tragedy of the explosion, but rather on those whose mission it is to educate students in science. The special guest speakers focused on the role of teachers whose efforts inspire students. Locally, teachers do so at Wheeling’s Challenger Learning Center. The West Virginia “Rocket Boys,” who are the inspiration for the movie October Sky about teenagers who experimented with homemade rockets, were special guests at the event. Billy Rose, Roy Lee Cooke, and Jimmie O’Dell Carroll each spoke about the role education played in developing their careers in science. During his speech, Jimmie O’Dell Carroll advised young people to “be proud of having a teacher who’s devoted to making your life better.” Carroll also explained how, to work hard for something, a person needs to have a “fire,” or passion, for

learning. Another “Rocket Boy,” Billy Rose, thanked his childhood teacher for “challenging [him], challenging all of [the ‘Rocket Boys’],”and making them “feel that I can be something.” Rose realized at a young age his drive to go to college, and the support from his teachers reinforced that drive. The final “Rocket Boy” to speak at the 25th anniversary event, Roy Lee Cooke, talked about the greater picture in regards to the results of his education. “I’ve gotten to work hard, and I’ve gotten to attain my part of the American dream,” Cooke said. Retired astronaut Jon McBride, a West Virginia native, was the keynote speaker for the evening. Mirroring the “Rocket Boys’” words, McBride claimed that “some of the greatest people in the world” are teachers. Dressed in a golden yellow shirt underneath his blue astronaut suit to honor “the great state of West Virginia,” McBride gave a presentation offering information about his relation to the Challenger space shuttle and his history as an astronaut. Having both piloted the Challenger on its first mission in 1984 and known the crew who were lost in the 1986 mission, McBride felt close to the tragedy. He spoke of the diversity of the small crew and how they represented the diversity in a larger United States. Also presenting were Mayor Andy McKenzie, Challenger Learning Center Director, Jackie Shia; Center for Educational Technologies Director, Dr.

Former astronaut Jon McBride speaks during an event commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Challenger Learning Center (Allison Burke/Staff Photographer).

Chuck Wood; and University Vice President and Chief of Staff, Father James Fleming, S.J. After the presentations, a reception filled with food and music provided by the Wheeling Park High School String Quartet entertained attendees. There were also tours available of the Center for Educational Technologies. For more information about the Challenger Learning Center, visit http://clc.cet.edu.

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Egyptian President to Leave Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has decided not to seek re-election, according to a senior U.S. official involved in the Obama administration. A week of uprising, sometimes violent, took on the tones of revolution in the Arab world’s most populous nation and the world watched, amazed at popular discontent sparking change in the authoritarian state.

Cure PMS with Fatty Acids Taking dietary supplements containing about 1 gram of a blend of three essential fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to the results of study by researchers at a Brazilian university. Essential fatty acids are substances that are not produced by the human body and are only available from diet – such as eggs, nuts, vegetable oils and fish – also available in supplement form.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never To crazed Justin Bieber fans everywhere – As if you didn’t already know, Bieber’s 3D concert film Never Say Never will be released on February 11, right on time for your Valentine’s Day date. All of you college students that have a secret crush on JB…be sure to buy in tickets in advance as you’ll probably be fighting with elementary schoolers to get to the best seats.

Hate Crimes Rise in Honduras Hate crimes are rising in Honduras but investigations and prosecutions are rare with few victims receiving help, according to the Catrachas Network, an umbrella organization of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender groups. They reported that 50 members of their community have been murdered since 2004, including 21 last year and five so far in 2011.

Alli Santer Staff Writer Last semester, Campus Activities Board put forth an immense amount of hard work. Now, it appears to have paid off. In a Resident Life survey, the rating of the on-campus activities increased by a substantial amount, much to the pleasure of the club members. Changes have also been made in the club’s approach to advertising upcoming events. Over the break, senior Michelle Wright spear-headed the creation of CAB door hangers with all upcoming events listed on it. These door hangers have been dispersed throughout each of the campus dormitories. Now people who formerly paid no attention to upcoming events are abuzz with plans. Even players from the lacrosse team reportedly thought it was a wonderful idea that “should have been done a long time ago.” With this “new” approach remains the tried and true dedication of our CAB members. Even last week’s snow storm could not end Karaoke Night; it was merely rescheduled for the next Thursday. Already this semester we have seen a “Jersey Shore” Night

in the Rathskeller. It was a popular success, though the night ended in typical Snooki fashion – belligerently. But, as can be seen from the CAB door hangers, there is much more to come. On January 28, a local band by the name of Lifeinblackand White was featured in the RATT, followed by a Saturday trip to the Nailers game. Lifeinblackand White can be found on both Facebook and MySpace. Tonight, the auditions for Jesuit Idol will begin at 9:15 p.m. Tomorrow, February 4, CAB is hosting a YouTube night in the RATT, much like the esteemed Tosh.0. Then, Saturday, February 5, a trip to Wheeling Park to go ice skating is planned. Those who wish to go should sign up in Swint 201. The next RATT dance will be held on February 12 for Valentine’s Day. Also, there are tentative plans for an April 1 overnight trip to Chicago. It is only $30 to ride the bus up to one of our nation’s most popular cities. Next year, the Campus Activities Board has been rewarded a bigger budget, so the opportunities for events are practically endless. Stay tuned!

CARDINAL CONNECTION

Arts & Living

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011 5

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Levi Morris Arts & Living Editor

Shopping in thrift stores is a polarizing activity. Some people love it, making shopping trips every week. Many others, however, see a stigma against it, thinking that it’s undignified to be seen in a second-hand store. Regardless of one’s views on it, “thrifting” offers many advantages to the typically cash-strapped college student, and as many Jesuit students can attest, Wheeling has no lack of thrifting opportunities. The benefits of thrift shopping are apparent. Many believe that second-hand stores only contain clothes that are either noticeably worn or fashionable fifteen years ago, if that. To be fair, stores do have their fair share of these clothes, but if one is willing to look a little more closely, there are excellent deals to be had on high quality merchandise. A perfectly fitting, quality trench coat? $7. A brand new looking pair of shoes that retails for $60? $3.99. The innumerable bric-a-brac found only in thrift stores? Priceless.

In addition to the good deals, there are also environmental benefits to thrifting. Today’s society is becoming increasingly wasteful, so thrift stores provide an excellent outlet, putting use to items that might be otherwise thrown away and giving them to those who can legitimately use them. One often overlooked benefit of thrifting is its social aspect. It’s not uncommon to hear one ask a friend, “You want to go thrifting this weekend?” Shopping in second-hand stores makes you a part of a community, one that embraces good values and approaches it all with a light heart. Thrifting fans would concur that it’s also a great opportunity to get small, fun gifts for others because the knick knacks are plentiful and won’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s an easy, unique way to let others know that you’re thinking about them. Chris Bohinski, who loves to go thrifting with his parents, did just that during his latest shopping experience. He bought one grandmother a copy of Home Alone 2 on VHS and his other a book by her favorite author.

He is still attempting to get his brother and sister “bitten by the thrift bug,” but in the meantime, he finds worthwhile buys for himself as well. “One great find was a vintage Mickey Mouse stuffed animal...A great antique find was a Wheeling Jesuit College mug.” His favorite secondhand buy in his years of experience? “I’m a huge collector of the mini snow globes that JC Penney gives out for their Black Friday sales…[This Christmas break] I found the first snow globe that JC Penney ever gave out in the year 2000, and it’s worth, if you have in the box, over $300, so it was a good find for 12.5 cents.” Others have similar stories. Senior Aaron Simpson boasts about his favorite buy:

(Photo Courtesy of Chris Bohinski)

“the tweed blazer I got for my presentation. It cost $2. [Thrift stores] are awesome. They always seem to have something really cool to get and it never costs too much.” Whether you’re a serious shopper looking for some

great prices on quality merchandise or just passing the time by perusing the items on display, Wheeling has a variety of stores where thrifters can practice their pastime.

Free Counseling on Campus Personal counseling provided by a Licensed Professional Counselor is available to all students at Wheeling Jesuit University. These counseling services are provided at no additional charge, are legally confidential, and fully accessible. Students may schedule a private consultation with the counselor to learn more about the service. Students may schedule appointments by contacting Nancy Ramsay at the WJU Health Center at 304-243-2275.

Moundsville

319 Lafayette Ave.

St. Clairsville

50613 Valley Plaza Dr.

Wheeling

2200 Main St.

Wheeling

348 National Rd.

Moundsville

253 Jefferson Ave.

St. Clairsville

Ohio Valley Mall

Wheeling

138 16th Street

Ask A Student “Invisibility because I can avoid uncomfortable people.” -Killeen Schelegel, Freshman

“Teleportation because I always forget my things at home” -Zach Phipps, Sophomore

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

“Read people’s minds because I would like to understand people who are mysterious” -Maria Petrasko, Junior

“Telekinesis so I can move the undesirable people out of my life.” -Kate McCormick, Senior

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THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

Arts & Living

ARC Tutor Spotlight: Drew West Sean Cooksey Staff Writer

CARDINAL CONNECTION

True Grit A Strong Oscar Contender

Image courtesy http://whargarbltv.com

Class: Senior Major: Respiratory Therapy/Pre-Physical Therapy What Subject Do You Tutor?: Writing What Advice Do You Have For Students Studying Your Subject?: Don’t procrastinate. That is the most common problem I encounter - students not giving themselves enough time to bring papers in for several tutoring sessions. The more help you receive, the better writer you will become. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s better to spend and hour or two in the ARC than to receive a poor grade which could have been prevented. Why Should Undecided Students Choose Your Major?: Respiratory Therapy is a great major for those interested in healthcare. The clinical experiences are great and you are exposed to various settings and patient populations. WJU prepares you well for the field and the clinical sites we use offer great medical experiences. Respiratory Therapy is also a good major if you are considering graduate or medical school. You get a great understanding of human physiology in the classroom, and you get one-on-one patient and physician interaction in clinicals.

Sean Cooksey Staff Writer Joel and Ethan Coen have created another masterpiece in True Grit, which was released on December 22 of last year. It is also a remake of the 1969 western starring John Wayne, and was based on Charles Portis’ famous novel. A little more than a month after its release, True Grit has been nominated for ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. True Grit is a story about the very intelligent fourteenyear-old Mattie Ross (played by Hollywood newcomer Hailee Steinfeld) and her quest to avenge her father’s death, who was murdered by

a notorious killer named Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin). Ross travels from her hometown in Arkansas to a town just outside of Rocky Mountains where her father was killed. Once in town, Ross seeks justice for her father’s death and is referred to Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), a whiskey drinking federal marshal who is described by many in town as having “true grit.” Ross is determined to hire Cogburn to hunt down Chaney. However, Ross meets LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), a Texas Ranger who is also hunting Chaney for crimes that he had committed in Texas. They all learn that Chaney was hiding in Indian Territory

with a gang led by Lucky Ned Pepper (Barry Pepper). Ross, Cogburn, and LaBoeuf set out into the Rocky Mountains to find Chaney. This film was very true to the “Old West” times. The way that the characters spoke and dressed was very authentic. The all-star cast that was pulled together for this film did not come up short either, especially Jeff Bridges, whose portrayal of Cogburn blew John Wayne out of the water. Bridges’ performance, along with the performance of his supporting cast, makes True Grit a must-see for fans of Westerns and/or the Coen Brothers alike.

Astrological Shift: What’s Your (New) Sign?

Image Courtesy http://ourpoliticsblog.com

Phillip DellaSalla Staff Writer It is part of the morning routine for millions of Americans. Before walking out the door to face a day of infinite possibility, many people read their horoscope as a way to better prepare themselves for the unknown future. According to Time, 31%

of Americans believe in the Zodiac. Life can be unpredictable, why not give yourself an edge over the unknown? While astrology has deep historical roots, there is no empirical evidence to suggest any scientific validity. This does not stop the few believers who use astrology to make major life decision, such as whom to become

romantically involved with and even who they are as a person. How, then, would these people react to the recent findings of the Minnesota Planetarium Society? According to the astronomers (actual scientists who study celestial objects), because of the gravitational pull of the moon on the Earth, the Julian calendar is now no longer synchronized with the signs that were determined by Babylonians roughly 3,000 years ago. In fact, the discrepancy is nearly a month long, meaning many people could be reading the wrong future. This confusion has many people suddenly looking more into astrology, and another recent discovery threatens to turn the Zodiac even more upside-down. It turns out that

the Babylonians, desperate to prevent bad luck, decided to ignore a thirteenth sign. Those born between November 29th and December 17th are now born under the sign of Ophiuchus, the Snake Holder. This new sign is the only sign to be based off of an actual historical figure. He bears resemblance to both Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian doctor, and to biblical Joseph. Like any good doctor, Ophiuchus believes in an extensive education. He looks to achieve personal enlightenment, and has the makings to be a prominent member of society. Clearly, people will not take kindly to this re-writing of the rules. Many people will stick to the signs they were born with. American astrologers were

quick to defend their work. Western astrology differs from Eastern, in that Western astrology does not follow the stars at all, but the seasons. According to American astrologer Jeff Jawer, “Astrology is geocentric. It relates life on Earth to the Earth’s environment, and seasons are the most dramatic effect, which is why we use the tropical zodiac.” So, all is well, at least in the United States. Many of those who believe in their sign would not be quick to give it up in any case. A Zodiac sign is an intangible aspect of a person that many fiercely cling to. To have that taken away and a foreign sign grafted in its place would have many people experiencing quite the identity crisis.

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Arts & Living

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011 7

Social Distortion Keeps the Hits Coming

Mark Palermo Opinion Editor

With their new album, Hard Times And Nursery Rhymes, Social Distortion add many new creative substances to their pre-existing formula of punk and alternative rock music. The album contains a much more blues or country feel to it, which meshes well with the punk rock touch that they have always had. There are still fast-paced hard rocking classics, but for the most part, the songs have slowed down considerably and include organs, piano, and female backup singers. Singer/Songwriter Mike Ness is clearly venturing into new directions with this album both musically and lyrically. Gone are the angry lyrics of a punk rock teenager;

instead the album has a much more positive feel to it, which was the obvious direction that the band has been heading in since their previous album, “Sex Drugs & Rock N’ Roll.” Each song holds its own, with some obviously being better than others are, but overall this album could stand as one of the best recent releases. The first track, “Road Zombie,” is a fast-paced instrumental which has the intensity of prior albums and displays some of the best riffs Mike Ness has written. It is a great lead in for the entire album. “California (Hustle and Flow),” takes on an entirely different flow than the previous track, with a hard rock and blues feel to it. It takes on a new element for Social Distortion,

incorporating gospel singers in the chorus, which meshes well with the feel of the song. The lyrics about the rock n’ roll lifestyle accent the song perfectly. The next track, “Gimme the Sweet Lowdown,” is a standard Social Distortion rock track. This song could have easily been off their previous album, but it has a good flow to it and stands its own among the rest of the tracks. The fourth track on the album, “Diamond In The Rough,” is the best track on the entire album. It is one of the slower songs on the album, but still has a great rock feel to it. Mike Ness’ lyrics are very genuine on the song, and the vocal performance is one of the best of his entire career. For “Machine Gun Blues,”

An Honest to Goodness Good Breakfast

Chris Rouhier Co-Editor Katie Balbier Staff Writer

CR: Where to start…We’ve already been to the Honest to Goodness Salsa Café for dinner, so a lot of my comments may be repetitive. I am still a big fan of the location. With bars, a bowling alley, and other shops nearby, it’s a fun destination near campus. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and I found parking to be pretty simple. 5/5. KB: There’s not really much more to add, Chris. It seems like you covered everything. The location was perfect because it’s within walking distance of campus. 5/5. KB: So Chris, how was your food? CR: The breakfast special at the Honest to Goodness Salsa Café is a Belgian waffle served with toppings and a drink. I got mine with everything (maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and strawberry preservative) on it, and to drink, I had a glass of milk. The waffle was well done; it was fluffy without being mushy, and it was crispy without being burnt. I’m not usually a fan of breakfast, but I thought it was a great way to start off my Sunday. 5/5. What about you? KB: I thought the waffle itself was absolutely delicious. The waffle was huge! Overall, I think this is

one of the best waffle batters I’ve had in my life. It was cooked to perfection and was just crispy enough without being burnt. However, I wish there had been more choices of toppings. I like a variety of flavors to put on my waffle instead of the usual syrup and whipped cream, and because of this, I wasn’t able to enjoy the waffle as much. 4/5. CR: Are you still awake? You need to talk about the price. KB: Sorry, I was still a little full from my waffle. I thought the price was very reasonable. Six dollars plus tax for a delicious breakfast sounds good to me. 4/5. What did you think? CR: Well first of all, I want to dispute your toppingrelated claims. The Honest to Goodness Salsa Café has only been serving breakfast since November, so I think as time goes on there will be more options. As for the price, I too thought it was reasonable given the portions, quality, and service. 5/5. CR: Katie, I understand that after graduation, you will be getting a Ph.D in restaurant service. With that in mind, what is your expert opinion on the service we received? KB: The service was great. The owner was very friendly and made me feel very welcomed when ordering my food. One thing that I will comment on is that the waffles took a rather long time to prepare. 4/5. Did you likey the service you receiveyd?

CR: I too likeyed the service. While the waffle did take some time, the owner, James Tiu, got us refills on our drinks and talked to us about the restaurant and the effort that goes into making the waffles. That kind of interaction is the thing that makes a business, and I definitely appreciated the personal touch. 4.5/5. CR: …Atmosphere? KB: The atmosphere of this restaurant is really something that I absolutely love. Their whole philosophy is about going green and making healthier choices. From the furniture in the dining area to the sofas in the entrance area, everything seemed to just fit together. Also, I was really impressed by their cooking appliances, including their state-of-the-art waffle machines. 5/5. How ‘bout you? CR: I had always seen the Honest to Goodness Salsa Café as a lunch or dinner spot, so I wasn’t sure how I would feel about eating breakfast there. However, it was definitely a pleasant experience. I always enjoy all of the Wheeling-related paraphernalia, from the “Ohio Valley Roller Girls” stickers to the photographs on the wall. It truly is a relaxing place. 5/5. CR: Would you go back? KB: You bet your bottom dollar. You? CR: Absofruitly. CR: 4.9/5 KB: 4.4/5

the first single off the new album, they head right back to fast paced and hard-hitting music. The song sounds just as cool as its name. It is about an old school gangster, which in itself is perfect for a Social Distortion song. Social Distortion slows it down once again with “Bakersfield,” a song he wrote when he was playing in the town of Bakersfield, which is generally considered a run down town. The song takes on a very slow feel, which fits well with the lyrical theme of loneliness. Ness also does something new with this song- the middle has a bit of a speaking interlude, which is perfect for live shows. “Far Side of Nowhere” is probably the most positive upbeat song on the entire album. A catchy song with great lyrics that is perfect to listen to anytime. Social Distortion loves to write covers of their favorite songs, and this album is no different. This time, they decided to do a cover of Willie Nelsons “Alone and Forsaken.” Turning this country classic into a hard rock track couldn’t have been

easy, but Social Distortion did it perfectly. This is easily another of the album’s high points. “Writing on the Wall” is the slowest song on the album, and shares many similarities to their song “Prison Bound,” from earlier in their catalog. The song incorporates a piano melody into the song, which they unfortunately don’t do on their studio albums often. The lyrics are very sad, but then again, it fits the feel of the song very well. “Can’t Take It With You” is probably the most countrywestern sounding song on the album. With backup singers and a very rockabilly like feel, it’s one of the most unique tracks on the album. The album closes with “Still Alive,” a hard rocking song about still going after all these years in rock n’ roll. This song is typical Social Distortion, and an instant classic. Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes ultimately incorporates many new elements into an already successful alternative rock sound. The result makes the album a highlight of the band’s career.

Have ideas for a great article? Want to write for the paper but don’t know how? E-mail us! [email protected]

8

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

Sports

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(Photos by Allison Burke)

Men’s Basketball Jan. 13- @ Univ. of Charleston Win 86-65

Jan. 15- @ Concord University Win 82-81 Jan. 19- v. Salem International Win 98-76 Jan. 22- @ Davis & Elkins

Loss 72-63

Help Balance the Scales of Justice Environmental Citizen Lobby Day and Exhibits At the Capitol

Jan. 24- v. Alderson-Broaddus Loss 90-87 Jan. 29- v. Glenville State

Win 104-76

Jan. 31- v. Concord University Win 96-83 Feb. 2- @ Seton Hill University Feb. 5- @ West Liberty University Feb. 7- @ Pitt-Johnstown Feb. 10- v. Shepherd Univ.

Wednesday, February 9th Senate Hall & Alcove Sign up with the Appalachian Institute Room 112H

Annual E-Day! at the Capitol is Sponsored by the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition http://www.ohvec.org/events_calendar/index. html

Sports

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Women’s Basketball

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011 9

Senior Spotlight: Joe Suchy Chelsea Reyher Co-Editor

Jan. 13- @ Univ. of Charleston Win 87-72 Jan. 15- @ Concord University Loss 83-71 Jan. 22- @ Davis & Elkins Win 63-51 Jan. 24- v. Alderson-Broaddus Win 67-51 Jan. 29- v. Glenville State Loss 96-74 Jan. 31- v. Concord University Loss 65-57 Feb. 2- @ Seton Hill University Feb. 5- @ West Liberty University Feb. 7- @ Pitt-Johnstown Feb. 10- v. Shepherd Univ.

Sport: Men’s Basketball Major: Athletic Training/Pre-PT Position: Guard How has being on a sports team helped you through college? It helped me make new friends and gave me the feeling of being with a family away from home.

What has been your favorite part about the experience? A lot of great memories and friends that I will remember for the rest of my life. Do you have any advice for underclassmen? Live it up while you can, because before you know it you’ll be a senior and your college years will be memories in the past.

Cardinal Track Team Soars

(Allison Burke/Staff Photographer)

Chris Rouhier Co-Editor Despite inclement weather, WJU’s track and field team are hard at work with the goal of winning the WVIAC championship. So far, the team has competed in four indoor meets. Most recently, the team attended the Lake Erie Classic in Geneva, Ohio. Some highlights include sophomore Russell Mulley whose time set a new personal record, and the team’s achievements in the distance medley relay. Both the men and women set new school records in the event, and

the men missed a national qualifying time by .5 seconds. This Friday, the team will compete at Marietta College. On February 11 and February 12, the team will participate in the Grand Valley State Invite in Michigan. According to junior Chanel Richardson, “the track team is a hard working family. We help and motivate one another to work hard to get better everyday.” Noting that the team has already narrowly missed national qualifying marks, Richardson added, “there will be a lot of great things to come.”

You can get help getting yours. It’s that time of year again — time to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you’re a college student, you should submit a FAFSA for every year you plan to attend college. Sound confusing? There’s good news; you can get free, expert help completing the FAFSA by attending a College Goal SundaySM workshop. Even better — students who attend a workshop will be entered for a chance to win an Apple iPad. Visit www.cfwv.com to learn more. The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission in conjunction with the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, the West Virginia Department of Education and West Virginia GEAR UP. The College Goal SundaySM program was created by the Indiana Financial Aid Association with funding from Lilly Endowment, Inc., and with supplemental support from the Lumina Foundation for Education.

The College Goal Sunday workshop closest to your campus will be held:

February 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at WV Northern Community College For details, additional locations, a list of what to bring, and more ways you can find money for college, visit www.cfwv.com.

10

Opinion The Senior Experience: The Rankings Illusion

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

Chris Rouhier Co-Editor Looking back at myself as a prospective college student, I had no idea what I was looking for in a college. I knew I wanted a small school because I liked the atmosphere of my 1,200 student high school. Other than this, I had no idea what to look for in a college. As mail from colleges nationwide piled up in my room, most of it blurred together. Like many of my peers, I looked closely at the esoteric “prestige” of colleges. I remember spending hours staring at the Princeton Review’s selectivity scores to see where my top schools measured up against others’. I also perused the U.S. News and World Report rankings of the top colleges in America. I suspect that many others who had no clue what to look for in a school placed great stock in these figures. What I didn’t realize was that many of the things that make a college great cannot be boiled down to one number

or category. Even the authors of the list recognize this, writing on www.usnews.com that the rankings are just a “tool” and that prospective students should consider many other variables as well. Nevertheless, both colleges and prospective students make this “tool” a key component of the college search. According to www. insidehighered.com, a study by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling showed that of the 80% of responding colleges who believe they got a “favorable” ranking, 71% used that ranking in their promotional materials. A visit to our own website shows the “best colleges” ranking proudly displayed. According to www. AOLnews.com, 25% of the U.S. News ranking is based on peer review, where respondents rank other schools in the survey. The article notes, “[h]undreds of schools are listed on the form, leading many who fill it out to make cursory judgments.” It seems unreasonable to expect universities intimately aware

of the quality of hundreds of their peers when they are charged with operating their own school. Further proof that rankings are misused comes from Christopher Newport University in Virginia. According to www. insidehighered.com, “favored candidates” for open faculty positions must meet at least one of four criteria, two of which rely on U.S. News rankings. According to the article, faculty played no part in crafting the policy. Other college rankings expose how flawed the system is. Consider, for instance, Forbes’ list of America’s best colleges. In 2008, the first year of the rankings, WJU was #437. In 2009, we vaulted forward to 180th and were ranked #79 on the “America’s Best Buys” list. In the 2010 rankings, WJU slid backward to #253 and is apparently no longer one of America’s best buys. I would think that as a student I would notice these precipitous changes in my university’s quality.

To be fair, Forbes has changed their methodology each year, but WJU’s wild fluctuations underscore how arbitrary such rankings really are. What rankings cannot measure are the transformative experiences students have at the university. I remember coming to one of WJU’s fall open houses and meeting Dr. Larry Driscoll, who represented the Criminal Justice and Political Science departments. I was impressed by Dr. Driscoll’s unpretentiousness, and that meeting was a key reason why I chose WJU. I got lucky. Despite having only a vague idea of what I wanted in a college, I met good people, got a good financial aid package, and chose WJU. It ended up being the perfect fit for me. No ranking or score could possibly capture that interaction at the open house, nor can it capture our experiences as students: the good friends we’ve made, the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth

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we’ve experienced, or the competencies we’ve gained in the classroom. I know that my experiences are not an anomaly. I work for the admissions office as a Student Ambassador, and it is fulfilling to be a part of the interactions that make WJU great. Whether my tour meets the president, has a great meeting with a professor, or gets to witness some sarcastic banter between me and my roommate, we are all a part of an experience that a number can never re-create. College rankings provide a sense of structure and guidance to an arduous college search. They also provide numerous pieces of data that would be difficult to assemble independently. However, they also send the message that entire colleges can be dismissed or valued based on a score. When searching for a school, quality people and experiences should always come before a number.

   

Joinyourclassmatesonthe

FRESHMANOVERNIGHTFeb25Ǧ26 Who: Depart: Return: Where:

Any WJU Freshman February 25 @ 4:45 pm February 26 @ 5:30 pm Lantz Farm

*Sign up in Campus Ministry (304) 243-2385 There will be a $10 reservation fee that will be refunded upon your return.

Opinion

CARDINAL CONNECTION

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011 11

Point-Counterpoint:Does WJU favor athletes? Wheeling Jesuit Athle....University?! Mark Palermo Opinion Editor Over the years, there has been a lot of debate over whether or not Wheeling Jesuit favors its sports players. I happen to think that this school does have a tendency to favor its athletes, but don’t worry, I can assure you this won’t be a rant about how angry I am about it. While I’m sure that there are a number of people who are upset about the favoritism, at this point, can you really blame the school? Just look at the numbers and its apparent that sports are important. I would say at least half the students, if not more, who attend our school, are involved in athletics. And in a time of great uncertainty for the future of our school, it is important to work hard to ensure that these students stay here, as well as to recruit more. Athletes are probably the easiest demographical

area to recruit for, in terms of bringing them down here, showing them the program, and ensuring them that they can get some serious playtime at a Division II school. And at this point, our other extracurricular programs are lacking in such a great degree, that it’s really hard to push faculty and students alike to really get involved in these activities. Secondly, I would have to say favoritism might be a poor word to use, so much as to say that sports tend to be a universal common ground for people. Faculty and students alike can all appreciate sports, especially if teachers played sports at their college. And while sports do take a priority at this school, I would never go so far as to say that teachers hand out better grades to athletes. In my experience at this school, every teacher I have ever encountered has always challenged everyone in the

class at the same academic level. So, then what is it that drives people to think that this school is so much better to its athletes than its regular students? In all honesty, the reasons behind this opinion are no different from any other college in the entire WORLD! You always hear stories of students getting in substantially less trouble for their actions than normal students who do the same thing. Think of any stereotypical college or high school show that you have ever seen where the star quarterback is in good with the entire faculty. Now obviously this is just a stereotype, but stereotypes start for a reason. There has to be at least some truth to it. The blunt truth is this: College is college. Athletes are an important part of this college world. Ohio State sells out their entire season tickets in less than an hour.

That says something about the love and appreciation of sports at that college. Yes, athletes are favored here, but what’s new? As long as I’m not discriminated against for not being one, I really have no qualms with the way it is. Sure, professional athletes are paid too much, but that is because the public pays to see them. The same goes for

college athletes. Everyone treats them with high regard, and that is not without deserving it at least a little bit. Athletes being favored is not some new concept that has completely turned my world upside down. It’s always been there, and it always will be there. The best thing you can do is go to a game, grab a hot dog, and hope they mess up.

Athlete vs. Wheeling Jesuit University Chelsea Reyher Co-Editor Walk into the Benedum room, and it’s obvious. The lacrosse/basketball table is along the wall with the windows to your left. The track team forms the L-shape table in the back-center. The baseball and soccer teams, although not always at a consistent table, are always in clusters among the

round tables in the middle. Thus, it only takes a few meals in the B-room for one to recognize the 60/40 split at WJU. 60 percent athletes. 40 percent non. Is this ratio indicative upon WJU’s heavy focus on athletics, or does the multitude of athletes provoke attention? As an athlete, my opinion may be biased, but I’d argue the latter. It seems a little pouty for the non-athlete to claim

Small Prayer Communities (All Students Welcome!)

Mondays, 10:00 pm, Ignatius Room 107 Eddie (304-280-8809, [email protected]) Sean (412-897-7071, [email protected]) Tuesdays, 9:30 pm, Ignatius Room 724 Halie (304-991-3112, [email protected]) Maria (724-575-2669, [email protected]) Tuesdays, 10:00 pm, Ignatius Room 403 *Women’s Group Maria ([email protected]) Talia (304-741-5664, [email protected]) Wednesdays, 10:00 pm, Thomas More Room 345 *Men’s Group Paul (304-906-1124, [email protected]) Mark (304-692-1660, [email protected]) Or Contact Campus Ministry at 304-243-2385

that WJU favors their opposing counterparts, when the athlete is often the one who gets bullied by a few professors. It’s okay for the kid in the back to skip class because he’d rather sleep, but it’s unacceptable when the student tells the teacher she’ll miss class due to a track meet. It’s the athlete who must make a friend in class, so that he/she can borrow missed notes, and it’s the athlete who ends up taking a test two days early because test day and game day are on the same day. I’ve never seen a professor or administrator breaking their back to help the athlete. Furthermore, from my experience, the line outside Troy Theatre before Jesuit Idol’s season premiere puts the stadium to shame at any soccer game. The average student, athlete or not, seems more interested in watching Chris Rouhier sing the theme song to Arthur, than watching Shane Young save two goals in a row. That may hurt our feelings, but you don’t see us crying about it. Sophomore Natalie Bays, non-athlete, said there are “definitely” enough opportunities students to get involved in the Arts, the area that would seemly contrast athletics. Bays said, “there’s Jewelweed, a number of fine arts classes, trips like Stratford offered where I can see professional companies, a great theatre program, and at least two talent shows every year,” just to name a few. You’ve heard the expression, “you are what you eat.” A school is the students it recruits. The athletic department will of course strive to maintain its numbers because otherwise it will regress. WJU tries to offer avenues for anyone, no matter their athletic standing. It is student interest that makes or breaks the opportunities offered.

12

THURSDAY, February 3, 2011

Cardinal Connection Staff: Co-Editor Chelsea Reyher Co-Editor Chris Rouhier News Editor Shriya Adhikary Arts & Living Editor Levi Morris Sports Editor Ashleigh Pratt Opinion Editor Mark Palermo Moderator Brady Butler

Cardinal Connection Mission: - To provide a truthful and balanced account of Wheeling Jesuit University’s life and issues, to foster a sense of community among students and employees, and to enable the community to fulfill the university’s mission - To provide a forum for the expression of viewpoints on issues facing the community so that the university community may develop a mature public opinion - To serve as a vehicle for educating students in professional journalistic skills

Cardinal Connection Opinion Policy The Cardinal Connection is the official student newspaper of Wheeling Jesuit University. It is printed bi-monthly and released on Thursdays. Opinions printed in the Cardinal Connection, unless expressly stated otherwise, are solely those of the author and not the views of the Cardinal Connection or Wheeling Jesuit University. Letters to the editor may be submitted to the Cardinal Connection at cardinal_ [email protected]. Letters should remain within 350 words. The Cardinal Connection staff reserves the right to edit or hold any letter submitted. Letters must be submitted at least one week before the publication of the issue the author wishes it to be published in. The Cardinal Connection does not publish anonymous letters.

Opinion Software “Malfunction” at Wheeling Jesuit

CARDINAL CONNECTION

Ashleigh Pratt Sports Editor

Welcome to the spring semester at the wild and wonderful Wheeling Jesuit University. With this semester comes a lovely letter stating that we owe [insert large amount of money here] and if it is not paid in full by [insert extremely short timeframe from date letter was received] then we are not allowed to attend classes. This will serve as a guide on how to decipher your fees found on your bill. The first thing you may notice is a line titled “Activity Fee.” According to the handbook, this fee “funds student activities through student government allocations” meaning it goes to support the clubs on campus. Next is the “Day Technology Fee.” This goes toward upgrades to technology on campus such as

Alli Santer Staff Writer Everything in life looks easy until one must do it. These are things like driving a car, balancing a checkbook, passing a college course, and – the dreaded big one – work. They all look simple until one peeks over the edge into the precipice of reality. But that is all a part of life… right? At the close of my freshman year of college, I was set to begin waitressing at a lovely little bistro. I wrongly held the belief that my summer job would be an undemanding position where I would greet customers, take their drink orders, place their food orders, and bring everything out. It would be a piece of cake.

WiFi and the finally upgraded software in the computer labs. The “Health Center Fee” goes toward staffing our counselors and nurses because no one likes getting sick or having a mental breakdown. The “Recreation Fee” is “dedicated to the maintenance, repair and replacement of student recreational facilities and/or equipment.” I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t like walking down to the weight room only to find that machines are broken. That said, this fee is a-ok in my book. Now the fun fees. Science majors will have something along the lines of “Science Lab Fees” that go towards funding things like dissection specimens and lab chemicals. Communication majors, and possibly others, have a “Professional Writing Lab Fee.” I have no idea what this fee is for. I have never taken

a writing course at Jesuit, yet every semester it shows up on my bill. The following are some suggestions for how this fee should be spent: 1. We’re supposed to be “professionals” and learn how to use the latest technology in our industry, but up until a few weeks ago, the only lab in Acker that has the Adobe Suite was running CS3. Currently, Adobe CS5 Suites run about $400, depending on your needs. After two semesters you could pay for any of the standard suites, and after three, the Master Collection. I would see it as a great graduation present if that’s how my fees were spent and I am presented with this great bundle of software. 2. Expand the updated Adobe Software to more than one computer lab. Acker 307 now has CS5, Iggy’s computer lab has CS2. That’s all the labs that have what we need to complete our

projects and assignments. Not even the library has the Adobe Suite. And good luck with backwards compatibility issues. Another suggestion would be to use some of our tuition money and give every student a CD, or equivalent, with all the software needed to complete course work. Something along the lines of containing Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel (or at worst OpenOffice), Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver, SPSS, and Microsoft Visual Basic and C++. This also helps out the teachers because no longer will we be able to use the excuses of “I didn’t have the program” or “I couldn’t get into the lab.” Wheeling Jesuit prides itself on giving us the tools to succeed in life. So why do they fail to give us the “tools” to succeed in the classroom?

Well, that “piece of cake” turned out to resemble something much more like a custom, five-tiered wedding cake for an obsessivecompulsive, anal-retentive bridezilla. First, one must master the memorization of the menu items. Or, risk returning to the table seven times to ask whether they want potato hash or fruit, rye toast or wheat, egg whites or egg beaters, and so on. Next, for heaven’s sake, listen to the customers. On my second day, a customer ordered a chicken salad sandwich, but all I heard was “chicken salad.” So, much to my customer’s surprise, she was served a chicken salad. As I moved past my second day, the number of people I served at one time grew.

Naturally, the amount of food and drinks I carried increased with it. Here, we encounter what my boyfriend lovingly calls “the waitress arm.” Waiting is an incredibly physical, hands-on form of work, one in which achieving UFC fighter biceps is a practically effortless side effect. However, the balance it takes to carry out a tray of eight glasses filled to the brim is a skill that apparently comes and goes for some servers. Or, maybe it is just me. Beyond memorization and balance, waiting teaches patience. Many customers are gracious, forgiving, and pleasant. Then, there are the others. In my long days serving for the lawyers, doctors and “kept

women” of the elitist South Hills area, I have met some –to say the least—memorable people. Some of these people were so wonderful as to inspire such nicknames as “The Botox Brigade” and “The Unoriginals.” But, never pity your waiter! The patience, lesson of work ethic, and social skills that can be gained from this job nearly make up for its pitfalls. By pitfalls I mean the geriatricfeeling joints after a long day, those customers who have no personalities, and the occasional lack of a tip. These titans of tasting, and kings and queens of cuisine will continue their hard work so everyone else can have their cake and eat it too.

Order Up!