page 3 lailohn Engman Issue December 14, 2001 Orion Wisness ERNIE, HAVING SPENT NINE MONTHS IN UTERO, fourteen years dependent upon his mother and another five years under her close scrutiny and protection, woke at 4:30 am and prepared to leave the house without his mother waking. He had purposely... Show morepage 3 lailohn Engman Issue December 14, 2001 Orion Wisness ERNIE, HAVING SPENT NINE MONTHS IN UTERO, fourteen years dependent upon his mother and another five years under her close scrutiny and protection, woke at 4:30 am and prepared to leave the house without his mother waking. He had purposely fallen asleep naked, against his mother’s warning that death comes for people who dirty their beds, and woke feeling the nuances of freedom stir- ring from the sheets. He dressed himself like a tourist, putting on an obnoxious Hawaiian shirt, Chuck Taylor high tops and a pair of cut-off cords, and snuck quietly down the steps to the kitchen. He took a bagel from the refrigerator and forced it into the narrow slot of the toaster—wide slot; toasters were notorious for catching fire and his mother wouldn’t have them in the house. He skipped coffee, so his mother wouldn’t hear the gurgling noise and wake up screaming that bloody gnomes were in the house chopping him to bits. His acts of defiance had started small: one day a cup of coffee with brealdast, then four days without a shower, then coming home late in a taxi. When Ernie acted contra— dictory to his mother's incessant, ical remembrance. To her, Ernie was the receptacle that held her memories, dreams and plans of her brother, sisters ahd parents. He was to live his life the way they would have. When asked, Ernie told the stories about the family deaths in a quick, instant fashion. As a small child he made up scenarios and brought them to show and tell. He told the class that everyone died in a tragic family reunion where a plane crashed into the picnic pavilion sending limbs and hot dogs everywhere. He said an axe murderer got them all at Christmas while he hid inside the turkey. The truth, when he was old enough to hear it, was just as horrible as his tales. The twin deaths of Babette and Doris began a yearlong string of casualties when they mys- teriously drove off a bridge into the Chattahoochee River. Both thin and attractive women, by the time they washed up down the river in Columbus, they had taken on over two hundred pounds of water. A month and a half after the funeral of her sister Natalie died of a cardiac arrest in a public toilet on a blind date. After waiting for half an hour, her date assumed she had ditched him. Two days later, she was found still sitting on the toilet, her feet the size of waterrnelons. Natalie left her brother enough money for him to take a vacation. He spent it in the Florida Keys, A Lethal Dose fortable, Ernie wanted to tell her that the café was old, ugly and uncomfortable, the way he felt, but he doubted he'd see her again. He ordered an iced espresso and trudged back out into the heat. Ernie sat on the curb in the shallow side of a yellow cab gulping his iced coffee. “It’s fucking hot," the punk sitting behind Ernie in the last of the outdoor seating said. “It’s too hot for fuckin.” his buddy replied. Ernie watched the traffic and delighted in the irony that while intercourse was out of the question. black parachute pants, and orange plaid bloomers were not. One of them, sporting long pink dreadlocks, wore a thick. black leather jacket. Ernie couldn’t criticize their fashion sense. His Hawaiian shirt, covered with birds and flowers, was loud enough to drown out the subway and clashed with his green corduroy cut-offs. He, too, was guided by the idea that he didn’t want to fit in. He wore his tourist uniform with pride and defiance. Ernie 'could feel the sweat drip- ping down his back through the honking, and clanging of the traffic in the street. Beads of perspiration gathered near the crack in his butt like ocean liners waiting passage through the Panama Canal. One by one, they dripped into the seat of his pants forming a puddle that, when he stood cockamamie advice, electricity rushed through him. But his mother began to rationalize his unhealthy acts. She produced medical journals about the positive effects of coffee (anti-oxidants and vitamins) and going without bathing (natural oils of the skin prevent infection). And he was beginning to need bigger and more serious acts of mutiny for the same rush of independence. He began to think about stealing her car or killing her in the tub, or both. As the train backed into Union Station, Ernie was glad. People were everywhere, men in power suits, Women gibbering on cell phones, walking so fast their heels clicked like Geiger counters on a uranium floor. The stimuli forced his mother out of his head. up, would make it seem like he had peed. Second and third seas of sweat were forming in his high— tops, turning them a deeper shade of red. Emie wished he’d worn a base— ball cap. But his mother hated him to wear a hat outside. She thought it was easier for him to be mistaken for someone else with a hat on. Someone who might attract unsavory characters and ends up on the back of a milk car- ton. She would never forgive him if he died of a case of mistaken “But Ernie,” he could her hear his mother say, “Murder is bad for your health.” The bagel nauseated him, but he stuffed it down any- way. It was five o’clock and his mother would be up in half an hour to do her calisthenics. Once outside the front door, he crept along the tree line-- pausing by each peony bush to look up at her window. If his mother were there, she would have called the police and he’d have to go back inside. But the window was empty. It was a hot and humid New Jersey day. Ernie was leak- ing sweat; he felt like he had a bog in his shoes. He had forgotten his socks, but he was at the end of the driveway and couldn’t risk going back. He turned the comer onto the street, stood erect, and stared up the hill past the row houses to the train station. The birds chirped, and the oak tress drooped in the oppressive heat. Yet a smile came across Ernie’s face and he felt a sense of whimsy grab him. “Whimsy!” His mother was always there in his head like the two of them were alone in a rowboat in the middle of the Atlantic. “Whimsy is death, your grandmother left the car window down because of whimsy, your uncle went to Florida on a whimsy. Whimsy is for pot smoking hip- pies and starving artists.” Ernie had developed techniques for dealing with her intrusions. The few remaining blocks to the train station he shut his mother up by counting the people on the street. When there were too few people to keep his mother at bay he started counting cars-~in Jersey they were never in short supply. Yet on the train, traveling through the countryside of strip mall cemeteries and abandoned homes, Ernie’s mother reappeared in his thoughts, as she always did. She was there standing in her lavender housedress on the high- ways of his synapses with a cardboard sign: watch your step, brush your teeth, this way to Baraboo, no smoking, no sun. He could not escape her. _ His mother had raised him like this on purpose. Ernie was an investment. She was the last living member of her family and the moment she knew she was pregnant, she began infusing the hopes and dreams of her dead family into his being. His relatives, her family, had all died before he was born and she wasn’t going to lose anybody else. His mother credited him with the miracle of saving her life and her family's name and it was Ernie’s responsibility to stay alive. Anything that put him at risk was forbidden. This trip to the island, for example. would set her to seizing on the dining room floor with a meringue froth bubbling from her lips. But to Ernie the attention heaped on him felt less like a boon and more like a disease. ‘ His name, Ernie, came from urn, a container for the dead. His mother didn’t deem it socially acceptable to name him coffin, nor did she drink spelling his name U—r—n- y would make him many friends so she settled on a phonet- where, during hurricane Saul he was impaled by a flying “no parking” sign. His grandmother Georgette died two months later from an easily preventable case of hypothermia. His grandpar— ents, married for fifty years, were arguing about the tem- perature in the car, she was hot and he was cold. She demanded the heat be turned down and he refused. She rolled her windows down in protest and sat there, grum- bling and eventually freezing to death. Grandpa was just happy she’d shut up. Weeks later he pulled into the garage, shut the door, rolled down all the windows and sat quietly until he suffocated. With one sister left, his mother began to feel desperate. She was the oldest child and had desired a spinster’s life. But the deaths forced her to remake a family. She found a drunken man whom seemed of good stock and brought him home. Meanwhile her sister was moving to NYC to be with her and collided with a bus load of hippies that had hit a truck of Mormons. She drove into the chaos of Grateful Dead albums, beads, pot bad ties, oxford shirts and bibles. She and a stray Mormon were the only human casualties. As the train backed into Union Station, Ernie was glad. People were everywhere, men in power suits, women gib- bering on cell phones, walking so fast their heels clicked like Geiger counters on a uranium floor. The stimuli forced his mother out of his head. Ernie left the tracks and walked to an information booth to find a cup of coffee. A young Mexican woman, her long back hair wrapped in a bun, smiled and gave him directions by train to a café in the Vil- lage and to a Tapas bar in Spanish Harlem, if he decided he would rather have wine. He stared at her, not wanting to leave. The woman’s face was comfortable, the opposite of the alabaster slab his mother wore. There was passion in her eyes, a different type of fire than the funeral pyre blazing in mom’s in'ses. Her name was Isadora and he wanted to know what it meant but instead he asked her for the directions again. “It’s the building with bright purple awnings. You can’t miss it,” she said and turned to the next person in line. The awnings were deep, not bright, purple, but Ernie found the place anyway, a little café on the comer of Bleecker and Thompson Streets, two blocks from Washing- ton Square. The heat was exhausting Ernie and he thought people would spoil like rancid meat if they stayed out— doors. He walked inside. New Yorkers escaping the heat had taken all the red naugahyde and chrome chairs. Ernie wished he could stay in the cool air drinking and reading anything that would let him linger in the sanctuary from the heat: novels, encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines. But his mother had told him “never sit on the floor; the Ebola comes from unwashed floors.” What would mom think of the curb? Isadora had told him the café was cute and com- identity. The only thing he wor- ried about being mistaken for was a water buffalo in a rice patty. Drowning in the midday humidity and soaked to the bone, he cursed his clammy skin, the temperature. and the desperation for freedom that lured him out in it. “People who curse get killed,” he heard his mother say- ing, “Your father liked to cuss and look where he is." His father, besides being his mother’s one night stand, had been a drinker and a gambler. “Honey,” she’d say trying to reas— sure him. “you’ve got half the good genes, and half the genes, baby, that’s what counts." Older now. and less taken by motherly euphemisms, Ernie wanted to tell her that if he left the house in half his genes he’d end up on Riker’s Island in buttless pants. What did this do to him, knowing these things? Ernie spent his time seeing death everywhere: in the chrome bumper, in the sand in the gutter, in a woman with a pink hat blowing her nose, in the muddy color of his espresso. Ernie needed another drink to cool him down. In this heat he had been vacuuming down iced coffees. The next cup would be his fourth. He got up for more. Inside, the air snapped his body like a twig. It took him a moment to re-collect his cartilage and move towards the counter. The espresso machine was silent and the jukebox played “Ring of Fire." Emie‘s stomach felt hollow and slimy, anxiety formed on his skin. They stared at him as he crossed the room. He felt like a plump Jersey boy on the stage at the Apollo during Amateur night doing his best Marvin Gay. “Two iced espressos please,“ Ernie said while holding up two fingers for the man behind the counter to see. The coffee boy snarled at him and slowly rose from his milk crate. He was a thin man in a thin t-shirt. He reeked of sweat and patchouli. He was an overripe fruit, too old to work in a coffee shop. His voice was deep and scratchy, words traveling fifty miles of gravel road just to make it to his lips. “To go?” he asked with a cool smile as his eyes darted around the full room. Ernie answered with a nod. He wanted to go back to Jersey. Or spend the day talking with Isadora. He might walk down to the train station to meet her, tell her the cafe was overcrowded and ask for directions to the Tapas bar. The coffee man looked up from the steamer with pity. Ernie returned the notion. The thin man slammed the cof- fee container down on the counter with a soft thud. The way his mother had when she first learned he was drinking the swill. She launched into a public service message she had picked up from Sixty Minutes. “Ernie, the AMA con» siders four espressos in under an hour to be a lethal dose of caffeine in fifty percent of the populations." He looked A Lethal Doe. continued on page a Show less
we“. shears] -. ~ : page 5 §§JOI1H Engman Issue December 14, 2001 the dusty road was hot and gray and i walked alone upon it the drifting laziness of childhood days filling my heart and soul the sun cast a brilliant yellow iii-of frogs and elephants over the’land and my but still I possessed happy... Show morewe“. shears] -. ~ : page 5 §§JOI1H Engman Issue December 14, 2001 the dusty road was hot and gray and i walked alone upon it the drifting laziness of childhood days filling my heart and soul the sun cast a brilliant yellow iii-of frogs and elephants over the’land and my but still I possessed happy abandon tired existence i danced with frogs sang with elephants then i went home i went to school i was told not to dance with frogs and they were my best companions elephants could not sing the abandon was slapped from me fell like tear drops from my eyes and the stars of fairy—tale skies i wasn’t good enough i dreamed too much i was never loved enough it was my fault so i grew up but the scars never healed and they are salted time and again when i see frogs dance * when i hear elephants sing. of them with me in it. Yuck, enough with the twisting and turning already. I’m really not surprised he doesn’t have my picture up, so why is my damn stomach all tied up? I didn’t notice her wander off. She's already on her way back, though. Irene car- rying an empty cardboard box. “Here, you can put his stuff in here.” She sets it on the pressed wood desktop and against all my wishes begins to talk again. “So, what do you do?" “I wake people up.” I see her confusion at my response, so I go on. “I work in a coffee shop downtown. I open it up at 6:30 am. So, my coffee basically wakes people up." “Oh! That sounds nice! I don’t know what we’d do without our coffee around , here. 'So, you live in the Cities, then?” V Charming. somehow once you get deep into suburbia, our two cities become one entity. The people make no distinction. It’s all another world, it’s all the Cities. “Yeah, I live in Uptown, well, Minneapolis. It’s nice. I share a one bedroom with a friend." “A girlfriend?" says Irene, a knowing look in her eye. “No. No, I don’t do that. No girlfriend for me.” “Oh, I suppose, a young one like you. It's too early to be tied down?" Again with that knowing look. Ms. Irene-Sanitation Supervisor has no clue how far she is from understanding what I’m saying. “Something like that," I say. I pause briefly, oh what the hell. “I live with a good friend. Corey.” Maybe she’ll figure it out now; I doubt it though. I start putting the pictures in the box. Mom really is gonna like this one, her and Dad at some dance. lrene‘s breath is on my neck as she takes a last look at each picture I put in the box. “You’re not a fan of having your picture taken?" Well, ten points for Irene, she’s obser- vant at least. “Oh, there’s many pictures of «Tracey Lange a) ‘ coninued. from page I i me around. I guess they just never made it here.” “Well, isn’t that strange..." she says. “Anyway, we were in the Cities two Christ- mases ago. We brought my grandkids to see Santa and the auditorium. It’s pretty down there with all those lights and decora- tions. I don’t know though, it’s all a bit too hectic. I just can’t imagine living there!” “You get used to it. I wouldn’t live any- where eIse.” . “Hmmm, I suppose you wouldn’t.” Wow, good one Irene; I think you hit a piercing with each one of those words! “Yeah, well, I should get going here. Mom’s expecting me back soon with this stuff.” “Of course, you get back to packing and I have to run and grab a little card we got for your mom. We sure hope she’s holding up alright.” Vlfrth that, thank you God, Irene walks away. Had she supervised the sanitation in this office as much as she supervised me, perhaps I wouldn’t still smell the now ran— cid onions pulled from yesterday’s Whop- per lunches. Perhaps Irene’s lemon disinfectant would actually keep this place clean. Damn, I’m getting bitter. I need to get out of here. There are a few things left in Dad’s drawer. The pen is nice. so I slip it into the pocket of my baggy blue jeans. His notepad, “From the desk of Ben Adams," trash. At the very bottom of the drawer, I find a picture of me. Of course it’s from eighth grade, before the hair cuts and the hair colors, before any of this silver had pierced my flesh. I think he liked me back then. I can barely remember. That picture is definitely trash. I pack the last few desk ornaments. I'm sure mom will find something to do with these things. Irene is back. She tosses a card on top of the box. “You make sure your mom gets that now, ok?" “I got it covered.” “You know Freely, it was very nice of battered and bruised forgotten and torn ,ragdoll his mother was slumped over the chair. her eyes were like corpse’s eyes glazed and glossy and grotesque unblinking sad like lost buttons. he stood quivering for a moment unsure and wondering but she did not stir. her limbs hung around her limp and long and lazy hair as coarse as straw obscured her face. he looked at her for the millionth time he saw her for the first and noticed how her thin and fragile frame seemed lost within the folds of her many-times washed and pressed faded-flower housedress. a toy put into the box does not live long. you to do this for your mother. Since _ Joseph couldn’t make it and all. I know it can be hard to go home when you‘ve been away for so long. I’ll see you at the ser- vice?" Irene just lets that question float in the air as she walksaway. I carry the box of his stuff out to my car. Raindrops are beaded on my car and I feel the water in the air, it’s just not falling any— more. The air in my car is sticky and smells of must. So, I pull my sweatshirt off and roll the windows down. The ignition catches, the engine starts and I turn on the radio. Wouldn’t you know it, they are playing damn Nirvana again. Oh lord, here they go again. He’s DEAD, let’s move on. Pulling out of the lot, I move on. It’s time for some oldies I guess, there’s nothing else on. “I Am the Walrus” indeed. Even I love the Beatles. Irene was a strange one. She’s a customer I’d cringe at. After work, I’d go home, light up and have a good laugh about her. Still, I have to give her some credit; she had her moments. Jesus, what was I doing in that office today? Dad hasn’t had a real conversation with me in years. It was bad enough when my hair was red and I had only one earring. When the rest came out, though, that was the end of it. Mom could only call me on the sly and she rarely does that anymore. As for Joseph, well, he has a young daugh- ter and they thought it best she not be exposed. What am I doing here? Where am I even? Damn, I was sup— posed to get off Main Street three blocks back. It must be a good sign that I’ve been gone so long that the streets aren't familiar. The businesses have changed. The cinema is gone, as are most of the retail stores. The Gaps and County Seats of the malls have crushed the likes of Teen Zone and the other bad clothing stores this town once had. There's even a McDonalds now to compete with I-Iardees and the summertime drive-in burger joint. It’s changed a lot —Tracey Lange since I left four years ago. Surprising how things happen so fast. I didn’t even hear the phone call last night. I was busy playing my records. 180 beats per minute, I had our apartment shak— ing. Then, Corey came in, took the needle off the record and told me. Mom had called and left a message, she said it happened Thursday and she asked me to come home. I didn’t call her back. Still. I promised Corey I’d go home and help. I waited till morning to drive up. Mom still has yet to talk to me other than to tell me the errands she needs help with. I’ve just been follow— ing her instructions and doing my assigned tasks. It’s been uncomfortable, but I promised Corey I’d stay. I’ve been doing the errands that should be Joseph‘s. Damn him, he had some excuse about business and won’t be here until tomorrow. He should have this box in his car, not me. I haven’t turned around yet. Fuck it. I pull off Main Street and drive to the back of the Hardees. I stop my car in front of the dumpster and get out. I grab the box. lift the grimy blue lid off the dumpster and throw the trash in. Without a pause I get back in my car and pull out of the lot. Soon, I’m back on the freeway and heading to my home. This time, the drive doesn’t seem so long. Funny how it works that way, it's always so easy to leave that town. I park my car in front of my apartment and sit for a minute, finishing my cigarette. I walk in. Corey is there but he doesn't say anything. He doesn't have to. he knows. It‘s quiet except for the clunk of my boots and our breathing. I cross the room, taking a moment to toss a pen from my pocket into the trash. The silence is broken as I put the needle on the record and at 180 beats per minute. I return to my life. Show less
ugsburg 0) £1 4...: December 14', 2001 I i ;‘Ww.alsbulec so my seeds will grow to be the strongest kings and queens. RULING, LEADING, setting a way 1 so powerful that evil is held at bay. I want a man so Black that BEAUTY forgets her name. i And these words written in black ink, quickly fade... Show moreugsburg 0) £1 4...: December 14', 2001 I i ;‘Ww.alsbulec <2 — Volume 108 Issue 10 In this issue: Creative Nonfiction Winners: “Chased” and “Life Skills”, page 2 Fiction winner: Orion Wisness with “A Lethal Dose”, page 3 Poetry by M. Deppen, C. Fankhanel, S. Noggle, and S. Bibus, page 4 Poetry by Tracey Lange, page 5 A. ’I‘wito and K. Bredesen with more Creative Nonfiction, page 6 Fiction by K. Lucin and E. Hammerschmidt, page 7 Engman Prize Winners 2001 Six poets and six prose writers have been named winners of the John Engman Writing Prize 2001. First prize winners in each category will receive a $100. Second place and honorable mention winners will receive from $25 to $75, depending on the number of prizes' awarded in that category. The poets who are first place Engman Prize winners are Marla Deppew whose winning entry was “My Father’s Bur- den,” and Gianna Sorrell, whose entry was “Blacklight.” They will each receive a $100 prize. Second place winners in the poetry category are Christine Fankhanel, for her poem “Fog” and Tracey Lange for “Ragdoll” and “Of Frogs and Elephants.” They will each receive $75. Honorable mentions in poetry have been awarded to Scott Bibus for “The Snail Planter” and Stephenie Noggle for “Bullet Proof.” They will each receive $25. First place winners in the short fiction category are Orion \Vrsness, who wrote “A Lethal Dose,” and Darin Rowles, who wrote “Trash.” They will each receive a $100 prize. Erika Hammerschmidt won a $100 first prize for her creative nonfiction essay “Life Skills” and Kari Lucin was awarded a $100 first prize for her cre- ative nonfiction essay “Chased.” Creative nonfiction honorable men- tions and $50 priz es go to Kellen Bre- desen’for “Spitting Mad” and Alexis TWito for “The Ledge.” Special fiction honors with no mone- tary prize have been awarded to Erika Hammerschrnidt for her story “If the World Ended, Would I Notice?” and Kari Lucin for her story “Closed or Opened.” Contest rules prohibit a writer's winning a monetary prize in more than one cate- gory. The contest is sponsored annually by the English Department and Murphy Square, the Augsburg literary and arts review. The prize is named in honor of poet and Augsburg College alumnus John Engman. The prize panel included members of the English department faculty. Names of the student authors and poets were not listed on the works submitted. BLACKLIGHT (oxymoron) “Black is not Beauty. Beauty IS Black. ” Dark—n—lovely, moreno, mullato, mixed, cho-co-late, carmel, cream coco, coffee, Cappuccino —delight, moca, molasses, purple, blue, ebony... Naw! Just give me the BLACKEST MAN! So we can UNITE and make the Blackest, most—passionate, midnight love. So out of my womb, we can procreate the Blackest babies this UNIVERSE has eva seen. Makin‘ “I Have a Dream” seem like reality. I want a man so Black, white goes COLOR BLIND. A man so Black, night seems like day, and darkness turns to light. I wanna man so Black, the Sun looks cold; makin‘ molten lava turn frozen and old. I wanna man so Black, CREATION saw betta days. 50 Black, the earth trembles and quakes, thinking the Father‘s come back to proclaim His reign. I want a man so Black that shadows cease. As Black as the richest soil, after a rainy day, > so my seeds will grow to be the strongest kings and queens. RULING, LEADING, setting a way 1 so powerful that evil is held at bay. I want a man so Black that BEAUTY forgets her name. i And these words written in black ink, quickly fade away. -Gianna Sorrel] Darin T. Rowles DAD WORKED WITH THE REST OF THEM, ALL IN THE office building at the north end of this hideous town. They call it a city, but at 45,000 people, I hardly think it quali- fies. I pull my rusted Datsun into a spot at the front of the deserted lot. Their building is old; three stories tall with a front of red cracking brick. Atone time, I’d had every crack in the front of this building memorized. Kinda crazy, I’ll finally get to see the inside. God, I hate that drive. It's only an hour from Min- neapolis to here, still, my legs are cramped and my butt is asleep. Funny, when I was in high school the drive from here to downtown seemed so short. Since I haven’t made the drive in four years, though, it feels way longer than I remember it. Thank God I won’t have to come out here again for a long time. And thank God I’m parked; the radio is playing yet another tired Nirvana track. So he’s dead, what a tragedy. It‘s been a year. get over it. I never knew Kurt and neither did anyone else. I just don’t get why his death was such a big deal. Well, at least I don‘t have to hear another of his songs, I think as I shut off the car. I wave a dirty plastic card in front of the lock. Come on, let me in dammit. The third time’s the charm and with a quiet buzz and a green light, the door is released. “Here we go," I mutter as I enter the nearly vacant building. The clunk of my beat-up Doc Marten's echo through the air as I walk across the hard tiled floor. I spot a garbage can and chuck the access card into it. He won’t need it anymore, I figure. Disgusting. This office is every bit as bad as this town. Genetic and gray; desks with empty diet Cokes and cans of Pringles. I work my way through the rows of cubicles. There are too many desks and I have no idea where Dad‘s is. Hmm. who’s Barbara? They must love her! What a desk she has: three candy jars filled with chocolates, Star- burst and Jolly Ranchers. I stop my search for his desk and pop a Raspberry rancher in my mouth. My jaw tightens from the initial shock of sour, then I continue on, choking my tongue ring against the candy as I look for his desk. Here it is. "Ben Adams—Office Assistant" reads the cardboard tag pinned to the outside of his cubicle. I pull it out of the wall and throw it in the can under his desk. What the hell is an office assistant? Dad spent ten years in this company and I don’t know one thing he did here. Ifl could’ve asked him, I doubt even he could have told me what he did here. He probably helped move around all this damn paper. From her outbox to his inbox to this envelope to that file in the comer, and then back again. He had to stamp a lot too, I guess. There it is again, on the stamp, “Ben Adams——Office Assistant." Whatever. Itoss the Stamper in the can; it’s trash. Disgusting. This ofi‘ice is every bit as bad as this town. Generic and gray; desks with empty diet Cakes and cans of Pringles. I work my way through the rows of cubicles. There are too many desks and I have no idea where Dad’s is. “WHAT THE? Oh, hi,” I say. I spin around to see the person whose hand just grabbed my shoulder. Nasty, what’s with all the red, lady? “I didn’t even hear you com— ing.” “You’re not Joseph," says the lady. Her beady eyes look me up and down, lingering longest on my nosering and the bar through my eyebrow. “No, I’m the younger one. Freely." Irene is her name. At least I’ll have to assume so. Her pink plastic tag tells me: “Irene Godrich-—Sanitation Supervisor." “Oh, we were expecting Joseph. Your mother said it would be Joseph stopping by to pick up his things. It sure would’ve been nice to see Joseph again...” Which "we" had expectations? It's just me and you here today honey. Well, me, you and the dustbunnies you've been chasing around with your broom. I already know I don‘t like her. I don’t like her pink and red plaid shirt tucked oh so neatly into her faded strawberry slacks. I don’t like the vodka stench of Aquanet coming from her tacky bouffunt hairdo. I don‘t like her 60 year—old Marlboro stained lingers or the dust stained cloth hanging cleverly through her belt loop. More than all of this. I don‘t like the silence. so I try to be nice. “Well, Joseph was gonna come but he got tied up. Business. you know. He‘ll be in town tomorrow for the service, though." “Good. It'll be nice to see him again. We haven‘t seen him around here for almost a year. Such a nice man. that son of Ben’s. We were always happy to have him stop by. Especially with the baby, we love that little girl. What was her name again?" What is it with the “we” in this place? This office. this town; people never take ownership of their opinions. They all share them. This town isjust one boring unit with thou~ sands of arms and legs. Be nice Freely. Just be nice. get his stuff and get out of here. “Tina. Well. it‘s Cristina. but I call her Tina." The one time I saw her I called her Tina. anyway. “That's it!" she continues on. "such a beautiful girl. Ben was so proud of her." Obviously, he has four pictures of her on his desk. I grab one of them I hadn't seen before. “That one's perfect!" lrene says. There they are: Dad and Tina. He has a smile from cheek to cheek. looking up to Tina. Tina is grinning madly, looking down to him. They are in front of [his desk, I real— ize. That figures; even she‘s seen this office before today. Irene starts in again. “Oh! That was my favorite of the pictures. He was so happy with Joseph and the baby. so happy" 7 ljust nod to her. getting lost in Dad’s desk 2: hit. The pictures on it at least. There's the twentieth anniversary photo of him and Mom. He also has Joseph's graduation picture. the wedding picture and Joseph holding Tina right after she was born. He really never did let me in to this office. Nine tacky frames total sit on this desk and not one Trash continued on page 5 Show less
December 14, 2001 g _ £thn Engman Issue page 2 Cha K. Lucln ESCAPE. She ran through the darkness, branches slapping her face, leaves crackling under her feet. She had to get away from it. Adrenaline tore through her veins like a hurricane through a southern swamp, ripping away conscious thought... Show moreDecember 14, 2001 g _ £thn Engman Issue page 2 Cha K. Lucln ESCAPE. She ran through the darkness, branches slapping her face, leaves crackling under her feet. She had to get away from it. Adrenaline tore through her veins like a hurricane through a southern swamp, ripping away conscious thought and strategy to leave behind only tom wreckage. She only knew that she had to run, as far and as quickly as possible, away from the pursuer. Knowledge of the pursuer had fled too, and she found herself wondering what exactly chased her Once. she must have known, but now, sprinting long- legged through the gloom, all that was left was fear ‘ Probe the ignorance any further, and something ter- rible would happen. Besides. all she could do now was run. Faster. Somehow. she had to run faster, or it would catch her Her bare foot hit a tree~root and the woman stumbled, a memory hitting her with shattering clar- ity. *** She cried so hard it sounded like hiccups, or water being poured out of a narrow-necked jug. Teardrops caught on the lenses of her glasses. but the box of Kleenex lay inside the room, with the hall- door closed firmly against her. She’d shut it herself, because of her noisy crying. Clumsily wiping off the cordless phone in her hand, she explained—or tried to explain—why she had to leave him, what had gone wrong. He didn’t understand, didn’t feel the difference, the distance, or her own unease. She didn’t fully understand it herself, but it could neither be denied nor ignored. There was nothing to do but call it quits. *** The fear grew stronger as she groped the ground for a handhold, smelling the fresh loam clinging to her knees, hands, face. She stood. ignor- ing the pain in her left ankle; a drop ofblood hit the ground. Smelling her own wami blood, she could hear the creature behind her, hurrying. No... The runner began again, an uneven, limping gait that served only to entice the hunter behind. Tears ran down herface, tears ofanguish,fear. nerve- wracking doubt—Italy tears. Neither they nor the blood affected her mind. She plowed onward through the brush, arms out before her to fend ofl he grasping tree branches. An involuntary gasp of pain escaped her lips as a thorned tree limb snatched at her. scraping her arm as ifit hadfingernails and conscious malevolence. *** She had a friend. a good. dear friend who talked to her every day. They teased each other over coffee and philosophy. deep thoughts and deep cups. When she messaged him the night of the breakup, he came to her door. ostensibly only to bring her batteries for her CD player. But she left her room, and the two sat together in the lounge. She told him as much as she could. somehow managing not to cry, reddened eyes yet speaking volumes. He understood what she said. *** More scarlet drops fled down her arm. and she began to gasp for breath. Something had to give soon. something terrible. It could hear her. smell her, see her even in the dark. and it cursed itself for not hat-in g caught her when she 'd fallen. Talons extended. it growled softly. The next time it would catch her... But she called up her inner reserve of strength. the last bastion of defense she had. and gained a little time. Go, Her stride lengthened. and she no longer felt the cruel scrape of the branches. or the damp brush on the ground. The salt sweat stung her eyes... **i He tried to get her to go to bed. She had already (0 miracle!) regained her sense of humour by that time. but did not want to be left alone. She knew she would cry again if she was alone, and refused to go to bed adamantly. lying out the couch sluggishly. He It could hear her; smell her, see her even in the dark, and it cursed itself for not having caught her when she ’d fallen. e d sat on a nearby chair, using every method of persua— sion he could; it was better for her to sleep, she’d feel better in the moming... In the late night, a feeling like drunkenness slipped over her, washing her in the tired glow of exhaustion. He reminded her suddenly of her brother. and she reached out and gave him a noogie. Startled, he slipped out of her tenuous grasp, snatch- ing her in his arms to keep her from trying again. “Like the cover of a romance book," she said ‘ abruptly, dissolving into giggles. He let her go just i as suddenly, laughing. The next time she tried it he caught her again in the same way. She made the same cement once more, adding, “A bad one.” Again they fell apart laughing, as he released her. | l *** i i l ‘ Her sobs rang out now, through the darkness, and the hunter could feel the pain of its prey. It laughed, and. frightened. the girl ran with renewed energy. She heard a stream somewhere ahead, and when it seemed close. she leaped over it—or tried to. It was too large, though shallow, and she found herself ankle deep in water The rock-bed sliced her feet to ribbons, raw-meat flesh leaving a pale tint in the water for the fish to wonder at with gaping eyes. Help... Somewhere her glasses had disappeared. torn off her face ruthlessly by a branch, or perhaps in her earlier fall. The forest seemed softer now, its scant light shifting, flickering through the trees blearily. It came closer. *** She lay on the couch giggling at five AM, daring him to try and make her go to bed. Patiently he used logic, but to no purpose. At last, when her eyes shut themselves of their own volition, he leaned down and picked her up bodily. With a shocked yelp she tried to hold onto him so that he would- n‘t drop her to the A ground in a heap. Even this daring step did not convince her, at six AM, and so he set her back down gently, on the couch, while she laughed, saying that he could not outlast her, and that he would fall asleep before she did. She gave up at ten AM. *** Every step was a stumble now, every gasp for breath a sob, and every drop of blood acid. laugh- ing behind her, it reached out its talons and tore open her back. Soon... She screamed and shambled onward. desperation her only fuel, hope deserting her now-frail body, absolutely faithless. Her arms spread out as she fell for the last time into the soft soil as if into the softest bed. blood-trail crimson behind her Helpless, she had to see this hunter; this mindless assassin-pursuer, and so she turned around. face up to look at death. *** The next day, he took her shopping, trying to get her mind off the breakup. She appreciated it, but still tried to give him noogies according to their estab- lished pattern. He always caught her in the end. Her physical strength simply wasn’t enough, and the romance-book pose became familiar at the store. and more so on the return trip. The day after that, they went out again, to retrieve developed film. This time, on the trip back, she did- n‘t try to escape his romance—book grasp on her, despite its public nature (the city bus). She was... happy- They sat with each other later on. alone. * * * It pounced on her, fangs dipping viciously into her neck before she recognized it for what it was. Her own face. devoid of intellect. feral, stared tri- umphantly at her in the face of the hunter, blood dripping fnom its mouth. She recognized it. as it ripped open her chest. Startled. she saw her own still-beating heart in its hand. Desire. All went black as the beast laughed madly over her. feasting on her pain. The veilfell over (from?) her eyes... They kissed. —Life Skills Erika Hammerschmldt THE GIRL LEFT SPANISH CLASS. ON THE WAY OUT, HER TEACHER congratulated her. “Otra calificacién petfecta! Another perfect grade, Si? Are you going to be a translator, sefion'ta ?” “Of course I’m going to be a translator. I’ve always wanted to be a translator.” “Muy bién.’ Una traductora! Sabes qué es una traductora? Do you know what a traductora is?” “St. Una mujer que traduce.” The girl looked at her for another moment, then repeated her answer in English, too. The teacher did not notice the parody of her own condescending voice. “A woman who ‘ translates. I’ll be late for my bus, Senora.” “Muy bién. Hasta mafianal” No one else said anything to the girl as she passed the other students leaving the class and headed for her locker. An A+ on her test, as usual. She didn’t rejoice. She didn't remember ever even seeing any grade other than an A+ in that classroom. Cer- tainly none of the other students ever showed her their tests. They never even looked at her, except with open mouths and wary eyes when she was “having a spazz,” or with smirking faces when they were playing a . joke, telling her Ricky. or Daniel, or whoever, was in love with her and . she ought to go kiss him, or something. They looked at the too-small T- ‘ shirt that she didn’t know she was supposed to put a bra on under and They hadn ’t figured out that even though she still didn’t know how to tell a fake love letter from a real one, because she’d never seen a real one, she knew enough to understand that no love letter anyone wrote to her would ever be real. ‘ they looked at the big pink sweatpants she didn‘t know had never been in style and they looked at the face that she didn’t know was supposed to have makeup on it and they didn’t look at her. Or at the A+ on her Spanish test. They didn’t notice the A+. They noticed the dancing on the teacher’s desk when she’d forgotten her medication and they noticed the stories passed down since grade school that she used to bite people. Somehow they hadn’t figured out, in the three years they’d been writing them here at Northside Junior High, that she no longer responded to faked love ‘ letters. They hadn't figured out that she’d spent all of grade school learning that people were insensitive, especially to a girl like her, or 1 anyone else who was clueless enough to take that long to learn that simple a fact about humanity. They hadn’t figured out that even though she still didn’t know how to tell a fake love letter from a real one, because she'd never seen a real one, she knew enough to understand ‘ that no love letter anyone wrote to her would ever be real. She got to her locker. Her locker was right next to the Life Skills Office. Somehow, every school has to come up with a new euphemism for Special Ed, thought the girl. watching Miss Carrie helping Quentin do subtraction through the open door of the Life Skills Office. Miss Carrie was a social worker whose intelligence the girl respected some- what less for the fact that, being named Carrie and knowing that Life Skills called every female staff member by “Miss” followed by her first name, she had still applied for the job. Miss Canie was also overweight. The girl had noticed that most Life Skills staff members were female and overweight. Maybe they had been unpopular in their childhood too. Maybe they wanted to help ‘ people who had gone through the same pain they had. It was similar pain, except that Life Skills students were usually highly gifted and Life Skills staff members were usually stupid. But they didn't know how to help the people they chose to help. They thought that having a ‘ mental disability meant having the mind of a three-year-old. The girl had the mind of a forty-year—old. But she was part of Life Skills, so nobody ever noticed that. She turned the dial on her lock. She remembered the combination. She took out her coat and her boots. Then she shut her locker door and looked up and saw Miss Carrie looking down on her. The girl hadn't known Miss Carrie was there and she wished she weren’t. “How do we shut our lockers?" she was saying to the girl. What did she mean? “How do we shut our lockers?” Was she asking the girl a question about lockers? Did she want advice? What was the girl supposed to say? “How do we shut our lockers?" repeated Miss Carrie. now slightly annoyed. Then the girl understood what she meant. I must have shut my locker too loudly, she thought in exasperation. Damn it. She wants me to say "quietly." Or "softly." The girl‘s teeth tightened. Miss Carrie. she said silently, do you know that I could say one hundred words by the time I was one year old? Do you know that I could spell better than you when I was five? Do you know that I am fluent in German and Spanish and scored 153 on my IQ test and nevertheless have no friends and have to deal with an average of one fake love letter per month and DO NOT NEED THIS RIGHT NOW? Miss Carrie didn't know. Miss Carrie would never know. She only knew that she had had to ask the girl twice so far how she should have Life Skills continued on page 8 Show less
page 7 *" October 12, 2001 program i “me to self: fl Think about how smart I‘ll look to mom and dad when they M contlnuedfrom page 7 g find out I am having UPS pay 2% C O for my college expenses. :
Show morepage 7 *" October 12, 2001 program i “me to self: fl Think about how smart I‘ll look to mom and dad when they M contlnuedfrom page 7 g find out I am having UPS pay 2% C O for my college expenses. : < The to am rovides necess “financial and per- . . sonal regouirtes“ 30 students, saidaJlZnes. From his years mm A U65 BURG at Augsburg, Jones remembered it as a “school that was Dav'd Renerfma'er + U P S missionary in its zeal to prove that race didn‘t matter.” m but he warned Monday that “colorblindness can wind Kayla scr'Vner + up simply being blindness.” M The Scholastic Connections program was Jones” gift Greg Solheid s UccEs 5”” to his alma mater. The program encourages the pursuit News Editor ' ' ' ' of college education among young people of color. It Keuen Bredesen also recognizes alumni of color who have achieved dis— opinion Editor ' tinction in their fields and agree to become mentors to Scott Bibus The UPS Get up to $1 509/56”! - $3.000/yr In the scholarship recipients. . EARN & College Ed ucatton Assustance Augsburg President Bill Frame guessed that the stu- M LEARN dents would continue receiving their scholarships annu— JOEl W0” PROGRAM ally. Augsburg hopes to add five new scholarships each CommunigyNalues Editor « of the next three years, for a total of 20. Measures like Nicki Ziegler PaCkage Handlers Part-time positions available $8.50 — $9.50 per hour TODAY! 2 the Scholastic Connections scholarship are important because, Frame explained, “education in our time is impossible except in the midst of a diverse learning Features Editor Angel Overgaard community.“ M Consistent work schedule Vivian Jenkins Nelsen will administer the Scholastic PaUI Pun weekly PaYCheCkS Connections program. Nelsen runs INTER-RACE, a Photo Editor COmPrehenSive benefits package 13-year-old interracial think tank on campus Aaron Vogel No WEEKENDS! Scholastic Connections was created in vehement Commissioner United Parcel Service will reimburse Augsburg students at the end of response to Elroy Stock. a 1949 graduate of Augsburg Jake Collins eaCh semester. who continues to send hateful mail urging racial purity to people within and outside the Augsburg community. Robyne Robinson of KMSP-TV served as master of ceremonies for the announcement of the Scholastic Faculg Advisor Boyd Koehler fi 651—681-2800 V . www.ups10bs.com ® Equal Opporlllllily Employer Connections scholars. Robinson has been a target of Stock’s mailings for several years. “Hearts in Atlantis” continued .on page 3 Bobby‘s fear of losing Anthony is combined with the drama of his single mother. who loves herself more than him. and the harassment of bullies from school. All the story lines overlap and underdevelop. tied together by the child‘s relationship with his "girlfriend". The convu— luted plot is hard to work with; at times Anthony Hop- kins resembles the football player he recites a story about. just plugging away to move the story forward. with the whole movie is riding on his back. The purpose of "Hearts in Atlantis" is to show how sweet and memorable every moment of life is. even while living in a world buried neck—deep in dung. To accomplish this. the story is filtered through the lens of Bobby as an older. experienced man reflecting on the innocence of his youth. While the movie is flashed back to his childhood (the bulk of the film). Anthony Hop— kins' wisdom and experience gives meaning to the sim— plicity of Bobby‘s actions. Although the director (Scott Hicks) has proven his abilities behind the camera in his previous work Shine. the inexperienced young actors cannot deliver the expe— rience he's trying to create. Without the realism of qual— ity actors the over-dramatized script of “Hearts " cannot work. The movie is good when Anthony Hopkins is on the screen. but mediocre when he is not. STUDENT TRAVEL” Get: me the\ , $%#l&@ out: of. here! l Keeping up with your crew is never hard Text Messaging that. lets you Spk 'n Txt. to do with Verizon Wireless lFBEEUAPI. J 0 Voice Mail and domestic long distance It's the latest spot in wireless service. are included. It's easy to IREUP], so (We understand comp“,me Do it [UPFBDNU with cool features. like [5573?] and stay on it. ITRAVEL 317 14th Avenue SE 512.615.1800 www.5tatr-avel .com 1.800.2 JOIN IN verizonwtreless.com \/Veriquwire/ess Ye -: nut unb oi Lina LAN." Vorizon wireless Camus-notith Stun: (on! 'Lfi'fif‘flfil R 0 a v a b l e a t g r \/V9’ianWI'r91955 Untversitg Book Store Cormvmrt-ranon: State's Show less
MB fié’: r October 12, 2001 page 8 St. Thomas too much for Au sburg Three turnovers ead to 20 Tommie points, Auggies unable to recover ‘ Paul Putt Sports Editor a Tommie touchdown. After the touchdown, John Goodale made his first appearance of the season at quarterback, but unfortunately. it was an... Show moreMB fié’: r October 12, 2001 page 8 St. Thomas too much for Au sburg Three turnovers ead to 20 Tommie points, Auggies unable to recover ‘ Paul Putt Sports Editor a Tommie touchdown. After the touchdown, John Goodale made his first appearance of the season at quarterback, but unfortunately. it was an inauspicious Coming off an impressive game against St. Olaf. where the Aug— gies stifled the Oles. the Tom— mies handed the maroon and gray a setback. The Tommies ran their consecutive win streak against Auggies to I5 games at O‘Shaughnessy Stadium with a 3-1—14 win. The Tommies were led by a two touchdown. 146 yard effort by running back .lustin Kostner, Kostner was suc— cessful against the Auggies normally iron clad defense with runs of 54 and 5 yards. His first run was the 54-yarder as he capitalized on an Auggie fumble off a punt return on the fifth play from scrimmage. The Auggies coun- tered as quarterback Dave Fransen completed two passes to Mark Johnson. and a third to Sammy Gross. Along the way. Ben Paul and TJ Bramwell rushed the ball seven times with Bramwell scoring on a ten yard carry through the Tommie left side. The Auggies stayed tight with St. Thomas throughout the first half. but after 14 plays. 90-yards put St. Thomas in front 14—7 at half time. The start of the third quarter did not go as scripted; Fransen‘s first pass was picked off and returned to the Auggie 25. Five plays resulted in Auggie men’s golf Paul Putt Sprots Editor Auggie golfers went into the MIAC championship as the host school. playing at familiar Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids. The home field advantage helped but the weather did not as tempera- tures were in the forties and the second round was even postponed due to frost on the course. Vickerman paced the Auggies in earning All-Conference honors with his fifth place finish. After a first round 78. Vickerman buckled down and shot a +1 73 in the second round. He was one of five players i to have an eagle on the day. Consistent through the tournament, he led the field with a 4.38 average on the long par 5‘s. Behind him were three Auggies who were in the top twenty in the meet: Kalis finished 17th while Bloberger and Kruger matched scores with a +16 160. Kalis. in sixth place after the first day with a 73 hit an 81 on the second day. Travis Kalis. Thad Bloberger. and Nate Kruger. moving him to a three—way tie for 17th. With the Fall season concluded. the Auggies will wait through the frost of winter and hit up the indoor ranges as they wait for he spring season to begin. return as he threw an interception that would again result in a Tom- mie score. As the fourth quarter opened. Fransen returned to good field position after a Brent Per~ outka pick and return to the Tom— mie 20, Bramwell again found pay din as he caught Fransen’s pass for seven points in the end zone. The Auggies could reach no closer than the 27- l 4 score as another Tommie score put exclamation point on the Tommies‘ victory. The Auggies hurt themselves not only with the costly turnovers but also with penalties and the loss of 107 penalty yards. Dave Sherry had the only sack on the day for the Auggies. With the loss the Auggies move to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the MIAC. leaving them tied for fifth with St. Olaf and Concordia. St. Thomas moves into a three-way tie for second with Gustavus and St. John‘s. as only Bethel remains unbeaten. With home- coming week upon us. the Auggies welcome the Scots of Macalester into the home compound and look to move back on to the winning track. m: the end of the year“ schedule 1 is wring ~~ with matches’against' ’r Concordia, Bethel and St. Olaf. With a 4—4 record, they are . a. .— cmnfly scream in. am courtesy a pomp the league, Sitting on ‘ ‘ ‘ y the outside of the play-offs. HOWever, the Auggies have a chance. To capitalize they most likely must have beaten Concordia on Tuesday (played after this article went to print) and one of the two league leaders in Bethel and St. Olaf. Both the Oles and the Royals are 7-1 as they duke it out for the crown. The Auggies were put in this predicament by a tough loss to St. Thomas on Saturday. The Tommies and Auggies entered tied at 43. but St. Thomas muscled their way to a three game win. The Auggies were hurt by inefficient hitting as they had a terrible .121 hitting percentage in the match. The mental mistakes hurt the Aug- gies too as they had seven service errors. They have 411 hitting errors to their opponent’s 206 and 136 service errors on the year compared to 77 for their opponents. These mistakes are mainly to blame for the Auggies loss. as they could not sustain any long rallies. The Auggies sweated through a tremendous first game only to drop it 34-32. Down 28-23, they received two key aces by Laura Wagner to bring them within strik- ing distance. HOWever, after seesawing points and even taking the lead, they could not hold on. The second game started with Augsburg up 9- l2. but the Tommies had a mini rally to tie the score at twelve. The Tommies just kept going as they opened up a six—point lead and finished the game 30-25. The third game’saw St. Thomas route the Auggiw 30- 14 after Augsburg opened strongly with five straight points. They Tom¢ mies took over and scored their 30 points on four rallies, including eight straight at one point. Lisa Miller led with seven kills, six blocks, and two aces while Wagner had six kills, 11 digs and three aces. The Aug- gies must improve their play or will not advance after the season con— eludes. Auggie runners drop times earns fourth at tourney at Eau Claire Paul Putt SportsiEditor 7 if 7 _ 7 Last Friday the Augsburg Cross Country teams traveled to Colfax. Wisconsin for the UW—Eau Claire Long & Short Course Championships. The teams held their own as almost everyone set a personal best. "I’m real pleased with how we ran.” said coach Dennis Barker. “The competition was very strong, with several nationally ranked Division II and Divi- sion 111 teams. Both our men’s and women’s teams have several freshman and sophomores making strong contributions this year and they did again at Eau Claire. And our seniors, who have provided great leadership this season, provided it again.“ On the womens‘ side. senior Co-Captain Chrissy Baune broke 19 minutes for the first time in her career. placing 17th in 18:57.8. Baune was followed by three freshmen who all set “PBS” — Andrea Carl— son. in a time of 20:41.2 (115th). Hannah Dietrich in a time of 20:54.1 (129th). and Becky Welle finishing in 21:33.0 (169th). Rounding out the top five was senior Laura McGehee who also set a “PB” time of Kim Glumich - Jr. .- Moorhead, IAN Kim Glumich notched the game-winning goal for the Auggie women’s soccer team as they defeated Saint Catherine‘s 1-0 on Saturday. The goal is Glumich fourth on the year as she leads theteamingoalsscored. ltwasalsoherseoond game-winning goal as she scored the winner in overtime against Concordia—Moorhead. Glu- michhassixoareergoelswithdrreeofthe leading to « rrmEfi'meWayer . 22:02.8. and finished in l92nd. Also setting personal bests. was senior Co-Captain Marit Thorsgard (22:35.5/208th). sophomore Danielle Slack (22:52.5/223rd). and freshman Erika Schomstein (27:40.6/264th). "Chrissy‘s dedication to her train- ing over the summer has really paid off.” said Barker. “She has been one of the top runners in the MIAC the last two years. but is running faster than ever now. Our other two seniors. Laura and Marit. are train- ing and racing great as well. And the three freshmen are getting better each week." Running in her first collegiate cross country meet was Amy Mackner who finished 243rd in a time of 23:43.1. Rhia Gron- berg was only 3 seconds off her "PB" as she finished in 264th place in a time of 24:17.0. The women fin- ished in 14th place (out of 18 teams) with 255 points. “Two weeks ago. at St. Olaf. our top five had an average time of 21:17; this week we cut that down to 20:31. which is huge,” said Barker. “Last year we averaged over 22 minutes at the end of the season. so we have really improved." On the mens’ side, more personal bests were set. Sophomore Ryan Nevin continued to lead the Aug- gies as he placed 22nd in a “PB” time of 26:48.6, his first time ever under 27 minutes. The next four runners were separated by only 45 seconds and all ran to personal bests: Senior Co- Captain Chris Ohnstad finished in 50th with a time of 27:21.0. Freshman Alan Wilson ran 3 27:46.7 (72nd). sophomore George Spears ran to a 28:05.9 (83rd). and senior Co-Captain Allen Lundberg ran a 28:06.2(84th). Also running well and setting “PBS” were freshman Dan Vogel (28:36.4/98th), sopho- more Jason Edwards (30:30.8/137th) and freshman Tony Schaden. The mens‘ team finished in 10th place (out of 16 teams) with a score of 192 points. "Ryan was our fifth man most of last season. but put in a tremendous summer of training and is now our top runner." said Barker. “He‘s running almost two minutes faster than he did last year and the season isn‘t even half over yet! Our two seniors. Chris and Allen. are also run- ning great. The rest of the guys are freshmen and sophomores and they are improving by leaps and bounds with each week of training. Our average top five time for the men at St, Olaf was 28:15. this week it was 27:30. said Barker. “Last year we aver- aged over 28 minutes at the end of the season. so I'm real pleased with how things are going this year." Next week the teams will be again in “Wiscon- sin for another high quality competition at the UW- La Crosse Jim Drews and Tori Neubauer Invitational. .‘m‘ ‘m-wtgsi. .- . ‘ . - - Show less
é’éCommuni Values page 6 The Bittersweet Tongue Mel B. Freitag Staff Writer Queer. That paradoxical word rings in your ear whether you know what it means or not. Queer. The new theories. the new philosophies. pan of the new name for Augsburg's very own gay. lesbian. bisex- ual. transgender.... Show moreé’éCommuni Values page 6 The Bittersweet Tongue Mel B. Freitag Staff Writer Queer. That paradoxical word rings in your ear whether you know what it means or not. Queer. The new theories. the new philosophies. pan of the new name for Augsburg's very own gay. lesbian. bisex- ual. transgender. transsexual. intersexual, heterosexual. and questioning group. Queer. For some. the word that means: different. separated. strange. feeling slightly ill. or fake. Queer. For others. the word that means a more unified. open sex- uality; “queer” takes back the oppression and overcomes the ignorance. Given the recent onslaught of gender politics. queer theory has begun resisting the deeply rooted standards of heterosexu— ality. Essentially. the redefinition of the word “queer” is trying to be exclusively inclusive. giving an across the board. new definition of what it means to be anything but the norm of a heterosexist society. The contemporary definition of queer is some- one. anyone. who is “sexually dissident. but not necessarily gay...[queer is any] sexuality [that] doesn‘t fit into the cultural standard for monogamous heterosexual marriage." according to . Obviously. the word strongly opposes itself. And with good reason. The concept of taking back a word is more than just using the word differently in a sentence. When we literally reverse the connotations of a certain word. we are suggesting that society‘s ideas about the concept are grad- ually changing. maybe even becoming more accepting. The new definition poses new ques- to be sexually deviant in the first place? What if people don't fit into such labels. these categories that are continually restated. recreated. reinvented? “Queer” ultimately attempts to encompass any per- son that may not want to be completely straight. A new era is evolving where even the straight don't want to be narrow. even the typical heterosexual may be a strong ally to the GLBTIQ community. Yet “queer” has to be extremely careful in oversimplifying the complexities of sex- uality. The word has been under so much speculation in the past decade that it may slip into the downward spiral of ambiguity. like so many other socially charged words and phrases have in the latter half of the past century. Statements such as. “I‘m a feminist". or “I'm a Christian". or “that‘s interesting". and ironically. “I‘m in love" have lost their value in many contexts. “Queer” has undoubtedly raised many eyebrows in lieu of its rebirth. its reincama- tion of sorts. in much of our culture. How— ever. as we challenge ourselvesto redefine our values and levels of acceptance. we inevitably have to continually transform our language. If words are our primary form of communication. we must realize Domestic Violence Awareness Month Aut disce, Aut discede “either learn or leave” Pointed like spears. his words puncture her heart over and over. until she feels the love again through apologies. and gives him another chance. He lays out false dreams before her. and makes her jump at them like a puppy desperate for attention. smirking and sneering behind her. and for reasons she doesn‘t know she gives him another chance. She walks the streets aimlessly. and stops in the path of slit-eyes in a vertical descent of her body as her stomach churns in disgust. but she gives his kind another chance. Her suspicions grow with each new excuse. though remain unspoken by the steel glaze in her eyes. and the shadows on her face. always afraid it won‘t be a lie. She stares into a mirror. skimming the surface as her fists crack the glass. shattering any hope that could be seen. and finally she screams out loud. while her arms fly out. knocking over pictures of dishonest smiles. as sob after sob courses its way through her. She can‘t take this any more and instantly is replaced by a settling calm. When he walks in and rushes to her side. she squares her shoulders and clings to some scrap of herself floating by and shuts the door behind her. and I give him no more chances. -anonymous what we mean when we say the words we are saying. And as words are constantly redefined. it is easy to lose sight of the social climate that surrounds each utterance of a voice. each pledge for a declaration. In the end. when words like “queer” are brought to our attention. it is necessary to educate ourselves about the definition of what it means about our ideas of sexuality. today. in 2001. And maybe going straight to a Webster‘s Dictionary is not the way to Tipline of Do You Have Story Ideas? Then call The Echo News 330—1102 Laura’s Prayer (10/1 1/99) God... Why did you make me this way? I know You have Your reasons for everything You do. But God I'm so afraid. / I need strength right now. To deal with this. tions from our society: what does it mean find it. ‘ Please give me strength. DRAG SHOW & CONTEST! 0h Nicki ztegier CommJValues Editor On October 2nd. LINK members voi— unteered at Urban Homeworks, a non- profit Christian 0133-. niz'ation. Urban Homeworks takes condemned and ruined two-family boom and fixes them with the hei‘p of vol- unteers for low» income families ~' . _ .. aroundthe Ninflities ‘ “mm, “’5’ “WW ‘ ‘ y Crawford. LINK manager, provided the his: year for the first Were put tome swooping. scraping, and vdthbur “mineral spirits” afte- a People were scheduled to move in that weekend; so they were very much in needofvotmxteers. We gotalittledirtyand hadagrectflme! 3OK/YEAR + RENT FREE LIVING! ARE YOU GRADUATING SOON? LOOKING FOR A PEOPLE ORIENTED JOB? LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE? LOOKING TO BUILD YOUR RESUME? LOOKING TO PAY OFF LOANS? ACR Homes. Inc. is looking for intelligent. motivated people to live-in and manage homes that serve people with physical and developmental disabilities. Compensation includes: 50km; private 2-5 br live-in space; most utilities paid; competitive benefits; generous retirement plan. Families are welcome. no peLs and no tobacco use. Applicants must be well organized. good at multitasking. professional in manner and appearance. College degree pref. HS diploma req. Interested candidates “ill undergo a 5-7 hour screening process. Call 651-415-9991 for more information. Monday, October 15th 8:00pm in East Commons Queens from the Gay 903 will be performing and also judging YOU on your own number! ' Sign up by Oct.10th in the Res. Life Musings of the Wingless (3/19/01) What is it like for you? What is it like to be so free? To show your love to the whole world? To be able to clasp your partner's hand and stroll down the street? To kiss each other goodbye In the middle of a crowd. What is it like to be so free? What is it like to be able to speak to freely of your love? To rush to tell all of your friends: “I‘m in a relationship and it makes me so happy!" And spread yourjoy throughout the world. To openly say: “I have a date tonight!" When anyone asks Why you look so happy What is it like to be so free? What is it like to have society understand? To have the approval of every passing romantic? To have your mere acquaintances say: "Oh you two are so cute!" To be able to say to your grandparents: "I‘d like you to meet my girlfriend." What is it like to be so free? -Laura Eliason God. How can I comprehend Your decisions When I can‘t comprehend You? I know you love me But when I feel this alone... Can You blame me for doubting even that? You know I‘ll come back to You in the end. But God... Why make me fear the two people Whom my faith in never waives? The two people I never doubt love me? When I can't tell my parents. When I fear their love for me might change God I get so frightened. And God . I know you made me like this But the whole world is trying to tell me “It’s Evil" How can something You made be evil? But there are so many people who will hate me For this. What they cannot Will not Believe You made me. People would curse me for this. How can I undo what You have done? But God I'm so afraid of what they'll do to me. Emotionally. Physically. Spiritually. God I‘m so afraid of how this will change my life. How will it affect my goals? Hopes and dreams? I wish I knew why You do what You do. But that's impossible. [just have to live with my Faith In Your unconditional love. If everyone else leaves me At least You will still love me. For You made me. -Laura Eliason Show less
October 12. 2001 é’éFeatures page 4 Carl Chrislock: another giant in the John Mitchell . English Department Professor Note: This it not an obituary. nor a history. just afcw pt'rxmru/ mcnmrics um] homage to another giant in I/lt’ curl/I. It would be an understatement to say that Dr. Carl... Show moreOctober 12. 2001 é’éFeatures page 4 Carl Chrislock: another giant in the John Mitchell . English Department Professor Note: This it not an obituary. nor a history. just afcw pt'rxmru/ mcnmrics um] homage to another giant in I/lt’ curl/I. It would be an understatement to say that Dr. Carl Chrislock smoked a pipe. He smoked it in the faculty lounge. smoked it in his office. and smoked it in classrooms during lectures. intermittently, of course. He would become so entranced with the history at hand. and so unconscious of his own mannerisms. that sometimes he would put his Iit pipe into the pocket of his sports jacket. earth enjoyed by the smokers for his tales and for his sym- pathetic camraderie with the students. a little band of outsiders. the type of experience which might account for Carl's beatific stewardship of newcomers to the faculty over the years. As more than one survivor has said. he made anybody feel like somebody. A number of outsiders came to Augsburg College in the late OOS—CalhOIICS. Hindus. Muslims. various non-Lutherans. Southerners. Eastemers. even Nebraskans. The college was brimming with ambition and hope then. It was well on its way to becoming truly a liberal arts college. and it wanted more Ph. D.‘s to further enhance its academic profile. Demo- graphics briefly supported such a dream. We strangers of a Another kind of smoke would ensue. This habit and its rituals came from a time when smok- ing a pipe. stereotypically at least. made a man look distin- guished. indeed professorial. certainly in comparison to men who smoked cigars or ciga— rettes. chewed tobacco or indulged snoose. This was a time when some people actually claimed to like the smell of a pipe. But times change; history happens. Professor Chrislock gave up his pipe after a heart attack in the middle 90's. after retiring in 1986. But it wasn't his rituals with his pipe that humored and fasci— nated me. It was his face. His face reminded me of the poet W. H. Auden's face—lined with Nordic character: craggy. aus— tere. humane. bardic. The truth is. Carl Chrislock was a hand- . some man. although I never detected in the decades I knew him any vanity about physical image. He was fundamentally a person of character. of backbone rather than of mirror. which is what gave beauty and digitin to his handsome presence. Given his famed sense of humorous understatement. I'm not sure he was amused when Ijoked that a sequel to his history ofAugsburg College should be entitled From Fjord to Freeway to Parking Lot. In the 30s. Carl Chrislock had come to Augsburg College as a student on scholarship. a stigma that bemUsed him over the years. In those times a scholar— ship implied your parents had failed to be successful enough in America to pay your way. The tuition-pay- ing students slept two to a room. in beds. The scholar- ship students were bunked four to a room. His father. a fanner near Wanamingo, the only Democrat in a Republican county. so to speak. was more interested in raising hell with the local Republicans than with raising crops. When Carl was a student. alcohol was forbidden. and smoking was not allowed publicly on campus. but smokers could go to the boiler room to smoke. where the present dark room is located in the basement of Old Main. The boiler-keeper was a "character" much Earn $10 - $15.75/hr. while you gain great experience for school, your resume. and for life. 1 hi: tlhuul our u wheat! [kn rlrfli'n'ulml) - Part-Time — — Call 11w ACR Jobline Today 651-415-9991 If Outside The Metro Area 1-888-5 58-9991 MAKE A DIFFERENCE! WHILE WORKING IN THE COMMUNITY WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. - Full-Time (w/benefits) o No Experience Necessary - Over 30 Metro Locations 0 Very Flexible Schedule certain disposition didn’t know each other at first. but eventually we found one another and created what came to be known as The Seminar. includ- ing insiders who felt like outsiders themselves. For decades The Seminar has met each Friday after- noon for beer and Great Ideas. that is. happy-hour gossip emanating from the groves of academe. What brought us together. the person who not only reassured us but initiated us into the tradi— tions and values of Augs- burg College. was Carl Chrislock. It was as if his aura of friendship and welcome had put a magic circle around us. in which he was the splendid scholarly and humanitar- ian center. In fact. were it not for Carl Chrislock‘s courageous support of Dr. Ed Sabella in a heated bat- tle over tenure issues in the early 70's. I mOst likely would not be here today. Carl Chrislock died on a Sunday night. I had hoped to visit him the following Tuesday. On hearing of his death. I thought immediately of Emily Dickin— son‘s lines: “Because I could not stop for Death. / Death kindly stopped for me.” That weekend I had been up north at Dr. Rick Nelson‘s cabin. He had vis- ited Carl right after the terrorist attacks and told him about going back up north to his cabin for the coming week to entertain a few friends from The Seminar. Carl had asked him a poignant question. charged with historical implication. coming from a man undergoing chemotherapy for cancer of the liver. who had gone to war after the attack on Pearl Harbor and afterward gone to graduate school on the G. 1. Bill. before com- ing to Augsburg to teach in 1952: “Do you feel safe up there?“ I don‘t recall Rick's reported answer. given the heated debates that weekend about the nature of the so-called first war of the 2lst century. but I do know that. when Carl Chrislock was a professor at Augs- burg College. many of us felt safer—and saner. Do you want more information about the radio station? To those interested in Augsburg’s radio station (covered in the last issue), you can learn more by emailing kaug@augsburg.edu. \_’// 1-Heete by Jonathan Helland- Sb rtn A weekly serial Jonathan Holland . ' Staff Writer . Last week in “S ring-Heeled Jack”, man things were ores owed (or; rather; aft-shoddwed) unid‘ ghastly dee s were vaguely alluded to, which brings us to today s exciting episode: - - Chapter 1: In. His Majesty’s Service, Part 1 From The Journal of Benjaman Evans, Lord Darnhamshr're. I was the youngest of three boys. and had no hope of my father’s earldom. So I did as many an adventurous young man has done before me, and I dare say will do after; I bankrupted myself buying a commission in the cavalry. I was but five and twenty when we won the Burmese War and my regiment was one of those selected to stay behind and occupy the newest British territory. Those days were more than enough adventure for any young man. We fought skirmishes with the armies of the unoccupied north of Burma, smugglers trying to circum~ vent His Majesties opium monopolies; ubiquitous brigands and even a [pirate fell under the just domain of the 11th Huss'ars. of which I was Lieutenant. . I fear that I have gotten off topic again; this has little enough to do with those fateful days in 1839, except to explain why I was in Burma in 1835. Now allow me to begin properly: It was in Burma in 1835 that I first met Aleister Bombeck, the man about whom this horrific story revolves. He was an Army chaplain, and young for his post, a bright- eyed lively man known for his wit, and for acting very little like a chap— lain after hours. . I met him under extremely unusual circumstances, just after his reas— signment to Burma. I was off duty, having a cigar and reading Milton when an adolescent boy in red robes burst into my quarters and threw something directly at my head. It seemed a shapeless mass in the air and I caught it without thinking. I soon learned that this was perhaps poor judgement; the boy had thrown a viper. It bit me, of course, on the shoulder; I in return swung it like a whip into the table, snapping its spin. Just then, Aleister rushed in and started striking the boy like a prizefighter. He was cut for his efforts, along the chest, by a large curved knife that the boy produced from his billowy sleeve. While they struggled. they seemed to. shouting at each other in another language (I had by this time become perfectly fluent in Malay). Once I gathered myself I took my revolver off my desk and tried to shoot my attacker. at this I was fortunately successful, although it was a difficult task; I had to fire with my left hand and squeeze my right eye shut against double vision. Such was the effect of the venom on me that that I collapsed as soon as my unpleasant task was fulfilled. “Aleister Bombeck at your service Lieutenant." He gave me a sloppy salute before coming over and forcing something bitter and slimy into my mouth. Where his shirt had been cut open, I thought I saw the edge of a complex geometric pattern tattooed over his heart. Of course, I lost conSCiousness in moments, so I cannot be sure. Next week: Chapter 1: “In His Majesty’s Service, Part 2” Be creative, win money Monday. November 5. 2001 is the submission deadline for the John Engman Writing Prize. a student literary competition sponsored by Mur- phy Square and the Augsburg English Department. Judges of the Engman writing competition will award up to three prizes of $100 each in three categories: short fiction. poetry. and cre- ative nonfiction. To enter the short fiction contest. writers must submit one complete short story. not to exceed 15 pages in length. To enter the creative non- fiction competition. writers must submit one complete piece of creative nonfiction. no longer than 15 pages. To enter the poetry competition. writers must submit at least three poems. All writers must be students enrolled at Augsburg College and may enter once in each of the three categories. but they may only win a prize in one category. Each entry must be accompanied by a cover letter. listing the name of the writer and the titles of the work enclosed. Names of the authors and poets must not be listed on the works submitted. Application cover letters and supporting manuscripts must be deliv- ered to the English department office. 221A Memorial Hall. by noon (12:00pm) on Monday. November 5. 2001. This is not a postmark dead— line. Meet our Photo Ecliior Angel Overgaard Features Editor Many Augsburg students noticed and complained about the lack of aesthetic satisfaction provided by the Echo’s pictures. In response, the Echo stafi would like to introduce our new photo editor Aaron Vogcl. He is a senior Digital Design major whose favorite colors are black andl white. Youmayhavesecnhimhardatworkatl’l‘deskinthclibrary. He is looking for photographers. so if anyone is interestod‘pleasc con- ltact him at vogela@augsburg.edu. Show less
page 3 October 12. 2001 FILM As WE’RE CONCERNED Kidman and “The Others” Scare with Style Joel Wolf A&E Editor 7 7 In a summer of movies relying more on special effects than substance, "The Others” provided a much needed dose of subtlety to the multiplex. Instead of the break neck pace of the... Show morepage 3 October 12. 2001 FILM As WE’RE CONCERNED Kidman and “The Others” Scare with Style Joel Wolf A&E Editor 7 7 In a summer of movies relying more on special effects than substance, "The Others” provided a much needed dose of subtlety to the multiplex. Instead of the break neck pace of the common summer block— buster. "The Others” is an exercise in restraint. reveal— ing itself in a leisurely way with a tremendous‘payoff. Grace (Nicole Kidman) has locked herself up in a fog-shrouded manor with ' her children as they await her husbands return from World War 11. Her children have a severe allergy to the sun. which forces Grace to further close the family off from the world; any room that the children are in must have the drapes closed. Every door must be closed and locked before the next door can be opened. Anything more said about the plot would give away too much. The story itself is a classic Victorian ghost story. film. there is still time. rently in a number of theaters in the metro area. I strongly recommend that you catch what might be one of the best films of the year. The film drips with Catholic symbolism. The ghosts are not the scary monsters of more recent horror films. Instead of a body count. writer/director Alejan- For Those ‘ About to Rock... Nick W Staff Writer The duo know as Tenacious D came to the Historic State Theater in Minneapolis with one goal: to rock. They didn’t care about sounding good become. as they said during the show, only classical music matters inmatmsmmandKGcmonlytokiekassandplayrock androll, their way. With two acoustic guitars. no set, their only "pyrotechnics" being two air powered Nerf arrows sent up during The Greatest Song in the World, they played for nearly two and a half hours in front of a packed house of altering, laughing. worshiping fans. When the show was all over, Jack Black was soaked in sweat. The D played hard from the first song (introducing themselves as Wonder Boy nndNastmewiflipowexstokilloxenata lOOyards with mindan— lets) straight through to the end. with short breaks in between songs to make jokes, like Axel Rose’s hair plugs, and a short film staring JB wodtingthecomerasamalepmstimte,etc.. V Although Tenacious D_ spends the entire show mocking (and at the same time paying tribute to) rock and roll. they also deliver a few posi- tive messages about friendships and love. Through an extended skit, mostly minted, Jack puts Tenacious D on hold by joining the play Tommy. and KG eventually lo'lls himself. 18 explained that the moral was “never do anything. because you might piss off your friends". Also, in one of their classic love ballads. they express the value of making love slowly. and thinking about the other person once and a while. The tour of Tenacious D is due to the release of their first album. It photo courtesy of www theotliors com dro Amenbar relies on creaking floorboards and slamming doors to heighten the tension. Instead of a twisted dream world. we are given an eerily recog— nizable landscape to prey on our fears. Amenbar‘s script is one that must be listened to. It is slight of hand with words. His dialogue drops just enough clues to keep the watcher interested. It keeps you waiting for what‘s to come by being just vague enough to make you question whether you've figured it out or not. Kidman turns in one of her best perfor— mances in years as well. Her Grace is an elegant English woman with just a hint of instability underneath. Kidman delivers a very layered performance. elevating Grace above the shal— low heroines found in most thrillers. Grace is not a two—dimensional character; she is intrigu- ing and demands to be watched. If you didn‘t get a chance this summer to see this “The Others" is still cur- Anthony Hopkins adds depth to struggling “Hearts” Nick Heisick Staff Writer The melancholy and overly dramatic outlook of “Hmrly in. l l l l l l l l Atlantis" produces a mixed effect. At times this film Sliti\\‘\ tlic p(l\\l- bility of commu- nicating the intense emotions of life. but it is soon held back from this goal by poor acting and far—fetched dia- logue. which is needed to sustain the dramatic plot. Anthony Hopkins~ perfor— mance is remark— able. His intensity level takes a bad line. story. or scene. and makes it dynamic. Set in the l9505. the movie is based on a novel by Steven King. “Hearts " is the story of three kids at the edge of their innocence living in a typical neighborhood. Unfortunately the child actors in Atlantis don‘t have the talent of the young actors in "Stuml /)_\' Me". Anthony Hopkins moves into an apartment above the main char» acters (Bobby). and they become close friends. Anthony‘s character is “Stand by Me on the run from FBI agents who want to use his gift of ESP fpr hunting down communists. Reminiscent ol “Hearts in Atlantis” continued on page 7 “Media Bali” a Coming Deanne McDonald Staff writer fl Green T Productions' “Medea Bali". playing at Old Arizona Stu- dio. is Sophocles‘ tragedy “Medea " presented in the Bali— nese theatrical tradition. The space at Old Arizona is a unique box with gray. concrete walls and a pair of gold—colored glass windows. The flat black floor of the performance area con— tains a little fire pit downstage center. The stadium-audience seats maybe fifty people. "Medea Bali” began with a traditional Balinese offering. which requested the favor of the Gods. and was perfomied by the amazing dancer Malaya Kasal. The intricacy and preci— sion of her unique movements hinted at what was to come. What came was the 20— member Greek chorus dressed identical to the Balinese dancer, They all wore black-and—white checkered shifts with rope belts. an interesting costume choice that 1 did not quite understand. lt worked well with lighting against the black stage. but I did not particularly care for all those Checks. The chorus had a very exciting rhythmic nonsense pattern they repeated as they marched in and throughout the play. serving as an orchestra and providing a soundtrack for the other characters. Characters such as Medea‘s nurse. her husband Jason. and King Creon were members of the chorus as well. blending in and out of it before and after scenes with Medea. In the play. Medea is infuriated when Jason agrees to marry Creon's daughter and leave her home with their two boys. Stun— ningly portrayed by Virginia Hag— gart. Medea wore a Balinese kimono and white face makeup which one sees in traditional pic- tures of Asian woman (think Queen Amidala). Medea‘s appearance is dramatic and strik- ing next to the barcfaccd chorus, The acting style of lhh produce tion was very movement—timed. choreographed to detcrminc prcv cisely when the actors looked at each other or gestured, Wlicn eye contact. gesture. or both occurred the moments were all the more powerful. The chorus did not detract from these moments. as one might fear such a large chorus would. The space adequately accommodated the chorus; their constant presence never hindercd the story. Often in contemporary produc~ tions of Greek tragedies. the tragic events described by a nicsscngcr (the Nurse in this czixc) are often shown. as well as told. ln “Mm/m Bali". the tragic events were shown in a beautiful and haunting movement piece. and then chokineg told to the clio- rus and Medea by tlic Nlll'xc‘. sensitively portrayed by 'l‘crri Stark, I found the telling and retelling to be a bit much. The choreography was gorgcoux and the speech was given beautifully. but neither IN lor the faint of heal”; I Would llilVL‘ been comfortable with tlic same quality and less quantity. This production Wm luv cinuting and casy to watch. llic niovcnicnt Wax tuna/ing. and the story liurrownig. If Sopliw clcx could liavc \trittcn :i laugh linc once in a \‘lllllc. l'in sun-l would cnjoy him a lot nioic chardlcxs. “Mm/u: li'II/i " \\;l\ dclinilcly \NlH'll] hax Ihc uddcd litilllh of \up poning Augsliurg'x own llic atrc/linglixh major Briana Young. who is a member of tlic L‘lltll'lh \cciiig. .‘llltl ".Mm/ru [fa/1" pluyx lliiougli ()clobcr illlh at Old Ari/out: Slur dio. 282] Nicolch Avc. ('all 72‘) 0518 for inlornitilion and rcxcrvauons. It you ask for a \lu dent discount. lickcis are only SIB. Show less
page 5 EEFeatures October 12, 2001 ‘A captivating evening with Maya Angelou David Renenmaier Managing EsiiEQLe” , , 7 ,, ,, , , She sings, she writes. she speaks, she knows how to handle a crowd. The Maya Angelou performance On Mon- day was riveting and above all endearing. The theme for the... Show morepage 5 EEFeatures October 12, 2001 ‘A captivating evening with Maya Angelou David Renenmaier Managing EsiiEQLe” , , 7 ,, ,, , , She sings, she writes. she speaks, she knows how to handle a crowd. The Maya Angelou performance On Mon- day was riveting and above all endearing. The theme for the evening was “Rainbows in the clouds.“ or how we can find and be rainbows in other people‘s clouds. Thinking back. I realize that a metaphor involving rain— bows and clouds is the stuff of sentimentality and cliche, fitting usually in elementary poetry or the lindburger vari- ety of cheese. But I must quickly say that, with Maya Angelou I did not feel any emotional groveling at all. To me, Angelou‘s ability to incorporate stock elements. to weave them into an hour long speech, and leave her audi— ence feeling refreshed, encouraged, and inspired is the mark of her greatness. She was all about conveying spirit. I felt it, and I felt the crowd feeling it. Her spirit was in her songs. She sang melodies of gospel-like grandeur. She bellowed the melan— choly refrain. “When it look like the sun will never shine anymore..." any time hope seemed to be lost. But she soon reedeemed us, making rainbows and dispersing the clouds (note how my use of this metaphor sounds really trite) with her eloquent words, with the wisdom that can only come from a rich. yet difficult life. She spoke of rainbows in her own life: her grandmother and her uncle Willie. With a voice lower than usual, she mentioned the dysfunctional relationship with her parents, but lifted us with her grandmother, the woman who raised Maya and whom she called “mama.” The congregation that young Maya attended knew her grandmother as “Mother of the Church.“ This position entailed that she stand up and sing every Sunday at the service. For ten years, Maya said, her grandmother acted oblivious. When the congregation looked for her to sing, she would reply, “What? Who? Me?" Then she acted like she didn’t know what to sing. Looking toward the heavens, she searched her repertoire of songs: “I don’t know? Which one should I sing?“ But she always sang the same song. Dr. Angelou is a very funny woman. Because of her uncle Willie. Maya learned her times tables “exquisitely.” Willie used to stand her in front of a potbelly stove. and ask. “Maya, what‘s your lens?" With the fear of being tossed into the boiling cauldron. she would recite her tables exactly. Maya was quick to add that Willie was gentle and would never throw a fly or moth in the stove. much less her. Dr. Angelou spoke with such eloquence and fascination at her own words that she became part of the audience. I had a conversation with her but didn‘t say anything. Many times during the night Maya found herself funny and was prone to singular spurts of laughter: “Ha!” When ideas or words were delicious to her she would shaker head and mutter, “um um um.“ She often quoted African American poetry and lines from folk songs. From Langston Hughes to anonymous call and response. she alighted the purity of existence. After leaving Si—Melby auditorium that night. I was aware how simple life could be. how easy it is to find rainbows. Since I’ve been here, I don‘t recall ever having seen such a large event at Augsburg. Maya Angelou is an impor— tant figure to a lot of people and for good reason. Her writ— ing, her speaking, her singing are constanly full of her spirit. She is a mother figure, and the other night she con— veyed that force within her to her audience. They responded and will yet respond. Augsburg students fume over security debacle An attack eclipses Augsburg’s day in the sun A statement from PAS U regarding Monday’s security incident A day celebrating diversity on the campus of Augsburg College ended with an attack against the very peace and harmony that stu- dents and alumni were gathered together to promote. October the 8th, approximately twenty min- utes after “An Evening with Maya Angelou" let out, a Pan-Afrikan Student Union Alum who gradu- ated from Augsburg College last May. was repeatedly harassed by Augsburg College security while working out in Si Melby Gymna- siums fitness center. When the alum initially anived at the gymnasium. he did not show the Augsburg security guard stationed at the entrance his stu- dent identification. Soon after. Augsburg security officers went down to the fitness center and asked to see this man‘s l.D.. which the alum showed to secu— rity. Augsburg security called the Minneapolis Police Department requesting back up. and returned to the fitness center. informing the alum that if he did not leave the premises he would be arrested for trespassing. Remaining calm. the alum questioned security along with other students who were pre— sent and witnessing the incident. Augsburg security proceeded to mace the students present and beat the alum to the ground. A Minneapolis police officer had arrived at the scene and assisted the Augsburg security officer in handcuffing, shackling, beating, and arresting the alum. Students and a faculty member present identified themselves and verified that the alum was a for- mer student and athlete of Augs— burg College, and had every right to be present in Si Melby’s fitness center. Additional Augsburg Col- lege security officers were called into uniform to help control the growing crowd of distraught stu- dents and guests of that evening‘s events. Those who tried to inter— fere were threatened by Augsburg security to be arrested as well. Augsburg College security and the Minneapolis police officer present refused to take the state- ments of the witnesses there who requested to give one. In recent years there have been numerous cases in which Augsv burg College security has insti- gated conflicts specifically with Black male students of the Col— lege. This latest attack is the last straw for students. Being attacked. beaten. and arrested for failure to show a student ID. quick enough for Augsburg Col— lege security is absolutely unac- ceptable. It is time to take a stand against such hateful misconduct. This is supposed to be a time of celebrating diversity for Augsburg College, not a time where students of color walk in fear within their own campus community. The College must respond to this inci- dent and make necessary rectifi- cations to campus policy and procedure to make sure such abuse of the system never hap- pens again. Students of Augsburg College are asked to take action as well. We are asking students to take up the true flag of diversity; and regardless of race, ethnicity. gen- der. or creed. unite as a campus community against acts of terror. If you witnessed this event, please contact the Pan-Afrikan Student Union immediately by phone or email at (612) 330—1438. or PASU@augsburg.edu. lf Augs- burg College is in the forefront of dealing with issues of diversity. an acceptable solution to this prob- lem should be the College's top priority. If you want to show your support. please respond. Together we can make a change. Who to trust? Aaron Vogel Staff Wfitgg/Photo Editor W W Shortly after 8:30 pm, on October 8th. an incident took place in the fitness center in the lower level of the Si Melby gymnasium. This incident was of a nature that sickens. saddens and tires me: prejudice. According to witnesses, an African-American, Augsburg alumni was twice questioned about his presence in the fitness cen- ter by Augsburg security workers. After being asked for and pro- ducing his student identification card, the former wrestler. football player and Homecoming King was told that he would have to leave or risk being arrested for trespassing. When the man and many of those present in the fitness center questioned the security workers, the security workers used their mace on the alumni and those involved, and physically and violently took the alumni to the floor. At that time a Minneapolis police officer, who had been sum- moned by Augsburg security workers, assisted Augsburg security in “handcuffing, shackling and arresting the man in question". A short statement regarding the arrest was issued on Tuesday, October 9 by President Frame. ln the statement he characterized the incident as “unfortunate” and blamed the involvement of the Minneapolis police on “insufficient training and supervision“ of campus security workers. This is the most recent of a string of incidents in recent mem~ ory where Augsburg security workers have completely botched their assigned task: keeping Augsburg campus a safe place to be. Not only have they not kept our campus a safe place, but they are constantly contributing to the growing feeling of insecurity among the students with unprovoked. random acts of prejudice. The students are sick of living in fear of our own protectors. and we are sick of Augsburg College covering up and brushing aside blatant ineptitude in the hopes that the problem will right itself. Hopefully this incident is of a magnitude great enough for the administration to realize that this problem isn‘t going away on its own. Steps. real steps. need to be taken to rectify the situation and show that the administration embraces diversity as much as the student-body they represent does. Show less
Augsburg 0 .C .9 October 12. 2001 Volume 108 + cho Issue 3 In this issue: Letters on Security. page 2 Review of “The Others”, page 3 Professor Mitchell on Carl Chrislock, page 4 PASU responds to security incident. page 6 New mentorships, new recognition of diversrty at Augsburg Kellen Bredesen... Show moreAugsburg 0 .C .9 October 12. 2001 Volume 108 + cho Issue 3 In this issue: Letters on Security. page 2 Review of “The Others”, page 3 Professor Mitchell on Carl Chrislock, page 4 PASU responds to security incident. page 6 New mentorships, new recognition of diversrty at Augsburg Kellen Bredesen News Editor Five Augsburg students were named Scholastic Connections scholars Monday when the col- lege announced its new scholar- ship and mentorship program. » The announcement came as part of a day—long series of events cel- ebrating diversity on campus. “It’s definitely a positive day, and it’s definitely a day to be cele- brated.” remarked Gianna Sorrel]. one scholarship recipient. ’ The student mentees are Jen- nifer Boswell. Camilo Power, Matthew Shannon. Sorrell, and Xia Xiong. They were selected by the campus cultural center directors and President Frame. Mentors include Jackie Cher- ryhomes (‘76) and F. Clayton Tyler (‘72) (a husband—and-wife mentoring team). Eloisa Echavez (‘94. ‘98). Jones, Murry Kelly. Jr. (‘71). and Noya Woodrich ('92, ‘94). Each scholarship is named for a mentor. The students will each receive a $5000 scholarship this year and will consult at least quarterly with their mentors. who are prominent figures in the community. According to program creator Syl Jones (‘73). the Scholastic Con- nections Scholarship program “connects leaders of tomorrow to leaders of today.” Schloarship program continued on page 7 Organizers and participants in the Scholastic Connections Scholarship program -- front row (left to right) Major scholarship program launched M; L. J: Yt :53 Is A. > r' .. _ v ‘ : Xia Xiong, Eloisa Echavez, Matthew Shari» non, Syl Jones, Gianna Sorrell, Jennifer Boswell, and Noya Woodrich. Second row: President Bill Frame, Robyne Robinson, Murry Kelly, Jr. Camilo Power, Jackie Cherryhomes. and F. Clayton Tyler. Alum jailed after on-campus struggle with security David Rettenmaier Managing Editor 7 7 On Monday. October 8. shortly after the performance by writer Maya Angelou. an Augsburg alum was arrested. In a recent campus wide e-mail. President frame describes the altercation: “A request for identification by our security personnel led to an escalating confrontation by them with a recent graduate of the College, several students. and some staff." As a result of the incident. immediate changes within secu- rity are being made. As of Tuesday, the Supervisor of Security John Nanoff had resigned, and another unnamed security officer was suspended with pay. Attempts to reach secu- rity personnel regarding this and other issues resulted in no com— ment. One on-campus group. PASU (Pan-Afrikan Student Union). is outraged by this incident. On Tuesday they issued a statement beginning. “A day celebrating diversity...ended with an attack against the very peace and har- mony that studean and alumni were gathered together to pro- mote." “A day celebrating diver- sity" refers to Monday's unveiling of new scholarships (see article on same page) and to that evenings performance by African- American Angelou. The Augsburg alumnus had entered Si-Melby on Monday evening to work out in the wait- room. At the front desk. a Delta securtiy officer asked the African- American male for his I.D. writer/poet Maya “The crowd repeatedly informed the oflicers that the male was a recent graduate of Augsburg. ” Currently, there are conflicting sources as to whether the alumnus presented an identification. Cer- tain witnesses claim that they never saw him present his l.D. However. they said. he frequented the weight room facilities and had never needed identification before. In any case. the alumnus con— tinued down the stairs to the weight room. when the Delta security officer threatened to call the police. Eye witnesses spoke to the the male when he entered the weight room. They remembered that he made cements that his being hassled for identification was a racial issue. One witness replied. "They‘re just messing with you because you‘re black. They did- n‘t I.D. any of us.” Approximately fifteen minutes after the original identification check with the security guard. a Minneapolis police officer came to the door of the weight room. The officer asked the African- American male to step outside. which witnesses say he did. The officer was accompanied. according to witnesses. by at least three security guards (two from Augsburg and one from Delta). At this point. the incident esca— lated. Witnesses claim that for no apparent reason. the police officer and one security guard forced the black male against the wall. A crowd of people began to gather. protesting the manner in which the male was subdued. The crowd repeatedly informed the officers that the male was a recent graduate of Augs- burg. that he had even been Homecoming King the previous year. Pastor Dave Wold. who had joined the crowd. corroborated these student claims. Still. the officers maced the recent graduate and cuffed him. By this time the crowd had become furious. A group of women reportedly cried. “I‘m ashamed to say I go to Augsburg!“ The African-American male was then taken away by police. “Taking Stock” Kellen Bredesen Newsewtgr . At a news conference Monday, Augsburg responded directly to its graduate and donor Elroy Stock (‘49). For decades, Stock has been sending letters to community members discouraging interracial marriages and interracial adop- tion. His donations to the college, from 1986 to 1999. total more than half a million dollars. “When we discovered that {Augsburg had accepted dona— tions from Stock] we were very embarrassed indeed.” said college president Bill Frame to a roomful of news media. “Our views about diversity and his were entirely at odds with each other." The response among alumni of color was equally negative. “Many of us...were really dis- gust ,” said Syl Jones (‘73). “We wanted [Augsburg] to give the money back.” Augsburg could not and would not return the money, however. Legally, to do so would be to put the college’s status as a not—for- profit corporation (501c3) in jeop- ardy; One donation of $500,000 had already been used to build the communications wing in the Foss Center. Another $16,000. donated gradually by Stock until three years ago. had been used in the general operating budget for the college. Stock was identified in 1987 as the originator of thousands of hateful letters. When the commu- nity discovered that Augsburg continued to accept money from Stock after 1987. "we took - in our view — something of a kick— ing." said Frame. But “we have taken Stock’s perversions...and cleansed them.” said Jones. The scholarship pro- gram Jones developed. Scholastic Connections, provides “financial and personal resources” to stu- dents of color and/or mixed race who are pursuing a college educa— tion. Starting this year. the pro- gram will use five percent interest from an endowment of $500,000 (the amount of Stocks first dona- tion) to finance five scholarships. The awards are named for suc- cessful alumni of color who agree to mentor scholarship recipients throughout the year. The college is also prepared to write a check for $16,000 (the amount of Stock’s succe ssi vc donations) to the Minnesota Minority Education Project (MMEP), whose goals for educa- tion are consistent with the diver- sity goals of the college. Jones‘ announced Monday that his original name for the program was “Taking Stock." A drawn’out lawsuit brought against the colv lege by Stock was ended in August due to the statute of limi— tations running out. Frame announced Monday that Stock plans to appeal. Augsburg is the second most ethnically diverse school among private colleges in Minnesota. Seventeen percent of Augsburg's students identify themselves as people of color. Show less
October 12, 2001 $Opinion page 2 Anguished Lamentations of an . Outraged ¢ommuter ' ‘ a 4 . - As a commuter I have a very strong about burg. For lack ofabetter’word, itjust of the 5 years I have‘been mixing I just gave my Peeve" speech in my Public Speaking class who?! frustrating and... Show moreOctober 12, 2001 $Opinion page 2 Anguished Lamentations of an . Outraged ¢ommuter ' ‘ a 4 . - As a commuter I have a very strong about burg. For lack ofabetter’word, itjust of the 5 years I have‘been mixing I just gave my Peeve" speech in my Public Speaking class who?! frustrating and ridiculoustheparlting by saying that I don't I strand have topaffltla mit, only tobeforcedtoparksotneplace of my car against'a chainalitikfence in get parkingspotCmyousensemy‘biWfihdpesmfl s I < But wait, I haveanedrerAugsb‘utg First ofall, the ONLY lothanwever a; ,, , so is the one on the other side oftth football That in itself irritates me because‘when we with heavy books crap itcan‘ bc'qtr‘ite class. Especially when the wind'c‘hiltis 40 ‘It's that? am not a happy parker. (Is parkera word? Wellifis 86m) 5. I. s . But back to my point. Parking in this lot over in Neverlandzél many walk through a small walkway area between the football field field house instead of taking an evenlonger walk all rim way the football field. Well this year, for some odd and cruel the gates have been CLOSED more often than not, prolfibiting me from cut- ting through this area. ‘ ' Why are they closing the gates? Is it not bad enough first I am forced to park far away from campus WITHOUT having to encircle the damn football field JUST to get to class? This irritates me to no end. If you hear someone ' in frus- tration one day from the direcion of the football field, it’s probably me after having walked all the way down the walkway area to find that the second gate has been locked, and I can't get through to Murphy Square and must turn around. Who is the evil culprit behind this? I just want somebody to know that it is giving me a heart attack and it needs to STOP! Someone needs to be attentive to the needs of the Augsburg commuters! The shoddy parking situation at Augsburg is turning me into a road rager. Next thing you know I will be smacking some old lady on Inter- state 94 after heading home, all because I was unable to find a parking spot. (Okay, I really wouldn't smack an old lady. I'd smack the custodian who closes the gates though! Ha ha!) e Editor's Students Respond to Security As we celebrate our Homecoming week, a question of pride has come across my mind. How does one feel pride in a school that arrested our reigning Homecoming King? How can I have pride in a school that assumes my guilt without first assuming my innocence? Oh, my bad, I assumed that innocence until being proven guilty was the American way!! How do I have pride in a college that so eagerly accepts my tuition check but so leisurely accepts my need for social change? How am I supposed to feel toward a college that con- tinually checks my ID. but so seldom checks the ID of students of other races? I am transferring from Augsburg because of the many mishandled occurrences such as these. The only pride I have for this school is this letter and the transcripts that they send out. I am pleased that my name will not be added to Augs- burg’s list of Alumni. Oh yes, I forgot, if you don’t believe that I am an Augsburg student...Then you will just have to see my ID!!! -Terence M. Lever Sophomore and fed-up African—American male student Isn't it a sad state of affairs when any time a person of color is asked to follow procedures, the same procedures that many, many, others have been asked to follow, the studemt automati- cally assumes he/shc is being asked just because they are a per— son of color. The "race card" elicits an immediate response by the powers that be, causing any investigation. questioning, or often times, rational thought and discussion to be distorted. Augsburg is a diverse community and can pride itself as such. but not to the point of ignoring the reality of a situation, however distasteful that reality may come across. In these times of heightened security. both because of things that have happened on campus recently. and those that have hap- pened to our nation. not one of us (without something to hide or malicious intentions) should have the slightest qualm about showing our identification the first time we are asked. A VERY CONCERNED STUDENT. Dear Echo editor, I would like to respond to the all campus email sent by the “Security Department" this aftemooh. I am disgusted by the childish behavior displayed by the ANONY- MOUS security employee who had the nerve to call the administration of Augsburg "cowardly". This behavior is unexcusable and is inconsistent with the mission and inte- grety of Augsburg College. I am pleased to see that this indivual is no longer a member of the Augsburg com- munity. I hope and pray that this inci- dent will not diminish the quality and integrity of Augsburg, nor lead to fur- ther "incidents" of misunderstanding, miscommunication. racial profiling, or racism. I would also like to express my con- cern for the Augsburg community and their commitment to diversity. It is apparent that, despite the emphasis on diveristy and a global community, there are still many steps toward true equal- ity and cultural understanding that the college needs to take. in order to prac- tice what the college professes. It is one thing to have a campus of many colors. cultures. and world views; but the key to diversity is under« tanding and exceptance. May Augsburg be so bold to continue the endeavor of cxccptance and understanding of all cultures. races. and world views in the context of a peace filled community. -Angela Lundberg Cassi Shelton Repsectfully submitted. WEC Jason Wegner McNair Scholar Class of 2001 A Letter from the Editor: The world is a difficult placeuwhat with all the anthrax spores. high-density radio waves. eyeball drying pollen and seeds of warlike voracity floating upon the wind. It‘s a tough time to be alive. not only in macrocosm. but at Augs- burg college as well. In fact. allow me to amend that previ— ous statement to the following: It is much more difficult to live as an Augsburgite. See. while the general population has to deal with war. hunger. ambivalence regarding for- eign policy and a dichotomously split populace who both demand and reject military action with equal fervor; we at Augsburg college deal with all those things and a whole lot more. I see a lot of e-mails digitally rendered on my screen from their condensed fiber—optic format here at the Echo office. Many of them address the vital issues which con- front us on the campus of Augsburg College-—yes, affect us all from Si Melby to New Hall. Many of these issues come to me in the form of modestly stated observations. I would like to take some time here to flesh out a few of these well- meaning criticisms so that they may become more palpable for all Augsburg students. Chapter the First: Food It‘s true. though you may not think it. many Augsburg students are unhappy with the food services provided by the school. While I fail to see what could be wrong with an all-you-can-eat buffet which continuously features pizza and a revolving selection of creative entrées. it must be acknowledge that. as a commuter. my cafeteria experiences are limited to the conceptual. ~ But I have heard very few complaints about the cafete~ rin this year. This is due primarily. I SUSpect. to an abun- dance of what is commonly known as "Frec-Equals-Good" logic (a pervasive mentality which infects the minds of col— lege students almost as soon as they are forced to buy Dingdongs for the first time using their own money). ‘ Given the above. it is not hard to guess where the majority of complaints I hear aim their poison scrabbling. No friends. not at the vending machines just yet. but at Murphys. . I will forgo the usual arguments regarding the quality of the food. prices. service. prices and prices. in favor of a rather more intriguing articulation. I read an e-mail from a student who really got to the heart of a most vital issue; business hours. Though I have never personally been on campus late enough to witness it myself. I have heard rumors that Mur- phy's closes at the ungodly early hour of 9:00! What. pray tell. is a young student to do if they suddenly awake from their mid-aftemoon nap with a craving for Saran wrapped ham—n—cheese sandwiches, only to role over in bed and dis- cover that it is well passed 9:30? The Riverside Perkins now closes at 2:00 am, hardly time to slide out of bed, call six friends. wait through sixteen stagecoach animations at the Wells-Fargo auto teller, walk four blocks and navigate a total of three challenging intersections. With Falafel King gone and the Hard Times overrun by Clash-loving neo- punks, it is easy to see how a student could feel trapped—— trapped in a Tantalusian torment where the sweet nectars of Chuckwagon dangle desperately out of reach. A Second Opinion: Computers IT: Once the title of a popular Stephen King novel, now a scalding cxpletive. During my few years at Augsburg I have heard IT mentioned kindly in relation to only one thing: school I.D.s. Despite this. I have managed to worm my way to the cusp of graduation without ever getting one made. I have, however. sampled many of the fine modern amenities provided under the wide IT umbrella. including: campus computers. campus e-mail. and all sorts of other nameless resources which I‘m sure have something to do with IT. I‘ve never been displeased. The same cannot be said for many Augsburg students. From what I am led to understand based on numerous student e—mails. the IT Department has a bit of a problem keeping things up and running. Computers frequently crash. networks go down leaving many a student unable to access their Kittyboo69@Hotmail.com web address. I can understand their anger. After all. how will they know if DeRiC798 will be able to meet them at the Mall of America food court if they can‘t even get onto Augnet? Another thing. Why do the computers have to be so slow? Back home I have a seven-gig Aflon triple-X multi- capacitor dodecahcdronic Silicon Rocket. and let me tell you. it cooks the Augsburg computers like a batch of hot coals cooks a wienie. I received one e-mail from a student who was upset that there were so many Macintosh computers on campus. It seems that the PCs are more reliable, so why are our labs and kiosks infected with iMacs? I suspect it is related to the on-campus Pepsi monopoly. Or maybe the Macintosh operating system is just more friendly to us English majors who still buy composition notebooks and packs of ball- point pens in the hope that this computer fad will just blow over soon. Whatever the reason: Macintoshcs are everywhere. These inferior machines are slowly creeping across the campus like a carnivorous weed. devouring high perfor- mance and reliability as they go. I suggest the next time you see one, you squash it before it replaces your brain with a user-friendly interface. And Finally: A Tertiary Note This campus faces many more issues that I have not explored here. It may seem impossible that we struggle on beneath the weight of these copious burdens, but we have not yet begun to scratch the surface of Augsburgian diffi- culties. I urge anyone who has a campus issue that they think is of dire importance to write us here at the Echo. We are all in this together. May we strive to leave this campus better than we found it. -Scott Anthony Austin Bibus Next week: Buildings and Grounds Show less
Eat page 7 ' A September 28. 2001 Reactions to attacks continued form page 3 ing it somewhat rude if they didn’t, while others found it easier to con- centrate on studies when the event was ignored. I think my professors would disagree with this approach; they felt the attack could be used as a... Show moreEat page 7 ' A September 28. 2001 Reactions to attacks continued form page 3 ing it somewhat rude if they didn’t, while others found it easier to con- centrate on studies when the event was ignored. I think my professors would disagree with this approach; they felt the attack could be used as a learning experience and applied to the class, as Siok preferred. Of the campus sponsored responses to the attack, many cited Thelma Buckner’s singing and message in Chapel Friday the fourteenth as par- ticularly effective. We were lucky to have her. as Pastor Dave pointed out, because she was scheduled to come long before the attack. Buck— ner spoke about “canning prayers“ the way her mother canned, food: praying during the good times so that you don’t have to introduce your— self to God during the bad. As one student said, “She was awesome.“ Students also chose to reconnect with family and friends on the day of and days after the attack. Some went home for a visit, others received e-mails from survivors near the attack, and many called home. The TVs in the Commuter Lounge and Umess/Mor’t Lobby con- stantly displaying news of the attack was deemed appropriate by the majority of students, although some felt a need to escape the depressing attitude they cast. The media coverage seemed a bit “extensive” to one student, but then again, as Siok said, “Somebody had to do it.“ People needed to know. There’s a lot of Patriotism all over the US in reaction to the attack -- “flags everywhere,” a student noted, and “that’s a good thing," another added. Lately, what once said “America Under Attack” on America Online for example, now says “America United,” and the Auggies I talked to seemed to reflect that. Students see this tragedy as a terrible thing for President Bush to deal with in his first year in office and one even remarked, “I didn’t really want Bush to be president, but now I‘m glad he’s president over Gore.” Siok agreed, proud of the way the gov- ernment is handling the attack, preparing for was as a last resort. The idea of going to war is absolutely terrifying to many, a mind-boggling idea. As for the attacks on members of America’s own Muslim commu- nity, the students I talked to describe them as an “immature third world attitude" or, as Siok put it, “completely wrong." Luckily, these opinions are to be expected of educated people who hope we have come farther than America’s treatment of Japanese-Americans during WWII and incidents in more recent wars. It is difficult to remember to see ourselves, members of the Augsburg Community, as members of the world community, but if nothing else, this disastrous attack on our country‘s symbolic and functional pillars of stability and strength serves as an abrupt wake-up call to all individuals —- reminding us that nothing is permanent and that we all make up one fragile part of the whole. Lynching continued from page 3 Poetry and iournal entries continued from page 4 Dzsplaced As we are whisked about the city, in and out of the bus, from meeting to meeting. I cannot help but to feel like I do not belong. I am still looking at the painting on the wall. I see the images without being part of them. I also feel unable to touch the images. as if a glass wall separates me from them. I wish I was part of the Cubans instead of an American looking from the outside in. Mislcd On the third night I spent hours sitting under the stars in the courtyard of the center. I talked to two men during this time, a Cuban and a Haitian. I feel part of the picture, finally I belong. They ask me how I feel about Fidel. After much thought. I still am unsure. I have been fed the fattening food of propaganda from both sides, and now I have this sense of having eaten food made of plastic. My “stomach” hurts! I wonder what is true and what is false. Will I ever really know the truth? Or is it sim- ply a matter of opinion- point of view? Something tells me the truth is hidden in the countryside. The land will always show what the city tries to hide. -Gianna Sorrell In love I have fallen in love with Cuba after two experi- ences in the countryside! I feel overcome with romance and it is hard to sit through the lectures. I simply want to walk around with my new found lover and pass the day away listening to the island‘s whispers in the wind. I no longer care for the speak— ers, our assigned delegates. or anyone speaking on behalf of US. interests. I want to walk into a crowd and disappear into the moreno tide. Yet here I am still. half—hazardly tuning in and out of the questions regarding U.S.-Cuban relations. Bored with politics. Given up on the pursuit of objective truth after hear— ing so many biased lies. Statue of early revolutionary Jose Marti in Old Havana I love this country. the gorgeous land and sea. I can‘t wait to go swimming! I wish I could [find the countryside. visiting every small town. I wonder. “Where is Fidel?" Maybe. as I daydream in my rocker on the porch. I will imagine I am on a boat. Fidel is here fishing with me. Is that Che I see steering the helm?! -Gianna Sorrell T0 m I feel guilty. As much as I love Cuba. I long to be home. I feel relieved to be able to leave it all behind. What if I was like the others. trapped on this island paradise? Would my safe haven turn into a hellhole? Part of me wants to stay forever. and part of me wants to flee for my life. I think being Black in Havana. sur— rounded by cars and landscape from the 1960‘s. policegrabbing me and questioning me wherever we go. just hit too close to home. I think I‘mjust spooked. I'll get over it, but for now it‘s departure time. -Gianna Sorrell Ghost World continued from page 4 comforted himself in a society where he does not fit in. And. he‘s not like all other guys who only care about "football and guitars." Soon. Enid and Rebecca's relationship crumbles as Rebecca moves “Mr. Reynolds’ Concerns.“ According to Garvey, the staff supported Reynolds” nonviolent form of protest in lieu of freedom of speech. She also assured me that the Augsburg staff was being as helpful as possible in improving Reynolds’ perceived situation. Though overall, it seems that the “Grievance Procedures Involving Augsburg College Faculty Members." pub- lished in Student Handbooks, are inefficient. Brad Motl, student body vice-president, assured me that he would bring the matter up to the Student Con- cerns Committee and that he would make sure some— thing was done. They will, he affirmed, “work to correct these injustices.” He was glad that someone was able to bring out the subject and get the attention of people who may not experience or be conscious of these injustices. We will see what is done . . . Reynolds wants all to know that if anyone thinks that his was a one—time act of protest, they are mis- taken. “If they think it’s going to go away and they don’t have to do anything about it, then it perpetrates the disrespect." He hopes that other students will continue what he has staned since he will be graduat— ing soon. You will find Lucky seated by the Academic and Learning Services again on November 2nd at noon. He will be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have at this time, or give him a call and share your frustration at 612—661-0923. He chal- lenges all to stop by and show their support. He Editors Fighting Terror with Terror WhathappenedouSeptanber 11 was tragic and terriblemndlbelicveasanarionwemusttaketimc tomomnmdrunemberthosewholosttheirlivesto terrorism. However, I am also greatly concerned widltheslateofAmericaasweprepare guns, mis— siles and bombs and to kill more human beings in response to the terrorist attacks. Putting weapons in the hands of soldiers labeled as “good” while all opposition of different race, reli- gion. allegiance, or statehood are labeled "evil" and ‘fimcivilized" gives people a dangerous black and white view of reality. These are the terms being used by our very own president to dehumanize AfghanisandAmbsandsetthestageforazealous andbitterwar. Ourgovernmenthasalsodrawna‘ politicallineinmesandallowingnoroomforcorm- tries that do not wish to engage in war. One need only look to the conflict between Palestine and Israel to learn the consequences of this eye for an eye mentality. I fear the collective pain of the nation has been focused through the media and our government into anger and indifference towards Arabs and Afghanis. Being a patriotic American does not merely entail hanging up an American flag and blindly supporting whatever actions our government should take. I believe it comes from using are freedom of speech and reason to analyze the attacks of September 11 and our governments intended response to them. and making the voice of “all American people, not merely the government and media that represents us. heard. more and more mainstream —— including getting ajob at a corporate coll fee shop —— while Enid is stuck in a degrading summer school art class to get her last high school credit. All of the norms fall apart in Enid's world and every option she is left with makes her want to puke. Ultimately, this sardonic comedy leaves us thinking about how life was for us in high school and how many of our searches for self dis- covery, at times, came crashing into a dead end. We relate to these characters in the film by the realistic portrayal of life much more than any other "teen film" could ever accomplish. By the way. stay through the credits!! FREE mi and Book Hm st‘s hHITiL‘ HIV \.tl1[tiel.i'l \ettirs .smi Q I’L’tt'l‘st the \L 1. tJEIII l HI F trite? :11 .l 55%” 1:. Lining» m i: r yi- ,. l1; -'- It‘gtt tilt, Instr; filling =‘I’ [IIL‘ s. .H'tk e’re iuicc guys. Show less
September 28. 2001 23 1‘ page 8 Rainy Day for Auggie Football St. John is drenches Auggies 48-14, dampers festivities of the Edor Nelson Rededication Paul Putt Sports Editor Twenty-three years of dedica- tion to building the Auggie foot- ball program was on display Saturday as Augsburg celebrated... Show moreSeptember 28. 2001 23 1‘ page 8 Rainy Day for Auggie Football St. John is drenches Auggies 48-14, dampers festivities of the Edor Nelson Rededication Paul Putt Sports Editor Twenty-three years of dedica- tion to building the Auggie foot- ball program was on display Saturday as Augsburg celebrated -- in soaking wet conditions -- the coach who gave much of his life to our school . In a perfect world, the sun would have been shining. the stands would be overcrowded, and the Auggie faithful would have paid tribute to Coach Edor Nelson. whOse name now solely oversees the field (formerly Anderson-Nelson Field before the gymnasium was named for ‘Emie Anderson last year). The grandfather of mutant Auggie Rich Nelson (Jr.. Eagan HS) still had the Auggie faithful in the stands -— they were just a little cold and wet. Edor Nelson (‘38) was a three— sport athlete at Augsburg and joined the US. military during World War 11. Following his detainment in a Gemian prison camp. Nelson eamed his masters from the Uni— versity of Minnesota in 1947. While pursuing his masters. Edor joined Augsburg as the baseball coach and was later named football coach. He also coach hockey and wrestling during the 1950s. Nelson led the Auggies to Unfortunately, the Johnnies and Mother Nature spoiled the celebration Saturday. Leading up to the rainy half- time festivities, the story was all Johnnies, as they held a 34-7 lead. Field position was a key fac- tor. as St. John‘s’ average starting position was their 46 yard line versus the Auggies starting on their own 31. With regular punter Shane Gunderson (Sr., Faribault HS) out with an injured foot. starting free safety Brent Peroutka (Sr., Farib— ault HS) was forced to punt nine times and was blocked twice. These blocks -- with three other turnovers —— were the Aug- gies undoing. The first touchdown for the Johnnies was off a fumble recov— ery that was forced by Mitch Theisen (Sr., Buffalo HS). The Auggies countered with a blocked punt from Theisen that was recovered by Scott Archam— bault (Sr., Faribault HS). Dave Fransen (Jr., Farmington HS) hooked up with Mark John son (Sr.. Hastings HS) in the back of the end zone to tie the score. That’s where the bright spots ended. as St. John‘s racked up 34 unanswered points to put the Auggies to bed. The final touchdown was scored on a one-yard run by Chris Boyer (So.. Mankato West HS). after Fransen led an ll-play, 67- yard drive. The Auggies will look to get on the winning track next week as they take on St. Olaf at home at 1:00 pm. Photo by Tom Dahlm Senior Defensive Lineman Matt Chappius had a sack and blocked an extra point vs. St. John‘s. Auggie Volleyball looking to build in the MIAC season Paul Putt Sports Editor _ The Augsburg Volleyball team begins to look ahead as they hope to erase the memory of a stalled start at the beginning of the season. The Auggies participated in two tournaments against competition such as national power St. Olaf (twice, in fact), who put the Auggies in a hole. The Auggies went 1-3 in both the Augsburg Invita- tional and the Wisconsin-River Falls tournament. After the 2-6 start, the Aug- gies dropped a tough one against defending MIAC cham- pions St. Mary’s University, but picked up a game against Ham- line a week later. This past weekend, the Aug- gies split the two games, win- ning on Saturday versus Carleton, but falling on Friday to Macalester. In the Hamline game, Amy Degner (Fr.. Hop- kins HS) led the way with nine aces, while Lisa Miller (Jr.. Buffalo HS) recorded 1 1 kills on 14 attempts and had six blocks. Laura Wagner (F. West Bend Wis.) helped the Auggies in their los- ing effort versus Macalester with ten kills and nine digs, while Degner contributed 13 digs and 30 assists. ' In the Carleton game. Wagner recorded an impressive double double with 23 kills and 19 digs. Ali Burgess (80., Tower-Sudan HS), Denise Foster (Fr.. Roseville HS). and Anna Piermantier (So.. Stillwater HS) all recorded over 12 digs in the victory. Photo by Paul Putt The Auggie defense is ready to receive the service from the oppo- nents. Prime Time Player seven MIAC crowns in baseball. Navarre looks ahead The Augsburg soccer teams look to regroup Mike Elcano (Fr.. Sparks, Nev.) has been an out- standing addition to the team, as he is tied for the lead with eight points, including a hat trick versus Crown College (MN). Navarre characterized Elcano as “...steady. consis— tent, and dangerous. He has a rocket of a shot and his greatest asset is his confidence.” When asked what he expects out of the men’s team. Navarre was blunt in his response. “I expect us to keep improving and to play together. Our sopho— mores will have to provide some leadership. We'll be tough to beat. but it takes time.” Navarre added. “Bottom line is that we need to get healthy and our young guys must step up." The women have also been in the same funk as the guys lately. After defeating Crown College and W— Superior to pull to .500. the women have slid. They have not won in three games. Navarre attributes this to the youth of the team and sees many positives in their play. “We are going to be in every game because we have a good defensive team, but we need to learn how to score. Like the men, this team will be competitive as time progresses.” Two newcomers, Jazz Burch (80., St. Louis Park HS) and Ashley Gephardt (Fr. La Crosse Central HS Wise.) have shown their contributions, as Jazz leads the team with three goals and three assists for nine points while Ashley has brought more scoring to the defenders, with a goal and two assists. "Jazz works her tail off and gets better after each = practice. She has quickly become one of the leaders a on the team.“ Gephardt. along with sweeper Kristin Lideen (So.. Champlain Park HS) and goalie Laura Hoffman (50.. Kennedy HS) have been instrumental in keeping the Auggies in every game. “Lideen and Hoffman are just so solid for us on defense." After a doubleheader with Concordia— Moorhead on Wednesday. the men have off until October 3. while the women face Northland College on Saturday at 1:00 pm. at the National Sports Center in Blaine. Paul Putt Sports Editor Entering his third season as coach, Mike Navarre's record does not look outstanding. But what he has done at Augsburg with both the men’s and women’s programs is remarkable. as in three short years he has turned two cellar-dwelling teams into respectable and dangerous competitors. The men finished 3-13 while the women finished 2—15 in Navarre‘s first year. finishing last and second to last. This year the teams were poised for a breakout year. However. lady luck was not with the men as key injuries to All-Conference defenders Joel Stone (Sr.. St. Louis Park HS), Jason Betsinger (Sr., Kennedy HS). and Steve Gehrman (So., Osseo HS) have left the Auggies filling holes in their lineup card each game. Betsinger suffered an athletic herniated disc. Gehrman experienced a lateral collateral ligament (LCL) sprain and Stone injured his foot early in the year versus Grinnell College (IA). The Auggies have had strength in net as Nick Shill (50.. North HS Wise.) has allowed only ten goals in six games. Photo by Paul Putt Steve Gehrman prepares to take a free kick from mid- lield against Millikin (IL). Gehrman is one of many injured players the Auggies have dealt with this year. US$253" 9" “‘ V Cross country gets going Men finish fourth, women eighth Chrissy Baune Staff Writer On Saturday, the Augsburg men‘s and women‘s cross country teams competed at St. Olaf. It was their first meet of the season because of cancellations due to the tragedy that occurred across the nation. The men’s team ran to a fourth place finish (out of 14 teams) in the team competition, with 128 points. They were led by Sopho- more Ryan Nevin. Nevin placed 17th. out of 166 competitors, in a personal best time of 27:08 for 8000 meters. Behind Nevin was a strong pack that was separated by only 37 sec- onds. Senior Chris Ohnstad finished 32nd in 28:13. Right behind Ohn- stad was Allen Lundberg in 351h (28:19). Next was freshman Alan Wil- son who finished 50th in 28:45. and rounding out the top five was sophomore George Spears in 52nd with a 28:50. Also running well were fresh— man Dan Vogel, who finished 69th (29: 12). sophomore Jason Edwards (1|2th/30:28), and freshman Tony Schaden (157th/34:29). Leading the women's team was senior Chrissy Baune, who finished in fifth place with a time of 19:39 for 5000 meters. The women finished eighth in the 14— tearn competition, with 214 points, and also had a strong mid- dle pack. Freshman Hannah Diet— rich ran to a 4lst place finish in a time of 21:06, and finishing close behind her was freshman Andrea Carlson, who was 47th in 21:17. Next was freshman Becky Welle, who finished in 7lst place in 21:48. Second-year runner Laura McGehee was next, in 1091h place, with a time of 22:34. She completed the top five. Also running well were senior Marit Thorsgard who finished 128th in a time of 23:01, sopho- more Danielle Slack (153rd/23:46), sophomore Rhia Gronberg ( l64th/24: l 3), and freshman Ericka Schomstein (204th/28:02). The women‘s race had 209 competitors. Now the Auggies have two weeks of training before heading to the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, where they hope to improve on their times and places. Good luck Auggies! Show less
0342‘ Values page 6 Nicki Ziegler CommunityNalues Editor There are some exciting new changes in LINK this year! We are a student volunteer organization that is dedicated to making this year its strongest. One of our newest ideas was to incorporate special interest housing from Anderson Hall into... Show more0342‘ Values page 6 Nicki Ziegler CommunityNalues Editor There are some exciting new changes in LINK this year! We are a student volunteer organization that is dedicated to making this year its strongest. One of our newest ideas was to incorporate special interest housing from Anderson Hall into our group by forming the Augsburg Commu- nity LINK house. The house consists of eight women who have com- mitted themselves to volunteering individually and with the larger group. This year. these women will be developing leadership skills by helping to plan and organize volunteer opportunities. Another idea was to renovate the LINK office downstairs in Cooper‘s Attic and also buy new fumiture. We‘ve plastered, painted. built desks and shelves. and even added a new computer! Office hours are posted on the door. and anyone is welcome to come and stop by. Yet another change involves the designing of staff roles. LINK has two commissioners and four committee Chairpersons this year. Our goal is to include more people in the process of planning and develop- ing new ideas! We are in the midst of creating a web page where you can check out all of our activities and find out what we‘ve done. The page will be maintained by our own Becky Michaelson. We already have activities planned for this month! Coming up on October 2. we will be going to work with Urban Homeworks from 4— 7:00 PM. Make sure to wear some working clothes. We will be raking leaves for HIV/AIDS hospice centers within the metro area on Make a Difference Day. and then the Halloween Safeblock is October 29. We will begin setting up in the Umess/Mon lobby around 2:00 pm. We need volunteers to pass out candy to trick—or-treaters. guide children on a candy route. play games. and have fun with lots of families! Fresh- men helping out can eam AugSem Challenge points with the Nicki Zielgerx’ECHO Back: Spicer, Amy, Sims, and Becky; Front: Kristi, Annie. Galley, and Thea Safeblock. Just call our office at x1125 if you‘d like to sign up for any activi— ties or be on our mailing list. Just watch for our meeting times! LINK tee-shirts for sale $10 each in office. just ask or call x1125. CHANGE Yllllll Wllfllll! TRAVE 512315.180!) 311 tame Nicki Ziegler Comm.Nalues Editor The school year has started offwith many events and ways to be involved. The Echo pro— vides one more way to connect with other people and we want you! The Community/Values page concentrates on issues that affect the lives of people on campus. We‘ve covered a vari— ety of topics including volun- teer experiences. campus events. coming out stories. domestic violence. breast can— cer. speakers. interviews with students. and just about any— thing else. We would like to include your ideas. articles. » poems and stories! a Lie Call for writers What skills do you have to have to write for the Echo? You don‘t have to write or spell perfectly! It‘s not a requirement. And the more you write for us. the better you become. If anyone would like to email me about your concerns or ideas. please feel free to email me at Ziegler@augsburg.edu. If you submit articles for this page. please email echo@augsburg.edu and write community/values in the sub— ject line. I look forward to a great year for the Echo and encourage everyone to write your thoughts to us! CULTURAL CENTRE 416 Cedar Ave. s. Mpls, MN 55454 61 2-228-2674 ext. 0 for info. Yes, I menstruate and wear tampons Mel Freitag Staff Writer January 1992. This was it. Blood was really coming out of me today for the first time. Out of ME. The first episode of Blossom a couple of years earlier introduced me to the intriguing subject. but now it was actually there. I felt cramps in my lower stomach that morning. so thank God I had worn a pad to the sixth grade roller skating party. It was full. I was sitting on the toilet in my bathroom now a couple hours later; my legs were spread open and I already took the paper backing off the bulky pad and stuck it on to my cotton underwear. I went downstairs feeling the warmth on my cheeks rising. almost wanting to be invisible but simultaneously feeling like I had the secret now; the secret that women had been holding was my treasure now. My head filled with women -- any woman that I could think of -— who held this thing —— this hidden, consistent prize inside of her. They never talked about this jewel. but it was there. and it was theirs. As my eyes were skimming the Star Tribune on a brisk Monday morning this September. they immediately were drawn towards a woman and her young daughter. looking at each other tenderly. The article. entitled "From secrecy to celebration." by Lynne Burke. was about not only recognizing the onset of menstruation. but honoring it. The article went on to list creative ways to make the menarche. or first period. special for each young woman. However. I found it quite ironic when Burke suggested that the young women make bags for their “sanitary napkins": she used the word "discreetly". How can young women be proud of their new development of their bodies by hiding the fundamental elements? I mean. do we "discreetly" and purposely try to conceal our Kleenexes. cough syrup. eye drops. or anything else that seems to be e\ en less of a necessity than a tampon? I’m not proposing that we all smear our blood all over the bathroom walls to prove we are real women or even burn our bras. I am. how— ever. showing that even when we. as women. try to deconstruct the false notion that periods are something to be hidden or even glorified. we still fall short in relaying the everyday normality of it. Furthermore. education and realization about menstruation should precede any sort of grand party for the girls and their proud mothers. We tell girls to “celebrate” their periods while many women of all ages are ill-informed about the definitions of ovulation. sexual dysfunction. and yes. even menstruation. What is this accomplishing? I’m not proposing that we all smear our blood all over the bathroom walls to prove we are real women These issues have been. to a large extent. in the private sphere. Yet as the unsharpened woman. essentially the human woman. slowly migrates even more into the public sphere in the dawn of a new century, we must begin to realize our own flaws of sending mixed messages to the new generation. We must be able to create an open dialogue with the society at large in order to embark on any real modification on what it means to be a candid woman. We must remember to enlighten. not just celebrate. the thousands of young women who still may ponder why their mentors. their sisters. their own mothers. are still shifting their eyes and cautiously squatting to pick up tampons that dropped from their purses. Think this is inappropriate? Disgusted with the piece? My point exactly. Show less
September 28. 2001 page 4 A night out with Weezer Joel Wolf A&E Editor The nerds and geeks overtook Roy Wilkens Arena as Weezer rolled into town last Thursday night. The opening act. Cold. took the stage around 7:30. They continued to play uninteresting songs for forty-five minutes. It was an... Show moreSeptember 28. 2001 page 4 A night out with Weezer Joel Wolf A&E Editor The nerds and geeks overtook Roy Wilkens Arena as Weezer rolled into town last Thursday night. The opening act. Cold. took the stage around 7:30. They continued to play uninteresting songs for forty-five minutes. It was an interesting experiment. however. combining the pop music of Wee7er with the harder. darker sound of Cold. Unfortunately a more inspired band wasn‘t able to participate. ’eezer took the stage around 9:00. They opened with their new single "Island in the Sun." This was a bit predictable and a little bit of a dis- appointment. but they quickly made up for it by going straight into "In the Garage." This set up a trio of songs of their first album. The others included "Buddy Holly" and "My Name is Jonas." photo courtesy of dittocom This little trip down memory lane was then brought back to the present as Rivers Cuomo went straight into the hard opening riff of "Hash Pipe.“ After this they went into one of two new songs they played that evening. The new music sounded good. and the band was surprisingly tight on these songs. considering the recent departure of bassist Mikey Welsh from the band. They closed up their first set with a few more songs off their new album including "Photograph" and "Crab." The encore consisted mostly of songs off their new album, but included "Say It Ain't So" as well as "Undone (The Sweater Song)." As a pleasant surprise. Weezer chose to end the evening with a lively rendi— tion of "Surf Wax America.” “Ghost World” a step above most teen Flicks Debbie Pinson Staff Writer 7 7 W Throughout the last couple of decades. there have been a plethora of "teen films" —- those typical films that portray the falsely contrived lives of high school students. Director Terry Zwigoft‘s ("Crumb") most recent film. "Ghost World.“ could be labeled as a “teen film.“ But one must be careful when naming a genre to this film. Based on a mid-905 cult comic by Daniel Clowes. the film goes beyond mere interpretation to creating a separate life of it's own. The film's amazing colorful art direction adds to it‘s sense of comic book roots. The film centers on two recent high school graduates. Enid ("American Beauty‘s" Thora Birch) and Rebecca ("The Horse Whisper's" Scarlett Johansson) and their quest to find their place in a "Ghost World" -- a world that is made up almost exclusively of Starbucks on each comer next to a Barnes & Noble. next to a McDonalds. next to a Blockbuster that doesn‘t carry Fellini's "8 1/2." Where most teens‘ spirits are broken due to the everlasting corporate commercialization by the time they reach our heroines’ age. Enid and Rebecca cynically try to keep their heads above water. Enid. who could be called a more punk. cynical version of MTV’s "Daria" and her more mainstream friend, Rebecca, start their summer out by playing a practical joke by answering a pathetic personal add. They lure the pathetic man named Sey- mour (Steve Buscemi) to a diner to observe him. They feel a bit sorry for him. and Enid is instantly infatuated with his dorkyness. Later. Enid runs into Seymour at his garage sale and bonds with him due to his obsession over his jazz and blues 78s. They begin a strange relationship. Seymour is. in essence. something that Enid strives for. Seymour is his own identity and has partially Ghost World continued on page 7 .Canterbury Park in Concert in the park Deanne McDonald StafLWritgr W, The Cities 97 Con- " cert in the Park. “the last outdoor concert before the snow." at Shakopee was not can- celled Saturday. Octo- ber 15th despite events of the previous Tues- day. Instead, the radio station chose to use the concert to raise money to send to those in need out east. Cities 97 pro- moted white ribbons, worn for a requested $1 donation that many conceit goers exceeded. The sale of photo courtesy of Deanne McDonald the ribbons alone generated a $25,000 donation by the 16,000 in atten— dance, Cities 97 matched that and also donated the price of tickets sold since the previous Thursday, and Canterbury donated $8,000 from ticket sales, totaling $77,000 dollars raised for the American Red Cross, Salva- tion Army. and police and firefighters of New York. Pittsburgh. and Washington DC. Concert in the park continued on page 5 '2 v‘ Q! In and Around Art and Film i d3". “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Deanne McDonald Staff Writer One of the dangers of attend— ing The Children’s Theatre Com— pany in the fall is that they generally have two shows play- ing at once: one geared toward older audience members and another toward younger. Both tickets are priced the same and if you are waiting in the public rush line in the lobby it is difficult to determine which show is playing at your performance time, espe- cially if you assume (as I did and many others have) that you are waiting for the correct show. In this case. the desired show was the recommended show for 14— and-older Asian American "Dragonwings." but the resulting production was something entirely different. You have to start questioning when a 14—year— old girl with purple pig-tails and her mother with a bright yellow shiny plastic purse and matching shoes sit next to you, the daugh- ter yelling, "I’ve got a golden ticket!" as she displays said ticket. Just as I mutter, "Isn’t that another play?" the truth sets in: this is the play "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." based on the book by Roald Dahl. the movie version of which produced night- mares in my childhood. Non-refundable ticket in hand. 1 apprehensively settled in for my evening of theater. which turned our to be relatively pain— less. Unlike the somewhat creepy color scheme of the cult film (the only "Charlie" I am familiar with). the play’s colors were clear and bright, and the script con- tained a lot of humor. The energy of the actors was very refreshing and fun. a quality of children’s productions easily forgotten among the psychological dramas I am accustomed to seeing. The preachiness of the story. present in both versions, got a little old. The four "bad children" are still a lot more interesting than Charlie, the perfect and poor boy soprano played by high school sophomore Stephen Anthony, and after they have learned their lesson, it seems kind of unfair that Charlie gets the exciting and interesting factory. For someone who never liked the film’s Oompa Loompa’s, not hearing the song from the film was a relief (it was one of the main things I dreaded as the lights went down). I also thought that the four bad children were a lot more fun in the play than in the film and the decision to place them in the audience at the start really built excitement. The actor who played Willy Wonka, com- pany member David Cabot. did a marvelous job. although when I found his speeches getting long I wondered how the children in the audience could cope. It was prob— ably enough distraction for them to look at the incredibly elaborate scenery. Other actors in the cast who stood out were the spoiled girl character. Veruca Salt. played by high school freshman Sabrina Crews. Charlie's Grandpa Joe. who accompanies him to the fac— tory. and Mrs. Beauregarde. the mother with the yellow plastic purse, played by company mem- bers Gerald Drake and Marvette Knight, respectively. All in all this was an enjoyable hour and a half of highly energetic theater. no deep thinking required. The rush line price is only $11. and at the internationally recog- nized CTC, that is an amazing deal. but I recommend taking someone younger with you and enjoying the production through his or her eyes as well as your own. Take someone for whom the phrase. "I've got a golden ticket!" sounds exciting rather than alarm- ing. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” plays at The Chil- dren’s Theatre Company through November 3, spo- radically alternatin with "Dra onwings" t rou h Octo er 21. Call the Tic et Office for dates and show times at 612-874-0400. Show less
page 3 fleatures September 28, 2001 - a Wis event, Amontage of , VAmor, Hmong Central Choir, India * V ‘ g L, I Choir, Joy World Mission Singers, “w ’s‘kiverside Singers highlighted the program. ' . spectacular in astoundineg diverse 'ways, unifying theme. Whetherit Was a strident m beginningsora... Show morepage 3 fleatures September 28, 2001 - a Wis event, Amontage of , VAmor, Hmong Central Choir, India * V ‘ g L, I Choir, Joy World Mission Singers, “w ’s‘kiverside Singers highlighted the program. ' . spectacular in astoundineg diverse 'ways, unifying theme. Whetherit Was a strident m beginningsora silky wave of We found joy in the purpose of the g out of the diversity and iri- , together. " for the program was Protessor from an astounding life story and " ' ProfessorSannchwasamanofcon- dimly. Simply listening to him talk repeat! over the faces of the crowd. As would 3 :sin’mnes such as these, Sanneh addressed the do? September 11. He brought up the questions so are asking: Why was this done? What have we done A “a i ' . ‘ ~y ~ to deserve this? Whodid this? Sanneh made no pretense of such Questions, but he repeated a message that he heard as an ” M “We shallbvoroome.” Recalling the times he stood with 3. _ , Mice’dog’s violence, he stated that the nation must we are strong L . hearts will not fail us.” \ ai‘apwerful testament to the unification that the symposium was trying to “ ,, representing diverse cultural backgrounds led the crowd in the f. itttuly beautiful was the fact that each cultural group recited f the English speakers paused, you would hear a swell of ,4 wsé speaking in a different tongue, the entire “One could not think of a better way to end an event dedicated to pieseming it cohesive front tothose who would harm us. Though people may differ on their path tonébilclmmisalwaysawaytoreachthesameend. Reflections on Cuba: Poetry and journal entries Unnamed Hypocrisy CUBANS CAN’T EAT HERE, ONLY US. DOLLARS. CUBANS CAN’T RIDE IN THIS TAXI, ONLY US. DOLLARS. NO, CUBANS CAN’T SHOP IN THIS STORE! TOURISTS WITH US. DOLLARS ONLY! YOU CAN’T EAT IN THIS RESTAURANT! YOU CAN’T USE THIS FACILITY! THERE IS NO SERVICE FOR YOU. I DON’T CARE IF YOU LIVE HERE. THIS NECESSITY FOR YOU IS A ‘TOURIST ONLY' LUXURY. WHERE ARE YOU GOING?! NO CUBANS ALLOWED! But if you leave this island for the land of milk and honey, you are a traitor to your country. You have deserted your people. You have given up on the cause. You can‘t return to visit your family. The revolution doesn’t recognize your Cuban citizenship. Your dissidence is the cause of our problems. We were an independent nation without sovereignty. You have caused us to become dependent on the tourism of foreigners. Still, Cuban dignity is formed from years of humility, and the revolution is strong. -Gianna Sorrel] Day Five Cuba, El Sol y Mar, how beautiful is she? The Cubans are as beautiful as the land they come from. The monena island, a small piece of Heaven. The countryside is fertile, life springing forth from God‘s richest blood, providing the purest of fruits as a mother to her son. As I sit here. gazing into the Caribbean Sea, tropical melodies the birds sing to me. The warm. salty breeze kisses my eyelids to sleep. The shady arms of palms reach down. covering me. This land. when she speaks. she shouts! When she (tries. she wails. When Cuba smiles. she rejoices: and right now her laughter is all around me. Cuba. how beautiful is she! photo counesy ol Gianna Sorrell Ernesto “Che” Guevara on a govem— ment building in Plaza de Revolucion Poetry and journal entries —Gianna Sorrell continued on page 7 . , t .A :4 t \ ‘3' Campus reactions to attacks ' Deanne McDonald Staff Writer Is there anything that could have brought the students together as quickly us the events of September eleventh‘s “Attack on America" did? It already fcclx us if ur- have been here for months. It makes you understand how people age so much fuxtcr in wartimes. With the Augsburg Student Communin in mind. I dlSCU\\t‘d \omc rcuce tions regarding the attack with four other sophomores of various majors and inlcrcxh (music, English, undecided. and business). The opinions presented arc prccixcl) lhzrl —- opinions. This feature is merely a survey of student observations and meant to rcp- resent some general reactions. As for immediate reactions, most people seemed to hear in different ways. I had an 8:00 class Tuesday and no one in my class kncw anything until afterward. Some teachers knc“ or found out during clam rmd continued anyway. Still oth~ ers let class out curly. “l have no words [to dexcribc my reaction to thc ultuck]." Angie Siok \tatcd. hcrx an opinion echocd by many. “My mind was corn- pletely numb." uddcd Kalic Hough. President Frumc's decision not to cancel class was supported in general. and I know in my case pro— fessors were willing to let the students leave if they wished. Siok preferred to have her professors. at least address the event. considcr- At the State Capitol, Mourners show signs of respect _ for those who died in the attacks. Reacuons to atta°k5 continued on page 7 The lynching of disrespect Angel Overgaard Features Editor On Thursday. September 20 from 12—1 pm. a man was seated on thc lloor ol the Christianson Center Lobby with an American flag. His purposc: to bring awareness to the student body regarding discrimination perpetrated by proch sors. Lucky Reynolds entered the Christizmson Ccntcr virtually unnotich dcxpilc the fact that many were anticipating his zrrrivzrl. The soprokcn high school teacher calmly moved a table in front of the least uscd doors at thc main entrance of Christianson. arranged his informational fliers. and scarlcd himsclf on the floor. You may have suspected that he was protesting the impending possibility of war with his American flag. Veteran’s cap, “Augsburg College Dad" t—shirt. and camouflage pants. But his was a different battle, an engagement that should have long been conquered—the war against discrimination and prejudice bust on sex, race, appearance. or sexual preference. According to Mr. Reynolds, he has received disrespect by teachers on numerous occasions. Cited incidents ofdisrcspcct included being "talked down to, disrespected, pushed off." Reynolds is also concerned with professors who devalue students’ comments in class by laughing or simply ignoring thcm. Being a teacher himself, he feels that such disrespect “shuts the students down." thus creating an ineffective learning environment. Particularly, he has had problems with adjunct professors. whom incidentally Augsburg does not seem to keep very good track of in some situations. Upon the initial filing of the complaint against a particular professor. Lucky wax astonished to find that nobody knew the professor in question. His goal is clear; Augsburg needs a realistic complaint system. A system in which the red tape is cut. Phone calls need to be returned, students need to bc involved, and consequences must be felt. Investigation by people that will not be intimidated is key, by students, not just by professors and staff. The issue does notjust concern Reynolds; he feels it should be a concern of all students on campus. especially at a relatively expensive private Christian school. The protest was silent, yet gleaned results. Hc spread his message. Murry students and staff took the time to stop for a moment to ask Reynolds questions. grab a flier, or relate their own experiences of discrimination from professors at Augsburg College. Some professors, Chris Kimball and Phil Adamo. for cxunr~ ple. remained in discussion with Reynolds for nearly the cnlirc hour of llh protest. Ann Garvey and her associates also remained for thc duriflltm of Lucky‘x protest. She was handing out Augsburg's own informational llrcr rcgurdmg Lynching continued on page 7 Show less
September 28, 2001 ,Sleft Miter, The summer’s best: 1. Memento A brilliantly effective narrative structure makes Memento a film to remember and one of the brightest spots in a dreary summer. The story concerns a man who is unable to make new memories since the murder of his wife. The difficulties... Show moreSeptember 28, 2001 ,Sleft Miter, The summer’s best: 1. Memento A brilliantly effective narrative structure makes Memento a film to remember and one of the brightest spots in a dreary summer. The story concerns a man who is unable to make new memories since the murder of his wife. The difficulties that arise due to his condition and the peo- ple around him while he searches for his wife’s killer expose and amplify the way we live our own lives. 2. Sexy Beast Sexy Beast is a British heist film done in a similar style as Lock. Stock. and Two Smoking Barrels. It focuses almost entirely on the yes— and-no conflict of Ben Kingsley convincing a retired criminal to accept another job. Ben Kingsley delivers an intense, emotionally charged performance. The actor has a fire rivaling Al Pacino’s Scarface, giving the movie a spectacular quality. 3. With a Friend Like Harry Harry is a French film about a conunon, middle—class man with two screaming kids, an unhappy wife, and a beat-up car who is trying to go on a vacation. He encounters a classmate of his from high school who has the solution to overcome the ordeals of everyday life. Very well written and conceived. With a Friend Like Harry is a darkly funny and balanced film to put you back on your feet again. 4. The Deep End A disturbing love story between a blackmailer and a mother with a homosexual son. Very poignant in its portrayal of love’s reservations and the impossibility of a happily-ever-after ending. The use of space in the film is exquisite. Not a feel-good movie. which is exactly what is needed with all the watered down slop being circulated in movie the- aters these days. 5. Artificial Intelligence Originally conceptualized in Stanley Kubrick’s mind, A.I. finally came to life by Steven Spielberg's hands. It retains enough of Kubrick's influence to be thought provoking, making it one of the only large bud- get releases to succeed in stimulating the audience. A futuristic version of the Pinocchio story that raises questions of defining reality and the Best and worst of the summer films Nick Heisick This summer, theTnijr'fiibabn picture industryiiiiiAiriierica couldn‘t figure out how to release a good movie. I guess the industry doesn't care if the movies are good enough; consumers will hand over their money either way. The best movies released this summer were foreign and smaller budget films in which content still equals contentment for their audiences. The summer’s worst: 1. Pearl Harbor Honestly. insult to injury. The dialogue that comes out of the so called “characters” is unreal. The actors‘ perfomiances are utterly flat. The musical score is overbearing. An atrocious movie. 2. Jurassic Park III A very disheartening movie with very few differences from the first two. Once again, poor writing coupled with bad acting proves to be an awful combination. Particularly disturbing is how effortlessly the lost boy’s mother goes from husband to exAhusband. The dinosaurs were cool, but it is not enough to make up for a story that appears to be trying to stink. 3. American Sweethearts This movie is really hard to swallow. A separated Hollywood cou— ple is forced to reunite because of a film they had made together. The actors seem more concerned with reveling in their own fame than making a film about it. There is nothing to the movie other than some bad jokes, a few big—name actors. and a lame plot. 4. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Behind the full—on assault of special effects is a very hollow movie. The movie is easily predictable and suffers form a lack of intelligent thought. Angelina Jolie’s sexuality doesn‘t make up for the qualities that make good movies. either. 5. Summer Catch Starring Freddy Prinze Jr. and Jessica Biel in a typical romance that has been done a thousand times before —— and far better -- where a poor boy falls in love with a rich girl. This mind—nunibing movie is loaded with bad acting. directing. and writing. Wow. try to stay awake. Echo Augsba rg the Managing Editor David Rettenmaier Copy Editor Kellen Bredesen Layout Editor Greg Solheid News Editor Amy Funk 04M): Scott Bibus A&E Editor Joel Wolf CommunityNaIues Editor Nicki Ziegler mm Angel Overgaard Sports Editor Paul Putt mam Jake Collins Faculg Advisor Boyd Koehler The Augsburg Echo is published each Friday -- except during interim. vacation periods. and holidays »- by the students of Augsburg College. 731 21st Avenue South. Minneapolis. Minnesota 55454. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the supporting staff. administration. faculty. or the remainder of the students. The Echo does not necessarily promote the products or services it advertises. The Echo office can be reached at 1612) 330—1102. at campus box #148 or e-mail: ut~lio@‘augsburg.edu. Annual subscription rate 5.35 (it). Printed Wllh Print Group Midwest on recycled paper L__A /——\ Do You Have responsibilities involved in creating life. TOP 5 1 . Shrek Box Office Hits 2. Rush Hour 2 3. The Mummy Returns 4. Pearl Harbor 5. Planet of the Apes/Jurassic Park Ill Story Ideas? Then call the Echo News Tipline at 330-1102 \___F Concert in the park One of the bands scheduled to appear, Five For Fighting, was grounded in London and two members of The Jay- hawks were stuck on the east coast. so local hero Mason Jennings stepped in and the five'member Jayhawks played as a trio. The Canterbury gates opened at l and the music started at 1:30 and didn’t stop until 9:30, with breaks between acts and for dinner. The prominence of the numerous American flags pre- sent. as well as the wide variety of red white and blue mer— chandise and white remembrance ribbons pinned to the majority of concert goers leant a rather solemn air to some of the concert proceedings. A recording of the Star Span- gled Banner containing sound bites from President Bush‘s speech to the nation was played at the beginning of the con- cert and after dinner break. and pictures from the attack were displayed on the screen during a moment of silence held in the mid aftemoon. Despite these seemingly depres— sive observations. they actually seemed to lend the concert a more liestivc air and purpose. The bands were ready to play and let off some steam after the stress of the week and the crowd was ready to rock. Low—key singer—songwriter Mason Jennings kicked off the event with his inimitable indie-rock. Mason was on his own with his (acoustic) guitar which seemed to suit him and the 30 or so people gathered on the edge of the stage hang— continued from page 4 ing on his every word just fine. The majority of the audi- ence sat on lawn chairs or blankets farther back on either side of the VIP section for better viewing of the stage. Not until the evening acts did the mass of people standing around the stage form. Mason paused a couple times between songs to thank everyone in his unique Pennsylva— nia draw] and express his happiness in playing outside on such a sunny day after the events of the week. Tim Mahoney is one of those local bar bands that make good background. toe—tapping music without much in the way of dynamics: the only increase in excitement comes when a recognizable lick appears. in this case, “All I really need is five dollars" a musical phrase that can play in your head for hours. By the time The Jayhawks were up. Canterbury was really starting to fill and the three remaining member group did their best to pump up the crowd. although they sounded a lot sparer than usual. Soul Asylum rocked the crowd into dinner break. but the best was yet to come. Admittedly a Better Than Ezra fan—one ol' the first CD». I ever bought back in 7th grade—prior to seeing them in this concert. I loved them for nothing more than the fact that they had four solid albums I owned that my older brothc1 did not. However. I had no way of knowing what they sounded like live. The lent time they played in Minneapolis was the MOD Blind Date my senior year of high school. All I could hope for was something approaching the solid per- formance of the previous bands and I would be ecstatic. BTE stole the show. and not only did the band play selec- tions from their entire repertoire. the lead singer. Kevin Griffin. improvised to his heart's content and the group went into sporadic covers of random artists like Madonna and Outkast. Grill-in played to the crowd: cheering the light man on, recommending the com dogs, and explaining the two keys to a rock song (the break-it—down and thc kick-iteup). During the break—it—down section of “This Time ol~ Year." Griffin described what he calls a band's "campfire song." According to him, every hand has a song that anyone who plays guitar can pick up: Soul Asylum has “Runaway Train." The Jayhawks have “Blue.” etc. and "This Time of Year" is Better Than lizra‘s. That's when (iril'l‘in asked il there were any guitar players in the crowd who knew the song and brought one (“Alan”) up on stage. And the crowd went wild. Naturally alter the excitement and exhaustion ol Bettci Than Ezra‘s cncored show any band altcrward would be a let down. and so it was with the two member Bol)cans Alter a long sunny day of music they just didn‘t cut II. and so. with a large number ol'other conccngoers. I left early Show less
. v September 28. 2001 .zéiEcho Volume 108 Issue 1 In this issue: Letters to the Editors: The Attacks, page 2 Lucky Reynolds protest , page 3 Weezer worthwhile, page 4 LINK is changing and improving, page 6 Augsburg not to outsource Sodexho, David Rettenmaier Mana in Editor This summer, while... Show more. v September 28. 2001 .zéiEcho Volume 108 Issue 1 In this issue: Letters to the Editors: The Attacks, page 2 Lucky Reynolds protest , page 3 Weezer worthwhile, page 4 LINK is changing and improving, page 6 Augsburg not to outsource Sodexho, David Rettenmaier Mana in Editor This summer, while most Augsburg students and faculty were away from campus, Augs- burg's administration was negoti- ating with Sodexho Corporation regarding the possible outsourcing of its facilities management resources. Described in a July 30 memo to the Augsburg staff as "...the largest provider of inte- grated facilities management and- food services in North America," the Sodhexo Alliance submitted a proposal in August that set down its plans to manage Augsburg's facilities maintenance and securi- ties services. Negative reaction, especially among the custodial staff was immediate. Many employees expressed concerns that some of their benefits would be lost. Since Facilities Management at Augs- burg is unionized, many workers feared that Sodexho's proposal would not allow the transfer of union status, which would have forced them to look for new jobs or lose the status they depend on to attain 7 proper bene— ”...we will continue medical benefits just weren't good enough, they said. To the contrary, President Frame recently commented that both the staff‘s union status and tuition remission would have transferred under Sodexho's pro- posal. Indeed, he said, one of Augsburg's highest priorities was to ensure that employees would be treated fairly under Sodexho's management. According to Frame, Augsburg decided not to accept Sodexho's proposal because it didn't ensure any significant financial benefit. According to an August 30 memo to staff from Dick Adamson, Vice President for Finance and Admin- istration, "Key requirements in our request to Sodexho were capi— tal investment in equipment and building systems, savings in the costs of our operations, and per— sonnel policies consistent with our dedication to vocational develop- ment among our colleagues as will as our students. He then added that "In the several proposals that we received from Sodexho, the company has been unable to sat— isfy us on the first two fits and of these." wages. ' Presi- The to conszder den, Frame greatest con- outsourcing among expressed cem came . smular sen- fmm the options that may timents: employees "When you who planned Lfs to more outsource, oAn btaking efiecttvely operate the you're going ugs urg , or classes or COIIege- , increased had children efficiency who were looking to enroll. Under the cur- rent system, all staff at Augsburg receive tuition remission, which basically means they and their families can go to Augsburg for reduced tuition. With Sodexho on the horizon, staff feared that this benefit would be erased. In fact, some employees admitted that they would not be working at Augsburg if it weren't for tuition remission. The basic wage and and greater assets. We were about to enter a contract that would've covered a few years and were expecting that some part of the pay-out would've been the return of capital from Marriot." Under Sodexho's pro— posal, that pay-out simply would not have been lucrative enough. Since the rejection of the pro- posal was mainly due to financial concerns, there is no ethical rea- son why Augsburg will not con- inghcrtojumpoutofhtxsea‘t.‘ Augslmg’s‘aminttetepm switchwasstmckby lightning. causing all of the colleges tele- phonestogodown.ltwasimpos— sible to make or receive hectic day of trying to find :- parkingspotflktdoegfltexifia classroom tht was winded at thetastMMMMiext- byaoonnnSatmday. Although mendepmuxmhastestedflie phme system and expects no 1.1. m. remaining { ‘ froan'dey’s events, ifyou have problem with your phone, please contactyourILFC. ‘ Associate Dean for library and IT, Stuart Anderson had the foliowing suggesu'ons about how to keep your computer and elcc~ tonic safe: “Carry miner’s insurance! Unplug sensi- tive or expensive electronic equipment dining 1 thunder storm.” sider outsourcing in the future. In his August 30 memo, Adamson writes, "...we will continue to consider outsourcing among the options that may help us to more effectively operate the College. It has worked quite well in a couple of cases and has helped us meet the obligations of stewardship of the resources with which we are entrusted." The "couple of cases" that Adamson mentions probably refer to Sodexho's management of food service and catering. The upstairs cafeteria in Christensen Center and Murphy's (downstairs) are both run by Sodexho. Despite complaints based on food prices. quality, and service, Frame deems the operation an overall success. The company also caters Augs— burg events and frequent dinners at the Augsburg House, where President Frame resides. Frame commented that he has been noth- ing but satisfied with their service: "They cook the food, wash the dishes, everything." There also have been a couple of cases in which Sodexho's man- agement has been unsuccessful. A few years-ago, Sodexho took over the mailroom and printing facili— ties, but according to Frame there were "tons of complaints," so Augsburg took those facilities back. If Augsburg would have accepted Sodexho's most recent proposal, it is likely that com- plaints would have been frequent and harsh. Even when Sodexho was in the development stage of its proposal, President Frame was faced with a massive anti— Sodexho mail campaign. He received a slough of e—mails and phone calls outlining Sodexho‘s spotty record as an employer. In fact, Frame mentioned that he received hundreds of identical let— ters, mostly from people he didn't know. Some Augsburg students who happened to be on campus this summer took up the fight against Sodexho by flyering the campus and contributing to the mail campaign. Their flyers and e—mails cited a case at the Univer- sity of Wisconsin—Oshkosh in which “Sodexho took over food service operations and promptly told the workers the company i I!- would not recognize their senior— ity or their union contract and would not hire the workers back." The students attempted to meet with President Frame in order to discuss their concerns, but the President was unavailable. Two Lutheran pastors. Steve Benson and Doug Mork. had simi- lar results: “We were dissap— pointed that you were not able to find time for a meeting to discuss these issues in person, and we find your letter to indicate a lack of understanding for our concerns." Through a series of letters, however, they manged to get their point across: “We are concemed about the implications which this could have for the workers‘ well— being.” Even after Frame’s assur— ance that employees would retain their union status under Sodexho‘s management. the two pastors cited incidences in the Twin Cities where the hotel and restau- rant workers union reported “gross violations of treatment toward workers." When asked about some of these complaints, Frame was quick to add that he received an almost equal number of endorse— ments for Sodexho and the out- sourcing of the services. One of the major complaints for now people have with Sodexho is its past involvement with prisons and its alleged mistreatment of employees. A story printed in the March 9 200] issue of the Echo addresses this issue. The story described Sodexho as . the lead- II I he ing investor in the world's largest for—profit prison company." The company in which Sodexho had invested was accused of “provid- ing inadequate conditions and health—care for its inmates. and poor working conditions for its employees." When asked about these con— cerns. President Frame said he thought Sodexho had ceased its prison investments. But even if they hadn‘t. he did not see a reason why Sodexho‘s business dealings with prisons should make it a poor candidate for outsourcing on Augsburg's campus. As for the treatment of its own employees. Sodexho has often been accused of using scare tactics in order to keep its workers from unionizing. Although these accu— sations have been frequently made and the company has lost legal battles regarding union suppresv sion. Frame was adamant that in their significant research on the company and meetings with chief managers of Sodexho. they found "no major problems." In fact. Frame said. the most attractive thing about Sodexho was that he felt confident that its employees would be treated well. Protest at the Federal Building garners support for peace David Rettenmaier Managing Editor On Tuesday September 25 local activist groups held a protest against what they deem to be a racist and anti-Muslim military campaign in Afghanistan and other Arab countries. They also see the US. gov— emment’s “war build-up" around Afghanistan as an ominous sign of unchecked force. The gathering at the Federal Building in downtown Min— The protest began at 4:30 with a line of picketers circling the sidewalk adjacent to 4th Street. Protesters chanted new and tradi- tional call and response slogans, and members of various peace— promoting organizations handed out fiyers. ize that this is not a New Wztr.‘ It is the same old religiously and racially discriminatory U.S, ncw- imperialism. If the suspects were thought to bc whitc professionals from England. would the samc military action occur?" Similar sentiments cchocd throughout the gathering. A member of Vctcrzins for Pcztcc said that war in Afghanistan can \VL‘l'L’ only scrvc to inllanic lCrl'()l’l\l\ further and to make the US. a more dangerous place to liyc, Although the numbers uttcnde neapolis was not just a protest, however, it also served as a gath— WAR ing were not what some protcsh eting for mourning those who m crs had hoped. It was clcut' that all died in the World Trade Center who attended wcrc dcdtcutcd to and Pentagon attacks. Picket signs like “Why Do We Want More Innocents Killed," and “Our Grief is Not A War Cry" sug- gest that while people have no support of war, they have not for— gotten about the peoplc who died. A modest contingent of Augs— burg students attcndcd. Onc Aug- gie protester Victor Acosta commented on the issues he feels strongly about: “We need to real- thcir cause. If The US. dcclurcs war. thct'c will automatically be ttll()lllt'f protest that day at thc \umc spot and the same ttntc. Show less
September 28. 2001 §§Opinion - page 2 A Letter from the Editor: I have long believed in the profundity of silence. On September 11 (the date is already scarred with the cognitive black-and—blue marks of obligatory infamy). I spoke with a friend in New York. The most affect- ing consequence. she... Show moreSeptember 28. 2001 §§Opinion - page 2 A Letter from the Editor: I have long believed in the profundity of silence. On September 11 (the date is already scarred with the cognitive black-and—blue marks of obligatory infamy). I spoke with a friend in New York. The most affect- ing consequence. she said (besides the visual absence of a childhood landmark). was the utter silence. People were not perched on their stoops clustered around blaring radios. Her father called her to tell her to turn on the television. As they watched the second tower fall with silent phones cradled to their ears. her father said simply. "Shit." Weeks later she tells me of Union Square and fields of candles alongside hung photographs of the dead. People walk through the light and images and say nothing. Only rarely will a fireman or rescue worker say a few words. to which everyone present listens and for which everyone applauds. Now I think. as she tells me these stories with pride quivering iit her \oicc. of my Wednesday classes. of heated arguments and shouting. I think of my peers. declaring their utter sadness in the same artificially contrived breath as their opinions on the socio-economic consequences and the possibility of war and their very virile sentiments on retaliation. l have heard the tonality of their indignation before; in the voices of children arguing over whose father is toughest. I felt there was nothing to say. Yet I spoke with friends. all of whom agreed that they felt like not speaking and spoke regardless. There are things that must be said. There are complex issues. There is a necessity for every American to know their stance. to know what others say. But I long for silence. Some. I believe. have found it——in sound—byte patriotism or Hall- mark sentimentality. Others utilize their opinions as benchmarks to personalities they parade like prize horses through classroom arenas. It is a hard thing to believe something and to also recognize the importance of its opposite. The role of this paper is to provide a forum for the expression of stu- dents. It is with this aim that I print the contents of this page. Here are both submissions which reflect a stunned need to express. and those with a critical intent. For me. it is the silence behind the words which mattersithe expressionless ambiance of sadness. It occurs to me that. if the decision or authority were mine. I would print nothing at all. But. then again. what good does a blank page do? - ' I Dc Members of the community rally at the State Capitol in su who died in September 11ths terrorist attacks o n at d ppon of those TV: What's up with that? As far as I'm concerned. television news can go to hell. Look at how the events of September 11th have been portrayed to us through the media. Within a con- ple of hours of the attack, the media began flashing images of Osarna bin Laden so the people at home can cast all of our hatred out on him as our scapegoat. There is no way the media knew who was responsible for our attacks then, but still the images of bin Laden were shown. The media, who is owned by basically one corporate organization (AOL Time Warner), con- trols our opinions and what we see. Remember the Olympic bombing in Atlanta and how the government— controlled media handled that? Within hours they were cent just to make us feel at ease. I‘m not saying that bin Laden is innocent or not, but we must be critical of what we see on TV. Just because we are shown images of ten kids in Afghanistan cheering about the attack does not mean that the whole country is. These images are shown to us to persuade us into giving the government support when and if they decide to take an unrealistic revenge on Afghanistan. I am unhappy that this event occurred like any other United States citizen, but, come on... who didn't see this coming?! Maybe if we stopped oppressing other counties to make a measly profit, this never would have happened. Don't take televi- showing pictures of a man who was completely inno- Stunned student states his suppositions America will never forget September II, 2001. . This will be a day that most of us on this campus will never forget either. To try to put it into words is very difficult. My emotions ran high when I first heard about it. , . I was just getting out of bed when I walked out my door to my room, and my roommate said that the World Trade Center was no longer standing. I was shocked and could not believe it. I went to the TV and, sure enough, the trade center was no longer standing. My heart sank and I was very shocked. l l i That rest of the day I could not concentrate on much. I was scared . and confused and still in very big state of disbelief. How could people have such blatant disregard for human life? I ‘ asked myself that question all throughout the day. Now, ten days later, it seems to me that we are going to war. Is this necessary? I think that in some respects it is very necessary. They attacked us and we will respond. However I think that there are going to be many casualties on both sides and that is what I do not agree about. I want to remind everyone that I do not want to target Arabs or Mus- , lims; that is not what I want. I do want to catch these cowards and bring . them to justice. I also recognize that we as the US. have not been perfect in dealing with international relations with this part of the world. I realize, as well, that many people over there and here do not like the American govem- ment or the American way. This, however, does not make these attacks right by any means. America is a great mixture of cultures, faiths, etc. We must stand together as Americans to combat terrorism. Our resolve must be firm and we must do our best to get done what we want to get done. God Bless America. -Mario Bolton sion media for what it is! -Debbie Pinson Just a moVie? I woke up the llth of September, and as I was getting ready for my first class, I saw what I thought was "just a movie".. I saw the sec- ond plane go into the World Trade Tower. Although it seems as if it was a dream, an act of terrorism shocked the United States and the whole world. I believe that this was a terrible act, and I am deeply hurt by how so many people got injured. I know that preventive things could have been done so that this wouldn't have happened. but I believe that the best thing to do right now is to go ‘out to the people that have been personally hurt by this tragedy and help soothe their minds. 1 don't think that this country will ever be the same, and it is kind of amazing how this act pulled so many peo- ple together and are more like "one voice'I now. -Katie Barg The attacks on America Introducing Bibus Scott Anthony Austin Bibus Opinion Editor Welcome. friends. farniliars. strangers. members of the secret campus conglomerate of undead leech—beasts. It is 1. your friendly campus verbal vigilante (com— monly known by the lowly alter— ego of The Opinions Editor). These are strange times to begin any position which one is foreign to -- our President can attest to that. Yet this is no demo— cratically delegated authority: what you are to witness in the year to come is pure journalistic totalitarianism. This does not mean I will be unfair; rather it suggests that I will be demand— mg. l have attended this school for three years and a month now. and during that time I have met peo— ple who haye assured me that Augsburg has more delicious broth boiling within its plant Cup— pcr pot than the mediocre odor of the past years has alighted to. So. now it is my iitgltiriotis task to persuade each and every one of you who has looked to these pages in scorn for the last few yezu‘s. who is presently read- ing these words beneath the blurred protuberance of your upturned nose. who has a bone to pick or a chunk of eviscerated colon to toss against the printed walls of academia. and those bleary eyed new—comers who have no legacy to live with but that which they create. to pick up a pen and change those vague malodors into a tangible reek. Any opinion is welcomed: I will censor no viewpoint. But beware: this page is my domain. and I retain the right to mark my territory with a peripheral spray of urine if need be. That all said. write on Augs- burg. Salutations to all those who submit their thoughts to public scrutiny on these pages. and shame to those who fear the almighty wrath of the salacious scribbler. the incubus of ink. the wizard of wit. your Opinions Editor. Regarding the attacks on our country September llth, many have asked why God would let this hap— pen; why would he abandon our country? However, when was the last time our country asked him to protect us? we‘ve been to busy to get on our knees, and I believe we‘ve seen the devistating results of that. The events of September 11 will never be differ- ent; we can not re—write our past however much we wish we could, but we do have the power to learn from this trajedy and shape our own future. It is my belief that the Christians of America need to put God back in our culture. 80% of Ameri- cans consider themselves to be Christians, but to many that only means they celebrate Christmas, or they were raised a certain way, or because they don’t know what else to believe in. If 80% of Americans consider themselves to be Christian, then 80% of our movies, fashions, gover— ment, education system, corporate world, families, and relationships should be God-honoring, but they’re not. Political scandals fill our headlines. Plunging necklines, racy movie plots, and a overpowering hunger for pleasure drive us to feed every lustful desire we face. The need for status. power, and over- whelming respect has created a self centered drive in corporate America. These are not the values our Christian nation was founded on, but I believe if we recognize the impor- tant need to get values back into our culture, we will have the grace of God back in our lives, and the respect back of other nations. When other cultures view our irnmodestly dressed people, our scandilous headlines, our power driven and selfish work ethic, they see these things representing our “Christian” way of life, and the rage builds, which we’ve seen the results of. If you are not a Christian in America, I mean no disrespect to you. This is my personal opinion; I believe Christianity in my country has lost most of its meaning for many people. Here is a chance to clean up our lives; lets replace pride with humility, lust with self control, greed with a giving bean, blame with for- giveness, and hate with love, and bring our focus back to God. Second Cronicles chapter 7 and verse 14 says this: “If my people, who are called to by name. will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will heal their land.” My hope is that the Christians of the United States will learn humility, take time to pray, seek God‘s presence in all aspects of life, and turn away from the wicked ways which consume our cultural norms, because I want God to restore my nation. There is a quote I feel reflects well upon our situation in America: “Experience is a good teacher, but she sends in terrific bills.” We got a very large bill for the experience of Sep- tember llth, so lets learn as much as we can from it. -Amanda Augusfinack Letters to the Editor continued on page 7 Show less