April 8th - Griffon News

Special insert
An inside look into St. Joseph’s
night life and entertainment
Griffons tennis stuck in
a rut and looking for
improvement.
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MWSU | www.thegriffonnews.com
vol 92 | Issue 21
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Craig School achieves accreditation
Ryan Scroggins
News Editor
rscroggins1@missouriwestern.edu
Business students graduating this spring will be the first to enjoy
Western’s most recent and perhaps most prestigious achievement
since becoming a university.
Missouri Western State University joined an elite group of universities worldwide on Monday with the announcement that the Steven L.
Craig School of Business achieved accreditation from the Association
to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Fewer than 600 business schools worldwide have been recognized
with this high level of accreditation. Missouri Western is now listed among the likes of prestigious schools including, Duke, Harvard
and Yale. In addition, Western is one of only 48 schools worldwide to
achieve the accreditation with only undergraduate programs. This accomplishment, which has been more than a decade in the making, affects Western in many ways.
In a press conference held Tuesday afternoon in the Blum Union
President Robert Vartibedian referred to the accomplishment as a major milestone.
It is the ultimate mark of quality for a business school, he said. Only
the finest schools in the world are accredited by AASCB international.
Receiving this accreditation is not an easy accomplishment he explained.
“For a long time faculty and staff have worked hard for this,” he said.
Vartibedian then thanked and congratulated interim Dean Carol Roever for her role in the process of achieving the accreditation.
Roever’s role as interim dean was instrumental in reaching this longtime goal. Roever wasn’t the only person to help make this dream a
reality though.
“This accreditation represents a supreme team effort,” she said. “Our
faculty is really the key ingredient of this accreditation.”
In order to achieve accreditation the Steven L Craig School of Business had to meet 21 AASCB standards. A commitment to continuous
improvement and the presence of a high-quality teaching environment
are just a few of the required standards that reflect directly on the
staff.
Griffons begin spring two-a-days
SARA BAUM/ Photo Editor
Carol Roever, Interim Dean School
of Business, spoke at the ceremony.
House passes
budget, $200
million cut
Todd Fuller
News Writer
DAVE HON / Online Editor
Griffon football linemen practice blocking drills on their first day of spring training. Defensive Coach Bell instructed the players to block as low as possible on their opponents, gaining maximum leverage and making it possible to push the offensive line back.
Yearbook nominated for national award
Shane George
News Writer
The 2009 edition of the Griffon Yearbook has been nominated as one
of the top yearbooks in the nation.
The Griffon Yearbook was one of only 14 yearbooks chosen as a finalist for the Pacemaker award by the Associated Collegiate Press.
The yearbook is also only one of six in the category of 314 pages and
under selected.
The ACP has been awarding the Pacemaker since 1927 and it is unofficially known as the “Pulitzer Prizes of student journalism.”
A panel of four judges will make their decision based on writing/editing, design, content, concept, photography, art and graphics.
Amy Chastain, one of the co-editors-in-chief, was happy to hear
about the award.
“A lot of the top yearbooks in the country don’t even get nominated,”
Chastain said.” Being our yearbook we are gonna put everything into
it.”
Chastain also gave a nod to her partner at the yearbook Raphael’le
Drew who was the other co-editor-in-chief of the 2009 Griffon.
“I was the editor for the 2008 yearbook,” Chastain said. “This year it
was Raphael’le’s baby.”
Ann Thorne the yearbook advisor was also pleased to hear the good
news.
“It has been a while since we have been on a pacemaker finalist list,”
Thorne said. “It was a big thrill just to be noticed.”
Since Thorne took over as advisor the yearbook has won numerous
awards such as the Pacemaker, the Silver Crown Award and Gold
Crown Awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, and
numerous All-American ratings from the Associated Collegiate Press.
Not only has the yearbook won awards but also individuals such as
writers, photographers and designers.
The 2009 Griffon Yearbook has already won six awards given out by
the national College Media Convention in New York, New York.
The Gold Circle Awards are a national competition sponsored by Columbia Scholastic Press Association.
Five of those awards went to Drew including Third Place, Academic
Spread multi-page presentation, and four Certificate of Merits in Academic Spread, black and white, Academic Spread multi-page presenta-
front.indd 1
tion, Sports Page black
and white, and another Academic Spread,
black and white.
The other award
went to Anna Flin,
Certificate of Merit,
Feature Writing, Student Life.
Other editors included Kailey Alexander,
and Linda Shireman,
photography
co-editors, and Sarah Derr,
business
manager.
Chastain also served
as the copy editor and
Drew as the design
editor. Staff included
Missy Clinton, Hallie
Delagardelle, Lauren
Dillon, Melissa Friger,
Amanda Hake, Jourdan Huffman, Harvey
Jackson,
EmmaLee
Jones, Heather KiGriffon Yearbook 2008-2009
etzman, Olin Kinsey,
Bonnie Land, Shawn Lesny, Ashley McIntosh, Frank Nemeth, Emma
Piehl, Courtney Puett, Brittany Rivers, Raya Shafer, Courtney Slater,
Carmen Smith, Erica Stevens and Kelsey Wear.
Lauren Dillon was happy that she could participate in a year it
would receive national recognition.
“I’m pretty excited it was the first semester I was on the yearbook,”
Dillon said. “Even though none of my stuff was chosen, I was still
thrilled to be a part of it.”
The awards ceremony will be held in Louisville Ky., on Oct. 30. during the ACP/College Media Advisers Fall National College Media Convention
Missouri’s state appropriations budget for public higher
education dodged a bullet in the
first round of legislative cuts, as
the Missouri House passed the
budget—$200 million lighter—
to the Missouri Senate.
According to an article printed
in the St. Joseph News-Press
last week there are still approximately $300 million in cuts needed to balance the State Budget.
President Robert Vartabedian
is keeping a close watch on the
legislative session and is very
aware what is likely to happen
in the upcoming months.
“We talked with a couple of
senators from this region late
last week and I asked them
point blank: How likely is this
to stick?” Vartabedian said, “At
least one, who is in a considerable position of power, he said it
was very unlikely that it would
stay at 5.2 percent.”
If the Senate decides to reduce
appropriation levels further,
Western can seek approval from
the Board of Governors to implement a 2.7% tuition increase
based on the current Consumer
Price Index (CPI), this is allowed
for in Missouri Senate bill 389.
This would translate to about
$500,000 in additional revenue
to help offset the current and
potential reductions.
The fate of Western’s tuition
is directly linked to what the
Senate decides to do.
“If the additional cuts are
more than $500,000, then we
would likely seek a tuition waiver (to the 5% penalty for raising
tuition),” Vartabedian said, “If
the cuts are $500,000 or less,
we might be able to handle that
through the CPI request.”
Currently Western is in
the wait and see mode, and
Vartabedian said that he had
preliminarily talked to some of
the member s of the board about
the possibility of applying for a
waiver if needed.
“We just can’t continue to be
cut without some extra money
coming in,” Vartabedian said.
Mel Klinkner,������������
vice president for financial planning and
administration, also said that
in the event the cuts go higher,
we would immediately seek to
implement the 2.7% CPI tuition
increase.
Klinkner and Vartabedian
both expressed frustration
because they said they feel we
have a good product and are
forced to sell it at a price that
is not conducive to maintaining
that product.
“Here we are growing for five
consecutive years, have all this
potential, in the business world
we’d be considered a real success,” Klinkner said. “And a successful business could raise the
Budget page 4
4/7/10 10:14 AM
Page 2
Opinions
The Griffon News
April 8, 2010
Editorial
Budget cuts and rising tuition lead to uncivil disobedience
Considering the price of living in today’s modern
world it is no wonder that there are those who are
getting a mite agitated by the raising costs of a
college education. Adding to that, many states are
trimming back their budgets for things like higher
education. Without money from the state many
schools have no choice but to raise their already
high tuitions. This is rapidly building to an explosive outcome. On two campus’ around the country,
the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee and the
University of California at Berkley, the spit has
already hit the fan.
On Friday, Feb 26, at Berkley, the students had
organized dance parties in the streets to protest
the budget cuts and tuition hikes that had recently
affected the campus. It only took a few hours before
the scene turned for the worse the dance parties
turned into chaos with broken windows, burning trash bins, and riot police beating people with
batons.
On Thursday, March 4, at Milwaukee, students
had gathered to protest the slashing of budgets and
the alleged pay raises of the school chancellor. This
ended in people throwing snow balls at and punching police officers and the crowd marching on the
administration building and plenty of pepper spray
in the air.
March 4 is now been labeled National Day of
Action for Public Education. Smaller less volatile
protests were held on campus’ all over the country.
Clearly with this much social unrest there is a
problem that cannot be ignored. In a time when our
nation’s own leader President Barack Obama has
said that “Education is no longer just a pathway to
opportunity and success, it is a prerequisite.” One
would think a nation would do all it could to ensure
success and opportunity for all those that desire it.
But instead budgets are being cut and universities
are left wondering how to make ends meet and college drop out rates are rising higher than they were
in the sixties and the nineties.
When the tension finally hits the hallowed halls
of Missouri Western State University students
should be encouraged to voice their dissatisfaction
in any way reasonable. Keep in mind that throwing
snowballs, punching people, lighting things on fire,
smashing windows, and blocking freeways has not
proved successful tactics by other school and might
well be avoided. The university should be advised
that a mob could be building and it might be only
a matter of time before they grab the torches and
pitchforks.
ROBIN USSHER/ Staff Photographer
Presidential publishing; words from the new man in charge
Dear Mr. Donan,
Thank you for the opportunity to write to you this week. As you stated in your most
recent opinion column, some questions you had in your March 4th article to Josh Todd you
would like to direct my way. I would be more than happy to respond.
To answer your first question I was thrilled to find out I would be running uncontested for the Office of SGA President. The first though that came to mind was I could
save some money for next school year, because now I would not have to spend several
hundred dollars on an election campaign as past candidates have. Also, I too feel the
same as you when it comes to candidates running unopposed, which is why I decided to
focus my attention from an unnecessary campaign for the elusive one vote to the actual
ground work necessary for my administration. I was able to get a head start with selecting my Executive Board, and this week applications will be sent out to the campus community to fill the remaining positions.
When I received the news I would be running uncontested I had the same doubt
you brought forward from your experiences. Am I really the best man for the job or the
only man who decided to step forward? What I can offer is that I do bring experience to
the table. I have had the pleasure of serving both as an SGA Senator and as the Student
Representative to our Board of Governors, so with that experience I really hope I can
provide what the students desire from their SGA. To the second half of the question I
was the only one to step forward for the position but if I could say one thing though, in
running uncontested I feel like I have more pressure on myself to perform now because
I was the only person to step forward. I owe it to the students of Missouri Western to
prove to them I was the right choice and the best choice.
The last topic I wanted to address was your biggest question: What led to an unopposed
race? I believe the answer is found in the simple response that the SGA has failed to take
care of their number one priority, the students. As an organization we have to do a better job of outreach to understand our students’ concerns, and through my administration
that will be clearly reflected. As a part of my solution to the problem I will implement
weekly opinion polls on the SGA website, a weekly office hour for senators, and look for
fun and inventive ways to bring some vibrancy to campus.
In order to bring back democracy to the SGA elections it starts from within. It’s the
time and effort the SGA is willing to put in to hear the voice of the students that will
make all the difference.
Sincerely, Dillon Harp
The Griffon Verdict
What is your favorite
building on campus?
Who is your favorite teacher
and why ?
“Dr. Rhoad, because he made
organic chemistry
fun.”
www.thegriffonnews.com
Alison Norris
Editor-in-Chief
Ryan Richardson
Design Editor
Eboni Lacey
Lifestyles Editor
Hannah Strasser Asst. Lifestyles Editor
Ryan Scroggins
News Editor
Dan Donan
Opinions Editor
Lauren Burbach
Sports Editor
Sara Baum
Photo/Graphics Editor
Dave Hon
Online Editor
Matt Fowler
Senior Editor
Emily Gummelt
Copy Editor
Megan Anderson
Ad Manager
Bob Bergland
Faculty Adviser
02-opinions.indd 1
Sports Writers
Jessica Koch
Anthony Crane
Matt Gleaves
Senior
“Dana Andrews
in the English
department,
because he is
one of the funniest teachers I’ve
had. The way he
teaches connects
with the
students.”
News Room Staff
News Writers
Jesse West
Todd Fuller
Nick Merrill
Meghan Ledden
Jodi Oliver
Jeff Harper
Shane George
Bryan Smith,
Junior
Junior
To register your vote and
check the results online go to:
The Griffon News
Justin Ray,
Kristen Cooper,
•Eder
•Remington
•Popplewell
•Spratt
•Murphy
•Looney
•Wilson
•Potter
•Agenstein
Lifestyles Writers
Michelle Allen
Brian Horstman
Lucretia Ray
Clint Willman
Danielle Dodson
“Dr. Hardy. He
teaches in the
recreation department. He is just a
cool dude.”
Kellie Alexander,
Senior
“Mr. Krevitz,
because he does
hands-on
learning.”
The Griffon News is written and published by students of Missouri
Western State University during the fall and spring semesters. The first
copy of each issue is free; additional copies are 50 cents. Content of this
paper is developed independently of the faculty and administration, or
other campus organizations or offices. Readers are encouraged to submit
story ideas, information and advertising to The Griffon News office, Eder
221, 4525 Downs Drive, St. Joseph, Mo. 64507, or by phoning (816) 2714412 (advertising and news room). You may also e-mail
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must be no longer than 350-400 words and guest columns no longer than
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Robin Ussher
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Kelly Findley
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Anonymously
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Charlene Divino
• Views expressed on the opinion pages are not necessarily those of
The Griffon News staff or Missouri Western State University.
4/7/10 10:17 AM
Opinions
Celibacy vs.
Do it!
Clint Willman, staff writer
Aint nothing wrong with a little
bump and grind. This verse comes
to mind because it is absolutely
true.
If your body is telling you yes, then
you should listen to it. Promiscuity
is the way of the world. Why do
we kid ourselves with these preconceived notions that if we abstain
from sex with someone that we just
meet, then the relationship will be
more real.
Fornication is a big part of a
relationship. You wouldn’t buy a car
without test driving it first would
you? We as humans have the natural desire to have sex. I think that
we’re doing an injustice to ourselves if we don’t act on those urges.
Seriously, I would hate to date a girl
for three months, fall in love with
her emotionally and then find out
that we had no sexual chemistry.
Sex defines a relationship, not the
whole relationship but think about
it, if you are completely compatible
with someone on an emotional level
but have no sexual chemistry, then
you are friends not lovers. That
would be like talking to somebody
on the internet for six months and
being really emotionally compatible
but then flying to, let’s say Vegas,
and realizing that you had no sexual
chemistry and just wasted the past
six months on a relationship when
it was just meant to be a friendship.
I spoke with a couple that have
been in a serious relationship for
nine months and had sex the first
week. The sex took the relationship
to the next level and made it complete. Their relationship is 65% sexual oriented. They love each other
emotionally but if they wouldn’t
have experimented sexual in the
beginning, then they might have
prolonged a relationship headed for
friendship.
I mean how could you be so in
love with no sexual contact or some
kind of heat. Having sex with someone builds a kind of trust between
the two. Why are you holding out
for something that might not even
be worth it or something that isn’t
even that great?
Building an emotional relationship is what comes after sex. When
you know you like the person, and
you are sexually attracted to the
person why not sleep with them?
After you do you know from there
whether you want to keep going
with the relationship or just be
friends. As long as you’re safe with
the person I don’t see anything
wrong with it.
One night stands are a great
way to relieve stress and tension.
As long as you wear condoms and
you’re not being stupid about it. As I
said before, sex is a natural human
instinct and we need to act upon it.
I think that people that are celibate
are just mad and jealous because of
their lack of ability to “get some.”
The only reason that I would even
consider being celibate is because
the growing spread of STD’S.
Walgreens sells condoms and
sexual lubricants. You can probably even find a dental dam if you
look hard enough. So I’ll be the
guy in line at the drug store with
a hand full of ultra thins and some
KY yours and mine. You celibate
people go on living your lives being
filled with built up sexual tension,
preaching to sexually active people
about why celibacy is good and I’ll
keep ignoring you.
The
V
The Griffon News
Page 3
April 8, 2010
Promiscuity
Don’t do it
By the time you read this I will
have maintained a vow of celibacy for nine months. I am aiming
for a year.
I will tell you why this is significant.
When I was four years old I
was molested by a seven year old
girl. I never looked at it that way
or even saw it as anything bad
as I was growing up. It mostly
just involved stripping off our
clothes and lots of little kisses to
the places that were different on
the two of us. There was no use
of force or coercion, we looked at
it as a game. She called the game
“Humping.” I was fairly enthusiastic about it and to this day a
small part of me still loves her.
Wherever you are Rachel, you
changed my life.
Now with the knowledge of psychology and endless hours listening to Dr. Drew’s Loveline on the
radio, I know that it was molestation. It had a lifelong effect of
hyper-sexualizing me. Although
I played the difference for my
friends, after that I knew girls
really didn’t have cooties, and
although I had no name for what
they did have, I knew I wanted
to see one again. The thing that
makes me the most sad is that
she probably learned that behavior from some adult teaching it to
her. Often I still cry for her.
As soon as I hit puberty I was
off like a rocket, grinding my
loins on anything that would
Great
Di ide
Dan Donan, opinions editor
grind back. Statistics show that
the average man thinks of sex
seven times a day, for me it is just
once. One long perpetually sustaining thought that occasionally gets
interrupted by reality.
For me, sex was my everything.
Luckily in this perverted weird
world we live in, I knew I was not
alone.
People are crazy about sex. It is
the biggest business there is out
there. For every one normal web
site there are five porn sites. Sex
addiction is not just an addiction
for Tiger Woods. We all have a bit
of the bouncing bed beast inside
of us. All my life I have embraced
that beast.
Now I have it on a leash.
After nine months I can see things
differently than I have before. I see
how many people have an addiction to touch and a neediness for
company. Most people cannot sit
alone in their thoughts for longer
than five minutes before grabbing
their phones. We rush from lover
to lover these days in such a whirl
that the term “serial monogamist”
has become a part of the zeitgeist. We work so hard to find that
happiness that happens during
the three to five minute afterglow
that comes with the little death.
Because the truth is when that bit
is done right, it is amazing.
So why resist? Because it makes
those moments of passion that
much more precious if they pass
less frequently. Because the perspective you gain about the way
people move and interact and
touch is mind blowing. Because
learning to live with the world
without wanting to mount it is
very enlightening. Because celibacy helps you see the world without living at the sexual demands of
anyone.
Oh and the national infection
rate of herpes is 26 percent and
condoms suck. Also you can get
mouth cancer through performing
oral sex on someone with HPV.
Might as well just keep it in your
pants.
Road trip gives student new perspective on children
I had no plans for going anywhere for
Spring Break, and then someone I cared
about died; and since I am a poor, nontraditional college student with two kids,
I had to drive.
This wasn’t unexpected, my grandmother fell recently—she was 93-years-old and
her health had been failing her for some
time now. Still, it isn’t easy when someone
you care about gets to this stage of life.
My family and I packed up the car that
night, so that we could leave early in the
morning, that didn’t happen.
I rented a car using Travelocity for
pickup at 7am on Saturday, hoping to get
to the Atlanta, GA, area by 9pm local time.
I am sure many of you are unfamiliar
with renting a car because many companies have policies restricting use by people
under 25. Let me educate you on the main
policy that applies to most people—they
only take credit cards, not credit-branded
debit cards (sort of).
You always need a credit card, with
available funds, not funds that you think
are available. I made a payment to my
Discover Card hoping to use it
And after all that time and
toddfuller
for this trip. Nope. The $200
frustration, he tells me that
payment was put in limbo, I
he will just use the debit
found out later, because the
card and explain why he is
payment was made after 5pm
using it in the notation field. I
Eastern, that’s a great policy
know I stood there in stunned
for Discover card holders in
disbelief as the first person
California, way to go Discover.
returned to finish the transacAnyway, I made the reservation
tion. It turns out that many
and went to pick up the car at
rental car companies have
7am, like I had scheduled. No
gone to a policy of selectively
again. Long story short I called
allowing debit card transacDiscover and they authorized a
tions. Alamo’s official policy is
force charge on the funds that I needed to that you need to show an itinerary for air,
rent the car and provide me with an autho- boat or train travel, weird.
rization code for the required amount.
Three hours after we started, we finally
In steps Alamo, they are willing to work got on the road for a, roughly 14 hour slice
with me the entire time, bless them. I end of heaven in the mid-size Pontiac Vibe.
up waiting for almost two additional hours
The trip was haphazardly planned and
as three people try to force the transac- packed for, got off to a bang and ended
tion through their wonderful computer up being a whirlwind 60 or so hours long,
system. Every one of them tries and fails about 30 of that was spent in the car—
repeatedly. Frustrated as he worked the with a 3-year-old and an 8-year-old both of
third person finally says, “You don’t have whom handled the trip very well.
another card do you?”
It was my grandmother so I know I was
“Only my debit card,” I said.
short with them several times and I have
since apologized.
The highlight of the trip was probably
spent in the bathroom of a Chick-fil-a restaurant. My little girl needed to go potty; it
was my turn to take her. We went into the
men’s room, which always starts a line of
questioning.
When we get in there, we’re alone. Sophie
is sitting there and a man comes in the
room.
“Is that a boy Daddy,” she asks.
“Yes, that’s probably a boy,” I say.
“Is he going potty,” she asks.
“Yes, he’s probably going potty,” I say.
“Is he gonna hold his hot dog,” she asks,
loudly.
As I am stifling laughter I tell her that
yes, he will probably hold his hotdog to go
potty as I hear him quickly leave.
Three-year-olds have a natural ability of
saying things, without trying, to make you
laugh even when you weren’t in the mood.
Student film fanatic offers ideas about new American Godzilla movie
Anger. Disgust. Hatred. Rage. Denial.
These are just a few of the words that come
to mind whenever somebody mentions the
abomination that was Roland Emmerich
and Dean Devlin’s remake of “Godzilla”
to me. Just the mere thought of that ugly
iguana makes me want to punch something very, very hard. I bring up this bad,
bad memory for one reason. Hollywood
is taking another stab at the King of the
Monsters.
Near the end of March, it was announced
that Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures,
having already achieved cinematic gold
with “The Dark Knight” and “Watchmen,”
have secured the rights to Godzilla from
Toho, the studio responsible for 28 G-flicks
from 1954 to 2004. Suffice to say, a flood of
fan fury has swept the internet.
In preparation for this article, I intended
to jump into said flood but, realizing that
millions of others would have already polluted it, decided to be a bit more rational.
Instead of a profanity-laced rant, this
lifelong fan of the Big G will develop a
five-point wish list for the new film, in the
hopes that the Hollywood execs in charge
might actually care what the fans want
and will try to satisfy them.
The first point to be made just happens to be the most important one; don’t
mess up Godzilla. Anyone who remem-
03-opinions.indd 1
bers the fallout from the 1998
new monsters and just stick
jessewest
remake knows that the one
with the classics: the threething that bothered people
headed death dragon King
more than anything was that
Ghidorah, the cyborg Gigan,
Godzilla was a powerless
MechaGodzilla, the alienCGI iguana easily killed by
Godzilla hybrid SpaceGodzilla,
the military. If Warner Bros.
and the mutated pre-cambrian
wants to avoid a repeat of
monster known as Destroyer.
the past, they’d be wise to
For point number four, I
keep Godzilla as a radioacimplore Hollywood to not
tive, fire-breathing dinosaur
Americanize the film. Godzilla
portrayed by a stuntman in a
is to Japan what Apple Pie is to
rubber suit stomping around
America; the two are inseparaminiature sets.
ble and to try and change that
Point number two is that the film must defeats the whole purpose. Emmerich’s
stay true to the spirit of the original series. remake replaced the likes of Akihiko
As created by Tomoyuki Tanaka in 1954, Hirata’s Dr. Serizawa and Megumi Odaka’s
Godzilla was a physical representation Miki Saguesa with Matthew Broderick’s
of the horrors of nuclear power and man- worm guy and Hank Azaria’s goofball camkind’s obsession with power. While the eraman. Nothing against Broderick and
sequels kept that metaphor going to vary- Azaria, but American actors don’t belong
ing degrees, Emmerich and Devlin tossed in a Godzilla film.
it out the window completely, along with
Finally, I will make my fifth point, which
Godzilla’s heat ray and invincibility. Let’s is that this movie must be made by real
not let that happen again.
filmmakers. Now, I’m not saying that
My third point is as follows: People love Warner Bros. must hire someone on the
seeing Godzilla kick the unholy crap out level of Martin Scorcese, but whoever is
of other monsters. The new film would hired to make the new Godzilla has to
most certainly earn some goodwill with be able to make a good movie with threethe fan base by bringing other monsters dimensional characters and strong storyinto the equation. If the filmmakers were telling, a fun movie with plenty of monster
really smart, they would avoid making face time and destruction and, above all
else, respect the series and its millions of
fans. By that logic, Michael Bay, Stephen
Sommers and Paul W.S. Anderson must
be kept as far away from this movie as
possible.
Now that I have made my points, the
question still lingers; does this movie have
the potential to be good? Personally, I am
not particularly optimistic about it and
with good reason. Even 12 years later,
the 1998 remake still fills me with rage.
I can’t help but be cynical. However, with
“The Dark Knight” and “Watchmen” under
their utility belt, not to mention “Clash of
The Titans,” the tag team of Warner Bros.
and Legendary Pictures has a solid track
record of making great films and satisfying
the fan base. If anyone can pull it off, it’s
these guys.
In closing, I hope that what I have
shared with you faithful readers will shed
some light on why this franchise has been
going strong for 50 plus years and give
you the right criteria by which to judge
this new film. At the very least, there’s
one thing I know certain. Even if the new
Godzilla films turns out to be unfathomably bad, it’ll still be better than that 1998
clusterfuck.
4/7/10 10:18 AM
News
The Griffon News
Page 4
April 8, 2010
Le Grand visits Western
News
Notes
Driver’s education
registration change Meghan Ledden
Staff Writer
The Western Institute at Missouri
Western State University has postponed
the registration date for this summer’s
driver’s education classes due to uncertain funding.
Registration had been scheduled for
April 9. However, because of the uncertainty of state funding for the St. Joseph
School Districts summer school programs, registration has been postponed.
If funding is not available from the school
district, the Western Institute will still
offer driver’s education if vehicles are donated. The cost will be $250 - $275 per
student.
Potter Hall venue for senior art exhibit
Missouri Western State University's
art department will open a senior art
exhibit featuring 15 graduating seniors'
works of art with a reception from 5 p.m.
to 9 p.m. Monday, April 12 in the Potter
Hall Gallery. The exhibit runs through
Thursday, May 13. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The
gallery is open Monday through Friday
from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
– WESTERN REPORTS
Continued from front:
Business School
Grant award
totals $599,600
DAVE HON/ Online Editor
Lead singer and lead guitarist rock out in front of the commons during Resident Council week last week. During the week the Residence
Council held various events, one of them being a small scene band
playing for students.
Looking forward, Western has much to gain form
all of the hard work.
Dr. Larry Lawson, who made the first steps towards
accreditation during his time as chair for the previous business department, explained that the accreditation not only gives Western the ability to be more
successful in the business community, but will also
make it easier to recruit future students and faculty.
“Students will have an easier time getting jobs
and getting into most graduate schools in the United
States,” Lawson said.
Graduating senior business management major
Mark Kennon will be one of the first to see these benefits.
“It’s an endorsement stamp,” Kennon said. “It states
the level of quality for the education received.”
Continued from front:
Budget
price of its product, expand facilities or do whatever
they needed because they were successful and we
don’t have that option.”
As much as the thought of tuition going up stings
a lot of people, especially the students, look at your
professors and know that they’ve had no raise in two
years. Understandably students are concerned, asking
themselves questions like: ‘Will I be able to pay for
these potential increases?’ because right now it’s
unknown what those increases might be.
Mary McIntosh, a junior biology major, works full
time while living with her parents—pays for school
out-of-pocket.
“It’s really scary, I mean I only have two
semesters left but if they do a major increase
I might not be able to pay for it or I might end
up staying an extra two years,” McIntosh said.
Vartabedian said that morale is surely suffering
when staff and faculty who’ve invested so much time
and energy to the university see so little reward for
that hard work.
McIntosh said she understands the need to give
the faculty a raise to reward them for their service,
but that it’s hard looking at it from the student viewpoint.
Western’s institutional appropriation is about
$22.4 million as was reported in the St. Joseph NewsPress, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. In a document on Missouri Department of Higher Education’s
Website, Western—for fiscal year 2010—was slated
for a 10% increase to state appropriations and would
be looking at an amount around $24.4 million.
Currently the administration isn’t just standing
pat as they wait for the axe to fall; they are trying to
be as proactive as they can by pursuing all possible
streams of revenue, up to and including the possibility of leasing some of Western’s land.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Missouri Western
State University with a $599,600 grant for NSF’s Midwest Apex
Project: Road MAP for Student Excellence in Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics.
MAP is a five-year project awarding 84 MAP scholarships with
an average of $5,600 per year and 85 MAP incentive awards of
$600 per award. The incentive awards are one time only awards. These scholarships will be distributed to degree seeking students
with bachelor’s degrees in biology, chemistry (with the exception of
medical technology), Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics,
and Engineering Technology.
The committee of faculty members involved with the application process of the grant is Dr. Tingxiu Wang, Professor of
Mathematics and project director; Dr. Jason Baker, Associate
Professor of Biology; Dr. George Yang, Professor of Engineering
Technology; Dr. Michael Ducey, Associate Professor of Chemistry
and Ms. Deborah Becker, Instructor of Computer Science.
MAP’s four main objectives are to improve Missouri Western’s
accessibility to educational resources, increase financial support,
enhance retention through graduation and increase placement
of students in applied learning opportunities
with regional employers.
Missouri Western has received or applied
for similar grants in the past, but never has
the school received this much money for four
different departments.
“This one of 90 grants awarded to schools
around the country. There were 401 proposals submitted so it’s very competitive,” said
Ducey.
Dr. Baker says the school is most concerned
with recruitment and retention rates of stu- Dr. Jason
dents.
Baker
“The scholarship is available across the
Biology
board to anyone and can be carried, with
appropriate successes for all four years of an
academic career,” Dr. Baker said. “But it is about recruitment and
retention so we focus significantly on incoming freshman or students who were young in the process of these degree programs and
try to provide them the financial means to get into or continue in
one of the disciplines.”
This year 13 student have been offered the scholarship and
working toward giving away 14 incentive awards amongst for four
departments. These awards are predominately awarded to incoming freshman who show potential in these areas and who agree to
take a set of mathematics courses in their first semester.
“We have to take into account financial need along with scholastic abilities and interest to the students,” Baker said.
Of the applicants awarded the scholarship, only 2 are continuing
students while the remaining 11 are incoming freshman. Three
scholarships are awarded to biology students, four from the chemistry department, three from the engineering technology department and three from the mathematics department.
Dr. Wang was pleased with how many students they already
selected for the 2010 school year to receive the award.
“In 2002, we had a similar grant and by that time it was only for
computer science and mathematics disciplines, and they had some
difficulty in selecting of students to participate. This time we have
a strong pull of candidates,” Wang said.
To apply for a MAP scholarship or MAP Incentive Award all
applicants are required to complete the FAFSA, provide a copy of
the ACT for incoming freshman or a college transcript for transfer
students, submit a description of their professional goals and interests and have a letter of recommendation from a former teacher
or college faculty member. Also, each applicant will be asked to
engage in a person interview with the MAP selection committee.
MAP Incentive Award winners who successfully complete the
course with a grade of an A or B and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or high
will be encouraged to apply for a MAP Scholarship for the following academic year.
Campus Information
campus crime report
Calendar of events
Thursday, April 8
• Spring Chorale Concert, First Christian
Church. 7:30 pm
3
Friday, April 9
1
5
4
6
• Tennis vs Washburn
University, St. Joseph, Mo. 1:00 p.m.
• Softball vs Southwest
Baptist University,
Bolivar, Mo., 2 p.m.,
4 p.m.
• Baseball vs Truman
State, St. Joseph,
Mo., 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 10
2
1. Outside Warrant
6:36 p.m., March 25, Downs Drive, Beshears Hall
2. Traffic Accident
9:07 a.m., March 26, Downs Drive, Lot B
3. Burglary
10:40 p.m., March 27, Downs Drive, Beshears Hall
4. Disorderly Conduct
12:52 p.m., March 29, Downs Drive, Lot G
5. Drug Abuse
10:40 p.m., March 30, Downs Drive, Juda Hall
6. Forgery/Counterfeit
2:21 p.m., March 31, Downs Drive, Blum Union
7. Suspicious Person
1:00 p.m., March 24, Downs Drive, Kit Bond Incubator
04-news.indd 1
• Tennis vs Lincoln
University, Boliver
Mo., 9 a.m.
• Softball vs University
of Central Missouri,
Warrensburg Mo., 2
p.m., 4 p.m.
• Baseball vs Truman
State, Mo., St. Joseph
Mo., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
Monday, April 12
• Tennis vs Graceland
College, St. Joseph
Mo., 3 p.m.
• Women’s Golf, Park
University Invitational, Kansas City,
Mo.
• Men’s Golf, Missouri
Southern Invite, Joplin, Mo.
Tuesday, April 13
• Spring Jazz Concert,
Potter Hall Theater,
7:30 p.m.
• Softball vs Emporia
State University, St.
Joseph Mo., 4 p.m.,
6 p.m.
• Women’s Golf, Park
University Invitational, Kansas City,
Mo.
• Men’s Golf, Missouri
Southern Invite, Joplin, Mo.
Wednesday, April 14
• Baseball vs Rockhurst, St. Joseph,
Mo., 6 p.m.
If your organization would like to announce an event,
e-mail the information to
stories@thegriffonnews.com
4/7/10 10:20 AM
Lifestyles
The Griffon News
Page 5
April 8, 2010
Ryan
Bradley:
“I think that
diversity makes
for a more
interesting
publication and I
A
writer
in
the
making
think that it also
makes for a better
view of humanity.”
-Ryan Bradley
Charlene Divino/ Photos
Editor of Canvas Ryan Bradley enjoys a cup of coffee while perusing submitted works.
Charlene Divino
Graphics Desk
You can smell the coffee long before you
reach the room. The heady scent of “Eight
0’Clock Coffee” wafting down the halls of
the EFLJ department beckons students to
the Canvas office for a jolt of caffeine and
inspiration. The tiny classroom is an oasis
in Eder Hall where great minds of the
English department congregate to ponder
structure, transitions and creativity in the
interest of publishing art. Students gather
tightly around a long table crammed into
the narrow room, huddling over manuscripts and poems that have been submitted for review. But they aren’t just editing,
the goal is to refine a submission and push
the contributor to their best. This is the
room that Ryan Bradley calls his office.
For many people at Western, the most
memorable thing about Ryan Bradley is
his distinctive style. His trademark Fedora
and trench coat are nearly iconic in Eder
Hall. On any given day Bradley can be
spotted striding down the corridors of the
English department in his red Converse
sneakers, carrying a book and a tiny
Styrofoam cup of black coffee.
“It’s the first thing people see,” Writer’s
Circle advisor Meg Thompson said. “It
doesn’t matter if you’re open minded or
shallow. It’s part of our culture. And when
you see Ryan Bradley in a herd of undergraduates you’re like, ‘Who?! What?!’”
Missouri Western junior Ryan Bradley is
the editor of Canvas, Missouri Western’s
student-run literary magazine. Despite
being an annual publication, every issue
requires nearly a year of work and dedication. Bradley considers it gratifying work
to discover new writers who he describes
as unpolished. Bradley believes that working with other artists’ potential is what
makes Canvas so effective. The success of
the publication is that contributers can submit work
they consider representative
of their craft.
Canvas is more than just
a literary magazine for
Bradley. It is an opportunity
for Western students to see
their work recognized and
published. Bradley respects
art in all forms, so he has
made a point of pushing
Canvas to seek submissions
outside of the English department. Bradley considers seeking submissions of a varied
range of art forms like slam
poetry and graphic art to be a priority for
the publication.
“I think that diversity just makes for a
more interesting publication and I think
that it also makes for a better view of
humanity,” Bradley said.
For Bradley, the priority isn’t solely
to only publish the best of the best at
Western. It’s about cultivating an art form.
Students shouldn’t ever feel that their
work is not good enough for Canvas.
“Thelonious Monk actually said, ‘Make
a mistake and let the public pick it up,’”
Bradley said. “So you can be raw and you
can express your own voice with it. Young
writers do it fantastically with the things
we get in and that feels amazing,”
Bradley didn’t come to college bound for
the literary track. Enrolling in college gave
him an opportunity to find himself and
focus on his interests. He found that he
was most drawn to English
classes. However, Bradley
initially came to Missouri
Western from Central High
School on a robotics scholarship.
“I enjoyed it, kind of,”
Bradley said. “But essentially it paid the bills. It wasn’t
my passion.”
His commitment to writing
hasn’t always translated into
enjoying his undergraduate
studies. He describes low
points and feeling as if the
pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts
would take literally, forever.
He talks about the phases that writers and
students go through that effect passion
and productivity.
“I think we all get to the point in our
college careers where we essentially go
through the dark woods,” Bradley said.
“We start thinking, ‘Oh god, did I take the
right path? Am I doing what I actually
want to do? Maybe I should have just bit
the bullet and become an accountant. Then
I’d be miserable but I’d have money.’”
Thompson says she wouldn’t be surprised if Bradley didn’t always “triumph”
in the traditional classroom because he
would likely thrive better in a more nontraditional environment.
“Traditional classrooms are kind of boring,” Thompson said. “You have to know
how to work with the system. It’s busy
work, bullshit, and a lot of hoop-jumping.”
Bradley jokes about his class attendance
records, and in somes cases, the lack thereof. But he cites Canvas as being the class
that kept him inspired and going to class.
In the midst of undergraduate studies, it
was a class he didn’t want to miss because
it intellectually challenged him.
Now at the helm of the publication,
Bradley feels really good about the choices
he’s made. He acknowledges a future in
literature, but is unsure of what capacity
it will be. He is unsure if he is prepared to
call himself a writer yet.
“There’s a little bit of pretention with
calling yourself a writer that I try to
avoid,” Bradley jokes. “It makes it sound
like you smoke a pipe and wear a beret.”
But he acknowledges that despite trepidation for adopting a label that he is a
writer. Bradley considers a more detailed
description to be more accurate. He considers himself an editor, an intern, and a
student. But reluctantly, he will also label
himself a writer.
“I wish it could be stripped of some of the
pretentiousness that’s around it,” Bradley
said. “I wish that I could just be called a
guy who writes. But it’s not quite as eloquent.”
People You Should Know:
Judy Chambers
Registrar aims to provide polite help
Clint Willman
Lfestyles Writer
KELLY FINDLEY/ Photos
Judy Chambers explains that she is here to answer any
question they need.
05-lifestyles.indd 1
College can be a frustrating and confusing
experience but Missouri Western State University
has an employee that is always willing to lend a
helping hand. Graduate Records Coordinator Judy
Chambers will answer any of your questions or send
you to the right place to get your questions answered.
Chambers mainly deals with semester-to-semester
grade changes, transcript requests, major minor
forms and a lot of paper work but that doesn’t stop
her interaction with MWSU students. “I’m a people
person,” Chambers said.
Judy talk to students about general graduation
questions or refers them to someone that can help
them accordingly. “I try to help at all times, if I
don’t know the answer to a question, I will send a
student to the person that can accurately answer
their question,” Chambers said.
60 to 70 percent of student deal with the registrar’s
office. Sometimes they communicate over the phone
but Judy has several students that come into her
office on a day to day basis.
Freshman Elfonso Dudley is enjoying his first
semester at MWSU. “I really like that there are so
many helpful people on the staff at MWSU,” Dudley
said. “ Judy chambers is one of the many people that
have helped steer me in the right direction.”
“I like trying the best I can and helping the best
I can to help students to accomplish their goals,”
Chambers said.
Registrar Susan Bracciano has been working with
Judy since 1997 and likes having Judy as part of the
office team.
“Judy is very enthusiastic and compassionate
about her work,” Bracciano said. “She can always
bring humor into a situation.”
There are three Registrar’s positions and
Chambers oversees three work study students. One
of those students is Elementary Education Major
Taylor Aerhart. She works with Chambers all the
time and enjoys having her around. “Judy is always
laughing,” Aerhart said. “She always has a smile on
her face and will answer any questions I have.”
Chambers started out as a receptionist at MWSU
in May of 1995 and obtained the Graduate Records
position in 2005. In that period of time she filled in
for numerous people and learned all angles before
obtaining the coordinator position.
Students usually come to the registers office to
change their major minor forms or ask questions
about transcripts but the registrar’s office always
opens its doors to all students looking for general
advisement. If they can’t answer your question,
they will send you in the right direction.
Senior Dane Vey has been at MWSU for a while
and often looks to faculty for advice.“Judy Chambers
is the type of person that is always willing to help a
student and point them in the right direction.” Dane
Vey said.
4/7/10 10:21 AM
Lifestyles
The Griffon News
Page 6
April 8, 2010
One Act Plays get creative juices flowing
Students and faculty come together to provide theatrical entertainment
to Western during the performance of six student-written one act plays
Brian Horstman
Lifestyles Writer
Many consider the theatre stage to be a
place of Shakespeare, musicals and strange
set design. Young people are more detached
from the theatre now than ever before, having easy access to film and television, or, God
forbid, Youtube videos.
The stage is an alien environment to the
young as it can be hard to find something to
relate to in theatrical productions, or at least
that is the assumption of many.
Fortunately, there is still a large grip of
those who would keep theatre alive, even
here at Missouri Western. From April 15-18,
theatre students will perform six “One-Act”
plays, each put together solely by the students involved.
Hopefully, since they aren’t performing
underneath Shakespeare’s shadow or some
other centuries-old production, students not
familiar with theatre will be able to more easily identify with what is on stage. Freshman
Brian Duskey, a theatre/cinema major, feels
that the One Acts are a great opportunity
for students to witness something new and
relatable.
“Sometimes when a play that was written
100 years ago, a lot of people still get it, but
not everyone. With the One Acts, the writers
are of the audience’s age, so we share the
culture and the mindset that they do,” said
Duskey, who is the director of “The Fountain”
and the writer of “Sins of the South.”
The One Act plays, beyond entertainment,
also serve a valuable role in creating a group
dynamic and camaraderie between the students involved. Since everyone is writing,
directing, or acting in each others’ plays, the
creative juices truly begin to flow, forming an experience that no one of them could have put together alone.
Sophomore Jesse Glyn Frazier, a theatre/video major,
expressed the joys of a collaborative creative process.
“It’s great because I really get to experience both sides
of the project. As a director, I am able to take someone
else’s work and mold it into something that is unique
to my vision. As far as acting, I am just blown away by
the different approaches the other directors are taking.
It’s humbling and I’m learning a lot,” said Frazier, who
is directing “Dear Diary” and acting in “The Fountain.”
Putting on these plays is a fantastic way for Missouri
Western’s theatre students to hone their craft, and show
off their various creative chops on the stage. Since the
plays are short and move quickly, unlike most performances, those involved get to put a glistening shine on
their work in the time available.
Senior Keith Routh, a theatre/video major, thinks that
the shortened time frame is a good way to work out all
the details and streamline the act.
“When working on One Acts, we have the benefit of
putting all of our focus into a condensed story. This
allows us to try to perfect every moment of stage time,”
said Routh, who is directing “The Lobster.”
The plays will provide the perfect ground for the students to show off what they’ve got to the public, exposing
them to professionalism and teamwork, without being
looked over or directed by a teacher, or being hampered
by performing a classical play to a “T.”
Since these are made by the students, for the students, the One Acts could possibly lead to new artistic,
theatrical grounds. Jesse Frazier thinks that the plays
will be a great way to show off our theatre students’
skills in the field.
“A lot of extremely talented people are putting their
future and passion on display, no different than the
gallery everyone passes on the way through Potter,”
SARA BAUM/ Photo and Graphics Editor Frazier said.
Six of the nine students that either wrote or directed a One Act play. Top-left: Sarah
Noe, Top-right: Jesse Frazier, Middle-left: Sam Everly, Middle-right: Mallory Edson, The One Act plays will be performed from April 15-18.
at 8 p.m., in the Black Box Theatre in Potter Hall.
Bottom-left: Laura Baum, Bottom-right: Brian Duskey.
“The Last Song” hits all the right notes
To audiences long awaited approval Miley Cyrus breaks free
from Hannah Montana in Nicholas Sparks’ new box office hit
Sara Baum
Photo and Graphics Editor
sarabaumphotography@gmail.com
Although it is definitely embarrassing, I must admit that I am a fan of Miley Cyrus. Thus, because
of my guilty pleasure, I joined the thousands of
tweenies for a glimpse of her first feature film besides Hannah Montana, The Last Song.
The movie is based on a Nicholas Sparks novel
of the same name. It is the telling of a rebellious
teenager named Ronnie. Ronnie, played by Cyrus,
is a former concert pianist of incredible talent that
has quit playing the piano because of her parents’
divorce.
After the divorce, her father moved from New
York to Georgia, only adding fuel to Ronnie’s anger.
Where our story begins, Ronnie has just graduated
high school when she is forced to spend the summer
with her father in Georgia.
Overall, Miley Cyrus portrays a convincing Ronnie. It is definitely a few steps away from Hannah
Montana; Cyrus even utters a curse word, much to
the dismay of teen mothers everywhere. She fully
captures the persona of a lost teen, as so many are
when entering the scary world of adulthood.
Her only weak moment was during a scene in
which she finds out her father is very sick. Cyrus’
character begins to cry and yell. It wasn’t bad but it
wasn’t as believable as the rest of her performance.
It was one shaky moment in an otherwise strong
portrayal.
One reason for her performance could be the benefit of a fantastic supporting cast. Her father, played
by Greg Kinnear, is a hilarious and heart-breaking
character; he added both the heart and comic relief
to the story.
Kinnear’s performance was made even stronger
with the support of 12-year-old Bobby Coleman. For
one of the first times I have ever seen, a child actor
burst out in tears and it felt convincing. So convincing in fact, that I myself felt a stray tear run down
my cheek. Okay fine, I bawled like a baby.
In fact, the only thing that was able to stop the
tears was the handsome leading man, Liam Hemsworth. He gave a very strong portrayal of the boy
with the broken past and ignited the best performance from his co-star, Cyrus.
Their tale of love was definitely the backbone of
the story. They had great chemistry on screen, possibly driven by their off-screen romance but nonetheless, I felt myself rooting for them.
At the end when they finally end up together
(Okay, so I spoiled the movie, but come on, like you
didn’t know that would happen) I cried once more
out of happiness.
As I exited the theater, shamefully brushing away
the remnants of my sudden attack of “allergies,” I
decided how I felt about The Last Song.
Was it cheesy? Yes. Will it get Miley Cyrus an
Oscar nod? Well, no. Did I enjoy it? Undoubtedly, I
did. So much so, that I will drag my sister to see it
again this week, whether she is willing or not.
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06-lifestyles.indd 1
4/7/10 10:24 AM
Lifestyles
Page 7
The Griffon News
April 8, 2010
Greek Week seeks for camaraderie
Michelle Allen
Lifestyles Writer
The Missouri Western State University Pan-Hellenic
and NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) are coming
together for a week of UNITY. Brandi Glenn, president
of Pan-Hellenic on the Missouri Western campus, talks
about what the week means to Greeks on campus.
“Greek week is about Greek unity on campus, not only
Pan-Hellenic but for the NPHC as well”, Glenn said.
There hasn’t always been a week for Greek unity on
campus. This year Greek week will be held on the 12th of
April and will end on the 16th. On the 12th there will be
a barbeque and games, the 13th is a variety game show,
the 14th is Alpha Gamma Deltas Mr. MWSU pageant, the
15th is a chance for Greeks to come together at the spring
concert put on by WAC and on the 16th there will be
awards from who won games during the week in edition
to a dance party. Glenn talks about people who want to
attend Greek week.
“Only Greeks can participate in the week but all are
invited to come and watch the events as well as come out
to the Mr. MWSU pageant”, Glenn said.
Not only do the Greeks have a week of fun, they also do
a lot of community service as well. TKE holds an annual
event entitled “TKE in the box.” TKE in the box is one
night that not only TKE but other Greeks come together
and sleep in a box to trade places with those unfortunate.
ATTEND:
MR. MWSU
April 14th, 2010
Kemper Hall Recital
*hosted by Alpha Gamma Delta
Phil Bluett member of Alpha Phi Alpha talks about
events his fraternity will be holding during Greek week.
“We will be holding out annual Ms. Black and Gold
scholarship pageant for a group of young ladies who has
worked very hard this semester,” Bluett said.
La’Shoya Harper member of Zeta Phi Beta sorority
talks about what she enjoys the most about Greek week.
“I like the Greek Olympics the best, it’s the most enjoyable to me because it’s the most competitive,” Harper
said. “I just generally enjoy the unity of all Greeks coming together on campus because they don’t do that a lot,”
Harper said.
Harper talks about what event her organization plans
to put on during Greek week. “Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha
Gamma Delta and Tri Sigma are coming together to plan
the Greek party at the end of the week,” Harper said.
Greek week is not only about the Greeks on the Missouri
Western campus, it’s the awareness of why Greeks are
on the campus and how much they do for their communities. If you see any Greeks, it doesn’t matter if it’s the
Pan-Hellenic or the Devine nine putting on a program.
Be sure to support them in their events as well as Alpha
Gamma Delta in their fight for raising money for diabetes, which is where all the money made from Mr. MWSU
goes to every year they hold it. Remember that it’s
always important to be a community leader, no matter
what organization you represent.
How To: Give Back While in College
Danielle Dodson
Lifestyles Writer
Team, Lexi Webb, feels that finding a niche in the community has
improved her work on the green, and finding her unique niche was
key in being an effective volunteer.
“Volunteering for the Special
Olympics’ really changed how I
viewed the world,” Webb said. “I
use my talents at sports to train
athletes who otherwise would not
have the chance to step onto the
playing field. Community service
is required for a lot of organizations that I’m in, but I’ll continue
to do it for a very long time.”
Of course, as the rest of the
world’s adaptation for technology
grows, more and more non-profit
organizations are offering ways
for college students to volunteer
online. Western Junior, Austin
Leach, runs the local online chapter of VolunteerMatch.org, which
hosts over 3 million volunteers
from all over the United States.
“Volunteer match gives people
the chance to make a difference
from the comfort of their own home,” Leach said. “We partner with thousands of
local, state, and national organziations who desperately need people to help. It’s
great, because you can instantly improve the world you live in, and a cause you’re
passionate about with a few clicks of the mouse. You can be a virtual volunteer in
everything from human rights to arts and culture to hunger and housing. It’s easy,
and a small thing you can do to really be an effective person.”
Whether you choose to lend your hand to a local charity that needs help at the
soup kitchen, or simply pick up stray bottles on your route between classes, the
choice to make a difference is yours. Time is ever passing, so why not spend a little
extra of it making our world a better place?
Step Two
Time. As a college student, you might not have much of it, but when you do, it becomes
the most powerful asset you have in your arsenal.
After surviving their first year of college, most students quickly realize that how they
spend their time outside of class directly affects not only your performance in school, but
also your character development over the next four years.
Carefully choosing how and where you spend those precious minutes is part of an
effective time management strategy. Some students choose to apply
their free time helping others, and are doing it in more unique and
creative ways than ever. Western Senior, Mike Cubria credits the
majority of applied knowledge that he
gained while in college to spending his
time assisting the residents at a local
nursing home.
“I’m a nursing major, so I joined the
volunteer staff in order to not only gain
some experience in my future profession, but to help out the community and
give back to those who really need it,”
Cubria said. “Once I began visiting the
residents, listening to their stories, I
was hooked. I felt like I had made a difference, and I learned more from that
than any text book I ever read.”
For some students, a certain number
of volunteerism hours are required in
order to remain on the sports team
or organization. Due to over-crowding
on campus related service opportunities, some students are searching for
creative and different ways to spend
their required time. Western Junior
KELLY FINDLEY/Photos
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Junior Kylie Staples examples recycling in Eder.
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Page 8
April 8, 2010
The Griffon News
Sports
Softball shuts out Wayne State 2-0
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor
Allison Jones pitches the ball while Ashley Hudson prepares for a hit during Western’s game against Wayne State. The Griffons won both games in the double header last weekend.
Anthony Crane
Sports Writer
The Missouri Western Griffons swept their series against
Wayne State last Wednesday at Heritage Park.
The Griffons just squeaked by in the first game, winning
2-1. Western was led by Allison Jones, who continues to
improve as the season progresses. The Griffons starting
pitcher went seven innings, giving up one hit and zero
earned runs. She also struck out seven batters in what
may have been her strongest performance of the season.
Allison Jones now has a (5-5) record.
On the offensive side of things, the Griffons had a little
bit of trouble getting the bat on the ball. They were only
able to string together six hits and two runs. There were
no players able to get more than one hit in what turned
out to be a pitcher’s dual.
Samantha Hudson and Becky Diehl were responsible for
knocking in the runs for the Griffons. Missouri Western
had three errors in the game, one in which led to Wayne
State’s only run.
In the other dugout pitcher Katie Goetzinger didn’t pitch
too shabby either. The pitcher from Wayne State went six
innings, giving up six hits and one earned run while also
striking out seven.
Wayne State third baseman Brittany Greenwood was
the only player able to string together a hit for the
Wildcats.
In the second game, it was a lot of the same for the
Griffons with another pitcher dominating out in the circle.
Jonnelle Bleger went seven innings for the Griffons give
up four hits, zero earned runs and also had seven strikeouts. Belger improved to 8-6 as the Griffons took game
two 3-1.
Western was able to string together seven hits in this
game from six different players. Catcher Keri Lorbrt was
the only Griffon able to get on base twice as she went
2-3 on the day with an RBI. Kasey Smith and Maegan
Roemmich drove in the Griffons other two runs.
For Wayne State, Amber Baird and Michele Hogan each
went three innings giving up a combined seven hits and
two earned runs. Both pitchers had three strikeouts as the
two teams combined for 27 strikeouts in the doubleheader.
Center fielder Amy Sandstrom of Wayne State was the
only Wayne State player to reach base twice, while infielder Hannah Engelkamp drove in the only run of the game.
Missouri Western improved to (14-14) on the season.
They will next face Southwest Baptist in a double header
on Friday, April 9 in Bolivar.
Tennis team falls to Truman
Jessica Koch
Sports Writer
The 1-6 Missouri Western tennis team hoped to end
their four game losing streak, but couldn’t pull out the
win as they faced the 4-3 Truman State Bulldogs on
Tuesday, Mar. 30 in St. Joseph, Mo.
The sun was shining and the temperature was ideal as
the Griffons battled to get a much needed win out of the
match-up. An obstacle that contributed to the Griffons
8-1 loss, though, was the heavy winds.
Head coach Ron Selkirk knew that wind would be a factor for his team, but wasn’t about to use that as an excuse
for the results of the matches.
“It’s been pretty windy, but it’s been windy on both
sides of the court,” Selkirk said. “I thought our girls
would adjust a little bit better.”
Taking away the wind factor, facing a team as good
as Truman State was going to be no easy task due to
Truman being one of the top teams in the conference.
No matter what Western threw at the Bulldogs, they
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor
Laura Kukuc receives a serve from a Truman player during West- always had an answer. Truman allowed only one win in
the singles competition by Western junior Sarah Hatten
ern’s match last week. The Griffons lost 3-4.
as she defeated Kirstyn Sampias of Truman State 6-2
and 6-1.
“Sarah Hatten played extremely well and she’s playing
well in her singles match-ups,” Selkirk said.
Hatten’s senior team mate Dominique Leone was
proud that her fellow Griffon could pull out a win.
“She’s been a strong hold in the team,” Leone said.
For the rest of the team, however, a win wouldn’t be in
sight for the Griffons. Sophomore Alecia Jenkins tried
her best, but fell short in her match 6-1 and 6-0.
“I think they played really consistent, and I played
inconsistent,” Jenkins said.
Western also fell to Lincoln University in Bolivar, Mo.
on April 3. The team pulled out one win in the singles
category by Junior Sarah Hatten and one win in the
doubles category by Nicole Kerr and Kayla Daughtery.
The Griffons also played another conference match in
Bolivar and lost to Southwest Baptist 0-9. Southwest
Baptist is currently one of the top teams in the conference.
After these disappointing matches, the Griffons are
now at 1-9 and 0-4 in the conference.
Their next matchup will be with the Washburn Lady
Blues on April 9 in St. Joseph, Mo.
Baseball loses to top-ranked UCM
Matt Gleaves
Sports Writer
The Griffons played host to Central Missouri
last weekend and were swept in a four game
series by the Mules.
The first game of the series started on
Thursday afternoon in a close game that
the Mules were able to take 4-3 in after an
unusual error on the infield let the winning
run score from second base. Western was
able to take an early 3-0 lead on the secondranked team in the nation as they capitalized
on three Mule errors. UCM showed why they
were the number two team in the nation,
however, as the Mule pitching staff held the
Griffons scoreless the rest of the game and
only gave up two hits.
The second game of the double header
was not as close as the Mules dominated the
Griffons and winning the game 15-4.
Due to rain the two games scheduled for
Friday were moved to Saturday afternoon.
The first game was a lopsided affair as the
Griffons fell 17-0. The nightcap was a close
battle that the Griffons dropped 4-3. True
freshman Brandon Simmons threw 7.2 strong
innings for Western as he struck out eight
08-sports.indd 1
and gave up two earned runs.
Freshman Scott Groner also chipped in
with his first home run as a Griffon and also
had three RBI’s in the game. Western committed three errors in the fourth inning that
helped the Mules to tie up the game at three
after the Griffons had taken an early 3-1 lead.
Western also struggled with getting runners
home in the game leaving nine runners on
base.
“I was very happy with the performance we
got from Brandon Simmons in the game and
I think that we showed some fight in two of
the games and in the other two they really
showed why they are ranked second in the
nation,” head coach Buzz Verduzco said.
Pitcher Andy Hebrard was disappointed
with how the weekend went.
“This weekend didn’t go how we wanted it
to,” Hebrard said. “We have to flush it out
and keep working hard. We need to keep our
heads up and know we have our chance to get
ourselves back in it.”
Western falls to 13-15 overall and 7-15
in the MIAA. Western will continue their
SARA BAUM/ Graphics Editor
conference schedule on April 9-10 as they
Andy
Hebrard
bunts
the
ball
during
Western’s
game
two
weeks
ago against Northwest.
host Truman State University at Phil Welch
This week when the Griffons played Central, they lost the series 0-4.
Stadium.
4/7/10 10:26 AM
The Griffon News
April 8, 2010
A griffon’s guide
to saint joe nightlife
The Griffon News
Page 2
April 8, 2010
Country music and line dancing
Free poker, karaoke, cheap
drinks and never a cover
Local Bars
Saint Joseph’s only LGBT
nightclub, club dj all
weekend
Live music everyweekend, dj’s, and
the best beer pong in town
Downtown Saint Joseph Clubs and Bars
Hard rock live music and cheap drinks
Concept and
cover design/photos:
Ryan Richardson
Live music and
DJ’s all week long
fine martinis
and excellent cigars
upscale martini bar with
local art works
GRAPHICS:
RYAN RICHARDSON/Design Editor
Rising Stars
The Griffon News
Page 3
April 8, 2010
Words breathes new life into joetown
Ryan Scroggins
News Editor
rscroggins1@missouriwestern.edu
“They called me ghetto cowboy.”
Growing up in Belton, his family was the only colored people he knew.
This change of pace and people is when Words really started to grab hold of
music.
Tables dressed in white, young men dressed in black and an assortment of
“I didn’t fit in,” he said. “But it never really bothered me. I had plenty of
musical instruments lined the perimeter of the Belton Elementary cafeteria
time to practice.”
on the night it all began. It was band night for the fourth graders. It was
Practice is exactly what he did. By high school Words could play 13
the night that they would choose instruments for their first year in band.
instruments.
For many of the youngsters, band night was their first exposure to musical
“You have to evolve as a musician,” he said. “My own personal style is
instruments. This was not the case for a young Marcus Words.
always changing, always evolving.”
Words recalled his beginnings that night at Belton Elementary. All the
Colby Walter, long time friend, and member of Words’ band The Leading
kids rushed to the saxophone. When it was his turn there wasn’t much left.
Average, witnessed this progression first hand. Walter has been playing
An unopened case lay on the table before him, its contents unknown. It was
with Words for 11 years.
larger than a flute, and narrower than a trumpet.
“It’s been a real treat to see him progress through
His curiosity had the best of him. The many pieces
the years... to witness him and his evolution as a
of the bassoon that rested in the case in front of him
songwriter,” Walter said.
reminded him of little guns. This visual appeal as a
Walters remembers working on songs with Words
young man helped Words make his decision.
over ten years ago and thinks it is cool to see how far
“I didn’t know what the hell it was,” he said.
they have come.
The conversation that followed is one Words will
Words prefers to play the songs he writes himself.
never forget.
“I’ll never play a song I don’t personally like,” Words
“Are you sure you want to play the bassoon?” his
said. “I was always anti-cover music.”
instructor asked.
Covering other artists’ songs is a good way to get
He nodded.
exposure for aspiring artists. Words plays some
“You’ll go really far if you learn how to play it well,”
covers, but likes to give them his own twist.
the instructor said.
“Some people say there is no such thing as original
Words remembers this conversation as a challenge.
music because everyone is influenced by someone,” he
“It came easy to me and I wanted to be good.”
said.
Words had grown up around music. Everyone in his
For him covering songs
family played an instrument. For him this was just
means taking a song,
the beginning of what was already meant to be.
internalizing it, and
“My mom was a big jazz head,” Words said. “As a
reproducing it as his own.
kid coming home from school
“There’s a lot of emotion that
you could hear music a block
goes into the creation process,”
away.”
he said. “And very few bonds
These memories are one of
stronger than the ones
the many things that molded
between what an artist and its
Words into the artist he is
creation have.”
today.
You can see this connection
“I guess I’m a product of how
when you watch Words play.
I grew up,” he said.
Energy fills the rooms as
While his mother was
melodies from his guitar fill
listened to jazz, and his father
the air. When he is singing
preferred soul, young Words
his facial expressions seem to
listened to country and rock.
recapture his mind and the emotion he pours into his work.
Words believes that his rural
Emotion that seems to ooze out of him, like the sweat that
town upbringing had an impact
is dripping from his brow. It is obvious that he enjoys what
on his childhood favorites.
he is doing.
“When I lived in Belton I
Another member of Words’ band, Andy West enjoys playing
was surrounded by Merle and
with Words for other reasons.
Willie… and Guns n’ Roses.”
“He brings a unique style to his music, but I really enjoy
His appearance reflected
making music with him because he is humble,” West said.
this. Tucked in flannel shirts
Words still holds a day job but hopes one day his music
with blue jeans and boots is
will pay the bills.
a much different image than
“You can’t survive on talent alone,” Words said. “There
Words today. The country boy
are too many talented people out there.”
RYAN RICHARDSON/Design Editor Words is not lacking talent. His dream of making it as a
attire he wore in his childhood
Top:
Marcus
Words
and
Colby
Walter play at Hammerjacks. musician is more real to him now than ever.
would look odd on him now.
Bottom: Walter soundchecks before the band’s second set “It’s not necessarily being the best,” he said. “It’s still a
Long dreadlocks, and casual
Right: Marcus Words plays solo at Hammerjacks profession and there is always something to get better at.”
city dweller dress gives no
indication of his small town
Words album, “6 Songs for 5 Dollars,” is now available.
upbringing.
You can also sample his mucis online on his Facebook or Myspace.
Words’ remembers Belton as a country town. When his family moved to
downtown Omaha it was culture shock. “I’d never seen so many black people except at a family reunion,” he said.
The Griffon News
Page 4
April 8, 2010
Local Bars
Kelly’s Pub: An Irish pub with a lot to love
Michelle Allen
Lifestyles Writer
Every once in a while college students just
want to sit back and relax without worrying
about school work. Then there are the students
who want to go out and have a great time and
forget about school for just one day but may not
know where. Kelly’s Pub is that place.
Kelly’s Pub is a bar where students can go and
have a great time. Kelly’s Pub is located on 1415
Frederick Ave, St. Joseph, MO. Every Thursday
Kelly’s Pub has six dollar pitches. Kelly’s is open
every day of the week except for Tuesdays and
Sundays from 5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.. Kelly’s Pub is
has a pool table for aspiring pool sharks, a jukebox packed with music, as well as TV’s to watch
games on.
One important reason why Kelly’s Pub is
great for college students is because Missouri
Western’s own Kathy Kelly owns it. Kelly is
Student Affairs Assistant who has a finger on
the pulse of what students want. Senior Erik
Zug loves working at Kelly’s.
“At Kelly’s we try to keep it as laid back as
possible”, Zug said. “We drop prices so college
students can afford them which are always a
HANNAH STRASSER/ Assistant Lifestyles Editor good thing,”
Brenda Poe, Western student, likes Kelly’s
because for her its almost a guarenteed great
time.
“You know everyone there and it’s always fun
to be in a comfortable environment with your
friends,” Poe said.
Brandon Cooley agreed on the atomsphere.
“I think that it’s better than driving all the way
to Maryville just to have fun, Kelly’s is local and
there’s no cover charge,” Cooley said.
For any student who is looking to have a good
time and not spend an arm and a leg just to got
out or being around people you know in a familliar
setting, Kelly’s Pub is the place to be.
Poe supports Kelly’s because of the unique
specials.
“I’m sure everyone has drink specials but I
definitely think that Kelly’s has the best ones”,
Poe said.
“The bar tenders are always nice and they know
what we want, and they make the best drinks,
to me at least,” Poe said. So the next time you
just want to have a good time with your friends
Kelly’s is the place to be.
Shaft reigns as local alternative bar
Danielle Dodson
Lifestyles Writer
hundreds of man hours into improving the customer’s experience while they are here,” Rhoad
said.
Imagine a bar where soon after entering
“We spend our off-nights here as well, so we
the double doors, a familiar song plays in
want this place to look as amazing as we feel
your head about “everyone knowing your
while we’re inside it. This isn’t just a “gay” bar.
name”. The drinks are cheap, the shows
We accept everyone here at Shaft, and that’s
are uniquely entertaining, and the pawhat makes us different: we cater to no one
trons become your extended family. This
specifically, we celebrate diversity and have a
is Saint Joseph’s alternative nightclub,
great time doing it.”
“Shaft”.
Rhoad isn’t the only one who feels this way.
Shaft, located at 615 Felix St, has been
Dominique Leone, bartender at Shaft, and rehome to a unique after hours experience
cent Western alumni, credits the spirit of the
for three years. Brandon Chamberlain,
club directly to the patrons and their support of
bar manager and Western alumni, feels
Shaft’s fundamental creed of diversity.
that the wide variety of entertainment
“Shaft is like a huge family”, Leone said.
choices is what has kept Shaft open and
“Rather, Shaft IS a huge family. We have a
running so successfully.
base clientèle of about 75 people who ritual“We are Saint Joseph’s only alternative
istically come Wednesday through Saturday.
bar, and because of that, we already stand
Outside of that, we have people who drive from
out,” Chamberlain said. “We all truly enKansas City just for the shows. It never ceases
joy working here, and the clientèle are all
to amaze me how many people who meet here
like family to us.”
and become life friends.”
Having recently undergone a major faceShaft is open from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., WednesDANIELLE DODSON/ Lifestyles Writer
lift, the building features two main stages Shaft Nightclub hangs flags at the bar showing support for Western.day through Saturday, with drink specials on
for performances. The club is equipped with
each week day. Drag shows happen nearly weekmirrored walls around the perimeter of the
ly, with a show every first Saturday, second and
Missouri Western and President of the Student
dance floor to exaggerate the light show that cas- PRIDE Alliance, feels that these changes have im- fourth Thursday, and third Friday of the month.
cades across the dance floor, and newly renovated proved the building in a big way; taking note of Shows begin at 9 p.m., with a cover of $5 at the
walls and flooring.
door.
things customers have said in the past.
Tyler Rhoad, a bartender at Shaft, senior at
“We are constantly updating the bar and putting
Rising Stars
The Griffon News
Page 5
April 8, 2010
Comedy performers take over downtown with raunchy humor
Brian Horstman
Lifestyles Writer
When one attends a stand-up comedy act, many
strange and terrible feelings may be instigated by
the performances.
“I felt scared, intimidated... drunk, too,” said
Senior Matthew Stehly, witness to the carnage
and laughter that befell Room 107 on March 4, as
it was invaded by the Shots Fired Comedy Crew,
flinging penis jokes and wistful tales of alcoholism
everywhere they would stick.
Hosted by David Allison and local comedians
Brian Myers and Nick Ford, the crew was
introduced by an apparently viciously inebriated
man who resembled special effects guru Tom
Savini. David Allison came to the stage, warming
up the audience for the main attractions. However
the role of host was meant to be played, Allison
arguably stole the show. Many onlookers were
RYAN RICHARDSON/ Design Editor
Left: Local comedian Nick Ford starred in the show.
Center: Host of the performance David Allison tells a joke
Above:Local comedian Brian Myers lets out a laugh
highly impressed by the host of the show, like
Sophomore Michael Evans.
“Dave cracked my shit up,” said Evans.
His set delivered a sampling of the raunchiness
that was to follow, preparing the teary-eyed
onlookers for reliving some of his St. Joe roots
pastimes, including his past job experience at the
Plaza 8 Theaters, and his favorite flavors in the
world.
“Pussy is my second favorite flavor in the
world,” said Allison. “Want to know the first?
Cheeseburgers. C’mon, look at me!”
Other hits of Allison’s included a reiteration
of some of the strange characters that used to
frequent Plaza 8, including a man who wandered
around the area, shouting pleasantries like
“PLAYBOY!” and “MAFIA!”.
Another big laugh was gained from Allison’s
story of his far-from-sober roommate attempting to
kick a freezer door shut, only to become airborne,
parallel with the ground, and landing on his back.
The highly appropriate first words out of Allison;s
fallen comrade? “You Lucied me, Charles Brown.”
After Allison’s first round he introduced Brian
Myers, who specialized in a variety of jovial Jewish
jokes. Recorders were only able to pick up the
uproarious laughter of the audience as he relived
moments of childhood, high school, and life with
a Jewish penis. Even some downtown competition
had come to watch the Shots Fired Comedy Crew,
as Keytra Green, bartender of the Rendezvous, was
present, laughing and supporting local business.
“It was awesome,” said Green, “And I never had
to wait for a shot.”
There are also more shows to come in April. On
the 13, they will be hosting a comedy “Open Mic
Night” at the Rendezvous, located at 619 Felix
Street. On April 29, they will perform again at
the “Broken Seal Comedy Show” at the Snakebite
Club.
Lou from the Lou keeps Western wanting more
Eboni Lacey
Lifestyles Editor
elacey@missouriwestern.edu
Louis Performing at the BSU
fashion show.
As he gracefully expresses his lyrical power and talent,
Sophomore Louis Erby, rapper and St. Louis native, is
ready to put his music on a whole different spectrum after
performing at the Black Student Union’s fashion show and
at the Souls of Redemption Open Mic Night.
Rapping and writing lyrics since the fifth grade, Erby
has accomplished not only performing at our campus but at
numerous shows in St. Louis. Western however, refers to
him as the undefeated reigning champion of the Free Style
Battles, which are hosted sporadically throughout the year.
“I’m the reigning champion of the rap battles since winning the 2nd annual Freestyle battle,” Erby said. “Since
then I’ve had no competition.”
Erby plans to expand his music here while also achieving
a good education. He is currently using Western as a networking tool to help him reach a bigger fan-base.
“I want [Western] to know that I do music that can appeal to everybody,” Erby said.
Western Junior Hakeem Patten, who has currently been
partnering with Erby, explains why his talent can ulti-
mately allow Erby to get where he needs to be as an artist.
“We did a video together on the [freestyle] rap battle and
I did a video blog that featured him and other artists like
him,” Patten said. “I know a lot of people and of course they
asked about his music. His talent is extraordinary.”
Among more video packages, Patten and Erby plan to team
up with Erby’s rapping and Patten’s clothing line entitled
“Intergalactic Dream,” or IGD for short.
“I would compare him to the rapper Common because of
his versatility,” Patten said. “I am working on getting him
a whole blog spot where he can wear my clothes and we can
work together.”
Western sophomore and graphic design major Jason Chambers, who designed Erby’s cover of his mix CD, explains why
students should give Erby a chance, even if you don’t like rap
music in general.
“He puts thoughts into what he is saying,” Chambers said.
“As he is an artist out of St. Louis, he is doing what everybody else is doing. But his style is different than everybody
else. And on top of his uniqueness, he’s still an [average]
college student.”
In a few weeks, Erby plans to have a mixed CD out for the
public. Look for clips of the CD’s singles at the online edition
of Griffon News.
The Griffon News
Page 6
April 8, 2010
Local Bars
Snakebite Club
Local bar woos customers with delicious poison
Jodi Oliver
News Writer
Andes Candy, Chocolate Cake, Dreamsicles,
Chocolate Covered Cherries, Grape Ape and Red
Delicious all sound like your usual items found
at the candy store back in the good ol’days, yet
for patrons of the Snakebite Club these are their
typical venom of choice.
The Snakebite Club, which is located in the
heart of St. Joseph’s downtown bar district, was
a club started in 1983 by four charismatic boys
entering their teens. Just as boys are, in order
to be a part of the Snakebite Club you must first
endure the club’s initiation; which was really just
a spontaneous rule made up to turn away the new
kid in town who seemed to always be around.
Tom Mangos, the owner of the Snakebite Club,
described that day as any other except for the life
changing punch that the new kid endured.
“After my friend Jon told the new kid if he
wanted to be a member of the Snakebite Club he
would have to be initiated, Jon told him to open
his mouth and fist punched him so hard it made
the corners of his mouth bleed,” Mangos said. “The
new kid, otherwise known as Little Dave, took it
like a champ and ever since we have referred to
ourselves as such.”
According to Mangos, he opened the Snakebite
Club in September 2007 as a tribute to his youth,
as well as a way to bring the club back to life.
“We didn’t want to just open another bar in St.
Joe. We wanted to open a place where you could
enjoy a nice cigar.” Mangos said. “We didn’t spend
money on things that didn’t matter; instead
we wanted to make sure everyone would be
comfortable so we went with high end bar stools
and leather couches.”
According to Mangos, thanks to a recent trip to
Las Vegas the club is getting ready to transform
yet again.
“That’s the thing, there are so few bars in town
that even have uniforms or even a waitress that
will come to your table,” Mangos said.
Although the ‘Bite’ as some may refer to it, is a
great place to unwind, don’t be fooled by its laid
back appearance. The bar originally was only a 50
person capacity establishment but now holds up to
150 people with a full size dance floor.
“We do have a DJ with a dance floor and lights,”
Mango said. “On the third Tuesday of each month
we have been hosting black light parties which
involve halter or bikini tops for the ladies.”
Cody Crawford, bartender and Missouri Western
business management and marketing student, is
hoping to be able to bring students to the club as
well as others by putting his marketing skills to
work for Mangos.
“I’m hoping we can do like Kansas City does and
start a service and industry night which would
also be appealing for students since so many of
them work in those areas,” Crawford said.
Manager Brad Estes contributes the club’s
reputation for safety as another appeal to frequent
visitors. With a heavily guarded door on the busiest
of nights, few people find lack of safety a deterrent.
CHARLENE DIVINO/PHOTOS
Cody Crawford from Snake Bite prepares a
chocolate martini.
The Snakebite Club offers an array of poisons
to initiate anyone into the Snakebite Club from
Appletinis to the classic Dirty Martini with extra
olives; Cosmopolitans to their specialty, Colorado
Bulldog; domestic and import long necks, as well
as their ever flowing beer on tap.
Room 107 embraces a party atmosphere
Eboni Lacey
Lifestyles Editor
elacey@missouriwestern.edu
One of the most college oriented
bars in town is Room 107, which
is located at 107th S. 6th Street. The
bar is a local place for students to
let their hair down while enjoying
inexpensive drink specials, hard
liquors and music blasting through
the air.
Featuring
artists
such
as
Afroman, Kiss Alive, and numerous
local talents such as Dolewite and
the Shots Fired Comedy Show,
107 has been able to provide great
entertainment for a wide range of
college students. Western Senior
and Room 107 bartender Eric
Anderson explains why Room 107
provides a great environment for
people of all ages.
RYAN RICHARDSON/Design Editor “The best part of Room 107 is
Afroman performs at Room 107
that it is a different environment,”
Anderson said.
Room
107
has
steadily
gained
increasing crowds and
a popular fan-base.
The club has four full
bars inside and a setup for bands, DJ’s, and
artists. Western Junior
Pam
Covarrubias,
who frequently goes
to Room 107 explains
her appreciation of the
club providing a fun
experience.
“I’ve been several
times
and
there’s
always a good crowd,”
RYAN RICHARDSON/Design Editor
Covarrubias said. “It’s a
Dolewite performs for a crowd at Room 107
fun place to be.”
Western Junior Cortez
entertaining,” Wallace said. “You
Wallace also finds Room
107 to be a place that must be tried get to see different ethnic groups
join together. I would recommend it
at least once.
“The atmosphere is fun and as a place to go to have a good time.”
Local Bars
The Griffon News
Page 7
April 8, 2010
“Magoon's” claims fame as the oldest bar in town
Ryan Scroggins
News Editor
rscroggins1@missouriwestern.edu
“I like to share my collection
of St. Joseph memorabilia
and nostalgic brewaria from
the past and present,” Barry
In the age of the five dollar sub sandwich, the concept of
Woodhall, owner of Magoon’s
a privately owned deli is all but forgotten. Barry Woodall,
Delicatessen and Bar, said.
owner of Magoon’s Delicatessen, is doing his part to keep a
Woodhall’s collection fills
concept like this and memories of a time past alive.
all the shelves and walls.
Magoon’s has more to offer than great food and good
Bar signs, historic glassware,
memories. Patrons likely look at Magoon’s as more of a bar
decanters, paintings, and
than a deli, but the historic building is the longest continuous
historic pictures are among
deli west of the Mississippi. Magoon’s original recipe chili is
the décor.
still served daily, along with other fresh made deli sandwiches
As for the music, Woodhall
and house made soups, much like it was when Magoon’s opened
likes to bring in lots of local
in 1918. Perhaps the
talent. Wednesday through
biggest change the deli
Saturday nights live bands
has seen is the addition
take the stage. On Tuesday’s
of live music five nights
nights, local musician and
a week.
artist Colby Walter hosts an
“It’s
a
museum,
open mic night. Everyone is
RYAN SCROGGINS/ News Editor
restaurant, bar and the
invited to jam on Tuesdays.
Magoon’s Delicatessen at its current
best venue in town,”
On weekend nights Magoon’s
location in 2011.
Western
alumnus
is a great place to catch a great
Drew Ames said. Ames
blues or jazz band.
referred to Woodhall
Magoon’s atmosphere is created by the people that go there. Artists,
as a curator of his own
musicians, professionals, students, bikers, farmers and the regular joe,
exhibit.
make the customer base of Magoon’s almost as interesting as the décor.
Walking into Magoon’s
“I love Magoon’s mainly for the atmosphere; its super laid back,” senior
is like walking into a
Todd Long said. “No matter how busy it is, no one is pushing past you.”
time warp. The historic
“Only the cool kids go there,” Ames said. “Once you’ve been there
building, located at 632
you’ll understand.”
S. 8th Street still has all
Magoon, the original owner, moved his deli to its current location
of its original fixtures.
in 1930. For many years the delicatessen prospered in downtown St.
From the original red
Joseph until it closed in 1980. Woodhall reopened the deli in 2007,
Magoon’s Delicatessen when it first opened in 1918. keeping as much authentic as he could.
and black checkered
floors, to the shiny red
For more information about Ben Magoon’s Delicatessen or
booths, the feel of the bar is very unique. Sitting at the 1930’s bar, the vast entertainment schedules visit www.benmagoons.com.
collection of memorabilia around can really bring you back to another time.
: Where par is never good enough
Clint Willman
Lifestyles Writer
The Tap Room is an upscale sports bar that
has twelve flat screens continuously playing NFL
Tickets, NCAA full court, and MLB extra innings
The Tap Room also has a banquet facility and live
music every Sunday night. Tap Room owners, who
are all MWSU Gold Coat Members, Bob Bledsoe,
Mathew Thrasher, and Derek Wilson, opened the
Tap Room in December of 2008.
The Tap Room started as a Mom and Pop
restaurant and expanded into a classy spot to
relax.
“We’re growing every month and the Tap Room
is here to stay,” Bledsoe said. “The Tap Room
is something that St. Joe needed on the Belt
Highway.”
This unique bar is a relaxing and smoke free
environment. For those that do smoke, there is a
nice deck that overlooks the Belt Highway.
The bar also has wireless Internet so you can
get some homework done while you relax. Among
being Gold Coat Members, the owners also provide
sporting event schedules at the door.
“The athletic teams come here to relax and have
a good time,” Bledsoe said.
General Manager and Head Chef, Brandon
Guardado, graduated from Johnson County
Community College in 2004 with a degree in
culinary arts. He started at the Tap Room in the
beginning.
“My goal was to put a modern twist on old
fashioned bar food,” Guardado said. The menu
contains twelve different hamburgers from twelve
different countries and forty different flavors of
wings. There is also a different menu for every
season. “Most people come here to eat and end up
staying all night,” Bledsoe said.
Supervisor and bartender, Brook Stufflebean
started working at the Tap Room because she
heard it was going to be a sports bar with a Kansas
City vibe. “I love our clients and employees,”
Stufflebean said.
The Tap Room is MWSU Alumni Lacrissa
Downey’s home away from home.
“I don’t even feel like I’m working here,” Downey
said. I’m just helping people have a good time and
relax.
”Par is good enough for most people but we don’t
want to be that here,” Bledsoe said. “We want
to go above par and make sure you have a great
experience here.”
The Tap Room is open Monday through Friday
11:00 am to 1:00 p.m. and Sunday until 12:00 a.m.
The kitchen closes at 11:00 on weekends and 10:00
on weekdays.
everyone was funny and everyone was pretty
everyone was coming towards the center of the city