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NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT
INSIDE A&E: Tegan and Sara p. 24 Life: Quidditch World Cup p. 15 Sports: Women’s tennis p. 18
VOICE SINCE 1914 • VOL 100 • ISSUE 13 • APRIL 18, 2013 - APRIL 24, 2013
ATHLETICS OVERHAUL
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Zanden Hogrelius and Hannah Palazzi rehearse for Pride and Prejudice on April 15 in the Clifford E. White Theatre. (Photo By Amanda Ray) See page 26 for the full story
BY ABIGAIL O’BRIEN AND CODY BASHORE
AU Athletics is facing more changes than just team records — an interior transformation is taking place within the department. On March 27, three assistant athletic directors were informed their contracts would not be renewed, totalling seven employee departures from the athletics department in the past four months. Steve Shaff, assistant athletic director for media relations will not return for his 14th season at the university. Shaff was responsible for the day-to-day media operations of the football, men’s basketball and women’s golf teams. Additionally, Shaff oversaw a staff that ran the publicity effort for the athletics department and served as media liaisons. George Fox worked as assistant athletic director for equipment operations for three years, but had been involved with NAU athletics for 12 years. Mike Giedlin moved to Flagstaff two years ago from Norfolk, Va. to serve as assistant athletic director for fiscal operations. Walkup Skydome Events Coordinator Richard Grijalva was terminated after being arrested in December. He plead “no contest” to sexual assualt on April 9. Dave Brown, director of the Walkup Skydome and former liaison of Arizona Cardinals, retired soon after. Also recently departed are former Director of Annual Giving Andrew Kempe and Director of Development Jason Roundy.
see ATHLETICS page 6
MMA grassroots origin
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BY EDUARDO GARCIA
nce considered an unofficial fight club, NAU’s newly official mixed martial arts (MMA) club stresses camaraderie and a friendly atmosphere despite focusing on a sport generally characterized by testosterone and aggression. “Some guy who gets kicked in the head is not very happy about it, but they keep coming back and it’s water under the bridge because they are professional about it. Otherwise, we couldn’t do this,” said Mark McCrorie, the club’s co-founder. Focusing on the educational side of the sport, the club teaches different techniques while competing against each other. The balance of remaining friendly while combating one another is a delicate one.
The Fight Club moniker comes courtesy of Jimmy Dana, a junior criminal justice and parks and recreation major, who started the club following a chance encounter a few years back after transferring from California State University-Fullerton (CSUF). After running into a pair of students who were practicing MMA, Dana asked if he could join them. “Not trying to toot my own horn, but it took me 30 to 40 seconds to choke the guy out,” Dana said. “He laughed it off and said, ‘Lets go again’; caught him in an arm bar. ‘Let’s go again’; caught him in a guillotine. ‘Let’s go again’; caught him in a heel hook.” Following the quick competition against each other, Dana agreed to teach his opponent some of his see MMA page 19
Greg Harrison, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, practices defensive techniques with Jason Hilderbrand, a junior finance major, during MMA practice in the Fieldhouse. (Photo By Sean Ryan)
Go to Jackcentral.com for daily updates, multimedia packages, extra content and stories before the issue hits the stands.
PoliceBeat April 13 At 3:21 a.m., a student called the Northern Arizona University Police Department (NAUPD) to report an acquaintance of her roommate had entered their room and stolen her money. Responding officers were able to locate the suspect, whom they arrested. The suspect was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility (CCDF) on charges of burglary, theft and criminal trespass. At 3:21 p.m., staff of the Health and Learning Center (HLC) called to report two individuals had collided head to head and they were bleeding. Officers responded along with the Flagstaff Fire Department (FFD) and Guardian Medical Transport (GMT). The injured individuals were transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) for treatment. At 3:45 p.m., staff of Reilly Hall called to report a rape had occurred earlier that day at the Skydome. Officers were dispatched to investigate. The case remains open pending further investigation. At 3:52 p.m., staff at Reilly Hall notified NAUPD about a subject who matched the description of an armed robbery suspect who had tried to enter the dorm. The robbery had occurred the previous day at approximately 3:22 p.m., in The Suites. A resident of The Suites called to report
CommunitySpot BY GARY COLLINS
that a stranger had entered his room with a gun. The suspect demanded from the resident and his girlfriend their money and phones. The suspect then fled in an unknown direction. The suspect is still on the loose. The suspect is described as a white male, six feet tall, “skinny,” with dark hair, a light moustache and “crooked teeth.” He was last seen wearing baggy blue jeans, a baseball cap and a lime-green t-shirt. The illustration on the front of the shirt is that possibly of a sheep. There is also writing of an unknown type on the shirt. Surrounding agencies have been notified and have been given a description of the suspect. Students are advised to exercise caution. If anyone has information on the suspect NAUPD asks that you contact Detective Sergeant Missy Freshour at 523-3611 or Silent Witness at 774-6111. April 12 From 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m., NAUPD fielded 13 calls resulting from incidents related to the Wiz Khalifa concert at the Walkup Skydome. Four of the incidents required medical assistance for concert-goers who had either passed out due to intoxication or who had become sick, though none reported critical injuries. Four other alcoholrelated incidents resulted in the expulsion of students being escorted from the Skydome and or being cited and released for alco-
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hol violations. There were two incidents of disorderly conduct and one that was described as unruly behavior. All three subjects were ejected from the concert. There was one drugrelated incident, and one account of three female concert goers reporting an incident of sexual abuse. This last case remains open pending further investigation. April 10 At 10:55 a.m., an NAUPD officer reported he was investigating a case of forgery involving a defendant who was involved in an earlier incident of assault occurring on April 8. The new charges were brought against the subject were forgery, false reporting to a law enforcement officer and driving on a suspended license. The subject remains in custody at CCDF. April 9 At 3:32 p.m., staff at SAC Family Housing reported to NAUPD a subject had entered the laundry room carrying a knife. They advised NAUPD they had taken the knife from the subject and would handle the matter internally. At 11:43 p.m., an assault occurred at McConnell Hall. Initially, it was reported a subject had attacked a resident of the hall with a knife. It was later determined the weapon was a spoon.
Events Calendar Calendar Events KISS Alive: KISS Tribute Band [7:30 p.m./Orpheum Theater]
THURSDAY, APRIL 18 “Pax Americana and Prospects for World Peace” Lecture [7 p.m./Cline Library]
Zion I [9 p.m./The Green Room]
Annual Absolute Party Burlesque Show [8:30 p.m./The Green Room]
SUNDAY, APRIL 21
FRIDAY, APRIL 19 Relay for Life [6 p.m./Skydome] Pride and Prejudice [8 p.m./Clifford E. White Theatre] 8 Minutes to Burn [[9 p.m./Green Room]
Earth Week Community Clean Up [9 a.m./Wheeler Park]
College of Arts & Letters Film Series Screening Rita Sings the Blues [5:30 p.m./HLC] NAU Jazz Final Spring Concert [7:30 p.m./Ardrey]
Pi Beta Phi 5K Run for Reading [9:30 a.m./University Union]
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24
Spirit Family Reunion [8 p.m./The Green Room]
Reorientation of the Universe [12 p.m./Native American Cultural Center]
MONDAY, APRIL 22
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
TUESDAY, APRIL 23
Chasing ICE [6 p.m./The Green Room]
NAU Symphonic Band Concert [7:30 p.m./Ardrey Auditorium]
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InTheNews From ATHLETICS page 1
The moves come on the heels of Lisa Campos, vice president of intercollegiate athletics at NAU. Campos was given her title by President Haeger in March 2012, coming from El Paso, Texas, where she served as senior associate athletic director at the University of Texas-El Paso. Haeger designed her position to help remodel the athletic department and enhance the communication with the university board. “I made a really important choice there. If you followed the Rutgers story or Penn State story . . . how do those things happen? The way those things happen is because athletics becomes a silo onto itself and nobody knows what is going on over there,” Haeger said. “So I decided to create a vice president of intercollegiate athletics who will sit with leadership of the institution and communicate, so that never happens.” Haeger has shown his support for the growth of athletics at NAU. The 2012 and 2013 Fiscal Year budgets showed an increase in salaries within the athletic department. Sources say the department will see an even larger increase for FY2014. “We also wanted to up the profile of NAU Athletics . . .We wanted to do that for a couple reasons. Like it or not, this culture is all about athletics and we were pretty mediocre in some cases,” Haeger said. “I told Lisa . . . make it better. What she is doing from those looking in from the outside, she’s building her team. She’s bringing in people she believes will take us to the next level.” Campos’ changes in the department came long before March; after she was hired, she began to move a series of people in the department. Jack Murphy was hired as the head men’s basketball coach in April 2012 and Sue Darling was hired as the head women’s basketball coach in June 2012. “For the last 11 months, of course I have been evaluating our entire athletic department and I have been charged to elevate this program, so obviously with evaluation comes change,” Campos said.
The building of Campos’ team was a change the department expected, but the loss of long-term NAU employees was a shock for some. Fox, one of the three assistant athletic directors who was let go on March 27, has lived in Flagstaff for the past 12 years. Both he and his wife were university employees, and his daughter graduated from NAU in 2005. “It’s a thing where you are working at your desk one minute and 15 minutes later you are being escorted out of the building. That’s just weird,” Fox said. In regards to being escorted out of his office in the Walkup Skydome, Fox said, “I think that’s university standard protocol. I would have thought or hoped that they would recognize 12 years of service and spare me that humiliation, but they didn’t . . . so it’s all good.” Giedlin, who had been at NAU for a little more than two years, has sent out his resume to other universities in hopes of finding a new job. “I just sent my resume out to other universities and jobs that interest me. If it happens that I have to move away from Flagstaff ,then that’s what we will do, I have to make sure my family is all on board,” Giedlin said. “I think it’s a part of the industry I work in… sometimes a new leader comes in who will make lots of changes and often work things a little differently.” Though Campos made the authoritative decision to release the three assistant directors, she was reportedly not the one to break the news to them. When asked if Campos was the one to call them in that morning, Fox said, “No she did not. I was informed by Beth Vechinski.” Vechinski is the associate athletic director of internal operations. Emails sent to school accounts of Fox and Giedlin are answered by an automated response informing the sender to contact Vechinski. Campos said she could not comment on any specific circumstances of employees or former employees. “There’s really no comments, obviously those are all personnel situations, and we are just trying to elevate the program,” Campos
said.
Haeger was also unable to make any specific comment on the issue, but said, “The supervisor of staff has in no way any obligation to renew contracts, so those people were just not renewed,” Haeger said. The three assistant athletic directors were all on record saying they wished the department the best of luck. In 2011, Shaff was awarded the President’s Achievement Award, the university’s highest recognition for NAU employees. He expressed his hopes for the department’s future. “The current administration has decided to go in a different direction and that’s their right to do that. I wish them the best of luck in the future and am sorry that I am not part of it,” Shaff said. While declining to comment on the personnel matters of the athletic department, Mitch Strohman, NAU play-by-play announcer of 13 years overall, said he believes Campos has a vision of excellence for the department. “Clearly she has a goal for this athletic department that includes outstanding performances from both within the department at the employee and staff level to the student athlete level,” Strohman said. “She has a vision of an athletic department that will be competitive at the top of the Big Sky Conference and in order to do that she envisions the type of athletic infrastructure to support and foster that.” There are 10 vice presidents under Haeger, including Campos. Major decisions are taken under the president’s advisement. “Oh yeah, there’s a rule among the V.P.s — don’t surprise the president,” Haeger said. Campos is currently in the process of hiring new employees to join the NAU community. “We are in the process of hiring a lot of different positions, some are new and some are filling vacancies that we have had. So, a lot of those are in our external operations. We have our development folks we just hired that replaced two of our development folks from vacancies from last semester,” Campos said. “We are hiring some external folks to bring more publicity and exposure to NAU.”
Earth Week raises awareness for sustainability
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BY MOLLIE MUCHNA
ost have heard the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This is true at NAU, where not only trading, but playing with trash is encouraged. From environmental activists to sport fanatics, NAU students commemorate Earth Day by participating in an array of different events — including using recycled trash for fashion, fun and rebuilding the city of Flagstaff. Beginning on April 16, the celebration of Earth Day at NAU runs for almost two weeks. NAU’s third annual Earth Week, funded by the Green Fund and organized by the Green Jacks, is centered on the theme of “What’s your energy? Choose your impact!” According to Elizabeth Wiggen, graduate student in the sustainable communities program and graduate assistant for the Environmental Caucus, this idea was formed from wanting to create larger student awareness about sustainability. “With this theme, we want to engage students and want them to know what they’re doing in their daily lives towards sustainability and the impact that makes,” Wiggen said. The first kickoff event on April 16 was an eco-fashion show at
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Prochnow Auditorium, where student designers showcased their creativity while being reviewed by a panel of judges, which included celebrity designer Whitney Port. Both leading up to and continuing after the holiday of international Earth Day on April 22, a variety of daily events are occurring on the NAU campus and in the larger Flagstaff community. “The event I’m most excited about is the reverse critical mass bike ride, which will start at newly opened Bike Hub at the [Health and Learning Center],” Wiggen said. “We wanted this event to let people know the Bike Hub is open, get a tour and then have a fun bike ride together around campus.” The week of celebration for Earth Day is a collaboration of many different organizations ranging from Residence Life, Recreation Services and ASNAU. “We wanted to broaden this event to engage students who don’t normally participate. That’s why we chose the theme we did and chose a large variety of events as to not just speak to the normal environmental group. There is a point where speaking to the choir gets a little old so you want to get beyond that,” Wiggen said. “This broad partnership will show and engage students in showing them sustainability is more than just being green.”
For the Office of Sustainability and the Green Fund, this event is more about awareness than creating events to solve environmental issues. Alex Gaynor, a junior environmental science major and committee member of the Green Fund, said, “This event does not address concrete carbon emission issues at all in that the events aren’t actively reducing our levels of carbon. This is more about spreading awareness, which it does a really good job at.” According to Gaynor, students’ involvement is expected to be high this year. Kyle Keller, a senior English major, is planning on participating with Earth Week for the first time. “I think it’s vital for NAU to participate in an event like Earth Day,” Keller said. “The events this year seems interesting and I think they should be cool.” The final event of Earth Week will be on April 27, in Heritage Square, where students and the Flagstaff community will gather to learn about trash reduction while there is live music and a community swap. For a full list of Earth Week events, students can go to nau. edu/earthweek.
InTheNews
Walgreens grand opening, debate over liquor license BY MITCH KULLOS
T
he corner lot of Fourth Street and Route 66 had long been empty until Walgreens moved in. Previously, Walgreens was just up the street off of Cedar Avenue and moved to seek a more accessable location near the famed highway. With the upcoming grand opening of the new Walgreens, it is crucial to consider the impact of this international retailer on the community. A city council hearing on April 2 brought some issues to light regarding the type of sales that would be allowed under the store’s renewed liquor license. City council member Coral Evans took up the issue regarding sales of forties, shooters and tall cans of alcohol being prevalent in the community. “You’re hearing from some people already that they’re concerned about the problem being magnified and I’m just wondering if you’ve heard that and if Walgreens will take the time to respond to these types of concerns,” Evans said, speaking to a Walgreens representative at the hearing. This has stirred a bit of controversy around the store concerning the availability of liquor at the location. The communities of East Flagstaff have had issues with intoxicated individuals on the streets in the past. However, Walgreens had already previously designed a solution regarding common high alcohol intoxicants. After the license had already been approved, a later interview with Walgreens representatives offered insight into how the policy would work with the community. “I know it’s a new store and a new location, but we have been a member of this community for 20 years now.
We’ve always gone out of our way to be a member of this community and be a good neighbor. We are meeting with one of the coalitions and our beat sergeant within the next couple of weeks to talk to them about Fourth Street specifically and how we can help the community clean up,” said Mandy Brokaw, store manager of the Route 66 location. Walgreens has been active in hearing the requests of the community and acting in a responsible manner especially regarding alcohol sales. The change from their former location on Cedar to the new Route 66 location has also brought new policies and plans regarding what will be stocked and where alcohol will be kept. “A lot of changes are what we carry. Obviously, we haven’t carried forties over there [at the Cedar location] for quite some time and they won’t be carried here. We will carry shooters and pints but only behind the front register so you have to physically have a cashier hand you that product and sell you that product. That’s one of the things we’re going to be partnering with the police department, which is reinforcing with our cashiers and with everybody here, how do we sell. It is our policy and has always been our policy not to sell to anyone who appears intoxicated,” Brokaw said. Brokaw’s statements regarding continuing earlier polices of the Cedar store in continuing to not sell forties, eliminating individual tall cans and moving much smaller liquor containers behind the counter all have contributed to the overall message Walgreens wants to send to the community. The sale of liquor appears to be taken quite seriously by the entire staff of the Route 66 Walgreens. Noel Luna, six-year employee and assistant manager at Walgreens, explained the importance of moving shooters
behind the front register. “We had a little theft with the shooters at the last store,” Luna said. She believes the change will be effective. “I would say it’s either 100 percent or 99.9 percent effective in stopping theft,” Luna said. Forcing people to ask the cashier for shooters and pints creates a medium between the pocket-size alcohol and possible intoxicated or underage individuals who would have opportunity otherwise steal the shooters if they were placed elsewhere. While by law, Walgreens was not required to store these shooters behind registers or avoid selling malt beverage forties, they have acted in favor of the community as a whole. With the liquor license secured, Walgreen can now look forward to its grand opening on April 19. While the store has been open since April 5, the Grand Opening will provide a festive kickoff to the new location. Store manager Brokaw was enthusiastic in discussing the events. “We’re going to have all sorts of cool stuff going on. Pepsi is going to be here giving away and promoting Pepsi Next products. They’re going to bring in a big blow-up Mountain Dew. We’re going to set up inside the cosmetics department face painting for the kids. We’re going to have popcorn, cotton candy and things like that. It’s going to be fun,” Brokaw said. With the liquor issues behind them and appropriate policy in place to help the community guard against alcohol abuse, the new Walgreens location seemed to have a solid foundation in the Eastside community.
Grove set to expand with student increase
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BY JOE MCKAY
s NAU enrollment is set to increase again next semester, The Grove has plans to build an expansion of new townhomes. The properties will be directly west of the existing apartments, which are located in the Aspen Place at The Sawmill development at the corner of Butler Avenue and Lone Tree Road. “It's a business strategy — more property means more residents,” said Cole Broermann, Grove employee and health science major. Though The Grove is not limited to housing students, it is targeted toward students for the expansion of what they are calling “Phase Two.” “Most of our residents are students . . . it's the easiest transition from dorm living to apartment living,” Broermann said. “The new property will be targeted only to students of the university,” said Adam Jove, project manager.
“Our property was 100 percent filled this year and we have a waiting list for next year as well,” Broermann said. “It is a high-demand property, so that is also why we're expanding.” According to Grove employees, there are only 40 spots available. “The first phase was extremely successful, so we just wanted to come back and complete Phase Two,” Jove said. Not all residents are pleased about the expansion. “The Grove let people know about the expansion only after leases were renewed, so now a lot of people will have to deal with unexpected construction all summer,” said resident Laura Brittan. The new townhomes will feature two, three and four bedroom options. The four-bedroom complexes come with a garage. The three-bedroom rooms are fully booked and it is expected that they will reach 100 percent capacity by the move-in date of Aug. 24.
NEWS:
Man robs resident of The Suites Flagstaff residents at Boston Marathon
A&E:
Wiz Khalifa review We Were There performance at The Hive
SPORTS: Men’s tennis Men’s lacrosse
Check jackcentral.com for continued updates April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 7
Editorial&Opinion
Changes in NAU Athletics necessary, rash
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STAFF EDITORIAL
thletics at any university are vital to school spirit and a source of the schools’ revenue. Likewise, they can increase recognition and credibility. Yet, athletics at NAU have long been more unrecognized than most students would like, and the alumni network is virtually non-existent, because there aren’t well renowned teams to cheer for in nostalgic unison. NAU is currently trying to improve the image of the school’s athletics, a campaign that has been spearheaded by Lisa Campos, the year-old veteran of the recently established position of vice president for intercollegiate athletics. However, Campos’ method of firing three individuals in the Athletic Department has been criticized— mainly because she portrayed less maturity than someone around the age of 8 years old. Since she took the position on March 30, 2012, she has made some drastic changes to NAU’s athletic department. Among these changes was the decision to not renew the contracts of three officials within the department on March 27: assistant athletic director for equipment operations George Fox, assistant athletic director for media relations Steve Shaff and assistant athletic director for fiscal operations Michael Giedlin. Campos was the mastermind behind these decisions. Although she orchestrated the decision, she had Beth Vechinski, the associate athletic director of internal operations, inform them. A pretty tacky move, to say the least. No one likes removing employees, but when you made the decision, you need to put on a pair of big kid panties, and own up. If Campos can’t demonstrate conviction in her actions, why should NAU students have faith in her to move our athletics department foward? Though the role of Campos in the new system grants her the authority to make these decisions (as long as they pass through her superiors, it is also a shame to see these gentlemen go so unexpectedly. What’s even worse is Fox and Shaff had been loyally serving the department in various positions for over 10 years, and Giedlin had just moved his family from Norfolk, Va. two years ago when he got his job at NAU. President Haeger, when asked about the recent changes, stated he couldn’t comment on the employees that were released. He was, however, able to shed some light on the choices made by Campos, saying, “What she is doing from those looking in from the outside is, she’s building her team. She’s bringing in people she believes will take us to the next level.” Haeger told the newly appointed vice president of intercollegiate athletics he wanted her to “make [NAU athletics] better.” It’s right their goal is to benefit the school’s athletic program, which can potentially have a strong correlation to revenue and alumni support. Athletics play a huge role in school spirit, for current and former students. By bettering the department, Haeger hopes to better the school’s image and yearly income. These are respectable motives, and popularly supported by students. It’s still difficult, however, not to at least feel a little empathetic bitterness when thinking how NAU cast off the two veterans and the new recruit without warning or professionalism. They want our school to have the fervor seen during March Madness, or during the bowl games. Though these dreams are far-fetched, it’s better to shoot for the stars and miss, as the sports saying goes. Editor’s note: Opinion Editor Tom Blanton wrote this article on behalf of the staff.
Political Cartoon by Brian Regan
Media consolidation threatens free thought
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he American media system, once hailed as the ultimate check on the powerful, has become little more than another system of corporate control. You can switch to any channel on television and hear people talking about overt government tyranny, the bulletbuying spree of the Department of Homeland Security or the slowbut-steady transformation of the country into a drone-fueled surveillance state. The best MILES kind of tyranny, howSCHNEIDERMAN ever, is still the subtle kind, the kind that makes prisoners love the bars in their cells and convinces us to cheer for our own subjugation. This is the domain of the corporate media, and it’s made possible by the phenomenon of media consolidation: the transfer of the media industry into the hands of an evershrinking few. Of all the media moguls, the most notorious is News Corporation CEO Rupert Murdoch. The man behind the nation’s most infamous outlet of lies and paranoia — Fox News. Murdoch is also the most blatant offender when comes to violating the cross-ownership rules of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These rules state one cannot own two television stations and a newspaper in the same market, and that makes Rupert Murdoch a sad panda. He wants to buy the Tribune Company,
which includes The Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, but he already owns two Los Angeles television affiliates. Unwilling to accept he can’t control as many American minds as he chooses, Murdoch wants the FCC to change the rules. “There can be little debate today that the newspaper industry faces existential threats,” News Corp recently wrote to the FCC. “We urge the FCC to eliminate the cross-ownership rule as a relic from a bygone era.” In other words, why can’t you just let us tell more people what to think? All the cool kids are doing it! Never mind News Corp is already the second-largest media conglomerate in the world; Murdoch wants more, and he wants the government to give it to him. While it doesn’t look like the FCC is willing to re-write the rulebook right now, it is possible Murdoch could get a waiver from those rules and buy Tribune anyway. After all, Murdoch received such a waiver from the FCC in 1993 to reacquire the New York Post, despite also owning TV stations in that market. This would all be outrageous enough if Murdoch didn’t have a horrible record when it comes to newspapers. His now-defunct British tabloid, News of the World, collected lawsuits like baseball cards and was embroiled in a phonehacking scandal in 2006. In 1992, another of his British papers, The Sun, brazenly claimed credit for winning the general
election for John Major and the Conservative Party. Such is the power of a man like Murdoch, who influences national discussions and political agendas by purchasing our sources of information. Craig Aaron, CEO of the media advocacy group Free Press, can’t believe anyone is even considering giving Murdoch another newspaper. “The idea that the FCC would clear the way for somebody like Rupert Murdoch, somebody being investigated for bribing foreign officials . . . for all kinds of malfeasance . . . to take over one of the biggest newspapers in the country is really an outrage.” Or, in the sardonic words of comedian Jon Stewart, “We’re going to have to decline your waiver, unfortunately. You see, the law against media consolidation was really written with people like you in mind—well, actually, you, in particular, because of how you like to do the exact thing the law was created to prevent.” Murdoch’s News Corp is one of six companies that control 90 percent of the American media. Almost everything you see on television, hear on the radio or read in the newspaper comes from one of these bloated corporations who want us entertained, not informed. Media consolidation is a tool for promoting the illusion that the established order is normal and natural. If we’re going to change anything in this country, we have to start by taking the media back from those who want to use it to control us.
April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 9
Editorial&Opinion AZ Senate dishes out cash and calls it progress
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o we really need more money in politics? Apparently the Arizona Legislature thought so when on April 9 they passed a bill that raised the campaign contribution limit for state-level elections by tenfold. Now those seeking to influence elections with their wealth, namely corporations, could have their ability to do so further codified into the law. If Gov. Brewer signs the bill, donors, including businesses and PACs, would be able to give $5,000 to any judge, legislator or gubernatorial candidate, up from $488. Our conservative politicians call this an answer to the 2010 Citizens United ruling that so wisely set the precedent for unlimited corporate spending for campaigns. This is the GOP’s supposed retort to the lavish expenditures that have plagued our democratic process with enormous funds from anonymous interest groups. That is a farce. You do not smother a fire with gasoJAMES line. Opening another channel through which corporate GINGERICH influence can sprout, while permitting the public to operate through that same furrow, is not vindication. It is not even a concession. Generous political expenditures by businesses represent a threat to a fair electoral process that the status quo does not. Treating companies and people as one in the same is precisely the problem that should concern any politically conscious citizen. The discrepancy between this bill’s message and its literal consequences is not the result of naiveté but rather dishonesty and impudence. If the status quo knew this bill would further deplete what efficacy the electorate has left there would be considerable opposition. Unfortunately, this issue goes underreported and the bill will likely pass. The bill is underhanded in every sense of the word. Touted as giving power back to the people, in truth does nothing to even begin putting the status quo on an even playing field with the most powerful private institutions in the world. The bill expressly raises the limit political action committees (PACs) can give to individual candidates while eliminating entirely the aggregate sum they can spend. Under this reformed system, PACs could contribute $5,000 in the primary campaign to any number of candidates and another five grand to however many candidates in the general election. The fact that proponents of the legislation refuse to admit this bill was solely fashioned for the benefit of big business is simultaneously astounding and insulting. It was written for those most concerned with finding new methods of using the financial resources at their disposal and they are the only supporters of it. Sam Wercinski, director of the Arizona Advocacy Network, said, “You don’t see any citizens’ groups supporting this bill. It’s just groups with big money.” There lies the blatant point of contention. Widening an arena where citizens must compete against corporations in a game to see who can rake in more funds will always be a losing game for the people. Outside groups spent $3 million on Arizona elections in 2010 and only two years later they spent $7.6 million. Whether the over 200 percent increase in campaign spending was caused by the federal decision to allow unbridled campaign spending is clearly a question left only to theologians. However, one has to note the remarkable similarities between the Citizens United ruling and the current bill going to Brewer: they are exactly the same. In this age of neoliberalism, it appears businesses are granted a quasisuper citizenship. They possess all the rights of the individual (plus some) while retaining more power than a good majority of the populace, and apparently the only way to stop them is to give them more influence. If there is too much money in politics, if our elections are compromised by colossal capital, if our people have lost their voice, find a real solution. Do not make the problems worse and, for the love of God, stop trying to pass your crap off as gold.
10 The Lumberjack | Jackcentral.com
Political Cartoon by Brian Regan
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Responders to Boston bombings show the good in humanity
f there’s one thing you should take away from the bombings in Boston on April 15, it should not be humanity is scum. It’s all too easy to say the world has gone to hell when you hear about the bombings that claimed lives and limbs on the final stretch of the Boston Marathon — but that’s not how we should move forward from this horrible tragedy. It does nothing to serve the memory of the victims to hate or lose faith in humanity at times like these. You don’t have to watch more CLARK than one angle of the explosions to MINDOCK see the silver lining in this despair. Runners, police and spectators immediately responded to the blasts — and a lot of them weren’t running away. These people rushed into the blaze to help those in need. In the hours after the blasts broke headlines across the country, we saw speculation that borderlines racism and bigotry. A Saudi Arabian national was questioned, according to the media, but no one was sure what had happened still, or who it was. Twitter wasn’t exactly shy on determining whose fault it was. It’s understandable to jump to the conclusion a terrorist had carried out these attacks — but it’s unacceptable to take this speculation and generalize about an ethnicity or culture because of the acts of a few against the many. NAU is ethnically diverse, and there are plenty of Saudi Arabian nationals in classrooms across the campus. They are just as much your classmates,
your friends or your neighbors as any one of the NAU runners who could have been, and may one day compete in future marathons in Boston. If it turns out a deranged individual who was born on the same peninsula as our Saudi Arabian classmates was responsible for the blasts in Boston, don’t let that information consume you. At any rate, as of publication, authorities have yet to determine who was responsible for the murder and injury of marathon runners and spectators in Boston. With all the speculation about whether it was a terrorist attack — homegrown or otherwise — we miss an important piece of the picture. With every tragedy like this is the opportunity to recognize the very best in people: the bravery and humanity people show when they put themselves in danger to help those who are injured and in need. No amount of goodwill can bring back to life the victims from Boston, but anger and hate is not how we should cope with this tragedy. Regardless of your personal politics or your nationality, remember that for every one person willing to take the life of an innocent stranger, there are millions more who would not do so, who would stop another from doing so if they could and who will help to the best of their ability when these things do happen. The president said on April 15 he spoke with members of Congress and they agreed, on days like these, “There are no Republicans or Democrats; we are Americans.” He almost got it right. On days like these, we’re all people. We all need to remember in the darkest of hours it is our ability to remember this shared quality that speaks loudest and shines brightest.
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April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 11
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Flagstaff Pride at NAU BY MIRANDA SCOTT
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part of the queer community, they contribute to the movement and the spirit of pride in everyone’s differences. “The end goal of the movement is feeling welcomed in your environment and no longer being assimilated or devalued,” said Cheree Ruiz, a senior sociology major. “It’s self-love.” One of the most popular booths at NAU Pride was the face painting. Many of the event goers went the rest of the night touting rainbows on their faces, arms and legs, showing themselves to be wholly aware of what the night was about. It was obvious the surrounding community wanted to help support the cause and make the event as fun as possible. “It’s inspiring to see all the different booths,” Schertenlieb said. “The free testing is great and getting yourself tested is important. I got tested. I’m also excited for the glow-in-the-dark dance; we’re all going to that.” Pride means something different to everyone, which makes it an event on campus that can affect many people in various ways. “Pride means, to me, self-respect and acknowledging other people’s existence and what they believe in, how they see themselves and how you see them, even though they are seen as different,” said Abraham Gaiby, a freshman mechanical engineer major. “That’s my own personal definition of pride.” More information about future events like Flagstaff Pride is available on the Flagstaff Pride website, http://flagstaffpride.org, and on the NAU Pride Facebook page. For anyone searching for LGBTQA resources on campus, visit the NAU LGBTQA Facebook page or their webpage at http:// nau.edu/LGBTQA/Resources/.
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he rainbows let the crowds know. They decorate the surfaces of the folding walls and signs telling people to give up their chairs for disabled or elderly people — such a strange and yet predictable sight of common courtesy absent from so many events. The first band is loud and the second sounds a bit like Vampire Weekend. They all encourage the same thing: to love everyone, no matter their differences. Among the crowd are muttered jokes about free condoms and the promise of a rave dance later in the night. It is Flagstaff Pride in the du Bois Center on the NAU campus. Phoenix Pride occurred a few weekends ago, so many pondered the idea of organizing a pride for NAU. Pride has been a long and celebrated event in the queer community as a time to embrace and rejoice in the differences often mocked during the rest of the year. Hosted by the Flagstaff Pride Association and other various LGBTQA groups around the area, this was an NAU event unlike many others. “I was really excited because I’ve never been to Pride before and I really wanted to go. I guess we’re kind of the first university in the U.S. to do this,” said Marissa Leeder, a freshman English major. “I think it’s nice not to have a big rally or protest; it’s just like people coming together and celebrating and listening to rad music.” Many groups on campus set up booths at the event and tried to raise awareness for their causes. Groups like F.I.E.R.C.E were selling pins adorned with feminist logos and LGBTQA resources on campus were giving away free condoms, posters and flyers about safety in the queer community. Hannah Schertenlieb, a junior international hospitality major, is involved with the queer sorority Gamma Rho Lambda on campus that was selling ally t-shirts as their fundraiser. These t-shirts, which read “Lesbihonest: Allies are Awesome,” contributed to the inclusive spirit of the event. Although allies — who are heterosexual people who support equal civil rights, gender equality and LGBTQA social movements — are not technically
Sophomore business and law major, Tori Grimes signs the community banner with a friend at the NAU Pride event in the du Bois Center on April 14. (Photo by Napua Kalani)
Lagom BY CARIN BENNGSTON
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suppose this week’s heading makes little sense to you, but that is expected because it is Swedish. “Lagom” is a seemingly harmless word, but in fact, it can be harmful and inhibiting because it tends to permeate a Swede’s life. There is no actual translation of that word into English. It is often related to the law of Jante, or better known in English as the Tall Poppy Syndrome. Basically, “lagom” means you are not allowed to stand out in the crowd and believe that you are better than anyone else. Lagom kind of means something like “moderate” or “in-between.” After being in America for almost three months now, I have found this rule to clearly differentiate Swedes from Americans. For instance, all Swedes know how great our country is and how many benefits we have as citizens. But, how do we answer when someone asks about it? “I guess it is a fine country.” What does an American say about America? “We are the greatest!” I can spot the American flag on every corner while the Swedish flag is often stored under a kitchen bench. Occasionally, it can be seen on flagpoles to celebrate a birthday, to honor someone who passed away or during our Independence Day, but to flap around with the flag for no reason is considered racist. Oh, and to add to that, many Swedes do not even know the reason for our Independence Day and can only recite the first four sentences of our national anthem. Americans are proud of their nationality and are not afraid to show it off, while Swedes are proud but it is considered bad to brag. The only exception is during the World Cup when all of a sudden everyone acts patriotic, which is kind of weird to me because our male soccer team is probably the most embarrassing aspect of our country. Let us now consider the way we present ourselves — our personal competenc-
es and success. Sadly, a bit of pessimism penetrates the mind of Swedes and we are raised with the belief that “we cannot do it.” We aren’t literally told to our face that we are unable to succeed, but the mentality is drilled into us during our childhood. Have you ever, for instance, considered why there are so many successful companies in America and not in Scandinavia, except Ikea and Volvo? From what I have experienced so far, Americans seem way more open-minded and motivated to start their own businesses; they have the mentality to create something new — to be independent and innovative. Of course, we can be adventurous and innovative in Sweden as well, but we are not raised nor taught to be independent or even strive for that kind of success. Unfortunately, this behavior also affects Swedish policies. There are two main political parties: the blue liberal and the red social democrats. I imagine there used to be an obvious difference between the two and one was either blue or red, but nowadays both sides have moved towards the middle — closer to “lagom,” which makes voting even more difficult than usual. It would be nice if the left-wing was as radical as it is supposed to be. If you ever decide what to vote, most people won’t want to tell anyone else because God forbid you have an opinion. While Obama shouts out, “Yes we can!” Sweden politicians might say something like, “Lagom is best.” I am soon to enter the grown-up world and will have to apply for decent jobs. What struck me while looking through job descriptions is the constant thought resounding in my mind: I cannot do it; that I am not educated and experienced enough. However, after writing this column, I realize I am going to do it all over again; I am going to sit down, write the most kick-ass cover letter in Swedish history and apply for every single job I find interesting. There is no way I am going to be the mucus plug (lagom) preventing me from the fulfilling of all my dreams.
April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 13
Christie McGrady
Future special education teacher and NAU transfer student
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The Elite Eight NAU Narwhals do well at Quidditch World Cup BY AMBER GEORGE
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rab your broomsticks and keep an eye out for the golden snitch; the Quidditch World Cup has arrived at last. Yes, it is the game played in the fictional world of Harry Potter, but this tournament is just as real as the Super Bowl, and to the Narwhals, NAU’s own Quidditch team, it was just as important. “The Narwhals have never been playing better,” said head coach Cooper Davis. “Practices since spring break have been high intensity and the squad is performing as a cohesive and unstoppable unit.” The Narwhals earned their place in the Quidditch World Cup after an intense match with University of California-Berkeley in Roseville, Calif. Before heading to Kissimmee, Fla. where the World Cup was held, the players put in hard work, dedication and perseverance and learned what it really means to be a Narwhal. Since the formation of the Narwhal team in 2010, the players practiced frequently to increase their skills. Players often dedicate nine to ten hours a week for practice, workouts and scrimmages. While intensity is high during the practices, many of the teammates express it is all about the community of the sport. “A Narwhal is a student-athlete who volunteers their time to play a fictional sport,” said Robert Valenzuela, a junior environmental studies major. Valenzuela currently plays as a beater, and has been a part of the team since its foundation in 2010. “At the end of the day, my favorite part of being a Narwhal is knowing I have a group of lifelong friends who I have shared so many wonderful experiences with,” Valenzuela said. The team organized various fundraisers to raise money needed to attend the Western Cup — where they earned their qualifying spot — and the World Cup in Florida. “Fundraising was a nerve-wracking experience,” said Joshua Taber, a junior English major and beater for the Narwhals. “It costs a lot of money to bring 17 people to Florida for four days. We are lucky that NAU believes in us and supported us for our trip, but we had to cover a lot of the cost ourselves, and that is never easy to do.” Once in Florida, the hard work did not
16 The Lumberjack | Jackcentral.com
end until the conclusion of the final game. The Narwhals departed Flagstaff as a team and flew to Florida where they stayed in an International Quidditch Approved (IQA) hotel — which just means the team stays at a discounted rate, because they are staying in a group — with many other teams who participated in the matches. Even before leaving, Taber showed great enthusiasm and belief in the Narwhals going in to the World Cup. “Looking back at the team two months ago and comparing it to who we are now speaks volumes to our dedication and abilities,” Taber said. “There will be over 60 teams at this tournament from around the world, and I think we will be able to show them that training at 7,000 feet will make us a force to reckon with.” The Narwhals started the tournament in pool play winning games against University of Ottawa, Florida State University, Boston Riot and only losing to Marquette University. With the 3–1 record, they won their pool and moved on to a round of 32 where they defeated the Silicon Valley Skrewts and advanced to the Sweet 16. From there, they won in dramatic fashion over the University of Arkansas and advanced to the Elite Eight where they finally fell to Baylor University. Out of the 60 teams at World Cup, the Narwhals were in the top eight. At the end of the day, it was not about the outcome of the game, but the experience that was gained through the season. The Narwhals put up a tough fight, and grew stronger with each play. “I really enjoy being a part of the Narwhals because we have a lot of really cool people on the team,” Taber said. “The more time we spend together, the closer we become and these guys I’ve been playing with the last few years are family to me, and how can I not like that?” While this season is over for the Narwhals, they are ready to return for the next one and fight their way back to the World Cup. For now, they will keep training and channeling the wizards inside them.
ABOVE: Josh Taber takes the Quaffle to the goal to score for his team during NAU Quidditch’s final practice on April 10 before traveling to Florida for the World Cup. BELOW: Branden Shipley takes down Cooper Davis during the team’s final practice April 10. (Photos by Matt Valley)
April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 15
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ith her bounce-back season in full swing, The Lumberjack sat down with senior tennis player Nicole Perez in the Fieldhouse to talk to the exercise science major and Fountain Hills native. As a freshman, Perez was an All-Big Sky Conference (BSC) honorable mention with a 13–6 singles record overall and 6–2 in BSC at No. 4, 5, and 6. Perez had a 9–8 overall singles and 3–3 in BSC at No. 5 and 6 her sophomore year. She also went 14–5 her freshman year and 9–7 her sophomore year in doubles. Perez has been a two-time Big Sky All-Academic selection and three-time Golden Eagle Scholar Athlete award recipient. Heading into the season finale her overall record stands as 17–7. The Lumberjack: Your first two years here at NAU, you had great results. What happened last year? Nicole Perez: Last year, I think I was burnt out and wasn’t really focused. This year, I definitely made up for it I think coming off of last year. LJ: What adjustments mentally and physically did you make to have a better season this year? NP: Mentally, just definitely staying positive. Physically, just focusing on my game and being more consistent. LJ: What do you think about your senior year, individually and as a team, so far? NP: Individually, it is definitely one of the best tennis years. It is kind of sad leaving. As a team, this is one of the closest teams I have had since I have been at NAU, so that’s definitely pleasant. LJ: What has been your favorite memory of being on the tennis team in the last four years? NP: There are so many, I could not just pick one — in general, traveling with the team and all the laughs that we have had together. LJ: Do you like playing singles or doubles better?
Jack Chat with Nicole Perez
Interview by Elizabeth Sears Photo by Holly Mandarich
NP: It has always been singles, but this year kind of doubles as well. They are both on the same level. LJ: What is your pre-game warm up? NP: Individually, I just listen to music as loud as I possibly can. With the team, we have a warm-up routine that we do before every match. LJ: Who is your favorite professional tennis player? NP: Roger Federer. LJ: Do you have favorite sports other than tennis? NP: I grew up watching baseball a lot, so definitely baseball, basketball and ice hockey. LJ: Who are your favorite sports teams? NP: Denver Broncos and Arizona Diamondbacks. LJ: Who is your celebrity crush? NP: Justin Timberlake. LJ: Where is your dream vacation spot? NP: Australia or Lake Havasu. LJ: What are your hobbies? NP: I guess just hanging out with friends and doing fun activities. LJ: What is one thing you cannot live without? NP: (without hesitating) My iPhone. LJ: What is your favorite movie? NP: Finding Nemo. LJ: What is your favorite food? NP: (giggles) Everything. Mexican food. LJ: What is the number one song on your iPod? NP: “Hypnotized” by Oliver Koletzki. LJ: What is your favorite quote? NP: “Live and learn.” LJ: What is the last movie you saw in theaters? NP: Olympus Has Fallen. LJ: What is your favorite drink at Starbucks? NP: A Pike’s Place regular coffee.
Women’s tennis rebounds with victory against Southern Utah
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BY ELIZABETH SEARS
eniors Alice Pacaut and Malia Wahinepio set a new single-season NAU record after winning their 17th doubles match this season, leading the Lumberjacks past the Southern Utah University Thunderbirds 5–2 on April 12 in Sedona. “They are probably two of the best doubles players we have on the team. They have outstanding volleys; they are great at the net, which makes them a great doubles team and tough to beat if they are both being aggressive,” said director of tennis Kim Bruno. “They really know how to help each other out, know how to pick each other up. That is chemistry between the doubles pair; you cannot create that.”
Pacaut and Wahinepio clinched the doubles point for the Lumberjacks, improving to 17–3 on the season as a duo and winning 16 of their past 17 matches, defeating the Thunderbird pair of freshman Madeline Skaras and junior Afton Staheli 9–7. “I think we have great chemistry on the court, we are both aggressive at the net, so once [there], there is no way to break us unless you go through us,” Wahinepio said. “We really just have fun on the court. I think that is the main thing that we know how to feed off of each other.” The duo broke 2011 alumna Aimee Oki and 2008 alumna Stephanie Vallejos’ record of 16–5 set in the 2008 season. “Anytime you create a school record, [it] says a lot about the people that we have on the team and what their ability level is,” Bruno said.
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Go online to JackCentral.com to read a recap of the first conference win for the men’s tennis team and club lacrosse’s trip to California.
NAU swept the doubles play for its 10th consecutive match. Sophomores Hannah Stone and Johanna Vang won their eighth straight match with an 8–2 win over senior Olya Kunz and junior Aleksandra Ivanova. Seniors Ghizelene Doballah and Nicole Perez won their 10th-straight match after defeating freshmen Veronika Rogova and Anastasiia Vasileva. Vang, Wahinepio and Stone all won their singles matches in straight sets. Stone’s 6–2, 6–3 victory over Kunz at the No. 1 spot clinched the match. Perez defeated Staheli 6–2, 6–0, giving Perez a team-best 17 wins in singles. NAU (15–9, 7–2 BSC) has won nine out of its last ten matches, clinching at least the third seed going into the BSC tournament.
Follow the Lumberjack Sports reporters on Twitter Lumberjack Sports: @LJ_Sports Cody Bashore: @CodyBashore Brian Gosset: @Gosset41 Alli Jenney: @allijenney
SportsReport from MMA page 1
techniques and the decision was made to make it a weekly routine. “When I came up here to NAU, I realized that there was no wrestling team here,” said Dana, who wrestled at CSUF. “I would pay off some of the workers, giving them 20 bucks and tell them to leave the back door open. Then I would come in with a couple of my friends and we could go over takedowns, submissions and stand-ups.” Eventually, the practices became noticeable enough for university officials to stop the routine in fear of student safety. While the club can be considered to be dangerous given the physical contact it entails, neither of the creators wants it to be considered just an excuse to fight with people. “It’s a contact sport, but it’s one people come here to learn,” said McCrorie, a sophomore majoring in international business. “It’s not like any bad blood or anything.” McCrorie moved from the military to college life after serving as part of the Airborne Infantry 1-502 Battalion. As a paratrooper, McCrorie spent a full year in combat in Afghanistan and served as the team leader of his crew. “Four years, one month and eleven days is what I spent with the army,” McCrorie said. “It is here, on the mat, where I can fit in and call home for a little while. I absolutely love teaching these guys. It’s very beneficial for me, I get a lot out of teaching them. It’s always so exciting to see them use moves that we have shown them.” The duo met each other on the mats they practice on, as McCrorie taught Dana a move or two that he didn’t know. “I kind of wandered into practice one day not knowing what to expect and at the time Jimmy was teaching. So I was like, ‘Hey that is one way of doing it, but do you mind me teaching something else?’ Jimmy, of course, agreed,” McCrorie said. There is an estimated 20 years of MMA experience between the two and with each holding a strength in different areas, it makes for a better teaching environment. Dana and McCrorie are balanced enough to question who could win in a match. “That’s the thing about it being mixed martial arts, [with] Jimmy on the ground, I’m scared of the kid,” McCrorie said. Dana countered with his doubts of being able to stand with McCrorie.
“It would literally be where the fight goes. On the feet, he would end my night real quick and if I got a takedown I am still going to take punishment, but it’s about who gets the takedown and who stops the takedown,” Dana said. Together, Dana and McCrorie wrestled their way up to NAU’s administration and became an official club. Through recruiting and advertising, the club soon grew to a healthy 40-member squad. “We were a victim of our own success because on the first official practice, we had a massive crowd of 40 people show up,” McCrorie said. “We went from a dozen guys hanging around showing each other moves and then all of a sudden word gets out. Before we knew it, we had ourselves a decentsize club.” Adding some diversity to the club are the only two women, Meghan Belmares, a sophomore chemistry and biomedical sciences major, and Rae Hintlian, a junior biomedical sciences major. The two never back down from the daily challenge of being females in a male-dominated sport. “It’s a lot of fun. These guys train and prepare us well in case we need to defend ourselves. We know how to handle the situation,” Hintlian said. “We know how to move quickly and react to any situation we might encounter in a real fight, so I think that is one of the great advantages of being part of a club like this.” Every practice, the club is driven by the can-do attitude Dana and McCrorie spread. Belmares wrestles with the men in each practice and comes ready to enjoy the challenge. “I honestly really like the fighting or wrestling part of it; just being able to defend myself on the street, if it ever came to that, I know that I am prepared,” Belmares said. “I love taking the challenge since MMA is a predominantly male sport.” Helping out this dynamic duo is student, Marco Briales, who came to study engineering at NAU from southern Spain. The Spaniard has been on the mat for almost 15 years and is described as a “well-rounded fighter” by both of the leaders. “Having guys like Marco is phenomenal because we can’t teach every single individual and with his amount of experience, he can teach some of the guys,” McCrorie said. Briales used to have a gym of his own in Spain and now practices with the club on
ABOVE: Mark McCrorie, a sophomore business major and co-founder of the NAU MMA club, demonstrates punching technique. BOTTOM: Jimmy Dana, a junior criminology major and co-founder of the NAU MMA club, demonstrates a submission hold on Matt Harbinson, a junior economics major, during a practice in the Fieldhouse. (Photos by Sean Ryan)
a regular basis. With his 15 years of experience, Briales tries to share his knowledge of the sport with his younger teammates. “I’m not the teacher here. I just come to learn and to assist anyone with help,” Birales said. The club meets every Tuesday and Friday evenings in the Fieldhouse, and the leaders walk each member through new
techniques. They are open to anybody with an open mind, willingness to learn and desire to reach out of their comfort zone to experience something new. Each practice is always driven by good spirits as the club drives to live up to its motto: “To promote camaraderie, confidence and competence through combat sports.”
April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 19
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SportsReport
Club baseball drops series to Wildcats W BY ALLI JENNEY
ind aside, the sunny clear skies over the April 13-14 weekend were ideal for the NAU club baseball team as they hosted University of Arizona (UA). The Lumberjacks dropped the series 2–1 to the Wildcats, and now hold an overall record of 9–8, 4–5 in the Southern Pacific East Conference. In game one of the doubleheader on April 14, the third-place Lumberjacks and fourth-place Wildcats switched off of teeter-tottering rallies of momentum at Eagle Field of Flagstaff High School. Speed proved to be the Lumberjacks’ strength and junior catcher Mike Britton demonstrated his sprinting abilities after earning an inside-the-park home run and run batted in (RBI) scoring teammate freshman designated hitter Chris Poirier, to tie the game at 2–2 during the bottom of the first inning. NAU pitcher freshman Chad Shelley struggled in finding the strike zone, and UA would take the lead in the top of the sixth inning 8–5. UA had struggles of their own, as fielding errors contributed to an NAU rally in the bottom of the sixth; that, and sophomore second baseman Sean Bozigian’s in-park run, garnering him two RBIs in the process, scoring freshman right fielder Brandon Dorsey and Poirier. This play pumped up NAU, who would lead the game 11–8, heading into the seventh inning. Unwilling to go down without a fight, the Wildcats would muster up run after run in the top of the ninth to break apart the Lumberjacks’ 14–9 lead. The Wildcats scored three runs before they were down to their last out, but that final out proved to be the Lumberjacks’ most difficult to obtain. Through pitching changes, the Lumberjack bullpen still had difficulties with the strike zone and controlling the ball, walking in three more runs, and allowing a single to drive in another. Now up 16–14, Wildcat senior center fielder Evan
NAU utility player Chris Poirier takes a lead off stance from second base, while UA shortstop Ben Zenner watches on defense. The Lumberjacks defeated the Wildcats 13–11 in game two of their doubleheader on April 14 at Flagstaff High School’s Eagle Field. (Photo by Courtney Martin)
Schiavi continued the run spree with a grand slam secure the game’s final score of 20–14. The Lumberjacks were unable to rally back in the bottom of the ninth. “We can’t take off any innings, doesn’t matter how many runs we’re up, especially in the top of the ninth. If you’re up six runs and give up eleven, you can’t coast or do anything,” said co-captain and club president junior shortstop Austin Daugherty. “We’ve got to play as hard as we can and not lose our focus through the whole game and play until it’s over.” At the beginning of the second game of the day, and final of the series, lineup changes all around occurred for the Lumberjacks. “There’s a lot of advantages being a club team, that we do have guys that can play multiple positions, like our stud freshman, Chris Poirier, he can play anywhere on the field–pitch, third base, shortstop, second, outfield, anything, the kid’s
just an overall athlete,” Daugherty said. “That’s what we need, especially someone who’s going to come in from the bench and can hit the crap and then we can put him in anywhere on the field, so it really helps.” Up 4–3 in the bottom of the fourth, the Lumberjacks extended the lead to 8–3, after an RBI double by Poirier, a ground-rule RBI double by Britton, who now moved to play at the shortstop position, a groundout RBI by usually first baseman Justin Levey, who was now at third base, and a wild throw to first base in attempt to get the out on junior first baseman Tyler Brumit would earn him an RBI. However, a strong offense allowed the Wildcats to rally again in the top of the fifth, tying the game at 8–8. In the bottom of the sixth, NAU utilized its players’ speed, advancing runners around the bases after a stolen base by Britton. Though Levey believed himself to have struck-out,
after being informed by the home plate umpire he had one more strike to go, he would send the next pitch into center field for an RBI double, swapping places with Britton. After Brumit’s single RBI grounder into left field, sophomore Nick Stevens would replace Brumit as a pinch runner on first. Stevens would attempt a steal on the next pitch, and a wild throw to Wildcat junior shortstop Ben Zenner by freshman catcher Tim Beaubein, would advance Stevens to third. NAU junior catcher Kameron Smith hit an RBI single into the left- and center-field gap to score Stevens and after two more runs, NAU would take the lead 13–9. The Wildcats again fought off the final out of the game and scored two more runs before the 13–11 Lumberjack victory. “The momentum shifts in the three games played this weekend were unlike anything I’ve ever seen before in a series,” Levey said. “The
playing conditions were extremely difficult, especially for pitchers, and both teams were putting the ball in play and making things happen.” On an extremely windy April 13, the two teams opened their series at Coconino High School’s Varsity Field. The Lumberjacks came out strong, taking a 4–0 lead at the end of the first inning. Poirier began the rally with a line-drive single, Bozigian’s sacrifice bunt advanced Poirier to second base. Britton hit a line drive down the third base line, and after cleanup hitter Levey’s walk, the bases would be loaded for freshman center fielder Conner Rodrigo. Rodrigo earned an RBI single, followed by Dorsey’s two run RBI double and an RBI single by sophomore third basemen Miller Olsen. Whether due to the wind or the athletes’ skills, a total of four home runs would be hit in the contest between the two squads. Wildcat junior catcher Ed Hufford started off the second inning with a home run over center field, and by the end of the inning Lumberjack Bozigian would hit a ball out of the park over left field. Levey contributed a two-run home run over right field, scoring Britton to strengthen NAU’s lead to 7–4 in the bottom of the fourth. Unfortunately, UA’s sophomore left fielder Josef Merki hit a grand slam in the top of the fifth to take over the lead at 8–7. The game would end with a final score of 9–8, in favor of the Wildcats. “Basically to know how that feels like to give up that many runs and lose a game. To lose two games in two different innings, just like I said we can’t take any innings off and we have to play the whole game and not just six of the seven innings,” Daugherty said. “It’s good for our pitchers to know what that feels like and they’ve been there and been in that situation and it failed, so now we look to succeed.”
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April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 21
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April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 23
Arts&Entertainment
NAU Percussion: Bringing the perks of
contemporary music
W
BY DANIEL DAW
hen people think of drums and percussion, the likes of Neil Peart, Bill Bruford and Keith Moon may come to mind. In that spirit, the NAU Percussion Ensemble is bringing their flair and style to contemporary music of a different sort. The Percussion Ensemble will be performing an eclectic repertoire of contemporary music April 26 in Ardrey Auditorium that features a variety of different instruments and sounds. Unlike the traditional orchestra, in which percussion plays more of a supporting role, in the percussion ensemble they encompass melody, harmony and rhythm. According to director of percussion Steven Hemphill, this sort of playing is incredibly challenging yet rewarding for students. “Typically, in relation to orchestra or wind band there can be difficult parts but more often than not they are short passages and then you’re done. [For] Percussion Ensemble, the technical challenge is usually substantially greater, because everyone carries the entire load of the musical experience, so technically it’s continuous in some way,” Hemphill said. “The chamber aspect of it, being able to play with your colleagues, collaborations with other musicians without somebody always having the baton up front; it’s a different animal and it takes a skill set that has to be developed to be very good and comfortable and aware. It builds musicianship.” The concert will feature contemporary music specifically written for percussion instruments. According to senior music performance major Julianne Layton, this is the case because the percussion ensemble is a relatively new ensemble form in music.
“[Percussion Ensemble] is good for us because it gives us our form of chamber music, so it’s just percussion all of the time. We have instrumentalists as soloists or accompanists sometimes but this one is percussion specific so we really get a full percussion experience,” Layton said. “We get to play a lot of new [music] because percussion is a new instrument in terms of playing a solo instrument or in just a chamber.” The concert will feature a variety of musical styles and instrument set-ups. Opening the concert will be “Postludes,” which features four students using string bows on a vibraphone to create an ethereal sound. Layton is one of two featured soloists, and will be performing on the marimba during “Cloud Forest,” which is said to have the feeling of walking through a rainforest. The second soloist, Chris Vennel, will be featured in “Concerto for Marimba, Percussion and Synthesizers.” Performing in the Percussion Ensemble is not without its challenges. For freshman music performance major Phoebe Hughes, the switch from high school to college had increased difficulty. “The repertoire was definitely more difficult than anything I’d ever done in high school. Going into music performance I have to practice more, obviously, and I’m playing more difficult music,” Hughes said. “On that level it was more difficult but it’s also nice because I’m playing with other people who care about what we’re doing.” The Percussion Ensemble concert will take place April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Ardrey Auditorium. The concert is free.
Senior music performance major Julianne Layton rehearses “Concerto for Marimba, Percussion and Synthesizers” on April 11. The NAU Percussion Ensemble will perform April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Ardrey Auditorium. (Photo by Daniel Daw)
Defying generation gaps, Tegan and Sara capture Flagstaff community
T
BY ALLI JENNEY
he Canadian duo of 32-year-old twins Tegan and Sara Quin showcased their singer/songwriter roots are stronger than most in the modern music scene. Their emotional and powerful vocals carried into the ears of children, adolescent couples and adults alike in the sold-out Orpheum Theater on April 15. Though they have been stepping into the more pop-alternative genre, as opposed to their indie roots, Tegan and Sara have not lost sight of the value of their lyrics. In their previous appearance at The Orpheum, Sara explained they double-opened for a crowd of 10 people and emphasized this was no exaggeration. “You can’t imagine how exciting it is to play in the same room for not 10 people again,” Sara said to the crowd. Their opening band, Stars, lucked out in their first trip to Flagstaff—the highest elevation they had ever performed at—enticing an almost full house from their various albums. The crowd erupted when the lights dimmed and Tegan and Sara came onstage. Opening with “I’m Not Your Hero,” from their most recent album Heartthrob, released in January, cameras and lights of cell phones complemented the glowing
24 The Lumberjack | Jackcentral.com
purple lighting of the stage and the background screen. With each song, the screen transformed to a kaleidoscope of colors, visualizations and lyrical videos matching the beat of each song. The following three songs, too, came from this album, before Tegan and Sara traveled back through their music, addressing all members of the audience. They first reached back to their 2007 album, The Con, performing “Back in Your Head” and “The Con.” In between sets, both Tegan and Sara took turns speaking with the crowd as the other rehydrated. Tegan especially got personal with the audience, admitting how the energy motivates them to continue pursuing their dreams. “You really make me feel like I’m 19 again,” said Tegan, before advising the audience to eat as much as a person can while they’re young and try all radical hairstyles then. “[Surprise, I’m] a public speaker to capture youth.” Tegan introduced their song “Walking with a Ghost” from their 2004 album So Jealous as what took their music into a new direction, after learning they could record themselves on their computer. Returning to their Heartthrob soundtrack, the audience
became even more involved with moving to the rhythms of “Shock to Your System,” “Love They Say” and “How Come You Don’t Want Me.” Tegan followed this set, providing the story behind “Where Does the Good Go,” also off the So Jealous album. Written while battling a plethora of illnesses and discovering her girlfriend at the time changed her phone number while she was on tour, Tegan saw Sara step off the Greyhound bus with her backpack, guitar case and their one bag of merchandise when it came to her. Through all the travesties, they were making it. During this performance, they engaged the audience to sing along; their bond as sisters and singers shone at this time. Concluding the evening, the duo played Heartthrob highlights “Drove Me Wild” and “Now I’m All Messed Up” and “Closer.” During an encore performance, Tegan and Sara took to the stage and acoustically performed “Call It Off ” and “Nineteen” from The Con. Overall, it was a fufilling experience for all in attendance as Tegan and Sara appealed to each individual present.
Arts&Entertainment KJACK Radio hosts music festival
at Heritage Square
Ryan Osterman, Trevor Hedges, Garrett Tretta, Evan Kees and Tyler Kees of Sundressed perform during KJACK Day. KJACK hosted live music and entertainment to promote the radio station in Heritage Square April 13. (Photo by Holly Mandarich)
T
BY CALEB MCCLURE
welve dedicated bands and the team at NAU’s KJACK radio station battled through obnoxious spring winds in order to put on the 12th annual KJACK Day. “It’s just something we like to do to get the community involved with KJACK radio station and also a fun event we put on for students so they can get off campus and just kind of hang out and listen to good music. It’s mainly just for bonding with the community,” said Alex Kubiak, a sophomore electronic media and film major and assistant promotions manager for the radio station. The festival also gave the clubs at NAU an opportunity to do some advertising of their own. From Relay for Life to the NAU Tubagrams, everyone had something different and exciting to contribute. The bands consisted mostly of the adamantly alternative type. Switching it up was the sweet and sultry sounds of Celtic folk, coming from the impressively young Anam Cara Dixon. The crowed peaked at around 1 p.m. to see The Haymarket Squares, a self-described punkgrass band from Phoenix. Punkgrass is the term they used to describe their unique punk-rock meets bluegrass sound. They sang rebellious angst-filled lyrics with the boot-pounding rhythms of fast-paced bluegrass — all with the primitive twang of acoustic instruments. The laid-back local nature of the event gave audience members a rare opportunity to meet some of their favorite local musicians. “I think it’s really cool that they create an environment where local artists play and you can just hang out with them,” said Bea Ronan, a sophomore biology major. Bea, who is also an aspiring musician, used the festival to expand her musical horizons by setting up a meeting with the musicians of Flagstaff ’s Them Savages to learn some more guitar and rock out. Audience members are not the only ones who enjoy the mellow atmosphere of KJACK Day. For other non-northern Arizona bands, KJACK Day is an opportunity to get out of the smoldering southern heat and play an outdoors show where they will not need a fresh IV to replenish their lost fluids afterwards. In the case of Tempe natives Playboy Manbaby, the best part of the festival came from one of the simplest, yet most satisfying effects a band can have on their audience. The dancing almost never ceased during the entire eight-hour event, with the students showing as much passion for the music as the musicians themselves, and of course, KJACK radio.
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Arts&Entertainment
As unprejudiced as can be
A
BY PAUL BEIMERS
h, love. A temperamental and complicated thing, even at the best of times. When the time is that of 19th-century England, when affections attempt to thrive among a society of strict manners and rules of courtship, it can prove a very difficult emotion indeed. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a tale of amour that many are undoubtedly familiar with. Here, audiences find themselves at the turn of the century, living in the town of Meryton with the Bennet family. Making up the household is the bookish Mr. Bennet, played by Zanden Hogrelius, a junior theater major; his wife, engrossed with the fortunes and futures of her children; and their five daughters. In the limelight is Elizabeth (played by freshman theater major Hannah Palazzi), the second eldest and most headstrong of her sisters, who is struggling with the prospects of ardor amidst the drama of her sibling’s own budding relationships. At the forefront of her emotional turmoil is Mr. Darcy, played by junior theater major Will Davies, who both captivates and frustrates her attentions with his aloof and critical manner. Over the course of the story, their relationship blooms into something complex and tempestuous, growing despite the theatrics that dog them. Yes, love is certainly a perplexing sensibility, and the manner in which it is presented by NAU’s theater department is no different. Di-
rector Kathleen McGeever, in deciding to take Austen’s tale to the stage, faced a weighty challenge. The story is one that comes attached with not only high expectations, so beloved as it is, but also with the dilemmas intrinsic in telling narratives of such scale. With a cast of 30 and numerous scene and costume changes, Pride and Prejudice is no simple drama to stage, yet all involved handle the tangled affair with competence and flair. The plot moves along briskly, the sparse staging of chairs and a projected backdrop a necessity in view of its constant moving for a steady stream of changing sets. Despite its scant nature, the staging is lovely, filled with shifting hues of browns and greens and complex costuming that captures the feel of the English countryside beautifully. Scenes range from the bare to the elaborate, the latter of which being the most notable in a series of balls, which brim with characters and impressively choreographed dances. The cast, meanwhile, ensures the play is not one of all style and no substance. Each and every character shines, delivering clear emotion and lines despite the bustle of the staging and the use of accents. Humor and drama blend together perfectly, providing laughs and gasps in equal measure. They are easy to relate to and simply a joy to watch interact. The passion and effort behind their portrayals is clear. Despite the sporadic nature of the sets, the periodic jumps in time and space work flaw-
Hannah Palazzi and Justin Hopper rehearse for Pride and Prejudice in the Clifford E. White Theater on April 15. (Photo By Kelli Tresgallo) 26 The Lumberjack | Jackcentral.com
lessly, the cast’s footwork impressive to watch as they seamlessly move from one arrangement to the next. The hectic nature of the entire affair works surprisingly well, cleverly implemented to allow flashbacks and multiple scenes to occur side by side. The result is a lengthy story that seems to fly by with little effort. A difficult task indeed, but cast and crew alike do a marvelous job in tackling it headlong.
Fans of the story should appreciate this creative adaptation of the classic tale, and those unfamiliar with it will doubtless find something to enjoy. Austen would be proud. Audiences, at the very least, should be. Pride and Prejudice will run from April 19 to April 28 at the Clifford E. White Theatre. Tickets are $2 for students and available at the Central Ticket Office.
John Grant and Carter Conaway rehearse for Pride and Prejudice in the Clifford E. White Theater on April 15. (Photo By Kelli Tresgallo)
Arts&Entertainment
Audible Leftovers A&E PICKS
Critique Corner 42
RECORD STORE DAY Record stores are a dying breed. Record Store Day is an event to revive and celebrate these old-school shops. Held on the third Saturday of April, Record Store Day features exclusive releases from various bands and events at local record stores. Here in Flagstaff, our lone independently owned record store, Rocket Man Records, will be hosting an event featuring these exclusive releases and killer deals on everything else. The event will take place on April 20. Buy local!
PHOTO COURTESY RECORD STORE DAY
A Cloud for Climbing Brock Lefferts is A Cloud for Climbing. This one-man-band started as a DIY art and music project here in Flagstaff. While Lefferts’ music lacks lyrics, his dreamy synth-pop is perfect for a sleepy springtime evening out on the town. It has since grown into a thriving band in Phoenix. A Cloud for Climbing will be coming back to Flagstaff to rock The Hive. Local groove band BLKLNTRNS will be opening at The Hive, April 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 at the door.
PHOTO COURTESY BLKLNTRNS
Spirit Family Reunion Hailing from New York, Spirit Family Reunion plays a mash up of Americana and folk music. Since their formation in 2010, Spirit Family Reunion ain’t your grandpappy’s bluegrass nor is it Mumford & Sons’ famed squeaky clean chart-toppers. These New Yorkers dig to America’s folk roots to give our generation a real taste of Americana bluegrass (Hint: it tastes like a nicely aged whiskey). Spirit Family Reunion will be in Flagstaff April 21 at the Green Room. The show is 21+ and starts at 8 p.m.
PHOTO COURTESY FLAGSTAFF GREEN ROOM
BY CODY BASHORE
While long overdue, the story of Jackie Robinson finally is told in 42 and done so in the typical Hollywood biography film. The film tackles the racism Robinson faced upon breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier after signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. Thankfully, it does not sugarcoat Robinson’s struggles and actually portrays some of the more vile incidents Robinson endured. The audience’s best, historically accurate, example of this racism comes when the Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Phillies in April 1947. Ben Chapman, portrayed by the likable Alan Tudyk, hurls racial insults similar to those heard in Django Unchained. Chapman’s insistent abuse prompts teammate Eddie Stanky to come to Robinson’s aid. Chadwick Boseman’s mid-game breakdown as Robinson while being coached to avoid fighting back by Branch Rickey is the most emotional point in the film. The scene garners the
most sympathy for the challenges Robinson faces and sees the generally stoic man begin to crack. This provides the somewhat generic turning point in the movie as the team slowly grows to accept Robinson and public backlash hits the Phillies manager and the team as a whole. Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, comes across as a shrewd businessman. Thought to be crazy early in the film, Rickey’s reasoning for the support of Robinson, and later a few other AfricanAmerican players, is revealed to have been from regret of not stepping up when he saw similar injustice in his past. For the most part, the story does not disclose anything the typical baseball fan or even casual fan of Robinson’s story would not know. The film is simply a tribute to Robinson and his legacy in American history and the civil rights movement as a whole. Any fan of the underdog sports story will enjoy the movie as it hits on every sequence you generally see in the genre. A heavy score
in anticipation of an important moment, the tearing down of the hero and the slow rally around the main character. Baseball fans may feel a bit let down as Robinson’s raw athletic talent is hardly demonstrated outside of his ability to hit home runs and steal bases. On the visual side, the film did a wonderful job of drawing the audience into the ambiance of the late 1940s. Adding to the feel was John C. McGinley’s performance as historic Dodger announcer Red Barber, his calm play calls and quirky sayings draw a bit of laughter and definitely have the feel of old time baseball. The only fault the film has in this department is the wide shots of the computer generated Ebbets Field and other stadiums the Dodgers visited, but this was clearly not an easy task to accomplish without a physical setting to film at. Overall, the film pleases the general fan of the stereotypical sports genre, but falls short for those who wanted something new in Robinson’s story.
Fall Out Boy — Save Rock And Roll BY MYKEL VERNON-SEMBACH
Fall Out Boy (FOB) has risen from their Hollywood grave to grace the ears of nostalgia-junkies looking for a quick fix of high school angst. Unfortunately, they are the same broken-hearted boys you fell in love with during your awkward phase. They’ve shed their vunerability and suited for war in their newest release, Save Rock And Roll. While their efforts to be pop-emo heros, FOB falls short of fans’ expectations. They start off heavy and hard on the opening track, “Phoenix” (how quaint). The aggressive and staccattoed strings
paired with vocalists, Patrick Stump, make for an odd combination. “I’m going to change you like a remix / Then I’ll raise you like a phoenix,” is quite the catchy chorus; certainly dance anthemesque, yet lacking in the emotion that made most of FOB’s fan base. Their single, “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light ‘Em Up),” is the closest they’ll get to a radio hit, but they stray far away from their early 2000s sound. Like the nights these party anthems represent, Save Rock And Roll blacks out halfway through the album and only revives for a few moments to take another
shot and blackout once more. Any of the famous featured artists are wasted on the lesser of the songs (Courtney Love, regardless of her pride, was still a poor choice). Even Elton John sounds forced and unenthusiastic in the title track, “Save Rock And Roll.” The depressing existential (and shallow) lyrics are a real buzzkill for those who are fistpumpin’ hard in their car. Ultimately, FOB flew too close to the limelight and fell far from saving rock and roll. While FOB preaches to the press that their emo days are over, their lyrics say it best: “Remember me as I was / not as I am.”
April 18, 2013 - April 24, 2013 | The Lumberjack 27
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