Issue IV

November 28, 2006

The Protest of the School of Americas:  A Pilgrim's Point of View
By Sean Winningham

For the past four years, I have heard about the trip taken to Fort Benning, GA to protest against a U.S. military school that participates in training Central and South American troops.  The training at this facility involves torture tactics and other human rights violations that have contributed to the terrorizing of villages and murder of thousands of people in the Latin Americas.  This protest is done on the anniversary of the deaths of eight people, six Jesuit priests, their housemaid and her daughter, by graduates of the School of Americas on November 19th, 1989.  Since then, the protest has continued to grow, pouring into the creation of organizations such as SOA Watch, which is an advocate of closing down the school. This organization puts pressure on US Congressmen and women to vote for the closing, and participate in dialogue with other Latin American countries to discourage sending troops to the School.  The school was closed by Congress in 2001, but was then reopened under the title WHINSEC (Western Hemisphere Institution for Security and Cooperation). Unfortunately, that was all that has changed:  the training and classes have continued the same teaching methods.

Going on this trip, I really didn't know what to expect.  I've seen videos of what happens at these protests, but being there was a different feeling than watching it on TV.  The day before the protest, we participated in an event that Dr. Clark, professor of theology, called a "street festival.”  This festival was held on the four-lane road that led to the military camp before it hit the fence that blocked off the WHINSEC entrance.  In front of the fence was a huge stage with performers, and on the side of the road were many different organizations that had come to sell books and materials that would help organizations with their mission. Free papers and pamphlets on how to get involved politically with the violations of human rights, and other booths that were trying to get people involved with what's going on in the world were also present.  I was excited about that because I never know how I could get involve with such issues on a more national level, and now I made connections with such groups that have lobbyists in the Capitol. 

Now at first, I have to admit, going through this "street festival" was a bit of a culture shock for me, partly because there were many, very extreme liberals that were there, who wore odd clothing, dressed their hair in a different way that I've experienced, etc (not that I had a problem with this; I'm just not used to it).  It felt like being in the 70's, and reminded me of the scene in Forrest Gump where they had that huge peace rally against the war in Vietnam in front of the Washington Monument. 

After the street festival, we went to a convention center where the Jesuits were holding a two-day seminar for the protest.  We celebrated Mass, focusing on the protest that was going to happen the next day.  There were about 5,000 (possibly more) in attendance at the Mass, mostly Jesuit institutions, colleges, and high school students. 

The next day was the protest itself.  Somewhere between 14,000 and 22,000 people were at the protest in front of the gates of Fort Benning, and about 12 people who crossed the property line of the military base, and were thrown into jail.  The protest resembled a funeral in memory of those who were killed by the graduates of the SOA.  Everyone there had a white wooden cross, displaying a victim’s name.  On the stage were approximately 7 singers, who took turns singing a victim's name and their age.  At the end of their singing, the protesters would raise up their wooden crosses, singing "Presente" (Spanish for "present") as a way to symbolize that the victim is there at the protest today that their memory will live on.  The Funeral procession was led by Fr. Roy, who founded the SOA Watch, followed by a group of people who dressed in black as a funeral victim.  They walked around the group and up to the fence, the "victims" lying on the ground in front of the fence.  Everyone else followed the funeral procession, placing their crosses on the fence. 

So what did I learn from this experience?  Well, being a Catholic Studies major, this protest brought me a new theological insight that I never thought of before.  When we first arrived in Georgia, we went to one of the seminars the Jesuits were putting on at the convention center.  A Jesuit College student was giving a reflection, and he said something that has stuck with me since.  He told us to "be a part of the Resurrection."  I've never heard of that idea put quite like that.  I've studied what the Resurrection meant and how Christ was resurrected, but I have never thought about how to BE a part of the Resurrection.  I kept that in mind when I was at the protest.  Being at the protest, I realized how REAL death was.  We've talked about death and have seen it on TV, but at that protest, at that moment, death was something that couldn't be desensitized.  I looked at death in a different light.  The names that were sung were people who had died.  Just as when we talk about the unborn not having a voice in abortion issues, those innocent victims in Latin America now do not have a voice when it comes to their own death.  The protesters, the relatives would now have to be their voice.  I would have to be a part of their voice in raising my cross at the protest.  I realized that when I lifted up my cross and sang "Presente," I was giving the victims a physical voice; I was letting them live through our memories; I was being a part of their Resurrection.

This was my first and last year going on the protest through Marian College.  I want to thank all the students, staff, and their families for going with me to this protest and making this experience one that I will never forget and let it live on in my memory.

     How will you be a part of the Resurrection?

Pax,

Sean Winningham

Where are all these people coming from?
By: Brandon Van Hook

Marian has long been a vacant lot of a campus—pardon the expression, I know there’s no parking—what I mean to say is that, on the surface, Marian has been a “ghost town.” The dorm rooms and resident hall lobbies have always been big enough to house the limited hustle bustle of student activity, but now you actually see people around campus doing things. One reason for this change is this year’s record number of Marian students. Now at 1,770, Marian’s student population has grown 40% over the last five years. Yes, that is a substantial increase. This year saw the largest freshmen class, 270, and the highest number of transfers, 139. So, that’s where all of these people are coming from. What does all this growth mean for the future of Marian? Those working to push these changes hope that it means more student involvement, more academic prosperity, increased support from the greater Indianapolis community, and an increase in school pride.

On the Center Stage
By: Andrew Fultz

            Hilarious, sensational, and the best show to come from Peine thus far, all come to mind when describing Warning: Labels!. Warning: Labels! pokes fun at the American obsession with warning labels. Including musical numbers, dance routines, and lots of comedy, this show left everyone laughing.

            Staring Onis Dean as show host Chuck and Elena Harrison as show host Jen, this comic pair takes the audience on a journey through the history of warning labels. From the fifties when Rock and Roll music would kill your soul, up to today where some of the most trivial labels are placed on objects. Cast members also included Rebecca Webster (the 50’s girl), Tierra Ruffin (Mrs. Janet Fahr), Kaylee Crouch (Corporate Big Wig), Nicholas Campbell (Sean Paul), Matt Salzman (Jimmy), Kelly Murphy (Lawyer), and Jacqui Payne (Radio Host). Along with choreographed musical numbers “Signs”, “Old Time Rock’ n’ Roll”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Break My Stride”, “Hot, Hot, Hot”, “Hot Blooded”, “Temperature”, “I Believe I Can Fly”, and “Don’t Stop.”

            As the lights dimmed the show anthem, “Signs”, began and we slowly transitioned with our hosts, Chuck and Jen, into the earliest warnings. We entered the world of silent commercials and learned the dangers of that devilish electricity, especially when metal objects are placed in sockets. This can produce shocking results. Following the thirties commercial, we progressed to the fifties where Becca Webster just wants to go to an Elvis Presley concert, but being the loving parents they are, Matt and Jacqui showed her the danger of music that will kill your soul and suggest smoking instead. Matt Salzman then teaches us the dangers of strollers when the baby is left in the stroller as you put it away. However, Mrs. Janet Fahr (Tierra Ruffin) taught us the most important piece of information; coffee is hot, hot, hot. Her tongue was on fire because the coffee was to hot, hot, hot and proceeded to sue Burger World. Corporate leaders Matt Salzman, Rebecca Webster, and Kelly Murphy, lead by Corporate Big Wig, Kaylee Crouch, argued their case in front of a judge, Elena Harrison, who really just wanted a taste of coffee. However, Mrs. Fahr assisted by her lawyer, Onis Dean, won the case, and Burger World has to warn their customers that their coffee was hot.

            Immediately after the break, Matt Salzman learns that smoking is bad for you. We next visit little Jimmy, who just wants the Superman suit he saw at J.C. Penny. While all the other kids on the playground play Power Rangers, Jimmy (Matt Salzman), wants to fly like Superman. With a choir of angels at his side, Jimmy tries to fly, but WARNING: THIS SUIT IS NOT MADE FOR FLIGHT! The famous Radio Host Jacqui Payne aided by Chuck then begin to take calls from people who need a little bit of help in the early morning hours. Humorous characters such as Greg, Elena Harrison, who loves Lays Potato Chips, a woodsman, Matt Salzman, from the U.P., Kelly Murphy, who just bought a smoke detector that doesn’t put out fires, and an insomniac, Rebecca Webster, all call Jacqui.

            Warning: Labels! was hilarious. An excellent script, cast, and musical numbers all came together to produce the wonder of Warning: Labels! Warning: Labels! is definitely a five star show.

Tis the Season
By: Sam DiFilippo

With the holiday season upon us, I ventured around campus asking students, “What are you thankful for, or what do you wish for the most this season?”

Matt Shadle, Junior: “I am thankful for a family who supports me in everything I do, and loves me very much.”

Jen Gelhausen, Senior: “I am thankful for my family, and I wish for snow on christmas day.”

Lindsey Day, Junior: “I am thankful for brothers and sisters, and hope for peace within the family.”

Dave Lockridge, Senior: “I will be thankful for getting my gall bladder out, and feeling 3,000 times better than I have this entire year. I wish for a safe and a tragedy-free holiday season.”

Rachelle Zier, Sophomore : “I am thankful that I have a close relationship with my mom and can talk to her about what is going on in my life. I wish for a nice and quiet chistmas break, because I am tired of school and being stressed.”

Bryston Bangel, Senior : “I’m thankful to be able to spend time with my family and enjoy the season, and be able to eat some good home cooked food, (laugh), and not have to worry about school work. And I’m thankful for my girlfriend, Erin. I hope everyone can enjoy the season and has a great and safe holiday.”

Holly Herron, Sophmore : “I’m thankful for happiness, and I wish for more of it.”

Elliot Elger, Junior: “I am thankful for my family, and I wish for new speakers in my SUV.”

Luke Weber, Freshman: “I’m thankful for all of my new friends here at Marian, and also for my loving family, my Christmas wish is for less stress and more money for the up coming year.”

Ellen Voegele, Junior: “ I am thankful for my family and life each day, and I hope for a relaxing break.”

Hopefully this gives you a chance to reflect on what you are thankful for, and what your wishing for this holiday season. Enjoy the break. Happy Thanksgiving! Merry Chrismas!

Holiday Spending
By: Mandy Fullington

There are many different items a person has to save money up for during the holiday season, and sometimes it is hard to manage money and time management properly. By the time that Christmas does come around, many people find it challenging to find a suitable gift for everyone on their list that is in their price range. My advice is to save up well in advance or even try to buy gifts as you see them, not wait until the last minute. If a person does end up waiting until the last minute, they either pay full price for something, get lucky and get it cheaper than before, or end up buying a gag gift for half of the people. Also, a person should limit whom they buy for and the amount of money they spend.

I asked some students at Marian these five questions and received these responses:

1. How much do you typically spend on Christmas?

2. Who are the top five people you would buy for (I.E. brother, sister, mom, dad)?

3. Where is your favorite place to shop?

4. Do you shop the day after Thanksgiving?

5. What is the #1 thing you want this year?

Mary Ann Gerlach answers:

1. I usually spend $200 to $300 on Christmas gifts. It depends on the money I have saved up around the holidays.

2. The top five people I buy for are my family. Mom, Dad, two brothers and my sister. 3.My favorite place to shop for Christmas is Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne. It's my favorite mall and you can find something for everyone.

4. I definitely do not shop the day after Thanksgiving. I procrastinate until about the week before because I like to shop closer to Christmas, when it really feels like Christmas time.

5. The number one thing I would like for Christmas this year is a set of new speakers in my car.

Kim Hochgesang answers:

1. I probably spend around $100.

2. I would buy presents for my godchild, my nephew, my boyfriend, my mom, and my dad.

3. The outlet mall in Edinburgh.

4. No, it's too crowded.

5. An IPOD.

Maybe it is time for everyone to start thinking about Christmas and what they are going to do!

Little to no cost gifts for the crafty college student
By Kathleen Christian

I love the end of the year; final papers, Christmas at great aunt Marge’s house, final exams, Christmas shopping for the family, trying to work a few extra shifts at your job to get extra holiday cash, driving in snowy slush at twenty miles an hour. Ok, so I’m not a complete scrooge during the holidays, but it is easy to get stressed out when it comes to trying to make a poor college student budget stretch for gifts for all your friends and family. I have compiled a list of some inexpensive gifts and won’t take much time to put together for those of us who could use a few good ideas.

1. Knit a scarf and hat.

This may sound difficult but it’s not as hard as you think. Knitting needles cost about 4-6 dollars and yarn can run as cheep as $1.50 a scane. These can be found at any craft store, Hobby Lobby or Jo Anne fabrics for example. It only takes about one scane to knit an average sized hat and scarf. If you go to www.knittinghelp.com you can watch videos that show you step by step how to knit for free. I was a little skeptical of an online tutorial teaching me how to knit, but I tried it and it really works. If it takes a couple of tries to get going, don’t get frustrated, it isn’t too hard to learn but it will take a few minutes to get the hang of it.

2. Bake a cookie bowl and cookies to go in it.

This is my favorite. Easy and extremely cheap. If your parents let you use all the cooking ingredients at their house this should be pretty much free. The recipe can be found at: www.brownielocks.com/cookiebowl . I have used this recipe several times before and not only is it easy but it actually works and holds up. Once you make the bowl just dig out the Christmas shaped cookie cutters and make some simple sugar cookies. Fill the bowl with these and this makes a great gift for anyone from mom to the strange cat lady next door.

3. Make a jar recipe

This costs about a dollar or so. What you will need is a mason jar with a lid, some ribbon, a piece of paper, and whatever ingredients go inside. What you do is take a recipe, most anything will do, you might try a cookie or brownie mix.

Here is a brownie recipe to give you an idea:

• 2 1/4 cups white sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt

Take the dry ingredients and press them in layers in the jar. When everything is in and the lid is on, write these directions on a piece of paper and tie it onto the jar with a ribbon.

Directions:

Empty mix into large bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly.

Add 3/4 cup of butter or margarine and 4 slightly beaten eggs.

Mix until completely blended. Spread batter into a lightly

greased or sprayed 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (180

degrees C) for 30 minutes or until done. Cool in pan. Cut into 2 inch squares.

4. Custom CD

This is a classic and pretty much free. Think of all the songs that you and your friends have together that you have danced like idiots to, or songs that you listened to as a kid with your family. You can download songs from a ton of places online or you can upload music you have onto your pc, then mix a new CD and burn it.

Well there you have it. A few ideas to get you started and on you way to checking names off you Christmas shopping list. You don’t have to be Martha Stewart to make these, just willing to be a little crafty.

2006 Holiday Movie Preview
By: Brittany Hendrix

Looking for something to do over winter break? Here’s a helpful guide to the upcoming movie releases to help ease some cabin fever.

Looking for some action?

Apocalypto

Release Date: December 8, 2006

Mel Gibson is at it again with this movie set in ancient Mayan civilization, about 600 years ago about a man on a journey. The plot seems standard: a man on a journey in a time of war, but the visual aspects of this film look promising.

The “I’m taking little Susie to the movies, but really I just want to see a kid’s movie:

Charlotte’s Web

Release Date: December 20, 2006

With a cast led by Dakota Fanning, as Fern, and the voices of Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Biscemi, and Robert Redford, the cast is sure to make the story. The newest remake of Charlotte’s Web should be a hit especially with the same company as the Chronicles of Narnia behind the movie. Even if the movie is not as good as it looks like it will be, who can resist a talking pig?

For those who love the classics:

The Good German

Release Date: December 15, 2006 (limited), December 22, 2006 (expands)

With George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, and Toby McGuire starring in this black and white film, it is sure to be a success. This movie has love and war set in post World War II Germany. Clooney and Blanchett both have Oscars under their belts. Who’s to say that this film couldn’t be another success for both?

A Christmas Movie:

The Nativity Story

Release Date: December 1, 2006

Chocolate-Dipped Cranberry Cookies

Recipe Submitted by Mandy Fullington

1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate bits, melted
1 1/4 cups chopped nuts

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease cookie sheets.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat shortening and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and egg; mix well.
3. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to shortening mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Stir in cranberries.
4. IMMEDIATELY drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool completely.
5. Dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate and then in nuts. Allow chocolate to dry completely.

Makes 3 dozen cookies.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (one cookie): Calories 155, Fat Cal. 90, Protein 2grams, Carb. 16grams, Fat 10grams, Chol. 6mg, Sodium 48mg

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.