Opinion Article Sparks Controversy

In the latest issue of The Slate, Simpson University’s official newspaper, editor Elizabeth Cifu wrote an opinion piece entitled “A Confusion of Priorities.” This piece deserves to be read if you have not already. For those of you who haven’t, the piece essentially outlined the general lack of academic focus on campus and in Simpson’s official documents. Unwittingly, this publication set off a controversy that has yet to be resolved.
The article in question came out over Genesis weekend, during which prospective students flooded the campus. As one admissions counselor puts it, “I had to explain that article to at least four parents.” As tensions were high during this event (upon which the school largely relies upon for incoming students), not only the visitors took a keen interest in the article. One university student posted the article and a vehement defense and critique of it on his Facebook page, which started a storm of comments discussing and largely agreeing with the article. This article is included on the back page under the opinion heading. Even a faculty member wrote a letter to some of the administration agreeing with the opinions espoused in the article.
Largely because of these two events, a meeting was called to discuss some of the ideas put forth in the Facebook thread. One of these in particular was the idea of a student put forward as such: “Here’s an idea: Why doesn’t every individual on campus who is serious about this issue…have productive intellectual discussion, and/or discuss the need for academic reform at Simpson? If there were people willing to do this, I would spearhead the effort myself.”
This idea matured in the minds of several students and culminated in a meeting by the aforementioned party with Travis Osborne, the campus pastor. The meeting was a tremendous success. “I clarified our collective intentions, as well as my personal intentions. I think it caused a real turning point for him.”
As of now, nothing is set in stone, but the alternative chapel motion is moving forward without interfering with the set standards for chapel attendance. With the exception of the Monday following spring break, “Meetings will be held Monday mornings, beginning at 10:20am, in the tutoring room of the Writing Center.”

Local Events

“Secrets of the Sun”
When: Thursday March 25, 2010 from 7:30 t0 9:30 pm
Where: Schreder Planetarium
Admission: $7
The show will provide insight into the sun’s unique role in the life of our solar system.
For directions, visit www.schrederplanetarium.com.

“Abstract and Dada Art”
Painting, sculpture, and video presentations will be displayed at the Red Bluff Art Gallery from April 2, 2010 to April 30, 2010. The featured artists include D’Anne Bourne and Reeba Barrows.
When: Tuesdays – Thursdays from 11-5pm and Saturdays from 12pm-4 pm
Admission: Free
For more information, call 529-1332.

The “Shasta College International Film Program” will be screening Kinamand (2005).
When: April 9, 2010 at 7 pm
Location: Shasta College, Room 802
Admission: Free
For more information, call 242-2232 or email lfong@shastacollege.edu.

Dye Creek Canyon Hike
The Nature Conservancy will be hosting a 4-5 miles hike near Los Molinos, California.
When: April 10, 2010 from 10 am to 2 pm
Location: Dye Creek Canyon (approximately 50 miles south of Redding)
Admission: Free
To reserve a space, call 527-4261 or email acraig@tnc.org.

User-Driven Site Hides Nothing

In concurrence with our underground news roots, it is our pleasure to report on a similar, yet much more prevalent and well-developed idea. If you have not already heard of the site Wikileaks (wikileaks.org), I encourage you to check it out (albeit not this second as they have temporarily suspended operation pending fundraising). Wikileaks is a privately run, publically-accessible website created for the sole purpose of anonymously providing leaked government documents and items of a sensitive nature via user submission. This website remains legal as the documents published are, by nature, uncopyrighted. While The Pentagon has seen the site as a national security threat, it breaks no national nor international laws. It is simply a site for those interested in more governmental transparency to investigate some of the inner workings of the government. The site has reported on such incidents as the Peru oil scandal, toxic dumping and even Guantanamo Bay procedures. In an ironic twist, a list of anonymous donors to the site was revealed on the site itself, but in accordance with their impartiality, the site refused to take down the list. If the concept of this site still seems mildly confusing, I encourage you to check it out for yourself and investigate what exactly it is “they” don’t want you to know.

Moon: An Underrated Masterpiece

Moon (2009) is a movie most of you have probably never heard of, much less seen. However, this does not mean any less that you should see it. The plot, in summary, is this: A single man, Sam (Sam Rockwell), is stationed on the moon to man its alternate energy production. His only companion is an artificial intelligence installed in the base. Sam is involved in an accident and wakes up back at the moon station. He starts to experience strange happenings and his mind seems to be breaking down. Beyond this, I cannot explain more as it would spoil the surprise of the movie.
Sam Rockwell’s performance in this is Oscar-worthy, but as it is a British-produced, independent film, it has gained no such recognition. Rockwell portrays perfectly a man who has been in what is essentially solitary confinement for three years and realistically chronicles a possible psychological breakdown. Kevin Spacey stars as the voice of GERTY, the station’s artificial intelligence, and in this role he is perfectly suited with his trademark voice. Beyond these two actors, only one of which is physically portrayed, the film features almost no other people. This in particular lends a very solitary, otherwordly air to the film which evokes strong emotions and helps make the film’s theme even stronger.
The score by Clint Mansell is appropriately haunting and atmospheric. From the vast lunar exploration to the intense personal confrontations in this film, the music very tightly adheres to the ideas presented. In all, this movie is a fantastic exploration of loneliness and the true meaning of humanity. I can’t, for obvious reasons, disclose exactly how it investigates these themes, but this film is truly a must-see.

Moon is rated R for language.

Grammar Corner

One of the most misunderstood pieces of punctuation is the semicolon; it often is misused and abused in writing, even professional pieces. The ways to use the semicolon are these: to join two independent clauses, like the above example; or like in this sentence, with a sentence that contains punctuation within the clauses. In no time, you’ll become proficient in this powerful piece of punctuation.

Around the World in Appetizers

In case my previous themes of affordability and deliciousness were too subtle for you, I bring you this: an article composed of cheap and tasty morsels (commonly referred to as ‘appetizers’ or in Latin ‘nibblus minimus’) from around the globe but conveniently located at a restaurant near you!
Ah, Mexico. Upon hearing this term one may think of Cancun, another of an amazing mariachi tune, but alas, it is time to rethink your Mexican assumptions. When you hear “Mexico” from now on, I want your first thought to be “excellent chips and salsa.” That’s right, I said it. While I may have regretted the decision afterward, I have never met a sombrero full of chips I didn’t like. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant, located on Cypress after Bechelli, is one such home for these tasty tidbits. Although almost every restaurant boasts a similar item on their menus, Guadalajara is going to get this writer’s vote. The chips are slim and salty yet hearty enough to withstand the immense pressure that is exerted upon them as they are dragged through salsa. The basket was promptly replaced upon being discovered empty and the charming little stone bowls of salsa seemed to never run dry. The salsa is of a thicker variety than average though very well minced which creates a satisfying enveloping of flavor upon consumption, as opposed to salsa with large chunks that must be navigated and destroyed before said flavor can be released. Yes sir, Guadalajara knows their chips and salsa. Additionally, they are quite cheap (okay, free as long as you order a food or drink item as well).
What compliments our neighbor to the south like our cousin to the southwest? Nothing like a Bloomin’ Onion to hit that spot, mate! Outback, one of Redding’s nicer chain venues, boasts this baby. I’m not calling it a baby affectionately; it is actually baby-sized. You could use the carpool lane with this thing in your passenger seat (if there were one here). A “special onion is carved by a bloomologist” (as per the menu) and fried to perfection in one of the tastiest batters to ever cross this palate. Accompanied by a surprisingly delicious--albeit secret--dipping sauce dubbed ‘bloom sauce’ (someone get these blokes a thesaurus) they did not disappoint. Even though I had to bring it home and reheat it twice to finally conquer this monstrous dish, I never regretted the $5.99 it cost me nor the awesome Aussie accent it caused me to speak in.
Cool Hand Luke’s on Churn Creek provided me with some distinctly homegrown fare. Baked Potato Skins (can you get more American?) arrived, smothered in cheese, almost as fast as I ordered them. What appeared to be your typical baked potato turned into a surprisingly hearty snack. Melted cheese covered their steaming surface and hid green onions, campfire beans (Luke’s signature, it appears), steak bits, butter, and of course potato. Additionally, a whopping helping of sour cream was served on the side. My only complaint with these tasty taters were their numbers. Three Baked Potato Skins arrived on the platter, which of course meant my accomplice and I had to fight it out to determine who got the extra. Luckily, Cool Hand Luke’s is saloon themed so we just flipped over some tables, drew our pistols, and settled it the old-fashioned way. A small slightly cross-eyed boy observed from under a swinging saloon door while chewing a peppermint stick. He kept crying out for someone named ‘Shane’ too, for some reason. In spite of the showdown at high noon, the appetizer was worth it and priced under $10.
My apologies if a favorite nation of yours was left out of this tour de flavor but let’s face it, this is Redding and I am fearful of the unknown, especially if it’s going in my mouth.

Pangea Bottles

We live in an age when reduce, reuse, and recycle are more than simple mantras chanted by vegans and hippies. The movement to reduce waste has affected nearly every aspect of our lives, even the way we drink water. There was a time that disposable bottles of water were the epitome of health and convenience, but now we find ourselves in an era that has all but villainized such products because of the waste they leave behind. This same era, however, has provided us with a number of solutions to this problem. First came Nalgene’s plastic wonders, touting near-indestructibility and freedom from eco-guilt. However, in this time of continued eco- and social-awareness, is it adequate anymore to simply consume water from BPA-free, reusable water bottles?
Those at Pangea Bottles might argue that it’s not. Pangea Bottles is much unlike any other reusable water bottle provider in that they seem to be following in the footsteps of TOMS shoes. TOMS runs on a platform of “One for One,” that is, for every pair of shoes bought, TOMS supplies another pair of shoes to a child in need. Likewise, Pangea offers “One for Four,” that is, for every bottle purchased, Pangea is able to supply one person in a developing country enough water to last four years. The company donates a portion of the profit from each bottle to help fund efforts that provide water to some of the  billion people in the world that do not have clean drinking water.
For just $19.95, you can own a stainless-steel, BPA-free, 100% recyclable, eco-friendly Pangea water bottle, and help to provide one of the necessary commodities of life to villages and communities that are desperately in need. Social responsibility may be expensive, but there’s no price tag that can be placed on human life.
For more information, or to order your own Pangea water bottle, please visit: http://www.pangeabottles.com/

Opinion

The last edition of Simpson’s campus newspaper, The Slate, featured an opinion editorial written by the newly installed editor-in-chief, Elizabeth Cifu. The article is a frank critique of a growing problem on our campus, and I would argue more generally within Protestant Evangelicalism itself--that is, the problem of anti-intellectualism.
Ms. Cifu’s mention of Simpson’s frenetic preoccupation with the word “community” is an apt criticism. She notes that community is a natural by-product of a university, and I do not disagree with her on this point. I would take the thought a bit further, however, and say that Simpson actually fears the organic development of community fostered by a robust intellectual environment. The formation of such community threatens the via antiqua that Simpson is pleased to travel ad infinitum. It seems that Simpson is interested in “developing” a particular type of community.
I would add that Ms. Cifu was overly generous in her belief that one must present a solution if one exposes a problem. This is perhaps my only point of disagreement with the article in question. The problem is that there is very little that students can do to positively affect the problem Ms. Cifu notes. The problem of anti-intellectualism is buried into the very power structure of our university. Short of a mass exodus of students and their tuition dollars, I don’t see a solution forthcoming. The university would do well to calibrate their priorities to match the true ethos of a university. If not, we have no right to continue calling ourselves Simpson “University.”

All About Books - Cheap Thrills

While Barnes and Noble may give in to the pressure of inflation and an elitist mentality, there remains a cheap alternative to the dominant strain of literary enterprise. All About Books, located at 58 Lake Blvd., offers the cliché fiscally limited college student a chance to branch out of a world filled with reality television and to delve into the second-hand taste of Redding’s literary minded. While classics are slighted in this strip mall bookstore, it boasts a large collection of Tom Clancy and Nora Roberts, enough to fill the lonely evenings of any bored housewife. Echoing qualities of a cut-rate strumpet, All About Books boasts half the price, all the fun, and double the risk of obtaining a product with compromised quality. It offers clearance books for under a dollar and current best-sellers for about fifteen, the median price being three dollars. While Dan Brown and Nicholas Sparks don’t exactly scream “classic,” there lies more stimulation in these gems than the standard modern conveniences such as The Bachelor and Fear Factor.
 While a Christian University leaves much to be desired where worldly fulfillment is concerned, All About Books quenches this thirst with a hefty collection of harlequin romance novels. Inciting satirical comments in the minds of English majors and nervous chuckles in the pure of heart, this basin of debauchery is enough to make any Simpson student blush with intrigue. However, do not let their extensive Romance section detour you from other notable genres. My accomplice discovered a wealth of western tales and mystery/crime thrillers whilst I dove into the available memoirs and cookbooks. Also, Sci-Fi claimed a significant portion of the store, appealing to the fantastically intrigued fraction of Simpson’s population.
As the appreciation of reading seems to be diminishing with each technologically aware generation, All About Books is an attempt to recapture the joy of reading, supplemented by the second-hand resources of Redding’s personal libraries. In their effort to further appeal to the tenants of this culturally stifled city, All About Books offers a “Trade Credit Policy,” allowing shoppers to trade previously owned literature in exchange for any book of the same genre at a fraction of the selling price. Ads are posted around the store, detailing the finer points of this offer. In addition, a rental program is offered for books on current best-seller lists and/or newly printed literature, deviating from standard library finds.
 All About Books: a venture away from modern conveniences and a chance to delve into nostalgic authors. Yet another venue in Redding capable of penetrating Simpson’s bubble.

Toyota Recall Affects Millions


Toyota, one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world, recently was embarrassed by a gross error on their part. A design error caused the gas pedal to stick to the floor mat causing permanent acceleration. This can be dangerous for those wishing to keep their lives, but those living by the motto “live fast, die young” are quite satisfied with the literal manifestation of their creed. This error affects up to 4.1 million cars all over the world. Fortunately it is an easily fixable error and the parts should be available for installation shortly.
Interestingly enough, the discovery of this error was not made in a Toyota but a Lexus (designed and produced by the same corporation) which killed four people last year in August. The design flaw was found to be more prevalent in Toyotas and an initial recall was made in November of last year. However, this workaround failed to fix the problem and more incidents have occurred. On January 27, the recall was continued and amended to fix the error for good. For those worried that their car may have the error, go to Toyota.com/recall for specific vehicle information.

Art discovered in Redding


Once again, Redding has surpassed its seemingly limited artistic reputation and produced a piece of art worth the price of admission. The Riverfront Playhouse is now offering a production of the play Murder Me, Murder Me Not. Though it is inherently obvious that this is a community theater, due to the small size of the theater and volunteer actors, the hour and a half spent at this production is not a regrettable decision. The play, being a comedy, offered a witty plot with scandal and deception at every turn, leaving the audience thoroughly amused with the comedic gem produced by Redding's largest theater group. Complete with faulty facial hair, incognito detectives, and passionate love affairs, Murder Me, Murder Me Not offers not only the intrigue of greed and deception, but also the chance to fill a Saturday night with something out of the ordinary (relative to that of a typical Simpson student). So come one, come all to a play that has the potential to bring Simpson students closer with the Redding community and its artistic endeavors.

Show times:
Friday – Saturday: 7:30 pm (doors open 6:45 pm)
Sunday Matinees: 2:00 pm (doors open 1:15 pm)
(Closing Night is February 20, 2010)
Ticket Prices:
Opening/Closing Night: $20
Evening/Matinee Performances: $15

Tickets available at the door (cash only) or in advance at:
Graphic Emporium
1525 Pine Street
Redding, CA 96001
Or by phone at: (530) 241-4278

"The Beadman: Psychedelic Necessities"



If you've been asking yourself, "How can I increase the amount of tie-dye in my wardrobe?" or, "Where can I find a Tibetan prayer flag to meet my Buddhist needs?" then hear you me, weary Redding dwellers, The Beadman is here to meet all of your [legal] psychedelic needs. Residing at 2619 Park Marina Drive, The Beadman remains at the heart of Redding's 1960's nostalgia. Their main purpose, as the name implies, is to supply resources to crafty individuals for any and all creative needs involving beads or other elements of jewelry-making. Their bead selection is far beyond anything this awe-inspired writer has ever seen. This quaint store also offers a hefty selection of hippie essentials, enough to bring out the flower child in any Simpson student. If you've been craving the presence of a wind chime the size of a small child in your place of residence, then look no further; The Beadman offers a wide variety of wind chimes and other accouterments of home décor, departing from the standard finds at Target or Pier 1. Their incense stock is admirable (this of course, does not apply to dorm residents in accordance with page 41 of the Simpson University Student Handbook), offering a wide variety of Nag Champa and other notable incense brands. Though their piercing station seems a bit unruly, (fitting, considering the theme of the establishment), they do offer a plethora of body jewelry for existing piercings. In any case, if you dream of dropping out of college to pursue a life of communes and dreadlocks, hold out for just a bit longer, and let The Beadman meet your cravings.

“Ashland: More Than an Extra Credit Assignment”



Ashland, Oregon, home of the famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, deserves more than the obligatory visit for a required screening of a well-known play from you this season. Consider that a challenge. Having spent at least a weekend each season immersed in the theatrics, fine dining, and local color of the area for the last 6 years, I consider myself some sort of quasi-authority when it comes to this tiny hamlet just North of the California border. Autumnal visits to the city have become a tradition in their own way for me. I intend to mix it up a little this year though. Yes, I will visit in the Spring this time.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s 2010 playbill includes Hamlet, Pride and Prejudice, Cat in a Hot Tin Roof, She Loves Me, Throne of Blood, Well, Ruined, American Night, Twelfth Night, Henry IV (Part One), and The Merchant of Venice. While the theatre is Ashland’s largest claim to fame, the surrounding area also has much to offer. After catching a matinee production, consider visiting Lithia Park. A 93-acre green span including the Ashland Creek, multiple ponds, a Japanese garden, and large grassy lawns, beckons. It is located mere meters from the doors of the Angus Bowmer Theatre. If strolling along shady lanes and feeding ducks is not your idea of a good time, downtown Ashland (which coincidentally surrounds the theatres) offers all manner of boutiques, bistros, and book stores. A couple vintage shops dot the streets, as do jewelry stores, candy shops, and in true Ashland fashion, businesses catering to the greater “hippie” community.
Local culture is also an exciting aspect of Ashland. Home to Southern Oregon University, a large number of locals fall into the 20-something age bracket, much like ourselves. However, formal education and youthfulness are about the only characteristics Simpson students have in common with these colorful individuals. It would appear, upon first glance, that shoes and showers are not major aspects of Ashland life. Tie-dye, hemp, strange exotic instruments, and small furry animals round out the appearance of the “typical” local seen around the greater downtown area. Do not be alarmed. Theatrics is really Ashland’s largest claim to fame, why should its residents not partake of their own act?
Eating in downtown Ashland can be pricey, as can shopping, but the area has so much to offer in a relatively small area (think walking distance) and so close to home for most of us (think Simpson’s dormitories) that it really can’t be ignored. For the most comprehensive summary of the festival itself as well as Ashland, check out www.OSFashland.org

“Sailing Boat: Chinese for ‘Cheap and Tasty’”



It’s feeding time again and as much as Stir-fry Wednesday excites me, nothing fulfills that aching desire for a perfect combination of fresh vegetables, salty sauces, and soft soothing nineties rock like an “authentic Chinese” restaurant. Where does one find this ideal blend of flavor and affordability? I pondered. My best friend, Google, really made the choice for me. I sat him down and said “Listen here. I want some ‘Good Chinese food in Redding CA’ ” and his first suggestion was Sailing Boat Restaurant. I’m a trusting individual so I called them up. Within minutes (okay, thirty of them) Hot and Sour soup with my name on it was waiting at the front counter.
If you are lucky enough to order during their lunch hours, you end up with a fantastic amount of food for an unbelievably small price (taking into account my previous ventures with Chinese food have been in metropolitan areas and thus priced accordingly). I got a cauldron of soup, a small child sized carryout container of rice and stir-fried snap peas with chicken, a surprise packet containing two egg rolls and some strange triangular pastry, and two fortune cookies. A feast, clearly. My total price? Just south of $13. The man at the counter seemed shocked when I kissed him but I felt he deserved something for obviously undercharging me. That was my bad, though. For $13, I got a meal and escorted off the premises, which I consider more than worthwhile considering the meal lasted me three days and the memories a lifetime.
On my second foray into the magical kingdom of low-priced, large-sized chow, I brought an accomplice and enjoyed my meal “in the house” as they call it in the biz. It was no longer lunch hours (even though you woke up 5 hours earlier does not make 5pm “lunch time,” mind you) but the prices remained relatively low and the meals still large enough to choke the figurative horse. I enjoyed a vegetable dish; she feasted upon Curry Chicken. Egg rolls, tea, rice, and hot soup also accessorized our table. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. An attentive waiter saw to all our needs, including “taking care of” the customers ruining the atmosphere of the place for us. The bill arrived and once divided, remained a manageable price.
Sailing Boat Chinese Restaurant has great food, affordable prices, and large quantities of food yours for the taking. Check them out at 2772 Churn Creek Road, Redding, CA 96002 or call (530) 222-6868 for take-out the next time you crave tasty, affordable Chinese.

“Squaw or Bust!”



As almost any observant individual could tell you, the storm systems that soaked us here in Redding in the last few weeks have been good for the mountains. Sure, sure, the weather was beneficial for California’s chronic drought and all, but our interest lies at a slightly higher elevation, yes?
Resorts all over the state are up and running after a lean December snowfall left many literally high and dry. Mt. Shasta Ski Park gets a lot of attention from Simpson’s finest, due mostly in part to its proximity to Redding followed closely by its affordability (it can’t be for its size or atmosphere). Another reason for Shasta’s popularity may lie in ignorance. You do realize there are other winter destinations out there, don’t you? Offering a couple more hours to the great American interstate system, and a few more dollars to the economy, can provide the avid winter sportsman (or woman) with a much more lively scene. Squaw Valley, just South of Truckee (the greater Tahoe area for those less geographically inclined), is a powder lover’s dream location.
Located 96 miles from Sacramento, or around 250 miles from Simpson’s doorstep depending on your route, Squaw deserves some consideration. Sure, it’d require a little more premeditation than a Facebook update 30 minutes before your intended departure time from “The Y” and slightly more fuel (for both vehicle and passengers), but the payoff far outweighs the hassle a little distance imposes.
Squaw Valley boasts 33 lifts traversing one of the largest ski areas in the country. It hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and is still guarded by the fabled flames of Olympus at the resort’s entrance on Highway 89. For the skilled boarder, multiple terrain parks dot the slopes, such as the Ford Belmont Park and Riviera Superpipe. Besides the obvious pastimes of skiing and snowboarding (as if you’d need any other reason to venture forth), Squaw boasts many other recreational opportunities. For the less daring: cable car rides, ice skating, a heated swimming lagoon and spa, tubing, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and night riding possibilities abound. Looking for a spiritual experience whilst partaking in creation? Mountaintop church services are given on Sunday afternoons.
The runs are groomed, the lodge fire is crackling invitingly, and Squaw Valley is begging for your attention. Restaurants and lodging abound both in the Olympic Valley and in nearby destinations. Next time you feel that call of the mountains, give Shasta a break and experience all that Squaw Valley has to offer.