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Marriage for the common good? and Minneapolis, Rev. John Nienstedt, area some people who hesitate before endorsing
• Archbishop distributes DVD bishops, and the Knights of Columbus sent same-sex marriage even though they would
on same-sex marriage out some 400,000 DVDs to Catholic homes not vote for a constitutional amendment
throughout the state. The DVDs, funded by [to ban it] and may be in favor of equal
By Tréza Rosado, with report- an anonymous donor, addressed the debate rights equivalent to marriage for same-sex
ing by Alexa Chihos surrounding same-sex marriage at the national couples,” Skemp said.
and state level, as it pertains to traditional Members of the LGBT community
Catholic teaching. The DVDs arrived at the on campus have questioned the tone of
The Catholic Church in Minnesota has end of Sept. and their distribution caused the DVD and the intent of Nienstedt’s
spent the last month divided over the official immediate controversy within the Catholic comments.
position of the archdiocese on the issue of community, impacting conservative and SCU sophomore Regan Kriechbaum
same-sex marriage. The distribution of more liberal parishes as well as the LGBT sees no reason for the SCU community
DVDs condemning efforts to legalize gay community. to refuse to engage the issue as a Catholic
marriage in Minn. left parishes across the On Sept. 26, a group of 25 students from institution.
state with passionate reactions on both the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s “Just because we are a Catholic University,
sides of the issue. St. Catherine University University were denied Holy Communion by doesn’t mean we should keep our personal
(SCU) has had to balance the interests of Archbishop Nienstedt himself. The students thoughts to ourselves [if] we don’t agree
its significant LGBT community with its were wearing rainbow colored buttons as a with what the Church is saying,” Kriechbaum
affiliation to the Church at large. show of support for the LGBT community. said. “In fact, we should raise awareness
Ned Moore, SCU Social Justice Coordinator This was understood by the archbishop as a so that we can better understand why
for Campus Ministry, is committed to public show of protest, according to archdiocese the Church carries these views, or help
supporting the campus LGBT population spokesman Dennis the Church see how
despite the stance of the archdiocese. McGrath. it has skewed from its
“Although Campus Ministry has not However, St. John’s “It is the people of Minnesota original beliefs.”
responded to recent events, that is not to say Rev. Rene McGraw and not judges or politicians During the first half A screencapture from the DVD shows the
we are not paying attention or that people’s later held a separate of the DVD, Nienstedt marriage of two women.
concerns are unimportant,” Moore said. M a s s f o r t h o s e who should decide if we want personally appeals to
“Campus Ministry strives to create a campus individuals, saying
community rooted in inclusive spirituality he disagreed with the
to redefine marriage in our Catholic families and calls of gay youth suicides and the charge that
for the introduction of anti-gay marriage activists like herself are
and social justice. LGBT students are an archbishop’s decision. state.” legislation that would partially responsible for these deaths in the
important part of this community.” Thisback-and-forth
People Respecting Identity Differences has been typical in -Archbishop John Nienstedt lead to a constitutional N.Y. Post.
amendment defining “Apparently, either we all agree that gay
and Equality (P.R.I.D.E.) president Emily the aftermath of marriage as being between marriage is good or gay children will die,”
Monson thinks that both the DVD and the Church’s decision to weigh in on the one man and one woman. The archbishop Gallagher said. “The deeper you look,
recent actions of the Catholic Church have contentious debate. criticizes politicians for “attempting to turn the more you see kids who are generally
the potential to negatively affect the diverse Moore believes the conversation around marriage into a political issue” while also unprotected in horrifying ways that make
population on campus. the controversy can be more productive when calling on voters to recognize that “it is it hard to believe - if you are really focusing
“These issues have not been at stakes this approached from a social justice perspective. the people of Minnesota and not judges or on these kids’ well-being - that gay marriage
high for some time, nor have they gotten this “To me, social justice means building politicians who should decide if we want to is the answer.”
close to being called upon during a [political] up communities that have been excluded, redefine marriage in our state.” However, according to a recent survey by
election such as this one. The individual marginalized, and oppressed and to work Nienstedt’s appeal references scripture the Public Religion Research Institute, two-
who gets elected could mean the future for in solidarity to transform systems to uphold and Catholic doctrine in decrying efforts thirds of Americans polled believe that the
the GLBT community,” Monson said. the values of human dignity, equity, and to legalize same-sex marriage, saying “the messages coming out of places of worship
On Sept. 20, with the consent of the respect,” Moore said. complementary nature of the sexes is not in this country are partly responsible for the
archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul SCU professor and head of the theology only at the heart of the human experience, increase in gay youth suicides. Forty percent
department, Vincent Skemp, it is one we can see throughout nature and, of Americans view the messages from religious
commented on the sensitive more importantly, one that Christ speaks to institutions, like the Catholic Church, to be
nature of Nienstedt’s advocacy us about in the Gospel.” primarily negative toward gay individuals.
and the same-sex debate at Furthermore, Niendstedt describes gay Kelly Czajka, the Spirituality and Retreats
large. Although Skemp had marriage as “at best...an untested social Coordinator in Campus Ministry, believes the
not seen the DVD at the time experiment and, at worst, it poses a dangerous controversy calls for greater communication
of his comments, he said the risk with potentially far-reaching consequences.” and patience in dealing with the sensitive
tension surrounding the The second half of the DVD prominently positions on both sides of the debate.
controversy over gay marriage features Maggie Gallagher, the president of “In order to understand the arguments, we
can be attributed to two the National Organization for Marriage, a need to fully understand the definitions that
primary causes within the group notorious for its “Gathering Storm” both the Church and civil society are using,”
Catholic Church: marriage TV spots advocating for the passage of Czajka said. “With those understandings,
as sacrament, and rapidly Proposition 8 in California two years ago. we then need open and honest dialogue
changing social and scientific Gallagher has been criticized for anti-gay respecting the dignity and integrity of [all]
views on gender and sexuality. rhetoric. Her inclusion in the archdiocese’s individuals, no matter who they are.”
“First, marriage is a video is less than comforting for LGBT
sacrament in Catholicism. members of the Church. Tréza can be reached at tjrosado@stkate.edu.
A couple prominently featured throughout the DVD. In light of [this] there are Gallagher responded to the recent spate Alexa can be reached at anchihos@stkate.edu.
Last summer I became a member of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). This It’s 3:00 in the morning. I was going to write this editorial yesterday, except I happened
is how it works: you or you and your partner, housemates, or friends who enjoy cooking to glance at my biology syllabus, and realized I had a comprehensive midterm exam this
buy a share of locally grown, organic produce that you pick up weekly from May through week.
mid-October. Each week, you are the lucky benefactors of a box that could contain foods
such as strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, greens, tubers, apples, and gourds. After Oops.
the many feasts of the season, you can rest easy knowing that you’re supporting local and
So I did what any sane college student would do: I stayed up until 3:00 studying.
organic farmers who work hard and are compensated fairly. When I finished, I went to bed. I probably should have just written this thing then, but
I decided to continue the tradition this summer and have enjoyed experimenting with the coffee-buzz had worn off, and I was too tired to walk to the kitchen to make more.
each week’s surprise. Part of what makes this such an enjoyable experience is that you
never know exactly what you’re going to get. Successful crops are dependent on sufficient Don’t get me wrong, I love school, I love studying, I love learning new things. But that’s
sun and rain, persistent weeders, patience, care, and often times a bit of luck. This year not really working out for me this semester. On a good day, I’ve read three-fourths of the
has proved to be truly abundant. I’ve taken to hiding zucchinis in my friend’s kitchens, reading for my women’s studies class (sorry, Professor).
throwing tomatoes at bad performers, and inventing new and “improved” recipes just to
make sure none of it goes to waste. In talking with my friends in the Nursing Program this semester, I’ve got it easy. My
So it was with a heavy heart that I walked into the Sustainability Office at Macalester friend Colleen Royce told me she’s been living her life day to day: forget about planning
College to pick up this year’s last box. As I walked through the halls I wondered to myself, ahead or getting any reading done early. The next time we talked, she revised that senti-
ment, saying she’s now living from hour to hour.
where is the sustainability office at St. Catherine University (SCU)?
SCU has done many things to reduce its carbon footprint and move closer to a sustainable Last time I went into The Wheel office, I found the Editor-in-Chief, Tréza Rosado sleep-
future: “going green” in the cafeteria and offering Peace Coffee as the caffeinated beverage ing in a chair.
of choice are two initiatives SCU has implemented. In 2008, President Andrea Lee (IHM)
committed to “eliminate net greenhouse gas emissions from specified campus operations, So, yeah, we’re busy. St. Catherine University (SCU) students aren’t just going to class.
and to promote research and educational efforts to restabilize the Earth’s climate” . These College these days involves jobs, graduate school applications, families, internships,
are all admirable things that I think SCU should be proud to claim as achievements. That clubs, and then classes, midterms, and papers. I’m not even going to touch on trying to
being said, I’d like to see us go further. fit in a social life…that’s out of the picture.
The Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI), provider of my CSA, hosted two events
this weekend. The first event was a dinner and lecture at Macalester with keynote speaker I wonder if professors get that.
Will Allen, who is the founder of Growing Power in Milwaukee, Wis. where he has created
I understand that I’m here to learn, that the point of college is to work for a diploma.
a system of sustainable urban farming to confront social and environmental justice
But if I did all the work that was assigned to me in my classes, I’d never sleep. College
issues – especially to promote access to healthy, local, and affordable foods to inner city isn’t just classes; it’s that on top of a 30 hour work week, night classes after feeding the
communities. The next event was a weekend of training on composting, vermiculture, family, trying to make a relationship work, the 10 page paper I should be working on as
hoophouse building, aquaponics building and fish husbandry, root cellar building, food I write this.
storage, and a host of related lectures.
It’s true, winter is on its way and the harvesting season, for all intents and purposes, is I used to feel really bad going into class not having done my readings. I’d think, I’m
over. But unlike the bears of the great North Woods, we aren’t able to store up on food and letting my professor down; I’m not trying hard enough; I’m wasting my money by not
hibernate until the next growing season commences. There will continue to be hungry doing the work; I don’t deserve the grade I’m getting.
bellies throughout the year and less access to fresh, healthy, affordable foods.
What if SCU was more actively involved in the food revolution? There are several things Now, for the most part, I’m pretty stoked if I actually have time to put on a little mascara
you can do: over the winter months support local co-ops, plan on utilizing the organic in the morning. When I say I’ve only done ¾ of the reading for class it’s not because
I decided to spend half my night watching Grey’s Anatomy and eating Chinese food
garden on campus next spring, and talk to your friends in the senate about SCU partnering
(which honestly, I would love to do), it’s because I tried my best, and that’s as much of it
with someone like Will Allen. SCU could be a site of urban farming and a source of healthy as I could get through.
foods for the surrounding communities if you’re willing to get your hands a little dirty.
Cheers, with a big ol’ mug of Peace Coffee. Everyone I know at SCU has at least one job. Everyone I know is taking at least 16
credits. All my friends are involved in at least one club or organization on campus. Every
Sarah can be reached at sehollows@stkate.edu. person I regularly talk to is drowning in work right now. It might be because it’s mid-
terms, or because the economy is crap and students have to work to pay tuition bills, or
because they’re taking large course loads. Whatever it is, it’s too much.
ST. CATHERINE UNIVERSITY WHEEL STAFF
Volume 78, Issue 4 With everything else, sometimes what it takes to be successful in college is doing half the
assigned work and going to sleep.
Editor-in-Chief: TREZA ROSADO
Layout Designer: SARAH WENTE The Wheel runs stories about caffeine consumption, stress reduction, and sleep all the
Sections Editor: RACHEL ARMSTRONG time (just check out the Health section of this issue), because this is what is relevant to
students trying to stay awake during classes and managing everything else they take on.
Photo Editor: DANA BLOOMQUIST
Adviser: SHEILA ELDRED I could go over this piece again, edit it to make sure I don’t sound too whiny, or make
Senior Staff Writers: JORDYN ARNDT, LYDIA FASTELAND, CLAIRE DA- sure I didn’t make a huge grammar mistake. But I think I’m going to take a nap instead.
VIDSON s
Staff Writers: CLARA JOHNSON, JESSICA JONES, BECKY DOUCETTE, Is it J-term yet?
DEVON ARNDT, ALEXA CHIHOS, SARAH HOLLOWS, ELYSE JOHNSON
Photographers: JESSICA JONES, DANA BLOOMQUIST, SRISTI SADASHAN- Rachel can be reached at rmarmstrong@stkate.edu.
LCAR, ERIN PETERSON
Cartoonist: KATHERINE CURTIS
If you would like to write for The Wheel, please contact us at
wheel@stkate.edu.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Wheel aspires to reflect the diversity and unique atmosphere that compris-
es St. Catherine University. We strive to provide an inclusive newspaper primar-
ily for the students and by the students. The Wheel promotes the vision of
empowering women to lead and influence as well as an understanding of the
university community inside and outside of the gates. As a staff we aim to meet
the highest journalistic standards and stand in accordance with the 1st Amend-
ment of the Constitution of the United States of America and policies of prior
restraint. The Wheel is not a public relations vehicle for any SCU individual,
group, department or for the college as a whole. We welcome feedback and
encourage an open discourse. The Wheel is supported by student funds and is
distributed free of charge.
On the morning of Oct. 13, SCU alumna, trustee emerita, and benefactor, Henrietta Schmoll Rauenhorst, passed away after a long illness. President Andrea Lee
(IHM) sent an email to SCU faculty expressing her condolences for the loss of a longtime friend to and supporter of the University. Mrs. Rauenhorst has broadly
influenced the SCU community. The ballroom in the Coeur de Catherine is named after her as well as one of the new residence halls and the School of Health. She is
survived by her husband, Gerald Rauenhorst, as well as their seven children, 21 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Mrs. Rauenhorst will be greatly missed.
October 25, 2010 NEWS & OPINION The Wheel | 3
Breaking down walls: Fostering Schilmoeller lived with a conservative Muslim family of Syrian and Palestinian decent
in the outer circle of Amman, the capital of Jordan. When she was not in class studying
Arabic, she spent time visiting her extended host family, drinking tea, and discussing
cross-cultural politics. She volunteered in a Palestinian community with Ruwwad: The Arab Foundation
for Sustainable Development by assisting with home renovations.
dialogue in the “Everything was so interesting to me that I did not want to leave,” Schilmoeller said,
describing her first experience living in Jordan.
Schilmoeller has continued to engage in academic work related to her study abroad
Middle East experience in Jordan. Her Honors thesis at SCU is related to how community education
programs can be used as a mode of social change for immigrant groups in the Twin
Cities. She fostered connections with these groups through her involvement in programs
sponsored by the Center for Community Work and Learning on the SCU campus and
her own initiative. Schilmoeller continues to study Arabic at the University of St. Thomas
By Jordyn Arndt (UST) and has recently applied for a Rhodes Scholarship to support her pursuit of dual
international columnist Masters of Studies in Education and Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. She hopes
to one day return to the Middle East and serve as a spokesperson for the United States
A peace resolution between Israel and Palestine forged through the equal contributions in order to foster peace and dismantle misconceptions by engaging people in dialogue
of both peoples is desperately needed. Janessa Schilmoeller, a senior at St. Catherine surrounding transnational issues.
University (SCU) is trying to further this process. Schilmoeller studied abroad in Jordan
last spring with the School of International Training (SIT). As an international relations
major, Schilmoeller is interested in expanding her understanding of the Middle East, Jordyn can be reached at jearndt@stkate.edu.
the Arabic language, and the cross-cultural dialogue surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict. During her time in Jordan, Schilmoeller lived with a host family, engaged in
coursework related to her major, and conducted an independent study focused on the
manner in which stereotypes and prejudices in Jordan towards Israelis serve as a barrier
to the Middle East peace process. Schilmoeller analyzed the effectiveness of cross-cultural
programming in Jordan used to dismantle stereotypes surrounding people of Jordanian,
Israeli, and Palestinian origin.
Schilmoeller’s interest in the Middle East peace process began in high school as a
participant in the Louis August Jonas Foundation international scholarship program, Camp
Rising Sun. The mission of the Foundation is to “develop in promising young people from
diverse backgrounds a lifelong commitment to sensitive and responsible leadership for the
betterment of their communities and the world.” Along with fellow 14-16 year old girls
from around the world, Schilmoeller engaged in cross-cultural dialogue about global issues.
Schilmoeller’s participation in Camp Rising Sun introduced her to the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict for the first time. Due to the presence of Israeli and Palestinian counselors and
campers, one of the global issues addressed during the camp session was this conflict.
Through films, presentations, and discussions, participants increased their understanding
of the situation via multiple perspectives. The dialogue surrounding the conflict at Camp
Rising Sun served as a catalyst for Schilmoeller’s future studies of Middle Eastern politics
and Arabic.
“When you are at a camp where girls affected by these issues are living peacefully side
by side, you start to wonder why other people in this region of the world cannot learn to
do the same,” Schilmoeller said.
After returning home, Schilmoeller began researching the conflict and sought out ways
to travel to the Middle East. During her senior year of high school, Schilmoeller applied
and was accepted to the State Department’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth
(NSLI-Y). She spent the summer of 2008 in Jordan. The program was designed to offer Schilmoeller meeting with a Palestinian family after removing gravel and glass
an immersion experience through home stays, volunteer opportunities, intensive language from sidewalks in East Amman, Jordan. Photo by Janelle Schilmoeller.
courses, and cultural excursions around Jordan.
Race wind-
make the decisions. It is a real opportunity
to have your voice be heard,” political science
professor Mary Margaret Smith said.
I
Minn. State Rep. Tom Emmer-Republican; State’s website, you can find voting eligibility
and Tom Horner-Independence Party. requirements, absentee voting applications, HILLCREST RECREATION CENTER
Although the governor’s race is a large and anything you would like to know about (W-3 P-4)
part of this election cycle, eight members voting in Minnesota including a Poll-Finder 1978 FORD PKWY
of the United States Congress will also be tool that will let you know where to vote. ST PAUL, MN 55116
elected across the state. Also up for election
are all 201 seats of the Minnesota House of
Representatives and Senate, as well as many
other local and statewide offices. However,
since the office of the president is not up for
The Poll-Finder will provide you with an
address, map, links to a list of candidates
and a sample ballot that will look exactly
like the one you will use on election day.
Students currently living on campus at SCU
Voted pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us
Find your polling location, as well as links
to other valuable voting resources.
election, the political climate is very different. are eligible to vote here, instead of in their
“Generally voter turnout is lower [than hometowns. SCU provides a list of current
for a presidential election] and fewer people resident students to the polling place, so all
4 | The Wheel FEATURES October 25, 2010
HAPPY
Gangsters,
Caves, viewing photographs
that give proof of supernatural
beings.
HAL
silica mines in the 1840’s and were later used
as a speakeasy and popular nightclub during
Prohibition: gangster John Dillinger spent
Wabasha Street Caves
215 Wabasha St. South
ghosts, Our first stop on the tour
was Forepaugh’s restaurant. The
many evenings dancing here before he was
shot in 1934. It is said that many gangsters
St. Paul, MN 55107
(651) 214-1191
and Victorian mansion was built in
the late 1880’s by businessman
have been spotted throughout the Caves. The
Caves are now used to host private events
graves Joseph L. Forepaugh. Molly, a
young Irish maid who worked
such as weddings, and on Thursday nights,
many locals come to swing dance much like
you choose to venture out. You never know
what will be lurking around the corner.
for the family, began having the locals from long ago.
• Caves tour an affair with Mr. Forepaugh. The Caves and Graves tour will continue Devon can be reached at
explores history According to Evette, Molly to run throughout the month of October - if dvarndt@stkate.edu.
so on b e came pre g nant,
with a fun twist which did not sit well with
the Forepaugh family. Mr.
By Devon Arndt Forepaugh dismissed Molly
staff writer from his service immediately.
Molly was so distressed over her
dismissal, she hanged herself
I recently participated in the Caves and from the third floor window of the house.
Graves Tour offered by the staff at the When the house was renovated into a
Wabasha Street Caves. We took a two hour restaurant in 1972, strange events began
motorcoach tour that promised to offer a to occur. Construction workers began
thrilling view of the supernatural in St. Paul. hearing knocking sounds coming from the
The tour began when a middle-aged woman upstairs closets and tool bags began moving
stepped onto the bus and announced “I am mysteriously. Many present-day customers
your dead French maid, Evette.” ‘ claim they have seen the ghost of Molly
Evette and another woman, Frau Spooker roaming the Forepaugh home .
(dressed as a German fortune teller), introduced Evette and Frau Spooker took turns sharing
themselves as our tour guides. They began spooky stories as we rode along in the bus. We
by sharing the agenda for the evening. stopped at beautiful mansions, The Mounds
First, we would journey throughout St. Park Theater, and some old train stations.
Paul, stopping at local haunted sites. Then, One highlight of the tour was a visit to the
we would visit Oakland cemetery, St. Paul’s Wabasha Street Caves. It was eerily silent
oldest and most historic cemetery. To end the as we all crept into the dark cave. Evette Part eerie haunting grounds, part dance hall, the Wabasha Street caves showcase
tour, we would explore the Wabasha Street informed us that the caves had been used as unique St. Paul history. Photo by Erin Peterson. Tombstone Photo by Devon Arndt.
2. Cut a circle around the stem and pull. Now the fun begins:
start scooping the seeds and stringy membrane out to
make the pumpkin hollow and smooth on the inside.
4. When you’ve poked all the way around the pumpkin, you
can take off the stencil and violà! you know where to cut.
3 4 A serrated knife works well, but any knife will do. Go over
the poked lines, being careful in places where it’s thin.
5. When you think you’re done, take a step back and look at
how the whole thing looks. Make adjustments as necessary.
6. Set a small candle inside, put the lid back on, and put
the pumpkin outside. You’re now ready to scare the
neighbors with your spooky Jack O’Lantern!
Tools:
1. For the Jack O’Lantern connoisseur, there exist
specially made pumpkin carving tools. A medium-
sized serrated knife will do most of the cutting you
need, but for detailed jobs a small knife works better.
6
It’s also helpful to use something to help you scoop
5
out all the insides (even though most of the work can
be done with your hands!).
2. For the rest of us, everyday kitchen utensils get the
job done. Use a medium sized knife or even a table
knife for the cutting, and a large spoon to do the
scooping.
October 25, 2010 FEATURES The Wheel | 5
Tréza on CarnEvil: I am nearly 22 years old and this was the first
haunted house I’ve ever been in. I have literally only seen haunted
houses in really terrible ‘80s horror flicks. This particular maze had
a scary clown theme which I guess is traumatizing if you are afraid of
clowns. Personally, I’ve never understood that fear. Then again, I have a
phobia of thunderstorms so I’m not at liberty to judge. If I think about
it, clowns are vaguely pedophilic and therefore creepy on an abstract
level so...I guess this was an effective attraction?
Movie Review: “Let the Right Rachel on Carnage at Crimson Isle: I love pirates. I mean, I really love
pirates. I don’t understand how pirates can be scary, because I think they’re
so interesting. The atmosphere was so well constructed that I wanted a
One In” vs. “Let Me In” rapier so I could do some epic sword battling. The monsters in this maze
really got into it too, scaring in English accents, hiding beneath alligator
hides to jump out, and moving a Joshua door to split groups and send
By Tréza Rosado them down different paths. Not too scary, but awesome nonetheless.
editor-in-chief
Tréza on Asylum: Insanity is scary. Exhibit a) the underrated film
When it was announced that filmmaker Matt Reeves would remake the 2008 Swedish cult favorite, “Let “Identity” with the always-underrated John Cusack. This was the only
the Right One In,” horror fans of the original erupted in protest. Regarded as an indie reinvention of the maze that made me jump and also made me seriously scout out the exit
vampire genre, the original-based on the novel by John Ajvide Lindqvist-was widely acclaimed by critics for signs at each turn. When a body bag swung into my torso towards the end
its emotional intricacies and meditative pace. Film buffs, concerned with the so-called Hollywood machine, of the maze, my first thought was that I’d choke someone if fake blood
largely condemned the idea of an American remake on principle. Why improve on perfection? got on my V-neck sweater. However, my second impulse was to run.
So let’s get this out of the way immediately: Although it’s certainly true that the remake, “Let Me In,” deviates
from the austerity of the original, let it be known that it’s no bastardization of its hallowed source material. Rachel on Blood Creek Cemetery: This maze is right in the middle of
Both films follow the growing friendship between a socially outcast young boy and the strange girl who the park, so if you decide you’ve had enough of the creepy, you have to
moves into the apartment next door. The intensity of that friendship increases over the course of several walk through a fog-filled cemetery to get out. The coolest thing about
gruesome murders in the neighborhood emulating the escalating bullying of the troubled protagonist. this maze are the sliders. Monsters wear metal guards on their legs and
In “Let the Right One In”, our protagonist is a tortured 12-year-old named Oskar who is frequently the run from behind you, sliding on their knees on the ground. It makes an
target of physical and emotional violence by schoolyard perpetrators. The film’s plot meanders through this insanely loud grating noise and sends sparks everywhere. As we walked
violence in a vaguely disquieting manner, not exaggerating the cruelty but not shying away from it either. through this maze, monsters would creep quietly behind us the whole
The scenes of bullying are cooly methodic, the bullies themselves meticulous with their gendered insults way. Surprising? Yes. Scary? Debatable.
and physical provocations. The film leaves no mercy for Oskar and no mercy for the audience; it ultimately
leaves no mercy for the bullies either, in a conspicuously gratuitous scene of bloody revenge. Tréza on Mr. Cleaver’s Bloodshed: For approximately 10 minutes on
Oskar befriends a strange new neighbor, Eli, and the two spend many a frigid Swedish night sharing Saturday night, I became a vegetarian. Truly, the most terrifying aspect
puzzles, sweets, and a sad jungle gym that’s completely devoid of childhood innocence. Their friendship of this maze was its basic premise: let’s let people loose in a meat factory
evolves into an ambiguous relationship; on more than one occasion, Eli denies being a girl, despite Oskar’s from hell! I had a vague start of a shiver at the base of my spine for the
continued interest in “going steady” with her. Further complicating this bond is Eli’s own relationship with entire experience. This could primarily be attributed to the unsettling
the man acting as her guardian, a nearly-silent figure who cares for Eli by scientifically killing young men number of knives and chainsaws lying around and my immediate flashback
and draining them of their blood. Although the audience is aware of Eli’s vampirism early on, the revelation to the remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” (The shoddy quality
is just another oddity for Oskar, a boy so desperate for companionship he can overlook the gruesome blood of that film would give anyone nightmares).
cravings of his only friend.
“Let Me In” follows the same story arc, more or less, with the protagonists as Owen and Abbey. The film’s Rachel on Chateau du Damme: I really didn’t want to go in this maze.
major deviation from the original is its attempt to fit the plot into a criminal mystery framework: something I mean, first off, the line was long. But secondly, it was centered around
that doesn’t necessarily work when the central murders are committed by Abbey or her guardian--the known vampires, and I was terrified I was going to run into Edward Cullen
killers from the beginning. and run screaming from the place. It was decorated as an old mansion,
The film, as expected, is more graphic in its depiction of both Owen’s abuse and of the murders that drive and monsters dressed in Victorian clothing were everywhere.Overall, I
the detective narrative. The film is messier, less remote than its predecessor. Even the process of draining don’t remember much except cutting off the circulation to Tréza’s right
victims is unwieldy and less effective than the system in the original. The methodical collection of draining arm. I really hate scary things. Each time a new vampire jumped out I
blood was a vivid example of the Swedish film’s scientific precision, its cold realism; in the American remake, embarrassed myself all over again for: #1: screaming in the first place, and
it’s almost a winking admission of inferiority. It’s as though Reeves went out of his way to escalate the noise #2: screaming at a vampire maze of all things. I’m still pretty mortified.
and frenzy of “Let Me In” as a means of deflecting the impending charges of American excess.
For film buffs, the most frequently derided reason for disliking a European film is to say the film was Treza can be reached at tjrosado@stkate.edu.
“too slow” or that “nothing happened.” However, the pacing of “Let the Right One In” was often erratic Rachel can be reached at rmarmstrong@stkate.edu.
and only occasionally sluggish. The pensive tone of the film and the striking beauty of the camera work
and performances kept the film from lapsing into monotony but, for a vampire film, it has little bite. The
heightened violence and graphic imagery work better for the remake, in some instances, than the meditative
distance does in the original.
The brutal killings committed by Abbey and her guardian are shocking. Abbey, in particular, is more an
amoral animal than the survivalist vampire that is the Eli character in “Let The Right One In”. Similarly,
the guardian’s killings are committed against a soundtrack of shrieking trains and squealing cars spinning
out on frozen highways. Although there is something to be said about the silence and restraint of “Let the
Right One In”, there is also something to be said for the horror of its errant American sibling. The brooding
original profoundly unsettled me; “Let Me In” frightened me.
To be fair, I’m not convinced either film is worthy of the accolades or insults thrown its way. Both are
entirely acceptable vampire films that go a long way in redeeming the genre after “Twilight” took its degrading
liberties. Furthermore, both films feature profoundly affecting performances by their lead actors: children
embodying adult characters and adult themes with a wistful maturity that is completely irresistible, for all
of their horrific experiences and ultimately reprehensible actions.
Bottom line: If you’re going to invest in one, you really should check out the other as well. “Let the Right
One In” is streaming for free on Netflix and “Let Me In” is definitely playing at a theater near you.
Tréza can be reached at tjrosado@stkate.edu. Skeletons serve as a warning to guests just outside Blood Creek
Cemetary. Photo by Tréza Rosado.
6 | The Wheel FEATURES October 25, 2010
Katie
properties. Maximize your intake of
omega-3 fats, especially from oily fish.
Active
“Because of stigma, students and community to students making their own stress balls. and participate in these activities, not just
members often wrestle with [mental health] “Participating chapters table on campus those who are psychology majors or know
issues behind closed doors and, as a result, with materials from Active Minds, their someone suffering from a mental illness.
Minds
feel as if they are the only ones affected,” college or university Counseling Center, and “Mental health issues don’t care who you
Stacy Symons, professor in psychology and resources from OCD Chicago, the Anxiety are or where you come from and Active Minds
the Active Minds adviser said. “I believe Disorders Association of America, The doesn’t either,” McCannel said.
that Active Minds provides students with National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and “We absolutely welcome input from everyone,
• Campus group raises a forum to discuss mental health concerns the National Institute of Mental Health,” including faculty, staff and students, who
and ideas openly, as well as an opportunity The National Stress Out Week website says. are interested in getting the ‘mental health
awareness about mental health to build community awareness and support Later this semester, Active Minds will hold a conversation’ going!” Symons said.
By Becky Doucette for these issues.” movie night with a follow-up discussion, and
staff writer This semester, Active Minds hosted a table student-led relaxation activities. McCannel
to get the word out about National Week mentions that they “are hoping to set up Becky can be reached at
Without Stigma. This event was designed to multiple lunch time discussions where rjdoucette@stkate.edu.
One club at St. Catherine University (SCU) raise mental health awareness and educate students can come and discuss with other
hasn’t been around for long, but has more people about these issues. students any issues or questions they might
members than SCU has students. The term “stigma” refers to a socially have relating to mental [health] issues.”
“Active Minds is a national organization discredited behavior or reputation, and Anyone is welcome to join Active Minds
that was founded in 2001 and has been Active Minds strives to remove stigma from
expanding across campuses nationwide,” everyday mental health conversations.
sophomore Casey McCannel, president of “One in four people will suffer from a Questions about mental health? Seeking help?
SCU’s Active Minds club, said. mental illness in their lifetime – that means Visit the Counseling Center.
According to the National Alliance of everyone knows someone who has suffered, is
Mental Illness, in 2010 there are roughly suffering, or is going to suffer from a mental Services Provided:
168,000 adults and 56,000 children out of illness,” says junior SCU student Teresa 1. Short-term individual psychotherapy for enrolled students
Minnesota’s 5.2 million people living with a Hermodson-Olsen, a new member of Active 2. Psycho-educational groups and other psycho-educational programming
serious mental illness. However, only 22% Minds. “This topic is relevant and real, and for members of the campus community
of the adults living with these illnesses are it has to do with our well-being and living 3. Psychological consultation for members of the campus community.
receiving proper health services. as a community.”
Active Minds has been pushing to contribute Active Minds has participated in past St. Paul Campus
to the mental health conversations on activities such as the “Real Student Body 330 Derham Hall
campus. According to the Active Minds’ Walk” held between the SCU, Hamline, and 2004 Randolph Ave
website, “it is the only organization working Macalaster campuses last winter. The focus St. Paul, MN 55105
to utilize the student voice to change the of the Real Student Body Walk was to raise Phone: 651-690-6805
conversation about mental health on college awareness specifically for distorted images
campuses.” of women in the media. Visit the Counseling Center’s website through Kateway for more
On the SCU campus, Active Minds embodies Active Minds has also participated in information on services, hours, and how to make an appointment.
the mission of the national organization while “National Stress Out Week,” which included
trying to meet the student body’s needs. a variety of activities from balloons to pop
8 | The Wheel SPORTS October 25, 2010
xxx
• xxx
By xxx
staff writer
In the Paint
Basketball season preview
Top: The basketball team practices free throws. The team does a scrimmage drill. The
Wildcats’ first official scrimmage is in
Middle Left: Seniors and team captains Quinn Halverson, Bismarck, N.D. next week.
Sonja Ellingson, and Laura Kalbfell.
The team is small, only about 12 players for both varsity
and junior varsity teams. Despite the low numbers, the
captains stay positive. “We all get more playing time this way,”
Ellingson said.
The three captains are the only seniors on the team, but
“there is a lot of scoring ability across the team, [even among
new players],” Kalbfell said of the team’s outlook.