Super Bowl Preview

On February 1, college students across America will pack themselves into small dorm rooms to celebrate our unofficial national holiday: The Super Bowl. This years game is a classic match up of opposites with the 5-time Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers and their vaunted defense matching up with notoriously awful Arizona Cardinals and their high-octane offense.

The Steelers and Cardinals took alternate routes but have made it to the same destination. The Steelers finished the regular season 12-4, despite suffering injuries to various players, and were considered by many to be the best team in the NFL. The Cardinals on the other hand, finished 9-7 in the worst division in the NFL, the NFC West, and were widely considered a team blessed by a weak schedule. They played on Wild Card Weekend versus the Atlanta Falcons, whereas the Steelers earned a bye weak. Both teams had emphatic wins in round two, and gutted out victories in the conference championship games.

What makes this game so interesting is the fact that both team has a dominant strength. The Steelers defense ranked first in almost every defensive statistic throughout the course of the season and haven't allowed more then 17 points in the past six games. They feature defensive player of the year, James Harrison, and pro-bowlers Troy Polamalu and James Farrior. This hard hitting bunch led by coordinator Dick LeBeau is a unit for the ages. On the other side of the ball is the Kurt Warner led Cardinal offense. Warner has regained his magic touch from his St. Louis Rams days and has established himself as an all-time great quarterback. Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald has proven to be one of the, if not the top play-maker in the NFL. His 419 post-season yards is a record, surpassing the great Jerry Rice. On the opposite side of Fitzgerald, Warner has prow-bowl wideout Anquan Boldin who's injured hamstring will benefit from the week off. Running backs Edgerin James and Tim Hightower have been productive in the playoffs but don't expect to see much of them against the Steelers D.

The Cardinals defense is going to have to put together a complete team effort to stop quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the rest of the Steelers offense. The young Cardinals secondary including Dominique Rodgers-Cromrartie, Antrelle Rolle, and Adrian Wilson is good enough to limit the Steelers passing game. The x-factor in the game is Steeler tailback Willie Parker. He has an injury plagued season but if he is able to get outside into open space then it can be a long night for Cardinals fans.

So what happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object? I am going with the cinderella Cardinals. The combination of Warner and Fitzgerald is going to account for at least two scores, and I see Warner letting an opportunity to win a second super-bowl slip out of his hands. The logical pick is the Steelers, but there is something special about this Cardinals team. To borrow a phrase commonly used for college basketball, the slipper fits.

The Photographer's Right

Many a time I have come to a scene as a photographer for The Santa Clara and been glared at or shooed out of the way by police officers.

These public events, accidents, etc. are all legal to shoot, but still, there is a certain stigma to taking a picture of a man who has just been stabbed and running it as front page news the next day. It is seen as insensitive perhaps. Really it is simply a journalist's job.

Taking this photo, reporting this issue, running this story is not insensitive, but rather our way of keeping a watchful eye. If we didn't report the travesties of an earthquake, then who would be inclined to prepare for the next one? If we didn't share a politician's indiscretions, then who would scrutinize those running for public office? Airing the world's dirty laundry forces the public to pay attention and take action in order to make a positive change. Journalists are just the ones holding everyone accountable for their actions.

Last quarter in our photojournalism practicum, our adviser, Chuck Barry, brought in this interesting little cheat sheet for photographers. "The Photographer's Right" explains the basic rights of any photojournalist and how to handle tough situations.

Here's to the watchdog, even when he or she gets a bad beat.














(Click to Enlarge)

Awareness?

What is more effective? Raising awareness or protesting? And what does each mean?

Just a thought.
Katie

Reverse Culture Shock

It has been almost one full month since I returned home from my four month stint in London, England. I am therefore surprised to find myself still feeling suspended between the culture I left behind and the one to which I returned.  According to the study abroad guide book with which I was provided before my departure from the United States, I am currently experiencing a phenomenon known as "Reverse Culture Shock". Defined as a period of re-adjustment and re-examination of the norms of American society, this is a concept at which I laughed and subsequently disregarded during my preparation for my adventures across the pond. Ultimately, I suppose my pre-London self could not comprehend that her future post-London counterpart could actually feel foreign in the area that has been my home for the entire 20 years of my existence. Yet here I am, feeling not only like a freshman all over again, but also like someone examining Santa Clara University and the greater Bay Area from an outside, critical perspective.  

Despite countless trips to my favorite frozen yogurt and Mexican joints (two delicacies whose availability was severely lacking in the UK), and multiple outings in my car just to experience the thrill of driving again, I desperately miss taking the "Tube" to work each morning, hearing shouts of "Oi!" and "Cheers, mate!" being exchanged during my numerous jaunts through Hyde Park,  calling soccer, "Football", and reading "The Guardian" every evening. Ultimately, the little things to which I became so accustomed and often overlooked in my day-to-day life while in London, are the ones which I find myself pining for the most.

I know that soon enough I'll fall back into the old habits and routines of which my life consisted prior to my Londontown  immersion. I'll stop complaining about our quality of tea, the state of our local newspaper and the number of commercials that accompany every television program. Eventually, I'll become an American again.

 Until that time, hopefully I'll continue to remember to drive on the correct side of the road.

Life After College

Photo by Alpo Hassinen

Last week, I had a dream that I was climbing a huge, snowy mountain. The trail was steep and slippery and I almost fell a few times, but always managed to regain my balance again. At the top, a huge igloo awaited me. Inside, I found a large table filled with colorful balloon animals and tons of candy.

Weird, I know, but it was one of those dreams that you can’t stop thinking about because it seemed so real. Then suddenly, it dawned on me. This dream is totally pertinent to my life, and probably to the lives of many graduating seniors.

We’ve traveled so far during our lifetimes, encountering many obstacles, on paths that have been nicely laid out for us: preschool, elementary school, high school, college . . . but what comes next?

Life after college may not be as “sweet” as we expect, especially given the state of the economy, so why not take advantage of the freedom that comes with having few obligations and no career set in stone? This is the ideal time to seize opportunities that may not be available to us later on in life. Here are a few ideas:

Teach English in Japan or Korea for a year.
Volunteer for an organization you really care about.
If you have the means, TRAVEL.
Learn another language.
Learn how to play an instrument.
Take an art class.

Life after college will be as exciting as we make it. Hopefully, mine will consist of something more rewarding than colorful balloon animals and an assortment of candy.

The Single Life

Have you ever walked into your dorm room hoping to relax and watch TV only to find your roommates friends sitting on your bed? That was how I spent my first quarter at Santa Clara University. My fortune has changed and although it might only be for a brief period of time – I’m living the single life.

My roommate, who is a friend of mine, decided to get an apartment for the rest of freshman year and the years to follow. He sent me a text message over winter break saying, “Yo im movin out into an apartment January 3rd.” My first reaction was a fist pump full of excitement followed by a response of “You’re lucky to get out of Swig – I’ll be around to help you.”

My first night alone was perfect. I did what any single guy would do… got my sister to clean my room. By 10 o’clock that night I was in a clean room, controlling the music, reading in peace, and dozing off. It was the first time I went to bed before midnight.

For the past week and a half my room has been a sanctuary for me. I hope this post will not jinx my luck. However, I am afraid to knock three times because that same sound might come back to haunt me in the form of a new roommate.

Birthdays....Were the Worst Days....

Maybe Biggie had it right.

I never understood why adults were so comatose on birthdays. Birthdays are supposed to be days of celebration. Days where you get presents and see your family. You're supposed to be happy on your birthday. Right?

That last one might not be entirely true. I just turned 22 (I know, the big two-two). And I was shocked at how regular the day seemed. You want to know what I did to celebrate? I went to work.

Now, it might be that I'm just a boring person (up for debate) or that I work too hard (my boss would say that's definitely not true). But I don't think 22 has no significance, especially compared to 21.

No, I don't get to legally purchase all sorts of goodies (18, remember, brought tobacco and R-rated movie tickets). And, I can already purchase alcohol (oh how I love 21). So what does 22 bring me? How is any other birthday from here on out significant?

Sigh.

Maybe it's because I'm on my way into the real world (gasp) but I don't see the greatness of every birthday. What do I have to look forward to, at least in terms of numbers? Kind of ironic to think how much I loved "my" day when I was a kid. Maybe this is just part of the process when I go from one of "us" to one of "them." Can't wait.

Life as CriagsList Jobs' Biggest Fan

Well, I know the excitement of a new quarter has been squandered when I resign from taking detailed notes to blogging in class on my laptop. Oh well... last quarter.

So, instead of focusing on the professor's lecture on DNA, RNA and other scientific letter things, I'm surfing Craigslist looking for jobs.

Now, I've designed a very thorough method for CL job searching.

Step 1: Select city.
Step 2: Select job category.
Step 3: Peruse jobs.

My relationship with CL has developed overtime. It began 6 months ago when I was excited and confident about the prospect of finding a job.

July 2008 CL Search

Step 1: Cities
SF Bay Area
New York City

Step 2: Select categories
Marketing/PR
Writing

Step 3: Peruse jobs
Only cool ones
-
Now, my job search as of today's Biology class:

Step 1: Select cities
Boston
Chicago
Denver
Houston
Los Angeles
New York
Orange County
Sacramento
San Diego
Seattle
SF Bay Area
Washington D.C

Step 2: Job categories
Admin/Office
Human Resources
Legal/Paralegal
Marketing/PR

Step 3: Peruse job
Look at all that I could minimally qualify for.

Giants Suffer "Unexpected" Loss in Playoffs

On Sunday, the New York Giants suffered a shocking and season-ending loss at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles by the score of 23-11. At halftime the score was 10-8, as both offenses struggled. However, it was the Giants offense that remained stagnate in the second half and the Eagles' that stepped up. In my mind the Eagles won for three main reasons: they converted on third downs, they did not have as many mistakes, and they scored touchdowns.
Even though I consider myself to be a hardcore Giants fan here at SCU, I can honestly say that I did not feel as confident about the match-up as I would have liked. Therefore, I don't consider the upset to be that shocking. Ever since the Plaxico Burress incident, the Giants' passing game has been pretty mediocre. I definitely think they are a talented group, but none of them strike fear into the opponent's defense like Burress did, which allowed Philly to really focus on the run. I am hopeful that the Giants acquire a big time wide receiver in the offseason, so they can make another run at the Super Bowl next season.

Call a Cab in the City

San Francisco has some of the best public transportation around. With Cal Train and Bart to get you into the city and Muni or the various streetcars and buses to get you around within, it's easy to plan an evening out in Golden Gate City, even if you're coming from Santa Clara.

But, if you're headed to the Sunset or North Beach this winter, you may want to call a cab to travel to your destination quickly and warm. Try the Yellow Cab company: (415) 333-3333 or for a more environmently friendly option, call Green Cab: (415) 626-GREEN.

The city is literally crawling with taxi drivers, so keep your eye out, check the corner of the Cal Train station at 4th & King, or call a cab in advance.

This is a test post.

Hail to the Chief

Katie Powers, the editor-in-chief of The Santa Clara, reflects on her first quarter running Santa Clara University's student newspaper in an interview with Managing Editor Sophie Asmar.

Omaha for Obama

This is a big election for Nebraskans.

For the first time since 1964, we might have one electoral vote going to the Democratic candidate. Since Nebraska, being the crazy/great state that it is, it splits its electoral votes by congressional district, so not all 5 will go the overall winner in the state. Obama has the lead in the second congressional district, where Omaha is. This is a big deal for everyone, considering if you are a Democrat in Nebraska the feeling is you might as well just give up, all the time.

I voted absentee, hoping this may be possible. I can't wait.

Obama actually campaigned in Omaha. And that's what I love. Many other presidential candidates skip Nebraska. In fact, Clinton had never even BEEN to Nebraska until his last year in presidency. (My grandmother took me out of school to see him at the Air Force Base, it was great). But skipping places in the Midwest because 'they are Red States' perpetuates regionalism and snotty divisions in our country. And it's just plain wrong. There are many Democrats in Omaha, and now, we are proving it.

We all know Obama is going to be the next president. It inspires hope and patriotism around the country. But for us liberal Nebraskans, it also inspires the hope for local political diversity.

Barack Obama

I am proud to be an American tonight.

Really, B?

Before I get onto representations of women in the media from a historical perspective, have you seen Beyonce's new music video? I used to think of her as an empowerer, jelly and all, someone "who wouldn't dis you on the internet." But this put a ring on it is a little anti-feminist? No?

She's just bragging because she's marry Jay-Z I guess.

I'm skeptical, B.

"Blog it Out"

Touching on Nicole's last blog, I just arrived in the library. Or moonbase, as I like to call it.

I'm about to transcend into the mindset of a historian, writing my introduction pages to my historical writing paper. So to warm up in the most opposite fashion, I started with a blog about college life.

One of the biggest components of college life is stress management, or so I've realized. I  just got off the phone with my best friend from American University, and she too is experiencing some major stress-filled battles. It's like, senior year should be fun? That or the scariest time of your life?

No that is exaggerating. I guess when it's May and I am unsure what I'll be doing in September is the scariest part...But really. We manage so many full-time roles. Student. Editor. Job applicant. Trying to have a personal life. I dunno.

By the way, the loose leaf coffee in the library is $2.00. Steep. Yikes. I forgot to mention one of the roles of the college student is frugal budget manager.

Uhhh...onto Soviet women.

Library - 12:57 AM

You know when you watch a movie and there's that scene at the beginning when the main character is walking down the streets of New York City and the whole world is zooming around them?

That's how I feel right now sitting in the library. I've been in the same seat for hours, and the people have changed, the murmur of the room has quieted and the sky has turned dark.

But I'm still here.

First Blog

Is this going to work?

I used to be a paid blogger. Just putting it out there.

Welcome to mah worlllld!

What kind of car could your tuition buy you?

Could the economy be affecting students' choice in college? Seems like it. According to an article by neighbor school San Jose State's newspaper, the California State University system has already received approx. 50,000 applications thus far, a 21% increase from last year. According to the CSU website, in-state tuition for SJSU, including all fees, room & boards, books, etc. is roughly $20,000, while the cost to attend Santa Clara University is roughly $50,000.

Update with Santa Clara application numbers to follow soon...

Ivy Leagues Debate ROTC Program

After Barack Obama and John McCain spoke at Columbia University in September, controversy regarding bringing the ROTC program back onto Ivy League has been at the forefront of students' minds.

Both candidates criticized the universities for banning ROTC programs on-campus, which is partly in reaction to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. This article, published in Dartmouth's student newspaper, provides a pretty good explanation of the situation.

Sure, I can do that too...

I'm going to be honest - I'm blogging in class.

But I'm also listening to a great lecture, taking notes, texting with my friend, reading about the economy on CNN.com and... yes, I'm also checking Facebook.

There are about twenty students in my class, and at least a third of them have their laptops open and are attempting the same multitasking routine as myself. Yes, our ability to click between screens is amazing, but are our non-plugged-in classmates learning more than us?

Who knows. But I was inspired to google "college students" and "multitasking", and ran across an article published in TIME magazine in 2006. Pretty interesting, especially this statistic:

Today 82% of kids are online by the seventh grade, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. And what they love about the computer, of course, is that it offers the radio/CD thing and so much more--games, movies, e-mail, IM, Google, MySpace. The big finding of a 2005 survey of Americans ages 8 to 18 by the Kaiser Family Foundation, co-authored by Roberts, is not that kids were spending a larger chunk of time using electronic media--that was holding steady at 6.5 hours a day (could it possibly get any bigger?)--but that they were packing more media exposure into that time: 8.5 hours' worth, thanks to "media multitasking"

I rarely even sleep 6.5 hours a day.

New reporting crew

It's a new year with a new team of Streetbeat Reporters ready to start blogging. Introducing...

Sophie Asmar: Back in action after blogging last spring. She's interested in profiles of photographers.

Katie Powers: New to the team. She's from Omaha. She's interested in personal essays and interviewing seniors. She's concerned about finding a job in journalism.