February 2011
46 posts
1 tag
Who Ben is Today:
This is the story of Ben Olthoff, a Dordt College student who recieved life-threatening burns in an accident over a year and a half ago. Today he is living the life of an average college student with extraordinary circumstances. You may see him around campus, but you may not know him. Here is your chance to get to know who Ben really is.
By Kelly Zatlin, co-editor
He walks down the abandoned...
1 tag
Students screen their film on Sioux County...
By Kelly Zatlin, co-editor
The science building was filled with the noises of farm animals Monday night as three students held the first screening of their Prairie Grass Production film, “Sioux County Agriculture”.
Students Gary Huitsing, Brett Leyendekker, and Aaron Yoder produced and filmed the video which is hosted by Dordt psychology professor, Andy Schuttinga.
In the film, Schuttinga...
1 tag
'The Day Metallica Came to Church'
By Rachel Mulder, staff writer
Hard rock and heavy metal—two words that are hardly ever associated with Dordt chapel. They were, though, last Wednesday when Pastor John Van Sloten spoke about his thoughts on Metallica in church.
Van Sloten, author of The Day Metallica Came to Church: Searching for the Everywhere God in Everything says, “Heavy metal helps me know what God’s wrath feels...
1 tag
“Just Dance, it’s going to be okay”
By Adam McDonald, co-editor
Dordt hosted “Dea-ncing with the Stars” on Feb. 12 and the dancers were on fire as they one-by-one took the stage.
The winners of the contest were Pastor Verlyn Boone and Mel Knobloch.
“Both are very active in their professions and in other community projects,” said Vern Eekhoff, the event’s coordinator. “They both love people and have a servant hood mentality....
1 tag
Student Symposium Update
Hello again, fellow students, and welcome to this issue’s symposium update. To begin, I want to extend a grateful thank-you to all of the students who attended Symposium’s discussion on Spiritual Health. The discussion was insightful.
On a related note, Symposium will be holding an ALL CAMPUS MEETING about PARKING soon after spring break. If bolded words aren’t enough to catch your attention,...
1 tag
Dordt's got talent
TX leaves audience entertained, but wanting more variety
By Bryan Visser, staff writer
Dordt’s annual TX show made for an evening of entertainment and laughs last Saturday night.
Student acts this year included a lot of singing, dancing, and instrumental performances.
One of the house favorites was Corey Mulienberg’s voice impressions act which earned him first-place. Whether it was...
1 tag
Stall Street Journal in library bathrooms
By Luke Schut, staff writer
It may not have all your business and financial news, but it’s a great read when you’re on the can.
That’s right, the Dordt Library’s Stall Street Journal brings you all the latest information on what’s happening in the library, and it’s conveniently packaged for your perusal while you answer nature’s call.
The newsletter started in October when Library Director...
1 tag
When we lose the ones we love...
In light of recent deaths that have effected many students on Dordt’s campus, Linda Van Wyk of student services reaches out with encouraging words.
By Linda Van Wyk, guest writer
“I heard your mom died. I, uh, hope that goes well for you.” This was one of the first well-meaning but uncomfortable comments I received from a fellow Dordt student when I returned back to campus after my mother’s...
1 tag
The man behind the Dea-ncing
Dea Luei is one step closer to a kidney thanks to Dordt fundraiser
By Adam McDonald, co-editor
Now that the dancing has stopped and the “stars” have gone back to their normal lives, we are taking a closer look at Dea Luei’s condition and the progress of raising the funds to help him.
Dea has developed a disease in which the capillaries in his kidneys scar over. This could potentially result in...
2 tags
Sexism Sacked and Debated: What Can We Get Away...
By Ally Karsyn, columnist
A few weeks ago, Giles Coren, a British food critic and novelist, wrote an article for the UK’s Daily Mail, posing the question why it’s okay for women to be sexist about men on TV in light of two male reporters for Sky Sports getting sacked for sexist remarks made about women.
This is from the same man who wrote an article two years ago called “Potty-mouthed and...
1 tag
A Dordt kid’s adventures in Jerusalem:
Jumping Jews and Jerusalem Jokes
By Adrian Hielema, columnist
Guns N’ Moses. I can’t help but let out a chuckle looking at the T-shirt hanging in front of me. I’m in the old city of Jerusalem, which lies between the Mount of Olives, the City of David, and other places you half-paid attention to in Sunday School. The other T-shirts hanging in the storefront all seem to revolve around puns on the...
1 tag
The "Western" Way
By Jaleesa Dyk, columnist
A colorfully conscious scan of the Grille area on a busy afternoon can reveal a lot about Dordt as a student body.
There are pockets of maroon, blue, black, and gold scattered amongst the tables and chairs. Friends chatter – among other things – about the weather back home, the latest engagements, and other items of gossip marked by names of people that the next table...
1 tag
Too much, too little:
Time for Tomfoolery
By Kenny Gradert, columnist
My last article lamented the downfall of the rock scene at Dordt. At the risk of sounding like a nostalgic curmudgeon, I wish to lament another downfall in Dordt culture as of late.
We need more pranks.
When one crams a boatload of creative students who are suspended in a strange limbo between high school immaturity and apprehension towards adult...
1 tag
Ask an Athlete
By Jennifer Van Der Hoek, guest writer
Name: Phillip Sears
Hometown: McKimmey, Texas
Year: Junior
Major: Business- Finance
Sport: Baseball
What got you started with baseball/how long have you been playing? I’ve been playing since I was seven. I just played every sport and figured I would try it, and I lived in a white neighborhood; that was the thing to do.
What position do you play/have...
1 tag
Yes! . . . We have a Lacrosse team
By Alex Updike, staff writer
It’s about that time of the year again. No, not baseball season, not softball season, not outdoor track, and not basketball playoffs. It’s time for the Dordt lacrosse team to start up its new season as a Dordt club sport.
After a record of 3-5 in their previous season, the Sowers have bigger expectations for the upcoming slate of games.
“The lacrosse team looks...
1 tag
Defender Baseball kicks off season with young...
By Gail Dirksen, staff writer
It is that time of year again: the smell of spring and the sound of bats cracking surround Dordt’s campus as the baseball team prepares to kick off its much anticipated season.
The Defenders have been practicing with hard work and much enthusiasm and they are more than ready to face the conference with their wide spread talent. Twelve fresh players will be coming...
1 tag
Despite rough Blades season, coach remains...
By Kristin Janssen, staff writer
After failing to make Regional play-offs following three back-to-back years qualifying for Nationals, some hockey hopefuls may call the Blades’ latest season a disappointment.
Although he had expected last year to be the toughest year because of the loss of key athletes, Coach Bill Elgersma confided that this year was much more challenging with many...
1 tag
“New York, New York”
Photography students will hit the streets of NYC for spring break
By Meghan Aardsma, staff writer
This spring break Doug Burg, who teaches Photography at Dordt, is taking eight students up to New York City for a six day workshop.
The work shop is also being facilitated by award winning photographer René Clement.
“This is our first time doing this,” said Burg. “This past November I had the...
1 tag
Dordt holds first ever student composition recital
By Danielle Richards, staff writer
Dordt student Jonathan Posthuma showcased many of his original compositions Friday afternoon in the B.J. Haan Auditorum.
Posthuma performed his own piano and organ pieces and directed a group of 15 other hand-picked performers. His final piano performance included muting strings, throwing a hymnal on the floor, and tapping strings with pencils.
The most...
1 tag
Prairie Grass Film Challenge Awards
By Marilyn Dyck, staff writer
The fifth annual Prairie Grass Film Festival award ceremony saw a lot of “firsts” last Friday night in the BJ Haan auditorium.
The ceremony, hosted by Mark Volkers and Mark Verbruggen, featured a new high school category award, a live band, and hundreds of balloons that fell from the ceiling.
There were 25 films that were submitted this year, and at the...
1 tag
1 tag
Keep that “buried” dollar in your pocket
By Joe Venhuizen, staff writer and Adam McDonald, editor
Joe: “When the description on the DVD said that ‘Buried’ was the story of a man buried underground for ninety minutes, I wondered where the plot could possibly go. As it turns out, not very far. In fact, I think I spent less time wondering if Paul Conroy would get rescued and more time wondering if it would ever cut to any scenes outside of...
2 tags
Keys to Fake Success
By Dave De Wit, columnist
Today’s lesson: Rubik’s Cube
Easy Way
Step 1: Buy a Rubik’s Cube.
Step 2: Pretend you solved it and show it off in a prominent place.
Hard Way
Step 1: Get one side completely solved along with the top rows that are touching that side.
Step 2: Follow the algorithm D L D’ L’ D’ F’ D F until you have two full layers and a side completed. It’s tricky, but you can do...
1 tag
Out of Context
By Luke Schut, copy editor
Jim Schaap: You have the blessings of the Pope to hand in your papers late.
Jim Schaap: Put him in the front of the battle line and someone will kill him off.
Jim Schaap: Unless some of you are closet carnies…
Jim Schaap: You mean do you have to wear a hoop skirt and all that?
Matt Drissel: You are welcome to remove your clothing.
1 tag
“Here’s to you, Ms. Robinson”
One-on-one interview with Pulitzer Prize winning author, Marilynne Robinson
By Kenny Gradert, staff writer
Harper Lee. William Faulkner. Ernest Hemingway. John Updike.
Such giants of American literature share a common honor: the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction. Dordt College’s Andreas Center gave campus a wonderful gift when it brought fellow Pulitzer Prize winning author Marilynne Robinson to...
1 tag
Tim Pawlenty kicks off the Presidential Lecture...
By Rachel Mulder, staff writer
Tim Pawlenty, former Minn. governor, spoke at Dordt College Monday night as the first of several speakers in a new Presidential Lecture series hosted by The Family Leader.
“The Family Leader is a Christ-centered organization that will lead with humility and service to strengthen and protect the family…our goal is to honor and glorify God – not a political...
1 tag
Dea-ncing with the Stars
Dance competition at Dordt will serve as a fundraiser to save a life
By Adam McDonald, editor
You can try to take a seat, but when you see these dancers perform you’ll want to get up and move with them.
Dordt College will be hosting “Dea-ncing with the Stars,” a dance competition and fundraiser where experienced dancers will partner up with amateurs and dance their way to the number one spot.
...
1 tag
PLIA Preview
By Bryan Visser, staff writer
PLIA has added two new sites for students this year.
Those who signed up for PLIA may now find themselves assisting in service projects in Las Vegas, Nev. and Salt Lake City, Utah.
PLIA (Putting Love Into Action) is a spring break service program that sends groups of college students to sites across the country to help where they are needed doing a variety of...
1 tag
Commons TV: Let’s change the Channel
By Danielle Richards, staff writer
For students who eat in the Commons’ west dining hall, Jane Velez-Mitchell and the program HLN is a common meal-time conversation topic.
“Through compassion and honesty, Jane reveals perspectives not seen anywhere else to deliver one of the most compelling hours on TV,” the official HLN website states.
“I like the way it fills me in on the news for the day...
1 tag
Please don’t stop the music
A new band on campus encourages students to start rocking
By Kelly Zatlin, editor
Amos Slade, the only current alternative rock band on Dordt’s campus, is speaking out in hopes that talented musicians who have a passion for music will step up and create bands.
Their three members Kenny Gradert, Nick Engbers, and Caleb Buum, share this passion and want others to help in bringing back the music...
1 tag
Cultural fair and fashion show, combined
By Marilyn Dyck, staff writer
The annual cultural fair and the international fashion show were combined into one event for the first time ever this past Saturday.
Linda Van Wyk, coordinator of international students, organized and oversaw the Cultural Fair.
“It used to be two events so it was difficult putting the two together,” said Van Wyk. “It’s exciting to see things come together.”
The...
1 tag
National Eating Disorder Awarness Week
By Kelly Zatlin, editor
We live in a broken world where over 45 million people are fighting a life and death battle because of their relationship with their food.
Statistics show that 80 percent of American women are dissatisfied with their appearance and 81 percent of ten year olds are afraid of getting fat.
In America, many women are afraid of food while 15 million children in different...
1 tag
Welcome to my World:
The story of a Dordt student who fought anorexia…and won
I never wanted to be like that.
It’s not like I planned on becoming anorexic. I just wanted to start eating a little healthier. Actually, my disorder got its start when I had to monitor everything I ate for three days as part of an assignment for class. After that, I figured I should start eating a little bit healthier.
Three months...
2 tags
Let’s stop “shoulding” all over ourselves
By Ally Karsyn, columnist
Bottles and cans were scattered across the length of the coffee table and the kitchen floor was wet and dirty from tracked in snow. I was at my boyfriend’s house with a group of our friends.
A little after midnight, his roommate started picking up a few cans and dishes out of the living room while everyone else was playing cards around the kitchen table.
One of the...
1 tag
A Dordt kid's adventures in Luxor:
Demonstrations and Discos
By Adrian Hielema, columnist
The strangest thing happens when one tries to remember the events of a truly unforgettable day. The memory comes to you in pieces, like scenes from a movie, and you attempt to piece them together as accurately as possible. Sometimes, though, the hardest part is knowing which scene to begin with.
The disco ball sends multi-colored beams...
1 tag
Taking back His time
By Jaleesa Dyk, columnist
We as college students exist in an out-of- control world. We sprint from class to class, camp in the library, go crazy on the weekends, and sleep when our eyes finally clamp shut despite our best efforts to caffeinate our bodies into endurance.
As Dordt students, we are repeatedly reminded of the importance of incorporating God into our crazy schedules. I’m certain that...
1 tag
Too much, too little:
Where did all the Rock ‘n’ Roll go?
By Kenny Gradert, columnist
When I came to Dordt as a freshman, I brought my drumset.
Part of me worried that going to a Christian college would mean bidding adieu to the rock scene of high school and saying hello to four years of squeaky clean praise teams.
To my utter delight, however, I was welcomed to Dordt by not one, but three...
1 tag
Dordt track athletes make Nationals
By Kristin Janssen, staff writer
The Defender Track & Field team has had a successful season thus far. With only two meets left, nine athletes have already qualified for the NAIA National Indoor meet in Geneva, Ohio, on March 3-5. The women’s 4 X 800 meter relay team (Merissa Harkema, Kendra Kroeze, Katie Bonnema, Michelle Steiger) qualified last weekend. Steiger has also qualified in both...
1 tag
Ask an Athlete
By Jennifer Van Der Hoek, guest writer
Name: Jordan Janz
Year: Senior
Major: BUAD, Marketing emphasis
Sport: Hockey
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
How long have you been playing/what got you started? I was 5, and my dad is from Canada and grew up playing hockey, so he got me started.
What is your best pre-game pep advice? That eliminates a lot. I always have pasta before a game and listen to...
1 tag
1 tag
It was quite the RUSH
By Aanna Stadem, staff writer
I felt the rush. The two hours that were spent at the Northwestern dance performance, RUSH rushed by as the stage was filled with different styles of dance, genres of music, contrast of colorful costumes, and diversity of students
The energy and enthusiasm was apparent from the moment I stepped into the auditorium hall to the curtain call.
RUSH is an annual event...
1 tag
This ain’t your mama’s horror
By Adam McDonald, editor
Dordt senior Jason Kornelis and juniors Jonathan Posthuma and Clare Laverman have taken on the task of performing, producing, and managing the play “Bat Boy” for Kornelis’ senior show.
“Bat Boy” is the story of a small West Virginian town thrown into turmoil after the discovery of a strange human/bat hybrid in nearby caves. A local veterinarian and his family take in...
1 tag
Dordt Theatre chooses French comedy as next...
By Alex Updike, staff writer
“Tartuffe,” a French dramatic-comedy, is already in progress as the Dordt theatre department’s next mainstage performance.
The play, which involves an insincerely pious villain attempting to dupe an unsuspecting Christian family, has an excellent balance of both drama and comedy as it shows the seriousness of
Christian piety while mixing it with subtle humor that...
1 tag
1 tag
RED, white, and Bruce
By Joe Venhuizen, staff writer and Adam McDonald, editor
Joe: “Red” was pretty entertaining. It was an action movie, and it was a comedy, though it didn’t do a great job of either one. The action was thoroughly unrealistic, and the laughs were by no means constant. And a lot of scenes actually developed rather slowly for an action/comedy.
Adam: I would agree. “Red” felt like another excuse for...
2 tags
Keys to Fake Success
By Dave De Wit, columnist
Today’s lesson: Basketball
Step 1: Talk yourself up, e.g. “Scored 40 last time I played; it was an off night.”
Step 2: Use basketball terms in your day-to-day activities. “Alley-Oop me that coke can.” “Box out a spot for me in line!”
Step 3: Drink Gatorade.
Step 4: Get tattoos on every inch of your body.
Step 5: Create a “baller” nickname for yourself. Choose...
