The University News

On the inside: Look ma, I’m a penguin!

Kelley Dunn • November 30, 2007

When I was 8 years old, I wanted to be a veterinarian. It was my calling. I used a perfectly functional plastic stethoscope to listen to my cat's breathing patterns which, after thorough testing, I deduced to be stable. I even got practice with my friend's albino rabbit, opening up the possibility of future work with exotic animals.

No Country for Old Men looks to be Oscar-ready

Landon Burris • November 30, 2007

The Coen brothers (Fargo, The Big Lebowski) have just come out with yet another masterpiece, and just in time for Oscar season. Their new film, No Country For Old Men (based off of the Cormac McCarthy novel of the same name), revolves around a satchel containing $2 million that is found by an everyman from West Texas, Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin, American Gangster) after a drug deal gone awry.

Winter Showcase in Motion

KATIE LEWIS • November 30, 2007

Life is not a GAP commercial, but the members of Phases of Motion are intent upon bringing back dance breaks. The dance group will perform Saturday, Dec. 1, in Xavier Theatre in their hour-long Winter Showcase. Special guest performers include Bare Naked Statues, Melody of Praise Gospel Ensemble and dancers from the Indian Student Association.

Nobody Likes a Quitter gives life advice

Carly Doenges • November 30, 2007

"Dan Dunn is a maniac. If you see him coming your way, for the love of God, buy him a drink and listen to some of his stories." This enticing description of Dunn, given by "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" creator Rob McElhenny at the beginning of Dunn's book Nobody Likes a Quitter (and Other Reasons to Avoid Rehab), proves itself an accurate summary of the novel's mood.

The Spill Canvas proves to be a band to look out for

[email protected] • November 30, 2007

Musically charged and lyrically sound-these two phrases aptly describe South Dakota's claim to fame, the alternative rock band The Spill Canvas. The Spill Canvas is led by singer Nick Thomas, who grew up in South Dakota and had a gift for music. According to the band's official website, Thomas began recording his first song at age 15, which was financed by his father.

Juno births a winning comedy

Landon Burris • November 30, 2007

This holiday season, audiences will be treated to a comedy that is as unexpected as the pregnancy it centers around. Juno (Fox Searchlight, Dec. 14), from director Jason Reitman (Thank You For Smoking) and first-time writer Diablo Cody, is the story of 16-year-old Juno McDuff (Ellen Page, Hard Candy), an offbeat high school student who just found out that she is pregnant.

Attention aspiring actors: Auditions!

Kelley Dunn • November 30, 2007

Shakespeare wasn't lying when he said "All the world's a stage." For the next few weeks, at least, all of Saint Louis University will be, as auditions are held for SLU Theatre's spring season and for feminist group Una's upcoming V-Day shows. Two shows will be performed as a part of V-Day: "The Vagina Monologues" and "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer.

Decking the Cupples House halls

Derrick Neuner • November 30, 2007

'Tis the season for the tannenbaum. Saint Louis University will have its own outdoor Christmas tree for the first time this year. The tree is located outside the historic Samuel Cupple's House on campus. The lighting of the tree will take place on Wednesday, Dec.

SLU72 contestants bring home the Billies

Matt Wilhelm • November 16, 2007

This past Tuesday, the crowd was out on the red carpet as eager moviemakers saw their films compete for top honors. Of course this was not the Oscars or Golden Globes, but rather Saint Louis University's own SLU72 Film Festival. SLU TV was in charge of the event, which has grown from a freshman-only competition open to biology, communication and performance art majors, to what is now a school-wide contest accepting entries from any group of students.

Let Me Explain: Silent mouths have zero impact

KATIE LEWIS • November 16, 2007

I'm ready. Let me explain. In less than a year, we're electing a new president. In less than a year, our new president could make history. Or, our new president could be another white guy. But you have a choice and a voice in this whole democratic debacle.

Dear world, there’s something you should know …

Kelley Dunn • November 16, 2007

It isn't a good idea to talk to strangers. It's usually an even worse idea to give your home address to them. Frank Warren, thankfully, didn't take that advice and created PostSecret-the worldwide art project that has already accumulated more than 175,000 self-releasing pieces.

‘Hedda Gabler’ is impressive, if uneven, version of Ibsen’s classic

Jared Walsh • November 16, 2007

"Hedda Gabler" is the story of a spider. Everything and everyone who comes close to the spider becomes caught in her web. Spinning and twisting, controlling all that she touches, the spider is sick in the head. Cold and calculating, the spider manipulates everyone in her way.