Speaking to the small assembly gathered in the Gooding Auditorium, Cheryl Sowder, Ph.D., associate professor of art history, described Italy as the country that inspired her life’s work and ignited her artistic and archaeological fire. Cumulatively, this art history professor has spent close to a decade physically on Italian soil and the majority of a lifetime researching, studying and immersing herself in the culture.

On this particular evening of Feb. 13, she and two of her colleagues, Carole Barnett, Ph.D., professor of humanities, and Ginger Sheridan, assistant professor of photography, were addressing a fairly intimate gathering of students about Italy. This informational summit was organized and hosted by members of the Jacksonville University honors program.

Dr. Barnett began the festivities with an overview of Italian history and culture. She set the record straight about spaghetti; it is indeed from Italy and not something that Marco Polo brought back from China. Other interesting slides from her power point presentation included a recording of the Italian national anthem and a picture of carbonized pizza from the Pompeii archaeological site.

Next, Dr. Sowder presented on what Italy means to her and how it has impacted her life. She chronicled for the rapt audience her life story starting with her first trip to Italy when she was 20 years old to the present day. Her very favorite moments spent in Italy range from special moments on an archaeological dig site where “every time you scoop up a bit of dirt you’re encountering the past” to the quotidian stops in the coffee shops.

“I love the idea of the outdoor cafe. I try to replicate it every time I go to Starbucks,” she said.

Following Sowder was an entrancing operatic performance by JU honors student Jessica Thomas. She sang just two songs, but only one was necessary for her audience to fall in love with her voice.

After Thomas came Sheridan, who grew up in Florence, Italy. Right off the bat she sent the students into fits of laughter with her comparisons of the two kinds of Italian men. She used two famous statues of David to illustrate her point. There is Michelangelo’s David who is muscular and manly, and then there is Donatello’s David who is more effeminate. Both are accurate depictions of the two main types of men. In the end, however, she says all of their pants fit too well to put anything in them.

Sheridan painted a picture of Italy. She described the “Passagiato,” or the daily stroll that everyone takes between 4 and 7 p.m. to show off their fashion to their neighbors, and the difference between sitting and standing in a coffee shop. If you want to sit in an Italian coffee shop you can expect to pay anywhere from five to nine euros more than the lonely one euro you pay if all you plan on doing is standing there. Her presentation on these daily quirks brought the country to a whole new light for some listeners.

To round off the evening, a couple of representatives of Moon River Pizza did a pizza making and dough twirling demonstration. While the audience dined on some sampler pizzas that they had brought with them, they flung pizza dough up in the air and across the stage at each other.

“It went wonderfully,” said Dr. Haavisto. “The speakers were fascinating, particularly because they’ve not only studied Italian culture but they’ve lived there and worked there so they were really able to address the societal and cultural differences of today. They’ve made me really want to go. And Jess’s singing was just exquisite.”

The night got rave reviews by those present.

“It was an incredible exploration in to the pure essence of Italian culture and history,” said sophomore William MacIsaac. “[It was] educational, inspirational and defyingly brilliant.”

The Z-formation delved into the inner-workings of the male psyche on Jan. 31, giving women the opportunity to increase their understanding of the sexes.

The organization’s goal for this forum, the third for this school year, was to increase understanding between the sexes. A lot of stereotypes exist between males and females. The organization wanted to end those by openly discussing the problems that often occur.

Panelists were chosen to provide diverse views in answering the questions.

Z-Formation is a women’s empowerment group on campus that meets weekly and hosts monthly forums to increase knowledge about dating, relationships and sex.

The forum began with Margaret Christian, a minister at God’s Ark of Safety, asking the panel of five men questions. These questions posed to the panel included what is the ideal perfect female, why men cheat, why men are afraid of committing in a relationship, and if it’s a problem when a female has more sexual experience than the male.

Audience members of both sexes listened to the opinions of each panelist and were then offered the chance to voice their thoughts on each question.

The biggest surprise of the night was to learn that every member of the panel had indeed cheated in a relationship at one point in his life.

Each panelist had his own reason for cheating. The main excuses for cheating were immaturity and intoxication.

“I cheated before because I was immature,” said junior Steven Shotola. “Those who cheat are just weak-minded.”

Sophomore Ernest Fleming had another point-of-view.

“Men cheat,” he said. “It’s the same reason women cheat on their diet.”

The men were all asked to describe their ideal female with body, looks and intelligence. Although physical attraction and looks were high on the list, they all valued intelligence and the ability to hold a conversation.

Opinions about whether dating requirements differed from marriage requirements were discussed. Some had the same requirements for both, while others were looking for certain things right now with no consequences in the future.

“I don’t know what girl is going to be my wife,” said sophomore panelist Brian Mwango. “I’m just trying to get the best girl I can.”

The guys were asked to define a fulfilling relationship. The common answers were a desire to make the other person happy, to constantly be around them, and to have a strength that is created as a team.

“You need 100 percent,” Shotola said. “If one thing is failing, it will ruin the rest of it.”

An understanding was felt among panelists and audience members by the end.

The Z-Formation hosts a dating class every Monday at 6 p.m. in Botts Lobby.

The Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville pulsated with energy as country music fans devotedly awaited for Rascal Flatt’s to take the stage for their “Thaw Out Tour” performance Thursday night.  A handful of Jacksonville University students went to this event at the discounted price of $20 as one of the adventure trips being hosted by Student Involvement and Leadership.

With 11 number one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, five People’s Choice Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, and several other awards and nominations, it is safe to say that Rascal Flatts is one of the most successful groups in country music.  The band performed several of their number one hits as well as a few singles from their upcoming album “Changed,” scheduled to release in April.

The overall effect of the concert was to engage all who attended in a fun and interactive experience.  Throughout the performance the crowd could be seen dancing on their feet and singing along.  The concert also allowed for audience involvement through Twitter.  Between the opening acts and while the stage was being rearranged, screens were set up that displayed Tweets that contained the hash-tag “ThawOutTour.”  Several of the students participated and enjoyed having their tweets displayed in front of the entire arena.

As a tribute to the winter theme of the concert, the stage was constructed in an all-white appearance onto which images pertaining to the songs could be projected across the backdrop of the stage.  For example, during the sad hit song “What Hurts the Most” there appeared to be rain drops hitting the stage.

“The special effects were my favorite aspect of the concert,” said Maddie Varner, a JU student.  “They were really above par.”

The acts that opened for Rascal Flatts were Hunter Hayes and Sara Evans.  Hunter Hayes is a young, up-and-coming country artist who shows much promise in the country music community.  At the age of nineteen, Hayes has already released his first album. “Storm Warning,” a single from the album, made it to number 14 of the country music charts. He co-wrote the song “Play” on Rascal Flatts’s “Nothing Like This” album.

Sara Evans, on the other hand, has long been a common name in the country music community with two Country Music Association Awards and several songs that reached the number one slots on the country music charts.  Her most popular singles include “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.”

Photo by Lorna Kelso

Stepping into the time capsule of the play “Laughter on the 23^rd Floor,” I found myself whirled into the fast-paced, high pressure world of screenwriting in the 1950’s. In the screenwriting room of pastels and ever present bagels, the motley crew of writers brought their various talents, experiences, and faults together with one goal in mind: to make people laugh. Well, that and please their loveable, yet psychotic comedian employer Max Prince (played by Nick Boucher).

Every moment Max jumps on the scene he commands the attention and admiration of his audience and his fellow characters, as every tortured genius should. But no worries; the 23^rd floor is the kind of place where one cannot only kick off their shoes but a place where they can toss those bad boys out the window.  High above the bustling metropolis, the audience follows: the rise of the aspiring staff writer, Lucas Brickman (Roy Matos), Val’s (Wayne Woodson) personal victory over the communists, Milt’s (Brian Tumble) escape to fame, Brian’s (Jordan Smith) experience as a family man, Helen’s (Janae Lafleur) heartfelt step to her dream, Ira’s (David Bilbray) amazing ability to not die despite numerous ‘ailments’,  Kenny’s (Brandon Hofmann) sharp tongue and charismatic air, and Carol’s (Michelle McGovern) embracement of a new language- the language of F… Well, let’s just say if you are offended by strong language this is not the play for you.

The journey begins with Lucas attempting to find his voice among the unstable interpersonal dynamics of his fellow writers while they all fret over the missing Max. Max in turn made several mysterious phone calls the night before to some of his co-workers who were well aware of the lengths of his paranoia. With Max’s arrival came a rollercoaster of events that make and break them all in a ride you can only take yourself. Professor Jordan (director), Marisa Battaglia (stage manager), and Elaine Tyson (assistant stage manager) along with their crew really work the atmosphere of the play to meet the momentum of the ride. Enjoy!

Photo courtesy of Brett Durda

For 50 years, the young and lovable characters of Charles Schulz’s comic strip “Peanuts” delighted and entertained readers, remaining one of the most popular comic strips of all time.

On Saturday, Feb. 4, Jacksonville University’s own theater honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, presented a dramatic reading of Bert V. Royal’s play, “Dog Sees God.” In this unauthorized parody, Royal examines what might have happened to the cast of “Peanuts“ had they been allowed to grow up. It is a dark and disturbing slant on the story, and can be classified as a “black comedy.”

The show opens with possibly the most depressing thing, the death of Snoopy. Although never specifically named, when CB, Charlie Browns moniker in the show, talks about how his dog has died, all the audience can picture is the lovable black and white mutt with a big imagination and a bigger heart.

Apparently, Snoopy has had to be put down because he contracted rabies and killed Woodstock, his little yellow bird friend.

Sean Segerstrom, the director of the show, also played the lead, CB. Obsessed with death after Snoopy’s passing, he opens the show by reading a letter he has written to his pen pal, explaining how “everything went to hell” after Snoopy was put down.

We are introduced to the teenage versions of the “Peanuts” cast we used to know and are subjected to their acquired “grown-up” habits. With all their neuroses and existential quandaries throughout 50 years of comic strips, it isn’t hard to speculate that the cast might turn to drugs and alcohol. That being said, it seems a little forced, as every single character has his or her own addiction.

The first new character we are introduced to is CB’s sister, interestingly enough referred to only as CB’s sister in the program, played by junior Elyn Wolf. She is a smoking, death-goddess worshipping mess of teenage hormones and confused identity. Comfortable with his identity is “Van,” the grown up version of Linus, played by Ryan Manning. He is so much the ultimate pothead, it’s hard to believe he ever was anything else.  His “profound” statements seem to lend an air of gravity to the show, despite their meaningless babble. He believes he could be “holding the secrets of the universe” in his hand, but in reality he is just perpetrating a stereotype to attempt to connect to a certain portion of the audience.

The most believable change comes from “Pigpen,” played by Brian Trumble, now called Matt. He now has an adamant hatred of his childhood nickname and is a germaphobe. He exchanged an unclean outside with a dirty mind. Now an unabashed pervert, he advises CB to use the death of his dog to persuade girls to sleep with him. Adding some of the foulest language to the show, he is often abrasive and disgusting much like his younger counterpart, just in a different fashion. As Peppermint Patty put it, “a virtual cloud of dirt followed him.”

Peppermint Patty, or Tricia, played by Leanna Brown, and Marcy, played by Ashley Jones, are now stereotypical teenage girls with an unapologetic lack of self-awareness or personal self respect and a deep love for drinking vodka at lunch time.

CB, morose as ever perhaps because of his journey through puberty, questions his friends of mortality and the afterlife.  Unsurprisingly, their teenage minds have trouble grasping the concepts and their answers are vague and unhelpful. Still looking for answers, CB turns to Beethoven, or “Schroeder,” played by Patrick Regis.

An outcast at the school for being a suspected homosexual, he spends his time alone playing the piano. Hearing music that reminds him of Snoopy, CB stops by to listen and subjects Schroeder to a very morbid monologue. Beginning with a heated argument between the two, the play is then carried through a surprising and confusing series of events that finally crescendos into a depressing finale that still leaves the audience with a bit of hope for these lost and lonely characters.

Perhaps the most shocking part of the black comedy, as Lucy, played by Elaine Tyson, stated, is that CB finally does something out of character. He stops caring about what other people think and does something for himself.

Overall, the play was quite good. It was a dramatic reading and was narrated. The only set pieces were chairs, and the costumes were all black. Despite its simplicity, the Phi Iota chapter of APO did a fantastic job of presenting Royal’s play. The dialogue, although a little contrived and forced, just led to the overall feel of the darker side of “Peanuts.”

Nick Boucher, the president of APO and the presenter of the show, put it simply:

“It’s really like a rollercoaster. It’s full of thrills and chills.”

Love (Pisces)

You know you want to ask that person out, so grow a pair and do it already. Confidence is an important trait, and that special person is sure to appreciate it.

Luck (Capricorn)

Your luck has just been swept out from under you. Listen to your instincts, and they will lead you to good fortune. Stock up on horse shoes, four leaf clovers, rabbit feet and lottery tickets.

Friendship (Cancer)

Your best friend has been there for you through the good, the bad and the terrible. Show them that you appreciate them by saving them from the aftermath of Nellie’s. Instead treat them to lunch off-campus, preferably not fast food at all.

School (Aries)

Set a goal for yourself. You would be amazed at how having an end in sight can make each hour spent studying, writing and reading just a tad bit more bearable.

School (Taurus)

Procrastination is going to bite you in the butt this next week. Make sure to stay on top of your work and set aside some time to study. Otherwise, you’ll have to skip that huge rager that everyone is going to this weekend.

Life (Gemini)

This week may feel like it’s dragging on forever, so make some plans to get out of the dorms for a little while. You may find that the less time you spend worrying about how long the week is, the faster it will go by.

Self (Aquarius)

There is something that you have been wanting for a while now, and it is time to go and get it. You deserve to treat yourself, and this in particular will be well worth it.

Health (Sagittarius)

Make sure to get some sleep this week. Classes may have you overloaded with work, but keep yourself from getting sick by lying low and passing on going to the club this week.

School (Virgo)

Put down the bottle and pick up a pencil. It’s time for you to focus more on your homework and less on where the party is at. It’s ok to have fun, but the key is moderation.

School (Leo)

Go out and make an effort to get more involved on campus, join a club or just attend a school event. There is no shortage of opportunities, and becoming more involved will only benefit your overall college experience.

Self (Scorpio)

It’s time take a moment to organize yourself. Dedicate a day to doing laundry, cleaning your room, taking out the trash and rearranging your desk. Getting rid of any clutter will make you feel free and give you a little boost in your mood.

Love (Libra)

It’s time to stop thinking with your head and give your heart a turn. Don’t overthink the simple things, instead just do what makes you happy.