Upon beginning my position as the new food critic for The Forum, it is my honor to discuss a necessity that binds us all together no matter what background. That of course is eating. Now granted a person can take any boring form of nutrients and survive, but what separates us from the animals is our ability to turn food into art. Yes readers I am well aware that it might be possible to teach Apes to cook or that an Octopus has a notorious taste in food, or even that the movie Ratatouille’s main character is rat who is also a gourmet chef. Save those comments for the opinion page. But I digest…
I decided to start the first restaurant review of the new school year off in style by reviewing Bistro 157 on 157 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso. Bistro 157 is one of several restaurants that participate in Eat Up, Wind Down every first Thursday of the month. On that day Bistro 157, Bon Femme, Paparazzi, Pike’s, and Don Quijote participate in discount drink specials and meals. Bistro 157 serves a rich menu of French, Asian, and American cuisine prepared by its head chief Nicole Bissonnette, who study at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, in France.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, I first noticed that the service is a bit slow in the beginning of the evening around 5 but quality improved as the evening continued. For all potential visitors I would plan on eating after 6. The atmosphere was that of a relaxing Jazz club, close, but still comfortable. The staff was pleasant as well as knowledgeable about the menu. This is a must for any inquisitive dinner. As part of their Eat Up, Wind Down menu, Bistro 157 offers several drink specials including Asian Pear Martini’s, Chocolate Martini’s, Hang Time Chardonnay, and Bouchard Pinot Noir. Sampling the Pinot Noir, I found it refreshing and strong with earth flavors, good for a red wine, but very difficult to pair with any non-beef dish so I’m not quite sure why they didn’t place a Merlot on the drink special menu instead.
On the other hand, the food itself was superb. For an appetizer, the escargot with onion and herb seasoning was delicious and made even better with a little pepper and olive oil. The escargot was tender and not tough and the added tomatoes matched well with flavors of the rest of the dish. If you don’t enjoy eating invertebrates, Bistro 157 offers a variety of appetizers as part of its Eat Up, Wind Down menu including duck pot stickers, smoked salmon pizza, crispy polenta with lemon pepper goat cheese fonduta, and grilled lamb kefta pita.
The main course was Grouper in a Thai peanut sauce with cilantro and ginger. The visual appeal of the dish matched its taste, which is to say the dish was a sensation to the palate. You could taste all the flavors of the sauce and the taste of the ginger and cilantro paired well with the addition of Puerto Rican rice and asparagus that was also served with the Grouper. Further, the peanut sauce did not in itself overpower the natural flavors of the fish, which sauces often do.
Finally, for dessert I had the Sorbet that included wild berry, citrus melon, and coconut key lime. The dessert was delicious and light, although the coconut key lime was a bit too sweet for me. The total price of the dinner was $41, which makes more of a once in a semester dinning experience. However, the specials were all around $5 and the main course by itself was $24. It is perhaps more suitable dinner for a celebration or a romantic evening. Bistro 157 has seasonal outdoor dining with live music acts. In conclusion, Bistro 157 offers fine cuisine and a delightful dinning experience. In the Bon Appetite rating, I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
John Bayard can be reached at forum@valpo.edu

Lone Star Picture Courtesy of FOX

In just a few short weeks, the fall television season will be underway. Last year produced a wealth of new critical and commercial successes with Glee, Modern Family, Parenthood, and The Good Wife standing out from the pack. This season, the networks are unleashing a plethora of new shows and I am here to tell you which ones are worth your valuable time this semester.

Leading the pack is HBO’s titanic blockbuster Boardwalk Empire, created by former Sopranos executive producer Terrence and Academy Award winning director Martin Scorsese. If there is one show that has a chance at taking down three-time defending champion Mad Men in the Best Drama Emmy category next year, this is it. Starring incredible character-actor Steve Buscemi as Nucky Thompson, the corrupt treasurer of Atlantic City, this show will delve into the criminal underworld of the 1920s prohibition era that Nucky ran underneath the government’s nose. Making his return to television, Michael K. Williams plays Chalky White, the unofficial mayor of the black community in Atlantic City and the head of Nucky’s bootleg operation. Williams became famous for his sensational turn in The Wire as gay renegade outlaw Omar Little, one of the most quotable and charismatic characters in television history. Michael Shannon also stars in the show as a prohibition agent. With its collection of fantastic actors and producers, along with a huge budget (the pilot cost around $20 million), Boardwalk Empire will no doubt deliver when it premieres September 19th on HBO.

By far the best new network television show of the fall is FOX’s Lone Star. Starring newcomer James Wolk as complex conman Bob Allen, a guy with a wife and a girlfriend who steals money from people by bilking investors of their savings, the show focuses on how long he can lead a double-life and keep the walls from closing in around him. His wife Cat (the gorgeous Adrianne Palicki) is the daughter of Clint Thatcher (Jon Voight), the head of a hugely successful oil company. Clint offers Bob a job at the company not realizing that Bob intends to embezzle money from the family. Bob is conflicted and contemplates starting a new venture where he can keep the two women in his life while doing legitimate work for the oil company. His mentor and father John, a longtime conman, continuously prods Bob to keep his eyes focused on the price, taking the oil firm down for all it is worth. Having seen the pilot, there are several more surprises that have not been revealed here. Suffice to say, Wolk is brilliant in the role, making you root for him even when he is a criminal and cheater who has never made an honest dollar in his life. The supporting cast is stellar and the show looks beautiful. Give this show a shot when it premieres September 20th on FOX and you will not be disappointed if you love great drama.

Another new network show with great potential is ABC’s No Ordinary Family, a show that looks like a live action version of Disney’s “The Incredibles.” Created by Greg Berlanti, who worked on Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money previously, the show focuses on a family that acquires superpowers following an accident. The show stars action star Michael Chiklis (The Shield) and Julie Benz (Dexter) as Jim and Stephanie Powell. The Powells have a son and daughter that also gain a specific power as the result of the accident. Romany Malco plays George, the best friend and confidante of Jim who finally finds a passion in helping the Powells use their powers to stop evil around the world. Autumn Reeser (who has been doing great work this season as Ari’s friend turned rival on Entourage) is also in the cast as Katie Andrews, a co-worker and friend of Stephanie, who is highly regarded scientist and the Executive Vice President of Research at Global Tech. Berlanti’s vision is for the show to blend action, drama, and comedy into a compelling hour each week. Several guest stars will be coming in to play villains, with the potential of more prominent bad guy to enter the cast in the future. From the previews, the show looks well-shot and the premise should intrigue anybody who likes comic books or fantasy novels and movies. By those who have seen it, Malco’s character is the standout in the cast, which should be no surprise for anyone who saw his comedic work on Weeds. While in a tough timeslot opposite of FOX’s Glee starting September 28th, this should turn out to be one of the better and most original shows of the fall so long as enough people watch it and give it a chance to grow.

After a long, relaxing summer, your Student Bar Association is ready for another great year with many exciting events planned for the year and the SBA is looking forward to all of them.  The first series of events the SBA has planned for this year includes VU Day of Caring (September 18), the Cardozo Cup (October 1), and the Halloween Party (October 30).  Later in the year will feature the Health and Wellness Fair, Law Week, and Barristers.

The SBA is once again making changes this year.  We have added a new Executive Board position: the Student Organization Administrator.  This position will allow the SBA to fully assist Student Organizations to reach their full potential.  The SOA will be the contact person for the Organizations and help them through the complexities of the Law School.

The SBA is transitioning from a party planning student council to that of a pseudo state bar organization where that we are primarily working with the students to better their time here and also provide them with the necessary tools to be able to find jobs upon graduation (for those 3Ls).  For the 1Ls and 2Ls, the SBA will provide networking opportunities through support of student organizations’ events and programs so they will have the ability to find jobs later.

We also now have the tools we need to be a successful SBA. We have a fun office, a great officer and representative corps, a new website, and a new officer position to work directly with student organizations. Throughout this year, we will be streamlining process and creating information packets for students, faculty, and deans so they can know and see what we have accomplished and where we are going.

The SBA is looking forward to helping every one of you – all you need to do is ask.  Your feedback will help up continue to strive for the highest.  On behalf of the Valpo Law SBA, good luck with everything you do this year and do not hesitate to stop in the SBA office and let us know what we can do for you.

This may be the time to tell you that not only did I see Sublime with Rome in April, but I also saw them in July when they played at Charter One’s Northerly Island Pavilion in Chicago and I also saw them again in July at Mandalay Bay’s Hotel Beach in Las Vegas.  When a band’s your favorite, they’re your FAVORITE.  I won’t waste space rating each show individually because they were all pretty awesome.  I will mention a few brief highlights, however.  The April show at the Riviera was part of the band’s spring tour, so I liked that the set list was different than the two July summer tour shows.  Between all three shows, I was happy to hear my favorite songs (”Greatest Hits,” “Under My VooDoo,” and “Don’t Push”), but was surprised to not hear “Caress Me Down.”  The band also encored each show with “Scarlet Begonias,” “Santeria,” and “What I Got,” which I thought were excellent choices.

Now, on to the band itself and the venues.  Bud and Eric (original members) delivered wonderfully – just as I’d expected – and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the new lead singer, Rome, channel Nowell in a respectful way that still kept with the original melody of the songs.  I was impressed with his powerful voice, confidence, and enthusiasm.  The venues that held each show were also out of this world.  I had been to the Riviera Theater before and for those of you who have also, you know that it is a great nostalgic, intimate place to see a show.  The sound resonated through every corner the nearly 100 year old place!  Northerly Island Pavilion was a sweet place too – its location on the old Miegs Field spot on Chicago’s lakefront was perfect for a summer night show.  Lastly, the show in Las Vegas was just out of this world.  I love Vegas in its own right, but to be at a small “beach” (with accompanying wading pool!) at the Mandalay Hotel 100 feet away from a spectacular dub-style band at the furtherest spot pretty much topped nearly every other Vegas experience I’ve had over the 10+ times I’ve been there. The laid back atmosphere made it feel as if you were watching a small local band at some Caribbean island hideaway, and I’ll never forget it.

So to sum up, Sublime with Rome, in my opinion, is just as great as the original band.  They made do with what was left after the tragic death of their original lead singer and it works.  The places chosen to play their “comeback” tour were absolutely awesome.  I hear they’re working on a new album right now, and I’m psyched to see what original creations they’ll come up with.

Our organization has dedicated itself to providing extensive benefits to BLS members each semester, including: (1)  Education on various aspects of business and corporate law;  and (2) Networking opportunities with transactional and litigation attorneys working within the field of business and corporate law, as well as corporate counsel and local business persons.

Business Law Society has some exciting and educational events coming up including an etiquette dinner to educate young lawyers on how to eat, drink, and dress professionally; a financial planner who will give advice on planning for your financial future; and a fashion show to learn how to dress for success in the work world.

Please contact our president: chelsey.sarason@valpo.edu, vice president: nataly.carrasco@valpo.edu, treasurer: shantae.landingham@valpo.edu  or our secretary: michelle.teems@valpo.edu for more information.  We would be more than happy to answer questions or accept suggestions to ensure this year is a success.

Our first meeting will be held Thursday, September 16, during Chapel Break and our first event will be on Saturday, September 18 where on the Day of Caring, we will help Housing Opportunities with property improvements.  Additionally, our Annual Charity Golf Outing (4-Man Scramble) will be Saturday, October 9 at Noon at “The Brassie” in Chesterton.  Costs per student are $40 and per attorney are $50 – sign ups begin September 20 during Chapel Break or you can contact valpopropertylawsociety@gmail.com for tickets or more information.

I see no justification for the university to abandon the Crusader mascot. Our Crusader is a representation of Valparaiso University’s community values. Our reputation as Crusaders rests upon the manner in which we uphold core values in our learning, our professions and our daily lives. The Crusader has always been and will always be what we portray it to be, a tradition exemplified with characteristics of zeal, honor, and fortitude.

Zeal comes with our faculty and students eagerness to learn and their dedication to the community of learning. Our university mission statement defines our institution as an educational system “grounded in the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, prepare[ing] students to lead and serve in both church and society.” We require Zeal, but we also require Honor. Our Honor Code ensures that our community will hold itself and its peers to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. Fortitude is the final promotion of the foundations of what it means to be a Crusader. By definition, fortitude is “a mental and emotional strength [when] facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously.” Education is difficult, requires us to overcome adversity, at times may be dangerous, and often tempts our actions but the Crusader prevails and the process of learning and its tradition lives passes from to each and every student from the day they come to Valparaiso and continuing on as Alumni.

As a University and as a community we are who we portray ourselves to be. We are Crusaders and through the manifestation of our beliefs our university will continue to grow and flourish. There stands to be no reason to abandon the Crusader mascot. We are a community of scholarship, freedom and faith. We are a community of tradition, tolerance and commitment to diversity. We are Crusaders.

As a part of an effort to renovate its brand, Valparaiso University has unveiled a new logo this fall that it says will “bring strength and clarity to its identity.” If Valparaiso University truly wanted to better represent its core values and character, it should reconsider changing its mascot.

The historical context of the Crusader is not something to be admired or emulated. Starting in 1095, the Crusades were a series of military campaigns by Western Christian Europe to take the Holy Land from the Muslims by force. Lasting for almost 200 years and killing hundreds of thousands, these holy wars displayed hatred and intolerance on a grand scale. Warriors were promised that their sins would be forgiven and they could enter heaven if they battled for the Church. Jews in towns along the way would often be rounded up and given the option of conversion or death. Substantial evidence exists indicating that brutality, rape, and cannibalism were not uncommon. This is not anything that we should want to associate ourselves with.

Defenders of the Crusader mascot contend that changing the mascot would upset tradition. But this is not the first time that Valparaiso University has needed to change its mascot. In 1931, VU selected the Uhlan, a German cavalry unit, as its first mascot. However, the university chose to change the mascot during World War II in order to disassociate themselves with the Nazi cause.

Others argue that the Crusader mascot is important to maintain and celebrate the university’s Christian heritage. But the Crusader does exactly the opposite. By highlighting one of the darkest hours in the Church’s history, the Crusader mascot emphasizes the wrongs committed by Christians instead of its long history of service to others, virtue, and love.

A mascot may seem trivial to some. Who really cares what cartoon we put on our t-shirts, right? But the mascot is part of the public face of the university. It is an icon that we choose to associate ourselves with because we believe that it has qualities that we admire. The Crusader mascot simply does not reflect the mission or vision of this university. Its vision of diversity, inclusion, faith and the formation of virtue is in no way reflected in an icon that draws its historical roots from intolerance, hatred, and violence.

Greetings! It is with great pleasure and honor that I am writing this article. My name is Wilneeda Emmanuel and I am the president of the Christian Legal Society for the 2010-2011 academic year. This year CLS will be celebrating thirty-five years at Valparaiso University School of Law and next year the national chapter of CLS will be celebrating fifty years. The executive board has a lot of activities planned for the school year and we welcome and extend an invitation to everyone to attend our weekly bible studies and events. The weekly bible studies take place every Wednesday from 5-6pm in room 155 (Pelzer).

OUR PURPOSE

Seeking Justice with the Love of God- Luke 11:42

OUR VISION

A growing nationwide fellowship of Christian lawyers and law students
who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

~ Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23 ~

OUR MISSION

To inspire, encourage, and equip lawyers and law students,
both individually and in community,
to proclaim, love and serve Jesus Christ
through the study and practice of law,
the provision of legal assistance to the poor,
and the defense of religious freedom & sanctity of human life.

What happens when the cameras stop and the lights fade?

The cessation of US military operations in Iraq, on August 31 brought to a close a seven year ordeal, for the United States, Iraq, and their citizens.  Over 4400 US armed services personnel died in combat operations.  According to Iraq Body Count (www.iraqbodycount.org) roughly 97,000-106,000 Iraqi civilians died since the commencement of ?Shock and Awe? in 2003.

After the politicians give their sound bytes, network anchors sign off, and pundits exchange heated and empty words, a post-war reality will set in.  Military cuts.  They came after the end of the major military campaigns of the 20th century.  They will come again renewed in a reality of a weak American economy and the need to reallocate money to other sectors of society.

Service members will be released, to comply with new manning requirements in each military branch.  It is not that they are unfit.  Instead, it is the reality of personnel cuts.   The highest performers are retained and the rest sent home with a severance check and a thank you for a job well done.  Those facing separation will attend week-long class to prepare these individuals with the pending transition to civilian life.  They will receive training on resume writing and interview skills, but the lingering question is whether it is sufficient.

Because there are service members who have only a high school diploma or GED but no further civilian education, whether or not they are able to relate their military skills to the civilian sector is essential.  Most of their professional skills are limited to their military specialty or rating.

Disabled veterans, suffering from PTSD or physical disabilities have a stake in the social awareness of veterans in the post OIF/OEF world.  Disability benefits do provide compensation to veterans with disabilities: but the higher the benefit, the greater the disability.  Although eligible for money, they still have to pay for their health care and other living expenses.  Not every veteran lives within driving distance to a VA Hospital.  If the disability is severe enough, the veteran is unable to get to the hospital without assistance.

Without sufficient support at home, many of veterans may end up as their post-Vietnam brethren, either struggling with substance abuse problems or amongst the ranks of the homeless.  The VA estimates 107,000 veterans are homeless at any night (www.nchv.org/background.cfm).  Around 1/5th of the homeless in the United States are veterans.  Shameful statistics considering many of these individuals gave loyal service to their nation.

Without the reminder of war to maintain interest in veterans, reservists and the active duty personnel, will the sensitivity and concern for this group continue?  When the cameras stop and the lights fade will the current priority for veterans and their families recede to the social backburner?

What can be done to support veterans and to keep the issues that affect them squarely in the public?s eye as OIF/OEF fade into the pages of history?

Next month, ?Lest We Forget, Part I? a look into the issues facing disabled veterans.