Trouble For the Vatican... Again

By Tyler Marshall

With all the terrible things going on in the news today, it may seem difficult to stay positive and maintain faith. It is especially difficult when many negative stories in the media are directed toward the organization that represents your particular faith.

Yes, there is scandal in the Vatican again and, yes, it is the same scandal as every other time.

Belgian authorities raided the palace of the archbishop of Mechelen-Brussels last week, in an attempt to gather documents and other potential evidence on abuse complaints from within the church. The search lasted eight hours and no arrests were made nor were charges announced.

Three months ago the bishop of Bruges, Roger Vangheluwe, admitted to molesting a boy and resigned. Since then, hundreds of claims have been raised in the church's offices of commission to handle abuse complaints. It is a sad state of affairs when the church needs a department to handle abuse claims.

Why is the church always expecting to get special treatment in matters of the law? The head of the church commission that handles abuse complaints was quoted by the New York Times saying he was “appalled” by the raid. What was so appalling about it? Claims have been made that call for investigation, and if the church has nothing to hide then there is nothing to be appalled about.

A spokesman for the church claimed that, as a Vatican official, it is most likely that the archbishop will have diplomatic immunity. If this claim is found to be true, it means that the raid was illegal and any evidence found would be fruits of a poisonous tree. Why do Vatican officials have diplomatic immunity? It is time for the world to stop allowing the church to continually break the law without recourse. If any other organization breaks the law and tries to cover it up, they are prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If the world found out that BP officials were molesting young boys, there would surely be a public fiasco.

The archbishop of Santiago, Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz, has recently given the Vatican authority over the fate of a Chilean priest who has been accused of sexually abusing former parishioners of his when they were teenagers. Why, when the evidence is stacked against the defendant, does the archbishop feel the case needs to be transferred to the Vatican? It has been shown time after time that the Vatican actively tries to cover up, or at least keep as quite as possible, these numerous incidents.

The Vatican should have to turn over any documentation of abuse complaints to local authorities as soon as they are filed. Why would an organization wait until multiple complaints are made, or allegations are made public, to take action? A responsible organization wouldn't.

The same rule applies for the Vatican as it does for any other organization that screws up publicly – take responsibility for the actions of your associates! All the public ever asks for is an apology and an honest effort toward change. Will we see it?

Sun Protection is Essential Year Round

By John Starzyk

Summertime in Charleston means hot weather and plenty of sunshine. It’s imperative during these summer months to remember sun protection. According to the United States Air Force’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention, dressing in layers is the best defense to prevent burns and other harmful effects from the sun.

While some ultraviolet rays produced by the sun are essential for a healthy lifestyle, overexposure can cause permanent damage, including cancer.

The summertime temperatures in Charleston have been known to get into the triple digits. While dressing in layers are the best defense against harmful UV rays, there are plenty of other options. And they are more conducive to keeping cool in our warm and humid environment.

Starting with the top of your head and working your way down can ensures you’re protected from the sun. Lotions and sprays aren’t the only type of protection out there. Wearing brimmed hats can help keep the sun off your head and face.

Remember that the UV rays don’t only damage the skin but can become hazardous to the eyes as well. Sunglasses are just as essential as any other item when it comes to sun protection.

Children and adults radiation exposure rates are very different. It’s important to know when you’re most at risk.

Remember that sun block or any other sun protection isn’t meant to provide protection for extended periods of time. If you’re going to be out in the sun more than normally, re-applying the sun block is essential. While the sun block you use may greatly decrease your skin to exposure from radiation, it does not eliminate it.

If your skin is unprotected and turning pink from being out in the sun too long, find some shade or put something on immediately. It’s important to remember it can only take minutes for the skin to be damaged.

Cloudy or clear, the sun’s rays can still reach the earth. Sun protection isn’t just something for the beach on sunny days. Clouds do not block the UV radiation.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States of America. Studies have shown that millions are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation, National Cancer Institute and Center for Disease Control can provide more information on awareness and tips on how to reduce your risk of exposure.

Proud Again: A Diamond in the Clay

By Reid Armstrong

It was around this time last year that Chris McGuiness was receiving call after call from family, friends and neighbors. They were all congratulating McGuiness on his six figure signing bonus to the Major League Baseball Association (MLB).

McGuiness was selected in the 13^th round, back in 2009, to the Boston Red Sox. McGuiness showed great potential according to his scouting report. This lengthy report shouts out all of his accolades, while only reprimanding him with an average “power potential” mark.

When McGuiness received the news, he was expecting a few phone calls from some of his fellow Charleston friends, but the calls kept pouring in. McGuiness was well known throughout the Tri-County area, having played on several elite travel teams during his amateur years. Playing for The Citadel during his college years has attributed to his growing fan base.

His home was only lived five minutes from his college barrack, although The Citadel does not allow their students to leave when ever they please. Many would attribute his plate discipline to the three years he spent living and playing at The Citadel. The Citadel is known for its great baseball and disciplined players.

I asked him why he was known as being the patient player and he said, “All you can do is hurt your team by returning to the dugout, but even a walk can turn into a run.” McGuiness prides himself on being the right kind of patient while at bat. Patience must be a virtue for the Boston Red Sox.

McGuiness was called up to the “Class A” level team, for the Red Sox, during the last six games of its 2009 season, and was asked to return for the full 2010 season. When asked about going outside of his hometown to play he responded, “As long as there is a field for me to play baseball on, I’m there, and if they want to pay me to do it, then I’m all for that too.”

After about half a season the time came. The Charleston River Dogs were scheduled to play the Greenville Dive and McGuiness was back in Charleston. He did not come back for a monthly visit, but to play against his home town team.

With five games straight beginning on the 24^th, McGuiness was going to be able to show his town what he had learned. Four straight wins for the Dive would allow many to believe that they will sweep the series during their stay.

McGuiness had a slow start to the series, but has turned up the heat for his fans in the past few games. With a few walks, several hits and a game winning sacrifice fly ball, the typical McGuiness was back.

Many of his fans were solely there to show him support, while others were there due to a heightened sense of rivalry between him and the River Dogs. Zach Volowsky says, “It’s Chris, who wouldn’t show up for at least one game. It’s not that often you get to say hey, I was friends with that guy out there on the field.” While Adam Gainer says, “Yeah yeah, I knew he was going to make it, now I would like to see the River Dogs whoop up on ole Chris.”

Weather his fans were there to support or pick sides, McGuiness had a wonderful feeling about the series. He said, “It’s simply good to be back home, and playing baseball at the same time. I just hope I don’t go 0-15 for the series.”

The game winning fly ball was surely enough to ensure a good trip home. I asked McGuiness how it felt to be responsible for the win on Thursday night and he replied, “Pure Greatness. No, really quality at-bats are all I was looking for and it just happens that I was able to bring home a win.”

McGuiness had some trouble with his fielding over the past few games, but was able to make five plate appearances in tonight’s final game against the River Dogs. He had two hits, one RBI and one double on the night.

Tonight’s statistics stacked in with the season placed McGuiness back into second place on the team’s batting average list. He also remained first on the team in home runs through the series.

McGuiness said, “No matter what after every series the team’s book keeper will sit down with every player and let them know what they need to work on for the upcoming series. Even though I am happy with my performance so far here in Charleston, I know he is going to have plenty for me to work on. Remember quality at bats are our motto.”

With all the added stress of playing at home again, on top of paying at the professional level, McGuiness has shown his fans that he is more than capable of excelling in baseball. Many of his fans are glad to see him doing well, and the rest are ready for the second home series against the Dive in late July.

The River Dogs are scheduled to play at Greenville July 21 through the 24, and then the series returns to Charleston on the 30 though Sept. 2^, 2010. Its not that often you get to see a diamond in the clay, even if it is for just one game.

This could be the last season we will be able to see McGuiness play against the River Dogs. The next time may be against the Braves.

Tropical Storm Already Setting Off Hurricane Warnings, Affects Oil Spill Efforts

By Cydney Mavian

Charleston, SC – Alex, a tropical storm currently over the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico, is expected to turn into the first hurricane of the Atlantic season and affect the clean up efforts of BP’s ongoing oil spill.

Together, BP officials and Coast Guard officials are keeping an eye on the storm and organizing emergency plans that would postpone the oil collection process and interfere with the drilling of relief wells until the weather calms down. These provisions would permit more oil to leak into the gulf.

The National Hurricane Center is predicting that Alex will reach Category 2 strength. Category 2 hurricanes are marked by sustained winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour, and are described as extremely dangerous airstreams that will cause extensive damage.

By Friday afternoon, Alex is expected to be over Mexico.

The New York Times reported that according to Adm. Thad W. Allen, the federal commander on the scene, if winds reach gale force near the well, which is about 50 miles off the coast of Louisiana, it could drive wave swells to eight feet in height, which would force the postponement of surface skimming operations as well as efforts to recapture seeping oil near the ocean floor.

Allen reported to USA TODAY that Tropical Storm Alex, which is moving over Mexico toward Texas, has stirred up the water in the Gulf. Allen also said the course of the flow of oil has changed directions and huge slicks of it have moved back toward the Gulf shore due to the storm.

The oil path, which had originally been going east toward Florida, is now infiltrating the Mississippi Sound and Louisiana’s Chandeleur Islands, Allen told USA Today.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami has predicted that the storm will evolve into a hurricane sometime today as it heads toward the U.S. -Mexico border at the mouth of the Rio Grande.

Sometime Wednesday night, the hurricane center’s forecast map shows Alex making landfall as a category 1 storm along the northern Gulf Coast of Mexico.

On Monday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry went so far as to declare a state of disaster in 19 counties and ordered the pre-deployment of state resources, stating “Tropical Storm Alex poses a threat of imminent disaster along the Texas coast” in a proclamation on his website.

According to a statement made by Perry’s office to CNN, “the governor’s order puts up to 2,500 Nation Guard personnel, eight UH-60 helicopters and three C-130 aircraft on standby for rapid deployment as needed.”

Heavy rains in Mexico’s southern Gulf coast state of Tabasco forced the evacuation of about 300 families from communities near the Usumacinta River.

The hurricane warnings extend from Baffin Bay, Texas south across the mouth of the Rio Grande to La Cruz, Mexico, which is a total of 325 miles.

A hurricane warning means that the circumstances of the hurricane and tropical storm force winds are predicted to be in the estimated area within a day and a half.

The expectation of Alex to make landfall in Mexico Wednesday evening means the storm will be well to the south of the Gulf oil spill. However, the mixture of a high-pressure system to the east of the storm and the wind affiliated with Tropical Storm Alex will generate a significantly stronger onshore flow across the oil slick zone into Wednesday.

According to the Associated Press this afternoon, BP and Coast Guard officials sent oil-scooping skimming ships in the Gulf of Mexico back to shore Tuesday. All of the efforts to clean up with oil spill have been suspended for the time being off the coast of Louisiana.

Additionally, the Associated Press reported that clean up efforts have also been halted off the coasts of Alabama, Florida and Mississippi.

The only remaining boats currently in the water are there for the seizing or burning of oil and of gas seeping out from the well and to drill two relief wells.

In spite of the hindrances, the Associated Press reported “the rough weather could give nature a hand in breaking down crude from the spill” where the high waves could help break down the thick patches of oil and the strong winds “could help evaporate the crude faster.”

The coast of South Texas has begun filling sandbags, clearing drainage ditches, positioning heavy equipment and water pumps and preparing emergency shelters.

Weather forecasters have predicted that rain from Alex would keep coming down on southern Mexico and Guatemala well into this evening, increasing the likelihood of life-threatening floods and mudslides.

The duration of time that the oil spill clean up operation will be suspended is currently unknown as Tropical Storm Alex continues to grow in size and strength.

For more information about Tropical Storm Alex, visit the National Hurricane Center online at nhc.noaa.gov

Kids Learn and Play During Summer in Charleston

By Sana Ali

Charleston is an exciting place to be in for the summer for people of all ages. Now that school is out and summer 2010 is in full swing, many parents look for alternative ways to keep their young ones entertained.

With Charleston’s famed beaches and water parks, kids have many options when it comes to keeping cool in these sunny days. However, some parents look for a different kind of experience for their children.

These parents would like their kids to enjoy their summer but continue to learn and grow during the process.

Irama Abdelmageed is the parent of Wala Ali, a student at Hanahan Elementary School, and she believes that summer is an important time to keep kids active.

Abdelmageed said, “I want my daughter to be doing something productive during the summer, I don’t want her to forget about school and just play at home all summer long.”

Fortunately, to many parents expressing the same concerns as Abdelmageed, Charleston does offer other opportunities for kids to continue learning while still enjoying their summer days off school.

South Carolina’s Information Highway website lists many summer camps in the Charleston area for kids of all ages. These camps range from Girls Scout groups to sailing expeditions along the East Coast.

Some Summer Camp Programs include:

Camp Low Country

According to their website, www.girlscoutsesc.org, Camp Low Country is a non-profit camp affiliated with Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina. The camp is for girls only and contains seven program levels beginning with Girl Scout Daisy. The Program fees include $12 registration fee and there are approximately 100 girls in each camp session. The girls engage in daily activities including archery, arts and crafts, environmental activities, outdoor living skills, team building, horseback riding and swimming. The camp promises to be seven weeks of fun is seven weeks in length and a great learning experience for the girls.

For more information, parents are encouraged to contact Program Director Lesley Robinson at 843-552-9910 X224

Camp Puff ‘n Stuff

A different kind of summer experience can be spent at the College of Charleston for children 8-11 years of age. Camp Puff ‘n Stuff is unique in providing a summer camp for children with asthma who are not able to join regular camps and participate in the normal activities. As explained on their website, the camp “allows asthmatic children to experience life to the max.” The camp helps children with asthma manage their illness and raises awareness about the condition. The camp includes activities such as swimming, filed games, and arts and crafts. The program is weeklong residential camp taking place at the college run by medical staff and trained volunteers.

For further information about Camp Puff ‘n Stuff, contact the American Lung Association in South Carolina at (843)556-8451.

Sol Surfers Summer Camp

Held at sunny Folly Beach, Sol Surfers Summer Camp is a five day camp for boys and girls ages 8-15. According to their website, www.solsurfers.net , children will be provided with all necessary tools during the camp including all surfer gear. Participants will enjoy greater one-on-one time with their instructors as to enhance their experience. After successfully completing all camp activities each child will receive a certificate of achievement and have learned the necessary technical skills. The camp holds twelve summer sessions with each session starting at 9:00 am and ending at 12:30pm. The camp also provides group sessions and private lessons for interested parties.

More information about Sol Surfers Summer Camp, please contact Kai at (843)881-6700 or register online

Pattison’s Academy Summer Camp

Similar to College of Charleston’s summer camp, Pattison’s Academy camp is designed to create a warm and welcoming environment for children with multiple or severe disabilities. According to information on their website, the camp is held at North Charleston Elementary School for the duration of five weeks. Camp costs include snack, field trips and therapeutic services for children ages 1-15 years old. The camp invites all interested parents to fill out their online application and promises to help defray camp costs with generous financial assistance.

For any questions, contact the academy at (843)849-6707

Spirit Ocean Adventure

Every summer, Teens ages 15-18 are invited aboard the Spirit of South Carolina ship and sail up the East Coast all the way to Boston. Their website, www.spiritoceanandadventure.com , reports that while the journey at sea can sometimes be challenging, there is always something new to learn from the experience. The program consists of two sessions during the summer, each taking 10-18 days to complete.

Teens interested in joining the voyage are encouraged to contact South Carolina Maritime Foundation at (843)722-1030

More Information about Summer Camps in Charleston can be found at www.sciway.net

Music Farm Showcasing New Talent

By Marielle Hartmann

Starting July 12^th, the Music Farm will be opening up the stage for local bands and musicians of the Charleston area. This is something completely new that the venue will be trying out in order to give local artists the chance to share their music with their local audience.

The Farm will be opening up its stage each Monday of every week, where people of all ages can come for small fees, between five and ten dollars, to watch the bands perform. While they watch the show, they can indulge in cool beverages from the bar or purchase Music Farm merchandise at reduced rates.

While the first line-up has yet to be determined, Sam Davis, a staff member of Music Farm, says, “We have so many awesome bands asking to perform already. It’s going to be tough to decide who gets to play first. Hopefully, if everything goes well, we’ll be able to continue doing this so that everyone gets a chance to perform. It’s also a great chance for bands who haven’t gotten their name out there yet to show their talent.”

The Music Farm, formerly an old train station, has an impressive history of famous artists who have performed on their stage including Slightly Stoopid, Snoop Dogg, Band of Horses, Mos Def, 311, Third Eye Blind, Spearhead, and many more.

“I think it’s really great that the Music Farm is going to be giving the locals a chance to show their stuff. I have a bunch of friends who are in bands around the downtown area and they would definitely love the opportunity to share their music with other people. I’m really excited to see the shows!” said Liz Connors, a student at the College of Charleston.

The Music Farm is located at 32 Ann Street and tickets will be sold at the Merch Underground store which is located at 499 King Street.
Monday nights at the Music Farm will definitely be worth a visit.

Charleston Districts Fit for the Future

By Meredith Murphy

The impacts of preservation are often beneficial to middle and upper classes, but detrimental to the displaced lower class. The Ansonborough Project in Charleston exemplifies how restoration affects people from opposing socio-economic standings.

The Historic Charleston Foundation renovated the structures in the Ansonborough neighborhood improving their aesthetics and functionality. As a result, the neighborhood was no longer affordable for its previous predominately black inhabitants, who were replaced by mostly white families. The impact of a preservation project has a direct affect on society and where people are displaced.

Historic Charleston Foundation employed the Ansonborough Project in the 1950’s to save a neighborhood comprised of six blocks of historic structures. The neighborhood of Ansonborough includes Calhoun, Meeting, East Bay, George, Laurens, Society, Wentworth, Hassell, and Pinkney streets.

A major objective of the Ansonborough project was to improve the aesthetic and structural aspects of the buildings and the neighborhood as a whole. The issue was that the lower class inhabitants of the buildings did not have the means or knowledge to preserve them. The Historic Charleston Foundation took it upon themselves to make Ansonborough a manifestation of affluence shown through the exteriors of its buildings.

A majority of the houses were rehabilitated to their original use, but some of the large single-family houses or non-residential structures were converted into multiple family houses, offices, and stores allowing the original structure to subsist. What are now four condominiums on 55 Society Street, once was the first public high school built in 1842.

Although the project was a success in regards to its goals to preserve an entire neighborhood, gentrification issues followed. The Ansonborough Project created problems for the lower class residents who were forced to move further outside of the city. The project brought gentrification problems to light that would need to be solved for future rehabilitation projects.

The 2008 Vision, Community, Heritage, Preservation Plan for Charleston searches for solutions to preserve a rapidly changing city. This will keep neighborhoods from falling into the state of disrepair that Ansonborough was in during the 1950’s. To diversify neighborhoods, an infill of affordable housing will be constructed downtown. If action is not taken, the city of Charleston will lose its economic and racial diversity like it did in the Ansonborough neighborhood.