Alvernian January 2009

Alvernia University 400 Saint Bernardine St. Reading PA 19607

January 2009 Volume 48 - Issue 4

www.alvernia.edu

Alvernia Begins Fundraising to Help Haiti By, Emily Berret SGA President Dear Alvernia Community,

On Tuesday, January 12th, a catastrophic earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As I am writing this, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the death toll is still climbing. As the tragedy in Haiti continues to unfold, Alvernia students are beginning to take action to help the victims devastated by the earthquake. The Student Government Association, Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities have teamed up to help support the victims of this tragic natural disaster.

Fundraising to help the victims in Haiti kicked off at the Mar-

tin Luther King Day Celebration on January 19th. The fundraising continued until the 26th of January.

This is the initial step Alvernia students are taking to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Please look around campus for students who are carrying silver cans and donate what you can to help these victims.

The initial fundraising ended on Tuesday, January 26th and on that day a prayer vigil was held at the quad.

If you have any fundraising suggestions or ideas for events to raise awareness of this disaster, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Also, if you would like to send a donation, please send it to Father Kevin Queally in Campus Ministry. All do-

nations will be sent to Mercy Corps to help with their efforts in Haiti.

I would also like to invite you to join our facebook event for Alvernia Helping Haiti. We will be sending out updates on our efforts to help the Haitian people through that event.

Thank you everyone for your wonderful support and please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers.

Emily Berret Student Government Association President

“It is incredibly horrible to see a catastrophe of this size hit a people who have been suffering from extreme poverty, violence and unrest for so many decades. We understand the first response is critical to serve the immediate needs of countless people who are now displaced from their homes, are suffering trauma, and most require urgent care.” - Angelina Jolie

A plethora of destroyed homes on a hillside in Port-au-Prince Photo courtesy cnn.com

Start of Semester Letter from the SGAPresident By, Emily Berret SGA President Dear Students,

Welcome back to beautiful Alvernia. I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing and safe winter break.

As many of you I’m sure already know, there was a tragic earthquake that struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. SGA has teamed up with Campus Ministry and the Office of Student Activities to raise awareness about this tragic event and to raise money for the victims of the earthquake. I would like to thank the students on campus who carried cans to raise money for the relief effort.

SGA has also made changes to its webpage. You can now find the agendas and minutes to our meetings, forms, contact information, event information, and a lot more on our webpage on the Alvernia website. Also, SGA would like to thank Audrey Hoffman, the Graduate Assistant in Marketing, for designing our new logo.

I would also like to remind students about the January elections.

Letters of intent are due to Abby Swatchick by January 25th. There will be an open forum to meet the candidates on January 27th at 5:30pm in the Private Dining Room in the Student Center. SGA elections will be held on January 28th from 11am-1pm in the Bernardine Hall Lounge, and January 29th in the Student Center.

The open positions are: Executive Board Treasurer, Executive Board Public Relations, Residence Hall Association President, Commuter Council President, Class of 2011 Secretary, Class of 2013 President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Come out and vote for your representatives!

Lastly, if you have any campus concerns please feel free to attend any of our full SGA meetings at 2pm in Bernardine Hall room 1019. The full meetings are on January 26th, February 2nd, February 16th, March 9th, March 23rd, April 6th, and April 20th.

I wish you all a great semester, Emily Berret SGA President

THE

Alvernian Features Editor Tesia Smucker Entertainment Editor Angela Miller Sports Editor Scott Rodgers Campus news Editor Lauren Rocchino Variety Editor Lisa James Advertising Editor Vanessa policare Faculty Advisor Dr. Michael Kramp Staff Writers Lauren Aguilar Tim Ahlquist Krysta Blocher Erika Boone Danii Cortes Iain DeSieno Jon Lozoskie Jon McCullen Geoff Nagle Michael O’Boyle Pat Watson Bruce Williams Contributors Dr. Gerald Vigna Chris Farley

The Alvernian is the official student newspaper of Alvernia University.

The office telephone number is (610) 796-8358.

Submissions for The Alvernian should be written in some semblance of AP style.

Letters to the editor, requests for advertisements, and general comments and questions may be submitted to Michael.Kramp@ alvernia.edu The editors reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity, accuracy, and length. The views expressed in The Alvernian are those of the individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the student body, faculty, staff, administration, or sponsors. ©2010 The Alvernian

Features

Alvernia Plans Day Trips to Chase Away the Winter Blues By, Geoff Nagle Staff Writer

Outside the weather continues its assault of bitterly cold temperatures. The trees are bare and tremble from each swirling gust, and the grass, stapled with frost, eagerly anticipates the first spring rainfall.

All of this is happening while students continue to barricade themselves inside from what feels like a ceaseless winter. Thankfully, a break has come to allow hardworking students to indulge in fun, rather than abstain from it. This semester Alvernia University has planned day trips which range from snow tubing to a day in our nation’s capital. These day trips are designed to get students up and moving.

The Office of Student Activities offers Saturday trips until the end of the spring semester--trips which have quickly become a welcome tradition. Each trip offers the opportuni-

ty for having fun, gaining knowledge, and taking a break from schoolwork.

Ever wondered about the possibility of a pinky-sized ball of wax?

Or how exactly crayons are made?

On Saturday, February 6th, Alvernia will be offering a trip to the Crayola Factory in Easton, PA. If this isn’t enough, each ticket includes admission to the National Canal Museum located next door. This museum is set up to answer any and all questions about waterways.

Potamophobics (look it up if curious) need not worry, however. The Crayola Factory offers more than enough entertainment for an entire day.

Trekking closer toward Valentine’s Day, Alvernia has a trip to King of Prussia set up on February 13th. Only a week after having hands transformed into waxed rainbows and a mind turned into an intellectual dam of waterways, this is an opportunity for students to spoil themselves or

their loved ones. This trip offers what seems like an unlimited amount of stores, restaurants and entertainment options, which will exhaust even the most proficient shopper. Set up for the day before the holiday of love, this trip can be especially opportunistic to all.

So for those looking to shake away the winter blues by travelling somewhere new and learning about crayons and waterways, or the occasional shopping trip, Alvernia has once again blessed students with answers. In addition to these trips in February, dates are set for day trips until May 1st. Each trip set up through the semester allows for students, faculty, and guests to sign up. For registration forms visit the display which is located at the Center for Student Life Building; or, email Nicholas Yando with questions at Nicholas.Yando@alvernia.edu.

By, Gerald S. Vigna Director, Center for Ethics and Leadership

Working with my students in Introduction to Theology last fall, I decided to assign them a few passages from Revelation. Chapter 19 speaks of the enemies of God being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone. This is the beginning of Christianity’s argument that God’s judgment is terrible and swift for those who align themselves with the devil.

For centuries the church has wrestled with these texts, at times embracing them, and at others providing softer interpretations of them.

My guess is that most Christians do not know that the inclusion of Revelation in the New Testament was hotly disputed in the fourth century as the canon was being closed.

The question of whom God judges and how was raised again in the worst way by politician and Pastor Pat Robertson, who has quite a track record in spiteful Christianity. Readers may recall that he and Jerry Falwell suggested that 9/11 might have been God’s punishment for America’s sins. Those of us with a special attachment to New Orleans will not forget his attributing that disaster to the Crescent City’s unique ambiance.

Robertson has now crossed over into territory that is beyond reprehensible for a Christian pastor. Citing a Haitian legend from the late 18th century that claims that Haitian slaves made a pact with the devil to free them from French colonialism, Robertson has located the source of

the earthquake in divine retribution.

Robertson is in good company with the allegedly rationally moral. Former NBA benchwarmer Paul Shirley wrote an extensive (2,000 word) blog entry which included this suggested letter to the Haitian people:

the creed of individual responsibility writ large than to work the problem through. Besides, it makes us feel so blessedly – well – responsible.

The basis for Shirley’s position? Logic, and who can argue with logic? Referring to Hurricane Katrina, Shirley writes, “Make the same mistake again. Rebuild a doomed city, putting aside logic as we did.” Consequently, it makes no sense to Shirley to help Haitians without laying down conditions so that “I feel that my assistance is deserved and justified.”

Pat Robertson and Paul Shirley, one at the theological extreme and the other at the philosophical extreme. To the latter, my philosophical response is that your argument is counterintuitive and instinctively revulsive. To the former, you have forgotten that Christianity is about heart as well as head.

To both of you, you are entranced with your reflection in the pool.

Hatin’

On

“Dear Haitians –

First of all, kudos on developing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Your commitment to human rights, infrastructure, and birth control should be applauded.

As we prepare to assist you in this difficult time, a polite request: If it’s possible, could you not re-build your island home in the image of its predecessor? Could you not resort to the creation of flimsy shanty- and shack-towns?

And could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?

Sincerely, The Rest of the World”

Shirley’s argument is that it is not his responsibility to help because, after all, Haitians and the Haitian government have been so irresponsible in the past in regard to developing the Haitian economy and preparing for the inevitable natural catastrophe of an earthquake.

There it is again, the simplistic appeal to the responsibility of the suffering. Unfortunately, too many of us find the argument persuasive, even as some of us embrace Robertson’s vengeful God. We are a country of hard-driving, results-oriented achievers. And it’s easier to repeat

Haiti

Features

Finding Peace in the Dominican Republic By, Chris Farley Contributing Writer

100 SPF maximum shield sunscreen, check. Insect repellent containing 50-70% DEET, check. A prescription for “Cipro” in case the infamous traveler’s illness appears, check. Anti-malaria pills because, well, I’m better off playing it safe, check. A mind that is prepared for an interesting and probably exhilarating experience in a country that “needs our help,” check. I felt ready to go to “Los Tres Brazos” in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. After all, it’s normal to approach a trip to Santo Domingo or any third world country with a bit of caution. It is also quite ordinary to assume that, while you will likely enjoy your time with the good people of a new country, you will be happy to leave the following week. After all, what could measure up to the land of opportunity, beauty, and majestic freedom that is the United States of America? Well, I might have found a competitor.

I am writing this article principally as a witness. Though I do realize words and articulation can only go so far, it has become a duty of mine to express what I have felt in Santo Domingo. It is unlike anything I have experienced in my life. Once again, life reveals its own truths in the character of irony. Irony tells of the paradox in our souls, the paradox we are often unwilling to accept. What is this irony of which I speak? Simply stated, Alvernia Univeristy’s quest to Santo Domingo was not so much a mission as a spiritual journey, a face-to-face confrontation with the pure, unadulterated God, the explicit Jesus. And whether we realize it or not, the very same God has become nearly non-existent in contemporary America. Perhaps that is not America’s fault since the U.S., in many ways, does not offer the same riches as a third world nation. Do you now see where the irony resides? The beautiful people of Los Tres Brazos and the materially weak communities of Santo Domingo are not poor. We are. Allow me to explain.

As somebody who has never been to Santo Domingo or on a similar mission trip, I was anxious to discover a new culture. Meanwhile, veterans like Judy Bohler and Lisa Venkler were content and at peace to a point where it was mysterious. Now I know they were anticipating their return to a land of authentic tranquility. Once we escaped the tropical bliss of the city area and entered into Los Tres Brazos, reality hit. It was late but as we passed by the tiny stores and groups of people standing on the sides of the streets, the term “poverty” took new meaning (something that would happen numerous times throughout the trip). Trash piled up on the roads, stray, sickly dogs wandered the

sidewalk, and potholes sunk so deep that I could swear our van nearly assumed a 45 degree angle; the material exiguity was visually suffocating.

In the same moment, amidst all the misfortune and injustice that has plagued Los Tres Brazos, I was struck with the grandest feeling of absolution when I met the town’s inhabitants. This is exhibited most clearly in the presence of Sister Valdair. The undisputed commander of the sisters in Santo Domingo rules with the zeal of a president, the gentle touch of an angel, and the unconditional love and patience of a saint.

Her eyes are the most compassionate you will ever see. Sister’s undying effect on the kids, teachers and her fellow sisters creates a family atmosphere. A good example of this is shown when, every day before every meal, Sister Marta would lead us in a Spanish song of praise and thanks to God. If the richness found in the serenity of the sister’s was all I could speak of after the trip, it would have been enough. Amazingly, the blessings seemed to have no boundaries.

The teachers and children of Los Tres Brazos are the most beautiful human beings I have ever met.

Never have I experienced such grace.

From the moment the “ninos” my fellow Alvernians and I, they were hanging onto us, clutching our hands, dancing with us, and looking deeply into our eyes with innocent affection. They wanted to copy us, study us, accompany us, play with us, sing with us, worship with us; they wanted to create everlasting bonds with us.

And they succeeded. Kids like Egal and Berni and Lorena and Valentina would wait for you on a daily basis.

Nothing gave them more satisfaction that to attach themselves to us and engage in a game of “Joon” (a game with puzzling rules, does any one REALLY know how to play?) or dodge-ball.

It was constant community; constant.

No words could properly describe the type of Godly love I felt with ev-

ery moment around those children.

Additionally, I must mention something about the teachers and staff in the school. Role-models in the truest sense, they are as gentle as they are astute and as thoughtful as they are intelligent. Every one of them approached our group with smiles and kind sentiments. More importantly, they always treated the ninos with motherly love. None of them exemplifies these attributes more than the afternoon teacher, Yoly.

Yoly is a vibrant, bright light of unshakable energy for the community.

Whether she is teaching the children a new dance, helping them with their crafts, introducing them to a new song, or walking them home and embracing their families, her servitude seems never to cease. It’s amazing to watch. Like all the teachers, Yoly pours every grain of talent God has given her (which is no little amount) for the children. If any one wanted a lesson in how to instruct properly and impact young men and women, have a conversation with Yoly.

After such a profound journey with such amazing people, it is difficult to put things into perspective when returning home (the incivility of Philadelphia International Airport was no help). The adjustment has not been easy. However, I have narrowed it down to two points which I must share. First: We (first world countries, Americans, Pennsylvanians, you get it) have forgotten what true happiness is and therefore, many of us have no idea how to find it. Because of this lack of fulfillment, we accumulate “things” to keep us happy.

And we all have our “things,” don’t we? A six-pack of beer, a night of your favorite re-runs or movies, video games, adding a new addition to your car, one more shirt or one more pair of shoes, that late-night Starbucks special that makes life worthwhile; all these things make us a little happier at the end of the day. Is there something intrinsically wrong with

that? I don’t know; probably not, but it brings me to my second point.

If there’s one ultimate lesson I learned from the people of Santo Domingo it’s that true joy is found in community. Community, community, community! Hey, guess what? Community. One more time for those who are speed-reading: COMMUNITY. Community is the recipe to happiness; people are the ingredients. What does that mean? It means God is not in the dollar bills we spend or the television we watch. God is not in the museums of information we process or the jobs that give us security. God is not in the materials that encompass our lives: cell phones, computers, cars, or other toys. God is with the materially poor.

Why? Because the materially poor know how to form community better than anyone else. For Los Tres Brazos, community is a part of their culture. Life is a celebration, and it is celebrated together. No material wealth?

No problem. They have wealth in the purest sense; they join together and praise God for the beautiful gift of each other. Allow me to be the first to tell you: there is no greater gift.

Once again, let me remind you that I am only here, writing this piece, as a witness. I desired to write this primarily to inform the reader that God is alive and well. If you do not believe me, start planning your trip and go see for yourself. What happens in Santo Domingo and many other countries (like the undying preservation of hope in Haiti) is nothing short of a phenomenon; spiritually and pragmatically. These unbelievable people have crafted a divine tapestry of love and peace in the midst of suffering and have given us the blueprints to actualize fulfillment. Gracias la Republica Dominicana! Paz y Bien!

(To see more of Alvernia’s trip to Santo Domingo, Youtube “El viaje al barrio parte 1,” found under Chris’s Youtube username, YoAmoElBarrio. There are 38 parts altogether.)

Features

The Working Class Student: The Story of a Student Trying To Make Ends Meet By, Tesia Smucker Features Editor

Let me start this column by saying that education is the most important thing in my life. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to be a college student (my secondary career was to be a writer, but I never thought about making money by writing).

If not a college student, I wanted to be a ballerina while saving the dolphins. In short, education is my way to achieve all my wildest dreams.

However, there was a glitch in my plan. I was not willing to stiff myself on a good education, but I was not set up with money for college. My parents do not pay for college, or my car and car insurance. They help me with books when they can but most of the financial responsibility is on my shoulders. As a result, I work three jobs, and go to school full time, and I try to have a productive social life.

I also have an anxiety disorder which causes me to shut down when I am overwhelmed by my responsibilities.

I started my college education at Philadelphia University. I lasted there for four days. While the campus was beautiful, the people marvelously friendly, and the program exactly

what I thought I wanted (I was there for Graphic Design), I could not stop having panic attacks. I spent most of my time curled into the fetal position on my bed. I lost about fifteen pounds in four days, checked myself into the hospital for a night, and came home promptly after. I felt like all of my college dreams were derailed.

How could I have the best education when I could not even leave home?

I enrolled in Reading Area Community College (RACC) two weeks later as a Communications Transfer major. I had overcome my ignorant dislike of community colleges and decided to start there and then transfer to one of four area schools: Albright, Alvernia, Kutztown, or West Chester. The nice thing about RACC was that it was possible for me to work sixty hours a week during the summer and then be able to afford tuition for the whole year out of pocket, and not work myself to death during the school term.

It was not until I decided to go to Alvernia that it hit me again just how much money a good education was going to cost me. Philadelphia University is a $30,000 a year school

and when I was going there I just took out a loan and dealt with it, but RACC had given me a taste of what being debt-free was like and I rather enjoyed it. But I knew I wanted to go to Alvernia, and would just have to deal with being over my head in debt. As of this first column I have taken out approximately $20,000 in loans (which is actually not bad considering the cost of tuition here), and I still have one year until I graduate.

This is where working comes into the picture. I currently work three jobs during the school year, two of which I work year-round: as a cashier at Marshalls and as an assistant to a Mary Kay sales director. I also work at the RACC bookstore during the beginning and end of the semester. This means that during the first two and last two weeks of the semester I almost never do homework because I am working nearly forty hours a week (not including weekends). I also end up doing double shifts. This means that I will work from 9am until I have to go to class, then go work another shift until 10pm. By the time I get home I am so tired from working and going to school all day that I

just end up passing out--and not doing any of the homework I need to finish for the next day. I also get a stress overload and end up not doing anything because I just want to sleep.

I am currently waiting on my W2’s from each of my jobs so I can file my taxes and then fill out the always lovely FAFSA. Each previous time I have filled out the FAFSA I have not received any financial aid, other than Stafford Loans. This is because the FAFSA judges my financial situation based on my parents’ income since I am still classified as a dependent. I live with my parents because there is no possible way I could afford to live on my own without working full time and still go to school, and my parents make living with them pretty cool.

However, they make considerably more money than I do (which is to be expected) and therefore I am not eligible for governmental support. This leaves all the rest of the expenses to me. My parents do not pay for college. I love this, because it gives me the freedom to take whichever classes Working Class Student continues on page

Sports

Iverson Deserving of All Star Start

By Scott Rodgers Sports Editor

If I had told you that a guard averaging 14.2 PPG and a meager 4.3 APG in only 23 games would be an All-Star, it may have come with a bit of shock.

What if I also tacked on the fact that his team is only avoiding the cellar of its division because the team behind them is on pace to be worse than the 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers (who went 9-73 on the year)?

Well, that is the reality of the situation. Allen Iverson is an All-Star, and these 76ers are lucky to have the New Jersey Nets taking the spotlight off of their poor play.

Despite all of these facts, however, I believe Iverson deserves his spot.

Does this mean that there should be changes to the voting system (the same system that almost put in Tracy McGrady - who has not played more than eight minutes in his six games this year)?

If the fans wanted to trot out the Nets to play against the Dream Team, then that is exactly what should be done. It is a game for the fans and the players are chosen by popularity.

During this entire Iverson controversy, I have watched and read many sportscasters blast fan voting.

One of the worst suggestions to come across was to cut fan voting down to a lowly 25 percent, with players making up another 25 and writers making up an overwhelming 50 percent.

I know the sports media is generally smarter than your average fan, but it is not as though they walk on water when it comes to making decisions.

The All-Star Game is just an exhibition. It means nothing. The game itself is generally only competitive because the teams can score at will since no one wants to risk injury or play defense (the last time anyone scored below 100 points was when the West scored 84 in the 72-73 season).

I am all for scaling back fan voting to an extent, but I still think they should make up the majority. Players should make up another sizeable chunk, and writers should decide the last one or two bench spots, so players like Chris Bosh get in (if you look at his numbers you will be shocked he is not a starter).

Joe Johnson, Rajon Rondo, and Derrick Rose are all better than

By Scott Rodgers Sports Editor

Drew Brees. Peyton Manning.

They are arguably the two best quarterbacks in the NFL. And in the dream game for the NFL (polls have shown that these two teams were the most popular match up), they will go head to head.

Everyone is aware of both of these guys and what they have done. The offenses are explosive, with skill players like Reggie Bush, Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, and Marques Colston.

However, this game will be won on defense.

Brees and Manning can carve apart defenses like a Thanksgiving turkey. Both of them

fense is. Name one player currently on that squad not named Gary Brackett or Dwight Freeney.

Nope, not Bob Sanders, he was put on IR early on during the season. The whole defense as a unit is one that is generally undersized as well.

But if you watched the game against the Ravens or even just the AFC Championship game against the Jets, you probably saw that this defense is one that swarms and is so fast to convergence on a pass and collapse on the run.

Freeney, who is probably the kingpin of the whole defense (13.5 sacks in just 14 games), and he is finally healthy for the Colts in the postseason. Double-teaming him likely opens up Robert Mathis (9.5

Iverson. They are all having better seasons, and at this point in their careers they are all better players.

If Gilbert Arenas had any common sense, he would likely be the second guard behind Dwayne Wade. However, the length of his ban from the NBA will not be known until next week.

But the fact of the matter is that Iverson is the man that people wanted to see in the game. There is no argument about voting populace either (Iverson had Philly, Rondo had Boston, Rose had Chicago, all three are major markets, and Atlanta is no slouch).

Truth be told, Iverson will probably receive the same treatment that Michael Jordan did in 2002-03. He will be allowed to play as long he wants and take a ton of shots (Jordan took 27 shots to score 20 points).

This is likely Iverson’s final season. He was brought back to the team that he will forever be synonymous with and they are going nowhere.

He deserves to take center stage under the bright lights one more time before taking his place in Springfield.

At least he does not have to practice for this one.

Super Bowl Depends On Defense

showed that this past Sunday.

But the team that can make stops late in the game will be the one that wins.

Here is a test to show how underappreciated the Colts de-

were tagged with the line “if they only had a defense, imagine how good they could be.”

Well, they finally have one.

And though I would probably rank it below the Colts in terms of pass rushing (though Will Smith did have 13 sacks), they are a much more opportunistic squad and are easily

Led by Darren Sharper, whom is seemingly always on ESPN’s highlight reel returning an interception for a touchdown, the squad as a whole intercepted 26 passes. Their biggest, of course, was Brett Favre’s last pass of the season to send the NFC Championship game to overtime.

Sharper has nine of those picks, with three of them going for touchdowns. Adding in two more (one

by Tracy Porter and another by Jabari Greer), the Saints led the league in IntTDs at five and DefTDs at eight. When this team gets a turnover, they are looking to take it back to the endzone.

In head to head stats, the Colts lead the Saints in points allowed per game (19.2 to 21.3) and yards allowed per game (339.2 to 357.8). The Saints boast the obvious edge in turnovers, and, surprisingly, sacks (35 to 34, though who knows how skewed that is without a healthy Freeney).

Photo courtesy google.com

Both of these offenses will put points on the board. It is likely there sacks) and Clint Session (102 tack- will be some scores on special teams, les on the season, last seen mak- especially with Reggie Bush returning ing Mark Sanchez run for his life). punts. But it is going to come down

For years, the Saints to which defense can make the big

Working Class Student continued from page I want and also gives me a sense of accountability. If I fail a class, I am the one paying for it and all mistakes I make come out of my own pocket.

However, I do not have a lot of money. I have almost no savings because I use the money I save by working to pay for school (at least part of it), car insurance, or any unforeseen expenses (like parking tickets). Last semester I almost had to drop out because I needed a loan for approximately $10,000 for the year (this is after scholarships and federal loans). I ended up having both of my parents co-sign so I could get the loan and stay in school. I was not able to get an alternative loan by myself because I have no credit (no credit cards, store cards, etc.). Next year I am circumventing this problem by moving in with my father, whose income should allow me to get some sort of financial assistance.

I can never understand why it is so hard to actually go to college. I have never had a problem staying in college, but I have had the hardest time coming up with the funds to continue my education. This is the greatest failing of the American economic system. In order to get a well-paying job – in most cases – it is imperative that one goes to college. But for some people there is no way for them to gain a higher education – the funds just are not there. It is also very hard to muddle through the process of applying for financial aid. What I hope to do with this column is to figure that out a little bit. You will be able to see what I go through as a working student, and in return, I would like to answer any questions you have about financial aid, budgeting money, finding a job, anything. Send them to my email at tesia.smucker@alvernia.edu and I will address them in my next column.

The life of a working student is stressful, and nowhere near easy, but it is worth working hard for something important. And I figure, if you have to go into debt for anything, education is worth it. plays to put the game away at the end.

I did not include how either defense does against the run because it is rather silly to think that Joseph Addai or Pierre Thomas is going to win this game.

Thomas has game breaking ability, but with Bush and Mike Bell also needing carries he is limited. Addai has to contend with Donald Brown, but he will get his token 70+ yards or 40 yards and a touchdown, depending on a coin flip.

But in the end, Brees and Manning will be the guys who will decide this game. Everyone else is along for the ride, and these defenses will just have to bend and not break by the end of the fireworks.

Entertainment

Movies Promise More Romance, Less Death

By Angela Miller Entertainment Editor

The death trend that has been so apparent during these last few months seems to have taken a back seat. The trend is still there but since it is getting close to February romantic comedies and romances are surfacing. Most of the major movies coming out this February linger in these two particular genres, not all of them, but some of them.

A good example to start out with is the movie Dear John that comes out in early February. This is a story about two lovers, John and Savannah, who fall in love during her spring vacation of college. John is a soldier, and during their relationship has to go overseas for increasingly dangerous deployments. The two stay in touch by sending continuous love letters across the seas, which will inevitably lead to fateful consequences. This romantic movie would be great to see on Valentine’s Day, so couples can have a sense of how lucky they really are to have each other--and be together with no fear of losing one another.

Another interesting movie that comes out the week of Valentine’s Day is actually called Valentine’s Day. The movie has some big stars includ-

ing Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Ashton Kutcher, and Taylor Lautner. Valentine’s Day is not about one specific story, but rather it is a combination of stories of what people are doing on their Valentine’s Day. There is the

comedy, but it is a highly anticipated movie. It has received much publicity and has caught the eye of critics and viewers alike. Audiences are getting excited to see this movie, which means it could be on top or a major flop. The movie is about high school student Percy Jackson who finds out he is actually Poseidon’s son. When Zeus’ lightning bolt is stolen and Percy’s mother suddenly disappears, it is up to Percy to overcome the battling titans of Mt. Olympus, catch the real lightning thief, and save his mother.

Another non-romantic movie to look out for is The Wolfman.

The movie follows Lawrence Talbot’s life from the tragedy of losing his mother during his childhood to helping his brother’s fiancée, Gwen Conliffe, find her missing love. During this search Talbot discovers that something with massive strength Photo courtesy google.com and an insatiable bloodlust has been young killing people in the village. As he high school couple, the bitter women puts together the puzzle he learns who do not have men, and a mar- of an ancient curse that turns the afried couple who all find their way flicted into werewolves during a full through romance over the course moon. It is up to Talbot to save the of one specific Valentine’s Day. village and the woman he has grown

Percy Jackson and the Olym- to love from the vicious creature livpians: The Lightning Thief is obvi- ing in the woods, but in the process ously not a romance or a romantic he will learn about a beastly side of

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You have good friends, but could use some more in your group of friends. Go out and meet people who share different interests than you to broaden your horizons. This will increase your interests and let you experience different things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Open your mind to different possibilities of looking at things. There is always more than one way of looking at things. Let others share their ideas and keep an open mind.

himself that he never knew about.

Photo courtesy google.com

There are many other movies coming out that audiences can look forward to watching, but these are the more advertised ones to look for when going to the theater. When movies have a hype built up around them they can either be a great movie or a box office failure. Sometimes the critics are wrong in how they judge movies.

It is really up to the audience to decide what they want to watch; after all everyone has their own specific taste when it comes to what is entertaining.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Surround yourself with positive people who will enjoy your ideas. Don’t let others bring you down - get away from the negative people in your life.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep it real with your close friends. Don’t pretend to be someone who you are not. They can tell. They like you for the person that you are, so don’t change that.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Go out and help someone whether that be a friend, someone in your classes, or someone whom you may not know. This will allow you to meet others, and let people know that you do care about someone other than yourself.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are definitely a leader in all that you do but welcome the ideas of others.

They may have a different way of looking at things that can help you. You don’t always have to use your ideas. Let others contribute.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Build a relationship with someone that shows you really do care about them. Sometimes people just a need a friend and this is a perfect time for them to meet someone new as well as be a friend for someone who may not have many.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are the mature person in your group of friends and are always playing the adult role. Sometimes this can bother you, but know that the adult role that you play is admired by all.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Let go of the little things in life that you may be holding onto. Don’t let the little things get the best of you. If you don’t let them go then you will be stressing over things that you do not need to be.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Follow your dreams. Do not let anyone tell you that you can do not anything you set your mind to. They are your dreams and no one can tell you that you can’t achieve them. Believe in yourself.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Although you are a good organizer, don’t organize the lives of other people. Let them do that themselves. Some people may live their lives better a little disorganized. Not everyone is like you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do not let people walk all over you. Stand up to people. Show them your backbone. Be the stronger person and stand up for yourself.

Photos courtesy google.com

By Vanessa Policare Advertising Editor