VOICE the
college
March 9, 2009 Volume 40, Issue 6
STUDENT LIFE
AVIATION STILL HANGING IN THERE Page 2
THE END OF THE WORLD, POSSIBLY COMING SOON
Page 2 Print card system diving students nuts Page 3
JUST 4 FUN
VIEWPOINTS
SPORTS
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
WHAT IS THE BONNER PROGRAM? Page 3 Late Night Series + LGBTF Mardi Gras Page 4 Slam poetry at Nuyorican in NYC Page 4 AASO POETRY COMPETITION Page 5 SPRING TV SHOWS TO WATCH
What’s in store for you this month? Check your horoscope.
ESTABLISHED 1969
A student press serving M ercer County Community College and its neighboring areas
Shorter semesters, later start STARTING FALL ‘09, CLASSES TO BEGIN AFTER LABOR DAY, THREE WEEK COURSES TO BE OFFERED IN JANUARY TERM By David Hoyt The College Voice
Starting this September Mercer will be shortening its semesters from 16 to 15 weeks in length and adding a new three week winter semester in January. There will be no longer a finals week. Mercer has currently a 15 week class schedule and an additional week for testing. It is the finals week which is being cut from the schedule. Instructors who give a final exam will now do so on the last day of class. Some professors worry that students will not have adequate time to study before taking exams, however, Dr. Guy Generals, Mercer’s Vice President for Academic
Affairs, says, “Students will have to plan differently,” but he adds that he doesn’t “believe it will adversely affect students who are conscientious. They will adequately prepare.” In addition to eliminating finals week, fall semesters will start later. Dean of Liberal Arts, Robin Schore, says that “the real issue was starting the semester after labor day.” According to Schore, Mercer is one of the few community colleges “who started before Labor Day, [and] it seemed to be a disservice to everyone.” In fact, 15 week semesters are quite typical of community colleges. “We were one of the three Community Colleges in the entire state who
were on the 16 week” said Generals. This change will “help many students who have kids in camps” continued Dr. Generals, and it “puts us more into the norm of the way most colleges run.” Dean Schore also notes that the amount of early absences in the fall semester attributed to summer vacations and jobs. Now, fall semesters will start after Labor Day on most years and spring semesters will begin just after Martin Luther King Day (ending four days later than usual for spring). With the later spring semester start, Mercer will have the time to add a three week winter session. Dean Schore notes that back in the See SEMESTER page 2
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Funny pages and crossword
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Graffiti of hate By Tricia Bitetto Reporter
Men’s basketball faces tough loss in Region XIX Page 10
MIKE KAY and KATRINA BROPHY GO HEAD TO HEAD ON THE PROPOSED SMOKING BAN
PHOTO | CHRIS SZAKOLCZAI
Fall semesters will now start after Labor Day and a new three week January term will be added.
ANTI-SEMITIC SYMBOLS AND SLOGANS FOUND IN MERCER BATHROOMS
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BASEBALL: Team full of newbies is coming together Page 10
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COLLEGE VOICE | FILE PHOTO
Aviation program still aloft By Chrysti Neuman Reporter
The fate of Mercer’s award winning Aviation Program remains unclear. Students, faculty, and members of the public came out to show their support of the program at the February 19 board of trustees meeting. Although the program has faced termination for more than a year, the board still did not vote to end it. P r e s i d e n t Donohue cites the high cost to maintain the program as one of the reasons for its possible closure. “It is an expensive program. We have to house that fleet; we pay rent at the airport; we pay special in-
surance for the airplanes, and we pay a very expensive maintenance fee to keep the airplanes flight worthy.” A further concern is the condition of the school’s fleet. “Our goal is to find a stream of income that would allow us to replace the airplanes because our aircraft is all quite old and heavily used,” says President Donohue. Most of the planes were built in the 1970’s; the most current model is from 1982. The aviation program’s current tuition is also being assessed. “We’ve contacted other colleges across the country, most of them community colleges, who run
aviation, and one of the things that we discovered is that our charges are lower than theirs,” says President Donohue. President Donahue also cites the low graduation rate as another factor. “One of our problems is too many students were just learning to fly and not getting a degree and when it’s a college program the point is that they’re getting a degree.” Although the graduation rate is considered a major concern, a restructuring of the program’s prerequisites has not been offered as a possible solution to the flight program’s predicament. See AVIATION page 2
Anti-Semitic graffiti has been found in the men’s bathrooms in three buildings on campus. Someone wrote the phrase “What about the good things Hitler did?” in a stall in the men’s bathroom in the front entrance of the FA building. Other messages found include swastikas, Satanic Pentagrams, and Nazi salutes. The style of handwriting and scratch marks varied case by case. Earlier this semester, longtime art professor Mel Leipzig filed a formal complaint to Bryon Marshall, Director of Campus Safety, regarding two messages he found in the first floor bathroom of the ET building. “I never saw anything like it,” said Leipzig. He went on to note “that [Mercer has a] great mix of people,” saying that he has “never been aware of racism on
campus.” Without being explicit, Leipzig described the messages as being similar to a limerick poem but in the form of question, making a comparison between a “Jew” and something else, to create a grotesque image. Upon finding the message, he erased it, but when he returned to the same location later that day, a second similar message had been written with the same style and lettering. Marshall, whose office is currently in the Student Center, acknowledged that there are incidents of bathroom graffiti in general on campus. He says that they are “done randomly” and are “not a major concern.” When asked specifically about anti-Semitic graffiti, he said that such instances were even rarer and more sporadic. He notes, however, that all graffiti is taken very See VANDALISM page 2
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STUDENT LIFE
DISTINGUISHED LECTURE: Jesse Epps inspires
GREEN TIP
Civil rights hero provides uncommon perspective on race issues past and present
“CHANGE A LIGHT BULB, CHANGE THE WORLD” If every household in the US changed the light bulb in 5 of
By Geralissa Bryson Reporter
On February 10, 2009, civil rights activist Jesse Epps spoke as part of Mercer’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Epps was invited by Dr. Eric Watson, professor of English and African American History as part of Mercer’s Black History Month cultural offerings. Jesse Epps grew up in Dublin , Mississippi and is known for his work with the Southern Leadership Group and the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Georgia. Epps fought for civil rights in the 1960’s. He was a friend and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He was working with King to negotiate for better wages and working conditions for black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee when King was killed. Epps was with him in the hours just before King was murdered. He describes King as having been “a common man and very down to earth.” Professor Watson who organized the event said he was pleased to see how many students were in attendance. Wat-
Aviation uncertainty
the most commonly used lights in their house to compact fluorescent light bulbs
(CFL),
we could prevent more than one trillion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.
CFL’s use about
65% less energy than regular ones. They cost about 30% more, but they last 10 times longer. (EPA) (National Recycling Coalition) Green tips brought you by Mercer’s Sustainability Task Force and Go Green Club
Civil Rights activist Jesse Epps. son first met Epps in Memphis, Tennessee in 1998 during a 30 year celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr. He found himself moved by a speech Epps gave and wanted to know more about the man who he now says he sees as a “grandfather” figure. Epps grew up in the deep south during the Jim Crow era when racial injustice
PHOTO | CHRIS WISE - USED WITH PERMISSION
was constant and overt. During his lecture, Epps shared a story of his formative years and witnessing a black man being killed right before his eyes just for being on the same sidewalk as a white male. It was clear that this and other events lead to his determination to support the labor and civil rights movements. The lecture was well attended and those in the audi-
ence appeared moved by Epps’s personal stories and motivational speech. During the question and answer portion of the lecture, students asked many questions about Epps’s views of the current racial situation in American. Epps’s responses focused on personal responsibility; he ended by saying “You all are the future that’s make it a bright one.”
for more information on upcoming distinguished lecture series guest speakers visit mcccvoice.org
By Chrysti Neuman Reporter
Cont. from pg. 1 Other options also being considered are teaching flight for another school lacking flight time, and submitting grants to upgrade and replace aircraft. Students currently enrolled in the program believe that its closure would end the possibility for others to become pilots. Judy Galayda, the flight team’s captain, says, “Other schools are far and expensive.” Further, Mercer County Community College is the only flight school presently available in New Jersey. Aviation professor Joseph Blasenstein, comments on the program saying, “Every day, I can’t wait to come to work. What we have is a staff that lives and breathes aviation.” Among other accomplishments, the Flight Team continues to compete and win numerous awards in their competitions. In order to keep the program going, President Donohue says the goal must be to produce a business plan that would allow Mercer to run the program without a big operating loss every year. “In addition to the Board following closely with information, we have invited some key leaders in aviation to serve on the special advisory committee…to make recommendations of things to consider,” Donohue says. A final decision regarding Mercer’s Aviation program is scheduled to be made at the March 19 board of trustees meeting.
PHOTO | TRICIA BITETTO
Anti-Semitic graffiti found in ET men’s bathroom on Feb 27. COLLEGE VOICE | FILE PHOTO
Flight team’s Rockfest 2009 By Chrysti Neuman Reporter
Even the uncertainty of the aviation program’s future couldn’t diminish the exuberance felt by those who attended the flight team’s Rockfest 2009 on Sunday, February 22. Kelsey Theatre was the backdrop of the event aimed at fundraising for the flight team members to travel to the national championships in St. Louis. The journey to the nationals began last October when at the regional competition, the flight team competed against four-year universities in events which included accuracy landing and navigation. Mercer’s team took first place. There was also a message drop competition. Each pilot had to drop a five oz. crate as close as he or she can into a barrel while flying 200 ft. above ground. Chris Moyers, the member of the flight team who took first place in the event, says “you have to lean out of the
plane, so it’s pretty cool, and you can write secret messages.” Members of the bands playing for the event are also students of the flight program. Judy Gaylada, captain of the flight team, said three of the bands (100 % cotton, Dave Trotta, and Cascaden) all have a member which is also involved in the flight team. When asked about the program’s possible closure, many students expressed their disappointment. Gaylada said, “It’s an excellent program, and it’s very important to us to be professional pilots.” Moyers added, “it’s a good place for pilots to start; it’s a good foundation.” The team has additional fundraising events in the upcoming months. For the cost of $.25 cents per lb. with a maximum fee of $25 dollars, participants can take an aerial tour of Mercer County. The Mercer Flight Fair is scheduled for April 4 and 25.
Vandalism in bathrooms By Tricia Bitetto Reporter
Cont. from pg. 1 seriously and goes through a removal kit where the message is analyzed before it is removed. Steps in the kit involve the initial report which is then looked at by a Security official and then the Police Academy is notified and partakes in further scrutiny of the message. Marshall said that Mercer’s Security Office also works with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and their Gang Unit, if the situation calls for it. The ET Building is home to the Police Academy, Arts and Communications offices, and engineering classes among others. Upon investigation by the Voice, as of February 27, the first floor bathroom had very little graffiti in it, but a message was found that fit the description of Mr. Leipzig’s complaint. The bathroom above it, on the second floor, had much
more graffiti. The second floor men’s bathroom in the LA building was a third location with notable instances of anti-Semitic graffiti. It also had a number of ethnic and racial slurs. Specifically, the Voice found a series of three Swastikas above one of the urinals. The particular piece of graffiti, “what about the good things Hitler did,” may be traced to a website. The same slogan is featured on a shirt from an online distributor called T-shirt Hell. The shirt in question is part of the website’s ‘worse than hell’ line and features the slogan under a picture of Hitler wielding a bouquet of flowers. The website markets shirts that feature crude, derogatory, and politically-incorrect slogans. Stephanie Twers, a Business Administration major, expressed her feelings about the anti-Semitic graffiti succinctly by saying, “…They leave their message where it belongs: in the toilet.”
By Susana Sanchez The College Voice
Cont. from pg. 1 weeks” and that it “could mean two or three days a week” at a minimum. Courses will be priced at the same level as their summer counterparts. Three week courses will be only those with high demand. “We’ll run what students typically need most” said Dr. Generals about the course selection, “probably gen[eral. ed[ucation] courses.” He adds that “more difficult courses we’ll probably shy away from… so don’t expect to finish differential equations in January.” (Mercer does not currently offer a differential equations course). Course offerings for the three week winter session have not yet been finalized. Schore says that it “hasn’t been completely thought through what we are offering” but that
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By DeChele Covington Reporter
COLLEGE VOICE | FILE PHOTO
Bonner student Piers Duffell. cation of the service projects varies from the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK), Trenton After School Program, Habitat for Humanity, the Dream Program and even Rutgers Organic Farm. The rewards of Bonner Leader service do not just go one way. Piers Duffell, an Honors Program and Bonner Leader student, says how he as benefited from the program in a variety of ways. Duffell says that his self-confidence has increased as he sees how the children he tutors and mentor at the Trenton After School Program admire him and look up to him as a role model. Duffel adds that he has also learned mediation skills and how to “make kids listen by getting on their terms.”
Change to 15 week terms By David Hoyt The College Voice
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hassle Students face print card
THE BONNER PROGRAM With the motto “Serve, Learn and Earn,” the Bonner Leader Program’s students at Mercer commit their time to give back to the community. Although the program has been on and off for a number of years, this academic year, under the direction of communications Professor Donna Munde, the program has been re-launched. The Bonner Leader Program engages students nationwide. Corella and Bertram Bonner established the Bonner Foundation in 1990 to financially support and encourage leadership amongst striving students. Currently, the foundation provides scholarships through more than 70 colleges in America. The NJ Bonner Leader program is also supported by federal funds through Americorps. Last September, ten Mercer students enrolled in the program. Munde says that the purpose of the program is “to help create a culture of service on campus.” Bonner Students are required to complete 300 hours of service within a 10 month period of time. The lo-
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the ones that “would be most valuable would be brush up [courses].” Students will be able to use this semester to either retake courses they failed or help get out of Mercer earlier. There is still question as to who will be teaching these classes. According to Schore, “we have no idea who would want to teach, we can only speculate.” Dr. Generals says classes will be taught by “mostly adjuncts” and “occasionally full-time [faculty] on overload,” adding that for the full-time faculty “it would be up to them if they wanted to teach.” Finally, the advent of these winter semesters may help Mercer fix its looming budget issues. “That is part of the goal: to draw in more students and eventually more revenue,” says Dr. Generals. “I think it’s a win-win for the students, the community and the college” Generals adds.
Last semester Mercer installed a new print card vending machine which allows students to purchase a card for $.50 cents to which more money can be added. The cards must be used to print documents in all campus computer labs. Many students complain that the new card system is inconvenient. “I have to go all the way downstairs to get a card about twice a week which makes me very frustrated. I’m taking a history class which requires a lot of typing, which means more printing,” said Dedra Brown a second year Elementary Education major at Mercer. One of the chief complains heard amongst students is that there is only one print card vending machine and three printers to serve the 9,000 students that attend West Windsor campus. In addition, students are required to buy the card on one side of the campus, and then walk to a building on the other side of campus in order to print. The one and only print card vending machine on the West Windsor campus is located on the first floor in the Student Center across from the cafeteria, next to the Wachovia Bank ATM machine. “The procedure is difficult, the machine is too far, and it should be in the computer lab room or in the hallway. It could also be less expensive. It is too much work to get the card,” said second year Nursing major Oskady Possible. Possible stated that he comes into the computer lab about four times a week and he spends about $10 a month on a print card. First time print card buyers must purchase a new card for $.50 cents and add their desired amount of money to the card. Students can add as little as $.50 cents or up to $20.00 dollars to their card. If students have any problems with the print card vending machine or they lose their money, they have to report the issue to the Bursar’s office located on the second floor of the Student Center. After buying the printing card, students can print
PHOTO | CHRIS SZAKOLCZAI
“The Machine should be close to where the students would be using the cards. We tried last year to get the machine moved, it didn’t work.” - Brianna LaCava, SGA Vice President
their work in the temporary library trailer located across from the Administration building or in one of the computer labs located in rooms LA 232 and ET 212. It costs $.10 cents per page to print. There has been an effort made by the Student Government Association (SGA) to relocate the print card machine. Last year, SGA President, Alyssa Ingling, tried to have the print card machine moved or have the school buy a second machine. Ingling even marked a spot where the school could put another machine that would be close to the computer lab. The
SGA committee also wrote a proposal to the board of trustees, on behalf of the students, stating that the machine needed to be moved closer to the computer lab due to inconvenience and for security purposes related to student documents. “The Machine should be close to where the students would be using the cards. We tried last year to get the machine moved, it didn’t work,” said SGA Vice President Brianna LaCava. Ingling stated that the reason the school did not buy another print card machine is due to the machine being very expensive and that type of money is not in the school’s budget right now. Although many students feel the print card situation isn’t likely to change any time soon, some administrators are more optimistic. Director of Library Services, Pamela Price, says, “This is a temporary situation. Mercer has a group of people that are all dedicated to serving the students. Students come first. After the renovation, we plan on putting all of the services back in one location. The students will be very pleased with the renovations,”
HEALTHY LIVING: Fish oil pills shown to have surprising benefits By Justina Slachta Reporter
PHOTO | CHRIS SZAKOLCZAI
Fish oil supplements reduce arterial plaques. Mmmm, fish oil.
Fish oil pills (omega 3) are used worldwide to address common health issues while reducing numerous health risks. The pills, which do not smell fishy or have any fishlike qualities, are filled with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which is known as essential fatty acids produced from fish oil. The human body cannot produce EPA on its own; by taking fish oil pills they will supply it for you. Studies suggest that fish oil may reduce plaque in the ar-
teries. According to American Heart Association “Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of — or who have — cardiovascular disease.” According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, “fish oil contains both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and EPA. Evidence from several studies has suggested that amounts of DHA and EPA in the form of fish or fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques (“hardening of the arteries”), lowers blood pressure slightly,
as well as reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease.” While the pills have been shown to help prevent diseases, physicians still recommend eating a balanced diet. The pills are a dietary supplement only. It is important to eat a variety of healthy products including fruits, vegetables, fiber and low-fat, sugar and sodium products as well as to be physically active.
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By Jason Blatt Reporter
December 21, 2012. While the mere mentioning of this date may not conjure up images of hellfire and brimstone, for many it symbolizes a long awaited judgment day. The root of these fears is not the voice of a lone prophet, but rather one of a long departed civilization. The age-old premonition that the world will end on a cold December day has remained constant for years. While past doomsday crazes have come and gone without incident, the basis of most apocalyptic theories can be traced back to the Mayan long-count calendar. The long-count calendar’s origins lie in the Mayan’s extensive astrological knowledge. Their forecasts of both the sun and planet have remained some of the most accurate recordings of their kind to this day. However the calendar dead-ends in December of 2012 after approximately 5000 years of seemingly unimpeded bliss on Earth. The Mayan civilization was considered highly developed academically with notable advances in astrology, written language, and mathematics. However other elements of their culture such as ritualistic human sacrifice and the destruction of natural soil through the constant rebuilding of architecture reveals an interesting contradiction. The Mayans, aware of the ecological destruction occurring during their watch, were said to believe
that such behaviors would result eventually in a cataclysmic world event. This concept results in the date that some believe will serve as the modern judgment day. One modern day doomsday theory that has gained some of the most recent attention is that of a polar ice shift. Incidentally, this theory ties directly into the Mayan Calendar. In this theory, an increase in solar activity would
cause the Earth’s magnetic poles to reverse suddenly on December 20 or 21, 2012, in turn causing catastrophic earthquakes and floods. Countries that had once experienced moderate-toabove average climate would be covered with large patches of ice while others would be subjected to intense volcanic heat. The main source of this theory has been widely debated although it appears to stem from modern fears of global
warming. While increasing fears about global warming help give the polar ice shift theory more steam, the possibility that such a dramatic shift might occur in the next 5 years is said to be almost nonexistent. In a January 26, 2009 interview with the New York Post, Carol Raymond, a principle scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, dismisses this theory about the current weakness of the Earth’s magnetic fields.
Raymond states the inference that such a scenario would occur in 2012 was “not supported by anything we’ve observed.” Raymond concludes that such an activity would take thousands, if not millions of years to fully develop. In spite of this paranoia, skepticism still remains for many who feel that such theories should be taken in historical context. Dr. Linda Scherr, a History professor at Mercer, questions the modern relevance of the Mayan theories. Dr. Scherr explains that while “the Mayan theory is able to make good sense of the times from which they came, it is hard to say that they are truly able to capture the modern sensibilities of a 21st century world view”. Student opinion on the matter was mixed. Some students like Michael Ricitelli, a second year Liberal Arts major, says “Everything has to end eventually.” Others, like Vishal Patel, a second year nursing student, offered a more skeptical analysis. Patel compared the fears to Y2K, deeming the theory of a 2012 doomsday a “fairy tale,” and stating that “while some might feel it is in fact true, the reality is, it isn’t.” Victoria Kuchtyak, a second year Business Administration major at Mercer, offered simpler analysis of Earth’s final days saying: “While I don’t actually believe that earth will actually end in 2012, anything is possible.” Kuchtyak added: “Stuff blows up. What are you going do about it?!”
Is your skin ready for a Spring Break? Looking good now and avoiding cancer 20 years from now are not mutually exclusive priorities By Jessicarose Fattibene Reporter
Going on vacation for March break is the highlight of the spring semester for many. Day dreams during classes flit through our heads; lying out on a sandy beach, bathing in the warm sun, sharing laughs with your good friends. This perfect picture is ruined when you get second and third degree burns from not protecting yourself against the sun. Earlier generations knew little about the harmful effects of the sun on human skin. Many people spent time baking in the sun trying to achieve a golden tan. Now we know that the cocoa butter and baby oil habits of the baby booomers is catching up with them. Usually it isn’t until more than 20 or 30 years after serious exposure that skin cancer becomes present. Even minor sunburns can be dangerous in the long run. So it is imperative to choose a sun block with a high sun protection factor (SPF). The number doesn’t measure strength; it measures how long it will pro-
tect you. Doctors recommend using as high a SPF as necessary depending on how easily you burn. SPF 10 will generally protect you for 100 minutes, SPF 30 for 300 minutes, and so on. Sunscreen has come a long way in recent years, and new, not-so-sticky formulas are available in spray on and roll on applications. For best coverage, it’s necessary to apply sunscreen about a half hour before you leave home, because sunscreen takes about 20 minutes to take effect. To avoid staining your clothes, buy sunscreens with-
out PABA, a chemical known to stain and cause allergic reactions in some people. Last, but certainly not least, get a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and apply it liberally. Judging by the number of tanning salons, tanning is still a fad. Vanity often trumps health in a quest for a golden glow to satisfy society’s pressure to look our best. People with fair skin are no stranger to sun burns, however, regardless of what color skin you have, sunblock is needed to avoid cancer in later life.
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Students and faculty have gym pass, but many don’t use it By Denise Nosko Reporter
Upon walking into the gym at Mercer County Community College, one is greeted with a surprising yet familiar scene. Upon entering the facility, one is greeted with the regular gym scene: a rubber matted room packed with free weights, an assortment of equipment with which to use them, over 20 aerobic machines and over twenty weight training machines. However, rather than witnessing a plethora of sweating students in movement, it is more common to see the concrete walls encasing a range of people. The mercer gym is open to anyone in the Mercer area, and thus an extreme array of students, family men, mothers, even grandmothers can and do flock to Mercer for their basic work-out needs. The Mercer County Community College gym provides all the necessities for a basic workout- it is small and simple, yet it is clean and efficient. However, only a percentage of students who exercise regularly use the Mercer gym. A recent survey of 30 random Mercer County Community College students concluded that very few students use the facilities. While the membership is free for full-time students and only
$35 a semester for students with less than 25 credits, many students take their business offcampus. In addition to the basic equipment, the gym offers pool memberships as well as free yoga classes. However, Austin Atkins, a gym employee and a Burlington Community College student, said that in a three hour shift, he sees only about 30 people shuffle through the door. Through the survey 10 students admitted to rarely exercising at all. This in itself is a factor in the amount of students who use the gym- those who don’t make working-out a habit won’t be venturing into the gym too often. Also, out of the 20 students that reported they do exercise regularly, five said they do so either at home or at another private venue, while the other 15 said they have memberships elsewhere. It is easy to wonder why with such an affordable and convenient gym on campus, so many students would be willing to pay extravagant bills for gym memberships. Perhaps it’s because although the Mercer gym is convenient and well-stocked it does lack some of the services of other, more expensive gyms. Lindsay Townsend, a second-
semester art major put it simply, “when I go to the gym, I usually like to take classes, and my gym has a lot of different classes that are included in the membership fee.” While the Mercer gym gets the job done, it doesn’t offer several classes, nor does it have a café, a spa, a luxurious locker room, or a sauna, all traits that other gyms often boast. Still, how many people actually use the salons, spas, and cafes that their gyms have to offer? Matthew Marini, a second year student at Mercer puts it into perspective; “the luxuries private gyms offer are nice, but I can just as easily get a coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts down the street with my $35 membership, rather than pay much more a month and have the convenience of getting coffee immediately after I work out.” If this is the attitude some students adopt, it is still easy to wonder why more students don’t take advantage of the cheap membership Mercer has to offer. Perhaps it is because many students aren’t aware that the gym is accessible to them for such a low fee. Out of the 15 afore-mentioned surveyed students, only five said they knew about the cheap fee for the Mercer gym and still chose to go elsewhere.
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At noon on a weekday the gym in the Physical Education building on Mercer’s West Windsor campus sees most activity. Perhaps Mercer isn’t doing enough to encourage students to use their facilities. Mike DeAngelis, the fitness coordinator said that its “silly to go elsewhere” considering the cheap price of membership, yet he also says that “membership could be higher.” Ultimately, he has plans to advertise the availability of the gym in the future, and hopes to encourage more members of the outside community to join, However, it’s lucky for those who do choose to use the gym that not everyone who can takes advantage of it. If every student at Mercer, an estimated 8,928 used the gym, it
would lose its appeal as an uncrowded, relaxed environment. This is without factoring in any number of the 365,449 county residents that also have access to the gym. It goes without saying that much of the appeal of the gym would vanish if everyone who could use it, did. So while it may seem as if the gym is never the hottest spot on campus, according to , Blake Marshall, a Mercer alum works out at the gym about three times a week, the gym is “not too busy, you never have to wait for a machine,” and that may be the most convenient aspect of the gym out of all of them.
Register for Summer classes now! Summer Session Dates: 6 Week A......................................................................... May 26 - July 1 8 Week A....................................................................... May 26 - July 14 6 Week B......................................................................July 9 - August 1 8 Week B..................................................................June 22 - August 17
Don’t miss out! Talk to your faculty advisor to find the right classes for you! Longing for a challenge? Consider the Honors Program! If your GPA is 3.5+ and you’ve completed 12+ credits, contact program coordinator Prof. Carol Bork at borkc@mccc.edu or 609-586-4800 ext. 3890 Or drop by LA 172 for more info.
2009
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Arts
LGBTF hosts Late Night Series Mardi Gras By Matt Williams Reporter
The house lights are out. The stage lights are on. Students and professors flood the door in masses, dressed from head to toe in beads and flashy colors. But despite the excellent performances, it was the fact that the Late Night Series (LNS) was hosted by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Friends Club (LGBTF) drove people to the night’s entertainment. On Friday, February 20 the Late Night Series took place in the Communications Building on the West Windsor Campus of MCCC and the theme for
the evening was Mardi Gras. The LGBTF hosted that night’s event to promote their club, get their members actively involved, and to take some stress off of the usual LNS hosts, the Drama Club. The night’s itinerary included various on-stage performances such as live music, stand up comedians and poets, and impromptu acting. Audience members, many dressed in a wide variety of costumes, continued to arrive even as the show kicked off. One person sat down in the front row dressed as a drag queen adorned with numerous colored beads around the neck, a colorful dress and a white wig. Another individual decided to come dressed as SpongeBob
SquarePants, accessorized with plenty of blue and yellow beads planted on the collar of the large body-suit. One of the last individuals to arrive was dressed as Freddie Krueger complete with a black cape, mask, and knife to compliment the costume. Rachel Boruch, a first year student at Mercer, performed the opening act singing “I Don’t Believe You” by popular vocalist, Pink. Boruch sang with passion; one could tell the amount of effort she put into her performance just by looking at her face. “[It is a] place to come to forget your problems and your troubles” said Boruch when asked why she loves to sing. While the LNS featured
a multitude of talents, none got the crowd quite so engaged as Scott Schendlinger’s stand-up comedy. Schendlinger, a 23 year old from Oceanside, Long Island (New York), started doing comedy on the LNS five years ago. Despite the rude and sexually vulgar phrases used in his act, such as “Vegans have no souls” and “I don’t respect women,” Schendlinger captivated the audience’s humor and caused an uproar of laughter in most of the room’s occupants. As the acts finished and the final singer left the stage, the most anticipated event of the night began: the post dance party. The audience flooded to the stage to rave with the actors and actresses of the night,
and the DJ was more than booked with song requests. Shirts were off as techno music blasted from the speakers. Blinding strobe lights and multi-colored party lights illuminated the bare chests of most of the males on stage. The event was “really great,” according to Alex DeFazio, faculty advisor for the LGBTF. DeFazio was amazed by not only the turnout for the event, but also by how much fun the students and faculty were having. When asked how to sum up the evening, DeFazio replied “[It was a] gay old time.”
Slammed at the Nuyorican By Susana Sanchez The College Voice
At the Nuyorican Poets Café in Manhattan’s East Village, poetry becomes a vivid, real life experience rather than something locked in a book. The café has a welcoming atmosphere of exposed brick and high ceilings. People from all walks of life attend. In the audience one can find a U.S. marine, an English teacher, a college student, and even a high school student. On Friday, February 20, the evening was hosted by Mahogany Browne. She fired up the house with her charismatic personality. She made the audience get up from their seats and dance as she mimicked Beyonce’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it)” choreography. Browne was even able to control a potential confrontation, effortlessly, after a patron got offended when he was booed by another guest. The night began by the Nuyorican Poets Café’s National slam team member, Jive Poetic. He entertained the audience with his light humor. One of his poems began by “Grapes, Green, Seedless” and even though people laughed at the silliness of the words, the poem turn into a discussion of the loss of fresh and organic farming to artificial industries, “How is it possible for seedless fruit to exist,” the poet asked with a facial expression of despair. After Jive Poetic, the Friday common slam contest began. Four poets got three opportunities to persuade the audience of the quality of their poems. Five judges were randomly chosen amongst the audience who scored the poets from zero to 10. The poets were as diverse as the audience. They consisted of a college student, a Puerto Rican history teacher, a Long
shows worth watching this spring
PHOTO | FILE PHOTO
Jive Poetic is a regular performer at the Nuyorican. Island resident and a Jersey girl student. The poems were mostly related to the poets’ socioeconomic background. The themes varied from a college student’s trivial difficulties, Puerto Rico’s struggle for becoming independent, Long Island’s racially separate neighborhoods, and gender issues. The poems were thought provoking and some even controversial. Even though there was only one female poet, she stole the show. Nicole Homer’s first poem moved the audience as she described a little girl’s pain after being raped by her father. Her second poem got the ladies to snap their fingers, clap and laugh. She began by mimicking an orgasm and continued by mocking a man’s inability to sexually satisfy a woman. Later, she made the whole audience laugh in a poem based on a Valentine’s Day poem of a lunatic
girl in love with someone she has not even met. Homer caught the attention of her audience. Aiste Velyvyte, a Mercer student in the audience, said, “[Homer] was my favorite because her poems and delivery were very dynamic. She spoke about women’s struggles in unhappy relationships. Nicole’s poetry is very fresh, new and bold; it’s definitely not something I have read in the books.” Homer also captured the judges’ highest scores getting first prize. Velyvyte says, “[The Nuyorican] is very small, but cozy. The atmosphere was very laid-back, casual and friendly. You get a chance to hear the poem the way it is meant to be heard. You no longer have to wonder about the tone of voice, all you have to do is listen and watch the speaker. You also get a chance to share the experience with other poetry lovers.”
By Caroline Fling The College Voice
The Voice has culled through the spring TV clutter and brought you the strong picks of the upcoming season. Here they are:
FRINGE – We want to love it. Seriously, we do. From the creator of Lost and “Misson: Impossible” III, J.J. Abrams follows the formula exactly. It starts out the same way as “Lost”, an airplane that is in a bit of trouble. Step two, throw in some unnatural occurrences and phenomena, except this time, stick an attractive Aussie as the lead role and J.J. Abrams has done it again! A singular word comes to mind: Derivative. [Catch it on Tuesdays at 9PM on FOX, new episode coming in April]
LIE TO ME – Another crime investigation show to hit the scene, but trust in The Voice, this one is worth seeing. Instead of trying to look pretty on the flat-screen, “Lie to Me” is thought-provoking. The show itself is based on the work of Paul Ekman, real-life psychologist
Entertainment
Spring TV line-up By Caroline Fling The College Voice
Cont. from pg. 6
specializing in body language. Tim Roth plays Cal Lightman, a decoder of the universal language of the body. Fascinating. [See it Wednesdays at 9PM on FOX after American Idol]
THE MENTALIST – Starring hunky blonde-haired Simon Baker as Patrick Jane, “The Mentalist,” seems to be just another crime investigation show. Borrowing elements from “Lie to Me” and “CSI”, the standard “five-man band” cast is tapping into cliché just enough that it is starting to annoy. Skip it. [See it Tuesdays at 9PM on CBS]
IN THE MOTHERHOOD – Writers from the show get their material directly from their show’s Web site, where real life moms can share their motherhood stories. Promises to be a real and hysterically funny. Starring Megan Mullally (of “Will & Grace”) and Cheryl Hines. [Premieres Thursday, March 26 at 8PM]
CASTLE –When Richard Castle’s murder mystery novels start being re-enacted by a serial killer, he aids detective Kate Beckett, a very meticulous and strictly-business type, in hunting the bad guy. The concept also sounds like it could just be a movie and it will be interesting to see where the series take us. Castle is played by Nathan Fillion, a superb actor in the eyes of his fans, whose shows unfortunately keep getting canceled. Beckett is played by Stana Kalic, who we know from small roles in “The Spirit” and “Quantum of Solace.” Overall consensus: if we wanted to watch crime fighters banter, one controlling, one charismatic, we’d watch “Bones”. [Pilot airs March 9th at 10PM on ABC]
GREY’S ANATOMY – Not new for spring, but Grey’s promises to be as great as ever. What will catch viewers by surprise is not one but two characters are leaving the show! Katherine Heigl who plays Izzie Stevens, and T.R. Knight, who plays George O’Malley. Rumor has it that backstage drama surrounding Knight has led to writers coming up with a “believable exit.” [See it Thursdays at 9PM on ABC]
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Black history poetry contest at MCCC By Jason Blatt Reporter
A poetry contest was organized by the African American Student Organization (A.A.S.O.) to commemorate Black History Month. Held Tuesday, February 17 in the Mercer Art Gallery, the contest, the brainchild of Mercer senior bursar and AASO club advisor, Lucia Brown-Joseph, showcased the work of eight Mercer students. Brown-Joseph was inspired to organize a poetry contest after she attended a similar open microphone event held at Mercer’s James Kerney Campus. She says that “seeing the members of the community that came out to enthusiastically show their support for the creative arts made me realized the positive social effects that such a program could have on our student body in West Windsor.” The panel of four judges chosen for the event included Mercer professors Dr. Renee Walker and Dr. Eric Watson, Mercer public information coordinator Saveria Symons, and Language Arts teacher Debra Brown. Guest poets included local poet LuCretia Bellamy and Mercer student and published poet Lamar Rice. While there were a handful of absences among the participants, it did not appear to dampen the enthusiasm of those involved or the roughly 30 spectators. The poetry of those absent was read by various AASO members as well as participating poets. Wes Hankinson, one of those poets, started off the day with a rendition of fellow Mercer student Danielle Bright’s personal composition “Why the Caged Bird Sings” (Inspired by the Maya Angelou poem of the same name). The remaining
“I’m struggling just to keep myself focused, sometimes I gotta chain myself down so no one would try and steal me; but still the ghetto speaks unheard cries.” - Alexis Pack performances from students and guest poets ranged in their themes from the spiritual to the political. One early student highlight was Hankinson’s confident performance of his own composition. Hankinson, 20, a third year Liberal Arts major, performed a lengthy but powerful spoken word piece entitled “The Untold Story.” In this unconventional composition, simple but effective screams of “Murder” provided a deeply affecting exclamation point to a poignant story of urban violence. Asked later about his work, Hankinson, said, “I wanted to see if I could win,” adding, “I feel that it was probably the best performance I’ve ever had. I was very satisfied.” “The Ghetto Speaks,” a poem written and performed by Alexis Pack, provided another examination of inner city life and the various emotional and social pitfalls encountered in daily life. In the poem she says, “I’m struggling just to keep myself focused. Sometimes I gotta chain myself down so no one would try and steal me; but still the ghetto speaks unheard cries.” An introspective poem read by Mercer student Martu Jabetan entitled “Reminiscing” seemed to offer quiet reflection on the day with the hopeful fi-
nal lines “I sit here knowing no matter what you do./ I sit here convinced that I will always love you./ I sit here reminiscing.” Selection of a winner proved difficult. Dr. Watson, a contest judge and head editor of Mercer poetry magazine Drumbeat, added “The participants were creative and distinctive in their own separate ways.” He went on to say that, “It was great experience seeing [Mercer students] engaged in such creative expression.” However, like all contests, there were decisions to be made. Pack’s “The Ghetto Speaks” took the day’s top prize. Receiving the prize for creativity was Wes Hankinson, whose non-traditional piece drew heavy praise from the judges for its boldness and power. The prize for performance went to Desiree Smith for her spoken/sung piece entitled “Free” which effectively combined the opening stanza of “My Country this of thee” with her own heartfelt personal experiences.
for more information on african american history month visit mcccvoice.org
Picture of the Week
CUPID –In actual Roman mythology, Cupid, the god of love is not a wee infant but is in fact a handsome grown man. In “Cupid”, it is questionable whether lead character, Trevor, is or isn’t. However we will love to watch him banter back and forth with psychologist and self-help author, Dr. Claire Allen. The give and take on their viewpoints of true love as both try and help form romantic and lasting attachments for the people around them will help pull us in. Trevor is played by Bobby Cannavale (“Shall We Dance”), alongside Sarah Paulson (“What Women Want”) who plays Claire. [Premieres March 31 10PM on ABC]
PHOTO | CINDY LEWIS
Making the most of the snow: Mercer students Alex Bowe (left), Frosty (center) and John Andrews (right)
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SPORTS
Men’s hoops season wrap-up By Amber Zahn Reporter
Ten seconds frozen on the clock. Fans from both sides are in complete silence, as number 22 approaches the line. If he misses, Mercer has a chance to rebound and win the game; if he makes it, the Vikings, trailing by four, won’t have an opportunity to comeback. He bends his knees and puts up a shot. All is still as it travels through the air, towards the basket. The crowd is on their feet as it hits the rim, and goes inside. Manor College has sealed the win. The Mercer men’s basketball team finished out their, not so perfect, (13-15) season with five straight losses after they fell one point short at home to Manor College on February 21, in a game that was crucial in determining who would advance to round two of the Men’s Basketball National Junior College Athletic Association Region XIX Tournament. The Blue Jays of Manor College, from Jenkintown Pennsylvania, retrieved the ball at tip off, and scored the first basket leading the start of the game. Mercer quickly recovered with a successful three point shot by forward Antoine Rogers. Four seconds left in the first half, the Vikings, down by 10 points, ended the half with a solid three pointer at the buzzer by guard Stephen Perry bringing the score to 33-26 Blue Jays. The Vikings led the start of the second half with a two point shot by forward Josh Caver. The Vikings, still down, cut a break two minutes into the second half when a foul on the Blue Jays gained
the Vikings an additional two points, tightening the gap 33-30 Blue Jays. A two point shot by Mercer’s Stephen Perry tied up the game 35-35, but a lay-up by Manor’s forward Jeff Sottnick put Manor back on top. Mercer’s Corye Payton replicated Sottnick’s lay-up tying the game back up 37-37. “The boys [Mercer] definitely went out with a fight today,” says former Mercer student Rafeeq Brown of Hamilton, “They came back from the first half reenergized and determined to catch up, and when they did they never allowed Manor to have a comfortable lead again.” Although Mercer made a comeback from the 10 points they were down by in the first half, it was Manor’s guard Stefan Thompson that dominated the last minutes of the second half, and the game, by gaining two three point shots. Two fouls by Mercer on Thompson helped gain Manor’s victory. Mercer’s Perry got in the last shot of the game, a three-pointer from the corner, but ultimately lost 57-58. “It was a close game from beginning to end,” said Manor faithful Melanie Haines from Langhorne Pennsylvania, “Both teams deserve to move on to the next round, based on physical performance, but I think that mentally Manor wanted it [to win] more.” Manor advanced to round two of the Men’s Basketball NJCAA Region XIX Final Four Tournament, that took place at the County College of Morris on Thursday, February 26, where they were defeated 84-66 by the Falcons of Lackawanna College.
Careers in Aging Information Fair Wednesday, April 15 - From 12-2pm in Student Center all students and staff are invited to the event to learn about a rapidly growing career field
Vikings baseball relies on youth By Zachary Hendrick Reporter
Warm sun, fresh cut grass, sizzling hot dogs, and Vikings baseball. While not all of these are quite here yet, baseball at Mercer is, and the others are soon to follow. Last year, the Viking’s baseball team enjoyed their most successful season since 2003. But with the loss of many key players, Mercer has to rely on youth now. Last season the Vikings finished with a 34-13 record, winning the Region XIX title for the first time since 2003. Head Coach Matt Wolski, now entering his fourth season at Mercer, says, “I’m not sure [how we will do this season]. We’ll be good, but I’m not sure how good.” 14 of Mercer’s 22 players are freshman this season. “We’re young,” Wolski continued. “We don’t have a lot of experience, but we do have a lot of talent, and it is my job to use that talent effectively.” One issue that Wolski faces is finding the most efficient lineup and batting order. Wolski acknowledges that hitting may not be the team’s strongest point, and if he can use the talent effectively, the Vikings will find success. “The offense is solid. Better than I thought it would be,” Wolski said. “Finding spots where to bat guys is getting difficult. I have 12 guys and only room for nine,” he adds. Last season pitching was one of the Vikings strongest areas. But now that Mercer has lost their top three pitchers from a year ago (Will Blackmon, Chris Dolan, and Greg Hough), along
with several other key pitchers, things may have changed. “We’re young on the mound this year,” Wolski said. “Defense is our strongest point of the team along with speed.” Speed is something this years club has in common with last years. Last season Mercer had eight of the top 25 stolen base leaders in their region, including returning outfielder Chris Cox, who ranked seventh with 13 stolen bases. Wolski also recognized that many of the first year players will have to look up to some of the second year guys who have been through a season together. “Outfielder Chris Cox, shortstop Jason Zegarski, and our closer Ryan Krieder are some key player for us this year,” Wolski said. Wolski has found that the eight players returning from last season, are bringing something to the team this year besides just their talent. He says, “There was a lot of trust between the players last year, and I already see that with this team.” Mercer’s two biggest competitors are Lackawanna, who finished 28-16-1 and handed the Vikings their only loss in the Region XIX playoffs a year ago, and Delaware Tech, who finished with a 27-12 record according to Region 19 statistics. Even with competitors like Lackawanna, Delaware Tech, Coach Wolski still feels positive about the Vikings, saying, “We have a good opportunity to do what we did last year.” Mercer started the season on the right note, defeating Rutgers Newark 3-1 in their season opener on February 25.
VOICE the college
Editorial Board
VIEWPOINTS
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Proposed smoking ban: two views AS I SEE IT
THE WAY IT IS
Mike Kay
Katrina Brophy
Susana Sanchez, Editor-in-Chief David Hoyt, Managing Editor Caroline Fling, Copy Editor Jason Brown, Sports Editor Katrina Brophy, Viewpoints Editor Ken Rosen, Layout & Design Editor
Staff Daisuke Katsumata, Staff Writer Mabel Duran-Sanchez, Staff Writer Zachary Gilmore, Staff Writer Tricia Bitetto, Staff Writer Chrysti Neuman, Staff Writer Justina Slachta, Staff Writer Brian Edgeworth, Staff Writer Kento Watanabe, Staff Writer Kelly Wittkop, Staff Copy Editor
Design & Layout Eva Surany, Designer Kendra Yu, Designer Jarret Courtney, Designer
Photography Mike Kay, Staff Photographer Chris Szakolczai, Staff Photographer Sandra Isaac, Staff Photographer Josh Sniadach, Staff Photographer Olivia Ng, Staff Photographer
Faculty Adviser Holly-Katharine Mathews
Mike’s bottom line
Mr. Fernandez emphasized that the community is ultimately responsible for the outcome of the situation. “Given the noncompliance to the policy, we have [asked] the college community if we should enforce a smoke free policy. The more compliance we have, the less reason we have to change the policy. Student involvement is essential to maintaining smoking privileges.” THE SMOKING BAN NOT SET IN STONE. Mercer’s administration is mostly concerned with second hand smoke and cigarette litter. As members of the community, those of us who smoke can maintain the privilege to smoke on campus and stop bad policy from being legislated by acting responsibly. SMOKE AT THE DESIGNATED ZONES. Don’t expose people to second-hand smoke who don’t want it. DISPOSE OF YOUR BUTTS PROPERLY. Cigarette butts are made from cellulose and take time to biodegrade. HELP CLEAN UP. Phi Theta Kappa is hosting a cigarettebutt cleanup on Earth Day, Wednesday April 22nd at 12:00 in the quad.
BAN NOT PRACTICAL, MISGUIDED The happy chatter of students, faculty, and staff fills the air. Students of different majors, career paths, and walks of life come here to relax, chat, and light up one more cigarette. The designated smoking zones, affectionately called “huts,” “shacks,” or even “mangers,” foster some of the best social life on campus. In our last issue, The Voice published an article regarding a proposed campus-wide ban on smoking. The ban is being considered by the Mercer administration due to concern over second-hand smoke, as well as cigarette litter on campus. “Health is our main concern,” said Jose Fernandez, Executive Director for Compliance and Human Resources. “The intent has always been to protect the community.” The present day smoking zones were established in 2006 to protect the community from secondhand smoke while upholding the community’s privilege to smoke on campus and the current policy is both fair and effective. It works to ensure that the only individuals who will be affected by secondhand smoke are those who choose to visit the smoking huts. Compliance has been increasing and the peak-hour crowds at the zones have become progressively larger since legislation of the new policy. One faculty member, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “Whoever is assessing that the smoking huts are not successful is measuring success incorrectly. You cannot expect 100% compliance immediately.” The same faculty member added “I think the way to measure success is in measuring how many more people are fre-
Editorial Policy: The College VOICE is written and edited by students of Mercer County Community College and published every 3 weeks under the advisement of a faculty adviser. The material printed in The College VOICE, be it articles, advertisements or opinion pieces, does not necessarily represent the views of the editors, the faculty, staff, administration or the board of trustees of Mercer County Community College.
NO BUTTS ARE GOOD BUTTS
PHOTO | CHRIS SZAKOLCZAI
quenting the hut.” A complete smoking ban on campus would be a disaster. Security personnel already have their hands full managing the 292 acre campus. “Given the budget issues, enforcement of a ban becomes unwieldy” says Fernandez. Even if the ban were enacted, could it be enforced? Can we really expect members of the community to make the long walk to the parking lot every time they want to smoke? If it takes 10 minutes to walk to or from the parking lot, and five minutes to smoke a cigarette, people will have to spend at least 25 minutes for every cigarette break they take. The busy students, faculty, and staff at MCCC simply don’t have that kind of time to spare. It’s impractical to ticket everyone on campus that may have a lit cigarette in their hand or mouth. It would be just as impractical as enforcing all students, faculty, and staff to wear their college identification cards – a policy that is not enforced (or enforceable) on a wide scale. The current policy designates areas for smoking and hence it quarantines both the offensive smoke and litter from cigarettes. What would happen if smoking was suddenly banned even in these huts? First, the thousands of dollars spent on the structures of the huts themselves would be wast-
ed. Second, because the policy is neither enforceable nor widely favored by the smoking community, it is doubtful that community members would stop smoking on campus. Because the designated areas would cease to exist, it’s not hard to imagine smokers on campus simply lighting up wherever or whenever they choose. This would only increase the amount of secondhand smoke suffered by the rest of the community, and likely increase litter everywhere except at the smoking zones. Faculty members interviewed (all of whom asked to remain anonymous) raised questions about the purpose of a possible ban. Because there has been no public outcry about the health or litter problems, one faculty member said “this leads me to suspect that the littering is really just a smoke screen for the fact that we’ve become a rabidly antismoking culture. It’s gotten to the point that the mere thought of a smoker sets off outrage.” But are smokers just a tiny fraction of the population at Mercer? Roughly thirty full time faculty and staff members smoke, not including adjunct faculty members. A substantial amount of Mercer students smoke, but exact numbers cannot be verified. The issue may seem trivial to nonsmokers but it is one that affects everyone on campus.
Write to The College VOICE! Do you have something to say? The College VOICE accepts letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 300 words; longer submissions may be shortened. Submit materials in electronic format, and include your name and status at Mercer (major and year, faculty or staff position or alumnus). All materials submitted become the property of The College VOICE, which reserves the right to reject or edit material based on length, taste or clarity.
As a non-smoker, I am excited that Mercer is considering banning smoking on campus. It will be nice to breathe fresh air and not see cigarette remnants scattered on the walking paths. Not only is smoking an unpleasant habit, it’s a deeply unhealthy habit. Since the late 1980’s, smoking has been known to cause a multitude of health problems. According to cancer. org, each year approximately 49,000 non-smoking adults will die from lung cancer, associated from second hand smoke. In addition, smoking is a risk factor for most types of cancer. Let’s not forget also about the cellulose, the non-biodegradable component in cigarettes. Cigarette litter ends up in water systems and endangers animals when they mistake it for food. I avoid situations where I can get cancer. Public places should have smoking bans. If you want to ruin your lungs, wait until you get home. Last year, most smokers at Mercer seemed to be slightly more polite than usual, using the five smoking huts on campus. Smokers seemed to manage themselves just fine at the social smoking huts. Indeed, the smoking huts are supposed to organize and control smoking. However, this year students seem to smoke wherever, and leave their cigarette butts everywhere. Smoking on campus is a privilege. Many colleges do not allow students to smoke. Mercer students should have followed the generous rules. If smoking is going to be banned, how will the school enforce this? I’m not optimistic. It may be unfeasible to enforce a ban on campus. I hope our school can progress in terms of policy enforcement, otherwise, everyone is going to smoke wherever and completely forget about the ban. Until Mercer enforces this ban, I will have to break through a wall of smoke to get to class. How to contact us: e-mail: MercerVoice@gmail.com phone: (609) 586-4800 ext. 3594 write to: The College VOICE Mercer County College PO Box B Trenton, NJ 08550
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JUST 4 FUN horoscopes
ASK THE VOICE: good answers to tough questions Help is here!
Dear Voice, My boyfriend wants to join the Boner Program (see page 3). How does he join? - Happy to Help Dear Happy, First, tell him that its the BONNER program! Next, break it off. I see this ending badly. -The Voice _____ Dear Voice, I enjoyed St. Patrick’s day so much, that I now have a four leaf clover tattooed across my entire posterior. Does this
make me lucky? -Sultry Seamus Dear Seamus, You are only lucky if you can hide that from your mother. -The Voice _____ Dear Voice, Last spring break I had a little too much fun and ended up in Girls Gone Wild. How can I clean up my act this year? - Party Girl Dear Party Girl, The only way to clean up your act at this point is to join a convent. -The Voice _____ Dear Voice, I seem to be getting sick a lot this semester. Are students more infectious than usual
or are they spiking my morning mocha chino? What do you recommend that I do to avoid getting sick again? - Prof. Sicko Dear Prof. Sicko, Cancel your office hours and withdraw all your students from your classes. No students = no sickness. Or a biohazard suit is trendy this time of year. -The Voice _____ NOTE: THIS FEATURE IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ANY RESEMBLANCE TO ACTUAL PROBLEMS IS PURELY COINCIDENTAL. Do you have a problem? Need friendly advice? Send your questions to: mercervoice@gmail.com
THEME CROSSWORD: EL IN THE FAMILY
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
Aries
Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 Your future looks dark and cloudy, but it isn’t, it’s just the result of your gloomy mood lately. Things are tough at work and at home, but help is on the way. We promise.
Jan. 20 - Feb. 18 The Florida beaches are beautiful this time of year! If you can get away, do so, but sadly, we suspect you will be spending your Spring Break indoors, studying…
Feb. 19 - Mar. 20 Skiers be on the lookout! That gang of 5 year olds catching up to you on the slopes does not, in fact, know how to steer or stop! Consider going in and getting hot chocolate.
Mar. 21 - Apr. 19 You are in luck! If you can find a fourleaf clover before St. Patrick’s Day, a new lover will find you! Get out your snow blower and start looking under that ice for good luck.
Taurus Apr. 20 - May 20 As I gaze into my crystal ball I see you standing… standing in line…at the testing center for your midterms! Better bring a chair and get there as early as possible. You want to beat the rush!
Virgo
Aug. 23 - Sept. 22 The more things change the more the they stay the same. Think you’re stuck in a rut? You are. But what to do? Here’s a new idea: change nothing. Less pressure to improve may help.
ACROSS 1. Carried on, as a war 6. Long, long time 10. “New Deal” pres. 13. Only dots on some maps 19. Upper crust 20. Happy-go-lucky 22. Comedian’s muse 23. Her first hit record was “A-Tisket A-Tasket” in 1938 25. Pad 26. Capitol figure 27. Think-tank output 28. Educational inst. 29. Composure 30. Like some eaves in winter 32. Federal agent 33. Veep Agnew 35. Top Scouts 36. Actress who was born in Berlin and speaks seven languages 39. NFL data 42. Poker choice 43. Capote’s “In Cold --” 44. Othello’s nemesis 45. Holiday in Hanoi 46. Be inclined 47. Not all 48. Use the phone 50. Food thickener 51. Her friends call her “Liddy” 56. Was a passenger 57. Mimic 60. Press 61. Catch for roe 62. Describing some angles 64. Poor secret-keepers 66. Submachine guns 67. One actor, perhaps 68. Overrun 69. Father 70. Scion
DOWN 71. Skid Row nightmares 72. What pouters are in 73. “3:10 to Yuma” author 78. MS accompaniment, perhaps 79. Three per inning 80. A Karamazov brother 81. -- homo 85. Diamond judge 86. Joplin pieces 88. Mushroom 90. Name of four Hungarian kings 91. Poet’s contraction 92. The Nobel committee called him “a messenger to mankind” in awarding him its Peace Prize 95. Hole in a dome 97. Room-sized computer of old 99. Slips up 100. Bigger than all 101. TV’s Clampett 103. Svelte 104. How to get there from here 106. Holy woman, in France 107. Military greeting 109. She is well-known as a movie monster’s mate 112. Cubic meters 113. Adolescent 114. Oyster’s gift 115. Friend of Pooh 116. Student org. of the 1960s 117. Foundation 118. Impertinent
1. Most like Niobe 2. Apportion 3. Bob Denver TV role 4. It follows zeta 5. Narrow pass 6. Performed onstage 7. Palestinian territory 8. Energy unit 9. Observe 10. Run-in 11. Middle name of 10 Across 12. Comedian Foxx 13. Business conglomerate 14. 1945 Pulitzer Prize poet 15. Toil 16. A 1970 Time cover story called him “a star for an uptight age” 17. Rail supports 18. Stuff, in a way 21. Prepared for hanging? 24. Fateful time 31. Bonnie’s partner 32. Old Hollywood studio 33. Pocket-sized 34. “-- o’ My Heart” 36. Violinist Mischa 37. Lisa of “I Do” 38. Grain sorghum 40. Resolute 41. Lines on a map 43. Clowns 47. Yes or no follower 48. Coco of fashion 49. Puts on 50. Aesthetic, to a fault 52. Fibbed 53. Chemical compounds 54. Word of comfort 55. Ancient Greek dialect
57. In question 58. Nom de plume 59. He won the Grammy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1971 63. Roseanne, originally 65. Overdue 66. Toots of restaurant fame 67. Of prisons 70. Miserable digs 74. Reasoning 75. Terpsichore, for one 76. Irish republic 77. Fix it, in software 82. Keyboard instruments 83. Bunches 84. A wind direction 86. Bury again 87. In the style of 88. Half-man, half-fish 89. WWII spy agcy. 93. Came out, as tears 94. Gladiolus, crocus, et al. 95. Hippocratic -96. Weird guys? 98. Surgeon lead-in 100. Some call it filthy 101. To be in ancient Rome 102. Restrain 103. Hardens 104. Indian music 105. Change for a five 108. WNW’s opposite 110. White-coat milieu 111. “La Mer” subject
Gemini
May 21 - Jun. 20 No matter how hard you wish, you ain’t getting sleep before the next issue of the VOICE hits stands. So put that insomnia to good use and get out and have some fun over break!
Libra
Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 Bored? Confused? Lacking direction? Thankfully this is all about to end. You will be joining the staff of The College VOICE this spring, and loving every minute of it!
Cancer
Jun. 21 - Jul. 22 You need a haircut. People are comparing you to Kramer from Seinfeld and that’s not necessarily a comment on your goofy, but lovable personality. Time for Super Cuts.
Scorpio
Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 The good news: you are getting out of town for Spring Break! The bad news: you may come home with something unexpected. Now is a good time for vaccinations.
Leo
Jul. 23 - Aug. 22 Don’t give up just yet, the winds of change are blowing. It could be what you are looking for or it could be the sound of the withdrawal deadline approaching.
Sagittarius
Nov. 22 - Dec. 21 No one can do it all, but you have certainly been trying to. If you feel like you can’t keep it up, make a list of your actual priorities and then cut back on things that aren’t urgent.