Etownian Issue 18 - February 19, 2009

the February 19, 2009 • Volume 105, No. 18

Etownian elizabethtown college

One Alpha Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2298

On the Web: www.etownian.com

A community remembers: Craig Anderson honored

Photos: Matthew P. Butera

A memorial was held last Thursday night in Leffler Chapel to honor Craig Anderson, an Etown senior who passed away two weeks ago. The ceremony included music and several speakers. Friends and family filled the chapel to pay their respects, including Craig’s fellow Peer Mentors, seen in the photo on the left.

in the world

U.S. woman caught Ebola in Uganda, brought it home Sean A. Burrows Staff Writer Jameson C. Rohrer Copy Editor

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he Januar y appearance of the Marburg hemorrhagic fever, a derivative of the Ebola virus, startled the North American public. Diagnosis of the fever in a Colorado woman marked its first-known human case in the U.S. She allegedly contracted the fever from disease-carr ying bats, thousands of which she encountered while touring a Ugandan cave.

While the woman has since almost fully recovered, this presents a new challenge for authorities such as the Center for Disease Control. Its presence increases concern over

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once-unknown diseases affecting Americans.

“Most of the time when you hear hoofbeats in the infectious disease world, it really is likely a neighborhood horse; but there are those rare-but-ever-growing chances that it could be a zebra,” Dr. Michael Osterholm of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota said.

According to Canadian Press, the globalization of diseases becomes far easier as global travel and interactions increase. Medical authorities remain concerned, as they were during the SARS scare of 2003-2004, that foreignborn diseases could become common among the sicknesses infecting American patients.

The telltale sign of a severe case of Ebola is hemorrhaging,

or bleeding, out of all orifices of the body. However, such bleeding only occurs in half of all cases. Diagnosis proves difficult in those who do not display the symptoms. Initial tests for Marburg returned a negative result on the afflicted woman. However, she became concerned after reading about a Dutch man who died of the disease in 2003 after visiting the same python cave, which is located in western Uganda’s Maramagambo Forest.

The first case of Ebola was diagnosed in 1976 in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). A native died 14 days after first showing the symptoms. Reston, Va. experienced a nonhuman Ebola outbreak in 1989, when the disease was found in a number of Crab-eating Macaques.

The disease is believed to be primarily zoographic, as it is endemic to monkey populations in Central Africa.

“It is not surprising that, statistically, not many tourists are infected,” Etown biology professor Jane Cavender said. “When you look at the total number of yearly outbreaks even for the native population, it is actually very low. This is especially apparent if you compare the number of cases to influenza.”

Ebola will not likely sustain itself in America. “There is really no way that Ebola, Marburg, Reston or Zaire could spread to a significant number of people in the U.S.,” Cavender said. “First, it would probably be brought into the country from a tourist, just as in this case. The disease progresses rapidly, and it’s

Club Review: Emotion

Wedding Bells

iPhone Evolution

See what has these club members up and dancing.

Features, page 4

Several Etown students are already making plans to tie the knot.

Campus Life, page 7

Discover how all of the now-familiar components of the iPhone were born.

Centerfold, pages 8 & 9

mostly contagious through fluid products of the infected individual. However, by the time an individual is ‘bleeding out,’ they would be so severely ill they would have been hospitalized. Hemorrhagic fever can be diagnosed, and then the patient would be quarantined, thus limiting the spread.

“It is true that hospital personnel would be exposed, but knowing that the individual was severely ill, [they would take] precautions when dealing with an unknown contagion.”

Those traveling to Central African regions should receive immunizations against indigenous diseases and avoid bat bites. Fortunately, the odds of contracting the disease remain low, equivalent to the odds of being struck by lightning.

Stormy Weather Some think that the new stimulus bill is a keeper, but others aren’t so sure.

Opinion, page 13

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news

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news in brief

in the nation

Recently, House majority leader Nancy Pelosi met with Catholic Pope Benedict XVI. There, the pope reprimanded Pelosi over her views on abortion. The Congresswoman is both Catholic and pro-choice.

Benedict explained to Pelosi that all Catholics, especially legislators, must do their best to follow Catholic doctrine regardless of their political beliefs. This also entails following religious ideals when drafting and voting on laws. Subsequently, Benedict scolded Pelosi for supporting abortion despite being Catholic, and asked that she stop supporting the legality of the issue.

The meeting lasted only 15 minutes, and Pelosi neglected to mention the incident in a mailing she sent to her supporters.

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In light of the deepening economic crisis, the Federal Reserve Board released a report yesterday outlining its predictions for the rest of the economic year. The Fed announced that despite all the government’s efforts, the economy will shrink throughout the year. Also, the reserve predicted that unemployment would rise from its current rate of 7.1 percent to as much as 8.8 percent. This ever-increasing trend of unemployment is expected to continue until about 2011.

Chinese health authorities recently announced that AIDS has become the number one most infectious disease in their country. Officials reported that nearly 7,000 Chinese people have recently died of the disease, adding to the nearly 35,000 who have died of the illness since it first appeared in 1985.

Since 2005, the number of HIV infections in China has doubled from 135,000 to 260,000, though officials say there could be as many as 700,000 citizens with the infection. However, there is no way to prove this figure as a huge majority of the Chinese people are wary of getting tested. Efforts are currently being made to combat the disease.

Compiled by Peter S. Northrop from cnn.com

February 19, 2009

New stimulus bill narrowly survives Senate Julia N. Hadinger Staff Writer

payment for people who were unemployed was $300, but this will be upped by $25.

Another section of the stimulus package tackles education. The plan increases financing to the Head Start and Early

labs. The package will aid public schools as well as public universities, giving them about $40 billion.

Grants that will be given to public transhen President Obama was sworn portation will impact many who live in cities into office at the start of this year, or who don’t own cars. The plan will he immediately confronted one of the give $9.3 billion to rail companies. This biggest problems that this country has money shall expand passenger capacity been facing: the continual downward and invest in projects that contribute to spiral of the economy. high-speed railway technology.

The House and the Senate have To maintain trust with the Ameriapproved Obama’s $787 billion stimucan people, Obama also launched the lus plan to hopefully jump start the Web site www.recovery.gov. The site economy. The bill was approved last is a basic outline of how the stimulus week and Obama signed it Tuesday in bill will work.

Denver, Colo.

“Instead of politicians dolling our One part of the package will cut taxes money behind closed doors, the imfor the people. The plan will provide a portant decisions about where taxpayer tax credit equal to 6.2 per cent of earned Image: Associate Press income. This would be up to about $400 Vice President Joe Biden looks on as President dollars are invested will be yours to for people on their own and about $800 Barack Obama signs the $787 billion stimulus bill in scrutinize,” Obama said in a speech on the Web site’s home page. for couples this year and next. This also Denver, Colo.Tuesday.

Recovery.gov has a good deal of means that people with no federal income tax liability will get money back, and the Head Start programs. This allows more charts, timelines and other data so that credit will phase out for people who have a children to participate in these programs. people can have full knowledge of where Additionally, the plan provides $1.4 bil- the money goes. higher income.

While the climb back to economic Unemployment compensation will ex- lion to low income school districts. States pand as well. The plan’s original benefits will distribute the amount to the schools. prosperity will take some time, Amerito people who are unemployed would The plan also allots more money to spe- cans can at least take some comfort in have ended in March, but will be extended cial education programs and for schools watching the government’s efforts as the to the end of the year. The average weekly to update their technology and science recovery goes on.

in the world

Arsons at home, abroad result in devastation Kendra E. Linton Staff Writer

City officials are optimistic that they will find the person esidents of Coatesor persons reville, Pa., have been sponsible for the sleeping with one eye arsons, but they open since the beginare facing anning of the year, when other challenge: the 2009 arsons began. a “no-snitching” Since then, a total of 23 code to which arsons have occurred. So Image: theaustraliannews.com C o a t e s v i l l e far, there have been 18 arsons and five more in Sam the koala receives a drink of water from volunteer residents adthe surrounding areas, firefighter David Tree inVictoria, Australia. Her survival here. The nothe most recent of which in the face of the country’s worst bushfires has provided snitching code a glimmer of hope to those who lost everything. runs deep in the occurred Feb. 13, when a trailer home outside of Coates- lion in damages. Many of the community; many residents ville was set ablaze. residents who were displaced as are reluctant to give police any Luckily, no citizens have been a result of the Jan. 24 fire have information they may have rekilled, and authorities hope to no fire insurance, making their garding the arsons. According to Stanzione, many residents keep it that way. City officials situation even more dire. have been handing out smoke These events have made resi- feel that the police don’t do their detectors and batteries, and plan dents of the neighborhood feel job right.

“In fact, recently, the police on purchasing motion-sensing very uneasy. Emily Stanzione, an porch lights in bulk, which they Elizabethtown senior who lives chief failed to obtain certificawill sell to residents at a discount- just outside of Coatesville, said that tion in Pennsylvania, leaving ed price. Additionally, the city some people are even “leaving all him unauthorized to make an may pass an ordinance requir- of the lights on in their home in arrest or carry a gun,” she said.

“The police force does not seem ing residents to install motion- order to scare people away.” sensing floodlights in an effort In an effort to bring some to even have a strong leader, and to prevent further arsons. comfort to the community, a that is another reason residents Residents were also required group called the Guardian An- don’t bother with them.”

Despite their negative reputato remove all items from their gels has stepped up to help the tion in the community, the police porches, because, according to police patrol the streets at night. authorities, many of the arsons The Guardian Angels are vol- are offering a $20,000 reward to were started on porches. Many unteers who guard urban areas anyone who can provide details residents hope these tactics will from dusk until dawn. Unlike leading to an arrest and convicsave their homes, but for some, the police, they are unarmed; tion of the arsonist. However, it is already too late. however, their presence usually until the arsonist is caught, the Jan. 24, around 11:30 p.m., a acts as a deterrent for criminal police and Guardian Angels will quick-moving fire ripped through activity. To help keep the streets continue patrolling the streets a block of homes, destroying 15 clear at night, the police have to ease the burden of worry that residences, displacing 60 people also issued an 8 p.m. curfew for many residents bear.

Sixteen thousand miles away and causing upwards of $1 mil- anyone under the age of 18.

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in Churchill, Australia, many communities can relate to the emotions felt by those in Coatesville. Feb. 7, the worst brush fire in Australian history ripped through Victoria. In its wake, it left upwards of 189 people dead and at least 200 homes destroyed.

The fire was started by 39-yearold Brendan Sokaluk, who has since been charged with one count of arson causing death, one count of lighting a fire that police said killed 10 people and another count of possession of child pornography.

Sokaluk faces a maximum of 25 years in prison for deadly arson, 15 years for lighting a fire and 5 years for possession of child pornography. Sokaluk is not the only suspected arsonist in the fire, and police are still investigating. Although no more arrests have been made, residents find peace of mind in knowing that the criminal responsible for the destruction of their community will be behind bars for a long time.

The ars on incidents in Coatesville and Victoria have crumbled communities and left many residents distraught.

However, they have also brought people together in an effort to safeguard and protect what has not yet been destroyed.

As police continue their investigations in both cases, the residents can take solace in the fact that someone is seeking justice for the damage to which they have fallen victim.

February 19, 2009

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on campus

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Jay Walk complete; bright, comfortable space for all Aidan E. Bauernschmidt News Editor

be released and the doors will swing shut, blocking the progression of a fire into newly completed buildother buildings. ing now stands between When the tour progressed the Thompson Gymnasium outside, on the side of the and the Brossman Commons: Jay Walk that faces Foundthe Jay Walk. After nearly ers, Metro pointed out the a year of construction, stuarea that will eventually, he dents living in the Founders hopes, be set aside for a field dormitories, Vera Hackman house. If that were to happen, Apartments or Schrieber Metro said, the currently Quadrangle will be able to acgray outside walls of the Jay cess the academic quadrangle Walk would be taken down without having to walk all the and replaced with matchway around the BSC or gym. ing brick. On the Jay Walk’s Inside, the Jay Walk is other side, in the academic bright and cool, with an abunquad, Metro stated that dedance of natural light streamspite the construction all of ing in from skylights toward the mature trees in the area the ceiling and the Etown colhad been spared. ors of blue and gray providing Metro revealed that plans a soothing atmosphere. The were underway to renovate floors have not yet dulled the academic quad, but beneath hundreds of pairs of that the project has been Photo: Matthew P. Butera postponed due to this year’s feet. New chairs and benches invite students to settle down The new Jay Walk, located betweenThomspon Gymnasium and the Brossman Commons, will allow students tight budget. and do homework or to sit to easily access the academic quadrangle. It also includes new athletic offices and a conference room.

“The plans have been and chat with friends. designed and reviewed by The outside appearance of will soon be installed, where the sports information office. amounts to just over 10,000 most of the senior staff, minus the Jay Walk is still a bit rough; lights will gleam down onto dis- Metro said the area will be an feet of space.

President Long,” Metro said. “It gravel driveways signify where play cases showcasing various ideal space for sports teams to The Jay Walk also boasts state- will be a high priority.” paving has yet to occur, and accomplishments. Additionally, relax before and after games of-the-art safety features. Metro Athletic staff began moving landscaping has not been fin- a kiosk will replace the nearby and meets. pointed out the red brick wall into the new space last Monday. ished. However, Joe Metro, di- digital photo frame, where adAll of the athletic coaches that separates the new area from The Jay Walk has not yet seen a rector of Facilities Management mirers will be able to search and now have new offices, and the Thompson Gymnasium. significant amount of student and Construction Services, has view hall-of-famers. a cubicle area serves as the “Fire codes consider this a traffic, but Metro is confident said that the Jay Walk should The new space also provides workspace for assistant coach- separate building, so we have to that it will be enjoyed by all. reach its full aesthetic potential a 65-seat classroom, a sports es. A small kitchen and coffee keep them separate,” he said.

“It’s a great project; I love it,” by the spring. information office and a video nook will accommodate the Also, the doors that separate Metro said. “I love the openness As a tour with Metro re- editing suite where coaches and staff on long workdays. the passageway are, at most and the color.” vealed, however, the Jay Walk athletes can review game play.

The entire Jay Walk area, times, held open magnetically.

The Jay Walk is now open for is much more than a pretty pas- Additional seating will be pro- including the offices, new In the event of a power failure student use and should be comsageway. An athletic hall of fame vided in the space across from classrooms and lounge areas, or fire alarm, the magnets will pletely finished by April.

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on campus

Forum provides insight into Middle Eastern situation Abigail R. Kramer Sports Editor

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n an attempt to raise awareness about the current peace and war situations in the world, Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary society, has sponsored a week of forums and discussions to get students talking.

From Monday, Feb. 16 until today, several speakers and presenters offered various insights to war, primarily focusing on Iraq and Afghanistan. Alumni peace fellow Joshua Casteel headlined the events with two main events Monday and Tuesday night as well as two forums during the day Monday.

Monday night, Casteel presented a film and lecture about war, peace and the power of human conscience. The film was called “Soldiers of Conscience,” and focused on the moral decisions that soldiers make, featuring never-beforeseen footage of the war in Iraq and U.S. Army training. Casteel then presented a lecture about issues from his new book, “No Graven Image.”

Originally, the Elizabethtown College Alumni for Peace Fellowship sponsored Casteel’s programs, but Pi

Sigma Alpha decided to take it one step further. They organized a forum titled “Iraq, Afghanistan and Terrorism” that took place Monday from 3:30 to 6:15 p.m. with three different sessions and a total of 11 presentations.

“We wanted to promote public discussion of current events and issues,” Dr. Fletcher McClellan, political science professor and part-organizer of the event, said. “We got a grant from the Pi Sigma Alpha national chapter.

We wanted to start small and see where it would take us.”

In 2003, another event like this was held on a larger scale. Right after the United States entered the war in Iraq, many students didn’t know what was going on or what it meant either for themselves or the rest of the country.

Classes were cancelled and the entire day was devoted to understanding the current situation.

“You wouldn’t think that many students would have given up a free day to go,” John Teske, psychology professor and presenter at both the 2003 and this week’s events, said. “It was a time that so much was changing in the world. Students came by the hundreds to see the discussions.”

The world is in a much different state now than it was in 2003, and that is why Pi Sigma Alpha wanted to organize another event.With only two weeks to plan the event, the group knew they couldn’t implement another all-day schedule, but they worked with what they had.

“The forums are designed to help students become more informed. With a new president, it’s important to see the issues that he is going to be facing when he gets into office,” McClellan said. “He’s facing some serious decisions. We’re hoping Image: amdoc.org this will get students involved Joshua Casteel, author, alumni peace fellow and in the discussion and offer former soldier, poses during his tour in Iraq. He other points of views.” presented a film and lecture Monday night.

The forums ranged from all sorts of subjects — psychology, ecology from a strategic and economic perand even an artist’s perspective. spective.

Several professors presented at the The week will close with a presentation forums as well as students and special today entitled “Citizens, Soldiers and Deguests. Casteel presented two sessions, fending the Constitution.” Retired U.S. Air and John Craig, scholar-in-residence, force Lt. Col. William Astore will present and former ambassador in the Middle it, and the event has been sponsored by the East, presented a session about Iran Center for Global Citizenship.

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February 19, 2009 town events • facts & figures• business

on campus

SWEET-sponsored country performer Natalie Stovall Kara M. Luzik Staff Writer

“In the writing room I couldn’t shut up about Alaska,” Stovall said. She then summarized the song’s meaning: “It he crowd’s attention focused on doesn’t matter where in the world you stage as the light reflected off the are; as long as you’re with the right polished, black-and-white violin in the person, then you’re home.” young woman’s hand. Natalie Stovall The lights aimed at the stage turned clutched the instrument tightly red for Stovall’s final song of next to her heart as she sang “Anthe evening. The resulting gel,” a song inspired by her late mood fit perfectly as Stovall grandmother. belted out “The Devil Went Stova l l, a count r y singer, Down to Georgia.” This song learned to play the violin after her also gave Stovall the opporgrandmother found a newspaper tunity to show the crowd her ad for lessons and suggested the well-practiced fiddle skills. idea to Natalie.

Leaving the stage, Stovall “My granny’s really the person in shouted, “Peace, love and fiddle my life that gave me the little nudge y’all! Thank you so much!” that is basically the reason I am However, shouts for an enstanding here tonight,” she said. core from the audience prodStovall wrote “Angel” as a tribded Stovall back on the stage ute to her grandmother. for one last song: Journey’s “I had a lot that I wanted to “Don’t Stop Believin’.” say and I wanted to get it right,” Stovall performed her enStovall said. core after the audience ac“Angel” was one of the many cepted her two conditions: songs Stovall performed for Elizathey had to stand up for the bethtown College students Friday song and sign up on her eevening in the Event Space. mail list.

The hour-long concert was Leaving the stage once part of SWEET’s second Super again, Stovall said to the Image: facebook.com SWEET Weekend of the semester. Natalie Stovall performed in the Event Space this past weekend as part of a Super SWEET audience, “Y’all come talk to SWEET also provided free Philly Weekend. She is currently on her tour, “Peace.Love. Fiddle.” which will go all over the East me after this. We’ll take some soft pretzels and root beer for Coast and as far west as Nebraska. pictures and put them on the concert attendees.

Web site.”

Stovall was joined onstage Stovall’s performance was by her band which was made up of a Heather Slifko said. “I play the violin, Alaska for the very first time ever, and part of her current tour titled “Peace. guitarist, drummer and bassist. Stovall so I can appreciate it. She’s good, and it was amazing,” Stovall said as she Love. Fiddle.” Stovall’s tour will take played her violin for several songs and she really has a personality, too.” explained her inspiration for her song her up and down the East Coast and provided the main vocals occasionally Stovall’s personality was evident as titled “Even Alaska.” She told the crowd as far west as Nebraska. accompanied by her bass player. she joked with the crowd about her it was the product of a meeting she had Stovall can be found on Facebook, Many students at the concert were song “Standing My Ground.” with Nathan Chapman, who produced MySpace and Twitter. Her music is also not familiar with Stovall’s music. How“I feel like I’m not supposed to play both of Taylor Swift’s albums. on iTunes.

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ever, she was able to win over new fans.

First-year Jamie Miller was impressed after hearing Stovall for the first time at the concert.

“She’s got some good pipes,” Miller said after the show.

“I really like her music,” first-year

favorites with my own songs,” Stovall said. “They’re kinda like my children, but this one’s my favorite. Shhh! Don’t tell anyone.”

Stovall entertained the crowd with stories about other songs she performed.

“This past summer, I got to go to

club review

Emotion: Dance club provides creative outlet for all Huntley C. McGowan Assistant Layout Editor

Student choreographers are able to pick their own songs to use in the pieces.

Next week, the club will hold this semester’s first Even though you may not be a particularly talented sit-ins. Members of the executive and extended cabidancer chances are there is a part deep down inside net will be sitting in on the rehearsals to ensure that of you that wishes you were. Well, have no fear! Just each performance piece is roughly halfway done. join Emotion, Etown’s very own dance club.

March 22, Emotion will hold its full showing, Emotion, the largest club on campus, during which students will perform each allows students to express themselves dance for the advisers and executive cabiin a fun and creative way through net members to determine the placement dance and movement. It is also wonof the piece in the final show. derful exercise promoting physical Finally, April 4 and 5, the club will well-being and good health. hold their second showcase of the year.

“It is extremely easy to join EmoThe Saturday show will begin at 8 p.m. tion,” Senior Angeline Alessandri, and the Sunday show will be at 3 p.m.

Emotion secretary said.

“This semester, we have 23 pieces in At the beginning of each year, Emoour spring showcase, a much larger numtion has a table at the Student Involveber than last semester,” Alessandri said. ment Fair where students can sign up “We had many new and old choreogto be on the club e-mail list. raphers step up to the plate and produce Many of the cabinet members are some outstanding pieces. I think it is also present at the Fair in order to going to be a great show!” answer any questions that new memSo what are you waiting for? Grab your bers may have. Anyone can sign up to friends and join this great organization. be a part of Emotion; however, some For more information, visit Emotion’s individual dance pieces may require Image: etown.edu/emotion Web site at http://www.etown.edu/emoseparate auditions.

The Emotion Club puts on two dance showcases each year: one in the fall and tion, or contact Alessandri at ALESSANThere are two main performances one in the spring. Emotion is the largest club on campus.

DRIA@etown.edu.

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each year, one in the fall and one in the spring.

If a student is interested in choreographing a piece for either the fall or spring performance, you must present approximately 30 seconds of the dance to the club advisers and executive cabinet.

If your dance is chosen, you will be able to present your piece to the club and have members sign up for it.

February 19, 2009

features

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on campus

5

EC Alert system tested again; improves campus safety Kelly J. Clayton Staff Writer

notification and sends it to the community. Through text messaging, phone calls and e-mails, the EC Alert is in contact with thousands of people within seconds.

“It is nice to see the school using technology to keep the campus community oday, Feb. 19, every student, faculty and staff member of Elizabethtown Col- safe,” first-year Allyson Wells said. lege will be receiving an e-mail from EC Alert.The alert system, the College’s The incidents that occurred on college campuses across America such as Viremergency notification structure, exists to notify as many people as possible in ginia Tech and Columbine sparked an interest in the need to have an emergency the event of an emergency or catastrophe. The e-mail that will be sent is just a notification system at Etown. “Ten years ago, we never really thought about procedural test that takes place each semester. This spring semester, the system needing a system like EC Alert, but in this day and age, it is necessary,” Assistant will test the accuracy of the e-mail alert system, while in fall 2008 both the call and Director of Campus Security Dale Boyer said. With the ultimate goal to keep e-mail notifications were tested. Messages will students safe, the EC Alert system helps Campus Sebe sent to primary and secondary emergency curity because it gives them an outlet to communicate contacts, meaning Mom or Dad should be on with the students about any possible danger. the look-out for a message.

Earlier in the school year, EC Alert was used to send According to Vice President of Adminout an e-mail to the primary and secondary emergency istration Dave Dentler, the procedure is an contacts reporting a sexual harassment case that ocopt-out system, meaning it automatically curred near campus. This scenario was the only case in assumes that everyone within the Etown which EC Alert has been used and served as an effective community wants to be notified in an emerwarning to the community to protect itself. gency situation. This system is relatively The feedback from the campus community has been new to the campus, and the purpose of the positive, with the exception of a few parents calling and semester testing is to assure that everyone is asking some technical questions about the program. being notified. With such a large quantity of According to Boyer, students are very in-tune with the people to reach, “it is quite a process to have latest technology, so it is important for the College to the database get up and going,” according to Photo: Kelly J. Clayton be in-tune as well. Since the system is used selectively Dentler. It took over six months to program The EC Alert system will be tested today during the with administration’s discretion, it will not be filling the entire campus community into the sys- afternoon.This alert system is a new addition to Etown this up one’s inbox or pestering students with voicemails tem and with a senior class graduating and year; it helps the administration to better communicate and texts. “All in all it has been pretty successful,” a new class coming in each year, the process with students.

Dentler said. never stops.

With EC Alert in its first year at Etown, there are Big-name schools such as Georgia Tech, still a few kinks to work out and data must be constantly updated. “I think it is Princeton and University of Notre Dame all share the same system, proving a common sense step and necessary for the world were living in today. The age that Etown’s program is up-to-date and well-trusted by universities all across we live in is about getting information out to the greatest number of people as the nation. fast as possible,” Boyer said. With the Elizabethtown College staff working hard So what makes the system reliable and efficient? EC Alert is BlackBoard-controlled, to ensure safety on campus in correlation with EC Alert, it is nearly impossible and Director of College Relations Lori Burke, who logs into BlackBoard, types the to be within the circuit of safety.

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on campus

Speak Up! responds to everyday intolerance, bigotry Craig H. Meaney Assistant Features Editor

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t is a rare occurrence to observe a cross or church ablaze. The Ku Klux Klan does not regularly make headlines. Bigotry, nonetheless, is something with which most of us are guilty.

The Speak Up! Initiative is here to tell students that although profound acts of bigotry may have dissipated, intolerance still exists. The Elizabethtown community covets human dignity and respect; furthermore, “Educate for Service” is a motto that embodies this ideology. “You can’t serve others if you have some strange notions about other people that are incorrect,” Rachel Hadrick, assistant coordinator of Multicultural Activities, said.

The Speak Up! Pledge pamphlet includes six basic tips to help pledgers confront sensitive issues.

Pledgers are asked to: be ready, identify intolerant behavior, appeal to principles, set limits, find allies and be vigilant. Suggestions like these help students “to be prepared with a response” the next time they encounter intolerance. Simple acts like “obvious silence” after an inappropriate joke is made, or “getting up and walking away” could help students ease their way into action.

“The more you do it, the more you learn how to be direct and appeal to people’s morals,” Hadrick explained.

Resident advisers who appreciate social action have taken on roles in the initiatives, manning the booth outside the Marketplace urging students to sign on.

“It’s really important to me that people feel safe on this campus,” Royer Resident Adviser Mark Heinbockel said. Alexis Massarotti, Hackman Resident Adviser, agreed.

“I want my residents to feel comfortable, and I’d [like] to help residents realize that we’re not only here as authority figures but we really want to help them.”

Bigotry concerning race has decreased the United States, but more discreet forms of intolerance have infiltrated individuals’ everyday lives.

“I don’t think this is something that has ever gone away. I think that it has changed in its nature; it has become subtler. While we’ve achieved great things as far as very open and direct issues of bigotry, we should still progress further,” Hadrick said.

The Initiative, organized by the Office of Residence Life Committee on Diversity Initiatives in Residential Programming, was prompted by a rising number of issues due to intolerance and bias.

Hadrick suggests that nearly unconscious predispositions are those that cause conflict. “The ideas that we grow up with about other groups of people often come out in the way we speak, and are still able to affect the way we treat people,” she said.

As forms of prejudice are transitioning from blatant to subtle, our awareness must adjust, too. The Speak Up! Initiative asks students to sign a pledge that secures their willingness to acknowledge any acts of intolerance among their peers and families.

The call to action began Feb. 17 and will continue until tonight.

100

%

of our Physical Therapy graduates passed the 2007 national licensure exam the first time.

Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Physical Therapy Open house and workshop dates at www.Jefferson.edu/JCHP 1 - 8 7 7- J e f f -C H P THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY

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features

the Etownian

February 19, 2009

on campus

The

Jayd-ed edge

Rachel A. Marsteller Features Editor

Tit-for-Tat A man in Washington state made sure a pair of burglars didn't get away with his three flat-screen televisions — he moved their getaway car.

Patrick Rosario was in the basement of his Bellevue home last Tuesday when he heard the burglars upstairs.

The Seattle Times says the 32-year-old Rosario called 911 while he snuck out of the house.

He saw a white van sitting in front of his house with the motor running and the keys in the ignition, so he got in and drove it to a friend's house.

Police say the burglars left the televisions, a laptop computer and a jewelry box by the door and escaped on foot.

Kissing Record Mexico City puckered up to set a new record Saturday as nearly 40,000 people locked lips in the city center for the world's largest group kiss.

Carlos Martinez of Guinness World Records verified the record of 39,897 people who entered the gated kissing area of the city's Zocalo main square on Valentine's Day. The Valentine's Day kiss was meant to show love at a time when a crackdown against drug traffickers has led to widespread violence across the country. At least 6,000 people died in drug-related conflicts in 2008.

The event "is aimed at changing people's attitudes toward human relations, especially between couples, so that respect, equity and tolerance are at the center of any relationship," the statement continued.

The event also included workshops on violence-free relationships and AIDS prevention.

Company pens fuel modern advertising Patricia A. Cangelosi Staff Writer

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dvertising affects people’s perception, and promotion changes behavior,” Elizabethtown College alum Dennis Gorman, ’78, informed the audience during his Feb. 13 lecture in the Hoover Business Center.

Gorman spoke on the power of promotional products. He attended Etown as an adult, married and working, and majored in business administration with a marketing concentration. After graduating, he obtained a sales job in a multinational pharmaceutical firm.

Today, he runs his own business, Dennis Gorman Consulting Group, for whom he “sells promotional advertising knowledge to people who sell promotional advertising.”

Gorman explained that the promotional products industry is worth $19 billion and only gets about a paragraph in most marketing textbooks.

A promotional item is used to endorse a service, company or product. They can be advertising specialties, free gifts given to potential customers; premiums, which are gifts given with an added obligation; awards, prizes or commemoratives. To illustrate, Gorman handed every audience member a pen, a promotional slide guide (informational brochure) and a key chain. All of these products bore logos of Geiger, the promotional products agency to which he sold his first company, Exact Marketing.

Since Gorman used promotion to keep the audience’s attention rather than traditional advertising, each audience member was more likely to retain the company’s information.

“You’ll probably remember me because I gave you a present,” he said.

To target a desired audience, he said, citing college students as an example, a promotional products agency must determine “the kind of stuff you [as college students] use every day.” For this hypo-

thetical audience, he would advertise through wearable items, pens and anything computer or cell phone-related.

Over 400,000 different items make up the promotional industry, according to Gorman. These include writing instruments, bags, drinkware, desk/ office/business accessories, calendars, computers, sporting goods, automotive

pen, they will see the company name, which is called an exposure. The more exposure, for the company, the better.

Gorman cited a survey taken at Dallas Fort Worth Airport in Texas in which 71 percent of randomly surveyed business travelers reported receiving a promotional product in the past year.

Thirty-three percent had the product with them at the time, and 52 percent had done business with the advertiser after receiving the product. Furthermore, 76 percent could remember the advertiser’s name, while only 53 percent could recall the name of a single advertiser from a magazine or newspaper read in the past week.

In other words, promotion has a measurably greater influence on consumers than traditional advertising alone. When someone is personally given an item, either at a trade show, a store opening or another similar event, a specific encounter comes to mind whenever he or she sees that item.

“If you’ve created an experience, you’ve created a memory,” Gorman said.

Even though promotion is not traditionally taught in business schools, it is becoming more of a reality in the marketing world.

“In the current economic climate, you will see a lot more sales promotion than advertising,” said Dr. Edward Chung, a business professor at Etown. He believes that traditional advertising is starting to Image: lib.store.yahoo.com fade away, as it is not as beneficial to most Gorman pointed out how companies companies as is the use of promotional use pens for exposure in advertising products. For those interested in learning during his lecture Feb. 13. Gorman, more about this $19 billion industry, or an Etown alum, started his own perhaps seeking a job in the field, Gorconsulting group. man recommends the Promotional Proditems and more. Unlike traditional media ucts Association International (http:// that interrupts, such as commercials and www.ppai.org). The most important thing pop-up ads on the Internet, promotional people can do, he stressed, is to find a job products engage. that makes them happy. “[They] have the unique ability to build “If you’re making a million dollars a a relationship with the recipient,” Gorman week and you’re miserable, it’s not worth said, “which will continue throughout the it,” he said. “What I really love to do is useful life of the product.” educate people and help businesses grow.

Every time recipients write with that I’m absolutely doing what I love to do.”

on campus

Mardi Gras soirée success in Founders

Unlikely Guests A Northeast Ohio farmer who died of cancer has been laid to rest with the help of some of the llamas he raised on his farm.

Two of Terry McCrone's llamas made up an honor guard at his funeral Friday at Perry Christian Church. Four others from a statewide drill team joined them, wearing purple ribbons as they lined up outside the church. The llamas also escorted a hearse to Perry Cemetery.

The Rev. Bob Ladygo of Bible Baptist Church says McCrone's llamas would visit him at his window after he became sick.

Compiled from myway.com.

Photo: Matthew P. Butera

Residence Life sponsered the Mardi Gras party in Founders main lounge. Students got to play with a Wii, enjoy Mardi Gras food and socialize with friends. SPARC also sponsered a table handing out Mardi Gras beads and raising awareness about health issues.

February 19, 2009

campus life

movies • music • television • humor • travel

the Etownian

7

lifestyles • arts • advice • college issues

student issues

Young marriage on the rise Jennifer N. Fimmano Staff Writer

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his year, some Elizabethtown seniors are not just planning a graduation party, but a wedding as well. For four seniors, this year means something more than meeting graduation requirements, suiting up in academic regalia, and saying good-bye to friends.

More students are getting engaged and married, opposing the increasing national average marital age. In 2005, the average age was 26 for women and 27 for men, according to usatoday.com.

A possible cause for this increase is that many people get remarried at an older age after they get divorced. So why do more students plan weddings during college?

Senior Carl Marrara and his fiancée, senior Kelly Heich, have known each other since freshman year of high school.

“We went to [different] high schools, two and a half hours apart, but we competed against each other nearly every weekend in speech and debate tournaments. When we met, Kelly hated me,” Marrara said. “I was her first loss ever in a debate tournament, but she’s beaten me every time since.”

The two dated for over five years before Marrara proposed last year. The average marital age doesn’t matter to them.

“When you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, there is no point in waiting,” Marrara said.

He and Heich plan to marry in August of this year.

Senior Corin Kidwell will also be walking down the aisle in August 2009. She and her fiancé, Kevin Dundore, met in high school and started dating in 2004. They became engaged this past December.

Kidwell does not feel that she is missing out on anything by being so committed at a young age.

“My fiancé and I attend different colleges, which allows us to form our own group of friends and not have to worry

about spending too much time with them,” she said. “On visiting weekends we hang out with each other’s friends, so it actually is quite exciting and promising to have that security.”

Senior Erika Belletti also agrees that she isn’t missing out on anything.

“We both still have our own lives, our own friends, and our life and friends that we share,” she said.

Belletti and her fiancé, Nicholas Musser, dated for about five years before becoming engaged two months ago. The two met while they were in high school through a mutual friend.

“I remember he came to our 10th grade school musical, just so he could see me in it,” she said. “He hates musicals, which I didn’t know. I don’t think he’s seen one since.”

They plan to get married after Belletti completes graduate school in 2010.

Among the singles on campus, opinions on this matter vary. Junior Doug Summerson thinks college students are too young to get married. He feels that an engagement at this age would depend on the relationship, but thinks that it should wait.

Sophomore Alicia Conway agrees.

She says that in order to get married in college, you have to have complete trust in your relationship.

“A lot of people do find their other half in college, but I think it’s such a serious decision that it must be made in the real world,” she said. “College is a different place than the outside world, so to know if you are with the right one, a person should first test out their relationship outside of college.”

Sophomore Angela Coffey disagrees.

“Each person is different, and all situations are different,” she said. “To me, it is not something that has a definite answer. In the end, it is up to what is best for the individuals and if they truly feel ready to commit themselves completely and selflessly.”

Images: wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com, wededu.com, wordpress.com, olivierlalinweddings.com

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campus life

the Etownian

February 19, 2009

theater review

Thespians portray tale of forgiveness in ‘The Tempest’ Laura A. Farnish Staff Writer

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he Elizabethtown College theater department presents “The Tempest,” a Shakespearian play exploring power, marriage, gender, the need for forgiveness and redemption.

Etown students have worked tirelessly over the past few months in order to prepare for the production, which continues through this weekend.

The plot of the play is light — the main conf lict concerns the opposition of the all-powerful Prospero, played by senior Sam Gillam.

The play opens with a storm conjured by Ariel, Prospero’s supernatural servant, targeting a ship. The boat’s occupants are shipwrecked on an island; however, no one is hurt, and their clothes are in perfect condition. Prospero, with the help of Ariel, continues to complicate the lives of Miranda, Caliban, Ferdinand and others. He is unwilling to approve the marriage of his daughter, Miranda, to Ferdinand. He badgers Caliban, forcing him to work.

The play, however, is further ing] justice, while showing to get more in touch with my complicated by the troubled forgiveness for those who have character (even though it’s a heart of Prospero. Not until he wronged you,” junior Emily small role) and the characters finds forgiveness can he free Grove said. “Relating to my around me,” first-year Rachel either Ariel or the castaways. character, [I am] in servitude Saul said. “Shakespeare is very Prospero’s eventual redemption to Prospero, but, in the end, difficult, and it took a lot of and self-forgiveness provides a [I’m] freed for the work that [I work to fully understand each happy ending, to say the least. have] done. I think the idea of scene and the reasons behind “Perhaps exerting self-control working diligently and forgiv- the characters’ actions. I also leads to the forgiveness that we ing those in your life will set loved working with such a talneed to give others for ented group of kids.” their redemption — and The actors also enalso for our own clean Shakespeare isn’t stuffy, joyed a unique experibreak from the past and or boring, or confusing. ence this semester: the its freedom,” director of Curt Tofteland.

It’s so interesting, and visit Michael Swanson said.

Tofteland, the director “I have learned a lot such a fun experience to of “Shakespeare Behind from this play. Beyond Bars,” visited Etown and be able to perform. the increase in my vo“The Tempest” actors Nicole St. Pierre cabulary, I have learned earlier this semester.

Cast member of “The Tempest” a lot about what it takes “I learned a lot from to forgive. We like to one of our guests on camthink that forgiving someone you free, if not literally, but pus, Curt Tofteland,” Saul said. is easy, but it is, in fact, the emotionally and spiritually. “He works with the Shakespeare hardest thing that we can at- Prospero could have killed his Behind Bars program, and tempt to do. That does not sister or have done her mental he was nice enough to have mean that we shouldn’t try to and physical harm. He has the a master class with us a few forgive; we should strive to for- magical abilities to do this, weeks ago. He taught us to take give and become at peace with but instead chooses mercy and rehearsals to the next level and our lives,” Gillam said. love. I think this is a play to think about things we had never The play experience has which all audience members thought about before. provided many rewards to can relate.”

“He really helped us to see other cast members as well.

“My favorite part of ‘The past what our characters do “This is not a tale about Tempest’ was probably just the and examine why they perform retribution, but about [find- rehearsal process and learning their actions.”

Perhaps all of the actors, and even all playgoers, can understand the intrigue of Shakespeare found through “The Tempest.”

After sifting through the often complicated language, one can appreciate the beauty of his work. Shakespeare tackles complicated plots and examines many follies of society.

“I have learned to really appreciate Shakespeare,” sophomore Emily Knitter said. “The language really is beautiful.”

“I want students to know that Shakespeare isn’t stuffy, or boring, or confusing. It’s so interesting, and it’s such a fun experience to be able to perform,” first-year Nicole St. Pierre said. “The stories he tells are so unique, especially ‘The Tempest.’ I hope that all the students who see the show will really be able to enjoy it.

‘The Tempest’ is a really great story, and I’ve loved every second of being able to participate in this production.”

“The Tempest” will continue throughout Feb. 21. Stop by the box office, call x1170 or e-mail BOXOFFICE@etown. edu for tickets.

location evaluation

Jay Walk deemed convenient, aesthetically pleasing

Photos: Matthew P. Butera, Emily E. Knitter

The completed Jay Walk stands between Thompson Gym and the BSC. Areas in the building will serve as classrooms and offices for the athletic department.

Paige M. Tanner Staff Writer

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s you weave down the back hallways of the BSC toward Thompson Gym, you might assume you will see big blue doors shutting you out. Now, however, you are welcome to saunter right through the new Jay Walk.

The Jay Walk greets you with blue-and-gray-blocked tiling on the floor and a smell of newness.

The Jay Walk’s name comes from its use as a more accessible way to cut through the BSC to get to the academic buildings. For those who are traveling from Founders, the Apartments or the Quads, the Jay Walk creates a straighter path to the academic quadrangle.

Compared to the floor and locker rooms around it, this new passageway looks as if it was placed there by the wing of the Blue Jay itself. Bright new signs grace the walls, and glass doors on either of the hall let light in.

The Jay Walk also includes a classroom for the athletic teams, equipped with plenty of desks and a TV. Many coaches will use this room for meetings to go over new plays or information before and after sports seasons.

The women’s locker room is still accessible through the same door as before.

A large lobby is the first thing you will see when entering the Jay Walk. Chairs adorn the lobby, which also features a currently unoccupied information window.

Once operational, it will be useful for new students.

The lobby will be decorated with awards and pictures of Hall of Fame members. The newness in this space comes as a shock when compared to the hallways around it. The white tile from the outside hall ends suddenly, and the new blocks of blue and gray grab your attention immediately.

The Jay Walk also houses an office for every sports team. These coaches’ offices present a more appropriate

space to take prospective students who are interested in playing a sport.

“Athletes will now have space more conducive to conversations with coaches and each other,” varsity volleyball Coach Randall Kreider said.

Kreider now has a space to call home; he can thankfully move the boxes of volleyball material from their current residence in his garage.

Many students appreciate the indoor passageway from the BSC to the gym.

“I love walking through the whole way when it’s cold or rainy outside,” senior Lauren Hoover said.

Students also commented on the newly constructed gravel road; it provides a straight path from the rear gym doors to the back of the BSC. Now that the Jay Walk is open for all the birds to fly through, it’s going to be hard to have an excuse for being late for class.

campus life

February 19, 2009

hot list

the Etownian

11

Where the ‘potty’ at: say goodbye to wee-wee woes Joelle E. Atkinson Assistant Campus Life Editor Aimée M. DiMichele Assistant Copy Editor

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veryone needs to use the bathroom, and when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Bathrooms on this campus are few and far between. Yes, they are available, but unlike other colleges, there is not a restroom everywhere you turn. The following is a list of the best and worst bathrooms at Elizabethtown College: Steinman: These stalls are always smelly, and if a small person entered, they would have to hop to get onto the seat. Additionally, the temperature of the Steinman restrooms fluctuates between fairly frigid and downright glacial. As if this weren’t enough, the men’s room is on the second floor, and the ladies’ room is on the first — making it a long walk either up or down a long staircase that only enhances the urge to go.

Hoover: Maybe it’s because they are some of the newest on campus, but these bathrooms are among the nicest, simply because they are clean.

Ober: There are many words used to describe Ober bathrooms, and “smelly” and “dirty” are putting it mildly. While other dorms sport stalls separated by walls and dividers, the showers in Ober bathrooms are individualized only by a thin curtain and nothing more.

Photos: Matthew P. Butera

Chipped paint adorns a stall wall in Steinman. Students seeking urinary relief in this building might find themselves trekking up or down a flight of stairs.

Schlosser: Schlosser bathrooms are among the best of the dorm bathrooms on campus, with their perpetual cleanliness, the multitude of sinks and even the occasional bathtub. Each shower also has its own private changing area so girls don’t have to run around half-naked in the hallways. Plus, every Schlosser hall features two bathrooms, so finding an empty shower is never an issue.

Marketplace: The Marketplace bathrooms are fairly well-kept, with nice stalls and hardly any odor. But one problem emerges: no paper towels! The only method for drying one’s hands are the hand dryers, and this is something that would In the Marketplace men’s room, the tiles gleam and the irritate many who are sinks sparkle. Though among the cleanest on campus, hungry or working, this luxurious loo lacks one key feature: paper towels. and may not have time to wait for their hands to blow dry — and wet hands make for an awkward meal and unsafe food service practices. This simple problem makes relieving oneself seem inconvenient and almost a burden.

BSC: The bathrooms in the BSC are some of the most comfortable. There are enough stalls in the lower-level restrooms for all to share. The restrooms by Residence Life and the Center for Student Success are the true hidden gems. Each of these bathrooms has paper towels, and, more importantly, a clean and odor free atmosphere for taking care of your on - t h e - g o needs.

food frenzy

Nearby options, quality cuisine Elizabeth C. Kirk Campus Life Editor Michael D. Steiner Assistant Sports Editor

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here are many possibilities when deciding to dine out — besides the stand-by of good ol’ Rockwell’s — and two directions to go.

On one end, there is the fabulous sushi grill, Blue Pacific, off the Oregon Pike in Lancaster. On the other end, there is the always reliable and extraordinarily satisfying Outback Steakhouse on Union Deposit Road in Harrisburg.

These restaurants, which are just a short drive (approximately 20-25 minutes in either direction), are excellent locations for an outing with friends or even a hot date.

The Lancaster restaurant Blue Pacific Sushi Bar and Grill is located off the Oregon Pike/US-272 exit of 283 East, and is a short 20 minute drive from Etown. Their menu consists of an Asian blend but caters mostly to lovers of Japanese cuisine.

Upon arrival, the outside of the restaurant appears to be an ancient diner in need of a serious coat of paint. However, the entrance and décor create an ambiance and seclusion to allow for private dates or group outings. The china and exquisite deep blue water goblets create an upscale feel to a moderatelypriced meal.

The menu is divided into well-headed sections, allowing guests to seek out what their taste buds desire.

Appetizer suggestions include scrumptious pot stickers, salty edamame pods or fabulous seaweed salad.

Entrée suggestions range from the always delicious General Tso’s Chicken, the Chirashi Sushi bowl (consisting of an assortment of sliced fish on a bed of rice and seaweed salad), or a wonderful assortment of sushi rolls (we

recommend the TNT, Green River Maki and the Spider Maki). Reservations aren’t necessary for weekdays, but are highly recommended for Fridays and Saturdays.

Harrisburg’s Outback Steakhouse is located off of the Union Deposit Road exit of I-83 North, a jaunty 20 minute drive from Etown. Upon arrival, the fun-loving ambiance hits you in the face with the old-fashioned steakhouse building and gigantic neon lights.

The atmosphere pulls you in through the gigantic wooden doors, allowing customers to see the brightly-clad wait staff running around. The décor is Australian, with the theme of the Outback covering every possible surface. With big screen TVs sporting ESPN and news channels, as well as a music mix of jiving tunes and funky downbeats, the atmosphere complements both fun dates and hilarious evenings with friends.

Their menu boasts a wide assortment of perfectly seasoned seafood and steak — no A1 sauce or salt and pepper necessary. Start off with the complementary pumpernickel loaf, served piping hot from the oven, with fresh butter. Then, do what we do: move on to the rest of the menu.

Appetizer suggestions include the Bloomin’ Onion with zesty horseradish dipping sauce that goes perfectly with an ice cold drink. We also suggest the Gold Coast Coconut Shrimp (which are just as beautiful as the real Gold Coast).

Entrée recommendations are endless, but the best suggestion is the Victoria Center Cut Filet with the choice of a seven or nine ounce cut. The filets, which are cooked perfectly to order, are by far the best.

Pair with the bleu cheese chopped salad and the Aussie chips (french fries, for you mates who’ve never been to the island) for a mind-blowing flavogasm. Reservations aren’t taken, but call-aheads are welcomed and encouraged.

movie review

‘International’ affair Jameson C. Rohrer Copy Editor

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n the film “The International,” a collection of diabolical bankers sells weapons to villains, then bribes or kills anyone who seeks to prosecute them.

Louis Salinger (Clive Owen), Scotland-Yard-inspectorturned-Interpol-agent, is the only man who stands in their way.

Assisted by Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts), Salinger pursues leads across the Western World, but the bank confounds him at every turn.

“The International” supports its perhaps-too-good-looking stars with a reliable cast of television actors and C-list celebrities: Brian F. O’Byrne (“Oz,” “Law & Order: SVU”), Jack McGee (“Rescue Me”) and Ulrich Thomsen (“The World is Not Enough,” “Festen”) play an assassin, a detective and an investment banker, respectively.

East Germany’s venerable Armin Mueller-Stahl (“Eastern Promises”) takes the role of Wilhelm Wexler, the iron-hearted coordinator of the bank’s most distasteful activities.

All of the production’s speaking actors tackled their roles with discipline and experience; Mueller-Stahl’s career alone consists of more than 100 parts. The resulting company was both believable and entertaining.

However, “The International” suffers from a bipolar script: director Tom Tykwer cannot decide whether he wants a cerebral thriller, a fast-paced spy flick or a gritty crime movie.

The murderously irregular pacing wrests audiences from country to country with little more than establishing shots by way of transition.

Elements of Bourne, Bond and Don Corleone — rooftop chases, gunfights and morgue inspections — speckle the film, but too many office standoffs (most of them laced with Watts’ unlikely insubordination and fanciful one-liners) soil the experience. Real district attorneys usually don’t fly into tiffs about international jurisdiction.

These small-but-frequent faults can break immersion. Other breaches of realism — too-rapid text-message conversations between France and the U.S., for example — are worsened by a redundant score and an excess of quotables.

“A man must know which bridge to cross and which to burn,” Salinger said. Perhaps Tykwer should have burned the film’s writer, Eric Singer.

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opinion

the Etownian

campus controversies • letters to the editor

d n ou

S Off

How do you feel about Myer being co-ed?

by Peter S. Northrop

David Spelfogel Class of 2011 “LOVE IT!!”

Chelsea Cornwell Class of 2012 “It’s a good idea if it brings more boys to the College.”

February 19, 2009 national debate • our take • guest columns

in the nation

Traditional media now becoming history Huntley C. McGowan Assistant Layout Editor

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hink about your typical day. If you’re like most students here at Etown, this probably involves waking up, going to class, eating lunch or dinner with your friends, going to work, doing homework and maybe going to a club meeting or two. Then you wake up and do it all over again.

Now here’s another question. Think about the last time you picked up a newspaper. And, no, not this issue of the Etownian, but a real newspaper, such as The New York Times or The Philadelphia Inquirer. You might read one occasionally if you are eating in the Marketplace between classes, but when was the last time you went out of your way to pick up a newspaper so that you could read about what was going in the world? Hopefully, pretty recently.

The sad reality is that the print media industry is slowly dying. Most teenagers today, myself included, use the Internet as their source of news. Whether it’s CNN, FOX News or MSNBC, we would rather log on to the Web to get our news than pick up a print version of the paper. This problem is clearly a generational gap.

I can almost guarantee that your grandparents, and maybe even your parents, pick up a paper every morning and read it at the breakfast table while they enjoy a cup of coffee.

But how about you? When you go to check your mail or pick up a package, do you stop and grab your free copy of the newspaper at mail services? Or when you go to the Marketplace, do you sit and read the paper?

Right now, I am sitting in the Marketplace, waiting for my friend to come and

Image: blog.pentagram.com

Due to the increase of online news, traditional print media is suffering. Many companies are on the verge of bankruptcy.

join me for breakfast. While I am here sipping some coffee and writing this, I am looking around, and I see one — yes, one — person reading a newspaper. And that person is an adult who works in Dining Services; go figure.

For people like me who want to be journalists when we graduate, this is not good news. Will the print industry still be around in 10, 15 or even 20 years? Or will our generational gap grow enough to make us write for online editions of small newspaper companies instead of the big ones?

Now, I’m not blaming anyone in particular. We all do this. Even I am guilty of waking up in the morning and checking FOX News instead of running across campus to pick up a paper. Why? Because it’s convenient.

It is so much easier to just open my computer and see what is going on in the world than to put in the effort to hunt down a newspaper. Instead of

flipping through endless amounts of articles in a real newspaper, you can simply click online and read only the ones that interest you.

I wish that we could all be more like our grandparents and parents in this respect. If we were, maybe we would not be running into this issue right now.

It is extremely scary for the aspiring writers of world, because who knows what kind of job opportunities will be around in the print industry in the years to come?

All of our hard work toward our intended major may be for nothing if the print industry continues to suffer the way it is now.

So I challenge you to pick up a newspaper once in a while. Shell out the 50 cents it costs for a paper and read about our country’s current affairs.

People enjoy having conversations with others who are educated on the issues, and what better way to stay up to date than to read a daily newspaper?

on campus

Americans occupied with useless items Katherine E. Blackman Copy Editor

Jonathan van den Ende Class of 2012 “As long as they have naked Wednesdays, I don’t care.”

Katie Caprinolo Class of 2010 “I think it’ll be cool.”

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t has recently come to my attention that students on the Etown campus have actually purchased Snuggies, those useless infomercial fleece blankets with sleeves designed for easily-chilled grandmothers and couch potatoes. Available in burgundy, royal blue or sage green, these puppies go for $19.95 a pop plus $7.95 for shipping and handling. Order now and they’ll throw in a free book light at no cost to you!

People, what are you thinking? That, like the commercial suggests, you’ll be able to save money by not turning up the heat simply because you’ve purchased this overpriced nightmare of a blanket?

While you’re at it, turn out all the lights in your house and crack open a book to take advantage of your new book light.

Has America truly grown this gullible? I’m sure you’ve all helped to pad Billy Mays’ employers’ pockets when you purchased the Ding King, the “do-it-yourself dent and ding remover, with professional results.” This famous and infamous infomercial personality has also touted Mighty Putty, the seal-anything putty, Mighty MenMake sure to check out the Sound dit, a fast alternaOff poll and the opportunity to comtive to actually sewment on articles on our Web site: ing the seams in www.etownian.com your clothes, the HandySwitch, a

portable light switch that looks like you just ripped it out of the wall, Zorbeez, a super-absorbent cloth (they have the power to sop up messes up to 27 times greater than paper towels or regular cloths!), and many others.

I guess what bothers me most about Snuggies is the fact that they allow consumers to remain, in warmth and comfort, safely planted in front of their televisions. Sure, in the commercial an entire family, kiddies included, enjoy roasting marshmallows around a fire outside. But who in their right mind would actually wear these things outside? I can see the headlines now: Timmy suffered severe burns after tripping over the hem of his Snuggie and tumbling headfirst into his father’s cozy campfire. In this day and age, who can legally have campfires in their backyard anyway? Is that $19.95 fabric flame-retardant? Will it melt when exposed to extreme heat and turn your body into a smoldering mass of synthetic materials and blistered flesh?

So my point: Americans today have become so embedded in their own capitalist, materialistic culture that we actually allow people to patent and sell absolutely useless items like the Awesome Auger and collapsible wooden stairs that allow small household pets to easily leap onto your bed.

Thanks, but I can dig holes with a trowel the old-fashioned way when I plant flowers, and Sparky is better off on the floor where he can shed to his little heart’s content without contaminating my sheets. Lifetime guarantee.

opinion

February 19, 2009

in the nation

the Etownian

staff column

Families, businesses need help Greener grass F I Dillon A. Gaul Staff Writer

amilies across the country stagger as the economic crisis continues, forcing businesses to lay off workers.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the crisis has already wiped out 2.6 million jobs in the United States. Small businesses are hurting from the depression and, as a result, many must lay off workers and close.

Families struggle to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads while they attempt to pay the bills with part-time jobs and unemployment compensation. To propose that a family raise children with no health insurance and very little income is outrageous.

Our nation is in dire need of a hero with the solution to this economic problem.

President Barack Obama whipped out his cape and proposed the stimulus package as a solution to the current financial difficulties.

Obama’s package is designed, just like any fiscal stimulus, to boost economic activity during rough times. The New York Times gives a theory behind the financial boost: if more goods

and services are bought with the aid from a tax rebate and more money is then thrown into the circulation of the economy, there is less need for companies to lay off workers. This is the best solution for motivating consumers to start spending money, which will greatly improve the economy.

The extreme dollar amount for the stimulus plan Obama and his team devised caused its share of controversy. Altogether, the package is $789 billion, which is the biggest stimulus plan this nation has ever seen. Students, and those affiliated with the school system, will be happy to hear that $150 billion of this package is devoted to new federal spending for school districts, child care centers and university campuses. This increase more than doubles the Department of Education’s current budget.

Obama’s objective for the stimulus package is to help teenagers go to college, decrease energy bills, and make more jobs by modernizing schools, roads and utilities.

The president’s plan is projected to save or create more than 3.5 million jobs. This is the best way to restore our economy and also secure our nation’s future. Because of

the stimulus package, many more children will have the opportunity to receive a decent education.

The stimulus plan was finally passed through the House and Senate Feb. 11, 2009. The stimulus package is a two-year plan that will gradually disperse, but the Wall Street Journal projects a bulk of the stimulus package won’t hit the economy until late 2009.

Other portions of the stimulus package will be aimed at health care in the U.S. For example $90 billion will be going to Medicaid payments. This will greatly help families that lost their jobs and hence couldn’t afford health insurance. Anyone receiving unemployment checks will also qualify for Medicaid.

Small businesses will have the option to immediately write off capital investments and purchase new equipment. The stimulus package also contains incentives for businesses to invest in renewable energy.

Portions of this vast rescue package will go towards every area of our nation that needs financial support. With this stimulus package in effect, great improvements will be made. In no time at all, America will be pulled back on its feet.

in the nation

How to fix the America we love Nathan D. Derr Staff Writer

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ith the signing of Obama’s massive stimulus program and the order to close Guantanamo Bay, we’re already seeing signs of the change promised by our new commanderin-chief. However, some critics are saying that this might not be enough of what is needed to make a difference. So I feel it’s my civic duty as an American to give my suggestions for getting the country back on track.

First: the economy. The obvious solution to get things moving again is to allocate the money where it will do the most good and get it out of the hands of those just wasting it on trivialities. In other words, the poor. How can they be expected to jumpstart the economy if every last cent they have goes to food for their families? Give it to those buying cars and boats and mansions. And if the American dream is to become wildly successful and wealthy, then aren’t these freeloaders being unpatriotic? If we institute a non-income tax, that is – taxing them for not making money – then they’d be a hell of a lot more motivated to get jobs to pay off their crippling taxes.

Second: foreign policy. Once again, the answer is so obvious it’s laughable that no one has proposed it before now. Disband the military and turn all our weapons/tanks/medals into scrap metal, save a few nuclear warheads. “But Nate, if we do that we’ll be vulnerable to attack!”

Shut up; I’m getting there. Everyone knows that you never hit a crazy person, so we become that crazy person. Just to show we mean business, we

by Jill Hugus fire off a couple nukes at the moon. Or Disney World. The world suddenly starts saying, “Wow,

the U.S. is re a l l y of f its rocker,” and starts acting a lot more politely to us.

And if we got lucky, a piece of t he mo on would land Image: hosting.soonet.ca on Osama One way to boost our economy bin Laden. would be to recycle things we Finally : don’t need (tanks) into things we exports. A can use (metal housing). common criticism of the U.S. is that our only export is war. And if we renounce our old ways to be the crazy guy, we won’t even have that anymore. So what’s to be done? Well, after scrapping all our instruments of war, we’ll have more of two things than anyone else in the world: scrap metal and prisoners. We turn our prisons into factories that produce cheap, metal housing and ship it around the world. Higher production quotas could lead to better treatment and shortened sentences, and a portion of the income could go back to the prisons and take some of the burden off taxpayers. That way we kill two dictators with one moon rock. And all the prisoners who aren’t working in the factories can run in giant hamster wheels to generate renewable energy.

This is just a sampling, and I can only hope that someone in power will take my humble suggestions to heart. If you know anyone in government, be sure to pitch my ideas. I’ll give you a cut of the check when it comes through.

Jameson C. Rohrer Copy Editor

don’t smoke dank. I’ve never nibbled a nug, held a roach, traded jays, or gotten ironic on chronic. I have great sympathy, however, for the fetid finger fans out there. When it comes to banning the bowl, I think that the legitimacy of smoking trees should be based on another kind of cabbage: dolla’ dolla’ bills.

California is short on green (money, not reefer). With a deficit of $15 billion (a third of its general fund!), the Governator is illing for notes (still money).

Yet hippie lettuce (weed) is California’s largest cash crop, “valued at $14 billion annually,” according to thebigmoney.com.

Harvard professor Jeffrey Miron asserts that national decriminalization would save $13 billion in enforcement costs and add billions in sin-tax revenues. For California, which covers 13 percent of our country’s economy, up to $3 billion a year could be repaid just by having 4:20 time all the time.

Furthermore, a massive amount of California’s 168,000 inmates are incarcerated for nonviolent drug offenses. Miron estimated that taxpayers fronted a national total of $484 million on keeping bud enthusiasts behind bars. Feb. 9, in the face of staggering debt, California judges ordered the release of 55,000 prisoners, many guilty of no more than rolling it up/ lighting it up. As of Feb. 18, Californian legislators are still deadlocked in budget negotiations — approximately $16 billion in spending cuts are three Republican votes away from reality — and yet no one has made any real progress towards stemming the $500-per-second state deficit. Puff and pass this one, boys: legalize sticky icky.

We don’t want to turn L.A. into Amsterdam; the Sun Belt is dirty enough already. Unchecked drug use of any sort can ruin societies, devastate the lives of the young, et cetera. Hogger still worries the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

But if some folks feel like ignoring risks and putting the lime in the coconut, we should tax ‘em.

Until the U.S. drastically changes its policy on toking Tonto, everyone should either keep their garlic knots to the privacy of the garage or stay away from the parsley entirely. But if you’re growing Maui wowie, a day may come when the government will let you sell to cat-food enthusiasts without pretending that your nodge is oregano.

13

the Etownian the board

Editor in Chief Jennifer L. Tarr Managing Editor Shaleen A. Spulio Assistant Editor Jamie L. Bartolino News Editor Aidan E. Bauernschmidt Features Editor Rachel A. Marsteller Campus Life Editor Elizabeth C. Kirk Opinion Editor Christopher T. Care Sports Editor Abigail R. Kramer Photography Editor Kalie M. Desimone Copy Editors Katherine E. Blackman Jameson C. Rohrer Online Editor Steven E. Bicker Layout Editor E. Adam Quinn Assistant News Editor Peter S. Northrop Assistant Features Editor Craig H. Meaney Asst. Campus Life Editor Joelle E. Atkinson Assistant Opinion Editor Khouri E. McGrann Assistant Sports Editor Michael D. Steiner Asst. Photography Editor Matthew P. Butera Assistant Online Editor Your name could be here Assistant Copy Editor Aimée M. DiMichele Michael D. Moss Noelle A. Withelder Assistant Layout Editor Huntley C. McGowan Editorial Cartoonist Marshal N. Fettro Business Manager Anh P. Nguyen Asst. Business Manager Brittny E. McLaughlin Advertising Manager Elizabeth L. Cox Faculty Adviser Kirsten A. Johnson The Etownian is the student newspaper of Elizabethtown College. All editorial decisions are made by the student editors. With the exception of editorials, opinions presented here are those of quoted sources or signed authors, not of The Etownian or the College.

Submissions to the Etownian are always welcomed. We will make every effort to print submissions, but do not promise publication.

Submissions may be printed anonymously at the discretion of the editor.

Submit letters to opinion@ etownian.com

14

sports

the Etownian

February 19, 2009

etown women’s basketball

Despite second half action, seventh straight game loss Melissa L. Jones Staff Writer

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he Lady Jays slid to 10-14 overall Saturday in a 71-59 Commonwealth Conference loss against the number-two ranked Lebanon Valley Flying Dutchmen.

The seven-game losing streak leaves the women 3-8 in the conference, just short of any playoff hopes.

But their record does not show how good they are and how well they work together as a team.

“For the first time in four years, we have a team that gets along really well and enjoys being together as a team,” senior forward Jenn Montague said. “We are just not winning.”

The Lady Jays have lost four of their last seven games by less than 15 points.

“One fight, one team. That’s our motto,” junior guard Courtney Kofeldt said. “When we stick to that, we play to the best of our abilities.”

In preparation for Saturday’s game, the Lady Jays went back to the basics. The team practiced shooting and just tried to relax and have fun. They also watched film from LVC’s last games against Lycoming and Etown. They decided to try and change their defensive formations to focus in more on the Dutchmen’s key players.

LVC had a lot riding on their Senior Day game. A win over Etown would lock up the second seed slot in the conference and secure home field advantage in the playoffs. This would mark the first time in four years that LVC hosts a postseason game in either men’s or women’s basketball.

LVC senior Megan Bish scored first in the game

with a layup to put the Dutchmen ahead by two.

About three minutes into the first half, a layup by Etown senior guard Megan Quinn tied the game at

Photo: Matthew. P. Butera

Going for the hoop, senior Megan Romano takes a shot against Lycoming College Feb. 11.

4-4, but that was the closest the Lady Jays ever came to the lead. Two free throws by LVC senior Amie Bickert sparked a 14-0 Dutchmen shooting streak just a minute later. The Dutchmen led by 21 points in the half.

“If the game had ended at the first half it would have been a bad game, but we really pulled it together

etown wrestling

Wrestlers prepare for Metro Championships Sara F. Neumann Staff Writer

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ith the regular season finished, the Elizabethtown wrestling team is looking ahead to the Metropolitan Championships this coming Sunday.

The Blue Jay wrestlers have had to deal with a tough season that did not showcase their best efforts as a team. In the start of the season, they lost key players to injury, which forced more pressure onto the shoulders of the younger, less-experienced team members. They head into the championships with a 5-12 record — a disappointing standing, but not something that they will let hold them back or negatively impact their performance.

“Just going through a grueling season takes its toll on the kids,” six-year Coach Eric Walker said. “As far as a negative impact, only if they let things affect them could it be negative.”

In the beginning of the season, the team beat out Messiah, which was a team goal according to junior Eric Rhoads. During the week of Jan. 5 at the Pete WilsonWheaton Invitational, Etown placed 13th out of 41 colleges, the highest finish at the invitational in school history. Last week, the team got a morale boost when they beat out Hunter College, winning six of nine bouts. Despite the letdown of the season overall, the wrestlers seem to have picked up the pace and stepped up to the plate.

The wrestlers have had shorter but more intense practices in preparation for the Metropolitan Championships.

“Practices have picked up in intensity,” first-year Brian Frantz said. “Coach keeps reminding us that the intensity of practice is much more important than the time of practice.”

Live wrestling has been mostly eliminated at practices to keep the team members at their freshest and in the best physical form possible.

While many team members have a shot at achieving something big at this weekend’s championships, there are a few standouts on the team.

“Expect some things from Tyler Erdman, Jereme Heisey, Bill Meaney and Deron Sharp,” Walker said.

Jereme Heisey is the lone senior on the team, wrestling in the 157 pound division, and had 22 wins last season. Deron Sharp and Bill Meaney are both juniors, wrestling in the 197-pound division and the 184-pound division, respectively. Tyler Erdman is a first-year but was the AA champion last year, when he wrestled at 119 pounds.

The Metropolitan Championships will take place this coming Sunday, Feb. 22, at nearby York College.

in the last half,” Kofeldt said.

The second half saw a rejuvenated team with the Lady Jays really working together, passing the ball and forcing turnovers. Shooting just over 45 percent in the second half, the team managed to cut LVC’s lead to just 11 twice. They also out-shot the Dutchmen in both 3 pointers and free throws.

The team’s impressive second-half display of both offensive and defensive skills kept the Dutchmen’s final lead to just 12 points. Unfortunately, LVC’s desire to host a postseason home game proved too strong for the Lady Jays to overcome.

However, when the final buzzer sounded, the Lady Jays had doubled their shooting percentage and could boast four players in the double digits. Quinn finished with a game high 22 points and tied her career high of 14 rebounds, including seven offensive grabs.

Kofeldt finished with 14 points, four of which were from behind the three-point line.

Senior guard Megan Romano contributed 10 points and five assists while first-year forward Stephanie Ellwood also posted 10 points, including two 3-pointers.

The team is now looking forward to their Senior Day contest against Arcadia. In last month’s matchup, the Lady Jays defeated the Warriors by 35 points.

“It’s our last game of the season, and we all just want to focus in on winning this game,” Montague said.

The Lady Jays face Arcadia next Saturday in their final game of the season. The game is scheduled for 2 p.m. in Thompson Gymnasium.

etown track and field

Last chance before MACs Abigail R. Kramer Sports Editor

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ith the MAC championships in the near future, the men’s and women’s indoor track teams still have a few more things to accomplish before the end of the season.

The team competed at the Valentine’s Day Invitational at Dickinson College this past weekend, where they looked to improve times and qualify for the conference championships.

“We are trying to get everybody qualified for MACs, whether it’s improving their qualifying time or qualifying for the first time,” Chris Straub, director of cross country and track and field, said. “We’re using this meet as a place to refine small aspects in events and fix the little intricacies that go into each event.”

Overall, the teams scored in the top half of the final placement. The women finished in seventh place out of 14 teams, and the men finished in sixth out of 16 teams.

Senior Chelsea Miles led the show for the women by placing in all three of her events. She took first in the high jump and improved her personal record to 5’2. She also placed second in the long jump and third in the triple jump.

“I didn’t do anything special before the meet to prepare,” Miles said. “I just tried to do the best job that I could do. Now I’m looking to qualify for nationals.”

Though the relay teams have been headlining the past few meets, the Dickinson Invitational gave more individuals a chance to shine.

Since the distance medley A-team relay teams recently competed at Penn State and the New Balance Games, they

were not required to compete at Dickinson College.

“This was one of our better meets,” first-year Steve Boyer said. “We had a lot of people qualifying for MACs and improving their times.”

Sophomore Allie Gold placed fourth in the 55-meter hurtles and finished 11th out of 34 in the 200-meter dash. Senior Amanda Daws finished seventh out of 37 in the one-mile run.

For the men, junior Wyatt Eaton placed in all three of his events. Eaton stole the show in the 400-meter dash, finishing first out of 45 runners with a time of 51.87 seconds. He placed seventh in the 55-meter dash, and he also finished with a personal best in the high jump, ranking fifth.

First-year Pat Doughty placed 13th out of 65 runners in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.40 seconds. Junior Kyle Grimm finished 12th in the 800-meter dash ahead of 27 other runners and had a time of 2 minutes, 6.91 seconds.

Two Blue Jays finished in the top five in the one-mile run: sophomore Chris Heisey placed fourth, and first-year Evan DeArmitt finished right behind him in fifth.

MAC championships will take place Feb. 29, and the teams are entering the meet with high expectations. The men have won six straight MAC indoor titles and want to continue the tradition this year. The women won the title two years ago and are looking to finish at least in the top four teams.

Feb. 21, the teams will compete at the Susquehanna Open as a last chance to qualify for MACs. hey will then travel to Virginia Tech for a final opportunity to qualify for the Division III national championship meet March 13 and 14.

sports

February 19, 2009

the Etownian

etown men’s basketball

15

Men close season Saturday; look to playoffs next week Ross M. Benincasa Staff Writer

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oming off two tough losses, both by double-digits and to teams that the Blue Jays have beat previously in the season, would be a daunting task for any team— and when a playoff berth is up for grabs, it makes the pressure that much more unbearable. However, if there is one thing that the men’s basketball team has proven throughout the year, it is that they are resilient. They reminded their opponents of this Valentine’s Day, when the men squeaked out a victory against the Lebanon Valley Dutchmen with a final score of 78-74.

The men were led by sophomore Joe Flanagan, who ended the game with 22 points and a 54.5 percent field goal rate. Flanagan also ended the week with conference honors, earning his second Player of the Week award for the Commonwealth Conference since the season started. His first was received for the week of Jan. 5-11.

Sophomore Keith Fogel also contrib-

uted greatly to playoff berth since the win Satur2006 with the win day, racking up over Lebanon Val17 points, along ley. They were aidwith the goed by Lycoming’s ahead 3-pointloss at Widener er in the final the same day. The three minutes s ec ured vic tor y of the game, shows the commitand shooting ment the Blue Jays an impressive bring onto the court 70 percent during every game. throughout it.

It also shows the J u n i o r need for continual Mike Church improvement, and also recorded the team seems to another dourecognize that. ble-double, “We know, as Photo: Matthew P. Butera finishing with Sophomore Chris Hill goes for a shot a team, that if we 11 points and against Sebastian Sabella of Lycoming come out and play 10 rebounds, College last Saturday. hard for 40 minutes, a game high. we can beat anyone Junior Chris Jones appeared strong in the conference,” Jones said. coming off the bench, putting up 10 This feeling appears to be consenpoints in only 11 minutes and shooting sual throughout the locker room at evsolid from beyond the arc. ery game — and, because of this, there The Blue Jays clinched their first has yet to be a game during the season

that Etown has not had a legitimate shot at winning. Although a winning mindset appears to be present before each game, one issue the team has been facing is the loss of confidence throughout the 40 minutes.

When asked what he feels the team needs to improve upon, senior captain Phil Schaffer said, “Mental toughness, which in turn will [lead to] fewer mistakes and miscues.”

The team clearly showed that toughness in the Lebanon Valley game. Having the tenacity to cling on to such a small lead so late in the game takes plenty of drive and motivation, and the ability to ward off the pressure of the situation and nail the shots presented shows how the team has grown over the course of the season.

The men’s next game is their last of the regular season, as they will take on Arcadia at home this Saturday. After that, they will prepare for the Commonwealth Conference semifinals, in what will be Head Coach Bob Schlosser’s 30th playoff game with the Blue Jays.

etown spring sports preview

New seasons bring positive outlooks for spring sports Julianne A. Keys Staff Writer

A

s spring approaches, the athletes at Elizabethtown College are ready to give 110 percent for the new sports season.

Though last year’s seniors are gone, the remaining students are optimistic about this season and ready to go for the gold. The athletes are confident that this year’s teams are experienced enough to achieve even more success than previous years, but not without hard work and cooperation.

Track and field teammates are fixed on winning the Mid Atlantic Conference (MAC)

title again this year.

Junior track and field runner Abbey Anderson believes that “if we [the team] all step up at MACs and continue to work hard, we will be able to defend the titles that the men and women brought back last year.”

Last year’s teams set the bar high. The men’s track and field team captured both the indoor and outdoor MAC titles, and the women’s tennis team was the 2007-2008 Commonwealth Conference Champion. The golf, softball, baseball and lacross teams also saw success in their respecive spring seasons last year.

The baseball team’s first

goal is to play in the Commonwealth Championship games again this year. If they win that, they will try to go to the national championship, which will take place in Appleton, Wis. “We need to push one another. We remember the feeling of watching Messiah win the championship last year, and we do not want to go through that again,” junior pitcher Ryan Barrett said. “We need to want it more than any other school in our conference.”

The athletes place emphasis on positivity and hard work.

“If we keep up the momentum and our spirits, it will

definitely show in our performances,” Anderson said.

Team unity is highly promoted on campus; one can always find a team eating meals or just hanging out together.

“The good thing about our team is that we are pretty close, so, if anything, that should help our doubles game,” sophomore tennis player Kate Roderick said.

By befriending teammates, communication during games is made easier, and morale is raised when onlookers cheer for their friends.

Some of the teams have already started their season, and, so far, are off to a great start.

Lacrosse, baseball, track and field, golf, softball and tennis players are constantly practicing across campus.

They are ready to play their hardest and achieve their goals as a team. Roderick sums up the aspirations of many of the student athletes, saying, “I think our overall goal is just to push ourselves to do as well, if not better than, last year.”

With positivity, friendship and the drive to succeed, the Blue Jays have what it takes to reach all of their goals.The first spring sports games begin this Saturday. Baseball will face Shanendoah, and women’s lacrosse plays York.

Photos: Matthew P. Butera

16

the Etownian

sports

etown athletics • pro sports • ncaa coverage

February 19, 2009 high school football • olympics • analysis

etown swimming

Geiger earns MVP; team competes at MACs Joelle E. Atkinson Assistant Campus Life Editor

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he swimming season ended this past weekend with the Mid Atlantic Conference Championships at the Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center, where the swim teams placed fifth and seventh out of 10 schools. Senior Gretchen Geiger was honored with the David B. Eavenson Award for the Most Outstanding Swimmer at the meet.

Geiger won three gold medals in the 400 individual medley, the 100 breaststroke and 200 breaststroke. She is the first Elizabethtown swimmer to recieve the award since Jack Zimmerman in 1997. Saturday was Geiger’s big day, where she won the 400 individual medley (IM) with a time of 4:46.63 and broke the school record for the 100 breaststroke with 1:07.77.

The record had originally been set by Heidi Yoder in 1999. She captured her third gold Sunday with a time of 2:25.95 and won the race by nearly four seconds.

Geiger’s performance lead the team to a fifth-place finish.

In a season full of highs and lows, the Lady Blue Jays managed to pull off a successful finish as a team at the MACs. Beginning Friday, junior Lindsay Riley placed fourth in the 50-freestyle (25.57), and senior Jenny Brizek took sixth in the 200 IM with 2:21.62. In the 200freestyle relay, the ladies placed third with the team of Brizek,

Photo: Sara E. Crimmel

Smiling wide, senior Gretchen Geiger accepts the Most Valuable Player award from Ken Andrews, conference chairman (left) at the Mid Atlantic Conference championships last weekend.

Coach Dan DeHass stands to her right.

junior Kara Geiger, sophomore Stephanie Hellman and Riley.

The team of Gretchen Geiger, Riley, sophomore Courtney Kelly, and Brizek placed fifth in the 400 medley relay with a time of 4:18.93.

Saturday, Riley placed third in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:03.11, while Brizek had a seventh-place finish in the 400 IM with a time of 5:11.30. The relay teams once again took action Saturday as well. The 200-medley team of Riley, Gretchen Geiger, Kelly and Brizek finished fourth (1:56.25) and the 800-freestyle team of junior Sara Crimmel,

Kelly, first-year Emily Robinson and Hellman also took fourth (8:33.22).

On the final day of competition, Robinson finished fourth in the 1650-freestyle with a time of 19:03.14, Brizek placed seventh in the 200 backstroke (2:20.03), and Kelly followed in eighth place (2:20.45). In the 100-freestyle, Riley placed fourth with a time of 56.15, and Hellman finished right behind her with a time of 56.94 to gain sixth place.

The women ended the meet with a fifth-place finish in the 400-freestyle relay with the team of Brizek, Kara Geiger, Hellman

and Riley and a time of 3:49.42.

Although they hoped to beat rival Lycoming with a third place spot, they did place over 200 points above sixth ranked finisher FDU-Floram.

Whether coming in fifth or first, the team has stuck together and bonded through all of the experiences of this year.

“Even though it was rough and intense, we all got each other through the sets,” sophomore Rebecca Rose said. “That is what it really is about, getting each other through.”

The men’s swimming team has endured a rough season, winning only two of the last 13 meets and barely having a relay team with only four members.

The team, consisting of juniors Matt Drob, Dan Provence, Kevin Smedman and sophomore Tom Hagerty, pulled through to receive a seventh-place finish in their final competition.

Drob placed sixth in the 100meter butterfly with a time of 55.24, and he, along with Hagerty, Smedman and Provence, competed in four relays in the same day. They came in sixth in the 200-freestyle relay (1:34.31), eighth in the 400-medley relay (4:01.66), eighth in the 200-medley relay (1:48.45) and seventh in the 400-freestyle relay with a time of 3:29.23. Provence has said that he can forsee a much better season next year.

“Basically,” he said, “we have the skill level; we just don’t have the numbers.”

the etownian’s

Athlete of the Week

Michael D. Steiner Assistant Sports Editor

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he Etownian is tickled pink to name super tall sophomore basketball guard and forward Joe Flanagan as Athlete of the Week!

Last Wednesday, Feb. 11, Flanagan led the team, scoring 20 of the total 76 points, as the Jays defeated the Warriors of Lycoming College 76-56.

He also added two rebounds and two steals in his 28 minutes of play.

Three days later, Flanagan had another great game by dropping 22 on the Lebanon Valley Dutchmen, helping the Jays secure a playoff

Joe Flanagan

berth with their 78-74 win.

He shot 4-8 from the land of three and 6-8 from the free-throw line, not to mention grabbing four defensive

rebounds. A pretty good afternoon, I`d say. And that’s without mentioning that four of those free throws came in the last minute of the game.

The Jays will face the Knights of Arcadia University in the regular season finale Saturday at 4 p.m. in Thompson Gymnasium.

The Commonwealth Conference semifinal matchup will then be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, at a location that is yet to be detirmined.

Good luck to the Blue Jays as they enter the first round of playoffs and congratulaPhoto: Abigail R. Kramer tions to Joe Flanagan for Sophomore Joe Flanagan being named the Etownian’s (right) looks for a pass.

Athlete of the Week!

Q&A Favorite Jay’s Nest grill item: Turkey Pretzel Melt Something not many people know about me: I’m not Mennonite Favorite TV Show: Desperate Housewives When I leave college I want to: be earning and burning, snapping necks and cashing checks

n w o ht t e b tics a z Eli Athle

InsideSports Etown Sports:

Women’s Basketball Page 14 Wrestling Page 14 Track and Field Page 14 Men’s baketball Page 15 Spring Sports Preview Page 15 Swimming Page 16 Athlete of The Week Page 16

Sports Recap Basketball (M) (12-11, 6-5): Etown 78, Lebanon Valley 74 Basketball (W) (10-14, 3-8): Etown 71, Lebanon Valley 59 Track and field (M): Dickinson Invitational, 6th of 16 Track and field (W): Dickinson Invitational, 7th of 14 Swimming (M): MAC Championships, 7th Swimming (W): MAC Championships 5th

Schedule

of Sports

Basketball (M): Feb. 21: Arcadia, 4 p.m.

Basketball (W): Feb. 21: Arcadia, 2 p.m.

Baseball: Feb 21: @ Shenandoah, 1 p.m.

Lacrosse (W): Feb. 21: York, 1 p.m.

Track and field: Feb. 21: Susquehanna Open Wrestling: Feb. 22: @ Metropolitan Championships, 1 p.m. www.etown.edu/spor ts