Rising gas prices cause commuter headaches Stude sexual presentation

RYAN WILLIAM Cox STAFF WRITER RWC722@CABRINJ.EDU

It's a little past I a.m. on a Friday night. You just got out of an "intense,, on campus party. You and all your friends are intoxicated, and your judgment is affected strongly.

You don't think it's a big deal that you are walking to your dorm late at night by yourself.

Think again. According to the Delaware County Women Against Rape, if you are between the ages of 18-20, you have a one in three chance of being sexually assaulted.

"Always be aware of what is going on around you,,, Alex Reese, a representative for the DCWAR, said "Stay alert to your surroundings. At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas and walk with another person.,, Reese gave a presentation in the bottom floor of Woodcrest, on Tuesday, Sept. 16., that was aimed to raise student awareness that "getting raped at college could happen to anyone.,,

Some students feel it was a great presentation simply because it is a controversial topic among students at Cabrini. At the meeting, which consisted of 22 female students and three male students, were met with hot slices of pizza supplied by the Student Government Association. Claudia Sciandra, a sophomore, organized the meeting for Cabrini students.

"The meeting was great. They [girls] need to be aware of the risks even on a small campus such as this one,,, Sciandra said.

At the midpoint of the meeting, the students viewed a video which followed the events that led to the forced rape of a student attending a university. Students were able to voice their thoughts and opinions afterward.

"This is defiantly an issue that isn't covered enough at Cabrini College,,, one student stated. Upon completion of the presentation, Reese distributed rape whistles for each student that attended. David Capece, a sophomore who attended the meeting, said, "the school should definitely address this issue further because it is something that affects a person on many levels; and it can be easily avoided with the right amount of discussion.,,

Students should also be aware of the fact that alcohol seems to be the strongest motivator for rape. According to a handout distributed at the presentation by Reese, not only is alcohol a strong influence, but 80% of the time there is a rape, the rapist and victim are daily acquaintances.

Also, if you or any of your friends have ever overheard the names Rohyphnol or GHB, you've overheard the two leading drugs used as "date-rape drugs.,, Overall, the goal of the meeting Tuesday night was to help students, male and female, understand how to prevent a rape or sexual assault.

Upon the conclusion of the meeting, students discussed what they feel would help prevent a sexual assault. All of the ideas were based around one central theme; be aware of what's going on around you, and make good judgment.

"And remember, there is always someone there to help,,, Reese said at the conclusion of the presentation. "Students are need to be aware of all the resources available for them.,, For more information, contact: Alex Reese/Delaware County Women Against Rape.

Rosu:GONZALEZ, CHRISTOPHER JONES & TANYA TUMAIAN NEWS EDITOR & STAFF WRITERS CBJ722@CABRINI.EDU & TUMAJANTAN@CABRINJ.EDU

College students that commute not only have to worry about affording an education, now they have to worry about affording the gas to get to school.

"I don't have much money for gas. It's expensive,,, Eric Houck, a sophomore History major said. He drives from Boyertown Pa., which is about a 40 minute commute to Cabrini.

Within the past weeks, gas prices have increased by more than 20 cents per gallon. Prices in Pennsylvania have gone up as much as $2.02 per gallon. Stations surrounding campus sell gas ranging from $1.76 to $1.95, which puts a strain on commuters' pockets.

According to the ~ew York Times, energy experts give several reasons for the drastic increase in gas prices, "including a July 30 pipeline rupture in Arizona; refinery problems on the East and West Coasts; and the power blackouts in the Northeast and Midwest that caused several refineries to shut temporarily.,, After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, more and more people are traveling by car. Therefore, the demand for gas is increasing, which gives gasoline companies incentive to raise their prices.

It all goes back to the supply and demand theory - demand being the consumer's need of a certain product or service, and supply being the manufacturer's output of a certain product or service.

"In the summer months the production of gasoline, is at its highest because of the large levels of American travel. After the month of August most gasoline companies begin to convert their natural gas into home-heating oil thus slowing down the production of gasoline,,, Joseph Mackie, sophomore business major, said.

Gas consumerslookingfor lower gas rates should go to http://www.gasbuddy.com/ for updated information on the highand low gas pricesin your area.