Jan. 31, 2008 issue 14 Loquitur

TIHE LOQUITUR 50

Election disrupts peace in Kenya

A country in shambles struggles to regain its order.

VICKIE PAPAGEORGE COPY EDITOR VP724@CABRINI EDU

DIANA VILARES EVENTS EDITOR DVV722@CABRINI EDU

When Robert Makunu, the Catholic Relief Services deputy HIV/AIDS unit manager, spoke to Cabrini students Nov. 27 for World AIDS Day, he said, “Come, visit Kenya.” Cabrini students, stirred by the picture of an extremely poor country nevertheless making great progress in combating HIV/AIDS and developing into one of the most stable countries in Africa, seriously considered how they could find a way to visit him and see CRS work in Kenya.

Exactly one month later, Kenya’s place as a stable democracy was shaken as the country experienced rioting after a disputed presidential election. On Dec. 27 violence erupted in a usually peaceful nation when President Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner in a disputed vote count, beating out contender Raila Odinga. As a result, more than 650 people have died and approximately 220,000 were displaced due to burning, looting and marauding mobs in Nairobi and western Kenyan towns.

CRS country representative Ken MacLean spoke in a phone interview with Loquitur and said, “The height of the violence

is over but there are concentrated pockets of bad violence.”

Catholic Relief Services has transitioned itself to providing emergency relief and aid on the ground for the country while attempting to maintain the numerous developmental projects they have implemented over the years.

The Children Behind Project, the community-based development program which Makunu partakes in, is among one of the projects that is in danger due to the sudden violence in Kenya.

“Kenyan hearts are bleeding, and CRS staff hearts are bleeding too,” MacLean said, in an open dialogue discussion found in the CRS blogs.

The violence began shortly after President Kibaki was declared the winner of the election. Odinga claims the vote was rigged, which triggered widespread rage and violence among the tribes in the streets of Kenya.

Thousands fled their homes to avoid the sound of violence that penetrated villages. In addition to teaching young Kenyans arithmetic and grammar, schools along with churches became safe havens before proper assistance was established.

Kenyans were subjected to living under scraps of tin sheets that once held together their homes. Businesses have been closed for weeks, and the once stable and

KENYA, page 3

Boost from students give struggling New Orleans hope

ASHLEY COOK NEWS EDITOR AAC722@CABRINI EDU

MEGAN PELLEGRINO COPY EDITOR MRP727@CABRINI EDU

JILLIAN SMITH PERSPECTIVES EDITOR JKS724@CABRINI EDU

Two and a half years ago, 2312 Gina Drive, La. was a place where Edna Guerra called home. Today, 2312 Gina Drive is nothing more than an empty lot holding a FEMA trailer that is not much larger than a walk-in closet. This is one of the many repercussions of Hurricane Katrina.

“A lot of days I cry. My heart is

Hunger in Phila.

TERRENCE STAFF WRITER MMT723@CABRINI EDU

MEGHAN SMITH STAFF WRITER MES733@CABRINI EDU

Imagine having four children and only one can of beans to feed them for dinner. This is a reality faced by people living in the Philadelphia area who are not able to make a dollar stretch far enough to feed their families. One in four Philadelphians lives in poverty, meaning a family of four makes less than $20,000.

While the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for many, for the 25 percent of Philadelphians living below the poverty line, the holidays can be a burden, struggling to put food on the table and gifts under the tree.

Students at Cabrini and in schools and churches across the country are very generous at Christmastime. But after the holidays, people sometimes forget about giving food to those who are hungry.

“It’s difficult to care when it is not the holidays,” Shannon Keough, event coordinator of Poverty Awareness Month, said.

One who does not forget about the hungry is Kevin Murphy, a sophomore at LaSalle University. He has been volunteering in the Philadelphia area all year round for the last six years. Murphy is a dedicated volunteer who would rather spend his time helping the less fortunate instead of playing sports with his friends.

Murphy met a 42-yearold man named Mike whose life as a husband and father turned into one of addiction and alcoholism. After four months of complete sobriety, Mike fell back into his addictions following an open-heart operation that saved his life.

For years Murphy has assisted at a soup kitchen in the Kensington section of PhilaHUNGER, page 3

MALLORY

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

CRS is providing technical assistance to set up water systems and latrines at sites housing displaced families in Kenya.

PHOTO BY DANE FREDENBURG/CRS

Two years later, the devastation of Katrina can still be seen in each small community. Many houses, uninsured, are so damaged, they cannot be fixed promptly.

STAFF WRITER

Being a volunteer will change your life

Between 2004 and 2006, Philadelphia had an average of 1.2 million volunteers who served 143.3 hours per year according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. With a population of over 1.4 million people living in Philadelphia, together with the hundreds of thousands that live outside the Philadelphia area, that’s not a great amount of people who volunteer.

Of those 1.2 million volunteers, 21.2 percent of them are between the ages of 16 and 24. Most colleges are now requiring courses that send their students to volunteer in community service; even some high schools now require community service for graduation. Yet what do people our age, whether in college or not, do beyond what is necessary in community service?

Over Christmas break, six Cabrini students, consisting of five Loquitur editors, along with many others, made the long trip down to New Orleans, La., to aid in building houses for Habitat for Humanity. After long hours traveling in a bus down to their site, showering in portable showers, sleeping on cots in rooms that fit up to thirty people, working 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. everyday, even slamming their hands with hammers, they all realized the importance of community service. In the beginning of the trip they had some things in common, though not many. However in the end they all had one big thing in common; they all wanted to go back. Each and every one of them found the time to raise money, collect cans and attend meetings in order to partake in the trip to New Orleans. For most people, they don’t think they don’t have the time to aid in community service. Not enough hours in the day is not an excuse to not help people in need. It seems as though when something tragic happens, such as the tsunami, Hurricane Katrina or New Orleans, that people come together and rally to help the people in need. Yet after a few weeks or even months, it dies down and the rate of volunteers decreases dramatically.

It shouldn’t take a tsunami, hurricane or a levy breaking resulting in flooding out a city to have people volunteer. There’s so many thing that could be done in our own city.

Between 2004 and 2006, 27.1 percent of all fundraising in Philadelphia was performed by selling items to raise money, and 19.2 percent went to collecting, preparing and distributing food.

There are so many different ways to get involved, and it shouldn’t take your SEM 300 class to make you volunteer. If distributing food at homeless shelters doesn’t seem appealing, then there are hundreds of kids who would love attention in Norristown. The Wolfington Center is a great place to find out how you are able to do your part around Philadelphia.

Jeannie Armbuster, who works in the Wolfington Center, is a wonderful contact for information on different service projects through Cabrini. The Cabrini College Habitat for Humanity House in Norristown has volunteer workdays on Feb. 15, April 2 and April 11.

Don’t let a tragedy be the only reason you volunteer; there are so many people in the world that need help. If you have the ability to do so, take advantage of it. If you ever need help in the future and wonder why people aren’t helping you, you’re going to wish you had done more when you could; and wish there were more people out there who volunteered.

Drexel announces new e-mail system

CHRISTINA MICHALUK STAFF WRITER CMM736@CABRINI EDU

Drexel University, who provides the e-mail service for Cabrini College, will soon be offering its students with 4 GB of storage through Gmail or Microsoft e-mail. This is in contrast with Cabrini’s e-mail limit of 100 MB.

The launch of this new e-mail system is expected to take place this spring.

Drexel supports other local school’s webmail services in addition to Cabrini’s.

This is through a new free program offered to colleges by companies like Google’s Gmail. Although the e-mail will be Gmail, the students’ addresses will still be @drexel.edu.

The program has been named exclusively by Drexel as LinkEdu. Students will not only have more e-mail options they will also have access to instant messaging as well as voice based instant messaging from Google.

Other applications that are

offered are: web-based calendar, web-accessible space for photo and document storage and real-time collaboration tools.

Both Microsoft and Google allow students to have their accounts notify them if a new e-mail appears in their inbox. The partnership with Google and Microsoft allows a combined 400,000 GB of storage for the entire student body without any cost.

The partnerships with both companies are considered beneficial because it will allow students to work with tools that are already familiar to them. These are also tools they will be able to continue to use after graduation.

Microsoft and Google offer access to all of the tools no matter the location of the student.

One perk that separates an existing outside e-mail account from the LinkEdu account is that students will be free of unwanted advertisements.

“These partnerships are another example of Drexel’s commitment to providing students with not only state-of-the-art

technology but greater personal options to help them in developing their creativity and talent,” President Constantine Papadakis, said in the official press release.

Drexel’s administration decided that it would be best not to settle on one particular provider like other schools who have outsourced their e-mail systems in the past.

“Choice is good. Drexel has been and remains committed to providing our students with choice,” Ken Blackney, assistant vice president of core technology of Information Resources and Technology, said.

A selected group of 100 students will test out the new LinkEdu features in February. The rest of the student body will begin to use the features in March.

Drexel is still in the process of developing the tools to offer LinkEdu to students. It is too soon to say if other school’s webmail, such as Cabrini’s will have access to the new applications. The decision will be made this spring after the official launch of LinkEdu.

2007-2008 Loquitur Staff/Editorial Staff

Editor in Chief Kaitlin Barr

Deputy Editor Liz Lavin

Managing Editor Nicole Osuch

News Editor Jamie Hufnagle

News Editor Ashley Cook

A & E Editor Grayce Turnbach

A & E Editor Katie Clark

Features Editor Brittany Lavin

Perspectives Editor Jillian Smith

Sports Editor Jessica Hagerty

Sports Editor Kasey Minnick

Copy Editor Megan Pellegrino

Copy Editor Vickie Papageorge

Events Editor Diana Vilares

Adviser Dr. Jerome Zurek

Staff Writers

Jonathan Barnett

Christopher Blake

Christina Michaluk

Sarah Pastor

Alicia Cook Nicholas Pitts

Nicole Duggan

Danielle Feole

Liz Garrett

Christine Graf

Jessie Holeva

Danielle Kaine

Robert Kallwass

Shannon Keough

Samantha Randol

Christy Ross

Meghan Smith

Jessica Storm

Mallory Terrence

Lauren Townsend

Diana Trasatti

Jake Verterano

Ryan Kirby Britany Wright

Laura Lombardi

Brittany McLeod

Our Mission Statement

The Loquitur is Cabrini’s College weekly, student-run, campus newspaper. It is widely respected as the voice of students, staff, faculty, alumni and many others outside the Cabrini community. The Loquitur has earned its position by advocating for self expression through freedom of speech, and by serving as an outlet for readers to affect change on campus and off.

Founded in 1959, the Loquitur has thrived and greatly expanded its readership. The paper now has over 2,000 online readers and 1,500 print readers on a weekly basis.

Our mission is to provide readers with an opportunity to voice their opinions freely, in an environment where their voices are effectively heard and respected.

The Loquitur: You Speak. We Listen

Loquitur is a laboratory newspaper written, edited and produced by the students of COM 353, 352, 250 and 251. Subscription price is $25 per year and is included in the benefits secured by tuition and fees. Additional copies are $1 each. Loquitur welcomes letters to the editors. Letters to the editor are to be less than 500 words. These are usually in response to a current issue on campus or community area. Guest columns are longer pieces between 600 and 800 words and also are usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini College campus or community. Letters to the editor and guest columns are printed as space permits. Submissions may be edited for length, clarity and content. Name, phone number and address should be included for verification purposes. Personal attacks and anonymous submissions will not be printed. Letters to the editor and guest columns can be

Students lend a helping hand to Hurricane Katrina victim

NEW ORLEANS, page 1

broken, and I try to be happy. But sometimes, there’s moments I just can’t take it anymore,” Guerra said.

The devastation from the 2005 storm remains in many sections of Louisiana. Street numbers line the curbs yet there are no houses to claim them. The stench of mold, mildew and stagnant water still linger through the air. Even on the sunniest day, no squirrels scurrying, birds chirping or children laughing can be heard.

However on Jan. 8, the silence was broken with the whack of a hammer and the screech of a saw.

With open arms, St. Bernard’s Parish, roughly 45-minutes out-

side of New Orleans, welcomed six Cabrini students and other volunteers. Ashley Cook, Kasey Minnick, Megan Pellegrino, Jillian Smith, Jackie Turchi and Grayce Turnbach participated in Warren County, NJ’s Habitat for Humanity’s youth project where they helped rebuild what Katrina had destroyed.

“I knew day one was going to be tough,” Grayce Turnbach, junior english and Communications major, said. “But I came here to help this women who had lost everything.”

On their first day of work, WCHFH and the six Cabrini students pulled up to 2312 Gina Drive not knowing what to expect.

Moments later, the group was met by Guerra, or “Miss Edna” as they called her, where the emotional side of the storm sunk in.

For the next four days, the volunteers put all their sweat, blood and tears into moving Miss Edna from her cramped FEMA trailer into a beautiful new house she would soon be able to call home.

“I just wanna stop, my wrists hurt so bad, but I can’t,” said a WCHFH volunteer, Shamera Washington, after hammering a nail into the floorboard. “I know if I stop, Miss Edna will be the one suffering. I have to help her, I can’t just give up.”

When neighbors saw Habitat for Humanity volunteers begin-

Violent outbreak results from election

developing economy that grew 6 percent last year has screeched to a halt with no clear solution in sight.

According to Debbie DeVoe, the regional information officer for CRS in Kenya, CRS and partner staff are keeping a close watch on the situation in the area and continue to monitor the status of project participants in order to respond quickly if situations arise that could further hinder project implementation.

CRS has provided $250,000 worth of emergency supplies to aid 37,500 people in the worst-affected regions. They are working closely with other agencies, including the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and Caritas Kenya.

The Kenya Red Cross has

distributed 7,000 blankets, 10,000 mosquito nets, 5,000 water cans and 7,500 plastic sheets that CRS has delivered.

In addition, they are developing plans to help communities rebuild trust and eventually enable displaced families to rebuild their lives after extensive loss.

DeVoe said in an email to the Loquitur, “No beneficiaries have died in the violence, although four girls received minor injuries during skirmishes in Karungu. They were treated promptly afterwards.”

Service delivery has been disrupted due to lack of transportation, but this has yet to cause significant problems because most beneficiaries are treated at health facilities near their homes.

“This has become a hu-

manitarian crisis,” MacLean said. “The attacking and burning of homes continues. The number of Kenyans affected by this violence will only escalate unless security is restored.”

MacLean said that longer term work is needed to address the wounds the electoral process opened in the nation.

“It’s going to take time to heal,” MacLean said.

John Katunga, regional technical adviser for peacebuilding and justice, said in an interview with DeVoe, “What has happened in this country cannot be isolated. CRS employees in Kenya are a microcosm of society, and as Kenyan society is divided by the crisis, it affects our staff.”

ning Guerra’s house, they soon became another set of helping hands. Nicky Alfonso, 42, Guerra’s next-door neighbor, took a week’s worth vacation from work to assist in the rebuilding of Guerra’s house. He soon became the volunteers’ “go-to-guy” for all their construction problems.

“It’s obvious a lot of these kids haven’t even picked up a hammer before, but they’re here regardless,” Alfonso said. “This isn’t just doing Miss Edna good, it does me good too. It lifts my heart; I feel so grateful.”

Throughout the week, the volunteers had proven that Miss Edna’s house was their top priority. Not even Louisiana’s pouring rain

would hinder their dedication. On the last day, volunteers refused to leave until the last floorboard of Guerra’s house was in place. Finally, at 6:47 p.m. Guerra hammered the last nail into her new floor. The flooring and foundation was finally complete. Volunteers, neighbors and Guerra celebrated by having the cupid shuffle on the floor, a Habitat for Humanity tradition.

“I may not be rich with money, but I’m rich with friends,” Guerra said.

Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com.

The hungry forgotten after holidays

delphia and recently joined forces with an organization located at 802 North Broad St. This organization runs homeless outreaches and provides services to help people get off the streets, but the one thing they cannot do is provide food.

“Usually there is an increase in donations between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Yet this year things have been tight all around, making donations harder to come by,” Carey Morgan, director of the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger, said.

Organizations such as the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger and Philabundance work to ensure that healthy meals are readily available to Philadelphians in need of assistance. The success of these organizations is dependent upon the generosity from members of the community.

Touched by Mike’s story, Murphy directed him towards 802’s counseling services where is he now taking small steps to get off the streets.

“Encounters like this make me keep coming back be-

cause I feel as though I am making a difference in someone’s life,” Murphy said.

The St. Vincent de Paul Society of Upper Darby, a borough food bank, had to close their doors for a week right before Thanksgiving because the group ran out of food.

“We have a large volunteer body primarily made up of students, and we are always on the look out for more,” Morgan said.

“Cabrini has partnerships with various food banks and shelters throughout the Philadelphia area and are always ready to reach the needs of the community,” Christa Angeloni, campus minister, said. The Wolfington Center holds its annual food drive in November.

This year the Wolfington Center dedicated one month to poverty awareness, whereas next year Keough and sophomore Elizabeth Briggs plan to have events to occur once a month.

“We felt empty because we wanted to give more throughout the year,” Keough said.

HUNGER, page 1

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

Edna Guerra, pictured above, hammers in the last nail that completed the floor of her house that is currently being rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina damage.

PHOTO BY DANE FREDENBURG/CRS

Families fled with whatever possessions they had time to gather, in some cases having as little as a minute to leave their homes due to

Online sites become gateway for presidential candidates

CHRISTY ROSS CLR725@CABRINI EDU STAFF WRITER

YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, with the current election in progress, sites such as these are being used to promote the presidential candidates.

These sites have become a gateway for the presidential election. Presidential candidates are logging on and promoting themselves through these three sites.

Almost all of the Democratic and Republican candidates can be found on YouTube discussing each of their personal views on areas like health care, immigration, education and Iraq. In the “YouTube You Choose 2008” video clips viewers have the opportunity to meet the candidates and learn more about their views on many different topics involved with the election.

In a more local scene, associate professor of English and communications, Cathy Yungmann, and her Seminar 300 class last fall were involved in various activities regarding the Republican debate. “I had each student go home and formulate a question for the Republican candidates,” Yungmann said. “Then the stu-

dents brought their questions into class and we discussed each one before they were recorded.” Each student chose a topic of interest for the election and recorded their own personal questions to the candidates about their views on areas such as debt level of college students, poverty level, war debt, climate change, social security and several others.

During the Republican debate in November, CNN paired up with YouTube. Here, people from around the country could submit a video to a republican candidate of their choice about a question that concerned them. On the night of the debate CNN chose 12 questions from the thousands submitted to ask the candidates. Yungmann and her Seminar 300 class posted their questions on the site in hopes theirs would be chosen.

“I wanted to get the students involved in the election,” Yungmann said. “The idea of using sites like YouTube draws in a younger crowd for this upcoming election.”

Brandon Linker, a freshman at Cabrini College works closely with an “underground” online drafting campaign to bring the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg into the presidential election. “My working

experience for the drafting committee is to collect signatures on the petition that is updated and sent to Mayor Bloomberg each month,” Linker said in an e-mail. Sites like YouTube or these online petitions are helping the candidates reach more audiences by networking through them. By posting these videos it is a possibility that these videos could be viewed by one of the candidates.

The candidates are not the only ones using these sites to help boost their electoral votes. YouTube, MySpace and Facebook users from many different states are logging on day after day to post their personal videos to the candidates, update their blogs about the election or even become a “friend” to one of them to show their support.

These sites have allowed the candidates to take a different approach with this upcoming election. Aside from the debates that we see on television to help with the votes, they now can continue their debate through one of these sites. This idea of networking through these sites is a different approach that we haven’t seen yet in the previous elections. It could potentially be a new way for the candidates to score some extra votes.

Up ‘til Dawn to raise money for cancer research in annual benefit dinner

SAM RANDOL STAFF WRITER SRR722@CABRINI EDU

Up ‘til Dawn, a student- run organization that raises money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will be hosting its annual benefit dinner Friday, Feb. 8 at Cabrini College.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats many different types of cancer in children. It is a unique facility in that they do not turn away patients for their inability to pay. The hospital is also responsible for many of the major developments made in pediatric cancer research.

The fourth annual benefit dinner will feature chefs from many area restaurants along with Cabrini’s executive Chef Rodney Stockett preparing the meal for the event. The menu for the night will consist of some very delicious gourmet choices.

The idea for the event came about after Chef Rodney and the members of Up ‘til Dawn came up with the idea for doing a fundraiser that involved food. After getting some of Stockett’s chef friends involved, the event came to life.

“Being involved with this cause is very humbling. The reward is helping someone. It

keeps everything in perspective. The reward will be seeing it all in action. I’ll keep doing it till I can’t anymore,” Stockett said.

A silent auction will also take place. The prizes have been donated from area businesses. Tickets will be available for purchase and then the prizes will be raffled off.

This will be the fourth year that Cabrini will be hosting this event. Attendance in previous years has been strong, with many faculty, staff members and others from the community coming to support the cause. The organization has also been able to raise a great deal of money for the hospital, Christina Moglioni, chair of the Up ‘til Dawn executive board, said. They hope to see another year of strong attendance.

While this event is a large fundraiser for the organization, Up ‘til Dawn also hosts a few other events throughout the year.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and take place in the Mansion. Tickets are $50 and $25 for Cabrini students and are available through the Student Activities office. There will be 130 tickets for sale. All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in

Memphis, Tenn.

ASHLEY COOK/NEWS EDITOR

Presidential Candidates are using sites such as Myspace, Facebook and YouTube to promote their campaigns. They hope to use the internet coverage as a way to gain more popularity during this years Election.

LIZ LAVIN/DEPUTY EDITOR

Members of the fourth annual Up ‘til Dawn benefit dinner on Friday, Feb. 8 with help fundraise for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Cabrini’s executive Chef Rodney Stockett will prepare the meal for the event. The organization hopes to have a strong and successful attendence this year.

Wolfington Center presents students with job opportunities

JAKE VERTERANO STAFF WRITER JCV722@CABRINI EDU

The Wolfington Center is now giving students an opportunity to get some great positions on their resume and gain some money in the process. The center is publicizing jobs available to students who qualify for work grant or work study.

Students who participate in the program will earn $10 an hour for their work. That’s more than students make who work on campus. The students are paid through financial aid.

“The students, who would be considered ‘community workers’ would have the same expectations of them as an employee would have,” Lauren Mindermann, who is helping direct the program, said.

Students involved in the program would be working at partner agencies in Norristown. There are many job opportunities for students.

Laurel House, a domestic abuse shelter, is offering positions in the office and helping with administrative tasks and special events. Norristown High School allows students to work with the Truancy Abatement program.

There are two different homeless shelters offering employment this semester. Norristown Hospitality Center is the first, where students would be able to work in the food pantry as well as in the shelter itself. The Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center is also offering jobs where students

Bill to distribute money to lower and middle class taxpayers

SHANNON KEOUGH STAFF WRITER SEK723@CABRINI EDU

The Bush administration, along with congressional leaders, made a decision to cooperate to create a $150 billion economic stimulus package that will go to poor and middle class taxpayers. Up to $600 will be given to individuals, $1,200 for couples, and families will receive $300 for each child. Businesses will also be given a portion in order to purchase new equipment. Both Democrats and Republicans had to make political compromises for this package, but Bush hopes that the package will help boost the economy. Congress will debate the details in the coming week before voting on the bill to present to Bush on Feb. 6.

can survey clients to help assess how the shelter is performing.

The Police Athletic League has positions available for students interested in helping in their office and with after school programs. The Life Childcare Center provides students the opportunity to tutor children.

Students involved in Catholic Social Services will provide childcare for parenting groups. The Norristown Public Library offers a variety of options including help in the computer lab, programming assistance, database research and library aides.

The Tabernacle International Deliverance Church is in search of students who are able to teach computer classes. Students who

Stock market witnesses enormous fall

On Jan. 21 the stock markets radically dropped around the world. It proved to be the biggest loss since 2001 and many fear that the United States has fallen into a recession. The U.S. major stocks have dropped 15 percent since October and they could fall into a bear market if they drop to 20 percent. The drop resulted in the Federal Reserve Bank cutting interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point down to 3.5 percent. This is the biggest cut in 18 years.

are interested in coaching would be able to assistant coach at the Norristown School District.

“The best benefits of this job are the students’ ability to make connections with their community,” Mindermann said. “They meet leaders who can serve as references for their job search after graduation.”

Students may work between two to 15 hours a week. Their amount of hours worked depends on the agency they decide to work for. The hours can be flexible depending upon the commitment the student has to the job.

Students can find out more about the jobs available by contacting Mindermann or visiting the Wolfington Center.

Importance of Florida’s primary elections

The Florida primary election on Feb. 29 will be an extremely competitive election for Republicans. This will be the first Republican closed primary election. Rudolph W. Giuliani has fallen behind in the polls but a win in Florida will certainly keep him in the race. If John McCain, winner of the South Carolina primary, wins he may become the front-runner of the Republicans. The winner of this primary election will benefit on Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Obama wins South Carolina

Barack Obama won the Democratic primary election in South Carolina due to the large support of black voters. Although John Edwards is from South Carolina, he came in third place and has not yet won any state. Obama’s win will put him on an equal playing field with Hilary Clinton on Feb. 5.

Kennedy takes sides

Senator Edward Kennedy has decided to back Obama’s campaign which may increase support from many union workers and Hispanics. The Clintons have continued to urge Kennedy not to support anyone in the race. With Kennedy’s political power, the Clintons fear that Obama may now be able to steal Hilary’s victory.

Cabrini students tutor at Radnor Elementary as part of an after school tutoring program. This is one job among the many job opportunities being presented to students.

Perspectives Persp e c t ives

Habitat for Humanity: Trip of a lifetime

KASEY MINNICK SPORTS EDITOR KM735@CABRINI EDU

Many people in this world take things for granted in their lives and have no idea how lucky they are compared to those without anything. I was classified as one of those people who didn’t know how good I had it until I traveled with five other students from Cabrini College to New Orleans, La. to help rebuild houses with Habitat for Humanity and Americorps.

I can explain how we arrived at Camp Hope, a volunteer base camp, and were shown our small quarters to sleep in with 25 or more cots, the freezing showers we had until the day the mobile, warm showers pulled up and we felt like we all had won the lottery. But this writing shouldn’t be about my hardships; this is about the victim’s sufferings and how more than two years later life isn’t easier for them, but they put a smile on their faces and stay strong.

The eerie 9th Ward in New Orleans still looks to be a ghost town and the feeling I received while traveling though the area was, “Why would people keep coming back to this when there is always a threat of devastation?” The truth that I later realized is that these natives have

their roots here; they aged with the house, their neighbors, their community and they can’t just give-up. What kills me is that these people who desperately want to get back to their old lives and out of the government FEMA trailers can’t because there aren’t enough volunteers to go around or funding to get done what us students did to Miss Edna’s house.

Yes, part of that problem is our governments fault, but other blame goes to individuals with their heads in the clouds who believe that since the dilemma is not being broadcasted on television, everything is “fine and dandy.” If circumstances in the South are moving in an optimistic direction, then why are those same Cabrini students and I returning during our spring break? There is only so much the Cabrini community can do together, so that’s why others need to open their eyes to these perspective pieces on the damage still remaining.

For those that think we will be the people to pick up your slack, think again. While you are sipping your drink on some beach somewhere during your break, we will be in the company of grateful people and WE will be making the difference.

ASHLEY COOK NEWS EDITOR AAC722@CABRINI EDU

One of the first things Miss Edna ever said to us was that we were her angels and we would be her babies forever.

And that’s just the way they are in St. Bernard’s Parish and New Orleans. The most welcoming, thankful, friendly, inspiring, best people you could ever had the pleasure and privilege of meeting.

They are just simply really wonderful people. And what makes them so wonderful is they would say the exact same for you.

This town is a place where neighbors are considered family, everyone is embraced with a hello, people talk because they have a true interest in getting to know you better and even with the devastation that Hurricane Katrina caused, they still smile and laugh and take the time to really see the beauty in everything, something I think we in the North take for granted.

As Miss Edna showed us her small FEMA trailer, maybe the size of a small shed, a mix of emotions came over me. First I was in disbelief she had been living here for about two years. I felt sad, and then thankful for all that I have.

A sudden thought rushed to my mind and I felt ashamed. To think, I had thought I had it bad living in a small one-bedroom apartment with my family.

And here was Miss Edna, like many others from New Orleans with practically nothing to their name. Leaving her home with just two pairs of clothing, she came back to find her paid off home completely destroyed.

I realized though we may not always see it, their will always be someone who has it worse than others.

But why Miss Edna? It will never seem fair. Someone as loving and kind as Miss Edna deserves nothing but the best. After just recently losing her husband and whole world, I will never be able to express how sorry I am for what she has had to go through.

Miss Edna showed me depression pills her doctor prescribed her after the hurricane, the jar still full. She didn’t need to take medication because she would fight this battle on her own.

I think she is amazing.

After meeting with Miss Edna, our week was much more important then I had imagined. We were here to restore not only buildings and houses; we were here to restore the hope in these people.

Stepping foot into Camp Hope, it was not exactly your luxury get away. In fact, it was the worst living conditions I had ever seen. Four minute freezing cold showers, cots for sleeping about as long as my height, food donated that looked like maybe a four year old had cooked it and if you weren’t in the mood

that day for another peanut butter sandwich, there was always the boxed food straight out of a military camp.

I have to admit; at first I wasn’t too thrilled to be stationed in the heart of the devastation. What I didn’t realize then was that this test was something that would change my life and perspective forever. Living like a local, I got first hand of just what it is like to live poor. And oddly enough, by the end of my trip, I was so happy. I didn’t want to leave!

I could handle peanut butter sandwiches, cold showers, small living spaces, because I love Miss Edna and the heart of this city is still so alive; just take a walk down Bourbon Street once, and I can guarantee you’ll never want to leave; it feels like home.

Every bruise, ache, scar, blister; working in the pouring rain, the scolding hot and the freezing cold, we did it. There was no time for breaks, no time to screw around; this was Miss Edna’s future we were building. Finishing was all that mattered.

As a team, we came together and even became our own little family, working together and helping each other out. I have never seen such determination and hard work in each and every volunteer as I did on this trip. Someone like myself who spends way too much time in front of the mirror, couldn’t care less about anything else but hit-

ting that nail into the board or prying apart that window frame. Working from eight in the morning until sometimes four at night non-stop was not mandatory, but not one of us complained for a second.

I found something deep inside of myself that I had been hiding before I met Miss Edna. I found the strength to take this little 115-pound body and lift things twice my size, hammer until I could feel the blisters forming on my hands, and then continue anyway.

Working with pulled muscles and achy bones, our team was able to accomplish our goals and come together in the end as not only friends, but also a family. A family blessed to be brought here all for the same reason; to do the right thing.

I think everyone on this trip was changed one way or another because of the circumstances we were put into and because of how we rose up to the challenges we were faced.

Watching Miss Edna see us off as we were leaving was one of the hardest things we have ever had to face. But her words will live forever in my thoughts and prayers:

“I’m not rich with money, I’m rich with friends.”

There will be a day when we will be able to visit Miss Edna again, and I am looking forward to that day.

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

After a long day of working at the Habitat for Humanity warehouse in the lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, the volunteers pose with their site leader, Oliver. All the volunteers were required to spend at least one day at the warehouse helping to clean up.

Out of the six Cabrini students that went on the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity trip, five of them are Loquitur editors. From left to right: Ashley Cook, Megan Pellegrino, Kasey Minnick, Jillian Smith and Grayce Turnbach.

Over winter break, six Cabrini students went down to New Orleans, La. to help rebuild homes with Habitat for Humanity. While down there, they learned much more than just how to construct a house, but how to create a home.

Rebuilding New Orleans one nail at a time

MEGAN PELLEGRINO COPY EDITOR MRP727@CABRINI EDU

“You really want to go to New Orleans?” “You know Princess would be expected to work!”

“Eww, there are gators and swamps!” “You are going to get all dirty and bruised! How’s that gonna look?” Some kind of support I recieved from my family and friends when I made the decision to spend part of my winter break helping others rebuild what was lost from Hurricane Katrina.

Sadly, at first, they all were right! Princess was not happy!

After being on a bus for not one, count them, two days, we arrived at what they call Camp Hope. I, for one, not too hopeful. I stand in the middle of the main hallway of Camp Hope, this run down school with not even tiling on the floor looking up at a large school clock that was being held up by mere wires.

At this point, I tried to stay positive, laughed at the situation and decided to find my bedroom (classroom) and choose my bunk. Bunk bed? Ha! Try cot! And lets talk about selection, the room was packed! Instead of choosing a cot, it was more like finding the empty cot among thirty.

I finally found my cot, laughed it off, and decided that Princess could get her mind off of these horrible accommodations with a nice hot shower. Try artic

GRAYCE TURNBACH A&E EDITOR GRT722@CABRINI EDU

Two days on a bus will drive anyone nuts and it was getting to me. Little did I know, that would be the least of my worries.

We arrive at Camp Hope in St. Bernard’s parish in Louisiana. Off to the cafeteria we went. Catfish with mustard, it’s what’s for dinner!

Sleeping arrangements were army cots. 24-30 people in an old classroom. They weren’t the most comfortable things but, after a long day of work they did the job.

We had ice cold showers and plywood bathroom stalls. Talk about uncomforable.

Living conditions at Camp Hope weren’t what we expected, but neither were the FEMA trailers the residents of New Orleans have to live in.

Two and a half years after Katrina destroyed the city of New Orleans Miss

blast!

Again, I will repeat, Princess was not happy with the accommodations!

Knowing that I was thousands of miles from Jersey, I decided to suck it up for the week, and pledged I would never ever go to Camp Hope or endure this experience from hell again!

Day one on the worksite arrived. I was nervous of what to expect.

Moments later, I personally met Miss Edna, the woman who the habitat for humanity house was for, in her FEMA trailer. Miss Edna told us her horrible story from Hurricane Katrina. She lost everything, including the love of her life, her husband. As Miss Edna shared her story, almost everyone around me was crying. It hit them hard.

I looked around at everyone crying, still intently listening to Miss Edna’s horrific story. When she was finished, she looked around at everyone with tears running down their faces, and told us not to cry. We were her angels, her babies and that we finally arrived and said “I may not be rich in money, but I am rich in friends.”

This was my breakdown moment, the exact moment when I realized why I went to New Orleans. Although, I spent the past few days complaining on just about everything under the sun, Miss Edna considered me an angel and counted on me.

From this moment on, I

Edna, a 62-year old widow, still resides in one of these cramped trailers.

Imagine calling home a plywood bedspring for your mattress, little to no walking space, an oven the size of our microwaves and a bathroom/shower basically in your kitchen.

It’s difficult, right?

What’s even more difficult is imagining this living condition for two and a half years. It’s so far from being a home.

Luckily, for Miss Edna the 57 of us had arrived and were there to build her the foundation of her new life. Whatever it was going to take, we were more than willing to do it.

Being in New Orleans made me realize how lucky I am, but more importantly, just how blind I was.

I had no idea living conditions for the survivors were this horrible. You can’t know until you see it.

Steps are all that’s left to most of the homes that were destroyed. The streets we walked on once

realized that week, I must dedicate to Miss Edna and Miss Edna alone. She deserved my overachiever personality and nothing less of that.

That night, when we returned to camp, instead of complaining, I was grateful for my running water, designated cot and waiting in line for a bathroom. It was something, a lot more than what Miss Edna could say.

The week went by quickly, and as corny as it sounds, it was an experience of a lifetime.

Our final day we worked hours into the night, we were determined to finish Miss Edna’s flooring and we did. We celebrated our success not as sixty individuals but as a team. We did it for Miss Edna!

As I was walking home, back to Camp Hope, my whole body ached, I felt like death, smelt like dirt and was covered head to toe in bruises, but Princess did not complain. She skipped back to Camp Hope with a smile on her face.

I come back to Jersey a changed person, I have acquired the skill of hammering, the strength to break crowbars and how to prioritize what is important in life.

Today I am constantly asked, would I do this again? My answer, yes the first moment I have the opportunity to go back, I will pack up my working boots and gloves and start heading south to Camp Hope.

had 10 to 15 ft. of water in them and fishes swimming around, some people even had aligators invade their property due to the flow of water.

Tears of pure sadness were the only tears you would see running down my face for those whose homes were destroyed and still just a pile of rubble on their property.

The only day my tears turned to joy was when I finally saw Miss Edna’s tears of pain and heartache turn to those of joy.

That moment was when she walked across her new floor.

Helping someone like Miss Edna was the most gratifying life experience I’ve ever had.

So much needs to be done in the city of New Orleans, I only wish people would open their eyes to that and volunteer their time to help people in need.

Katrina destroyed peoples lives, the least we could do is help re-build them.

JILLIAN SMITH PERSPECTIVES EDITOR JKS724@CABRINI EDU

I’m not quite sure what made me want to take a week out of my winter break and go down to New Orleans, Louisiana to help rebuild what Hurricane Katrina had destroyed in 2005. To be honest, in August of 2005 when Katrina hit New Orleans, destroying the city and leaving many people displaced and homeless, I was moving into college and wasn’t really concerned about what was happening hundreds of miles away.

So, when the opportunity arose to participate in this Habitat for Humanity trip, I said yes not really knowing what to expect. I figured I was going down, building a house with a few friends, experience the city, and then returning in time to do wash, repack and move back into school for my second semester of junior year.

I was so wrong. It was so much more than that.

The first two days, my views were still the same considering all I had done was sit in a bus for 11 hours plus each day.

Sunday night, when we had arrived at Camp Hope, I was anxious. The anxiousness soon turned to disappoint-

ment when I learned we were sleeping on cots, not bunk beds like we had been told, taking ice cold showers and having three toilets, which were always stopped up, for everyone to use. Over the next few days we had all gotten over the fact that we were sleeping on cots with 24 other female volunteers to a room and tried to take one minute showers so that we weren’t in the freezing water for too long. We were there to do good for others and if that meant not sleeping in a fluffy bed and taking steaming hot showers, than so be it.

When we got to our job site, 2312 Gina Street we were greeted by this little old lady, Edna Guerra, or Miss Edna as we were instructed to call her, who was smiling ear to ear. However, that smile soon turned to tears when she began to tell us of her Hurricane Katrina nightmare.

By the end of her speech, I, along with a few other volunteers, were wiping tears away from our eyes. I knew at that moment that this trip was going to be more than I had first expected. This trip wasn’t just “something to do” over Winter break. This trip was going to be doing something to help a woman who was in dire need.

Later that day, I had asked Miss Edna to show me the inside of her FEMA trailer. Being a spoiled, naïve suburban girl, wanted to see what all the fuss was

about the governmentprovided trailers. Looking back, I really wish I hadn’t gone inside.

The inside of the trailer, not much bigger than a walk-in closet, was one of the most horrifying things I had ever seen. As soon as I stepped inside, I got a feeling of claustrophobia. I immediately took a deep breathe and as I looked around the cramped, small FEMA trailer, I was hit with a strong wave of emotion.

I cried hysterically for the whole 25 minutes we were inside.

After seeing where Miss Edna had been living for the past two years of her life, I immediately felt a stronger determination to finish the job we had set out to do.

Nothing mattered to any of us except finishing Miss Edna’s floor. Cold showers didn’t matter. Sleeping on cots didn’t matter. Fire ants were the least of our worries.

We finished that floor for Miss Edna. And afterwards, I cried. Cried out of sadness, out of exhaustion and mainly, out of joy.

Words cannot begin to describe the emotion I felt on this life changing trip.

I feel that I am a better person now that I have met Miss Edna. I will never forget her.

JILLIAN SMITH/PERSPECTIVES EDITOR

While taking a lunch break from working at Miss Edna’s house on afternoon, the six Cabrini girls decided to have a little fun on the wood piles that would soon be used for the framing of the walls. From left to right: Jackie Turchi, Ashley Cook, Megan Pellegrino, Grayce Turnbach, Kasey Minnick and Jillian Smith.

The Melting Pot: making fondue fun

The face of dining out is changing. Instead of a typical three course meal, The Melting Pot, a popular fondue restaurant, offers an interactive dining experience for its customers.

The best part? Being able to play with your food!

Customers of the Melting Pot can expect a cozy and romantic atmosphere with its low lighting and comfortable booths.

According to its website, the first Melting Pot opened in Florida in 1975. At that time the menu only consisted of three items, but as its popularity grew so did its menu.

It now offers a four course meal of a variety of cheese fondues, salads, entrées and chocolate fondues.

The four course meal starts off with a cheese fondue that includes “dippers” such as fresh breads, vegetables and apples. Tortilla chips are also included for certain cheeses.

Every table has burners. The cheese and chocolate

fondue are prepared in a small pot by the server right at the table. Each person is given a set of skewers for dipping.

Entrées include a variety of seafood, chicken and beef. However, they are served uncooked so the customer has to cook their entrée on the burner themselves.

Perhaps the best part of the fondue experience at the Melting Pot is the dessert.

The menu offers many different chocolate fondues including The Original, which is milk chocolate and peanut butter as well as Cookies and Cream Marshmallow Dream.

The chocolate fondue also includes fresh strawberries and bananas, brownies, pound cake, marshmallows and cheesecake for dipping.

The only downsides of dining at the Melting Pot are the expense and timing.

All together, a four course meal for two people can cost almost $100 or more. However, this can be rectified by going with a large group and forgoing the entrée.

Also, because it can take awhile to cook the food, customers can expect to be there for up to three hours.

“It might be a little on

the expensive side for college students,” Samantha Branco, an employee of the Melting Pot in King of Prussia, said. “But if they’re

looking for a fun place to celebrate a special occasion and are with a large group it’s completely worth it.”

The Melting Pot has

a variety of locations throughout the country including King of Prussia. For more information go to meltingpot.com.

Game Review: Rock Band feeds rock star craving

Ranking right below a person’s desire to fly is their longing to be a rock star. It is about time that a video game finally enables you to conquer one of these unrealistic dreams.

The rightfully named and long awaited Rock

Band definitely takes care of the rock star craving. So grab your three best friends; it’s time to hit the road. Available for Xbox 360, Playstation 2 and Playstation 3, Rock Band debuts as the new bully in gang of rhythm games, as well as the ultimate party. It takes the idea of the lone guitar player and greatly expands on it with

the introduction of the drummer, bassist and lead singer. With up to four members in your band at a time, it is a great game for a social setting.

In the band world tour mode, players can create rockers that resemble them. The band actually makes fans based on how well they perform at each venue in the game.

The better the performance, the more venues become available to your band, as well as songs to play.

The band has an excellent “set list” of music to choose.

Featuring bands like The Killers and the Foo Fighters, as well as Metallica and the Rolling Stones, the list covers over 40 years of

rock-and-roll.

When comparing the guitarist role to its rival, Guitar Hero, Rock Band takes realism to a whole new level. Rock Band guitars are modeled after the popular Fender Stratocaster guitar and could easily be mistaken for the real thing.

The Stratocaster also takes the mechanical feel of other rhythm games and throws it out the window. The sensitive strum bar on this guitar gets rid of the clicking sound that Guitar Hero guitars make, leaving a player to possibly forget they are not actually playing a real guitar.

Guitar hero mixes both guitar and bass to create challenging note combinations. Rock Band notes, on the other hand, are very true to the song being played, which makes playing much easier.

The addition of the drums is what makes this game worth buying, as this is the most realistic instrument by far. Four drum pads and a foot pedal is your medium and two genuine wooden drumsticks are your tools.

The notes pour down the screen just as the guitar players, but the foot pedal is played when an orange bar shows up on the screen.

If the rocker can play well

enough, they are rewarded with over-drive, Rock Band’s version of star power in Guitar Hero. Overdrive allows the rocker to “rock-out” with a solo!

Following the same format as rival sing-a-long games such as Karaoke Revolution, the vocals are all about keeping the right pitch and there is a pitchbar in sync with the lyrics that are located on the top of the screen.

Because the game understands pitch and not actual words, the lead singer can put their own words to use, being as improvisational as they desire.

Easy and medium modes are within the comfortable zone for beginner singers, while hard and expert modes are just that- very hard and take an expert to get a good score.

Harmonix has really put on a sold-out show with Rock Band and though it is still only in the rumor stages, the game may eventually come out for Nintendo’s Wii, which should create even more of a stir.

By adding a drummer, bassist and lead singer, it is no longer the Guitar Hero, but rather a Rock Band.

The only thing that this latest simulation game cannot deliver is the sensation of flying.

The Melting Pot is a popular fondue restaurant. It makes fondue fun and easy while offering its customers an interactive dining experience.

NICK PITTS STAFF WRITER NDP722@CABRINI EDU

NICK PiTTS/STAFF WRITER

Rock Band, a popular video game, is available for Xbox 360, Playstation 2 and Playstation 3. It takes video games to a a new level in comparison to its rival Guitar Hero.

Holiday debt leads to credit card cut-backs

holiday season, in 2006, the numbers trumped that of 2005 with a growth of 6.6 percent.

tremely important in order to get out of any financial dilemma.

This past holiday season, consumers as well as retailers felt the effects of the not-so-great economy. With the financial system the way it is, budgeting was the latest trend. Even with the extra budgeting, “the holiday debt hangover” which many experience has not yet disappeared.

During these past months, the economy played a major role in the consumers’ holiday spending. The confidence of consumers fell during the holidays due to the unemployment rates which are still on the rise, the credit and housing market conditions, as well as the higher food and energy costs.

As stated by Bloomberg News reporter Joseph Galante in his article “Holiday spending growth at a FiveYear Low,” MasterCard advisors announced that the spending this holiday season was anything but impressive.

Galante reported that “MasterCard’s consulting unit said [on Dec. 25, 2007] that sales from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 gained 3.6 percent.”

A spending growth of 3.6 percent is minimal compared to the past. Last

Even with the spending trends being at an all-time low, the holiday spending is still hurting the bank accounts of consumers.

Sklar Carmosin & Co.’s certified public accountant, Lenny Kane believes that debt arises more after the holiday seasons than any other time throughout the year.

Kane believes that “the high percentage of retail sales take place during the holiday season. The effect of this is more debt.”

Due to the economy already having a heavy strain on the financials of consumers, the holiday seasons spending may not be the only debt people are experiencing.

Looking at statistics, credit card debt is rising. Kane says the reason for this statistic is “the combination of individuals already in a financial bind having increasing credit card debt and additional people becoming in debt due to the economy.”

The economic problems certainly have not helped anyone’s financial situation, but every person and every case is different.

Setting priorities and making a checklist is ex-

The first step is to begin a “‘financial diet’.” Kane said. “A ‘financial diet’ involves setting a budget that includes funds to repay the debt.”

Debt will not go away on its own. Taking action is the first step to getting rid of any problem.

Sophomore marketing major, Molly Kearney, took action right away.

“I had a job over the holiday break,” Kearney said. “This helped me put the money I spent on gifts back into my bank account.”

If there are multiple bills that need to be paid off, setting a priority list is crucial.

“Starting with a budget and taking a look at what expenses are necessary,” Kane said.

After noticing the weaknesses and the top priori-

ties, a plan is to be made.

“Some may look at home equity loans, others may look at transferring their credit card balances to lower interest rate cards,” Kane said.

After researching ideas and building a solid approach, it may be necessary to set up a meeting with a debt counseling service company.

These services can not only give you advice, but may be able to renegotiate

the terms of the debt and have some of it forgiven. Remember, this may have its pitfalls as well bring on taxable income.

So, we learned from Kane that the ‘financial diet’ is a requirement in order to get out of debt.

Yes, this may sound relatively easy to just set up a plan and start checking off the list as you go.

On the other hand, Kane said, “like any diet, the hard part is sticking to it.”

The holiday season is the most expensive time of the year and can lead to debt for many people. Most find it difficult to recover from their financial troubles. Some options include budgeting, cutting back on credit card use and seeking the help of a financial expert.

Getting organized for the new year

LAURA LOMBARDI STAFF WRITER LCL723@CABRINI EDU

Getting organized is one of the top New Year’s Resolutions. Whether it’s just by organizing your room, your schedule or even your mind.

Sometimes it can be a

struggle to keep things in order.

Some helpful ways in keeping organized could be by keeping a daily planner with a calendar and space for assignments.

Another would be making clear labeled stickers for different subjects, alphabetizing things accord-

ing to a specific pattern as well as color coordinating.

Prioritize your assignments and complete the most important ones first.

Try to make a check list when you are complete and remember to take detailed notes and write everything down.

Highlighting key terms

and making an outline are good ways to stay structured.

These are key ways that eliminate stress, chaos and confusion because organization always leads to success.

Some Cabrini College students find it both easy and challenging to keep

their lives organized.

Felicia Dodson, a sophomore finance major,said, “I try to get things done as soon as possible, but sometimes I tend to procrastinate.”

“It is hard to live your life day to day if you are not organized,” Dodson said. “I have a daily planner with all of my upcoming events to try and keep my daily activities organized.”

Sophomore business major Caitlin Santora said, “I tend to put things off at the last minute but I believe success starts with organization, therefore I think it is very important to be organized.”

“I try to accomplish too much at once, that’s why I find it difficult to stay organized,” Dr. Janice Xu, assistant English and communication professor said.

“The key to getting organized is to get your priorities clear and to have a clear understanding of your long term objectives and short term objectives,” Xu said.

Overall, by staying organized it enables you to find out exactly what you need, and are able to focus on the most important things.

Good organizational skills helps manage your time which makes life a lot easier.

One of the top New Year’s resolutions is getting organized. College students find this difficult due to their busy schedules but may find that organization will make their lives easier.

Arts & Entertainment

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Cabrini’s own ‘American Idol’

JAKE VERTERANO STAFF WRITER JCV722@CABRINI EDU

“No one was as committed to free expression as Paul Marturano,” Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Idol, said as Marturano strutted his way into the audition room. He grinned as he gazed at 80’s pop star, Paula Abdul. Randy Jackson sat next to her with a puzzled look on his face as Simon looked on discarding a piece of paper.

“There is this girl I know, I follow her around. She hasn’t noticed me it really gets me down,” Marturano sang as the judges sat with smiles on their face. “I broke into her house, when she wasn’t there; took off all my clothes and tried on her underwear.”

The judges’ faces went from smiles to horror the second Marturano uttered the word, underwear. Where on earth could a man so creepy come from? Paul Marturano comes from none other than Cabrini College.

That’s correct; Marturano is a graduate of the class of 1997 and is now a famous celebrity because of this stunt. Since the show aired on the 15th of this month, Marturano has been interviewed by over 100 radio stations and even appeared on a recent episode of Access Hollywood.

Not only has Marturano made these appearances, but he came very close to appearing at this year’s Superbowl. Paula Abdul is set to perform the half time show at this year’s big game and WIRN radio personality, Sean Krause, thought it would be a great idea to have Marturano on the show.

FOX and the NFL saw Marturano as too big of a liability and a threat to Abdul. WIRN will now have to cover the show from their homes as they have been uninvited by the NFL.

“Once again, Paula Abdul should not be scared. It was a joke,” Marturano said, “It’s unfair that WIRN has been denied press passes because of an idea pitch including me.”

Despite the whole Superbowl fiasco, Marturano has gotten much attention for his out-of-the-ordinary song.

“I sang ‘Stalker’ on ‘Idol’ because, first of all…it was really fun,” said Marturano, “I went to the auditions with Milo Turk…the ‘No Sex Allowed’ guy. We got out of the car and just started performing in front of all these people.”

Marturano did not just get up one day and decide to do this. He is actually a full-time musician. Marturano is part of a rock band called “Paul Marturano the Toasty Walkers.” They play original material that is similar to Billy Joel and Ben Folds.

He is also part of a musical comedy duo called the

“Hairy Aureolas.” Paul plays the part of Pauly Nipple while Robbie Nipple is played by fellow Cabrini grad Robert Marish ’97.

“The audition process seemed endless for ‘Idol’,” Marturano said. “I was in line for hours and hours and had to get through three sets of producers before getting to Randy, Paula and Simon. Unfortunately, Simon didn’t get the joke.”

The words “Paula Abdul’s Stalker” were some of the most searched words on Yahoo! and Google this past week. Marturano has definitely made an impact with his performance.

“Thinking of the lyrics wasn’t really that hard,” Marturano said. “When I write a comedy song I usually think about a character and the characters point of view and it all comes out. Like, if I were to write a song about Neal Newman I’d probably stick in the words ‘how now brown cow’ somewhere along with something about him always wearing a cape. Does he still wear those all the time?” Maraturano referred to a former Cabrini theater director.

Marturano fondly looks back at his years at Cabrini, and attributes much of his success to his favorite professors, Dr. Zurek, Cathy Yungmann and Neal Newman. Marturano and his professors say he was just as crazy at Cabrini as he was on “Idol”. He would perform one-totwo piano concerts a semester for the school and was actively involved in Cabrini’s television and radio stations.

“I would do it over and over again if I could,” Marturano said. “Half of America is laughing at me, and the other half thinks I’m a creepy stalker. That in itself makes me laugh.”

More information about Paul Marturano and his musical endeavors can be found on his website, www.paulpiano. net. Marturano is a student who definitely took Cabrini’s motto to heart, do something extraordinary.

Faculty displays artwork in fine arts exhibit

ROBERT KALLWASS STAFF WRITER RHK722@CABRINI EDU

Cabrini Faculty display their creativity at the Faculty Fine Arts Exhibit. The exhibit is located at the Grace and Joseph Gorevin Fine Arts Gallery which is on the second floor of Cabrini’s Holy Spirit Library.

Cabrini faculty members put up art work of different styles in the gallery for display and for sale. Artists included were Deborah Riccardi, Dane Borda, Cassandre Maxwell, Nick Jacques and Al Gury. There is a wide variety of works ranging from photos to paintings of large canvas.’

Deborah Riccardi features some black and white photographs, one dates back to 2001. The subject matters are children from New Guinea and Haiti. She produced one larger oil paint on linen painting of a Haitian mother holding a child. It stands out with very lush colors.

Dane Borda created two great charcoal works, one very interesting depiction of the twisting mechanics of surgery on a human being. The other piece on the opposite wall is a dark work in progress with a very detailed look at shadows and angles.

Cassandre Maxwell shares two pastel pieces and a pair of color copy illustrations. The copy illustrations have vivid and strong colors, in what looks almost like cut out shapes on the paper. Her artwork is very playful looking, with striking sharpness.

Al Gury’s smaller but unique pieces stand out in the gallery in bold, golden frames. Both works similar in subject matter, show trees in different seasons. These resemble impressionistic painting due to the simple subject matter and style of brushstrokes. One can see the difference of mood between the two seasons displayed next to each other.

Nick Jacques produced a large piece on linen cloth. The piece was outstanding and lifelike with extreme attention to detail, and shading, depicting two youths. It was named

“The Holding Cell.” Jacques worked on organizing the exhibit. The exhibit is featured every year at around this time, in the beginning of the second semester. This was the second year Nick Jacques from the Fine Arts department contributed to the exhibit.

According to Jacques, they try to feature current works of the faculty when possible, but is not generally theme oriented. “It is successful, the way the room is set up it

flows well. The Subject matter, variety and sizes fit the walls of the gallery.” Jacques said.

This exhibit is up from Jan. 24 to Feb. 21 in the gallery. On request, prices for any of the paintings can be attained from Nick Jacques at njacques@cabrini.edu

This life-like painting of the two youths is “The Holding Cell” by Nick Jacques. This painting shows extreme amounts of detail and effort.

KATIE CLARK/A&E EDITOR

PHOTO SUBMITTED/PAUL MARTURANO

Australian actor dies at age 28

JAKE VERTERANO STAFF WRITER JCV722@CABRINI EDU

‘Brokeback Mountain,’ ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ and ‘The Patriot’ are some of the most popular films among college students. Many students were shocked this past week to find out about the death of the star of these films, Heath Ledger.

Ledger was found dead in his SoHo apartment on the Jan. 22. His body was discovered naked and hunched over his bed by his masseuse. Paramedics were called and he was pronounced dead at 3:36p.m..

Police say there were no obvious signs of suicide, but sleeping pills and other “illegal” drugs were found in the apartment. Speculations have risen that Ledger may have had a drug dependency issue.

ogy reports should be in within the next two weeks and may determine the cause of death.

Ledger was nominated for an Oscar for his work in ‘Brokeback Mountain’. He is starring as The Joker in this summer’s ‘The Dark Knight’. Warner Brothers has said they will still be releasing the film on July 18.

A funeral service was held in Los Angeles for close friends and family of Ledger. He is surived by his daughter Matilda, age 2. Ledger will be buried in his hometown of Perth, Australia.

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Comments can be sent to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted.

his NY apartment on Jan. 22 at age 28. May this young, talented actor rest in peace.

The autopsy performed on Jan. 23 has not revealed a cause of death. Toxiciol-

What’s your favorite Heath Ledger film?

“My favorite moment has to be Heath singing, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in ‘10 Things I Hate About You’”

- Meredith Rowe, junior graphic design major

“The Patriot when he’s chewing that apple. His jaw looks really HOT!”

- Kara Driver, junior communications major

“A Knight’s Tale, I really liked his intimate scene with Jocelyn because he gets naked!”

- Jessie Wall, sophomore education major

“I’ve seen so many photos of him as the Joker. I’m really looking forward to his performance in that.”

- Anna Parker, freshmen graphic design major

SAG awards still aired with ongoing writers strike

GRAYCE TURNBACH A&E EDITOR GRT722@CABRINI EDU

The 9th annual SAG awards aired simultaneously on TNT and TBS on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Steve Carell referred to the evening as “The most glamorous and exciting evening in the history of the world.” Hardly.

Since the writers strike, the television business hasn’t been “booming” if you haven’t noticed. But, overall, the show wasn’t half bad, it was certainly better than the Golden Globes. Oh wait; they weren’t aired due to the ongoing writers strike.

Opening the show consisted of testimonials from numerous actors in their seats including Sally Field, Doug Savant and Ellen

Burstyn.

Categories of television mixed with movies got their own recognition due to the split show, allowing each to be honored in the two hour show allotted for the ceremony.

Sunday’s telecast delivered best ratings since 1998. As an average total 6.13 million viewers tuned in for the SAG awards, which could possibly be the only award ceremony of the season.

The viewership of the show has upped four percent since last year.

Among the awards given, there was a tribute, if you may, to Heath Ledger. Besides the tribute, there was also the Life Achievement Award given to Charles Durning.

Winners of films included best actor Daniel Day-

Lewis for “There Will Be Blood.” Best actress Julie Christie for “Away From Her.” Best supporting actress was Ruby Dee from “American Gangster.”

Winners for television included James Gandolfini for best actor in a drama series in “The Sopranos.”

Best actress in a drama series went to Edie Falco in “The Sopranos.” Best actor in a comedy series went to Alec Baldwin in “30 Rock.”

“30 Rock” won again when Tina Fey won for best actress in a comedy series. Best stunt ensemble went to “24.” No surprise there.

The awards ceremony was a success. It was executed in a stylish and classy manner. Actors were honored for their work, but without the writers, most of the performances would not have been made possible.

Pictured above is the famous actor, Heath Ledger, in the 2005 hit film, Brokeback Mountain. Heath was found dead in

Tina Fey of “30 Rock”, above, posing with the award she won for best actress in comedy series after the show.

MCT CAMPUS

Charles Durning is above posing with his Life Achievement award after the show.

MCT CAMPUS

Pitt tries to ‘make it right’ again

“I do not believe this (“Make it Right”) is an affordable project for the Lower 9th Ward. I think that it looks good on paper, but in reality it is not,” House said.

CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENTS

DIANA VILARES EVENTS EDITOR DVV722@CABRINI EDU

CAP Board presents “Little Giants”

Get in the Superbowl spirit by coming out to watch the “Little Giants” on Friday, Feb 1st. CAP Board is welcoming everyone to come out and enjoy the FREE food and movie. Show time is at 8 p.m. in the Widener Lecture Hall. For more information please contact Anne Filippone at 610-902-8407.

Brad Pitt vows to make it right in New Orleans after witnessing the damage still present in the Lower 9th Ward two years after hurricane Katrina. The Lower 9th Ward, once filled with much culture and liveliness, today seems to have been forgotten in the rebuilding process.

Six Cabrini College students traveled to New Orleans for Habitat for Humanity over Christmas break and saw just what Pitt witnessed that provoked the feeling to “Make it Right,” which is what Pitt’s new project is called.

“It looked like the hurricane hit yesterday, not two years ago,” Jillian Smith, English and communications major, said.

Grayce Turnbach, English and communications major agreed, “You could smell the mold and actually see where the water sat. There were still water lines on the houses.”

Pitt’s idea to change this is to build 150 homes worth $150,000 each that are green, sustainable and affordable so that the area and people will not have to go through the hardship it once did after Hurrican Katrina August 2005.

In order to make the homes affordable Pitt had been collecting donations online at makeitrightnola.org from people all over the United States. The way the site works is that a donor can actually enter the house online and pick what part of the house they would like to donate. The areas where the houses are being built have pink tents that represent different parts of each house, as donations come in the pieces of the houses

are put together. Currently enough money for 69 houses has been raised to begin the building.

Pitt has had luck in collecting money, by getting support from other celebrities such as Will Ferrell and David Spade, but also support from regular United State citizens that have come to realize that if the government cannot do their part it is up to America to “Make it Right” for those who lost everything to Hurricane Katrina.

Even with valuable donations towards Pitt’s foundation, another problem arises, can the people who once occupied New Orleans Lower 9th Ward, which was the area of New Orleans with the most home ownership, afford to live in these $150,000 homes?

According to Julie House, Warren County Habitat for Humanity youth relations in New Orleans, the people who once resided in the Lower 9th Ward had a high poverty rate. Although many of them owned their houses, they were passed down from generation to generation, and very run down in need of repair, which the residents could not afford.

Pitt’s mission for “Make it Right” is not to give a hand out but a hand up to the people of New Orleans who have “suffered a great injustice,” but the program could have trouble since many of the residents are gone so there may not be 150 Lower 9th Ward families to participate. These 9th Ward families are expected to come up with so much of the money for the house and then the rest through mortgages if they qualify.

House goes on to explain that, although the houses are fit to withstand flooding and are energy efficient, there are far more affordable programs in New Orleans that would make more sense for the families of the 9th Ward.

“Habitat for Humanity on the other hand is doing it the right way and affordable, because if you have property that was affected by Katrina you could get a house built on your property to your specifications for around $15,000. Even if you have a mortgage it will increase by about $70 a month. Now that is affordable,” House said.

Pitt’s idea to “Make it Right” can work if everything goes as planned but there are other things that need to be taken into consideration if he wants to preserve the “rich culture” of the Lower 9th Ward. Pitt needs to make sure he can find people from the Lower 9th Ward to come back and reside there.

“Right now I do not see this as being a good thing for the residents of the Lower 9th ward, but it is good for the area as is any rebuilding,” House said.

Eve’s Band Makes Noise in New Orleans

A New Orleans-based group, Eve’s Lucky Planet (also known as the Lucky Planet Band) is one that displays all the characteristics of Crescent City.

With riff-based rhythms and mixed major and minor tonalities, Eve’s Lucky Planet band is hard to place under one genre of music. The band focuses on writing original music blending African, Latin and Reggae rhythms with the acoustic sound of Folk and Country music seasoned with Jazz piano, guitar, banjo and some “sultry” trumpet.

With a female vocalist and three musicians a part of the supporting cast, the Eve’s Lucky Planet performs upbeat songs such as “Rumba in A” along with tame and powerfully written songs such as “Children”. The band seems influenced by an array of timeless artists such as John Coltrane and Santana while also including reggae beats similar to Bob Marley.

This past Christmas, as six Cabrini students visited New Orleans to participate in a project for the Habitat for Humanity, they were lucky enough to see Eve’s Lucky Planet Band play at a local bar and meet one of the band members, Oliver. “They were awesome and so friendly,” Ashley Cook, junior English and communications

0

Adult Circus comes to Cabrini

Come tickle your funny bone with comedic tricks, magic and Telepathic Demonstrations at CAP Board’s presentation of the Adult Circus. Take a break from studying Monday, Feb. 4 and bring friends to Grace Hall beginning at 8 p.m. For more information please contact Anne Filippone at 610-902-8407.

Philadelphia’s Restaurant Week

Take a ride downtown this weekend for a delicious dinner with an even more delicious discount! Participating restaurants offer a minimum of three courses for as little as $35 a person! For more information on participating restaurant locations, visit www.centercityphila.org/ restaurantweek and remember to tell a friend!

Wallyball Registration

major, said.

With original and unique music, Eve’s Lucky Planet Band accomplishes great melodies while sending powerful messages in each of their songs. The band says, “we try to write songs that reflect or question ordinary human experiences and celebrate life on earth”.

Eve’s Lucky Planet will next perform at the Apple Barrel Bar, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008 at 10:30 p.m. They can be reached at (504) 949-9399. They are also scheduled to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Friday, May 2. To learn more, visit luckyplanetband.com, where you can also sample some of their music.

On Tuesday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Feb. 7 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., students interested in participating in Cabrini’s second annual Wallyball Tournament are invited to form a team of three or four people and register to participate in this years competitive game. For more information please visit the cafeteria during those designated times.

BRITTANY MCLEOD STAFF WRITER BLM726@CABRINI EDU

CHRISTINE GRAF STAFF WRITER ACG724@CABRINI EDU

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ LISA STOLL

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ LISA STOLL

Above is the 9th ward, the area in which Pitt plans to set up the new development of 150 houses each worth $150,000.

Swim team trains in Puerto Rico

CHRISTOPHER BLAKE STAFF WRITER CRB724@CABRINI EDU

Although a trip to Puerto Rico sounds like the perfect winter escape, the Cabrini swim team was not spending its time on sandy beaches lying in recliners. Instead they set out with a goal in hand: to bring an up-and-coming program even greater success.

Now in his fifth season at Cabrini, Coach Mike Kernicky was the initiator of his team’s winter excursion. His son, Michael Kernicky, swam at Villanova University from 1999-2003 and his team made the exact training trip Cabrini made.

“I did not want to recreate the wheel of trying to find a new place. If Villanova found success training away from campus so could Cabrini,” Kernicky said.

The only major difference between the planning of a trip by Villanova and Cabrini is the finances.

A major Division I program has the necessary funds to send its athletes on trips without taking money out of their pockets. A Division III program on the other hand, has limited funding and it is up to the coaches and athletes to fundraise for their trips.

From the spring to fall of 2007 the swimmers did their best to fundraise money for their trip. These efforts included selling 40 raffle tickets for $10 a piece for either a Philadelphia Flyers or 76ers game in a luxury box, sending letters to family and friends with personal notes and pictures through a program on Mysportsdreams. com and holding swimming clinics every Friday afternoon and Sunday morning teaching children from ages 5-15 the fundamentals of swimming.

Without fundraising, the most one athlete would have to pay was $850 but after all of the team’s hard work many only had to pay a small fee and some nothing at all.

Basketball alumni to return for ‘tradition’

RYAN KIRBY STAFF WRITER REK722@CABRINI EDU

The Dixon Center will again host the annual Cabrini men’s basketball alumni game on Saturday, Feb. 2 starting at 10 a.m. Regaining the support for the alumni has been the main priority for the new head coach Greg Herenda as he has done his best to turn the Cavalier program around in many aspects.

“I think it is very important to connect to our alumni with our current team and coaching staff. Cabrini has a great basketball tradition and we should always bring everybody back at least once a year,” Coach Greg Herenda said

“It did cost a lot of money but at the same time it was definitely worth all of the fundraising,” sophomore Anne Konicki, an exercise science and health promotion major, said.

Since 2003, the Cabrini swim team has doubled its win total each year. From one win in 2004 to its first-ever winning season last season featuring a 7-2 mark. Not only has the women’s team improved each year but last season a men’s team was introduced.

But with all the success there is a price to pay. Thus, welcome to Puerto Rico.

The team trained twice daily from 6 a.m.-8:00 a.m and 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Caparra Country Club of San Juan working on their fastest times, long yardage and extreme intensity.

“I actually enjoyed our long practices because I saw a difference in my swimming abilities. I came back from the

trip stronger, more explosive and excited for the rest of the season,” freshmen Kyle Teliszewski, a history and education major, said.

After a long day of training, the team came closer together each night at the dinner table, in the hotel or out sight seeing Puerto Rico.

“We are a young program. A trip like this brings a team together. By the end of our time in Puerto Rico it was clear the team was more enthusiastic in their training along with their overall morale,” Kernicky said.

The team not only gained vital strength in the pool but also made large cultural strides or rather strokes during their time in Puerto Rico.

“It was cool seeing a different part of the world and being exposed to something we do not see everyday,” Teliszewski said. “Puerto Rico was basically America but more people speak Spanish.”

Following their hard months of training, a taper period of 10 days to two weeks begins with fewer yards, attention to details and concentration on the mental aspect of swimming.

Then, prior to a meet against Swarthmore College on Jan. 26, swimmers shaved their entire bodies to give themselves a slippery advantage over the competition.

“Our meet with Swarthmore is a huge step for this program. It is a sign that bigger programs are willing to compete against us,” Kernicky said.

Cabrini swimmers hope to do their very best in relays, distance events, sprints and prime events against Swarthmore so they can qualify for the ECAC tournament, which could lead to the NCAA Championships.

“This has been our best season yet. We have more kids that get it. This season has been especially rewarding as a coach,” Kernicky said.

The day will start with a warm up for the alumni players followed by their game with the odd graduating years against the evens. After the game their will be food for the alumni and their families. Everyone is welcome to attend both the alumni game and to stick around and watch the Cabrini women at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3 p.m., both teams taking on Immaculata University.

“We really want this to be a family event and we also hope that our players have a chance to connect with the alumni. We hope for great fan support this Saturday so that the alumni have a chance to connect with the Cabrini community,” Herenda said.

Coach Herenda is only the fourth to take the helm of the cavaliers since 1974, a program rich with tradition. From 1993 through 2002 the Cabrini College men’s basketball team won eight PAC Championships and went to the NCAA Division III Tournament eight times.

The day will feature up to and possibly over 40 of Cabrini’s alumni basketball players, who are all encouraged to bring their families for the food and for the games later in the day.

The 2008 version of the Cavaliers has a 7-9 overall record with a 4-3 record in the PAC. They are coming off two straight wins over Gwynedd Mercy and Marywood.

“The alumni game should be a time of great enthusiasm and support for the program and we have a lot of positive things happening this year. Randy Reid has scored his 1000th career point and Glen Washington is having a great freshman season. Most importantly though, our team is playing very hard and we are improving on a daily basis,” Herenda said.

“I think it’s important that we prove to the alumni there that we are a good team and really have a great chance this year in the PAC, were much improved from the past couple seasons. It is always great to see the players that you played with in the past,” senior captain Bruce MacLelland said.

MacLelland and the Cavs are looking to improve their fourth place standing in the PAC and take a stranglehold on one of the six playoff spots.

JESSICA HAGERTY/SPORTS EDITOR

The men’s and women’s swim team pose after their last day of practice in San Juan. The team practiced twice daily for a week in order to finish their season strong.

Women’s basketball undefeated in PAC

LIZ GARRETT STAFF WRITER EGG722@CABRINI EDU

The Cabrini College women’s basketball team was victorious against Rosemont College on Monday, Jan. 21 with a final score of 58-45. Following their win over Rosemont, the Cavaliers advanced to a record of 9-4, 4-0 in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference.

Junior Kayleen Smith lead the scorers with a total of 15 points along with 14 rebounds. Not far behind Smith were sophomores Kate Walck and Alyssa Brady. Walck ended the night with nine points and six rebounds and Brady finished with 10 points and three rebounds.

“We did not play well as a team but you have games like that during the season,” Bobbi Morgan, the head women’s basketball coach, said. “Kate Finfrock played well for us off the bench, Kate Ryan gave us a spark and Kayleen Smith had a solid overall game too.”

As the gym was high with energy at the start of the first half, there was four minutes of straight scoring for the Cavaliers led by Walck and Smith. After slowing down after their fast start, the game picked up again as Kasey Agostinacchio scored a threepointer, leaving with a half-time score of 31-15.

In the second half, the Lady Cavs were only able to make seven field goals, causing them to fall behind Rosemont. By the end of the game the Cavaliers regained their leading spot after a combination of nonstop lay-ups from Smith and several three-pointers from sophomore Katie Frinfrock. This left Cabrini with a score on the board of 42-35, including a total of 17 second- chance points.

“I don’t think there are any particular players that play exceptionally well together,” sophomore education major Alyssa Brady said. “The beginning of the second half was when we played our best. We came out slow not being able to hit shots. Then we got some movement on offense, which allowed their defense to break down.”

The Lady Cavs also defeated the College of Notre Dame at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Jan. 23, with an ending score of 71-37.

“Madison Square Garden was awesome. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most kids will never have,” Brady said. “We didn’t play too well in the first half, but I think our defense got us going in the second half to beat them by 30, which allowed all of our players to get into the game.”

Report released protecting Clemens

On Monday, due to a recent accusation that Roger Clemens used performanceenhancing drugs to strengthen his pitching career, a statistical report was released by Clemens’ agent, Randy Hendricks, denying the allegations.

Clemens’ former trainer, Brian McNamee, claimed in the Mitchell report that he had injected the all-star with steroids and human growth hormone at least 16 times in 1998, 2000 and 2001.

The report stated that, “Clemens’ longevity was due to his ability to adjust his style of pitching as he got older, incorporating his very effective split-finger fastball to offset the decrease in the speed of his regular fastball caused by aging,” according to ESPN.com.

Brady ready to play

In a press conference, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said not to worry about his publicized protective boot that was on his right ankle and it will not be keeping him out of Sunday’s Super Bowl. This was the first time that he acknowledged he was injured during the AFC championship game against the San Diego Chargers.

Brady said, “It’s feeling good. I’ll be ready to go,” according to ESPN.com.

Tigers remain No. 1

The Memphis Tigers men’s basketball team held onto the No. 1 spot for the second straight week in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 coaches’ poll. Currently, the Tigers are ahead of the No. 2 Kansas Jayhawks, No. 3 Duke Blue Devils and No. 4 North Carolina Tarheels.

Memphis, now 19-0 has extended the nation’s longest home winning streak to 43 games overcoming the Gonzaga Bulldogs 81-73 on Saturday.

For the first time since 1983, this is the Tigers’ only time at No. 1, when they were named to the Associated Press poll.

Moss restraining order temporary for now

Randy Moss, the wide receiver for the New England Patriots has had his temporary restraining order against him extended until March 28 due to preparing for the Super Bowl in Arizona.

This extension came when plaintiff, Rachelle Washington, obtained a new attorney on Jan. 14.

The temporary order requires Moss to stay at least 500 feet from Washington and no criminal charges have been brought yet to the table.

Moss has denied the accusation by Washington that he committed “battery causing serious injury” to her at her Florida home Jan. 6 according to ESPN.com.

Upcoming Games

Thursday, Jan. 31

Women’s Basketball vs. Gwynedd-Mercy College (6 p.m.)

Men’s Basketball vs. Gwynedd-Mercy College (8 p.m.)

Saturday, Feb. 2

Track and Field at Thomson Invitational at University of Delaware (All day)

Women’s Basketball vs. Immaculata University (1 p.m.)

Men’s Basketball vs. Immaculata University (3 p.m.)

CABRINI ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Sophomore Alyssa Brady scored 10 points and registered three rebounds in a win against Rosemont College on Monday, Jan. 21.

Lady Cavs travel to compete in St. Thomas

DANIELLE FEOLE STAFF WRITER DF727@CABRINI EDU

The women’s basketball players spent their New Year in St. Thomas. They traveled on Dec. 28th to play in the Sunsational Hoops Classic against St. Mary’s and Kean University.

Kayleen Smith, a junior English and communication major, said, “Going down there, we’ve never played these teams before because they aren’t in the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. The atmosphere was so relaxed, which made us play with no pressure or tension during the games.”

Cabrini defeated St. Mary’s 72-68 in their opening game. Sophomores Alyssa Brady and Deana DiAmico led the offense with 14 points each. Junior Nikki Duggan also added 12 points. The Cavaliers had about a 10-player advantage on St. Mary’s.

In the beginning of the game, Cabrini struggled against St. Mary’s defense. Brady and DiAmicos’ plays helped the Cavs stand strong until St. Mary’s scored to put themselves in the lead at the half by 33-28.

In the second half, Duggan stepped in with 13 minutes remaining with back-toback threes, which allowed Cabrini to pull in front by the end of the game. St. Mary’s players Steph Saint-Aubin and Tiara Hurte helped lead their team throughout the game.

Cabrini had a phenomenal win, which brought them to 5-3 and helped them advance to play Kean University, which was ranked 12th in Division III. Cabrini had a 81-55 loss to this teahm. Sophomores Kate Frinfrock and DiAmico added 13 and 11 points to the game. Junior Kayleen Smith and sophomore Kate Walck scored 10 and seven points.

The Cavaliers played a tough game and stayed strong, but were behind 11 points at the half mark. The Cavaliers had a poor start during the second half, which then put the game out of reach. The Cavaliers placed second in the tournament out of four teams.

DiAmico, a sophomore undeclared major, said, “We lost our second game to the 12th team of the nation. I think it was good for us that we went up against such good competition because it prepared us for the rest of our season.”

After the weekend, the women had three days to relax. They were able to visit another beach on the island called Koki. They went snorkeling and then got dressed up to celebrate New Years Eve at a Yacht Club for dinner. They listened to two different bands, had their choice of restaurants and watched their own ball drop on one of the yachts.

Smith said, “We were there for basketball. We fundraised for two years to go on this trip. This trip was unforgettable and helped the team mature.”

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Please send your comments to Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted.

Cavs’ Reid reaches 1,000 career points

SARAH PASTOR STAFF WRITER SEP722@CABRINI EDU

Randy Reid became one of the select few basketball players in Cabrini’s history to score over 1,000 points in his college career on Monday, Jan. 14 during Cabrini’s loss to Alvernia College. Although the Cavaliers lost the game by five points, Cabrini head coach Greg Herenda said that they still played an impressive game. Reid’s 1,000th official point, scored off a free throw with 17:44 left in the second half, was the highlight of the night.

Reid, a senior accounting major playing his fourth season at Cabrini, attributes this accomplishment to his teammates, as much as himself.

“They push me everyday in practice to be the best player I can be and they put me in the right positions to be successful on the court,” Reid said.

When asked what his initial reaction was to this feat, Reid said that his first thoughts were of former teammate, Jeff Dailey, a close friend of Reid’s who passed away suddenly last year.

“We had numerous conversations about scoring our 1,000th point and I know he is proud of me as he looks down from above,” Reid said.

While scoring his 1,000th career point is an impressive achievement, the 2008 basketball season is only half over and Reid and the rest of the Cavs have high expectations for the rest of the year.

“I just want to win some more games and put ourselves in a good position come playoff time,” Reid said. “We are getting some well needed wins over good programs and we just have to continue to work hard and stay together as a team.”

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Please send your comments to Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted.

Who will win the Super Bowl?

EMMA BRUMFIELD JUNIOR SOCIAL WORK

“I think the Patriots are going to win the Super Bowl because they beat the Giants earlier in the season. Although the game was close, I have faith the Pats will take the victory.”

DEBORAH WILLIAMS SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY

“I hope that the Giants win because I cannot stand the Patriots. They have gone to the Super Bowl too many times. It’s time for someone else to be given a chance.”

“I think the Giants will win. Not only because I am from NJ, but they were the underdogs in the Packers game and they won. I can’t stand New England.”

TIM HOBAN JUNIOR SOCIOLOGY

“The Giants are currently the hottest team on the road in NFL history, Eli and the offense have been playing much better and their defense has looked good recently.”

GABE VALENTINO SENIOR MARKETING

“I’d pick the Pats. I think it will be a great game because Eli has been playing much better and the Giants have more heart. Yet, Brady has shown few imperfections.”

EDUCATION

“I think that Patriots will win. Not only do I think they are the better team, but it will be the ideal ending to a flawless season.”

Information by Jonathon Barnett Staff Writer

CABRINI ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

Senior Randy Reid tries to get a shot off in a game earlier in the season against Centenary College. Reid reached the 1,000 point milestone against Alvernia College on Monday, Jan. 14.

ARIELLE FRISCIA FRESHMAN COMMUNICATION

JULIANNE MILLER JUNIOR

Lady Cavs outswim Bryn Mawr

EDU

JESSICA HAGERTY SPORTS EDITOR JH729@CABRINI EDU

The women’s swim team hosted their last home meet on Wednesday, Jan. 23 versus Bryn Mawr College. The 101-95 victory was bittersweet because the team said goodbye to senior captains Meghan O’Leary, Deborah Williams and Christina Clark.

Prior to the meet, the three seniors swam their last lap together and were greeted at

the opposite end of the pool by their junior teammates with flowers and balloons. O’Leary, Williams and Clark had all been members of the team for four years.

“I am excited that it’s finally over but at the same time it’s pretty sad,” psychology major Williams said.

Among the memories they have created with the team, each of them recalls the 6 a.m. practices every Friday morning.

“Training hard at 6 a.m. was really hard but in the end it disciplined the team well,” education major O’Leary said.

The bright and early practices may have paid off for the team, as Bryn Mawr is a member of the highly competitive Centennial Conference.

The women’s 200-yard medley relay of sophomore Andrea Carabello, freshman Emily Yurick, sophomore Jessica Hemingway and freshman Amanda Murphy took first place with a time of 2:02.65.

Murphy also placed first in the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 27.44 and freshman Jamie O’Hanlon trailed with a time of 28.76 to capture a second place win.

Other first places in the meet include Yurick in 200-yard individual medley, Hemingway in the 100-yard butterfly, Carabello in the 100-yard freestyle and sophomore Kaitlin Manning in the 100yard backstroke.

The men’s and women’s teams ended their season with a competition versus

Swarthmore College on Saturday, Jan. 26 and were defeated by the Centennial Conference former champions.

“This was the best year so far for Cabrini swimming. We had a lot of personal best times,” sophomore exercise science and health promotion major Anne Konicki said. “In the year to come we have some good swimmers coming up and we hope to continue to improve.”

The Loquitur welcomes your questions and comments on this story. Please send your comments to Loquitur@ googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments and make corrections if warranted.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/THERESA HAGERTY

SUBMITTED PHOTO/THERESA HAGERTY SUBMITTED PHOTO/THERESA HAGERTY

Senior co-captain Meghan O’Leary swims the 500-yard freestyle on Wednesday night for her last time at Cabrini.

Freshman Bill Boylan swims the 100-yard breaststroke at Saturday’s meet at Swarthmore College.