Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
YOU SPEAK, WE LISTEN
Radnor, Pa.
CABRINI COLLEGE
Pacemaker Winner Vol L, Issue 02
www.theloquitur.com
World food crisis hits hard at home and beyond Delaware Valley residents seek food from Philabundance
Increase in food prices brings poverty to world christine graf
meghan smith
deputy editor
managing editor
acg724@cabrini.edu
mes733@cabrini.edu
mallory terrence editor in chief
mmt723@cabrini.edu
As the global economy continues to spiral downward, the cost of food around the world is rising. Even Americans are being forced to tighten their food budgets, causing some to cut essential items from their diet. To help some in need, since July 16, every Tuesday afternoon the Grandmarket Place in Willingboro, N.J. is home to Philabundance’s new direct food program, Fresh For All. Community members come each week to lighten some of their weekly expenses with free food. The 87-degree weather on a recent Tuesday did not stop the hundreds of people who lined up on the blacktop of The Grandmarket Place parking lot to receive fresh produce free of cost. “I really don’t have the money to buy much of this food and that’s why I come out each week. I take everything they have to offer,” Richard Urban, a Willingboro resident, said. As producers and transporters need to pay more to produce and ship their products, prices continue to rise for consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Aug. 20 said food prices are rising faster than anytime since May 1991. In 2008, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all food is projected to increase 5.0 to 6.0 percent. The fresh fruit index is currently up 8.4 percent overall from last year at this time, with apple prices up 12.7 percent and banana prices up 20 percent. Fresh For All began in December 2007 and has seen overwhelming numbers of people coming for food in recent months. The program offers free fresh fruits and vegetables to those in need. There are five sites throughout the 10 New Jersey and Eastern PHILABUNDANCE, page 3
INSIDE this week’s edition
Mallory Terrence/Editor in Chief
Willingboro, N.J. residents collect fresh produce provided by Fresh For All, a Philabundance direct food program. Community members come each week to lighten some of their weekly expenses with free food.
Peter Kaizer/CRS
Children receive their lunch rations at the Rosla Village School in Mané County, Burkina Faso. Children are provided with school lunch of bulgur wheat and lentils, provided by CRS in partnership with the U.S. government which could be jeopardized with the current rise in food costs.
“Many children are abandoned because their parents know they can’t feed them and can’t stand to watch them die in their arms,” Bridget Flynn, senior education major, said about children in Ethiopia, Africa. She spent the summer there as an intern with Catholic Relief Services. “Even abandoning a child in a stranger’s garden is better (than keeping them), because then it at least has hope – hope for survival.” As you can see, “the food crisis has hit very hard in Ethiopia.” Flynn explains her experience working at a center for malnourished children and seeing firsthand the effect the current rise in food prices is having. Food prices all over the world have risen drastically. Increased cost is forcing more that 100 million people into extreme poverty, according to reports from the World Food Bank. The hike in food prices is affecting everyone, but the poor in developing counties are being hit the hardest. Relief agencies are not financially equipped to handle the need. World Food Program Executive Director Josette Sheeran has called high food prices a, “silent tsunami for the world’s hungry.” The urgency is that poor families in poor countries spend 60 to 80 percent of their budget on food whereas people in the developed world spend 10 to 20 percent of income on food and can adjust easier to the increase in food prices. Flynn explains, “People are also getting less for their money. Besides living on much less than a dollar a day, their money goes so much faster. The average cost of rice has tripled in the past year while income has more or less stayed the same.” The rise in the cost of food has resulted from a plethora of factors working together, making it difficult for the world’s hungry to provide food on their own. INCREASE, page 3
Summer Abroad: Rome
Field Hockey Preview
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2 NEWS
EDITORIAL
The six miles to Norristown can be an education in itself Radnor Township is located in the heart of the Philadelphia Main Line, an area with some of the wealthiest zip codes in America. Yet only miles away from Radnor is a community that seems to be a complete world away. An area that was once known for its retail shopping and home to many manufacturing plants, Norristown, Pa. has 17 percent of its residents living below the poverty level. According to the census in 2000, the median income for a household in Norristown was $35,714, while the median income for a household in Radnor was $74,272. Cabrini College’s partnership with Norristown allows students to see the differences and learn from our neighbors who often live a much different lifestyle first hand. The partnership with Norristown helps Cabrini as much as Cabrini helps Norristown. Cabrini College has dedicated much time to partnering with the Norristown borough and its agencies. Norristown has many vibrant agencies working hard to find ways to revitalize the area, and students can easily join in many efforts that assist children, human rights and health issues. Cabrini has worked with Norristown agencies to obtain two major grants. The first is the Youth Empowerment Grant that is focused on the health and success of 30 to 35 students from Norristown High School. The second is the Pew Grant for programs on prisoner re-entry, which helps ex-offenders returning into the Norristown community. Cabrini is unique in the way the college has students engage with outside communities. Rather than Cabrini students just doing community service, we are able to develop life-long skills to work with partners towards a just society. In a recent article in The Times Herald, the principal of Norristown’s Gotwals Elementary School, Maryanne Hoskins, said the school’s student population is “98 percent poverty” when talking about how students have trouble affording school supplies. Radnor has less than 4 percent of students economically disadvantaged. If young students from Norristown don’t get the school supplies expected of them, will they be able to obtain the same type of education as children who are able to afford calculators, rulers and field trip fees? How can two towns so close be so different? From the number of jobs available to quality of schools, the distance between the two areas seems unreal. According to School Matters, a service of Standard and Poors, Radnor spends $19,098 per pupil whereas Norristown, with arguably with students of greater needs, has just $15,500 to spend for each child. The YEP Grant tries to encourage students to do well in high school so college is a possible option. Currently, Norristown Area School District has 42 percent of their students attending four-year colleges while Radnor has 85 percent of their student body. Radnor Township has over 20 parks and recreational areas and Norristown has 12, proving that your zip code does impact the types of activities available to you and your families. There is much to be done in Norristown, but with a strong partnership, much can be accomplished long-term.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
New director to launch GSA club kris genther staff writer
kag724@cabrini.edu
If you ask Melissa Waters, the new director of Student Diversity Initiatives at Cabrini College, how she found Cabrini she will tell you was an accident, but she is quick to point out that it has been the most “phenomenal” thing ever to happen to her. She has been tasked with building an organization in support of minority, gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual students. This is a tall order for anyone, but Waters says she does it because she doesn’t want, “anyone to slip through the cracks,” a very heroic response. Waters has been working her entire adult life to further awareness of these issues which have now made their way onto Cabrini’s campus. She has worked as a coordinator for a youth HIV awareness campaign, helped to organize a domestic violence campaign and even served as an HIV tester. She does all of this because, as she says, “we need to stop fooling ourselves.” In coming to Cabrini she has brought a spark which can be felt as soon as you enter her room, as the walls are covered with handpainted murals by Cabrini students. She takes her job seriously and will never say no to a student in need, no matter what the issue may be. Waters comes to Cabrini with
a drive matched only by her endless enthusiasm for the job, when asked what her goals for the year are she will tell you that it is up to the students. It is her belief that the students should dictate the changes that need to be made, and that she should simply be a vessel by which they can accomplish their goals. “I like to get people together,” Waters said, and she plans to do just that. Some of her plans for the year include multi-cultural book clubs to generate awareness while fostering a healthy learning environment. She plans on using media and guest speakers to foster awareness and nurture a culture of openness and unity. Another approach she plans on taking is utilizing student representatives to get out and educate people on diversity because, as Waters believes, “diversity is about who we are,” and what better way to teach diversity than to go straight to the source, our peers. The students are not the only ones who would be getting out and meeting people, Waters is a firm believer in making herself known. She believes that by the end of the year, “every student should know who I am.” This is not a stretch for Waters; she is a firm believer in having an open door policy. People are constantly walking into her room already, yet she has only been here for a few weeks. It is not just the students who
are getting to know her either, she is becoming known throughout the faculty circle as well. She has come to Cabrini not only to foster openness and awareness but to encourage dialogue and communication amongst all students and faculty. She is going about this by talking with the many groups and organizations already active at Cabrini, such as the athletic department and the history department. By bringing the faculty members into the circle as well, Waters is completing the circle that she has drawn in her mind. Perhaps the most important thing to know about Waters is her commitment to the students, she is willing to go far beyond her job description to accommodate the needs of students who seek her counsel, be it appealing to the higher ups or simply talking, because as she puts it, “if you just need to talk, I can do that too.” Waters knows all of this will take time but she is ready for the long haul, acknowledging that, “it’s a process,” and if anyone has the patience for such a task it is Melissa Waters, doing her job not for the money but, “because you have to love what you do.” Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to Loqutur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.
2008-2009 Loquitur Staff/Editorial Staff Editor in Chief Mallory Terrence Staff Writers Deputy Editor Christine Graf Christine Adolf Kirk Manion Managing Editor Meghan Smith Megan Bernatavitz Melissa Mariani News Editor Liz Garrett Samantha Bokoski Morgan Miller News Editor Christopher R. Blake Justin Bostwick Erin Nollen A & E Editor Christina Michaluk Charles Bush Michael O’Hara A & E Editor Jake Verterano Amanda Carson Eric Povish Features Editor Britany Wright Gillian Davis Gianna Skikitino Perspectives Editor Jessie Holeva Kara Driver Andrew Stettler Sports Editor Danielle Feole Katharine Engell Matthew Stewart Sports Editor Nicholas Pitts Kerry English Tina Vitanza Copy Editor Shannon Keough Jill Fries Jessica Wegelin Copy Editor Brittany McLeod Arielle Friscia Candice Wojnarowski Copy Editor Diana Trasatti Kristofer Genther Jen Wozniak Web Editor Megan Pellegrino Janene Gibbons Multimedia Editor Kara Schneider Sami Godowsky Multimedia Editor Brittany Mitchell Molly Kearney Graphic Designer Anna Scholl Megan Kutulis Adviser Dr. Jerome Zurek Brian Loschiavo
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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 submitted to loquitur@googlegroups.com or to the newsroom mailboxes in Founders Hall 264.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
www.theloquitur.com
NEWS 3
Direct food program benefits Delaware Valley residents PHILABUNDANCE, page 1 Pennsylvania counties that Philadundance serves. The newest site, located in Willingboro, N.J., has proven to be a huge success. “In the beginning we were definitely not prepared,” Kelly Hile, Fresh For All program manager, said. The first week is generally slow but Willingboro’s first day had the largest turnout to date, serving 230 households. “It confirmed we were putting a site in an area that needed it,” Hile said. Philabundance estimates 900,000 people in the Delaware Valley may need help with food. This number encompasses not only the poor but also the lowermiddle class who are stretching their dollars as far as they can. “I can only afford what’s in my budget so coming here makes it easier to get other things that my family would need, and I don’t want to cut fruits and vegetables out because of the nutritional value,” Amanda Mitchell, a Willingboro resident, said. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself
and his family, including food. Kristen Nicely-Colangelo, assistant professor of social work, said that everyday Americans are being denied this basic human right because they are struggling to provide food for their families. “Working families are not surviving. People are having to chose between healthy food and gas,” Nicely-Colangelo said. With the rising cost of food, Morris explained how she has to choose either filling medications or buying fruits. Fresh For All gives her the opportunity to have both. “The government don’t want to give you nothing. People are poor so they come here to stand in line to get what they can for free,” Georgana Morris, 66, of Willingboro, N.J., said. As of July 28, Fresh For All had distributed more than 340,000 pounds of food. “The economy plays into the large amount of people that show up each week, but people are always going to have life circumstances, and we are a safe food net,” Hile said. Read more about global issues on www.theloquitur.com.
Meghan Smith/Managing Editor
An estimated 300 people line up each week at the Grandmarket Place in Willingboro, N.J. to collect food. Americans are being forced to tighten their food budgets in today’s economy.
Countries turn to private funding as food prises rise INCREASE, page 1 These factors include the increase in energy costs, the demand for animal protein, the use of grain for biofuel and especially floods, droughts and natural disasters. “The food crisis is just beginning. By early next year, it will be deeper and broader as more segments of society are pushed into poverty by the combination of higher prices for food and energy worldwide. We must act now,” Catholic Relief Service (CRS) President Ken Hackett said. CRS has committed an additional $1 million in private funding for projects over the next two months that will help the poor in a half a dozen countries deal with the food crisis. Bruce White, CRS policy ad-
Peter Kaizer/CRS
Children in third-world countries have been hit the hardest by the world’s food crisis. Catholic Relief Services has comitted over $1 million in private funding to help aid in the suffering.
viser for food security and hunger, said private funding is crucial for sponsoring food aid relief because of limited government funding. “The food crisis caught the world off-guard and no one was prepared to fund the extra need,” White said. White explains that prices are not expected to go down to where they were before – but are predicted to level out around 2015. Still, the prices will be much higher than previous years and relief organizations need to adapt to the new behavior changes in hunger seasons around the world. “The hunger crisis is grabbing people’s attention to look at hunger in a different way,” White said. “We need to remember that although media attention is shifting, this crisis still exists.”
4 NEWS
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
www.theloquitur.com
Anxiety troublesome to ‘socially developing time’ christopher r. blake news editor
crb724@cabrini.edu
Ring, ring, ring! “Good evening. Cabrini College Public Safety speaking,” the officer said over the phone. “Oh my God! Oh my God! Jill is on the floor unconscious! Come quick,” screamed the girl’s roommate. Three years ago public safety officers, resident assistants and the area coordinator of Cabrini College sprinted up the stairs of Woodcrest dorm, as the then freshman, Jillian Smith, laid on the floor suffering a panic attack. “When I yelled help but no one came at first, I knew I should have told them,” Smith said. “I was on the ground passed out and not one person could understand why.” An EMT crew followed by an ambulance sped onto campus taking Smith from her dormitory room to the nearest hospital. “The minute before you have an anxiety attack you feel like your head’s in a fish bowl,” Smith said. Eyes go blurry, sounds are muffled and teeth feel numb. Smith, like more than 20 million other Americans, suffers from generalized anxiety disorder. Dr. James Herbert, professor of psychology and the director of anxiety treatment center at Drexel University, said everyone has anxiety. “Anxiety only crosses the line of being a clinical disease when it
affects your overall functioning,” Herbert said. Smith has lived a worry-filled life from an early age. During adolescence, her mother observed her obsessive habit of lining her shoes in a perfectly descending line. Yet her compulsion to have an organized closet was not close to crossing the continuum of a fullout anxiety diagnosis. Smith never sensed feeling different than her classmates until high school. While she sat in class, her mind would unfocus from the presented material to an unclear zone out. Dizziness would cover the room. And the next moment, she either passed out or endured a panic attack. “I felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” Smith said describing her panic attacks. Not only would Smith have difficulty concentrating in class but she remembered walking around school having “thoughts a person of sanity should not have.” After her mother noticed her first signs of anxiety, Smith vetoed a visit to the doctor. Finally in her senior year she gave in to the advice after multiple hardships had increased her anxiety significantly. The doctor diagnosed her with GAD and prescribed Lexapro, an anxiety and depression medicine. When her anxiety acts in a stage, Smith refers to as a “big slip up,” she takes Clonazepam and Lexapro together daily. “A big slip up is when I am anxious everyday and I can not
control my anxiety,” Smith said. “Being anxious is being nervous times 100.” Herbert stressed the significance of college as a time of drastic life change. Although many high school students live with anxious tendencies prior to college, it is not until they face the daily stresses of living away from home, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend on campus or having a heavy class load will actual anxiety enter the picture. Anxiety is extremely troublesome to the growth of 18 to 24 year olds, in what Herbert calls an important socially developing time. “College is the last opportunity to face certain social challenges before the so-called real world,” Herbert said. Herbert specializes in cognitive-behavior therapy or exposure therapy. The psychology method is well recognized in the Philadelphia area. Former University of Pennsylvania professor of psychology, Aaron T. Beck, popularized the therapy method. Although cognitive-behavior therapy proves to be extremely effective other anxiety medications and therapies are available upon examination by a physician. Anxiety patients may prefer insight-oriented therapy as Herbert describes, “gaining insight into your problems is therapeutic.” Other students facing anxiety like Smith favor medication to decrease their anxiety. Whatever the case, anxiety affects people around the world.
Christopher R. Blake/News Editor
Doctors prescribe medicine such as Lexapro and Clonazepam for students with anxiety, like Jillian Smith, pictured above. Anxiety is extremely hurtful to the growth of 18 to 24 year olds. The described treatments each reach to relieve and diminish anxiety. “You learn how to live with it,” Smith said. “I have had anxiety my entire life. You cope with it, you stay away from problem areas and you survive one day at a time.”
Please send your comments to Loqutur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.
Commuter students struggle with increasing gas prices liz garrett news editor
egg722@cabrini.edu
Kerry English/Staff Writer
A Cabrini student fills up her car at a nearby gas station. Since 2005, the price of gasoline has more than doubled.
Commuter students across the nation are now committing to a more fuel-free lifestyle due to the increase in gasoline prices. The price of gas has more than doubled from 2005 to 2008, according to a recent report by Newsweek. Since the cost at the pump has continued to rise, Cabrini commuter students find themselves in a bind when it comes to traveling to and from school and work. However, some students have learned to improvise with the intention of saving a gallon or two. “The rising gas prices aren’t benefiting me as a commuter,” Courtney Flaim, junior elementary education major, said. “It’s harder for me because I don’t drive a tiny car. I drive a big SUV and it is definitely a gasguzzler.” While some students at colleges throughout the United States have resorted to riding bicycles or scooters, according to Newsweek, other modes of transportation do not cut it for Cabrini students. Many commute long driving distances away. Therefore utiliz-
ing bicycles is not an alternative. Cabrini’s commuter students not only have the challenge of rationing gas in order to get to and from school, they also have to be at work several days a week. “I have a job in Ardmore that I go to three days a week. Now that the prices are so high, I try to stay on campus in the library or at a friend’s house off campus until I have to go to work,” Amanda Alexandrowicz, senior exercise science and health promotion major, said. “I commute from Ridley, which is 20 minutes south on 476, so I pack a lunch or dinner depending on what time I go to work.” According to Alexandrowicz, taking the train as opposed to driving is not even an option because the train line in Ridley, Pa. is either the R2 or R3, whereas in Radnor it is the R5. However, commuter students attending Cabrini have found ways to work around rising gas prices. Some students design their schedules so that their classes are back-to-back. By arranging their classes one after the other, students are able to avoid long gaps between classes, which keeps them from being forced to leave campus and then return again.
“I have classes mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays and they are one after the other, so it’s worth the gas I guess you can say,” Alexandrowicz said. Students search to develop different ways around the price at the pump. They take the initiative to drive together when making trips back and forth to Cabrini. “I can’t drive as much as I would like so I try to carpool with my roommates as much as possible,” Jeff Moore, senior business major, said. “I don’t have any difficulties getting to school or other activities, it’s just an inconvenience with the gas prices.” Additionally, in order to make carpooling more useful, commuters even have taken steps to create class schedules that sometimes coincide with those of their roommates. “I am not as willing to drive as many places as I was last year, but I am fortunate that my roommates have a similar schedule so we are able to carpool to some of our classes,” Flaim said.
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
NEWS 5
Democrats rally for change at Democratic National Convention amanda carson staff writer
arc726@cabrini.edu
Diana Trasatti/Copy Editor
Cabrini students who wish to further their careers by pursuing graduate school face hectic schedules, rising tuition costs and more standardized tests.
Grad school choice for some diana trasatti copy editor
dlt722@cabrini.edu
The daily grind of school has come back into full swing. For some underclassmen, this is a time of making the grade and taking the required steps towards a career in the visible future. Others are worrying about maintaining a solid GPA, standardized tests, application fees and obtaining letters of recommendation in addition to their jobs and mounting homework. “I dedicated my summer to grad school preparation,” Danielle Murphy, senior psychology, sociology and religious studies major, said. Murphy’s current plans are to go as far as to receive her doctorate in psychology and eventually open up her own practice. Taking a Graduate Record Exam preparation course twice a week for the month of June, taking the GREs twice, deciding what schools to apply to, researching the school’s admission requirements and getting ready to meet with professors to receive letters of recommendation are just a few of the steps that Murphy has taken this summer. There are a variety of search engines that students can use to find the graduate school that best fits their needs. Petersons.com and Gradschools.com are two Web sites that allow students to narrow down their search by program and location. These sites also provide links to the school’s Web site, which lists admission requirements, tuition, the faculty and information on the program. While receiving a bachelor’s degree has become the standard level of education, there are more students who are looking to go to graduate school in order to distinguish themselves from others. The difficulty of admission for graduate programs varies by institution, but students can take measures to give them an edge over others. “A student who wishes to get into graduate school has to apply him or herself as strongly as possible; showing a sense of involvement in the community, a sense of activism, a sense of commitment.
That’s something admission committees would look at and see this particular student is different from the average student,” Dr. Michael Markowitz, dean of graduate studies at Cabrini, said. One of the most pivotal requirements to being accepted into many graduate school programs are to excel in the GREs. These are standardized tests that measure verbal reasoning, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing skills, according to ETS.org. “I would really advise any student who is looking into a program that requires standardized tests to take a prep course that enables the student to learn about the test. That maximizes their chances of doing as well as possible,” Markowitz said. Murphy is one of the many students who opted to take a GRE preparation course, rather than study from the manual herself. “Reading from a book is not as effective for me as sitting in a classroom and learning from a teacher who knows the test backwards and forwards. I feel like now I know a lot about the theory,” Murphy said. Graduate school can become expensive, especially for students who already have loans to pay off, but there are options to lighten the financial load. Having your employer pay for a portion of your credits is something that students actively pursue. Seeking a teaching assistantship at the university to which one is applying is also a popular option. This will decrease tuition slightly, and provide a small salary for the student. Many students tend to go to a graduate school that is different from where they have received their undergraduate degree, while others strive to get into a five-year bachelor plus master program and enjoy the familiarity of the campus where they began their college studies. Most Cabrini students do not have the latter option. Cabrini does not currently have an extensive number of graduate programs, but enrolls 1,500 students currently in the Master of Education and Certification in Education, Masters of Science in
Instructional Systems and Technology and Masters of Science in Organization Leadership. To be accepted into the MSOL program it is required that one must possess work experience. Cabrini plans to offer a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Administration in the near future, and is currently awaiting the approval of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As Cabrini’s graduate program slowly grows, it causes underclassmen to reflect whether they would consider staying at Cabrini or branching out at a new school and environment. “I think I would be really tempted to stay at Cabrini because of how much I’ve enjoyed my experience and the time I’ve spent here, especially since I know everyone so well. It’s a community here and it’s hard to think about leaving. But at the same time, I do want to experience something new,” Murphy said. Going on to further education can mean an increase in salary in one’s profession, but it also means more studying, more papers, more tests and more money. For students who already spent four years in college, the option of going back is not always a tempting one. “My academics have already taken over my life, but I enjoy it. I love learning; I love doing my work. I’m 21, I probably should be going out. But I really enjoy it and I’m hoping I’ll still enjoy it and I’ll still be passionate about what I’m learning. It’s not really a burden to me to have all this work to do,” Murphy said. Time management can be the key to getting one’s work done appropriately while still being able to go out with friends and enjoy being young, as long as class and studying remains number one. While Murphy continues this semester and prepares for the coming psychology GREs and awaits responses from the colleges in which she applied, she looks to the future with both apprehension and awe. “I’m going to be going crazy a little, but I think I’ll love it. I’m excited.”
More than 84,000 Obama supporters rallied in Denver starting Aug. 25 as the American dream and necessity for change were emphasized during the 2008 Democratic National Convention. For three days, Democrats were encouraged to look toward the future through speakers Michelle Obama, who opened with a family-oriented speech, Senator Edward Kennedy and Senator Hilary Clinton. Sources said Kennedy’s speech was emotional because he has incurable brain cancer and he took command of the audience, while Clinton stressed party unification. Senator Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination with Senator Joseph R. Biden as his running mate.
McCain announces his running mate Senator John McCain announced Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his campaign running mate on Friday, Aug. 29. Critics have attacked the former Wasilla, Alaska mayor’s lack of political experience. McCain, however, expressed confidence in the social conservative. Palin’s daughter’s teenage pregnancy later caused a stir the first few days after the announcement. McCain’s chief strategist Steve Schmidt has insisted on not politicizing Palin’s personal life. Some feel that Palin’s personal issues could win over female voters in this gender themed election.
Pakistan’s government coalition struggles Pakistan’s government coalition has collapsed during its enduring political battle. This battle, caused by Pakistan’s former President Rervez Musharraf recent resignation, has ignited as major candidates Saeed-uzZaman Siddigui and Asif Ali Zardari now compete for presidency. Nawaz Sharif, previously Pakistan’s prime minister, also heightened political tensions by leaving the coalition government. It is reported that the Parliament elected successor will be chosen Sept. 6 after gaining 352 of 702 votes. The U.S. government wants to remain uninvolved in what it calls an “internal affair” yet, has been vocal in Pakistan’s lack of progress as it faces military setbacks in Afghanistan.
Russian president grants independence to Georgian enclaves In a nationally televised formal address on Tuesday Aug. 26, Russian president Dmitri A. Medvedev affirmed independence for the two Georgian enclaves, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Medvedev’s motivating factor in this decision was to save the residents’ lives. Both breakaway regions, these enclaves have wanted to separate from Georgia. President Medvedev has insisted that Russia abided by international law when making the decision, while the U.S. and allies has argued Russia violated cease-fire framework. Sources note that the enclaves’ recently gained independence will be a challenge for the entire world.
Scientific breakthrough predicted to cure illnesses Harvard biologists have successfully implanted a developed adult cell into the cell of a living animal. Their breakthrough advance is projected to cure illnesses and relieve controversy over embryonic stem cell research. Despite the use of mice in the experiment, researchers are optimistic that it will still prove effective in humans.
6 PERSPECTIVES
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Perspectives
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
9/11: Seven years in rememberance IN M Y O P I N I ON
JAK E VERTERAN O a&e editor
jcv722@cabrini.edu
I had never seen so many kids get picked up from school in my life. While my science teacher nervously tried to explain the genetic structure of the sun to us, I gazed out the window as mothers rushed their kids into their mini-vans. Why were all of these kids getting picked up from school at ten in the morning? I guess all of the orthodontists in the area were booked up for the afternoon. Then I found out the horrible truth. Two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center. Another plane had crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and another had gone down somewhere in Pennsylvania. I sat motionless in my fourth period Spanish class. So many things were going through my head and I didn’t really know what to
jake verterano/ a&e editor
think. So many people were there. So many people’s lives were about to change forever on this day. I then realized I could be one of those people. My dad worked in the World Trade Center, as did my half brother, Nicky. Fortunately, my father and brother survived the horrible attack. My father didn’t get
home until after midnight that day. No one said anything to him as he walked through the door of my house. No one knew what to say. His charcoal suit had been stained with a pale ash. The smile he usually wore had been replaced with a blank expression. And his eyes looked like the life had been sucked
out of them. “Pray for people tonight. There’s a lot of kids who won’t have their mom and dads come home tonight,” my father said as he turned to my brothers and I. My father was right. Some kids came to school the next day relieved that their loved one was safe, and some didn’t even come to school.
The area I live in is halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. The majority of the people who live in the area work in one of the two cities and commute. A lot of parents worked in the World Trade Center area. Some were policemen, some were firemen and some were employees in the Trade Center. None of their oc-
cupations mattered at this point though. They all had one thing in common, life. They all had that one thing that was stolen from them. The inexcusable acts of Sept. 11 will never be forgotten. No matter how hard people try to forget about them, they will always be engraved in every American’s memory forever. I know I will never forget them. I won’t forget the endless string of funerals. I won’t forget the smiles I’ll never see again. I especially won’t forget the looks on the faces of friends who had lost someone important. Despite the horrible memories etched into minds forever, it’s important for people to remember how unified our country was right after the attacks. There was no bias, no judgment, just unity. Sworn enemies held hands during this time period. Complete strangers exchanged hugs. Everyone was one. It’s sad that it took a tragedy to bring our country together, but it’s a mindset we need to keep. Be there for one another, help each other out, care for each other. Don’t wait for another Sept. 11 to show you love someone.
The curse of dreaded FRESHMAN 15 I N MY O P INION
MEGAN BERNATAVITZ staff writer
mmb722@cabrini.edu
Going into freshman year of college, most men think about what their careers will be, what friends will be like and what the future holds. Women on the other hand, think mainly about one thing: will they become one of the millions who gain the freshman 15, or as my roommate and I like to call it the sophomore 25. Of course we also wonder about the obvious things of what to expect in college, but one of my main concerns was — how
much weight will I actually gain? Many women take precautions before they leave for school and do research on how to stay thin, when everyone else is getting heavier by each bite of cafeteria food. I know women search the Internet about this topic because I am definitely guilty of it. Research tells you to take a scale to school and weigh yourself every week, make sure not to go over a certain weight and if a person does go over their target weight to cut back the carbohydrates. Thinking about it as a junior, it just sounds absurd. Cut back on carbs? In Cabrini’s cafeteria? Yeah, ok. One thing that made it really hard for me not to gain weight was the weather. I am from Orlando, Fla., and it almost never gets below 70 degrees. Needless to say that coming here was a huge change for me. When I was in high school
I worked out on a regular basis. I would run or go to the gym, just so I would be able to stay in shape. When I came to Cabrini, going to the gym lasted about two weeks. I never had any time and when I finally decided to make time for the gym, it was fall and I was freezing. The winter was even worse. I would try to go to the gym but walking there was such a hassle in the snow, especially going from East Residence. Then once you get there you have to change from your sweatpants into shorts, boots into gym shoes and it was just too much, I know I sound so lazy right now. So I thought that there had to be a better way to get rid of my “winter weight” than going to the gym. I just did not know how to stay in shape and not exercise. The answer is: TBD. There is definitely a way that the freshman 15 can be diminished: by not
drinking. By drinking beer you are asking to gain the weight. I mean do you realize how many calories are in beer? Of course when drinking you don’t just have one beer. It would be pointless. And most of us don’t just drink one night a week. Just think about it, that is a lot of calories. Also, when drinking a lot of people order food, guilty again. So you aren’t only drinking, but eating food that is definitely not healthy. Sorry, a chicken cheese steak from Campus Corner is not considered healthy just because it has protein in it. This eating also happens late at night, unless you drink during the day and in that case you should probably just try out an AA meeting. In order not to gain the freshman 15, I suggest four things. Try not to eat as many carbs, don’t drink, try not to order out as much, and don’t eat late
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at night. I am not guaranteeing anything, but these ideas may work. Or another solution is to forget about the weight gain and just have fun. These are supposed to be
the best years of our lives, so forget about carb counting. Go out, be yourself, have a blast and try to run once in a while.
Thursday Sept. 11, 2008
PERSPECTIVES 7
www.theloquitur.com
Living like Romans do New visitation IN MY O PIN IO N
CHRISTINA MICHALUK a&e editor
cmm736@cabrini.edu
After all the planning, packing and ridiculously long travel time, I was finally in Rome. The airport looked like any other airport. It wasn’t what I wanted to see once I first got off the plane. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Rome had a story all its own waiting for us to discover it. I was excited to be outside of the states with my two best friends taking some classes for school. It was a mini vacation from ordinary classes that I could take back home at Cabrini. I don’t think the reality that I was living in Rome for the next six weeks had set in until one day when a group of us found ourselves in front of the Colosseum after getting lost after our art history class. Then, it hit me. I’m definitely not in Philly anymore. I stood there in awe of the massive object that stood before me and all the history that it represented. The beauty of that site will be one of my finest memories from my trip. For the first two weeks I struggled trying to understand not only the language, but the culture that I now found myself in. People were too close for comfort and speaking a language
that I couldn’t speak let alone understand. While most of my friends started to worry about all of the differences, I embraced it. It was time to try to pay attention to what was right in front of me. How often do you get to be in Italy for six weeks and learn about something that I hadn’t a clue about before? Seeing all the sites and sounds of Italy was indescribable. I was in love. No longer was I just some student on vacation, but an actual resident of Rome. No maps were needed to find my way and I didn’t struggle to get directions to the nearest metro stop. By the end of my trip I had the bus and metro stops down by heart. We even found our favorite places to grab lunch like the pizzeria next to our residence where our favorite pizza man Fabio worked and then down by the metro stop where someone discovered the tastiest Ka-
bob’s and the friendliest owner around. Two weeks had passed and my friends and I decided to branch out to see the other parts of beautiful Italy and venture to France for a stop in Paris. We visited Paris, Ventotene, an island off of the island Capri, hillside towns around Rome, Pisa and Florence. No matter where we were I always found myself feeling a bit “Rome sick.” My friends and I coined the term “Rome sick” because no matter how interesting and beautiful the other places were, nothing could compare to where we were living. We always felt at home in Rome. The history was long and rich and the sites were an architects dream come to life. The streets of Rome were always crowded with such an array of diverse people from all over the world. The city never really seemed empty. You could always find interest-
ing people willing to talk no matter where you may find yourself. Rome had so much to offer. I would find myself aimlessly walking around the city just trying to explore everything that was around us. Some of our best adventures came when they weren’t planned at all. It was more rewarding to make a discovery in Rome that only the residents knew about. We wanted to step outside of the travel guides and see the city through our own eyes. I preferred leaving everything to chance. Despite setbacks such as spider bites, getting lost and the ever popular bird poop falling from the sky, I can honestly say that I was living my dream. The memories that were made this past summer are phenomenal. I got to spend my days discovering something that was completely unfamiliar to me with some of the best people around.
christina michaluk/ A&E Editor
A shot of the cityscape taken on Christina’s summer semester abroad.
I N MY OP I NI ON
SAMANTHA BOKOSKI staff writer
scb728@cabrini.edu
Cabrini College is finally allowing students their independence? In the previous visitation policy opinion in the spring semester, Jill Fries and I spoke out against Cabrini’s childish policies. Why should upperclassmen follow the same rules as freshmen, we said. We questioned whether Cabrini allowed us to feel as though we were actually in college. The old visitation policy was a protection for students not to take part in promiscuous activities. What Cabrini needed to realize is not every resident having an opposite sex stay over is going to indulge in sex acts. My freshman year we had too many students transfer and obviously something had to be done. Shockingly, the policy has successfully been changed! The new policy now allows students of the opposite sex to sleep over and extends visitation hours in other dorms. Thankfully, this allows students to have more of a college life. This was a huge achievement for Jill and me because this policy attracted a lot of criticism, due to Cabrini being a Catholic College and its beliefs. The new policy, soon to
be in effect, is as follows. You are allowed to have the opposite sex sleepover for a total of 48 hours. They still must be signed in by just letting the guard on duty know they are staying the night/weekend. However, freshmen abide by the old visitation policy. This is somewhat fair because we did not have the privileges as a freshman either, but honestly I feel this does not make sense. I feel freshmen are the ones we are trying to keep here and we need to give them reason to stay and enjoy college. Freshmen may not deserve the same privileges of upperclassmen, but Cabrini needs to include the freshmen. If not we will lose students, simple as that. Cabrini definitely is trying to overprotect students, like a parent, which is not necessary and not what our tuition pays for. I know this will not change the weekends totally, but at least you can have the people you care about actually be allowed to come visit you. I firmly believe this is a big change for Cabrini but only the start. College is definitely not all fun, education is worked in somehow: but it is not meant to be another home with parents and rules. If Cabrini allows students to have their parties and fun I feel it will pay off for the college immensely. I mean the teen cliché says work hard, play hard.
E-mail Loqperspectives@googlegroups.com with your perspective
Big city internship in radio world IN MY OPINIO N
GILLIAN DAVIS staff writer
gbd722@cabrini.edu
Almost being run over by three bright yellow taxi cabs in a row opened my eyes to the fact that I was no longer in my small, country town in Connecticut. The transition to living in New York City was incredibly jarring and terrifying.
I was so used to walking down Main Street and having every car slow down to holler my name and wave. Now I was walking down concrete sidewalks, avoiding any eye contact. I only experienced this because I became a promotional intern at 95.5 WPLJ radio. When I accepted this internship, I had no idea what I was getting myself into! I couldn’t get over the fact that I had just left my one-stoplight town to a hectic block-walking, subway-riding, taxi-calling city. To state the obvious, I was out of my element. After a few days, I calmed down. I learned where my apartment was, after getting lost the first
day, and also what subways to take. I also discovered the most important lesson immediately. I found out how to avoid the cat-calling who informed me I had “nice cupcakes.” I’m still not sure what he was referring to. What ultimately helped me adjust to this new paced life was my internship. Our job as promotional interns was to go around New York City and distribute T-shirts, key chains and other freebees. Besides promoting around NYC, I was also given the chance to travel to different places. It wasn’t like we went abroad to shout out PLJ’s name, but we traveled all over New Jersey, went to upstate
New York and a little bit of Connecticut. The best part about going up and down and across the New York City region was that it usually meant we were promoting at concerts or festivals. Not only was I experiencing a great summer in the city, but I was also experiencing some of the best summer concert series. The normal procedure for promoting outside of a concert venue would be to set up the promotional tent, table, prize-wheel and sound system. The interns would hop on the mic, shout out the station’s name, play some games with the listeners and hand out prizes. Some interns were daring enough to start up ka-
raoke with crowds. Unfortunately, many fans of the station had to hear my off-key, ear-piercing, glassshattering, lack-of-range voice. After the event, we were lucky enough to attend the concerts. I had the chance to see Coldplay, Hootie & the Blowfish, Maroon 5 and Counting Crows. Even though we didn’t have enough tickets, I could still hear “American Girl” resonating in the air as Tom Petty performed. I even created great friendships throughout the internship. Two of my best friends still make fun of me to this day on being the girl who was adamant on using the crosswalks in the city rather than jay-walk.
Living and working in NYC was an incredible experience that I will never forget. I had a great time plunging into a totally different way of life. I ended my summer by walking down the stairwell of the apartment, pausing at the landing to have a quick handshake with my neighbor. I walked out the front door, put on my sunglasses and iPod headphones in typical subway appearance code, and strutted down the sidewalk. Even though living in the city was intensely different from my country roots, I couldn’t help but get absorbed by my job and all the wonderful experiences I had.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
www.theloquitur.com
8 FEATURES
Students continue journey of faith christine graf deputy editor
acg724@cabrini.edu
Three Cabrini students plan to recreate the energy they experienced at World Youth Day in Australia back here at Cabrini College, by implementing programs where students can freely express their faith. “Being in the presence of so many with the same views as I have reinforced a lot of what I believe,” Kristie Bergin, junior social work and religious studies major, said. Bergin along with Danielle Murphy, senior psychology, sociology and religious studies major, and Kelsie LaBauve, senior religious studies major, were picked by the Wolfington Center to represent Cabrini at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia this summer. “The trip gave involved students an opportunity to challenge their faith and then share it with others,” Campus Minister Christa Angeloni, who went with them, said. The trip came as a surprise gift from the Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Students who were continuously involved in their faith life and viewed as campus role models of faith to other students were chosen to participate.
World Youth Day is an invitation from the pope to the youth of the world to celebrate their faith. This year it took place in Australia and Pope Benedict XVI chose this scripture verse as the theme: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” This verse from Acts 1:8 explains the promise Jesus made after his resurrection. The theme was picked to inspire those who participated in World Youth Day to believe and witness him during their stay in Sydney. Bergin explained the spiritual emotions she felt while being in the presence of the pope. “When the pope drove past us, a feeling of peace I never expe-
rienced before came over me – which was strange because I was standing in a crowd of 300,000 people,” Bergin said. The emotions invoked during the trip and the time spent with other students who were dedicated to their faith inspired these three Cabrini students to do the same here at Cabrini College. “It’s important to practice faith in everyday life and it is easy for some to forget about faith when it’s not in their face all the time,” Murphy said. “Being around young people who were so passionate about their faith gave me hope in future generations.” Bergin and Murphy agreed that although they both learned a good bit, the trip mostly rein-
forced their beliefs and inspired them to create opportunities here at Cabrini so students who wish to express their faith openly can do so. “The trip was another step in my faith journey. It helped me
grow in who I am and remember where I came from,” Murphy said. “I’ve realized what I can accomplish as a student leader in faith here at Cabrini,” Bergin said.
danielle murphy/submitted photo
danielle murphy/submitted photo
Cabrini students, pictured left to right, Kelsie LaBauve, Kristie Bergin and Danielle Murphy about to take a tour of Sydney harbor.
Youth all over the world were invited by the pope to celebrate their faith at World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia.
Staying in shape at Cabrini in the Dixon Center sami godowsky staff writer
scg726@cabrini.edu
The smell of dripping sweat, the sound of heavy weights hitting the ground and people anxiously working hard to enhance their physique is what you will find when entering the fitness center. “When I go to the gym I feel pumped and ready for the day,” junior business administration major Joe Spence said. With the increasing popularity of eating healthy and the obsession of staying in shape, physical fitness is at an all-time high. “I go to the gym to look good and as a personal challenge for myself,” Spence said. Cabrini has a lot of opportunities available to improve your fitness. Weightlifting not your forte? Not a problem. There are several different aerobics classes offered in the Dixon Center, for example, water aerobics, pilates, numerous level yoga classes, cardio and even boot camp classes, which is the craze right now across the country. Some new classes include kickboxing and cycling. “We offer a variety of programs so that we are able to reach out to all interest levels,” Fitness Director Jess Huda said. If the Dixon center is a far walk from your dorm, Cabrini is now offering programs in the residence halls on certain nights.
Classes are free for all students. “So there really is no excuse for not making time to be healthy and workout,” Huda said. These classes are offered Monday through Saturday, with various classes throughout the day starting at 8:30 a.m., and the latest class ending at 8 p.m. Dieting is a big part of staying physically fit. A healthy diet consists of eating the right amount of portions and not overeating. As well as eating food that is healthy for you such as lean vegetables, a starch, a grilled protein—such as chicken or fish—and cutting out calories such as sweets as well as soda. “Having a proper diet is just as important if not more important than exercising itself,” Spence said. The gym here at Cabrini is the most crowded between the hours of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Your best bet is to go in the morning or later in the evening when it is less crowded because there are more machines and equipment available. How does Cabrini’s gym in the Dixon Center compare to other gyms? “Cabrini’s gym is more of a fitness gym than a heavy weight lifter’s gym. There are not heavy enough weights, and there is no squat rack, which is basic equipment every gym should have especially for all the athletes here to help strengthen their legs,” Spence said.
SAMI GODOWSKY/STAFF WRITER
Joe Spence, junior business administration major, is squatting weights at the Dixon Center at Cabrini College. Spence is one of the many students who embraces the gym as a place to go to work out and challenge himself. The Dixon Center welcomes suggestions to help improve the gym. “We will continue to evaluate our classes and make sure that we are providing what the students want. I welcome any suggestions from the Cabrini community as to what classes they would like to see, that we may not already offer,” Huda said. Why is it so important to work out? Working out does not only keep you healthy, strong and physically fit, but helps build your confidence. And when your confidence is high, you can achieve anything. “I love the gym and the equipment. It’s somewhere to go when you need to relieve stress,” junior elementary education and special education major Sara Trzuskowski said.
LAUREN MAGILL/photo staff
Kristin Vernon, a sophomore uses the equipment at Cabrini’s gym located next to the TVs and radio.
FEATU
URES
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
www.theloquitur.com
FEATURES 9
Microsoft launches new protective program megan kutulis staff writer
mmk725@cabrini.edu
Last month, Microsoft announced that it will be allowing users to toss cookies. Not literally, of course, but the company’s new version of Internet Explorer will introduce new settings that allow customers to enjoy browsing the Web without worrying about deleting all that history. Microsoft’s current project, Internet Explorer 8 (IE8), which was expected to be released in August, has generated a number of reactions to its most anticipated feature—InPrivate Browsing. When enabled, the feature will not save browsing or search history, passwords and other data used when logging onto a site or surfing the Web. Although Microsoft users have a variety of reasons to utilize the tool, this particular InPrivate feature has been dubbed “porn mode” for one of its most obvious uses. And while this browser is definitely a plus for those with wandering eyes, Microsoft is trying to take the emphasis off that theory by highlighting its usefulness for erasing any history of gift-buying or social security information. “I think it’s a great idea,” Matthew Rowe, junior business major, said. “I wouldn’t want anyone logging into my Facebook or
anything just because I forgot to log off the library computer.” InPrivate Browsing isn’t the only tool available in Internet Explorer’s newest edition. InPrivate Blocking, which will notify users when a third party has access to any information, will be helpful in stopping any transfer of information on recent searches or Web sites visited. InPrivate Subscription will be a list of sites that are to be blocked to any user on a particular computer, and will hopefully be a preventative measure in popups. But is this new development enough to put Microsoft ahead of its other competitors? Gregg Keizer of Computer World magazine doesn’t think so. “I definitely think this is a step forward for Microsoft, but they have some serious catching up to do. With browsers like Mozilla Firefox and the recent introduction of Google’s browser, Chrome, Microsoft should consider taking significant steps to get ahead of the competition,” Keizer said. Keizer isn’t the only tech critic wary of Microsoft. Tools like InPrivate have already been developed and applied to leading competitor Apple’s Internet browser, Safari. Rowe, a self-proclaimed Apple fanatic, is surprised that Microsoft is so far behind on develop
ing privacy tools. “You know, you see those Mac and PC commercials. Sure, Macs have their problems, but as far as software goes, I guess they’re a little bit more advanced than Microsoft. It’s kind of shocking to me that Microsoft, who’s supposed to be, like, this super computer company, still hasn’t developed something like this,” Rowe said.
Apple isn’t Microsoft’s only competitor who has already developed a tool similar to InPrivate. Mozilla Firefox, which has become increasingly popular over the past few years, has reportedly been working on the development for quite some time now. Although the tool has not yet been implemented by Firefox, some doubt the believability of whether or not Microsoft is really as original as they claim.
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New programs are being developed to provide privacy.
Teacher profile: Returning alumna to carry on traditional methods melissa mariani staff writer
mlm744@cabrini.edu
The history department is getting a lot of buzz lately about their brand new member. With the history and political science club forum approaching, students and faculty are preparing for a good year. As a new addition to the faculty, Courtney Smith is excited to start her first year teaching at Cabrini College. An alumna of Cabrini, Smith majored in history and political science, graduating from the class of 2000. For Smith, her history major opened a great career path for her as a professor. “I knew since high school I wanted to attend a small college like Cabrini,” Smith said. The largest class she teaches has 26 students. Smith also said she wants to keep the courses pretty similar to the way she was taught here at Cabrini. She wants to carry on the tradition she experienced. Smith has some ways to make history class more innovative. Smith wants to show pop-culture films and listen to historical programs and music. Smith said, “I want to use my experience to inspire students.” This semester, Smith is teaching Europe from 1815 to 1900, Survey of United States History and American Pop Culture. Wondering what to expect from her classes, Smith said, “Expect
to be challenged, I want to hear a variety of perspectives from all my students.” As a former student from Cabrini, Smith said she can relate to the perception that history class can be challenging at times. Smith said she gives this advice to first year students, “There are plenty of people around to help, and plenty of resources to assist you. Make sure you use it to survive the first year.” Smith said, “One of the best things about Cabrini so far for her is how the faculty members are so engaging; they are always friendly and ready to help out.” Smith remembers the excitement of being a graduating senior of Cabrini and wanted to give some advice to graduating seniors for this year. “Make sure you really enjoy your job, and never stop looking for new adventures and challenges in life,” she said. Smith will be at the Nov. 1 history and political science club forum. The forum is open to the entire Cabrini community, in the Widener Center lecture hall. This year the forum topic will be presidential elections and will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 4 p.m. Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. Please send your comments to: Loquitur@googlegroups.com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.
britany wright/features editor
Courtney Smith is the newest face to the history department. She is an alumna of Cabrini College and wants to recreate the tradition that she experienced while enrolled as a student here.
10 A&E
www.theloquitur.com
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Arts & Entertainment
Arielle Friscia/Staff Writer
Cabrini students took their chances on the roulette wheel and blackjack tables on Casino Night this past Friday, Sept. 5. The event took place in Grace Hall.
Cabrini students test luck at casino night arielle friscia staff writer
af728@cabrini.com
If you consider yourself a true “high roller” than you must have been present at CAP Board’s very own casino night. Grace Hall had students putting big bets on the table trying to make the big bucks. Before the rain started coming down on Cabrini’s campus, students needed one fun thing to do this weekend before they locked themselves in their dorms.
From the looks of it, some students were making some big bucks on the table. There were others who were not looking too good at casino night. “The shuffling of casino night is a little iffy,” Anthony Stola, sophomore accounting major, said about while he kept losing his chips. By the end of the night he was making big bucks. There were around 30 to 40 students who came out to support CAP Board’s casino night. “I was surprised how many people showed up tonight,” Ellie Spano,
junior, business major, said Even though there are many students who leave campus for the weekend, there were still students willing to gamble some “money” away. Poker seemed to be a popular game of the night with students playing for most of the night. Students also seemed to be engaged in blackjack as well. Winners were all around Grace Hall Friday night. When it was time to cash in, the real prizes finally came into play. Prizes were mostly gift cards
for example to Wawa and American Express. “I like this school now,” Stola said after winning his $50 American Express gift card. There were also many other students who won prizes as well. Other students were not as lucky as Stola to win a prize. But there are more events to look forward to that are held by CAP Board this semester such as bingo nights where students can win some other great prizes. This casino night was a huge hit for the weekenders at Cabrini. “It could’ve been better, you
know with some refreshments and food,” Leslie Farrell, sophomore math major, said. “They could always make it better, but overall it (casino night) was a good time.” If there were more people here on campus, I am sure casino night would have been a packed house with more students losing their “money.” Stoli expressed his relief using fake money. “It’s a good thing it’s chips and we’re not using real money,” Stola said.
‘Survivor: China’ contestant rocks Cabrini christine graf deputy editor
acg724@cabrini.edu
FLOREZMUSIC.COM/SUBMITTED PHOTO
Erik Huffman and Alex Florez make up the band, Florez. Huffman was a contestant on “Survivor: China” in 2007.
A mixture of ‘90s grunge rock music and smooth-jazz playfully bounced off the walls of Jazzman’s Cafe as the band Florez performed for students last Tuesday, Sept. 2. The performance was sponsored by CAP Board as part of providing on campus entertainment for the student body. CAP Board members Anthony Sessa, senior business major, and Jenn Bollinger, junior political science major, were both very impressed with the audience interaction Florez had and how responsive the student body was to the energy the band gave off. “They have a different sound; sort of like John Mayer with a southern knock, but really good,” Sam Leo, freshman graphic design major, said. Florez began its career in 2002 and consists of Alex Florez , lead guitar and vocals, Erik Huffman, bass guitar and vocals and Justin Kitchen, their current drummer on tour. Cabrini College was their ninth stop out of 40 traveling all over the country from Massachusetts to Wisconsin and hitting
all different colleges and universities in between. “College students are open to new ideas and are smart enough to listen to new things, which gives Florez an open door to expose our music,” Florez said. The band had 11 shows in 12 days which left little time for site seeing but from past experiences in the Philadelphia area, Huffman expressed his love for cheesesteaks and Florez “freakin lost his mind” seeing the art museum and Rocky statue on his last visit here. Although being on tour can be exhausting, Florez explains his thoughts about traveling and performing. “Performing is my job and fortunately for me my job is to do the thing I love most, fulfilling my hearts desire and I get to share that passion with others,” Florez said. Huffman, who actually took a break from the band to participate in the reality show “Survivor: China” last year describes touring colleges and universities both exciting and frustrating because they never know what to expect. “The cool thing about touring is that we get to start over with our job; Each school is a new chance to gain new fans just by
sharing our music,” Huffman said. Although Huffman agrees that being on “Survivor” has given the band a new group of listeners he feels there is a division in actual fans of their music and fans of his television fame. There is no hiding the fact that the band Florez is not only nice to listen to but, as freshman Alyssa Verdeschi said, “really nice to look at” too. To experience Florez, check out their Web site at florezmusic.com and myspace.com/florez.
The Loquitur welcomes your comments on this story. E-Mail anything you would like to say about this or other articles to loquitur@googlegroups.com. Thank you for reading.
A&E 11
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Anna Farris shows new side in ‘House Bunny’ jill fries staff writer
vjf722@cabrini.edu
In the mood for a cheesy chickflick making humor of “dumbblondes” and socially awkward sorority sisters? “The House Bunny,” starring Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Katharine McPhee and Rumer Willis, is sure to make you laugh with the cute storyline and situations they are confronted with. These up-and-coming stars, along with Hugh Hefner and his “Girls Next Door” girlfriends, did an outstanding job of portraying the shallow and superficial life of a Playboy bunny, played by Anna Faris, misguided attempt at teaching the socially inept girls to downplay their intelligence and upgrade their appearance. Shelley has lived a carefree life in the Playboy Mansion when a rival gets her kicked out and she is out to fend for herself. The beautiful, but slightly unintelligent Shelley goes out looking for a job and falls into a street of sororities and fraternities. When she hears about the social misfits from Zeta Alpha Zeta, she right away wants to be their housemother.
Zeta is ready to lose their sorority house due to lack of pledges. The girls recruit Shelley and she begins by teaching them about beauty, boys and how to be “popular.” In one humorous scene, Natalie, played by Emma Stone, said trying to persuade her sisters to accept Shelley. “Shelley knows how to meet guys-hence, we will learn how to meet guys.” “Yeah, hence,” Shelley said. A rival sorority, Phi Iota Mu, wants the Zeta house to enlarge their sorority. After parties and fundraisers at Zeta, the pledges skyrocketed. One Zeta told the girls how shallow they were being and how they were going against everything they believed. The girls blamed Shelley and fired her from her housemother duties. Shelley was accepted back to Playboy, but during a photo shoot, realized her Zeta girls needed her. Phi Iota Mu stole Zeta’s pledges and the Zeta house was ready to be given to the “mean girls.” Shelley showed up at the meeting to win back the house and was
successful after a hysterical story explaining how, “My allergic reaction made me feel beautiful.” Zeta kept their house along with adding 30 new Zetas. By the end of the movie, all the girls realized the drastic changes they made to their personality and style were not completely successful, but slight improvements were made while maintaining their true selves. Unfortunately for Shelley, intellectual improvement was hard to come by. The stereotypical images of the “dumb-blonde” was all too appropriate when she was asked by her date, Oliver, who she would be voting for. “I definitely won’t listen to what Simon says, he is just so mean. I usually always agree with Paula and Randy. Oh, you meant the president,” she said. Girls, even guys, go out and get some laughs with “The House Bunny.” You are sure to laugh and the cast is sure to become huge after this film. So grab the girl next door and head to the nearest theater!
Anna Farris plays Shelley, a loveable but absent-minded Playboy model in the new movie, “The House Bunny.”
mct
Britney Spears makes comeback at VMAs jake verterano
A&E editor jcv722@cabrini.edu
MCT
Britney Spears made a triumphant return at the VMAs capturing her first moon man for Best Female Artist, along with two more for Best Pop Video and Best Video of the Year.
It was the one thing on everyone’s mind on Sept. 7. She was returning- she was coming back in a big way. That’s right, Britney Spears is BACK! After last year’s trainwreck of a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, the show was daring enough to allow Spears to return to the stage. Spears has had quite a whirlwind of a year. She released her fifth album in November 2007, was in and out of the hospital in early 2008 and lost a custody battle over her children this past summer. Spears has been motivated to clean up her act over the last several months and really has been working hard. The beautiful songstress has been working out to get her body back into shape and has even been rumored to be working on a new album. All of the talking finally ended
on Sunday when Britney Spears opened the 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards. The show began with a humerous skit involving “Superbad” star Jonah Hill and Spears. In the skit, Hill attempted to kiss Spears several times. Spears looked glamorous in a short purple dress covered in glitter when she appeared before the audience. All smiles, Spears nervously stood on stage as she looked into the audience. “I almost cried when I saw her,” Meghan Sullivan, junior education major, said. “She looked incredible.” Not only did Spears open up the big show, but she also was up for three awards. Spears ended up taking home her first ever MTV award for Best Female Video. She was up against the likes of Rihanna, Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry and Mariah Carey, who also never won an MTV award. Spears also took home the coveted prizes of Best Pop Video and the Best Video of the Year award
for her single, “Piece of Me.” Spears even had a surprised look on her face as she stood up to accept her final award for Best Video of the Year. Host Russell Brand escorted Spears to a golf cart as they road away at the end of the show together. Many fans watching the show thought there would be a surprise performance from the princess of pop, but their hopes were dashed. Despite the lack of performance, fans were still very pleased with Spears. “She looked so glamorous,” Barbara Cortellesa, junior education major, said. “I was so proud of her.” “She’s come a long long way from where she was a year ago,” Sullivan said. Performance or not, one thing is for sure, Britney Spears is back!
EVENTS: SEPT. 11 - 18 Thursday, Sept. 11 Cabrini’s Got Talent : Open Mic Night
Saturday, Sept. 13 Legally Blonde on Broadway
Tuesday, Sept. 16 MTV’s Real World cast members here at Cabrini
Thursday, Sept. 11 – Saturday, Sept. 13 Philadelphia Live Arts Festival
Come show off your talent at Cabrini Open Mic night – or just sit back and enjoy the night of outside live entertainment. See you at 7 p.m. behind the Mansion.
Get away for the day and purchase $35 tickets for transportation from Cabrini and a Broadway show. Each student can purchase up to two tickets. Sign up in the Office of Student Activities – tickets are on sale now. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. for NYC.
Come meet MTV’s Brooke from Real World Denver and Robin from Real World San Diego as they discuss their roles in the spotlight and the importance of voting. 8 p.m. in Grace Hall.
Check out the last four days of bold, innovative, live performances from Philadelphia and around the world. Experience the culture of the world right here in Philadelphia. Don’t miss out!
12 A&E
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
Imogen Heap: one woman, two bands janene gibbons staff writer
jmg727@cabrini.edu
Have you ever been pulled into a song and you just don’t why? It’s like the musicians, singers and songwriters understand and can express exactly what you are going through. It’s not just the lyrics that grab you but the beat and the music itself that captures a moment in your life. It’s not often that I like a band or solo artist that talks about more than one subject matter such as relationships beyond the surface level. As much as I love Top 40 and Pop Rock music, a lot of the popular music is simply so catchy and overproduced that everything beings to sound the same. However, every once in a blue moon you find that person or band that speaks to you in a way that makes you see beyond the lyrics and music and instead of just humming along it makes you, dare I say it, think. This summer I discovered a solo artist named Imogen Heap.
Heap became more widely known in the states by the name Frou Frou, which was a duo part-time project between her and her producer, Guys Sigsworth, that Heap developed after she already established herself as a solo artist. Frou Frou broke out onto the music scene in a huge way with the release of “Garden State,” the awarding winning movie directed by Zach Braff. Frou Frou’s song “Let Go” headlined the movie and jumpstarted Heap’s career to new level of public recognition. Her music also been featured in Disney’s “The Chronicles of Narnia” with songs like “Can’t Take It In” and the ever- popular series “the O.C.” has included Heap’s hits like “Hide and Seek” and “Goodnight and Go” on their soundtracks. Born and raised in Essex, England, Imogen Heap was unique right from the start. The now 6-foot tall slender beauty was a bit of a loner growing up but she found comfort in the music school attached to the Quaker boarding school she attended in Cambridge. There, she fended off bullies with sneak previews of her music.
I feel like Sara Palin’s daughter’s decisions and choices should not be a reflection of her mother.
She was trained classically on the piano but what really made her stand out was a combination of playing blues scales and the rare and mature alto tenor pitch that she sang in. After boarding school at the ripe old age of 15, Heap was off to the south of London for college, where she became influenced by rock bands like Nine Inch Nails and the culture of dance. She then found producer Nik Kershaw and together they fashioned songs which proved to be seductive and powerful such as “Come Here Boy” and “Itchy.” Major record companies began to take an interest and Heap got her first taste of large scale performance and fame when she filled the coveted spot in between Eric Clapton and The Who at the 1996 trust concert in Hyde Park where she performed a 20-minute set in front of 150,000 people. She finally settled in with producers David Khane and Guy Sigsworth. It was with this artistic production team that she began to use a method of mixing different genres of music together to form a genre mix of Electronic and alternative Rock Pop. In 1997,
Heap signed with Almo sounds as a solo artist. Her first album named “I Megaphone,” an anagram of the name Imogean Heap was released in 1998. Frou Frou the part time project duo was to come later in 2001 when she signed with MCA/Universal. Frou Frou released the album “Details” and then Heap returned to her solo career with the release of “Speak for Yourself” in 2005, which made it to the Top Billboard 200 and the Top Electronic Albums, where it peaked at No. 2. Cabrini students said it all when they commented on what makes Heap’s sound and music so special. “She is a really unique musician because she uses her voice as an instrument itself and not just an accompanist,” Matt Connelly, senior liberal arts major, said. “She is also very memorable in the electronic genre of music in the way she applies technology to her voice forming a chorus and imitating instruments rather than constructing her songs mostly out of synthesized sounds and melodies to accompany her vocals,” Conelly said.
In comparing Heap to other popular bands, William Monahan, a junior English major, said that she’s “the Goo Goo Dolls meets the Cranberries.” “She has that edge to her music but her voice is soft and harmonious,” Monahan said. This along with Imogen Heap’s fabulous evolving look in her music videos whether it be dressing up in an alligator/dinosaur costume for her music video “Headlock” or becoming her own stunning version of windup doll in her beautiful red dress with a flower in her hair for the music video “Goodnight and Go.” Heap is a free spirit who is not afraid to break boundaries and cross into the unknown. So check her out on her very own channel on You Tube even if it’s for the sake of pure curiosity where she blogs often and goes behind the scenes of how she makes her music and shows off more than a little of her charming personality. I don’t think you will be disappointed, and who knows perhaps like me and her many avid fans you will find a kindred spirit.
I think what her children do should NOT be a reflection on her.
The last time I checked, it wasn’t Sara’s daughter that is up for the job. Allie Potter Sophomore special education major
Matt Rowe Junior business administration major
Rob Stoop Sophomore chesmistry major
Should Sarah Palin’s pregnant teen daughter influence voters? Arielle friscia/staff writer
Grace Hall becomes living music video jake verterano
A&E editor jcv722@cabrini.edu “I had no idea I was going to a giant orgy,” Michaela Enriquez, junior human resource major, said. The “giant orgy” Enriquez speaks of was CAP Board’s presentation of the Video Dance on Aug. 28 in Grace Hall. This innovative concept included two video screens that showed music videos by the artists on them. In addition to the awesome music videos playing, a camera man creeped around the dance and shot scenes of people dancing that projected onto a screen. “I actually had a lot of fun,” Eliot Bartlett, sophomore history major, said. “However, no one would dance with me.”
Hoardes of loud, excited and intoxicated students came to the dance to rock out to some of their favorite songs. The DJ played everything from “A Milli” by Lil’ Wayne to “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls. “Rocking out to Spice Girls was definitely a highlight of the dance for me,” Lindsay Buckley, junior education major, said. “Either that, or watching my friends fall all over the dance floor. They’re so funny, but in a totally HOT way!” The dance was designed to be an event to give students something fun to do on campus. It’s no secret that Cabrini is lacking in events students are actually interested in going to. The dance actually turned out to be quite a success. CAP board’s next event will be an open mic night on Sept. 11
where students can come to show off their talents. The dances at Cabrini have also been a big way to raise some money for organizations. Students came rushing into the dance throughout the night and shook their groove things on the dance floor. The dance did have it’s share of unruly students who were taking clothes off and gyrating on the floor, but chaperones were on hand to keep everything in order. Despite the unruliness, the video dance left many people with smiles on their faces and plenty of embarrassing photos for facebook tagging. “I felt like a glamazon,” Jen Stuart, junior business administration major, said. “I loved being inappropriate with my friends at the dance.”
MICHAELA ENRIQUEZ/SUBMITTED PHOTO
Cabrini students get down with their bad selves at the Video Dance on Aug. 28. The theme of the dance included two giant screens where the DJ played music videos from popular artists all evening long.
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
SPORTS 13
Women’s volleyball victorious in 1st home tilt justin bostwick staff writer
jnb724@cabrini.edu
Cabrini women’s volleyball dominated Misericordia University in its first home game of the season. Cheers and whistles were heard throughout the Dixon Center for what was close to a two-hour bout on Thursday, Sept. 4. The teams anticipated a battle for a best-of-five match. However, Cabrini’s performance exceeded that of Misericordia’s, which led to a victory of three games to one. During the first game, the Cavs showed Misericordia what they were capable of with an aggressive score of 25-16. This led to frustration for Misericordia, causing a slight comeback in game two, leaving Cabrini defeated by only a mere two points. This did, however, not come from a poor performance by outside hitter Alexis Doss. Despite the two-point defeat for game two, Doss more than proved what she was made of on the court. Game three was the turnaround of the evening, according to coach Eric Schaffer. The Cavs came back with a victorious score of 25 to 13. The ounce of hope Misericordia obtained from game two was shattered after an unfortunate string of events on its part. Cabrini made its win seem effortless to the spectators. However, the scoreboard showed their strenuous work and dedication to the sport. Schaffer further explained how Steph Recklau picked up on hits and blocking during the third and fourth games. Spectators Tom Hayes and Mark Hamilton had nothing but positive remarks to say. Their uplifting spirits were brought out through cheers and comical remarks for the opposing team. “By the third game, Misericordia’s bus was ready to go with or without them,” Hayes said. It was quite evident the team had their game face on for the evening, but senior Lindsay Martin’s outstanding performance stood out the entire night. Martin explained that the team came out strong for the first home match and played really well as a team. “Besides my missed serves, I played
NICK PITTS/SPORTS EDITOR
Alexis Doss of the women’s volleyball team gets vertical for a spike attempt during the game against Misericordia on Thursday, Sept. 4. The Cavs were victorious in the match, winning three games to one. solid defense and aggressive serve receive,” Martin, exercize science and health promotion major, said. Martin also added that there is still more to work on for the team. “I am looking forward to the rest of the
season and can’t wait to see what other good things will come our way,” Martin said. The volleyball team knows how to start off the year with success. The victory over Misericordia was expected due to the fact
that Cabrini has gone undefeated to them. In the final game of the night, Cabrini crushed Misericordia with a score of 25-11. If the rest of the season can go as well as the first home game, Cabrini has nothing to worry about.
Field hockey looks ahead to conference play kara driver
staff writer
kad727@cabrini.edu
cabrini athletic department
Captain Melissa Benedetti marches down the field during a game last season.
“Together we are one and fit together like a family,” sophomore special education major Courtney Davis said about her team. Over the past ten years, coach Jackie Neary has lead her team to the league semifinals seven times. Neary and the three senior captains, Kate Ryan, Elissa Salantri and Melissa Benedetti, hope that they can lead the team to eight. “It was another tough preseason thanks to our strength and conditioning coach, Nick. The freshmen overall did well and a couple of them broke into starting positions,” Neary said. Neary feels very strong about her upcoming freshmen and she feels they can greatly help out the team. All of the new freshmen come from different high schools, which made it a little harder to get the team to click in the beginning. Courtney Davis, sophomore special education major, said, “We are
a unique team. We come from a bunch of different high schools getting taught different skills,” Davis said. On Labor Day weekend, the team competed in a tournament where they were able to put their new skills and hard preseason work to the test. This was a very challenging tournament that the team has always struggled with. This tournament turned out to be very successful for the team. “Obviously this preseason was productive, because for the first time we beat Drew University, and then Swarthmore,” Neary said excitedly about her team. Senior business administration major Elissa Salantri was very excited for her team’s win and gave her a lot of hope for the upcoming season. “After winning our tournament this weekend, we are really looking forward to this season. We have great chemistry on and off the field.” A lot of the players contributed to this exciting win against Drew University. Freshman Lauren Alessi led the offense to their 2-1 win with two goals. Freshman Maura Gordon assisted Alessi with one of
the goals. Sophomore Desiree Umosella helped the team for its second win against Swarthmore College leading the offense with two goals. After last year’s record of eight wins and eleven losses the team was picked to finish second in the overall conference standings. Their record showed the coaches of the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) that they should have a very promising year. The CSAC conference games begin on Sept. 24 against Marywood. This will show how well their season will start off. Neary and her players are looking forward to this season and hope it will be very successful. Neary said, “I want the team to continue the hard work and we look forward to starting our conference games.” Loquitur welcomes your comments and questions on this story. Please send your comments to: loquitur@googlegroups. com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.
14 SPORTS
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
A far cry from instant SPORTS SCENE By Nick Pitts
NICK PITTS/SPORTS EDITOR
The scoreboard at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia features a giant screen that shows vibrant replays right after the action is over for the fans in attendence to see.
When the bright red breaking news banner flashed in the middle of Sports Center one late August afternoon, I was almost incredibly excited. Almost. It was announced on Aug. 26 that Major League Baseball would introduce a long overdue instant replay system. All 30 stadiums in the league were promptly equipped with a television monitor and a telephone wired straight to the Major League Baseball Advanced Media headquarters, an organization much like the “war room” implemented by the National Hockey League. Two days later, Aug. 28, instant replay was considered in-play. Naturally, however, all things in life come with some fine print disclaimers, and this exciting new system was no exception. Umpires are only allowed to review controversial homerun calls. Is it a groundbreaking move? Yes. But it is not nearly enough. MLB is the last of the four major professional sports to adopt some sort of an instant replay system, losing by six years to the National Basketball Association, which approved a system in July of 2002. Not even a full 48 hours after the homerun replay system was initiated, Ryan Howard and his Philadelphia Phillies fell victim to an enormous miscall. In the middle of a 3-3 tie with two outs in the top of the seventh against the Chicago Cubs, Howard ripped a single which was bobbled before thrown to first.
With a runner at third, Howard could have secured a run as long as he reached base safely. Despite beating the throw, the first base umpire still called Howard out, ending the inning. Sure enough, the very next inning a Cub’s homerun put the Phillies behind and cost them the game. If that play happened in the 1930’s, long before the existence of such things as giant television screen-scoreboards, maybe it wouldn’t have been that big of a deal. Unfortunately for that umpire, in the year 2008 such technology does exist and everyone saw Howard’s too-big-to-miss cleat crunch first base long before the ball got there. After an exhausting argument involving Phillies coach Charlie Manual, third base coach Steve Smith and the umpire, Smith found himself ejected from the game as well as a suspension for the next three. Without the leverage of an instant replay, the argument was useless. Sighs of relief were heard among the Chicago faithful in their home stands, but Harry Kalas and the other Philly announcers weren’t too pleased. This is just one of many instances that happen over the course of a very long baseball season that gets overlooked. This late in the season however, a call like that could change a game as well as the standings. Two teams in a pennant race are not very fond of human error. I commend MLB for taking the step towards the technological age of instant replay. But it needs to be taken much further, until it is a part of the entire game and not just the long ball. Afterall, I would like to see the Phillies coaching staff make it through the whole game.
This week in sports Laukaitis lands ‘dream job’ kirk manion staff writer
kjm725@cabrini.edu
Hamels lead Phils into Home Stretch As the month of September rolls around, the Philadelphia Phillies are entering into the home stretch towards the playoffs. As of Sept. 3, 2008, the Phillies are two games behind the New York Mets for first place in the National League East. The night before Cole Hamels pitched into the eighth inning and allowed no runs and five hits while leading the Phillies to a 4-0 win over a Washington Nationals team that was riding a seven-game winning streak. This win kept the Mets in striking distance. It was an expected win against the Nationals, who have the worst record in baseball, but when the ace of pitching staff throws a shutout it means a little more knowing Hamels is firing on all cylinders.
Flyers add another game to famous Spectrum Because of the high ticket demand by fans who want to attend one more hockey game in the Wachovia Spectrum, the Flyers plan to add another preseason game in their former home. The Flyers will take on the Phantoms, their AHL affiliate, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Earlier, the Flyers announced they would play a preseason game at the Spectrum against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. This is the final year of the Spectrum, where the Flyers won their first Stanley Cup in 1974. The Flyers have invited their former captains to appear in a Sept. 27 ceremony connected to the preseason game. Eric Lindros, who had a stormy relationship with the club, has turned down the invitation because of a commitment regarding a memorial service.
Eagles gear up for 2008 to 2009 season The Philadelphia Eagles have a lot of excitement heading into this season because Donovan McNabb is healthy for the first time in over two years and the defense has improved their speed and playmaking ability this year. If McNabb stays healthy, the Eagles are a playoff caliber team. Over the first six years of his career, McNabb quarterbacked the Eagles to a 56-23 record. In the last three injured-plagued seasons, McNabb has not only missed 15 games but is just 17-16 in the games he has played. Eagle’s fans are hoping for a healthy McNabb to lead the team to a place he hasn’t seen since the Super Bowl in 2005, the playoffs.
NICK PITTS/SPORTS EDITTOR
danielle feole sports editor
df727@cabrini.edu
Sitting in a small office behind the bleachers in the Dixon Center, Cabrini’s new women’s basketball coach anticipates the upcoming season. Bernadette Laukaitis will step on the court and finally feel what the title of head coach will really be like. “It’s fun and exciting to know I’m coming into a program that has won,” Laukaitis said. Laukaitis followed in her older sister’s foot steps and started playing basketball at the age of five. She played for St. Huberts High School in her hometown of Northeast Philadelphia. After high school, she played for Holy Family University where she studied elementary education. She was the team’s point guard and was given the nickname of “floor general.” Laukaitis was an elementary education teacher for five years at Wilson Middle
School in Philadelphia and also, did some work in the real estate field, knowing all along that basketball was her true love. “Basketball has been in my blood since I was little,” Laukaitis said. She coached at Holy Family for eight years after graduating in 2000. Laukaitis helped lead Holy Family to five conference titles and eight national post season tournaments in eight seasons as assistant coach. Holy Family became the first program in the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference history to accomplish three undefeated seasons in a row from 2005 to 2008. “I have a very fun style of play and I think the girls do too,” Laukaitis said. Getting back to the NCAA tournament is a top priority for Laukaitis and she is happy with the come back of all the girls. “I want to get a solid victory out there and really get a chemistry built,” Laukaitis said. Laukaitis will inherit a Cavalier’s team that stole the title of the 2008 Colonial States Athletic Conference, which was formerly known as the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference last year and returned to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999. “This is my dream job and I could not imagine being anywhere else right now,” Laukaitis said. Loquitur welcomes your comments and questions on this story. Please send comments to: Loquitur@googlegroups. com. The editors will review your comments each week and make corrections if warranted.
SPORTS 15
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Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
O’Hora excited for 2008 erin nollen staff writer
ekn722@cabrini.edu
cabrini athletic department
Cross Country’s Eddie Penetar runs at a meet earlier last season. Coach O’Hora expects big things of Penetar this year.
The men’s and women’s 2008 cross country season has officially started. Cabrini College has always run a successful cross country team and hopes its success will continue this year. “If you’re looking at a mountain we’re at the bottom working towards the peak,” Thomas O’Hora, cross country coach, said. O’Hora seemed apprehensive but positive at the same time about the men’s team. “We lost two really good runners from last year and every successful cross country team has seven really good runners. You really can’t have a weak link,” O’Hora said. This year he is hoping freshmen Ed McQuade and Dan Regan can fill the shoes of the runners the squad lost. Top-runner Edward Penetar, sophomore psychology major, is returning after placing fourth in regionals and attending nationals last year. Other runners to watch are returning sophomores John Solewin, Kevin Wellman and a transfer student from Penn State University Justin Walsh. “It’s going to be a tougher league this year,” O’Hora said. Gwynedd-Mercy has its whole team returning and Keystone College is now a member of the league and also has its whole team returning. In the preseason polls, Cabrini was picked to
finish third behind Keystone College and Gwynedd-Mercy College. “Hopefully the guys can prove us wrong,” O’Hora said. The women’s team hopes to have a successful injury-free season. Last season the women’s team was cursed with injury after injury. “This year is a rebuilding year for us,” O’Hora said. The women’s team lacks experience but maintains a very positive attitude. In the preseason ranks, Cabrini was picked to finish third but the team hopes to prove them wrong. The women’s team has three key returning runners. Coach O’Hora hopes for junior Diane Gapinski and sophomore Kelly McEachern to lead the team to victory. Tatiana Gomez and Erica Foley, runners who have previously only run once, are considered an advantage by O’Hora. “They haven’t picked up any bad habits and they aren’t burnt out,” O’Hora said. Diane Gapinski hopes to improve all of her times at each meet and to stay healthy. “I hope this year we can all run in a strong pack. Last year we didn’t always have enough girls to race, which made it difficult,” Gapinski said. Before each race she said, “We all try and hang out or go out to dinner and personally I wear the same pair of socks for every race. I wash them though.” “You start slow and end fast,” O’Hora said. “My goal for them is to run their best race in the championships in November. That’s all you can hope for.”
Cavs finish weekend festival 1-1 brian loshiavo staff writer
brianloshiavo@cabrini.edu
The Cabrini women’s soccer team kicked off the 2008 season with its annual soccer festival this past weekend at the Edith Robb Dixon field. The Cavs took on the Blue Jays of Saint Joseph’s College from Connecticut in its first contest and ran away with win No. 1 of the season. Their two goals in the final 15 minutes of the tug-of-war match handed them the win. Junior Heather Thompson iced the game off a Sabina DeGisi assist at the 85:54 mark. Despite Saint Joseph’s stingy defense, DeGisi slipped the ball past three defenders to find Thompson for the game winner. Freshman Kara Hinklemon tied up the game at one at the 75:23 mark on a left foot shot 15 yards out. The rookie ended the game with her first career goal, while leading the Cavaliers with five shots on goal. Sabina DeGisi, junior English and communication major, said, “The freshmen came right off the bench and made an impact. This gave the team confidence
that we have depth and support.” And that they do. During the tournament, the newcomers showed that they have what it takes to compete at this level. The contest went scoreless until Saint Joe’s rookie Krista Watts got one past Gianna Poretta, sophomore goalkeeper, with just minutes until halftime. Poretta ended the game with five stopped shots. The Cavs defense limited the Jays to just seven total shots. After Hinklemon’s game-tying score, Saint Joe’s almost put one in, but Poretta denied any hope with a highlight-reel save. Blue Jay Rookie Katrina Maki led the team with three shots on goal. The Lady Cavaliers rolled into the Cabrini College Soccer Festival finals with a 2-1 win to take on Dickinson College, who pulled one out against Widener University in a shootout. In a disappointing championship game, DeGisi was the lone Cav to find the back of the net. The women went on to lose 4-1. “The first half, we played stronger than the second. In the second half, we weren’t clearing the ball out of our end and fatigue set in,” DeGisi said.
Dana Conroy of Dickinson kicked off the scoring 27 minutes into the first half, followed by DeGisi’s game-tying goal from the left box. At the half, the score was knotted at 1-1. In the second half, the Dickinson Red Devils went on 3-0 scoring run to win the game. The Red Devils experienced a 30-minute scoring drought until Rachel Henry ended it at the 59-minute mark, followed by two more goals by Genevieve Olson and Sarah Casey. Poretta ended the game with seven saves, while Dickinson goalie matched that also ending with seven. DeGisi had a teamhigh five shots on goal while Hinkelmon ended with three. The Red Devils beat the Cavs on corner kicks, outing them 14-5. “I believe that we are better than last year with our balance and the new look of our conference,” DeGisi said. “We will contend for the Colonial States Athletic Association Championship (CSAC). If we take what we learned about ourselves and the team in Brazil and in preseason and put it on the field, there is no way we won’t have a shot at bringing the championship home.”
CABRINI ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
Benedetti leads by example mike o’hara staff writer
mto722@cabrini.edu
After starting 2-0, the field hockey team is looking to continue its winning ways. One player who has played a big role in the team’s success is Melissa Benedetti, senior exercise science major. Benedetti, who is known as “The Shark” by her coach and teammates, led the team last year with 30 points on 14 goals, four of them game winners. “Melissa was a big part of last year’s success and hopefully she’ll be a big part of this year’s success too,” Coach Jackie Neary said. One of the teams captains, Benedetti was optimistic about the season. “This season looks good because we got a lot of people back from last season, and we’ve started off a lot better this season,” Benedetti said. Last season, the field hockey team lost its first eight games but was able to recover, winning eight out of their final 11. This season’s good start is in stark contrast to last season. “This season is definitely opposite of last season in terms of our start. It’s good to start off winning,” Benedetti said. So far, Benedetti has reason to be optimistic as the team has started with back-to-back wins over Drew University and Swarthmore College at the Drew Fall Festival. Benedetti, who is from Collingswood, N.J., started playing field hockey at the age of 10 when a friend’s mom convinced her to try it instead of soccer. Melissa played field hockey in high school for Collingswood High School. This season is Benedetti’s second season on the Cabrini squad. Benedetti is a quiet leader who leads by example,” Neary said. “She has without a doubt elevated our program. I wish we had her for four years.” Benedetti is looking to make her senior season of field hockey a successful one by aiming for the top. “It would be great to win the CSAC. It would be really good to end on a high note for my senior year.”
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008
www.theloquitur.com
SPORTS 16
Sports
Cabrini ‘phills’ Citizens Bank Park
BRITTANY MCLEOD/COPY EDITOR
Director of athletics and recreation Joe Giunta throws out the ceremonial first pitch on Sept. 8 as part of Cabrini College night at the Phillies. Pitcher Jamie Moyer acted as the stand-in catcher and awaits Giunta’s throw. brittany mcleod copy editor
blm726@cabrini.edu
Fans of all ages sported Cabrini College knit hats on Monday, Sept. 8 at Cabrini Night at the Phillies. Cabrini students, families, alumni and faculty filled the pavilion deck as the Phillies took on the Florida Marlins at Citizens Bank Park on a clear fall evening. Every student donned a red Cabrini College-Phillies themed shirt to show their pride and the whole night was focused on the Cavaliers. As the cameras repeatedly flashed a shot
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of the Cabrini sections on the big screen, students and fans cheered as everyone got their five seconds of fame. The game was considered mandatory for all freshmen, as each first-year student got a free ticket to the game. Joe Giunta, the new athletic director of Cabrini College, was lucky enough to stand on the mound and throw out the first pitch to Phillies pitcher Jamie Moyer. “That was an incredible experience; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only as a lifelong baseball fan but to be out there representing Cabrini College was just awesome! To play catch with Jamie Moyer definitely has to be one of my favorite Phillies to meet. He’s definitely
up there,” Giunta said in the elevator ride back up to the Cabrini suite. The Phillies entered the second inning with a 2-2 tie. It was a sea of blazing red as the deck was filled to capacity and the Phillies Jayson Werth broke open a close game with a three-run shot in the eighth. Ryan Howard drove in two and Jimmy Rollins had three hits and scored twice. The Marlins managed to get within one run, but that’s as far as they would get, as Philadelphia pulled away and managed to maintain a two-run lead to win the game, 8-6. Cabrini’s new president, Dr. Marie George, was also on hand and enjoyed the game from Cabrini’s Hall of Fame
suite and later paid the Cabrini crowd a visit. George said, in an e-mail to the Cabrini community, “Looking out at the right-field stands and seeing section after section of red Cabrini shirts filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride for the College. With more than 1,600 students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, families and donors, the entire Cabrini community was represented. The participation showcased how strong the Cabrini community truly is.” Cabrini and Phillies fans enjoyed their night as the Phillies took home a win and, with the Mets off, gained a half-game in the National League.
LEFT: Athletic Director Joe Giunta poses with the ball that he tossed over the plate for the first pitch. RIGHT: The Cabrini dance team gets down with the Phillie Phanatic on top of the Phillies dugout.
BRITTANY MCLEOD/COPY EDITOR