2009-10 Issue 13 Loquitur

Thursday, 3, 2009 Thursday,Dec. Feb. 19, 2009

YOU SPEAK, WE LISTEN

Radnor, Pa.

CABRINI COLLEGE

Pacemaker Winner Vol VolLI, L,Issue Issue13 17

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Speaker encourages global awareness eric gibble staff writer

erg722@cabrini.edu

MEGAN KUTULIS/DEPUTY EDITOR

Students commemorate World AIDS Day megan kutulis deputy editor

mmk725@cabrini.edu

Cabrini students and faculty joined together to celebrate World AIDS Day on Tuesday, Dec. 1. Through participation in on and off campus events, the college community raised awareness for a disease

that continues to plague the world.

Though the entire campus celebrated the day, Cabrini’s Catholic Relief Services ambassadors, specifically the HIV/AIDS ambassadors, planned the events that took place on campus.

“AIDS hits everyone; it hits newborns, people our age and older people. It doesn’t

matter what your race or gender is, it can hit you, too,” Jamie Tadrzynski, CRS HIV/AIDS ambassador and sophomore history and secondary education major,

AIDS , Page 3

The policies of the United States have contributed to Haiti being the poorest western nation.

Because of this, we should it take it upon ourselves to help improve the economic situation on the island.

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton conveyed this message to the small crowd at the Higher Grounds Cafe on North Third street in Philadelphia on Nov. 18. He hosted the fundraiser for the House of Grace Haiti Health Care Project which he created.

Gumbleton stated that Haiti has paid over $21 billion in reparations to France and this, along with the foreign policy of the United States in the ‘90s, has contributed to the islands inability to thrive.

“France and other countries, including the United States, tried to prevent this country from flourishing. We could not recognize a country of slaves when we had so many of our own,” Gumbleton said.

Haiti is in the midst of a health care crisis. It currently has the highest infant mortality rate among western nations.

Haitians are most likely to die from diarrhea, respiratory infections and malaria.

“You all probably have some awareness of Haiti and its lack of access to water. People are dying from diarrhea. It’s so simple to stop diarrhea. Really think about what that means. It doesn’t take a doctor to solve this problem,” Gumbleton said.

Katie Huynh made her initial trip to Haiti five years ago on with a human rights group. She was inspired by Gumbleton and so the House of Grace Haiti Health Care Project was formed to improve the lives of those on the island.

HAITI, Page 3

College financing causes confusion among Cabrini students arielle friscia a&e editor

af728@cabrini.edu amanda carson news editor

arc726@cabrini.edu

Many students dread the day when the bill for their college tuition comes.

For some students, settling their financial accounts with the college goes smoothly, while others experience confusion.

Often times, those with tuition problems must go back

E

FFIC O S S E BUSIN and forth between the financial aid office in Grace Hall and the business office in the Mansion.

FINA

NCIA OFF L AID ICE

“My parents decided they were going to change the way they were going to pay the school,”

AMANDA CARSON/NEWS EDITOR

Matthew Rowe, senior business administration major, said.

“Trying to coordinate this with

the school was a hassle because I was told by both offices that I needed to go to the other office.”

The business office and the financial aid office are two separate, yet interdependent, offices. One is where students pay their actual bills; the other helps students receive money to pay the bills. Although differentiating each office’s purpose seems simple enough, financial uncertainties seem to blur each

FINANCES , Page 3

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2 NEWS

EDITORIALS Concerns arise over office communications

All of us have made the dreaded trek to the financial aid and business offices. Sometimes you leave with answers; sometimes you’re left walking back and forth from office to office trying to figure your financial problems out on your own.

In these hard economic times, Cabrini students are struggling financially to remain enrolled in college and are in and out of these offices a lot more often than usual.

We are aware that the college took a hit this year with both a small freshman class and with a large number of students not returning after last year.

Now more than ever, the Loquitur believes that the college should be pro-active in assisting students with our financial aid and billing problems. Loquitur has suggestions to improve retention and make it more possible for students to remain at the college.

Just as every student has an academic adviser to turn to, similarly every student should have a financial adviser. Just as our academic adviser is in our corner helping us to negotiate complex problems, there should be a single financial person whom we can meet with, who is on our side, who knows the best way to handle our complex financial problems.

Why do we walk back and forth between the Mansion and Grace Hall, not knowing who can help us solve our problem financial problems?

The Loquitur staff believes that these offices should be located in the same building working together in unison. Loquitur also believes the attitude of the staff should be similar to what we find with our academic advisers: friendly, helpful and welcoming to all students.

We shouldn’t be stressed just thinking about the walk to the Mansion or Grace Hall to deal with these financial matters.

Obviously in any business or organization there needs to be offices that deal with money and payments, but there should be places that you feel comfortable going to, knowing that things will be taken care of.

If the offices were in one building students wouldn’t be confused about what office handles what financial issue. Students wouldn’t be sent back and forth between the two offices because of lack of communication.

Think about how your problems are handled at any store you go to. If you don’t like the way customer service goes about helping you out, you’re most likely not going to want to go back to that store.

Considering the retention rate is low, shouldn’t we make sure that every aspect of Cabrini from the marketplace to the business and financial aid offices are welcoming? In no way are we saying that this is the single reason why the retention rate is down, but in trying to bring these numbers up, shouldn’t every aspect of Cabrini make students feel as if this college is where they should be?

Cabrini has so much to offer. Students want to be here. But many of us are struggling to remain here and we believe that the business and financial aid offices should actively assist students in their college experience. In the end, we have decided to attend Cabrini and we are paying the money to attend; each and every one of us should be treated like Cabrini’s number one customer.

‘Tis the season What does the holiday season mean to you? Hopefully it’s

not completely based on commercial and materialistic aspects.

Unfortunately, for many, the holiday season has seemed to be turning more and more in that direction. This year, during a time when people can’t afford such a lavish holiday season, maybe we should all try to re-discover the true meaning of this time of year.

The editors believe that this is the perfect time to find the true old fashion holiday spirit. With money tight we should focus more on family, friends and those who are really in need.

Regardless of the hard times our country is in, as college students, we should begin shedding the mindset of wanting and begin to see the gift of giving and the real worth of the holidays.

We all can attest to the fact that it seems time is flying by faster than ever. We have seen friends and family come and go and we have seen huge changes in our world.

In this next month we have off from school, in the heart of the holiday season, take the time to relax, but also take the time to make memories with those you love, give back and you will find the true meaning of the holiday season.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

Primiano lectures on religious diversity paul skow staff writer

pws722@cabrini.edu

The idea that religions are often misunderstood by individuals outside, as well as inside, of the society where a religion is found was the main point of a lecture on religious diversity by religious studies professor and department chair, Dr. Leonard Norman Primiano.

The lecture, entitled“Religious Diversity in Contemporary Philadelphia” was hosted in the Mansion dining room on Tuesday, Nov. 17, as a part of a series of lectures sponsored by the Office of Diversity Initiatives.

Primiano began by offering a historical sketch of belief systems in Philadelphia by discussing the founding of Pennsylvania by William Penn, the Quaker who wanted to create a place of religious freedom.

“The Quakers looked to the spirit in each other. In that way, they found God in each other,” Primiano said.

Regardless, Pennsylvania, and specifically Philadelphia, permitted the religious practices of the small Catholic community and the colony became a melting pot for many religious cultures and a center for religious tolerance.

From a discussion of religion in historic Philadelphia, Primiano then addressed contemporary belief systems present in contemporary

Philadelphia such as Vodou, Witchcraft and Satanism.

He brought with him interesting religious objects from his own collection, what he called “religious material culture,” which helped to illustrate and explain the religious practices that he described.

These religions are often mistakenly tied together and mentioned in a negative manner in the media and therefore are commonly misunderstood.

Primiano made it clear that the practices of each are “very different.”

Satanism, for example, exists in many forms. There are young people who dabble, thinking that they are Satan worshippers, lunatics who commit criminal acts and actual Satanists, who are protected by the freedom of religion clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Vodou and witchcraft, however, are completely unrelated to Satanism.

Witchcraft is an earthcentered religion. As Primiano said, “There is a great separation between Christian and non-Christian religions.”

Primiano described Vodou as an “intermixing of cultures.”

It is a combination of Roman Catholicism and African religions and not to be confused with black magic, which is where negative opinions on Vodou often originate.

He brought a colorful Vodou bottle, used in ceremonies,

which was decorated with red satin, sequins and feathers, with a prominent image of the Virgin Mary, likely representing Our Lady of Sorrows.

Primiano also discussed a group of gay and lesbian Catholics, who have hopes of acceptance by the Church. Primiano hopes to write a book on this particular topic. The object that he would like to use for the cover is a rosary with each of the five sections having a different bright color representing a rainbow, the colors of the gay liberation movement, as well as a replica of Pope John Paul II’s crucifix.

Primiano also mentioned Mother and Father Divine of the International Peace Mission Movement (which was quite popular throughout the 20th century), who as Primiano stated were “interested in erasing racial distinctions.”

Communication professor Dr. John Cordes, who was in attendance at the lecture, said it was “a great talk” and said that “everything was very interesting.” Cordes said that he was “particularly interested in the Action News segment” that Primiano showed about Mother and Father Divine’s adopted son wanting to unrightfully claim his parents’ legacy. He also enjoyed “the poppet that had been specifically made for (Primiano).”

Primiano hopes to continue lecturing on religious diversity soon to cover more material.

2009-2010 Loquitur Staff/Editorial Staff Editor in Chief Deputy Editor Managing Editor News Editor A & E Editor Features Editor Perspectives Editor Perspectives Editor Perspectives Editor Sports Editor Web Editor Sports Columnist Adviser

Brian Loschiavo Megan Kutulis Jen Wozniak Amanda Carson Arielle Friscia Gianna Shikitino Brian Loschiavo Megan Kutulis Jen Wozniak Katie Engell Shannon Keough Kasey Minnick Dr. Jerome Zurek

Staff Writers Danielle Alio Felicia Melvin Maryellen Anastasio Alyssa Mentzer Megan Conte Lauren Miskofsky Keara Corbin Jason Moran Michelle Costa Meghan Murphy Taylor Crist Alex Pittinsky Alyssa Davies Holly Prendergast Joseph DeMarzio Rachael Renz Kerri Dougherty Ross Salese Christina Flood Jamie Santoro Patrick Gallagher Liz Scopelliti Eric Gibble Justin Sillner Nicholas Guldin Paul Skow Kelsey Kastrava Lauren Sliva Elizabeth Krupka John Solewin Maria McDonald Trevor Wallace Danielle McLaughlin Noelle Westfall Meghan McSloy

Our Mission Statement

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

Founded in 1959, the Loquitur has thrived and greatly expanded its readership. The paper now has over 4,500 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

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

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NEWS 3

Students raise awareness for HIV/AIDS AIDS , Page 1

said. “It’s such a world pandemic, especially in Africa, and it’s just like, it’s taking over and we need to help raise awareness, and help promote finding a cure.”

Tadrzynski is one of four ambassadors for HIV/AIDS at Cabrini. CRS ambassadors who work in this particular area help to raise awareness for the disease and aim to assist individuals and communities who suffer from the physical and emotional devastation of the disease.

According to the CRS Web site, HIV has affected over 60 million people in the last 25 years. By 2010, it is estimated that nearly 80 million people will be infected with the disease, and over 25 million children will

be orphaned or abandoned as a result of the disease. Although the disease has been known to affect countries like Africa especially hard, it has also spread to areas like Latin America and Asia.

“HIV/AIDS is a scourge wherever it is, but in poor countries, it completely attacks the infrastructure. When you have even the young and able-bodied getting sick and dying, you end up with orphans, economies that fall apart, businesses that can’t run; it debilitates not just individuals and families but whole communities,” Dr. Mary Laver, director of international partnership, said.

In an effort to help promote awareness for HIV/AIDS, CRS ambassadors sponsored different events on campus, including passing out red ribbons on campus and a candlelight vigil on the Commons, where

students were invited to light a candle in memory of the millions of people diagnosed with the disease. Participants offered their prayers and sang songs to commemorate the day.

“I think that what Cabrini did to remember World AIDS Day was more than appropriate. The turn out here tonight at the vigil was pretty good considering some students aren’t always willing to participate in things like this. I think it’s a great thing that CRS is doing,” Amanda Redecker, junior history major, said.

Another important part of the day were the trips that the Wolfington Center was running throughout the day. Laver rented a van and offered students the chance to visit the fair trade store Global Gifts in downtown Wayne.

Global Gifts, an affiliate of the fair trade chain Ten Thousand

Villages, purchases handmade items from crafters and workers in developing countries and allows them to profit more from the purchases than they would at a regular commercial store.

In honor of World AIDS Day, Global Gifts agreed to donate 15 percent of the total sales from the day to Cabrini’s CRS ambassadors, who would, in turn, donate the money to children orphaned by AIDS. “As Americans, sometimes we forget that some people have to think about eating on a regular basis or sending their children to school or getting clean water.

Most of us don’t have to think about that every day, but there are a lot of people out there who do,” Rosemary Smith, owner of Global Gifts, said. “Even if only 5 percent of your total purchases were dedicated to

fair trade, it would still have an enormous impact on the crafters.”

Kristie Bergin, one of Cabrini’s HIV/AIDS ambassadors, hopes to increase awareness of AIDS year-round with more events on and off campus.

“With the CRS program next semester, our goal is to have an AIDS event every six weeks. They’ll be educational and informative and fun so we’ll have movie nights and awareness tables, which we’ve had in the past and they’ve been pretty big successes,” Bergin, senior social work major, said.

For students who are interested in getting involved with promoting AIDS or fair trade awareness, or who want to work more closely with Cabrini’s branch of CRS, contact the Wolfington Center or visit the group on Facebook.

Financial Aid Office, Business Office duties not clear to students FINANCES , Page 1 office’s distinction amongst the students.

“The confusion is natural and common at any college,” Mike Colahan, director of financial aid, said.

“The first thing you should know is that you can come to both offices at any time,” Carol Morgan, accounts receivable manager at the business office, said.

The business office’s purpose is to circulate money received from student’s tuition and in turn pay the bills for the school and oversee department and office budgets. It also

works to clarify billing uncertainties.

“When students first receive a balance statement they should come to us directly,” Morgan said.

The business office staff makes themselves available during preregistration. Students are reminded that billing issues should be settled promptly and the office says it is willing to help.

“Our office would determine what you’re eligible for at a state level and federal level,” Colahan said.

It also works to determine a student’s scholarship eligibility, that is, money coming directly from the school.

“We help you answer how you will

pay a percentage of a bill,” Colahan said.

The financial aid office works with students individually to apply for government funding and track applications.

Though many feel that combining the offices would make the process easier, they must stay separate for government regulatory purposes.

Students feel there’s a lack of communication between two offices because they constantly have to walk back forth between the two offices.

Some colleges and universities have tried to make it more convenient for students by putting

the two offices in one location.

“The two offices are in separate sections, but they all remain in one building,” Emily Brennan, a Fairleigh Dickinson student, said.

“It’s a lot easier because I get to kill two birds with one stone.”

Some think it would be more convenient for the offices to being put in the same vicinity, but for now they will remain in separate buildings. Both offices agreed that it would be easier if they were in the same building.

“You may still feel like a pingpong ball, but at least your not going out in the weather,” Colahan said.

Gumbleton: U.S. should aid Haiti HAITI , Page 1

“The best word that can describe it is apocalyptic,” Huynh said of her initial impression.

Currently more than half of the children in Haiti suffer from malnutrition.

“Hunger means something different down there. Kids in Haiti will eat cookies made of dirt. They’re eating it to not feel hungry,” Gumbleton said.

Despite the grim outlook, Gumbleton said that you can find a deep sense of community and commitment to the greater good among the Haitian people when you work closely with him.

“If we stop oppressing them they can start to solve their problems,” Gumbleton said.

In the 1990’s was shaken by the political unrest and the exile of its first elected president JeanBertrand Aristide to South Africa.

Gumbleton knew him personally and defended him against political and media attacks.

“We can no longer just ignore the poor because we’re rich,” Gumbleton said.

Justin English, a Rutgers University law student, wanted to do something different on spring break during his freshman year at Pennsylvania State University. However he was shocked when he realized how different it really was.

“I never in my life had seen anything like that,” English said. “I was thinking, ‘how do people live like that?’”

On this trip, English was able to see that hope in the Haitian people

despite the economic struggles the country is trying to overcome.

“The emphasis was on solidarity. We wanted to get to know the people,” English said.

In the United States, our generation doesn’t seem to be turning a blind eye according to English.

“Young people here are resistant but there is an interest to know a different culture,” English said.

The director of the Chester County Peace Movement was also in attendance. Kara Porter had Gumbleton speak to the group a few years ago and was inspired the speech on Wednesday.

“We’re citizens of the world, not just this country.”

Porter said. “Do we want to live in a gated community or do we want to engage?”

ERIC GIBBLE/STAFF WRITER

Bishop Thomas Gumbleton spoke to a small crowd about how America should work to improve the economic stability of Haiti.

Check out this week’s edition of LOQATION....

A Loquitur Webdition

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4 NEWS

THIS } {WEEK Thursday, Dec. 3 Cabrini’s First Annual Christmas Tree Lighting will take place as all are invited to gather around a Yule fire. It is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on the roadway between Founder’s Hall and the Holy Spirit Library.

The Marketplace’s Holiday Dinner will be held in the Marketplace beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Hand-carved roast beef, broiled salmon and maple-glazed chicken will be the main dishes.

The Wolfington Center Christmas Party will be hosted from 3-5 p.m. in the Wolfington Center.

Friday, Dec. 4 Last Day of Classes A Student Holiday Party with President George will be held in the Mansion from 7-8:30 p.m. All students are invited to attend and should RSVP at getinvolved@cabrini.edu or by calling 610-902-8755. Students need to give their name, class year and ID number.

Saturday, Dec. 5 The Cabrini Contemporary Dance Company Performance is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Grace Hall Atrium. All are invited to attend the company’s free debut performance.

Sunday, Dec. 6 The Cabrini College Chorus Christmas Concert will be held in the Grace Hall Atrium at 3 p.m. All are encouraged to come out to the free concert and listen to sounds of the season.

Monday, Dec. 7 Final Examinations will begin and last until December 11.

For a full schedule of exams go to www.cabrini.edu/Finals

Tuesday, Dec. 8 Final Examinations Feast of the Immaculate Conception Masses are scheduled for 8:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the Bruckmann Memorial Chapel.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 Final Examinations

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Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

THURSDAY BRIEFING

Global - National - Regional - Campus

]

NATION & WORLD Indian tribes attend largest gathering President Obama said that the meeting that brought roughly 564 American Indian tribes to Washington was “the largest and most widely attended gathering of tribal leaders in our history.”

The meeting was held to accommodate their needs, the main topic being health care.

American Indians are hoping that the meeting will result in negotiations that may provide money to Indian health care while granting more options for treatments.

As the progression of the American Indian health care emerges, Obama proposed an increase of 13 percent to the Indian Health Service, a service that assists 1.9 million American Indians to free care.

Initiative in place to fix Dubai finances The United Arab Emirates made an initiative that may have been prevention to financial problems within banks in Dubai. The initiative that was decided on Nov. 30 alleviated markets by lending money out to suffering banks.

This action leads to concerns of boundless borrowing around the world.

The reason behind the United Arab Emirates contributing financially was because of fear that credit markets would be frozen once again resulting to using money that had been safely invested by the civilians, which would lead to a global financial crisis.

REGION & CAMPUS Cabrini final exams to begin on Dec. 7 Cabrini’s final exams will take place the week of Dec. 7 to 11. A full schedule is posted online at www.cabrini.edu/Finals.

Monday, Dec. 7 will also be the last day that students can declare Pass/Fail.

For more information students should contact the Registrar.

Residence halls will close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. They will remain closed until the spring semester begins on Monday, Jan. 11 at 12 p.m.

Cabrini students receive WYBF air awards Cabrini communication students and the radio station WYBF-FM, received Philadelphia College A.I.R Awards and the International Silver Davey Award.

Seniors Gillian Davis, Caitlin Friel and Mallory Terrence were honored for their audio documentary on the global food crisis.

“Road to Insecurity: The Global Food Crisis,” received an award for the Best Documentary at the Philadelphia College A.I.R. awards and Silver Davey Award. The documentary not only explored this global crisis but speculates ways in which to alleviate hunger.

Junior Joseph Cahill received the Best Public Service Announcement Philadelphia College A.I.R., Award for “Listen.” “Listen” promoted the March of Dimes, which is an organization that

MCT

Chinese government to help reduce emissions

The Chinese government pledged to reduce its growth of greenhouse emissions on Thursday, Nov. 26. This followed the Obama administration’s provisional target to reduce U.S. emissions.

More troops to be placed in Afghanistan An announcement made by President Obama on Dec.1 changed the hope of families awaiting troops to arrive home from Afghanistan in the near future. 30,000 extra troops are heading to Afghanistan within the next few months, and they all will make their way home in 2011.

The decision was made while Obama explained that the “United States could not afford and should not have to shoulder an open-ended commitment.” helps families with premature babies.

Juniors Arielle Friscia and Rob Stoop along with senior Noelle Westfall and sophomore Danielle Alio and received the Philadelphia College A.I.R. award for Best Public Affairs Hosts. The award recognized their bi-weekly news and entertainment talk show “We Need to Talk.”

College to host weekend holiday shows Two free holiday shows, a dance performance and choral concert, will be hosted the weekend of Dec. 5 and 6.

The Cabrini Contemporary Dance Company will be featured in their debut performance on Saturday, Dec. 5. The Company is under the direction of instruction Rennee Banson. Performed pieces will include jazz dance and lyrical ballet. Cabrini alumni and the Cabrini College dance team will also perform.

The Cabrini College Chorus will perform at its annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 6. The holiday melodies will feature selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and traditional carols such as “Angels We Have Heard on High.”

New regional flu clinics to be available The first death for the H1N1 for Chester County was reported last week. Three more Philadelphia residents also died from swine flu according to the Department of Health.

In response the swine flu vaccine will be regionally available in about a dozen public locations. New public flu clinics will be schedules when the vaccine arrives.

To find out these clinic locations go to http://go.philly.com/flu.

However, Obama believes that he has the confidence to bring the war to a successful conclusion.

His action is to stop the Taliban’s plan in taking large regions in Afghanistan. With that, the Afghan people would be securely protected and would push them to structure their own military as well as a more efficient government to abolish Al Qaeda in Pakistan.

SOURCE: Gianna Shikitino/Features Editor GLS722@CABRINI.EDU

ESH majors will present final projects The Exercise Science & Health Promotion majors will be presenting on their internship experiences and final projects on Monday, Dec. 7.

The ESH majors are required to complete an internship and presentation before graduation.

All are encouraged to attend.

The presentation will be held in the Iadarola Center Seminar Room 101E from 3:15 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

SOURCE: Amanda Carson/News Editor ARC726@CABRINI.EDU

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Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

NEWS 5

Senior ministers implement Cabrini faith week holly prendergast staff writer

hmp35@cabrini.edu

Keeping faith and realizing the effects of our daily actions on others were the main purposes of the newly initiated faith week.

Faith week was introduced to Cabrini College by Justice and Faith ministers, seniors Shannon Keough and Matt Slutz.

Throughout the week, each night different activities were put together to get students involved. Some of the events included a prayer service that was held on the commons and a talk with Dr. Primiano about religious

diversity in contemporary Philadelphia.

The main purpose of faith week was to stress the fact that faith and justice have a very special relationship.

“Through justice there is faith, and vice versa,” Keough, senior communication major and justice minister, said.

At the event Jesus and Joe, there were thoughtful discussions that were held while just drinking coffee and talking with one another.

One of the most important events held during faith week was the prayer service on the Commons on Wednesday night. The main purpose of the prayer service was for students to gather together and pray

in order to help alleviate and end poverty.

Another event that was held during faith week was a movie night where “In America” was shown.

This was a movie that focused on faith and justice. The movie portrays an Irish family who comes to America and struggles with the loss of their child and the difficulties of adjusting to a new culture.

The final event of faith week was a craft event. At this event students came together to make crafts for local underprivileged children.

This year’s faith week was a pilot program to help get students involved

within the campus community. Through this program, both ministers hope that students will become more involved with the different faith and justice programs throughout campus and hope that they can keep in touch with their faith.

“We want the students not to lose sight of their faith and the power of the Spirit that guides their work,” Slutz, faith minister, said.

“We were hoping to bring together the Cabrini students and foster a sense of community and awareness of the world around them by exploring important church teachings and the significance of maintaining faith in one’s life.”

Read more faith week articles at www.theloquitur.com Philadelphia bishop celebrates mass Amy and Peter Kroeckel parents of newly installed lector, jcs728@cabrini.edu Brandon Kroeckel, a freshman communication major, said “The Bishop Timothy Senior, mass was beautiful and we’re proud Auxiliary Bishop for the of everything Brandon is doing.”

Diocese of Philadelphia, Following the mass, Bishop honored the Cabrini community Senior chatted with faculty, with a visit and celebration alumni, members of the Board of mass on Sunday, Nov. 22. Trustees and students at a reception Bishop Senior was elevated held in the Mansion. The reception to his current position by Pope included a variety of cakes Benedict back in May and was and fondue and hot chocolate, formally ordained on July 31 by which was a hit with everyone.

Cardinal Justin Rigali.

The reception In response to a letter was also a time for of congratulations reflection on the The from Dr. George on homily in mass. behalf of the Cabrini Cardinal Chris Catagnus, community, the Bishop junior biology said that he would love major, said told me to visit the college.

“Bishop Senior With the assistance that I might want made me think of Cabrini’s Father about different Michael Bielecki, ways I can serve to sit down and arrangements God, other than were made for the Sunday nights. then said that November visit.

B r y a n Senior, a native of I was to be the Churchey, junior Upper Gwynedd and history major, a graduate of Lansdale agreed, “Getting new auxiliary Catholic High School involved with the and St. Charles Wolfington Center bishop.”

Borromeo Seminary, and campus most recently served ministry could as the diocesan Vicar be a good start.” of Clergy. In that role he was When asked how he found charged with overseeing a variety out that he was going to become of ministries, including policies a Bishop, he said, “Cardinal pertaining to the life and ministry Rigali called me at my mom’s of priests, formation of candidates on May 25 and I immediately for ordination and vocations. thought something was wrong.

In his homily, the Bishop spoke The Cardinal told me that I might to the Cabrini community about want to sit down and then said how everyone is unique and has that I was to be the new auxiliary special gifts to share. He said that bishop. I was sworn to secrecy it is through prayer and the sharing until the Papal announcement of our gifts by serving others, was made on June 8.” that we become a part of God’s He said that his responsibilities kingdom. In keeping with that include, among other things, message, he then offered blessings acting as the Diocese chief for the Cabrini students that financial officer, overseeing 70 of share their gifts with the college the Diocese’s 279 parishes and, of community at the Sunday evening course, celebrating confirmations. services through lecturing, He says that he likes to follow singing in the choir, altar serving Philadelphia’s Big Five college and administering the Eucharist. basketball and still misses Boston Nikie McCabe, freshman College since their withdrawal biology major, said she had from the Big East Conference. In never been installed as a true Philly fashion, when asked Eucharistic minister before, if he is a Phillies and Eagles fan, and was excited to do it. he replied, “Isn’t everyone?” john solewin staff writer

DANIELLE ALIO/STAFF WRITER

Pictured are attendees at the Not for Sale club’s sponsored movie night. The movie, “Human Trafficking” conveyed to attendees just how horrible the effects of human trafficking are.

Not for Sale club brings awareness to human trafficking danielle alio staff writer

dla37@cabrini.edu

Since the Not for Sale campaign presentation, many students at Cabrini have started advocating against human trafficking.

One form of advocacy is through the newly created Not for Sale club which sponsored a movie night on Nov. 16.

The movie shown, “Human Trafficking,” is based off of a true story and was released in 2005. It depicted the horrors of human trafficking around the world as well as the United States. It showed how easy it is to kidnap and abduct someone in order to enslave them.

One of the characters was quoted as saying “human trafficking is the business of the future for crime organization.”

Women, as well as children, were abducted and used for the sex trade. They were tortured when they disobeyed and beaten when they tried to escape.

“I picked this movie just because it showed how domestic human trafficking is,” Danielle DiBartolo, sophomore social

work, sociology and psychology major said. DiBartolo along with Theresa Eilola, Janae Kane and Charlene Guzman are the four officers of the Not for Sale club.

“I think the movie was really moving and it got to the point where you got so into it that you forgot what everything was around you and it made you feel the emotion of the victims who were trafficked,” Eilola, freshman special and elementary education major, said.

The movie was graphic enough to show the audience just how bad trafficking is. In the movie, one man controlled many brothels around the world.

“I thought it was genuinely scary just because it is real and it’s so horrific that people don’t want to believe it’s real but, at the same time, it is,” Jamie Tadrzynski, sophomore history and secondary education major, said. “The entire realization that this actually happened is what makes it a horror movie.”

The movie showed how one woman was killed for revealing information about the secret brothel as well as one young girl that was sold into the brothel because her family was very

poor. Another girl was abducted on a family trip in the Philippines.

“They were tricked and you just really see what goes on with the people who are trafficked,” Kiersten Lowe, sophomore religious and American studies major, said. “I think to every human being we have that emotional string at the end when you see something bad happen and how it makes you get teary eyed and choked up.”

The new Not for Sale club is looking for new members and other groups of students are starting to advocate.

The Realizing Dreams Living and Learning Community is going to start a Fair Trade chocolate sale in which information will be publicized around the school.

“I’ve made this my personal goal to do something about it and to advocate and to make people on campus aware of what is going on,” DiBartolo said.

“It could happen to you or your little sister or anyone you know,” Tadrzynski said.

“I was shocked at how easy it is to steal a person like to con a person into believing them.”

“

6 PERSPECTIVES

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Perspectives

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

Christmas spirit about the memories, not the merch IN MY OPINION

megan kutulis deputy editor

mmk725@cabrini.edu

This week, ABC Family is kicking off their “25 Days of Christmas” marathon, showing one cheesy holiday-related movie per night in anticipation of the most wonderful time of the year. As happy as I am to see Mario Lopez hit new lows with his acting “career”, I just need to say: ABC Fam-

ily, get on my level. You might be celebrating the 25 days of Christmas, but I’ve been celebrating the 50-some Days of Christmas for a month or so now.

Yes, I am proud to admit that I am one of those overzealous Christmas nuts who doesn’t even let my Halloween candy stash die down before I start trimming the tree.

I spent the entire month of November suspiciously circling the King of Prussia Mall waiting for them to put up their wicker reindeer and I put up with hours of Kelly Clarkson and Creed on B101 to wait to hear those Christmas tunes coming through my radio. The first song played on Nov. 19 at noon, by the way.

My addiction has been met by a number of critics.

Friends and family never

miss an opportunity to tell me that I’m “rushing it” and that I’m “ruining” the season by decorating so early.

I can see why some people might not to rush into Christmas, but I like to look at my eagerness in a more positive light.

First of all, I have always, always procrastinated, and probably always will. It’s a pretty bad personality flaw for me.

For once, I’m doing something earlier than it needs to be done, so how about, instead of grinching my holiday, you give me a pat on the back and encourage me in the right direction?

Secondly, it’s no secret to anyone that we aren’t as economically stable as we have been in the past. Although that doesn’t really seem to be affecting iPhone sales or completely dissuad-

ing Black Friday shoppers, it does mean that there’s even more focus on the true spirit of Christmas . Now more than ever we should be focusing, as a community, to bring that sense of excitement and anticipation to our families and friends.

I have great holiday memories from when I was little, and although a lot of them include the presents I just had to have (like the doll that really ate and peed!), all of them include the hours I spent decorating with my family.

I remember putting on mittens because I was afraid our tree’s needles would be so sharp they would take my finger right off. (Did I mention how cool I was as a kid?) I remember putting out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. I remember shar-

ing a room with my sister, standing in our doorway thinking we heard something in the fireplace and guessing what each other had waiting under the tree.

Memories like these are what keeps me coming back for early Christmas decorations every year.

Because now that I’m in college, I realize how important all those memories are to me and how much they mean to me. Call me cheesy, but I know those memories are what helped to make the holidays important to me. If I want to decorate a little early, I should be allowed to.

In my final defense of the Christmas season, I urge all of you, Christmas crazies or not, to recall the glory that is Christmas movies.

I’m pretty sure that no matter how old you get or

how you feel about premature decor, you can’t deny the joy you get from watching Macauley Culkin perform that wide-openmouth scream or watching Ralphie continue on his tireless pursuit of that Red Ryder BB gun. I know half of you just said “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

There’s nothing more comforting and more classic than a good old Christmas movie, and if that doesn’t prove to be the ultimate defense for my Christmas fever, I don’t know what does.

So,Scrooges, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll continue to put my Christmas lights up early. Until Dec. 25, you can retreat to the north of Whoville and leave me to my holiday bliss.

Legalizing marijuana can boost economy, save lives IN MY OPINION

jamie santoro staff writer

ajs343@cabrini.edu

The American Medical Association voted to change their 72-year stance on marijuana as a substance with no medical value. This is the first step to legalizing marijuana.

The fact that it hasn’t been utilized for its medical benefits alone stumps me.

The fact that this potential resource is still criminalized is perplexing, too.

The first evidence of smoking marijuana dates back to the third millennium B.C. at burial sites in present day Romania.

Cannabis was utilized in religious ceremonies by the ancient Assyrians, ancient Chinese and some say even

Christians and Jews. Even Shakespeare was thought to have been a user after pipes were found buried in his backyard at his home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The status of marijuana today is different wherever you go. In most cases, decades of misinformation from sources like “Reefer Madness,” a 1936 film about marijuana addicts and scared parents, has blurred the truth. Basically weed has been given a negative connotation.

The legalization of marijuana could help our country immensely. If regulated by the government and taxed like cigarettes, it could become a multibillion dollar industry. It would mean job creation and economic stimulus, all of which we could afford to have more of.

Some worry about the explosion of drug users if weed were to be legalized.

A similar case is that of Portugal, which completely decriminalized all drugs in 2001. While this shouldn’t be what our country does (as far as drugs other than marijuana), it is interest-

ing to see the effect. For a period of about three years drug use was up, but it went down quickly after that.

Portugal also believes that a prison sentence caused users to go underground and risk their lives for a high.

Users can still be arrested but instead of prison they are offered therapy and rehab. The government saw a decline in users, addicts and deaths within six years.

I compare marijuana to alcohol and cigarettes. Like alcohol once was, marijuana is illegal. Most doctors actually believe that alcohol is more dangerous than weed. President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “What America needs now is a drink,” at the end of prohibition. Right now I think America needs a joint.

Again, as with alcohol cigarettes are more dangerous than weed.

While weed does have a similar effect on the lungs, it is much less habit forming than nicotine. Also the regulation of cigarettes still makes millions of dollars for the government even after smoking has become less fashionable.

“The most dangerous thing about marijuana is jail time,” Judge Jim Gray, L.A. judge and former prosecutor, said. He’s right, the only thing you do under the influence of marijuana is eat and listen to techno music. If the government were to step in, they could regulate the quality and prevent deaths caused by dealers trying to make extra money by putting glass or cocaine in their product.

At the end of the day marijuana criminalization helps no one but pharmaceutical companies and nervous parents. When Americans start seeing weed as a resource not a loaded gun, we’ll all be better off.

MCT

The American Medical Association voted recently to change their stance on the use of medical marijuana.

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PERSPECTIVES 7

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Agassi reveals drug abuse in autobiography IN MY OPINION

ross salese staff writer

rms348@cabrini.edu

Andre Agassi, a tennis player who was larger than life, a man who transformed the game of tennis into a realm it had never seen before. A player whose extraordinary performances on the court were accompanied by even more extraordinary outfits, hairstyles and relationships that drove his popularity through the roof. Under those outfits and record setting play, lay a dark secret, one of regret, frustration, drug abuse and a life which was not his own.

In Andre Agassi’s recently published autobiography “Open” he admitted to the use of crystal meth in 1997. After a failed drug test, he lied in a letter to the ATP tour saying he unwilling took the substance and the case was thrown away.

Agassi says in his book “Then I come to the central lie of the letter, I say that recently I drank accidentally from one of Slim’s spiked sodas, unwittingly ingesting his drugs. I ask for understanding and leniency and hastily sign it: Sincerely.”

Agassi said, “I feel ashamed, of course. I promise myself that this lie is the end of it.”

The end of a life that

wasn’t his own, a life forced upon him by his father. A marriage that was brought upon by his stardom, and a drug introduced to him by a trainer that he saw as an escape.

“Hating tennis was a deep part of my life for a long, long time.” Agassi said.

His admission to drug use was a surprise to all; some say he should be stripped of his awards and taken out of the record books. But for what? Trying to escape a life he so badly hated?

For the past decade drugs, sports and lies have been front page news. Athletes in every sport from swimming to football use performances enhancers to increase their stats and in turn, their paychecks.

Andre Agassi’s story can be looked at with a sigh of relief. Players like Mark Maguire and Barry Bonds still deny the use of steroids, as they sit atop the record books. Agassi told the truth eventually, and is trying to make the best of it.

Andre’s hate of tennis came at a early age his father a Iran Immigrant taped ping pong paddles to young Agassi’s hands. By the time he was 6, Andre was practicing four to five hours a day. Sometimes his father would even dismiss MCT school as a waste of time, and send Agassi to the ten- Tennis star Andre Agassi recently had his autobiography “Open” published. In the nis courts to face a ten- book, Agassi shocked fans by admitting to drug abuse in 1997, which stirs up contronis ball machine that shot versy even after his retirement. balls 110 mile per hour. brated and publicized ever. age of 17, when his trade- Grand Slam final during “It always came with His good looks, outgoing mark due was falling out. the 1999 French open, his a level of pressure, a level personality and signature Agassi said “What hair peace fell apart in the of anxiety, it never made hair garnered a life in the does this mean if people shower, terrified Andre and sense to me” Agassi said. spotlight. A life where he found out or what does his brother pieced his hair He couldn’t tell his father was married to movie star it mean to my endorse- back together with bobby how he really felt, because Brooke Shields and his im- ment companies, what’s pins. The following day his father put the burden age plastered on television it mean to my overall im- he said he barley moved of supporting the family screens and billboards ev- age, what’s it mean to the whole match, afraid on Andre’s tennis career. erywhere. He was so con- me?” “I was just living a his hair would fall out.

Agassi’s tennis career cerned with his image that fraud, just living in hell.” The last shot of the match was one of the most cele- he got a hair weave at the The night before his first Agassi just stood there.

“When the match was over I had won,” Agassi said.

For a man to divulge his deepest secret to the world, one that could potentially ruin the image he once tried so hard to protect is a feat to applaud. He revealed all, to be at piece with himself. To rid himself of a burden that had been keeping him in life he no longer wanted anything to do with. If image were everything he would have never written the book. His second chance in life inspired him to close that chapter and move on, clear his conscious and reveal what made his life so bad to the point of drug use.

In an interview with Dan Patrick, Aggasi said “A role model has two jobs, to tell what to do and what not to do.” Andre faced the harsh reality that drugs advertise an escape from reality, but reality is still there after. He lived this reality and through his books he wants to teach people in dire situations, people that wake up in lives they don’t want and didn’t choose that drugs aren’t the answer.

“I wore my heart on my sleeve and my emotions were always written on my face. I was actually excited about telling the world the whole story,” Agassi said.

In the end, Agassi’s life was one he did not choose it was forced upon him. He hit rock bottom but rose out of depression and self-pity to live a life he chose for once. His book was as much for him as it was to educate.

He wanted to help people and send a message to children. Agassi said, “I wrote this for and to my children.”

Cable outage on campus upsets students IN MY OPINION

justin sillner staff writer

jjs33@cabrini.edu

I’m sure I’m not the only one who was pretty frustrated when I woke up a couple of weeks ago to find that none of the channels on my television worked.

I frantically searched the channels I used to watch everyday to find that there

were mostly all gone.

After cooling down a bit, I thought to myself that it was probably just a temporary thing and that it would work again after my 10 minute shower.

Surprise surprise.

That was not the case that morning. Getting so caught up in searching for one actual moving picture on my television screen, I almost forgot that I actually had class this day. In class, I heard so many people talking about it.

Losing cable on campus was the biggest news on campus. Every class I went to, everyone was talking about it. I noticed a whole bunch of mixed reactions.

I heard that it didn’t bother some and that others were enraged. I myself can

definitely see both sides.

First off, we go to a school that is very expensive itself. We pay for so much including our dorms, our classes, our meals and our books we shouldn’t have to pay for something so simple as cable.

Yes I understand we should be focusing on our studies and that we shouldn’t watch TV as much as we do but I mean, come on, we are college students. TV is our everything. We love everything from MTV, E! and VH1. Without these how are we going to know whom Real and Chance picked on “Real Chance of Love?” I mean I guess we could check the Internet but to be honest, that’s

too much effort. Plus, you wouldn’t even get the full effect. We can’t even see all the trashy girls pull each other’s hair and yell at each other.

I’m not going to lie, I do enjoy watching “Desperate Housewives,” which happens to be on one of those 20 channels. There are other big hit shows that a lot of us watch on these channels, such as “Glee,” “Brothers and Sisters” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Students’ reactions to the chaotic day that struck us all were ones that anyone would face if they woke up to that with no prior knowledge. I do think that everything that was said about the topic should have been said.

We do pay a lot to go to

this school and I feel that cable should be included in that cost. I do feel that the school should have sent out notices to inform us that this was going to happen beforehand. I feel like they also should have handled the problem sooner than they did.

But that’s all in the past now. Luckily the school provided us with boxes that will give us cable. I’m positive everybody on this campus is ecstatic to have their cable back on their television. There was talk that these boxes would give us the capability of having many channels. More channels than the number we had before.

Hopefully we could all get along now that we have our cable back. I feel

that the campus is under less stress now that we can watch our shows about trashy girls fighting for men. As long as we have cable I think everything will be A-OKAY. The school was ecstatic for actually having their cable back on. The week that it returned was such a joyous time at Cabrini.

We are now struggling with the loss of cable yet again. What is it going to take to have the cable stay on for more than a week? Cabrini, don’t take away a college student’s cable without warning. It’s dangerous.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

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8 FEATURES

Living with Tourette’s: Frank Lozzi’s story frank lozzi guest writer

tua99274@temple.edu

W

hat does it mean to be normal? This is a question we ask ourselves every day. The traditional stereotype of a normal person is interpreted in many ways, since people have become very opinionated over the years. But, what if I told you that people like me will never be considered normal in this society? You would think we’re all unique in our own ways of course. If normal is having to twitch every second of every day, suffering from thoughts and urges that only bring you pain, both physical and emotional and living each day never knowing what your mind will tell you to do next, then welcome to my world, the world of Tourette’s syndrome. My name is Frank Lozzi and here’s my story.

I was 10 years old and my parents put me into a new school.

Fifth grade was a big year for me: new school, new kids, the whole new life experience. To be honest, I don’t recall much about my thoughts before this time, so I thought it would be a great place to start. During that year, I started getting these urges, these urges to do things like blink really hard or shake my head.

At the time I figured it was just my nerves because I was a pretty shy and nervous kid. But, when it continued throughout the year, things started to get really scary for me. “Blink three times in a row,” my mind would scream at me, and I heard it loud enough where I really thought others would too, but it was all in my head. If I didn’t listen to it, I felt like something bad was going to happen. That feeling still goes on today and I have never learned what those bad things might be.

Over the next four years of middle school, I experienced things I doubt anybody would

want to live with. I started getting new twitches every month or so, alternating whenever I found something new to do. I would blink hard until my eyes hurt, bite down on my teeth until it hurt to chew, twist my neck until it got to the point where I couldn’t even look up. Along with all of this was the emotional damage I took from the other classmates, which, to be honest, did cause a lot of damage to me. What also killed me was not knowing what was going on.

My parents told me about Tourette’s syndrome. I had never even heard of the term before.

My dad told me he also suffered from it, so that’s where it came from. Tourette’s is a genetic disorder which is commonly found in boys more than girls, which explains why I got it and my sister didn’t. I can’t sit here and say my parents didn’t try to help, but, to an extent, it didn’t help. My dad always said it was something I have to live with and I would grow out of it. He would say how he doesn’t twitch much anymore and figured it wasn’t that big of a deal. My mom didn’t really understand what was going on, mostly because she didn’t have it. There was not much she could have done anyway, nobody could have made this go away.

Tourette’s is a neurological disorder which is caused by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Doctors don’t know much about it. They do know that we seem to have an excess amount of a transmitter called dopamine, which helps with our natural reflexes, in our brains.

This is what causes our reflexes to go off more than usual. The psychological side of it is still not understood.

Over the years, it changed so much. It turned from a simple extra blink to having to shake my head, twist my neck, jerk my hands, sometimes all one after another. A little bit of OCD plays

into it as well. I’m what I like to call myself an “evens person.”

Everything I have must be in an even number. If not I will find a way to make it even. If I look one way I have to look the other way. If I crack my left middle finger I have to crack my right one. If I punch something with my left I have to hit it with my right. The list goes on forever.

Imagine this little voice in your head, screaming at you to do whatever it thinks of. If you disobey, it isn’t pretty. I’ll start to sweat, shake and get nervous.

But when I do it, I feel better, and then the whole process starts all over again. This goes on all day every day.

Senior year of high school is when it all went crazy. I remember one day in history class I suddenly had this urge to twist my back. It wasn’t all the way around, but kind of like a back jerk in a way. I would do it in reps of three every 20 seconds or so. My teacher eventually pulled me into the hallway and asked me if I was okay. I told him I had Tourette’s and that I couldn’t control it. Even on the way home on the subway I had people looking. One guy even walked up to me and asked if I was okay, I just said “yeah” and walked away. It’s been two years since I did that tic and I still do it today.

Let me just give you an idea of what goes through my head throughout the day. The first urge, to twist my back, starts when I wake up, once again three reps at a time. Getting ready to leave, I have to check my schoolbag two times to make sure I have everything.

Even though I know I have it all. Walking to the subway my left arm and shoulder will start jumping up, as if somebody hit me from behind (it seems the left side of my body is the most sensitive). Sitting on the subway, I listen to my iPod, having to drum the beats to every drum

FRANK LOZZI/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Frank Lozzi is a junior at Temple University and lives in south Philadelphia. He was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at age 17. on every song, while trying to suppress my urge to start kicking the bottom of the seat. While in class, my head shaking starts, which makes me lose focus.

During a test or anything I start drumming with my pencil and playing beats with my teeth, which I know people can hear.

Waiting in line for food I’ll start swaggering side to side because my feet tell me they need to move. Next class the blinking starts, as if I were winking at somebody. I try to resist, but my mind tells me to do it more and more. I’ll come home and play “Call of Duty,” where I’ll stop and duck for cover, then get up, and get back down for cover, then all over again until I feel satisfied enough to move but I’m already dead at that point. I go to

work where I ring as a cashier.

I have to count the money over and over to make sure every bill is facing the same way. My bags will not be touched by anybody and they have to be set up a certain way. Reaching up for things on the floor and I’ll twist my back as I’m in full stretch, causing my back to be shot with pain. At night when I set my alarm, I have to check it three times and read it out loud to make sure it’s set right, as I try to sleep through the pain in my back and neck from the entire day. And this is all on a good day...

To finish reading Frank Lozzi’s story, please go to www.theloquitur.com.

Facts you might not know about Tourette’s syndrome: A tic is a sudden, repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary motor (e.g., blinking, grimacing) or vocal (e.g., throat clearing, grunting, barking) movement. Tics can also be classified into simple (e.g., nose twitching, grunting) or complex (e.g., head shaking, trunk flexion, echolalia, neologism). Tics are stereotypical (repeat same way each time) and also variable, as new tics surface. Often preceded by a premonitory sensation.

Patients may be able to suppress tics (partial voluntary control).

MOHAMMAD M. QASAYMEH, MD. JONATHAN W. MINK, MD, PHD

Tourette’s syndrome afflicts three out of every 1,000 children between ages 6 to 17 in the United States.

Tourette’s syndrome is three times more common in boys than in girls and about twice as common in children 12 to 17 as in those 6 to 11.

FRANK LOZZI/SUBMITTED PHOTO

Frank sits on the shoulders of his best friend, Joe Pepe, during the Broad Street celebration of the Phillies advancing to the World Series against the New York Yankees.

LOUISE CHANG, MD

FEATU

URES

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

www.theloquitur.com

FEATURES 9

Students spread holiday cheer through volunteering noelle westfall staff writer

nw66@cabrini.edu

For many families in the Delaware Valley, the holidays are a harsh reminder that there is not enough food on the table for everyone. While some Philadelphia families are gathered around a bountiful feast, 25 percent of the city is struggling below the poverty line.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture report, released Monday, Nov. 9, shows that food insecurity is at a 14-year high. There is an organization working to change all that, called Philabundance.

Philabundance provides food to roughly 65,000 people per week who are at risk of hunger and malnutrition. Children make up 23 percent of their recipients and senior citizens make up 16 percent. The organization was

founded as a non-profit food distribution system in 1984 and has quickly become the region’s largest non-profit hunger relief organization. In the year 2008 alone, they distributed 17 million pounds of food to the Delaware Valley through their Food Acquisition team to agencies such as food cupboards and shelters.

“There is no typical day,” Martha M. Buccino, senior vice president and chief development officer, said.

“I oversee development, marketing, public relations, volunteers and events.

My days are always filled with activities scheduled and those that are not scheduled. I am usually in the office from about 8:30 a.m. until 6 or 7 p.m.”

One unique opportunity that Philabundance offers is “The Philabundance Community Kitchen.” This program is an adult culinary arts vocational training program that supplies

meals to agencies and emergency kitchens that help those who are in need. The low-income men and women who join the Philabundance Community Kitchen program are able to learn self-sufficiency and gain selfesteem as they learn how to work in commercial kitchens.

Philabundance offers many ways for members of the community to help out and spread hope and happiness.

Philabundance averages 350 volunteers per week. These volunteers are needed to help in the office as well as to sort food, stock shelves and assist with special events. This is a great opportunity for students to volunteer their time in their hometown and help those who are less fortunate. There are also opportunities for internships.

Jamie Tadrzynski, sophomore history and secondary education major, has worked in both soup

kitchens and community service during the holiday season.

“It is very important for students to help in their communities, because it helps create a moral backbone. It shows people that compassion still exists and it gives students a chance to realize how blessed they are with all the opportunities we have,” Tadrzynski said.

In addition to volunteering at Philabundance, students can also host a food drive to collect food for the Philabundance community. These food drives may be hosted individually or even through a school, church or sports team. With the fact that people who receive hunger relief in the Delaware Valley rose 100 percent from the years 2001 to 2005, it is an especially critical time for students to get involved.

In light of the holiday season, Philabundance is asking anyone who has an extra turkey, ham

or bag of dried goods to donate it towards their cause. This way students are able to do something extraordinary for their community and represent the goodwill.

“Charity work reinforces both of the mottos Cabrini has, ‘Service beyond one’s self’ and ‘Education of the heart,’” Tadrzynski said. “No matter how much or little a person does, it still makes a difference and a positive impact on the world.”

This holiday season keep in mind people who don’t have a turkey on the table or a pie in the oven. It is essential for students to know that even without giving lots of money, there is still something that can be done for their community. Volunteering, food drives and educating yourself are just a few ways of showing brotherly love. Visit www.philabundance.org to learn more.

SGA serves Cabrini community Appalachian Mountain felicia melvin staff writer

fdm29@cabrini.edu

More flex for meal exchange, free fun events, more Cabrini spirit and a new Cavalier mascot are all goals of Cabrini’s Student Government Association. SGA is a student group whose main goal is to be the voice of the student body and focus on school spirit here on campus.

“This year we’re doing things to increase spirit because people think no one cares about Cabrini,” Lauren Galonski, SGA president and senior psychology and sociology major, said.

SGA has representatives in every major meeting here on campus to be the voice of the students. SGA always welcomes students to approach members of the organization with questions, complaints, ideas and feedback on campus activities in and out of the classroom.

“We would like students to know we want to hear their concerns and address their concerns,” Galonski said.

The current goal of SGA is creating and building school spirit and raising money for the senior class gift. The senior class will give back to Cabrini in what is called the senior class gift, which SGA raises money for.

“We are trying to get people to come out to games, wear white and blue and support our athletics,” Galonski said.

SGA has put together a contest for students to recreate the Cabrini Cavalier mascot.

Anyone is welcome to participate in designing and helping SGA make this a successful project for students.

“We are relaunching our mascot. We are trying to make it up to students and get the student body involved. SGA is trying to create opportunities for spirit on campus and support our

athletics,” Melissa Carr, SGA member and senior psychology major, said.

“SGA is open to all students.

We have elections in the spring, any student run. Students can nominate others to the class board, any student can do it,” Galonski said.

If students are interested in SGA or are looking to find out more information, SGA has a Facebook page and is also on the Cabrini Web site.

“We have a lot of media sources. We have a Facebook and advertisement around campus.

We are working on getting our own section on Cabrini One for our activities,” Carr said.

SGA serves with faculty, alum, administration, public safety and student body. Feel free to voice your opinions and work for school spirit and making your college experience interactive with SGA.

People Poll: favorite class Cabrini students share their favorite courses with the Loquitur, giving an inside scoop of what sets their class above the rest.

brittany hume

jeanine margist

sophomore

sophomore

giulia germani sophomore

math major

education major

communication major

“My psychology class with Ms. Marguerite DiMattia would have to be my favorite.

Her class is both fun and entertaining.”

“Alienation: Love and Fear, which is an English class, would have to be my favorite.

In class we get many opportunities to voice our own opinions.”

“My Public Relations class would have to be my favorite.

It’s interesting as well as educational.”

ALYSSA DAVIES/STAFF WRITER

club seeks helpers jason moran staff writer

jkm724@cabrini.edu

Are you looking to get away to enjoy the great outdoors? If you’re interested in getting in touch with nature you don’t have to travel too far. The Pennsylvania Highlands is 1.9 million acres of beautiful forests and open space, trails and rivers all within a short ride from Philadelphia and the Delaware County.

The Appalachian Mountain Club would like to get college students involved in enjoying the Pennsylvania Highlands. Since 1876, AMC has promoted the protection, enjoyment and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters and trails of the Appalachian region.

The AMC consists of 12 chapters and the one in the Philadelphia area is the Delaware Valley Chapter, which includes the Young Members Committee as well. The Young Members Committee organizes events and activities geared toward the 20 to 40-year-old crowd in the Philadelphia area. You don’t have to be a member to participate in the activities that are planned. On the Delaware Valley Chapter’s Web site, www.amcdv.org/activities, they have planned hiking, paddling and backpacking events coming up in the near future for anyone interested.

AMC has done a lot to try to promote the Pennsylvania Highlands. The organization put out a locator map to help people find the Highlands and to navigate them. It is a trip planner for 75 trails, parks, forests and preserves that are

identified by location. The recreational opportunities which include, hiking, walking, running, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, camping, swimming, historic sites and nature centers.

“I love the outdoors and I think it’s a great idea to get people our age out and about and doing activities in nature,” Andrew Jacobs, senior business major, said.

Volunteers are also needed for AMC to keep up with their parks in the region. One of the parks that AMC is associated with is Valley Forge National Park. Every month a team of AMC members work to keep trails updated. AMC is encouraging people our age to become active with the environment, not just to enjoy it, but also become stewards of the land. Being a steward of the land means helping to protect nature and keep it clean and safe for animals.

Going to the Highlands can help college students get away from the ordinary school day and go and get in tune with nature. Also they can get away from the everyday suburban atmosphere to see animals in their habitat.

Free copies of the Pennsylvania Highlands Recreation Map and Guide are available at locations throughout the city and can also be requested through the Web site under “Hiking Resources” at www.outdoors. org/hikethehighlands.

www.theloquitur.com

10 A&E

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

Students audition for ‘25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’

Casting judges and auditioning students sat in the Cabrini College Theatre waiting for auditions to start for the musical. danielle alio staff writer

dla37@cabrini.edu

It’s that time of year again when the Cabrini College Theatre chooses a musical to perform in the spring semester. This year’s selection is the “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and auditions were held recently on Nov. 17 and 18.

Before the auditions started, nervous students filled the lobby outside of the theater waiting for his or her turn. Each student had to prepare an audition piece to sing as well as perform a dialogue from a provided text directly from the show. “It’s exciting to

see some returning faces from last year’s musical and also to see some brand new faces and first year students in particular trying to get involved with the theater,” Dr. Michelle Filling, assistant professor of English and choreographer/casting judge, said.

One of the waiting students, junior English and secondary education major, Stephanie Iaccarino, chose to audition with the song “Astonishing” from “Little Women.” This would be Iaccarino’s third performance at Cabrini.

“I am a little nervous but excited because this is a different show,” Iaccarino said. “I never heard of it before so I am anticipating a really cool show,” Iacca-

rino said.

Another auditioning student was Joe Kimpflen, senior history and political science major.

Kimpflen chose to sing “If I Can’t Love Her” from “Beauty and the Beast.” “I am feeling a little nervous, but the nervousness is always there before an audition,” Kimpflen said. “Auditions are the worst part of the whole process.”

Among the waiting students, one could be seen pacing around the Grace Hall Atrium listening to his iPod and practicing his audition piece over and over. Senior business and administration major, Matt Rowe, chose to sing “A Whole New World” from “Alad-

DANIELLE ALIO/STAFF WRITER

din.”

“I hate singing in front of a small audience, but if it’s a full audience and there’s lights blinding my face where I can’t see the audience, I’m perfectly fine,” Rowe said.

After the auditions were over the casting judges were pleased with the talent available for the show.

“What I think we saw were some nice young people who were very serious about presenting themselves in the best light they could,” Dr. Thomas Stretton, theater director and assistant professor of education, said.

“I think it was very varied,” Dr. Adeline Bethany, casting judge

and fine arts professor, said. “We had a variety of different types of talent.”

After the auditions were over, a total of 18 students shared their talents with the judges. The show is flexible when it comes to parts.

Stretton explained that the show was performed in New York with a cast of nine, but he hopes to expand the cast to include more students.

The students started to breathe a sigh of relief after their audition.

“I think I did okay,” Kimpflen said. “I am a bass and jumping up to tenor range is a good thing.

I have a chance. I think I have a good a chance as anyone.”

“It went alright and I was really nervous as usual,” Iaccarino said. “I’m happy and whatever happens happens. My goal is to sing, dance and have a great time; so I’m hoping to get into it and be a part of it because it is a great program.”

“I think it went well and I’m really nervous and I want to see the cast list now even though we just finished,” Rowe said. “I did better than I thought I was going to do.”

The show is going to take place in the spring semester during the last two weekends of March. The cast starts rehearsing immediately after winter break. “I’m looking for people who have ability but also indicate that they are flexible to build the experience,” Stretton said.

Perry Brisbon brings Italian opera to Cabrini’s campus danielle mclaughlin staff writer

dem59@cabrini.edu

With a voice that seemed to shake the entire mansion at its core, Perry Brisbon performed a dozen pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, Rossini and Duparc on Sunday, Nov. 22.

Brisbon was accompanied on the piano by Kay Stretton. The harmonious sounds of the piano helped tell each story Brisbon was singing.

“He puts his all into every song and his emotions help tell the story he’s singing,” Sam Zeff, sophomore business administration major, said.

Everyone that attended the performance was given a sheet of paper with translations of the opera songs, which were sung in Italian. Although the sheet of paper was helpful, is was easier to figure out exactly what Brisbon was singing about by looking at all the emotion and expression on his face.

When Brisbon would sing about something sad, for example in the song “Misero! O sogno, O son desto,” he had a look of worry and sadness on his face. When Brisbon sang “Maria,” which he graciously dedicated to President George, he had a look of pride on his face. With each song Brisbon sang he seemed to portray a different emotion, almost as if he

were acting and had to represent a character in a play.

“He sung at my inauguration, it was captivating,” President George said.

Brisbon received a Bachelor sDegree from Temple University and a Masters Degree in opera from Curtis Institute of Music.

Brisbon has a long list of competitions he has won, which includes the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition, the National Society of Arts and Letters Award and Mario Lanza Competition.

Brisbon has also received the Licia Albanese- Puccini Foundation Grant and the Philadelphia Foundation Music Grant.

Brisbon is a man with many talents and can be found on the Cabrini College campus of teaching voice lessons to students.

As a man with a great deal of talent it is only expected that Brisbon has traveled many places to share his talent with others. He has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and in Europe at the Biennale Festival in Munich.

Not only did Brisbon show emotion within his songs, he also showed his personality. During one of Brisbon’s performances he borrowed a scarf from a person in the audience and used it to liven up the song he was singing.

Brisbon also showed his personality when he began singing

DANIELLE MCLAUGHLIN/STAFF WRITER

Perry Brisbon not only sings opera, but he also teaches in the fine arts department as the voice teacher. a song titled, “It ain’t necessarily so.” During this song he encouraged the entire audience to sing along with him. “Come on, help a brother out,” Brisbon said. The audience was eager to sing along with Brisbon.

Although many people may have mixed emotions about opera as a style of music, Brisbon knows how to work a crowd and is very popular among the staff and students at Cabrini College.

“He is one of the nicest, kind-

est and most humble people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting,” Dr. Adeline Bethany, professor of fine arts, said.

www.theloquitur.com

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

Books to read over the holiday break

Old classic transforms to 3D

maria mcdonald

megan conte

staff writer

staff writer

mkm726@cabrini.edu

Twilight Series

By Stephanie Meyer For those who don’t know, this series of four books follows the life of Bella Swan who moves to a new place and falls in love with a young vampire named Edward Cullen. The books have become a must-have for young adults and now a must-see movie as the books come to theaters.

The Lovely Bones

By Alice Sebold This page-turner is told in the perspective of 14 year-old Susie Salmon. Susie tells the story of her family struggling to untangle the mystery of why and how she was murdered. This book also has been turned into a movie and hits theaters in December of 2009.

The Kite Runner

By Khaled Hosseini Set in Afghanistan in the ‘70’s, this book is the story of two boys, Amir and Hassan, and the journey their life takes them living in the same place but two very different lifestyles. The story is told over a 30 year span but is fast paced and hard to put down.

Eat, Pray, Love

By Elizabeth Gilbert This memoir, recommended by Oprah Winfrey, follows a woman who once made her life goals around settling down to raise a family but all of that changes when she gets a divorce. Although she got all that she thought she wanted, she goes on a journey to find what really makes a happy and fulfilled life.

L.A. Candy

By Lauren Conrad L.A. Candy features young girls who live fabulous lives filled with club hopping, boutique shopping and plenty of drama, which doesn’t seem to far-fetched from the reality start turned author’s days on her hit show “ The Hills.” Maybe that’s why the book was so successful with her fans.

A&E 11

mec734@cabrini.edu

Disney’s “A Christmas Carol,” which has been re-created by award-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, received three out of five according to New York Times. “‘A Christmas Carol’ was very well done. I was sort of surprised at how scary certain parts were.

But overall I was filled with the Christmas spirit by the end of it,” Corinne Grasso, senior English major, said.

“A Christmas Carol,” starring Jim Carrey, Robin Wright Penn, Gary Otldman, Colin Firth and Bob Hoskins uses new digital techniques, which makes it different from the older movie.

The movie uses 3D enhancements to make the movie bigger, scarier and noisier. There is some humor that may be hard to get for younger children.

When recreating the movie, the plot sticks to the basics of the old Christmas Carol. Not much was changed in the plot. According to New York Times, Zemeckis included much “Bah, humbug” and “God bless us everyone,” sayings

in the new script for the recreation of the movie.

The movie still takes place in London. There is now a more realistic feel that you are on the streets of London with the characters with the 3D effect. With the new digital and voice techniques,

Zemeckis was able to enhance characters voices and make them more pronounced.

Some parts are too much. According to New York Times, in the movie, there are certain parts that are done up to much with the different effects which will hurt Zemeckis production.

According to A. O. Scott a writer for New York Times, “‘A Christmas Carol,’ the source material, without a corporate possessive attached to it, remains

among the most moving works of holiday literature, and Zemeckis has remained true to its finest sentiments. He is an innovator, but his traditionalism is what makes this movie work.”

When Scrooge returned to work and gave his employer a

raise, which Cratchit did not expect was one of the best parts. The atmosphere in the office changed for the best, which Cratchit was very excited about.

Seeing t h e movie in 3-D defi-

nitel y would make it so realistic. There were scenes that were put into the movie for the realistic 3-D effects.

Christmas Carol is a Disney PG movie.

“Christmas Carol got me into the holiday spirit. I always read the book and saw the plays when I was younger so it was f u n to see the movie,” Amanda McGuckin, junior elementary major, said.

Contemporary Dance Team has their first performance this weekend on campus lauren miskofsky staff writer

lmm345@cabrini.edu

Cabrini College has started its very own Contemporary Dance Company. Although Cabrini already has a dance team that performs at half-time for the menss basketball game, this squad of girls is approaching dance in a different way than the team. They plan on having performances that are more like theater with make-up and costumes.

Founders of the new company are Renee Banson, professor of graphic design and fine arts, and Alyssa Frieze, senior business administration major. Together, they decided to build a company. Banson holds the position of artistic director of the club, while Frieze is the contemporary dance manager. Collectively ,they do the choreography to make sure they put on a great show.

The company has seven members; Corinne Piotrowski, Becky Pennock, Kristie Dafnis, Jade Spence, Melissa Phillips, Kerry Allaire and Frieze. Each semester the members of the company hand in $50 to cover costumes and items they will need for their performance.

Dr. Adeline Bethany, fine arts professor, is also a big contributor and a huge supportor.

“My contribution is mainly to provide enthusiastic support for student endeavors,” Bethany said.

Bethany lends a helping hand by supporting the girls and helping them get their name out there.

“The Fine Arts department has been offering courses in ballet and modern dance for many years.

When Banson suggested that the students present a public performance I thought it was an excellent idea,” Bethany said.

“Contemporary dance is exciting and different. We really plan on doing things for the school,” Frieze said.

Frieze also explained that they had a rough start bringing ideas together for the squad.

Rebecca Pennock, sophomore elementary education major, has been dancing for 13 years and enjoys being a member of the company.

“I really enjoy the company because I enjoy being on a stage and find contemporary dance to be a very elegant form of art,” Pennock said.

The company supplies a lot of opportunities; they practice more than one type of dance.

“We really try to get a variety of dance in our shows, for example ballet, modern, lyrical and more tap,” Frieze said.

The team gets together every

Friday and rehearses from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to perfect their choreography and become fully prepared for their first performance. The new team’s first show will take place on Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Grace Hall. Although the show is in a short amount of time they have been working hard and putting together a really great routine.

Not only will the dance company be there, but they have invited other guests that will be making an appearance to perform. An Indian dance group from Bryn Mawr will be there with a very different type of dance, much like the Bollywood style. An Irish step dancing team will be taking the stage as well as Cabrini College’s very own dance team. “I am very excited, we worked really hard and it will be a big day for us. We hope that a lot of people attend and possibly join us for next semester,” Pennock said.

Next semester they will be holding a second round of tryouts for students who missed them in September. There will be open auditions, but the date is still to be announced.

LAUREN MISKOFSKY/STAFF WRITER

Frieze practices with the team for their upcoming performance on Dec. 5.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

www.theloquitur.com

12 A&E

ALYSSA MENTZER/STAFF WRITER

Gumdrops and Sprinkles an ice cream paradise joe demarzio staff writer

jad38@cabrini.edu

Every Tuesday, college students from all over the Main Line arrive at Gumdrops and Sprinkles, located on Lancaster Ave. in Wayne to take advantage of the 10 percent off discount.

The store’s owner, Paula Mulcahy of Admore Pa., has had a passion for ice cream ever since she was a little girl.

“I’ve worked with ice cream since I was a teenager. I’ve always enjoyed creating the product I sell, taking simple ingredients and turning them into a special combination, and seeing people enjoy what I’ve made,” Mulcahy said.

The eye-catching store uses an array of color on the walls that are accented with green hanging lights, giving it the “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” look. This immediately alerts all of your senses.

Before Mulcahy opened her ice cream shop, she received her degree in teaching and decided to take that on as her professional career. The teaching led to a certain type of boredom that eventually ignited her love for the ice cream business.

“The boredom from teaching came in the summer when I wasn’t in school. Having the summer job filled that void and, at a certain point, I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make it a full-time venture.

I still feel like a teacher in some of the things we do, giving tours to

children’s groups, hosting craft activities at our parties and educating people in general about what we offer,” Mulcahy said.

The store hosts birthday parties, events, and other things that would appeal to the general interest of someone living in the area.

Gumdrops and Sprinkles features a plethora of different flavors of homemade ice cream that are made frequently in the store to have it taste as fresh as possible. The experience is complete when you get to the topping bar and realize that you can use all the toppings you want for free.

The store also offers a wide selection of candy, including bulk candy, sugar-free candy, novelties and several flavors of fudge as well.

A hot seller among teens right now is “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” candy bars.

The store does its best to bring in as many costumers as possible to come enjoy their ice cream.

“Our big promotion relevant to you and your classmates is our college Tuesday special. If you show a current student, faculty or staff I.D. any Tuesday, you receive 10 percent off your entire purchase. We also post promotions, specials and updates to our Facebook and Twitter pages frequently,” Mulcahy said.

Allison Crowley, sophomore history major, is among the many Cabrini students who frequent there on Tuesday nights for the discount.

“The ice cream is so good. I go there almost every week with my

friends to get some and to sit down and socialize. After we’re done eating, we always buy a ton of candy,” Crowley said.

Students can eat in or buy things to take home.

“We do so much to devote as much time as possible to ensure that we offer the best homemade premium ice cream we can, bringing in a the best quality selection of candies and chocolates, and we really enjoy what we do,” Mulcahy said.

Todd Alsup makes appearance at Jazzmans to showcase talent keara corbin staff writer

kmc733@cabrini.edu

On Tuesday, Nov. 18 Todd Alsup’s hypnotizing voice filled Jazzmans Café. His music transformed the usual dining place into a getaway.

Alsup is a singer, songwriter and pianist. Alsup is from New York City and has been endorsed by Yamaha. He has been featured in Billboard Magazine and has been compared to popular artists such as John Legend and Ben Folds.

He performed using mostly original songs written by him. During his performance, he kept the crowd entertained, using different upbeat songs and constantly engaging the students in the music.

In the beginning of his performance he gave background information on where he was from, and the type of music that he would be performing. He gave out flyers and had copies of his latest CD available.

Alsup’s buoyant attitude is very likable and really takes to a young crowd. He is very talented and knows how to keep his audience entertained. The basis of his music is

in comparison with piano-pop and free- spirited music.

Alsup’s music stopped many students, faculty and workers in Jazzmans. His voice elevated through the walls of the café.

“I was on my way home, but stopped to hear Alsup’s performance. I really liked his style and choice of songs. I could relate to a couple of his songs. It was like he was telling the story of my life through his music.” Courtney Leitch, junior psychology major, said.

From songs about life, love and happiness, his music took you away from the daily stresses of life. Just walking by Jazzmans you could hear the ease in the music.

“My songs are very universal, many people can relate to the songs I have written. The best part of performing is connecting with my audience; it’s like crafting a story where people understand where I am coming from in the music I create,” Alsup said.

Alsup’s music is on iTunes and can be found on www.toddalsup. com/freemusic for a limited time.

His first album is entitled Facts & Figures. The release of his second album is to be expected in early

2010.

“He has a great onstage personality and is very upbeat. I thought he was a great pick for the students.

His music is much enjoyed and varies which keeps everyone entertained.” Corinne Grasso, director of on onstage performances for CAP Board, said.

Throughout Alsup’s performance he kept the crowd entertained by asking them what types of songs they wanted to hear.

“I believe that the most timeless songs are the one that are about things everyone can relate to. I would really love to bring back the era of really well-crafted songs that can tell meaningful and powerful stories about everyday life. I think that is lost and if I can bring that passion to my audience I’m satisfied,” Alsup said.

Happy Holidays from the Loquitur staff!

KEARA CORBIN/STAFF WRITER

Todd Alsup performed in Jazzmans on Nov. 18 for Cabrini students.

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

PLAYER PROFILE: Chris Blake

christina flOOd staff writer

cef724@cabrini.edu

Moving to the East Coast from sunny California would be a huge risk for anyone and for Chris Blake, it was. Support from friends and teammates at Cabrini made the adjustment possible.

“There were times I would have loved to get on a plane and head back to California, but the supportive people around me at Cabrini helped me through,” Blake said.

“We were very happy and excited [when Chris chose Cabrini]. We had a lot of confidence in Chris and in Cabrini and it has turned out to be a great fit,” Patricia Blake, Chris’s mother said.

The Cabrini men’s basketball team is 3-0 this season and Blake feels privileged to be a part of his team’s success over the years.

“My proudest accomplishment has been that the team has improved its record each of the seasons I’ve been a member of the team,” Blake said.

Learning the game from his dad, Blake started playing

basketball around age 4. He also began soccer and baseball at an early age.

His passion for basketball grew and, by high school, Blake knew that he wanted to concentrate solely on basketball with hopes of playing in college.

“Chris has become more aggressive and a great defensive player. He’s always been a team player but is even more now and also is shooting more now which is good,” Patricia said.

“For me, the best part about playing basketball is the relationships you build and the memories you form,” Blake said.

Although he is also very involved in both the English and communication major and has held numerous internships, Blake’s love of competition and team unity have motivated him to continue playing throughout college.

“Chris is a hard-working, motivated team player. He loves his team and enjoys the basketball program at Cabrini. He has been very happy with it,” Patricia said.

“His exceptional shooting ability and good attitude makes Chris a great teammate,” teammate Lucas Gulotta said.

Averaging 6.0 points per game in the 2008-09 season and 4.1 rebounds per game, Blake has contributed a lot over the years to the Cavaliers, being named to the Colonial States Athletic Conference Academic AllConference Team.

“The men’s basketball team at Cabrini has a deeply rooted tradition and I feel honored that I have the chance to be part of the program,” Blake said.

www.theloquitur.com

SPORTS 13

INSIDE LOOK: Basketball newcomers KELSEY KASTRAVA/ STAFF WRITER

Women’s Basketball BRITTANY NEWCOMER MARKETING MAJOR FORWARD

“Getting comfortable with a new team was hard at first. It was weird to play how everyone else plays and try to fit into that. However, now we’re playing more like a team.”

MELISSA KUDZMAS EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR FORWARD

“I feel like the opportunity to showcase my talents isn’t here yet. I’m looking forward to showcasing my talents and helping the team as much as I possibly can.”

RITA MCKEOWN UNDECIDED MAJOR FORWARD

“It’s a lot different playing for Cabrini since I’m used to playing with the same girls for the past four years in high school, but it’s fun being able to play with different people and to see what kind of talents they bring to the floor.”

Men’s Basketball A.J. WILLIAMS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR POINT GUARD

THE LOQUITUR WELCOMES YOUR COMMENTS

“I would say my teammates accepted me as a new player by pushing me to become better every day in practice. They’re like building a relationship with me on and off the court.”

AND QUESTIONS. PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO LOQUITUR@ GOOGLEGROUPS.COM

TIM SAYLES SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIOLOGY MAJOR FORWARD

“Coach Kahn and the assistant coaches have done a great job teaching me and the other freshmen the team’s defensive and offensive strategies. I know playing time will be limited as a freshman, but I’m going to take advantage of the leaders on the team and learn from them.”

www.theloquitur.com

14 SPORTS

this week in

SPORTS

Jespersen builds strong recreational department MeGhan McslOY staff writer

Winston Justice to join the Eagles Former Lehigh University right tackle Winston Justice replaced Shawn Andrews, who endured an aching back and could not continue playing. The former second-round draft pick just signed a four-year contract extension with the team. Justice is worth between $18 and $20 million with an additional $6 million signing bonus. Justice, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, admitted that he did not imagine such a deal coming when he checked into his dorm room at Lehigh University.

Philadelphia Flyers facing thin offense With an already thin offense, Danny Briere is now suspended for two games because of the outburst he had during the game against the Colorado Avalanches. The NHL player hit Colorado’s Scott Hannan after he scored a goal delivering the teams 5-4 win. Briere has led the Flyers with 10 goals this season and is a player who is essential to the Philadelphia Flyers. The team is also suffering from the loss of injured forwards Simon Gagne, Darroll Powe, Blair Betts and Aaron Asham. Briere not only forfeited himself to the next two games, but he will also endure the loss of $67,357.52 in salary, which will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Tiger Woods released from hospital Tiger Woods was recently released from the hospital after he was in a car accident near his Florida home. The accident occurred at 2:25 a.m. when Woods lost control of his SUV and hit a fire hydrant and then a tree in his neighbor’s yard. Although he was alone in the car during the time of the crash, Woods’ wife heard the accident and released him from the vehicle using a gold club. According to Woods’ publicist, Glenn Greenspan, he did not endure any major injuries and is in good condition. The cause of the crash is still listed as unknown, however investigators stated that alcohol was not a factor in the accident. taYlOr crist/ staff writer

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

MJM374@cabrini.edu

Living in Germany and Spain and moving to the east coast all the way from Washington state, Orlin Jespersen, assistant director of recreation, started at Cabrini in October of 2004 and has done a great deal to improve several facets of sports recreation on campus since being hired.

“When I was in school, outdoor recreation programs were a big part of our campus so I was glad I was able to bring a program like that to Cabrini,” Jespersen said.

Prior to Jespersen being hired, there was no intramural program in place at Cabrini.

Jespersen is originally from the west coast, and has lived around the world due to the fact that his father was a member of the government.

While living overseas, Jespersen played on various soccer teams.

“Through sports, I got involved in the local community. I played on both American teams through the base and also on local German teams for soccer. That was a good way to get me engrained into the local community at

first,” Jespersen said.

While Jespersen was not able to fully appreciate living in another country because he was so young at the time, he reflects positively on his experiences.

“Looking back, it was a great experience. I wish there was some way I could do that for my kids,” Jespersen said.

Jespersen and his family spent time living in Spain and Germany, in addition to Washington, where he attended Western Washington University for college.

Having had the experience of growing up halfway across the world, Jespersen appreciates the concept of having a closeknit community both with his family and also with the people around him.

“I think our core family was really tight because we didn’t have our extended family around for holidays. It was the four of us. The memories that I have now were that there was a good, strong sense of community,” Jespersen said.

Jespersen enjoys working at Cabrini because it is small and he is able to work with a wide variety of students who are involved in many things.

“I get the chance to work with different students. It is different than coaching because

in coaching, you get to know one core group of students really well as opposed to this job where you get to meet a wide variety of students,” Jespersen said.

Upon being hired, Jespersen saw the opportunity to start some new programs and really get the intramural program going as well.

“I was looking for positions in sports clubs and recreation.

Cabrini is a nice campus and has a small feeling. I saw some good opportunities to start new programs,” Jespersen said.

Prior to taking the job at Cabrini, Jespersen worked for the University of Pennsylvania where he was a coach. While he does not currently coach at Cabrini, Jespersen enjoys the many of the perks of coaching such as getting to know a group of students.

“In coaching, you get to know a small group well and they are like family. As a college coach, you are recruiting these kids from the time they are 15 and you see them grow to be a 22-year-old and you grow together and become a family unit,” Jespersen said.

BLUE MOUNTAIN SKI TICKETS ON SALE DISCOUNT SKI TICKETS FOR BLUE MOUNTAIN

UPCOMING GAMES

ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE DIXON CENTER FRONT DESK.

Thursday, Dec. 3

Men’s basketball- Away @ Marywood University @ 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED ANYTIME DURING BUILDING HOURS AND ARE GOOD THROUGH THE

2009-10 SKI SEASON.

50 PERCENT FACULTY AND STAFF SAVE UP TO 35 PERCENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS SAVE UP TO 20 PERCENT STUDENTS SAVE UP TO

Men’s swim- Away @ Swarthmore College Invitational- all day Men’s swim- Away @ Grove City College Invitational- all day

Saturday, Dec. 5

Men’s swim- Away @ Swarthmore College Invitational- all day Men’s swim- Away @ Grove City College Invitational- all day Men’s basketball- Away @ Baptist Bible College @ 3 p.m.

Women’s and men’s track-Away @ Ursinus College Winter Invitational- all day

Sunday, Dec. 6 No games

Monday, Dec. 7 No games

Tuesday, Dec. 8 No games

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

www.theloquitur.com

SPORTS 15

Cavs defeat Philadelphia Biblical in CSAC opener elizabeth krupka staff writer

efk722@cabrini.edu

The Cabrini men’s and women’s basketball teams dominated Philadelphia Biblical University on Monday, Nov. 30 on their home court.

The women started off the night defeating the Crimson Eagles 57-37.

The men closed off the night sending Philadelphia Biblical home with a loss of 84-53.

For the lady Cavs, Deana DiAmico scored a season and team best 14 points. DiAmico drained three of four three-point shots.

“This was a great start for our conference. We really came out and made a statement and that is what we aimed to do in tonight’s game,” DiAmico, senior point guard, said.

Sophomore Kara Hinklemon contributed to the team with a season best eight points. Hinklemon also notched eight rebounds.

“We started the season off tough, we came up short in our last couple of games. This game helped boost the confidence of the team that we can get a lead and also maintain it. We needed this win under our belt,” Kate Walck, senior guard, said.

Walck tallied seven points during the game and senior forward Kasey Agostinacchio contributed seven points as well.

“This game was also good for the team, because it got people on the court. It gave everyone the experience of being in the game,” Walck said.

The lady Crimson Eagles were led by senior guard Dani Norton, with a team best of 16 points.

“This win was important to our

team for two reasons. One because we needed the win in the conference and then we can work to repeat it.

Two because we fought hard and it proves that our hard work can be accomplished,” Head Coach Kate Pearson said.

Kevin Misevicius carried the men’s team with a game high of 22 points.

Sophomore forward Brandon Carter began his season tallying eight points, grabbing six assists and notched five rebounds during the game.

“This victory was a good start to the year. It got our foot in the door as a team and it also tallied another victory in our undefeated streak,” Saleem Brown, assistant coach, said.

Freshman guard Cory Lemons tallied four points during the course of the game and led the floor grabbing four assists and two steals. A.J Williams, another freshman guard, made his conference debut with nine points, three of which were from the three point line.

“We need to keep building on this positive game and we hope to move to be 2-0 in the conference by clinching another win tomorrow night,” Brown said.

The Crimson Eagles did not give up in the fight for the victory. Senior guard Willie Miller led Philadelphia Biblical with a total of 20 points and nine rebounds.

“This win was great for our confidence. When you win double digits in a conference game you know that you are starting the season off right. We need to carry this through the rest of the conference games this year and play as well as we can for the rest of the year,” Lucas Gulotta, junior guard, said.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT/ CABRINI COLLEGE

Senior forward Kevin Misevicius tallied 22 points on the court against Philadelphia Biblical University.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT/ CABRINI COLLEGE

Freshman guard Cory Lemons moves the ball down the court. The men's basketball team is currently 3-0 to begin the 2009-10 campaign for the second straight season.

www.theloquitur.com

Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009

SPORTS 16

Cavaliers dominate double-header

ELIZABETH KRUPKA/ STAFF WRITER

Freshman guard Rita McKeown looks to pass to her teammate.

ELIZABETH KRUPKA/ STAFF WRITER

Senior guard Deana DiAmico moves the ball down the court. The final score for the women was 57-37.

BRIAN LOSCHIAVO/ EDITOR IN CHIEF

The men’s basketball team huddles before the CSAC opener, held on Monday, Nov. 30. The final score was 84-53, a victory at home against Philadelphia Biblical University.