2010-11 Issue 18 Loquitur

Local look at social justice

By Eleni Antipas Staff Writer

For Cabrini students, it is common to hear the words social justice on a daily basis. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and service immersion trips are just a few of the college’s efforts to expose students to global and national concerns.

Global problems like these may seem so large that people may feel overwhelmed by the idea of working toward change.

However, two individuals have chosen to tackle issues of poverty, disease and violence in our own community and in their professional lives.

Richard Gebauer, director of Living and Learning Communities, (LLC) is dedicated to social justice in his professional life. Since Gebauer has been director of the LLC, these educational resident groups have grown from being comprised of two themes to six themes. One of these groups is “Voices of Justice,” which focuses on human rights and respecting others by connecting with neighboring communities.

Richard Gebauer

“I can see students getting excited about making a change. Students begin to realize they can solve social justice in their own backyard,” Gebauer said.

Gebauer is also an instructor of Engagements with the Common Good (ECG), which allows him to

FULFILLMENT, page 3

GUATEMALAN IMMERSION

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Hundreds of thousands of people rallied at the National Mall in  Washington D.C. on Sunday, March 21 in support of comprehensive  immigration reform.

!"#$%&'()'$(&*$+*),,*%)'-$%),-'-"&*()-&".*'/"*0*)1&*$+*'/"-(*2$3%'(-"&*$+* 4-('/*),$%1&-."*'/"*5#"(-2)%*0*)1*-%*)*2($6.*'/)'*&'("'2/".*+$(*4,$27&8*9/"* :;)(2/*<$(*5#"(-2)=*(),,>*6)&*'/"*,)(1"&'*&-%2"*?@@A*)+'"(*-##-1()'-$%* ("+$(#*,"1-&,)'-$%*6)&*&/$'*.$6%*-%*?@@B8

<$3('""%*C)4(-%-*&'3."%'&*)%.*+)23,'>*#"#4"(&*6"("*)#$%1*'/$&"* '/$3&)%.&8*D'3."%'&*+($#*E(>%*;)6(*C$,,"1"F*G)&'"(%*H%-I"(&-'>*)%.* J-,,)%$I)*H%-I"(&-'>*)&*6",,*)&*$'/"(*$(1)%-K)'-$%&*+($#*'/"*)(")*6"("* also present.

L)'>*<(-11,"MN$('$%*O("O)(".*'6$*43&"&*'$*'()%&O$('*'/"&"*1($3O&* +($#*J-,,)%$I)*H%-I"(&-'>8**N$('$%*-&*)%*)2'-I"*2$%1("1)%'*)'*C"%'(),* Baptist Church in Wayne.

:9/-&*-&*'/"*4-11"&'*(),,>*$%*'/"*#),,*&-%2"*P4)#)*/)&*4"2$#"* president,” Norton said to the group.

DO")7"(&*)'*'/"*(),,>*-%2,3.".*C)(.-%),*Q$1"(*;)/$%>*+($#*R$&* 5%1","&*)%.*S"&&"*S)27&$%8*T("&-."%'*P4)#)*),&$*#)."*("#)(7&*'/($31/* )*O("("2$(.".*I-."$')O".*#"&&)1"*I$-2-%1*/-&*&3OO$('*'$*'/"*2($6.8 D'3."%'&*6"("*#$'-I)'".*'$*)''"%.*'/"*(),,>*+$(*)*%3#4"(*$+*.-++"("%'* (")&$%&8*;$%-2)*E3(7"F*&"%-$(*G%1,-&/*)%.*2$##3%-2)'-$%*)%.*4-$,$1>* #)U$(F*4",-"I"&*'/"*23(("%'*&>&'"#*-&*4($7"%*)%.*6)%'".*'$*&/$6*/"(* support for an overhaul of immigration legislation.

:V-'/$3'*W*X-%1*'/"*,)6&*'/)'*)("*-%"++"2'-I"F*-##-1()'-$%*O($4,"#&* 2)%Y'*4"*&$,I".F=*E3(7"*&)-.8*:9/"*23(("%'*,)6&*#)7"*-'*-#O$&&-4,"*+$(*'/"* %3#4"(*$+*O"$O,"*6/$*6)%'*'$*2$#"*'$*5#"(-2)*'$*.$*&$*,"1),,>8= 9/$&"*'/)'*#)(2/".*/",.*4>*&-1%&*'/)'*(").F*:GZ3),*'(")'#"%'*+$(*),,=* and “No human can be illegal” at the rally.

Faculty, alumni, students depart Feb. 26

By Jesse Gaunce Asst. Sports Editor

For the last two years, students have flown to Guatemala to spend a week working and learning alongside the disadvantaged people in the region. This year, students will depart on Feb. 26 until March 5.

<()%2"&*[)(("'F*&$O/$#$("*&$2-),*6$(7*)%.*DO)%-&/*#)U$(*)'*G)&'"(%* H%-I"(&-'>F*6)&*3O,-+'".*4>*'/"*&/""(*%3#4"(*$+*O"$O,"*)'*'/"*(),,>8 :\'*6)&*("),,>*O$6"(+3,*'$*4"*-%*'/"*#-.&'*$+*&$*#)%>*O"$O,"*'/)'*6)%'* change and have traveled so far to stand up for their rights,” Garrett said. 9/"*R)'-%$*2$##3%-'>*+($#*V"&'*C/"&'"(*6)&*),&$*-%*)''"%.)%2"* ),$%1&-."*C)4(-%-*&'3."%'&8*D(8*;-#-*!"T)3,F*2$$(.-%)'$(*$+*]-&O)%-2* #-%-&'(>*$+*D'8*51%"&*C/3(2/F*6)%'".*'$*()-&"*/"(*I$-2"*+$(*'/"* undocumented. :9/"("Y&*4""%*)*,)(1"*]-&O)%-2*O("&"%2"*^-%*'/"*2$%1("1)'-$%_*&-%2"* `aAbF=*!"T)3,*&)-.8*:b@*O"(2"%'*)("*;"X-2)%F*`@*O"(2"%'*)("*T3"('$*

This trip will differ from the last two, as alumni, faculty and even relatives can attend. The new twist to this trip has Dr. Jerome Zurek, chairman of the

Arrest exposes cyber bullying

communication department, very excited. “Bringing together all these parts of the college is really exciting,” Zurek said. “This is more about learning about the lives of these people and working alongside them.”

Zurek and Dr. Raquel Green organized the trip. It is being sponsored by the alumni office, and it is their first year doing so. The group will be going to San Lucas Toliman, which is the same place

TRIP, page 3

Recent case in Upper Darby shows harassment still a problem

Bullying can leave a detrimental mark on a person’s life. No matter what race, gender, body type, age you are, bullying can find a way to affect all different shapes and sizes. It knows no boundaries.

9/"*!-X$%*C"%'"(*/$3&".*?B?*O)('-2-O)%'&* $+*'/"*Q",)>*<$(*R-+"*2)%2"(*6),7*'$*4"%"W*'*9/"* American Cancer Society. Young and old, students  )%.*2$##3%-'>*#"#4"(&F*'/"*2$##$%*'/(").*6)&* the force cancer had on their lives and the impact  '/"&"*6),7"(&*6)%'".*'$*/)I"*$%*2)%2"(8 :C)%2"(*)++"2'&*"I"(>$%"8*T"$O,"*6)%'*'$* &""*O($1("&&*#)."*'$6)(.&*("&")(2/*)%.*/)I"*-'* eliminated from our community,” Katie Keller,  sophomore accounting major and co­chair of  C)4(-%-Y&*Q",)>*<$(*R-+"F*&)-.8 9/"*6),7F*6/-2/*4"1)%*)'*c*O8#8*$%*D)'3(.)>F* ;)(2/*?@*)%.*6"%'*3%'-,*a*)8#8*$%*D3%.)>F*;)(2/* ?`F*6)&*)*/31"*&322"&&8*9/"*1$),*$+*+3%.&*'$*4"* ()-&".*6)&*d?@F@@@*)%.F*)'*A*O8#8F*'/"*"I"%'*/).* ),(").>*#"'*'/"*d`AF@@@*#)(78*5'*'/"*2$%2,3&-$%*$+* '/"*"I"%'F*'/"*'$'),*#$%">*()-&".*'$'),".*d?`Fb@@F* surpassing the goal.

gation as to what the motive was for this act.

One out of four teens are bullied everyday and it has not gotten better over the years. In this day and age, it has reached the

+$(*R-+"*-%2,3.-%1*C)4(-%-*C/""(,").-%1F*C5T* E$)(.F*!",')*T/-*e-F*[""7*DZ3).F*9")#*5OO),)2/-)* )%.*J),,">*<$(1"*9($U)%&8 :\'Y&*%-2"*+$(*C5T*E$)(.*'$*&/$6*&3OO$('*+$(* %)'-$%),*2)3&"&*,-7"*'/-&F=*G#-,>*<-$("F*&$O/$#$("* &"2$%.)(>*".32)'-$%*)%.*G%1,-&/*#)U$(F*&)-.8*<-$("* /)&*),&$*6),7".*'$*4"%"W*'*5\!D*)6)("%"&&*)%.* 4(")&'*2)%2"(F*$+*6/-2/*/"(*)3%'*-&*-%*("#-&&-$%8

9)()*GI-&$%F*&"%-$(*O&>2/$,$1>*#)U$(F*'$,.*/"(* #$'/"(F*6/$*-&*23(("%',>*W*1/'-%1*4(")&'*2)%2"(F* )4$3'*'/"*"I"%'8*:\*6)%'*/"(*'$*&""*'/"("*)("*O"$O,"* 6/$*2)("F=*GI-&$%*&)-.8

culture. So there is cyber bullying now and in the past it wasn’t something that you had to deal with. It was mostly face-to-face confrontation in the past. Now everything is via internet and

ate intention to torment another person through text messaging, Facebook, instant messaging, websites and videos. Technology can be used in some of the best ways possible, but for bullies, this is the perfect way to harass someone and be anonymous at the same time.

One of the most recent extreme cases in the Philadelphia region was at Upper Darby High School on Jan. 31. Philadelphia police arrested six teenagers for kidnapping a 13-year-old student. They followed him on his way home from school, dragged him on the ground and hung him by his jacket on a 7-foot-high fence.

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point as an all-time high. One of the most popular ways to bully now is through cyber bullying.

:D$#"'-#"&*>$3*+"",*,-7"*>$3Y("*)%*$3'2)&'F*&$* -'Y&*-#O$(')%'*'$*2$#"*'$*"I"%'&*,-7"*'/-&*4"2)3&"* >$3*.$%Y'*+"",*,-7"*&32/*)%*$3'&-."(F=*C-%.>*GI-&$%F* 9)()Y&*#$'/"(F*&)-.8*GI-&$%*&'$OO".*&#$7-%1*'6$* years ago. “You almost have to change your life in  $(."(*'$*Z3-'8*GI-&$%*-&*O($3.*'/)'*/"(*.)31/'"(*/)&* Z3-'*&#$7-%1*'$*&/$6*/"(*&3OO$('8 C$##3%-'-"&*)%.*2$,,"1"&*/$&'*Q",)>*<$(* R-+"*6),7&*),,*$I"(*'/"*2$3%'(>*'$*4"%"W*'*9/"* 5#"(-2)%*C)%2"(*D$2-"'>8*Q"O("&"%')'-I"&*+($#* the Society are present during the event to oversee  the happenings and further the Society’s mission.

It’s the easy way out of bullying, no face-to-face confrontation.

Bullying can become so severe, even in school, that students feel like they cannot attend, for fear that he will be tormented.

`c*2$##-''""*#"#4"(&*'$*/",O*O,)%*'/"*+3%2'-$%8* 9/"("*6"("*),&$*?b*'")#&*'/)'*O)('-2-O)'".*-%*Q",)>*

This case is still under investi-

“I think it’s gotten worse in the past ten years because we are such a technologically-savvy

text. Even things that are on YouTube, it may not be verbal but it’s physical abuse,” Jessica Skovronski, senior psychology major, said.

Cyber bullying is the deliber-

“It’s possible that if it gets bad enough in schools, students may drop out because they don’t want to be in that environment

COUNSELING, page 3

By Natalie Crawford Asst. Copy Editor

“I think it’s gotten worse in the past 10 years because we are such a technologically-savvy culture. So there is cyber bullying now and in the past it wasn’t something you had to deal with.”

Top: Ramiro Coché Castro, administrator of the Juan-Ana Coffee farm assists alumna Traci Beltz picking coffee beans in January, 2010.

Bottom: Beltz works alongside faculty to build a road to the coffee plantation.

Sjerry zurekS/ submitted photo

Editorial: OUR MISSION STATEMENT

With the current price of room and board costing $11,400 a year, many students are encouraged to apply for scholarships, grants and loans. In addition, Residence Life offers students the opportunity to apply for a position on campus that can eliminate all costs of room and board.

But what kind of position could offer such a huge discount on your college payment? Is it even possible to earn this kind of assistance as an ordinary student? If you apply and become accepted as a resident assistant, this is very possible.

Resident assistants, or RAs, are selected each year through an interview process that begins with an application that is available for all students to apply for. If chosen, the newly selected RA can save the entire cost of room and board.

While serving as an RA has many benefits, the pros and cons should be carefully weighed. It is not a job for everyone.

The duties of an RA are strenuous and the commitment is great. Not every student is suited to be an RA. The commitment to be an RA is one that not all students are capable of making.

Resident assistants deserve more than respect for commitment

RAs are required to be on campus before any other residents including athletes, student ambassadors, Loquitur editors and orientation leaders. They must make sure all of their residents are gone before they are able to leave for breaks and holidays. In addition, they are expected to make their residence hall an enriched experience by planning two programs a month (one being area wide and the other within their com-

with other RAs in their building for a five-week rotation. Each person takes one Thursday a month and one Friday and Saturday night.

During weekdays, RAs check their assigned building every two hours from 8 p.m. to midnight. On weekends, RAs are expected to be on desk from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and do rounds of their whole area at 8 p.m., 10 p.m., midnight and 2 a.m.

Once a week, RAs meet with

The Loquitur

2010-2011 Editorial Staff

munities and residence halls). They must run monthly hall meetings, make bulletin boards every month and post door tags after each break. They also have lengthy duty responsibilities.

RA duty responsibilities are what many students may recognize as the most demanding of all requirements. RAs rotate

areas for a 10 p.m. meeting that lasts for at least an hour and once a month all RAs gather for a meeting.

These duties, in the Loquitur’s opinion, are very demanding in a college student’s schedule. It is almost as if RAs have a full-time job on top of an already hectic schedule. The Loquitur

would also like to point out that RAs are still a part of many extracurricular activities including sports, theater, chorus, clubs and some are even employed at parttime jobs. Thirty-five percent of RAs’ college fees are waived for fulfilling their responsibility to direct the programming and community enhancement of on-campus housing. This reduction, in the Loquitur’s opinion, is completely deserved by RA staff members.

Above the monetary benefits the RAs receive, the professional development and transferable skills developed as a result of this position are lasting benefits. The 30 RAs on the college’s campus are all selected because of their potential to serve the resident community as positive leaders and mentors to students. The practice of balancing professionalism and a social life helps enrich their person life as well as those around them.

Although this year’s application deadline has already passed, think about exploring the possibilities for next year. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain including leadership skills, lasting relationships and affordable college payments.

THE LOQUITUR: YOU SPEAK, WE LISTEN.

The Loquitur is Cabrini College’s weekly, student-produced campus newspaper. It is 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Loquitur welcomes letters to the editors. Letters should be less than 500 words. Guest columns are longer pieces between 600 and 800 words. These are usually in response to a current issue on Cabrini College’s campus or community area. 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 annoymous submissions will not be printed. Letters to the editor and guest columns can be submitted to loquitur@googlegroups.com or to the newsroom mailboxes in Founders Hall 264.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Kelsey Kastrava

MANAGING EDITOR Danielle Alio

NEWS EDITOR Trevor Wallace

NEWS EDITOR Eric Gibble

A&E EDITOR Elizabeth Krupka

A&E EDITOR Danielle McLaughlin

FEATURES EDITOR Justin Sillner

FEATURES EDITOR Alyssa Mentzer

PERSPECTIVES EDITOR Jamie Santoro

SPORTS EDITOR Nick Guldin

SPORTS EDITOR Holly Prendergast

COPY EDITOR Rachael Renz

COPY EDITOR Meghan McSloy

COPY EDITOR Liz Scopelliti

ONLINE MEDIA EDITOR Lauren Sliva

ONLINE MEDIA EDITOR Pat Gallagher

ONLINE MEDIA EDITOR Felicia Melvin

PHOTO EDITOR Sarah Luckert

ADVISER Jerome Zurek

Above the monetary benefits the RAs receive, the professional development and transferable skills developed as a result of this position are lasting benefits.

Trip to open eyes of participants

TRIP, page 1

they have gone to every year.

The trip was originally started by Dr. Marie Angelella George in February 2009 along with students, professors, faculty and one alumnus.

Ten will be participating in the trip this year. However, the maximum can be 15 participants. The first trip saw five students attend and the second saw seven.

One Cabrini student talked about how it was not only money well spent, but also how it opened her eyes.

“Before I went, I never had interest in going on a service trip,” Kelsey Kastrava, junior communication major, said. “After I learned what was going on in ECG, I got to experience it first hand. This is a trip that I’d recommend to anyone. Not just people interested in social justice, but also for people who are interested in travel and learning about culture.”

Zurek and Kastrava both talked about how this trip has impacted them. For Zurek, it drives him to become a better teacher. He also described it as being the highlight of his year.

“It is the most meaningful and inspiring week of my life,” Zurek said. “It gets my batteries charged for the whole year and it makes me want to teach harder and better. These are great people. This is more of an inspiration for us. We could have just used spring break to relax but we’re working hard so they know we value them.”

“I thought I was just going to be a tourist,” Kastrava said. “I basically got to be part of their community for a week.”

Some people may think that just because people are poor, they are stupid. Zurek says that is not the case.

“Although these people are poor, they

still know exactly what is needed to improve their lives,” Zurek said. “But war and prejudice has kept them down. Now they are building their future.”

While the trip has had an emotionally positive impact on those who attended, it was not all fun and games. Students were able to see first hand how much money the people of San Lucas Toliman made in just a half a day.

“We worked for about a half a day and as a group we made about 50 cents,” Kastrava

Counseling services works to end bullying

COUNSELING, page 1 anymore. They’re afraid to go back to school because they think it’s going to keep happening the more they’re in school. So they in a sense go into hiding by not going to school. Something definitely needs to be done about it,” Stephanie Strassel, senior psychology major, said.

The college’s code of conduct strictly enforces policies that students, faculty and staff cannot discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age or economic status. These are most of the subjects that bullies would target to make fun of someone.

said. “We cleaned one of the local schools in the area with water and crumbled up newspapers. We could see the ink rubbing off on the windows and I don’t know how they do it. The lack of resources we had was odd to us but it wasn’t to them.”

For any Cabrini students, faculty, alumni or relatives who are interested, the cost of the trip is approximately $900 and it covers airfare, hotel and food.

jTg45@cAbRINI

EdU

Fulfillment found in social justice

FULFILLMENT, page 1 work for social justice by educating others. As an instructor of the pilot course ECG 200, Gebauer introduced the idea of social justice to his students by explaining the work of Paul Farmer, anthropologist, physician and co-founder of Partners In Health (PIH), which provides medical care to individuals living in the poorest countries in the world.

After laying the foundation for the concept of social justice, Gebauer demonstrated how people can work for social justice at the local level. For example, guest speaker Sarah Cortes explained to the class her personal efforts to improve the Hispanic communities in Philadelphia.

Finally, Gebauer held mock town-hall meetings that required students to examine and argue both sides of social justice issues.

“The experience we give students in ECG 200 and ECG 300 allows them to learn by doing. Being able to visualize what their learning makes the learning experience much more rich,” Gebauer said.

Gebauer practices what he teaches in his personal life. As a Philadelphia resident, he is deeply affected by the homeless

people he passes on the city’s streets. He frequently calls shelters to alert them of men and women lying on the snow-covered sidewalks without something as simple as a coat or blanket to shield them from the cold.

Gebauer shared his sympathy for the homeless on Cabrini’s Founders Day in 2010 with his “This I Believe” speech titled “The Spicy Chicken Sandwich.”

“As I stood on the street

tion for the homeless. To join in Gebauer’s efforts follow this link for a list of local homeless shelters http://www.critpath. org/thac/homeless.html.

Another faculty member works in conjunction with her students for social justice. This past fall, Amy Persichetti, English professor, and the students in her ECG 300 course, “Dating & Domestic Violence,” researched and developed a sur-

“There are absolutely cases at Cabrini. We see it all the time in the counseling center and we see both sides. We work with kids that have been bullied their whole life and they may think it will end in college, but it doesn’t,” Sara Maggitti, licensed psychologist and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, said.

Maggitti and the other psychological counselors at the college collaborate together to develop methods to find out how bullying can be stopped at the school and what may cause students to bully.

corner waiting for the light to change, a man sat on the sidewalk to my left. Just as he was, a pair of crutches sat against a concrete wall. A blanket covered his legs and his right arm hugged a bag close to his body. His face exuded exhaustion and pain, and I was suddenly overwhelmed with compassion,” Gebauer stated in his speech.

In the future, Gebauer hopes to start a non-profit organiza-

vey. The findings showed that local elementary school teachers are interested in learning about how to identify and aid children who witness domestic violence.

Her students were also given the opportunity to visit the Laurel House, a domestic violence shelter for women and their children, in Norristown, Pa.

“I jumped at the chance to be involved with the Laurel House. As a mother, I really believe that

all children deserve to be safe,” Persichetti said.

Persichetti’s mother, Sally Lee, was an example of social justice. In fact, Lee was active in the fight against sexism.

“Your family is the foundation for the rest of your life. Strong families make for a stronger society,” Persichetti said.

Persichetti was inspired by her mother’s dedication to social justice and to decided to memorialize her work by opening the Sally Lee Child Care Center, at the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA).

The purpose of the center is to provide childcare to lowincome and working families. To make a donation or volunteer visit http://www.ywcapottstown.org/.

“Social justice is not something you do, it is something you live. It is the kindness you show towards your neighbor or being active in your child’s school,” Persichetti said.

To make a donation to the Laurel House visit http://www. laurel-house.org/. EPA722@cAbRINI

Recently, more colleges have updated their federal mandate laws considering what has happened with college students being bullied. One of the biggest tragedies was this past September. A student that attended Rutgers University in New Jersey, Tyler Clementi, committed suicide due to his roommate videotaping him having sexual relations with another man and streaming it on the internet.

“The victims have more psychological effects than the bully does. The victims can hurt themselves or commit suicide if it gets bad enough. If they hear mean comments about themselves so much, they actually start to believe it and they can go into depression or start to get mental disorders. It can go the other way as well. The bully could have so much guilt realizing what they’ve done, that they may start to become depressed from their actions,” Strassel said.

Another reason students bully is to be accepted by the popular kids.

“Some bullies want to make a name for themselves to be popular. They want to be out there and not hidden like the kids that they bully. Teens bully so that they can avoid being bullied,” Nick Kaminski, senior psychology major, said.

Putting a stop to bullying is a huge challenge because it’s not just in schools. It can be in the work place and in the home environment as well. There are websites and hotlines for those who are victims that serve as a safe haven.

“People need to realize and watch what they say around certain people. You never know who is listening and you don’t know who your going to hurt or what can happen in the future,” Strassel said.

Ngc24@cAbRINI

“Social justice is not something you do: it is something you live. It is the kindness you show towards your neighbor or being active in your child’s school.”

Faculty and students work together in Guatemala during a January 2010 immersion trip to build infrastructure in the country. This year ten people will be participating.

Sjerry zurekS/ submitted photo

THURSDAYBRIEFING

[GLOBAL

- NATIONAL - REGIONAL - CAMPUS]

GLOBAL & NATIONAL REGION &

Iran inspired by Egypt’s protests

In the wake of Egypt’s protests and successful overthrow of the government, tens of thousands of Iranian protestors took to the streets and did not head to the brutal warnings delivered by hundreds of riot police officers.

Government officials told journalists and photographers not to report on the success in Egypt. After Iranian opposition groups were denied permission to peacefully march, protestors marched on the streets with hopes of removing Iran’s leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On nyTImEs cOm | FEb. 14, 2011

After three decades of being

Man fights off alleged serial killer in Philly

Joseph Lozito, 40, a martial-arts buff from Northeast Philadelphia, was stabbed in the head as he fought off a 23-year-old Brooklyn man who is now accused of four brutal murders.

Lozito fought off the alleged serial killer who was attacking him with a knife.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On PhILLy cOm | FEb. 14, 2011

After 18 days of protests in Egypt, volunteers help clean up Tahrir Square where protesters clashed. President Mubarak resigned and the military has taken control of the country’s government.

country under military control, military officials said they would draft constitutional amendments aiming to handle a country still in the wake of Mubarak’s departure.

through cuts.

in power, President Mubarak has finally stepped down due to an 18-day revolt led by the people of Egypt that has left nearly 300 people dead after violent clashes occured across the country.

As democracy is in its infant stages in Egypt, the military took control of the government, discarding the Parliament that had ruled for almost three decades.

A democratic election has been called for within six months. This has been a part of the protestors’ motive. With the

Mubarak’s vice president, Omar Suleiman, announced that Mubarak had passed all authority to a council of military leaders.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On nyTImEs cOm | FEb. 13, 2011

President Obama’s third an-

In order to meet these cuts Obama proposes, cuts of more than $1 billion will be taken from airport grants, almost $1 billion from water treatment plants where grants have been given to states and also cuts in public health and forestry programs.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On nyTImEs cOm | FEb. 12, 2011

The New York Stock Ex-

Stock exchange changes owners

nual budget claims it can reduce projected deficits by $1.1 trillion throughout the next ten years

THIS WEEK AT CABRINI

change is undergoing new ownership by the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany. This would create the world’s

largest financial market with an additional presence in 14 European countries.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On nyTImEs cOm | FEb. 10, 2011 Surgeons have been trying to

Advances in infant surgery

find ways of operating on babies in the womb. They believe that abnormalities could be fixed if found early in the development.

REad ThE ORIgInaL sTORy On nyTImEs cOm | FEb. 9, 2011

saRah LUckERT PhOTO EdITOR SKL37@cAbRINI EdU

Mass

Celebrate mass in the Bruckmann Memorial Chapel of St. Joseph from 7 p.m.- 8 p.m.

President’s day information sessions

Two sessions will be held for prospective first year and transfer students from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

They will be conducted by an admission counselor. Tours will also be given by student ambassadors.

Founder’s Day

Honor the birthday of the College’s founder, Sister Ursula Infante. Founder’s Day is celebrated with a presentation by Monsignor Hugh J. Shields, Vicar for the Office for Hispanic Catholics for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

A drug ring in Norristown involving five people was busted. The drug ring was identified as highly sophisticated. They were using cars, stash houses and an apartment to cook crack cocaine from powder.

Investigators confiscated two loaded-stolen handguns, 2.5 ounces of crack cocaine, $3,200 in cash and other drug paraphernalia.

The alleged leaders of the drug ring, Stephen Rowl, 20, and Quentin Watson, 21, were jailed after they were unable to post $250,000 bail. An alleged accomplice, Jazmine McQuillar, 20, is also being held on $100,000 bail. McQuillar lived with Rowl and police said he played an instrumental role in stashing the drugs.

Two other suspects, Ethane Boone, 19 and Bruce Kennedy, 52, turned themselves in. REad

Drug ring bust in Norristown Cabrini to participate in regional event

Over 1,200 young students will present their science inventions and knowledge in over 40 events at the 2011 Southeastern Pennsylvania Science Olympiad Regional Competition, which will take place on Monday, Feb. 28 at the college. REad

Mubarak steps down, military takes control

Federal cuts aim to relieve deficit

Alternative approach yields new experiences for students in poetry class through field trips

By Katie Bonanni Staff Writer

An experiential poetry class at the college has taken a very different route from other classes that are offered here.

“This semester, students will be going on a series of journeys, both metaphorically as well as in the real world where [most] of us live,” Amy Persichetti, English professor, said. Instead of sitting in a classroom day in and out, over the course of the semester, students will go on a series of five field trips.

The trips that Persichetti takes her class on introduce her students to culture around Philadelphia. An important part of the class is learning to be honest and constructively criticize your peer’s work. Since students sometimes do not feel comfortable writing and sharing poems in class, by taking trips together, they can bond with each other and the professor. By the end of the semester, students should feel more comfortable and inclined to be honest and criticize each other’s work.

The trips do not help the students become more familiar with poetry or understand it more. Even though Persichetti is not sure if it is possible for anyone to completely understand poetry, it is developed in the readings, discussions and workshops that the students participate in. The trips are more to teach the students how to pay attention to experiences.

“Poetry isn’t a viable profession for most. However, learning how to enjoy the moment and pay

attention to experience is a tool that can make even the most unremarkable lives worthwhile,” Persichetti said. “That’s why I love poems. There’s always that one line that just hits you at the core and says, this is your humanity.”

The most recent trip that the class took was to Marrakesh, an authentic Moroccan restaurant, located on South Street in Philadelphia.

According to Persichetti, the

food at Marrakesh is unlike any other, and it is highly sensory. At the restaurant, the tables are low and surrounded by colorful couch-like seating. Prior to beginning the seven-course feast that is eaten with your hands, servers at Marrakesh wash your hands with rose water.

The meals are all shared by one another served on a large platter. This makes for a great bonding experience for the whole

class.

“It was a very unique experience and it was a great way for our class to bond and get to know one another,” Colleen Anastasi, sophomore exercise science major, said.

Some students in the class are English majors and others just want to see what the class is about. It is also not a good course to take if you just want to go on field trips.

“There has to be a serious love for poetry and self expression,” Persichetti said. “Of course the 8:15 a.m. time slot filters the students who are and aren’t really interested in poetry.”

The other trips that the experiential poetry class takes are the Wharton Eshrick museum, Longwood Gardens and Eastern State Penitentiary.

Kb733@cAbRINI EdU

Walking cross-country for a cure for cancer

By Katie

Two New Jersey natives have a different summer story to tell. Instead of hitting the Jersey shore for some swell, sun and fun, Anthony Greco and Rob Bonora of Nutley, N.J., walked cross-country in an attempt to raise money for cancer research and other causes.

Gail’s Angels is one of the organizations that the Greco and Bonora are raising money for. The organization is to help families who are experiencing difficulty because a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“They represent all that is good with the youth of America and have great concern for the welfare of our communities,” James Babai, president of Gail’s Angels Foundation, said.

Derek’s Dreams is the other organization and it supports research in the genetic disease Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT).

“Their generosity and courage to undertake something of this magnitude was incredible,” Steve Digregorio, of Derek’s Dreams, said. “They are both very selfless young men.”

Starting on June 1, Greco and Bonora

flew out to San Diego, Calif., to begin their journey back home. Neither of them had trained for what was to come. In fact, it was a spur of the moment decision.

They were both in their last semesters of college and working full time when they decided in March that they were going to start their journey on June 1.

walk was 14 miles to a mall near their town.

“Not really much when you consider we were doing 25-30 mile days,” Bonora said.

our feet made us compensate our stride so then our knees, hips and ankles began to hurt as well.”

“We didn’t expect it to be as physically challenging as it actually was,” Bonora said in a telephone interview. “Our preparation was mainly getting the route down and trying to let everyone know about the walk so we were busy throwing fundraisers.”

Bonora joked that their one “training”

As for shoes, they had four pairs of New Balances donated to each of them and random people offered the rest. By the last day, Bonora went through six pairs of shoes and Greco was on his seventh pair for the last day.

The worst experiences along the way were the blisters, heat and the boredom. Every step they took from the ending of the first day until about a month into the trip.

“My blisters never really healed up and each time I swapped shoes it would become worse,” Bonora said. “The pain in

According to Bonora, his best experience was meeting people.

“Our hometown mayor, Joanne Cocchiola, sent letters to all the towns we were going to walk through and about half of them responded,” Bonora said.

Sometimes someone from the town would offer their house for the night or they would be set up in a hotel. Most of them would also take them out to eat. “We still keep in touch with many of them and we hope to retrace our steps by car someday soon to revisit,” Bonora said.

As Greco and Bonora were on their home stretch, fire engines, American flags and crowds of fans awaited them on Oct. 7. They were joined by the mayor of Nutley along with the Nutley High School football team.

“It was great seeing so many people from Nutley supporting them,” Val Saar of Nutley said. “When they saw their family and friends for the first time was a priceless moment.”

For more information go to coasttocoastforacure.com.

Students from Amy Persichetti’s experiential poetry class visited Marakesh, an authentic Moroccan restaurant, located in Philadelphia. This trip, along with others to places like the Eastern State Penitentiary, expose students to different environments that they later write about.

mary jacobsS/ submitted photo

“My blisters never really healed up and each time I swapped shoes it would become worse. The pain in our feet made us compensate our stride so then our knees, hips and ankles began to hurt as well.”

Bonanni Staff Writer

“Learning how to enjoy the moment and pay attention to experience is a tool that can make even the most unremarkable lives worthwhile.”

Eating disorders are more than just poor body image

By Melanie Greenberg Asst. Features Editor

Desire. It is what drives all humans. The desire to succeed. The desire to be famous. The desire to be beautiful and wonderful. The desire to be desired.

It is a force that is unstoppable and can push us all forward in life or drag us into a dark and terrifying place. I am a very desiring person. I am constantly pushing to be the best, to win, to be desired and overall, to be thin.

Eating disorders have always been a taboo subject in our culture. We don’t like sick people, especially sick people we cannot understand.

Why are skin and bones more important than life and death? There is no logic in the mind of someone struggling with an eating disorder. All we know is that, to those suffering, hunger pains are a success by the end of the day, that two hours at the gym is not enough and that a bathroom stall is the most anxiety-ridden place to try and hide a secret.

You may have a friend struggling with their body. It isn’t uncommon; most people are unsatisfied with how they look or feel. But there are extremists amidst all of us. What can start as healthy eating habits can quickly become a diet, which can easily form into an obsession.

“Have I eaten too much? Have I burned enough calories? Did anyone hear me throw up? Did I lose weight? Do I feel better? Am I finally skinny? Am I happy now?” The answer is always no.

What many people fail to understand is that eating disorders are not just the number on the scale, an addiction to exercise or an addiction to food. These psychological disorders begin at the core of someone’s existence. All of the external actions stem from a source victims themselves may not be able to explain. This is where therapy comes into play.

Overeating is a growing disorder that many people have an easy time dismissing as a problem. These people are not eating because they are simply fat and hungry. It is

known as a binge eating disorder. Uncontrollable amounts of eating from guilt, disgust and embarrassment are common factors.

Binge eating disorder often has a friend named bulimia nervosa. Bulimics tend to secretly overeat, followed by inappropriate methods of controlling their weight (aka purging, over exercising, laxatives and diuretics).

Gross, right? It’s not like people actually like throwing up but it’s a high to be able to trick others into believing we are normal and tricking our bodies into thinking we consumed calories.

Like anorexia nervosa, the type of eating disorder in which a person starves themselves, these are all psychological disorders that stem from the need to control. A common type of person with anorexia have a Type A personalities: the perfectionist. When their world is spinning out of control, what is left to control but food intake?

While 95 percent of those who suffer from anorexia are female, males suffer as well. We associate eating and body image disorders with females and what man honestly wants to have what is considered a girly problem?

Luckily, Cabrini College has Counseling and Psychological Services. This is a service I myself have utilized in my time here at Cabrini. They even have a specified counselor for eating disorders and body image issues, Andrea Sussel.

Next week, in honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, Cabrini’s counseling services will be holding events in order to raise awareness for eating disorders.

I feel that everyone knows the dangers of smoking and drinking and other various problems, but many people do not realize that their words can drive someone into a dark place that is difficult to get out of. Ten years is a reasonable amount of recovery time, that is with therapists, dietitians and a great support group. Relapse is common and harsh.

Hopefully more people can be more outspoken about this growing national problem. Cabrini’s Body Image Coalition holds meetings as group support and awareness but people are so nervous about being pegged as the person with a problem.

So peg me as that person. I can take it. But if you know

E ects of an eating disorder

About 8 million Americans – including nearly 1 million high school students – suffer from some form of eating disorder. Left untreated, these illnesses can lead to serious health problems or even death.

ANOREXIA NERVOSA BULIMIA NERVOSA

A person with anorexia is hungry, but he or she eats little or no food because of an intense fear of gaining weight

Danger signs

Preoccupation with food, weight and body

Refusal to eat anything other than tiny portions

Continuing to diet in spite of being extremely thin

Abnormal weight loss

Weakness, exhaustion

Compulsive exercise

External symptoms

Hair loss

Growth of fine body hair

Dry skin

Slow metabolism, reflexes

Brittle bones, nails

Fainting spells

Shortness of breath

Cold hands, feet

Swollen joints

Internal e ects

Dehydration

Diminished thyroid activity

Irregular heartbeat (which can lead to cardiac arrest)

Low blood pressure

Kidney, liver damage

Constipation

Loss of menstruation

Bulimics are also preoccupied with their weight, but they eat in binges, then purge the food from their bodies

Danger signs

Binge eating, usually in secret

Vomiting after bingeing

Frequent trips to bathroom after meals

Abusing laxatives, diet pills or substances that cause urination or vomiting

Weakness, exhaustion

Compulsive exercise

External symptoms

Bloodshot eyes

Tooth and gum erosion

Sore throat Swollen neck, face glands

Bloating

Skin rashes

Brittle bones

Internal e ects

Heartburn, indigestion

Dehydration

Electrolyte imbalance (can cause irregular heartbeat or cardiac arrest)

Kidney, liver and bowel damage

Intestinal ulcers

Constipation

Irregular menstruation

National Eating Disorder Awareness Screening Day

Feb. 22, 2011

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Founder’s Hall lobby

Learn about the issues that cause eating disorders and take a screening to assess your level of health in relationship to food and your body.

Jeans Drive

Feb. 23, 2011

9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Grace Hall atrium

Jeans are being collected in conjunction with the BeYOU(tiful) Fashion Show.

Depression; feelings of shame or guilt

Mood swings

Low self-esteem

Negative thoughts

Social withdrawal; impaired relationships with family, friends

Perfectionism

Eating disorder’s psychological e ects If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, contact a doctor or health professional immediately

“All-or-nothing” attitude

© 2000 KRT SOURCES: Natl. Assn. of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, American Anorexia Bulimia Assn., Natl. Center for Health Statistics CHICAGO TRIBUNE

someone who is struggling or you yourself, get help. It’s not worth dying over just to uphold an image.

mmg65@cabrini.edu

National Eating Disorder Awareness week events and resources

BeYOU(tiful) Fashion Show

Feb. 23, 2011

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Grace Hall atrium

Don’t miss Cabrini’s second annual BeYOU(tiful) Fashion Show, sponsored by the Body Image Coalition.

Counseling and Psychological Services

Founder’s Hall, Room 95 610-902-8561

Fax: 610-902-8766

Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. by appointment

Safety while driving should be a priority

By Carol Dwyer Asst. Perspectives Editor

Three days before Christmas, I was heading home along Naamans Road in Delaware with family when we came up on a traffic jam. Cars were inching eastbound toward the Foulk Road intersection, only a short distance. At the point where we first encountered the traffic jam, we were unable to see what has caused it.

Eventually, we could see the lights of numerous emergency vehicles in the distance that hinted at a serious car accident. When we were about seven car lengths from reaching the accident site near Foulk Road, I heard a helicopter in the area. My first thought was a news helicopter in the air, until suddenly we saw lights rising up off the side of the road a short distance ahead.

Someone had to be airlifted and a few moments after the helicopter flew right overhead we saw the car that had crashed.

It was sitting on the driver's side, the

driver and front passenger seats up against a utility pole. It looked to be an average sedan-sized car, but the type of car was unrecognizable from my passenger-side vantage point two lanes away.

Having seen the helicopter carry someone away and the damage to the car, we could only hope that nobody died in the accident.

I later found out through reader comments on an article published by Delaware Online that the worst injury in the accident was a broken leg. Other reader comments discussed the issue of what the minimum driving age should be, as well as what age group is the most dangerous on the road.

According to Delaware Online, the car had three teens in it, including the 16-yearold driver.

A driver could be 17, 37, 57 or any other legal driving age and certain actions would make them equally dangerous while behind the wheel. Therefore, I do not feel that younger drivers are always more dangerous than older drivers or vice versa.

Reviewing the minimum driving age and if necessary, raising it, seems better

than labeling either all young or all older drivers as the most dangerous. If the minimum driving age had to be raised, I doubt that it would need to go above the age of 18.

The weather didn't seem to come into play as it was simply very cold out that night and the roads were dry. There was no mention of speeding, drinking or texting while driving as the cause of the accident.

However, the description of how the car ended up where it did gave way to confusion among reader comments. It seemed to be a freakish accident, thankfully with a good outcome for the three girls in the car.

Although this happened back in December, a car accident is always relevant due to growing volumes of traffic over the years and many other factors. A middle-aged drunk driver crashed into my mom and I as we exited the Concord Mall parking lot one night during my elementary school years. When I was in the 7th grade, a friend's 14-year-old brother, along with the 17-year-old driver, died in a car accident caused by 90-mph speeding.

Drunk driving and speeding continues,

as we hear of celebrity DUI arrests and witness some cars going much faster than others they barely avoid hitting.

The latest scary trend, of course, comes with mobile technology and using it at the wrong time. As drivers and passengers in cars, we already face enough dangers between points A and B. That being said, it amazes me that texting while driving became such a big problem in today's world of driving.

I think of it as, "why die or kill someone else as the result of texting 'rotf lmao' to someone?"

However, the ability to communicate and access information without being tied down to a desktop computer easily draws too many people in. Today's world is about convenience and unfortunately has its down side, which I hope there is continued awareness for in order to save lives.

As for the 16-year-old driver who crashed on Naamans Road last month, the Delaware Online article stated that she was charged with reckless driving.

cdwyerpj@gmail com

‘Real Housewives’: real businesswomen

By Laura Hancq Asst. Sports Editor

I will be the first to admit that I have an addiction to Bravo’s Real Housewives series, and no, I am not ashamed. In fact, I’m incredibly proud of my obsession.

While I would never define myself as a feminist, but as a young woman with high ambitions for a future career and life, I am completely infatuated with some of these women because of their ability to be independently wealthy while balancing families and careers. They prove that gone are the days of women being expected to stay home or having to choose between a career and a family.

Two generations ago, women were dreaming of just having the right to vote. The glass ceiling was only beginning to be cracked. While it may not be completely shattered yet and while some will argue it never will be, many of the ladies from Bravo’s hit series are living proof of its demise.

Adrienne Maloof-Nassif, of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” is a coowner of Maloof Companies, along with her three brothers. Together, they own the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, the Sacramento Kings NBA Team, the Sacramento Monarchs WNBA Team, Maloof Productions, Maloof Music and the Maloof Money Cup, an annual skateboarding event.

The Maloof family is estimated to have a net worth of $1 billion, with Adrienne netting about $300 million. She keeps all of her finances separate from hubby, Dr. Paul Nassif, Beverly Hill’s plastic surgeon extraordinaire. Smart girl.

Since Maloof can technically be con-

sidered an heiress, I would understand why people might object to her being the image of success. Let’s take a look at the first lady of insurance, Vicki Gunvalson, of “The Real Housewives of Orange County.”

The only way to describe Gunvalson is that she’s a boss. It says in her bio on her website, “Enough energy to overcome the challenge of being a single mother at the age of 29, with no college degree and through sheer determination, drive and passion for business, she was able to build Coto Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., one of the most successful Insurance Agencies and Financial Services Companies in the United States.” Definitely inspiration for women everywhere.

Gunvalson is famous for belting out a “Woo-Hoo!” when something good happens with friends, family or clients, but her business motto for her insurance company is “Peace of Mind = Quality of Life.” Clearly, this “housewife” is pretty deep. Also, like most successful people, Gunvalson is no one-trick pony.

According to her site, she is also the co-author of Internet Life Insurance Made Easy and founder of Coto University, where she teaches over 600 agents across the country about selling insurance over the web.

Her professional designations include “an Ed Slott Elite IRA Advisor, a member of the Million Dollar Round Table, the American Association of Long Term Care Insurance and the National Ethics Bureau.” She also has a radio show and wrote her biography, “More Than A Housewife.”

It is estimated that her net worth is $7 million. Not bad for a single mom turned self-made businesswoman. I think she deserves a “Woo-Hoo!”

Bethenny Frankel, former Real Housewife of New York City, is an incredibly

successful businesswoman and chef. She owns all of the Skinny Girl brands, which includes Skinny Girl Margarita and Skinny Girl Fitness. She just recently got married and had a baby, proving that her estimated net worth of $14 million is her own.

The D.C. branch of the series is impressive. While housewife Stacie Turner took the real estate market by storm, I find Lynda Erkiletian to be the best. She is responsible for bringing the fashion scene to D.C. by founding T.H.E. Artist Agency. According to her website, T.H.E. Artist Agency represents models, designers and other members of the fashion community and helps them develop careers in our nation’s capital. She is not married and is estimated at about a $10 million net worth.

I understand the haters can’t stand the cattiness. I agree that sometimes it is hard

Are we teaching blind faith?

By Diana Campeggio Asst. A&E Editor

I am not a religious person, but that doesn’t mean that I wasn’t raised in a religious household.

My parents raised me Roman Catholic, I attended mass every Sunday, made all of my sacraments thus far and I attended some form of CCD (otherwise known as Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) until I was 14 years old, but still I feel conflicted in my beliefs.

In recent years, I consider myself agnostic, though my mother would call me a heathen.

Since I have been able to develop my own ideas about such things as religion, I have found myself less able to believe that God is the controller of my daily life. I find it hard to understand that something is watching over me and controlling me like a pawn in a chess game.

Religion is grounded in a lot of beliefs that cannot be proven and I struggle with that. People have a lot of trust in a theory that there is no tangible proof of and I just can’t put all my hopes and dreams into something that I am not sure of. I cannot give a definitive answer of whether God exists or not and this feeling of not knowing is why I consider myself Agnostic.

It is important for all young people to be able to make their own decisions when it comes to religion. Religion is something personal, something that people can feel a connection to. If this something that is handed down from a parent without any questioning, I don’t see how that can remain genuine.

To me, religion is more about having something to look to in a time of need than something that a person holds with them everyday. In my life, I have been fortunate enough to not face any serious personal tragedies, but when one does, I believe that that is when their faith grows stronger.

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she

may look to God to help her get through the struggle. This gives her something to believe in and it is comforting to believe someone is looking out for you. It gives her hope in a time when all hope is lost.

But personally, this doesn’t do it for me. I need a more concrete theory than this. I believe the most important purpose of a religious belief is that it gives someone hope,and I don’t find hope in the religious beliefs I was raised to believe.

It is important to mention that this does not mean that I do not have beliefs, because I do. I just can’t put all my hopes into something that is completely intangible. I need some definitive answers before I can put all my eggs in one basket.

This is something that my mother cannot understand. She doesn’t understand how I could be raised in a Catholic household and not believe that God will aid me to make the right choices. But I know that I am in control of the life I am living and what will happen to me after death, who could know that?

I’m sure many parenting books will agree that as a parent, you are suppose to let their children make their own way in the world and develop their own ideas about how the world works. But when it comes to religion, I believe that many parents strangle their children into following their same beliefs and many children do it without question, even if it does feel wrong.

Parents should offer their children a basis of religion and teach them what they believe, because it is important for children to have something to believe in as they grow and develop. But as the child grows into a young adult, they should be encouraged to learn about other religions and be able to feel comfortable when figuring out what they believe in. And as parents they should offer a positive surrounding for their children.

In my belief, there are too many people running around strictly believing the only thing they were told to believe. They are not questioning their beliefs because they don’t know any better. This creates a world full of people who are ignorant to other’s beliefs and who cannot develop the

to tell whether there is more drama or Botox. Obviously, not all the women have personal success stories and clearly many of them should not be considered role models for young girls. Yes, Camille Donatacci Grammer, I’m talking to you.

Either way, whether you love the ladies of Bravo’s “Real Housewives” series or hate to love them, many of them do deserve positive recognition in their careers. These women are redefining the concept of girl power.

I strongly believe there are powerful lessons to be learned from their ambition, entrepreneurship and ability to overcome hardship. I also understand that if you would like to learn how to ruin your success, just watch the “ladies” of New Jersey.

lch23@cabrini edu

ability to question what they believe in.

Children’s curiosity about why a religion believes the way it does can even create a stronger bond to their religion, but we need to be encouraging children to gain knowledge and make decisions that can be backed up by information, not just because that was what they were taught.

If as a parent, you do not give your child the chance to ask questions about religion and let them come up with their own answers, in my opinion, you are hindering your children.

If I do decide to have children, I hope to give them the opportunities to create their own ideas of how the world works and let them flourish into the people that I can only hope they will become.

Too many people in this world do not know why they believe the religion they believe. They don’t ask questions and they don’t understand why other people can believe differently than them. I think this is a serious flaw in our society and until parents start letting their children become their own people, and not carbon copies of themselves, we will remain an ignorant and sheltered society.

Vicki Gunvalson, an original cast member of “Real Housewives,” films with her daughter. Gunvalson is famous for having an “empty love tank.”

Fork

By John Fennell Staff Writer

In a city where almost all the restaurants have a unique beer menu, Fork and Barrel on Ridge Pike in East Falls definitely holds its own as the new upstart.

Unique beer is not the only menu item that will have you contemplating stepping out of your comfort zone. This anything-but-traditional restaurant boasts a menu that combines exotic flavors and side dishes of differing textures with your not-so-typical meats. From the seared sea scallops with pumpkin risotto and crispy sage to the Krainerwurst with whole grain mustard spaetzle, bacon and caramelized cippolini, you are really going to leave knowing that you did not just eat at Applebees.

It would not be unusual to drive down Ridge Pike and not realize that you had passed this non-descript and unassuming restaurant. The only indication that the Fork and Barrel is located on the block is a sign with a medieval barrel hanging from the bottom. The inside reflects the outside in its simplicity to the point it would be considered rustic. Patrons are invited to sit at any one of three long

What’s the

tables wooden tables on benches in a dining room completely lit by candles. The bar offers more seating than the dining area and is stocked full of oddly named beers from all over Europe.

Up a flight of stairs you have the Cask Saloon with its more traditional Nathan’s hotdogs and American beers. The beers downstairs are more European. The bar does not offer its patrons any liquor and with two sheets off the menu devoted to beer, the added options would only appear glutinous. Each of the beers on tap hail from a different country and the menu provides a lengthy description of each. The second page is filled front to back with the beers broken down into categories like “Sour, Funky, Spontaneous” or “Stiff and Brawny, Snifter-Worthy Gems.” Anyone wanting to try their luck at a tongue twister assortment of beers can try Haandbryggeriet Hesjeol, a Norwegian wheat beer that is described as having a smokey flavor. Or if you are not interested in tripping over your beer selection, there is the Italian beer Isaac, which isn’t found on the menu but offers a sweet taste in a curvy bottle.

Fork and Barrel is the brain child of owners Matt Scheller and Matt and Colleen Swartz. They also own Tap

& Table in Emmaus and Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem, Pa., which follow a similar theme with their low lighting and extensive beer lists.

Fork and Barrel is not for the average college budget or even the above average, but if you are ambitious in your tastes and do not mind paying for quality, you will find this menu to your liking. This is not TGIFridays or Chiles. You will not find a bacon cheeseburger, “mozz stix” or Budweiser on the menu. What you will find is a grilled cheese made with fontina, brioche, foie mousse, tomato jam and arugula. If a burger is what you want, they do offer a Lamb Burger with blue cheese and rosemary. The chef Peter Felton will tell you the house specialty is their seafood. You can try the Belgian mussels or the Beausoliel oysters. You can find a beer to compliment any of your selections.

What you end up paying for is good food, vast options of beer and ambiance. With a hard-to-pronounce beer selection, truly different food items and a rustic dining environment Fork and Barrel is definitely a place you can show off how cosmopolitan you are.

jf737@cabrini edu

food YOU ever ate?

By Chris Sarvadi/ Staff Writer

strangest

Anie Jamgochian, freshman English and secondary education major

“Lamb tongue and it was really good.”

Mike Krencicki, senior disability advocacy and support major

“Tomato flavored ice cream from Trader Joe’s and it was a ‘what the hell’ moment.”

Rob Bass, freshman criminology major

“Frog legs and it tasted like chicken.”

Mandy Toth, freshman communication major

“A Donner, a Turkish food that is kind of like a pita and it was alright.”

shea boland/ staff photographer

and barrel offers customers diverse beer, food

not

By Jimmy Crowell Asst. News Editor

Vital members of any college campus, the role of a resident assistant is very often misconstrued and overlooked as many students, fail to grasp the actual intent and role of RAs. This fact is no different at Cabrini.

“Students sometimes believe that all fun must cease when their resident assistant walks into the room,” Susan Kramer, assistant director for community standards at Cabrini College, said. “People often forget that it was the RA who listened to them as they were going through a hard time or let them in their rooms when they lost their keys or helped them with a roommate or friend conflict. The job of an RA is not glamorous at times, and the RAs are not often publicly praised for doing a good job.”

“The RA is a student first and they are sharing the same experiences with everyone around them, but they just happen to have a bit more responsibility added to them,” Kramer said.

“The least favorite of an RAs job is confronting their peers for policy violations,” Kramer said. “They want to make living on campus fun and safe and would much rather have a program or activity with the floor or building than having to confront violations.”

“One of the biggest ways students can help is by informing the RA when they need help, prior to an incident turning into a crisis,” Kramer said. “If the RA is able to help avert a crisis, everyone’s job will be a lot easier.”

According to Kramer, a good RA is someone who is motivated, both in their academics and within their residence hall. A good RA is also someone who is willing to dedicate their time to ensure that others are enjoying their experience living on campus and someone who cares about the success of their peers.

Kramer said that some other qualities that enable RAs to do their job better include possessing good time management skills, moral integrity, an ability to communicate, a caring demeanor, a creative mind, the ability to be flexible, an understanding of teamwork, an open mind and being honest.

Kramer said there are currently 30 RAs on campus.

Kramer said that when RAs are on duty, they are required to do many tasks. The RA on duty must conduct rounds of the buildings and check for safety concerns such as any damage to the building. Then the RA is responsible for checking in visitors to their building from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. while sitting at the front desk by the entrance of their building.

Kramer noted that Feb. 16 is National RA Appreciation Day, an event that is held every year on the third Wednesday of February.

“The biggest responsibility I have as an RA is to build community,” John Kidd, junior criminology major and a resident assistant in Woodcrest Hall, said. “I also ensure a safe and fun learning environment for my freshman residents, and I enforce college policies.”

Kidd said that personality plays a lot into how an RA does his or her duties. “I tend to fool around and have fun, but at the same time I know when to be serious and enforce the rules.”

“Respecting the building you live in is the best way students can assist their resident assistants,” Kidd said. “You wouldn’t rip the lights out of the ceiling at your home, why would you do it here?”

Kidd said the best way students can help the campus be safer is to just be responsible.

“If RAs had more personal interactions with their residents instead of treating it like a job all the time, I think the public perception of a resident assistant would be improved,” Kidd said. “You should be a student and a friend first and an RA second. RAs are on the same level as all of the other students, it is just that we have more responsibilities.”

“Since I am an RA of all freshman residents, during my hall meetings I explain what the housing process is and how to sign up for housing and where they can

live during their sophomore year,” Jamie Tadrzynski, junior history and education major and a resident assistant in Woodcrest Hall, said. “Often we deal with homesickness in the beginning of the fall semester with our freshman residents. Adjusting them to college is important. It can be a drastic change for them since, for many of them, they have never lived away from home.”

“When they get to college, many freshmen get their first taste of freedom and independence and they often aren’t sure what to do with it,” Tadrzynski said. “So as RA’s we instruct them and mentor them to have fun in a safe and creative way.”

“I decided to become an RA because I thought it would give me good life experience,” Tadrzynski said. “Since I am an education major, being an RA will give me unequaled preparation to handle students and work on a semi-professional level with having a real job and learning how to mentor students, while at the same time being a college student and having responsibilities.”

Tadrzynski said that while they are on duty, every two hours RAs must perform a check of the building for any vandalism, look out for any roommate or resident conflicts and ensure that the environment is safe and secure to live in.

If an RA observes an incident, they must document it in a communication report, which can take up to three hours, according to Tadrzynski.

Tadrzynski said after group processing day, the possible RAs receive a letter either saying they are hired for the next school year, have been put on a waiting list or are told no.

“I have learned to be blunt with my girls,” Tadrzynski said. “I don’t sugarcoat what I say when something happens with my residents, but at the same time I make myself easy to talk to and I always ensure that my residents can reach me when they need me.”

“Another difference is how RAs deal with alcohol,” Tadrzynski said. “I have a zero-tolerance policy for my residents obviously since they are underage and Woodcrest is a ‘dry building,’ where as West’s RAs need to evaluate their residents on a case-by-case basis since many are over the legal drinking age of 21.”

Eion O’Neill, junior communication major and a resident assistant in West Residence Hall, said that a key component of his application process was group processing, in which prospective RAs were placed into groups and a peer-review method was used to evaluate them based on how each person’s skills were determined. Then the professional staff from Residence Life evaluated all of the possible RAs.

“I have always been very conscientious of my surroundings, so that helps when I am on duty,” O’Neill said. “To advert any potential problem, you have to pay real close attention to what you see, what you hear when you’re doing rounds.”

“I have all juniors and seniors as residents, so it is different from freshmen and sophomores in that the upperclassmen know what is expected from them, are more in-tune to themselves and have a narrow focus on graduating college,” O’Neill said. “RAs that have only freshman and sophomore residents need to function as more of a role model and mentor than RAs who have junior and senior residents.”

“The largest misconception that people have of RAs is that we are ‘out to get people,’ and that is simply not true,” O’Neill said. “Our main job as an RA is to build community along our hall and our building. Yeah, we enforce the rules, but that isn’t the whole job. Not at all.”

O’Neill said the most rewarding facet of being an RA is the programming aspect of the job.

“It’s all worth it when you put on a successful program for your residents and see them appreciate what you do and for being there for them,” O’Neill said.

“It’s important to know that RAs are not just disciplinarians or locksmiths,” O’Neill said. “We are more than that. We are students and peers as well.”

“The largest misconception that people have of RA’s is that we are ‘out to get people,’ and that is simply not true.”

just disciplinarians: RAs responsible for building community

Local chinese restaurant No.1 in country

By Danielle McLaughlin A&E Editor

Philadelphia, Pa., a place often associated with greasy cheesesteaks and overzealous sports fans, may now have a new claim to fame.

A local Chinese restaurant, Yangming, was named the best Chinese food restaurant in America by CBS Sunday Morning News. Located in Bryn Mawr, Pa., Yangming offers a variety of fresh, authentic Chinese food at reasonable prices.

“We don’t have a signature dish but we do use all fresh ingredients. We don’t use too many canned

today,” Wei said.

Wei’s easy-going personality led to his being honored as one of the more “Influential Personalities in the Restaurant Industry” at the award show as well.

This is not the only award the restaurant has won. USA Today named Yangming one of the 10 best Chinese food restaurants in 2007 and 2009. It was also the winner of “America’s Top Tables,” given by Gourmet Magazine.

“The success of this restaurant is because we have two kitchens in the back and we have two different chefs. One is more like an Italian chef and one is a Chinese chef so we have continental food

Application of the week: Path

By Allie Rodolico Staff Writer

Looking for a new personal way to share your life and memories to close friends? “Path,” made for the iPhone, is the latest personal social network application to share with your closest friends.

products. People know the ingredients we use. It tastes a little better when you use fresh ingredients,” Michael Wei, Yangming owner, said.

Yangming was honored at a red carpet ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco, where Wei was presented with the prestigious award. Yangming beat out nearly 45,000 other Chinese food restaurants across the nation.

“When we won the contest, it was very humbling and exciting that we got this reward. I would like to thank all of the locals for their support and for where we are

and Chinese food. Not too many Chinese food restaurants are able to do that,” Wei said.

Wei is proud of where the restaurant has come over the years and has a positive attitude about the future of the restaurant.

“My favorite part about owning a restaurant is that I like to meet new people and I like when there is a crowd and challenges,” Wei said. “I don’t like to be slow and relaxed. I like to keep myself busy and keep myself motivated so I can do a better job every time,” Wei said.

dem59@cabrini edu

Psychothriller does not impress audiences

By Kelsey Alvino Asst. Perspectives Editor

“The Roommate” is a new thriller the whole family will have different opinions on. The movie follows Sara (Minka Kelly), a small town girl who has moved to Los Angeles to study fashion at Los Angeles University. Her assigned roommate is a wealthy art student named Rebecca (Leighton Meester).

At first, they seem like they’re going to be BFFs. As soon as sweet-innocent Sara tells Rebecca about her beloved sister Emily, who died when Sara was young, Rebecca says “I always wanted to have a sister.”

However as the semester goes on Sara begins to feel pressure from Rebecca about where she is and who she is constantly with.

These doomed individuals who prevent Rebecca from being with Sara 24/7 include Tracy (Aly Michalka), a party animal who suffers an attack and death threat from Rebecca in the dorm showers. Stephen (Cam Gigandet) Sara’s love interest gets stalked constantly.

As Rebecca feels Sara drifting away from her, she continually calls her phone and yells at Sara for coming home so late. Sara, being naive, believes Rebecca is right and she shouldn’t have made her worry.

Then an incident occurs when Sara’s slimeball fashion teacher makes a move on her unbeknownst her crazy roommate.

Rebecca goes to his office, seduces him and then makes noises as if he is attacking her. She records it on her phone and gets him fired. But that’s not the worst thing that will happen to Sara.

As Sara refuses an invitation to Thanksgiving Dinner from Rebecca she gets desperate for attention. Faking an attack, Rebecca inflicts pain on herself, including bruising and a stab wound, which she did with a box cutter (the weapon of choice in this movie).

Needless to say, the situation ultimately deteriorates from uncomfortable and creepy to dangerous.

At Thanksgiving, Rebecca’s mother asks Sara if Rebecca has been taking her medication and we are shown the uneasy living situation as Rebecca’s parents seem terrified of her. Finally discovering that Rebecca is far more than just a whack job and actually has bio-polar and schizophrenia, the movie proceeds with no dramatic surprises.

Kelly did a terrible acting job throughout the movie and seemed to lack any type of emotion. Her calm voice and passive attitude was totally unbelievable and any intelligent human being would have gotten them self out of that creepy situation with a swift room change.

Meester at least had fun with the role. Her attempted facial expressions as a deranged psychopath were more creepy and humorous than anything else.

This cast was completely unexpected for a psychothriller. Unknown actors usually end up doing exceptionally well during movies, because audiences have little to no expectations coming into it. However, for “The Roommate,” that was not exactly the case.

Although “The Roommate” earned $15.6 million on its opening weekend and was at the top of the box office, it seemed like a movie that was strictly made to make money, not entertain.

To call “The Roommate” a “psychological thriller” and “horror” movie is a complete joke. The only thing that frightened me was the ticket price.

Check out www.rottentomatoes.com for the horrific score and to see how other fans rated “The Roommate” and read all of their opinions about the movie.

The creator, Dave Morin, who was a helper in building Facebook, left the company in 2010 to work on the application. It debuted last November and was designed to be compatible with the iPhone to share pictures and videos with a limited group of friends.

Unlike Facebook and Twitter where you can have thousands of friends, Path users cannot have more then 50. The reasoning behind the small number is that researchers’ theory believes that 50 is the number of friends that most people can maintain a close relationship with. The founders think that people want more private interaction with a much smaller social circle.

The friendship does not have to be mutual, which means the user can send photos to someone who does not send photos to them. With one simple swipe, users can also make a picture visible only to the people tagged in it, which mean no fights between friends who weren’t there for the fun event.

With Path, you can capture life's moments in photos or videos and tag your moments with people, places and things to add context. Your friends and family can also see your new moments, let your friends know how you feel about their moment with emoticons and chat with friends and family around each moment. Also, unlike Facebook, you can explore your friends' moments on a map.

Recently, Path added an upgrade called “Path Chat,” where users can comment on pictures.

The application is a fun and easy way to share pictures and videos with your closest friends. It has been a hit since debuting in November and is on it’s way to becoming another social network of the decade.

Yangming located in Bryn Mawr Pa., features classic Chinese dishes with a European flair.

yangming website

The roommate is one of the first psyhcothrillers of the new year, blowing box office numbers.

“ I would like to thank all of the locals for their support and for where we are today.”

Music’s GRAMMYS: The

Big Night

By Elizabeth Krupka A&E Editor

The 2011 Grammys had many surprises in store for audiences both at home and in the seats. The recipients of the “big” awards were very different, however no one ever said that different was bad.

The most talked about point of the night was the fact that Esperanza Spalding had won best new artist despite the speculation that Justin Bieber would win hands down.

Another shocking point of the night was when Arcade Fire won album of the year. This indierock band was up against some very popular albums, so even they seemed blown away when their name was called.

Going into the award show it was assumed that Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and Drake would be walking out with several awards. However that was not the case.

For full coverage about the winners of the night visit www. grammys.com and check out the complete list of winners.

Here is a rundown of this year’s winners:

• Record of the year: “Need You Now”- Lady Antebellum

• Album of the year: “The Suburbs” - Arcade Fire

• Song of the year: “Need You Now”- Lady Antebellum

• Best new artist: Esperanza Spalding

• Best female pop vocal performance: “The Fame Monster”- Lady Gaga

• Best male pop vocal performance: “Just the Way you Are”- Bruno Mars

• Best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals: “Hey, Soul Sister”- Train

• Best pop vocal album: “The Fame Monster”Lady Gaga

Instead of packing lunch in a brown paper bag everyday, invest in a reusable lunch bag. Also, plastic sandwich bags can easily be replaced by tupperwear containers.

Eco-friendly tip of the week:

2011 Grammy winner’s, ranging from country artists to pop sensations, R&B icons, rocked the show with unforgettable performances.

Above: Lady Gaga incubating in an egg before her performance. To the right: Lady Antebellum accepting the Grammy for album of the year.

On the left: Rhianna and Drake in performance. In the center: Ce-lo and Gwyenth Paltrow performing “Forget You.” On the right: Katy Perry performing her ballad for her husband which quickly turned into her song “Teenage Dream.”

Reality Check: Hickeys: Bruise of love

By Danielle McLaughlin A&E Editor

It’s a typical Monday morning. You pull yourself out of bed and head to class.

After fighting off a few yawns in the middle of class, here comes another distraction: the girl next to you has a huge red eyesore on her neck, a hickey.

The hickey has been a Monday morning distraction for years and continues its tradition in high schools and colleges across the nation.

No amount of foundation or concealer will fully cover-up a hickey (unless the hickey-giver didn’t know what he or she was doing).

Unless you want the world to know your weekend wasn’t exactly “G” rated, I suggest calling out of work or class and spending the day icing your love blister.

Although the hickey doesn’t have the best reputation, some would defend its honor and say the hickey is a sign of love, while others would say hickeys are a sign of promiscuity.

For those in favor of the hickey being a symbol of love, really? I mean, I understand how sucking on one’s neck can be romantic, but let’s not make a public display of it.

If you are going to walk around sporting a bruise of love on the side of your neck, then at least try and cover it up.

Vampires are the only ones that should be walking around with bruises of love on their necks.

However, everyone knows that girl (or even sometimes guy) who wears the hickey proudly while strolling down the hallways of school trying to get some attention and wants some bragging rights.

On the other end of the spectrum, a hickey is also no need to wear a turtleneck to school in the middle of May. This will also cause eye rolls and even possibly some de-friending in the facebook world.

No matter if you’re for or against the hickey, they are and always will be an eyebrow raiser.

So if you’re sporting one, expect a few dirty looks and possibly some high-fives and take it for what it’s worth.

More people than ever will be interested in your weekend and the movie that you were so apparently not watching.

You have a hickey. So what. Use Neosporin, maybe a cold spoon and move on.

dem59@cabrini edu

Single or taken, there’s a movie for you

February can be the most romantic month of the year or it can feel like the loneliest. Whichever category you may fall under, here are some movies to snuggle up with someone else or enjoy alone!

By Melanie Greenberg Staff Writer

Single Taken

1) “500 Days of Summer”

This is not a love story. It is a story of a romance told out of chronological order as the main character Tom remembers the good and bad times of his whirlwind relationship with Summer. Perfect to watch when you feel like you’ll never move on from the person you thought was "the one."

2) “Bridget Jones' Diary” Bridget worries about what every normal woman worries about: men, weight and where her life is headed. Told in diary form, Bridget invites viewers into her provocative new life with embarrassing moments that every viewer can easily relate to.

3) “He's

Just Not That Into You”

The title says it all. Just because a friend knew a friend who married her first boyfriend after 10 years apart doesn't make them the rule; they are the exception. This is a lesson everyone must learn. The movie portrays it by showing multiple failing and flourishing relationships. One of the best movies to sit in and watch with the girls (even though guys secretly love it!)

1) “The Notebook”

The love story that never seems to get old. It’s a guaranteed tearjerker amongst women. Even men shed a tear or two. It is a story of how even years cannot tear true love apart. This movie is considered by many the perfect cuddling movie.

2) “When Harry Met Sally”

The true test of whether or not women and men can be just friends. After years of an unconventional friendship, Harry and Sally comically date the wrong people and find out maybe men and women are not meant to be friends. Sex always gets in the way.

3) “There's

Something About Mary”

Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz star in a raunchy movie that starts with an accident before senior prom. Ted tracks Mary down through a private investigator who, in turn, also falls in love with Mary. Scene after scene is filled with comical lies and crazy characters.

fives TOP

iTunes Downloads

1. Glee Cast-Firework

2. Black Eyed Peas-The Time (Dirty Bit)

3. Glee Cast-Thriller

4. Glee Cast-Bills, Bills,

Bills

5. Katy Perry-Firework www.itunes.com

1. The Roommate

2. Sanctum

3. No Strings Attached

4. The King's Speech

5. The Green Hornet www.imdb.com

1. Christina Aguilera Messes Up Superbowl 2011 National Anthem

2. Kim Kardashian Wins Superbowl Commercials

3. Old Spice- Scent Vacation

4. Stoners' New Anthem

5. Britney Spears- Hold it Against Me www.youtube.com

Swimmer finds success while overcoming injury

How long have you been swimming?

I have been swimming since I was 5 years old.

How did you become involved with swimming?

When we moved from Pennsylvania to New Jersey, my neighbors had two young boys that were my age and were on the swim team and my mom said, ‘we’ll join the swim team,’ and I fell in love with it from there.

Why did you choose to come to Cabrini College?

I just liked the homey feeling and I felt like I belonged.

What challenges have you had to face during your swimming career?

I got tendonitis in my shoulder and a few years ago I tore my labrum, so it restricts my range of motion.

What are your goals for swimming?

It is really in my goals to finish my last year, swim in the last meet and finally put an end to my swimming career.

What are your goals in life?

Be successful and love my job and to make a difference, as cheesy as that sounds.

If your teammates were to describe you in one sentence, what would they say?

An atomic bomb of rambunctious joy.

By Diana Campeggio Asst. A&E Editor

A member of the women’s swim team has battled more than just opposing swimmers in her four year-run at Cabrini. Lisa Somers, senior social work major, has been swimming distance on the team for the past four years, even though she struggles with tendinitis in her left shoulder.

“I just kind of push through it and then deal with the pain later,” Somers said.

At the age of 5, Somers began swimming for a local swim team in her hometown of Delran, N.J. When she turned 12, she was diagnosed with tendinitis, scar tissue building up in her shoulder and becoming inflamed.

Though a butterflier when she was younger, the tendinitis caused her shoulder to give out and once attending Cabrini, she began swimming distance.

In recent years, Somers tore her labrum and since returning from the team’s recent training trip to Miami, Fla., a different part of her shoulder has been giving her problems.

But even with a shoulder injury that restricts her range of motion, Somers continues to swim and push through the pain because of her love for the activity.

“She has learned to cope with her shoulder injury and it has definitely made her a stronger person but she never

lets it get the best of her,” Rachel Schmid, freshman teammate of Somers, said. “She just keeps pushing.”

Though Somers attends physical therapy to strengthen her shoulder here at Cabrini, recently the pain has continued to worsen. But she is determined to finish out the season.

“It hasn’t really held her back. She still swims at practice and she swims really well in the meets, but you can see how much pain her shoulder causes her,” Kimberly Crowther, freshman teammate of Somers, said.

Somers believes that her support group of family and teammates has driven her to stick with the activity, even when she was dealing with the pain. Somers’ parents have played a strong supportive role in her swimming career.

“They definitely pushed me to keep going and they knew that I loved it,” Somers said. “They didn’t want me to give it up because of an injury.”

Somers’ parents made sure she attended the right doctors and learned to take care of her shoulder so she could continue to swim because of how much she was in love with it, according to Somers.

“They are always supportive and always come out to see me swim. They’ve been doing it since I was five so I think they learned to enjoy it,” Somers said.

Somers also gives credit to her teammates for supporting her and motivating her when she wanted to quit.

“Even with a shoulder injury, they support me. They

help me get through even though I’m in pain,” Somers said. “We’re just like a big family and I love that atmosphere.”

But her teammates say it is her determination and captivating personality that really makes her a great swimmer and member of the team.

Somers’ teammates describe her as an outgoing, supportive teammate and claim that her shoulder injury has only made her a stronger person.

According to Crowther, she has not let her injury hold her back at practice or at meets and she continues to let her personality shine through the pain.

“Lisa is hilarious. There is not one swim practice where she hasn't made anyone laugh,” Crowther said. “If you’re having a rough day, you can count on Lisa to cheer things up.”

Somers’ goals are to finish the season strong and be able to swim in the last meet of the season because she does not plan to swim after college due to her shoulder, so finishing the season is important to her. Somers is proud to finish the four-year career with Cabrini’s swim team.

“Cabrini swimming has definitely been the best four years of swimming out of my swimming career,” Somers said.

sarah luckert photo editor

Student volunteers time to coach high school basketball

By Rachael Renz Copy Editor

Most college students are challenged to balance schoolwork, out-of-school responsibilities and relationships. But Maryellen Anastasio, 21-year-old senior communication major, juggles school, a job and friends. In addition, she is the president of the senior class and advertising club and serves as a resident assistant. On top of all of these commitments, she is also an assistant coach for Radnor High School's varsity girl's basketball team.

Basketball has always been a part of Anastasio’s life, starting her career at the age of 3 and then continuing up until her junior year of college.

“When I was born my Dad's friend bought me a pair of basketball shoes. I was also baptized on a basketball court while our church was being built, so it’s been in my blood since day one,” Anastasio said.

Anastasio decided that she would not be returning after her third year of playing basketball for Cabrini because of her internship with the Philadelphia Flyers. She said she felt that she needed to focus on her career in the sports field before she graduated.

But as of early January, Anastasio was given the position of assistant coach at Radnor High School.

“After Christmas I reevaluated some things and realized that I missed playing basketball a lot. I had heard that Radnor's girl’s [basketball] program had no females on the coaching staff so I decided to e-mail coach Jordan and athletic director Mike Friel about becoming a volunteer assistant coach,” Anastasio said.

“She e-mailed me and said she was interested in helping out with the team. We met up and I told her to come in on a Monday. We threw her in the fire right away and she bonded with the girls. Maryellen has been a breath of a fresh air. She has a great temperament for coaching and she’s so peppy, positive and energetic. I think she’d be great as a head coach,” Mark Jordan, head coach of the varsity team, said.

Jordan said that he appreciates the female perspective that Anastasio brings to the team. He believes that she is a role model for the girls.

“Having Maryellen is definitely a great change in pace because we’re always around all of these guys who really don’t understand us. She understands when we’re having a bad day, which is a great liaison between us and the male coaches,” Brittany Bentz, senior shooting guard, said.

“She encourages me a lot because she can relate more

to me than the male coaches. She gives advice on the little things we do but the little things win our games so it's good advice. When I’m on the court and I don’t make my foul shots she always tells me to keep my head up and that really helps me,” Hannah Rose Nussbaum, junior shooting guard, said.

Coaching has always been something that Anastasio has felt passionate about and one day hoped to pursue.

“I have always had a love for the game. That won't go away even though I didn't play this season. I still love it just as much as I did the day I picked up a ball. When I attended the NCAA Career In Sports Forum in May of last year, I took the basketball coaching track and it clicked that coaching was right for me,” Anastasio said.

Although Anastasio is following her passions, she still has other important obligations in her life. At Cabrini, she is a communication major, which has given her the opportunity to become a multimedia intern within the college’s athletic department.

She has also interned with the Flyers, gaining experience from the Wells Fargo Center and the Flyers Skate Zone in New Jersey.

On top of all of this, Anastasio now works at SolarSense, located in the Radnor Corporate Center, as a business manager.

“Right now I'm juggling a lot. I'm involved in a couple different on-campus organizations, I'm working at SolarSense, taking classes and coaching. It get’s crazy sometimes but it keeps me busy and I like it that way,” Anastasio said.

Most of Anastasio's obligations are preparation for her future but basketball is something that is a deep passion of hers. But through it all, Anastasio feels that basketball has taught her a lot about life. She feels that while she’s helping with coaching the team, she is also motivating and being a positive factor in the girls’ lives.

“She is always very positive. One thing we lack on this team is team spirit. She taught us to high five our teammates and pick them up when they’re feeling bad. We never did that before,” Bentz said.

So although Anastasio is battling with balancing important and various aspects in her life, she is helping the community, young women and quite possibly herself.

“The best part of my day is coaching,” Anastasio said. “I look forward to walking into the gym every day and working with the girls.”

rr724@cabrini

edu

rachael renz copy editor

Cavaliers defeat Defenders 95-81

By Chelbi Mims Asst. Features Editor

The men’s basketball team obtained another victory against Baptist Bible College, 95-81 at the Nerney Field House. The Cavaliers have been on a 14-game winning streak this season.

This game meant a lot to the players, parents, spectators and coaches. This triumph against the Baptist Bible Defenders broke a record amidst Division III programs. The Cavaliers have won 32 games at home in their conference, which is the longest winning streak in the country among Division III programs. This game also honored the 2010-2011 seniors on the team, forward Dom Farrello and guard Lamar Fisher.

Cory Lemons, voted Student Athlete of the Week, led the Cavaliers in the game by scoring 30 points with 23 of those points coming in the second half of the game. Lemons had nine assists and eight rebounds and shot 10 for 15 overall.

The Cavaliers worked as a unit to defeat the Defenders. Keefer Francis, freshman guard, played 15 minutes and scored 10 points. Goran Dulac, sophomore center, scored 11 points on 4-for-8 from the field and John Boyd, junior guard, attained nine points and seven rebounds.

“We work hard and practice a lot. It takes a lot of dedication and commitment to do what we do on the court,” Francis, freshman pre-nursing major, said.

Cavalier Calendar

Thursday, Feb. 17

6 p.m. W Bball @ Neumann

8 p.m. M Bball @ Neumann

As the second half began the Cavaliers meant business and scored 10 points which made the score 52-40. As time progressed the Defenders gained momentum and a 20-8 burst.

“I kept playing hard because I really wanted to see us pull out the win, mostly for Dom and Lamar's sake, to see them end their career at home with a win is an inspiring thing,” Corey Frizzera, freshman guard and business administration major, said.

The game began with a commencement for the two seniors. Their families joined them as they walked onto the court to be recognized.

“He inspired me to play basketball and follow in his footsteps because he is a role model,” LeShea Fisher, Fisher’s sister, said.

Fisher has scored 459 points in his basketball career and averages 4.4 points a game.

“I love the group of guys we have this season and all that we have accomplished. We have a lot of great talent and it feels good when you can leave the program knowing that they will continue the hard work,” Fisher, senior guard and communication major, said.

“Dom has enjoyed his four years at Cabrini, he has met great friends and a great coaching staff. I am proud because he held his own in basketball and academics,” Dom Farrello’s mother said.

Farrello was recently honored at a previous game for scoring his 1,000-point. At Monday nights game Farrello carried the offensive load at

the start of the game by making the first two baskets and bringing in 20 points with 12 rebounds. He scored 18 of his 20 points before half time and accumulated 12 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season and seventh of his career.

When asked about being recognized for making his 1,000-point, Farrello said, “It was a memorable moment because of the past players who achieved the milestone were phenomenal and knowing that I am in a category with them is an honor.”

“Dom is our best all around player and he sets a good example for us younger players by demonstrating a good work ethic and dedication to the team. Lamar is our energy guy who gets us hyped before the game, without him we would come out stagnant and flat,” Zachary Fortenbraugh, freshman guard and exercise science and health promotion major, said.

The Cavs regular season comes to an end Thursday, Feb. 17, at Neumann University. Then the team will start preparing to dominate the playoffs.

“We will prepare for playoffs with the same attitude as any other game. But the intensity and energy will have to go up that much more knowing when the playoffs come around if you lose you don't play again.” John Boyd, junior guard and business administration, said.

cam376@cabrini edu

Your thoughtS:

What

All day M & W Swimming @ Groves City

Friday, Feb. 18

All day M & W Swimming @ Groves City

Saturday, Feb. 19

TBA M Bball Quarterfinals

All day M & W Swimming @ Groves City

Sunday, Feb. 20 No Events

Monday, Feb. 21

TBA W Bball Quarterfinals

Tuesday, Feb. 22

TBA M Bball Semifinals

Wednesday, Feb. 23

TBA W Bball Semifinals

Kassia beRnosKy sophoMoRe coMMunication MajoR

“I’m looking forward to Cliff Lee coming back so I can wear his jersey again.”

Spring Training?

Reid Mizelle fReshMan biology MajoR

“To see if the starting rotation can live up to the hype it is surrounded by.”

eMMa

McnaMaRa sophoMoRe secondaRy education MajoR

“I’m excited to see the team dynamic. They’ve been clicking over the past few years and I hope it continues.”

Pat Gallagher /web editor / mw446@cabrini

nick guldin sports editor Cory Lemons takes the ball down the court against the Defenders while looking for an open player to pass the ball to.

“It takes a lot of dedication and commitment to do what we do on the court.”

Student escapes war, finds success in sport

Facts about Bosnian War:

By Nick Guldin Sports Editor

When standing in the huddle after an evening basketball practice, Goran Dulac is an easy player to pick out due to his large 6’7” frame. Though extremely tall, Dulac looks like your average, every day college kid but once you talk to him you realize a slight accent in his voice. Talk to him a little more and you realize Dulac isn’t your run-of-the-mill college basketball player.

Dulac was born in Bosnia in 1990. In 1992 a civil war erupted due to religious disputes amongst Muslims, Christians and Catholics. Dulac, his younger sister and his parents found themselves in the middle of a warzone. Because of financial woes mixed with the dangers ensuing right outside their door, they knew they had no choice but to get out.

“I immediately saw that it wasn’t a good place for Goran and my daughter to live. I tried to do something about it right away but I couldn’t so I waited for the first opportunity I could for a better life,” Slobodan Dulac, Dulac’s father said with Goran translating.

After a long nine years Dulac, now 11 years old, and his family made their way across the Atlantic finally settling in Levittown, Pa. in 2001. Dulac’s father explained that it would have been a big risk to stay in Bosnia but it was also an equal risk coming to the U.S. knowing absolutely nothing. He was certain Dulac and his sister would excel but as for himself and his wife, he was unsure. He took the risk anyway for the sake of his kids.

Immediately after their arrival Dulac admits things were not easy at all.

“When I first moved here I was blind and deaf at the same time,” Dulac said, referring to the language barrier.

Once Dulac learned English academics, meeting new people became much easier. At Pennsbury High School, Dulac began to excel in basketball and was recruited to come play for Cabrini.

He has already found his way into the starting lineup already in his freshman season and academically is performing better than he ever thought he would.

“I didn’t expect the success that I had, not that I’ve done a lot, but academically I’m doing better than I did in high school,” Dulac said.

Head basketball coach Marcus Kahn respects Dulac

The Bosnian War was an international conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between April 1992 and December 1995.

The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia.

At least 100,000 people were killed and over two million were displaced during the Bosnian War.

A trial took place before the International Court of Justice that followed a 1993 suit by Bosnia and Herzegovina against Serbia and Montenegro alleging genocide.

The war was brought to completion after the signing of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina in Paris on Dec. 14, 1995.

Peace negotiations were held in Dayton, Ohio, and were finalized on Dec. 21 1995. The accords are known as the Dayton Agreement.

for his hard work on and off the court. Coach Kahn is in his third season with the Cavaliers and has guided Dulac throughout his entire college career towards much success here at Cabrini.

“He [Dulac] works hard for everything he has. Anything that that young man has had he has absolutely earned,” Coach Kahn said. “We have big plans for him to keep developing him in the future.”

Dulac offered Coach Kahn ample amounts of gratitude for everything he has helped him with so far.

“I want to thank Coach Kahn who gave me an opportunity right away and he’s helped me out with a lot. He was just there behind me. He’s a big part of my success. A huge part,” Dulac said.

Dulac’s parents could not be happier or more proud of the success their son has had here so far. From the war-ridden streets of Bosnia to the hallways of Cabrini College, Dulac is a walking success story.

“It is most important for me that he is happy,” Lavorka Dulac, Dulac’s mother, said.

“In the beginning it was hard but the fruits of those labors are paying off now,” Dulac’s father said.

ngg27@cabrini edu