Issue 12 Vol. 80

The best and worst films of 2010, page 6

QUChronicle.com

Shuttle boycott honorable but misguided, page 4

C

Rutty-less Bobcats prep for rematch, page 12

The QUINNIPIAC Volume 80 Issue 12

January 26, 2011

Student orgs will lose Mt. Carmel offices

Cold Open

By Matt Ciepielowski Senior Managing Editor

Zach Abr ams / chronicle

The spring semester opened with freezing temperatures and snowy conditions as students prepared for the first week of classes. Temperatures dropped below zero on Sunday, and snow on Tuesday added to an already hefty total snowfall figure this winter.

Journalist, Pulitzer winner Wilkerson on tap today

By Marcus Harun Staff Writer Pulitzer Prize winner and author of “The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration,” Isabel Wilkerson will discuss her new book at an event open to the public in WHO: Buckman Theater Isabel Wilkerson WHAT: tonight at 7.

Wilkerson The Pulitzer Prize winner will speak was the first black on her newest woman to win a novel Pulitzer Prize in WHEN: journalism. She Tonight was awarded the WHERE: Buckman Theater Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing as the Chicago bureau chief for The New York Times in 1994.

Photo by Joe Henson

Isabel Wilkerson received the Pulitzer Price in 1994 when she worked for The New York Times.

The Office of Academic Affairs, the Chief Diversity Officer and the School of Communications are co-sponsoring the event, where Wilkerson will discuss her newly published, award-winning book. The New York Times selected her book as one of 2010’s 10 Best Books

of the Year.

“We feel her book is a remarkable achievement and a fine example of narrative journalism,” said Margarita Diaz, chairperson of the journalism department. “I hope students take away from the lecture not only a better understanding of recent American history, but an appreciation for the craft of journalism and its power to illuminate the way we live.”

Her book focuses on the six million African Americans who migrated from the South in the early 1900s. It chronicles the journeys of three migrants as they travel to different destinations.

Wilkerson’s parents were a part of the Great Migration. They then journeyed from Georgia to Washington, D.C., where she was born.

Wilkerson will sign copies of her book after the lecture.

Real-time updates as Isabel Wilkerson takes to campus

Starting this spring break, Quinnipiac’s student organizations will have to move from their offices and lockers in the Carl Hansen Student Center, and some won’t have another place to go.

The second floor hallway of the Carl Hansen Student Center will be cleared out during spring break, according to Director of the Student Center Daniel Brown, so all organizations will need to pack their things.

Greek life and the Student Programming Board, along with QU After Dark and Relay for Life, are expected to receive space in the Rocky Top Student Center.

Student media groups, including the Chronicle, Montage, Summit and Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network will gain space in the Chartwells trailer near the South Lot shuttle stop.

The rest of the student organizations that currently have shared offices in the Carl Hansen Student Center will no longer have office space on Quinnipiac’s campus.

Brown said that originally he was asked to clear everything out in April.

“For us to move this entire operation, it’s not something we could have done in April,” he said.

OFFICES, continued on page 2

Greek life to gain two new sororities

By Meghan Parmentier Associate News Editor Two new sororities will join Quinnipiac’s Greek life community, according to Assistant Director of the Student Center and Campus Life Courtney McKenna, and a fraternity is under review to potentially colonize.

Pi Beta Phi will colonize and begin recruitment for their founding sisters during the fall 2011 semester, former Panhellenic President Jessica Russo said. Kappa Delta will colonize during the fall 2012 semester.

“We opened for extension because we’ve seen that specifically in the past few years, Greek life has really exploded on campus,” said junior marketing major Megan De Vizio, former Panhellenic Delegate for Phi Sigma Sigma. “We’re seeing more and more women coming through recruitment each spring, resulting in the largest new GREEK, continued on page 2

POLL: Was the Quinnipiac bus boycott necessary?

2

NEWS The Chronicle

January 26, 2011

BRIEFS Students flock to CAMPUS

Your weekly dose of Quinnipiac news in brief

SPB picks concert performer The “Wake the Giant” performer(s) has been booked, and the Student Programming Board is in the midst of finalizing the contract. SPB will start issuing clues on their YouTube page (quspb) and formally announce the performer on Feb. 7. “I’m thrilled to announce the show to the campus and get everyone as excited as SPB is!” SPB Mainstage Chair Jamie Kloss said in an e-mail.

Arnold hosts exhibit Learn more about the Holocaust and the local efforts made to remember it by visiting the Memory & Legacy exhibit at the Arnold Bernhard Library until Feb. 25.

Viewers of the Memory & Legacy Guide will get more background information on the New Haven Holocaust Memorial, the Adopt-aSurvivor program, oral history, and selected Holocaust resources.

Color splash in caf Check out the colorful changes made to Café Q over winter vacation. The differences include newly painted green walls on the second floor and new colors added throughout the kitchen.

ASI makes winter trip Eight MBA students and seven undergraduate business students spent Jan. 3-13 in Nicaragua. The excursion was part of the yearly efforts made by the Albert Schweitzer Institute to sponsor service trips to areas in need in Nicaragua.

While on the trip, students teamed up with local businesses and took on various projects.

ice cream machines It was -3 degrees outside when two new Moo Bella ice cream machines became operaBy Jenn Lepore tional in Café Q Staff Writer on Monday, Jan. 24. According to Leean Spalding, associate director of Chartwells, the machines still received a lot of attention.

A lack of dessert options in Café Q prompted Chartwells to install the ice cream vending machines, Spalding said.

The machines are designed as entirely touch screen and easy to use.

Students have the choice between premium and light ice cream in a variety of flavors like vanilla, strawberry, coffee, even cake batter. The screen then prompts the user to choose a topping to mix in: chocolate chips, cookies ‘n’ cream or M&Ms. This new dessert choice is a healthy one; the light ice cream is 95 percent fat free, 200 calories per cup

and is made with 100 percent natural dairy.

Freshman Jordan Walsh appreciated the dessert, but took issue with its placement.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love ice cream, but the line is so long between the machines and Coyote Jack’s Grill.

I just think the placement could have been better,” Walsh said.

Fellow freshman Jim Casey agreed.

“The Café seems even more crowded near the entrance now, if that’s possible. It’s difficult just to get through the revolving gate without inadvertently bumping into somebody,” Casey said.

For more information on Moo Bella Lenny Neslin / chronicle and its nutritional information, visit Students gathered in droves at the new Moo Bella ice cream www.moobella.com. vending machines on Monday in Café Q.

GREEK: Additional sororities in hopes of smaller chapter sizes continued from cover member class sizes QU has ever seen.”

An advantage of having these additions, De Vizio said, will be more manageable chapter sizes.

McKenna said the smaller chapter sizes will allow for more positive interactions with the members and more spaces on campus for the sororities to meet.

“We want to provide everyone who goes through recruitment with a good match,” McKenna said.

The new additions were cho-

sen based on the philanthropies and new contributions they can add to the Quinnipiac campus.

“Each of these sororities have unique philanthropies,” Russo said.

“In addition, each have a multitude of leadership opportunities, programming and academic support that sets them aside from all of the other National Panhellenic Conference sororities. Their values match well with Quinnipiac’s, as well as the sororities’s and Greek life’s on campus.”

De Vizio described Pi Beta Phi as a sorority with a mission to

promote friendship, develop women of intellect and integrity, cultivate leadership potential, and enrich lives through community service. Pi Beta Phi’s present members contribute to their philanthropy of literacy with their involvement in programs such as First Book, Champions Are Readers and Make Your Mark for Literacy. Once colonized, they will join the rest of the Quinnipiac Panhellenic community and participate in formal recruitment in the spring.

The Kappa Delta website states their purpose as one to pro-

mote friendship among college girls across the country. Their members contribute to their philanthropy by supporting Prevent Childhood Abuse America, while working closely with the Girl Scouts of America.

The fraternity pledging process is much more informal and brings in smaller new member groups. Still, McKenna said a new fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi, is currently being reviewed to potentially colonize at Quinnipiac during the fall 2011 semester.

Event Calendar Today

Thursday

saturday

SHUTTLE BUS BOYCOTT

Valor from Darkness

university shuttle stops

Buckman Theater, 7 p.m.

Buckman Theater, 8 p.m.

BSU is challenging students to boycott the shuttles in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Hot cocoa will be served for free in Café Q and specially themed soul food will be served by Chartwells.

A documentary about the modern history of dictatorship, revolution and reconciliation in Nicaragua. Sponsored by the Albert Schweitzer Institute and Quinnipiac University Information Services.

Come see the movie being hailed as one of the greatest films of the decade, sponsored

by SPB.

Isabel Wilkerson Buckman Theater, 7 p.m.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Isabel Wilkerson will talk about her book titled “The Warmth of Other Suns,” chosen as one of the 10 Best Books of 2010 according to The New York Times.

poster sale rotunda lounge, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Last day of the poster sale!

The Social Network

Bingo

The March on Quinnipiac

Café Q, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Buckman Center, 6:15 p.m.

Come play bingo, sponsored by QUAD, and win awesome prizes.

BSU is sponsoring a march in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the African American Civil Rights Movement.

friday Fire and Ice Rocky Top Café, 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Enjoy free hot chocolate and ice cream brought to you by QUAD.

karate and self defense class Athletic center room 207A, 3-5 p.m.

Enjoy a free basic karate and self defense class taught by Sensei Bernard Williams.

There will be free pizza and beverages provided after the demonstration, which is sponsored by APSA.

3

NEWS QUChronicle.com

January 26, 2011

Assistant dean bids SoC adieu Burns moves on to NYU institution, speaks of ‘wonderful experience’ at QU

By Lenny Neslin Managing Editor Jennifer Burns, an assistant dean of career services for the School of Communications, ended her four year tenure at Quinnipiac to take a job in career services at New York University’s Tisch Center of Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management.

Burns has been the go-to person for Quinnipiac’s communication students looking for an edge in their caBURNS reer hunt since October 2006.

“I really enjoyed my time at QU,” Burns said. “My personal life has taken me to NYC and I have to move on, but I will always remem-

ber working with the students, staff and faculty at QU as a wonderful experience.”

Burns said her only reason for leaving was because of her twohour commute from Manhattan, her home of 10 years before working at Quinnipiac. Up until September 2010, she had lived in Fairfield County, which was a 40-minute drive from QU. Now she’s about eight subway stops or 20 minutes away from work.

School of Communications Interim Dean Michele Moore offered kind remarks about Burns. “[She] made significant contributions to the School of Communications, our students and the career services program,” Moore said in a statement. “Through the implementation of the mentor program and media site visits, Jen

BE FLEXIBLE Burns offers her last bits of advice on the job search: >Don’t put pressure on yourself to find the perfect job right away >Be patient and persistent and network with the terrific SoC alumni who are out there and willing to help >Create a profile on LinkedIn to connect with alumni and others

also provided opportunities for the alumni to network with students and assisted with the advancement of the internship program.”

Grace Levine, professor of communications and director of the communications internship program, worked closely with Burns.

“My sense was that students felt very comfortable with her be-

Advanced Multimedia.

“She was always an awesome person to go to and to hear she’d be leaving was a bummer for myself, and I’m sure for the Quinnipiac community too,” Stucko said.

Burns said her favorite part of the job was working with the students.

“It was great getting to know the accomplished and talented students in the SoC and helping them achieve their career goals.”

She expects her new job to be similar to what it was at QU, but she will not be teaching courses. Burns taught career development courses at Quinnipiac.

Burns received her master’s degree in counseling from NYU after receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Cornell. She has several career-related articles published and is the author of two books.

cause when they would later come to me with proposals for credit internships they would talk about how much she had helped them,” Levine said.

Levine said the school has a posting for the position and it will be at the interviewing stages soon.

Genifer Herman, a part-time faculty member, will give students feedback on their résumés and cover letters while the school finds a full-time replacement for Burns.

“Burns worked with me closely and I think she was fabulous,” Levine said. “I feel very sad that she left, but I understand why.”

Matt Stucko, a graduate journalism student, said Burns helped him put together his first résumé and cover letter when he was an undergraduate at QU. He went on to intern as a production assistant and contributing writer for MLB.com

BSU pushes week of MLK celebrations

By Phil Nobile Staff Writer Students coming back from the long winter break were welcome to free cake in Café Q as the Black Student Union began their week-long celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. “Not everyone comes from a background or place where the importance of Martin Luther King or the civil rights movement is prevalent,” said Chavon Webster, senior marketing major and vice president of BSU. “But we feel as if this campus can receive it.”

BSU, a student-run organization at Quinnipiac committed to spreading awareness of black history, has a variety of events showcasing important civil rights events and recognizing Martin Luther King Jr.’s importance in American history.

“We are just hoping we can get the support of the campus,” Webster said. “It’s a lot of hard work putting on these events, but a lot of the information we’re giving out is very important to us and it’s something we want the university to embrace.”

On Tuesday, BSU presented “Selma, Lord, Selma,” the classic Disney film portraying a young AfricanAmerican girl’s perspective of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches.

The group is holding a boycott of the shuttle system at Quinnipiac, staging a mock version of the Montgomery bus boycott during the civil rights movement

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One student looks over the birthday cake in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday in Café Q.

in 1955.

“If a lot of students rely on the shuttle system and you have a day where you don’t have access to it, imagine doing that for a year,” Webster said.

Other events this week include a simulated march in the Student Center with mock picket signs and an event asking students what they would go to jail for, in light of the sacrifices made by prominent civil rights activists.

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OFFICES: Student media to trailer, SPB to Rocky Top continued from cover “April is just a busy month. So we figured spring break, when the students are gone, is just a good time to be able to do it.”

WQAQ is expected to remain in its current space until commencement.

Q30 members, uncertain where they will end up after spring break, were particularly worried about the news because of the large

amount of equipment they will have to move.

Kristen Swartz, general manager of Q30, was taken aback when she heard the news.

“This meant that the better half of the spring semester would go towards concentrating on the move, instead of some of the important tasks that need to be done for Q30,” she said.

Brown said that the trailer will have

more than enough room, and that the Chronicle would actually have more space than it does now. He said that the biggest obstacles would include moving Q30’s equipment and losing meeting space SC213, since several other meeting rooms are already unavailable.

He said that if everything goes according to plan, construction should be completed by January 2012.

Student Government Association President Louis Venturelli said that while the move may inconvenience some students for a short time, it had to be done because of the construction schedule.

“It had to happen either way,” he said.

“And once it is done students will benefit from having resources like the Student Center offices centralized in one location.”

4

Opinion The Chronicle

Publisher/General Manager Tara McMahon Editor-in-chief Joe Pelletier Senior Managing Editor Matt Ciepielowski Managing Editors Lenny Neslin Matt Busekroos Advertising Editor Caryn Mitchell Photography Editors Amanda Shulman Charlotte Greene

News Editor Nicole Celli Associate News Editor Meghan Parmentier Opinion Editor Julia Bucchianeri Associate Opinion Editor Christine Burroni Scene Editor Mary-Catherine Dolan A&E Editor Daniella Appolonia Associate A&E Editor Nicole Fano Sports Editor Robin Schuppert Associate Sports Editors Maxx McNall John Healy Online Sports Editor Chris Leary Head Copy Editor Jamie Hill Associate Copy Editor Chris Casinelli Online Editor Tim O’Donnell Design Editors Michele Snow Samantha Epstein Quinnipiac University 275 Mount Carmel Avenue Hamden, CT 06518 (203) 582-8485 QUChronicle.com Facebook.com/QUChronicle Twitter.com/QUChronicle thequchronicle@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor should be between 250 and 400 words and must be approved by the editor-in-chief before going to print.

The Chronicle reserves the right to edit all material, including advertising, based on content, grammar and space requirements.

The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Chronicle.

January 26, 2011

Shuttle boycott honor able, but misguided

Imitation may educate, but also devalues the concept of boycotting We can’t forget the Montgomery bus boycotts of 1955.

To do so would be disrespectful to our civil rights today and the very people who boycotted those buses in hopes of equality and civil rights legislation.

These people saw something wholly

By Joe Pelletier discriminatory in the public transportation Editor-in-chief system. Despite a daily reliance on such buses, they employed a staggering amount of dedication and spent distances and dollars avoiding prejudiced bus practices. There was something wrong, and these people wouldn’t stand for it.

And so we thank them. The world would be a far different place without such dedication and vision toward a goal.

A bus boycott to remember the bus boycott is honorable. But it is also misguided, because it minimalizes the commitment to a goal that drove the 1955 boycott in the first place.

“We are by no means protesting against the Quinnipiac shuttle system,” Black Student Union President Crystal Cook said. “We are trying to take necessary precautions to make sure it is not perceived that way.”

We wouldn’t be boycotting the Quinnipiac shuttle because it is discriminatory. This boycott will not call attention to greater equality or grand moral difference. It is merely an imitation of the mechanics of the event.

But the Montgomery boycotts were not about the cars, buses, gasoline, or taxi fares. They were about commitment to avoiding discrimination, and a commitment to a resolution that created greater equality.

Direct imitation of the boycotts will educate students on the troubles that minorities faced when they didn’t have the benefit of public transportation - and that is the hope of BSU. But it in no way reflects the genuine desire and hope to make a change, because frankly, we don’t want a change in the Quinnipiac transportation system. Especially on snowy days like today, the system is God’s gift to mediocre drivers.

Imitation may be the greatest form of flattery. But flattery isn’t the best form of memory.

POLL: Was the Quinnipiac bus boycott necessary?

Cast your vote at QUChronicle.com or send us a response at thequchronicle@ gmail.com.

There’s no such thing as civil discourse

By Matt Ciepielowski Senior Managing Editor In the weeks following the shooting in Arizona that claimed the lives of six individuals and seriously injured U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, many in the media have focused intently on the lack of civility in our public discourse. This was also a popular topic during the election season, when President Barack Obama said that it can seem like civility is “a relic of some bygone era.”

The sheriff investigating the Arizona shooting, Clarence Dupnik, tied the violence to the content of talk radio, saying “[Rush Limbaugh] attacks people, angers them against government, angers them against elected officials and that kind of behavior in my opinion is not without consequences.”

Surely, the political speech of Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Keith Olbermann, and caustic politicians are to blame for the shooting, just as violent video games are to blame for youth violence.

What happened to the days of gentlemanly politics, when men like America’s

founding fathers treated each other with respect?

James Callender, a key staffer on Thomas Jefferson’s presidential campaign against John Adams, kindly offered the compliment that Adams was a “hideous hermaphroditical character, which has neither the force and firmness of a man, nor the gentleness and sensibility of a woman.”

In the noble days of political civility, politicians simply dueled to the death when there was some sort of disagreement. When Vice President Aaron Burr read a letter in which someone claimed that Alexander Hamilton had a “despicable opinion” of him, Burr did the civil thing and fatally shot Hamilton in a duel. Note that while former Vice President Dick Cheney also shot someone, it was far less gentlemanly.

Now it is one thing to shoot someone over a petty argument, but it is completely another matter to post a map of the United States with crosshairs targeting certain areas, as Sarah Palin did. She practically pulled the trigger herself! If only she were more like politicians of days past who had the decency to do it themselves.

There is also the most obvious example of civility in American history; the Civil War. Back then Americans wouldn’t spread anger against the federal government in as irresponsible a manner as Rush Limbaugh. The politicans that pushed for secession killed hundreds of thousands of soldiers, women and children, and did so with the utmost respect for the United States.

The George W. Bush years had civility in spades. If you didn’t agree with American policy, you were a part of the axis of evil, you probably had some sort of weapon of mass destruction and that was that. And just like the rest of American history, if you thought we ought to avoid war it meant you were unpatriotic.

Of course all of these examples sound completely ridiculous, but they don’t represent aberrations in American history; they represent the norm. For as long as we have existed as a nation, our public officials have done and said nasty things. Those who are clogging the airwaves with complaints about today’s lack of civility, as well as its ties to violence, would be well-served to remember that.

14% Yes

What say you?

Are you on the ‘likealittle’ bandwagon? (results from poll on QUChronicle.com)

64% What’s ‘likealittle?’

22% No

5

Opinion QUChronicle.com

LENNY’S

LOVE LIFE

Are we too connected to build good relationships?

By Lenny Neslin Managing Editor I will never ask a girl out through a text message or online chat. And no, I’m not stupid or cheesy enough to ask a girl out in a newspaper column. It must be face-to-face.

This is why it’s time to stop ignoring those in the same room as you by chatting online and texting. These communication methods are only distracting us.

I’m guilty of texting while having a meal with someone in the café. Yes, guilty.

Not only is it distracting, but it’s also a sign of disrespect. While you are staring at your phone, you are unintentionally sending this message to your lunch partner: “Sorry, the person I’m texting is more important to me than you are.”

As much as it hurts to admit it, our professors are right too. When we text in class we’re sending a message to our teachers: “I’d rather be somewhere else right now.”

Don’t text in class. Rather, open your ears and wake up. Not literally (I hope you aren’t falling asleep in the first week of classes), but try to make a friend or two. Then, just maybe, a study partner could become the person you’ve been waiting to meet your whole life. Alternatively, that study partner could introduce you to a friend who becomes your next boo.

Text while you’re on the move or when you have some time alone, but try and hold off when you could be interacting with people in person. As I said before, you should ask someone out face-to-face. Don’t blow an opportunity with your eyes attached to your phone’s screen. And definitely don’t just tell her what time it is like Fogell did in “Superbad.” (It only worked for him because he created the alter ego “McLovin,” of course, and that was just Hollywood. I tried.)

I blame social networks like Facebook for complicating relationships. Statistics don’t lie: One in five divorces involves Facebook, according to a recent survey by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Rich Hanley, assistant professor and director of the graduate journalism program and journalism professor at Quinnipiac University, put it beautifully in an article from the New Haven Register.

“Dating is a tension convention anyway,” he said. “The Facebook imperative to add your relationship status adds to the stress.”

My New Year’s resolution: pay more attention to those in the same room as me, and less with those on my phone or computer. Who knows, an opportunity could arise to ask someone out, share a few laughs, and become more than just friends.

Do you think your reliance on technology for communication is hurting your chances in the love department? Let us know online by leaving a comment.

January 26, 2011

GO SOMEWHERE! Winter break trip to South Africa blew my mind

By Julia Bucchianeri Opinion Editor As my final undergraduate semester at Quinnipiac is about to commence, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and reminiscing about the past three-and-a-half years. Recalling all of my favorite memories, professors and experiences along the way has created a bit of nostalgia and made me want to be a freshman again. So, considering I really can’t do that, I started to brainstorm things I would want to pass on or tell the underclassmen to hopefully help make their time at Quinnipiac as great as mine has been. Although my time is not over yet, this semester will most likely be the craziest of them all so maybe I’ll have something else to say come May…but either way, I’ve thought of a variety of things I want to tell them but only one stands out.

Travel somewhere for a period of time.

It doesn’t matter if you go for a semester, a summer term, a three-week trip over winter break, or a shorter trip that only involves bike riding through Florence–no matter what the trip consists of, do it. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone (Quinnipiac) set behind beautiful Sleeping Giant with a sort of “snow globe feel” in the winter time will undoubtedly change your life forever and for the better.

I was fortunate enough to go to South Africa over winter break with one of the classes I’m taking this semester and the three weeks I spent there turned out to be the most incredible three weeks of my life.

Opinion Editor Julia Bucchianeri poses with students and professor Liam O’Brien during their winter break program in South Africa.

I can’t fully describe or express what exactly made the trip so amazing; it was the entire experience as a whole. Encountering and embracing a new culture, meeting and interacting with locals, participating in the things we did, seeing the places we went, and most importantly the people I went with all played vital roles in the journey.

We’ve all heard the quote, “From the outside looking in you can’t understand it, and from the inside looking out you can’t explain it,” and have probably not thought a lot about it because it’s so cliché. Well, let me tell you that it may be cliché, tacky, far too overused

as a Facebook photo album title, or a common saying for sororities, but I need to tell you that it’s spot on. Maybe I used to skim over the saying because I had yet to experience something that I could not fully express to people that weren’t “in it” too, maybe that’s why most of us don’t notice it. But I promise you that if you push yourself to go away from your typical daily lifestyle for a period of time to learn about a new place and the people within it, you will not regret it.

I encourage you to start thinking about this now because believe me, your time here will go by faster than you could ever imagine.

Last-Ditch Effort

SGA UPDATE

SGA kicks into gear with winter training, spring planning

Hey Bobcats, Welcome back to the Q! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing winter break full of friends and family. I have always enjoyed the extended time we have during winter break because I believe it gives me the opportunity to re-energize for the rest of the year. Like many of you, I too missed all of my friends back at school and couldn’t wait to start the semester.

As we continue on into the spring semester, I challenge you to fulfill any goals you might have set for yourself during the fall. This might include academic, personal or professional goals. If you need any help setting up a plan for yourself, feel free to swing by my office and we can chat about making your time at Quinnipiac as successful as possible. It is the goal of the Student Government Association to make your four years at Quinnipiac the best they can possibly be.

The cold weather might be keeping us inside but it is certainly not slowing your Student Government Association down! We recently concluded our Winter Training and Spring Planning retreat complete with a full day of presentations, committee discussions and cabinet initiatives. These retreats and planning sessions give YOUR Student Government Association the opportunity to gear up for the remainder of the year. More information will be coming soon in regard to goals and initiatives planned for the Spring semester.

As always, please feel free to attend our weekly Student Government Association meetings which are held on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. in the Mancheski Executive Seminar Room. Our offices are located upstairs in the Mt. Carmel Student Center! Come stop by!

Live the Legend, Lou Venturelli

&

6

ARTS ENT

e th BESTANDWORS Best of 2010: Phil Nobile, Staff Writer

Design by M

5

While many may have forgotten about “Shutter Island,” as it premiered after the 2009 Oscars, most certainly have not. Martin Scorsese proves that he can do more than simple De Niro / DiCaprio combos, but instead can direct a completely compelling thriller.

4 The best sports film since “Raging Bull,” “The Fighter” shows a struggling Massachusetts family with two fighters as sons (both in their own rights). Christian Bale provides the best acting displayed this year as a dysfunctional ex-boxer and crack addict. He is dauntingly good, and commands your attention every scene he is in. Amy Adams also stands out, and after her amazing performance as a quiet nun in “Doubt,” she blows people away once more as a rugged bartender.

Skeptics may think a film with toys in McDonald’s Happy Meals couldn’t take them on the greatest emotional ride of this past year. However, “Toy Story 3” is the greatest animated film ever, primarily because it’s more than meets the eye. It acts as a drama, tragedy, comedy and action film all in one; a tour de force of cinema that tops not only any Pixar film, but any Disney film ever.

3

THE

FIGHTER

1

The most visceral and draining experience you may ever sit through, “Black Swan” shows the evolution of a director capable of touching the soul.

Serving as a culmination of Darren Aronofsky’s prior films, the talented director takes bits and pieces from “Requiem for a Dream” through unrelenting direction and style, as well as “The Wrestler,” with an abrasive story line and characters. Natalie Portman shines as the leading lady, transforming into a shockingly dark, black creature as the film progresses.

2

As news traveled about an “Untitled Facebook Movie” in the works, skepticism was abundant, with people questioning who in their right mind would make a film about a website. Yet after three years, Facebook has almost one billion members, Mark Zuckerberg is almost the richest man in the world and “The Social Network” is the most important film of our time. It is a masterpiece, the best film of the year (possibly decade). Credit goes to Aaron Sorkin for the sexy, sleek, smart, and most importantly, addictive writing. David Fincher’s directorial style works well here, especially in the opening scene where Fincher’s shots play off Sorkin’s complex script like a tennis match.

The acting has made Oscar potentials out of young and ambitious actors. Jesse Eisenberg is the wise punk we all love to hate and hate to love, and Andrew Garfield shows off true acting chops as Zuckerberg’s cohort. The film is firing on all cylinders, and is one of the greatest films ever.

7

TERTAINMENT

January 26, 2011

ST FILMS Worst of 2010: Daniella Appolonia & Nicole Fano, A&E Editors

f o 2010

Michele Snow

5

“The Last Song” targets chick-flick loving teens everywhere in an attempt to live up to the hype of previous hits like “A Walk to Remember” and “The Notebook.” The characters and plot seem all too familiar and predictable, because they are— young lovers separated and facing disaster together was an idea much too close to that of “Dear John,” released just one month prior. Miley Cyrus also leaves a lot to be desired as the leading lady, as she is a long way away from her Disney Channel days.

4

Despite likeable performances in comedies such as “Couples Retreat” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” Kristen Bell made a poor career choice starring in “When in Rome.” The film itself lacks any real substance, as it tries too hard to become a romantic comedy classic. The film poorly encompasses too many romantic comedy elements which come together to create one outlandish plot. The film’s only saving grace is Nick Beamon (Josh Duhamel), whose good looks help to pass the movie’s 91 minutes.

2

It may be hard to believe, but the first “Sex and the City” movie had more depth than its sequel. The second just shows the four women vacationing in Abu Dhabi, with a completely pointless plot. Viewers may have stayed tuned in for all the fashion and fun the famous foursome have brought to the series.

However, the movie is far-fetched in comparison to the lovable plots from previous years. Even though the movie performed fairly well, raking in almost $37 million its first weekend, the first film was more successful, reaching almost $57 million in 2008.

3

Although “Meet the Parents” and “Meet the Fockers” are comedy favorites, “Little Fockers” fails to perform despite high expectations left over from its predecessors. Although the plot is a practical and relatable direction for the sequel, Gaylord Focker (Ben Stiller) and Jack Burns (Robert De Niro) are unsurprising as they exhibit the same antics from the first two movies. Poor performances from secondary characters like Andy Garcia (Jessica Alba) and Kevin Rawley (Owen Wilson) add to the film’s demise, as well as minimal screen time for Gaylord’s parents (Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman). Unfortunately, the most humorous scenes are spoiled in the film’s trailer. It’s safe to speculate this is the last “Focker” installment.

1

How do you know this movie is awful? You know this movie is lacking when an all-star cast featuring Jack Nicholson, Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, and Owen Wilson couldn’t easily wow an audience looking for a romantic comedy. Witherspoon is charismatic and loveable as always, while she struggles in the middle of a love triangle. The idea for the movie, as well as how Rudd and Witherspoon fall for each other, is admirable.

However, it falls short of delivering, with a very slow start that fails miserably to pick up any steam. The movie is lackluster, which is surprising given the impressive team of A-listers involved. The film earned just $7 million in its opening weekend.

Check out the rest of our 2010 film rankings at

quchronicle.com and let us know if you agree or disagree!

8

Scene The Chronicle

January 26, 2011 montage literar y & art magazine

We put out on Wednesdays...

- The Chronicle newspaper

It’s a good turn on.

- Q30 television station

From the Underground Up. - 98.1FM WQAQ radio

Food, drinks & media geeks The online home for your favorite Quinnipiac Sports.

- QBSN radio station

We heart art.

- Montage Literary Magazine

Take a peak at the Summit.

- Summit yearbook

Interested in QU Media?

Find out more about student media organizations and meet the staff members at the Media Summit.

Wednesday February 2nd @ 9:15 in the cafe

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9

Scene QUChronicle.com

January 26, 2011

New Year’s Dissolution Half of New Year’s Resolutions are broken before the end of January.

Are you a statistic?

Each year in January, as the calendars turn over a new year and computers reset their dates, countless numbers of people vow to make resolutions that will benefit their lives in one way or another. According to statistics, about half of those resolutions are broken before the end of January. Everyone knows the typical “I want to lose weight; I want to get in shape,” but there are also other resolutions that people love to break. According to New Year’s resolution site goalsguy.com, a survey consisting of 300,000 responses worldwide said seven of the most popular resolutions are as follows: Find a significant other The holidays are a constant reminder for some singles that there is that special someone missing from their life. The new year is a great time to start making the time and valiant effort to really find a romantic, compatible partner.

By Mary-Catherine Dolan Scene Editor

Quit smoking

Although we know all the dangers and warnings, a lot of us can’t shake the nicotine addiction. This resLose weight and get in better physical shape olution has been on the most popular list for many This one is no surprise – millions of people each years. Smoking is a habit that is extremely hard to year vow to start exercising. It’s true that the number break, so a lot of smokers find themselves making of gym memberships increases during the month of this same resolution year in and year out.

January, and those first weeks of the new year seem to be a mad dash to find an open treadmill.

Take up a new hobby Finding new hobbies can help break up the mundane.

Stick to a budget Some people vow to take up something they have nevThough the economy has seen a slight improve- er tried before, like rock climbing. Others resolve to ment, many families still strive to save money in any learn a new language. Making a resolution to learn new way they can. Making a resolution to be less frivo- things can allow for new friendships and a broader list lous isn’t much fun, but it is very rewarding in the of interests and capabilities. long run.

Enjoy more time with family and friends This resolution is becoming more and more popular as society is becoming busier. Everything is on-thego and in a rush. These types of resolutions can include making a family dinner or catching up with a friend for a meal once a month.

Get organized

Throughout the year, some of us let our desks pile up and become cluttered, and our rooms become messy with clothes and other items everywhere. January is a great time to finally clean out the drawers, organize the shelf and file all the papers. Being more organized leads to a happier and less-stressed you!

Top 5

My Oscar dresses

By Sarah Rosenberg Staff Writer There are just some things in this life that go perfectly together: peanut butter and jelly, the beach and a good book, and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

These couplings are examples of things we love, expect and admire (for the most part). And now, in these chilly winter months, we can expect another flawless combination: the Oscars and fashion.

The awards season is always in the front of your mind if you are as obsessed with celebrities, movies and clothing as I am.

As the excitement of who will be nominated and eventually win buzzes in the media, I reflect on the couture I have admired over the last five years. I can’t help but tap into my inCheck out ner Joan Rivers QUChronicle.com (with less plasto see pics and videos of tic surgery and Sarah’s favorite harsh words, Oscar outfits. of course). My top five dresses of Oscar history are all quite different, but deserve a spot on the list nonetheless.

Michelle Williams (2006)

The always beautiful Michelle Williams wore a dress at the 2006 Academy Awards that I have truly come to admire. Accompanied by the late Heath Ledger and a “Best Supporting Actress” nod for “Brokeback Mountain,” Williams pulled off a look that could have gone terribly wrong. Wearing a canary yellow Vera Wang dress with a deep Vneck and ruffled shoulders, Williams was a breath of fresh air on the red carpet. Literally looking like a ray of sunshine, although she didn’t come home with the Oscar, Williams gets points for being bold and unique.

Reese Witherspoon (2007)

Reese Witherspoon’s Nina Ricci gown at the 2007 ceremony showed the beauty of simplicity, and how letting the dress speak for itself is often the way to really make a statement. The all-purple strapless gown was accented only slightly by descending ruffles down the dress and the understated layer of lavender at its hem. Witherspoon wore her hair sleek and straight, kept her jewelry minimal and her makeup very natural. That way, the focus

was drawn to the stunning violet dress, rather than how she was accessorizing it.

Marion Cotillard (2008) In 2008, Marion Cotillard wore a dress that seriously contends for the No. 1 spot on this list. Her white Jean Paul Gaultier dress made the French actress look like a real-life mermaid. It was exceptionally form-fitting with a plunging neckline, accentuating her body at the hips and flaring out the slightest bit on the bottom. Most notably, the dress was patterned with lace that mimicked scales. The long necklace she wore added a vintage touch to the dress, accompanied by side-swept hair and a touch of red on the actress’s lips.

Sarah Jessica Parker (2009)

Sarah Jessica Parker, as many of you know to be my personal style icon, looked like a goddess in the dainty strapless ballroom gown she wore in 2009 on the red carpet. The Christian Dior Haute Couture dress was pale blue and emblazoned on the bust with intricate beading.

The voluptuous skirt of the dress was scattered with embroidery as well. Perhaps my favorite detail of the dress was the belt that was cinched at the waist – who else could pull off wearing a belted dress at the Oscars, and do so in such a fashion-forward, classy manner?

Carey Mulligan (2010)

Carey Mulligan takes the top honor for last year’s show.

When it comes to a black dress, I truly believe that shape, structure and accessories really help to make the dress stand out. Mulligan wore a black Prada number to the Kodak Theatre, and definitely turned heads. This dress was also strapless and tight in the bust with a billowing skirt. What I liked most about this gown was the shortened hem in the front that revealed her black, lace-up peep-toe shoes. In the back, the train of the dress flowed behind her without being too overwhelming. Mulligan’s platinum blonde pixie haircut also contrasted yet complemented the black dress, enlightening the sequined bust.

10

Sports

Coach’s Corner

Twitter.com/QUChronSports

THE

RUN DOWN

Men’s Basketball Wagner 90, QU 80 - Thursday

Latif Rivers (WAG): 30 points, 4-for-6 3-pointers Mount 72, QU 63 - Saturday

Deontay Twyman: 16 points, 3-for-4 3-pointers

Women’s Basketball QU 74, Mount 60 - Saturday

Felicia Barron: 25 points, 7 assists, 6-for-7 3-pointers QU 74, Mount 60 - Monday

Felicia Barron: 25 points, 7 assists, 6-for-7 3-pointers

Men’s Ice Hockey QU 4, USA U-18 National Team 2 - Saturday

Pat McGann: 23 saves

Women’s Ice Hockey Wayne State 2, QU 1 - Friday

Regan Boulton: goal QU 3, Wayne State 0 - Saturday

Kate Wheeler: 2 goals

Women’s Indoor Track

URI Invitational - Saturday

QU: 6th in 4x400 meter relay

GAMES

TOWATCH

VS

MEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Robert Morris, Thursday, 7 p.m.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL vs. Robert Morris, Saturday, 12 p.m.

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY vs. St. Lawrence, Saturday, 4 p.m.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Sports Network is your source for live broadcasts

“Our league is as good as it’s ever been, but we got to find some ways to get some points.”

- Rand Pecknold Men’s Ice Hockey

January 26, 2011

QU bullies USA U-18 team MEN’S ICE HOCKEY

‘Cats prep for final stretch

By Robin Schuppert Sports Editor

Last year, team USA faced the ECAC All-Stars in a women’s ice hockey USA U-18 2 matchup Quinnipiac 4 at the TD Bank Sports Center. Saturday night, the Quinnipiac men’s team beat the USA U-18 national team, 4-2, in a late-season exhibition game.

In his first start of the season, senior goalie Pat McGann made 23 saves, eight in the third period, and fought off four third-period USA power plays.

“Pat McGann is a great kid and a great leader in our locker room,” Quinnipiac head coach Rand Pecknold said. “He hasn’t played a ton this year and the guys were playing hard for him.”

McGann and the rest of the Bobcats held on to a 3-2 lead for most of the third period until freshman forward John Dunbar got on the board with 2:25 left in the game to make it 4-2.

“It was a long three years without a start, and the guys were great,” McGann said. “The guys worked really hard in front of me,

Matt Eisenberg / Chronicle

Quinnipiac’s Mike Dalhuisen (left) fights Joe Fiala after a save by Quinnipiac goaltender Pat McGann Saturday against the USA U-18 National Team. The Bobcats won 4-2 at the TD Bank Sports Center.

and we came out with a big win. It felt so good.”

Mike Dalhuisen, John Dunbar, Kellen Jones and Connor Jones all picked up two points. Connor Jones got the Bobcats going in the first period with a power-play goal 10:42 into the period for a 1-0 lead.

USA cut into a two-goal lead twice in the game, but fell short

WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY

of tying the score both times. J.T. Miller scored 15:13 into the second to cut the Bobcats’ lead to 2-1, but Russell Goodman’s goal 1:20 later put the Bobcats back up 3-1.

USA’s Zac Larraza scored with three seconds left in the second to make it 3-2, but McGann wouldn’t let USA get any closer in the final period.

The Bobcats travel to New York this weekend to take on Clarkson and St. Lawrence.

“We’re in the home stretch here, we got nine league games left and we have our work cut out for us,” Pecknold said. “Our league is as good as it’s ever been, but we got to find some ways to get some points.”

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

‘Cats leave Detroit ‘Cats roll past with weekend split Wagner, 77-62

By Joe Addonizio Staff Writer Thanks to strong penalty killing, the No. 10 ranked women’s ice hockey team split its weekend series in Detroit against nonconference opponent Wayne State University.

The Bobcats (16-8-1) lost the opener, 2-1, on Friday to the Warriors (8-14-0). After killing two consecutive penalties in the second period, the Bobcats committed a third straight penalty and were unable to hold the Warriors.

They then went up 2-0 with 10 minutes remaining in the third period on a goal from defender Jill Szandzik.

With less than two minutes remaining, Quinnipiac pulled its goalie and got within one goal when Regan Boulton scored her eighth goal of the year. But in the final minute of play, the Warriors’ defense blocked three shots and goalie Delayne Brian made a key stop to preserve a 2-1 win and snap the Warriors’ six-game losing streak.

Wheeler aids in shutout The Bobcats struck within the first three minutes of the game on Saturday on a goal by Kate Wheeler through the legs of Brian for a 1-0 lead.

Wheeler then added to her total at the 13:39 mark in the second period with another shot through the five-hole of the Warriors’ goaltender.

Quinnipiac extended its lead to three with a goal 17 seconds after Wheeler’s. Kelly Babstock won the faceoff and slapped a shot at Brian, who lost control, which allowed Amanda Colin to put the rebound in the back of the net for her fourth goal of the year. Quinnipiac goalie Victoria Vigilanti followed up a 19save performance on Friday with 20 saves and earned her sixth shutout of the year. Brian stopped 31 of 34 shots faced.

The Bobcats will take their conference-leading 1.38 goals against average back home to face Clarkson on Friday. The puck is scheduled to drop at 7 p.m. at the TD Bank Sports Center.

By Matt Eisenberg Staff Writer Forcing turnovers, making free throws and rebounding the ball seem to be the keys to success for the women’s basketball team.

Quinnipiac won its fourth straight game, the seventh of its past eight, over conference opponent Wagner, 77-62, Monday night.

“We had to grow and figure out who would do what and when,” Quinnipiac head coach Tricia Fabbri said of the team’s turnaround.

“We had a lot of young people and we were trying to find ourselves.

We’ve fought through adversity and put ourselves into good position.”

Five different Bobcats scored in double figures, led by Felicia Barron’s 22 points.

“She’s playing so well for us and makes the game a lot easier for us to play and win,” Fabbri said.

After scoring a career-high 25 against Mount St. Mary’s Saturday, Barron continued her stretch of consecutive 20-point games on 6-for-17 shooting. She hit three

shots from long range and was 7-for-8 from the free throw line.

Barron and Kari Goodchild combined for seven steals, three and four respectively, for the Bobcats (10-9, 7-1 NEC), while the rest of the team totaled six.

The Bobcats outscored Wagner 33-25 in the first half and scored 17 of their points off turnovers, but went on a 22-9 run that lasted nine minutes for a 61-39 advantage.

“I like how we’re really coming out,” Fabbri said. “Right from the beginning, we’re playing with authority and taking control of the game. We came out on fire in the second half and I liked everyone’s performance.”

Freshman Brittany McQuain recorded her second double-double of the season, posting 11 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

The Bobcats outrebounded the Seahawks 38-33 in the game, 22-17 in the second half.

The Bobcats are now in a three-way tie with Robert Morris and St. Francis (Pa.) atop the NEC and will host the Colonials on Saturday.

11

Sports QUChronicle.com

Best of the Break

January 26, 2011

Matt Eisenberg, Al Valerio / Chronicle

Clockwise from left: Justin Rutty holds the ball away from Rhode Island’s Delroy James in Quinnipiac’s 73-66 win on Dec. 11; Lailah Pratt reaches for the ball in the Bobcats’ Jan. 7 win over Bryant; Brooks Robinson snaps his stick as he fights Nebraska-Omaha’s Brock Montpetit for the puck in Quinnipiac’s 3-2 New Year’s Eve victory.

1.74

Goals against average for the women’s ice hockey team in ECAC Hockey.

92.6

55

Save percentage for men’s ice hockey goaltender Eric Hartzell.

Rebounds for women’s basketball team in its 56-54 loss against Lafayette.

OF

ATHLETES

44

Shots by the men’s ice hockey team in its 2-2 tie against Canisius.

66.7

Free throw percentage in the men’s basketball team’s win over CCSU.

WEEK

THE

BY

THE

NUMBERS

Felicia Barron James Johnson Women’s Basketball Sophomore, guard Springfield, Mass.

The red-shirt sophomore scored a career high 25 points in the Bobcats’ 74-60 win Saturday at Mount St. Mary’s. She went 6-for-7 from beyond the 3-point line and also dished out a team-high seven assists. On Monday, Barron scored 22 points and added five assists in a 77-62 win at Wagner.

Al Valerio / Chronicle

Next home game: Saturday, noon vs. Robert Morris

Men’s Basketball Junior, guard Queens, N.Y. The junior guard scored a team-high 24 points Thursday in a 90-80 loss at Wagner.

He followed that performance by scoring 11 points and dishing out a team high seven points in a 73-62 loss at Mount St. Mary’s.

With Justin Rutty (16.6 PPG) out due to injury, Johnson leads the team in scoring, putting up 16.1 points per contest.

Al Valerio / Chronicle

Next home game: Thursday, 7 p.m. vs. Robert Morris

12

Sports

Coach’s Corner

The Chronicle

“We’ve missed [Justin Rutty] on a lot of different levels. We’ve missed the 17 points, the 10 rebounds, the senior leadership, and the 35 minutes.” - Tom Moore Men’s Basketball

January 26, 2011 COLUMN

Rutty’s absence may boost Bobcats

By Chris Leary Online Sports Editor

Al Valerio / Chronicle

Justin Rutty (12) is out for Thursday’s matchup against Robert Morris at the Bank. The Colonials beat QU in last year’s NEC Championship.

PAYBACK TIME ROBERT MORRIS REMATCH

By John Healy Associate Sports Editor It’s been almost 11 months since the Quinnipiac men’s basketball team fell to Robert Morris in the NEC Championship game at the TD Bank Sports Center. This Thursday, the Bobcats have an opportunity for revenge in the highly anticipated rematch.

However, the Bobcats are a different team than the one that took a 7-2 overall record into winter Dec. 11 Win over University of Rhode Island

break.

Since then, the Bobcats have gone 5-5, lost reigning NEC Player of the Year Justin Rutty to an elbow injury, and are currently on a threegame losing streak.

“We didn’t expect to be in a situation where we are 4-4 in the NEC, but we put ourselves in this situation and we’re going to have to figure out ways to dig ourselves out,” Quinnipiac head coach Tom Moore said.

Rutty’s injury has had the biggest effect on the Bobcats as they

Dec. 29 Win at Boston University

Winter Break

Jan. 3 Home loss to Wagner

Jan. 6, 8 Two straight NEC road wins vs.

Monmouth and Farleigh Dickinson

Jan. 6 Rutty leaves warm-ups before Monmouth game. He hasn’t suited up since.

Timeline Design by Sam Epstein

have gone 3-4 in his absence and have transformed into a different type of team.

“We’ve become more of a perimeter offense team and unfortunately, we’ve become a little bit more of a jump shooting team.

Against good defenses the jump shots can come and go,” Moore said. “We’ve missed [Rutty] on a lot of different levels. We’ve missed the 17 points, the 10 rebounds, the senior leadership, and the 35 minutes he was playing.”

Jan. 11 Rutty out four weeks, to undergo elbow surgery

Freshman Mike Gabriel transfers from Quinnipiac

The timetable on Rutty’s return is still uncertain, and the Bobcats will have to continue to find a way to win without him in Thursday’s Robert Morris game. As for Thursday night’s rematch, Moore said there are more urgent matters at hand in this game than seeking revenge from a game a year ago.

“The fact that it’s going to say Robert Morris on their uniforms is needed now because of how the last couple of weeks we’ve hit a real rough patch,” Moore said.

Jan. 15 QU beats in-state rival CCSU, game televised regionally on NESN

Jan. 13 Home loss to Bryant, Quinnipiac blows 21 point halftime lead

Jan. 17, 20, 22 Three straight road losses (@ Brown, Wagner, MSM)

?

Jan. 27 Home game vs. Robert Morris

The biggest sports news from winter vacation has been the absence of senior forward Justin Rutty, who has been out of action following surgery to repair two bone chips in his elbow.

I know the Quinnipiac community immediately hit the panic button, and the Bobcats have gone 3-4 without Rutty, but I’m not too concerned. In fact, I’ve thought nothing of it. This season will be judged on one thing, and one thing alone: making the NCAA Tournament. Now is the time to be facing injury problems and adversity, so that when the NEC Tournament rolls around, they’ll hit the ground running.

Missing Rutty for a few weeks could actually be the best thing for this team. Having to play without their best player will make this team better.

Yes, they will be far better when Rutty comes back, but they need to learn how to play without him. The Bobcats need to be able to step up in the important games when Rutty isn’t at his best, and not rely on him to lead the team night in and night out.

Look at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They played a quarter of their season without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Once he came back, the team never looked back, and are now sitting pretty in the Super Bowl.

I see it every weekend, really.

I’m the best player in flip cup, projected to win every game, and have to leave my team for a few games to hit on countless smoke shows.

While I’m gone, they learn how to lead themselves, and more importantly, lead each other. So imagine what it’s like once I get back, we become men among boys … and girls.

My point is that although the injury to Rutty may cost the Bobcats home-court advantage, favorable tournament seeding and the first draft lottery pick in school history, there’s no sense in getting worried. Every great team in sports history has been punched in the mouth during the season; it’s what helps a team reach its true potential.

So what should the team do in Rutty’s absence? Obviously they need to feed the rock to James Johnson so he can make it rain against Robert Morris. The guy’s a peacock; you gotta let him fly.

The best part of this whole injury situation is that when Quinnipiac makes it to March Madness, their record will land them a 16-seed. So not only will it be the Bobcats’ first tournament berth, but they’ll get to be the first 16-seed to ever win a game in the tournament. Watch your back, Duke Blue Devils.