Issue 2, Vol. CIV

The Student Newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College

Red & Black

ESTABLISHED 1909 VOL. CIV ... NO. II

T h u r s day , S e p t e m b e r 1 3 , 2 0 1 2

Washington, Penna.

Student-Run Café in Swanson Starts Year With Kick

The Roasted Café is a student-run cafe located in Swanson Science Center at Washington & Jefferson College. Left to right, Nicholas Pochiba ‘13, Jennifer Wloch ‘15 and Dylan Haas ‘13. Roasted features Dunkin’ Donuts coffee as well as other drinks and snacks, all at student-friendly prices.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 11 Jersey Shore

Page 15 Australian Drop Bear

One of MTV’s well-known shows has come to an end.

Australia’s feared Drop Bear is a threat to tourists. Watch out!

Friday, 9/14 High: 82°, Low: 54°

SEE ROASTED, ARTICLE PAGE 3

INDEX

THE FORECAST

Today, 9/13 High: 84°, Low: 55°

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

Saturday, 9/15 High: 72°, Low: 48°

Campus-News ...................... 1-9 Arts....................................... 10-13 Opinions.............................. 14-17 Sports................................... 18-20 PLEASE RECYCLE THIS PAPER

2 CAMPUS NEWS

Red & Black

Energy Efficiency at Washjeff • “In 2001, the average college student used 848.88 kilowatts per hour (kwh) of electricity during the nine-month period he or she lived in the college dormitory.”

S e c u r i t y Lo g Information 9/9/12 The security office received a call about a student who had fallen out of bed and was vomiting. When security arrived the student in question was in the shower, as they were helped there by fellow student B. Student B stated that they helped their fellow student into the shower to get them cleaned up.The student eventually got out of the shower and was able to communicate with security but was clearly intoxicated. Security told the student to get some sleep.

• “In 2012, the average college student used

only 505.74 kwh during that same time frame, a reduction of 343.13 kwh, reports the Washington & Jefferson College Energy Index.”

Suspicious Person 9/9/12 Protection services was called when a person was observed trying to climb into a second floor window of a dorm. The person was identified as a student who lives in a different dorm than the one attempting to be scaled. The student had to explanation as to why they were trying to climb the building, simply stating that they wanted to see if they could do it. The student was not intoxicated and very cooperative.

• “...switching from a desktop computer to a laptop [equates a] savings of 76.39 kwh.”

• “The most significant decline arouse

from the simple change of a light bulb. By replacing the standard light bulb of 2001 with a compact fluorescent, the average college student saves 303.75 kwh of electricity.” (Source: washjeff.edu)

13 S eptember 2012

Courtesy magforwomen.com

Washington & Jefferson College opened it’s Center for Energy Policy and Management in 2012.

Energy Quick Tips for College Students 1) Before leaving a room, with the light on, be sure hit the off-switch. Remember—last out, lights off.

2) If a room is cooler, open the blinds; the sun will help heat your room and extra lighting isn’t required.

3) If the air outside has gotten cooler and an airconditioner is no longer required? Turn it off.

Upcoming Campus Events:

Sunday Sept. 16: Greek Carnival, Rosin Patio, 11a.m.

Friday Sept. 15: Art Gallery Opening, Yoshiko Shimano 7:00p.m. Olin Fine Arts

Monday, Sept. 17: Weekly Red&Black meeting. Media Room, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 19: Career Services Open House, Upper Level Rosin (309A), 1:30p.m. - 4:00p.m.

The Red & Black encourages display advertising from local area businesses.

Rates are $5.00 per column inch for local companies, $10.00 for national companies.

Pre-payment is required and is accepted through any method, though checks are strongly preferred. Standard sizes are available, as are custom sizes.

Advertising space must be booked and artwork received at least one week prior to publication date. The Red & Black reserves the right to refuse any advertising.

Companies who advertise with the Red & Black are not necessarily endorsed by the publication or its staff, or Washington & Jefferson College or its administration.

C ontac t

A dver tising P olic y

Telephone: FAX: E-mail:

Disorderly conduct 9/9/12 Person A was attempting to escort a friend into a dorm to use the restroom. The friend was intoxicated and decided to urinate outside by a dorm instead. The friend was identified as a guest of Person A. The guest was then turned over to the student they were visiting.

Disorderly conduct 9/9/12 While answering a complaint at the gazebo, an offer observed an altercation near a dorm. Student A was being held by several other students as they yelled at Student B. Student B was screaming at Student A and being pulled down the sidewalk by two students. The officer tookstudent A by the arm and attempted to calm them down. Student A was advised that it would be in their best interest to go inside. Student A was intoxicated and it made no sense as to their explanation as to why they were yelling at Student B. This was the officer’s second contact with Student A this week. On the first incident Student A was also harassing a student and had lied to the officer about their name. It is apparent Student A has a problem with alcohol and the treatment of others. Student B left the area before they could be identified and asked why they were screaming obscenities at Student B.

O n -C ampus O rganizations (724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@ jay.washjeff.edu

Business Manager:

beckkm@jay.washjeff.edu

Mailing Address:

Red & Black 60 S.Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301

Student organizations and administrative departments at Washington & Jefferson College are welcome to discounted advertising. Ads must be received at least one week prior to publication, preferred in hard copy or via e-mail as a .jpeg or .tiff file only. Some ads may be refused or denied due to space constraints, timeliness, etc.

The Red & Black is the official, registered, student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Penna. It is published Thursdays with the exception of exams and break periods. Production run is 1250 copies, both on and off campus. Published by the Observer Publishing Company.

13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

CAMPUS NEWS 3

Campus Café, Roasted to Perfection

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

From left, Nicholas Pochiba ‘13, Jennifer Wloch ‘15 and Dylan Haas ‘13 pose in the Roasted Café, located in the Swanson Science Center. Roasted currently features Dunkin Donuts coffee as well as other drinks and snacks at student-friendly prices.

Abrianne Rhoad Red&Black Editor It’s 7:30a.m.: the smell of freshly-brewed coffee fills the lungs before it fills the air, warming the senses with a faint reminder of the fall season and the start of a new day. On a typical day at the Roasted Café, it’s back to business, as usual.

A little over seven months ago, the name Swanson Science Center Café may have sounded familiar, with current students nick-naming it ‘the second Barista. After a change in management and a student-staffed work-force taking charge, Roasted was born and is currently managed by Nicholas Pochiba ‘13, Dylan Haas ‘13 and junior partner Preston Shaw ‘14.

Pochiba and Haas were presented with the opportunity by W&J staff members to grow and develop the entrepreneurial skills and gain business experience by taking over the coffee shop project.

Much like the Barista located in the Ski Lodge, Roasted caters to students who want food and drink on the run. However, what sets Roasted apart from the Barista is something entirely different. “We’re all student-run,” said Pochiba “Every worker, everyone you see working at Roasted or who runs Roasted is a W&J student.

[Our business] shows student initiative and drive.

It’s something new and it’s something different.”

“We have lower prices [compared to other food outlets on campus] and accept credit cards as well as checks and cash.” Pochiba and his crew believe the student-run café stands apart from the

Barista, which is currently Parkhurst-owned and staffed. With its current location in the new science building, Pochiba wants students to know that Roasted provides a more comfortable atmosphere.

Enmeshed in a quiet location on campus, outside of the hustle-and-bustle of Rosin and the Ski Lodge, Roasted is surrounded by comfortable seating and tables where students can go to study or relax with friends.

“The idea fell onto our laps when [a] professor offered the idea (when Dylan Haas and I decided that we were serious about having a third partner to take over after we graduated) that it would be a good a idea to think of a name,” said Pochiba.

“We chose Roasted because [one professor] thought we should have a name similar to Hooters,” Pochiba said. But a name that could potentially stand out to attract customers and establish a brand-name marketing or brand-name recognition, similar to Starbucks and Dunkin’ is just one slice of Roasted.

Jennifer Wloch ‘13, a current worker at Roasted, is entering her second year working at the café.

Of the opportunity to work at Roasted under the new management, Wloch recounts continued postive experiences. “My coworkers bring life to the business,” said Wloch.“I plan on continuing with this until I graduate.” Wloch agreed, working at the student-run café has since provided her with business experience she can use to pursue her academics interests.

If you’re planning on setting down with a cup of coffee or tea, consider Roasted Café, the campus alternative to the Barista.

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

Not only is the Roasted Café student-run but it also features student artwork, specifically by art major Eva Pfeffer ‘13.

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

Currently Roasted Café is offering a special on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday is Dollar Coffee Day: bring in a cup and get any size for a dollar.

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13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

Democratic National Convention Concludes Official Presidential Re-nomination of Barack Obama

courtesy nj.com

Speakers at the Democratic National Convention included Julian Castro, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden. The second day of the DNC officially presented the re-nomination of Barack Obama.

Alessandra Jacobs Red&Black Staff

With election season upon us, the two political parties of the United States are bringing their ardent supporters together in one large arena First, there was the Republican National Convention and then, this past week, the Democratic National Convention, held in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The events were held at the Time Warner Cable Arena and began this past Tuesday.

Julian Castro and Michelle Obama were the main speakers on the first day of the convention.

Julian Castro, a San Antonio mayor, was the keynote speaker, and he focused on the economic issues that would work in favor of the

middle class and the importance of education.

According to the Global Post, the speech was described as having “powerful words, and the audience responded with gratitude.”

Finishing the speeches for the day, Michelle Obama moved the crowd by her passionate speech, saying that her husband knows the struggles a family faces and wants equality for all people. Michelle Obama’s “impassioned delivery [had] drawn the crowd to its feet”, according the Jim Rutenberg of the New York Times.

Also speaking on the first day of the convention were Nancy Pelosi, Lily Ledbetter, Kal Penn, and Jimmy Carter (via video).

The speakers for the second day of the convention included: Sandra Fluke, Elizabeth Warren, and Bill Clinton.

The second day had the official renomination of Barack Obama as the

presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.

The speeches for the third day of the convention were made by Caroline Kennedy, John Kerry, Jill Biden, Joe Biden, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama. Celebrities also spoke at the convention, including: Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson, and Kerry Washington.

The live performances were done by James Taylor, Mary J. Blige, and the Foo Fighters.

Celebrities also showed their support for the Democratic Party; Jeff Bridges, Ashley Judd, John Legend, Perez Hilton, and Adrian Grenier and Gabby Douglas attended the convention.

The Democratic National Convention ultimately focused on the economic issues plaguing the middle class and the hope of the American Dream.

“We see a future where America leads not only by the example of our power, but by the power of our example.”

— Joe Biden

courtesy wsj.com

courtesy washingtonpost.com

Michelle Obama spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of her husband.

“Over the next few years big decisions will be made in Washington, on jobs and the economy; taxes and deficits; energy and education; war and peace — decisions that will have a huge impact on our lives and our children’s lives for decades to come.”

— Barack Obama

courtesy washingtonpost.com

Barack and Michelle Obama share an intimate moment in front of a crowd at the Democratic National Convention.

A score of celebraties turned up at the DNC including Actress Scarlett Johansson.

13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

CAMPUS NEWS 5

Leslie Deutschman ‘14 and Coprius Cinereus Mushroom Alesandra Jacobs Red&Black Staff This past summer, Leslie Deutschman, ‘14, worked with Dr. Burns and other students on a research project on the Washington and Jefferson campus.

The project was biology-based and the research model organism was the Coprinus cinereus, or in layman’s terms, a mushroom.

The students studied the MRN

protein complex to determine how specific components function in double stranded break repair, which pertains to DNA. Micro-ray technology was used to determine differential expression of the different components of the MRN complex during meiosis. For those who don’t know, the MRN complex is made up of 3 proteins: Mre11, Rad50, and Nbx1.

In the actual experiment, conducted in the Lazear, Swanson and Dieter-Porter buildings,

two knockout mutants were used to disable proteins in the genome. The goal was to see what happens when the proteins are missing. To see how the cell copes, Deutschman and the other students looked at over 13,000 proteins. The process included using a medium of yeast extract and glucose, then incubated the mushrooms until they were ready to be harvested, and then they were harvested at two specific times during prophase one of meiosis. The mushroom tissue

was then frozen and the RNA was extracted from it.

Deutschman and other students looked at over 13,000 proteins.

The RNA was then run through gel electrophoresis to see if there was deterioration. If there was not deterioration, then it was prepared for the micro array.

Results are still yet to be known

because the data set is so large and has not been analyzed yet. The students also worked in tandem with a math and networking team due to the large amounts of data used in this study. The results will include data for four replicates for the two knockout mutants (mre11 and rad50) and the wildtype for 13,000 genes.

The experiment took ten weeks to complete and was all in all, according to Deutschman, a great experience that she would definitely do again.

Pop or Soda? Monticello’s Offers New Exciting Treats

Courtesy washjeff.edu

Monticello’s Coffee House serves a variety of fun flavored milkshakes, pretzels and cheese, cookies and even pizza rolls. It’s is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to midnight.

Alexandra Sossi Red&Black Editor

Everyone’s favorite milkshake stop on campus has some cool new features this semester. For those who have not been to the Hub lately, Monticello’s most noticeable addition is a large soda machine behind the bar.

Now along with Monti’s normal assortment of free food like pizza rolls, pretzels and of course a variety of milkshakes, there are now many different flavors of pop to choose from as well. With this new addition also come more delicious menu items like coke floats. There are also plenty of new decorations to be found in Monticello’s, which add some new stylish features to the place. In addition to the new decorations, new stools for the bar area will be

arriving and installed within the next month.

The Student Activities Board who runs Monticello’s is also planning many fun activities for this year. This past weekend was karaoke night and the first weekend back there was a glow party between the Alley and Monti’s.

One of the officers of SAB Emily Resnick said, “we are hopefully going to be opening Monticello’s up to at least one club a month and give them the opportunity to run Monti’s for the night.”

So far, the Asian Cultural Association and the Spanish Club are planning possible events to hold in Monticello’s, like Chinese night and a Day of the Dead party. If any club officers have any interest in having their club run Monticello’s for a night, Resnick encourages them to contact her at resnickem@jay. washjeff.edu.

Monticello’s Monticello’s Chinese Night!

Chinese Friday, September 14 Night ! House Monticello’s Coffee The Hub Lower Level 9pm See you there!

6 CAMPUS NEWS

Red & Black

Featured Around Campus

13 S eptember 2012

International Student Spotlight

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

Dr. Medley recently performed her faculty recital for the Washington & Jefferson College community on Sunday, Sept. 9 in Olin.

courtesy Anastasia Nedayvoda

Russian native Anastasia Nedayvoda is an amateur film critic and would like to harness her skills further by potentially exploring critique writing professionally.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Anastasia is a huge fan of the arts: film, literature, dance and media. Her current academic field of study combines communications in the form of marketing with a deep-rooted It is 8:00 p.m. in the Ski Lodge on a warm Friday understanding of the arts. Outside of the classroom, evening in Washington, PA. As the interview begins, Anastasia exudes her passion for art in a variety of Anastasia shares a warm smile and teeny giggle while forms.

As a debutant, she had the extreme privilege remarking, “I’ve never been interviewed before.” and pleasure of ballroom dancing near the Kremlin Over the course of an hour we share in noble at a huge cultural gala whose attendees included conversations about the importance of art, literature, powerful political playmakers and big businessmen. storytelling, and dance, coupling in light-hearted Anastasia is an amateur film critic and would jokes every so often with colloquial chat. At the like to harness her skills further by potentially interview’s conclusion, I learn how to say goodbye exploring critique writing in Russian, and properly bid’ a professionally. due.

She credits her desire "[Movies] give us Anastasia Nedayvoda, to do this directly to her native of Moscow, Russia, hope, allow us to dream, strong, profound liberal arts is this week’s International education. and push our society Student spotlight. She attends If professional critique the International University in forward in a good way.” writing does not work out, Moscow. At Washington and Anastasia plans on pursuing — Anastasia Nedayvoda Jefferson, Anastasia is enrolled a career in movie production in the Honors Composition with a big company.

Course, Reading Fiction and N e d a y v o d a 20th Century Art, all of which she claims to be considers movies in a different way. enjoying so far here at W&J. “[They’re a] kind of art which can help people.

They While she admits to missing the nightlife in Moscow a little, she thinks W&J makes up for what give us hope, allow us to dream, and push our society it lacks in brazen excitement with nostalgic charm. forward in a good way.”

At her core, it is clear to see that is what Anastasia “Everyone is just so nice here,” she said with a warm is about. smile.

She desires to leave the world a better place than “In America there is strong family spirit present. when she arrived, if only slightly rather than not at I like that,” Nedayvoda said. Anastasia’s appreciation all.

If you see Anastasia around campus, get to know for the American culture is not limited to these select her, ask her questions, enjoy her fount of knowledge few ideas, in fact, when asked if she could meet any about the arts and make a friend with a rising person in the world, Anastasia responded by saying, international student on the W&J campus.

“Audrey Hepburn—but only when she was filming Adam Kmett Red&Black Staff

Jacqueline Radin/ Red&Black

Above, students living in the Environmental Dorm took advantage of the warm nights earlier this week and had a casual bonfire.

courtesy Candace Woods ‘14

Spoken Word artist George Watsky performed Sat. Sept. 8 in to packed Monticello’s audience.

13 September 2012

CAMPUS NEWS 7

Red & Black

Now You Know, Professor Spotlight: Dr. Atzler

courtesy Dr. Atzler

Above, Associate Professor of German Language and the interim Department head Dr. Atzler pictured in her dream city, Munich (München).

Sara Mitchell Red&Black Staff

Dr. Judith Atzler is the newest associate professor in the German Department, and the interim Department head.

This semester she is teaching German 207 Intermediate German I, German 455 Survey of German Literature and an FYS on secret societies.

In the past she has also taught an elementary German course, an advanced German course and course on German culture.

She hails from Stuttgart, where her late father worked for Porsche and later BMW. From Stuttgart the Atzler Family moved to Austria where her father began a career with BMW. Then the family moved to Munich, again for her father’s career. It was in Munich where Dr. Atzler began to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, hoping to take after her father and join the auto industry.

Finally her father was transferred to America, specifically South Carolina. Dr. Atzler chose to stay in Munich to finish her degree.

In 2002 she received the unfortunate news that her father had passed away, and from there she decided to move to

South Carolina to be with her mother. Dr. Atzler finished her engineering degree at Clemson University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in German.

It was at Clemson that she discovered her passion for teaching, especially the humanities. She discovered the power students gained from learning another language and culture. After several internships in the auto industry Dr. Atzler realized that she needed to “follow [her] heart” and purse teaching.

From Clemson she moved to Kentucky where she began to pursue a Masters of Arts in German Language and Literature at Lexington University, Kentucky. While at the University of Kentucky she became a TA and her interest in teaching grew. From Kentucky She moved to Texas, where she pursued her Doctorate in Germanic Studies, with an emphasis on applied linguistics and Literature.

After receiving her PhD, Dr. Atzler began to pursue employment with interviews at W&J and Swarthmore College. At W&J she fell in love with the small town feel, and her mother and family were put off by the high crime rates around Swarthmore.

One of the things she loved about W&J was the class sizes. She had had experience with several very large schools, and decided that smaller class sizes and more

hands on education would have a larger impact on her future students. Dr. Atzler described her interview process as “very nerve wracking” because she believed that this school was the perfect fit.

This year she was given the opportunity to teach an FYS on Secret Societies, a personal interest of Dr. Atzler.

These secret societies, besides being the focal point for many American conspiracy theories, tie very strongly to the churches in Germany, and particularly Bavaria.

In addition to her new FYS. Dr. Atzler is also pursuing creating an online dictionary with peers from Texas. She has pursued creating a language learners’ dictionary to fit the individual needs of the learner and provide a more culturally accurate response or phrase.

Languages Currently Offered At W&J Arabic Chinese French (Major, Minor) German (Major, Minor)

Japanese Russian Spanish (Major, Minor)

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13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

Campus Question

“Where’s your favorite place to eat?”

“Fusion Steak house” — Annette Meyer ‘14

Abrianne Rhoad/ Red&Black

“G&T’s — Kelsey Fox ‘14

Abrianne Rhoad/ Red&Black

Abrianne Rhoad/ Red&Black

“The Barista” — Khyati Thakore ‘14

Abrianne Rhoad/ Red&Black

“The Commons” — Samuel Taylor ‘15

Abrianne Rhoad/ Red&Black

“Red Lobsters” — Darla, the Barista

13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

CAMPUS NEWS 9

W&J Welcomes International Exchange Students

courtesy Office of Global Education

Washington & Jefferson College welcomed international exchange students from countries around the world including France, Japan, Russia, Myanmar, Brazil, Australia, Spain, Columbia and more. The students engaged in activities and orientation planned by the Office of Global Education the week before classes began.

Make-A-Wish

Alexander Nallin Red&Black Contributor

For the past three years, Alpha Tau Omega has chosen to sponsor the Make-A-Wish Foundation through philanthropic events.

This organization grants wishes for children who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses.

These include trips to DisneyLand, meeting famous athletes or even riding a helicopter for the first time.

Every year, ATO supports Make-A-Wish through their signature philanthropic event, Wishbowl, a flag football

tournament where teams from the entire school participate. ATO decided to bump up their efforts by adding a second major event, a school-wide volleyball tournamet.

Through two events...

ATO has raised over $6,000 for the MakeA-Wish Foundation Through these two events, ATO has raised over $6,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The fraternity brothes were able to

see the benefits of their work last weekend, when they held an alumni reunion at the Pittsburgh Pirates game at PNC Park.

The brothers and alumni were met by a representative of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and told that they had raised enough money to grant not one, but two wishes!

The first child did not know what his wish would be yet, but the second girl was always a fan of swimming and has been able to have a pool built in her backyard.

ATO was recognized as a major benefactor of Make-A-Wish, something which they wish to continue in the upcoming years.

Courtesy Alexander Nallin ‘13

The fraternity brothers of Alpha Tau Omega at Washington & Jefferson College raised over $6,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They did this through two philanthropic events including Fishbowl and a schoolwide volleyball tournament.

13 S eptember 2012

ARTS 10

ARTS

Red & Black

Artist To Look Out For, Alabama Shakes Kyle Sossi Red&Black Editor

Formed in 2009, Alabama Shakes are an American blues and rock band. Led by Brittany Howard, a revelation of contemporary soul singing, the band created a huge wave of internet buzz after releasing a four-song EP last year.

Building on this attention with a number of successful performances and recognition

by NPR and The New York Times, the band released their freshman album, “Boys and Girls,” among a critical mass of attention.

The album, debuting at number 16 on the U.S. Billboard 200, features a tour de force of blues based southernrock.

Brittany Howard, now 23, started writing and recording songs when she was just 13, and later started a musical partnership with Zac Cockrell, her high school classmate and current Shakes bass player.

Although the band’s influences, mostly ‘60s soul and roots rock, are clear, they never get bogged down in nostalgia for some bygone age.

“To me soul music is anything that makes you feel what the singer is singing,” Brittany Howard said in an interview with The New York Times.

The influences that their mu-

sic is steeped in are not part of some gimmick that the band is trying to pull; they aren’t trying to replicate what “soul” is supposed to sound like, but they are making some of the most sincere and earnest “soul music” of the decade.

They are using the blues/ soul form because that’s where the different band members’ personalities and styles coalesce.

Howard’s voice and performance style is incendiary and full of this incredibly earnest desire to have itself heard.

On some of the albums best moments, like on “Heartbreaker” or “Be Mine,” her voice shoots notes out with raw power; however, that doesn’t mean that she’s not capable of finding softer territory like on “I Found You” and the title track.

On “Hang Loose,” the guitar playing allows the song to do just as the title suggests.

Quickly working itself into an awesome groove, the guitar at the opening of the track sounds like a car revving up and it keeps rolling throughout this two and half minute jam about putting cares aside.

“Put them worries on the shelf and learn to love yourself/ Don't be your own worst enemy. /Hang loose, hang loose/ Let the ocean worry 'bout being blue,” sings Howard. A lot

of the time, “Alabama Shakes” seem much older than they are. As a group, they’ve lived through these songs and play with the passion and experience of people who have.

Although simple, the song lyrics are never ancillary to other components of the band.

Looking beyond the power of Howard’s voice, the tracks manage to be confessional and relentlessly hopeful.

For instance, “Hold On” is an anthem to the downtrodden and “Rise to the Sun” is about being a young person trying to grow up and see if they can realize some of their youthful dreams.

Courtesy washingtonpost.com

Alabama Shakes’ new album “Boys and Girls” came out last April.

In their performances, they choose a simple approach over being flashy.

Usually playing in jeans and T-shirts and, until recently, on the same beat-up equipment from their days playing in garages and basements, the

band makes its mark by being immensely talented and honest.

Based on the success of their freshman album, “Alabama Shakes” may prove to be one of the preeminent talents among the indie community.

Courtesy innocentwords.com

Alabama Shakes perform in a classic way, preferring to stay clear of going over the top.

13 S eptember 2012

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Red & Black

MTV VMAs Prove Successful In The Mind’s Of The Producers Alex Bernardi Red&Black Editor

Familiar faces like P!nk, Green Day and Taylor Swift made their way onto the stage Thursday night for MTV’s Video Music Awards.

New timers such as Frank Ocean and One Direction dominated their performances as they worked to make their first impression at the VMAs, a good one.

Whether it was ropes, flames or giant lip customs, the VMAs were definitely something to watch.

Female singer, Rihanna took home the grand prize with “video of the year.” Not far behind was Nicki Minaj winning “best female video” with her music video “Starships.”

Chris Brown won the male side of this award, being awarded “best male video.”

However, the awards process was not the most memorable part of the night.

With Alicia Keys on the piano and Demi

Lovota outside just before hand, these singers literally took over Los Angeles.

A performer who was at W&J not too long ago, Wiz Khalifa announced his fian-

cé’s, Amber Rose, pregnancy.

Katy Perry turned heads away from her ex, Russell Brand, and onto her beautiful satin dress.

Courtesy thelavalizard.com

Now if you are still suffering from “Bieber Fever,” this year’s VMAs were not the cure for you.

Taking home zero awards, despite two nominations, Justin Bieber did not even make an appearance at the awards ceremony.

Drake, the famous rapper, matched Chris Brown’s award as he left the stage with “best hip-hop video.”

As the public has already stated, the most shocking part of the awards were that they weren’t shocking at all.

There was no Kanye interrupting Taylor, no Britney and Madonna make out session and there wasn’t even a wardrobe mishap.

With that said, the night went as well as the producers wanted it to go. The boy band, One Direction, cleaned house, and no fight between Chris Brown and Drake broke out.

For the viewers, it was just another Video Music Awards to show them their favorite bands are still on top.

The Final Season Of Jersey Shore: Is It Really Over?

Shari Kaminski Red&Black Staff

Whether you are complaining, or rejoicing, MTV is finally cancelling Jersey Shore.

The network recently announced that the “reality” show’s sixth season would be its last.

Since 2009, the series has followed eight house-mates spending their summers, and, in one case, winter, together.

While the series provided MTV with record ratings and was credited with introducing new phrases into pop culture, it was also very controversial.

The show’s controversy stemmed from the use of the words “guido” and “guidette” for Italian-Americans, portrayals of stereotypes and having cast members that were not from the Jersey shore area while trying to show what life was like there.

The term “guido” is regarded as an ethnic slur.

Early promotions for the show included lines such as, “eight

of the hottest, tannest, craziest ‘guidos’” and “[the show] exposes one of the tri-state area's most misunderstood species ... the ‘guido.’ Yes, they really do exist!

Our ‘guidos’ and ‘guidettes’ will move into the ultimate beach house rental and indulge in everything the Seaside Heights, New Jersey scene has to offer."

Before the series began airing, UNICO National, a service organization of Italian Americans, requested that MTV cancel the show.

UNICO President Andre DiMino said, “MTV has festooned the 'bordello-like' house set with Italian flags and green, white and red maps of New Jersey while every other cutaway shot is of Italian signs and symbols. They are blatantly, as well as subliminally, bashing Italian-Americans with every technique possible ...”

Since the controversy, many sponsors have requested their ads be removed from airings of the show.

Despite the accusations, the show was successful and even produced spin-offs with the cast,

Courtesy examiner.com

Season six of Jersey Shore will be airing on October 4, at 10pm on MTV. Though, with the ending of the show, there is a strong possibility of a new Jersey Shore cast or a couple Jersey Shore spin-offs, like that of Snooki and J-Woww and The Pauly D Project,

including The Pauly D Project and Snooki & JWoww.

While previous seasons have been filmed in Miami, Florida, and Florence, Italy, the cast will

return to New Jersey for the final season.

For those mourning the loss of the show, it is still very likely that MTV will continue to produce

spin-offs with the cast, or even produce a new Jersey Shore with a new cast.

The final season of Jersey Shore will premiere on October 4.

12 ARTS

Red & Black

Craig Karges, Mentalist, Proves To Be “Unbelievable” Abbey Bashor Red&Black Contributor

On the evening of Monday, Sept. 3, crowds of Washington & Jefferson students flocked to the Rossin Campus Center Ballroom to witness a performance which some might call “unbelievable.”

Craig Karges, known as the “king of college campus entertainment,” presented W&J with a night of mystery that it would never forget.

As a prelude to his performance, Karges explained that his talents derive not out of psychic abilities, but rather from a basis of ESP. A self-proclaimed “entertainer,” Karges uses intuition rather than magic to achieve the extraordinary.

With his quick wit and mesmerizing performances, Karges continued the evening without a dull moment.

The night began when Karges called upon Mike Ruffing ‘16 to join him on stage for a demonstration. Karges had him pick a random page of a book, choose a word and visualize the first letter of that word.

In a matter of minutes, Karges had correctly guessed and written on a whiteboard the word “graveyard,” simply through intuition.

“It was incredible. I didn’t even know what he did up there,” explained Ruffing ’16.

“I was a little freaked out when he knew exactly what was in my mind. I was a little skeptical before, but I’m not

sure after tonight. It was still a fun night.”

Following his opening act, Karges went on to do a segment while blindfolded.

In three various situations, he asked audience members to participate. In one instance, Karges guessed the serial number on a piece of Korean currency.

In another, he was able to guess the name and physical appearance of a non-participating audience member while simply holding their student ID. All while unable to see.

The night continued with a mind-reading segment in which Karges wrote down whatever thoughts, names and ideas came to mind.

He was then able to correctly identify the names of people’s parents, full birth dates and, in Carolyn Tomlinson’s case, the exact destination she was thinking about.

“I thought at first that it wasn’t real,” says Tomlinson ’16. “It was kind of uncomfortable at first, but then just amazing. At first I was skeptical, but when it happened to me and I knew we hadn’t met before, it had to be real.”

Karges continued to captivate the audience with amazement as he performed his “mind over matter” demonstrations.

On one occasion, Karges stood off the stage and was able to make a block of wood fall over on a table.

Following this, he performed two of the night’s most

memorable routines.

The first involved him and an audience member physically levitating a small table.

Eventually, the participant jumped aside while the audience watched in astonishment as he levitated the table throughout the air with one hand.

In his final act, Karges had four participants create their idea of a dream car.

After hearing all of the specifics, one of the participants opened a sealed letter Karges had written on a plane weeks ago with the exact description of the car. Needless to say, countless jaws had dropped.

Hussein Faridi ’16 characterized the general atmosphere of the show when he mentioned that “it was probably the craziest thing I’ve seen in my entire life. Of course I’d do something like this again.”

As the night came to an end, Karges posed a question to the audience: what capabilities lie within your mind?

“Always remember to use your mind to its fullest potential,” he told the audience.

Following the show, Karges explained that he truly loves the feeling of being “mystified” and that his favorite part of performing “is being able give that experience to other people.”

“Hopefully tonight people saw something they’ve never seen before and that I was able to give them that kind of experience.”

Clearly, Mr. Karges, you flawlessly succeeded.

13 S eptember 2012

ARTS FLASH BACK

courtesy Red&Black archives

First featured in the Mar. 13, 2008 issue of the Red&Black, Alexa Yamnitzky’s “Comedic Corner.”

UPCOMING ARTS Friday Sept. 14: Art Gallery Talk and Opening: Yoshiko Shimano Olin @ 7:00p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Sunday Sept. 16: Music Faculty Recital: Kyle Simpson Olin @ 3 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 22: Theater Slam!

Olin @ 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday Oct. 9: ARTS SERIES: Cashore Marionettes: “Life In Motion” Olin @ 7:30 p.m.

13 S eptember 2012

ARTS 13

Red & Black

Magic and Revenge are Coming to Sundays on ABC Shari Kaminski Red&Black Staff

Anyone who paid any attention to what was new in television last year undoubtedly heard of ABC’s two latest hits, Revenge and Once Upon a Time.

In its first season, Revenge began with a girl named Emily Thorne coming to the Hamptons to rent a house for the summer.

In reality, Emily is Amanda Clarke and she is out for revenge against those who framed her father for a crime he did not commit.

The people she’s looking for are from the upper-class, and Amanda has to become a part of their social circle in order to carry out her plan.

The show has received generally positive reviews.

Dorothy Rabinowitz of The Wall Street Journal commented on Revenge.

Rabinowitz said, “The arrival of one pure and unadulterated drama about a passion as old as man is something to celebrate. That's particularly true when that drama is as spellbinding in its satisfyingly gaudy way, as ‘Revenge’ turns out to be.”

A New York Times review compared the series to “Gossip Girl,” saying the show has “just enough campy suspense to be enjoyable.”

Madeleine Stowe, who plays Victoria Grayson on the show, was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.

Among the many cliffhangers

Courtesy au.tv.yahoo.com

With Revenge ending on such a cliffhanger the previous season, the next season will shock all who watch.

in the season finale, one that will become a major story arc in season two is Amanda’s

Courtesy crazyabouttv.com

The Once Upon A Time cast above is ready for everyone to see the upcoming season and what the season entails.

search for her mother, who was presumed dead.

Season two will premier Sept. 30 at 9 p.m.

ABC’s second hit from last year is the fairy-tale drama Once Upon a Time. On her 28th birthday, Emma Swan is visited by Henry, her 10-yearold son she had given up for adoption.

He takes her back to his hometown, Storybrooke, in Maine.

He claims everyone in the town is a fairy tale character from a land where all of their stories actually happened.

They just don’t remember.

Oh, and her parents are Snow White and Prince Charming, and the woman who adopted him is the Evil Queen, Regina.

Then, there’s the fact that Emma is the only one who can break the curse.

In the first season, Emma encountered many other characters, including

Rumplestiltskin, Belle, Jiminy Cricket, Little Red Riding Hood and the Mad Hatter.

While Emma did not believe Henry at first, she was convinced by the season finale.

The season finale ended with a strange purple smoke covering the entire town, dubbing the line “Magic is Coming.”

Everyone remembers who they are, and those who had magic powers got them back, but why weren’t they taken back home?

After the first episode aired the show was dubbed “One of the ‘Most Promising Shows of The Fall,’” and USA Today’s review declared, “There's nothing else on the air quite like it.”

Want to know what will happen next? Tune in to the premier of season two on Sept.

30at 8 p.m.

Oh look, it’s on right before Revenge.

OPINIONS

14

13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

Staff Editorial:

Red & Black

We’re calling to the pens and Microsoft Word .docx’s of the trenches of foreign or warring countries, we do work in all future Fareed Zakaria’s and Dr. Jennifer Hardings, as- the trenches of student life; week-in and week-out we bring sembling all film critics and rock journalists and giving our readers the stories that they need to know about. columns to the quirky Joel Steins and world-flattening Our talented and passionate writers cover the arts, Thomas Freidmans among us. sports and other events that members of our W&J comThis is the Red&Black, and what we do is simple. We act munity are active in. as the public voice to the students at Washington &JefferThe people in these events are dedicating their time son. We are the megaphone for student events and causes, and energy to something bigger than themselves, and we and we have the power to shape campus conversations. are in the unique position to lend them some ink and give Where there is a story, there is a Red&Black writer covtheir cause life on paper. ering it. When there is an underOur Campus-News secadvertised sports match, there is tion discusses the academic a Red & Black writer shedding events going on throughout light on its intricacies. campus and even some stoTo spare the time and words ries on a broader scale. and skip the final part of our The national and global Writer’s League creed, the real stories we write, however, are and un-romanticized version of covered through the lens of what we do is still pretty great. how they will affect college Our team is made up of fellow aged students. Contributors students. Working on tight publito our Arts section write cation deadlines each week, we put stories about the creative out the best paper we know how to endeavors that our fellow make. students are completing. We Thwacking away at antiquated talk about cultural events on k keyboards, we spend long nights campus and even new bands lac B & Red ad / formatting pages just like this one. or movies that more people Rho e n n Abria An editors’ Tuesday night mostly should be aware of. consists of nutritionally and psyOur sports section deals chologically vital food groups like coffee and pizza. with the athletic accomplishments of W&J students and Although we sometimes imagine ourselves as such, this even how the Steelers did this week. isn’t The Newsroom or the movie Broadcast News. I have We come now to our Opinions section, which, if the yet to see a Joan Cusack type character frantically running heading of this page wasn’t glaring enough, is right here. through the ski lodge, towards the office, trying to pass off In these pages we challenge world-views, debate policy and a last minute quote to a fellow writer. discuss how administrative or student actions on campus This isn’t a place where an unnamed lead will reveal a are affecting the college. government cover-up, like in All the President’s Men, or a This is where your beliefs can be voiced and, if you are reporter is secretly Superman. passionate enough, be heard by the greater W&J commuFor fear that the last example is proof that I have ex- nity. As writers and editors, we have been known to chase hausted my “News” oriented pop culture references, I down stories and leads; however, they are usually only should probably move on. Although we don’t find stories in chased as far as the Office of Residence Life or the Secu-

C ontac t

E ditorial P olic y The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Thursdays with the exception of exams and break periods.

Editorials are based upon the opinion of the respective writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper, the

College or its students, faculty, or administration.

The Red & Black welcomes all reader contributions, but reserves the right to reject letters of pure promotional nature, as well as letters which do not meet its standard of integrity, accuracy and decency.

The Red & Black also reserves the right to edit submissions.

Letters are due on the Monday before publication and may not exceed 600 words. All letters must include the author’s name, campus box and telephone number. Names may be withheld upon request under certain conditions on rare occasions.

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Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Business Manager Campus News Editor Opinions Arts Sports Photography Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Distribution Manager Administrative Adviser

rity Office. We learn how to more effectively communicate our beliefs and the beliefs of others. We ask the follow-up questions and learn about journalistic integrity. We meet with players on all sides of an issue, and pursue the truth of campus controversies.

We give a voice to those who may not otherwise have one. We consistently meet deadlines and we work as a team to make a product that all students can be proud to call their own.

As a Red&Black community, we relish in the little successes that our articles find. That’s what we do here at the Red&Black. That’s the non-romanticized truth; a version devoid of grandiose statements about how we operate.

Our writings don’t cause huge ripples, changing the face of national politics, but we do have the chance to change our W&J community with them, or at least the conversations that we are having. If that sounds like a community that you would like to be a part of, come and join the journalistic dark side.

S taff Carley Adams Ashley Burk Ashley Figlar Alessandra Jacobs Tatiana Johnson Shari Kaminski Adam Kmett

Jennifer Marabella Sara Mitchell Mike Nemchick Jake Reis Alexandra Sossi

13 S eptember 2012

Tell-All Book Sparks Controversy Sara Mitchell Red&Black Staff

On the anniversary of the September 11th attacks, a book titled No Easy Day, by Mark Owen, is set to release.

This book will be the direct account of “one of the first men through the door on the third floor of the terrorist leader’s hideout,” according to the publisher, Dutton.

This book has not been vetted by the government; however, according to Dutton, it has been vetted by a former special operations lawyer.

This report came back with no national security threat.

However, as this is the only review, the rest of the population, including the government, does not officially know what the book holds.

Despite this lack of knowledge the CIA, special operations community and the Obama administration have harshly criticized this book.

The Obama administration is using this opportunity to deflect criticism from Republicans, who already believe that the President himself leaked too much information about this incident in initial press reports.

This criticism is highly unwarranted. Other criticism, coming from the special operations and SEAL communities, is hypocritical in some cases.

For example, one of the former SEALs who has openly criticized the book, also recently published a book that he chose not to allow the government to vet before release.

Furthermore, all of this criticism is purely speculation. No one knows what the book actually holds. The assassination of Osama Bin Laden is a story the world needs to know is true, especially the American population.

This man has changed all of our lives forever. He has taken pieces of the American community that we will never get back.

OPINIONS 15

Red & Black

The Good, The Bad and the Invisible Chair Alessandra Jacobs Red&Black Staff

Courtesy NBC News

No Easy Day, released on the eleventh anniversary of the September 11th attacks, is a new book by Mark Owen. Owen is a former Navy Seal and was a part of Seal Team 6 during the raid of Osama Bin Laden’s compound.

The world needs to know that he is really, truly, dead, beyond a shadow of a doubt; beyond conspiracy theories.

This is a story that needs to be told and told accurately.

“.... it needs to be perfect for the sake of closure for the American People...”

These men should be proud of what they have accomplished, and the public needs to know that this is not bragging or bravado, but a declaration of the truth.

However, there are things that happen in a combat zone that are blocked out or missed by a type of self-induced tunnel vision in veterans.

Therefore, Mark Owen should have had his book vetted; not to appease the government and the intelligence community, but to make sure the story is told right.

There is only one chance to be the first, and it needs to be perfect for the sake of closure for the American people and people around the world.

There are things that the American public does not need to know for their own safety and for the safety of the men and women who serve; however, this story is not one of them.

The American public does not need to know certain details that could compromise the safety of these men or the organization they are a part of.

However, cooperation with others in the community and government could have brought these two sides out of imbalance.

And fear of losing the opportunity to be the first to share this story could have been solved through nondisclosure agreements or giving credit where credit is due in the book.

Mark Owen had the right idea to share his experience; however, there was a proper way to do it.

A way to both enlighten and protect the American public and the men he served with.

As a longtime supporter of the NRA, it came as no surprise to see Clint Eastwood as the surprise speaker at the Republican National Convention.

Eastwood has appeared in and directed many films and is still a celebrated actor; his career has spanned the test of time.

Yet, his antics at the RNC made him seem less intellectual and respectable and more senile than anything else.

Eastwood takes the stage and garners great applause as he says he cried when Obama was elected as president. (He was an ardent supporter of McCain in the 2008 election.)

Then, the speech took a strange turn; Eastwood began referring to an empty chair as though it was making commentary.

At first, it was not clear that Eastwood was referring to Obama.

It was only understood when Eastwood, while addressing the empty chair said, “What do you want me to tell Romney? I can’t tell him to do that to himself ... you’re getting as bad as Biden ... of course we all know Biden is the intellect of the Democratic Party.

Kind of a grin with a body behind it...”

Eastwood was implying that Obama was sitting across from him, talking to him with expletive-laden speech and insulting Mitt Romney.

The speech turned from celebrating the Republican Party to insulting and degrading our current president, a very sad turn of events.

As the speech continued, coherency was all but gone.

Eastwood kept referring to the “cursing invisible Obama” for commentary. He also had the audacity to tell the “imaginary”

Courtesy Entertainment Weekly

(Above) The chair that Mr. Eastwood directed most of his comments during his 2012 RNC Convention Speech. He lambasted an invisible version of President Obama during the speech.

president of the United States, “I think if you just step aside and Mr. Romney can kind of take over. You can maybe still use the plane.”

Clint Eastwood’s speech at the Republican National Convention was more the rants of an aging star than a valid and moving oration.

Of Eastwood’s speech, Rachel Maddow put it best when she said, “That was the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen at a political convention in my entire life, and it will be the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen if I live to be 100.”

The Republican National Convention of 2012 will not be remembered for conveying the party’s message or their ideas to make the country better with Mitt Romney as president.

Instead, it will be remembered for the odd and demeaning remarks made by a delusional Clint Eastwood.

16 OPINIONS

Red & Black

13 S eptember 2012

Syria: As a Civil War Continues, the World Watches on Carley Adams Red&Black Staff The 17-month civil war in Syria rages on.

Another 1,600 people were slaughtered during the last week of August 2012.

When combined with the other 20,000 fatalities, this number both poses a question and demands an answer: should the United States intervene in the Syrian conflict?

President Obama continues to sit on his hands with this one, and rightfully so.

There are countless factors that play into weighing our options, but one of the most terrifying thoughts about an American military intervention is how such an action would appear to President Assad’s allies, which include (but are not limited to) Russia and Iran.

Their loyalty to the Assad regime is not a factor to be taken lightly.

Russia has been pinpointed time and time again by Western observers for its selling of arms to President Assad’s regime, reinforcing its four-decade-long allegiance with the Assad family rule.

Additionally, Russia was one of the few nations who rejected the call to have the Assad regime condemned by the UN Security Council for the 2012 Homs offensive (an attack against the rebels).

Combined with the fact that concordance between Russia and the United States is a historical rarity (and became even more so during the presidencies of Vladimir Putin and George Bush the younger), I seriously doubt that Russia would simply stand on the sidelines and watch if the United States decided to stage an intervention in Syria.

In August of 2012, the Iranian chief of national security, Saeed Jalili, expressed, “What is happening in Syria is not a domestic issue. [It is] a conflict between the

resistance axis and its enemies in the region and the world.”

If Jalili’s words are representational of the position of the country, it is safe to assume that in no way does Iran view the Syrian rebels as they view themselves: an oppressed nation taking a stand against an authoritarian ruler.

If the United States becomes involved, Iran is one country that may very well feel threatened enough to start a proxy conflict.

The horrifying prospect of how much this conflict could escalate if a U.S. intervention provokes nations like Russia and Iran to get involved is enough for me to state that I believe the smartest thing the United States can do right now is nothing.

On a more personal level though, I am quite conflicted about the civil war, and I think there is more to it than meets the everyday American eye.

My mother’s side of the family is 100% Syrian.

I am half-Syrian. I am a Syrian

(more specifically Antiochian) Orthodox Christian.

The Syrian conflict is directly affecting the families of those next to whom I have knelt and prayed every Sunday for as long as I can remember.

They are humble, selfless, good people and their families in Syria are against the rebellion.

They disagree with the American tendency to support the resistance.

They hate the insurgency. Our relatives in Syria would rather President Assad stay in power because he has always protected them, and they feel just as oppressed by the insurgents as the insurgents feel oppressed by President Assad.

They fear that if the insurgents do overthrow the Assad regime, they are vulnerable to – God forbid – total annihilation of the Christian people.

My point in raising the opinions of my people is not to say “Protect the Christians, down

with the insurgents.”

Not at all. The point that I am trying to raise is that here on the “safe” side of the pond, things are often warped to appear completely black and white.’

The fact is, if you ask the Syrian-Americans what their families (who have lived peacefully in the Old Country for generations) want, you’ll find that they want the Assad regime to endure.

They do not think the regime is perfect, but nor do they think it is pure evil.

There are good, innocent, peaceful people who support the Assad rule, just like there are good, innocent people who oppose it.

I want my brethren in Syria to live without fear of oppression.

As someone geographically far from the trouble, I may not be able to choose the lighter of two greys for myself, but I hope and pray every night that my people (and all remaining innocents) survive to see a better, brighter day.

Lions, Tigers and Drop Bears: The Hidden Dangers in Australian Trees Mina Ademovic Red&Black Editor

The Australian Drop Bear, according to the Australian Museum’s informational website, “is a large, arboreal, predatory marsupial related to the Koala.”

Also known as Thylarctos plummetus, these relatives to the seemingly cute and cuddly Koalas are ferocious creatures which are known to surprise their prey by dropping down from trees, earning them the common name of Drop Bears.

In an interview with Claire Otto, a Washington & Jefferson College exchange student from Flinders University in Australia, our small community can get a closer look and warning of the infamous bear.

Otto first heard of Drop Bears when she was around seven years old. Schools in Australia try to educate citizens at a very young age, beginning in early primary school.

She became afraid, as a young child, of standing under gum trees (the most common trees in Australia).

“Look up. Stay alive.”

— Claire Otto Her cousins, who often go camping, have told her stories of how the bears could be heard from a distance at night, often making a grunting noise.

Campsites are also known to have warning signs, especially for those not familiar with the Australian Outback.

The telltale sign that a Drop Bear has been around are seeing claw marks on a tree.

Approximately 200 Australians fall victim to the bear every year, and double the number of tourists. When asked why there hasn’t been more global coverage of these incidents, she gave insight that the Australian government has been covering it up; that these bears were thought to be extinct, but then the population “exploded.”

“Look up. Stay alive,” is Otto’s advice for those planning on visiting Australia, “you can’t really see them coming… make sure your tent is zipped up and don’t leave any food out.”

The worst season to plan a visit would be during spring; which is the Drop Bears mating season when the female bears are known to be “especially restless.”

Courtesy Telegraph UK

Drop Bears share a common relation to other marsupials (like the Koala picutred above).

Just kidding.

While the legend of Drop Bears probably brings in quite the profit from t-shirts, magnets, mouse pads and other merchandise, it really is nothing more than an Australian tale that tourists to

the country may be fooled by.

At least it’s one less creature that visitors and citizens need to be concerned with; the Australian Outback has plenty of other very real dangers roaming about and many more wonders.

13

september

2012

Personal Accountability in Public Elections Shari Kaminski Red&Black Staff I don’t know about you, but when I go to vote for who I want to be the President and Vice President of the United States, the leader of the country we here at Washington & Jefferson live in, I am not going to vote for a team that is going to spend four years lying to the people.

Judging by Mitt Romney’s choice for Vice-President, Paul Ryan, a vote for the republicans would give us exactly that: a liar.

The day after Ryan made his speech at the Republican National Convention, it was widely criticized for its inaccuracies.

When Ryan made his speech he told a story that people who wanted to vote for Romney wanted to hear.

They wanted to hear about everything Obama did wrong. They wanted to hear about all the great promises Obama made and how voting for a new president would make everything all better.

When a reporter for FOX News calls a speech “an apparent attempt to set the world record for the greatest number of blatant lies and misrepresentations slipped into a single political speech,”

something is wrong.

Let’s look at some of the claims Ryan made during his speech.

First, there was the lie about Obama’s executive order to “gut” welfare reform.

No. The only “gutting” that would happen to welfare reform would be under governors.

Many of the governors are Republicans, who are asking for greater flexibility.

Also, let’s blame Obama for the closing of a plant that happened before he took office.

Yep, that was totally his fault.

The worst lie was Romney and Ryan’s claim that they wanted Obama to succeed. I doubt that.

According to California Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy, the Republicans had to “challenge them on every single bill and challenge them on every single campaign.”

Despite all these lies, Ryan did manage to admit he lied about one thing.

He recanted a major lie that I’m sure will persuade Americans to ignore the rest of his speech.

Paul Ryan did not, in fact, run a marathon in less than three hours. Clearly, of all the other blatant lies in his speech, that was the worst. Yeah, I think I’m going to vote for Obama this time.

OPINIONS 17

Red & Black

What is A Liberal Arts Education?

Adam Kmett Red and Black Staff

I can remember the class as though it were yesterday. It was the very first day of FYS. The first day of Evolution. It was the day I met many of my closest friends and more importantly, it was the first day I was introduced to the meaning of a liberal arts education.

Being introduced through the writings of Plato, Percy and Cronon.

Sitting in the chilled basement of Swanson, my curious mind was eager to learn, but little did I know that over the course of freshman year, the lessons I learned from Washington & Jefferson’s liberal arts education would prove invaluable to my critical thinking skills, ability to objectively solve problems and capability to effectively converse with those more educated than myself in an eclectic set of disciplines.

In this essay, I will share my personal thoughts and feelings regarding the liberal arts and why I believe all freshmen should be ecstatic about the opportunities this type of education presents to them here at W&J. William Cronon, acclaimed academic, opens his piece Only Connect with the commanding question: “What does it mean to be a liberally educated person?”

As a blithely naïve freshman I remember thinking to myself, “it must have something to do with politics.”

I could not have been more wrong. This question has no absolute answer, making it open to the interpretation.Therein lies an important lesson.

The beauty of being liberally educated derives from the fact that a liberal arts student is in much greater control of their academic schedule, and connected with that, their college education.

A liberally educated person has a great number of defining characteristics which are devel-

Courtesy Flickr

George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both advocated for comprehensive educations. Jefferson, a graduate of William and Mary, pursued classical liberal arts studies including Greek, Latin and Philosophy.

oped over time at college through rigorous academic work and social interaction, but no two liberal arts students will have the same cookie cutter college experience.

I remember coming to W&J that first week freshman year and staring blankly at my schedule.

There was GWS 100 which I was sure was going to be taught by a bleeding heart feminist.

There was Evolution and… which I was slightly more eager to take, but even more worried about how it might affect my Christian faith.

While Honors Composition and Macroeconomics sounded slightly more comforting at first, I would soon come to discover I enjoyed my first two courses just as much as the latter two. And this past summer, when I completed a Magellan Project, it was the first two courses I took that mattered.

Through evolution and GWS, I gained a fundamental understanding of subjects I never really knew existed, and then was able to share in meaningful conversations with a group of graduate students in London and a PHD

student at Oxford University.

When I had the chance to meet a group of philosophy majors at a pub in Canterbury, I was not out of the loop in conversations about right and wrong thanks to Moral Philosophy.

When I turn on the TV at home to hear Presidential candidates trading barbs over jingoistic punch lines and sparring over policy points, I am now a more logical judge of argument thanks to Composition.

Often times the classes which I believed would be most irrelevant, seemingly were the most relevant in conversations and developing myself personally.

So as a word of advice to incoming freshmen, and all W&J students alike, I strongly urge you to take full advantage of your liberal arts education.

Don’t be afraid to crawl out of Plato’s metaphorical cave, enrich your life by experiencing things you never knew existed and find time to connect with the world around you because it is a pretty special place.

18

SPORTS USADA to Armstrong, We Have a Problem Red & Black

13 S eptember 2012

Lance Armstrong, courtesy menshealth.com

Jennifer Marabella Red&Black Staff

Lance Armstrong has won the Tour de France seven times. With recent (or not so recent according to Armstrong) reports of doping, there is a great chance he will lose them all.

As stated by Armstrong to ESPN, “I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999.”

However, with such claims out against him for that long, is it too hard to believe that he’s tired of dealing with it all?

As far is the USADA is concerned, Armstrong pleading no contest to the doping charges was the final straw.

The most recent comment regarding the charges and Armstrong’s declaration of no contest was that he is “finished with this nonsense.”

“There comes a point in every man’s life when he has to say, ‘Enough is enough’. For me, that time is now,” said Armstrong.

Throughout all the charges and issues with the USADA, Armstrong still stands by his innocence. As of now, all of Lance Armstrong’s records and achievements are to be erased from the record books.

The USADA spokeswoman, Annie Skinner, said the actions being taken against Armstrong are severe.

According to Skinner: “a loss of all results from August 1, 1998 and a lifetime ban from participating [at] any sport sanctioned by a signatory to the WADA Code.”

While the USADA is highlighting Lance giving up the fight, Armstrong is declaring the fight

one-sided, therefore insinuating that there is not point to fighting.

Armstrong’s previous sporting director stated to ESPN that he has never known Lance to back down from a fair fight.

After all of the controversy, to finally walk away from the ordeal after all his hard work and dedication to the sport, is really saying something about the USADA and how they are going about the investigation against him.

In Armstrong’s defense, he has never once tested positive in a drug test.

“I have been dealing with claims that I cheated and had an unfair advantage in winning my seven Tours since 1999.”

— Lance Armstrong This investigation rather sprung out of him being accused of doping from a former teammate.

According to Armstrong, he is being charged as though his drug test results came back positive when in fact it was negative, but the accusation is enough to charge him just the same.

Lance Armstrong said in a statement to ESPN, “If I thought for one moment that by participating in USADA’s process, I could confront these allegations in a fair setting and - once and for all - put these charges to rest, I would jump at the chance.”

“But I refuse to participate in a process that is so one-sided and unfair,” Armstrong continued.

“The only physical evidence here is the hundreds of controls I have passed with flying colors.”

Armstrong made it clear that he made himself available around the clock and around the world, both in and out of competition.

“Blood. Urine. Whatever they asked for I provided. What is the point of all this testing if, in the end, USADA will not stand by it?” said Armstrong.

Any situation where doping is suspected, especially from such an American Hero such as Lance Armstrong, is hard to swallow.

So far the reports and accounts have not been finalized, but as far as Lance Armstrong is concerned, he is ready to move forward and beyond this 13-year scandal.

“Today I turn the page. I will no longer address this issue, regardless of the circumstances.”

Courtesy time.com

Lance Armstrong will no longer make an apperance in any other Tour De France race. After much debate and speculation from officials, Armstrong was slammed with a lifetime ban from participating at any sport sanctioned by a signatory to the WADA Code.

Courtesy DoSomething.org

Successful cyclist, Lance Armstrong was stripped of his seven metals because of elegit drug use. Armstrong is giving up his fight against the USADA and moving forward in a life without cycling.

13 S eptember 2012

SPORTS 19

Red & Black

President’s Coaching Staff A Big ‘Oh-No’ for Ochocinco Mike Sirianni’s Posts Winning Records Kyle Sossi Red&Black Editor

Go Presidents! Washington & Jefferson’s current head football coach, Mike Sirianni now ranks fifth among all of the current NCAA head football coaches who have at least five years of experience and a winning percentage of .825.

He starts his 11th season as head coach for W&J with a career record of 85 wins and only 18 losses.

He joins the ranks with Lance Leipold (who ranks first), who coaches threetime defending Division III national champion WisconsinWhitewater.

L e i p o l d ’s current winning percentage is .960 with 72 wins and three losses. The second best is Larry Kehres, who is the head coach at Mount Union with a winning percentage of .926.

Under Kehres, Mike Sirianni was a three-year starter and twotime all-conference wide receiver.

He was also an assistant coach with the Purple Raiders for three seasons.

Third on the list is Chris Peterson who is the head coach at Boise State with winning percentage of .924. Fourth on the list is the head coach for Trinity (Conn.), Jeff Devanney, who has a winning percentage of .854.

The top ten list also includes the head coaches from Ohio State, Wittenberg, Wartburg, Oklahoma, and Tuskegee.

Sirianni’s winning percentage is top of all the coaches in W&J’s football history (there have been 31), and he ranks second in to-

total wins as coach. The football team played its first game against Methodist in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Sept. 1, and won with a final score of 23-6.

This game was the first time in school history the two teams had met. In their most recent game on Sept. 8 at Cameron Stadium against St. John Fisher, the team unfortunately lost with a final score of 24-28. Upcoming home games include matches against Bethany on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. and against Westminster on October 13 at 1:30 p.m.

If you can’t travel to see the team at an away game for yourself, watch for the final scores from the upcoming matches at Grove City, Thiel, Waynesburg, Geneva, Saint Vincent, and Thomas More.

This year is sure to hold a great football season. W&J is definitely proud of its wonderful team and coaches.

“Sirianni’s winning percentage is top of all the coaches in W&J’s football history (there have been 31), and he ranks second in total wins as coach.”

Marriage, Possible Career Facing an End

Upcoming Games: Sept. 15, GROVE CITY 7:00 pm Sept. 22 at Thiel 1:30 pm Sept. 29, BETHANY 7:00 pm Oct. 6 at Thomas More 1:30 pm Oct. 13 WESTMINSTER (SENIOR DAY) 1:30 pm Oct. 20 SAINT VINCENT (HOMECOMING) 2:00 pm Nov. 3 at Geneva 7:00 pm

Courtesy washjeff.edu

Quarterback, Matt Bliss warms up before Saturday’s game. He is a huge contribution and leader to the President’s football team.

Courtesy athletalk.com

Chad (formerly known as Chad Ochocino) Johnson is set to end his 41day marriage with now ex-wife Evelyn Lozada.

Jennifer Marabella Red&Black Staff

After only 41 days of marriage, the marriage of Chad Johnson (formerly known as Chad Ochocinco) and Evelyn Lozada has come to an end. The end of the marriage is the result of domestic violence.

According to police in Florida, Johnson and Lozada began to argue after Lozada found a receipt for condoms and decided to confront Johnson about it. The argument began at dinner and continued until they arrived at their home.

A neighbor called the police to report the incident that involved Lozada being taken to the hospital for head lacerations. When speaking to the police, Lozada was heard saying that Johnson head-butted her.

However, when the police spoke to Johnson, he said that Lozada head-butted him.

Before Chad Johnson and Evelyn Lozada were married, Lozada was in the VH1 series “Basketball Wives”.

The show brought her to fame by highlighting her violent nature with the infamous physical fights she had with other cast mates.

She has apologized in the past for her violent antics, but who is to say they have stopped?

As far as their short marriage is concerned, Lozada filed for divorce.

Lozada’s lawyer, Michael Gilden, told “The Insider” that, “Given the recent events that have taken place, Evelyn has decided to file

for divorce and move on with her life”. As for Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, his career as an NFL star may have come to an end as well. After his arrest for head butting his wife, Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, broke the news to Johnson that he was being released from the team.

This conversation was aired on “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Miami Dolphins”.

Coach Philbin was quoted saying, “Where we are as a program, and where you are, and where we’re headed, I don’t see the mesh right now”.

This news was hard for Johnson to take, but he has stated that he plans to continue to pursue a career in the NFL. As he said to ESPN, “I will continue to be positive and stay training hard for another opportunity in the NFL.” “I appreciate all my fans and supporters and if I have disappointed you in any way, you have my sincerest apologies,” said Johnson.

He continued, “Once again, I will continue to stay positive and appreciate all the support during this tough period in my life.”

Despite the problems for Johnson lately with his divorce, he did say that he does not have anything negative to say about his soon-tobe ex-wife.

All in all, when Johnson made a mistake, probably the biggest of his life, he lost his wife and his career, but with the support of loyal fans and a serious effort, he plans to use his positive energy to turn it all around.

20

SPORTS

13 S eptember 2012

Red & Black

Above, Andy Rish ‘12 courtesy washjeff.edu

Football Recap Serious Potential In President’s Water Polo Ashley Burk Red&Black Staff

Courtesy washjeff.edu

Above,Cameron Chaves ‘13. With a new coach and veteran players, this year’s water polo team hopes to successfully battle through the PAC Conference.

Meghan Watelet Red&Black Editor New men’s water polo coach, Jay O’Neil, hopes to take his strong veteran team and new large freshmen class to the next level of competition this upcoming season.

Coach O’Neil ended his first spring season with the women’s team on a strong note and was selected as CWPA Division III Women’s Coach of the Year. O’Neil is the Presidents third coach in four years and is hoping to bring stability to the program.

The new freshmen class has been strong in recruitment and welcomes nine new Presidents to the team.

“We have been very fortunate to have such large recruitment classes these past two years,” said Senior Alex Shuey “The team has grown substantially in both potential and depth.

Working with the freshmen has been a highlight for me this season and I can see success in the present and future for the

team and young players.” The new freshmen are joined with fourteen returning veterans including four seniors. The four seniors include Alex Shuey and Cameron Chaves who bring consistent scoring with 12 goals and 33 goals in the past

“The new freshmen class has been strong in recruitment and welcomes nine new Presidents to the team.” season. The team will also consist of Mike Johnson and Joey Weiland who are also members of the Washington and Jefferson Swimming and Diving team.

Weiland overcame an injury his sophomore year and hopes to grow from his standout year as a freshman with 31 goals. Mike Johnson will be counted on for his

speed and reliability.

In the goal will be veteran sophomore Chris DeNunzio and Junior Dan Francisco.

Their past performances in the net have shown that they will be tough competition.

Offense will have a returning powerhouse from sophomores Mike Magdic and Carl Krause who have continued to grow from their standout freshmen year.

Krause was named third on the squad his rookie year with 16 assists, and Magdic drew the second-highest total kickouts with 26.

Despite the loss of captain and two-time All-American Andy Rish, the team is growing and will be able to fill his big footsteps with their growing roster.

“I see a lot of potential and confidence in our team this year,” said Shuey “Coach O’Neil has helped us grow as a team and every player has given 110% this season.

We have found great communication and camaraderie on our team and are looking forward to a very successful season.”

The Presidents football season got off to a great start with a 23-6 victory over Methodist in North Carolina.

The game, which was played in extreme conditions with temperatures reaching around 108 degrees, got off to a great start when Senior DeAndre Simmons returned a 28-yard kick off return.

To travel the remaining 52 yards to score a touchdown the Presidents needed seven plays.

Junior Quarterback, Matt Bliss, completed three passes on the drive, which included a fourth down scoring pass to Senior Hunter Creel.

In the second quarter the Presidents received back-toback sacks, which resulted in Methodist University gaining some momentum.

MU was able to travel 84 yards during 10 plays, but an unexpected power outage caused the Monarchs to scramble for a field goal, but was unable to before the time expired.

The second touchdown of the game was courtesy of B.J. Monacelli who stripped the ball from MU player Vaughn Cross allowing Hunter Creel to return the ball for a 63-yard touchdown.

The next touchdown was completed by Senior Tim McNerney making the score 17-0.

Overall, McNerney rushed 23 times for 91 yards, Bliss passed for 232 yards, Baroffio caught 11 passes for 127 yards, and W&J outgained Methodist 357-278 and had possession of the ball for nearly 33 minutes.

Water Polo Schedule September 15-16 W&J @ Navy Invitational September 22 4:00 pm W&J vs. Notre Dame September 22 8:00 pm W&J vs. Penn State-Behrend (Senior Night)