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s t u d e n t n e w s pa p e r o f w a s h i n g t o n a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e r e d a n d b l a c ko n l i n e . c o m w a s h i n g t o n , p e n n s y lva n i a september 25, 2015
W&J Professor Opens Heartfelt ARt Gallery By ALexa Terrell Page 4
Courtesy Pandora Yearbook
LIFE: SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH PAGE 8
OPINIONS: SPORTS CULTURE PAGE 14
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25 S eptember 2015
Professor Spotlight: Professor William Cameron Bailey Mudrick Red&Black Staff
Have you ever taken a Communications Arts class like Introduction to Theatre and Film, the History of Communication Arts or an acting class at W&J? If you have, chances are that you have met the one and only Professor William Cameron. Professor Cameron came to W&J in the fall of 1987. He was born and raised in Washington, PA and heard that W&J was looking for someone to create a theatre program at the college. He was, however, pursuing a career in acting, but realized it was a tough way to make a living and would try his hand in teaching. “I had admired so many of my theatre professors in college and in graduate school; they had found a way to continue doing theatre while earning a practical living. I
thought I would try and do the same, not realizing just how gratifying teaching would truly be. I also discovered that I loved to direct plays, not just act in them, and found a level of creative fulfillment in my job at W&J that I had never imagined,” Professor Cameron stated. Professor Cameron is proud to say that the Communications Arts Department has really developed a lot in the last decade. When Professor Cameron came to W&J, there was no Communications Arts major or minor, but just a public speaking class and a few journalism classes. There were no theatre classes, no film or media classes and the theatre production program was in the hands of in the words of Professor Cameron, “a few hardworking but under-supported community members.” Today
the Communications Arts Department consists of 5 members and an expansive slate of communication arts courses such as rhetoric, radio, theatre and film. Professor Cameron is proud of what he and the other Communications Arts professors have accomplished, and said, “We have close to 40 Com Arts majors and a theatre production program that includes two main-stage productions and Winter Tales, our annual new play festival. This, of course, has been a joint effort involving the entire department faculty and the collaborative nature of the work only makes me prouder of what has been accomplished.” Professor Cameron has directed over 30 shows with the students at W&J. Some of his favorites include A Streetcar Named Desire, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Laramie Project, The
Crucible, Dark of the Moon and The Ruby Sunrise. “I’ve loved directing every show and am proud of my work and [I am] sustained by the hard work and dedication of the students,” says professor Cameron. When he isn’t teaching, he enjoys writing plays, listening to music, reading and spending time with
his wife Susan and his son Max. However, what is most surprising is that Professor Cameron is in a rock band called the Sugar Cane, “Me and 4 other old guys playing old songs - Beatles, Stones, lots of 60’s and 70’s rock. Some 80’s.” They played this past Sunday at the Canonsburg Oktoberfest.
your family around and where you go on a daily basis. There is also a faculty reception at 5 p.m. in the Ski Lodge and also an Alpha and Beta Scholar Ceremony in Rossin at 7 p.m. On Saturday, a conversation with the President of W&J will take place in Yost at 10:15 a.m. Various others sessions will also take place throughout the day, such as Empowering Students by Career Services in Burnett 103 at 11:15 a.m.,
Study Abroad and Magellan in Yost Auditorium at 12:15 p.m. and Greek 101 at 1:15 p.m. in the Media Room. There will also be several community service events that will be happening at various locations at 1:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration will be occurring in Rossin Ballroom. Do not forget, your family can also eat at George & Tom’s or the Commons with you.
If your parents are unable to make it this weekend there are plenty of other events going
on at campus this weekend such as Big Bingo or the Movie in the Alley: Inside Out.
Courtesy washjeff.edu
Family Weekend Events: September 25-26 Brittany Graft Red&Black Editor
Family Weekend is a great opportunity to see your family and have tons of fun on campus. W&J offers several fun activities to do with your parents over the weekend. It is a perfect time if you might have been feeling a bit homesick. On Friday, there is a sibling tour of the campus at noon, which is a great way to show
Courtesy washjeff.edu
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Theatre Slam: A Fun Experience for Everyone
Courtesy Pandora Yearbook
Capri Backus Red&Black Contributor It was 3:21 in the morning, and as we were eating golden waffles in finished-script celebration, I remember thinking, “I am so glad I took this risk.” The risk I’m referring to is the 24 hour experiment called “Theatre Slam!” At seven o’clock on Friday evening, people of all theatrical backgrounds gathered in Olin Theatre to produce a fabulous, furious burst of creative media. For an entire 24 hours, we brainstormed and performed eight skits we had written while lounging on blankets and scattered bags of chips. It was filled with hilarious people, stressed junk-food
eating and, ultimately, a warm, safe space for novices and maestros alike to take risks and have a lot of fun. As Xan Sayers, W&J's President of the Student Theatre Company described it, “Theatre slam from my perspective is all about watching people try new things.” As Xan also commented, “For the most part, people in theatre slam have never written a script or acted in a college play or any play for that matter. It’s all about being with a group of people and stumbling through the process together. There is a certain strength in numbers and I think theatre slam proves that.” Humor’s process, as I learned, is an art form. To some extent, it seems easy. Jokes are integral parts of
our lives, and translating them to paper and short narratives sounds simple enough. However, at the beginning of the night, an entire dryerase board was littered with ideas for short skits and stories. A few hours later, however, only a few withstood the criticism and analysis of production. An idea, even if it had us crying with laughter, needed to incorporate its humor around a plot, direction, good transitions and dialogue to become a complete skit and to not leave the audience hanging or confused. It was a constructive, new perspective on how to strengthen the students’ writing and a fantastic education on our potential. As Kriss Giles '19
also put it, “It made me feel at home with people I just met.” People would drift between groups of script-writers to offer encouragement, praise, critiques and sleep-deprived jokes, and there was a strong atmosphere of support. Theatre Slam’s versatility also allowed people to be very flexible. One could choose if they wanted to take on a combination of directing, writing and acting in the skits. In the beginning, I definitely only wanted to write. I have a huge fear of acting, but after temporarily filling in for a readingthrough of a script, I wanted to give it a shot. Theatre slam’s atmosphere allowed me to feel comfortable trying something new, even if I had a lot of anxiety about trying it in the
first place. The gratification from helping to bring someone’s idea into fruition was exciting, creative and filled with a lot of laughter, and, coincidentally, one of the best experiences of my freshmen year so far. In college, students have heard the countless, “take a risk!” one-liners from parents and professors. It sounds immensely cliché and terrifying to leave our comfort zones and metaphorical warm beds. However, in the end, what’s the absolute worst that could happen? You embarrass yourself? We do that regardless of new opportunities, new people and new experiences. We might as well, in the process, have a slam-ing good time with great people.
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Student Spotlight: Zoe Laboudigue Amiti Sharma Red&Black editor
Zoe Laboudigue, a current exchange student at W&J, is from Montpellier, France. She attends University Paul Valery in Montpellier, but has decided to spend this fall semester abroad in order to learn more about American culture. She arrived on campus in early September and is currently staying in Adams Hall. Zoe, age 23, is a junior Communication Arts major who is very interested in theater and art. She loves listening to music and spending time with her friends. In her free time, she enjoys watching television shows and movies from both French and American cinema. Zoe’s favorite sport is swimming and she goes to the pool weekly. Zoe believes that one of the biggest differences between the French and American lifestyles is the cost of education. It is true that American education is more expensive than education systems in France; however, Zoe also believes that the U.S. provides greater income for the working class which gives Americans the ability to pay for their education in the country. “This aspect truly
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Patricia Maloney Explores “A Child’s Story” Alexa Terrell Red&Black Contributor
Courtesy Zoe Laboudigue
divides our cultures,” replied Laboudigue. When asked what Zoe misses about France, she discussed some of her favorite French qualities and aspects, including music, cinema and, of course, the food. Foie gras, a popular delicacy in France and Zoe’s favorite food, is tenderly cooked duck very rich in flavor. It has been known to be eaten most frequently on Christmas and Thanksgiving in France. “I love how many choices there are in Montpellier. There is much diversity from race to politics to opinions. It is a huge metropolis for different people, many of whom are tourists during particular seasons.” France is very popular for tourism and has much to offer
in terms of food, culture, and entertainment. From hundreds of museums for art, cinema, and history, there are several theaters to watch movies and plays. Zoe has been involved in plays since she was in primary school and it has inspired her to pursue Communication Arts as a major at W&J. Zoe hopes to become better rehearsed with the English language and plans to travel within the United States during her semester abroad. “I am eager to see New York and maybe plan a trip somewhere during Thanksgiving break,” she stated. Before the fall semester is over, Zoe wants to experience her time in the United States to the fullest and make great memories to take back with her to Montpellier.
Patricia Maloney, an art professor here at Washington & Jefferson College, held her opening reception for her art show titled “A Child’s Story” on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in Olin Art Gallery. The show was eye opening and the pieces came to life as she described her intentions for the exhibit. Professor Maloney got her inspiration from her trips to Africa, India and Haiti to create works of art that convey the turmoil, loss and abandonment that children all over the world experience. Maloney created many sculptures using techniques of decaling, drawing, under glazing and multiple firings of images on porcelain and earthenware. She sculpted children’s clothing, blankets and books. All looked extraordinarily realistic and embodied the emotions she put into them. She also paired four pieces of photography (not Professor Maloney’s) of children walking away in black and white. She asked, pointing to a picture, “We think that these children are safe, but are they safe?” She created textured children’s clothes out of clay, some whole and realistic and some as tattered fragments.
Her blankets were impeccably done so that you could see the texture and imagine the blankets falling into the casts naturally. My favorite pieces in the show were her clay books. Her book titled “I Miss You” was a book she made for her mother. It was stamped distinctively, “Dear Mom, I miss you so I can hardly go on.” I could feel the loss in the work. Another book that caught my eye was “Left Behind,” a book with the pages seeming to fly out of the book in beautiful chaos. Professor Maloney created the piece to, “reach into [her] memories of childhood,” which became muddled after her parents died. She said, “When your parents die, there is a sense of disorientation.” “The Forgotten” were two pieces made for, “two children that we don’t know,” Professor Maloney said, “I tried to put pages in them and it didn’t work…. This book is not alive. It has passed away. These two children are gone and are not coming back…. This is a lifeless book with no pages.” These pieces definitely played into her theme of loss and turmoil. Overall, the exhibit was moving. It is recommended that all students go and check out Professor Maloney’s amazing art. The gallery will be open every day from 12-7 p.m. until Oct. 11, 2015.
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S E C U R I T Y LO G S Date: 9/10/2015 Incident: Criminal Mischief Campus and Public Safety responded to 135 E. Chestnut St where a guard discovered that the glass insert on a door was broken. No charges were filed. Date: 9/12/2015 Incident: Alcohol Possession Campus and Public Safety responded to Marshall Hall where a male student was found intoxicated. He was taken to the hospital and later returned to campus. Charges were filed. Date: 9/12/2015 Incident: Alcohol, Drunkenness Campus and Public Safety responded to Beau Hall where a female student was found intoxicated. She was taken to the hospital and later returned to campus. Charges were filed. Date: 9/12/15 Incident: Alcohol Possession Campus and Public Safety responded to Upperclass Hall where a male student was found intoxicated. He was taken to the hospital and later returned to campus. Charges were filed. Date: 9/13/2015 Incident: Alcohol Possession Campus and Public Safety responded to Beau Hall where a female student had been drinking alcohol. It was decided she did not need to go to the hospital. Charges were filed. Date: 9/13/2015 Incident: Alcohol Possession Campus and Public Safety responded to Alexander Hall where a female student was found intoxicated. She was taken to the hospital and later returned to campus. Charges were filed. Date: 9/13/2015 Incident: Disorderly Conduct Campus and Public Safety responded to Washington Hall where a male kept slamming an interior door, however, he was gone when police arrived. No charges were filed.
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THIS WEEKEND'S EVENTS
Friday: • Free Bowling Friday (with student ID) – 1-3 p.m. at Alpine Lanes • Frisbee Friday – 5 p.m. at Olin Lawn • Monticello’s Outdoor Night – 9 p.m. at the Hub (LL) • Launch of the 1781 Pub – 9 p.m. in the Faculty Dining Room & Commons Patio • Movie in the Alley: Inside Out – 9:30 p.m. at the Hub (LL) Saturday: • Movie in the Alley: Inside Out – 2 p.m. at the Hub (LL) • Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration – 7 p.m. in Rossin Ballroom • Big Bingo – 10 p.m. in Rossin Ballroom Sunday: • Movie in the Alley: Inside Out – 2 p.m. at the Hub (LL) • Point of View Discussion Series – 6 p.m. in the Media Room
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25 S eptember 2015
Abuzz With Victory in Court Leah Seagal Red&Black Contributor
In a world where preservation of polar bears and the rainforest seem to remain top priority, thousands of colonies of bees have fallen victim to the various newly engineered pesticides used on crops in past years. Although this may not seem to surface in the public eye the implications of such colony deaths may eventually result in the collapse of the agricultural industry, as well as a major change in the diet of the American public and beyond. However, the main culprit behind colony deaths, neonicotinoids, recently went to court in the US against the bees, and the bees won. For reference use, neonicotinoids are a certain chemical used to protect crop life, specifically fruits against harmful pests and bugs. However, this chemical in
particular is a “neuro-active pesticide” that is similar to nicotine, which spells bad news for the bees. Colonies exposed to neonicotinoids would dutifully attempt to collect pollen for the future creation of honey, and spread pollen amongst the crops, while the pesticide began to drug them into a state of incoherency. Much like when a human ingests drugs of any kind (such as heroin, marijuana or cocaine), neonicotinoids would alter the cognition and judgement of the bees, causing them to become unable to carry out their jobs. The nicotine is said to cause the bees to go into a trancelike state where they forgot how to navigate back to their hives and eventually die. Multiply this by the hundreds of thousands of colonies not only in the US, but the world, and corporations end up in court. In court, the investigations of neonicotinoids were extensive and began to reach
Courtesy survivalthrive.com
the bottom of the sticky situation. In an article by the New Scientist, it was discovered “judges found that the Environmental Protection Agency had relied on ‘flawed and limited data’” when assessing the safety of pesticide. Shockingly, the agency credited with preserving the health and happiness of the earth, seemingly overlooked that of the bees. As the court case continued, more and more people came
under fire to come to an ultimate decision about the chemical. Thankfully, the carelessness of corporations would be accounted for and the disappearance of bees would be combated. In a ruling by the US court, the most potent of the neonicotinoids, sulfoxaflor was banned. Although it may seem a small victory, environmentalists and beekeepers’ associations who brought the action believes
the ruling could turn the tide against neonicotinoids in general which are productive steps forward. Overall, the court ruling against such pesticides, may prove to be the DDT of this generation. The deaths of the bees must be taken seriously, and those responsible must be held accountable as how humans treat the earth directly reflects how earth will in turn provide for humans.
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What Happened In Space While We Were on Vacation? Joshua Dewaine Red&Black Contributor The past few months have been some of the most exciting times in the history of the human space program since we stepped foot on the moon. Science teams all around the world had a number of extremely long and time consuming projects finally come to beautiful conclusions. NASA’s probe, New Horizons, completed its nine and a half year journey to the outskirts of our solar system, allowing us to see the dwarf planet Pluto, and it’s moons Charon, Nix and Hydra in higher resolution than ever before. Additionally, NASA’s spacecraft Dawn arrived at the protoplanet Ceres after a seven year journey. As if that’s not enough, the European Space Agency is still receiving science data from their probe Rosetta, along with its lander Philae on the surface of comet 67P. New Horizons was launched Jan. 19, 2006, with the primary goal to photograph and study Pluto, Pluto’s moons and at least one other Kuiper Belt Object. The probe was launched from Florida and became the fastest man-made object to leave Earth, traveling over 36,000 miles per hour. The three billion mile journey allowed for scientists to study in depth the surface of the planet, along with its atmosphere and perform similar studies
on its moons. Additionally, studying Pluto and other Kuiper belt objects will help scientists better understand the early transformations of our solar system. July 14, 2015 was the closest flyby of Pluto, when the probe scraped by only 7,800 miles from the surface. The amount of science collected during the approach, flyby and continuation of the mission is staggering compared to other missions. The data will continue to come in for well over a year, but we have already been surprised by some of the information. One of the first discoveries was the activity of the surface. Prior to New Horizons, scientists didn’t believe the surface was nearly as active as it is, but the photos provided show a mountainous surface surrounded by smooth ice covered plains. After all of the information collected from Pluto has been transmitted back to Earth, New Horizons will enter another slumber for roughly 4 years. On Jan. 1, 2019 the probe will arrive at Kuiper belt object 2014 MU69, the object is roughly miles in diameter and to date has not been photographed with any discernable resolution. 2014 MU69 is 43.4 AU from Earth (1 AU is the distance between the Sun and Earth; 92,955,807.3 miles). Dawn was launched Sept. 27, 2007 from Florida with the primary mission objectives to study two protoplanets within
the asteroid belt. The first object to be studied was Vesta, one of the largest objects in the asteroid belt with a diameter of 326 miles. Dawn collected a number of scientific observations of the protoplanet, including high resolution photographs. Once Dawn was inserted into Vesta’s orbit the probe settled closer and collected more data, including photographs and a number of studies of the surface and interior. The probe collected 14 month's worth of data before transitioning to study Ceres, another protoplanet. Ceres is the largest object in the asteroid belt, with a diameter of 587 miles. Ceres has been an object of interest to scientists for a long time, because of the high probability of a liquid water ocean underneath the ice covered surface. Because of this, Ceres is one of the better candidates for harboring life in our solar system. On March 6, 2015 Dawn entered orbit around the protoplanet. Data being collected involved photographs, along with chemical studies of the surface, interior and atmosphere of the protoplanet. One of the most interesting pieces of data returned so far was a number of extremely bright and reflective spots at the base of a crater. Scientists currently believe these spots are either ice or reflective salts. Dawn will continue to collect scientific data for a number of months and will eventually settle down closer to the
protoplanet to collect more specific science. After the mission has been completed, Dawn will remain a satellite of Ceres seemingly indefinitely as the orbit should remain stable. Rosetta is a probe that launched on March 2, 2004 with the primary mission objective to performing a detailed analysis of the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, known as 67P. Nearly a decade later on August 6, 2014 Rosetta became the first man-made object to enter an orbit around a comet. Rosetta was equipped itself to perform a number of scientific studies on the comet, including photographs and chemical analyses. However, included in the scientific payload was Philae, designed to detach from Rosetta and land on the surface of the comet. On November 12, 2014 Philae detached and was able to land on the surface. There were some issues though, as the lander was equipped with a harpoon to tether itself to the comet that did not function properly. This caused the lander to bounce whenever it hit the surface, not just once, but twice. The device landed on its side with little sunlight able to reach the solar panels used to power it. The science teams worked fast and collected as much data as possible before the lander would have to power down. The team hoped that as the comet approached the
Courtesy apod.nasa.gov
sun, eventually there would be enough sunlight to re-establish communications, although this wasn’t certain because the environment would be changing drastically due to the increasing temperature. Contact was lost with the lander only hours after touching down, but incredibly was re-established (although for only a week) in June 2015. This mission was still a monumental success, as the data collected allowed for scientists to study foreign sources of water and determine that it is unlikely terrestrial water was brought from comets like 67P. Although contact with Philae has since been lost, the primary mission was completed successfully. In addition, we will be receiving new science from Rosetta as the comet gets closer to the sun. These missions are some of the most pioneering and definitive steps of our species into the solar system. They are the foundations for the missions of the future. The information and scientific data collected by just these probes can impact and shape how we think about our entire existence.
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25 S eptember 2015
National Suicide Prevention Month Planners: A Key to Success Leah Seagal Red&Black Contributor
Courtesy nami.org
Shannon Adams Red&Black Editor
September is National Suicide Awareness month. This month long event hopes to show people that suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone no matter their race, gender, age or background. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the younger population. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) would like individuals to notice the symptoms and learn how to talk to people with these thoughts and feelings without increasing their thoughts. On the NAMI website they have a list of warning signs that they would like individuals to look out for. The warning signs include: threats or comments about
killing oneself (even if they seem harmless), increased alcohol or drug use, aggressive behavior, withdrawing socially from friends and family, dramatic mood swings, talking or writing about death and impulsive or reckless behavior. Besides these warning signs, there are a few behaviors that will need immediate help: saying goodbye to friends and family, giving away possessions, planning (buying “tools” needed to commit suicide) and a shift in mood usually from one of sadness and despair to an eerie calm. When, and if, you notice these symptoms in a friend or family member there are a few things that you can do next. Sit down and talk with the individual who you suspect is having suicidal thoughts. Do not ask them why he would
want to kill himself or tell him that he is being selfish for thinking that way. Let them know that you are there for them and actively listen to everything that they tell you. Do not argue with the individual, instead provide positive reinforcement for them. A great tip is to echo their thoughts and words back to them so they know that you are listening and understand them and what they are saying to you. Most important of all, make them know that you are concerned for their well-being and that you care about them deeply, this will help them lean on your for support. However, if a crisis does occur and you need emergency help immediately do not hesitate to call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
While college may be, as some people claim, “the best years of your life” there is no feeling quite like the gut-wrenching desperation and anxiety filled panic attacks attributed to sitting in class, realizing you forgot to complete one of your assignments, or cramming in last minute papers at 1 in the morning on a Sunday. The sleep deprivation, anxiety and pain associated with such events come together to form one unhappy, physically and mentally unhealthy student. Part of the college experience is to gain maturity as well as to take responsibility for such newfound freedom. Although there remains no simple cure for the freshman 15, or the pain of doing laundry, there does exist a blatantly easy way to halt academic amnesia and ensure all of those pesky assignments get completed: Planners. Going back to grade school, and even middle school, teachers religiously advised their students to get in the habit of utilizing a planner, and, of course, most of the students completely ignored them. However, the benefit of a planner is invaluable and is one of the single most important supplies to bring
to class. Although every stubborn headed student may argue that they always remember their assignments or that they do not need to write their homework down, using a planner will greatly help with increasing organization habits, as well as overall class improvement. Take the life of the typical college student as an example. An ordinary day in the life of a collegiate adult may involve a day full of classes, work study, an assortment of homework, procrastinating the assortment of homework, and finding time in the day to inhale food of some sort. This does not even include extra-curricular activities, hanging out with friends, sporting games or recreational time. It is very easy to forget a homework assignment due Tuesday at 8 in the morning with all of this going on. However, by just having a small assignment book within reach during class can make all the difference, and may save your grade in the end. English essays will no longer be fueled by coffee crammed into the early hours on a Monday morning, which will make a happier student, and most likely a better grade. To those who doubt the power of planner may be the ones who need it the most. By just getting into the habit of writing down homework assignments, it creates a more responsible student, and may reduce the amount of stress associated with schoolwork.
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The Uber-Obvious Solution
Courtesy nypost.com
Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Contributor
In 2009, metropolitan transportation was altered when Uber, a public participation taxi service, was introduced across the globe. Private funding and public acceptance helped fuel the success of this company founded by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, but one competitor is evident. Taxi drivers, especially in big cities such as Chicago and New York City have been fighting Uber, since Uber drivers tend not to re-
quire a taxi license or medallion. Uber’s legal battles over the past years have not been hidden behind any blinds or closed doors, but a firm state decision recently has declared a decision regarding the legality of the Uber business. Under the writ of Queen’s Supreme Justice Allan Weiss in the state judicial system, Uber (under the defendants Mayor Bill de Blasio and Attorney General Eric Schneiderman), proved that “e-hails are pre-arranged travel, which does not require a taxi medallion.” This controversial decision by Justice Allan Weiss may
quite possibly kill the eighty year reign of Yellow Cab and diminish the idea of taxi medallions. In fact, Uber drivers tend to make $25 to $32 an hour; some drivers can even make six figures annually. A taxi driver, however, averages $20,000 a year and must renew their medallions, pay to use their car and tend to be the less attractive option in metropolitan travel. Since Uber drivers tend to use their own vehicles, there is an adornment of amenities such as heated seats,a leather interior and a friendlier atmosphere between the driver
and passengers, which makes Uber far more preferable than a standard taxi cab. Although Uber has won in the state judicial system, there is still an opportunity for it to be taken into the Supreme Court by multiple credit unions (who lacked in a diversified portfolio outside of Yellow Cab medallions) under appeal. It is highly unlikely for the federal government to take a stance on what seems to be a case-by-case basis for cities taxi companies fighting Uber. Justice Allan Weiss informed Yellow Cab and the multiple credit unions that,
“In this day and age, even with public utilities, investors must always be wary of new forms of competition arising from technological developments.” Uber’s simplistic technological advance throughout the years is clearly evident within big cities around the globe. Now, with more freedom granted under the state legislature of New York, Uber may continue the upward progression to technological innovation. With this vast change in public transportation, Pittsburgh could be seeing more Uber cars and less taxi cabs soon.
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Concert Review: Death Cab for Cutie Performs at Stage AE Kayla Marasia Red&Black contributor
As the sky began to deepen to the rich blue of twilight and the Pittsburgh skyline twinkled like a colorful constellation, music lovers flooded into the outdoor venue at Stage AE, eagerly awaiting the start of the concert. It was Thursday, Sept. 17, and Seattle-based indie band Death Cab for Cutie was about to perform a show on their tour for their newest album “Kintsugi” a term derived from the Japanese art form of melding pieces of broken ceramic together with gold. Some avid fans had staked out their place in line for hours before the show to guarantee a spot close to the stage, while others trickled in only minutes before the doors opened. Whether they were in the first row or reclining at the back of the lawn, fans were ready for a great night of music. Clad in jeans, flannels, bohemian-style dresses, hipster boots or sandals, the indie vibes were present even before the music began. When the stage was ready and the
clock reached 7:30, opening band Twin Shadow took their places to the welcoming applause of the audience. With anthem-like pop ballads, boomingly rich vocals, and crashing cymbals, Twin Shadow played the highlights from “Eclipse” and effectively set the stage for the title act. When the applause faded, anticipation was tangible in the crowd as the concertgoers waited for the set to change and Death Cab to make its first appearance of the evening. After almost fortyfive minutes of restless excitement, the lights came up on the stage. The members of the band strolled out, taking their places as the crowd cheered and surged forward, effectively crushing the people in the front row. They began with a vamp rising in intensity that flowed effortlessly into No Room in Frame. However, lead vocalist and guitar player Ben Gibbard was having issues with the effect pedals connected to his guitar, so the band took a quick break as the crew fixed them. Although initially rather disconcerted by the fluke, the
band returned to the stage with even more vigor and gave the audience members the show they had been waiting for. Much like the art form that gave album “Kintsugi” its title, Death Cab for Cutie melded songs from all of their various albums into one master set list, including classics like I Will Possess Your Heart, Soul Meets Body, What Sarah Said and bittersweet ballad I Will Follow You into the Dark. Each song used different sound and lighting effects, successfully keeping the concertgoers on their toes. Shifting from deep purples and blues to bright yellows that mimicked sunshine, the stage was alive with vitality, color and sound. Gibbard’s uniquely signature vocals, high and clear, lent an air of poignancy and urgency to the lyrics. The band mainly played favorites from “Kintsugi” like You’ve Haunted Me All My Life and the hit Black Sun. A few Washington & Jefferson students were in attendance, including freshman Molly Riley. “My favorite song they played was Little Wanderer because it has been one of
Courtesy loveatfirstlistenblog.com
my favorites for so long,” she says of the concert, although she also notes that her feet hurt from standing for so long. “It was amazing to be able to hear [Death Cab] live.” When the show drew to a close after an extensive set list of twenty songs, the members of Death Cab exited the stage to raucous applause, but the audience didn’t budge. After a few minutes of the crowd’s fervent cheering for an encore, the band returned for one last dynamic performance, playing the melancholic Brothers on a Hotel Bed and the climactic,
lovesick Transatlanticism to finish the evening. After cheering, applause, some tears, and one final swamping of the merchandise stand, fans dispersed into the night. Death Cab for Cutie’s performance left the concertgoers with a feeling of connectedness, thanks to the relatable lyrics and compelling performance, as well as perhaps a case of ringing ears. The raw, poetic nature of the band’s music “possessed the hearts” of everyone in the audience, leaving them with a night they will likely never forget.
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Teagle Bougere Brings Broadway to W&J
Courtesy Post Gazette
Bougere’s lecture and dramatic reading, “Why Is There Always War,” was held Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Dieter-Porter. The event was free and open to the public.
Kayla Marasia Red&Black contributor
“Let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that shall be told among men hereafter.” These words from Homer’s epic poem The Iliad resonate with actor Teagle F. Bougere, who visited W&J on Sept. 16 to discuss the futility of war. The discussion took place at 7:30 in the Dieter-Porter lecture hall and despite the less-than dramatic venue, Bougere captivated the attendees at his first word. A well-rounded performer with numerous appearances in both theatrical and television settings, Bougere touches hearts and leaves a mark on his audience with the resounding force of his voice
and his passion for life. In 2014, Bougere played the role of The Poet in the one-manshow An Iliad, a condensed adaptation of Homer’s classic tale of rage, loyalty and war. Written by Dennis P. O’Hare and Lisa Peterson, the play uses eloquent language and emotional rawness to depict the immortal Poet’s journey through every war in human history. Bougere pulled from his experience with An Iliad in his discussion at W&J, performing poignant snippets from the script to emphasize war’s bloody stain on the human psyche. Bougere’s role as the Poet depicted all of the major characters from Homer’s The Iliad, including Achilles, Priam, Hector, Patroclus and Helen of Troy. Those
in attendance at the seminar were enthralled when Bougere proceeded from role to role effortlessly, from the brash pride and warrior mentality of Achilles to the liquid, seductive movements of Helen. Throughout his visit, Bougere opened the discussion to the members of the audience, prompting questions about war in our society as well as the actor’s experience on stage. When asked about whether or not he believed war was an inherent quality of human nature, Bougere asserted the negative, believing that it was a facet of society that was learned behavior. An avid pacifist, Bougere was passionate about sharing the message of An Iliad, hoping to spark compelling
thought about humanity’s capacity for war in the minds of his audience. “I thought it was really interesting, especially when he read the list of [all of the wars in history],” says W&J student Lottie Murray. “It was one of those things that made you keep thinking about it even after the discussion.” However, a couple of people in attendance were also interested in Bougere’s acting career. Bougere admitted to being a fan of Shakespeare, as he has performed title roles in classics like Othello, Hamlet and Macbeth. In fact, he noted that the corrupt, guilt-weakened Macbeth was one of his favorite roles to play. Playing dynamic characters like these heroes, as well as the
conflicted Poet of An Iliad, gave Bougere an almost firsthand perspective on the prospect of war and its effects on the world. This experience led him to question war and its futile function in our society, thereby making him an effective and compelling visitor at the W&J campus. Although the lecture is now over and Bougere will surely continue to find success in his acting career, his words inspired a flood of ideas in his audience. His booming voice and poignant words may have left the campus, but they continue to resonate in the minds and hearts of the people he visited, leaving them with the hope that one day, we will find a solution to our disagreements that will not spill blood.
12 arts
Red & Black
25 S eptember 2015
So Long Solo Says Hello to Music and Love Kayla Marasia Red&Black contributor
Very rarely, in the indie scene as well as in more mainstream areas of music, an artist will appear that does what very few artists, if any, have done before. These types of artists strive to provide a unique, enjoyable experience for their audience through new sounds and inspiring lyrics. W&J was lucky enough to have a band that fits this bill flawlessly play for its students: So Long Solo. So Long Solo took root in 2012, when Mark Miller, a musician performing under the pseudonym: theothermarkmiller, met flute virtuoso and humanitarian Heather, following a cancelled open-mic event in a Kansas City coffee shop. The two went on to join their musical talent, as Mark said so long to being a solo act, and Heather said so long to her maiden name. The couple would go on to partake in a college tour, playing thirty venues throughout it, before taking some time to record their selftitled, debut album. The album was released in September of last year, two months after the birth of their now 14 month-old child. Despite this new addition to their family, the duo continued touring, making their way to our own party
central, Monticello’s, where they played an amazing set, blending folk, pop and country styles with their multi-instrumental musings. Being a two-member group, Heather and Mark had to find creative ways to simulate the sounds that a larger band would have been able to create easily. That meant utilizing Mark’s beating on his acoustic guitar to create a percussion sound, or through Heather’s use of the shakers, xylophone, ukulele and of course, the flute. With this talent, they created a new and innovative sound that could only be described as a mix of folk something magical,” said their matching smiles and band Mumford & Sons, pop- freshman Aprem Zaya, in stunning harmonies. It was punk band Yellowcard and regards to the awe-inspiring certainly difficult to not be chemistry that the pair had. moved by this song. Another alternative band Paramore. Of their original songs, the high point of the show came What set So as the duo Long Solo ormed above these With this talent, they created a new pa e r fstunning other acts, of h o w e v e r , and innovative sound that could only be cover R i h a n n a ’s was the described as a mix of folk band Mumford Stay using a immense x y l o p h o n e c h e m i s t r y & Sons, pop-punk band Yellowcard and and a viola, between the alternative band Paramore. but with two. a catch. B e i n g Instead of a married playing the viola couple, Mark and Heather were able to communicate to standout jam was without in its classical manner, Mark the crowd that there is a lot a doubt Middle of Love, a opted to hold the instrument of merit to their Midwestern heartfelt romantic song that in his arms, playing it as if it described the story of Mark were a guitar. love. The resulting low viola In fact, when their eyes and Heather’s unexpected infatuation. tones meshed perfectly weren’t stealing glances As they played the song, with the shrill beauty of the at one another, they were one could almost feel the xylophone. focused on the crowd, This creating a flawlessly keeping an amazing level of warmth spreading through Monti’s, resonating through unique sound, and making crowd involvement. “It was
Courtesy solongsolo.com
this cover seem almost like an original composition. Following this song, the pair’s child made his way down to Monti’s, joining his parents on stage as they closed off the set. Overall, So Long Solo put on an amazing, interactive performance, filled to the brim with crowd involvement, giveaways and passion. The band closed the show off with a song titled Goodbye, dedicated to the seniors in the audience.“[So Long Solo] hopes to leave people better off,” said front man Mark Miller, “we want to help people navigate through difficult times.” Throughout their set and even during discussions with audience members afterwards, the band did their best to follow through with this goal, as they left an imprint on the Monti’s crowd.
25 S eptember 2015
13 arts
Red & Black
"The Visit" Voted A Must-See This Halloween Season Mario Tiberie Red&Black Contributor
“Something is wrong with Nana and Pop-Pop.” These terrifying words are frightening enough to keep people from wanting to go to their grandparents’ houses, especially those who choose to see the new comedy-horror film, “The Visit.” Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, “The Visit” tells the story of two pre-teens who are about to spend a week with their grandparents, two people that they have never met be-
fore. Disconnected from the grandparents they have been so anxious to meet, siblings Becca and Tyler soon come to find that “a week at grandma’s house” may be their last. Formatted in the “found footage” cinematic style, the movie has many hilarious and horrifying moments. Although the “The Visit’s” pace begins slowly, the gradual build of the plot leads to a great climax and surprising twist ending. The unusual mixture of both the comedy and the horror genres in the movie com-
pliments the quality of the film and also makes it something that can appeal to a wider audience. At times, “The Visit” made the audience laugh hysterically, cower in their seats and even shriek with a few particularly repulsive scenes. Much of what makes “The Visit” great is the terrific casting of the characters. The film does an excellent job of comparing the similarities between Becca and Tyler, whose father is no longer a part of their lives, and their mother, who had left her par-
Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass Sarah Peterson Red&Black contributor
If you are a fan of the Bachelor or the Bachelorette, you will like the book The Selection by Kiera Cass. It involves love triangles and drama between its main characters. This is the first book out of five in the Selection series. The story follows a girl named America Singer who lives in the country of Illéa. Illéa lies on the ruin of North America and is set about 300 years in the future. The county is divided into 8 castes. Being called a One, you are very wealthy while being an Eight means living in poverty. America is a singer and a musician. She and her family
are considered fives which is the class for all artists. When the newspaper advertises for a new “selection” where the winner falls in love and marries Prince Maxon of Illéa, America is picked to fight against 34 other girls for the chance to win Maxon’s heart. If she wins, she will become a Princess. But while America should be excited for this chance of a lifetime, she is hiding a secret. She has fallen in love with her friend Aspen who belongs to the Sixes. If anyone finds out about America and Aspen, they would be casted down to the Eights and could never see their families again. But after starting the selection, America quickly befriends the Prince who is literally falling in love with her. How is America going
to cope with the affections of these two boys? The book is different than the other popular young adult books. The competition for love is a competition rather than the traditional love story or love triangle between the main characters. America is a relatable character who wants freedom but also wants to do good for everybody. But just like the Bachelor, you get to watch the sabotaging of the girls’ relationship with Maxon and see how they make last friendships with the other girls. America is an emotionally strong character, but she can, at times, sound whiney. But it is a fun guilty pleasure to read over a break because just like binge watching a Netflix show, the book draws you in.
ents' house on bad terms and is now disconnected from them. “The Visit’s” ultimate themes of forgiveness and love come unexpectedly from a film chockfull of thrilling, suspenseful and chilling moments. For fans of horrors or thrillers, “The Visit” is a perfect film to get in the Halloween spirit. It is also a great option for those looking to spend a fall evening at the movies or even those who simply want to spend some time off-campus.
Aside from the slower pace of the beginning, the film provided terrific acting, a wellwritten story, and many suspenseful moments; therefore, I would give “The Visit” four and a half out of five stars. The local movie theater is only about five minutes away, so be sure to check this film out if you have some free time. If the trailer for the film has piqued your interest, or if you are looking for something to do next weekend, “The Visit” is something that will definitely not disappoint.
Poetry Corner “The Sauce Jar” Diana Ciarallo
The tension literally shatters and there are glass fragments on the floor, With sauce and an argument both bursting free and each of them are difficult to clean up. Annoyance and resentment are hard to get out of the kitchen floor and the frustration builds as you scrub at it harder and harder and the red stain just won’t go away. Everyone else tries to stay away from the shards of the broken jar, For fear of cutting their feet and they are trapped in the room with the awful mess and the two quarreling relatives who fight over it.
14 opinions
Red & Black
25 S eptember 2015
OPINIONS
Sport Culture Contributes to Gender Stereotypes for Men Elaine Nailikka Red&Black Contributor
In an article written by Steve Almond of the New York Times “What I learned in the Locker Room,” he discusses a sensitive matter in the realm of sports. In light of many recent events, the conversation about gender has been a topic of American interest. The author thinks back to his time as a newspaper columnist in 1986 for the Sport section. “Sports represent an entire way of seeing the world,” Almond recalls, “that beyond all the bromides about discipline and valor, beyond the dazzling feats of grace, sports remain our culture’s most pervasive and ruthless arbiter of masculinity.” His article invites everyone involved in sports – fans, players, coaches, executives, TV personalities – to step forward and say, “It’s time
for a real conversation about this.” Like most Americans, the author admits to always harboring a fandom to sports, but it wasn’t always just for the love of the game. In his younger years he admits, “Fandom protected me from being labeled a weakling and a coward, particularly by my brothers. Watching sports, and later attempting to fashion myself into an athlete, also served as a kind of inoculation against the more elemental fear that I was insufficiently masculine.” And this is true. In American society, your ability to be able to discuss sports seems to be the point of entrance to the “male club.” It's easy to say “who cares,” but kids do care. Being excluded based off of false assumptions made about your feelings towards sports or a love of arts or music are all a commentary
on adolescence. Sadly, there is so much gender stereotyping involved in growing up. Just as girls are ‘supposed’ to play with dolls, boys are ‘supposed’ to play sports. Those that do not are viewed as suspect, as more "feminine.” Not mentioned in the article but still a rampant problem is the issue of concussions within the NFL. Most likely as a result of our culture, players seemed to be convinced that they must push through pain and injury because of their “manhood”. By praising athletes who continue to play while injured, we reinforce violence and aggression as exciting and rewarding behavior. I asked two W&J male athletes to see if this pressure to play through injuries applied at the D3 level. Joe Satira, a basketball player, and Jacob Spearman, a wrestler, both said that they would
E ditorial P olicy 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. All letters may be submitted to redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu.
Courtesy live.regnumchristi.org
not continue playing through injuries.The culture of sport is a key for studying and understanding gender. The article certainly doesn’t try to provide an explanation for why men love sports. But it draws attention to some important subconscious aspects. For many men, the issue of manhood may have never been a concern; some play and watch sports simply because they genuinely enjoy the competition – because it’s simply just fun. Sports teach
valuable lessons in society: they remind us to never quit, the rewards of hard work and commitment and the feeling of true heartache and vulnerability when suffering a team loss. Fans admire the dexterity, ingenuity and overall beauty of the game. However, the day we stop assigning gender to traits is the day we take a big step forward in ending the perpetuation of this toxic assumption and live in a world where men will not constantly feel they need to prove their masculinity.
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(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
25 S eptember 2015
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The Costs and Benefits of Work StudyPositions Elaine Nalikka Red&Black Contributor
Determining whether to get a job during college is a decision many students may harbor mixed feelings about. For some, working is necessary, for others it is simply a desire. Whether a work study position is means to gain financial independence or an absolute essential, weighing the pros and cons might assist in making a final decision. At W&J, there is no shortage of work available. Our work study program is able to offer approximately 600 positions in more than 50 departments as well as job opportunities within the community.
The array of possibilities can be daunting, and surprisingly very few students take advantage of the opportunities. In recent years, the college made the decision to eliminate the Job Fair that the campus typically offered annually, due to low turnout. Perhaps as a campus we should take a second look at what a workstudy position can offer! According to the U.S. Department of Education, over 78% of undergraduate students work, a figure that has been steady since the 1990s. What has attracted the majority of American students to holding a job? According to Rachael A Bolden, our workstudy supervisor at U. Grant Miller Library, some benefits
to having a work-study position include “the opportunity to learn professional skills such as communication (verbal and written), teamwork, time management and customer service on a small scale. Work-study positions give students a small piece of responsibility.” The responsibility of holding a college job allows students to build a work history, potentially demonstrating to future employees that you have the ability to juggle obligations successfully. Bolden recalls how many of her previous library workers have continued to use her as a reference years after graduation. A work-study position also provides experience
working with diverse individuals. If you can agree that one of the main goals of college is to create global citizens, then we must all become comfortable dealing with different types of people and see it as a benefit—not a cost. One of the best ways to convey these lessons is through sustained, goal-oriented interactions with a diverse group of individuals or, in other words, through a job! A work-study position can also have some negative implications on your academic career. “It’s all about timing,” Nicholas Christopher Brownstead said, a student supervisor at U. Grant Miller Library. “Timing is an issue, for example working during exam week.” However Nick
has never felt working at the library has been harmful to his academics. For some students, working might lead them to feel overwhelmed or stressed which could result in lower grades. The balance can be tenuous-working students must figure out a way to juggle work with academics so the latter doesn't suffer. A lot of demands are placed on college students. We’re expected to study hard, develop life skills and have successful careers lined up by graduation. Balancing a work-study job and coursework is both challenging and beneficial. Your time here at W&J is what you make of it, so make the decision with your time count!
Spire: Why Everyone Should Give the Site A Chance Keira Frazier Red&Black Contributor
As a first year student coming into the W&J community, there’s a lot of hype on campus; clubs and groups clamoring for attention, emails constantly appearing out of nowhere, and various events cropping up along the community. A wave of information flies at a freshman all at once, so it can be hard for them to keep it all straight, even with their planners or notifications on their smartphones. I’ve heard the upperclassmen telling new students that we will get used to it and that the havoc gets easier to handle. But to help transition new
students into the ever-moving community of W&J, and help organize older students, the new website Spire was developed. Spire is a central website designed for the sole purpose of grouping together all of the websites a current student might need. The website’s main page features extracurricular activities and student events, helping to connect the whole campus community. But for students like David Alonso ‘19, the most important part comes in the form of personal notifications for individual clubs and organizations. “[S]ince I am a part of SBA and SGA,” he explained, “I will need to look at [Spire]
for events and notifications.” The website also has an app that can be downloaded onto smartphones, which helps students keep in touch on the go. Compared to the main W&J website, Spire has a much more streamlined focus towards current students. When asked about the usefulness of Spire, Umayma Wilkerson-Dixon provided insight into her personal investment in the site. “I like being able to go to one section for all the information,” she says. After logging into Spire, three main tabs appear at the top of the page for students to explore the site, with “Campus Links” being among them. This tab includes sub-links
such as the W&J Weekly, the W&J Athletics page, the W&J College Central Network, and many other student-oriented pages. Miss Wilkerson-Dixon also likes the site because of these links and the featured sections on the site, commenting that “[Spire] is easy to navigate.” In my personal opinion, Spire makes information more accessible to students across campus, especially information pertaining to clubs and organizations. These clubs are important parts of student life and involvement in the W&J community, and the improved accessibility generates interest, increasing the overall cohesiveness of the
campus. Of course, for upperclassmen, Spire might not be something they really consider useful since they have already adjusted to student life without it. The site’s overall popularity is low, but I predict it will gain momentum with each incoming class. For my overall opinion, I give the site a rating of 3.5 out of 5. The site’s networking between all current student links is useful, but the organization pages are not really being used yet. I suggest that before taking my opinion into the equation, try taking a look at the site for yourself and gauging its usefulness. Final conclusion: Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
16 opinions
Red & Black
25 S eptember 2015
The World May Not Yet Be Ready for Google’s Self-Driving Car Christopher Frydryck Red&Black Contributor In 1965, Ralph Nader released Unsafe at Any Speed, a novel expressing his political belief on the lack of safety requirements in American automobiles, particularly the Chevrolet Corvair. Since then, the automotive industry adopted seatbelts, airbags, crumple zones, superleggera body construction (chassis and body as one unit), roof height restriction, anti-roll bars and even proper noise limits. This grand extension of automotive restrictions limits what can and cannot be driven in the United States. With all the technological breakthroughs, however, it may be hard to prevent what Google has been working on since 2012. After lobbying in the state court of Nevada for the right to register an unmanned car for months, their fighting paid off and Google began working on their first car. Google’s autonomous car project has not always been limited to one car, and in fact has included the Toyota Prius, Audi TT and Lexus RX450h as well as their custom built car that lacks a steering wheel and pedals. Google had just informed the public of their recent milestone in their project exclaiming, “Last week, we crossed the million mile mark for our project. Our software has now self-driven
Courtesy dailytech.com
the equivalent of 75 years of typical U.S. adult driving! Along the way, we’ve navigated more than 200,000 stop signs, 600,000 traffic lights, and seen 180 million vehicles — with several thousand traffic cones, some fluttering plastic shopping bags, and a rogue duck thrown in for good measure.” This is a feat of great measure no doubt, but they are not the only horse in the race. BMW has partnered with Delphi, an automotive components supplier, and had sent an autonomous vehicle 3,500 miles from San Francisco to New York for the New York Auto Show. This was the furthest autonomous drive to date. Although an influx in automotive
technology may be enticing to many, the cons may outweigh the pros. To date, there has never been an “unhackable” computer. This is quite alarming for something we trust our lives with. There are 600,000 pacemakers alone implemented annually that are connected to a network, private security features are less private than ever before and practically every car off the assembly line is vulnerable to cyber hacking. This terrifying statistic exclaimed by Avi Rubin, a technology security specialist and professor at Johns Hopkins University, during his TED Talk is alarming enough for even technology buffs such as myself to shy away at the
idea of unmanned travel. On Wired.com, a writer willingly had two hackers wirelessly hack his Jeep Cherokee’s cellular network. He specifically witnessed the hackers perform the following: “[They] disabled my brakes, honked the horn, jerked the seat belt, and commandeered the steering wheel,” as well as cut the transmission, and did so from ten miles away. This frightening scenario he allowed to occur on a public highway was enough to make myself fear for life, and also be grateful to not have a Jeep Cherokee. All of this comes back to what Avi Rubin had stated while in an interview with NPR’s TED Radio Hour host
Guy Raz, “there has never been a computer that wasn’t hackable. The Idea of the Google’s self-driving car is perfect in theory, and many disabled or elderly could very well could benefit from such a technology. But the cost is enough for me to stand back from the enticing luxury of reading a good novel or finishing that procrastinated project due the following day in order to have the same driving experience that Karl Benz had envisioned in the late 1800’s. Today with the age of terrorism rising in the world of software, I would rather maintain my sanity and money and enjoy the driver experience for the time being.
25 S eptember 2015
17 opinions
Red & Black
Quiet Hours Should Be More Stictly Enforced
Courtesy sundial.csun.edu
Abigail Elias Red&Black Contributor
Are quiet hours enforced strictly enough on campus? Do students really mind if other residents are conducting a symphony in their hall at one in the morning? The question may seem simple, but the answer is the exact opposite. It should come as no surprise that opinions vary from person to person. With factors such as residence halls, sleep schedules, time of the week and other factors contributing, getting a solid answer is near impossible. An anonymous RA in Mellon says that her residents are “great with quiet hour” and that she does not need to be
strict because “all of them just follow the rules on quiet hour by themselves. But if they get a bit rowdy, I will ask them to turn it down a few notches.” Obviously Mellon Hall does not represent the entirety of
lel the rest of the student bodies. A resident who wishes to remain anonymous reveals that the residents of her hall neglect to follow the quiet hours and it does bother her quite a bit. “I feel they can stay
ness on the weekends, she finds it distracting when trying to sleep on weekdays. “My suitemates and I have had several sleepless nights; one night I even tried putting on headphones to drown out the
It is not entirely the RAs fault, but the students cannot be solely to blame either. The rules are strictly stated and it should not be hard to be quiet for a few hours a night. campus, but in her experience, residents are usually respectful and follow quiet hours. She contributes this to the fact that the RAs clearly state the quiet hours at the beginning of the year so if need be, re-enforcing them will not be a difficult task. Unfortunately, her experiences do not paral-
up as late as they would like provided that they don’t bother everyone else,” she says. However, the residence on her hall are not as respectful. “Even on school nights, some people in my floor talk loudly and run the halls past two in the morning.” Though she does not mind such noisi-
noise but it didn’t help much.” Though she expressed her respect and admiration for her RAs, she did admit that they do lack the ability to enforce quiet hours which makes it "hard because some of the quieter people on the floor just want to sleep." It is easy to see how this issue varies from
person to person, but not as easy to declare how big this issue is if so many people have differing opinions. However, just because one hall has no need to constantly re-enforce this rule it does not mean that others should not. With the stress of balancing out school, work, and social lives, sleep is essential and being kept up all night due to noisy residents is annoying. But are the RAs to be at fault or is it the residents? As the RA puts it, “The rules on quiet hour are clearly stated.” So if the rules are clearly stated, why are there still noise complaints? It is not entirely the RAs fault, but the students cannot be solely to blame either. The rules are strictly stated and it should not be hard to be quiet for a few hours a night.
18 Sports
Red & Black
25 S eptember 2015
Women's Basketball Team in Costa Rica
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Lauren Virgin Red&Black Contributor The members of the Washington & Jefferson women’s basketball team spent their summers not only practicing for their 20152016 season, but also making history as the first W&J basketball team to compete internationally. From August 2 to 10, Coach Jina DeRubbo, Assistant Coach Vicky Staton and 11 players traveled to Costa Rica
The team competed in three games and was undefeated while abroad. They played the Costa Rican Club team and the University team. Many Costa Rican players were on both teams, so the W&J women played them multiple times. According to DeRubbo, the competition was subpar compared to the teams W&J usually faces, but the sport is rapidly gaining popularity. Currently, the most popular sport in Costa Rica is soccer.When they were not
playing basketball, the women were busy exploring Costa Rica and traveling to different parts of the country. The group had the opportunity to go zip lining, visit the Baldi Hot Springs, hike through the national forest and even go on a historic tour of San Juan. They also visited Costa Rica’s most famous Catholic Basilica and spent 24 hours in the La Fortuna Volcano Region. They even took a 3-day detour to a beach on the Pacific side of the country.
India March, a sophomore on the team, says that everywhere the group went they were welcomed: “[The Costa Ricans] were eager to teach us about their culture.” The team conducted a basketball clinic for one of the local school systems. The clinic was aimed toward helping underprivileged children. March says that this was especially memorable for her: “I plan on going back to Costa Rica within the next five years. I want to visit the amazing people I
met and even play basketball with the kids at the clinic we volunteered at.” After working for several years to raise enough money for the trip, DeRubbo thinks her team’s hard work has paid off. She says, “For many on our team it was [their] first trip out of the country. [It was] a great cultural experience and one I think they will remember for the rest of their lives.” The team’s first game will take place on Nov. 13, 2015 at Carnegie Mellon University.
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19 sports
Student Athlete Spotlight:Bryce Egger Tyler Phillips Red&Black Contributor
Over the weekend of September 12, the W&J men’s golf team came back from a stressful week when a player pulled ahead of the competition. During that competition, sophomore Bryce Egger tied for tenth place among ninety of the nation’s top Division III golfers at the Flower City Preview in Rochester, New York. On Saturday, the team began the tournament with the first round of eighteen holes at Midvale Country Club in torrential rain. Egger posted five over 77, with a score of even
par on the back nine holes. After that, the tournament proceeded with the second round in the evening, although it was postponed midway due to weather. The back nine of the second round concluded on Sunday, when Egger finished with a score of two over seventyfour and was ecstatic of his improvement compared to the previous round. Highlights of this weekend’s tournaments for him include four birdies and booming drives down the middle of the fairway. Egger’s putting contributed to the majority of his fine playing on both days, giving him his best finish of his
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college career. An Education major with a minor in History, Egger is a native of Beaver Falls, Pa, where he golfed for three years at Blackhawk High School. Egger’s second year on the W&J golf team is going smoothly; the experience that he had in his freshman year helped him reach his achievement at the Flower City Preview. As for his classwork, Egger has just begun an internship at Canon-MacMillan Middle School where he works with an eighth-grade Social Studies class and teaches once a week. Sports are his favorite pastime, and Egger enjoys more than just golf: he is an avid outdoorsman and is currently
the captain of his intramural football team. It is safe to say that Egger has a busy schedule When it comes to balancing all of his schoolwork with the strain of being gone for practice and tournaments, Egger explained how he finds a way to do it all: “Sticking to a strict schedule and managing my time,” he says, are the most important factors to maintaining his performance both on and off the course. Regarding the goals for this season, Egger stated that the team hopes to win its conference again and advance to the Division III National Tournament. As for his personal goals, he remarked “I hope I can
Courtesy gopresidents.com
play my best and contribute to the team’s success as much as I can”. Here is to hoping that Bryce can continue this success through his senior year. Go Presidents!
Scott McGuinness Appointed Director of Athletics Bailey Mudrick Red&Black Staff This past summer Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) announced Scott McGuinness as the college's Director of Athletics. McGuinness spent the last academic year as Interim Co-Director of Athletics. “I started at W&J in June 2001 and served as the Sports Information Director for 13 years. Last year, I worked alongside Mark Lesako as cointerim ADs and now as the Director of Athletics this year. Mark is right next to me as Associate Director of Athletics/ Co-Head Athletic Trainer,” McGuinness stated. A col-
lege’s athletic director is the administrator who oversees all the college's sports. They set athletic policies within the school and see that they are followed as well as working closely with the college’s coaches. “Supervising all aspects our 24 NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and our club and intramural sports is the primary responsibility. I supervise our coaches and staff and make sure we are adhering to NCAA Division III rules and regulations as well as those from our conference affiliations” explained McGuinness. When you are an athletic director you work more with
the coaches rather than the student-athletes. McGuinness explained that when he was the Sports Information Director he enjoyed interacting with the student-athletes. “It has only been a short period, but I've really enjoyed getting to know our studentathletes better. As SID, I was often in the press box or in my office rather than being closer to the actual game or practice so I've definitely enjoyed that part of it. Every conversation that I have with one of our students, I learn something new. We have smart, talented and driven student-athletes at W&J,” said McGuinness. McGuinness and Lesako are credited with helping W&J
secure the bid to host the 2015 NCAA Division III Mideast Baseball Regional at Ross Memorial Park last spring, “I don't take credit for it, because it was a department-wide effort, but Mark and I were really proud of W&J being selected to host the NCAA Division III Baseball Mideast Regional last year at Ross Memorial Park. There is a lot of work that goes into a major event like that. We have hard-working, dedicated people who work in this athletic department and that was on display in May,” McGuinness said. McGuinness oversees many sports on campus, but when he was asked if he could play any sport he said it would
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be football, “My brother is a college basketball coach and I watch a lot of hoops on TV, but if you are giving me the chance to go back in time, I'd like to play football. I never played football and I wish I would've learned the game when I was younger.”
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Janet Swanson Tennis Center Unveiled Julia Nadovich Red&Black Contributor
On Sept. 11, 2015, Washington and Jefferson College revealed the newly completed Janet L. Swanson Tennis Center. The Women’s tennis team christened the courts with an 8-1 win over Bethany to open the 2015 season. Built behind Greek Row on Chestnut Street, these new courts replace the old ones on Lincoln Street near the Henry Memorial Gym. The old courts were built in 1955. This allowed the masterminds behind the design to make many improvements with the location change. The opening ceremony was held at 2pm on the courts on Sept. 11, 2015. Speakers included W&J President Tori Haring-Smith, Ph.D., Director of Athletics Scott McGuinness, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations Michael Grzesiak, and the center’s namesake, Janet L. Swanson. The beautiful new courts are the first completed phase of the athletic complex renovation and expansion project. This is part of a $100 million campaign, An Uncommon Bond: The Campaign for Washington & Jefferson College, which will continue through June 2016. The new Swanson Tennis Center includes six fully lit
courts with a central observation area. The courts also include two bathrooms, an equipment storage building, a gorgeous brick entryway, and spectator seating around all six courts. None of these features were included in the old 1955 tennis courts. The new courts are home to W&J women’s and men’s tennis teams. The Uncommon bond campaign includes three different sections of renovation. The Janet L. Swanson Tennis Center relocation and recreation, an expansion of Henry Memorial Gym including a new pool, and updates to the U. Grant Miller Library. W&J President Tori Haring-Smith states the following in the Uncommon Bond video on the website (www. anuncommonbond.com): “Like so many of our buildings the Library was built in 1965, so we need to expand the amount of space that we’re giving students to work in a technologically driven environment.” The goal is to reach $100 million in donations. As of Sept. 15, the College has currently raised $85,790,243.67. The campaign runs through June 2016 and one section is already complete with the next one ready to go. The women’s tennis team will compete in a double-header against Penn State Behhrend and Penn State Altoona Friday, Sept. 25, 2015 at the Jannet L. Swanson Tennis Court.
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