Red & Black
The Free
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 & 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 F e b ru a ry 1 7 , 2 0 1 7
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER... LIFE “You are a part of a generation that is all about innovation and change; everything you do is important, so why not make it ‘good?’ Good vibes come to you when you put them out.” -P. 9
CULTURE “The fact that Gaga and her backup dancers performed the entire show without bringing a guest on stage is a testament to their physical fitness and endurance.” -P.11
OPINIONS “Although my previous complaints seem rather harsh, I am not the only student experiencing issues, as swipe malfunction is almost an epidemic on campus.” -P.17
SPORTS “Sonnieboy Blanco ‘17 does what Blanco does, constantly pressuring and taking his opponent down, on his way to a big 13-5 major decision victory and his second PAC championship.” -P.18
Wrestling Team Competes in PACs PAGE 18 Courtesy gopresidents.com
wjREDANDBLACK.COM
2 CAMPUS NEWS
17 February 2017
Red & Black
Valencia Intersession Trip 2017 Mario Tiberie Red&Black Contributor
What did students do during Intersession? Perhaps they stayed on campus and took an interesting class. Maybe they stayed home for the winter break and worked to save up some money. However, 16 Presidents had the opportunity of a lifetime by traveling to Spain to learn about the culture, language and the food, of course. The trip to Valencia is one of several travel courses that Washington & Jefferson students may take during the Intersession term. The class counts as a Spanish elective and fulfills one of the two Intersession courses that W&J students are required to take. This year, the group was made up of diverse students from different grade levels, led by the Director of the Spanish Program at W&J, Dr. Amparo Alpañés. The course consisted of classes at the School of Arts of Don Quixote, where students developed their conversation skills and knowledge of the Spanish culture. The group started out in Barcelona, which was much more touristic than Valencia. Halie Tucci ‘19 said, “My favorite part of Barcelona was Parque Guay, which contained numerous
Courtesy Halie Tucci
Above, Valencia students gather for a photo.
works from Antoni Gaudí.” Another highlight of the trip was getting to see La Sagrada Familia, which stunned the entire group with its beauty and architecture. Eventually the group made it to Valencia, where it was much harder to find English speakers. The students did not mind, however. In regards to using the language, Tucci said, “My favorite part of the whole trip was the opportunity to speak with a group of Spanish students who were learning English from us while we were learning Spanish from them.” The group split up and stayed with various host families, which was also a unique part of the trip. For Adam Hrycko ‘20, the cuisine was one
of the most memorable parts of his adventure. “We ate all of the typical foods, paella being the obvious one, but we also ate a ton of cuisine like calamari and codfish,” said Hrycko. The trip lasted for three weeks and although the students were excited to return home, they could not help but feel sad that they were about to leave such an incredible place. “Spain was so much fun, and I really enjoyed living in the culture every single day,” said Hrycko. “Hopefully one day, I can go back.” Students interested in going on the Spain Intersession trip in the future should contact Dr. Alpañés, who is happy to discuss the trip and answer any questions.
=
Courtesy Katy Haller
This is an example of the beautiful architecture all around Valencia.
17 February 2017
Red & Black
3 CAMPUS NEWS
Student Spotlight: Victor Puebla Ioseb Jorjoliani Red&Black Contributor
Courtesy Victor Puebla
An international student from Spain, Puebla is attending W&J College this year.
Victor Puebla is an international exchange student from Spain. He is spending the 2016-17 academic year at Washington & Jefferson College. He has greatly improved his English language skills and hopes to go back to Spain and educate others about his experience at W&J. Puebla comes from the town of Burgos in the north of Spain, and he suggests that everyone visits Burgos as it is one of the oldest European cities. Besides archaeological sites, Burgos is full of other historic buildings and Gothic architecture. Puebla cannot imagine being away from home for a long time; therefore, he traveled back to Burgos during the winter break. Puebla’s academic career is a very diverse one, as he is pursuing
a degree in Engineering back in Spain but taking business classes at W&J. He thinks that the classes here are not as hard as back in Spain. “I do not think the courses I take here are challenging; they are easier than the ones in Spain,” he said. Puebla’s future plans include going back to Spain and working there as an engineer. In his free time, he enjoys playing basketball. Like most Europeans, Puebla appreciates the sports that are less popular in the United States, such as soccer and rugby. He still has a hard time understanding the rules of baseball and American football. Puebla said, “I am not sure how these games work. I tried watching them a couple of times, but
with all due respect, I prefer watching soccer or basketball.” Puebla is fascinated by American social life; he enjoys hanging out in fraternity houses on the weekends and loves to taste free milkshakes at Monti's. He said, "Monticello’s is a nice place. I love to play table tennis there and enjoy the good company of my American as well as foreign friends." Victor visited many distinct places in the US including New York, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh. His favorite city is Washington DC, as he thinks there is a mixture of both busy and relaxing lifestyles. Although Puebla is anxious to return home to Spain, he is going to miss the friends he has made at W&J.
Senior Spotlight: Tyler McCullough Mario Tiberie Red&Black Staff
Although it has been a long four years at W&J, it almost seems surreal for Tyler Matthew McCullough ‘20. McCullough a resident of Belle Vernon, Pa., and is majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in History. “I was drawn to W&J by the atmosphere and great reputation of the science programs,” said McCullough. Since deciding to come to W&J, McCullough has found success in his academic programs and been inducted into numerous honor societies. In addition to his rigorous academic schedule, McCullough has been involved in various activities. He was a
member of the varsity football team for two years, worked with the local Rotary Club, was a Matthew Brown Fellow, a Luce-LIASE China-America Research Fellow and completed a Merck Internship at the University of Central Florida. One of McCullough’s greatest achievements during his four years of college was becoming President of the Alpha Pi Chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) Fraternity. In regards to his position, McCullough said, “A lot of people might find the work that comes with being the President of the Chapter boring or overbearing, but I found it to be both challenging and rewarding.” He added, “Joining Alpha Tau Omega has been one of the best deci-
sions of my life because I have made friends and formed connections that will last a lifetime, and gained valuable leadership experience along the way.” Under McCullough’s leadership, ATO received recognition for excellence from the National Fraternity and raised over $10,000 for a local charity. McCullough also received a national undergraduate scholarship on behalf of ATO. He is currently interviewing for graduate programs at multiple universities, where he hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Research. Until then, McCullough plans on enjoying his final spring semester at W&J by completing his final classes, preparing for post-graduate life and spending time with friends on cam-
Courtesy Tyler McCullough
Pictured above, Tyler McCullough ‘17.
pus. When asked about advice that he would give to freshmen and underclassmen, McCullough offered this: “Keep your eyes open for all kinds of opportunities, because they often come from the most unlikely of places.” The Red&Black staff wishes McCullough the best of luck as he embarks on his future endeavors.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
17 february 2017
Red & Black
Press Release: PA Student Power Welcomes Student Activists Students from across Pennsylvania involved in social justice, environmental and higher education activism will be gathering for an alternative spring break outside Harrisburg from March 10-14. Registration for the Pennsylvania Student Power Spring Break has been
extended until Sunday, March 5 and is open to college-aged youth who are seeking to develop skills in campus and community organizing. The event will take place at Camp Small Valley in Halifax, Pa. and is co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Student Power Network and Energy Jus-
tice Network. Nick Dulepski, a student leader from Widener University, said, "In times like these, it's more important than ever to learn how to engage your community, so I'm excited to attend and bring what I learn back to my campus." Allison Petryk, Outreach Coordinator for Energy Justice Net-
Courtesy eventbrite.com
PA Student Power Spring Break will be held in Camp Small Valley in Halifax, Pa. this March.
work, said, "It's up to our generation to move forward on issues like climate change, racial justice and social justice. On top of that, accessible education is becoming even less of a priority in politics today, so it's time for students to stand up and be heard." James Cersonsky, Director of Pennsylvania Student Power Network, said, "Young people have always been on the front lines of change. This event will be a major moment for student activists to come together and build a movement in Pennsylvania and beyond." The agenda straddles the weekend to accommodate students who have spring breaks both the week before and after, with core programming taking place on Saturday and Sunday. Skill-based workshops will be titled, "Corporate Research & Divestment," "Working with Traditional Media," "Union Organizing," "Leadership & Facilitation," "Mapping a Strategy,", "Storytelling & Visioning" and more. Issue panel presentations will include "Equality, Gender and Sexual Identity," "Racial & Immigrant Justice," "Justice in Higher Education" and "Environmental Justice". Registration is open until March 5 and a full list of workshops is available at this link: bit.ly/paspringbreak. The price is $30 for the weekend and $45 for the full week, which includes lodging and food. Travel scholarships and ride shares are available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. If you have any further questions, contact James Cersonsky (267-6079118/james@onepa.org) or Allison Petryk (973-271-8535/allison@energyjustice.net).
17 february 2017
Red & Black
5 CAMPUS NEWS
W&J Speaks Out What’s your favorite thing to do on campus?
“I like to practice the violin in Olin and play football.” -Marlon Brown ‘18
Courtesy Marlon Brown
“I enjoy going to sporting events with my teammates and my friends. It makes me feel proud to be a student at W&J!” - Danielle Kochka ‘18
Red & Black Established 1909
Courtesy Danielle Kochka
“I like to hang out with my friends.” -Ryan Snedeker ‘17
Courtesy Ryan Snedeker
Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser
Emily Sterk Katherine Campbell Leah Segal Tiffany Dittrich Shannon Adams Kayla Marasia Christopher Frydryck Karli-Ann Sanders Abigail Pipcho Lauren Virgin siddhanta bista Samara Wendel John Santa
life
6 LIFE
Red & Black
17 February 2017
Pessimists Unite Through Online Dating App Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
Since so many millennials are trying to find their significant other, there are multiple different types of dating apps and websites geared towards finding that special one. Most of these dating websites ask for basic information and interests. The websites also ask for age and a basic profile picture. The number of websites that follow this format amount to hundreds of different sites. There are dating websites that match individuals of the same ethnicity or religion. A new app that is changing the game that was recently released was called Hater. This dating application has some of the same features as other apps, but instead of listing things that a person is interested in, it shows things that a person hates the most. Pessimists are united with other pessimists through this app. People will list specific things that they hate the most, whether it is a particular person or a recent online trend. People have taken a liking to this app because it is shown that some people find it much easier to talk about the things they hate the most rather than the things they enjoy. Pete Cashmore of the Guardian said, “The many, many
Courtesy Men’s Health
Do you passionately hate something? Maybe an ice cream flavor or a political figure? Match with others who hate things just as much as you do! Love is in the air.
things I hate define me way better than the few things from which I still glean any pleasure; if only there was a dating app based around the principle of matching me with people who cannot stomach the same stuff as me.” Cashmore is an avid Hater and enjoys what the app has to offer. Even though it has more of a negative connotation to it, many people are starting
to use the app because it allows people to skip the “honeymoon” phase of their relationship by saying what annoys them the most. Maybe individuals are finding new ways to form relationships this way. This app could be a groundbreaking trend as its popularity increases. People have become avid Haters and some have been lucky to find a
significant other that hates the same things as them. Cashmore also said, “But in the fullness of time, Hater could, ironically, evolve into an alternative dating app to cherish.” This could be the new direction the online dating world could take in the near future. What do you hate so much it could bring people together?
17 February 2017
7 Life
Red & Black
New Vegan Ice Cream
Life Advice Life advice given to you from the mouths of the Red & Black Editorial Staff.
How do you stay organized?
Courtesy Inhabitat
Lactose intolerant? No problem! Ben & Jerry’s now has four flavors just for you!
Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
According to an article by the Huffington Post, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company recently released two new vegan ice cream flavors. These flavors are called Cherry Garcia and Coconut Seven Layer Bar. An Instagram user spotted the new flavors and immediately shared the big news. This new trend of selling vegan flavored ice cream started with a petition signed by over twenty-five thousand people who wanted the company to start making ice cream with vegan flavors. The new flavors Ben & Jerry’s released uses almond milk and coconut oil to replace other non-vegan ingredients. After the flavors were released, the Huffington Post requested the company to release a statement regarding the news. Sean Greenwood emailed the statement, which said, “We’re not ready to dish on the details just yet, but you never know what we might have in store!” The release of new ice cream flavors has excited many vegan and even non-vegan customers of Ben & Jerry’s.
Despite having released six new vegan flavors of ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s also released new non-vegan flavors. This new shift in the company’s products is just the beginning. Along with the new ice cream flavors, they have released a new way of serving ice cream for their specific brand. They have released what are called “Pint Slices,” which are similar to Klondike bars, with ‘slices’ of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream covered in chocolate. Even though Ben & Jerry’s has been lacking in the flavor department recently, they have made up for it by appealing to a new trend of the current times. By having vegan flavors to their mix, this allows an even larger audience to enjoy what flavors they have to offer. Also, by offering a new form of ice cream product, they are in the same field as their competitors. One way the Ben & Jerry’s is spreading the news about their new flavors is through their followers on Instagram. People who are closely following the company’s actions spot the new releases and post them on their respective social media accounts. This is one way to for people to become aware of the newest ice cream flavors.
“I fill out my planner for the entire semester when I get all of my syllabi.” -Katie Campbell, Managing Editor
“I use a journal called a bullet journal to keep track of what I need to do every day.” -Shannon Adams, Life Editor
8 LIFE
Red & Black
17 February 2017
Steve Bannon Predicts the Apocalypse Catherine McAdoo Red & Black Contributor
Does Steve Bannon believe that the apocalypse is coming? There is a theory that the history of America can be told through a series of Turnings, each around 80 to 100 years apart. First would be a “Crisis,” or the Revolutionary War, Civil War, Great Depression or World War II and the housing and economic collapse of 2008. Next would come the “Awakening,” or a time of prosperity as the country recovered and a generation was raised by parents seeking to shelter them from the hard times they themselves grew up in. Then would come the “Unraveling,” where those who were raised with sheltered lives failed to see the worst as a real possibility and began acting irresponsibly. Finally, in the “Crisis,” or “Fourth Turning,” a generation several times removed, and just as thoroughly sheltered, would see a great disaster that would bring reality back home in the worst of ways. Each time the cycle begins anew. Steve Bannon seems to believe this theory, or at least used to. After the collapse of 2008, Bannon began working with the group Citizens United to create a documentary, Generation Zero, linking this collapse to the next “Fourth Turning” of American history. One historian interviewed for the documentary said that Bannon had been particularly interested in the wars associated with the previous Fourth Turnings. Each Turning caused more
Courtesy Economic Collapse
Above, an artistic representation of the Apocalypse.
destruction than the last, so the theory predicts that this one likely would be destructive as well. This Turning could perhaps be worse than WWII. “He really made an effort, I remember, to get me to say that on the air,” the historian said. Bannon’s documentary was released to the public. This meant that it had to appeal to the public, and the former chair of Breitbart News knows very well that people tend to respond well to hyperbole. One more famous article released under his watch asked “Would You Rather Your Child Had Feminism or
Cancer?” Exaggerated, yes. But it successfully drew interest in the various issues Bannon associates with modern day feminism. So, did Bannon actually believe that a WWIII was inevitable, or was this another case of exaggeration to draw public attention to his beliefs? Only Bannon knows for sure, though it is worth noting that he focused talks surrounding the documentary on the housing bubble and its causes, rather than any potential future bloodshed. More recently, Bannon has repeatedly referenced modern politics as a
war of two sides. When asked about running a conservative site with opinions very different from the mainstream media, he said, “Every day, we put up: America’s at war . . . We’re at war.” Another exaggeration? His opinion? It is hard to say. Some might point out that wars involve two sides with weapons killing each other and marking lines of territory, both of which we lack. Some, such as the anti-fascism (antifa) and anarchist protesters becoming increasingly violent in their attempt to silence opponents, might agree.
17 February 2017
Red & Black
9 Life
Rich Doomsday Preppers Go Underground Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
Some individuals believe that the world will end in some apocalyptic disaster. Amongst these people are two types: the ones who plan to accept their fate of the inevitable and the ones who plan to fight and survive the apocalypse. Between those who plan to survive the apocalypse, there are two more groups: the rich and the poor. The poor unfortunately do not have many options; the rich, however, have a plethora of resources available to them. The rich are known as the “Rich Doomsday Preppers.” These individuals take the end of the world seriously, and they have all the necessary
equipment for any natural disaster that could lead to the end of the world. The doomsday preppers have money, food, clothing, machinery and even underground bunkers to survive any disaster. Steve Huffman, co-founder and C.E.O. of Reddit, even had laser eye surgery in order to be prepared for any disaster. Other wealthy individuals collect gold coins and even build rooms underground with their own air circulation systems. There are also secret Facebook groups that trade valuable tips and information about surviving the apocalypse. There was even one individual who is said to have a helicopter on standby with a full tank of gas if needed. The rich survivalists spend mass amounts of money in preparation for the end of the world. Advanced tech-
nology has been a major factor in the idea of survivalist groups. Evan Osnos said, “In recent years, survivalism has been edging deeper into mainstream culture.” Because of recent political upheaval with the United States presidency, survivalists are becoming even more urgent in their preparation for the world’s end. Recently, Osnos visited some of the condos that people had built to live in during an apocalypse. Osnos said, “Some levels are dedicated to private apartments and others offer shared amenities: a seventy-fivefoot-long pool, a rock-climbing wall, an Astro-Turf ‘pet park,’ a classroom with a line of Mac desktops, a gym, a movie theater and a library. It felt compact, but not claustrophobic. We visited an armory packed with guns and ammo in case of an attack by
Courtesy Politics and Preppers
Pictured above, a CGI of what a doomsday bunker would look like.
non-members and then a bare-walled room with a toilet.” This is just one version of a condo that is used as a precautionary measure. When it comes to the rich and powerful, there are very few resources unavailable to them.
Good Vibes: You Get What You Put Out Genea Richardson Red & Black Contributor
How many times have you stubbed your toe getting out of bed, or spilled your latte in the morning and had your whole day go downhill from there? Once the bad vibes start, they just keep rolling until you cannot take it anymore. The only way to overcome a bad day is to “beat it with good vibes.” The day can be full of bad vibes, but you will not notice a single good vibe that the day can offer until you show the world what you have to offer.
Stubbed your toe? I bet you’re awake now for that 8 a.m.! Spilled your latte? That is a great excuse to text a friend and meet for coffee later. Whining about all the effort you are putting into a school that is just causing you stress and debt is pointless. It is time to stop. As a student, times can and will definitely get rough, but you can handle it. You are a part of a generation that is all about innovation and change; everything you do is important, so why not make it ‘good?’ Good vibes come to you when you put them out. Choose one day out of your chaotic class and extracurricular schedule to
relax and hangout in your dorm lobby or use your student discount at one of the nearby places that support W&J. Take that relax time to recharge so you can come back to the world with good vibes to share, even if your new year has started off rocky. There are good vibes out there waiting for you; you just have to give them the speaker so everybody else can hear them. So,
Courtesy thebestvibes.com
let us try to put as many good vibes in the air as possible. Grab your friends and families and remind them of how thankful you are to have them. Remember, look at every day as a fresh start and realize the impact and importance of your vibrations. As the saying goes, “What you put out into the world is what you get back.”
10 Culture
Red & Black
17 February 2017
culture
Sarris Candies Satisfies the Sweet Tooth Samara Wendel Red & Black Staff
The restaurants around Washington, Pa. are all unique in their own ways. One restaurant that is especially unique is Sarris Candies. Sarris is a small ice cream and chocolate parlor located in Canonsburg, Pa., and it is about twenty minutes from Washington & Jefferson College’s campus. This restaurant has three distinct sections. The first side is where customers can order ice cream. The portion sizes here are much bigger than the average ice cream parlor. The smallest size serves just as much as an extra-large portion at another chain such as McDonald’s. People also have the option of mixing flavors and picking specialty combinations such as S’mores and Banana Split. Customers also have the option to choose from their wide variety of toppings that range from sprinkles to fresh hot fudge or caramel. People can also create their own ice cream sundae. Additionally, there is a seating area for people to enjoy the ice cream with their friends or family. Sowmya Srinivasan ‘20 said, “Going
Courtesy sarriscandies.com
Sarris Candies, shown above, is the perfect place to go with friends to satisfy a sweet tooth. While Sarris is well-known for its gourmet chocolate, the shop also produces a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings.
to Sarris with my friends and having amazing ice cream was a great way to spend my weekend!” The ice cream only encompasses a fraction of what Sarris Candies has to offer. The next part in the restaurant is the chocolate assortment section. This is where many different varieties of chocolate can be found. The best part is that they make all the chocolate themselves. The chocolate is handcrafted and sold daily. There is even a castle made
entirely of chocolate in this section of the store. Tori Metz ‘20 said, “I really like the large ice cream selection and the variety of chocolate choices.” The section of the store where the chocolate selection is located is the perfect location to take children because of all the candy available. The last section of the restaurant is a gift shop. The little shop has items anywhere from gift-wrapped packages of assorted candies to life-size stuffed
animals. Throughout the year, they change their theme to reflect the season. During the fall, Sarris has autumn colors and life-sized chocolate turkeys. During the winter, they has Christmas ornaments and wrapped boxes of assorted candies to give to family or loved ones. This restaurant definitely has some family-friendly qualities and it is a great place to spend with loved ones any time of the year.
17 February 2017
Culture 11
Red & Black
Lady Gaga Performs at Super Bowl LI Ricky Delprato Red & Black Contributor
Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl performance is definitely one to be remembered, as it was quite the spectacle. The pop superstar opened the halftime show with the classic American tune “This Land is Your Land.” She then said, “One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” which is the famous ending line from the pledge of allegiance. According to Mark Quenzel, NFL Se-
nior VP of Programming, the NFL did not make any attempt to censor what Gaga wanted to do during the half time show. They simply told her that she could do as she pleased because it was a show for her fans. Gaga previously said, “I don’t know if I will succeed in unifying America. You’ll have to ask America when it’s over.” Her very patriotic introduction gave a sense of unity, specifically through her diction and the selection of the American folksong “This Land is Your Land.” It appeared that Gaga was telling her audience the United States should once again return to its roots, where it
can be the “melting pot” of culture that it was before. Some felt that Gaga’s message was uncalled for, but an overwhelming majority found her performance to be the positive political message that the country needs. Gaga then shocked the crowd when she leapt from the top of the arena and zipped down onto the stage while doing acrobatics on metal wire. She then moved into her older repertoire of music including “Poker Face,” “Born This Way,” “Telephone” and “Just Dance.” Afterwards, Gaga changed the atmosphere of the arena by singing “Million Reasons” from her new album “Joanne.” After slowing down a
Courtesy nfl.com
Lady Gaga and her backup dancers, shown above, performed an incredible show with a positive political message. Gaga hoped to unify America by singing classic American songs before performing her own hits.
bit, Gaga underwent a quick costume change and quickly returned back to the stage to perform one of her biggest hits, “Bad Romance.” She pulled bits and pieces of the original choreography and included them in different sections of the song with her backup dancers. The musicality of her Superbowl performance was extremely superb, as her voice was very smooth, which made the performance enjoyable for everyone. The fact that Gaga and her backup dancers performed the entire show without bringing a guest on stage is a testament to their physical fitness and endurance. The show’s multiple costume changes and intensive choreography was likely strenuous for the performers, but Gaga’s powerful vocals did not suffer. Lady Gaga concluded the performance by dropping the mike and jumping off of a platform while catching a bedazzled football. The performance itself was not over the top, which was refreshing to see with Gaga. Most of her performances are very theatrical to the point where one may get confused with costumes and extra dialogue. Gaga’s performance made an impact on pop culture even for people who did not watch the Super Bowl. “I didn’t even watch the performance, but I witnessed the effects of the show on social media,” said Tiffany Dittrich ‘17. “There are so many funny memes that were made from her performance.” Lady Gaga’s Superbowl performance will definitely go down in history as one of the greatest performances by a pop star.
12 Culture
Red & Black
17 February 2017
Film Review: ‘Lion’ Tells the Story of Family Amiti Sharma Red & Black Contributor
On Nov. 25, The Weinstein Company released the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed film “Lion.” This film tells the true story of Saroo Brierley and his quest to find his home
after being lost for over twenty-five years. After getting separated from his older brother in Khandwa, India by unintentionally boarding a train hurdling thousands of miles away from his home towards Kolkata, five year old Saroo must survive on his own in new territory where he is unfamiliar with the language. He encounters several life-threatening situations until he
Courtesy The Indian Express
Dev Patel, shown above, plays the adult Saroo Brierly in the touching film, “Lion.”
is ultimately adopted by an Australian family. After several years pass, Saroo remembers intense memories of his old family, and with the help of a recently developed invention, Google Earth, Saroo begins his search for home. “Lion” is truly a powerhouse of a film and is not for the lighthearted as its dark depictions of the forgotten territories of India and the struggling urban families and children is endlessly moving. The New York Times writer A.O. Scott said, “If you have ever been a child, raised a child or known a child, this movie will wreck you.” The film’s representation of the importance of family, which is increasingly forgotten and neglected, is likely another contributing factor to the purity and brilliance of the movie. Actress Nicole Kidman, who plays the role of Sue Brierley the adoptive mother of Saroo, said, “It’s about the
simplicity of love…I wanted to capture, I suppose, the goodness in a way.” While the film encompasses realistic themes that many cannot even begin to fathom, the film has received significant attention and several achievements as it is a near-perfect cinematic piece of art. “Lion” is nominated for six Academy Awards this year, including Best Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actor. Dev Patel, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, gives a deeply authentic and talented portrayal of the older version of Saroo in the film. Kidman and Patel have also started the #Lionheart fund that strives to aid over 80,000 children that go missing in India every year, including street children that are at risk for abduction and exploitation. The eighty-ninth annual Academy Awards are on Feb. 26, and “Lion” could be receiving recognition for excellence in film.
Drake Soon to Release New Album ‘More Life’ Nour Al Shishani Red & Black Contributor
As we drown in the sense of musical entertainment, we also drown in the desire to listen to more music. The unquenchable desire of listening to the beats of Drake put his fans on the edge as they all wait eagerly to hear his new album, “More Life.” Although the album has not been released yet,
sources claim that the album will have a cover picture of Drake’s father. The album will include his new third-highest ranking hit, “Fake Love.” Despite the rumors that spread in 2016, Drake clearly denied the fake release date that was supposed to be in December 2016. He released three songs as a celebration for his birthday, Oct. 24 2016, to steal his fans’ attention: “Two Birds, One Stone,” “Sneakin’’’ feat. 21 Savage and “Fake Love.” His smooth, deep sound that introduces a new flavor to music in its whole makes listeners more thrilled
for him to drop his album/playlist. He rhymes and uses rhythms in his words with the soft and gradually accelerating beats. He uses repetition which might make some people lean to other types of music, yet he inspires many others. Not only does he encourage deep themes and ideologies in his songs, but he also writes relatable phrases. One of his songs says, “I’ve been down so long it look like up to me. They look up to me. I got fake people showing’ fake love to me. Straight up to my face.” He explains how hypocrisy feels, especially with one’s closest
friends acting differently. Similarly, his other songs possess a different taste to their lessons and reflections. Some opinions about Drake’s recent success were posted recently on Complex. For instance, Stephen Kearse said, “To put it differently, if Beyoncé is innovation and Adele is tradition, then Drake is efficiency.” He predicts Drake’s potential success for this year’s Grammy Prize. Drake has been an incredibly influential artist in recent pop culture, and his newest work will likely be no different.
17 February 2017
Red & Black
Poetry Corner Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff
“Rocks” Graveyards of sailors Seduced by beautiful cries Silver waterfalls of hair Sleek Rising above the surface Jumping Skipping along with the waves Crashing sighs against the shore
“Coffin” Cough- sickness, Suffocation; The body, LifeCaves in on itself. Trapped. Buried, Underground.
Culture 13
Watsky’s‘HowtoRuinEverything’ Holly Sauer Red&Black Contributor
A charming, hilarious, but also incredibly thought-provoking read, George Watsky’s work proves that essays are not just for English classes. In the essay collection “How to Ruin Everything,” the poet, rapper and now author collected his most hilarious stories from his life in a way that does not seem forced or boring. Watsky’s light and conversational writing style made readers feel like they know him, and that makes the book even easier to read. In the first essay, Watsky relates his disaster-filled trip to Canada with the goal of smuggling an illegal narwhal tusk for his friend’s eccentric aunt. Nothing goes right. From getting a flat tire to being thoroughly searched by Canadian border police, to finally getting arrested for a rogue glass pipe in Wisconsin, this story will have readers laughing at these two men’s many misfortunes on this doomed trip. The second essay describes his dominance at a middle school rap battle. However, the story begins with his experience at a language immersion Spanish elementary school, where he was known as Jorge. Once he got to middle school, he found inspiration in rap music, and this helped influence him to be the successful musician he is today. His stories from middle and elementary school are hilarious, and somehow Watsky talks about his terrible experience with headgear braces, insecurity and bad hair days in a way that is captivating and charming. When Watsky describes his neck gear braces, he describes uniquely; he said, “a medieval steel rack that curves
around the outside of a nerd’s overbite and lock into bands around the back molars, ratcheted by a strap that soaks up neck sweat until the padding smells like spoiled cheese.” However, not all of these essays are purely entertaining. One of the most poignant stories was of Watsky’s love of baseball. It was interesting to see how much baseball helped to shape him as a person. Watsky’s candid essay about his struggle with epilepsy mixed with stories from his ancestors was another touching story. He closes the essay and said, “I catch my reflection in the water, pieces of me plagiarized from the past-Dad’s nose, Mom’s chin, her dad’s hair, his sister’s brain-and look up to admire the scenery, while I can.” This book of essays is a great light read. However, it had a few more serious aspects that made the book even more enjoyable.
Courtesy goodreads.com
George Watsky’s ‘How to Ruin Everything,’ shown above, is a collection of humorous essays.
17 February 2017
Red & Black
Poetry Corner Diana Ciarallo Red & Black Staff
“Rocks” Graveyards of sailors Seduced by beautiful cries Silver waterfalls of hair Sleek Rising above the surface Jumping Skipping along with the waves Crashing sighs against the shore
“Coffin” Cough- sickness, Suffocation; The body, LifeCaves in on itself. Trapped. Buried, Underground.
Culture 13
Watsky’s‘HowtoRuinEverything’ Holly Sauer Red&Black Contributor
A charming, hilarious, but also incredibly thought-provoking read, George Watsky’s work proves that essays are not just for English classes. In the essay collection “How to Ruin Everything,” the poet, rapper and now author collected his most hilarious stories from his life in a way that does not seem forced or boring. Watsky’s light and conversational writing style made readers feel like they know him, and that makes the book even easier to read. In the first essay, Watsky relates his disaster-filled trip to Canada with the goal of smuggling an illegal narwhal tusk for his friend’s eccentric aunt. Nothing goes right. From getting a flat tire to being thoroughly searched by Canadian border police, to finally getting arrested for a rogue glass pipe in Wisconsin, this story will have readers laughing at these two men’s many misfortunes on this doomed trip. The second essay describes his dominance at a middle school rap battle. However, the story begins with his experience at a language immersion Spanish elementary school, where he was known as Jorge. Once he got to middle school, he found inspiration in rap music, and this helped influence him to be the successful musician he is today. His stories from middle and elementary school are hilarious, and somehow Watsky talks about his terrible experience with headgear braces, insecurity and bad hair days in a way that is captivating and charming. When Watsky describes his neck gear braces, he describes uniquely; he said, “a medieval steel rack that curves
around the outside of a nerd’s overbite and lock into bands around the back molars, ratcheted by a strap that soaks up neck sweat until the padding smells like spoiled cheese.” However, not all of these essays are purely entertaining. One of the most poignant stories was of Watsky’s love of baseball. It was interesting to see how much baseball helped to shape him as a person. Watsky’s candid essay about his struggle with epilepsy mixed with stories from his ancestors was another touching story. He closes the essay and said, “I catch my reflection in the water, pieces of me plagiarized from the past-Dad’s nose, Mom’s chin, her dad’s hair, his sister’s brain-and look up to admire the scenery, while I can.” This book of essays is a great light read. However, it had a few more serious aspects that made the book even more enjoyable.
Courtesy goodreads.com
George Watsky’s ‘How to Ruin Everything,’ shown above, is a collection of humorous essays.
14 Opinions
17 February 2017
Red & Black
opinions SGA Reveals 2017 Spring Concert Performer Nour Al Shishani Red & Black Contributor
On a daily basis, I witness students with their headphones plugged in or their the sounds of their speakers traveling into the neighboring rooms. Music is particularly popularity on this campus, and it causes many to hold their breaths when they hear the tune of their favorite song. A highly respected artist is coming to Washington & Jefferson College’s
campus soon. “Lonely, I’m Mr. Lonely, I have no body, on my own,” reads the famous song by Akon. After humming this song, it is not hard to pick up on the similarities between Akon and T-Pain. Akon took T-Pain under his wing early in his career, and T-Pain became active from the 2000s until the 2010s. The rapper and R&B Pop/Rock Rap artist, T-Pain was born on June 30, 1985 in Tallahassee, Fl. Although known for his stage name, “T-Pain,” he was born as Faheem Najm. T-Pain’s music has a wide range of rhythm and tempo. Some of his music is more relaxed, while other songs like “Low” are upbeat. The song “Low,” performed by both Flo Rida and T-Pain, gained large admiration and appreciation from audiences worldwide. While the majority of the student body is excited for T-Pain’s performance this spring, some students are not as thrilled with the selected per-
former. Because of the variety of different musical genres, not every student can be pleased. It is important to keep in mind that more popular musicians are very expensive to book. Likewise, some might fail to realize that professional artists have a packed schedule of concerts and tours. While T-Pain has had some setbacks in his career, he is still a great performer in my opinion. As Evan Rytlewski wrote about T-Pain’s fourth album on A.V. Club, he said, “T-Pain’s fourth album, reVOLVEr. Four of the record’s advance singles were left off the final track-list after they withered on the charts, a humiliating failure rate for a star who dominated the airwaves just a few years ago.” All artists have badly performed at least once in their career, if not significantly more. Open mindedness is crucial when it comes to listening to music, and the presence of an accept-
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.
Open mindedness is crucial when it comes to listening to music, and the presence of an accepting ear is what brings individuals to different social settings that may not resemble their comfort zone. am excited to see T-Pain perform this spring semester when he comes to W&J’s campus. The spring concert will take place on May 6, 2017.
C ontac t
E ditorial P olicy The Red & Black is the official, registered student-produced newspaper of Washington & Jefferson College. It is published Fridays 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
ing ear is what brings individuals to different social settings that may not resemble their comfort zone. In all, I
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.
Telephone: FAX: E-mail: Mailing Address:
(724) 223-6049 (724) 503-1049 redandblackstaff@jay. washjeff.edu Red & Black 60 S. Lincoln St. Washington, PA 15301
17 February 2017
Red & Black
15 Opinions
The Personal is Political: Politics in our Daily Lives Nathan Repine Red & Black Staff
The question: “Is there too much politics being shown in our everyday lives?” Between TV commercials to family members debating political issues, it may seem like politics surrounds every aspect of our daily lives. To start answering this, I first inquire as to the importance of this topic and its effect on the general population. Decisions made in our federal government do not affect everyone when looking at each individual decision, but as an entity in it of itself, it affects the entire population. If something affects an entire grouping of individuals, it is important to be informed about it. In the case of politics, yes, it is on mainstream media and present in lives more than it seemed to be in the past, but only because recent political moves are affecting citizens more than ever. Politics is something that has existed since the first functioning government in history. It is something that many citizens have a passion for
and want to learn about continuously, while others are barely able to stomach it. To put it shortly, politics is something citizens should be aware of and informed of on a regular basis. Politics can be the ultimate factor that limits citizens’ rights. My answer to this question would be that the United States has just enough political coverage; there is not too much political exposure in daily lives. People need to be aware of what is going on, read from truthful and factual sources and educate themselves about the issues that pertain to and affect themselves. My opinion is simply a call for people to be aware of what is going on and to try to be more in-tune to what the federal government is doing and planning. I talked with a few individuals to see what their take was on this question. I spoke with a freshman who said, “It’s all over my Facebook. Sometimes I’ll read it, sometimes I won’t. For the most part, it’s annoying, and I have more important things to do.” Likewise, I talked with another student who said, “It’s good to get information online, but I think it’s too much when I see it on my social media.” While it seems students do not appreciate seeing politics in their everyday lives, I believe it is important to see what is going on in the world and the government. Educating oneself on issues that affect oneself and masses of people is important. It is also important to take a personal and private stance on those issues to become an informed voter.
Courtesy Wired.com
Political and patriotic pride is an important characteristic of American culture, and we should openly demonstrate this pride.
16 opinions
Red & Black
17 February 2017
The Bell’s Reasoning
Courtesy Buffalo.edu
A common bell tower setup that was popularized by churches and missions to let the public know when the service begins.
Nour Al Shishani Red&Black Contributor
Vera Nazarian in “The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration” said, “The great miraculous bell of translucent ice is suspended in mid-air. It rings to announce endings and beginnings. And it rings because there is fresh promise and wonder in the skies. Its clear tones resound in the placid silence of the
winter day, and echo long into the silver-blue serenity of night.” Noticing the echo of a bittersweet vibrating bell is inevitable. Regardless of the attempts to fade away the sound of it, the loud and sudden diffusion of sound waves steals the attention of all residents surrounding Washington & Jefferson’s campus. As soon as people hear the bells chime, they hear the closest association in their minds. They might hear religion, body or mind. The religious aspect of the bells can be difficult to dismiss. Whether an individual exposed to the bells is religious or not, it is a common feature of the Christian church to ring its bells on Sundays. Although some might not commit to the ideol-
ogy, they are still aware of its religious significance. So, once the bells ring, some philosophical minds activate in curiosity and exploration. On the other hand, some might reflect on their past experiences, and some might move on to another association. According to multiple studies such as those of Pavlov and other psychologists, bells or sounds can be biologically associated with other events and hence can become a trigger to a certain body reaction to the other event through hearing the bell. Bells’ influences on emotions through memory is underestimated. Although the majority of the people might dislike or admire the bell’s beautifully weaved threads of sound, the reason might be unexpected and unrelated to the general since each in-
dividual might associate the bells with other events, therefore possessing a different bodily reaction as well. “I hate the sound; it’s too shocking,” an anonymous critic said, while another said, “It reminds me to check the time, so I organize my schedule better.” Personally, I admire the engineering of the bells and enjoy their music frequently. Their sound waves travel every once in a while mixed with sprinkles of snowflakes along with the wind. The elegant curves of the bells provide a larger force when it comes to the bells self-collisions. The spacious areas underneath the bells magnify their volume. There must exist some haters of loud noise, yet the alarming sound of the bells might surprisingly energize others.
17 Opinions
Red & Black
17 February 2017
Our Fragile W&J ID Cards
Courtesy Noun Project
W&J students share a similar issue among broken or malfunctioning swipes across campus.
Leah Segal Red&Black Staff
The stroll down to the business office is one I have had to make more times that I would like to admit. More often than not, it is not to speak to the registrar or pay a bill, but to replace my student ID. It seems as if every few months the magnetic strip on the back of my card goes bad, and the plot from a low-bud-
get horror movie ensues. First, my swipe refuses to activate upon purchasing a meal, causing the line to be held up as the six digit passcode is typed into the computer. Then, ever so slowly, my card takes longer and longer to grant me access into my building until the fateful day when I am completely stranded outside (once even in the rain). While I understand these cards are easily replaceable, the act of marching into the office where I must ask, again, for a card gets old. It is blatantly evident that Washington & Jefferson College’s student IDs are poorly constructed and cause undue waste on behalf of the college. Although my previous complaints seem
rather harsh, I am not the only student experiencing issues as swipe malfunction is almost an epidemic on campus. In the nearly two years that I have been a student here, I have gone through three cards. Similarly, many of my friends’ cards have suffered the same fate, either having the magnetic strip become faulty, cards bending or snapping altogether. Christopher Frydryck ‘18 knows the situation all too well as his card broke in two, and when “duct-taping it did not work, [he] had to use clear packaging tape.” Other than the ordeal of having to repeatedly bother the employees in the business office, the cards also serve as a reminder of the waste present on cam-
pus. For every card thrown out, that is money directly going towards spending, rather than putting that money towards more important causes. While some may argue that it is a small cost to pay and it is better to have cheap, easily replaceable cards, it would be much more convenient for the students to have a swipe that will last longer than a year or two at most. Overall, I am aware that my card has an expiration date that seems to loom overhead after about five months of use. Nevertheless, my low expectations should not be an excuse for poor quality and I look forward to the day that W&J recognizes this problem and looks into a more durable option.
18 Sports
sports Red & Black
17 February 2017
W&J Wrestling Team Competes in PACs
Courtesy Catherine McAdoo
Above, a W&J wrestler competes in the PAC Championship.
Catherine McAdoo Red&Black Contributor
The Henry Memorial Gym at Washington & Jefferson College was the battleground for 58 wrestlers this past Sat., Feb. 11. The four schools that make up the wrestling branch of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) came together to crown their champions. This season brought a new contender into the league, as Thomas Moore began its first wrestling campaign in school history. After two hours of preliminary bouts, the championship
rounds were set. Ten wrestlers from W&J were set to compete. For third place: Michael Smith competed in the 133 weight class, Michael Heinl and Vincent Palm faced one another in the 141, Josh Armstrong in the 149 and Kyle Beard in the 184. Smith fell in this match to secure fourth place. Heinl forfeited his match against Palm, so Palm earned third place and Heinl received fourth place. Armstrong lost by decision to earn fourth place in his class, and Kyle Beard fell in this round to also gain fourth. For first place: Dan Pommerer was set to compete for the 149 crown, Hunter Neely for the 157, Sonnieboy Blanco in the 174, Mac Oberschelp battling
for the 197, and finally, Nick Kumburis was set for the 285. Pommerer was handed a major decision loss to earn second place in the PAC. Neely scored two points with three seconds left to secure the decision win (4-1), becoming the PAC 157 champion. Sonnieboy Blanco ‘17 does what Blanco does, constantly pressuring and taking his opponent down, on his way to a big 13-5 major decision victory and his second PAC championship. Mac Obershelp was set for his third bout of the season against Waynesburg’s Ken Burrs, looking for the three bout sweep. What ensued was the highest scoring match of the day, with Mac falling just short at the end, losing 17-13. The final W&J wrestler of
the day, Nick Kumburis, lost by fall to Waynesburg’s Jake Evans ‘19, securing second place in the 285. Waynesburg ran away with the victory, scoring a whopping 119 points on the day, W&J came in second with 81.5 points, Thiel coming in at a close third with 78.5 points and Thomas Moore ended the day in fourth with 59.5 points. With Sonnieboy Blanco’s undefeated performance in the tournament, he has now earned his 115 career win, securing second place on the all-time wins list for W&J. Next stop is the Mideast Regionals in York, Pa. on Feb. 25. Congratulations to all W&J wrestlers, and best of luck to Hunter Neely and Sonnieboy Blanco at regionals.
17 February 2017
Red & Black
19 sports
W&J Hosts Wellness Fair Catherine McAdoo Red&Black Contributor
On Feb. 9, Washington & Jefferson College held its annual Health and Student Wellness Fair. For three hours in the afternoon, students were invited to the Rossin Ballroom to check out more than a dozen booths focusing on both physical and emotional aspects of wellness. Upon entering the room, students were given an envelope containing a table of numbers and 15 specially-numbered raffle tickets. Each booth visited earned a stamp, and 15 stamps gave the holder one ticket for the grand prize of the day, which was a $100 Amazon gift card. Each booth also contained a smaller prize based on the theme of the booth, from a book about healthy eating, to coloring books, to quality time with the therapy dogs that students could distribute their tickets between as they saw fit. Around 100 students made an appearance throughout the day. They learned interesting facts about both wellness in general and their own wellbeing specifically. The Washington Hospital brought a machine to gauge lung effectiveness, another booth brought a blood pres-
sure monitor and yet another calculated BMI. The Student Counseling Center focused their corner on alcoholism and alcohol awareness. They offered a free screening of alcohol addiction levels and invited students to estimate what they believed to be the standard beer, wine glass or shot size using mock alcohol. “You can’t keep track of how much your friends or guests are drinking if you don’t know how to pour a standard cup,” said one counselor. Overall, the day was a success. Student organizations, volunteer groups, local business and even the campus library all got together to let people know just a little bit more about how their own bodies work, and how to make them work a little better. One local business that made an appearance was a local chiropractor. He invited interested attendees to fill out a brief form giving their age, height, weight and any recurring pain in the arms, shoulders, back, waist or legs. Then he would have them stand with each foot on different scales and judge the alignment of their shoulders and hips. More often than not, the problems mentioned on the form would be explained by a deformity in the spine causing one shoulder to sit higher than the other does. Unlike some other businesses, however, he did not end by giving out business cards and offering students a special discount on his services. Instead, after telling his temporary patients everything that was wrong with their spine, and sometimes everything that could go wrong in the future, he would wave them off with a cheery “Good luck.”
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Shown above, the amount of alcohol in standard beverages.
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Above is the type of image a local chiropractor may use to analyze a patient’s alignment.
20 sports
Red & Black
17 February 2017
Student Athlete Spotlight: Ryan Pallone
Courtesy Alexander Benner
Ryan Pallone is catcher for the W&J Baseball team.
Alexander Benner Red&Black Contributor
Ryan Pallone ’20 is a baseball player from New Kensington, Pa. He attended Valley High School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District. As Pallone’s LINK Mentor, I knew a lot about him academically, but not necessarily athletically, so I wanted to take this opportunity to share his experiences with the College. In high school, he played third base for Valley’s team, and later played travel ball with the Independent Players Elite Baseball Team. For the travel team, he was a catcher and a pitcher.
In fact, he was recruited by W&J to be a pitcher given his success with the Independent Players’ team. In the summer before Pallone came to W&J, he received a message from the W&J coaches and they said they liked what they saw from him as a catcher. So, for now, he’s on the roster exclusively as a catcher for W&J. Pallone’s road to becoming a President is different from a lot of other students. He is a legacy at Allegheny College and had every intention of going there. Then, in January of his senior year, he came to W&J and met with the coaches and become really interested in what they had to offer. A little while after the visit to W&J, Pallone went and sat down with the coaches at Allegheny. Right away he knew he did not want to go there be-
cause they did not seem extremely interested in trying to persuade him to play for them. Pallone got a sense of a much more welcoming environment at W&J. So, he talked to his dad, an Allegheny College graduate, and they both decided that W&J was a much better fit both athletically and academically. I was curious about how much playing time Pallone, and other freshmen, could expect to see this season, given the baseball team has fifty-six players on it. Pallone noted that W&J has both a varsity and a JV team, so freshmen have a decent chance of getting some playing time for JV. The coaches were very up front with him about the fact that he would have to work to get playing time, and they said that he would be an asset in the years to come. So, he is okay
with waiting. Like Pallone said, “I’m a catcher on the rise!” Pallone’s most memorable game of his career thus far was last summer. His travel ball team was playing against Allegheny in a tournament. It was the bottom of the 7th, and Allegheny had a player on first with one out. The player at the plate swung at a ball in the dirt for strike three, but the player on first had started towards second. As he tried to get back, Pallone reflected, “I fired the ball down the line, throwing the guy out at first, right in front of one of Allegheny’s assistant coaches, ending the game.” Not only did he make this play, but he also went 2 for 3 on the day and had already thrown two players out at second. Pallone is hoping to make many more memorable plays for our Presidents.