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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 23, 2016
Magellan Destination: Costa Rica PAGE 2 Courtesy Elizabeth Bean
CULTURE: NEW GRAND PIANO PAGE 10
SPORTS: ATHLETIC LOGO PAGE 18
2 CAMPUS NEWS
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ASAP Seeks to Prevent Sexual Assault
Courtesy una-gp.org
Devon Dobbs ‘17, is the current president and founder of the ASAP club on campus.
Mario Tiberie Red&Black Contributor
Students looking to join a new club on campus are encouraged to join Advocates for Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP). ASAP is a peer advocacy group on campus for survivors and friends of survivors of sexual harassment or assault. The group was started by senior, and current ASAP President, Devon Dobbs ‘17 as part of her internship with Dean Eva this past summer. This group consists of about 15 pre-selected student advocates who are trained to act as a support system by listening and sharing resources on campus. “Often times, young people prefer to talk to someone their own age and someone they can identify with,” said Dobbs, “so that’s why the advocates come from diverse backgrounds.” There will also be various programming events throughout the school year
allowing anyone to come and learn about sexual assault and prevention. This fall, the bystander intervention training will help teach students how to be active bystanders. “People don’t realize how important it is to be an active bystander, because sometimes it is something as small as intervening in a hostile situation that could prevent a sexual assault from happening.” Dobbs hopes that ASAP will continue to grow within the next five years. The plan is to increase the number of student advocates (there may be increased positions in the spring in which students can apply for) and act as a driving force for campus wide education about all forms of sexual misconduct. “There is definitely a lack of education surrounding sexual harassment and assault, so in addition to providing support for victims, I want to see ASAP change the way people think,” hopes Dobbs. Lisa Huff, a sophomore advocate for ASAP, is very excited about her role. “I
will be providing support to victims and friends of victims of sexual harassment and assault,” she explained. “I will make it my business to ensure their safety, empower them, and share available on and off campus resources.” As she completes her final year at W&J, Dobbs is also applying to grad schools and hoping to study higher education and student affairs. “I love the college atmosphere and I think I’d like to go into diversity programming, and eventually I want to be a dean.” Students who would like to contact ASAP or learn more about this peer advocacy group can e-mail asap@ washjeff.edu. This important group will undoubtedly have a positive impact on our campus. “In order to end sexual violence, conversation is necessary; we have to talk about the pervasive culture we live in,” said Dobbs. If one feels the need to talk to someone about sexual assault, or if she wants to learn more about sexual assault prevention, get involved with ASAP . . . as soon as possible!
23 S eptember 2016
Magellan Spotlight: Elizabeth Bean
Courtesy Elizabeth Bean
Elizabeth Bean ‘18 explored Costa Rica on her Magellan.
Sofia A. Estrella Red&Black Contributor
Elizabeth Bean is a junior at Washington and Jefferson College with a double major in environmental studies and Spanish. This summer she did a Magellan Project for two months in the Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. Her Magellan Project, “Conservation vs. Tourism,” was about a contrast between Ecuadorian and Costa Rican tourism and how the conflict of conservation differs from the tourism industry. While in the jungle, Bean worked at a hostel called the Jungla del Jaguar (translation: the Jaguar’s Jungle). Here, her daily activities consisted of maintaining trails, cooking, leading tours and spearfishing to feed guests and volunteers. Bean would sea-kayak to rock formations in the ocean where she had to free dive and shoot the fish down below the surface with a spear gun. If water conditions were bad she would catch crabs at night
with a headlamp, a bucket and a butter knife. Elizabeth stated, “Since there are no roads or stores anywhere within a four-hour walking distance of the Jungla, all of our food is brought on a boat.” She added, “We like to be as self-sustainable as possible for that reason and catch and grow as much as we can.” When asked about her favorite aspect of the Costa Rican jungle, she reported, “The life in general because you live in the present and don’t think about the outside world—just what you are doing in that moment. A lot of what I was doing every day was quite dangerous. You really have to be careful and smart when you are constantly carrying around a machete or going into dangerous waters in a kayak or boat. Attention to detail matters in a lawless place like the jungle. Even something as simple as not checking the inside of your boots before you put them on could lead to a nasty scorpion sting or an array of other
Continued on page 4
3 CAMPUS NEWS Meet the New Faculty: Communication Arts Professor, Dr. Cook
23 S eptember 2016
Alexander Benner Red&Black Contributor
Dr. Melissa Cook joined Wasington and Jefferson College's faculty this fall and began teaching communication courses in the Communication Arts department. Dr. Cook was born in Pittsburgh and is a Washington & Jefferson College alumnae, having graduated in 1990. While at W&J, she pursued a history degree and journeyed on the first W&J intersession trip to China with Dr. Robert Dodge. She is also a dedicated sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma and had served as an advisor to the chapter for over 20 years. Dr. Cook holds a Masters of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In the past, she has worked at Mellon Bank and also in non-profit manage-
ment where she was a spokesperson and fund raiser. In 1998, Dr. Cook got a call from W&J’s own Professor Bill Cameron, asking her if she would be interested in teaching public speaking. Though she had never studied public speaking, it was part of her job description for years. So she took Professor Cameron up on his offer. “The first day I stepped onto campus and gave my first lecture,” says Cook, “I knew that this was what I was supposed to do, and I decided to pursue a doctorate in rhetoric.” She then received her doctorate from Duquesne University while teaching at W&J from 1998 to 2004 before moving on to accept a position at Saint Vincent College. She worked there for 12 years while still living in Washington, Pa., which meant she often attended W&J college
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events. She and her husband, David ’89 have two children, Catherine ’18 and David Jr. This previous year, Dr. Cook heard that a position was opening up at W&J College, and she said, “If you have the opportunity to teach at your alma mater, you are going to try your best to do so.” Today, she is an associate professor in the communication arts department, and is currently teaching three courses including Intro to Rhetoric & Communication, Research Methods for Communication Arts and Advanced Public Speaking. Her goal is to enhance the offerings in the PR emphasis starting next semester. Her advice to all majors on why they should take communication courses is because they need to be able to “pitch their work” to colleagues and various audiences, no matter the field. This means that they
Courtesy Melissa Cook
Dr. Cook is one of the Com Arts Department's newest professors.
must know how to speak publicly, ethically and with confidence. She also said that communication arts majors are very lucky that theatre is part of the major because learning how to express one’s self and be creative are crucial and valu-
able skills. Dr. Cook is a huge proponent of the liberal arts education. She wants to help students be successful while at W&J and after as they make the next steps in their lives. Stop by Burnett 012 and say hello to Dr. Cook!
What is the Pittsburgh Pipeline? Sarah Peterson Red&Black Contributor
On the W&J Weekly there are advertisements for the Pittsburgh Pipeline. The Pittsburgh Pipeline is Washington & Jefferson's free bus service to various stops in Pittsburgh. All students need to do is to show their W&J ID. The purpose of the bus line is for students to shop or explore the city. They can visit friends if they are from the area or
learn about the city, if not. The bus service runs every Friday night and all day Saturday. The complete bus schedule, including pickup and drop off times, is posted on the W&J College website. The earliest pickup is 11 a.m. on Saturday and the latest drop off is 2:35 a.m., on Friday. The locations the bus takes you are Cultural District or commonly referred to as the Strip District, Southside, Oakland, and Carson & S. 27th Street. Here are some things to
do or see if using the Pipeline: The Strip District (Cultural District): enjoy a Pirates game at PNC park, Penguins game at CONSOL Energy Center or learn about Pittsburgh history at the Heinz history center. Southside: visit the Southside Works, eat at restaurants including the Cheesecake factory, shop at stores like American Eagle or Urban Outfitters. Or even walk along the river on the hiking trail. Carson & S. 27th Street: enjoy restaurants and bars
or concerts in this section of the city. Oakland: home of University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. Explore the campuses or visit museums such as the Carnegie museums or Soldiers and Sailors museums. Tomiwa Olujimi '18 reports that she has used the Pipeline during her time here and it has been useful to go to the city and shop for items for college. “I used the pipeline once and it was nice explore the city and not have to worry
about parking in Pittsburgh. I got to spend time along Southside and Carson street which is different for me as I spend more time in Oakland.” The other things to remember that the pipeline will take you to special events in Pittsburgh such as Light up Night in November. Special events like that, however, or severe weather, might change the times a little bit so if students do use the bus they must be aware of delayed times.
4 CAMPUS NEWS
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23 S eptember 2016
Magellan Takes Student to Jungle Continued from page 2 unpleasant surprises.” The hostel had no internet connection and the electricity was produced by solar panels. Therefore, Bean and her coworkers had to be careful about energy use, and they didn’t have much connection with the outside world. She says, however, that she wasn’t missing out on anything. “Working at a hostel is great because the world comes to you. Guests from everywhere and every background come to stay and do tours. I learn a lot from talking to them and I have improved my level of patience with people quite a lot,” said Bean. Her favorite thing to
do was to take people out on whale-watching tours. Whale season in the Osa Peninsula is between the months of June and September. The humpbacks migrate to safer waters to raise their young, and they are constantly swimming around the surface. “I love hearing them breathe when they come up for air,” says Bean, “They sound like enormous grueling monsters, but they are super gentle creatures.” She wants to encourage other students to take advantage of what the Magellan Project has to offer and inspire others to follow their dreams. Questions about the Magellan process can be directed to Tyler Tenney.
Courtesy Elizabeth Bean
Elizabeth Bean’s Magellan project was entitled Conservation vs. Tourism.
Observer Reporter Goes Digital Catherine McAdoo Red&Black Contributor
The local Washington, Pa. newspaper, The Observer Reporter, has made some changes recently to keep up with the times. Some of these changes include updates to their online presence. The Observer-Reporter website was redesigned, the app was updated and, most relevant to students, they have teamed up with the college to offer all Washington & Jefferson College students
a free digital subscription. This offer was previously mentioned in the W&J Weekly. The link provided in the Weekly is the only place this offer is available. With this subscription, every morning at 4 a.m., a digital newspaper will be available on any device. There, readers can find national news, international news and local news. A print version of The New York Times is already available to all students via stands just outside of The Commons. But those are physical copies, easily stained or lost and must be returned before readers
leave the building. The advantage of having a digital subscription is that readers can choose to read it whenever their brain is ready for the new information, whether it’s first thing in the morning, in line at The Barista, or while brushing teeth before bed. But what use is a newspaper? Why not let The ObserverReporter explain that itself: “Newspapers are the guardians of democracy. The role of a daily newspaper is to keep us informed about the current affairs of our community. Newspapers enhance our knowledge,
broaden our vision, raise voice against social issues and urge the people to act and behave in a rational manner.” In short, keeping an eye on a daily newspaper brings readers one step closer to being a truly effective member of society. No one has to care about everything they read. But by at least looking it over, they are being exposed to ideas and events locally and across the globe. The Observer-Reporter itself is an excellent source of this information. The paper was founded in 1808 by William Sample and
William Brown. Born in the basement of a tavern, it has changed hands a few times over the years and is now “an independent, family-owned” business. This family evidently believes in their mission of the dissemination of information so strongly that they have struck a deal with W&J College to give as many people access to their paper as possible. Unfortunately, the Observer-Reporter is no longer printed underneath a bar but in a nice, fancy building. Ah, well. We can’t have everything.
23 S eptember 2016
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5 CAMPUS NEWS
Press Release:
WSO Opens its 15th Season The Washington Symphony Orchestra will open its 15th season with "Made in America" on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. The concert will be held at Trinity High School and doors will open at 6 p.m. One of "Made in America’s" featured pieces will be George Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” played by Pittsburgher Tom Roberts. "For me, Gershwin is so incredibly exciting,” said WSO Artistic Director Yugo Ikach. “The frenetic pulse of the city, the sometimes jerky, sometimes yearning jazzy syncopations all make for a piece that is quintessentially American sounding." Roberts has performed on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson and “A Prairie Home Companion” with Garrison Keillor. He also arranged and performed the music for the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese’s film “The Aviator,” starring Leonardo di Caprio. Roberts has recorded over 40 albums and has performed throughout the United States and Europe and is widelyknown as an expert on early jazz. Another guest artist for "Made in America" will be trumpet soloist Kyle Simpson, providing improvisation during Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A-Train.” Also on the program for the evening will be Aaron Copland’s “John Henry” and “Fanfare of the Common Man,” saluting the builders of
our country. As pre-concert programming at 7:15 p.m., Max Gonano and Judith Sutton will present a talk on Billy Strayhorn as part of the Steel City Grooves series. Steel City grooves is a project of the Jazz Committee of the Senator John Heinz History Center’s Volunteer Ambassador Program, in association with the California University of Pennsylvania Music Department. The presentation will feature a short video, along with a discussion about Strayhorn’s life and music and the history and evolution of jazz in Pittsburgh. Tickets for "Made in America" start at $17 and can be purchased online at washsym.org, by calling 1-888-71-TICKETS, or at the following locations: Citizens Library, the Peters Township Public Library, and the WSO Office at 11 South College Street in Washington (WSO Office by appointment only). “Ho Ho Ho with the WSO,” a holiday tradition, returns in December. This year, holiday movie music will be featured along with selections from Handel’s Messiah. The WSO will be joined by the Washington County All-Star High School Choir and the California University Choir. “The February concert focuses on the homegrown talent that surrounds us, from the Washington Community Theater to our Student Concerto Competition winner
FIND US ONLINE REDANDBLACKONLINE.COM
Courtesy washsym.org
The WSO will have its first concert on Oct. 15, 2016.
to Mon Valley Push Polka Band,” said Ikach. Appropriately named Homegrown will also feature music that was composed by artists with a connection to Washington County. The final concert of the season will be Irish Eyes, a musical tour of the Emerald Isle featuring traditional ballads and classical pieces awash in Celtic influence. Fiddle player Bob Banerjee and Irish step dancers will join the show to add authentic flavor. For further information about the symphony, or information about season tickets, visit www.washsym.org or connect with the WSO on Facebook (facebook.com/ washsymphony) and Twitter (twitter.com/washsymphony).
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6 LIFE
Red & Black
23 September 2016
Free Apps Guaranteed to Lead to Sucess Christopher Frydryck Red & Black Editor
There is no surprise that some of the hottest apps on the mobile market today include Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and PokemonGo. While these are most certainly entertaining and time consuming, they can honestly take a toll on a college student’s grades. These common distractions are always lingering in our pockets waiting to be opened and played with. But not many people consider the idea of instead of playing PokemonGo, they could stimulate their brains and increase their GPA. For every application listed, it is on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Either way, the standard device should be able to use these applications. Let’s start with waking up in the morning. People often continually hit snooze until their hand falls off or
they miss class. This is where Alarmy comes in. On the surface, it seems like a typical alarm clock application, and while that may be somewhat correct, there is one specific setting that will certainly get users out of bed. Instead of pressing a button or typing in a passcode, Alarmy makes users take a picture of something the night before and will not stop going off until the user replicates the picture the following morning. Its genius design is behind a similar algorithm that Google Goggles used for QR scanners and photo recognition through Google images. From personal experience, this app works like a charm. But now that the student is up, they need to actually study for that test tomorrow. As addictive as cat videos are or how interesting Facebook timelines are, it isn’t going to get the A students want. The best way to put all distractions aside is an app called SelfControl. They exclaim it is extremely easy and that SelfControl,
“lets you block your own access to distracting websites, your mail servers or anything else on the internet.” The application sets a timer that restricts access until it runs out. If users want to access websites on your “blocklist” prematurely, good luck, they can’t. Under their FAQ, they tell their users to “Seriously, chill out. It’s not the end of the world.” Apart from users slow descent into internet withdrawal, this app can seriously change the way they study. It is also available for all MacOS computers and similar software is available for WindowsOS including SelfRestraint and Cold Turkey; and developers such as myself are always interested in their code, which is readily available on their website. Now time for a college student’s everyday lifesaver. GoConqr is an app that is a worldwide community that holds resources for thousands of classes which include: mind maps, quizzes, flashcards, slides, notes, study groups and even more. It is
Go Conqr, SelfControl and Alarmy are effective apps for college students.
the Swiss Army knife of study apps. With over two million members and access through both desktop and mobile devices, this is the epitome of study applications. With a whopping 4.3/5 star review from a little under 2,000 reviews, they must be doing something right. Quite possibly the most interesting part of this app is the collaboration which is exclaimed in their bio that, “The GoConqr app lets you
discover and join countless Learning Groups so that you can connect with learners around the world at all exam levels and collaborate with them on any study topic. ” All of these free apps are most certainly a way to improve and increase learning ability and focus on studies. While these apps may not guarantee that next semester will result in a 4.0, these three apps should bump users in the right direction.
23 September 2016
7 Life
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How to Avoid Getting Sick
Hack My Life: Foreign Language
courtesy washjeff.edu
The Student Health and Counseling Serivce Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sarah Peterson Red & Black Contributor Now that fall has started to arrive and the weather has begun change. School is starting to stress students out and they find themselves staying up all night. They are unfortunately starting to run the risk of getting themselves sick or their roommates. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy even if it seems like everyone else is not. Lysol Wipes: they are only $3 at Walmart. The more users disinfect everything, especially items such as door handles and desks, the less likely they will catch the flu or a cold. Get a flu shot: costs around $30 at Walgreens and insurance may cover some of the costs. Students can walk to the nearby Walgreens to get one. Do NOT share cups: if one shares a cup with someone who’s sick then there is a good chance that they will also get sick. The same goes for being in close contact with sick people as they will share their germs. Stay away from
a significant other for a few weeks if necessary. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer: These cost as little as a dollar at the store for your bathroom in your dorms, but can make the difference in helping students stay on top of their game in college. Sleep: students should get sleep and get their work done ahead of time and not wait until the last minute. Exercise: students should go to the gym and work out or take a walk on a nice day. An active body is a healthy body. Drink a lot: those feeling under the weather should drink water when they are feeling ill. This way their body does not become dehydrated. Remember if a student does become sick while in college they can go to the nurse at Health Services which is on the bottom floor of New Res. They are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is free because it is included into student’s tuition. They can also give medicines such as Tylenol or other decongestants with the doctor’s approval.
Catherine McAdoo Red & Black Contributor With cultures beginning to spread more each year, it is becoming impractical to only speak one language- even if that one language is English. Even simply travelling on the streets in Pittsburgh, it is not uncommon for a stranger to come up and begin asking desperate questions in Spanish. If one has learned Spanish in high school and are still fairly competent, then great. But odds are, even four years of classroom experience weren’t enough to keep abilities from being downright embarrassing, particularly when it comes to speaking on the spot. So if four years as a teenager weren’t enough, is there any hope of ever becoming decent at a second language as a full grown adult? As it turns out, there is. Especially if the desire to learn the language is genuine. Here are some tips on how to successfully learn a second language. Take a class. If the school offers one and it fits into your
schedule, great. If not, find something online, even if it is free. YouTube has plenty of free language learning courses of varying quality. The key is having a basic outline to follow, being able to focus on one aspect of the language at a time and getting vocab and grammar rules to study. Spend time studying every day. Whether at night, in the morning or while eating lunch, spend some focused time studying, memorizing and writing out practice sentences. Find someone to correct the work, be it a teacher or online forum. A quick Google search will yield plenty of results. Use spare moments to immerse in the culture. With modern technology, the generation has an opportunity that no one has really ever had before. Doing math homework? Put on some Chinese music. Feel like watching a movie? Find something Korean. Spending large amounts of time listening to and watching native speakers helps your brain progress in countless ways. As Katheryn Rivas, who
spent several years immersing herself in native Russian, put it, “I was astounded by how much more I learned about the Russian language-the pronunciation, the intonation, the vocal and facial emotions appropriate for certain expressions.” Getting interested in foreign media also has the added benefit of keeping you motivated to figure out what these people are saying. Finally, use it! In their paper for “The Oxford Press Linguistic Journal,” Merrill Swain and Sharon Lapkin write, “Noticing a problem can ‘push’ learners to modify their output. In doing so, learners may sometimes be forced into a more syntactic processing mode than might occur in comprehension.” Listening to a language, going over written information and then picking out errors will spark a bunch of activity in the brain that otherwise would not have occurred, bringing the learner that much closer to correcting those errors automatically. Practice reading, practice writing, practice listening and practice speaking. Keep at it.
8 LIFE
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23 September 2016
Caffeine: An Academic’s Best and Worst Nightmare McKenzie Merenick Red&Black Contributor
Being a college student is not an easy job. A normal college student is asked to balance a multitude of things: going to class, doing homework, studying for exams, being social, exercising and for some students, working a job.
Most importantly is trying to find time to sleep with all these activities. So with all those late nights studying and waking up early for class, it is no wonder that college students consume coffee in large amounts. According to a recent study, 40 percent of 18 to 24 year olds consume caffeine every day! Caffeine is defined as a substance that has a profound or significant effect on mental processes. Many consumers of caffeine also say that it is hard
to quit consumption once they are hooked. However, some college students are only drinking the coffee for the taste, “I drink coffee for the taste, not the caffeine” said Tess O’Neil ‘17. Others drink coffee for other reasons, “I drink coffee for the ritual of it. I do enjoy the taste and the caffeine for when I am tired, but the smell of coffee gets me out of bed in the morning,” said Ally Hopkins ‘17. Consumers rely on the caffeine for their energy instead of the bodies’ own natural source of energy.
At left, Stephanie Velasquez ‘17, studying for class with her trusty cup of coffee by her side to keep her awake and caffeinated. At right, a graph depicting 37 male and female students were asked the question, “How many cups of coffee do you consume in a week?” A “cup” in this case in considered an order of coffee, no specific ounce size.
courtesy of Shannon Adams
Caffeine also has helped in increasing the consumption of sugar and cream for those who do not like their coffee black. This in turn has increased body weight for some people. An increase in stress hormones is also linked to the consumption of caffeine. There are many alternatives to caffeine that can be found in any supermarket. The first is Teeccino Caffeine-free Herbal Coffee; this popular alternative is for those that enjoy the taste of coffee, but is caffeine free. Licorice tea is another caffeine-free option, which
helps with overburdened adrenal glands and increases energy. This next alternative requires an acquired taste. Wheatgrass juice is known as a liquid shot of energy and nutrients. It is healthy and gives a boost of energy. Lastly, a very simple alternative to caffeine is lemon water. Water with lemon zest and juice can stimulate the senses and wake anyone up in a healthy way. Try one of these helpful tips as an alternative to caffeine.
23 September 2016
9 Life
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The New iPhone 7 Review
Life Advice Life advice given to you from the mouths of the Red & Black Editorial Staff.
What is your best all-nighter advice? courtesy of youtube.com
Sarah Peterson Red&Black Contributor
We all know by now that Apple came out with a new iPhone 7 on Sept. 16. The new phone costs only $650, according to Verizon’s website. According to macrumors. com, the new phone includes “better battery life, faster processors and improved water resistance implemented through a flush home button and no headphone jack.” To accompany the new iPhone is the iOS 10 update. The most significant change from other iPhones is that the iPhone 7 will not include a headphone jack. The New York Times describes how Apple got around not having a head phone jack in the phone. They said, “The new iPhones include a converter, or a dongle with a Lightning connector on one side, for plugging into the iPhone, and an audio port on the other end, for plugging in an audio accessory. Also included in the box: A pair of wired earbuds with a Lightning connector.” Apple also is coming out
with wireless headphones, or AirPods, in October that would also compensate for not having a headphone jack. These new AirPods cost only $160. It seems that Apple wants to move towards iPhones that do not require many cords. The other alternative is Bluetooth headphones, which run around $30 and up. These are already popular and will work with the new iPhone. The iPhone 7 gets about 2 more hours of battery life compared to the iPhone 6. This is a needed upgrade, as many iPhones have battery issues. Also, since the phone is waterproof, it should help the habit most of us have of breaking our iPhones with water accidents. Multiple critics agree that if you are wanting to upgrade, this is the likely choice if you have an iPhone 4 or 5. If you have an iPhone 6, then you might want to wait; there aren’t as many differences between the two phones. The iPhone without the phone jack is just simply an upgrade, not a revolution. Apple is working on new technology in the evolution of the iPhone.
“Go somewhere that’s not completely quiet to help you stay up.” -Kaite Campbell
courtesy of Shannon Adams
“Break up chunks of studying with doing something fun like playing on an app.” -Shannon Adams
courtesy of Emily Sterk
It is important to stay hydrated. Be sure to drink lots of water. -Emily Sterk
courtesy of Shannon Adams
10 Culture
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23 S eptember 2016
culture
Music Department Celebrates New Grand Piano Kayla Marasia Red&Black Editor
On the evening of Saturday, Sept. 17, the Washington & Jefferson College music faculty showcased the newest addition to the family of W&J instruments: a sleek, beautiful Baldwin grand piano. The piano was donated by E. Ronald Salvitti, an ophthalmologist, music lover and alumnus of the class of 1959. To christen the piano in its new home, the music department hosted a dedication concert titled “Two Pianos are Better than One.” Dr. Susan Medley, the W&J director of choral activities and professor of music, teamed up with Dr. Antonio Fermin, who operates The Piano School in Tribeca, N.Y. “Antonio Fermin and I got to know each other when we both worked at Carnegie Hall in New York City,” said Dr. Medley. “He is a fine pianist and a dear friend, and we were very happy to give a concert together. We practiced separately through the summer. He flew in the day before the concert, which gave us very little time to
put everything together. At the dedication concert, the two musicians performed complex classical piano pieces on two neighboring pianos. One of these pianos was the new Baldwin, and the other was the department’s first concert grand piano, a Steinway. Dr. Medley and Dr. Fermin started the concert with Arensky’s buoyant “Waltz from Suite No. 1, Op. 15,” which was followed by a performance of Mozart’s “Sonata in D, K. 448.” After intermission, the musicians performed a piece by Russian composer Rachmaninoff, “Suite No. 2, Op. 17.” Dr. Medley noted that, although the piece was the most challenging, it was “probably our favorite work on the program.” The third movement of the piece, “Romance,” was composed of sweeping scale-climbing and subtle intricacies, while the fourth movement, “Tarentella,” contained several suspenseful, dramatic flourishes and changes in dynamic. The concert closed with Prokofieff ’s “March, Op. 99.” However, as a special encore, two other members of the W&J music faculty joined the musicians for a performance
Courtesy Kayla Marasia
Dr. Antonio Fermin and Dr. Medley, above, play a piece by Arensky. The piano on the left has an open lid to direct the sound, but the other piano’s lid was removed so as not to block the sound from the audience.
that Dr. Medley dubbed “two pianos, eight hands.” The pieces that Dr. Medley and Dr. Fermin performed could be considered a sort of conversation between sets of ivory keys; with the musicians’ careful timing and natural intuition, the two piano parts perfectly complemented each other and illuminated the wide span of human emotion. “For me it was very rewarding to perform this concert. I always say I was a pianist in a ‘past life,’” said Dr. Medley. “I was a piano major in college and practiced an average of three hours a day. As a conductor I still make
music every day, but I don’t practice the piano regularly. This gave me a chance to get back to my roots, and I was pleasantly surprised that not only did my fingers still move, but my brain kept up as well!” After several rounds of thunderous applause at the close of the concert, the audience was invited to attend a catered reception in the Olin lobby. “The concert was amazing,” said W&J student Kris Amundson ‘19. “Being able to see such amazing talent right here on our campus is truly a great gift. The music was incredible, and having such
a beautiful instrument added to our music department is really exciting.” At this concert, members of the local community and W&J students alike were able to celebrate a new addition to the music department. Dr. Medley and Dr. Fermin’s performance displayed their mastery of the instrument as well as their deep passion for musicality, which made an already exemplary performance transcendent. The music department looks forward to using two beautiful, evenlymatched instruments for future performances at W&J.
23 S eptember 2016
Culture 11
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Blind Photographers Capture Feeling Catherine McAdoo Red&Black Contributor What makes photography an art? If the only goal of a picture is to show what something looks like, everyone with access to a camera would be an expert. Aim, click and there’s a picture. A perfect photograph in every way. However, as anyone who has ever seriously taken a look at their smartphone’s camera knows, there is much more to taking a good picture than getting the desired object within the frame. Everything -- from a baby to a sunset to a selfie -- needs to have a certain feel to be considered good. Most professional photographers spend years learning how to translate what they see in two dimensions into something other people will hear,
smell, touch and perhaps even taste. Candia McWilliam has compiled a book full of photographers who take this one step further. Every single photograph in “The Blind Photographer” was in fact taken by someone who is visually impaired. Sometimes this means they see no light at all. More often, it means that they see light fundamentally differently than the rest of us. When discussing the various types of visual impairment in the introduction, McWilliam explains, “With it may come fluctuating colour, soft sheddings of light, small like clothes-moth wings or any number of other suggestions of the world beyond the differently-lit self.” Those who are visually impaired do not need to see the world and then attempt to manipulate
that image into something with texture. That texture is how they live every day. And those whose work is compiled in McWilliam’s book have, at least for a time, devoted their lives to all the subtleties in feeling that this different world view has to offer. Maybe something that the rest would see in sharp clarity is actually blurred. Maybe something is shown from an angle that would normally be considered “unnatural,” but is, when you think about it, just as right as anything else. “The Blind Photographer” also includes interviews with some of the photographers where they discuss their life, work and motivation in doing what they do. Alberto Loranca specializes in photographs of action figures taken at such an angle
Courtesy Pedro Miranda
Pedro Miranda compiled a series of photographs titled "San Raymundo, Japan Through Reyna’s eyes" (above).
that they appear to be as big as the people walking around them. How exactly does he accomplish this when he is physically incapable of seeing anything beyond the most basic of light and shadows? “I calculate the amount of light needed using trigonometry," Loranca began. "if I place
the camera in a particular position in relation to the floor and the subject, I can imagine the angles in the shadows.” These artists have taken their physical impairments and turned them into a way to show the rest of us a little more about how the world really works.
Book Review: The Shadow of the Wind Holly Sauer Red&Black Contributor Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Shadow of the Wind” is a stunning narrative about the importance of books and why they are so beloved. The book is filled with plenty of murder, romance and mystery. The book begins in 1945 Barcelona with ten-year-old Daniel Sempere mourning the loss of his mother. His father then takes him to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books. Sempere’s father explains the purpose of the
cemetery when he says, “in this place, books no longer remembered by anyone, books that are lost in time, live forever, waiting for the day when they will reach a new reader’s hands.” There, Sempere finds a copy of a book also entitled “The Shadow of the Wind” by the cryptic Julian Carax. He finds consolation in reading this novel, and with it he discovers the mystery behind Carax and his life. He soon learns that the copy of the novel he owns is the last one in existence be-
cause somebody has been methodically burning and destroying all of the others Carax has written. Sempere and his friend Fermín Romero de Torres act as detectives as they attempt to discover the location of Carax and the reason his novels were obliterated. What seems like an easy task to accomplish turns dangerous when mysterious figures return from the past. It is later revealed that Carax does not want to be found because of the weight of all the secrets he carries.
Zafón moves the story in a linear fashion following Sempere’s life. He also moves into the past throughout the novel in order to show the reader, and Sempere, what occurred between Carax and his friends. The book’s shining quality is the plot. By lacing the past and present together Zafón masters the art of suspense. He leaves the reader guessing the conclusion the entire novel and later closes it with plenty of happiness mixed with tragedy. Zafón also expertly and effortlessly con-
nects the most intimate lives of his characters and still manages to make the main character Barcelona itself. Sempere’s father warns him about the secrets Barcelona hides when he says, “the city is a sorceress, you -know, Daniel? It gets under your skin and steals your soul without you knowing it…” This book will keep readers enthralled until the last page. It makes the reader think about how books can serve two purposes: bringing people together and tearing them apart.
12 Culture
Red & Black
23 S eptember 2016
Gotye’s Album is an Alternative Classic Alex York Red&Black Contributor
When Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” reached the top charts in 2011, I fell in love. As a fan of alternative music, I was stunned to discover a popular song I enjoyed thanks to its roots in the genre. Unfortunately, however, the Australian artist never gained much recognition in America past his breakout hit, so it never occurred to me to investigate the rest his work until recently. I was pleased to hear that the remainder of Gotye’s 2011
album, “Making Mirrors,” lives up to the quality of its signature single. In this release, the singer draws from a number of different styles to great effect, with his vocals providing the backbone of a varied selection of alternative tracks. In general, “Making Mirrors” draws its strengths from balance. The song most familiar to mainstream audiences, “Somebody That I Used to Know” is a dramatic ballad that establishes itself with quiet verses and powerful choruses. Yet the album is not defined by this one style – the tense contrasts
of “Somebody That I Used to Know” are countered by the upbeat fanfare of “I Feel Better” and acoustic melodies of “In Your Light,” both of which are, in turn, contrary to the slower, more subdued “Bronte.” The result is a wellrounded assortment of songs that fit an equally diverse set of musical tastes. While some of the album’s standout moments, such as “Somebody That I Used to Know” and “In Your Light,” happen to fall on opposite ends of the intensity spectrum, it should come as no surprise that others fall in the middle: “Smoke and Mirrors,” a track
with laid-back, jazz-based verses that gradually evolve into orchestral choruses. “State of the Art” is also notable, with its offbeat techno/reggae themes that build into a climactic synthesizer finale. “Making Mirrors” is solid on almost all fronts, but there are some songs that fail to live up to the expectations set by the rest of the album. For instance, the aforementioned “Bronte,” while impactful, is sluggish and almost tedious, as it attempts to stir emotion with no real progression, as is the case with “Don’t Worry, We’ll Be Watching You” and
“Giving Me a Chance.” Gotye functions best at high energy, so those tracks that discount this strength entirely are disappointing in comparison to those that utilize it to its fullest. While some portions of the album play to the artist’s best qualities more than others, Gotye’s “Making Mirrors” remains a fantastic demonstration of the singer’s musical skills. With a wide assortment of songs able to appeal to most all kinds of listeners, “Making Mirrors” stands today as an easily-overlooked, modern alternative classic.
Florence Foster Jenkins: A Singing Sensation Diana Ciarallo Red&Black contributor
“Music has been and is my life. Music matters.” As the old saying goes, it’s not over till the fat lady sings. Well, the proverbial fat lady had better move on over, because Florence Foster Jenkins has arrived to the big screen and is holding audiences enthralled with a voice that, as her pianist, Cosme McMoon (played by “Big Bang Theory’s” Simon Helberg) puts it, “defies
medical science.” Florence certainly doesn’t enthrall audiences in the sort of way that one might expect. This film is based on the real life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric New York socialite (played by Meryl Streep) whose whole life was spent enthusiastically supporting the musical arts. While passionately pursuing her own dreams of performing, “Florence Foster Jenkins” tells the story of an amateur soprano whose desire to sing before thousands far outstrips her own talent -- or lack thereof. In the film, somone says to Florence, “Yours is the truest
voice I have ever heard.” Ironically, Florence becomes a prominent musical figure in New York City precisely because of her blatant lack of talent. She even draws the attention of other musical icons such as Cole Porter and Enrico Caruso. Both were fans, despite the fact that she couldn’t carry a tune to save her own life and had earned the cruel title of “The Worst Singer In The World.” Florence belts out songs with a voice that reminds one of a thousand dying animals all keeling over at the same time. Jenkins fancies she has
what it takes to become a great opera singer, worthy of performing in Carnegie Hall. She is oblivious to the fact that her faltering voice falls tragically short of her dreams. This is all thanks to her manager and common-law husband, St. Clair Bayfield (played by Hugh Grant) who keeps his wife sheltered from the truth by paying off critics and arranging private concerts in which the guests are specifically selected from amongst their high-society friends. However, what Jenkins may lack in musical talent, she certainly makes up for in heart as she sings passionately
from the very core of her being, determined to share her lifelong love of music with the world. Anyone who has ever burst out singing in the shower or sung along to whatever new song is on the radio can relate to this feeling and will certainly cheer on this eccentric socialite even as they are fighting back laughter. “Florence Foster Jenkins” is the sort of movie for all those out there who love to sing whether they actually have talent or not. As Florence herself states to her husband, “People can say I can’t sing, but people can’t say that I didn’t sing.”
23 S eptember 2016
Poetry Corner "Mediterranean Beach" by Diana Ciarallo
Stars shimmer Thousands of celestial fireflies In the black, fathomless mass Of the heavens Constellations mingle Ancient storytelling Divine guides of sailors Nothing’s changed Spark of silver light Races across the dazzling tapestry Goddess in a chariot Steeds as white as the moon I bury my feet Warm, shifting blankets Toes twist and turn Changing into roots My body strengthens Hardening with bark Hands become palm fronds I reach towards that divine sky Crashing, soaring song of the waves Now distant and hushed As the stars whisper Ancient secrets in my ears
"Summer" by Hannah Schmitt It’s summer but I still feel cold It’s winter At least in my heart The day would come You’re here, I’m there And gone The voices in my head they scream I see your face At least I can be strong You never asked I never understood At least we can be anything But never would
Culture 13
Red & Black
Student Spotlight: Felix Nicol Mario Tiberie first semester, Nicol has taken convey individualism. “You Red&Black Contributor
Felix Nicol, a senior at Washington and Jefferson College, is more than just a talented student artist. Chances are, no one has seen anyone art like Nicol does. From photography to (body) painting, Nicol uses a variety of media to express his passion. Although Nicol is majoring in photography and painting (his two specialties), his passion is about creating art in any and all medium. “If I have the ability to create, then I will do it with whatever I have,” explained Nicol. However, Nicol didn’t always think he would become an artist. He began pursuing art as a photographer in high school, but it wasn’t until his first semester at W&J College where he discovered his passion. Since his
advantage of the numerous academic opportunities on campus, including studying abroad in Italy. “Going to Italy has been the greatest experience of my whole life. It took me out of the W&J community and allowed me to study my major with more focus.” Nicol encourages all students to go abroad in order to expand upon the ways they can learn: “Having more perspective can only help you in the long run.” Currently, he is taking a ceramics course with Professor Mallony. After the conclusion of this course, Nicol will be very busy working on his senior show for this coming April. Nicol’s works include paintings, sketches, pictures and more recently, body painting. By letting others write and draw on him, Nicol hopes to
can’t trap yourself in boxes,” he explained. “If you worry about what others say about you, then you’ll never be able to truly live your life, which is the message I hoped to send by letting other people write words and names on me.” In addition to creating art, Nicol enjoys playing soccer, frisbee, talking to people and spending time with his Alpha Tau Omega fraternity brothers. After graduation, Nicol intends to spend a year in China teaching English. Afterwards, his goal is to attend graduate school in hopes of pursuing his MFA. Until then, Nicol will keep creating art and pursuing his passions. Students visiting Olin are encouraged to ask Nicol about his projects-- they won’t be disappointed!
and omelettes. It also has the most amazing pancakes and oatmeal. Visitors can pick toppings like fresh fruit or homemade berry and peach compote. One the best things offered is their wide range of coffee. For less than $3, visitors can get unlimited iced coffee that puts Starbucks to shame. There's also a small menu for shakes which all looked delicious. However, beware of the Southern Blues shake. It’s full of peaches, blueberries and Greek yogurt but I didn't pay attention to the small print saying that all their fruit shakes came with vanilla protein powder. I took one sip
and couldn't bring myself to do anything but throw it away immediately. Their prices are slightly higher than the average breakfast café, but for a special occasion the food is more than worth the few extra dollars. After breakfast visitors can walk around and do some street shopping or sightseeing. The Square Cafe isn't a place to go to all the time. It's a special spot to keep in mind when one wants to have a unique experience. Whether it's with a significant other, grandparent or special friend, take them to The Square Cafe for a charming atmosphere and unbeatable breakfast foods.
Restaurant Review: The Square Cafe Hannah Kail Red&Black Contributor
Set in Region Square, a quiet neighborhood, the Square Cafe is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing morning breakfast. On the corner of the street, it boasts its charming indoor seating as well as a large outdoor area with a dog friendly atmosphere. Many customers had their dogs sitting at their feet, and the wait staff were more than happy to bring out water for them and give them some attention. The entire staff was full of energy and ready to give recommendations and smiles. The menu includes healthy options such as real maple syrup
14 Opinions
Red & Black
23 September 2016
opinions What a W&J Expansion Should Include Mario Tiberie red&black contributor
School is back in session, which means different things for everybody. For athletes, it means practices and games each week, and for Greek students, it means reuniting with their fraternity brothers or sorority sisters. PAL Tutors are back tutoring students each night, Student Ambassadors are once again giving tours to prospective students, and a new class of freshmen are making the long trek from Taylor Lot to the freshmen
dorms. A new school year means a fresh start, not just for students and faculty, but for the campus as well. As most of us know, Washington & Jefferson College has a long history. It is the 11th oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains and has graduated many distinguished individuals, such as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl. However, just because we are a historical school, we shouldn’t be confined to the small campus we’re all used to. While it is true that we are a small college, we are admitting more students each year. This year’s freshmen class is the largest out of the current four classes.
The change is definitely noticeable; The Commons is a bit more crowded and parking is definitely an issue. Although upperclassmen have the opportunity to park in the various lots along South Lincoln and North College
The Commons is a bit more crowded and parking is definitely an issue. Streets, freshmen are confined to Taylor Lot across from Burnett. Taylor Lot is large, but not nearly large enough to accommodate the amount of students we have. Don’t believe me? Take a stroll out to Taylor and Grant Lots around
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
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.
noon during the week and tell me if you can find a parking spot available. The college would certainly benefit from building extra parking lots or even parking garages towards the outskirts of campus. Tony Hoang ‘18 said, “We definitely need more parking at W&J. It’s even hard for me sometimes to find a parking spot near Chestnut Street when I get back from the store.” But for Rachel Stingle ‘19, housing is at the top of her list. “It’s great that the school is renovating and expanding the Henry Gym, but I think it’s time the school put money into better housing on campus,” she said. While there are rumors of plans to expand our campus with new housing across from
North College Street, maybe W&J should focus its efforts onto renovating our existing residence halls. The freshmen dorms are unable to have air conditioning, some of the quads have bug problems and many of the dorms’ showers this year didn’t have hot water. Should the school focus on renovating buildings like the gym and library, or should our administration focus their efforts on physically expanding our campus to accommodate the increased volume of students, faculty and staff? Should they build new residence halls, or renovate the ones we already have? With so many different options, it will be interesting to see what happens to W&J’s campus in the upcoming years.
C ontac t 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
23 September 2016
15 Opinions
Red & Black
The Future of “Vaping”
Courtesy vapeaboutit.com
Those who vape, along with those who use e-cigarettes, may be facing a ban in Allegheny Country.
Nathan Repine red&black contributor
A recent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette claims that a ban on e-cigarettes is now being considered by the Allegheny County Health Department. This ban would not allow those who smoke with these devices in “public spaces,” which would encompass the same laws that apply to tobacco products. The
argument against this ban is that the two things are completely different and utilize completely different substances. The argument seems to stem from upper-level governments that either do not want to deal with the distribution of these products or have them be taxed at ridiculous levels. For those who are unaware of the make-up of an electronic cigarette or vape, it typically consists of three components. The first is a cartridge that holds the liquid, which
contains flavorings, chemicals and differing amounts of nicotine. The second is a heating device that turns the liquid into a gas, and the last is the power source to provide power to heat (typically a battery). What are some other individuals saying about this ongoing battle about this fairly new product? A coworker of mine, Jacob Collas, said, “I do vape, and it has no secondhand effects on the people around me. If it doesn’t harm others near
me, I should be able to do it wherever. It’s my right to do it where I want.” An individual on the opposing side, a woman who wishes to remain anonymous, said this about the movement: “Vaping is a horrible habit that has horrible effects on the body. This ban should be made just because of the fact that there’s still so many unknown long-term effects to partaking in this.” While I am not an individual who partakes vaping, I still have my own opinion. While it is something
that is relatively new, it does not seem to have side effects that are worse than regular smoking. Additionally, as far as my knowledge goes, it has no effect on the people that would be considered “secondhand smokers.” Furthermore, the smell does not carry. While I believe it should be banned in indoor restaurants for courtesy, doing it in your own cubicle or porch or just walking in a park is something I do not have an issue with and I believe should not be affected by the ban.
16 opinions
Red & Black
23 S eptember 2016
Should Vitamin Supplements Be Banned?
Courtesy mtlakes.org
Two-time Nobel Prize scientist Linus Pauling is known for his downfall of vitamin supplements.
Leah Segal red&black staff Without question, our parents bought these little, chalky dinosaur pills and cooed that they would keep us healthy and strong. But did they really? According to various modern day nutritionists and even the Mayo Clinic, these colorful “cure-alls” actually have no bearing on our health and can even hurt some people. With that in mind, there is no wonder individuals are boycotting the use of vitamin supplements and even going so far as to demanding a ban - and frankly, I agree. According to Healthline.com,
approximately $21 million is spent annually on vitamin supplements by the American people alone. With such an alarming amount of income spent on everything from Airborne to OneADay, one would assume that these little pills actually keep us in tip-top shape, but they would be wrong. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, vitamins are “various organic substances that are essential in minute quantities to the nutrition of most animals (e.g. humans) and plants.” The key words here are “minute quantities” and “nutrition.” Due to such a small concentration of vitamins that are vital for human
health, buying supplements are completely useless, because they are just that: “supplements.” The food an individual consumes during the day contains the true vitamins and nutrients they need to keep them healthy, whereas any supplements being taken do absolutely nothing. In fact, taking too much of a supplement can have adverse side effects and make one ill. That being said, how is it that the average citizen can self-medicate so easily and not even realize when they are harming themselves? Well, the answer lies in the story of Linus Pauling. A Nobel-prize winning biochemist, Pauling's
countless good works would soon become tarnished by his obsession with and false advertising of vitamins (specifically Vitamin C). Starting in 1970 with his work on Vitamin C and the Common Cold, Pauling began to advise users to take 3000 mg of Vitamin C daily (50 times the recommended daily allowance) with the hopes of eradicating the common cold completely. As his career progressed, he even went so far as to declare that Vitamin C supplements could cure cancer. However, his false advertisements soon caught up with him in the medical field, and doctors began to challenge and disprove his notions. Oddly enough, the
public continued to support his faulty vitamin theory, which eventually lead to today's enormous market of pretty, colored pills that do absolutely nothing for a healthy individual. Between the uselessness of vitamin supplements in the daily diet and the false advertisements of Vitamin C’s “cure- all" properties, a ban should be instituted. Self-medicating even with vitamins should not be encouraged or tolerated, and for those who truly do need the extra vitamins, doctor’s prescriptions can be written. With this new knowledge, it's time to toss those gummy bear vitamins and leave them with the Flintstone vitamins of the past.
17 opinions
Red & Black
23 S eptember 2016
Our Anthem: Why We Should Stand Our Freedom to Sit Leah Segal red&black staff As human beings, we recognize that we are highly faulted individuals. Nevertheless, mothers, fathers, siblings and significant others choose to harbor pride and love us unconditionally. The same can be said for America. As citizens in the greatest country in the world, we dearly love our boundless freedoms, our fearless and caring nature and millions of opportunities waiting to be grasped. So why is it, that recently, people choose to regard the faults when sitting instead of standing during the National Anthem? America deserves to be respected and loved, even in the face of its shortcomings. With 2016 being a huge year for politics, the United States has seemed to fall from grace, with its glory overshadowed. Between the mudslinging of candidates on both sides of the political spectrum, the Syrian Refugee Crisis and the turmoil between race relations and police, Americans have become quite vocal concerning their distaste for the US, most recently in refusing to stand for the National Anthem. Although this is nothing new, Colin Kaepernick, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, has become the unofficial face of this movement. In a statement by the NFL, Kaepernick reasoned, "I am not going to stand up to show
pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color." While it is an undeniable fact that people of color have been discriminated and oppressed in American history, his actions are completely misguided. First of all, I would like to express that it is the country that he feels wronged his people that gives him the liberty to sit. In countries such as Russia and North Korea, the act of refusing to stand during the National Anthem would result in arrest and most likely death. Nevertheless, sitting (although a recognized act of defiance- as seen with the explosion of media) is not the way to bring about change. The national anthem represents America, the America people have traveled oceans for, lost everything for and even died for- including African Americans and people of color. Each of these groups has greatly impacted and contributed to the beautiful nation that is America, and by sitting, people such as Kaepernick are neglecting to honor those people who have given him the rights to say such things. Furthermore, in Kaepernick’s quote, he states he has a lack of pride for this nation. But he is choosing to overlook the greatness that is the United States (as stated previously). Of course, the devilish marks of slavery, segregation and racism that marr America’s past should not be forgot-
ten, or swept under the rug; however, we must take pride in the moments in which America has risen up from slavery, heard the voice of Frederick Douglass, marched hand in hand with MLK and celebrated the Inauguration of President Obama. For those reasons, Americans everywhere should stand. Afterall, in a nation founded by immigrants, we all must be thankful for America’s adjustable moral compass (even when it is skewed). Finally, standing shows solidarity and hope. After the tragic events of 9/11 unraveled, Americans came together and unified to show our resilience. No matter the color of skin, or the origin of religion, the freedom that we all dearly hold was attacked. So on that day, everyone stood for that flag, because it represented hope for a better future. And by not standing, Kaepernick and others are expressing their lack of faith that things will get better- which is the most upsetting message of all. Ultimately, it is the choice of each individual American to stand for the national anthem. Even on W&J's own campus, a sophomore student said, “I think it within the bounds of citizens to choose.” Nevertheless, America’s greatness deserves to be celebrated in spite of its downfalls. Another student stated, “If you love your country, you should be standing.” Does your love shadow the faults?
fluence to draw attention to social injustices in America. Washington & Jefferson's football player, cornerback Americans have always prided Marlon Brown '18, agrees. themselves on being a free na- "Different races have had diftion. ferent experiences in AmeriIt's the nation that stands ca. Kaepernick and the other for freedom of expression, players are using their place freedom of religion and free- in the public eye to show their opinion on the race struggles dom to carry firearms. Overall freeness tends to be that have been going on. Eva main theme in this country; erybody has their own perit's become a sort of personal sonal struggles and ways of brand for Americans. dealing with them," he said. Ask one what makes this The national anthem is a country so much better than beautiful representation of the the rest, and freedom will pride and loyalty Americans likely be their answer. have for their country. UnfortuIt's imnately, the portant to be very founIf the NFL were reminded of the sacrifices dation that were this country to force Kaepernick that was built on and the other players made for this country and is being violated when to stand, it would be continue to be made evplayers such as Colin taking away the ver ery single Kaepernick, freedoms we claim day. quarterback However, for the San it is importo be so proud of. Francisco tant that we 49ers, are do not let the criticized power of trafor choosdition overing not to stand for the na- shadow the real reason why we are proud to stand for the tional anthem. The key word here is national anthem. We are proud because we choosing. It's a priceless thing to be believe in the greatness of our able to decide for ourselves country. Part of the greatness based on our own experi- is the freedoms that we are granted as citizens. ences. If the NFL were to force Kaepernick and the other NFL players who have cho- Kaepernick and the other sen to join him do not sit and players to stand, it would be kneel out of disrespect. They taking away the very freedoms are choosing to use their in- we claim to be so proud of.
Hannah Kail red&black contributor
18 Sports
Red & Black
23 S eptember 2016
sports
New Athletics Logo Not What Expected
Student Athlete Spotlight: Louis Affor London on Aug. 28, and he started training for the W&J rugby team last Tuesday. “It is very different from what I am used to,” he said. “On W&J’s team, there are Louis Affor is an exchange some people training for the student from the United first time; that makes the Kingdom, where he attends game a bit slower.” the University of Aberdeen in Affor had his first game this Scotland. past Saturday, playing against Louis is studying abroad Saint Vincent for a year at College. Wa s h i n g t o n Affor said. In the W&J’s men’s & Jefferson United Kingdom, rugby club College. lost 22-19. He is rugby is one of Affor said, n i ne te e n “I feel we and has been the most common need to start practicing training from s p o r t s — n e a r l y rugby since he basics. was ten years every child plays. the Right now, old. it is a little “Before like jumping rugby I used into a very deep pool without to do track, in particular, the knowing how to swim; we are 100-meter dash, but I am not trying to do complex moves that fast anymore,” Affor said. instead of doing the basics. ” In the United Kingdom, rugby Basic training for a rugby is one of the most common sports—nearly every child team would include a warmup, stretches, handling drills plays. Affor got into the sport and then individual skills, because almost all of his ending with a few full-team scrimmages. friends practiced it. The Presidents next home His favorite English match is Oct. 15 against the professional rugby team University of Pittsburgh at is the London Wasps. Affor arrived from Johnstown. Emilia Zamora Red&Black Contributor
Courtesy Mckenzie Merenik
Above, one of the newest W&J athletics logo.
Mckenzie Merenik Red&Black Staff
On July 6, after weeks of posts on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, W&J Athletics introduced its new logo for sports teams. The new brand was revealed exclusively on WTAE-TV, Pittsburgh’s Action News 4. Several W&J athletes were chosen to display the new logo on t-shirts and jerseys. The logo was created by New York City-based SME, whose repertoire consists of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Miami Marlins and the Kentucky Derby. The brand includes a primary and secondary logo, a wordmark and sport-specific images. Along with the hype for this new logo came positive and negative feedback.
Students have agreed that the logo is clean and is keeping up with the new modern feel the campus is trying to attain. They feel it is just what W&J needs with the new improvements that are happening to the Henry Memorial Gym. Athletes also like this new logo because it is more universal. Instead of each team having a different logo, they are all the same. However, not every student feels that way. Two students who wish to remain anonymous did not like the new logo. One student said, “I think it was hyped up to be this great logo just for the athletes. Meanwhile, the whole school is now using it as well, and it’s not a good representation of W&J. They could have done better.” Another student said, “I had higher hopes for
the new logos; I am honestly disappointed.” A large consensus remains that the logo was given too much hype for its simplicity. A lot of athletes also feel that they should use a universal name brand for the uniforms as well. Instead of having so many different brands displayed on the uniforms (such as Diadora, Nike, etc.), all teams should use one brand. Whether you find the new logo refreshing or too simple, it is here to stay. Each sports team will be representing this new logo on their uniforms and travel gear; for students not on a sports team, merchandise with the new logo can be purchased at the W&J bookstore or online. Represent your favorite sports team or pick up a generic t-shirt. Go Presidents!
23 S eptember 2016
19 sports
Red & Black
Men’s Soccer Aiming for Successful Season
Courtesy gopresidents.com
The men’s soccer team is looking to make a positive impact in the PAC Conference this season. Pictured above is goalie Nick Stasko and defenseman Dwight Donis.
Mario Tibiere Red&Black Contributor
Under the leadership of Coach Ian McDonald, the 30+ students on the W&J men’s soccer team are ready to dominate this season. With a strong group of seniors to provide leadership, they are expecting to have a strong start. Although they are faced with some challenges, the team looks very promising
this year. As of now, the team’s record stands at 2-1-1, a great start to a long season ahead. The team’s regular season will finish up near the end of October, with a conference tournament being held in November. Although the team is looking strong, they are dealing with numerous injuries right off the bat. About 8 team members are either injured or on the injured reserve list. “We have a lot of talent across the board, but the
injuries are somewhat holding us back,” said midfielder Mike DeSabato ‘19. Goalie Nick Stasko ‘19 agreed and said, “We’ve been playing well so far, but you’ll really start to see us click more once we’re all healthy again.” The team isn’t letting these road bumps get in the way of success. They have a strong team coming back from last year along with all the new players that they brought in. “We have 11 great freshmen,” said DeSabato.
“With strong leadership from each grade, our team is very united.” Stasko added that the team’s biggest strength is their depth. “Our team’s talent and cooperation is really starting to show that we’re a strong contender to win the PAC this year,” he said. The team’s biggest competition is likely Thomas More, who they will be facing soon. However, coming off of a stellar 2-0 win against La Roche College, the team is confident in their abilities. Students who would like to
see the men’s soccer team play this year should head up to Alexandre Stadium, which is located near Consol Energy Park. “We can always use support at our games,” said Stasko. “This will be a defining season for us, so we encourage anyone to come up and cheer for us!” The Presidents’ next home game is Oct. 8 against Geneva College at 1 p.m. For further details, please visit gopresidents.com.
20 sports
Red & Black
23 S eptember 2015
Health and Fitness: Staying Active as a Non-Athlete
Courtesy Jordan Toohey
W&J students, such as Mckenzie Merenick and Savannah Campbell pictured above, like to go to the Swanson Wellness Center in order to keep in shape.
Megan Ochsenreiter Red&Black Contributor
Students not involved in NCAA athletics have an assortment of options open to them when it comes to staying fit. Physical education courses offered each semester range from yoga to kung fu to personal fitness, all providing an obligatory time frame to commit to staying active in some way. Although most students feel these classes are a waste of time, they give them a source of fitness in some way. Victoria Culbertson ’17, a student who previously took Personal Fitness, said,
on campus. customize workouts with just “Having the course built into equipment my schedule didn’t allow Offering a range of cardio a few easy clicks. Apps like me the opportunity to skip machines as well as plenty Nike Training Club allow a the gym time and use it for of muscle-specific machines variety of targeted workouts homework or a nap. It’s great and free weights, the wellness for many different workout goals, even providing time for people who want to get a center contains enough intervals and video examples workout in, but are unsure equipment to get students of exercises. of how to Even if it’s go about it Luckily the technology in which our rainy or alone. cold and the T h e generation is immersed has provided the trek to the instr uc tors give some capability to search for and customize W e l l n e s s Center is guidance and workouts with just a few easy clicks. not the most teach how enticing to use each move, the machine to majority of these workout get the best result for your through a full-body workout. apps supply students with personal goals.” Unsure about how to structure workouts that can be done While excitedly watching in the confines of their own the progress on the James a workout? Luckily, the technology room. Students searching for David Ross Family Recreation Center, the Swanson Wellness in which our generation is a non-traditional workout Center is still where one immersed has provided the should keep a lookout on must go in search of fitness capability to search for and Spire and in W&J Weekly
for times and locations of activities, including Zumba and all of the campus’ club and intramural sports as another way to aid them in their fitness endeavors. Tessa DeLisle ‘18 combines these options to keep in shape. She said, “I try to do at least 30 minutes of cardio (usually on the treadmill or elliptical) and am able to stretch and do abs on the upper track in the Wellness Center. I also played intramural basketball last year which was a great additional workout once a week!” By this point in life, there is an understanding that fitness is not something that is given, but earned. With variety and involvement across campus activities, it is possible to make it a part of the day that is not to be dreaded.