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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 a n d j e f f e r s o n c o l l e g e w j r e da n d b l ac k . c o m W a s h i n g t o n , P e n n s y lva n i a September 28, 2018
WHAT’S IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER...
W&J Theatre Slam a Huge Success PAGE 9
LIFE “With a wide arrange of conflicts that can occur between roommates, this in turn means there are many ways of tackling these issues.” -P.8
CULTURE
“In a world full of music made by synthesizers, one of the reasons the Arctic Monkeys stood out to me was because they created most songs with only the guitar, bass and drum.” -P.12
OPINIONS “A leader has a moral obligation to be just, and she is encouraged to make situations better for the people she represents.” -P.15
SPORTS
“Nevertheless, the Pens came ready to play, showing energy and strength right from the beginning of the game.” -P.19
WJREDANDBLACK.COM
Courtesy Sam Kramer
2 CAMPUS NEWS
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28 September 2018
Psychology Professor Spotlight: Dr. Klitz Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
The psychology department at Washington & Jefferson College has a beloved group of faculty members that many students on campus enjoy getting to know over their four years. One of these friendly faces is Dr. Timothy Klitz, an associate professor who has worked in the psychology department for many years. While he was working on his undergraduate degree, Klitz did not focus on psychology at first. Instead, he took an integrated science program at Northwestern University, a program that required taking courses in biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry. This program did not captivate his interest very much until he took an intro level psychology course. He felt this focus could help him most effectively apply his science background to his interest in human behavior. He ended up receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and then to pursued a PhD from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Klitz’s favorite class to teach at W&J is his FYS course. Sadly, he is not teaching a course this semester, but Dr. Klitz stated that Dr. McDonald, who does have a FYS course for the psychology department, is doing a great job. Dr. Klitz has always loved teaching FYS courses because when he was an undergraduate,
he tended to be a very quiet kid, never speaking up in class or engaging in discussion. “When I went onto graduate school I felt I was not as prepared to be involved in discussion because of how quiet I was in undergrad. I regret that,” Klitz said. He takes this lesson and applies it to his FYS courses. He likes to have his students read articles and discuss them in order to get students talking and become more comfortable with sharing their thoughts and opinions. “I get lots of different students in my FYS course, and I love following them all the way to graduation. I am a really proud parent when I see all they have accomplished,” Klitz said. An academic accomplishment Dr. Klitz is proud of is his work with the NCAA and all the athletes at the College. He has been the W&J women’s soccer team faculty advisor for over 12 years and has loved every part of it. “It all started when one of my students came up to me and asked if I would watch one of her games,” said Klitz. He has worked hard to create an open line of communication between athletes, coaches and professors to ease any conflicts that may come up. He states that at a small school like W&J, students need to be more than merely academic, and playing a sport is a great way to get involved. It shows that a student, while completing his or her major, can deal with conflict resolution and failure. The student is likely to have a high quality of character. Dr. Klitz recommends that seniors not be afraid of changing their mindset about what they may want to do long-term, as it is never too late to take the chance on something new.
Courtesy Nicole Walters
Dr. Klitz is a psychology professor who also serves as a faculty advisor for the women’s soccer team.
28 September 2018
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3 CAMPUS NEWS
Senior Spotlight: AshLeigh Schelling Student Spotlight: Ashley Oddi Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
AshLeigh Schelling ‘19 has reached her final year at Washington & Jefferson College. She has taken full advantage of W&J’s opportunities to travel, make friends and most importantly to study the subjects about which she is most passionate. Schelling is a French and psychology double major. She has always loved French and thinks being able to communicate in another language is a huge advantage. Psychology is something that has always interested her. Schelling hopes that it will help her be a better dentist and will offer her another career choice if she chooses not to go into dentistry. When asked about her personal views of her future career, Schelling is sticking to her instinct. “I’ve always wanted to go into medicine and help others, and after shadowing a dentist sophomore year, I realized I loved every aspect of it,” said Schelling. “After considering many careers, I am very glad I am settling with dentistry. I find it very exciting and I could see myself doing it for years to come.” Outside of the classroom, Schelling has taken full advantage of the Magellan project opportunities. She has completed three projects, the maximum amount possible at the College. In summer 2016, she visited Australia to study medical systems; in summer 2017, she travelled to London, England to study the beauty and empowerment of women; and in summer 2018, she visited South Africa in order to job-shadow multiple dentists.
She also spent the spring semester of her junior year studying abroad at the University of Trois-Rivières in Québec. Schelling is a big supporter of the Magellan project. “Everyone should do a Magellan and/or a study abroad during their four years at W&J,” said Schelling. “Seize every opportunity. It will change your life just like it did mine.” Looking ahead, Schelling plans on taking a gap year before attending dentistry school. In that year, she hopes to travel and work abroad. Ideally, she would like to teach English in a European country. Schelling is very grateful for all that W&J has done for her. She is appreciative of her diverse group of friends who can always make her laugh. To all current students at the College, Schelling advises to keep an open mind about career choices, travelling and friendships. This helped her to maximize her time here at W&J.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Schelling has made the most out of her travel opportunities.
Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
Born in Canonsburg, Pa., Ashley Oddi ‘21 grew up with her parents, older brother and older sister. Throughout her life, Oddi has practiced her Catholic faith with her family. She is currently involved with her church and enjoys attending mass regularly with her friends and family. She believes religion is what has assisted in instilling so many of her morals. Oddi attended high school at Canon McMillan High School, where she fell in love with chemistry. She decided to attend Washington & Jefferson College because of their reputable pre-health program. But, after her freshman year, she decided to switch to studying public policy with law school in mind for the future. She would like to have an impact on the lives of people in trouble. When asked about her influences in her current career choice, Oddi stated, “I want to be a lawyer because I volunteer for my neighbor who is a lawyer. That opportunity opened up my eyes to the justice system. I was heavily influenced by the great role she plays in people’s lives.” Outside of academics, Oddi is very involved with her sorority, Delta Gamma. She has learned a lot from DG, and she cannot wait to continue to grow as a sister and she hopes to eventually take on a leadership position in the sorority. As she discussed her sorority life, Oddi said, “I decided to rush my freshman year and, it has been such a rewarding experience. I have made so
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Oddi is a member of Delta Gamma and has found it very rewarding.
many new friends through DG. Our philanthropy organization is Service for Sight, so we also volunteer with the blind, which not only helps that community, but is a very rewarding experience for me in many ways.” This summer, Oddi went backpacking for two weeks on the West Coast. Her group started in Colorado and ended up in New Mexico. After travelling over 5,000 miles, she left with a lifetime of memories. She hopes that one day she can go back and experience it again. While at W&J, she plans to study abroad in Thailand for a semester. She wants to experience the difference in Asian cultures as well as get a glimpse of the beautiful world. Oddi is very glad that she chose to come to W&J as it has iantroduced her to her best friends, helped her realize her true passion, and offered once-ina-lifetime chances to travel. She looks forward to the rest of her time her at the College, and cannot wait to make more memories.
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28 September 2018
Magellan Spotlight: Brianna McGowan ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Contributor
Over the summer of 2018, Brianna McGowan ’21, a current student at Washington & Jefferson College, completed her first Magellan Project. McGowan traveled to Omaha, Neb. and Palm Springs, Ca. While there, she studied the difference in each state’s Medicaid program. Originally from Hermitage, McGowan attended Hickory High School. She has always taken academics seriously, which influenced her decision to attend college at W&J, a very academically prestigious school. At the College, she is a biochemistry major on the pre-health track. She pursued her Magellan project in order to learn more about the career field she intends to enter. McGowan strategically chose to travel to Nebraska and California because of their statistically significant associations with Medicaid in the United States. Nebraska has the lowest percentage of physicians that do not accept Medicaid, while California, in turn, has the highest. While discussing her studies and findings while on the trip, McGowan explained, “In California, so many more people are on Medicaid because they expanded it with the Affordable Healthcare Act in 2008, while Nebraska did not,” she said. “Therefore, doctors in California are barely able to make a profit, so they decline Medicaid. The opposite goes for Nebraska.” While McGowan has traveled previ-
ously to Ireland, Italy, France and the United Kingdom, she still experienced a struggle adjusting to independent travel. She had booked an Airbnb to stay at for her trip, but it was located in a questionable area and she arrived there late at night—a potentially dangerous situation where she needed to use her bravery and safety skills to navigate the area. She said that although it turned out to be a great experience, she had to push herself outside of her comfort zone while staying in this accommodation. She also had to teach herself how to read the public transportation maps and learn how to take the bus, something she had never done before. When asked if she had any advice to offer someone looking in to a similar trip as here, McGowan said, “I would tell them to look more precisely into the cost of living in the area and what the area is like in regards to both stores around and the level of safety.” While on her trip, she was also able to visit Chicago, Ill. and San Diego, Ca. as well. McGowan thoroughly enjoyed all of the locations she visited. In her free time, she visited Laguna Beach, saw the natural hot springs and hiked up Mount San Jacinto State Park. Overall, McGowan experienced personal and academic growth on her Magellan, and she cannot wait for her next one. She has already taken full advantage of the travel opportunities at W&J by completing a Magellan for her first summer. It is only a matter of time before she finds herself on the road again on a new Magellan adventure.
Courtesy Brianna McGowan
McGowan is pictured atop Mount San Jacinto State Park in California.
28 September 2018
CAMPUS NEWS 5
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Speak Out: What are you most excited for this fall season? “The sweater weather and the beautiful colors of leaves.” -Nicole Walters ’19 Courtesy gopresidents.com
“I’m looking forward to all the big W&J athletic events coming up!” -Garrett Harstine ’19 Courtesy gopresidents.com
“Meeting new people outside of my teammates.” -Maddie Hubbard ’22 Courtesy gopresidents.com
Red & Black Established 1909 Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Production Manager Social Media Chair Campus News Editor Life Editor Culture Editor Opinions Editor Sports Editor Business Manager Distribution Manager Adviser
Kayla Marasia Hannah Kail Holly Sauer Brie Sutherland Brianna Floryshak Brie Sutherland Christian Buckley Sydney Kightlinger Karli-Ann Sanders Hannah Kail Joe Reedy John Santa
life 28 september 2018
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Life 6
How to Prepare for an Internship Brooke Beck Red & Black Contributor
Preparing for an internship can be intimidating, but there is no reason to worry because the hard part, securing the internship, is already out of the way. There are a few factors that future interns should consider to ensure that they are at the top of their game on day one. The first thing to consider is to start with a positive, humble attitude, ready to listen with an eagerness to learn. When discussing workplace attitudes, Forbes magazine contributor Michael Matthews said, “Knock the chip off your shoulder.” I recently posed a question about what the biggest cultural issue with interns is to a room of fourteen HR directors. Their answer: entitlement. Matthews talks about how interns must adapt to the mindset of starting at the bottom, knowing there is room for growth. Interns should also get to know the industry and company they will be working for; this information is typically an integral part of the interviewing process. Companies want to
hear that their applicants understand the industry and know and love their company. Going the extra mile to know details about the company shows managers the initiative they want to see. Next, interns should study their position and department. Sometimes, they will not know their full job description until they begin that job, but that should not stop them from learning. A quick Google search of tools the industry uses can help an intern prepare. In marketing, for example, there are endless online certifications one can earn to show their employer that they are interested, which can promote an intern’s later success. Dress code preparedness is also important; depending on the environment in which one is working, dress code can vary from extremely business casual to business professional, and it is imperative to dress accordingly. In addition to preparedness in performance, technical preparedness is also vital. One should know when and where to be before the first day arrives. When recent college graduate Steven Prigg was asked about his internships in college, he said, “I suggest getting all of the housekeeping items out of the way as soon as possible. When I had an
Courtesy Brooke Beck
Learning etiquette for an internship can help prepare you for your future career. internship in Denver, I handled all of my housing and transportation needs months in advance.” Even if the internship is close to home, it is important to research the expenses, commute time and more. Most of all, one must remember that the game does not simply end with securing the internship. Students who have yet to establish careers must
continually impress—whether they wish to secure a full-time position with that company in the future or wish to explore other industries, it is important to leave as many doors open as possible. As an intern, one must work hard, be kind, take in as much information as possible and impress everyone. Those are the keys to success.
28 September 2018
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7 Life
Hurricane Florence Destroys the Carolinas
Families take refuge after Hurricane Florence floods homes in North and South Carolina.
Michael Nejak Red & Black Contributor
Hurricane Florence was a long-lasting, powerful hurricane that caused drastic damage and loss of life in both North and South Carolina. This hurricane originated from a strong tropical wave that emerged off the west coast of Africa in August 2018. The beginning of this vicious hurricane started on Aug. 30 and lasted until Sept. 19. Throughout the storm, the highest recorded winds reached
up to 140 mph. The strength of the storm was shown in the beginning of the hurricane as a roof in Jacksonville, Fla., collapsed. A weather station in Swansboro, N.C. measured 33.90 inches of rain and in Marion, S.C., there were 18.13 recorded inches of rain. These measurements were recordbreaking for tropical storms in both states. The hurricane affected the areas of West Africa, Cape Verde, Bermuda and the entire eastern part of the United States. The aftermath of this hard-hitting storm included nearly $17 billion in damage. Casualties
reached over 40 people. In response to the hurricane, Donald Trump made a helpful comment. “Even though it is nice and beautiful and sunny, there are still dangerous conditions for Carolinians,” said Trump. Even after the storm ended on Sept. 19, many people who already evacuated have been urged by state officials to stay clear of their homes. This was due to the rising water levels in the rivers and the potential chance of flooding. Thankfully, over 50,000 workers throughout the US have come to the aid of the areas affected by the hurricane. Although the hurricane has passed, there are still potential threats
Courtesy Restoration Master Finder
that are preventing people who want to lend aid to affected citizens. “We are working closely with our federal partners. We will try to leverage as much funding as we can. We will use our non-profit and faith-based groups to help. And together, I think we can pull through this,” Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina said. He says that the rescuers are still in the search and rescue phase and have a long road ahead of them. For the Carolinas to recover from the aftermath of this powerful hurricane, both states will need to receive help from the outside to rebuild and thrive once more.
8 LIFE
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28 September 2018
How To Manage Your Roommate Conflicts Lauren Phillips Red & Black Contributor
For most students, transitioning to college typically means calling a small, cramped space their new home. Adding a roommate into the equation can often make the process even more complicated and multifaceted. It is no surprise that conflicts can often arise between roommates for many reasons. These issues can include study habits, hygiene and social activities. It is extremely important to remedy these conflicts as soon as possible before small problems can turn into major stresses. With a wide arrange of conflicts that can occur between roommates, this in turn means there are many ways of tackling these issues. Both simple and more complex solutions are implemented at Washington & Jefferson College to ensure students can effectively deal with roommate conflicts. Communication between roommates, both fairly and assertively, is one of the best ways to deal with conflicts. In fact, a large portion of problems can often stem from a lack of communication between roommates. Reaching out and assessing the problem at hand makes the other party aware of said conflict. It is important to not only be firm when addressing these conflicts, but also to understand and compromise with roommates. Give-and-take is
necessary, especially considering that all people have their quirks and flaws. Talking it out between students can help both conflicts be addressed and fixed or dealt with as well. “Communication is key. It really is,” said Allyson Zornak ’22. “It just makes the process of living together so much better.” At W&J, every first-year student is required to sign a roommate agreement policy upon their arrival to the dorms. This document is crucial and can
“Communication is key. It makes the process of living together so much better.” be very helpful when working out conflicts between roommates. Factors such as visitors, quiet periods and other activities are laid out in the roommate agreement. While not every facet of dorm life is included in this document, it can be very helpful for working out several common problems. Simply bringing up a potential situation can force roommates to address things that may have not been included as well. Finally, resident assistants are vital to the success of many students in dorms. While their job is to be friendly and approachable to help students deal with a wide variety of problems, roommate conflicts fall under this category as well. If vocalizing problems that arise during their time together does not work for roommates, having a third person involved in this process can
Courtesy Brie Sutherland
Communication is important in resolving roommate conflicts.
yield resolution for everyone involved. While this can lead to many different outcomes, it is always important to remember that an RA can be a great way, when appropriate, to work out lots of different roommate conflicts. Sharing a room with one or more people means that everyone should always feel safe, welcome and comfortable. However, dealing with conflicts that inevitably arise can be a very
unnerving process. With some simple communication, almost every conflict can be fixed. There may also be situations where it is necessary to involve the outlined roommate agreement or even an RA. Regardless of the problem at hand and the outcome, every student has a wide variety of tools and skills they can use to work out problems with roommates.
28 September 2018
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Culture 9
culture W&J’s Annual Theatre Slam Huge Success Lauren Phillips Red & Black Contributor
What happens when theatre students are deprived of sleep and work to write, direct and act in skits in under 24 hours? Theatre Slam. Theatre Slam is a one-night-only event that takes place every year at Washington & Jefferson College. The performance of the newly-written shows occurred at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 in Olin Theatre. The entirely student-driven event, held by W&J Student Theatre Company and Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary Society, consisted of students involved in communications, theatre and those with a general interest in performance. The evening of theatre featured 10 performances, all of which fell between 5-10 minutes in length. These performances were written, directed and acted out by the students. The audience, placed directly on the stage and close to the action, witnessed the genius that came from a long day and night of work. “I didn’t know what I was expecting when I went to Theatre Slam 2018 with my friend Hunter,” Nathan Walter ‘22 said. “Luckily, I was happily surprised
when I was greeted with a night of laughter and talent.” “Major Circus,” the opening performance, was written by Jake Beabout ‘19, S. Isaac ‘20 and Tori McKeehan ‘20 and was directed by Sarah Royds ‘19. This performance featured a comedic spin on students’ majors, including exaggerated theatre, philosophy and science majors. These characters emulated the comedy and struggles of what it means to major in these fields. With numerous students in the audience witnessing the skits, it is easy to understand how relatable and humor-
ous topics like these can be. “Ruff Day” was written by Sam Welshons ‘20 and directed by Kailee Havrda ‘20, and it showcased what might occur if a dog worked in an office environment. The performance quickly diverged into chaos and hilarity, accurately showing the demeanor of a dog. “S.A.M.,” written by Abby Adams ‘20 and directed by Tori McKeehan ‘20, displayed a boyfriend attending a family dinner with his girlfriend and her family. The matter took a turn for the worse when the family, all named “Sam,” became aggressive and started
attacking the boyfriend. Before the act ended, it was revealed what “S.A.M” stood for: “sacrifice all men.” These are just some of the performances that were put on by the group of students, with others ranging from topics like Couples’ Counseling to an evening of Dungeons and Dragons. These comedic acts showcase the talent and passion that these students have, considering the work and effort that goes into these performances. Be sure not to miss the hilarity of W&J’s Theatre Slam when it comes back next fall.
Courtesy Sam Kramer
Students including Garret Cilli, Dat Le and Julie Shannon created and performed their own skits in 24 hours at Theatre Slam.
10 Culture
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28 September 2018
Quantum Blue: An Engineered ‘Bluest Blue’
Courtesy HUFFPOST
Courtesy HUFFPOST
Blue pigments rarely occur in nature. Enamored by these fleeting hues, humans have long attempted to recreate them.
Olivia Engl Red & Black Contributor
For centuries, humans have hunted after the brightest and boldest colors they could find. Today is no different, as artists team up with scientists to try and create deeper and brighter colors that humans did not previously have the capability to access. Following up the discovery of the substance now known as Vantablack is the blue pigment called “Quantum Blue.” Although still in the early stages of experimentation, this Quantum Dot
derivative holds a lot of promise for both the art and science community. Olga Alexopoulou, an artist, along with two fifth-year chemistry grad students from the University of California Berkeley, are racing toward this new way of thinking of color. The grad students, Arunima Balan and Joseph Swabeck, are adapting the nanocrystal semiconductors known as Quantum Dots into something useable as a commercial product. Quantum Dots are a relatively new phenomena in the science world. Because of the nano-size and fluorescent nature of these chemical compounds, they have a bright color that can be used virtually anywhere. Adapting these chemicals to be used as a paint pigment was not a far stretch, but for Alexopoulou, it was a crucial advancement. The electrically
A sample of in-progress pigments being examined in a lab.
charged blue reminds viewers of the hour just before the sun rises when the whole sky turns a burning blue or perhaps even the color on a butterfly’s iridescent wing. The patent for this Quantum Blue is already in the works, so details about the team’s progress is under wraps until they get approved, but one of the issues they ran into was the binding agent. Quantum Dots are made of an oil that decays quickly. This issue affects its use for painting, so scientists had to adapt it significantly. This is a task easier said than done. The scientists found one adaptation that worked for Alexpoulou enough to enable her to paint with it. Another issue the team will have with marketing this Quantum Blue is that the color is only visible in UV
light; in sunlight, it will appear white or yellowish. However, maybe most importantly, the substances used in making Quantum Dots will impact marketing this color. The materials used to create them can be extremely poisonous to humans, as well as expensive; convincing industry to take up this endeavor could be difficult to say the least. However strange it may be, the future of paints could very well be hidden in new scientific discoveries. If Quantum Blue pushes forward, it would not be difficult to imagine Quantum Red, or Quantum Green. The future of painting could be wrapped up in these miniscule semiconductors. Only time will tell if these products will pave the way of the next generation of art in the ever-changing world that we live in.
28 September 2018
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Culture 11
Netflix Movie Review: ‘Nappily Ever After’ Nicole Walters Red & Black Contributor
“Nappily Ever After” premiered on Netflix on Sept. 21. The show follows a woman’s relationship with her hair and how it impacts her life. The movie starts out with the main character, Violet, as a child learning from her mother that appearances are everything. Violet was taught that appearing perfect was more important than anything else. As an African American woman, she already had a very complicated relationship with her hair. She started by straightening her naturally curly hair because her mother believed it gave her a calm and professional look. Even when her hair got ruined before a big dinner, she bought a weave to hide her natural hair. The story then continues in different segments represented by the different types of hair Violet sports throughout her life. Her next style of hair was short, straight and blonde; this was a shortlived hairstyle for her because it did not reflect her personality. She began feeling like her life was spiraling, not knowing who she was anymore. The next big hair change and true beginning of the movie was when she decided to shave her head. Violet began to doubt herself and have a few breakdowns during this period. However, she came across some unexpected help in an unusual place: the bathroom. This encounter begins the story of a woman struggling to find out who she is underneath her skin. Throughout the years, Violet portrayed herself as externally perfect and tried to match the world’s standards
Courtesy Coming Soon
“Nappily Ever After” is based on the novel of the same name by Trisha R. Thomas.
for beauty, but Violet herself never felt truly beautiful. It turns out that this journey of self acceptance is what she needed for herself, rather than the perfect hairstyle or a romantic partner on her arm. The rest of the show is filmed with many positive messages for women learning to respect who they are, including their flaws. In one powerful moment, Violet was talking to one of the young girls in the film who is also struggling with other people’s thoughts about her. In a poignant speech to the girl, Violet said, “Never let someone’s negative opinion of you become your reality.” This show is a great watch, as it is a reminder that every person is perfect no matter their background or the hairstyle that they choose to have.
Courtesy Source
“Nappily Ever After” stars Sanaa Lathan as Violet, who has a complicated relationship with her internal identity and the external perfection she seeks.
12 Culture
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28 September 2018
Arctic Monkeys Release Sixth Record
Courtesy Wikimedia
The Arctic Monkeys released their sixth album, “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino,” in May 2018.
Holly Sauer Red & Black Editor
On May 11, British rock band the Arctic Monkeys released their sixth album. It is called “Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino,” and it is a new sound for the band. Instead of having strong guitar riffs like in their past records, they used a piano and synthesizers. Lead singer Alex Turner found inspiration in the piano instead of the guitar for this record. The album sounds nothing like a traditional Arctic Monkeys album, and while this is
not inherently bad, I did not think that the changes made their music any better. The songs are sluggish, boring and unremarkable. In a world full of music made by synthesizers, one of the reasons the Arctic Monkeys stood out to me was because they created most songs with only the guitar, bass and drum. This left them with rock music in the purest form. However, in this record, the songs feel as if they were created by a different band. I have to force myself to listen to many of the songs. They did not release any singles prior to the album, so fans had no idea what the songs would sound like. It was quite jarring to listen to this record for the first time because it was so unexpect-
ed and different from their old music. Christian Buckley ’20 went to the Arctic Monkeys concert in July and said, “While Turner sounds phenomenal live, I found the new songs to be underwhelming.” Kayla Marasia ‘19 also attended the concert. “I always appreciate an evolution of sound, but the new album seems to pale in comparison to the band’s previous music,” Marasia said. “When they played songs from ‘AM’ and other older albums, the crowd went wild.” The title track recounts creating a hotel on the moon. Throughout the album, many of the songs are steeped in science fiction. While this would have been fine for a few songs, it is hard for
listeners to relate to these extraordinary stories and ideas. “Four out of Five” relates to the title track because it returns to the idea of a lunar hotel. It seems to market the hotel, and Turner sings, “Four stars out of five, and that’s unheard of.” This album also forces me to tell people that my favorite song is “The Ultracheese.” The appeal is mostly because of the title. However, this song is slow, so the piano fits better than some of the other songs. This album was a disappointment because their experimentation with sound and lyrics was too different from their past music. Giving this record four stars out of five would certainly be unheard of.
28 September 2018
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Poetry Corner Being
Olivia Engl Red & Black Contributor
I breathe in the heavy water hanging in the air it fills my lungs bringing them up the smell of mildew, new buds, heat, and burning stone beat their cacophony into my nostrils driving into my breast and plucking at my soul to etch into my very being this moment The wind blows through my eyelashes snatching away all my abandoned wishes and dreams that billow out the back of my head making me become grown up in half-a-second so that I feel my very being in this moment The storm strolls across the globe eating the innocent sky as it bulges towards me its eyes see me, and it begins to sob for there is a child beyond herself and found in other hearts like she bound to them the very moment she felt her being. I cry along with the black clouds and my boiling tears mix with its cold bitter ones settling into a pool on my breastbone, a tepid reminder of the uncomfortableness of my being.
Culture 13
14 Opinions
28 September 2018
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opinions
Students Debate Media’s Impact on Relationships
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
The media’s influences can turn a relationship upside down when used as the standard for everyone.
Brie Sutherland Red & Black editor
Relationships are constantly built up in the media. Thousands of TV shows and movies create a perfected image of relationships. They use the cliche of falling in love and having a happy ending. They create an expectation of what two people spending time together should do. This assumes that everyone in a relationship feels, acts and reacts the same way the actors do in fake scenarios. This fairytale-like plot has given society a false image of relationships.
Relationships can be in any shape or form if the couple is happy and healthy. There are no rules about how long two people must date, what they should do with their time together how they are required to label themselves. No two people will have the same relationship; every individual is different. Another important aspect of relationships is compatibility. Not everyone is meant to be together. A relationship is simply a matter of happiness. The media makes relationships look easy and perfect, which creates unrealistic expectations. If you are not living a perfect fairytale, is the relationship a failure? No, as there is nothing to
define what makes a relationship successful. You must have two people who like to be together; it may lead to love, it may lead to a close friendship. The exciting part is that the couple gets to choose. The choice is not planned out in a plot or written into a script. That is what makes a relationship real. “Relationships are not flawless. A couple should make mistakes and learn from them, not avoid arguing altogether,” said Kayla Marasia ‘19. “If there is anything I have learned, it is that clear communication is vital. Those perfect movie montages do not exist.” Unlike in the movies, a couple does not have to live happily ever after. Not
everyone marries the first person they date. Not everyone marries. There is no limitation to who you date or how many people. On a planet filled with so many people, the possibilities are endless. “I think if you pay too much attention to the relationship standards in the media, you can become disillusioned about the realities of your own relationship,” said Hannah Kail ‘19. The social standards brought by the media have become too unrealistic. Everyone can have their own relationship standards and boundaries. The end goal is simply to be happy, leaving the world of relationships untouched by media’s illusions.
28 September 2018
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15 Opinions
The Moral Responsibilities of Leadership Julia Adams Red & Black Contributor
A leader is chosen for many reasons. She is supported for her ideals and is chosen to lead the population into success and prosperity. A new leader is given the gift of superiority and elected into a position of power because she or is capable of handling the responsibility. A leader is chosen to assume a higher position because they have a deep understanding of who they are, what they believe in and why. There are many qualifications and characteristics that unite strong leaders. A leader has a moral obligation to be just, and she is encouraged to make situations better for the people she represents. When asked the qualifications of a good leader, Brayden Marra ’22 said, “If you are a leader, you are morally obligated to make everyone feel safe and to promote some type of proactive experience that people will want to follow.” When asked to think of a leader, many people imagine Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, Hillary Clinton or George Washington. These
Courtesy Twitter @washjeff_SGA
Elected representatives should exemplify the social morality. SGA’s executive board strives to do this on campus.
examples are all people who assumed power because of their set values and understandings of what they wanted and how they were going to get it. As leaders, they understand the distinction between right and wrong, and the line between what is deemed acceptable and what is not. They understand the human race in a better way than most people, and they know how to bring people together. They have good communication skills and are well-versed in the
issues people care about. Moral obligation is not bound by law. What is right or wrong can be different in the eyes of every person. However, a leader is meant to be an example of what is right for a mass of people. They are looked to for guidance. A leader should have intrinsic and extrinsic motivations to be morally just, while also holding true to their own values. They also need to maintain expectations and responsibility from the public. “It is a virtue to be
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
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.
a principled leader and person,” said Luke Webb ‘22. “However, if the facts of a situation a leader faces changes, or if new information causes them to change their mind, it would not be totally immoral for them to go back on previous promises.” Leaders should, however, stick to a set of principles as best they can. They should not knowingly lie. A leader has an obligation to be fair and to be an advocate for her own people. She has a moral obligation to be fair and just.
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16 Opinions
Red & Black
28 September 2018
Hookup Culture’s Impact on Future Relationships
Courtesy Flickr
Hookup culture is a part of nearly every college campus’s social life, but some argue it is hurting young adults’ abilities to forge lasting relationships.
Kyle Vareha Red & Black Contributor
If one were to ask if hookup culture is leading to unhappiness or an unpreparedness for love, I would say yes. I find that when two people with some association are together, they are rumored to have sex in any intimate setting. Particularly, this seems to occur in high school and college culture. Also, one may hear it in popular culture all the time with television and movies like “The Big Bang Theory” or “American Pie.” The classic “You’re still a virgin?” question highlights how society
feels it is rare to have never had sex by this age. However, hookup culture has led to problems in young adults. According to APA, in a web-based study of 1,468 undergraduate students who had had several sexual encounters outside of steady relationships, 27.1 percent felt embarrassed, 24.7 percent felt emotional difficulties, 20.8 percent experienced loss of respect and 10 percent reported difficulties with a steady partner. In another study done by Taylor & Francis Online, 70 percent of men and women at a Canadian university regretted their hookups. The problem with hookups involves how they have become more mainstream over the decades. With this sort of normal-
ization, it seems people have forgotten that being in a committed relationship is often a great choice and will lead to sustained happiness. According to Cornell University, “Being married is associated with higher self-esteem, greater life satisfaction and less stress whereas people who are not in stable romantic relationships tend to report lower self-esteem, less life satisfaction, less happiness and more distress.” It has also been reported that married couples tend to have better sex than those who are unmarried and living together. When a person is committed to something, they are more generally more passionate about it, whether it would be a job, career or ro-
mantic relationship. “In general, people appear to feel better about themselves and their lives when they move into a committed relationship,” said Cornell professor Kamp Dush. Commitment is beneficial for everyone. I believe that the committed life is a happy life. However, not everyone feels this way. “Casual sex should not be shamed,” said Kayla Marasia ‘19. “Sex can always be fun as long as it is consensual.” What I hope people in college and high school see is that hookups may be enjoyable in the moment, but a committed relationship will be truly rewarding and lead to greater happiness in one’s life.
28 September 2018
sports Red & Black
Sports 17
Steelers Player Spotlight: Antonio Brown
Courtesy Flickr
Courtesy ABC15 Arizona
Antonio Brown has been a team member of the Pittsburgh Steelers for nine seasons as a wide receiver and punt returner.
Brianna McGowan Red & Black Contributor
As the Steelers kicked off the 2018 season with a 0-1-1 record in the American Football Conference, it is impossible not to notice the six-time Pro Bowler and four-time First Team AllPro winner Antonio Brown. Brown has served as the wide receiver and punt returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL for nine seasons. Brown is the only receiver in NFL history to recover five receptions and
at least 50 yards in every single game of an NFL season—arguably making him currently the best wide receiver in the NFL. He grew up with his mother, Adrianne Moss, stepfather and younger brother, Desmond Brown. Desmond is also pursuing professional football and currently plays for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Brown attended Miami Norland High School in Miami, where he was nicknamed “Boney Tony” because he was so skinny. Brown dreamed of attending Florida State University, but his high school grades held him back from being accepted into the university. Brown instead went to North Carolina Tech in 2006. On this team, Brown
played quarterback in only five games, and during this time he passed a total of 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns. After only one year on the field, Brown received an offer from Florida International University, but before he could even join the team, he was expelled from NCT for a security dispute. Antonio Brown attended Central Michigan University as a walk-on freshman and played on the football team from 2007 to 2009. At Central Michigan, Brown transitioned to become a wide receiver where he had three very successful seasons. As a freshman, Brown was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year after playing in 14 games. During his sophomore season, Brown
played in every match, and as a junior, he set the record for best single-season figures with 110 receptions, 1,198 receiving yards and nine touch-downs. Brown opted out of his senior season to enter the 2010 NFL Draft, where he was selected as the Steelers’ second wide-receiver pick. He picked number 84 as his jersey number because eight times four equals 32, which is the number of teams that passed over him during the draft, including the Steelers. When Brown was asked about his infamous number, he said, “Every time I go out there, it’s a little added motivation.” Brown is no doubt an exceptional player, and Pittsburgh is lucky to have him playing for the city.
18 Sports
Red & Black
28 September 2018
Student Athlete Spotlight: Ben Peticca ’21 Marcy Saldivar Red & Black Staff One noteworthy student athlete at Washington & Jefferson College is Ben Peticca ‘21. He was born in Murrysville and attended Franklin Regional High School. He is a chemistry major on the prehealth track, and Peticca anticipates pursuing a career in medicine. Peticca is a member of the W&J men’s golf team and has been playing golf since he was 13 years old. He start-
Mellon Fall Shootout. At the CMU Fall Shootout, the men’s team erased a 14 shot deficit after the first day, shooting a school record 271 (-9) in round two to beat Thomas More University by three shots. Peticca led the team with a second place overall finish with a score of 136 (-4; 69-67), a career low, which in golf is considered a success. The historic round saw four Presidents shoot sub-70 rounds. Peticca was recognized as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference (PAC) Golfer of the Week for this performance. With this great momentum, the men’s team
“Washington & Jefferson is a great fit for me. It allows me to pursue both my academic and athletic goals simultaneously. It can be a challenge to balance the two, but it is a challenge that I am up for.” - Ben Peticca ’21 ed playing competitive golf his sophomore year of high school and has developed a passion for it ever since. A large part of Pettica’s decision to study at W&J was influenced by his opportunity to play golf alongside rigorous academics. As he discussed his academic and athletic life at W&J, Pettica said, “Washington & Jefferson is a great fit for me. It allows me to pursue both my academic and athletic goals simultaneously. It can be a challenge to balance the two, but it is a challenge that I am up for.” This season, the W&J men’s golf team has been off to a strong start. They placed seventh out of 14 teams at the Guy and Jeanne Kunn Invitational, followed by a win at the Carnegie
seeks to be repeat PAC champions and reach the NCAA division III championships in the spring. To do so, they will need a strong performance at the PAC Fall Championships before returning to Washington to defend last year’s victory at the Peter C. Rossin Memorial Invitational at Southpointe Golf Club, the team’s home course. “All five guys in the lineup are playing great golf right now,” said Pettica. “The rest of the season should be exciting, and I expect this team to continue to exceed expectations.” The W&J men’s golf team only has one invitational this year at the Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg on Oct. 7 and 8, and they would appreciate everyone’s support and school spirit.
Courtesy Marcy Saldivar
Courtesy Gopresidents.com
Peticca has been playing golf since he was thirteen years old.
28 September 2018
19 sports
Red & Black
Penguins Struggle Through Preseason Games Courtney Finney Red & Black Contributor
The Pittsburgh Penguins played the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 19. The Red Wings came out on top with a 3-2 win against the Penguins in overtime. Nevertheless, the Pens came ready to play, showing energy and strength right from the beginning of the game. Penguins forward Derek Grant skated onto the puck in front of the net and scored the first goal for the Penguins in the first period. The Pens were able to keep their 1-0 lead over the Red Wings until the second period when the Red Wings defenseman, Trevor Hamilton, shot the puck in the top right corner of the Pens’ net, tying the game at 1-1. The Pens, frustrated by the play, came back in the second period to regain their lead. Right winger Ryan Haggerty scored for the Pens with a keen shot to the top corner of the Red Wings net, awarding the Pens a 2-1 lead. However, in the third period, Red Wings player Christoffer Ehn had a shot blocked by Pens goalkeeper Casey DeSmith. DeSmith, stumbling to get back on his feet, was slow to save the shot rebounded by Red Wings player David Booth, tying the game once again 2-2 against the Pens with ten minutes left to spare. This took the Pens into overtime, when a furious cluster in front of the Pens’ net resulted in a 3-2 Detroit win with three minutes left on the clock. The Penguins also played the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sept. 22. Compared to their last game against the Red Wings, the Pens came out on
top with a 7-3 win. The Pens had a hot start coming into the first period with two fantastic goals from Juuso Riikola and Matt Cullen. The Pens then went into the second period looking to build the momentum they had in the first period. They accomplished this when Kris Letang and Jack Johnson scored back to back goals. Goaltender Matt Murray alsohelped them keep their 4-0 lead by
making multiple great saves throughout the game. However, later in the second period, the Blue Jackets came away with an assisted goal by Oliver Bjorkstrand, thereby setting the score at 4-3 in favor of the Penguins. In the third period, there was considerable offensive production from both teams. The Blue Jackets suddenly began to catch up to the Pens by scor-
ing two goals off of a power play, making the score uncomfortably close for Pittsburgh fans, but the Pens were able to pull away. Cullen and Scott Wilson both scored impressive goals late in the third period, which resulted in the Pens’ 7-3 victory against Columbus. The Penguins will play tonight, Sept. 28, as they look to capture another win during the preseason.
The Pittsburgh Penguins play the Blue Jackets for another preseason game on Sept. 28.
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
20 sports
Red & Black
Last Week’s Scores
28 September 2018
Sept. 18
Field Hockey v. Denison 1-0 Win Women’s Tennis v. California 2-7 Loss Women’s Soccer v. Franciscan 1-0 Win
Sept. 19 Men’s Soccer v. Franciscan 0-1 Loss Volleyball v. Chatham 3-0 Win
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Sept. 21
Next Week’s Games
Women’s Tennis v. Saint Vincent 5-4 Win Women’s Soccer v. Carnegie Mellon 0-4 Loss Men’s Water Polo v. Mercyhurst 11-12 Loss
Women’s Tennis v. Mount Union (A)- 3:30pm Men’s and Women’s Cross Country at W&J Invitational (H)
Sept. 28
Sept. 22
Sept. 29
XC at Waynesburg Invitational (M)1st of 10, (W) 8th of 11 Women’s Golf at Allegheny 1st out of 6 Women’s Tennis v. Westminster 6-3 Win Volleyball v. Westminster 2-3 Loss Field Hockey v. Nazareth 3-0 Win Men’s Soccer v. Marietta 0-4 Loss Men’s Water Polo v. Connecticut College 16-9 Win Volleyball v. Theil 3-0 Win Men’s Water Polo v. Gannon 6-19 Loss Football v. Grove City 62-10 Win
Men’s Tennis v. W&J Invitational (H)- 10am Men’s Water Polo v. Alumni Game (H)- 12pm Volleyball v. Allegheny (A)- 11am, v. Baldwin Wallace (A)- 1pm Women’s Soccer v. Thiel (H)- 1pm Field Hockey v. St. John Fisher (H)- 1pm Football v. Bethany (A)- 2pm Men’s Soccer v. Thiel (H)- 3pm
Sept. 23
Sept. 30 Men’s Water Polo v. Mt. San Antonio (H)- 10am
Oct. 1
Men’s Water Polo v. Salem 9-18 Loss Women’s Soccer v. Case Western Reserve 0-3 Loss
Men’s and Women’s Golf at PAC Fall Championship (A) Women’s Tennis v. Bethany (A)- 4pm
Oct. 2 Men’s Soccer v. Allegheny (A)- 7:30pm Women’s Soccer v. Oberlin (A)- 7:30pm
Oct. 3
Courtesy gopresidents.com
Women’s Tennis v. Waynesburg (H)- 6pm Volleyball v. Bethany (H)- 7pm Field Hockey v. Frostburg State (H)- 7pm