The Signal: Spring '14, No. 11

Breaking news, blogs, and more at TCNJSignal.net.

Vol. XXXX, No. 11

April 9, 2014

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Outside the bubble: Is it safe? ObamaCare: knowing the

By Mike Herold Fantasy Sports Editor

New text message from TCNJ Emergency Alerts.

It’s a message most students at the College have received at one point or another during their time here. Usually, the message behind the text is something innocuous — this year was dominated by the friendly reminders that classes were cancelled due to ice and snowstorms.

But, on occasion, there’s something more serious within the texts and emails.

A student missing, a bear on campus or a burst water main are all examples of messages the College has sent out to its students in the last three years that qualified as emergencies.

The third, perhaps more sinister category of these messages, relates to crimes committed against students here, and some of those concern events that don’t happen in the bubble of the College’s campus. It begs the question: Just how safe is it to live off campus in Ewing, as many members of the College community do?

By looking at data from the New Jersey State Police’s Uniform Crime report and comparing that data to the College’s own Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, the difference between the number of reported crimes in Ewing and on campus vary greatly.

In 2012, the most recent year in which these statistics are available, a total of 83

information

By Mylin Batipps Nation & World Editor

a single forced sexual assault. Even looking back a few more years, the College’s oncampus numbers do not change too much, also reporting a single forced sexual assault in 2011 and two such instances in 2010.

Approximately 9,000 students in New Jersey are uninsured, according to Alescia Teel, the communications lead for the New Jersey chapter of Enroll America.

“That is a big number of people, and our focus is trying to reach as many as those 9,000 people as we can and help them get educated,” Teel said.

Researchers and educators from different nonprofit organizations across the country have been working to communicate with millions of uninsured Americans and inform them on the Affordable Care Act, the country’s new healthcare reform law. Enroll America, a national nonpartisan organization, has been extending its services to young adults and students, since they can be covered by the law.

Representatives of New Jersey’s chapter have visited institutions including Union County College, Camden County College, Montclair State University and TCNJ. They have spread their message to other public places as well.

“We’ve been at bus stops, Laundromats, churches, synagogues, food stores … Our mission is to bring information to people where they are,” Teel said. While the Affordable Care

see SAFETY page 3

see HEALTH page 3

Photo courtesy of Peter Peliotis

A cop pulls over a driver on Browning Ave., just outside of campus. violent crimes were committed in Ewing.

Falling into this category was murder, with two in Ewing, rape with six, robbery with 35 and aggravated assault with 40.

According to the College’s numbers, the on-campus numbers for violent crime had a grand total of one offense in 2012, with

A night of hope

By Gabrielle Beacken News Assistant One grandmother, one uncle and one close family friend (she calls him ‘uncle’) have all been taken away from her because of cancer.

Her other grandmother is now currently recovering from chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Breast cancer, lung cancer and lymphoma cancer are words all too familiar for freshman psychology major Emily Maragni. Maragni relayed for her grandma Babci, uncle Tommy and ‘uncle’ Bobby.

“He had three kids, the youngest 6 years old,” Maragni said on the passing of her uncle. “It took a toll on everyone. It was surprising — he got so sick so quickly. We didn’t expect it.”

Relay for Life, a team-based overnight fundraising walk that includes activities, games, entertainment and more, was held in the Recreation Center on Friday, April 4. Colleges

Against Cancer, Student Government and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity sponsored the event.

Each Relay for Life team registered took turns walking throughout the entire night — from the Opening Ceremony with several inspirational speakers at around 8 p.m. to the balloon send off, during which Colleges Against Cancer announced that the event had raised more than $71,000, at 4:30 a.m.

“I want to relay because I’ve had close experiences in my family with cancer.”

The night began with a Survivors Lap — survivors of cancer led the first lap of the night. Students rose for the survivors and offered them applause and a standing ovation. see RELAY page 5

INDEX: Nation & World / Page 7 The Signal @TCNJsignal

Editorial / Page 9

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Living up to the hype of their sold-out show, Pentatonix dominates the stage.

By Shayna Innocenti & Jonathan Edmondson Arts & Entertainment & Review Editors A few weeks ago, students waited in line outside of the Brower Student Center for tickets to see the trending a capella group Pentatonix.

But was it worth the wait? The sold-out show, with an opening from the College’s Trentones,

Opinions / Page 11

Features / Page 13

dominated the Kendall Hall Main Stage on Tuesday, April 1. Impeccable harmonizing and rather impressive lighting effects had students’ eyes peeled back and smiles beaming.

The pitch-perfect vocals come from five distinct members: Scott, Mitch, Kristie, Avi and Kevin. see PTX page 19

Arts & Entertainment / Page 19

Sports / Page 36

Baseball A 12-1 streaks puts them at the top

Project Pride Ex and current cons come to campus

Battle of the Bands Pine Barons takes first place

See Sports page 36

See Features page 13

See A&E page 19

page 2 The Signal April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 3

Health / Ensuring students access to healthcare

continued from page 1

Act presents benefits to adults who enroll for insurance, it also presents benefits to children and young adults, including students of the College. For instance, young adults can be insured under their parents’ health plan until they are 26. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, insurance companies could once remove children from their plan when they turned 19.

Children covered under their parents’ plan can also have a pre-existing condition now.

According to the ACA, health plans can no longer deny benefits or coverage for a child younger than age 19 because of a health problem he or she developed before joining the plan, a core motivation for passing the ACA in 2009.

Sophomore political science major Symone Yancey is signed up under her parents’ health plan, and she is very satisfied with it.

“It is nice to know that I am taken care of in that respect through law school,” Yancey said. “It lets me focus on other things, like my grades.”

According to sophomore accounting major Julie Ciak, 26 may be a little too old for someone to be covered under their parents’ plan.

“I can’t say I am aware of the specific ramifications for insurance companies, healthcare and the economy regarding this change,” said Ciak, who is also

enrolled under her parents’ plan.

“But 26 offhand seems very old to me, compared to something more reasonable, such as 23, for students who may just be obtaining full-time jobs.”

What about those students, though, who are not insured under their parents’ health plan?

They can enroll for their own health insurance, according to the ACA. Half of adults ages 18 to 34 who are eligible to purchase insurance on the marketplace could get covered for $50 a month or less, which is less than what students pay for their phone bill or even gas.

Even students who just graduated from an institution and are not committed to an employer can be insured.

“If you’re a freelance writer, you can be covered,” Teel said.

“In the past, you didn’t have that ability.”

Junior political science major Nick Simonelli said that while the monthly premiums would be low, a trip to the doctor’s office could be costly as a result.

“I think this low fee sounds like a great idea, but it might increase out-of-pocket costs and co-pays,” Simonelli said.

“However, it’s still better than paying the mandatory fee for people who choose not to purchase health insurance.”

While the March 31 deadline of enrolling for insurance has passed, students will have another opportunity in November to enroll for 2015. They can also enroll by visiting healthcare.gov

Many students ages 18 to 34 can be insured for around $50 a month. or by dialing a toll-free number that will direct them to the Health Insurance Marketplace.

However, if students are not insured under their parents or do not have student health insurance with the College, they would have to pay a fee each month they are without insurance.

For this reason, Teel and representatives of Enroll America are reaching out to students in multiple ways to inform them on the ACA. Students are able to follow the organization on Twitter at GetCoveredNJ or GetCoveredUS, as well as other

social networks. According to Teel, celebrities are also pushing for young adults to enroll through their Twitter handles.

“T.I., Mindy Kaling, Janelle Monae and other huge names are giving their voice and emphasizing the importance of ACA and why it matters for young people,” she said.

According to Yancey, the negative opinions people have about the healthcare law hinder them from taking an in-depth look at it.

“I definitely think that more people should be aware, because

AP Photo

ignorance is one of the biggest reasons people oppose ObamaCare,” Yancey said. “You can’t support what you don’t understand or even bother to think about.”

Teel said that it’s important for young adults to think ahead when it comes to considering health insurance.

“Everyone needs healthcare because anyone can have an accident,” Teel said. “If you have a broken arm and are uninsured, it could cost you $7,000 in the emergency room. We all have to get started somewhere.”

Safety / Perceptions Russian club storms campus softened by numbers

continued from page 1

In terms of how many violent crimes are reported, living off campus is a more dangerous place than on campus. Looking a bit harder at the data, however, those simple numbers are not the most accurate telling of the information. When you factor in that Ewing’s violent crime rate is just 2.3 per 1,000 — which means that approximately one in every 500 people in Ewing will have a violent crime committed against them — the situation does not look quite as bleak, especially when compared to more dangerous areas. Trenton, for example, has a violent crime rate of 14.9 per 1,000, making Ewing much safer in comparison.

Other towns similar to Ewing, such as Hamilton, also have similar numbers in this area, with Hamilton sporting a violent crime rate of 2.2 per 1,000.

Not much of this seems to matter to many students at the College, however — they seem to go by how Ewing feels in terms of safety rather than the hard data. In fact, most of the students who lived off campus declined to comment for this article, with one student in particular citing an event of vandalism that occurred at his or her off-campus house.

Those off-campus students who

didn’t move here, however, seem to be much less frightened by Ewing than those who did.

“I’ve lived in Ewing for 21 years,” senior physics and secondary education dual major Michael Wijkowski said. “I feel very safe here, yes, and I’d walk around here by myself at night.”

It can also be noted when comparing the dangers of off campus and on that there is a difference in the number of police per square foot available between a relatively small campus and a larger town like Ewing. Ultimately, the police presence could certainly be a contributing factor in why students are inclined to consider the campus a much safer environment.

“I see policemen more often on campus than I do off campus,” Wijkowski said. “I think I hear sirens maybe once a month.”

No matter how many more crimes are reported per year in Ewing than on campus, one set of sirens per month most likely doesn’t have much of a major impact on the day-to-day lives of students who live within a few miles of the safety and security of the campus boundaries. It might not be strictly as safe living off campus as it is living on, but the chances are 499 out of 500 that an individual student will not see a difference.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

PhiDE gets tabled until more information is provided.

By Sydney Shaw News Assistant Two new clubs were approved by Student Government and the decision on a third was tabled at the general body meeting on Wednesday, April 2.

Russian Club and Kappa Pi, an art honor society and fraternity, were unanimously approved by the Governmental Affairs Committee.

Phi Delta Epsilon, a medical fraternity, was tabled until SG could learn more about the processes in which a fraternity goes through to become a legitimate

chapter of an organization.

“Russian club aims to enhance conversational skills in Russian and to highlight Russian culture,” Senator of Humanities and Social Sciences Jessica Glynn said.

A typical meeting of the club would ideally be set in a laid-back environment, with cultural food and activities to accompany the events.

“The student who presented to General Assembly was so incredibly passionate about this club,” vice president of Governmental Affairs Alex Brown said.

“I’ve never seen anyone that

passionate about Russian in my entire life.”

The second club to be approved, Kappa Pi, serves as an honorary art fraternity as well as an art honor society.

“Any art student with a 3.6 GPA will be notified by the board of their induction as an honorary member,” Glynn explained, but any student can join as a general member.

Glynn added that General Assembly has faith in the sustainability of Kappa Pi. The decision on Phi Delta Epsilon, however, was tabled because the Inter-Greek Council lacked the necessary knowledge about the organization.

“We wanted to check with Dave Conner (assistant director for Fraternity and Sorority Programs) and Inter-Greek Council before we fully approve them,” Glynn said.

PhiDE is an international medical fraternity that currently has chapters in every state, including chapters at Rutgers and Rowan.

Some of the fraternity’s philanthropies include combating child abuse and illiteracy.

If approved, the chapter at the College plans to collaborate with the chapters at Rutgers and Rowan to expand events and reach out to more students.

page 4 The Signal April 9, 2014

FALL 2014 REGISTRATION APPOINTMENT PERIOD Initial Registration Period for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Tuesday, April 1 Through Friday, April 11 

Your enrollment appointment reflecting the first time you will be eligible to register for Fall 2014 semester can be accessed via your PAWS account. To view your scheduled enrollment appointment, visit the Enrollment Appointment section in the PAWS Student Center. Once eligible, students remain eligible throughout the registration period. Undergraduate Students who do not register by 11:59pm on Sunday, April 13th will be subject to a late registration fine. Graduate students have until 11:59pm on July 15th: Late Registration Fine Undergraduate: $150 Graduate: $125



The Fall 2014 Schedule of Classes is available on PAWS and can be viewed by using the Search for Classes button.



Visit the PAWS HELP website for complete information on how to log-in to PAWS, search for classes, browse the Course Catalog, view your Holds, add courses to your Shopping Cart, and register for classes: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/



Use the Validate feature directly from your PAWS Shopping Cart to check for potential pre-requisite issues before registration! For more information on the Validate feature, visit: http://pawshelp.pages.tcnj.edu/files/2011/07/validate.pdf



Check PAWS early and frequently for Holds that will prevent you from registering. All Hold Flag information can be viewed under the Holds section in the PAWS Student Center.



Access your Academic Requirements Report on PAWS to view your degree requirements via the Advising Tools link.



Make an appointment to see your advisor to discuss your Academic Requirements Report. Your advisor’s name and email address can be located in your PAWS Student Center.



Double-check call numbers and course sections prior to your registration appointment for schedule changes and periodic updates.



Graduate Students: If you are a non-matriculant who is applying for Fall matriculation, you should not register during this timeframe. If accepted for matriculation, you will be invited to register during one of the Graduate Studies summer orientation sessions.

THE OFFICE OF RECORDS AND REGISTRATION EXTENDED HOURS DURING THIS REGISTRATION PERIOD Tuesday, April 1 through Friday, April 11 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 5

Greek Week sneak peak

By Julie Kayzerman News Editor In preparation for the upcoming Greek Week, the Inter-Greek Council was allocated $2,200 to bring a stage and equipment to campus by the Student Finance Board during their weekly meeting on Wednesday, April 2. The equipment will be used to host the annual Greek Week Airband.

Airband highlights the lip sync and dance talents of groups in the Greek community in the event that draws crowds outside of Greek life. The event is scheduled to be held in the Brower

Student Center on Friday, April 18.

The second highest request came from the Black Student Union, hoping to host a roller-skating night for $1,910.

However, as SFB typically doesn’t fund costs for admission on trips and only provides funds for transportation, BSU was allocated $910 for two buses that hold 50 people each.

The trip will take place at the Millennium Skate World at 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.

Following, the Pre-Dental Club was funded with $643 in effort to spread Oral Cancer Awareness. The money will be used to provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss picks, ChapStick and oral analgesic tubes during their awareness campaign on Wednesday, April 23, in the Brower Student Center.

In addition, Voice of Hope was fully funded with $250 to host its annual Voice of Hope Spring Concert, in which they will perform in the Education Building on Saturday, May 3.

Finally, the Senior Class Council was funded to host a cooking class to prepare students for post-graduate life by teaching them how to cook healthy meals on a budget. This event was funded for $300 to bring Chef Ott to campus on Thursday, April 10.

Disclaimer: Though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place.

Relay / Students rally for relatives continued from page 1

The event also consisted of a Luminaria Ceremony that included a slideshow of photographs of those who’ve lost the battle to cancer.

The slideshow was followed by “silent lap” around the illuminated track. The track was illuminated by candles in paper bags that students wrote on the names of their family/ friends affected by cancer.

After the passing of her uncle, Maragni’s mother formed the family’s first relay team for West

Orange High School’s Relay for Life event. Maragni and her family have been participating in Relay for Life for five years now.

“I think it’s a really good cause and it’s important to know how serious cancer is,” Maragni said. “It’s good that people come together to raise money.”

Raising money for cancer research through the American Cancer Society and spreading awareness of the deadly disease were frequent reasons for those who participated in Relay for Life.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Students volunteer based off personal experiences.

Many students share stories similar to Maragni’s.

“I want to relay because I’ve had close experiences in my family with cancer,” said a student who chose to remain anonymous. “You don’t really realize how close it is to you. All your loved ones are affected by it.”

The anonymous student relayed for a cousin who was diagnosed with cancer at 17 years old. The student’s cousin is now recovering, but the journey has still been extremely difficult and overwhelming.

“When you have someone in your family that is diagnosed, there is a lot of negative thoughts in the beginning,” the student said. “But there is always hope.

The most important thing is to be there for the person.”

The student explained that though his or her cousin wished to be treated normally, the request was challenging.

“Don’t say like, ‘Don’t touch them, don’t do anything!’ They want to feel the normalcy of their life,” the student said. “Of course be there for them, but let them be as independent as possible. Let them have control over certain parts of their life.”

The student’s cousin was involved in several American Cancer Society organizations, such

as Camp Can Do. Camp Can Do, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, allowed children diagnosed with caner to have a “normal” and enjoyable summer camp experience, while still having the proper medical attention available.

“A negative experience opens your eyes to how valuable certain things are, what really counts in life — things you often forget,” the student said. “Despite the hardships of the situation, you always have to look for the positive. As hard as it is, you got to look for positive in it. But there is always hope — that is most important.”

Students relayed for the loss of their loved ones, to spread awareness of the negative consequences of cancer and to fundraise money for cancer research, hoping that the fight against cancer will soon end victoriously.

“I feel like if people haven’t experienced Relay, they don’t know how important it is,” Maragni said. “The event gets to you emotionally.”

Maragni urges those who’ve never partaken in Relay for Life to begin participating.

“People should know that they should go to one Relay in their life,” Maragni said. “Once they go to one, they will never want to stop going. It’s an amazing experience.”

Letterman leaving after 30 years

By Courtney Wirths Opinions Editor

• Late-night TV is changing forever. Last week, long-time late-night television host David Letterman, 66, announced he would be retiring next year.

After a 30-year run, the television icon will likely be replaced by a younger comedian, as the station aims to take a larger chunk of the 18- to 49-year-old demographic. This particular demographic is the most coveted by advertisers.

• Americans’ tastes and spending habits are changing, and it is forcing consumerproduct companies to reevaluate what used

to be consistent growth patterns that correlated with economic conditions. Over the past several years, there has been a decline in the purchases of basic products such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, razors, soda and cereal. In response, companies like General Mills and Proctor & Gamble Co. are promoting a greater number of deals and coupons.

• There is good news for cancer patients, survivors and pharmaceutical companies. Two new drugs being developed by Pfizer and Eli Lilly showed promise in slowing the growth of breast cancer tumors by targeting proteins that are used by tumors to grow and spread within the body. The drug, in pill form, would

stop tumor growth so other treatments could be used to eliminate the cancer.

• More small banks are selling themselves to larger institutions. The cause of the increase in sales is the rising costs banks incur to keep up with recent regulations.

Small banks cannot afford to put out funds to hire the number of employees required to handle the additional work created by post2008 regulations. With record-low interest rates already hitting banking profits, any added cost is damaging.

• Yahoo! is close to finishing a deal that would provide the company with four original 10-episode comedies. The shows would be streamed online, but many investors fear that Yahoo! isn’t ready to enter a market so already dominated by large players such as Amazon and Netflix.

Pro-life demonstration trashed on Kendall lawn

By Tom Kozlowski News Editor

On Saturday, March 29, at 1:49 a.m., a student was arrested by Campus Police for punching and breaking a window on the second story stairwell to Lot 11. According to Campus Police, a student approached an officer on patrol and pointed out two passing students, saying of the first, “He broke that window.” The officer then approached the suspects, observing blood on both the first student’s hand and clothes. The odor of alcohol was present on both students as well, Campus Police said. When the officer asked the first student about the blood, he responded, “My friend threw up in my car. I got upset. I hit the wall. I hit the window.” As the second student was indeed observed to have consumed alochol that evening, Campus Police arrested the two students and escorted them to headquarters.

Several items were stolen from the Social Sciences Building on Monday, March 31, at 8:30 a.m. A faculty member observed a missing Keurig B31 Mini Plus coffee machine, worth $120, a Clorox liquid dish soap, worth $4 and a ring of four to five keys taken from a drawer behind her desk in room 317. According to Campus Police, all items were present the previous day at 3 p.m. when the faculty member left the buildling. ...

A trespasser was reported in the Administrative Services Building on Thursday, April 3, at 10:35 p.m. A building services employee noticed a suspicious man in the basement of the building, according to Campus Police. When asked what he was doing, the man said that he was merely “looking for the bathroom.” The employee

pointed him in the proper direction before notifying Campus Police of his intrusion.

Further investigation uncovered that the man had been arrested on Feb. 29, 2012, for similar charges of trespassing on campus and was consequently banned from the College. Campus Police said the man was then arrested and released with a court date scheduled. ...

On Friday, April 4, at 3:55 p.m., a member of the Students for Life club reported that a public demonstration by the club had been taken down without permission. According to Campus Police, the demonstration, which represented a cemetary of unborn children, was intact when the student left for class at 12:30 p.m. When she returned several hours later, the demonstration was gone­ — the 235 flags were removed and the sign was

missing. After searching the area, the student found several flags in the trash to the north of Kendall Hall. Campus Police said that the club ultimately found 172 of their flags and their broken sign, but no suspects were listed in the act. ...

On Saturday, April 6, at 12:37 a.m., a CA on the fifth floor of Wolfe Hall reported an intoxicated student to Campus Police. The male, who was sleeping in the hallway, appeared to be breathing and uninjured, but was unresponsive to verbal commands. According to Campus Police, Lions EMS was called to treat the student.

When he awoke, he declined to tell emergency respondents how much or where he drank that evening, but he remained unable to walk or stand without assistance.

Campus Police said the student was transported to Hopewell Medical Center for further treatment.

page 6 The Signal April 9, 2014

Mardi Gras: Bringing New Orleans to campus

By Sarah Holland Correspondent A crowd of students wearing plastic beads gathered around purple and green tables last Wednesday, April 2, enjoying heaps of jambalaya and gumbo as upbeat jazz music floated through the air.

No, they were not at a New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration — they were at the Brower Student Center for the Alternative Break Club’s fourth annual Mardi Gras Masquerade.

Alternative Break Club (ABC) hosted the event as their largest informational session, inviting students to join them on any of their winter, spring or summer trips to New Orleans, La., to provide relief to the area damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The event drew in masses of students for free food, frozen drinks, music, a photo booth and a special performance by the swing dance club.

The night began at 8:30 p.m. with a welcome from ABC historian and junior

graphic design major Jeremy Nevitt.

After thanking the attendees for coming and the Student Finance Board for sponsoring the event with the Student Activities Fund, Nevitt introduced ABC president Kristin Dell’Armo, senior special education and psychology dual major.

“We’re so happy to have such a big turnout,” said Dell’Armo, who then provided an explanation of the club’s purpose and an invitation for students to join them on their next trip on Sunday, May 11.

ABC presented a video of highlights from their most recent trip last spring break to New Orleans. The video featured students representing the College with school apparel and eager grins, as they worked to rebuild some of the 300,000 homes that were destroyed in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

“It was a really great bonding experience and I met a lot of great people,” junior health and exercise science major and ABC member Meghan Kocher said.

Kocher attended the trip last spring break.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Nevitt

Members of ABC help rebuild the damages of Hurricane Katrina.

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Nevitt

ABC holds a Mardi Gras Masquerade in celebration of New Orleans culture.

Nearly nine years after the hurricane, it might come as a surprise that the rebuilding process is ongoing.

“There’s a ton of work that still needs to be done,” Dell’Armo said.

Dell’Armo went on her first ABC trip during the winter of her sophomore year after learning about the club at the Mardi Gras Masquerade the previous year.

Students at the College can attend an ABC trip up to one year after graduation. Anyone who is interested is encouraged to visit tcnjabc.weebly.com for more information.

The event was catered by Becks’s Cajun Café in Reading Terminal Market,

Philadelphia. The menu featured authentic New Orleans cuisine that included real gator gumbo, jambalaya, creole chicken, fried macaroni and cheese and bread pudding, amongst other options.

Students also helped themselves to non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas from Margaritas-2U frozen drink machines.

Throughout the night, students were in and out of a photo booth from OTC Entertainment with masquerade-style photo props.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to learn about our club,” Dell’Armo said.

“Hopefully you’ll join us in New Orleans!”

You don’t have to be a baseball player... ...to PITCH story ideas to The Signal!

Come to the meetings Sundays at 6 p.m.

Brower Student Center basement OR Email The Signal at signal@tcnj.edu

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 7

Nation & W rld

NATO disconnects Russia from the military alliance

AP Photo

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen dismissed Russia from the organization after the country took Crimea from Ukraine.

By Iman Saad Correspondent

NATO has announced the suspension of all relations with Russia following the annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea region.

In its statement, NATO announced that it will suspend “all practical civilian and military cooperation” due to no sign of Moscow withdrawing troops from the Ukrainian border.

According to Secretary General Anders

Fogh Rasmussen, Russia’s actions serve as a great threat to European security. Foreign ministers from the 28 members of the Western military alliance met in Brussels last week. They discussed ways to boost the organization’s military presence in the region to quell concerns over Russia’s actions.

According to CNN, after the NATO meeting, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, “It is important for everybody in the world to understand that the NATO alliance takes seriously this attempt to change borders by force … So, that is the wake-up call.”

A joint statement released by NATO ministers announced that they would re-review NATO’s relations with Russia at its next meeting in June. However, NATO and Russia would continue to work together on anti-narcotics operations taking place in Afghanistan.

NATO and Ukraine have announced that they would intensify cooperation

and promote defense reforms through training programs. Tension between Ukraine and Moscow has continued to rise and energy company Gazprom recently announced that there has been more than a 40 percent increase in the price of gas exports to Ukraine.

Rasmussen told Al-Jazeera reporters, “We are now considering all options to enhance our collective defense, including … further development of our defense plans, enhanced exercises and also appropriate deployments.” NATO is considering the option of stationing permanent forces in the former Soviet Baltic state.

According to BBC News, the United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on members of Russian President Putin’s inner circle and other political officials. In response, Russia has retaliated with its own sanctions on U.S. politicians.

Disastrous rainstorm knocks out Alabama with flood BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Severe thunderstorms dumped heavy rains across the Southeast on Monday and caused flash flooding in central Alabama, where crews in small boats and military trucks had to rescue dozens of people from their homes and cars.

In Mississippi, police and volunteers searched for a 9-year-old girl who was swept away after the storms dropped nearly 7 inches of rain there over the last two days. A possible tornado in another part of the state damaged homes and hurt seven people, and a motorist in metro Atlanta was found dead after driving into a creek swollen with rainwater.

Strong winds downed trees, power lines and snarled rush hour commutes.

In Pelham, just south of Birmingham, more than 4 inches of rain fell from 7 p.m. Sunday to 7 a.m. Monday. Police and firefighters rescued people who became trapped in flooded townhomes and a mobile home park.

Dozens of cars had water up to their roofs. Rescue workers wearing life jackets waded through muddy water nearly to their chests to reach stranded residents. Hundreds of more people in mobile homes on higher ground were isolated because water

Obscure & Offbeat

AP Photo

Duncan Lou, a two-legged Boxer from Vancouver, Wash.

Vandalizing in a way that’s not “Smart”

Police discovered four Smart cars flipped over Monday morning, April 7, in San Francisco. They searched for hooded suspects in the area at the time of the vandalism.

Too good with two legs

A video of Californian owners’ two-legged dog running across a beach became viral with over three million views. The dog’s hind legs were amputated due to a deformity.

Information from AP

covered the only entrance to the complex.

Pelham Fire Battalion Chief Mike Knight said people realized at daybreak that the water, 7 feet deep in some places, was surrounding their homes. Some people had to abandon cars after driving into areas where the flood water was deeper than expected.

“It’s been a long time since it’s done this, so people kind of weren’t expecting it,” he said.

A development of townhomes along a creek in Pelham also flooded, with some units getting 4 to 5 feet of water.

Some residents went to their second floors to wait for the water to recede, while others evacuated.

Shannon Martin said she had water up to the top of her toilet bowl in her first floor. She and a friend waded through flooded streets to get inside and floated out some of her belongings in a cooler.

Martin, a renter, said she had insurance to cover her belongings, but doesn’t know where she will live. “I just moved here,” she said.

Marisa Franks sat on her porch at a town house on higher ground. She had no idea what was going on until

AP Photo

Once-parked vehicles flow freely in Central Alabama after the storm on Monday, April 7.

a neighbor knocked on her door Monday morning to tell her to move her car. She said the water got up to her porch.

“This is a lot of flooding for Alabama,” she said.

Around the World:

India

India has record-breaking election GAUHATI, India (AP) — Voters in India’s remote northeast cast ballots on the first day of the world’s biggest election Monday, with the opposition heading into the polls with strong momentum on promises of a surge in economic growth.

With 814 million eligible voters, India will vote in stages over the next five weeks in a staggered approach made necessary by the country’s vast size. Voters will choose representatives for the 543-seat lower house of parliament.

Results from all 935,000 polling stations are expected on May 16.

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and its candidate for prime minister, Narendra Modi, are seen as the biggest threats to the nowgoverning Congress party.

BJP is expected to do well but to fall short of a 272-seat majority, making a coalition government a likely outcome, observers say.

“I’ve made it a point to vote this time because we want change,” said 36year-old housewife Rumi Nath, waiting to vote in the rural town of Lakhimpur on the Brahmaputra River. “Our area remains backward and underdeveloped 67 years after independence.”

Polls suggest Congress could face

AP Photo

Over 800 million voters in India will decide between the Congress Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party in this year’s election. a drubbing due to corruption scandals and recent years of economic slowdown. The BJP’s Modi has been credited with ushering in strong industrial growth in the western state of Gujarat, where he has been chief minister for 11 years.

The election will be key to the future of the family dynasty that has ruled India for much of its post-independence history.

The Nehru-Gandhi family is facing its biggest political threat in over a decade, with Rahul Gandhi,

the 43-year-old family scion, leading the Congress’s struggling campaign. While Gandhi has been presented to voters as a youthful leader who can rejuvenate India’s faltering economy, many see him as privileged, aloof and out of touch with everyday Indians.

The party has not even formally declared Gandhi as its candidate for prime minister, political maneuvering aimed at protecting him from being scapegoated if the party — and the family — is forced from power.

page 8 The Signal April 9, 2014

AUDITIONS

for the 2014-2015 Department of Music

Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles The ensembles at The College of New Jersey are open to all students, regardless of major.

Auditions are required and held the first few days of the fall semester. Concert Band and College Choir do NOT require auditions, but please be sure to sign up for the specific course through PAWS. Detailed audition information will be posted on the Department of Music website.

Large Ensembles

Chamber Ensembles

Wind Ensemble Concert Band* Chorale Women’s Ensemble Concert Choir* Jazz Ensemble Orchestra

Brass Ensemble Flute Choir Guitar Ensemble Harp Ensemble Horn Ensemble Percussion Ensemble

*No auditions required. Sign up for MUS 185 (Concert Band) or MUS 170 (College Choir) via PAWS.

For More Information Bands: Dr. David Vickerman, vickermd@tcnj.edu Choirs: Dr. John Leonard, leonardj@tcnj.edu Jazz Ensemble: Dr. Gary Fienberg, fienberg@tcnj.edu Orchestra: Dr. Michel Galante, galantem@tcnj.edu Other questions? Email music@tcnj.edu.

Connect With Us www.music.pages.tcnj.edu www.facebook.com/musicattcnj @TCNJ_Music

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 9

Editorial Lessons learned from internships “The most valuable skills I learned from my previous internships certainly never made the job description — they were mainly people skills, working habits and lessons about an office environment. Be humble. Be willing to take the projects that no one else is willing to do, and then do the best you absolutely can at it. The gesture will not only earn you respect and appreciation from your superiors, but I promise you will learn skills you never knew you needed.”

— Courtney Wirths, Opinions Editor

“The most important thing I learned at my two internships is to make the most of every day — that is, every interaction and every opportunity you have. Sure, some days you may feel sluggish and unmotivated, but your attitude and the things you talk about with your superiors and co-workers will help them form an opinion about you. That’s something that will be important when it comes to letters of recommendation or even applying for a job at the same company. I would also say to keep touch with your former bosses. Send them an email every now and then, even if it’s just to catch up or see how the company is doing. That way, they won’t forget about you.”

— Chris Molicki, Managing Editor “As I’m currently interning as the beat writer for the Philadelphia Wings for NLL.com, the lessons I have learned seem to be limitless. It has been an incredible experience, mainly training me to write on deadline, as my game recaps are due five minutes after the final whistle, while the full story with quotes from the press conference must be posted two hours later. I have acquired desirable skills for my aspired career in sports journalism regarding writing accurate recaps in a manner that is timely for immediate online posting. Additionally, I have learned important skills in using Twitter as a tool to live-tweet games and updates about the team, a great way to gain a following of me personally as a writer and a provider of news.”

— Julie Kayzerman, News Editor “Last summer, I was offered an internship at Parenting magazine in New York City. Although it was unpaid, I knew the experience would be extremely valuable. For the first day and a half of my internship, things were going really well. In the early afternoon, though, the editors and I all found out that the magazine had folded and we had all lost our jobs. Parenting magazine folding was definitely not a fun experience, but it was really eye-opening. I kept in touch with some of the editors, and that led me to an internship this past winter. The experience taught me to look for the best in every situation and that it’s so important to keep in touch with everyone you meet.”

— Amy Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo and Sports editors and the Business Manager, unless otherwise noted.

Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Students can take more out of an internship than just everyday work.

tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Business Office (609) 771-2499 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu

Editorial Staff Amy Reynolds Editor-in-Chief reynola1@tcnj.edu Chris Molicki Managing Editor molickc1@tcnj.edu Julie Kayzerman Tom Kozlowski News Editors kayzerj1@tcnj.edu kozlowt1@tcnj.edu Peter Fiorilla Sports Editor fiorilp1@tcnj.edu Shayna Innocenti Arts & Entertainment Editor innoces1@tcnj.edu Colleen Murphy Features Editor murphc16@tcnj.edu Courtney Wirths Opinions Editor wirthsc1@tcnj.edu Courtney Wirths Photo Editor wirthsc1@tcnj.edu

Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Brower Student Center The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718

Mylin Batipps Nation & World Editor batippm1@tcnj.edu Mike Herold Fantasy Sports Editor heroldm1@tcnj.edu Jonathan Edmondson Review Editor edmondj5@tcnj.edu Regina Yorkigitis Web Editor Jess Ganga Web Assistant Gabrielle Beacken Sydney Shaw News Assistants Andrew Grossman Sports Assistant Production Manager Emilie Lounsberry Adviser Lucas Haber Business/Ad Manager

Quotes of the Week “I think it’s a really good cause and it’s important to know how serious cancer is. It’s good that people come together to raise money.”

— freshman psychology major Emily Maragni on Relay for Life.

“We knew we were going to be good. Coach has put an emphasis on burying pitches when you’re ahead in the count.”

— sophomore pitcher Evan Edelman.

page 10 The Signal April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 11

Opinions

Grades don’t define you, but they still matter Social media giving students the wrong idea

By Sydney Shaw

AP Photo

Some world leaders and powerful business people without educations are the exceptions.

There has been a growing movement on social media platforms like Tumblr for the past several months that can be summed up in four words: grades don’t define you.

Users cite random tidbits of information, mainly about intelligent, successful celebrities who performed poorly in the classroom.

Posts remind people that Albert Einstein failed miserably in school and how Microsoft mogul Bill Gates dropped out of Harvard at age 20 before receiving his degree.

Kate Winslet (you know, Rose, from “Titanic”) and William Shakespeare were dropouts too.

Photos of Scantrons bubbled in to read THIS DOES NOT DEFINE YOU are reblogged hundreds of thousands of times.

Maybe the system is whack, maybe some people are bad test-

takers and maybe the SAT doesn’t measure intelligence as well as it could (hey, that’s why they’re revising it, right?).

It is true that getting good grades doesn’t always equate to superior intelligence and getting bad grades doesn’t necessarily equate to stupidity. It’s true that individuals are more than numbers in a grade book.

But, in reality, grades matter.

Plain and simple.

What these Tumblr users forget to mention is that Albert Einstein flunked because, well, he was literally a genius and school was just too boring for him. It’s doubtful that everyone who plays the Einstein-was-a-failure card is under-engaged in class because they are just too brilliant.

Bill Gates may have left Harvard early, but hello, he still got into Harvard and that didn’t happen with a transcript of Ds and Fs.

And unless you’re planning on dropping out of school to become one of the most widely recognized actresses on the planet or a poet whose works will prevail for almost half a century, your argument is invalid.

It’s true that failing a math quiz every once in a while won’t kill you. Those are the days when you can tell yourself, “My grade is just a number on a piece of paper,” and try not to let it happen again. But skating through your education and rejecting the idea that grades measure anything important is just absurd.

There needs to be some kind of middle ground. Don’t smile at your straight-F report card, but don’t have anxiety attacks over your 89 average, either.

Just do your best, study for your exams and learn as much as you can. The rest should come naturally.

How to succeed in ... getting men to Broadway

By Jonathan Edmondson

Broadway did not start out as an exclusive girls club. In fact, a night out in the theater was very well respected among the city’s most element gentlemen. Back in the day, there were no gender biases when it came to theater. There was an equal love and appreciation by both men and women. In 2014, as we trudge along to bring equality to all aspects of life, Broadway is evidently falling behind.

A New York Times article published last week, “In Audiences on Broadway, Fewer Guys Among the Dolls,” points out that only 32 percent of audience members in 2013 were men. That number is down from 40 percent in 1980. One of the reasons Patrick Healy points out is the fact that there are very few “grown-up” musicals nowadays. “Guys and Dolls,” “South Pacific” and “Ragtime” were shows that addressed adult themes and had adult humor. Most Broadway shows that are developed now, such as “Legally Blonde” and “Newsies,” are aimed at young children or mothers.

With the recent opening of “Rocky,” Broadway is hoping to wrangle in more straight men. As the article points out (a bit too blatantly, I may add), gay men are a solid, consistent demographic in the Broadway community. The show is based on the highly successful and highly masculine movie and features onstage combat. As many of the men they interviewed noted, “Rocky” gives them

AP Photo

The modern straight man has lost his appreciation for the theater, and theater hasn’t been catering to him either. a chance to relate to the material. With shows like “Wicked,” which centers on female empowerment, it is harder for men to relate to.

But one must also consider the other reasons why less straight men are attending Broadway shows. At a very young age, some boys are stereotyped (albeit sometimes inadvertently) into behaving a certain way or liking certain items. For example, many boys are inclined to like

the color blue, play sports and stay away from dolls.

These qualities may seem innocent, but there is no doubt in my mind that these gender stereotypes stick with boys as they develop into men. I have to raise the question: do some parents even expose their boys to theater? There is no harm in taking a child to see a musical or a play, just to see what they like.

Speaking from personal experience,

I attended both Philadelphia Phillies games and musicals when I was younger. Without the help from parents, how will kids ever know exactly what they like? I got to experience a lot when I was younger. And even if I don’t love everything, I at least have a profound appreciation for it.

This is what most of us should strive to be. Whether we are gay or straight, man or woman. We should be respectful and supportive. Men going to theater isn’t emasculating just like women attending sporting events does not strip them of their femininity. I firmly believe that some men would actually enjoy theater if they gave it a chance.

And let’s be honest — everyone should try to see a Broadway show once in his or her life. The same goes for seeing a professional baseball or football game. Whether we love it or not, all of these aspects make up American culture. We cannot allow biases or preconceived ideas get in the way of allowing us a unique experience. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to go back. But you cannot just automatically assume you won’t like something if you have never experienced it.

Broadway will always find a larger audience in women and children, and that is completely fine. I just hope that in the future, these statistics start to go up and there is more of a gender balance in the chairs of the theaters all throughout New York.

Policies The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors.

The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via e-mail to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office.

Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 300 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason.

All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs.

The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or e-mail us at signal@tcnj.edu.

page 12 The Signal April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 13

Features

Lessons from current and former inmates

By Paul Kibala Correspondent

Three current prison inmates filled the Mayo Concert Hall with poignant and personal stories of the varied wrongdoings that landed them in their current situations.

This event, which took place on Wednesday, April 2, was part of Justice System Awareness Week and instituted through Project P.R.I.D.E. (Promoting Responsibility in Drug Education), a program that allows minimum-security inmates to discuss the decisions that resulted their incarceration at schools and community settings.

Allie, 22, three years into a six-year sentence, spoke of the tragic loss and betrayal that plagued her childhood.

“My father committed suicide when I was 10,” she said. “He was depressed and thought I would be better off without him.”

The uncle — who played the role of a surrogate father — soon began physically abusing her, and several months later, her best friend passed away.

“By 15, the façade of being okay all the time, the one I had built up for years, came crashing down, and I became

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Former inmates share their current successes and what being in Project P.R.I.D.E. has meant to them.

hooked to the escape of hard drugs,” she said, commenting on the internal overflow of restrained emotion.

She was driving while drunk and high on marijuana at the age of 17 when she crashed into another car and killed the driver.

“I know what it’s like to lose a father, and on that day I took someone else’s father,” Allie said. “I vowed then and there to straighten up my life.”

Next to speak was Mike, 27, who is

currently serving a seven-year sentence.

Raised without a father, he assumed the role to help provide for his mother.

“I took the easy route,” he said, referring to the many robberies he committed to keep his family financially stable. “Having my family see me in that cell for the first time and realizing they’re the ones who have to send me money is the worst pain I’ve ever felt.”

Last to speak was Rachel, 28, who was raised in a seedy living environment

by her grandmother and her drug dealer boyfriend after being taken from her physically-abusive stepfather.

Rachel’s life went into a downward spiral after her grandmother died while Rachel was pregnant at age 20. She smoked and drank alcohol throughout the pregnancy. Several months after the birth, Rachel crashed a car while drunk and fled from the police before eventually being captured.

“I would’ve reached out — I would’ve talked to somebody because as lonely as it is on the outside, it’s a lot lonelier in prison,” she said.

Rachel is not allowed to see her daughter.

Diverging from bleak realities of prison life and the choices that led to incarceration, Justice System Awareness Week ended on Thursday, April 3, on an uplifting note as former inmates spoke of their current success after prison life at the Library Auditorium.

Amy Rodriguez, 34, a graduate student at Rutgers University with a 3.6 GPA, spoke of the distinct value of education.

“While in prison, I realized just how important education truly is to bettering oneself, and it’s something I’m grateful to pursue,” Rodriguez said.

Senior chemistry student creates new lounge

Colleen Murphy / Features Editor

The Levenium Lounge is used every day.

By Colleen Murphy Features Editor

Room 310 in the Chemistry Building used to be just another storage space at the end of a hallway. It was cluttered with desks and books and was rarely visited by students or professors. But under all those chairs and textbooks, senior chemistry major Jake Levene saw the potential for a new student lounge.

In November, Levene sent out a survey to students asking what they would use a lounge for and what they would like to see in one. Then, in December, Levene began the physical process of changing the room from a storage space to an open and welcoming student lounge.

“It’s come a long way since the dusty, old storage space that it was,” Levene said.

According to Levene, he got the idea to create the space after having a discussion with the Student Chemistry Association’s faculty advisor, Dr. Abby O’Connor.

As a senior, he has a lighter schedule, so Levene said he was more than willing to take the project head-on. “(O’Connor) mentioned that professors were kind of unhappy with having the students gather on the second floor near the professors’ offices, and that’s been going on for years,” Levene said.

“They didn’t mind it, but sometimes students can get rowdy and it gets loud, and so she put in my mind that maybe we can have a

new space for students.”

The Levenium Lounge, which is named after Levene himself, includes a chalk board, Keurig, refrigerator, microwave, couch, table and Periodic Table-themed mural that was painted by the chemistry club.

The lounge is also home to a library. According to Levene, the old space had about 3,000 books, so he chose to keep eight shelves worth of books.

“A lot of them were old chemistry journals dating back to the 1960s, going all the way up through this year, that were owned by the head of the department,” Levene said. “He had no use for them because they were sitting there collecting dust, and when I was going through all these books, I happened to find a lot of textbooks that were copies or slightly older versions of things that we currently use, so I kind of got the idea to make a library for students to use because that way they don’t have to go to the actual library to rent a book — it’s right here. It has textbooks and solutions manuals and lab books and basically everything you could want.”

The lounge opened on Monday, March 24, and according to Levene, students and professors

enjoy the lounge so far and use it every day.

“They love it,” Levene said.

“They love the mural in particular because it’s really cool.

They come into the lounge and they’re like, ‘Wow, this is a really good space.’ A couple of professors have told me they’re excited to use it in the summer for MUSE. Before, you could have group meetings but it was uncomfortable, and now it’s so much easier for kids to stand up there and talk about their research and they don’t feel like they’re crowded.”

Levene is graduating this

year and said it is pretty cool that he will have some sort of legacy at the College. He hopes the lounge will continue to be a place where students can go to study and relax in between class time.

“I’m hoping it will continue to grow,” Levene said. “One of the chemistry club’s traditions is to do a type of mural every year. We have blank walls here, which gives us space to customize our lounge. We can do what we want with this space because it’s truly ours and truly up to the students, so they can paint whatever they want on the walls.”

Colleen Murphy / Features Editor

Levene and other chemistry club members painted the mural.

Call for Columnists We are currently looking for dedicated writers to start a new column for the Features section. Contact murphc16@tcnj.edu with ideas!

page 14 The Signal April 9, 2014

Chabad @ TCNJ Cordially invites you to our

Passover seders Seder1, Monday april 14 @ 7:30 p.m.

1855 Room (next door to eickhoff—sponsored by saf fund)

Seder 2, Tuesday April 15 @ 8:30 p.m.

Chabad house 44 Chauncey Ave For further info and to rsvp email chabad@tcnj.edu or call 646.701.2202

Wishing you a happy and healthy Passover!

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 15

Debunking the myths surrounding HIV and AIDS It is important that safety comes first when having sex

By Ruchi Shah Columnist

Now that spring has finally sprung, love is undoubtedly in the air. Literal and metaphorical flowers are blooming after a long, harsh winter, and everyone wants to come out and play. I encourage you all to not only play often, but also to play hard. However, there is a golden rule that must be followed — play safe or don’t play at all.

And what’s the only realistic way to play safe? No, it’s not to “abstain” from playing at all — it’s to use protection. The most obvious reason to use protection is to minimize the creation of your own F1 generation. The most effective form of protection is a condom, if it’s used consistently and correctly. Condoms provide the most reliable means of protection from transmission of various STDs, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly known as HIV. There are many misconceptions and myths regarding HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).

Let’s start off with some simple definitions. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is the disease that results from an HIV infection. HIV weakens the body’s immune system by attacking certain

such as semen, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk. This also means HIV can’t be spread by mosquitos.

• Your life isn’t over if you’re HIV-positive. Many HIV treatments work incredibly well. In fact, they can reduce the amount of the virus in your blood to a level so low that it won’t show up in blood tests. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t need to practice safe sex. Always take the necessary precautions so you don’t make someone else HIV-positive.

AP Photo

Many activists continue to fight the stigma associated with AIDS. cells. Usually, HIV progresses to AIDS over an average of 10 years, but in areas with fewer resources, AIDS and subsequent death can occur over a shorter time period. So much stigma exists regarding HIV and AIDS, and it’s time we cleared the air.

Let’s bust two of the most common HIV/AIDS myths:

• You cannot acquire HIV from being around a person who is HIV-positive.

This means you cannot acquire HIV from breathing the same air, hugging, kissing, shaking hands or sharing eating utensils with a person who is HIV-positive, amongst a variety of other activities. HIV can only be transmitted sexually and through infected bodily fluids

This coming week on Tuesday, April 8, you have the opportunity to learn all this and more at the College’s Medlife and the Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children’s benefit concert in honor of National HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. There will food and a variety of performances, including the Treblemakers, Trentones and different student bands. In addition, there will be free HIV testing provided by Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, an organization committed to improving the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS and stopping the spread of the epidemic. This is a night you don’t want to miss. Be sure to come and get educated because this is an issue that can affect both you and the ones you love.

Maybe he was trying to get a date for Dave?

Yup, he is that creepy.

AP Photo

By Johnanthony Alaimo Columnist Do you know who’s gay? OK, stop pointing at me. I’m talking about famed British Olympian Tom Daley. Turns out, he’s not bisexual at all and is full-on “On Phil Robertson’s no-no list” gay. If you recall, Daley revealed in a YouTube video last December that he was in a same-sex relationship with the now-revealed Dustin Lance Black, who is twice his age at 39. Still, Daley claimed he still “fancied girls.” Probably the same way I fancy exercising. It’s cool, but I’m not going to do

it. Daley went on to say his relationship with Dusty is all good while at the same time refusing to out any fellow celebrities. C’mon, Tom, just say it already and out Kim Kardashian. We all know she’s actually a camel.

If a 17-year-old girl on Instagram is to be believed (and honestly, are any of them liars?), then James Franco tried to hook up with one over the weekend. Apparently, a 17-year-old Scottish tourist met Franco in New York City and took an Insta with him, tagging him in the process.

Allegedly, the two then began chatting later that night with Franco asking if he should “rent a hotel room” for the both of them. Um, excuse me. This sounds more like a bad fan fiction than anything that could be based in reality.

What’s next — is she flirting with Liam Hemsworth on Twitter? Tom Daley on Grindr? Kim Kardashian on Rate My Puppy? Franco responded to the controversy on Instagram by writing, “I HOPE PARENTS KEEP THEIR TEENS AWAY FROM ME. Thank you.” Well, Franco, maybe this wouldn’t be a big deal if you made it a family affair.

President Bill Clinton had a major revelation to reveal on Jimmy Kimmel last week. No, it’s not that Hillary is the man in the relationship. It’s something much more … out there. Upon being asked by Kimmel, President Clinton told the audience he wouldn’t be surprised if aliens visited us one day. I fear the day we make contact with an advanced civilization. I think it will be as messy of a situation as Monica’s dress.

ohsoenchantingg.blogspot.com

Sorry, ladies, but Daley won’t be diving with you.

PRIDE Center to be a welcoming space for all

By Olivia Rizzo Correspondent

In today’s world, many young adults find themselves battling bullying and harassment at school. This can be a particular struggle for those who are a part of the LGBTQIAP+ community. A group of College students hopes to alleviate some of that struggle with the foundation of the PRIDE Center.

The PRIDE Center will be a school-sanctioned space that is aimed to be a social, academic and safe space for the LGBTQIAP+ community at the College. It is meant to be an inclusionary space that will provide the College a safe place

to socialize and discuss topics and issues prevalent in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as being a place to host club and group meetings.

The idea for the PRIDE Center began as the capstone project for the women’s and social change class. Seniors Amanda Castro, Catherine Inoa, Rose Samonsi, Victoria Swift and Lauren Wescott were having a conversation with women’s and gender studies professor Nelson Rodriguez when he brought up the College’s need for an LGTBQ center on campus.

The ladies in the class then began to research LGBTQ centers and discovered that many colleges and universities have such spaces on campus. They

found that schools in the area, like Rutgers and Princeton, have LGBTQ centers and then began to look into what it would take to start such a center at the College.

“Currently, we do not have a school-sanctioned center that serves the LGBTQIAP+ community, and we feel that this is a gap at (the College),” senior English major Samantha Pena said.

She also stated that the Center will show that the campus stands in solidarity against harassment and bullying that may occur on campus.

The PRIDE Center’s home will be in Forcina Hall and is planned to open at the end of the semester. Fundraising to furnish the center with couches, books,

computers and other supplies is ongoing. The goal for the PRIDE Center is to provide a library of books and other informative materials for students to use to further learn about the LGBTQIAP+ community.

“We hope that people will use our center as an educational resource that will supplement the learning of issues of gender and sexuality in a positive and healthy way,” Pena said.

On a social level, the PRIDE Center is meant to have an inclusive and accepting atmosphere.

It will be open to any member of the campus community as long as they abide by the Center’s rules. The space is meant to build a sense of community for and by

lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual and questioning people and their allies.

“We want this Center to truly be a safe and social environment, where every person who falls under the LGBTQIAP+ umbrella can get to know and hopefully befriend one another,” Pena said.

The Center also hopes to co-sponsor with other student groups and host its events with guest speakers and workshops to help foster out-of-the-class learning in the future.

In addition, the PRIDE Center will show students, staff and others interested at the College that the campus is a community open to change and equality.

page 16 The Signal April 9, 2014

All College Theatre Presents

{PROOF} Directed by: Pat Albanesius

By: David Auburn

April 23rd-25th at 8pm April 26th at 2pm and 8pm Don Evans Black Box Theater SAF Funded

Students: $5.00 Public: $8.00

act@tcnj.edu

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 17

Finding the best forms of renewable energy

The BAT can carry a wind turbine thousands of feet in the air.

By Frank Saverino Columnist

Altaeros Energies, a company based out of Alaska, has engineered the Buoyant Airborne Turbine (BAT), an inflatable shell that can carry a wind turbine thousands of feet in the air and therefore harness five to eight

altaerosenergies.com

times more energy than a standard ground wind turbine could. The BAT can receive energy from winds reaching 45 mph and conducts power through its tough tether cables that secure it to the ground. Because of the relatively easy set-up, the BAT is intended to provide electricity, telecommunication services and Internet to remote areas

and disaster-relief communities.

In reducing our nation’s emission rates and reliance on fossil fuel, wind power is emerging as the most efficient and cleanest method, even more than natural gas. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind energy is expected to make up 4.6 percent of the U.S.’s energy output by 2015.

Wind energy, at this rate, could provide electric power to over 23 million homes.

The U.S. Department of Energy has created and shared a new interface on its website, which tracks the development of wind farms across the country and explicates their individual potential to deliver cleaner and more energy to homes within their areas.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) has reported that because of wind power, the U.S. has significantly reduced its carbon footprint this past year by 4.4 percent, or 95.6 million metric tons of CO2. President Obama’s Climate Change Agenda set expectations for the U.S. to decrease emissions by 17 percent by 2020, and it looks as though wind-generated energy could help make reaching that goal a possibility.

From 2005 to 2012, the U.S. reduced its emissions of greenhouse gasses by 12 percent, and this trend was largely seen as the consequence of the U.S.’s movement toward natural gas instead of burning coal. Energy generated from

natural gas made up 30 percent of the U.S.’s total output last year. However, because of a growing market demand for renewables, if natural gas prices continue to rise, power plants may make a switch back to coal. Also, although burning natural gas emits about half the amount of CO2 that burning coal does, the methane released from natural gas sources during fracking contributes to climate change and is harmful to the surrounding environments of natural gas wells.

Wind generation is proving to be the most effective and cleanest way to channel renewable energy. For example, wind farms and turbines do not waste water like thermal power plants do, which boil large pools of water to heat their reactions and then cool down those reactors with more water. According to AWEA, by switching to wind power, the U.S. has avoided wasting 36.5 billion gallons of water last year.

With the possibilities of production tax credit and the new standards being developed by the EPA for emissions by existing power plants in the U.S., the incentives for constructing wind farms are increasing. Because of their performance in lessening the U.S.’s carbon footprint, wind farms could contribute to radically different standards in the search for cleaner and more efficient methods of providing renewable energy.

A recipe for a great morning — French toast

By Andreia Bulhao Columnist

1. First, in a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the eggs and milk and mix. Next, add the vanilla, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.

Ingredients: • 2 slices of whole wheat bread • 2 eggs • ¼ cup of milk • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract • 2 teaspoons of sugar • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon • 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar • 2 teaspoons of butter

2. Once your mixture is ready, soak the slices of bread into the eggs. Allow for the bread to fully absorb the eggs. This will make the toast “fluffy.”

3. As the bread is soaking, take a small pan and spread the butter onto it so the toast will not stick. You can also opt for the healthier option of using non-stick cooking spray.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and my favorite. The other day I went with a classic French toast.

Here is an easy, quick recipe for the breakfast favorite from scratch — enjoy!

4. After the bread is soaked, take the slices and cook them in the pan. Make sure both sides reach a golden brown color and that liquid no longer runs from the bread.

5. Once the toast is cooked, take the powdered sugar and sprinkle it on top. You can also add syrup or fruit.

Andreia Bulhao / Columnist

French toast can make any day better.

Monster Mini Golf is a scary good time

Colleen Murphy / Features Editor

The course has some really fun obstacles that can even trick some old-timers.

By Colleen Murphy Features Editor

I love mini-golf to death. It is my game.

I will own you and then win a free game on the last hole to do it all over again. I also love activities that a 10-year-old would like.

So, naturally, I couldn’t wait to go to Monster Mini Golf — a mini-golf course that caters specifically to children.

Monster Mini Golf is fun for all ages. The first time I went to Monster Mini Golf was with my four cousins. It was their birthday

present to me. I had such a good time that the second time I went, I dragged my mom along.

I’m considering the next time I go I will bring an actual friend, but we’ll see. Though I have gone with people of all ages, it is definitely a place geared toward children. So, if you do not like children, stop reading — this is not the place for you.

When you enter the building, all the sunlight immediately disappears and you step into a dark, neon-lit room full of screaming children at a birthday party. After walking past the arcade area and having your eyes adjust to the

sudden darkness is when the real fun begins, because that’s when you see the golf course.

Now, it does look quite uneventful just from looking at it. There are no hills, no waterfalls. However, most of the holes are quite challenging, and playing in a darkened room is a cool twist on the game that is typically played in sunshine. At one hole, the player spins a wheel to see what obstacle will be added to the course, for example, having your opponent stand on the green.

If you decide to enter the (friendly) monster-themed building, make sure to look online for coupons. It costs $9 to play for an adult, but both times I went, the cashier took a coupon that was not even for that particular location.

The company’s website also offers several specials, including Tuesdays being Couples Day where a couple can play for just $10.

Monster Mini Golf sure is a different experience. The course is fun, the atmosphere is exciting and the staff is friendly. Plus, being in the dark and seeing the whites on your clothes light up is always cool. The spins on the traditional obstacles make up for the lack of super-thrilling obstacles. However, if there is a birthday party going on, the kids can crowd the building, but that should be expected at a place like this.

Monster Mini Golf Where: 1045 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville, PA 19053 Contact: 215-396-6700 Hours: Mon.: Closed Tues. - Thurs.: 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fri.: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat.: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sun.: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Overall Rating (4 out of 5):

page 18 The Signal April 9, 2014

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April 9, 2014 The Signal page 19

Arts & Entertainment

PTX / Pentatonix proves to be worth the wait

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Pentatonix impresses with harmonic blend and a colorful lighting set.

continued from page 1

Each one of them brings a unique flair to the group, which breathes life into their complex medleys and smashing covers.

After a short set from the Trentones, the quintet rushed out onto the stage, pardoning introductions, as they began their wildly popular Daft Punk medley that went viral five months ago. Pentatonix was met with instant acclamation from the eager crowd.

“We love colleges!” Scott shouted in the midst of their fast-paced set.

The energy on stage was mirrored by the audience members, creating a truly unique musical experience inside Kendall Hall.

“We are going to take you on a journey — the journey we have been on for the last three years,” Kristie said before the group launched into the song they first performed for Season 3 of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” (the same show they ended up winning almost three years ago), “E.T.” by Katy Perry.

One of the most impressive moments of the set was when the group performed

their incredibly popular “Evolution of Beyoncé” medley, which included songs such as “Telephone,” “Halo” and “Love on Top.” This piece allowed both lead vocalists, Scott and Mitch, to show off their vast range and musical ability.

Pentatonix began with Scott, Kristie and Mitch, who all grew up together in Arlington, Texas. After gaining Internet popularity when a video of the trio singing Lady Gaga’s “Telephone” went viral after they submitted it to a local competition, the group wanted to expand.

“Kevin was found on YouTube,” Scott said to the audience about current beatboxer Kevin who was added to Pentatonix before they auditioned for “The Sing-Off.” “The three of us literally went on YouTube one day and typed in the search bar: beatboxer.”

The trio was drawn to Kevin because of his ability to expertly play the cello while simultaneously beatboxing, which is an incredibly difficult task.

Through a mutual friend, Avi was introduced to the group. When Scott met Avi

for coffee one day, he immediately knew he wanted him in Pentatonix.

“When he spoke, he said, ‘I am Avi.’ I was like, ‘Whoa, I get it.’ That voice is deep,” Scott said while taking a chance to talk to the audience.

In the middle of their set, Scott, Kristie and Mitch left the stage and allowed Kevin and Avi to show off their respective talents.

Kevin played a fantastic piece, an original composition titled “Renegade,” on the cello while proving his talents as a beat boxer.

Avi performed mongolian overtone singing, in which he somehow sings two notes at the same time.

“Don’t listen to the note I am signing, listen to the Mariah Carey whistle tone beyond,” Avi said before he started to sing “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” using the mongolian overtone method.

After their individual performances, the quintet returned to the stage to sing current radio hit “Say Something” by A Great Big World. Their heartfelt rendition included more cello playing from Kevin and heartbreakingly sweet vocals from the only female member, Kristie.

After winning season three of “The SingOff,” Pentatonix continued to gain popularity by releasing covers on YouTube.

One of their standout tracks is “Evolution of Music,” which they also performed live at the College. The song is a musical journey from the beginning of time up until present day and highlights everything inbetween, from Mozart to Lady Gaga.

In addition to YouTube covers, the group has released three EPs and is currently on a sold-out tour across both North America and Europe.

Pentatonix rose to fame in the midst of a generation of auto-tune and lip-synching.

The group has gained so much popularity due to their focus on what really matters: the vocals. Each member has astonishing

vocal talents and incredible chemistry with each other. They were pitch-perfect live and an absolute blast to watch on stage.

After the success of musical film “Pitch Perfect” in 2012, a capella music has been more popular than ever. Pentatonix is the paradigm of what a capella stands for. They continually push themselves in both their arrangements and their vocal ability, representing what the art of music is all about.

Pentatonix is needed in today’s society, if only to remind us that above all else, true vocal talent mixed with persistent passion is the key to creating real music.

Toward the end of the set, the quintet dropped their microphones and performed an original piece called “Run To You.” “I want everyone to close eyes and figure out what you want out of life,” Scott said before putting down his microphone.

Every member of the sold-out audience fell to a complete hush as they listened intently to the pure vocal harmonies coming from the stage.

And in that moment, music finally made sense.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

PTX complements Trentones talent.

Pine Barons wins band battle and radio airtime

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

McCabe gets second place.

By Sydney Shaw News Assistant

Five bands, ranging from folk to hardcore punk to funky ska, performed at the third annual Battle of the Bands, co-sponsored by CUB Rat and 91.3FM WTSR, on Sunday, April 6.

Pine Barons won first place, high-rotation airtime on WTSR

and an opening spot in one of next semester’s shows at the Rat. In second place with low-rotation airtime was Old Briar Road, comprised of Michael Cort on banjo and percussion, Kyle McCabe on guitar, drums and vocals and Daniel Crowley on guitar.

Unfortunately, vocalist Julia Malak was unable to attend.

The indie folk band performed “Harvest,” “Like Father Like Son,” “Settle Down” and other rustic originals from their debut album “Creek Fables,” which is scheduled to be released this summer.

Pine Barons took the stage next, with Keith Abrams and Brad Pulley on guitar and vocals, Collin Smith on traps and vocals and Shane Hower on bass and drums.

The self-described “psych-folkharmonious-americana-rock and roll band” played “Carnival,” “Alpha-igloo-bet,” “Chamber Choir” and more from their self-titled debut album.

“We were friends before we were a band, but then the stars aligned and we realized our rock and roll destiny,” said Pulley, an electrical engineering major at Drexel.

On Your Marks, composed of Alex Piraquive on vocals and guitar, Freddie Koechlin on bass, Matt Arnone on drums and Phil McGarry on guitar and vocals, has played alongside headliners such as Man Overboard, Such Gold, Pentimento and State Champ.

The Monmouth County-based band played songs from their EP “Ripped Out By The Roots,” including “Coma,” “Anxiety” and “Time Lock.” The official music video for “Time Lock” is available to view on YouTube.

Alternative rock band, The Blithedale Romance, comprised of guitarists and vocalists Rob Graham and Brian Rennwans, bassist and vocalist Jason Renna and drummer Andy Onorato, performed “Master of Time,” “December 1854,” “Future Plans and Old Mans” and other hits from their first EP “Kings,” available on iTunes.

The Phonies finished the afternoon with a unique blend of brass, strings and percussion.

Sean Conlon on guitar and vocals, David Greiff on drums and vocals, Brandon Conlon on bass, Ben Godwin on trumpet, Chris Linden on alto sax, Jake Fike on

baritone sax and Mike Rilli on trombone performed “In The Blink of an Eye,” “Breathe” and a cover of Muse’s “Muscle Museum.”

When Conlon’s guitar string snapped, Pulley from Pine Barons didn’t hesitate to lend over his own turquoise guitar for the remainder of the set.

“I encourage anyone who missed the Phonies’ set to correct

that mistake — they were Radtacular,” Pulley said. “We had a blast playing and really appreciated the encouragement and enthusiasm of everyone at the event. All the bands were really great and we would have happily lost to any of them!”

All the proceeds from the event go to to the Trenton Community Music School.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Unique brassy sound lands Pine Barons the win.

page 20 The Signal April 9, 2014

‘Les Misérables’ comes home after superb tour

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 21

By Blaire Diezel Correspondent

“Les Misérables,” the beloved novel

by Victor Hugo, has returned to its home at the Imperial Theater after its departure from Broadway in 2003 (not counting the 2006-2007 revival when the show took residence at the Broadhurst Theater).

With this revival comes some new changes for those who have not seen the show in quite some time. The set design

by Matt Kinley is taken from the recent tour that visited theaters across the U.S. and Canada from 2010 to 2013. The design was inspired by paintings of Victor Hugo himself and features projections of Hugo’s artwork during points of the show. A particularly noticeable example is the gray backdrop of the Parisian sewer system during “Dog Eats Dog.” Not only are these choices of backdrop striking, they are also appropriate and fit organically into the show.

However, the striking set design is not the only element that adds to the impact of the performance of the whole. The show’s original 27-piece orchestra has been condensed slightly into a 20-piece orchestra with significant changes in the show’s orchestration.

The changes in some orchestrations give the

AP Photo

Musical returns to Imperial Theater.

show a richer timbre despite the reduced orchestra size. The musicians of the pit are truly masterful and give the music (composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil) a solidified place in musical theater history.

Vocalizing this beautiful, timeless score is a collection of notable West End and Broadway veterans, including Ramin Karimloo, Will Swenson and Nikki M. James, who portray the colorful yet morally gray characters of the show.

Karimloo, noted for his performance as Enjolras in the 25th Anniversary and Jean Valjean on the West End last year, is easily the strongest member of the cast as Jean Valjean, the show’s protagonist.

Valjean is sentenced to 20 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, and upon being released, he attempts to steal two candlesticks from a kind Bishop. The Bishop subsequently forgives Valjean for this transgression and tells Valjean to go out in the world and do good where he can. This redemption is what drives the rest of the musical forward. Karimloo’s understanding of Valjean comes across clearly in his masterful performance, suggesting that Karimloo clearly has put a lot of thought and effort into understanding who Jean Valjean is, and what impact the show’s events have on him.

Tony nominee Will Swenson, who portrays Javert — Valjean’s pursuing officer and the show’s often mislabeled villain — truly calls upon Hugo’s initial description of Javert: “Give to this dogson of a wolf a human face, and the result will be Javert.” Attentive, unyielding and feral when unraveling, Swenson’s performance sets up a beautiful contrast to Karimloo’s Valjean.

Other lead males in the show include Marius (played by the endearingly awkward Andy Mientus), Enjolras (played by Kyle Scatliffe, a West End veteran making his Broadway debut as the stoic yet deeply passionate revolutionary leader) and Monsieur Thenadier (the real villain of the musical played by Cliff Sanders).

The women of the production truly are nothing to shake a stick at, as they give off powerhouse performances in their

AP Photo

‘Les Misérables’ is empowering for newcomers and long-time fans. respective performances, although some performances faltered in their characters’ more well-known numbers.

Cassie Levy is a hauntingly heartbreaking Fantine, the role responsible for Anne Hathaway’s Oscar win last year. While Levy’s “I Dreamed A Dream” is not nearly as gut-wrenching as Hathaway’s, Levy more than makes up for it in the fragile way she portrays Fantine’s fall from grace.

When she makes her return in the finale, she will easily bring you to tears.

Eponine, portrayed by recent Tony winner Nikki M. James, is a gritty girl from the slums of Paris who does not take nonsense from the members of her father’s gang and dreams of being loved by Marius Pontmercy. While some of James’s acting choices are spot-on (an altercation involving one of Thenardier’s gang members in which she takes the knife and bring it to the other guy’s throat after being threatened comes to mind), her singing fails to live up to the standard set by the Eponines before her.

James’s voice is thin and reedy and hardly suits the personality of a girl who has been in the streets, fights for everything and scares the pants off a group of grown men.

Keala Settle — another Tony award nominee — plays Madame Thenardier.

She is nothing if not completely hysterical and inappropriate and charming in the skeeviest way possible.

Finally, Samantha Hill, a last-minute addition to the cast from Les Mis in Toronto after the mysterious replacement of Charlotte Maltby, is an endearingly sweet and earnest Cosette, despite her limited stage time. It is impossible not to smile when she sings.

For those new to the world of “Les Misérables,” or even those new to the world of musical theater, will find this show moving and empowering, despite the run time of two hours and 55 minutes (including a 15-minute intermission). Those familiar to the show may be a tad perturbed by some of the directing choices, but will quickly find themselves enjoying and reliving the story they fell in love with.

The ageless story of Jean Valjean is about the human condition: the good, the bad, the successes and the pitfalls. This revival of “Les Misérables” is clearly indicative of how triumphant humans really are and is highly recommended to anyone who has even the slightest interest of seeing it.

Female vocalists dominate the Rat stage

By Kimberly Ilkowski Staff Writer The all-female vocalist bands Eisley, Slingshot Dakota and Novelette exuded girl power as they took the stage on Friday, April 4, at the Rathskeller.

Novelette, the project of the Brooklyn-based songwriter Cara Salimando, started the night off with songs off their LP, “Everything Is Happening Now.”

Salimando, on keyboard and vocals, was accompanied by high school friends Matt Keppler on bass, Josh Nussbaum on guitar and Lionel Forrester on drums.

The four performed “The Stars,” “Bookmark” and a new song called “Pyre,” which Salimando wrote this past week.

They list St. Vincent, The XX and Phantogram as some of their biggest influences.

“There’s bags with my face on

Courntey Wirths / Photo Editor

The Dupree clan, Eisley, wows with melodic-indie sound.

them if you want to carry my face around campus,” Salimando said referring to the merch table in the back. “Or you can use it for target practice — it’s up to you.”

Next was the indie punk band Slingshot Dakota. Hailing from Bethlehem, Pa., keyboardist and vocalist Carly Comando and drummer Tom Patterson had electric energy on stage.

The duo smiled and stuck their tongues out at each other from across the stage as they played “Cassette,” “Gossip” and “Rasta Bacca” off of their 2012 album, “Dark Hearts.”

The band admits they love to play college shows and wish they were in college still themselves. They wanted to end their set with inspiring parting words for their fans.

“Stay positive,” Comando said.

“Do what makes you happy. Do what you love. If anyone is bringing you down, cut them out. You’re all beautiful and awesome.”

Finally, the lights went out and Eisley entered the Rat with colorful neon strobe lights projecting designs across the room.

Following the dramatic entrance,

Courntey Wirths / Photo Editor

Stacy Dupree-King of Eisley rocks out on the keyboard.

Eisley burst into their songs “Trolley Wood,” “Save My Soul” and “Marvelous Things” off their 2013 album “Currents” and 2005 album “Room Noises.”

The indie rock unit based in Texas is made up entirely of siblings and cousins. Stacy Dupree-King on vocals and keyboard, Sherri Dupree-Bemis on vocals and rhythm guitar, Chauntelle Dupree-D’Agostino on lead guitar, Garron Dupree on bass and Weston Dupree on drums compose the band.

Dupree-Bemis is married to the front man of the alternative band Say Anything.

The band is on tour right now with fellow Texas band Merriment, comprised of Christie and Collin Dupree, the youngest siblings in the musically-inclined Dupree clan.

Collin joined Eisley on stage and played acoustic guitar for the song “Millstone.”

Come out next Friday, April 11, for Hit The Lights and Paper States.

page 22 The Signal April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 23

‘Side Effects’ lives up to psychological status

Mara is compelling as Emily Taylor, who battles despression.

By Chris Minitelli Staff Writer

A psychological thriller is oftentimes a film that can be very difficult to successfully make.

However, when it is done right, this genre is very compelling and interesting. These types of films usually make their audiences have to

AP Photo

pay attention to the details and specifics. One of these movies is definitely the film “Side Effects.” The movie, which was directed by Steven Soderbergh, certainly worked to keep its audience thinking and involved and was a successful psychological thriller.

“Side Effects” follows Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) as she works alongside her

psychiatrist Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) to deal with her struggle with depression. Eventually, after the suggestion from her previous psychiatrist, Victoria Sebirt (Catherine ZetaJones), Banks prescribes Emily a new antidepressant called Ablixa. Once Emily begins to take the new drug, things seem to be getting better. However, the side effects of the drug completely debunk her recovery. Quickly, “Side Effects” takes a very different direction than I expected and ultimately panned out a serious storyline that kept the audience compelled, attentive and on their toes.

This psychological thriller definitely had a number of strong points. First off, the cast, which included Channing Tatum, was very impressive. Mara especially gave a very captivating and impressive performance. Along with this, the script of “Side Effects” may be the strongest aspect of it. The writer of this film, Scott Burns, certainly understood what must be included in a film such as this one.

As the storyline progressed, the audience is presented with different questions

and surprises that keep them very involved.

Staying true to the genre that this film is, “Side Effects” did a great job keeping its audience constantly guessing and also surprised with how it progressed.

The subject this film deals with is certainly one that is quite relevant. In recent years, it has become clear how prevalent depression has become in American society. Subsequently, many news stories often cover stories about new antidepressant drugs, their side effects and the drug companies that make them.

More often than not, people tend to wonder about the background of certain drugs and the undisclosed information that drug companies may keep. These are all things this movie deals with, which is another reason why I believe its plotline was so strong.

In the end, “Side Effects” definitely presents its audience with not only a strong cast, but also a very strong storyline that keeps its audience guessing. This psychological thriller is definitely worth watching and was just recently added to instant view on Netflix.

Kid Cudi’s new Jazz portrays Mingus’s story album disappoints

By Ashley McKenna Staff Writer

By Jared Sokoloff Staff Writer Kid Cudi’s newest album, “Satellite Flight: The Journey to the Mother Moon,” is boring.

Just plain boring. Can I call it the worst album I’ve heard?

No, because there are some truly horrible albums out there (for example, quite a lot of our mainstream pop artists have recently released them).

This is one of my hardest reviews I’ve had to write, because I actually need to make genuine points about the album. But there’s not much to say. Half the songs are filler tracks that just repeat the same chord progression for four minutes, while Kid Cudi raps/sings in what sounds like a drunken stupor. The other tracks are ambient pieces that, even for ambient music, are pretty boring themselves.

Now, to be somewhat fair to

Cudi, this album is supposed to be a bridge album between two albums in his “Man on the Moon” series, and this release was intended originally to be an EP. So this clearly isn’t his strongest effort. And the space theme would make sense for the ambient electronic noises that more or less make up the whole album.

But space does not equal droning ambient-electronica that goes nowhere musically.

The quintessential space song is David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” and you’re lying to yourself if you say that song isn’t an exciting journey to listen to.

Cudi could have made this album into a really cool space journey. But instead he decided to make an album that is unpleasant to sit down and listen to when you know there is a whole other world of actually interesting music to listen to.

In the 1950s, the musical genre of jazz began to mature as it developed into an American psyche.

For the first time, the stories of jazz were coming together in full force while jazz was recognized for its newsworthy characteristics.

As part of the Brown Bag Series, guest speaker Gene Santoro visited the Mayo Concert Hall on Friday, April 4, for “The Resurrection of Charles Mingus’ Epitaph.”

Gene Santoro, author of “Myself When I Am Real: The Life and Music of Charles Mingus” and columnist for The Nation and the New York Daily News, gave insight about Charles Mingus, a pivotal composer of the jazz era who changed the way people viewed jazz with his improvisation style.

Santoro described Mingus as 5’ 8” famous for the way he brawled with musicians. Known as “The Angry Man of Jazz,” the highly influential American jazz double bassist, composer and bandleader learned to channel his emotions into something artistic by retaining

his fierce and soulful feel of hard bop. He refused to conform to musical integrity, which led to many eruptions on stage, fights and even dismissal of his members.

“He slapped trombonist Jimmy Knepper in the mouth,” Santoro said. “He took Sy Johnson (a jazz pianist and arranger) and started yelling at him and shoved him off the piano bench.”

A dramatic performance was the art of his set, and music was the key part of the show.

According to Santoro, Mingus wanted his side men to “perform in the moment.” The band members didn’t always know what the set would be.

“It was a drama workshop in progress,” Santoro said. “He wanted something new — something that would have voice not be borrowed.”

Santoro had his audience chuckling after describing a time when Mingus sat down and ate his dinner right on stage in the middle of the set because he was so bored of what his musicians were performing.

“I’m a guitar player,” senior

music major Steve Thompson said. “So I found the comparisons between Mingus and Jimmy Hendricks really captivating.”

When Mingus’s mother passed, his actions changed dramatically and he started acting on ambition by writing suites to elevate his music and reflect his experiences.

“His music was his life,” said Santoro as he described the romantic artist who toured the world nonstop for over half a century.

With Duke Ellington as his mentor, Mingus brought a range of thematic ideas into his music, including human evolution. He pushed the boundaries of what jazz was able to do and instilled that it carried other weight and value besides itself.

“I thought that he was interesting because he was frustrated with racism, and when he could have passed for being white he chose the challenges he’d have to face as a black male instead,” freshman communication studies major Cristina Rodriguez said. “I just thought his story was pretty cool because he chose his life and was proud of it.”

Art displays tumultuous times in Afghanistan

By Joe Passantino Correspondent

The College will continue to present “Art Amongst War: Visual Culture in Afghanistan,” an art gallery exhibition looking at Afghan culture, through Thursday, April 17.

The timing of the exhibition coincides with the 35-year anniversary of the Soviets invading Afghanistan in 1979, marking the beginning of a lengthy period of turmoil for the nation.

“When I look at it, it kind of makes me excited that this kind of exhibition can be done,” junior history and English double major Alexa Logush said. “The point of (‘Art Amongst War’) is that lives still go on, even amidst war.”

Logush, an art gallery assistant, noted that the large tapestry in its center was among her favorite pieces. Visitors are encouraged to rub their heads on the bottom of the tapestry, which, according to Logush, displays symbols representing “air.”

The exhibit is multi-faceted, featuring a wide range of different styles of artwork.

In addition to the aforementioned tapestry, there are photographs with powerful imagery, such as a group of men praying at a mosque and pictogram-like “war rugs” depicting camels, cars and soldiers, among other war-related objects.

A particularly interesting feature of the exhibit is “Love Letters from Home” by Aman Mojadidi, featuring 79 security announcements and wardens’ messages to the United States military. These notices paint a picture of the regular danger these soldiers have experienced within a perennially toxic environment. Notably, the 79 messages span only from 2010 to 2011, begging the question of just how many would be needed to cover the entire duration of the war.

The same environment has also affected Afghans to a strong degree. This is clear in drawings from Moshtari Hilal’s ink-on-paper series, such as “Antique Mujahideen,” which appears to depict an Afghan with a

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

The gallery draws in a crowd over the past month since its debut in March. rat in his eye and blood on his fingers. The man is clearly in pain and possibly even in a state of decay. This is perhaps a statement on how the man has become a simple victim of the chaos surrounding him.

The exhibit does, however, feature its

share of relaxing imagery as well. This is highlighted by a hand-woven silk dress with silk-screened calligraphy and a photo of balloons in front of an old, worn-down building. The latter may symbolize hope for a seemingly hopeless nation.

page 24 The Signal April 9, 2014

Haitian Student Association

The Haitian Student Association Presents:

When:

April 12, 2014 7:30PM-11:30PM *DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 Where:

Brower Student Center RM: 202 (East and West) Floor FEATURING 路 Harmonic Band 路 Buddy Billz 路Mikerline Dance Troup

ALL AGES EVENT At the Door

Free For TCNJ Students $10-General Public *Please Present a Valid ID

Contact Phone: 973 536-4195 E-mail: HSA@TCNJ.EDU

A Celebration of Haitian Food, Culture, Music, Dance and People

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 25

Lions Fantasy World Nothin’ But Net The NBA needs to change its conferences.

I’ve been keeping this column tucked away for a while, mostly because I wanted to be absolutely sure it wouldn’t be considered too ridiculous.

And right now, the numbers will back me up, so it’s time to unleash what might be my most sane crazy idea yet.

So, like I said, the NBA needs to reconfigure the way its two conferences are organized. Because, simply put, East and West no longer makes for a decent league structure.

Why? Because the West is so much better than the East, and at this point, it isn’t even funny.

Let’s take a look at the numbers: As of this morning, the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, Miami, would be the fourth best out West. That’s not exactly terrible, but let’s look at this another way: The team in ninth in the West, Memphis, would be tied for the three seed in the East. That’s right, a team that, at this moment, would not make the playoffs in the Western Conference would have home-court advantage in the in the Eastern Conference. Think about that one for a second.

But wait, there’s more! In the East, only four teams can still potentially win 50 games, while in the West a 50-win team could still miss the playoffs. The East will send a below-.500 team to the playoffs, and possibly two or three of them. In the West, a .500 team is more than seven games behind that final playoff spot.

Finally, there’s the direct comparison: So far this season, the West is 281-164 against the East in inter conference play. That’s a winning percentage of .631, good enough to be the three seed in the East. Out West, that team would be sixth.

And it isn’t like this season is some grand exception, like such wide disparity occasionally is. The West has been top-to-bottom better than the East for years now, and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon, not without significant change.

So, just what would I suggest the league do to fix this problem? Change around the conferences. Do away with the whole East and West thing, and remake the league as the American and National conferences, like baseball and football have.

Once the East and West thing is redone, start moving some teams around. Take a few bottom feeders from the East and trade them with even the middling teams out West. For example, trade Milwaukee, Detroit and Cleveland for Houston, Memphis and Portland, and see how that works out. Or, if the league wants to keep the divisions intact, just swap the Atlantic division for pretty much any of the three current Western ones, and see how much more even that makes the two conferences. My guess is that we’ll see a much closer split.

Look, I know the chances of this actually happening are virtually nonexistent. But I love watching basketball, good basketball, and the thought of seeing lousy teams play on in the East while good teams are sitting home in the West just makes me sad for the sport.

Do it for the fans, NBA. Just give us some better playoffs to watch.

By Mike Herold Fantasy Sports Editor

The Scoreboard*

(1) Fantasy Guys (20-0)**

1488

(3) Love Train (16-4)

1890

(2) Off the Backboard (14-6)

1374

(4) Team Vazquez (12-8)

1664

Owner: Mike Herold Owner: Gabe Allen

Owner: Bryan Dunphy-Culp Owner: Victor Vazquez

Team Reynolds (6-14) Owner: Amy Reynolds

874

Team Amaral (12-8)

1259

Team Molicki (8-12)

1066

Team Matos (5-15)

935

Rasheed Wallace (7-13)

538

Team Jha (0-20)

575

Owner: Marco Amaral

Owner: Chris Molicki Owner: Rob Matos

Owner: Pete Fiorilla Owner: Ashray Jha

*Scores reflect first week of a two-and-a-half week match **Championship Game

Fantasy Player of the Week

AP Photo

I May Be Wrong, But...

Here’s what I would do in Fantasy Basketball this week: Add: The replacements. A lot of players are either injured or “injured” (yes, there is a big difference), so players who are usually in backup roles are seeing much bigger minutes, and therefore numbers, as the season winds down. Start looking at bench players to replace the hurt guys on your roster.

Be Cautious Of: The J.R. Smith. OK, really players like Smith, who took 22 three pointers in a Knicks game this weekend and made 10 of them.

Sure, 32 points and 10 made threes looks impressive on paper, but he missed so many shots that he barely did better in fantasy points. The streaky volume scorer isn’t great in either real or fantasy basketball, as it turns out.

Drop: The injured. Like it or not, the final stretch of the season is here, and that means players are not playing. It may sound strange, but anyone who has even a minor injury at this point is highly likely to sit out the rest of the games, either because his team’s playoff position is set or because his team wants a better shot in the draft. A lot of players are “hurt” right now, including several usual studs.

Look Out For: The Indiana Pacers. Is it just me, or does anyone else remember the past two seasons when no one paid attention to Indy until the playoffs started? This is a team built to contend for the title this season. Have they been lousy lately? Sure. Will they step up come playoff time? Absolutely. They’ve done this before.

AP Photo

page 26 The Signal April 9, 2014

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April 9, 2014 The Signal page 27 Cheap Seats

Kentucky provides moment of tourney

By Chris Molicki Managing Editor

As I’m writing, this national championship game between Kentucky and Connecticut has yet to begin. As you’re reading this, the game is over and a champion has been crowned.

Despite the result, I think we need to appreciate the beauty of this tournament and the runs these two teams are on. However, the more amazing and surprising run has been that of the Wildcats, which everyone needs to take a step back and recognize for what it is.

I’ll start off by saying I’m not trying to hop on the bandwagon here. I’m not a Kentucky fan, nor am I trying to pan myself off as one. As someone who watches college basketball intently and analyzes the sport, I won’t try to say I thought the Wildcats were a good team. I thought they were a bunch of underachievers with no chemistry who would lose their first tournament game to Kansas State. With all of that said, I have no problem admitting that I dead wrong.

After watching NCAA tournament after NCAA tournament, I’d like to think I have a pretty decent idea of what trends work in the tournament (of course, my bracket hasn’t reflected that). Kentucky is a team that broke several of those trends.

First, they were underachievers in the regular season, and despite making it to the

SEC tournament finals, I had a hard time saying they were on a roll. Second, they had plenty of NBA talent, and as we saw with other teams that had top NBA talent (Duke, Kansas and Oklahoma St.), they didn’t do as well as many thought they would.

Finally, they were an underachieving and talented team in an 8-9 matchup.

Since the 8-9 matchups are technically supposed to be the ones with the least discrepancy in talent between the two teams, a team like Kentucky usually doesn’t have the mental fortitude to pick up the win. Or beat the likes of Wichita State, Louisville, Michigan, Wisconsin and maybe even Connecticut. Or so we thought.

Kentucky has broken that mold. They’ve come together at the right time, with a variety of players stepping up. Julius Randle has been the constant. The Harrisons are spending their time either playing their best basketball or hitting huge shots. James Young has played well more consistently like we thought he could play. And Dakari Johnson, Marcus Lee and Alex Poythress are providing great presences down low — evident by the team’s insane offensive rebounding efforts.

And how could we forget about the shots? Yes, the game against Wichita was an instant classic, but how can you not be amazed by what Aaron Harrison is doing?

Against Louisville, Harrison hit a corner three to put the Wildcats up for good. He

This entertaining Kentucky team deserves your respect. outdid himself against Michigan, when he pulled up from deep with the clock winding down in a tie game, hitting an amazing contested three — a shot I wondered may be one of the greatest NCAA tournament shots I’ve ever seen.

Then Wisconsin happened.

Down two, the clock winding down again and a man in his face, Harrison hit arguably the most amazing NCAA tournament shot I’ve ever seen live — and maybe the biggest one I ever will see. And for those reasons, I applaud Harrison and his teammates for the show Ware put on — a

AP Photo

show I couldn’t help but enjoy.

I’m not telling you to hop on the UK bandwagon. I’m not telling you to riot in the streets if they won the whole thing — pretending your reason is that you were a fan all along or you picked them from the beginning. All I’m asking is that you appreciate and respect this team for the way they’ve grown and enjoy the electrifying and entertaining moments as they happen (unless, of course, you love UConn or hate Kentucky).

If you’re a true fan of the sport of college basketball, there’s no shame in that.

Baseball

Baseball / Lions leave NJAC in the dust continued from page 36

For the Lions, senior pitcher Brendan Kelly worked his way out of jams all afternoon on his way to a complete game.

Earlier in the week, the Lions picked up wins at home against Widener University and Rutgers-Newark to extend their win streak to seven games heading into the weekend. The College’s win streak was later snapped in the second game of Saturday’s double-header with Kean.

As a team, the College has won 11 of its past 12 games. Much of the credit is due to the Lions pitching staff who, over the past 12 games, has a sub-2.00 ERA and has not given up more than five runs during that stretch.

“We knew we were going to be good,” Edelman said. “Coach has put an emphasis on burying pitches when you’re ahead in the count.”

The Lions were right back at it Sunday,

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Edelman pitches 19 consecutive scoreless innings, four shy of the record set by Volpe last season.

April 6, with yet another doubleheader at the struggling New Jersey City University.

The College swept the doubleheader by scores of 5-2 and 6-5, respectively.

Volpe allowed just two hits over eight

innings pitched in the first game, while junior pitcher John Spinapont pitched five quality innings in the back end of the double-header.

Sophomore outfielder JC Rizzi had

an impressive seven hits on the day and also scored three runs. Rizzi currently sits in the top-five in the NJAC for both hits and runs scored on the season and ranks first in stolen bases.

MLB start is far too early in the year

By Mike Herold Fantasy Sports Editor

Dear Sports Commissioners and other movers and shakers: It has come to my attention that the professional baseball season started last week. This surprised me, since I have long considered baseball to be a summer sport, and it is still very much the early spring, and I’m still wearing long-sleeved everything because it still feels like winter.

So what in the world are you thinking right now? Are the players happy to be playing ball in cold weather? If it begins to snow somewhere (don’t count it out, especially with the northern teams), will you cancel games? Heck, baseball

AP Photo

Not many White Sox fans are braving the weather for April games. cancels for rain sometimes. Will a single snowflake cause an entire week of missed playing time?

I guess this is the point I’m making: Stop

making sports seasons so dang long. We do not really need 162 games to determine which five baseball teams in each league are good enough to make the playoffs —

we could probably make do with half of that number. And basketball and hockey are barely any better, especially since I’ve been dying for the NBA playoffs to just start already for weeks now. These long seasons drag on forever, and it isn’t making the fans happy.

Seriously, why do you think football is far and away the most popular sport in the world? Let me give you a hint: It isn’t because people like talking about concussions that much.

So here is my plea, people in sports who can do something about this: Make the seasons a bit shorter. Maybe if you do, we won’t see so many empty stadiums — that White Sox thing was just ridiculous.

Sincerely, sports fans everywhere.

page 28 The Signal April 9, 2014

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LIONS

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Peter Fiorilla “The Ref”

Chris Molicki

Managing Editor

Mike Herold

Fantasy Sports Editor

Amy Reynolds Editor-in-Chief

In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Peter Fiorilla, asks our panel of experts three questions: what impact will the DeSean Jackson saga have on the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, should the San Antonio Spurs be considered championship favorites, and what should U.S. soccer fans worry about heading into the World Cup this summer?

1) With the addition of DeSean Jackson, the Washington Redskins have one of the scariest offenses in the NFC — on paper, at least. What are your expectations for Washington next year, and will the Eagles regret cutting Jackson?

Chris: We should temper our expectations on Jackson. Sure, he’s a great deep threat and RGIII can throw the deep ball, but keep in mind how this team was last season. Even with a workhorse running back in Alfred Morris, RG3 and the offense had plenty of struggles. This has a lot to do with Griffin simply not living up to the hype. I understand that Jackson paired with Pierre Garcon will help him, but it all depends on the development and health of the quarterback. As for the Eagles, while I’m not sure I agree with the way they ostracized Jackson, I don’t think they’ll have a tough time replacing him. Chip Kelly’s offense could be described as plug-and-play — that is, there are plenty of unique pieces that cause matchup problems in his fast-paced offense, so they might be able to

get Jackson’s production elsewhere. Tight end Zach Ertz was more involved near the end of the season, and he’ll continue that growth next year. Plus, Philly gets the return of Jeremy Maclin and Darren Sproles. Before we go worrying about the Redskins in the NFC, let’s remember that they aren’t the best in the NFC East.

Mike: Yes, the Eagles will regret cutting Jackson. He’s a super-talented player in the middle of his prime, and a whole mess of teams would have traded for him, so at the very least the team lost out on his trade value. As for my expectations for Washington, that’s trickier, mostly since we’ve seen one good year and one bad year from RGIII, so it’s tough to tell what that team is going to get from their QB. I’d say that with a weaker NFC East — the Cowboys and Giants aren’t really scaring anyone right now, and Philly is another question mark after the team’s tumultuous 2013 campaign — Washington might just come away with the division win, but I don’t see them being anything close to a juggernaut. Either way, I don’t see more

AP Photo

than one team making the playoffs from this division — ­ there’s too much talent elsewhere.

Amy: I’d say the Redskins have a pretty exciting season to look forward to. They made the biggest move of the off-season by signing Jackson. Coming off of a 3-13 season, they desperately needed to add some spice to their

offense, and Jackson certainly has the spark they need. Last year, he set career-highs with 82 catches and 1,332 yards for the the Eagles, so I definitely think the Eagles will regret letting him go. Jackson is also pretty excited about the switch to Washington, as he tweeted, “ITS GOIN DOWN !! BURGUNDY & GOLD.”

Chris wins for highlighting Washington’s struggles last year, Mike gets 2 points for pointing out how weak the NFC East is, and Amy gets 1 point for mentioning Jackson’s career year.

AP Photo

2) The Spurs have been tearing apart the NBA recently, a trend punctuated by their 26-point win over Indiana. Is San Antonio the clear favorite to win it all this year, and if not, then who is?

Chris: The Spurs have been incredible (this is nothing new), and they’re obviously a

big-time contender, but I’m skeptical to consider them the favorite, and here’s why: the NBA playoffs are completely different from the regular season. San Antonio’s offense is based on picture-perfect screens, cuts and fundamentals — things that every player on the roster understands and things that succeed

on a nightly basis. However, in the playoffs, starpower adds a new element, which is why I’d say the Spurs are no better than the thirdfavorite. I understand they were so close to a title last year that they could sniff it, but keep in mind they still lost to Miami and they didn’t even have to play OKC. I also worry if Manu Ginobili will continue to decline in the postseason, along with Danny Green’s ability to once again don that Superman cape.

With the level that Kevin Durant is playing at and the hungriness of LeBron James to win a third straight title and make his decision of where to be next season easier, I don’t feel comfortable picking the Spurs.

Mike: I’ll say this up front: I love the Spurs.

They are without a doubt my favorite team to watch. But they aren’t the favorite this season.

That honor belongs to one of the four younger, superstar-led teams — the Thunder, Heat, Pacers and Clippers. They have the right combination of superstar talent and depth to take home the title, and you cannot underestimate

the power of the superstar in the NBA playoffs. The Spurs simply don’t have anyone at that level right now, even though they might have the best team from top to bottom. I could still legitimately see the Spurs winning it all come June, if they can get past or avoid OKC, who’s beaten them every game this year, but to call them favorites with those other teams in the mix is just something I can’t do. If I had to pick one team as my favorite, it has to go to the two-time defending champs. Until someone beats the Heat, they have to be considered the favorites.

Amy: Yes, the Spurs had a 19-game win streak earlier in the season and have overall been dominant, but I don’t necessarily think they have what it takes to go all the way.

The Spurs will have a difficult time going against skilled teams in the Western conference, which is why I think Miami has a better chance at taking it all the way. If the Spurs and Miami both make it to the finals, however, I think the Spurs will take the crown.

Mike wins for bringing up the Clippers as a dark horse, Chris gets 2 points for highlighting how old the Spurs are, and Amy gets 1 point for pointing out how stacked the West is.

3. The U.S. men’s national team had a Jekyll Cup, and the second-ranked Germans, Chrisand Hyde performance against Mexico last tiano Ronaldo-led Portuguese and the team that week, building up and then choking away a took out the U.S. in the last World Cup (Ghana) 2-0 lead. What should U.S. fans worry about are not looking fun to play against. A skeptic heading into the Group of Death in Brazil? will tell you the U.S. doesn’t stand a chance, Chris: Being in the Group of Death is a start. while a realist will probably nod along sadly The United States has to deal with Germany (a and the optimist will be quietly crying in the team some are considering the favorites), Por- corner. Things don’t look good, but the Mexico tugal (yeah, they have Cristiano Ronaldo) and game wasn’t exactly a symbol of bad play to Ghana (a solid team who knocked them out of come. First of all, the U.S. had a goal taken last year’s World Cup). I would say that the U.S. away by a questionable/flat-out-wrong offsides fans should worry most about things breaking call, which means the offense is working pretty their way. In 2010, a freak goal against England well with kind-of three goals scored. When you and a miracle against Algeria got the Americans also consider that the U.S. was missing some of to the group stages. This year, they’ll need to the team’s best defenders for the game, it gets a make some of the their own luck. The Ghana little less bleak. Even without Geoff Cameron game is pretty much a must-win, but hopefully or Fabian Johnson, the defense wasn’t terrible, the team has revenge on their minds. Portugal and Matt Besler looked like a great defensive isn’t unbeatable, but at least a tie is crucial. The player. The World Cup doesn’t look fun for the one thing that the U.S. has going for them is Americans, but it also isn’t all bad. they get Germany in the last game, so maybe Amy: Setting the draw against Mexico aside, the Germans won’t be too worried with Ameri- the U.S. should be worried about heading into ca if they’ve already won the group by then. It’s Brazil. As you may know, Brazilian goalie going to take a lot of luck and even better play Bruno Fernandes de Souza was sentenced to if the U.S. wants to even advance to the group 22 years in prison for ordering the kidnapping stages. Here’s hoping they do. and murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend (and Mike: Germany, Portugal and Ghana. Those then feeding her to a dog) because he didn’t are the teams the U.S. will be facing in the World want to pay child support. Recently, however, Chris gets 3 points for his analysis of the Americans’ schedule, Mike gets 2 points for saying the U.S. has a chance, and Amy gets 1 point for pointing out how dangerous Brazil is.

AP Photo

he was released from prison on a day basis to train and play with his team. Brazil takes

soccer more seriously than keeping murderers in jail. So, yes, the U.S. should be worried.

Chris wins Around the Dorm, 8-7-3

page 30 The Signal April 9, 2014

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 31

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Malek Jandali with fellow musicans will speak about the current situation in Syria during the concert. Enjoy a night of music while also learning how you can help the cause in Syria Monday, April 14th 7:00 PM Library Auditorium

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 33 Softball

Softball stays winless against NJAC teams Lions fall to 6-16 overall as comebacks fall flat

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Softball struggles getting results on the field through the team’s first 22 games, despite getting some clutch hitting.

By Chrissy Onorato Staff Writer

Though they fought to the very end, the women’s softball team could not grab a win this past week, as they took on some of the best teams in the league.

There was some key pitching and clutch hits in risky situations, but the Lions are looking forward to this week as they continue to improve their position in the standings.

In the first double-header of the week, the Lions faced Richard Stockton College in what would be a hard-fought attempt.

The Ospreys took both games over the Lions, the first by a score of 5-3. The first inning was explosive, as both teams scored immediately. Sophomore designated hitter Deanna Utter was able to score the Lions’ first run as the Ospreys walked her in.

The Lions began a comeback in the third inning when senior first baseman Nicole Brodbeck and sophomore outfielder Kristen Fitzsimmons each doubled, Brodbeck got a run and the score became 5-2. Senior shortstop Kristen Lake then scored on a sacrifice fly from freshman first baseman Jessica Kennick, closing the gap in runs.

However, there was not enough time for the College to catch up completely, and the game finished in a 5-3 defeat.

In the next game against the Ospreys, the Lions fell behind early and were again out of time to begin to catch up. The final score would be 9-3.

The Lions’ first run came in the third inning when Kennick singled, making it 4-1. But the fifth inning was what hurt the Lions the most, as the Ospreys scored a total of five runs. The Lions were

able to score two more runs, but it was not enough to counter the Ospreys’ nine runs.

Kennick had a great day for the Lions, going three-for-four with two RBI. The Lions knew they had some work to do in their next doubleheader against Ramapo College, but again fell as Ramapo took both games in dominating fashion.

In the first game, the Lions lost to the Roadrunners, 6-2.

The first inning began with one run for the Roadrunners, which quickly escalated to five runs in the second. Kennick then came up big in the fourth, as she hit a solo home run and then added another run with a single in the sixth inning.

Lake and sophomore outfielder Christine Desiderio each had two hits in the game, but the Lions’ offense could not match that of the Roadrunners.

This was especially true in the second game of the doubleheader, as the Roadrunners piled on the runs in a 14-1 victory that only lasted five innings. The first Roadrunner runs came in the first inning, as they began with a tworun first inning.

The score was 8-0 by the third inning, as the Lions’ bats were silenced by stellar Ramapo pitching. However, the Lions refused to allow it to be a complete shutout, scoring a run in the bottom of the fourth. Kennick had singled and was soon sent home on a sacrifice fly from Utter. But it was not enough to start an effective comeback.

The last double-header of the week came against Kean University and ended in two more losses for the Lions — but these were closer games.

In the first game, the Lions came just short of a victory, falling

5-2 to the Cougars. As the Cougars put one run on the board in the first inning, the Lions caught right up in the next few innings.

Lake had a solo home run to tie things up, but Kean came back in the next inning.

Desiderio then singled in the seventh and another run scored, but the Cougars got the win.

It was the same situation all over again in the next game, as the Lions fell 5-1 in the last game of the week. In the first inning, the Cougars scored three times, putting the Lions in 9-hole immediately. The only run from the Lions came in the seventh when Utter came home on a wild pitch.

The College is now 0-6 in the NJAC and 6-16 on the season.

This week, the Lions take on Rutgers-Camden University on Tuesday, April 8, and Montclair State University on Saturday, April 12.

Cheap Seats

Major miscalculation from Golf Digest Mag gets down and dirty with non-athlete

By Kevin Luo Staff Writer This past week, Golf Digest put Paulina Gretzky on the cover of its Golf Fit issue. This cover caused a barrage of controversy for a variety of reasons. The photo on the cover could be described as risqué, but by no means was the picture of explicit nature.

The reason Gretzky being the cover is causing such uproar is because she’s not a golfer. She’s the model girlfriend of golfer Dustin Johnson and daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. We all know that “sex sells” in the media and Golf Digest has every right to do what it did in our capitalist society to sell magazines. That said, it’s doing a disservice to the sport of women’s golf and the LPGA. Paulina Gretzky is a very attractive woman, and it’s fair to say she is indeed a golf celebrity because of her golfer boyfriend and famous father. However,

there are some very attractive female golfers on the LPGA tour such as Anna Rawson and Kathleen Ekey, who I’m sure wouldn’t mind getting a little extra recognition on top of their golf game. Many female golfers on the tour are upset with the decision by the magazine because it shows a lack of respect for the women’s game.

This is not the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. This is an edition of Golf Digest called Golf Fit. This should be golf’s version of ESPN the body issue, an issue used to celebrate the bodies of golfers — male or female — who achieve their fitness from golfing or training for golf and ways for them to give advice to prospective golfers.

Golf Digest responded to its critics in a statement claiming that she is a golf celebrity with an interesting story to tell and she could possibly attract more people into the sport of golf. This response comes off as extremely shady.

Like I said, the magazine is entitled to

Professional celebrity Paulina Gretzky plays golf recreationally. do as it please in choice of cover models, but it’s insulting everyone’s intelligence by trying to sugarcoat this issue.

Golf Digest chose an attractive woman

AP Photo

with a link to golf who can sell magazines. That’s it. I wonder if anyone who bought this magazine actually got any golf-related fitness tips from this.

page 34 The Signal April 9, 2014

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Finale: April 9, 5:00 pm Science Complex, Room P101 Spectators welcome!

April 9, 2014 The Signal page 35

ports Week In Review AP Photo

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Number of wins per season Softball 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 0

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5

10

15

20

25

30

35

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Team total: 204 Alex Spark 53 Jillian Nealon 35 Jen Garavente 34 Lauren Pigott 23 Erin Waller 20 Kendal Borup 11 Lauren Karpovich 9

ST U D E N T AT H L E TE O F

The Horizon For

THE WEEK

Sports Baseball April 10 & 11 vs. William Paterson University, 3:30 p.m.

April 12 @ Ramapo College (DH), 11:30 a.m.

April 15 @ Farmingdale State, 4 p.m.

Softball April 5 vs. Montclair State University (DH), 1 p.m.

April 8 @ Rowan University (DH), 3 p.m.

John Rizzi Baseball

Had seven hits in doubleheader

Sophomore center fielder John Rizzi helped the Lions sweep the doubleheader against New Jersey City University. In 10 at bats, Rizzi recorded seven hits and three RBI. Thanks to the sophomore’s efforts, the Lions are currently 15-5, the best start for the College since 2008.

Women’s Lacrosse April 12 vs. Salisbury University, 1 p.m.

April 15 @ Stevens Institute of Technology, 6 p.m.

This week’s picks from the staff

(NHL) Blues Point leaders vs. Red Wings

(NHL) Bruins

vs. Devils

(MLB) Rays

vs. Reds

(MLB) Red Sox

vs. Yankees

Track & Field April 12 New Jersey Invitational

Chris Molicki 5 Julie Kayzerman 4

Men’s Tennis April 12 vs. Skidmore College, 1 p.m.

April 13 vs. Ithaca College, 11 a.m.

Andrew Grossman 3 Mike Herold 3

Women’s Tennis April 12 vs. Skidmore College, 11 a.m.

April 13 vs. Ithaca College, 1 p.m.

Amy Reynolds 3 Peter Fiorilla 2

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Signal Trivia

?

When was the last time the Olympics awarded the athletes with solid gold medals?

AP Photo

Last week’s Signal Trivia Answer:

Sumo wrestling is the national sport in Japan. The first official tournament began in the Tomioka Hachiman Shrine in 1684.

Signal

Sports

Lethal Lions send F&M packing in OT No. 4 lax stays unbeaten through 10 games

By Andrew Grossman Production Manager

The 10-0 Lions may be down, but they are never out. No matter the opponent, when the game is on the line, the lacrosse team always seems to come through, with the most recent proof coming in a 14-13 overtime victory against No. 7 Franklin & Marshall College.

Prior to the big showdown against the Diplomats, the women traveled to Ramapo College for a matchup between two NJAC teams. The Lions were never tested, however, and cruised to a 19-0 victory. Leading the women with six goals was junior attacker Ava Fitzgerald.

“I think that we were able to read our opponents really well and we were able to work on a lot of things that we needed to improve on,” Fitzgerald said. “We had to keep our composure no matter what and play our game at our level, (which) showed a lot of character and strength as a team on our part.”

The Lions were able to use that momentum and ride the nine-game winning streak into their home matchup against Franklin & Marshall.

“We knew we were ready to play the game because we were all really hyped up and excited for another good (one),” Fitzgerald said. “Going in we were super,

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Borup electrifies Lions Stadium with a game-winnner in OT. super excited and we didn’t doubt ourselves for one second, which was the key to the game.”

Although the women may not have appeared worried, they certainly kept things interesting after falling behind with under a minute to go. There was no hesitation, however, and within a mere 24 seconds, the Lions scored two quick

goals to give the women the lead and eventually the game. The final one was capped off by junior attacker Kendal Borup, who scored her 36th goal on the season. Borup currently ranks third in the NJAC in points per game.

“She has just been able to show up almost every game, which is something very important, and I think her stepping

up as a player has been really key for our season,” Fitzgerald said. “She is such a humble person, and to have someone like that on the team that just shows up all the time and never expects any accolades or anything, I think it is really awesome.”

Despite Borup’s go-ahead goal, the Lions still had to remain focused for the final 19 seconds in the game.

“We were just so ecstatic at that point and we knew we had to finish out the game, but in our head that was really (big),” Fitzgerald said. “We still had to keep our composure at that point because we still had some time left and we knew we had to play out the rest of the time, but we were just so excited to anticipate the celebration at the end because it was well deserved at that point.”

Next week, the women face off against Rowan University on Tuesday, April 8, and the nation’s top team in Salisbury University on Saturday, April 12, in Lions Stadium.

“We need to keep our eyes on the prize, which means we really have to focus at practice and key in on any mistakes that we made against Franklin & Marshall,” Fitzgerald said. “Obviously, we are still excited about our win, but we still have to be ready for our next game (because) we still have some big games ahead of us.”

Baseball takes pole position in NJAC Pitching propels Lions to early win streak

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

The defensive plays help the Lions get an upset over national contender Kean and move to first in the NJAC.

By Matt Bowker Staff Writer

The College continued to roll with confidence over the weekend, taking three of four games from divisional opponents and moving into first place in the NJAC. The

Lions’ Lineup April 9, 2014

I n s i d e

Lions (15-5, 4-1) have now won 12 of 13 games with an ERA under 2.00 in that time.

“We’re pitching and playing with a little swagger out there,” sophomore pitcher Evan Edelman said.

On Saturday, April 5, the Lions

welcomed No. 4 Kean University to Ackerman Park for a doubleheader. Junior pitcher Connor Smith took the mound in the first game, looking to set a program record for consecutive scoreless innings. However, Smith ran into some trouble in the first and

gave up an RBI single, ending his streak of 19 consecutive scoreless innings, just four innings shy of the mark reached by sophomore pitcher Steven Volpe last season.

The Lions responded by tying the game with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning. The College

managed a pair of walks and a single to load the bases with two outs before sophomore outfielder Pat Roberts nailed one up the middle, scoring junior infielder Anthony Cocuzza and sophomore catcher Garen Turner.

The College finally took the lead for good in the fourth inning, scoring three runs on a triple, double and a pair of singles, as they went on to win the game by a final of 7-4.

Smith went on to toss another complete game, his fourth in as many starts. Smith also has one save on the season.

The Lions dropped the second game by a score of 2-1.

Kean’s Mike Occhi dominated the Lions throughout the day, keeping the Lions off the scoreboard until junior infielder Josh Limon drove in a run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to avoid the shutout. see BASEBALL page 27

46 53 Around the Dorm page 29

Magazine’s mistake page 33

NCAA commentary page 27

Softball on a skid page 33