The Signal: Spring '14, No. 14

Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net.

Vol. XL, No. 14

Contractor gasses campus, no classes

By Courtney Wirths & Opinions Editor Natalie Kouba Staff Writer

A gas leak reported at the Campus Town construction site caused the evacuation of several buildings across campus on Monday, April 28.

The initial leak was caused by a contractor working for the College who hit one of the campus gas pipes near 1971 Pennington Road, according to PSE&G’s corporate communications and media relations assistant Annette Hicks.

An alert sent out at 11:30 a.m. informed the campus community of the gas leak and called for the immediate evacuation of the Hausdoerffer and Phelps dorms, Loser Hall, the Business and Bliss Buildings, off-campus housing along Pennington Road, the Art and Interactive Multimedia Building, the Music Building and Armstrong Hall.

“PSE&G was notified of the leak at 11 a.m.,” Hicks said. PSE&G crew arrived 10 minutes later and the area was made safe by 12:50 p.m.

According to David Muha, associate vice president of

April 30, 2014

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Communications, Marketing and Brand Management, the evacuation area included all properties and buildings adjacent to the Campus Town site. Classes in these buildings were also cancelled.

“We were in the middle of a presentation in Loser when the fire alarms went off,” junior nursing major Aila Salazar said.

“Five minutes later we got the text saying to move to the Stud,” junior nursing major Janine Isaga said.

At 1:30 p.m. the College’s students were notified via text message that PSE&G, the College’s gas and electric provider, had given the all clear to return to the evacuated buildings. Classes resumed at 2 p.m. and all buildings and parking lots were re-opened.

Students, staff and faculty were reminded to “exercise caution entering and leaving campus.” The warning was due to emergency vehicles and high volumes of traffic, as roads and buildings were being re-opened.

Hicks explained that the leak was entirely unrelated to the gas leak and explosion at a condo complex in Ewing on Tuesday, March 4.

Fountain trip a ‘rite of passage’

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Members of ZTA celebrate Pink Out Week next to the fountain in the Science Complex.

By Regina Yorkgitis Web Editor

Once a year, seniors gather around the Science Complex fountain to kiss the College goodbye. An elegant affair during Senior Week, the president’s toast to seniors is the final step before students walk the path from the fountain to the Brower Student

Center — a march that signifies the bridge from student to alumnus.

As they raise their champagne glasses with President R. Barbara Gitenstein, seniors’ eyes may turn toward the fountain — a landmark of the College, a meeting spot for classes on sunny afternoons and a center for campus organizations’ fundraising events.

For junior criminology major Colleen Warwick, the fountain made the trek to her difficult chemistry class a bit brighter.

“My teacher had us go outside and do work by the fountain,” Warwick said. “I think it’s very pretty. It adds to the beautiful campus.” see FOUNTAIN page 3

A gut-wrenching testament to talent Rigatta racing, ‘Boaty’ on top

By Julie Kayzerman News Editor

A renowned mathematical genius once stood on the porch steps of his old, Chicago house in a horrific rage. He had truly succumbed to his mental illness and could no longer practice the work to which he had dedicated his life.

With the arms of his daughter Catherine around his neck, in a heart-wrenching scene where she cried softly, his daughter whispered to the sick man that she loved him and wouldn’t leave him — even though it meant sacrificing her future — in All College Theater’s production of David Auburn’s “Proof,” directed by alumnus Patrick Albanesius.

The audible gasps of the viewers sitting in the Don Evan’s Black Box Theatre during this flashback were a testament to the superb acting of the cast members — each of whom embraced the volatile and grief-stricken characters with poise well

INDEX: Nation & World / Page 5 The Signal @TCNJsignal

By Julie Kayzerman News Editor

old couch to coincide with the aged house and, of course, the porch steps — home to most of the play’s big action.

It was the perfect day for sitting on the bank of Lake Ceva while watching the impressive work of students as they competed in the annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, hosted by Residential Education and Housing and Upper Class Experience, on Friday, April 25.

The event highlighted the difficulty of constructing a cardboard boat, stable enough to hold two people and race for time across the lake, paired with the humor of themed boats, costumes and sinking ships.

Despite the need for experience in mastering the physics of a cardboard boat, it was a group of four freshmen for “Boaty” who took first place with a strong showing at 2:21, rivaled by the second place time of 2:35 belonging to “The Ark.”

see PROOF page 14

see RIGATTA page 4

Jonathan Edmondson / Review Editor

Catherine is reluctant to accept Hal’s romantic gestures. beyond the years of a college student.

It certainly helped that they were able to perform on a beautifully designed and detail-oriented set that even included vines under the porch, a ratty Editorial / Page 7

Opinions / Page 9

Features / Page 10

Arts & Entertainment / Page 14

Sports / Page 28

Lacrosse Lions finish regular season as DIII’s No. 4 team.

Orchestrating orgasms Students take lessons from a sexologist.

Campus Movie Fest Students show off movies made in a week.

See Sports page 28

See Features page 13

See A&E page 17

page 2 The Signal April 30, 2014

Deconstructing campus construction plans

By Hillary Siegel Staff Writer

Many people on campus and in the College community are abuzz with the premise of Campus Town, the long-awaited destination of restaurants, housing and shops to be built on campus near the Pennington Road entrance. But while some students are primarily worried about how long it will take for them to get a new campus coffee shop, there has been little talk of the unfortunate environmental implications of building Campus Town.

Across from the main entrance of the College where Campus Town is being built lies Lake Ceva. Due to a New Jersey State Department of Environmental Protection mandate, Lake Ceva was almost completely drained, with wildlife temporarily removed and its dam repaired in 2006. Now, because of its location, the lake is being affected by the current construction on campus.

In 2006, when the dam was repaired, it was a process that lasted over six months. Now, with Campus Town slated to be finished in Spring 2015, it seems as if Lake Sylva’s sister will be “under construction” until then as well.

According to Communications Officer Emily Dodd, the current construction of Campus Town is affecting Lake Ceva in an effort to create a better path for runoff once Campus Town is built.

“The area on the north side of the main entrance will be an ornamental detention pond with a fountain,” Dodd said. “The detention pond is necessary to hold runoff from rain and snow storms that cannot be absorbed on the Campus Town site. Instead, this runoff will be directed into the detention pond where it will slowly be introduced into Lake Ceva.”

Many students, while excited by the idea of Campus Town, don’t necessarily like the aesthetic and environmental

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

The construction near Lake Ceva might have some effects on the surrounding environment. effects that this construction has on the campus.

“Our campus is supposed to be known for how beautiful it is, yet the first thing you see when you come to our school is the fences and construction around the entrance and the lake,” senior management major Molly Crawford said. “We should have thought about all of this before we started building Campus Town.”

Sophomore biology major Ken Abes was interested to know how this construction and run off would affect Lake Ceva in the long run.

“I feel like creating any type of disturbance to the lake would greatly affect it in many ways,” he said. “The ecology of the lake is so specific that any changes could greatly affect the interactions between communities living in the lake.”

However, some students are less concerned about

environmental impacts and more the financial implications of the construction.

“It’s not like they’re fundamentally changing the lake,” junior special education and history double major Zach Ott said. “I just wish I knew if this money to fix the lake and the construction were coming from my tuition money or from a grant of some sort. I would like the (College) community to tell me where my money is going and where the money to do these kinds of projects is coming from.”

With Campus Town scheduled to be officially finished

by June 2015, it is hoped that all construction that will affect Lake Ceva will also be completed by then. Until then, students will be patiently awaiting a finalized Campus Town, and hopefully a fully functional, completed Lake Ceva.

War of the Words: duct tape vs. WD-40

Photo courtesy of Jaryd Frankel

Degnon wins best rebuttal.

By Roman Orsini Correspondent

The War of the Words IV debate took place in the Social Sciences Atrium on Tuesday, April 22, between members of the Philosophical Society and

the Society for Parliamentary Debate. The event — which was moderated by philosophy professor John Sisko and judged by dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Benjamin Rifkin — featured a number of philosophical and whimsical topics, making for a lively discussion.

The topics for debate included dreams vs. reality, duct tape vs. WD-40, punishment vs. rehabilitation, fight vs. flight and a bonus round of hide vs. seek.

The debate teams submitted topic pairs to Sisko, who then chose the final five.

Individual debaters were given one minute to argue the team’s position on each topic, then rebut the opponent’s argument. Following rebuttal, additional students from the floor commented on the issues.

The set of both serious and silly topics was thought provoking and entertaining. As part of his pro duct tape stance, senior psychology major Sean Modri

showed a duct tape man bag made by his sister. Unlike WD-40, you can build with duct tape, he said.

For his rebuttal on fight vs. flight, pro-fight debater and freshman business major Patrick Degnon suggested his opponent live up to his pro-flight stance and flee the Atrium — which he briefly did. Degnon’s quip won an award for best rebuttal.

The segment on punishment vs. rehabilitation dealt with issues of morality and statistics from the criminal justice system. The discussion was informative and challenged high levels of incarceration in America.

When the debate ended, Rifkin announced the Philosophical Society as the winners. Individual awards were also given in areas such as creativity and rebuttal, along with Barnes & Noble gift cards.

War of the Words is a biannual event that began in 2012 under the direction of Sisko. The program emphasizes the importance

Photo courtesy of Jaryd Frankel

Modri carries his sister’s duct tape bag. of verbal communication and persuasion as qualities of leadership. Sisko’s interest in developing such programs started a few years ago, when he accompanied a group of honors students to a research conference in Maine.

“At the conference, one otherwise stellar and well-prepared student turned red and nearly began to cry upon taking the

podium to present in front of 40 complete strangers,” Sisko said.

“That is when I came to see the need for such programming.”

In keeping with the intent of these programs, Sisko and assistant professor of political science Daniel Bowen, launched the Demosthenes Prize this year, a competition for students addressing public policy issues.

Seniors reflect while new elects are sworn in

By Sydney Shaw News Assistant

Graduating seniors bid their final farewells and new elects were sworn in at the Student Government general body meeting on Wednesday, April 23.

Senior Tyler Liberty concluded his final meeting as Student Government president by passing the gavel down to Matthew Wells, the new president for the upcoming school year.

Other senior members looked back on their tenures in Student Government during the emotional final meeting: senator of science Chloe Fama, vice president of Advancement Jen Toth, assistant ACM representative Hajar Lakhouli, vice

president of Governmental Affairs Alex Brown, senior class council secretary Katrina Xyloportas, senior class council treasurer Josephine D’Amico, vice president for Student Services Annie Montero, senior class council vice president Santina Mazzola, speaker Devin Dimmig, senator of Humanities and Social Sciences Anushka Patel, Executive Vice President Daria Wells, senior class council president Grace Moran and vice president of Equity and Diversity Sadia Tahir.

Before the conclusion of her last meeting as vice president of Equity and Diversity, Tahir announced that the third issue of Diversity University has

been published.

Tahir went on to explain the “I, Too, Am TCNJ” campaign, intended to highlight instances of racial microaggression.

“Harvard, Oxford, Berkeley and other colleges have this campaign, too,” Tahir said.

Students can add their own experiences to the wall outside the Brower Student Center, which currently lists phrases like, “‘At least you aren’t that dark’ isn’t a compliment,” “Black culture is not ghetto” and other examples of racism faced by students.

Moran spoke later in the meeting about Senior Week planning.

“It’s the culmination of the senior experience,” she said.

Moran told students who have any questions to contact her for more information regarding Senior Week.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Freshman class council president Robert Kinloch speaks.

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 3

Taco Bell gives McDonald’s a stomach ache

By Courtney Wirths Opinions Editor

• Since Taco Bell introduced the “waffle taco” and the subsequent line of breakfast options, McDonald’s has been nervous.

The fast food giant, with its popular Mcbreakfast options, has started an ad campaign that boasts of a fresh cooked breakfast and quality ingredients to combat the Yum Brands Inc. competition. The company says it hasn’t noticed any decline in its breakfast business since Taco Bell introduced the breakfast options.

• This week brought bad news from the

magazine industry. The Ladies Home Journal, one of the oldest monthly publications in America, announced it would no longer be offering a monthly subscription.

The magazine will be converted to a quarterly, newsstand-only magazine this coming fall. The change is a result of continuous declining profits, subscriptions and changes in consumers’ reading habits.

• While it was an unfortunate week for print publications, Apple investors had

one of their best weeks in recent memory. After far exceeding the market’s expectations for firstquarter earnings, the Silicon Valley-based tech giant rewarded investors by adding $30 billion to its stock-buyback plan, increased its dividend eight percent and declared a 7-for-1 stock split. The stock price rocketed during after-hours trading, rising over eight percent, after the news was delivered.

• If you think a cup of coffee is a bit

expensive now, then you may want to consider switching to tea for the future. Coffee prices are on the rise, and have almost doubled year-to-date. The increase in prices is a result of an unforgiving drought in Brazil — which is the producer of about one-third of the world’s coffee and the primary producer of Arabica beans, which are used for creating gourmet blends. While it may take some time for the price increases to effect consumers, eyes remain on May’s crucial bean harvest. *All information is according to the Wall Street Journal.

Fountain / A College bonding experience continued from page 1

“The fountain is an identifier and creates a sense of place — ‘meet me at the fountain,’” said Emily Dodd, communications officer for the College. The fountain appeals to our senses, she explained. “We can see it, hear it, feel it, either when the wind blows a light mist on us as we walk by or by sticking our hand in the water.”

The brick-and-stone fountain is filled with about 3,500 gallons of water. Jets line the circumference of the fountain, causing water to arc and crash onto the stone sphere in the center of the fountain. Each winter, the fountain is drained and then refilled when spring arrives.

The beauty of the fountain is admired by its passing students.

“Well, I have put my hand in it,” junior sociology major Tara Fries said. “It’s aesthetically pleasing.”

But for some students, the fountain is more than a pretty sculpture. It is the center of a treasured campus tradition.

During Welcome Week, many freshmen learn that swimming in the fountain is a must-have addition to their college bucket lists.

“It’s a rite of passage,” senior biology major Colleen Stalter said.

The fountain plunge serves as a bonding ritual for freshmen or a last hoorah for seniors before they jump into the real world.

“I like when they put colored

Photo courtesy of TCNJ Magazine

Students of the class of ’11 visit the fountain on the eve of Commencement. lights in the fountain,” Fries said.

During warm months, the fountain is illuminated by blue lights in the evening — providing extra appeal for any latenight dippers.

When student ambassadors lead potential students on tours of the campus, they are always sure to include a stop at the Science Complex.

Some ambassadors even created a video called “The College Rocks,” which was posted on YouTube on Nov. 16, 2008.

“You may or may not know, (but) the College was named ‘the hot college’ by the New York Times. Come on everyone, let’s go cool off!” one ambassador speaks directly to the camera.

The ambassador then whips off his shirt and runs into the

fountain. Eight other students seated around the fountain follow suit, unable to resist the sparkling water. The students giggle as they toss a plastic beach ball in the air and slosh around with

“The fountain is an identifier and creates a sense of place,” Dodd said. their friends.

Swimming in the fountain is not sanctioned by Campus Police, based on the account of several students.

“I felt a little on edge because I thought we would get caught,” junior journalism major Kris Alvarez said. The late-night

swim was a bonding experience between Alvarez and his freshmen floor, but as he said “it was early freshmen year. We didn’t have anything to lose.”

Junior sociology major Dawn Kreder was splashing with her friends in the fountain when Campus Police approached and asked them to get out of the fountain immediately. The officers said that the fountain is “not ever cleaned, it’s not filtered and you can get hurt from the jets,” Kreder said.

But Tom Hasty, supervisor of landscape maintenance, said that the fountain can cause little damage to swimmers.

“The fountain’s like a pool, really,” Hasty said.

In order to prevent algae from forming, the fountain is treated

with bromine and calcium chloride, chemicals found in public pools. Yet the water jets could potentially poke someone’s eye.

The water jets “come out pretty tight,” he said.

However, Campus Police appear to be somewhat understanding of the tradition.

“After the Eickhoff Ball on the last night of 2009 Senior Week, myself and about five other (sorority) sisters waded into the Science Complex fountain in our dresses,” ’09 alumna Katie Maricic said.

The sisters were swimming in the fountain when Campus Police approached and said, “You girls are so loud you could raise the dead.” After exiting the fountain, Maricic “asked the police to take a picture of us in our soaking wet dresses, and they agreed.”

The final toast for the Class of 2014 is fast approaching. When they raise their glasses around the College icon, some seniors will fondly remember the latenight plunges they took with their friends when they were wideeyed freshmen. Others may still be hoping to get their final swim in before they toss their cap.

Junior nursing major Gina Brucato, along with many of her student peers, will be satisfied when she stands around the fountain for her final goodbye to the College.

“I’ve been in it,” she said.

“Mission fulfilled.”

CUB pursues Young the Giant, SNL writers

By Julie Kayzerman News Editor

With two high volume requests, the College Union Board was fully funded for both the Fall Comedy Show and Fall 2014 Concert at the weekly board meeting on Wednesday, April 23.

Fully funding CUB for $70,550 to host the Fall Concert, SFB approved the list of possible headlining artisits, including Young the Giant, Taking Back Sunday, Matt and Kim, Hot Chelle Rae, Cher Lloyd, American Authors, Mayday Parade, New Politics and Ra Ra Riot. Possible openers include The Front Bottoms, The Downtown Fiction and Hey Ocean!.

The $70,550 is the highest cost the concert will be if the top choices of Young the Giant and The Front Bottoms come through. However, with cheaper bands, the money funded by SFB will get washbacked to the Student Activity Fund.

CUB was also allocated with $50,680 in hopes of getting one of their top choices in John Mulaney, an

AP Photo

CUB allocates funds in hopes of getting Mulaney.

American comedian and writer for SNL, Jay Pharoah, a stand-up comeddian and actor for SNL and Steve Rannazzisi, a stand-up comedian and actor for the television series “The League.”

Other backup options include Patton Oswalt, Kate McKinnon and Moshe Kasher. Once again, the money funded by SFB will be the highest price spent if CUB’s top choices are received — all money not spent will be washed back into the SAF. The third highest request stemmed from Union Latina, which was fully funded with $10,350 to host “Salsafied.”

The event is intended to have the campus unite in dance with the inclusion of a narrated, lively and inclusive performance of salsa.

The event is scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct. 10, in Kendall Hall.

The last request came from PRISM, which requested $3,055 to bring comedian Erin Foley to the College.

This well-known lesbian comedian has been featured on Conan, Chelsea Lately and Comedy Central and features work that seeks to debunk stereotypes about the LGBTQ community in a funny way.

PRISM was fully funded for this event and hopes to bring her to campus on Tuesday, Oct. 28. *Even though SFB agrees to finance certain events, there is no guarantee these events will take place. The approval only makes the funds available.

page 4 The Signal April 30, 2014

Rigatta / Cardboard boats sail down Lake Ceva continued from page 1

“The Flying Squirrel” took third with a time of 2:49, sporting members from the College’s manhunt club who dressed in pirate gear.

The first place team of Alin Boyjkovic, Thomas Approvato, Tim Laux and Eric Brokaw, whose construction was titled “Boaty,” boasted an American fish-themed boat that was able to hold off the growing speed of “The Ark” and take the top trophy.

“That was terrifying,” Laux said of “The Ark” trailing them closely behind. “Noah hits the gym like all the time, so we were very scared.”

From the hours of 1 p.m. to 4 a.m., the boys spent their entire day constructing “Boaty,” whose performance proved their effort to be time well spent.

“We had a lot of haters, everyone thought it would sink,” Approvato said. “We were pleasantly surprised. I think ours

was just a little bit straighter so it was easier for us to go faster, but (“The Arks”) was solid as a rock.”

With bed sheets tied around their bodies as togas in resemblance of Noah, the team of JT Schwindt, Christian Balevski, Mike Misdary, Sam Chen and Matt Scapardine — who created “The Ark” — gave a competitive showing in effort to overtake “Boaty” in the closest race of the day, but ultimately couldn’t catch up. “‘Boaty’ was right in front of us and we were just trying to catch up,” sophomore political science major Schwindt said. “We just didn’t even up the paddle well … (but) Noah’s Ark is ready for the flood, just look at the thing.”

The most inspirational showing of the day, however, belonged to “I-House,” the winners of the Best Spirit and Sportsmanship awards. “I-House” struggled through the race as their boat sank deeper and deeper, leaving its paddlers basically sitting on water as the rowers slowly but surely found their way back to the

bank in order to complete the race without fully sinking.

The perseverance of the team was noted by the judges who presented them with their two awards.

Unfortunately, other participants weren’t as lucky, with boats not being able to withstand the weight and water combination, resulting in several boats capsizing.

However, the most spectacular of the boats that capsized belonged to the “Titanic,” recipient of the Best Sinking award, as the riders of “Usain Boat” embraced their boat’s sinking nature by jumping off into the lake with a celebratory cheer.

With 13 competitors and five heats, the event proved to be an awesome success allowing people to enjoy the excitement of a cardboard boat race, great music from the DJs at WTSR and a relaxing view of the campus’s beautiful lake. In the midst of final exam stress, the event provided an interesting escape for students to spend a spring day outside in the company of friendly competition.

Author recounts her father’s Holocaust survival

By Jessa Gianotti Staff Writer

As time passes, generations grow further and further from historical events such as the Holocaust. At this inevitable rate, there will eventually be no survivors left to tell firsthand accounts of the tragic genocide, which killed over six million Jews and another six million peoples.

“I consider myself a survivor,” said Annette Libeskind Berkovits, who was born in Kyrgyzstan and raised in postwar Poland.

Berkovits came to the College on Tuesday, April 22, to perform a close reading of excerpts from her upcoming book, “In the Unlikeliest of Places: How Nachman

Libeskind Survived the Nazis, Gulags and Soviet Communism.”

Berkovits based her book off of audiotapes she found recorded by her father, Nachman Libeskind, chronicling his memories and firsthand accounts of the Holocaust, the Nazi invasion and communist-era Poland.

But within her book, Berkovits tells the story of the Holocaust from a different angle — of someone who chose to flee.

The German invasion of Poland occurred in 1939, but according to Berkovits, “anti-Semitic incidents happened in Poland way before the war.”

Berkovits read stories from her book where Libeskind witnessed Jewish men being harassed and physically beaten

on the streets of Poland by the Nazis and even civilians. She also told the story of a city hall worker who refused to let Nachman name his son “David” on his birth certificate because it was “too Jewish.” He was forced to name him “Daniel” instead.

The brutality of these anti-Semitic conditions caused Berkovits’s father to take a gamble and flee both communist Poland and the Nazi regime at the age of 29, knowing full well the risks he faced if he were to be caught.

“There are places other than concentration camps where the Holocaust took place,” Berkovits said. “Very few know the stories of Jews who chose to leave their homes.”

Berkovits also read excerpts from her book of her father being personally harassed and patronized for his Jewish identity, and she described the horrible living conditions of the refugees.

“Corpses became a common occurrence — we were eaten alive by lice and constantly shivering,” Berkovits said, reading from the point of view of her father.

Her book reveals that even the Jewish people who were able to flee lived in terrible conditions, resulting in their deaths within Poland. This is often overlooked in comparison to the tragic casualties of concentration campus such as Auschwitz.

“In the Unlikeliest of Places: How Nachman Libeskind Survived the Nazis, Gulags,

and Soviet Communism” is the fourth book to be published by Berkovits. Aside from her writing career, Berkovits worked with the Wildlife Conservation Society for over three decades before retiring, working with New York City zoos, such as the Bronx Zoo, and strengthening the society’s worldwide science education programs.

Berkovits is also to thank for the first-ever agreement to bring environmental education to schools in China. Because of her achievements, Berkovits was recognized for her outstanding leadership by the National Science Foundation.

Berkovits’s book, with a foreword by Daniel Libeskind, will be released in September 2014.

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

Come to weekly meetings, Sundays at 6 p.m. in the Brower Student Center basement OR email The Signal at signal@tcnj.edu.

April 30, 2014 The Signal Page 5

Nation & W rld

South Korean Prime Minister resigns after fatal ferry crash

By Hajar Lakhouili Staff Writer

A national disaster in South Korea left the country grieving when the Sewol, a 6,825-ton ferry boat carrying 476 people, sank on Wednesday, April 16.

Most victims were high school students attending a class trip. The New York Times reported that there were 187 fatalities and 174 survivors, while 115 people remain missing.

The ship’s captain and 21 other crew members, who are currently being held in Mokpo Prison, were among the survivors. Seven other staff members remain missing. According to CNN, the surviving crew members will be charged for causing death by abandoning the ship and violating the country’s marine law. The individual leading the charge is Yang Joong Jin, the senior prosecutor for the investigation task force.

There was much public criticism regarding the government’s response and the ship’s policy regulations. The South Korean government failed to respond

quickly to the crisis and scrambled during the early stages of the rescue procedure. Early investigations revealed that the safety measures had holes in them and there was negligent regulatory enforcement on the ferry boat, which according to The New York Times, contributed to the sinking of the Sewol.

“During the search process, the government took inadequate measures and disappointed the public,” Prime minister Chung Hong-won said during a televised apology, according to CNN. “I should take responsibility for everything as the prime minister, but the government can assume no more. So, I will resign as prime minister.”

This statement came right after an apology from the prime minister on behalf of the South Korean government. President Park Geun-hye accepted the resignation on Sunday, April 27.

The government launched a full search for the remaining 115 missing strangers.

“Even now, I’m searching as if I’m looking for my own children — and other coast guards feel the same way,” diver Kim Dong-soo said in a CNN report.

AP Photo

South Korean PM announces his resignation at a news conference in Seoul on Sunday.

According to The New York Times, the country is mourning the deaths of these victims by banning cheering at baseball stadiums and television comedy programs and cancelling school springbreak trips.

HS student to be arraigned after prom day stabbing

AP Photo

Students spraypaint a rock purple outside Jonathan Law High School in Milford, Conn. in memory of 16-year-old stabbing victim Maren Sanchez.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A 16-yearold student faces arraignment on murder charges in the stabbing death of a classmate at their high school on the day of the junior prom.

Police haven’t released the suspect’s name, but people who saw him taken

into custody identified him as Chris Plaskon, a friend of the victim, 16-yearold Maren Sanchez.

Plaskon’s attorney, Richard Meehan, says his client is being held in a hospital under psychiatric evaluation and will not appear at his arraignment, scheduled for

Obscure & Offbeat

AP Photo

Owner Virginia Fryback hugs her cat, Charlie, for the first time in five years.

Thanks to a microchip, a cat that went missing five years ago was finally reunited with its owner. WOWO-AM and WANE-TV reported that Charlie, a 10-year-old cat, showed up at Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control in Indiana. Charlie’s owner said it was the veterinarian’s idea to implant the microchip when he was a kitten.

Information from AP

Monday in New Haven.

Plaskon is charged as a juvenile but Meehan has said he expects him to eventually be charged as an adult.

The stabbing occurred Friday morning at Jonathan Law High School in Milford, hours before the school’s prom, and authorities are investigating whether Sanchez was stabbed after turning down the boy’s invitation to the dance.

Connecticut’s chief medical examiner said Sunday that Sanchez died of wounds to her torso and neck.

Milford Alderwoman Greta Stanford said the school would remain closed Monday. A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the school’s football field.

Organizers are seeking donations so the junior class can buy a memorial bench in Sanchez’s honor.

Mark Robinson, a technical education

Around the World:

teacher who saw the suspect being taken out of the school in handcuffs, said Plaskon is the third of five brothers and has a good sense of humor. His family has deep roots in the community, Robinson said.

“There’s no reason to suspect he would have done this. I think that’s what makes it harder,” Robinson said.

Classmate Imani Langston, who saw Plaskon being read his rights and taken away in a police car, said Sanchez and the boy were just friends and had never dated.

Sanchez, a member of the National Honor Society who was active in drama and other school activities, had been focused on prom in the days before her death. She had posted a photograph on Facebook of her blue prom dress and was looking forward to attending with a new boyfriend.

Ukraine

EU puts new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Monday added 15 more officials to its Russian sanctions list to protest Moscow’s meddling in Ukraine, diplomats said.

Ambassadors of the EU’s 28 nations agreed at a meeting in Brussels to broaden the bloc’s travel ban and asset freeze sanctions, three diplomats separately confirmed to The Associated Press. They spoke only on condition of anonymity pending an official announcement.

Two diplomats also said the ambassadors will meet again Wednesday and could add more names.

Monday’s decision still requires official approval from the EU’s governments but officials said that is merely a formality and is expected within the coming hours.

The names of the individuals targeted weren’t immediately released but would be included in the official publication of the move in the bloc’s legal journal early Tuesday.

The decision brings the total number of Russians or pro-Russian individuals in Ukraine targeted by the EU’s sanctions to 48.

The initial sanctions were adopted following Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula last

AP Photo

A masked pro-Russian activist places a self-proclaimed ‘Donetsk Republic’ flag. He, along with Ukraine’s acting government, fear an invasion. month. The EU and the U.S. now also accuse Russia of destabilizing eastern Ukraine. NATO says Moscow has amassed some 40,000 troops just across the Ukrainian border and could invade the country within days if it wanted to.

The EU move comes after the U.S. decided to broaden its own sanctions to include seven Russian government officials and 17 companies with links to President Vladimir Putin.

The EU is Russia’s biggest trading partner, giving it greater economic leverage over Moscow that the U.S.

However, the EU treads more carefully in imposing sanctions since Russia is also one of its biggest oil and gas suppliers — and the bloc apparently shied away from following Washington’s lead in targeting specific Russian companies.

EU leaders have threatened Russia with tougher economic sanctions, for example targeting its financial industry or the energy sector, in case the situation in eastern Ukraine further escalates, but those sanctions are not yet being considered, EU officials said.

page 6 The Signal April 30, 2014

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 7

Editorial

A fond farewell from Signal seniors

Being an editor of The Signal has been such an amazing part of my college career. When I tell my friends that I spend hours upon hours on Mondays in a basement with no Wi-Fi or windows, they think I’m crazy.

But it really has been such a fun and rewarding experience.

I began writing for The Signal as a freshman, and by sophomore year, I was the Features Editor. All the hard work and late nights my sophomore year paid off, and this past year, I was Editor-in-Chief. Although at times it was extremely stressful and sometimes I felt it wasn’t worth all the hard work, my college career would have been completely different without The Signal, and I can’t imagine the past few years without it.

I’ve learned so much and met some really great people along the way.

I’m so lucky to have been able to work with such an amazing staff, and I wish them the best of luck!

— Amy Reynolds, Editor-in-Chief I transferred here when I was a sophomore, and I immediately became a part of The Signal. Of all of the decisions I’ve made in college, it was probably the best. Not only was I able to do what I love as both an extracurricular and a job, but I also made great friends with the people I worked with. The Signal was an extraordinary experience, and everyone who was involved in my experience is special to me. I know that I’ll never have another staff like this, and it’s something I’ll carry with me through the rest of my life.

— Chris Molicki, Managing Editor The memories of the process are much more vibrant than the yellowed and aged product. From wrinkled issues of The Signal circa 1998 to shattered composites featuring long graduated alumni, I have been surrounded by the College’s history the past three years as a Signal editor, rugby player and fraternity brother.

Despite the ubiquitous mementos that I’ve encountered, I’ve never slowed down to appreciate the products of my predecessors — until now, a few weeks before I graduate.

As I prepare for my departure to the real world, I think about what I will be leaving behind for future college students to discover, and it scares me.

Did I do all I could? Could I have caught a few more grammar mistakes, contributed a little bit more to my fraternity’s philanthropies, won a few more games? Definitely, and I don’t know how I feel about it.

Part of me is filled with disappointment that I didn’t do all I could.

That part of me is a huge fan of the quote from “A Bronx Tale”: “There’s nothing worse than wasted talent.”

You are always striving to meet your potential, and you are, for the most part, happy while you are doing it.

So, when someone comes across one of my old yellowed articles or my ugly mug in a beat-up composite, I will take pride knowing that when I made those memories, I was living life the best way I knew how at the time.

— Chris Rightmire, Former News & Opinions Editor When I first started writing for The Signal, my intent was to write a single article a week in the sports section. In the two years since then, I’ve made 157 contributions to this paper (yes, that’s the actual figure) and created my own section. So I guess you could say that things didn’t go exactly as planned. And I’ll be honest, it hasn’t always been easy — especially during those times when I’ve realized that I have more work to do for the paper than I did for all of my classes combined.

But when I look back on my time in college, being a member of the school paper will definitely be a highlight. I’ve come to think of Mondays spent in the office as the best day of the week, and if that doesn’t say everything about my experience here, I don’t know what does. It’s been fun, everyone, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

— Mike Herold, Fantasy Sports Editor

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.

Kyle Bennion / Photo Assistant

Signal staff members reflect on fond memories with the college newspaper.

Quote of the Week 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

“The (Science Complex) fountain is an identifier and creates a sense of place — ‘meet me at the fountain.’ We can see it, hear it, feel it, either when the wind blows a light mist on us as we walk by or by sticking our hand in the water.”

— Emily Dodd, communications officer for the College.

page 8 The Signal April 30, 2014

Come join ASA and street artist Robyn Hasty during Finals Fest on Monday, May 5th from 10am to 6pm for a giant spring- themed street art mural on the wall outside the Student Center!

Email your drawings, doodles, and photographs to

asa.tcnj@gmail.com to have your work featured in the mural!

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 9

Opinions

Michigan schools nix Affirmative Action

AP Photo

Justice Anthony Kennedy says voters eliminated racial preferences and deemed them unwise.

By Matthew DeFeo In April, The Great Lakes State ignited a legal debacle by bringing up the question of Affirmative Action. Michigan universities can now choose to not use race as a method of accepting potential students, and

the decision also opened up the opportunity for any other state to hold a vote and do the same. Honestly, I could not be happier.

The institution of Affirmative Action was put in place originally to right past wrongs involving racial discrimination. In a time when the overwhelming majority of the workforce was white and male, accepting a quota of minority students in retrospect seems like it was a sensible option to give minorities a fair chance.

Checked boxes next to specific races seemed to pave the way for equality.

Except for one issue — my race isn’t listed, and I know plenty of individuals who share the sentiment.

I am merely lumped in with “Caucasian,” and yet when I was young, I would sit at my grandfather’s feet and feel dismayed. My doldrums filled with stories of his inability to go to school without being called a “dago wop guinea” by his own teachers, as well as being chased around town as a young man by police officers who believed that he was up to no good because he was Italian.

According to the Library of Congress, our name belongs to the biggest mass lynching in American History.

Eleven Italian Americans were hanged under the stereotypical suspicion that they were in the mafia. Yet, the government thinks they can cherry-pick which wrongs need to be ameliorated.

A more modern interpretation of Affirmative Action exists, citing diversity as a positive ideal to strive for in employment and academic contexts.

Diversity — now there is a fuzzy concept.

I would make the argument that an African American and a Caucasian who grew up in the same town, went to the same school and had the same level of income would have a fundamentally similar experience and would offer a somewhat similar view on life in an academic context.

So why is a student with a race that is in the minority automatically given certain spots to fill?

I like to think that I am diverse. My father’s family is from the Greater Naples area, and my mother is an immigrant from Sicily. I can speak the nationalized tongue of Italy, as well as my mother’s rustic southern dialect. I have met a myriad of Italians that come from different areas of Italy, speak a different dialect, have completely different food and grew up differently than I did.

If diversity is the issue, why not make decisions based on hair and eye color, height, weight and other factors that might also impact our experiences of life?

Diversity is an interesting ideal and I would agree that it is worth striving for. However, this process appears to work better if it is naturally implemented — i.e. funding the educational systems of inner cities to make them more competitive.

Turning down students who have the grades, public service and well roundedness to be accepted into a school because all of the non-minority seats are filled is discrimination. If every student accepted into an institution based on these criteria are white, then so be it — that would speak to a greater societal problem. Giving seats away for better representation is not the answer.

Campus alert system under harsh criticism Emergency texts sent still promote student safety

By Sydney Shaw I woke up at 11:27 a.m. on Monday morning to the buzzing of my cell phone on my nightstand. It wasn’t a message from a friend or an oddly-timed alarm — it was another TCNJ alert.

According to the College’s website, “TCNJ has implemented a text- and voicemessaging emergency-alert system that will be used as one means of providing emergency alerts, timely warnings and informing the College community of major campus shutdowns, such as weather-related closings.”

This text-alert system is certainly a useful tool and has been implemented several times this year to notify students of class cancellations due to snow or emergency situations. But in the midst of these crises, it becomes easy to forget how lucky we are to have this alert system in place.

The @TCNJPROBLEMS Twitter account retweets countless students’ posts regarding emergencies on campus every time an alert is sent out, mostly criticizing the College and its efforts to alleviate any danger.

“Come to TCNJ,” one user wrote. “We have everything ranging from black men in nursing shoes to chemical spills to gas leaks!”

“A few weeks ago, chemical contamination and now there’s a gas leak on campus?

Get your shit together,” a student tweeted on Monday, April 28, shortly after the gas

leak was publicized.

“Less than a year at TCNJ and I’ve been exposed to a gas leak, a chemical spill, an intruder, a dorm fire and a dangerous man on a red bike,” another complained.

The College can’t prevent a chemistry student from accidentally exposing herself to the dangerous chemical benzyl bromide, but it can take precautions by notifying students of the threat and securing possible contaminated locations until they are deemed safe by officials.

On that particular day, NBC Philadelphia opted to report on the snarky Tweets posted by students from the College in just as much detail as the actual hazmat situation.

Early morning on November 23, a roof fire broke out in the walkway between Travers and Wolfe. The College responded by evacuating all students and staff from the towers and no injuries were reported.

Something can be said for the many fire drills that students typically take to social media to complain about, since they certainly came in handy when there was a real emergency.

Unless a security guard is stationed at every parking lot, sidewalk and at entrances to every building 24/7 (and let’s be honest — nobody wants that), the College cannot prevent a man wearing nurse’s shoes from sneaking into Travers or a suspected criminal cutting across campus on

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

The College does a good job of dealing with emergencies and keeping students and staff out of danger, despite criticisms on social media. a red bicycle as he fled from police.

What the College can do is alert students of intruders and quickly work to remove them from campus.

The College cannot prevent a hired construction worker from accidentally striking a gas line, but it can order evacuations and send out text alerts to students and staff so that in case something terrible does happen, everybody remains safe.

Accidents happen, but it’s how the College responds to them that matters. And so far, it has responded very well.

Instead of complaining when things occasionally go astray, focus on all that the College has accomplished this year.

Students should not take these emergency text alerts as a joke, and we should all appreciate how much effort the College puts into keeping us safe.

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 10 The Signal April 30, 2014

Features

Freedom and creativity for self-design majors

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Students must often take a combination of courses from the College’s different schools to create their own individualized majors.

By Angela Clews Correspondent

For Athena Georgiou, her “aha” moment came during her first semester at the College.

“My FSP talked a lot about language, and I realized how interested I was in it, so that’s what I decided to do,” she said.

This was ironic, considering her track record in high school: a perpetual honors student with an aversion to English classes. In fact, she began her college career without declaring a major.

“I thought I would do something with business, but I had no set career path in mind,” Georgiou said.

Once she met Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences Benjamin Rifkin, everything changed. Suddenly, she had an entirely new path. Now, she is one of a growing number of self-designed majors.

The College is not the only college offering its students the option of designing their own major, but there are very few, including Antioch College, Lebanon Valley College and Gettysburg College.

The process may not be a quick one, but for some students, it is extremely fulfilling.

Georgiou said, explaining her communication sciences and disorders major, “it’s a mix of the Communication Disorders minor, some Deaf Education courses, and some linguistics.”

To get there, though, was challenging.

“Most of the professors I went to for help were pushing their ideas … instead of listening to what I wanted to do,” she said.

“But after I found a professor who was willing to help with my ideas, it was easy.”

As the name might suggest, no two self-designed majors are the same.

“There are quite a few people who have the same self-designed major as I do,” Georgiou said. “None of us are identical but we all helped each other out to come up with courses, capstones, etc.”

There are also plenty of options, including religious studies, Italian, speech pathology, creative writing and cognitive science.

Kat Ray, a transfer student from the University of Maine, had a different experience.

“I had always had my eye on anthropology, and when I realized that it was what I wanted to do, I had to do a selfdesigned major because (it) isn’t offered at the College,” said Ray. Her major “is a mix of a lot of things already. I’m taking sociology, anthropology, biology, history and physics courses for my major.”

Ray, however, did not stray far from her original major.

“I started out as a sociology major before transferring to TCNJ, switched to psychology and then remembered how much I loved anthropology when I took ANT111 last fall,” she said. Originally,

though, she, “(wanted) to teach or go into some sort of clinical setting. Now I hope to work for the National Parks.”

Anyone looking to design his or her own major has to draw up a proposal for their potential major, then go through Richard Kamber, the self-designed major coordinator. After that, they must go with their “advisor to a committee meeting and present (their) program to professors from all over campus,” Ray said.

When she presented hers, “They suggested some changes, I made them, and now it’s official,” she said.

Both Georgiou and Ray feel lucky that they will still likely graduate within four years because of the autonomy allowed by self-designing.

“Even after transferring and changing my major a year before an on-time graduation, I might make it,” Ray said.

Students have the freedom to take whatever classes they choose.

“If I decide that I don’t want to take a particular course, I can take it off my required course list,” she said. “I can add anything I want. I take classes whenever I want to. No one is really telling me what to do.”

Ray agrees.

“I love that I can tailor my options to what I want to do for my career and the job options,” Ray said. “Since excavations and digs

are part of what I hope to do, I’m going to Alaska this summer to learn practical field school methods with a professor from Adelphi University and several other students.”

Ray doesn’t know of any other anthropology majors at the College.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed for a few more. I’ve had a couple people talk to me about it,” she said.

Ray plans on taking courses at Rutgers and Adelphi to supplement my degree.

“The hardest part of being a self design major is that I really need to look outside the College for some courses.”

Georgiou feels differently.

“The hardest part is not having any concrete rules,” she said. “I don’t want to lose track of myself and fall behind. I have to do so much on my own and it can get overwhelming at times.”

At the end of the day, the process of designing your own major is something you have to commit to. Self-design students are pioneers in their fields.

This is just one of the many benefits of being a student at the College. The College knows that it will not always be able to offer majors that will suit everyone, so they trust their students enough to allow them to set out on their own. As for Georgiou and Ray, they’re thrilled to have found their niches.

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Self-design majors allow students to study the subject they are truly passionate about while at the College.

Trans-queer feminist activist teaches lessons

Expanding the conversation can be a challenge

By Paul Kibala Staff Writer

“I grew up without an understanding of what gender meant and how it influenced my life,” Avory Faucette said of hir (a gender neutral pronoun) upbringing in conservative, religious North Carolina.

Faucette, a trans-queer feminist activist and writer, spoke in the Library Auditorium Thursday, April 27, as part of the College’s Trans Awareness Week.

“Try not to put someone down because they view life from a different perspective,” zie (a gender-neutral pronoun substitute for “she”) said. “Being openly trans entails a breaking of the gender binary, and many people tend to be unaccepting of such a lifestyle.”

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Signs along the College’s main walk teach students about trans awareness while they walk to class.

Faucette spoke of the everyday choices about how much to reveal regarding hir sexual identity.

“The complexities of identity are often difficult to explain

because sometimes it’s tiring to do so, and there’s always the possibility of potential backlash against you.”

According to the National

Trans Discrimination Survey, 51 percent of trans people have been harassed or bullied due to their differences. One in six students has left college due to assault, and 41 percent have attempted suicide, compared to just 16 percent of the general public.

“Social understanding needs to follow legal changes,” zie said.

Faucette earned a J.D. from the University of Iowa, and much of hir talk focused on the intersection of gender, media and law.

Zie mentioned several societal situations in need of reform to accommodate the needs of transgender people.

“Gender discrimination is prominent and unfortunately tough to prove concerning trans people in the workplace,” zie said.

Other pertinent issues pertain

to prison reform, medical care and verified gender changes on ID. “Making others aware of these issues is the first step to getting them to care and ending the discrimination,” zie said.

Students saw the presentation as a valuable experience and education on important national and on-campus issues.

“Faucette opened my eyes to inequalities that, before this talk, were practically invisible to me,” senior civil engineering major Brian Kunz said.

The most important step students can take is to contribute to the conversation and further educate students that may have missed the presentation.

“This talk helped me gain perspective on an overlooked problem in society,” senior marketing major Tom Infosino said.

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 11

The influencial Queen ‘B’ Campus going green

Beyonce of the Top 100 Most Influencial People.

By Johnanthony Alaimo Columnist Damn girl, you stink. Cameron Diaz has revealed that she has not worn deodorant in 20 years.

She said she “doesn’t believe in it.” Are you fucking kidding me? Deodorant is real. It’s not

AP Photo

goddamn Bigfoot. It’s in Aisle 2 of CVS. What’s wrong with you?

Diaz went on to say it’s “bad” for you and that people smell because antiperspirants keep odor locked in. Diaz’s advice? “Let it go and just trim your armpit hair so it doesn’t hold onto the scent.” Yes. Let it go! Let it gooooooo! Now

when someone says a Cameron Diaz movie stinks, it can be taken literally, too.

Now someone who I can only imagine smells of money, sex and Michelle Williams’s cooking and cleaning is having a great week: Beyonce topped the list of TIME Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People. The publication lauded the goddess for “breaking all the rules.” Rules? She broke CAREERS. GaGa what? Perry who?

Who are they? Irrelevant. Over and done with. I’m pretty sure Britney’s last album is used as a Frisbee more often than for anything else. So congratulations, Beyonce! Just remember to have Michelle feed your sister Solange tonight.

And in some very troubling news, director of the current “XMen” franchise is being accused of some things. Apparently, Bryan Singer used force and drugs to have sex with a 17-year-old boy in 1999.

Singer denies the allegations but that has not stopped a lawsuit from being filed from the now 32-yearold supposed victim. Why the guy waited almost 20 years to come forward is a little weird. Regardless, Singer has pulled out of all promotional events for the latest “X-Men” flick, which is probably a good thing. We don’t want to soil Professor Xavier’s good name.

Organic produce in demand

AP Photo

Public hungers for hormone-free produce.

By Neha Vachhani Columnist As the genetically-altered nature of America’s produce becomes public knowledge, the demand for organic fruits and vegetables has increased. The West Coast is the country’s consistent advocate for hormone-free crops, and now farms in the

Northeast are beginning to follow in its footsteps.

Although cities in the Northeast may not seem like the ideal location to initialize the growth of organic produce, Gotham Greens, the urban greenhouse business, is taking strides in introducing New York City to the world of agriculture. Co-Founders Eric Haley and Viraj Puri

created the business to implement organic, pesticidefree produce to consumers in the city.

Gotham Greens uses a climate-controlled environment that grows fruits and vegetables year-round.

Earlier this year, the organization opened its second greenhouse on the top of a Whole Foods Market in Brooklyn. The 20,000 square-foot greenhouse produces over 200 tons of non-GMO, pesticide-free crops annually. The organic grocery store chains like Whole Foods and Fresh Direct rely on Gotham Greens for their fresh produce, thus calling for heavier demand.

The greenhouse was designed specifically for urban areas where rich soil and vast farmland are scarce. The co-founders developed a hydroponic technique that allows plants to grow without soil, gaining nutrients strictly from a water supply.

In addition to the preservation of soil, the greenhouse recycles all of its water. With droughts

becoming more and more problematic throughout the country, this component of the hydroponic method particularly appeals to regions awaiting rainfall for their crops.

Urban agricultural projects like Gotham Greens are gaining popularity with today’s society as the demand for higher quality, better-for-you produce becomes more prominent.

According to the USDA National Agricultural Library, approximately 15 percent of the world’s produce is now grown in urban areas. Since communities around the world are abandoning their rural roots and becoming more urban in nature, the increase in urban agriculture will only continue to increase. With the sustainability of modern technology and the removal of hormone-ridden fruits and vegetables, the concept of urban agriculture appeals to the masses.

Ultimately, Haley and Puri have taken the first step into the future of the farming industry.

By Tiffani Tang Staff Writer

Earth Day’s mission is to help the world become more eco-friendly, and several clubs around campus were busy making the world a greener place this past week.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Brower Student Center was bustling with several tables full of tri-folds and posters reminding students to help the environment.

The College’s chapter of Delta Zeta hosted Pink Goes Green Week, a Delta Zeta national event meant to promote environmental conservation.

“We do activities to encourage people to go green,” sophomore early education and math, science and technology double major Erin Wolters said.

The sorority’s board composed a list of actions that students could take to help the environment, such as taking shorter showers, not littering and recycling.

“They could do really simple things,” junior history and special education double major Brittany Santos said. “It’s easy to be green.”

Throughout the week, Delta Zeta held fundraisers with food and a dunk tank, a showing of Pixar’s “Wall-E”, a campus cleanup and volunteered at the College’s campus garden.

However, Greek life was not the only organization on campus keeping the earth green this past week.

On Wednesday, April 23, freshmen students went with their First Seminar Program class to participate in a day of environmental community engagement.

Students who normally wouldn’t have been interested in volunteering found themselves having fun.

“It was good. I like gardening,” freshman political science major Billy Jones said. “I feel like it brought my floor together more, too.”

Water Watch, the College’s

environmental club, held special events all week, too.

Members held a water taste test on Monday, April 21. Students were invited to try and pick between two unlabeled samples of tap and filtered water. Over the next few days, Water Watch sold potted plants in organic plant holders, fundraised with chocolate covered strawberries and hosted a water balloon fight.

Junior psychology major and Water Watch member Phil Clark went the extra step to volunteer at the campus garden.

“It’s a great cause,” Clark said.

All students on campus were invited to work on the campus garden or any other environment-related projects through the Bonner Center.

Senior psychology major and Bonner scholar Regina Zich, for example, worked in the garden by herself on Friday afternoon. She was busy planting unsold plants from Water Watch’s fundraiser, which were being potted in recycled copies of The Signal.

Zich strongly encouraged people to help with the cause. “(At) first you’re not interested, and you don’t want to pick up a shovel,” she said.

“But in the end, all like it.”

Zich explained how all vegetables grown in the campus garden begin in the Biology Building’s greenhouse.

Once they’re ready to harvest, they’re donated to the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK).

The garden’s produce ranged from leeks, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, garlic, sweet peas, sunflowers and much more.

Throughout the week, students learned that there is a lot more that can be done to help the planet, and efforts don’t have to be reserved for just one day.

“Go green!” junior health and exercise science major Kristen Kuhlthau said as she raised her fist in the air enthusiastically.

AP Photo

Delta Zeta encourages students on campus to be more environmentally conscious.

Call for Columnists We are looking for dedicated writers to start a new column for the Features section next semester. Contact wirthsc1@tcnj.edu with ideas!

page 12 The Signal April 30, 2014

"All In" For TCNJ: Student Giving 2014 The Office of Development would like to recognize all students who have made a contribution to the College during the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

The Lions Legacy Society and 'All In' Campaign are programs which are part of the TCNJ Annual Fund.

These programs encourage students to show their appreciation to the College and leave their own legacy.

Christine Aebischer Monisha Ahluwalia Margaret Allen Andrea Allsop William Anari Bridget Appleby Mehak Aswani Marielle Austin Ashley Aviles Sade Baker Jack Baldwin George Banis Megan Barlow Kim Barr Roger Barrett Curyn Bellfield Gabriella Bello Chad Berman Ryan Boyne Luke Brahmi Julie Camelotto Alissa Cappelleri Luke Capritti Megan Carr Emmanuel Castillo Jason Chalmers Jason Charne Jonathan Chen Robert Chrisomalis

Meghan Chrobock Jessica Cirpriano Caitlin Cisek Mallory Cohen Jacquelynn Coleman Rachel Cordero Chay Cortez Dan Cottrell Rebecca Cummings Sarah Cummings Alexander Cunningham Josephine D'Amico Daniel DeChiara Leah DePalo Sloan DePiero Angel Diaz Michael DiMeo Dana DiSarno Kelsey Donlon Hunter Dubel Derek Duchesne Roberto Duran Janice Ebanks Kimberly Feeney Aaron Feldman Darrel Frater Alexis Ganz Ashley Garguilo Travis Gerstacker

Lauren Giles Aman Gill Alexis Glaberman Luisa Gonzalez Nicole Grabowski Matthew Gross Tushar Gupta Alexandra Hampton Olivia Harrington Stacey Harrington Adam Herman Nicole Herviou Marissa Higgins Sarah Hirsh Grace Hostetter Danielle Hungerbuhler Claire Huynh Melody Hwang Lori Inglese Warren Jagger Christine Joannidis Anthony Johnson Nicole Jones Joseph Kane Justin Kesheneff Michael Kiley Peter Kinsella Brittany Kirk Bryanna Kirner

Caitlin Kolcyznski Erica Krause Zachary Krogstad Talar Kupelian Valle La Michael LaBella Ramon LaBella Nhi Lam Emily LaRosa Nicholas LaRosa Julianna Leonard Richard Levenson Jacob Lewkowski Matthew MacFarlane Alissa Mankowski Deirdre Mari Mark Marsella Lauren McAllister Michael McCauslin Katherine Mclaughlin Michael Menakis Laura Mendez Caroline Middleton Alexandra Morales Paul Nathan Jeremy Nevitt Dawid Nowak Samantha Nowak Nicholas O'Brien

Greg Oriolo Gayatri Oruganti Esther Osei Courtney Paciulli Peter Palmisano Lillian Panitch Parth Patel Swet Patel Kelsea Pearce Josie Perez Michael Perez Jason Pfund Meaghan Phillips Kevin Pineda Marcel Powers Evan Precopio Adam Preim Shahzore Qureshi Rebeca Rama David Richards Rashida Ricketts Matt Rista John Rizzi Kelly Roddy Michael Rubenstein Nina Sabatini Matthew Salomonsen Michael Sampayo Olivia Sanchez

ARE YOU ALL IN? Visit www.tcnj.edu/allin Gifts as of Tuesday, April 28th

ARE YOU IN?

www.tcnj.edu/allin

Natasha Santiago Leilani Saunders Kevin Schenk Lauren SchianodiCola Natalie Schiavi Amy Schurer Kaitlin Shepherd Elena Shupak Kayla Simpkins Brianne Sinclair Alexander Smith Allison Smith Sarah Smith Sarami Soler Briana Sosa-Foundeur Andrew Specian Michael Spekhardt John Sperduto Fred Sprengel Amanda Sproviero Kelsey Sumple Clare Sweeney Harris Syed Hannah Taggart Sajni Tamby Jennifer Toth Nina Ventresco Erin Waller Daria Wells Matthew Wells Steven Zilberberg

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 13

Students receive lesson on having orgasms

Heiner Fallas / Staff Photographer

Talking about sexual pleasure openly can make for a healthier and more enjoyable relationship.

By Mylin Batipps Nation & World Editor People often find it awkward to talk about sexual pleasure openly with their peers and partners. But on Thursday, April 24, Megan Andelloux, founder of the Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, informed students at the College that the more they talk about it freely, the safer their sex will be.

Voices for Planned Parenthood at the College invited Andelloux to speak to students.

Her presentation, “Orchestrating Orgasms,” informed students of the different types of orgasms performed during sex and the ways and reasons they are performed.

Andelloux presented fun facts about orgasms during the presentation, but they often led to deeper, more serious messages. For example, she stated that during a Princeton study

in a research lab, it was discovered that one woman had 134 orgasms within one hour of sex — the highest number ever recorded. According to Andelloux, the woman guessed 32 before the results were shown.

Students’ guesses in the audience ranged from 23 to 100.

Andelloux said the guesses prove how people don’t recognize how many orgasms they experience during sex.

“The way that we talk about orgasms is messed up in this country,” Andelloux said. “There are so many different types of orgasms … and we miss the moments where orgasms happen that are smaller.”

According to Andelloux, there are many misconceptions about orgasms and what they actually are. During an orgasm, she said, involuntary muscles contract, specifically in the pelvic region of people of all genders. Sexual energy builds up,

the heart rate increases and endorphins release, causing a feelgood sensation. It is important to note, however, that an orgasm is not an ejaculation.

“You can ejaculate and not have an orgasm, and you can have an orgasm and not ejaculate,” Andelloux said.

In addition to the feel-good sensation, orgasms do many other wonders for the human body, according to Andelloux. For example, because orgasms increase blood flow and clear out toxins in the body, they are able to heal wounds relatively fast. They also decrease sensitivity to pain, reduce stress, help people remember things better and increase quality of sleep.

While there are many benefits to having an orgasm, they can also be dangerous. According to Andelloux, when one has an orgasm, that person is losing complete control of his or herself.

“You are losing safety on some level,” she said. “And that can be really scary, which is one of the things that can prevent people from having orgasms.”

There is also a condition called persistent general arousal disorder, in which one of the clitoral nerves is irritated and causes people to have spontaneous orgasms.

Andelloux described the condition as “debilitating.”

“These individuals usually end up attempting suicide because they can’t function in society,” she said. “And most people laugh at them for this condition and say, ‘I want this.’ And they say, ‘You don’t want this,’ but no one believes them.”

Next, Andelloux explained the different types of orgasms

that people of all genders experience. Different parts of the body stimulate different nerves, causing different types of orgasms. For example, the clitoris, urethra, penis and anus stimulate the pudendal nerve, which causes short and fast orgasms.

Breasts, nipples and the mouth send stimulation straight to the brain, which can cause people to experience orgasms. According to Andelloux, people can even experience orgasms just from thinking about something.

Junior business management major Sumaiya Rahim said that Andelloux’s presentation was “very informative and educational.”

“I learned that not talking about sexual health and well-being causes more harm than good,” Rahim said.

Sophomore indigenous studies and women’s and gender studies double major TommiEstefan Granados was grateful

for Andelloux identifying people not as male or female, but as “clitoral owner” or “penis owner.”

“She acknowledged different bodies and different gender genitals,” Granados said. “It gave a chance for someone like to me to talk about sexuality.”

Despite writing a book and visiting colleges and universities all over the nation, Andelloux said she would like to partner with other organizations to further her studies on sexual pleasure. However, she is facing some challenges. While the Center for Disease Control expressed interest in working with her, the organization informed her that government organizations are not allowed to affiliate with anything related to sexual pleasure. Nonetheless, Andelloux stays hopeful.

“We have a long way to go, but at least this is out there,” she said.

Heiner Fallas / Staff Photographer

The conversation about orgasms can often be too awkward for most people.

Virtual Pride Center to be opened for campus New project driven by WGS capstone students

By Alonah Gill Correspondent For the last few weeks, the Women’s Leadership and Social Change capstone has been hard at work creating a safe space for the students here at the College.

A couple of weeks ago, the class held an open forum on its Pride Center. The class talked about where the space would be located, who will be able to come to the space and why they are creating it.

About a week after this forum, the classmates were informed that a physical space for their Pride Center would just not be foreseeable for this coming year. The miscommunication between the administration and the members of the capstone left them confused but more determined than ever to manifest their mission.

Although the physical space was taken away, this women’s and gender studies capstone refused to give up.

“As a committee, we tried to hear voices from different on-campus organizations, individual students and faculty in order to make sure our center would be as inclusive as possible,” said senior early childhood education and women’s and gender studies double major Lauren Wescott. “Our class only contains 20 of the many experiences and viewpoints of the campus. We hope that our center has something for everyone.”

Instead of dwelling on the fact that their semester long project was now turned upside down, the students decided to one step up the loss and create a bigger and better solution — a Virtual Pride Center.

For the last two weeks, the students of the capstone have been hard at work looking to the College community for support on their efforts for a physical space. Through petitions, donations and fundraising efforts,

the students in this class have shown the College this space isn’t just a class project — it is a campus-wide one. But until this vision comes to fruition, all of the supporters can access the Virtual Pride Center.

This Virtual Pride Center includes links to LGBTQ staff supporters, LGBTQ focused clubs, LGBTQ friendly organizations and resources that will help others get a better understanding of the LGBTQ community.

AP Photo

When physical Pride Center hits a roadblock, students push for a virtual solution in its place.

“We wanted to make a website that’s easy to navigate and contains a wide range of LGBTQ resources that other on-campus organizations may not offer or have on their website,” senior English major and member of the design committee Samantha Pena said. “We also ensured that the website (could) be found by both current and prospective students … We wanted every present and future student who associates with the LGBTQ community to know that ... even if it’s a virtual one for now, there is a safe space on campus.”

Despite the many problems that this group has faced while trying to execute its vision, it will be hosting an opening day on Monday, April 28, at 1 p.m. in the Education Building, room 115, where they will be showcasing their Virtual Pride Center.

The initiators of this project — seniors Lauren Wescott, Amanda Castro, Rose Samonsi, Katherine Inoa and Victoria Swift — have stayed on top of every aspect of this project, along with the help from the other members of the capstone.

The vision of just one group has created a domino effect on the rest of the community inside and outside the College’s campus. Already gaining support from local restaurants like Momma Flora’s and schools like Rutgers University, the vision of the Pride Center here at the College can become a reality.

page 14 The Signal April 30, 2014

Arts & Entertainment

‘Proof’ / A powerful tour de force of ACT talent

Jonathan Edmondson / Review Editor

A passionate, four-person cast and creative production staff combine forces for ACT’s production of Pultizer-prize winning ‘Proof.’ continued from page 1

While Catherine (played by Morgan Teller) must cope with the recent death of her father Robert (played brilliantly by Jake Burbage), she struggles to prove the authorship of her own proof — resembling only the genius work of her father — while trying to maintain stability in her fear of inheriting her father’s madness.

Burbage’s performance of the professor was undeniably accurate in its portrayal of the mad man. He showcased fast-paced sentences ravaged with stuttered words and shaky hands which guided him through the most emotional of scenes in his terrifyingly violent arguments with Catherine.

Everything from Burbage’s red face, which resulted from him harnessing the anger of Robert, to his gray-dyed hair, depicted Auburn’s

character with grace and a true professionalism in the role.

Coinciding with Teller’s outstandingly emotional performance, her costumes of typically sweatpants and baggy sweatshirts provided the audience with a sense of her laziness, stemming from the grief of her hard life looking after her unstable father and not living up to her mathematical potential— or so he thought.

The play introduces Hal, an eager young mathematician and former student of Robert, who looks to makes sense of the hundreds of books Robert wrote during his final years of suffering through insanity.

While Catherine’s rough-aroundthe-edges personality greets Hal with defiance, as she begs him to accept that the notebooks are filled with nonsensical gibberish, a romantic flame is later lit, and she finds herself warming up to him in

even the most love-stricken ways.

Hal (played by Garrett Verdone) added a hint of humor alongside the heart-pressing drama. He left the audience in awe at his genuine passion for Catherine when he admits he’s always liked her. Verdone acted out the role, doing justice to Auburn’s writing with his fantastic portrayal of a math nerd with a soft-spot for Catherine.

In the wake of Robert’s death, his estranged daughter, Claire (portayed by Emily Brady) finds her way back to Chicago for the funeral. However, Claire provided a wonderful contrast from her sister, boasting pearls and a diamond ring marking her engagement to her well-off fiancé.

Brady’s performance offered the audience a taste of the life Catherine gave up in order to care for her father. Brady mastered the perspective of a woman hiding

her shortcomings as a daughter behind her elegance — a mask that lasted until receiving a massive hangover after drinking with those “fucking physicists.”

In a scene that forced an uproar of laughter from the audience, a disheveled Claire exits the house in a robe with sunglasses, and it was clear that Brady did a wonderful job in her execution of the role.

As Catherine begins to fall for Hal, she provides him with the key to a drawer in her father’s study. It is here that Hal discovers the brilliant work of a proof that even he can’t wrap his head around.

In the final scene of Act I, Hal tries to explain some of the work in the proof with an overwhelming enthusiasm, hoping that Robert’s lucid year would provide him with one last ground-breaking proof in the field. However, Catherine startles the audience

with her declaration that she already knows what’s in the notebook — not because she read it, but because she wrote it.

Catherine continues to struggle in proving to Hal and Claire that she produced the proof, as she inherited more than just her father’s rage and possibly his insanity.

But there was no question in proving that the choice in casting was impeccable. The production stayed true to the integrity of Auburn and showcased an incredibly mature performance in the relationship between a mentally-ill father and a fearful daughter, that is sure to make any director proud.

“The most important thing, to me, in the portrayal of Robert was exhibiting his humanity in the midst of his delusion,” Burbage said. “It’s the same goal I try to achieve in all of the characters that I play on stage — making them believable.”

Menzel soars in thought-provoking ‘If/Then’

AP Photo

Rapp is consistently charming.

By Jonathan Edmondson Review Editor

Since the early days of Broadway, there have been a handful of leading ladies who have outshined the competition. These women represent the paradigm of a triplethreat in singing, acting and dancing. This group of stars includes the likes of Bernadette Peters, Liza Minnelli and Patti LuPone.

These names are recognizable throughout the globe as masters of their craft.

Following the opening of “If/Then,” Idina Menzel has more than earned her membership into this Broadway diva club.

The new musical, directed by Michael Greif with libretto by Brian Yorkey and

score by Tom Kitt, follows the life of Elizabeth Vaughn (Menzel) as she moves back to New York City after a nasty divorce. On the brink of turning 40, Elizabeth is searching for a new direction in life. In a modern theatrical twist, Elizabeth is presented with two directions with entirely different outcomes.

The complex story is well-fleshed out

by Yorkey’s excellent libretto and is aided by intelligent directorial choices by Greif.

In some scenes, Menzel portrays Liz, whose journey begins when she decides to stay in Central Park one day and meets Josh (a solid James Snyder), a doctor from the Army who has just returned from his second tour of duty.

The other path follows Beth, who leaves the park on that same day and eventually lands a job in the city planner’s office.

The plot takes off from there, following the two divergent story lines. Both Beth and Liz are played by Menzel, who makes the character distinction by wearing glasses when portraying Liz. The story focuses on how every single decision affects both our lives and the lives of those around us.

Elizabeth experiences these two different life paths with a support group by her side, including old college friend Lucas (the ever-charming Anthony Rapp), new acquaintance Kate (a fiercely funny LaChanze) and Kate’s girlfriend Anne (Jenn Colella).

Every choice Elizabeth makes impacts her friends as well.

While the skeleton of the show is solid,

what really holds the show together is Menzel. The moment she stepped on stage, her mere presence was met with thunderous applause. From then on, she roared through the show with such a beautiful mix of subtlety and power. She demonstrated a masterful display of a wide range of emotions, all the while powering through the score with her top-notch vocals.

What adds to the show is an absolutely brilliant set design by Mark Wendland. The set is meticulously intricate, with a ceiling made of mirrors, which provides beautiful reflections throughout certain scenes. The base of the stage spins 360 degrees and has a series of small lights that create artistic patterns during musical numbers. Finally, there is a second level comprised of a catwalk and

a series of fire escapes.

The set provides a backdrop that is so perfectly New York. While Elizabeth tries desperately to find her way in life, the set flips and turns and sets her off in different directions. When the musical finally comes to a close, we have traveled back full circle.

“If/Then” does not need exquisite metaphors or complicated symbolism to comment on life. Instead, the show naturally shows the progress of a normal woman trying to find her place in this ever-changing world that we live in.

For once, a Broadway show wears its heart on its sleeve. It reminds us all that we always have options and that, for better or worse, life works itself out.

AP Photo

Menzel leads an all-star cast in the new Broadway musical ‘If/Then.’

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 15

A variety of TMT acts take the Rat stage

Jonathan Edmondson / Review Editor

The Carducci sisters share sweet harmonies.

By Shayna Innocenti Arts & Entertainment Editor

Although normally found in Kendall Hall putting on musicals, the members of TCNJ Musical Theatre ventured over to the Rathskeller on Friday, April 25, for the last show of the year: “TMT Night.”

The duo, consisting of the president of TMT Jenna Rose and TMT member Kyle Sheehan, were first to take to the stage. Also referred to as “Steve Buscemi in Your Kitchen,” the two opened the show with a powerful alternative-rock song, “S.O.G. Burning in Hell” by Steel Train, with Rose commanding the vocals and Sheehan pounding the keyboard.

“We are a very serious band, and this next song is a very personal song,” Rose said just before

Sheehan broke out singing OutKast’s “Hey Ya!,” leaving all of the audience members laughing.

This was Rose’s third time participating in the annual “TMT Night” at the Rat. Sisters Dana-Joy and Jamie-Tate Carducci and one of the many returns of Sheehan on the keyboard were the second act of the night.

The girls’ set included a stripped down cover of Lady Gaga’s hit “Poker Face.”

From this point on the show became a revolving door of talented TMT members. Monica Blumenstein and Kelly Cosentino, who played the guitar, reprised “Say Something” by A Great Big World, a song they had covered at this years “A Capella Fest.”

Sitting upon a large overturned recycling bin and manning it as a drum, Evan Tsahalis provided

a light rhythmic beat as Jenna Burke and Jonathan Edmondson successfully took on Poison’s “Every Rose has Its Thorn.” The trio also performed Death Cab for Cutie’s “I Will Follow You Into The Dark.”

One of the high points of the night was singer Molly Crawford and keyboardist Joey Tible, an alumnus of the College.

“I remember last time this year, I was so sad because it was going to be the last time I performed with Joey … but lo and behold,” Crawford said, gesturing her arms out to Tible.

Crawford’s voice wailed — her voice larger than the venue — to Christina Perri’s “Human” and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now.” “We determined that every song can be made happy with a ukulele,” Crawford said, referring to Tible who played a ukulele for the country cover.

As a last minute decision, the two decided to not only give a rendition of the theme song from the television show “Adventure Time,” but to also perform “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel from the Disney film “Frozen.”

“I warn you, the last note does not exist in here,” Crawford said before inviting the audience to join her on stage to sing along.

Blumenstein, Rose, Briana Luppino and McCabe joined

forces for the final performance of the night.

Luppino, a senior psychology major, explained that normally at the end of every TMT Rat show, the closing song chosen is supposed to evoke tears from the fellow TMT members, especially those who are graduating in the coming weeks.

“We decided to do a sad song so you can cry, and then a sing a happy song so you are not crying when you leave,” Luppino said.

However, as a last minute addition — a well-formed trend at this point — the trio decided to teach McCabe a “happy” song in one of the stairwells of the Student Center before singing a sad song, which was an impressive four-part harmony of “Rivers and Roads”

by The Head and The Heart. The lyrics, “I miss your face like hell,” called out to the TMT members.

Sheehan joined in on the keyboard for the “happy” song of “Best Day Of My Life” by American Authors.

The quintet’s daring attempt dried the eyes of fellow TMT members and put smiles on their faces before the set closed.

Rose, a senior political science and journalism double major, was elated by the show.

“Everyone did amazing tonight and I am really proud of everyone who performed,” Rose said.

The lighthearted performances from TMT were the perfect remedy to the week of finals vastly approaching students at the College.

Jonathan Edmondson / Review Editor

TMT seniors perform together for the last time.

Phantogram produces hypnotic album ‘Voices’

By Kimberly Illowski Staff Writer Phantogram is the latest hipster buzzword. It can be heard around campus, at parties and by some people complaining that they’re becoming too mainstream with all their recent radio play.

But let’s get one thing straight: Regardless of its amount of airtime, Phantogram is putting out some amazing music that deserves all the hype.

Phantogram recently released its album “Voices” delivers a perfect mix of high-energy electronic jams and darker, softer songs.

The duo, originating from Greenwich, N.Y., is comprised of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, both of whom alternate vocals throughout the album. Combined, the two add unique dimensions to the songs.

“Voices” begins with “Nothing But Trouble,” which

features booming bass and a blend of highly distorted and electronic noises. Despite Barthel’s soft crooning, “Don’t listen to me, I’m nothing but trouble,” I can’t help but continue listening to its eerily beautiful and magnetic quality.

Their first single, “Fall In Love,” is a synthetic dream.

Something about this song just screams the feeling of driving around late at night with your friends. This is a song you should be happy to hear on the airwaves.

“Never Going Home” has a Daft Punk-esque beginning that leads right into Carter’s guitar playing. This is the first time Carter sings on the album, and his echoing voice emerges with a strangely similar quality to Phil Collins’s “In The Air Tonight.”

For a song titled “The Day You Died,” the next track is ironically upbeat. The album takes a turn here, building momentum and gliding into more fast paced songs with groovy, psychedelic pop vibes.

In “Bad Dreams,” Barthel’s wailing is followed by a tug-of-war with your eardrums as the beat bounces back and forth between the speakers of your headphones.

Finally, the album comes to a close with “My Only Friend,” a sweet mixture of whispered vocals and haunting piano. The whispers then turn into full-out singing, as heavy synth and drums accompany the piano.

Overall, this album is the perfect backdrop to your next night-time summer adventure. There’s something about the duo’s new music that’s sultry and mysterious.

It has the ability to make you feel equally invincible and vulnerable at the same time.

Previously, Phantogram had released the album “Eyelid Movies” in 2009, which included the singles “When I’m Small” and “Mouthful of Diamonds.”

Phantogram will be playing on Saturday, May 3, at the Piazza at Schmidt’s in Philadelphia as part of the Radio 104.5 Summer Block Party concert series.

Graphic designer Lupton shares her passion

By Michael Nunes Staff Writer For Ellen Lupton, her love for graphic design began at a young age. As a child, she grew up reading Richard Scarry’s “Busytown,” learning how to associate the images that she saw on the page to words in the story.

“This formed my love of words and pictures going together and living in a word of labels,” Lupton said.

It was only when she went to art school at Coopers Union in New York City she learned what it truly meant to be a graphic designer and how much she enjoyed practicing the art form.

“Graphic design was exciting to me because it was something that people needed,” she said.

Lupton, author of “Thinking With Type” and “Graphic Designer: The New Basics,” visited the campus on Wednesday, April 23,

Vicky Weiss / Staff Photographer

Lupton provides advice for students on graphic design. to give a lecture on the evolution and constantly changing field of graphic design.

“We’re expected to work faster, often for less money,” Lupton said. “More temporary employment, less health insurance,

more software updates, more ‘as you wait’ graphic design, more clients wanting to look over your shoulder.”

In this new world of technology, graphic designers have abandoned the myriad

of tools that they have used in the past for computer software.

In this ever-changing field, Lupton aims to help students through her books and her advice during lectures.

“I dedicated a lot of my life to writing and creating books about design intended to be tools for designers,” she said.

Her lecture provided many graphic design students in the audience with useful advice on how to better their craft.

“I thought it was fantastic,” junior graphic design major Tim Grimscom said. “I began to reconsider things I’ve done in the past.”

Lupton’s often humorous presentation attracted students of all majors at the College who were interested in all aspects of graphic design.

“I thought it was very interesting. She made a lot of good jokes,” senior psychology major Marissa Bryant said about Lupton’s presentation.

page 16 The Signal April 30, 2014

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 17

Campus MovieFest showcases student talent

Photo courtesy of Ryan Laux

‘Iris’ wins Best Picture.

By Kimberly Illowski Staff Writer

The second annual Campus MovieFest, the world’s largest student-wide film contest, took the College by storm as the top 16 student-created films were screened on Tuesday, April 22, in the Brower Student Center.

According to the competition rules, student teams were given one week to write, film and edit a five-minute short film. This

year, over 80 teams from the College took on the challenge.

The night’s winners included “Iris” for Best Picture, “Twitch Plays College” for Best Comedy, “The Last Stand” for Best Drama, Steve Munoz for Best Actor in “Iris” and Rebecca Wallace for Best Actress in “Blossom.”

Winners of the Golden Tripod Awards were “Forgot My Pants” for Best Editing and Best Soundtrack , “Iris” for Best Special Effects and “Crescendo” for the Audience Award, which was determined by which team brought the most fans to the event.

Best Picture, Comedy and Drama will continue on to a national event in Los Angeles and compete for $30,000 in cash prizes, professional gigs and industry exposure, according to the Campus MovieFest website.

Junior interactive multimedia majors Kenneth Carter, Brandon Noe and Brian Passafaro, worked together on the film “The Last Stand.” The drama showcases the struggles that many children face growing up in violent communities and the

sacrifices people make to protect the ones they love.

“We’re so excited to be given this opportunity to go to Hollywood,” Passafaro said. “It’s an honor to have this privilege.”

When “Twitch Plays College” won Best Comedy, those involved were met with similar feelings of exhilaration and utter shock.

Junior history and secondary education double major Kyle Bennion, junior history major Michael Cort and junior international studies major Sean Harshman first thought of their movie idea after following the Internet phenomenon “Twitch Plays Pokémon.”

In the original game, thousands of people type in commands to control the main character and complete missions using Pokémon. Similarly, in the college version, fictional players were able to control Harshman, the lead actor, on his journey around campus.

“We shot one scene at a mixer during Greek Week, but I kept getting bumped into by drunk girls so we couldn’t use the shots,” Cort, director and cinematographer of the project, said

about the filming process.

Closing the evening, freshman interactive multimedia majors Ryan Laux and Chris Lundy and junior interactive multimedia majors Andrew Kuserk and Josh Lewkowicz took the stage in celebration of their film “Iris.”

According to the video, Iris is “the newest, most unique and human personal voice assistance to ever hit the market.” Iris is represented by a robot that taunts its victim, Munoz, before downloading him into the system.

Kuserk designed and animated

the robot — who was voiced by junior marketing major Garrett Verdone — while Laux and Kuserk matched and edited the robot into the footage with Munoz. Lundy created the original score and sound effects.

The men emphasized that the entire process was a team effort.

“It’s the best job to have because it’s the most fun to do,” Lewkowicz, the project’s cinematographer and editor, said of making movies with his friends. “You put a lot of emotion into a film and you hope others get that emotion out of it.”

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Harshman and Cort gather to celebrate achievement.

German composition honored by ensembles

By Tiffani Tang Staff Writer The College’s concert band and wind ensemble honored German composition in a combined concert on Friday, April 25, in Kendall Hall.

Concert band performed first with director and conductor Marian Stewart.

The first piece was Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Military March.” As certain parts of the piece began to rise, they were stopped by quick, abrupt rests.

There were several sections where trumpets were answered by the rest of the band, but ultimately all the different instruments came together to create a larger sound at the end of piece.

The second piece, “Blessed Are They”

by Johannes Brahms, started off with low, legato notes. The song rose and fell several times in dynamics and in the scale.

“The Beethoven Machine,” by Michael Colgrass, was introduced by Stewart.

“You hear this funny percussion, and the woodwinds are the children, and the brass comes in and is like ‘no,’” he said.

The piece was playful, switching between crooked mechanical notes and smoother grand sections with powerful vocal tones.

The fourth piece was “Prelude to the Third Act of the Opera Kunihild” by Cyrill Kistler. Low notes from the brass were answered by clarinets in the beginning, giving off an ominous sound.

The band rose into cymbal crashes and percussion added drum rolls in a crescendo. Several legatos were directly followed with staccatos, and the band ended in fortissimo.

It was the perfect close right before intermission started and wind ensemble took Kendall’s stage.

The first piece performed was “Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor BWV 582”

by Johann Sebastian Bach. The piece started off low, featuring one instrument, and as the song progressed, all of the other sections joined in.

Trumpets emphasized the ending before the band closed with a single note.

It was clear that conductor David Vickerman, director of Bands at the College, is

passionate about leading these students.

“Bach is not easy,” freshman interactive multimedia major Kathleen Fox said.

“Trauermusick WWV 73” by Richard Wagner was the second piece of the night. After a soft tone was established, six snares positioned around the theatre started a low murmur of a drum roll.

The piece was extremely cohesive, and it all sounded like one instrument was playing, with the exception of a trumpet call in the middle.

“Overture für Harmonimusik, Op. 24”

by Felix Mendelssohn, the final piece of the night, was intended to be played by lower instruments, but the wind ensemble accomplished a solid performance full of loud percussion, staccatos, legatos and a perfect buildup to the end.

Vickerman then turned to the audience and announced an additional song dedicated to Professor Roger McKinney, who is retiring this year.

It seemed appropriate to celebrate a man who has “touched the lives of countless students.”

Richard Strauss’s “Serenade in E-flat

Major,” one of McKinney’s favorites, was performed by a few select members from the ensemble.

At one point in the song, there was a buildup of horns and bassoons as the flutes and clarinets repeated what was played. There was a flute solo right before staccato notes led into one final whole note.

There was a long and loud standing ovation for this piece as McKinney approached the stage to thank the performers for the pleasant surprise.

“The wind ensemble was really, really impressive,” freshman women’s and gender studies major Mary-Elizabeth Thompson said.

It was also great for family members, teachers and friends supporting the people who worked so hard for this concert.

“We had less time to prepare (this semester),” junior music education major and wind ensemble member Manny Martinez said.

“It was really intense and it took so much. (The performers) really put their hearts in it,” Martinez said.

Haunting screenplay adds to ‘Insidious 2’

By Christopher Minitelli Staff Writer As a big fan of horror movies, one of my favorite horror movies is definitely “Insidious,” which came out in 2010. Last year, the second installment to this movie was released, appropriately called “Insidious: Chapter 2.”

The sequel continues to follow the Lambert family as they try to figure out how spirits continue to haunt them and why. A number of points from the first film are explained here — a helpful device for fans. Along with the explanation, “Insidious: Chapter 2” delves deeper into the family’s past and explains the occult happenings more than

in the previous film.

While I was disappointed when I first heard that a second “Insidious” was going to be made, the film was actually well done. Although I liked the first film a lot more than the second, the sequel has a lot of strong points.

This movie was able to pick up the story line very well and build on it. While the ending of the first film was great, the sequel was able to add on to it and keep the plot very intriguing.

The writing for this film was impressive as well. The writers were able to continue a story line that I had previously considered to be over and still keep it cohesive and entertaining.

I was worried that this film

was going to just stretch the story too much and ruin it entirely.

However, it did not. While this is the case, the writers did leave the film open to the possibility of a third installment, which I think would be too much, possibly ruining the story.

Along with this, the entire original cast returned for the sequel, including Rose Byrne, Patrick Wilson, Barbara Hershey and Lin Shaye. This made the film much stronger. The cast was able to fall right back into their characters very well and give strong performances. Patrick Wilson in particular gave an impressive performance as Josh Lambert.

Overall, “Insidious: Chapter 2”

was a entertaining and thrilling film that is worth checking out on Netflix. It was able to continue a smart and complex plot line and

build upon it successfully.

While I did like the first film more, the sequel remains a surprisingly good horror movie.

Byrne stars in well-crafted sequel to ‘Insidious.’

AP Photo

page 18 The Signal April 30, 2014

In recognition of National Nurses’ Week May 6-12, 2014 The Department of Nursing, celebrates all nurses and future nurses on campus including faculty, staff, and students.

Thank you for your Professionalism, Dedication and Caring to the School, to the College, to the Community and to Society!

fun stuff emergency pick-up line:

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 19

Girl, you must be a teacher. ...Cuz you got CLASS! Having pun with John Doe

Hello, Henry the Goat!

page 20 The Signal April 30, 2014

Tough run won’t crush the heart of the lion

By Chrissy Onorato Staff Writer

The women’s softball team closed up their season this past week with two wins and two losses, capping a hard-fought and determined 2014 run. After learning a lot during the year and garnering speed in the last few weeks of the season, the Lions had an impressive comeback and can finish knowing they gave it all they had.

This week, the Lions first took on Rutgers-Newark, where they were able to sweep the double-header. The first game ended in a 6-0 shutout as the Lions’ bats were hot and their defense even hotter.

Senior pitcher Alex Carisone was on the mound for the College and pitched a complete game shutout. With only a total of six hits, their opponents were silenced.

Meanwhile, the Lions were able to come alive behind this stellar pitching.

In the fifth inning, freshman second baseman Colleen Phelan hit a double scoring two runs while sophomore catcher Jamie Purcell scored another run on a bunt.

Sophomore first baseman Deanna Utter then contributed with her second home run of the season which scored senior shortstop Kristen Lake and sophomore right fielder

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions finish up their season with a hard-fought run.

Kristen Fitzsimmons. Utter had a dominating game, going 3-for-3.

In the second game of the double-header, the Lions again dominated with a score of 7-2. The Lions began scoring again in the third inning when Phelan had a base hit and freshman third baseman Jessica Kennick followed with a double. Senior center

fielder Lindsey Williams then homered to left field, scoring three runs.

Kennick soon had her fourth homerun of the season in the fifth inning, making the score 7-2.

Sophomore pitcher Ashtin Helmer was on the mound for the Lions and earned her fifth win of the season. Pitching a complete game,

she had an impressive eight strikeouts.

In the final double-header of the season, the Lions fell to William Paterson University with two close losses. Although the College scored first in the first game, the Pioneers came back quickly.

Phelan got the Lions on the board early when she hit a double and then scored when Purcell singled. Purcell had a strong game with two hits. The Lions came close in a 2-1 defeat.

In the second game, the Lions came very close again but could not get that extra run in a 3-2 loss.

Williams got the game going with a solo homerun in the third inning, but it turned into a pitchers duel as both offenses were silenced for some time.

Sophomore left fielder Christine Desiderio was responsible for getting the tying run to second base in the seventh inning when she singled and advanced to second on an error.

All in all, the Lions showed they would not let a tough season get them down, as they emphasized there were more important aspects to work on than just getting wins. Forging stronger team bonds and developing strategies for future play were surely some of the many beneficial things to come out of this hard-fought season.

Girls safe while guys await NCAA spot

By Evan Cardin Staff Writer

The men’s and women’s tennis teams concluded strong seasons this week, with the men’s team on the brink of earning a slot in the 2014 NCAA Division III Tournament.

On Wednesday, April 23, the men’s team (10-5) beat out Stevens Institute of Technology 5-4 in a home-court matchup, which gives them a chance to qualify for nationals on May 5.

Freshman Mike Stanley and sophomore Billy Buchbinder won their doubles round 8-5 and also posted singles victories — Stanley with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 series and Buchbinder with a 6-2, 6-2 series.

Senior Howard Telson and sophomore Pierce Cooper earned a point for the Lions overall with their 8-2 doubles victory.

“I’m really proud of the way our team pulled together,” Telson said. “We each contributed to the upset.”

Telson, who recently posted his 100th career win, is preparing to graduate in

May. He and fellow senior Gabe Allen were honored in a small ceremony prior to the match.

“I’m sad it’s over,” Gabe Allen said. “I really grew close to these guys over the years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Three days later, on Saturday, April 26, the women’s team (11-6) fell to SUNY Geneseo 6-3 at home. Before the match, senior captain Tara Criscuolo was honored in a ceremony for graduating players. She went on to cede a hard-fought series in the third set.

Junior captain Sarah Lippincott and freshman Anna Prestera picked up an 8-5 victory in the third doubles round, and Prestera went on to win her singles match 6-1, 6-3.

Sophomore Emma Allen scored a 6-1, 6-4 singles victory in the fourth spot, and said she was happy just to be playing alongside her teammates.

“It’s been a great season,” Emma Allen said. “We’ve been really positive and everyone’s been motivated to do well. It’s so

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The women’s team prepares for Nationals while men wait in hopes of a spot. helpful when you’re out there to hear everyone cheering you on.”

The women qualified for Nationals in the fall after sweeping the NJACs and are now looking to prepare for Nationals this season.

On the men’s side, sophomore Cooper is writing history. He hasn’t lost a duel match in singles during his freshman and

sophomore years, marking his statistics at 34-0.

“It’s nervewracking,” Telson said of the wait to hear if they would qualify for a spot in the national tournament. “But at the same time it’s humbling to know that we still have to work hard and hope for the best.”

One year later, Boston standing strong Cheap Seats

Uniting in patriotism as US runs for history

By Kevin Luo Staff Writer

“Put yourself in Meb’s shoes” were the last words said in Skechers’s new commercial for their Go Run Ride 3 sneakers.

However, this past week, the entire city of Boston and everyone in the United States were running with Meb Keflezighi as he became the first American citizen to win the Boston Marathon since 1983, according to the Associated Press.

Keflezighi was born in the small African nation of Eritrea but moved to the United States by way of Italy when his family was Eritrean refugees. Keflezighi became a naturalized US citizen the year he graduated from UCLA in 1994.

This achievement is quite significant by itself as no American had won the nation’s arguably most famous marathon in

AP Photo

A year after tragedy struck the at the marathon, an American finishes on top. over 30 years. However, the fact that this feat was achieved this year is extra significant and had the whole country feeling an

immense amount of American pride. Last year, the Boston Marathon was the sight of a terrorist attack where three people were

killed and hundreds were injured. In the following weeks and months, the Boston sports teams and the city of Boston were starting a Boston-strong movement which the whole country stood behind.

The Boston Marathon is a huge sporting event every year. However, watching the highlights of the race, you could just feel the energy and emotion in the air from not only the racers, but from the spectators. There were people crying.

There were USA chants.

Keflezighi is the definition of a great American story. He wasn’t born in the United States, but he became an American and the country embraced him as one. This past Monday was the climax of Meb’s great American story. It was a great moment in American sports history which transcended sports and left the whole country bleeding red, white and blue.

4 6

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 21

LIONS

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Mike Herold “The Ref”

Chris Molicki

Managing Editor

Peter Fiorilla Sports Editor

Matt Bowker Staff Writer

In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Mike Herold, asks our panel of experts three questions: what has been the most exciting game thus far in either the NBA or NHL, who should the Milwaukee Bucks look to pick up in the NBA draft, and what is the best day of the summer for which every sports fan should be excited?

1. The opening rounds of both the NBA and NHL playoffs are currently going on. Which game has been the most exciting so far?

Chris: The NBA and NHL playoffs are both incredibly exciting. However, the most exciting game was Game 1 of the Rockets-Blazers series. First off, you have an all-time performance by LaMarcus Aldridge, going for 46 and 18, and absolutely destroying Dwight Howard and company with his mid-range shot. I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite things to watch in basketball is a big man going to work, and Aldridge has done it all year. Then you had Damian Lillard’s first playoff game, dropping 31 points and being clutch as all hell. The Blazers also made two comebacks with the latter sending it to overtime. And did I mention that three Rockets’ players had 24 or more points? That showed us that, as expected, there wasn’t going to be a ton of defense played in this series.

Matt: In my (slightly) biased opinion, I think the Penguins-Blue Jackets Game 4 has been the most exciting game of either playoffs so far with

AP Photo

the heavily-favored Penguins with superstars Crosby, Malkin and Neal vs. the average-Joe Blue Jackets, making their second-ever playoff appearance in their 14-year history. The Pens led late into the third, when former Stanley Cup winning goalie Marc-Andre Fleury made a terrible play and coughed up the puck behind his net. With the extra attacker on, the Blue Jackets

stole the puck from Fleury and buried it, tying the game at three apiece. The Columbus crowd erupted after witnessing undoubtedly the best moment in franchise history. The Jackets carried their momentum into overtime, when Nick Foligno notched the game winner on what should’ve been a routine save for Fleury. This game had it all: the intensity of a divisional

rivalry, with the thrill of overtime action. Columbus pulled off an upset for even an average Joe like Peter LaFleur to appreciate.

Peter: This has been an atypically awesome first round for the NBA, and it’s been highlighted by Game 3 of the wire-to-wire Oklahoma City-Memphis series. Kevin Durant has been characteristically defying the laws of physics, making for some highlight-reel basketball — his four-point play at the end of regulation in Game 2 was just jaw-dropping, and the Thunder got another game-tying, four-point play in Game 3. But the Grizzlies are proving, once again, that basketball is a team sport rather than a “who has the most stars?” contest. Memphis has been getting contributions from everyone, including from a smothering defensive effort or backup Beno Udrih pouring in double digits, and as a result it rattled off its second straight win against a title favorite.

For those sick and tired of the stars-oriented culture and coverage of the NBA, nothing is more exciting than gritty Grizzlies wins in the postseason pioneered by teamwork.

Pete wins for mentioning the teamwork factor, Matt gets 2 points for his ‘Dodgeball’ reference and Chris gets 1 point because everyone fouled out of that game.

AP Photo

2. Who would you take with the first pick as the Milwaukee Bucks?

Chris: The Bucks need help pretty much anywhere they can get it, so I don’t think they’ll be making this pick by position if they get it. I’ll go with Andrew Wiggins. The fact of the matter is that Wiggins simply has the most potential, and his floor isn’t half bad either. Everyone can say he struggled at Kansas, but what some may not know is that Bill Self runs a very specific system — one that makes it difficult for guys

to take over. While Jabari Parker was heaving threes and being fed the ball in the post, Wiggins was getting his, just less notably. Wiggins can shoot and attack like Parker, but his athleticism and defense separate him from Parker. Embiid has that once-in-a-lifetime potential, too, but his back issues are frightening. Building a team is what the Bucks need the most, and Wiggins is the man to do that. Let’s be honest — no free agent is picking Milwaukee over Los Angeles, New York or Miami. But if someone is there

to give them a reason to come, that may be the most value that Wiggins can provide.

Matt: No player in this year’s draft will be able to save the Bucks all on their own, regardless of who they take with their possible No. 1 selection. The two likely candidates for the top pick are Kansas’s Andrew Wiggins and Duke’s Jabari Parker but even with them, the Bucks will still be the laughing stock of the league. This is why I believe the Bucks should select Kansas’s center Joel Embiid with their pick. The Bucks have serviceable scorers like Brandon Knight and OJ Mayo, but they will never be half the players Wiggins or Parker can be. If you look at the Bucks current roster, their centers are Zaza Pachulia, Miroslav Raduljica and Ekpe Udoh. These names sound more like they belong on a TSA no-fly list rather than the back of an NBA jersey. All three are awful and are on the team for the sole purpose of helping the Bucks lose games. Embiid is a player that comes along once in a decade and is capable of dominating the paint like Shaq used to.

Players like Parker and Wiggins are easier to find than a truly dominant franchise center.

The Bucks should put their faith in Joel Embiid to resurrect their franchise.

Peter: There’s no doubt Wiggins is the safest pick for Milwaukee. Duke small forward Jabari Parker might be more talented offensively and posted better numbers than Wiggins’s last season, but his limited athleticism worries NBA scouts. In a league full of physical freaks, having elite genetics plays a role in your ability to do your job. Wiggins’s size gives him a huge long-term advantage over Parker, especially on defense. Maybe Wiggins’s teammate Joel Embiid had an argument to be No. 1 before his back injury, but with how often injuries destroy the careers of top centers — see Greg Oden, Brook Lopez, etc. — it would be an unnecessary risk to waste a 15-win season on a player who might not play. Wiggins has tremendous upside as a pure scorer, doesn’t come with the injury baggage of Embiid and has the NBAlevel athleticism Parker lacks, and he’s the best option at No. 1.

Chris wins for noting the limitations placed on Wiggins in college, Pete gets 2 points for his athleticism analysis and Matt gets 1 point for picking a center with back trouble.

3. Look ahead to this summer and pick Nowhere else in sports does so much ride on one day to which every sports fan should two chaotic minutes. History can be made and be excited. Convince me that this will be fortunes can be lost in an instant. Two horses the best day of summer. coming down the homestretch, neck and neck Chris: Sunday, July 13. Why’s that? Because with each other, one in search of immortality the World Cup final is that day. Sure, it’s going and one trying to play the role of the spoiler, to be great watching USA play (and honestly and it ends in a photo finish. You can’t tell me all the other games — everyone is a soccer fan that isn’t something to look forward to. when it’s the World Cup), but we’re going to get Peter: The World Cup is the best event in sports the best two teams in the world squaring off in every four years, and sports fans in this country what arguably should be the best soccer game should be amped up for the U.S.’s first game on we’ll see for four years. In addition, it’s a Sun- Monday, June 16, in a must-win grudge match day in July, so you’ve got a full slate of baseball with Ghana. If the Americans can get revenge on all day, along with Sunday night baseball. against their bogey team for losses in the 2006 There’s not a ton going on sports-wise during and 2010 World Cups — with that last deflatthe summer, but this is a day you’ll want to sit ing defeat coming in extra time, after an inspired back, grill some burgers and enjoy the sports. regulation comeback by the U.S. — they’ll be Matt: The one event that true sports fans only one more result away from qualifying out should be looking forward to over the sum- of the most difficult group in the tournament. mer is the Belmont Stakes. Horse racing is The Americans won’t be the only ones playing said to be “the most exciting two minutes in that day either: Germany, Portugal, Iran and Nisports,” and I couldn’t agree more. Horse rac- geria will be making their World Cup debuts. ing is like the final two minutes of a March And sports fans who’ve decided they don’t like Madness game, a Stanley Cup overtime game freedom have other options, too: MLB has a and a Hail Mary on the final play in the Su- full slate of games and the NCAA World Series per Bowl all mashed up into one moment. begins, making it a day everyone can enjoy.

Pete wins for picking more than one sport and the patriotic angle, Chris gets 2 points for his multi-sport angle and Matt gets 1 point because he didn’t give a specific date.

AP Photo

Peter wins Around the Dorm, 8-6-4

page 22 The Signal April 30, 2014

Did you know that The Signal is active on social media?

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on breaking news

@tcnjsignal

Like us on Facebook to find out about campus events

/TCNJSignal

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch interviews with the College’s guests

The Signal@TCNJ

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 23 Cheap Seats

Taking fantasy sports to the next level

AP Photos

History will be made with Vernon Davis set to be the first ever player to have an Initial Public Offering.

By Kevin Luo Staff Writer

This Monday, April 28, is a potentially revolutionary day in the history of sports and sports business. We always hear when teams sign players. They’re making an investment in the player, but soon the world may be able to make an investment in a player. Vernon Davis, tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, is set to be the first player to have an Initial Public Offering (IPO). This means that shares of stock in this athlete will be traded on the secondary financial markets.

Davis’s stock is being traded through the Fantex Brokerage Services. He’s the second big-time athlete to sign with this firm after Houston Texans running back Arian Foster signed with the firm for $10 million in exchange for 20 percent of his future earnings in the fall. Foster, however, never had an IPO, and his securities are being sold in a different manner. The firm signed a contract with Davis for $4 million in exchange for 10 percent of his future on-and off-the-field earnings. There are 421,000 shares of Davis’s stock

currently being sold at $10 apiece through Fantex. However, like all publicly traded stocks, this has to officially be approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and then individual states have to approve people buying these shares through this service.

If this Vernon Davis IPO becomes relatively successful and athlete stock trading becomes a trend, this can completely change the way people look at sports and financial investing. The possibilities in this market are endless. Will there be financial

firms specifically dedicated to evaluating the value of players like any other firm?

Since Davis was given $4 million for 10 percent of his future earnings. That’s a $40 million dollar valuation. Is he being over-valued or undervalued? How would you value a player like Lebron James, who made about $18 million last year on the court and about $42 million in endorsements? How many more years is he going to play at a high level? Will he still get endorsements and royalties after he retires like Michael Jordan? The known commodities aren’t going to keep this market exciting.

Investing is such an interesting practice because of the uncertainties. Two potential new “stocks” that haven’t earned a cent as a professional athlete are the last two Heisman trophy winners. Johnny Manziel is entering this year’s NFL draft, and Jameis Winston is expected to be drafted in one of the upcoming drafts. They both have the potential to be NFL stars, get huge endorsements, and make major money. But what if they don’t? What if Jameis Winston has to get Tommy John surgery because he pitches for the Florida State baseball team as well? What if Johnny Manziel can’t stay healthy in the league due to his small stature and often reckless running? How should that level of uncertainty be valued? What about Derrick Rose, a superstar who’s been injured for the better part of the last two seasons? He might come back and be great and make a lot more money, but you have to consider his glass knees as a pretty high risk at this point. As a finance major and lover of everything sports, the potential of this trend has me incredibly excited.

Track & Field

Championship season nears the track Lions perform admirably on their home turf

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The men’s team puts on a valiant effort during its performance Saturday afternoon while the women continue to run season-best times.

By Peter Fiorilla Sports Editor The College’s track teams overcame poor conditions and a 90-minute rain delay en route to an impressive showing on home ground at the Lions Invitational on Saturday, April 26.

The women’s team continued to excel in the mid-range runs, with junior Katelyn Ary coming out on top in the 400-hurdle race with a season-best time of 1:02.95.

Sophomore Kristen Randolph followed suit in the 400-hurdle by coming in third place out of

the 24 participants, while junior Michelle Cascio added another bronze at the Invitational in the 400-meter race with a time of 58.46 — the best finish of any DIII athletes.

Junior Megan Stack added another best-in-DIII time in her event, placing fourth in a field of 60 runners for the 800-meter run with a time of 2:20.82.

The Lions’ long-distance races were highlighted by the performance of Tara Nealon in the 1,500 event, who came in eighth place out of 72 participants with a time of 4:47.00, and senior Brigit Roemer led the way for the

College in field events.

Roemer bested several Division I athletes in the triple jump to place third, leaping a distance of 11.48 meters, and sophomore Courtney Paciulli earned seventh place with a 10.88 leap.

A couple of throwers also earned top finishes for the Lions, with the best results coming in the hammer throw. Junior Joan Hales came in sixth place in the hammer throw with a season-best distance of 43.09 meters, while Kristen Van Benschoten took 11th with a throw of 38.04 meters.

The Lions’ day was highlighted in the throwing events.

In the javelin, freshman Matt Rafferty had a toss of 57.81 meters to place third out of 33 athletes. In the hammer throw, junior Abayomi Arowolo came in fourth overall with a mark of 47.93 meters, and in the shot put, William Castore had a throw of 12.56 meters to finish ninth out of 29 shot putters.

Sophomore Michael Larkin also ended up with a top-10 finish for the high jump, getting a jump of 1.80 meters, before getting sixth in the 400-hurdles race with a time of 55.85. Sophomore Jake Lindacher also stayed hot in the hurdling races by taking fourth

place in the 110-hurdle, finishing with a time of 15.15 seconds.

The Lions’ performances in the running events was highlighted by sophomore Tyler Grimm in the 5,000-meter event, as he finished third among the 25 participants. Senior Dominic Tasco also put in a strong performance in distance running, finishing third in a field of 79 runners in the 1,500 meter with a time of 3:59.12.

Up next for the track teams is the 2014 NJAC Championships, which the College will host next Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4.

page 24 The Signal April 30, 2014

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 25

Lions Fantasy World Nothin’ But Net

Well, here we are. My last column ever as a member of The Signal and as the person in charge of this page. I’m leaving it in good hands — Gabe not only beat me in the fantasy league this semester, but his prowess is readily available on the column to the right of this one. So don’t worry, I might be leaving, but this page will go on.

It’s a sad thing to leave behind something you created, as I’m doing now. This page was my largest contribution to this paper, and I hope you all had as much fun reading it as I did writing it week after week. I’ve made some crazy predictions here, and come up with far crazier ideas for what either fantasy or real leagues should do, which I hope you all enjoyed to the fullest extent of their craziness.

And it sort of fits that on my way out, the most interesting things to happen in a while are going on. The playoffs this year are especially nuts, and I would have loved to try and figure them out over the next few weeks. Oh well, the semester has to end at some point, might as well be right as things are getting good.

I’ll just say this about the playoffs so far: The Western Conference is proving that every team in it is deserving and could legitimately make the conference finals, or maybe even the real Finals. The Eastern Conference teams are also proving that they are all pretty even and not nearly as good as the teams out west, which is pretty much what we knew already. So, the big takeaway from all this is that the Finals would be really boring if the Heat weren’t still a good team.

As for the other, bigger news story to hit the NBA this weekend, I don’t really have much to say other than I’m really sad about the state of the Clippers. I really like the players on that team along with the coach, and it stinks that they all have to go through this. I have, as you might expect, at least 14 crazy ways that the league could fix the problem that team’s owner presents at the moment. Right now though, the only remotely possible hope I have for fixing all that is the report that Magic Johnson is evidently interested in purchasing the team, which would be a wonderful outcome to a bad situation.

With that, my time here is done. I’ll miss this page, and all of you readers who have stuck by me through this crazy ride. A column really is nothing without fans, after all.

See ya, I’m out!

By Mike Herold Fantasy Sports Editor

With Authority

Dear College, Hi, my name is Gabriel Allen, the unheralded basketball guru and Lions Fantasy World’s successor to the man, the myth and the meaning: Mike Herold.

With the semester winding down and work piling up, many nights I’ve been forced to employ a diet in my consumption of the NBA playoffs.

But unlike most diets, this one has been fairly easy to stick to. With all due respect to the East, I have cut them out of my diet lately in favor of the West, which has simply been too good to miss a second of so far.

Coming into the playoffs, everyone was raving about how great the West was, but many experts believed the Spurs were going to sweep the Mavs, the Thunder would torch the Grizzlies, the Clippers would wallop the Andrew Bogut-less Warriors and the Rockets would beat the Blazers.

However, a week and a half into the postseason, every series is still very much up for grabs, and the West couldn’t be more wide-open.

The OKC-Memphis and Houston-Portland series have been especially entertaining, with six of their eight games thus far going to OT. Reggie Jackson served as OKC’s savior in game four, dropping 32 points (more than Durant & Westbrook combined) to even the series.

Meanwhile, led by LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, the Blazers are looking like a legitimate threat to win the West and astonish the experts in the analytical community, who insist that the mid-range jumper, Aldridge’s bread and butter, is the least efficient shot in basketball.

I have big shoes to fill, no doubt, but I’m looking forward to taking over next semester. Until then, you stay sexy Lion faithful.

AP Photo

AP Photo

I May Be Wrong, But...

Here are my predictions for the remainder of the NBA playoffs:

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Second Round OK, so this is a tougher call than I thought it would be a few weeks ago. But in the end, I’m still going to stick with the picks I made before the season even began. The Heat are way too good to lose to the Nets or Raptors and will win in five. I still don’t think the Pacers will lose out to the Wizards, so I’ll take them in seven.

Second Round I’m really not sure who will be here. I do have one pick — that the Thunder will beat the Warriors in six games, but I’m not really sure that the Spurs will even make it past the Mavs right now. I’ll just be safe and take the Blazers, who are looking better and better, to take it to the Spurs in six games, setting the stage for a high-scoring western finals.

Eastern Conference Finals This pick changed since the playoffs began. I thought Indy could finally beat the Heat.

Not anymore.

Heat in Six.

Western Conference Finals I said it last week, but I like the look of the Thunder this year. The Blazers are a good team, but they don’t have an answer for Durant. In fairness, no one does.

Thunder in Six.

AP Photo

The Finals

Thunder in Seven.

Yep, I’m calling for the Thunder to get revenge for 2012. I don’t really think the Heat are as good this year as they have been, and I think Durant has finally gotten sick enough of losing to take over. As long as Westbrook doesn’t play hero ball too much, I think KD carries his team to the title, making Seattle collectively cry and remember that the Seahawks just won the Super Bowl. Either way, I’m looking forward to the rest of the playoffs, cause it’s gonna be nuts.

AP Photo

page 26 The Signal April 30, 2014

Country Club Apartments

www.clubtcnj.com Premier Off-Campus Complex - 1.9 from Campus Fully Furnished / Fire Pits / BBQ Hangouts / Wireless Everywhere / Full Kitchens / Private Bedrooms Roommate Matching Free Month with AD

10/2/13

Finals Week Deal 2 Large pies for $18.50

$5 Off Any Order Of $25 or More!

609-434-1188

609-434-1188

10/2/13

Stop Studying and Order Pizza!

5/14/14

10/16/13 5/14/14

Any two steak sandwiches or any two cold subs for just $10!

Expires 5/14/14

Dedicated to the Students of TCNJ rentals@clubtcnj.com (516) 236 0269

April 30, 2014 The Signal page 27

ports Week In Review Like us on Facebook to follow the College’s breaking news.

Did You Know?

The Lions women’s lacrosse team has more wins than any other NJAC opponent over the past five seasons. The team has 82 wins in that span, 13 more wins than second place Montclair State University. The Lions will face Kean University on Wednesday, April 30, in the opening round of the NJAC tournament.

Follow @TCNJSignal on Twitter to get all the latest updates and more!

Check out the new and improved Signal web page!

S T U D E N T AT H L E T E O F

The Horizon For

THE WEEK

Sports Women’s Lacrosse April 30 vs. Kean University, 7 p.m.

Connor Smith Men’s Baseball

Pitched a complete game to clinch a playoff berth

Track and Field May 3-4 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships

Junior starting pitcher Smith tossed a complete game vs.

NJAC rival Stockton College to clinch a spot in the NJAC Playoffs for the Lions. On the season, Smith has an impressive 6-1 record with a 2.02 earned run average. Smith finished the regular season with a save to go along with his five complete games.

Women’s Tennis May 8-10 NCAA Tournament Men’s Tennis TBD NCAA Tournament

Staff Championship Picks Point Leaders

(NHL) Ducks vs. Stars

(NBA) Clippers vs.

Warriors

(MLB) Angels vs. Yankees

Men’s Baseball April 29 vs. Rowan University, 3:30 p.m.

Chris Molicki (5) Julie Kayzerman (5) Mike Herold (5)

Mike Wins AP Photo

AP Photo

AP Photo

Last week’s Signal Trivia Answer:

The Boston Americans and the Pittsburgh Pirates competed in the first World Series in 1903. The Americans won the best-of-nine series, five games to three.

Signal

Sports

Make or break: Playoff rounds in sight

By Andrew Grossman Production Manager

After outscoring its opponents 73-22 in the final four games, the 15-1 women’s lacrosse team finished the regular season ranked as the nation’s fourth best squad.

And yet, despite that impressive feat, none of it truly matters if the women do not continue their intensity come playoff time.

Luckily for the Lions, however, there is a lot of familiarity with its first round opponent.

After soundly defeating a gritty Kean University team 18-8 Saturday, April 26, the women have just four days to prepare for a rematch in the first round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) tournament. Despite their previous success, the women cannot take their opponents lightly. In the playoffs, anything is possible.

“We want to improve even more and play at a higher level and hold ourselves to higher standards when we do play them again,” junior attacker Ava Fitzgerald said. “(It is also good for us) to be able to come back out and get a second chance against them to play even better and eliminate any mistakes that we might have had in the first

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Finishing as the nation’s fourth best squad, it’s do or die come playoff time.

match between us.”

In the first game against Kean, the women jumped to an early 4-0 lead. The Cougars were resilient, however, and stormed back by scoring five consecutive goals.

“I think we were reacting to a different type of attack that was being played against us, and we were adjusting our defense in order to combat that attack,” Fitzgerald said. “We are a team

that responds really well, and we have a lot of character and composure. I think that we are able to rally together as a team and pick each other up, which is really important as well, and that definitely showed in the Kean game.”

After regrouping quickly, the women once again took command and headed into the second period on top with an 8-5 lead.

“When we met at halftime, we

were really able to focus in on the little things that would make us better and that we would grow from, playing that team,” the team’s leading scorer said. “We were able to really narrow in on key elements that were causing us to lose possession or play a lot of defense, and we were able to strengthen those in particular. Everything else around that kind of fell into place once we were able

to do that.”

There was no letting up in the second half as the women took advantage of turnovers and outscored their opponents 10-3.

While every game is different, the Lions will look to replicate their second-half performance.

“It was a big learning experience for us, and I think it is fuel for us to (decrease) their amount of goals as well as increase our amount of goals and decrease our mistakes,” Fitzgerald said.

“It is a key thing we look to do after every game, no matter what the score is and no matter how far we pull away from them. I think decreasing our unforced turnovers and our errors is a really big thing for us (because) we focus more on how to grow our game, rather than on our opponents.”

While the expectations are high for one of the nation’s top teams, Fitzgerald understands that they cannot get too carried away.

“We are a team that can go really far in the playoffs, which is something really exciting,” she said. “We need to come out (strong) right from the start. We need to really make sure that everybody is on the same page and that everyone brings their A-game.”

Doubleheader sweep lands NJAC spot

By Matt Bowker Staff Writer

The Lions clinched a spot in the NJAC tournament with a much-needed doubleheader sweep over division rival Richard Stockton College on Saturday, April 26.

The College went into the game in a threeway tie with Stockton and Rutgers-Newark University for the final playoff spot.

Before the games, Coach Dean Glus had a message for his team.

“He (said) that if we do not win both games then it could possibly be our last time on the field this season, and we did not want that to happen,” said sophomore designated hitter Garen Turner, who scored five hits and four runs.

The Lions earned four conference points, rising to fifth in the standings and eliminating Stockton from playoff contention.

Like it had done all season, the Lions’ pitching staff powered the team to victory.

Junior Connor Smith tossed his fifth complete game of the season, while the team held on for a 4-3 win. Smith allowed seven hits, but limited the Ospreys to three runs, only one of which was earned.

The College jumped out to an early lead on an RBI double by Turner, who later scored on an error to giving the team a 2-0 lead.

Lions’ Lineup April 30, 2014

I n s i d e

Photos courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Lions clinch the final playoff spot after sweeping Stockton College.

The Ospreys battled back to tack on runs in the third and fourth innings, briefly tying the game at two.

In the Lions half of the fifth, sophomore center fielder JC Rizzi scored on a sacrifice fly to regain the lead. Later in the inning, junior first baseman Josh Limon scored Turner on a key RBI double.

With the bases loaded in the sixth inning, Smith bared down to get the final out of the inning on a called third strike to

preserve the one run lead.

Smith allowed only one baserunner over the final three innings to secure his team-leading sixth win of the season.

In the second game of the doubleheader, it was senior Brendan Kelly’s arm that provided the College with another win. Kelly also pitched a complete game. He allowed only one run on nine hits while recording five strikeouts.

The Lions’ offense gave Kelly three runs

to work with in the first inning, with RBIs from Limon and sophomore right fielder Pat Roberts. The team later tacked on runs in the second, fifth and sixth innings en route to a 6-1 victory.

The College played error-free baseball for the first time in 16 games this season, as they tightened up its defense.

Other seniors honored on Saturday included left fielder Joe Dispoto, catcher Paul Searles and infielder Justin Ely. All four seniors got a chance to play in the doubleheader.

The Lions will visit Rowan University in the first round of the NJAC Tournament on Tuesday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m.

The team dropped both games with Rowan earlier this week — the only times the two team faced each other this season.

The Lions led 4-3 going into the ninth inning at Rowan, before surrendering two wins to give Rowan a 5-4 victory. The next day was much of the same as the Lions tied the game up in the ninth inning to send the game in extra innings. Rowan promptly scored five runs in the 11th inning to steal a 7-2 victory at Ackerman Park.

“With our bats heating up at just the right time and the depth of our starting pitching rotation, TCNJ baseball will certainly be a dangerous team in the NJAC tournament,” Turner said.

46 53 Around the Dorm page 21

Bost Marathon triumph page 20

Tennis in NCAA contention page 20

Softball stands tall page 20