The Signal: Fall '18 No. 1

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Breaking news and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLIX, No. 1

College No. 35 of 727 ‘Best Colleges in America’ By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor The College ranked 35th nationally and second in New Jersey on MONEY Magazine’s 727 “Best College’s in America,” which was published on Aug. 13. Behind only Princeton University, the College placed higher among public institutions, ranking 23rd nationally and reigning first in New Jersey. MONEY magazine based its rankings upon “educational quality, affordability and alumni success.” According to the magazine, students at the College had an average debt of $23,000. Earlier in 2018, MONEY magazine reported that college graduates under 35 have an average student debt of $32,900. In terms of affordability, 39 percent of students in need at the College received grants, while students paid an estimated price of $24,100 with grants. College Spokesman Dave Muha sees the importance of MONEY Magazine’s rankings and its impression on prospective students and their parents. “I think the MONEY ranking is especially meaningful because of what it attempts to measure — academic quality, affordability and outcomes,” Muha said. “These are three things that probably matter most to students and their parents. The College has invested carefully in the academic program and student experience to deliver an exceptionally highquality education.” see VALUE page 2

August 29, 2018

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

New area code affects Ewing phone numbers

By Lily Firth News Editor

A phone number’s area code creates a sense of solidarity for people living in the same region. On Sept. 17, new phone numbers in Southern and Central New Jersey will no longer contain the 609 area code — they will now use the area code 640. But there is no need to worry — anyone with existing phone numbers, including the College, which uses area code 609 will still be able to keep their current numbers. While this gives a chance for existing institutions and individuals living within the 609 area code’s boundaries to breathe a sigh of relief, the question still remains — why the need for a new area code? The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, which is in charge of New Jersey telecommunications, estimates that due to growing populations, available phone numbers with the 609 area code would soon run out. The two options the Board had to face was to either change the area code, or redraw the boundary lines of the area codes, according to NJ.com. According to New Jersey Real Time News, many residents still say that

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

Green Hall houses the College’s telecommunications office. changing the area code number will not affect their pride — they still come originally from “609.” The new area code brings slight changes telecommunications in Central and Southern New Jersey, including the Ewing area. As of Aug. 18, anyone with a 609 area code or the new 640 area code that wishes to call another 609 or 640 code has to dial the area code along

with the seven-digit number to connected with the correct number. If someone with an 856, 609 or 640 area code calls anyone with a different area code, they will need to dial 1 before the area code and the seven-digit number. Those in other area codes can continue using the same dialing methods, as there is no change for them. see REGION page 2

National Radio Day exhibit celebrates vintage technology

The pop-up exhibit attracts radio enthusiasts of all ages. By Miguel Gonzalez News Editor

While most students were busy moving into their residence halls, exhibit attendees in Roscoe West Hall were riding the waves. The College’s Sarnoff Collection hosted a guided tour on Wireless Word, a pop-up radio exhibit,

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on Sunday, Aug. 26 in Roscoe West Room 204. The exhibit showcased radio artifacts from The Radio Corporation of America between 1910 to the late ’80s in celebration of National Radio Day, which was Aug. 20. Florencia Pierri, the Sarnoff Collection’s curator, guided a discussion about many

Nation & World / page 3

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Editorial / page 5

Miguel Gonzalez / News Editor

radio artifacts. Pierri started the tour by demonstrating the Crystal set, the first popular type of radio introduced in 1913. According to Pierri, the Crystal set brought radios to a wider audience and laid the foundation for radio enthusiasts. During the 1920s, enthusiasts would purchase parts Opinions / page 7

and instruction books to assemble their own radios. Pierri followed up by presenting the first radio of RCA’s iconic radiola series, the Aeriola Sr. Receiver radio, Type RF. Introduced in 1921, the radio sold for $75. The device was not successful because RCA did not include necessary accessories such as vacuum tubes, antennas and batteries. Pierri then showed the radio’s successors, the Radiola II and the Radiola III. The Radiola II, introduced in 1923, proved to be RCA’s first smash hit because of its distance range. Using more than one vacuum tube, the Radiola II had an impressive 2000 mile range. During the 1920s, it was commonly referred to as the radio music box, according to Pierri. In the following year, RCA created a budget version of the Radiola II with the Radiola III. According to Pierri, it sold for $35. While RCA had several successful radios, it also encountered struggles as radio broadcasts were still developing. “In 1923, radio was great, but if you didn’t have headphones it wasn’t useful,” Pierri said. “The only radio stations at the time

Features / page 11

were in Pittsburgh and New York City. Those radios only broadcasted 30 hours a week.” Pierri then shifted the visitor’s attention to the Radiola 13. The device, distributed in 1928, was the first radio that operated on an alternating circuit. According to Pierri, it was an important step in radio technology because the device was plugged into an outlet and no longer relied on batteries. The device also played a crucial role in RCA’s marketing. During the 1920s, radios were usually placed in basements because of their heaviness and dull appearance. But with the Radiola 13, RCA pushed consumers to use their products in living rooms. Pierri then paused the tour to discuss RCA’s most significant business decision. In 1929, RCA acquired the Victor Talking Machine Company. According to Pierri, RCA was able to utilize the company’s large manufacturing plant in Camden, New Jersey and market the company’s iconic mascot, Nipper the dog, to improve its sales. see VOICE page 11

Arts & Entertainment / page 13

Sports / page 20

College Transition Social media helps freshmen connect

Panic! At the Disco New album offers memorable music

Field Hockey Lions hunt for 12th national championship

See Features page 11

See A&E page 13

See Sports page 20


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