Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. XLVII, No. 11
November 15, 2017
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Hardwick’s humor comes from the heart By Elizabeth Zakaim Arts & Entertainment Editor
Although students came to the College Union Board’s Fall Comedy Show to hear comedian and talk-show host Chris Hardwick perform stand-up, it was Hardwick’s musical finale that really won over the Kendall Hall crowd. Hardwick closed his show with Mike Phirman, his opening act and longtime co-performer, to sing their original song, “Corazon,” in a tribute to the romantic nature of Latino music, with a more literal twist on the heart. The lyrics, sung in Spanish, were translated on a slideshow behind the two performers that also included anatomical images of the heart and other videos of heart dissections. “The human heart is a hollow, four-chambered organ. The heart is a muscular pump that maintains the circulation of our life’s blood,” the translation read as the duo sang in Spanish. Hardwick treated the audience with lively anecdotes and raunchy jokes at his show on Nov. 7. The comedian endeared himself to the crowd with personal
Hardwick incorporates his nerdy persona into his jokes.
stories. One time, while vacationing with his wife, a romantic moment took an unexpected turn. “Give me your finger,” his wife, Lydia Hearst said. Hardwick thought he’d hit the
jackpot, until he learned exactly just where his finger was going to go. “I have sunscreen on my hands. Could you put my contact lens in for me?”
Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor
That was the first time Hardwick had touched his wife’s, or anyone’s, eyeball, and he hoped it would be the last. While he never ran short of any jokes or laughs, Hardwick’s
ACT gives ‘killer’ performance
Kim Iannarone / Photo Editor
Characters investigate King Arthur’s assassination. By Richard Chachowski Correspondent
Who killed King Arthur? Dozens showed up to the Decker Social Space on Friday, Nov. 10, to find out. All College Theatre’s performance
INDEX:
of “A Killing in King Arthur’s Court” is part of a dinner and interactive theater presentation performed annually at the College. When King Arthur, played by freshman civil engineering major Zach Michonski, is poisoned to death, the remaining members of
Nation & World / page 7
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Editorial / page 9
Student Stand-up
Arthur’s court must find the killer and restore peace to the kingdom. The show began with the introduction of all the key characters in the play, including Arthur, his wife Gwen, their son Mordred, the wizard Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table. Guests sat at numbered tables and feasted on dinner choices such as chicken francaise, chicken parmesan and various kinds of pasta. The Knights of the Round Table and the other notable heroes of Camelot, like the eccentric Merlin and the eyeliner-wearing Mordred, wandered from table to table to greet guests. “The show is me and the other writer, Chris, it’s kind of like our child,” said Sam Franz, a junior communication studies and English double major. “We started it last year as a joke, and then we kept writing it over the summer. We didn’t actually think it was going to come to anything.” Franz and her partner, junior history major Chris Loos, knew they wanted to write a murder mystery, but both struggled to come up with a topic. “Then as a joke one night, one of us said, ‘Oh, we should do it about King
Opinions / page 11
see ACT page 14
career ranges further than his stand-up. He is the founder and CEO of Nerdist, a media empire that includes a website, podcast and various YouTube channels. He is also known for hosting the Emmy-winning internet-based game show “@midnight.” Hardwick continues to host “Talking Dead,” the aftershow of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” and its spinoff “Fear the Walking Dead.” Hardwick showed off his improv skills by interacting directly with the audience. He approached one audience member who Hardwick claimed was wearing “sports shorts,” attire that ran contra to his proud nerdy persona. “So what sports thing do you do,” he asked Jesse Peterson, a senior health and exercise science major, glad to have an athlete in his comedic clutches. “Your mom,” Peterson answered without missing a beat. “That does explain why she’s been so thoroughly unsatisfied lately,” Hardwick replied. The raunchy jokes, a trademark of Hardwick’s self-described “juvenile humor” only got more vulgar as the night went on. see CUB page 14
Former Miss America speaks at vigil By Breeda Bennett-Jones News Assistant As the fire passed from candle to candle, the silent, dimly lit steps of Green Hall transformed into a panorama of flickering lights and hugging sorority sisters. Though biting winds threatened to extinguish the flames, members of Delta Phi Epsilon were warmed by uplifting speeches and the light of the candles they grasped. Delta Phi Epsilon’s annual ANAD Week, sponsored by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, culminated on Nov. 8, with an outdoor candlelit vigil honoring the sufferers and victims of eating disorders. The vigil was accompanied with a speech by Kirsten Haglund, Miss America 2008 and the founder of the Kirsten Haglund Foundation. As a former Miss America, she chose to focus her work on helping Americans who suffer from eating disorders. The evening began when Jess Meline, a senior psychology major, read the ANAD pledge. “I will accept myself as I am,” Meline recited. “My future is worth fighting for.” Haglund echoed the same sentiment. “It frustrates me that sometimes there’s a barrier put up by the toxic entertainment industry,” Haglund said. Haglund shared her powerful story, including her experience with anorexia nervosa. It began with intense see CANDLE page 16
Arts & Entertainment / page 14 Features / page 16
CSA Teahouse
Charity comedy show raises money for hurricane relief
Students celebrate Chinese culture
See A&E page 15
See Features page 16
Sports / page 24
Field Hockey Lions advance to final four
See Sports page 24