Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. LI, No. 12
November 20, 2019
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Last CUB Alt Show electrifies audience with rock
Screaming Females bring their sound to the stage. By Darby VanDeVeen Staff Photographer
The stage was built, the tricolor lights were aglow and the speakers were set for CUB’s Alt’s final show of the semester. While the shows have branched out into rap and folk
music recently, this week’s concert returned to its roots for one last time this fall. At 7 p.m., students welcomed three indie rock bands — Spirit Was, Stove and the headlining Screaming Females — to the Decker Social Space on Friday, Nov. 15. Once Screaming Females took
Darby VanDeVeen / Staff Photographer
the stage, they had the crowd’s attention for the whole set. From the first song, students heads were already moving along to the rock-influenced sounds. Hailing from New Brunswick, the band played songs from its two most recent albums, “Singles Too” and “All At Once,” which
included memorable tracks like “Glass House” and “Deeply.” “You can’t control me,” lead singer Marissa Paternoster belted out, her voice powerful gliding alongside Michael Abbate’s bass and Jarrett Doughtery’s drums. Senior communication studies major and CUB co-chair Evan Whitenack, who worked to book the show, was thrilled to see his vision come to life. “I wanted to book Screaming Females because they have such a huge legacy in the NJ DIY community,” Whitenack said. “Even today, they’re a huge inspiration to a lot of NJ bands.” The first band of the night, Spirit Was, opened with frontman Nick Corbo performing solo before bringing his bandmates on stage to finish the set. The band provided a mellow session, which had an upbeat song in the middle. “Nick from Spirit Was actually played a show in Decker with LVL UP my freshman year,” Whitenack said. “Having him play here again brought everything together full circle.” Stove kept the atmosphere heating up in the second set of the night. Students were dancing to songs such as “Mosquiter”
and “Safe Guy.” The band even covered “Don’t Cry No Tears” by Neil Young & Crazy Horse, while adding its own sound to the song. The band rocked the room with powerful, high energy guitars and rhythmic drums. “Stove brought a wall of sound to Decker and played as a group really tightly,” Whitenack said. The crowd fed off of the energy on stage and was on its feet the entire time, as attendants jammed out to the dark, fuzz-heavy format of the band’s music. Stove has a familiar sound of an alternative band, but it managed to make it its own. Halfway through the show, lead singer Steve Hartlett and drummer/vocalist Jordyn Blakely switched positions for the rest of the set. Blakely let her vocals shine through until the band played its last song and thanked everyone at the show for coming out to hear the music. Senior marketing major Stephen Jennings also enjoyed the show as well, as he felt the bands lit up the room’s atmosphere. “The Screaming Females electrified me and the entire Decker Social Space,” he said.
Jazz Ensemble impresses Kendall Hall TCNJ Musical Theatre
By Julia Duggan Staff Writer
entertains with fall show
The Kendall Hall Main Stage Theater was filled with jazz, solos and a wide showcase of talent as the TCNJ Jazz Ensemble gathered for its concert on Friday, Nov. 15. Gary Fienberg, the coordinator of Brass Studies and the director of the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Studies, led the group, which performed music from two accomplished jazz arrangers, Bob Florence and Thad Jones. While the concert featured all the standard jazz instruments that one might expect, such as five saxophones, five trumpets, four trombones and a standard rhythm section, the performers had more uncommon ones as well, including French horns, a vibraphone, flutes, clarinets and a bass clarinet. “Preparing this repertoire for tonight’s concert was challenging for a number of reasons,” said Nick Napier, a sophomore music education major. “We are challenged as musicians to play music from great big band composers and leaders who orchestrated very difficult music of its time, and
By Julia Corso Correspondent
INDEX:
Photo courtesy of Nelly Sanchez
Many students perform with a variety instruments. requires a lot of attention to detail and rhythmic precision.” The concert opened with Jones’ “Greetings and Salutation.” To the audience’s surprise, two saxophone players put down their instruments and
Nation & World / page 3
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Editorial / page 5
picked up flutes, while another picked up a clarinet and four French horn players joined the stage. The piece began with an eerie sound
Opinions / page 7
see MUSIC page 13 Features / page 11
The Don Evans Black Box Theater thrived with a funny, passionate show for four days straight, as TCNJ Musical Theatre performed its fall musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Beginning on Nov. 13 and ending on Saturday, Nov. 16, the show overcame an unfortunate delay due to the campus power outage, and the cast and crew rallied to put on a hilarious and well-executed show. One cast member, junior biology secondary education major Grace Postiglione, who played the character Logainne, was even able to poke fun at the situation during an improvised moment onstage. The show, originally performed on Broadway in 2005, didn’t actually start out as a musical — it was first seen as an improv play. After less than two years, it was workshopped and developed into the full-fledged musical, which TMT performed and kept true to many of its fun improv roots. Although “Spelling Bee” is about a local spelling bee, as many would guess, there is more to the story than meets the eye. The lively musical features a group
see PERFORM page 15
Arts & Entertainment / page 13
Sports / page 20
Lions’ Plate Pumpkin pie makes for sweet Thanksgiving treat
‘Last Christmas’ New movie is not the typical rom-com
Men’s Basketball Team wins season opener
See Features page 12
See A&E page 16
See Sports page 17
page 2 The Signal November 20, 2019
Student
reports
bicycle to Campus
missing Vital
The individual says she last saw her bike in Campus Town. By Jennifer Somers Photo Editor Investigation occurs after student’s bike goes misssing On Nov. 4 at approximately 3 p.m., a female student arrived at Campus Police headquarters to report that her bicycle was taken from a bicycle rack between noon on Oct. 29 and 2 p.m. on Oct. 30. The bicycle rack was located behind one of the buildings in Campus Town, facing Metzger Drive. The individual reported that she secured the
Signs: Study tips for Police surviving end of semester
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bicycle to the rack on Oct. 29 around noon. She stated that she then returned to the rack at approximately 2 p.m. on Oct. 30, when she observed that it was no longer there. The bike is described as a teal, beach cruiser-style bicycle with a wicker basket. A case number was emailed to her. Campus Police advised her to reach out with additional descriptive information in order to complete the investigatory report. The investigation is still ongoing.
Scheduling work can lead to success on exams. By Victoria Giardina Columnist
Winter break is right around the corner, but finals still stand in the way of students. Here are some final study tips for a stressfree end to a bustling fall semester. It isn’t surprising that a flood of coffee-drinking college students will swarm into the library during finals season. To lessen the overwhelming feeling that this time of year may bring, forming a study group is an excellent way to add some social interaction Anyone with information can contact to your study blues. According to WashCampus Police at 609-771-2345. ington University in St. Louis, students
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absorb academic information better when in a collaborative environment, rather than studying alone. Luckily, the College has over 20 private study rooms in the library to take advantage of. Making a realistic game plan can alleviate some of the stress you may be feeling. Instead of opening up your planner and seeing a never-ending list of tasks to accomplish, start by making a simple to-do list in order of importance. Trying to balance your assignments based on the earliest turnaround date and the greatest amount of work is key to a successful finish to the fall.
Nation & W rld
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 3
First impeachment hearings come to close By Ian Krietzberg Staff Writer
With the conclusion of the first of many public impeachment hearings from Ambassador William Taylor and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State George Kent on Nov. 13, multiple members of Congress have said that President Donald Trump might already be facing impeachable offenses, according to NPR. Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., who is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, described the alleged bribery in the July 25 phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “‘simple, straightforward act,’” claiming that the president had broken the law, according to ABC News. “‘The Constitution is very clear — treason, bribery or acts of omission,’” Speier told ABC News. “‘And in this case it’s clearly one of those.’” Adam Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said that there is a clear argument that the president committed acts of bribery, as well as
high crimes and misdemeanors, both of which are subject to impeachment. According to NPR, Schiff said he believes that witnesses privately testified in front of the HIC about the alleged bribery. Yet, even as the Democratic House members continue to marshal their argument, the president’s Republican colleagues largely remain staunch in their defense of him, with Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, describing the inquiry as a “‘one-sided partisan approach,’” according to ABC News. “Schiff is giving Republicans NO WITNESSES, NO LAWYER & NO DUE PROCESS!” Trump tweeted two days before the hearing. “It is a totally one sided Witch Hunt. This can’t be making the Democrats look good. Such a farce!” In a separate tweet on the same day, the president accused Schiff of fabricating the July 25 phone call with Ukraine, and predicted he would fabricate the hearing’s transcripts as well. But despite these accusations that the president’s rights are not being upheld, legal experts maintain that
Kent delivers his testimony.
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they are. According to FiveThirtyEight, the Constitution includes no protections for the president during an impeachment inquiry. Since Trump has not been charged with a crime, he is not legally granted due process rights.
Bolivian president resigns after accusations of fraud
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Morales steps down after a 13-year term. By Owen Davidson Staff Writer
Bolivian President Evo Morales resigned on Nov. 10 amid accusations of election fraud. The Socialist leader served for nearly 14 years as president before stepping down “‘for the good of the country,’” he said, according to CNN. Since the country’s election on Oct. 20, three people have died in ongoing protests to remove Morales from office and several hundred more have been injured, according to
Australian
By Julia Ahart Staff Writer
Over the past week, wildfires have continued to ravage several parts of Australia, claiming the lives of four people and destroying at least 150 homes as of Saturday, Nov. 16, according to The Associated Press. With no rain in sight, the flames are only expected to worsen. The Associated Press reported that many Australian residents have been forced to evacuate. More than 1,000 firefighters are continuously dousing the flames in the hopes of containing the rapidly spreading bushfires. Due to its dry and hot climate, Australia is no stranger to the threat of bushfires. According to Bloomberg, the country’s worst fires, known as the Black Saturday blazes, took place in February 2009 and caused 180 fatalities.
CNN. Additionally, demonstrators from the opposition movement, as well as the head of Bolivia’s Armed Forces, Cmdr. Williams Kailman, have requested Morales to step down. CNN reported that Morales said he was the legitimate winner of the election, and that he is being ousted by a coup. However, members of the opposition movement said they fight for the preservation of “‘democracy and peace.’” After Morales resigned, questions arose as to who should become Bolivia’s next president. However, the candidates
bushfires
These fires are deadly not only to humans, but to Australia’s wildlife as well. CNN reported on Nov. 10 that hundreds of koalas are feared dead in addition to other wildlife. Although Australia often battles bushfires in the dry heat of the summer, the fires this year are particularly concerning because of their early ignition in the season. According to Bloomberg, the early start is extremely worrisome because the country’s temperatures will continue to climb in the coming months. Several parts of Australia have sent out emergency warnings, with the majority of the fires blazing in the northeastern states of New South Wales and Queensland, according to The Associated Press. On Nov. 12, sporadic bushfires also broke out in Sydney, Australia’s biggest city, according to Bloomberg.
listed by CNN as next in line have since stepped down. The list includes Vice President Álvaro García Linera, President of the Senate Adriana Salvatierra Arriaza and President of the Chamber of Deputies Víctor Borda. Jeanine Añez, an opposition lawmaker and the second vice president of Bolivia’s senate, told CNN that she is willing to accept the role of president “with the objective of calling for new elections.” According to The Huffington Post, the Organization of American States wrote in a preliminary report that a new election should be held after finding many irregularities in the previous election. “‘It’s not possible to guarantee the integrity of the numbers and give certainty of the results,’” OAS said in a statement, according to The Huffington Post. Furthermore, The Huffington Post reported that Morales declared himself the victor “before official results indicated he obtained just enough support to avoid a runoff with opposition leader and former President Carlos Mesa.” Morales also broke Bolivia’s regulatory presidential term limits by running for a fourth term in office and thus refusing
result
The wind sweeping down the continent has helped keep some areas cool while also presenting immediate danger for others who have not yet been affected. According to Bloomberg, with such tremendous winds, the direction of the fire fronts can change easily, causing rapid spreading. Authorities said that it may be too late for some residents to evacuate safely. Hundreds of schools also closed in preparation, Bloomberg reported. The Australian government weather bureau reported that climate change is contributing to the early start and increased intensity of the bushfire season, according to Bloomberg. This is also the first time in history that authorities have set the highest warning level possible for Sydney regarding fires, and that this may be a push for government policies that aim to reduce carbon emissions.
in
to abide by the results of a referendum to uphold term limits. St. Louis Today reported that there were many protests from the indigenous population in support of the incumbent president. Rigoberta Menchu, an indigenous rights activist for Latin America and Nobel Peace Prize winner for work in her native country of Guatemala, came out in support of Morales on Twitter. “We strongly condemn the coup d’état in Bolivia, perpetrated by the army and oligarchic groups against the government of our brother President Evo Morales Ayma, to whom we reiterate our solidarity, and we encourage him to move forward,” Menchu tweeted on Nov. 12. In the meantime, the U.S. took a stance, backing the new interim government. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo congratulated Añez on Nov. 13, according to St. Louis Today. Morales condemned President Donald Trump’s administration’s decision to acknowledge the government under Añez. “‘This coup d’etat that has triggered the death of my Bolivian brothers is a political and economic plot that came from the U.S.,’” Morales said, according to St. Louis Today.
four
deaths
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Over 1,000 firefighters continue to douse the flames.
Several hundred homes have already felt the devastating effects of the climate-change fires. According to The Associated Press, the Insurance Council of Australia has received 450 claims from the areas hit by the flames. The numbers of claims are expected to rise as the fires continue to blaze. “‘I have to confess to being hugely relieved this morning that yesterday our amazing volunteers and emergency service personnel
withstood the catastrophic conditions and did manage to save life and property,’” State Premier Gladys Berejiklian told The Associated Press. The U.S. ambassador to Australia, Arthur Culvahouse Jr., said that a jet with 9,400 gallons of fire retardant was sent from New Mexico to the Australian east coast in an attempt to prevent the flames from spreading, according to The Associated Press. Other aid may be sent to the nation in the near future.
page 4 The Signal November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 5
Editorial
Students should take risks when applying to internships
A strong component in securing a job after graduation is in completing a summer internship between semesters. When students obtain and finish an internship, it allows them to gain valuable experience that future employers look for. An internship could also possibly to the company offering the employee a fulltime job after graduation. While the benefits of internships sound great, it does not mean applying is easy. Writing about yourself on paper and being interviewed can be intimidating. When looking for internships, students tend to be careless in their search. They only look for jobs that fit a certain criteria and make them feel comfortable. But in order to get the best internship possible, it’s crucial for students to step outside their comfort zones and look for opportunities in whichever way possible. Students should not limit their searches to the immediate area they live in. Each situation will be different, but if students have nothing tying them down to where they live for the summer, then they should branch out. Great internships can be found all over the country. Not only can they provide engaging experiences, but they can offer the opportunity to spend the summer in new, exciting places. These aspects can give you the opportunity to grow professionally and intellectually, making yourself a more desirable candidate for employers. This past summer, I worked at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, where I met a variety of students from all over the country. Many lived far away, while others were close by. It was inspiring to know that so many people came from areas incredibly far away. It’s also important not to let salary be a deciding factor in accepting an internship offer. The most important aspects to consider are if the internship is a good fit and what experiences can be gained. While salary should be a consideration, it should not be a determining factor. I think the most important part to note when applying for internships is skill set. Students need to know that employers usually do not expect you to be an expert in the field. They are not expecting you to be able to walk in the door and know everything there is to know about the job. If you’re scrolling through internship opportunities and see a posting that lists some qualifications you may not have, you should still apply. If you meet some of the qualifications, but not others, don’t be afraid to go for it. When you interview for the position, be upfront about the skills you have and make it clear that you are there to learn and gain the skills you’ll need. If an employer knows you are willing to learn while on the job, then that can go a long way in their decision-making process. . — Isabel Vega News 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, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, 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.
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Employers appreciate applicants who are willing to learn.
Quotes of the Week tcnjsignal.net Email: signal@tcnj.edu Telephone: Production Room (609) 771-2424 Ad Email: signalad@tcnj.edu
Editorial Staff Garrett Cecere Editor-in-Chief cecereg1@tcnj.edu Jane Bowden Camille Furst Managing Editors bowdenj1@tcnj.edu furstc1@tcnj.edu Isabel Vega Len La Rocca News Editors vegai1@tcnj.edu laroccl2@tcnj.edu Christine Houghton Sports Editor houghtc1@tcnj.edu Viktoria Ristanovic Features Editor ristanv1@tcnj.edu Lara Becker Arts & Entertainment Editor beckerl3@tcnj.edu Richard Miller Opinions Editor miller20@tcnj.edu Liya Davidov Nation & World Editor davido11@tcnj.edu James Mercadante Reviews Editor mercadj5@tcnj.edu Jonah Malvey Project Manager malveyj1@tcnj.edu
Mailing Address: The Signal c/o Forcina Hall The College of New Jersey P.O. Box 7718 Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Jennifer Somers Julia Meehan Photo Editors somersj2@tcnj.edu meehanj3@tcnj.edu Madison Oxx Production Manager oxxm1@tcnj.edu Muhammad Siddiqui Web Editor siddiqm4@tcnj.edu Kalli Colacino Madison Pena Leigha Stuiso Social Media Editors colacik1@tcnj.edu penam9@tcnj.edu stuisol1@tcnj.edu Diana Solano Distribution Manager solanod1@tcnj.edu Emilie Lounsberry Adviser lounsber@tcnj.edu Mina Milinkovic Business/Ad Manager milinkm1@tcnj.edu
“Being in a cast of 10 amazing pefromers, we really had to lean on each other because of the improv and funny bits we created together. But a lot of those funny moments were rooted in the friendships we have found in each other.” — Mary DiRienzo Junior elementary education major
“The reason why we host the Multicultural Buffet is to ... bring the community together, and ... showcase the different cultures and cuisines at TCNJ.” — Kim Tang
Senior communication studies major
“Personally, it is an amazing experience to play the music that I am so used to hearing on my phone and now I get a chance to play it live and for all of my friends.” — Carlos Orta Sophomore music education major
page 6 The Signal November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 7
Opinions
Social media has potential to be useful
Negative views of internet are based on personal influence
Some apps eliminate ‘likes’ to help users’ mental health. By Jolie Shave I thought I had an idea of what a rough breakup looked like when I was in middle school. My first boyfriend, whom I dated for a month in sixth grade, cheated on me. Let me reiterate — I got cheated on. In sixth grade. But breakups today are even
worse than my 12-year-old heart getting stomped on because many modern breakups involve only one person. Time and time again, Instagram stories will read “I’m taking a break from social media for a while because it’s toxic.” But is it really? We’ve found ourselves in an era in which people can express
themselves more freely than ever before. It’s amazing how many communities of people have joined together for the simple, yet profound purpose of supporting each other. Many of these communities can be found through social media, but so many people argue that it has a negative impact on mental health. There are so-called “influencers”
with millions of likes who will rant day in and day out about their skincare routine because they claim that “so many people ask to know what it is.” No. Whatever miracle product they’re telling you they use, they don’t. And some argue that these influencers set unrealistic expectations for their followers. But is anyone genuinely expecting you to have perfect skin, perfect hair and a supermodel body just because you follow someone who does? People who say that social media is toxic should take a step back and reassess if the expectations are created by other people or themselves. Maintaining a positive image of yourself is essential before you can click open an app that gives you a window into the life of supermodels and celebrities. You shouldn’t look at them and feel saddened by the fact that you aren’t them. Their lives aren’t even as glamorous as they seem. And that’s really the bigger picture — no one’s lives are as glamorous as they seem on social media. Nay-sayers will claim that Instagram is toxic because people only post things that allow the world to maintain a positive perception of them. Maybe some do, but Instagram
has the potential to be a haven of love and support if we look in the right places. I’ve seen so many comingout stories on Instagram, one of which was by a girl whose parents borderline disowned her for being gay. Yet, her coming-out story on Instagram allowed her followers to post encouraging,and empowering comments. Members of the LGBTQ community — some of them complete strangers — came to her side as well, which allowed people to be there for her at a time when she may have otherwise felt ostracized. Before someone decides that they need to break up with social media, I’d encourage them to consider where the unrealistic expectations truly stem from. I’d remind them that no one has a perfect life. The debate on social media boils down to the fact that it has the power to do more good than harm. It can grant us access to supportive communities of people while also allowing us to keep in touch with old and new friends. Don’t give Instagram the “it’s not you, it’s me” speech just yet. Make amends.
People shouldn’t celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving By Jane Bowden Managing Editor I’m a big fan of celebrating every holiday to the maximum. From decorating my house with red hearts and pictures of Cupid for Valentine’s Day to wearing a Halloween costume to my classes, holidays are the perfect excuse to dress up my life and make my everyday routine a bit more exciting. However, no matter how many holidays I decorate or dress up for, there’s one thing I refuse to do — I will never celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving. Between Starbucks launching its festive cups and radio stations blasting every singer’s holiday cover on repeat, it seems like society has confused “12 Days of Christmas” with 12 weeks of Christmas. When did people start celebrating the holiday while dressed in their Halloween costume? Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for jamming out to the king and queen of Christmas — Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey — nonstop, wearing the ugliest holiday sweater my local Goodwill has in store and getting sick from eating too many gingerbread cookies. In fact, you’ll sure as heck find me wearing my matching holiday pajama set and elf slippers while watching a
classic stop-motion Christmas film — but only after I’ve enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving meal with my family members. Is it wrong for me to say that I do not want to rock around the Christmas tree while I’m eating pumpkin pie? That I’ll have a blue Thanksgiving rather than a blue Christmas if I hear Taylor Swift’s cover of “Last Christmas” on the radio? In fact, I think Thanksgiving might even be better than Christmas, and before the people who wear holiday socks on Halloween attack me with sharpened candy canes, let me explain. You don’t have the stress of buying everyone a thoughtful gift, there are still a handful of yellow and red leaves on the ground, and you get to sit around your living room eating nothing but mashed potatoes, stuffing and cornbread. That sounds like carbohydrate heaven to me. Thanksgiving is also a day to spend time with your friends and family, as well as be thankful for everyone and everything you have in your life. By skipping the holiday and celebrating Christmas as soon as the calendar changes to Nov. 1, you’re kind of saying, “Screw all of the blessings I have in my life. Give me the Hallmark Channel’s cheesiest films or give me nothing.” By the time it’s Dec. 25, I’m so sick of listening to Christmas sing-a-longs that I, too,
Many individuals begin decorating in early November. want to stand alongside Grandma and get run over by a reindeer. All I want for Christmas is for everyone to stop celebrating the holiday too early. But hey, if Christmas is the only time of year that brings you joy, then I guess I’ll give it to you. Will I sing Christmas carols
with you? Probably not. But I will let you celebrate it before Thanksgiving if you really, really want to. All I ask is that you don’t leave your Christmas lights up well beyond New Year’s Day and stomp on Valentine’s Day’s parade.
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 email 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 500 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 email us at signal@tcnj.edu.
page 8 The Signal November 20, 2019
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 9
Students share opinions around campus “Do you think social media is toxic?”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Roshni Raji, a sophomore international studies major
“Social media is only toxic if you surround yourself in negative energy and people.”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Julie Hyun, a junior elementary education and psychology dual major “I think social has a lot of positive potential, but at this time, it’s currently filled with a lot of negativity.”
“Can you decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving?”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Kyle Olsak, a senior finance major
“Yes. How else are you supposed to get festive in October?”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Lewis Mora, a sophomore civil engineering major “No. There is a time and place for everything.”
The Signal’s cartoon of the week ...
The Chip: A Very Rude Awakening By Tony Peroni and Vinny Cooper Correspondents Picture this: you have graduated with sick honors, you have a sick-figure job and you live in a sick-ass condo in Bergen County. You are the envy of your friend group. Friends from high school find you on social media and they vie for your life. You have a 20-minute commute to your cushy New York City executive job and everyone respects the heck out of you. Your desk is made out of a very endangered wood only found in the deepest jungles of Brazil, but you don’t care because you worked hard for that endangered wood. You have a corner office in the penthouse of your building. Everything seems
to have fallen into place, and you let out a deep sigh of relief. “Sighhhhhhhh,” you say, kicking up your feet on your endangered desk, glancing out the window. “I must be dreaming”. “VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOM” proclaims the leaf blower. You are dreaming. It’s 2 p.m. on a Wednesday. What’s wrong with you? As the sounds of screaming hurricanes emerge from the gas-powered landscaping tools rip you out of your state of slumber, you rub your eyes and angrily clench your fists in tight little angry balls of anger. You are angry. You have been awoken as if you put a note on the fridge that said, “Hey guys, please don’t wake me up,” and someone deliberately broke that rule. That leaf blower took your dreams away from you. How dare they. “How dare you!” you shout outside your
third-floor townhouse window to a team of innocent landscapers. “I had a sick-ass desk made of endangered Brazilian plant life! Now all I have is this fire-proofed orange-ish school-issued piece of carpenter’s shame!” You hate your real-life desk, and you hate the landscaping crew even more. This certainly is not the first time they have woken you up at an “early hour,” and you know it will not be the last. However, a recent study led by Harvard Law has reshaped modern argumental ethics as we know it. The study concluded that the landscaping crew that woke you up is almost never at fault. Harvard Law’s team of investigators are far more knowledgeable than any common man, and they have concluded that it is “not the contracted landscaping company’s fault if a student is still asleep at 2:00pm on a Wednesday afternoon.” The study has opened a lot of students’ eyes to the fact that for all of these years, they may have been in the wrong. Sarah Meloetone, a frequent yeller of curse
words at landscaping crews, was willing to give her thoughts to The Chip. “I lived in ABE freshman year, and I have to admit that there were multiple occasions where I yelled at the landscaping crew,” Meloetone said. “I meant no harm, I was just upset that the loud leaf blower and the smell of the deadly fumes woke me up. The results from this study make me feel really bad. I just wish I could apologize to those people.” Like Sarah, many on campus feel a lesson can be learned from this study: sometimes the first impression is the only impression. While Sarah wishes she could give a sincere apology to the honest blue-collar workers that she yelled at, she simply can not. She treated them terribly for just doing their job. That was the only impression she will ever have on these nice laborers. The landscaping crew will hate Sarah for the rest of time, and there is nothing she can do about it. Disclaimer: This is obviously a satirical piece and does not reflect real event.
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Fun StufF
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Features
Multicultural buffet celebrates Asian culture page 12 The Signal November 20, 2019
Julia Meehan / Photo Editor
Left: Students wait to feast on kimchi pancakes. Right: Members serve bubble tea to attendees. By Ariel Steinsaltz Staff Writer Students lined up from one end of the Brower Student Center to the other. Some waited in line for up to an hour, but all of them were anticipating the smorgasbord that awaited them at the Asian American Association’s Multicultural Buffet on Thursday, Nov. 14. The buffet had food from different Asian countries, while performances showcased various aspects of the culture. Among the food served was pork fried rice, beef with broccoli, calamari barbecued chicken, vegetable samosas, kimchi pancakes, different types of sushi and bubble tea. “The reason why we host the multicultural buffet is to ... bring the community
together, and ... showcase the different cultures and cuisines at TCNJ,” said Kim Tang, a senior communication studies major and the president of AAA. “So we have performances and we have food, so that people can be exposed to new things that they may not have gotten to try before.” Tang explained that the event was one of the organization’s most collaborative, as it involved many co-sponsors who brought food and performances, some of which included a yo-yo act and various dances from campus groups. “We want to reach out to different communities at TCNJ to make sure that we can try to showcase as many different areas and sectors of TCNJ as we can,” Tang said. Many organizations and people helped out with the buffet. Among those serving food
was Janeel Corpuz, a freshman history major and member of the Japanese Student Association, which co-sponsored the event. Of the performances, Corpuz especially enjoyed the Chinese yo-yo act, which he felt was exciting and upbeat. Another guest at the event was Lauren Bragat, who came to see her sister Katrina, a senior communication studies major, perform with the DragonFlies, which perform types of cultural dancing. Tyler Collins, a junior Spanish major and one of the event’s performers, choreographed a dance to a song called “Love Swing” by Japanese pop rock duo GARNiDELiA, which he said is about love and rejection. “(The dance is) a battle back and forth between guys and girls,” Collins said. Though the song is Japanese, the dance
is a traditional Chinese fan dance that incorporates modern elements, which Collins said were added to keep the performance modern with the times. Rohith Vasa, a junior English major, admired the organizations’ efforts to emphasize diversity at the buffet. “I really like diversity, and there’s a lot of diversity at this event,” Vasa said. “It’s really cool to try out different foods and have a good time with my friends.” He said that his favorite performance of the night was TCNJ Sher Bhangra, which performed a Punjabi dance. Vasa said he appreciated the performance, as he is Punjabi himself. “I was really seeing what I saw as a kid, performed at a really high level by college kids, so I really appreciate that,” he said.
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page 12 The Signal November 20, 2019
: Dec. ‘10
Campus Style
Campus encourages students to be involved
Photo courtesy of TCNJ Digital Archives
People find more meaning in college when they are in clubs.
Every week, Features Editor Viktoria Ristanovic hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories. As the end of the semester draws near, students still have time to become proactive on campus in an effort to get the most out of their college experience. Many students are not even aware of what events are going on on campus or what they are eligible to receive for either no charge or for a discount from many places, including career programs and health services. In a December 2010 issue of The Signal, a reporter wrote about how students even almost a decade ago were not as involved as they could be. Thanks to a steady flow of infomercials, the word “proactive” may conjure up images of Jessica Simpson’s now-flawless skin. However, at the college-level, when graduate applications and the job search begin to demand greater attention than the occasional break-out, students of the School of Culture and Society are being advised to reclaim the old sense of the word when it comes to seizing educational opportunities that will set them apart from other applicants. This is in light of the results of a preliminary study conducted from Sept. 20-Oct. 12, by the School of Culture and Society, which
suggested that the ambitions of freshmen Culture and Society majors to take advantage of “transformative learning” opportunities — like study abroad, internships and faculty-led research — may not be matching up with actual outcomes by senior year. The voluntary study, which was administered to freshman and senior Culture and Society majors via Qualtrics, a provider of online survey software, was responded to by 665 students. The study found that while 80 percent of this year’s freshman class reported planning to participate in study abroad before graduation, only 21 percent of today’s seniors had done so, 88 percent of freshmen want to participate in an internship, and 71 percent plan to participate in an undergraduate research project. However, only 56 percent and 35 percent of seniors had respectively participated in these “experiential activities” as an undergraduate student. While psychology professor Jason Dahling, who was asked by Culture and Society dean Benjamin Rifkin to analyze the data, emphasized the importance of remembering that “these are not the same people,” he also felt that the results of the survey are “worth looking into.”
Lions’ Plate
Left: A matching headband and dress create a stylish winter look. Right: Wear studded rhinestones for added detail in your hair. By Diana Solano Distribution Manager There are a lot of elements that go into making your outfit stand out, starting at your head and going all the way down to your shoes. Some days, you may want to throw your hair up into a messy bun and call it a day. Many times, our focus goes to our shoes, purses or belts — everything besides our hair. Our hair goes through so much heat damage, dye and the stress of wearing a tight ponytail. Give your hair its time to shine and the attention it deserves with this season’s biggest trend — hair accessories. Ranging from different hair ties, hair scarves and headbands, you can wear these hair accessories with your hair up or down, pinned back or in a braid. The possibilities are endless. 1. Barrettes and Bobby Pins These accessories seem to be just about everywhere and not hidden in the back of your bun to hold down loose hair strands anymore. Not only are they in every color, but they also have bedazzled with pearls or rhinestones. The main hairstyle used with this accessory is to push back two strands on each side of your face using the barrettes or
bobby pins. Simple, yet effective, this hairstyle is a way not only to add some style, but also to have your face completely visual to show off your makeup. 2. Headbands Headbands are also an accessory used to push back loose hair and have become more of a statement piece. They have become almost as essential to your outfit as gloves are on a cold winter day. Similar to the bobby pins and barrettes, a headband can come in almost any color, style and fabric. Just like other types of headbands, you can find them in stylish colors with embellishments or with prints. There are twist knot headbands with animal prints, such as leopards and cheetahs. 3. Hair Scarves These are not only the latest trend to hit the hair scene, but they are also my own personal favorite. Scarf ponytails are a perfect combination of a simple hair tie attached with a fashionable patterned scarf. Scarf ponytails give off a playful, fashionable and distinct look. You can add a hair scarf to a high pony, low pony, half-up, half-down and bun. These are low-effort hairstyles and attaching this accessory brings a fresh look to a hairstyle that might have been worn many times over.
sweet pumpkin pie
Left: This traditional dish is perfect for Thanksgiving. Right: Serve the dessert with whipped cream for extra flavor. By Elizabeth Casalnova Columnist Growing up, my absolute favorite part of Thanksgiving was the dessert. It was a tradition for my sisters, my mom and I to bake pumpkin pies from scratch the night before
Thanksgiving. But in recent years, we’ve opted for a premade crust, and it tastes just as good. This week’s recipe will be the very same one we make in my household, and if you don’t have the tradition of making it with family or friends yet, now’s your chance.
Ingredients: -1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree -1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk -2 large eggs -1 9” pie crust -1 tsp ground cinnamon -1/2 tsp nutmeg -1/2 tsp ginger
-A pinch of salt Directions: 1.) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 2.) In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, condensed milk, eggs and spices until combined. Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
3.) Reduce the heat to 350 and continue baking for about 40 minutes. 4.) To test if the pie is done, stick a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the pie. If the toothpick comes out clean, the pie is ready. 5.) Let the pie cool. 6.) Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy!
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 13
page 16 The Signal November 20, 2019
Arts & Entertainment
Music / Concert brings blues to campus
Fienberg leads the ensemble.
continued from page 1
that turned into a recognizable jazz groove that had several audience members swaying to the music. The piece’s soloists included Napier and Max Hill, a junior finance major.
Photo courtesy of Nelly Sanchez
Fienberg then surprised the audience by testing its ability to recognize the music that was scheduled to be played in the concert. Although the names of the songs and their composers were listed in the program, they weren’t in the right order. Fienberg wanted the audience to
be engaged with the music and try to guess which arranger wrote the piece. After every song, he announced their titles and composers. Throughout the concert, almost every performer was featured, as each solo beautifully showcased the player’s talent. The confidence and excitement could be felt as the final note of every performance faded out. “Personally, it is an amazing experience to play the music that I am so used to hearing on my phone and now I get the chance to play it live and for all my friends,” said Carlos Orta, a sophomore music education major. Other pieces by Jones included “Kids are Pretty People,” “A Child is Born,” “Little Pixie II” and “To You.” Fienberg then brought out Sophia Isnardi, a senior music education major, who played the alto flute, which is longer than the normal instrument and has a lower range. The rest of the saxophone section put down their instruments and picked up flutes. Soloists included Chris Cancglin, a junior music education major, and Dan Beer, a senior computer science major. The Florence-composed songs included “Carmelo’s by the Freeway,” “Flight of Fancy,” “Evie” and “Willowcrest.” “Evie” was the last piece that the
ensemble played and the performers did not disappoint. The saxophone section picked up clarinets and flutes for part of the song, a bass clarinet was picked up by junior music and political science double major Kaitlyn Canneto, who also played a variety of instruments, including a bass clarinet, a baritone saxophone, a flute and a clarinet in other pieces. One of the trumpet players picked up a flugelhorn, which falls under the trumpet family. Beer, one of the pianists in the group, played on the vibraphones, which reinforced the jazz vibe, while the other unusual instruments added to the music’s dance element. The musicians performed well by keeping the jazz feel while working with other instruments that they don’t normally play. The audience was so pleased by the concert that the ensemble performed an encore, “Farewell,” by Jones. The piece opened with the trumpet section hitting screaming high notes, which called attention to itself from being so high in the trumpet range. After a satisfying end to the concert that was full of energy and excitement, Cancglin expressed his gratitude to the audience. “Just pure enjoyment,” Cancglin said. “If you came out to see us, thank you so much. It means the world to me, as well as the rest of the band.”
page 14 The Signal November 20, 2019
Fun StufF
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 15
Perform / ‘Spelling Bee’ features student talent Musical excites audience with interactive roles continued from page 1
story to life through their acting, singing and choreography. of competitive spellers with a “Spelling Bee” is undoubthandful of adults trying to keep edly a comedy, but it has a big everything under control. How- heart and doesn’t shy away ever, things don’t always go as from getting deep. Despite beplanned, as showcased in the ing kids, the characters grapple lively number “Pandemonium.” with some big issues, such as The spellers brings their absent parents and anxiety. The own quirks, which they show- actors brought real dimension case throughout their songs. in conveying both comedy and One character, William Barfee, more serious moments. played by senior history secFreshman vocal music educaondary education major Casey tion major Delaney Bogusz, who O’Neil, spells out his words with played Olive Ostrovsky, dema “magic foot.” onstrated her range in her charAnother character, Leaf Co- acter’s quirky, sweet song, “My neybear, played by junior phys- Friend the Dictionary,” as well as ics major Dylan Corbett, goes the deeper “I Love You Song.” into a trance whenever he has to The show didn’t just include The cast performs with humor and heart. spell. The whole cast provided the talented cast of students Attendants were encouraged to show and really well put toexcellent portrayals of the vari- onstage. One key part involved sign up ahead of time to be se- gether,” she said. “I had friends ous characters and brought the the audience’s participation. lected to join the cast onstage in it, so it was great to see the as a guest speller. One guest finished product of all of their speller on Thursday night’s hard work.” show was the College’s presiMary DiRienzo, a junior eldent, Kathryn Foster. ementary education major with While onstage, the audience a music concentration, played members interacted with the cast Rona Lisa Peretti in the musias they sat on the bleachers and cal, the moderator and veteran were called up to spell words, of the Bee. before getting stumped with one “My experience was like no that was too hard to spell and re- other show experience I’ve ever turning to their seats. had. Being in a cast of 10 amazAudience members received ing performers, we really had the show well, including senior to lean on each other because Photo courtesy of TCNJ Musical Theatre music major Lana Holgado. of the improv and funny bits DiRienzo plays the Bee’s moderator. “I thought it was a really fun we created together,” DiRienzo
Photo courtesy of TCNJ Musical Theatre
said. “But a lot of those funny moments were rooted in the friendships we have found in each other.” A veteran herself of many TMT productions, DiRienzo has cherished the friendships she has made over the years with new and old friends. “The cast really supported each other and allowed ourselves to grow as each week passed,” DiRienzo said. “Hearing that the audiences loved the cast chemistry meant that we did justice to the show, and we created the joy that is ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.’”
Sarnoff Collection commemorates 100 years of RCA
Left: Artifacts are displayed in the exhibit. Right: Vintage television systems are among the curated collectables. By Chelsie Derman Staff Writer
Honoring the Radio Corporation of America’s 100th birthday, citizens came to celebrate innovation on Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Sarnoff Collection in Roscoe West Hall. Beginning at 11 a.m., the event offered a chance for anyone to come in and immerse themselves in RCA’s history. From stands with old newspaper pages to dated advertisements, guests got a feel the vast impact of RCA at the time of its creation. “RCA was the Apple of the 1900s,” said Shayla Nolan, a senior art education major. “All the main developments in recent technology were stemmed from this. So once again, radio, television, color television, all video recording like the video recordings of the moon landing — that is all RCA.” RCA, got its official name on Nov. 20, 1919, as it was previously known as the
Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America before General Electric Company took over and gave it its modern name. However, David Sarnoff, who was involved with the previous company, kept his position as the commercial manager. The event commemorated the establishment of RCA. From older guests reminiscing over the vintage radio systems to families with young children getting a hands-on learning experience, all guests were able to celebrate the creation of RCA. Early in the event, guests had the opportunity to create a paper circuit birthday card. Some students, as well as young children, participated in the event, where they crafted cards and learned how light works. Sarnoff curator Florencia Pierri described step-by-step how to make the card light up — first by using copper tape to create a circuit and then connecting it to the battery to produce light.
While a limited number of guests could create the paper circuit card, other guests surveyed the room, looking at RCA inventions such as the ColorTrak EFR291 Television, which was released in February 1981 and was the smallest portable color television at the time. Another interesting creation was the sound tape cartridge player, which was introduced to the public in 1959, but the system itself was not a success until the development of the eight-track system in 1964. Not only were these inventions on display, but also guests could play games on a computer with an old fashioned keyboard. Set up in the side of the room was a computer, programmed with the games of Joseph Weisbecker, a computer development engineer at RCA. Guests could play old games, which looked like a rectangle traveling along the screen. For Weisbecker, most of his games
Jennifer Somers / Photo Editor
were logic puzzles, which allowed players to get an insight of the inner workings of computer programming. Pierri also expressed how important RCA is today. “It was a really huge influential company in its era,” Pierri said. “The things we use for our phones, our cameras, our computers are also developed here.” Pierri pointed out how RCA researchers invented LCD and LED screens, which people use on a daily basis. From making paper circuits to learning about the crystal set and how the vintage radio was produced, guests got to reminisce about RCA’s rich history, which has had a major influence on the technologybased world of today. “It’s sad because it can be kind of forgotten sometimes,” Nolan said. “But it’s the hub of how everything has become the way it is.”
page 16 The Signal November 20, 2019
Characters find romance in ‘Last Christmas’
Clarke and Golding carry the film with their chemistry. By Debra Kate Schafer Staff Writer There are a few romantic movie tropes that are overused and tired at this point — forbidden love, fake relationships and main characters with illnesses. “Last Christmas” takes the latter and turns it on its head. Yes, one of the main characters has a run-in with a life-threatening condition, but the movie’s overall plot does not dwell on this to evoke tears from its audience. It’s simply an aspect of one of the characters. The film is not about
YouTube
life coming to an end — it’s about life just getting started. Emilia Clarke, best known for her work on “Game of Thrones,” plays a cynical elf, of sorts, in the most hilariously relatable way possible. By elf, I mean that she spends at least half of the movie in an elf costume — her day job is working in a strictly Christmas-themed boutique in the heart of London. Her character, Kate, is quirky, careless and working a dead-end job. She’s about as lost as you can be when you’re in your late 20s, have alienated all of your friends
and have lost touch with your artistic dreams. However, she doesn’t stay that way, thanks to a handsome Londoner who has his eye on the sky. Henry Golding, a newcomer to the Hollywood acting scene who rose to fame after his leading role in “Crazy Rich Asians,” effortlessly portrays Tom Webster, a kind-hearted, level-headed stranger, who is just as whimsical as he is mysterious. Tom doesn’t have a cell phone and has never even heard of the movie “Frozen,” but thanks to his impromptu ice skating dates and inspirational lessons, he still managed to play a big role in the evolution of Kate’s heart and soul. I found that “Last Christmas” would not be worthy of eight out of 10 stars if it wasn’t for Clarke and Golding’s perfect back-and-forth. An evident takeaway of the pair’s on-screen relationship is the fact that they are an interracial couple — something that is not once explicitly stated during the film, which allows them to be who they are without drama or attention. They aren’t the only interracial couple, either, because we get to know two others throughout the duration of the movie. Not only
that, but the diverse backgrounds and humble lifestyles of Kate and her family (who moved from Yugoslavia when she was young and lived in the U.K. for many years) are celebrated and appreciated in a respectful manner. During the climax of “Last Christmas,” there is an unexpected plot point that had even me, an avid romance movie watcher and wannabe screenwriter, dropping my jaw. The dialogue, depth and consistency of the film was seamless right out of the gate, as audiences meet a young Kate in an opening flashback scene where she is leading her church’s choir in song. During a nostalgiainducing Christmas Mass, her family looks on fondly as the seemingly picture-perfect family has an even more picture perfect London holiday. An added bonus was the inclusion of the incomparable Emma Thompson. She not only wrote, produced and starred in the movie as Kate’s mother, but also served as the perfect source of comic relief. The legendary actress crafted a story that was equally astonishing as it was predictable. It had everything from upbeat musical numbers to heart-stopping twists and turns,
something that I can surely get behind in 2019. Yet it was Golding and Clarke who shone, as they brought to life two strong, resilient main characters that you can’t help but adore. They shed the preconceptions of typical rom-com protagonists. Their on-screen chemistry does not seem the least bit forced, turning what could be a cheesy, romantic, holiday movie into something fresh, special and memorable. The soundtrack of the film is based around George Michael’s stellar musical catalog, which plays on the fact that Kate is a massive fan of him. Each song is beloved, poignant and brings a deeper meaning to the score than upon first glance. Take the title track, for example — the classic holiday belter “Last Christmas.” It comes off as a predictable, romantic tune yearning for a past lover during the holiday season, but it may or may not play a large part in the plot of the film. You have to really listen to the lyrics of “Last Christmas” word-for-word to understand the film’s very own connections between a lost love, a lost heart and a bond that will surely last beyond Dec. 25.
‘The End of the F***ing World’ returns to Netflix
Series makes booming comeback after two-year hiatus
Left: Alyssa struggles to find herself after last year’s events. Right: James bonds with his dad after recovering from last season’s dangerous adventures. By Esther Morales Staff Writer Fans of the hit Netflix UK original series, “The End of the F***ing World,” were finally able to get their fix when the second season dropped on Nov. 5 after a highly anticipated two-year wait. “The End of the F***ing World” is a dark British comedy based on the comic of the same name by Charles Forsman. The story follows the lives of two troubled teens, which provides audiences the opportunity to fall in love with the characters James (Alex Lawther), a self-proclaimed psychopath, and Alyssa (Jessica Barden), an angsty teen with a problematic life at home. At the beginning of their story in season one, James was dead-set on killing Alyssa, unbeknownst to her, but as time goes on, he develops romantic feelings for her while getting caught up in wild and dangerous scenarios.
Season 2 starts by introducing the story’s new antagonist. Bonnie (Naomi Ackie), a woman recently released from prison, is on a mission to avenge the death of her lover, professor Clive Koch (Jonathan Aris). Bonnie’s goal is fueled by her hatred for Alyssa and James, as she believes that they need to be punished for their crimes. The new season was definitely worth the wait and lives up to the success and buzz of the first. I came back for the dark comedy, but I stayed for the drama and character development. The show has a slowly-built suspense and eerie overlay to the plotline following James, Alyssa and Bonnie, which had me unable to take my eyes off the screen and kept me binging through the night. There was something endearing about the new way that James deeply cares for Alyssa, despite his inability to express his true feelings. This season puts humanity back into James that he thought he lost and
shows a sweet, young man striving to be more vulnerable. The show perfects the portrayal of the character’s emotional dilemmas through their use of inner monologues paired with James and Alyssa’s tendencies to almost always speak in short, sharp and blatant statements, masking what they really mean. Throughout the eight episodes, a new side to Alyssa is gradually revealed. Coming as more of a shock to James rather than the viewers, we see that Alyssa is still dealing with the aftermath of an assault and trying to move away from her past in whatever way will occupy her. This season heavily relies on Alyssa’s life, and Barden does the hard-headed character justice in her performance by enabling audiences to sympathize with the thick-skinned girl who isn’t always unbothered by things as she claims to be. I thought it was fitting for there to be a less comedic undertone this season. The show
YouTube
took a bit more serious approach when dealing with heavier topics, such as death, sexual assault and mental illness. Ackie is able to give the brooding Bonnie the spotlight this season amongst the other characters. Her portrayal of Bonnie makes for a highly convincing naive, grieving, mentally ill woman. Despite Bonnie’s actions, I still felt sympathy towards her character and found it difficult to villainize her because of her complex backstory. Introducing her was a clever way to connect the plot of the previous season. The new season still leaves us with some unanswered questions about what lies ahead for James and Alyssa, but there is hope that the dynamic pair will return for a third season sooner than later. If you’re looking for a show to binge and emotionally invest in, don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world. It’s “The End of the F***ing World,” which checks all the boxes and fails to disappoint.
November 20, 2019 The Signal page 17
Sports Men’s Basketball
Men’s basketball moves to 2-1 By Ann Brunn Staff Writer The men’s basketball team won its season opener by a score of 93-51 against Misericordia University in Dallas, Penn., on Nov. 12. With just under 12 minutes to play in the first half, the Lions had built themselves a 25-12 lead. Senior forward Mike Walley made a layup to make the score 14-7, followed by senior guard Randy Walko, who converted from inside the paint and then connected on a jumper to stretch the lead to 18-9. A three-pointer from sophomore guard Sterling White, along with a layup from senior forward Ryan Jensen, gave the Lions a 13-point advantage. The Lions took a 47-27 lead into halftime, courtesy of a Walko layup and three-pointer that extended the lead to 42-21. Jensen and junior forward Travis Jocelyn added a pair of free throws to swell the lead to 20. Opening the second half on a 12-0 run, the Lions did not take their feet off the gas pedal. Back-to-back Walko baskets with a Walley three-pointer ignited the scoring run. Shortly after, Jocelyn and Walko each
hit layups, and then sophomore center Danny Bodine sent in a dunk. Senior guard Tommy Egan connected from behind the arc to put the Lions’ lead at 64-33 with 15:25 left to play. The team maintained control for the rest of the game and cruised to its first victory of the season. Walko led all scorers, posting 31 points on the night by shooting 13 of 16 from the field and grabbing seven rebounds. Jensen had 14 points on five of eight from the floor. Jocelyn followed
Jocelyn looks to set up a shot.
Women’s Basketball
with 13 points and eight rebounds. Walley was the fourth player in double figures, tallying 11 points on the evening. As a whole, the Lions shot 51.4 percent, 34 for 64 from the floor, and collected 21 assists. They also had the advantage in the paint, scoring 40 of their 93 points down low and holding Misericordia to 16 points in the post. Later, on Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, the Lions played in the Drew University Rose City Tip-Off Classic. They were edged 88-81 by Hamilton
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
see WIN page 19
Women win opener Field ends By Matthew Shaffer Staff Writer The College’s women’s basketball team defeated Ithaca College 75-61 in its home opener on Friday, Nov. 15, earning its second consecutive victory by 14 points or more and improving its overall record to 2-1 on the season. The Lions hopped out to an early lead in the first quarter by draining three threepointers and scoring 17 points in total. Both teams played at a fast pace, hoisting up tons of three-pointers and pushing the ball on fastbreaks. Ithaca shot a dismal 20 percent from the field in the first quarter and was unable to make any fastbreak layups or shots from the outside. Meanwhile, the Lions were clicking on offense, as senior forward Jen Byrne was draining shots all over, and junior guard
Elle Cimiluca hit two three-point shots in a row. At halftime, the Lions were up 33-22, as Byrne led the team in scoring. Late in the second half, Byrne exploded for four more three-pointers, keeping the College comfortably ahead. A three-pointer assisted by freshman guard Sydney Blum marked Byrne’s 1,000th career point. She reached the milestone after starting her 64th game for the Lions over the past four years. Ithaca never pulled within eight points, as the Lions continued to pour in the points and play a stellar perimeter defense. They held their opponent to just one three-pointer on the day. The strong front of Byrne and junior forward Shannon Devitt combined for 45 of the team’s 75 points. Blum and Cimiluca also added seven and eight points, respectively. The Lions played on the road against Moravian College on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
Byrne dribbles skillfully past defenders.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
College in the first game on Saturday. The first half consisted of a backand-forth scoring affair with neither team being able to establish a lead. This was until Hamilton took a 28-21 lead with nine minutes left to play. The Lions countered with a 10-0 run to regain a three-point lead. Walley jump-started the rally with a steal and found Walko for the breakaway dunk. Jensen followed with a three-pointer and a layup, while White capped off the scoring run by connecting from three-point land to give the Lions a 31-28 lead. Walko converted the old-fashioned three-point play moments before the half ended, as he was fouled on a fast break layup and made the free throw. The Lions held a 38-36 advantage going into the locker room. Both teams were trading baskets with just under seven minutes to play in the game. After a Hamilton three-pointer, Jensen hit a pair of foul shots and Jocelyn made a layup to put the Lions on top 66-65 with six minutes left to play. However, Hamilton was able to regain control for the rest of the game, taking a 78-71 lead into the final minute of play.
Field Hockey
hockey season
By Christine Houghton Sports Editor The field hockey team hosted Franklin and Marshall University on Saturday, Nov. 16, for the first round of the NCAA Tournament, ending in an unfortunate 4-3 loss for the Lions. The team’s season came to a close after its 18-game winning streak was snapped. Late in the first quarter, sophomore midfielder/defender Camryn Ley sent a strong pass to senior forward Cayla Andrews for the game’s first goal. This would be the Lions’ only goal going into halftime, as Franklin and Marshall not only stifled them defensively, but scored two goals on top of that.
falls, 18-1
The team came out strong to start the third quarter, with Ley landing yet another assist, this time to junior forward Tori Tiefenthaler, to tie the score 2-2. Franklin and Marshall followed suit at the end of the quarter, as it converted a penalty shot for a 3-2 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, senior forward/midfielder Kayla Peterson converted a penalty corner to yet again tie the game, this time 3-3. Both teams would take this score to the end of regulation and push the game into overtime, where it would only take Franklin and Marshall about two minutes to seal the deal and put away a 4-3 win. The team ends its season 18-1 and ranked No. 1 for the first time since 2015.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Andrews winds up to pass inside the crease.
page 18 The Signal November 20, 2019
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November 20, 2019 The Signal page 19 Football
Football ends season, blows 17-point lead By Matthew Shaffer Staff Writer The College’s football team lost a nail-biter to Rowan, 24-20, giving up a touchdown in the final minute of the fourth quarter. The loss gave the Lions a 2-8 record on the season, while Rowan finished at 4-6. To start things off in Glassboro, New Jersey, Rowan called five straight running plays, slowly marching up the field. That drive put Rowan at the 10-yard line, but it was forced to kick a 27-yard field goal on fourth down. On the next drive, the Lions answered back with a score of their own. On third and short, junior quarterback Andrew Donoghue found senior wide receiver Vinny Guckin for a 34-yard hookup. The catch set up a 27-yard rushing touchdown by sophomore running back Mark Pacini, making the score 7-3. Rowan wasted no time and started driving back down into Lions’ territory before fumbling the ball right at the end of the first quarter. The College stuck to what worked on its first drive, and handed it off to Pacini, who grinded out another first-half touchdown early in the second quarter, extending the lead to 14-3. Rowan was quiet for the rest of the first half until finding itself in the red zone by the two-minute warning. A goal line stand by the defense prompted Rowan to attempt a 20-yard chip shot field goal, which was blocked by junior defensive back Shane Richey. It was a big play by the special teams going into halftime. On the first possession for the Lions, the team went 10 plays for 72 yards and a touchdown, draining five minutes off the clock. It was a Donoghue bomb to Senior reciever Jack Clevenger that led to the 13-yard score from Guckin. The extra point was missed, which proved to be a critical point later in the game. Going into the fourth quarter, the Lions were up 20-3. Rowan received a punt early in the fourth and put together a touchdown drive on a 33-yard reception,
Junior linebacker Gavin Liepe lines up before a play.
cutting the lead to 10. The Lions’ offense went three and out on their next possession and gave the ball right back to Rowan. On the third play from scrimmage the Lions let up a 70-yard touchdown reception to cut the lead to a mere three points at 20-17. Unable to get a first down again, the Lions’ offense was forced to punt, giving Rowan the ball with three minutes to go. Rowan drove down the field for 76 yards in only one minute and 47 seconds. The Lions’ defense was unable to stop them on third down and two, giving up a touchdown with 28
Photo courtesy of The Sports Information Desk
seconds left and putting Rowan ahead 24-20. It was 21 unanswered points, as well as over 500 yards of total offense for Rowan that led to the last minute victory over the College. Pacini had an impressive day on the ground, scoring two touchdowns while gaining 162 yards. Overall, it was a disappointing season for the College, with the team losing multiple close games and going six games under .500. The Lions will look to add new recruits and tighten things up in the offseason as they prepare for yet another rigorous season in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.
Win / Walko scores 24 Women’s soccer falls Men’s Basketball
continued from page 17 Walko led all Lions’ scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds. Jensen notched his first double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds while also collecting two blocks. Jocelyn added 21 points, while White scored nine points and added four rebounds, as Bodine contributed eight points. The Lions faced off against The College at Old Westbury in the consolation game of the Tip-Off Classic, winning by a score of 84-69 and moving to 2-1 on the season. Old Westbury jumped out to an 11-10 lead five minutes into the game, but the Lions countered by going on a 19-10 run with the help of some Jocelyn baskets
The guard dribbles past a defender.
in the paint, followed by an Egan three pointer that gave them a 29-21 lead. With five minutes to play in the first half, Egan got a steal and kicked it ahead to White, who connected for the layup. Freshman forward Jim Clemente stretched the lead to 42-30. At the half, the Lions were in control 47-35. The Lions came out of halftime firing on all cylinders. Junior guard PJ Ringel stole the ball from Old Westbury and made the outlet pass to Jocelyn, who converted the fast break layup. The Lions’ biggest lead of the game came off a Walley three-pointer with 16:38 to play, making the lead 58-38. By controlling the tempo for the rest of the game, the Lions picked up their second win of the season.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Women’s Soccer
By Ann Brunn Staff Writer The women’s soccer team had its season come to a close on Sunday, Nov. 17, in the second round of the NCAA Division III Championship tournament against Tufts University. The Lions reached the second round by picking up an 8-0 victory over John Jay College in the first round of the Division III NCAA Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Lions’ Stadium. Freshman midfielder Gianna Coppola started the scoring off for the Lions in the 14th minute, when she tapped in a corner kick from the left post. Just over five minutes later, junior midfielder Caroline Rubin extended the lead to 2-0 after converting a pass that failed to clear the box. Coppola sent a pass to freshman forward Lindsay O’Keefe, who found the back of the night and tacked on another goal to the Lions’ growing lead. In the 32nd minute, freshman forward Nina Carlson set up senior midfielder Alexa Pestritto for the fourth Lions’ goal of the first half. Pestritto connected on Carlson’s pass from 12 yards out of the goal to give the Lions a 4-0 advantage heading into halftime. The team continued its stifling offensive attack in the second half, as Rubin and Pestritto each collected their second goal of the afternoon. Senior midfielder Haley Bodden and sophomore midfielder Lauren McLaughlin also joined the scoring brigade for the Lions. In goal, senior goalkeeper Nicole DiPasquale and junior goalkeeper Alexandra Panasuk combined for the shutout. On Sunday, the Lions had a hard fought match with Tufts University,
which ended in a 2-0 Lions defeat. DiPasquale was tested in the first half, but came up with two saves to keep the score at 0-0. The tie remained throughout the duration of the second half, as junior forward Julianna Bertolino and O’Keefe each had scoring opportunities that were stifled by the Tufts goalkeeper. Tufts broke the scoreless tie in the 72nd minute and added to the lead in the 83rd minute with another goal to win 2-0. The Lions finished their season at 17-2-1 being ranked in the top 10 in the nation all season, collecting their third straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship and making their 29th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Bertolino keeps the ball in.
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Signal
Swimming, diving teams add to perfect record, improve to 3-0 By Christine Houghton Sports Editor
The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams traveled to Montclair State University on Saturday, Nov. 16, for a New Jersey Athletic Conference dual meet. The men won their meet 190-97, while the women topped their opponent 176.5-123.5. For the men, the meet started strong with a relay win, as the 100-meter medley team of juniors Andrew Thompson and Patrick Bakey, senior Derek Kneisel and freshman Patrick Sullivan finished with a time of 1:40.17. In the 1,000-meter freestyle race, the Lions placed first and second, as junior James Kean finished at 10:17.76 and sophomore Brett Clauhs touched the wall at 10:37.31. The 200-meter freestyle had Thompson and junior Kai Michaud finishing first at 1:47.22 and second at 1:48.77, respectively. Kneisel won the 100-meter backstroke, coming in at a time of 53.76, while Sullivan placed first in the 100meter breaststroke with a time of 1:01.88. Junior Griffin Morgan won the 50-meter freestyle at 21.70. The 400-meter relay team of Thompson, Sullivan, Kneisel and junior Nolan Kuscan rounded out the swimming races with a win, coming in at 3:20.44. Junior divers Jay Soukup and Ethan Staiman swept the 1-meter dive with scores of 257.3 and 171.4, respectively. The women did equally well, as senior Annie Menninger started the day off with a win in the 1,000-meter freestyle with a time of 11:12.43. Sophomore Zoe Chan continued the winning by taking the 100-meter backstroke with a time of 1:01.12.
Menninger added another win, as she touched the wall at 1:10.01 in the 100-meter breaststroke. Sophomore Kori Jelinek and junior Niki Meskin went 1-2 in the 200-meter butterfly with the times of 2:19.07 and 2:20.09, respectively. Chan outswam her competition with a win in the 200-meter individual medley at 2:13.62, as well as the 100-meter butterfly, in which she swam a 57.54,
breaking the Montclair State pool record time. Freshman Gabi Valladares performed well in the 1-meter dive with a score of 210.55. The 400-meter freestyle relay team of senior Kazia Moore, junior Elise Fraser and freshmen Shannon Hesse and Rachel Hannah closed out the meet with a win at 3:48.77. The teams return to the pool on Friday, Nov. 22, as they host Southern Connecticut State University for a dual meet.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Chan breaks a pool record in the 100-meter butterfly.
XC team ends season Wrestling places at Regional meet 12 at Invitational By Ann Brunn Staff Writer The men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in the NCAA Division III Atlantic Regional on Saturday, Nov. 16, at St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y. The men’s team placed seventh out of 42 teams, tallying 242 points. Junior Robert Abrams finished ninth overall with a time of 25:30.3 in the 8-kilometer race. His finish was good enough for an automatic qualification for the individual competition to the NCAA Division III Championship in Louisville, Ky., on Saturday, Nov. 23. Junior Matt Kole and senior Evan Bush crossed the line at 26:17.18 and 26:18.8, respectively, which was good for 48th and 49th place. Senior Mike Zurzolo placed in 62nd with a time of 26:28.9, while sophomore William Mayhew rounded out the scoring placements for the Lions in 74th place at 26:41.7. The women’s team finished in 13th out of 38 teams and collected 386 points. Sophomore Kelsey Kobus paced the Lions
Lions Lineup November 20, 2019
I n s i d e
with a 58th place finish at a time of 24:03.2 in the 6-kilometer race. Junior Emily Forester crossed the line at 24:26.3, which was good for 72nd place, and sophomore Jazzlyn Diaz came in at 80th place with a time of 24:37.2. Rounding out the scoring positions for the Lions were junior Marykate Bailey and sophomore Emily Prendergast, posting times of 24:43.0 and 24:45.2, good for 86th and 90th place, respectively. All five Lions who placed will return for the 2020 season, and Abrams will return to the track on Saturday, Nov. 23, for the NCAA Championship.
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Abrams advances to the finals.
Football page 19
By Christine Houghton Sports Editor During a two-day meet from Friday, Nov. 15, to Saturday, Nov. 16, the College placed third among 17 teams at the Roger Williams Invitational. Twelve individual wrestlers also placed in their respective weight classes. Starting with the 125-pound weight class, freshman Nick Denora won two matches during his day, but failed to claim a spot on the podium. In the 133-pound class, junior Jake Giordano won three matches during his day at the mat, but eventually fell in a 4-2 decision in the championship match, which gave him second place. Freshman Domenic DiFrancescantonio claimed third, while sixth place went to junior Ryan Manahan. Junior Robert Dinger was the star for the 141-pound weight class, winning four straight matches for the weight class title. Sophomore Steven Schwab placed fifth in the weight class. Meanwhile, in the 149-pound consolation bracket, freshman Alex Amato won three straight matches, but fell short of a podium spot.
Women’s Soccer page 19
Men’s Basketball page 17
Sophomore John Garda made his way to the semifinals in the 165-pound weight class, but ultimately settled for sixth place. Senior Dan Kilroy mirrored Garda’s run and settled for sixth place in the 174-pound weight class. Junior Daniel Surich reached the 184pound semifinals round, but had to settle for sixth place. In the 197-pound category, junior Thomas Anderson put in a solid effort, making it to the semifinals, where he wrestled in his only defeat of the day. In consolation rounds, Anderson faced teammate sophomore Quinn Haddad in a match that Anderson won. Haddad finished fifth on the day, while Anderson took third place in the weight class. Closing out the day, at heavyweight, sophomore Thomas Marretta suffered a loss in the quarterfinals, but was able to claim third place in consolation matches. Freshman Dylan D’Amore also lost a match in the quarterfinals, which sent him to consolations matches, where he claimed sixth place. The team returns to the mat on Friday, Nov. 22, for a dual mat at York College of Pennsylvania.
Women’s Basketball page 17
Field Hockey page 17