The Signal: Fall '13, No. 13

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Vol. XXXIX, No. 13

For elections, SG votes but students don’t

December 4, 2013

Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885

Shining a light on spirituality

By Julie Kayzerman Nation & World Editor

Students have seen the fliers, deleted the email blasts and been invited to the Facebook events. But it’s still rare to find students who actually know why they are voting for a specific candidate in the Student Government elections, if they even vote at all.

This past fall, 1,200 of the 6,700 students at the College voted in Student Government elections, 606 less students than last spring’s turnout of 1,806, according to alternate student trustee Ryan Boyne.

“I think year to year we see a change in who votes for what,” said Student Government president Tyler Liberty, who explained that they changed this year’s elections to add more freshman spots. “I think that definitely contributed (to the decrease) in that upperclassmen actually draw a lot more votes than you’d think because they have their friends vote for them and people that they’ve made connections with over the past two to four years, who vote more than freshmen who just got here.”

A survey conducted of 152 students at the College showed that 63 percent of students see ELECTIONS page 2

Tackling our gender roles

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Campus religious leaders provide students with guidance and services that often go overlooked.

By Colleen Murphy Review Editor

Many consider a student’s years in college to be the most critical time for his or her religious and spiritual development. The College offers nine religious and spiritual organizations for students to explore their faith if they choose to do so.

“We as a College believe in whole-person development, and spirituality is a big part of that for many people, though not everybody,” assistant vice president for Student Affairs Ceil O’Callaghan said.

“But, for many people, they will not be fully actualized without also developing their spirituality.”

The most recent national survey the

College was a part of indicated that 49 percent of incoming freshman were Roman Catholic. After Catholicism, Judaism was the next largest group, with all other religions combined being less than the percentage of students who are Jewish.

However, a survey led by the College showed much lower percentages of believers in all religions, yet more diversity in the religions students identified themselves as.

But the homegrown survey had a much smaller response rate, according to O’Callaghan. Instead, she said that a more accurate predictor of the religious and spiritual makeup of the College can be measured by looking at the student group sizes.

According to O’Callaghan, Catholic Campus Ministries (CCM) and New Jersey Christian Fellowship (NJCF), a nondenominational Protestant group, are the two biggest groups on campus. While CCM gets in total 200 to 250 congregants at its three weekend masses, NJCF gets anywhere from 100 to 150 people in one sitting.

To differentiate between a religious organization being created based on student interest and a religion trying to attract students, the College requires that the organization first become a recognized student group. Then it may assume the status as a religious entity.

Wall Street Journal editor evolves

see RELIGION on page 3

By Annabel Lau News Assistant

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

LGBTQ activist Liam Oliver, page 13.

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

A former managing editor of the Wall Street Journal shared his experiences with the College regarding the start and successes of his brainchild, the nonprofit investigative news organization ProPublica, on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Paul Steiger, now executive chairman of ProPublica’s board of directors, worked for the Wall Street Journal until the end of 2007, when he started ProPublica with the financial support of Herbert and Marion Sandler, former chief executives of Golden West Financial.

“So off we went,” Steiger said. “The model was this: It was going to be not-for-profit. We were going to shine the spotlight on abusive power and failure to uphold the public interest by anyone in power … everything we write goes out for free on our website.”

Dedicated to investigative journalism, ProPublica seeks to expose abuses of power and then offers the stories free of charge to larger news platforms, where the stories can reach audiences most likely to be able to enact change.

“We don’t lobby,” Steiger said. “We use only the techniques of journalism, but we try to put the story in front of people that can respond to it.”

Editorial / Page 9

Opinions / Page 11

Annabel Lau / News Assistant

Steiger explores investigative journalism’s future.

Steiger spoke about a ProPublica story that exposed a legal loophole in California, where it once took fired nurses up to six years to lose their nursing licenses. Many of the nurses — who were abusive toward patients — were rehired in other hospitals almost immediately, continuing the cycle of abuse.

Features / Page 13

see EDITOR on page 3 Arts & Entertainment / Page 17

Sports / Page 28

Writer Adam Levin Read The Signal’s review of Levin’s new fiction.

Minority Awareness Jamal Johnson examines real diversity on campus.

Gray Thursday The chaos begins one day earlier.

See A&E page 17

See News page 5

See Features page 13

page 2 The Signal December 4, 2013

Life gives Lemon inspiration and heritage

By Jonathan Machlin Staff Writer Tony Award winning actor, poet and spoken word artist Lemon Andersen gave a speech on “The New Latino” in American society at the College on Monday, Nov. 18.

The purpose of the speech was to teach students how his upbringing and the people he knew influenced him as a performer and helped him to see the changing role of Latino-Americans.

Andersen, the winner of the 2003 Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event for “Def Poetry Jam,” spoke about his upbringing in New York City, in which he was born to a Puerto Rican mother and Norwegian father. While his first name is actually Andrew, he was nicknamed “Lemon-head” in high school because he had the lightest skin of anyone at the school.

“The name stuck,” Andersen

said, and he kept the name Lemon into his professional life.

During the speech, Andersen spoke about the cultural shift that has made many Latino-Americans of second through fifth generations take on other cultural trademarks, such as ways of speaking, musical instruments and even methods of performing. However, he added that because of the very diverse set of cultures that make up LatinoAmericans in the United States, it would be impossible to make generalizations about all of them.

“I can’t speak for every Latino,” Andersen said. “I speak for those I identify with.”

He added that Mexican-Americans on the West Coast have a very different culture from the LatinoAmericans on the East Coast and in New York City.

Andersen also mentioned the importance of education on one’s cultural identity.

“Education changed me,” he said. “I know more about our journey — to the point that I can speak about it, stand behind it (and) identify with it. Identity is about education.”

Andersen added that his education gave him some leverage over other performing poets.

Andersen also detailed his childhood, in which he stated that he often got to watch PBS as a child, especially when his mother would be doing drug purchases in his family’s living room.

“I watched a lot of ‘Masterpiece Theater,’” he said. “My mother was a straight-up drug dealer but loved PBS — she watched ‘Nova’ and ‘Masterpiece’ while selling drugs.”

Andersen pointed out another challenge for him — having the last name “Andersen,” which resulted in him being less accepted in the Latino community as a speaker.

“I just didn’t have the kind of

AP Photo

Andersen says his identity was developed by education. last name that would appeal to colleges (and other schools) during Hispanic Heritage Month,” he said.

Andersen’s writing, performance and work with companies on diversity helped him get over the hump and get the kind of good media coverage to be a good speaker at schools.

The speech concluded when

Andersen was asked about his work in such movies as “Inside Man” and “The Soloist.” Andersen stated that he had fun working with such A-List actors as Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Clive Owen and Denzel Washington. However, as for his relationship with director Spike Lee, Andersen said, “(Lee) is my favorite person in the world.”

Elections / More populist than practical voting continued from page 1

vote in elections and 37 percent of students don’t. When asked why they didn’t vote in elections, several responses suggested that they didn’t know where to vote or why they should vote for the candidates.

“I think on our end, we could’ve done a better job publicizing it,” Liberty said. “I think there’s always room for improvement in how you advertise elections.”

Of the people who answered yes to voting in the survey, 40 percent of students claimed to vote based on which candidate they thought is best based on their ideas. However, a close 37 percent admitted that they voted directly for their friends.

During election season, it’s often found that the academic and dormitory halls are bombarded with fliers advertising a candidate’s name and picture. However, there is no information given on why students should vote for these candidates besides the fact that

their name rhymes with something catchy and their picture is cute or funny.

“I don’t vote because I don’t feel adequately informed about the candidates, and I don’t want to make an uneducated vote,” one response from the survey read.

Other responses dictated that several students vote based on name recognition only, meaning that candidates were successful in garnering votes because they campaigned well, most likely by handing out lollipops or stickers with their names on it. However, this campaigning still doesn’t give any information as to why the candidates will be suitable for the job — it merely provides a tasty snack in between walks to class.

“I think in the past we had a candidate forum,” Liberty said. “But the only people who would go were people in Student Government, so I think it’s a toss-up between, ‘Hey I want know who I’m voting for but I don’t want take time out of my day to listen.’”

There is, however, an undercover way to get information about candidates. Their bios can be viewed by clicking on the candidates’ names on the ballot — but this is only offered during the actual day of elections.

“I think that comes back to us,” Liberty

Nov. 20 and asked for feedback on current student affairs activities.

Hecht, a south Florida native, has served notable administrative positions at Temple University, Cabrini College and Auburn University before accepting the position here at the College. She realized her passion for student affairs while studying as an undergraduate student at Florida State University.

“I was very involved with (the Student Government Association),” Hecht said. “So (I) became really involved on campus and realized I could spend my whole career working on college campuses and doing what I was already loving to do and get paid for it.”

After listening intently to feedback from SG members — who expressed concern about low attendance at athletic events, a lack of a support network for transfer students and the absence of school-sponsored off-campus Greek housing — Hecht voiced her desire to get to know students at the College.

“My door is always open,” Hecht said. “I work here because I love working with college students, so if you ever want to grab a cup of coffee or a drink, swing by my office and I hope to have time to do that.”

SG also viewed a presentation on the results of the Summer 2013 Assessment of Liberal Learning, which assessed anonymous essays from both FSP classes

and senior capstone classes. Business librarian Terrence Bennett and professor of philosophy John Sisko — who presented at the meeting — were part of the fiveperson committee that read over the essays last summer.

The study involved reading 150 randomly-selected papers — 75 from FSPs and 75 from capstone courses — and scoring them in five categories of critical thinking: evidence, conclusions, context and assumptions, student’s position and explanation of issues. The readers found that, on average, seniors’ papers tend to score much higher in the categories than those of freshmen, suggesting that the academic goals of liberal learning seem to have been met for 2013.

“Between FSPs and capstones, all the lines are sloping upward, meaning that for all of these … five components of critical thinking, the average capstones were scoring much higher than the average FSPs,” Bennett said.

Bennett clarified that the study does not assess the liberal learning program itself, but rather whether the goals of liberal learning are being met.

“Liberal learning has a lot of goals, one of which is to improve students’ writing skills,” he said. “We’re not measuring

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

SG is sworn in amidst low turnout.

said on the feature of viewing bios on the ballot that is highly unknown to the student body. “It’s tough for us because for people who have been in Student Government for three or four years now, we sort of know everything and are used to it.”

As students are not well-informed of election details or candidate ideals, the results of elections often stem from the amount of organizations a candidate is in, as they are able to receive votes from friends.

However, Liberty explained that although a person may be acquiring several votes from friends, it is still imperative that they get outside votes in order to win against other candidates.

“I think it is important (to vote),” Liberty said. “I think that you’re electing the people who want to represent you. We’re lucky that on this campus, we have a lot more say in the way that things run than most student governments do across the nation, and we’re able to do that with a strong general body.”

New VP and liberal learning bound for success

Monica Murphy / Staff Photographer

Bennett discusses academic goals.

By Annabel Lau News Assistant

The College’s new vice president for student affairs Amy Hecht, whose tenure begins in January, officially introduced herself to the Student Government on Wednesday,

whether liberal learning works ... what we’re attempting to measure are whether the outcomes of liberal learning seem to be achieved.”

Chief Information Officer Jerry Waldron, from Information Technology explained the results of the annual I.T. survey, which was sent out to students in November. 95 percent of the suggestions from the survey were about Wi-Fi, Waldron said.

“Wireless is (a priority) that we have put a lot of work into,” Waldron said. “By the end of this year, there should be only one academic building left that isn’t completely wireless.”

Waldron said that many residence halls on campus were set up with Wi-Fi this year as well.

“Cromwell went wireless this summer,” Waldron said. “E.A.B. as well. Norsworthy is coming up next after that.”

Waldron also mentioned the status of the College’s contract with Verizon, which currently does not have a cell tower in the area.

“Verizon is not on campus,” Waldron said. “Verizon will be on campus. We’ve been negotiating with them. We’re in the contract stage right now… so that will put us in a good position. Between that and the additional wireless ... we’ll have the connectivity that we’ll need.”

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 3

Editor / Journalistic risk worth the reward continued from page 1

Steiger mentioned an instance in which a reporter encountered a nurse on the verge of replacing a patient’s drugs with saltwater.

Surprisingly, the nurse expressed gratitude at being caught.

“One guy (said), ‘I’m so glad you found me. Please stop me before I do this again,’” Steiger said. “He realized he was so addicted that he was going to steal patients’ drugs again.”

After the story broke, the state government fired the board in charge of inspecting nurses’ licenses and rehired a new group to solve the issue.

ProPublica has engendered change with many of its investigative pieces. While some stories are noticed almost immediately, others take longer. But despite its difficult start as a nonprofit news

organization, ProPublica has enjoyed great success, Steiger said.

“We’ve gone from brand new to being recognized nationally in journalism,” Steiger said. “It’s hard work but it’s fun.”

Steiger also spoke about notable moments of his career at the Wall Street Journal, particularly the story about the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

“It was just so interesting for someone to have seen so much in history and to hear that one of his favorite things that he wrote about was 9/11,” junior political science major Niriksha Kannan said. “Even though we were all really young, we all have our own memory of that experience.”

Steiger has vivid memories of that day as well, down to the “best blue suit” he wore, which later became covered in ash and dust.

“Our office was right across

the street from the World Trade Center,” Steiger said. “First plane, wasn’t sure what it was. Saw the second plane, knew what it was.”

After the office was evacuated, Steiger sent his best three editors on the last ferry to an office in South Brunswick, N.J. With five other editors in an apartment, Steiger contributed to a breaking story that would later win a Pulitzer Prize.

“It’s not that I had so much to do with it personally,” Steiger said.

“We each wrote two words in the headline. But it’s that people knew what to do, that they understood that getting the paper out was very important. We had people from all over the country say, ‘Seeing that paper in our driveway was an important piece of reassurance the day after 9/11.’”

Steiger ended his discussion with some advice for anyone aspiring to go into business or

journalism. For business majors, he suggested “(working) your ass off in college,” getting internships and possibly pursuing another degree.

He also suggested a less conventional route for those interested in finance. Kara Kettelkamp, president of Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity that brought Steiger to campus, took his words to heart.

“I do like to write, but I’ve never seen it as a career aspect — more of a hobby,” Kettelkamp said. “He mentioned financial writers being needed, so that sort of sparked in my head a possibility.”

For those aspiring to be journalists, Steiger said that there are risks, but the rewards can be great. The journey also requires a great deal of independence and initiative.

“If you’re going to do journalism, you’ve got to be prepared to

Kyle Bennion / Photo Assistant

Steiger discusses the rewards of being a journalist. depend not only on the organization you work for, but also on your own reputation, your own name, your own byline, your own image,” Steiger said. “There are always opportunities. You have to accept the risks.”

SFB funds CUB in hopes for Fall Out Boy

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

SFB funds CUB for its annual spring concert, comedy show and spring lecture.

By Julie Kayzerman Nation & World Editor The College Union Board is underway in its planning of the annual spring concert after being allocated $185,576 by the Student Finance Board to try and bring headliner Fall Out Boy and opener Hoodie Allen.

Other headliner options for CUB include Paramore, Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino.

“I’m happy with the potential to reach two different audiences,” programming

director Brian Green said in regard to CUB’s plan to have a rock headliner paired with a rap opener or vice versa.

The second high-volume request from CUB came with its presentation for the spring comedy show. SFB allocated CUB with $50,890 to try to bring cast members from “Workaholics.” Other options include Nick Offerman from “Parks and Recreation,” Bill Hader from “Saturday Night Live” and stand-up comedian Ralphie May. Both requests were passed with little dissent from members. However, CUB’s request

for another spring lecture, in place of its canceled fall lecture, met with a very split vote.

Several members displayed concern with the amount of money CUB has been funded this semester and were concerned that both of CUB’s spring lectures will be too close together.

However, the event was fully funded as SFB allocated $26,190 for CUB to try to bring its first choice of Kal Penn with back-ups of Bill Nye the science guy, Mitch Hurwitz and Mark Boal.

CUB’s final presentation met SFB with such a split decision that one of the several motions met with a tie.

As CUB presented to bring George Watsky for a workshop and a spoken-word performance, about half of SFB felt that this was too similar to several events that have already been held this semester, while senior representative Liz Kamel and Student Government representative Tom Verga noted that this special appropriation money could be better used elsewhere for other clubs on campus.

SFB ultimately tabled the event indefinitely as they could not come to a definite

decision, with members thinking the event is great, but ultimately unnecessary.

SFB also allocated the Black Student Union with $6,025 to host Black History Month in February. The money will be used to fund events during the month including a Welfare Poets workshop, Wula African dance and drum ensemble, Lea-Civil Rights Movement concert, movie rights for “The Butler” and “Get on the Bus” and the raising of the African-American flag.

The ISA also presented to SFB for its annual coffeehouse and was allocated $500 despite requesting $1,080 for Mexican food to go along with the event.

Members were conflicted on whether to fund the food until junior representative Gordon Sayre explained that the SFB manual dictates that they shouldn’t fund food if it’s unnecessary and goes against the feel of the event.

The Gospel United Ministries was also funded by SFB as they were allocated $856 to fund their event, “Winter Nights/ City Lights.” The event will feature a live band playing tradional jazz and Afro-Caribbean music.

Religion / Faith plays vital role on campus continued from page 1

“They go through the student organization process to be approved — then, if they want to use the Spiritual Center or want to be a recognized religious group, they come and meet with me,” O’Callaghan said.

After becoming a recognized student group with a religious focus, the students can then choose to host a spiritual leader.

“None of the spiritual leaders on campus are paid spiritual leaders,” O’Callaghan said. “All of them are volunteers to the campus.

Many of them are paid by their religious entity. For example, our Episcopal minister is paid through the Episcopalian Diocese.”

O’Callaghan continued to explain that there are great religious leaders who have given a lot of themselves to the campus.

“I sometimes feel we don’t recognize that contribution as much as we could or should,”

O’Callaghan said. “We get to take them for granted because they continue to serve in a way many of us admire.”

Junior biology and sevenyear optometry double major and president of Chabad Avi Yehudai credits Rabbi Kivi’s leadership to greatly impacting the success of both Chabad and Jewish life.

“Over the past few years, I can honestly say I’ve developed a great relationship and friendship with the Rabbi that I expect to last much longer than my college years,” Yehudai said. “Chabad would be nowhere without the Rabbi Kivi and his wife Zeesy, who serve a crucial role in helping to organize and plan events.”

Students get a lot out of having such strong religious and spiritual leaders and organizations on campus. According to Yehudai, his college experience would be “severely lacking” without Chabad.

The relationship that the students and spiritual leaders have

is mutually beneficial. According to one of NJCF’s leaders and ’07 College graduate Chris Loesser, returning to NJCF has let him further explore his spirituality.

Loesser, along with his wife and fellow College graduate Christine Loesser, guide the students of NJCF. They say that working with students is special and enjoyable.

“College students are asking meaningful questions and often exploring their interests, gifts, calling and relationship with (their faith),” Loesser said. “I absolutely love walking with them as they search out these things, helping them to orient themselves and invest their discoveries.”

The religious leaders recognize how important these years are for a young adult in developing faith.

O’Callaghan said that most of the campus’s religious groups want “to keep students grounded in their faith rather than have them potentially leave the faith and have them come back later, if they do at all.”

Colleen Murphy / Review Editor

Young adult years are important in developing faith.

It seems that the organizations are succeeding in keeping students connected to their faith throughout college.

“Having Chabad on campus is important to me because it has truly become my home away from home,” Yehudai said. “What the Rabbi and his wife provide, no amount of official school events can provide, in my opinion.”

O’Callaghan said the groups are also a great opportunity for students to find leadership roles.

But most importantly, they keep

students grounded.

“Some people may practice on a casual basis, but when things are tough — or on the flipside, when things are good — they will sometimes turn more to religion,” O’Callaghan said. “But in those extreme periods, they feel they need that connection. For others, it’s a very steady part of their lives, and if there was not that opportunity to realize that on a daily basis — or at least weekly basis — they would feel they were missing out on something.”

page 4 The Signal December 4, 2013

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 5

Students inspired to diversify themselves

Alumnus speaks out on minority awareness

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Johnson calls on students to ‘get out of bed’ in order to fully develop.

By Jeremy Roth Correspondent Diversity is a term known by many, but understood by few. The staff and students of the College are quite diverse, but not as different as one might think at first glance.

Graduate of the College and current multicultural recruiter for the College Jamal Johnson began his college career with this preconception, but throughout his four years

his ideas altered immensely.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Education Building, Johnson spoke to a diverse audience of College students about minority awareness and losing preconceived ideas about diversity.

“I want to urge you to get out of bed,” Johnson said in the beginning of his talk.

He used this metaphor to make a point: If students decide to stay in bed and get too relaxed, they will never be able to develop fully as a human being.

Johnson was raised in East Orange, N.J., a city predominantly filled with African Americans and Hispanics. When he arrived at the College, a majority white campus, it came as a huge culture shock to him.

“I came here a hoodlum from East Orange,” Johnson said jokingly.

As a result of instilled ideas from his upbringing, Johnson had negative thoughts toward white people when he arrived at the College, and he began his college career feeling uncomfortable surrounded by the majority.

Johnson only spent time with students culturally similar to himself, and he separated himself from those who were not. One of these students was his roommate, a white Jewish student from Wayne, N.J., an area very different from Johnson’s hometown.

This separation finally came to an end when the two found that they had similar tastes in music, and from then on, they spent more time together and discovered many more similarities between them despite being culturally different.

After deciding to bring his original friend circle together with a group of white students

in a friendly game of football, Johnson further realized that he was not as much of a minority as he once believed.

As a result, Johnson’s negative preconceived ideas about other cultures no longer existed by the time he graduated. Johnson’s words were inspiring to the many students in the diverse audience.

“Mr. Johnson inspired me to be more accepting to people of other ethnicities and cultures and to ignore prior beliefs that were instilled in me as a child,” freshman biology major Rami Amer said.

Another inspired student, freshman civil engineering major Paul Duarte, said, “After seeing Mr. Johnson’s presentation I was inspired to get out of my comfort zone, rather than do what most do, which is get to know only people who seem similar to them.”

Johnson urged the students at the College to explore the diversity on campus rather than just acknowledge it.

“I want the students to learn that there is a larger world than the world they know,” he said.

Trespasser in Decker Amazon will use air mail

By Tom Kozlowski Arts & Entertainment Editor

Hopewell to be treated. …

On Friday, Nov. 22, Campus Police reported a trespassing incident on the third floor of Decker Hall. The suspect, who was on the College’s banned list from residence halls, was approached by officers responding to the scene in the late afternoon. Although he questioned why officers were there, the suspect gathered his possessions by request and left, later being processed at the police department, according to Campus Police. The suspect received a summons for criminal trespass. …

On Saturday, Nov. 23, a student was found to be heavily intoxicated in the third floor bathroom of Allen Hall, according to Campus Police. The student, who was questioned by officers around 2 a.m., readily admitted to consuming seven shots of Bacardi rum and Captain Morgan rum earlier in the evening. Police said the student also received a summons for a minor with possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages. …

A student was reported to be intoxicated in Townhouse South on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1:30 a.m. According to Campus Police, the underage student was conscious but verbally unresponsive. Lions EMS then transported the student to Capital Health Medical Center in

An intoxicated female student was found vomiting into a trash can in the ninth floor elevator lobby in Wolfe Hall, according to campus police. The student admitted to having consumed some quantity of vodka, but she could not say how much. She was later evaluated by Lions EMS and received a summons for underage consumption of alcoholic beverages, according to Campus Police.

State eliminates art sale taxes

By Courtney Wirths Photo Editor

• Fast-food jobs — in the tough economy — are increasingly being filled by older workers instead of teenagers. Today, the average fast-food worker is 29 years old and more than 26 percent are parents raising children, according to the New York Times.

• Amazon.com is only four to five years away from potentially using small drones to deliver light packages in urban areas, according to the comapny’s Chief Executive Jeff Bezos. The company developed the drones as a way to cut delivery time, according to the Wall Street Journal.

• Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., owned by Blackstone group LP, is planning to raise an estimated $2.4 billion in its initial public offering (IPO).

This would be a larger IPO than any other hotel company, according to Bloomberg.

• The number of gun patents hit a 35-year record as gun companies such as Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. and Sturm Ruger & Co. create new products to continue the growth of already booming gun sales. Sales continue to rise despite increased regulations on gun purchases, according to Bloomberg.

• Rhode Island became the first state to eliminate sales taxes on original and limited-edition art sold in the state. The tax change is an effort to promote old industrial towns that have reinvented themselves as art districts, according to the Wall Street Journal.

• The Federal Trade Commission is planning to regulate how media outlets use “sponsored content,” which are advertisements that look and read like editorial content. The concern is that these advertisements are not being properly identified, according to the Wall Street Journal.

• Millionaires are feeling more confident in the economy, but are much less confident in the stock market as prices continue to rise and create worries of a bubble, according to Spectrem Group’s Millionaire Investor Confidence Index and CNBC.

• U.S. manufacturing experienced its greatest growth in two-and-a-half years this past month, based on The Institute for Supply Management’s index of national factory activity. The increase was much greater than analysts had expected, according to Reuters.

Alumni give tips on giving presentations

By Jackie Kraus Staff Writer The Dean’s Advisory Council co-sponsored an event on Wednesday, Nov. 20 with the Career Center and Alpha Kappa Psi. Debra Klokis, employer relations specialist at the College’s career center, helped welcome two College graduates to a question and answer panel to share their professional tips on giving presentations and acting your best during interviews.

These panelists were Rich Minevich, an ’08 graduate who works for Johnson & Johnson and is active within the co-op recruiting program at the College, and Susan Villanova, a 1994 graduate and the Human Resources manager at Bloomberg’s Global Data Business Unit.

The presentation began with a YouTube clip from the 2013 Georgia Tech Convocation Speech, which featured a student giving one of the most memorable welcome speeches, complete with the famous score from “2001: Space Odyssey” playing in the background.

The panelists used the student’s confidence and presentation skills to segway into their own experiences and tips.

Klokis proposed a number of topics to the panel, including what they believe key elements are to remember when presenting to clients, what common mistakes people make, how to handle individual presentations versus group presentations, ways to incorporate technology into your presentation, what to wear to interviews, the difference between aggressive and assertive, how conversational to be and how much is “too much.”

“Know your audience, whether in a business or classroom setting and find out who’s going to be there so you can tailor your objectives to the audience,” Villanova said.

“Have key bullet points. Keep them simple so the audience can say, ‘Got it. I know exactly what’s going on here.’ In a business setting, work in some acceptable jargon. And keep in mind the time factor.”

“Also use the academic setting to hone your skills for the business setting,” Minevich added. “It’s more lax where they probably won’t cut you off. Use this to learn about time management skills and going off on tangents.

That way in a business setting, you can be more concise and avoid putting yourself in a situation where you’ll become nervous.”

One of the overall points that the panelists made was that you’re going to experience

nerves no matter what, and one of the best ways to handle them are by practicing out loud to friends and to a video camera to make sure you prepare yourself. Villanova quoted author Mark Twain in saying that there are two types of people: those who are nervous and those who are liars.

“One thing I’m going to take away from this is that repetition is really important in practicing,” junior management major Dave Plishka said. “The more you do it, the better you’ll get.”

Minevich added that he is on campus often recruiting students who can exemplify the kinds of tools that were discussed.

“I encourage all the students to take advantage of all these events, you know?” he said.

“I didn’t as a student and it took me a lot longer to build a lot of the skills.”

page 6 The Signal December 4, 2013

Frost details relationship closeness studies

By Gabrielle Beacken News Assistant

David Frost, psychologist and assistant professor of population and public health at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, spoke to students about the effects of closeness concerning the health of heterosexual relationships on Thursday, Nov. 21, in the Social Sciences building.

Before Frost began his heterosexual relationship closeness studies, he studied stigma and discrimination, specifically concerning LGBTQ discrimination.

Through studying same-sex relationships, Frost continued onto the study of heterosexual relationships.

“We all have notions about what we think a healthy relationship is,” Frost said.

Psychologists often associate closeness to healthy relationships, Frost said. However, this is not necessarily true. Frost discussed closeness discrepancies in romantic relationships and their effect on relational, sexual and mental health.

In a relationship, closeness is an inclusion of the other in oneself, Frost said. It is a form of self-expansion. Individuals in a romantic relationship expand through forms of cognition and experimentation.

However, closeness is not an absolute, Frost said.

“We have people in psych interested in romantic relationships,” assistant psychology professor Shaun Wiley said. “We have a romantic relationship lab. It’s an important area of psychology.”

“Everyone wants different things out of a relationship,” Frost added.

The significant point of the lecture was stressed by the term “closeness discrepancies.” These discrepancies are created based

on an individual’s ideal versus actual closeness level. There can be the positive discrepancies, meaning there is too much closeness in a relationship, Frost said. An indicator of positive discrepancies is an individual’s need of personal space, wanting to spend more time with friends, fear of losing oneself and feeling the threat of their own independence.

Just as there are positive discrepancies of too much closeness, there are also negative discrepancies, meaning not enough closeness, Frost said. Indicators of negative discrepancies are lack of intimacy, different priorities and perspectives from a partner and sometimes even health problems distances couples. If an individual’s ideal relationship is that of a close one, but is experiencing distance and lack of intimacy from their partner, they are experiencing negative discrepancies, Frost said.

Many couples experience no discrepancies. These couples experience a healthier and more satisfied relationship. Indicators of no discrepancies are balances of closeness and independence, shared goals and purposes, perceived and provided support and effective communication. Closeness discrepancies will be regularly associated with relational well-being and mental health outcomes, Frost said.

“It’s not just how close you are, but (also) where the closeness matches your ideal in that moment,” Frost said.

This theory is expressed through two studies presented by Frost. The first is a study of individuals in a relationship over three years.

The study was mostly female, and only 38 percent of the original participants were retained during the three-year time period.

Individuals compared their ideal relational closeness to their actual closeness, thus creating positive, negative or zero discrepancies.

AP Photo

LGBTQ discrimination is among the topics researched by Frost alongside his studies of relationship closeness.

“It’s not like the sitcoms with the male character being smothered by his overly close girlfriend,” Frost said.

Closeness discrepancies reported by males and females were very similar. Relationships with discrepancies had a higher chance of a dissolution relationship, Frost said. No discrepancies indicated a healthy and satisfied relationship.

“Closeness matters, but closeness discrepancies may matter more,” Frost said.

The second study was tested on both individuals of a relationship, regardless of gender, instead of one individual of a relationship. Through random addressed-based sampling, the study focused on 103 older couples with longer relationships. This study defined relational well being intro three categories: relationship satisfaction, sexual satisfaction and dissolution thought.

“This is an interesting proxy for commitment levels,” Frost said, concerning the category of dissolution thought.

The research indicated that closeness discrepancies affect the other partner.

“Closeness matters only at an individual level,” Frost said. “But closeness discrepancies matter more and individual and partner level.”

There are multiple moving parts, Frost said. Actual and ideal closeness in a relationship may change.

“I found it really interesting,” senior psychology major Christina Hermann said.

“It’s nice to have researchers brought in who discuss subjects relevant to all students, not just psychology majors.”

“It’s nice to come and talk to students,” Frost said. “Relationship closeness is something college students can relate to.”

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 7

Nation & W rld

Mayor Ford has higher approval rating than Obama

By Robb Veltman Correspondent

Toronto’s infamous mayor Rob Ford, known for his drug and alcohol habits, managed to edge out a 42 percent approval rating, topping President Obama’s newfound lows of 37 percent, according to recent polling data.

This news comes at the end of an everincreasing list of scandals surrounding the Toronto Mayor.

It began early in the summer of 2013, when a photo emerged of Rob Ford affiliating with suspicious individuals. Allegations of his crack cocaine usage were then verified in November, when a video surfaced portraying the mayor smoking crack cocaine. Ford

then admitted to his use of the drug, saying that it probably occurred during one of his “drunken stupors.”

Despite the video’s release, Ford’s approval rating rose by 5 percent that month, according to a poll by Forum Research.

Unfortunately, the mayor’s problems with secret videos were not over.

Another video was released later in November that showed Ford cursing loudly, speaking incoherently and even yelling death threats.

Ford then faced allegations that he made sexual advances from a former staffer, to which he responded with crude and indecent language.

The controversial Mayor’s scandals even include swearing in front of children at a toy

drive in the blue-collar City Council and knocking over an elderly councilwoman during a Toronto City Council meeting that got especially heated.

It comes as a surprise to see the mayor’s approval rating remains relatively stable.

Ford has since been stripped of many of his authoritative powers after a November 18th Toronto City Council meeting — the same meeting that Ford knocked over the councilwoman.

His long list of impediments has not deterred the embattled mayor, however.

Perhaps his curious approval ratings have even given him the confidence to forge ahead.

Ford has gone on record saying that he hopes to one day run for Prime Minister.

AP Photo

Ford’s approval rating remains stable, despite his allegations.

Investigators look into NYC train derailment, four dead

AP Photo

The National Transportation Safety Board looks into reasons for an NYC train’s tragic accident.

NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators mined the data recorders Monday and sought to question the engineer and conductor for clues to why a commuter train jumped the

Obscure & Offbeat

AP Photo

An Australian bird poses for the camera.

A brazen bird stole a camera that was filming crocodiles and flew with it, capturing the country’s landscape and taking a selfie.

Police charged a “topless barber” in Colorado, but not for being topless. It was for not having a license.

A bishop from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dressed as a homeless man to teach his congregation a lesson.

All information from AP

tracks along a sharp curve, killing four passengers.

As workers righted the fallen cars a day after the derailment on the Metro-North Railroad, the National Transportation Safety Board downloaded data from the train’s rear-mounted locomotive, and a data recorder from the front car was sent to Washington for analysis, NTSB board member Earl Weener said. The devices could shed light on such things as the train’s speed and the use of its brakes.

“We’ve had some success already” in extracting data, but the information has to be validated before it is made public, Weener said.

The NTSB said it is looking into whether the train was going too fast and whether human error or a mechanical problem was to blame. The crash happened along a curve so sharp that the speed limit drops from 70 mph to 30 mph.

The wreck in the Bronx came two years before the federal government’s deadline for Metro-North and other railroads to install automatic-slowdown technology designed to prevent catastrophic accidents. But with the cause of Sunday’s wreck unknown, it was not clear

whether the technology would have made a difference.

Investigators planned to interview the engineer and conductor, Weener said.

The engineer, William Rockefeller, was injured and “is totally traumatized by everything that has happened,” said Anthony Bottalico, executive director of the rail employees union. He said Rockefeller, 46, was cooperating fully with investigators.

“He’s a sincere human being with an impeccable record that I know of. He’s diligent and competent,” Bottalico said. Rockefeller has been an engineer for about 11 years and a Metro-North employee for about 20, he said.

The NTSB has been urging railroads for decades to install technology that can stop wrecks caused by excessive speed or other problems. Congress in 2008 required dozens of railroads, including Metro-North, to install the “positive train control” systems by 2015.

But the systems are expensive and complicated and cannot prevent an accident if there is a brake failure. Railroads are trying to push back the deadline a few years.

Around the World:

Ukraine

Yanukovych seeks to calm protest KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — Facing huge anti-government demonstrations after spurning a deal with the European Union, Ukraine’s embattled president sought Monday to quell public anger by moving to renew talks with Brussels.

The opposition, meanwhile, scrambled to secure enough votes in parliament to oust the Cabinet and try to force an early presidential election, in the biggest unrest in the country since the 2004 Orange Revolution.

President Viktor Yanukovych struggled to reaffirm his grip on power as thousands of demonstrators besieged government buildings in Kiev, his party suffered defections and three cities in the west of the country openly defied the central government.

The protests were sparked by Yanukovych’s decision to ditch the political association and free trade pact with the EU, followed by the violent dispersal of a small peaceful rally in Kiev over the weekend.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who strongly opposed the EU deal, denounced the opposition protests in Kiev as “pogroms.”

On Monday, Yanukovych called European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and asked to renew negotiations on signing the association agreement. He also said in an interview with Ukraine’s main

AP Photo

Protesters in Ukraine express their anger for the president’s decision to dodge closer ties with the European Union.

television channels that he remains committed to European integration, but would like to negotiate better terms for the fragile Ukrainian economy.

Yanukovych urged the opposition for calm and dialogue with the government. But his call fell flat with opposition leaders who were hoping to summon enough parliamentary votes Tuesday to oust the Cabinet led by Yanukovych’s loyal supporter, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, and force an early presidential vote.

“We need to change the system.

There must be a complete reloading of the leadership,” world boxing

champion turned opposition leader Vitali Klitschko told reporters.

It was unclear whether the opposition could muster the 226 votes it needs in the 450-seat parliament to oust Azarov and his Cabinet.

The opposition controls about 170 seats, but independents hold 35 more and the governing Party of Regions was shedding support. At least three of its lawmakers quit in protest and one of them, Inna Bohoslovska, previously a vocal government supporter, called on other legislators to leave the party. A top Agriculture Ministry official also resigned Monday.

page 8 The Signal December 4, 2013

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December 4, 2013 The Signal page 9

Editorial

Life abroad is truly different

When it comes to becoming acquainted with other cultures, nothing is better or worse — only different.

These words were drilled into my head before I went abroad to help me try to see cultural quirks from a new perspective, appreciating them purely for what they are. I repeated this statement to myself constantly throughout my year abroad.

When my host family wanted to wake up at 6 a.m. when it was still dark outside so we could all eat breakfast together, I had to remind myself that it’s not better or worse, just different. But when I indulged in genuine German chocolate, it was hard to convince myself that it wasn’t better than Hershey’s, only different.

Going abroad is eye-opening, and something I think every college student should try to find the opportunity to do. It forces us learn about the many other people and beliefs living in the world. And they are absolutely fascinating. Being an outsider in a foreign country forces us to not only learn about whole other ways of living, but also question and learn about our own.

Why do young Americans bring themselves so deep into debt for a college degree? For that matter, why is college so expensive to begin with?

People from other countries do not always understand what we have come to accept as the norm and pose questions even we might find difficult to explain. And honestly, many of us don’t quite know the answers either.

But in explaining these cultural differences, so much can be learned about another part of the world. It also helps shatter that poor image of the United States, which exists in many countries around the globe.

In turn, living in another country will break some stereotypes you may have about other countries, too. Turns out — contrary to popular belief — Germans are not somehow genetically wired to be punctual for everything. But like us, some can’t help but arrive fashionably late. Nor do they all wear Lederhosen and Dirndls. Maybe because it’s almost impossible to find them anywhere for less than 50 Euro — I am guilty of searching — or maybe because it is just something tourists want to wear.

Students who decide to go abroad, whether through the College or independently — it really doesn’t matter — also learn about their own capabilities and independence.

When else will you have the time or lack of adult responsibilities to spend even a few months trekking your way through a foreign country?

Going abroad is something I have felt strongly about ever since I first went abroad — I will warn you that a possible side-effect of going abroad is Wanderlust. Nevertheless, I encourage you to save some time and plan to go abroad. Try experiencing a part of the world that is different from home.

— Natalie Kouba, Managing Editor

AP Photo

Studying abroad is an experience like nothing else that helps students learn about how others live.

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The experiences to be had and sights to be seen are once-in-a-lifetime.

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Quotes of the Week “What if it’s a choice? We all have gender identities. We make them up as we go. Hopefully y’all are different today from who you were five years ago.”

— Liam Oliver, University of Kansas women’s and gender studies graduate and transgender.

“I want the students to learn that there is a larger world than they know.”

— Paul Steiger, executive chairman for ProPublica.

“We as a College believe in whole-person development, and spirituality is a big part of that, though not for everybody. ”

— Assistant vice president for Student Affairs Ceil O’Callaghan.

page 10 The Signal December 4, 2013

Graduate Studies

TCNJ | On Your Way Take the right turn. Premier education ahead.

Register for our Graduate Open House!

January 16th

Find out more by visiting www.tcnj.edu/tcnjgrad Or call 609.771.2300

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December 4, 2013 The Signal page 11

Opinions

Students’ evolutionary misconceptions

AP Photo

Evolution is more than just a scientific theory — it is a story about how all living things are connected on earth.

By Frank Stabile Senior biology major Evolution is often touted as the greatest theory in biology. Decades of experiments and observations have consistently supported evolutionary theory. Despite this success, public understanding of evolution is patchy at best and nonexistent at worst. The biological community has put much effort into explaining evolution, but many misconceptions remain popular. Some are blatant and silly, such as the suggestion that monkeys should not exist today if humans evolved from monkeys (which is wrong at least twice).

Thankfully, this type of extensive misconception is rare. Most misunderstandings tend to be more subtle and complex, and consequently more important. Here,

I briefly examine three misconceptions that are particularly incorrect and painfully prevalent.

Evolution is only a theory. This statement is actually true. The problem lies in the word choice and the tone in which this sentence is typically delivered. The use of words like “only” or “just” implies that evolution is more uncertain because it is a theory. This insinuation stems from a difference between the colloquial and scientific meanings of the word “theory.” Locally, a theory usually means one possible explanation for a group of facts that may or may not be true. With this definition, all theories are roughly equivalent. Scientifically, a theory is a substantiated explanation that has withstood experiment after experiment and successfully models an aspect of the natural world. In this way,

the scientific definition is far less egalitarian. The existence of a scientific theory entails that most if not all other explanations are significantly weaker. Thus, highlighting the theory portion of evolutionary theory reveals a foundation of concrete rather than sand. As many have said before, gravity is only a theory, too.

Evolution has a goal. Unlike the previous misconception, this error takes two forms, both of which are surreptitious.

The first form is language. The words used to describe evolution frequently imply agency or volition. Even in scientific settings, one often hears sentences that begin with “Evolution wants” or “Evolution will not allow.”

The second, more obvious form is the idea that evolution has a goal, like the formation of the human brain. Talk of this kind also ascribes a will to evolution. The problem is that the process of evolutionary change is just that — a process, unconscious and unfeeling. To say that evolution has wishes or goals is to attribute to the theory traits it inherently lacks. To steal from physics again, discussions about the desires of gravity, would be obviously absurd. Yet somehow, this type of error persists with evolution. One argument is that explaining evolution in this way makes it easier to understand. I posit, however, that language and ideas of this kind do more harm than good and are best struck from the vocabulary of evolutionary biology.

Humans are special. This final issue is linked to the previous one and is not so much a misunderstanding as it is a resistance. Most people have probably heard

some form of the following idea: There are animals and then there’s us. Humans and animals exist on separate planes, with humans clearly elevated thanks to our intelligence and rationality. Although those qualities may be debatable, the main idea is that humans are exempt from membership in the animal community. Evolution, on the other hand, says exactly the opposite. Humans are a part of the natural world and are affected by evolution like any other organism, from bacterium to fern to bird. In this way, we are not at all special.

This conclusion, which directly contradicts the conventional wisdom about humanity, naturally leads to resistance and discomfort. However, such feelings suggest that humanity’s place in the tree of life is a form of degradation. Rather, evolution simultaneously reveals our connection to the natural world and reminds us that we are susceptible to the same threats and behaviors that our animal counterparts experience.

The theory of evolution is much more than good science. It is a beautiful depiction of the connections between all life on the planet. Unfortunately, misconceptions prevent many people from seeing this beauty and the biological community has a responsibility to continue to explain evolution to the public. The three problems described here are only a few examples of the misunderstandings that still plague evolution. Hopefully, with persistent effort and enthusiasm, the understanding of evolution will continuously grow as crazed attempts to remove it from the public sphere deteriorate.

Students think outside the job-market box Lessons learned from college experience

By Christopher Rightmire Opinions Editor

many of my classmates already have locked down great jobs. If you are industrious, there will be opportunities.

A conscientious student has undoubtedly heard it a million times: Unemployment and student loan debt are rising for undergraduates. The paranoia invoked by this reality is often exacerbated by another often repeated cliché: Do what you love and don’t worry about money!

So what should I do, drop everything and jump into a technology or engineering major — two of the fastestgrowing employment sectors — or should I drop out of school and travel the world as a freelance writer? These paradoxical tidbits of advice that adults love to repeat can leave a student mired in doubt about what they should be doing to prepare for life after graduation.

As a senior who is at the end of a three-month job search, I have some thoughts for underclassmen:

• Paying your dues. I know it’s oftentimes lost on our generation, but you might not be served your “dream job” within a year of graduation. In fielding applications, I applied to several places that wouldn’t qualify as my “dream job,” but I could see how working my tail off in those opportunities could eventually get me to where I wanted to be. If your first options aren’t available, don’t hesitate to take the opportunities you do have and make something of them, reinvent yourself or teach yourself new skills.

• It’s not as dry out there as the media make it seem. According to the Washington Post, real unemployment rates are around 17 percent. The good news is that 83 percent of you will have more luck/qualifications than those who are unemployed. The better news is that, according to career services, 95 percent of the College’s students were employed within a year after graduation. Personally, after an earnest search, I was able to find several opportunities and

• Don’t hate your Humanities and Social Sciences major!

For the longest time I was upset at myself for picking political science as my major. I thought that the whole claim that liberal arts majors teach you how to think was a crock and I’d be giving up an advantage to business majors. However, looking back on my professional experience, I can honestly say the hours of reading, analyzing and writing have helped me to think outside the box and offer solutions to problems I definitely wouldn’t have thought of four years ago.

The bottom line I learned was — regardless of major, if you extend yourself in college, try new things and work hard to master them, you will have a suitable job for you by

AP Photo

Students get creative in a tough job market.

the time graduation rolls around. If the job isn’t what you had hoped for, don’t be afraid to prove yourself in the opportunities that are available to you, reinvent your skill set or start your own business.

I’ll close by using another cliché. This is America, the land of opportunity, and you are students of the College, a top-ranked regional school. If you work hard, think outside of the box and extend yourself, you will have success upon your graduation.

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page 12 The Signal December 4, 2013

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December 4, 2013 The Signal page 13

Features

Gender is more fluid than believed

By Jack Meyers News Editor

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Lair explains how identity is more than just binary.

University of Kansas women’s and gender studies graduate student Liam Oliver Lair, who is transmasculine and queeridenitified, led a deeply nuanced educational forum about biology, self-perception and expression on Thursday, Nov. 21.

With a staggeringly basic yet penetrating dialogue and glitterladen nails, Lair deconstructed for a full audience what it truly means to identify.

First up for dissection was biological sex. Lair debunked traditional myths about sex with a simple and factual assertion. There are many different chromosomal make-ups that translate into a similarly diverse range of genital parts in humans.

“Before we even move on to gender identity, the whole binary

idea is blown out of the water,” Lair said.

For Lair, a legal and biological female with the outward “passing” appearance of a white man, binaries have never bounded his identity.

In fact, Lair explained that selfidentification is a life-long process.

He paid tribute to this idea of ceaseless transformation with a personal anecdote: Having been born a woman, living comfortable in his female body for many years, he recently made the elaborate decision to veer off toward a new form of expression, one that would suit who he is — and what he believes — today.

He has had chest masculinization surgery, he’s taking testosterone hormones and he outwardly appears as a man. Lair’s transmasculine gender identity, however, means that he associates with certain masculine attributes

while simultaneously acting in a way that might not make him read as a man in society’s eyes — his painted nails, for example, set him out in the crowd.

Yet, Lair proved that gender can be — and is — more fluid that most people expect.

“What if it’s a choice?” Lair said. “We all have gender identities. We make them up as we go. Hopefully y’all are different today from who you were five years ago.”

And what Lair did in illuminating this nuance was to break down the barriers for a more inclusive conversation. Lair proudly wears the identity he has fashioned for himself and encouraged others to do the same — gay, straight, queer or otherwise.

“We’re all a little bit queer,” Lair said. “(Being) queer gets at how ‘normal’ as a way of being in

the world does not exist.”

With that in mind, he turned toward his audience of College students and future educators and asked them to consider how facilitating accepting in the classroom can be possible. After the discussion, junior secondary education and English double major Megan Mihalik realized that she must “be more brave in the class” in order to rouse cooperation and validation in her students.

“Through (Lair’s) advice, I gained more confidence,” Mihalik said. “I want kids to feel safe in the classroom.”

Whether it’s within or without the education system, it’s everyday choices and the pursuit of self-discovery that make the possibilities as endless as Lair has proven.

His journey is surely one to set a standard for all to follow. That is, one where the learning never ends.

Shoppers gobble up deals on ‘Gray Thursday’

By Julia Livesey Correspondent This year, Thanksgiving dished out dinner — with a side of deals.

Each year, retailers push Black Friday, the busiest and biggest shopping day of the year, further and further into Thanksgiving day with stores opening as early as 5 p.m. on the holiday. Retailers rivaled to be the first place shoppers opened their wallets on the kickoff of the shopping season as people scrounged to get the retail version of Willy Wonka’s precious golden ticket.

With some calling it “Gray Thursday,” retailers opened stores long before the onset of Black Friday — even before the turkeys got cold.

Walmart, which has been open on Thanksgiving since 1988, offered Black Friday deals that started at 6 p.m., and most Walmart stores were open 24 hours on Thursday.

Major department stores such as Macy’s and JCPenney, along with Target, which opened an hour earlier than last year, opened their doors at 8 p.m.

American Eagle stores also opened at 8 p.m. and offered customers a free bag to those who spent more than $60. Old Navy was open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving and some stores reopened at 7 p.m., the rest at midnight. Toys “R” Us was one of few stores that opened at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

However, some major retail stores such as Nordstrom and Home Depot restrained

from opening on Thanksgiving Day and opened at midnight.

Freshman history and secondary education double major Grace Hostetter was one of many people shopping right after Thanksgiving dinner. Hostetter, along with an endless line of people, stood outside of J.Crew at 9:30 p.m. waiting for the store to open at 10 p.m.

J.Crew, Old Navy and Gap offered 50 percent off the entire store, but those sales came with a price — missing out on family time.

“I hate that stores are opening so much earlier because I missed spending quality time with my family because I had to leave so early,” Hostetter said. “But that’s what you have to do to get the best deals.”

In 2009, retailers tested opening stores on Thanksgiving Day, but according to the National Retail Foundation, only 3 percent of people who shopped on Black Friday weekend made purchases on Thanksgiving.

However, last year that number drastically jumped to 28 percent.

According to the National Retail Foundation, retailers began advertising deals in early October — about 50 percent of shoppers had already started their holiday shopping.

Change.org, an online petition service, sparked an initiative that encouraged people to shy away from shopping on the Thanksgiving holiday. Unfortunately, many shoppers continued to line up at stores while most families were still enjoying the last bite of apple pie.

Freshman special education major Kerry Farnum refused to give in to the shopping

AP Photo

Shoppers cannot wait for deals and go out Thursday to nab them.

AP Photo

Many stores push their opening hours up to Thanksgiving night.

madness and waited until 9 a.m. on Black Friday to start her shopping. She said that people should be spending time with their families and stores shouldn’t open until midnight at the earliest.

“I started my shopping when most people were finishing theirs, but I still got good deals at stores that I wasn’t expecting to have sales,” Farnum said. “There are lots of sales everywhere, and people are excited to get their shopping done, so they’re willing to fight for deals.”

School of Business Dean William Keep said that because Thanksgiving was so late in the season, there are fewer shopping days in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As a result, retailers are pushing consumers to make purchases earlier in the season.

“Retailers who have truly unique products have less incentive to discount and less incentive to push for shopping on Thursday,” Keep said. “Retailers who sell brands and items found in many stores want to get a jump on their competitors.”

The increase in consumer shopping and spending on Thanksgiving is proving to be slightly detrimental on Black Friday sales.

Profits are starting to dissipate as a result of people shopping on Thanksgiving Day rather than Black Friday itself.

According to ShopperTrak, a research firm, Black Friday sales in 2012 dropped 1.8 percent from 2011, the first decrease since the 2008 recession.

Whether people are shopping on Thanksgiving Day or Black Friday, people will

continue to shop and spend money one way or another.

However, most shoppers are so caught up in the shopping frenzy that they fail to realize that the sales and discounts aren’t as good as they think.

The weekend is comprised of misleading promotions, such as deceptive discounts claiming to drastically reduce “original” prices that are actually marked up to make it seem like shoppers will be saving more.

NerdWallet, a financial advice website, said that 90 percent of Black Friday promotions and deals in 2012 were exactly the same as those offered the previous year.

Most shoppers are targets for marketing ploys because they have a fear of missing out and don’t want to leave a store empty-handed.

Keep also believes that if all consumers do is come in and buy one particular sale item, the retailer will not be happy. The retailer wants the shopper to spend time in the store and buy other things.

Hostetter also said that she did not go shopping with anything particular in mind, but was glad to find different items she liked for 50 percent off.

“I loved being able to cut all the price tags in half,” Hostetter said. “It gives people who don’t have as much money an opportunity to shop at expensive stores or for expensive products.”

Many consumers value this wild weekend and will do almost anything to get a great deal — even if that means carving out time for shopping right after carving the turkey.

page 14 The Signal December 4, 2013

The tricks to self-tanning

Campus Style

By Jordan Koziol and Heather Hawkes Columnists

AP photo

Self-tanning gives you less of a chance of looking like ‘Tanning Mom.’

By Brielle Urciuoli Correspondent Our summer tans have come and gone like the leaves on the trees. While indoor tanning is expensive, bad for your health and can get a tad too sweaty, there are other alternatives for those of you itching to have a healthy glow all throughout the holiday season. Gradual tanning lotions are the best way to go. Here’s how to get the most out of your “fake bake”: 1. Choose the right formula: This should be the obvious first step, but it is often the most ignored, causing people to shy away from the tanning lotion experience. Lighter-skinned people who tend to burn in the summer should go with a much lighter formula than those who tan easily and can get away with a “medium to dark” lotion. Read the labels carefully to avoid turning orange!

2. Exfoliate: Creating a fresh, even layer of skin before applying self-tanner will help the tan last longer and will also prevent streaks.

3. Don’t expect overnight miracles: DHA is the sugar in self-tanners that, when introduced with the top layer

of skin, causes a chemical reaction and slight color change (don’t worry, it’s totally safe). The change is mild — and takes time — so don’t give up after only a few applications if you don’t see results. If you’re looking for immediate results, try a tinted moisturizer instead!

4. Don’t believe the “stink-free” formula: It is tempting to apply tanning lotion before a date or holiday party, but please refrain. While many tanners boast an “odor-free formula,” they are most likely lying. DHA is what gives you both the tan and the stink, so try applying it before bed, running errands or going to the gym.

5. Don’t forget your face: A tan body is great, but it would look out of place with a completely pale face. While tanning lotions are not the worst things to put on your face, they surely are not the best, so if you want to use the same thing for both body and face, try mixing half tanning lotion with half gentle moisturizer. Companies also have specific self-tanners for your face. But lotions and potions aside, a great bronzing powder will always do the trick.

Honoring the legacy of John F. Kennedy, this week’s spotlight shines on a glamorous style icon: Jackie O. Radiating grace, poise and beauty, this First Lady revolutionized women’s wear in the ’50s and ’60s. She had such an impact that her name transcended into a code word for a chic and elegant lifestyle. Perhaps the best compliment to receive is, “How Jackie O. of you!”

Luckily for us, Mrs. Kennedy’s distinct style can be emulated by sticking to her mantra: dress simply, accessorize well. To capture the look, consider the following tips:

black shift dress and crisp jacket paired with any of the following: a silk scarf, pill-box hat, clasp handbag or white gloves. Find modern and inexpensive accessories at Forever 21 to perfect your sophisticated glamour.

Whether you are a young professional or a fashion enthusiast, bask in the elegant legacy that Jackie Kennedy has left behind. Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of JFK’s death, we toast to the woman whose threads spoke louder than words. Long may she inspire the stylish.

• Forget the Labor Day Rule: Jackie O. proved that wearing a crisp all-white ensemble is a go-to choice, regardless of the season. Although it may defy our dark-color instinct, rocking winter white has a blindingly glamorous effect. Choose weather-appropriate pieces such as loose knitted sweaters, fitted jeans and structured jackets. Bonus points for white lace.

• A Pearl of Wisdom: Minimal jewelry is very Jackie O. Take note from her famous line, “Pearls are always appropriate.” Simplicity will always make a louder statement than gaudy glitziness.

That said, imitation pearl necklaces and earrings are a great finishing piece to any chic ensemble.

• The Ultimate Accessory: Jackie O. is known for her signature oversized sunglasses. Whether they were oval, circular or square, she was rarely seen without them. Without verbalizing it, these glasses convey, “No paparazzi please.”

• Glamorous Fixings: The iconic First Lady perfected the ensemble of a little

Jackie O. was a trendsetter.

AP photos

Wegmans wokery a winning choice for finals

Colleen Murphy / Review Editor

The lemon chicken is delicious.

By Emma Colton Features Editor

When you have an undeniable craving for Asian food in the coming stressinduced finals weeks ahead, don’t just settle for “good enough” food from one of the local take-out joints (I’m looking at you, No. 1 China). Commit to your belly’s needs and give it something delicious: Go to the grocery store.

According to unnamed sources, there is a popular belief on campus that the Wegmans Food Market is just like any other grocery store, but let me tell you, Wegmans isn’t your grandmother’s Stop and Shop. Wegmans is a magical world (probably inspired

by Willy Wonka’s factory) to supply delicacies that will earn back your tastebuds’ trust after you suffocated them with Red Bull and Eickhoff pizza.

If you want a gelato as decadent as the

frozen treats sold in Pisa, Wegmans has your back. If you need roasted red pepper hummus that wasn’t purchased during meal equiv, Wegmans hummus will taste so authentic, you might as well be in Israel riding a camel. Even the Wegmans fried food bar will make you think you’re in the deep south enjoying how chicken should always be cooked — deep fried and lightly seasoned.

All of these other options might be yummy, but it is the Wegmans Hot Asian Bar that provides patrons with mouth-watering dishes that might be addictive.

Set up buffet style, the bar does not restrict the type of Asian food you can eat — after all, you can get Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian and Mongolian foods.

If you want to have curry with your Mongolian beef, you can mix and match those options until your hungry heart is fed.

At $8.99 a pound, your dining adventure is relatively cheap, but most importantly you’re not buying poor-quality food that is over-spiced or just deep-fried to give it some type of palatable flavor. At Wegmans, you have trained chefs preparing the food.

When overwhelmed with options, I just opt for my favorite tried-and-true choices: lemon pepper chicken, lo mein, dim sum, teriyaki salmon or bourbon chicken.

Just smallish portions of these options gives an array of choices on your plate that never leaves you bored. The chicken options are especially delicious. The lemon pepper chicken is light and the citrus tang adds a nice sour complement to the sweet sauce coated on the bourbon chicken. Two bites of these chicken choices, and you’ll realize why I’m hooked on Wegmans.

The dim sum and lo mein are Asian side dishes that will never fail you. The dual texture of the dim sum (crunchy on the bottom, while the remaining portion of the pouch is soft and chewy) allows for great dipping possibilities. Dip them in soy sauce, dip them in extra bourbon chicken sauce or dip them in the wonderful concoction of combined sauces left in your takeout container after the rest of the food has been devoured.

The options are endless.

Wegmans might have the appearance of just a grocery store, but people who know the wonders of Wegmans will go to excessive lengths to spread the joy of delicious foods.

So, when it strikes your fancy during finals weeks and you want to procrastinate for a few minutes before you start studying for that impossible exam, take a trip to Wegmans and open your heart and mind to new adventures. After all, that’s what college is all about.

Wegmans Food Market Where: 240 Nassau Park Blvd., Princeton, NJ 08540 Contact: 609-919-9300 Hours: Sun. - Sat.: 6 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Overall Rating (5 out of 5):

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 15

Beyoncé runs the world, except for Egypt

AP Photo

You won’t find Mrs. Carter in a pyramid anytime soon.

By Johnanthony Alaimo Columnist

In a shocking turn of events, Beyoncé, AKA our savior, has been banned from the Egyptian pyramids. Excuse me, now where will the Queen be buried? Turns

out Beyoncé angered her tour guide who thought she was “rude.” Bitch, Beyoncé can slap you across the face and you take that as a compliment. Just ask Michelle Williams. Apparently, Beyoncé showed up at her scheduled appointment late and did not apologize. She was probably too busy accepting an award for breathing, so calm down. The tour guide, Zahi Hawass, reportedly said, “I am not giving you the privilege of having you on my tour. I said Beyoncé was stupid and I left.” I would not be surprised if Hawass suddenly finds himself suffering the Seven Plagues of Sasha Fierce. If he survives to the seventh plague — irrelevancy — it would be a miracle. Just ask Michelle Williams.

It’s beginning to look a lot like a divorce. Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore,

after being separated since 2011, are officially divorced. What a wonderful holiday gift to them both. There’s nothing more cheery than a dissolution of a marriage. Both actors have since moved on with their lives and are dating, with Ashton linked to Mila Kunis and Moore linked to a Botox syringe.

In other love news, actor/Xenu enthusiast Tom Cruise is reportedly dating “Orange is the New Black” star Laura Prepon, also known as Donna from “That ’70s Show.” Both met through their Scientology connections.

You know, these Scientologists are hooking up like rabbits. ChristianMingle needs to watch their backs.

I guess there’s just something intrinsically romantic about pouring millions of dollars to fund a corrupt cult. If only Michelle Williams could join, she’d finally be at peace.

AP Photo

Kelso can now move on to Jackie.

Sorority helps TASK in providing food

By Mylin Batipps Production Manager It’s important to take initiatives to help those who are in need of food and a home, especially since the rate of poverty in the nation keeps growing. The College’s Theta Phi Alpha sorority recognized that by adopting its first annual Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

From Monday, Nov. 18 through Thursday, Nov. 21, Theta Phi Alpha joined the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) to help feed people in Trenton who are struggling to pay rent by providing food for their families. After students at the College bought baked goods and donated canned goods and toiletries throughout the week, the sorority brought all of its donations to TASK. “Our philanthropy is dedicated to helping the hungry and the homeless,” said junior communication studies major and chair of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness week Regina Yorkigitis. “We’ve been involved in TASK as a sorority for a while and volunteer occasionally, so we wanted to put a lot of time into this.”

The community relations development specialist of TASK, J Steinhauer, visited the College on Thursday, Nov. 21 to cap off the awareness week and talk about the non-

profit organization’s functions. Monday through Friday, the Soup Kitchen has a dozen cooks who serve two meals per day to the hungry in Trenton, and anyone is welcome to come in and volunteer.

“We have well-balanced meals that are USDA-approved,” Steinhauer said. “They include a starch, salad, protein and dessert. We have a milk option in the morning and then we have juice.”

Steinhauer added that the TASK relies heavily on donations. Sixty percent of their funding comes from individuals from Trenton and other towns, and the rest comes from government organizations, religious organizations, foundations and corporations. The $2.3 million organization served 209,900 meals last year — the highest number of meals they have ever served.

In addition to providing meals for the hungry, TASK also has an adult education program. The program teaches computer classes that consist of résumé writing and job training.

It also teaches high school subjects to those who haven’t had the opportunity to receive their high school diplomas.

“This year, we celebrated 21 students who received their GED through the program,” Steinhauer said. “That’s an unbelievable accomplishment, especially when the GED test is a lot harder than getting your high school diploma.”

The Soup Kitchen also has a performing arts program. They have a music group called “The FunkTASKtics” and a poetry group called the “Share Project.” These groups perform Mondays and Thursdays. Steinhauer explained that TASK implements these programs to present opportunities to people who don’t normally have them — the people of Trenton.

“You have Princetion, Lawrenceville, Pennington … all these places with all this stuff happening around Trenton,” Steinhauer said. “And then you have this povertystricken area right in the center of all this wealth. How does this happen?”

According to Steinhauer, Trenton’s per-capita income is $17,000 and Mercer County’s income is $116,000, so it’s quite difficult to understand such drastic economic differences of Trenton and the towns that surround it. But according to Steinhauer, there is one way to help Trenton by simply becoming more aware of its problems. He acknowledged that it’s because of the efforts of Theta Phi Alpha and other organizations on campus that TASK is able to donate hundreds of thousands of forks, knives and spoons, as well as bagged lunches for kids to take to school.

“It’s important to carry some of this awareness with you and know that people are going through serious situations right down the road,” he said.

The Keystone XL pipeline and its controversies

AP Photo

The pipeline has brought into question the harmful effects it can have on not only people, but also the enviornment.

By Frank Saverino Columnist Since the inception of the project in 2008, controversy has surrounded the planned Keystone XL pipeline, which will allow the passage of crude oil from the oil sands region in Alberta, Canada down to the

Gulf Coast, specifically large refineries located in Oklahoma and Texas.

The first two phases of the project have already been completed, and the final two are still awaiting approval from Washington D.C. The combined effort — if the latter stages are signed off by the President —

will put the plans for the extension to incur total costs to equal over $5 billion.

The complete pipeline will allow TransCanada to pump an estimated 1.1 million barrels of crude oil per day to the United States, which some proponents of the pipeline believe will sever the nation’s continued reliance on farther and more costly foreign countries for oil imports, such as the Middle East. The oil sands region in Canada is the third largest natural source of oil in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.

The President’s decision for the extension — which is set to be for next March — is a highly awaited result for Keystone, alternative energy activists and environment critics of the pipeline. Obama commented in his climate change conference last June that, “The net effects of the pipeline’s impact on our climate will be absolutely critical to determining whether this project is allowed to go forward.”

These plans are being delayed by Washington, while the concerns over the possible risks

that the pipeline could present to people, as well as to the waters and farmland that the Keystone XL will “snake” through are amounting. The pressure is building on the President and his Climate Change Agenda to reduce the rate of the U.S.’s greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

The Alberta oil sands contain 54 thousand square miles of dense sediment called bitumen, which is a semi-solid form of petroleum mixed with sand and water. The deposit’s dark color and putrid odor lent the region its nickname of “tar sands.” Using modern shale fracking techniques, the “extremely-heavy synthetic crude oil” is extracted from the unconventional source, and currently, the active pipes are pumping 591 thousand barrels a day throughout the Midwest.

Since Canada first started developing its shale practices, the European Union has been starkly opposed to the practices, labeling as a “dirtier” form of unconventional oil extraction. A Stanford study has found that drawing petroleum from oil sands is to be

25 percent more carbon-intensive than other methods.

Alberta local fisher and hunter Raymond Ladouceur has seen what he believes to be the detrimental health effects that the pipeline has brought onto him and his neighbors’ health and the ecology of the lakes where he still fishes.

In an interview with the Huffington Post, Ladouceur relents, “Chemicals have been coming down here for years, ever since the oil companies got started,” and that he has found mutated fish, sometimes with two or more tails. Also, a plague of rare cancers have spread throughout his small community of Fort Chipewyan, and Ladouceur believes that the fumes from fracking have caused him severe cardiovascular disease.

The Keystone XL pipeline is still under review by the government. However, the battle remains on unconventional sources of fuel that prompt processes like fracking and the risks these actions by oil companies pose to the environment and public health.

page 16 The Signal December 4, 2013

Catch Up or Get Ahead During 2013-14 Winter Session at Mercer County Community College 2013-14 Winter Session

Length

Starts

On-Campus classes

4 weeks

12/18/13

MercerOnline classes

6 weeks

12/18/13

Recess Dec. 24-25 Jan. 1, 2014 Dec. 24-25 Jan. 1, 2014

Ends

Registration Deadlines Admissions or in-person online

1/17/14 12/18/13

12/18/13

1/29/14 12/18/13

12/18/13

registration assistance: (609) 570-3244 or email admiss@mccc.edu

For students seeking to complete a course in four weeks on campus or in six weeks online this winter, Mercer County Community College offers accelerated classes during its traditional mid-winter break.

Mercer’s 2013-14 Winter Session includes more than 40 courses from across the college curriculum.

www.mccc.edu/enroll

Register now to reserve your seat!

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

Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on breaking news @tcnjsignal Like us on Facebook to find out about campus events /TCNJSignal Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch interviews with the College’s guests

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 17

Arts & Entertainment

Acting proves to ignite ‘Catching Fire’

AP Photos

Left: Katniss and Peeta visit the President’s mansion in the Capitol. Right: Rebellious Gale is detained by Capitol forces in District 12.

By Jonathan Edmondson Opinions Assistant

From the very first shot of the film, it is evident that “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is about far more than a survival competition between unfortunate kids from 12 distinct districts.

The film opens with Katniss, played with artful commitment by Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, perched on a rock in the woods outside of her hometown of District 12.

The icy snow covering the ground and the frozen blue sky above her symbolizes exactly what has happened. Life in Panem has frozen, and when it melts, there’s no telling who will be safe.

For those who have not read the series, “Catching Fire” may come as a bit of a disappointment.

The ending is an unsatisfying cliff-hanger, and while it stays true to Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book, it is still frustrating.

That said, director Francis Lawrence — replacing Gary Ross from the first

film — does a phenomenal job of crafting a plot that essentially serves as a bridge between the first and third installments into an enticing two-and-a-half hour film. It helps that he is backed by a bigger budget that makes District 12 even more barren and the Capitol even more luxurious.

After Katniss returns from the woods, she is surprised to see President Snow, played

by Donald Sutherland, in her new home.

Snow is not pleased with her behavior, and her acts of defiance in the games have sparked rebellion across Panem. He warns her that if she does not act fully committed to Peeta — a humble and devoted Josh Hutcherson — he will have her family and loved ones killed.

Peeta and Katniss embark on their victory tour, and despite their best efforts, Snow is not pleased. He announces the 75th Annual Hunger Games as a Quarter Quell, in which victors from previous games will be back in the arena competing once more.

Katniss and Peeta are then thrown

back into the games, this time with new allies and new foes.

While the film is a great adaptation of the book, what really separates the film from being a dragging developmental story into a lively tale all its own is the acting.

Jennifer Lawrence is captivating as Katniss, a character who has transformed from a scared innocent girl into a jaded young woman. Her eyes are constantly alert and are filled with merciless nightmares from the murders she committed in the first games.

When it is announced that the 75th Annual Hunger Games will see winners returning to the arena, the pure horror on her face is a moment of acting genius.

Hutcherson once again plays the supporting role to Lawrence, but his determination and passion make him universally likeable.

Newcomers Sam Claflin and Jena Malone as Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason, respectively, shine as the movie reveals glimpses of their background stories that tease the audience for more to

come from the third installment.

Phillip Seymour Hoffmann makes his debut as Plutarch Heavensbee, the new head Gamesmaker. Hoffmann plays the part with such subtly that one is never quite sure whose side he is on.

One of the most surprising performances came from Elizabeth Banks, reprising her role as the eccentric Effie Trinket.

The night before Peeta and Katniss are to return to the arena, Effie gives a gold bracelet to Haymitch and a gold necklace to Peeta.

Afterward, she breaks down into tears saying how sorry she is and how they both deserve so much better.

Banks’s performance reminds us of the true meaning behind these films. The world is full of horrible situations, and suddenly even the ones in power and the ones with the money are realizing that it’s not right.

While the special effects and relationships are intriguing, “Catching Fire” really sparks when it dives into social commentary, at a time where it is utterly appropriate.

Adam Levin’s writing style in question

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Levin reads some of his short stories from ‘Hot Pink.’

By Tom Kozlowski Arts & Entertainment Editor

Brazen novelist and short story writer Adam Levin read to the College from his newest collection of short stories, “Hot Pink,” on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

While ambitious in its operatic scope, Levin’s work is tangled up in its own cleverness, trying

to sew up all the postmodern limbs it can find and animate a Frankenstein’s monster of storytelling to life.

Both Levin’s fictional work and his personal life revolve around the city of Chicago. The author received his M.A. in clinical social work from the University of Chicago, and later an M.F.A. in creative writing from

Syracuse University.

Levin currently lives in Chicago, where he teaches creative writing at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and the impact on the arch of his stories is obvious. His 2010, 900-page novel, “The Instructions,” captured a youth rebellion within the Chicago public school system — “Hot Pink,” in turn, features settings and dialogue evocative of his home as well.

“I suppose I could write a story set in Syracuse, but I trust myself writing a story set in Chicago more,” Levin said in an interview with The Chicago Sun-Times. “I know the city, and I think I know the various ways people talk (there).”

Having a comfort zone in the Windy City has made for some breezy prose. Borrowing from the styles of Philip Roth and the late, coveted David Foster Wallace, Levin’s work is unabashedly a stream of consciousness, flowing

freely from family dysfunction to flashy street violence. Sometimes it is engaging, and other times, its nonchalance is absurd.

“Hot Pink” erects ridiculous scenarios at breakneck speeds before shrugging them off as just another day in Chicago, such as the sudden brutality and sex of “Jane Tell.” Postmodernism can come with a warning label requesting a suspension of disbelief, but the story has to convince us it is worth our while to do so. In the case of “Jane Tell,” the particular story from which Levin read, the characters careened existentially around like a knockoff Chuck Palahniuk tale. It is marauding of “Fight Club” and is also subliminally obvious — shallow romance sparked at group therapy, emotional relief from physical violence and dialogue that quips but never sticks.

It is doubtful that Levin intended to copy-change “Fight Club” and ride off its success. But

the action of stitching Palahniuk, Wallace, Salinger and even some Saunders into a new body of work comes with a caveat: If done carelessly, it’s bound to backfire.

It is worth noting that the first story in “Hot Pink” is called “Frankenwittcenstein.” Perhaps even Levin’s aware of the mismatched and uncoordinated creature he has engineered.

Levin has a tremendous gift for experimental ideas and a drive to write. A 900-page novel and 200 pages of frothing stories are not generated easily, after all.

Nevertheless, Levin must be up to the challenge of better suturing his points together and finding a reliable editor.

“Writing’s hard — I think that when it’s not hard, it’s useless,” Levin said during his question and answer session.

For better or worse, those closing remarks had more inherent truth than his reading of “Hot Pink” could muster.

page 18 The Signal December 4, 2013

ACT murder mystery show ‘Trial By Error’

By Mike Herold Staff Writer The audience in All College Theatre’s most recent production, “Trial By Error,” got the chance to experience being members of a 150-person jury at the two performances on Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22.

The show was interactive, as the members of the audience actually did determine which character would be found guilty.

While the audience ate food from Mama Flora’s, the cast members wove their way through the

packed crowd before the play and during intermission, and much of the play’s second act revolved around audience questions for the panel of suspects.

“I was nervous about interacting with the audience because I wasn’t sure how people would take talking to a character and not talking to you,” said Emily Brady, an international student focusing on African American studies who portrayed prosecutor Eleanor Ashwood. “But I was happily surprised to find how happy people were to talk to us, how people would come up to

Vicki Wang / Photo Assistant

ACT acts fast by taking direction from the audience.

us at intermission and talk about what was going on, and how receptive people were us.”

Garrett Verdone, a junior marketing major who played defendant Brandon Weatherby, a man accused of killing his own father, said that on both nights they got different questions and answers.

“That’s the best thing about a murder mystery, you get a completely different show with each performance,” Verdone said.

The actors were tested by not only the audience, but also by several members of the cast who acted as “reporters” for the case, interviewing audience members and trial witnesses alike.

“It took a good amount of practice to get used to thinking on your feet,” said Anthony Coppola, senior interactive multimedia major and the secondary suspect, Colonel Henry Blake.

“It helped you get into character when you spent an hour in character before the show working with the ‘media.’ After weeks and many practices, staying in character was easier and it really stopped being like a show, we all enjoyed doing it.”

The challenges in doing the production did not just come from the improvised nature of the performances.

Vicki Wang / Photo Assistant

Audience members decide the outcome of the show.

“Last year, ACT performed a courtroom show, and two years ago we did a courtroom show, so we wanted to really make sure that it was not like anything we’d done,” said Robert O’Connor, a senior sociology major who codirected the show with graduate counseling education student John Eldis and co-wrote the show with Eldis and senior English secondary education double major Bree Florek. “This is the first murder mystery we’ve had in some time that actually had multiple endings, and I think it worked really well.”

In a show with multiple endings, sometimes the audience is left wondering what the other outcomes could have been. Not

so with this performance, as the cast showed both endings — one in which Brandon Weatherby is found guilty and confesses that he not only did it, also but wishes to kill more members of his family, and the other showing the downtrodden Henry Blake wrongly convicted as Weatherby confesses to the audience anyway.

“One thing we wanted to make sure of during the writing process was that each ending was super clear-cut,” Eldis said. “And obviously one of them is the good ending and one is the bad ending.”

Luckily, the audience chose to convict the right man, showing that even an oversized jury watching a comedy does not always judge in error.

Religion & Rocketry band rock the Rathskeller

By Andrew Ryan Correspondent The unexpected cancelation of the indie pop-rock band Kingsfoil — notable for its drummer, Malcolm in the Middle star Frankie Muniz — on Friday, Nov. 22, did not stop pop-rock/alternative bands Religion & Rocketry and All of a Kind from delivering performances that captivated the Rathskeller’s audience.

“T.G.I.F anyone?” Religion & Rocketry member Shaina Arb asked the audience empathetically before breaking into more upbeat, feel-good music that put students — stressed with the upcoming end of the semester —

at ease.

The band, formerly known as Evelia, hails from Medford, N.J. and consists of Shaina and her two siblings, Caleigh Williams and Zach Williams. On Friday night, they performed songs from their new EP, “Tangents.”

All three of the siblings contributed rich vocals to the performance that were arranged in perfect harmony. Zach played electric guitar, while his sisters alternated between instruments.

The siblings were joined on stage by a rhythm guitarist, a bassist and a drummer for most of the performance, which allowed for a fuller and more dynamic musical experience.

The band’s sound was beautifully textured. The pulsating rhythms of the drums and bass were complemented by lively riffs and adorned with catchy guitar licks and penetrating vocals.

At one point, the rhythm guitarist, bassist and drummer temporarily left the stage and the sibling trio performed a couple of songs on their own, including an especially emotionally evocative cover of “Poison and Wine” by The Civil Wars. This heartfelt, stripped-down section of their performance showcased the trio’s raw talent and flawless musical synchronization.

All of a Kind opened for Religion & Rocketry, performing

acoustic renditions of songs from their debut album, “Tired Times for Relevance.” The group’s front man, Chris Canberg, exhibited his dynamic vocal range, and his three band mates — all of whom played acoustic guitars — demonstrated skillful precision and coordination.

In addition to their own material, the band performed covers of Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and Journey’s “Any Way You Want It.” Though she was especially impressed by Religion & Rocketry, freshman biology major Okxana Cordova said, “They were both really good.”

Christine DiPierro, a freshman

open options engineering major said that All of a Kind’s “acoustic sound was really on point,” but ultimately preferred Religion & Rocketry as well.

“The female singers really popped,” DiPierro said. “They had really good harmonies, too.”

Both bands addressed Kingsfoil’s cancelation.

Shortly after taking the stage, Zach mused, “So ... uh, we’re not Kingsfoil.”

Canberg stated that, supposedly, Muniz had to film a movie — something he was not even aware that Muniz still did.

“I would pick The College of New Jersey over Hollywood any day,” Canberg joked sarcastically.

complete innovation is not needed with Macca’s music.

Kanye West may consider himself a god this year, but that title truly belongs to McCartney.

The entire album, like most of the Beatles’ later albums, is varied and interesting.

Giles Martin, son of George Martin, was the executive producer on this album.

Looking further, we see that McCartney worked with a number of younger producers. Noticing this, I realized that my earlier statement about complete innovation would have to be clarified a bit.

Remember how the Beatles were constantly messing around with all different types of music? “Helter Skelter,” “Birthday,” “Rocky Racoon,” “Julia” and “Revolution 9” were all completely different, yet

they were all recognizable Beatles songs. Here, his work with younger producers gives the album a wonderful varied track list.

The same goes for “New.” The album opener, “Save Us,” sounds like a track from David Bowie’s latest album released earlier this year. “Alligator” is a dark, synthesized folk song that sounds right off of a Wings album. “Queenie Eye” has Paul bringing out the good old Mellotron (a tape-based forerunner to the modern synthesizer) again for a catchy, almost sentimental sounding number.

The standout track on this album is “Appreciate,” a trip-hop influenced number that could be the next James Bond theme song.

Paul McCartney is not the same artist that he was 50 years ago, but he is still one of the

best out there. “New” shows the work of an artist who never stopped growing, experimenting or imagining where he

could take his music. The album makes me confident that he still has quite a few more hit songs left in him.

McCartney’s music still popular after 50 years

By Jared Sokoloff Staff Writer

I realized today that this year marks the 50th anniversary of Beatlemania, which means that Paul McCartney has been blasting out hit pop songs for five decades, somehow managing to stay at least somewhat relevant without completely conforming to the latest fads in music.

On his latest release, “New,” you will not hear him delving into EDM or dropping the bass (which is a shame, because he’s probably one of a handful of artists who could properly incorporate dubstep into pop music).

I was not in love with the album the first time I listened to it. But then I listened to it again.

And again. And I realized that

McCartney reins in 50 years of a successful career.

AP Photo

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 19

Recital series produces magical music

By Courtney Kalafsky Correspondent

The Wednesday Afternoon Recital Series continued with another impressive array of talent from the College’s student body on Nov. 20 in the Mayo Concert Hall. The recital included nine performances, in which students, who certainly hold a bright future in music and the arts, displayed incredible skill.

The first performer, Jeremy Neiss, opened the recital on a more unconventional note. He played Johann Sebestian Bach’s “Partita in D minor BWV 1004” on the marimba. His unique take on the classical song mesmerized the audience, leaving them with high expectations for the rest of the performances.

Neiss’s performance was followed by two harpists, freshman Abigail Gillespie and Joseph Pagani, who played “Chanson dans la Nuit” by Carlos Salzedo. Their precise timing and beautiful harmonies displayed the extensive time and effort put into the piece.

In contrast to the sound of the harps, Colleen Ferry played a more traditional piece, “Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor BWV 1008” by Bach. Her cello piece captivated the audience with its deep and emotional tones.

The rest of the performances were collaborations between two different instruments. “Sonate” by Francis Poulenc was played by sophomore Maggie Stroh on the flute and Kathy Shanklin on piano.

Despite the complexity of the piece, they played the piece flawlessly.

Kathy Shanklin then returned to the stage with trumpet player Justin Ploskonka for “Concert Etude” by Alexander Goedicke.

The fast-paced song exerted a strong and confident tone, exciting the audience.

David McNally and Joseph Lesky slowed down the pace with “Vocalise Op. 34, No. 14” by Sergei Rachmanioff.

They played the double bass and the piano, respectively. The two instruments blended perfectly, creating a peaceful and soothing tone.

The recital transitioned again to a

quicker and more upbeat pace, with “Sonatina Op. 100 Finale, Allegro” by Antonin Dvorak. The happy piece was played by Eileen O’Driscoll on violin and Laura Henry on piano.

Bronson Manley on contrabass and Luas Gisonto on piano slowed things down again with “Elegy D per Contrabasso e Pianoforte” by Giovanni Bottesini. The somber piece displayed remarkable tempo control and wonderful teamwork from the performers.

The recital concluded with “Sonata for Trumpet and Piano” by Kent Kennan.

Junior Samuel Nemeth performed on the trumpet, with Nick Gatto on piano. The two displayed impressive confidence and talent as they effortlessly ended the show with an eloquent and powerful piece.

Sarah Drozd, a sophomore elementary education and history double major, was delighted by the College’s idea for a Wednesday Afternoon Recital Series.

“It’s a good opportunity to show the students’ progression, what they’re working on and how far they have come,”

Drozd said. “The series includes a great variety of music and works as good means of exposure for the audience as well.”

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

Students play a variety of pieces.

‘About Time’ not just a romantic comedy

McAdams and Gleason capture audiences’ hearts.

By Karl Delossantos Staff Writer

“About Time” is in an interesting position. It is essentially the victim of its own marketing campaign. The film is heavily marketed as a romantic comedy, and while a portion of the film focuses on a relationship, it only amounts to about

AP Photo

30 minutes of the two-hour movie.

The rest of the film is about the life of Tim Lake, played by Domhnall Gleeson. We experience everything through his eyes from his 21st birthday to his marriage to the birth of his children.

The film begins with Tim’s father James, masterfully played

by Bill Nighy, telling him that he

— like all the men in their family — has the ability to travel through time.

Of course, he decides to use the power to right some of the more awkward moments in his life.

Eventually he tries to use it to win the heart of the girl of his dreams.

However, he quickly learns that you cannot make someone fall in love with you.

The first third of the movie is sloppy. It trudges along at an awkward pace. Although it is delightful to meet the unique cast of characters that inhabit the movie, it all feels a bit forced. The type of comedy just does not feel cohesive. It seems as though the writers could not decide what kind of movie they were making.

Despite the shaky first act of the movie, it eventually pulls together.

The use of time travel is extremely tepid. The rules that his father sets seem like they are written in sand, but they are mostly used as a plot

device opposed to the main plot.

Throughout the movie, Tim uses his ability to get things right and to help others in his life.

One of these events involves him saving a friend’s play at the expense of meeting Mary, played

by Rachel McAdams. He then uses his ability to find a way to meet her elsewhere. One of the high points of the film is that we do not have to wait to find the success in their relationship.

The dynamic between the characters of Mary and Tim, but less so the actors, is impalpable.

The characters themselves are incredibly honest and down-toearth, and their relationship is one that you root for. This is the point of the film that it is all pulled together. The filmmakers find the cohesion lacking in the first part of the film and fully realize the use of time travel.

Tim has used his ability as a shortcut in his life, but in the

film it is used as a teaching tool.

He learns that you cannot always change the outcome of the future without changing something else. He tries using his ability as a super power, when in reality it is a crutch.

This sentimental film is headed with charming performances from Gleason and McAdams, and careful direction from Richard Curtis, who brought us “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.” Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan and Richard Cordery compose the rest of the eclectic and hilarious Hill family.

There is a point in “About Time” when you realize this is a movie that you did not expect. It is a beautiful and sensitive film about life. At times it feels safe and familiar, and at others, outstandingly brilliant. But overall it is assuredly entertaining. In the end you will realize that the film has a lot more to say than its other genre companions.

Issues of Appalachia explained through dance

By Gianna Cumella Correspondent

The College hosted the final presentation in the Brown Bag series on Friday, Nov. 22, focusing on three choreographed dance performance pieces depicting the environmental and social issues in Appalachia.

Deborah McLaughlin and Theresa Burriss worked together on collaborating three dance pieces: “The Shadow Waltz,” “Sounds of Stories Dancing” and “Eating Appalachia: Selling Out to the Hungry Ghost.” Each dance highlights a different problem people of the Appalachian region face.

“I’ve always been attracted to the region,” McLaughlin said, and her impressive work with Burriss illustrates this interest.

One of the most prevalent issues in Appalachia is mountaintop removal, which is the removal of the summit of the mountain to gain access to coal. This process has serious environmental consequences and the practice has escalated greatly in the past 10 years, McLaughlin stated.

“Eating Appalachia: Selling out to the Hungry Ghost” was the first dance discussed. It portrayed the issue of

mountaintop removal and the affects it has on Appalachia as a whole.

The dance, “Sounds of Stories Dancing,” is about a woman who could not handle the destruction due to the mountaintop removal and leaves Appalachia to move to a big city.

While there, McLaughlin said the woman feels “alienated” and “longs to come home,” but “once you leave it’s hard to go back because you’re straddling these two worlds.”

A lot of work went into this piece, and Burriss said that she has conducted over 40 interviews with Appalachian women activists, and the common themes in the interviews were used to choreograph the dance.

Another underlying issue in the area is the rise in black lung disease. Since mining is a big part in Appalachian society, many miners are affected.

Their last dance, “The Shadow Waltz,” depicts how women feel when their husbands and loved ones go to work at the mines. Burriss and McLaughlin interviewed miners in West Virginia, who said that despite the dangers, they “loved the camaraderie and physicality.” Both Burriss and McLaughlin see these miners in “a heroic sense,” because they are “basically risking their lives every

Courtney Wirths / Photo Editor

McLaughlin and Burriss bring to light key problems in Appalachia. day,” McLaughlin said.

“I really enjoyed learning more about the environmental issues in Appalachia, and it really opened my eyes to how people in different parts of the country live,” freshman communication studies major Jake Rubin said.

With Burriss being the Chair of Appalachian

Studies and McLaughlin a Professor of Dance at Radford University, the two reported to work well together.

The goal of their project was to project the beauty of the region through their choreographed dances, while still illuminating the hardships in Appalachian culture.

page 20 The Signal December 4, 2013

Fun Stuff

?

Finish the proverb 1. Strike while the...

2. It is always the darkest before...

Sudoku

3. Better to be safe...

4. You get out of something..,

?

Comic of the week

Puzzle #1

Puzzle #2 Brain teaser solution The German owns the fish and the table below details the full answer:

Nationality: Norweg, Dane, Brit, German, Swede Colour: Yellow, Blue, Red, Green, White Beverage: Water, Tea, Milk, Coffee, Chocolate Smokes: Dunhill, Blend, Pall Mall, Prince, Blue Master Pet: Cats, Horses, Birds, Fish, Dogs

Answers 1. ...iron is hot 2. ... the dawn 3. ... than sorry!

4. ... What you put in it.

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 21

MORE Fun Stuff Brain Teasers - Easy

1. A rooster lays an egg on the top of the roof.

Which way does it roll?

2. There are four days that start with the letter “T.” What are they?

3. Manhole Covers: Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones?

4. A doctor gives you three pills telling you to take one every half hour. How long would the pills last?

5. How many animals of each sex did Moses take on the ark?

Answers - Easy

1. Roosters don’t lay eggs.

2. Tuesday, Thursday, today, and tomorrow.

3. A square manhole can be turned and dropped down the diagonal of the manhole, but a round manhole cannot be dropped down the manhole.

4. One hour — you take one at the beginning of the hour, one after 30 minutes and the last after an hour.

5. None — that was Noah, not Moses.

Brain Teaser of the week

There are 5 houses in 5 different colors. In each house lives a person of a different nationality. The 5 owners drink a certain type of beverage, smoke a certain brand of cigar, and keep a certain pet. Using the clues below can you determine who owns the fish?

The Brit lives in a red house.

The Swede keeps dogs as pets.

The Dane drinks tea.

The green house is on the immediate left of the white house.

The green house owner drinks coffee.

The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds.

The owner of the yellow house smokes Dunhill.

The man living in the house right in the middle drinks milk.

The Norwegian lives in the first house.

The man who smokes Blend lives next door to the one who keeps cats.

The man who keeps horses lives next door to the man who smokes Dunhill.

The owner who smokes Blue Master drinks chocolate.

The German smokes Prince.

The Norwegian lives next to the blue house.

The man who smokes Blend has a neighbour who drinks water.

For the answer guide, see page 20.

Suduko Solutions From page 20

Sudoku Solution #1

Sudoku Solution #2

page 22 The Signal December 4, 2013

Swim teams narrowly dropped by Ducks Men’s team loses a thriller in the last event Swimming & Diving

By Chrissy Onorato Staff Writer

It was a hard-fought effort by the men’s and women’s swimming teams on Saturday, Nov. 23 as the Lions took on Stevens Institute of Technology. Both teams were defeated, but after the most exciting competitions of the season, the Lions were able to walk away knowing they had given it their all.

The men’s team narrowly lost 133129 and came close to overtaking its opponents. This was the first loss of the season for the 4-1 men’s team, while the women fell to 3-2 with a 147-109 loss.

The day started off well as the Lions took the 200-medley relay with a time of 1:35.87. The team consisted of junior Aleksander Burzynski, sophomore James Shangle, sophomore Joseph Dunn and junior Brett Pedersen.

The Lions took the 1,000-yard event as freshman Ryan Gajdzisz came in victorious with a time of 9:52.06.

Other victories came from Shangle

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Vitabile wins the 200-butterfly against Stevens with a time of 158.04. in the 100 and 200-breaststrokes, while Pedersen was first in the 100-freestyle.

Freshman Scott Vitabile outswam his opponents in the 200-butterfly, posting a winning time of 158.04.

The final competition was the deciding one. In the 400-yard freestyle, the College was led by Dunn, Pederson, freshman

Andrew Nesbitt and senior Philip Hawley. In what would be one of the closest races of the year, the Lions finished just under a 10th of a second of their opponents to lose the race. They posted a time of 3:08.75 while their opponents posted a time of 4:08.64.

For the women’s team, a similar fate

would befall them.

Also taking on Stevens Institute of Technology, the Lions fell 147-109.

However, there were some impressive races won by the Lions. Seniors Amy Schurer and Hailey Growney placed first and second in the 200-individual medley, posting times of 2:20.77 and 2:21.97.

Freshman Brenna Strollo outswam the competition as she won three events: the 200-individual medley, the 100-backstroke and the 200-backstroke.

The Lions took the victory in the 100butterfly as junior Brennah Ross swam for the lead, getting a time of 1:00.86. Junior Summer Thomas added to the Lions’ point total with a third-place finish in this event, coming in at a time of 1:03.48.

The final event of the day was taken by the Lions, as senior Michelle Sanders, sophomore Lauren Rothstein and Ross took the ribbon with a time of 3:44.49.

This week, the College competes in the TCNJ Invitational, a weekend tournament starting Friday, Dec. 6 and wrapping up on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Men’s hoops denied in first two weeks Lions rebound vs. Centenary after 0-5 start Men’s Basketball

like a blowout, as the team didn’t display signs of panic despite the numbers on the scoreboard. Leading the charge again was Brackett, who put up 18 points and 15 rebounds, with Johnson netting 11 and freshman guard Eric Klacik chipping in 10.

“We just have to fix a lot of little things,” Johnson said. “Mainly defense. We gave up a lot of transition points, which broke the game out. We need to make it our best effort to get back on defense (and) try to stop them in transition, try to run the offense rather than just letting them run up and down the court and get points.”

Making adjustments will be the difference between a successful season and last year’s form.

“We’ll be fine by the middle of Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk the year. We just have to fix a lot of The Lions drop their first five games of the season. little things,” Brackett said. “We’ll

Up next was Western Condo it sooner rather than later.”

By Mike Herold necticut University, a contest that One definite highlight of the Staff Writer saw the Lions battle back and team’s opening week came when A rough two weeks to open forth with the visiting Colonials Klacik was named Rookie of the the season ended on a high note in their first home game of the Week by the NJAC after startfor the College’s men’s basket- season before being dropped 83- ing all three of the team’s games ball team as it picked up its first 80. In another strong showing, and averaging seven points and win of the season this past Satur- Brackett racked up 27 points — three assists. day, Nov. 30. including several crowd-raising Another setback was to come The Lions (1-5, 0-2) had faced dunks — to lead all scorers, and in the form of the College’s worst little but disappointment before junior forward Alex Fox kept the loss of the season so far, in a 65the win, losing each of their first College in the game until the final 46 defeat to Richard Stockton two games by three points and seconds with two cold-blooded despite solid games from junior the next three in blowouts by threes as time ran down. forward Jason Chalmers, who double digits.

“We needed (the late threes), had 11 points and 9 boards, and The College began the season honestly,” Fox said. “They gave Brackett, who continued to lead against The City College of New me the ball, I just had to get the the Lions with 12 points and 13 York, eventually falling 76-73 af- shot up. You don’t have much rebounds. ter City hit a buzzer-beater. Soph- time to think about it. You’ve just The team’s final loss of the omore forward Bobby Brackett got to get it done.” opening weeks was dealt by — in his first regular season game The College’s third game didn’t Bridgewater College, 78-68, with the team — led the Lions go any better. In its first NJAC even though five Lions scored with 21 points and 17 rebounds, game, the team fell to William in double digits. Turnovers and while junior guard Jayson Johnson Paterson 87-69. Despite the lop- transition defense continued to contributed 20 points. sided score, the contest never felt be an issue for the College, as the

defense allowed 24 points off of turnovers and 18 on the break.

Ending the losing streak was a winning effort put forth by the team against Centenary College this weekend, as the Lions prevailed 78-70, thanks to a balanced scoring attack led by junior forward Skyelar Ettin and Chalmers, who had 17 and 16 points, respectively. The win came as the College connected on over 55 percent of their shots from deep.

“It was nice for the guys to get a win,” head coach Kelly Willaims said. “We haven’t played badly in previous games, we just had too many mental mistakes with unforced turnovers that changed the momentum of some of the earlier games.”

The Lions can draw from the win over Centenary, though, as they enter the NJAC season.

“Hopefully we will gain some

confidence from our performance against Centenary,” Williams said.

“Bobby Brackett has been off to a good start and now Jason Chalmers and Skye Ettin are playing better as well, which is a must for us to be a good team. Jayson Johnson has struggled early in the season but had a great floor game on Saturday, which is encouraging as we move into conference play.”

The coach, much like his players, is certain that the team needs no more than small tweaks and adjustments to make sure this win is followed by more.

“Our effort has been great over the first six games. Now we have to continue to concentrate on our execution for 40 minutes,” Williams said. “Our goal from day one was to get better every day, and for the most part we have.

Hopefully that will result in more wins throughout the season.”

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The College gets its first win of the year against Centenary.

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 23 Wrestling

Lions dethrone Monarchs for first win College exploits King’s forfeits for 41-7 result

By George Tatoris Correspondent

The wrestling team swept aside the King’s College Monarchs 41-7 at a dual meet on Wednesday, Nov. 20 for its first win of the season.

The meet opened with a string of three forfeits from King’s College, which the Lions had knowledge of beforehand.

These extra points, combined with a later forfeit given to senior Ricky Cordero at 184 pounds, gave the Lions a hefty 24-point advantage.

Forfeits are not uncommon in wrestling, but so many at the start of the match is unusual.

“Generally, we don’t see that that often,” said senior Zach Zotollo, ranked No. 1 at 174 pounds.

After the opening forfeits, sophomore 149-pounder Dylan Thorsen wrestled one of the most nail-biting matches of the night, dragging his King’s College adversary through three overtimes before ultimately losing by decision.

Nathanial Leer, a junior in the 197pound weight class, scored an additional

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions grapple their way to win number one for the season.

six points to give the Lions a 24-3 lead, pinning opponent Daniel Harthausen after just one minute and 22 seconds.

Zotollo won his bout with King’s College freshman Tyler McGuigan by technical fall, earning the College three more points.

“It always feels good to come out of

the day with a win,” Zotollo said.

Freshman 157-pounder Chris Serpico and senior heavyweight Jeff Furbish also picked up victories for the College, both winning by decision over their King’s College opponents, rounding out the scoring at 41-7.

Zotollo also commended freshman

Christopher Serpico for having a wellwrestled match at 157 pounds. He had his first opener for the Lions that night. “(Serpico) stuck to his game plan,” Zotollo said.

The victory comes just three days after a defeat at the hands of rival Stevens Institute of Technology.

At the time, the College was suffering from a string of injuries that hindered its performance, which inevitably continued through the win against King’s College. Sophomore Dylan Thorsen walked onto the Monarchs’ mat with a stitched lip that night.

Though the wrestlers were not nervous going into the Monarchs’ matchup, they didn’t let themselves fall into the trap of underestimating their lowerranked opponents.

“Everyone wrestled their own individual match to win the match,” Zottollo said.

The College’s wrestling team does not have another competition until Saturday, Dec. 7, when they are participating in the New Standard Corp. Invitational at York College of Pennsylvania.

Ice Hockey

Hockey / Chemistry built on and off the ice continued from page 28

Julie Kayzerman / News Editor

May and Luke celebrate with the rest of the team during the Lions’ win.

The chemistry they have built on and off the ice is special.

“Everyone on the team gets along and works well together,” Sulpizio said.

“It’s been a great experience. I’ve had a lot of fun getting to know everyone.”

On the ice, everyone has the same goal in mind. But it’s not often to find a team such as this group of boys where the members support each other off the ice as well, regardless of differences in their ages.

“The upperclassmen have been great,” May said. “They do a great job making sure everyone feels comfortable on the team but also keep everyone in line (to)

make sure they get the job done.”

Sulpizio added that the upperclassmen help with off-ice advice about classes and schoolwork, too.

Regardless of what sport or level you are playing in, when you have two freshmen separately saying that their favorite parts about playing hockey at the College are “hanging out with the team” and “having a great group of guys to hang out with,” there’s definitely something special going on.

As a group of college boys has come together in the name of a sport, it’s obvious they’ve formed stronger bonds than just teammates — and while winning on the ice is great, they’re definitely winning in more ways than one.

Lions shut out in NCAAs Round of 16 Women’s Soccer

By Chrissy Onorato Staff Writer

After a season of impeccable play and flawless performances, the Lions were defeated in the NCAA Division III women’s soccer tournament on Saturday, Nov. 23. William Smith College advanced in the tournament with a 1-0 victory over the Lions, ending a remarkable season for the College.

The Lions (18-3-2) were always in the game and had a year full of highs, proving once again they are a force to be reckoned with.

Both teams came out with energy as the game got underway on Saturday, but it was clear when the Herons scored an early goal that the Lions had their work cut out for them.

Their opponents’ offense was spot-on and it was proving impossible to keep the ball down their end of the field.

William Smith’s goal was the first and last the Lions allowed in postseason play, which shows their staunch defense and goalkeeping. Senior goalkeeper Kendra Griffith finished her final game for the College with four saves.

As had been the case all season, freshman forward Christine Levering led the offense with three shots on goal, as junior defender Jordan Downs contributed two.

Earlier in the season, the Lions had defeated William Smith, but both teams had improved immensely since September and the game was top-notch.

The Lions had an incredible season, with surprise players stepping up and taking initiative, while others consistently got the job done and motivated those around them to play to the best of their abilities.

The only losses the Lions succumbed to came from Montclair State University, Rowan University and William Smith, while they tied with both Kean University and Montclair.

Unfortunately for a couple of the players, this was their last game. Seniors Griffith, midfielder Sloan DePiero, defender Lauren Giles and forward Katie Lindacher finished their collegiate careers on a high note, making sure they made every second count on the field.

The underclassmen have a bright future with the team and will be back next fall to

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

The Lions are dropped 1-0, ending a remarkable season with 18 wins. take the team through a deep run into the playoffs once more. Levering, freshman midfielder Sarah Marion, junior forward Leigh Applestein and many others have stepped up this season and led the team in multiple ways.

Now the team is ready to catch its breaths and reflect on a season wellplayed before getting back to work.

Pretty soon, next season will already be on the Lions’ minds and the next plan of attack being drawn up.

page 24 The Signal December 4, 2013

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December 4, 2013 The Signal page 25

LIONS

AROUND THE

DORM 5 3

Gabe Allen Staff Writer

Brandon Gould Correspondent

Mike Herold Staff Writer

Peter Fiorilla Sports Editor

In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Gabe Allen, asks our panel three questions: Are the Los Angeles Lakers making a good decision in making Kobe Bryant the highest-paid player in NBA history, who will win the up-for-grabs NFC East, and will the struggling New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets turn their acts around before the end of the regular season?

1. The Lakers signed Kobe Bryant to a twoyear extension, which makes him the highestpaid player in league history. Good move or bad move? And is Bryant more likely to end up as the leading scorer in NBA regular season history (trails Kareem by 6,770) or NBA playoff history (trails MJ by 347 points)?

Brandon: If you take Kobe Bryant’s name off the contract, look at the facts and focus in on the terms of the deal, this is an awful move. Kobe was already making way too much money, and that problem has now been extended for another two years. It’s not easy to ignore that name, though, and the Lakers were right in not doing so because every penny will be worth it if Kobe helps return the Lakers to prominence. Now, I’m not talking in terms of his play alone. I’m making more of a point that Kobe is the only chance L.A. has of landing another superstar. The Lakers are in the dumps right now. They’re basically lacking sex appeal. The only hot commodity is Kobe, who probably won’t break the all-time regular season record for points, but may surpass Jordan’s playoff record. If

AP Photo

Bryant wants to make it that far, though, it’ll take a few more playoff runs, which will take off if he recruits someone along the lines of LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony. Kobe can’t do it by himself, but making an investment in him could make all the difference in the world in the process of adding talent.

Mike: The simple answer is that this is a bad move for the Lakers. Kobe in his prime was worth the $48.5 million over two years that this extension gives him, and he was paid that much

and more. But Kobe is already on the decline and coming back from a ruptured Achilles.

He just isn’t the same player, and he shouldn’t come with that price tag. According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, 39 percent of all NBA players who suffer this kind of injury never come back, and those who do see significant decreases in playing time and ability, even missing an average of 55 games after returning. Signing Kobe to a monster extension like this all but closes any hopes of a title for the

Lakers the next three years. And with the likelihood of missed playing time, Kobe overtaking Kareem has got to be a huge long shot. But if the Lakers can at least make the playoffs for the next three seasons (which is possible), you can bet that he’ll make it a point to pass MJ even if it means taking 30+ shots a night.

Peter: From a pure basketball standpoint, this move is atrocious. Any player not named LeBron James raking in that kind of money is not worth the price tag, and Kobe cannot hold a candle to the King these days. Given his injury situation — many players never fully recover from a ruptured Achilles — I’m not sure Kobe is on my list of 50 players to give a two-year contract right now, let alone one worth so much. His gargantuan cap hit will prevent premium players from joining the Lakers, since no one is willing to accept less money to play with Kobe the way they will for LeBron, and will keep L.A. in playoff irrelevance. I doubt he will break either record, but since the second requires a short burst of hot shooting rather than sustained excellence, he has a better chance at it.

Brandon wins for saying Kobe is all the Lakers have, Peter gets 2 points for pointing out Kobe doesn’t attract talent, and Mike gets 1 point for giving an overview of Achilles injuries.

2. Who will win the NFC East and why?

Mike: The Dallas Cowboys, for one reason Brandon: Right now, the division is between and one reason only: They control the tiethe Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Ea- breaker with the Philadelphia Eagles. Looking gles. When these two teams met in October, at the remaining schedules for both teams, the the Cowboys walked away with a 17-3 vic- Cowboys seem likely to beat the Packers — tory. Add in the fact that “America’s team” has who may be without Aaron Rodgers — and the a seasoned coach and one of the league’s best Redskins, while losing to Chicago and Philaquarterbacks, and it looks like you have all the delphia. The Eagles, meanwhile, will beat Minpieces for a compelling case. But considering nesota and Dallas while losing to Chicago and recent history, I’m hardly convinced. Over the Detroit. That puts both teams at 9-7 at the end of past five years, the Cowboys have gone 9-12 in the season with a 1-1 record against each other.

December contests. Their best season over that The tiebreaker in that scenario will be divisionAP Photo stretch came last year when they went 3-2, but al record, and if everything plays out the way I those loses came in the final two games, includ- just outlined it, the Cowboys will be 5-1 and the to have Dallas fans feeling a little sick. While and just 11-15 in December. If they are still in ing a win-or-go-home contest with the Wash- Eagles will be 4-2. That means we’ll be getting the Cowboys have changed in many ways over contention, though, count on Nick Foles tearington Redskins and rookie quarterback Robert a home game in Dallas to watch the winners of the years, they always have the ability to snatch ing apart Dallas’ zone defense, which made Griffin III. Yes, the Eagles may have a rookie the NFL’s weakest division likely get stomped defeat from the jaws of victory — just ask the undrafted Raiders QB Matt McGloin look serhead coach and yes, they’re led by a second- by either Carolina or San Francisco.

Lions — and I would not be surprised if they viceable and is giving up 25.3 points per game. year quarterback who hasn’t seen much action, Peter: The Cowboys’ spectacular history of played their way out of the NFC East race even Foles does not turn the ball over — with 19 TDs but if you’re telling me that the fate of division late-season self-destruction will continue into before playing Philadelphia. Tony Romo exem- to zero INTs — and pretty consistently exploits comes down to a Dec. 29 Dallas-Philly match- 2013-14, and not necessarily because of the plifies his team’s lack of clutchness: In his time holes in coverage. He should give the Eagles a up, then give me the Eagles.

Week 17 game against Philadelphia, which has with Dallas, Tony Romo is 25-4 in November big win in a shootout to clinch the NFC East.

Peter wins for mentioning Romo’s late-season struggles, Mike gets 2 points for stressing the tiebreaker, and Brandon gets 1 point for mentioning Dallas’ December record. in “NBA Jam.” But no matter how good this group might be, it was always going to take some time for this to pan out. Just last year, Jason Kidd was running the point for the New York Knicks. Were we really supposed to believe that Kidd wouldn’t skip a beat in his transition to coach? Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Kidd’s old team is playing just as bad, if not worse. Melo is Melo, J.R. Smith is J.R. Smith and Andrea Bargnani is, well, he actually hasn’t been as useless as expected. They are what they are and what they are has them in the midst of a nine-game losing streak, and unlike the Nets, there is no light at the end of the tunnel for them.

Mike: I’m going to say the Knicks have a better shot at turning this around, and possibly even AP Photo making the playoffs, but not because the Knicks 3. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets are a good team. Both the Knicks and Nets curare off to terrible starts. Is either team likely rently play in perhaps the worst division in all to turn their season around, and why? of sports, illustrated by how division leader ToBrandon: The Brooklyn Nets have been a ronto is 6-10. The Knicks are only three games mess on the court this season. They can’t string back, but the reason they’ll overtake the Nets wins together and even extra time brought on specifically is injuries. While the Nets are reliant by a “spill” by their head coach hasn’t helped. on aging and past-their-prime stars and the oftThe collection of players the Nets brought in damaged Brook Lopez, the Knicks rely mainly this offseason looked like it was a king’s ran- on Carmelo Anthony — who is not very insom, a dream team, if only it were assembled jury prone — and Tyson Chandler — who has Mike wins for saying Chandler can make a difference, Peter gets 2 points for highlighting the East’s woes, and Brandon gets 1 point for saying Brooklyn needs a chance to gel.

missed most of this season with a small fracture in his right leg. Once Chandler — the team’s defensive anchor — comes back, the Knicks will probably go back to what they were in the three-and-a-quarter games they had him for at the beginning of this season: a decent team that can get hot with Melo and J.R. Smith and compete with just about anyone. The Nets, meanwhile, will still be an aging team of frequently injured prior stars without a bench.

Peter: In the ultra-pathetic Eastern Conference, anyone can go from rags to riches — outside the playoffs to the No. 4 seed — with a threegame win streak or two, so neither team is incapable of turning their seasons around. That said, I do not expect the Nets or Knicks to be any good this year. The Nets rely on aging,

injury-prone mercenaries who cannot play well together without the direction of a savvy coach, which rookie Jason Kidd is not. Even when the Nets’ ideal starting five is playing together, they can lose to any team on a given day because of their total lack of athleticism. They have a few promising parts, and I love Brook Lopez, but this is not a complete roster by any means.

Meanwhile, the Knicks are usually a safe bet to crumble below expectations, and since this team was not supposed to be very good in the first place, I think New York will be left outside the playoff picture. They will be lucky to go the season without a few major controversies and an uncalled for Mike Woodson firing by the ever-meddling James Dolan — or business as usual in Knicks land.

Peter wins the Around the Dorm Championship, 7-6-5

page 26 The Signal December 4, 2013

Lions Fantasy World

The Scoreboard

Through the Uprights

The time has come. The time every sports columnist dreads — the last column of the season — when he or she has to put aside whatever funny or insane thing happened in sports the past week and actually focus on things like standings and predicting champions.

Of course, in my case this means looking slightly to the right of my column and talking about how made-up teams are doing in an online fantasy league, but the obligation still stings.

So let’s check in, for the first time, on how The Signal’s inaugural fantasy football league played out. As you can see, we’ve wrapped up the regular season, as most other leagues have after the 13th week of the NFL season. You might also notice that the team I co-ran with Pete Fiorilla, our Sports Editor, took the first seed overall, therefore justifying both his position as Sports Editor and mine as Fantasy Guy. At least I think it does, even though our team finished fourth overall in points scored. Head-to-head record is all that counts, and the Signal Squad’s lone win over Team Shubiak (also in our division) pretty much set the playoff seeding.

If I had to predict who would win the playoffs of this league, I probably wouldn’t go with my own team. The Squad is heavily reliant on Peyton Manning destroying everything, and I think he’ll settle down once he breaks Tom Brady’s touchdown record and Denver grabs home field advantage in the AFC. I’d say Team Shubiak will be the eventual winner, as the overall points leader has a solid lineup, with Andrew Luck and Adrian Peterson at the front and plenty of players on playoff-hopeful pro teams backing them up.

I have to say, I’ll be sad to see this column go. It’s been fun to talk about random nonsense in football once a week, and I’ve enjoyed giving people advice on what to do in their own fantasy football leagues, despite the curse this page seems to have.

I won’t be too sad though — next semester we’ll pick up with my column from last year, Nothin’ But Net, as this page again focuses on the NBA and fantasy basketball. I don’t want to brag, but in The Signal’s fantasy basketball league (already in progress, it will appear on this page next semester as well) my team is currently the last unbeaten one, and is trading the overall points lead with last year’s champion. You might say I’m excited to talk basketball again, if you like making exaggerated understatements.

Finally, I’d like to address something else that goes with a final column of the season: the future of this page. See, I graduate in May (you aren’t as sad as I am, trust me), so we’ll need a new Fantasy Guy/Gal for the fall. If you think that you’re the gal/guy for the job, please feel free to contact either me or The Signal, and we’ll see how right you are. Believe me, writing a column like this one is tons of fun and something you’ll definitely remember forever.

I know I sure will. So good luck with finals, Happy Holidays and see you all in 2014!

By Mike Herold Fantasy Guy

More Cushing for the Pushing (5-8)

102

Team Molicki (7-6)

133

Team Gould (8-5)

126

Team Jha (5-8)

82

End Zone Dancers (8-5)

87

Team Matos (6-7) Owner: Rob Matos

64

Suh Girls One Cup (2-11)

83

Team Shubiak (9-4) Owner: Corey Shubiak

116

Owner: Tommy Lagerman Owner: Brandon Gould

Owner: Bryan Dunphy-Culp Owner: Tyler Caccavale

Owner: Chris Molicki

Owner: Ashray Jha

Signal Squad (9-4)

Owners: Peter Fiorilla, Mike Herold

T 7-11 Represent! (6-7)

103 74

Owner: Sean Hynecamp

League Playoffs

(3) Team Shubiak

(1) Signal Squad

Winner (1) vs. (4)

FINAL

(4) End Zone Dancers

Winner (2) vs. (3)

(2) Team Gould

Fantasy Player of the Year

AP Photo

I May Be Wrong, But...

Here’s what I would do in my Fantasy Football playoffs: Start: Any player on a team pushing for a playoff spot. Right now, I’d take players on the Panthers, Cardinals, 49ers, Eagles, Ravens, Dolphins or Titans before anyone else, as those are the teams with the best chance of making the playoffs as a wild card. As a result, those teams’ top players will be bringing their A-games every week.

Be Cautious Of: The teams at the bottom of the barrel. As it stands currently, four teams are tied for the second-worst record in football, just a game behind/ahead of the Texans for the top pick in the draft. Once those teams are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention (which hasn’t happened yet), expect some serious tanking and perhaps some “injuries.”

Bench: Not right away, but once a team clinches the No. 1 or No. 2 seed, or a division with no chance to move up, that team is far less likely to put forth a big effort in remaining games and risk injury. If the Broncos wrap up the top spot in Week 16 and Peyton’s already thrown TD No. 51, don’t expect to see Darth Touchdown lace up for Week 17 and risk getting injured before the playoffs begin.

Look Out For: Possibly the biggest game of the remainder of the season takes place in the final week, when the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys face off for what could be the division and a playoff berth. Those two teams make for fierce competition in a normal game, with that much on the line expect some fireworks.

AP Photo

December 4, 2013 The Signal page 27

ports Week In Review AP Photo

Did You Know?

Like us on Facebook to follow the College’s breaking news.

Since 2006, neither the men’s nor women’s tennis teams have had a losing season.

The men have compiled an impressive 6724 record, while the women are 142-28 with eight New Jersey Athletic Conference titles. Over that span, both teams were also ranked top-30 nationally.

Number of wins per season Women’s Basketball

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

2008

Team total: 204 Alex Spark 53

2009

Jillian Nealon 35

2010

Jen Garavente 34 Lauren Pigott 23

2011

Erin Waller 20

2012

Kendal Borup 11 0

5

10

15

20

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

THE WEEK

The Horizon For

Sports Men’s Basketball December 4 vs. Kean University, 8 p.m.

December 7 @ Rutgers-Camden, 3 p.m.

Skyelar Ettin Men’s Basketball

Led Lions to first victory of the season

Junior Skyelar Ettin led the team with 17 points in its victory against Centenary College. This 78-70 win marks the first one for the Lions after starting the season 0-5. Ettin went three for three behind the arc and 7-10 overall on the day while adding two steals. Ettin and the Lions will be back at home on Wednesday, Dec. 4 against Kean University.

Sports staff champion is crowned 7

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

25 Lauren 30 Karpovich 9

“Give me respect, or get damaged.”

- Champion Peter Fiorilla Number of weeks won

6

Track & Field December 6-7 Fast Times at Lehigh Women’s Basketball December 4 vs. Kean University, 6 p.m.

December 7 @ Rutgers-Camden, 1 p.m.

Swimming December 6-8 TCNJ Invitational - Trials and Finals Wrestling December 7 New Standard Corp. Invitational

5 4 3 2 1 0 Mike Herold

Amy Reynolds

Andrew Grossman

Chris Molicki

Julie Kayzerman

Peter Fiorilla

Final Signal Trivia Answer:

AP Photo

“The longest down in NFL history occured in a Week 2 matchup between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears.

The Lions started by jumping offsides three consecutive times and then were penalized four more times in a row for holding. The seven penalties resulted in a 2nd down and 65.

Needless to say, Detroit was forced to punt the ball.

AP Photo

Signal

Sports

Women’s basketball gets the ball rolling

Injury-resistant offense gives Lions 3-2 start

By Gabe Allen Staff Writer

After dropping its home opener to Moravian College and falling to 1-2 on the season, the women’s basketball team managed to rattle off two straight victories against William Paterson University and Richard Stockton College to move over .500 heading into Thanksgiving break.

The Lions (3-2, 2-0) are averaging nearly 76 points a game this year and have been outscoring opponents by more than eight points an outing.

While head coach Dawn Henderson is happy her team’s offense is scoring, she expects to see more consistency on the defensive end.

“Defensively, we need to be better,” Henderson said. “It’s awesome that we’re scoring all these points, but we have to get back to basics. Moravian is a great team.

It’s always a battle when we face them, but we can’t be giving up 86 points.”

Sometimes, a good defense can be a team’s best offense. But while the Lions have only failed to score 79 points once this year, improvements on the defensive end can only help in the long run, reducing the burden of responsibility on the offense to win games by shooting the lights out.

Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk

Women’s basketball scores nearly 76 points per game.

However, an efficient offense did return the Lions to the win column against William Paterson for an important victory. Having suffered one- and five-point losses already, the Lions had yet to win a truly close game.

“Beating William Paterson was a big confidence-boosting win for us,” Henderson said. “We are a really resilient, hardworking team, and that would have been a really tough one to lose.”

In the Lions’ most recent game, they were able to hold Stockton to just 60 points, while scoring 89 points on 56 percent shooting from the field.

Both of these season highs came despite multiple injury issues. Among them was junior guard Kylie O’Donnell being limited by an ankle injury and junior forward Jessica Goldbach missing the game with a concussion.

“Defensively, we need to make it our

goal to hold teams to 60 points,” Henderson said. “We need to do a better job rebounding, but this was a step in the right direction.”

Of those who stepped up in the Lions’ most lopsided win of the year, senior guards Tiffany DeTulio and Kelly Roddy really stood out, posting a combined 38 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and four steals, while shooting over 63 percent from the field.

“We’re a really balanced team, and we’re just playing team basketball,” O’Donnell said. “I think the biggest thing is Coach is always reminding us to have fun out there. When we have fun, we stay loose, and that’s when we’re at our best.”

With key Lions dealing with injuries, the four-day Thanksgiving break couldn’t have come at a better time for the team.

“We had a lot of help from the training staff before we left, and we will continue to work with them when we get back,” O’Donnell said.

After enjoying Thanksgiving break, Henderson and the Lions are looking forward to getting back to basics this coming week.

The Lions return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 4, as they host Kean University in Packer Hall.

Fiery passion for freshmen on and off ice

By Julie Kayzerman Nation & World Editor

It’s a feeling that’ll never be forgotten for all athletes who have ever cared about their sport. The final two minutes of their last high school game on their home field — being told that there are bigger and better things to come, but all the while knowing that the moments of an athletic career’s glory days might be scarce in the future.

To some it’s not a big deal, as they’ve already committed to continue play for their college. But to others, club sports can be the savior that provides four more years of the game they love while also highlighting the skills of the most talented players.

This semester, the Lions’ ice hockey team welcomed freshmen forwards Will Sulpizio and Luke May to the ice, and they have benefited greatly in

Julie Kayzerman / Nation & World Editor

May puts in a shift during the Lions’ upset of Kutztown.

Lions’ Lineup December 4, 2013

I n s i d e

the process.

With a combined total of 56 points for the team this season — Sulpizio contributing 29 and May with 27 — the two freshmen have been consistent point getters, proving themselves worthy of minutes on the ice.

“It’s been good to be able to go out each and every game (and) have the chance to make a difference and be able to help the team in any way possible,” May said.

The chemistry of the two players is undeniable, as they’ve comprised their points almost equally between goals and assists, while boasting seasoned stickhandling skills, powerful skating and sharp awareness of the puck on the ice.

“Playing with Will has been good so far,” May said. “We do a good job of supporting each other and working together. We have good chemistry and it’s been fun playing together.”

Coming in as freshmen with a lot to prove to a bunch of older boys who have already

Julie Kayzerman / Nation & World Editor

Sulpizio works on building chemistry with May. played together can sometimes be a challenge, but the rookies have handled it with confidence and composure — playing with fire, passion and hard work — while undoubtedly earning them the respect from

their new teammates.

But putting the points and obvious talent aside, it’s the clear camaraderie of the team that is so special. see HOCKEY on page 23

46 53 Around the Dorm page 25

Wrestling dominates King’s page 23

Swimming slips to Stevens page 22

Lions dropped 1-0 in NCAAs page 23