Brave New Gallery
Art students premiered ‘And Now For Something Completely Different.’ See A&E page 12 tcnjsignal.net
Lions trounce Devils
The College’s football team continued its strong start with a decisive win over FDU. See Sports page 20
The College of New Jersey Student Newspaper since 1885
September 21, 2011
Bonner Scholars aid Trenton flood victims Vol. CXXXV.
No. 4
By Tom Ciccone Nation & World Editor
In response to the destructive flooding that hit Trenton last week, College volunteers worked to help distribute supplies needed by South Trenton residents affected by the floods. Bonner Scholars went from door to door asking residents what they needed, while approximately 300 lbs. of clothing were sorted at El Centro, a family resource center in Trenton. Thanks to grants from the Bonner Foundation, Youth Service America and State Farm Insurance, a group of almost 80 volunteers, including Bonner Scholars, staff workers and full-time members of Bonner AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA — a national service program designed to fight poverty — were able to collect much-needed supplies. Kristi Cordier, an AmeriCorps VISTA leader, was surprised at how responsive
Photo courtesy of Timothy Grant
College volunteers gathered supplies to aid South Trenton flood victims. the College community was. “The response to donate on campus was overwhelming. In a couple of hours, we were able to fill two van-loads of donations from (College) students,” Cordier said in an email interview.
According to the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement, South Trenton families still need supplies like water, food, clothing, bedding, hygiene products and diapers. Any students willing to send donations in any way can contact
the Bonner Center at bonner@tcnj.edu or 609-771-2548. “People want to do what is right,” said Megan Gerity, a Bonner scholar who was involved extensively with the relief efforts. “Although it was inspiring that many volunteers came out to help, what was more motivational for me was the fact that we were able to help out in a significant way on the 10th anniversary of 9/11,” Gerity said in an email interview. “By not turning our heads to ignore a serious issue, I feel as though we honored 9/11 victims, survivors and first responders in the most positive and appropriate way.” Cordier had a similar feeling about being inspired to aid the community in light of the 10th anniversary of a national tragedy. “As we reflected on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the relief efforts were an important reminder of the power of a community in a time of need,” Cordier said.
Future of ‘blended learning’ courses unclear By Alyssa Mease Staff Writer
Eighty-three students took advantage of the College’s pilot project for blended learning courses this summer. The courses, which ranged from Financial Accounting and Reporting to Stress Management, met on campus once a week, but students did the majority of the coursework online.
“It was the best of both worlds,” said Jody Eberly, associate professor of Elementary and Early Childhood Education, who taught Multicultural Children’s Literature. “(Blended learning courses) allow students to do other things without living close by … to adjust their schedule according to their needs,” said professor of economics Bozena Leven, who taught Principles
of Microeconomics. Although the students might have saved time in their commute, they still had to spend ample time doing the assignments. “You have to participate, you have to be more organized, you have to read the assignment,” Eberly said. “You can’t have an off class like you can in a traditional classroom, where you might just skim the reading for the day.”
The faculty also reported an increase in the amount of time spent preparing for the blended learning courses. “There is more prep needed and no time saved on the tests. Each student submitted individualized answers that I had to read through, so there was no time saved,” Leven said. “There was excellent software, so I didn’t have to create the whole class from scratch — McGraw-Hill has done it with
millions of dollars.” “(The professor) has to be incredibly organized,” Eberly said. “It’s overwhelming the amount of stuff you do online. I checked my email three to four times a day. You really need complete flexibility.” Interim Dean of the School of Education Mark Kiselica was instrumental in bringing the blended learning courses to see CLASS page 2
College gets to know Bo CUB announces fall concert
Warner Bros. Records photo
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
College Union Board’s fall concert will feature headliner Jack’s Mannequin and opener Secondhand Serenade, CUB representatives announced on Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 18 for the show, which begins at 8 p.m. on the Kendall Hall Main Stage. Tickets go on sale at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the Brower Student Center box office. Tickets are $10 each and limited to College students only. Students may purchase two tickets per College ID.
By Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Internet met the stage on Saturday, Sept. 17 as the College welcomed YouTube comedian Bo Burnham to Kendall Hall. Alongside comedian and writer Chris Hardwick, Burnham headlined College Union Board’s sold-out fall comedy show. Burnham made his grand entrance amidst flashing lights as he danced (and stripped) his way around the stage to the sounds of a pre-recorded theme song. This skit, he told the audience, was a “new bit” that he was trying out. As fans know, this combination of music and comedy is no departure from the norm see BO page 12
Poetic license Literary club ink sponsored an outdoor poetry reading.
Trailing off Why did the College bulldoze part of its nature trail in 1996?
Check out the website Go online for videos and other expanded content.
See A&E page 15
See Features page 11
See tcnjsignal.net
INSIDE Nation & World Editorial Opinions Features Arts & Entertainment Funstuff Sports
5 7 9 11 12 16 20
page 2 The Signal September 21, 2011
Class / Summer courses ’blended’ online and in-person Egyptian alum continued from page 1 the College listed for a few reasons for doing so. “A segment of the faculty had been moving ahead with incorporating distance learning into their course already … more and more students in high school had experience with blended learning, and we felt we might be able to help students accelerate their course of study,” Kiselica said. According to Kiselica, there was a course designer involved in planning the courses, as well as various workshops and discussions of each professor’s syllabus. The students in each course took a specialized survey at the end, and those surveys are in the process of being evaluated to determine
“The hybrid part allowed them to come back and ask questions, and most did not. It was distance learning.” – Bozena Leven, professor of economics, who taught a blended course this summer the effectiveness of the blended learning curriculum. “It’s difficult to do a direct comparison,” Kiselica said, though the students were asked to compare this type of course to the
traditional in-class course. Leven said one of her main concerns was that students who take summer classes generally fall into two groups: those who failed and are trying to catch up and those who are trying to get ahead. “In a typical class, it is easier to target those who are struggling,” she said. If she taught the class again, she would make sure that the students who are struggling are clear on what is expected, she said. “I would try to identify the students who are weaker analytically, who are afraid of the math involved with the graphs … and insist on meeting separately with those students and not allow them to meet only on the computer,” Leven said. “The hybrid part allowed them to come back and ask questions, and most did not. It was distance learning. This course required a certain degree of analytical skills. Students didn’t have the same advantage they would have in a traditional course, by hearing the same question asked repeatedly.” “Distance learning is not for students who can’t budget time. They could theoretically go on vacation and be near a computer,” Eberly said. Faculty members have expressed mixed feelins about the idea of online teaching. “The dynamics of a classroom are sometimes important and I don’t know how that can be achieved (online),” said
Ralph Edelbach, an associate professor in the School of Engineering and the president of The College of New Jersey Federation of Teachers. “I’ve heard nobody raising major concerns to me about it so that’s a good sign,” he said. “I feel I definitely got the same level of education that I would have gotten if I had
“The College will never become an online institution.” – Mark Kiselica, interim dean of the School of Education taken an in-class course. I have already started using some of the knowledge I gained this summer in classes this semester,” said Rebecca Turner, a sophomore math, science, technology and elementary education double major. Whether more blended courses will be added to the schedule in the future will be determined after the students’ and faculty’s feedback is processed. The next step is to present the findings of the students’ surveys to the campus government, then the faculty will do its presentations, then the college government has its input, said Kiselica. However, one thing is certain, Kiselica said: “The College will never become an online institution.”
Advances of Sodexo and Eickhoff honored
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
SG President Olaniyi Solebo applauds the College’s dining services managers for their upgrades to Eickhoff. By Kelly Johnson Staff Writer The Student Government spent a good portion of its meeting recognizing the advancements and improvements of Sodexo and Eickhoff Hall over the past four years, resulting in national recognition of the College’s dining services during their meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14. John Higgins, general manager of dining services, spoke to SG about how he wanted the College to be nationally recognized for its dining services when he and Sodexo won the bid to be the College’s dining service four years ago. “We wanted to be considered a part of (the College) community,” Higgins said. This past summer, Sodexo and Eickhoff Hall received national recognition and were featured in Nation’s Restaurant News and Food Management Magazine. According to Higgins, training to improve the skills of employees, hiring chefs in Eickhoff and raising the standards of food preparation and freshness has resulted in an increase in the students’ overall satisfaction. Higgins also announced that their focus now is on “bringing our food service in (Brower Student Center) to the same level of that in Eickhoff.” SG also announced the establishment of a new and separate
Rules Committee, which will be responsible for investigating, deliberating, evaluating and deciding on issues regarding sensitive matters such as attendance or character, according to Olaniyi Solebo, SG president and senior political science major. In the past, these issues have been dealt with through the Cabinet, and oftentimes “favoritism and/or enmity are factors in Cabinet decision making,” according to Solebo. Furthermore, Rules Committee will oversee SG in ensuring that rules and procedures are being followed and will respond to any grievances by members. SG also unanimously voted to pass B-F201103, a bill establishing the new position of Student Advocate. This position will be responsible for providing support and guidance to students and organizations in familiarizing them with the College’s offices, policies, protocols and procedures, according to Corey Dwyer, executive vice president and senior political science major. Dwyer also elaborated that the holder of this position will be publicized so that the student body and organizations will be aware of whom to go for assistance. SG’s meeting was a packed one, as numerous candidates hoping to snag a position sat in on the meeting. According to junior math secondary education major and Alternate Student Trustee Megan Coburn, elections for SG will be held online on Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
talks Sept. 11, the ‘Arab Spring’ By Andrew Miller Correspondent A Fulbright scholar from Egypt and a College alumnus holding both a law degree and doctorate, Dr. Yassin El-Ayouty spoke about the recent Arab Revolutions and their relation to the events of 9/11 on Tuesday, Sept. 13. He also discussed Islam, Egyptian culture and the effect of social media on U.S. foreign relations. Audience members were engaged in a questionand-answer session after his talk, which took place at 4 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. “Hearing an actual person who is part of this society was much more informative than reading about this society from a textbook,” said Amanda Parks, a sophomore history major enrolled in an Islamic history course at the College. El-Ayouty prefaced his presentation with a quote from an Oxford professor, who, when asked what the most important event in the Twenty-first Century was to date, responded “not 9/11” but “the Arab Revolutions. ” And yet, Arabian citizens and U.S. officials alike thought that without 9/11, these rebellions “never would have ever happened,” he said. El-Ayouty explored the causes of the Arab Revolutions, remarking that when public outrage concerning an event “overrides” fear of a dictatorship, rebellion ensues. “Sucide by fire intiated the Arab Revolution in Egypt, said El-Ayouty. “(It) symbolized the cry of Arabs which sparked the Egyptian revolution.” This “spark” involved Mohamed Bouazizi, the 26-year-old fruit vendor who authorities told did not have a license to sell fruit on the street. Bouazizi appealed this decision, and then was physically abused by the government. As a public protest, Bouazizi set himself on fire in a Tunisian square. According to El-Ayouty, this act symbolized the “cry of the Arabs” and initiated not only the Tunisian Revolution but also the Egyptian Revolution. To illustrate the importance of the Egyptian Revolution in relation to the other Arabian Revolutions, El-Ayouty compared Egypt’s revolution to an “engine,” and revolutions in countries like Libya, Syria and Yemen were akin to “wagons” pulled by the engine. The Egyptian Revolution paved the way for other Middle Eastern revolutions, he said. Facebook and Twitter played a key role in turning the Egyptian rebellion into a full-scale revolution, according to El-Ayouty. He described these two forms of social media as being analogous to the “bullets” in a war. “Guns in Egypt remained silent — Egyptians do not like confrontation,” said El-Ayouty. While social media helped to dismantle the government in Egypt, it also held implications in U.S. foreign policies. The outrage conveyed to the American public through the Internet angered Americans. “Never again will the U.S. support dicatorships in the name of freedom to win the war on terror,” said El-Ayouty. El-Ayouty also spent a portion of his presentation discussing the misconceptions of the Islamic faith. Al-Qaeda does not represent all of Islam, he noted. When asked about the results of the upcoming elections in Egypt in terms of the type of government that will be established, El-Ayouty assured the audience that Islam strives for “gender equality” and does not condone a religious state. “Egypt will not become another Iran,” he said. El-Ayouty gave his talk at the College free of charge, in memory of not only 9/11 but also of the late William Hausdoerffer ’36, who befriended him upon his arrival at the College in 1953. Hausdoerffer — a generous donor, former professor and dean of the College — died earlier this year at the age of 97.
Forum debates mandated health insurance
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 3
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Assistant professor of history Rob McGreevey explains the history of the health care debate in the United States. By Andrew Miller Correspondent A politics forum was held to discuss the constitutional right of the federal government to require citizens to buy health insurance and included a prepared debate between two students for and against such a
mandate. Rob McGreevey, assistant professor of history, opened the Sept. 15 forum in the Library Auditorium with a brief history of the federal government’s involvement in health care since 1930. Abbey Wallach and Rebecca Stefaniak, senior history majors at the College, then
debated the constitutionality of a law requiring purchase of health insurance. According to McGreevey, the earliest form of an attempt at mandated health care was Social Security in 1935, which was originally planned to include a “health care clause.” He added, however, that Congress would not pass such a bill. Following Social Security, the National Insurance Labor Movement provided free health care to families earning under $2,000. This began the debate over the government’s involvement in health insurance, explained McGreevey. Wallach and Stefaniak argued for opposing sides of a hypothetical story: A fictitious couple refused to buy the health insurance mandated by the Affordable Healthcare Act of 2010 because they could not afford it.
Wallach argued for the couple, saying that refusing to buy health insurance is simply abstaining from, not violating, interstate commerce. Congress cannot regulate “doing nothing,” she said. She also pointed to the burden this bill proposes to the middle class and then posed the following question: If the government makes its populace buy health insurance “to better society,” what is to stop the government from mandating that people buy houses to “improve the economy?” Stefaniak spoke on behalf of the government in support of the Affordable Healthcare Act. Her argument hinged on Congress’s right to do what is “necessary and proper” for the good of the country. She stressed that the government wants above all to “protect its citizens by giving them health insurance.”
McGreevey noted that many Americans have been historically mistrustful of governmentmandated health insurance. When the Cold War began, any mention of federal infringement on citizens’ rights was termed a “Bolshevik bureaucracy.” Private business-based health insurance was a compromise, because the federal government did not control health care, and citizens were provided with health insurance, he said. However, the unemployed and retired were not covered. This did not change until the 1950s, with Medicaid’s creation. He also discussed the Commerce Clause, which gave Congress the right “to regulate commerce … among the several states.” “I had heard some of the arguments before, but some of them, I never would have thought of,” said Dan Mundy, junior English major.
Two wallets and an Apple iPhone 4 missing By Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor
A male student reported the theft of a Sony 36” TV and TV stand on Aug. 31 at 4:10 p.m. Police say that the items had been left in the Norsworthy Hall Room on May 6, 2011. When the student moved into the room on Aug. 26 at 5 p.m., he noticed the TV and stand were missing. The refrigerator and the microwave in the room had also been used, and garbage was left in the refrigerator. The TV and stand were collectively worth $400. … A female student reported her wallet and its contents missing on Sept. 8 at 9:40 p.m. The victim claims that the wallet was taken from a table in Eickhoff Dining Hall that same day after she entered the building at 7:30 p.m. She realized that it was missing after leaving the dining area and going to a friend’s room in Eickhoff at 8:30 p.m. She returned to the dining hall but couldn’t locate the wallet. The wallet contained $123 worth of currency, $10 worth of jewelry and $186 worth of miscellaneous items. There are no current suspects. … A male student reported his wallet missing on Sept. 9 at 11:20 a.m. Police say that he had the wallet at 8:30 a.m. while on the way to class at Packer Hall. When the class ended at 10 a.m., he noticed that the wallet and its contents were gone. The wallet contained $160 worth of currency and $62 worth of miscellaneous items. … Police were dispatched to New Residence Hall on Sept. 10 at 9:20 a.m. in response to a call from a Community Advisor for Residential Education and Housing. Reports show that on Sept. 9 between 10 p.m. and midnight, the Community Advisor was notified that the door handle had fallen off of the second-floor fire door of the center hallway, preventing the door from opening. A locksmith was called in at 9:55 a.m. to assist. … Police were called to the side of Norsworthy Hall on reports of an intoxicated female on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 12:35 a.m. Police say that the officers were told that the girl had appeared to be stumbling while walking. Police found that the female had difficulty
standing up and her speech was slurred. The girl’s friend told officers that the girl had been drinking large amounts of vodka at an off-campus party. The female admitted to drinking vodka and police witnessed her vomiting on herself while sitting on a bench. A summons was issued. … Police were contacted for assistance when an intoxicated male attempted to enter Cromwell Hall on Sept. 11 at 1:20 a.m. The male had been observed attempting to pull open the side door of Cromwell Lounge and then entered through the main doors. The male informed the Desk Assistants that he was going to his room in Centennial Hall. Police say that Lions EMS arrived to evaluate the student, who at this time had difficulty answering basic questions and smelled strongly of alcohol. He admitted that he had consumed beer at an off-campus party. He was transported to CHS Mercer. … A Norsworthy Hall Community Advisor called police to report damage to a door on Sept. 11 at 9:20 p.m. While conducting her building walk, she observed the damage to the door to Room 9. Police say that the door was secured upon the officer’s arrival and that he opened the door to ensure that no one had gained access to the room. At this time the room was unoccupied and the damage was done to the door only. … A student reported her white Apple iPhone 4 stolen from Eickhoff Hall on Sept. 13 at 9:20 p.m. Reports say that she had placed the phone on a table at 2:20 p.m. and left it unattended while getting food. When she returned to the table at 2:30 p.m., the phone was missing. The phone is worth $199. There are no suspects. … Police were dispatched to Travers Hall on Sept. 14 at 12:40 a.m., where an officer found an intoxicated male unconscious and vomiting. Friends of the male say that the student consumed shots of vodka. Lions EMS arrived on the scene and assumed patient care. Reports say that the student was transported to Capital Health System at Mercer for further evaluation and treatment. The incident was documented by a Residential Housing and Education staff member, and a summons was issued.
SFB approves deaf actress, Tibetan monks, flash mob
Photo courtesy of Seiichi Villalona
SFB members listened as CUB members proposed several events. By Kofi Poku Staff Writer
The Student Finance Board approved student organizations nearly $40,000 to finance four events on campus later this year, including a talk by an Academy Award-winning deaf actress, a flash-mob experiment and a demonstration by Tibetan
monks, at the meeting of the Student Finance Board on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The most costly event presented at the meeting was the appeal of the Deaf Hearing Connection (DHC) for $24,350 to bring in Marlee Matlin, an Academy Awardwinning deaf actress, to speak during Deaf Awareness Day. SFB members gave them full funding but said that they would require further discussion on the issue of allowing non-College students to attend the lecture. At age 21, Matlin won the Academy Award for Best Actress in her leading role in “Children of a Lesser God,” becoming the only deaf woman of all time to win that award. She appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2008. The DHC stated that they wanted to improve on last year’s Deaf Awareness Day. They stated that they were expecting at least 750 people to see Martin’s lecture and that they wanted to bring members from the local deaf community in to see the lecture. Deaf Awareness Day at the College is currently set for March 28, 2012.
Besides the approval of Matlin, the College Union Board was approved $5,770 to bring Charlie Todd, the creator of Improv Everywhere, to campus. According to Todd’s website, Improv Everywhere is a “New York City-based prank collective” that coordinates flash mobs and other large-scale improvisations, causing “scenes of chaos and joy in public places.” According to CUB, of his more than 100 experiments, Todd is perhaps most well known for freezing Grand Central Station. Approximately 200 people froze in place simultaneously for five minutes. “He will make an mp3 experiment for our school,” said CUB member Jane Howell. According to Howell, Todd would lecture after leading the College in an improv experiment that would require students to download an mp3 with instructions. Students would then listen and follow the directions simultaneously so that they’d all be doing something at the same time, like standing in place.
Todd would be expected to come to the College during the third week of November. In addition to Todd, SFB also approved CUB’s request of $7,810 in order to bring Tibetan Buddhist monks to the College to ritualistically build a large sand mandala, a mosaic composed of colored sand, grain-by-grain over four days in the Brower Student Center atrium. Students would be able to interact with the monks. After the sand mandala is completed, there would be a closing ceremony where it would be destroyed and dispersed to the audience, as a representation of the transitory nature of material life. CUB also successfully requested $1,190 to send two students to the NACA (National Association for Campus Activities) MidAtlantic Regional Conference in Buffalo, N.Y. The conference contains showcases, education sessions and other activities that focus on campus activities. CUB usually sends two members to the conference each year. One SFB member stated that the students sent to the NACA Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference need to come back as better programmers.
page 4 The Signal September 21, 2011
Nation & World
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 5
Fifty dead over two days in Yemen SANAA, Yemen (AP) – Thousands of protesters armed with sticks and backed by armed military defectors overran a base of the elite Presidential Guards in Yemenʼs capital as fighting erupted across much of Sanaa on Monday. The death toll for the worst violence in months rose to nearly 50 in two days of clashes. The protesters, joined by soldiers from the rebel 1st Armored Division, stormed the base without firing a single shot and seized a large number of firearms, according to witnesses and security officials. The anti-government force used sandbags to erect barricades as they advanced, providing their allied troops with the shelter they needed in case they took fire from inside the base. Republican Guardsʼ troops did not fire at the protesters and eventually fled, leaving their weapons behind. Violence has flared anew in Yemen in frustration after President Ali Abdullah Saleh dashed hopes raised by the U.S. last week that he was about to relinquish power after 33 years of autocratic rule. At least 23 were killed on Monday and 26 on Sunday, almost all of them protesters. Dozens have been wounded. The fall of the base into protestersʼ hands is a significant development in the seven-month-old uprising against Saleh, who went to Saudi Arabia for medical treatment after a June attack on his Sanaa compound and has not returned to Yemen since. It signals what could be the start of a final showdown between the Republican Guards, led by Salehʼs son and heir apparent Ahmed, and the soldiers of the 1st Armored Division — another elite outfit that has fought in all of Yemenʼs wars over the past two decades — and their tribal allies in the capital.
The Republican Guards and the Special Forces, also led by the presidentʼs son, have long been thought to be the regimeʼs last line of defense and Mondayʼs events could significantly help the protestersʼ cause against the regime. The 1st Armored Division, along with its commander, mutinied and joined the protesters about six months ago, dealing a serious blow to Salehʼs efforts to cling on to power in the face of the popular uprising. “It was unbelievable,” said protester Ameen Ali Saleh of storming the base on the west side of a major road that runs through the heart of Sanaa. “We acted like it was us who had the weapons, not the soldiers.” To other protesters, the fall of the base may signal the near-collapse of the regime. “Now the remainder of the regime will finally crumble,” said another protester, Mohammed al-Wasaby. “Our will is more effective than weapons. The soldiers loyal to Saleh just ran away.” Yemenʼs protest movement has stepped up demonstrations in the past week, angered after Saleh deputized Vice President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi last week to negotiate further on a Gulf-mediated, U.S.-backed deal under which he would step down in return for immunity from prosecution. Saleh has already backed away three times from signing the deal. Many believe the move is the latest of many delaying tactics. Saleh has resisted calls to resign. Mondayʼs killings took to nearly 50 the number of people killed in two days of fighting in Sanaa and elsewhere in the impoverished nation in the southern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The fighting
AP Photo
In Yemen, the death toll for the worst violence in months rose to nearly 50 in two days of clashes between protestors and pro-Saleh forces. The recent unrest has sparked ever since President Ali Abdullah Saleh refused to relinquish his power after 33 years of autocratic rule. marked the most serious outbreak of violence in months, as frustration in the streets again builds over the presidentʼs refusal to step down. Security officials and witnesses said hundreds of protesters headed toward the headquarters of the Special Forces in the south of the city. They said the protesters have stopped their advance about 100 meters short of the complex, but it was not immediately clear whether they planned to later storm it too. The officials said 20 of the 23 killed on Monday were on Sanaaʼs central Hayel street. They included a child, a 14-yearold boy and at least three 1st Armored Division soldiers. Mortar shells thought to have been fired by pro-regime forces
Obama Announces Debt Plan WASHINGTON (AP) – In a blunt rejoinder to congressional Republicans, President Barack Obama called for $1.5 trillion in new taxes Monday, part of a total 10-year deficit reduction package totaling more than $3 trillion. He vowed to veto any deficit reduction package that cuts benefits to Medicare recipients but does not raise taxes on the wealthy and big corporations. “We canʼt just cut our way out of this hole,” the president said. The presidentʼs proposal would predominantly hit upper-income taxpayers but would also reduce spending in mandatory benefit programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, by $580 billion. It also counts savings of $1 trillion over 10 years from the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. The deficit reduction plan represents an economic bookend to the $447 billion in tax cuts and new public works spending that Obama has proposed as a short-term measure to stimulate the
AP Photo
Obamaʼs debt plan would let Bush-era tax cuts for upper-income earners expire. economy and create jobs. And it gives the president a voice in a process that will be dominated by a joint congressional committee charged with recommending deficit reductions of up to $1.5 trillion. His plan served as a sharp counterpoint to Republican lawmakers, who have insisted that tax increases should play no part in taming the nationʼs escalating national debt. Obamaʼs plan would end Bush-era tax cuts for top earners and would limit
their deductions. “Itʼs only right we ask everyone to pay their fair share,” Obama said from the Rose Garden at the White House. In issuing his threat to veto any Medicare benefits that arenʼt paired with tax increases on upper-income people, Obama said: “I will not support any plan that puts all the burden for closing our deficit on ordinary Americans.” Responding to a complaint from Republicans about his proposed tax on the wealthy, Obama added:
“This is not class warfare. Itʼs math.” The Republican reaction was swift and derisive. “Veto threats, a massive tax hike, phantom savings and punting on entitlement reform is not a recipe for economic or job growth — or even meaningful deficit reduction,” Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement issued minutes after the presidentʼs announcement. “The good news is that the Joint Committee is taking this issue far more seriously than the White House,” he said Obamaʼs proposal comes amid Democratic demands that Obama take a tougher stance against Republicans. And while the plan stands little chance of passing Congress, its populist pitch is one that the White House believes the public can support. The core of the presidentʼs plan totals just over $2 trillion in deficit reduction over 10 years. It also targets subsidies to farmers and benefits programs for federal employees.
killed another two people in the capital, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the information. Scores of protesters suffering gunshot wounds were taken to hospitals in Sanaa, according to Mohammed al-Maqtari, a doctor at a field hospital set up by the protesters. The wounded included soldiers from the 1st Armored Division. Witnesses said the soldiers were involved in skirmishes with the Presidential Guards. Tens of thousands of protesters demonstrated in Sanaa Sunday to press demands for Saleh to step down. Proregime snipers and forces using antiaircraft guns killed at least 26 of the protesters.
News Bits A federal appeals court ruled Monday to dismiss a seventeen-year prison sentence imposed on convicted terrorism plotter, Jose Padilla. A divided three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals ordered a new sentencing hearing for Padilla, a U.S. citizen and Muslim convert convicted in 2007 of several terrorismrelated charges. The death toll for the Nevada air crash rose to 10 on Monday, marking it as one of the deadliest air-racing disasters in U.S. history. Three earthquakes shook a large part of Guatemala in less than 90 minutes on Monday afternoon, killing at least one person. The military has begun accepting applications from openly gay recruits but will not act on them until the legal ban on openly gay service is lifted on Tuesday, Sept. 20, which will mark the end of the current policy, commonly known as “donʼt ask, donʼt tell.” President Barack Obama said Monday that the U.S. Postal Service should be allowed to reduce mail delivery to five days a week as a result of $8.5 billion lost last year due to less advertisement mail traffic. Information from AP Exchange
page 6 The Signal September 21, 2011
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US Federal Air Marshals
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CBIZ Valuation Group, LLC
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Cenlar FSB
Teletronics Technology
Drew University
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Creative Financial Group of NJ
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Crowe Horwath LLP
Whiting-Turner Contracting
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Ernst & Young, LLP
UNUM
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CIS abroad
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Cooper’s Ferry Dev.
Princeton University of Engineering and Applied Science
J & L Marketing, Inc.
Education Works
J.H. Cohn LLP
Educational Testing Service
Johnson & Johnson
McCarter Theatre
Klatzkin & Company, LLP
Meridian Health
KPMG LLP
Peace Corps
Marathon Data Systems
Pearson
Mercadien
SERV Behavioral Health System
MPI
Teach for America
News America Marketing
Womanspace
NJM Insurance Group
Mercer Co. Sup. Court- Judiciary
University of PennsylvaniaGraduate School of Education University of the Sciences Villanova University
Rider University Rowan University Rutgers University Rutgers U Law- Newark Seton Hall Law School TCNJ Graduate Studies Richard Stockton College of NJ Thomas Jefferson U- Biomedical Towson U Graduate School University of New Haven University of Pennsylvania
For updated list check out the Career Center website www.tcnj.edu/career
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 7
Editorial
Where the sidewalk ends Although it is popular with runners, the ‘Loop’ comes with safety concerns
Like many students seeking a more interesting running route than the treadmills in the Packer Gym (which, by the way, could really use some TVs or motivational posters in front of them), I turn to the Loop. With its scenic views and length of nearly two miles, the Loop, aka Metzger Drive, seems at a glance to be the ideal place to go for a run, bike ride or at times even a leisurely walk with friends. Still, the lack of sidewalks in most areas and other safety concerns make it far from ideal. Just the other week, I was rounding the corner near the Forcina parking garage (Lot 12) when I suddenly was forced to jump out of the way of an oncoming car. I had been running very close to the Illustration by Brianna Gunter curb in an attempt to avoid such a situation, but it happened Managing Editor Brianna Gunter is concerned by the Loop’s lack of sidewalks. nonetheless. Quotes of the Week The speed limit around the Loop is only 25 miles per hour, but most drivers I’ve seen appear to ignore this— particularly when no Campus Police vehicles are in clear “Hearing an actual sight. Even so, trees and buildings make it difficult even for What do you think of the changes to the gym? drivers going the speed limit to spot runners around bends person who is until they are practically right on top of them. part of this society As many of us frequent Loop runners are all too painfully -I love the new machines and carpet! was much more aware, sidewalks only run along less than half of Metzger -They should install TVs already! informative than Drive. The rest of the route is filled with very uneven ter-What changes? It looks the same. rain, rocky areas and weird combinations of thick grass reading about this -I don’t go to the gym. and dirt that are unsuitable for running. At one spot near society from a cast your vote @ the Science Complex, one has to either dash up a grassy textbook.” tcnjsignal.net mound and jump off a small stone wall, or run straight out —Amanda Parks, into the road where there is literally no shoulder. Last week’s results sophomore history major, The option of running in the road is always there, of on Yassin El-Ayouty’s course, but here there is the risk of being mowed down What did you think of media coverage of 9/11? presentation. by passing vehicles like I almost was. I understand that installing more sidewalks would result in more construc-Appropriate. It was touching and balanced. 42% tion costs, but is saving money really worth skimping on “It was really -Too much. It was overwhelming. 37% basic safety? -I avoided media coverage of 9/11. 21% unfortunate for There are various signs that have been posted along -Not enough. There could have been more. 0% Ramapo that they the Loop in recent years that urge runners to stay on the side facing traffic for safety purposes, but most people had to play us with common sense already know to do this. And because when we had the of the various conditions I listed earlier, running facing mindset to finish traffic doesn’t necessarily make you safer. Yes, it is still every shot we a good thing that these signs are posted, but a far bettcnjsignal.net ter investment would just be to install more sidewalks. In took.” the meantime, drivers, please be a little more mindful of Mailing Address: Telephone: — Junior forward Jess The Signal Production Rm - (609) 771-2424 those of us on our feet. c/o Brower Student Center Business Office - (609) 771-2499 Davila on the women’s The College of New Jersey Fax: (609) 771-3433 soccer game against P.O. Box 7718 —Brianna Gunter, Managing Editor E-mail: signal@tcnj.edu Ewing, NJ 08628-0718 Ramapo on Sunday.
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Corrections In the Sept. 14 issue, we mistakenly credited a photo of the PEC center to Tom O’Dell. The photo was taken by staff photographer Lindsey Hardifer. Copy Editor Juliana Fidler was also credited as a “staff writer.” In the Sept. 7 issue, the last name of Angela Chong, associate dean of students and director of student conduct, was spelled incorrectly. We regret these errors.
Editorial Offices Matt Huston Editor-in-Chief huston4@tcnj.edu Brianna Gunter Managing Editor gunter2@tcnj.edu Emily Brill News Editor brill3@tcnj.edu Laura Herzog News Editor herzog2@tcnj.edu Alex Wolfe Sports Editor wolfea1@tcnj.edu Jamie Primeau Features Editor primeau2@tcnj.edu Shaun Fitzpatrick Arts & Entertainment Editor fitzpa28@tcnj.edu Danny Pazos Opinions Editor pazos2@tcnj.edu Tom O’Dell Photo Editor odell3@tcnj.edu
Julia Corbett Production Manager Cameron Dering Web Editor Tom Ciccone Nation & World Editor Emilie Lounsberry Advisor Juliana Fidler Copy Editor Kevin Lee Sports Assistant Janika Berridge Kate Stronczer Photo Assistants Business Office Dan Lisi Business/Ad Manager Natalie Schiavi Business Assitant For ad questions, contact signalad@tcnj.edu. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
“There was excellent software, so I didn’t have to create the whole class from scratch — McGraw-Hill has done it with millions of dollars.” — Professor of economics Bozena Leven on teaching one of the College’s blended learning Courses this past summer.
page 8 The Signal September 21, 2011
CAREER TRAINING. MONEY FOR COLLEGE.
AND AN ENTIRE TEAM
TO HELP YOU SUCCEED. Serving part-time in the Air Guard, you’ll have an entire team of like-minded individuals who want to help you get ahead. You can choose from nearly 200 career specialties, and develop the high-tech skills you need to compete in today’s world. You also train close to home, all while receiving a steady paycheck, benefits and tuition assistance. Talk to a recruiter today, and see how the Air Guard can help you succeed.
Find out about the different opportunities The Signal has to offer, from writing and editting to photography and art! Come to the INTEREST SESSION on Thursday, September 22 in The Signal basement (Brower Student Center basement).
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 9
Opinions The Signal says ... Stop: The rain, being late, texting on a date, road rage, putting off that paper, running in the middle of the street. Caution: Boston Red Sox collapse, fantasy football injuries, puppyless Puppypalooza, Rat boneless buffalo wings, Michael Vick’s injuries, falling leaves. Go: Play some volleyball, stay on campus for the weekend, buy some c r a z y sunglasses, face your fears.
Policies The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors. The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via e-mail to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office. Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 300 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs. The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or e-mail us at signal@tcnj.edu.
Rick Perry reckless with ‘Ponzi’ claim Anybody remember Bernie Madoff? Heʼs the investment banker that got thrown into Federal prison for running massive financial fraud that subsequently paid out billions of dollars in Tom profit to his biggest Ciccone investors like J.P. Morgan, while most of his subsequently smaller investors lost all their money. To put it simply, they entrusted him with their money, and he gave it away to his biggest clients, disguised as profit from his investment firm. This is a Ponzi scheme. Rick Perry, the governor of Texas and a Republican presidential hopeful for the upcoming 2012 elections asserted at the Republican debates last Wednesday that Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme,” designed to screw over younger generations since its benefits wonʼt allegedly last long enough for us to see them. Rick Perry is reckless with his words. An elderly couple living in Boca Raton, Florida isnʼt getting millions of dollars because young, middle-aged and old Americans are dutifully paying their income tax. Millions of retired Americans who have worked their entire lives deserve to get a small monthly check to help them stay afloat and live the rest of their lives with some dignity. The real problem isnʼt Social Security, because everyone knows that Social Security is a consequently expensive program so American citizens can receive some minimal help at the end of their lives when they are too old to work. The real problem is part of a bigger picture. Peace negotiations between
Signal Spotlight
“San Francisco 49ers” —Reece Nordeen, sophomore civil engineering major
AP Photo
Rick Perry has made a strong push for the GOP presidental nomination. American and Taliban counterparts have already been taking place and soon the Iraqi and Afghan campaigns will be relatively finished. The real question is: Will we continue to pay out a defense budget that claims half of our governmentʼs expenditures? Thereʼs the 3,000-man army the CIA has in Afghanistan no one knows about, the lush palaces of corrupt Afghan president Karzaiʼs cronies and the millions of dollars we spend preparing and researching technologies for future wars weʼre apparently going to have in the coming decades. Is Social Security the problem of all our woes? Perry obviously wants to appeal to young voters when he talks down on a program colloquially known for benefiting the retired, even though in reality it benefits a lot of young and middle-aged people as well. Perry is taking a cheap shot at one of the most humanitarian beneficial government programs afforded to American citizens. No, the real problem is the insane amounts of money our country spends on not only
armed conflict, but researching for future wars and paying out corrupt governments to do our short-term bidding. The Middle East is changing quickly, Libya will have a new government, Egypt had a revolution, and Iraq and Afghanistan will soon have to handle themselves. The real question is how aggressive our country will be after we finish these two wars officially. Some politicians and CIA pencil pushers would like to increase our defense budget even more so they can fund the next war and buy the next high-tech unmanned submarine. I think otherwise. Itʼs time for America to be more concerned with its people, its industry and its own well-being instead of invading new countries and rebuilding them like erector sets ready to be blown down by the winds of cultural contrasts and chaos. Itʼs a new decade now. Itʼs time to rebuild our country, and not the one where British Petroleum likes to drill for oil without having problems with the locals.
What NFL team are you rooting for?
“New York Giants” —Noelle Calvello, sophomore psychology major
“Jacksonville Jaguars” —Brian Carey, senior history education major
“New York Jets” —Brian Mckeegan, junior finance and political science double major
“Does Barry Manilow know you raid his wardrobe?” Opinions, Bender’s got one. Email yours to Pazos2@tcnj.edu fanpop.com
chicagonow.com
page 10 The Signal September 21, 2011
CHANGING MAJORS? The School of Engineering is accepting change of major/program plan applications for TCNJ students (including current engineering majors) interested in switching into the following programs: Biomedical Engineering (BA or BS) Civil Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Science (management specialization) Mechanical Engineering Technology Education Application forms are available online http://www.tcnj.edu/~recreg/forms/documents/ChangeofMajorForm.pdf Completed applications are due by Friday, September 23rd, 2011 in Armstrong Hall 147. Acceptance depends on available space and previous academic performance. Decisions will be available to students within 10 days of the deadline. For more information about our programs, visit www.tcnj.edu/~engineering Questions? Please call 609.771.2779
DONATE PLATELETS AT OUR FACILITY IN EWING, SHOW YOUR SCHOOL ID & RECEIVE A FOOD VOUCHER!
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September 21, 2011 The Signal page 11
Features
1996: College paved paradise and put up a parking lot By Brianna Gunter Managing Editor
Tucked away in the wooded area between Bliss, Armstrong and Kendall Halls is the “Ecological Study Forest & Nature Trail.” A second part of this trail — much more overgrown and hidden than the first part — actually extends through the forest behind Bliss. It does not appear to be of much focus for the general College community now, but in 1996, this small forest was suddenly thrust into the spotlight. For a brief few months, it was caught in a major controversy. The parking garage next to Armstrong, otherwise known
as Lot 20, was the source of the conflict. On Feb. 29, 1996 Peter Mills, vice president of Administration and Finance, and Gregory Bressler, associate vice president of Facilities Management and Planning, announced to the College’s Board of Trustees plans to construct a new parking garage between Armstrong and Bliss halls. To build this garage required the destruction of 60 square feet of the three-quarter acre forest between the academic buildings. The first objections came from then associate professor of biology Edward Rockel, who said he was already circulating petitions to protest the construction of the garage. Rockel’s main issue was that the woods were being used by his department as a hands-on forest study area. “I’m not a tree hugger,” he told The Signal the week following the announcement by Mills and Bressler. “There are no other nearby forests we can use. We have mainly flood plain forests. They’re mucky or have poison ivy.” Things escalated quickly.
Within the next month students passed out petitions against the parking garage, and a “Save the Forest” committee was formed. On March 13, the faculty senate joined in the fight by unanimously voting in favor of a resolution requesting a new site for the garage. Of course, the College was in need of additional parking. Plans had already been made for the construction of what we now know as the Science Complex, which would result in the loss of a small faculty parking lot on the other side of Armstrong. Mills and Bressler responded to the protests by explaining that other locations for the garage would not suffice due to land formation, cost and overall convenience. On Earth Day of that year (April 22), a rally consisting of both students and faculty was held. The protestors lit candles and signed another petition — this time specifically urging the Board of Trustees to vote against the garage construction during their meeting that coming Thursday. Mills himself attended the
Stairway to Fitness
Brianna Gunter / Managing Editor; The Signal March 5, 1996
The ecological trail located behind Bliss Hall (left) was the root of controversy on campus and the subject of a Signal political cartoon back in 1996 (right). rally, but only as an observer, and he did not speak to anyone. Almost two months after the initial construction announcement, a compromise was reached. The Board of Trustees authorized the construction of a 147-vehicle parking garage that would be built more around the forest than in it, cutting the necessary deforestation in half, to 30 square
Campus Style
By Samantha Sorin Columnist During my summer yoga-teacher training in New York, I took the subway some 20 blocks to get to my yoga studio to practice. From the subway car to the street, I had to walk up quite a lot of stairs. I am not a native New Yorker, so I became short of breath by the 20th step. Despite being weighed down with bags, high heels and suits in 100-degree weather, every single traveler out-walked me. I could not comprehend how I did not see one bead of sweat, one moment of someone catching her breath, one heave. With a look of bewilderment, I asked my teacher what was wrong with me. She told me nothing was wrong. I tried to calmly explain that I can do one-handed handstands, can put my feet behind my head and touch my foot to the back of my head … why couldn’t I partake in the simple act of walking up the stairs? “If you want to get better at walking up the stairs,” she said matter-offactly,“Walk up the stairs.” Sounds simple enough. If you want to walk up a flight of stairs with ease, don’t take the elevator and expect the times you take the stairs to be easy. If you want a strong core, do not skip core work during an exercise class to get a drink of water or redo your ponytail, only to frown at your tummy later. In life, many do not take the road less traveled. Rather, they travel the path of least resistance. It is much easier to swim with the waves coaxing you forward, easier to walk with the wind at your back. But with this sense of ease comes stagnation, minute stimulation and very little discovery. When you do not shy away from things that challenge you, what follows are pride, innovation and a sense of accomplishment. It is only when you truly break through your comfort zone that you can begin to grow. And if you’re wondering, I always take the stairs. Photo courtesy of Samantha Sorin
Want to write for the Features section? Send an email to primeau2@tcnj.edu!
feet. It was not a complete win for the protestors, but the protest had not gone unnoticed. This all happened 15 years ago — the garage has since been built and the study forest itself has undergone changes. It should never be forgotten, however, that you, the members of the College community, do have a voice around here. Use it loudly, and you will be heard.
I shop a lot at J.Crew, Gap and Nordstrom, and I buy trendier pieces from H&M. I also really like Zara. I fell in love with the store last semester while studying abroad in Barcelona. Do you have a favorite item of clothing or accessory? My Michael Kors watch. I wear it every day and it can tie any look together. Where does inspiration for your style come from? Classic dressers such as Jackie O. who have timeless style.
By Carly Koziol Columnist
Photo courtesy of Carly Koziol
Alyssa Brent, senior marketing major with a Spanish minor What are you wearing? I have on a cotton blouse from the Gap, gray cotton chinos from Zara and Sperry Top-Siders. I’m also wearing my gold Michael Kors watch, pearl earrings, sunglasses from Mango and a Longchamp tote. How would you describe your style? My style is classic. If I were buying something, I’d ask myself whether or not it would be something that I would want to wear in five years. Where do you like to shop?
Has your style changed since high school? In high school, I was easily influenced by what others were wearing. I’d wear Abercrombie & Fitch just like everyone else, but now I’m much more independent in my style choices. Are there any fashion blogs in particular that you follow? The Sartorialist (thesartorialist.com) always has interesting and unique posts. The blogger, Scott Schuman, travels all over the world, allowing you to see fashion from all walks of life. Do you have any fashion pet peeves? The image of classic college girl: a North Face, leggings and UGG boots. Do you have any fashion secrets or tips? Be true to your own style and do not become overly influenced by trends. If you wear things that you like and you’re confident in, you’re going to look your best.
page 12 The Signal September 21, 2011
Arts & Entertainment
Bo / Comedians sing about math, recite pi for College continued from page 1
“better be worth it.” When Hardwick identified this person for Burnham; the Youtube in the audience, the individual star has been known for this admitted that he was a Rutgers type of act since he began student, drawing boos from the posting videos of himself in audience. 2006. This was just the first of In addition to new material, Hardwick’s many interactions Burnham performed some with the audience, giving out of his older songs, such as high fives, yelling at students “Love Is” and “New Math,” coming in late (“What else accompanying himself on the is there to do in Ewing, New piano and guitar, respectively. Jersey?”) and begging an He ended all of his songs exiting student to stay. abruptly, telling the audience, Hardwick joked that “It’s “I don’t like to end my songs nice to come to a school where in any clear way.” people read and understand When not singing, things,” going on to talk about Burnham recited a series of his upbringing in Tennessee haikus, a love poem called or, as he called it, “’Merica.” “I Fuck Sluts” and played A recurring theme throughout a remix of insults directed Hardwick’s routine was his selfTom O’dell / Photo Editor at himself. Throughout the proclaimed role as a nerd — he Bo Burnham (right) and Chris Hardwick (left) performed to a sold-out Kendall Hall on Saturday, went so far as to recite 120 digits show he would randomly shout out, “Fuck me, Sept. 17. Burnham is best known from his YouTube videos, mixed comedy and music, while of pi. In an interview before Roscoe!” in reference to the Hardwick capitalized on his geeky image from his role as the host of G4’s “Web Soup.” the show, Hardwick elaborated College’s mascot. on his more nerdy interests, Any hecklers in the audience got starting at 16 and being 21 … I’d say great, I mean, it’s giving shit for free, pointing out his calculator watch (which more than they bargained for when the biggest thing to change my material it’s spreading things around, and it’s he specified that he wears “unironically”) Burnham began responding to individual is not being a little 16-year-old piece of putting the power in people, it’s making and talking about his love of the X-Men, comments. “This is a listening show,” shit … Just think of what you thought popularity way more democratic than it particularly his fondness for Wolverine. he said to one audience member, of when you were 16, what you thought used to be when, you know, it could just When asked if he was always so and later pulled a heckler from the was cool, what you thought was funny, be a record company just choosing to comfortable with his nerd label, however, he audience, made him stand on stage and and what you think is funny now, and I’ll promote some young star ... so I like the responded, “No, I wasn’t comfortable with it then promptly heckled him right back. probably say that again in five years.” at all, because when I was growing up, it was internet.” When an audience member began to Burnham also gave his thoughts on Opening up for Burnham was Hardwick, not a cool thing to do … it wasn’t really until boo, Burnham calmly stated, “I assume the impact of YouTube and the internet most notable for his role as the host of G4’s maybe eight years ago where I was like, you you’re just elongating my name,” to on live comedy: “As performance “Web Soup,” his appearances on “Chelsea know, I think it’s actually OK to be a nerd now laughs from the crowd. becomes so much more impersonal via Lately” and for his website, Nerdist.com. because nerds are billionaires.” When asked in an interview whether the internet and TV and He began his set In response to a question asked his comedic routine has changed now stuff, I think it makes Visit tcnjsignal.net to watch by mentioning by a HerCampus reporter, Hardwick that his audience has grown larger than live that much more that a member of encouraged other nerds to “never feel bad the full interview with a few YouTube followers, Burnham magical, you know. the audience had about the things that you’re passionate Bo Burnham and Chris replied, “It’s changed a lot, and probably People see the internet tweeted earlier about … Those are the things that make for a lot of reasons, but I would say as this big enemy. It’s in the day that you special ... no one ever really did Hardwick! ninety-five percent of that reason is just not ... the internet’s the show had anything great by trying to fit in.”
Art show showcases something ‘completely different’
Photo Courtesy of Seiichi Villalona
Those in the mood for some unusual artwork can head to the Arts and Interactive Multimedia building to see the work of 16 talented senior artists on display. By Brendan McGrath Staff Writer A piece of broccoli that’s actually chocolate, a giant pair of knitting needles and an array of beautifully framed pictures depicting roadkill — that’s different. Maybe that’s why the current
student exhibition in the Arts and Interactive Multimedia building is called “And Now for Something Completely Different.” The art show, which opened this past Wednesday, exhibits the work of 16 senior art students using a variety of media to depict some of their proudest personal projects.
The theme of the show centers on the different styles and approaches of the students, allowing all of them to bring their strengths and interests to bear. Starting with this individual framework, the group collaborated to build a cohesive overall show. “Each artist has very different
ways of working and approaches to making work, from installation sculpture, digital multimedia, photography, to chocolate replicas of real-life objects,” said Matt Pembleton, senior art education major. “Each section (of the exhibit) has its own feel.” Pembleton’s work features two seven-foot-tall needles knitting a net of wire twice as large, and though it may seem surreal, the piece is knitted as if the needles were handheld. What’s the end result? Well, that remains to be seen. “It is an ongoing project that’s all about the process of making it and will go on until I finish all the spools,” said Pembleton. That may be a while, as he plans on having about 25,000 feet of wire invested in this project before it’s over. “Hank’s Desk” was another piece of installation sculpture that the show featured, and it was one of a few pieces that strongly encouraged interaction. Consisting of a desk with various items laying on top of it, the work entices the spectator to sit down and secretively look through the personal items of an elusive but
interesting stranger. A few postcards with long messages, a book opened to a particular page and a typewriter inspire thoughts of Hank and encourage the observer to participate in the art by building an image of this mysterious man. Sculpture, however, is just one of the arenas in which these senior art students work. The exhibit consists of a number of digital paintings, interactive multimedia projects and much more. Much of this work elicits reactions that clash with each other, such as the chocolate that is convincingly sculpted and colored to look like broccoli, or the classy picture frames that show sad and gruesome photos of roadkill. As the show progresses, the artwork will continue to evolve, leading into the next installment in the student exhibition series, “And Now for Something Completely Different New.” This show, which will open later in the semester, will involve these student artists “taking existing artwork and adding objects to it … while reimagining and changing the layouts,” according to Pembleton.
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 13
Performer returns for music, fried food
Matthew Mance / Staff Photographer
Jarrod Gorbel (right), accompanied by Dre Babinski (left), performed his folk- and Americana-inspired music for College students at the Rathskeller on Friday, Sept. 16. By Anne Montero Correspondent
The Rathskeller was full of College students waiting to spend their dinnertime listening to the folk and Americana sounds of Jarrod Gorbel’s 11-song set on Friday, Sept.16 at 5 p.m. If the performer’s name sounds familiar, it’s because Gorbel was just here last spring performing at the To Write Love on Her Arms event with speaker Jamie Tworkowski. This time, however, Gorbel was accompanied by violinist and singer Dre Babinski. Together, the two harmonized
and serenaded the crowd with sweet, simple songs and lots of laughs. After playing tracks “Mother/Father” and “Desperate Hands,” Gorbel set the night’s laid-back atmosphere by joking about the Rat offerings. “Enjoy them safely. We don’t know how many times it’s been deep fried,” he said, admitting that he was eating the same food as his audience. Gorbel continued to play tracks off his new solo album, “Devil’s Made a New Friend,” released Aug. 31, 2011, including
“Impressions” and “Weight.” In an interview, Gorbel said that working on a solo album has “given me more freedom to do whatever I want.” Babinski added backup vocals and intricate violin parts to all of Gorbel’s songs, sweetening songs like “Each Breath.” Together they sang the passionate lyrics, “Let me hear what you feel/closer to reveal/Stay where you are/ at distance so I can watch/I want each breath.” Gorbel kept the fun alive when he thanked CUB member Maggie Murad, creating a jingle with only her name, singing “Maggie, Maggie, Maggie” for about a minute. Moving on from his appreciation, he announced that he would be playing some songs from his old band, The Honorary Title, including “Stay Away” and “Reassemble.” Gorbel finished the night off with one of his most popular tracks, “I’ll Do Better,” and thanked the crowd yet again for listening. Gorbel opened in Philly at TLA on Sunday for Motion City Soundtrack. He’ll be starting a tour Nov. 1. It was Atlantic/Pacific that started the night off though, with four soft, melodic songs off their album “Meet Your New Love,” complete with guitars, a keyboard and a floor tambourine. Although they told they crowd, “You don’t know who we are. That’s okay,” they still interacted humorously with everyone and even performed something they thought everyone would know: a song recently played on the MTV show “Teen Mom.”
Yellow Ostrich: New band, New Sound, New CD Yellow Ostrich “The Mistress”
By Matt Jannetti WTSR Music Director In the months before Yellow Ostrich released their debut album, “The Mistress,” they just seemed to appear. They released the album for free on their Bandcamp site but then put out a formal release, complete with three extra tracks. Though this band contains members of Fool’s Gold and Beirut, the main focus of the group seems to be on Alex Schaaf. His vocals have a high-pitched yet smooth quality about them and combine well with the masterful instrumentation and wonderful vocal harmonies. As a band, they are hard to pin down. They are a pop band at their most basic level, but there’s also a hefty bit of ambient and experimental elements here. From the experimental “WHALE” to the poppy “Hate Me Soon” to the subdued harmonies of “Hold On,” their sound undergoes small fluctuations between tracks that keep the album fresh even after repeated listens. Yellow Ostrich might have come out of nowhere, but they are certainly not going back. They cannot — not after putting out such an uplifting and excellently constructed album. From open to close, this album features plenty of mood and tone changes, changes in tempo, and even slight changes in style, but one thing stays the same: its amazing quality. Focus Tracks: “Hate Me Soon,” “Mary,” “Bread” and “WHALE”
Speaker talks ‘augmented reality’ with alma mater By Tom Ciccone Nation & World Editor
Magazines that come to life, newspaper articles that read the news to you or even contact lenses that let someone see reality in a whole new light — these are the new possibilities made tangible by augmented reality. Augmented reality was the theme of a presentation in the Ernest and Mildred E. Mayo Concert Hall on Friday, presented by Craig Kapp, a former computer science student and graduate of the College. Kapp now teaches and researches cutting-edge technologies at New York University, and the multimedia presentation, titled “Brown Bag Mixed Media Presentation: How augmented reality is bridging the gap between the real and the virtual,” focused on defining augmented reality and how its innovations are continually revolutionizing the way we perceive the world. “Just how you see the first down line on your television screen during a football game,” said Kapp. “That is one of the most basic examples of augmented reality.” Much of the presentation focused on how the innovative nature of augmented reality technologies can assist in children’s learning. “Now we can create 3D experiences that they can learn from themselves,” said Kapp. Using a webcam, Kapp showed how a biology book could come to life on a child’s computer screen, turning an ordinary textbook into an engaging 3D experience. The presentation also showcased a number of computer applications that artists and game designers can use in their drafting processes. Kapp showed filmed examples of a computer program that converted a person’s 2D drawings into 3D renditions fully capable of simulating physical motion. “With this technology, designers will soon be able to bypass 3D rendering with their first drafts,” said Kapp. “They will be able to simply draw their ideas and let them come to life on their own.” Kapp presented dozens of iPhone apps that allowed people to translate Spanish in real time, find walking routes to subway terminals in the city, study astronomy and even play an augmented reality Ghostbusters game, all using the iPhone’s camera.
Kapp continued with more examples, displaying a magazine cover, a newspaper ad and even a cereal box that utilized this technology. After listing an array of educational and commercially available applications, Kapp talked about how augmented reality programs help recovering stroke victims rehabilitate their cognitive abilities by using a virtual world to stimulate and reengage them. “People recovering from having a stroke often have brain damage that forces their cognitive abilities to compensate in strange ways,” Kapp said. “This technology is helping us to stimulate their perceptive abilities as well as track their progress and see whether or not they are improving.” At the end of the presentation, Kapp mentioned new frontiers for augmented reality, such as integrating this new technology into eyeglasses and contact lenses. “In this way,” said Kapp, “every day we are bringing the virtual world closer to us.”
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
The British are coming! The British are coming!
Janika Berridge / Photo Assistant
Craig Kapp, a College alumnus, presented this week’s Brown Bag event on augmented reality in the Mayo Concert Hall.
Bo wasn’t the only Burnham to visit the College this week. English actor and historian Howard Burnham came to the College to bring the American Revolution to life for students on Thursday, Sept. 16. Dressing up as Lord Charles Cornwallis, Burnham showed students a powerpoint presentation, teaching them while simultaneously cracking jokes, all the while staying completely in character. The No. 1 lesson he had for his audience? “Never play hockey with a bishop.”
page 14 The Signal September 21, 2011
Interested in working for The Signal? Want to build your portfolio with clips? Have story ideas? Want to submit artwork or photograph events? Come to the INTEREST SESSION on Thursday, Sept. 22 in The Signal basement (Brower Student Center basement)
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 15
College faculty shows off their stuff at art show
Kate Stronczer / Photo Assistant
The current exhibit in the main gallery of the Art and Interactive Multimedia building showcases the work of the College’s art professors in a series of paintings, sculptures and everything in between. By Julia Corbett Production Manager
An assortment of curious artistic pieces, including a rock and hammer, a deer head and some colorful balloons grabbed the attention of attendees at
the latest art exhibition in the main art gallery of the Art and Interactive Multimedia building. Faculty members shared a variety of creative works with the campus community at the Faculty Exhibition, kicking off the event with a reception
on Thursday evening. “Students are always critiqued by faculty, and now they get to see the faculty’s work,” said Emily Croll, the new director of the art gallery. There was not a specific theme for the showcase, which incorporated the recent works of 13 faculty members. “The works in the show come in all aspects of contemporary life and visual culture,” said Croll, who also said that this particular art show usually occurs annually, with the exception of last year due to the Art Alumni Exhibition. “Hopefully (the art exhibit) will help students to engage in a dialogue with their professors (about) the work,” said professor and contributor Elizabeth Mackie in an email. “Students should come to a lot of the exhibitions here. The students get a sense of the work of their professors in their very own community,” said Croll, who was pleased with the student turnout. “It seems to be a cool combination of interesting art,” said sophomore interactive multimedia major Danny Shaw, who was particularly intrigued by the rock and hammer. Professor Betsy Alwin created this
particular work, titled “Herkimer Hammer.” Alwin finished the piece during her time spent in Herkimer, N.Y., where people visit to find Herkimer diamonds, which are simply crystals. Alwin was “interested in the idea of absurd labor,” in which people ultimately pay the Herkimer Diamond Mine to let them go in and try to find inexpensive — though exceptionally clear and distinctly shaped — gemstones. Alwin also created “Volksgeister,” which was inspired by the symbolism of an iconic figure. Mackie’s “A String of Little Stories” was also featured in the exhibit and is becoming an interactive experience for students. “This is a sculpture that is also a book,” said Mackie. “To read the stories, a viewer must interact with the piece and go under the skirt. This process addresses many issues, including comfort levels and skirts and sexuality.” Students can add their own stories to the piece with ribbon and pens. In general, “the students seem pretty engaged,” said Croll. Croll encourages students to attend other exhibits, including the “Artists of China” show on Oct. 26. The Art Faculty Exhibition will be in the art gallery until Oct. 12.
Dead (and living) poets bring culture to campus By Jack Meyers Correspondent
In the dim light of Alumni Grove on Friday night, an eclectic group of students from the College shared some of their own poems as well as those of their favorite poets. “If you’re a dreamer, come in. If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar … come in!” read Gabby Salvemini, junior English and secondary education double major at ink’s “Dead Poets Society” event, a far-from-subtle reference to its namesake, a cult film. “I’ve been reading poetry for the past four years,” said senior statistics and sociology double major and treasurer of ink, Lou Klein, “and I just love the opportunities there are for reading on campus.” This particular reading event featured several staff members from ink (the student-run creative writing organization), including
Alicia Cuomo, junior English and special education major and the Student Reader Series coordinator, Corey Drake, senior English major and publicist for ink, and Samantha Zimbler, junior English major and president of ink. Without a second glance, one could clearly comprehend the tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience the ink staff brought to the table on Friday night. The contributing students were equally impressive in reading proficiency and aptitude. “I just sought to capture that feeling of closeness when you try to anticipate someone else’s emotions,” said Carly DaSilva, freshman open options major. DaSilva read an original poem called “Space,” a crowd favorite, in which she spoke of “so much in such a space and in the smallness of the space, one inch. More or less.” The crowd grew larger and more enthusiastic as the night went on.
“You’re welcome to sit on the ground and have it absorb your warmth,” Drake said sarcastically in the midst of a debate between whether sitting on the ground or on the benches would be more appropriate. The event was rightly unstructured, as the ambience melded seamlessly with the freespirited audience members. At one point, the poems were getting increasingly gloomy, resulting in a dispute arising about the prevalence of “happy poets.” “Poets can’t be happy!” shouted Drake. “I’m pretty happy right now,” gleamed DaSilva. This was the atmosphere that carried through for the next several readings. Cuomo read a witty and enigmatically humorous piece from Kurt Vonnegut’s “Welcome to the Monkey House,” which she described as jarring, sexual and raunchy. “He is very accessible to
Janika Berridge / Photo Assistant
Students gathered on Friday, Sept. 16 to hear their classmates read both original and famous pieces of poetry. our generation,” said Cuomo, with regard to Vonnegut. “It’s a great blend of science fiction and politics.” Cuomo is a seasoned reader and writer who had her beginnings in front of an audience in the Library Auditorium, not unlike the Dead Poets Society.
“There’s a lot of advancement for writers here,” said Klein of the College’s vast opportunities for the arts community. “Dead Poets Society” is one of these advancements, and it takes place every Friday night, from 7:30 until “whenever it ends.”
Jokes, Jests and Justin Beiber: improv comedy at its finest
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
The Mixed Signals, the College’s improv comedy group, got their semester off to a very funny start on Sunday, Sept. 18. By Tom Ciccone Nation & World Editor
The Library Auditorium was packed with students and exploding with laughter Sunday night as the Mixed Signals, the College’s improv comedy group, hosted their very first show of the year. Throughout the night, the group played a number of
games designed to feed off audience interaction, resulting in hilarious displays of improv comedy. One of the members of Mixed Signals, Jonathan Dowler, sophomore history major, explained how important audience interaction was to their routine. “It’s one of the most important things,” said Dowler, “…it’s not just for us, it’s a group thing.” One of the first skits had the audience picking a world event that had recently occurred and then having the Mixed Signals perform an imaginary press conference. The audience’s topic of choice was Justin Bieber’s voice changing. Hilarity ensued as Dan Loverro, junior biology major, played the role of the press representative. He was unaware of the topic chosen by the audience and eventually had to guess what the topic was. When asked in an interview what her favorite aspect of being in Mixed Signals was, Liz So, senior women and gender studies major, said, “It’s getting to make believe with my best friends.” One of the edgiest skits was the “iPod game” in which two improv members listened to iPods while watching two other comedians act out a skit, which happened to be about a woman’s tampon. Based on what they saw, not what they heard, the other two comedians then took the stage and tried to reenact the skit, except theirs had to do
with a woman peeing on the floor. Throughout the night, it was obvious that the Mixed Signals thrived off the audience’s positive reactions and active participation. “I love making people laugh,” said John Eldis, senior psychology major. An incessantly funny skit worked like a cyclical game where the improv members constantly rotated their characters through one continuing scenario, increasing the ridiculousness and hilarity with every moment. The “Party Quirks” game had every Mixed Signal member taking the part of a character chosen for them by the audience and then put themselves in an imaginary scenario where they all went to a party together. In this way, not only did the Mixed Signals show their flexibility to produce on-thespot comedy, but they also shined as versatile actors. Another skit was called “World’s Worst,” where audiencechosen topics such as the world’s worst birthday gift and world’s worst Disney character were acted out by the comedians. Other members of Mixed Signals are Sam Paternostro, senior communications major, Nina Shulgach, sophomore nursing major and Lindsey Nice, sophomore mathematics major. The Mixed Signals are accepting new members for auditions and will be hosting workshops and planning more shows in the future.
page 16 The Signal September 21, 2011
Fun Stuff
By Jack Scully
PUPPIES!
Sudoku Easy
Scullduggery
Who doesn’t love puppies?
Hard
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 17 Field Hockey
Timely scoring propels field hockey to two wins By Brandon Gould Staff Writer With the scored tied 0-0 in the second half of the College’s New Jersey Athletic Conference opener against William Paterson University, freshman midfielder/defender Victoria Martin took it upon herself to motivate one of her teammates. Looking to classmate Erin Healy, Martin said, “We need to score. We can’t keep playing a 0-0 game. We are keeping them in the game way too long.” On the ensuing penalty corner, the ball took a Lions’ bounce off the goalkeeper’s pads and found its way to Healy’s stick. Healy then dished the ball off to Martin, who took the pass and sent it into the back of the cage. Martin’s goal would end up making the difference in the Sept. 16 contest that finished with a final score of 1-0. “While the ball was traveling towards the cage, I felt like it was going in slow motion,” Martin said. “The second it went in, I could not believe it. It felt great to score and put us ahead in the game.” The win over the Pioneers kicked off a sol-
id weekend for the Lions, who also took down Alvernia University on Sept. 18. Both wins were crucial after the Lions dropped their first game of the season last Tuesday, Sept. 13, against Eastern University. “It’s always important to bounce right back after a loss with a key victory in order to get back in groove and build back the confidence,” said senior midfielder/forward Leigh Mitchell, who continues to rest due to injury. The importance for the Lions to stop any sense of a losing streak and to start off on the right foot in conference play could be felt as they squared up against the Pioneers. “(The loss) opened our eyes and we realized that we don’t work hard for nothing, and we had to show it out on the field,” Martin said. “We knew we had to go against William Paterson fired up and get the win.” Though the Lions struggled to get on the board against the Pioneers, they did quite the job of rebounding against Alvernia by jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first half. It took the Lions a mere 1:50 to get on the board against the Crusaders as junior defender Camille Passucci started and ended a penalty corner that put the Lions up 1-0. Passucci
guided the ball into play and shortly afterward capitalized on a return pass from freshman midfielder Erin Waller. Senior midfielder/defender Alex Okuniewicz then got into the mix by scoring a goal and getting the assist on a goal scored by Healy. The Lions suffered a scare as the Crusaders closed the lead down to 3-2, but the defense was able to clamp down and hold onto the lead. “We spent a lot of time on defense at practice the past week,” senior goalkeeper Shannon Syciarz said. “We really worked on being disciplined in our defensive circle and keeping the communication up, and it really showed.” Another thing showing has been the Lions’ freshmen class, who had a large impact on offense — combining for two goals and two assists — as well as on defense in the Lions’ last two contests. “The freshmen have been making really big contributions on both attack and defense,” Syciarz said. “It’s easy to forget that this is their first year playing at the collegiate level since they have been pulling through big for us. They’re a very hard
Photo courtesy of Ashley Long
The Lions won two very close games. working class that is eager to learn and improve, so I expect to see them continuing their success throughout the season.”
Men’s Soccer
Men’s soccer drops games to Ramapo and Stevens By Kevin Lee Sports Assistant
After coming into the week with a three-game winning streak, the men’s soccer team lost two games, making their record 3-3 on the season. Both losses were by the score 3-2, against Stevens Institute of Technology and Ramapo College. In the home opener against Stevens, the squad came out sluggish to start. In the first half, the Lions were only able to get off two shots, seeing themselves down by
an early 2-0 deficit heading into the second half. “Our problem with Stevens from the getgo was that we sat back and let them come to us,” said senior forward Chris Pisano. “We decided to have our forwards mark the outside backs and just sit back and let them dictate the pace of the game.” With only six minutes left in the game, play started to pick up for the Lions. Junior midfielder Kevin Shaw cut through the defense and netted his second goal of the season to cut the score to 2-1. The Ducks responded quickly less
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
The Lions took two close losses this week against two quality opponents.
than a minute later to push the margin back to two. The Lions continued to put pressure on the Ducks as senior midfielder Ed Kozic took a feed from Shaw at the 86:27 mark to push the deficit back to one. Desperate to even up the score, the Lions scored a third goal in the 89th minute only to see it waved off due to a foul in the box. “We knew we had to change things up and start pressing a little bit more,” said Pisano. “In the second half we changed from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, so we had some more attacking power and we pressed their backs, and I think that’s why we started knocking on their door late in the game, just a little bit too late.” In the conference opener against Ramapo, the Lions once again found themselves down in the second half. Down 1-0, the Lions clawed their way back to even the score at 1-1 by a goal from sophomore Sean Casey with only 11:57 left. The momentum kept rolling for the Lions as they kept attacking the net, resulting in their first lead of the game by a goal from senior midfielder Anthony DiPalmo. Unfortunately, the Lions couldn’t keep the opposition away from the net as the Roadrunners evened the score at two, sending the game into overtime.
“With Ramapo, it almost seemed like the same situation against Stevens,” Pisano said. “The first half was not full of many opportunities at all but as soon as we got into the second half we seemed to be on the attacking half for seemingly the entire half.” Just six minutes into the first overtime, the Roadrunners hit the back of the net with the deciding goal, handing the College its third loss of the season. It was a tough loss for the Lions to swallow, as they outshot the Roadrunners 23-11 while holding a 7-3 edge in corner kicks. Despite the two heartbreaking losses this past week, the Lions have played well — much better than their 3-3 record suggests, based on their 12 goals for vs. their 10 goals against on the season. The Lions will look to rebound next week as they have three big games, hoping to further cement their place in the upper echelons of the NJAC and national ranks. “I believe these games will serve as a huge lesson for us all, and it’s better that it happened earlier in the season rather than later,” said Pisano. “I think everyone will take something away from these games and use it to propel themselves for the upcoming conference games in our way.”
Cheap Seats
Jesse Holley wins the game on the field and respect off of it
AP Photo
Jesse Holley beat the coverage and expectations.
By Frank Orlich Staff Writer
Last Sunday, the Cowboys were in a must-win situation. The previous week, they lost a disappointing game to the Jets, and their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, blew the game after fumbling at the one-yard line and then throwing an awful interception. Now playing at San Francisco, the Cowboys were playing a lesser opponent and needed to come up victorious to even their record at 1-1.
Trailing 24-14 early in the fourth and with an injured Romo, the game looked bleak. Romo led them on an 80-yard drive for a touchdown. On the next drive, they converted a field goal forcing overtime. In OT, Romo threw a strike to little-known wide receiver Jesse Holley for a 78-yard completion, setting up the game-winning field goal. There’s a reason you’ve probably never heard Holley’s name until now: A few years ago, he was working security and selling cell phones in North Carolina. He was a former basketball and football player, but after being cut by the Cincinatti Bengals and the BC Lions of the Canadian League, he was ready to give up his dream and move on with his life. Then, he saw a career-changing show pitch. Former Cowboy Michael Irvin had an idea for a show called “4th and Long,” where six wide receivers and six cornerbacks would compete for a shot as the 80th man on the Cowboy roster in 2009. Irvin thinned the competition out by pushing the players harder than they would ever be pushed in the NFL. The concept was simple — whoever survives the
torture has earned his shot to make the team. In one such instance, Irvin put all the contestants at the bottom of the Cotton Bowl and told them to run up and down the stairs until someone quits. Holley wanted it more than any other contestant and was the 80th man in 2009. He was cut in 2009, but was kept on the practice squad. In 2010, he was cut again, but remained a practice squad player. In 2011, after a few cuts at WR, Holley made the team, and was given a chance to start Sunday when Dez Bryant couldn’t go. And of course, it was Holley who was on the receiving end of a 78-yard completion that won the game in overtime. “Man, that’s an SS,” Irvin texted Holley after the game. “What’s that?” asked Holley. “A season-saver.” Think about it. Three years ago, this guy was selling cell phones. Two years ago, he was running steps for an attempt to be a special teams player. Last year, he was on the practice squad. On Sunday, the reality star saved the Cowboy’s season.
page 18 The Signal September 21, 2011
4 6
LIONS
AROUND THE
DORM 5 3
Bryan Bellanca “The Ref”
Johnny Sisto Correspondent
Brandon Gould Staff Writer
Kyle Knight Correspondent
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Bryan Bellanca, challenges Staff Writer Brandon Gould, Correspondent Johnny Sisto and Correspondent Kyle Knight to answer questions about who will win the NFL MVP this year, which team will come out on top when all is said and done in the MLB playoffs and the preseason favorites in the East and West for the Stanley Cup in the NHL.
AP Photo
1. There is no lack of talent in the NFL this year, and it has shown so far. Who do you think will win the NFL MVP and why? BG: There is little to go off of, so it is premature to select who the NFL MVP will be. However, since the question has been asked, I would have to say Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers got hot at the end of last year, and that play has carried over into this season. The New Orleans Saints’ defense was picked apart by Rodgers, who finished the game with 312 passing yards and three touchdown passes. There wasn’t a coverage or blitz that Rodgers couldn’t handle that opening night, and I expect that performance to be foreshadowing the numbers he is poised to put up in 2011. JS: The only wide receiver who has ever won the award for NFL MVP was Jerry Rice in 1987. The award is almost exclusively awarded to quarterbacks and running backs. This is no surprise, because these two positions are the cornerstones for almost all powerhouse offenses in the NFL. However, Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans can be the exception in the 2011 season. Andre Johnson has been considered one of the best (if not the best) wide receivers in the NFL for the past several years. With Arian Foster in the back field, defenses will be forced to protect against the run. Look for Matt Schaub to gain some confidence in the pocket and for Andre Johnson to put up Jerry Rice numbers this season. KK: The NFL MVP will be Tom Brady. In two games so far, Brady has over 900 yards and seven touchdowns. Brady ripped apart the San Diego defense with minimal opposition. Competition within the league would be Arian Foster (who in two weeks has not performed up to expectations) and Drew Brees (who has done well), but Brady has triumphed so far. Brady was the uncontested pick as NFL MVP last season, and so far, there is limited competition. BB: Kyle gets 3 for stating that Brady has dominated so far and shows no signs of slowing down. Brandon gets 2 for pointing out that Rodgers got hot last year and got off to a good start this year. Johnny gets 1 because although Johnson might be the best receiver in football, he’s forced to rely on his QB for stats.
2. With the baseball regular season coming to a close, who do you think will win the World Series and why? BG: Again, this question is premature because we don’t even know who will make the playoffs at this point, but the best guess I could make right now would have to be the Philadelphia Phillies. I would love to pick my favorite team, the New York Yankees, but I just think the Phillies’ pitching is too much to handle. The Yanks definitely have the Phillies when it comes to offensive prowess, but it is defense and pitching that guides a team to a World Series title. Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano can knock in all the runs they want in the regular season, but things won’t be so easy if they have to go up against the “Four Aces.” Pitching wins championships and no one has better arms than the Phillies. JS: There is no doubt in my mind who the favorite is to win the 2011 World Series. Good pitching beats good hitting almost every time, and if there is anything that the Philadelphia Phillies have, it’s good pitching. The Phillies’ pitching staff is a team of superstars, consisting of Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, just to name a few. This powerhouse staff has the most wins in the MLB and the lowest team ERA. Four of the Phillies’ starters and their closer have an ERA under 3.00. In addition to their dominating pitching staff, the Phillies have a lot of postseason success in the past. Starting pitcher Roy Halladay has proven himself in the postseason by pitching a no-hitter in his first-ever postseason appearance. Also, any member of the team that was with the Phillies in 2008 has already won a World Series. The Phillies are the team to beat this postseason. KK: The New York Yankees will win the World Series. As a Red Sox fan, it goes against all that I stand for, but it is hard to pick against not only a good hitting team but a team with such a solidified bullpen. Most will argue for the Phillies, but they have not shown the hitting power that the Yankees have, as well as a strong bench. The Yankees’ starting pitching has come alive in September, which will carry momentum into October. The Yankees will hopefully face the Red Sox in the playoffs, which will be their toughest challenge.
AP Photo
BB: Johnny gets 3 for stating that the Phillies’ pitching staff is filled with postseason experience, and that proves vital in the playoffs. Kyle gets 2 for pointing out that the Yankees just might have the hitting to outdo the Phillies. Brandon gets 1 for stating more why the Yankees wouldn’t win over why the Phillies would. 3. NHL preseason is about to start. Who do you think will represent the East and the West in the Stanley Cup this year, who wins and why? BG: First, I’d like to say it is a breath of fresh air to hear that the season is starting after an offseason filled with so much turmoil. It’s always tough to pick favorites, especially in the beginning of a season, but I would say that the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks have the best chances to represent their conference in the battle for the Stanley Cup. The Penguins were decimated by injuries last year, which especially hurt considering that stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin missed large portions of the season. If those two are healthy and Marc-Andre Fleury is on his game, watch out. The Canucks are led by two of the best players in the game in Daniel and Hendrik Sedin, but the difference-maker is Ryan Kessler, who is a force on the ice. Factor in goaltender Roberto Luongo and you’ve got a championship mix on your hands. Overall, I think the Pens will end up hoisting the Stanley Cup. JS: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That is the philosophy that the Boston Bruins have been following through the offseason. They’ve managed to keep all of their major contributors that led them to the Stanley Cup finals in 2011. Their
goalie, Tim Thomas, is consistently mentioned as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Plus, their young talent in Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin are only going to improve this season. For the West (quack, quack, quack) I’m picking the Anaheim Ducks to make it to the Stanley Cup finals. The Ducks lost their goalie, Jonas Hiller, to injury in February of last season. If he managed to stay healthy, the Ducks could have been more of a threat in the playoffs. Now he’s healthy, and assuming Cory Perry can mimic the MVP season that he had last year, the Ducks will be a strong force in the Western Conference. However, I don’t think that the Ducks will be able to match the depth of the Boston Bruins’ roster. I predict that the Stanley Cup will be staying in Boston in 2012. KK: The Philadelphia Flyers will represent the East and the Detroit Red Wings will represent the West. I feel that if Sidney Crosby is healthy, the Penguins will give the Flyers a run for their money, but his status is in question. Therefore, the Flyers, with their experience, will have no problems representing the East. The Red Wings, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent teams in the last 10 years and will find their way back to the Stanley Cup final. I think in the end, the Red Wings win it. BB: Johnny gets 3 for pointing out that Boston is returning almost everyone from last year and should have another successful season. Brandon gets 2 because the Penguins can compete but Crosby’s health is in question. Kyle gets 1 because the Flyers shook up half of their team and will have some struggles this year.
Johnny wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 5.
“I just want to take this moment to say congratulations to Mariano Rivera, who set the record for most saves in MLB history. Congratulations Moe, in my eyes, you’re the greatest pitcher who has ever lived.” — Johnny AP Photo
AP Photo
September 21, 2011 The Signal page 19
LIONS ROUNDUP Lion of the Week
This Week’s Fantasy Football Picks Quarterback Kevin Lee (118) Alex Wolfe (124) Brandon Gould (134) Ketul Shah (113)
Drew Brees
Running Back Michael Turner
Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall
Sleeper Plaxico Burress
Cam Newton
Chris Johnson
Santonio Holmes
LeGarrette Blount
Michael Vick
Ray Rice
Kenny Britt
Evan Moore
Tom Brady
Ray Rice
Wes Welker
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Jay Donoghue Football
Senior quarterback Jay Donoghue led the Lions to a 49-21 rout over FDU-Florham this past week to help improve their record to 2-0. On the ground, Donoghue rushed for 126 yards with a touchdown. He also threw for 156 yards and a touchdown to cap off the victory. —Kevin
Men’s Soccer
Lee, Sports Assistant
This Week In Sports Football Sept. 24 vs. Morrisville State College, 12 p.m. Men’s Soccer Sept. 22 @ FDU-Florham, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Montclair State University, 5:30 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Soccer Sept. 21 vs. Richard Stockton College, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24 @ Montclair State University, 7 p.m.
Men’s Tennis Sept. 24-25 @ Stevens Institute of Technology Tournament, TBA
Trivia Question
Women’s Tennis Sept. 21 @ Ramapo College, 3:30 p.m. Sept. 24-26 @ ITA Regionals, TBA
Answer to Last Issue’s Trivia Question: Chris Sale in 2010 Duke’s basketball team is one of the most successful and well-known collegiate athletic teams. Coming into the season as the third-ranked team nationally, the Blue Devils were fortunate enough to land themselves the No.1 ranked freshman in Austin Rivers. Believe it or not, this was the first time Duke has ever recruited the No.1 player in the nation. Before Rivers, who was the highest-ranked player that Duke had ever recruited?
Field Hockey Sept. 23 vs. Juniata College, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25 vs. FDU-Florham, 1 p.m. Sept. 27 @ Ursinus College, 7 p.m.
AP Photo
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Sept. 24 @ Osprey Open, TBA
SignalSports
Lions’ Lineup September 21, 2011
Lions run all over FDU, reach 2-0 By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor This year is all about proving something for the College’s football team. After a 49-21 rout of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham on Friday night, the team is certainly on their way to proving their preseason doubters wrong. “The win Friday night against Fairleigh Dickinson felt great,” senior offensive lineman Jon Power said. “The run game was on point and gave us a huge advantage.” The ground game was where the Lions took a big advantage over the Devils, gaining 403 huge running yards. Senior quar-
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
Brian Mills grabbed a TD receiving.
terback Jay Donoghue led the team in yards both through the air and on the ground, with 128 yards and a touchdown rushing and 156 yards and a touchdown through the air to junior wide receiver Brian Mills. He also threw for over 50 percent and averaged a huge 10.5 yards per rush. Senior running back Joe Falco had a huge game as well, averaging 5.6 yards per carry en route to 109 yards on the ground and two touchdowns. Freshman running back Brad Young and junior quarterback William Friedrich also added over 50 yards rushing each. All of the College’s runners finished the day with six touchdowns on the ground — a staggering number. Great offensive line play contributed to the success on the ground for the College. “The offensive line did a great job of opening holes for our running backs to run through,” Power said. “It was a real confidence booster offensively to be able to control a team like we did on Friday.” “Offensively, our ability to play at a high tempo and play with multiple personnel groups was probably what helped us get off to a fast start,” junior tight end Patrick Chirchirillo said. “Our no-huddle offense has really aided us in keeping opposing defenses guessing.” The team’s defense was dominant as well, giving the College the opportunity to take a 35-0 lead into halftime. The team’s attention is now turned to Morrisville State College, a foe that is 0-2 on the season. However, even with a big matchup
Inside
46 53 Around the Dorm page 18
Field hockey wins two page 17
Tom O’Dell / Photo Editor
Joe Falco scored twice on Friday night.
against 18th ranked nationally Kean University looming on Sept. 30, the team is not taking Morrisville lightly. “Nobody is looking ahead of a team that was a two-point conversion at the end of the game away from beating (10th ranked nationally) Montclair State University, a team that has a lot of respect across the NJAC,” Chirchirillo said. “Every game in the conference this year will be a battle, everyone is hungry for an NJAC ring.” The team will be at home this Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon to take on Morrisville State.
Men’s soccer drops two page 17
Cheap Seats page 17
Lions shut down Roadrunners Tennis continues dominance By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor
The women’s soccer team began their NJAC schedule with a bang this past Sunday, beating Ramapo University in convincing fashion, 8-0. “We were passing the ball around very well,” senior defender Annie McCarthy said. “By keeping possession for the majority of the game, it made it hard for Ramapo to have a good chance for a goal.” Senior defender Brittany McGinley and junior forward Allyson Anderson stood out for the Lions, tallying two goals each to begin the game, and the team entered the half with a staggering 6-0 lead over the Roadrunners. Even though the team was miles ahead, the defense never let up their pressure. “We’re a team that does not give up,” senior defender Nikki Migliori said. “We see the whole game through. We pride ourselves on this belief that we stay focused and work hard all 90 minutes.” The shot discrepancy was enormous, with the College outshooting Ramapo 38-2, mostly because of good ball movement and keeping it away from the Roadrunners. For a team that has had its struggles with offense in the
Jess Davis / Staff Photographer
Brittany McGinley scored twice Sat.
past, a performance like this was important. “What we have been working on the most lately is scoring,” junior forward Jess Davila said. “Our goal for the game was to finish all of our chances. It was really unfortunate for Ramapo that they had to play us when we had the mindset to finish every shot we took.” The offensive performance inspired confidence in the team, and, according to Davila, should mean more solid play is on the horizon. “It was really great having so many people contribute to the win,” Davila said. “It really boosted our confidence, and hopefully, we can continue just like this the rest of the season.” The team also defeated Drew University by a score of 2-0 on Sept. 15. Davila and junior forward Katie Landrigan each contributed a goal, and the defense held Drew to just one shot on goal for the game. For this team, a loss in the first game of the season has helped them make their way back to the top. Since their loss to Ithaca College in their first game of the season, the Lions have shut out their last three opponents and outscored them by a score of 14-0 collectively. “No loss is a good thing,” McCarthy said. “But I do think it is a good thing we learned our lesson early on not to let teams hang around. We do belong back on the top. Luckily, we have all season to climb back up the ladder. We go out every game with intentions of a win.” With their NJAC opener behind them, the team is now looking at a week filled with NJAC matchups against Richard Stockton College and Montclair State University. Even with those big games looming, the team has remained confident and focused. “We’re staying focused and healthy,” Migliori said. “Everyone on this team is will-
NJAC streak grows and Bendijo shines
By Mike Pietroforte Staff Writer
The women’s tennis team improved their running streak to 139 consecutive wins within the conference on Wednesday as it quickly established its dominance and routed the William Paterson Pioneers 9-0. “Everyone was playing well and gave it their all, and everyone was able to pretty much dominate in singles and doubles,” junior Allie Tierney said. Tierney paired with junior Karisse Bendijo to begin the match with an 8-1 win in first doubles. The win tied them for second place on the College’s all-time list for wins by a doubles team, at 45. The College also saw strong performances from senior Emily Petersack and freshman Deborah Wu, who also won 8-1 in second doubles. Junior Paige Aiello and freshman Alex Bologno won too, completing the sweep in doubles competition. The Lion Show didn’t stop there, as Bendijo, Tierney, Aiello, Petersack, Bolgno and freshman Sarah Lipincott all won their respective singles matches, putting the Pioneers down in straight sets. Tierney expressed high hopes for the season and doesn’t expect the team’s roll to slow down. “We hope to win the conference again, which will automatically guarantee us a spot at team nationals in the spring,” Tierney said. “We also hope to perform well at regionals next weekend and hopefully have players make it to nationals in Alabama in October.” Saturday, the women’s tennis team host-
ed the 2011 Lion’s Fall Kickoff. The duo of Bendijo and Tierney continued their run by winning all three of their matches against teams from NYU and Muhlenberg. With these three wins, their wins total reached 48. Also picking up wins on the day were singles players Lippincott and freshman Marina Tsay and doubles teams of Aiello/Wu and Petersack/Bologno. On Sunday, Bendijo and Tierney became the all-time wins leaders for a doubles pair in the College’s history, reaching 49 career wins together. Bendijo also recorded her 100th win in the contest. The women’s team will resume action on Wednesday at Ramapo University, hoping to lengthen their already astounding NJAC win streak.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Nitzsche
Allie Tierney made history last week.