Breaking news, blogs and more at TCNJSignal.net. Vol. LI, No. 4
September 18, 2019
Serving The College of New Jersey community since 1885
Potentially hazardous algae appears in Lake Ceva
The NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring will observe the water.
By Len La Rocca News Editor
The Mercer County Division of Public Health advised the College on Friday, Sept. 13 that a potentially hazardous algae bloom has naturally occurred in Lake Ceva. People have been advised to have no contact with the water until it is confirmed safe by the New Jersey Department
of Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, harmful algae blooms can contain threatening toxins that can sicken or even kill humans or animals who have made contact with the water. “There should be no contact with the water including, but
not limited to, swimming, wading and water sports,” said Dave Muha, the associate vice president for communications, marketing and brand management, in an email that informed the campus community of the algae. “Fish caught in these water bodies should not be eaten. Pets and livestock should not contact or swallow the water.” While some algae blooms are not hazardous, Muha stated that
Jennifer Somers / Photo Editor
they are at levels quantified at or above the New Jersey Health Advisory Guidance levels. This accumulation of algae can create a thick film covering the surface of the water, causing low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, according to the NJDEP Division of Water Monitoring and Standards. The blooms can be especially harmful to the aquatic organisms that
inhabit Lake Ceva. Having any contact with hazardous water can result in exposure to toxic chemicals, which can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested, inhaled or contacted by the skin or mucous membranes, according to the NJDEP website. These toxins can also accumulate in fish and shellfish which can cause illness when either are consumed. Cyanobacteria is the most common bacteria found in algae blooms in freshwater bodies like Lake Ceva. It develops a blue-green colored algae resembling pea soup or spilled paint, according to the NJDEP algae bloom fact sheet. Factors such as excessive sunlight and slow-moving water raise the likelihood that an algae bloom will occur, according to the EPA. Rosedale Lake in Pennington, New Jersey was also temporarily closed this past July due to cyanobacteria causing a harmful algae bloom, according to hyperlocal news site Patch.com. According to Muha, Lake Ceva will be monitored by the NJDEP Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring until they advise the College that the water is safe again.
Students promote substance use disorder awareness By Richard Miller Opinions Editor
For many students, college brings a lot of firsts — living on their own, buying and cooking for themselves or the first time they go to party. For the latter, they may be exposed to alcohol or drugs, which can lead to substance use disorder and leave students wondering where to turn to for help. The College’s Collegiate Recovery Community works to provide a safe space for those who have been affected by substance use disorder, as well as motivate and support those in recovery and reduce the stigma on campus. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Associate, a 2014 study showed that of 12.4 million college students, over one-third engaged in excessive binge drinking. Additionally, substance use disorder continues to be one of the most serious public health issues for young people in the U.S., the results of which can lead to negative health, social and economic consequences for adolescents and their families. Founded in 2016, the CRC started with just a few allies of and students in recovery who wanted to convey the message that
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people are not alone. “As cliché as it may be, (the message ‘you are not alone’) is what we strive to stress,” said John Brezina, a senior clinical psychology and counseling major, the CRC’s vice president of advancement and an ally of recovery. “You will always have people here who have your back, and you will accomplish anything and make all kinds of personal progress with us.” Throughout the academic year, the CRC hosts many different substancefree events on campus, including themed parties, Narcan training sessions and its newly founded All Recovery meetings, which provide students with an open space to talk about their struggles. “Recovery comes in all shapes and sizes, and for many different reasons,” said Samantha Allen, a senior marketing major, president of the CRC and an ally of recovery. “Each person is recovering from something, and that isn’t always due to a substance use disorder. Recovery, to me, means supporting each other, building healthy boundaries and asking for help when it is needed. Each member of the CRC is vital to a successful recovery community.” Editorial / page 6
Opinions / page 7
The CRC hosts weekly meetings in the Recreation Center. Over the past few years, the CRC has seen a growth in its members, many of whom are either students in or allies of recovery. “(In just this past year,) the growth has been exponential, astronomical,” Brezina said. “Funny enough, I actually teared up Features / page 9
showing up to the last CRC meeting, because I was in absolute disbelief of how many people I saw in the room.” With September being National
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Arts & Entertainment / page 12
Sports / page 16
Lions’ Plate Quinoa salad makes for an easy meal-prep.
“K-12” album review Melanie Martinez returns to spotlight
Women’s Tennis Team wins 37th NJAC title
See Features page 11
See A&E page 12
See Sports page 16
SFB fully funds French, Economics Clubs page 2 The Signal September 18, 2019
The members gather to provide money for the organizations on campus.
By Ian Krietzberg Staff Writer
The Student Finance Board fully funded five organizations, partially funded one and zero funded two others at its meeting on Sept. 11 in the Brower Student Center Room 104. The Inter-Greek Council, whose members requested $440 worth of annual dues to the National Panhellenic Council, received a full fund. The dues ensure that organizations that belong to the council receive additional leadership opportunities and education. The French Club was fully funded $1,440 for its New York City bus trip, which will be taking place on Oct. 6. Expenses will cover the bus rental. The club also received a complete fund of $44 for its Impressionist Painting event, which will allow students to learn about famous French paintings and grant them the opportunity to try painting in that style. The event will take place on Oct. 9, with the location to be announced.
The meeting then turned to previously tabled events, beginning with the Students for Life’s trip, which had been previously tabled due to gas money being used for a trip based on activism. Board members motioned fully to fund the event, with the stipulation that the gas money cannot be used for political campaigns. The Voice of Hope, whose alumni barbeque event was previously tabled because it was set to occur off-campus, was zero funded, as the event was determined to be automatically exclusive, since events that are not open to all students at the College are in violation of SFB guidelines and therefore cannot be funded. The STEM Educators Society was zero funded for its conference, which would take place in Delaware. The motion fully to fund the competition initially passed, amid general dissent, but was later vetoed, as it was determined to be a conference, which is in violation of SFB guidelines. The Economics Club $105 for subscriptions to a variety of news organizations, which had previously been tabled
Vital Signs: Soaking in Vitamin D
Salmon offers an alternative way to obtain high levels of nutrients. By Victoria Giardina Columnist
It’s now fall, and the brisk and breezy afternoons with limited sun exposure makes it much harder to get an adequate amount of vitamin D. While you may consider picking up vitamin D supplements at the grocery store, here are foods and healthy alternatives to obtain enough of it in an all-natural way. You may feel tempted to grab a crispy chicken wrap from the grill or a hearty sandwich from the deli, but sneaking salmon somewhere in your weekly meal planning can boost your vitamin D levels. According to Healthline, one 3.5-ounce piece contains 165 percent of the Reference Daily Intake of the vitamin. If you don’t have a car on campus to head to a fish market, don’t fret. Eickhoff Hall serves fresh salmon with a citrus dressing on
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Fridays. You can also head to nearby restaurants to order a salmon salad with quinoa for extra health benefits. And just because it’s time for fall doesn’t mean that the sun is away for good. In fact, the National Institute of Health advises that getting adequate sun exposure is an excellent, all-natural method for your body to form vitamin D. Check the weekly forecast, and if you see a sun icon, plan to do some of your homework assignments outdoors. It’s simple to assume fortified foods –– those which don’t initially have nutrients, but later are added –– aren’t the best for you. This common misconception can make some individuals vitamin D deficient. According to Medline Plus, some fortified foods include readyto-eat cereals, milk, orange juice, certain types of yogurt and tofu.
Ian Krietzberg / Staff Writer
based on the fact that the resources can be accessed through the library. The board fully funded the club, with the stipulation that the subscriptions must be accessible by all members of the club. The Mathematics and Statistics Club received $1,961.12 for its trip to the National Cryptologic Museum, which had been previously tabled due to food costs, which are generally in violation of SFB guidelines. However, at the meeting, the board agreed that it was reasonable to provide snacks, and the event was fully funded. The Mathematics and Statistics Club also requested funding for a larger presence at the Finals Fest, which SFB also fully funded for $850. Chabad requested funding for six events, including a speaker, a Chanukah celebration, Sinai Love, an Israel event, a Jewish gangster speaker and its retreat, Shabbaton. Out of these, the Sinai Love event, was tabled until further information becomes available. SFB fully funded the five other events.
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 3
Campus Police responds to microwave fire By Jennifer Somers Photo Editor Students report microwave fire at Townhouse West On Aug. 30 at approximately 11:27 p.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Townhouses West on a report of a microwave fire. The police met with the student manager of residential operations, a housing assistant, a community adviser on duty, and the residents. According to the SMRO, the microwave located on the second floor of the townhouse accidentally caught fire earlier in the evening. Campus Police observed the microwave in the kitchenette area having burn marks on both the door and the inside compartment, along with water dripping out of it. Damage to the microwave is reported to be similar to an object being placed inside it and having it turn on, burning the object. There were no logical explanations given as to why the microwave caught on fire by either of the townhouse residents that were present at the time. One of the residents stated he was not present at the time of the microwave fire, nor did he know how it started. Only two of the residents witnessed the microwave catching fire. One of the students said the fire was caused by Ramen noodles. Later, the suspect changed his statement, saying that there was nothing in the microwave and that the fire started by itself. Campus Police asked why he initially told them Ramen noodles were in the microwave and he stated it was because he was nervous. He appeared anxious when questioned again by Campus Police. He then admitted to horse-playing with his friend when the microwave caught on fire, insisting the fire was due to malfunction. He then provided a video of himself and
his friend horse-playing, which he stated would show there was no involvement of either himself or his friend regarding the microwave fire. The video provided no such evidence of any such microwave fire. According to the police report, it depicted the two playing “Army,” as both of them were viewed wearing camouflage fatigues and jumping around. He stated, the microwave was used as a mock IED. The College’s professional staff on-call resident director was contacted and arrived on the scene. The two were cited for criminal mischief and issued summonses. Photographs were taken of the microwave, which was logged as evidence and stored for safekeeping. CA reports of intoxicated person at Travers Hall On Sept. 4 at approximately 12:51 a.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Travers Hall on a report of an underage intoxicated person. Police met with the individual and the community adviser on duty. The student was sitting up in his bed and appeared to be intoxicated. Campus Police asked the student if he consumed any alcoholic beverages, which he affirmed. However, he couldn’t recall how much he had to drink. The CA stated she was notified in a chat group that the student was intoxicated. When she went to his room to check on him, she observed him leaning up in his bed vomiting. TCNJ EMS arrived to treat the student and evaluate his condition. The College’s pro-staff on-call residence life director arrived to the scene to address the situation. Ewing Township EMS then arrived for further treatment and evaluation of the student. The student refused treatment and signed a refusal of medical attention form. He was released into the care of his roommate. The
student was not cited for underage intoxication due to the New Jersey 9-1-1 Lifeline Legislation Act, which provides immunity since the student reached out for help regarding the condition. CA reports of intoxicated female at Wolfe Hall On Sept. 8 at approximately 12:15 a.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Wolfe Hall on report of an intoxicated female. Upon arrival, Campus Police met with a Wolfe Hall CA, who was outside and directed them to the inside of the room where the female individual was lying conscious on her bed. Campus Police asked her what was going on that evening. She stated she was fine and started to introduce her friends to Campus Police. An odor of alcoholic beverages was emanating from her breath. Campus Police asked what she had to drink, to which she responded that she had five to six shots of vodka. TCNJ EMS arrived to evaluate and treat her. The female’s speech was slurred. She stated her name and repeatedly said she was fine. The CA stated that she was by the elevator lobby when the female came out of the elevator, recognized the CA and asked for help. Ewing EMS then arrived to the scene and transported the female to Capital Health Hospital for further evaluation. Due to the students request for assistance, amnesty was granted. Campus police reports intoxicated person behind Wolfe Hall On Sept. 8 at about 2:04 a.m., Campus Police observed two male individuals
pull a female out of a car behind Wolfe Hall. The female could not stand on her own and appeared to be intoxicated. She identified herself and stated that she drank four or five cups of jungle juice at an off-campus party. She was unable to say where the party took place. Campus Police spoke with the driver of the vehicle, who stated that he was driving by and saw the female with two other males and decided to give them a ride to campus. Both of the males said they were at the party with her and decided to walk with her back to her room at Travers Hall when the car pulled up next to them and gave them a ride. TCNJ EMS arrived and provided patient care and evaluation. The female was released return merchandise authorization and Campus Police issued her a ticket for underage drinking. CA reports of intoxicated person at Travers Hall On Sept. 8 at 2:42 a.m., Campus Police was dispatched to Travers Hall regarding an intoxicated student. Upon arrival, Campus Police met with the CA who reported that while on the floor hallway of Travers, she heard someone vomiting. She knocked on the door and an occupant of the room opened it. The intoxicated male was seen vomiting over the sink. He stated he had six beers at an off-campus party. His roommate was also at the scene and reported the same. He did not remember the address of the party. TCNJ EMS then arrived and provided patient care and evaluation. He was released return merchandise authorization and issued a ticket for the underaged consumption of alcohol.
SG expands food guidelines, Title IX training Elections determine future of organization By Caroline King Staff Writer Student Government discussed new food guidelines and introduced three resolutions at its meeting on Sept. 11 in the Education Building Room 115. SG began with a moment of silence for the first few minutes, as the meeting was held on the 18th anniversary of 9/11. Following the moment of silence and Flag Salute, Kelly Hennessy, the interim assistant vice president for student affairs, and Dave Conner, the director of student involvement, went over new food safety guidelines for on-campus events held by organizations. Hennessy said that these were “guidelines,” and not strict policy, for students who are using food to raise money at different events. The guidelines deal primarily with food sales, food service and suggested donations. The first is described as the required exchange of a fixed amount of money for a food item, while food service is described as providing food at no charge to a person or a group. Suggested donations are described as providing a food item for a suggested donated amount. While other New Jersey institutions limit or altogether disallow
outside groups from coming on campus to serve food, Hennessy discussed the plan for the food guidelines “so as not to go down that path.” “We didn’t want to go down that route,” Hennessy said. Conner mentioned meetings that took place with the Mercer County Health Department, in which Student Affairs and Student Involvement “learned a great deal that informed what put together the guidelines.” Conner said that by organizations on campus functioning under the suggested option of distributing food, the rules are “less stringent” and it “opens up a world of flexibility.” All food sold or distributed by way of donations must be pre-packed with ingredients displayed or procured by a third party — examples include Chipotle, Mexican Mariachi Grill and Panera Bread — or be food from an approved list, which includes hot chocolate made with water, bagels or cheese pizza. Following the new food guidelines, the approval of meeting minutes and open floor agenda items took place. First on the agenda was the resolution B-F2019-01, “Judiciary Board and Recall Proceedings.” The formation of a judiciary board
would oversee impeachment and recalls of SG members, if a individuals are found not to be adhering to their responsibilities within the organization. SG discussed the next resolution, B-F2019-03, “To clarify the review process for Initiatives and voting requirements needed to pass an initiative.” The two bills that were introduced would state that initiatives can be brought on by any member of the student body, then
to the vice president of student services and then to the president. Subsequently, the initiative would go through new business, old business and a roll call vote. To pass, it would need a simple majority vote. The last resolution brought by SG was B-F2019-05, “Student Organization Advisor Training.” For unrecognized student organizations, the bill would require “responsible employee training under Title IX.”
Conner also said that this training was “standard procedure” prior to taking on an advising role within an organization on campus. However, the resolution would deal with clubs that had yet to be recognized by the College. In order for the prospective organization to present to the governmental affairs committee, the adviser(s) would need to undergo training as it relates to Title IX.
The members discuss new health procedures for meal donations.
Jennifer Somers / Photo Editor
page 4 The Signal September 18, 2019
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September 18, 2019 The Signal page 5
Western powers may be complicit in war crimes By Ian Krietzberg Staff Writer
U.N. officials created a confidential report on Sept. 3, potentially implicating France, the U.S., the U.K. and Iran in the commission of war crimes in Yemen, according to CNN. The list is derived from the latest investigations into the four-year conflict involving Yemen, according to Reuters. The conflict began in 2011, when Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh was forced to step down — a move that was meant to stabilize the country, but instead, according to the BBC, resulted in civil war. The fighting broke out in 2014, when a Houthi Shia rebel cell began to seize territory, first taking control of the northern portion of the Saada province and neighboring areas, according to the BBC. According to The New York Times, the conflict has claimed at least 7,000 lives so far, although those numbers may be a “gross underestimate.” “‘The parties to the conflict in Yemen are responsible for an array of human rights violations and violations of
humanitarian law,’” said Melissa Parke, a member of the U.N. panel responsible for the report, to CNN. “‘Some of these are likely to amount to war crimes.’” According to the BBC, Parke also argued that the supply of weapons is only prolonging the conflict and suffering of Yemeni people. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the expert panel at the U.N. conference further expressed in its Sept. 3 report that the investigation has found evidence and allegations of torture, rape and possible starvation, as well as “indiscriminate” airstrikes — all performed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates against the Houthi movement. By supplying the anti-Houthi coalition with weapons and intelligence, the U.S., the U.K. and France possibly become complicit in the potential crimes being committed in the war. Iranian spokesman Alireza Miryousefi also responded to the allegations against his country, saying that the claim that Iran may be responsible for
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Investigations find evidence of torture, rape and possible starvation.
the commission of war crimes is “‘beyond ridiculous,’” according to CNN. “‘The Saudi coalition, with assistance from the West, is waging war on Yemen and committing documented war crimes, while Iran has repeatedly asked for negotiations to end the war,’” he said, according to CNN. This U.N. investigation seems even more poignant, as the panel happened not
long after one of the deadliest airstrikes in the Yemen conflict, where the Saudi coalition attacked a Houthi prison, killing more than 100 people, according to CNN. “‘There are no clean hands in this conflict,’” said Charles Garraway, member of the expert panel, according to The New York Times, “‘Everybody, everybody is responsible.’”
UPenn counseling director dies by suicide
Eells’ death opens dialogue about mental health.
By Sarah Adamo Correspondent
The University of Pennsylvania’s head of psychological and counseling services, Gregory Eells, died by suicide on Sept. 9. According to CBS, the death of the 52-year-old was the result of various blunt impact injuries
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from Eells’ jump off a 17-story structure within Center City Philadelphia that morning at around 6:40 a.m. that morning. Police told The Philadelphia Inquirer that no note was left on behalf of Eells. According to CBS, Eells assumed the role of department director for UPenn in March.
To inform the student body of his sudden passing, the school released a statement to its students while offering condolences to his family. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Eells, who worked at Cornell University for more than 10 years, admitted to his mother that his new job was more difficult than he had imagined and impeded on his time with his wife and three children back in Ithaca, New York. “‘We are confused,’” his mother, Jeanette Eells-Rich told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “‘He was the most smiling, upbeat person I have met in my life.’” Eells’ story is not the only one on the university’s campus — many other spirited individuals have been lost. The Daily Pennsylvanian reported that 14 students have died by suicide since
February 2013 at UPenn alone, making wellness an utmost priority for its administration. While Eells’ death is devastating the Philadelphia community, his struggles fit into the larger context of National Suicide Prevention week, which began on Sept. 8. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that students nationwide have been reacting to Eells’ death, and are calling for open dialogue about suicide and mental health. UPenn senior bioengineering major Lauren Drake echoed her peers, revealing that the school’s letter to students regarding Eells’ death did not mention the suicide ruling. “‘We talk in these abstract terms, and when there are these concrete and heavy topics, everyone shies away,’” she told The Philadelphia Inquirer. Alongside open discussion,
forging relationships between counselors and students is also a valuable tool to recover from such incidents and prevent them in the future, a goal to which Eells’ death and legacy has contributed. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that students can receive training to become peer counselors as well, providing ample resources for those with anxiety or those who simply need a consultant. UPenn is affiliated with Project Lets, a group that raises awareness for mental health and offers a support base to those in need. With 10 student leaders, and having trained 450 Penn students in this previous year in listening skills and how to be attentive to signs indicating poor mental health, the group plans to train 1,000 more students this year, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Cargo ship capsizes on its way to Baltimore By Owen Davidson Correspondent
The U.S. Coast Guard began efforts to rescue crew members cargo ship called the Golden Ray after it capsized Sept. 8, according to CNN. The 656-foot ship was headed toward Baltimore, Maryland, before it caught fire and capsized, according to USA Today. USA Today reported that the Coast Guard responded with ships and two helicopters after an “‘urgent marine information broadcast’” was sent out, officials said. Additionally, first responders and towing groups assisted in the effort to rescue the ships 24 inhabitants. The ship’s command and chief engineer also assisted in getting the ship stabilized. The Coast Guard tweeted on Sept. 9, saying that all members of the ship’s crew were rescued, which came after four crew members were stuck in the hull of the ship since it first capsized, according to NBC. Coast Guard Capt. John Reed told NBC that one of the four rescued was stuck behind glass, “enclosed in the engineering control room” and did not have access to “fresh water or food.” According to The Associated Press, the Coast Guard
“moved in quickly” to rescue 20 of the ship’s crew members, but slowed down due to concerns about fire instability concerning the remaining four still trapped. The Coast Guard called in “private salvage specialists” to assist in the final rescues. “‘They survived a ship’s fire, a ship capsizing, landing on the side 90-degrees in an engine room, not knowing what the conditions were in pitch black darkness,’” said Tim Ferris, the president of the salvage company Defiant Marine, according to The Associated Press. He also said that as the daytime’s temperature was in the 90s, with the inside of the ship approached 150 degrees Fahrenheit. According to The Associated Press, rescuing the final sailor trapped was much more difficult than the previous three. His placement required a 40-foot climb. According to CNN, the cause of the incident is still under investigation. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Glynn County Fire Department are assisting in the investigation. Pollution was a major concern after the incident. According to The Associated Press, Coast Guard Commander Norm Witt said that mitigation efforts were put into action. “‘There is pollution,’” Witt said at a news conference on
Sept. 10, according to The Associated Press. “‘Right now it’s limited in scope.’” Witt also stated that having a large ship laying on its side “‘poses a significant pollution threat.’”
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The Coast Guard rescues 20 crew members.
page 6 The Signal September 18, 2019
Editorial
Students should join more extracurriculars
Now that we are a couple of weeks into the semester, most students are beginning to feel the brunt of their coursework. For some, getting back into the routine of balancing work for classes and other commitments has become second nature. However, for others, the freshman class in particular, this adjustment period may be unfamiliar. Looking back at my own experience freshman year, there are definitely some things I would have done differently. Perhaps one of my greatest regrets was not getting involved in more extracurriculars. The school offers upwards of 100 student organizations to get involved with, and I remember having a list of over 20 of them that caught my interest during my freshman year. But once I started my first semester, that list got lost in the midst of textbooks and pencils, and extracurriculars became the least of my priorities. Understandably, I was a little overwhelmed with my classes and I decided that my grades would be my priority – a reasonable decision. Looking back, I wish I had kept my list in a safe location apart from the chaos of school materials. Extracurriculars are not only a great way to get involved in the College community, but they are also great ways to meet new people. As a freshman biology major, I decided to get involved in Tri-Beta, a club in which other bio majors or students with a general interest in the field get together and participate in sciencerelated events. This club allowed me to get to know students from my classes, as well as other people from around campus with whom I had never spoken before. In fact, some of my closest friends were made during the Ecology Trail Clean-Up and Science Club events that TriBeta organized. Extracurriculars, in my case, were also good ways to explore my identity and find people who had similar (and different) mindsets as my own. Another organization I joined my freshman year was the Muslim Student Association. During MSA meetings, I had a chance to meet with so many people with different perspectives from my own, brought together by the faith that we had in common. Through member-led discussions and simple conversations with other people at the meetings, I had a chance to see just how diverse the customs and beliefs were among a group of people whom I assumed would be just like me. Had I decided never to show up to these meetings, I do not think I would have completely appreciated the different ideas in my faith tradition, despite having grown up with it my entire life. I started freshman year with a list of all the clubs I wanted to get involved in. However, in the end, I did myself a real disservice by only exploring a few of them. Extracurriculars allowed me to make new friends, get involved in the campus community and, in general, learn more about myself and open up to ideas beyond the beliefs I had previously held. While it may seem overwhelming at first, finding the balance of extracurriculars and schoolwork and joining different organizations around campus is ultimately rewarding. You’ll meet new people and grow as a person, which should be part of anyone’s college experience. So as tough as it may be, go out there and join some extracurriculars. And, as a reminder to myself and others like me, it is never too late to explore a new interest or get involved.
— Muhammad Siddiqui Web Editor
Editorial Content Unsigned editorial opinions are those of the Editorial Board, which consists of the Editor-in-Chief, the Managing, News, Features, Arts & Entertainment, Opinions, Photo, Sports, Review and Social Media editors and the Business and Production managers, unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed in signed editorials and letters to the editor are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Signal.
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Beta Beta Beta is the College’s honor society for students in the biological sciences.
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“Recovery, to me, means supporting each other, building healthy boundaries and asking for help when it is needed.” — Samantha Allen Senior marketing major, CRC president, ally of recovery
“When you make a piece of art, you communicate.” — Elizabeth Demaray Sculptor, interdisciplinary artist
“There should be no contact with the water including, but not limited to, swimming, wading and water sports.” — Dave Muha Associate vice president for communications, marketing and brand management
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 7
Opinions
Religion should be open to different cultures Diversity, inclusion benefit campus community By Nancy Bowne
Luggage tags of the past crammed the inner pockets of my passport holder. My four-wheeled, grape-jelly purple suitcase and my thoughts swirled through the terminals of JFK Airport. I was eager to begin my summer job as an au pair to a family in Barcelona. Before I departed, I recall discussing with my parents that I would need to be especially open-minded and patient about Spanish customs. For example, my host family had a nanny who would make all meals and clean the bathrooms every day. One of the most interesting differences between the two cultures was the concept of time, as 8 p.m. is considered 8 in the afternoon in Spain. But I would soon witness first-hand and question another culture’s customs even before I left U.S. soil. A new question — how should we interpret and respect a culture that doesn’t necessarily align with the basic human principles of a moral society? As the flight attendants rushed through the aisles, secured carry-on drawers and went through takeoff instructions, I observed an Orthodox Jewish man lingering in the aisle. He clutched his carry-on and shyly called to the nearest flight attendant. He wanted to let the flight attendant know that he was not permitted to sit next to a woman in the row in front of me. The embarrassed flight attendant asked the man next to me if he would change seats with the woman in front, explaining it was “for religious reasons.”
Now, what’s the big deal? It was just a seat. One row higher. Two passengers quickly needed to change their seats. Five minutes hold up, tops. A couple weeks fresh out of the College’s Welcome Week, I recognize that diversity and discrimination are pressing topics. I sat through several assemblies, which attempted to motivate audiences to accept every person’s “interconnectivity.” I respect every person’s identity, culture and religion. But we still face discrimination in passive ways each day. We can accept his religion, but what if his religion does not accept other groups? Would those same assemblies note that religions discriminate against people? Joseph Campbell, a former professor at Sarah Lawrence College, once discussed the world’s perception of religion in his book, “The Power of Myth.” “When the world changes, then the religion has to be transformed,” Campbell wrote in the book. Religion permits its participants to find peace of mind about their lives’ meanings. God is still a god by any other name. People can practice religion in the privacy of their home, but when it conflicts with the daily lives and interactions with others and their well-being, it becomes discrimination. Hypothetically, what if I told the flight attendant that I did not want to be near the black man who originally sat next to me? No matter how I felt about that man on the basis of his skin would be my own issue. Publicly presenting
A person’s beliefs aren’t an excuse to discriminate against others. this view on a plane would be unheard of and improper etiquette. It is uncomfortable to be rejected, to be cast aside as someone you cannot sit next to. Women are often targets of discrimination in different cultures and religions. In some countries, women still cannot vote or drive a car. Should we cater to a society that condones this idea? It could have happened to me, but instead, it happened right
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in front of my eyes. Diversity and acceptance have been drilled into my ears, but I refuse to believe that we can truly achieve that when there are outdated contradictions like these. When a plane goes up in the air, you are isolated, alone and grow close to the individuals with you. How will you decide how to spend that time? Can’t we all sit next to each other?
Interns should be paid for their work By Jane Bowden Managing Editor
Imagine sitting in the library every day studying your textbooks from cover to cover, taking out thousands of dollars in student loans and spending four to six years working toward your education, only to find out that the job of your dreams has a catch — you’ll work 40-hour weeks without getting a paycheck. That’s exactly what unpaid internships are like. This past summer, I was a copywriting intern for a marketing company that was located about 25 minutes from my hometown. As a journalism and professional writing major, I was thrilled to have an internship that was close enough to home where I’d only be spending money on gas for my car rather than a daily train ticket to
Working for free can cause a financial burden for college students. New York City. However, what I wasn’t as thrilled about was that for the next three months, I’d be working a total of 196 hours with zero
compensation other than another line to add on my resume. I didn’t find it fair — and still don’t — that I’d be putting in as much effort as a paid worker but wouldn’t
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reap the benefits. No paycheck. Just a pat on the back. “But Jane, interns get paid in experience.” Well, experience can’t pay for
the gas I used while driving to and from my internship, experience can’t pay for the daily parking fee that totaled about $200 by the end of the summer and experience certainly can’t pay for the painful backaches, eye strain and hand cramps I got from typing on a computer all day. Luckily for me, I was able to balance my internship with my part-time retail job, and I managed to save up enough money that I could use for grocery shopping, paying rent and more for this school year. But what about the students who can’t do that? What about the students who have to commute more than an hour to their internship? What option do they have? If employers can’t afford to pay their interns, then they shouldn’t be hiring them in the first place. It’s that simple.
Policies
The Signal is published weekly during the academic year and is financed by the Student Activities Fee (SAF) and advertising revenue. Any student may submit articles to The Signal. Publication of submitted articles is at the discretion of the editors. The letters section is an open forum for opinions. Submissions that announce events or advertise in any way will not be printed. All letters should be sent via email to signal@tcnj.edu. Handwritten letters should be sent to The Signal, c/o The Brower Student Center, The College of New Jersey, PO Box 7718 Ewing, N.J. 08628 or placed in our mailbox in the Student Life Office. Letters must be received by the Friday before publication and should not exceed 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity. All letters must be signed, with a phone number and address of the author. Requests to withhold the author’s name will be honored only if there is a legitimate reason. All materials submitted become the sole property of The Signal. The editors reserve the right to edit or withhold all articles, letters & photographs. The Signal willingly corrects factual mistakes. If you think we have made an error, please contact The Signal at (609) 771-2424, write to the address listed above or email us at signal@tcnj.edu.
page 8 The Signal September 18, 2019
Students share opinions around campus “Should students be more accepting of other cultures?”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Lucia Gardiner, a junior fine arts major
Luke Sulsenti
“Definitely, and learning about cultures is much more accessible than people think.”
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
John Phelan, a sophomore mathematics major
“Yes, there are a lot of different people in the world, and they should all feel welcome.”
Luke Sulsenti
Richard Miller / Opinions Editor
Grace Holzman, a junior psychology major
Jenna Ingrao, a junior secondary education and English dual major
“Absolutely. If someone is doing work, they deserve to get paid for it.”
“Yes, college students are already constantly hustling, not being paid just makes everything that much harder.”
The Signal’s cartoon of the week ...
The Chip: Rider Broncos “Find A Way” at Drake Bell Concert By Tony Peroni Correspondent The College’s student lifestyle can be summed up by one catch-all phrase — work hard, play harder. That’s why after an entire week of classes, clubs and homework, I found it absolutely necessary that on Saturday night. The entire Chip staff went to see former child actor and current one-hit-wonder, Drake Bell, perform at Rider University, located right in our very own backyards in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. I had seen Josh Peck in Kendall Hall in the fall of 2017, and I knew in my gut that in order to live my life to the fullest, we needed
to report on this historic event. As The Chip crew pulled up to the scene, where we were graced by a giant bouncy castle, just ahead of the university’s main entrance, in addition to a giant barbecue, as well as a crowd of screaming Rider students. Apparently, this event was dubbed “Cranberry Fest,” and is thought to be a highlight in any Rider Bronco’s college experience. About two out of every three students were wearing a dark maroon t-shirt that said “I BLEED CRANBERRY.” I didn’t even know cranberry was a color like that. Sources told The Chip that Bell was seen working out at Rider’s student gym shortly before his set. His exact routine is unknown, but he is in fantastic shape, so we’ll give him that. We parked our vehicle next to the on-campus D-Phi-E sorority house, which looked like Centennial if someone slapped Greek letters made of cardboard on that sucker. Walking to the field, we heard the distant
echo of Bell himself. “Are you calling me a liar?” he said proudly, as the crowd of college students clamored. Is… is he quoting his own TV show? “Well I ain’t callin’ you a truther!” The answer to that was, yes. Yes, he was. As a student of the College, I experienced the most drastic case of Déjà Vu, as Josh Peck said those same exact words in our very own Kendall Hall about two years ago to the day. The night continued, and so did the antics. One young man bellowed, “play Wonderwall,” as many people do at concerts nowadays. Bell responded to the heckler promptly, accidentally dating himself in the process. “Wow, haha, ‘Wonderwall’ must be like the new ‘Free Bird!’” he said. He then began to play “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind, quickly catching himself and forcing himself to remember how the song Wonderwall even goes. He played it. It was bad. Good effort though.
Bell had an arsenal of covers for his adoring fans, including Lil Pump’s “Gucci Gang” and “Hotline Bling,” a song by Drake (Canadian R’n’B singer, known for playing Jimmy in the teen drama television series “Degrassi”). As the evening progressed, so did the show references. Notable quotes included “Woah, just take it easy, man,” “South AmaRICA,” and “Hug Me Brotha!” As a bonus, for the real Nickelodeon heads out here, Bell did his “Totally Kyle” bit from “The Amanda Show.” He then performed the “Drake and Josh” theme song as a grand finale of sorts, and that it was. As the evening drew to a close, I ate a pulled pork sandwich courtesy of Rider, and I had seen both Drake AND Josh in the flesh. I never thought that it’d be so simple, but I found a way. DISCLAIMER: This is obviously a satirical piece and does not describe a real event.
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 9
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 9
Features
Support / CRC advocates for recovery, alliance College offers substance-free housing on campus
Lion’s House is a safe space for students. continued from page 1
Recovery Month, Brezina hopes that more students will become involved in being allies in order to create a sense of community that will help promote a healthier lifestyle for those recovering.
tcnj.edu
“We have been making great strides recently in pushing the envelope of our diversification, and the most important result of that is our inclusion of allies,” Brezina said. “An ally is someone who, though not personally and directly impacted, has some connection to the issues at hand,
or even just cares about supporting those going through it.” Working closely with the College’s Collegiate Recovery Program, the CRC also provides recovery-specific housing known as Lion’s House, which is led by the CRC’s adviser, Christopher Freeman, who is a counselor at the College. “(The Lion’s House is) a place where students in recovery can live together and fully participate in the college experience while growing in their recovery,” according to the CRC’s website. The College is one of the 26 institutions in the country to offer substance-free housing. With countless resources and supporters, Allen hopes the CRC’s impact will only grow throughout the years. “Almost every person is impacted by substance use disorder whether that is themselves, a family member or a friend,” Allen said. “The more people that talk about recovery, the more we are able to reduce stigma on about recovery on our campus.” The CRC’s next goal is to
become an official student organization at the College, a mission that Brezina believes is possible with the help of people sharing their stories and supporting those in recovery. “I hope that all of the passionate people here at the CRC continue to spread our name
Members push for ending the stigma around addiction.
We’re looking for: - Writers - Be the one who brings the story to the campus. - Photographers - Capture events on campus and bring the story to life. - Assistants - Join our editorial staff and help make this paper happen. Contact Us: Signal@tcnj.edu
around the campus community, because when it comes to (substance use disorder) and battling stigma, awareness and knowledge are everything,” Brezina said. “All it takes is to touch one person, to help support one person’s life, and the CRC is a success.”
Want to be on the other side of this paper? We have a number of positions available!
page 10 The Signal September 18, 2019
: Oct. ‘98
Yoga reduces students’ stress, anxiety
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 11
Campus Style
Photo courtesy of the TCNJ Digital Archive
The practice improves an individual’s mental and physical health.
Every week, Features Editor Viktoria Ristanovic hits the archives and finds old Signals that relate to current College topics and top stories. Yoga is a popular and powerful way to release stress and anxiety and help people get into better shape one “Om” at a time. Although students have youth on their side, that doesn’t mean they are immune to neck and back pain. High stress levels can lead to tense muscles, headaches, stomach aches and other physical symptoms in young people. Whether you’re a student or not, yoga can have compelling benefits. In this October 1998 issue of The Signal, a reporter wrote about how yoga was becoming a popular trend that could help with physical and mental health. Yoga isn’t just an option for those looking for increased flexibility, it is a new exercise possibility for students physically restricted by a small dorm room. And after a few months of practice, I’ve found it’s more than just sitting in the lotus position without pulling important muscles. Any prescriber of yoga can tell you that the more serious you are about it, the more control it can have over your lifestyle. A yoga practitioner learns breathing control to relax the entire body, ways to increase metabolism through certain stretches and which foods to eat to live a more balanced lifestyle. Yoga has also become one of the newest
trends. Artists from Madonna to Mike D of the Beastie Boys to Woody Harrelson have taken up the practice, claiming that it has changed their lives. Madonna claimed on her last appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show that yoga changes the molecules in your body and that if you want to be thin, you’ll be thin. According to the Sivananda Yoga Vendanta Centre’s book “101 Essential Tips on Yoga,” the word yoga means ‘union.’ The book defines the exercise as “based on the belief that the body and breath are intimately connected with the mind. By controlling the breath and holding the body in steady poses, or asanas, yoga creates harmony.” In the Roscoe L. West library, there are 147 yoga books (found though a subject search) ranging from how-to guides to stories of famous yogis to books on how yoga relates to sex. (The book “Beyond Sex,” found by a subject search for yoga, is curiously “reported missing”). The web is also flooded with yoga clubs, publications and advertising for classes. One of the more descriptive sites, http://globalthink.com/yoga/ contains information such as breathing guides, tips on perfecting or working up to postures. The site can help you to find a teacher who is located in your home area.
Lions’ Plate
Left: Pair a blazer with dress pants for a sleek look. Right: A patterned blouse is a professional, but stylish statement. By Diana Solano Distribution Manager There comes a time in every person’s college career when they realize the importance of having business formal or business casual clothes in their wardrobe. Whether it’s for the upcoming Career Fair, rushing a business fraternity or going to an interview, these items are always needed in your closet. When you’re meeting a possible employer, first impressions are important, which means you don’t want to be wearing jeans, baggy clothes or a wrinkled shirt. Business attire should fit your body perfectly — not too tight and not too loose. Looking professional and put together can be overwhelming, but with these tips, you will be prepared when going to a business casual/formal event. Here is a list of items that you could easily find for outfits that are business formal and business casual. 1. Skirts or Pants It’s 2019 — women are no longer confined to wearing only skirts to appear at
business formal or business casual events. Wearing a properly tailored pantsuit can really make you stand out at interviews because it will make employers remember you. Pencil skirts and A-Line skirts are both appropriate to wear for an interview. For skirts and pants, you don’t just have to stick to solid colors — patterns such as plaid or gingham are stylish, but professional. 2. Tops A button-up shirt is essential to pair with a skirt or pants. Besides button-up shirts, you can also wear a flowy, long sleeve top or a shirt with cap sleeves. White, tan or black long sleeve turtlenecks can be paired together with pants and a nice blazer for a sleek, professional look. 3. Shoes Heels might be the first shoes that come to mind when you think of what to finish your outfit off with. They are a good option to wear as long as they don’t make your feet hurt. Keep in mind that you will be walking around and having to stand to talk to people. A trend that has come to footwear is solid black loafers, with the most popular types being velvet or faux leather.
Savory Quinoa Salad
Left: This recipe is perfect for lunch and dinner. Right: Mix this dish with tuna or chicken for added protein.
By Elizabeth Casalnova Columnist
If you’re looking for an easy meal-prep recipe for the week, look no further than quinoa salad. This recipe uses staple items from your pantry to create a delicious, healthy meal for lunch or dinner. I usually make this dish on a day of the week when my schedule is not too busy, and store it in tupperware that I can take with me to campus. The recipe is cost-efficient, which is perfect for college students buying their own
groceries. If you live in one of the College’s undergraduate dorms, don’t worry. This recipe only needs a stove, which can be found in most of the dormitories’ common areas. This meal is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. For meat eaters like myself, I usually add grilled chicken or tuna into the salad. Ingredients: - 1 cup dried quinoa - 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes - 1 14.5 oz can cut green beans, drained
- 1 14.5 oz can chickpeas, drained - 1 14.5 oz can black or pinto beans, drain most of the liquid - 1 tsp red pepper flakes - 1 tsp paprika - 1 tsp minced garlic (or one clove fresh garlic) - Salt and pepper (optional)
Directions: 1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt for extra taste. 2. When the water is boiling, add in the quinoa and bring it back to a boil. Remember
that 1 cup of dried quinoa can expand to be up to 4 cups once cooked. 3. Once it’s boiling, cover and reduce the heat to medium low and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. 4. Remove the quinoa from the heat, fluff with a fork, and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. 5. Add the rest of the ingredients to the cool quinoa, stir and serve immediately, or store in the fridge for later, and enjoy!
page 12 The Signal September 18, 2019
Arts & Entertainment
Exhibit puts New York scientists in spotlight
Left: Feldschuh’s painting magnifies particles. Right: Panelists show the deeper meaning of their art to the audience. By Chelsie Derman Correspondent Featuring an inspiring and experience-emphasized discussion panel, the College’s Citizen/Art Exhibition allowed artists to showcase their creations and careers to students and members of the Ewing community in the Art and Interactive Multimedia Building’s art gallery on Sept. 11. Margaret Pezalla-Granlund, director of the College’s art gallery and Sarnoff Collection, kicked off the night by introducing the two artists — Elizabeth Demaray and Jonathan Feldschuh, alongside curator Julia Buntaine Hoel. The artists, both of whom are from New York, presented more about their artforms, specifically a common, alternate study-area that Hoel found in their work — science. “The best part about curating is to think about your favorite artist with a common theme,” Hoel said. Hoel wanted to find artists who explored their respective topics and used research in displaying their work. While Feldschuh used his physics background to illuminate what a particle may look like, Demaray examined living objects, such as plants, to make her art come alive. When both artists were asked why they chose their careers, both Demaray and Feldschuh said that they never
thought they would pursue art as young students. Feldschuh went to Harvard University for physics, while Demaray went to the University of California for cognitive and neural science, believing she would one day go to medical school and receive her PhD. However, both utilized their knowledge from science to produce thoughtful, authentic artwork. Feldschuh left college to become a painter, as his desire to focus on how people view the world motivated him to dabble in a strong interest with material. Demaray, on the other hand, became interested in art after taking a sculpture class in college. “When you make a piece of art, you communicate,” Demaray said. Although both Feldschuh and Demaray create art from a science background, the mediums they use in their pieces vary. Feldschuh had some of his paintings on display. At the gallery, guests took a look at his paintings tilted “Particles #9,” “Particles #16” and “The Large Hadron Collider #24,” all made of acrylic and pencil. In an attempt to portray how particles evolve, Feldschuh used his brush in various angles to mirror what they may look like, if created as an art form. Feldschuh wanted to incorporate his area of study into his work by having the “piece describes the process of its
Jennifer Somers / Photo Editor
own.” Using art as a way to show science, Feldschuh put deliberate thought when stroking the brush on the paper, rather than just painting in a haphazard manner. In constructing her artwork, Demaray considered plants and animals, as she is passionate about living things that exist in the real world. At the art exhibition, guests could see Demaray’s plant sweater artwork, a small bonsai wearing a knitted sweater. “I thought the art itself was very interesting,” said Summer Martin, a freshman computer science major. “All the pieces were very diverse from each other.” The artists acknowledged the distinct aspects of their work. Feldschuh said that with art, people can obtain details that they would not be able to see otherwise, in reference to particles that the human eye cannot normally pick up. Demaray described art as a “beautiful moment,” as if people used a different section of their brain. Feldschuh and Demaray described art as something incredible, expressing the beneficial qualities of pursuing one’s passion. Ultimately, Hoel said that the best way to push someone towards achieving their goals is to inspire them. “You can’t fear someone into physical action,” she said.
Martinez makes waves with new album, film
The singer returns to school in style in ‘K-12.’
By James Mercadante Reviews Editor
In the wake of what seemed like a lifetime, Melanie Martinez has finally unveiled the world she has been hiding from the public for approximately four years. She evinces the pure attentiveness she has embedded within this project, which was undeniably worth the wait. On Sept. 6, Martinez returned with her sophomore album and visual feature film, “K12,” a bright, pastel paradise occupied with the most dismal, underlying meanings. The 90-minute musical film and album, written and directed by Martinez, can almost act as two separate entities, but are both relative to each other. After being a contestant on “The Voice”
YouTube
and releasing her debut album, “Crybaby,” in 2015, Martinez enraptured thousands with her ability to sing such dark, dense lyrics with her soft, silky voice, emulating a child-like nature. This helped her create her musical persona, Crybaby, who is essentially a child with an advanced knowledge of life’s darkest aspects. “K-12” recounts the narrative of Crybaby’s coming-of-age and Martinez utilizes a sleepaway school as a condensed representation of life itself. The film grapples with a myriad of discourses, such as eating disorders, the politics of hair, transgender rights, bullying, the demand for free tampons, how we teach boys consent, how one does not need to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance and how everyone is deserving of love. And yes, Martinez does not shy away from the brutal truths.
Although most of her messages are clear, it almost renders the plot a little messy. However, if she’s attempting to represent life, then the disorder is suiting. The film exhibits pleasant surprises, such as synchronized choreography, beautiful costume designs, impressive special effects and the most beautiful scenery. The sensory overload in each scene is overwhelming and takes time to digest, yet it’s extremely profound. Aside from the film, the album itself is a captivating body of work. Listeners can distinguish the growth Martinez has endured through these past four years. Instead of the hard-hitting production seen in her previous album, “K-12” contains songs with lighter electronic beats and relaxed melodies. Yet, her voice remains to still be as haunting as it is comforting. Combining the album with the feature film, Martinez has constructed the most mature and intense form of expression with images and allegories that entice analysis. “The Principal” is one song that has a crucial discourse, which is about confronting those who are in a position of power. In other words, she is talking to white, heterosexual older men. She compares them to the school’s principal, one who is in charge of all operations. Martinez is surrounded by a diverse group of women in the film during this song, varying in skin-color and body types, who assert these authoritative figures are “Shooting at the angels while claiming you’re the good guy /
All you want is cash and hype.” Another song that demands attention is “Show and Tell,” where Martinez discusses her experience with being in the public eye. In the film, she is a puppet on strings controlled by the teacher, who represents the higher-ups in the industry. The classmates applaud with animalistic mannerisms and eerie expressions, which reflect audiences who always demand Martinez to satisfy and be the artist they envision her to be. She sings, “Buy and sell / Like I’m a product to society / Art don’t sell / Unless you’ve fucked every authority,” which converses about the dangers of consumerism and its damages on morality. She also conveys meanings about life that are relative to school. “Strawberry Shortcake” displays unfair educational systems that force young girls to cover up for the sake of boys’ temptations, instead of reversing that mentality from boys. Martinez suggests, “Instead of making me feel bad for the body I got / Just teach him to keep it in his pants and tell him to stop,” while topless in a skirt made out of cake and boys taking bites without her consent. Throughout the multiple meanings and visuals present in this project, I can tell you what “K-12” is not. It is not an attempt to gain audiences through flashy costumes, generic pop tunes or visuals that focused on how attractive the artist looks. “K-12” is really what a lot of pop artists today fail to create — art.
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 13
Post Malone album showcases collaborations
In the video for ‘Saint-Tropez,’ the rapper highlights his success.
By Bridget McLearie Correspondent
The best way to describe Post Malone’s new album, “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” is complete vulnerability and angst. His lyrics are a mix of him flexing his wealth and dealing with the drain of holding up stable relationships in Hollywood. With every new album, Post gains more listeners and maintains his relevance in the music world with new creations. His past two albums, “Stoney” and “Beerbongs & Bentleys,” helped with his road to fame, as they both have 200 million to a billion streams. He was able to maintain his status as one of the top-tier celebrities without even releasing an album for a year. However, what distinguishes Post is his realistic view of the popularity he has worked so hard to achieve. He is aware of his status in Hollywood and expresses his feelings towards
YouTube
how the system can take a toll on celebrities, specifically himself. He explores how his relationships are affected by not only his popularity, but also his money. One special aspect of “Hollywood’s Bleeding” is the number of featured artists. Typically, Post’s songs all have a similar vibe to them. His soft voice is unmistakable, and the well-known artists that he features compliment him nicely. Post puts emphasis on the stress of dating in Hollywood in the song “A Thousand Bad Times,” where he expresses how he can endure the same emotional blows repeatedly because he has the richness and luxury to recover. “You try to burn my house down, but what’s another house to me? ’Cause I can take anything that you give me. It’s gonna take a lot more to kill me,” he sings. The first four songs are high energy, and this one slows the mood down while keeping a solid beat.
Post mixes new age hip hop and old rock in a way never before imagined or expected in “Take What You Want.” He features artists Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott to form an unlikely trio. Osbourne’s 70-yearold voice gives the song an electricity that is hard to reproduce in today’s music industry. He also features artists DaBaby, Future, Halsey, Meek Mill, Lil Baby, SZA, Swae Lee and Young Thug. Compared to his album “Stoney,” which has no features, this album has much more color. Malone has a great voice, yet sometimes his songs can mesh together. The variation of these featured artists contrasts from his previous work, and make his new songs more distinct. The song “On The Road” featuring Meek Mill and Lil Baby calls out the fake friends he has dealt with throughout his career. Naturally, Post put out a few songs from this album before it was released. The song “Sunflower” featuring Swae Lee was a groundbreaking song that racked up over a billion plays on Spotify alone ever since “Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse” came out. “Sunflower” is the favorite song of the movie’s protagonist, Miles Morales, and is brought up to symbolize the loyalty he has in his friends. Other than being released almost a year before the rest of the album, “Sunflower” differs from the rest because it is less angsty and the music on the track is very different. To follow up, “Wow” and “Goodbyes” feat. Young Thug racked up almost a billion plays together on Spotify. “Wow” has a consistent and catchy beat with captivating lyrics about how far Post has come in the music industry. “Goodbyes”
featuring Young Thug has a more mellow beat, and the lyrics describing how hard it is to balance having a relationship and focusing on music. Songs like “I’m Gonna Be,” “Staring At The Sun” featuring SZA and “Internet” have more somber tones, and address the downfalls to having money and popularity. In the song “Internet,” Post talks about how the internet is toxic and how he can’t keep anything to himself. “Staring At The Sun” addresses the ignorance that comes with a complicated relationship. “If you keep staring at the sun, you won’t see what you have become, this can’t be everything you thought it was, blinded by the thought of us,” he sings, in reference to the fact that his relationship might not be healthy and his girlfriend would rather not address the issue. The songs “I Know” and “Myself” sound like mellow background music— they don’t hit as hard as the others do, but they give an emotional touch to the album. “I Know” addresses the disappointment of a failed relationship, while maintaining a soft beat. “Myself” talks about how Post goes on so many adventures that he can’t truly experience to the fullest potential because of his fame. Post dares to put Hollywood on the spot, as many have done before. He has the fame to be able to bash the system without repercussion and give his honest opinions to his audience. You don’t need to be a Post Malone fan to appreciate “Hollywood’s Bleeding,” as there is a song for everybody on this album.
Caravan Palace returns with signature style
‘Chronologic’ serves up electronic music with French twist
Left: ‘Plume’ follows a robot on a wild night. Right: An animated love story goes haywire in the ‘Miracle’ music video. By Timothy Ryan Correspondent
Caravan Palace and its new album, “Chronologic,” which was released on Aug. 30, introduces an idiosyncratic layer of energy snuggled beneath a second layer of the components that make a song an absolute banger. Yet, these simple components are unlike anything I’ve ever heard from another band. Everybody knows what pop music is. It’s certainly one of the core aspects of the modern Western music industry. It hasn’t been around for that long, but for the average student at the College, it’s been nothing but a mere constant in his or her lifetime. I’ve heard the argument — heck, I’ve even argued this myself — that pop music tends to blend together into a bit of a monotone combination of similar, repetitive tunes. Some could say that pop songs lack any more than an ounce of depth. I don’t actually believe that argument even though I’ve thought about it before out of frustration for finding new music to listen to. It can be hard to find cracks of light in the abyss of new and old pop music. Caravan Palace — most notably known for its more
esoteric, yet still popular singles “Lone Digger” and “Rock it For Me” — emerged in late 2008 after releasing its debut self-titled album, and it properly merges jazz, electronic swing and pop music all into one smooth, distinct genre all on its own. The first song I heard out of their late August album “Chronologic” was “April,” a gentle and refreshing take on the warm, sweet emergence of spring, yet tainted from a swarm of bitter, unforgettable and distorted memories of the artist’s childhood. It could also be the complete opposite — a cynical portrayal of the utter joy in childhood and the slow, yet inevitable despair of growing up. The song leaves listeners to reflect on the artist’s work like a soft, warm poem and look to nothing but their own emotions and experiences for guidance and interpretation. It’s rare to find a song with such depth and intricacies. After getting a taste of the entire album, my favorite song is undoubtedly “Leena.” Taking place in Paris, the song explores the gloomy and despondent circumstances surrounding the necessity of eventually succumbing to employment or, in much more latent terms, getting a job, especially in the supposedly highly regarded city of Paris.
YouTube
The song’s pre-chorus uncovers the sadness behind the search for happiness, only to find that each instance of happiness is short-lived and fleeting and gone before you know it. Each shed of happiness in “Leena” is engulfed by the sheer volume of a filler of mostly emptiness, encompassing an intense depth that could only be described as utterly beautiful. Overall, “Chronologic” was an album that I kept coming back to over and over again for its bittersweet lyrics contrasted by its complex, positive energy. It boasts the introduction and perfection of a distinct genre, while promising a shining coat of funk. While all seven Caravan Palace members deserve credit for their individual efforts in Chronologic’s production, the singer of the majority of the album, Zoé Colotis, deserves a standing ovation. Rocking nearly 15 years of experience in the professional music industry, any ounce of soul and life that wasn’t already conveyed through lyrics was done by her. Rather than give this album an arbitrary number that summarizes everything it has to offer, I’ll simply recommend you give “April” a listen. The air will stand still and memories of your childhood will flood back in a river of both warmth and sadness.
page 14 The Signal September 18, 2019
September 18, 2019 The Signal page 15
Sports Men’s Soccer
Lions win back-to-back road games By Ann Brunn Staff Writer The men’s soccer team found itself back in the win column this past week with victories over Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham and the College of Mount Saint Vincent. On Sept. 11, the Lions were in an offensive battle with FDU-Florham, ultimately winning the game 5-4. Junior midfielder Ryan Vazquez scored the first goal for the Lions off a penalty kick just four minutes into the match. The goal marked the fourth time Vazquez found the back of the net this season. FDU-Florham quickly scored two goals and opened a 2-1 lead over the Lions, but the College would soon come back. In the 23rd minute, junior midfielder Kevin Esteves notched his first goal of the season off an assist from sophomore defenseman Tommy Suchora. Before halftime, FDU-Florham broke the 2-2 tie with a goal in the 43rd minute and took a 3-2 lead going into the break. Sophomore defenseman Dante Bettino collected his first goal of the season in the 63rd minute, which tied the contest at 3-3. Shortly afterward, junior defenseman Matthew Nastarowicz found the back of the net for his first goal of the season that allowed the Lions to retake the lead 4-3. The College didn’t take its foot off the gas, as it scored its third goal in five minutes when junior midfielder Sam Monaco connected for his first goal of the season. The Lions fended off any of FDU-Florham’s attempts to tie the game, and earned the win to improve to 5-1 on the season. The team outshot FDU-Florham 14-8 on the match and had a 12-0 advantage on corner kicks. The match on Saturday, Sept. 14, produced more of the same, as the Lions
Esteves handles the ball downfield.
defeated Mount Saint Vincent by a score of 3-1. In the 30th minute, freshman forward Justin Dominique sent in a cross to freshman midfielder Riley Furlong, who headed it in for his first collegiate goal. Junior goalkeeper Daniel Mecadon made three saves in the first half and kept Mount Saint Vincent off the board. Eleven minutes into the second half, junior midfielder Sam Monaco sent a pass to junior midfielder Kevin Esteves, who headed the ball to give the Lions a 2-0 lead. Mount Saint Vincent scored in the 66th minute, but
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
that would be its only goal of the contest. Senior midfielder Michael Maltese converted on a penalty kick in the 83rd minute, collecting his first goal of the season and ensuring a 3-1 victory for the Lions, boosting their overall record to 6-1 on the season. The College also outshot Mount Saint Vincent 17-13. The Lions return home to face Drew University tonight at 7:30 p.m. They will play their first road game against a New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent when they face Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Football flops in home Women lose first, opener against SUNY top Stevens at home Football
By Matthew Shaffer Staff Writer The Lions’ football team hosted SUNY College at Cortland for its second game of the season, but was unable to secure a win in its home opener. Facing a team coming off a 63-0 victory, the Lions would have one of the more difficult matchups on their schedule. The final score was 31-7 in favor of SUNY Cortland, who dominated the day on both sides of the ball. The College kicked off to start the game, but its defense was only on the field for two plays before a 55-yard touchdown reception SUNY broke the silence. For the rest of the quarter, both teams went scoreless, resulting in six punts. It was a 12-play, 70-yard drive resulting in a touchdown that put the Lions on the board for their only points of the game. Junior quarterback Andrew Donoghue connected with senior wide receiver Vinny Guckin from four yards out to tie the game 7-7 early in the second quarter. The relentless SUNY Cortland squad went on to score a field goal and a touchdown before halftime, increasing their lead to 17-7. A game that started off terribly for the Lions was still in reach at the start of the third quarter, but a quick turnover gave SUNY Cortland the ball on the College’s 13-yard line, and led to a touchdown. Finishing the game with 24 unanswered points, SUNY Cortland capitalized on turnovers and buried the Lions, who were incapable of getting anything going after their second-quarter score.
Women’s Soccer
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Guckin looks to catch a pass.
The Lions took one on the chin, giving up nearly 500 total yards and surrendering four turnovers. Despite the loss, some bright spots for the Lions included an eight-reception day for sophomore wide receiver Dave Jachera and an interception by senior cornerback Xavier Santos. Additionally, the College is the only team this year to score against SUNY Cortland, with Guckin’s touchdown and freshman kicker Bobby Wortman’s extra point. There were several chances for the Lions to drive down and put up points, but those drives were ultimately cut short by turnovers. The team takes to the road on Saturday, Sept. 21 to go up against St. John Fisher College in another out-of-conference matchup.
By Seva Galant Staff Writer The women’s soccer team faced off against John Hopkins University on Sept. 11, where it encountered its first loss of the season. Johns Hopkins managed to diminish the College’s record to 3-1-0. The Lions were able to put up an early goal in the 25th minute with junior forward Randi Smith finding the ball via freshman forward Nina Carlson. A few minutes later, Johns Hopkins responded, but senior goalkeeper Nicole DiPasquale blocked the kick. In response yet again, Johns Hopkins put up an unblockable crossbar shot to take the lead. The Lions were unable to answer the goal
and lost 2-1 in their second home match. However, the team was able to regain momentum against Stevens Institution of Technology. Stevens rose to a 1-0 lead going into halftime, but the momentum shifted early in the second half with sophomore forward Nikki Butler scoring a tone-setting goal in the 49th minute. Junior midfielder Kelly Carolan initiated a lead only six minutes after Butler’s goal and an insurance goal came from junior forward Julianna Bertolino in the 76th minute, finishing off the game. The recovery proves that the Lions are not too shaken from their loss, as they improve their record to 4-1-0 in a very strong start to their season. The team’s next face-off is against Widener University at home tonight at 5 p.m.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Bertolino moves skillfully around a defender.
Signal
Sports
Women’s tennis wins 37th NJAC title, Men host successful invitational By Christine Houghton Sports Editor
The weekend of Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 was a busy one for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams. The men stayed in Ewing to host the Ducks/Lions Invitational on both days, while the women hosted both Ramapo College and William Paterson University on Saturday. The women’s team just can’t seem to give up a point, as it shut out both Ramapo and WPU by a score of 9-0. The two victories sealed the deal on the team’s 37th conference title and 188th conference win, leaving the team undefeated in the New Jersey Athletic Conference since its creation. Sophomore Katrine Luddy won both doubles matches, one against Ramapo 8-0 and the other against WPU 8-1. For the men’s team, the two-day invitational served many wins and even more experience against Stevens Institute of Technology, Wilkes University, New York University and Ithaca College. In singles competition on the first day, the team won 13 out of 16 matches. Senior Thomas Wright, freshman Nick Matkiwsky and junior Andrew Mok all won two singles matches on the day. During the second round of play, the College won eight straight matches — Mok, Wright and Matkiwsy won in two sets and sophomores Justin Wain and Nikola Kilibarda won their matches in three sets each. The second day of play featured the team participating
in several doubles matches, which it won 10 out of 12 of those matches. A prominent combination consisting of Matkiwsky and sophomore Matthew Michibata went 3-0 for the day’s game play.
The men’s team takes to the court again Friday, Sept. 27, as it travels to Hobart College for the three-day ITA Regionals. The women return to action Saturday, Sept. 21, as they take to the road to participate in the threeday ITA Regionals hosted by William Smith College.
The team poses with its conference championship trophy.
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Lions remain flawless XC shines at home By Seva Galant Staff Writer
By Ann Brunn Staff Writer
The women’s field hockey team traveled to Central Valley, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 10 to face off against DeSales University, and managed to produce its third consecutive victory. The Lions generated a stunning six goals, including four by senior forward Cayla Andrews. The other two came from sophomore midfielder Camryn Ley and sophomore forward Sara Waldron. There was an important display of ability, as the Lions just managed to secure a top-five spot in the conference. Even though the two-game shutout streak ended, the Lions are still a force to be reckoned with — especially since they have now outscored opponents by a combined score of 17-2 in only four games. On Saturday, Sept. 14, the Lions furthered their flawless record, as they overcame another top-10 team in their home opener. Playing against No. 7 seed Messiah College, freshman midfielder Jess Hatch, junior forward Tori Tiefenthaler and sophomore forward Sara Waldron made three total goals. Coming back from a 1-0 deficit from the first quarter, the Lions responded by making a goal in each of the final three quarters, as they went on to win 3-1.
The men’s and women’s cross country teams dominated the TCNJ Home Meet at the Green Lane Fields on Friday, Sept. 13. The men’s team posted 14 of the 15 top times in the race against competitors from Stockton University, Ocean County College and Union County College. Sophomore Jack Ennis sealed a victory for the Lions in the 6k-race with a finishing time of 19:01:01. Senior Evan Bush, junior Robert Abrams and sophomores Patrick Mulligan and William Mayhew rounded out the top five finishers, and all finished within two seconds of Ennis. Finishing out the top 10, from seventh to 10th place were sophomore John Raisley, senior Mike Zurzolo, junior Matthew Kole and freshman Michael Bond with times ranging from 19:15:08 to 19:18:28. The women’s team also found success Friday night, placing in nine of the top 11 spots in the race against competitors from Stockton. Senior Gabriella DeVito finished second in the 4k-race, posting a time of 15:44:51. Sophomore Jazzlyn Diaz finished in third place with a time of 15:51:05, followed by sophomores Emily Prendergast
Lions Lineup September 18, 2019
I n s i d e
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
Tiefenthaler waits between plays.
The game’s outcome was largely the result of a phenomenal effort from senior goalkeeper Maddie Beaumont, who blocked 10 goals from the opposition. Andrews now sits at No. 12 in program history for career goals and is looking to break into 11th in her next few games. The Lions are now 4-0 and secure the No. 5 seed as of this past weekend. Their next comes at home against Salisbury University on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Football page 15
Women’s Soccer page 15
Photo courtesy of the Sports Information Desk
DeVito sprints to second place.
and Kelsey Kobus, who rounded out the top five. All placing in the top 10 were junior Emily Forester and sophomores Nicole Fenske, Hanna Batchelder and Grace Cocanower. Both teams will head to Stockton on Saturday, Sept. 21, to compete in the Osprey Open.
Men’s Soccer page 15