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Read about music’s biggest night that featured @tcnjsignal performances from Nicki Minaj, Adele and Chris Brown. Get up-to-the-minute news and exclusive content. See A&E page 19 The College of New Jersey Student Newspaper since 1885 February 15, 2012
Vol. CXXXVI.
No. 5
Check out our food report on Valentino’s Pizza and Subs
See Features page 15
Civil rights leaders move diverse crowd By Laura Herzog Staff Writer
Two leaders of civil rights groups the Black Panther Party and Young Lords roused a large crowd of college students into applause. “Liberation,” said Bobby Seale, organizer of the Black Panthers, is about learning “what it means to be a progressive human being.” It could have been the 1960s, in the heat of the civil rights movement, but no, it was 2012 at The College of New Jersey. Seale, co-founder of the Black Panthers, and Felipe Luciano, co-founder of the Lords — a group famous among the Latino community for its advocacy for Puerto Rican rights — were speaking about “Social Movements in the 21st Century.” Throughout the night, there were many such bursts of applause for Seale and Luciano, when the pair of long-time friends came to the Mildred and Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall on Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. as part of a college speaking tour. The event, co-sponsored by Unión Latina and the campus chapters of Lambda Sigma Upsilon National Latino Fraternity and Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, drew in a large, diverse crowd of students and professors, as well as a few Ewing residents, who packed the hall to capacity. The event began with Luciano’s speech about Latino identity, the inception of the Young Lords and the tactics of the group, which is most famous for collecting trash that had built up in Spanish Harlem and dumping it on 3rd Avenue in New York City, stopping traffic. Following Luciano, Seale discussed his history in the U.S. Air force and his education at Merritt College in Oakland, Calif., as well as the strategies of his organi-
zation, known for its militant tactics and socialist leanings, including its Ten-Point Program for “Land, Bread, Housing, Education, Clothing, Justice and Peace.” The event ended with a question-and-answer session in which Seale discussed his high-profile run-ins with the FBI, and both men described how education should be used to foster awareness in the minority community. Seale also plugged his book “Seize the Time,” which he wrote during the two years he spent in jail for his politics, and sold after the show. While both men advocated for minorities, they spoke about other causes during the talk as well including the need for interracial unity. “One percent of the people control 90 percent of all the world’s wealth,” said Seale, who has taken up the Occupy cause. Luciano, a self-described “ex-con” and “gang member,” promoted prison advocacy and told the audience not to write off “active drug addicts,” who, he said, greatly helped his movement. He also questioned why there is no Latino movement today. “Cut this racism bullshit out,” Luciano told the audience, to wide applause. He said a former Klansmen in Tennessee had helped him in the Marine Corps. Seale, whose cool and calm demeanor lent contrast to Luciano’s more fiery speaking style, said he didn’t care if someone was “black, white, red, brown, yellow, polka-dotted.” Luciano advocated particularly for union among blacks and Latinos. According to Luciano, the Latino community is known as being non-confrontational, because many Latinos consider confrontation to be a “black” trait. “If Latinos continue to run away from their blackness, they will never be whole See LORDS page 5
Ashley Long / Photo Editor
Felipe Luciano, co-founder of the Young Lords, spoke at the College, discussing his background and the need for minority rights and tolerance.
Car wrecked in lake Norovirus outbreak prompts warning By Brendan McGrath Features Editor
Bad weather caused a car to become partially submerged in one of the College’s lakes this past weekend. A white Jeep swerved off of Metzger Drive and into Lake Ceva across from Armstrong Hall at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 11, according to police. It was snowing at the time. Campus Police responded to a 911 call that did not detail whether anyone was injured, stuck in the car or in the lake. Upon arrival, they found the driver of the car standing on the side of the road, accompanied by two witnesses. The driver was observed to be shivering and was wet up to his knees. Nevertheless, he was found to be in good condition after evaluation by Pennington Road EMS. Witnesses stated that the car had been headed east on Metzger Drive north (proceeding from the main entrance in the direction of the Science Complex) when it began swerving from side to side. The car then crossed the oncoming lane and hopped the curb, going over the bank and into the lake. The driver was the only person involved in the accident and no other property was damaged. The Jeep was towed out of the lake, and the driver refused further medical attention.
NJ.com
Because of Rider’s Norovirus outbreak, their campus sanitization measures have greatly increased. By Tom Ciccone New Editor A nasty bug is roaming college campuses in N.J. The College community received an email from Student Health Services on Thursday, Feb. 9 about a suspected outbreak of Norovirus at Rider University. Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach virus and “is often called by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu and food poisoning,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
Bikelock comes to the College! The Jack’s Mannequin side-project showed off their rockier sound See A&E page 19
“We typically see cases this time of the year,” Janice Vermeychuk, director of Student Health Services, said in an email interview. “It is business as usual.” Despite rumors on campus, there have been no confirmed cases of Norovirus on the College’s campus, with all tests for the virus being negative, Vermeychuk said. Outbreaks of the virus have already occurred on Princeton University’s campus. “We have had cases of gastroenteritis illness,” Martin Mbugua, a Princeton University Spokesman, said. “We’ve had samples tested and they came up positive with Norovirus.” Since Jan. 29, there have been about 140 cases. Some samples tested positive for gastroenteritis, at which point it was assumed that Norovirus was present on the campus, Mbugua said. Rider University’s campus has also dealt with about 120 cases since the end of January, according to Dan Higgins, executive director of university communications. Characteristics of being infected with Norovirus are “abrupt onset of vomiting
accompanied by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea,” Student Health Services’s email said. Student Health Services also said that such symptoms can last anywhere from 24 to 60 hours and if someone is experiencing the symptoms, they should contact Student Health Services or their personal health care provider. The email listed a number of hygienic practices known to reduce the risk of spreading this gastrointestinal illness. Washing one’s hands thoroughly before and after eating, typing on a computer keyboard, operating exercise Dehydration can also be a serious problem for people afflicted with Norovirus and is also very contagious. Norovirus can spread very rapidly in closed areas, and people infected with it can be contagious from the point they experience symptoms, to as long as two weeks after their symptoms cease, according to the CDCP’s website. Because there are no vaccines or drugs available to treat Norovirus, infected persons are highly recommended to drink lots of fluids, which are lost from excessive diarrhea and vomiting that occur when infected with the virus.
The end of the Cold War didn’t just bring down the Soviet Union Learn about the dangerously vast unemployment of Russian nuclear scientists See News page 5
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page 2 The Signal February 15, 2012
Hotel details still sparse at SG meeting February 15, 2012 The Signal page 3
By Kelly Johnson News Editor
Student Government was provided with up-to-date information on the housing lottery and hotel situation during its meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 8, raising numerous questions but still leaving some unanswered. Ryan Farnkopf, director of housing operations for Residential Education and Housing, presented this year’s changes of the housing lottery, including the waiving of the $100 deposit, and the hotel housing option for rising sophomores and juniors. The hotel topic raised the entirety of questions from students, and some could not be answered as contracts are still pending and negotiations continue to be made. Although the contracts have not been signed yet, the College is looking at the Courtyard Marriott and the Element by Westin to house students next year. According to Farnkopf, there will be 140 beds available for College students and it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. At the time of applying, students can include their preference of hotel, but there is no guarantee that it is the one they will be placed in. It will cost students $150 more each semester to live in the hotels than oncampus, Farnkopf said, but those students will receive a free commuter parking pass. There will be a shuttle service from the hotels to the College for those without cars, although the hours for which it will run has not yet been decided. Farnkopf is also still figuring out what to do with students’ meal plans since the
Vicki Wang / Staff Photographer
SG listened to housing director Ryan Farnkopf speak about the future of students who will be housed in hotels next semester.
Element by Westin has a kitchen, but the Courtyard Marriott does not. According to Farnkopf, the students residing in the Element will have a meal plan like on-campus students where they can get food at the hotel, but they are still discussing what arrangements will be made for students at the Courtyard since there is no kitchen there. “We don’t have the details of the shuttle yet,” Farnkopf said, but he expects that the shuttle will run every half hour from around 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Students will also have access to the amenities that the hotels offer such as wireless internet, once a week maid service, the fitness center and the pool. The College is still working with the hotels to establish policies so that none of
these accesses become abused, but they are trying to make the policy as close to that at the College, according to Farnkopf. It is also still unclear at this time whether Ewing Police or Campus Police will be the responding department should an incident occur at a hotel, but Farnkopf anticipates there will be some type of negotiation between the two. He also reported that the College has made several changes in order to cut back on the cost of the hotels as much as possible, including changing the maid service from daily to once a week and students will also be required to provide their own linens and towels. The washers and dryers at the hotels are coin operated, and it is not an option for the College to switch some of the
machines out with free ones for students, Farnkopf said. Therefore, he and the College are still looking for a way to provide for students to come to the College to do laundry. A member of SG raised the question of what students living in a hotel will do during the periods when dormitories are closed throughout the semester, such as spring or winter break. “You won’t be able to stay, but you won’t be required to move all of your stuff out,” Farnkopf said. He assured that belongings will be kept safe in the hotel rooms, but to still bring valuables to be sure. Farnkopf also announced that they do not have room numbers yet where students will be residing, but he expects to have them closer to the end of the semester. “We’ll figure out a process to get students that information,” he said. SG vice president for advancement and junior marketing and Spanish double major Christina Kopka announced the “Know More Use Less” program, which will work to reduce the number of disposable cups used by the Library Café. SG will also be hosting “Decoding OffCampus Living” in the Library Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16. The forumstyle lecture will provide information to current sophomore and juniors who are thinking about living off campus and will include representatives from the office of student conduct, the police department as well as off-campus students. SG is also encouraging all clubs at the College to collect clothes for the campus-wide Salvation Army clothing drive, which will take place from Feb. 15 through March 14.
SFB funds events, but cuts down the costs
Seiichi Villalona / Staff Photographer
SFB funded speakers, celebrations and trips but cut funds for food and entertainment.
By Andrew Miller Nation & World Editor
The Student Finance Board granted the Secondary Education Teachers Association $6,450 to bring Jamie Nabozny, author and star of the documentary “Bullied,” to the College on Thursday, March 22. “The documentary chronicles his life through high school, and how he was bullied for his sexuality,” said Kelly Kosch, president of SETA and senior English and secondary education double major. “His school wouldn’t help him, so he brought the case to the Supreme Court and won.” SETA wants to send the message that although bullying is seen to be representative of middle and high schools, it still occurs on college campuses. Rachel Leva, international business major and SFB freshman representative, recognized the significance of co-sponsoring with groups such as Student Government and College Democrats. “The co-sponsors will get a lot of people with different interests to come to a very impactful event,” she said. SFB awarded a total of $6,249 to Chabad for two separate events. The first event celebrates the Jewish holiday of Purim and will occur on Tuesday, March 27. “We want to bring in De Scribe, a musical entertainer who has performed worldwide, to celebrate Purim,” said Elliot Crane, junior biomedical engineering major. “We have always had a good turnout for this event.” Crane also wanted SFB to fund a photographer who would take action shots of people for seven seconds, and compile them into a flipbook. He reasoned that a flipbook would make
a nice souvenir. Sophomore finance major and SG representative Josephine D’Amico asked SFB to weigh whether the high cost of the event would be worth it for students. “Although the event is well-planned and would be good, we have to consider if students would pay that much for sushi and a flipbook,” she said. Steven Zalan, sophomore mechanical engineering major, agreed with D’Amico and said, “The purpose of the event is Purim, and I don’t think that the performer adds anything to that purpose.” SFB did find warrant to fund the food and decorations of the event — which amounted to $3,512 — and also cut funds for flipbooks. Additionally, SFB rejected the performer, but allowed Chabad to choose a different performer for under $2,500. Chabad also requested to host a Shabbat 100, a Jewish celebration that the group expects 100 students to attend. The event was also met with forceful resistance. Similarly to the other event, Chabad requested to bring speaker Gil Heart to the event. “Heart worked in a prestigious part of the Israeli army,” Ari Goldwaser, junior chemistry major and president of Chabad, said. “He mastered the ability to control his own mind.” However, SFB concluded that Heart did not really fit into the event. “I’m not sure if the speaker relates to Shabhat, or if the speaker actually adds to the event,” said Liz Kamel, criminology and women’s and gender studies double major and SFB sophomore representative. Zalan spoke about the lack of necessity of the food. “A three-course meal is ridiculous for students,” Zalan said. “They have Eickhoff and the Rat. They don’t need this.” SFB executive director and senior accounting major Alexa Kaminsky disagreed with Zalan, stating, “Chabad pays for their own three-course meal every week. We look for clubs like this, clubs that do a lot and ask us when they need something bigger.” The majority of SFB agreed with Kaminsky, and motioned to fund the food, but not the speaker. The ceremony will take place on Friday, March 17. The Teachers of Young Children Association received $2,950 to bring Debbie Silver, the Louisiana teacher of the year and humorist, to the College on Thursday, March 29.
“She has taught for 30 years, presented in 49 states and Asia and Europe,” Margaret Diakos, senior special education and psychology double major, said. Diakos believes that even though Silver is a teacher, she will appeal to many different kinds of people. “(Silver) will draw a crowd who aren’t sure because she never intended to become a teacher,” Diakos added. SFB reduced the amount allocated to lodging. ink was granted $1,300 to bring Sam Pink to the College on Saturday, April 21 for The Goods, an event hosted by ink every semester that features a different poet each time. “The Goods is an all-day art celebration,” Samantha Zimbler, junior English major and president of ink, said. “Poets, writers and musicians also present the work they have done over the semester.” The American Marketing Association was given $700 for a bus trip to News America in New York City on Wednesday, April 11. “News America works with promotions for several big companies,” Kevin Mulcahey, sophomore marketing major and vice president of programs for AMA, said. “This will be a great opportunity for students to network and acquire future jobs.” The event would allow for 25 people to attend. SFB awarded the Black Student Union $610 for expenses that the club’s president did not foresee in bringing two speakers — as opposed to only one — to the College. BSU claimed that it originally requested that SFB fund this event for $2,000 (for two speakers) but only received funding for one ($1,000). “‘Awkward Black Girl’ is a hilarious web-series that shows the ‘other black experience,’” said Lynette Barnes, senior psychology and women and gender studies double major and president of BSU. “However, ‘Awkward Black Girl’ sent us a new contract demanding that we pay for the second speaker.” A debate then erupted, during which SFB members realized that they had earlier funded both speakers. When questioned about this, Barnes said that Kaminsky sent her an email affirming that SFB only funded one speaker. Kaminsky denied the claim. Despite this, SFB recognized the validity of the event and agreed to fund the necessary transportation costs for the second speaker.
page 4 The Signal February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 5
Russian nuclear experts could be a threat
By Jennifer Engelhart Correspondent
Professor and author of “Institutional Interests and the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Expertise,” Sharon Weiner, spoke at the College on Thursday, Feb. 9 about the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the fate of its nuclear experts. Weiner is a professor at American University in Washington, D.C. and is currently engaged with the Indian Army’s research program. Weiner opened the forum by stating, “This is a serious story about a serious national security policy problem that the Unit-
ed States faced for 20 years.” With the implosion of the Soviet Union in 1991, approximately 60,000 nuclear weapons scientists were left scattered around the colossal Soviet Union. With such an astounding number of experts in a field that can easily be deemed threatening to the U.S., pressure was mounted to assess the situation. “The United States recognized that if we do not do anything, poverty-stricken nuclear weapons specialists will sell their skills to other states,” Weiner explained. With such an immense circumstance, the U.S. developed
personal links with the Soviets to help find employment for these nuclear experts. The United States then proceeded to construct programs in the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy and the State Department to elicit work for these nuclear specialists. However, the result of such action was grim. An astounding number of experts in a dangerous scientific field were out of work, a prospect that was seen to be very threatening to the U.S.’s safety. Pressure was mounted to assess the situation. “Why did they fail to create jobs for these Russian scien-
Lords / Seale talks back
Ashley Long / Photo Editor
Bobby Seale engaged in a heated discussion about recent statements made by the Black Panther Party. continued from page 1
psychologically,” Luciano declared loudly, leading to applause from many Latinos and others in the audience. Saying that he had been inspired by Seale in the 1960s, Luciano roused the room to give Seale a standing ovation. According to Seale, today’s New Black Panther Party got “two thumbs down” from him and had nothing to do with the old Black Panther Party. He said he openly accused the members — whose controversial sound bites about supporting the al-Qaida were repeatedly
tists? After 20 years and close to a billion dollars, the number of jobs we created was less than 2,000,” she said. The initial plan, which failed to prosper, was to create proper conversion for these scientists. This idea, theoretically a good plan, lacked triumph. After much discussion dedicated to bureaucracy and nuclear proliferation, Weiner continued with a question and answer session for the forum attendees. When asked about where these scientists are today she replied, “One became a butcher. A butcher shop isn’t a proper conversion project as deemed by the United States, and were
therefore refused financial backing.” Unfortunately, not all of the specialists found a life outside of nuclear weapons. Weiner explained the very strong possibility of former Soviet nuclear specialists working hand in hand with modern terrorists. It is likely that some are working with Iran now. Weiner was also asked if she is concerned with the possibility of Russia working with terrorists. “I am not worried at all about the Russians,” she said. “However, the South Africans I find myself worried about. Pakistan concerns me and even North Korea.”
aired on Fox News, according to Seale — of being part of a conspiracy to delegitimize what the Panthers stood for. “I don’t fucking support no al-Qaida,” he said in one of the only moments during the talk in which became visibly heated. Seale condemned the “indiscriminate killing of human beings” and gave a speech that led to a round of audience applause. According to senior international studies major and member of Unión Latina, Katherine Avila, the event was first proposed during the summer by herself, senior electrical engineering major Anthony Photo courtesy of Jon Stauff Grullon of LSU and senior political science major Rana Shariatdoust of CUS. The Unión Latina e-board and the Black Student Union contributed publicity as well, Avila said. At one point during the talk, Luciano Montclair State University hosted a day long conference for study abroad said he had been surprised that the Colalumni, focusing on how students could take advantage of their international lege had invited him to talk, due to its experiences professionally. relatively small African American and A number of students from the College attended the conference, along with Latino population. study abroad alumni from other N.J. institutions and members of the Peace Corps. “Coño! (damn!)” he said before askMany activities were held, including a resume review. Discussion tables aling the room to applaud the organizalowed students to discuss their experiences with other study abroad alumni. tions’ collaboration. Avila said that after the show her organization spoke about being inspired by Luciano’s call to unite the campus’ African American and Latino communities and stress the importance of education to Latino and African American youth. “All these small organizations should By Jacqia Scotton come together and to make a bigger im- Correspondent pact on campus. Unity is really important,
Arguments and forgery
By Brendan McGrath Features Editor A loud argument arose in New Residence Hall’s first floor lobby at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, according to reports. Campus Police responded and found the visiting student who had been involved in the incident on a staircase, where he apologized for being loud and admitted to drinking vodka. He was issued a summons for underage drinking. … A former temporary employee of the College was arrested as the result of an investigation that began on Thursday, Feb. 2 into forgery of credit card applications. She faces six charges including identity theft and computer-related theft, Campus Police said. The former employee was arrested and posted bail pending a Ewing Township court date. … Campus Police were dispatched to New Residence Hall at 1 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4 on report of an intoxicated female, but found the accused to be alert and conscious, reports say. She exhibited some signs of intoxication however, and the incident was documented by professional staff.
Abroad alum go to Montclair
Eickhoff rocks black history The Black Student Union sponsored a delicious event in the atrium at Eickhoff on Wednesday, Feb. 8, which celebrated Black History Month with traditional African-American foods. Balloons bearing colors of red, green and black were placed all around Eickhoff, and music by African American artists like Maxwell and Aaliyah was played. Posters of prominent figures in Black history were also positioned around the atrium. “The Black History Month Dinner is an annual collaboration between the Black Student Union and TCNJ Sodexo staff,” said senior BSU president and psychology and women’s and gender studies double major Lynette Barnes. “Every member of the campus community enjoys this small part of Black History Month.” Among the food served was Cajun catfish, candied yams, jerk pork loin, mashed potatoes, collard greens, roast beef po’boys and more. The 91.3 Wokery shut down its usual production, in favor of jollof rice with beef okra and tomatoes. Additionally, some of the food served at the event had ties to the South, such as the barbeque pulled pork, black-eyed pea soup and hush puppies. “The collard greens and okra really
Ashley Long / Photo Editor
Students enjoy traditional African-American cuisine in the College’s Eickhoff dining hall.
reminded me of my family’s cooking in Tennessee,” sophomore sociology major Brittany Grayson said. As more people poured into Eickhoff, entrées frequently ran out, and students had a lot to say about the meal. “Everything is better than usual,” sophomore criminology major Joe Gilmore said. “Eickhoff really stepped up their game for Black History Month.” Students were also happy to see the College celebrating black culture. “I really appreciate that the school is celebrating black history. It doesn’t give a full insight, but it gives people a chance to see a part of the black culture,” said sophomore secondary education and math double major Roger Barrett. Desserts featured included Mississippi Mud Cake, banana bread and sweet potato pie. “The banana bread was a nice finish to the night,” Gilmore said.
page 6 The Signal February 15, 2012
Provost candidates pitch to students and staff February 15, 2012 The Signal page 7
Furlong calls for new revenue avenues at College By Christopher Rightmire Correspondent
Ashley Long / Photo Editor
Furlong is an advocate of liberal arts and community.
Despite spending most of his early adulthood in a college setting, Scott Furlong never intended to craft a career in higher education. The Provost candidate spoke to students and faculty about his qualifications on Friday, Feb. 3 in Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall. Furlong was one of three candidates for the position who visited the College in the past two weeks. Furlong obtained a BA in government at Saint Lawrence in N.Y., and then continued his education at American University to earn his Masters degree in public relations. After a year-long stint working for the Environmental Protection Agency, Furlong went back to American University to get his PhD. Furlong said the move was, “not to go into higher-ed., but because I missed being in an academic environment.” However, Furlong changed his mind and eventually landed a faculty position at the University of Wisconsin. He rose through the ranks, and eventually received tenure, became a full-
time professor, chaired his ideal provost candidate would, political science department for among other things, be “a strong six years and has been the dean leader for the College’s academic of the college of liberal arts and mission, and have the vision and sciences since 2007. planning skills to help the College At his current job Furlong is sustain and advance excellence in responsible for the academic and our academic programs.” administrative Furlong leadership of expressed that “I can’t speak to budinterdisciplinary he is, “very and disciplinary get decisions made one p a s s i o n a t e programs in the a way or the other … but about arts, humanities, liberal arts even in times of budget e d u c a t i o n ” natural and social sciences, he constraints if we value and including nine sensed that things we need to put interdisciplinary the College departments and also had a resources into those 40 major and “very strong things we value.” minor programs. focus on However, liberal arts.” — Scott Furlong Furlong said despite the administrative he also loves experience, Furlong emphasized the College’s First Year Experience that he “grew up a faculty member, programs, the commitment in and and that I will always, in some way, out of the classroom and the sense be a faculty member.” of passion and vision emanated by Furlong said he is interested in the students. the provost position now because, “I want to have fun at work,” “it is professionally a good time Furlong said, emphasizing how for me.” He is also looking for a much a sense of community position at a location that “shares means to him. the same passions as me.” When asked what he would Benjamin Rifkin, the dean of change at the College if given the College’s School of Humanity free reign, Furlong at first and Social Sciences, says his answered tentatively, saying he
would “want to talk to people before imposing my viewpoints.” He then went on to say that the College needs to add additional revenue streams because “public revenue isn’t coming back anytime soon.” Furlong said that some of the methods he used to generate additional revenue at Green Bay could “possibly run into some conflict” at the College. One of these controversial methods is to institute an online education program and adult degree program. According to Furlong, he made $100,000 a year from this type of summer program. Junior exercise science major Kevin Reilly said, “I really liked Dr. Furlong’s idea for online programs. It would provide a more convenient way for students and adults to take courses, and it would provide much needed revenue for the College.” Another budgetary issue Furlong tackled was inflating class sizes. Having a small teacher to student ratio is relative depending on the institution and that a long philosophical discussion would be necessary to determine what direction the College wanted to go with that situation.
Ames not shy on opinions Lovitt promises lucidity Some unsure of qualifications
By Kelly Johnson News Editor
By Kenneth Shindle Correspondent
As current Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Central Connecticut State University, Carl Lovitt told faculty, staff and several students that he is the best choice for the same position at the College. Lovitt is the third candidate for the College’s currently available Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs position, and his forum on Friday, Feb. 10 was the final phase of the recruitment. Prior to working at Central Connecticut State University, Lovitt was the chief academic officer at Pennsylvania State University from 2000-2006, and was also an associate English professor before becoming Director of the Roy and Marnie Pearce Center for Professional Communication at Clemson University. Lovitt emphasized that if hired, he would focus on reaching out to the entire campus and equipping students with the tools needed to be “successful in their specific paths,” he said. Lovitt was not specific on what he wanted to change about the College because as he said, “a Provost doesn’t come in with an agenda.” He did, however, speak about how his decision-making process would work and where his priorities lie. Referring to himself as a “fundamentally consultative leader,” Lovitt said he wants every voice to be heard and considered before making any decisions. He also promised to maintain a level of transparency in his position. Lovitt also spoke about the need for a process where everyone has an opportunity to express their own priorities, which will be evaluated before decisions were made. “It’s a process that needs to be understood,” he said. “Decisions have to be explained and justified.”
Students, faculty and staff gathered last Tuesday afternoon at the Mildred & Ernest E. Mayo Concert Hall to get better acquainted with Christopher Ames, one of the candidates for the College’s vacant Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs position. The forum was the culmination of Ames’s three-day visit at the College. During the 90-minute question and answer session, members of the community grilled Ames on everything from the role of research at a predominantly undergraduate institution to his vision for the future of the school. Ames is a finalist in a search for a highly-qualified individual to fulfill an extensive list of criteria detailed on the College’s provost search prospectus. Among some of his most distinguished attributes, the document details a person “of financial acumen who will aid the College in matching aspirations with finite resources while thinking creatively about alternative revenue streams” and “of global perspective who is committed to fostering diversity in its many forms.” Born in N.J. and raised by a high school teacher in the Bronx, Ames is familiar with the tri-state area. He graduated with a Ph.D. in English literature from Stanford University in 1984 and worked as Provost and dean at Washington College from 2006-2011. Asked to describe his responsibilities should he be given the position, Ames said, “The role of the Provost is subtle and behind the scenes. It involves facilitating and making real the faculty’s vision for the College.” Ames touted the uniqueness of the College and said he was “fascinated by TCNJ,” praising the success of the Bonner Center for Civic and Community Engagement as well as the campus library. “A library should be a comfortable, inviting place where students like to be,” he
said. “And you’ve got a great one here.” Ames also addressed student concerns about the College’s academic advising program, a constant source of criticism from the student body. Though he hesitated to suggest any tangible fix before researching the problem further, Ames said, “Academic advising is widely recognized as a problem, and we need to think of creative ways to reinvent it.” English professor Diane Steinberg praised Ames for the honesty with which he answered each question. “What impressed me most about Dr. Ames,” Steinberg said, “was his willingness to tell the truth even when folks would have liked a happier answer. He did not tell students that he had any easy fixes to their concerns about rising tuition, student advising, or staffing decisions.” Sophomore English major and Student Government member Tyler Liberty met with Ames the night before with a few other students and had only tepid praise for the candidate. “I think his background in private education and with fundraising money is a positive for the College,” Liberty said. “But if you look at the guidelines posted by the Provost Search Committee, he doesn’t manage to fulfill all the requirements. You want an individual who hits them all right on the head.”
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Ames praised the library and Bonner Center during his speech.
Photo by Amy Sachs
Lovitt supports clarity and communication in position. Junior biology major Sadia Tahir asked Lovitt about his position on the recent cuts to the Office of Diversity at the College. “I’m not in a position to comment on staffing cuts at this institution,” Lovitt responded. “I know this institution takes diversity seriously.” He also went on to say that issues such as success and achievement gaps “can be addressed without a diversity office.” Chemistry and secondary education double major and freshman president Brian Garsh identified academic advising as one of the top concerns among students and asked the candidate his opinion on the issue. “I don’t think there’s a quick fix for this,” he said. “It’s a common complaint.” Lovitt did say that he thinks that every student should have a consistent advising schedule rather than meeting with their advisor once or twice a semester. He also emphasized the word “mentor” rather than “adviser.” When junior marketing and Spanish double major Christina Kopka asked what legacy Lovitt would like to leave with the College, he jokingly responded, “That I did no harm.” But he then answered more sincerely, “That it was an even better place when I left that when I came.”
page 8 The Signal February 15, 2012
PAID POSITIONS ON THE
STUDENT FINANCE BOARD
2012-13 Executive Board Elections It’s time to apply for SFB’s 2012-2013 PAID Executive Board positions! All positions are trainable, and are open to ALL classes and majors.
Operations Director:
Approves all SFB vouchers and works with club treasurers to monitor spending. Works with QuickBooks Accounting Software and provides great business experience. ***POSITION IS STIPENDED FOR 15 HOURS PER WEEK
Administrative Director:
Handles all bus trip bookings, as well as the Loop Bus. Also oversees insurance, the newspaper, as well as copier and phone expenses for student organizations. Provides valuable administrative experience. ***POSITION IS STIPENDED FOR 10 HOURS PER WEEK
Equipment Center Manager/Programming Director:
Manages the SFB Equipment Center and is responsible for assisting organizations with the process and intricacies of putting on events. Applicants with technical experience and/or management experience are preferred. ***POSITION IS STIPENDED FOR 10 HOURS PER WEEK
Assistant Financial Director
Cuts all checks to reimburse students and pay businesses/performers for their services. Works with QuickBooks Accounting Software and provides great business and private accounting experience. Please contact Kelsey Norton at norton6@tcnj.edu if interested. ***POSITION IS STIPENDED FOR 12 HOURS PER WEEK
Executive Assistant:
Responsible for making agendas for SFB’s weekly meetings and helping with various tasks around the office, such as updating the SFB website. ***POSITION IS NOT PAID! 5 HOURS PER WEEK.
Applications can be found on the Student Finance Board website at http://www.tcnj.edu/~sfboard . Completed applications should be returned to the SFB office (Room 231) on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. Applications are due by Friday, March 2nd at 3 PM.
Nation & W rld
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 9
Romney looks to money race after Maine win N.J. News PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — His losing streak broken and the GOP presidential race entering a lull, Mitt Romney now turns his attention to extending the huge cash advantage he enjoys over his rivals. The former Massachusetts governor narrowly won Maine’s Republican caucuses, state officials announced Saturday night, giving Romney’s campaign a much-needed boost after humbling losses in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri earlier in the week. There won’t be another election until Arizona and Michigan hold primaries at the end of the month and the next debate is 10 days away. That’s an unusually long break in a rapid-fire Republican race that featured six contests in the last two weeks alone. Romney and his rivals now have 17 days to raise cash and bolster their organizations for what’s shaping up to be a long slog to the Republican nomination and the right to face President Barack Obama in the elections this November. Romney was focused on money even before his Maine victory was official. He left the state to attend a West coast fundraiser Saturday night and issued a written statement to mark his victory in the low-turnout contest. “I’m heartened to have the support of so many good people in this great state,” Romney said. “The voters of Maine have sent a clear message that it is past time to send an outsider to the White House.” He’s expected to spend much of next week courting fundraisers, while sprinkling in a handful of campaign events. He’ll be in Arizona Monday evening. In Maine, Romney won just a plurality of the vote, suggesting he still has much
News Bits
AP Photo
Romney breaks his losing streak at the Maine caucus Saturday.
work ahead to unite GOP voters behind his candidacy. He narrowly defeated Texas Rep. Ron Paul, capturing 39 percent to Paul’s 36 percent of the vote, according to state Republican Chairman Charlie Webster. Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich, who didn’t actively campaign in Maine, won 18 percent and 6 percent respectively. Santorum defeated Romney in three contests last week and looks to recapture the spotlight Sunday in scheduled appearances on three nationally televised morning programs. His campaign saw a surge in donations — reporting bringing in $3 million over the three days immediately after last week’s hat trick — but is unlikely to catch Romney in the money race. Santorum reported that he had $279,000 in the bank at the end of December, compared with $19.9 million for Romney. Gingrich had $2.1 million, but is still carrying substantial debt, while Paul reported $1.9 million. Romney’s relative success in Maine combined with his victory in the presidential straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference in Washington
President Barack Obama called for millions of dollars in new funding last Tuesday to improve math and science education, an effort he said would be crucial to the nation’s long-term success. ... Whitney Houston, who ruled as pop music’s queen until her majestic voice was ravaged by drug use and her image was tarnished by erratic behavior and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown, died on the eve of Sunday night’s Grammy Awards. She was 48. ... Scientists are currently searching for microbes in a frigid lake two miles beneath the thick ice of Antarctica. Finding these microbes could illustrate once again that life somehow finds a way to survive in the strangest and harshest places. And it will offer hope that life exists beyond Earth. ... The president will send Congress a budget that will provide short-term help to a struggling economy while offering a long-term plan to deal with soaring deficits, the White House said Sunday. Republicans attacked the spending blueprint as offering more of the same failed solutions for the economy. Courtesy of the Associated Press
hours earlier may help enhance his cash advantage, despite some lingering skepticism among some conservatives. The Maine vote totals reflected about 84 percent of the state’s precincts. The contests scheduled for the coming days — including an entire county that postponed its caucuses because of a snow storm — will not be counted, according Webster, the state GOP chairman. “We’re not going to even accept the ballots. No one’s going to keep track of them,” he said, noting that those were the rules established by the party. Romney’s campaign has demonstrated skill and flexibility in winning a big state like Florida and eking out a victory in a low-turnout contest like Maine, where organization and voter contact are essential. Out of Maine’s 258,000 registered Republicans, nearly 5,600 cast ballots in the weeklong voting. But questions about Romney’s durability as his party’s presumed front-runner persist. Sixty-one percent of Maine voters selected a candidate other than Romney in a state practically in his back yard. And Romney’s showing was down considerably from 2008, when he won 51 percent of the vote. Speaking to supporters in Portland, Paul expressed disappointment that only a portion of the state’s caucuses had counted toward the total. “I wish all the caucuses had met today,” Paul said, adding, “It’s almost like we could call it a tie.” Romney won 11 delegates and Paul won 10, according to an analysis by The Associated Press. Santorum and Gingrich were shut out, further increasing Romney’s chances of being nominated to face Obama.
No more ‘no child left behind’
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — N.J. officials are heralding the Obama Administration’s decision to waive requirements for the state for the No Child Left Behind education law and instead pursue other reform measures. N.J. was one of 10 states that received the federal waiver on Thursday. Gov. Chris Christie said the decision frees the state to work to improve bad schools, particularly those in cities. N.J. has already started testing a new system to evaluate teachers and joined a nationwide effort to adopt uniform standards for what students are expected to be taught.
Handicapped parking charges? PASSAIC, N.J. (AP) — Disabled residents in a northern New Jersey town will start paying for handicapped parking. Passaic has introduced an ordinance which would charge the city’s 237 disabled residents $50 for a handicapped spot on their street. Those who already have spots can pay $50 to upgrade to a personalized sign. The city used to install the signs for free and didn’t charge residents to renew them. The city estimates it costs $650 to install one sign. City Council President Gary Schaer tells The Record the city needs every penny to keep taxes from rising. Schaer says the price is less than $1 a week. Mayor Alex Blanco says the city also wants to dissuade residents from applying for permits because parking is at a premium.
Hamas strongman in Gaza rejects unity deal RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — A rare public rift broke open Sunday in the usually tightly disciplined Islamic movement Hamas over a reconciliation deal that would require it to relinquish key areas of control in the Gaza Strip. The deal, brokered by Qatar, was signed last week in Doha by Hamas’ top leader in exile, Khaled Mashaal, and the chief of the rival Fatah party, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The agreement is to end nearly five years of separate governments — Hamas in Gaza and Abbas in the West Bank — by establishing an interim unity government headed by Abbas that would prepare for Palestinian elections. Senior Hamas figures in Gaza, who stand to lose most from the deal, said it was unacceptable, while top Hamas loyalists in the West Bank defended the agreement. The argument raised new questions about the ability of Abbas and Mashaal to implement the deal, seen as their best shot yet at healing the rift following Hamas’ violent takeover of Gaza in 2007. Mashaal might be able to put down the unprecedented rebellion against him, but would need the good will and cooperation of Hamas leaders in Gaza to make the agreement work. Gaza strongman Mahmoud Zahar, one of the masterminds of the Gaza takeover, said Mashaal did not consult with others in the movement before signing the deal. Giving Abbas the post of interim prime
AP Photo
Palestinian political rivals Mahmoud Abbas, left, and Khaled Mashaal, right, attempted to heal their bitter rift on Monday. minister is “wrong” and “strategically unacceptable,” Zahar was quoted as telling the Egyptian news agency MENA on Saturday. On Sunday, the head of the bloc of Hamas legislators in Gaza, Ismail al-Ashkar, alleged that Fatah has not carried out promised confidence building measures, such as releasing Hamas loyalists held in the West Bank. “If the elections are to heal all our chronic, complicated problems, how can we have transparent and fair elections under such conditions,” alAshkar said. “If this agreement is to work, we need to improve it.” Last week, al-Ashkar’s parliament came out against the agreement. In contrast, Hamas lawmakers from the West Bank supported the Doha agreement across the board, according to statements and interviews published on Hamas’ official website.
Such public debate is rare in the secretive, tightly organized Hamas. The criticism of the Hamas leaders in Gaza highlights the vulnerability of the Doha agreement. Abbas needs to satisfy international demands that the interim government — to consist of politically independent technocrats — is not a front for Hamas, shunned as a terror group. If it is seen as too close to Hamas, the Palestinians would likely lose hundreds of millions of dollars in Western aid. At the same time, he risks sabotage from Hamas leaders in Gaza if he tries to strip them of too much of their power. “If Abbas forms his government with one color, it won’t work in Gaza,” said Raed Naerat, a West Bank analyst close to Hamas. “The ministers should be acceptable to Hamas officials.”
page 10 The Signal February 15, 2012
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February 15, 2012 The Signal page 11
Editorial
Livin’ La Vida Single
Another Valentine’s Day has come and gone. Those in relationships (hopefully) had a lovely holiday with their significant others filled with roses, chocolates, a nice dinner or some fun activity. Meanwhile, all the single people had an excuse to openly complain about being single and wallow in intensified sorrows. It’s ironic how a holiday centered on love brings out the most cynicism in people. This is all because people are bitter about being single. Don’t even try to deny it. Though many argue that Valentine’s Day is a completely useless holiday, they secretly wish that someone would just ask them to be their Valentine, or that someone will magically walk into their lives. Or they are reminded that they just lost a significant other and are now alone. Emotions tend to run high on V-Day, whether as a means to suppress bitterness or longing, or to enjoy the day to its fullest. As a society, we completely miss why Valentine’s Day is a holiday. Feb. 14 was initially established as a day to honor the Christian martyr Saint Valentine in the latter part of the 500th century. Only during the Middle Ages did the holiday become connected to romance. Hundreds of years later, the day has evolved simultaneously into an overly glorified and notoriously hated holiday. Valentine’s Day for single people is just a constant reminder that single people are single. I’m not trying to toot some sort of ‘independent woman’ horn or fight that Valentine’s Day should not be acknowledged. I happen to love holidays and Valentine’s Day is no exception. I get chocolate. I’m also not trying to say that we should just avoid, at all costs, that pang we feel when we are reminded that we are single. But why are we constantly yearning for that one person to make us complete? It’s simple. Everyone wants to fall in love. Whether you say that all you want to do is have fun in college, or that you have no time for a significant other, you cannot deny that you would take the chance on somebody if the opportunity presented itself. Aside from natural human desires and emotions that come into play, as a society, we fall in love with the idea of love. Thanks, Hollywood. However, at this age, why does all of this truly matter? Honestly, if all you can complain about in life is that you are single, well, you’re pretty lucky. During Welcome Week last year, a bunch of my friends and I walked around the loop. On that walk, my one friend said that college is the place to find your bridesmaids, not your husband. Obviously, this is not true for everyone as a lot of people find their future husbands and wives at college. However, at the same time, it is unrealistic to think that we will all find that one person who completely changes our lives. If we find love at college, great! If we don’t, we have our whole lives for relationships and time to spend with that special someone. Another one of my friends once said to me that one day, years from now, we will look back at this time and wonder why we were ever complaining about being single in the first place. Maybe you’ve struck out on potential lovers time and time again due to a variety of factors – one of the biggest being maturity at this age. Basically, here’s some tough love of my own – if you’ve been single for a bit or are constantly striking out on potential lovers, quit wallowing in your sorrows. Take this time to actually build the path to tomorrow. Spend time with friends. Besides, at the end of the day, when you break up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, these are the people who will help pick up the pieces after the fall. Yeah, Valentine’s Day is a reminder of not being with someone. However, it’s also a time to remember how much you have in your life and the people who care for you. You are surrounded by love. Maybe this is not romantic love, but it is love nonetheless. Of course, this is a lesson you just learn with age. As much as I want my words to change your whole perception of life, you really have to learn this on your own. So, if your Valentine has to be your mom for the 20th year in a row, eat all that chocolate she gives you. It’s a nice reminder that someone does love you. – Julia Corbett, A&E 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 and Sports editors and the Business Manager, 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.
AP Photo
Arts & Entertainment Editor Julia Corbett encourages people to appreciate any chocolate they got on Valentine’s Day — whether from a lover or their mother.
The Weekly Poll: How did you spend Valentine’s Day? • With that special someone. • Wallowing in self-pity. • Eating tons of chocolate. • What is Valentine’s Day?
cast your vote @ tcnjsignal.net !
Quotes of the Week “Cut this racism bullshit out.” — co-founder of civil rights group The Lords, Felipe Luciano
Previous poll’s results Where would you like to live next year? • • • •
On campus. 38% Off campus. 8% Those hotels sound pretty cool. 8% Psh, I’m graduating this year. 46%
“The banana bread was a nice finish to the night.” — sophomore Joe Gilmore on the dessert at the Black History Month Dinner in Eickhoff Hall
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“I think everyone has a sense of feeling truly involved, as well as accomplished.” — TCNJ Debate’s executive advisor Morgan McElroy on the recent tournament held at the College
“We still have to be responsible for these matches.” — wrestling head coach Joe Galante on the team’s recent loss
page 12 The Signal February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 13
Opinions The Signal says ... Stop: talking at full volume in the library, talking about the Grammys, complaining so much, drinking so much coffee, getting seconds in Eickhoff, crying. Caution: first test of the semester coming up, Star Wars back in theaters, Knicks playing well. Go: lasertagging, try a new flavor of gum, live life to the fullest, get Applebee’s half-priced appetizers, take a long nap.
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.
Government mandate neglects Church
AP Photo
The President’s decision to require all employers to include contraceptives at no copay to employees has disturbed many. By Thomas Kaluzny “I consider the government of the United States as interdicted by the Constitution from intermeddling with religious institutions, their doctrines, disciplines or exercises.” These were the words of former president Thomas Jefferson to the Rev. Samuel Miller, a Presbyterian theologian. In his own words, the late president affirms that the U.S. government is prevented by the Constitution, the supreme law of the land, from interfering with the religious practices and doctrines of any religion. Very few people would argue against this. It should then come as a surprise that the Obama administration has done just that. On Jan. 20 of this year, the Department of Health and Human Services reaffirmed a mandate that would require all employers
to include access to contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacients at no copay to the employee. That all seems well and good. However, a problem arises when you consider that many religious churches, who employ many people across the country, consider these “services” and their distribution to be morally wrong. The biggest and most visible of these churches is the Catholic Church. Under this mandate, Catholic employers would be required to include contraceptive services in the health insurance plans they write for employees. The Catholic Church, using natural human law, apart from any divine revelation, can reason that these services are an objective moral evil. In essence, the HHS mandate would force Catholic organizations to violate their consciences and morals when they write health insurance plans. There is a religious
Letters to the editor Recently, the Obama administration protected a provision in the federal health reform law that requires health plans to cover preventive services without out-of-pocket costs. Birth control is included as a preventative service, which means that soon, women will be able to get their contraception with no copays. Certain religious employers, such as houses of worship, where promoting a religious message is the primary mission, are exempted from this provision. Opponents of this measure put pressure on the administration to expand this exemption clause to other organizations, such as religiously-affiliated colleges and universities. However, the administration did not back down, and created a compromise that will allow a woman to access her birth control coverage directly from her insurance, rather than through her employer. This ensures that millions of women — college students, female employees, and daughters of employees at these institutions — will be ensured coverage. However, the Obama administration has been taking heat lately for protecting this access to affordable birth control for millions of women. I support the administration’s decision. Every woman deserves access to birth control — regardless of where she or her parents work. The policy that the administration has upheld strikes a respectful balance between religious interests and individual conscience and freedom. It already includes a strong exemption, allowing approximately 335,000 churches and houses of worship to exempt themselves from providing this benefit to their employees. I do not believe that religiously affiliated hospitals and universities should be exempt. These institutions are businesses, operating in the business world — their employees should be able to access complete coverage, like employees at other businesses. In fact, lots of religiously affiliated hospitals already provide insurance coverage for birth control. Beyond that, many people of different faiths work
exemption, but it is so narrow as to be essentially meaningless. Fr. Larry Snyder, the president of Catholic Charities USA, notes that even Jesus and his disciplines would not be exempt from this mandate, since they primarily served people of other faiths. The only concession which the Department of Health and Human Services has granted is to give religious organizations a year to figure out how to incorporate this mandate. To be clear, the issue at hand is not whether reproductive services are morally evil or not. The issue here is the federal government’s seeming disregard for the morals and consciences of Catholics. Never before in the history of the U.S. has the federal government forced people of any religion to go into the marketplace and purchase something which they see as morally evil. The decision by Kathleen Sebelius, head of the Department, is unconscionable. But this should not just be an affront only to Catholics, but to people who uphold the Constitution as the guiding principle of our basic human rights. No matter your religious or moral convictions, the trampling of religious liberty is simply not right. Bishops all around the country have spoken out against this mandate, stating that they cannot and will not follow this mandate. In addition, various other religious groups such as Orthodox Christians, Jewish organizations and Protestant denominations have issued statements in support of the Catholic bishops. Why would they do this? Because they realize that if the government can force Catholics to violate their morals, it wouldn’t be a stretch for the government to force any other religious group to violate their morals as well. In the end, that is the danger in this mandate: the government “intermeddling with religious institutions”. Thomas Jefferson would surely frown upon this move.
at these hospitals, and are served by these hospitals. I do not want to see a nurse or a woman on the janitorial staff be denied this benefit, simply because she works for a religiously affiliated hospital. That’s the amazing thing about this benefit; it will make birth control more accessible and more affordable. That means more women can plan their families, more women can have healthy pregnancies, and more women can have healthy children. President Obama understands that for me and millions of women, birth control is both a fundamental health care issue and a serious economic concern.
Sincerely, Omi Singh Student
Dear Editor, The Obama Administration’s plan to universalize the rights of all employees to obtain basic health coverage, which includes contraceptives, does not prohibit individuals from making personal moral choices based on their religious beliefs. Separation of church and state is not a principle that can stand on its own. The separation principle in the Constitution has been used in the past to justify blatantly immoral behavior such as slavery and polygamy. Church run hospitals and schools are the recipients of public funding. Those receiving public funding are not permitted by law to discriminate in hiring based on religion. Neither should they be permitted to limit the insurance benefits those they hire are able to receive.
Sincerely,
Reverend Lisa Caton Faculty
page 14 The Signal February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 15
Features
Valentino’s offers a mess worth cleaning up By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor
This week I really couldn’t decide what I wanted to order out. I was kind of not really in the mood for anything. Then it hit me — stromboli! I hadn’t had a good stromboli in a while. So, I took to campusfood.com to decide where I wanted to order from. I had gotten some other stuff from Valentino’s before with good results, so I figured I would give them a try. I ordered a stromboli, but I was also starving from barely having eaten all day, so I wanted to get something else. I was going to get the usual mozzarella sticks or something, but that seemed so blah. Then, I saw it — the garlic knot baked mess. Sounded to me like a specialty item worth reviewing. So I ordered the baked mess and my stromboli. The baked mess was $5, and the stromboli worked out to $8.25 after I added my desired toppings (I got sausage, pepperoni and meatball at 75 cents apiece, so it’s not always quite that expensive). The only thing that disappointed me was that I couldn’t get the baked mess special and the stromboli special, which would have saved me a few bucks. Then again, I suppose they can’t really just give away food. I placed my order at 6:45 p.m., and my food was to my door by about 7:10 p.m.. Not quite the fastest I’ve ever gotten food, but it’s certainly one of the faster places around here.
When I opened the pizza box that my food came in, I was instantly salivating. As if I wasn’t hungry enough, this food looked very picturesque. I decided to dig into the baked mess first. Basically, a garlic knot baked mess is five garlic knots doused in sauce with cheese melted on top. Not only that, but you get to pick your favorite pizza topping to put on top. Since I had already covered the pepperoni, sausage and meatball bases, I decided on bacon. The baked mess ended up stealing the show. It was so damn good, especially because Valentino’s pizza sauce was so good. Not too sweet and not too garlicky. Overall, the baked mess tasted just as delicious as the description made it sound. Next I dug into the stromboli. It too was delicious, and also gigantic. I cut it into thirds and had some left over for the next day. Again, the pizza sauce really made the stromboli for me too. I’m not normally much of a dipper, but that sauce was too good not to dip into. When I made my leftover third, I threw it in the oven, since I’m not a big fan of warming up pizza (or anything like it) in the microwave. It came out delicious reheated, and I can say it probably would’ve tasted just fine in the microwave too, mostly because they didn’t have the usual two inches of bread with no cheese on either end that I’m accustomed to usually getting in a stromboli. Come back next week for another enlightening food review from Alex Wolfe.
Valentino’s Pizza & Subs Where: 1429 Parkside Ave.
Hours: Everyday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Number: (609) 882-2880 Web orders: Find them on campusfood.com
Ratings (out of 5): Specialties: Entrée: Speed: Cost: Reheatability: Overall: 23/25
Alex Wolfe / Sports Editor
The multi-meat stromboli was up to par, but the garlic knot baked mess (top right) stole the show as it brought together knots, cheese and bacon.
Debaters flock from D.C., Pitt and NYC to College
By Brendan McGrath Features Editor
TCNJ Debate’s executive advisor. “We wanted to better establish TCNJ Debate within APDA (the national debate association which they compete in), and I feel like we really have, and done so very positively.”
competitors can out fund them many times over. Nevertheless, TCNJ Debate Colleges and universities has become very competitive from up and down the eastern on the national scene, and hostseaboard sent debaters to coming this tournament, however, pete in TCNJ Debate’s first tourwas a step towards establishing nament here at the College. themselves as a power in the As hosts, the club took a “We wanted to better estab- debate world. step toward prominence on As important as this tourthe national collegiate debate lish TCNJ Debate … and I nament was to the progress circuit, moving up another feel like we really have, and of TCNJ Debate, it was imlevel in what has been a rapid done so very positively.” perative that things went rise since the club began from well. According to members scratch in 2007. the club who organized the — Morgan McElroy of The importance of this tournament, and many parjunior nursing major ticipants, things were better milestone was not lost on the leaders of the organization. than anyone expected. “This has huge impacts for As a team in its fifth year, “Everyone was extremely us within the national debate TCNJ Debate must compete impressed with how well-run circuit, because we will be seen with schools whose teams have everything was, the fact that we and acknowledged with more re- been around for decades. Fur- stuck to time,” McElroy said. spect,” said Morgan McElroy, a thermore, they face budget “Many teams approached me junior nursing major serving as constraints while many of their with these compliments.” Columbia ended up taking the tournament as they defeated William and Mary in the final round. The College’s team, which did not compete since it was hosting, may have gained the most though. Beyond the impact that the tournament had on TCNJ Debate’s national standing, it proved tremendously beneficial to the club itself. Through a grueling process of putting the tournament together, and ensurAndrew Bak / Staff Photographer Onlookers view the final round of debate in a two-day tourna- ing that it would not fall apart, the club enjoyed an opportunity ment that brought the College’s debate squad to a new level. to work with each other that
Andrew Bak / Staff Photographer
College debaters from William and Mary (left) and Columbia (right) square off in the finals over the issue of term limthey could only get through this type of experience. “The team is much closer after working together so much, and I think everyone has a sense of feeling truly involved, as well as accomplished,” McElroy said. As the club continues to establish itself, the tournament has gained it recognition from others at the College, such as School of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean, Ben Rifkin. “Our debate team is only a few years old, but has grown beautifully,” Rifkin said previously. “This tournament is evidence of
our team’s maturation as a true competitor in the mid-Atlantic and northeast region.”
Know a good restaurant? We’ll review it, just email mcgrat28@tcnj.edu.
page 16 The Signal February 15, 2012
5th Annual Student Leadership Awards The Vice President for Student Affairs invites students to apply for the 2012 Student Leadership Awards
4HE 3TUDENT ,EADERSHIP !WARDS CONSIST OF APPROXIMATELY PROGRAMMING LEADERSHIP AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS HIGHLIGHTING STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 4#.* COMMUNITY
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,EADERSHIP !WARDS %MERGING ,EADER OF THE 9EAR /UTSTANDING 3TUDENT %MPLOYEE OF THE 9EAR 0RESIDENT S #UP !WARD 3TUDENT /RGANIZATION 0RESIDENT OF THE 9EAR /UTSTANDING 3TUDENT !THLETE OF THE 9EAR 3TUDENT /RGANIZATION !DVISER OF THE 9EAR 4HE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED HOWEVER INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ATHLETIC TEAMS BONNER SCHOLARS PEER EDUCATORS EMBASSADORS AND RESIDENCE HALL STAFF GROUPS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAMMING AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS
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February 15, 2012 The Signal page 17
My American is showing By Juliana Fidler Foreign Correspondent
I have lived in Granada, Spain for about a month now, and while I make a reasonable effort to blend in, there are times when I am very conscious of my American-ness and other times when I feel more like a local. I’m sure this fits somewhere in the “culture shock” timeline that the Center for Global Engagement showed me before I left. Here’s a short list of these situations in my daily life. I feel like a very obvious American when: … I see dogs that are better dressed than I am. There are a lot of tiny dogs in Granada, and I think about 60 percent wear clothes. I don’t just mean sweaters; I’ve seen jeans, vests, leather jackets, pea coats — you name it. For some reason I find this a little disconcerting. It’s like they shop for themselves. Interestingly, I haven’t seen any doggie clothes stores around. … I wear sneakers. Once in a while I’ll feel the need to wear my most comfortable shoes when I get up on a cold morning for an earlier class, and I always rethink that decision (too late) as soon as I leave my apartment building. Spanish women just do not wear sneakers. This is one “American” practice that I’m going to have to hang on to though, in the interest of not getting a foot injury. I don’t think the other Granadinos actually care that much. … People trying to sell me things on the street speak to me in English. Apparently, this sales
technique does not work as intended.
I feel a little more like a native when: … People stop me on the street to ask for the time. In my mind, this implies that I look like I will understand their question and be able to reply in Spanish. Success! … I walk somewhere by myself without getting lost. Not only are the street signs here inconveniently located and often missing, but also, I am severely directionally challenged. So when I can find my way without pulling out a map, looking like a lost puppy or asking for directions, I feel like I am achieving a greater mastery of the city streets and routes. Being able to walk confidently always makes me happy. … I overhear a conversation among Spaniards and can understand everything. Eavesdropping on strangers is a great way to improve a second language. I’m not sure this is a proven theory but it works for me. People talk really fast here, and with an accent. Listening in is accepting a challenge. So when they’re not talking to an American who needs the slower, more enunciated version, and I still know exactly what they’re talking about, I have won the (self-imposed) challenge. In all seriousness, being an American in Spain or anywhere else is not a bad thing at all. I just think that part of studying abroad is taking part in the culture from the inside — not just observing it from the outside. Luckily, living this philosophy gets a little easier every day.
Juliana Fidler / Foreign Correspondent
Blending in on the streets of Spain proves to be a sometimes difficult task, but not impossible for an American who makes the effort.
Campus Style By Albert Matlock and Victoria Moorhouse Columnists It’s getting chilly outside and the distance between your dorm and your first class of the day probably seems like it doubled overnight. New Jersey’s winter is certainly kicking in. At this point, it’s almost unacceptable for you to come to class in just a Tshirt. (Shivering isn’t exactly fun.) So, to ward off the winter weather, build up a shield of clothing and get to layering. And don’t worry, we promise you won’t look like a snowman. Layering is simply a way to dress slimmer, helping you avoid wearing those large, bulky coats. It can also be a cool way to use color and texture, and not always about piling on as many clothes as possible. Refrain from pulling random items out of your closet — it takes a little concentration to get it right. As a general rule, three articles of clothing on top should be enough. Any more and you may risk looking like that little kid uncomfortably bundled up to play in the snow. (Anyone else thinking about Randy from “A Christmas Story?”) Always go for comfort and reconsider anything that completely restricts movement. With that in mind, if you can’t gq.com put your arms all the way down to your sides or scratch the back of your ear, then your layering combination is too thick. This style know-how is best used for casual occasions, so strolling around campus is an ideal location. Here are some tips to get started. Try a traditional, oxford shirt unbuttoned over a tee or tank. On top of that, try a fitted blazer, leather jacket or thin hoodie. Top it off with your winter coat. If you’re a rookie in this department,
thesartorialist.com
Students will find warmth and style by using layers correctly.
it’s best to stick to the basics. Invest in neutral colors like black, white and tan. They match with almost anything so clashing won’t be at high risk. The best part about simple and thin neutral articles of clothing is that they can be found at practically any store. The Gap makes great tee’s that are just fitted enough to layer with. Layering isn’t gender-specific, so take a look at these key pieces to get started: Men: • Henleys • T-shirts • Thermals • Cardigans • Down-vests • Jackets, coats and hoodies Ladies: • Tights and leggings (which can be worn under pants) • T-shirts • Cardigans • Jackets, coats and hoodies Regardless of the temperature, personal style should never be sacrificed. So, get to layering and keep warm— It’s cold out there. It may be the spring semester, but Mother Nature doesn’t seem to want to conform.
You need a good diet, there’s no other way By Katie Occhipinti Columnist
In three minutes Craig Ballantyne was able to burn 43 calories during an uphill treadmill sprint. In those same three minutes, Ballantyne’s partner Brad Pilon, stood nearby and consumed over 1,000 calories worth of pizza and soda. Their YouTube video “Diet vs. Exercise” gets their point across: No matter how intense a workout plan may be, it will never be enough to counter a poor diet. With spring break right around the corner, you may have plans of increasing exercise in order to get in “beach-body” shape, but that is only half the battle. A proper diet is crucial to weight loss success. Before starting your journey, be sure to avoid these five common diet mistakes:
1. Crash dieting. Waiting until the week before vacation to implement a crash diet is not the way to reach your goals. Give yourself time to make healthy eating changes to your diet. Try to cut down on fried foods, sweets and pastas and breads made with white flour. Increase vegetables, lean proteins and high-fiber foods to help lower caloric intake without experiencing starvation.
2. Drinking Your Calories. Whether it’s beer, blended coffees or sugary sports drinks, high calorie beverages can lead to an excess consumption of empty calories — extra calories that provide no nutritional benefit. Brewed coffee and teas have little to no calories, but once milk and sugar is added, blended coffee drinks are packed with as much calories as a small meal. Although sports drinks may come in handy for serious endurance athletes, there is no need to negate the calories burned on the elliptical by replacing them with a sugar-packed Gatorade. Opt for water to keep your body hydrated. 3. Choosing unhealthy add-ons. Healthy food choices can easily be infiltrated by unhealthy sauces or dressings drenched on top. Try zero calorie balsamic vinegar as oppose to heavy vingarettes and creamy dressings for your salad. Ask for all sauces to come
on the side to have full control over how much of them you are eating. Pay attention to portions; even healthy dippers like peanut butter or hummus could pack on extra calories by mindlessly consuming extra servings. 4. Taking the weekends off. Treating ourselves to a less healthy meal on the weekend should not be enough to knock us off the weight loss wagon, however it is important to understand that weight loss through healthy eating is a 24/7 commitment. Every day and every meal counts toward fostering healthy eating habits. Take advantage of extra time on the weekend for food shopping and for preparing healthy snacks and meals for the busy days during the week. 5. Mistaking “low fat” foods for healthy foods. Products that pride themselves on being “low fat” often replace fat with added sugar and other unnatural additives. In actuality the “low fat” option may be no better for you than the original. Research has shown that people are more likely to over eat “low fat” or “low calorie” foods. Fat is a necessary part of our diet and is a component of the meal that leaves us feeling full and satisfied. “Low fat” cookies that have added sugars to replace the fat may leave us craving more than if we had the actual full fat original. Healthy fats like almonds have been shown to actually increase weight loss.
page 18 The Signal February 15, 2012
Deadlines for Study Abroad Maymester 2012 Summer 2012 Fall 2012 Academic Year 2012-2013 February 24, 2012 Make an advising appointment today! www.tcnj.edu/global goglobal@tcnj.edu
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Arts & Entertainment
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 19
Jack’s members seem ‘locked’ on the College
Kate Stronczer / Staff Photographer
Student band Gianna’s Sweet Debut opened for Bikelock, the side project of the members of Jack’s Mannequin, short of Andrew McMahon, at the Rat on Friday. By Emily Van Malden Correspondent Members of Jack’s Mannequin couldn’t stay away from the College since their last appearance in November. With a slightly edgier sound, Bikelock — the side project of three Jack’s members — took the Rathskeller stage on Wednesday, Feb. 7. The band is a trio featuring drummer Jay McMillan, bassist and back-up vocalist Mike “The Kid” Wagner and lead vocalist Bobby Anderson, who played a red trapezoid-shaped electric guitar. “I was expecting them to have the same light, airy pop and piano sound that many of Jack’s Mannequin’s songs have,” said freshman English major Craig Ismaili. “But Bikelock sounded more grungy, bluesy
and ’90s sounding, similar to the Black Keys.” Formed about a month before Jack’s Mannequin, Bikelock decided to draw their musical roots from a host of backgrounds and moods, from dark and angry metal to a more positive alternative rock. Although McMillan described their sound as “melodic yet emphatic,” he later admitted that the band was just “trying to be loud and rock and roll.” Whatever their style, Bikelock kept audience attention throughout, from the ear-splitting chords of “Go To Hell” and “Low Wound,” to a song Anderson called “Gimme My Money Because I Know You Have It.”
This song started out deceptively soft, luring listeners into a false sense of comfort. Bikelock then proceeded to destroy by blasting out one last nasty riff on the guitar, strum on the bass and crash on the drums. “I knew that there would be no piano, so without (Andrew McMahon’s trademark) the other guys in the band got to come though as individual musicians, not just members of a band” said Adam Braun, English and secondary education double major and an avid fan of both Jack’s Mannequin and Bikelock. “(Their music) is solid. It just puts me in a good place.” Sophomore early childhood education and psychology double major Chase Destierro, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the opening band, Gianna’s Sweet Debut, also enjoyed Bikelock’s sound. “It was Rock and Roll, which has always been in style, even if not everyone has been aware of it,” he said. In their opening performance Gianna’s Sweet Debut couldn’t stand still as sophomore interactive multimedia major (and Signal photo assistant) Matthew Mance danced around and Destierro jumped off the drum set at the end of “Sidewalk Chalk.” Gianna’s Sweet Debut was preceded by Slim Buzzard — a band performing together as a group for the first time ever. Guitarist Taylor Carney and lead singer and pianist Mike Costello categorized their new sound as Blues Rock. Between the three different kinds of sounds at the Rat, audience members were kept at the edge of their seats. But then again, this is not surprising since no one goes to a rock concert just to sit comfortably.
Limelight: The Grammys & Whitney Houston
Hospitality’s offering
By Matthew Jannetti WTSR Music Director
Hospitality “Hospitality”
media.prefixmag.com
AP Photos
Adele stole the show during Sunday’s Grammy Awards while Chris Brown made a comeback to the show after the Rihanna abuse scandal. The late Whitney Houston was honored during the ceremony. By Jamie Primeau Managing Editor I have a few gripes about this year’s Grammys. Don’t get me wrong — I applaud Adele’s sweep, winning six out of six awards, including Album of the Year. And I’d have a lot more issues with the show if she had lost. As much as I loved her rendition of “Rolling in the Deep,” however, why did she perform only one song? Strong and simple, yes — especially which compared to Nicki Minaj’s demonic disaster (more on that later) — but I would have rather seen a medley of her music. Some “Someone Like You” or “Rumor Has it” would have been great, or her recent single “Set Fire to the Rain.” Nevertheless, she sounded and looked marvelous, and I couldn’t have been happier for her. Standing ovations were well-deserved. Someone that was not worthy of the stage, though: Chris Brown. Not only did he perform, but he also won a Grammy at the Sunday night
ceremony. Three years ago, he assaulted thengirlfriend Rihanna before the show. I’m surprised this man was even allowed to show his face in that place. Another anomaly was the fact that LL Cool J hosted. It’s nice that they brought back a host for the first time since 2005, but where is his relevance today? I can’t take anyone seriously whose name is an acronym for “Ladies Love.” In his introduction, he mentioned that the show was the 54th annual, and deemed it “music’s biggest night.” He also acknowledged the Feb. 12 passing of Whitney Houston, occurring only a day before the show, and began with a prayer. Houston, an N.J. native and music megastar, was no stranger to award shows or musical honors during her 48 years. Jennifer Hudson’s homage to Houston was touching and powerful. She sang“I Will Always Love You,” likely Houston’s best-known ballad. I would have deemed the performance perfection — if only it had served as the show’s closing.
While some may have thought the Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh and Dave Grohl’s rock collaboration was a fitting finale, it was not my cup of tea. Still, I’m fine with the show ending in this way; I just wish Nicki Minaj’s performance did not happen after Hudson’s. Her eccentric exorcism — complete with dancing priests and chants about Roman, one of Minaj’s alter-egos — was over-the-top, even for those who are no stranger to typical Gaga numbers. Speaking of Lady Gaga, for someone who strives on standing out, her black mesh facemask didn’t even compare in outlandishness to Minaj’s Little Red Riding Hood-esque ensemble. We didn’t see much of GaGa, and sadly it wasn’t until the end, when Album of the Year nominees were announced, that I realized I missed her. Still, Adele definitely deserved her awards. While the Grammys may have had its lows, there was something for everyone. Whether indie Bon Iver taking Best New Artist or the Beach Boys coming out of nowhere, and Taylor Swift playing a banjo, it was an eclectic evening.
Hospitality’s self-titled debut album is full of happy, jangly indie pop that mixes catchiness with a muted and downplayed sound to great effect. However, they often play with the genre, showcasing their diverse talents. The first track “Eighth Avenue” introduces a pseudo-summery sound with an incredibly compelling hook. The band made excellent use of some light vocal harmonies without overshadowing the talent of the lead female vocalist. As the album transitions into “Friends of Friends,” they bring some more rock elements into their song and the singer takes on a slightly more distinct and powerful tone. It also introduces the trumpet to the album, which is an excellent addition. “Betty Wang” rounds out the opening trilogy with a retro twist on indie pop, though the lyrics are not the most meaninful or the best. After “Betty Wang” the album settles into a much smoother and quieter set —“The Right Profession” and “The Birthday — excluded, before it culminates in the almost excessively poppy closer “All Day Today.” The album starts and ends in slightly different places, with “All Day Today” featuring a more powerful sound than the opener, but the middle of the album will take you on fantastic journey through the world of indie pop. Focus Tracks: “Friends of Friends,” “All Day Today,” “Eighth Avenue”
page 20 The Signal February 15, 2012
Classifieds
New Jersey Association on Correction A non profit agency located in the South Broad street Area is seeking a local college student who is available for a few hours each week to perform special HR data related projects and activities relating to Human Resources management including but not limited to :
Bookkeeper / Customer service position available. Work easily and earn weekly payment; This firm specializes in managing the bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and financial matters for Recruitment/Staff!!!!!!!!!!!!! EEO/Diversity entertainment industry performers and executives, and other high net worth individuals. This position is responsible for maintaining the accounting records of the company and the integrity Compensation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Payroll of all financial and operational data. It's easy work for you. Its fun and you will be glad to work. Send your inquiry/resumes to: mr.smith.avan@gmail.com Employee Relations!!!!!!!! HRIS
Great opportunity for a student who wish to pursue a career in Human Resources management. Must be very detailed and have a high level of demonstrated ability to use EXCEL Spreadsheets. Must have own transportation and be willing to commit to a full semester of work. Compensation -! College Credit Send resumes to: Lwatkins@njaconline.org
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February 15, 2012 The Signal page 21
An evening that was nothing ‘short’ of entertaining By Iman Saad Correspondent
Audience members laughed and cried multiple times in the span of two hours at All College Theatre’s “An Evening of Shorts 2012” on Saturday, Feb. 11 in the Don Evans Black Box Theatre. While ACT usually presents full-length comedies and tragedies, there was something about the four 15-minute plays that delivered almost as much as any longer play. With two of the plays written by College students, it was evident that ACT put multiple talents and efforts together to make a series of great productions. The first play, “Fifteen Minute Hamlet,” originally written by British playwright Tom Stoppard, was directed by senior English major Justin Mancini. The play presented a parodied and condensed version of the classic tale of a Danish Prince and his dysfunctional family. To start the show, Mancini rose from his seat in the audience to give a dramatic opening monologue. The performance was filled with Burger King crowns and chase scenes, becoming the most entertaining portion of the night, with its over-the-top version of the story’s hero himself, Hamlet, played by junior biology major Dan Loverro. Another factor that made the play unique was that the stage manager of “Hamlet”
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
‘Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum’ dealt with miscommunication.
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Student directors put together an assortment of plays for ‘An Evening of Shorts 2012,’ from humor in ‘Hamlet’ to seriousness in ‘Post-Its.’ also participated in the play. Sarah Gugliotta, a junior psychology major, held up “day” and “night” signs and played various instruments, including the vuvuzela and a kazoo. Several actors played various roles throughout the play by putting on different hats to take on new characters. While the show had many funny moments that were enhanced by the ensemble cast, there were times when the comedy was hard to follow. Overall however, the actors presented a hilarious version of a play most students hated to read in high school. The second play took a serious turn. “Have a Body,” written and directed by senior psychology major John Cherney, was the most serious of the plays and dealt with death. The play begins right after a man named James, played by sophomore computer science major Graham Mazie, gets back from the funeral of his girlfriend Heather. Senior women’s and gender studies major Liz So played Heather, exhibiting serious depth and bringing sorrow to the character, a great departure from her usual humorous acts. James and Heather’s ghost sit in the kitchen with the ghost of his deceased parents. The three talk about how James must keep living despite the tragedies. Mazie’s part was played beautifully as
he conveyed the sadness, nervousness and awkwardness of dealing with everyday life. From watching the play to listening to the deep discussions, cynical quips, sarcastic remarks and slight jokes, it was surprising that this script was written by a student because of its depth and its serious nature. “Post-Its (Notes on a Marriage),” directed by junior journalism major and first-time director Kimberly Horner, was a bittersweet love story between an unnamed couple, played by freshman interactive multimedia major Garrett Verdone and sophomore secondary education major Devin Dimming, who communicated mostly through the use of Post-It notes. From their first date to the birth of their daughter to becoming grandparents, the audience got to see how these two ordinary people learn to deal with lack of milk, relationships, love, life and death. Toward the end, the play showed that even after living with someone so long, losing the person you would leave notes for every morning is always the hardest part of life. The play used the theme from Pixar’s “Up” and ended with a spotlight fading on the actress to signify her death and the actor reading his final Post-It about how he found that, after all those years, she had kept every Post-it he had ever written to her. Tears streamed down the Actor’s face when he read the final post-it: “We need
milk.” The wonderfully portrayed love story showed that marriage, life and death can turn everything upside down. The final play, “Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum: A Pirate’s Life For Me,” which was written and directed by junior communication studies major Brad Heisler, helped lighten the mood after two heartbreaking stories. It told the swashbuckling story of a modern crew of ragtag pirates and their outdated captain. Paul — the insurance intern who mistakenly signed up to be a pirate, played by junior history major Thomas Hoesly — shared his flashbacks of meeting the oneeyed, wounded Captain Skewers, played by senior psychology major John Eldis, and their pursuit of the hellish pirate ship that turned the Captain’s old crew and his betrothed into zombies. As the story progressed with its cultural references and other jokes, it led to the climax with the Captain seeking revenge on the over-dramatic Red Marauder, portrayed by senior communication studies major and ACT president Sam Paternostro, who definitely stole the show more than Jack Sparrow himself. The play ended with an epic sword fight. Captain Skewers defeated the Red Marauder and was turned into a zombie. Whether it was “Hamlet” playing with dolls or the sad tales of life and death, or the action-packed adventures of crazy pirates, ACT showcased various genres and talents.
Tim Lee / Staff Photographer
Fights like this pirate sword fight provided comedic relief.
Alumni sets the scene for aspiring student filmmakers By Jennifer Bruckstein Staff Writer
This week in photos
Students interested in writing their own screenplays and creating films can relate to adjunct professor of communication studies and College alumni Matt Lawrence. The 2005 graduate who majored in communication studies is best known for his thesis film “Shoebox Redhead.” This film was shown in 15 festivals in Europe and North America. Lawrence discussed his experiences having his work shown in film festivals made sure to emphasize that in order for an independent filmmaker to be successful, firsthand
experience is crucial. He advised aspiring filmmakers to ask themselves questions about publicity, attendance rate and how it fits with other films in the festival. The first film Lawrence showed was a documentary called “Enter the Beard,” which is about the world beard and mustache championships filmed in Anchorage, Alaska. The film was about Lawrence’s friend Charles Parker Newton and his personal experience in the competition. “Enter the Beard” was a quirky and outrageously funny documentary, which allowed the audience to see from Newton’s point of view. The movie only took two weeks to shoot and was edited
in nine months. The movie was interesting because it informed people of the competition. The film premiered at the “DC Shorts Film Festival” where it won both the Audience Choice Award and the Filmmaker’s Favorite Award. “Enter the Beard” went on to play at over 18 festivals and win multiple awards. “Two Pints Lighter” was the second film that Lawrence showed during his presentation. The film is about a guy that meets a lady who changes his outlook on life. The movie is currently in production. With a budget budject of $30,000. It was shot in N.J. and Washington. Lawrence said he hopes to have the film done by April.
Lisa Nitzsche / Staff Photographer
ink’s Coffeehouse brought together a creative group of students who performed and read poetry on Friday, Feb. 10 in the Bliss lounge.
page 22 The Signal February 15, 2012
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Fun Stuff
TCNJ memes. Since I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think of anything better to do this week at 3 a.m. Monday night.
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page 24 The Signal February 15, 2012
February 15, 2012 The Signal page 25 Wrestling
Wrestling looks toward Metropolitan tournament
Ashley Long / Photo Editor
The team lost to a fifth straight ranked team.
By Peter Fiorilla Staff Writer
The College’s wrestling team lost its season finale at No. 23 Centenary College, 38-9, ending the dual meet portion of the season with two weeks to prepare for the 2012 Metropolitan Conference Championships.
It was the fifth consecutive loss for the Lions (11-9), with all five coming against nationally-ranked conference foes, and leaves the team ranked 30th in Division III. “(Thirtieth) is a place we can build on, but by no means is it where we want to be — we still believe we can put four or five guys in nationals and place in the top 15 of the country,” head coach Joe Galante said. “In order to reach the goals we have, we need to start beating teams like (Centenary).” And Galante refused to use injury and illness troubles, which kept several Lions off the mat again on Friday, as an excuse. “We did have a couple illnesses, a couple guys throughout the season were injured,” Galante said. “It’s not the reason we lost. We still have to be responsible for these matches.” For the Lions’ points against Centenary, senior Brian Bollette (141-pound weight class) won by decision and senior Mike Denver (184) earned a pin. Both wrestlers, as well as a handful of other talented Lions, hope to qualify for NCAA Division III Championships by contending for their weight classes in the Metropolitan Conference Championships on Feb. 26. At least four Lions have gone to nationals in each of the last three seasons, and the expectations for individuals are
Men’s Basketball
high again this year. Denver is ranked No. 1 in the 184-pound weight class, junior John Darling (157) is ranked No. 10 in his, senior Dan Herr (141) is a ranked as a national contender, freshman P.J. Schmidt (133) is an honorable mention in the national rankings and some unranked Lions, including Bollette, are capable of doing some damage in the tournament if they are healthy. The College, which last won the conference in 2010, might not perform as well as a team this year thanks to stiff conference competition. “I expect our individuals to do well. I’m not sure how our team will be. There are a lot of nationally-ranked teams (in the conference),” Galante said. Teams like No. 11 Springfield College, No. 15 York College, No. 19 Wilkes University, No. 22 Elizabethtown College and Centenary — the five teams the Lions faced to end the season — will also be at the tournament. Regardless of what their team score ends up being, the Lions are looking to improve upon their dual meet form and send four (or more) wrestlers to Division III Championships to prove their mettle. “We’re looking to learn from experience,” Galante said. “We’re proud of our guys and their effort this season, (but) this isn’t where we want to be.”
Men’s basketball wins one of two Team misses NJAC playoffs narrowly
Lauren Del Turco / Staff Photographer
The men’s basketball team ended the season on a high note, besting the Rutgers University-Camden Scarlet Raptors on Saturday, Feb. 11, winning with a score of 75-58 in a blowout. Senior guards Kyle Rawson and Al Matlock starred in the effort, dropping 14 and 13 points, respectively, in the victory. Freshman guard Emmanuel Matlock also had a stellar effort, scoring a game-high 15 points, grabbing a team-high of seven rebounds and also adding a stellar four steals for the game. Unfortunately, a loss earlier in the week to NJAC foe Kean University dashed the team’s hopes for the NJAC playoffs when they lost 55-42 to the Cougars. Al Matlock had another solid outing, dropping 17 points in the loss. Matlock averaged 11.3 points per game during the Lions’ last eight games of the season, coming up big when the Lions needed it in their attempt at the NJAC playoffs. The team now looks toward next season, where they will return all but two players for the 2012-13 season. —Alex Wolfe, Sports Editor
Cheap Seats
Floyd Mayweather needs to be regulated, somehow By Alex Wolfe Sports Editor
So I just read something interesting — apparently Floyd Mayweather believes that the Jeremy Lin sensation in New York is simply because Lin is Asian. “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he’s Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise,” Mayweather said Monday on his Twitter. Now, I will be open in saying that I’m a Knicks fan. I mean, hell, I wrote a column on Lin just last week. But let me just say this: Floyd Mayweather is a punk, he acts like a 15 year old and someone needs to get himself under control. Seriously, athletes are people that kids generally look up to. Granted, boxing isn’t nearly what it used to be, but there’s always going to be young fans of any sport. What sort of example does “Money” Mayweather set by making comments like this? This isn’t the first time he’s said something like this either. In reference to Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao — a boxer that Mayweather has ducked for a number of years now, but more
on that in a minute —Mayweather said that Pacquiao should “make some sushi rolls and cook some rice” and said “we’re going to cook him with some cats and dogs.” But Mayweather hasn’t been satisfied to make off-color comments about Asian people, he also has taken it upon himself to become a now-convicted woman beater as well. Worse yet, he had his sentence pushed back until after his May 5 fight. Good to know that the courts feel he needs a break. And now back to the highly-publicized beef between Pacquiao and Mayweather. Mayweather has basically made a living of ducking Pacquiao for the last few years on the basis that the revenue split wouldn’t be high enough for him. Yes, the revenue split wouldn’t be high enough. A multi-millionaire is worried about whether he will be able to get enough money out of what would likely be the biggest boxing match of the last 20 years or more. He’s not willing to take a 50-50 split, basically arguing that he’s a bigger draw and therefore should get more money. Funny, but I don’t really see the cowardly bitch being the bigger draw. But that’s just me. The worst part of it is, the man never shows any remorse for his actions. He walks around like he’s entitled to do what he does. Nobody is entitled to beat women and make racial slurs
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Floyd Mayweather is a terrible role model.
— not boxers, not anyone. There is a point to all of this. I think that there needs to be a unified governing body of boxing, so that people like Mayweather can be regulated like athletes in any other sport. There is no excuse for a person of sporting prominence to be able to run his mouth and beat women and yet still be able to fight and make money on a consistent basis. Honestly, if this were the NFL, Mayweather would be suspended for a season and forced to serve his jail time as soon as possible. And every time he made a comment like he recently has, he would be reprimanded and suspended. So please, I beg the boxing community, figure out a unified boxing system. Not only will it keep the sport interesting, but it will keep assholes like Mayweather in check.
page 26 The Signal February 15, 2012
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LIONS
AROUND THE
DORM 5 3
Chris Molicki “The Ref”
Mark Barroso Staff Writer
Kevin Lee Staff Writer
Mike Pietroforte Staff Writer
In this week’s Around the Dorm, the “Ref,” Chris Molicki, challenges Staff Writer Kevin Lee, Staff Writer Mark Barroso and Staff Writer Mike Pietroforte to answer questions about the Linsanity going on in New York, which Tobacco Road team is superior this season and whether the Devils will be able to catch the Rangers by season’s end.
1.The hottest story in the NBA right now is Jeremy Lin and how he has revived the Knicks. While it’s absurd to think he’ll keep up his torrid pace, do you think he can give the Knicks consistent production night in and night out and truly be the answer for them at point guard? KL: To be honest, part of Lin’s success has to be credited with D’Antoni’s system and the absence of Carmelo and Amar’e. With that said, I think that he fits well with the Knicks. Lin is a legitimate pick and roll player and has made Tyson Chandler infinitely better. When Amar’e returns, Lin could have an even more lethal pick-and-roll combination. In Lin’s first three games, he’s outplayed some legitimate point guards on both ends of the court in Deron Williams, Devin Harris and John Wall. Lin has also shown the ability to attack the hoop and score the basketball, although his scoring numbers will drop when Carmelo and Amar’e return. That’s the important thing though, Lin doesn’t need to average 25 and 8 every night. He just needs to be able to control the tempo of the game and spread the ball. Based on D’Antoni’s system, Lin has a ton of freedom to be that true passing point guard that the Knicks have been lacking the entire season. MB: Jeremy Lin, the NBA’s first American born Chinese or Taiwanese player, proved to the world that he can offer consistent production at the point guard position against a good defense. Jeremy “Let it Fall” Lin has scored 89 points in his first three NBA starts — the most by an NBA player in his first three starts since 1976-77, according to ESPN. He is the first player to average at least 20 points and seven assists in his first three starts since 1991. Lin scored a career high 38 points during Friday’s defeat of the Lakers, the most by any Knick this season. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has not revealed what Lin’s role will be when Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire and Baron Davis return to the lineup but whatever it is, Lin will still be a brilliant basketball player. Lin has shown the skeptics that he is a consistent scorer, passer, rebounder and motivator. Although he may not be Allen Iverson, call him the answer (to the Knicks’ point guard situation). The Knicks (12-15) will keep #Linning because four wins are four wins and “Linsanity” is in N.Y. to stay. MP: Jeremy Lin is definitely the answer for the Knicks at point guard. He has already proven that he’s a more than capable scoring threat by putting up 38 points against the Lakers and 28 points against the Jazz. I don’t
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expect him to continue to drop 30 points a game but his presence will definitely help the Knicks offense spread the floor and get open looks for Carmelo and Amar’e. Lin’s style of play fits in perfectly with Mike D’Antoni’s ideal style of offense, setting high picks for his point guard and giving him run of the offense. After seeing Steve Nash excel under D’Antoni in Phoenix, I fully expect Lin to flourish in the same style of offense. Just because he probably won’t be taking as many shots as he has been, look for Jeremy Lin to consistently put up around 18 points and 8 assists a game. CM: Kevin gets 3 points for pointing at that Lin is a true point guard that the Knicks needed. Mike gets 2 points for saying how well Lin fits into D’Antoni’s system. Mark gets 1 point for pointing out that Lin has had one of the hottest starts ever. 2. Rivalry Week naturally saw its best matchup with Duke-UNC. The Blue Devils won at the buzzer, so it’s still hard to say who’s better. Which ACC team is the superior one and why? KL: As much as I love Austin Rivers and Duke, I think UNC is the superior team. UNC is a better overall team. Unlike Duke, UNC has legitimate big men in Tyler Zeller and John Hensen. UNC also has a true point guard in Kendall Marshall, whereas Duke has many ball needy players in Rivers and Seth Curry. Comparing the two team’s best players, Harrison Barnes and Austin Rivers, I think Barnes is a much more complete player than Rivers as Barnes is more versatile, a better defender, and stronger to the hoop. Finally, I think that Duke relies too heavily on the three pointer. Some nights it will fall like the game against UNC, while other nights the three will be off. MB: The University of North Carolina Tar Heels (21-4, 8-2 ACC) are the superior ACC team this season. Although the Duke Blue Devils (21-4, 8-2 ACC) defeated UNC on Wednesday, the fifth ranked Tar Heels have scored the most points per game in all of DI (84.1). UNC bests Duke in the overall rivalry 131-102 and had won 31 consecutive home games before Duke barely beat them. The Tar Heels also lead DI in rebounds per game (46.1) and are fourth overall in assists (18.0). The Duke fans will claim that the leadership ability of freshman Austin Rivers (29 points in win over UNC) give them the edge over their ACC rival but UNC has more standouts such as Kendall Marshall who is second in DI in assists with 9.8 per game and Tyler Zeller who scored 25 points in Saturday’s win over No. 20 Virginia. Both UNC and Duke do not necessarily need to have a high field goal percentage to win games but UNC will box out the Plumlee
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brothers on March 3 to keep the ball in the Tar Heel possession. UNC wins. MP: After Duke’s buzzer-beating win over North Carolina, both teams stand with identical records. Both are 7-2 in ACC competition and 20-4 overall. Although Duke had the last laugh in their most recent matchup I still think North Carolina is the better team. They have a huge cornerstone in senior center Tyler Zeller who consistently puts up big numbers offensively and defensively (17.8 ppg and 11.0 rpg), they have a bonafide star in sophomore shooting guard Harrison Barnes, and they have a legitimate playcaller in sophomore point guard Kendall Marshall. The Blue Devils on the other hand have been playing some Jekyll and Hyde basketball lately and sneaking out with wins while losing to a few soft teams (Miami and Florida State). Austin Rivers has proven to be a scorer himself and is definitely a star, but the Duke streaky offense seems to run primarily on whose hand is hot from the 3-point arc and they aren’t always sure who is going to show up. Both teams are strong and could make serious runs, but I don’t see the same consistency and balance from the Blue Devils that I see from the Tar Heels. CM: Mark gets 3 points for saying that the Tar Heels rebounding gives them the edge. Kevin and Mike each get 2 points for pointing out that the Blue Devils live and die by the three. 3. The Rangers are still the best team in the NHL, but the rival Devils are closing in on them. Do you think it’s possible for N.J. to catch N.Y. in points? KL: I don’t see the Devils doing so. The Rangers are the best team in the NHL in my opinion. They are second in the league in goals against and remain one of the deepest teams in the NHL. Marian Gaborik is a stud on the offensive end and Henrik Lundqvist is a having a dominant season. The Rangers are just too good in my opinion to relinquish their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Devils are on a nice little streak, but long-term the Devils won’t squeak by the Rangers in the standings. MB: The New Jersey Devils (66 points)
will not be catching up to the New York Rangers (75 points) this season. The possibility of the sixth ranked Devils making the playoffs does not make them better than the Rangers who are atop the Eastern Conference. Two is a good number for the Rangers. They are second in the NHL in goals against with 2.0 per game and second in the NHL in points behind the Detroit Red Wings (76 points). Rangers goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist ranks second in the league in goals against with a 1.8 goals against average and second in the league in save percentage with .939. New Jersey’s Saturday loss to the Florida Panthers marks their first two game losing streak since losing three straight in the end of January. Meanwhile, the Rangers have won seven of their last 10 games. The Devils might have won the battle by shutting out the Rangers on Tuesday but New York will win the points war of the Atlantic Division. MP: The Rangers and Devils are very similar teams right now. The Devils have been beating good teams lately, and putting up a lot of goals. They beat the Penguins 5-2, the Flyers 6-4 and the Canadiens 5-3. They even beat the Rangers 1-0 in their own lowscoring brand of hockey, when the Rangers would-be game tying goal was waved off in the final seconds. The Rangers have been consistently scoring the goals they need to win games, while riding the strong play of Henrik Lundqvist. While I don’t think that the Devils are quite as good as the Rangers are, and they’re getting by on the health of the very old Martin Broduer, they’re very hot right now, and the Rangers do have reason to stay on their toes. But the Rangers hold nine points on them right now and if they continue to play at the pace they have been, I don’t see the Devils catching them. CM: Mark gets 3 points for pointing how good Lundqvist’s stats are. Mike gets 2 points by saying that the Devils have beaten good teams, but they’re too far back in the standings to catch the Rangers. Kevin gets 1 point for pointing out Gaborik’s dominant offensive play.
Mark wins this week’s AtD, 7 - 6 - 6.
“My first win feels awesome! I came to play.” — Mark
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February 15, 2012 The Signal page 27
LIONS ROUNDUP This Week’s Picks Chris Molicki (10-6)
Celtics vs. Bulls
Spurs vs. Clippers
Blackhawks vs. Rangers
Penguins vs. Flyers
Lion of the Week Steven D’Aiutolo
Alex Wolfe (6-10)
Men’s Track & Field
Brandon Gould (3-13) Joe Caputo (6-10)
Steven D’Aiutolo, junior jumper for the men’s track & field team, had an impressive performance at the team’s meet at Boston University this past weekend. D’Aiutolo jumped 14.04 meters in the triple jump, good for fourth place in a meet that included many bigger schools. D’Aiutolo recently broke the school record for the triple jump.
Men’s Basketball
—Chris Molicki, Sports Assistant
This Week In Sports Women’s Basketball
Feb. 18 NJAC tournament, 1 p.m. Track & Field
Women’s Basketball
Feb. 18 @ New York University D3 Challenge, TBA Swimming & Diving Feb. 17-19 @ Metropolitan Conference Championships, 9:30 a.m.
Trivia Question
Last Week’s Answer: John Elway and Mike Shanahan, Super Bowls XXXII and XXXIII
“Linsanity” has hit the Big Apple! Jeremy Lin has revived the Knicks and been dominant in doing so. Lin is the first Harvard alumni to make it big in the NBA in over 50 years. Who was the last player to do so, and what team did he play for?
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Are you a Sports Fanatic like us? Write Sports for The Signal! Contact Alex Wolfe at wolfea1@tcnj.edu. to find out more.
Signal
Sports
Women’s basketball takes two more
Lions best No. 22 Cougars, get hot before the NJACs By Brandon Gould Staff Writer
know Kean well, and if you give them a big enough lead it’s hard to come back from that. We knew we had to battle the whole time no matter what the score was.” While the first half was an uphill battle, the Lions earned the luxury of controlling the tempo of the second half by jumping out to a five-point lead in the first two minutes. However, the Cougars were hardly finished and started clawing their way to a comeback of their own. Kean was able to pull within two points or less five times in the second half — even coming within a point of the Lions with 5:12 left to go — before Occhipinti stepped to the line with 1:02 left in the contest. The Lions did not shutter at the Cougars’ bids to take back the lead though. Occhipinti’s two foul shots were followed by senior guard Jessica Imhof, who sank two pairs of free throws, and senior guard/forward Hannah Tait, who made a duo of her own. “This team has great character,” Henderson said. “They have exhibited gritty determination from the beginning. We have a group of fighters who have great chemistry and will fight until the end for each other. I am extremely proud of them.” The fashion of the victory was fitting as the Lions overcame the Cougars on Senior Night, where Occhipinti, Imhof, Tait and fifth-year senior Kelsey Kutch were honored by the home crowd before the game. The quartet was crucial in the upset, with Imhof leading the team with 15 points and Tait and Kutch chipping in 10 points each. Occhipinti was a factor as well, tying Tait
Lions Cougars Senior point guard Katie Lions Occhipinti stepped to the line Scarlet Raptors with just over a minute left to go in the game against Kean University, knowing that each successful shot she made would expand the cushion between the College and the No. 22-ranked Cougars. Occhipinti sunk each of her foul shots, which were just two of eight free throws the College converted in the last 62 seconds of regulation to assure a 65-55 victory. “We are a strong free throw shooting team, and I was confident that we could get makes to seal the victory,” head coach Dawn Henderson said. “In a game like that, you just want to give yourself the opportunity to win and the team, through the bulk of the game, did just that.” The Lions clinched the win in the last minute, but their ascent to victory started with plenty of adversity and a seven-point deficit in the first half. The Cougars made the first basket of the contest right out of the gate and held onto a 13-6 lead until the College started to battle back. The Lions played air-tight defense, slowly chipping away at Kean’s lead until they finally pushed ahead, 14-13. With 8:15 left in the first half, sophomore forward/center Liz West forced a turnover and eventually found Occhipinti in the paint for a layup. “All season we have been able to battle back and have shown a ‘never give up’ type of perseverance,” Occhipinti said. “We
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with a team-leading three assists, while also adding seven points. “There were a lot of emotions going into Senior Night and it definitely made Senior Night a little extra special to end the day with a big win,” Occhipinti said. “However, after the Senior Night presentation in the beginning of the game, we were all business.” The seniors were complimented by sophomore guard Kelly Roddy, who registered eight points in the victory, and junior forward/center Candice Vigo, who collected six rebounds. The Lions continued their hot streak in the NJAC with a 60-44 victory over Rutgers University-Camden on Saturday,
Feb. 11. West delivered a team-high 12 points in the win, while Imhof and sophomore guard Tiffany DeTulio followed suit with 11 points each. The wins over the Cougars and the Scarlet Raptors give the Lions a four-game winning streak heading into their first-round matchup in the NJAC Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 18, and that is a streak that Henderson expects to continue. “We now have a modest four-game winning streak and a lot of self-confidence heading into the post season,” Henderson said. “I think we have done the work to give ourselves a legitimate shot at the NJAC title, and that’s what we expect.”
Jess Davis / Staff Photographer
The Lions took down No. 22 Kean on their war path towards the NJAC tournament.
Lions notch more ECAC qualifiers in Boston By Chris Molicki Sports Assistant
A battle in Boston between a plethora of teams saw the College’s track and field athletes get multiple impressive finishes this past weekend. For the men, junior Steven D’Aiutolo continued his dominant season as he jumped 14.04 meters in the triple jump. D’Aiutolo, who recently broke the school record in the event, came in fourth. Sophomore Scott Lisa also excelled in the
Lisa Nitzsche / Staff Photographer
The teams kept up with bigger schools once again.
Lions’ Lineup February 15, 2012
I n s i d e
jumps. His 1.94 meters in the high jump was the best jump by a Division III athlete in that event. “Last week, when Steve did really well in the triple jump, it motivated me to do well in the high jump and also motivated the other jumpers to compete well,” Lisa said. “From this, the jumpers competing well motivated others on the team to do well.” The Lions also had several ECAC qualifying marks in the running events. In the 500 meters, junior Alex Brown and freshman Erik Moutenot both finished in the top 20 with times of 1:05.18 and 1:06.04 respectively. Sophomore Dominic Tasco raced to a 1:55.67 time in the 800 meters. Senior Shaun McGeever crossed the finish line at 4:20.85 in the mile. Sophomore Michael Spekhardt sprinted to a 50.15 mark in the 400 meters. Finally, senior Andy Herschman was able to qualify for the ECAC’s in the 5,000 meters with a time of 14:53.74, a nice moment for the senior. All of those times were ECAC worthy. The women were also successful in their quest for ECAC qualifiers. Leaving their mark on the running events, the Lions were led by sophomore Megan Flynn and junior Cathy Goncalves who finished nearly side by side in the 5,000 meters with times of 17:36.12 and 17:36.52 respectively. Both were top 20 in the event. “Cathy and I do all of our workouts together and we work really well together in races, which is nice because we help
each other a lot during races,” Flynn said. “We both ran pretty big personal records so it was pretty exciting to see all of our hard work starting to pay off. “ The freshmen duo of Michelle Cascio and Katelyn Ary had times of 59.15 seconds and 60.07 seconds in the 400 meters. Senior Katie Nestor and sophomore Anginelle Alabanza qualified in the mile with times of 5:06.30 and 5:11.92. Sophomore Emily Kulcyk rounded out the running events had a top 20 finish in the 500 meters at 1:19.04. Sophomore Erica Roberts also had some ECAC qualifying marks in the jumps. She had a 5.25-meter jump in the long jump and a 10.58-meter leap in the triple jump. Once again, the Lions proved they can compete with bigger schools, evident by their impressive performances in Boston. “This just shows how deep and talented our team is and to have so many people qualifying for ECACs early on in the season,” said Flynn. “It shows that we’re only going to improve from this point, and we will be competitive as a team at ECACs.” The College heads to New York University on Saturday for the D3 challenge. “I think we should compete pretty well,” said Lisa. “We are used to competing at meets with high levels of competition and doing well so we will just treat this meet like any other and compete the same as we have throughout the season.”
46 53 Around the Dorm page 26
Men’s basketball wins final game page 25
Wrestling looks ahead page 25
Cheap Seats page 25